At the end of the Han Dynasty: a stingy husband from his hometown

Chapter 283: Lord of Piao, why not welcome him in person!
Yizhou, Hunanzhongdudufu.

"The King of Chu, the Grand Sima, and the Grand General ordered: Xiang Hongzhong is brave and resolute, and has repeatedly made military exploits. He is specially named General Annan and given a title. I hope you will continue to work hard and live up to your high expectations!"

The envoy came from Xiangyang. After reading the edict, he immediately said with a smile: "General Annan still doesn't accept the edict?"

Xiang Hong recovered from the shock and hurriedly bent down and stretched out his hands to receive the imperial edict.

Until now, he still felt a little unbelievable.

Back then, Xiang Hong was just a poor man. Because he offended local dignitaries, he was forced to take his mother all the way south to seek refuge.

As an outsider, you are naturally bullied.

Although Xiang Hong was skilled in martial arts, he had learned from his previous experience and did not dare to offend anyone rashly and even implicate his mother again, so he just swallowed his anger.

Unexpectedly, young Zhou Qi seemed to appear as a light in the dark night, directly illuminating Xiang Hong's entire life.

Zhou Qi not only helped Xiang Hong solve many troubles, but also gave his mother and son free accommodation in his unused courtyard. He even used his connections to give Xiang Hong the butcher shop business in the village.

It is for this reason that Xiang Hong can live in Xiang County and be able to support his mother.

From that moment on, Xiang Hong was willing to use his body to repay Zhou Qi, even if he risked his life.

This is why, after the old lady crashed and killed the door of Prime Minister Pei's house, Xiang Hong did not hesitate at all. Even if he did not honor his mother's filial piety, he would risk beheading to help Zhou Qi get rid of Wang Ji.

At that time, Xiang Hong didn't even think about being able to get ahead in the future, but only wanted to repay Zhou Qi's kindness.

never thought.

The young man who was only fifteen or sixteen years old rose from a small and run-down place and rose to great heights. He led his troops to conquer the country, and eventually occupied almost half of the country, and was even awarded the title of King.

Even he himself was an official worshiper of General Annan and was awarded the title of Marquis.

General Annan was a third-grade military attaché, definitely a high-ranking official that Xiang Hong could not even imagine before.

What's more, he has now been awarded the title of Marquis, which is the highest rank among the twenty noble titles.

Although even the princes are divided into pavilion princes, rural princes, and county princes, these are not as good as Guannei marquis, but they are all titles with real fiefdoms and can be passed down from generation to generation.

It is no exaggeration to say that since the beginning of Xiang Hong, his family has jumped from being a poor family to becoming a noble man in the world. As long as the empire created by Zhou Qi lasts forever and the Xiang family members do not seek death, their titles will almost always be It has been passed down.

Today, Xiang Hong has achieved the achievement of being named a general and a wife.

He took a deep breath, forced to calm down the excitement in his heart, and then respectfully said: "Thank you, Your Highness, King Chu!"

During the Han Dynasty, His Highness was not only an honorific title for the Crown Prince, but also applied to princes and kings. Now that Zhou Qi has entered the title of King of Chu, he is naturally qualified to be called Your Highness.

The messenger stretched out his hands, lifted up Xiang Hong who was prostrating, and said with a smile: "My lord loves the governor very much. Please don't let your lord down, governor!"

"Jinnuo!"

After receiving his official position and title, Xiang Hong immediately held a banquet and entertained the envoys warmly.

After the banquet was over, Xiang Hong sat alone in the bedroom, looking at the two seals on the table, still feeling as if he was in another world.

Thinking back then, it was almost impossible for not only Xiang Hong, but also Zhou Qi himself to serve as a minor official.

Who would have thought that after so many years, the two of them would reach where they are now.

Surprised, Xiang Hong couldn't help but frown, as if he was sitting on pins and needles.

"Captain, Faxiao wants to see you directly!"

Just when Xiang Hong was feeling uneasy, he suddenly heard voices from the left and right. He hurriedly put away his seal ribbon and said in a deep voice: "Please!"

Not long after, Fazheng entered the study and bowed: "Congratulations to the Commander-in-Chief, congratulations to the Commander-in-Chief!"

Seeing this, Xiang Hong smiled bitterly, waved his hand, and said, "Why are you making fun of me, Xiaozhi?"

Fazheng said seriously: "I sincerely congratulate you, why does the governor think this is a joke?"

Xiang Hong sighed: "With my merits, I was able to be worshiped as General Annan and the Commander-in-Chief of Protecting the South. The military attache's official position is second only to the Commander-in-Chief Jun Dianjun, and I was also named a prince."

"On the other hand, Huang Zhong, Gan Ning, Zhang Wenyuan, and Gao Shun were worshiped as Generals of Siping and ranked as Marquis of Guannei."

"I think my merits are not as good as those of the four, but my title is higher than theirs. How can I feel at ease?"

Although the status of General Si'an and General Siping are equal, the title behind them is the key. Not only are the princes higher than the princes of Guannei, but they also have fiefs and can be hereditary.

As for the Marquises of Guannei, most of them were just empty titles and had no fiefdom at all.

Xiang Hong is also self-aware and knows that although he has followed the King of Chu for the longest time, his achievements may not be as good as General Siping.

This is why he was alone in the study just now and couldn't sit still.

Xiang Hong was also worried that such a reward would make others think that the King of Chu's rewards and punishments were unclear, and then they would feel dissatisfied, causing discord within the Chu state.

Unexpectedly, Fazheng smiled when he heard this and said, "I came here precisely to understand the governor's worries."

Xiang Hong looked at Fazheng in astonishment and asked, "Xiaozhi would have known that I was worried?"

Fazheng said sternly: "In fact, there is no need to think too much about the Governor. Although in terms of merit alone, there may be some people who can surpass the Governor, there is no one who works harder and has more merit than the Governor, and who is more trusted by the Lord."

"The Governor might as well think about it, since the lord raised the army, is it true that the Governor is rarely allowed to lead the troops to fight alone, but is often allowed to guard the rear?"

Xiang Hong thought for a moment, nodded and said, "That's true."

Fazheng smiled and said: "Not only the Commander-in-Chief, but also General Zhou Cheng. Does the Commander-in-Chief know why?"

Xiang Hong frowned and thought for a long time, then showed a look of surprise on his face, but still asked deliberately: "Why?"

Fazheng saw through it without telling the truth, and said: "It's not only because the Lord doesn't want you to take risks, but also because you are the people that the Lord trusts the most. Only by putting you in the most important position will the Lord feel at ease."

"For example, Jiangxia County is the throat connecting Jingzhou and Yangzhou, and it is also the center of the Northern Expedition. Its strategic location is extremely important. That's why my lord asked General Zhou Cheng to always guard it."

"The same goes for the Governor."

"Whether it was the previous position of governor or the current position of governor of Nanzhong, it was all because of the Lord's absolute trust."

"Therefore, the governor's merits may not be as great as those of the other generals, but his importance is still greater. It is reasonable to receive such a reward."

"What's more, the governor is the first confidant general to follow the lord. In addition to the relationship between monarch and minister, there is also a brotherhood. The other generals also know this. Who dares to complain?"

Hearing this, Xiang Hong breathed a sigh of relief and still sighed: "Having said that, I am not very knowledgeable and I am afraid that I will not be able to bear such a generous reward. I would like to ask my lord to be demoted to one rank. I don't know what I think about my filial piety."

After hearing this, Fazheng's face became extremely serious and said: "Absolutely not."

"Do you know, Commander, that thunder, rain, and dew are all due to your kindness?"

"If according to the laws of the previous Qin Dynasty, if the emperor was rewarded but the ministers were not, he would be despising the emperor's authority and trampling on the law, and would be punished by the court."

"Although our laws are not so strict, the governor should not violate the Lord's wishes."

"Now that the reward has been drawn up and the edict has been delivered, you can accept it with peace of mind and don't let down the lord's love." Hearing this, Xiang Hong couldn't help but feel awe-inspiring in his heart, and then sighed: "Even so, I somewhat accept it. Ashamed."

Fazheng smiled and said: "The reason why the Governor feels guilty is because he feels that the military merit is not enough. Now that the military merit is in front of him, it depends on whether the Commander is willing to take it."

Xiang Hong's expression moved slightly and he said, "Is Xiaozhi planning to take action against the South?"

Fazheng nodded and said, "My lord has just ascended the throne. Why doesn't the governor destroy the two kingdoms of Shan and Piao as a congratulatory gift?"

"If the two countries are destroyed, it will not only demonstrate the power of our Chu country, but also be worthy of the title of the governor. Isn't it wonderful?"

Xiang Hong was very moved, but he still said hesitantly: "I originally planned to wait two or three years for the situation in Nanzhong to stabilize before I went to my lord to raise troops to conquer the Shan and Piao countries."

"Many counties in South Central are still under construction. It may not be appropriate to use troops rashly."

Fazheng said with a smile: "The governor's only concern is soldiers, food and grass. Someone has a plan that can relieve the governor's worries!"

It was night, and the two of them had a long discussion in the bedroom.

Early the next morning, Xiang Hong immediately sent someone to Xiangyang to request an envoy to be sent to Piao.

Zhou Qi thought that the other party wanted to send someone to Piao to inquire about the news, so he immediately agreed and gave Xiang Hong the power to make decisions when the situation arises.

city ​​gate.

Xiang Hong and Fazheng led the civil and military officials of the Dudu Mansion to see off the Chu envoy holding the talisman.

Looking at the slightly frail figure, Xiang Hong showed an unbearable look on his face and asked again: "Have you thought about it? This time I go to Piao as an envoy, there will be no chance of death. If you don't want to go, I will never force you to go." !”

The scholar from a poor family smiled casually, bowed deeply to Xiang Hong, and said: "It is a great honor for me to be able to represent the Chu State as an envoy. How can I miss this opportunity?"

Hearing this, Xiang Hong couldn't help but sigh secretly, straightened his clothes himself, and said, "Have a good journey!"

In this way, the young Chu envoy took several guards and headed south without looking back.

It wasn't until the young man was out of sight that Xiang Hong turned to look at Fazheng and said, "Xiaozhi, do you really want to do this?"

Fazheng said with a straight face: "Does the Governor know how to be kind and not to control the army?"

The sun shone on Xiang Hong, his face twitched a few times, but he felt a little chill in his heart.

But it is said that the Chu envoy Chijie went all the way south, and the officials along the way entertained him warmly.

The mission passed through Yongchang County, then continued southward and arrived in the Shan Kingdom.

At this time, the Shan State was already suffering from internal and external troubles due to the civil strife of the Han Dynasty, which did not provide enough help to the other party. Coupled with the invasion of Piao State and the harassment of barbarians from Yongchang County.

Now that the leader of the Shan Kingdom learned that the dynasty that dominated the north had sent envoys into the country again, he couldn't help but be overjoyed. He personally led all the civil and military officials to greet the Chu envoys in their best attire.

The envoy sat on the elephant, looked at the fertile land around him, and appreciated the exotic customs unique to Shan country, with a smile on his face.

After the leader of the Shan Kingdom warmly entertained the Chu envoy, he asked with some confusion: "The envoy from the Shan Kingdom is the Chu envoy. Has the Han Dynasty been replaced by the Chu Kingdom?"

For the leader of the Shan Kingdom who lives in the south, he only knows that the huge dynasty in the north has begun civil strife, but he does not know the specific situation.

The envoy of Chu shook his head and said, "I am an envoy of Chu and also an envoy of Han."

"My lord, the King of Chu, has only been granted the title of king. Although the territory he governs is the Kingdom of Chu, it still belongs to the Han Dynasty."

After hearing this, the leader of the Shan Kingdom suddenly realized, "It's just like the tribal chiefs who occupy one side of our Shan Kingdom, right?"

Chu Shi smiled and was noncommittal.

The leader of the Shan Kingdom asked again: "I wonder what the envoy from the Kingdom of Heaven is doing here?"

The Chu envoy smiled and said: "My lord knows that the Shan Kingdom has been invaded by the Pyu Kingdom. In order to maintain the stability of the subject country, he sent me as an envoy to the Pyu Kingdom to rebuke the leader of the Pyu Kingdom and order him to withdraw his troops to relieve the danger of the Shan Kingdom."

The Chu envoy said that Shan was a vassal state of the Han Dynasty, which was true.

Just a few decades ago, the leader of the Shan State sent envoys to the Han Dynasty many times. The Han Emperor specially granted the leader of the Shan State, Yongyou, a gold seal and purple ribbon, and the official title of "Captain of the Han Dynasty".

The leader of the Shan Kingdom received the seal and official position of the Han Emperor, so he was naturally regarded as a vassal state of the Han Dynasty.

When the leader of the Shan Kingdom heard this, he couldn't help but be overjoyed, and then said with some hesitation: "The Pyu Kingdom are all barbarians. Your envoy coming with only these guards may not be able to deter the Xiaoxiao of the Piao Kingdom."

The Chu envoy showed pride on his face and said: "Although I only have a few followers, I am an envoy to the Han Dynasty, with tens of millions of people and millions of troops behind me."

"The world is so big and there are so many countries, who dares to insult the Han envoys?"

When the leader of the Shan Kingdom heard this, he immediately became excited and said: "The Heaven is so powerful and the foreign country is small, so naturally I dare not offend!"

In this way, the Chu envoy stayed in Shan for several days.

Before leaving, the leader of the Shan Kingdom sent another 200 elite guards to escort the envoy into the Pyu Kingdom.

The capital of Piao country is Piaomiao.

The news that the leader of the Shan State sent two hundred elite troops to escort the Han Dynasty envoys into the country had already reached the capital, which made the leader of the Pyu State doubtful.

Although there is a Shan country between the Pyu Kingdom and the Han Dynasty, they still know the power of the northern empire.

The leader of the Pyu Kingdom also wanted to send envoys to the Shang Kingdom to learn the advanced planting technology there and obtain the protection of the Shang Kingdom, but the Shan Kingdom blocked the road.

Now that he suddenly learned that the Han envoy was coming, without knowing the purpose of his visit, the leader of Piao Kingdom naturally had a lot on his mind.

"Your Majesty, the Han envoy has arrived outside the palace gate!"

Hearing this, the leader of Piao State hurriedly said: "Send an eminent monk to welcome the Han envoy into the palace!"

Piao State believes in Buddhism, and monks have a very high status in the country. In many cases, religious power even overrides royal power.

The ruler of Piao State sent eminent monks to greet the Han envoys, and one could see his intentions.

Palace gate.

The two hundred elite guards sent by the Lord of the Shan Kingdom couldn't help but feel a little uneasy when they looked at the mighty palace gate guards holding sharp swords.

Since the founding of the Pyu Kingdom, there have been disputes between the Shan Kingdom and the Pyu Kingdom, and they can be regarded as feuds to this day. The people of the Shan Kingdom are afraid of the toughness of the soldiers of the Pyu Kingdom.

Now when they visit King Piao's palace in person, even if there is an envoy from the Han Dynasty standing in front of them, these Shan soldiers are still afraid.

"clang!"

When the bell rang, the eminent monk led a group of monks, chanted sutras, and came to the palace gate in person. He said to the Han envoy: "The envoy from the Kingdom of China has come from afar. Please follow me into the palace to meet the Lord of the Kingdom."

Unexpectedly, the young envoy's face suddenly darkened and he shouted sternly: "Since you know that I am the envoy of the superior country and the lord of Piao, why don't you welcome me personally!"

After hearing this, even the translator trembled with fright and did not dare to speak.

　In the previous chapter, the title of nobility has been changed, and Dian Wei has been granted the titles of several princes, and Zhang Liao has been granted the title of several princes within the pass.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)