Do you know: I am Yuan Wenshao

Chapter 211
However, Yuan Wenshao did not feel happy at all. At this moment, he realized firsthand what it means to be granted the title of Marquis not by his own will.

After the official read out the imperial edict, he saw that Yuan Wenshao was stunned and did not move, so he smiled and said: "Uncle Yuan... No, he should be called Lord Marquis. Marquis Yuan should hurry up and accept the order to express his gratitude."

Yuan Wenshao came back to his senses and said respectfully: "I...accept the decree!"

It stands to reason that he should say some words of gratitude and loyalty.

However, at this moment, he really didn't know who to thank.

If you want to say thank you, Your Majesty, the official family has passed away and the new emperor has not yet ascended the throne.

It would not be appropriate to say thank you to the Queen. Although this imperial edict was issued by Queen Cao, it was issued in the name of the official family after all.

"My wife accepts the decree." Hua Lan imitated Yuan Wenshao's tone and kowtowed to express gratitude.

The internal official didn't care. He handed the imperial edict to Yuan Wenshao with a smile and said, "The Queen admires the Marquis very much, and she also asked the Marquis to come and walk around the palace more often."

Yuan Wenshao helped Hua Lan stand up and said after hearing the words: "Thank you very much for your kindness, the Queen. Please tell me, my father-in-law, I have just given birth to a baby and can't go out. I will go to the palace to express my gratitude to the Queen after I am out of confinement."

He was granted the title of Marquis, and Hualan was promoted to a higher rank. Logically, he should go to the palace to express his gratitude.

But now is the period of national mourning, and the official family is gone, so this step is naturally unnecessary.

"Haha, the Queen heard about this and asked the old slave to bring some supplements from the inner treasury."

The internal officer turned around and waved, and the accompanying eunuch came up holding boxes one by one.

"These are tributes from various places. Only the nobles in the palace can enjoy them."

"Thank you Empress Empress for the reward!"

Yuan Wenshao bowed and asked his servant to take the things.

"The old slave has to return to the palace to resume his life, so I won't disturb the Marquis." The official said with a smile.

"I'll send the eunuch off."

Yuan Wenshao sent the official to the door, took out a banknote from his sleeve and handed it over.

"Master Hou, you don't have to be like this." The official declined quickly.

"Eunuch, this is money, but it's not much." Yuan Wenshao said with a smile.

"Haha, then I will be blessed by the Marquis."

The official smiled and took the banknote and got into the carriage.

Yuan Wenshao watched the carriage leave, his face slowly disappeared, and he walked in with a gloomy expression.

The servants I met on the road wanted to congratulate him, but seeing Yuan Wenshao's gloomy face, they didn't dare to say anything.

Yuan Wenshao returned to the front yard and saw Hua Lan still standing there. He quickly stepped forward to support her and scolded: "You are not out of confinement yet, hurry up and get in the house."

Hua Lan allowed Yuan Wenshao to support her and walked in. She looked at him sideways and said in disbelief: "Officer, my family has become a marquis' mansion now? I have also become a third-grade imperial concubine?"

"The imperial edict is here. If you don't believe it, you can take another look."

Yuan Wenshao helped Hua Lan into the house and asked her to sit down.

Hualan noticed something was wrong with Yuan Wenshao's mood. She recovered from the surprise and asked doubtfully: "My lord, are you unhappy?"

Yuan Wenshao sent his servants out, sat down next to Hua Lan, sighed, and said: "The new king has not yet succeeded to the throne, but the queen has given me a title of marquis. It cannot be justified in terms of etiquette."

Hua Lan was stunned and exclaimed: "The official is saying that the new monarch will not recognize this imperial edict after he succeeds to the throne?"

If the new king doesn't recognize him, then her happiness will be in vain.

Yuan Wenshao shook his head and said: "The new monarch will definitely recognize him after he succeeds to the throne."

Although no adoption ceremony was held, the edict left by the officials established Zhao Zongquan as the prince, and did not directly pass the throne to Zhao Zongquan.

If Zhao Zongquan wants his throne to be legitimate, he must recognize his parents, the official family and Empress Cao.

Although the imperial edict issued by Empress Cao was not in line with etiquette and law, Zhao Zongquan had just succeeded to the throne and he definitely did not want to be caught as unfilial, so he would definitely recognize this edict.

"Then what are the officials worried about?" Hua Lan asked doubtfully.

Yuan Wenshao smiled bitterly and said: "My wife, do you think that my merits can lead to the title of a hereditary and irreplaceable marquis? And if the queen really wants to grant me a title, she can wait until the new king succeeds to the throne and tell the new king, and the new king will definitely do the same. I won’t object. The Queen wants to confer a title on me before the new king takes the throne. Although the new king will accept this, he will definitely have a grudge in his heart."

"What do you mean, the official said, that the queen wants to compete with the new king for power?" Hua Lan exclaimed.

Yuan Wenshao's words reminded her of the relationship between her grandmother and her father.

Although my father and grandmother are not biological children, my father is my grandfather's son.

Even so, the old lady rarely interfered in family affairs after Sheng Hong got married.

Not only are the Queen and the future new monarch not related by blood, the new monarch is not even the son of the official family.

After Yuan Wenshao reminded her, Hualan felt that the empress did this because she wanted to compete with the new king for power.

Yuan Wenshao shook his head and said: "It's not a matter of fighting for power, but the Queen Mother probably did this to give the new king a show of authority, but the Queen Mother did this, which is equivalent to putting me on the fire."

Although he sent the blood edict to Zhao Zongquan and even shot King Yan with his own hands when suppressing the rebellion, Zhao Zongquan did not trust him very much.

As soon as Queen Cao issued this imperial edict, Zhao Zongquan would no longer trust him.

"Officer, what should we do now?" Hua Lan asked anxiously after hearing this.

Seeing that Hua Lan was anxious, Yuan Wenshao pretended to smile relaxedly and said comfortingly: "Don't worry, these are all my guesses, and the new king is wise and will definitely not do anything to me because of this."

These words were just to comfort Hua Lan. Although he didn't have much contact with Zhao Zongquan, he also felt that Zhao Zongquan was a very suspicious person.

……

The news of Yuan Wenshao's knighthood soon spread throughout Bianjing.

However, since no feasting was allowed during the national mourning period, no one dared to come to congratulate him at this time.

Some shrewd people have realized that behind Yuan Wenshao's ennoblement, it was Empress Cao who was trying to intimidate the officials. Many people were waiting to see Yuan Wenshao's joke.

After the new monarch succeeds to the throne, if there is a disagreement with Empress Cao, Yuan Wenshao will be the first to be unlucky.

When the official family died, there was no disturbance in the world.

However, in the evening of this day, a group of messengers from the northwest broke the tranquility.

Xixia sent 20 troops and simultaneously attacked several important cities on the northwest border.

Due to the negligence of the northwest frontier army, two important cities were lost, and for a time there were flaws in the northwest line.

Even if Duke Dingguo responded quickly, he could only temporarily delay the Xixia attack.

After Zhao Zongquan received the letter asking for help from Duke Dingguo, he immediately contacted the civil and military officials to discuss a response plan.

Yuan Wenshao, the newly promoted marquis, was naturally among them.

Zhao Zongquan sat at the top, looked at the ministers below, and said: "Xixia is coming in a menacing way, how do you think we should respond?"

"Your Highness, Xixia is going to war without declaring it. I think we should send envoys to angrily rebuke Xixia and force them to retreat." "Master Liu said it lightly. Xixia's 20-strong army has already conquered several important towns in the northwest. You said you should let them retreat." Is that so? Your Highness, I think we should send more troops and horses to fight him. After the leader of the Xixia Kingdom took charge, the late emperor ordered a large amount of grain, grass and equipment to be mobilized to the northwest. At this time, the northwest has sufficient grain, grass and equipment. As long as more troops and horses are sent, we can definitely provide them. Xixia will give us a head-on blow."

"It's ridiculous. Now is the period of national mourning. How can we use weapons rashly? I think we should negotiate peace with him."

…………

For a while, the civil and military officials argued endlessly. The military commanders felt that they should take the lead in fighting, but the civilian officials advocated peace.

"What do you think, Mr. Han?"

Zhao Zongquan obviously did not want to negotiate for peace. He was about to ascend the throne. Negotiating peace at this time would have a great impact on his reputation, and he also needed a big victory to establish his prestige.

Han Zhang also guessed a lot about Zhao Zongquan's thoughts. After hearing the words, he pondered for a while and said: "Your Highness, if word of the rebellion against the king spreads, I'm afraid Beiliao will take the opportunity to come in."

Han Zhang did not agree with fighting, but he saw that Zhao Zongquan wanted to fight, so he did not say whether to peace or war, but said that the Liao Kingdom in the north might also send troops.

When Zhao Zongquan heard this, his face was gloomy. If the Liao Kingdom also took the opportunity to attack and fight on two fronts, it would be difficult to resist.

He has no foundation at all. If he loses his city and territory before ascending the throne, he may not even be able to secure the throne.

Zhao Zongquan hesitated for a moment.

"As the saying goes, a country cannot be without a master for a day. I believe that because of internal and external troubles, His Highness should ascend the throne first, so that the hearts of the people in the world can be calmed down. Xixia sent troops this time because it received news of the rebellion against the king. If His Highness ascends the throne, the world will be stable. , Xixia might retreat." Han Zhang said.

"No! Now that the imperial examination has not been buried yet, I have hurriedly ascended the throne. How will the world think of me?" Zhao Zongquan refused without even thinking about it.

Doesn't he want to take the throne?

He thinks more than anyone else!
However, the official family has not yet been buried. If he ascends the throne in a hurry, he will definitely leave an unfilial reputation.

"Your Highness..."

"Okay, there's no need to talk about this matter anymore. Today we will only discuss the war in the northwest." Zhao Zongquan waved his hand to interrupt Han Zhang's words.

"Your Highness, I disagree with what Mr. Han Daxiang said. I think we should fight with him. If we negotiate peace with Xixia, the Liao Kingdom will definitely feel that Zhou is unable to fight now, and will be more likely to invade the border. On the contrary, once troops are sent, the Liao Kingdom will I will wait and see what happens, and first look at the outcome of the battle between Da Zhou and Xi Xia. As long as we can win a big victory, we will definitely be able to frighten Bei Liao." Gu Tingye said as he came out.

"Everything Deputy Commander Gu said is based on the situation that we can win. What if we lose? There is a saying in the art of war that you should consider defeat before winning. Deputy Commander Gu only thinks about winning and does not consider the consequences of failure. , This is a taboo for military strategists." A civil servant stood up and retorted.

Gu Tingye sarcastically said: "Since this gentleman has read military books, he should know that negotiating a peace will only be more terrible than the consequences of defeat. And the meaning of this sentence is to consider the situation after failure and make a response plan in advance. Rather than Don't fight if there is even a slight chance of failure. What's more, how can you predict the outcome before the battle has started? If this gentleman is sure that with his sharp tongue, he can persuade Xixia to withdraw its troops and return the captured city, then This battle doesn’t need to be fought.”

"You...are arrogant." The civil servant who spoke turned pale after being squeezed by Gu Tingye.

"That's enough!" Zhao Zongquan stopped the two of them and said, "I have made up my mind to send troops to fight Xixia! Shen Congxing and Gu Tingye obey the order!"

"Chen is here!"

Gu Tingye and Shen Congxing came out.

"Shen Congxing is the leader, and Gu Tingye is the deputy. I order the two of you to gather [-] troops from the camp in the western suburbs to rush to the northwest to help the northwest and listen to Duke Ding's dispatch!" Zhao Zongquan said.

"I accept your order!" Shen Congxing and Gu Tingye said excitedly.

Yuan Wenshao's heart sank when he heard this. Shen Congxing and Gu Tingye were both Zhao Zongquan's confidants. Normally, Zhao Zongquan should keep one person by his side.

He originally thought that Zhao Zongquan would send him, but Zhao Zongquan didn't even look at him.

Yuan Wenshao was not thinking about meritorious service. With the marquis around, he wished he could take care of himself at home.

What he cares about is Zhao Zongquan's attitude. If Zhao Zongquan is suspicious of him because of Queen Cao's ennoblement, his life will be difficult in the future.

……

After the discussion was over, Zhao Zongquan waved away everyone and rubbed his brows.

"Father, why don't you let Marquis Zhongyong go with his uncle?" Zhao Ceying asked doubtfully.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Zongquan glanced at him and said, "Why should you let him go?"

"Marquis Zhongyong joined the army in the northwest and made a lot of achievements. He had the experience of fighting with Xixia. It is more suitable to send him to accompany his uncle than Zhonghuai." Zhao Ceying said.

Zhao Zongquan heard this and said coldly: "He has already been made a marquis before I ascend the throne. If he makes further contributions, how will he be rewarded?"

"Father, the title of Marquis was the Queen's order, so how could he refuse? My father was able to get a blood edict to enter the capital. Marquis Zhongyong has done a lot of merit. My son feels that Marquis Zhongyong can be trusted." Zhao Ceying said.

Zhao Zongquan shook his head and said: "The late emperor said before that no one can treat the Gu and Yuan families lightly. Now the queen has made him a hereditary marquis. It's hard to say who he, the loyal and brave marquis, is loyal to. Okay, let's do this. I have made my own decision. Although I have become the crown prince now, my foundation is shallow and I am walking on thin ice every day. Your uncle and Zhong Huai have no military merit. If they are promoted rashly, it will be difficult to convince the public. This time it is just right for them to make some achievements. "

"Yes, that son resigned." Zhao Ceying bowed.

Since becoming the crown prince, Zhao Ceying felt that her father's temperament had changed a lot, so she did not dare to say anything.

"Go." Zhao Zongquan waved his hand.

After Zhao Ceying left, Zhao Zongquan sat in the main hall for a while before going to the mourning hall to observe mourning for the officials.

As soon as we arrived at the entrance of the palace, an internal official came up to us, bowed and said, "The Queen, please ask Your Highness to come over."

Zhao Zongquan was startled when he heard this and nodded: "Lead the way."

"Your Highness, this way please."

The internal officials led Zhao Zongquan all the way to Cining Palace and stopped outside Queen Cao's bedroom.

"Your Highness, please wait a moment. This servant will go in and inform you." After saying that, he bowed and entered the dormitory.

After a while, the internal official came out and said, "Your Highness, please."

Zhao Zongquan straightened his clothes and followed behind.

All the way to the screen in front of Queen Cao's bed, she stopped.

"My son, I pay homage to my mother." Zhao Zongquan saluted.

"Ahem, cough, cough... no need to be polite."

Empress Cao asked the palace maid to help her sit up, and said through the screen: "I heard that Xixia invaded the border. You summoned all the officials to discuss how to deal with it, and finally decided to send troops to fight?"

"After returning to my mother, that's right." Zhao Zongquan said.

Queen Cao asked: "Mr. Han also agreed?"

"Xiangong Han did not object." Zhao Zongquan said.

She didn't say she agreed or objected, and Queen Cao could naturally hear the underlying meaning.

However, she did not dwell on this, but said: "The late emperor paid the annual coins to Beiliao every year in exchange for peace, even if he was not willing to bear the infamy. Do you know why?"

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