Eastern Jin Dynasty: My powerful father

Chapter 111 The Beautiful Wife and Concubine
  Huan Xi didn't want to be called King Huan, but he was too anxious to eat hot tofu.

I dare not say that we should build walls high, accumulate food widely, and slowly become king, but for now, the time is indeed not ripe.

Since Liu Bang's White Horse Alliance, especially after the Wei kings Cao Cao and Cao Pi, and the Jin kings Sima Zhao and Sima Yan, having a different surname as king is almost equivalent to usurping the country.

This bad influence can be compared not only with Huan Xi occupying Weiyang Palace as his residence, but also with Huan Wen's casual talk when receiving guests, saying that he would be infamy for thousands of years.

If Huan Xi had created a business in the north with his bare hands, he could have ignored it. Let alone proclaiming himself king, he even had the capital to proclaim himself emperor after occupying 22 counties in Yong, Qin and Liang prefectures.

After all, the Sima family is really unpopular in the north.

But he can't just be happy for himself, he also has to take Huan Wen's situation into consideration.

Huan Wen is now in a state of unbreakable conflict with the Eastern Jin Dynasty. If Huan Xi rashly proclaims himself king, public opinion in Jiangnan will naturally not hurt Huan Xi in the slightest, but Huan Wen will have to face those accusations head on.

In any case, when Huan Xi went north to start his own business, Huan Wen still gave him a little help.

For example, the eight counties of Liangzhou were handed over to Huan Xi, and five thousand elite soldiers were also given to accompany him to his post.

For Huan Xi, when the time is right, he may have to take advantage of Yin Hao's Northern Expedition, but at least not now.

Although Wang Meng and Quan Yi both had their own opinions, they would not make their own decisions regarding whether Huan Xi should become king without Huan Xi's clear objection.

In the original time and space, whether Murong Chui should be left behind or not, in the eyes of the two men, was a matter related to the safety of the foundation of the former Qin Dynasty, so they ignored Fu Jian's objections and acted without authorization, either planning an assassination or directly sending assassins.

Now Huan Xi has decided not to call himself king for the time being. Although it makes the two of them happy, he will not insist on giving him the title of king.

The carriage first stopped in front of Quan Yi's house. After Quan Yi left, only Huan Xi and Wang Meng were left in the carriage. Without saying a few words, the carriage arrived in front of Weiyang Palace.

Huan Xi got off the carriage and said goodbye to Wang Meng. Wang Meng naturally had to go back to Zhengdong General's Mansion, and according to Huan Xi's past habit, he had to have fun at home for a few days before stepping forward to preside over military and state affairs.

The days away from home were really boring, and when I finally came back, I had to give myself a three- to five-day long vacation.

Xie Daoyun was eight months pregnant with a big belly. It was inconvenient to travel and she was afraid of getting bumped, so she did not go to welcome Huan Xi.

This was what Huan Xi specifically told him when he sent someone to inform them of the itinerary.

When Huan Xi returned to Weiyang Palace, he did not go straight to Jiaofang Palace, but to Qingliang Palace.

The Qingliang Hall was the summer residence of the emperor during the Western Han Dynasty. It was used to cool off the summer heat. Huanxi also built an ice well platform under the Qingliang Hall and covered it with holes to allow the air-conditioning to rise. Even in midsummer, the palace still felt extremely cool.

Before Huan Xi left, he had told Xie Daoyun to move to Qingliang Hall if the weather got hot.

Now Huanxi went straight to Qingliang Hall and saw the wife he had longed for.

Xie Daoyun sat lazily on the bed, with a bowl of iced sour plum soup on the table next to him.

Cold drinks have been around since ancient times. As early as the pre-Qin period, the ancients would add ice cubes to wine.

Of course, for cold drinks to really enter thousands of households in ancient times, it was only after the invention of saltpeter ice-making technology in the Tang Dynasty.

Nowadays, if you want to drink cold drinks, you must dig an ice cellar to store a large amount of natural ice and snow.

Seeing Huan Xi enter the door, Xie Daoyun's face lost the lazy expression, and his beautiful eyes were full of brilliance:
  "My husband is back!"

It's mid-May now, in the middle of summer, and it's extremely hot outside. But as soon as we enter the Qingliang Hall, we feel like we've entered another season, which is extremely cool.

"If you are pregnant, you should drink less cold drinks."

Huan Xi looked at the sour plum soup on the table and couldn't help but preach.

When Xie Daoyun heard this, a smile appeared in his eyes:
  "The medical officer has told me a long time ago that I prepared this specially for my husband."

Huan Xi turned his anger into joy:
  "I'm just feeling thirsty, and Madam is interested."

After saying that, he picked up the sour plum soup and drank it in one gulp.

Putting down the bowl, Huan Xi said doubtfully:
  "Ayuan, why don't you go to the Qingliang Hall to escape the heat today?"

Xie Daoyun explained:

"A-Yuan is always here, living with me in Qingliang Hall for company. I just knew that my husband was coming back today and moved back temporarily. I can't even keep him here."

Huan Xi nodded and said:

"We also have to prepare a summer house for A-Yuan, otherwise the heat will be really unbearable."

Xie Daoyun smiled and said:

"Just for A-Yuan?"

Huan Xi smiled awkwardly and said:

"Didn't Madam have this Qingliang Palace?"

Xie Daoyun rolled her eyes at him:
  "Husband, you know what I'm talking about. Mr. Han, how are you going to arrange it?"

Huan Xi didn't answer, just laughed.

Xie Daoyun complained:

"Now that I am pregnant with Ayuan, I cannot serve my husband. My husband can welcome the Han family into the house, and there is no need to hide her in the outer room.

"If I fall in the eyes of outsiders, wouldn't it cause gossip and accuse me of being a jealous woman?"

When Huan Xi heard this, he patted his thigh:
  "Oops! Madam, you wrongly accused me. I really didn't know about this.

"That Deng Qiang made his own decision. I asked him to harass Hedong, but he brought me a woman. How could he do anything like this?"

Xie Daoyun said helplessly:

"Okay, okay, husband, please stop pretending in front of me. If you really want to accept the Han family, I will have someone prepare in advance."

Huan Xi then smiled and said:

"You have to see the true face before you can make a decision."

Huan Xi stayed with Xie Daoyun in Qingliang Hall for a long time and talked a lot.

Especially when it comes to the scenery outside the Great Wall, Xie Daoyun, who grew up in the Jiangnan water town since childhood, is very longing for it.

Huan Xi also promised her that after giving birth and recovering well, he would take her to experience the scenery of Saibei if he had the chance.

Xie Daoyun was overjoyed, and then remembered that Li Yuan was still waiting for Huan Xi, so she urged:

"Husband, it's time to go see Ayuan."

Huan Xi didn't show any pretense, and kissed Xie Daoyun deeply before leaving.

They were not yet the age of Huan Wen and Sima Xingnan, and they would not have nightmares if they kissed each other.

As soon as he left the Qingliang Hall, Huan Xi seemed to have stepped out of the air-conditioned room. However, the current climate in East Asia was in the cold period and was actually not as hot as that of later generations.

Huan Xi just wanted his wives and concubines to live more comfortably.

Li Yuan was already waiting for him in Yutang Hall.

"General."

A tender call, full of lovesickness.

After half a year apart, if it weren't for her mobility issues, she would have flown into Huan Xi's arms as usual.

Huan Xi motioned for the maid who was left in the palace to fan the fan to leave first. He stepped forward and held Li Yuan in his arms, caressing her round belly tirelessly. Feeling the fetal movement in Li Yuan’s belly, Huan Xi smiled and said:

"Ayuan! Look, the child is kicking me!"

Li Yuan's face was filled with a happy smile:
  "The child knew that his father was back, and he was also excited."

After saying that, she said again:

"General, there is a letter from the eldest princess (Sima Xingnan), asking my wife and I to send the child to Jiangling to be raised after we give birth."

Huan Xi was noncommittal:

"Jiang Jiang didn't mention this to me."

Li Yuan finally got pregnant with this child, and of course she didn’t want to send it away. She asked:
  "Will the general also send the child to Gangneung?"

Huan Xi smiled and comforted:
  "Among my brothers, which one is successful?

"If the child is given to my mother to be raised, I may raise him to death. How can I send the child to Gangneung?

"Don't worry, no matter whether you have children or concubines, I will stay by your side and educate them by myself."

Huan Xi felt that Huan Wen and his wife really didn't know enough about their parenting skills.

Including the original owner, none of the legitimate sons became successful. No matter how ambitious Huan Xi was, he would not dare to send his own son to be trained by the couple.

But she couldn't stop Sima Xingnan from feeling good about herself. After all, in her opinion, Huan Wen and Huan Xi's current achievements were all due to her husband and child.

Li Yuan breathed a sigh of relief, but couldn't help but worry:
  "What if the eldest princess insists on asking for it?"

Huan Xi didn't take it seriously and said:
  "My mother has always pampered me, is caring and reassuring, as long as I write a letter, she will naturally give up.

"It's just that based on my understanding of mother, there's no need to worry about it. Your delivery date is approaching, and I'm afraid she's already preparing to come to Chang'an."

Come to think of it, Huan Wen is probably also hoping that Xie Daoyun will give birth soon so that he can have the opportunity to cheat while Sima Xingnan is away.

Although the old slave has not taken concubines legitimately in recent years, he still can't control things like eating secretly occasionally. After all, Sima Xingnan cannot keep an eye on him all the time.

As Huan Xi expected, Sima Xingnan was preparing to go to Chang'an. Brothers Huan Xi and Huan Ji were now in Guanzhong. Xie Daoyun and Li Yuan were about to give birth, so Sima Xingnan naturally wanted to come.

Huan Wen could not leave Jiangling and was unwilling to come with her.

After finally being able to take a breath, Lao Nu naturally had to enjoy a comfortable life in Jiangling.

As early as when Sima Xingnan decided to go north, Huan Wen was already counting the days at home.

Who wants to be secretive when you can be generous?

Li Yuan sat in Huan Xi's arms and talked with him for a long time.

When she felt Huan Xi's will become stronger, Li Yuan also had two more blushes on her face.

The tacit understanding between the two did not require Huan Xi's signal. Li Yuan stood up from his arms obediently, faced Huan Xi, and squatted down in front of Hu's bed with difficulty.
  After walking out of Yutang Palace, Huan Xi still felt unhappy. After all, he had not enjoyed tenderness for half a year.

But Huan Xi was not in a hurry to go to the other courtyard where the Han family was.

There are so many people during the day, so it’s not too late to wait until evening for this kind of thing.

Huan Xi summoned the steward of the mansion and ordered him to secretly send two thousand pieces of cloth to Quan Yi's mansion, with special instructions not to let outsiders know.

After all, there must be a reason for rewarding cloth, and the superior cannot reward and punish indiscriminately.

And Huan Xi couldn't tell others that this was an apology to Quan Yi.

But punching two thousand pieces of cloth is considered a child.

After receiving the order, the steward of the mansion hurriedly went to arrange the matter.

In the evening, Huan Xi had his dinner and lay in the bathtub to wash away his fatigue.

Unlike Huan Wen who was sneaky, Huan Xi said goodbye to Xie Daoyun openly and took a carriage directly to the other courtyard where the Han family was.

As soon as the carriage stopped, the guard at the door shouted:

"The military advisor has ordered that no one else can come near."

Deng Xia got off his horse and took out the trump card from his waist. The guard was shocked when he saw the trump card.

As we all know, Deng Xia was a brave general who charged into battle during the war.

After leaving the battlefield, he was Huan Xi's personal bodyguard and commander.

Now that Deng Xia was clearing the way in front, it was obvious who was sitting in the carriage behind.

The guards were about to salute, but were stopped by Deng Xia:

"My lord came here specially at night because he didn't want outsiders to know. Don't make a fuss and attract the neighbors to come out and look around."

The guards nodded quickly, and Deng Xia turned around and came to the carriage to report to Huan Xi.

Huan Xi opened the car curtain and walked out of the carriage. Today, he looked like a young man in brocade clothes.

I saw him wearing a sachet on his waist and gently waving a folding fan in his hand. He looked very graceful.

He specially sent people to Jiangnan to ask Wang Xizhi to inscribe this folding fan.

The words on the folding fan are also majestic. They come from Li Bai's "The Road Is Difficult - Part 1". The sentences of the Poet Immortal are paired with the words of the Calligrapher. This folding fan can be regarded as Huan Xi's favorite in his life.

In fact, Huan Xi had already had the idea of ​​recruiting Wang Xizhi into the shogunate. Even if he had nothing to do, it would be good to write a few words for himself.

In fact, Wang Xizhi had a good relationship with the Huan family. He had always opposed the imperial court's use of Sima Yu, Yin Hao and others to fight against Huan Wen, and advocated easing the conflicts between the two parties. However, such efforts were doomed to be in vain.

It was precisely because of such political views that Wang Xizhi only served as the governor of Jiangzhou for a short time and then resigned. It was not until this year that Wang Shu, the internal historian of Kuaiji, resigned due to the death of his mother and returned to officialdom. , took over as internal history of Kuaiji.

The reason why Huan Xi didn't recruit Wang Xizhi to serve as an official when he was idle was because he couldn't recruit him and it was difficult to recruit him by force.

After all, in order to ease the conflict between the Huan family and the imperial court, they even lost their position as governor of Jiangzhou.

Secondly, Huanxi also planned to wait until the late spring of the ninth year of Yonghe (AD 353), when Wang Xizhi had a meeting with Renya in Lanting, and asked him for the "Preface to the Lanting Collection" as his own collection.

Huan Xi waited outside the courtyard for a while, while Deng Xia took the lead in bringing people in to check whether there were any assassins hiding.

This courtyard was not big and could not hide anyone. After a while, Deng Xia took all the maids out, leaving only the Han family. Even jewelry and other sharp objects were taken away.

Han lived in the house quite nervously. Of course she heard about Huan Xi's return to Chang'an.

And with tonight's battle, it was obvious that Huan Xi was about to come.

Ms. Han has always been proud of her appearance. She already understood that she had a beautiful face when she was very young.

When she was still in her prime, she was sent to Zhang Yu's home by her parents and became the step-in-law of Zhang Yu's elderly father.

But after the death of Zhang's father, she kept herself clean and never had any scandal with anyone, otherwise Zhang Yu would not have been able to send her to Jinyang as a pledge.

Han didn't know what kind of ending would be waiting for her if Huan Xi looked down on her.

All she could do was try her best to please the Lord of Guanlong.

　The third chapter is here. It’s gone today. It will be updated with 10,000 words tomorrow. I’ll continue to ask for monthly votes and recommendation votes from everyone. Sorry for the trouble.

　　
  　
  (End of this chapter)