Dajing Sun and Moon

Chapter 185 Meet the Deposed Emperor!
In the 11th year of Jingtai, in March, early spring, the snow melted.

Outside Jinyang Palace, there are many cavalry and halberds.

Five thousand Qingqi stood silently, all covered in leather armor, with a cold face and solemn expression.

As the rattling sound approached, Xia Hourong and his son stood side by side.

"On this trip to the north, the first thing to bear the brunt is to take down Xia Houchun." Xia Hourong walked slowly and said in a slow voice.

Xiahoumo drew down the curtains, and the frost and snow on the bluestone bricks gradually melted. He shook the water accumulated on his helmet and shoulders, and Mo said, "What if we kill him?"

Xia Hourong paused, turned his head and glanced at him, "The king immediately sent his army south to conquer Taikang and make you the prince."

The prince choked, and snorted coldly, don't overdo it.

The new king was dressed in plain robes, standing on the general platform, overlooking the five captains below, and said coldly: "The safety of the son is in your hands."

Gai Siqi, the newly-appointed captive captain, clasped his fists together: "If my son suffers even the slightest loss, I will come to see you in a lowly position."

The rest all looked solemn, "I will swear to protect His Royal Highness to the death!"

Xia Hourong waved his hand, "Let's go!"

Five thousand Qingqi suddenly announced their promise, and the five newly awarded captains each governed a thousand cavalry, and they left the city slowly.

On the city wall, Xia Hourong stood with his sleeves in his sleeves, watching Qingqi go out of the city calmly, and the white robe landed beside him, he tilted his head and smiled and said, "The prince is so generous."

Xia Houchun supported the wall, knowing that he was talking about asking Master Puji to kill real people, and also knowing that this matter had aroused the fear of this uncle Wang, but he didn't care, and looked at the man sitting on the tall horse. Xiahoumo, covered in armor, has the appearance of a young general.

After another scan of the five thousand light cavalry, all of them have two horses, with stirrups, spears, long knives and bows. Although it is impossible to tell whether they are elite or not, at least it can be seen that the king of Jin has indeed spent all his money. .

Xia Houchun's eyes softened, he glanced at the Queen of Jin beside him, he pondered for a while, and said: "The black-robed guards under the command of my palace have sent a message that the Shuozhou Army has fought fiercely with the Yunxiao Iron Cavalry several times. It almost fell, but fortunately the Qinzhou army rescued it in time, and the city has not yet been breached."

Xia Hourong nodded lightly, and laughed at himself: "If Shuozhou is lost, Hedong will not defend it. No matter how my Xiahou clan fights for power and profit, it is our family business, how can outsiders be allowed to interfere? Besides, this king is not stupid, and his lips are dead and his teeth are cold. I still understand."

Speaking of this, Xia Houchun didn't need to say any more. In fact, since Xia Hourong let him enter the mansion that day, he had already expected it. This Uncle Wang also understood the righteousness.

He turned around and left, "I'll pay my respects to the old man, and then I'll leave, there won't be too long a delay."

Xia Hourong narrowed his eyes, and said softly, "Why, don't you believe me?"

Xia Houchun paused, turned his head and glanced at him, "After all, we are members of the Nine Great Aristocratic Clans, so we should not underestimate them."

The new king was expressionless, and the sleeves walked forward, standing side by side with him, his eyes were light, looking straight ahead, as if he was saying something irrelevant, "The Cui family has [-] mu of fertile land in Jinzhou; There are five mine veins, more than ten farms, guarded by nearly a thousand slaves."

He turned his head and looked at Xia Houchun with gentle eyes: "This king only needs half of it."

Xia Houchun looked playful, and snorted softly: "The waters of the Nine Great Aristocratic Clans are very deep. Although you, Uncle Wang, have been hereditary, you still can't grasp it."

"Isn't there still you?"

Xia Houchun sighed softly, he is not a fool, he shook his head and said: "Buddhism has made a move once, and it will not be easy to do so again."

King Jin was silent for a while, then turned around and walked towards the city wall, "Let's go then, I'll take you to see him."

"Heh." Xia Houchun glanced at the other party, and let out a light snort, still worried.

Jump over the wet street, step into the palace, and set foot in the courtyard where the old King Jin is.

The spring rain is drizzling, and there are buds emerging.

The maids and servants saluted respectfully: "I have seen the prince."

After Xia Hourong raised his hand and waved away the maid, his eyes were deep and he was about to speak.

Xia Houchun shook his head, took a step forward, lifted his robe and knelt down on his knees, prostrating loudly:
"Grandson Xia Houchun, please see grandpa!"

This time, he came to see him as a junior.

You can only ask to see him as a junior.

For a long while, the courtyard was silent.

No one answered.

Jin Wang Xiahou Rong's thick lips twitched, he hesitated to speak.

At this time, Shi Chan, Murong Yan, Tian Xin and others came outside the courtyard.

They also want to see the existence of the legend that competed with Emperor Taizong for the world.

Strictly speaking, there was nothing wrong with Emperor Wen Xia Houxu's measures such as cutting the vassals, depriving the power of generals, and suppressing Xuanzong. It's just that the timing was wrong.

At that time, Emperor Taizu established the empire, and his prestige was naturally unmatched. No one dared to disobey his old man's desire to cut down the vassal. However, Emperor Wen's prestige, wrist and city government were not half as good as Taizu's. He had always been dissatisfied both internally and externally. Who dares to say nothing about the fiefdoms of the kings?
However, Emperor Wen's martial arts and martial arts are not as good as Taizu's, even King Yan who sits in the three prefectures of Youyan is inferior to him, so how can he convince all the kings in the world?
However, no matter whether it is the Taizu or the Emperor Taizong, they are too far away from Xia Houchun. He can still show off his prestige in front of outsiders, but in front of this existence who can compete with his grandfather for the ownership of the world, he can only be respectful.

This kind of awe from the depths of the soul has already been engraved into the bone marrow.

Xia Houchun admits that he himself is a person with "double standards". He dared to put a harsh hand on Xia Houmo, not to mention cutting off his fingers, even if he beheaded him, he would not blink his eyes; Respect is greater than fear, respect their elder status, but not fear their power and status.

As a future Emperor Dajing, Xia Houchun can be cruel, selfish, and despise everything, but he can't be fearful, cowardly, and merciless.

"A natural born emperor!"

It was someone like Xia Houchun.

He is hypocritical, cruel, unfeeling and even unreasonable, but he can never be called a good person, that is an insult to the word 'emperor'.

As for Emperor Wen, if he loses, he loses because of his kindness and softness.

But precisely because of his kindness and softness, Taizong spared his life, and even allowed him to live in Jinzhou, his ancestral home, and promised that his descendants would live with the country in the same line, and the king would be hereditary.

creak.

A skinny old man in commoner clothes came into Xia Houchun's eyes.

The old man's eyebrows were sparse and pale, and his white hair was gray, but under the brows, his eyes were piercing, and after glancing at Xia Hourong who was standing respectfully with his hands down, his eyes fell on the kneeling young man, his eyes were complicated, and he said softly: "Get up. "

With a slightly hoarse voice, Xia Houchun stood up respectfully, looked up at the old man, and saw that his eyes were burning with a trace of scrutiny, and he looked at him lightly.

This former emperor wanted to single-handedly overthrow the clans and vassal kings and generals from all over the world, bring all the states and counties in the world under the central control, and even wanted to break up the Taoist sects that assisted the Taizu in conquering the world. , Unfortunately, he failed and lost his position, and was sealed here.

The sourness and bitterness in his heart is not enough for outsiders to understand from a high-ranking emperor of a country to an idle prince living in a corner.

The old man nodded to Xia Hourong and said, "Go down first."

Xia Hourong lowered his eyes, glanced at Xia Houchun, and stepped back respectfully.

Outside the courtyard, Tianxin's gaze flashed, and Murong Yan sighed softly.

The monk smiled slightly at the old man, put his hands together, "Amitabha!"

The snow melted and frost melted, and the spring breeze was slightly cool. The old man lifted the curtain, his eyes gradually softened, "It's cold outside, come in first."

Xia Houchun hurriedly stepped over the threshold, took over the curtain, and entered the room.

The old man tilted his head and said to Xia Hourong: "Call that girl in too."

Xia Hourong turned around and listened to the training respectfully.

"By the way, send a message to the Song family and the Wang family, and say that the prince wants to talk to him."

Xia Houchun's eyes froze, and his scalp felt a little numb.

The old man smiled at Xia Houchun: "It's not appropriate for me to come forward, I can only use your name. Besides, you have even done palace rebellion, so it's nothing to contact a few veterans and important officials in the abandoned emperor's mansion. Why, isn't it just a little sesame seed?" Big and small things, are you afraid?"

Xia Houchun:.

Not scared, just a little worried.

Xia Houchun slandered in his heart, forced a smile on his face, and said pitifully, "Grandpa, in fact, my grandson still wants to be a good person."

The old man snorted lightly and cursed with a smile, "Get out!"

Then he waved to Xia Hourong.

After Xia Hourong bowed and bowed, he turned and walked out.

Murong Yan was stunned outside the courtyard, and after glancing at Xia Hourong, he said softly, "Your lord, did you make a mistake in the summons?"

King Jin glanced at her lightly and left.

Tianxin was expressionless, neither sad nor happy.

Shi Chan said softly: "Since it's the recruiter, let's go."

He subconsciously raised his eyes to look at the thin figure. For some reason, he always felt tense all over, and he dared not show any disrespect.

Even Puji is not so afraid.

He meditated on Amitabha Buddha in his heart, and kept explaining to himself that this fierce man who once ascended to the throne of God and almost forced Emperor Taizong to death, even wanted to completely pull Taiwei down from the altar, fearing that it was normal.

Murong Yan approached Xia Houchun with small steps, feeling a little uneasy in her heart, as if a young couple in a relationship sees their parents nervous, and the snow-skinned collar smells like virgin sweat.

Suddenly feeling the warmth of her palm, her heart skipped a beat, and subconsciously looked sideways, only to see Xia Houchun smiling slightly.

Murong Yan saw that Xia Houchun was also a little nervous, and a voice came from his ear: "Don't worry, I'm here."

This was the first time Xia Houchun took the initiative to hold her hand.

Murong Yan's cheeks were glowing, her blushing skin was rosy, her heart beat faster, and her breathing was slightly short of breath.

When I entered, I found that the facilities in the house were simple and poor, and there were none of the silk brocades, sandalwood chairs, pear flower tables, and precious calligraphy and paintings in Jinwang's study, and there was no incense. Except for half-old tables and chairs, There was only a plank bed for one person left.

The old man picked up the tongs and handed Xia Houchun a small bench, "Keep warm by the fire and drive away the cold."

Then he was kind to Murong Yan, and asked warmly: "Miss, what's your name, where are you from?"

Xia Houchun quickly replied: "Back to Grandpa, her surname is Murong, and her single name is 'Yan'."

The old man glanced lightly, and Xia Houchun's face froze.

Murong Yan hurriedly got up and said without hesitation: "Return to Your Majesty."

"You don't need to be restrained." The old man interrupted her, and said with a smile: "Also, don't call me 'Your Majesty'. If you call me the Jin Palace, you will be called."

He glanced at Xia Houchun, pouted and said, "Just let him call you."

Murong Yan's eyelids trembled, and after bowing, he said softly: "Murong Yan, the legacy of Southern Chu, has seen Mr. Xiahou."

She's not that shameless, even if you kill her, she won't fall back, hum~
With benevolent brows and kind eyes, he said with a smile, "Nan Murong and Bei Xiahou are a good match."

Murong Yan's heart trembled, this is, do you agree?
She waved her hands again and again, "You, you misunderstood."

The old man smiled and said nothing.

A ridge of soil was piled up on the ground, and the charcoal was burning. After pulling a few times with the fiery iron tongs, the ash and pungent smoke rose up.

After Xia Houchun took over the bench, he squatted around the fire with the old man, hesitating to speak several times.

The old man gathered his plain clothes and stared at Xia Houchun's face. After a while, he said softly, "You really look like him."

The wind and smoke are all still.

Firewood roared in the furnace.

What does this mean, do you have to pay back the debts of your ancestors?
Xia Houchun held his breath. In his memory, he had heard Jingdi Xiahouhong say that when he was born, Emperor Taizong was still there, holding him in his arms and saying: This son is quite like a widow, I am very relieved.

He thought to himself, maybe this is one of the reasons why that cheap father loved him so much.

He can let go of the past even for instigating a palace change against him, which shows how much he loves him.

Just think about it, even Emperor Taizong rebelled back then, is it unusual for Xia Houchun to make some palace changes?

Isn't this the same line?

Including his father Xia Houhong, didn't the superiors also kill Taikang City with blood?

It's just that these years of forbearance and humility, putting away the fangs, and constantly bowing down to the Taoist sect made the world forget that the one on the dragon chair also started his career by rebelling.

Murong Yan buried his small head in his knees, his face turned pale, and his heart almost stopped beating.

Inside and outside the house, everything is silent.

The old man waved his hand, as if to disperse the soot that was rushing towards the door.

Under the palm fan, the fire in the furnace seemed to burn more vigorously.

The atmosphere gradually eased.

Xia Houchun was sweating profusely, and his mouth was dry.

The old man raised his eyes, his eyes seemed to be in a trance, and he muttered to himself:
"But he is too headstrong and underestimates the enemy."

Xia Houchun naturally understands who the "he" is in this person's mouth. In this person's eyes, who else can be worthy of this person's obsession?
Emperor Jing?

No, he is not eligible.

There is only one person.

The third emperor of Dajing who overwhelmed the whole country and subdued Kyushu.

Taizong Xia Houzhao.

Emperor Taizong who even Xuanzong had to bow his head.

Xia Houchun, who was at ease, had a slightly hoarse voice, and replied dryly: "Grandfather is also involuntary."

The old man smiled and sighed, "Who is not involuntary in a lifetime?"

He waved his hand, "I'm not blaming him, and you don't have to explain it for him. Of course, you are not qualified to explain it for him."

Xia Houchun choked, and forced an apologetic smile on his face.

Murong Yan held back his laughter and lowered his head.

The old man tidied up the stove, looked at him leisurely, and said softly: "At the beginning, when the old man asked him if he wanted to take that seat, he said, 'Elder brother is still here, so I dare not covet it'. , and won’t make the brother quarrel in the inner wall, and reward him back to the capital for his funeral when he dies.”

Xia Houchun kept his face down, lowered his eyebrows and looked at the purple flames fluttering in the furnace, floating out from the cracks between the charcoal wood, sometimes extinguished, sometimes rekindled, just like the weeds blown by the spring breeze, the wind can't be extinguished, and the frost can't die. So tenacious, but also so respectable.

After speaking, he smiled, "If the old man believes it, I will believe it."

He paused, "You have to believe it too."

Xia Houchun silently added some firewood. He actually wanted to ask why his grandfather turned his back on him later.

Seeming to see what Xia Houchun was thinking, the old man glanced at him, lowered his eyes, and chuckled softly: "Curious?"

With a sincere face, Xia Houchun smiled and said: "It is my grandson's honor to be able to look up at the deeds of our ancestors."

The old man smiled and said: "You want to hear, why doesn't he argue with reason?"

Xia Houchun's heart skipped a beat, and he smiled apologetically, "I dare not."

The old man smiled, sighed, sighed, and said softly: "At that time, the old man decided who the throne would belong to. Who dared to disagree, and if he disagreed, he would be buried with the old man, and we would follow him. If it were you, would you be afraid? "

Xia Houchun sneered, "You are always joking, who would think that your life is long."

The old man sighed: "That's right, so even the second child dare not agree indiscriminately. After all, the old man is ruthless, but the real six relatives don't recognize him."

His eyes were in a daze, "I remember that when the former Yantai'an City was attacked, the second child refused to obey the military order and wanted to ride straight to the north gate by himself. He was almost about to win it, but he was still called back by the old man, and in front of all the generals I gave him thirty lashes and his armor was ripped apart, but luckily we stopped him, otherwise the second child would have been whipped to death that day."

Xia Houchun frowned, "Why didn't you take it all at once?"

The old man said indifferently: "Because he exhausted all the eight thousand cavalry under his command."

The fire in the furnace is stagnant.

(End of this chapter)