A Thousand Hills

Chapter 220

When the fifth prince left Fujian, Governor Tang led the officials to send him thirty miles away, that was a reluctance.Wait until the fifth prince said, "It will be dark again, and you will have to rest outside the city." Everyone laughed.

Governor Tang said, "Your Highness, take care. I will wait in Fujian for His Highness to come back."

What should be said has been said a long time ago, the fifth prince thought about it, there was nothing to tell him, and said, "You also take care of yourself." Don't let anyone send you off again, and ordered the king to drive forward.

The five princes returned to the capital with a big victory this time, and the officials along the way naturally flattered them in every possible way. The five princes, like when they came here, met all the officials at night, without delaying the trip, and returned to the imperial capital in half a month.

The fifth prince returned to the capital this time with the joy of victory, because the fifth son gave him face, and Emperor Mu Yuan also wanted to show face to the fifth son, and ordered the eldest prince to lead all the princes and officials to welcome him. Of course, the prince was not among them.The fifth prince didn't expect his father to make such a big battle. It's not that he has never seen this battle. In fact, the fifth prince has also seen a bigger battle than this one. It's just the first time in his life. Being the protagonist among the brothers, hearing this letter, the five princes all suffered from long-windedness, and said to his wife in a long-winded manner, "How is this deserved, how is this deserved." It was the first time to be greeted with such a grand ceremony, Some at a loss.

Xie Moru patted him on the back, "Be steady and set an example for the children."

The fifth prince asked his daughter-in-law, "I'm fine with this body."

"pretty good."

After all, the fifth prince also went through a big battle, so he made up his mind, drove to Zhuquemen, got out of the car first, took his sons there, and greeted his brothers, "How dare you bother my brothers with your lords on such a hot day?" Welcome me now, I don’t know what to do when I heard this in the car.” He also greeted his brothers.

Da Lang also took his younger brothers to say hello to his uncle with the demeanor of an elder brother. The eldest prince praised his nephews and smiled, "Father and grandma are looking forward to you."

It was hot outside, so after a few words of pleasantries, the fifth prince greeted all the adults who came over, got into their respective cars, and went to the palace together.

The third prince did not forget to say something quietly to the fifth prince, "Concubine Su is very good."

The fifth prince looked at the third brother gratefully, and the third brother patted the arm of the fifth brother. Although he would see him soon, the fifth brother also remembered Concubine Su in his heart.On the contrary, the first prince saw his fifth and third younger brothers muttering, and said to himself, you don't betray people with good words, and it's not good to betray people, hum!How many words can't be said in the future, but now!Feeling that his younger brothers hated him more and more, the eldest prince took the lead and rode back to the palace.He didn't want the fifth prince to send his sons back to the car, so he got a horse and rode with his brothers to talk about parting.

When he arrived in the palace, Emperor Mu Yuan had been waiting for a long time, and when he heard that the princes had returned, he immediately ordered someone to summon them.

When the fifth prince saw his father, small tears welled up in his excited eyes. Of course, he was also very happy, so he formed a strange expression. He was obviously smiling, but tears welled up in his eyes.The fifth prince gave a big gift to his father first, and Emperor Mu Yuan saw that his fifth son was so emotional, his loving father was both relieved and sad, and he barely maintained the majesty in his voice, saying, "There is no need to be too polite, just sit down." It's so distressing to come back from such a long distance.

The fifth prince said, "My son has been away for three years, and he can't be filial in front of his father. Now that he comes back, he has to kowtow a few more times."He was even more moved when he made trouble with his emperor's father.

Tears also appeared in Emperor Mu Yuan's eyes, and he suppressed it forcefully, saying, "Okay." A son is filial.

The fifth prince made a fuss, the eldest prince: the fifth is getting more and more treacherous.

Prince: Fifth brother is good at tricks.

Third prince: I have to learn from my fifth brother.

Fourth prince: Fifth brother is fifth brother.

Sixth Prince & Seventh Prince: I am too young to comment.

The fifth prince really died unjustly, he just showed his true feelings, okay?Don't look at the fifth prince who likes to put on a majestic and cold face on weekdays, but he is actually a person with a lot of emotions. He hasn't seen his biological father for three years. At first sight, can he not be emotional?If you are not emotional, you must not be your own father!

The fifth prince chatted affectionately with his father and his brothers in Emperor Zhaode. Xie Moru also received a grand reception in the harem. All the dignitaries in the harem were there, and even the princesses, eldest princesses, and eldest princesses in the imperial capital also came.Xie Moru brought her sons to salute, Empress Dowager Hu called her great-grandson to speak in front of her, she and Xie Moru had nothing to say.Dalang took care of his younger brothers, and introduced the sixth brother to his great-grandmother, saying, "Great-grandmother, you haven't seen Liulang before, have you?"

Empress Dowager Hu was very happy when she saw her great-grandson, because it was the first time she saw Liu Lang, and she gave Liu Lang a string of eighteen son beads, touched Liu Lang's head, then touched Liu Lang's little face, and said, "You go When he was in Fujian, Liulang was still young. I told you not to go with me to Fujian, but I insisted on taking you there. It’s really worrying about the chaos.”

This can't talk, and there is no one except Queen Mother Hu.

Da Lang said proudly, "Great-grandmother, don't be afraid, the pirates told my father to run away."

Empress Dowager Hu laughed, "Yes, then great-grandmother will not be afraid."

"Hey, at first I said I would fight, but my father didn't like it." Sanlang talked a lot since he was a child. Kill them all, save a few, and fight when I grow up!"

Empress Dowager Hu was coaxed by a few men, and Xie Moru took Sister Xin to talk to Concubine Su, Xie Moru said, "Mother Concubine has lost a lot of weight, but her body is not in good shape?"

Concubine Su smiled, "It's okay, it's a bit of a bitter summer." She pulled Sister Xin into her arms, and asked Xie Moru if the journey was okay.

Xie Moru smiled, "The journey was smooth, but the weather was too hot, so we had to rush early in the morning and late at night, otherwise we could have come back a few days earlier."

"It's such a hot day, it doesn't matter if it's early or late." Concubine Su's eyes were full of gentle smiles, her whole body was soothing and peaceful, and she asked the maid to bring fruit juice for sister Xin to drink.

Concubine Xie smiled and said to Concubine Su, "You speak easily, but you are looking forward to the children's return all day long. The children are also thinking about you, and it is like an arrow to return."

Concubine Zhao continued, "I sent back the battle report saying that the battle was not good, so I was worried for you."

Xie Moru said, "Although this battle was a big victory, it is really a bit long-winded. There are a lot of detailed operations in Fujian, so I dare not pass on the military affairs to the third person, that is, the battle report. If it is not sent back like that, I am afraid it will not lead to the sea Bandit into the urn."

Princess Wenkang said, "The war is so dangerous."

Princess Changtai was curious and asked, "Sister and sister, what do pirates look like, have you seen them?"

Xie Moru smiled, "Sea bandits are different from pirates. I heard that in the early years, pirates would go ashore to grab some pots and pans. Such pirates are poor at first glance. Now that pirates have become powerful, They are well-prepared for battle, their armor is not inferior to the equipment of the imperial court, and they also understand tactics and strategy, and the materials and craftsmanship of the big ships they ride on are all first-class."

Princess Yongfu said, "So, the pirates are more powerful than the officers and soldiers of the imperial court?"

"I want to say this, the princess may think that I am exaggerating. This battle is not as simple as the princess thinks."

Princess Changtai hurriedly interrupted and asked Li Yulai, "We are all thinking about Brother Yu at home."

Speaking of Li Yu, Xie Moru smiled, "Brother Yu is really a powerful general of the Hou family. He has fought in more than [-] battles, and he has not lost a single one."

Although the Empress Dowager Hu didn't like to talk to Xie Moru, she still listened quietly to Xie Moru's words. Now hearing her grandson's bravery, she hurriedly said, "I just said that Ayu is a good one, no one can compare to him."

Princess Wenkang was both gratified and proud, and said with a smile, "Finally, I didn't embarrass my mother."

Xie Moru ignored Queen Mother Hu, but Princess Tong Wenkang could still say a few words, not to mention that Li Yu was really capable, Xie Moru said, "Even if the old Marquis is resurrected, I'm afraid he will not be as brave as Cousin Yu, who is really young and out of blue." .”

Empress Dowager Hu sighed, "This is like the late emperor." Of course, the late emperor had great military exploits, and the entire old Mu family's country was brought down by the late emperor.

However, what you said, Queen Mother Hu, is that you say that the prince is like the first emperor, which is a compliment. Even if the grandson is not an outsider, it is hard to say that the grandson is like the emperor.When Empress Dowager Hu became stupid, Xie Moru stopped talking. Princess Wenkang was used to her mother's incongruity, and hurriedly said, "Look at what the empress mother said, how does this compare, that child, but he is a little stupid, and his luck is better. Speaking of the battle this time, I heard that General Liu of the Pingguo Duke's Mansion was the first to contribute."

Empress Dowager Hu was very displeased, "Is there anyone better than A Yu?" She was determined to give her grandson the first credit.

Concubine Liu said at this time, "That child Fufeng is definitely not comparable to General Li."

Princess Wenkang casually glanced at Concubine Liu, who immediately shut up.

Xie Moru said, "Mistress Liu is too modest, General Liu is indeed the first one."

Empress Dowager Hu was just generally unhappy, but seeing Xie Moru say this, she was extremely unhappy, and said with an old face, "Women, it's better than anything else to take care of the children honestly."

Xie Moru ignored this, Princess Wenkang said to Concubine Liu, "The Queen Mother's words are still reasonable, Concubine Liu, you should listen carefully."

Concubine Liu's face turned red, Empress Dowager Hu comforted Concubine Liu and said, "Good boy, I'm not talking about you."

Princess Wenkang nodded, and said to Dalang, "Your great-grandmother said you are not good."

Dalang and the others were immediately hit hard, especially Sanlang who kept asking, "Great-grandmother, didn't you just say that we are good? Are we not good? Does great-grandmother not like us?"

"Where, how can I say that you are not good. Oh, my great-grandmother likes you the most, Saburo." The Queen Mother Hu ordered someone to bring fruit to the children, and she did not forget to complain to Princess Wenkang, "You girl, you can't eat it." Don't say this again, the children are young, if you say a joke, the children will take it seriously."

Princess Wenkang responded with a smile, everyone saw that Princess Wenkang gave Xie Moru a head, and they were quite calm.

Empress Dowager Hu refrained from having lunch with Xie Moru at noon, because she wanted to save face for her fifth grandson and great-grandson. However, after lunch, she sent Xie Moru to Concubine Su. She had seen enough of Xie Moru's picture Face.Of course, Xie Moru just sat in the Mercy Palace because of etiquette, she was happy to go to Shuren Palace to talk to Concubine Su.

The people here at the Empress Dowager Hu also dispersed, and Princess Wenkang stayed to talk to her mother about her attitude towards Xie Moru. When it came to this, the Empress Dowager Hu was also furious, and said, "Look at her, she clearly didn't treat me like that. Put it in your eyes."

"Why don't you take your mother seriously." Princess Wenkang said, "You should only look at Lao Wu's face. As soon as Lao Wu came back, the queen mother gave Lao Wu's wife a face. Isn't this calling Lao Wu shameless. "

Empress Dowager Hu held her breath, "I'm just looking at the old five's face." Otherwise, she wouldn't hold a banquet in the Palace of Mercy.

Empress Dowager Hu still had something on her mind, and said to her daughter, "Don't worry, Xiaoyu's military achievements can't be overshadowed by the boy surnamed Liu."

Seeing that her mother was still talking about this matter, Princess Wenkang was really worried, so she had to argue with her mother about the principle of military merit.What's more, they are royal, and they have to set an example for their subjects.Empress Dowager Hu listened to her daughter the most, and sighed, "This sensible person is sensible at all times." Feeling that her daughter is too sensible, she planned to give her grandson some military merits, but her daughter didn't want it.

Princess Wenkang sighed, her mother's prejudice against Xie Moru was really deep in her bones.Empress Dowager Hu actually had her own reasons. She said to her daughter, "You see, when she talks about the war, she is very logical. She might stretch her arms around Lao Wu. Lao Wu is a sincere child who doesn't know how to guard. She wants another granddaughter-in-law Let’s not talk about Ai’s family, she has to make Lao Wu more careful, and my ancestors like to catch the top and seize power.”

Princess Wenkang said, "As the old saying goes, if you marry and follow your husband, you are already a member of our family. I am afraid that my grandson-in-law will not be able to do it."

"It's good for others to be capable, but she should not be too capable."

This was originally said by Empress Dowager Hu to Princess Wenkang in private, because the first meeting with Xie Moru after three years of absence was too boring, so Empress Dowager Hu spread the words.

The fifth prince was furious when he heard it, and protested with his father, "What is the emperor's grandmother doing? My daughter-in-law is capable or not. The emperor's grandmother took the lead in saying this, what do people think? My daughter-in-law is not easy!" , help me take care of the inner room and raise the children. Not to mention, my wife has made great contributions in Fujian. Father, you gave me the marriage with my wife because you favored me at the beginning. You can't ask the emperor's grandmother to say this Already."

Emperor Mu Yuan was also speechless to his old mother's political wisdom, and said, "Your grandmother has no intentions."

The fifth prince urged his father, "You have to tell the emperor's grandmother about this."

"Okay, man, don't babble like this." Emperor Mu Yuan urged his son annoyed, and said, "Come and see the list of rewards drawn up by the cabinet." Discussing the rewards after the war has always been a big event, let alone this real one. The big victory really made Emperor Mu Yuan look good.

The fifth prince took a look at the reward list, and he was also happy in his heart. Without him, this reward is really not thin.In fact, this is also easy to understand. Military merit has always been the most important. Even Li He said that if a scholar is a marquis with thousands of households, he will be granted a marquis by himself, and most of them will be generals.Like this imperial court award, Liu Fufeng, who made the first contribution, directly conferred the title of Marquis of the Township, and the title of Marquis of the Township can also be passed on for three generations.For example, Liu Fufeng himself is also the first son and grandson of the Duke of Pingguo, and he will inherit the Duke of the country in the future, so the title of Marquis of the Township can be passed on to the second son.Li Yu, the second in military merit, also got a count.The rewards for other general positions are mostly official land, gold and silver rewards, and there are no titles.For example, Marquis Yongding actually made a lot of military exploits, but it is estimated that Emperor Mu Yuan was angry that he lost [-] troops in the previous battle. uncovered the past.Then there are the subordinate officials in the Fifth Prince's Mansion. The highest subordinate officials are the fifth-rank long history, but Li Jiujiang and others are also meritorious ministers, especially Li Jiujiang. It was drawn up by Li Jiujiang and Liu Fufeng. Liu Fufeng likes rewards. Emperor Mu Yuan really didn't like Li Jiujiang's identity, so he said to the fifth prince directly, "He is a civil servant and an official in your house. Give him more land, money and silk, and live a better life in the future." Seeing that the fifth son was not happy, Emperor Mu Yuan said, "Don't make your aunt look bad." Other officials also raised their ranks , but not higher than Li Jiujiang.In addition, local officials such as Governor Su of the Tang Dynasty also received awards. Just like the previous defeat of the Marquis of Yongding in the battle, Fujian officials also suffered and fell.Jiang Xingyun also got the rank of general from the third rank, but she has no soldiers under her command, so she gets a lot of salary every year.

All in all, the court rewards are extremely generous.

Except for the fact that Li Jiujiang's award was a little thin, there was nothing wrong with it.

After the father and son finished talking about the award, the fifth prince was torturing his father again, and the two went to the Queen Mother Hu to talk about their prejudice against Xie Moru.

Xie Moru didn't feel anything about this, Xie Moru said, "The empress dowager's place is just the beginning. The empress dowager always has something to say, but in fact, I don't know how much she thinks like this. I'm afraid that I will be subject to this suspicion for the rest of my life and defense."

Empress Dowager Hu had something to spread to the outside world, Xie Mo did not keep it secret, and ordered someone to spread the word.

(End of this chapter)