novel-bin Chapter 284 What should I do?
Chapter 284 What should I do?
Chapter 284 What should I do?
The fifth year of Yonghan, the end of April.
Changle Palace.
This day was very lively because it was the birthday of Empress Dowager He's mother, Wuyang Jun, who was also Liu Bian's grandmother.
Lord Wuyang He, who had been driven out of Luoyang for five years, and his son, former General He Miao and their families were allowed to return to Luoyang and appeared in the side hall where Empress Dowager He celebrated Lord Wuyang's birthday.
Not only them, Cai Wenji with Liu Shao and Cai Wenji's father Cai Yong, Tang Ji with Liu Yu, Liu Jing and her father Tang Mao, etc. were also here.
The whole family was talking and laughing, with none of the tension they had in the past, and they were very happy.
Before long, the men and women were together, watching the singing and dancing, listening to the music, whispering to each other, clinking glasses, and having a great time.
The only one missing was Liu Bian.
Liu Bian naturally would not appear in Changle Palace at this time.
"Where am I going to be? How disappointing!"
In the back hall of Chongde Hall, Liu Bian was flipping through the memorial and talking to Kong Rong in front of him with a smile.
Kong Rong is tall and fat, and looks very wealthy, but he also has a scholarly air, which creates a very strong contrast.
Listening to Liu Bian's words, Kong Rong said with a smile: "I believe that the Queen Mother and Lord Wuyang both hope that Your Majesty can come in person."
Liu Bian raised his eyelids, looked at him, and smiled without saying a word.
This Minister of Rites was different from the previous two. Cai Yong was keen on showing off and only did things that could make him famous. Bian Rang, on the other hand, preferred to "do his own research" and handed over all the affairs of the Ministry of Rites to his subordinates.
And Kong Rong, also a great scholar of his time, seemed somewhat "smooth".
Liu Bian had seen through these court officials long ago, so he would not be fooled by appearances. What he was looking at in his hand was the plan for this year's "Autumn Examination" submitted by Kong Rong.
Kong Rong took everything into consideration. He sent letters not only to the Imperial College and Hongdumen School, but also to aristocratic families and private schools in various places, half persuading and half recruiting them, asking them to come to Luoyang to participate in the "Autumn Examination" and serve as talents for the court.
Liu Bian read it carefully and nodded slightly.
Kong Rong finally got something done, and it was much better than he expected.
He then picked up the next one, only to frown at the sight of it.
Seeing this, Kong Rong hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, since ancient times, when a great country prospered, it always changed the era name to respond to the will of heaven. Now that our great Han Dynasty is on the verge of revival, we should change the era name to respond to the will of heaven."
Liu Bian looked at him again. The memorial in his hand was basically empty words and big talk, full of profound truths quoted from classics.
But Liu Bian said nothing.
Because he remembered that this year was the year before Jian'an in history.
On this day in history, Cao Cao had brought Liu Xie to Xuchang, and Luoyang became the 'old capital'.
"Change the era name?"
Liu Bian pondered, weighing the gains and losses in his mind.
Changing the era name does have many benefits. It is a revelation of a new era, a farewell to the old and the beginning of a new era.
"Change it."
Liu Bian thought about it again and again, then nodded and said, "The Taichang Temple will select a few and report to the Shangshutai before submitting them."
"I obey your command." Kong Rong said happily.
Since Kong Rong took over, he had only a few opportunities to enter the palace. As the head of the Nine Ministers, the status of the Minister of Rites was declining, which made Kong Rong quite worried, fearing that he would follow the same fate as his two predecessors.
After Liu Bian finished dealing with these matters, he sat up with a smile and said, "Mr. Kong and Mr. Zhu have reported illness, and the court is planning to appoint Sima Fang as the governor of Qingzhou. What do you think?"
Kong Rong was startled, thought about it carefully, and said, "I will obey your order."
Liu Bian picked up the teacup, took a sip, and said, "Then let's settle it. You came from Beihai, what do you think of the situation in Qingzhou?"
Kong Rong's face suddenly became serious. He raised his hand and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, the situation in Qingzhou is complicated. We have to suppress bandits every day. It's endless. The people are suffering. If this continues, I'm afraid there will be a disaster!"
Liu Bian held the teacup, thinking a lot.
Among the northern states, Qingzhou is the most unstable.
It's just a time bomb, and no one knows when it will explode.
Cao Cao forced nearly a million Yellow Turbans to surrender, and then forced them to cultivate land and temporarily settle them. But this was not a long-term solution. Once natural disasters or man-made disasters occurred, these people would swarm up again and sweep across Qingzhou.
Once Qingzhou falls, the neighboring Xu, Yan, Ji and You states will not be spared and will return overnight, even more seriously than before.
The only way was for the imperial court to provide relief and help them through the most difficult times.
This is the responsibility and obligation of the court.
Unfortunately, the Han imperial court was impoverished and could not even support itself, making it difficult to allocate money and grain for relief. It could only rely on the Qingzhou government or the aristocratic families to barely maintain itself.
This is also not a long-term solution!
"I understand."
For a long while, Liu Bian could only answer Kong Rong with such dry words.
Seeing Liu Bian's stiff expression, Kong Rong hesitated to speak.
He knew the situation in Qingzhou and understood the difficulties faced by the imperial court.
This is an unsolvable problem - at least for now.
"Is there anything else?" Liu Bian picked up the teacup again and asked before drinking.
Kong Rong restrained his emotions and said hesitantly, "Your Majesty, the Prime Minister has retired for many days, and the position of Shangshutai is vacant. Should we select a Prime Minister?"
After Yang Biao left, Liu Bian delayed issuing an edict, so Xun Yu, who had long been recognized as the next prime minister, was unable to take office.
The Secretariat will be temporarily served by You Pushe Zhong Yao.
"Is there anything else?" Liu Bian asked again.
Kong Rong hesitated even more, and said, "Your Majesty, if Xun Shangshu is the Prime Minister, the position of Minister of Household Affairs will be vacant. If Xun Shangshu of the Personnel Department and Sima Shangshu of the Criminal Department are promoted to the Secretariat, the positions of Minister of Personnel and Minister of Criminal Affairs will be vacant. In addition, the position of Minister of Military Affairs has been vacant for nearly half a year..."
Before he finished speaking, Pan Yin came in hurriedly and said, "Your Majesty, the Queen Mother invites you over."
Liu Bian stood up upon hearing this and said to Kong Rong, "I have already considered these matters. Please go and see Zhong Qingjia later and ask him to sort out the 'new policy'."
Kong Rong was a little confused about the meaning, but seeing Liu Bian walking out, he could only respond.
Liu Bian left the back hall and asked, "Is it really my mother who wants me to come over?"
Pan Yin hesitated and said, "Yes."
Liu Bian looked back at him and asked, "What happened?"
Pan Yin looked around and said, "The First Prince and the Second Prince have been arguing in Changle Palace. The Empress Dowager is having a headache, so she can only ask Your Majesty to go over there."
Liu Bian was surprised and asked, "You mean Shao'er and Yu'er? What are they fighting about?"
Liu Shao is a taciturn guy who always keeps quiet. What would he argue with Liu Yu about?
Pan Yin lowered his head and said, "You will know when your Majesty arrives."
Liu Bian became more and more confused and could not help but quicken his pace.
When we arrived at Changle Palace, we found that the singing and dancing had stopped long ago, and there was no string music. The hall was full of people, but it was quite quiet.
Only Cai Wenji and Tang Ji were persuading the two little guys, while Empress Dowager He sat aside with a headache on her face.
When everyone saw Liu Bian coming in, they all bowed and said, "Your Majesty, we are here to see you."
Empress Dowager He frowned, looking helpless and irritated, and said, "Come and persuade those two rascals. I can't control them anymore."
Liu Bian waved his hand and came closer. He looked at Liu Shao, put his hand in Liu Yu's arms, pursed his lips, and his little face was quite stubborn.
Liu Yu covered his arms tightly and pressed Liu Shao's hands, as if pressing something.
Tang Ji and Cai Wen Ji greeted Liu Bian with worried expressions and dared not say a word.
Liu Bian remained calm, approached and said with a smile, "Look at you two, you have ruined a good birthday party. Stop it and apologize to Lord Wuyang."
Wuyang Jun He supported He Miao and smiled stiffly. She wanted to say something but didn't say it.
Liu Yu, however, looked up and said coquettishly to Liu Bian, "Father, I lost my jade pendant, and my brother found it, but he refused to return it to me and even tried to steal it away."
Empress Dowager He interrupted and said, "Isn't it just a jade pendant? I asked Shao'er to give it to him, but he refused."
Liu Bian looked at Liu Shao and asked, "Did you steal it?"
Liu Shao didn't say anything, just stared at Liu Yu, holding the jade pendant in Liu Yu's arms tightly with both hands, not letting go at all.
"Father!"
Liu Yu suddenly shouted at Liu Bian: "My brother has agreed. This jade pendant is mine."
Liu Bian was very annoyed by Liu Shao's sullen character, and he remembered what Yang Biao said before he left, and frowned and said, "Give me the jade pendant."
"No!"
To the surprise of Liu Bian and everyone else, Liu Shao actually refuted Liu Bian's words, and was extremely straightforward.
Liu Bian frowned more and more, put his hands behind his back and said, "Say it again!"
Liu Shao pursed his lips tightly, his face showing anger and resentment, but he held the jade pendant even tighter with his hands.
"what……"
Liu Yu suddenly cried out and said to Liu Bian, "Father, my brother hurt me. The doctor gave me acupuncture yesterday."
Liu Bian became a little annoyed and stretched out his hand to forcibly separate the two.
Liu Shao stepped back, holding the jade pendant tightly in his hand.
Liu Yu stretched out his hands and shouted unwillingly: "Father, my jade pendant..."
Seeing this, Cai Wenji quickly pulled Liu Shao behind her and said with a stiff face, "Your Majesty, there are many jade pendants like this. Perhaps, perhaps the Second Prince has made a mistake..."
Tang Ji quickly followed and said, "Sister is right, Your Majesty, Yu'er must have seen it wrong. I will go back and find him a piece. Don't be angry."
Cai Yong, Tang Mao and others who were not far away did not dare to say a word and their faces were full of worry.
As the two princes grew up, although the dispute over the crown prince was not overt, the rivalry in secret never stopped.
However, no one knew what the attitude of the emperor in front of them was. With Wang Yun in front of them, few people dared to mention the matter of "establishing a crown prince".
Liu Bian took in everyone's expressions, and said to Liu Shao expressionlessly, "Give me the jade pendant."
Liu Shao looked at Liu Bian, put the jade pendant behind his back, his eyes filled with tears, his little face stubborn, and he didn't say a word.
Liu Bian became angry and walked over and snatched the jade pendant from his hand.
The little fellow resisted fiercely, holding on to the jade pendant with all his might.
But he couldn't beat Liu Bian, so he had to carry Liu Bian on his back and take it away.
Looking at the jade pendant, Liu Bian's brows were twisted into a "川" shape. Seeing Liu Shao staring at him, tears were about to come out, but he remained stubborn and said nothing.
Liu Bian felt even angrier.
"Yuer, Yuer..."
Suddenly, Tang Ji shouted urgently.
Liu Bian looked back and saw Liu Yu suddenly fall to the ground, his face pale and unconscious.
Liu Bian was startled, and hurriedly picked up Liu Yu and ran inside, shouting, "Call the doctor!"
Everyone was thrown into chaos by Liu Yu's sudden fainting.
Liu Yu had been in poor health since childhood, especially in winter, when he was particularly ill.
Winter is not far away yet, and everyone is worried.
Only Liu Shao was standing there silently, tears falling from his eyes.
He didn't wipe it off, but just sobbed in grievance, even trying to suppress the sound.
In the side hall.
Liu Bian only breathed a sigh of relief after the doctor diagnosed that there was nothing serious.
Tang Ji was wiping her tears, feeling extremely distressed.
Empress Dowager He put aside her worries, dismissed today's birthday banquet, and arranged for everyone to stay or leave the palace.
Liu Bian sat at the head of the bed, looking at the unconscious little guy, then looked down at the jade pendant in his hand, and couldn't help but sigh.
Not long after, the prepared medicine was brought over and Liu Bian fed it to Liu Yu himself. When he saw that Liu Yu's complexion had improved, he quietly left.
Tang Ji was stunned. In the past, when Liu Yu was sick, Liu Bian would never leave his side and stay by his side for several hours.
Liu Bian left Changle Palace and stroked the jade pendant in his hand, his mind in turmoil for a long time.
In the past, he always felt that Emperor Wu of Han and Emperor Taizong of Tang deposed and enthroned the crown prince because they were arrogant and blindly self-confident, which led to disasters such as deposing and enthroning the crown prince, and sowed the seeds for all kinds of disasters in the future.
Today's scene made Liu Bian wake up.
Even though he has read some history books, he is still an ordinary person after all. Who can be "enlightened" and see through all the truth and falsehood when he is in the middle of a situation?
Liu Bian walked slowly, with a lot of thoughts in his mind.
They are all his children, and Liu Bian doesn’t want any of them to suffer any injustice. He feels distressed if they catch a cold or something.
They are just children now, fighting for a jade pendant. But they will grow up and face the greatest temptation in the world. How will they fight for it?
'Can I take good care of them?'
Liu Bian couldn't help but think to himself.
That was something that neither Emperor Wu of Han nor Emperor Taizong of Tang could do.
Unconsciously, Liu Bian walked back to Chongde Hall. He did not go in, but lifted his robe, sat on the steps, and quietly looked at the hall and the sky in front of him.
After repeated pondering and deduction, the internal strife disasters of all dynasties flashed before Liu Bian's eyes.
After a long while, Liu Bian whispered, "Dian Wei, what do you think? Should I appoint a crown prince?"
The tall Dian Wei was stunned for a moment, and said, "If your majesty thinks it is right, then it should be established."
Liu Bian took a deep breath and said, "Pan Yin, bring Shao'er here."
Pan Yin didn't know what the outcome of today's "dispute" would be. He responded with uneasiness in his heart and sent someone to Yongning Palace to invite Liu Shao.
It didn't take long before Cai Wenji brought Liu Shao to the Chongde Hall.
Cai Wenji looked at Liu Bian sitting on the steps and her face turned slightly pale.
She had been with Liu Bian for nearly six years and knew this man's temperament very well. He would only "lose his temper" like this when faced with something difficult to decide.
Liu Shao was unaware of this. He came to Liu Bian's side, raised his hand and saluted politely, saying, "Your Highness, your son greets you."
Liu Bian turned his head and saw that his face was still wet with tears. He also glimpsed Cai Wenji. He groaned, took the little guy in his arms, sat in his arms, and asked, "The jade pendant is obviously yours, why don't you explain?"
The little guy just looked at Liu Bian, silent and silent, with a look of grievance and stubbornness on his little face.
Liu Bian waited for a long time, sighed in his heart, took out the jade pendant from his arms, handed it to him, and said: "This jade pendant, father has seen it on the prime minister's waist countless times, and he knew at first sight that it was given to you by him. At that time, you only need to say that it was given to you by the prime minister, and nothing will happen. Why don't you say it?"
The little fellow looked at the jade pendant and wanted to reach out to take it, but pulled his hand back halfway.
Liu Bian looked at him and refused to say anything for a long time, which made him feel a little headache.
What exactly is the reason that made Liu Shao develop such a personality?
What made Liu Bian even more irritated was:
His two sons, one is taciturn and the other is frail and sickly.
Neither of these two people is a suitable candidate to inherit the throne.
Liu Bian looked back at Cai Wenji again, and then thought of Tang Ji.
In the past few years, neither of them has gotten pregnant again, and it is not clear why.
"Should I enrich my harem and train more trumpets?"
This thought popped up in Liu Bian's mind, but he immediately shook it off. He hugged Liu Shao, smiled and stuffed the jade pendant into his hand, saying: "In the future, when you encounter something, you must argue with reason and don't keep silent, otherwise you will suffer the injustice today, understand?"
The little fellow held the jade pendant in his hand, and his tense face slowly relaxed. There was more warmth in his eyes as he looked at Liu Bian, but he still didn't say a word.
Liu Bian waited for a long time and couldn't help but look up at the sky.
This is how to do ah?