Hanhai Jiedushi did not dare to hide it and quickly sent people to Chang'an to plead guilty.
Han Shitou remembered that the emperor's expression was a bit strange that day, as if he was happy but also disdainful.
"That traitor learned my methods, but used them in the wrong place!"
The emperor said disdainfully.
Looking back, he asked: "Where are the escorts?"
Han Shitou said: "The escort returned after hearing the news and pursued them into Luoluo territory. There is no news yet."
"Tell me when they come back."
Someone must take responsibility for the prince's provocation against the emperor.
The general from Western Xinjiang who was escorting King Guangling in relay has been captured, and the emperor ordered him to be exiled to southern Xinjiang.
As for Yang Xuan and others, although they are not directly responsible, the emperor's anger has always been blanket-like.
The news didn't spread!
Han Shitou would take out the stone and recite it silently every day.
But paper cannot contain the fire!
It was Zhou Ning who first noticed something was wrong.
"Go and ask..." Zhou Ning calculated the time. Even if Yang Xuan found a concubine in Western Xinjiang, he should be back, but where is this person?
Yi Niang comforted her and said, "Madam, don't worry. Even if your husband goes to the ends of the earth, he will still remember the way home."
Zhou Ning: "..."
She then went to find her father.
Zhou Zun comforted his daughter, "I was probably delayed on the road. If something happened, the news would have been here long ago!"
Zhou Ning felt relieved.
But the old father was confused.
"Why haven't you come back yet?"
The departure of King Guangling was silent for Chang'an. The people talked about it for a while, and then it was replaced by the new gossip.
Zhou Zun made some connections and got some unusual news.
"The guards over the prince's side are getting tighter."
"when?"
"Just half a month ago!"
Zhou Zun's heart skipped a beat and he said goodbye calmly.
When he returned home, he told Zhou Qin about the incident.
"Half a month ago...if there was no delay on the way to Zitai, he would arrive in Chang'an later."
Zhou Qin said angrily: "This is probably something that happened, and it's related to the prince. This family... just said that they are not allowed to get involved! A bunch of beasts!"
Zhou Zun smiled bitterly, "Ah Ye, why are you talking about this now? We can't watch Aning become a widow, right?"
"remarry!"
Zhou Qin was very stubborn, but he turned around and used his old connections to find out the news.
"Something happened! King Guangling ran away."
"Who lost it?"
"Western Xinjiang Army, but your grandson-in-law cannot escape the emperor's wrath!"
Zhou Qin called his son over with a cold face.
"The prince had already planned to kidnap King Guangling, and your son-in-law chased him."
"That's your grandson-in-law too!" Zhou Zun took pleasure in his misery.
"This is a troublesome matter." Zhou Qin wanted to scold him, "A family of beasts has caused trouble to cause trouble for others. Think of a way to exonerate him."
"It has nothing to do with him, the emperor is just venting his anger!"
"Angry? I still remember the emperor's scandals, damn it! If he dares to arouse his anger, he will leave immediately!" Zhou Qin frowned, his eyes became triangular, as if an old snake was spitting messages at the palace.
Zhou Zun thought for a long time, "Send someone to pick up Zitai and ask him to pretend to be sick!"
"That's right." Zhou Qin nodded, "By the way, keep it secret from Aning!"
Zhou Zun smiled bitterly, "Aning is smart, I'm afraid I can't hide it."
The matter was shelved just like that.
As winter approaches, envoys from various states arrive in Chang'an one after another carrying gifts.
The emperor received them enthusiastically and opened their eyes.
As the chief director, the emperor created a song and dance called the Feather Clothes Song.
The dance was beautiful, and the envoys expressed that the emperor's kindness had opened their eyes, and they would spread the word of the emperor's kindness when they returned home.
Liu Qing had no interest in so-called dancing, and there was a carriage waiting for him outside. Thinking of this, Liu Qing rubbed his waist with his backhand.
After leaving the imperial city, someone stopped him.
"Huang Xianggong calls you."
Liu Qing turned around and saw Huang Chunhui walking slowly, flanked by Zhang Huan, the governor of Southern Xinjiang.
Next to Zhang Huan is the imperial concubine's adopted son, the recently popular general Shi Zhongtang.
"I've met your two gentlemen." Liu Qing saluted.
Zhang Huan nodded, "Do you want to go to southern Xinjiang? If you want to go, you can lead the army to fight full-time."
Liu Qing's heart moved slightly. He didn't think Zhang Huan would say this for no reason. There was only one possibility. Huang Chunhui mentioned him.
Liu Qing said: "Xiaguan is used to the bitter cold in northern Xinjiang."
Zhang Huan smiled and said, "Slave Yunshan, do you want to go to Northern Xinjiang?"
Shi Zhongtang said respectfully: "I only want to serve my husband in southern Xinjiang."
It is efficiency, not service. This loyalty is a bit explicit, but it is a reality that the Jiedushi is in charge of one side and is close to the earth emperor.
"Ha ha ha ha!"
Zhang Huan laughed and said, "Old Huang, you are getting old."
These words are somewhat provocative.
Huang Chunhui drooped his eyes, "In southern Xinjiang, I and my men could defeat the rebels in the second half of the year. You, maybe?"
At this moment, the surrounding Northern Xinjiang officials were all refreshed.
Zhang Huan's expression remained as usual, "You are not ashamed to speak so boldly!"
The two most important places in the Tang Dynasty were Northern Xinjiang and Southern Xinjiang, and the two sides were secretly competing with each other.
Huang Chunhui said calmly: "If you want to talk nonsense, I don't have time. If you want to compete, I will accompany you."
Zhang Huan smiled and then left with the officials and generals of southern Xinjiang.
Huang Chunhui coughed dryly, "His Majesty met with me and Zhang Huan alone before. When he mentioned Northern Xinjiang and Southern Xinjiang, he said that our Northern Xinjiang was able to suppress the Northern Liao Dynasty, and our contribution was not small."
Everyone couldn't help but laugh.
"Then came the southern Xinjiang, and the suppression of the rebels was also quite good."
This is a check and balance... Liu Qing whispered: "Zhang Huan did it on purpose?"
Old Liu is good... Huang Chunhui nodded, "If he doesn't say anything, I will have to start a fight with him. Remember, Northern Xinjiang and Southern Xinjiang cannot merge, let alone be harmonious!"
"yes."
Everyone was awestruck.
"Old Liu!" Huang Chunhui called Liu Qing to his side. He walked slowly and smiled and nodded when he met an acquaintance, as friendly and ordinary as the old man next door.
"His Majesty revealed some intention of changing generals today and dislikes me for getting old."
"Xiangong is not old." Liu Qing said: "Jiedushi does not need to be amazing in cultivation, what is important is strategy. Northern Xinjiang is indispensable for Xianggong."
If Huang Chunhui is away, who will take over?
Liao Jin's prestige is currently not enough to suppress Northern Xinjiang. If he takes over rashly, trouble may occur. If Bei Liao takes advantage of the situation and attacks, Northern Xinjiang will be in danger.
Couldn't the emperor see this situation?
Liu Qing thought it was impossible. The emperor was good at playing political tricks, and Northern Xinjiang was the most important thing of the Tang Dynasty. If anything could not go wrong, how could he dare to despise it?
Zhang Chumao's last plan to appoint the governor of Northern Xinjiang failed. Afterwards, the big bosses in Northern Xinjiang concluded that this was the emperor's plan. This shows that the emperor is not confused and will not make fun of the country.
Huang Chunhui said: "This is a hint."
Liu Qing understood. What the emperor meant was, how long can you, Old Huang, continue to work?
"I said... I am willing to die in Northern Xinjiang!"
Liu Qing did not feel sad, but instead felt heroic, "Mr. Mighty!"
Huang Chunhui rubbed his cold hands and said with a smile: "When Your Majesty has this idea, he will definitely look at Northern Xinjiang and adjust his manpower if possible."
This is inevitable.
"But I am worried after all." Huang Chunhui sighed: "To say something taboo..."
The surrounding Northern Xinjiang officials immediately looked around with vigilance.
Liu Qing thought that this kind of northern Xinjiang seemed a little incompatible with Chang'an!
"I am old and my family are all in Chang'an. How could your Majesty doubt me?" Huang Chunhui was amused by the reaction of his officials.
"Mr. Sir, it's better to be careful."
Huang Chunhui was noncommittal, "Those people whom Your Majesty values now are not very capable, but they can be good people."
This is a veiled criticism.
——Most of the people the emperor likes are sycophants who only know how to flatter. If such people go to Northern Xinjiang, they will be a disaster.
"No one knows the importance of Northern Xinjiang to the Tang Dynasty better than me. That place! If you hire the wrong person, you will be doomed!"
Once Northern Xinjiang is corrupted, Bei Liao will fight fiercely. Without the barrier of Northern Xinjiang, what can Chang'an do to stop Bei Liao's iron hoof?
“Be prepared for a rainy day.”
Huang Chunhui looked at Liu Qing, "Do you want to come to Taoxian?"
Taoxian... Liu Qing was startled, "But who did Chenzhou leave to?"
Huang Chunhui smiled and said, "There will always be people. There will be a banquet in the palace later, you and I will go."
Everyone looked at Liu Qing with envy, knowing that Huang Chunhui wanted to recommend Liu Qing to the emperor in person.
"Thank you sir."
After returning to the station, someone was waiting.
"I have met Mr. Huang and Mr. Liu."
"Yiniang?"
Liu Qing recognized Yi Niang and introduced her, "Ms. sir, this is the female steward of Zitai's family."
Huang Chunhui raised his eyes and glanced at Yi Niang, "Where is Zitai? After leaving Beijiang, you won't come to see me?"
Liu Qing said: "I went to look for him and found out that he sent King Guangling to Western Xinjiang but did not return."
Lao Liu is really nice to your husband!
Yi Niang spared the need to explain, "Lang Jun told me before he left that everyone from Northern Xinjiang would come to Chang'an at the end of the year, so I prepared some gifts. If anyone needs help, just give me instructions."
Well done, little guy!
Liu Qing secretly approved in his heart!
The so-called gifts are some specialties from Chang'an, not many, but well prepared.
Later, Yi Niang returned home.
"Sent it away?"
"yes!"
Yi Niang said: "Lang Jun has forgotten this matter."
It was Zhou Ning's order to give gifts.
Zhou Ning said: "Zitai is not around, so we have to organize this kind of entertainment. He really wants to go to Northern Xinjiang and send some gifts. Huang Xianggong and the others don't say it, but they will be very considerate in their hearts."
Yi Niang nodded, feeling that Lang Jun had married the wrong person.
"There are still some people who have to give gifts. Zitai also has some friendship with Luo Shangshu of the Ministry of Civil Affairs. However, Luo Cai is an upright person. There is no need to give expensive things. He just gives some food prepared at home, such as meat and chicken. Zitai made a lot of them.
?Go back and get some to send to the Luo family."
Yi Niang responded one by one, and when she walked out of the room, the corners of her mouth turned up.
Your Majesty, your husband has found a good wife!
This must be your protection.
…
In the afternoon, Liu Qing followed Huang Chunhui into the palace.
The emperor was very busy and could not meet officials from various places one by one. However, he had to meet with important officials such as the Jiedushi of Northern and Southern Xinjiang alone and inquire about the local situation.
The two entered the palace, but the emperor did not come. Several chamberlains stood there looking very stiff.
"Your Majesty has arrived."
The emperor came in with a smile, and Huang Chunhui and the others saluted.
Han Shitou said: "Let's have a banquet."
The food and wine were served, the emperor drank a glass of wine, and then it was time for conversation.
"How about Beiliao?"
"Your Majesty, Beiliao is very peaceful this year."
"Why?"
"It is said that the Liao Emperor had an extra prince, and for this reason he granted a general amnesty to the whole world."
"This is good news!" The emperor seemed nonchalant, but Liu Qing felt that he was observing him.
"Your Majesty, Northern Xinjiang still lacks armor, weapons, money and food." Taking this opportunity, Huang Chunhui expressed his bitterness.
"Some soldiers' armor and uniforms are not neat and tidy. If a war comes, Your Majesty, I will be worried..."
Huang Chunhui had drooped eyelids, but he could easily observe the emperor without being scolded by Han Shitou for being rude.
Therefore, this is also the source of disaster and blessing.
The emperor said calmly: "I will speak for the soldiers of Northern Xinjiang at the Ministry of Revenue."
If an ignorant person heard this, he would probably be very grateful. But Huang Chunhui heard too many promises like this. He coughed dryly and said, "Your Majesty, Beiliao has not moved this year, but I am afraid that there will be a big move next year."
The emperor smiled and said, "As you said, it just so happens that I have a talented person here, Shitou."
Han Shitou walked out and when he came back in, an official followed behind him.
"Jia He, the general secretary, has met Huang Xianggong."
Jia He is in his thirties and looks quite gentle.
The emperor said: "Jia He also has some insights in northern Xinjiang."
Huang Chunhui was the governor of Northern Xinjiang. If the officials appointed by the emperor did not communicate with him, it would be a sign of falling out of favor. Huang Chunhui was smart and should hurry up and get rid of his remains.
So today the emperor took this opportunity to introduce Jia He to give face to Huang Chunhui, an old minister.
But Tongshi Sheren is an official of the East Palace. Now that the prince is almost under house arrest, it is natural that the emperor's people should withdraw.
Huang Chunhui smiled and said, "I am all ears."
Jia He seemed to have done a lot of homework, and he explained the situation in northern Xinjiang clearly and clearly.
He talked for a long time.
Huang Chunhui drank half a bottle of wine and finally couldn't help but interrupt him, "I would like to ask, what is your opinion on the current situation in Northern Xinjiang?"
Jia He said: "I believe that Northern Xinjiang should be guarded at the moment, but if Northern Liao jumps over the border, we should send out troops to fight!"
This means that you can advance, attack, retreat and defend, which can be said to be watertight.
Huang Chunhui sighed: "He is a talent!"
The emperor wants to lose one of his own people in northern Xinjiang, what can he say?
But at least you lost a reliable one!
Fortunately, Tongshi Shiren's grade was not high. The emperor probably wanted to put people in place first. After he retired, Jiahe should have accumulated some qualifications, and he would be promoted and reused at that time.
The emperor was in a good mood and immediately raised his glass.
Huang Chunhui smiled until his glass was dry.
Liu Qing frowned. He knew that Huang Chunhui was in poor health and drinking this way was not appropriate.
But he couldn't persuade.
Later, Huang Chunhui got very drunk.
"Here, help Huang Qing."
Huang Chunhui was carried out of the imperial city.
After returning to the station, Liu Qing quickly asked someone to get hangover soup. Just when he was about to ask someone to call a doctor, Huang Chunhui retched and said, "No!"
Liu Qing covered his forehead and said, "This official is confused."
The emperor gave you a banquet as a favor, but when you came back from the banquet, you asked for a doctor. What does that mean?
vomit!
Huang Chunhui vomited heartbreakingly.
For a long time, he lay on the couch and gasped: "It's ready."
Liu Qing whispered: "My husband's body..."
Huang Chunhui sighed, "There has to be someone to support me. I have Liao Jin here, but Liao Jin needs a helper. A meal of wine in exchange for a helping hand is worth it!"