"You don't know that my husband is a mantis. He is so angry that his arms are like ruts. You don't know that he is incompetent." [Zhuangzi·Human World]
According to the etiquette system for the emperor to receive princes and princes, the servants should sing loudly when the emperor stands to greet him: "The emperor is the prince of princes, princes rise!" Then Taichang, who is responsible for guiding the way, will follow beside him.
After singing a harmony, both parties greeted each other and sat down one by one.
Even when meeting the prime minister, the emperor followed this etiquette. In this era when imperial power had not yet reached its peak, the etiquette between monarchs and ministers fully reflected the emperor's respect for princes and ministers, and their corresponding status.
When Langye King Liu Xi and Yangdu Marquis Liu Miao entered the palace one after another, Deng Chang, the servant, had already stood and was ready to wait for the emperor to stand up before singing praises as usual. However, the emperor did not stand up and was still focused on what he was doing.
The cotton cloth on the top looks like the pattern on the cotton cloth is a map of mountains and rivers.
Deng Chang was a little anxious. Not only was the emperor rude, but he also failed to fulfill his duty of persuasion: "Your Majesty..."
At this time, Chen Ji had brought Liu Xi and others in. Seeing that the emperor was still sitting indifferently, the expressions of Chen Ji, Liu Xi and others changed. Liu Miao's expression was filled with horror, while Chen Ji's
Feeling a little displeased, he remonstrated bluntly: "Your Majesty, when the princes come to see you, please stand up accordingly."
The emperor seemed to have just seen them. He put down the cotton cloth in his hand and stood up slowly. Although his attitude was not scornful, it gave people a sense of contempt.
Chen Ji took a breath and did not dare to give any more forceful advice. After finishing singing praises to each other, Chen Ji frowned and retreated with an unhappy look.
"I heard that you are leaving to return to Langxie tomorrow?" The emperor raised his hand and asked Mu Shun to put away the cotton cloth on the table. He turned to Liu Xi, who looked worried and said, "Has your schedule been sorted out for Langxie?
The past kings of the country were virtuous, but in recent years there has been chaos everywhere, and the several wars between Qing and Xu did not harm the palace. Your family is much richer than the King of Huaiyang."
"Everything depends on your Majesty's virtue." Liu Xi said tremblingly: "In fact, when Yuan Tan, Lu Bu, Chang Xi and others rebelled against Kou Langxie, the country was also in chaos, and many years of savings were wiped out. Fortunately, the old house still exists.
, the seal was opened only after the situation calmed down, so that we could donate money to help the war."
The Langye Kingdom once had two capitals. The Xiao King Liu Jing once established his capital at Ju. He used great ingenuity to decorate the walls of the palaces with gold and silver. After being broken down several times, Liu Xi was able to unearth a few treasures from the old underground palace.
He offered his service when Zhu Jun entered Pei County to supervise the war.
"I heard that Yuan Tan respected you when he entered Langxie?" the emperor asked curiously.
"Wei Wei." Liu Xi sweated unconsciously on his forehead: "This is because..."
"Because you changed the reign name of 'Xingping' in the country?" the emperor replied calmly with an expressionless face.
"His Majesty!"
Their expressions changed drastically, and they both fell to the ground in panic.
They wanted to explain this, but they had no way of explaining it. At that time, Liu Shuo proclaimed himself emperor with the support of Yuan Shao, and Yuan Tan's military power was at the city. Liu Xi could not and did not dare to disobey Yuan's will. Now Liu Xi himself
Before the incident was revealed, the emperor seemed to be going over old scores. How should he respond?
Liu Miao answered on the side and said: "At that time, the situation was forced by others. Langye country had no soldiers and no soldiers. In order to protect the country's sacrifices, we had to do this. I hope your majesty will be wise!"
"How many scholars were rushing to join him at that time, let alone King Langxie? This matter really cannot be too harsh." The emperor nodded, seeming to be moved by what Liu Miao said, and he continued: "Without soldiers and soldiers, this is
It’s not that important. In the past, could the seven kingdoms of Wu and Chu be able to resist the world? What I’m afraid of is ‘intention’, Marquis Yangdu, what do you think?”
The conversation turned to Liu Miao for a moment, who was much calmer than his nephew: "Your Majesty has wisely learned that no one dares to disobey you now that the imperial power is at sea. Your Majesty implements benevolent government, and all the people are satisfied with it. This is called the will of the people. Even if there are cunning and treacherous people,
If you don't know the general trend, you will only make people laugh."
The emperor looked at Liu Miao deeply for a long time and said with emotion: "Although this is true, I am in this position, but I dare not slack off for a day."
"Your Majesty is for the benefit of the people, so running a country must be like walking on thin ice." Liu Miao flattered in a low voice.
The emperor thought for a while, then suddenly looked at Liu Miao and said: "You are still the governor of Taiyuan, governing one county and sixteen counties, with one hundred thousand households, so you must not be careless."
His words seemed to value Liu Miao very much, but he seemed to have something to say. Liu Miao came back to his senses and immediately said: "As a member of the royal family, I am also a minister. I am willing to walk horses, fill ravines, and abide by my duties for your majesty."
,How dare you disobey?"
This is quite a smart man.
The emperor thought in his heart that there were not many talented people in the clan. Currently, the only ones who hold high positions and can be used are Liu Miao and Liu Ai, the governor of Yuzhou. Different from the end of other dynasties, there were too many outstanding Liu clan members in the late Han Dynasty, and they all had their own talents.
There are talents, but they are all scattered and they fail to fully realize their true potential.
If these talented clan members can be utilized, they may be able to help the emperor carry out reforms. After all, they are not powerful families. Most of the areas of future reform will not involve them. The prerequisite is that the emperor can fully control this double blade.
The sword prevents an overly strong and prestigious leader from appearing in the clan.
The emperor does not need a morally perfect person. Although Liu Miao is not particularly talented, he has some leverage. As long as the other party is obedient...
"After the Zhengdan Dynasty, there were three counties in Youzhou, Wu Wan, and leaders of the Xianbei and other ethnic groups in Bingzhou asked to open markets for mutual trade. You have been in Bingzhou for a long time, so you should know, right?" After getting Liu Miao's exact answer, the emperor continued to ask:
"For this reason, Zhang Liao, the former general of Zhenbei, regarded the mutual trade as an enemy. He strongly opposed it and wanted to organize the army to prepare for war. However, Liu Gong agreed with it and wanted to use this to create peace on the border... What do you think?"
'Liu Gong' is Liu Yu, the governor of Bingzhou. After returning to Bingzhou, he started to deal with the civil and foreign affairs of Bingzhou again. As early as when he was the shepherd of Youzhou, he worked hard to promote the mutual trade with Karasuma outside the Great Wall and won the
Although he gained such great reputation, he also incurred the hatred of Gongsun Zan.
Later, there were no barbarians in Youzhou for several years. Liu Yu attributed this to his gentleness, but Gongsun Zan believed that it was the peace he had gained through several conquests.
Now, Zhang Liao and Liu Yu had another disagreement because of the border conflict. This time, Liu Yu's insistence was somewhat lacking in confidence, because he knew that he could not be more favored than Zhang Liao. However, Liu Yu's ideas were recognized by many people.
Many courtiers believe that it is best for the border to be quiet and have fewer disputes at the moment.
Liu Miao was well aware of the pass here. After careful consideration, he said slowly: "In my opinion, both General Zhenbei and Liu Gong are actually right. Not trading with each other is to prevent the enemy from becoming stronger; trading with each other,
It is also to avoid the scourge of war on the border."
At this time, he was still lying on the ground with his head bowed. The emperor did not wake him up, so he could only reply in this posture: "Now outside the Great Wall, Master Kebineng of Xianbei is wise and brave, but he cannot lead the ministries, so he can be said to have no worries for the time being.
Although the Wuwan tribe in the three counties is small, their people and horses are very capable, and they live close to Liaoxi and other places, so they will be in great trouble in the long run."
"You mean, Xianbei can trade with each other, but Wuwan can't trade with each other?" The emperor understood Liu Miao's meaning, which was more or less consistent with what he was thinking.
"Even for Xianbei, the tribes that are obedient can trade with them, but the tribes that are not obedient are isolated from them." Liu Miao has been in Taiyuan since he became an official, and has long been dealing with the Xiongnu and Xianbei people. Now the Huns have already changed
The Han surname, the customs of the Han Dynasty, are similar to those of the Han people. Although they are not as comfortable as before, many Huns at the bottom have enjoyed a stable life. They no longer have to worry about where to graze today, nor do they have to worry about not having food and iron tools.
The imperial court saw the Huns gradually forgetting their old identity, as did other foreigners such as Xianbei and Wuhuan. The nobles among them would not give up their privileges to live such a life, but
I envy the Huns that they had no worries about food and clothing in the Han Dynasty and were able to trade freely, but it is a fact.
"The customs outside the Great Wall are very different from those in the Central Plains. They emphasize bullying the weak and do not pay attention to benevolence, justice and morality." Liu Miao used his observations over the years, combined with a hint of speculation about the emperor, and raised his body slightly: "Central Plains grain, cloth, and ironware are
If there is a need outside the Great Wall, and a submissive tribe becomes rich because of it, other tribes will be jealous and will either lead their people to submit to the court and pray for rewards, or they will invade each other. At that time, everyone in Mobei will become disloyal and the situation will be turbulent. The court can use
After recuperating and recuperating for more than ten years, we will be able to defeat the enemy without the need for elite soldiers."
The emperor felt incredible. He was leaning casually on the table and slowly straightened his back and put his hand on the table: "You came up with all this?"
This idea is far-sighted and indeed not something that a little-known figure like Liu Miao could have come up with.
However, Liu Miao lowered his head and said firmly: "This is just a simple opinion of a foolish minister."
The emperor thought about this and his voice slowed down a bit: "In this case..." He seemed to have just seen Liu Xi, who had been kneeling on the ground and did not dare to say anything: "Everyone, get up, King Langxie."
"I promise." Liu Xi was already kneeling on the ground and his legs were sore. He didn't know what method his uncle used to make the emperor no longer pursue his past. At this time, he finally got a pardon from the emperor and hurriedly
He sat back on the table and answered.
"You belong to the clan, and now the world belongs to the Liu family. You should know more about loyalty than the scholars." The emperor said with a hint of warning: "Although King Huaiyang encountered the Yellow Turban and abandoned the country, he did not leave any traitors behind.
Now I may allow him to return to the country without punishing him too much. The same goes for you. Remembering that King Langye Xiao had a virtuous reputation in the past, major crimes can be avoided now, but small crimes cannot be escaped. Otherwise, how can he serve as a warning to others? Do you understand?"
"I promise." Liu Xi's heart skipped a beat with joy, and he suppressed the joy in his throat and responded in a low voice. He also understood a little bit of the emperor's meaning. Unfortunately, Huaiyang had a small country, and in the end not only failed to get the favor of the court,
The reward was divided into two counties. The same should be true for Langye Kingdom now. Although Liu Xigui is a vassal king and has no power to govern the people, once the land is divided, his own taxes will inevitably be weakened accordingly.
The royal family's vitality was severely damaged, how could they still cut off their flesh? For a moment, they were a little reluctant to do so.
The moment he hesitated, Liu Miao on the side eagerly helped him agree decisively: "Dongguan, Dong'an, Juxian and other places were originally Chengyang County, and were later granted the title of King's Land, and then given to Langye. During the reign of King Xiao,
Because the King's Temple in Chengyang in Ju County was frequently disturbed, the capital was later moved to Kaiyang, so that the two kings could not live together. It can be seen that Langxie and Chengyang are not compatible with each other, so please separate them now to rebuild Chengyang County."
"This matter can be discussed in the Chengming Palace." The emperor did not give a specific reply for a while, but looked at Liu Xi: "After all, it is the soil bestowed by the ancestors. King Langxie does have this intention, so he can express it by name.
Chen please."
"In the whole world, there is nothing but the royal land. I dare not have any objections. Langxie country has a vast territory and a large number of people. I am often afraid that I cannot defend myself. Now I can retreat to cultivate my virtue and protect the royal family." Liu Xi also reacted at this time.
Come over and try to make amends before the emperor.
The emperor nodded slightly, turned to Mu Shun and said, "Give the cotton here to King Langxie."
"I don't dare to be rewarded for my merits." This time Liu Xi learned the lesson and refused immediately.
"Then give it to Marquis Yangdu." The emperor didn't care who he was giving it to, it was just to show his attitude. He looked at Liu Miao with an appraising look and said: "The method just proposed by Marquis Yangdu is very feasible.
At present, Karasuma is an immediate danger and cannot be allowed to grow. However, Bu Dugen, who is entrenched in the north, has been quite submissive in recent years. He sent people to perform Hajj this year and proposed mutual trade. What I mean here is to agree to him temporarily. However, there are conditions.
It was they who withdrew from Shuofang and freed and returned the Han slaves."
Most of Bingzhou in history had been reduced to a place for barbarians to herd horses. It was not fully recovered until the unification of the Jin Dynasty. On the one hand, the Three Kingdoms were divided and their strength did not allow it. On the other hand, the Southern Huns, Xianbei and other tribes had already settled in Bingzhou.
Roots and strength are intertwined and hard to come back.
Now when the emperor was passing through Hedong, he took advantage of the rebellion of the southern Xiongnu and sent Xu Rong and Duan Xuan to sweep away the royal court in one fell swoop.
The power of Wuhuan was compressed to the north. Even Wuhuan became a subject under his rule, and he and the local government did not invade each other.
To this day, only the three counties of Shuofang, Yunzhong, and Wuyuan in Bingzhou are still under Xianbei's control. These three counties are also strategically important places. The court must take them back.
Abandon it. Fortunately, the imperial court has restored the world and is at its peak. The Southern Huns have fallen before them, and the benefits of mutual trade are behind them. Under coercion and inducement, Bu Dugen had no choice but to make concessions.
"The location of the mutual trade is limited to Meiji, and the goods for the mutual trade must also be restricted. Grain, cloth, pearls, jade and other livestock can be exchanged, and ironware and other items are not allowed to enter the market." The emperor made strict rules for the mutual trade.
Although the request has not yet been handed over to the Chengming Palace for discussion and approval, his tone is already confirmed: "The policy is set by the imperial court. You must fully supervise this matter in Bingzhou. Anyone who dares to violate it does not matter who he or she is.
Punish severely according to law!”
"I promise." The emperor's order undoubtedly placed a heavy burden on Liu Miao's shoulders. Liu Miao was relieved that he still had the value to be favored by the emperor, but he was also embarrassed by this decision: "It's just... I just
Taiyuan Governor, Meiji is under the jurisdiction of Xihe County. The two places are far apart. From now on, I have to manage the people of Taiyuan and the city of Meiji, so I am afraid it will be difficult to have both."
Liu Miao thought that the emperor would transfer him to the post of governor of Xihe. Xihe County had a vast area but few households, so he could devote enough energy to the mutual market. However, the emperor gave him an ambiguous reply: "It's not easy to manage now, but it will be in the future."