On the sixth day of October in the thirteenth year of Jian'an, Cao Cao defeated the Xiliang princes and returned to Xudu. At the same time, Liu Cong's great move also spread throughout the world!
In the Prime Minister's Mansion in Xudu, Cao Cao looked at the bamboo slips in his hand, the expression on his face kept changing, either envious, admired, or afraid...
"Having a son should be like Liu Xiye." Cao Cao put down the bamboo slips and sighed again.
Manchong below asked aloud, "Prime Minister, why don't we follow his example in reforming the system?"
Cao Cao sighed and said, "This involves too many things, including the conservative faction of the Han Dynasty, the interests of the aristocratic families, and the fact that the north does not have such abundant finances, etc. If Gu Nan succeeds, it may be feasible to unify the world."
"However, if Gu Nan succeeds, he will not come up with so many systems, clever plans, administrative departments and decrees that are beneficial to the people and the country. If Liu Cong is willing to surrender and offer advice to Gu, Gu will definitely..."
"That's all. There's no point in talking about this now. You went to Jingxiang as an envoy and met Liu Cong. Who is he?"
Man Chong recalled for a while and said, "Young, dignified, and thoughtful..." Man Chong paused at this point.
Cao Cao smiled and said, "Bo Ning, please speak frankly."
"There are so many things to think about that the Prime Minister may not be able to match."
Cao Cao laughed loudly, "Liu Jingsheng, the lord of Shoucheng, gave birth to such a terrible son. This son cannot be eliminated quickly, as he will be a source of trouble for generations to come."
Man Chong asked in confusion, "What does the Prime Minister mean?"
Cao Cao said seriously, "Compared with these, what Gu is more afraid of is Liu Cong's youth. Gu is already old, but he is maturing!"
In Jiangdong and Wu County, Ma Liang was sent as an envoy again. This time he came to propose marriage to Sun Shangxiang on behalf of Liu Cong.
"Meet Wu Hou." Ma Liang kowtowed to Sun Quan.
Sun Quan waved his hand and said, "The envoy is exempt from courtesy."
"Thank you, Marquis Wu."
Sun Quan continued, "The purpose of the envoy's visit is clear to me, and my mother has agreed. In three days, the envoy can lead his team back to Jingxiang."
"Thank you so much, Marquis Wu." Ma Liang then went to Guanyi to rest.
As for the restructuring of Jingxiang, Sun Quan didn't even ask. The only way he could secure his position in Jiangdong was to compromise with the aristocratic family and follow Liu Cong's example. Wouldn't that be courting death?
On the ninth day of October outside Wu County, the sun was shining brightly and there were no clouds in the sky. The south was already feeling a little chilly.
Wu Guotai sat in the carriage that Sun Shangxiang was driving away from, and put a mink fur on Sun Shangxiang's shoulders, "When you go to Jingzhou, you must no longer be unruly and willful. You must learn to be a woman."
After trimming Sun Shangxiang's hair on her temples, Wu Guotai smiled again, but there were already tears in her eyes, "My daughter is so beautiful. After this parting, we mother and son don't know how to see each other again. You have to give me more
A letter from mother."
"Mother..." Sun Shangxiang burst into tears for a while, burying her head in Wu Guotai's arms and crying, "Mother, I don't want to get married anymore..."
Wu Guotai touched Sun Shangxiang's hair spread on her back, "Silly daughter, how can a woman not marry?"
After the mother and daughter said goodbye, Ma Liang said goodbye to Wu Guotai and Sun Quan, and set off overland to return to Jingzhou!
If you don't take the water route, if something happens, no one will be able to take the responsibility.
On October 11th, when they arrived in Jiangxia, Liu Ba and Huo Jun brought Jiangzhou civil and military personnel to greet them. The city wall of Xiling had already been hung with red tents!
When he arrived in Xiangyang on October 13th, Liu Cong personally led the crowd and went fifty miles out of the city to greet him!
Starting from the gate of Xiangyang City, the red carpet went straight to the residence of the Marquis of Chu. Liu Cong, dressed in red, waved his hands to the people on both sides. Duan Kun behind him led the soldiers, holding a basket in his hand, and kept throwing wedding money to the people!
After arriving at the Hou Mansion, Liu Cong helped Sun Shangxiang get out of the carriage, came closer and whispered in Sun Shangxiang's ear, "Xiangxiang, you are finally here. I have been waiting for you so hard."
Hearing Liu Cong say this at this time, Sun Shangxiang's already blushing face became even more rosy. (Brides in the Han Dynasty did not cover their heads.)
"Newcomers are entering!"
Two rows of maids, who had been waiting for a long time, entered in pairs holding red candles. Liu Cong and Sun Shangxiang followed the maids' team and entered.
After entering through the large middle door of the mansion, in the main hall, Liu Biao and Mrs. Cai had been sitting here waiting for a long time. Liu Cong and Sun Shangxiang knelt in front of them.
Then he stood up, turned around, and bowed to the guests present!
Afterwards, Liu Cong and Sun Shangxiang bowed to each other.
"Let's have a wedding ceremony!"
The etiquette officer finished speaking. Liu Cong and Sun Shangxiang knelt down in front of Liu Biao and his wife again. The maid on one side handed over the tray. Liu Biao and his wife took out the wine glasses and handed them to Liu Cong and Sun Shangxiang respectively. They also said some blessings and gave each of them gifts.
"Have a shower!"
The maid brought two basins of water. Liu Cong washed his face and hands, while Sun Shangxiang only washed his hands. (When he washed his face, he washed off his makeup)
This ceremony symbolizes the beginning of a new life.
"Hello to the prisoner!"
The maid brought the fish. Liu Cong and Sun Shangxiang each picked up the fish and took a small bite. The fish was shared, which meant growing old together.
"Perform the Heyuan ceremony!"
After receiving the wine, Liu Cong poured wine into the gourd on the tray held by the maid, handed half of the gourd to Sun Shangxiang, and they drank from each other.
"Perform the ceremony of untying the knot and hair!"
Liu Cong took off the red tassels of the two men, took the scissors, cut off a strand of black silk from the two men, tied them together, and put them in the box!
"Pray for worship!"
"Worship heaven and earth!"
Liu Cong and Sun Shangxiang knelt down and worshiped heaven and earth again.
"Two thanks to Gaotang!"
Kneel down again, bow to Liu Biao and his wife, and then bow to the east, towards the direction of Jiangdong.
"Couple greetings!"
The two stood up and bowed to each other again.
"Send it to the bridal chamber!"
Liu Cong and Sun Shangxiang entered the bridal chamber surrounded by maids.
Sun Shangxiang was waiting here, while Liu Cong wanted to go out to entertain the guests. The maid was present, and on the wedding day, Liu Cong didn't mess around. He saluted Sun Shangxiang and went out.
After leaving the courtyard, Liu Cong walked towards the front hall.
When everyone saw Liu Cong returning, they all stood up to congratulate him, "Congratulations, my lord, on your wedding!"
"Congratulations to my lord on your wedding!"
Liu Cong smiled and returned the greeting. Today there is no distinction between host and minister, only host and guest.
All the gifts given by the guests were recorded on the gift list, and Liu Cong only had to drink with the guests.
Pang Tong's dark face was full of smiles, "My lord is getting married today, Pang Tong can give me a plan to ensure my peace in the future?"
Liu Cong asked in confusion, "What peace?"
Pang Tong continued, "My lord, Mrs. Sun is notoriously unruly. If you let her know that you had three women before her, you must not..."
"Hahaha..." The guests around heard the words and laughed.
Liu Cong shuddered in the laughter. If Sun Shangxiang knew...
Grabbing Pang Tong's arm, Liu Cong looked at Pang Tong pleading for help, "Shi Yuan, help me!"
Pang Tong chuckled and said, "My lord, now that things have come to this, there is only one plan. Admit your mistake and beg for mercy!"
"Hahaha..." Pang Tong's words once again caused everyone around him to laugh.
Liu Cong was not angry either. Today is a great day, so he should celebrate like this, "You Pang Shiyuan, how dare you make fun of me. I want to have a drinking contest with you!"
"I will accompany my lord!"
Every civil servant and military general had a drink with Liu Cong, and Liu Cong refused to accept anyone who came. When it was Xu Feng's turn, he blessed Liu Cong, "General, congratulations to my lord. I wish my lord and his wife to grow old together and have a son soon!"
Liu Cong put his arm around Xu Feng's shoulders and said, "Hey, Shanrong, it's a happy day today, please relax. In a few days, I won't be busy anymore and I'll look for a wife for you. It's time for you to get married. Your mother wants to
It’s crazy to think about having a grandchild.”
Xu Feng smiled naively and said, "Thank you so much, my lord."
Liu Cong punched him in the chest and continued to toast with the others.