Everyone loves Huo Qubing

The evening glow reflected the afterglow of the setting sun into the South Chamber of Ganquan Palace, and the servants lit up lights around it.

"It's been hard work for you, dear friends. The next period will be very busy, please prepare yourself mentally." Under the crown of Tongtian, the emperor glanced at the courtiers in front of him, "Why don't you see Zhang Ou?"

"Returning to Your Majesty, Zhang Yushi is seriously ill and may not be able to endure the long journey. This is his resignation letter, which he asked his minister to convey on his behalf. Please read it over." Prime Minister Xue Ze handed the brocade silk to the eunuch.

"I really know how to choose time." The emperor shook the brocade and glanced back and forth, "It's just right, dear friends, tell me, do you have a recommended replacement for the position of Doctor Yushi?"

Xue Ze hesitated for a moment, then clasped his hands and replied, "Your Majesty mentioned Zuo Nei Shigong Sun Hong before. In my opinion, this man is knowledgeable and flexible. You can give it a try."

Prime Minister Xue hadn't finished his sentence, Ji'an, the right internal clerk, hurried out of the line, and took two steps forward: "Your Majesty, since ancient times, people in Qi have been deceitful, and Gongsun Honggong is scheming, duplicity, jealous of the virtuous and capable, and seeking fame, Your Majesty." If such a person is appointed as the imperial censor, where will there be any place for worthy ministers and generals in the court in the near future?"

The hall was unusually quiet, the candles were brightly lit, and the emperor's sharp gaze was circling around the two courtiers who came out.The Jiuqing who dared to contradict the three princes in court was none other than the old Mr. Ji Changru.

"Ji Aiqing, if you don't try it, how will you know if it's suitable? Now that the affairs are complicated and time is urgent, let Gongsun Hong take over for a while to see. If Ji Aiqing thinks that there is something wrong with Gongsunhong's work, go to him face to face. Bring it up, you don’t need to report it to me.”

***

"That's great. Your Majesty has issued an edict to amnesty the world. Uncle doesn't have to worry about Guo Xiashi anymore." I took the reins from my second uncle.The dusty General Wei just rushed back from the Gaoque barracks, and he couldn't see the Queen Mother for the last time.

"Yeah, when he's all right, we have to invite him to the house as a guest to celebrate." After so many days, the second uncle finally showed a long-lost smile, blowing away like a ray of breeze from Luliang Mountain. To the summer heat.He looked around the racecourse, "How is your 'Xueqi' doing? Why didn't you see it?"

"I came here in His Majesty's carriage, but I left in a hurry and didn't take it with me." I handed the bay red horse to the eunuch to tie it up, clapped my hands, and turned around and said, "Don't worry, uncle, the groom in our mansion is trained by you, a talented horse breeder." Out of the first class and the best players, Xue Qi has been gaining weight, much stronger than when she was in the princess mansion, it will be fine if she puts it in Weiyang Palace for ten and a half months."

"Smelly boy, your mouth is really sweet." The second uncle laughed for a while, then stopped and asked me, "How about you, how are you doing recently? Are you busy here in Ganquan Palace? Are you tired?"

"Me? Just wander around behind His Majesty all day, how can I be tired."

"Wandering around?" The second uncle raised his eyebrows.

"Uh, it's basically like this. Xue Ze and Gongsun Hong are in the government, you and uncle are in the army, and Dongfang Shuo and Zhu Maichen are in the funeral ceremony. I just need to be with him. These are His Majesty's exact words." I argued. road.Speaking of the army, I changed the subject, "By the way, uncle, is there going to be another war in the north? I heard from General Gongsun Ao that the Xiongnu Xindan is a ruthless character and is likely to unilaterally tear up the Han-Hungarian truce. "

"Yi Zhixie? He is still busy suppressing the Huns for the time being." The second uncle changed the topic, "However, this person's personality is similar to his great-grandfather Mao Dundanyu, with a violent personality. He ascended the throne as King Zuoguli instead of a prince. If the name is not right and the words are not right, after the coup is successful, he will inevitably learn from his ancestors and target the neighbors, trying to turn the attention of the people from the inside to the outside, and at the same time establish prestige for himself.”

"Apart from the Da Yuezhi in the Western Regions and the Qiang who have already surrendered to the Xiongnu's neighbors, aren't we big men left?" I made a fist and made an attacking gesture, "We must preemptively strike Yizhixie by surprise, we cannot Wait for him to merge the ministries and unite to make it bigger."

"That's the reason," the second uncle shook his head. "The trouble is that the Sibari are not allowed to be conquered during the national mourning period. As long as they don't do anything, the truce is still valid. We can't take the initiative to attack now, we can only defend passively."

"Sigh, the Queen Mother passed away at an inopportune time."

The second uncle stretched out his index finger and poked me on the forehead: "You and I can talk about this kind of thing in private, and you are not allowed to talk nonsense outside."

***

"Hurry up and go back, it's getting late, the guard who brought you here is still waiting for you at the door." The second uncle urged.

"Let's just say that I was drunk and stayed with my uncle to sleep, and let him go first." I slumped into my second uncle's bed and pulled the thin quilt to cover myself tightly.

"Hmph, drinking during the national mourning? That's a good excuse." The second uncle put on a serious face and lifted the brocade quilt abruptly, "Please tell me honestly, did I just go to the border on the front foot, and there was someone on the back foot? Take the opportunity to bully you?"

"Ah? No, I'm fine, I'm just tired of staying in the palace and want to rest in another place." I grabbed the quilt to avoid his probing eyes.

"That's right, you have been by His Majesty's side all the time, so no one would dare to bully you." The second uncle smiled and picked up the buckwheat pillow that I kicked off the ground and put it back on the couch.

It was late at night, and the lights outside Ganquan Palace were dimmed.I looked at my second uncle, who couldn't resist me, who was sleeping on the same bed with me.His eyelashes covered his pair of star eyes, and there was stubble left on his jaw that was too late to trim. In the moonlight, his breathing was long, obviously no match for the exhaustion of traveling all the way.

How long has it been since I couldn't sleep with my second uncle?

If I was still a child, I could stick it generously and sleep soundly in the warm embrace of the other person, but now I am timid when facing the man around me.After being with Cao Xiang, touching lips and teeth or skin to skin, even hugging and holding hands, which were often used to express love between uncles and nephews, no longer have the original meaning; even if it is just staring at each other closely like this Sleeping face, desire is also gathering towards the sensitive lower body uncontrollably.

The buckwheat pillow that got in the way was finally kicked off the bed, like a spoon affixed to another spoon, I took the man's hand and put it on my waist.I closed my eyes, and the sound of even breathing came from behind me. I tried my best to calm down the crazy heartbeat in my chest, but my thoughts ran wild like a wild horse.

Since the Queen Mother fell into a coma again that day, she has never woken up again.The princesses and aunts guarded day and night, served soup and medicine, but still failed to prevent the end of the old man's life.What the Queen Mother told "Yan'er" became her last words.

The Son of Heaven is in a good mood recently, the woman's understanding and tolerance for being late is like turning a key to unlock the fine iron lock that has been dusty in His Majesty's heart for several years.Mother and child are united, maybe His Majesty will experience the same dreams as the Queen Mother.

As for the other party - me, the Queen Mother's confession has completely become a burden.When I opened my eyes amidst the sound of birdsong, I found myself lying on the emperor's dragon bed again, surrounded by several strange servants, who were changing clothes and washing, while looking up and down with ambiguous eyes. This feeling drove me crazy.During this period of time, because the queen mother may drive west at any time, I am very sure that I slept on the small couch outside with my clothes like everyone else. Could it be that I really sleepwalk at night?

Therefore, this is the biggest trouble I encountered in Oasis Palace - I was confused by the queen mother as Han Yan, and obviously provided the emperor with the best way to deal with anxiety.My intuition tells me that I am becoming a real "substitute" as Han Shuo mentioned.

Fortunately, seeing that everything is coming to an end, tomorrow the body of the Queen Mother will be moved to Yangling and buried in the Queen's Cemetery to the east and north of Emperor Xiaojing's Mausoleum.

***

"I have to go, breakfast is on the table, remember to finish it." The second uncle, who had already changed into linen clothes and was about to open the road, turned to tell me.

Finally fell asleep, I rubbed my eyes, got up casually, let the servant wipe my face and comb my hair, change into mourning clothes, and tie my belt.

Walking casually into the main hall, there is an unexpected person sitting in the hall.

"It's better to be a cook in the palace. Vegetarian food can be so delicious." The young man in white put down his bowl and chopsticks and smiled at me.

"Brother?" I couldn't hide my excitement at all, I took two steps in three steps, and jumped straight in front of the person.In a blink of an eye, the world was spinning, and he was pressed on the mat and kissed passionately.

"Don't," I resolutely pushed him away even though I was reluctant to part with him, "Are you like someone whose grandmother just passed away?"

Cao Xiang smiled sheepishly: "Wang Feng's "Cai Ge" said, 'One day is like March.' It seems that my brother has not seen my brother for three months, and I really miss him very much."

"Let's eat first, I'm hungry." I picked up the tofu stuffed naan bread on the table and ate it.

As soon as I turned around, Pingyang Hou had returned to his sitting posture, and was staring at me with great interest.

"Look at me, eat quickly."

"I'm full." Cao Xiang suddenly asked me a question, "I heard that you sold the Wei Mansion?"

"Well, I digested it internally and sold it to my uncle."

"You donated the money from selling the house to the military horse farm in Shuofang County?"

"I'm not borrowing flowers to offer Buddha, I'm donating in your name." My mouth was full of naan bread, and I took a big mouthful of tea, "Anyway, it's your Liu family's own money. Uncle's pocket, and a good name for you, what a bargain."

"God, you really did not waste my hard work." Pingyang Hou beat his chest and stamped his feet for a while.

"When I sacrifice later, my brother will follow me." After eating and drinking, Cao Xiang invited me to sit in his carriage.

"why?"

"Jin Zhong will also be present today."

"I'm afraid of what he will do. There are so many royal relatives and relatives. Forgive him and he won't dare to overstep." I chuckled, "It's you, I have to be careful."

"Let's see how you defend now." Cao Xiang rushed over with a smile.

How could the small space stand the test of time, I quickly opened the curtains, pointed at the two men on horseback in the southbound convoy, and tried to divert his attention.

"Do you know that pair of brothers and sisters over there?"

The sun shone into the carriage, and Pingyang Hou angrily let go of my hand.

"Those two are not brothers and sisters, they are sisters. The elder sister is called Yi Yin, she has excellent medical skills, and has been taking care of the Queen Mother closely. The younger brother is called Yi Zong, and he is currently the mausoleum magistrate."

Facts have proved that Cao Xiang's worries are completely unnecessary.In the Queen Mother's ceremony, I was placed in a higher position than him and the head of the guard.

I held His Highness's hand and followed behind my aunt in white robes, repeating the ceremony of kneeling and walking forward.It was hot in June, and the filial piety was heavy, and it was said that His Highness's little face was burned red by the summer sun.

Among the three princesses, Princess Longli was the saddest, crying heartbreakingly, the maid supported her from side to side so as not to faint.The voice of my aunt crying in the coffin was very nice, but because I was so close, I found that her crying did not match the indifferent expression on her face.

***

"...Gongsun Hong, who replaced Zhang Ou, was promoted to Doctor Censor."

"Li Ju, who replaced Gongsun Hong, was promoted to Zuo Nei Shi."

"Li Jiao, who replaced Xu You, was promoted to the prefect of Daijun."

"Xu Aiqing's family members should take good care of her."

"No... Li Guang, promoted to the prefect of You Beiping."

"This won't work. It's not good if the whole family is in the north. Does Li Guang have a brother named Li Cai?"

"Return to Your Majesty, Li Cai is now the captain of the Imperial Army."

"Go and transfer this person to your subordinates."

The sound of bamboo slips snapping shut.

"Qu Bing really wants to enter the barracks?"

"Yes, Your Majesty, he went to sign up secretly, and the minister couldn't stop him."

"Find a reason, pick a fault or something, and get the person back."

"Okay, I caught a thief who was eavesdropping." I was picked up by the back of the collar, and when I turned my head, the emperor was standing behind me, glaring.On the side, the second uncle was holding the roll book in his hand, with an expression of watching the show.

"Seeing that you and General Wei are concentrating on discussing matters, I just don't want to disturb you." I straightened my collar.

"Nephew really wants to leave?" The emperor waved his big hand and patted me heavily on the shoulder, "Where do you want me to go to find such a smart servant?"

I rubbed my right shoulder that hurt from being patted, and cupped my hands and said: "Your Majesty, don't worry, I recommend a person to Your Majesty. This person is delicate and good at summarizing. He is the best choice for the position of secretary."

This is true, I have not only the catalog of items bestowed by the Weifu copied by nerds, but also the Han Xin chess record filled with densely packed teeny scribes.The nerd can write beautiful official script, but it's a pity that he can't drink more than me.

"Oh, who is it?"

"When the minister went to Shuofang, Lang Guan, Sima Qian, was acting as the minister."

***

"Brother He, you are so good at swordsmanship, why don't you join the army?" Su Wu tried to stop Zhang He.

Zhang He bounced the ball and walked around easily: "My father wants me to take over his class and work in the court. Although I don't have much interest in the judiciary, I have done some government work before. I think I should be able to do it." Do it."

"You can do it for sure." I leaned over while putting down my words of encouragement, and shoveled the ball far away.

"Hey, both of you have graduated. From now on, I will be alone, miserable and alone." Su Wu caught my pass, drew a long arc with his toes, and the ball went in.

"How can you be lonely, no, your good buddy is here." I pointed to the distance.

Li Ling's figure appeared in the field of vision.

"Why did Brother Ling come so late today?" Zhang Anshi, who lost the game, complained.

"There was a family at Caishikou in the north of the city that was about to be beheaded, and the common people were all waiting to watch the fun. I thought that at this speed, I couldn't catch up with my brothers anyway, so I ran to take a look."

"Who is so unlucky and tragic?"

"It's Guo Jie, the famous Yingchuan chivalrous man. The children in Maoling City like him very much and regard him as their idol." Li Ling said regretfully.

I stretched out my index finger and shook Li Ling's face: "Brother Ling, you must have admitted your mistake. His Majesty has given amnesty to the world, and Guo Xiashi is only waiting for the case to be closed and released."

"But I've met Guo Xie, and it's really him who is tied up on the stage." Li Ling retorted me firmly.

"Maybe you were too hasty to see clearly. What did Brother He say?" I looked at Zhang He beside me with questioning eyes.His father Zhang Tang is in charge of hearing Guo Jie's case, so he must know the inside story.

Zhang He didn't respond, he bent down to pick up the Cuju, avoiding my gaze.