Big man: I am the Champion Marquis!

Chapter 202 Still Stable
Huo Xian didn't think he was being tricked by the emperor. Some things were just like that. The emperor had his own way of thinking about things. And ministers like Huo Xian had their own opinions and views.

So sometimes there seems to be a little conflict, which is very normal and not surprising.

After chatting with the emperor, Huo Xian seemed to have nowhere to go and was ready to continue to have a good rest. But someone came to inform him that the crown prince went to the Pepper Room and summoned him.

Seeing Huo Xian staggering over, Liu Ju became suspicious, "Xian'er, you are the Marquis of Guanjun, and a general who has led troops to war many times. Why can't I see the appearance of a military general in you?"

Huo Xian raised his hands, lowered his head and examined himself, then became puzzled, "Uncle, I am much darker now, not as fair as before, but I don't look like a military commander. If I go out, who can't tell that I am a military commander who has won victories on the battlefield?"

Wei Zifu smiled and shook her head. When it comes to shamelessness and narcissism, Huo Shan is the most shameless in Chang'an.

If someone else did this, people might think he was playing crazy. But when Huo Xian did this, many people would just think that he took it for granted and that everything was natural.

Huo Xian said without blushing, "Why don't I get married? It's because I'm afraid that the girls in Chang'an will be heartbroken! As for looks, my Huo family is full of handsome men, and I'm so heroic, how many girls' dream lover am I?"

Wei Zifu couldn't listen any more, "Okay, if you don't want to marry, then don't marry. No one will care about you now. Talk to your uncle about Tan Jie's matter. There are some things I can't say too much."

Huo Xian sat down immediately and stuffed a dried fruit into his mouth. "Uncle, it's just that Tan Jie has wild ideas. Even if he can't be granted the title of Marquis of the Imperial Palace this time, he should be granted the title of Marquis of Guannei."

Liu Ju immediately became serious. "Earlier, my father ordered me to verify the military achievements, but I didn't dare to report them easily. I naturally believe you, but isn't it a bit too much to confer the title of Guannei Marquis to Tan Jie?"

Everyone knew that Tan Jie was Crown Prince Liu Ju's man, even the emperor knew it.

A Marquis of Guannei is still a marquis, and a marquis who leads troops. The emperor would inevitably think too much.

"My military achievements are real, it doesn't matter." Huo Xian said, "If there are ministers who want to make irresponsible remarks about this, let me go and explain it to them and see who dares to say anything more!"

Wei Zifu and Liu Ju were both angry and amused. They believed that Huo Shan was not just talking casually, but he would really do it!
Huo Xian said more seriously, "I did promote Tan Jie. During the war, I let them shine and gave them the opportunity to make contributions. This is true, but it is also because he has some ability and can seize opportunities."

Wei Zifu and Liu Ju were not surprised to hear that Huo Xian had made no secret of his nepotism, but they did not think there was anything wrong with it.

The emperor has always been nepotistic, and it is normal for Huo Xian to follow suit.

On the other hand, Tan Jie and others still have some skills, and it is true that they have made some contributions. This is not a free credit, all of which requires a certain amount of strength to rely on.

Even Wei Qing, who seemed to be very fair, liked to bring Gongsun Ao and Gongsun He with him when he went out to fight. The abilities of these two people were relatively average, but they could easily make meritorious deeds by following Wei Qing.

Who doesn't have some selfish motives? It's perfectly normal for Huo Xian to do this. Even if some people want to complain, they can't find any reasons.

Huo Xian continued, "Uncle, there aren't many people available in the army right now. Tan Jie is quite capable, but I like to fight with reliable people, who are also very resolute in carrying out military orders."

Liu Ju also agreed with Huo Xian's statement, "When you go out to fight, everyone knows that Zhao Anguo is your deputy general, and Yiqu Hou is guarding your rear."

Huo Xian just chuckled. The combination of him and Zhao Anguo was considered a bond. It was common for everyone to see the new generation of champion marquis leading the new generation of congpu marquis out to fight.

The veteran decided to let Gongsun Ao follow him. Although his ability was average, he was the best choice to help and stabilize the situation.

Huo Xian continued, "It is certain that Tan Jie will be promoted to marquis this time, either to the rank of Nine Ministers or the rank of prefect. If he is suppressed just because he is my cousin's man, it will not be justified in the army."

Liu Ju became serious. He naturally understood that promoting Tan Jie was a very sensitive matter. But if he suppressed it deliberately, it would affect the military merit system of the Han Dynasty.

So Liu Ju did not hesitate, "Since Shan'er has given the go-ahead, we should reward Tan Jie as he wants. There is no need to deliberately avoid suspicion."

"I think so too. Tan Jie, Feng Dan and Zhao Congxiao in my palace should all be commended for their merits." Huo Xian laughed, "As for other princes, those who deserve additional titles should also be awarded."

Liu Ju did not hide his thoughts, "I know about these things. Feng Dan should be fine, but Zhao Congxiao is a bit hard to say. The people in your house are also promising."

Huo Xian said without blushing, "They just followed me! If I hadn't given them the chance to make merit, they wouldn't have made it!"

These are real facts. It would have been difficult for Huo Qubing and his son Huo Shan to succeed if they had not had nepotism. The same was true for Wei Qing.

This is how people are employed. If the promoted person is not able to perform important tasks, it is nepotism. If it is a great war god like Wei Qing or Huo Qubing, it is nepotism.

Huo Xian also continued, "In fact, I did not exaggerate my military achievements this time. I know that there are some trends in the army, such as sucking the blood of soldiers, eating empty salaries, and withholding rewards from soldiers. This trend is not good."

There is no need to hide some things. There were also some corruption and other situations in the Han army. There is nothing wrong with admitting this. This is the reality.

The most frightening thing is not to speak out these problems, but to try to cover them up, not admit them, or simply not try to solve them.

Liu Ju also knew this. "I have heard about these things, but I can't interfere too much in military affairs. But this time the reward is through my hands, so I will naturally pay more attention to it."

Huo Xian nodded vigorously. If he didn't know some of the circumstances, there would be no need to say much, nor could he do anything.

But if he knew, he would not show mercy. If the matter reached his ears, some things could not be easily resolved, and he would definitely take decisive action.

At that time, basically there would be no hope of intercession. It would probably have to be the emperor's force, otherwise no one would be able to get any favors from Huo Shan.

Huo Xian looked at Liu Ju and said jokingly, "I know that if Tan Jie returns to Chang'an, it will be hard for the Southern Army or the Northern Army to feel at ease. It would be a waste of talent if he is left unused, so I transferred him to Shoujiang City."

Wei Zifu took the initiative to speak, "That's right. If he returns to Chang'an, I can't think of how to arrange for him. Prince, remember to write a letter to make it clear that he doesn't need to come to Chang'an in the next few years."

Liu Ju naturally knew this. Having Tan Jie in his hands was already a pleasant surprise. It was Wei Qing and Huo Qubing who promoted and trained him despite the pressure.

It was the emperor's bottom line to let him serve as a lieutenant or even a general in the frontier army. If he returned to Chang'an to serve as a lieutenant or a general in a sensitive army, it would be the most unwise move. "Tan Jie is a little anxious and doesn't know my situation." Liu Ju said helplessly, "After all, I am of humble origin and don't know what is happening in the court."

There is nothing that can be done about it. There is nothing wrong with Tan Jie wanting to make progress and consolidate his position, but the level of contact he has is not high enough and the information he has is relatively limited, so he makes mistakes.

Huo Xian said helplessly, "I was also afraid that he would think too much. It doesn't matter if I promoted Feng Dan to general. At most, it would be nepotism. But if I use Tan Jie, I'm afraid His Majesty will scold me!"

Not to mention that Huo Xian was scared, even Liu Ju felt a lingering fear when he thought about it. It was really because Tan Jie was not used well. When the time comes, the emperor will take action, and scolding would be the least of his worries.

Liu Ju said immediately, "You don't have to worry about this. My subordinates are ignorant and need your help to take care of them. Go back to my place and bring a horse back."

Huo Xian was a little embarrassed when he mentioned this. "Several of my men changed horses. I went to the horse farm in Hexi on my way back."

Liu Ju said nonchalantly, "We all know about this. It's just a few horses that are not outstanding. Just don't do it next time. I can arrange for your people to change horses after returning to Beijing."

Wei Zifu also criticized, "Shan'er, you should also know that it is not worth damaging your reputation for a small matter."

Huo Xian said nonchalantly, "They are just a few middle-class and lower-class horses. What's wrong with me changing them?"

Wei Zifu said earnestly, "You know it's okay to exchange a few horses, so why do you do this? It's nothing more than waiting a few more days. You want horses, can His Majesty not give them to you?"

Liu Ju also taught him, "You are just careless in your work. You leave room for criticism everywhere. If others want to impeach you, they don't need to find excuses. Tell me yourself, how many mistakes have you made over the years because of trivial matters?"

At this point Huo Xian really didn't know what to say. In fact, he was careless in his work, and this was intentional or unintentional.

A perfect minister is naturally good, just like his uncle Huo Guang, who could make no mistakes for decades in front of a strict emperor. That is a skill and is worthy of trust.

However, since he made no major mistakes but many minor ones, even with the emperor's trust, people would not think he had any ambitions. In the end, no matter how you look at it, he was just a general who did things in a rough manner.

It is better to speak out some things. After all, Tan Jie is a sensitive person.

Even in the army, although they seemed to be officers under Huo Xian, they were actually followers of the crown prince, and there were some things that could not be dealt with casually.

Huo Xian needed to give face to Liu Ju because he was the crown prince. And Liu Ju would also give face to Huo Xian because he was the Grand Marshal and General of the Cavalry.

However, one thing is certain: although Liu Ju valued Tan Jie, he cared more about Huo Xian.

Tan Jie was a retainer who could be reused in the future and could serve as a role model to inspire other aspiring people to join him. But Huo Xian was his golden beam, the pillar.

Liu Ju looked at Huo Xian with a smile and said, "After you leave the palace in a few days, you can seek revenge if you want, but don't make things too ugly. After all, Tao Hou is the descendant of a founding hero."

Wei Zifu also advised, "You should have some sense of propriety. He has lost his title, and it is not good to bully him too much."

It seemed that everyone's attitude was relatively consistent, and they all believed that Huo Xian was bound to seek revenge, and there was no doubt about this matter at all.

This is also in line with some characteristics of this era, the so-called "great revenge", fierceness, etc., which can be reflected in all aspects.

Huo Xian chuckled and said, "I know what I'm doing. I'm just pretending. Can I really let someone kill me? If I really had a title, I could still do it. Otherwise, I'd just be bullying the weak."

Wei Zifu and Liu Ju suddenly felt fortunate that the Taohou family had lost their title, otherwise things would have become difficult to control. After all, Huo Shan was not afraid of anything.

Huo Xian said without realizing it, "As long as I have a title, even if it's Guannei Hou, I can do it with peace of mind. But as for wealth, I think it's enough to just do it as a token of my appreciation."

Others feel at ease bullying the weak, but they just maintain some respect for the powerful and wealthy.

But Huo Shan was different. He was definitely not respectful to the wise and humble to the humble. Many people thought that Huo Shan was too arrogant and looked down upon people of ordinary backgrounds just because he was born rich.

It's just that this champion marquis, who was born rich, didn't even care about the powerful and wealthy. He felt that if he offended someone, it was fine, and there was nothing to care about at all.

To be honest, Huo Xian might really feel a bit out of place, because he really doesn't seem to get along particularly well with people from all walks of life.

What is a lone minister? This is a lone minister, and it is reflected in all aspects.

Liu Ju suggested, "After taking revenge and visiting relatives, we should go to Bowang Garden this time. There are still some talented people among the people. You can go and take a look at them when the time comes."

Huo Xian had no objection. He did not go to Bowang Garden very often, but he had been there a few times. He went there simply to support Liu Ju, and that was the biggest purpose of his going to Bowang Garden.

Even if Huo Xian just kept silent in Bowang Garden, or even fell asleep while others were discussing scriptures and giving advice on state affairs, there would be nothing wrong with it.

After all, Huo Xian rarely appeared in public or semi-public occasions. He rarely showed up in some private social occasions.

As long as Huo Xian is in Bowang Garden, people all over the world can see his position.

Even though I have been away for more than half a year, there is still no need to worry about many situations in Chang'an. It is still stable.

Regardless of the status of the Crown Prince or the relationship between Huo Xian and the royal family, they are still as close as ever.

This is naturally the best thing. For Huo Xian, it can reduce a lot of troubles and avoid some uncertainties!

(End of this chapter)