Big man: I am the Champion Marquis!

Chapter 246 Fight for
With Mount Tai right in front of them, Huo Xian became increasingly busy, and many officials followed suit.

Especially officials like Taichang, and all officials related to sacrifices and rituals, don't even think of being idle at this time.

Huo Xian sometimes had a headache about some gods and immortals in the Western Han Dynasty, because the current system of gods and immortals is still very different from the future. Now, "the most noble god in heaven is Taiyi, and Taiyi's assistants are called the Five Emperors."

That is to say, the most honorable deity now is Donghuang Taiyi, followed by the Five Emperors. In addition, there are also gods such as Fuxi, Nuwa, and Hou Tu, and the four gods representing the southeast, northwest, and northeast have basically taken shape.

Under such circumstances, the twenty-eight constellations naturally have beliefs. However, there are still some differences between some current legends and myths and the increasingly complete system of gods and immortals in later generations.

Liu Che's desire to seek immortality and enlightenment can be said to be extremely pious. He had previously placed the level of his worship of the Taiyi God on the same level as that of offering sacrifices to the gods at Mount Tai.

This is completely understandable. After all, Liu Che has always wanted to achieve immortality, so it is natural to worship Taiyi God, after all, he is the Lord God.

Cao Zong was elusive. When he saw Huo Xian, he asked, "My Lord, are you going to hold the enthronement ceremony this time?"

Huo Xian glanced at Cao Zong with a haughty look, and then said, "I am following His Majesty, so of course I have to go through the enthronement ceremony. Why, do you think there is anything wrong with this arrangement?"

Cao Zong quickly said in a flattering tone, "How dare I object! I just think that if possible, I can follow behind. Just follow from a distance, is that okay?"

There were many people who had similar ideas to Cao Zong. Accompanying the emperor in the Fengshan ceremony was a very honorable thing. And being able to follow the emperor in the Dengfeng ceremony was an even greater honor, which was a manifestation of status.

Huo Xian immediately shook his head and said, "I can't make the decision on this matter. You go and talk to His Majesty. If His Majesty agrees, I will say a few good words for you. But that's all I can do for you."

Cao Zong immediately gritted his teeth and said, "I heard that it was you who suggested that you not bring other people with you!"

This was another case of reputation being damaged. Huo Xian was even accustomed to this kind of situation and was too lazy to get angry about it.

Those people just can't eat the grapes and say they are sour. Those people are just envious, jealous and hateful. So, since they dare not blame the emperor, they can only blame the Marquis of Guanjun!
"Am I that capable?" Huo Xian said unhappily, "If I really had this ability, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince would have come along on the tour. Tell me yourself, did I help you say a lot?"

Cao Zong was speechless for a moment. He knew that Huo Xian had tried to speak well of the emperor's eldest grandson in front of the emperor before the parade. But the result was obvious. The emperor had no intention of bringing his grandson with him.

The two trusted generals he brought with him were the legitimate grandson, Pingyang Marquis Cao Zong, and the unclear adopted grandson, Guanjun Marquis Huo Shan.

"The most you can do is go along with us to perform the sacrifice." Huo Xian lowered his voice and said, "Perform well. You should have some weight during the sacrifice. You must not lose your manners."

Cao Zong did not force it. Of course, he wanted to follow the Dengfeng ceremony. But if he did not have such a blessing, he would not force it. It was acceptable to be a little more respected during the Fengshan ceremony.

It’s not Cao Zong’s fault that his requirements are low, but sometimes once the emperor has made up his mind, no one can change his thoughts and ideas.

Even Huo Xian was actually like this. Rumors spread outside that he could change the emperor's mind. But the emperor had made a decision and would not say anything more, because it was useless.

Huo Xian continued, "This time when we go up the mountain, the ceremony will definitely be similar to the previous ones. This is your first time to participate in the Fengshan ceremony, so you may be asked to accompany the worshippers. After all, you are the Marquis of Pingyang."

Cao Zong was even more excited, but a little skeptical. "Didn't they say you would be worshipped with them? Can I still get around you and have the good fortune to be worshipped with them?"

There doesn't seem to be anything wrong with what he said. There are some things that everyone knows well, and everyone is clear about their own position and so on.

Take the matter of accompanying the emperor in worship for example. Cao Zong was the emperor's grandson and his ancestor was Cao Shen, Marquis of Pingyang. With such an identity, it was obviously the most appropriate for him to be worshipped along with the emperor. Others could only watch.

But Huo Shan was special. He was the emperor's favorite minister and the Marquis of Guanjun. Even though Cao Zong seemed to be closer to the emperor by blood, there was really no way around Huo Shan.

"It's not just one person who is worshipping the deceased, is that ok?" Huo Xian said unhappily, "You should keep a close eye on the matter of worshipping the deceased. If others want to compete with you, you must not give in at this time. You must fight for it!"

Cao Zong nodded immediately. He knew that it was useless to argue about some things. For example, if he argued with Huo Xian, it would be ungrateful. It would obviously not succeed and would only annoy the emperor. He was not sure of his success.

But if he were to compete with others, Cao Zong would not give in at all and would be full of confidence.

Huo Xian warned, "By then, we will definitely have to choose two or three marquises. Many people have already started to make efforts. Don't let yourself be squeezed out at this time."

Cao Zong nodded repeatedly, appearing very confident, "Don't worry, I will definitely start fasting and bathing, and will never let anyone find any grounds to criticize me. When the time comes, I will definitely be involved in the sacrifice!"

That's right, from now on, you should strictly demand yourself, so that when the time comes, others will not be able to find any flaws in you. Cao Zong's place in the co-worship ceremony can basically be determined.

Cao Zong left happily, as he got what he wished for. It wasn't just one or two people who tried to please the emperor, everyone was the same.

As soon as Cao Zong left, Liu Mo ran over and said, "Lord, although Pingyang Hou is close to people. But some things should not be let out, it is not a good thing."

Zhao Hexi also said quickly, "So many people are watching you, how can we let all the good things go? You are generous, but they may not be able to appreciate your kindness, and they still think that it is their own ability!"

Huo Xian was speechless for the moment. What should be fought for must be fought for, there is no problem with that.

Nowadays, when imperial power is becoming increasingly powerful, it has become the norm for everyone to please the emperor. There is nothing new about it.

"I know what I'm doing. I'll help when I can and fight for what I should fight for. I know more than you." Huo Xian said with a smile, "Uncle Zhao, Uncle Liu, you used to only care about fighting and killing, but now you have more thoughts!"

Zhao Hexi said, "I didn't understand those things when I was young, but now that I'm older, I think more. Besides, the prince led the men of our Guanjun Marquis' Mansion to build a career, so how can we share all the benefits!"

Liu Mo next to him also nodded repeatedly, obviously agreeing with this statement couldn't be more.

It was said in the past that the military marquises of the general lineage and the military marquises of the champion lineage disliked each other, which was partly true. The reason was simple, either the east wind prevailed over the west wind or the west wind prevailed over the east wind. There were only so many military achievements, and the opportunities to fight were relatively limited, so of course they hoped to have more opportunities to make achievements.

The Champion Marquis became stronger, and naturally snatched away some opportunities that originally belonged to the general. Under such circumstances, the general's people would naturally become anxious.

The situation is similar now. Wei Qing is getting older, and Huo Xian's dominance is becoming more and more obvious. The so-called Wei-Huo dispute is actually not very obvious, mainly because Wei Qing's age and health are not ideal.

But Huo Xian respected Wei Qing, so even if the generals were anxious, it was useless and they should get closer to Marquis Guanjun.

But that doesn't mean the Champion Marquis' faction isn't anxious. Their own marquis doesn't seem to like forming factions at all. Not only is the power of the previous Champion Marquis' faction not concentrated, but some of the new military marquises are also indifferent.

The people who are now considered to be the hardcore members of the Guanjun Marquis's faction are Zhao Po Nu, Zhao Anguo and his son, plus a few others who were born in the Guanjun Marquis's Mansion.

People like Li Guangli, Li Ling, Tan Jie, etc., they were also brought up by the Marquis of Guanjun, but no one wants to pay any more attention to them. Even if these people are conferred the title of marquis, they will not be considered as the Marquis of Guanjun's lineage.

Moreover, anyone with a discerning eye can see that His Majesty is now supporting people like Marquis Pingyang and Marquis Haixi, and is also restricting the power and development of Marquis Guanjun.

This is not evidenced by the fact that Marquis Guanjun could never get the seal of Grand Marshal, but rather by the fact that His Majesty simply did not allow Huo Xian, the Grand Marshal and General of the Cavalry, to interfere in the daily management of the army.

Huo Xian always helps some potential competitors. People like Zhao Hexi see it and feel anxious. They think their own lord is too kind-hearted. How can he always give away the benefits?

Huo Xian was naturally aware of Liu Mo and Zhao Hexi's concerns, but there was no need to take them too seriously.

It is impossible for one person to take all the benefits. If one person takes all of them, it would not be a good thing.

The current situation is actually quite good, and what should be in his hands is naturally in his hands. It seems that some benefits have been distributed and some competitors have been cultivated, but it is not enough to affect his position.

That's all, just focus on the big and let go of the small. As long as the core interests are not affected, Huo Xian really doesn't care about the seemingly "emerging forces" around him. Those people are not his opponents yet.

It is not easy for those people to replace it. It can even be said that it is just wishful thinking and there is no need to worry about it.

Just when he had some free time, his future brother-in-law Shangguan An came over and asked, "Uncle Zhao, Uncle Chen, is the prince in the tent?"

Zhao Hexi and Liu Mo both looked down on Huo Guang, not to mention that he was Huo Guang's son-in-law. It was only in recent years that Huo Shan made great achievements that the four generals began to have a slightly better impression of Huo Guang.

In the past, the four generals always believed that Huo Guang wanted to replace their own princes. They also thought that Huo Guang was ungrateful and did not remember the general's kindness, and wanted to snatch the resources of their own princes.

"I'll pass the message to you." Liu Mo said calmly, "Your Excellency is very busy right now, so don't bother me with trivial matters."

As the son of the Imperial Household, Shangguan An was still smiling at this moment, "Uncle Liu is right, but it is really unreasonable that I have not been able to see you these days."

Liu Mo and Zhao Hexi had no choice. Shangguan An was the future brother-in-law of their own lord, and Shangguan An's father, Shangguan Jie, had also followed the lord on an expedition. They had a very deep relationship, and it was not advisable to offend someone who smiled at you.

Shangguan An was chatting with Zhao Hexi in a familiar manner. He was also the son of a powerful nobleman and was usually arrogant. But it also depended on the situation. It was impossible for the general marquis's followers to respect him so much, or even to humble themselves.

But he was also clear about the affairs of the Marquis of Guanjun's Mansion. Even the dignitaries and common people in Chang'an knew that there were four old men in the Marquis of Guanjun's Mansion. They were the trusted confidants of Marquis Jinghuan and the current Marquis of Guanjun's confidants.

These four people can be regarded as half of the family of the Marquis of Guanjun. The Marquis of Guanjun has always been very respectful to them and always takes at least one of them with him wherever he goes.

"Your Excellency will let you in." Liu Mo walked out of the tent and said, "It will take at most an incense stick of time. Keep it in mind. Your Excellency will go to His Majesty in half an hour. Don't let us rush you."

Shangguan An quickly bowed politely, "Please give me more reminders, Uncle Liu. I'll keep them in mind and will definitely not delay your Excellency's important event."

Seeing Shangguan An walk into the tent, Liu Mo complained, "He's just like his father-in-law. He looks polite and courteous, but I think he's fake no matter how I look at him!"

"Stop talking, the Lord is close to his uncle." Zhao Hexi said unhappily, "Besides, if you don't give him face, you have to give face to the Madam! Apart from other things, the Madam is very respectful to the Lord!"

Liu Mo was speechless. They didn't like Huo Guang and his wife, but they were quite accepting of Huo Guang's children. After all, they were also members of the Huo family, and they were extremely respectful to generals and princes.

As for Shangguan Anlai's motive, everyone actually knew it.

Not to mention that their own prince is now in charge of many matters related to Fengshan. Even when they were in Chang'an, the father and son of the Shangguan family were eager to interact with the prince. It was difficult to see them before.

Huo Xian in the tent lazily rested his head on Lin Mei's round thighs and asked, "What's the matter with you coming here?"

Shangguan An had no problem with Huo Xian's arrogance and lack of courtesy. Everyone in Chang'an knew that Guanjun Hou was rude, which meant that when he was with his family, he didn't care about false courtesy.

Shangguan An quickly explained, "I didn't understand some of the tasks clearly, and I didn't feel confident, so I came to ask my elder brother."

"Big brother?" Huo Xian said unhappily, "You and my big sister have only been engaged, but not married yet. It's too early to call me big brother now, don't ruin my big sister's reputation."

Shangguan An hurriedly smiled, still feeling happy in his heart. The Marquis of Guanjun loved his cousins, and all the silks and other gifts from the palace had been given to his sisters.

Huo Xian continued to narrow his eyes and said, "Tell me what you did and I'll help you figure it out."

Shangguan An immediately perked up and started reporting on his work. He thought he was doing a good job, but since he could find an opportunity to get close to Marquis Guanjun, of course he had to work hard for it!
(End of this chapter)