Big man: I am the Champion Marquis!

Chapter 75 Beware of Wild Beasts
Of course, Huo Xian was not really missing a bow, he was just looking for an excuse to return to the palace.

Even if he is the emperor's confidant, he still needs to maintain the relationship when necessary. It would not be okay if he does not always make jokes in front of the emperor.

As for testing the emperor, Huo Xian also had these thoughts.

The result was self-evident. Huo Xian left the Weiyang Palace in disgrace, carrying a bow on his back. There was nothing he could do. The emperor was keeping an eye on his thoughts.

Although he failed to achieve the ultimate goal, Huo Xian didn't feel like he was at a loss because he got a bow.

A group of rich and powerful people in gorgeous clothes left Chang'an City and saw Huo Xian and his party waiting outside the city from afar.

Gongsun Jingsheng hurriedly rode forward, "Shan'er, why did you come so early?"

Huo Xian smiled and said, "I couldn't sit still, so I came out early."

Gongsun Jingsheng didn't think much about it and introduced them, "Xian'er, there are many people here today. Let me introduce them to you."

Pointing to a handsome young man, Gongsun said respectfully, "This man is Han Xing, the son of Marquis Andao."

Han Xing's father was Han Shuo, who initially served as a lieutenant and followed General Wei Qing in the campaign against the Xiongnu. He was awarded the title of Marquis of Longyi, but later lost the title of Marquis for his crimes. However, he previously served as General Henghai and was awarded the title of Marquis of Andao for his contributions in the fight against Dongyue.

Han Xing did not dare to be rude and bowed quickly, "Han Xing, greetings to the Marquis of Guanjun."

Huo Xian nodded slightly as a greeting.

The brothers Han was talking about are very famous, they are Han Yan, and they are both descendants of Han Tuidang, Marquis Gonggao.

Gongsun Jingsheng continued to introduce enthusiastically, "Li Ji, the younger brother of the commander of the music department."

Huo Xian couldn't help but look at Gongsun Jingsheng. He still underestimated the awareness of his cousin.

This Li Ji is the younger brother of Lady Li, and the younger brother of Li Yannian and Li Guangli. Now, although the two sides are not as hostile as water and fire, they still need to maintain the appropriate distance.

Li Ji stepped forward and saluted, his attitude was flattering, "Ji, I pay my respects to the military marquis."

Some other people were a little disgusted, as if he came from a prostitute family. After Madam Li became favored, Li Ji became arrogant and domineering.

But in front of Huo Shan and Gongsun Jingsheng, he had a completely fawning face and tried to please them in every way.

This seems to explain why Gongsun Jingsheng was willing to take Li Ji with him. He needed a clown and a bootlicker.

Huo Xian nodded slightly and said, "I'll ask your brother to compose a song and let him think of a solution. I want to hear bells, drums, gongs, and trumpets in the song. It should be majestic and make people feel excited."

Li Ji said quickly, "Ji, remember this."

Li Yannian was actually with Liu Che now, and Huo Xian could see him. But Huo Xian usually didn't pay much attention to him, so it didn't matter if he asked Li Ji to pass on the message.

Li Yannian's musical talent is still worthy of recognition. This commander of music cannot just eat, he needs to work hard.

Gongsun Jingsheng pointed at a young man who looked unconvinced and said, "Shan'er, this is Li Yu."

Huo Xian was immediately amused and said with a smile, "Uncle, I'm afraid someone is asking you to mediate?"

What is Li Yu? He is the grandson of Li Guang and the son of Li Gan. That is, his sister was favored by the prince as a palace maid, and Li Yu's status has risen.

Later Tang Dynasty emperors Li Yuan and Li Shimin posthumously recognized Li Guang and Li Gan as their ancestors, and even felt that this was not enough, and that the ancestor of Li Tang was Li Er!
Gongsun Jingsheng was also embarrassed, but he really had no choice because the only person who could ask him to mediate was the prince.

Huo Xian looked at Li Yu and said, "The Crown Prince has given an order, so I have to obey. If you feel unhappy, just come to me and I will take care of it."

Chen Ju and others behind Huo Xian had already put their hands on the hilts of their swords. If Li Yu dared to show any disrespect, these people would definitely draw their swords immediately.

Li Yu said in a muffled voice, "Your Excellency, you are joking. I am just a commoner, how dare I offend you!"

Huo Xian didn't care, and Liu Chuanxu didn't care about anything either. After all, he was the crown prince. Even if he relied on Wei and Huo, it didn't mean he could only rely on Wei and Huo.

Allowing the ministers under their command to have some checks and balances, or some small struggles, etc., is also the usual practice of those in power.

Huo Xian suddenly remembered something, "You have a brother named Li Ling, where is he now?"

Li Ling was the posthumous son of Li Guang's eldest son, Li Danghu. He was good at riding and shooting, and was courteous to the wise and humble. He had a very good reputation. He was also a minister before, but he did not have much contact with Huo Shan.

Li Ling is also an extremely complicated person in history. Some people think he is a tragic figure, while others think he is a traitor.

But to be realistic, Li Ling's military ability is beyond reproach.

If Li Ling died in battle, he would be a hero, and Li Guang's tragic role would be even more prominent in history books.

It's a pity that Li Ling surrendered and became the Right School King of the Xiongnu. Speaking of which, Li Ling's tragedy has been rewritten because Huo Shan captured the Marquis of Qiedi. According to the course of history, this was the next Xiongnu Chanyu and also the second father-in-law of Li Ling in history.

Li Yu replied, "My brother was promoted to Cavalry Commander because he crossed Juyan to scout the terrain. He led 5,000 Chu warriors from Danyang County to station in Jiuquan County, Zhangye County and other places to teach archery to guard against the Xiongnu. Previously, when General Ershi went to fight against the Xiongnu, my brother led five schools of soldiers and horses to accompany him."

Huo Xian couldn't help but laugh, "General Ershi?"

Historically, Li Ling's entire army was destroyed when he followed Li Guangli into battle. Some people also said that Lu Bode was ashamed to be Li Ling's backup, and the two of them competed for credit and shirked responsibility, which led to them being surrounded by the Huns.

Li Yu suppressed his anger and said, "When my brother arrived at the border, His Majesty ordered him to leave his soldiers behind and lead only 500 light cavalry out of Dunhuang County to Yanshui to welcome General Ershi back. He is still stationed in Zhangye now."

"Let's not talk about other things. Your brother is more ambitious than you." Huo Xian didn't care that he was actually younger than you. He said, "At least he dares to fight and has a good reputation. You are brave but greedy. Everyone in Chang'an knows it. The former general failed to be granted a title in his life. You can't be counted on, but Li Ling has some hope."

Li Yu gnashed his teeth even more. His father was already a Guannei Marquis, but he was still hit and killed by a deer! This was the closest one in the Li family to a marquis!

Huo Xian didn't care whether Li Yugao was happy or not, and continued, "If one day, your cousin or you serve under me, you may be granted a title of nobility. If you are not happy, no one knows whether there are bears or tigers. They are more powerful than deer, you know?"

Facing Huo Xian's warning, Li Yu was extremely angry. But he did not dare to respond and could only lower his head in grief and anger.

Gongsun Jingsheng and others were very helpless, and it was none of their business. It was not easy to offend Li Yu, but they could not afford to offend Huo Shan even more.

This group of people are all powerful people, but there are obvious differences among them.

Li Yu was a descendant of Li Xin, a famous general of the Qin Dynasty. Naturally, he had some foundation and a good reputation among the scholar-official class.

Han Xing and others were former dignitaries who had certain roots and influence in the government and the country.

As for Li Ji, there is no need to say anything. He is probably now listed as one of the lucky ones.

Huo Xian doesn't have to worry about so many things. Even though Gongsun Jingsheng is his cousin, he still has to obey his mood.

Huo Xian rode his horse towards Shanglin Garden, and the others watched with bated eyes.

Before leaving the city, they all held their horses obediently and did not dare to let them run. Even after leaving the city, they did not dare to gallop on the way to Shanglin Garden.

If anyone saw someone riding a horse and creating a trail of dust, apart from some messengers, it was probably the Champion Marquis. Not to mention outside the city, he always rode his horse at a trot in Chang'an.

Comparing yourself with others will only make you feel unhappy. Some imperial censors and court judges always like to keep an eye on the sons of the powerful and impeach them whenever they find them making mistakes. This way they can gain a good reputation.

But no one has impeached Guan Junhou in all these years, which makes me feel even more unbalanced when I think about it.

But even if you are not convinced, you have to hold it in.

Chen Ju was a little angry and said, "My Lord, what does His Royal Highness mean by this? When the general was here, he risked His Majesty's wrath to discuss the enthronement of three kings, and you have also made many plans for the crown prince. Why are you treating me like this?"

Huo Xian smiled and said, "Uncle Chen, we are the subjects and my cousin is the king. Besides, my cousin has good intentions. I have always only interacted with the Wei and Huo families, and never interacted with other dignitaries. My cousin is planning for me and strengthening my influence."

Chen Ju still didn't believe it, "My Lord, why did it have to be the second Li family?"

"What's my reputation?" Huo Xian laughed and said proudly, "I am not a scholar, I am arrogant and willful! My cousin is hoping that I can be as calm as a general, this is to persuade me!"

Zhao Hexi was even more unhappy, "It's not that the general is bad, but if the prince is like the general, is he still the prince?"

Huo Xian also smiled and said, "So, my cousin is worrying about nothing now. Don't worry about it. My cousin has good intentions too. You don't need to be angry."

Liu Mo said, "Lord, let's hunt tigers today and let them see the majesty of our Champion Marquisate!"

"No need!" Huo Xian said calmly, "If I hunt a tiger, that's my prestige. If I can't hunt a tiger, I'll just watch them do it."

Crown Prince Liu Ju's thoughts were very simple, except that he didn't want Huo Shan to have too much trouble with some powerful people.

By inviting some powerful and influential people to come, Huo Xian could choose some useful people.

In this era, hiring people basically depends on recommendations. Even a cautious person like Wei Qing has recommended many people.

Huo Xian is "alone and powerless" and has no other foundation except the people of the Wei Huo Group.

Among the Wei Huo group, only Zhao Po Nu is in his prime, Gongsun He and Gongsun Ao are of average ability and are not young anymore, and Gongsun Jingsheng is not capable of taking on important tasks.

If we don't develop further, we will really be "alone and powerless" in the future.

Maintaining the influence of Wei Huo and making Huo Shan more powerful in the court was also in the interests of Liu Ju, the crown prince who had been the prince for nearly twenty years.

But isn’t this cousin of mine a little too anxious?
(End of this chapter)