Strange Tales from the Northern Qi Dynasty

Chapter 415

"Eat slowly, eat slowly."

Mrs. Liu Zhang sat kindly aside, looking at her son who could eat half a bowl of food in one bite, her eyes full of joy.

Even though he was named the King, Liu Taozi did not like living in the palace.

This worried the officials in charge of etiquette in the country. Fortunately, the previous official in charge of etiquette, Wei Shou, was implicated in the Tieguan case and fell from grace, and he is still a commoner today. Feng Shu, who succeeded him, did not pay too much attention to these matters and let the king do whatever he wanted.

Etiquette and laws have never been able to restrain an emperor who could urinate in the hats of Confucian scholars.

Their family lived in the old general's mansion in the south of the city. It used to be Liu Taozi's temporary office, but now it was vacant and became the residence of Liu Taozi's family.

The security here is very tight and ordinary people cannot get close.

The breeze blew gently and the courtyard was filled with laughter.

Lu Qubing sat at the seat opposite, holding a bowl in his hand. He was a frequent visitor to Liu's house.

After eating several mouthfuls in a row, Lu Qubing squinted his eyes and couldn't help but sigh, "The old lady's cooking is still the best."

Liu Zhang laughed and looked at Liu Taozi beside her. "When you were gone, Qubing often came to visit us and told us some stories about you."

Liu Taozi still buried her face in the bowl, "Luckily my mother didn't kick him out."

Mrs. Liu Zhang was stunned and looked at her son in confusion.

Lu Qubing laughed and said, "You are mocking me for talking too much!"

Liu Zhang finally realized what was going on and started laughing, "My son can still joke around?"

Huluqian sat next to Liu Taozi, and every time she had to raise her head to see her husband's face.

Liu Taozi put down the bowl, Hulukan took it away in a hurry and stood up to serve the rice.

It's not that they don't have servants to serve them, but neither Liu Taozi nor Liu Zhang likes having outsiders staring at them when they are having dinner with their family.

They prefer to entertain themselves.

Liu Taozi looked at her mother and asked, "Does Xiaowu have any letters?"

"Yes, several."

"The first letter was a complaint, saying that his life was too hard. He said that after Governor Gao took him to Lingzhou, he immediately changed his attitude and became extremely harsh towards him. He made him live outside with the soldiers. The weather was cold and he had no coat to keep out the wind. He could only eat rough food every day. He trained on an empty stomach and said that he wanted to go back to Pingcheng."

"I showed it to your father, and he said, don't pay any attention to him."

"After a while, he stopped complaining and said that he performed well in training and could be the gatekeeper for Governor Gao."

"A few days ago, I received another letter saying that he was following the petty officials to set up relief and help disaster victims."

Before Liu Taozi could even open his mouth, Lu Qubing said, "Gao Shi is doing this for his own good. Prime ministers must rise from the prefectures and counties, and brave generals must rise from the ranks. There is some truth to this. Gao Shi is a role model of morality and would never intentionally bully Xiao Wu."

Huluqian placed the prepared rice in front of Liu Taozi. Liu Taozi knew that Lu Qubing would talk for a long time, so she lowered her head and started eating again.

Lu Qubing started talking about Gao Changgong, and somehow the topic turned to Han Feizi. When Liu Taozi finished her bowl of rice, Lu Qubing was talking about how the Zhou Dynasty destroyed Buddhism.

I don't know how he jumped from Gao Changgong to Han Feizi and then to the destruction of Buddhism.

"I heard that it was because his subordinates, when writing the debate process according to his requirements, favored Buddhism and despised Taoism, which angered the emperor."

Liu Taozi shook her head. "It's because Zhou is too poor. It has no money and no food. He not only attacks Buddhism, but also Taoism. He doesn't respect any sect. He only respects his country."

Lu Qubing nodded, "This guy is really a powerful enemy."

"This matter has spread like wildfire. In the past, many eminent monks fled to the west, but now, they have all united and are running to the south. Bodhisattva Chen in the south is very happy. I heard that he has sent several ministers to welcome these eminent monks and nobles along the way."

Liu Zhang asked curiously, "Is this really useful?"

Liu Taozi was about to answer when she saw Huluqian put a bowl of rice in front of her again. Liu Taozi turned her head slightly, but saw that she was looking at her eagerly. Liu Taozi pursed her lips and lowered her head to eat again.

Fortunately, Lu Qubing was there, so he didn't worry about no one picking up the topic. He immediately said, "Don't mention it, it really is of some use."

"Many scholars really fled from Guangzhou and the areas near Lianghuai, and all fled to the south."

"They privately said that the Southern Dynasty could win people over because its king was kind and benevolent, and he was the opposite of the Northern Hu in everything. He was generous and loved the people, and was unparalleled in benevolence and righteousness. In fact, they just felt that they could not gain anything from this place. Bodhisattva Chen was actually quite capable, but he was too close to the Buddhist family and those powerful clans. However, it was understandable. After all, he did not get the position legitimately, and he needed these people to help him keep his position."

"Right now, the garbage from the Han and Zhou countries are all heading south. I think if Bodhisattva Chen doesn't stop, something bad will happen sooner or later."

"By the way."

Lu Qubing talked about many secrets.

Liu Taozi finally finished her meal. She patted her belly and saw a petite hand suddenly reaching for her bowl.

Liu Taozi reacted very quickly, stretched out her hand quickly and grabbed the thief's hand.

Huluqian was caught by Liu Taozi. She blinked and looked at Liu Taozi, "I'll go get the rice."

"full."

"Let me say a few words."

Liu Zhang glanced at the young couple not far away, who were openly holding hands, and her eyes narrowed into crescents.

Lu Qubing spoke for a long time, shaking his head.

After eating and drinking, he finally said goodbye and left.

Liu Zhang took out a gift, which was a piece of clothing she had knitted herself. Lu Qubing was extremely happy and couldn't wait to put it on. It was just right.

Lu Qubing thanked him again and again and left happily.

Liu Zhang then asked Huluqian to go to the inner room to get some new clothes, and only the mother and son were left there.

Liu Zhang deliberately put on a stern face and sighed.

"Peach."

"Mother."

"I want to talk to you about something."

"Mother, please continue."

"Speaking of which, this is all my fault. I was anxious to marry you to the daughter of the Hulu family, but I didn't expect that this girl would be so simple and honest. I don't think she has the dignity to be the mother of the country. I'm afraid she won't be able to sit in the harem in the future. What do you think? How about I contact other virtuous girls for you to take a look?"

Liu Taozi frowned immediately.

"She's fine."

The corners of Liu Zhang's mouth slightly raised, and then quickly recovered, "Okay, let's talk about it later."

Just at this moment, Huluqian came over with new clothes. Liu Zhang took them from her, said nothing, and left with a smile.

Only Liu Taozi and Huluqian were left here.

The two looked at each other, but neither spoke.

After a while, Huluqian remembered first and said hurriedly, "My husband, I have written down those people you asked me to remember! The documents are hidden in our bedroom!"

"Let's go over and have a look."

The two of them went into the dormitory one after the other.

When the two of them walked in, Liu Zhang suddenly poked her head out from not far away, her face looking even happier.

Inside the house, the tall and strong Liu Taozi sat in the upper seat, looking as if he was in charge of the court.

And Huluqian was holding those documents and placing them in front of Liu Taozi.

She did record a lot of things.

At this moment, she sat aside obediently, opened the documents, and began to narrate the story seriously.

"On August 14th of the first year, a general came to pay his respects and presented me with a sword."

Liu Taozi felt that she was speaking too slowly, so she picked up the book and read it herself.

"Yeah, well done."

"We can't let that old man get involved in these things. He should be rewarded for his meritorious service."

Liu Taozi hesitated for a moment, then slowly took off a jade pendant from her waist, "This was given to me by Emperor Xiao Zhao in the past, and I have kept it for you."

backyard.

As soon as Liu Zhang walked in, she saw Liu Taozhi, who was covered in mud and was shaking off the dust on her body.

Liu Zhang was stunned, "How did it become like this?"

"You've been running to the side yard all day, covered in dust. What are you doing?"

Liu Taozhi didn't answer her, but just glanced around.

"The spy didn't come with us?"

Liu Zhang chuckled, "How can you say that about your own daughter-in-law?"

"Oh, daughter-in-law? You keep staring at our guests all day long, and you think you're doing a great job. I used to do this, how can you escape my eyes?"

"These two are a pair of idiots, a natural match!" "This spy was arranged by that inhuman person to keep an eye on me. That idiot is afraid that I will promise an official position, accept bribes, and interfere in government affairs!"

"What are you laughing at? Aren't your brothers also being watched by spies?"

Liu Zhang was still smiling, "It's just a game for kids, don't take it seriously."

"If I had known I would give birth to a guy like this, I wouldn't have played games with you."

"What are you talking about?"

There were no outsiders here, so the two of them were no longer as serious as they were outside.

Liu Taozhi hesitated for a moment, then said, "Come with me, I'll show you something."

After saying that, he took Liu Zhang and walked towards the side yard. As they walked on the road, they occasionally saw servants bowing to the two of them. Liu Taozhi ignored these spies and just walked with big strides.

The two of them walked around a long corridor, and Liu Taozhi pushed open the gate and walked into the side yard.

As soon as she walked in, Liu Zhang was stunned.

The garden here has been tidied up at this moment, and many small peach trees have been planted on it.

These peach trees are just seedlings. They are planted very tightly. In the entire courtyard, peach trees are planted in every visible place.

Liu Zhang was stunned for a long time. "This is all because of you. Has your husband been busy with this?"

Liu Taozhi said sullenly, "The peach forest I planted for you can no longer be seen now, so I will plant another one for you. After a few years, you will be able to see the peach forest in full bloom here again."

Liu Zhang slowly reached out and held Liu Taozhi's hand.

Liu Taozhi continued, "We no longer need to worry about the child. We no longer need to live in fear."

"I couldn't be with you in the past because I was busy with things."

“From now on, it won’t be like this anymore.”

Liu Zhang's eyes were a little moist, but there was a smile on her lips.

Outside Pingcheng.

This is a high slope, a cliff, looking to the west.

There are many trees around, and a path leads from the woods to the distance.

I saw a man and a horse appear on the path, and a few knights slowly approached him at a distance of a long time.

Walking along the path, you will gradually see a simple courtyard.

It is called a courtyard, but there are no houses in it. It is just surrounded by walls.

The man got off the horse, walked to the door, and pushed it open with a light push.

Inside, a tall stone tablet was erected.

Apart from the stone tablet, there was nothing else around.

Yao Xiong looked at the inscription in front of him with complicated eyes, "The Tomb of General Bao Huixian of the Han Dynasty"

"Why didn't you wait a few more months?"

Yao Xiong sighed, took out the wine bag from his arms, placed it in front of the stone tablet, and knelt beside it.

Yao Xiong led the army back and hurried to find Old Man Bao to show off his achievements and report the situation to him.

However, Old Man Bao's mansion was empty, and the servants told Yao Xiong that Bao Xian had died a few months ago.

Yao Xiong checked again and again and finally confirmed that the old man Bao closed his eyes after learning that the Han army had won.

Yao Xiong just felt that the old man was a little selfish. He left after knowing the result and didn't allow him to come back to show off.

Yao Xiong took out another wine bag and took a sip.

"Some people said that you are my teacher, and now that you are gone, I should observe mourning for you. You know that I should live here. I am a Qihu, and we don't have that rule. Besides, I have to go back to Shuozhou as soon as possible. Forget about observing mourning. You are gone, and I am here to observe mourning for you, and you can't get up."

"We won. Well, you already know that, right?"

"However, we not only tore down Xiazhou's defense line, we also took over the area south of the river!"

"You haven't thought about this, have you? I have finally made a great contribution this time, tearing down Xiazhou's defense line from the rear, and no one dares to look down on me anymore."

"It's a pity that I can't celebrate with you."

"I think that in the next few years, we won't be able to send troops to fight. We have to govern here, and they have to govern over there too. It depends on who governs better."

"These things are not what I am good at. I might be transferred to the south, maybe to Haizhou, and I will have to fight with the Chen people."

"Once I get there, I will train my troops with peace of mind, and wait for the day when I can go out to fight, and then make greater military achievements."

Yao Xiong took a sip of wine and looked at Bao Xian with sadness.

"You are a good person. After I left home to find a job, you have been the best to me besides my brother."

"Don't worry, I will treat your child as my own brother and will not let anyone bully him."

"If you can accomplish greater feats in the future, I will claim to be your disciple. If I am defeated and die in battle one day, I will never mention you."

Yao Xiong talked for a long time, drank the wine cleanly, stood up, saluted towards Bao Xian, turned and walked away.

After walking a few steps, he suddenly stopped and turned to look at the stone tablet.

"Take care of yourself!"

After saying that, Yao Xiong strode away.

He mounted his warhorse and led seven or eight knights, rushing towards Pingcheng like the wind.

In this way, they rushed all the way to the city gate.

Then he saw Gao Yanzong standing there with an impatient look on his face, pacing back and forth. When he saw Yao Xiong rushing over, he ran over quickly and grabbed Yao Xiong's horse. Yao Xiong hurriedly reined in the horse and almost fell off the horse.

He looked at Gao Yanzong angrily, "What are you doing?"

"Don't worry! Don't worry!"

"Something big has happened!"

Yao Xiong frowned. "What happened?"

"There's a rebellion in the south. Looks like we need to take up our post as soon as possible! His Majesty is summoning us!"

"what?"

"Walk!!"

Yao Xiong followed Gao Yanzong onto his warhorse and rushed to the palace. Gao Yanzong couldn't help but ask, "Where did you go just now? You let me wait for a moment, but you took so long that His Majesty even urged you to go!"

"I went to see an old friend!"

The two men rushed all the way to the gate of the palace, threw their horses to the soldiers, and rushed in without even taking off their swords.

When they walked into the hall, Zu Ting was talking loudly to Liu Taozi. When he saw the two people coming in, he stopped talking immediately.

Liu Taozi looked at them slowly. Both of them had been promoted.

Yao Xiong was conferred a title and awarded the title of "Great". As for Gao Yanzong, he was promoted directly to the rank of General Kaifu.

The two men were next to each other, one was the general in Haizhou and the other was in Chuzhou.

Haizhou of the Han Dynasty, with Langya as its center, occupied parts of Hai'an, Donghai, and Huaiyin, and spread to the surrounding areas, basically bordering the Lianghuai region from the east.

As for Chuzhou, it is centered on Jingshan and spreads to Guangning, Nanqiao and other places. It basically borders the Lianghuai area from the west.

The two generals were stationed in two directions respectively to resist the enemy's attack.

Originally, the court was planning to send a new general, but after much deliberation, it finally decided to let these two brothers go.

The Han State was known as the Five Tigers, but with the death of Bao Xian, only four tigers are left. Among the four tigers, Gao Changgong is blocking the Zhou people at the Lingxia defense line, the father-in-law is blocking another father-in-law in the north, and Wang Lin is in Guangzhou, training the navy and stationed in Henan.

As for Yao Xiong, he is a little inferior to these four people, but if compared with the other generals, he has absolute advantages in experience and military achievements.

So it was decided to let Yao Xiong be stationed in the southernmost part to block the Chen people. Of course, the other side was handed over to Gao Yanzong. In name, if a war broke out, Gao Yanzong had to obey Yao Xiong's military orders, which was equivalent to half of the military commander in the south.

"Brother, what happened?"

Liu Taozi frowned, "The scholars from several counties in the south took advantage of Wang Lin's army's departure to rebel, occupy the county town, and write to the people of Chen, wanting to give the city to them."

Yao Xiong's eyes widened. "How dare the people of Chen be so bold? We just beat up the people of Zhou, and they still dare to provoke us? Aren't they afraid that we will attack them with a large army?"

Zu Ting suddenly laughed, "I think the Chen people are more afraid than the rebels."

"The people of Chen just want to develop peacefully and restore their national strength, but they can't stand the fact that Bodhisattva Chen has implemented so many benevolent policies. The famous scholars and nobles in the newly acquired counties are eager to join his army. I guess this is not a collusion with the people of Chen in advance, otherwise the people of Chen would not be unprepared."

"Generals, please go there as soon as possible."

"To govern a place, it is not enough to have officials alone, but also to have a general with a sword."

(End of this chapter)