Chapter 274: Giving face to the emperor?
When the general repeatedly practiced silence in the court, he mentioned how far his influence and old subordinates extended. However, if we only describe it literally, it seems a bit empty.

But there must be a reason why it was mentioned.

Civil officials who hold important positions like Ren An and Jian Xuan are just the tip of the iceberg under the protection of the big tree of Wei Qing. The ones over whom he truly wields great influence and even control are the pure military generals in the army!

It really needs to be studied in detail.

Now, the two generals under the Grand Marshal and the General in the court, the General of Cavalry and the General of Chariots and Cavalry, have both served under Wei Qing.

In addition to the other types of generals, lieutenant generals, colonels, etc. in the army, there are countless generals of all kinds who have obeyed Wei Qing’s orders. It is no exaggeration to say that they are spread throughout the entire army!
Of course.

At this point, a question arises – who among those who fought against Wei Qing can be considered his old subordinates?

In other words, who are the people who still consider themselves their old subordinates?
There were many generals who had served under the general, but not all of them followed Wei Qing’s lead. One very vivid example was Li Cai.

If this example is from a long time ago, there must be a ready-made one in the court right now – Zong Zheng, Han said!

as well as.

The left general, Xun Zhu, who was killed by Huo Qubing not long ago.

Li, Han and Xun, if we put these three together, it is not difficult to find that they all have one thing in common, they have identity and background!

They already had a background before following Wei Qing to fight and before they were appointed generals and granted titles of nobility.

Li Cai was born into the Longxi Li clan, and his ancestor was a famous general of the Qin Dynasty; Han Shuo was born into the Yingchuan Han clan, and his illustrious family background could be traced back to the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period.

Xunzi.

His background is the most superficial, but also the most solid. He used to be the driver of the current emperor…

For those who already had confidence, even if they followed Wei Qing to the battlefield, won battles, gained military merit, and were granted titles of nobility, they would not be too grateful to their commander-in-chief.

Because they are confident, and have a sense of superiority and relaxation that “if I am not prominent under you, Wei Qing, I can also become prominent elsewhere with my own status.”

on the contrary.

Generals of commoner origin, or even lower origin, would instinctively unite around Wei Qing after they had performed meritorious services under him.

Because from now on, General Wei Qing will become the background for these people without background!
It’s all human nature, and there’s nothing for others to blame.

And the General of the Central Army Guo Chang.

He was such an ordinary man, who had fought in wars with Wei Qing and always stayed united around the general.

There are many people like Guo Chang in the court. They may not be very eye-catching in normal times, or they may always serve as a foil for court meetings.

But once something happens.

If they really stand out, the label of “great general” will naturally flash above their heads.

This is also why Wei Qing became increasingly taciturn in the court. The slave-riding boy he once was is no longer the same person he used to be. His every word and action affects the court.

It also touched the emperor’s sensitive heart…

When discussing the issue of sending troops against the Southwestern Yi, all the officials signaled with their eyes that Wei Qing should take the lead in opposing it, because everyone knew that he was fully capable of doing so.

Available at the same time.

As Wei Qing’s nephew, Liu Ju was also aware of the disastrous consequences that would result from Wei Qing’s actions.

The friendship between ruler and subject becomes less each time it is used.

Even if there is a great friendship, there will be a day when it runs out. When that day comes, it will be dangerous…

So, Liu Ju took the lead and stood up for Wei Qing a second before he stepped forward. Wei Qing frowned at that time, which meant he had noticed something.

“But the relationship between the ruler and his subjects decreases every time they are used, and the relationship between father and son also decreases every time they are used, doesn’t it?”

The nephew understands his uncle’s predicament, and the uncle also understands his nephew’s difficulties.

Sima Mansion, under the eaves.

The great general, the most powerful official of the dynasty, gazed into the distance silently, his face showing neither sadness nor joy, all his thoughts were lost in the thick night before his eyes…

……

Under the same night sky, Wuyang Marquis Mansion.

Today, the Crown Prince and Li Liangdi came to visit. Liangdi took her daughter to the back house to meet the female members of the mansion, while Liu Ju and Li Guang, grandparents and grandchildren, were discussing matters in the front hall.

“Before Lord Yi left the capital, he told his disciples that Marquis Wuyang should go to Bowang Garden to recuperate as usual.”

A few days ago, when Li Guang and the emperor were in Jianzhang Palace and had their pulse examined by a doctor, it was discovered that he had an old illness. Originally, Song Yi was following up on his treatment.

Later, Song Yi returned home and handed the house over to Yi Shuo.

Not coincidentally.

When King Liu Hong of Qi returned to his country, Yi Shuo followed him and the matter was handed over to her disciples. Fortunately, there was a precedent, so it was not difficult for them to take care of Li Guang.

“Oh!” Hearing the prince specifically mention this, Li Guang looked indifferent and said roughly: “I am in good health!”

Half the story.

He changed the subject slightly and laughed, “Haha, thank you for your concern, Your Highness.”

It is not difficult to hear that the usually thick-skinned old man Li, when he was suffering from illness and dying on his sickbed, rarely said a soft word.

Liu Ju pretended not to see through him. After explaining the previous events, he stopped smiling and said, “I think Marquis Wuyang must have guessed that I came to visit you this time. I also want to tell him something.”

While talking.

He looked down at a young man.

At this moment in the main hall, Liu Ju and Li Guang were sitting in the main seats, and on the left was Li Guang’s eldest grandson, Li Ling, kneeling.

“I know about this!” Li Guang also looked at his grandson at this moment, with a stern face, and said seriously: “Your Highness doesn’t need to go there in person, I will also remind him.”

“This is the first time that Shao Qing is leading an army into battle. You must win. Not only must you win, but you must win beautifully. You must not bring shame to His Highness!”

talking.

Old man Li glared at Li Ling, “You led an army alone this time. Although you were only going to attack the barbarians in the southwest, you led the army alone after all. Some bastards in the court said that you were relying on the Crown Prince’s palace for help. Damn it!”

“They are right!”

“With your little bit of achievements, if it weren’t for the Crown Prince’s favor, you wouldn’t be able to lead the army. Fight well this time and bring back your military merits to shut them up!”

Old man Li scolded Li Ling as if he were scolding his grandson, and Li Ling, the eldest grandson, also responded immediately like a grandson:
“Don’t worry, Grandfather.”

Although he looked calm, Li Ling was still a member of the Li family. He bowed to Liu Ju and said solemnly, “I will not let you down!”

Li Ling, courtesy name Shaoqing, currently holds the rank of General of the Household.

At the same time, he was also another leading general in the expedition to the Southwestern Yi.

Hearing what Li Ling said, Liu Ju nodded in response, but he did not come here today to boost morale or ask for guarantees.

“Um……”

After a brief pause, Liu Ju said solemnly, “Of course we have to win the battle when we send troops, but we have to win by being steady. To be honest, I came here today to instruct Shao Qing, and I think the general is also instructing Guo Chang right now.”

Li Guang and Li Ling, grandfather and grandson, looked at each other, then turned their attention to Liu Ju, waiting for the next words.

“During the Korean War, the lessons of Generals Yang and Xun are not far away. The general and I are inevitably worried that you and Guo Chang will repeat the same mistakes. Another…”

Liu Ju looked at Li Guang.

“Internal strife is unacceptable, and underestimating the enemy is also unacceptable. Even if it is slow and steady, we must win steadily. The court cannot afford to lose now!”

You can’t eat it. You really can’t eat it.

If they win, they can still barely maintain the war. If they lose, the consequences of losing soldiers and generals and the local corruption can be borne by the Han Dynasty in the past. Now the treasury is so poor that even if they can barely hold on, it will still be a mess. Liu Ju said again: “Before the war is confirmed, I advise the emperor to slow down. After the war is confirmed, there is no way to slow down. I have to say something.”

“Please hold on!”

This was not just Liu Ju’s “talkativeness”, but also what he wanted to inform the two main generals after discussing with Wei Qing and Huo Qubing.

Li Guang and the others sensed the Crown Prince’s seriousness. Li Ling’s expression became stern, and he bowed and said, “Your Highness, I have remembered what you said!”

Liu Ju nodded.

As the atmosphere in the hall became solemn, Li Guang took over the conversation and sighed heavily, “Alas!”

Old man Li said to Liu Ju bitterly and embarrassedly: “Your Highness, there are some things I said that you may not like to hear, but now my Li family and the Crown Prince’s Palace are not outsiders.”

“If I were to tell you… ugh!”

“Your Highness, why did you have to confront His Majesty in the court that day? It’s just a matter of using troops. Just fight well and win.”

Li Guang frowned and said in a rough voice, “Your Majesty is a man who does not bear grudges. When it comes to being broad-minded, you really have nothing to say.”

“But if you really want to calculate, I don’t think I have such a big heart…”

These words.

These are Li Guang’s true words.

Having lived long and seen a lot, Li Guang experienced many things personally, which others had long forgotten or even just heard about.

When people get old, they like to talk about their past. After talking about it so much, Li Guang doesn’t have a detailed portrayal of his impression of the current emperor, but he has a pretty good idea of ​​some of the general likes and dislikes and taboos.

Liu Ju could hear his concern.

Unfortunately.

On that day, Liu Ju had to stand whether he wanted to or not!

Compared to letting his uncle Wei Qing take the lead in singing a rebel tune, it is better for Prince Liu Ju to come. After all, the affection between father and son is always stronger than that between monarch and subject.

It is neither my choice nor my duty.

However, it was not easy to talk about uncle Wei Qing in Li’s house, so Liu Ju did not mention it and just smiled bitterly…

The night is getting darker.

Li Guang and his grandson sent the prince and others to the door. Liu Ju waved his hand, got on the carriage with Li Liangdi, and headed to the prince’s palace.

In the carriage, Li Yan was holding the baby in her arms. The little one in the cradle was already fast asleep. She whispered softly to Liu about some interesting things that happened in and around the house.

Talking and talking.

Li Liang Di stopped smiling and said with concern: “When I left the mansion, my mother told me to persuade His Highness not to have conflicts with His Majesty…”

Ordinary people may not know what happens in the court, but it is difficult to hide it from high-ranking officials, especially relatives like the Li family.

Their advice and remonstrances are not an act of meddling in other people’s affairs.

This had a basis in reality and was very normal in the Han Dynasty. The maternal relatives and the dependent male members of the royal family often prospered and suffered together.

It’s not just the Li family.

I’m afraid it won’t be long before Shi Shi, who is far away in Lu, and Shi Gong, who is in Liangzhou, will write to me one after another.

Liu Ju could understand, but he still had to do what he had to do. “My father and I are at odds, and there is still room for reconciliation. It’s better than my uncle and my father having a quarrel.”

Wei Qing had a quarrel with the emperor.

There was no need for easing the situation in the past, because the emperor could tolerate and ignore everything as Wei Qing won battle after battle.

nowadays.

There was no room for reconciliation between the emperor and Wei Qing, because in reality, there was no room for any buffer between the emperor and the great general who was second only to the emperor…

If we’re going to collide, we’re going to collide head-on.

As Liu Ju finished speaking, the carriage fell into a brief silence. Liu Ju told Li Liangdi what was inconvenient to say to Li Guang and his grandson in the Li Mansion.

Then she fell silent.

After a while, Li Liang Di patted the swaddling clothes and whispered, “Since it’s for your uncle, it’s okay for Your Highness to come forward.”

“But it’s not a big deal if you show up so often. If there are any more disagreements, why don’t you have a frank talk with His Majesty in private? After all, they are father and son.”

“It’s better than a conflict in the court?”

“No.” As soon as she finished speaking, Liu Ju shook his head and replied with one word in a calm expression.

Li Liangdi was stunned, and the slapping of her hands paused for a moment. She thought her husband was being stubborn and angry, and was about to persuade him again…

“You do not understand.”

Unexpectedly, Liu Ju took the initiative to clear up her confusion: “Some things can be pointed out to the emperor in private, but there are some things that the emperor pretends not to see, so they can only be discussed in the court.”

Speaking of which.

Liu Ju leaned back and raised his hand to pinch his brows. “Do you think that father doesn’t know the various problems of the court? He doesn’t know that too many elite soldiers have been lost?”

“In the third year of Yuan Ding, when we attacked Dongyue, my father ordered Li Gan and Han Shuo to lead the prisoners to fight. We did not use soldiers to attack a country, but used prisoners…”

“At that time, I didn’t know why and didn’t think much about it. It was only after dealing with more government affairs in recent days that I realized how serious the situation was!”

“After decades of war, the treasury accumulated by Emperors Wen and Jing has been used up, but the war only uses money, not people?”

Li Liangdi’s pretty face was a little dazed. It was the first time she heard such a secret, and she was speechless for a moment.

“call–“

Liu Ju exhaled a breath of foul air, “I know these things, my father knows, the ministers in the court also know, but knowing is knowing, who can tell?”

Given Prime Minister Shi Qing’s temperament, he must have told the emperor privately a long time ago, but why does the emperor need you to remind him of something he already knows?

I’m pretending not to know something I know clearly. Is it any use for you to remind me?
Useless.

In this case, Crown Prince Liu Ju could only point it out publicly in the court, hoping that the emperor would succumb to the pressure and slow down.

I didn’t say you can’t fight, but why are you in such a hurry?
It is a pity.

Not only did the emperor not buy into this, he also taught Liu Ju a lesson…

“Father knows everything, he knows everything, but he doesn’t care, he thinks everything is under his control.”

The wooden wheels outside the carriage creaked, but the interior of the carriage was surprisingly quiet.

After a while.

Li Liang Di said with a look of jealousy: “If this continues, Your Majesty will become… an arrogant king?”

What she was thinking of was a more appropriate, more presumptuous, but disrespectful word, but when the words came to her lips, she changed it to “arrogant”.

“Knowing it’s impossible, but still forcing yourself to do it, in the future…” Li Liang Di looked at her husband, worry once again filled her face, she lowered her voice and said:

“Will it not just leave a mess for His Highness in the future?”

Ok.

Liu Ju looked at her and gave her an affirmative look, indicating that she had guessed correctly. Then, Liu Ju stroked his chin and asked Li Liangdi in confusion:

“Actually, I’ve always had a guess. Tell me, is it because I, your man, am too good and I’m giving the emperor a face?”

Li Liangdi: “?”

(End of this chapter)