novelaction Chapter 193 The Eldest Son
Chapter 193 The Eldest Son
Chapter 193 The Eldest Son
Wang Yun left and Liu Xie came.
After getting married, Liu Xie seemed to have matured a little. When he sat opposite Liu Bian, he no longer had the tense face he used to have and seemed more calm.
Liu Bian picked up the teapot, poured him some tea, and said, "What do you think of the fierce fight between Yang Biao and Wang Yun?"
Liu Xie's face tensed up again when he heard this. He looked at Liu Bian quietly and said, "I think that the Prime Minister is well-known throughout the country for his virtue and is the most diligent among the nobles. However, there are many wise men in my dynasty, and the court must have them. It's just temporary."
Liu Bian took a sip of the herbal tea and said with a smile, "You can see these, your time in the Shangshutai has not been in vain."
Liu Xie bowed his head. He had been in the Secretariat for more than a year, observing from the sidelines and seeing all the happenings in the court clearly.
Yang Biao might have been afraid of the "Party and Faction Persecution" or the mass killings before and after Liu Bian ascended the throne. He tried his best to stay away from "power" and clearly wanted to be an "inaction" prime minister.
Wang Yun was just the opposite. He was more like a prime minister than a prime minister. He wanted to do great things, but he was short-sighted and narrow-minded. He could neither tolerate others nor let go of things. He was always targeting others and fussy about everything. He had neither magnanimity nor courage.
However, Xun You was promoted to the position of Huangmen Shilang by He Jin just last year, which was already a high position for him in the position of Licao Shangshu, not to mention that after the reform, Licao's status exceeded that of the Nine Ministers.
As for Xun Yu, he had been in officialdom for less than a year. He had been the palace guard for a few months last year when Emperor Lingdi passed away. Yuan Shao led his troops into the palace, and he returned to Yingchuan after being injured.
He then took his clan to take refuge in Jizhou, and returned to the imperial court this year, only a few months later.
For such a young man who has just started out, being placed in the positions of Taicang Ling and Hucao Shangshu is already a prominent position and has attracted countless criticisms. If he wants to go further, it will only do harm rather than good.
As for other people, given the emperor's suspicious character, he may not be willing to use them.
"Tell me what you think about national affairs." Liu Bian looked at Liu Xie with a testing look on his face.
Liu Xie was confused as to why Liu Bian had called him here. Thinking of what Fu Shou had said to him last night, 'Your Majesty may not have any intention of harming me,' his face tightened again, and he did not dare to raise his head. He said, "I think that the government has many shortcomings and needs to be remedied. The court cannot allow chaos."
Liu Bian nodded slightly and said, "The government and the public all say that I was foolish to use Dong Zhuo and release Yuan Shao. What do you think?"
Regarding Dong Zhuo, the attitude of the government and the public was almost unanimous - kill him as soon as possible.
As for Yuan Shao, the attitudes were somewhat complicated. Some people thought that he should be pardoned and should not be reinstated, let alone used to lead troops. Some people, perhaps because of the killings of Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu brothers last year, held a grudge and strongly demanded that he be punished. Some people had an unclear attitude and were unpredictable.
There has been constant criticism from both the court and the public about Liu Bian's arbitrary use of these two people. Up to now, various advice and impeachments have never ceased, and rumors in the streets are endless.
Liu Xie pretended to think seriously for a while and said, "Your Majesty is so wise and far-sighted. How can ordinary people understand this?"
Liu Bian couldn't help but chuckle, looked at him and said, "When did you learn to flatter?"
Liu Xie bowed and said, "These are all my sincere words."
Seeing the sun gradually rising, Liu Bian felt hot and took another sip of herbal tea. He smiled and said, "Don't learn these things."
Liu Xie didn't say anything, but was still wondering why Liu Bian called him over so early in the morning.
Liu Bian did not let him wait too long, and said: "You are my only brother, and you are in charge of the Imperial Censorate, with the power to supervise all officials. There are some things that I cannot say, and some things that I cannot do, and you have to take the lead for me."
Liu Xie was stunned, pondering the meaning of Liu Bian's words, but no matter how he thought about it, it didn't seem right. He couldn't help but look up with a puzzled look.
Liu Bian looked at him, smiled and handed the teacup to him, saying: "Those who deserve to be scolded should be scolded, and those who deserve to be taught a lesson should be taught a lesson. There is no need to save face for them."
Liu Xie understood and became flustered. His face twitched unnaturally. It was not known whether it was because of nervousness or heat, but beads of sweat appeared on his head. He said, "Your Majesty, your humble servant, your humble servant..."
"Have some tea first." Liu Bian said.
Liu Xie didn't know what to say, so he quickly picked up the teacup and took a sip.
After taking a sip of the cold tea, he felt much more refreshed and his mind became clearer. Liu Xie raised his hand and said, "Your Majesty, I am worried that I might ruin your plans."
Liu Bian waved his hand and said with a smile: "Alright, I know what you are thinking. What I said is from my heart and is the truth. We are brothers. This kind of fate is second only to parents. There is no other comparable thing in the world. Live peacefully and act boldly. Don't always be scared and avoid those worries and insecurities."
Liu Xie looked at Liu Bian and saw that his face was frank and at ease, without any falsehood or pretense. He was extremely shocked and quickly fell to the ground and said, "My dear brother, I obey your order and thank you!"
Liu Bian stretched out his hand to pull him up, saying, "In a few days, you will be able to live in the palace. I will personally take you there. I will give you the privilege of entering the palace at any time without reporting. Grandmother is old, you must take good care of her. Don't touch those messy people, so as to avoid gossip in the court and the public."
Liu Xie prostrated himself again, his face tense, and said in a deep voice: "I accept your command and thank you!"
Pan Yin was standing not far away. Seeing Liu Xie's body trembling with excitement, he silently withdrew his gaze and shook his head secretly in his heart.
Although this prince is precocious, he is still young after all.
"I hope he knows the limits." Pan Yin said silently. Only if the limits are well-measured, His Majesty's words will be the truth.
Liu Bian smiled and said, "Okay, get up. Ask your father-in-law for advice and ask him to do it freely. The Han Dynasty was first damaged by the administration of officials, and the main responsibility lies with the Censorate. You must shoulder the responsibility of clarifying the administration of officials."
Liu Xie sat up straight, his face solemn, and said, "Your Highness understands."
Liu Bian nodded, poured him some tea, and then took a sip himself. He said, "Although Wang Yun is the main person in charge of this 'reduction of redundant officials', the Censorate is still the one that does the work. You and Fu Wan must be more decisive. Luoyang City is under my eyes. Once you get there, the noble families are deeply rooted and have a complicated network of relationships. One move will affect the whole body. You will definitely encounter a lot of resistance, and Wang Yun will be wary. At this time, you, the Censorate, must show courage. Don't worry, and don't be afraid. I will be your backer."
Liu Xie took a deep breath, raised his hand and said, "I obey your order!"
Pan Yin suddenly came over quietly and whispered, "Your Majesty, Empress Cai is feeling unwell."
Liu Bian's face changed slightly, and he stood up suddenly and asked, "What's going on?"
Pan Yin said: "The doctor has gone, so I don't know for now."
Liu Bian didn't care about anything else, he walked quickly and said, "Royal brother, you go first."
Liu Xie nodded repeatedly and watched Liu Bian's hurried back.
"The due date is still a month away, right?"
Liu Bian walked quickly, feeling vaguely uneasy.
Nowadays, it is extremely dangerous for women to become pregnant and give birth. If they are not careful, two lives may be lost.
Pan Yin followed closely behind Liu Bian and said, "Yes, the midwives and others are in the palace, and all preparations are complete. Your Majesty does not need to worry."
Liu Bian frowned, quickened his pace, and headed straight for Yongning Palace.
Cai Wenji was seven months pregnant. At the request of Empress Dowager He, she entered the palace and lived in Yongning Palace.
When they arrived at Yongning Palace, Empress Dowager He and a group of people were already there.
Liu Bian strode over and faintly heard screams from inside the house. He looked even more anxious and almost ran over, saying, "Mother, what's going on?"
Empress Dowager He frowned, looking unhappy, and said, "The maid said that she just bent over and suddenly had unbearable abdominal pain. She is probably about to give birth."
When Liu Bian heard this, his heart skipped a beat and he subconsciously walked towards the door.
Empress Dowager He grabbed him and said concisely: "Wait!"
Liu Bian looked at her, feeling anxious and uneasy, but he could only endure it and not cause more trouble.
The rest of the people, including the eunuchs and palace maids, dared not breathe and all stared at the door.
Cai Wenji's screams inside continued to grow louder and louder, heart-wrenching and terrifying.
Liu Bian was standing not far from the door. Although he had an umbrella to protect himself, his face was still covered in sweat and he didn't know when his whole body got soaked.
Empress Dowager He stayed beside him, saying nothing, but with a frown on her face and her hands tangled together.
This is her grandson, and she is equally anxious.
Soon, Empress Dowager Dong, Concubine Tang, and even Cai Yong arrived and stood behind Liu Bian. No one dared to speak, and they all stared at the door.
Cai Wenji's screams were sometimes loud and sometimes soft, making everyone outside terrified.
Occasionally, when the door opened, the midwife came out with blood and water and ordered people to get hot water.
Liu Bian tried to rush in several times, but was stopped every time and could not go in. He could only pace back and forth anxiously, his face sweating profusely and he did not even bother to wipe it off.
Cai Yong looked up at the sun, his face frozen. Listening to his daughter's screams, he was also heartbroken.
After an unknown amount of time, Cai Wenji's screams suddenly stopped.
The expressions of everyone outside the door changed immediately and they froze in place.
Liu Bian reacted the fastest. He didn't care about anything else and rushed forward.
Before Liu Bian reached the door, a baby crying suddenly sounded in the room.
Liu Bian opened his eyes and pushed the door open. A midwife came over and said in a hurry, "Congratulations, Your Majesty! It's a prince!"
Liu Bian looked at the bloody, wrinkled child and was extremely excited. He wanted to reach out and hug her. He walked inside and asked, "How is Wen Ji?"
Before he could reach the bed, the midwife stopped him and said, "Your Majesty, Madam Cai is fine. Don't go in. It's unlucky..."
How could Liu Bian believe this? He came to the bed and saw that the mattress was stained with blood. He stepped over and there was blood all over his feet.
Cai Wenji lay there, her hair soaked, her face as pale as paper, and she didn't move.
Liu Bian's heart skipped a beat and his whole body went cold.
"His Majesty,"
Suddenly, Cai Wenji slowly opened her eyes, tilted her head to look at him, and called out weakly.
Liu Bian instantly rose from hell to heaven. He rubbed his face, smiled and sat next to her. He stretched out his hand to tidy up the messy hair on her face and said softly, "It's okay, it's okay. I'm here."
Cai Wenji was extremely weak. She forced a smile and then slowly closed her eyes.
The midwife stood behind Liu Bian and whispered, "Your Majesty, the queen is fine. She will recover after a few days of rest."
Liu Bian nodded repeatedly. He was worried and didn't want to leave, but he was also afraid that Cai Wenji would be worried and couldn't sleep well. After waiting for a while, he got up and left quietly.
He saw that his son had been washed and was sleeping quietly in his cradle.
Liu Bian looked at him, breathed a sigh of relief, and a smile appeared on his face unconsciously.
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