Hongnong City, in front of the capital county government, the traffic is busy, the crowd is surging, from time to time there are important high-ranking officials, envoys from all over the country, or horses or lines, come to worship.

Around the group of mansions, a large number of guards and generals are placed, all of them are fully armed, holding swords, three steps and one sentry, five steps and one post, there are bright platoons, there are hidden ones, and the security can be described as quite strict. Everyone's face was as if they were facing a great enemy, and they were not at all, and they were afraid that something would go wrong.

Like the county government of Moling, although the county town of Hongnong is several times larger, it is still almost the same in terms of layout. The outer hall is the place where the county warden handles government affairs, holds military meetings, and convenes high-level personnel meetings, and the inner hall is the dormitory of the county guard's family.

Along the way, I saw that the pavilion is gorgeous, the garden is deep, the stone pavilion is abrupt, the platform is undulating, the outline is staggered, etc., all of them are tight and tight, the weather is solemn, giving people the feeling that the whole layout is quite rigorous, and the atmosphere is magnificent. It's just that no matter which hidden corner, there is always a cold and cold aura from time to time, quiet and terrible, as long as you experience it carefully, you will know that there are many secret sentry inside.

The place where Duan Xuan set up the banquet was the front hall, that is, the place where all the officials usually gathered to deal with official business. The whole space looks quite spacious, connected by corridors on both sides, and a large copper tripod in the middle, which is steaming from time to time. There are many landscape murals hanging on the four walls, doubling the literary atmosphere, and the whole lobby looks magnificent and magnificent.

The banquet was full of more than 50 seats, using the "single seat system" commonly used at that time, and filled the entire spacious hall, which shows the grandeur of the banquet tonight.

Although there was still a little time before the feast, almost all the people who should have come were there.

In the wide hall, envoys from all walks of life and Hangu retreated to Hongnong one after another, and those who knew each other from time to time, and those who did not know also took the opportunity to make friends. And the maid and maid, followed by the fish, with a smile on her face, pierced through the edges from time to time. For a while, the lobby was lively and extraordinary, with greetings and laughter, and there was no sense of the harbinger of the Han family's decline and imminent death.

Duan Xuan was smiling, the spring breeze was proud, and he was suspicious, it was rare for him to have such a relaxed and freehand time. Every time I think of today's successful escort, my heart is bubbling with beauty, so I have the dream of being promoted to a knighthood. If it is time to say, you can move forward smoothly, soar upward, and enjoy official luck. Therefore, when everyone laughs, praises it, and welcomes guests to their seats, they are busy and busy, and they are almost a little anxious.

Just as everyone was clamoring and shouting, a eunuch screamed: "The emperor has arrived!" ”

The hall that had been bustling suddenly fell silent, and then the drum instruments that had been equipped for a long time began to sing at the same time, resounding in every corner.

The maids and servants who were shuttling back and forth knelt down first, and then the officials also began to kneel to greet the holy car, and no one dared to go out of the air.

The officials knelt to greet them, first there were eighteen imperial forest guards to open the way, and then Liu Xie, the saint, took the lead, and one shoulder behind was the great Si Nong Zhu Jun and the Taiwei Yang Biao, and Duan Xuan hosted the banquet because of the county guard, and Gu also followed.

Although Liu Xie's expression was tight, trying his best to make a serious expression, it was obviously not in harmony with his childish face. However, after so much hardship, he began to exude a faint kingly aura on his body, although it was not very obvious, but it was also not underestimated. It is precisely because of this that some official envoys tremble and feel strange.

Liu Xie quickly sat in the middle seat, then made a hand gesture, and said in a slightly childish voice: "Zhong Aiqing is flat." ”

"Long live King Xie Wu." All the officers and attendants thanked each other and stood up, and their voices were very loud, and the scene was quite spectacular.

The banquet that everyone was looking forward to was finally driven by Liu Xie's appearance, and the atmosphere began warmly.

After three rounds of drinking, Duan Xuan launched his carefully selected singing and dancing concubine performance, which was well-rehearsed, and all of them were young and beautiful women, which pushed the atmosphere of the banquet to ** for a while. After watching it, everyone was fascinated, and they all applauded loudly, and even the emperor Liu Xie also clapped his hands hard.

Liu Xie raised his glass, with a hint of excitement on his face, and said in a childish voice: "I was able to get out of danger safely this time, and it is inseparable from the best efforts of Aiqing to escort him, especially the uncle Dong Qing, General Yang, General Hongnong County Shouduan, and the soldiers and warriors who are fighting on the front line. After speaking, he took the lead and drank it all.

All the officials echoed together, because Dong Cheng and Yang Feng were still on the front line of Hangu, everyone raised their glasses to Duan Xuan and congratulated them on their drinks.

Duan Xuan was even more red-faced, the spring breeze was proud, and those who came did not refuse, cup after cup, the scene was extremely warm.

At this time, Taiwei Yang Biao also raised his glass and stood up from his seat, looked around, and said loudly: "What Your Majesty said is very true, the old minister also wishes Lord Dong and General Yang victory as soon as possible, pacify Li Xuan and Guo Yan against thieves, and return to the Taiping River and Mountain." "The officials should be together, and drink it all together.

Liu Xie first nodded excitedly, and then his face was a little gloomy and said: "Uncle Dong Guo and General Yang are loyal and courageous, and do their best, I am very comforted, but there are few soldiers in my hands, plus I have suffered defeats again and again, and the morale of the soldiers is low, and the Shaanxi army of Li and Guo Thief is like a wolf and a tiger, I am afraid that it will not be long before Hangu Pass will be lost." At that time, I'm afraid that Hongnong will not be a safe place. ”

All the officials were surprised together, they couldn't imagine that the little emperor Liu Xie also had such knowledge, and they couldn't help but be impressed, and the scene fell silent.

Xun You gave a timely look to Manzhong, the latter stood up, and when everyone was pondering, he first saluted Liu Xie, and then said: "The saint doesn't have to worry, Li Xuan and Guo Yan thieves have done such a thing that people and gods are angry about, and everyone with lofty ideals will rise up and attack them, I believe they will be arrogant soon." ”

Liu Xie nodded, feeling a little more comfortable, and then turned sideways to Zhu Jun and asked, "Who is in the hall?" ”

Zhu Jun whispered: "Back to Your Majesty, this person is the favorite of General Cao Ying's Dongcao Peng. ”

Liu Xie's face was pleasantly surprised: "Man Aiqing's words are very true, I don't know if General Cao is okay recently?" ”

Although Man Chong did not take the emperor Liu Xie in his heart, he still said respectfully: "General Cao is fine, and when he heard that Li and Guo rebelled, he was shocked by the holy car and killed hundreds of officials, and he was very angry. ”

The people in the lobby were shocked by the words of the full favor for a while, and couldn't help but turn their heads and whisper. Although some people have heard rumors, they only regard them as rumors and take them to heart, but it is different when they come out of the mouth of a full pet. In this way, no matter who it is, it must be re-examined as a formality, and Cao Ying's suddenness has largely undermined the interests of some careerists.

Liu Xie couldn't help but say excitedly: "General Cao's courage and loyalty make me feel comforted, if all the princes can be like General Cao, then the world can be determined." ”

Full of favor was even more energetic, and said confidently: "General Cao learned that Li Guo had rebelled, and Zhang Ji was living in Chang'an, and he dispatched the generals of various counties to prepare to pacify the chaos. The two heard that the capital was affected by the war and was in ruins, and they transferred a large amount of money and goods from Yanzhou, planning to build a new capital in Luoyang or Chang, of course, they had to get the consent of the saint. ”

Manzhong's words caused an uproar, and the envoys in the hall discussed a lot.

As long as a little smart person thinks about it with his toes, he knows what Cao Yingfa means by such a big price and strength.

Although Man Chong seemed to ask for the emperor's opinion, no matter who the hall was, he could feel Cao Ying's ambition to dedicate himself to the emperor.

Although Liu Xie could feel that something was wrong, he was not aware of the secrets after all, and said happily: "I have always treated General Cao differently, and General Cao has lived up to my expectations. Come, all the Qing's family will toast General Cao with a cup. ”

Although everyone in the hall has opinions and dissatisfactions, they can only pick up the wine cup unhappily, who tells the full pet mouth to take a step faster and seize the opportunity.

And although Manzhong's face was generally calm, from the narrowed eyes, he knew that he was very happy, and he could only endure it.

Full of favor just wanted to take advantage of the victory to pursue, planning to make a decision in one fell swoop, persuade the emperor to move to Xuchang, suddenly there are about forty Confucian people on the opposite seat to stand up, first to the emperor a salute, and then two eyes on the full favor, Yu Feng pointed directly at Cao Ying said: "Your Majesty, the lower officials think it is inappropriate, move to Xuchang Luoyang, and finally say that the best choice, these two places since the Yellow Turban Rebellion, dilapidated, scarce people, even if you want to build a new capital here, if there is no three years and five years of construction and development, it is difficult to become the capital of China." Otherwise, let the foreign worship laugh at my Han Although the Han is brilliant, the imperial capital is so poor, and there is no majesty, which makes Your Majesty's national prestige frustrated, and the different worship is chaotic, and I hope Your Majesty will think twice. ”

Although the officials felt reasonable, Cao Ying was powerful, and he was about to march into Luoyang, and no one wanted to offend him at this time, so no one responded.

Man Chong was very cold to Cheng Yanjin, who was killed halfway, and said coldly: "Who is this adult?" ”

The middle-aged Confucian puffed up his chest, and said with a very conceited look: "No, it's Hanoi who is too guarded and flamboyant." ”

Manzhong's face sank, Hanoi Zhang Yang attached himself to Yuan Shao, and everyone in the world knew that he was definitely speaking for Yuan Shao at this time. His face turned pale and said: "Then according to Zhang Taishou's meaning, is Hanoi the land of the royal capital?" ”

Zhang Yang calmly said to the aggressive attitude of the full favor: "Non-yes, non-yes!" The Manchurian man said the wrong thing. Although the land of Hanoi is very rich, it is not where the dragon veins are, and it is rarely domineering. And since ancient times, the land of Guanzhong, all the land of the Son of Heaven, into the overlord's business, Yang is not to belittle Luoyang Xuchang, but to think that it is one of the best cities in China, rich and rich, but the Manchurian people do not forget, since the Yellow Turban rebellion, Luoyang Xuchang has been war-torn and devastated, and it is not as good as before. Especially during the Dong Thief Rebellion, the royal family of Luoyang Palace City was destroyed in one fell swoop, the people moved in large numbers, and the city was said to have been lacking in repair for a long time. ”

When everyone heard what Zhang Yang said, it made sense, and they couldn't help nodding secretly.

Man Zhong didn't expect Zhang Yang to be so prickly, he looked at him a little stunned, and said angrily: "According to Lord Zhang, where is the best place to Dingdu?" As soon as the words came out, Man Zhong regretted it to death, and saying it in such a tone was almost equivalent to admitting defeat. secretly glanced at Xun You with his spare eyes, and saw that his expression also sank a little, and his heart was cold.

Zhang Yang glanced at the audience, and saw that everyone was quietly waiting for him to speak, his face was proud, and he said to Emperor Xian respectfully: "The lower officials think that Chaoge, Yecheng, and Handan can all be the land of the royal family. ”

This time, even Captain Yang Biao was also interested: "Lord Zhang, tell me your reason?" ”

Zhang Yang's victory is even more poignant: "Before the song, it was called Moyi, and the four generations of King Yin of Wuyi, Diyi, and Dixin built their capitals here. When Emperor Xin ascended the throne (i.e., King Xuan), he changed Moyi to a court song. In the Western Zhou Dynasty, Zhou Cheng King Feng Kangshu established the defense of the country in Chaoge, and the capital was built for more than 400 years. It has a profound cultural connotation. Chaoge is located in the south of Qishui on the north bank of the Yellow River, backed by the Mian Taihang Mountains, there are soldiers in the south of the Tiger Pass to resist the pass, and there is the danger of Huguan in the west to block the alien route. ”

Taiwei Yang Biao nodded quite a little when he heard this, his eyes narrowed into a trace, and he seemed to agree with what Zhang Yang said.

Emperor Xian was also overjoyed: "What about Yecheng and Handan?" ”

Zhang Yang gushed endlessly: "Yecheng was originally the capital of the Shang king, in the Spring and Autumn Period, the Duke of Qi Huan rebuilt the city, after the Warring States period returned to the Wei State, Wei Wenhou sealed Ye, and regarded Yecheng as the capital of the Wei State at that time, and then Yecheng became the Hou capital, the royal capital, and the national capital step by step. Among them, the most commendable thing is that under the rule of Yuan Gong, Yecheng is quite prosperous and has reached the peak of its prosperity, which is really a good place to set the capital. As for Handan, it has a long history and a long culture. Handan flourished in the late Yin Shang period, prospered in the Warring States and Qin and Han dynasties, first belonged to Wei and then returned to Zhao, and was the capital of Zhao during the Warring States period, located in the Central Plains, and was one of the seven heroes of the Warring States. ”

Everyone admired Zhang Yang's historical knowledge and admired it differently, but Man Chong seemed to have calmed down, and said without hurry: "Yecheng, Handan, and Chaoge are indeed good places, but in the Han Dynasty, the mountains are dangerous, and at such a critical moment, Lord Yuan Shao, who is under the jurisdiction of the three places, neither moved nor sent envoys to come, and his intentions are really unpredictable. Who knows what ambitions he has, and it is difficult for Master Zhang to do something for him? ”

Zhang Yang was stuck for a while, and just as he was about to say something, he swallowed it back alive, and his expression began to become unnatural. He suddenly thought that even if he helped Yuan Shao do things, he was not his person after all, and it was impossible to represent his opinion, and maybe he would make a thankless situation, so why bother.

Man Chong snorted coldly, and said eloquently: "General Yuan, the fourth and third dukes, the former officials of Wensheng are all over the rivers, lakes and seas, and they are in high power, but when Li Xuan and Guo Yan were not able to rebel and cholera was in power, there was no movement at all, which was really heartbreaking and suffocating. ”

Zhang Yang's face was a little unbearable, and he said sharply: "General Yuan has already sent the number one military division under his seat to go there, but I can only hate being assassinated by someone with ulterior motives last night, and now I am seriously injured and can't afford to be seriously injured." Otherwise, how can you let you criticize Lord Yuan so much here. After speaking, his eyes stared at Man Zhong angrily, as if he was about to breathe fire. The sound outside the strings, everyone doesn't need to think about it to know that it is an allusion to Cao Ying's killer.

Manzhong's face was as cold as ice, very ugly, and he sneered: "The dignified envoy, or the number one person under General Yuan Shao, can't protect his life at all, so what else can we talk about to protect the lives of the saints and the ministers of civil and military affairs?" It's ridiculous, ridiculous. ”

Emperor Liu Xie saw that within a few minutes, the two parties quarreled, and they didn't like it, and said a little annoyed: "Everyone discusses the national policy, why make a noise?" ”

When the two of them heard the saint's anger, they each glared at each other, snorted coldly, and sat down a little unwillingly and reluctantly.

At this time, the Gate Palace suddenly sang loudly: "Jizhou envoy, Lord Guo Tu has arrived." ”

As soon as the sound sounded, the pro-Cao faction, including Xun You, tightened their hearts at the same time, their faces fell, and they all felt that the form had changed badly.

The faction that supported Yuan Shao, led by Zhang Yang, was obviously in good spirits, and all of them had joyful faces, as if the victorious Taiping was beginning to tilt over.