On the occasion of the emperor's birthday, the officials of the imperial court enjoyed three days off. In this short period of time, as if in the flowery royal picture, Princess Sangya was like a smart light and shadow, suddenly descending on the palace of Chengwang. Her unexpected visit made Taihao's heart instantly surge with turbulent waves, and her joy was beyond words.

However, in these short three days, in addition to the picturesque visit of Princess Sangya, the footsteps of Emperor Xuancheng also quietly stepped into the palace of King Cheng. His arrival, like the morning glow reflected on the tranquil lake, although he did not say a word, but the entire Chengwang Mansion was shrouded in a special atmosphere.

After learning of the emperor's arrival, Taihao was like a dew drop in the sun, quickly drifting outside the gate to welcome the supreme master. Now, the emperor's dragon chariot has stopped steadily, Taihao is like a fluttering grass, hurriedly knelt down, and bowed deeply to the master sitting on the dragon chariot, his tone was full of awe and loyalty. "Weichen Taihao, see Your Majesty, long live Your Majesty, long live Long live!" His voice echoed beyond the gate, as if to declare his loyalty and awe.

Emperor Xuancheng responded to Tai Hao in his deep and kind voice, "Tai Hao Aiqing, flat body." His voice was like an early morning breeze, soft and warm. After hearing this, Taihao responded gratefully, "Thank you, Your Majesty! His voice was full of gratitude and admiration.

With the support of a eunuch, Emperor Xuancheng stepped off the dragon chariot. He raised his eyes and stared at the plaque with the three big characters "Chengwangfu" on the lintel, and said to Taihao: "Taihao Aiqing, let's replace these three words, and this mansion will belong to you in the future." ”

Taihao was dumbfounded, raised his head in disbelief, and looked at the emperor. His heart was like a wave stirred by a gust of wind, stirring with ecstasy and shock. The emperor's words seemed to be the sound of heaven, which made him intoxicated and couldn't help himself for a long time.

"Your Majesty, this ...... It's true? Tai Hao said excitedly, his voice trembling slightly. His gaze was filled with endless joy and gratitude, as if he was in a dreamlike wonderland.

Emperor Xuancheng smiled and nodded, his eyes revealing deep pampering and blessings. He walked slowly up to Taihao and gently patted him on the shoulder as a sign of encouragement and support. "Taihao Aiqing, your loyalty and talent have long been recognized by me. I hope that you can continue to make greater contributions to the country and the people in this mansion. ”

Tai Hao kowtowed to the ground again and said, "Wei Chen respectfully follows His Majesty's teachings, and will do his best to live up to His Majesty's expectations!" ”

Emperor Xuancheng smiled slightly and said gently, "Okay! Taihao Aiqing, you are the pillar of the country, and I have extremely high expectations for you. Get up, and don't let me down. ”

Tai Hao stood up respectfully, but he thought in his heart that the emperor would not give him a mansion for no reason, and he would definitely have other purposes.

After stepping into the familiar mansion in the past, Xuan Cheng couldn't help but sigh: "I haven't set foot in this mansion for many years, and now it seems that you have taken good care of it." ”

Tai Hao said humbly: "Your Majesty has an overreputation, this is not the power of Wei Chen, but the ......"

"I understand, Taihao Aiqing, let you wait silently in Yichuan City for so many years, you won't have a grudge against me, right?" Hyun Cheng interrupted his explanation and looked at him with a smile.

Tai Hao hurriedly said: "How can Wei Chen resent Your Majesty? Wechen is grateful to His Majesty for the careful cultivation of Wechen, and it is His Majesty who has given Wechen the opportunity to sharpen. ”

Xuan Cheng's smile was full of warmth, and he looked at Tai Hao as if he was exploring a deep secret. "Taihao, I heard that your name was given by the emperor's brother Xuanyu, and Prime Minister Liangyu revealed this information to me when I sent you to fight against the Japanese. Is your home in Shizhu City? Have you ever been back over the years? ”

Tai Hao's gaze was as deep as autumn water, and he replied: "Your Majesty, since Wei Chen left home when he was fifteen years old, Wei Chen has never returned to that homeland. ”

Xuan Cheng's eyes were filled with concern, and he asked further, "Taihao Aiqing must be very homesick, right?" ”

A hint of nostalgia flashed in Tai Hao's eyes, but his voice was still steady: "Your Majesty, Weichen sometimes really can't suppress his longing for his hometown. But as a member of the imperial court, Weichen always remembers his duty, that is, to pay attention to the lives of the people and eliminate harm for the people. For family affairs, Weichen felt deeply guilty, and could only hide this emotion deep in his heart. ”

Xuan Cheng's eyes showed respect, and he said: "Taihao loves Qing Gong and is loyal to the country, and his heart is like iron, which is really the treasure of my Eastern Empire." I feel its virtue and decide to give you a period of idle clouds and wild cranes, so that you can return to your homeland and reunite warmly. When Tai Hao heard this, he was grateful and wanted to kowtow again to thank him. However, Hyun Cheng stretched out his hand and stopped him from bowing down. He continued, "However, before you can enjoy this period of tranquility, I have an important matter for you to take care of. If this happens, I will grant you a month of peace in Shizhu City, so that you can share your family with your family. ”

Tai Hao asked tentatively, "Your Majesty, I wonder if the mission you mentioned is about the suppression of bandits in the south?" ”

Xuan Cheng shook his head and said, "If it is just to suppress the bandits in the south, I will not bother you to come today, and I will announce it directly in the court tomorrow." ”

When Tai Hao heard that the emperor's intention was not to send him to the south to suppress the bandits, he secretly rejoiced in his heart, because then he did not need to oppose Qi Guang.

Xuan Cheng continued: "I originally intended to send you to lead your troops south to suppress the bandits in the south, because you submitted a detailed topographical map of the bandits in the south. However, I changed my mind. With the topographical map you presented to me, any general can handle the matter of suppressing bandits in the south, but as an envoy of the Eastern Empire, not everyone can do it when he goes to Tibet. Especially after the death of Tubo Zanpu and Yang Wu Rongzan, this moment is even more critical. ”

Tai Hao's suspicions gradually dissipated, pondering Xuan Cheng's words, and asked cautiously: "Your Majesty wants Wei Chen to be a messenger and set foot on the snowy plateau?" ”

Xuan Cheng Long's face was slightly bowed, and he said, "Exactly, I want you to go deep into Tibet on my behalf to show friendship." ”

When Taihao heard this, a trace of panic flashed on his face, but he still couldn't help but whisper: "Weichen is bold, does Your Majesty have the intention of marching into Tibet?" ”

Xuan Cheng's eyes were deep, and he said lightly: "Have you heard the words of the courtiers in the court, after the death of Yang Wu Rongzan, more than half of the officials in the court have made a statement to me, wanting to take this opportunity to declare war on Tubo." However, after all, Yang Wu Rongzan was once my fast son-in-law, and since Diao Tang went to Tibet to get married, the relationship between the two countries has been as warm as spring. How can I watch the peaceful time pass away and start a war instead? You don't have to listen to what other officials have to say, because I have absolutely no intention of marching into Tibet. ”

Tai Hao asked, "What are Your Majesty's plans for the relationship between the Eastern Empire and Tibet?" ”

Emperor Xuancheng looked at Taihao deeply, and a trace of determination flashed in his eyes. He said slowly, "Taihao, with your wisdom and courage, as my messenger, I hope that you will embark on a journey to Tibet and start a dialogue with their new Zampu. The future direction between the two countries needs to be discussed together, and we need to decide by words, not by swords. We look forward to peace, not war, friendship, not enmity. For all this, Taihao, I implore you to go to Tibet with my wishes. ”

Hearing these words, Taihao's heart instantly rippled with understanding. He immediately bowed down and knelt down and replied in the most humble tone: "Your Majesty, in accordance with your Majesty's divine will, I will do my best to accomplish this great mission!" ”

Emperor Xuan Cheng was deeply satisfied with this answer, he nodded slightly, and then said: "Taihao, this task is extremely important, among the civil and military forces of the Manchu Dynasty, only you can be qualified for this task. ”

Although Tai Hao had doubts, he still asked humbly: "Your Majesty, why do you value Weichen so much?" Wei Chen is just an ordinary city lord in this Eastern Empire, insignificant. ”

Xuan Cheng said: "Your dedication and meritorious service to the establishment of the Eastern Empire are deeply rooted in my soul, although sometimes I do not repay you with honor, it is only out of far-reaching considerations of power and strategy. Suddenly, his thoughts flowed like flowing water, and Xuan Cheng continued: "By the way, on this visit to Tibet, I will let Xuan Bao accompany you, so as to increase the sincerity of the Eastern Empire." ”

Tai Hao hurriedly stepped forward and persuaded in a tone full of worry: "Your Majesty, let the prince go, I'm afraid something is wrong with the minister." If the Tibetan side is treacherous and detains the prince as a proton, what should it do? ”

Xuan Cheng shook his head slowly, his voice was like Gujing Wubo, and said, "Taihao, you are too worried." Diaotang is now in Tubo, when Diaotang married far away, Xuanbao was still young, and now they have grown up, let them see each other, it will be fine. Could it be that Diao Tang will still arrest his own brother? ”

Taihao was still a little worried, and said, "But...... Your Majesty only has this one son, in case ......"

Xuan Cheng said categorically: "No case, Taihao, you just need to follow my will." ”

Tai Hao's words floated in the air, like a handful of feathers falling lightly on the fragile surface of the lake, he was full of doubts, and spit out: "Weichen...... Command. The voice was like the sound of a distant guzheng, with a hint of desolation and helplessness.

Xuan Cheng used a soft tone to start the conversation again: "Taihao Aiqing is now married?" ”

Emperor Xuancheng's inquiry was like a gust of wind, causing waves in Taihao's heart. His wife Mao Ru has now become the emperor's concubine, of course he can't say that he has a family. He lowered his eyes, hid his deep thoughts, and replied to Xuan Cheng: "Your Majesty, Weichen has no family yet. ”

Emperor Xuancheng's gaze seemed to penetrate time and space, and saw through Taihao's heart, and he reminded with concern: "Taihao, although state affairs are important, you can't ignore the major events of your life." These gentle words were like the strings of the zither being plucked, sending out deep vibrations.

Tai Hao bowed slightly, and said gratefully and awe-inspiringly: "Thank you for Your Majesty's care, and Weichen will keep it in mind." ”

Xuan Cheng looked at Tai Hao, and his tone was heavy: "Regarding the suppression of bandits in the south, if you know which general can take on this great responsibility, I don't know what Aiqing thinks?" ”

Tai Hao replied: "Wechen thinks that the bandits in the south are like wildfires, and it is not easy to extinguish this raging flame. It is necessary to send a battle-hardened general to lead the army into battle. ”

Xuan Cheng said: "Since I ascended the throne, I have had the responsibility of putting down the bandits in the south in one fell swoop, but it has been difficult. These bandits are not simple bandits and bandits, many of them are martial arts masters who wander the rivers and lakes. In my Eastern Empire, since the era of the Tongtian Dynasty, the martial arts sects on the rivers and lakes have had close ties with the government, and we need their assistance many times. In recent years, however, these sects have become more brazen in their behavior, often making enemies of the government, and even setting up their own mountains and proclaiming themselves emperors. In the face of this situation, I will definitely destroy them all. ”