Night falls, Lin'an City, Ouchi, Funing Palace.

With the exception of a few palaces, the palace was pitch black, deathly silent, and even more lifeless at night than the deserted day.

Zhao Kuo, the official family of the Great Song Dynasty, was alone, his parents, brothers and sisters died early, and he had no heirs, and there were only a few people in the harem.

The people are happy, share the joy of family, and welcome the New Year's Day. Although the palace is full of new peaches and old charms, it is still deserted. First, Zhao Kuo, an official of the Great Song Dynasty, was routinely thrifty, and second, Zhao Kuo cultivated and liked to be quiet. Therefore, this year's Chinese New Year's Eve is particularly deserted.

In the main hall, the curtain hung low, and Zhao Kuan, an official of the Great Song Dynasty, was wearing a half-worn Taoist robe, his face was black and thin, he sat cross-legged on the green cloth cushion, closed his eyes and meditated, looking extremely pious.

Zhao Kuo dressed plainly, the tent curtains in the palace were also simple, the furniture was old and uncarved, the eating utensils were not luxurious, the wine vessels were all made of tin, and even the carpets were worn and outdated. This shows the frugality of the official family of the Great Song Dynasty.

In the fifth year of Shaoxi (1194), Zhao Kuo was established as the crown prince by his father Song Guangzong Zhao. In the same year, Song Guangzong Zhao was forced to abdicate by his ministers due to a loss of virtue. Zhao Kuo succeeded to the throne with the support of ministers such as Han Yanxuan and Zhao Ruyu, and changed the name of the year to "Qingyuan".

After Zhao Kuo ascended the throne, he appointed Zhao Ruyu of the clan and Han Yanxuan of the clan as ministers, and the struggle between the Zhao and Han factions was fierce. In the first year of Qingyuan (1195), Zhao Kuan deposed Zhao Ruyu, and Han Yanxuan was in power.

In the second year of Kaixi (1206), the prime minister Han Yanxuan made a northern expedition to the Jin Dynasty, because the Northern Expedition was unfavorable, on November 3 of the third year of Kaixi (1207), Xia Zhen, the former secretary of the Chinese army and the official of the palace, was instructed by the empress Yang Guizhi and Shi Miyuan, the servant of the Ministry of Rites, on the way to the court, and assassinated Han Yanzhou in the wall of Yujin Garden.

Han Yanxuan was assassinated, and all the military and political power was controlled by Empress Yang Guizhi and the powerful minister Shi Miyuan.

Since Shaoxi ascended the throne in the fifth year (1194), for a full thirty years, Zhao Kuo Jingren has been diligent and thrifty, silent service, no entertainment, no pleasure and drinking, no extravagance, no profit, no tyranny, and nothing that the previous emperors had lost morality.

It's a pity that the first Han Yanxuan, the successor Shi Miyuan, the two powers are dictatorship, and the Song dynasty is in decline.

"Official, it's time to eat."

Li Gu's voice sounded.

Zhao Kuan closed his eyes and didn't say a word, and there was a full stick of incense for a while, then he opened his eyes, stood up with Li Gu's support, sat down on the chair, and began to eat slowly.

The meals are simple, gruel, two side dishes without oil. The diet of the Great Song Dynasty officials is not as good as that of ordinary people.

During the meal, Zhao Kuo was silent, slow and methodical, and seemed to enjoy his food, and the meal was almost clean.

Seeing Zhao Kuo put down his chopsticks and rinse his mouth with water, Li Gu waved his hand gently, and the little eunuch hurriedly took the dishes away.

"Li Gu, today is New Year's Eve, it must be very lively outside, right?"

Zhao Kuo sat up straight, his face was not wavering, and he asked with his eyes slightly closed.

"The blessing of the official's family, now that the four seas are peaceful, the people live and work in peace and contentment, and the Chinese New Year's Eve will be observed, it must be very lively!"

Li Gu smiled all over his face and whispered.

The Chinese New Year's Eve of the Song Dynasty is also called New Year's Eve, and it is also called Chinese New Year's Eve, which is called differently. Basically, as in later generations, they had to clean the courtyard, stick the door gods, hang the clock, nail the peach charm, worship the ancestors, and so on. After the Chinese New Year's Eve dinner, I will go to set off fireworks and keep vigil, which is very lively.

"Four Seas Chengping? I'm afraid that the people's livelihood is withering, and there are many complaints. It's not easy for the people, and it's not easy to have a good year. ”

Zhao Kuo opened his eyes, as if he was feeling. He paused for a moment, and then suddenly said:

"Shi Miyuan's mansion must be very lively, right?"

"The official family, Shi Miyuan is the prime minister of the dynasty, the power is tilted towards the government and the opposition, the Shi family is full of scholars, and there are dozens of Jinshi. His house, of course, is full of high-ranking friends, and the door is like a market. ”

Li Gu told the truth and made no secret of it.

In front of this cowardly Great Song official, he didn't have to care about anything, he didn't care anyway, he went to meditate after asking, and was isolated from the world.

"Huaidong envoy Xu Guo, and Sichuan envoy Zheng Zheng, have you heard of these two?"

Zhao Kuo closed his eyes again and asked softly.

"The official, the minister heard that Xuan Xianggong said about the two. Xu Guoyuan was the commander of the capital of Jinghu, a military general, and he was brave in battle, but he was a little more domineering. As for the Sichuan system, Zheng Zheng, has a mediocre official reputation, likes to talk loudly, and his knowledge is good. ”

"Xuanxuan?"

Li Gu's words made Zhao Hong slightly stunned and opened his eyes.

Shi Miyuan's sons and daughters also care about the government.

Li Gu shook his head secretly. Shi Miyuan was autocratic, and he never told the officials the results of the appointment, and never took the decree, and he was arrogant, but Zhao Kuo could only endure it and could not do anything.

"Official, today is Chinese New Year's Eve, and His Majesty has not been out of the palace for some years. Do you want to go on a boat trip and enjoy the cloud tree embankment sand of the West Lake and the smoke willow of the painted bridge? This is also to be happy with the people. ”

Li Gu quickly diverted the topic.

The emperor was merciful and could not see the people suffering. When he escorted the coffin of Song Gaozong Zhao to Shanyin for burial, he saw the scene of farmers struggling in the fields on the way, and said with emotion: "Usually in the deep palace, how can you know the hardships of labor!" ”

After ascending the throne, Zhao Kuo issued edicts exempting all kinds of taxes almost every year, and he was also routinely frugal in his daily life.

From this point of view, Zhao Kuo is a good emperor.

"It's winter, how can there be any painting bridges and smoke willows? That will have to wait until the turn of spring and summer. ”

Zhao Kuo shook his head lightly and said quietly:

"The mausoleum of the Empress Dowager Ciyi is on the edge of the West Lake, if I travel, won't I alarm the spirits of my ancestors in the sky? It's better to be exempt if you can. ”

Li Gu nodded repeatedly. The emperor is benevolent and filial, in fact, when he travels in disguise, he will not disturb the mausoleum of the queen mother.

"Official, do you want me to report to the queen and a few maidens. Today is Chinese New Year's Eve, let the Empress come over, talk to His Majesty, and drink some wine. ”

Li Gu took the tea handed by the little eunuch and respectfully placed it on the table next to Zhao Kuo.

On Chinese New Year's Eve, the official family was alone, and it was too lonely.

"After drinking alcohol, my stomach is upset and I want to vomit."

Zhao Kuo was noncommittal, pondered for a moment, and then asked:

"How's Cao Meiren?"

Empress Han died that year, and the position of the middle palace was vacant. Yang Guifei, Yang Guizhi and Cao Meiren were very favored by Zhao Kuo at that time. Because Yang Guizhi is good at power tricks, Han Yuxuan said to Zhao Kuojin and suggested that Cao Mei, who has a supple personality, be the queen. But Zhao Kuo did not listen, and still set Yang Guizhi as the queen.

Because of this, Yang Guizhi had a deep grudge against Han Yanxuan, and together with Shi Miyuan, assassinated Han Yanxuan.

"Back at the official's house, Cao Niangniang is seriously ill, I'm afraid it's been a few months."

Li Gu said softly.

Almost thirty years, Cao Meiren is still Cao Meiren, don't talk about the noble lady Concubine De, not even a Jieyu.

The emperor did not mention it, and he was definitely unwilling to celebrate Chinese New Year's Eve with the empress and concubines. It seems that the emperor has few desires and is used to being alone.

"The world is too bitter and tiring, and it may be quieter over there."

Zhao Hong's faint sentence couldn't tell whether it was joy or sadness.

"Your Majesty, do you want to go and see Cao Niangniang?"

Li Gu asked tentatively.

Cao Meiren is docile and empathetic, and she is the only one who can talk to the emperor.

"No, I won't. lest you get tears and discomfort when you get it. There are also fewer troubles. ”

Zhao Kuo propped up the table and wanted to stand up, but Li Gu hurriedly stepped forward to help. Zhao Kuo seemed to remember something, and his movements stopped.

"What is Je Guogong busy with?"

probably remembered a scene in the court, and there was a faint smile in Zhao Kuo's eyes.

"The official family, the Duke of Jiguo lives in a simple place, and there is nothing to do. However, he went to Fengle Building, and now it has caused a sensation in the entire Lin'an City. ”

Li Gu smiled, wanting to arouse the emperor's interest.

"What shocking thing did he do? Is it a debt that is not repaid? Are people alright? ”

Zhao Kuo's eyebrows raised slightly, and he asked subconsciously.

This guy who doesn't grow up, does he know what his identity is? Do you know what you're doing?

Prostitutes come to collect debts! The face of the Great Song Dynasty royal family has been lost to him!

"Your Majesty, Jeguo is safe and sound, nothing happened."

Li Gu took out a few pages of paper and handed them to Zhao Kuo.

"Official, please take a look."

Zhao Kuo glanced at Li Gu and took the paper in a daze.

"The soul of the soldier is gone, and the soul of the country is empty, and the ancient man is released...... There are so many delicate rivers and mountains, attracting countless heroes to bend their waists...... The breeze smiled, but it was lonely, and there was only a night photo left of pride......"

Zhao Kuo read tremblingly, raised his head, and finally had a trace of surprise in his eyes.

"Who did this? This latter song doesn't look like a word! ”

What kind of talent is this, there is such a masterpiece!

"Official, this is all done by the Duke of Ji Guo in Fengle Building, a poem, a word, a song. This is what the slave said about the big event that caused a sensation in Lin'an City. ”

Li Gu was a little proud, and said with a smile.

Zhao Hong's name moved to Ancheng, and this rumor was really strong enough to arouse the interest of the official family.

"Jekook? Zhao Hong? ”

The surprise in Zhao Kuo's eyes was even greater. He stared at the poems and songs for a moment, thoughtfully and spoke slowly.

"So, what kind of friends in the tabloids are scoundrels in the market, and prostitutes come to collect debts, are all false?"

"Official, I want to come too. The dignified Jeguo Mansion will not be able to pay less for wine. As for making friends with scoundrels in the market, it is even more of a lie. Why, do you think so too, official? ”

Li Gu asked with a smile.

"You old slave, joking. I am cowardly and incompetent, but I am not a fool and can be fooled. ”

Zhao Kuo said lightly, Li Gu was sweating profusely, nodded his head, and did not dare to say anything.

It is already rare for Zhao Kuanneng to say such "cruel words", and it also proves that he cares a lot about his image in the eyes of his subjects.

"Li Gu, what do you think of Zhao Hong?"

Zhao Kuo's face seemed to have a hint of expression.

Zhao Hong has these talents, and he knows nothing. dared to argue with Shi Miyuan in the main hall, which was even more unexpected to him.

"Official, Jiguo Gong dared to fight with Shi Miyuan in the main hall, which shows that he has a strong personality. He has these articles, and it can be seen that he is not a general. The minion is just curious, he has these skills, why hasn't he shown them before? ”

Li Gu's words made Zhao Kuo bow slightly.

It seems that Zhao Hong still has to be observed again.

"Li Gu, it is rumored outside that the Gaozong Dynasty has restored ministers but no restored monarchs, the Xiaozong Dynasty has restored monarchs but no restored ministers, and this dynasty has neither restored ministers nor restored ministers. Is that so? ”

Zhao Kuo looked at the poems on the paper and said softly.

Li Gu was taken aback and saw that there was no one around, so he relaxed a little.

In the first ten years, the important minister Han Yanxuan controlled the government, and in the later period, the court was controlled by the minister Shi Miyuan and the queen Yang Guizhi.

This little unwillingness may have been induced by Zhao Hong's ambitious poetry.

"The official family, the Song and Jin dynasties have been attacking for years, Shi Miyuan is autocratic, the huizi are overflowing, the national strength is lacking, and the people are not happy. The border army is weak and traitors are full of traitors, all of which are caused by Shi Miyuan, which has nothing to do with the official family. Your Majesty does not have to blame himself. ”

Li Gu looked around nervously and replied cautiously.

The official asked about state affairs, and he was full of emotion, and it seemed that he was still unwilling!

"But I am the king of a country after all!"

Sure enough, Zhao Kuo's eyes were confused, and he sighed leisurely.

It was overtaken by Queen Yang Guizhi and Minister Shi Miyuan, shaped like a marionette. Is he still the king of a country in the Great Song Dynasty?