Xu County, outside the post house.

Although he had arrived in Xu County, Kong Rong did not directly follow the envoy into the city to meet the Son of Heaven, but came here to settle down first.

The envoy did not understand this, and asked, "Why didn't the minister enter the city with me?" Your Majesty is looking forward to seeing you. ”

Xu County was in front of him, but Kong Rong refused to enter the city.

This made him feel very embarrassed.

Kong Rong said: "Meeting the Son of Heaven is a big event, you must not be taken lightly, you must burn incense, bathe and change clothes; The envoy should first enter the city to report to His Majesty, and the old man will wait for His Majesty to summon him before going to the audience. ”

When the envoy heard this, he couldn't help but feel quite a headache.

There is indeed such a process for meeting the Son of Heaven.

Visitors need to wait at the inn first, where they burn incense and bathe and tidy up their appearance; It was not until the Son of Heaven sent someone to summon him that he could enter the palace for an audience, and the process was not cumbersome.

But this is how many years ago the old yellow calendar, with the decline of the Han family, the authority of the Son of Heaven is gone, who cares about this cumbersome etiquette now?

However, Kong Rong insisted on this, and he had no choice but to sigh and say: "Then please wait in the post house first, and I will go into the city to report to Your Majesty." ”

After saying that, he boarded the carriage and hurried away.

And Kong Rong walked into the post house with Tai Shici.

After being led to the room by the post guard, Kong Rong asked Tai Shi Ci to close the doors and windows, and then Zhengse said to him: "Ziyi, I entered the palace today to meet the Son of Heaven, if I haven't returned to the post house before sunset, you don't care about my safety, and flee to Jizhou with the news." ”

Coming to the post house to rest is just an excuse, Kong Rong's real purpose is to stay Tai Shici here in case of accidents.

Because in case the Son of Heaven in the city is fake, or there is no Son of Heaven at all, he will definitely not be able to escape, so he can only rely on Tai Shici to deliver news for him and spread the news that the Son of Heaven in Xu County is fake all over the world.

"Take these two things."

"If the Son of Heaven in Xu County is fake, you flee to Yecheng and hand them over to Yuan Shao in person, and he will understand what to do."

Kong Rong said and handed over the two items in his hand to Tai Shici.

A private seal from one party, as well as a letter.

The private seal represents his identity, and the letter was written by him to Yuan Shao.

As long as Yuan Shao takes them to the Kong clan, he will get the help of the Kong clan in order to expose Cao Cao's true face.

"The Prime Minister can rest assured that Ci will not fail in his mission!"

Tai Shici took the private seal and letter with a solemn expression.

He knew that this might be Kong Rong's last entrustment, and he also understood how important this entrustment was.

After Kong Rong explained these things, he finally put his mind at ease, and then went to bathe and change clothes to prepare for the palace audience.

An hour later, a magnificent carriage drove and came to a slow stop outside the inn, followed by two other people.

It was Cao Cao and Xun You.

I saw Cao Cao turn over and dismount, come to the post house and stand still, arched his hand: "Cao Cao is ordered by His Majesty to welcome the prime minister into the palace!" ”

The voice fell, but there was no response from the post house.

But Cao Cao did not show the slightest impatience, and still maintained a saluting posture and stood quietly outside the door.

After another while, Kong Rong walked out of the post house.

After seeing Cao Cao waiting at the door, Kong Rong bowed slightly: "Let Meng De wait for a long time." ”

Cao Cao said respectfully: "The minister of state is an elder and a famous Confucian all over the world, and this time he came all the way from Beihai County to meet the Son of Heaven, which is really hard; Compared to the country, what is it if I wait a little longer? ”

"The carriage is ready, and the minister of state is invited to board the carriage."

Kong Rong nodded and walked towards the carriage.

It wasn't until he boarded the carriage that Cao Cao's bent waist straightened up, and then he turned over and got on his horse and went to the front to open the way.

Inside the inn.

Tai Shi Ci watched Kong Rong follow Cao Cao and the others away, and couldn't help touching the seal letter on his chest, his eyes full of worry.

He now hopes that the Son of Heaven in Xu County is real, so that Kong Rong can return safely.

……

Xu County, the main hall of the imperial palace.

The Son of Heaven took Fu Wan, Yang Biao and other close ministers to wait here.

At this time, he was looking at the figure that slowly walked into the hall with Cao Cao with anticipation, and he was extremely excited.

"It's coming! It's finally here! ”

During the period before Kong Rong came to Xu County, the Son of Heaven had a very hard time, and he was worried all day long, for fear that Kong Rong would have some accidents on the road, such as being assassinated by Yuan Shao.

Fortunately, Kong Rong had a safe journey and successfully arrived in Xu County.

Now he is only one step away from washing away his stigma and regaining his identity as the Son of Heaven!

"Minister, Kong Rong, Minister of Beihai Kingdom, see Your Majesty!"

After Kong Rongcao walked into the main hall, he faced the Son of Heaven and meticulously bowed to the Son of Heaven with three bows and nine bows.

Seeing this scene, the Son of Heaven felt a sour nose.

Now that the Han family is declining, his son of heaven has long lost his majesty, and he can't remember how long it has been since a courtier has performed such a great gift to him, but Kong Rong still abides by the courtier's etiquette, which shows his loyalty!

"Aiqing, please get up!" The Son of Heaven's tone was slightly choked, "It's really hard for Qing to come all the way from Beihai County. ”

Kong Rong said: "The minister is a Hanchen, the Son of Heaven has a call, how can the minister not come?" ”

"Aiqing is really a loyal minister!" The Son of Heaven was greatly impressed by Kong Rong's behavior, and originally wanted to continue to greet Kong Rong for a few words, but Cao Cao spoke.

"Your Majesty, let's get down to business first." Cao Cao bowed his head slightly, arched his hand and said, "Kong Gong must be quite tired after trekking all the way; Your Majesty might as well finish chatting with Kong Gong earlier, so that Kong Gong can go back to rest. ”

When Kong Rong heard this, he couldn't help but glance at Cao Cao, his brows furrowed slightly.

The Son of Heaven was slightly embarrassed, dispelled the idea of chatting with Kong Rong, nodded and said: "What Da Sikong said is extremely true, I am so happy that I have forgotten to talk to Aiqing about business. ”

"Aiqing, there have been rumors of the true and false Son of Heaven in the world recently, have you heard of it?"

Kong Rong nodded and said: "The minister has indeed heard of it, and everyone in the world says that Yecheng and Xu County each have a son of heaven, but they don't know which is true and which is false, so they argue endlessly." ”

In fact, the truth and falsehood of the two sons of heaven have already been decided.

Before Kong Rong came to Xu County, people in the world basically thought that the Son of Heaven in Yecheng was the real Son of Heaven, while that of Xu County was fake.

Because the Son of Heaven in Yecheng has Yuan Shao, Lu Bu, Liu Bei admitted, as well as the jade seal of the country, these are enough to prove the legitimacy of the identity of the Son of Heaven in Yecheng.

However, of course, it is inconvenient for Kong Rong to say this kind of thing directly, and he can't be sure of his position before he determines the authenticity of the Son of Heaven.

Hearing this, the Son of Heaven suddenly became excited, and said with indignation on his face: "The one in Yecheng is fake!" ”

"Since the city of Chang'an was broken, I have fled all the way, but fortunately I was rescued by Da Sikong and moved the capital to Xu County."

"That Son of Heaven in Yecheng is just a puppet emperor who is Yuan Thief looking for someone to impostor in order to pretend to be me! I have never left Xu County, so how can I appear in Yecheng? ”

The Son of Heaven was angry and aggrieved in his heart, and Kong Rong's arrival finally allowed him to find a person to confide in and vent to.

"Now the Han family is declining, and chaos is everywhere."

"There were the Yellow Turbans and Dong Zhuo's Rebellion; Later, there were Guo Yan and Li Dao who committed the following crimes, and some time ago, even Yuan Shu of the fourth and third princes also established himself as the emperor, and my Han country was already in turmoil. ”

"The two Yuan brothers, one arrogated the emperor, and the other pretended to be the son of heaven, relying on their own reputation to deceive the world; And I don't know what means I used, but I actually made Wenhou Lu Bu believe him, so that I couldn't argue. ”

"As the Son of Heaven, I can't clean up the mountains and rivers, and now even the name of the Son of Heaven is about to be taken away by the villain."

"I really don't have the face to meet the first emperors of the Han Dynasty!"

As he spoke, the Son of Heaven began to cry aloud.

This is what Cao Cao taught him, and when he saw Kong Rong talking about emotion, he must cry.

He didn't want to cry at first, for fear of losing the prestige of the Son of Heaven.

But he didn't dare to disobey Cao Cao.

Infected by the emotion of the Son of Heaven, many of the courtiers present hid their faces and wept, and Fu Wan and Yang Biao also looked sad.

The Han family has fallen to such a point, how can it not be sad?

And Kong Rong silently observed the expressions of the Son of Heaven and everyone, and quietly listened to the Son of Heaven confide in him, without speaking.

"Fortunately ......"

After crying for a while, the Son of Heaven wiped his tears and continued: "Although there are anti-thieves all over the world, there are still loyal ministers and righteous people like Da Sikong and Aiqing! ”

"Aiqing has a deep reputation and is admired by people all over the world. I summoned Aiqing to come here because I wanted Aiqing to verify my identity, reveal Yuan Shao's true face to the world, and let the world know that the Son of Heaven in Yecheng was a puppet emperor! ”

After the Son of Heaven finished speaking, he looked at Kong Rong with a look of hope.

Kong Rong is his only hope now!

Facing the expectations of the Son of Heaven, Kong Rong shook his head, "Your Majesty, please forgive the ministers for not being able to make a direct conclusion yet. ”

As soon as these words came out, everyone was shocked.

At present, the Son of Heaven has a group of important ministers of the imperial court here, how can he not make a conclusion?

Cao Cao narrowed his eyes slightly, and he had a bad premonition in his heart.

"Why?!" The Son of Heaven looked at Kong Rong in disbelief, "Could it be that Aiqing also thinks that I am a fake?" But whether it is Da Sikong, Yang Gong, or Fu Gong, they can all testify for me! And so many ministers too! ”

"My concubines are also in the palace, I can call them all and testify to Aiqing for me one by one!"

The Son of Heaven is really anxious now, he thought that after Kong Rong saw him, he would directly agree to testify for him.

I didn't expect him to be unwilling!

Traitor, traitor!

Kong Rong said: "Your Majesty misunderstood the minister's meaning. The last time I saw His Majesty was eight years ago. After that, because he offended the traitor Dong Zhuo, he was sent to Beihai County to quell the rebellion, and never met His Majesty again. ”

"Although His Majesty's appearance now has the same shadow as it was eight years ago, it has been too long, and the minister does not dare to confirm it casually."

"Later, the minister will ask Yang Gong, Guozhang and the ministers about things related to Your Majesty, but whether Your Majesty is the real Son of Heaven or not, the minister needs to go to Yecheng before he can make a judgment."

"Because this is related to the orthodoxy of the Han Dynasty, the minister shoulders such a heavy burden, he really does not dare to draw conclusions, and asks His Majesty for forgiveness."

After listening to Kong Rong's explanation, everyone and the Son of Heaven breathed a sigh of relief.

Everyone can understand Kong Rong's prudence, after all, this is related to the orthodoxy of the Han Dynasty, so he has to be cautious.

Although the Son of Heaven was very disappointed in his heart, he still smiled reluctantly, "Aiqing's embarrassment and prudence, I can understand. ”

"Then let's wait for Aiqing to go to Yecheng before making a decision, since I am the real Son of Heaven, why not be afraid of comparing with the fake Son of Heaven."

"But please also ask Kong Gong to communicate with Yang Gong and the others, if you have any questions, you can also ask my concubines."

Although he is indeed the Son of Heaven, for the sake of caution, he still told Kong Rong well.

Because he didn't know what means Yuan Shao had.

After all, even Lu Bu, Liu Bei, and Yuan Shao were deceived, what if even Kong Rong was deceived by Yuan Shao? No one can say for sure.

Kong Rong said: "Your Majesty rest assured, the minister will be cautious." ”

Seeing that there was no follow-up, the Son of Heaven said with concern: "Aiqing has had a bumpy journey, it is really hard, let's go back and rest well today, you must put your body first!" ”

"Your Majesty Xie cares, so the minister will retire first."

Kong Rong said goodbye to the Son of Heaven and walked outside the hall.

Not long after he walked out of the main hall, Cao Cao quickly chased after him.

"Prime Minister, I have prepared a banquet in the house for you to catch the wind and wash the dust, and I have also specially cleaned a secluded courtyard for you to rest."

"If you don't dislike it, let me entertain you."

Cao Cao respectfully extended an invitation to Kong Rong.

Kong Rong shook his head and said, "Meng De's good intentions, forgive me for not accepting it. In order to avoid criticism from others, I can stay in the post house. ”

Cao Cao looked sorry when he heard this: "If this is the case, I will send the minister back to the post house." ”

"That's a lot of work." This time, Kong Rong did not refuse, and agreed.

……

At this time, in the main hall, the Son of Heaven looked at Yang Biao and Fu Wan with sorrow: "Yang Gong, Guozhang, do you say that Kong Rong really doesn't dare to make a decision easily, or do you think that my identity is fake?" ”

"I am not the Son of Heaven, you and the harem concubines can testify, why did Kong Rong go to Yecheng?"

He understood Kong Rong's prudence, but he still inevitably complained in his heart.

"Your Majesty, it is about the orthodoxy of the Han Dynasty, and Kong Beihai is not at fault for being cautious." Yang Biao said.

He recognized Kong Rong's cautious attitude, which also showed that Kong Rong would not be threatened or bought by Yuan Shao.

Fu Wan also said: "Your Majesty don't worry, unless the puppet emperor and Your Majesty look exactly the same, Kong Beihai can tell the truth at a glance." After Kong Beihai saw the puppet emperor, he naturally knew that His Majesty was the true dragon emperor. ”

Hearing the comfort of the two, the Son of Heaven was also much more relieved.

Yes, there's nothing to worry about, Yuan Shao can't find someone who looks the same as him.

How can there be such a coincidence in the world?

After Kong Rong compared the two heavenly sons, he naturally came to a conclusion.

All he has to do now is wait for the results with peace of mind.

(End of chapter)