Chapter 9 Chapter Eight: The Elegy of Huang Hu
The busy footsteps of people coming and going outside were like hammers hitting her chest one after another.A stuffy and heavy atmosphere filled the surroundings, even though there were no tears rolling down his eyes, his heart was still utterly cold.Time is passing, and her youth and thoughts are passing at the same time.
Early the next morning, Liu Jieyou came to Jiadi, found the Xiongnu Zuogu Liwangqiu who was supervising the construction of Shanyu's mansion, and invited him to visit Chang'an.Qiu Ren was overjoyed, he hurriedly explained a few words to his subordinates, and boarded the car.Liu Jieyou then ordered the coachman to drive slowly along the main road. Qiu Ren didn't have the heart to watch the city, his eyes were only on the beautiful woman beside him.
Liu Jieyou said: "Since you have been granted the Marquis of She'an by the emperor, I will call you Junhou according to the custom of a big man. My name is Liu Jieyou, so you can call me Jieyou." Qiu Ren said: "Great! Relieve your worries!"
Liu Jieyou said: "Well, I'm going to marry you as my wife, but I still have something unfinished on my mind, that is, my master still has two unsolved cases, are you willing to help me?" Qiu Ren said: "Of course." , you are my fiancee, you can do whatever you want me to do."
Liu Jieyou said: "Have you ever heard of Gaodi's Sword of Slashing the White Snake?" Qiu Ren's face changed drastically, he retreated to the edge of the car seat, straightened his body, and stared at Liu Jieyou.
Liu Jieyou sighed: "Looking at the prince's appearance, he must know. Where is the sword now?" Qiu Ren was terrified, and said: "You...how did you know?"
Liu Jieyou originally wanted to ask directly if the Huns had killed the hussar general Huo Qubing and had to deal with the general Wei Qing, but he was worried that it would be too obvious and the other party would not tell the truth, so he decided to use another topic to smooth things over.Her mind was only filled with these few cases, and she naturally thought of Gao Di's White Snake Sword, but she didn't know that she just asked casually, but the other party reacted violently. When her heart moved, she immediately became nervous and excited, but deliberately pretended to be nonchalant, saying: " Of course I know, my master Dongfang Shuo is the most intelligent person in the world, haven’t you heard his name? Where is Gaodi’s White Snake Sword? If you don’t tell me now, will it be possible to hide it from me forever?”
Qiu Ren said: "I can tell you, but you can't tell your emperor." Liu Jie said worriedly: "As long as I know where the White Snake Sword is hidden, won't I try to get it back by myself? What's the point of not telling the emperor. Immediately agreed: "Okay, I promise you."
Qiu Ren hesitated for a while before saying, "In the royal court of our Huns."
Liu Jieyou exclaimed in surprise, "Impossible! Impossible! Why are you in the royal court of your Huns?" Qiu Ren said, "What's so strange about this? It's just a reciprocity. Your emperor sent hussars The general robbed the national treasure of our Xiongnu to sacrifice to the Tianjin people, and enshrined it in the imperial palace. Our Shanyu sent someone to steal your national treasure, Gaodi’s White Snake Sword, and of course it will be enshrined in the royal court.”
It turns out that before Liu Che, the emperor of the Han Dynasty launched a large-scale counterattack against the Xiongnu, he had appointed Huo Qubing as the general of hussars alone, and led 10,000 elite cavalry into the desert.This is the only time the big man sent a lone army deep behind the enemy, and the only purpose of this trip was to capture the Tianjin people in the territory of King Xiutu.The reason why Liu Che spared no expense was because he had heard that the Tianjin people were the treasures of the Xiongnu's country and the location of their dragon luck, so he wanted to capture the Jinren and destroy the Xiongnu's geomantic omen before the war.Sure enough, the Han army successively won brilliant victories in the Battle of Hexi and the Battle of Mobei.Although it was the Han army who fought bloody battles, at the huge price of life and blood, the Huns fled far away in Mobei, and never dared to go south to herd horses, but Liu Che was very superstitious, and he always thought in his heart that it was the result of the capture of the Huns offering sacrifices to the Tianjings. , so I pay special attention to Huo Qubing who broke the Hun Longyun.
The Xiongnu Yizhixie Chanyu gritted his teeth at the loss of the Tianjin people, but the Tianjin people were enshrined in the Ganquan Palace. Said it was shipped back to Hudi.After Yi Zhixie got the surrendered general Zhao Xin, she learned that the great man also had a national treasure—Gaodi's White Snake Sword, so she decided to use his own way to fight back against him, and also dispatched able-bodied men to steal the sword. The White Snake Sword, blackened with ink, was entrained in the team of Huns envoys and transported back to the royal court smoothly.
Only then did Liu Jieyou know that the mastermind behind the snatching of the White Snake Sword was Shanyu the Hun, and he was not greedy for the secret map of the treasure in the golden sword, but simply because it was the treasure of the Han Dynasty.Suddenly thinking of the sword that Dong Yan told was the sword of Xiang Ji, the Overlord of Western Chu, I didn't know what it was like for a moment.
Qiu Rendao: "I only told you, you promised me, you must not tell your emperor." Liu Jieyou said: "You used clever tricks to seize the treasure of the Han Dynasty, and then transported it back to Hudi smoothly. This is an unprecedented victory. , why not boast about it?"
Qiu Ren said: "No, no, you are a powerful man with many soldiers and generals. If there is another person like Hussar General, who might go deep into the royal court in order to regain the treasure of the town, we Shanyu dare not take such a risk During my envoy this time, Xin Shanyu specifically asked me not to leak the news of Gaodi cutting the White Snake Sword. If you tell it, I will be severely punished by Uwe Shanyu after I go back."
Liu Jieyou said: "Just because I'm afraid that if the matter gets publicized, the emperor will immediately guess that the Xiongnu has a traitor in the court. Besides, there is Princess Yi'an who is the traitor's scapegoat. He is really looking forward to that."
It's a pity that she didn't expect Gaodi to cut the White Snake Sword in the court of the Huns, and promised Qiu Ren in advance, a person must have faith and righteousness, so she could only say: "Don't worry, since I promised you, I will definitely not say it." Asked: "Do you think that Hussar General died young and died strangely?"
Qiu Ren finally understood that the other party did not invite him to parade out of good intentions, but had other plans, and immediately said seriously: "If I ask Jieyou for the secret of your big man, will you tell me?" Liu Jieyou said: " That's right, don't do to others what you don't want to do to yourself, I offended you. I'm sorry, I still have something to do, so I can't continue to accompany you on the streets." Order the coachman to take Qiuren back to Jiadi, jump out of the car by himself, and go to Huo's mansion and go.
When passing by Princess Guantao's mansion, he saw a funeral lantern hanging in front of the mansion, and hurriedly stepped forward and asked, "Who died?" The door servant said, "Princess Guantao." Liu Jieyou said: "The master Dong Where is Yan?" The door servant said: "Dong Jun volunteered to be buried for the eldest princess, and committed suicide by taking poison last night. The emperor just issued an edict, allowing Dong Jun to be buried with the eldest princess in Ba Ling."
Baling is the mausoleum of Liu Heng, Emperor Wen of the Han Dynasty. Princess Guantao is the only daughter of Emperor Wen and Empress Dou, so it is natural to be buried with her parents.It is very rare for a male favorite and a female protagonist to be buried in the emperor's mausoleum together. For Dong Yan, it can be regarded as an infinite scene after his death.
When they came to Huo Mansion, Huo Guang, Sang Qian, and Li Ling were all here.As soon as Liu Jieyou saw the expressions of the three people, he knew that he could not find the female sword from Ting Wei's evidence, and hurriedly said: "Don't be depressed, everyone, even if you find the female sword, it will not be of much use." Immediately, he said to Gao Di The White Snake Sword has been taken to the court of the Huns.Knowing everyone's temperament, she specially warned: "Brother Sangqian, don't say it out of your mouth, I promised the Huns envoy."
Li Ling asked suspiciously: "Since it is a confidential matter, why did the Hun envoy tell you?" Liu Jieyou said: "Well, this..." It was difficult to find a suitable lie for a while, so he said: "I am friends with that person."
Li Ling's doubts were even deeper, but he was kind-hearted by nature. When he saw that the other party was unwilling to tell the truth, he didn't ask any more questions. Are you willing to let it go?"
Emperor Liu Che was superstitious about good gods. In order to capture the Huns who sacrificed to the sky, he spared no effort in manpower, and sent the Hussar General Huo Qubing to lead the army deep into the enemy's rear.The 10,000 horses he brought were the most elite and bravest soldiers in the Han army. They were all highly skilled in martial arts and good at riding and shooting. Come back alive.If the emperor knew that the treasure of the Han Dynasty was in the court of the Huns, he would definitely take it back at any cost. How many passionate men would be buried in a foreign country?This is not what Li Ling wants to see, to fight for a white snake sword.
Liu Jieyou said: "Well, Brother Li Ling is right, we have to keep this matter secret."
Sang Qian said: "The one who stole the sword must be the traitor of the Xiongnu, maybe he was the one who reported on Princess Pingyang." Li Ling said: "Yes, the traitor has the same motive, and it should be the same person." Liu Jieyou said: "Then Gao Di killed the white snake. Jianhe's denunciation of Princess Pingyang can be counted as a case, but we have no clue, where should we start?"
Sang Qian has a free-spirited temperament, and he never looks forward or backward in dealing with things. He said: "How about asking the most intelligent man in the world?" Liu Jieyou said: "Master will definitely not pay attention." Sang Qian said: "Not necessarily, the case is now It’s not about asking him to go out to investigate the case, as long as he can give us some pointers.”
Everyone couldn't think about it for a while, so they came to Dongfang Shuo's house in Maoling.Dongfang Shuo was lying on the couch in the yard basking in the sun, describing himself as lazy, he didn't want to open his eyes when he heard people coming in.
Liu Jieyou asked everyone to stand by the door, approached the couch, and softly called out: "Master, the murderer who killed Cao Xiang, Marquis of Pingyang has been found."He said again: "The clues are all broken up to now, I don't know how to find out, so I came here to ask my master."
Dongfang Shuo didn't turn his head back and said: "These are old cases, and I have long since lost my mind to pursue them as a teacher. What are you doing picking them up again at this time?" Liu Jieyou said: "I am just curious..."
Dongfang Shuo turned over and sat up suddenly, and asked: "Is the emperor going to make you a princess and order you to go out for a marriage? Is it King Yuezhi or King Cheshi?"
Liu Jieyou saw that the master had guessed the root of the matter in just a few words, he was surprised and admired, but it was inconvenient to tell the truth directly, so he could only vaguely say: "Isn't sister Xijun about to leave for Wusun? What's the matter with the emperor?" Will we get married again so soon?"
But Li Ling came to his senses, ran over and grabbed Liu Jieyou's arm, and asked, "It's not King Yuezhi, nor King Cheshi, the emperor wants you to marry the Xiongnu Shanyu, right?" Liu Jieyou said, "No... ..."
Li Ling said angrily: "Are you still going to hide it from me? I have seen the residence of Xiongnu Chanyu Xiu in Jiadi today, and I know that Uwe Shanyu will come to the capital to pay homage to the emperor. No wonder the Huns envoy is willing to disclose confidential information to You, it turns out that he has long regarded you as Shan Yu's Yan family." His expression was angry and disappointed again.
Liu Jieyou felt a "click" in his heart.She knew that Liu Xijun, who was about to marry Wusun, liked Li Ling. There was no woman who didn't like him. He was handsome and upright.She also always thought that Li Ling liked Liu Xijun, not to mention they were the same age, and they grew up together, childhood sweethearts.Liu Xijun himself is gentle and lovely, versatile, good at music, calligraphy and painting, if he hadn't been chosen by the emperor as a concubine princess, he would be Li Ling's perfect match.But now seeing Li Ling's gaffe with her own eyes, it was an expression she hadn't seen since hearing that Xijun was named Princess Jiangdu, and she suddenly understood that the person he loved was herself.She loves him too, loves him deeply, from childhood to adulthood, has been consistent for many years, but she always feels that she is far less beautiful and talented than Xijun, and she dare not show it at all.Even if you understand it now, is it too late?
She finally understood why Liu Xijun didn't want to marry far away in the Western Regions. What she couldn't give up was not the wealth, but the lover here.She thought she could easily let go of everything, but when she understood the true heart of the man she loved, she couldn't let go anymore.I can't help but think back to my heart-to-heart conversation with Mrs. Wang last night. Why should weak women like them bear the fate of the country and the peace of the world?
Huo Guang knew the truth of the matter, and when he saw Li Ling was angry, he said, "The one who Jieyou is going to marry is not the Xiongnu Shanyu, but the Xiongnu envoy Qiu Ren, who is the son of the former Hun prince Yu Shan, who was named Zuoguli King in the Xiongnu." Li Ling said: "Whether it's Shanyu or King Zuoguli, what's the difference?" He didn't care about the purpose of everyone's trip, so he threw his hands away.
However, no one can blame him.His father Li Danghu and his second uncle Li Jiao were both killed by the Huns in the Yanmen War. He was not born when his father died and was a posthumous child, so he hated the Huns deeply since he was a child.Liu Jieyou has been hiding it from the truth and refused to speak out, just because he is afraid that he will be angry that he wants to marry King Zuoguli of the Huns.
Dongfang Shuo said, "Jieyou, since this is your wish, you can't stand by as a teacher. The person who stole Gaodi's White Snake Sword must be the same person who denounced Princess Pingyang."
Liu Jie was so worried that he didn't hear what his master said.It was Sang Qian who asked: "Then Mr. Dongfang has someone to suspect?" Dongfang Shuo didn't answer directly, but said: "I have my own opinion. Go ahead."
Several people had no choice but to come out and rush to Li Ling's house.The door servant said: "The young master came back just now, took the bow and arrow and rode out angrily."
Liu Jieyou yelled "Ouch".Huo Guang said, "What happened?" Liu Jieyou stomped his feet and said, "Can't you think of it? Li Ling... hey, hurry up, get on your horse."
The three rode on fast horses and rushed towards the city.Before entering Beiyu Jiadi, a large number of lieutenants poured in and out, blocking the whole street.
Sang Qian said: "Could it be that Li Ling killed the Hun envoy in a fit of anger?" Huo Guang said: "How is it possible? Li Ling is not that impulsive person."
Liu Jieyou hurriedly jumped off his horse and asked, "What happened inside?" A lieutenant said, "The Hun envoy was killed."
Liu Jieyou only felt that his throat was astringent and dry, he swallowed unconsciously, and then asked: "The murderer... who is the murderer?" Searching for it."
Huo Guang said: "Look, I just said it, Li Ling will never act emotionally." Seeing Liu Jieyou stunned on the spot, his face was extremely embarrassed, and asked quickly, "What's wrong with you?" Liu Jieyou said: "I...I I have to go see the Huns envoy."
When they came to Shan Yu's mansion, they saw many officials surrounded the scene, Lieutenant Wang Wenshu, Zuo Nei Shi Erkuan and other Chang'an military and political officials had already arrived.
Erkuan was recommended by Zhang Tang, the former imperial historian, and he was a well-known virtuous official in the capital.Zuo Neishi is the highest local chief executive in Gyeonggi, and the officials are treated with cruelty. After Erkuan took office, he persuaded agriculture, suspended punishment, and reduced rent and taxes, which was very popular.However, the imperial court has a strict evaluation system for officials, stipulating that those who do not pay enough taxes will be dismissed.After the people heard the news, they were afraid that Erkuan would be dismissed because of this, and rushed to take out their family property to pay taxes.
Liu Jieyou and the others were blocked by soldiers outside the door, so they couldn't see what was going on inside.Huo Guang hurriedly showed the silver seal of the captain of two thousand stones, and then he was able to enter the door.
Liu Jieyou beckoned to a Xiongnu attendant and said, "Do you still remember me?" The attendant said, "Of course I do. You are the Princess of Chu, the fiancée wife of our great king."
Liu Jieyou asked: "What happened?" The attendant said: "Shortly after the king and the princess came back from the parade, an old woman who called herself Wang's wife came to see the king, saying that she was an old maid in the palace and had something to say to the king. We didn’t believe her very much at first, but the king wanted to know more about the Han Dynasty, so he let her in. The old woman and the king had a very happy chat, and the king kept asking her for advice, but the old woman knew everything. I said that Princess Yi'an, who was going to marry Prince Yu Shan before, is your sister-in-law, the princess. The king was fascinated by this, so he ordered someone to set up a banquet in the courtyard, and chatted with the old woman while eating. Later, the king got drunk and wanted to The old lady was told to leave after sleeping. But the king didn’t wake up after sleeping, so we knew he had been poisoned. Just now, people from the government came and inspected the wine and vegetables, and said that realgar had been added to the wine.”
While they were talking, the Lieutenant Wang Wenshu had recognized Huo Guang, knew that he was the younger brother of General Hushi and the emperor's confidant, hurriedly came over to flatter him, and asked: "Did the Duwei come here by order? "Huo Guang said: "No, we are just passing by." He quit, took Liu Jieyou to a secluded place, and asked in a low voice: "Is that Wang Lao, the servant Wang Lao of your family?" Liu Jieyou said: " It seems so."
Sang Qian said: "This is too bad. People will think that you don't want to marry the Hun envoy, so they sent someone to poison him. Once Mrs. Wang is arrested, you will be finished. Where is she?" Liu Jieyou asked :"I have no idea."
Sang Qian said: "This old woman is really harmful. Even if she is loyal to the Lord and doesn't want you to marry the Huns, doesn't she know that she will implicate you after the incident? She is really a stupid slave!" Liu Jieyou Angrily said: "You are not allowed to say that about her."
Sang Qian was stunned and said, "Am I not right?" Liu Jieyou said, "You don't know, she is... Hey, she puts herself in my shoes and sympathizes with me."
Huo Guang said: "Let's go, I will accompany you into the palace to apologize to the emperor. As long as you apologize to the emperor before the matter is exposed, it shows that you don't know about it, and the emperor will not blame you."
Liu Jieyou couldn't think of anything else, so he had to agree, but he still couldn't let go of Li Ling, and said, "Brother Sang Qian, you should go back to Maoling quickly and see if Brother Li Ling has come back." You have hands and feet, do you want others to watch?" Although he muttered, he still got on his horse.
Liu Jieyou then rushed to Weiyang Palace with Huo Guang, but heard from Lang Guan that the emperor was visiting Zhaoyang Palace with his guests.Liu Jieyou understood immediately, and rushed towards Zhaoyang Palace regardless of Lang Guan's obstruction.
Emperor Liu Che was helping Wang Ai to stand on the jade steps, and said with a smile, "If my sister still likes this place, I will order my concubine to move out and ask my sister to move in after a good rectification, okay?" Wang Ai said: " No, no need. I'm dying to live here again."
Liu Che said: "Sister, why do you say that? You were originally my favorite sister and the only living sister. I want to treat you well and make up for everything you lost. Do you like Weiyang Palace more, or Do you like Changle Palace more?" Suddenly seeing Liu Jieyou barging in, he was taken aback for a moment, then said unhappily, "I am here to accompany the guests, what are you doing here?"
Liu Jie worried that the emperor didn't know about the death of the Hun envoy, so he hurriedly said, "Your servant is impolite." Suddenly, she saw Wang's face was pale, with a trace of blood oozing from the corner of her mouth, her body was about to fall, she was shocked, and hurried forward to support her.
Liu Che didn't know that Mrs. Wang had also drank the realgar wine, and hurriedly called out, "Go and send the imperial doctor." Mrs. Wang slowly sat down on the steps and said, "No need. Your Majesty, ah...you...don't blame me ..." Liu Che said: "Why would I blame you? When my sister married far away, Ah Shu cried secretly many times. Today I found out that my sister is still alive, I am really happy."
Wang Yu said: "No... I... I killed someone... You... don't blame me... Even if you want to blame... there is nothing you can do..." Her head was tilted to one side, and she died.
Today, an old woman who claimed to be Princess Zhaoyang suddenly came to Beisimamen to see the emperor.Liu Che was very curious, so he summoned him immediately after hearing the news.Although he couldn't recognize his elder sister's appearance, he knew that she was the most respected and beloved Princess Zhaoyang in the Weiyang Palace from the moment she called out his nickname "Ayu".His four older sisters, Jin Ya, Ping Yang, Long Li, and Nan Gong, all passed away one after another, and suddenly fell from the sky, his childhood favorite elder sister was really overjoyed, and hurriedly brought Mrs. Wang to visit the bedroom where she used to live.It's just that I didn't expect that the relatives just met each other and then said goodbye immediately. The joy full of joy turned into disappointment that was hard to vent.Suddenly seeing Lang Guan Su Wu stepping in quickly, he seemed to have something to report, and immediately said angrily: "What are you doing?"
Su Wudao: "Return to Your Majesty, Mr. Lieutenant sent someone to report that Qiu Ren, the envoy of the Huns, was poisoned to death with poisoned wine by an old woman with only half of her face."
Liu Che let out an "ah", and involuntarily turned his gaze to Wang Yu who was at the side.
Su Wudao: "Those Huns are clamoring to escort the envoy back to Hudi immediately, please show your majesty how to deal with it."
Liu Che gave Liu Jieyou a hard look, and said, "This is a good thing you did, isn't it?" Huo Guang rushed over and said, "This matter has nothing to do with Jieyou. It was only then that I found out that something happened to the Huns envoy."
He has served the emperor for many years and has always been taciturn. Even if the emperor took the initiative to ask him for his opinion, he didn't talk much.Seeing him appearing to speak for Liu Jieyou suddenly, Liu Che relieved his anger and said, "What's going on?" Liu Jieyou said, "Lady Wang has always lived in my house, and I have always treated her as an elder, but I don't know She will...will..."
Liu Che wondered: "Didn't she reveal her identity to you? She is my sister, Princess Zhaoyang." Liu Jieyou said: "My daughter knows."
Liu Che was angry again, and shouted: "You know, how dare you hide it from the show!" Liu Jieyou said: "It was Wang's own request that she not tell the emperor. She came to the capital to find her son, but... Your Majesty... Killed her son, she said she didn't want to see you again."
Liu Che said, "Who is sister's son?" Liu Jieyou said, "Luan Da."
The courtyard fell silent, the emperor looked up at the sky, stood quietly for a while, and then walked away.
It was the first time that Huo Guang also heard about Princess Zhaoyang and Luan Da, at first he thought it was unbelievable, but soon he felt that fate was tricky, nothing more than that.Just as he was about to go forward to help Liu Jieyou up, he suddenly saw Su Wu leading his men to come again, and ordered them to carry away the dead body of Mrs. Wang, beckoning and shouting: "Du Weijun, the emperor has summoned you to the announcement room."
Huo Guang said: "Where is the worry?" Su Wu said: "The emperor only called you." Huo Guang had no choice but to say: "You go back first, I will go to Maoling to find you after I am done."
Liu Jie came out sadly, and stopped by Linchi Temple where Liu Xijun lived.As soon as I got to the gate, I heard the sound of the piano, and a female voice sang to the music:
This is "Farewell Crane Exercise" written by Renling Muzi in the Shang Dynasty.In the past, Ling Muzi married his wife for five years but did not give birth to a son. His father and brother decided to make him divorce his wife and remarry.When Ling Mu's son and wife heard about it, they woke up in the middle of the night, leaning on the door and weeping.Ling Muzi then took the qin and sang this song, expressing his feelings for the eternal sorrow and love, and playing the farewell crane.
Liu Jie said worriedly: "Sister Xijun is about to embark on a journey, and this song "Farewell Crane Exercise" fits her current state of mind. If it were me, would I still be as ignorant and free and easy as I was when I was young?" I couldn't bear to go in and persuade him, so I went back to Maoling's home.
Li Ling and Sang Qian were waiting in the courtyard. As soon as they saw her coming back, they went up to meet her and asked, "Did the emperor blame you?" Liu Jieyou shook his head and said simply: "Wang is dead."
Li Ling said: "But she is a servant of your family. Doesn't the emperor suspect that you ordered her to poison the Huns' envoy?" Princess Zhaoyang.
It was only then that Li Ling suddenly realized that it was no wonder that Mrs. Wang once said that he looked very similar to his grandfather Li Guang when he was young. He thought it was just a conversation between a servant and a guest, and he didn't take it seriously at all. Now that I think about it, she was talking about that very seriously. It's just that his reaction disappointed her.
Sang Qian said: "Could it be that Wang Yu killed Qiu Ren because she didn't want her past fate to fall on you?" Liu Jieyou said: "Yes. Although I am grateful for her kindness, I don't think it was done well. No. Originally, the Xiongnu Shanyu was determined to surrender to the Han, and the century-old war was expected to be extinguished, but now that the people of Qiu were suddenly poisoned by Wang Yu, the Xiongnu Shanyu was bound to anger the Han, would he come to the capital to meet the emperor?"
Just as he was sighing, Huo Guang stepped in quickly and said, "Mr. Li Ling, the emperor has urgently called you into the palace." Liu Jieyou was startled, and said, "What's the matter?" Huo Guang said, "I don't know the details, but I should tell you In connection with the preparations for the war against the Huns, the emperor urgently summoned several generals into the palace."
Liu Jieyou asked: "Are we going to fight again?" Huo Guang said: "It's preparing for war, not fighting. The emperor thinks that Qiu Ren died in Chang'an, and the Xiongnu will definitely not give up. It's better to prepare early." Li Ling said: "I Go and come back. You wait for me." After saying that, he went back to his house and changed into his official uniform, and brought his attendants to Weiyang Palace.
When they entered the announcement room, Gongsun He, Zhao Puonu, Guo Chang, Han Yannian, Lu Bode and other military generals who had recently been trusted by the emperor had already arrived.Because of his surprise attack on Loulan, Zhao Puonu has been conferred the title of Marquis of Zhuoye, and he is the most eye-catching rising star in recent years.The emperor was discussing with the generals about preparing the Hu, and when he saw Li Ling coming in, he said, "Li Ling, you came just in time. I worship you as the captain of the cavalry, add a servant, wear two thousand stone seals, and lead eight hundred cavalry to escort Princess Jiangdu to go. Wusun, come here, and make a seal and ribbon for Mr. Li."
Li Ling prostrated himself on the ground, but before he came back to his senses, Shangshu Lingshi came over with a white suitcase, which was covered with thick green rice paddies, and inside was the official seal.Two servants rushed over and took off the copper seal of a thousand-stone black ribbon nose button from Li Ling's waist, and replaced it with a silver seal with a green ribbon and turtle button from the suitcase.
According to the practice of the Han Dynasty, the official position is considered legal only after the official is sealed, and he can exercise power through the official seal. With the seal, he has power, and without the seal, he has no power. Therefore, officials always wear the official seal with them.
Seeing that Li Ling was still in a daze, Shang Shuling Shi reminded in a low voice: "Your Majesty, Du Wei, hurry up and thank your Majesty." Li Ling had no choice but to thank him: "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Liu Che said: "Yes. You come here. You are not only going to escort Princess Jiangdu to Wusun safely on this trip, but I have other tasks for you." Seeing the emperor's strange expression, Li Ling's heart tightened, and he secretly said: "Could it be that the emperor knows about it?" The Emperor Gaodi’s Sword of Slaying the White Snake is in the court of the Huns, and you want me to steal it back?” When he approached Long’an, he heard Liu Che whispering: “I want you to draw down all the mountains and rivers along the road, do you understand what I mean?” Li Ling Said: "I understand." Liu Che said: "Okay, you go to prepare now. Eight hundred cavalry are dispatched from the Northern Army. I have already sent someone to inform Lieutenant Wang Wenshu with a festival letter. I will set off in three days."
Li Ling kowtowed to thank him and left the proclamation room, but saw Su Wu standing outside the door, as if waiting for him, hurried over to greet him.
Su Wu smiled and said: "You are a general, and I am a civil servant. We are going to escort Princess Jiangdu to the Western Regions together this time." Li Ling was very surprised, and said: "Su Jun is actually the chief envoy of Wusun this time?" Su Wu Dao: "Well, this time I took the initiative to invite Ying, and the emperor agreed on the spot. Li Jun, the princess has a lot of dowries, and there are more than a thousand maids, servants, and bodyguards in the entourage, plus the 800 cavalry you brought, There are nearly 2,000 people, and there are hundreds of carts for luggage and dowry, but it is a large team, we have to plan the route well in advance." Li Ling said: "Okay, I will come to Su Jun to discuss this matter tomorrow morning."
Get out of the palace and go back to Maoling by car.When Guan Gan, Chen Bule and other attendants heard about it, they all said happily: "This is a great thing. The young master has just turned twenty years old, and he is already a two-thousand-stone official. In the future, he will definitely worship a general and become a marquis, and his achievements will be extraordinary."
Li Ling was born in the general family, and his grandfather was the famous parachutist Li Guang. He had a natural desire to fight on the battlefield and make contributions.He also knew that this trip to the Western Regions was a rare opportunity, but for some reason, when he thought about seeing Liu Xijun shed tears every day, he felt a little depressed.It's sad enough for her to be chosen as a concubine princess, why should her childhood friend personally send her to the road of no return?
Back at Maoling's home, Li Ling first told his mother that the emperor would send him to escort Princess Jiangdu to Wusun.
Li's mother said: "My son is so young, so he wears the two thousand stone seal. This is the emperor's trust in you, but you must not disappoint the grace." Li Ling said: "Yes, the child dare not forget the mother's teaching."
Li's mother said: "You have grown up, and you have reached the age to marry a wife. Mother has discussed with several clan uncles, and wants to marry Cheng Anhou's younger sister Han Luofu for you. What do you think?" Li Ling ate it. Startled, said: "This..."
Mother Li sighed, and said: "Mother knows that you grew up with Mr. Dong's adoptive daughter, but she has been named Princess Jiangdu and will soon marry Wusun. No matter how nice she is, for you, After all, it’s just the moon in the water, the flower in the mirror.” Li Ling said: “Ah, mother misunderstood, the child has absolutely no love for Xijun.”
Li's mother was stunned at first, and then said: "That's good, mother is worried that you will escort Princess Jiangdu all the way, and she wants to arrange a marriage for you as soon as possible. Well, there are only three days left, and it is indeed a bit rushed. Then we can talk about this matter when you come back from Wusun." Li Ling is a posthumous child, and has never seen his biological father. He only lives with his mother and treats his mother with the utmost filial piety.
Withdrew from his mother's room, Li Ling couldn't help feeling even more troubled.Wandering in the courtyard, Li Yu, the son of his uncle Li Gan, came in and asked, "I heard that the emperor has worshiped his cousin as the captain, is it true?" Li Ling responded.
Li Yu said with a mocking tone: "Then congratulations to my cousin, it is not easy to gain the trust of the emperor, you must cherish it."
Like Li Ling, Li Yu was accompanied by the prince Liu Shi since childhood, and his younger sister Li Rou married the prince. Although she was only a concubine, the emperor did not formally appoint a princess for the prince. The noble Shi Liangdi gave birth to the emperor's grandson Liu Jin, but it was Li Rou who was most favored by the crown prince.The prince once promised Li Rou in private that when he ascended the throne in the future, he would definitely make her a queen.Because of his sister's relationship, Li Yu went against the Li family's family tradition of not forming a party and being involved in politics, and became a family that firmly supported the prince. He was very close to Queen Wei and General Wei Qing.
Li Ling had something on his mind, and he didn't want to argue with his cousin, so he immediately took off his official seal and put it in the room, changed into casual clothes, summoned his attendants, ordered them to pack their bags, and prepare for the trip to the Western Regions, while he left the house and rushed to Liu Jieyou's residence .In front of the door, Huo Guang got into the car and left. It turned out that his family's servant came to tell him that Sima Qinxin was packing his bags and was going to move back to Maoling's natal family's old residence, so he had to go back immediately to dissuade her.
Liu Jieyou heard that Li Lingxin had worshiped the captain of cavalry and wanted to escort Liu Xijun to Wusun, so he remained silent for a while.
Sang Qian said: "Relieve your worries, or we will go to the Western Regions with Li Ling." Li Ling hurriedly said: "Absolutely not. Now the Huns envoy Qiu Ren was killed in Chang'an. He is the highest-ranking envoy since the founding of the Han Dynasty. The emperor is worried about the Huns. Shan Yu will raise troops to retaliate, so while blocking the news, he sent troops to the border. But since the Huns have traitors serving as officials in the court, this matter will spread sooner or later. Maybe the Huns will send cavalry to rob and kill the procession. Follow along , is too dangerous."
Only then did Sang Qian understand, and said: "No wonder the emperor urged you to leave without waiting for the Wusun envoy, because he was worried that the Huns would intercept the procession." Li Ling nodded and said, "The original intention of the emperor is to let the Huns know that the Huns are here. Before the truth, send Xijun and his party to Wusun safely. Jieyou, sorry, I can no longer accompany you to investigate the case. When I am not in the capital, you have to be more careful."
Liu Jieyou felt inexplicably unhappy, but what could he do?He is the grandson of the parachutist, a man with both civil and military skills, destined not to belong to her alone, but to gallop in the vast world outside.
Two days later, Weiyang's servant Su Wen came to Maoling and invited Liu Jieyou to meet Princess Jiangdu in the palace.Liu Jieyou was busy sewing clothes for Li Ling, when he heard the words, he hurriedly said, "It's my fault, I forgot to say goodbye to sister Xijun."
When he rushed to the view of the pond, Lang Guan and his servants were transporting many boxes from the palace.Liu Xijun was still sitting under the window in the room, the frequently used piano had been packed into the luggage, leaving only the empty desk.She stared out of the window silently, with inexplicable melancholy appearing on her peaceful face, with a slight resentment in her expression, like a cloud of faint mist, covering her brows.The busy footsteps of people coming and going outside were like hammers hitting her chest one after another.A stuffy and heavy atmosphere filled the surroundings, even though there were no tears rolling down his eyes, his heart was still utterly cold.Time is passing, and her youth and thoughts are passing at the same time.
As soon as Liu Jieyou came in, he saw Liu Xijun's beautiful and lonely appearance. She was a bold woman, and she didn't know how to comfort her. Besides, Liu Xijun had been chosen as the princess for several years, and the words that should be said had already been said, and the tears that should be shed had already been shed. Already drained, immediately coughed lightly.
Liu Xijun turned his head when he heard the sound, and said, "Sister Jieyou, you are here."
Liu Jieyou walked over, took off his jade string, put it on Liu Xijun's slender wrist, and said: "I know that my sister has received countless rewards from the emperor, and I don't care about gold, silver and jewelry, but this is what my mother left for me. , it is said that it can bring blessings to people. I am giving it to my sister now, hoping that my sister will have a safe life.”
Liu Xijun said: "Thank you sister for your kindness. I asked my servant to call my sister for something..." Seeing that she hesitated to speak, Liu Jieyou hurriedly said, "Just tell me if my sister has anything to do. Jieyou will do my best to help her." My sister's wish came true."
Liu Xijun shook his head, hesitated for a long time, and finally made up his mind, saying: "The female sword you have been looking for is actually in my hands."
Liu Jieyou was stunned for a moment, and said: "How could it be?" Liu Xijun said: "My aunt gave it to me. She repeatedly asked me to protect this sword. This is her last wish, and I agree. I killed her, so...so I knew that you were looking for this sword, but I never said anything about it."
刘解忧这才恍然大悟，难怪阳安曾冒险到董仲舒家找刘细君，原来他也一度怀疑雌剑落在了她手中，只不过她当时年纪尚小，不过是个小女孩，既坚决否认，阳安也就相信了她的话。
刘解忧忙问道：“姊姊现在说出实情，是打算把剑交出来么？”刘细君点了点头，道：“我就要离开汉地，这柄剑既然跟高帝斩白蛇剑是一对，又事关重大，自然不能带去乌孙。”
刘解忧道：“那么剑现在在哪里？”刘细君道：“在我义父的书房里。我把剑卷在一编废弃的书简中，藏在义父书架的最底层。对不起，我该早些说出来的。”刘解忧道：“不，不，现在还不晚。”
刘细君道：“妹妹这就去我义父家寻剑吧，不必再耽搁在这里。”刘解忧道：“那好，姊姊你多保重。我向你保证，我刘解忧一定会去乌孙探你的。”
匆忙回来茂陵，先去了东方朔家中，告知刘细君之语。东方朔道：“这倒真是让人想不到。”忙跟刘解忧一道来到董仲舒家中。
他早年被雷被用毒箭射中，虽侥幸不死，却瘫痪多年，后来慢慢可以拄着拐杖行走，而今已经不需要拐杖，只是得慢慢行走。
师徒二人来到董府时，董仲舒正与新任太史令司马迁在书房中谈论历法纪年之事。司马迁早年曾因邻里之便，拜董仲舒为师，学习公羊派《春秋》，董仲舒对其才学、人品极为赞赏。
司马迁继父职任太史令后，利用职务之便，遍读未央宫中“石室金匱之书”，感到朝廷现用历法多有不便，预备上书皇帝，请用夏正，改用建寅月——正月为岁首，正为此征询董仲舒的意见。忽听仆人报称东方朔求见，二人均感惊异，司马迁遂起身告辞。
刘解忧扶着东方朔进来，笑道：“我们是来借书看的。”董仲舒道：“噢，那么请随意吧。”
董仲舒虽然德高望重，但人却极和蔼慈祥，尤其喜欢小孩子。他家里的厨子会做点心，茂陵的小孩子都喜欢到他家里玩，他也乐得将院子布置成一个儿童乐园。刘解忧小时候常常跟着李陵进出董府，随便惯了，见董仲舒同意，便自行到书架上翻找起来。
董府门生、仆人不少，书房虽大，书简也多，但却打扫得一尘不染。
刘解忧心道：“这书架时时有仆人拂拭，但他们却不敢打开书简，的确是最好的藏剑之处。”
她知道那柄雌剑是短剑，不过一尺半长，是以专找长过一尺半的书简翻看。然而累了大半个时辰，将所有长过一尺半的书简都找过了，却没有找到金剑。
她在书架上翻找个不停，累得满头大汗，董仲舒居然一个字也不多问，只与东方朔坐在一旁谈经论道。最终刘解忧自己彻底放弃了，沮丧地朝东方朔摇了摇头。
东方朔心道：“刘细君自然不会撒谎，金剑一定曾经藏在这屋子里面，但却被什么人抢先拿走了。这些书简每一卷都由数十片甚至上百片木简编串而成，翻找起来极是费力，看解忧的样子就可想而知。董仲舒嗜书如命，除了睡觉外，其余时间都待在书房。他门生又多，往来请教儒学的人络绎不绝，外人根本不可能不惊动旁人而下手，那么一定是负责打扫书房的仆人做的。”忙问道：“负责打扫董先生书房的是什么人？”董仲舒道：“是老夫家的老仆董大。”
东方朔道：“董大人呢？可否请出来一见？”董仲舒便命人去叫董大来，那仆僮道：“董翁昨日傍晚出门后就再也没回来，小的正犹豫要不要将这件事告诉主君呢。”
东方朔“啊”了一声，忙起身告辞道：“多有叨扰，改日再来向先生赔罪。”
董仲舒本不愿意多口，但董大从小跟他，有四十多年的主仆情分，究竟还是有些牵挂，问道：“是董大出事了么？”东方朔肃色道：“还不能确定，不过怕是凶多吉少了，董先生要有心理准备。”
这是显而易见的事，若真是董大取走金剑，那得到剑的人岂能不杀他灭口。
匆忙告辞董仲舒出来，刘解忧甚是不解，道：“今日细君姊姊命人请我到未央宫，郑重其事地将金剑之事告诉我，当时只有我跟她两个人，机密无比，怎么还会有旁人知道呢？”
东方朔道：“这件事跟刘细君无关。董大昨晚失踪，说明他昨日就得手金剑了。应该是有高人猜到了金剑在刘细君手中，她既不可能带入皇宫，又无旁人可以依靠，那么只可能藏在董仲舒家仲，所以那人买通了董大，等他找到了金剑，又立即杀他灭口。”
刘解忧道：“可金剑藏在董先生这里多年，那高人若有这等聪明才智，为何偏偏到现在才想到？”东方朔道：“那是因为你前几日让霍光他们去廷尉府翻检过江都翁主刘徵臣的遗物，一无所获，那人由此得到了提示。”
赶来茂陵邑门，询问守门兵卒，昨日傍晚可有见过董府老仆董大出去。兵卒道：“出茂陵一般都是要进城办事的，哪里有傍晚离开陵邑的道理？就算不被沿途亭长拦下，到长安时城门也已经关闭了，一样进不了城，站在门外喝风啊。”
刘解忧道：“你说这么一大堆话，意思是没有见到董大出去啦？”兵卒笑道：“不光董大，一个人也没有。”
刘解忧和东方朔面面相看，二人均是一般的心思：那费尽心思得到金剑的高人，一定是茂陵的住户，可会是谁呢？知道金剑背后秘密的人大多已经死去，如阳安，又如董偃。会不会是刘徵臣的丈夫王长林？他是盖侯的儿子，王太后的侄子，妻子又是江都翁主，打听到金剑秘密也不足为奇。又会不会是隆虑侯陈蟜？他是隆虑公主的丈夫，夷安公主的公公，也是知道金剑之事的。抑或是李陵的侍从管敢？他是金剑的原主，一直念念不忘要寻回父亲遗物。总之一句话，居住茂陵的人非富即贵，皇亲国戚多，嫌疑人也多，光想想就头大。
刘解忧道：“这个高人千方百计得到金剑，应该是垂涎剑中的宝藏秘图。可是他不知道雄剑落在了匈奴人之手，他手里只有雌剑，等于废铁一块，兴不起大风大浪。咱们还要去管他么？”
东方朔知道她心思全在李陵即将西行之事上，笑道：“你说不管就不管吧。”刘解忧尚惦记未缝制完成的衣裳，匆忙告辞回家去了。
东方朔回来家中，还未坐下，董仲舒便登了门。东方朔知道他是为董大下落而来，当即简略说了经过，道：“若是我猜得不错，董大应该已经被杀了，埋在一个不为人知的地方。”
董仲舒沉默许久，才缓缓道：“有一点要告诉先生，董大绝不会为了金钱背叛老夫。若果真的是他取走了细君留下的金剑，那么一定有人告诉他，那剑留在家里会害老夫。东方先生，可否请你帮老夫一个忙？老夫的日子已经不多了，如果能在死前看到杀死董大的凶手伏法，老夫死而无憾。”
他的语气极为平静，但这番话由他这样名闻天下的大儒说出来，自有一股撼动人心的力量。
东方朔道：“可是……”董仲舒道：“老夫知道先生的难处，但想来天下间除了东方先生之外，再无人能够替董大报仇。老夫也不敢空口索求，这是老夫的一卷新书，他日若到紧急之时，东方先生可用它来向皇帝交换。当今天子爱书如命，想来他会答应先生的任何条件。”
东方朔接过书简，沉吟许久，才道：“好，我答应董先生。不过不是因为别的，而是因为以董先生地位、名望之尊，居然肯为一个下人如此付出，我很惊叹。”
董仲舒淡淡一笑，道：“即使一支笔，一把刀，用上四十年也会有许多感情的。”语气颇为沧桑。
江都公主刘细君出嫁乌孙的日子终于到了。这一天艳阳高照，春光明媚。长安全城都轰动起来，男女老少奔走相告，一窝蜂似地聚集在未央宫北司马门到直城门的大街两旁，等着看热闹。自当今天子登基后，只在即位初年以亲生公主出嫁匈奴军臣单于，之后再也没有公主出塞和亲。江都公主不仅是本任皇帝在位时第二位和亲公主，更是华夏有史以来第一位与西域和亲的中原公主，她的名字必然被载入史册。
刘细君头梳大手髻，髻上横插着黄金步摇，髻旁装饰着墨色玳瑁擿，身上则穿着只有公主大婚才能使用的重缘袍，由十二色锦绣制成，价值千金。
公主出嫁，礼仪极其繁琐。刘细君离开住处临观池后，先到未央宫前殿向皇帝、皇后辞行，然后要由太常引领，去宗庙拜祭。她便如一个傀儡一样，任凭宫女搀扶着下拜，再下拜。她的思绪开始在飘浮，许多往事、许多人物在她脑海中晃动，就像大海的潮汐，涌来退去，带着苦涩的咸咸的味道。就连眼前真实的人物，也有种如同梦中的虚幻，四周仿若成了朦胧的背景，引导仪式的谒者的发令声遥远得像来自天际一样。她自己的灵魂也好像脱离了肉体的躯壳，升到了云端，冷然注视着芸芸众生营营往来，迷失在红尘里。
直到出了北司马门，登车的一刹那，刘细君才从恍惚中重新回到了尘世，因为她看到了侍立在车旁的李陵。脚下一软，几乎摔下车时，又是他及时扶住了她。他的手是那么温暖，又是那么有力，她只觉得心中一荡，脸羞得通红，又仿佛回到了她最初为他心跳的时候，那是她非常喜欢的感觉。他依旧那么玉树临风，卓尔不群，眼神依旧那么深邃。她努力将眼睛睁大，睁得更大，好将他看得更清楚些。千秋万岁，长乐未央，结心相思，毋见忘呀。
马蹄嘚嘚，扬起好大的烟尘，车声辘辘，震得满街隆隆作响。浩浩荡荡的送亲队伍终于走出了城头上霍光和刘解忧等人的视线。
美人迈兮音尘阙，隔千里兮共明月。临风叹兮将焉歇？川路长兮不可越。
霍光只感觉一股痛楚咬噬着他的心，一种无能为力的感觉麻痹了他的大脑，他从来没有像现在这样软弱过，不得不扶住城墙。他想起一句古诗来：“彼君子兮，一日不见，如隔三秋。”他知道他与细君之间，恐怕永无再见之日了。
他还记得她曾经凄凉地望着自己，长长睫毛下的一双清如泉水的眸子透露出深深的哀愁，犹如风雨吹打尚未凋谢的一树梨花。她虽然没有开口，但他却懂她的意思，她希望他能利用被皇帝宠信的机会，为她求情，改变她的命运。他不是没有过这种想法，但他只是胆怯，在君临天下的皇帝面前，胆怯；在功高盖世的兄长面前，胆怯；在楚楚可怜的刘细君面前，也胆怯。他很清楚旁人青睐他，不过因为他是骠骑将军的弟弟，他自己内心深处，仍然是将自己当做平阳乡下的傻小子，绝不是什么做大事的人。虽然他现在有着锥心的悔恨，然而即使时光倒流，他也还是只会袖手旁观，眼睁睁地看着自己所爱慕的女子从眼前消失。年华将晚。望碧云空暮，佳人何处，梦魂俱远。关山阻隔，云水迢迢，连梦中也难相会。
刘细君远嫁后，刘解忧跟霍光的关系反而近了。但霍光总觉得他跟刘解忧之间有层面纱隔着，她大概是看出来他对刘细君有情，而今细君远嫁，他难免怏怏伤怀，所以她想给他一种安慰。这从她种种安排便看得出来，一会儿要去射箭，一会儿要去游山。从前她对他并不是特别在意，如今这般善解人意，竟然还是沾了刘细君的光。
桑迁却渐渐对霍光不满起来，那自然是因为刘解忧的缘故。他警告道：“你可不要动解忧的心思，她是李陵的人。”
霍光愣了许久后，终于默然点了点头。李陵虽然比他小几岁，可在那样的人面前，绝大多数男子都是要自惭形秽的，英俊帅气，能诗善文，箭术无敌，霍光又怎么能比呢？他倚仗兄长霍去病得到的所谓权势、富贵，在刘解忧那样超凡脱俗的女子眼中，不过是一堆狗屎而已。
然而当刘解忧来叫霍光出去时，他总还是欣然从命，因为他的朋友除了匈奴人金日磾外，就只有刘解忧这边的几个人了。况且，他心下暗自揣度：李陵护送细君去了西域，解忧也是需要陪伴和安慰的吧。
这一日，刘解忧和桑迁来访，正与霍光在院子中聊天，宫中来了内侍，却是皇后卫子夫身边的人，称皇后身体不适，想请霍夫人进宫诊治。霍光道：“我阿嫂早已不住在北阙甲第，而搬回茂陵司马先生旧居了。”
刘解忧忙道：“我和桑迁正要回去茂陵，就顺便替使君传话吧，不劳你多跑一趟。”内侍道：“如此，臣就先回椒房宫向皇后复命了。”千恩万谢地去了。
霍光今日不必在宫中当值，穷极无聊，便也借口探望阿嫂，跟着刘解忧一道回来茂陵。
将到陵邑门口时，忽从道旁闪出一名青衣男子，拦在马前，问道：“谁是桑弘羊之子桑迁？”桑迁道：“我就是，你有事么？”
话音刚落，那男子便从身后取出一具袖珍弩机，箭早已经扣在弦上，勾动扳机。弩箭射出，射中的却不是桑迁，而是身旁的霍光，当即将他射下马来。那男子“哎哟”一声，慌忙抛下弩机，跳上马就跑。
刘解忧见弩箭射在霍光肩窝，未中要害，还想策马先去追赶凶手。桑迁忙叫道：“这弩箭有毒。快，快带他去见你师傅。”忙抱了霍光上马，牵着赶来东方朔住处。
昔日东方朔在家门口被人用涂毒弩箭射中，仆人闻声出来，想起主人经常采摘院子中的懒老婆花抹在伤处，遂也如法炮制，居然由此救回了东方朔性命。他大难不死，还自行治愈了瘫痪，成为茂陵的传奇。
不料东方朔却不在家，刘解忧这才想起师傅答应了董仲舒要找到杀死董大的凶手，每日都要出门，在陵邑中转悠，寻找线索。她见霍光脸色青黑，已露垂死之相，一时无法可想，只得将霍光平放在地上，按照东方朔说过的法子，用匕首割开他胸口伤处，取出弩箭，从院子中摘了一些懒老婆花蕾，塞入口中嚼碎，连唾沫吐在手中，抹在箭伤上。
桑迁一旁望见，不免惊疑交加，道：“这懒老婆花就能治伤解毒么？要不要我去请琴心姊姊过来？”刘解忧道：“我师傅当年就是这么活过来的，不过还是去叫琴心姊姊吧。”忙招手叫过一名仆人，让他去司马相如旧宅请司马琴心过来。
仆人飞奔出去，一刻工夫后又驰回报道：“霍夫人一早出去到咸阳原散心了，人还未回来。要不要小人到城中请大夫？”
正巧东方朔散步回来，一见箭头上的黑血就道：“不用再叫人啦，这箭上的毒跟当初射中我的箭毒是同一种，懒老婆花就能治。”命仆人将霍光抬回房中，放在床上，道：“你们两个先轮流守着他，每半个时辰，就照原来的法子给他换一次药，等到他伤口毒性完全拔除，流出红血为止。”
刘解忧大致说了经过。东方朔沉吟半晌，问道：“霍光遇刺之事可有旁人知道？”刘解忧道：“适才进来陵邑时，我告诉了兵卒，让他们立即去追捕刺客。”又想起来皇后卫子夫生病之事，忙叫过一名婢女，让她去司马府邸告诉仆人，一旦司马琴心回来，就请她立即进宫为皇后看病。
东方朔道：“刺客是什么人？你们可有看清面孔？”桑迁道：“是个二十多岁的男子。唉，他本来要杀的人是我，手偏才误射了霍光。”
东方朔道：“噢？”言下之意，分明是认为刺客的目标更可能是霍光而不是桑迁。刘解忧道：“刺客要杀的的确是桑迁，他见射错了人，还大叫了一声呢。不过应该也不是针对桑迁本人，而是仇恨他父亲。”
桑迁生父桑弘羊是洛阳人，出身当地最大的富商家庭。汉代用筹码计算数字，筹码用竹子制成，长六寸，上面刻有不同的数字符号，便于计算。桑弘羊自幼有心算才能，计算不用筹码，有“神童”之名。刘彻学习书算时，听说洛阳桑弘羊事迹，无比神往。桑弘羊由此显达，十三岁时入侍宫中，一直在内廷中担任侍中之职，因能“言利事，析秋毫”，成为皇帝的心腹财政谋臣。元狩年间以后，因朝廷连年对匈奴用兵，府库空竭，军费不足，中央财政窘迫，已经到了捉襟见肘的地步，皇帝急需要能捞钱生财的能人，桑弘羊遂应时由幕后浮出水面，历任大农丞、大农令、搜粟都尉等重要职务，统管中央财政。在他的参与和主持下，朝廷先后实行了盐铁官营、均输平准、算缗告缗、统一铸币等经济政策。经过疯狂地聚敛资财，暂时缓解了经济危机，充实了府库，太仓、甘泉仓库满溢，边地亦有富余的粮食，史称“民不益赋而天下用饶”。桑弘羊因功赐爵左庶长。
桑弘羊对国家财政贡献虽大，但他所采取的措施旨在与民争利，限制富商大贾牟利，虽增加了朝廷财政收入，但也弄得怨声载道。尤其是他建议皇帝令民买爵赎罪、令吏入粟补官及赎罪，即通过公开买卖爵位和官职来增加财政收入，更是引来诸多非议。汉代制度，百姓取得爵位，就享有减罪、赎罪和免役的特权，卖爵措施对于富贵者特别有利，使他们即使犯罪也可以用钱赎罪，律令由此成为空文。
更令民怨沸腾的是，桑弘羊最近又开始实施榷酒，即将酒业跟盐铁一样收归官营，实行专卖。汉代饮酒成风，酒的消耗量很大，酿酒业是当时致富获利最多的行业，利润极高，因而民间酿酒业极为发达。榷酒政策实施后，官府自设酿酒作坊，也统一供给私人酿酒者谷物和酒曲等原料，让这些人根据朝廷制定的法式进行酿酒，酒酿造完成后，必须按规定的低价格卖给国家，私人不得出售，国家再以高价出售。这样，酒的销售全部由国家垄断，酿酒者因为无法获利，酒质大大下降，许多名酒因此而失传，小成本的私人酿酒者甚至破产。
不仅商人们衔恨桑弘羊，就是朝臣也多有对其不满者。现任御史大夫卜式因主动捐巨款给朝廷抗击匈奴而得到皇帝刘彻赏识，是富商出身，也是大汉立国以来第一个担任三公高位的商人。他深知盐铁官营等各项垄断措施给民间造成巨大骚动和不便，不断上书谏止皇帝。不久前关中大旱，刘彻令人举行仪式求雨，卜式道：“只要烹杀桑弘羊，老天爷一定会下雨。”在朝堂上公然上奏，显是对桑弘羊恨之入骨。可惜桑弘羊的后台是皇帝，卜式放出“烹杀”之言的第二日，便被皇帝以“不习文章”的理由贬秩为太子太傅。
东方朔听说刺客本来的目标是桑迁后，露出了怪里怪气的表情。桑迁却蓦然醒