Chapter 12 Chapter Eight Controlled by Others

God, who is the Empress Dowager!Who can afford to offend the empress, queen mother, and empress dowager who have gone through three dynasties?But there are still people who are not afraid of death, complaining about the restraint of Emperor Wu... Sima Qian stared at it for a long time, until the car away from his mentor became blurred, and the tears in his eyes came out. He was sad for losing the teaching of such a master. This morning, when Emperor Wu was about to announce the disbandment of the dynasty, Zhao Wan, the official censor, suddenly came out and said: "I would like to report to the emperor that according to the ancient system, the harem cannot interfere in politics. Now that the emperor is already in charge of the government, the emperor is asked to judge himself in court affairs. There is no need for that." Go ask someone else."

Zhao Wan said what was suppressed in the emperor's heart. Emperor Wu marveled at his straightforwardness and loyalty, but can I express my opinion? The civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty gasped when they heard this. The "who" of course refers to the Empress Dowager, my God!Who is the Empress Dowager!Who can afford to offend the empress, queen mother, and empress dowager who have gone through three dynasties?But there are still people who are not afraid of death to stand up and support Zhao Wan. "I think what Dr. Zhao Wan said is in line with the right way. Since the emperor is married, it proves that the emperor is an adult. Then the emperor has the right to self-determination. The empress dowager is old and should not interfere in the court affairs."

Everyone looked back and saw that it was Lang Zhong Ling Wang Zang. Wang Zang looked around and saw that no one dared to speak out anymore, so he emboldened himself, thinking, I have said it, I will die anyway, so it is better to be more clear, and then said: "The current emperor is young and has a lot of money. Because, with high ambition, you can decide everything by yourself, so why should you be controlled by others.” Emperor Wu's face turned red when he heard this, which showed that his heart was already overwhelmed, and asked: "My love, is there anything else you want to play?"

No one dared to speak again. "Your Majesty, the grassroots have the guts to say something." Everyone turned their heads and saw that it was the son of Ma Tan from Taishi Company, and they all ate.air.Sima was in a hurry to talk, so he pulled his son and said, "You don't have the right to speak here." Emperor Wu had known for a long time that Sima Qian was a child prodigy, so he authorized him to attend court with his father, and said, "Let him speak." Sima Qian stepped forward and said: "Xiaomin thinks that the advice of the two ministers is justified. Confucius said: 'If you are not in the position, you will not seek his own government.' Besides, since the current emperor is the emperor, he should exercise the power of the emperor. , should not be controlled by others.”

Emperor Wu was shocked when he heard this, he didn't expect the young Sima Qian to have such courage. Emperor Wu nodded and said: "Well said, who else wants to speak?...No. I see that you veterans are not as courageous as a young man." Sima Tan hurriedly pulled Sima Qian to his side, and whispered to him, "You, sooner or later you will cause trouble." Emperor Wu said again: "Sima Qian, although you are young, you are knowledgeable and courageous. I will appoint you as my servant. From now on, you will be by my side. You can speak up at any time if you have anything to say."

Sima Qian hurriedly came out and kowtowed: "Xiaomin kowtows to the emperor." "Scatter." All the ministers discussed in a low voice and dispersed. Wang Zang waited for Zhao Wan to come over, and the two stood up and started talking. Wang Zang said: "Mr. Zhao, those ministers are afraid to speak. It seems that we have to persuade His Majesty again." "Okay, I'll call Dou Ying and Tian Fu too." After hearing this, Sima Qian said to Sima Tan: "Father, the Empress Dowager has too much power, why should she!" Sima Tan hurriedly said: "Oh my God, keep your voice down, someone overheard you, this is going to be beheaded!"

In Changle Palace, the Empress Dowager just woke up from a nap. Two maids helped her get up and sat down on a chair. One court lady brought her tea, she took a few sips, and another court lady brought her fruit. , she took a few bites. She half-closed her eyes, frowned tightly, and thought bitterly... This Liu Che shouldn't be allowed to be emperor in the first place. Those Confucian scholars are bewitched, so it's time to teach him a lesson.Just thinking about it, I heard the servant came to report that the emperor came to say hello. "The grandson greets the imperial grandmother, the imperial grandmother is auspicious."

The grandparents and grandson remained polite on the surface. Who would have thought that the old queen was planning a sudden change, and several high-ranking officials would be pulled down by her... The silver-haired empress narrowed her semi-blind eyes, Tilting his head forward, he said, "Well, it would be nice to still be able to come and say hello to your grandmother." "Why did the imperial grandmother say such a thing, my grandson misses the imperial grandmother every day, it's just that I've been too busy recently..." "So you can't take care of it, can you?"

"It's not... Grandmother..." The empress dowager never appreciated the grandson emperor in front of her, who was definitely not his turn to be the emperor. Now she was very angry when she heard that he dared to oppose Huang Lao's ideas, especially when he heard that his subordinates dared to ask him to be the emperor. When he held the imperial court in person and stopped reporting important matters to her, he was even more furious. "No? You think I don't know? My eyes can't see clearly, but I still have ears, and I can still hear. You hate Huang Lao's quietness and inaction, and want to imitate Confucian scholars' accomplishments. You called I didn’t say anything after having taught so many Confucian scholars, and now I’m going to do something on your grandmother’s head.”

"Grandson dare not." "Don't you dare?" Empress Dowager Dou thought that the eldest princess was really blind. If she hadn't wanted Gillian to be the queen, then Rong'er's crown prince would never have been abolished, and this Liu Che would never even think about becoming emperor... She couldn't help sighing: "Oh, the eldest princess is really blind!..." Emperor Wu was shocked when he heard this. This blind grandmother is still worried about me being the emperor, but now that I have become the emperor, I must do something big to show them.

Empress Dowager Dou's face suddenly turned purple from purple to livid.Alas, if the youngest son Liu Wu is made emperor, he will never disobey me, and there will be no troubles like this.Then she said word by word: "Emperor, Zhao Wan and Wang Zang sow discord between our royal family and have the intention of treason. What do you think should be done?" Emperor Wu was startled, and hurriedly argued: "Grandmother, the two of them have no intention of rebelling against each other, they just added two words of advice." "Isn't that enough? I suggest you not to discuss anything with me. Do you think they are right?" "Grandson doesn't mean that." "Since that's the case, then you can figure it out!... Also, Dong Zhongshu mentioned to you that he respected Confucianism. Isn't it obvious that he wants to depose Huang Lao? Do you want to reuse such a person?" Emperor Wu was so anxious that sweat broke out on his forehead: "Son'er hasn't considered his appointment yet." "Then you should think about it... That Dou Ying and Wei Wan also follow Confucianism, and they are worthy of being prime ministers and high-ranking officials? You should think about it! Go get busy!" "Yes, Grandmother." The young Emperor Wu withdrew from the Changle Palace. He was full of grievances and tears in his eyes, but he gritted his teeth and still didn't let the tears flow out... Back at Weiyang Palace, Emperor Wu rode to the suburbs in a rage. On the ancient road outside Chang'an City, several horses galloped in front, followed by a team of cavalry guards. Emperor Wu raised his whip fiercely, and the horses galloped. The wind was blowing head-on, and the trees flashed by on both sides. Emperor Wu felt unspeakable grievances in his heart. Why should I be at the mercy of her even though I am already an emperor? Am I still an emperor? "God, tell me, what am I? What am I?" Emperor Wu shouted loudly, Wei Qing, Sima Qian, Gongsun Ao and others looked at each other, not knowing what was on Emperor Wu's mind. Whenever he was in a bad mood, fighting wild animals in the woods was the best choice for Emperor Wu to vent his anger. "Drive, drive!" Emperor Wu kept whipping his whip, and the hunting horse galloped quickly. "Your Majesty, slow down." Wei Qing yelled and chased after him. Emperor Wu only felt that his head was hot and his heart was suffocated, so he let the horse gallop desperately. Dongfang Shuo chased after him, and said to Emperor Wu: "Why is the emperor so troubled? In fact, as long as the emperor is like that tree, why not regain the defeat!" "What's the meaning?" "My lord, what kind of tree is that?" Emperor Wu looked at it and said, "Mulberry tree." "What do mulberry trees grow?" "silkworm." Oh!Cannibalize, Emperor Wu understood.Playing on the surface, gradually concentrating power in secret... Thinking of this, Emperor Wu became excited again, "Drive!" With a whip, the mount galloped again... After running for a while, Emperor Wu felt better, so he slowed down. Suddenly two hares rushed over, and Emperor Wu rode his horse to chase them. " shouted and hurried over, and was about to catch up, but the two rabbits ran into a green field of millet seedlings... Wei Qing reined in his horse and dared not step on the crops, but Emperor Wu shouted: "I am the emperor, what am I afraid of!" Then as soon as the whip was raised, the horse stepped onto the seedling field, and the guards had to follow. The hare was frightened and ran wildly in the crop field, and the horses of the emperor and the guards also trampled in the field. After a while, a large piece of green space was trampled. The farmers who were weeding in the field shouted angrily: "Don't step on the crops!" "Don't let the horse go into the field." Emperor Wu was still chasing the rabbit. At this time, he forgot everything, but kept shouting: "I'm not afraid of you, I'm not afraid of you!" The farmers got a report from the county government in a hurry, and the county officials were so angry that they brought a team of soldiers and horses to surround Emperor Wu and them. The county magistrate roared on the horse: "Bold madman, how dare you trample on the crops with your horse, take it down for me!" The soldiers were about to tie Emperor Wu, Wei Qing hurriedly shouted: "The current emperor is here, hurry up and kneel down!" After hearing this, the county magistrate replied: "Bold, how dare you pretend to be the Holy One, take it down for me!" Dongfang Shuo was quick to get wise, and showed the imperial seal token worn by the emperor around his neck to the county magistrate. When you arrive, you will be punished with death." He also called the soldiers: "Don't get out of the way when the Son of Heaven comes!" The county officials and soldiers retreated to one side and knelt down. Instead of blaming him, Emperor Wu said, "How can you say that you are guilty if you don't know? I will reward you with a thousand pieces of gold to make up for the damaged crops of the common people." "Thank you, your majesty, long live your majesty, long live your majesty!" The farmers and county officials on the side all knelt down. In the afternoon of that day, Zhao Wan, Wang Zang, Dou Ying, and Tian Fu went to Weiyang Palace where Emperor Wu's daily review and performances were conducted, and they asked to see the emperor.Emperor Wu excitedly let them speak freely. Tian Fu said: "Doctor Zhao, General Wang, your memorial is really satisfying. The emperor can no longer be controlled by others." Dou Ying said slowly: "Although the words are reasonable, this is not something that can be resolved in a hurry. The Empress Dowager is my aunt. I know her well, and she will not delegate power." "Then what should we do?" Wang Zang asked. "Just wait." Dou Ying said. "After she dies?" Dou Ying nodded. Emperor Wu's young and handsome face gradually turned from red to dark... Is it really necessary to wait until the old grandmother is a hundred years old before I can be independent and self-governing? "Oh, how hard it is." Emperor Wu sighed. No one spoke. Suddenly the servant came to report: "Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager sent someone to pass on Dr. Zhao Wan and General Wang Zang." Emperor Wu was startled, but soon calmed down again: "Just say they are not in the palace." "Then, Your Majesty, we will take our leave." "The Empress Dowager, the Empress Dowager is here." "Ah, it's too late, hurry up and pick him up." Emperor Wu said. "The empress dowager is a thousand years old, a thousand years old, a thousand years old!" "The Empress Dowager is a thousand years old, a thousand years old, a thousand years old!" After the Empress Dowager sat down, she looked angry. "Grandson pays respects to the emperor's grandmother." "Get up." Emperor Wu stood up, while the four ministers were still kneeling. "What are they discussing with you?" "Going back to the emperor's grandmother, there is no discussion." "Okay, don't tell me what to say. The emperor ascended the throne at a young age, and the palace has nothing to worry about. Now that the emperor is a little older, you come to confuse the emperor..." "I dare not wait." "You don't dare? You participate in the palace, separate our grandparents and grandchildren, and any woman is not allowed to interfere in politics. I tell you that in the future, I will intervene in all major and minor matters." When Wu heard this, his heart felt cold, and his face turned pale.Empress Dowager Dou saw it in her eyes, and said to Emperor Wu's mother: "Empress Dowager, look at the full wings of the emperor, dare not listen to me." The Empress Dowager, Mrs. Wang had no choice but to say: "Che'er, how can you not listen to the words of the imperial grandmother? Hurry up and apologize to the imperial grandmother." Emperor Wu had no choice but to kneel down to Empress Dowager Dou and said, "Grandmother, calm down, and grandson will apologize to you." "Get up, you are still young, in the future you should discuss everything more with the imperial grandmother. The imperial grandmother also thinks about the country and the country, and don't listen to the villain's tricks." "yes." Empress Dowager Dou looked at the four kneeling ministers and said, "You four are important ministers of the country. The former emperor gave you power to assist the young emperor, and did not let you sow dissension. From the first emperor to the present, several You have been advocating Huang Lao’s inaction for ten years, and now you are instigating the emperor to do something about Confucianism, I think if you don’t stop it, you will definitely mess up the imperial court.” Zhao Wan argued: "To the Empress Dowager, we did not mess up the court, nor did we instigate the emperor, but to achieve ideological unity for the emperor and consolidate the national unity." "What kind of unification of Confucianism? Huang Lao's inaction is the only way to unify. Don't think that I don't know your intentions." "Empress Dowager, we..." "Needless to say, here comes someone, take down these four sycophants for me." "We are not guilty." The four objected. "Empress Dowager, you can't take them away." Emperor Wu knelt down to Empress Dowager Dou. Empress Dowager Dou ignored them, "Hand them over to Tingwei." The four were tied up by the guards. "Grandmother, what are you going to do with them?" "I want you to remove all four of them, and put Zhao Wan and Wang Zang, two people who have alienated our relationship with our grandparents, into prison. From tomorrow onwards, I will also go to court and ask the emperor to announce the removal of these Confucian officials and appoint Xu Chang is the prime minister, Zhuang Qingzhai is the censor, Shi Jian is the doctor's order, and Shi Qing is the internal historian." "Grandmother..." Emperor Wu was anxious. Empress Dowager Dou said aggressively: "I'll say it again, Dou Ying must be dismissed. As a prime minister, he doesn't promote Huang Lao's inaction but supports you to make troubles about Confucianism and Confucianism. Huh, the old court officials still want to do something. I don’t know how high the heavens are and how thick the earth is, so there’s no reason for this.” "Oh, and Dong Zhongshu, who advocates Confucian thought, must not stay in the capital and let him go to the princes to serve as prime minister." "Emperor's grandmother, Dong Zhongshu is very knowledgeable and talented. He is a rare talent in the country. My grandson wants to keep him by my side to help my grandson." "No, the more such a person is, the less he can stay by your side." "Grandmother, grandson has kneeled down to you, you can't dismiss them from office." "What? How dare you not listen to me at such a young age? Don't forget, how did you, a tenth prince, become the emperor? If it weren't for me and your aunt, would you be where you are today?...Ah, my Eyes... how come my eyes can't see..." "Grandmother... the royal doctor!" "Hurry up and help the Empress Dowager to the harem." Seeing this, the Empress Dowager hurriedly ordered. "The Empress Dowager drove back to Changle Palace." Emperor Wu hurriedly knelt down to see him off. After Empress Dowager Dou left, Emperor Wu sat down and cried out angrily. The empress dowager walked over, stroking her son's head and persuaded, "Che'er, why are you crying, bear with it, you are too impatient. The empress dowager is the empress dowager who has gone through three dynasties, can she be controlled by you? Besides, the land How many more years?" "However, since I am in charge, I should exercise the power of the emperor." "Yes, you are the emperor, but you are still just a young emperor, Cheer, young emperors are not immune to anger, you will be fine in a few years, don't be sad." Emperor Wu stopped crying, and said aggrievedly: "She is going to hang the curtain again." "No matter how majestic she is, she hasn't been around for many years, so you can just feel wronged. And Che'er, you are the emperor, and you have several concubines, so there is nothing to blame, but Gillian is the queen, and her mother is the eldest princess. It's not that you don't know power, so you can't be too indifferent to Gillian." "The child is for the heir, the queen mother, can the royal family have no heirs?" The empress dowager said angrily: "Che'er, don't you understand what the empress means? Gillian has no heirs, but you can't neglect her. Don't forget the role her mother played in your becoming emperor." .” "Che'er has not forgotten, but I also hate this sentence the most. It is this sentence that tied me to the waistbands of the three women. I can't stand it." "If you can't take it, you have to take it. The eldest princess can't do anything! Wei Qing was almost killed by her. Che'er, the queen mother is worried about you." "Mother, think about it, I am the emperor, but I don't have the power to decide the appointment and removal of important ministers. The prime ministers and royal officials she arranged are all mediocre people. How can I rely on him to achieve great success?" "Che'er," the Queen Mother said with concern, "The Queen Mother knows that these people are all listening to her, but there is no way to do it. It's still the same sentence, bear with it for now, and there will be a bright future." "Forbearance, forbearance, forbearance, I'm almost dying." "Okay, think about it for yourself, I have to go and see Gillian." "The queen mother drives!" In the main hall of Manmanweiyang Palace, today is very solemn. On the Danji stage, Emperor Wu sat in the middle, and the empress dowager and empress dowager sat on both sides of the emperor, and the curtains of the two palaces began again.Emperor Wu was very angry and sat without saying a word. All the civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty stood with their heads bowed and held their breaths. At this moment, the hall was so quiet that even a needle could be heard falling. The deacon of the court announced: "By the order of the Empress Dowager, since they incited against Huang Lao and slandered the Empress Dowager, Prime Minister Dou Ying and Tian Fu were dismissed from their posts, and Zhao Wan and Wang Zang were imprisoned pending trial. " The civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty were stunned when they heard this, and no one dared to speak out again. The court deacon also announced: "Appoint Xu Chang as the prime minister, Zhuang Qingzhai as the imperial historian, Shi Jian and Shi Qing as the doctor and internal historian respectively. I hereby." All the officials raised their heads and saw Emperor Wu sitting with an angry face, so they began to discuss in a low voice. "Retire." The civil and military officials did not dare to cause trouble, they all lowered their heads and walked quickly towards the palace gate. "The imperial grandmother is auspicious, and the grandson pays respects to the imperial grandmother." The Empress Dowager opened her blind eyes and was full of anger. After a long time, she slowly said: "Emperor, I heard that a young boy dared to break into the palace. Is it true?" "Oh...this—" Emperor Wu faltered. "Grandmother knows that her grandson is thirsty for love, but she can't let such a madman enter the palace. In view of the loyalty of his ancestors and fathers to the court, grandma will spare his life and let him get out of Chang'an , leave immediately." Emperor Wu was in a hurry and begged: "Grandmother, Sima Qian's father is old and sick..." "Let him get out of Chang'an immediately." Empress Dowager Dou repeated it again. "yes." Emperor Wu returned to the dormitory with a face full of anger, and he slammed the inkstone on the ground. "Why should I be controlled by others, why..." Yang Deyi heard the shout, ran in, squatted down and picked up the broken inkstone. In the afternoon, Emperor Wu was reading Confucius's books in the imperial study... Suddenly, he suddenly said excitedly: "In peace and not forgetting danger, in survival but not in death, in governance but not in chaos, it is very good." The servant came to report: "My lord, Dong Zhongshu has arrived." "Come in." After Dong Zhongshu gave a big gift to the emperor, he stood aside.He was radiant, thinking that the emperor must pay attention to him and keep him by his side, so that he could assist the emperor wholeheartedly.Unexpectedly, Emperor Wu said something that surprised him. "Dong Aiqing, I originally wanted to keep you in the court, but the king of Jiangdu is arrogant and rebellious by nature, so I want to use your benevolence to influence him, and it can also get rid of a heart disease that I have had for many years. I wonder if Dong Aiqing is willing?" Dong Zhongshu's heart turned cold when he heard it. Why is it that I am not in the capital, not by the emperor's side, but you want me to go to a princely country far away?He knew that Liu Fei, the king of Jiangdu, was the elder brother of Emperor Wu. He never obeyed Emperor Wu.Being an assistant to such a person is tantamount to helping the evildoer... "Why, Aiqing is not willing?" "...No, no, I obey the order." Emperor Wu also said: "Your proposals of respecting Confucius, offering rites and music, governing the country with benevolence and morality, promoting Taixue, setting up wise teachers and raising the people of the world have all been adopted by me. And your proposal of great unification, I will continue to do so in the future." Only respect Confucianism, I want to take Confucius' benevolent governance of the country as the core, and have desires and achievements." After hearing this, Dong Zhongshu respected Emperor Wu's decision very much, thinking, Emperor Wu really deserves to be a young hero.Then he said: "My lord has such a grand ambition, it's really a great honor for a big man. I believe that my lord will definitely become the hero of the world." Dong Zhongshu paused for a moment, and then continued: "The former emperor's adoption of abstinence, inaction, and recuperation was in line with the needs of the time, because the Han Dynasty was first established, and a lot of waste was waiting to be rebuilt, but now, border troubles exist, and the power of the princes is getting stronger. Centralization, then we can no longer do nothing.” Emperor Wu nodded in agreement: "Go ahead." "Therefore, my lord can no longer go down the old road. We must learn the lesson of the rebellion of the seven kingdoms of Wu and Chu. Otherwise, we will be quiet and do nothing here, and others will recruit troops there. If there is a change, it will be too late." Hearing this, Emperor Wu felt a sense of hatred for the acquaintance. He looked at Dong Zhongshu gratefully and thought, now he is afraid that the Empress Dowager will plot against you, so he has to let you go away. One day I will transfer you back to my side, so he said: "Okay, let's go for a while first. The effect is the same in the court and in the vassal states. The key is the importance." "I understand, I will leave." Dong Zhongshu looked at Emperor Wu affectionately, and then took three steps back. As soon as Dong Zhongshu retreated to the door, Emperor Wu called out with nostalgia: "Dong Aiqing..." "Your Majesty..." Dong Zhongshu turned around. "Go ahead!" Emperor Wu looked at Dong Zhongshu's back and sighed silently. He blamed the Empress Dowager for being too restrictive and too powerful.Alas, although I am the emperor, I can't be the lord of a country. I have to obey the empress dowager in everything. I can only believe in Huang Lao but not Confucius and Mencius. Emperor Wu sighed again, and then went to the queen mother's bedroom. Seeing that her son was at a loss, the Queen Mother comforted her and said: "The Empress Dowager is in her eighties, and she will not have many days to exercise power. Now she is blind and old again, and she can't see anything. My son doesn't have to." trouble." Emperor Wu said: "The queen mother, Zhao Wan and Wang Zang have committed suicide, and the emperor's grandmother forced me to dismiss Dou Ying and Tian Fu from the positions of prime minister and Taiwei. Do you think I still look like an emperor? My son wanted to take the Dong Zhongshu stayed by his side, and worried that the emperor's grandmother would hate Confucianism, so the ministers had to send him to the king of Jiangdu." The queen mother sighed and said: "Che'er, mother knows that you have ambitions, and you don't want to be a mediocre emperor. Mother supports you, but don't be impatient. Your grandmother's power in the court is deeply rooted. From your grandfather to now, she has experienced a lot. Three dynasties, how many forces have been cultivated, it is difficult to overthrow, although you are full-fledged now, it is still impossible to confront your grandmother, so it is better to be patient in all aspects." "Mother, the child is already patient enough. The emperor's grandmother wants me to learn from Huang Lao's quietness and inaction, and opposes my belief in Confucianism. She will not let me get close to Confucian scholars, will not let me do anything, and will not let Dong Zhongshu stay with me. I have to let him go Prime Minister Jiang Du." The queen mother was very sympathetic and said: "Dong Zhongshu is very knowledgeable. It is a pity to let him go. The empress dowager is too domineering. She should not interfere in the affairs of state. She came here, she has experienced too many things, and she is used to holding power, it is impossible for her to delegate power, otherwise it will cause turmoil, and my son still needs to be patient." "Patience, patience, the child really can't bear it anymore." "That has to be endured. She is also blind now. In the future, when the empress dowager is a hundred years old, mother will never interfere with you. Mother will let you be a real emperor." "Thank you, Empress." Dong Zhongshu was about to leave for his post, and Ma Tan and his son of Taishi Company held a farewell banquet for Dong Zhongshu at the residence of Taishigong.Dong Zhongshu's big disciples Chu Da, Lu Bushu, and Ren An all came to see Dong Zhongshu farewell. Ren An is a friend of Sima Qian, who works in Yizhou. He said indignantly: "I don't know how the emperor thinks about it. An outstanding talent like Mr. Dong should be a good minister by the emperor's side. How could he appoint someone who is thousands of miles away?" A small country. Besides, Liu Fei, the king of Jiangdu, was arrogant and rebellious, and the prime minister assigned to him was either beheaded or told to leave. This appointment really wronged Elder Dong." Although Dong Zhongshu looked sad when he heard this, he still said: "Where, where, Zhongshu is not talented, and he has the status to serve in a small country." Chu Da, Dong Zhongshu's eldest disciple, said: "I don't think it was the emperor's intention to serve the teacher far away. In fact, the emperor has adopted the teacher's opinion of respecting Confucianism and dismissing hundreds of schools. Now he is promoting etiquette and righteousness, promoting enlightenment, and advocating action. It can be seen that now is the time when the emperor needs the teacher the most, so this disciple thinks that it must be the empress dowager who makes the teacher leave the emperor's side." Lu Bushu, another disciple of Dong Zhongshu, also said: "What my brother said is very true, and I also feel the same. Our teacher can't stay in the capital because he must be excluded by the empress dowager. This time, the teacher's grievances are minor, and our teacher will not care about it." , it’s just that the Han Dynasty lacked a talent for managing the country, and that’s the big deal.” Everyone nodded expressing emotion. Sima Tan said: "Dong Lao can go to the post temporarily, the emperor's order cannot be disobeyed, the veteran must try his best to persuade the emperor in front of the emperor, and persuade the emperor to recall him as soon as possible." "Thank you Tai Shi Gong." Dong Zhongshu said. Sima Qian raised his glass to Dong Zhongshu and said, "Teacher, I toast you for this glass of wine. First of all, I would like to thank the teacher for his teaching and let me learn the righteousness of "Spring and Autumn". A great talent will definitely make great contributions to the prosperity of the great man." Sima Qian gulped down his drink. "Okay, thank you." Dong Zhongshu also drank it all, and said: "Sima Qian, the teacher sees you as a talented historian. I hope you will be by the emperor's side, visit history in person, obtain first-hand information, and become a witness of history. Teacher I believe you will be famous in history. The teacher has recommended you in front of the emperor, and the emperor will reuse you." "Thank you, Teacher." Sima Qian stood up and bowed. "However, the teacher also warns you that if you want to truly write history well, you should dare to face history just like Confucius wrote "Spring and Autumn"." Sima Qian replied humbly: "My disciple will remember it." In the morning, just as the sun was rising, there were already many people standing outside the gate of Chang’an City, beside the ancient road. They were all students and friends of Dong Zhongshu, and they were here this morning to see off their teacher Dong Zhongshu. Two carriages drove out, and Dong Zhongshu got out of the carriage. Seeing so many people coming to see him off, he couldn't help but burst into tears. He bowed his hands to everyone: "Thank you, thank you." Sima Qian walked up to Dong Zhongshu, knelt and wept, and said, "Disciple Sima Qian sees the teacher off, and wishes the teacher a safe journey." "Thank you, thank you. Get up quickly." Jin Zhongshu helped Sima Qian up. "Teacher, your views on the reform of changing the sky and changing the way made Emperor Wu adopt your proposal of respecting Confucianism alone. Teacher, you opened a new era in which the big man broke away from Huang Lao's desire and inaction and marched towards Confucianism. The teacher's point of view It will make the Han Dynasty enter a new historical period, and the teacher is worthy of being a master of Confucianism. Students must record this historical turning point of the Han Dynasty in the annals of history." "Thank you, the teacher believes that you will be able to achieve great things." "Teacher, safe journey." "I wish the teacher great success in his career." The people seeing off crowded around Dong Zhongshu. "It's getting late, everyone please stay behind, Dong Zhongshu is leaving." Dong Zhongshu left with tears in his eyes. Just as he raised his leg to get into the car, he suddenly heard: "The Emperor has an order, Mr. Dong, go slowly." Dong Zhongshu and everyone turned their heads. Dong Zhongshu's eyes lit up, could it be that the emperor wants to keep me... The messengers from the palace arrived on horseback. They got off their horses and said, "Dong Zhongshu accepts the order." Dong Zhongshu knelt down hopefully. "Dong Zhongshu, Prime Minister of Jiangdu, is a close minister of the emperor even though he went to a distant place. In the future, I will send a horse to contact you for major court affairs. I respect you." "Thank you Lord Long En, long live the emperor, long live, long live!!" Dong Zhongshu was so moved that tears filled his eyes? Those who saw him off also knelt to the east and shouted: "Long live the emperor, long live, long live!!" Sima Qian stared at it for a long time, until Dong Zhongshu's away car gradually became blurred, and the tears in his eyes flowed down. Sima Qian was sad that he would lose the teaching of a master from now on. Dong Zhongshu traveled far away for more than a month before he arrived at the capital of Diejiang Duwang (now Yangzhou area). Seeing banners waving outside the city gate and crowds of people in the distance, the attendant said, "My lord, could it be that the king of Jiangdu personally picked you up." Dong Zhongshu put down the car curtain and shook his head: "Impossible, maybe there is something else." When the car was approaching the city gate, the drums and music were playing. Dong Zhongshu was surprised when an envoy flew past in front of him and said, "Prince Jiangdu personally picks up Xiang Dong, please get off the car." After hearing this, Dong Zhongshu got out of the car and walked towards it. At this time, the ceremony and music were played, and the king of Jiangdu in a formal dress greeted him with a smile. Dong Zhongshu hurriedly knelt down and said, "My minister, Dong Zhongshu, salutes the king of Jiangdu." "Ah, Prime Minister Dong, please get up quickly." King Jiangdu raised Dong Zhongshu up with both hands.The king of Jiangdu saw that Dong Zhongshu had a gray beard, but he was energetic, dignified, and extraordinary. He said: "I have heard for a long time that Dong Zhongshu is knowledgeable and noble. condescending." Dong Zhongshu hurriedly said: "Where, where, this humble minister is a little talented." King Jiangdu introduced Dong Zhongshu to his ministers one by one. Then the king of Jiangdu got into the chariot with Dong Zhongshu's hand, and the two of them rode in the same chariot, followed by the ministers, and went into the city with the accompaniment of drum music. Dong Zhongshu was in the car, seeing the prosperity of the streets in the city and the politeness of the citizens, he praised: "The king of Jiangdu is well governed." King Jiangdu said: "Where, where, in the future, I hope Dong Xiang will give more advice." "A humble minister should serve you faithfully." In the evening, the king of Jiangdu held another banquet for Dong Zhongshu and arranged a residence for him.Back at the mansion, Dong Zhongshu said to his wife: "I didn't expect the king of Jiangdu to treat me so courteously. It seems that the rumors may not be believed." "Yes, it seems that the king of Jiangdu is not arrogant. But Lu Yao knows horsepower, and he can see people's hearts after a long time. Husband can't just look at it for a while." "Well, anyway, I treat people with sincerity. If he can trust me, he may not be unable to cooperate well. Besides, even if he can't be honest with me, I must fulfill my duties and be loyal to the court." One day, a military parade was held. Jiangdu Wanggao sat on the parade platform, and Dong Zhongshu and Jiangdu Wang's important officials sat on his left and right sides. Amidst the deafening drum music, teams of majestic guards of honor passed by, and then with the shouts of killing, two teams of soldiers in armor competed in martial arts, followed by a pegasus archery competition, and finally the mighty cavalry , Passing with their swords held high, they kept shouting: "Train your troops bravely and defend the big man." The king of Jiangdu turned around and asked Dong Zhongshu: "Mr. Dong, how are the martial arts of the soldiers?" Dong Zhongshu replied: "First class." King Jiangdu said proudly: "When you first entered the city, you praised my martial arts, and now you are impressed by my martial arts. Dong Xiang stayed in the capital. Who do you think my martial arts and martial arts are comparable to? " Dong Zhongshu was surprised when he heard this, he was competing with the emperor.But Dong Zhongshu didn't show his expression, he just praised: "King Jiangdu's martial arts and martial arts are really good." King Jiangdu laughed out loud. Dong Zhongshu was reading in the mansion, and his family came to report: "Xiangguo, the king of Jiangdu called you over." "Okay, let's go." Dong Zhongshu hurriedly put down the letter and stood up. Dong Zhongshu came to the Jiangdu Palace, and saw three powerful officials already sitting in the luxurious living room. "Come, come, Dong Xiang, sit next to me. You are an important minister sent by the emperor, and they are all my friends. Let's have a drink today, how about our friendship?" Dong Zhongshu smiled back. After a while, the table was filled with delicious food and wine. After drinking for three rounds, the powerful officials praised King Jiangdu. A drunk man said intermittently: "It is said that King Jiangdu has... the appearance of an emperor, but why does the sky only let him be... a prince?" Wang, I am wronged...too wronged." "That's right...that's right...the heavens are unfair, why would you let a young child be the emperor?" The other also answered in a drunken voice. Dong Zhongshu was startled when he heard this, he looked at the square face of the Jiangdu king, with a full sky, a nose as straight as a mountain, and a pair of big eyes sparkling... really looks like an emperor. King Jiangdu asked Dong Zhongshu in a tentative tone: "Mr. Dong, they are drunk, don't listen to their nonsense." "This..." Dong Zhongshu didn't answer. "The two of them are drunk, help them go down to rest." King Jiangdu said to his attendants. "yes." "I... we... are not drunk." Only King Jiangdu and Dong Zhongshu were left at the banquet. King Jiangdu clapped his hands, and three beauties came out, singing and dancing, and Dong Zhongshu sat upright without looking sideways. The king of Jiangdu saw it and secretly sighed that Dong Zhongshu was indeed a true Confucian. "Back off." "yes." The King of Jiangdu saw that Dong Zhongshu was not moved by his beauty, so he ordered: "Bring me the gift." So a servant came in with gold in his hands. "Dong Xiang," Jiangdu Wang said with a smile, "this is a small gift, please accept it." Dong Zhongshu hurriedly stood up and said solemnly: "I appreciate your kindness, but I will not be thanked if I have meritorious service, let alone receiving rewards for no merit." "Hey, a little respect." "Forgive me, I can't accept it." The king of Jiangdu was shocked, and thought to himself, Dong Zhongshu was neither attracted by sex nor deceived by money, so he must only have power in his heart, so he said: "Mr. Dong, let's go have some tea!" Dong Zhongshu followed Jiangdu Wang into the inner room. After the attendants served tea, Jiangdu Wangping went to the left and right, and there were only the two of them left in the room. "Dong Xiang, I think you are indeed a talent, I admire you very much!" “哪里、哪里，还望大王多多指教。” “董相今后有何打算？” “大王，在下今后准备致力于大一统，因为我是研究《春秋》的。我最想实现的是天下大一统。” “大一统，好、好……本王也是推崇大一统，不过得看是什么样的大一统！” 董仲舒说：“当今江山一统，天子雄才大略，我虽然到诸侯国任职，但心系朝廷，维护天下一统是微臣义不容辞的责任。” “董相的忠心窦在可佳，董相真不愧是朝廷忠臣。” “不过……”江都王意味深长地说，“有一天，假如本王取代天子，那董相，像您这样的大人才，我是决不会让您远任的，那必是在子边的权臣。” 董仲舒当然听出了语中暗含的玄机，便沉默不语。 江都王想，看他沉默不语，莫非是默认了，对我的默许动心啦？哼，再高尚的人也难过权力关。 不料，董仲舒不亢不卑地说：“江都王的话我已悟出一二，我想重申一句，在下是研究《春秋》的，是崇奉大一统的，我以维护天下为己任。” “噢……好，好，高见，高见……送客。”江都王面露愠色。 “微臣告退。”