Chapter 357: Liu Xie wants to escape?
The eleventh year of Jian'an (206).
Outside Wancheng in Jingzhou, the still charming Tang Ji bid farewell to her beloved son Jin Lin in tears and went to Wushang County in Yangzhou to take up her post.
As the eldest son of King Wu, if Jin Lin wants to become the heir, he must go through five years of trials before he can return to the central government to govern for five years.
After much deliberation, Jin Mao finally decided to give every heir who wanted to participate in the competition a chance to do so, and set a ten-year period.
If no successor can complete this ten-year inspection, the dynasty will inevitably perish.
If there are two or more heirs who complete the trial, then the one who will become emperor in the future must obey the people, and the other heirs can become princes and guard the borders.
Jin Mao didn't need to fight for the throne of emperor. His subordinates had advised him against it countless times, but Jin Mao had always been holding back, just waiting for an opportunity.
Regarding the issue of successor, Jinmao believes that ten years is enough to train a qualified successor.
Outside Wancheng.
Jin Lin knelt on the ground and kowtowed three times to Tang Ji before standing up with tears on his face.
Jin Lin is fifteen this year, fourteen years old in actual age, and just came of age yesterday. The reason he chose this day to start his work is that he wants to retrace his father's entrepreneurial path.
After all, Jinmao was also this age when he started out, and his status and position were not as good as Jinlin's current one.
"Don't be sad, mother. I know what to do." Jin Lin is eight feet tall, a little taller than Jin Mao. He has inherited 80% of his mother's looks and is very handsome. There are calluses on his hands, which is a sign of years of hard work.
"A mother worries when her son is away from home." Tang Ji cried, "Your father is so cruel. What if something happens to him during this trip?"
Jin Lin pointed to the hundred elite soldiers behind him and said, "Mother, you are worrying too much. When father first started, he only had a hundred or so rabble, but today I have hundreds of elite personal guards. Where in the world can't I go?"
Tang Ji knew that what her son said made sense, but this was the first time in fourteen years that mother and son were separated, and she couldn't help but feel overwhelmed.
Besides, since ancient times, there has never been a story about a prince going on a long journey for training. Every prince is taken by his side and carefully trained.
Her eyes were filled with tears, and she clutched Jin Lin's sleeves tightly, as if this could keep him for a little longer. "Lin'er, mother knows that you have great ambitions, but the world is dangerous and far beyond your imagination. Mother does not ask you to be powerful, but only hopes that you will be safe and sound, and when you return, you will still be the carefree boy in mother's heart."
Hearing this, Jin Lin felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He leaned over, gently untied Tang Ji's hand from her sleeve, and held it in his palm, giving her the most resolute response: "Don't worry, mother. I will be careful in what I say and do, make friends with others, and win with wisdom. I will keep your teachings in mind, not only for the glory of our family, but also for you and my father to enjoy your old age. When I succeed, it will be the time for us to reunite."
After that, he turned to face the one hundred elites, his eyes flashing with indomitable spirit and determination: "My brothers, we have a heavy responsibility on this trip. Not only do we need to see the vastness of the world, but we also need to temper our will and improve our strength. Let us join hands and go into the unknown together, so that the world can witness the elegance of our Jin family!"
The soldiers responded in unison, their voices shaking the sky, showing their fearless courage and vision for the future. Tang Ji looked at her son's resolute back and the soldiers who were equally full of fighting spirit. Although her worries were not completely dissipated, she also felt a little more proud and expectant.
She slowly loosened her hand and let Jin Lin walk away in big strides, embarking on a road full of challenges and opportunities. She knew that this was the only way for Jin Lin to grow up, and it was also the moment when she, as a mother, had to learn to let go.
"May the gods bless my son and let him have a safe journey." Tang Ji prayed silently in her heart, watching her son's figure gradually disappearing from her sight. At that moment, she seemed to see Jin Lin's brilliant future achievements and the warm scene of their reunion.
On the gate tower of Wancheng, Jin Mao watched Jin Lin and his companions go away, feeling mixed emotions. He had taught Jin Lin too little over the years, and he didn't know whether Jin Lin could understand his intentions this time.
Standing next to Jin Mao were several concubines who had given birth to children, including Cai Wenji, Da Qiao, Feng Lu, and Shi Yu.
The appearance of the first three women has not changed much, as if time has left no trace. Only Shi Yu has aged and her expression is dull. Beside her stands a young girl who seems to be a younger version of her. She is the eldest daughter, Jin Nong.
However, Jin Nong had fair skin, which made her pretty look six points more charming. She was the same age as Jin Lin and had reached the age for marriage, but Jin Mao had never found a good match for her.
This couldn't help but make the mother and daughter feel uneasy. Since ancient times, sons have been favored over daughters. Although Jinmao has always emphasized gender equality, this abnormality still caused the mother and daughter to suffer a great shock.
Today, the mother and daughter decided to find a marriage no matter what.
Just like Shi Yu’s mother in the past, Shi Yu now fully understands why her mother was so disgusting, and now she also wants to be that disgusting person.
"Your Majesty." Shi Yu knelt in front of Jin Mao with his daughter and begged, "Nong'er is of marriageable age. Please have mercy and choose a good husband for her."
Jin Mao frowned subconsciously. Even though he had been here for more than 20 years, he still could not accept the rule that people had to get married in their teens. He wanted to change it, but if he did, the entire Han Dynasty would follow suit. By then, the population would plummet, and he could not bear the responsibility.
But having children early is also very dangerous. Although medical schools are booming today, they cannot solve the medical problems across the country.
However, these twenty years at Jinmao were not wasted. He understood exactly what Shi Yu meant.
"You two should get up first." Jin Mao said calmly, "I have always believed in the idea of poor sons and rich daughters in managing a family. The children of those who do not participate in the competition should be granted fiefs and enjoy a life of prosperity."
"I came from Wushang, and my children should also have fiefs in Wushang. Jin Nong, please come forward and receive the title!"
The mother and daughter were stunned for a while before they reacted and thanked happily.
"From now on, Jin Nong will be granted a fief of 500 households in Tangxi Township, Wushang County."
Jin Mao's words were powerful, not only for the future of Jin Nong and her daughter, but also for his deep understanding of family heritage and local responsibility. He knew that although medicine is broad, to truly benefit the people, it is necessary to start from the basics and make the power of the family an indispensable force in promoting local progress.
"Jin Nong, you must remember that these 500 households are not only an honor, but also a responsibility. You must use this resource to open a clinic in Tangxi Township, hire famous doctors, and teach medical skills so that the people can get timely treatment at their doorstep. At the same time, you must encourage young talents to learn medical skills and cultivate more successors for our country's medical cause." Jin Mao advised earnestly.
Jin Nong's eyes sparkled with determination when she heard this. She knew that this was not only her father's expectation, but also her responsibility as a member of the Jin family to her family and fellow villagers. "Don't worry, father. I will live up to your trust and spread the Jin family's benevolence to every corner of Tangxi Township."
Jin Mao nodded with satisfaction, and looked into the distance, as if he had penetrated the barrier of time and saw the future vitality of Tangxi Township due to the prosperity of medicine. He knew that although the rise of the medical school was an important symbol of the progress of medicine in the country, the real popularization and prosperity of medicine still needed a force to promote it.
It just so happens that the Jin family has children to support, and medicine also needs to develop, so it would be better to let all the Jin family children become a medical family.
I can’t say anything else, but living longer is a good thing.
Upon hearing the news, the other three concubines were not happy but worried.
They all have sons, so should they wait for them to grow up and join the competition, or choose another path? …
Luoyang.
After finishing a day's work, Liu Xie lay comfortably in a rocking chair, grilling meat in one hand and drinking wine in the other.
"Ha~"
Letting out a sigh of relief, Liu Xie felt that this kind of life would be pretty good if he were just an ordinary citizen.
Unfortunately, he is not.
Lu Xun, who was grilling meat seriously, said jokingly without turning his head: "Your Majesty, you can't eat alone. I'm still hungry."
"Haha." Liu Xie said happily, "I shot this wild deer. It is a great favor to share it with you."
In recent years, the two have been getting along more and more like brothers. Lu Xun knew that Liu Xie was joking, but he still put down what he was doing, turned around and bowed, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your gift."
Liu Xie shook his head helplessly. No matter how many times he explained, Lu Xun was always like this.
Under the stars, by the campfire.
The monarch and his ministers looked at each other in silence.
After a moment, Liu Xie broke the silence: "Third brother, did you go out for training today?"
Lu Xun nodded in agreement.
Liu Xie sighed, "My uncle is really an extraordinary person. He actually trained his successor in this way. I am not as good as him."
Lu Xun remained silent.
Liu Xie said with emotion: "The Han Dynasty has come to this point because it has no successor. I believe that the emperor's uncle will be able to lead the Han Dynasty to new glory."
"Emperor Guangwu rebuilt the Eastern Han Dynasty in the past, and what the emperor's uncle is doing today is very similar. I can't be like Emperor Gengshi and regret it when the time comes."
Liu Xie joked, "Bo Yan, tell me, if I abdicate the throne to my uncle, will I be able to leave a good name in history?"
"I...I believe that my uncle is kind-hearted and will allow me to spend my old age in peace, or even have a second spring in my life!"
"Bo Yan, what do you think?"
This time, Lawrence Lu knew that he couldn’t remain silent, but what right did he have to stop such a big thing.
At this moment, Lu Xun seemed to be in the same situation as Jin Yang, caught in a dilemma. On one side were his closest relatives, and on the other were his close friends and sworn brothers. Lu Xun didn't want anything to happen to either side.
Liu Xie also realized that this question was too difficult for Lu Xun, so he changed his words and said, "It's just a joke. I would never do that."
"Your Majesty, your words are too serious. Although I am not talented, I know the balance between the righteousness of the country and personal feelings. Your Majesty is not only concerned with personal safety, but also the safety of the country. The wisdom of the emperor's uncle is known to the world. If he can really serve the country and the people and take on this important task, it will be a good story. However, Your Majesty is not an ordinary person. Your wisdom and benevolence are the indispensable cornerstones of our Han Dynasty. The judgment of history not only looks at the results, but also pays more attention to the process and the original intention."
"I dare to suggest that Your Majesty should have a frank discussion with the Emperor's uncle, discuss state affairs together, and consider the people of the world, and find a policy that is most beneficial to the country and can also take into account the well-being of individuals. This will not only ensure Your Majesty's safety, but also demonstrate Your Majesty's broad-mindedness and wisdom, and will surely leave a glorious page in the annals of history."
"As for me, although I am of low rank and have little influence, I will swear to be loyal to Your Majesty and protect the Han Dynasty no matter when and where. No matter what decision Your Majesty makes, I will fully support it without any regrets."
Lu Xun's heartfelt words not only expressed his respect for the emperor's uncle, but also showed his loyalty and care for Liu Xie, which eased the tense atmosphere. Liu Xie felt a warm current in his heart when he heard the words. He knew that it was a blessing for the country and himself to have a loyal and good general like Lu Xun by his side.
"Bo Yan's words make sense. It's my fault for not thinking it through. I should discuss the major plans with my uncle and try to have the best of both worlds. I am very comforted to have loyal ministers like you assisting me." Liu Xie's words were full of gratitude and trust. He and Lu Xun smiled at each other, as if all their worries had disappeared at this moment.
The two fell into silence again.
After a while, Liu Xie suddenly laughed and said, "Why is Bo Yan so nervous?"
"I feel freer now that I don't have the throne!"
"Just imagine, if the uncle ascended the throne and became the emperor, how would the situation develop?"
Hearing this, Lu Xun's eyes froze for a moment, then slowly opened, as if sketching out a picture of the future in his mind. "Your Majesty is right. If my father ascends the throne, with his benevolence and prestige, he will surely appease the people and stabilize the government. At that time, the country may usher in an unprecedented prosperity, with the people living and working in peace, the culture flourishing, and the borders being stable. However, there are also challenges. How to balance the forces of all parties and ensure the integrity of the government will be a major issue that my father and I, the ministers, need to face together."
"Furthermore, if father ascends the throne, he will have many capable ministers and generals under his command, and they will all show their strengths and work together to achieve great things. Although your majesty has retired behind the scenes, your wisdom and foresight can still serve as a valuable spiritual pillar to guide the direction of the country. I believe that under the leadership of father and with the assistance of your majesty, our Han Dynasty will be able to regain its glory and regain its glory."
When Lu Xun said this, his tone revealed a bit of determination and expectation. He knew very well that no matter who was on the throne, the rise and fall of the country would ultimately depend on the unity and joint efforts of the monarch and his subjects. As a loyal subject, he should do his best to assist the wise monarch and contribute his own strength to the future of the country.
"Hey!" Liu Xie interrupted, "Bo Yan is being harsh again!"
"If it were the uncles, Boyan would be the prince, and my third brother Jinlin would be the eldest son! Even if I retreat behind the scenes, I would still be a prince!"
"If the three of us brothers join forces, do you think our third brother can become the crown prince?"
Lu Xun suddenly realized: "Your Majesty is saying..."
"That's right!" Liu Xie said cunningly, "Who said that I gave up the throne and admitted defeat? As long as my third brother can succeed, won't I win too?"
"In other words, I just passed the throne to my third brother. What's the difference between you and me, brothers?"
Lu Xun was so moved that he cried, "Your Majesty is very wise!"
Liu Xie raised his head and looked at the starry sky. If given a choice, who would really be willing to give up the throne?
(End of this chapter)