Three Kingdoms

The New Year always brings new hope, even if this hope seems...

In the blink of an eye, the New Year is approaching. No matter what, lights and colors begin to be decorated in Xu County, adding a lot of festive atmosphere. The nobles and common people in Yuzhou come and go, and they have a lot more smiles on weekdays. Even Xun Yu, who knows that the current Cao family situation is turbulent and has a heavy heart, occasionally shows some heartfelt smiles and prepares Some matters related to the New Year are somewhat relaxed.

The streets in Xu County are filled with the festive atmosphere of the New Year. Children are running around laughing. Vehicles and pedestrians pass by on the streets and greet each other with smiles.

It seems that the festive atmosphere has slightly diluted the cold weather. In this street market, the snow has been swept aside and shows no sign of melting. It is piled up like a hill.

In a house in a tavern, a well-arranged blazing stove heats the room and ensures a slight circulation of air. The room is luxurious. The smell of incense is scattered through the bead curtains, and there is also an ethereal and beautiful atmosphere. The sound of the piano serves as an accompaniment, and the woman playing the piano has a graceful figure and a bright appearance. At this time, she is only acting as a foil and does not say much.

Everything seemed normal, but the weird thing was that on the table, next to the pastries, there was tea in the bowl instead of wine.

"This year, it seems that there is even more noise..."

"My little brother went out of town yesterday? He said the same thing when he met the elders in the family..."

"... When I left the city this time, I heard that there was another snowstorm in Youbei? The Yi Jing place? It is even more inhabited. The bridges and roads were destroyed. Jizhou was transporting goods, and there was an avalanche on the road? All the money was lost? Tsk, tsk, pitiful, pitiful... 』

"The land of Jizhou? It has a large population? You fight here and there and borrow money here and there? You can always get there? Haha? It's just that your luck has been a bit worse in the past two years..."

"Is this true? I remember back then...hehe..."

"But this tea owner... has made a bad start. Now everyone needs to take the test, which is really worrying... I thought that only people in Xijing drink tea, but unexpectedly now they also drink it in Tokyo. Although it is elegant, it is also somewhat bitter... …』

The two of them looked at the tea and couldn't help but sigh slightly.

Drinking tea in a tavern was originally a bit unreasonable, but these days there are so many "unreasonable" things, and compared with some bigger things, such things seem insignificant.

"Want to start the exam at the end of the first month?" I wonder if you have any news? 』

"I am also worried about this matter..."

"Brother, what are you worried about?" Your Majesty has also served as a county magistrate? It is somewhat of a sentimental thing... Among my younger brother's family, not to mention two thousand stones, even a thousand stones have been withered for a long time, which makes them even more miserable..."

"How do these reckless men of the Western Qin Dynasty know that the Chinese writings are wonderful?" I heard that many gains were made in the Western Region... The son here can be regarded as seeking wealth in danger..."

"I heard that the court was also talking a lot... The day before yesterday, I was drinking with Cao Tong, Lord of Sikong Mansion, and I learned about something... Brother, do you know that King Langya, King Xiang, has stopped his campaign?" 』

"Heard a little bit. What happened? 』

"It's just like this... Hey, I never thought that the Langya Wang family was also a dignified family in the past. Hey... but it ended up like this today..."

"Is this...Is this someone from Jizhou who is involved?" 』

"Isn't it true? If so, I'm afraid it will be rare to have peace during the exams in the first month of the year..."

"Hey, it's really..."

They both sighed again.

The sound of sighs mixed with the tinkling sound of the piano, slipped through the eaves along the rising white smoke, and slipped out.

And this kind of discussion is not only in the tavern, but also in other places. Mixed with the joy of the New Year in Xu County, it seems not so harmonious, but it seems very reasonable and in harmony...

The day before New Year's Eve, an eunuch came to the Shangshutai and expressed condolences to the officials on duty on behalf of Emperor Liu Xie to express the emperor's kindness. "At the end of the year, everything becomes more complicated. Dear friends, I may not be able to take the time to greet my relatives, so I give you some sachets and brocade to express my well-being." 』

The person who came to announce the emperor's condolences was naturally a middle-ranking official. If it weren't for the beard, he would even look more upright, loyal and extraordinary than Xun Yu.

Xun Yu, Liu Ye, Manchong and others thanked him one after another.

The rest of the officials at the Shangshutai also bowed together. After all, they also got some things. Although it was not much, it still meant the same thing. Whether it was a gift from the emperor, the meaning was different.

After the lieutenants finished distributing the money, they were in a hurry to leave, as if they had a big task today and had to run around a lot.

Xun Yu naturally needed to send one to the Zhongguan. Man Chong and Liu Ye looked at each other and saw something different in each other's eyes.

When was the last time the emperor gave a reward?

It seems that the memory is very blurry...

On the one hand, this is because Liu Xie is still young and does not understand these twists and turns. On the other hand, it is also because Liu Xie has always been embarrassed, so even if he wants to give something away, he does not know how difficult it is.

But after all, it is also a custom for the emperor to send his lieutenants to express condolences to ministers during major festivals. Even for some Kyoto officials who live a tighter life, envoys from lieutenants on these major festivals are also It will be very popular. After all, with the envoys coming, there will be some exquisite items.

For example, this time, with the Zhongguan coming, some candles, peach charms, sachets, etc. may not be rare and hard to find, but they are all things that can be used in the New Year, and they have the meaning of a gift from the emperor, and they cannot be combined with The value of ordinary objects is measured.

This surprised both Man Chong and Liu Ye.

Because although the price of these things is not high, there are many categories, both simple and traditional. If it is not a lot of thought, it may not be fully equipped. This is very interesting.

According to Liu Xie's character, or from Liu Xie's life experience, it is difficult for Liu Xie to understand, or to have the heart to understand an ordinary nobleman and the items needed for the New Year in a common family. If it were before, even if it was It was Liu Xie who wanted to reward the ministers, and most of them were nothing more than some gold, silver, meat, pieces of brocade, cloth, etc. This is not to say that gold, silver, money, etc. are not good, but rather casual and empty. Something like this is extremely targeted and appropriate. There are almost no gifts of many utensils in the New Year.

And now, it seems that Queen Cao, well, doesn’t know whether this is a good thing or...

Many officials in Xu County were quite ambivalent towards Liu Xie's attitude.

On the one hand, it is because Liu Xie is the emperor of the Han Dynasty after all, and on the other hand, the emperor of the Han Dynasty is just an appearance.

This relatively extremely contradictory mentality has caused many officials to stay away from him. After all, human nature is like this. When a very difficult problem is in front of you every day, but you can't solve it, subconscious escape becomes the best way to anesthetize yourself.

What else can be done?

Fight with Cao Cao? Anyone who wanted to do that before had already set an example. Even his old friends would kill him as soon as he was told. Is there anything else that Cao Cao couldn't do?

This is not to mention the behavior of a villain or selfishness. After all, living is a person's basic desire. To be fair, Cao Cao was not harsh or harsh in his treatment of ordinary officials. As long as it did not infringe on Cao Cao's fundamental interests, Cao Cao still had a certain tolerance for minor problems and problems.

Therefore, even if Cao Cao dominates the court and ignores Liu Xie, most officials at the middle and lower levels may have some opinions, but these opinions are not enough to make these people jump out to oppose Cao Cao, because these people are also slaves of power. , at most, just sigh and complain a few words when no one is around.

The palace was Liu Xie's prison, and power was the prison of most Xu County officials. Although these people may have different identities, they are all prisoners and slaves of power. They are at the top of the Han Dynasty. Their words can rule the world, and their silence can rule thousands of families. But whether there is real happiness or how much happiness depends on it. Just like drinking water, you know whether it is hot or cold.

Mr. Lu said that the happiness of rich people is unimaginable. Similarly, being at the top of a dynasty, with power so close, all kinds of intrigues, love and murder are probably beyond the imagination of ordinary people.

People's wisdom generally comes from experience, or the environment in which they grew up. Therefore, Liu Xie's wisdom was originally very transparent, so transparent that it was almost superficial, but now, it seems that there have been some changes.

Man Chong and Liu Ye didn't say anything, but they probably had some concerns in their hearts.

Xun Yu sent the Zhongguan away, then turned around and came back. He looked at the utensils in front of the hall, pondered for a moment, and then asked Man Chong to distribute them to everyone on his behalf...

What was assigned to Liu Ye was a pair of candles, two sachets, ten peach charms, and some small items such as New Year pictures painted in the palace.

Liu Ye unfolded the painting. New Year paintings must have some auspicious meanings and beautiful things. For example, pines, cypresses, turtles, cranes, etc. "These pines and cypresses are well painted. They survive the winter without withering and are not stained by evil dust." 』

Xun Yu didn't even raise his head, as if he didn't hear him at all.

Man Chong glanced at Liu Ye and said nothing.

After looking at it for a while, Liu Ye also put the painting down and continued busy with what he was doing, as if he had just casually appreciated it.

All the trivial and substantial things for the New Year must be done on the last day of duty, so as not to bring them to the New Year as much as possible. Therefore, the three of them were busy until the afternoon, and they were basically finished. They all looked a little tired, and then Rubbing their sore wrists, they said Happy New Year and went back to their homes.

On New Year's Eve, every family reunited, and the emperor was no exception. He would not come to the hall until the fifth day of the lunar month to feast the nobles, ministers, honorees, and various envoys.

However, as soon as Liu Ye walked to the door of his house, a Huangmen came out from the corner across the street and stopped Liu Ye with his hands, indicating that the emperor was inviting...

"At this moment?" ”Liu Ye frowned a little.

The Huangmen eunuch nodded.

"Forget it, lead the way." 』

Liu Ye had no choice but to board Huangmen's vehicle and staggered towards the palace.

Approaching the main hall, Liu Ye heard the sound of some ritual music. He opened his eyes slightly and looked around. He only saw some musicians playing ritual music at the base of the main hall. The music was elegant, grand and grand.

The Huangmen eunuch who had been observing Liu Ye on the side smiled and said, "This is your Majesty's instructions. The musicians in the palace are diligent in congratulating the country on the fifth day of the lunar month. This is in line with ancient rituals and can be enjoyed with all the princes..."

Liu Ye nodded, but looked up and saw the sun shining slantingly on a corner of the hall, making half of the hall look brilliant, while the other half was really dark. He couldn't help but move his heart, so he lowered his eyes again and stopped looking around until he walked into the hall and paid his respects. Liu Xie.

Liu Xie was wearing casual clothes. When he saw Liu Ye, he slightly cupped his hands to express his apology.

Outside the main hall, there was music and rituals.

Liu Xie said: "My beloved, you might as well come closer... The vocal music outside the palace is noisy, and we must practice diligently. Otherwise, if there are some mistakes on the fifth day of the lunar month, it will inevitably damage the dignity of the country..."

Liu Ye smiled bitterly, but still followed Liu Xie's words and moved forward a while, sitting under the Dan steps.

Thick and smooth music came from outside the hall, and various musical instruments cooperated seamlessly. Although Liu Xie no longer has the power of the emperor during the prosperous Han Dynasty, the musicians in the palace usually rely on these music to make a living, and they are naturally skilled. If it doesn't work, why do you need to practice it before New Year's Eve?

So the purpose of these musicians playing music near the main hall is that there is only one left.

"The fact that Your Majesty is like this makes you more eye-catching..." Liu Ye sighed slightly, "If Your Majesty has any questions, just tell me, and I will naturally answer them all..."

Liu Xie smiled awkwardly, then pointed to some extra utensils that had been prepared nearby, including small sundries such as incense, candles, and agarwood, and said, "I also know that this can't be concealed from others, but it's a bit of a cover-up." Some are also good... These things are all here. When the time comes, I can say that I belong to the same bloodline, so I will give you an extra..."

Liu Ye is a descendant of Fuling King Liu Yan, the son of Emperor Guangwu Liu Xiu, and he and Liu Xie belong to the same clan as Zhenger Ba Jing. Therefore, before the New Year, it is not completely unreasonable to specially invite him to give an extra New Year's gift.

Liu Ye nodded and did not say that Liu Xie's actions were simply useless in Cao Cao's eyes. After all, Liu Ye’s surname is still Liu.

Liu Xie also knew that time was running out, so he said directly: "Nowadays, Xijing and Jizhou are all using the method of examination, but their reactions are different. I wonder if you, my dear, can understand the truth?" To clear up my confusion. 』

The golden bell rang outside the hall, but Liu Ye's heart was spinning. He focused on Liu Xie's problem and seemed to feel that the music outside the hall was intermittent.

"There are various human affairs that I don't know about. Your Majesty asked me about this, but I really didn't dare to answer." "Liu Ye said slowly, "However, if your Majesty asks about the rhythm of the music, although I don't understand the complexity of the splendid music, it is still a bit small... If there is no leader for the vocal music here, it is fear that the sound will lose its control and the music will be scattered. Although the music is the same, the different musicians also make the golden bells different..."

Liu Xie took a breath, nodded, and then said: "The sound of music...it is also the most important thing to be polite, please give me some advice..."

Liu Ye looked at the blood-red Dan steps in front of him. His voice was not loud, but it was enough for Liu Xie to hear. "In "Zhou Rites", there are eight musical instruments, namely "gold, stone, earth, leather, silk, wood, "Bamboo" is like this. The top is in harmony with the sky, and the bottom is in harmony with the earth. It is the joy of all directions. "Gold" refers to bells, bells, cymbals, cymbals, and cymbals, which are sonorous and sharp. "Stone" refers to jade chimes, sheng chimes, singing chimes, and singing balls. Those with clear sounds are also known as chimes. "Soil" refers to things such as Xun and Fou, which are thick and thick. "Ge" refers to Xian, Tao, Ying, Bo, Kao, etc., the sound is extended, and it is shaken. "Silk" refers to qin, harp, zhu, and zither, and it is connected with it. "Wood" refers to the things of Xiao and Zhi, which are warm and swallowed, and they are combined. "叏" refers to Yu, Sheng, Huang, etc., which are mixed together to make up for it. "Bamboo" refers to things like flutes, flutes, flutes, and bamboo poles, which are cold and flat. He is happy in all directions, and his reputation is spread all over the world. 』

After speaking, Liu Ye raised his head slightly and glanced at Liu Xie.

Liu Xie nodded in understanding.

"But today, the music of the eight directions can be divided into three types..." Liu Ye continued, "The music of percussion is like bells and drums, the music of pipes is like flutes and shengs, and the music of strings is like zithers." The music of bells and drums, the sound of metal and stone, are strong and powerful, suppressing evil and warding off evil, they are the sound of power. The sound of the flute and sheng is endless, the breath is long, and it is difficult to distinguish the discontinuities, which is the sound of Qi. The music of the harp and zither, bouncing and leaping, swaying from side to side, wiping back and forth, is the sound of human beings..."

Liu Ye glanced at Liu Xie again.

Liu Xie nodded and said that this time it was clearer, "Now there are a little less gold and stones, but more zithers and zithers?" 』

Liu Ye shook his head and said: "Here, there are a lot of flutes and shengs..." Damn, you can make a mistake in one of the three choices. This Your Majesty is really...

"Hu Le mostly uses drums and makes swirls. It is light and colorful. Those who see it for the first time often think it is wonderful..." Liu Ye continued, "However, the sound of Huaxia is calm and measured, and only when it advances and retreats in a certain way can it have the sound of each part." Together, coordinated in Zhangye. 』

"This..." Liu Xie nodded slowly.

Liu Ye took a look at the so-called "gifts" prepared for him. He felt that he had said too much and was somewhat at a loss, so he handed over his hands and said that he had a shallow knowledge and could only say this, and then left.

Liu Xie wanted to persuade him to stay, but he hesitated. After hesitation, he had no choice but to let Liu Ye go back.

Liu Ye, holding the newly acquired candles, agarwood and other sundries, was turning around a corner of the palace when he almost bumped into someone. Several items originally placed in the paint tray also fell to the ground.

"ah? I've seen the envoy..." Liu Ye was slightly startled. This is the Huangmen eunuch who went to Shangshu Ling in the morning to express his condolences. He looked like he was travel-worn, and seemed to have traveled a lot?

"You deserve to die, you deserve to die..." The Huangmen eunuch who almost bumped into Liu Ye apologized repeatedly, and then quickly packed up the things scattered on the ground. Then he nodded and bowed but skillfully helped Liu Ye tidy up, and then smoothly put Liu Ye away. Ye took the lacquer plate in his hand, looked around quickly, and said in a numb voice, "I have no status, I have offended the servant, I hope the servant will forgive me... these sundries, you might as well let the servant do the work for you..." 』

Liu Ye tilted his head slightly, looked at it, and then said with a smile: "How dare you bother Zhongguan?" 』

The eunuch of Huangmen did not force anything, and presented the lacquer plate with both hands.

Liu Ye took it and walked out slowly.

The eunuch's eyes wandered for a few times, and then he ran to the side of the hall, grabbed a young eunuch in the corner of the hall, and whispered: "What did your Majesty say when he summoned Liu Shilang?" 』

The young eunuch whispered: "It's too far away and there's so much noise outside the palace that I can't hear clearly... slave, slave, I just heard the general conversation about rituals and music, and discussed some bells, drums, harps, and zithers..."

"Rituals and music?" ” The Huangmen eunuch glanced sideways at the musicians who were still playing under the steps outside the main hall.

It seems to make sense, but there seems to be some problems.

Liu Ye left the palace, then looked at the lacquer plate in his hand, and couldn't help but smile bitterly. If he remembered correctly, the Huangmen eunuch who almost bumped into him just now seemed to have a surname of Cao...