Linzhi

He Rong?

The emperor was taken aback.

His impression of He Tai's sons was limited to a few moments at the birthday banquet that day. They celebrated his birthday with He Tai. There were many royal children present, and none of the grandchildren had the opportunity to meet and speak alone. The emperor only remembered the eldest grandson. He Mu has a calm demeanor, and there is Goro He Zhan, who was once promoted to the Imperial Army because of his meritorious service in defending the city. He heard that He Zhan performed well in the Habayashi Guard, and General Ji Zuo commented that he is a good talent.

But He Rong?

The emperor tried hard to recall: "It's that... the He Rong who is not good at acting?"

He Tai hurriedly said: "It's him!"

The emperor couldn't help frowning slightly.

Xiyan hates embarrassment, it is human nature, the emperor is also a human being, no one should show extra favor to a disabled person.

The emperor thought for a while: "I remember, his biological mother seemed to be executed in the Bingshen case?"

He Tai's heart skipped a beat: "...Yes, his biological mother is none other than Mrs. Zhao."

He was reluctant to mention this woman, even though He Tai knew that she might be innocent, but it was the witch puppet found in her house that became the last straw that crushed Prince Lu's mansion.

Hate the house and Wu. When he was first exiled to Fangzhou, He Tai was still immersed in loss and resentment, and he didn't want to look at his son more. But later, He Rong gradually made suggestions for the family by relying on his own ability, and helped everyone return home. Jing opened a path. Although He Tai still doesn't really like his third son, he still has no conscience to say that he is not good.

Thinking of this, He Tai thought about it, and said two good words for He Rong: "Actually, when the incident happened, Sanlang was still young and didn't understand anything. Later, when he went to Fangzhou, he was also filial to his father, friendly to his brothers, and a good boy. .”

Emperor: "This idea, did he say it when you asked him, or did he expect me to ask?"

If it's the latter, he must be a person with a deep sense of security if he casually speculates on the king's heart.

He Taidao: "Da Lang and the others usually gather together to chat in their spare time. When we mentioned the matter of getting married earlier, San Lang mentioned this method."

"Marriage..." the emperor said softly.

He Tai remembered that his father asked Ma Hong to test him and wanted He Jia to marry him, so he didn't dare to express his anger.

Unexpectedly, the emperor still mentioned it: "I remember, your family has a daughter, how old is this year?"

He Tai stammered: "Jia Niang grew up beside the minister since she was a child, and was exiled to Zhushan with the minister. She had a good life for a few days. There is only such a daughter at the knee of the minister..."

"Nothing!" The emperor scolded, "She's just your concubine! Kuang's marriage is for the peace of the country, how can you allow your son and daughter to love each other!"

He Tai stopped talking.

After a moment of silence, the emperor suddenly said: "Your daughter is married, and you can become king because of your merits. I will give you back all the things that were lost back then, how about it?"

He Tai lost his composure and raised his head, looking at the emperor in disbelief.

Seeing that he was in a dream, the emperor could not help but slow down his tone, and said in a warm voice: "I have seen your performance in Zhushan. You have not been in vain these years, and you have not lost the face of the He family. I am very pleased. Change, there is nothing good about it. I know that your younger brothers are all kings. As the eldest son, you are only a Duke of Lu. I have wronged you. I also know that these days, you are in the Ministry of Industry. You don’t understand everything. Wushui, you have to learn everything from the beginning, and you are afraid that others will look down on you, and you will lose your status as the eldest son of the emperor, and lose my reputation, it will be hard for you."

Every single word touched He Tai's heart.

A "grievance" and a "difficulty", all of his heartache and suffering over the years.

He made a mistake, but in the past 11 years, there hasn't been a day when he hasn't made up for his mistakes.

He Tai's eyes turned hot, and he said in a choked voice: "I am not wronged or embarrassed. I have made mistakes. In the past, I have done too many mistakes..."

The emperor got up and stepped down the steps, helped him up with his own hands, and said earnestly and kindly: "I want to make up for you, but I also have to consider material issues. If you make another contribution, there is no doubt that you can also stop the world from talking."

Last time, Ma Hong suggested that if He Tai offered to marry his daughter, he could return to Beijing justifiably, but He Rong strongly opposed it at the time, saying that it would chill the emperor and feel that he was ungrateful. The facts proved that He Rong's judgment was wrong That's right, now they have also returned to Beijing, through the upright and irrefutable defense of the city.

So this time, will it be another temptation from the emperor?

He Tai's heart was turbulent, and he kept seeing and seeing between conferring the king and handing over his daughter, like two ends of a balance, swinging and indistinguishable.

Being crowned king means glory and identity. He can go back to the past and restore the status of the eldest son of the emperor respected by everyone, under one person and above tens of thousands.

King Qi and King Wei have occupied the emperor's heart and love during these 11 years. It's not that He Tai doesn't know it. When the government and the public talk about setting up a prince, the first thing that comes to mind is not his eldest son He Tai, but King Qi He Xuan.

Struggling in a difficult situation, like a flame burning in his chest, repeatedly sawing, the expression on He Tai's face changed, and he was hesitant.

He opened his mouth, and at that moment, He Jia happily ran over to call his father, took his arm and acted like a baby, and sewed shoes and socks for him with his own hands. From a pink boy to a graceful girl, scenes from before the eyes.

He Tai gritted his teeth, and finally said: "I also know that it is the duty of a subject to be loyal to the country, but Jia Niang is the only daughter of the minister, and I really don't want to let her marry far away, I implore Your Majesty to show mercy... , The minister would rather not be crowned king!"

The emperor said angrily: "Presumptuous! Whether you become a king or not, you can trade it? You thought it was buying something!"

"I dare not!" He Tai hurriedly lowered his head, naturally missing his father's gaze and thoughtful expression.

"Forget it," a moment later, he heard his emperor's father sigh softly: "Go and call He Rong into the palace, I want to see him."

……

At this moment, He Rong returned home with He Zhan, Zhang Ze and the others. Zhang Ze was talking to him with gifts, saying that he did not expect the third elder brother of the He family to behave in such a manner. Being able to do something fully exposed that he is a person who looks at his face and cooks dishes, which made He Rong feel very funny.

He Zhan next to him looked helpless, pulling Zhang Ze's sleeve from time to time to restrain him.

Zhang Ze was impatient: "What's the matter, I praised your third brother, and you're still jealous? I'll praise you more when I go back, okay?"

He Zhan raised his forehead: "Enough is enough, no matter how much you praise, the third brother will not grow a single flower on his head, besides, my other brothers are also born well, do you want to praise each of them one by one?"

Zhang Ze laughed: "That's not true, you can't repeat the same praise, don't you know? What about your elder brother... Forget it, the elder brothers of every family are very dignified, just like my elder brother. I heard that you have another Elder sister, why don't you see me? Your three brothers are all so good-looking, and my elder sister must be even more beautiful!"

He Zhan wanted to hit him: "The girl's house is something you can see if you want?"

Zhang Ze hurriedly avoided behind He Rong: "Third brother, I bought some dim sum at Shenxiantang, do you see if you like it? That dim sum shop is quite famous in the capital, if you want to eat it next time, just tell me." , I happened to be on the way when I released the value!"

He Zhan was so angry and funny, he couldn't help but want to roll his eyes, if you go by the way, I won't go by the way?

He Rong asked Wen Jiang to make tea, and said with a smile: "Brother, they probably went out. Zhang Liulang is not an outsider, and Ajia can also meet him. I'll go and see if they are there. You can talk first."

He Zhan hurriedly said, "Third Brother, I'll go."

He Rong: "No, you can stay with Liu Lang."

He never felt that his legs and feet were inconvenient, and he was inferior to others.

Looking at He Rong's back, Zhang Ze couldn't help praising: "It really is a Wei and Jin style!"

Then he asked He Zhan in a low voice, "Why don't you and your third brother look alike?"

The reason why he was so surprised was mainly because he had heard that He Rong was a cripple, so he inevitably had a preconceived impression. No matter how good a cripple is, he is not as good as a normal person. But after meeting, Zhang Ze found that it was not the case at all.

In He Rong, disability has become the most easily overlooked point.

If He Zhan hadn't known that Zhang Ze was out of tune, he might have suspected that his words had ulterior motives: "My third brother and I are not from the same mother."

Suddenly, Zhang Ze patted his forehead and smiled: "Just kidding, I forgot, I lost my head when I saw your third brother!"

He Zhan gritted his teeth: "When you see my sister later, don't be so gaffe, you will scare people!"

Zhang Ze said in a low voice: "If your elder sister is beautiful, I will definitely not be able to bear it!"

He Zhan wanted to hit him again.

He Rong quickly brought He Jia over, and the latter really had picturesque features, but Zhang Ze was used to seeing all kinds of beauties, and someone like He Jia who hadn't formed his own unique charm was a beauty at best, but Zhang Ze couldn't be overly impressed. Surprised, so he quickly returned to normal and behaved like a well-mannered son of a famous family.

Hearing that Zhang Ze is Zhang Tao's nephew, He Jia solemnly expressed his thanks again, making Zhang Ze feel embarrassed, and quickly said: "It's my uncle's credit, and everyone in your family thanked me. It's like fighting a battle!"

Everyone was talking and joking, when He Song came to report that an envoy from the palace had come to see He Rong.

It was Ma Hong, an old acquaintance, and when he saw He Rong, he hurriedly said, "Third Young Master, Your Majesty wants to see you, so hurry up and enter the palace with me!"

Several people looked at each other in blank dismay, they all knew that He Tai was in the palace right now, and the emperor should see He Tai if he wanted to see him, what did he have to do with He Rong?

He Jia hurriedly asked: "Ma Changshi, it's not that my father has offended His Majesty, what happened?"

Mahone shook his head and said nothing.

He Rong was calm: "I just changed my clothes. If Ma Changshi thinks it's okay, I won't change."

Ma Hong: "Very well, please, Third Young Master."

He Rong still had the leisure to say to Zhang Ze: "Sit down for a while, don't rush back, it's a rare visit, it's fun."

Then he left with Ma Hong.

He Zhan frowned slightly, unable to hide his worry, Miansheng must have clean and tidy clothes, and Ma Hong didn't even bother to let He Rong change his clothes, which shows how urgent it is.

He Jia was also very worried: "How about I send someone to find Big Brother and bring them back?"

He Zhan shook his head: "Forget it, His Majesty summoned him, there must be something. Even if the eldest brother and the others come back, it will only add to worry."

What he thought of was the biological mother of the third brother who was executed for the crime of witchcraft, and he thought that it must be that His Majesty wanted to turn over the old account and pursue responsibility. He also thought that after many years, if His Majesty wanted to pursue it, he would have done so long ago. Until now, my heart has settled down a little.

Zhang Ze comforted them: "Maybe it's a good thing, maybe His Majesty also likes to see beauties as much as I do, so I specially asked my third brother to go over and take a closer look."

We just met each other, and he also called out with the third brother and the third brother.

He Zhan: "..."

This consolation is really ingenious.

……

He Rong on the other end followed Ma Hong into the palace, covered his long sleeves, and passed the silver bag over calmly.

Ma Hong was a little surprised, he didn't seem to expect He Rong to be so aware of the unspoken rules in the palace, but he didn't answer, instead of answering, he shrank his hands further into his sleeves.

What money can be accepted and what money cannot be accepted. Ma Hong is not very old, but he has been in the palace for many years. He is very clear about this boundary line.

Just now when the emperor was talking to He Tai, Ma Hong was there, and he broke out in a cold sweat. It may not be a good thing for the emperor to summon He Rong. It doesn't matter if he doesn't accept it, so as not to be implicated.

"The traitor Xiao Yu handed over the letter of credence. His Majesty was furious and asked about countermeasures. Duke Lu suggested forming an alliance with the Western Turks. Your Majesty had already ordered the dispersal of the dynasty, but now he has called everyone back." He lowered his voice and quickly Said.

He Rong understood, didn't insist anymore, and took the money bag back: "Thank you Ma Changshi."

The two of them had nothing to say along the way, they had to get out of the carriage and walk when they entered the palace gate. Although Ma Hong was anxious, he had to take care of He Rong's footsteps, stopping after three steps.

In fact, He Rong could have walked faster, but he needed to use this distance to think about countermeasures, so he seemed not in a hurry. In Ma Hong's eyes, he only felt that He San's determination was really good, and he didn't look like a head at all. A person who faced the Holy Spirit alone once.

After about a cup of tea, the two finally arrived at the gate of the Zichen Hall. Although their footsteps were not fast, they were a little out of breath.

Ma Hong said to He Rong: "Please trouble the third son to wait here, the villain will report inside."

He Rong: "Ma Chang attendant, please go ahead."

The last time the emperor’s birthday was held in the Pearl Mirror Hall. This is the first time for He Rong to come to the Zichen Hall. Standing on the steps and looking around, the sun is setting, half of it is outside the sky, half of it is under the eaves of the palace, and the orange afterglow blends with the clouds. , There is no feeling of bleakness and desolation, but a sigh of grandeur and grandeur.

The world is so big, and only in Zichen Palace can one see such a scene.

Without making him wait for long, Mahone came out of it quickly.

"Third Young Master, Your Majesty summoned you."

He Rong nodded and followed him inside. He saw not only his father He Tai, but also King Qi, King Wei, and a bunch of unfamiliar courtiers present.

All eyes fell on him instantly.

He Rong's footsteps were light and heavy, but very steady. His gaze was straight ahead, slightly down, which was completely in line with the etiquette, and he didn't nod his head once, afraid of embarrassment.

The emperor narrowed his eyes, watching He Rong stand still, kneel down, and salute.

He didn't know what was in his mind when Imperial Physician Qi and Ma Hong went to Zhushan to visit He Tai when he saw He Rong for the first time, but at this moment, the same sigh as that of Imperial Physician Qi appeared in his heart at that moment :Pity.

It can make the emperor feel pity, but that's all.

He has seen many regrets in his imperial career, and He Rong is not the worst, and he is not bad. The emperor quickly shifted his focus to the purpose of calling him into the palace this time.

"Lu Guogong said, you suggest that the imperial court form an alliance with the Western Turks?"

He Rong: "Yes."

Emperor: "Fan Yi, tell me."

Fan Yi, the Minister of the Ministry of Officials who was named, responded: "East and West Turks are both serious problems for our dynasty. Not to mention our dynasty, in all dynasties, there has never been a real reconciliation with foreigners in the north. Their wildness is hard to get rid of, even if It is quite remarkable to be able to maintain peace on the frontier for 20 years, not to mention an alliance that is not reliable at all, because the Central Plains is rich and the Turks are barren, and there has never been any common interests at all.”

Emperor: "Did you hear that?"

He Rong cupped his hands: "Your Majesty please forgive me."

Emperor: "Say."

He Rong: "Eastern Turkic Fu Nian Khan, when he was elected as Khan, has already swept all the tribes of East Turkic. With his age and ability, sooner or later he will extend his hand to Western Turkic, not to mention Moli Ke of Western Turkic. Khan is over [-] years old, and in terms of energy and life expectancy, he is far behind Fu Nian. Therefore, there are contradictions within the Turks, and they are not monolithic. We can use this contradiction to achieve our goals."

"The same is true for Western Turks. Although Moli Khan is old, he can rule Western Turks for decades. He must not be a mediocre person. It is impossible for him not to see Fu Nian's ambition. , there are probably many people who are eager to move because of Moli's age. In this case, if Moli wants to suppress internally and externally, he needs to introduce the power of a third party. If we form an alliance with our dynasty, we can help them contain the Eastern Turks, and they can Help us contain Xiao Yu, so that Xiao Yu will not be so rampant, and temporarily stabilize the situation in the frontier. Given time, I will recuperate, fill the treasury, take down Xiao Yu, and even crush the Turks, and expand the territory. It will be sooner or later. matter."

The emperor didn't interrupt him, and the others didn't make a sound, and He Rong was able to speak smoothly.

"Princess Ketunzhending of Moli is the breakthrough point for us to contact the Western Turks. A person who has been away from the Central Plains for many years, even though the Central Plains has changed dynasties now, but the homeland is still that piece of homeland. For her, it has a special meaning. We can convince Princess Zhending to help us form an alliance with Moli Khan."

Ke Dun, the queen of the Turks.

Finally finished what he was going to say, no matter how calm He Rong was, he couldn't help letting out a deep breath.

The emperor was noncommittal: "What does Prime Minister Zhou think?"

Zhou Ying frowned slightly: "Dare to ask the third son, how can you be sure that Princess Zhending will be persuaded? Even if Princess Zhending is willing to help, does she have the ability?"

You know, Princess Zhending is the princess of the previous dynasty, and the previous dynasty was destroyed by Emperor Gaozu. It stands to reason that the current dynasty’s hatred of Princess Zhending is the hatred of the country and the family. Will you still help?

He Rong: "I can't guarantee that she will help, but as long as there is this possibility, it is worth a try. If it is possible to form an alliance with the Western Turks and jointly contain the Eastern Turks and Xiao Yu, at least within five years, at least in Moli When she was still alive, the frontier could not afford to fight. As for the ability of Princess Zhending, I heard that people of other races have always respected the strong, and the weak preyed on the strong. When Princess Zhending first married to the grassland, she was only one of the three wives of Moli Khan. One of them, but after so many years, not only has she not died young, she has not lost her love, but she has become Moli's only one, isn't that enough to show how powerful she is?"

There was no sound in the hall for a while, the emperor said: "My dear friends, is there anything else you want to ask?"

King Qi said: "Forgive me, all of this is He Rong's speculation. In the final analysis, it is just talk on paper. I have traveled thousands of miles to the West Turks. Since the establishment of our country, I have never sent anyone to contact the West Turks. Regardless of seeing Princess Zhending, no one knows what the situation over there is, and I'm afraid it's unlikely to happen."

The emperor hummed and glanced at everyone: "You all see it that way too?"

Zhang Song, Minister of the Ministry of Household Affairs, said: "The minister thinks that He Rong's proposal is not impossible at all. But the journey is far away and full of dangers. Not only must it arrive safely, but also act as a lobbyist envoy. There are a lot of variables, and it is even more difficult to choose a candidate.”

He spoke the truth.

Even if he didn't die on the road, he might be discovered by Xiao Yu or the East Turkic people and lose his life. Even if everything went well and he arrived in the Western Turkic, he might be killed by Moli Khan after a disagreement.

Even if none of the above happened, maybe the princess really didn't want to listen to the envoy's words because of the combined hatred of the princess and her country and family, so she was dragged down and beheaded directly.

Who would want to do such a thankless job that could kill someone at any time?

Even if someone is willing to seek wealth and insurance, does he have the ability to complete the errand?

Zhang Song felt that although He Rong's proposal was good, the possibility of it being realized was very slim.

Not only Zhang Song, many people think so.

The emperor also felt that this suggestion was actually good, because the people who were sent would definitely not be able to work hard. If it could be done, it would of course be a pleasant surprise. If not, then there would be no loss to the court.

So he asked: "All the lovers have heard what Zhang Song said, what do you want to say?"

King Qi's heart moved slightly. He also saw the huge reward implied in this incident. He immediately looked up the faces of many of his servants in his mind, thinking about who could be recommended, and first allocated this credit to him in advance. Let's talk in my arms.

Thinking of this, he glanced unobtrusively at King Wei, who was bowing his head in deep thought, as if he had the same idea as him.

Then, King Qi heard a person say: "I would like to go."

He froze for a moment, and looked at He Rong reflexively.

The latter's back was straight, his face was as sinking as water, neither waves nor waves, neither happy nor sad.

King Qi stared at his nephew in disbelief, thinking that He Rong is crazy?

Does he know what he's talking about?This trip, it must be a narrow escape, with many twists and turns, maybe even his life will be thrown there, there will be no bones left, something that even a fool can know, he actually gave up his life for the sake of wealth and wealth?

Not only the King of Qi, but everyone in the hall was looking at He Rong.

He Tai's eyes widened even more, as if he had never known this son before.

The emperor was also slightly startled, then frowned: "Do you know what you are talking about?"

He Rong leaned over and saluted: "Yes! Your Majesty, the person who needs to untie the bell to replace it, since this idea came from me, let me do it, it's perfect."

The emperor was silent for a moment: "If you go, you probably won't be able to come back alive."

He Rong: "Yes."

Emperor: "If you are captured by Xiao Yu, Fu Nian, or even Mo Li or Zhen Ding and held hostage, it is impossible for the imperial court to send troops to rescue you."

He Rong: "Yes, when the time comes, I will give up my life to thank my family and country first, so as not to be humiliated and the court to be humiliated."

He answered without hesitation, which made the emperor not know what to say for a while.

Emperor: "If you can reach the Western Turks smoothly, how do you plan to persuade Princess Zhending?"

He Rong: "If Your Majesty allows, then I would like to seek a legitimate identity first, so that I can negotiate with Princess Zhending. Then I would like to ask Your Majesty to bestow a golden book and seal to formally confer on Princess Zhending and give her the title of Princess Zhending. Honorable status. Also, please Your Majesty bestow a mansion in Chang'an so that Princess Zhending can return to Chang'an to retire."

Fan Yi, Minister of the Ministry of Officials, said: "Princess Zhending is far outside the Great Wall, and I don't know when she will be able to return to Chang'an. Even if she is willing to help me in the court, don't be so anxious about granting the house?"

He Rong said indifferently: "If she can't show enough sincerity, why should she trust us? If she understands the reason and moves her with emotion, then the reason must be convincing enough, and the emotion should be empathetic enough, right?"

The emperor nodded secretly, and he was able to say one, two, three, four. It can be seen that this proposal was not a whim, and He Rong was indeed prepared.

This matter was no small matter, it was impossible to make a decision on the spot, and the emperor didn't express his position on the spot, he just discussed it again and let everyone go home.

He Rong followed He Tai and left Zichen Hall.

He could feel many eyes falling on him with different meanings, doubts, surprises, deep thoughts, and ridicule that he was eager for quick success and quick gains, not sacrificing his life, or felt that he was overconfident and his tone was louder than the sky.

He Rong didn't care about these gazes, how feasible this proposal is, those who understand will naturally understand, and those who don't understand, why bother talking to them in vain.

For this scene that might happen today, he pondered for a long time in his mind. At that time in Zhushan County, when he asked Tan Jin for a map to look at, he also kept the situation of the northern border firmly in mind along the way.

When one day it was really useful, he was not as excited as he imagined.

All the turbulence and turbulence turned into still water flowing deep.

"Brother!" King Qi came from behind, his eyes fell on He Rong, "Sanlang."

He Rong cupped his hands: "Uncle Jiu."

King Qi sighed: "You child, you are too impulsive, why don't you discuss it with your elders? Brother, the journey to West Turkic is far away, and it is extremely dangerous. After you go back, you have to talk to Saburo, lest he take it seriously. Impulse made a big mistake!"

He Taiyuan also felt that He Rong was too ignorant of the heights of heaven and earth, but when he heard King Qi say this, somehow he changed his mind temporarily and said: "Jiulang had good intentions, but His Majesty didn't say that this proposal is not good, it's not a big mistake. You're wrong, where do you start, you're exaggerating!"

King Qi was a little surprised, he didn't seem to expect that after returning to Beijing, he would become submissive, even the timid elder brother would be so stubborn.

He Tai was full of thoughts, and he didn't want to say more with him: "I will take a step ahead with Sanlang, and I will talk to you in detail later."

King Qi smiled: "Alright, big brother please."

He stood where he was, watching He Tai and his son go away.

King Wei came over and said with a smile: "Ninth brother, we have a small gathering in the palace today, you and my mother and concubine are at Yin Guifei's place, do you want to go with me to pay my respects?"

King Qi patted him on the shoulder: "Let's change another day. I went to greet you yesterday. I have something to do today. Go by yourself. Greet all the mothers and concubines for me."

Seeing his hurried steps, King Wei smiled, turned and left in the opposite direction.

……

He Tai's face was ashen, and he didn't speak all the way until he left the palace gate and got into the carriage. Seeing He Rong's calm expression, his anger couldn't be suppressed immediately.

"What the hell are you talking about!"

He Rong: "Father, I didn't mess around. His Majesty summoned me to enter the palace. I just answered His Majesty's inquiry."

He Tai said angrily: "I'm not talking about this, I'm talking about why you volunteered! You are not yet [-] this year, and you have never been anywhere except Zhushan and the capital. You still want to go to Western Turkic? You are so talented! "

He Rong sighed: "Father, when His Majesty asked that question, he actually wanted me to go."

He Tai was taken aback, and then retorted: "Impossible, how could His Majesty like you? What's more, you are still his grandson!"

He Rong said patiently: "Your Majesty was moved by my proposal and wanted to send someone there, but there were no suitable candidates for the time being, and most of the capable ones were now in important positions. Flatterers, it’s useless to go. Instead of waiting for His Majesty to roll his name, I’d rather take the initiative to invite you. I’m the emperor’s grandson, but your Majesty has so many grandchildren. , Your Majesty does not feel sorry for the absence of me."

He Tai opened his mouth, and found that he couldn't even say no.

He Rong: "If I can return smoothly, it will not only be a great achievement, but also a good thing for my father."

He Tai said in a shy voice: "Being a father is not enough to sell your son for glory. Before, His Majesty asked me if I wanted to be crowned king, or if I wanted to send Jia Niang to marry him. I have already refused."

He Rong was slightly taken aback.

He Tai: "Why, in your eyes, is your father so impatient to sell his children for his own benefit?"

He Rong suddenly grabbed his hand, the cold touch made He Tai raise his head and meet his son's solemn eyes.

"Father, my surname is He. Over the years, our family has endured many hardships and endured hardships in Zhushan, and we are here today. If we don't work hard, such good days will disappear sooner or later. How will your Majesty treat you? After all, he is also your father, our grandfather. But King Qi and King Wei are just your brothers and our uncles. There is a world of difference between the two. In our family, you cannot be the only one fighting alone."

His father has a weak temperament, forgetful, likes to vent his anger, shirks responsibility, and has his own selfishness, but he is not a bad person.

Strictly speaking, He Tai is not a loving father, let alone a wise and foresighted person, but the hardships that their family has experienced are real. Although He Tai struggled, he did not hold back at critical moments.

Wanting to do it and having already done it are two different things.

From a long time ago, He Rong knew that people's hearts cannot stand the test. It is very rare for a person like He Tai to refuse the temptation of becoming a king for the sake of his daughter.

He Tai was a little distracted hearing his words, and his heart was surging.

This was the first time that the father and son talked heart-to-heart, the first time they talked openly and honestly about the future of the whole family, He Tai's own fate.

"...If Your Majesty agrees, are you really going?" He asked late.

He Rong nodded.

He Tai's anger has subsided a lot, replaced by a sense of powerlessness: "How sure are you?"

He Rong shook his head: "What you say casually can't cover any unexpected accidents. I don't know how sure it is, so I can only prepare as best I can."

He Tai sighed: "Yes."

The father and son were silent all the way, until they returned home, the carriage stopped in front of Duke Lu's mansion, and the whole family rushed out to greet them when they heard the movement.

He Mu Hexiu and the others also came back. When they heard that He Rong had been called into the palace, they were all worried that something had happened. Seeing that the father and son looked calm, and they all came back without armored soldiers, they all breathed a sigh of relief.

He Mudao: "I heard that the third brother was called into the palace temporarily, we thought something happened, but we were so anxious! What did your majesty say? Why is the third brother going to face the saint?"

He Tai was highly nervous in the Zichen Palace, and relaxed after leaving the palace. Now that he thinks back on his courage to reject the emperor face to face, he is immediately exhausted: "You ask so many questions in one go, which one should I answer?"

He Mu almost choked to death: "Just tell us casually, so that we can feel at ease!"

Everyone was full of apprehension, and when He Tai finished speaking, their expressions changed.

He Mu looked at He Rong even more, and shouted: "Are you crazy?!"

He Zhan didn't say anything, just looked at He Rong, frowned deeply, and his face couldn't hide his worry.

He Xi also said: "Third brother, this is not a joke. You have a quick tongue, I know, what kind of princess, if you want to make her fall in love, there must be your way, but Western Turkic is a barbaric place. , I don’t know how many difficulties and obstacles you will encounter along the way, don’t die on the way before you meet the princess..."

"Don't make trouble, just shut up!" He Mu said angrily.

He Xi shrank his neck, not daring to say any more.

He Xiu: "Actually, I think that San Lang's idea is good, otherwise His Majesty would not be tempted, and he will die and live later. However, the court is full of talents, so it is not San Lang's turn to go in person!"

He Mu ignored their chatter, and looked directly at He Rong: "Sanlang, what are you thinking?"

What do you think, the carriage has already said, He Rong greeted everyone's worried expressions, and sighed: "Brother, if you can sit back and enjoy the rewards without taking risks, I certainly don't want to go all the way to Western Turks, but if Your Majesty Officially issued an edict to let me go, but I refused to go, what will His Majesty think of me and our family?"

He Mu was completely stunned. After a long time, he said bitterly, "You shouldn't have given father such an idea!"

But after saying this, he also felt helpless.

When He Rong came up with this idea, he didn't expect it would be useful. If the emperor didn't ask, his father would definitely not take the initiative to say it.

After all, everything is coincidence and unpredictable.

He Rong in turn comforted them: "Your Majesty may not accept my suggestion. It's too early to worry about it now. Even if it is finally confirmed and I go, His Majesty will definitely send more escorts. He also hopes that I will return smoothly. Instead of going to die."

He Mu sighed.

In the end, He Tai said: "Okay, this is the end of the matter, don't say too many useless words, let's wait and see what His Majesty's will is, if we really can't avoid it, let's think about how to help Sanlang, please His Majesty send more It doesn’t matter if there are some guards, or an imperial physician is arranged to accompany him on the way, in short, let San Lang return safely as much as possible.”

He Mu was a little surprised. After more than ten years of house arrest, his father, who had become a little timid, showed his responsibility as the head of the family for the first time.

He didn't know that it was the father-son conversation on the carriage that made He Tai realize the sense of crisis and aroused his fighting spirit again.

When the brothers were talking, He Zhan remained silent until everyone dispersed, but he still sat where he was, not moving.

He Rong reached out and rubbed the top of his head: "What, are you stupid?"

Since he was ten years old, He Zhan didn't like others to touch the top of his head. This is probably a little awkward for teenagers, but now when He Rong made this gesture, He Zhan didn't even dodge it, which shows that he is completely absent-minded.

"Goro?"

He Zhan took a deep breath and made up his mind: "Third brother, let me go with you!"

He Rong was a little surprised, and then laughed: "Stop joking, you stay in the capital well, you don't need to show off."

"I'm not trying to show off!" He Zhan was a little anxious, "I can't just watch you take risks, you don't know martial arts, and... anyway, with me, we will take care of each other along the way, shouldn't you Are you afraid that I will take less credit for you?"

Even used the aggressive method?He Rong raised his eyebrows, a little funny, but more touched.

Why among so many brothers, he was the only one who looked at He Zhan differently?In addition to the fact that He Zhan liked to be in front of and behind him when he was a child, and the two brothers got along better, it was also because He Zhan looked enthusiastic and outgoing, but in fact he was a little cold in his heart. Will not hesitate.

In this world, only a few people can see He Zhan's sincerity.

He Rong said slowly: "Wulang, it's good that you are like this now. In the Forbidden Army, with your ability, you may not be able to make it to the top. You are different from those dudes who have a noble background but no corresponding ability. Sooner or later, your majesty will be able to Find your light, and then you'll be walking