Chapter 7069 Choice

Chapter 7069 Choice
As Huangfu Song descended from the carriage and ascended the steps, his heart was filled with bitterness. Despite this, Huangfu Song remained silent and continued upwards along the right edge of the jade steps.

At this moment, Huangfu Song couldn't help but recall twenty years ago, when his chief secretary Liang Yan was still alive, the late emperor had already passed away, Dong Zhuo had deposed Emperor Shao of Han and installed Emperor Xian as the new emperor, and his 30,000 men were stationed in Youfufeng.

"What did Liang Yan say to me back then?" Huangfu Song recalled as he walked up the stairs, and the events of that year gradually became clearer.

At that time, Dong Zhuo was under great pressure facing the main forces of Yuan Shao and others. Considering that the Right Governor had Huangfu Song, a complete tyrant of the time, and that Huangfu Song actually had 30,000 elite troops who had defeated the Yellow Turbans and dealt with the Qiang people of Liangzhou, it could be said that if Huangfu Song had the will to be a powerful minister, Dong Zhuo would definitely not be able to defeat him. However, Huangfu Song just stayed quietly in place, waiting for a summons.

From the death of Emperor Ling, through the ascension of the young emperor, to the ascension of Emperor Xian, what we finally received was Dong Zhuo's edict bearing his official seal.

Did Huangfu Song really not recognize that it was an edict written by Dong Zhuo?

Chen Xi had asked this question before, and Huangfu Song did not answer it directly. However, Huangfu Song quoted Liang Yan, the chief clerk he had recruited at the time, who said: "The Han dynasty is weak, and eunuchs are causing chaos in the court. Although Dong Zhuo was executed, he was not loyal to the country and continued to plunder the capital and depose emperors at his will. If we summon you now, General, the consequences will be either great danger or humiliation. Dong Zhuo is in Luoyang, and the emperor is coming from the west. With your forces, General, and 30,000 elite troops, you can welcome the emperor, be ordered to punish the rebels, issue decrees throughout the country, and recruit troops from various commanders. Yuan Shao is pressing on the east, and you are pressing on the west. You are now a prisoner of war."

Did Huangfu Song really not know that if he wanted to, the mighty Xiliang cavalry, Dong Zhuo, Lü Bu, Li Ru, and Jia Xu would all be nothing but a roadside figure in that era? He could easily kick them to the ground if he wanted to. Huangfu Song himself even knew that Liang Yan was right. The imperial edict summoned him to Chang'an. Once he arrived, without his elite troops, Huangfu Song would be nothing more than a fish to be slaughtered.

Liang Yan had made his point very clear, but Huangfu Song calmly refused. He then took the imperial edict to Luoyang. After all, it was an imperial edict, and it was Huangfu Song's lifelong persona. He could sit on the fence and talk nonsense in other matters, but once the edict was issued, he would definitely accept it.

Even if the edict ordered his death, as a subject of the Han Dynasty, he would accept it.

So on that occasion, Huangfu Song received the imperial edict and came out of the Right Fufeng camp, allowing Dong Zhuo to take over the last elite force of the Han Dynasty, thus giving him the power to suppress the world. In doing so, Huangfu Song also released the life of the Han Empire from his own hands, sending his own life to Dong Zhuo's blade.

Huangfu Song had thought about this matter countless times over the past twenty years, but in the end he still felt that he had not done anything wrong. Since he was loyal to the Han Dynasty, he had to obey the orders of the Han Dynasty, even if he was criticized for being blindly loyal. He was just that kind of rigid person in this regard.

Moreover, Huangfu Song would occasionally mock himself, saying that if he hadn't given those 30,000 men to Dong Zhuo, giving Dong Zhuo the ability to fight against Guandong, how could those heroes of the world have risen to prominence?

Huangfu Song was completely certain of this idea when he met Chen Zichuan. If he had chosen to rebuke the imperial edict and followed the path planned by his chief clerk Liang Yan, Dong Zhuo would have been killed and the Han Dynasty would have been restored to order. Given the extent of the problems that had accumulated, even if Chen Zichuan had taken the right path, he probably wouldn't have reached the position of one of the Nine Ministers.

Of course, it's not that Chen Zichuan isn't strong enough, but rather that this corrupt system suppresses the promotion of newcomers. Just because you have ability doesn't mean you can sit in a high position. Before the system collapses, ability is only one aspect. Many positions in this world are not meant for capable people!
To put it bluntly, if the Han Dynasty hadn't experienced that collapse, Huangfu Song believes that a mediocre person like Yang Xiu might already be sitting in one of the Three Dukes' positions.

In Huangfu Song's previous view, this situation was not necessarily bad. After all, the Hongnong Yang family had disciples and friends all over the world, and having a capable eldest son of his family sit in one of the Three Dukes was a way to stabilize the hearts of the people. Although this rule was very corrupt, it was at least stable enough.

But that was before he had met Chen Zichuan. After meeting Chen Zichuan, Huangfu Song could only say that it was not that the Hongnong Yang family, whose disciples and former officials were all over the country, was bad, but that Chen Zichuan was more suitable to become the prime minister.

Therefore, the world truly needs a complete overhaul and reconstruction. Only in this way can heroes break free from their shackles and soar high from the flames, and allow the Han Empire to rise from the ashes of its former decay!
Following the edge of the jade steps, he arrived at the gate of Weiyang Palace. The brightly lit palace even made Huangfu Song's eyes, which were clouded by the years, feel a little stinged. The radiance and the warmth were breathtaking.

Looking sideways at the snowflakes falling from the gloomy sky and the silent, cold atmosphere, Huangfu Song chuckled softly. He made up his mind. Whether he remained neutral or loyal to the emperor, this era needed Chen Zichuan. He, Huangfu Song, had witnessed the collapse of the previous era and protected this dynasty with his life. Now, he should also have the small right to pursue his own justice!

Indeed, Huangfu Song in the past had no sense of justice. His sense of justice was the emperor's orders and his loyalty to the Han emperor. Whether it was Emperor Ling, Emperor Shao, or Emperor Xian, as long as it was the emperor's order, whether it was appropriate or inappropriate, and no matter how great the sins it might cause, Huangfu Song, as the last line of defense of the feudal dynasty, would obey the orders.

Even if it meant risking his life to carry out this order, Huangfu Song would carry it out without hesitation. He knew that leaving the military camp in Youfufeng and going to Luoyang to be under Dong Zhuo's command would surely result in humiliation and even death, but since it was an edict issued by Emperor Xian, he would carry it out.

Even though this edict was issued by Emperor Xian at Dong Zhuo's behest, an edict is an edict, and this was Huangfu Song's lifelong principle.

Or, from another perspective, Huangfu Song, who waited in Youfufeng for Emperor Ling's last edict, for Emperor Shao's edict, and for Emperor Xian's edict but never received them, actually understood everything he should have understood.

"Let's go, Marquis of Shangxiang." Huangfu Song walked to the entrance of Weiyang Palace, looked at his grandson-in-law beside him, and instead of calling him by his name, he formally addressed him by his title.

After speaking, Huangfu Song pressed his hand on his sword, his spirit and energy reaching their peak, showing no trace of his old age. He was prepared to accept any orders that might be disobeyed.

The gates of Weiyang Palace were opened for Huangfu Song. His rank was high enough to allow him to enter through the main gate at this time. Huangfu Song straightened his back and led Kou Feng inside.

As Huangfu Song stepped into the warm pavilion, he felt the warmth that was almost like springtime, followed by a fresh and fragrant aroma. Upon closer inspection, he saw Her Highness the Eldest Princess, Consort Xian, and the Lord of Wu'an and the Marquis of Huaiyin, whom Huangfu Song treated with utmost caution.

"Your subject, Huangfu Song, pays respects to Your Highness the Princess." Huangfu Song slowly walked a few steps away from Liu Tong and bowed very formally to her. Liu Tong, who was originally sitting informally and was about to invite Huangfu Song to take a bite and watch the fun, was so startled that she quickly got up and walked over to help Huangfu Song to his feet.

After all, Huangfu Song, who had received five of the Nine Bestowments, was practically a duke. Moreover, Huangfu Song was a true veteran of five reigns with very strong political capital. There was no need for such a grand ceremony in this informal meeting. Sometimes, the more elaborate and weighty the etiquette, the more distant the relationship becomes.

"General, why do you need to do this?" Liu Tong quickly came over and helped Huangfu Song up. Huangfu Song also got up. As he stood up, he glanced at Wu'an Jun, who was cutting meat, and Huaiyin Hou, who was fighting with Xianfei for food. These three guys always ignored others.

"Alright, take your seats and have some. These are rare delicacies from all over the country. Since the General and Marquis Shangxiang are here, they should try them too." Liu Tong glanced at Huangfu Song. As a smart man, he could roughly guess Huangfu Song's thoughts, but that didn't stop Liu Tong from stalling for time. Besides, the matter at Zhaoyang Palace was really not a big deal.

Huangfu Song's heart sank, but he didn't refuse. Pulled by Liu Tong, he took his seat. Looking at the dishes on the table, so many from all over the country, and most of which he had never even seen before, Huangfu Song's heart sank. This…

"Hey, Huangfu Yizhen, what's with that expression? Try it." Han Xin had fought with Huangfu Song before and knew his abilities. Although Han Xin didn't quite understand this kind of pure general, he still admired him quite a bit. So after Huangfu Song sat down, he pointed to the meat and vegetables on the side and gestured for Huangfu Song to try them.

Huangfu Song picked up a piece of crispy fried fish fillet and put it in his mouth. At that moment, he clearly felt the freshness and aroma, which was better than most of the things he had ever eaten in his life. However, because of his mood, he found it difficult to concentrate on this aspect.

On the other hand, Kou Feng, after taking the first bite and his eyes lit up, started eating without any hesitation. He was just eating at his cousin's house, so what was there to panic about? His grandmother had already said that once he went to Weiyang Palace, he would no longer be the Marquis of Shangxiang, but the princess's cousin. He could eat and drink as he pleased and just convey his wishes.

On the contrary, if you go to Zhaoyang Palace, you are the descendant of the founding marquis of the Han Dynasty, with royal blood and the support of the Grand Princess of Yiyang. You can then show your support for the Grand Commandant however you want. There is no need for such a thing at Weiyang Palace.

"Try this." Seeing that Kou Feng was eating with gusto, Liu Tong smiled and put some of his favorite dishes on his plate. Kou Feng didn't stand on ceremony and ate it all in one go.

"How is the Imperial Aunt of Yiyang doing lately?" Liu Tong asked in a good mood as he watched Kou Feng finish a large bowl of seafood fried rice that had just been served, and then devour a large portion of seafood.

Liu Tong had actually gone to see the Grand Princess of Yiyang, but to be honest, the two weren't familiar with each other, and there was a generational gap between them. In addition, they weren't actually related by blood, because Emperor Ling was enthroned through his own efforts, and the two families weren't direct relatives. Although they were considered close relatives, they had never met before, and there was a generation gap. Liu Tong could only send some gifts and then return. However, to be fair, it was precisely because of this goodwill that the Grand Princess of Yiyang remembered to have Kou Feng visit Liu Tong at this time.

"Grandmother is doing well, but she fell ill from worry after my father passed away. Fortunately, I will be getting married soon, which will be a good omen. Grandmother is also worried about leaving me alone in the Shangxiang Marquis lineage. Her worries have subsided recently, and Doctor Zhang prescribed some calming and blood-nourishing medicine for her. Her condition is much better than when she was in Kunwu," Kou Feng said truthfully. After all, Liu Tong could easily find out these things if he wanted to, so there was no need to hide them.

Princess Yiyang's problem was that she fell ill from worry. Kou Jun's death was a major blow to her. In addition, when Kou Jun had talked to his mother about military affairs a long time ago, Princess Yiyang said that generals inevitably die on the battlefield. At that time, Kou Jun replied to his mother, "I have learned all the military strategies in my life. If I don't go to the battlefield, what difference is there between me and death?"

Princess Yiyang thought these words were very ominous at the time, but later Kou Jun became too strong. He commanded a large army and had the Imperial Guard Headquarters with hundreds of thousands of troops under his command. To be honest, if he hadn't been so radical as to want to fight against the Kushans and avenge the humiliation of his mother, Kou Jun would have been hard-pressed to die.

Therefore, it was normal for the Grand Princess of Yiyang to relax her supervision later. There was nothing she could do; her son had developed to such an abnormal degree after going out for a trip. Even if the Grand Princess of Yiyang had concerns, she had to admit that the child had indeed grown too big for his britches and was beyond her control.

As Kunwu Kingdom prospered, the Grand Princess of Yiyang became lax in her ways, and the result was...

This incident was a huge blow to the Grand Princess of Yiyang. For a long time, she believed that she had harmed her own child. After all, the Kou family had only one son, and as long as she kept her son in check and prevented him from going to the battlefield, no matter how many ideas Kou Jun had, he would eventually have to give in.

After all, at this point, everyone does need to be responsible for the family.

However, unlike the official history, after Kou Jun died, the Kou family had basically no hope left. After all, the Han Dynasty had collapsed, and the title of marquis was meaningless. After the Grand Princess of Yiyang entrusted her grandson to her maternal uncle's family, she died soon after.

After all, if a person no longer wants to live, it will have adverse effects on their physical and mental health. Moreover, Princess Yiyang was already old and no longer had the desire to live, so she passed away soon.

But this time is different. The Han Dynasty is thriving. The Kou family is not only a founding marquis, but also has a fiefdom of nearly 200,000 square kilometers. Moreover, this fiefdom is located near the Bay of Bengal, with excellent development prospects. Even though the Kou family lost Kou Jun, its foundation is still there. Liu Bei, Chen Xi, Sun Ce, and Zhou Yu have all made very big promises to them, so the Kou family still has a future.

Under these circumstances, the Grand Princess of Yiyang dared not entrust the future of the Shangxiang Marquis lineage to Kou Feng, a mere twenty-something-year-old boy, even though this boy had already mastered internal energy separation, possessed the talent for leading legions, and had the potential to command large legions, making him a rising star.

The problem is that he is too young. When Kou Jun was around, he never let Kou Feng handle anything. He was just allowed to do his own thing. It can be said that Kou Feng has never managed a household. Even though he is strong enough in terms of numbers, this is a fiefdom, and Kou Feng has no experience at all.

Princess Yiyang also admitted that she had indeed protected Kou Feng too well, but who could blame her when she only had one son in the family? It was already a blessing from her ancestors that she had protected him so well and that he hadn't been spoiled and had even developed to such an abnormal level. But managing a family was something she had to learn!
Realizing this, the Grand Princess of Yiyang began to actively seek treatment, hoping to last at least six or seven years to lay a solid foundation for Kou Feng and watch her great-grandson be born. This way, after her death, she could at least face Kou's ancestors and say that she had done right by Kou, and that the Liu family had not mistreated Kou!

These factors combined are the reasons why the Grand Princess of Yiyang was able to come to Chang'an for treatment despite her illness. As long as a person wants to live, they can survive if they have enough resources to stay alive.

"I'm relieved that my great-grandmother has recovered somewhat." Liu Tong chuckled lightly upon hearing this. She was indeed telling the truth. After all, Liu Tong knew about her ancestor's inhuman behavior of using cinnabar to pave the foundation for the founding marquises. So, if she could lend a hand to help these founding marquises stand up again, she would do her best to do so, as this would reduce some of her ancestor's sins.

"Your Highness, I have come to present a memorial to the Prince of Jin." Kou Feng said very frankly. He had already devoured a huge portion of super delicious seafood fried rice at Liu Tong's place and flaunted a bunch of seafood. Just doing that had taken up a lot of time, so after calculating the time, Kou Feng felt that he needed to tell the truth. After all, if he didn't say this, Kou Feng felt that he couldn't leave his cousin's place.

The room fell silent at these words. Huangfu Song, who had been eating but couldn't taste the delicacies on the table, stopped eating and looked at Liu Tong with a serious expression.

“I know, Lord Wu and Marquis Shu have already come up, as have Chief Clerk Xun and General Chunyu. It’s normal for you to come along now.” Liu Tong sensed the sudden heavy atmosphere, glanced at Kou Feng who had no idea what he was saying, and then looked at Huangfu Song with a somber expression. He said with a half-smile, “I’m already quite satisfied that you came to pay your respects at this time.”

Upon hearing this, Huangfu Song's previously cold expression softened somewhat. However, Liu Tong changed the subject and said with a slight smile, "It's a pity that submitting the petition to urge you to ascend the throne at this time is useless. The reason I, your uncle, am doing this today is not to get you to submit the petition, but to see your attitude."

As they were talking, Liu Tong clapped his hands, and Si Niang, who was eating some kind of shellfish, looked up and released a round mirror. She then played a video specially selected by Si Niang for Huangfu Song and Kou Feng, showing Sun Ce and Zhou Yu entering Zhaoyang Palace and Xun Chen and Chunyu Qiong entering Zhaoyang Palace.

Lying in bed