Hall of Supreme Harmony.
"My health has improved a lot recently, and my mood has also improved a lot, so I specially asked you two to have a meal with me."
During the dinner, Liu Xian called the prince and Li Lizhi to have dinner together.
"Father, you look much better now. I believe you will get better and better. Father will surely live a long life."
Li Lizhi was the first to respond. As a warrior, she probably knew why Liu Xian was in such poor health.
Liu Xian laughed, "I know my own body best. I don't expect to live a hundred years. I will be satisfied if I can live a few more years. I will teach the prince well for a few more years, and the court will be stable and peaceful...
If I could see you two get married again, I would die with my eyes closed."
"Father, you will surely live a long life!"
Liu Hui also said this very sincerely.
"Hui'er, I issued an order to release your mother from her confinement today. Are you happy?"
"Your son is happy, and I would like to thank your father for his grace on behalf of your mother!"
Liu Hui was naturally happy, but it was a pity that he didn't release him, otherwise he would have woken up laughing in his dreams.
"Hui'er, there is actually one thing that the Emperor has never told you. Since Li Zhi is here with you, the Emperor would like to ask you how you feel about my treatment of your uncle's family. Do you have any resentment towards me?"
Li Lizhi's heart skipped a beat, and she was confused as to why Liu Xian suddenly asked this question.
Liu Hui's brows tightened slightly when he heard this. After thinking for a while, he said, "In reply to your Majesty, I have no resentment in my heart. I also know your Majesty's good intentions for me. But I really don't understand and there are many questions I can't figure out."
"Hui'er, I'm glad you think this way. I'm even more pleased that you can think of this at such a young age. It's clear that what the prince said is from the heart!"
Liu Xian had a satisfied expression on his face, then turned to look at Li Lizhi and continued, "Lizhi, you not only don't understand this question, but I'm afraid you still have a lot of grudges against me in this matter, right?"
"Father, I..."
Liu Xian's words hit Li Lizhi's heart. She was speechless for a moment, and there was no point in quibbling.
"Li Zhi, don't be nervous. Since I mentioned this issue today, I just want to talk to you and the prince about this matter!"
"Thank you for your understanding, Father!"
Li Lizhi and Liu Hui both concentrated and prepared to listen quietly to this matter that had always puzzled them.
Liu Xian took a sip of wine, then slowly said: "Prince, you must know that as an emperor, you must always put the country first. Of course, I hope you can become a better emperor than me in the future.
Now I can tell you two that I was indeed exhausted due to my health a few days ago, but I have never regretted dealing with the He family, because everything I did was for the country and for the future safety of the prince. As for the bad reputation after my death, I don't care!"
"Prince, can you understand my painstaking efforts?"
Liu Hui's eyes turned red and she nodded heavily.
"Prince, I have told you a lot about the affairs of the court these days. I believe you should have some understanding. Tell me why I let the Xiao family take charge of the Ministry of War."
Liu Hui was in deep thought. He had seen many memorials impeaching Xiao Shizhong over the years, and all of them were suppressed and nothing came of it. The military expenditure of Dayao had been relatively peaceful in recent years, but it had been increasing year by year, consuming nearly two-thirds of the entire Dayao's finances every year.
"Father, the Xiao family and the He family have been fighting openly and secretly, and you are trying to balance the court!"
Liu Hui was often taught by Liu Xian about the imperial mindset, so he had already understood such simple principles long ago.
However, Li Lizhi, who was listening on the side, felt a little uneasy. Wasn't this hinting at something?
Since you choose to be present, it must not be that simple. It must be closely related to you.
Liu Xian nodded. He knew best how intelligent his son was. Although he would often talk about the factional struggles in the court, he never asked Liu Hui directly.
"Father, Li Zhi has always had a doubt in her heart..."
"Li Zhi, you can ask any questions you have. Since I have mentioned this issue today, I have no intention of hiding it from you anymore."
Liu Xian seemed to be able to guess what Li Lizhi wanted to ask, and Li Lizhi also realized that Liu Xian seemed to be about to explain herself, so she also wanted to ask the questions that she had always doubted but dared not ask, otherwise, she would not have been allowed to be present.
"Father, Li Zhi doesn't understand. Regardless of how loyal the He family is, for the Crown Prince, they are at least much more reliable than the Xiao family."
Li Lizhi tactfully asked about her confusion. She still believed that Liu Xian was confused due to his serious illness at the time.
Although military generals are more dangerous than civil officials, the He family is Madam Fanghua's family after all, and the Xiao family is not as simple as it seems.
Liu Xian smiled slightly. In fact, these were his purpose today.
"I know that many people don't understand my approach. I admit that it is a bit cruel, but I didn't make this decision blindly. But have you ever thought about this? If I were to suddenly be gone under the current circumstances, and the crown prince ascended the throne, would the Xiao family still have a foothold in the court, not to mention Fanghua?"
Liu Xian's meaning was very clear. After his death, Madam Fanghua would naturally be executed in advance. When the prince ascended the throne, the He family, which held military power, would naturally not let the Xiao family go. Even if Liu Hui wanted to protect them, he would be powerless.
The prince was young, which was what Liu Xian was most reluctant to see, so the best way was to wipe them all out. And Li Lizhi became the crown princess, which meant that she could find a reliable person to protect Liu Hui.
"Your Majesty, but the Xiao family..."
"Li Zhi, no matter what I do, I have never thought of hurting you. I only hope that you and the prince can live in peace for the rest of your life. You are the person the prince can rely on and trust the most. Do you understand my painstaking efforts?"
Liu Xian naturally knew what Li Lizhi didn't say, which was what to do if the Xiao family caused chaos...
Liu Xian didn't explain this question clearly. In fact, after he used the Xiao family to get rid of the He family, he could create some illusions for the Xiao family, and after the He family was gone, he could better control the generals under his command. Xiao Shizhong made the Ministry of War a mess. Liu Xian was not unaware of it, but deliberately let it go. At first, it was to check and balance the He family. After the He family was gone, those generals were leaderless and more resentful and would point to the Xiao family.
After the crown prince ascends the throne, even if the Xiao family rebels, they will have Li Lizhi to protect them. In addition, the former generals of the He family already hate the Xiao family and will not be loyal to the crown prince. Moreover, they have a backup plan...
As a soldier, Li Lizhi probably understood Liu Xian's real intention. The reason why she said these things today was to prepare herself mentally?
Two hundred thousand Zhennan troops...
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