Chapter 773: Destiny is nothing but an illusory dream!
There is no wall that is impenetrable, and Luo Shi has never concealed his purpose. He spread the prophecies through the hexagrams: the Hu people will rise, and the Xia people will decline. Luo Shi will go north to suppress the Hu Kingdom and invite all the kings and saints in the world, as well as people with great wills, to go with him!
However, few people responded, and people all over the world regarded it as nonsense.
Luo Chu fled to Zhao and abandoned his country. Wu's attack on Han ended. No one expected that he would die in the north.
Luo Xi rushed all the way back to Wu State and immediately felt that something was wrong with the situation in the country. He had traveled a long way to return to Wu State, and with the news spread in Zhaocheng, he naturally gathered together to deal with it. However, at the banquet, after mourning the death of Duke Yuzhang, everyone suddenly fell silent. No one asked about the Luo family's migration to the north and Luo Xi's thoughts. Luo Xi immediately knew that there must be something big on his mind!
Luo Xi's father died early, and after Luo Chu passed away, he is now the head of Jiangdong Luo Clan. Seeing this, he frowned slightly and then said loudly: "A snake without a head will die, and a country without a head will be difficult to run. The previous county lord passed away, and I will succeed the lord, but I am young. Who will succeed the great cause of Wu?"
"Duke of the County, when the State of Wu was established, it was said that those with the greatest merit would be kings, and the State of Wu therefore prioritized merit. Last year, Duke of the County and other states and families united to attack the Han Dynasty. General Zhenbei, Duke Bo Yan, made great contributions, recovering Xuzhou and occupying Huai and Si. Since the people of Jingzhou surrendered, such great achievements have not been seen. I think that merits should be rewarded, and Duke Bo Yan should be made the Grand Commander, holding the national staff, and presiding over the conquest of the State of Wu."
Seize power!
Luo Xi didn't expect to encounter such a big thing as soon as he came back, and couldn't help but cast his eyes on Lu Su, the current Grand Commander of Wu. Lu Su had white hair and wrinkles all over his face. Even if he didn't seize power, he was already in his twilight years and could die at any time.
But what no one expected was that the person who spoke for Lu Xun was Chu Xiong, the head of the Chu family. Luo Xi turned his gaze to Qiao Xuan, who shook his head slightly, indicating that he didn't know what was going on.
There were more than 20 people at the table, all of whom were well-known and upright ministers and heads of large aristocratic families in the State of Wu. After Chu Xiong spoke, almost most of them said in unison: "Lord Boyan should be promoted to the position of Grand Commander and hold the national scepter!"
Luo Xi reacted instantly and realized that this was not just for the position of Grand Commander, but a coalition of various families to overthrow the Zhou and Lu families headed by Zhou Yu and Lu Su.
Not really!
Zhou Yu has passed away and Lu Su is about to die. Why should we overthrow these two families at this moment?
Lu Su sighed slightly and looked at Luo Xi, then said in a hoarse voice: "Bo Yan has made great contributions and is also a natural talent. I am old and weak. The Wu Kingdom has relied on Boyan for a hundred years. I support Boyan as the Grand Commander."
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone said expressionlessly, "Mr. Zi Jing is so righteous!"
An extremely ominous premonition came over him, and by now, Luo Xi already knew what they were going to do!
Chu Xiong stood up from his seat, walked barefoot into the hall, and looked around, "My fellow ministers, since the founding of Wu, we have always been one step behind other countries in the world. Other countries have called themselves kings and emperors, but Wu has no emperor. We can understand that the Luo family is not a king.
Now that the former Duke has passed away, I have a question. My country of Wu now controls the four states of Jing, Yang, Jiao, and Xu. If the King of Shu surrenders, Yizhou will belong to me. Therefore, the thirteen states of Han, more than half of the territory of the world, are all in the hands of my country of Wu. Isn't it absurd that such a vast territory, thousands of miles, has no king or emperor?"
There was silence in the hall at first, and then scattered voices were heard, "That makes sense!"
really!
Luo Xi took a deep breath. The big problem that had been hidden in the Wu Kingdom in Jiangdong for decades broke out after his grandfather's death. Jiangdong wanted an emperor!
No wonder the Zhou and Lu families were attacked. Among the nine top aristocratic families in Wu State, Luoqiao, Xiao, Han, Chu, Zhou, Lu, Zhang and Lu, the Zhou and Lu families were one of the most powerful factions, and they should be swept out in advance.
In trouble!
Jiangdong is about to undergo a major change. In terms of becoming emperor, the Luo family not only does not have an advantage, but is at an extreme disadvantage.
The situation in the hall became increasingly tense, and everyone was looking at each other. Who would be the emperor of Jiangdong?
Lu Xun, who had been holding the Diaoyutai steady, suddenly had a gleam in his eyes. As a reward for his merits in the Northern Expedition against the Han Kingdom, he was promoted to Grand Commander, and he became the target of public criticism. What about fighting for the throne?
As the family moved north, the burdens on those who stayed in the Central Plains became heavier. Without the support of the main branch, the Jiangdong Luo family had to maneuver with these people in the political arena while maintaining their bottom line. It was time to test the quality of the Luo family's descendants!
Fenggao, the capital of the Han Dynasty, was one of the most prosperous cities in the world. It was a tall and wide city that stood majestically. Ever since Liu Bei entered Qingzhou, it had accompanied the Liu family through decades of wind and rain. The old ruins were now mottled with traces of the past, filled with mountains of corpses and seas of blood.
When Liu Chan learned that Luo Yuan had returned, he invited him into the palace. Looking at the magnificent palace, Luo Yuan took a deep breath and walked into the palace. The fat emperor with a very kind face sat at the top. Luo Yuan had a good impression of Liu Chan, who was a very benevolent emperor.
Comparing the regent ministers of Wei and Han, all of them left Wei and more than half of them were executed, while those of Han all died of old age and no one was executed for a crime. It is true that Han had loyal ministers, but Liu Chan's kindness was also a key factor. The descendants of Luo Yan wanted to leave without hesitation, while the descendants of Luo Qi had some concerns, and it was because of this.
"Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you!"
"Please sit down."
After Luo Yuan paid his respects, he knelt down at the bottom. Liu Chan asked Luo Yuan about his trip to Zhaocheng. Luo Yuan told him about everything except Ji Zhao. Liu Chan became anxious and asked nervously, "Sir, are you going to abandon me and leave?"
Luo Yuan's eyes darkened, and then he replied: "Your Majesty, don't worry, I will not leave. The master of the family said that I will fulfill my duty as the Marquis of Ying."
Liu Chan breathed a sigh of relief. The present status of the Han State was largely due to the contributions of Yuan Cong and other heroes. However, over the past few decades, some had grown old, some had died, and it was unknown whether any of them would be alive in another ten years. The second generation was loyal but slightly weaker in ability, especially compared to their fathers. Luo Yuan was the best of the second generation and could be trusted. Seeing the powerful officials of Yan State running rampant and the political struggles in Wei State being fierce, how could Liu Chan not be afraid? Naturally, he was unwilling to let Luo Yuan leave.
Now he felt relieved after hearing Luo Yuan's words, so he laughed out loud and said, "Marquis Ying, I think Duke Zhao is really worrying too much.
Although I have only a passing knowledge of literature and history, I also know that during the Zhou Dynasty, there was a critical situation in which "the southern barbarians and the northern barbarians were in conflict, and China was on the verge of collapse."
During the reign of King Yi of Zhou, the barbarians attacked the Xia, and all of us Xia were almost wiped out by the waves of the barbarians. Duke Xuan of Luo regarded this as a great achievement and was named in the great ceremonies. When all the overlords rose up, they killed all the barbarians and Rongdi within three hundred years.
We managed to get through that critical day safely. Although the states are now divided, the land from Liaodong in the north to Qiongzhou in the south, from the coast in the east to Kunlun in the west is all the land of the King. What is there to fear from the mere Northern Di?
I believe that even if the Xiongnu are resurrected, we Chinese will have unrivaled champions who can defeat the enemy, break through their formations, capture and kill the Chanyu, and let the barbarians know the style of our Chinese people!"
As Liu Chan spoke, he actually waved his arms, obviously encouraged by his well-reasoned words. Luo Yuan helplessly discovered that Liu Chan was sincerely comforting him.
When Luo Yuan walked out of the palace and onto the steps outside, his ears seemed to echo with his elder brother's words as he watched them leave with a sigh of helplessness, "The theory of destiny is too vague. During the Zhou Dynasty, Laozi, Confucius, and Mozi, these sages all preached destiny but also respected human words.
The people of all China believe in the Mandate of Heaven but do not believe in it from the bottom of their hearts. Not to mention the Luo family, even my brother, who has seen the miracles of King Su and even heard about his great-grandfather's conquest of the Han Dynasty, often doubts whether the Mandate of Heaven really exists.
It is truly the destiny that is flourishing, hidden in the great trend, silently and unnoticed. One only feels the flow of fortune, and it changes the world without one noticing. If this is the case for us, how can we make outsiders believe it?
When you return to the various countries, you can tell them everything you want, but I'm afraid few will believe you. Moreover, we don't know how prosperous the Hu clan is now, and we don't know the method of suppressing the Luo clan that King Su mentioned. How can we gather others? This is why our clan must face disaster."
Luo Yuan spread out his hands. He seemed to see blood seeping out of them. That was the blood that his people would shed in the future. He whispered to himself, "Brother, you are right, but I will not give up. If the Hu people are really prosperous, the Luo family cannot suppress them. How long did it take for our great grandfather to break through the Mandate of Heaven of the Han Dynasty before he died?
The Han Dynasty, without the Mandate of Heaven, still took decades to fall to its current state. The Luo family was blessed by the Su Wang and heaven for being able to destroy the Mandate of Heaven of the Hu people. But they still have to face the Hu people who are as surging as a tide. Even if they die, they will not be able to win. "
It was hundreds of miles from Zhaocheng to Luoyang, and Luo Xiang traveled day and night to reach the destination in ten days. Standing in front of the Luo River, looking at the Luoyang City which had lost its former glory as the population moved away, his face was full of silence. He knew that he would not be able to come here for many years, and he would never see the holy city of Luoyang again in his lifetime.
Entering Chang'an from Hangu Pass, he naturally did not have the status in Wei that Luo Yuan had in Han. It was not until seven days later that Emperor Cao Rui learned of the news that Luo Xiang had returned to Chang'an, so he summoned him to the palace.
Cao Rui sat at the top, with a pale face and a slight beard, looking a bit lustful. Luo Xiang lowered his head and walked into the hall. From the corner of his eye he saw several people in the hall, all of them were important officials of the Wei State. He knew that the emperor must have just finished discussing politics with his ministers.
Cao Rui looked at the respectful and polite Luo Xiang, and his brows relaxed. Luo Xiang was the one he had in mind as the Prince's attendant, but Luo Xiang had always hesitated and was unwilling to enter the government. This time the Luo family was determined to move, which would certainly be even more difficult. Finally, he asked in a slightly dull voice: "I heard that there was a big change in your family. What do you think? Are you willing to be the Prince's attendant?"
Luo Xiang bowed and said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, I am deeply grateful for your kindness and tears are streaming down my face. However, I have heard that since ancient times, all sage kings have ruled the world with filial piety, and the holy dynasty also takes filial piety as the foundation. My father died early, and I miss him even more.
As my clan members are about to move north, I, my uncle, my aunt, my brother, and my sister looked at each other and wept, lamenting that we were unable to serve them closely. When I returned from Zhaocheng, I felt a burning pain in my heart, filled with grief and sorrow. The holy dynasty would have been so glorious without me, but my clan members would have been devastated without me, as I could not see them.
Your Majesty's holy dynasty has ruled the world, and your majesty's wisdom shines on the vast land. I have no great ambitions and cannot accept your honor. I only wish to follow my relatives to the north. The hardships and difficulties are all on my relatives. I hope your majesty will help me. "
There was silence in the hall, as quiet as the sound of falling battle troops. The eyes of the Wei ministers were complicated when they looked at Luo Xiang. The Luo family in Guanzhong had been ruled by Luo Yan, but because of the defeat in Jizhou, Luo Xiang's father and grandfather had never been reused. It was a miserable life. When it came to Luo Xiang's generation, the emperor wanted to use him as the crown prince's attendant, which was a sign of prosperity. However, Luo Xiang did not want a glorious future, and wanted to suffer in the ice and snow in Liaodong. How could people understand this?
Cao Rui naturally thought this was just an excuse, and said with some dissatisfaction: "Do you have a grudge against me and the late emperor? Your family is from the noble family of Hebei, and I only want to employ you. Don't you understand my heart?"
Luo Xiang bowed his head deeply but said firmly: "I dare not. Your Majesty is wise. I have heard that in ancient times there were wise men who refused to serve as prime ministers in order to serve their mothers. I have also heard that there were ministers in the early Han Dynasty who refused to accept the two thousand stone position because they did not want to honor their fathers. I do not wish to be granted a title of nobility and wealth. I hope Your Majesty will grant me this."
Luo Xiang's every word was very gentle, but his expression and tone told everyone how determined he was. Cao Rui said a little depressed: "The prophecy that your family said that the Hu people will prosper and the Xia people will decline is really absurd. When I was young, Emperor Wu once said that if the prophecy is beneficial, then believe it, and if it is not beneficial, then destroy it.
I never expected that the Luo family would exile themselves to Liaodong because of the prophecy. Since you have made up your mind, I will not stop you. It's a pity that a thousand-year-old family will end from now on. Even if you are the descendant of the Su King, you can't resist the confusion of your clan members."
Summer insects cannot talk about ice, Luo Xiang had nothing to say. He bowed to Cao Rui and retreated step by step to the outside of the hall. When he reached the palace door, he slowly stood up, and then he stood in the light from the shadows. Then he turned around without any reluctance, and left the hall, the palace, Chang'an, and the State of Wei towards the grand light.
Luo Xiang's branch had never had anything worth reminiscing about in Wei State. He notified his clansmen to pack up, and hundreds of people left Chang'an. Many people were paying attention. This decisiveness was shocking. Some people began to have a little belief. Could it be that what Luo said was true?
It is really puzzling that a family that has been passed down for thousands of years would suddenly behave in such an abnormal way. Apart from believing the most ridiculous reason, there is no other reason.
Luo Yuan and Luo Xiang have different identities, statuses, and natural circumstances. Luo Yuan respects and accepts gifts, but feels regretful in his heart; Luo Xiang is not lacking, but he wants to finally escape from the cage and return to nature.
Luo Xiang returned to Zhaocheng and met Luo Chen, who was reading the letter sent by Luo Yuan and Luo Xi. Luo Xiang told Luo Chen what Cao Rui had said to him. Luo Chen sighed and handed the letter to Luo Xiang. Luo Xiang read it through and found that what he recorded was quite similar.
Luo Xiang sighed, "Uncle, after our family leaves the Central Plains, what will happen to the world? Will the people of the world change to a country of gentlemen, or will they slide into the realm of villains? For 1,300 years, the people of the world have been accustomed to the existence of the Su Wang. When the Su Wang's light no longer shines, what will happen to the world?"
Luo Chen sighed slightly and said, "People have evil thoughts and are punished and afraid of them. The Luo family is known for its swords and knives, so the nobles in the world guard and guard it carefully. I will go back. What will happen to the world? God knows!"
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The Duke made a divination and got a bad omen for Xia. He spread the news to all directions, but no one in the world believed it and laughed at it. The villagers told him about it, and the Duke said, "It is difficult to predict the destiny of heaven. Only time can tell." - "A New Account of Tales of the World·Prophecy"
(End of this chapter)
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