Chapter 837: Luo Xian’s death, Xie Daoyuan’s death!
Boom!
Purple-blue thunder cut through the dark sky, piercing a dazzling bright color above the dark clouded sky, and endless thunder echoed in the ears.
“Crack!”
The strong wind howled between heaven and earth, the fragile flowers and plants fell to the ground in an instant, trees as thick as bowls flew in the sky, heavy rain poured down, the waves of the Yangtze River rolled and surged, and almost all the big rivers were churning.
The entire Jianye City was prostrating itself in this doomsday-like scene.
The door of the house where Luo Xianzhi lived was not closed. The gap at the bottom was blocked with wood and swayed gently in the strong wind. The heavy rain was blown into the house by the wind, and the ground was soaked.
Luo Xianzhi lay in the rocking chair, looking outside without saying a word. He seemed to be in deep thought, or distracted, with an unconcealable paleness on his face.
Xie Daoyuan looked at him worriedly. Luo Xianzhi had been sitting here in a daze since the rainstorm began.
"Ma'am, I may have done something wrong."
Luo Xianzhi suddenly spoke, accompanied by the rumbling of thunder and the sound of rain, but Xie Daoyun still heard it clearly. This incoherent sentence made her ask in confusion: "Husband, what's wrong?"
Luo Xianzhi said slowly: "You know, I'm going to die."
Xie Daoyuan tilted her head to one side, feeling her heart tighten. She had written many poems, but only now did she understand what it meant to be heartbroken.
Luo Xianzhi held her soft hand with his slightly skinny hand, feeling the cold water vapor on his face, and whispered: "I don't care about life and death, but I can't tolerate myself making such a big mistake, and it can't be corrected.
I, Luo Xianzhi, have been dominating the world for so many years. No matter what aristocratic families, royal relatives, or hermits they all had to stand at attention and get beaten.
There is almost nothing I try to do that I fail to achieve.
But I never expected that the emperor would live longer than me and he is still alive today!
If I had known that he would live this long, I would not have left many of the problems until now. I would have solved them even if it meant some temporary confusion."
Luo Xianzhi's tone was full of regret, and Xie Daoyun could not even care about her sadness after hearing it. She said in panic: "Husband, why do you say that? Isn't this disrespectful?"
Luo Xianzhi did not stop his disrespect and murmured, "There is an old saying that an old man who does not die is a thief. It is a good thing for people to die at the right age, especially for the king.
Our Majesty has become much more foolish in the past ten years than when he was young. He has lost the enterprising spirit of an outstanding king and only wants to worship Buddha.
He has gradually lost the rationality of a king and has become more like a commoner who is eager to enjoy the happiness of family.
When I am alive, I can still support the Liang State. What will he do if I die?
What should Liang State do?
Daliang’s present status is the result of two generations of our Luo family.
How can I not feel regretful if there is no good ending in the end?
If Liang State falls into chaos in the future, or even the fighting resumes, no, I can already foresee that the fighting will resume, will the Luo family encounter that fighting?
Isn't this my fault?
Madam, after I die, you will return to Gusu. Our two children do not have the talent I have, and are not capable of shouldering the heavy responsibility of the country."
Xie Daoyun was trembling with coldness all over and said, "My husband, why do you say these words now?"
Luo Xianzhi said seriously: "After the rain stops today, call the children here. I have some instructions. Tomorrow, ask someone to carry me into the palace. I will give some last words to His Majesty."
lift?
Xie Daoyun immediately grasped the point and asked. Luo Xianzhi smiled bitterly and patted his leg, saying, "I just found out that he is completely unconscious."
…
The sun shines on Jianye, and there is no longer the deep depression of yesterday. There is a heavy smell on each and every red door, and one can even smell the fragrance of wealth.
The gate of the palace was vermilion with gold lacquer, and an eight-armed Bodhisattva was carved on the door. He looked solemn and ferocious, with one side carrying the intention of saving all living beings, and the other side seeming to glare at them angrily.
At this moment, the door was open, revealing a long corridor inside, with mottled old traces carved on the walls.
Luo Xianzhi was lying on the sedan chair, his face still pale and very weak. The guards shouted loudly, "Get out of the way quickly, the Prime Minister, please go to the palace to meet the emperor."
The guards held up their ivory plaques high, and the imperial guards guarding the palace all knelt on one knee with their heads bowed, their faces solemn, not caring about the water stains that had not yet dried on the ground.
Xiao Yan, who was worshiping Buddha in the palace, heard that Luo Xianzhi had actually entered the palace. He hurriedly took off his robes, put on formal clothes, and hurried out of the palace. As soon as he stepped over the threshold, he saw a group of people carrying Luo Xianzhi towards him.
This scene made Xiao Yan feel like he was struck by lightning. He seemed to see what happened decades ago when his best friend Luo Youzhi was carried in this way to see him. That was the last time he and Luo Youzhi saw each other.
Now it was as if a reincarnation. Luo Youzhi's son, Luo Xianzhi, another minister of the same generation whom he trusted the most, was also carried into the palace.
Will this be the last time they meet?
Xiao Yan didn't want to believe it!
He walked forward tremblingly, and suddenly felt a cool breeze blowing, and hurriedly called out: "It's windy outside, quickly carry Lingxiu into the hall."
His anxiety did not seem fake, and a hint of warmth flashed in Luo Xianzhi's eyes. Over the past few decades, at least the emperor had been really good to him. The relationship between the monarch and his subject was a good match, which was rare in this era, especially compared with the bloody Northern Dynasty. It was like a fantasy.
After Luo Xianzhi was carried into the hall, Xiao Yan hurriedly asked someone to fetch water and add tea. He knelt beside Luo Xianzhi and asked in a sharp voice, "Lingxiu, you are sick. Why don't you stay at home to recuperate? It just rained, and it's cold and windy outside. If you catch a cold, how can your body bear it?
I got a thousand-year-old ginseng, which is said to have been dug out by a merchant from Liaodong. You can take it back later and take good care of yourself. I hope you can get better soon."
"His Majesty."
Luo Xianzhi chuckled softly.
"Why."
Xiao Yan responded.
Looking at Xiao Yan, Luo Xianzhi felt more and more sad. Your Majesty, Your Majesty, why can't you leave before me?
He thought about it, and then said softly: "Your Majesty, I can no longer be loyal to you in the future, I hope Your Majesty will not blame me.
I have something to say, but if I don’t say it now, I may not have the chance to say it later, so I went into the palace.”
Xiao Yan's face was filled with grief, and he suppressed his grief and said, "Lingxiu, you speak, I am listening."
Luo Xianzhi grabbed Xiao Yan's hand and said, "Your Majesty, the only thing I am worried about is Daliang.
After decades of governance, there is enough money and food in the country's treasury, so we are not afraid even of war, but that is not what I am worried about.
The three cases of killing and exile that I have committed the most in my life were the gentry, Buddhism, and witchcraft. Now, the gentry is basically left with only the noble families.
However, the residual effects of the latter two cases have not yet been completely eradicated.
Religion was very costly, and the construction of temples was not without its large-scale construction of palaces. No matter whether it was the Apang Palace of the Qin Dynasty or the Changsheng Palace of the early Han Dynasty, I need not say much about their final outcome.
In recent years, Your Majesty has worshipped Buddha and granted many privileges to Buddhists. I wanted to advise against it, but Your Majesty rejected me. Before I die, I want to advise you again and make sure they pay taxes and farm.
After the Crown Prince case, Your Majesty sent the princes out of town. I even argued with Your Majesty about this. If Your Majesty really wants to stabilize Daliang, just give them wealth and honor, and don't let them hold power.
The world today is filled with the smell of bloodshed. The various disastrous acts of the Northern Dynasty have gradually spread to the Southern Dynasty, and people have begun to use any means necessary to gain power.
Your Majesty knows that I have always been cautious, and I should not have said such words that would alienate our relatives, but I am really worried about you. I am worried that you will witness the tragedy of the world in your old age.
If my son had half of my ability, I would recommend him to you to shoulder these heavy responsibilities for you, but they are truly incompetent and do not have the talent to govern a country.
I have no choice but to tell you this in person.
Your Majesty, please do not test human nature. Since you have the ability, you should do your best to let your descendants live in peace. This is the last thing I can say.
As long as these two problems are solved, let the Northern Dynasty attack. The natural barrier of the Huai River and the iron wall of Xiangyang will make them suffer heavy losses. "
Luo Xianzhi's tone was so sincere that Xiao Yan couldn't help but burst into tears. Just as Luo Xianzhi said, there was no need for him to say all this, but in the end, with a sincere heart, thinking about repaying Xiao Yan's trust, he said all these words.
Xiao Yan finally listened to her for once, and said with emotion: "Lingxiu, I will definitely do as you say."
Luo Xianzhi was carried out of the hall. Xiao Yan stood in front of the hall, looking at the figure that was getting farther and farther away. An ominous premonition shrouded him. He sat down on the threshold, leaning weakly, and sat there in a daze.
Walking slowly in the palace, the palace maids and eunuchs all knelt on one knee against the wall. Luo Xianzhi slowly closed his eyes, but there was no joy on his face. He came here just to do his best and leave the rest to fate.
It must have been the same when Murong Ke entered the palace before his death, but he failed in the end. Even if Xiao Yan really listened to himself now, if he could live another ten or eight years, he would forget it sooner or later.
Can Xiao Yan live another ten or eight years?
He was not sure now. After all, there was once an outlier named Zhao Tuo, the King Wu of Lingnan, who lived to be over a hundred years old. Who knew if Xiao Yan could also live that long?
The warm sun shone on his body. The air was still fresh after the rain. The sedan chair was swaying like a swing or a baby's rocking cradle. It was so comfortable. He was so sleepy. He really wanted to take a nap.
Luo Xianzhi only felt that he was in a vast white space. Not far away from him, there was a very familiar figure. He tried hard to open his eyes and saw that it turned out to be his father, Luo Youzhi, who had passed away decades ago.
"Father."
Luo Xianzhi shouted in surprise, Luo Youzhi looked at him with a slight smile, "Xianzhi, you did a great job, you are the pride of your father."
Luo Xian's hand reached out towards the void, then fell down weakly onto the sedan chair, with a smile still on his face. He didn't know what the future would hold, but at least for now, he had done very well, probably.
…
The grand court meeting of Liang State has not been as gloomy as it is today for many years. The death of Luo Xianzhi was a big earthquake for Liang State. In the history of Liang State in the past few decades, there have only been two prime ministers, Luo Youzhi and Luo Xianzhi.
Luo Youzhi was in power for eighteen years, and Luo Xianzhi was in power much longer than his father, and his influence on Liang State was deeper than Luo Youzhi's. When Xiao Yan sent Luo Xianzhi away, he felt like an old man sending off a young man.
"Let's discuss the posthumous title for Gusu County Duke Luo Xianzhi. I want to choose one of the three: 'Wencheng', 'Wenmu', or 'Wenming'. What do you think?"
It was destined to start the title of Luo Xianzhi's life with "Wen", not to mention the rest. For a prime minister like Luo Xianzhi who had been in power for decades and whose achievements in maintaining peace and prosperity for the country, any posthumous title would be appropriate.
"Your Majesty is wise and wise!"
This was the answer from the ministers in the palace.
Xiao Yan said solemnly, "Then we will give him the posthumous title of 'Wencheng' and call him 'Gusu Wencheng County King'. He will be buried with the emperor in the mausoleum. In the past, Qingyun was buried on the right side of the mausoleum. Now we will move Qingyun's grave to the left side and bury Lingxiu on the right side of the mausoleum to be worshipped in the Imperial Ancestral Temple."
The mausoleum that Xiao Yan was building was naturally the imperial mausoleum that Xiao Yan built for himself. This imperial mausoleum took a full forty years to build, starting from the time of Luo Youzhi and continuing to the time of Luo Xianzhi. Unexpectedly, the first people to live in it were Luo Youzhi and his son Luo Xianzhi.
The ministers in the palace naturally knew that Luo Xianzhi would definitely be honored in the Imperial Ancestral Temple and buried with the emperor, but Xiao Yan casually said that the prince...
"Your Majesty, did I hear you wrongly? Were you talking about the prince?"
Immediately, a minister asked about this. These things cannot be ambiguous at all. Xiao Yan nodded lightly and said, "Yes, I have decided to confer the title of Prince on Lingxiu to repay the two generations of Gusu Luo family for their help to the country."
Now that it was confirmed, a group of people immediately knelt down and kowtowed, saying, "Your Majesty, please withdraw your order. Although Duke Wencheng has made great contributions and worked hard, there has never been a practice of enthroning a king of a different surname in Jiangzuo since Duke Yuzhang ruled the southeast.
Moreover, you conferred the title of king on Duke Wencheng. Does that mean that Duke Wencheng's achievements are greater than those of his father?
I think this is extremely inappropriate."
This is indeed a big difference between Jiangzuo and the Northern Dynasties. Since Luo Chu, his title has always been problematic, and it was not until the Chu State that it was restored a little. The Southern Dynasties were more generous to the title of county duke than the Northern Dynasties, but more cautious about the title of king. This is related to the local political tradition.
Xiao Yan knew that his thoughts were a little shallow, but he really didn't want to bury the Duke of the County. While he was thinking about it, a sudden flash of inspiration made his eyes light up.
"I understand. Among the royal titles, there are one-character kings and two-character kings. One-character kings are named after a country or a place, while two-character kings are named after a county. Although there is no distinction between high and low, there are distinctions in the minds of the people. Generally speaking, one-character kings are high, while two-character kings are slightly lower.
Nowadays, all dukes are named after the county, and are called county dukes.
I will now reopen a title, the Duke. I will posthumously confer the title of Duke of Wu on Qingyun and the title of Duke of Yue on Lingxiu. This is sufficient."
ah?
Xiao Yan's idea, which he came up with on the spur of the moment, made people's eyes go dark and bright at the same time. He just casually conferred a title, but at least he did not give it to the rank of a prince. Moreover, the more people talked about it, the more appropriate it seemed.
The king and the prince, the duke and the duke of the county, have a kind of symmetrical beauty.
"Since none of you have any objection, then do as I wish."
…
The death of any important figure is like a major earthquake, let alone Luo Xianzhi. Although he has many political enemies, there are also countless people who have received his favor.
In Jianye City, countless people were in mourning for Luo Xianzhi, and some were wailing all night long. It even felt like a national mourning. The emperors of previous dynasties did not have the glory that Luo Xianzhi had today when they died.
In Jianye city, white papers were floating everywhere, just like ghost money falling. It was a sad and miserable scene. There was not a single spot of red in the city. Even those families who had already set a date tacitly postponed it.
"I cannot repay Lord Wencheng's kindness. I only wish you a good journey and that your soul will soon return to the land of the gods and enjoy boundless bliss and great light."
This is the most sincere blessing from the people of Jianye to Luo Xianzhi.
It is often said that people's hearts are like water, but few people know that the water-like hearts of the people will also freeze into ice at a moment. They know who is good to them.
…
The Gusu Luo family sent people to Jianye, and the Luo Mansion was visited by a constant stream of people, with countless in-laws and old friends coming to visit. Counting from Luo Youzhi to Luo Xianzhi, they had been in the position of prime minister for fifty years. The influence they had created was so huge that it was hard for ordinary people to imagine. It was not an exaggeration to say that the gate railings had been trampled down.
After seven days of rest, with the joint efforts of the royal family and the Luo family, Luo Xianzhi's coffin was buried in the burial area on the right side of the mausoleum. Decades ago, this was his father's territory, but now his father Luo Youzhi had been moved to the left side.
The coffin was slowly buried with shovelfuls of earth, and each shovelful seemed to announce to everyone the end of an era. So what even if he had held the power of the entire Jiangzuo in his lifetime?
Even now, it is still a handful of yellow earth, and it still brings sadness and loneliness to its descendants. The members of the Luo family silently look at the patriarch who has brought the Luo family to a new peak.
The emperor's decree has been issued, and the new head of the Luo family has been appointed as the prefect of Gusu County. This is the current status of the Luo family. Even if they do not participate in political affairs, they are at least a local lord.
The clouds in the sky gradually became thicker. Every time this season comes in Jiangzuo, there is always a lot of rain, and it comes suddenly without any warning.
It was just like the rain that Luo Xianzhi saw that day.
The heavy rain poured down, washing away all the disharmony between heaven and earth. For example, the new soil that had just been used to bury Luo Xianzhi's coffin. Under this heavy rain, all the loose soil was washed away and perfectly merged with the old soil.
The Luo family mansion in Jianye City was deserted, with only two or three cats and kittens left guarding it. Once the popularity was gone, the place instantly became desolate, as if no one had ever been here.
…
The news of Luo Xian's death spread in all directions. Needless to say, almost every governor and county magistrate of Liang State sent letters of condolence.
Even in the Northern Dynasty, many people felt sad when they heard the news. Even Murong Chui couldn't tell whether he was happy or feeling some other emotion.
Luo Xianzhi managed the Southern Dynasty like an iron barrel, into which neither a needle could penetrate nor water could pour out. This naturally made Murong Chui very uncomfortable, but he did not hate Luo Xianzhi.
Because Murong Ke had always told him that if possible, he should bring Luo to the State of Yan.
Of course, this was because he didn't know that Luo Xianzhi had designed the conflict between him and the Emperor of Yan, otherwise he would probably have lamented.
…
In Gusu County, this city of a thousand lakes, located on the most fertile plain in Jiangzuo, seems to be always so peaceful.
In and outside the city, there are countless small black-sailed boats, crisscrossing the river, and there are boatmen rowing slowly, probably because there are scholars on the boats enjoying the scenery and drinking.
Rows of houses, not very tall and even slightly graceful, are lined up on both sides, covered with moss and traces of water. Having been soaked in the water town for many years, they feel slightly damp.
Since Luo Xianzhi's death, Xie Daoyuan has been staying in Gusu City, sorting out Luo Xianzhi's essays and poems. Even though she is no longer young, she is still as gentle as water.
The lotus pond was filled with clear water, delicate flowers reflected in the water, lotus flowers reflected people, pavilions and towers, and moss everywhere at the corners. There were several people around Xie Daoyuan, all standing by her side. She sat upright, holding a brush in her hand, and wrote a few words on the cover.
"Luo Wencheng's Public Opinion"!
Xie Daoyuan stared at the big words, as if she had suddenly lost some of her strength. If there was anyone in the world who knew Luo Xianzhi best, it must be her. Luo Xianzhi had never hidden most things from her, so she was able to write this book now.
Let the world and future generations understand why Luo Xianzhi was able to achieve such great achievements. He possessed extraordinary wisdom, not just luck or family background.
After finishing this book, Xie Daoyuan felt that she no longer had the strength to stand. Her heart had already passed away when Luo Xianzhi died. Since they got married, they had never been separated for such a long time.
Her tears had dried up when she learned of Luo Xian's death, and her sorrow had dried up when Luo Xian was buried.
What remains in the world now is nothing more than a torso that exists to accomplish something.
She picked up the paper, blew away the ink, and said slowly without looking back: "You don't have the talents of your father and grandfather, so just stay in Gusu City.
Thanks to the kindness of our ancestors, I believe I can still protect you.
These books and the antiques, calligraphy and paintings that were once collected are the most important wealth of the family. When they can be returned to the family one day, these things will be precious treasures.
As for the gold, jade and so on, they are all external things. As long as they can ensure the survival of the family, they don't have to be misers. The Gusu Luo family has a fief of 8,000 households, so they will not starve. They should treat the people who farm for the family well and treat the family's ministers fairly.
This way the family can be guaranteed to be passed down until the time comes to unify the world."
After Xie Daoyuan said these words, she suddenly realized that these words were too much like what Luo Xianzhi would say. Decades of close contact and rubbing shoulders with each other had made the two of them almost become one.
Now even her last words were full of Luo Xianzhi's flavor. She couldn't help but recall what she was like when she was young?
She couldn't help but think back to the incident that made her famous.
"What does the heavy snow look like?"
"Not like the willow catkins that rise in the wind."
Because of this sentence, she caught the attention of Wu Guogong Luo Youzhi.
Because of this sentence, she got the most enviable marriage contract in the whole Jiangzuo.
Because of this sentence, she got a husband who was unmatched anywhere in Jiangzuo.
What regrets does she have in her life?
She thought back, and then thought of the question she had asked Luo Xianzhi in the rain, "Husband, if you were to live your life again, how would you live?"
Luo Xianzhi did not hesitate for long. He just looked at the rain, then held his wife's hand tightly and said, "If I live my life again, I will still marry you, work as an official, devote myself to Daliang, build a snowman for you in that rare snow to please you, and give birth to a few children, even though they are not smart.
If I were to live my life over again, I would still be the same as I am now."
Not like it is now, but I hope it will be like it is now. Luo Xianzhi has few regrets in his life, so he is willing to do it again.
When Xie Daoyuan thought about this, she knew her answer. Luo Xianzhi probably had some regrets in his life, such as not expecting the emperor to live so long, and not allowing Daliang to unify the world.
But she, Xie Daoyun.
I have no regrets in this life, from my teenage years until now, I have no regrets.
Her father, uncle, brothers and husband provided her with a clear sky, and her sky was never covered with dark clouds.
Sometimes she would suddenly wake up from a dream in the middle of the night, and she always felt that it was unreal, but when she saw Luo Xianzhi's calm face, she would calm down.
If the sky falls, there will be someone tall to hold it up.
This is what Luo Xianzhi often said. He always said with a smile: "I am the tallest person. As long as you are in my arms, I will protect you from the wind and rain."
Now that Luo Xianzhi is dead, there is no one to protect her from the wind and rain.
When Xie Daoyuan saw that the words on the paper had dried up, she smiled gently. In fact, she wanted to say that she could also face the frost alone.
She closed her eyes.
There was no sound.
————
Luo Xianzhi was a native of Gusu County. His family had been prominent for generations. There was a book in Jiangzuo called "Clan Records", in which the Gusu Luo family was ranked first in Jiangzuo. Their nobility was considerable. His father was appointed Prime Minister, and two years after his death, Xianzhi inherited the title of Duke of Gusu County. When the emperor heard of his ability, he summoned him to Jianye. After a brief conversation in the palace, the emperor was impressed and promoted him to the position of Shangshu Ling.
Xian is a talented person who can assist the king. He holds the dignity of his father, and his power is awe-inspiring, which makes the court officials fear him. His actions are magnificent, which makes the disobedient afraid of him.
The gentry were suppressed and the common people were liberal. If the gentry were dissatisfied, they would be treated like dogs and horses, and if the common people were punished, they would be trampled upon.
When the emperor became addicted to Buddhism, Xianzhi advised him against it, and the emperor changed his ways.
When Crown Prince Mingdao was accused of witchcraft, all the officials of Liang were afraid and dared not speak. Only Xianzhi spoke with great emotion to protect the Crown Prince and the country.
Since Xianzhi took office as prime minister, the emperor praised him for his loyalty, the wise ministers praised him for his ability, the people praised him for his benevolence, and all the people in the Southern Dynasties praised him as the best.
Xianzhi has the ability to adapt and understand people's hearts. His great achievements often start from humble beginnings, and he can attack them with great force. Therefore, he has to protect himself to achieve his career. During his lifetime and after his death, he has achieved great success. - "History of the Southern Dynasties: The Family of the Duke of Gusu"
(End of this chapter)
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