Liu Zhao rode his horse as fast as he could and hurried back to Xiaozhu.
He didn't go through the main door, but insisted on climbing over the wall to enter.
This alarmed the secret agent guarding Xiaozhu and almost injured him by mistake.
He hissed, signaling the guards to be quiet, and quietly passed through the moon-shaped gate and entered the garden.
It had just snowed, and the garden was covered in white, which was a beautiful sight.
The two brothers Yuger and Hengger were having a lot of fun playing snowball fights.
"Ah, Daddy!"
Hengge'er flew into Liu Zhao's arms like a flying bird, "Daddy is back, Daddy is back!"
Liu Zhao burst into laughter and held Heng Ge'er high in his arms.
Although his hiding place was discovered by his son, he was still very happy.
He had been away from home for more than half a year, but his son recognized him at a glance and even threw himself into his arms. How could he not be happy?
Yu Ge'er has grown up and is too embarrassed to throw himself into Liu Zhao's arms.
He was just about to bow and greet Liu Zhao when he was picked up by him. "Stinky boy, have you studied hard?"
Being held in his father's arms, Yu Ge'er was so happy that he grinned foolishly.
He was in the process of losing his teeth and was missing a front tooth, which showed when he smiled.
"My son is studying hard. When will daddy come back?"
"Just arrived this morning. Where's your mother?"
"Mother is in the small flower hall admiring plum blossoms and drinking tea."
"Are there any guests at home?"
"The academy's principal came here once before, but he has already left."
"Did your mother take her medicine on time? Did she take good care of herself?"
"some."
Liu Zhao carried the two children and walked towards the flower hall.
When the servants heard the noise, they all ran out.
"His Highness is back!"
"Greetings to His Highness!"
"Madam is waiting for Your Highness in the flower hall."
"Your Highness, are you hungry? I'll ask the kitchen to prepare some food and wine."
Liu Zhao laughed, "Don't gather around. Prepare some wine, food, and hot water."
"As you command!"
Liu Zhao carried the two children into the flower hall.
Gu Jiu was lying on the soft couch with a smile on his face.
When he saw Gu Jiu, Liu Zhao no longer cared about his son.
Putting the two brats on the ground, he took two steps at a time and came to Gu Jiu. "Did you miss me?"
Gu Jiu nodded, "I thought you wouldn't be back before the New Year."
"You're kidding! How can I not come back for the New Year? I'll crawl back even if I have to."
Gu Jiu pursed his lips and smiled, "How miserable are you? You still have to crawl back."
"It was just an analogy, and you took it seriously."
Liu Zhao leaned close to Gu Jiu's ear, rubbed his temples against hers, and whispered, "I miss you so much that my whole body aches."
Gu Jiu giggled and pushed him away, "Children, please watch, don't make a fuss!"
Liu Zhao realized later that the two boys were still in the house.
He turned around and looked at the two brats, "What are you still standing there for? Hurry up and do your homework."
"The homework has been finished." Yu Ge'er said loudly.
"Then go review your lessons and stop standing here getting in the way. Your father and your mother have something important to discuss."
Liu Zhao sent his two sons away without question.
Gu Jiu laughed out loud and pulled his collar, "Is there something important you want to tell me?"
"Holding you is the most important thing."
Gu Jiu threw himself into Liu Zhao's arms, then pushed him away. "You haven't washed yet. You stink."
"It doesn't stink, don't slander me."
Gu Jiu looked disgusted and asked, "How many days have you not taken a shower?"
Liu Zhao smiled guiltily, "I'm busy on my way. I'll go wash up now. Wait for me."
By the time Liu Zhao finished washing, the kitchen had already prepared wine and food.
Liu Zhao's stomach was rumbling, so he pulled Gu Jiu to eat with him.
"You need to eat more."
Gu Jiu said, "I take medicine every day and my stomach is full."
"No wonder I thought you were thinner."
"I'm not thin at all, I've gained two pounds."
Gu Jiu snorted and glared at Liu Zhao in dissatisfaction.
Liu Zhao immediately admitted defeat, "Okay, okay, you've gained weight, so you should eat less. Come, eat half a bowl of rice first."
The so-called eating less means half a bowl, then another half a bowl, and then another half a bowl...
The meal took half an hour.
Gu Jiu felt like he had eaten too much and didn't want to move.
Seeing that she was really unwilling to move, and the weather outside was freezing, Liu Zhao didn't drag her out for a walk. He simply stayed by her side and talked.
"Does Prince Qing know?"
Gu Jiu squinted his eyes and lay on his legs with a comfortable look on his face.
She hummed, "I know! I've heard a lot about it. It's rumored that Emperor Zhongzong favored his youngest son. They say the emperor loves his eldest son, and the people love their youngest. But how come in your Liu family, it's all the other way around?"
Liu Zhao smiled bitterly, "How would I know? None of the Liu family's eldest sons have a good ending."
"You are also the eldest son!" Gu Jiu reminded Liu Zhao.
Liu Zhao looked upset. He pinched her cheek, unable to hide his pride. "I captured Prince Qing's posthumous child. I captured him amidst a huge army."
Gu Jiu was stunned for a moment before he reacted.
"Prince Qing's posthumous son, the one who rebelled?"
Liu Zhao nodded, "Am I your man very powerful?"
Gu Jiu stared at him, "Are you sure it was a huge army, not just someone climbing over the wall to sneak someone out in the middle of the night? Even if you are my man, you can't exaggerate."
Liu Zhao's mouth twitched, "Can't you let me show off for a while?"
Gu Jiu laughed, "How did you catch him? He really is the posthumous son of Prince Qing. Are you sure he's not a fake?"
"It's definitely not a fake. He is indeed the posthumous son of Prince Qing. He is a source of worry to the Emperor, like a thorn in his throat. As a good son, I naturally want to share his worries."
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "You have made a great contribution. How will His Majesty reward you?"
"It hasn't been decided yet. I want to pay directly in cash. It's simple and convenient, and everyone is at ease."
Gu Jiu shook his head. "You captured Prince Qing's posthumous child and kept it a secret. I can reward you directly with cash. But your contribution in buying grain for disaster relief needs to be discussed in the court. I can't reward you with cash as well."
Liu Zhao was very proud, "Are you going to reward me with a title of king?"
"Dream on!"
Gu Jiu sneered and said, "His Majesty must be worried about how to reward you now. You, a good son, should be more sensible and help His Majesty with his worries."
Liu Zhao smiled, not caring at all. "Then how can I share my father's worries and be considered a good son?"
Gu Jiu pursed his lips and smiled, "It's very simple, just share the credit with everyone. If His Majesty is pleased, maybe the titles of Yu Ge'er and Heng Ge'er can be upgraded.
Alternatively, you can directly ask for a title for your brother. In this way, all three brothers will have titles.
I earned the titles of Yu'er and Heng'er, so I'm counting on you to get the title of Xun'er. Next time, if you can do something great, you can earn the title of a county lady or even a princess for Niuniu.
As for you, forget it. Without the title of prince, any reward is empty. Asking for more money will be more substantial."
Liu Zhao kissed Gu Jiu on the face.
"Your idea is the best. Earn titles for the children, and as for me, just ask for more money. This way, unnecessary suspicion can be avoided."
"Suspicion will always exist. If you are more sensible, His Majesty will naturally be more lenient with you and allow you to return to the court. But remember to be ruthless when asking for money, and make sure to give the Shaofu a good beating. Let the world know how greedy you are."
"Madam, don't worry. The Young Master will give this Highness at least two ounces of meat this time."
…
The news of Liu Zhao's return to the capital was not announced until the next day, but it quickly spread throughout the court.
Now that the people are back, it's time to reward them according to their merits.
There was an endless argument in the court about how to reward, but after two or three days there was no result.
Liu Zhao did not attend the morning court. Instead, he went to the harem to pay his respects to Empress Dowager Xiao and Empress Pei.
Empress Pei encouraged him, "You have made such great contributions, why not take this opportunity to ask your father to grant you a title."
"Don't worry about it, mother. Granting a title is a bad idea. You're harming me."
Empress Pei was furious. "You are my biological son. How could I harm you? You are a prince, but you don't even have a proper title. How can this be right?"
"It's really outrageous that a prince doesn't have a title! But does Queen Mother think that the Emperor will agree to grant him a title? If my son asks for a title, I'm afraid the Emperor will wish me dead."
"Don't talk nonsense! That's your father!"
"He is also the emperor. I understand your mother's kindness. Don't worry about my affairs and don't do unnecessary things. I know what to do."
Empress Pei asked, "Then tell me what you plan to do."
"Just wait for the news, mother."
Liu Zhao didn't want to say more.
Queen Pei was angry.
How could she not be angry when she was excluded by Liu Zhao?
But she had no way to deal with Liu Zhao.
This son has been very opinionated since he was young and never listens to her.
Privately, Empress Pei complained to Eunuch Wen, "He only listens to Gu Jiu. If Gu Jiu says one thing, he dares not say another. What a useless person."
"Your Majesty, calm down! Your Majesty, please trust the Highness. He will definitely be able to handle these matters."
"If he could handle it well, His Majesty wouldn't have left him outside the city for three or four years. He's just stubborn and won't listen to others' advice. He was goaded by Gu Jiu into doing his own thing."
Empress Pei was quite resentful.
…
The court argued for several days but no result was reached.
Seeing that the time was almost right, Liu Zhao submitted a memorial to Emperor Wende, requesting him to grant a title to his youngest son, Liu Xun.
This move perfectly solved Emperor Wende's troubles.
Liu Zhao had made great contributions and he must be rewarded. Otherwise, it would discourage the meritorious officials of the world.
Liu Zhao is a prince, so how to reward him is a big question.
Moreover, Liu Zhao already had the title of General Guarding the Country, and if he were to move up one level in title, he would become a Prince.
Emperor Wende would never grant Liu Zhao the title of Prince.
At least not at the moment.
If not a title, what else can be given?
If he is a court official, he can be given an official position or a nominal position.
It’s difficult for the prince!
Fortunately, Liu Zhao was sensible enough to take the initiative to request that his youngest son be granted a title.
Emperor Wende laughed heartily and wrote the bright red word "quasi".
A few days later, the imperial edict arrived at Xiaozhu.
Liu Xun was granted the title of General Fengguo.
He also rewarded Liu Zhao with a cart of gifts.
Liu Zhao only saw gifts but no money, and he became angry.
Bullying!
Even though he has made such a great contribution, they are reluctant to give him some money.
Without thinking twice, he went straight to the palace to ask Emperor Wende for money.
Before leaving, he said to Gu Jiu, "If I don't get the money, I won't come back!"
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