The Sixteen Kingdoms of the Eastern Jin Dynasty: The Competition in the Central Plains

After four generations of inheritance, the Murong family has become a powerful figure in the northern grasslands that cannot be underestimated by Murong Xin's generation. In order to prevent the Huns, Xianbei Yuwenbu, Goguryeo and other tribes from attacking, Dajicheng also built tall walls and four tall gates in the east, west, north and south. When there is a war, Murong soldiers will check the city gate when entering and exiting. Pedestrians, horse-drawn carriages, and ox-carts who usually come and go can enter and exit at will. Great Thorn City is surrounded by prairie, with groups of horses, cattle and sheep running around. In Daji City, there is a palace that is not very luxurious.

On the east and west sides of the palace are two east and west side halls. The back hall is where Murong Xin and his wives and concubines lived. The east side hall is where the three legitimate sons of Murong Kai, Murong Ren and Murong Zhao live; the west side hall is where seven concubines including Murong Han live. The main hall is the place where important matters are discussed.

Murong Xin, wearing a step-shaking crown, sat on a large and sturdy tiger-skin chair. Behind Murong Xian is a pattern of sika deer. Above the sika deer are the four characters"aim high". Murong Xuan looked at the dozens of people below and nodded with satisfaction. Some of the ten people at the front were young, strong, handsome, fair-faced, and handsome. A few were still children, looking no more than ten years old, and some were under ten years old. But they are both the sons of Murong Xin, but they are not from the same mother. Just listen to Murong Xie saying loudly:

"Dear relatives and generals, we are not gathered here today to discuss hunting. It’s not just to eat barbecue, drink mare’s milk, or eat cheese. Not to compete for women, but for the long-term peace and prosperity of our Xianbei Minister Murong in the future!"

In this not-so-luxurious and grand hall, in addition to Murong Xin's sons, there are also a dozen people wearing Xianbei costumes and Bu Yao crowns. There are also some Han Chinese wearing Central Plains costumes. They look like It is obviously different from the Xianbei people. There are several pieces of cooked beef on the plate on the table in front of everyone. A young Hun woman dressed in Xianbei pours wine for Murong Xin. Five young Hun women behave in a well-behaved manner. Standing still, pouring wine for the people below at any time. The black pottery bowls were filled with wine. Murong Xi looked at the dozens of people below and smiled. Murong Xi said:"Yesterday we went hunting and hunted something Two bison, we had beef for several days. Come, let’s raise a glass together to congratulate us on our harvest, and hope that the Murong family will prosper in the future!"

"However, children under the age of thirteen are not allowed to drink alcohol. Therefore, except for Yuan Yong, Yuan Zhen, Ren'er, and Zhao'er, my other sons cannot drink alcohol. When you reach the age where you can drink, you will also reach the age when you can go into battle to kill the enemy. Murong Xin gave another instruction. Murong Han said:"My father's words are all for the good of my brothers.""

Murong Xuan first picked up the pottery bowl, Murong Han, Murong Hui, etc., as well as dozens of Han and Xianbei people present, everyone was very happy, picked up the pottery bowl and drank it all in one gulp. The wine in the pottery bowl After finishing drinking, the six Hun women would fill up the wine and stand aside

"Father, why do you want to sign the letter to persuade me to join?"My son Murong You asked. Murong Xi smiled and said:"You are still young, so you may not be able to understand it yet. Do you know Han Xin? Do you know Han Xin's saying"Build plank roads openly and build warehouses secretly"?!"

"You know, I was reading Sima Qian's"Historical Records" and happened to see"The Biography of Huaiyin Marquis Han Xin". Han Xin was so pitiful. He was born in a commoner family and was looked down upon by others. He could endure the humiliation of his crotch. Initially, he was neither reused by Xiang Yu nor Liu Bang. It was not until Xiao He pursued Han Xin under the moonlight and was worshiped as a general by Liu Bang that he showed his outstanding military talents. However, he made outstanding achievements in his military life, and was finally beheaded by Empress Lu in Changle Palace."

"very good."Murong Xin praised Murong You, and then said to his older sons:"You brothers must be good role models for the following brothers."

"In addition to riding horses and shooting arrows every day, we also practice martial arts."The third son and legitimate son Murong Huang said. The eldest son and concubine Murong Han said:"We brothers often practice martial arts together, exchange sword skills, and compete in archery. It's fun to hunt together sometimes"

"Yes, father, the eldest brother and the third brother are our role models."Murong Huang's mother and brother Murong Ren said. Murong Huang's other mother and brother Murong Zhao said:"I was taught archery by my eldest brother, and my third brother taught me how to ride horses. Besides practicing martial arts, I just read and study Confucian classics."

After listening to what his sons said, Murong Xuan said very happily:"Since my great-grandfather's time, he has been looking forward to our Murong family being able to shine. When it comes to my generation, the Murong family is strong and their sons are all outstanding. Coupled with celebrities and celebrities from the Central Plains and other places in the north, everything is now ready."

Murong Xuan was very happy and drank several bowls of wine in a row. Putting down the pottery bowl, Murong Xuan said with a hint of drunkenness:"I now have ten sons. Yuanyong, Yuanzhen, Ren'er, and Zhaoer are all capable of fighting.. When the other sons grow up, they will not be ordinary people. In fact, I also have a second son, who unfortunately died in infancy and did not grow up.

Everyone was shocked when they heard this and were embarrassed to say anything. Because of this matter, many people, whether it is Murong Xin's sons or these civil and military ministers, are not clear about it.

The Hun woman poured wine for everyone, and Murong Xin picked it up and said:"In the past few years, celebrities from the Central Plains and the north have come to Liaodong to seek refuge with me and help me achieve my career. Take a look, brothers, Gao Yi, Wang Ji, Pei Yi, Lu Chang, Yang Dan, Feng Xian, You Sui, Fang Qian, Feng Chuo, Song Xi, Pei Kai, Feng Yi, Song Gai, Huangfu Qi, Miao Kai, Zhu Zuoche, Hu Wuyi, Kong Zhuan, these are still here today. You should ask more gentlemen for advice."

"Follow your father’s teachings!"The Crown Prince Murong Huang said on behalf of the other nine brothers.

"Father, I asked you just now, why do you want to persuade Sima Rui to ascend the throne and become the emperor of the Jin Dynasty in the south of the Yangtze River? Is there any mystery in this?! Murong You said:"Is there any difference between encouraging people to come in and not encouraging people to come in?" We are thousands of miles away from Jiangnan!"

"Toddler, do you know why I asked you about Han Xin? Han Xin's idea of ​​"building plank roads in the open and using changcang in secret" is actually to hide himself. To put it bluntly, one thing is clear and another is hidden."

Everyone present burst out laughing. Pei Yi, a native of Hedong, said:"The Jin Dynasty in the south of the Yangtze River is actually in a state of turmoil. The powerful ministers were in power and ignored the king of Jin. Even if Sima Rui becomes emperor in the future, this situation will be difficult to change. The king and the horse share the world, which is actually the balance of power between the king and his powerful ministers. If one party tries to upset this balance, big trouble will happen."