pjbooks Chapter 232 Mount Tai, let's go!
Chapter 232 Mount Tai, let's go!
"The whole thing started when he read a book with prophetic verses, called 'Hetu Huichang Fu,' which contained the line: 'The ninth of the Red Liu will meet at Mount Tai.'"
"When Liu Xiu read this sentence, he actually made a fuss about going to Mount Tai to perform the Fengshan ceremony."
Liu Xiu: I'm going to Mount Tai!!!
Ministers:...
First Emperor: Mount Tai isn't necessarily a must-go destination!
Big Han Liu Zhuzhu: ...
A bystander from the Ming Dynasty commented: Ever since Emperor Zhenzong of Song visited Mount Tai, it seems to have been downgraded!
Empress Li Erfeng of the Tang Dynasty: It's a good thing I didn't go, otherwise I would feel really bad!
……
"Actually, the ministers had advised him to perform the Fengshan ceremony at Mount Tai three or four years ago. After all, there was no precedent for Zhao Heng bribing court officials to create auspicious omens for the Fengshan ceremony at Mount Tai back then, so the Fengshan ceremony at Mount Tai was an extremely sacred event at that time."
"However, Liu Xiu felt that this matter was too much of a burden on the people and was quite modest, so he refused. Now, going to perform the Fengshan ceremony at this time is rather strange to his ministers."
"Perhaps they can deduce something from this; these people should be well aware of Liu Xiu's behavior over the past few years."
"Speaking of that sentence in the Hetu Huichangfu, Liu Xiu believed that from Emperor Gaozu of Han to his generation, it was exactly the ninth generation. Could this be a reminder for him to go to Mount Tai to perform the Fengshan ceremony and tell Mount Tai about the efforts he had made over the years?"
"However, he refused the advice of his ministers a few years ago, but now it is a prophecy. If he still doesn't go, I'm afraid not only will the Han Dynasty be in danger, but it may even incur the wrath of Heaven!"
"Therefore, Liu Xiu was determined to go to Mount Tai, even though his physical condition was not very good at the moment!"
A spoiled young man from the Song Dynasty: The older you get, the more confused you become!
An official from the Ming Dynasty said: "I've always been very superstitious about prophecies and omens. Now that you've said this, I have to do my best to get this done!"
A romantic and talented scholar from the Tang Dynasty: He had good luck before, so it's understandable that he would have such thoughts!
……
After finishing her story, Lin Ke drank a large glass of water. She could understand why Liu Xiu became obsessed with prophecies in his later years.
To be honest, if she had been incredibly lucky in her own business, she would have made praying to gods and Buddhas a daily occurrence.
"So in the first month of that year, Liu Xiu ordered preparations to be made, and led his civil and military officials, royal relatives and nobles, and others on a grand journey toward Mount Tai."
"I can only imagine how difficult that scene must have been. Liu Xiu was old and not in good health at the time, and he still had to travel over mountains and rivers to get to the foot of Mount Tai. He really went all out to fulfill the prophecy!"
"Liu Xiu had to fast for seven days before climbing the mountain. At this time, the more than 1,500 laborers who had been sent out in advance were working hard to build the road up the mountain. Even so, the road to Mount Tai was still rugged and difficult to travel."
"Let alone an elderly man like Liu Xiu, which of the other ministers and nobles didn't live a life of luxury and ease? When had they ever climbed such a mountain?"
"So many people get so tired that they rest on the road or even just by the roadside, but after a short while they start climbing again, their legs shaking. After all, your big boss is leading the way, and as his subordinates, you can't give up halfway."
Big-Handed Liu Zhuzhu: Is it really necessary to climb this mountain?!
An official from the Ming Dynasty: It sounds exhausting!
A spoiled young master from the Tang Dynasty: It's a miracle I didn't kick the bucket on the way!
……
"As for Liu Xiu himself, as the emperor, his treatment was definitely better than that of other civil and military officials, but he was still exhausted after a day of work, so it wasn't much better for him!"
"On the way back, Zhang Chun, who advocated for this Fengshan ceremony, was already dying, and even Liu Xiu only lasted about a year before passing away to meet his ancestors."
"I don't know if it's a blessing or not, but it's very clear that this mountain climbing incident accelerated the lifespan of Liu Xiu and several other senior officials, and they died of illness not long afterward."
"It can be said that Liu Xiu was always self-disciplined and frugal after he ascended the throne. However, when it came to prophecies, he seemed to be possessed, and he spent much more energy and money on them!"