lady, please calm down

Chapter 366 Secret Agreement between the North and the South

At two o'clock in the morning, the afterglow of the evening sun slanted into the Yamen hall, filling it with golden color.

Chen Chu, who was sitting high in the middle, was in the shadow where the light did not reach. He could clearly see the people coming from outside, but the people coming from outside could not see his true face clearly.

Originally, this was an extremely suitable angle for observing the other party, but when Chen Bokang entered the hall, Chen Chu couldn't help but leaned forward and asked in surprise: "Is it you?"

"Foreign Minister Chen Bokang met the King of Chu of Qi State."

At this time, Chen Chu's whole body was hidden in the shadows. Because his body was leaning forward, only his head was exposed. The light contrast was strong. From Chen Bokang's perspective, it seemed that he only saw a face floating in the air, which was indescribably weird.

More than 20 days ago, the two met in the fields of Huoqiu County.

At that time, Chen Chu boasted that he was the King of Chu in Huaibei, and Chen Bokang boasted that he was the envoy of the Huainan West Road Manager.

After returning to Huaibei, Chen Chu thought carefully about the identity of this person. At first, it was his seemingly unintentional words that aroused the old hatred of Dabaojian. On the night of March 13th, the Jianzi Camp next to Luojia Store came back again. Leaving the barracks inexplicably actually facilitated the actions of Chen Chu and others.

If he really is Chen Bokang, he does have this ability, but what is his motive for killing someone with a borrowed knife?

Although the possibility that the person coming was Chen Bokang was very high, Chen Chu still called Xiao Yi, whispered a few words and the latter accepted the order and left.

Then, Chen Chu leaned back in his chair and asked, "Master Chen, aren't you afraid of death?"

Although there were envoys between the two countries, they only sent envoys to each other for important events such as the death of the emperor and the enthronement of the new emperor. Chen Bokang was dressed in civilian clothes and had no followers. It was obvious that this trip was his personal will, not the will of the country. .

Chen Chu killed him, so he was killed.

Chen Bokang gradually adapted to the alternating light and dark light in the hall. He raised his eyes and glanced at Chen Chu, sighing with emotion: "The King of Chu Yufu is going to Huainan, I am not making things difficult for you, am I?"

"You knew my identity then?" Even though he had returned to his own territory, Chen Chu couldn't help but be surprised.

When the two first met, Chen Bokang naturally didn't know who Chen Chu was, but his suggestive words seemed to mean that he knew everything at that time. In this way, when Chen Chu went to Huainan, Chen Bokang turned a blind eye. Now that Chen Bokang has come to Huaibei, it would be very unethical to shout at Chen Chu to kill him.

However, we should not discuss this misleading topic in depth, otherwise the secret will be exposed easily. Chen Bokang decisively moved to another matter, "Does the King of Chu know how much effort I put into covering up the tragedy at Luojiadian for the King of Chu?"

While Chen Chu was frowning in thought, Chen Bokang continued: "Naluo Jinyiluo is the father-in-law of Wan Qixi, the Minister of Dali Temple. If I hadn't planned in the middle and pinned all the blame on Lou Yuxing, the magistrate of Huoqiu County, the two countries of Zhou and Qi would have There’s going to be a fight!”

This is true. If the Qi State Court confirms that Huaibei did this, even if it is to calm Wan Qixi's anger and to take into account the Zhou State Court's face, it is impossible to give up.

Small-scale conflicts, or even the development of cross-strait war clouds, are all foreseeable results.

After Chen Bokang's analysis, it seemed that Chen Chu owed him a huge favor. Chen Chu didn't want to accept his favor, so he couldn't help but chuckled and said: "If you want to fight, let's fight. Am I still afraid of you in Huaibei?"

But Chen Bokang sighed and said: "Hey! The King of Chu is not afraid of having enough troops and food, but if this happens, won't it be a waste of money for our Han family? It doesn't fit in with the King of Chu's plan to drive out the Tartars."

"."

For a moment, Chen Chu thought that Nanchao Xisaku appeared next to him.

The strategy of "First the Jin and then the Zhou" is only known to a few core people in the Huaibei Clan. Now that the Qi and Zhou Dynasties all regard the Jin Kingdom as their superior state, Chen Bokang said it in one sentence: "Drive out the Tartars", which is really bold.

Chen Chu stared at Chen Bokang for a few seconds, then suddenly burst into laughter, "Mr. Chen, the Kingdom of Jin is the Great Kingdom of Qi. You said such rebellious words, aren't you afraid that I will take you to the Kingdom of Jin for punishment?"

Chen Bokang did not feel the slightest panic. He could make this judgment based on a lot of public information. For example, Chen Chu was a sergeant of the Baoxi Army and organized the Four Nations Games in Tokyo last year.

For example, during the turmoil in Fucheng, they broke into the Jinqi boundary river to hunt down the squire.

Also, after the King of Chu took control of the Qi court, he canceled the policy of offering ‘women’ as offerings for many years.

Compared with the general trend of the world, these are small things, but taken together, it can be seen that this young powerful official attaches great importance to the dignity of the Han family, and has no fear of the Jin Kingdom and dared to cross the Jin-Qi boundary river to pursue him. This is evidence of this.

Chen Bokang was 50% sure that Chen Chu would turn against the Jin Kingdom in the future, but on the surface he was very determined and indifferent, but he heard him calmly say: "Since I came to Huaibei today, my life or death depends entirely on the wishes of the King of Chu. But I There is a sentence, please think about it carefully, King Chu. If I die, no one can replace the Huainan West Road manager. I will not be able to make Huaibei feel at ease."

"Oh? How do you say this?" Chen Chu became a little interested.

"I can make a secret agreement with the King of Chu. As long as I, Chen Bokang, am on the west road of Huainan, I will never meet Huaibei's swordsmen! If Qi and Jin are not at peace in the future, I, Huainan, can be Qi's rear!"

"Haha, Chen Jinglue has such a arrogant tone. Let's not talk about whether you will break your promise. I just say that you have an emperor in Zhou and a Qin Huizhi. How can you manage Huainan West Road into a hall?"

"Speaking of this, I also want to thank King Chu."

Chen Bokang raised his hands and bowed, and smiled for the first time after entering the hall, "The King of Chu Huainan and his party wiped out the squires and officials along the river. I can just use this to control Huainan."

Chen Chu narrowed his eyes, paused and then said: "So, Chen Jinglue used my hand to eradicate dissidents, isn't he afraid that I will make this matter public?"

"King Chu, the foreign minister is still saying what he said just now. Having me in Huainan will be beneficial to Huaibei."

After Chen Bokang said this, Chen Chu fell into deep thought.

At this point, it seems that Chen Bokang knew the real murderer of the Luojiadian incident very well, but he went to great lengths to help Chen Chu cover it up, which indeed prevented Qi Zhou from turning against him.

Chen Bokang may have known that Huaibei was too tyrannical and should not start a war lightly, but he had no choice but to let Lou Yuxing take the blame because of Wanqixi and the imperial court's face; or maybe, as he just said, he couldn't bear to "waste the Han family in vain." .

Regardless of the motivation, Qi Zhou needed to be careful to avoid war in the next few years, which was the consensus between him and Chen Chu.

If Chen Bokang really does this next time, he can avoid being stabbed in the back when the main force in Huaibei goes north to fight in the future.

However, in such a matter of life and death, it was not enough for him to offer Chen Chu's help to eradicate the Huainan squire.

The sun was setting in the west, and the light in the hall gradually dimmed. Chen Chu uttered a few words, "If you and I form a secret alliance, this is not enough."

Chen Bokang seemed to be prepared and nodded, but he did not answer the question as he asked: "I am coming to Huaibei this time, and my old wife is accompanying me. I think she is in the palace of Prince Chu at this moment."

"Oh?" Chen Chu looked at Chen Bokang unexpectedly.

Since Chen Bokang entered the hall, Chen Chu has not asked for a seat. The old man in his fifties already has sore legs and feet. He simply bent down and rubbed his calves and said: "Although each one is his own master, I am already old." After fifty years, is it appropriate for King Chu to keep people standing like this?"

"Haha, I didn't say I wouldn't let you sit."

"Haha, as soon as I see the King of Chu, I will shout and kill him. Where can I dare to sit down?"

Saying that he did not dare to sit, Chen Bokang dragged his numb right leg and sat on the chair below. Then he moved his right leg to his left knee with great effort, rubbed his calf and sighed, saying: "My little girl was lost when she was young. My old wife has been depressed for many years, and this is a problem on her mind."

"Chen Jinglue, are you too into the drama?" Chen Chu said with a smile.

Back then, Lin'an Business News made a fuss about Yu Nong's life experience, which was disgusting. Anyone with a discerning eye knew that 99% of the story was false.

Chen Bokang, who had finally brewed up a sad mood, was interrupted by Chen Chu. He couldn't help but look embarrassed, but still said: "Anyway, my wife has somehow decided that King Chu's concubine Chen is my little daughter. If King Chu agrees, I will do it." The deed recognizes my daughter."

After going around for a long time, Chen Bokang answered Chen Chu's question, "This is not enough."

When it comes to military affairs, things like the emotional card, which can only be the icing on the cake, are the most useless. In Chen Bokang's words, only 'making a contract and recognizing a daughter' is the key point.

With the deed signed and fingerprinted, Chen Bokang truly had the handle to hand over to Chen Chu.

If Zhou Guo was not stupid, he would never have allowed his daughter to marry a powerful official from an enemy country, Ren Xinjiang. There was no way to verify whether the previous reports were true or not, but with the deed, it became a definite fact.

In the future, if Chen Bokang breaks his promise, Chen Chu can hand over the deed to the Zhou court. By then, I am afraid that neither Qi nor Zhou will be able to accommodate Chen Bokang.

Unexpectedly, Chen Chu thought for a while and still said: "It's not enough."

"." Chen Bokang almost pledged his life to Chen Chu. Isn't it enough for the latter?

How many certificates of nomination are required?

"What else do you want?"

"We at Lanxiang School in Huaibei are recruiting professors. I have heard that Chen Jinglue and his two sons are both amazingly talented. I wonder if we in Huaibei can hire one to teach the students?"

"."

This requires protons!

In this big game of chess in the world, Chen Bokang has already "entered the game" since he ordered his people to publish the short article in Lin'an Commercial News that hinted at the blood relationship with Yu Nong. As long as he can achieve great things, he will be Qi Zhou in the future. The big millstones on both sides crushed their bodies to pieces, and they did not hesitate to do so.

But his son. Based on his understanding of his son, as long as he speaks out, his son will definitely not look back. But how can the old wife explain it? Just like what the old wife said today, "When you work for the country, do you have to involve the whole family?" ’

While he was hesitating, he heard a cry from outside, "Master, why are you here!"

Under the candlelight, I saw an elegant middle-aged man and a young man arriving hand in hand. The young man was quite frightened. He quickly stepped forward and stood in front of Chen Bokang.

The young man was Si Junqing who stayed there after he secretly visited Caizhou with Hu Quan and served as a link between the two parties.

Si Junqing was Hu Quan's student, and Chen Bokang was Hu Quan's teacher. Based on this, it is justifiable for Si Junqing to call Chen Bokang his teacher.

Seeing this, the elegant middle-aged man, who was slightly behind, looked at each other with his superior, Chen Chu. Then he smiled and stepped forward to greet Chen Bokang, "Jing An, I have met Mr. Chen."

Just now, Chen Chu asked Xiao Yi to go out to find Chen Jingan, in order to determine the authenticity of Chen Bokang's identity.

Chen Jing'an had never met Chen Bokang, so he specially brought Si Junqing with him without telling the latter the reason for coming to the government office. At this time, he was caught off guard and Si Junqing recognized the person at a glance, and he couldn't help but look extremely nervous.

A simple little thing completely confirmed the identity of the other party.

The people present were all human beings. Chen Bokang also saw Chen Jingan's intention. He patted Si Junqing first to show comfort, then turned to look at Chen Jingan and said with a smile: "Are you Jing'an from Liuchuan? My Chen family is thousands of miles away. Ju, you are indeed a talented person, hahaha."

"."

The two have the same roots. In terms of seniority, Chen Bokang is two generations older than Chen Jingan, so it makes sense for him to call Chen Jingan by his first name.

But this elder's tone made Chen Jing'an feel depressed. He still said, "My Chen family is a thousand miles away"!

Mr. Yanagawa is in his thirties, but he treats him like a child.

Here, Si Junqing was guarding Chen Bokang nervously, as if he was worried that the Master Guild would be captured by the King of Chu.

Chen Bokang looked at this tall and resolute figure and was deeply moved. Hu Quan and Si Junqing used his name to travel to Huaibei in their early years. Si Junqing was in his twenties, about the same age as his second son. If his parents knew If your beloved son is stationed in an enemy country, shouldn’t you be worried?

Why can someone else's son stay in Caizhou, but his own son can't?

Thinking of this, Chen Bokang stood up slowly, cupped his hands towards Chen Chu and said, "I comply with the conditions stated by the King of Chu."

Si Junqing turned around in shock, wondering what kind of deal the master and the King of Chu had reached privately.

Chen Chu was also a little surprised. In the bustling world, some people love money, some love fame, and some love power, but none of them are as pure and profound as their love for their children.

I thought that Chen Bokang would not let his son venture into dangerous places, but he didn't expect that he actually agreed.

However, the more serious the certificate of nomination someone handed over, the more things they wanted.

Moreover, if Huainan and Huaibei can really reach some kind of tacit understanding, Chen Chu would be very happy to see it happen.

Even if you can't be an ally, it's still great if you can stop being an enemy for the time being.

"Chen Jinglue, tell me, what do you want?"

Chen Bokang took two breaths to think and said with a smile: "I need ten Huaibei four-color crabapple trees to bribe the superior officials to secure my position as the Huainan West Road Manager and Comfort Envoy. Regarding the Luojiadian incident, the court's public opinion is raging, and only one Lou Yuxing can't calm down his anger, the official is as annoying as a fly, and he asks the court to punish me for my dereliction of duty."

The old man became rarely sincere at this time. Chen Chu shook his head after hearing this, "I don't have ten! I can give you four at most."

"That's fine." Chen Bokang, who was already bargaining with the lion's mouth, didn't bother, and said: "In order to ensure the stability of Huainan, we need to replant the golden beans for one season, so as to prevent famine and turmoil in Huainan. The King of Chu needs to provide seeds Miao, farmers who are familiar with how to cultivate this thing came to Huainan to give guidance."

This time, Chen Chu thought for a moment and then said: "Chen Jinglue, what's a good way to grow golden beans? Why don't you in Huainan grow kapok?"

"Mu Mian?"

"Yes, our Caizhou Textile Farm purchases a large amount of kapok velvet from Guangnan East Road and Jinghu South Road every year. The cold-resistant kapok species cultivated by our Agricultural Research Institute are crossed with those grown on your Huainan West Road. This product is far better than that Golden beans are worth a lot! March and April are the time to sow kapok. From now on, how about planting kapok in Huainan and buying it in Huaibei?"

During the Youshi period, both parties basically agreed on the contents of the secret agreement.

When Chen Jing'an first met Chen Bokang, he was overwhelmed by his reliance on his old age. At this time, he saw that his spirit relaxed and suddenly said: "Mr. Chen, since both parties want to cooperate, we must create some good atmosphere! That Huainan newspaper in Huainan is making trouble and spreading rumors and slanders. How should the king of Chu take custody of the eldest princess?"

"When I get back, I will close down his newspaper office! The person who wrote the article will be detained and punished!"

Chen Bokang vowed, but Chen Jingan sneered slightly: "Didn't that article come from Mr. Chen's instructions?"

"Ah! What Jing'an said! I have been honest and upright all my life, how could I do such a shameless thing and spread rumors? If this was my fault, heaven would strike like lightning."

As soon as Chen Bokang finished speaking, he heard a muffled spring thunder outside. On a March day, the baby's face could change at any time.

The sky was clear just now, but at some point it was covered with dark clouds.

This thunder came so coincidentally that it frightened Chen Bokang out of his wits.

Chen Jing'an couldn't help laughing, and then joked: "Mr. Chen, there is a god three feet above your head! You will be out of the office soon, so be careful."

At the end of Youshi, the sky was completely dark.

Only Chen Jingan and Chen Chu were left in the yamen hall. Chen Chu told Chen Jingan the previous conversation with Chen Bokang in detail. Chen Jingan was speechless and admired Chen Bokang's boldness.

If this matter is leaked, Chen Bokang's life will be in danger.

At the same time, Chen Jing'an also had concerns about Chen Chu's decision to hand over the wood cotton seeds to Huainan for farming. "Yuan Zhang, according to you, the economic value of the wood cotton per mu is far greater than that of wheat and rice. Why should it be handed over to Huainan for cultivation?"

"No matter how good the cash crops are, they will become an illusion if there is turmoil. Our farms in Huaibei account for a lot of labor, and there are already insufficient farmers. The cotton needs to be carefully managed, which consumes more manpower than wheat and rice. And the cultivation of this product is highly profitable. , if promoted in Huaibei, it will definitely occupy the grain cultivation area. Grain is the capital."

"Then why not promote Kapox in the Central Plains?"

"Climate problem. At present, the furthest north of Kopocium species can only reach the Huaihe River."

"But in this case, if Huainan is rich because of Mu Mian, it will be disadvantageous for the people's hearts and minds." Chen Jing'an was still a little worried.

Chen Chu smiled and said: "We are not afraid of the industrial chain extending downwards. The more people in Huainan rely on this industrial chain to survive, the greater our influence on Huainan will be. Besides, if the kapok output increases in the future, We can also lower the price."

On the other side, after Chen Bokang and Si Junqing walked out of the government office, they braved the misty rain and wandered aimlessly on the streets of Caizhou for a while.

Seeing that everyone was well-proportioned and well-dressed, but not the thin and ragged people commonly seen on the streets of Huainan, Chen Bokang couldn't help but sigh: "I've heard that Caizhou is rich, but I didn't expect that the gap between Huainan and Huaibei is so huge."

Si Junqing had not yet recovered from the shock of his master's visit to Caizhou, and said in a daze: "Master, you made a secret visit to Caizhou and made a secret agreement. If the imperial court finds out, it will be a crime of death."

When Chen Bokang heard this, he looked at the lights of thousands of houses, but said calmly: "In life, there are always things that must be done. Master, how many years can I live? If I do these things, my master will die. You can rest in peace now."

"Master Ke Ke's secret agreement with the King of Chu is like seeking the skin of a tiger. Is this really beneficial to me, the Great Zhou Dynasty?"

Today, Si Junqing's revered master secretly visited Caizhou, which had a great psychological impact on him. This matter is not trivial. To put it more seriously, it is not an exaggeration to say that Chen Bokang was treasonous and collaborated with the enemy.

For a moment, Si Junqing felt like his idol had collapsed, and he actually shed tears while talking.

Seeing this, Chen Bokang suddenly stopped in the street, spread out his palms and felt the cool raindrops for a moment, and then said: "Master, I dare not say that this trip will be beneficial to the great Zhou Dynasty, but Master, I dare to say that this matter will be harmful to our Huai River north and south." It benefits the people.”

Chen Bokang paused, patted Si Junqing on the shoulder and said: "Master is old and has lost the spirit of you young people. You can only do mending things. From now on, this world belongs to you. But Junqing needs Remember, the fight between our Han family is ultimately a fight between one family and one family. But the fight with foreigners is a matter of life and death for millions of people."

"Master." Si Junqing murmured.

Chen Bokang waved his hands and said tiredly: "In the internal disputes of the Han family, compromises and deals can be made. But with foreigners, we cannot give in even half a step. Barbarians and Tartars are afraid of power but not moral! Master Shigong has seen Ding Wei's difficulties, so Master, I don’t want to experience this tragedy again, nor do I want Junqing, or your children and grandchildren to experience it again.”

　After finishing the last chapter, I didn’t expect that everyone would have such big opinions on the character Chen Bokang.

　　After all, he now has a different stance from the protagonist, and struggle is inevitable.

　　I originally wanted to write him in a more three-dimensional way, but it aroused everyone's disgust and cried to death.

　　But this person is a very important character in the plot of Zhou Guo. There is no way to delete it.

　　Stop scolding and crying.

　　

　

(End of this chapter)