first minister

[General, seeing words is like meeting each other. 】

[Dongfang Ping of Yuyan Prefecture colluded with the Beiliang border troops to invade. Now most of Yuyan Prefecture has fallen into the hands of the thieves. However, the situation is still under control. I want Xia Yunfei to lead the army to go out. If nothing unexpected happens, he will be able to do so. 】

[There is no need for the general to worry about matters in Yuyan Prefecture. I only worry about the ambitions of Beiliang. Not in Yuyan, there are more big plans. 】

[All the generals in the world have one stone, but the general alone has eight fights.Regarding military strategy, I dare not mention any fallacies, but I hope the general will be cautious. 】

[I will be in the capital, waiting for the good news. 】

[In praise of Shi Sui. 】

Jiang Yuhu read it calmly, then stared at a certain sentence and read it twice.

The guards on the side were surprised to find that the young master was actually smiling!

He actually laughs when he reads letters written by others? !
Everyone said that Mr. Xia understands the young master best and is the only close friend of the young master. Now it seems that he is honest and can not be deceived by me!

"Ahem." Jiang Yuhu came back to his senses, coughed twice as if to cover up, and looked at the messenger, "Go back and report to your young master, tell him that I know what to do, and reassure him that the central line of northern Xinjiang and the western front are absolutely There will be no problem. Besides, let him not capsize in the gutter and be defeated by the trash."

The messenger nodded, "I remember it, villain."

Jiang Yuhu nodded and said to the bodyguard: "Please arrange a place for him to have a good night's rest."

After the messenger thanked him profusely and left in fear, Jiang Yuhu took the letter and thought about it in his mind.

Xia Jingyun's worries in the letter coincided with his worries, so he could plan with peace of mind.

With his thoughts settled, he opened the letter and took a look at it again.

[All the generals in the world have one stone, but the generals only have eight fights. 】

This kid can always come up with something new for me.
-
Xia Jingyun stepped into the central courtyard and saw several people gathering in the meeting hall talking about something.

Li Tianfeng, who was closer to the door, took the initiative to greet him. Xia Jingyun smiled and said, "Everyone, what are you talking about? Is there anything bothering you in the court?"

Yang Weiguang smiled and said: "Gao Yang, although the soldiers have been sent out now, new troubles have arisen. The envoy of Beiliang, the Crown Prince of Zhennan, will arrive in the suburbs of Beijing tomorrow. How to receive him depends on the central government. Please report this strategy to the Queen Mother and Your Majesty!"

Xia Jingyun raised his eyebrows and pretended not to understand and said, "Do we still have to think about this kind of thing now? There is no ready-made old example in the past?"

Wan Wenbi spoke slowly and took the initiative to explain to the newcomers: "There is no trivial matter between the two countries. There are naturally mature rules for receiving trivial matters, but the tone must be discussed one by one."

Yan Songwen, the imperial censor on the side, nodded, "Gao Yang may not be clear when he first enters the center. Usually the center will analyze the purpose of the other party's coming, and then designate a specific strategy, whether it is to support, suppress, or something else, and then hand it over to the other party. Specific personnel will implement it.”

Wei Yuanzhi frowned, but before he could speak, Xia Jingyun said with a taught smile: "I see, is it settled now?"

This gesture made Yan Songwen's secretly manipulative gesture look a bit childish and ridiculous, as if he had been punched on cotton.

Li Tianfeng said: "Right now, we are a little unsure about the two main plans. Prime Minister Yang's suggestion is that we should take the initiative to show weakness and paralyze him. The prince of Zhennan has always been famous and young and energetic. To be praised like this, Maybe it will be so easy that we can get some actual benefits from it.”

"What Mr. Wei means is that right now we were caught off guard and at a disadvantage. We finally got some advantage because of our advance arrangements. We can no longer show weakness, but should deal with it calmly and calmly." We should be hot and business-like to show our calmness and calmness, make the other party more confused, and finally achieve the goal we want."

"What everyone said makes sense, so I'm still a little unsure at the moment."

Li Tianfeng's words were very comprehensive and laid out the situation concisely and clearly.

Xia Jingyun thought for a moment and said softly: "Since we want to take advantage of his youthful spirit and arrogance, why not just give him a hard blow and give him a few mallets?"

Everyone twirled their beards together, and there were countless more beards on the ground.

Xia Jingyun looked at the people who looked puzzled and said, "Let's review it again. Now we are facing a rebellion and have lost a state. Moreover, it is a powerful military state with border troops. There are also rebellions in other places. It can be said that there are external and internal troubles. It's precarious. That's our problem and a real weakness."

"Secondly, the King of Zhennan holds a high position in the Northern Liang Dynasty, and the prince of the Prince of Zhennan is known for his talents. Such people are naturally young, energetic, and arrogant, so we want to take advantage of this possible weakness of his to see if we can overcome it. Return to the situation."

"According to our previous analysis, they must be here because of the matters concerning Dongfang Ping in Swift State. Can we agree? Of course not!"

"I very much agree with Yang Xiang's analysis, because he is young and energetic, to anger him, provoke him, and make him reveal his true purpose. In this case, it is better to suppress him directly with hostility. Wouldn't it be easier to succeed? "

Yan Songwen frowned, "But after all, I am the weak one this time. If I anger the other party, it may not end well!"

Xia Jingyun smiled slightly, knowing that these people are all mature and prudent, and they also have the Confucian temperament in their hearts, "Sir Yan, if the enemy you are fighting with starts to please and beg for mercy now that he is obviously weaker than you, you will let go because of this." Pass him?"

Yan Songwen and the others were silent when they heard this. With their ability to reach this point, they certainly knew what Xia Jingyun meant. It was meaningless to beg for mercy at the moment, and the other party could not be merciful because of the court's weak show of kindness. It's getting worse and worse.

Therefore, Xia Jingyun's proposal will not have any adverse consequences at least in terms of the final result.

"I agree with Gao Yang's statement. The envoys from Beiliang came all the way and would definitely not be able to report anything to Emperor Liang in time. Therefore, all strategies are planned in advance. Whether we show weakness, ignore or suppress, it will not affect the results. Since So, why don't we show our magnanimity as an orthodox and great country in the Central Plains, so that the barbarians of Northern Liang and the rebellious officials and traitors know that we in the Central Plains are not uninhabited!"

Wei Yuanzhi's words were immediately echoed by Li Tianfeng, and the others hesitated and nodded in agreement.

"In this case, the strategy for this matter has been decided like this."

Wan Wenbi would not give up his right to make decisions, so he nodded and said, "Then according to Gao Yang's opinion, who should be sent to make the final decision on this matter?"

When foreign envoys come from a foreign country, Honglu Temple handles the trivial matters in reception as usual. The other country is larger and has a higher status, and the Ministry of Rites will also assist. However, like this time in Beiliang, the other country has a high status, and the situation is different. , there must be a person who coordinates everything, takes the lead and accompanies him, and has full authority to deal with all matters of the mission.

Yang Weiguang glanced at Li Tianfeng, while Yan Songwen looked at Xia Jingyun. It was obvious that the two of them were guessing whether Xia Jingyun would recommend Li Tianfeng, who was from the Ministry of Etiquette, or come forward.

Xia Jingyun looked at everyone and couldn't help but smile and said: "There is one person who is most suitable for this candidate."
-
A mansion in Xicheng once belonged to an honorable uncle. It has been run for several generations. It occupies a large area and is well furnished.

But no matter what, this uncle was unlucky. He was captured by Dongfang Ming and his family and taken into the East Palace, and then he failed to make the right choice between life and death.

After the fire, the family left neatly, and the mansion became empty.

The mansions awarded to the meritorious officials by the imperial court this time basically came from the harvest of these fattened pigs, and this house was also awarded to the newly promoted censor Zhongcheng and Huai'an Marquis Baiyunbian.

After one year in Beijing, he passed the imperial examination, became an official, got a wife, became a marquis, and earned a mansion big enough to be passed down to the family. Mr. Bai was very satisfied with his ambitions. Although his father was not around, he still decided to Write a letter to your father to announce the good news.

Taking advantage of the fact that my father's body is still strong.

He picked up his pen and was hesitating to open the article with the question: Don't deceive the young man into poverty or God will entrust this man with a great responsibility, when he heard the steward of the house assigned to him by Feng Xiuyun coming in a hurry, "Master, Marquis Jianning is here to visit."

Bai Yunbian was startled, and quickly crumpled the letter paper with a few words written on it, and threw it into the wastebasket, "Invite him to come to the study."

When Xia Jingyun walked in, Bai Yunbian stepped back and said in surprise: "You are crazy, why did you come to my house!"

Xia Jingyun sat up and said jokingly: "You have been sleeping in my house for so long, why don't you let me ask you for a cup of tea?"

Bai Yunbian rolled his eyes, "You know I didn't mean that."

"It doesn't matter. We haven't broken up now, so take your time." Xia Jingyun suddenly raised his eyebrows, "That's not right. Why do I feel like you can't wait!"

"No, no, no." Bai Yunbian abruptly changed the subject, "Why are you coming to see me now?"

Xia Jingyun smiled and said, "I have arranged a good thing for you."

Bai Yunbian looked suspicious, and Xia Jingyun smiled and scolded: "Don't be so obedient when you get the advantage! How about we talk about how you, the Marquis of Huai'an, got here?"

"How did it come about? Of course I earned it through my own ability!"

"You have such a shameless temper." Xia Jingyun snorted, "This time the Beiliang envoys are coming, the central committee has decided that you will be the person in charge of receiving the Beiliang envoys."

Bai Yunbian was stunned when he heard this, "Me? Are all the people from Honglu Temple and the Ministry of Rites dead?"

Xia Jingyun stared at him speechlessly, and then said: "The Beiliang envoy is here, and the court will naturally have an important minister to lead the reception. The strategy set by the Central Committee this time is to suppress the arrogance of the Beiliang envoy and encourage me." Chao Shengfeng, this is the position I finally won for you."

Bai Yunbian looked confused, "I have no experience in this kind of thing. What should I do if something goes wrong?"

Don’t you have experience yet?There are a few people in the world who are more irritating than you.
Xia Jingyun cursed and sighed, "That's right. The King of Zhennan in Northern Liang holds military power and holds a high position. He is the person that Emperor Liang relies on the most. The prince of Zhennan is one of the Four Horsemen of Northern Liang. His talent is known all over the world, his talent, appearance, strategy and magnanimity are immeasurable. One is not the best choice. Facing such a person, it is normal for you to be hesitant and afraid and not to dare to fight, but I have made things simple."

He stood up and said, "In that case, I won't bother you anymore."

As he was about to stand up, he heard a "Wait a minute!" not unexpectedly.

Bai Yunbian snorted, "Your provoking method is so clumsy, but you still have the nerve to use it!"

Xia Jingyun looked at him without saying a word, and it was clearly written on his face: I just used it like this, can't you be fooled?

Bai Yunbian finally gave in to his own unruliness, "Then let me say it first, don't blame me if you mess up!"

Xia Jingyun smiled and said: "In terms of etiquette and treatment, Honglu Temple has its own arrangement, and you must not treat me unfairly. For the rest, you can just do whatever you want, whether it is a verbal exchange, a wine fight or a poem, it's up to you."

"Okay! I will take over this matter!"

Bai Yunbian clasped his hands behind his back and hummed, "Let the world see how powerful this young master really is!"

Xia Jingyun smiled and cupped his hands, "That's it, I'll wait for the good news from Brother Lexian."
-
In the central courtyard, Prime Minister Wan Wenbi is on duty tonight.

Several people from Zhongshushe and his close staff took on most of the work, sorting the official documents into categories, annotating them and checking the information, and put them on his desk.He slowly read through them one by one, as if the entire empire was slowly unfolding before his eyes, and was about to change with his decision.

He enjoyed the feeling.

"Wanxiang."

Outside the workshop, Yan Songwen knocked on the door with a smile.

"Ah, it's Jingde! Why haven't you left today?"

"I have a lot of things at hand, so I was delayed for a while. I'm not ready to leave. Come and tell Wan Xiang."

"I'll give it to you."

"I can't bear this as a low-ranking official."

"It's okay. You've been sitting for a long time. Let's take a few steps to move around."

After saying that, the two of them walked out. Yan Songwen was slightly behind half a body, but he didn't reach out to try to help him.

"Wanxiang, do you think Bai Zhongcheng is qualified for this task?"

"Haha, that's the person under your control, you still don't know?"

Yan Songwen smiled bitterly, "If Gao Yang takes action in person, with his ability, everyone will naturally have confidence, but Bai Zhongcheng. If he loses his position at this time, it will be a small matter for him to suffer, but it will be a big deal for him to damage the face of the court! "

Wan Wenbi chuckled, "Since Gao Yang has no plans left, he is the one who advocated this matter, so we have to believe him!"

He has also changed his strategy now. Since Xia Jingyun is now very powerful and aggressive, he will not openly confront him, but just support him.

The higher he pushes, the better. Whenever Xia Jingyun fails and the wall of trust collapses, that's when he gathers all his strength to attack.

Yan Songwen frowned slightly after hearing this, then understood immediately and said with a smile: "Yes, of course we have to believe him."
-
In the palace city, Xia Jingyun entered the palace again.

The bead curtain was opened, revealing the charming face of Concubine De, which seemed to be happy but not happy, and seemed to be resentful but not resentful. "Bai Yunbian agreed?"

Xia Jingyun nodded, "There is no reason why he should not obey the Queen Mother's decree as he is a minister."

"Do you have to talk to me like this?"

Xia Jingyun sighed in his heart, raised his head, and squeezed out a sunny smile on his handsome face, "Sister, don't worry, it may not be possible to make him please people, but to make him offend people and make them angry, that is what he is best at. "

Thinking of the strange behaviors reported by Baiyun, Concubine De couldn't help but smile.

This smile is full of beauty, like spring returning to the earth.

"Now that you said that, I feel relieved."

Xia Jingyun also smiled, "These days, my adoptive father often comes to the palace. It seems that my sister's mood has improved a lot!"

"Yes, after more than ten years of separation, we can finally reunite often." She looked at Xia Jingyun and said softly, "It's all thanks to you."

Xia Jingyun said softly: "Just like what my sister said just now, there is no need to be so emphatic."

Concubine De stood up slowly. Her gorgeous palace dress outlined her perfect but not voluptuous curves. She walked up to him with a smile and said, "How about the wedding can be done as scheduled?"

Xia Jingyun shook his head, "Now that the storm is in turmoil, we should try our best to stabilize it. Let's wait until the matter is settled before we get married. As the saying goes, if the country is not peaceful, why should we take care of the family?"

If the country is not at peace, how can we take care of our family?

Concubine De's eyes flashed with brilliance, and she took a step forward. The familiar yet unfamiliar masculine scent penetrated from the tip of her nose, causing her to bite lightly, and she stopped in her tracks.

"In that case, it's up to you. Just keep an eye on this matter and make up your own mind if anything happens."

After saying that, she turned around and walked away.

His steps were so hurried that he seemed to be running away.
-
That night, Xue Wenlu arrived at Huaiqing County.

As we got closer and closer to Zhongjing, the bandit troubles almost disappeared, and the quality and furnishings of the post house also improved a lot, but he had never seen a post official as impressive as Zezhou Shi Shangyu.

After a night's rest, Xue Wenlu led the delegation and set out again early in the morning.

Sitting in the carriage, he carefully read the various information about officials in Beijing and the DPRK that he had compiled before, and kept revising and improving his plan in his mind.

Today we have to rush to the inn on the outskirts of Zhongjing to rest, and we will enter the city the next morning.

By then, let the people of the Southern Dynasties feel the majesty of Beiliang.

After completing this mission and returning to Liangdu, many things will be able to make great progress.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but smile slightly.

After running around for a day, they finally arrived at the post house on the outskirts of the city when it was completely dark.

The officials from Honglu Temple who came to greet him in advance had also arrived and invited him in with great courtesy.

However, after meeting this official, Xue Wenlu frowned secretly.

Because, the other party's reaction was not at all as groveling and ingratiating as he had expected. Although there was nothing wrong with the etiquette, it was filled with a kind of businesslike indifference.

In the room, he called two deputy envoys, one was Lin Ya Chengzhi Yelv Guangde, and the other was Dilie Madusi, also the minister of the Ministry of Rites of Beiliang, Yuan Wenjing.

"Do you think the attitudes of these Southern Dynasty officials are quite different?"

Yelu Guangde frowned slightly after hearing this, "The lower officials also feel the same way. It is said that the Southern Dynasty is currently suffering from internal and external troubles. What confidence do they have to dare to look down on us like this?"

Yuan Wenjing said with a smile: "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Yelu Chengzhi are over-concerned. The two countries have diplomatic relations, bluffing, messing around, and showing the enemy weakness. These are common tricks, and they are all false moves."

Tuk Tuk Tuk.

There was a knock on the door, and Xue Wenlu's personal entourage came in.

"Your Highness, there is news from the city."

As he spoke, he handed over a letter.

Xue Wenlu opened it and took a look, his brows widened, and the corner of his mouth immediately sneered.

"Take a look, you two. It seems that Nanchao really thinks we are easy to bully this time! Haha!"

The two of them took the letter and read it several times. They looked surprised at first, then confused, and finally smiled a little more wildly.

Yuan Wenjing sneered and said: "The Southern Dynasty really doesn't know how much it weighs! They already have such virtue, and they still want to put on airs for us? The diplomatic relations between the two countries are based on their strength and status. Why do they do this?"

Yelu Wende, a Hanlin official in Beiliang, also said disdainfully: "If Xia Jingyun from the Southern Dynasty, who wished that people could live thousands of miles together to share the beauty of the moon, comes, maybe he can still fight. How dare an unknown person come to stroke the tiger's beard?"

Xue Wenlu smiled calmly, "No matter what, the truth is clear, then let's teach them a lesson!"

The two stood up and leaned over to say yes, pressing their chests.

The next day, early in the morning.

Outside Dingxi Gate, led by officials from Honglu Temple, the Beiliang delegation slowly arrived.

Ten miles outside the city, the minister of Honglu Temple led a group of people to greet him and walked from the pavilion to the road.

Xue Wenlu led the envoys out of the carriage and met with the Minister of Honglu Temple and others.

There is nothing to say in these scenes. Everyone has fixed procedures and rhetoric.

However, Xue Wenlu, Yelu Wende and others once again confirmed the news last night from the official attitude of Honglu Temple Minister and others. This time, the Southern Dynasty planned to stand firm.

After saying a few words, when there was a moment of silence, a figure emerged from the crowd, accompanied by a long chant.

"See all the birds flying high, the white clouds are at ease, the north wind is not blowing, and it sweeps across the top of all living beings."

Bai Yunbian, who was dressed in official uniform, slowly walked between the two parties, looked at Xue Wenlu, and said with a bit of arrogance and indifference: "Your envoy has worked hard all the way, my officer."

Xue Wenlu stepped forward with a look of joy on his face, "I have always heard that Lord Xia of your country is a poet, unparalleled in resourcefulness, and a great talent in governing the country. He has become a central minister in your country at the age of twenty, and his reputation is well known in the north and south. What is my envoy? How can you be so virtuous, Lord Lao Xia comes to greet you in person, I am so frightened!"

The originally lively scene suddenly turned into a dead silence.

A few crows on the branches were chirping. (End of chapter)