first minister

"I very much agree with what your lords said earlier about choosing the lesser of two evils."

Xia Jingyun's first words made the determined war faction stunned and disappointed, while the war faction who were originally afraid of being refuted by him were instantly overjoyed.

Old Xianggong Su and Old Master Zhao, who were originally there, were still sitting on the stools, as if they were old monks in meditation, without even raising their eyes.

"Now that the turmoil in the court has ceased, and the war in all directions has not been settled, if the Northern Liang is angered and the Northern Liang raises troops to attack, even though the western and central frontier troops are defending, there will still be a catastrophic disaster. This will be a disaster."

"If you agree to Beiliang's proposal, Yuyan Prefecture will fall into the hands of the traitor Dongfang Ping, and the eastern front line of northern Xinjiang where Yuyan Prefecture is located will be in danger. The Beiliang army can leave Langya Prefecture from Yuyan Prefecture at any time. The current embarrassment will be Swift State will exist for a day before it is recaptured.”

When Xia Jingyun said these words, everyone's expressions changed again. They were so smart that they all realized what Xia Jingyun's purpose was.

"More importantly, if we agree to Beiliang's words, what we will do is no different from ceding territory and seeking peace? Let our people fall under the rule of the imperial barbarians and traitors, wailing in pain and unable to be saved. This is Is this a decision that an emperor who nurtures all people should make? If this proposal comes to pass, it will be infamy for thousands of years and be cast aside by future generations!"

"It is true to choose the lesser of two evils, but we must distinguish its essence and truly weigh the severity! How can we only see a moment of peace in Beiliang that will not invade the south for a year, but not see that we can't do anything for a year? To take back the people of Swift State? Can’t you see that we are going to allow traitors and enemy countries to show off their power on our land? Can’t you see where this will put the Queen Mother and Your Majesty? Can’t you see the eternal infamy behind it?”

"Here, I have a message for you. If you seek peace through struggle, you will survive in peace. If you seek peace through compromise, you will perish in peace! The two countries are fighting to the death. Beiliang will never stop because of our retreat. He They will only be afraid of us because of our strength!"

The loud words echoed in the hall for a long time.

The sentence "Seek peace through struggle, then peace will survive; seek peace through compromise, then peace will perish" has also been trembling in people's hearts for a long time.

But in court disputes, the argument is never about who has the right.

The position everyone stands on is never simply about who has the right or wrong.

Wan Wenbi spoke slowly, "What Marquis Jianning said is reasonable, but I still want to ask, if the Beiliang Empire comes, how can we deal with it? Unless we are willing to do such a thing that will lose our power and humiliate the country, what will happen?" At this point, it’s just like that clever woman who can’t make a meal without rice, how about a plan?”

After hearing these ordinary words, Mr. Su and Mr. Zhao both opened their eyes, and Mr. Zhao frowned slightly.

Wan Wenbi's words may seem ordinary, but in fact they contain some evil intentions. Now that Xia Jingyun is an important minister of the central government, if he opens his mouth and talks about every inch of mountains and rivers, every inch of blood, and that all men in our court can wear armor, etc., if they seem to be passionate but actually of no use, then Coupled with his own youth, it is inevitable that he will be looked down upon.

And after a person is fundamentally denied and questioned, what he said before is no longer so convincing, no matter how reasonable it is.

This is why many people choose to attack their opponents' personal ethics during political disputes.

Xia Jingyun was obviously aware of this problem and did not fall for it. Instead, he said slowly: "Wan Xiang's words are on point. I guess this is also your worry, right?"

"We might as well calm down and analyze it. We have already sent a large army to the Langya State to fight. The arrival of the Beiliang envoy has confirmed the idea that Beiliang has not devoted all its efforts to help Dongfang Ping. As long as we win In this battle, Dongfang Ping's troops have naturally stopped moving forward. We also have time to rectify the civil strife and gather troops to counterattack. Why is it necessary to make an oath for yourself to restrain your behavior? You don't think that Beiliang is so good, only They made the oath themselves and ignored us, right?”

"As for the Northern Liang invasion, I have already sent a letter to Prince Anguo. The reply from Prince Anguo reassures us that there will never be any problems on the western and central fronts."

Xia Jingyun looked around and said, "Don't we believe in the incompetent army who saved the country from danger countless times? We don't believe in the little military god who broke through [-] from [-] in front of Sishui Pass. Instead, we have to believe in the ambition of Beiliang Tiger Wolf." A promise?"

Everyone was speechless by these words. It seemed that they supported the peace negotiation but did not support Prince Anguo. Then who dares!
When Prince Anguo returns to Beijing, he really dares to beat people up.

When all the ministers were silent, Master Zhao said slowly: "Marquis Jianning, what you said is good, but the situation on the Eastern Front is uncertain now, and the outcome of the battle is unknown!"

"Then wait for the results to come out!"

"Wait?" Mr. Zhao raised his eyebrows, "What about the people from Beiliang?"

Xia Jingyun knew that Mr. Zhao was helping him check for leaks and fill up the vacancies, so he talked to him and handed him the ladder. Hearing this, he sneered: "What they said about changing the price is nothing more than intimidation. Besides, we really have fallen into the trap of letting mermaids do it." At this point, even if the peace treaty document has been signed, can Beiliang really resist the invasion? Xue Wenlu came all the way, thousands of miles away from Liangdu, everything has been planned for a long time."

Mr. Zhao, the owner of the village, nodded when he heard this, "In this case, I have no objection."

When he said this, except for a few central officials, who would dare to take the lead?

The important officials in the center were better able to assess the situation and understand the inside story, so they all kept silent.

On the high platform, seeing the debate come to an end, Concubine De said slowly: "Beiliang wolves have ambitions that cannot be trusted easily. Xia Aiqing's words are indisputable, and the Ai family agrees. Based on this argument, the Northern Liang envoys were temporarily stabilized and waited for the wolves. The results of the battle in Yazhou. Beside the white clouds."

Bai Yunbian responded and said, "I'm here."

"You did a good job. You will continue to accompany the Beiliang delegation to stabilize it."

"Sir, obey the order!"
-
In the post house of Honglu Temple, the Beiliang envoy asked his men to guard the door. The three of them gathered in the room and talked.

After all, we were in the capital of an enemy country. Even in a secret room, Yelu Wende subconsciously whispered: "His Royal Highness, do you think that bitch from the Southern Dynasty will agree?" Xue Wenlu smiled faintly, "Girl? The Queen Mother of the Southern Dynasty. How many people can compare to me, Daliang, in terms of grace? Even though we are an enemy country, we still have to have basic respect."

Yelvwende smiled awkwardly, "Slip of the tongue, that's not important."

Xue Wenlu didn't dwell on this point and shook his head slightly, "Actually, I can't say much about this matter."

He looked at the two deputy envoys who looked puzzled and said leisurely: "Do you still remember what I said to you? The Southern Dynasty has been able to compete with me for many years. There are outstanding people in both the government and the public, and there is no need to say more in the court. . However, after being immersed in this colorful world for a long time, their temperament will inevitably gradually become cowardly and timid. For them, the matter of swords and iron and blood is so far away that they have become rejection and fear in their bones. Therefore, my prince I don’t know which side will have the upper hand.”

He picked up the teacup, took a sip of the expensive and exquisite tea from the Southern Dynasties, and let out a sigh of satisfaction, "But what I can confirm is that no matter what happened today, they who are afraid will not dare to let that happen again." The annoying Baiyun is coming to cause trouble."

Yelu Wende and Yuan Wenjing couldn't help but twitch when they thought of yesterday's experience. They were well-informed, but they had never seen anyone who could make people more irritable than that one.

Just as I was thinking about it, there was a knock on the door, "Your Highness, someone from the Southern Dynasty is here."

The three people in the room looked at each other, straightened their makeup, got up and walked out.

As soon as they opened the door, the three of them saw the smiling face beside the white clouds.

The expressions of the three of them all froze.

"Huh? With your expression, doesn't it mean you don't welcome me?"

Bai Yunbian seemed to have no idea how annoying he was, with a look of pure confusion on his face.

"Ahem." Xue Wenlu laughed awkwardly, "Master Bai is here, but your country has already reached a conclusion?"

"You're still young after all, you're just so impatient."

Bai Yunbian seemed to have no idea about his age, shook his head and sighed, "This matter is not small, but everything in our court is complicated, and the Queen Mother and Her Majesty also have many things to deal with, so they have to be dealt with one by one. It will be your turn, don’t worry.”

Xue Wenlu, who was obviously a few years older than Bai Yunbian, pressed his heart that could not help but be restless, and said slowly: "I will not interfere in the internal affairs of your country. But don't forget what I said today. Today, that’s not the price.”

Bai Yunbian disapproved, "Do you know what you look like now? It's like that silver pewter gun with a sultry expression on its head and a harsh word that will make you unable to get out of bed for a while."

He leaned forward and said, "Really fierce people, well, just like me, never bother to use verbal threats, but conquer them directly with practical actions. But the question is, can you do it?"

"Presumptuous! I don't think you can see the coffin."

Yelu Wende's angry shout was restrained by Xue Wenlu. Xue Wenlu narrowed his eyes slightly, "Master Bai, who was born as a dignified scholar and is famous for his talent, could actually say such vulgar words when the two countries were having diplomatic relations. It's really outrageous. It’s incredible and eye-opening.”

Bai Yunbian was startled and sighed, "Aren't I just trying to accommodate you? I thought all you Beiliang people liked this tone! It seems that I have overestimated your vulgarity. I will definitely pay attention to it in the future."

The minister of Honglu Temple followed behind him and buried his head even lower. Lord Bai was singing and dancing in his face. If I were from Beiliang, I would probably be able to draw my sword.

But Xue Wenlu was not that simple after all. He just took a deep breath and said, "Master Bai, if you have nothing else to do, please come back."

Bai Yunbian said quickly: "Farewell, I have been ordered by the Queen Mother and Your Majesty to accompany you today, so I can enjoy the scenery of Beijing!"

I really want to experience it, but I don't want to talk to you. Xue Wenlu cursed and said coldly: "I am tired from the journey. I am tired today and don't want to go out."

"Then I'll be waiting here. Call me when you want to go out today."

"We don't even plan to go out today!"

Seeing Bai Yunbian leaving with regret on his face, everyone in the Beiliang Mission felt relieved that they had escaped a disaster.

That night, a homing pigeon flapped its wings and fell into the dovecote of Liuyun Tianxiang Pavilion. Almost at the same time, another homing pigeon also flew into the rebuilt black ice platform.

The next morning, before dawn, Xue Wenlu's door was banged.

"Who is it!"

Xue Wenlu, who had not yet woken up, opened the door angrily. Under the bright lights, the annoying face beside the white clouds appeared in front of him like a nightmare.

"Your Highness, today is the second day, what is your price today?" (End of Chapter)