first minister

During the banquet, Xia Jingyun and Xue Wenlu sat at the main seat together.

Wan Xuanming led a group of powerful disciples to sit on the left side, while the people from Beiliang and others such as Li Zhiyi, Xu Dapeng and others sat on the right side.

After everyone sat down, Xia Jingyun asked with a smile: "Looking at how excited you were just now, what were you talking about?"

Just as Wan Xuanming was about to speak, Xue Wenlu had already answered with a smile: "Just as I mentioned that Marquis Jianning has made many meritorious deeds for your country, but he does not receive much praise from both the government and the public, so many people are fighting for you!"

There was a gentle and calm smile on his face, as if he was chatting casually with old friends.

It had been many days since he had been in Zhongjing of the Southern Dynasty, and he had yet to have direct contact with the so-called No. 1 of the younger generation of the Southern Dynasty.

But he did know a lot of those miraculous rumors. Not only was his rise to prominence legendary, but after entering the capital, he first fought against the richest man's son, then fought for power, and finally overturned the crown prince in a desperate situation, and rose to the center at a young age, reaching the pinnacle of his reputation.

However, some of this is true and some is false. Xue Wenlu, who is the target of random boasting by outsiders, is deeply suspicious.

Especially after meeting Baiyunbian, a so-called talented person from the Southern Dynasties, this suspicion reached its peak.

That kind of scoundrel and talkative person can sneak into a high position. I know that this Xia Jingyun is not just another person who is just trying to gain fame.

But it doesn't matter now. The defense lines of the middle and east roads of Northern Xinjiang of the Southern Dynasty collapsed one after another. The Wudang Army, which is the soul of the Southern Dynasty's army, is doomed. The 15-strong army is like a mountain pressing to the top. The general trend is in Daliang, and he also represents Beiliang. On the body.

The descendants of those nobles in the Southern Dynasties have proven their weakness and position with practical actions. If they can use this momentum to suppress this person's limelight, that will be the most convenient way to become famous in the Southern Dynasties.

The grievances I suffered on the thief by Baiyun must be found on Xia Jingyun!
Then, with the result of gaining both fame and fortune, he returned to the court in glory.

The so-called twin treasures of the Southern Dynasties, the father takes care of Jiang Yuhu, and this prince takes care of Xia Jingyun. This is called father and son fighting!
Just as he was running through those numerous thoughts in his mind, Xia Jingyun smiled softly as if he didn't realize the danger involved, "Your Majesty, this is just a joke. I have made some contributions, but the imperial court has given me rewards. As for the rest, I will spend my time on them." It’s in everyone’s eyes, so why force it?”

Xue Wenlu was overjoyed, as expected, he had fallen into a trap!

"So, Marquis Jianning also feels that they have given you less of the praise you deserve?"

Xia Jingyun chuckled lightly and retorted: "The prince seems to attach great importance to this? Could it be that the customs of your country are very different from those of my dynasty?"

"This is natural." Xue Wenlu nodded proudly, looked at everyone, and said loudly: "In our Daliang, the court and the people will never treat anyone with meritorious deeds. The people all praise their bravery and bravery. The imperial court praised his military position; all the people praised his intelligence for his intelligence, and the imperial court promoted his official position; so all directions came to support him, and tens of thousands of people helped him, and the way of civil and military affairs flourished. There were many people who were good at fighting, many people who were good at government, and there were many heroes. If it is buried, talented people will put it to use. Over time, the national power will increase, and the army will naturally be strong and the horses strong, and the people will be rich and the country will be strong."

Xue Wenlu's eloquent talk was to use the current military power to plant a seed in the hearts of these young talents from the Southern Dynasties that Beiliang was not only a wilderness, but also "my hometown".

As for the results, he didn't care. If one or two were abducted by him, he would make a profit. Even if there were none, if these words were sent back to Daliang, they would still be remembered.

And in the lower hall, under the influence of a kind of admiration for Qiang, many people actually believed in his evil deeds, and they looked fascinated when they heard it, as if they who were still depressed in Daxia could immediately go to Beiliang. It's like a meteoric rise.

Xia Jingyun still had a calm smile on his face. Just as he was about to speak, a person hurriedly ran out of the door and complained to Xia Jingyun: "Why didn't you tell me in advance when you came?"

The smile on Xia Jingyun's face instantly turned into helplessness, "What are you doing here?"

Xue Wenlu on the side immediately felt as if he had eaten a fly and said speechlessly: "Master Bai, didn't you say you won't come?"

Bai Yunbian waved his hand, "Now and then, this good show must not be missed. You talk about yourselves, I won't interrupt today."

After speaking, he looked at Wan Xuanming and said, "Master Wan, where do I sit?"

You stand, you can stand anywhere!

Wan Xuanming cursed in his heart, but he could only stand up and said respectfully: "Master Bai, please sit down and find another seat."

Bai Yunbian didn't refuse. Fortunately, the people next to Wan Xuanming also realized the situation and moved their seats one after another. The minister of Honglu Temple also quickly added tables and cushions himself so that Wan Xuanming could sit next to him.

"Where did you end up talking? Keep going."

Yelu Wende, who was on the opposite side, sneered in his heart and said: "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince said just now that I will give full play to people's talents and promote both civil and military affairs. Heroes will not be buried, talented people will be put to good use, mediocre people will not be allowed to seize high positions, and the virtuous will not be promoted."

"Oh!" Bai Yunbian nodded, with a heartfelt agreement, "This should be true, otherwise I wouldn't have sent you three as envoys."

Yelu Wende froze instantly, Xu Dapeng and others struggled to suppress their laughter, while the noble disciples on the other side lowered their heads silently.

While Xia Jingyun secretly lamented that Bai Yunbian's mouth really should be torn apart, he pretended to be angry and said: "Brother Lexian, everyone is gathered together today. I came here because I was entrusted by Wanxiang to come to watch and appreciate today. It’s better to be more steady.”

Bai Yunbian cupped his hands and said, "Okay, okay, I will concentrate on eating and drinking."

Xia Jingyun then looked at Xue Wenlu and said with a smile: "What His Royal Highness the Crown Prince said is indeed very desirable, but I believe that the affairs of a country are not limited to civil and military affairs, but should also include etiquette, law and morality. The so-called four dimensions of etiquette, justice, integrity and shame, if there are only Wise men plot within, and brave generals conquer abroad. How can a vast country be at peace? If it is strong, it will be plundered from outside, and if it is weak, it will be exploited by those below. How is it different from a herd of beasts?"

"Hahahaha!" Xue Wenlu laughed loudly, "Marquis Jianning has made outstanding achievements. I thought I should understand the nature of the weak and the strong in the world. Why do you make such pedantic remarks?"

He said with emotion: "Think of me, Daliang, which occupies a vast area, has strong soldiers and horses, dozens of subordinate countries, and hundreds of thousands of people who control the strings. It looks at the world and encompasses the whole world. Once an attack is launched, no one in the world can stop it. Under the war, How can the so-called etiquette and morality be attacked? Let’s take a look at Yinma Yuan today, who will win or lose? What will be the general trend?”

After Xia Jingyun heard this, he did not refute directly. Instead, he looked at the people below and said, "Today we are all gathered together to discuss matters. What do you think of His Highness the Crown Prince's words?"

"Your Majesty is generous, and based on my humble opinion, the military warfare in Beiliang is indeed far superior to that of our dynasty, which shows that its government and system do have merits."

"I also agree with this statement, governing a country is like being a human being. At the Spring Festival Banquet of our Zijian, Marquis Jianning once said, "When you see the virtuous, you should think about them, and when you see the virtuous, you should introspect yourself. Now our dynasty is bound by etiquette and law, and it is too weak to handle it. Daliang Since you are strong, we should learn with humility."

"This is a big fallacy! Just as Marquis Jianning said just now, the government of a great country is not only about conquest and aggression, but also about educating the people, nurturing the people, eliminating clean government, promoting ethics and so on. I am Zhengshuo in the Central Plains, a great country. , why should we abandon the basics and pursue the weak, and learn from other people?"

"What you are saying is ignorant and arrogant! What is the situation now? Are you still immersed in false dreams and can't extricate yourself? Since we are a great country, why did we lose in the dispute between the two countries? It is not worthy of our reflection. ?"

"Yes, we once conquered the barbarians, and all the nations came to court, but now, we first lost Yuyanzhou, and then were defeated by Yinmayuan. There are still wars everywhere inside. We still don't reflect, we are still arrogant, and we don't do well. Think about what’s going on in this country, there will definitely be more failures in the future.”

"It is not shameful to learn from the strong. With narrow arrogance and arrogance, you refuse to bend down to good things, so that you become more and more backward and weak. This is the real tragedy!"

"The beams have lit up our path forward. If we are still immersed in the illusion of weakness and prosperity, sooner or later we will be hit even harder!"

There were a lot of discussions below, and everyone expressed their opinions, but the sporadic support was always suppressed by those who admired Beiliang and supported learning from Beiliang.

Xia Jingyun listened silently and sighed softly in his heart. He was indeed right to come here.

These young people who will go to court in the future are not mentally mature enough. If their minds are taken away like this, it will be a disaster for the future of Daxia.

The old incident of the lighthouse in his memory may happen again.

He glanced at Xue Wenlu, who was smiling proudly and confidently, coughed slightly, and turned to look at everyone, "Everyone's words have their own truth, but I have something to say, and I want you to listen to it."

When everyone heard this, they immediately stopped talking, not only because of Xia Jingyun's prominent status, but also because he had indeed accumulated a strong reputation through his past deeds.

Whether it's anticipation or jealousy, everyone wants to hear what this young generation No. 1 has to say.

Xue Wenlu also looked at him with a smile. The higher Xia Jingyun's reputation, the greater the reward for stepping on him!

"In today's world, the north and the south are fighting, and there are many small countries in the border areas. The world is in chaos and the situation is complicated. It is not advisable to be immersed in the dream of a heavenly kingdom and stand on one's own sincerity. However, it is not advisable to forget one's ancestors, abandon the sages, and completely deny oneself. We should choose it. Take the essence and get rid of the dross. Choose the good ones and follow them, and change the bad ones. This is the right path."

He looked at everyone, "No matter what the situation, don't break your roots and spine. We are not that bad, and others are not that good."

"Since I, Daliang, are not that good, and your country is not that bad, then why do the two countries fail so many times in the war? Does the Marquis of Jianning not want to admit it?"

Seeing Xia Jingyun's words, the expressions of everyone below changed a little, and Xue Wenlu interrupted with some lack of grace and politeness.

Bai Yunbian glanced at him, sneered, turned to look at Honglu Temple Qing not far away, with a look that was both jealous and helpless and said: "I advise you to prepare paper and pen, it may be one of yours." Opportunity."

Honglu Temple Qing was stunned for a moment, but quickly stood up quietly.

Xia Jingyun smiled casually, "Victory and defeat are common matters for military officers. Your country was once beaten to the point of abandoning its armor by our dynasty, and the name of Liangshan is not recognized by your country now. It's just a war, why do you start to reflect on it at every turn? Is the national body coming?"

Xue Wenlu shook his head and hummed, "What Marquis Jianning said is a big mistake. When our dynasty was defeated, we learned from it painfully. After the new emperor came to the throne, he made great efforts and finally achieved today's victory. My suggestions are actually detrimental to our dynasty, but today This banquet was proposed by me, and everyone present here has also chosen it for the moment. I will say everything I want to say, and then I will return to the court and confront you all."

The smile on Xia Jingyun's face slowly faded. Bai Yunbian, Xu Dapeng and others all knew that the stage of teasing fools was over and it was time to get down to business, so they quietly sat up straight. "Your Majesty's current momentum and today's words are all based on the great defeat of our dynasty in the northern border. Your cavalry troops are so powerful that they are powerful in all directions. You intend to use this great victory to shake up the opportunity of our dynasty. Change the image of your country in the minds of our scholars, and even recruit a group of people close to your country to achieve your mission, right?"

Xue Wenlu was not stupid. When he saw Xia Jingyun put away his smile, he quietly cheered up. However, he did not expect that Xia Jingyun would change his previous calm and drizzle. His words came towards him like a violent storm on the evening of the summer solstice. He was told what he was thinking and forced himself to hold on. He said: "Is it possible that Marquis Jianning thinks that this battle will have a different outcome?"

"Of course, I always believe in Prince Anguo and the soldiers of our court. They are still fighting bloody battles on the front line, why should we judge their success or failure here!"

Those categorical words made many young people in the venue feel excited.

Xue Wenlu sneered and was about to refute, but Xia Jingyun didn't give him a chance at all and said directly: "But what I want to say now is not to analyze why we can win. I want to tell you that if we really lose, Well, so what?"

Xue Wenlu was stunned, and the young people below were also stunned.

Xia Jingyun slowly glanced around and said seriously: "If we lose, it must mean that we are wrong. Is Beiliang right?"

"Everyone, power can never represent truth. We never believe that whoever has a bigger fist will make sense!"

"The truth is the truth, and it should not make way for anything, nor should it be changed for anything else."

"In the academy, the teacher is the authority. He is better than us, but we can proudly shout, I love my teacher, and I love the truth even more!"

"In the officialdom, Shangguan is the authority, and he is stronger than us. But if they act recklessly, ignore the great trust of the court, neglect government affairs, and prey on the people, we can still bravely oppose it, disobey others, and not succumb to power, because the sages have taught us We are loyal to the emperor and patriotic, and we serve as officials for one term and benefit the country."

"In life, if I am strong, I will not bully the weak; if I am weak, I will not flatter the strong. Wealth cannot be lascivious, poverty cannot be moved, and power cannot bend!"

"These are the moral principles rooted in the hearts of our people in Great Xia. They are benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and faith. Together they constitute the great spirit of greatness that we are proud of!"

"These things will never become backward and ignorant because of the defeat of a war. Those shameless and naked exchanges of interests should not become our pursuit and principles."

"Even if the Wudang Army is defeated this time, so what? The three armies can seize the commander, but an ordinary man cannot seize the will! Our principle is, our road is there, the backbone of Daxia is there, one day, we can make a comeback , revenge, but if you break your spine and abandon your roots, you will become a rootless duckweed and lose the foundation of the great road!"

"Today's words are really inspired by my feelings. I hope you will stick to your true intentions and not change your ambitions. Just like the words given to His Royal Highness by the three old gentlemen from Tushan that day, you will become stronger despite repeated hardships. Jin, let the wind blow from east to west, from north to south!"

Pairs of red eyes were shining with passion. Even many of the powerful children who had been brainwashed by the clan's schemes felt pride stirring in their chests and intention taking root in their minds.

Honglu Temple Minister hurriedly recorded it, feeling that a huge opportunity had hit his forehead.

Not only will he be promoted, but he will at least become famous!

The place was filled with excitement. Yelu Wende, Yuan Wenjing and everyone in Beiliang all looked solemn. This Xia Jingyun was really powerful. He overturned their plans in just a few words, which aroused everyone's excitement.

Xue Wenlu did not panic, and sneered, "Master Xia is so eloquent! I wonder if you can still speak so impassionedly with your rhetoric that sounds good to the truth but is of no use at all when I am riding a horse on the Central Plains. ?”

Xia Jingyun, who had always been gentle and polite, turned angry and said, "Shut up!"

"The late emperor of our dynasty passed away, and traitorous parties caused chaos. Moreover, the veteran army and gods passed away. Warfare was everywhere in the states. At the time of internal and external troubles, you claimed to be friendly neighbors. First, you colluded with the traitors and invaded my Yuyan state. Later, Taking advantage of the situation, they came with the intention of intimidating the imperial court and grabbing huge profits. At the same time, they disregarded their integrity and worked hard to come with an overwhelming army, besieging our northern border and massacring our warriors. How can it be dignified to take advantage of others' danger and betray trust? What you did is not like that of a great country! You are still so complacent and proud of yourself instead of being ashamed. We, aspiring people, are ashamed to be in your company!"

"it is good!"

"Well cursed!"

Xu Dapeng and others were the first to make noises, and then the crowd became angry, beating the table and shouting.

Facing Xia Jingyun's sudden attack, Xue Wenlu forced himself to calm down and said: "No matter how you talk, you can't change the outcome of the battle in Yinmayuan. I am pointing at the direction of the cavalry and the direction of the soldiers. How much can your full words of benevolence, righteousness and morality be able to block the outcome of the battle?" A few swords!"

"I have always been reluctant to call you a barbarian, but your words are really ridiculous! Do you think Beiliang is very strong?"

“You call yourself an empire, but your country’s economy is scattered and weak; you rely on your strong military force, but your country’s governance institutions are crude and sloppy; you claim to have a vast territory, but in fact it is an alliance of large and small tribes and vassal states. Therefore, When there is benefit, they gather together; when the benefit is exhausted, they disperse.”

"Your country is like the herd of beasts. Under the leadership of a ferocious beast, it spreads its teeth and claws with astonishing momentum. With a steady stream of benefits, the beasts can become stronger and more ferocious. But once it encounters a setback, it will Everyone is looking for a way to survive, each is going his own way, and then they fall apart. This is how it flourishes and how suddenly it falls."

"Now that you have been lucky enough to encounter decades of peace, you should be grateful. If you didn't want to, you would do this dishonest, shameless and immoral act! How dare you say such nonsense!"

Xia Jingyun's words echoed in the room, eliciting bursts of enthusiastic applause.

"Master Hou said it well!"

"The barbarians in Beiliang have no shame, how dare they talk here!"

Xue Wenlu kept calm, and the iron advantage of the Battle of Yinmayuan became his only support at this moment, "I hope you can still laugh after the news of your country's defeat comes!"

There was no need for Xia Jingyun to speak. Someone immediately shouted angrily: "It's just a failure, so what! If you lose the first battle, then do it again!"

Xue Wenlu snorted coldly: "You know your mistakes and don't correct them. It's your mentality that dooms you to failure!"

"Son!"

Just as there was a commotion in the palace, Gongsun Jing stumbled into the room almost like a dive, and then looked at Xia Jingyun, "Sir! Great victory in Northern Xinjiang!"

As soon as these words came out, the chaotic voices in the hall disappeared instantly, and everyone looked at Gongsun Jing in shock.

Xia Jingyun's heart was beating wildly in an instant, but as an actor, how could he show any nervousness, and calmly smiled and said: "Don't be anxious, drink some water, and speak slowly."

A knowledgeable person on the side immediately poured a glass of water. Gongsun Jing took a sip, took a breath, and said excitedly: "Prince Anguo made a surprise attack on Lieyang Pass by detouring, and then defeated the tiger and leopard cavalry in Yinma Plains, and killed the tiger in formation. The leader of the Leopard Cavalry, Xue Hengshan, then defeated the main force of the Snow Dragon Cavalry again at Yanhui Pass, and finally defeated the Controlling Crane Army and the remnants of the Snow Dragon Cavalry outside Qingchuan Pass. In one day, he won three out of three battles! More than 3 people were beheaded. , annihilated and captured a total of more than [-] Beiliang people! After the defeat of the Southern King of Beiliang Town, he fled with his remaining troops, and the Anguo County King led his troops to pursue him! Northern Xinjiang! A great victory!"

Xia Jingyun laughed, raised his glass, stood up, and said loudly: "Gentlemen, do you now know how powerful a loyal and brave person is?"

Everyone shouted excitedly, "Know!"

"Do you know how vulnerable an unjust master is?"

The voices in the hall became louder, "Know!"

"Do you know that I, Daxia Zhengshuo, do not need to learn the ways of the tigers, wolves, and barbarians of Beiliang?"

"Know!"

"Everyone! Congratulations to Prince Anguo! Congratulations to the unworthy warrior! Congratulations to me, Daxia!"

"Congratulations to Prince Anguo! Congratulations to the unworthy warrior! Congratulations to me, Daxia!"

Amidst the uniform shouts, there was a clang, and Xue Wenlu, whose face was purple from holding back the blood, suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood and fell to the ground on his back.

But except for the Beiliang people he brought, no one cares about him anymore.

After finishing a bowl of celebratory wine, Xia Jingyun smiled and said, "Please enjoy your drink, gentlemen. I want to enter the palace quickly to discuss post-war affairs, so I won't be able to accompany you."

"Master Marquis, you have worked hard, Master Marquis, go slow!"

Amidst the neat greetings, the young scholars looked at Xia Jingyun with eyes filled with enthusiasm.

Jiang Yuhu, who established the name of the new army god in the first battle, was far away in the horizon. Xia Jingyun was the god in front of them, the god of their scholars!

Bai Yunbian also stood up, looked at Yelu Wende and Yuan Wenjing who were supporting the unconscious Xue Wenlu, sighed, and ruthlessly sprinkled a handful of salt on their wounds, "You are making trouble with me, and you will only get angry. , If you make trouble with him, it will be fatal!"

After saying that, he shook his head and left, feeling deeply regretful that he had once again witnessed Xia Jingyun's appearance in front of others.

"That reckless man Jiang Yuhu is really quite capable!"

The gentle murmurs were covered up by the sudden cheers and cheers in the hall, and were quickly blown away in the wind.

Tonight, Zhongjing City is destined to be sleepless. (End of chapter)