first minister

Outside Zhongjing City, in an ordinary Zhuangzi, in a secret room, two people were sitting opposite each other.

One of them is surprisingly the Marquis of Laiyang who is wanted by the whole world.

At this moment, he frowned and looked at the opposite side, "Senior brother, now that the imperial court has won consecutive battles and won, there is no chaos at all. How else can we act?"

The person opposite said calmly, "I didn't expect that Concubine De and Xia Jingyun would be so determined, and that Jiang Yuhu and Xia Yunfei could really support the war in Northern Xinjiang. If we miss this opportunity, there may be chaos in the court. It’s too small.”

Marquis Laiyang sighed, "The most important thing is that Zhao Qingsheng is considered the founder of your industry. In just a short time, he has almost wiped out all the Black Ice Platforms. I heard that he has captured many of your secret agents. If this continues, I’m afraid this place will become unsafe.”

"If there is really no other way, then the only thing we can do is to risk our lives. It will be difficult for us, and we will not let them have an easy time!"

"How to say?"

"Let me have a good time planning it."

The person opposite stood up, walked to the window, frowned and stared at the sky outside the window.

The skylight shone on his face, and it turned out to be the former Black Ice Platform's first Black Fox who had disappeared without a trace after his escape! ——
In Zhongjing City, Yan Songwen personally carried a small pile of official documents and walked into Wan Wenbi's workshop. He smiled and said, "Wan Xiang, I have to work hard for you again today."

Wan Wenbi put down his pen with a smile, "I'm just sharing my worries with you, so why bother? I'm tired from sitting still. Can Jide take a walk with me to relax his muscles and bones?"

Yan Songwen nodded, "That's what you wish for!"

The two walked slowly outside the small courtyard, and the atmosphere gradually became solemn.

"Recently, the imperial court has begun to rectify the administration of officials. Many officials who have been serving as officials have been replaced by many young officials. It is rare to see such a vibrant scene in this officialdom!"

Yan Songwen hummed, "The Ministry of Civil Affairs has taken quite a big step. It is said that they are still formulating a new method for evaluating officials. Mr. Wei has done a great job!"

Wan Wenbi nodded, "If everything goes well, the country will have a new look, and old people like you and me should enjoy their old age in peace, haha."

"What Wan Xiang said is wrong. The more we sail through the waves and forge ahead with determination, the more mature and prudent people like you are needed to be the ballast stone and steady the rudder. Only in this way can we make steady progress!"

Wan Wenbi smiled and said, "Ji De's words also apply to you! You, the censor, must make good use of the power of supervision given by Taizu!"

Yan Songwen stretched out his hand and looked at the ground, "Be careful."

Wan Wenbi patted his hand gently and said, "Hey, I'm getting old, and I'll have to look after you in the future!"

"What are you talking about? You are healthy!"

The two of them were talking and walking forward slowly, both filled with worries.

With the successive victories in three border battles, the reputation of the imperial court and Xia Jingyun, the representative of the hard-line main force, has almost reached its peak.

And when the people of Beiliang, who seemed to outsiders to be invincible and irresistible, were beaten to the ground by Xia Yunfei and Jiang Yuhu, not only the rebels in the four fields saw the determination and strength of the imperial court, their fighting spirit weakened instantly, and they became easier to deal with. The looming opposition in the DPRK also stopped for a while and did not dare to act rashly.

As a result, some reform strategies began to be submitted to the central committee for discussion and gradually implemented.

Seeing that if this continues, the power of the government will fall into Xia Jingyun's hands sooner or later, both of them can't sit still.

For the people standing on the shore, with Xia Jingyun's abilities, this would happen sooner or later. It was better to just follow the weather and obey, and still be rich and safe.

But those who are in the game don't see it that way. There are a few people who have reached this position who did not work hard through the ups and downs of the officialdom, and there are a few people who have the character of being content with being a little rich and willing to be inferior to others.

What's more, Xia Jingyun's rise to power will not affect Wei Yuanzhi and others, but will directly threaten the two of them at this moment.

If Wan Wenbi doesn't think of a solution, he may become a mascot again before long;

And if Yan Songwen didn't try to stop him, he might wake up one day and Bai Yunbian would not be pressing against his waist, but directly replacing him.

Two people with direct conflicts of interest quietly formed an alliance.

But the situation outside, just like the weather at the moment, is full of gloom and chill.

However, the gloom and coldness in the eyes of these two people meant that for everyone in the Xia family, the weather was very good.

After Xia Yunfei won a victory that was unexpected by everyone and withstood the overall situation of the world, the Xia family was very happy. Xia Zhang was so arrogant that she almost asked everyone when they met: "How do you know my son is Xia Yunfei's?" , but before they were happy for a long time, news from Northern Xinjiang came out again.

The Northern Liang Dynasty came, and the country was in turmoil. Looking at Xia Jingyun who was too busy to leave home every day, with his brows furrowed, the Xia family also became worried.

Fortunately, everything turned around in a short period of time. The two great victories of Prince Anguo ignited the hearts of the people in Zhongjing City and swept away the gloom in everyone's minds.

There was nothing to do today. At Xia Jingyun's suggestion, Xia Li and Xia Zhang took Xia Ningzhen with them to tidy up and left the Hou Mansion to take a walk around the bustling Zhongjing City in a relaxed mood.

Xia Li smiled and said, "Speaking of which, this is the first time I've been able to go shopping in the capital!"

Xia Zhang also nodded in agreement: "It was said that it was a lively event when the envoys from Beiliang left two days ago. It's a pity that I didn't come to see it with my own eyes!"

As for Xia Ningzhen, she was wearing a long green dress, holding her mother's arm, with a pair of smart and shining eyes, curiously looking at the prosperity in front of her that was far better than Jiang'an County.

Behind the three people were two silent guards.

After walking for a while, the three of them visited some ready-made clothing shops and rouge and gouache shops from time to time. Then after learning the prices, they silently retreated, complaining about the high prices of goods in Zhongjing and the evil intentions of the merchants as they walked.

Then, they couldn't resist the temptation of the jewels and walked into the Story of Stone.

The Stone Records, which once belonged to the Shi family, were taken back to the Royal Inner Court Department after the destruction of the Shi family. Now they are developing even better. Everyone in the Xia family can't help but shine when they look at the jewelry.

It's just that the Xia family has been living in seclusion since they entered the capital, and they didn't take the carriage with the Jianning Marquis Mansion logo today. The steward on duty on the first floor didn't realize the noble status of these people, so they didn't pay much attention to them.

Fortunately, the three of them were not domineering people, and they didn't care. They still watched with excitement and chatter.

"Ning Zhen, look at this, these earrings are so beautiful! They will look great on you."

After looking at it for a while, Xia Li pointed to an emerald earring with a bit of excitement in her expression. The other two people also gathered around her. Try it!"

A flash of surprise and excitement flashed in Xia Ning's eyes, but then she shook her head, "No, it's very expensive at first glance."

Only then did Mrs. Xia Zhang notice the price and took a breath of cold air, "Yes, dear, it costs 30 taels of silver!"

"Girls are naturally beautiful. It is an honor for a mere pair of earrings to match her."

A rather handsome man spoke with a smile beside everyone, and then pointed skillfully to the boy beside him, "Wrap it up for me, sir."

Then he handed out a silver check, took the jewelry box, handed it to Xia Ningzhen, and forced out a smile that he thought was chic, "Hong Junyan of the Hong family in the Lower East City, please don't blame the girl for the rudeness."

He had long noticed this very good-looking girl. From the conversation and the curious demeanor, she was probably a country bumpkin who came to Beijing to visit relatives, which gave him the courage to flirt with her.

The folk customs of Daxia have not yet been poisoned by the strict laws of etiquette, and are quite open. It is common for gentle ladies and gentlemen to show off, and even the waiters in the shop watch with interest.

As for the two well-trained guards of the Xia family, under the premise of ensuring safety, they will not rashly stop anything before the master family makes a decision.

Xia Ningzhen quickly waved her hands and shook her head, "Thank you, but I can't ask for it."

Xia Zhang looked at the young man with interest and secretly compared him with the eldest man Erlang. Not to mention my eldest son, even Erlang couldn't compare with him. He still wants to chase Ning Zhen, no, no!

Seeing Xia Ning's helpless look, the young man was secretly proud of himself like an experienced hunter. He began to imagine the joy of getting a new beautiful concubine. He smiled and said: "The so-called BMW gives a hero, the girl is so beautiful, just a mere girl." A piece of jewelry is not worth mentioning.”

Seeing that Xia Ning really wanted to refuse, he smiled and said: "What's more, I have already bought it. If I don't give it to the girl, the money will be wasted. The girl won't waste it like this, right?"

This is his tried-and-tested routine, and he is absolutely accurate in dealing with these foreigners who have never seen much of the world.

Sure enough, Xia Ning was really hesitant, so he took advantage of the victory and said, "If the girl feels bad about it, and it's almost noon now, why don't you invite me to have a meal, so that we can settle things down?"

Xia Li suddenly said: "We appreciate this young master's kindness, but we can't have it without reward. We say goodbye."

After saying that, he pulled Xia Ningzhen out. Mr. Hong wanted to step forward, but the Xia family guard stretched out his arm to stop him.

Mr. Hong looked gloomy, looked at the direction in which everyone was leaving, and snorted softly.

In Zhongjing City, you really can't do anything daring, or you might offend someone.

But over the years, he has developed a pair of vicious eyes. At first glance, Xia Ningzhen and others are not from a wealthy family. How can such a person, who is so beautiful, let you run away!
The woman next to me also looks a bit charming. When the time comes, hehe!

He smiled evilly and followed with a few followers.

After walking for a while, I saw the three women actually arriving in front of the famous Mingyu Tower. They were standing at the door, hesitating and not daring to go in. I felt even more confident.

Mrs. Xia Zhang looked up at the magnificence and nobility of Mingyu Tower, and had a more concrete understanding of the Qin family's financial resources. She felt a little guilty, "Brothers and sisters, do we really want to go in?"

Xia Li smiled and said, "Erlang said he should go and have a look, so let's go and have a look. Can what he said be true?"

Mrs. Xia Zhang hummed, "That's right. I've even been to the palace, so what are you afraid of here!" Xia Ningzhen turned around and glanced, whispering: "Mom, aunt, that person is still following you."

Ms. Xia Li didn't even look back, "Don't worry, let's eat ours. If he doesn't dare to do anything if he doesn't have eyes, I'll tell Miss Feng."

With that said, the three of them walked inside.

Mr. Hong sneered and followed.

People elsewhere may not know these three people, but Mingyu Tower has always been dedicated to receiving dignitaries, and what matters is discernment. What's more, the eldest daughter of the Xia family is about to become the daughter-in-law of the Xia family, and the names of everyone in the Xia family have long been known. The guests at Mingyu Tower remembered clearly that as soon as they heard the word Ning Zhen, they could vaguely see some resemblance to Marquis Jianning on their faces, and their expressions suddenly changed.

Not long after, the head shopkeeper of Mingyu Tower came in a hurry and greeted the three of them respectfully.

After a while, a pair of masters and servants came out of the building and greeted everyone nervously.

The eldest lady of the Qin family? !

Mr. Hong, who was originally happy to see Hunter, was dumbfounded. Aren't these three foreign bumpkins?

How is this going?

He stepped back carefully, came to the door, and said to the boy beside him: "Excuse me, who are these three people? They even came to greet them personally, the shopkeeper and the eldest lady of your house?"

The welcoming boy did not doubt that he was there and said smoothly: "Who else can it be? Marquis Jianning's mother and Xing'anbo's mother and sister. Our eldest lady will soon be the daughter-in-law of the Xia family. Do you think you can do it in person?" Come to greet me?"

boom!
Thunder suddenly arose in Mr. Hong's head. Marquis Jianning's mother?
Xing Anbo’s sister?

My mother!

What the hell did I eat this morning?
Mr. Hong's legs went weak and he almost knelt down. When he realized what he was doing, he ran away.

But as soon as he ran a few steps, he walked out from the street, reached out to stop him, and showed his token, "Heibingtai, your Excellency, please come with us."

Mr. Hong trembled, and a warmth spread between his legs.

In an ordinary carriage parked on the side of the road, Xie Yanzhi, the current de facto leader of Black Ice Platform, withdrew his gaze in disgust and lowered the curtain of the carriage.

The Xia family didn't know what was happening outside. They were accompanied by Qin Li personally, and they were looking at the luxurious and elegant furnishings of Mingyu Tower with great interest.

Xia Li looked at Qin Li who was holding her arm, and said with a smile: "Yesterday the Queen Mother conveyed the decree, and there is only one month left for the wedding. Is there anything we can do for you? Or if you have any requests, please tell me in advance. Shall I tell you?"

Qin Li lowered his head in embarrassment, and Xia Zhang joked: "Forget about your little knowledge and just cooperate like a wooden stake. The Qin family is the richest in the world and has a lot of servants. There is nothing you don't understand."

Mrs. Xia Li was used to her sister-in-law's mouth, and she had a gentle temperament, so she didn't say much.

Qin Li was still hesitating whether to tactfully help her mother-in-law to come forward, but Xia Ningzhen already whispered: "But mother, you have to study hard, I will get married in the future!"

Xia Zhang's smile suddenly stopped.

Xia Li laughed unkindly.

Ming Yulou's laughter was just a microcosm. As the date of Marquis Jianning's marriage to the Su family and the Qin family was set and getting closer, the entire Zhongjing city was in a sensation, and countless people also blessed it.

The young prince who rises miraculously and shines like a star;
The richest woman in the world, the legitimate daughter of the Hou Qin family for several generations, a strange woman who has been famous in the capital since she was a child;
The legitimate daughter of the Yunmeng No. [-] family, who has been the prime minister for several generations and has an astonishing reputation. She is the pearl of Dongting whose reputation and talent are unparalleled in the entire state;

In addition to this astonishing background, coupled with the legendary marriage of equal wives, for a time, the talk about this marriage almost occupied the streets and alleys of Zhongjing City.
-
In the dusk, at a post station two to three hundred miles away from Zhongjing, a team of Beiliang envoys moved in.

After leaving almost as if they were fleeing for a whole day, everyone felt like they were letting out a sigh of relief when they looked back at the Zhongjing City that was far away.

This experience in Zhongjing City was like a nightmare.

If it simply hits a wall, that's it.

But in the eyes of the uneducated men in the team, their experience was like finally having the opportunity to go to a brothel to sleep with the girl of their choice. They happily said harsh words and had an arrogant attitude, but they didn't expect that it hadn't started yet. That won’t work.

The other party also comforted himself very thoughtfully, saying it was okay. The guest officer must be tired. Let's take a rest and come back tomorrow morning.

I also felt that I should be fine once the weather cleared up and the rain stopped, so I regrouped. But this time, it was even worse than before. I didn't even start the topic before I couldn't do it again.

The other party finally said with a shocked face, "It turns out you really can't do it!"

Tell me, which man can endure such shame and humiliation?
Fortunately, this is finally over.

"Anyway, this is finally over."

Looking at the familiar inn in front of him, Xue Wenlu breathed a long sigh of relief.

Standing by the window and looking at the open space outside the inn, he remembered the scene when he first met Jiang Yuhu here.

That night, he was high-spirited, that night, he was arrogant.

Then, the man opposite didn't even bother to look at him seriously.

He felt angry at that time, but now that he thinks about it, all he feels is self-deprecation.

How dare I do that!
Night quietly enveloped the earth. Lying in this guest battle that was obviously not as good as the Honglu Temple Post House, Xue Wenlu and the people in Beiliang who were traveling with them actually had a rare and peaceful sleep after many days.

The next morning, they set off again. After a whole day of frantic driving, their team arrived at the inn outside Zezhou City.

After passing this inn, they would have to sleep outdoors tonight, so everyone subconsciously slowed down and waited for orders from above.

Xue Wenlu in the carriage also saw this inn, and couldn't help but recall that when he also arrived here in the night, he was so high-spirited and his expression quietly turned desolate.

He subconsciously felt a little embarrassed to step into this place, but then he thought that he, the majestic Prince of Zhennan, would not shrink in front of such a little postmaster. Moreover, in the final analysis, all this nightmare has finally come to an end, and he has passed this place. , after you go back, everything will be back on the right track.

So, he said softly, "Let's rest here tonight."

Everyone felt relieved and hurried towards the inn with a bit of joy.

As the Great Xia court stabilized the overall situation of suppressing bandits with great determination and determination, and all previous bad policies were abolished, although the fighting on the border was fierce, the situation in the counties and counties did not deteriorate. On the contrary, it Got a big improvement.

Although the inn in front of us was still well prepared, the atmosphere was obviously much more relaxed than when Xue Wenlu and others came.

Seeing this impressive group of Beiliang people, Shi Shangyu, the postmaster of the post station, came out to welcome them and bowed in a neither humble nor overbearing manner.

When the opponent was strong before, he never flattered him, and now that the opponent is weak, he didn't ridicule him either.

This attitude made Xue Wenlu and others appreciate him even more. When he settled in the room, Xue Wenlu was still thinking that if he could bring this person back to Beiliang, he would be the only one in this trip. Harvest right?

But it’s just a thought these days. If he could suppress the Southern Dynasty monarchs and ministers as expected and return with a great victory, he would take a Yi Cheng with him. But now, he himself is too embarrassed to mention it. , he was so distraught that he left his hometown and followed him to Daliang.

Forget it, don't think about anything else, just go back in peace.

Whether the illusion of making great achievements is shattered or the evil thief beside the white clouds, leave it all behind and let the wind go. It's like a nightmare. When you return to Daliang, it's time to wake up from the dream.

Hurry up and we can reach the border between the two countries tomorrow, and then
He was suddenly startled. If he followed this route, he would have to pass through Qingchuan Pass, Yanhui Pass, and Lieyang Pass, which was once in their hands but now fell into the enemy's hands.
How will your son feel when he wants to "visit" his father's "great achievements" in person?Will he be humiliated by the southern border troops again?
However, if you take a detour, you will need to walk hundreds of miles more and walk in Daxia for many days.

How to choose?
Xue Wenlu fell into thinking, and when he was stunned, he saw a small group of people galloping towards him.

Huh?
Seeing the visitor's attire, Xue Wenlu's expression changed slightly.

After the visitor came down, he saw the Beiliang people here, and his expression also changed.

Soon, a burst of hurried footsteps stopped outside Xue Wenlu's door from far away.

"His Royal Highness is here. I would like to see Pei Bingchang!"

Xue Wenlu thought about it carefully and determined that it was unlikely that the other party came to arrest him under the order. He slowly opened the door and looked at this direct descendant of the Pei family, "Why are you here?"

"I'm here on the emperor's orders. Your Majesty, let's go into the house and talk?"

Xue Wenlu was shocked and quickly let him in.

"What is His Majesty's will?"

Pei Bingchang glanced at Xue Wenlu, took out a letter of credence from his arms and handed it over, "Your Majesty has a decree to order His Royal Highness the Crown Prince to lead the delegation back to Beijing to submit the letter of credence to the Queen Mother and the Emperor of the Southern Dynasty and request for peace."

Bang!

Xue Wenlu fell to the ground and looked at the letter of credence with a horrified expression, as if he had seen the most terrifying evil spirit in hell. (End of chapter)