first minister

How could a small village with more than a hundred people be a match for this group of elite veterans who had experienced bloody battles and were proficient in various killing techniques.

The headmaster knelt on the ground and was so frightened that he almost peed. How could he have lost his mind and gone crazy and dared to offend this group of powerful dragons crossing the river? He quickly kowtowed to Xiao Fengshan and said: "Heroes, spare your life, heroes, spare your lives! Villains have no eyes! Spare your lives, heroes." !”

Xiao Fengshan slowly stood up from his seat and came to the man. However, as the man was shaking with fear, he unexpectedly knelt down in front of him and said warmly: "Master, don't be afraid, I'm not here to get you." Your lives."

"We are all people who committed serious crimes in the imperial court. We learned that this Yuyan State is a good place for heroes to use force, so we came here on the run. We are still willing to respect the head of the family as our leader. I wonder if the head of the family is willing?"

"This?"

"Don't you want to?" Xiao Fengshan sighed softly.

With just this slight sigh, the bandit leader almost lost all his soul and soul. He nodded quickly, "I am willing, I am willing."

No matter how stupid he is, he knows that he, the boss, is just a name, but having a name and a life is better than being killed on the spot!
Xiao Fengshan smiled and pulled him up and pushed him on the chair, "Then, Master, what other forces are there around here? Our village should be stronger!"

The boss swallowed his saliva. At this moment, he knew that Fanyang County, which was already in chaos, was really going to be in trouble.
-
"This weather is really unbearable!"

Bai Yunbian muttered, and immediately felt a murderous aura beside him. He turned around and saw Jiang Yuhu's cold gaze.

Xia Jingyun smiled and said: "The hardships of the border guards are obvious. We still have to work harder to restore the court to a prosperous civil and military environment and clear governance. Although natural disasters are unavoidable, it is always a blessing to have less man-made disasters."

Chen Fugui, who once again became a personal guard next to Xia Jingyun, nodded, "Young master's words can be called a great kindness. In fact, man-made disasters are often more terrible than natural disasters."

"We are all our own people, but we have to say these things, are they true or not?"

Before Bai Yunbian could finish his muttering, Jiang Yuhu picked him up and carried him directly out of the room. Chen Fugui silently closed the door.

Xia Jingyun smiled and said, "Pack it up, we're ready to hit the road."

Walking to the lobby of the post station, Yi Cheng Shi Shangyu looked at Xia Jingyun who came down from the second floor with admiration and expectation. The great achievements of Marquis Jianning have been spread throughout Daxia, but seeing it is better than hearing it a hundred times. That style is really It gave him the impression that Marquis Jianning, a genius with world-wide experience, should be like this.

He had a heart to manage the world and benefit the people since he was a child, but he came from a humble background and had no hope of an official career. He could only live in this small post station.

But he never gave up and worked diligently. On the premise of doing his job well, he quietly and enthusiastically waited for the opportunity to come.

Previously, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Beiliang passed by, and he could see that the other party admired him, but he did not feel any excitement or admiration because he was from a foreign race.

But this time, when he saw Marquis Jianning, he was really moved.

He felt that God had finally favored his unremitting efforts, and when Marquis Jianning arrived, he was still able to show the best of this old inn.

He looked at Marquis Jianning and walked towards him with calm steps, his heart beating like a drum, looking forward to that possible solicitation.

However, Marquis Jianning just walked past him.

The room was quiet, and he could clearly hear the sound of heartbreak.

After all, this world is not what he thought, and there is no such ray of light that can give hope to people like them.

Even Marquis Jianning, who also rose from such a crowd.

The futou on his head suddenly seemed to weigh a thousand pounds at this moment, bending his head, which had never been lowered, and his spine, which had always been straight.

"Being here, you can still be well organized and everything is clear, which shows your talent. Will you follow me to Zhongjing?"

A clear voice came from his ears, like the sound of nature, making Shi Shangyu raise his head instantly.

Xia Jingyun smiled, "You won't be unwilling, right?"

"Your Majesty is willing!"

Shi Shangyu's eyes immediately turned red, his fingers and calves were trembling slightly with excitement, and he pursed his lips and bowed deeply to Marquis Jianning.

A pair of hands gently helped him up, "It doesn't have to be like this. Starting from a humble background, you can better know and understand the sufferings of the people. Work hard in the future and strive to let more people be able to succeed based on their talents."

Bai Yunbian stood outside the door, watching the actions between Xia Jingyun and Shi Shangyu, and snorted. Just as he was about to say something about someone trying to win people's hearts by fishing for fame, Chen Fugui reminded him in a low voice: "The Marquis of Huai'an, Your Highness Prince Jing It’s right next to it!”

Bai Yunbian's expression froze, and he glanced at Jiang Yuhu, who was dozens of steps away, and whispered in a stern voice: "How could I be afraid of him! It's just that I don't want to argue with such a reckless man!"

Chen Fugui nodded repeatedly and smiled without saying a word.

With his merits, at least there would be an earl to honor the ancestors. However, considering that the impact of having an earl as a personal guard would be too exaggerated, the imperial court temporarily suppressed the imperial decree of canonization and prepared to wait for this turn. Then issue the decree and canonize.

However, this news was no longer a secret among the senior officials in Zhongjing, so even Bai Yunbian did not claim to be a prince in front of him.

Although Xia Jingyun had made an agreement with Shi Shangyu, after all, Shi Shangyu was a member of the imperial court and had his own procedures to go through. At the same time, the occasion they were going to was not suitable for bringing someone who had not yet been tested, so Xia Jingyun After leaving a handwritten letter of recommendation, Shi Shangyu was asked to go to his superior to complete the formalities, and then went directly to Beijing to find Jingzhao Yin Su Yuanshang.

After finishing these tasks, he and everyone else got on their horses and headed straight for Lieyang Pass.

Two days later, everyone arrived at Anfeng County, which is more than [-] miles away from Qingchuan Pass.

The former prefect of Anfeng County had already been promoted because he cooperated with Jiang Yuhu in mobilizing tens of thousands of people to scare off the Northern Liang army. The replacement official had just arrived and rushed out to greet him after hearing the news.

After some encouragement, Xia Jingyun did not enter the city, but directly led the crowd to Qingchuan Pass.

When they arrived at the city head of Qingchuan Pass, it was getting late, so everyone rested directly in Qingchuan Pass tonight.

After taking a short rest, Lang Yukun, the minister of Honglu Temple, knocked on Xia Jingyun's door.

Any official who is aspiring to make progress would seize such a rare opportunity to travel with Xia Jingyun. Xia Jingyun was well aware of this and let him in with a smile, and then said: "What's the matter with Mr. Lang?" Advice?"

Lang Yukun, who was almost touching the chair with his buttocks, quickly jumped up when he heard this, and said in panic: "Master Hou said something serious. I just thought of something and asked Master Hou to help me consider whether it is necessary."

"Master Lang is the minister of Honglu Temple. He has dealt with foreign countries a lot. He must have some good advice. I am planning to ask for it."

"You're welcome, Lord Marquis." Lang Yukun sat down again and said, "As the saying goes, negotiation between two countries is like fighting a war. Now that our country has the upper hand, we are negotiating within our territory. According to the old practice, we should give the other side a warning. In order to suppress the opponent's momentum and clarify the difference between host and guest. I came here just to ask the Marquis what measures are more appropriate. When I arrive at Lieyang Pass tomorrow, I can make arrangements. "

After Xia Jingyun listened, he leaned against the charcoal stove, rubbed his fingers gently, and pondered for a moment, "What are the usual methods?"

Lang Yukun smiled and said, "There are many ways, such as keeping them out for a while, not allowing them to enter the city, searching people when they come in, disarming them, or setting up more obstacles in terms of accommodation, food, etc. Anyway, it's just how to let them in. They feel aggrieved but helpless, but it’s not appropriate to go too far.”

Xia Jingyun nodded slowly, and just as he moved his eyes to the small tea stove beside the table, intending to make a pot of tea, Lang Yukun had already stood up to do it for him.

After the tea soup was brewed, Xia Jingyun collected his thoughts and said, "How much do you know about Yelv Stone?"

Lang Yukun said quickly: "I have informed the Marquis of all the inferior officials' bad opinions, and there is absolutely no hidden secret."

Xia Jingyun nodded, "In your opinion, is this little trick useful to Yelv Shi?"

Lang Yukun's face froze when he heard this. Since Yelvshi had such experience and was such a talented person, how could his little tricks like this one be able to shake his mind.

And if you can't achieve that effect, why bother doing these little tricks!
He hurriedly avoided the table and stood up, "I am a humble official and my opinion almost led to a big mistake."

Xia Jingyun stretched out his hand to interrupt, "No, it's not that. My style of doing things is to brainstorm ideas. I'd rather you talk more. Let's sum it up together. If one of the ten ideas is good, it's also a good one. But if you don't say a word, it's useless. .As for the situation then”

He paused and said, "Just follow the normal specifications. You should pay more attention to the layout, don't make any mistakes, and give the prince and prince of Beiliang the treatment they deserve. If we want to win him, we must win his open and honest heart."

Lang Yukun expressed emotion, "Everyone in the world says that Mr. Hou is very ambitious in his work, but now we know that the rumors are true!"
-
"Shut up!"

The huge team stopped outside the governor's office in Huaishuo City. King Yelvshi of Dingxi in Northern Liang, wearing a fox fur, stepped out of the carriage.

Walking like a dragon and walking like a tiger, he stepped into the threshold of the governor's mansion under the respectful welcome of the governor of Huaishuo City.Behind him was Wang Ruoshui, who looked humble and helpless at the same time.

Just as he sat down, there was a burst of footsteps outside the door, and King Jing Xue Yi walked in with his entourage.

Yelvshi stood up on his own initiative and saluted, "Your Highness."

Wang Ruoshui also bowed respectfully, "I pay homage to His Highness Prince Jing."

King Jing quickly said politely: "King Dingxi, don't be too polite. It's time for Xiao Wang to pay his respects to you. Mr. Wang also invites you."

Yelvshi didn't care about these small polite things and said with a smile: "His Highness looks quite depressed. I guess it is due to the fatigue from the journey. Today I should just rest in the room. Why are you so polite."

King Jing opened his mouth to speak, then shook his head and sighed, but didn't say much.

Upon seeing this, Yelvshi waved his hand and asked everyone in the room to retreat, leaving only Wang Ruoshui, who was also the deputy envoy.

King Jing then said: "King Dingxi doesn't know something, those Southern Dynasty people are really going too far!"

"I won't mention the previous discussion with Bai Yunbian, the deputy envoy of the Southern Dynasty. He was ridiculed and ridiculed everywhere, but he couldn't get angry. He rubbed salt on the wound whenever he found a pain. It was so anxious that he wanted to chop him with a knife. ! Then in the name of his father, he went to Zhongjing of the Southern Dynasty to congratulate the Marquis of Jianning. Not to mention, the two days in Zhongjing were no different from a public execution! King Dingxi, what a humiliation! Cousin Wenlu After being tormented so many times, such a healthy person, he couldn't even get sick, and he was lying on the carriage going back to Liangdu. According to me, he doesn't need to be implicated by Uncle Zhennan Wang, he is probably going to die soon."

King Jing seemed to be full of bitterness. He couldn't stop as soon as he started speaking. He talked for a long time. Hearing Wang Ruoshui's words, he felt the same and immediately agreed: "The two princes know clearly that Xia Jingyun of the Southern Dynasties is indeed very powerful." , be careful!"

"Hahahaha!" Yelvshi laughed loudly, "I have also seen information about this upstart from the Southern Dynasties. He is indeed an unparalleled genius. But don't worry, I am here personally to frustrate his spirit. , young people, there are good things about young people, but there are also problems about young people.”

Looking at Yelv Shi's confident and calm smile, King Jing recalled the past glory of this old prince from the memory of old papers, and nodded repeatedly, "Xiao Wang almost forgot, King Dingxi was far more powerful than this man from the Southern Dynasty back then. He is such a person, and now he has experienced half his life, how can the Xia family's children get away with it!"

Yelvshi was not so arrogant in his heart, but in order to cheer up the two deputy envoys, he smiled to himself and said, "Those things of his are just leftovers from my play. Don't worry."

Wang Ruoshui looked at Yelvshi's confident look and couldn't help but feel anxious. What if Marquis Jianning didn't please him?Do you want to send a message secretly?

With his mind full of thoughts, he returned to his room and had a sound sleep. Early the next morning, he packed up with the team and prepared to go to Lieyang Pass.

Before setting off, Yelvshi looked at everyone in the team, as well as at King Jing and Wang Ruoshui, and said with a smile:
"Everyone, if my prediction is correct, the people of the Southern Dynasty will definitely set up many obstacles in the city today. Whether it is blocking the door to prevent entry, or searching and disarming, we just have to accept it calmly."

He chuckled and said calmly, "Don't be fooled by the strong and humiliating appearance. Their behavior only shows that they have a fierce heart and a timid heart that dare not confront us openly. It is nothing to be afraid of. I, the brave warrior of the Liang Dynasty, , I only have contempt for such underhanded tactics, and there is no need to be angry at all."

King Jing and Wang Ruoshui felt very polite after hearing this and nodded repeatedly.

A smile also appeared on King Jing's face, and he flattered him in a cooperative manner: "Luckily there is King Dingxi, otherwise we would have fallen into the tricks of the Southern Dynasty people!"

Yelvshi boarded the carriage with a smile and looked at everyone, "Let's go, let's just treat it as a joke and see what petty and generous things this Southern Dynasty man can do!"

There was a burst of cheers in the team, and they walked towards Lieyang Pass.

Around noon, everyone arrived at Lieyang Pass.

Looking at the closed Lieyangguan City Gate, everyone remembered what King Dingxi had said before, and the corners of their mouths were slightly raised, looking confident as if they were waiting to watch a poor performance.

A sergeant stepped forward and shouted, "We are the Daliang envoy, here to negotiate, please open the city!"

The sergeant on the top of the city said, "Wait a moment!"

Everyone in Beiliang was not surprised either. They watched with smiles and were prepared to be left hanging in the cold wind for half an hour.

It has to be said that Yelvshi's methods were still very sharp and precise, and he easily stabilized everyone's possible low morale and turned possible difficulties into good times.

However, the situation ultimately exceeded their expectations.

Less than a few breaths after the reply from the top of the city, the heavy city gate made a sour creaking sound and was slowly opened.

A man wearing Daxia official uniform walked out and said loudly to everyone: "I am Lang Yukun, the minister of Daxia Honglu Temple. All Daliang envoys, please follow me into the city."

???

A string of questions hung on everyone's foreheads. Not only did they not leave them alone, but they also came out to greet them?

Yes, people from the Southern Dynasties must be concerned about their face and can't bear to do such excessive things. After a while, they will definitely do things like searching and disarming people secretly.

As everyone was thinking this, the smile on Yelvshi's face slowly solidified. After a moment of silence, he asked King Jing to go out and greet Lang Yukun, and then the team walked towards the city gate.

Then, they passed the city gate smoothly and calmly.

Everyone was dumbfounded again.

So smooth?
Well, most of the problems will be at the City Lord's Mansion, and maybe they will make things difficult for us in terms of food and accommodation!
With such speculation, everyone went all the way to the City Lord's Mansion and saw several figures standing at the door.

I saw only one of them, wearing a purple robe, with a long body, his temperament was as pure as the surrounding ice and snow, his smile was gentle, and he seemed to be in the warm spring breeze.

hiss!So handsome!
Lang Yukun opened his mouth and introduced to Yelv Shi and others who got off the carriage: "This is the official envoy of our mission to the DPRK, Mr. Xia Jingyun Xia, Marquis of Jianning, Shizhong, and Secretary of the Ministry of Revenue."

Xia Jingyun smiled and cupped his hands, "I have always heard of the name of King Dingxi of Daliang. When I saw him today, he was indeed extraordinary."

Yelvshi had quietly adjusted his mentality and said with a smile: "Master Xia is stealing my words. Master Xia's talent has long been famous in the north and south. How lucky I am to see you today!"

Xia Jingyun introduced Bai Yunbian to the crowd, "This is the deputy envoy of our dynasty, the Marquis of Huai'an, Yu Shi Zhongcheng, Lord Bai Yunbian."

Bai Yunbian held his head high and his chest high, Yelvshi cupped his hands perfunctorily, "Master Bai, I have long admired you."

Baiyunbian, who had already prepared his answer, was stunned for a moment, and his face suddenly showed anger. However, Yelvshi seemed to have not seen them, and introduced King Jing and Wang Ruoshui again.

Especially when introducing Wang Ruoshui, he even fanned the flames and said: "This is Mr. Wang Ruoshui, the scholar in our imperial court. He is highly regarded by his Majesty. Your Majesty knows that he is familiar with your country, so he By sending him as deputy envoy, I am sure he will not let down your kindness."

The Minister of Honglu Temple and the Daxia people on the side looked at Wang Ruoshui with burning eyes, but Xia Jingyun just narrowed his eyes and said with an indifferent expression, "Everyone is tired from the journey today, so you might as well go and rest first. I will be here tonight. Let’s hold a banquet to welcome you all and let us have formal negotiations tomorrow. What do you think of King Dingxi?”

Yelv Shi smiled and nodded, "It's up to the host to do as he pleases. Thank you Marquis Jianning for your kindness."

Xia Jingyun looked at the white clouds and said, "Brother Lexian, please do your best and lead everyone to your residence together with Mr. Lang. King Dingxi, let's see you in the evening."

"See you tonight."

Yelvshi took everyone to say goodbye to Xia Jingyun, and then went to a spacious house in the city under the leadership of Baiyunbian and Lang Yukun.

Standing in the mansion, looking at the accommodation conditions that were definitely not shabby, everyone who had come here successfully was completely confused.

Isn't that a little trick?

Isn’t it said that the people of the Southern Dynasty were fierce in appearance and soft in heart?

Does this mean that the people of the Southern Dynasties simply feel that they are destined to be defeated?
King Jing couldn't hold back his emotions and came to Bai Yunbian's side, "Master Bai, why are you so lenient to us?"

Bai Yunbian looked at him as if he were a fool, "The diplomatic relations between the two countries have their own dignity. I, the great country of Daxia and the orthodox Central Plains, will maliciously make things difficult for you?"

He looked at King Jing's confused look and suddenly raised his eyebrows, "You don't really think that we will make things difficult for you, do you? You actually think so, is there something seriously wrong with you?"

The corner of Yelvshi's mouth twitched silently, his expression solemn.

This Xia Jingyun is indeed difficult to deal with, he is a formidable opponent.

As for Baiyunbian, it really deserves a beating! (End of chapter)