first minister

The team entered the city gate and dispersed.

Many people took this opportunity to invite each other to sit down and drink two glasses of spring wine.

And the topic naturally turned to the court situation and the general trend of the world after three cups and two bottles of soju.

"Back then, the people of Beiliang deceived us into changing the imperial power, and took advantage of the chaos in the court and the local war to invade south. Now it is their turn to assassinate their emperor, and the throne has changed. Lieyang Pass and Phoenix City are both in the hands of our government. , the offensive and defensive positions are changing, I think the imperial court should mobilize troops for the Northern Expedition!"

"This is actually a God-given opportunity, but it is difficult! Think about it, there are still several large groups of thieves and bandits in Daze and the mountains, and they are far from reaching the level of Xianning all over the world. Although their military strength is not as good as before We are so stretched, but there are still many soldiers and horses being restrained. What's more, Yuyan State is the problem!"

"Yes, Yuyan State is the most important. I didn't expect that the eldest prince, oh no, Dongfang Ping is really powerful. Not only did he expel the forces of Beiliang, but he also directly ate the thousands of falcon eagles. . Now that his strength has greatly increased, if the imperial court cannot put down the rebellion as soon as possible, he is afraid that the Swift State will be managed into a monolith. Once the separatist regime is formed, it will be difficult to put down the rebellion in the future!"

"If we want to deal with Dongfang Ping, I'm afraid we still have to rely on the Wudang Army, but there are only so many Wudang Army. If we don't negotiate well with Beiliang, how can they dare to withdraw easily?"

"Speaking of which, Marquis Jianning has been away for a month, and we have a great advantage. Why has it taken so long for a simple peace negotiation to be completed?"

"Hey, he must be trying to make a contribution again. If we just negotiate an ordinary peace agreement as we expected, how can we show the greatness of Marquis Jianning! Haha!"

"As you said, taking back Yuyan Prefecture without losing any blood is such a good thing and such a great achievement. What else can he do? He missed such a good opportunity and now Yuyan Prefecture has become a serious problem. I think Marquis Jianning should go to court. Just apologize to the ministers!"

"Hey, hey, be careful what you say!"

In the central courtyard, Wan Wenbi and Yan Songwen walked slowly on the forest path behind the courtyard.

Yan Songwen whispered: "Wan Xiang, these days, the Yushitai has received several memorials to impeach Marquis Jianning."

Wan Wenbi was silent for a moment and waved his hand, "It's just nonsense from a few people who can't see the direction of the wind. Marquis Jianning has made great contributions to the country and is deeply grateful to the emperor. How can we criticize him harshly for this trivial matter." It is neither done by a benevolent person nor by a wise person.”

Yan Songwen understood the meaning and nodded immediately, "Wan Xiang is right. The Queen Mother's trust in Marquis Jianning cannot be shaken by this trivial matter."

He paused, "However, speaking of it, Marquis Jianning did not take advantage of the fact that Beiliang still had power in Yuyan State to sign a peace agreement with Beiliang, take back Yuyan State, and take the initiative. From the current situation, it is true that It’s easy to attract people’s attention.”

Wan Wenbi chuckled and said: "Didn't he himself write about it? How can there be a reason for everything to be smooth sailing in life?" A good future is not a bad thing for the imperial court and the central government."

Yan Songwen nodded, "Wan Xiang said it politely. Measuring land and checking hidden household registrations have been implemented very well in Yunmeng Prefecture recently. However, the gentry in other places are a little nervous and have sent people to inquire. There were people there in the past two days. Come to my house and pay your respects."

Wan Wenbi looked solemn and said slowly: "I agree very much with what Marquis Jianning said at the beginning. This is a major national event. No matter how big the resistance is, it must be carried out. Not only must it be done, but it must be done thoroughly! If the court wants to clean up the accumulated abuses, then You have to have the courage to cut out the flesh and scrape the bones, otherwise you will end up hanging your life instead of regaining a new life!"

He turned to look at Yan Songwen, "Some people also came to my house, and I made it clear to them that this is the national policy of the imperial court, and they should cooperate with it, otherwise, they will become enemies of the imperial court! The fate of Xiao Fengshan and Lu Rusong is right in front of them. Let them weigh it carefully!"

Yan Songwen hummed, "I will tell those people the same thing when I go back, so that they can recognize the reality."

"The burden of the center is so heavy and complicated. Jide, you have to bear more!"

"Wish to be attached to all things."

"That's serious! You see, it was still frosty and snowy here back then, but now the flowers are blooming, and it's starting to look like spring."

"Yes! It's rare!"

Over there in the center, they were talking;

An Guo Gongfu was also talking.

"What do you think about the Beiliang incident?"

Mr. Su poured two cups of hot tea and handed them to Mr. Zhao, the village owner opposite.

Mr. Zhao, the owner of the old manor, helped him slightly and rolled up his sleeves again. "The national conditions of Beiliang are different from those of our dynasty. Killing the king and killing the father is not the key. The key is to be able to balance the interests of the seven surnames. According to Hei Bingtai's intelligence , this time he came to power, using the power of the Yuwen family and the Murong family, among which the Yuwen family contributed particularly much. Originally, the Yuwen family was second only to the Yelu family among the lower four surnames. If the Yuwen family could not further replace the Yelu family, , how can the Yuwen family be appeased? But how can the Yelu family agree to this? And what about the Murong family? They have no appeal for more benefits? There is nothing in Beiliang right now, but all parties are waiting and watching, waiting for the new emperor. Give a reasonable plan.”

Old Xianggong Su picked up the tea cup and sipped it, "So, the key to breaking the situation lies in Yelv Stone?"

As expected of a top-notch veteran, he can accurately see the solution to the problem from the current situation at a glance.

"Yes, Yelvshi happens to be in Lieyang Pass." Old Village Master Zhao agreed, but then shook his head, "But then I thought about it, what can Yelvshi do? Do you really want him to rebel? What happened? Suddenly, his family and relatives are all in Liangdu, can he really do anything that will affect us?"

Old Xianggong Su also sighed, "Yes, it is unrealistic to expect to use him to cause chaos in Beiliang again. Even under such circumstances, the peace agreement between the north and the south may not be reached. Gao Yang is afraid that he will return empty-handed this time."

Mr. Zhao took a sip of tea and said comfortingly: "Young man, it's not a bad thing to suffer some setbacks. He has had such a smooth journey. I'm worried that he feels that everything in the world is under his control and he can't move forward steadily. . This setback is neither big nor small, it’s just right.”

Mr. Su frowned, "Speaking of which, I'm worried about another thing."

He looked at Mr. Zhao, the owner of the village, "Nowadays, the reform of internal affairs is slowly being implemented. The pilot method suggested by Gao Yang is very good, the Ministry of Civil Affairs' method of passing the examination, the Ministry of Household's method of clearing the land and household registration, and the Ministry of Work's work-for-relief method. They are all choosing a state to try it out. But I think some people in the central government want to misinterpret the original intention of the policy and implement harsh laws to scare people. You should keep an eye on your side and don't let good things change. It became a bad thing.”

The old village owner Zhao also looked solemn when he heard this, "That's what I want to say today. There are many panic attacks among the gentry in various states. I heard that in the past few days, many wealthy and powerful families in many places have sent people to Beijing. I want to Find a way to ask about the situation, and even plan to contact the clan members to change this policy! Do you think the court should issue an official document to explain the meaning? "

"The official document has been sent out, and everyone can understand it. It's just a matter of whether you want to understand it or not." Old Xianggong Su snorted, "The Su family can be considered a wealthy family, but they still understand the principle that if there is no skin left, there will be no hair. Yes, if the imperial court is really in chaos and collapse, how many times can a wealthy family, no matter how big it is, be able to withstand how many times they were plundered by the rebels? Each and every one of these families has become fat and rich, but they still have nothing to lose. Thinking of sucking blood from the imperial court’s policies to strengthen oneself is simply abominable and pathetic!”

"It would be great if anyone could have an idea like yours." Old Village Master Zhao sighed, "Gao Yang's original suggestion was finally passed after a lot of tossing when the central committee was discussing matters. "

"Anyway, keep an eye on it and don't let those people with evil intentions and greedy trash do anything stupid and spoil the situation that has finally improved."

"Don't worry, I will personally send additional manpower to each state. If there is any trouble, we will contact you."

"Well, we have nothing to do, let's play a game of chess?"

The old owner of the village, Zhao, looked at Mr. Su, "Aren't you going to Jianninghou Mansion to see your precious granddaughter today?"

Mr. Su shook his head and said, "I was called into the palace by the Queen Mother."

Mr. Zhao, the owner of the village, raised his eyebrows and said slowly: "The Queen Mother still has nothing to say to Gao Yang. His hard work is not in vain."

"They are all members of our family, feel free to sit down."

In Changle Palace, Concubine De sat on the throne and looked at the two noble ladies in front of her.

Su Yanyan and Qin Li now had their hair combed, and after hearing this, they sat down on the chairs obediently.

Although they knew that the woman in front of them was their husband's sworn sister, the queen mother who listened to the affairs behind the curtain was the actual ruler of the empire. Under such a status, even with their background, they would inevitably be a little cautious.

"Eat some oranges. These are specially bought by Shang Gongtai. They are very good."

Concubine De spoke kindly, and the two girls nodded, each took a piece of it and put it in their mouths, almost crying.

But having received strict training, they controlled their expressions almost instantly, swallowed silently, and looked at each other quietly, wondering whether the Queen Mother was teasing them on purpose. But when she turned around, she saw that the Queen Mother was eating happily.

Second daughter:.
  After eating a few orange slices, Concubine De smiled and said, "Is there anything difficult in the house these days?"

Su Yanyan is now in charge of the mansion. Hearing this, he took the initiative and said: "Thank you for your concern, your Majesty. Everything is fine in the mansion. It's just that brothers Gao Yang and Dingyuan are away. My parents, uncles and aunts at home are very worried. My sister Li and I are also worried on weekdays." They are all relieved.”

This is the basic principle for answering questions from leaders. If you come up and say everything is fine and then disappear, how will the leader answer the question?

But if you pour out your bitterness as soon as you open your mouth, how do you know whether the leader is being polite or serious?
  Therefore, generally speaking, there is no problem. Then, if you throw in a small and optional question and see how the leader responds, you can judge which way the wind will blow in the future.

Su Yanyan, who was born in the family of the Su family, was naturally able to handle such trivial matters.

Hearing this, Concubine De said slowly: "Gao Yang is traveling far for the country. You must protect his back house for him. Yanzhi is a righteous daughter who defends the country, so don't be too harsh on weekdays."

Su Yanyan understood what Concubine De had not finished and said with a smile: "Don't worry, Madam, Yanzhi is now helping Duke Wei, and he is the most capable among us. Sister Feng also takes care of the entire mansion." Well organized, we all have to learn a lot from them.”

Qin Li also answered: "What's more, we all experienced the suffering of life and death together, and my husband often said that there is no distinction between people, so we will definitely not have those cliché fights in the back house. "

Concubine De nodded, and said leisurely with a somewhat complicated look in her eyes: "I wish to be a winged bird in heaven, and a branch on earth. The Ai family has also heard of it. It's easy for you to do it. In addition, as the mistress of the family, Shang Give peace to parents and elders, care for children and future generations."

At this point, she paused slightly and said with a smile, "Have you been feeling unwell lately?"

The two of them were stunned for a moment before they realized what the Queen Mother meant. They immediately blushed slightly and believed in what the Queen Mother said earlier that they were not all polite.

Qin Li shook her head first, and then immediately turned the topic to Concubine De herself, "Speaking of which, the empress has been happy for a few months. Government affairs are complicated, so you should take more care of yourself!"

Concubine De smiled and subconsciously stroked her belly, "It's still early, at least there's still more than half a year."

Qin Li said with a smile: "More than half a year, it's just after summer. The autumn weather is crisp and clear at that time, which is the most suitable for giving birth."

A strange look flashed in De Fei's eyes, "I hope everything goes well."

"It will definitely go well." Su Yanyan also answered: "When the little prince is born from now on, he will definitely be a happy king. What a blessing!"

In a situation like Dongfang Bai's, it is almost impossible for the child in Concubine De's belly to compete for the throne. However, since she has the same mother as the emperor, she is favored by the same mother. She is the most powerful person in the world and is not suspected. It is difficult for her not to be free. , that’s why Su Yanyan has such emotion and flattery.

"I hope so." Concubine De smiled complicatedly, "You two, you should also hurry up!"

The two girls agreed repeatedly, and at the same time thought to themselves, this matter cannot be achieved by working hard, let alone half of it is missing, so there is no way to work hard.

Concubine De said after a few words of greeting, she slowly put away her smile and said, "There has been quite a turmoil in the court recently, regarding Gao Yang's affairs. I have called you here today to give you peace of mind. The court will not pay attention to those ignorant words, so you can safely protect them." It’s a good home, just wait for his return.”

The two girls understood that this was the key point, and immediately nodded sternly, accompanied Concubine De to stroll around the spring scenery of the imperial garden, and then left the palace.

After they left, Concubine De looked at the green on the branches and sighed softly. She had been in charge of the government for several months. With her intelligence, and with the help of Xia Jingyun, Su, Zhao, Qin and other elderly people, she had a clear understanding of the situation. It becomes clearer and clearer.

Today's seemingly smooth and positive political situation also contains huge hidden dangers and deep uneasiness.

Reform will surely touch the interests of many people, but the imperial court's long-standing shortcomings are too deep to be corrected.

Even more power struggles are going on overtly and covertly. Even if she is the Queen Mother who is in charge of the government, some things cannot be completely allowed to develop according to her own wishes.

And Gao Yang is in Lieyang Pass, with such a huge advantage. If he cannot get a satisfactory result, the prestige and reputation he has slowly accumulated may face a huge test, and he will face a huge test against those enemies in the dark. Crazy counterattack.

But now that Beiliang is in turmoil and the Beiliang mission itself cannot be protected, what else can he negotiate at Lieyang Pass?
  Thinking of this, she gently caressed her gradually protruding belly. Although her face was red with peach blossoms, her increasingly plump body showed a bit of loneliness.

"Mother!"

While he was melancholy, Dongfang Bai's voice sounded outside the door.

Listening to the excitement in her son's words, Concubine De turned around with a holy and loving smile on her face, "What good thing happened to you?"

Dongfang Bai raised the mailbox in his hand, "My uncle sent me an urgent letter from Lieyang Pass. The messenger personally delivered it to my son, saying that we must open it personally."

Upon hearing this, Concubine De stretched out her hand to take it, and then looked around.

The maids and maids on the side immediately dispersed in recognition. Concubine De and Dongfang Bai sat down in a pavilion, checked the lacquer seal, opened the mailbox, and took out the letter paper.

Then, their eyes grew wider and wider, and when they finally finished reading, they fell into complete confusion.

After being at a loss for a long time, the mother and son looked at each other again and read the letter again in tacit understanding.

When I read it again, I was still shocked.

Dongfang Bai swallowed his saliva and whispered subconsciously without any reminder: "Mother, what does uncle mean that he wants to change Beiliang to an emperor?"

Concubine De looked at the letters in her hand. They were light and flimsy, but they seemed to be of great importance, because they contained the trends of a country, or even the entire world.

She didn't answer Dongfang Bai's question, but sighed, "Pooh!"

"Ah."

"You have to be lucky that your uncle is on your side. You also have to believe that he will not be like those powerful ministers from ancient times who only want to sit in your position. He has no pursuit or yearning for your throne. .”

Dongfang Bai didn't agree and looked at his mother with half-understanding.

Concubine De slowly folded the letter paper in her hand, "I have never seen anyone like him who doesn't take the imperial power seriously. There are many smarter people in the world than him, but those who dare to think what he thinks, Very rare.”

She put the letter into her sleeve, but felt uneasy again, so she put it in her lapel instead.

"Those who think he is the end of it, those who are waiting for him to see jokes, those who think that his myth is over, let them rejoice in their own righteousness, and wait until they are completely impressed by him again, then they will You know what it means to let nature support your talents and nature to ease your ambitions."

She looked around, feeling as if a layer of worry had been wiped away, and everything became vivid.

She turned to look at Dongfang Bai who was looking thoughtful, and said with a smile: "Don't think too much, you just want to read more and learn more now. When you grow up, the world may be in peace, and I will wait for you to manage it well." .You are still blessed.”
-
  In Yuyan Prefecture, after the Beiliang people were completely driven away or conquered, Dongfang Ping also completely gave up his illusions and tore off his submissive disguise.

When he appeared quietly, once again standing at the border where he had come with endless ambition, looking across the mountains at Changshan County dozens of miles away, he was wearing iron armor and a red cloak, his figure was Upright, like a spear, a magic spear forged with the iron blood and wind and frost of the battlefield.

He looked at the seven or eight lieutenants sitting on his left and right sides, and said solemnly: "We are ready, go out as planned!" (End of Chapter)