first minister

Carrying the translated secret message, Linghu Yan, the embroidery orderer of Beiliang Embroidery Bureau, once again boarded the gate of Dingxi Palace.

As King Dingxi's power in the court became increasingly stable and his status as a powerful official became irrefutable, his attitude when he came to the Dingxi King's Palace became more and more humble.

Unlike his counterpart in the Southern Dynasties, there is no saying in Daliang that all the emperors are stupid dogs. The Xue family that controls the imperial power is also one of the seven surnames. As the lackeys of the imperial power, the embroidery bureau cannot be like Hei Bing. Taiwan has such a huge deterrent effect on the government and the opposition.

Not to mention his embroidery bureau, even the Xue family royal family encountered fierce counterattacks from the other six surnames during two successive emperors who persistently weakened the foundation of the other six surnames and tried to dominate the imperial power.

This is also the fundamental reason why King Dingxi was able to calm down the situation so quickly.

Even Murong and Yuwen, who had once fully supported Xue Rui, turned against him and refused to miss their comrades who had fought side by side.

However, although his counterpart in the Southern Dynasties was much more elegant and noble than himself, he still made some contributions to himself before he died.

With his troubles in the Southern Dynasties, he also took the opportunity to report to King Dingxi several times. He demonstrated his presence and ability at this critical moment of change, and was able to continue his glory and wealth.

With these thoughts in mind, Linghu Yan waited for a moment and saw Dingxi King Yelvshi who had just returned home.

"I'm going to pay my respects to King Dingxi."

"Lord Linghu, there is no need to be polite. Sit down and talk."

Yelv Shi's attitude was very kind, but Linghu Yan couldn't be really presumptuous. He put his buttocks on his hips and said respectfully: "Your Majesty, a secret report from Zhongjing, the Southern Dynasty Zhongjing Incident has ended."

After saying that, he stood up and handed over the secret report, and waited for Yelvshi to open it and read it for a moment, "Yu Chihong means that he would like to ask the court to decide whether it is necessary to take advantage of the turmoil in the Southern Dynasty to arrange more of our people, and Do we need to incite the Southern Dynasties to cause trouble and increase some unrest?"

Yelvshi read it in silence and pondered for a moment, "Do I still need to ask?"

Linghu Yan's expression froze and hesitantly said: "Then I will tell Yu Chihong that everything should remain as usual, and we should act as we should?"

Yelvshi nodded, "Let him go ahead and do it. There is no difference between us and the Southern Dynasties as in the past, but try not to use drastic methods such as blatant assassinations."

This sentence drew a line between the actions of Linghu Yan and the Embroidery Bureau. Linghu Yan immediately understood, "Then I will write a letter to contact Yuchihong. Now is this great opportunity. I can't waste."

Yelvshi nodded, "Okay, thank you for your hard work."

"Your Majesty, you are welcome! I will resign."

Linghu Yan left with full of doubts. Yelu De walked out from behind the screen in the room and asked his doubts, "Father, if we act like this, will it displease Marquis Jianning?"

Yelvshi looked calm, "My father has told you a long time ago that we and the Southern Dynasty are rivals. This was true before the cooperation he said was realized, and it is also true after the cooperation he said is realized."

He looked at this son who he had high hopes for. He might be the one who could truly stabilize Yelu's imperial power if he could really take that step in the future. "I am sincere about cooperation, but this sincerity must be based on equality." Basically, instead of abandoning yourself and working hard to please, in that case, even if the cooperation is successful in the end, you will find that it is not the situation you want. Because at that time, you no longer have the value of cooperating with him. "

Yelude silently digested his father's words. After understanding, he nodded with deep understanding, "So, my father wants the embroidery bureau to continue to act according to its past purpose, in order to prevent those eventualities. Even if Marquis Jianning finally does If it succeeds, or if something changes after it succeeds, causing the cooperation to break down, we will not lose our own foundation and become his vassal of the Southern Dynasties."

Yelv Shi nodded, but Yelv De immediately said with a bit of worry: "But, based on that person's wisdom, if Yu Chihong and the others are discovered by him, will it be detrimental to the Caiqi girl?"

Yelvshi smiled and shook his head, "We, the Northern and Southern Dynasties, each have their own masters. Whether they fight openly or secretly, it's all reasonable. No one can say anything, let alone blame anyone. . The former prime minister of the Southern Dynasties was a minister in the same palace as Xia Jingyun, and even took advantage of his reputation to come to power and become prime minister, but he wanted to compete with him for power. That would be really stupid. And if we don't fight and just wait eagerly for Xia Jingyun's orders and arrangements, then It’s also really stupid.”

He stood up and said, "Let's see how Marquis Jianning responds and whether he can stop Yu Chihong's plan. It can also be used to verify whether he has the real ability to do what he promised. "

Yelu De chuckled and thought deeply, "If you can't even deal with Yu Chihong, then it will be really difficult to achieve what he promised."

Yelvshi looked out the door with his hands behind his hands. The sky above his head was blue, the white clouds were far away, and there was a hint of vastness and heroism in the air.

"Using the heaven and earth as a chessboard and all living beings as chess pieces is easier said than done!"

Yelude stayed silent with his father for a moment, and then said softly: "Speaking of which, what should we do with the lieous little official in the court today?"

"Is this the one who suggested the whole army invade the south to show His Majesty's majesty?"

"Yes."

Yelvshi thought for a moment and said, "Let's lock him up for now. There is no need to interrogate him, and there is no need to interrogate him."

"Why?" Yelude was stunned when he heard this and asked subconsciously.

Yelvshi did not explain this time but walked slowly, "What do you think about it?"

Yelude followed his father's footsteps and walked towards the backyard. He pondered for a moment and then his brows widened.

"Father, does he suspect that someone else is behind him?"

"It's not a suspicion, it's a certainty." Yelvshi nodded slightly, "So keep it locked for now. Only when the fists are not thrown out can it be a deterrent."

Yelu De looked at his father with admiration and nodded respectfully.

In a more elegant mansion not far from Dingxi Prince's Mansion, there was also an elder and junior pair chatting.

Yuan Wenju, the grandson of Yuan Xiantao, the Secretary of the Liang Dynasty, was making tea skillfully, showing a rare elegance and unrestrainedness in Beiliang. He smiled and said: "Grandpa, I heard that there was something interesting in the court today?"

Yuan Xiantao was leaning on a desk, silently looking at a copy of "Xia Gaoyang's Collected Poems and Essays" in his hand, without raising his head, "Oh? What's the interesting story?"

"Didn't it mean that a colleague from the Xuanhui Academy suggested to Your Majesty that he should organize the army to prepare for war and prepare to go south in the autumn to recapture Lieyang Pass in order to boost the power of His Majesty's army? It's just that this person is not good at brains, but his ears are not good either. Envoy, the proposals from King Dingxi and the Southern Dynasty are not top secrets in Liang, but if you dare to speak rashly without even knowing about them, you are not seeking death!"

Yuan Xiantao put down the book in his hand, looked at his grandson, and said calmly: "He went to explore the road under my order."

The smile on Yuan Wenju's face slowly solidified, and the undisguised ridicule made the scene a bit embarrassing for a time.

But it was his grandfather after all, so it wasn't a big problem. He adjusted himself and asked shamelessly: "Grandpa, why is this?"

Yuan Xiantao picked up the tea cup in front of him, "Didn't I tell you to explore the way, see the attitude of the court, and see everyone's reaction."

Yuan Wenju frowned in confusion, "But, Grandpa, didn't you say that when the Seven Surnames discussed the matter, you were all very enthusiastic about the plan of King Dingxi and Marquis Jianning of the Southern Dynasty? Why do you do this again?"

"It's just a combination of performance."

Yuan Xiantao sighed, "In the situation at that time, Yelvshi and Wan Yanda were standing together, with tens of thousands of soldiers. The remaining five of us were like meat on the chopping board, and we were allowed to be slaughtered. How could we not cooperate? Don't look at Yuwen Yun is as cunning as a dumbass, and they all pretend to be enthusiastic. There is no way, if you are not enthusiastic, you will be suspected of having other thoughts, and if you are suspected of having other thoughts, you may take action, and no one will I didn’t dare to bet on whether Yelvshi would do something, so I had to pretend to be completely convinced, but in reality, who really expected it?”

Yuan Wenju was confused when he heard this, "Why? If according to what King Dingxi said, we can make huge profits in the future without killing. How good is this?"

Yuan Xiantao chuckled and said, "Do you know the basis for the seven surnames of Liang to govern the country?"

He looked at his confused grandson and sighed in his heart, "That means treating other people like grass. This grass must be cut regularly. It won't work if it's too short, and it won't work if it's too long. Every year, they go south to plunder. It doesn’t matter if a person dies, it’s just a matter of life. Those money, goods and treasures will be given to us by the Southern Dynasty. But what will happen if there is no longer a war between the two countries? "

He tapped the table with his finger, "Without war, the archery, horse riding, and archery that I am proud of will slowly decline and lose its most powerful support. However, the population will not decline, and the other surnames can slowly accumulate strength. , there is even the possibility of impacting the status of the Seven Surnames. These are difficult for us to accept. "

"These are still worries that are far away. The most fundamental thing is, why should we trust the Southern Dynasty and believe that they will take us to enjoy the happiness together? If Yelvshi is going to jump into the fire pit, why should we follow him?"

Yuan Wenju listened blankly and digested it silently. Suddenly, an idea flashed in his mind, and he spoke like a blessing: "So, grandpa is not completely resisting King Dingxi's proposal and resisting cooperation with the Southern Dynasty, but he just doesn't believe that the people of the Southern Dynasty can make things happen?"

Yuan Xiantao had a rare look of relief on his face, "This is a big deal. If you want everyone to believe it, you have to come up with something solid and reliable. Just talk in vain and expect everyone to be like a baby." I'm afraid he's thinking too much." Yuan Wenju looked at his grandfather's expression and swallowed silently.

Although he didn't say it explicitly, he always felt that that chick was talking about him.

The world of adults is so scary.
-

"This world is scary, but also fascinating."

"It's scary in the human heart, but fascinating in nature. But at the same time, the opposite is also true. And this also tells us one thing, that is, nothing is so absolute, it depends on the angle you look at it."

In the imperial garden that had been cleared by Jin Zhong himself, Xia Jingyun pushed the wheelchair himself and walked with Dongfang Bai in it, talking slowly.

He carried Dongfang Bai and the wheelchair up the steps, pushed him into a pavilion, and looked at him, "So, uncle doesn't completely agree with your decision."

In this world, the person Dongfang Bai admires the most is Xia Jingyun. After hearing his words, he did not immediately show any direct rebellion, but looked like he was willing to hear the details.

Xia Jingyun also squatted down, looked at Dongfang Bai in the wheelchair, and said warmly: "If you want to see the world, my uncle will be the first to support you. If you want to do something you want to do, my uncle will be the first to support you. But we need to think clearly about one question first, that is, will your mind change?"

"Think about when you were three years old, what was your dream then? It would be enough to go out and run around every day, look at the fish in the water, and eat delicious snacks. What about when you are seven years old? At that time Maybe I just thought that it would be great if I could stop studying my homework, it would be great if my father could like you the most, and it would be great if I could make my mother and concubine happy every day."

He paused and said with a smile: "Now, you have experienced so many things, you are growing up rapidly, and you already know more than many ordinary people who are fourteen or fifteen years old. After the experience of life and death, you want to It’s okay to take a good look at the world and explore the miraculous mysteries that your uncle told you. But after three or five years, will you feel that you have to leave something behind in your lifetime? Since you have already After ascending to the throne, why not achieve something successful?"

"Uncle is not questioning your decision. Uncle hopes that you will leave yourself a way out and leave some room for regret."

Dongfang Bai nodded after hearing this, "Uncle, what do you think I should do?"

"Go ahead and recover your legs and feet along the way. If you recover well and change your mind, come back and be a good emperor. I believe that after you take a serious look at the world, you will know the sufferings of the people and the maladministration of the court. I can be a good emperor. If you really don’t have this ambition, then let’s talk about it.”

"What should the court do?"

"The Queen Mother is in the court, and your younger brother is your concubine. Your righteousness and honor are in your own hands, and everything depends on your own wishes. My uncle will work hard to keep an eye on the court for you and wait for your decision."

Dongfang Bai looked at the man in front of him with emotion and dependence in his eyes, "Uncle, am I too willful?"

Xia Jingyun smiled and rubbed his head, "How could it be? You are strong and smart, and you are already good enough. And good people should have unique personalities and pursuits."

"how about you?"

Dongfang Bai looked at him, "What about you? Uncle?"

Xia Jingyun was stunned by this simple sentence.

Looking at Xia Jingyun who was lost in thought, Dongfang Bai quickly said: "Uncle, I'm just asking casually, don't worry about it."

"fine."

Xia Jingyun suddenly smiled, "Uncle also has pursuits."

Dongfang Baideng suddenly showed a curious look, and Xia Jingyun smiled and said: "My uncle does not want to have overwhelming power and life and death; he does not want to have a beautiful wife and concubine in his arms; he does not want glory, wealth, and extravagance, he just wants this world If as many people as possible can live a good life, and the world is peaceful, prosperous, healthy, and harmonious, it will be a worthwhile visit for my uncle to come here and experience this world."

Dongfang Bai smiled and said, "Uncle's wish sounds so grand."

"Actually, it can be summed up in one sentence."

Xia Jingyun looked at him and said slowly: "Establish a heart for the world, establish a destiny for the people, carry forward the unique knowledge of the past saints, and create peace for all generations."

These four sentences made Dongfang Bai's heart tremble suddenly.

It was as if he really got to know his uncle at this moment.

This seemingly gentle and elegant uncle, under the appearance of being omnipotent and resourceful, turns out to have such great ambitions.

At this time, Dongfang Bai thought of the words that Xia Jingyun had been hiding and didn't have the heart to say.

He recalled what he said in front of so many people and in front of the three masters of Tushan at the Spring Festival Banquet of the Imperial College in order to become the apprentice of the three masters of Tushan and thus take an advantage in the battle for the reserve. That great ambition.

[There are tens of millions of mansions in Ande, which can shelter the poor people all over the world and make them happy. 】

And my current choice, is it a departure from the original intention, or is it a choice to escape?

He sat blankly. When Xia Jingyun saw this, he knew that his goal was achieved, and patted his shoulder gently, "Read thousands of books, travel thousands of miles, and only by uniting knowledge and action can you achieve the great road. No matter what, let's go and walk in this world. It is very necessary to take a look. I have already thought of the people who will accompany you. Go ahead and make a decision after reading and walking. No matter what, my uncle will support you and will definitely protect you. "

Dongfang Bai nodded slowly, "Thank you, uncle."

Xia Jingyun smiled and said, "Let's go and continue shopping. Now that you're keeping warm, you need to get out and move around more."

Holding Dongfang Bai down and walking in the imperial garden, Dongfang Bai put away his thoughts and said, "Uncle, you have been away from home for so long after your wedding. Go and accompany your family. I will take a walk by myself." That’s fine.”

Xia Jingyun shuddered with a strange look on his face, "We can't go back there now, just wait a while."

Dongfang Bai was confused. There was nothing he couldn't return to his home, and it wasn't like there was a scourge.

However, Xia Jingyun didn't stay long, chatted with Dongfang Bai for a few more words, and then left the palace.

But he didn't go to the center, but went straight to the Black Ice Platform.

The guards on the Black Ice Platform now naturally recognize this big shot who should not be messed with in the Great Xia court and dare not stop him.

Xia Jingyun went directly into Yanzhi's room, said hello, and leaned on her seat. Yanzhi gently pressed his head.

"Rouge, did someone come to ask you to come back to the house again?"

"No, both sisters know that I am sharing my husband's worries, so they won't bother me."

That's good, it means nothing has happened yet. Xia Jingyun muttered silently in his heart.

"Husband, now the center is missing two people, why don't you go to the center to take charge?"

Xia Jingyun smiled, "Don't show up now, just be lazy, wait and see if anyone jumps out, and wait for the good news from the distant northeast."

Yanzhi hummed, and as always did not refute any of Xia Jingyun's decisions. Xia Jingyun closed his eyes slightly, "Tell me everything about the situation before His Majesty's assassination. I always feel that there is more than just Xuanhu behind this matter. "

When talking about her old job, Yanzhi immediately became serious, and while pressing her gently, she slowly told him the situation.

Xia Jingyun closed his eyes and listened. When he heard a certain point, he suddenly opened his eyes and a light flashed in his eyes.

But he did not interrupt directly. Instead, after listening to everything silently, he slowly said: "I am telling you about a person. You go and collect all his information. Remember, you must be careful not to cheat others, let alone Let him notice the clues."

Then he leaned into Rouge's ear and whispered a name.

Yanzhi's mouth suddenly opened wide with a look of shock. (End of chapter)