first minister

When these top dignitaries arrived, Yelvshi did not ask for help. He walked out of the meeting hall and stood at the foot of the steps to greet them personally.

After a brief greeting, everyone entered the meeting hall. Just like many meetings of the Seven Surnames in the past, they sat facing each other.

Although the seating arrangement was like this, the entire meeting was still dominated by Yelv Shi.

"Everyone, now that the Southern Dynasty's expeditionary force has made a huge breakthrough east of the Southern Dynasty's Yuyan Prefecture, it should be a piece of cake to control the entire eastern land. These days, you should have understood everything you should know about the business establishment plan. I have given them to you all, it’s time to make a decision.”

Yelvshi spoke slowly, but the others were silent. It was obvious that no one wanted to be the one who stood out.

Yelvshi seemed to have expected such a situation, and did not take it seriously. He continued: "From the perspective of gains and losses, we did not lose anything. On the contrary, the Southern Dynasty used the land it had already acquired to share the profits with us. This is my Wait until you take advantage."

Such a clear flaw in his words was not that Yelvshi had lost his level, but that he had set a good example for everyone. If he did not know how to praise him, he would really look down on a powerful minister.

In front of people, Yuan Xiantao, who has always expressed his stance on Yelv Stone, said slowly: "King Dingxi, the two countries are fighting. How can the Southern Dynasty be so kind? Is it possible that there is a hidden agenda?"

The old fox took the steps and broke the silence. At the same time, he dug a hole for others with a few words. As expected, Yu Wenchan, who came to the meeting in place of his brother, stepped into the hole.

"Yes, the Southern Dynasty is just spending money to buy peace. The small country to the east has always been there. It's not that we don't know it. But firstly, the terrain is steep, and some cities are quite easy to defend and difficult to attack; secondly, then, Although there are some minerals, furs, medicinal materials, etc., they are not very rich, and the gains outweigh the losses. Therefore, I, Daliang, have never tried to conquer them. Now the Southern Dynasty's intention is nothing more than to use such a dispensable and useless thing. place, just in exchange for peace between the two dynasties."

And with Yu Wenchan stepping into the trap, Pei Shisheng, who was in charge of the Privy Council, could not sit still. If the two dynasties really stopped fighting and made peace, the real power in his hands would plummet. Therefore, he immediately agreed: "Yes, we The Southern Dynasty is plundered every year, with countless goods, people, and livestock, and it costs very little and can be done at any time. Why should we cooperate with the Southern Dynasty and tie our own hands for such petty profits? "

Murong Chui also spoke: "I, Daliang, have always wanted to dominate the Central Plains and control the four seas. Now, wouldn't it mean that I have completely cut off my thoughts and lost my righteousness? How will the people of the government and the public get along with themselves?"

The three of you said something to me, and there was a strong tendency to attack in groups.

Yelvshi's expression remained unchanged and he remained calm, looking at the other two who had not yet spoken, "Da Zongzheng, Master Wanyan, what do you two think?"

Xue Fenghua was pondering when Yelvshi first spoke. Now, the imperial power of the Xue family has fallen by the wayside, and the reigning Liang Emperor Xue Yi is just a puppet placed on the dragon throne by King Yelvshi of Dingxi, plus a hundred thousand Xue Yi Once the elite of the family was wiped out, the situation of the Xue family was completely different from a few months ago when the late emperor was still on the throne.

Therefore, as the head of the Xue family at the family level, Xue Fenghua naturally has to be more careful in what he considers.

As before, fighting with the Southern Dynasty will not only make all parties more powerful, but will also be detrimental to the Xue family's recuperation and recovery of strength.

And if peace talks between the north and the south divert the attention of King Dingxi and the other seven surnames to business, property and enjoyment, the Xue family will have enough time.

When Yelvshi dies of old age and illness, and the Xue family gradually recovers, they will have the opportunity to regain power and everything can get back on track.

As for whether this would strengthen Yelvshi's power if it came to pass, that was something he couldn't think about. He had to drink poison to quench his thirst. He could only risk Yelvshi's lifespan and the destiny of the Xue family.

Therefore, Xue Fenghua said slowly: "I believe that peace with the Southern Dynasty is the most important thing at this time."

After he first expressed his conclusion, he looked at everyone, "The Southern Dynasties had Xia Jingyun in literature, and Jiang Yuhu in military affairs. The key is that civil and military affairs are compatible with each other, and because the monarchs and ministers have shared hardships, there is no suspicion of power. Now again Strictly implementing the new policy is like the rising sun, while we, Daliang, suffered a big defeat for the first time and suffered drastic changes. It is when the enemy is strong and we are weak. Now, they are willing to cooperate and the two countries have a truce. This is not what we want. You may wish to Think about it, if there was no such proposal, would we really dare to go south again with guns and horses? Don’t forget, Lieyang Pass and Phoenix City are still in the hands of the Southern Dynasty! Jiang Yuhu is still eyeing Lieyang Pass !”

The Wanyan family, who had always been a die-hard supporter of Yelvshi, did not disappoint Yelvshi.

Wanyanwang snorted coldly, "Master Pei thinks that no matter you win or lose, you will not be convicted and exempted from office, but I want to ask, if there is another defeat at Yinmayuan, Jiang Yuhu will immediately attack Liangdu City with his spear drawn. Next, how should we deal with ourselves? When the time comes, do you, the Privy Councilor, want to apologize to all the people in Daliang?"

Pei Shisheng was angry and was about to explode, but he was stopped by Yuan Xiantao. The old man smiled and said, "Everyone's words have their own truth. But one thing is indeed right, that is, if we don't take over the Southern Dynasty, It’s a kind intention, so what?”

Everyone was silent. Although they encouraged the people below to organize the army and prepare for war, they were just to disgust Yelvshi and test Yelvshi's actions. If they really dare to start a war, how many people have the courage and strength to face it directly? That killing god of the Southern Dynasties?

And if they did not accept the good intentions of the Southern Dynasty, the Southern Dynasty would have sufficient reasons to go to war.

Today's Southern Dynasty doesn't have much internal strife. Maybe Xia Jingyun wants to establish his power and sends Jiang Yu, tiger and horse to march on the grassland!

By then, it may not be that simple to negotiate a peace.

Therefore, the essence of this matter is whether you dare to fight another war with the Southern Dynasty. If you don't dare, then you have no choice!

Looking at the silent crowd, Yuan Xiantao sighed, "Everyone, the trend is now ours, and we have no choice! The plan for now is to gain more benefits from it, rather than rejecting this proposal. !”

This [he], this [family], could be the Southern Dynasty, Xia Jingyun, or Yelvshi.

This [you], this [us], can be Beiliang, or they can be the other six surnames.

Everyone understood his words and nodded or acquiesced.

Seeing this, Yelvshi chuckled in his heart and said slowly: "Since there is no objection, let's talk about how to deal with this matter."

"In my opinion, this share is not good. Why should Nanchao take 35% and I, Daliang, only take 30%?"

"Yes, we should also get 35%. In this way, each family of the seven surnames will get 50%, just right!"

"Haha, as a member of the royal family, my Xue family should get half a percent more, right?"

"How to divide it among the other aristocratic families in the court? Should it be given to them directly? In my opinion, it is better to let them pay for the subscription, and then we can justifiably collect their money!"

Everyone had different opinions, arguing or supporting, and the scene was a little out of control for a while.

Yuan Xiantao coughed lightly, "In my opinion, we should discuss a general plan first, and then I'm afraid we have to send a team of envoys to the Southern Dynasties to finalize the deal."

"Then what if the Southern Dynasty disagrees?"

"Then draw a bottom line for the mission. As long as it is above the bottom line, it can be allowed to do things conveniently."

"If this thing can really come true, there will be two trade routes to the east and west, and it is said that there is a rich and fertile land in Nanyang. Every increase or decrease will be a huge amount of money. Then who can afford this mission? We will wait for it again How can I feel relieved?”

Yelvshi suddenly said: "Quinzi will be responsible for the envoy, and each of the other families will have one person. Choose who will be chosen behind closed doors at home. We will discuss it together and witness the whole process. After the matter is decided, no one is allowed to go back on it." deny!"

Everyone was stunned for a moment, and then felt that this was really a good idea.

Yuwen Chan said with a smile: "In that case, we might as well hurry up and make arrangements for the mission, set off as soon as possible, and catch the people of the Southern Dynasty by surprise!"

Yelvshi was noncommittal and said calmly, "This trip still needs someone who is familiar with the Southern Dynasties, especially someone who has an old acquaintance with Xia Jingyun, as a guide."

Yuan Xiantao smiled slightly, "Prince Zhong has been on two missions to the Southern Dynasties recently. He has friendships with Xia Jingyun, Bai Yunbian and others in the Southern Dynasties. He is also a relative of the royal family, so how about asking him to accompany him?"

Everyone nodded, "Yes."

Yelvshi said: "In that case, let's discuss how we can fight for this matter."

In the room, discussions started again.

Not far away from the Dingxi Palace, there is also a spacious and luxurious mansion.

It used to have an imperial plaque from Zhennan Prince's Palace, but now it has been changed to Prince Zhong's Palace.

Along with the plaque, the spirit and mood of the people in the mansion were also changed.

The owner of the mansion is no longer His Majesty's brother, holding a large number of troops, and the well-deserved second man in the dynasty. Instead, he has become the culprit who caused tens of thousands of people to be buried in a foreign country and led to the collapse of the situation between the north and the south. He even dared not stay in Beijing. , was sent to the Xue family's territory to recruit and train soldiers.

The young master of the mansion is no longer the high-spirited and famous Liang Sijun, but a walking corpse with no future, dissatisfied, and his fiancée was robbed.

Xue Wenlu, who had been sitting in the mansion for most of the day, looked at the fishing rod in front of him, his eyes distracted and lifeless.

Being able to have a mansion with a large lake in Liangdu is definitely a pleasure that only the top rich and powerful can have, but Xue Wenlu, who was sitting by the lake, had long lost any complacency in his heart.

He used to not understand how someone could like fishing. If he really wanted to eat fish, he could just catch them with a net and stab them with a fork, but now, he understands a little bit.

For some people who love fishing, the depression and troubles of life need to be slowly diluted in such a long and boring wait, and the occasional fish seems to be another silent encouragement and reminder of fate.

He stared blankly at the sluggish lake, thinking that this would be it for the rest of his life. If he couldn't wake up and take over the world, he would just get drunk and sleep with beautiful women.

Oh, damn, the beauty is gone too.

He threw the pole away, walked back to the lakeside pavilion, refused the servant's service, slumped on the chair, and started pouring himself one glass of wine.

He held the cup, looked at the dark clouds above his head, and sighed softly, "When will the bright moon come? Let me ask the wine to its youth."

The sigh suddenly stopped, this damn poem was written by Xia Jingyun!

He wanted to throw the glass down in anger, but found that he couldn't even get angry.

He sighed quietly, lay back on the chair, his arms drooped, and the wine in the glass flowed all over the floor, just like his passing dreams.

There was a sound of footsteps slowly, and the former Princess Zhennan, now Princess Zhong, walked over.

Xue Wenlu didn't move, just lying numbly.

"Someone is coming from the palace."

After hearing his mother's words, Xue Wenlu slowly opened his eyes, sat up and saw the palace servant standing behind his mother.

As an extension of the imperial power, the chamberlain naturally stopped being domineering and arrogant when the emperor could not stand up. He did not bother with any etiquette and said: "Your Highness, the imperial court will line up a group of envoys to go to the Southern Dynasties in the near future. The standards are extremely high. King Dingxi recommends His Highness as deputy envoy because His Highness is familiar with all affairs in the Southern Dynasties and has good acquaintances with many people in the Southern Dynasties. The decree will be issued tomorrow and he will set off today. His Majesty has specially ordered his servants to come and inform him. I hope Your Highness will do it soon. Get ready." Xue Wenlu's eyes widened.

Damn it, it’s not over, right? ——

In Zhongjing City, Maid Guanyin stayed at Jianninghou Mansion for two days and was successfully taken to the Bamboo Forest by Mr. Jiang.

All the girls in the Xia Mansion reluctantly said goodbye to her, and at the same time waited expectantly for the movement in their stomachs.

Xia Jingyun came out of the household department and did not go home directly. Instead, he and Chen Fugui first came to Lu Yi's house.

Looking at the plaque of Uncle Dingzhong's Mansion hanging above the gate, Xia Jingyun smiled and walked in.

At this time, Lu Yi, who was rolled around by the concierge to inform him, also quickly came out to greet him.

"Lu Yi pays homage to the prime minister."

Xia Jingyun stretched out his hand to support him and interrupted with a smile, "Okay, our relationship doesn't need all these red tapes!"

Xia Jingyun took his arm and walked into the house, "I originally said to come to see you a few days ago, and I asked Brother Chen to remind me to come, but there were some other things that really couldn't be avoided later. I didn't come until today, you Don’t be offended!”

Lu Yi said quickly: "Xia Xiang is too polite."

Xia Jingyun looked at Chen Fugui speechlessly, "Brother Chen, let's go, this guy doesn't talk well at all."

Chen Fugui smiled and said: "Brother Lu, the young master is different from those people. He really doesn't like the feeling of being superior, especially with old people like us."

Lu Yi breathed a sigh of relief, "My fault, sir, please forgive me."

"That's right!" Xia Jingyun smiled, sat down in the living room, and looked at Lu Yi, "How have you been lately?"

Lu Yi clasped his fists and said, "The Queen Mother and Your Majesty are so kind, and thanks to the blessing of the young master, they have been granted a title and a house. What else can be wrong?"

But he was not just a reckless man. He had a lively mind. He roughly knew what Xia Jingyun was focusing on when he heard it. He continued: "Although it is inconvenient for me to directly intervene in those things underground, a few of my confidants continue to do it. Now in the court, The hall has been purged twice by Young Master, and no one dares to stand in the way. It is basically under our control. In terms of intelligence, I also have contact with Duke Wei, and all the troubles in the capital are under control."

Xia Jingyun looked playful, "Then why didn't you know about Xuanhu's private meeting with the Yin, Wang, and Lu families?"

Lu Yi's expression suddenly changed and he stood up immediately.

Xia Jingyun pressed lightly, "I'm not bringing this up now to knock you. Xuan Hu is so capable. Of course I can't blame you if you can't see it, but at the same time, we should also take it as a warning. We don't have to spy on anyone in private. , but if it involves some key people or key things, I still hope that you can give us some surprises."

Lu Yi was solemn when he heard the words and nodded quickly.

Xia Jingyun smiled and said, "Now that everything is handled by my subordinates, are you interested in going out and walking around?"

After hearing this, Lu Yi said directly, whether he thought about it or not, "If you have any arrangements, please let me know."

Xia Jingyun looked around, and Lu Yi quickly said: "Master, please don't worry."

"Your Majesty wants to inspect the surrounding areas and observe the sentiments of the people. Shang Zhicheng will bring his elite companions to protect him. What I mean is that you should also go with me. After all, you are familiar with the world, and the force of force can provide more protection."

Lu Yi, who had just sat back, stood up again and solemnly clasped his fists, "Please rest assured, Master, as long as Lu Yi is still breathing, he will never make any mistakes!"

Xia Jingyun hummed, "I believe you, otherwise I wouldn't have taken the initiative to look for you. Also, is that young man from Xichu County living in your house?"

Lu Yiyi nodded and said, "Shall I call them here?"

Xia Jingyun waved his hand, "No, let's go find them."

While walking, Xia Jingyun asked: "According to your observations these days, how is this person doing?"

Lu Yi pondered for a moment, "He has a tough heart, is bold and careful, has a quick mind, and takes great care of his younger brothers and sisters. The rest is hard to say."

Xia Jingyun smiled slightly, "That's enough."

When he came to the backyard, several boys, big and small, dressed in fancy clothes, were practicing kung fu with horse steps under the supervision of a young man.

Seeing Xia Jingyun's figure, the young man's eyes flashed with astonishment for a while, then he rushed forward and knelt down, "Greetings to my benefactor!"

Xia Jingyun smiled and helped him up, "I'm glad we can meet again."

Back when this young man was at the abandoned dock in Xichu County, he unexpectedly refused Xia Jingyun's invitation to take him with him.

He said very ambitiously that he wanted to make more contributions and be able to help Xia Jingyun before going to Zhongjing.

Later, in the process of descending to Jinling on a rainy night beside white clouds, he and his group of younger brothers and sisters really did it and provided a lot of help to the court, so they followed the army and brought their younger brothers and sisters with them. to Zhongjing.

The young man naturally understood what Xia Jingyun meant, and immediately said: "It's a small effort, but I don't dare to be greedy for credit. My benefactor and uncle took us in. Our great kindness and virtue will never be forgotten."

As he said that, he turned around and saw his brothers still standing there stupidly. He immediately cursed: "Are you blind? Come and pay homage to your benefactor!"

One child said weakly: "Brother, you told me not to move until you speak!"

Xia Jingyun and others couldn't help laughing, and the young man blushed, "It's okay now!"

A group of children rushed over and kowtowed.

Xia Jingyun quickly helped them all up. Wen Yan asked a few questions about food, clothing, housing, and transportation. Naturally, they were not treated harshly.

Then Xia Jingyun looked at the young man in front of him with great interest, "Why do you want them to practice martial arts?"

"Replying to my benefactor, thanks to my benefactor and uncle, we now have enough food and clothing, but we don't know a few big words. If we want to achieve something in the future, we can only train our bodies. What's more, we can't stay in this life all our lives. If I live under my uncle’s protection and learn some martial arts, even if I am looking after someone’s house and nursery in the future, at least I won’t starve to death.”

"I remember you have several younger sisters, why haven't you seen them?"

"Making money to support the family is a man's job. They should learn to be female celebrities, find a good family and live a good life in the future."

Xia Jingyun smiled when he heard this, "With your energy, it's a waste to take care of the home. Do you remember your name?"

The young man shook his head.

Xia Jingyun's expression dimmed slightly, "How old are you?"

"I don't remember, but I must have been around fourteen years old."

Chen Fugui and Lu Yi both reacted and sighed lightly.

He has no memory of the past, which means he was abandoned at a young age or his parents died.

At the age of fourteen, I don’t dare to think about how these years have passed.

Xia Jingyun turned to look at Lu Yi. Lu Yi was stunned for a moment, and his heart was filled with happiness. "Will you be my adopted son and take my surname as Lu?"

A hint of joy naturally flashed in the young man's eyes, but then he hesitated and said: "My younger brothers and sisters"

Lu Yi laughed and said, "My uncle still lacks so much food from them?"

The young man immediately knelt down and said, "Meet my adoptive father."

Lu Yi smiled and helped him up, patted his shoulder with satisfaction, "Let's have a drink to celebrate another day."

After saying that, he turned to look at Xia Jingyun, "Sir, please don't embarrass me as a big boss with this name. You have to give me a name!"

Xia Jingyun pondered for a moment, "Let's call him Tianchi."

Lu Yi smacked it and said, "Lu Tianchi, Lu Tianchi, what a good name!"

Xia Jingyun smiled slightly, "The sky is flying and the east is white, so of course it is a good name."

After a few more chats, Xia Jingyun stood up and left.

After doing this, Dongfang Bai's travel basically has no major problems.

Now, it was time to concentrate on the New Deal and the North-South trade route.

He looked to the north with far-away eyes. "Seven surnames of Beiliang, please don't let me down. I have set up the stage and am just waiting for you to come and start the show!" (End of chapter)