first minister

Western Regions.

The vast expanse of heaven and earth lies at the boundary between the Gobi and the desert.

The iron hoofs splashed up dust mixed with sand on the ground, mixing it into the hot air.

The diffuse yellow smoke is like a thin layer of smoke floating in the world in front of you that cannot be wiped away, and it is also like a fog in front of your eyes.

However, the Crane Controlling Army has long been accustomed to such weather. Wearing a face scarf, they walked calmly and silently amidst the smoke and dust in the sky.

Coach Yelu Xiu also covered his face with a scarf and looked straight ahead, his eyes slightly narrowed with determination.

The late emperor was strong, and under the leadership of the prince, the Eight Yelu tribes were cautious and cautious, hiding their talents.

Not only their clan members, but also Yelv Shi himself deliberately kept a low profile, and the entire Yelu tribe was filled with suffocation.

Now, finally, the situation is rising, and the power is in control, from King Yelvshi of Dingxi, to the crown prince Yelvde, and then to him, the commander of the Crane Control Army who was personally praised by Yelvshi as the number one among the younger generation of the Daliang Army. Yelvxiu’s In my heart, the ideal fire that had been suppressed for more than ten years was burning brightly.

The campaign to conquer the West was the stage where he shined;

It is the prince's means and bargaining chip to consolidate the situation between the DPRK and China;

It is also an important opportunity to regain a victory in the general trend between the north and the south.

He looked to the west. After about a day's journey ahead, they would arrive at the first city on their trip, Xieye City.

The Western Region is full of yellow sand, and the people can only live in oases, so it is mostly one country and one city, so Xieye City is also the first country on this trip, Xieye Kingdom.

This time, he wants to give the world a little shock of controlling the Crane Army!

Thoughts were swirling in his mind, but before they could stop, he saw a plume of smoke flying from the opposite direction of the army's march, straight in front of him.

The scout turned over and dismounted, "Commander! I just received news that King Jing of the Southern Dynasty suddenly sent troops from Phoenix City, and marched to seven cities in one day, all the way to the west!"

Yelvxiu's expression changed suddenly when he heard this, "Prince Jing? Which Prince Jing!"

The scout quickly spit out a name, "Jiang Yuhu!"

Yelvxiu was stunned immediately, and the horse could not help but pace anxiously.

But this general from the Eight Yelv tribes was indeed extraordinary. After a moment of hesitation, he calmed down.

"Choose five thousand elite cavalry and follow me to take a look! The rest will follow quickly!"

The yellow dragon rolls over the sand wall, and the red cherry blossoms go to Xiongcheng.

A quarter of the Crane Controlling Army's cavalry suddenly increased their speed and followed Yelvxiu as they rushed towards Xieye City.

Half a day later, at the foot of Xiye City, Yelvxiu led his guards and looked up at the city head.

Several Daxia military flags waved in the wind at the top of the city.

Everyone was silent for a long time, and the deputy general on the side said in a low voice: "Commander, Jiang Yuhu's cavalry will not be able to bring many people with him when he attacks. He has conquered so many places, and there must not be many defense troops left in a single city. How about us?"

Yelvxiu slowly shook his head, "Now that the two dynasties are negotiating peace, it is okay to use weapons against a third country. If we attack the Southern Dynasty, that is another matter. Neither you nor I can bear that responsibility. What's more, whether it is attacking this city Or attack Jiang Yuhu, the chances of winning are not good. This Southern Dynasty military god is not a reckless man."

"Then what should I do? Just watch it like this?"

Yelvxiu also fell silent. He mobilized his troops and came. In addition to the fatigue of the soldiers, there was also the preparation of military rations and various materials. More importantly, the desire and pursuit of military glory among the crane-controlling army including him. Who can gain nothing? Be willing!

"You are right, Jiang Yuhu is so resolute and resolute, it is impossible to lead a large army out."

Yelvxiu said slowly, then took a deep breath, "Choose a thousand people, one person and two horses, and follow them to chase them! The rest of you will follow slowly!"

"Commander! No way!"

"Yes, handsome! That's Jiang Yuhu!"

Yelu Xiu smiled slightly, "It doesn't matter, we don't dare to attack them, and they won't attack us at all. Everyone is just fighting for speed."

After a while, Yelvxiu took the lead and, under the leadership of his guide, chased towards the west.

Half a day later, Yelvxiu saw Daxia's military flags and tents as he wished in front of a city that was obviously much larger than before.

After some briefing, as he expected, Jiang Yuhu did not refuse his request and met with him outside the camp.

"I thought it would take me several days to catch up with His Highness Prince Jing. Fortunately, I have this fortified city to help me."

When Jiang Yuhu heard this, he turned to look at him and raised his chin towards the city, "Do you want it? If so, I'll give it to you."

Yelvxiu looked at the city, his expression serious.

Obviously, this is a city that is not easy to conquer.

It is even more obvious that this is not a city that just shows off its name and surrenders.

Although he didn't cross-examine him carefully as he walked quickly, as a veteran on the battlefield, he could tell by looking at the situation that Jiang Yuhu encountered little resistance along the way.

And this was originally what he had planned.

The North and the South stopped fighting each other and focused their gaze westward. Under these gazes, the small countries had no chance of sitting on the fence. There was a high probability that whoever got there first would seize the territory.

But unfortunately, they were once again given an opportunity by the Southern Dynasty.

He could even think that maybe even if he set off earlier, the people from the Southern Dynasty would still be able to catch up with him.

Therefore, the question arises. He may not fight, but this is an important town. If it can be captured, it will be worth the benefits of several other small countries.

When Yelvxiu was in a dilemma, Jiang Yuhu said from the side: "This Loulan Kingdom is located at the hub of the Western Regions and is quite powerful. It is said that it also imitates our Daxia official system, with three provinces and six divisions, and nearly 10,000 elite soldiers. If you want to fight , I will give it to you."

Yelvxiu has lived in the west of Daliang all year round and is no stranger to this. Looking at the high city wall, he took a deep breath and asked, "Where do you want to go, Your Highness Prince Jing?"

Jiang Yuhu smiled and thought, "Since everyone has met, why should I go deep alone? Naturally, according to the original peace agreement, you and I will go together. Let us fight, and we will give you a starting point."

Yelvxiu sighed in his heart, it seemed that it would be impossible if he didn't fight.

If we don't fight, there may be no territory that belongs to Daliang alone in the entire Western Region.

"Thank you, His Highness Prince Jing."

"polite."

Jiang Yuhu's smile fell into Yelu Xiu's eyes, causing waves of bitterness in his heart.

With this person here, there is no need to worry about the fate of the country in Liang!
-

"With this person here, I'm afraid it will be difficult for me to wait for my wish."

In the Honglu Temple in Zhongjing City, a nobleman from Beiliang let out a long sigh.

The rest were silent, obviously the powerlessness and shock that Xia Jingyun brought to them in the court yesterday were still there.

Yelv De's mentality has calmed down a lot, because before he came, his father, who had dealt with Xia Jingyun face-to-face for a short time, had made it clear to him that the chance of winning this trip was low and he could keep it. The original plan was considered satisfactory.

At that time, after hiding his clumsiness for many years, he was still a little arrogant and disapproving. Now it seems that just as his father said, his career is completely part of the other party's calculations.

He said slowly: "It's useless to lament. Let's talk about whether we should just follow the original plan, sign this peace agreement, and settle this matter."

At this point, there is actually no point in struggling.

But in order to prevent anyone from making irresponsible remarks in the future, especially from questioning the leading Yelv family because of this matter, Yelv De must let everyone express their position, and this is also the reason why this trip mobilized everyone.

Everyone looked at me, and I looked at you. Their eyes were full of unwillingness, but at the same time they were full of helplessness.

After returning yesterday, they quietly contacted the embroidery bureau and walked around the streets to chat and collect some information. Then they truly understood how powerful the opponents they faced in the Southern Dynasty today were.

Taking advantage of the previous turmoil of the emperor's assassination, another cleansing of the entire court has been completely completed.

Wan Wenbi and Yan Songwen, the leading opponents, have all been dealt with. The blood from today's beheadings has not yet dried, and the positions they vacated are like bait, catching the rest of the opposition forces in the court.

Moreover, the implementation of the New Deal also unified opinions in the court and successfully transformed everyone's thinking into external development.

Under such circumstances, with the growing strength of the country at home and the unity of the people outside, if they wanted to force the Southern Dynasty to give up the benefits they had obtained, they would have to think about nothing but military might.

But even the military power that Daliang was once proud of was now in a weak position and did not dare to speak out about military force at all.

"That's all. The current conditions are above the bottom line we originally agreed upon. I, the Yuwen family, have no objection."

"Actually, if you think about it carefully, today's conditions are not bad. We are only half a percent less than those in the Southern Dynasty. I, the Yuan family, have no objection."

"Yes, we have no access to the three trade routes in Nanyang. The east side has been occupied by them. We actually got a free advantage. 40% of the share is quite a lot. My Pei family also agrees."

Then the other families also spoke one after another, and Yelude nodded, "I will go and reply to the Southern Dynasty court tomorrow. Everyone."

He paused and said, "It's a rare trip. Let's take a good look at the scenery of Zhongjing in the Southern Dynasties in the next two days."

This ordinary sentence made everyone present feel a little sad.

After all, a few months ago, the tone of the entire Beiliang leadership was that one day, they would step into Beijing and claim all the prosperity for themselves.

Nowadays, this dream, let alone come true, is almost gone even among the public.

Yelude sighed, walked out of the room, came to the small courtyard where his daughter lived alone, and gently knocked on the door knocker.

Seeing that it was him, the maid in the courtyard wisely stepped out after serving tea, leaving space for the father and daughter.

"Let's have fun for two more days, I have to go back."

Yelu De seemed to have guessed his daughter's reaction and spoke softly, but Yelu Caiqi's face still fell in response.

"Well, then what?"

Yelude was slightly startled, "What then?"

Yelu Caiqi looked out the window with an indifferent expression and did not answer the conversation.

Yelude finally reacted after a moment and sighed quietly, "My good daughter, you will get married after all."

"Then who will you marry?"

Yelu Caiqi said softly, and then turned to look at him, "Grandpa is now a powerful official in the court. If you say the same thing, His Majesty has become a puppet. Who else do you need to please now? In other words, who do you want to win over?"

Upon hearing this, Yelu De's face subconsciously became stern, and he immediately slowed down his voice and said with a hint of guilt: "In the past, it was out of necessity, so don't take it to heart!"

"There is no last resort?" Yelu Caiqi did not sneer or ridicule, but looked at his father calmly, "Then how do you know that there will be no last resort in the future? If there is such a situation, will your choice be the same?"

"Presumptuous!" Yelude finally couldn't help it anymore, "How can you talk like that!"

"Father, you look like a cat whose tail has been stepped on." Yelucaiqi snorted and walked directly outside.

"Where are you going?!"

"I'm going back to jail, aren't I allowed to go out for a walk?"

Yelu De looked at his daughter's back, a trace of guilt and helplessness flashed across his face, and then he became stern and ordered: "Follow the lady, there will be no mistakes!"

Several guards quickly followed him out, and Yelude let out a long sigh and stepped out.

When passing by Xue Wenlu's room, his steps subconsciously stopped, then he shook his head slightly and strode past.
-

In Changle Palace, Concubine De, who had completely recovered to her pre-natal state, sent Su Yanyan and Qin Li to the entrance of the palace with a smile and said goodbye cordially.

Then she walked back slowly, looked at the booklet on the table, and reached out to pick it up.

Looking at the big words [Newborn Care Manual] on it, she stretched out her hand and gently brushed it, murmuring as if talking to herself: "Is there anything else you don't understand?"

On the other side, Su Yanyan and Qin Li walked out of the palace gate under the escort of Nanny Yuan.

Outside the palace gate, a carriage slowly stopped, waiting for the two girls.

When they got into the carriage, Xia Jingyun smiled and said, "Thank you for your hard work, Madam."

"What's so hard about this? If it's not convenient for you to go deliver it, of course only we will go!"

"That's right, I didn't expect you to even understand these things. We are also happy. We will feel much more at ease when we have children in the future!"

Under the suggestive eyes of the two girls, Xia Jingyun scratched his head awkwardly, "It seems it's time to have children!"

He looked at the two ladies who were charming and charming and each had their own merits, and patted his chest, "I will definitely keep my head down and work hard."

Before they finished speaking, Su Yanyan and Qin Li were so embarrassed that one of them covered their mouths and the other twisted their waists, for fear that Chen Fugui and the accompanying guards would hear them.

The embarrassing play had just ended when Chen Fugui's voice sounded outside the curtain, "Master?"

"Ok?"

"Look, is that Princess Anle?"

Xia Jingyun opened the curtain and took a look, and sure enough, not far ahead, he saw Yelu Caiqi walking alone, and her guards who were following her far away but did not dare to get close.

Su Yanyan and Qin Li also looked over and took a look. Su Yanyan said, "Go if you want. After all, they are here to see you this time. We can still enjoy it."

Xia Jingyun immediately looked solemn and said seriously: "Hey, hey, I don't want to go or not! I'm just doing my duty as a landlord."

The two women rolled their eyes at him at the same time, then reached out and pushed him.

"Miss Yelu!"

Yelu Caiqi was walking bored and depressed. When he heard this, he looked up and the figure that had always appeared in his mind unconsciously actually appeared in front of him.

At this moment, her heart started pounding, and she suddenly felt that everything was God's will?

"Have you had any trouble with your father?"

Xia Jingyun walked side by side with her naturally, walking forward and speaking softly.

Yelucaiqi shook his head subconsciously, then nodded again.

Xia Jingyun did not ask further questions, but said with a smile: "The night scene in the capital is also quite prosperous and interesting. I am usually busy with business, so today I just want to take a good look at it thanks to Miss Yelu."

Yelu Caiqi didn't say much, and just gave a low hum.

The two of them walked slowly, chatting wordlessly.

When they came to the bank of the inland river in the city, on the other side of the river was the prosperous crown of the city, headed by Liuyun Tianxiang Pavilion. Their eyes reflected the brilliance, and the night wind with the fragrance of makeup and powder blew the tips of their hair and stirred the hair. A heart still in spring.

Yelucaiqi turned his head and looked at the face illuminated by the lights, feeling that it was so beautiful that it made people's hearts sway.

Two or three months ago, she never believed that she would have a crush on such a weak man, but after experiencing so many things, at this moment before separation, she didn't know whether it was the aura of power or the halo of talent. , or maybe it was the rebellion caused by the quarrel with her father, she really felt an emotion at this moment.

Maybe, that's called liking.

"I heard that you wrote a poem for your wives and concubines?"

Xia Jingyun chuckled when he heard this, "It's not really a love poem, it's just a place of love."

"Write one for me too."

Before he could finish his polite words, Yelucaiqi interrupted him, and then boldly and directly stared into his eyes.

It was like the vast and free wind on the grassland, blowing into Xia Jingyun's arms.

Xia Jingyun turned to look at her, seeing the vitality on her face, the indomitable courage and determination in her eyes, and instinctively desire was rising in his heart.

Based on his past experience, he is not the kind of single-minded lover. Due to male instinct, it is also difficult to resist the love shown to the opposite sex, especially the beautiful opposite sex.

In the past, there were at least moral and legal constraints, but now here, all these no longer exist, and nature is even more emotional.

However, reason persuaded him at this time.

Just like his judgment on the matter at the beginning, Yelucaiqi's identity was too sensitive. If he didn't handle it well, the current good situation might collapse.

Men can be excited, but they must control their excitement.

You can warm up the head, but you can't let the small head completely control the big head.

Therefore, with rationality, he also discovered that something was wrong with Yelu Caiqi.

There is indeed some affection in this show of love, but it is not that I love him to the point of being unable to extricate myself, but more mixed with the resistance and fear of returning to Beiliang and being arranged by the family after the quarrel with Yelu De. .

"Miss Yelu, actually I really want to go to the grassland to see the sky, the vastness of the fields, the wind-swept grass and the cattle and sheep; to see the solitary smoke in the desert, the majestic setting sun in the long river; to see the continuous scenery of the The flowers are blooming magnificently at the foot of the green mountain. I open my arms to embrace the free wind and let the fluttering eagle rest on my shoulders. But I can't go. My position and the responsibilities I shoulder prevent me from letting go. These, to be a simple and free person, this is the price behind today's seemingly enviable power."

Yelu Caiqi still looked at him, his eyes still reflected the brilliance of Zhongjing, and the fire of courage had slowly extinguished.

"Oh."

A short answer, like the crisp sound of a heart breaking.

Xia Jingyun sighed secretly and said softly: "Things in the world are easier. Not all moments last forever. There may be better stories on the road in the future. Don't be obsessed or force it."

Yelucaiqi, who had his head lowered, raised his head, with tears in his eyes, and said stubbornly: "What if I insist on forcing it?"

Xia Jingyun was stunned and speechless.

At this moment, Yelu Caiqi seemed to understand Xia Jingyun's concerns and took a deep breath, "The Marquis is busy with official matters. I hope you won't be surprised if the little girl is willful and disturbing tonight."

Xia Jingyun shook his head, "Miss Yelu is serious. Being able to tour the night view of Beijing with her is not only the friendship of the landlord, but also the honor of me."

"Little lady, take your leave."

Seeing Yelu Caiqi salute and turn around, Xia Jingyun hesitated to speak, but in the end, hindered by his own decision, he watched Qian Ying go away.

Across the river, the Liuyun Tianxiang Pavilion was filled with bright lights and laughter.

Two days later, the people of Beiliang formally signed the agreement in Zhongjing City.

The matter of business names between the two countries has also been officially finalized.

The initial initial capital that has been temporarily approved is one million taels. The two courts will contribute according to their respective proportions. Then the respective courts will contribute 10% of the capital on their behalf. How to distribute it internally is their own business.

Of course, Xia Jingyun raised 10% of the expenses himself.

Then, a board of directors is established to manage all affairs of the company, with a total of seven seats on the board of directors.

Among them, each court from both sides sends one person to serve as a director, who can be an official, a chamberlain, or even a white servant. Anyway, it only needs to represent the two courts and be recognized by both courts;

The two aristocratic families each sent a representative, initially appointed by the court;

Xia Jingyun has one representative from the Xia family and one representative from the firm’s management team.

There is no problem with these, but this last spot has caused some disputes.

Finally, Xia Jingyun proposed to give this spot to the Jiang family.

The rhetoric to the court was that the Jiang family had made great contributions to defending the country, and that the expansion of territory also required the participation of the Wudang Army.

What Beiliang said is that opening up trade routes requires military support, and it is reasonable to give a military quota, and who else in the world is more deserving than Jiang Yuhu?

Seeing that the Beiliang people still had objections, Xia Jingyun said that it was understandable that you were afraid of Jiang Yuhu, and so was my cousin.

The people of Beiliang immediately felt that Jiang Yuhu was better.

In the end, everything was finalized, Daxia used the seal, and the people of Beiliang slowly set off back to their country with their credentials.

In the pavilion outside the city, Yelu De looked at Bai Yunbian who came to see him off, cupped his hands and said: "Master Bai, please stay. I am grateful for your visit. If there is an opportunity, you and I will meet again in Beijing."

"That's a serious statement. I didn't entertain you very much."

Bai Yunbian waved his hand, not that he was being modest but because he was really not satisfied.

While he secretly lamented that his official position was getting higher and higher, and his speech was becoming more and more boring, he cupped his hands and said, "Everyone has a safe trip."

Yelu De stroked his chest, leaned over, and got on his horse.

Before leaving, he turned his head and glanced at Zhongjing City. The power of the Southern Dynasty was like the weather at that time, vigorous as the morning sun, and then the sun was at its peak.

Xia Gaoyang, Xia Gaoyang, when will the sun set this time for you? If possible, I really want to die with you!

"drive!"

The team moved forward slowly, and in the only carriage, the side curtain was lifted silently. After a long time, it was lowered as if it was a death wish.

"It's boring! It's boring!"

Bai Yunbian shook his head, lamenting that he had not done much at all this time, and returned to his carriage.

There was another person sitting in the carriage.

Bai Yunbian looked at him and snorted, "You're here, but you don't dare to show up. Why don't you just go to a brothel and go home without doing anything? You won't get anything."

Xia Jingyun pursed his lips, "Go back! There's still more business to do."

He stretched out his hand and pressed it on his chest. There was a poem written last night, so let it sit like this. (End of chapter)