Yonghefang, Qiujiang Tower.

It was already dark when Pei Yue arrived, and the entire Qiujiang Tower was hung with colorful lanterns, creating an atmosphere of joy and joy.

He came here last year to attend the Furong Banquet. Although he was an imperial envoy, the only person who came out to greet him was Cheng Siqing, the owner of Qiujiang Tower. No local officials from Lingzhou showed up.

Although this was done deliberately by the governor Xue Tao, it also shows the contempt those people had for Pei Yue at that time.

Now when I revisit the old place, it is naturally very different.

Pei Yue reined off his horse, followed closely by Wei Rui, Chen Xianda, Fu Hongzhi and Meng Longfu, followed closely by a hundred soldiers led by Deng Zai.

In the open space outside the building gate, the commander of the Western Army of Daliang, Tang Youzhi of Jining, stood at the front. Lingzhou Governor Xue Tao was on his left, and on the right was the commander of the Jinshui Camp, Dingjun Bo Luo Huanzhang.

Headed by these three people, they were followed by military commanders, officials of the governor's office, the prefects of the nine prefectures of Lingzhou, and hundreds of mid-level military and government officials.

Upon seeing this, Pei Yue stepped forward quickly, greeted the three officials meticulously, and then said to Tang Youzhi: "The Marquis personally greets you, how can this junior person bear such a great gift?"

Tang Youzhi smiled cheerfully, and then said loudly: "You are the first to win the battle in the Western Region! You should be the protagonist today, so what does it mean for us to come out to greet you? It is nothing compared to the achievements you have made.

.”

Pei Yue quickly shook his head and said: "This junior has indeed done some things, but he cannot deserve such praise from the Marquis."

Luo Huanzhang looked at the outstanding Pei Yue. The more he looked at him, the more he liked him. He reached out and patted him on the shoulder and said with a smile: "Brother Yue, don't be so humble. If you weren't really young, you wouldn't be able to celebrate your success tonight."

You must be the main one. By the way, I heard that you are not married yet, nor are you engaged, right? My little daughter is well-educated and has a gentle and sensible temperament. How about you come to my house some other day? "

The few people standing upright behind Pei Yue suppressed the weirdness in their hearts, secretly glad that Miss Ye did not come, otherwise they would not have known what kind of trouble they would cause when they first met.

Pei Yue took his time and said with a smile: "Uncle, I am not the junior Meng Lang, but I have already had an engagement, and we will start to arrange it after we return to Kyoto."

Luo Huanzhang immediately exclaimed that it was a pity, but did not continue the topic. Although he was rough and arrogant, he was not stupid. With His Majesty the Emperor's regard for Pei Yue, this engagement must have a great background.

Tang Youzhi smiled and said, "Let's go in."

Everyone nodded, and Pei Yue followed the three of them and walked into Qiujiang Tower calmly.

Enjoying the attention of everyone along the way, the officials in Lingzhou were relatively restrained. The commanders in the army kept saluting Pei Yue. Many of them had met on the battlefield and had the experience of living and dying together, so they naturally seemed

Extremely close.

Those who saw this scene were secretly stunned. These commanders were the backbone of the entire Western Army. Except for the Dingxi camp, which was too far away and did not participate in the battle of the Western Territory, the other three camps and most of the key generals in Hucheng were

Here, these people were so close to Pei Yue, and coupled with the rumors that Emperor Kaiping held Pei Yue in high regard, they seemed to have seen a new mountain in the army taking shape quickly.

Back at Green Willow Village, Mr. Xi once said that the most important thing for a general is military connections, and Pei Yue has already taken an extremely solid first step.

When passing a group of mid-level officials, Pei Yue suddenly stopped and ignored the surprised looks of Tang Youzhi and others in front of him. He looked at a young man on the side of the road and shouted with joy: "Brother!"

Qin Xian looked at him with a smile, and Xue Meng next to him was also full of excitement.

"Didn't my brother write a letter before saying that he would temporarily stay in Jiming Village to handle military affairs?" Pei Yue asked complainingly.

Qin Xian smiled and said: "That was the original plan, but I received a command from Lord Tang, asking Xue Meng and I to attend the celebration banquet. We hurriedly hurriedly and finally we were not late, so I didn't have time to inform you."

Pei Yue finally understood and said with a smile: "Okay, the two brothers will come to my place to talk in the evening."

Qin Xian and Xue Meng nodded in agreement, and then Pei Yue stepped forward to follow Tang Youzhi and others.

Everyone walked around the living pool and came to the nine-story Chaofeng Downstairs. Pei Yue couldn't help but look at Xue Tao, recalling the memory of the Lotus Banquet in his mind.

Xue Tao was obviously also brought back memories in his mind. At that time, he was still the only owner of this Xingyang city. Even the imperial envoy could use tricks to tease him. Emperor Kaiping would not embarrass a frontier official because of such a trivial matter. Now here

He was no longer the center of attention, even Pei Yue was qualified to be on an equal footing with him. However, there was no gloominess on Xue Tao's face. Instead, he looked at Pei Yue like a spring breeze blowing across his face.

Pei Yue smiled at him, but he was already on guard.

Everyone walked up to the ninth floor chatting and laughing, and Pei Yue also experienced the human escalator of this era.

It was smoother than he expected, and there was no squeaking sound, but the speed was slower.

Only a few people in high positions can enjoy this treatment. Others still have to take the stairs honestly.

The top floor has already been decorated, and the maids are silent, waiting for the arrival of the dignitaries.

After Tang You and his entourage appeared, soft and melodious music also sounded.

Although the main table is large, there are not many people who are qualified to serve at the table. Apart from Tang Youzhi, Luo Huanzhang and Xue Tao, there are only Pei Yue and Zhao Xianhong, the prefect of Xingyang.

Noticing Pei Yue's curious eyes, Tang Youzhi smiled and explained: "The Marquis of Xiangcheng has returned to Hucheng, and the Marquis of Qi Yun is still inspecting the military stronghold, so they can't come."

In fact, Pei Yue was very curious about Xiao Jin. According to Wei Rui's account after he came back a few days ago, during the pursuit battle after the war on the southern front, it was Xiangcheng Marquis Xiao Jin who was actually in charge of the command, and this person was very good at using troops.

They were cunning and did not give the Xiwu cavalry a chance to retreat and counterattack.

From this point of view, it is somewhat intriguing that the defenders of Hucheng have been unable to defend themselves. Based on the importance Pei Zhen and Emperor Kaiping placed on Xiao Jin, and the abilities he later displayed, the 40,000 cavalrymen of Western Wu can really defeat the 100,000 soldiers of Hucheng.

Is it difficult for the defenders to move even an inch?

Pei Yue could feel Xiao Jin's alienation from him. Although his attitude was very polite, this sense of alienation was very obvious in previous contacts.

As for Qi Yun Hou Yin Wei, it is reasonable that he did not show up. The protagonist of this celebration banquet is destined to be Pei Yue. He has not let go of his prejudice against Pei Yue in his heart, but he cannot deprive Pei Yue of his achievements against his will. In this case, he simply disappears.

.

What made Pei Yue most unexpected was that the banquet had not yet started, and Tang Youzhi had not yet spoken. Xue Tao suddenly smiled and said: "Master Tang, this victory is hard-won. The people of Lingzhou are rejoicing. Even the courtesan is honored.

.I specially invited the nine most famous families in the city and asked them to hold the pot and pour the wine. It can be considered a good story. I wonder what the Lord Hou wants?"

Naturally, Tang Youzhi would not care about such trivial matters with Xue Tao. He nodded and said, "Uncle Xue Fang is thoughtful. I have also heard of the great reputation of the Nine Families. Please invite them to come out."
Chapter completed!