Once the lid is lifted, of course it will cause an uproar.

This kind of private exchanges with the Liao people was strictly prohibited by the imperial court.

Transactions between the two parties can only be conducted in the prescribed market and under the supervision of the corresponding government agencies.

First, it can prevent relevant strategic materials from being smuggled into the Liao Kingdom, making the Liao people stronger.

On the other hand, of course, the court can get more tax revenue.

But these are just thresholds set for ordinary people. For those with power, they are naturally in name only.

Which of the generals stationed on the border did not have a trading team under their command to secretly trade with the Liao people? It's just that most of these people also had the function of collecting intelligence.

The same is true for the Liao people.

Just like Xiao Ding, the same is true.

King Zhao Zhe of Jing certainly did not want this incident to affect the stability of the army on the Hebei Road.

With great difficulty, he managed to get the garrison troops stationed on Hebei Road in order, making them presentable and possessing a certain degree of combat effectiveness.

If Lu Chun's matter was brought to the court at this time, wouldn't it give those in the court who thought Zhao Zhe would not deal with him a perfect handle?

You can send people down to investigate this matter openly, and then use this to expand the situation, and finally pull down Zhao Zhe's confidants one by one.

Of course, Xia Jie and Xia Zhiyan kept silent on this matter because of their own considerations. He was on Hebei Road and might not be able to leave for a while. When Zhao Zhe returned to the capital, he would still have to stay.

Here, does he dare to offend the border guards one by one? And are these things really only about the border guards? Are other officials on the road not involved?

What a joke.

Xia Zhiyan also has a caravan at home!

If Xia Zhiyan really dares to expose this matter, those arrogant and powerful generals below will definitely give him eye drops. Certain people will definitely be able to deliberately let Liao soldiers enter to burn, kill and loot.

Well, as soon as Zhao Zhe left, something like this happened next. You, Xia Zhiyan, are an out-and-out mediocre and incompetent person. With this label attached, it will be difficult for you to turn around again in this life.

He, Xia Zhiyan, is on Hebei Road. How dare he make an enemy of the entire bureaucracy on the road?

"General, I have caused trouble to the pacifier." Xiao Ding was a little apologetic. At first, he only considered reporting this matter to the pacifier so that he could order the military camps in various places to strictly prevent the same thing from happening, but he did not think about Zhao Zhe.

Political opponents will make a fuss about this matter.

"Nothing!" Zhao Zhe said with a smile: "This matter is on Hebei Road. As long as Xia Zhiyan remains silent, no one will dare to bring this matter to the court. Chang Qing, others are working as generals on the border, and everyone will make a profit."

You are rich and wealthy, but you will become poorer as you become richer. I also heard that the lady of the Gao family actually gave you a dowry to subsidize you?"

Xiao Ding said with some embarrassment: "The Gao family is so virtuous, I really feel sorry for him. I have no choice but to build an army that dares to fight, and money is indispensable. I really want to make money."

Wu Dao, although there are caravans who earn some money, they always earn less and use more."

"The imperial court is still too harsh on border sergeants!" Zhao Zhe sighed.

Xiao Ding lowered his head and said nothing.

In fact, it is not only the imperial court that is harsh on sergeants, but the soldiers below are also very harsh on them. It is extremely common for soldiers to be used as domestic slaves. Even if Zhao Zhe has worked hard to rectify these things in recent years, it has only made those soldiers

People have become a little more restrained. The number of empty quotas has become smaller, and the drinking of soldiers' blood is not so vigorous.

Zhao Zhe can only go so far. If he really wants to cut it all off, he is also afraid of becoming an empty-handed pacifier. He always needs people to do things. As long as everyone can get along on the surface and everything can be done satisfactorily, it won't matter.

It can only be so perfunctory.

A general like Xiao Ding who is so clean and self-possessed is like a phoenix.

"In the past few years, most of the things that I, Zhao Zhe, have done to gain face, have been done by your chief minister." Zhao Zhe said with a smile: "I can't deal with your village, shop or anything like that. I have prepared a hundred thousand yuan for you.

When you go back later, you can take it back with you."

Xiao Ding was shocked: "How dare the general ask for money to appease the envoy?"

"This money is not for you. It is for the soldiers of Tianmen Village." Zhao Zhe said with a smile: "If you kill Abohe, you will not be able to make a trade with the other side in a short time. It belongs to the soldiers of Tianmen Village."

Subsidies must still be paid, right? What will you give them?"

Xiao Ding was at a loss for words for a while, and then said after a while: "Then I will bear the pain, I will thank you for the comfort of the three thousand soldiers in Tianmen Village."

"You have made another great contribution, allowing me to return to Bianliang in such a glorious way. It is my duty to thank you." Zhao Zhe said with a smile: "By the way, you want to return to Beijing before me this time, so I'll give it to you.

Parents, brothers and sisters, um, and of course the most important thing, the lady of the Gao family, have you brought any gifts?"

Xiao Ding was stunned and embarrassed.

Zhao Zhe laughed loudly: "I knew you were not prepared."

After clapping their hands, several maids turned around behind them, each holding a box in their hands.

"It's not a precious thing. It's nothing more than ginseng, Shouwu and the like. This is not uncommon in the North. The best ones are just a few winter beads. I specially left them for you to give to the Gao family's wife.

"Yes." Zhao Zhe smiled and said: "Don't refuse, this is my little thought."

Xiao Ding had no choice but to thank him again.

"When the envoy returns to Beijing this time, I wonder who will take over your post?" Xiao Ding asked.

Xia Jie was definitely unable to take over this position, because he had already done things wrong earlier, causing the court to lose enough trust in him.

Zhao Zhe smiled slightly and said: "Cui Ang and Cui Huaiyuan."

Xiao Ding's expression changed slightly.

"Not satisfied?"

Unlike ordinary generals, Xiao Ding is very clear about the details of these high-ranking officials. Ordinary people have always looked up to high-ranking officials in the court, whether they are Wenquxing or Wuquxing. But Xiao Ding has an old man who is also a high-ranking official.

Dad, I know all about these people's virtues, talents, likes and dislikes.

Cui Ang is a Privy Councilor with the same signature, and ranks behind Chen Gui, a Privy Councilor in the West Palace. Chen Gui only wants to enter the East Palace, so naturally he will not come, while Cui Ang covets Chen Gui's position. If he is allowed to do it on Hebei Road

The previous pacifier had enough qualifications when he returned.

"In the Privy Council, Cui Ang has personally led troops and fought in battles, and he is also well versed in military affairs." Zhao Zhe said.

If he has led troops to exterminate some rebellions and quelled some bandits, and he is considered to be proficient in military affairs, then Cui Ang is indeed like this. But a border general like Xiao Ding knows very well that fighting against the Liao people and following the domestic rebellions,

Completely two different things.

"Privacy Cui has always opposed the large-scale use of troops in Hebei." Xiao Ding said: "Why are you so active this time?"

Xiao Ding said this in a subtle way, but he was actually saying clearly that Cui Ang was a member of the Great Prince's lineage, and that the Second Prince should strongly oppose this position. As the previous pacifier, he still had considerable influence on who would be the next one.

He has the right to speak. If the two kings oppose it with all their strength, Cui Ang will not be able to come.

Zhao Zhe shook his head.

"It's hard to say. If I object with all my strength, it will appear that I have never forgotten the military power in Hebei." Zhao Zhe said: "But you don't have to worry too much. Although Cui Ang doesn't deal with me, as long as my father has this intention, then he will definitely

I try my best to flatter you. But you have to be more careful in your actions from now on. Cui Ang is here, and he always wants to find people to establish his power and clean up a group of generals. I don’t want you to leave Tianmen Village."

Xiao Ding nodded and said: "I understand. I will definitely restrain myself, put my tail between my legs and be a human being."

After speaking, he smiled bitterly and said: "But Mr. Xia is still on Hebei Road, and Privy Cui can't suppress Mr. Xia. I'm afraid that Hebei Road will not be as harmonious as it is now? Once the two bosses

When there are disputes, it becomes difficult to be a good person."

"It is normal for local officials to control each other." Zhao Zhe said: "I can monopolize power like I did in Hebei Road. There will never be a second case. Cui Huaiyuan was a little domineering, but Xia Zhiyan was gentle.

Being a middle-aged steel man and having been an official in Hebei Road for many years, Cui Huaiyuan will definitely have his hands tied when the time comes, but perhaps, this is the intention of my father."

Xiao Ding smiled bitterly.

The officials are naturally relieved to do this, but for their side generals, it is not a good thing.

"I wonder if the second king will hold any position after returning to Beijing?" Xiao Ding asked with concern.

Speaking of this topic, Zhao Zhe showed a smile on his face: "There is news from Beijing. It is said that Kaifeng Mansion is known."

"Seriously?" Xiao Ding was immediately overjoyed.

It would be fine if the position of Kaifeng Mansion is not held by a prince. Once it is held by a prince, it will basically declare to the world that this prince is the best candidate for the East Palace. In other words, once the two kings hold this position

position, he is in a more advantageous position than the Grand Prince.

Knowing the location of Kaifeng Mansion is so crucial.

This is of course a great thing for the die-hard Two Kings faction like Xiao Ding.

"I know that Kaifeng Mansion is a good position, but it is also the most difficult position!" Zhao Zhe said with a smile: "I don't know if it is a blessing or a curse?"

"Of course it is a good thing." Xiao Ding said happily: "It is difficult for others to do this, so what are you afraid of? You must be able to do it with ease. I will first congratulate Your Highness."

Zhao Zhe nodded slightly: "You go back to Beijing first. Cui Huaiyuan is probably coming soon. Maybe you haven't left yet when I return to Beijing! I'll treat you to a drink then."

"In Bianliang, it's not easy for me to drink the wine that comforts you. It will cause trouble for you!" Xiao Ding shook his head.

King Jing is no longer the pacifier of the Hebei Road. It would indeed be a taboo for him to have close contact with the frontline commander on top of a personal relationship.

Zhao Zhe smiled: "It doesn't matter. You are my old general, and everyone knows it. No matter you are going to take office or reporting on your duties, when you return to the capital, sit down at my place and no one can say anything? Wang Fa

It's nothing more than a favor. If we really don't go and deliberately distance ourselves, it will attract people's attention and say that we are deceiving others."

After saying goodbye and leaving the house, Xiao Ding shook his head slightly when he saw the boxes of copper coins on the carriage, as well as the ginseng, shouwu, etc. given to him by Zhao Zhe.
Chapter completed!