After Nian Xu came to the throne, he has been thinking about the Southern Zhou Dynasty. He made many plans and learned many times. The more he learned, the more frightened he became.
There are more and more officials, and their remuneration is very good. The amount of money given to the officials every year is an amount that can make their heart stop. Even so, the number of officials is still growing every year.
The second is the soldiers. With the Tang Dynasty as a powerful neighbor, the Southern Zhou Dynasty had to maintain a huge army... He didn't know the combat effectiveness of this army... The prime minister said that they were very powerful, but he felt this
You should listen to it at a 50% discount.
The more soldiers there are, the more money and food is consumed every year.
Many people have to be given rewards every year. This is a rule passed down from the ancestors. It was originally meant to show goodwill and win people's hearts, but later it evolved into a system that the subsequent emperors could not survive even if they wanted to stop.
The Southern Zhou Dynasty was prosperous, but even so, it became increasingly difficult over the years.
He knew that if there was no change, the Southern Zhou Dynasty would inevitably die.
So he took action.
The New Deal faction headed by Prime Minister Sun Shi and Privy Councilor Han Bi came on stage. Nian Xu fully supported them, gave them whatever they asked for, and even endorsed their New Deal.
But there are many opponents, and the reasons for their opposition are all kinds of strange, but in Nian Xu's eyes, there is only one: the New Deal affects their interests!
Regardless of whether it was fields or anything else, all kinds of resources in the Southern Zhou Dynasty were mostly concentrated in the hands of powerful officials and gentry, and the people's lives became increasingly difficult.
It seems fine at the moment, but last year there were several rebellions caused by the overwhelmed people, which made Nian Xu's desire for innovation even more determined.
If we want to enrich our country and strengthen our military, we must innovate.
However, in the process of innovation, the interests of some people will inevitably be harmed. These people are more powerful and give Nian Xu a headache.
For example, Peng Jing, who is hosting the banquet today, is a leading figure in the opposition.
This is also a competition. If the arrogance of the Tang Dynasty mission can be suppressed, the opposition will become famous. Correspondingly, the New Deal faction will be eclipsed.
The competition was a trap carefully prepared by Peng Jing for the Tang Dynasty envoy.
Historically, when envoys from the Tang Dynasty came to Bianjing, the methods prepared by the court were all literary. Using literary talent to defeat the barbarians was the reserve of civil servants.
But Peng Jing did the opposite.
When Nian Xu heard this idea, he couldn't help but applaud it.
At the same time, my mood is quite complicated.
Peng Jing's talent, if used in the New Deal, would be even more powerful.
Nian Xu turned his eyes and saw Nian Ru and Shen Zhong talking in a low voice in the corner.
"Who is that person?" Nian Ru asked.
"Wang Laoer, Yang Xuan's attendant." Zhong Sheng found out a lot of information along the way.
"How is the strength?"
"He has some cultivation, but he is a bit stupid."
"Fool?"
"Yes, I've been eating all day long, and I've never seen that mouth stop."
Seeing Wang Laoer's satisfied look, the kings and ministers of Southern Zhou all laughed.
Can't you wait to eat it later? Yang Xuan's head was full of black lines, "Come on, let's have a try with this guy."
"oh!"
Wang Laoer didn't forget to lick the meat scraps and juice from his fingers before he stood up.
Qin Jian knew that Wang Laoer had some cultivation skills, but how much?
It would be better to send the old thieves.
At least the old thief looks more like a good player.
In the harem, the queen and Nian Ziyue were talking about the situation after they said goodbye.
"Although Chang'an is not as prosperous as Bianjing, it still has a different scenery, majestic and majestic."
"Really?" The queen looked at her daughter lovingly, "But it's hard to compare to me, Bianjing."
A chamberlain came in and said, "Queen, the banquet ahead has begun."
"Then it's time for us to have dinner." The queen smiled slightly.
Nian Ziyue asked: "What's going on on both sides?"
The chamberlain said: "Peng Xiang said it was a competition, and he agreed."
The queen smiled and said: "Peng Jing is very resourceful. Today he is here to preside over the meeting, and the Tang Dynasty envoy will not be able to please him."
"Zi Yue?" Seeing that her daughter was in a daze, the queen waved her hand in front of her eyes, "But are you tired?"
Nian Ziyue shook his head and hesitated, "Mother."
"Um?"
"Don't underestimate Yang Xuan."
"Who is Yang Xuan?"
"Envoy of the Tang Dynasty."
"Oh! Let your husband-in-law worry about this matter! We two will eat first."
"Don't underestimate him!"
"I got it! Prime Minister Peng is very capable, what are you worried about?"
…
An open space was cleared in the temple.
The guard walked to the middle and saluted Nian Xu.
Nian Xu smiled: "That's it."
When Wang Laoer came, everyone burped and laughed softly.
Damn!
Come back and get hungry!
Yang Xuan thought angrily.
Wang Laoer cupped his hands and said, "Mr. Lang."
Yang Xuan said calmly: "That's it."
The old thief coughed dryly.
I feel some pain in my chest.
Peng Jing looked at Yang Xuan, "Your Majesty, are you okay?"
Yang Xuan glanced at Wang Laoer, whose mouth was full of oil, and said: "Any time."
There is no room for retreat at this time. Even if you die there, you have to grit your teeth and say whatever you want!
This is the meaning of mission.
What are you going to say... The Tang Dynasty strongly scolded the Southern Zhou Dynasty for intervening in the rebellion in southern Xinjiang.
Talking can solve problems because there is a powerful country behind the person speaking!
But in many cases, the only weapon a weak country has is words. Taking action means destroying itself.
This is the law of the jungle, life and death.
Everyone put down their chopsticks, and some people even laughed and said, "I have a poem here."
When Nian Xu saw that he was a minister with great poetic talent, he said, "Let's wait until later."
They both retreated.
Three steps away.
There is not much room to move around in the palace, so this battle will be short and intense.
The guard looked at Wang Laoer with a smile, "Please!"
Wang Laoer looked at him with an idiotic look on his face, "Come on!"
Poof!
This silly energy made a Southern Zhou official laugh.
Nian Xu couldn't help but smile.
He glanced at Yang Xuan.
Yang Xuan smiled slightly and raised his glass to Nian Xu, "I hope your majesty will be in a good mood."
Nian Xu raised his glass, "Of course."
wind!
Rising suddenly!
The guard didn't see any action, and he was already in front of Wang Laoer.
The five fingers spread out, and the muscles and bones burst out, like eagle claws.
Qin Jian gritted his teeth and watched this scene, wishing he could go up and slap the guard to death.
Wang Laoer's body fell back violently.
Ninety degree angle.
A not-so-depressive angle.
It's called Iron Banqiao.
A strong wind passed over the body.
The guard rushed over and stepped down.
This series of actions can be said to be as fast as thunder, which makes people dizzy.
What a good player!
Qin Jian looked livid and glanced at Peng Jing.
Peng Jing stroked his beard and smiled, nodding slightly, with a good demeanor that made people feel good about him.
This was a method arranged by him. The bodyguard was the best among the bodyguards and could be called a master. Of course, he also thought about asking such a top soldier to take action, but Nian Xu vetoed it.
If a good player comes forward, this is not a competition, but a deception!
Nian Xu knows this better than him.
but.
That’s enough!
Qin Jian was anxious and glanced at Yang Xuan.
Yang Xuan was gnawing on a duck tongue. There was no meat in the duck tongue, and all he wanted was the flavor. He didn't want the trouble, so he simply threw the whole piece into his mouth and chewed it, spitting out the remaining bones.
"vulgar!"
Someone whispered.
A strong wind suddenly blew by.
Wang Laoer's body turned sideways incredibly.
The iron bridge turned to one side, and the guard's foot fell.
Wang Laoer put one hand on the ground and he jumped up.
In mid-air, the two faced each other.
Wang Laoer stretched out his right hand, the fingers still shining with grease.
The right hand becomes a fist!
Boom!
The two fists met.
The guard retreated.
Wang Laoer bullied himself and came forward.
Nian Xu was shocked.
The second punch!
Boom!
The guard continued to retreat, his hands trembling!
Yang Xuan raised his glass.
The third punch!
The guard was unable to parry and watched helplessly as Wang Laoer's fist roared towards him.
The fist stayed on his chest.
Then tap lightly.
“That’s it!”
Wang Laoer turned around.
puff!
A surge of inner breath rushed into the guard's chest, his chest and abdomen were shaking, he opened his mouth, and a mouthful of blood spurted out.
Nian Xu: "..."
The young scholar said coldly: "Is this what you call ordinary?"
Zhong Zhong paid close attention to Yang Xuan, Qin Jian and others along the way. As for his followers...he really felt that was the case, "Yang Xuan comes from a peasant family, how come his followers are so sharp?"
The young scholar snorted, "Are you sure it's a farmer's home?"
"yes!"
"eccentric!"
These days, if you want masters to follow you, it's not about how rich you are, but about your background. If you are from a noble family, even if you are down and out, you will still be followed by masters, and it will give you more face to talk about your background.
If you have an ordinary background, even if you are rich now, I'm sorry, but I won't take care of you!
Face is the most valuable!
This is the lingering remnant of those days when reputation was used to obtain scholars... This was the case in Chen State for a while. Who can become an official depends not on talent, but on family background.
This year, several talents will be recommended to go to the state or to the Central Government. The local government will gather the so-called local talents.
Let’s start the competition…
The ancestor of the family, Wen Xugong, was once a disciple of a certain great Confucian.
My father, so-and-so, was once the magistrate of a certain county.
My family was born in a certain county, and my ancestors were very wealthy back then.
My home...
In the end, the one with the most awesome background was selected.
This is the solidification of class, and it will gradually disappear when education gradually spreads.
Yang Xuan is just a farmer, how can he be followed by masters?
The young scholar sighed, "He is a fool!"
He bowed his head heavily and said, "The official is wrong."
A fool naturally doesn't care about his master's background.
"Still a greedy fool." Nian Ru smiled bitterly.
Over there, Wang Laoer came back and saluted.
Yang Xuan stood up and raised his glass.
"Your Majesty must be in a very happy mood when he sees his face glowing red. For this reason, it is worth having a drink together."
Nian Xu smiled and said: "Your Majesty, please."
Both sides drank it all in one gulp.
Peng Jing's smile did not change, "Your entourage..."
This is the meaning of temptation.
Yang Xuan smiled and said: "I am just a handyman at home, doing everything from chopping firewood."
Someone sneered.
Such good hands should be provided with good food and drink, so that they can do their best when it comes to taking action.
Wang Laoer sat down and said, "I chop firewood every day."
Everyone: "..."
This fool is telling the truth at first glance.
Yang Xuan smiled and said: "Your Majesty's bodyguards are quite good. Foreign ministers dare not look down upon them. I am offended."
Of course, Nian Xu's city didn't need to be said, but his eyelids still jumped a few times when he was stimulated by these words.
His wishful thinking was shattered, and now he was secretly humiliated by the envoy of the Tang Dynasty.
Nian Xu glanced at Peng Jing.
Peng Jing smiled, but felt particularly annoyed in his heart.
If the situation cannot be reversed, the New Dealers will impeach him tomorrow.
Qin Jian just woke up from the ecstasy at this moment. He squeezed his thigh hard and almost made a pig noise.
Actually won?
That silly boy, whom Yang Zhengshi despised all day long, has such great cultivation?
Oh my God!
The mission has achieved success!
Peng Jing had various ideas running through his mind, "I heard that the envoy is a powerful general?"
Nian Xu coughed dryly and said, "Drink."
Nian Ru whispered: "Prime Minister Peng wants to try Yang Xuan, what do you think?"
Shen Zhen's face was solemn, "A follower is like this, but Yang Xuan's own cultivation level is difficult for a low-ranking official to judge."
The young scholar shook his head, "I have lost all my face today, and Peng Jing still wants to get it back. This is not for the sake of national affairs, but more for personal fame and fortune. Sure enough, Sun Shi is right. There are thousands of reasons for opposing the New Deal. To sum up, Just one piece is enough.”
He said slowly: "Don't touch my benefits!"
In the harem, the queen and Nian Ziyue had just finished eating, and the mother and daughter were walking in front of the palace.
Chang'an is still a bit cold, but Bianjing is warm and pleasant.
"Your father has considered many young people for your marriage, some from rich and powerful families, some from high-ranking official families. After looking at them, he said that there are so many young talents in Southern Zhou Dynasty like stars, but it is difficult to choose."
"Really?" Nian Ziyue was noncommittal.
The queen glanced at her and said, "My young handsome man from Southern Zhou Dynasty has outstanding literary talent and graceful demeanor. Ziyue, have you ever seen such a young man in Chang'an?"
Nian Ziyue said casually: "This time the envoy can be considered as such!"
"oh!"
The queen smiled and said, "The young people of the Tang Dynasty like to dance with swords and guns. They are unruly and unruly. They are not good matches for women."
Nian Ziyue smiled, "Yes!"
The queen knew that her daughter was a little absent-minded, "Let's just say that the boy in Peng Xiang's family has outstanding literary talent and is resourceful. Not to mention more, if he has 50% of Peng Xiang, he will be your perfect match."
The mother and daughter talked in a roundabout way, but in the end they were trying to push out Peng Jing's son.
"I don't know that person." Nian Ziyue spent a lot of time in Chang'an and didn't know much about the recent situation in Bianjing.
The Queen smiled and said: "Peng Xiang is a new member, but he has superb methods. This time when the Tang Dynasty envoy came to investigate, the emperor asked him to plan and preside over it. Although he is opposed to the New Deal, his talent is outstanding and must be used."
"Yeah?"
Nian Ziyue couldn't help but think of Yang Xuan.
Since Peng Jing is so cunning, how can he resist?
"The boy from Mr. Peng's family has made great progress in his studies and is preparing to take part in this year's imperial examination. He is said to be sure to pass. Once he passes, he will leap over the dragon's gate."
Nian Ziyue had a headache and was looking for an excuse, but he happened to see a chamberlain coming over and said, "Mother, I have trouble with you. I'm going back first."
"You, you!" The queen naturally knew that she was trying to avoid her thoughts, and smiled: "Your father will tell you later."
The chamberlain approached and said, "The banquet is over and His Majesty is coming over."
"Oh!" the queen asked, "how are the two sides?"
Nian Ziyue stopped and turned his back to listen.
The chamberlain said: "Peng Xiang invited the envoy to compete with others, but the envoy turned out to be a fool."
That's Wang Laoer... Nian Ziyue thought about it, and her impression of Wang Laoer was that he was stupid.