In winter, in the north, the leaves have fallen in color and the trees are bare, making it look particularly deserted.
Different from the north, although southern Xinjiang has the bleakness of winter, it is more green.
The trees are still green, and there's even green grass in the corners.
This climate makes the four seasons in southern Xinjiang less distinct, and also brings about the possibility of three crops a year.
"This is the land of abundance!" the King of Yue said with his hands behind his hands.
"There is no shortage of food in southern Xinjiang, but it lacks strength." Zhao Dongping hurried in and saw the King of Yue standing under the tree thinking, and smiled.
There was a smile on the delicate face of the King of Yue, "The foreign races in southern Xinjiang are tough."
"That's a foreign race." Zhao Dongping said, "Foreign races are unreliable."
The king of Yue was unconvinced.
Zhao Dongping took a few steps forward, stood beside and behind him, raised his head, and looked from his angle, only seeing the colorful shadows of the trees.
"The envoy from Chang'an is here."
The King of Yue said nothing.
"Zhang Huan had a secret discussion with the envoy."
The King of Yue smiled.
"I thought it was a big deal."
The King of Yue said calmly: "What is more likely is...difficult things!"
A follower came in hastily.
"Your Majesty, Mr. Zhang, please go over there."
The King of Yue turned around and said, "I will go after breakfast."
Zhao Dongping smiled bitterly, "Your Majesty..."
"No rush."
When the food was brought, the king of Yue ate slowly.
The chamberlain Ma Yuan was waiting on the side. Seeing that the King of Yue liked to eat rice cakes, he whispered: "Your Majesty, this rice cake is a gift from General Shi. He said it was made by his old mother."
"oh!"
The King of Yue looked at the half-eaten rice cake.
Take another bite and taste it.
Open your mouth.
"Pooh!"
Rice cakes spit on the ground.
The King of Yue took a sip of soup and rinsed his mouth.
"I think it's dirty!"
After breakfast, the King of Yue went to the Jiedushi Mansion.
There are already many people sitting in the lobby.
The King of Yue arrived late, so Zhang Huan should have shown some courtesy.
"Excuse me, Your Majesty."
Zhang Huan was very polite.
The King of Yue smiled and said: "I was writing a letter to Chang'an, so I came a little late."
After everyone bowed, they sat down immediately.
Shi Zhongtang smiled at the King of Yue and bowed.
The King of Yue nodded.
The smile on Zhang Huan's face gradually faded.
"An envoy has come to the court, and your Majesty has given orders..."
Everyone sat up straighter.
But the King of Yue discovered that people who sat more upright had less respect in their eyes.
It can be seen that the status of the emperor in the hearts of these civil and military officials is not that high.
This thought flashed through the mind of the King of Yue, and he didn't worry about it at all.
"The Southern Zhou Dynasty was domineering and repeatedly instigated rebels to harass the southern border of the Tang Dynasty, resulting in numerous casualties among the people... The army in southern Xinjiang was on the alert, waiting for military orders."
Zhang Huan said murderously: "The Southern Zhou Dynasty intervened in the rebellion in southern Xinjiang for several years, and Chang'an has tolerated it again and again. I even went to court for this and reprimanded the princes in the court for being insensitive. Now it seems that I have underestimated them."
The King of Yue sneered in his heart, if the princes in the court wanted to clean up the Southern Zhou Dynasty, why would they wait until now?
Zhang Chumao said: "My lord, does this court want to attack Southern Zhou Dynasty?"
Zhang Huan said: "I don't know, but...it's all groundless, so go ahead and prepare!"
Everyone agreed.
Zhang Huan smiled and said: "Your Majesty."
The King of Yue nodded.
"I have a heartfelt request."
"Mr. Zhang, please tell me."
The King of Yue clenched his right hand.
"Your Majesty often sends letters to Chang'an. I would like to ask, Your Majesty, whether this battle...can be undertaken by our southern border!"
The King of Yue loosened his hand and said with a smile: "This matter is decided by the court, but Prime Minister Zhang thinks highly of me, but... I am also a member of Southern Xinjiang, so naturally I should try my best."
Zhang Huan smiled and said: "Yes! Your Majesty is also a member of our Southern Xinjiang."
After the King of Yue left, Zhang Chumao said: "Master, have you judged that the DPRK wants to send troops?"
Zhang Huan nodded, "Since your Majesty came to the throne, you have not had any thoughts of launching troops. You have even built a pear garden and sang and danced all day long. In this way, a messenger suddenly came from the court and ordered us to prepare for war. I thought that something must have happened.
Something."
"Is it because of the rebels?"
"No, the rebels have been suppressed by us recently. Your Majesty should not be like this."
"So... over there in Southern Zhou Dynasty."
"right."
Zhang Huan nodded, "Bei Xinjiang faced Bei Liao alone. Huang Chunhui's battle shocked the government and the public, and he gained the reputation of the backbone of the Tang Dynasty. I squatted in this place and couldn't find a chance to fight. This time it is
Good opportunity."
Zhang Chumao said with a smile: "Your Majesty, your Majesty is really thinking."
Zhang Huan smiled strangely, "King Wei has always wanted to lead an army in northern Xinjiang, but Huang Chunhui knows that he has no chance of staying in the East Palace. How can he dare to let him lead the army alone?"
Zhang Chumao said: "The King of Yue is different. Mr. Xian, you must think clearly!"
He is Yang's son-in-law, so he should naturally be on the side of the Queen and the King of Yue.
Zhang Huan certainly knew this, but he also knew very well that the King of Yue was almost the perfect candidate for the future crown prince.
He nodded slightly, "I know."
Zhang Chumao smiled slightly.
When he went out later, his entourage asked: "My lord, may we get a chance to fight this time?"
"Look." Zhang Chumao was not sure either, so he shouted: "Your Majesty."
The Yue King in front stopped and turned around, "Xu Guogong."
The queen is the daughter of the Yang family, and Zhang Chumao is the son-in-law of the Yang family, so they can be considered relatives.
"Your Majesty, do you want to go on an expedition?" Zhang Chumao asked with a smile.
The King of Yue hesitated for a moment and did not admit it.
Zhang Chumao smiled more and more kindly, "My husband, I just want the king to test Chang'an to see if he really wants to send troops to the Southern Zhou Dynasty."
Zhang Huan asked the King of Yue to write to Chang'an and ask if the Southern Xinjiang Army could fight independently. This question was raised to Chang'an. Whether Chang'an agreed or rejected it, he firmly believed in the idea of attacking the Southern Zhou Dynasty.
Of course the King of Yue knew it, but he still looked like he was suddenly enlightened, "So that's it?"
Zhang Chumao said: "If this matter can be tested successfully, Prime Minister Zhang will naturally..."
This is an exchange. If you, the King of Yue, find out information for me, I will help you mediate your expedition.
Even if they are allies, there is nothing wrong with exchanging benefits.
The King of Yue smiled and said: "I will try my best."
Zhang Chumao reached out and prepared to pat him on the shoulder.
Halfway through, he remembered that this was not his subordinate, but the prince.
The King of Yue took a step back calmly, "I have something to do, please take my leave."
Zhang Chumao smiled dryly and said: "I just tested Zhang Huan..."
The King of Yue narrowed his eyes, "Oh!"
"I said that your Majesty is different from King Wei, let him think clearly."
King Yue's heart skipped a beat, and he narrowed his eyes slightly to hide his emotions.
He has been in southern Xinjiang for a long time, and he still has not opened up the situation. If you say you are not in a hurry, you are lying, but what is the use of being anxious?
People like Zhang Huan have reached the peak of being a minister. Unless he wants to return to Chang'an and join the court, he has no desires and no desires.
So what if you are the king of Yue? I just want to be impartial.
Zhang Huan's attitude made it difficult for the King of Yue to strike...and what Zhang Huan wanted was for him to be difficult to strike.
We don't fall out, we still keep our distance.
Distance creates beauty!
Look, how beautiful we are!
Zhang Chumao nodded slightly, "He is moved."
Tsk!
The King of Yue looked at him deeply and said with a smile: "I understand, my king."
Zhang Huan is tempted and wants to get closer to you.
This is my contribution!
This king knows.
In a few words, both parties completed an exchange of interests.
The King of Yue nodded and left.
Zhang Chumao smiled happily.
The confidant said, "My lord, the King of Yue is still young after all! You will not reap any benefits this time."
"Idiot!" Gu Zhen
Zhang Chumao said calmly: "Zhang Huan is getting older, and he has begun to put away his past aloofness. For no other reason, he has to think about his children and grandchildren. The prince is no longer good, and King Wei is the son of a maid, how can he inherit the throne?
Only the King of Yue..."
"King Wei wants Northern Xinjiang to be his helper. This is a wishful thinking. But King Yue wants Southern Xinjiang to be his helper, but he needs my help. In this way, once Zhang Huan goes, the King of Yue will naturally mobilize the power of the four surnames of the family to bring
I push it up!"
…
"Your Majesty, does Zhang Chumao want to plan for the position of Jiedushi?" The attendant of the King of Yue was a little dissatisfied, "He is too selfish."
"Can I still ask him to be single-minded?" King Yue smiled, "Who in this world only gives and does not want anything in return?"
The attendant said: "Yes mother!"
"No."
The attendant was startled, thinking of the emperor who was crawling with ashes and driving his children and grandchildren to desperation.
The King of Yue pointed to his feet.
"land."
Therefore, he wants to conquer a big territory!
Use the land that only knows how to give without wanting anything in return to nourish your ambitions.
…
Chang'an.
In the early morning, Han Shitou was walking in the yard.
Jiao Hui is dressing up.
In the early morning, the sky was still dark.
Han Shitou finished his walk and went to the kitchen.
When the cook saw him coming in, he reluctantly gave up his seat.
"Your husband is so noble, why do you like to go into the kitchen?"
"We don't have any dignity." Han Shitou poured a ladle of water into the copper pot and skillfully used a bamboo brush to scrub the pot.
Make a bowl of batter, cut some mutton, marinate it with some salt and seasonings for a while, then wrap it in the batter and fry it in the pot.
Tsk!
The aroma is tangy.
After finishing this, Han Shitou made another vegetable soup.
Finally, there are pancakes.
Two dishes and one main course.
While helping, the cook said: "Everyone says that Mr. Lang is extremely rich, and his home must be extremely luxurious. Let them come and see..."
Han Shitou squatted in front of the stove, poked it a few times, pulled out a newly lit piece of firewood, threw it on the ground, and stretched out his feet to stamp out the flames.
In this way, the firewood can still be used in the afternoon.
Later, the food was brought to the dining hall.
Jiao Hui had already laid out the dishes and chopsticks. When she saw him coming in with food, she said angrily: "You are already a general, and you are still entering the kitchen."
A while ago, the emperor just gave Han Shitou a false position as a general.
"Eat it!"
Han Shitou sat down and sighed contentedly.
"Why!"
Jiao Hui hesitated to speak.
"Mr. Lang."
"Um?"
Han Shitou was breathing evenly.
"Are you not satisfied with the cook? Otherwise, I'll find another one later."
"satisfy."
"Then why does the husband cook so often?" Jiao Hui became more and more puzzled and worried, "I learned how to serve nobles in the palace, but I don't know how to cook. I am ashamed of the husband."
Han Shitou slowly ate the fried mutton in his mouth and said, "When we were still at home, Aye and Aniang were like this. Aye was cooking, and Aniang was busy with other things."
Well!
Jiao Hui asked: "No one... gossips?"
"Yes, the neighbors said that Aye is weak." Han Shitou said: "Aye said that she is my wife, who gives birth to children for me, gets up early and goes to bed late for me. She can make clothes, weave, and carry
My child…what’s wrong with me just cooking? What’s wrong with me feeling sorry for her?”
Jiao Hui couldn't help but be moved, "This is what a man is."
"We have been in the palace for many years, and you should know what is going on in the palace. There are intrigues and intrigues. I am smiling at you today, but I can stab you in the back tomorrow."
Jiao Hui nodded, "So if you can leave the palace, I feel that you have left hell."
Han Shitou said: "Don't look at our current situation, but there are so many people staring at us, all wanting to stab us in the back. Every day we have to watch six directions and listen to all directions. If we are not careful, we will fall into other people's ways.
At the end of the day, I am exhausted both physically and mentally. Do you know what we most want to see at this time?"
Jiao Hui said: "Your Majesty's praise?"
Han Shitou shook his head.
"What we want to see most is the lights, the lights at home."
"But there needs to be someone at home."
"There is someone who cares about us."
"For this person, we are willing to cook, and we are willing to protect her."
In an instant, Jiao Hui's eyes were filled with tears.
Han Shitou raised his chopsticks and said, "Hey! What are you talking about? Eat, eat while it's hot!"
Later, Han Shitou appeared outside the palace gate.
"I've met Young Inspector Han."
The officials he met along the way bowed respectfully when they saw him.
Entering the palace, several chamberlains were waiting.
"Shaojian Han."
"Um!"
Han Shitou nodded slightly.
"Where is Your Majesty?"
"Back to Young Prison Han, Your Majesty has just woken up and is having breakfast in the Liyuan."
"Is your Majesty here?"
"Also."
Han Shitou stopped and asked, "Is there any news about the messenger?"
"messenger……"
"The envoy to Beiliao."
"not yet."
"Go and urge it." Han Shitou said dissatisfiedly: "This is a big matter. Wang Deng knows the seriousness of it. Once the result is revealed, he should rush back to Chang'an. Don't dare to waste a moment."
"yes."
"In addition, go to the court and ask all the ministers whether the matter your Majesty ordered yesterday has been discussed properly. If it is OK, sign it and send the document to the Liyuan."
"yes."
Han Shitou's face turned slightly bright, "You have to take the initiative when doing things, and don't move just because others slap you. Your Majesty is watching! It's clear who is diligent and who is lazy. Work hard, and we will naturally talk to you here."
"yes."
Everyone stopped and respectfully sent him into the pear garden.
The emperor had just finished breakfast and was leisurely reading in the palace.
The imperial concubine was tuning the harp beside her, and the voices of immortals and immortals kept coming.
"Tighter." The emperor did not raise his head.
The imperial concubine did as she was told and said, "Hey! It's really accurate."
"His Majesty."
"Stone!"
The emperor put down the book in his hand and asked, "Have Wang Deng and others come back?"
This road is from Bei Liao to Datang. If we work hard, we can come back at this time. Fortunately for the young man, Wang Deng is already very old. If he rushes like this, he may lose half his life.
"I just asked someone to go to the mirror to inquire."
"Um!"
The emperor nodded, "He Lianfeng will probably not agree, but I will still send troops. I will summon the important ministers later and I will make some arrangements."
We should be on guard in northern Xinjiang and send some troops to southern Xinjiang to strengthen the southern Xinjiang army.
In this way, even if Beiliao launched a large-scale attack, it would only return without success.
At this moment, the emperor put all Huang Chunhui's suggestions behind him.
——Once Northern Liao invades, Your Majesty, Northern Xinjiang will be in danger!
Han Shitou asked: "Your Majesty, that thing... must be disposed of?"
"Keep it." The emperor said with a cold face, "When Nian Xu is captured alive in the future, I will watch him take all those medicines!"
"yes."
Han Shitou went to the side hall.
Boxes are stacked one after another, among which a rosewood box is the most eye-catching.
"Open!"
A chamberlain opened the wooden box.
There is a wooden box placed on top.
Open the wooden box.
Inside is a pile of medicinal materials.
A piece of paper on top.
One line of words.
The writing is very elegant.
——I heard that Your Majesty is depressed, so I specially offer this medicine!