This is Qin Jian's first visit to Northern Xinjiang after he became the Minister of Rites.
The characteristic of the north is that it looks quite desolate in autumn, winter, and early spring. It is not devastated, but it looks like the surrounding fields are withered.
The official who came to the north for the first time said that the scene looked quite poor, which made Qin Jian laugh.
It's the climate, not wealth.
However, compared with the Southern Zhou Dynasty, the production in the north was much worse.
This is why everyone feels that Chang'an can control Northern Xinjiang.
Food is the most important thing for the people, so Chang'an was able to let the Northern Xinjiang governor do whatever they wanted, just because as long as he held the key to the door of the Hubu warehouse, Northern Xinjiang could not move.
But what I didn't expect was that when Yang Xuan took office, the first thing he did was to seek food self-sufficiency.
But the northern Xinjiang is bitterly cold, not to mention one crop a year, and the Northern Liao Dynasty is still harassing us. How can we be self-sufficient?
At that time, Chang'an ridiculed Yang Xuan for being an idiot and talking about dreams. Some wise people said that Yang Xuan was demonstrating to Chang'an, but it was self-defeating.
Chang'an at that time was so optimistic!
Unexpectedly, Yang Xuan first encouraged land reclamation, then captured Nangui City and initially established a barrier. Then, that vast field became a slap in the face of the wise men of Chang'an.
one time.
Again!
Now that he could fill his stomach, the soldiers and civilians of Northern Xinjiang praised Yang Xuan.
Many people hoped that Northern Liao would send troops.
Once Bei Liao sends troops, Nangui City will not be able to stop them.
The Northern Liao Dynasty sent troops, divided into two groups, to raid Chenzhou.
However, he was severely beaten by Yang Xuan and his entire army was almost wiped out.
When the news reached Chang'an, some people said that the situation in northern Xinjiang remained unchanged and that Beiliao could break through the interception of Nangui City at any time and sweep the fields.
yes!
Even if the fierce bandits from northern Xinjiang guard Nangui City, they can't stop the mighty army.
But what I didn't expect was that Yang Xuan sent troops.
Sweeping across the inner state.
From this, the barrier is established.
Food self-sufficiency in northern Xinjiang has become a reality.
Chang'an's method of controlling Northern Xinjiang is useless!
What will happen to the emperor? He must be angry.
Qin Jian knew this very well.
So, when he heard that the emperor was ecstatic after hearing the news, he took a sip of tea and said: "How come this tea is like wine? I'm drunk before I drink it, and I want to talk nonsense!"
The emperor must be angry and anxious, this is the analysis of Qin Jian.
Northern Xinjiang was now self-sufficient in food, and the emperor had fewer means to check and balance Yang Xuan.
This emperor was probably the most manipulative emperor since the founding of the Tang Dynasty.
When a minister cannot be manipulated by political means, he will become anxious and will try every means to manipulate him.
Qin Jian understands this mentality.
Therefore, he did not want to come when the palace and the court sent people to Northern Xinjiang to present rewards in public this time. But Zhu Wei, the minister, said that you and Qin Guogong were on a mission to the Southern Zhou Dynasty together. With this friendship, he will not be embarrassed.
you.
If you don't want to go, why don't you let me go?
If you have old arms and legs, if you fall down and die in the middle of the road, will you be able to live with your conscience?
Qin Jian had no choice but to agree.
Accompanying him was a eunuch named Tian Xin.
Tian Xin looked quite indifferent, and she rarely communicated with him on the road.
This is a bad sign!
Qin Jian knew that there were not many ways to check and balance Yang Xuan and Beijiang in Chang'an, and official hat was one of them.
Chang'an is Zhengshuo, and Yang Xuan himself said that he will live up to the Tang Dynasty in this life.
In this case, officials should naturally make arrangements in Chang'an.
What kind of trouble will Tian Xin cause during this trip?
If not...
Qin Jian hopes not to do it, but if this is the case, he should appoint a doctor from the Ministry of Personnel instead of inexplicably appointing someone from the Ministry of Rites.
It is said that the official Luo Wen was very fond of Yang Xuan and helped him run his duties.
In this way, the Ministry of Rites appoints people instead of the Ministry of Personnel... This is to make soy sauce.
In other words, Tian Xin has the final say on everything on this trip.
Furthermore, he had heard halfway that this trip was to win over powerful people in northern Xinjiang, and most importantly, to show favor to the Zhao family in Lu County.
The reputation of the Zhao family in Lu County in the Tang Dynasty, especially in the north, is almost that of gods. No, they are gods.
If Zhao takes a clear-cut stance against Yang Xuan...
The water here is very deep!
This kind of thinking must be experienced by an old official in Chang'an City.
Qin Jian stood up and said, "I'm going out for a walk."
Someone reported it to Tian Xin, "Shilang Qin said he should go out for a walk."
Tian Xin has a greasy face.
There were no vegetables this season, so he couldn't eat dry vegetables, so he was always greasy. His whole face looked oily and slippery.
He sneered, "Qin Jian and Yang Xuan have an old relationship. I'm afraid they will renew their relationship this time! We deliberately didn't talk to him along the way, just to let him guess. The more we guess, the more mistakes we make."
"
The eunuch Liao Sun said: "Tian Ye, after all, Qin Jian is the minister of the Ministry of Rites, and he is well-informed..."
"Halfway through, we sent someone a message saying that we are going to win over the powerful people in Northern Xinjiang and the Zhao family in Lu County. He should have heard it."
Tian Xin said: "It is said here that the official who was promoted furthest this time is in Neizhou and it will take some time to get back. So, make preparations and go to Lu County tomorrow."
Liao Sun asked: "For what reason?"
Tian Xin said: "We are angels. Angels need a reason to travel?"
…
Qin Jian left the residence and walked along the street, involuntarily heading towards the lively places.
People all like to be lively.
The more people a place has, the more friendly it looks.
Those who can live in the wilderness for a long time must have their own pursuits, and they are very passionate.
Qin Jian was a layman, so he always went to places with many people when he came.
In early spring, everything revives, and people come out of their homes to walk around or buy some things.
The commerce in Taoxian County is not developed, and it cannot even catch up with Lin'an, let alone Taiping.
But I can’t stand the crowd!
Therefore, there is a lot of business in the city.
Qin Jian rubbed his stomach, feeling a little hungry.
He found a shop owned by a barbarian, and when he went in, he saw a platform in the middle with a barbarian girl dancing a whirlwind dance on it, and a group of old snakes next to it were eating and cheering loudly.
"What do the guests want to eat?"
A Hu girl asked in Tang Dynasty, which she was not very proficient in.
"What are you good at?" Qin Jian asked.
"Hu Pancakes, how delicious. Our Hu Pancakes are all good to the Duke!" Hu Nu smiled charmingly, "I am also happy to have them!"
Qin Jian glanced at her and said, "My lord, good appetite!"
"That is."
Hu Nu smiled.
"Why don't you talk nonsense like this and the Duke doesn't care?" Qin Jian felt that this was ruining Yang Guogong's reputation.
Hu Nu took him over and said as she walked: "The Duke of the state never cares about us people."
It seems that he is still the same Yang Zitai.
Qin Jian sat down and said, "Here comes a piece of Hu cake and a bowl of steamed buns. However, the steamed buns contain a lot of mutton."
"good."
Hu Nu has gone.
Qin Jian looked at the table, which was unexpectedly clean.
"Customer's buns and pancakes!"
Eating quickly.
Qin Jian ate slowly, feeling that Hu Biscuit was good, but only good.
He put a piece of mutton into his mouth, and someone stood in front of him, blocking the light.
"Shilang Qin."
Qin Jian didn't look up, "What's the matter?"
The mutton tastes good.
"Two biscuits," the visitor said.
"Okay!" Hu Nu went.
"The Duke said that when he was in the Southern Zhou Dynasty, Qin Shilang's demeanor was unforgettable."
"If it hadn't been for the Duke of Qin back then, I and the envoy would have died at the hands of the rebels."
"Haha! Mr. Qin is being polite."
"Tell me what's going on."
"I wonder what the purpose of this trip is?"
Qin Jian picked up the Hu cake, raised his head and took a bite.
Sitting across from him was a middle-aged man. He looked...gloomy, the kind of man you wouldn't find in the crowd.
"Who asked?"
"The Duke."
"I don't believe it."
"Haha! Qin Shilang really knows the nature of the Duke of China."
"It's not that I know it well, but if the Duke wants to know about it, he will send someone to inquire in detail. At that time, there will be many opportunities."
"The Jin Yi Guardsman has met Qin Shilang."
"He Lianyan's royal guards?"
"I didn't expect that the reputation of my Jin Yiwei would spread to Chang'an. I'm very honored."
"Can Jin Yiwei avoid Duke Qin when he acts?"
These words are somewhat provocative.
The man just smiled and said, "That Tian Xin looks very majestic. I don't know where he comes from."
Really cautious!
Qin Jian said: "The visitor in the palace."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Qin."
"Of course Mr. Zhou can find out."
The man ate the Hu cake and said with a confused expression: "I came here just to see if Qin Shilang still remembers the friendship with the Duke."
This is a blunt statement.
Moreover, there was no room for Qin Jian to dodge.
It shows that the other party is not urgent for the news.
Qin Jian lowered his head and said, "It tastes good."
The man ate the biscuits and left immediately.
Later, He Lianyan went to apologize.
"What are you testing him for?"
Yang Xuan was a little dissatisfied.
"My arrangement."
Liu Qing said: "I know you are unwilling to do this. If you don't do it, I have to do it."
"Qin Jian refused to say anything," He Lianyan said.
"This person is naughty!" Song Zhen remembered Qin Jian.
"You can actually guess Tian Xin's purpose of coming. It's nothing more than intimidation and temptation. These two things are inseparable."
"Building divisions!" Song Zhen added.
"The key is to look at the means."
The two old men were chatting, and Yang Xuan got up and went out.
Helianyan followed.
"Where is he?" Yang Xuan asked.
Helianyan looked at Jielong, who said, "He went to the market after eating."
"Go and have a look."
Yang Xuan changed into civilian clothes and disappeared into the crowd.
Behind his back, Helianyan continued to receive messages.
"Commander, there are two people following you."
"Get rid of it!" He Lianyan said calmly.
If master and apprentice An took action personally, the two followers were dragged away silently.
A child's big eyes widened when he saw the stalker who was rolling his eyes being held up by two big men.
Above the head, a hand came over, and a lump of candy was right in front of him.
"Eat it!"
The owner's left hand was gone and he was smiling.
A person came from behind, "The commander said, clear them all."
He Lianrong nodded, "I would rather make a mistake than let it go. However, don't be too harsh, and check afterward."
"yes!"
He Lianyan issued the order, and He Lianrong took command personally.
Yang Xuan seems to be wandering around the market in a relaxed and carefree manner, but there are countless people's efforts behind him.
Qin Jian is choosing gifts.
He took a fancy to an inkstone and bargained with the shopkeeper.
"Less!"
“It’s essential, otherwise you’ll lose money!”
"wrap up!"
A familiar voice came from behind, and Qin Jian stiffened.
The shopkeeper's body trembled, and He Lianyan stepped forward, "I'll pretend I've never been here before."
"yes."
Afterwards, people from Jinyiwei will naturally keep an eye on the shopkeeper. If the news is leaked, the whole family will be in bad luck.
This matter is somewhat covered up.
Yang Xuan smiled and Qin Jian slowly turned around.
"The Duke."
That year, he followed Yang Xuan on an envoy to the Southern Zhou Dynasty. Yang Xuan was the envoy and he was the deputy envoy. After returning, he was promoted to Minister of Rites not long after his return.
But when they met again, the gap in status between the two widened even further.
Duke of Qin, envoy of Northern Xinjiang... minister of the Ministry of Rites.
Not on the same scale.
"Why are you so polite?"
Later, the two of them drank in a restaurant.
“Good wine!”
Qin Jian raised his glass and drank.
Yang Xuan smiled but drank slowly.
This person needs wine to give him courage, which means that he has something important to say in his heart.
Yang Xuan is very much looking forward to it.
After getting drunk, Qin Jian put down the wine glass.
"Do you still take the oath that the Duke of the Kingdom said seriously?"
"Heaven and man learn from each other!"
Qin Jian breathed a sigh of relief, "Xiaguan has an old friend who is related to a certain eunuch in the palace."
This relationship goes far enough.
In many small cities, basically through guanxi, everyone can be connected.
"One time after drinking, he told me that in the battle of Neizhou, it seemed that the Duke had taken advantage, but His Majesty also gained a lot."
"Oh! Please give me some advice." Yang Xuan raised his glass and took a sip.
Qin Jian raised his head and went to work, eating a piece of sheep liver, frowning, feeling a little bitter, "There were rumors in the palace that His Majesty was ecstatic, and most people said he was furious. But they never thought..."
Yang Xuan drank with a smile.
What haven't you thought about?
Did I overlook something in this matter?
Probably not!
Qin Jian swallowed the mutton liver and took a sip of wine to smooth it over. Feeling that it was still bitter, he picked up the wine bottle and drank a few sips.
When did Lao Qin become a wild man when he drank?
This style doesn’t match!
Yang Xuan remembered that when he was on an envoy to the Southern Zhou Dynasty, Qin Jian drank in a gentle manner, but now, he seemed to be trying to get drunk.
Qin Jian put down the wine bottle, raised his sleeve to wipe the wine from the corner of his mouth rudely, and picked out all the mutton liver, "It's too unpalatable."
Yang Xuan smiled and said, "Many people can't get used to this taste."
Qin Jian suddenly asked: "The Duke is not in a hurry?"
This guy actually tested himself.
Yang Xuan shook his head, "Whether I am in a hurry or not, he is still in Chang'an. You are still my old person, that's all."
Qin Jian sighed, "In the past, the guards of Chang'an, aristocratic families, and powerful officials all got involved and tried every means to stuff people inside.
Many years later, the various forces in the guards were mixed, and it was difficult for everyone to call out and obey orders in unison.
As soon as the news of the victory came, His Majesty suddenly took action and replaced five generals, sixteen generals, and many generals in the guards.
With this, His Majesty successfully controlled most of the army in Chang'an. This is an unexpected blessing!"
Yang Xuan narrowed his eyes, "Are there any opponents?"
"Yes, and quite a few. However, the state leader and others strongly agree."
Qin Jian smiled, "Do you know why, Duke?"
I underestimated Li Mi... Yang Xuan didn't answer.
Qin Jian asked and answered the question, "If the Duke of the State goes to Neizhou, the game of Northern Xinjiang will be alive. Once the subsequent attack goes smoothly, Chang'an will definitely be uneasy. Yang Songcheng and others are not on good terms with the Duke of the State. Do they worry that the Duke of the State will use a large army one day?
To threaten Chang'an?"
"So, they changed their previous style of containing the emperor and actively supported him in taking charge of the Chang'an guards to form a joint force to counter the Northern Territory!" Yang Xuan smiled, but was extremely shocked in his heart.
Turn disadvantages into advantages, and seize the opportunity to perfection.
Li Mi's political tactics make people feel chills on their spines!
"Yes. However, there is a sentence that is wrong."
"Which sentence?"
"It's not about fighting against Northern Xinjiang, it's about fighting against the Duke of the country!"