The emperor sat there in a daze, the music score on the table was gently blown by the wind, and the pages of the book were turned over.
"Your Majesty, the medical officers have already gone."
Han Shitou came in, and when he saw his appearance, he worriedly said: "Slave, please invite the noble concubine to come?"
The emperor shook his head, "I am not so weak that I need a woman to comfort me."
"Yes, slave, you are talking nonsense."
The emperor is never wrong.
"I'm not afraid of anything, I'm just thinking... If Zhang Huan comes, Wei Zhong will come too."
Zhang Huan and Wei Zhong entered the palace.
The emperor has returned to his indifferent appearance.
"I have met His Majesty!"
The two of them saluted.
The emperor said calmly: "Previously, a Northern Xinjiang magistrate ran into the door of the Ministry of Household Affairs, and he was very wild.
I want to ask, are all the officials and generals in Northern Xinjiang so wild?"
wild!
Zhang Huan and Wei Zhong looked at each other with helplessness.
Zhang Huan said: "Your Majesty, it is bitterly cold in Northern Xinjiang, and the bitter cold land produces strong men and good horses. Furthermore, Northern Xinjiang has resisted the invasion of the Northern Liao Dynasty for many years, and both the officials, generals, and the people are quite... Biao
fierce."
He originally wanted to use the word fierce, but felt that it had a derogatory connotation, so he changed it to tough?
"Tough?"
The emperor thought for a moment, picked up the music score, carefully smoothed the folded page, closed the book, and pressed it.
"How is southern Xinjiang? I want to know how the military and civilians in southern Xinjiang compare with those in northern Xinjiang?"
Zhang Huan said: "The same is true for the soldiers and civilians of southern Xinjiang."
The emperor nodded and looked at Wei Zhong with a smile, "Wei Qing is in charge of the right military guard, and there are soldiers from the north and south in the army. How about it?"
Why did the emperor ask this question?
The question flashed through Wei Zhong's mind and he said: "Your Majesty, there are also soldiers from the north and south in the army, and they are all fierce soldiers."
The emperor smiled, "I understand."
The two immediately left.
After leaving the imperial city, Zhang Huan handed over his hand and said, "General Wei."
"Xiang Zhang." Wei Zhong held his hand.
Zhang Huan said: "What do you think of your Majesty's words?"
Wei Zhong smiled and said, "Your Majesty is concerned about the army. I am very happy."
Old fox!
The first round of testing was over, and the two looked at each other.
Zhang Huan coughed dryly and said with a smile: "I have served as a military envoy in southern Xinjiang for many years, and the soldiers and civilians in southern Xinjiang are brave. During the Southern Expedition, when troops were sent from northern Xinjiang, I ordered Yang Xuan to lead the left army. The army was unstoppable along the way.
…”
Since you are willing to say this, I no longer cover up. Wei Zhong said: "What does Prime Minister Zhang mean, that southern Xinjiang is not as good as northern Xinjiang?"
Zhang Huan shook his head, "The soldiers and civilians of Southern Xinjiang are quite fierce, but for many years they have been facing the Southern Zhou Dynasty. The Southern Zhou Dynasty is weak, so it cannot inspire the bravery of the soldiers and civilians of Southern Xinjiang."
"Where are the rebels?" Wei Zhong asked.
Zhang Huan said with a smile: "Old Wei, you have to know that when facing our southern Xinjiang army, the rebels can only harass us at most. More often, the rebels can only hide in the mountains to avoid the attacks of our southern Xinjiang army."
Wei Zhong understood, "But Northern Xinjiang is different. Northern Xinjiang has been facing attacks from Bei Liao from the beginning. More often, Northern Xinjiang is on the defensive. In this way, the soldiers and civilians of Northern Xinjiang feel the crisis all the time..."
"One is peace and one is full of dangers. Therefore, Northern Xinjiang looks more fierce. However, if Southern Xinjiang can have an opportunity, I believe that the Southern Xinjiang army will be reborn and become a powerful force that is not inferior to the Northern Xinjiang army!
"
Zhang Huan returned to the Ministry of War.
Liang Jing is not here... Although he is only the minister of the Ministry of War, he is involved in the government affairs. Most of the time he is outside.
"Ms. sir."
Zheng Yuandong came in.
"Far East!"
Zhang Huan was looking at the map, raised his head and smiled, "You came just in time. I just came out of the palace, and His Majesty mentioned Northern Xinjiang and Southern Xinjiang..."
"Your Majesty, are you worried that Northern Xinjiang is too strong?"
Zheng Yuandong sat down with his back straight and a hint of ridicule in his eyes, "Mr. Sir, this is still a check and balance."
"I know." Zhang Huan sighed, "Checks and balances are the art of emperors. Northern and Southern Borders are two powerful armies of the Tang Dynasty. If there is no checks and balances, I'm afraid they will become powerful..."
"We can use other methods." Zheng Yuandong suddenly smiled, "What am I thinking? No matter how good the method is, it is not enough to check and balance."
Zhang Huan was silent.
Checks and balances are not only the emperor's art, but also the emperor's pleasure.
"Your Majesty likes to control the world, his ministers, and the army. He makes everything move according to his expectations, and his methods are quite clever." Zheng Yuandong smiled, "I think this is a wise king!"
"You, Zheng Yuandong, are so rebellious that you actually praise the saints?" Zhang Huan smiled.
Zheng Yuandong said: "I am loyal to Your Majesty."
Zhang Huan coughed dryly, "That's all, if you keep talking, I won't have to eat lunch."
Zheng Yuandong asked: "I heard that a county magistrate came from northern Xinjiang. He was humiliated and then bumped his head to death outside the door. Does your husband know?"
"He's not dead, the medical officer is treating him." Zhang Huan was thinking about the subsequent impact of the emperor's words on the Ministry of War.
Zheng Yuandong immediately resigned.
Returning to the duty room, he called his entourage, "Go and inquire about Zhen Siwen."
The attendant went.
Zheng Yuandong was sitting in the check-in room, motionless.
The sun is getting hotter and the temperature in the room is gradually rising.
"Mr. Lang."
The entourage is back.
"explain."
"Medical officers are helping."
"matter."
"Then Zhen Siwen went to plead first, saying that Bei Liao might not go south, and if Chenzhou was trapped, food would be crucial. The Ministry of Household Affairs ignored it and humiliated him. Zhen Siwen threatened death..."
"knew."
Later, Zheng Yuandong and Zhao Sanfu met in a wine shop.
Zhao Sanfu had a short beard, and his long-term decisiveness in killing made him more majestic.
"Do you know about Zhen Siwen in Northern Xinjiang?"
Zheng Yuandong sat down.
The shopkeeper of the wine shop showed up, put a jar of wine on the table with a smile, and said to Zhao Sanfu: "I'll take my leave, little man."
"Um!"
Zhao Sanfu nodded casually.
After the shopkeeper left, Zhao Sanfu said: "Zhen Siwen is an official under Yang Xuan and has no background."
"The emperor is a little scared." Zheng Yuandong opened the seal of the wine jar, lifted the jar with one hand, and poured the wine slowly, "So he ordered the medical officer to come to the rescue. Otherwise, Zhen Siwen has both good and bad things. Although Yang Songcheng is notorious, he will also be treated badly.
For being stupid."
Zhao Sanfu raised the bowl and said slowly: "Isn't he unconscious now?"
Zheng Yuandong put down the wine jar, raised the bowl, and raised his head to drink.
"The most foolish emperor in the history of the Tang Dynasty must be him."
Zhao Sanfu said: "You say he is dim, but when he is shrewd, you will be surprised."
"Huh?" Zheng Yuandong poured himself another bowl of wine, "I'd like to hear the details."
Zhao Sanfu was also pouring wine.
The sounds of drinks pouring from both sides merged together, making Zhao Sanfu feel like it was raining heavily outside.
"Just before, the emperor ordered the mirror to stare around Zhen Siwen."
Zheng Yuandong squinted and watched the wine being poured into the bowl. When it was almost to the edge, he lifted the wine jar, put it down, and said sarcastically: "He is worried that someone will kill Zhen Siwen and ruin his reputation."
"He has too many opponents." Zhao Sanfu smiled happily, "Even Yang Songcheng and others only joined forces with him temporarily."
"When the interests are consistent, they are allies, and when the interests conflict, they are enemies. This is not surprising." Zheng Yuandong took a sip of wine and frowned, "I felt something wrong after the first bowl of this wine. I drank it slowly and it was a bit sour.
You, Zhao Sanfu, are a respectable person now, so why don’t you get some fine wine?”
"You, Zheng Yuandong, come from a wealthy family, and you have the best food and clothing..." Zhao Sanfu said with a sneer.
Zheng Yuandong raised his eyebrows, "The family's financial situation is the result of my father's and my hard work. The same is true for you, Zhao Sanfu, now. Many years from now, your children and grandchildren will live a good life because of you. Don't you think it's inappropriate?"
"That's right!" Zhao Sanfu said with a smile: "It's just that I want to see more people live such a privileged life!"
"Like this, do it."
"Dry!"
The two of them drank with their heads raised.
A pile came in from outside.
"Mr. Zhao, something is wrong."
Zhao Sanfu stood up and said, "Old Zheng, are you going to take a look?"
Zheng Yuandong nodded, "If there are like-minded people, let's get in touch."
The two quietly went out from behind.
Zhen Siwen was assigned to the area where the Ministry of Household Affairs received foreign officials.
At this moment, the medical officer was inside giving rescue, and there were several clerks outside watching.
Several men appeared quietly.
Look at each other.
One person pointed to the wall and then to both sides of the alley.
But they didn't see that on the wall behind them, Zhao Sanfu and Zheng Yuandong were looking at them calmly.
A man took out a cloth to cover his face, smiled evilly, quietly climbed up the wall, and took a look.
There were two sergeants holding swords walking back and forth.
Two sergeants, this is nothing!
The man was overjoyed and did not turn around to wave.
According to the plan, one of his companions would go in first and kill the two sergeants, while he was here watching the surroundings, acting as a lookout.
No one!
The man was slightly angry and waved again.
Still no one.
There seemed to be something behind him.
His anger was extinguished as soon as it arose.
The corners of his mouth trembled and he whispered: "Spare my life..."
Boom!
Half an hour later, the confession came out.
"He is Yang Songcheng's enemy." Zhao Sanfu personally tortured him. When he came out, he still smelled of blood and a fishy smell.
"Not for the emperor?" Zheng Yuandong suddenly laughed, "Yes, I am also stunned. Even if those people are dissatisfied with the emperor, even if they are dissatisfied with the current situation, how many of them dare to..."
Zhao Sanfu washed his hands, turned around and said: "Coup!"
Zheng Yuandong took a deep breath, "This is a matter of losing your head."
"Many things must be done by someone!" Zhao Sanfu wiped his wet hands on the clothes on his lower back, "Old Zheng, I have always been curious, your family has a big business, you dare to do such a thing, and you are not afraid of failure.
Is the family in trouble?"
Zheng Yuandong looked at him, "What about you?"
The two smiled at each other.
Later, Zheng Yuandong appeared outside Prince Zhen's Mansion.
He closed his eyes and listened carefully.
After a long time, he opened his eyes and flew in.
He quietly avoided the servants all the way to the outside of the study.
King Zhen Li Xin is reading a book.
A figure flashed outside, and King Zhen raised his head, "Far East!"
"I have met the king."
Zheng Yuandong saluted.
"No need to be polite, sit down."
Li Xin stood up with a smile and poured him a cup of tea.
Zheng Yuandong took the tea cup with both hands, "The Ministry of Revenue withheld five thousand shi of grain from Northern Xinjiang. A county magistrate came from Northern Xinjiang to ask for it. After being humiliated, he was bumped outside the gate of the Ministry of Revenue. Now I don't know whether he is alive or dead..."
Zheng Yuandong took a sip of tea, but his calm eyes were looking at Li Xin.
"Abandoning public service for personal gain! Shameless!"
Zheng Yuandong said: "The reputation of Yang Songcheng and His Majesty has been damaged. Previously, someone wanted to kill Zhen Siwen who was being rescued."
"How audacious!" King Zhen took a deep breath, "These people are a disaster!"
Zheng Yuandong immediately resigned.
Li Xin sent him outside the study and said with a smile: "Be careful."
Just as Zheng Yuandong left, an old man quietly entered the study.
"gentlemen."
Li Xin stood up.
"Your Highness is so polite."
The old man's name was Jiang Yu, and he was the gentleman assigned to Li Xin by the filial emperor. He not only taught knowledge, but also had supervisory responsibilities.
Jiang Yu saluted, "Was that Zheng Yuandong before?"
"It's him!"
Li Xin talked about Zhen Siwen.
"This is just dog eating dog!" Jiang Yu sat down and raised her thick eyebrows, "Has Your Highness ever dealt with him?"
Li Xin nodded, "I should be very strong and less resourceful."
"What a hardship, my king." Jiang Yu sighed.
"It's not hard." Li Xin said with a smile: "Aye has gone, and the pseudo-emperor and his son have stolen the throne. I dream of one day pulling that father and son down from the throne of supremacy.
But this is a difficult task and requires many hands.
Zheng Yuandong and others are loyal, but as long as he is a human being, he has his own thoughts.
I know more or less what my ministers are thinking.
Is it better to have a prince who has a deep palace and good methods, or a prince who is hot-tempered, has little strategy, but is kind to his ministers?
Everyone likes the prince in the back.
The city is deep and powerful, and if the great cause is accomplished, how easy will it be to get along with such an emperor?
The ministers are all smart people, so they are naturally willing to deal with a simple emperor."
None of the descendants who respect the emperor are stupid... Jiang Yu sighed in his heart, "When your majesty counted his sons, only the great king and the mediocre king were left. The mediocre king is weak..."
"It's hard to say." Li Xin took a sip of tea, "I can pretend to be strong-willed, why can't Sanlang pretend to be weak?"
Jiang Yu did not argue, "The false emperor is unpopular, and he has recently fallen out with Northern Xinjiang. Your Majesty, this is an opportunity."
"Huang Chunhui is about to die soon, and Liao Jin is old..."
"Huang Chunhui is quite optimistic about Yang Xuan, the governor of Chenzhou."
"Yang Xuan..." Li Xin rubbed his eyebrows, "I have also paid attention to that young man. However, the false emperor will not sit idly by. It will be difficult for him to take charge of Northern Xinjiang after Liao Jin!"
"It's difficult!" Jiang Yu changed the topic, "Mentioning this person reminds me of the child from back then."
"The child born to the Huang family?"
"Yes, Yang Lue took the child all the way to Southern Xinjiang. He should be in Southern Zhou now!"
"Yang Lue is hiding in the Southern Zhou Dynasty, and it is difficult to do anything." Li Xin's eyes were slightly cold, "What can an ignorant child do? Without the guidance of famous teachers in the palace, and without the words and deeds of elders to teach the emperor's art, even if he is an adult, he is just a country boy.
!
I have always wondered why Aye didn't choose one of me, my eldest brother and Sanlang to be taken away by Yang Lue."
"After all, the three brothers, your Majesty, are adults and are not easy to take care of. A child is convenient. Besides, I think that your Majesty ordered Yang Lue to take away the child because he wanted to continue the bloodline."
This unpleasant topic was immediately terminated.
Jiang Yu glanced at Li Xin and asked, "What does the king think of Zheng Yuandong?"
"Don't get too close, otherwise if things fail, I will be troubled."
"The king is wise..."
Jiang Yu resigned.
Li Xin stood up to see him off.
"Don't dare."
Jiang Yu goes out.
Li Xin's smile remained until the footsteps faded away.
Then.
Slowly he stopped smiling.
"Alienate Zheng Yuandong? He is a smart man. Once he finds out, he will definitely give up on me.
As for safety, I, the proud son of heaven, am now dying...
If I can't counterattack and become emperor in this life, then what's the point of my life?