Chapter 140: The incomprehensible, nothing but the heart
After Xiao Yuanche said this, he closed his eyes again and stopped talking.
Wei Changan also retreated slowly, and there was silence in the study.
It was rare for Xiao Yuanche to be so quiet. His head became groggy, his eyelids became heavier and heavier, and he fell asleep after a while.
He didn't know how long he slept and how many dreams he had, but in his dreams he was still the high-spirited young General Fenwu.
At the foot of Bazhou City, they scolded Fang Qiu and commanded an army to prevent Wang Xi's millions of cavalry from advancing even one step.
The smoke is billowing and the flags are waving in the west.
............
When Xiao Yuanche opened his eyes again, the sun outside had already set to the west. It seemed that the day would pass again soon.
In the study room, there were mottled lights and shadows, bright or dark, and he could not see clearly.
Turning his head, he saw a person kneeling next to him. It seemed that he had been kneeling for a long time, and there were thin beads of sweat on his head.
Xiao Yuanche then called out softly: "Jianshu, when did you come..."
The one who was kneeling was Xiao Jianshu.
When Xiao Jianshu saw that his father was awake, he moved his knees forward slightly.
He felt sore all over his body and had no choice but to hold on. He also said softly: "It's been an hour since I arrived. I saw that my father was sleeping, so the child didn't disturb him."
Xiao Yuanche then nodded and said, "I'm getting older after all, and I've spent too much effort these days..."
Xiao Yuanche then lifted off the quilt on his body, slowly sat up, glanced at Xiao Jianshu, and then said: "Why are you kneeling and talking when you get up?"
Xiao Jianshu, however, still knelt there without moving, lowered his head and said: "My child, don't dare, my child is a guilty person and is currently being grounded."
Xiao Yuanche was startled, then looked at him again and said, "You have been grounded for so many days, do you have any insights?"
Xiao Jianshu kowtowed and said very respectfully: "The child has followed his father's teachings. Since that day, he has been copying Buddhist scriptures and cultivating his body and mind under the supervision of Niao Niao. After many days, the child has learned a lot.
Realize.”
Xiao Yuanche then said with great interest and said lightly: "A lot of experience? Then tell me about it."
Xiao Jianshu looked very remorseful and did not seem to be lying: "I know I was wrong... things went terribly wrong last time..."
Xiao Yuanche smiled lightly, but said solemnly: "Admit your mistake and accept it, who can't do this?"
Xiao Jianshu kowtowed again and said: "No, no, no, father, the child really knows that he is wrong. Although the father has always been strict with the child, the child did not know before and thought that the father did not like the child... But these many
From day to day, the boy thought about it all day long. Among his father's three sons, only Jianshu became an official in the court. From Yueqi Xiaowei to the now important Wuhan Zhonglang General, the boy also asked himself, what is the end of his father's arrangement?
What is it for?"
Xiao Yuanche nodded and said, "Then tell yourself, what am I doing for you?"
"Fathers value their children! The real value is not ordinary kindness or meticulous care, but quietly promoting the child's status in the hope that the child can help the father in the court... However, the child does not
I failed to understand and let down my father’s heart.”
When Xiao Jianshu said this, his eyes turned red first.
Xiao Yuanche then sighed and said: "Jian Shu'er, love is deep and responsibility is deep, it's not too late for you to understand now!"
Xiao Yuanche patted Xiao Jianshu's shoulder and said slowly: "Son, I won't hide it from you as a father. My original intention is Mingshu...it's just him...so,
Only you, Sishu and Cangshu are left."
Xiao Jianshu's voice trembled as he said, "My dear, I miss you too..." His words were true, his voice was trembling, and he tried his best to hide his crying.
Xiao Yuanche nodded, remained silent for a long time, and then said after a while: "Sishu is casual and arty by nature. Look at the people under him. How many of them are not just people with a reputation... Your fourth brother Cang Shu, but...
He is really smart and sees things thoroughly. He often analyzes people or things and hits the nail on the head. However, although he has the overall situation, he is not kind after all. In addition, he is the youngest and the weakest..."
Xiao Yuanche paused for a moment, then turned his attention to Xiao Jianshu again and said: "So, so far, the person who is most like me is you, Xiao Jianshu!"
Xiao Jianshu was shocked when he heard this and called out in a low voice: "Father..."
Xiao Yuanche waved his hand and said: "It's just Cang Shu'er, you are decisive in killing and have more prestige in the army, but you have to understand that in addition to these iron fists, the superiors in the world should also know what it means to be gentle, what it means to give full play to one's talents, and what it means to give full play to one's talents.
Make the most of it..."
"You are more than capable of killing with an iron fist, but you are not kind and gentle. What's more, you are still young. Sometimes you are impulsive and reckless, and you are like me in being vigorous and resolute, but you lack too much composure!"
Xiao Jianshu heard this and kowtowed again: "The child himself knows that he is much worse than his father."
Xiao Yuanche added: "My Xiao family, from a humble reputation, with no more than a rank in the military academy, to now a noble family with power in the government and the public, can we do it just by relying on killing and iron blood? I am too soft."
If you are bullied, you will be broken if you are too strong. Jianshuer, those who follow the emperor's way are the most difficult paths in the world."
Xiao Jianshu listened silently, with a solemn look on his face.
"The way of the emperor is not domineering. Who else would be the overlord? The way of the emperor is not the way of benevolence. It is blindly benevolent and pedantic, and it is difficult to achieve great things. The way of the emperor is a combination of both. But when to be domineering and when to be benevolent, you have to rely on yourself.
It's better to handle it carefully, Jian Shu'er, do you understand?"
Xiao Yuanche's words were serious and thoughtful, and his eyes seemed to look at Xiao Jianshu with deep meaning.
Xiao Jianshu listened attentively, and after he finished speaking, he knelt down and trembled on the ground: "My child, remember your father's teachings!"
Xiao Yuanche nodded and said: "Get up. The so-called grounding is just to give Su Ling an explanation. Su Ling is patient and understands the truth, so he won't dwell on this matter for too long...
. He was selected by me and left to be benevolent to your descendants. He is a rare talent. If in the future... you must trust him and let him go, do you understand?"
Xiao Jianshu nodded and said: "I have written it down..."
Seeing that he was still kneeling, Xiao Yuanche came over and pulled him up. He suddenly smiled lightly and said: "It is not easy for me, Xiao Yuanche's son, to be grounded for several days because of someone else. From today on, I will be exempted."
Let’s break your grounding..."
Xiao Jianshu's eyes suddenly became excited and he wanted to salute again. Xiao Yuanche laughed and said: "There is no need to be polite between father and son, so how can they hold grudges..."
Xiao Jianshu also smiled and said, "That's what father said."
Xiao Yuanche then pointed to the chair next to him and said, "Sit down, my father is looking for you today because he has something to discuss with you."
Xiao Jianshu then sat down and said, "I wonder why the father called the child..."
Xiao Yuanche then said: "Today in the morning, the emperor is going to hold a Longhuang poetry meeting. What do you think his intention is?"
Xiao Jianshu thought for a while and then said: "Father, I think that he is doing this to win over the hearts of scholars in the world so that he can select some fresh blood for his use, in an attempt to benevolent to these newcomers who have no background.
, used to cause trouble for my father..."
Xiao Yuanche nodded and asked with encouraging eyes: "What do you think of his method?"
Xiao Jian chuckled and said, "My child thinks this method is pedantic and will not achieve his intention."
"Oh?" Xiao Yuanche raised his eyebrows and said, "Go on."
"First, there are many participants in the Longhuang Poetry Society, and they all seem to be new talents. However, the power relations behind it are complicated. Some of the people who can participate are just blank sheets of paper, or they are really ignored.
If the emperor falls in love with him, it is impossible for him to devote himself wholeheartedly to him, it is just the help of the forces behind them!"
Xiao Yuanche nodded and said, "Is there anything else?"
"Secondly, even if the emperor really selects some children from poor families with innocent backgrounds, these people are helpless and are just civil servants full of beautiful articles. How can they gain a foothold in the court? This world is in troubled times.
, how can you win it just by writing a few poems?"
Xiao Jianshu said everything in her heart without reservation.
Xiao Yuanche laughed loudly and said, "Jianshu, my son, indeed has a father's intention! What he said is true!"
Xiao Jianshu lowered his head and said, "This is also my father's usual teaching..."
Xiao Yuanche waved his hand and said: "Don't say anything modest. This is because you have tempered your character for many years. Did you know that the emperor asked you to participate in this poetry meeting by name, but your father refused, wouldn't you be surprised?
Be a father."
Xiao Jianshu looked solemn and said: "Not only will the child not blame his father, but he will also thank his father for his good intentions."
Xiao Yuanche heard this and said with great interest: "Oh, my good intentions? You should tell me about it."
Xiao Jianshu nodded and said: "Many of the people participating in the poetry meeting this time are really talented and learned. Jianshu is unworthy. Compared with his third brother Sishu in writing poetry, he is already far away. How can he be compared with the talented people in this world?"
Get it cheap,
Furthermore, since it is a competition, there must be a ranking. If the child accidentally overpowers them, how can they not spread rumors and criticize the child once they enter the court? This is a way to make enemies and is not advisable!"
Xiao Jianshu paused and then said: "Since ancient times, scholars have looked down upon each other. Fathers do not let their children participate, but they still love and protect their children. How can they care about those false reputations?"
Xiao Yuanche then nodded, his eyes full of approval and said: "Jian Shu'er, you really understand, great! Excellent!"
Xiao Yuanche paused for a while, and then said: "There is a candidate now. Because of this poetry meeting, the Emperor is going to build a Longhuang Terrace for a period of one month. You recommend someone to be the chief craftsman."
..."
Xiao Jianshu thought about it for a long time and had a candidate in mind, but he opened his mouth several times and did not dare to say it.
Xiao Yuanche said with a smile: "Don't be cautious, just say it boldly when you think of who is responsible, but which general in your army can't help you?"
Xiao Jianshu suddenly shook his head and said: "No, no, no, my son recommended someone, and he is the Longtai Order who was deposed by his father not long ago, Yang Shuzu."
"Oh? That son of Yang Wenxian? Why him?"
Xiao Yuanche was a little surprised. He had never thought that Xiao Jianshu actually recommended a civil servant who was quite close to Xiao Sishu, and he was the one who was dismissed by himself.
Xiao Jianshu said solemnly: "Father, I think Yang Shuzu is the most suitable..."
His voice gradually became louder, and he spoke eloquently: "First of all, the boy already has some prestige in the army, but the boy has realized something in these days, and the father has just taught the boy that only killing and iron blood can
That would be biased. Yang Shuzu had long been known as a talented person, and together with his third brother, he was known as Xiao Yang of the Jin Dynasty. He was also good at planning, and he was also involved in construction matters. Therefore, he recommended him to be a master craftsman.
The reason for imprisonment is the same;"
"Yang Shuzu is a leader of the younger generation of intellectuals. He was deposed by his father because of the last incident. This matter has long been complained by young scholars. This time, he took the opportunity to be promoted to a craftsman as a supervisor. On the one hand, he was kind to Yang Shuzu.
How could he not do his best?
Trying your best, secondly, can also calm the hearts of the scholars in the world. This is the second reason why the boy recommended him to be a craftsman and a supervisor." Xiao Jianshu glanced at Xiao Yuanche secretly, but saw Xiao Yuanche's eyes moving, but he heard
After entering, he felt a little relieved.
He also said: "Yang Wenxian, the disciple of the Three Dukes of the Jin Dynasty, is different from Kong Hechen, Wu You and other Qingliu disciples. Although he has many contacts with them, he is mostly silent about some of the dirty things Qingliu did to his father.
He knew it
His son Yang Shuzu had a good relationship with his third brother but did not stop him. Why? It would be better to take the opportunity to recommend Yang Shuzu. If Yang Wenxian is wise, he will definitely know how to choose. This is the third reason why the boy recommended him as a craftsman and a supervisor."
Xiao Yuanche nodded, his eyes full of relief and said: "That's good, is there anything else?"
"The one-month period for building Longhuang Terrace this time is short or long, but I expected that it would be impossible if we didn't rush the work. This is a hard job, and any large-scale construction of a palace will consume financial resources, but this is
How to use financial resources and where they are used, but it is difficult to examine the root cause, with Yang Shuzu as the craftsman
As a supervisor, he must be grateful to his father. Why not bother with this to help his father? If he helps his father, then the materials, craftsmanship, and quality of the Longhuang Tower are questionable. If it is completed safely,
Then my father can push the boat along, so I will reward him with another official position..."
Xiao Jianshu answered carefully.
Xiao Yuanche said calmly: "If after it is completed, the materials used are crude, the workmanship is not refined, and the quality is worrying, and the Holy Spirit blames it, so what?"
Xiao Jianshu smiled and said: "Then we will attribute all this matter to Yang Shuzu. He is Yang Wenxian's son. Those Qingliu will definitely make a fuss about it and will not blame his father. This is why the child recommended him to be the chief craftsman.
Reason number four!"
After Xiao Jianshu said these words, he stopped talking and looked at Xiao Yuanche expectantly.
Xiao Yuanche thought for a long time, then gently patted Xiao Jianshu's shoulder, and laughed and said: "My Jianshu'er has grown up! That's right! Then the master craftsman must be Yang Shuzu!"
"
Xiao Jianshu's expression changed and he slowly smiled.
Xiao Yuanche then smiled and said: "Very good, that's settled then. You go ahead and I'll get up and walk around too. Some of my legs and feet are tired from sitting."
Xiao Jianshu said hurriedly: "The child will help his father to go with him."
Xiao Yuanche nodded, and with Xiao Jianshu's support, he walked towards the courtyard.
After walking around in the courtyard for a few steps, Xiao Yuanche whispered: "Jian Shu'er, remember my father's words, in your position as a lieutenant with five senses, you must do your best to do what you do.
No matter what mistakes you make, it is better than doing nothing at all. If you face any difficulties, your father will be there to support you..."
Xiao Jianshu's eyes were bright and he said: "My child... I understand!"
............
Night, Situ Mansion.
Yang Wenxian was sitting in the inner room, while Yang Shuzu stood aside with his hands down.
Yang Wenxian took a sip of tea, looked at his son Fang and said: "Today's court meeting, the decree has been issued, have you received it?"
Yang Shuzu nodded and said respectfully: "My child has received the order. He will take up the post of chief craftsman tomorrow and build the Longhuang Tower for the Holy One..."
Yang Wenxian snorted, pointed at Yang Shuzu with his hand and said: "You, you, you usually read books into your stomach. Do you think the Holy One is promoting you?"
When Yang Shuzu heard this, he was surprised and said: "Isn't it..."
Yang Wenxian stared at Yang Shuzu and said for a long time: "What can the Holy One decide? This is Xiao Sikong's idea..."
He paused again and then said: "So, son, what does it mean to devote one's heart to the Holy One? You are a craftsman and a supervisor, but you have to devote one's heart to Xiao Sikong. Do you understand?"
Only then did Yang Shuzu realize it. He bowed hurriedly and said: "Father's teachings, children must remember them, but..."
"explain......"
Yang Shuzu then bravely said: "My child knows that his father is not a pure heart, so why this time?"
Yang Wenxian sighed, and then said earnestly: "Shu Zu, my Yang family has been a prominent family since the founding of the Jin Dynasty. It has been more than six hundred years ago, why can the Yang family still remain unmoved in the wind and rain?
Woolen cloth?"
Yang Shuzu lowered his head and said, "Father, please make it clear."
Yang Wenxian sighed and said word by word: "Without him, don't take sides easily! Nowadays, the situation is quite unclear, both in the court and in the local area. If we really take a clear-cut stand at this time, I'm afraid there will be a big disaster."
It’s not far away!”
Yang Shuzu was stunned and speechless.
Yang Wenxian said in a deep voice: "You really think that I don't know that you are always close to the third son of the Xiao family and are quite attached to each other, but why did your father stop you?"
Yang Shuzu suddenly said: "Father has indeed never stopped..."
Yang Wenxian nodded and said: "Yes, my father can be regarded as a half-hearted person, but you made friends with Mr. Xiao under my eyes. Why did my father ignore you? Have you ever thought about it?"
Yang Shuzu was speechless for a long time, his mind was surging, and he finally figured out the connection, bowed and said: "My child understands, as long as the people in Qingliu think that our Yang family is a sect of Qingliu, and the Xiao family also thinks that our Yang family is a sect of their Xiao family.
..."
Yang Wenxian nodded solemnly and said: "No matter which faction is the final winner, we will all get a share of the pie. This is the key to the long-term survival of our Yang family!"
Yang Shuzu nodded when he heard this and said, "Son, I understand my father's painstaking efforts."
Yang Wen nodded first, then suddenly said: "It's just that the construction of Longhuang Tower was carried out under the eyes of the ministers and the emperor. Since you want the emperor to feel that you are doing your best, you also want to make Sikong feel that you are doing things for him.
, based on your current experience, it is indeed a bit difficult..."
Yang Shuzu also had a troubled look on his face. He thought for a while and said, "If there is anything difficult, I can just ask Sishu more..."
Yang Wenxian's pupils shrank, and he thought for a long time before adding: "I heard that you once met a man named Su Ling, and you seem to have done a business called Lengxiang Pills with him?"
Yang Shuzu nodded and said: "It is indeed true. I should report to my father earlier..."
Yang Wenxian waved his hand and said decisively: "The construction of Longhuang Tower is related to the Xiao family. If you really have anything to do with Xiao Sishu, doesn't he have any selfish motives? So you absolutely can't ask him...
"
When Yang Shuzu heard this, he was silent for a long time and said, "If something happens to the child, who should he turn to?"
"Su Ling...go ask him more..."
............
It was a deep night, and Longtai Mountain was deep and forested. It had been a while since the last snowfall, but the heavy snow still covered Longtai Mountain thickly, without any sign of melting.
Longtai Mountain is covered with heavy snow, it is lonely and dark, and there is silence without a trace of sound in the dark night.
On the red wall and blue tiles, there is a faint light swaying, reflecting a large word Tao on the wall.
The word "Dao" is written every time, which means that it comes from the world.
At the main entrance, there were still four or five Taoist priests holding lanterns in the wind, with snow under their feet.
The lintel of the door was somewhat obscured by snow, but the three large characters on the plaque were clearly visible.
Chengtian view.
There were no bells in Chengtian Temple at this time, and it stood silently in the wind and snow.
Almost all the courtyards and temples were silent and dark.
Only after passing through several deep courtyards and winding bamboo paths can you see the last small hall made of thatched grass, which is still shining with the slightest light.
Viewed through the bright slit of the window.
Yuji, the great virtuous immortal master of Chengtian Temple, is sitting cross-legged on a futon, looking at a wooden fish in his hand. On the Buddhist niche in front of him, there are solemn and solemn statues of the Three Pure Ones.
The sound of the wooden fish was continuous and floating in the sky above Chengtian Temple, vague and vague.
Yogi has white hair and long brows, his ancient well has no ripples, and he is reciting profound Taoist scriptures.
Suddenly, his eyebrows furrowed slightly, his eyes opened slightly, and two rays of light suddenly appeared from his eyes.
He did not get up, but put down the wooden fish in his hand and said slowly: "Come in, the door is not locked."
As soon as he finished speaking, the door of the hut creaked, and a man slowly walked in, turned around and closed the door of the hut again.
However, the wind that rushed in through the crack in the door was still a bit strong, and in an instant the candlelight in the hut was dimly extinguished.
After a period of light and dimming, it lit up again.
But he still couldn't see clearly the face of the person coming.
I just felt that he was wrapped in a large black clothes, with a black hat on his head, which was pressed very low.
Yogi didn't look back, as if he knew who was coming, and just said calmly: "Is it done?"
The man took a few steps forward and seemed to be a little stooped.
He stopped and said in a very low voice, but it sounded a little weird and different from ordinary people: "It's done. We will break ground at the place we agreed on tomorrow..."
Only then did Yogi stand up and said with a cold and solemn expression: "Thank you for your hard work..."
The man smiled faintly, and his laughter was also very strange.
"After many years of painstaking planning, I have paved all the roads for you. Now it depends on your methods..." The man said solemnly.
Yogi nodded slowly, looking at the only rear window of the hut, his voice was a little dazed and vicissitudes of life, but also a little cold and crazy.
"It won't be long...by then, everything will be settled..."
"A dream of yellow rice will eventually wake up..."
After saying this, Yogi turned his head with a throbbing look in his eyes.
Seeing him like this, the man suddenly laughed strangely.