An incense table was placed in the yard inside the gate of the post house. Yang Fangqing led his men to kneel down in front of the incense table. Three eunuchs came from the capital, all of whom were dusty.
"Yang Yuanqing listens!"
The leading eunuch unfolded the imperial edict and read aloud: "The Khitans are partial barbarians who do not know the power of heaven. They have brought trouble to our Sui border people, making the whole country angry and embarrassing both the government and the public. Yang Yuanqing, the general manager of Fengzhou, led a righteous army to borrow troops from the Turks.
, defeated the Khitans, boosted the power of our Sui Dynasty, and made the government and the public celebrate. We hereby confer the title of Yang Yuanqing, the general manager of Fengzhou, as the Duke of Jiuyuan County, and the title of Lord General. The rest of his subordinates are all granted the same title, and are rewarded with five thousand taels of silver and ten thousand pieces of silk.
, admire this!”
Everyone was overjoyed and kowtowed together to thank them. The emperor rewarded them generously for their military merits, and they were not disappointed. They were originally low-level officers with no hope of promotion. After only one battle with Yang Yuanqing, they were promoted to Yi Tong, which meant that they jumped into the ranks of mid-level officers.
, how could it not make them extremely happy, not to mention the generous rewards.
Yang Yuanqing didn't care about his promotion. From an official point of view, he was not promoted. He was still the general manager of Fengzhou, but his title and title were improved. In fact, title is not important. Many officials' descendants have higher titles than him, such as Li Mi.
, he has only served as a guard, but his title is Duke, which is one level higher than his County Duke. The key is Lord. The general has been ranked to the fourth level of Lord, second only to Shangzhu Kingdom and Gui Kingdom.
To be promoted to the rank of general is based on military merit and is a seniority in the Yihe Army. Of course, it is not absolute. For example, his father Yang Xuangan was already promoted to the rank of general before he had fought a single battle. This was earned by his grandfather Yang Suyi.
In fact, Yang Yuanqing pays more attention to the rewards of his subordinates. He himself does not care. As long as his subordinates receive heavy rewards, he will have face, and his subordinates will feel that they have a future with him. From Yang Guang's enthronement of Yitong, we can see that
Going out to Yang Guang gave me enough face.
Yang Yuanqing was extremely pleased and quickly invited the three eunuchs to go into the house to rest.
The three eunuchs also ran for half a month and were really exhausted. They went into the house and sat down... and drank some hot tea. The leading eunuch cupped his hands and smiled and said: "General Yang, we really can't rest, we have to rush to the north.
Each county announced the decree... The Holy One has decided to start patrolling the north in the spring of next year, and will leave from Yulin County. Yulin County is not very far from Wuyuan County, and General Yang will probably have to go to see him, so he must go back early to prepare."
"Thank you, father-in-law, for reminding me!"
At this time, a soldier brought up a plate of silver, which was three hundred taels. Yang Yuanqing pushed the silver to the three eunuchs and said with a smile: "This is a little thought... buy wine for the three of you on the road... on your way in winter...
…need to drink to keep out the cold.”
The three eunuchs smiled and narrowed their eyes, and after a few words of encouragement, they happily accepted the offer. They secretly thought that Yang Yuanqing was a good man. Since they had received the benefit, of course they had to show something and say something related to Yang Yuanqing.
The leading eunuch pondered for a moment and then said: "General Yang, something happened in the capital...it may have something to do with you."
"Father-in-law whispered!"
The eunuch sighed and said: "The Yang family has been demoted. Yang Yue was impeached because he went to worship your grandfather during official duties... The Holy Emperor was furious, Yang Yue was dismissed from his official position, and several of your uncles were also removed from their honorary posts.
The Yang family is now in dire straits, and court officials dare not visit for fear of getting into trouble. When we came, we heard that your father even made a special trip to visit the Pei family."
It was only a matter of time before the Yang family was demoted, and it was expected. However, when his father Yang Xuangan visited the Pei family, he did not expect that it was not that he couldn't do it, but the eunuch's tone meant that this time it was a bit grand.
As soon as Yang Yuanqing thought about it, he realized that the Yang family was indirectly apologizing to him for his marriage.
Yang Yaji sighed in his heart, if he had known this day, why would he have done it in the first place! He had no sympathy. In another room of the Yang family, Yang Yuanqing's men gathered together and were extremely excited. Cheng Yaojin walked around the room, feeling extremely worried.
jiggling.
"My father has never been a Yitong in his whole life. The first thing I will do when I go back this time is burn paper on his grave. My old Cheng is also a Yitong, haha!"
Cheng Yaojin was happy in his heart. He glanced around and saw that Pei Xingyan was a little preoccupied. He slapped him hard on the shoulder and asked angrily: "Xiao Pei, are you not satisfied with the reward?"
Pei Xingyan hurriedly shook his head, "How dare I be dissatisfied? I just feel a little unbearable."
"Why can't you bear it?" Everyone looked at him.
Pei Xingyan smiled bitterly and said: "My father participated in the battle to destroy Chen. He fought seven or eight battles and almost lost his life before he was granted the title of Yitong. I just fought in this way, and it didn't take any effort. I am on par with my father."
Yes, I feel a little ashamed."
Qin Qiong next to him said with a smile: "This is because the general has a greater reputation. In addition, his mission this time was sent by the Holy One. Although it only had one battle, it was of great significance, so the Holy One gave him a heavy reward, like your father's battle in Pingnan.
There are too many people participating. If everyone is granted the same title, how is it possible? Unlike this time, we only have a few kilograms... "We have robbed the Turks of their achievements."
Everyone laughed, Luo Shixin scratched his head and said: "After talking for a long time, I still don't know what this Yitong is? Is it an official?"
Qin Qiong smiled and explained to him: "It's not an official, it's just a military rank. It has no specific relationship with the official position. However, after being promoted to Yitong, the Ministry of War will consider it when conferring military positions and will not award it too low, like
If you join the army, you can directly become a brigade commander with a sword, instead of starting as a soldier.
"In this case, I seem to have taken a big advantage. I actually just wanted to come and have fun, but I actually became the host. It's a bit embarrassing. Some people may feel uncomfortable."
Luo Shixin glanced at Cheng Yaojin with a triumphant look in his eyes. Cheng Yaojin was indeed feeling a little uncomfortable. He had been in the army for two years and had only managed to get through it step by step. The first time this little brat Luo Shixin came out, he was just like him.
.
Cheng Yaojin curled his lips and said, "You brat has no qualifications in the military, so what if you become a Yitong? No one will obey you. I advise you to resign from this honorary position as soon as possible to avoid making people laugh."
Luo Shixin blinked and smiled: "Brother Cheng, are you jealous? Why do you feel sour?"
Everyone burst into laughter. At this time, Yang Yuanqing sent the eunuch away and walked into the room, "What are you talking about? It's so ridiculous!"
Everyone stood up one after another. After this war, Yang Yuanqing had gained a certain prestige in everyone's minds. In their speech and behavior, everyone would no longer be as joking and casual as before, but showed their respect for him.
of unity and respect.
Yang Yuanqing also liked this feeling, so he waved his hand and smiled at everyone: "Let me tell you something, I have decided to return to Wuyuan County on the second day of the first lunar month. If you are willing to come with me, I welcome it, but I want to go
I don’t think it’s time yet for Wuyuan County to take office.”
The next day is New Year's Eve, and New Year's Eve is the last day of the year. Almost every household is cleaning their courtyards and houses to sweep out all the dust accumulated in the past 10 years. Students should put peach charms on them, and bamboo poles should be stretched out in front of the windows and banners should be hung.
The slaughtering of pigs and sheep and making rice cakes have been completed a few days ago. New Year's Eve is the time for the chefs to cook delicious food.
The women are busy at home, most of the men are resting and relaxing, waiting for the sumptuous dinner, while the children can't wait to put on the colorful new clothes that are supposed to be worn on the first day of the year, and run around the neighborhood like colorful butterflies.
, show off to each other.
Yang Yuanqing held an important position. Although he lived in Yingzhou, he also visited the homes of orphaned elderly people with local officials, delivering grain, rice and meat. At the same time, he also participated in community sacrifices. He was extremely busy until he returned in the afternoon.
Yang Yuanqing and his two entourages were riding horses, returning from a distance to the post house. Luo Shixin poked his head into a tree and suddenly saw Yang Yuanqing, and immediately shouted to everyone: "The general is back!"
Green Tea was extremely nervous and hurriedly waved to everyone, "Everyone, go away!"
Nearly twenty people turned around and ran towards the back door. In a moment, they were all gone. She drank green tea and stabilized her mind. She estimated that Yang Yuanqing was coming to the door soon. She carried a basket and walked out quickly.
, happened to meet Yang Yuanqing at the gate.
"Sir! Why are you back now?"
"Oh! I'll come back to pick up some clothes."
Yang Yuanqing looked around and saw that there was no one in the post house, so he smiled and asked, "Where are the others?"
"Young Master, you are back too late. Everyone can't wait. We have to go first. Young Master, hurry up," Bi Cha urged him.
"Tian change your clothes and leave!"
Yang Yuanqing went back to the house to change clothes. Green Tea quickly winked at the two soldiers. The two understood and slipped out of the back door.
After a while, Yang Yuanqing came back and found that the two of them were missing. He couldn't help but asked strangely: "Where are they?"
"Yang Dalang came over just now to ask them to help carry the wine. Young Master, hurry up! We'll be there not far away."
The fruit wine shop was indeed not far from their place, only one mile away. Yang Yuanqing didn't bother to ride a horse and walked directly there. Green Tea followed behind with a basket on his arm. His heart was pounding and he secretly prayed that the plan would not go wrong. After a while,
They walked to the fruit wine shop.
This is a very small wine shop that can accommodate up to twenty people dining here. It is also an old shop with a history of at least thirty years. The paint on the signboard has been mottled, and you can still vaguely make out the name "Fruit Wine Shop".
Well, today is New Year's Eve, everyone is reunited at home, and the business of the wine shop is also very light. The clerks have all gone home to celebrate the New Year, and only the shopkeeper and his wife are greeting the guests.
But tonight, Green Tea has booked the place, and there is actually only Yang Yuanqing as a guest. Yang Yuanqing walked into the wine shop with the curtain raised, and saw that the wine hall was empty, with no one there. Yang Yuanqing was stunned, and turned around and asked: "They
What? Didn’t you say you were already here?”
The shopkeeper had already received instructions for the green tea in advance and quickly said with a smile: "They thought the wine in the shop was not strong enough, so they all went to Tong'an Wine Shop to buy wine. They said they would be back soon. Master, please sit in the room."
There is a separate small elegant room in the wine shop, which can accommodate a few people to have a drink. The shopkeeper led Yang Yuanqing to the elegant room and said, "Sir, please!"
Seeing Yang Yuanqing arrive at the door, Green Tea's heart almost jumped out of his chest, and he silently begged Buddha to bless him with success at the last moment.
Yang Yuanqing felt that there seemed to be someone in the private room, but he didn't take it seriously. He thought it was Pei Xingyan or Qin Qiong, two people who were not good at drinking, so he opened the door and went in. But as soon as he entered the door, when Yang Yuanqing saw the people sitting in the room clearly, he was suddenly