When old friends meet again, they naturally have to go to the house to talk about it.
Xiao Fengshan and Su Yanyan were seated separately in the main hall. They were both smart people. They tacitly agreed not to mention this hidden trip, nor to Xia Jingyun's current situation. There was only a visit from a junior who was not hundreds of miles away, and An elder’s concern after more than ten years.
"When I was in Zhongjing, I was under the care of my old husband a lot. He was a role model for me to look up to as an official. When my husband passed away, I originally wanted to go to pay homage in person, but due to various reasons, it was inconvenient to leave and I was unable to do so. I still deeply regret it to this day.”
"My grandpa often said back then that Uncle Xiao is a rare talent for governing the country. It is your misfortune and the country's great misfortune that he failed to fulfill his lifelong ambition."
"Sujiawu must be more beautiful and magnificent now than when I went there, right?"
"The landscape of Dongting remains the same, the old friends remain the same, and Sujiawu naturally remains the same."
Xiao Fengshan laughed and said, "How can we still be old friends! The little girl who was quirky and elegant back then is now a mature and generous girl who can act on her own. It's like things are different and people are different!"
Su Yanyan smiled slyly, and said with a bit of coquettishness and naughtiness like a familiar junior: "Haha, there are only words like elegant and elegant, without words like beautiful? When Uncle Xiao fascinated the noble girl from Zhongjing City, everything except her appearance He is also famous for his talent and eloquence!”
"Hahahaha! Do others need to praise your beauty? Your reputation as the Pearl of Dongting is well-known to me in Longshou Prefecture."
The two of them just talked about the past in a relaxed and comfortable manner with some subtle hints.
After talking for a while, Xiao Fengshan said: "Will Yanyan stay in the mansion this time?"
Su Yanyan smiled apologetically, "It's inconvenient to be a Yanyan woman, so I'd better stay at an inn in the city."
"Then I will send someone to find a quiet courtyard for you later."
"Thank you, Uncle Xiao. You are busy with government affairs, so I won't bother you much."
"Okay, then I'll give it to you!"
Watching the convoy go away, Xiao Fengshan stood tall with his hands behind his back, silent for a long time.
Although Su Yanyan made a big fanfare, he did not display the royal flag and never announced that it was the imperial envoy's chariot and horse. No one could blame him for guessing wrong.
But after this incident, he completely confirmed his suspicions.
Otherwise, Xia Jingyun would not have come in secret.
In that case, let’s do it!
He turned around and strode back to the Yamen.
In front of the Zhou Mu Yamen, the rhythm of the past returned to the past.
But outside the side door of Xiao Fengshan's private residence in the backyard, a lone carriage drove to the door.
The old servant in the carriage got out of the carriage and knocked on the door.
A concierge opened the door impatiently, "Who is it?"
The old servant handed over a letter and said calmly: "Give it to your state pastor with my own hands."
If the other party had nodded and used the honorific title, the concierge might have impatiently chased the person away, but this old man's arrogant and commanding tone made him afraid to be presumptuous for a while.
He glanced at the letter in his hand suspiciously, but was coldly shouted by the old servant, "Don't read too much, or you'll lose your head."
At this shout, the concierge didn't even care about confiscating the benefits. He said "wait a moment" and hurried to report.
All the way to the door of Xiao Fengshan's office, he suddenly hesitated, this old guy wouldn't call me something like that, would he?
Judging from his appearance and dress, he does not look like a powerful person. He has seen a lot of people, so how can he be so obedient?
He recalled it and found that it was the other person's eyes.
There was no humility or flattery in those eyes that he usually saw in those visitors, only aloof indifference and confident calmness.
Someone who can have such eyes.
He thought for a moment, stepped forward again, knocked on the door, and walked in, "Sir, someone is looking for you in the backyard. Please make sure I hand this letter into your hands."
He was at the Yamen, but the other party went to the private house in the backyard, and he was able to get his money-grubbing concierge to come so honestly to deliver the message, and he seemed to believe that he would meet them.
Many thoughts went through Xiao Fengshan's mind in an instant, and the moment he opened the letter, he could be considered calm after experiencing strong winds and waves. He stared for a moment, then immediately held the letter in his palm, stood up and said: "They How did it come about?"
When the porter saw this, he knew that he had made the right bet, "A carriage, without an entourage."
Xiao Fengshan said directly: "Open the door and let the carriage drive in directly."
After the concierge left, Xiao Fengshan completely burned the letter into ashes and crushed it, then stood up and walked to the backyard, then dismissed everyone near the toilet door, leaving only two absolutely trusted guards.
Not long after, a carriage drove directly in.
A figure covered in a black cloak stepped out of the carriage and walked into a room under the leadership of a Xiao Fengshan bodyguard.
Then the guard retreated, facing Xiao Fengshan, the man took off his hat.
After seeing the face in front of him clearly, Xiao Fengshan still showed an expression of disbelief even though he was mentally prepared, "How did you do it?"
The other party still smiled weakly, "Standing at the top of this world for ten years will always bring you some incredible experiences and some incredible gains."
Xiao Fengshan still shook his head, "Even if there is such a medicine, if you dare to use it, you know how to use it in advance, and you can still use it successfully, that is incredible."
The man smiled and said: "I am used to making arrangements behind the scenes, and always think of the worst-case scenario. Being forced to cut off one's wrists and fake death to survive is not something worth boasting and being proud of."
As the state shepherd of Yizhou, Xiao Fengshan had extremely detailed information about the events of that day. Looking back a little in his mind, he sighed: "How can you be so sure that His Majesty will not whip the corpse to vent his anger?"
The man was still smiling and said, "Our Majesty claims to be a wise and benevolent king. If I beg for mercy, I might really die without a burial place. But the harder he scolds and the more he dares not admit it, the more he will do it for that benevolent king." His attitude was to not argue with me, otherwise wouldn’t it be acknowledging that I spoke to his fears and fears?”
Xiao Fengshan pursed his lips, "And your father and his friendship as a monarch and his ministers are the second guarantee you give yourself."
"He is too old, and this is his own decision. What's more, with Mr. Xiao's intelligence, he should be able to think of something very beneficial to our future cooperation."
Xiao Fengshan's heart suddenly moved, and he thought of some possibilities that made him almost short of breath, but he still tried his best to maintain a calm expression on his face, and just raised his eyebrows, "Cooperation?"
"I guess Yuan Shikun has already come to see you."
Xiao Fengshan smiled and said, "You don't know who you are?"
"You are the third person I met after being dug out of the mass grave." The man said softly, and then said: "But no matter what they told you, how to cooperate, it is all invalid now , we can talk about a new plan."
Xiao Fengshan had slowly digested the shock in his heart and chuckled when he heard the words, "With your ability and knowledge, you shouldn't say such things. You should know that this is not a game of play. You can do it again if you say you can do it again. "
The man shook his head, "Of course I know that, but I also know that Xia Jingyun is not that easy to deal with. He crossed the sea and came here in secret. He may have figured out your plan and follow the original direction. , he will only end up with the same end as me. Only by starting over again and taking a path that he has never thought of can he completely lose his direction. And my new plan will definitely make you more interested."
Xiao Fengshan did not listen to his story first, but asked: "What are you planning?"
The man was stunned for a moment, "I didn't expect you to ask me such a question."
Xiao Fengshan said: "Are you stalling for time?"
The man shook his head, "I just think this question is meaningless. In any case, I and the one sitting on the throne are incompatible with each other. This is the basis of our cooperation. As for other things, I can say it The sky is full of flowers, and you will also be wary of me. We are both the smartest people in the world. After a short period of joining forces, we may not be enemies in the future, so asking such a question is meaningless to you and me."
Hearing this, Xiao Fengshan said calmly: "But if I feel that the threat is too great, I can kill you now. After all, everyone who knows the inside story knows that the most dangerous thing in the Prime Minister's Mansion is not Prime Minister Qin who has amazing power and has a deep understanding of His Majesty, but It’s you, Qin Sichao.”
Qin Sichao's face was still pale as he had just recovered from a serious illness. Hearing the words, he nodded in agreement, without any fear on his face, "This is your freedom, but before you decide, why not listen to my plan first? Even if you The killer move you have racked your brains to come up with for someone you are all afraid of should be very tempting to you and the prince, right?"
Xiao Fengshan took a deep look at Qin Sichao and poured two cups of hot tea himself, "I would like to hear the details."
After half an hour, the two ended the conversation.
Xiao Fengshan looked at Qin Sichao and said, "Mr. Qin will stay in my house temporarily during these days."
Qin Sichao didn't seem to be surprised at all by Xiao Fengshan's suggestion or request, and nodded, "I'm just about to take care of myself. Master Xiao, just don't worry about the medicinal materials and ingredients."
Xiao Fengshan hummed, "Let's go, I'll take you there."
When everything was settled, Xiao Fengshan and his guards walked out of the courtyard that was temporarily listed as a restricted area for the Xiao family, and sat in their study, lost in thought.
"Sir? What's wrong?"
The guard asked with concern.
Xiao Fengshan said: "Hold the sword, do you think I'm old?"
The bodyguard said quickly: "My lord, when you are in the prime of life, fighting in battle, we are no match, why do you say this!"
Xiao Fengshan sighed and said with emotion: "There are so many heroes in the world!"
Today I met Su Yanyan first and then Qin Sichao, both of whom were stunning choices.
Although he had never met Xia Jingyun, Xia Jingyun was able to destroy Qin Sichao's plans again and again, and finally defeated Qin Sichao. He thought he was no worse than Qin Sichao.
Suddenly, there were so many amazing young talents around him, which reminded him of his high-spirited time, but he couldn't help but lament his age.
But for a person like him, this little emotion was only temporary, and he was quickly forgotten, and ambition and pride filled his heart again.
So what if there are many talented people?
I was able to overpower the next generation back then, but now that I am stronger and have more experience, can I still not do it?
If you want to plot against me, come and try! ——
Xia Jingyun really has no idea of trying Xiao Fengshan now. He just concentrates on perfecting the roundabout tactics he came up with and putting them into practice.
After spending a day in the county government office, he first confirmed that the Ye family and his daughter had not lied to him. Ye Mingfeng's past reputation and his current conduct were not bad and could be used;
At the same time, it was also confirmed that the current situation in the Caobang was relatively stable. After the Ye family and Elder Long made relevant arrangements according to the previously discussed contents, Xia Jingyun threw the broken-legged ranger in the county government office. He took his guards on the road to Yu's house.
Before leaving, Bai Yunbian stood at the door wearing an official robe, looking at Xia Jingyun who was also wearing an official robe, "Just leaving? How many days will you stay?"
Xia Jingyun rolled her eyes at him, "What are you doing here? Do you want pickles to eat steamed buns?"
Bai Yunbian said: "It will definitely not happen today."
"oh?"
Bai Yunbian glanced at the crimson robe he was wearing, and then at his own green robe, "I'll add a bun for you."
"roll!"
Xia Jingyun waved his riding crop and said, "Let's go!"
Chen Fugui led six guards, plus soldiers from ten counties specially selected by Baiyunbian, followed him on horseback, rolled up the smoke, and rushed out of the city.
Watching the smoke and dust rising and falling by the white clouds, even though he has seen many experiences of Xia Jingyun creating miracles, he can't help but feel a little worried. It's not easy to get the Yu family into the situation with empty words!
This time, Xia Jingyun did not hide and sneak away, but directly took up the banner of imperial envoy and ran all the way.
By raising a banner, as long as Xiao Fengshan does not want to rebel immediately, their safety will be guaranteed to a certain extent.
And the reality was just as Xia Jingyun expected, the group of them encountered no obstacles along the way. After two days of driving and running with almost no dismounts, not only did the officials who were preparing to curry favor along the way escape, but also We came directly to Suzhou County next to Huai'an County, on the outskirts of Yujiazhuangzi.
People are different from each other, and so are Zhuangzi and Zhuangzi.
Rather than saying that the Yu family is Zhuangzi, it is better to say that it is a Wubao similar to places in the north such as Baiyang Prefecture.
The continuous connection of the large and small Wubao forts is not only a symbol of the Yu family's strength, but also the reason why the Yu family was able to escape the last military disaster.
The dozen archways at the front of Wubao are the embodiment of the rich heritage of the Yu family's literary family.
In the dusk of the night, a guard came forward to report the situation.
Soon a large group of people poured out of Yujiawu Fort.
Then, several men who were obviously dressed differently from the people around him came out supporting an old man with a cane.
Xia Jingyun quickly dismounted and went to greet him.
When he walked up to Xia Jingyun, the old man bowed down together with the middle-aged men, young people and young children in his arms.
"Fourth generation of the Yu family, pay homage to the Imperial Envoy!"
Xia Jingyun stepped forward, helped him up, and said with a warm smile: "Old Master, there is no need to be polite. I am here today, not as an imperial envoy to inspect, but actually to visit friends. I raised the flag just to avoid nuisance along the way. .”
The old man was stunned, "Visiting friends?"
Xia Jingyun looked at a young man in the crowd with a smile, "Brother Danqiu, I haven't seen you for two months, does it seem that you have become thinner?"
Yu Daoxing walked out of the crowd, saluted Xia Jingyun, and said with the same happy smile: "Brother Gao Yang is more elegant than before, and I am also happy for you."
After speaking, Yu Daoxing explained to the stunned Yu family: "That day in Zhongjing, the child failed the test. At the moment when everything was despairing, it was Brother Gao Yang who encouraged him, and that famous poem was about to enter Dan Qiusheng's drink. It’s the kid. It was precisely because of Brother Gao Yang’s words that the kid regained his confidence and was able to continue studying hard.”
Everyone looked shocked, and the old man said happily: "In this case, Mr. Xia is my benefactor of the Yu family. Please come to Wubao and have tea and talk!"
Xia Jingyun nodded and walked in with everyone.
As he walked on the road, he became more confident.
The Yu family is indeed a humble gentleman. If it had been anyone else, that fate would have been publicized to everyone. However, Yu Daoxing was not proud of it. He knew that this was not his own ability, and he only focused on studying hard. , even close clan members don’t know about it, which shows his character.
Such a person, such a style.
A sentence suddenly flashed through Xia Jingyun's mind: A gentleman can deceive others, but it is difficult to ignore them.
Therefore, he couldn't help but despise his own soul.
Sitting in the reception room, Xia Jingyun introduced himself to everyone in the Yu family. After some polite greetings, the head of the Yu family, the old man, took the initiative and said: "Wen Yan and Dan Qiu stay. The rest of you can go down. I and I Master Xia, tell me something."
Wen Yan and Dan Qiu are his legitimate sons Yu Zonggu and grandson Yu Daoxing. They can be said to be the first line of inheritance of the Yu family.
After everyone had left, the head of the Yu family took the initiative and said, "Mr. Xia, you came from afar, and it's not just a simple visit to a friend. You have been kind to my Yu family. I hope I can tell you if you have any advice."
Originally, in such a game, the Yu family could have hung up on Xia Jingyun, making him unable to hold back his words, thus gaining the upper hand in the negotiation. However, perhaps it was because of what happened to Yu Daoxing, or perhaps because the old head of the Yu family was really Such a kind and honest elder actually took the initiative to give Xia Jingyun a step, which made Xia Jingyun feel a little moved.
At one moment, he even thought about whether it was right to involve the Yu family.
But then he reaffirmed his thoughts. After the nest was overturned, there would be no intact eggs. Longshou Prefecture was really in chaos. How could the Yu family be alone? He did this for their own good, not to mention that he was just stating the pros and cons. They just choose freely.
So, he smiled and said, "This junior's thoughts cannot be hidden from the old family master. Does the old family master know about the Ye family?"
"The Ye family dominates the two rivers of Huaihe River, and the Cao Gang has tens of thousands of people. How could I not know about it?"
"The head of the Ye family has a legitimate son named Ye Mingfeng. He came to the Yu family academy to become a disciple two years ago, but he failed."
Patriarch Yu looked at Xia Jingyun, slightly confused.
Xia Jingyun said: "What happened back then was that several family members who were resentful of the rise of the Ye family deliberately humiliated him, so that his mood collapsed and he was unable to recover. I came here today to ask the Yu family to give him a chance. , try his talent and learning, and if you can, take him under your wing."
Yu Daoxing's father, Yu Zonggu, hesitated to speak. Due to etiquette, he finally did not speak.
The old head of the Yu family said: "Wen Yan, you are the future head of the family, and this Yu family is going to be handed over to you. What do you think about this matter?"
Yu Zonggu thought for a moment, bowed to Xia Jingyun, and then said: "Master Xia, if we just ask the Yu family to accept a disciple, based on your friendship to help my son regain his ambition, the Yu family will definitely agree to it." It makes sense. But since this matter is worthy of your traveling all the way, I hope you can make it clear about the key points."
Xia Jingyun thought to himself that he finally met a capable second generation.
"A few days ago, the son of the third elder of the Cao Gang was killed. The thieves framed this Young Master Ye in order to drive a wedge between the Ye family and the third elder and compete for the power of the Cao Gang. There are faint figures of other important forces in the state. I help Ye The family has temporarily stabilized the overall situation of the Cao Gang. The Ye family originally wanted me to accept their son as a disciple, but I think the Yu family is a better choice."
Yu Zonggu's face showed no emotion and said calmly: "Since all parties are fighting, this matter is already a puddle of muddy water. The Yu family could have stayed out of the matter, so why did they take the initiative to enter this mess?"
"That's why I took the initiative to take this trip."
Xia Jingyun stood up, as if he had finished accumulating all his strength, and began to tell everything he had prepared in his mind.
"I suggest this for two reasons."
"First, although I don't know what happened in those years, I look at Brother Danqiu's character and the behavior of the Yu family. I believe in the Yu family's family tradition and inheritance. I don't say that the whole family is a humble gentleman, but at least The family tradition is pure and good, which deserves the character of a scholar. Therefore, the Yu family was not directly responsible for what happened back then, and they have no grudge against Mr. Ye. In this case, a person with an open mind to learn, regards joining the Yu family academy as a What reason does the Yu family have to reject someone who has a goal in life?"
"Secondly, today's world is full of bandits and chaos, and the court is also in trouble. The world that the Military God has suppressed for decades is once again on the verge of chaos. Such a situation, for some people For careerists, it is what they want to see, what they dream of, but for a family like the Yu family, which relies on being an official as a way out, the last thing you want to see is turmoil in the world."
"Because, this means that your way out is temporarily cut off, and it also means that a family of scholars like you has to survive another disaster in a troubled world where swords and weapons are paramount. It is true that when the world settles down again, no matter what the situation is, people will still be needed. The children of the Yu family still have a chance to become officials. But, can the Yu family guarantee that they can survive this disaster? Are there not many great families who have been massacred by soldiers and bandits and perished in troubled times? "
"However, the Caogang, which has tens of thousands of members, can provide a protective umbrella for the Yu family, greatly reducing the risks for the Yu family. In troubled times, what is more important than force? What else is there? Is there a way for the Yu family to have better possessions? You may not be able to use some things, but you can't live without them."
"If the son of the leader of the Cao Gang becomes a disciple of the Yu family, there will be almost no harm to the Yu family, but the benefits will be obvious. What should the Yu family have to hesitate about?"
"Is it possible that the Yu family really thinks that when chaos breaks out in Longshou Prefecture, those cannibalistic forces will not eat such a big piece of fat like the Yu family?"
Xia Jingyun's voice echoed in the large hall, and the invisible ripples turned into deep wrinkles on the brows of three generations of Yu's family.
Have a great weekend!
(End of chapter)
