Wang Gong's residence is outside Guangyang Gate, on the west side of Youyu Street. It was a residence given by Emperor Xiaowu. The concubine Wang Tanheng got the news that he was returning to the capital, and he led his servants to greet him in front of the residence early.
After washing, the slave met his master. Wang Gong took his son into the study to learn about the situation in the capital.
Wang Gong sighed: "The king of Kuaiji is the regent and has all the power. Wang Xun and Wang Ya are not needed. The king's treasures and flattery can be reused. I'm afraid the court will be in trouble."
Wang Tanheng said cautiously: "Nowadays, I am not smart and can't speak well, but King Langya is respectful and benevolent every time he serves the emperor. In time, he can compete with King Kuaiji."
Wang Gong asked: "What action can Wang Xun and others take?"
Wang Tanheng shook his head and said with a hint of disdain: "When the late emperor was here, these two princes relied on the authority of the emperor to compete with the king of Kuaiji. The late emperor died without leaving any edicts, and the two princes lost their authority. The people in the court were cautious and silent, and they were just obedient. "
Wang Gong sighed and said: "There are no dissatisfied ministers in the court, but only flattering ministers like Wang Guobao. The country is in danger."
Wang Tanheng refilled his father's cup with water and said, "My father has a heavy army and is stationed at Jingkou. He can control the situation by himself, so there is no need to worry."
Wang Gong thought for a while and said: "I want to talk to Wang Xun. He needs to be supported in this court. He is inside and I am outside. Maybe we can save the situation."
Looking at the tea in the cup, Wang Gong asked: "Is this Bichun tea?"
Wang Tanheng said: "It is the Yin family's Bichun tea. The sales of loose tea are very good. My son wants the tea garden to make loose tea, but the effect is not good after trying it."
Wang Gong didn't want to listen to these petty parents. He frowned and said: "When the late emperor was here, he selected four East Palace attendants for the new emperor. These four people were the talents left by the late emperor to assist the new emperor. I know a little bit about the other three. , how about that Hongnong Yang Anxuan?"
Listening to Wang Tanheng's account of what happened to Yang Anxuan after he entered the capital, Wang Gong stroked his beard and remained silent. He was a little unhappy with Yang Anxuan's style. He had caused so many troubles in just two years after entering the capital. He was not a peaceful person.
Recalling Yang Anxuan's whisper in his ear when he was in the West Hall, Wang Gong concluded that this son wanted to flatter himself and had other agendas.
There was a hint of mockery in the corner of his mouth, and Wang Gong thought to himself: I have been in officialdom for decades, how could I be fooled by a child's petty tricks?
However, judging from Zizi's words, he was dissatisfied with the regent of King Kuaiji, and he might be of some use in the future.
…………
In the east hall, ministers discuss matters. Emperor Sima Dezong was away, and Sima Daozi sat on the lower left side of the throne to listen to the government.
Lu Zhuang, the doctor of Duzhi, said: "...there are floods in Shixing, Nankang, Luling and other places. The water is five feet deep, destroying roads and bridges, and countless houses. Tens of thousands of people have no place to live. Please order relief."
Sima Daozi said: "The governors of Jiangzhou and Guangzhou will raise money and food for disaster relief. After the water recedes, we will collect corvees, rebuild bridges and roads, and build houses."
Wang Gong sternly rebuked: "The words of King Kuaiji are false. The floods in Shixing, Nankang, and Luling counties are serious, and there is no surplus food for disaster relief. Even if Guangzhou can raise food to temporarily provide relief to the victims, it will not be able to support post-disaster reconstruction. The court Food should be quickly mobilized from Yangzhou and Jingzhou and transported to the disaster areas."
Wang Xun said weakly: "There is not much food stored in the court. In order to prepare for the war, we really can't spare much food."
Wang Gong said angrily: "Last year, we began to promote Yang Jiali. The area around Jingkou received an additional 300,000 shi of grain. Yangzhou and Jingzhou are both fertile lands. They can produce at least 2 million more shi, which is enough for disaster relief. Zuo Pu." Why does She say there is no food?"
The silence in the courtroom was terrifying.
Lu Qiang bravely said: "The emergence of Yang Jiali has indeed increased grain production by 20 to 30%. However, the court banned alcohol and allowed private winemaking. The government's grain reserves are not even as good as in previous years."
Wang Gong stomped his feet bitterly, traced his finger across the court hall, and cursed: "Food is the foundation of the country, and those who are short-sighted are the country's misfortune."
The proposal to ban alcohol was proposed by Sima Daozi to Sima Yao. Wang Gong's words were no less than pointing at Sima Daozi's nose and cursing, and Sima Daozi's face turned livid.
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Wang Guobao saw the ugly look on the face of the King of Kuaiji and retorted: "President Wang, it was the late emperor who approved the ban on alcohol, and the court collected tens of millions of dollars more in alcohol taxes for it. Are you questioning the late emperor's decision?"
Wang Gong said angrily: "The late emperor was deceived by traitors, so he made decisions that harmed the foundation of the country. As ministers of the court, you don't know how to advise, but you want to put the blame on the late emperor?"
"Pah", Sima Daozi couldn't bear it any longer, he knocked the tail of the pawn in his hand heavily on the table, and shouted angrily: "Wang Gong, this is the court, how can I allow you to be so presumptuous and not retreat with me?"
Wang Gong bowed his head, turned around and left the hall, throwing up his sleeves.
When I came to stand outside the hall, I saw Yang Anxuan in the west hall wearing a white mourning dress and a linen jacket. He thought of Yang Jiali. It was said that this Yang Jiali was developed by this son. I might as well have a chat with him.
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Qingxi, Wang Guobao's residence and study. Wang Guobao and Wang Xu sat across from each other and drank.
Wang Guobao thought about what happened in the court during the day, and said angrily: "Wang Gong relies on himself as the uncle of the late emperor. He doesn't even pay attention to the prince. If he gains power, I'm afraid there will be no place for his stupidity."
Wang Xu twirled his beard and said: "Brother, Wang Gong is stationed at the entrance of Jingkou and has tens of thousands of powerful soldiers. Even the King of Kuaiji is very wary of him. Why not take advantage of the fact that he is in the capital and has no wings around him, and persuade the king to find an opportunity to eliminate him."
Wang Guobao's eyes were gloomy, and he pondered for a long time before saying: "Wang Gong has a good reputation and is quite popular in the government and the public. If he kills him rashly, he may be criticized by people. The King of Kuaiji also hates him deeply, but he has to endure it because he is concerned about Wang Gong's reputation. Let him He has been arrogant for a few days, and I will look for an opportunity to transfer him to Beijing, and it will not be too late to take action."
…………
When Sima Yao died, singing and music were banned for a hundred days. Jiankang City was much deserted, and the shops on both sides of the street had closed early. Just after Xu Zheng passed, there were not many people visible on the street.
An oxcart drove slowly into Wuyi Lane and stopped in front of the palace. Wang Gong got out of the oxcart and bowed to Wang Xun who was waiting in front of the door.
The two of them didn't say much and entered the house under the light of the lantern. The red door slowly closed behind the two of them, keeping the darkness out.
In the study, the maid served tea and left. Wang Xiezhi and Wang Tanheng bowed and left the room, one on the left and the other on the right guarding the door.
Wang Gong looked at Wang Xun and said: "Yuan Lin (named by Wang Xun), the King of Kuaiji controls the government and appoints the traitor Wang Guobao. As the minister Zuopu She, why don't you speak out and argue in the court, so that the foolish and powerful can be alone?" .”
Wang Xun drank the tea slowly and said calmly: "The battle between the royal tomb and court, Chen Ping is cautious, but it depends on the outcome, so we can't just talk about the current situation."
Wang Gong slapped the table, which made the tea cup tremble, and said angrily: "You want to learn from Chen Ping, but I don't want to wait. I want to write a letter to summon troops from the entrance of Jing to come to Beijing to get rid of the traitor Wang Guobao."
Wang Xun was startled, put the tea cup on the table, and said: "Although Wang Guobao will eventually lead to trouble, but the rebellious signs are not obvious at the moment, if you raise an army to fight against it, I'm afraid everyone in the world will think Uncle Xiao (Wang Gong's courtesy name) is a traitor." . It is better to wait a little longer, and when the kingdom's evil treasures are full, the filial uncle will raise troops to eliminate the rebellion, then the name will be justified and the world will follow."
Wang Gong put his hands on the case and said with emotion: "I have a clear conscience. If I can eliminate thieves for the country, what if I have to bear some notoriety?"
"Uncle Xiao, then Jizhou Governor Yu Kai and Wang Guobao are allies. Jizhou has strong soldiers and horses. Once you lead your army to Beijing and Yu Kai raises his troops to go south, what should you do?"
Wang Xun did not want to see the situation of fratricide, and earnestly advised: "The new governor of Xuzhou, Liu Gai, is a confidant of the King of Kuaiji. If he takes advantage of you to raise troops to attack Jingkou, you will lose the opportunity. Once the soldiers rise up, they will be captured by the barbarians." By now, Uncle Xiao will be a sinner in the world."
Wang Gong twirled his beard and remained silent for a long time before saying, "Yuan Lin is right. I'd rather wait a little longer."
"After the late emperor entered the mountain mausoleum, Yu will return to Jingkou. Uncle Xiao must fight according to reason in the court and prevent Wang Guobao and his like from controlling the government. Yu is waiting for the opportunity in Jingkou and echoes you, Uncle Xiao."
Wang Xun responded vaguely: "Very good."
Wang Gong sighed secretly in his heart. Wang Xun had no intention of competing with the King of Kuaiji. He only wanted to preserve the glory of his family, which was not enough.
Pick up the cold tea on the table and drink it
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After that, Wang Gong stood up and left.
The oxcart slowly drove away from Wuyi Lane and pressed against the stone slabs of the Zhuque Bridge.
Wang Gong raised the curtains of the car, and the Qinhuai River was dark, without the prosperity of the past.
Wang Tanheng was riding beside the bullock cart. When he saw his father raising the curtain of the cart, he hurriedly stepped forward and asked, "What are your orders, father?"
Wang Gong said softly: "Look at when Yang Anxuan will stop bathing, and invite him to the house for a chat."
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On September 29th, at the beginning of Xu, Yang Anxuan returned to Xiao Changqian's residence exhausted. He had been on duty in front of the west hall for many days, and his body exuded a sour smell.
Soaking in the hot water relieved the body's fatigue, but the thoughts in his mind were like waves, causing his temples to tighten.
A few days ago, when I was helping Wang Gong, I whispered in his ear. Later, when I saw Wang Gong entering the court to discuss politics, I passed by him many times. Wang Gong ignored me as if he hadn't seen me. I'm afraid those words had no effect.
Reaching out to rub his temples, Yang Anxuan thought about how King Kuaiji relied heavily on Wang Guobao again, and Wang Guobao wanted to get rid of him.
Emperor Xiaowu entered the mountain tomb and the court returned to normal. It is estimated that Wang Guobao will take action against him soon.
No matter how cautious I am, if I want to incriminate him, I will probably have to abandon my official position and run away.
I have been planning for so long and finally got a sixth-grade official status. If I abandon my official position and run away, everything will be at a loss, let alone fighting for world hegemony.
Thinking of seeing Sima Daozi coming out of the palace during the day, Wang Guobao was serving him carefully like a servant. Although he couldn't hear what Wang Guobao said, he could hear Sima Daozi laughing from time to time.
Yang Anxuan gritted his teeth secretly. In order to protect himself, he could only follow Sima Daozi like Wang Bao. As long as Sima Daozi had a good impression of him, Wang Guobao wouldn't dare to do anything to him.
Hold your breath and sink your head into the water. How can you approach King Kuaiji?
Nowadays, the royal power of Kuaiji dominates the world, and he is surrounded by officials who want to please and flatter him. How can he, a sixth-grade East Palace attendant, have the opportunity to get close to him.
"Wow", Yang Anxuan emerged from the water, panting heavily, but a smile appeared on his face.
Since we cannot approach King Kuaiji directly, we might as well start with the people close to him. Zhao Ya, the prefect of Wei County, is a confidant of Sima Daozi.
Wipe the upper body with fine kudzu cloth and wipe the lower body with coarse kudzu cloth (1). Yang Anxuan secretly feels pain in his balls. The records in "Book of Rites" are trivial and impractical.
After wiping it clean, he got out of the tub and stepped on a mat woven from the stems of Corianthrum. The mat is rough, so you can rub it with your feet and scrape your feet.
Then wash again in the bath soup boiled with herbs, step on the fine mat woven with cattails, put on a piece of cloth or clothes, wait until the body is dry, put on clothes and shoes, and the bathing ritual is over.
Call Zhang Feng and ask him to invite Yuan Tao to speak to him.
The new song "The Peacock Flies Southeast" was only sung in the palace. Emperor Xiaowu was not allowed to have fun for a hundred days after his death, and was not allowed to slaughter for forty-nine days. Prostitutes and restaurants lost their business, and the Qinhuai River became deserted. Many people were forced to Leave Jiankang and find another way to make a living.
Two-quarters of an hour later, Yuan Tao arrived. Yang Anxuan ordered a banquet to be served, and the two drank and talked.
When Yuan Tao learned that Yang Anxuan asked him to introduce Zhao Ya, he smiled and said: "This is an easy task. "Butterfly Lovers" and "The Peacock Flies Southeast" both had An Xuan's guidance. Zhao Taishou praised An Xuan to Yu more than once for his talent in learning. "
In front of Yuan Tao, Yang Anxuan did not hide anything and expressed his intention to seek an audience with King Kuaiji through Zhao Ya.
Yuan Tao pondered for a moment and said: "After the death of the late Emperor, the King of Kuaiji took over as regent, and too many people came to see him. I heard from Governor Zhao that even if he asked to see the King of Kuaiji, he could only say a few words. An Xuan If there’s nothing urgent, let’s wait for some time.”
Yang Anxuan said he couldn't wait for his brother, and said: "My cousin knows that Zhongshu Ling Wang Guobao has a feud with the Yang family, and I am afraid that he will be detrimental to the Yang family."
Yuan Tao knew that Sima Daozi would reuse Wang Guobao after he came to power, so he couldn't delay it.
After holding the wine glass and pondering for a while, Yuan Tao said: "An Xuan, don't be anxious. I will go find Governor Zhao tomorrow to find out what he says."
(End of chapter)
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