On June 22, Sima Zhenzhi's boat docked at Xiangyang Wharf, and Yang Anxuan led Yongzhou Civil and Military to greet him.
The incense table was placed in the governor's office early, and Sima Zhenzhi read out the edict, "...Hong Nong Gong, Yong Yan's governor Yang An has a profound knowledge, excellent talents, extensive knowledge in mechanical affairs, and both civil and military talents... He was promoted to Yong Gong in order to promote agriculture. , Shangluo, Nanyang, and Xinye four counties were granted fiefdoms, granted with seals, Yuanyou crowns, and green ribbons, and supervised the military affairs of the five states of Beiyong, Si, Liang, Yong, and Yanzhou. He was still appointed as the governor of Yongyan... The eldest son Yang Min was appointed as the governor of Yongzhou. The prince... summoned Yong Gong Yang Anxuan to join the court as Taifu, and he and Song Gong were in charge of the government together..."
The edict was very long, and it took a long time to recite a stick of incense. Yang Siping, Zhang Feng, Shen Qingzhi and others who were kneeling in the hall to listen to the edict all burst into laughter when they heard about his award. Even a person with a cold temperament like Yu Fei, Hearing that he had sealed the title of Wanxian Bo, he also smiled widely.
In this attack on the Qin Dynasty, General Yong Yan conferred the title of Marquis Guang on six people, four counts, twelve viscounts, and twenty-six barons. As for the rewards of the untitled soldiers, it was up to Yong Gong to decide on his own.
After thanking him for his kindness, Yang Anxuan invited Liang Wang and Taichang Sima Zhenzhi to enjoy the banquet. The two sat separately on the left and right, accompanied by Yongzhou civil and military officials on the left and right. Sima Zhenzhi smiled and said: "I have always heard that the prince is smart, why not invite him to come to the hall to see him."
Yang Anxuan ordered people to go to the back house to summon Yang Min. The edict issued a pardon and made Yang Min the crown prince of Yonggong. Kong Miao had learned from Yang Anxuan a few days ago. At this moment, he was still overjoyed when he heard the news from the front hall. Hearing the news about Yang Lang's resignation Min'er went forward and led his son all the way to the lobby, giving careful instructions along the way.
On the other hand, Yang Min was taught like a little adult, and responded in a clear-eyed manner: "Don't worry, mother, I have already remembered it."
Kong Miao lovingly pulled the green robe on his son's body, patted his son's shoulder gently, and said with a smile: "Your father is in the hall, feel free to go."
Yang Ying wanted to go to the hall with her brother, but Kong Miao pulled her back, pouting with displeasure. Accompanied by Yu Ying, Yang Min walked happily into the hall.
Yang Min often played in the lobby on weekdays. Everyone knew this prince, and everyone smiled and nodded when they saw Yang Min. Kong Xian looked at his nephew who was named the prince of King Yong, and was even more happy from ear to ear.
Quickly arriving in front of his father's table, Yang Min bowed and saluted, saying, "I have met my father."
Yang Anxuan nodded and said: "This is the thousand-year-old King of Liang. Please come and greet me quickly."
Yang Min faced Sima Zhenzhi, raised his hands and said in salute: "Yang Min has seen King Liang live a thousand years old. I wish him good health and long-term blessings."
Sima Zhenzhi was entrusted by King Langya to visit Yang Min. Although Sima Dewen wanted to win over Yang Anxuan, Sima Dewen did not want to wrong his daughter if Yang Min was defective.
Seeing Yang Min's handsome face, elegant manners and polite speech, Sima Zhenzhi nodded secretly. The marriage only needed Yang Anxuan's nod.
Smiling, he asked Yang Min what books he read and what he did in his daily life. Yang Min answered them one by one. Sima Zhenzhi smiled at Yang Anxuan and said, "The prince is smart, and his future achievements will not be inferior to those of Duke Yong."
There was laughter and laughter at the banquet, but some things could not be said in public. After the banquet, Yang Anxuan invited Sima Zhenzhi to the back hall, where they had a cup of fragrant tea and talked in detail.
Sima Zhenzhi took out the letter from King Langya, which was nothing more than a solicitation of concern. Yang Anxuan expressed his gratitude and stated that he would support the Sima family. These words were high-sounding and sounded beautiful, but in fact both of them knew that they had nothing practical in them and that the scene was empty talk.
After drinking a cup of tea, Sima Zhen said: "Mr. Yong, the emperor is very happy to destroy Qin this time. King Langya ignores his objections and urges to reward the meritorious ministers."
Yang Anxuan chuckled in his heart. Without Liu Yu's nod, the Langya King could only talk about it. In fact, it was Liu Yu who proposed the reward plan. The Liang King took advantage of his lack of information and wanted to show favor to Sima Dewen.
"Thank you very much for your kindness and your kindness. I would like to ask the King of Liang to express my gratitude to Your Majesty and Your Majesty on my behalf when he returns to Beijing." Yang Anxuan bowed his hands and greeted the direction of Jiankang in the southeast and said: "The northern border is not peaceful, and I cannot come to Beijing to serve as an official. Please, Your Majesty and Your Majesty, please forgive me."
It was obvious that Yang Anxuan would not come to the capital to be a tutor. How could he come to the capital and be controlled by Liu Yu? Sima Zhenzhi smiled and said: "I will convey this to you."
After taking a sip of tea to moisten his throat, Sima Zhenzhi said with some embarrassment: "This time the soldiers of the Qin Dynasty have made great contributions, and the imperial court will not hesitate to reward them. However, the imperial treasury is empty and cannot provide corresponding money and food for rewards and compensation. Langya Before leaving the capital, the king told Yu that the money and food used for rewards and pensions might have to be found by Duke Yong himself."
During the capture of Chang'an this time, the Qin State's treasury fell into the hands of Yang Anxuan, leaving more than 600,000 grains and millets, which was barely enough to maintain the army and provide relief to the victims for one month. The treasury was searched and yielded more than 50,000 taels of gold and 30 million yuan, which was strange. There were many treasures in the warehouse, and Yang Anxuan made a lot of money.
After rewarding some of the money to meritorious soldiers, Yang Anxuan transported half of the gold and treasures back from Chang'an City. Even this half was enough to fill twenty warships. Therefore, Yang Anxuan was not embarrassed when Sima Zhenzhi said that the treasury had no money to reward food.
"The King of Liang is a thousand years old. I have captured a batch of property in Chang'an City and will transport it to Jiankang one after another to relieve the court's urgent needs." Yang Anxuan said with a smile.
There are a lot of prohibited items, and Yang Anxuan will not keep them. A lot of copper coins look like a lot but are not valuable. He also takes out some rare calligraphy and painting books. Yang Anxuan plans to load five or six ships, plus forty ships of corn, and send them to Beijing. , and then make a good show for yourself.
Sima Zhenzhi smiled happily and said: "Yonggong's loyalty is unmatched by anyone."
After chatting for a while about Chang'an's gains, Sima Zhenzhi said solemnly: "In addition to announcing the imperial edict when Yu came to Xiangyang this time, he was also entrusted by King Langya to discuss a private matter with Duke Yong."
"Prince Liang, please speak."
Sima Zhenzhi stroked his beard and said: "King Langya has an eldest daughter, who is graceful and dignified, with outstanding appearance. She is a good match for His Royal Highness. King Langya asked Yu to come and propose marriage."
Yang Anxuan was stunned. Yang Min was only seven years old, and someone proposed to marry him? Then I thought about the era in which it was common for people to get married on the fingertips. Min'er was his eldest son, so it was normal for King Langya to want to strengthen the relationship.
"I wonder how old the king's eldest daughter is this year?" Yang Anxuan asked with a smile.
"The eldest daughter of King Langya, whose maiden name is Maoying, is ten years old this year, three years older than the crown prince. Folks often say that 'a third-year girl holding a gold brick' is a good match." Sima Zhenzhi said with a smile on his face.
Yang Anxuan quickly pondered the gains and losses in his mind. It seemed difficult to refuse this matter. The advantages outweighed the disadvantages for him. Living in this era, it is important to be well-matched, so why did he not have utilitarianism when he married Kong Miao.
"Thank you King Langya for your kindness. King Liang has come all the way. He will rest in the post first. I will reply to Qiansui tomorrow." Yang Anxuan said with a smile.
Sima Zhenzhi knew that Yang Anxuan wanted to discuss with his wife, so he stood up with a smile and said, "Then I will be waiting for good news."
After seeing off Sima Zhenzhi, Yang Anxuan returned to the back house. The back house was full of celebrations. Shen Qingzhi, Zhang Feng, and Kong Xian brought their children to pay respect. Yuan held her grandson and cried happily. Kong Miao ordered the cook to prepare a banquet to celebrate.
Yang Anxuan called Kong Miao aside and told him that King Langya intended to marry. Kong Miao said happily: "This is a good thing. We are blessed with many blessings today, so we must celebrate happily."
Seeing Yang Min playing and playing with the children in the courtyard, Kong Miao's eyes were a little warm, and he said with emotion: "In a blink of an eye, Min'er is about to get married, and I am getting old."
Yang Anxuan looked at the 20-year-old woman in front of him and lamented her age, and said with a smile: "Madam is in her prime, and I still want to have a few more children with her."
Kong Miao's face was blushing, but her eyes were full of affection when she looked at Yang Anxuan.
Two days later, Sima Zhenzhi set off back to Jiankang, carrying a boat full of gifts. This trip to Xiangyang made Sima Zhenzhi very satisfied.
In Jiangling, Mao Xiuzhi boarded the ship heading to Jiankang. Looking back at the city farther and farther away, Mao Xiuzhi's heart was full of sadness. He knew that the attack on Shu was imminent, but at this time, the Taiwei summoned him to the capital, obviously not wanting him to Participate in the battle to defeat Shu.
Mao Xiuzhi dreamed of killing Qiao Zong with his own hands and avenging his father and uncle. He originally served Liu Yi because Liu Yi promised to use him as a vanguard in the future expedition to Shu. With a long sigh, Mao Xiuzhi returned to the cabin. As a minister, how could he disobey orders?
Departing from Jiangling at noon, Shen Mo arrived at Baling. The ship docked at the dock and prepared to spend the night here. Baling is an important city on the Yangtze River, with many officials coming and going. The post house located next to the pier is not small, with ten rooms in A, sixteen in B, ten miscellaneous shops, and two independent courtyards.
Mao Xiuzhi was General Longxiang and lived in a small courtyard to the east of the post house. The food and drinks were very rich, including fish, meat, and wine. The weather was hot in June. Mao Xiuzhi wore a short coat and sat in the courtyard with a few guards, drinking wine and enjoying the cool air. When talking about the conquest of Shu, it was inevitable that he would sigh.
The guard guarding the gate outside the courtyard came into the courtyard and said: "General, there is someone who claims to be one of your tribesmen and wants to see you."
Mao Xiuzhi's great-grandfather Mao Bao was a general who conquered the captives, the governor of Yuzhou, and the founding lord of Zhouling County. He passed down two branches, Mao Muzhi and Mao Anzhi. Mao Muzhi had six sons, Mao Zhen, Mao Qiu, Mao Chu, Mao Fan, and Mao Jin. , Mao Yuan; Mao Anzhi had four sons, Mao Tan, Mao Tai, Mao Sui and Mao Dun.
Mao Muzhi has been in charge of Liang, Yi, and Ningzhou for decades. In fact, it is similar to the Huan family's management of Jingzhou. Due to the Qiaozong Rebellion, the three brothers Mao Chu, Mao Jin, and Mao Yuan all died. The Mao family in Yizhou Everyone is in mourning.
Mao Xiuzhi was serving as a general of cavalry in Jiankang City at that time. At that time, Liu Yugang drove Huan Xuan away from the capital. In order to win over the Mao family who occupied Liang, Ning, and Yi, he attacked Huan Xuan who fled to Jingzhou. Liu Yu attacked Mao Xiuzhi. He was treated very courteously, and was first appointed as the commander of the town army to join the army. Later he was promoted to general Ningshuo, and soon he was promoted to general Youwei.
As time passed, Liu Yu no longer needed to borrow Mao's power. Instead, he was afraid that when Mao Xiuzhi led his army to attack Shuqiao, the killing would be too much and would not bring peace to the people, so he deliberately transferred Mao Xiuzhi to Beijing first. Mao Xiuzhi also knew about Liu Yu's arrangement, but he only had it in his hands. The soldiers and horses were all from the Beifu Army, and he could only do nothing.
There are many people in the Mao clan, and many people come to see their relatives to fight against the autumn wind. Now that the Mao clan is withering, it is all up to him, General Long Xiang, to support their appearance. Mao Xiuzhi frowned, but still said: "Invite him in."
After a while, an old man came into the hospital with a strong man. When Mao Xiuzhi saw the old man, he stood up and saluted: "Uncle Ying, why is it you?"
The old man Mao Ying was his father's cousin. Before Qiao Zong captured Yizhou, he ran the business for the family. Mao Xiuzhi thought he had also suffered a disaster, but he didn't expect to meet him.
Let Mao Ying sit at the table, and Mao Xiuzhi asked after passing by. Only then did he find out that Mao Ying was doing business in Jiangzhou when Qiao Zong captured Chengdu and escaped. Later, Mao Ying sold goods to Xiangyang and settled in Xiangyang City.
In Xiangyang, Mao Xiuzhi's heart moved. He looked at his uncle with a half-smile and said, "Uncle Ying, I remember that Uncle Ying seems to have two children. Is this your son?"
Mao Ying glanced at Luo Guang beside him and said, "Jingzhi, please step aside. Uncle Yu has something to say to you."
When Meng Longfu joined the army, there were three people who followed him, Ding Quan, Luo Guang and Xi Xin. Ding Quan has become the Secret Guard Zuo Si Shi and is the fifth-rank Zhenwu General. Xi Xin, who follows Meng Longfu, is also the sixth-rank Danglu General. Luo Guang and Ding Quan have joined the secret guard and are the seventh-rank Secret Guard Chief.
Mao Xiuzhi waved and followed him out of the hospital. Mao Ying pointed at Luo Guang and said, "This is Master Luo of the Yongzhou Commercial Affairs Department. He brought a letter from Duke Yong to pass to Jingzhi."
Yang Anxuan received the imperial edict of Yonggong and it was revealed to the world, so Mao Xiuzhi naturally knew about it. After reading the letter, Yang Anxuan pointed out that Liu Taiwei was about to attack Shu and intended to transfer him away. Yang Anxuan asked Mao Xiuzhi to go to Jiangzhou and let him lead the army to attack Shu. After Shu was destroyed, he was guaranteed to be the governor of Yanzhou.
Mao Xiuzhi's heart was pounding. Whether it was asking him to lead an army to conquer Shu or recommending him as the governor of Yanzhou afterwards, Mao Xiuzhi decided to go to Xiangyang to have a meeting with Yang Anxuan.
Luo Guang smiled and said: "If General Mao has made a decision, let's go to Xiangyang by boat tonight with Yu."
That night, Mao Xiuzhi and his personal entourage boarded a battleship in Xiangyang in Jiangling and left Baling. When dawn came, the people sent by Liu Yu to greet Mao Xiuzhi realized that Mao Xiuzhi was already a hundred miles away.
