Xu Ding's home.
Du Shisheng and Xu Ding were changing cups.
In his early years, Du Shisheng worked under Xu Chiguo's family, and he was also an acquaintance with Xu Ding. But things changed later, and the two almost never had any contact with each other.
But the friendship is always there.
Ever since Xu Ding became Minister Youcheng, guests seeking to see him were crowded outside the door. However, Xu Ding invited them all back early today and held a private banquet at home. The cook is also an old cook who has been with the Xu family for many years.
Du Shisheng's entourage was killed by Qingshan Nu who pretended to be intimidating. He changed his entourage and drove the carriage, holding a jar of Jinlian wine in his hand, saying that it was leftover from a gift. If you don't drink it, it will be for nothing. The two of them didn't say much and just drank in silence.
After three rounds of drinking, Du Shisheng seemed drunk. He faced Xu Ding, narrowed his eyes and said, "Mr. Xu Lang, you are old, and you are already like Prime Minister Xu."
Xu Ding laughed, stood up and stood by the window, took a bronze mirror with a Pisces pattern, and stroked his beard to take a look at himself.
After looking at it twice, he went back and sat down. He was silent for a moment, and then patted the table: "I don't want to end up like my father! The people who are close to me in the court also don't want to be accused by the court of seeking a wealthy family. , who forms cliques for personal gain, and who is a humble and sycophantic man, should all be dismissed!"
At that time, Xu was the prime minister of the country and was forced to serve as a general official. Then he was suddenly changed to deputy privy envoy and ordered to go to the army in Beijing. As a result, he died of illness as soon as he arrived in the army.
The winged figures in Xu Zhiguo's camp include You Si Jian Zhang Fuheng, You Supplement Zhang Jiazhen, Tongzhi Anfeng Military Festival Envoy Zhao Shu, Tongzhi Ding Haijun Festival Envoy Zhang Guangting, Household Department Director Gao Yuanfu, and Criminal Department Member Wailang Zhang Yan. The old man and others were all called traitors, and their fate was very miserable.
There are naturally more people like Du Shisheng who became a wanted criminal and had to hide in Tangluo, Hebei Province to become a teacher.
With such a painful experience in front of him, Xu Ding was not a fool, so he naturally had to think more carefully.
After patting the table, he leaned back and leaned on the back of the chair: "Mr. Jinzhi, I have already done what I should do. Is Guo Jiedu really sincere?"
"Sincerity?" Du Shisheng burped and looked at it: "Xu Langjun, you give the order, Ding Haijun will attack Zhongdu with 10,000 soldiers, as if responding to Prime Minister Shan Shan's call that day, execute Hu Shahu is like a tiger, how about it?"
Xu Ding laughed: "That's not the case. His Majesty is wise and wise, and he will not just sit back and watch..."
"Ying Rui Zong Cha?"
Du Shisheng laughed out loud: "Wanyan took Wanyan Gang's route from Jia that day and planned to sneak into Zhongdu via Hejian Mansion. But my family's commander sent an army to intercept him and made him a prisoner. How wise and wise he is, I can see it more clearly than you."
Xu Ding remained silent and asked after a moment: "Mr. Jinzhi, why does Guo Ning think so highly of you? Can you decide such a thing on his behalf?"
"A person like me has a lot of power in the Ding Navy. I am just a judge, so I don't dare to say how highly my family commander is valued. The reason why I can make such a promise is because..."
Du Shisheng put down his wine cup and smiled: "Mr. Xu Lang, times have changed."
"how to say?"
"If the Great Jin Kingdom was still strong, with the power of the central court and the fierce Jurchen An Mooke's force, it would naturally be able to suppress all parts of the world. But what has become of the Great Jin Kingdom today? The Great Jin Kingdom and Mongolia are not as good as the Liao Dynasty back then. It was the same as that of Dajin, and the people's hardship under Dajin's rule was a hundred times that of that of Daliao. At this time, the reason why the soldiers and people in the region still supported the emperor of Dajin was just because the Mongols were too cruel and tyrannical. No new choices were given!"
"This, what are these words!"
"Haha, Mr. Xu Lang, think about it, as long as the Mongols are willing to cultivate one or two emperors, who will take the emperor of Jin seriously? Over in Liaodong, brother Yelvliu has been claiming to be the king of Liao for a long time, and Liaodong Xuanfu envoy Pu Xian Wannu was also thinking about becoming the king and establishing the system. Although my commander-in-chief led the troops to kill him, he would not have any respect for the imperial court because of it; and the Liaodong generals had already taken away the territory and authority of Liaodong. They are divided among themselves, do they really care about the imperial court’s wishes?”
Du Shisheng raised his finger and pointed at the food and wine on the table:
"For example, at this moment, the ability to eat these wines and dishes in my stomach depends on my Du's own teeth and ability. Anyone who doesn't let me eat well is intentionally causing trouble for me. I Du If someone jumps up and acts wild, there is nothing to worry about!"
Xu Ding sighed: "Mr. Jinzhi, you are still as angry as before! It's very difficult to take advantage of you."
He picked up the wine jar and filled the wine cup in front of Du Shisheng: "Whatever you want to eat or drink, just ask for it. Can't I afford a table of food and wine?"
Du Shisheng immediately responded: "Xu Langjun's dishes are naturally very good. I brought the wine!"
Xu Ding laughed loudly, raised his glass, raised his head, and drank it all in one gulp.
"This is good. Guo Jiedu and I are allies, not masters and slaves. I provide the dishes, and you bring the wine, so that we can prepare a good banquet. However, I am now over forty, and my ability to drink is not as good as it used to be. If I don't want to drink, Guo Jiedu can't force me to drink. If I drink too much, I will go crazy with alcohol, I'm afraid it will be rude."
Du Shisheng said seriously: "Mr. Xu Lang, you don't know something. My handsome family is actually not good at drinking. Unless it is necessary to entertain distinguished guests, he will not drink at all."
The two were confused for a while. In fact, the "dish" was the imperial status, and the "wine" was the military power of the navy. However, Du Shisheng insists on saying that Guo Ning, the evil tiger, is not good at "drinking". He is really trying to force his sincerity and is completely telling lies.
The two of them laughed immediately.
While laughing, Xu Ding asked again: "So, what does Guo Jiedu like?"
"My family comes from a military background, so it's not easy for me to enjoy it. What he likes..."
Du Shisheng thought for a while, and for a moment he really didn't know what special hobbies Guo Ning had: "When he established himself in Tangbo that day, it was also a hot day. He seemed...to love fruits?"
Xu Ding smiled and said, "Well, let's eat some fruits too."
He walked outside the courtyard gate, waved to the servants who were staying far away, and gave some instructions.
No matter how tight the supply of materials in Zhongdu City is, it can't be tight for him, the governor. In an instant, the servant brought a large basin of fruits, such as peaches, plums, pomegranates, watermelons, etc., all of which had been soaked in well water. Some are also candied, which makes them taste cool and sweet.
After taking a few bites, a man in Qingyi hurried in and said a few words in Xu Ding's ear.
Xu Ding's expression changed slightly, he looked at Du Shisheng and hesitated to speak.
Du Shisheng was about to ask a question when his entourage outside reported from afar: "Sir, I just received... ahem, a letter of submission."
"Bring it to me and see."
After reading it twice, Du Shisheng put the letter in his arms and said, "It's ridiculous, it's ridiculous."
"What's so funny?"
"The dishes on the table must be shared between two people. Does he think that he can make two people fight? I'm afraid he overestimated the deliciousness of the dishes!"
Xu Ding sighed lightly.
The decision the emperor had just made had not yet been formed into any written edict. It was already dark now, and the palace door was closed, which should have isolated the inside and outside. But a prime minister and a judge from another state knew the inside story through their own channels. The palace inside and outside is really riddled with holes.
However, the food is indeed delicious. But I don’t know, what choice will Li Ting make? To what extent can Guo Ning control his subordinates?
After sighing, Xu Ding asked: "The emperor has doubts, so he will inevitably use some small means... Is there any hindrance?"
Du Shisheng rolled up his sleeves: "Don't worry. Let's eat and drink."
The situation is not good! Do I have to stock up on food again?
(End of chapter)
