The conflict with the Liao Xia envoy could only be regarded as a minor episode, and Cao Bin did not take it too seriously.
How to deal with the detention of the Empress Dowager and Zhao Ji by Xixia will ultimately be decided by the court.
Cao Bin is the deputy envoy of the Third Department. Before the court makes a decision, he will not do unnecessary things to avoid thankless efforts.
This time he just happened to meet him. If he didn't come forward, it would be unreasonable.
After sending away the Liao and Xia envoys, Cao Bin also returned to his mansion with his family.
That night, Cao Bin held another family dinner in the front hall to entertain Pang Ji, the old father-in-law.
He looked at Cao Bin who was becoming more and more majestic, smiled with satisfaction, and said:
"Juncai, although you now hold important positions in the three divisions, you cannot give up the military power in your hand. What are your plans for the front division? Do you have a suitable candidate?"
Cao Bin nodded and smiled:
"My old subordinate Di Qing has made great contributions to suppressing the rebellion. He is qualified to be elected as the deputy commander of the front department."
"And Lin Chong, he endured the humiliation and took the risk to save the new king. With such merit, it shouldn't be difficult for him to be the commander of the army."
Because Li Zhaoming raised troops to attack the palace, the imperial court seemed to intend to leave the post of commander of the front office vacant and only set up a deputy position.
There is a precedent for this kind of thing. Taizu used to be the chief inspector in front of the palace. After taking on the imperial robe, he directly abolished the position of chief inspector.
Later, even the front officers and deputy officers of the palace were inspected, and all the ministers and ministers were left vacant. The fear was that the generals would have too much military power and ambition.
In this way, Di Qing can serve as deputy capital commander, which is the largest official position in the front department. The only uncertainty is whether the imperial court will add another deputy capital commander.
When Pang Ji heard this, he stroked his beard and smiled:
"That's good. I think Di Qing is extremely talented and a good talent chosen by Juncai."
As he spoke, he warned:
"In your current position, nepotism is the most taboo. Guan Jian's position must be carefully guarded."
"Otherwise, not only will he not be able to help you, he may also hold you back."
"The loyalty of the people below is important, and their talents are equally important. Besides, no one is absolutely loyal."
"I suffered a lot back then. Don't imitate Pan Renmei in this regard..."
Cao Bin nodded, indicating that he had learned the lesson. In fact, he had the inheritance card from Time and Space Mall and would always slowly gather enough loyal followers, so he did not have Pang Ji's worries.
Just as he was talking, Menzi suddenly took it and reported:
"Young Master, former Zhongshu Zhao Sheren and Imperial Doctor Li are asking for an audience outside the door."
Cao Bin was stunned for a moment. Is this the father of Zhao Mingcheng and Li Qingzhao?
When Pang Ji heard this, he immediately laughed:
"These two people know how to take advantage of the situation. It seems they want to join your sect."
"Then Zhao Tingzhi is quite talented. It's hard to say what his character is, but he is suitable for being an official."
Cao Bin nodded when he heard this and said:
"Let them in."
After a while, the two came in with their children.
"I've met Lord Pang, and I've met Lord Cao."
Among them, the handsome middle-aged guy burst into tears of gratitude and said:
"Thank you Lord Hou for taking the initiative for my daughter and forcing the Liao and Xia envoys to retreat, otherwise my daughter will die today."
Father Zhao also said quickly:
"Defu, Qingzhao, why don't you say thank you to Lord Cao?"
At this time, Zhao Mingcheng's face was filled with shame. He lowered his head and did not dare to look at anyone. After hearing his father's instructions, he did not speak and just gave a big salute.
He actually didn't want to show up. Today was too embarrassing. When he got back, he was ridiculed by Li Qingzhao again. He just felt ashamed and angry.
Seeing Li Qingzhao also running up to say thank you, Cao Bin was a little surprised, but he didn't care. He waved his hand and said:
"It's just a trivial matter. It was Liao Xia who was rude first. I just act impartially. Sit down."
After saying that, he ordered the maid:
"Tell Madam and ask her to entertain Mrs. Li."
Seeing Cao Bin's kind expression, Zhao's father breathed a sigh of relief and said impatiently:
"Your Majesty, I have received some news. Some officials seem to be criticizing you."
Seeing Cao Bin's doubts, Father Zhao quickly said:
"It's people from the Political Affairs Hall. They feel that what Mr. Hou did today is too strong and does not understand the seriousness. It may not be conducive to the negotiations between the Song Dynasty and Xixia."
Li Qingzhao was going to follow the maid to the backyard. When he heard this, he couldn't help showing a disdainful expression:
"Every hill is filled with soft bones!"
Hearing this, Zhao Mingcheng almost plunged his head into the soil. He felt his face was on fire, and he always felt that she was alluding to him.
Even Father Zhao couldn't speak any more and stared at her fiercely without saying a word.
When Father Li saw this, his eyelids twitched slightly and he quickly reprimanded:
"Shut up, what do you know? The Queen Mother is in the hands of barbarians, how can she not be more careful?"
Li Qingzhao let out a slight "bang" and followed the maid without looking back.
Father Li smiled awkwardly and was speechless. This daughter is too willful. Do you still want to marry into the Zhao family?
If you have such an attitude towards your future father-in-law, it would be strange if you are not taken care of by your husband's family in the future.
Father Zhao ignored these, but looked at Cao Bin and explained:
"Master Hou, please don't misunderstand me. I don't agree with them. I just want to remind Master Hou to be careful."
Cao Bin said casually:
"Who has an opinion?"
Just as Father Li was about to speak, Father Zhao spoke first:
"It was Sima Guang who proposed it. It seems that Prime Minister Wang also agrees with this proposal. He just wants to settle the matter as soon as possible and save the Queen Mother."
"In my opinion, the Lord Marquis only needs to present a self-defense memorial. There is no need to get too involved in this matter. No matter what the outcome is, it will not be of any benefit to you."
This guy really thinks about himself and has even thought of a solution.
If there is no way to easily rescue Empress Dowager Liu, there is indeed no benefit in participating in this matter. She will not talk to Wang Yanling and may even cause a scandal.
Because this matter is difficult to solve perfectly, Xixia's capture of Empress Dowager Liu is equivalent to its capture of the Song Dynasty's face, and they will definitely not send her back easily.
If you want to exchange for Queen Mother Liu, whether you spend money or lose land, if you are too involved, it is easy for the other party to blame you.
After Father Zhao finished speaking, he smiled and said:
"I previously thought that Mr. Hou was not suitable to control the Third Division because he was a low-level official. I hope Mr. Hou will not take offense."
"Now that it's getting late, I won't give you any mercy..."
He informed Cao Bin of the news he knew and already stated his position. Then he said goodbye without any delay.
If Cao Bin accepts it, he will naturally express it.
Then, he glanced at Father Li and smiled:
"In addition, after next spring, Xianguan plans to get married to his son. If Mr. Hou has time to come, we will be honored..."
With that said, he called Father Li and left.
Father Li was stunned and sighed slightly:
"I wonder if there is any manuscript for Mr. Hou's self-defense memorial? My daughter is quite good at writing. She often writes for lower officials. She may be able to help Mr. Hou."
Father Zhao was stunned for a moment, then reacted immediately and said angrily:
"Brother Li, what do you mean?"
Mad, I didn’t realize that this guy with thick eyebrows and big eyes is a master of flattery, but what about my son?
At this time, Zhao Mingcheng also showed a bitter smile, but he felt that he had no face to retort...
