"Your Majesty, how is Wancheng?" There were only two people in the study, Zhao Yizhi and Qian Ning. Qian Ning asked.
"Zhou Ziru is urging food." Zhao Yizhi said calmly.
Qian Ning was surprised: "We have allocated food and grass for half a year, how could we rush for food so quickly?"
Zhao Yizhi sighed: "Ge Cifeng found out where Zhou Ziru's grain garrison was and led an army of 50,000 to rob the grain. Fortunately, Zhou Ziru divided the grain and grass into two places early in the morning, and used them both at the same time. He also sent light cavalry to make a detour. Behind his back, he pretended to cut off his retreat, and this was how he scared Ge Cifeng away. Otherwise... Zhou Ziru might not even be able to come back, but a place of food and grass would be burned completely."
Zhou Ziru's letter was relatively concise, but Zhao Yizhi knew Zhou Ziru, and he never showed weakness easily. This time he rushed to report to the capital, and he must have suffered a big loss. Although he is a genius, he is still a little younger after all.
Qian Ning didn't say anything. The finances of the DPRK and China were already stretched thin. It was Zhou Ziru's idea to send 300,000 troops with the intention of a quick victory. Who knows, not only was there no quick victory, but Ge Cifeng also robbed him of food... Not Qian Ning Zhao Yizhi was somewhat dissatisfied with Zhou Ziru.
Seeing Zhao Yizhi frowning, Qian Ning couldn't bear it and said, "Your Majesty, Nanhuai and Donglu have been returned to the imperial court, why not..."
"It's not that I haven't thought about it, it's just that I have just recovered it and have promised to exempt it from taxes. If I go again... I may lose the support of the people."
Yi Xiaodao returned from Nanhuai and Donglu. Although his words were concise, Zhao Yizhi could still hear the hardships and dangers along the way and the hardship of the people from his few words. Nanhuai is fine, especially Donglu, where bandits are rampant, Eastern Japanese invaders harass the border areas, and feudal troops cause chaos. It's no wonder the people can live a good life.
"Perhaps Donglu can't find anything anymore... Nanhuai can give it a try. In the previous battle between Nanhuai and Chuxiang, although the old Nanhuai king and his son both died, it did not damage the foundation of Nanhuai people's power. . This time it will not be in the name of the imperial court, but in the name of the Li family's reputation in Nanhuai, maybe... we can also prepare some money and food." Qian Ning suggested.
Although there are many civil servants and generals in the DPRK, it is a pity that they are either very old or lying on their backs, swaying in the wind, and there are not many people who can sincerely discuss things. Qian Ning originally specialized in military affairs, but now he also discussed civil affairs. Maybe it had something to do with his father, but his words were quite logical.
"Forget it, I will send someone to Nanhuai tomorrow!" Zhao Yizhi made up his mind, there was nothing he could do about it.
When he went to court the next day, Zhao Yizhi talked about the affairs of Anhui City in the court hall. The ministers in the hall looked at me and I looked at you, and they resumed their old ways of looking at their noses and mouths. look.
Zhao Yizhi looked around and smiled bitterly in his heart: Although he looked down on Huang Bai before, there was still someone who could be teased and driven, and he was quite obedient. Now... I'm afraid it will be difficult to find another 'Cork Cypress'...
Zhao Yizhi was still thinking, and a man stepped out from among the ministers and said: "We are willing to go!"
Zhao Yizhi was delighted when he heard this, but the man was standing too far back, so Zhao Yizhi couldn't see clearly and asked: "Who is the self-recommended person and what is his position? Come forward and speak!"
The man stepped forward unhurriedly and said: "Wei minister Rong Lan, the minister of Tianjian, is willing to share your majesty's worries. He will go to Nanhuai as an envoy to collect money and food for your majesty!"
Zhao Yizhi looked up and down, and saw that Rong Lan was a handsome man, with sharp eyebrows and starry eyes. Although he was a civil servant of Si Tianjian, he had a heroic spirit between his eyebrows, and his appearance was already somewhat admirable.
Chang Mi, the supervisor of Sitianjian, is an old man. He is divided into four major official positions: four masters of ceremonies, four envoys, and eight major official positions. On weekdays, he only asks about horoscopes and performs rituals. The important affairs of the imperial court had nothing to do with Si Tianjian, and their visit to court was just a formality. Unexpectedly, he, a young envoy, dared to say that he wanted to go to Nanhuai as an envoy, so he followed him out tremblingly in anxiety.
"My discipline is not strict... but... please forgive me. The mission to Nanhuai is a major event for the court. Rong Lan is still young and has insufficient qualifications. His talents are shallow and cannot be used!" Chang Mi said hurriedly.
Seeing Chang Mi's trembling appearance, Zhao Yizhi waved his hand gently, and a young eunuch quickly rushed over and helped him up.
"Old Superintendent, don't be impatient. I'll ask you. Rong Aiqing, since you are going on a mission, what should you say?" Zhao Yizhi comforted Chang Mi and asked about Rong Lan.
"Wei Chen is subordinate to Si Tianjian, so we should say it according to the way of heaven!" Rong Lan straightened his body and looked high-spirited.
When Zhao Yizhi heard this, he chuckled and waved his hands slightly. He and Qian Ning discussed the benefits of the battle between Nanhuai, Chuxiang, and Li Dingxing. If you talk about the illusory way of heaven, I am afraid that the money and food will not come.
"For six hundred years, the eight kings have maintained the vassal and defended the imperial court. This situation has not changed for six hundred years! Now, your majesty has only been king for three years, and he has taken back Nanhuai and Donglu. It is not the way of heaven and people cannot believe it! Small profits and petty profits are harming the world. There is no need to say more about the changes in the situation. Although I am still young, I can still show that the court is full of vitality. Your Majesty, I believe that this food levy is not for the loyal public, but for the world. Conquer all the people!" Rong Lan said loudly in the court without changing his expression.
"I...I'll beat you to death...what nonsense are you talking about!" Chang Mi is old and his ears are not very good. He only heard Rong Lan talking loudly behind him, but couldn't hear clearly what he said. He thought he was refuting the court. He was so angry that he turned around and wanted to fight.
"Old Superintendent, wait a minute!" Zhao Yizhi shouted.
Chang Mi heard this sentence clearly, and with the help of the young eunuch, he turned around obediently and lowered his head to listen to the order.
"Rong Lan has recommended himself. Your courage and courage are commendable. I will appoint you as an envoy to Nanhuai to raise food and fodder for the imperial court and fight against Chu and Xiang again! After returning to the imperial court, the matter is accomplished. I will grant you the title of Imperial Councilor, the fourth rank. If it doesn't work, your family property will be confiscated. Do you dare to accept the order?" Zhao Yizhi stood up and asked.
"Wei Chen accepts the decree!" Rong Lan looked delighted and immediately knelt down to worship.
Zhao Yizhi lifted up his dragon robe and walked down the steps. He was so frightened that the civil and military officials on both sides fell to the ground. Zhao Yizhi ignored it, walked to Rong Lan, helped Rong Lan up, looked at the young face, and asked: "How old is Aiqing?"
"Wei Chen is only twenty-one years old." Rong Lan replied in a neither humble nor arrogant tone.
"Okay!" Zhao Yizhi shouted: "I am only twenty-one years old, one year older than me, how can I be called still young? Or do you, my beloved, always think that I am also young? The old supervisor has watched the sky all his life. Prime Minister, but you are wrong about this person, reward Si Tianjian, a royal banquet, and ten golden clothes!"
Zhao Yizhi originally wanted to shout out a reward of ten thousand taels of silver. After all, this shout was exciting, but after thinking about the increasingly empty treasury, he held back...
After the court ended, Rong Lan stood aside with his head bowed, waiting for Chang Mi to come over, and helped Chang Mi leave the hall.
The old supervisor Chang Mi looked at the usually honest and obedient little supervisor next to him, and sighed: "When I was a child... what I was most proud of were these eyes... the stars in the sky were so real. Sigh...I can't do it now. I'm old and my eyesight is dazzled. If you really have the ability, go to Nanhuai and get it! It's okay if you don't get it. Ah, Your Majesty wants to punish me. I still have some family property, so I can just accompany you. !”
Rong Lan's nose felt sore and her eyes gradually became blurry. Even if the weather has been smooth for six hundred years, it can be considered that the country is peaceful and the people are safe. Si Tianjian has long lost his original glory and can be said to be dispensable in the court. Now that the war has resumed, His Majesty is a wise king and never asks about bad luck. Rong Lan didn't want to stand out, he just complained about Si Tianjian's colleagues.
"Master Supervisor, I..."
"I understand... understand... I am old and my eyesight is dazzled, but my brain is still unclear. When the late emperor learned about that incident, he guarded our Sitian Prison day and night. What a sight it was? Even Manager Wang saw it I was also polite! It can't be done now... Forget it, your Majesty is the British Lord and knows people well. I'll let you pass in the morning, but even if you don't come out, your Majesty will find our Si Tianjian's head..." Chang Mi clicked his finger Said with his mouth shut.
Rong Lan was shocked when he heard this and looked at Chang Mi in disbelief.
"What? You don't believe it? Hahahaha, but it's okay for you to go. Don't offend both parties, don't offend both parties... I'm old and no longer useful..." Chang Mi broke away from Rong Lan's hand and said nothing. Walking out of the palace, he headed towards the imperial study room instead.
After Zhao Yizhi left the court, he would definitely go to the imperial study, and everyone in the court knew it.
From afar, Wang Zhenliang saw Chang Mi walking over with his body bowed, and with a wave of his hand, two young eunuchs trotted forward to help him.
"Old supervisor, why are you here free?" Wang Zhenliang smiled and bowed.
"Ah, Mr. Wang? I guessed it was you. Your standing position has not moved over the years. Take a look, there are two marks, hehehe..." Chang Mi smiled when he saw his old friend. said.
"Yes, the first day we stood here, we never thought of moving away." Wang Zhenliang chuckled.
With the support of two young eunuchs, Chang Mi stepped up the steps step by step: "Si Tianjian has produced talents, but they are old and can no longer be seen... Come and ask your Majesty for a decree. Oh, it's time to go."
Wang Zhenliang looked at this old friend and couldn't help feeling a little emotional. The late emperor was very informal and promoted many young people to officials. In the past, the ministers in the court were so high-spirited. Everyone was either thinking about making achievements or leaving a name in history. It's a pity that time has passed, and those ambitions have been buried in the dust of which year...
After Wang Zhenliang turned around to report, Chang Mi entered the imperial study. When Zhao Yizhi saw Chang Mi coming, he stood up to greet him: "The old supervisor is here to persuade me? If so, the old supervisor should stop trying to persuade me. Hahaha, I see that Rong Lan has a lot of courage, but he just can't conquer him. I won’t punish him in terms of money or food, just don’t worry.”
"Your Majesty, my old minister is dim-sighted and has come to ask for his resignation...I want to retire and return home..." Chang Mi shook his head and said.
Zhao Yizhi was stunned for a moment, and then said apologetically: "Did the old supervisor care about what he said in the main hall? I was emotionally excited at the time, and indeed my words were serious. Please don't take it to heart."
Chang Mi waved his hands repeatedly, pulled Zhao Yizhi and said: "Your Majesty, you have the benevolence of the previous emperor, even more benevolent than the previous emperor, because you are only in your twenties! But now it is a big matter to cut down the vassals and unify the country. The difficulty of resurgence is no less than that of the founding of the country. Just relying on benevolence will not suffice...Ah, the old minister is talking too much. The old minister is indeed old. It took me so long to go from the Palace of Supreme Harmony to the Imperial Study Room..."
"Then the old supervisor doesn't have to retire and return to his hometown. It's better to recuperate at home like Taibao Qian, and I will leave you a job and salary. If you don't understand something, you must listen to the instructions." Zhao Yizhi said seriously.
"I'm really old..." Chang Mi said these words, as if he had exhausted all his strength, and there was an endless old look in his eyebrows.
Zhao Yizhi was silent for a moment and stopped insisting: "Okay then...Old supervisor, take care of yourself!"
"Old minister, I kneel down to say goodbye to Your Majesty!!!" Chang Mi bent down and knelt down. Zhao Yizhi reached out to help him, but Chang Mi insisted on kneeling down and kowtowed three times respectfully.
Zhao Yizhi picked up the ink pen on his writing desk and handed it to Chang Mi: "I don't have much, but I only have this pen to accompany me day and night. I want to give it to the old supervisor."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Chang Mi said, taking the ink pen and leaving the imperial study.
Wang Zhenliang stood outside the door and saw Chang Mi coming out. He asked, "I'll go home to get a jar of good wine. Shall we go to Mr. Chen's for a drink?"
Chang Mi's wrinkled old face laughed: "Hehe, okay!"
