Originally, Ye Qingchen planned to continue negotiating with Xiao Xiaoyou and other Liao envoys on other transactions in the market. However, seeing that Song Xiang, Zhao Yang and others were preparing to return to the palace to submit their orders to the officials, he moved the follow-up negotiations to the next day to avoid taking the credit. Song Xiang, Pang Ji and others robbed it.
About a quarter of an hour later, Zhao Yang and others returned to the palace and informed the officials of the results of the negotiations with the Liao envoy.
When he learned that Xiao Xiaoyou had agreed to sell the horse, and that the price of a horse was set at twenty-seven thousand five hundred cents, Zhao Zhen was greatly surprised and asked, "How did you convince the Liao envoy?"
Song Xiang did not dare to be greedy for credit, and said truthfully: "...This is all the result of Zhao Sijian. Xiao Xiaoyou and others originally did not agree to sell the horses, but Zhao Sijian said that the dispute between Song and Liao was an internal feud between brothers, and it was not about life and death. The Liao envoy then relented, but he asked for approval from the officials, written in a letter of credence, and brought back to the country by them, in order to convince the Lord of Liao."
Is the dispute between Song and Liao a feud between brothers?
Zhao Zhen looked at Zhao Yang in surprise, savoring these remarks that he had never heard before.
He was not surprised that Zhao Yang could make such remarks. After all, for this boy from a thousand years later, the Song and Liao Kingdoms were just old dynasties that only existed in history books, so Looking at the entire history of China, he said that the Song Dynasty was China and the Liao Kingdom was also China.
This vision and structure are difficult for people in this world to achieve.
For a long time, Zhao Zhen suppressed his inexplicable excitement and said: "Yes, Song and Liao are both orthodox to China... The dispute between Song and Liao was a battle between brothers and an internal dispute within China. I ordered the Hanlin Academy to draft the credential accordingly."
At this moment, the ambition to engulf the Liao Kingdom suddenly arose in his heart: since it was a civil war in China, then the Song Kingdom's annexation of the Liao Kingdom in the future would not be called an invasion, but a unification.
Although this matter is relative, the Liao Kingdom has gained a status because of it, and can even annex the Song Kingdom in the future, but there is no kid from the Liao Kingdom who came from a thousand years later.
The Song Dynasty will definitely win!
Thinking of this, Zhao Zhen laughed heartily. The more he looked at Zhao Yang, the more he liked him. He wanted to call him to him immediately and rub his head. Unfortunately, after the "Fan Tower Fighting Incident", this boy got into trouble with him, even though he was unambiguous on major matters. , but it’s hard to show off his expression on small things like before.
Seeing the officials looking at Zhao Yang intently, Song Xiang, Pang Ji, Gao Ruona and others kept muttering to themselves: Are they going to be rewarded again?
They murmured, but even if it really happened, they would not stop it. After all, there is no conflict between Song Xiang, Gao Ruona and Zhao Yang, let alone Pang Ji, Ye Qingchen, Zhang Yaozuo, let alone Zhao Yang. Get promoted as soon as possible.
On the other hand, He Tan, Chen Xu, Zhang Zexing and other censors looked a little nervous and looked at each other quite a bit.
However, after waiting for a long time, no official spoke. It seemed that he was just looking at Zhao Yang in a daze. Song Xiang couldn't bear it any longer. He coughed and said: "Guan, since there has been a preliminary agreement on the horse purchase, should we discuss it with the Shaanxi people?" Let’s discuss this matter first?”
"Huh? Uh-huh."
Only then did Zhao Zhen come to his senses and immediately sent someone to summon Chen Zhizhong, Wen Yanbo, and Fan Zhongyan, while He Tan and other censors resigned in relief.
Zhang Yaozuo also resigned wisely. His level was not high enough to participate in such a meeting.
The only exception was Zhao Yang, who stood in the hall with his hands down, seemingly intending to observe the meeting, but everyone turned a blind eye.
After a while, Chen Zhizhong, Wen Yanbo, and Fan Zhongyan came to Chui Gong Hall and learned that Song Xiang, Zhao Yang and others had persuaded the Liao envoys to list horses as one of the items for sale in the market, and the price was only twenty-seven thousand five hundred. Wen Yipi was also greatly surprised and congratulated the officials one after another.
When they talked about the issue of household registration for the Tibetan people in Shaanxi, the expressions of all the ministers gradually became serious. Song Xiang took the lead and said: "The Tibetan people on the border between Song and Xia have long been a hidden danger to the Song Dynasty. In the past, if the Song Dynasty wanted to After reorganizing households and bringing together the people, they turned to Xixia, and Xixia also repeatedly used this as an excuse to fight with the Song Dynasty. This time it coincided with the Liao Kingdom's expedition to Xia. This opportunity was once in a lifetime and should not be missed. We should send someone who is familiar with Shaanxi affairs. To preside over this matter... Fan Xianggong has served in Shaanxi for a long time and is well-known among the local people. Why don't the officials appoint Fan Xianggong as the strategic envoy?"
"..."
Everyone looked at Song Xiang, including Zhao Yang. After all, Song Xiang's abacus was thrown into everyone's face.
"Fan Xianggong is indeed the best candidate." Gao Ruona also echoed maliciously.
"What do Fan Xianggong think?" Song Xiang said with a smile.
"This..." Fan Zhongyan was a little hesitant. It wasn't that he didn't want to go to Shaanxi to take charge of the matter. In fact, he was quite willing. After all, the arrangement of household registration for the Tibetan people on the border between Song and Xia was indeed related to the Song State's future plan to conquer Xixia. , he is naturally willing to host it himself.
But it was awkward for him to be recommended by Song Xiang. After all, regardless of the discord between the two, who in the entire palace didn't know Song Xiang's real purpose of recommending him, Fan Zhongyan?
Even Zhao Zhen knew it, but it was hard to speak out.
Just when Fan Zhongyan was hesitant and the officials were reluctant to speak, Ye Qingchen stepped forward to help Fan Zhongyan and said: "Fan Xianggong has just returned to Beijing, and the two Xianggongs of Song and Gao are rushing to drive him to Shaanxi? Do you know Shaanxi?" Xianggong Fan was not the only one responsible? Xianggong Pang also served in Shaanxi in the past..."
"..."
Pang Ji looked at Ye Qingchen speechlessly.
Although he and Song Xiang stood together against Ye Qingchen when the Privy Council was competing with the Sansi Yamen, he did not actually side with Song Xiang when it came to Fan Zhongyan. It was just that he was the Deputy Privy Council Envoy after all. He was the first to stand up against Song Xiang, so as not to cause misunderstandings about discord within the Privy Council. Unexpectedly, Ye Qingchen would bring this matter to him in order to relieve Fan Zhongyan, which made him speechless.
Of course, it was not that Pang Ji was unwilling to go to Shaanxi to preside over the matter, he was just worried that it would be difficult to leave Beijing and come back - this was also the worry of most Beijing officials.
At this time, Wen Yanbo said: "We might as well transfer Han Qi to Shaanxi to take charge of this matter."
Song Xiang frowned slightly and objected: "Han Qi needs to stay on Hebei Road to take precautions... In short, we can't leave lightly."
Wen Yanbo smiled and said: "Zhao Sijian's drill a few days ago shocked the Liao envoy, and today the two sides discussed the matter of settlement. How could the Khitan take advantage of the Yellow River's diversion to invade the Song Dynasty?"
Song Xiang took a deep look at Wen Yanbo and felt a little less confident: "It is only a verbal agreement at present, and it has not yet been recognized by the Lord of Liao... It cannot be taken lightly."
Wen Yanbo smiled, turned around and reported to the officials: "Officials, I think Prime Minister Song has selfish motives."
Everyone in the hall was shocked. Even Fan Zhongyan looked at Wen Yanbo in surprise, surprised that Wen Yanbo would not hesitate to offend Song Xiang in order to help him.
Zhao Zhen also knew that Song Xiang had selfish motives, so he took advantage of the situation and said, "Does Song Qing really have selfish motives?"
"I don't dare..." Song Xiang lowered his head and said, "I just think Mr. Fan is the best candidate..."
"However, I have other important things to entrust to Fan Qing. The Shaanxi Economic Strategy has asked for the post of comfort envoy. Let's choose another person." Zhao Zhen simply made it clear.
Seeing this, Song Xiang did not dare to disobey the order even though he was unwilling to do so: "...obey the order."
From the side, Zhao Yang looked at Song Xiang, Wen Yanbo, and Fan Zhongyan, feeling that he had eaten a big melon without knowing it: Wen Yanbo had a good relationship with Song Xiang before, but he didn't expect that today he would side with Fan Zhongyan and not hesitate to offend Song. Xiang, Gao Ruona, what is the reason for this?
Surprised, he raised his hand and said: "I am willing to go to the official family."
As soon as these words came out, there was a sudden silence in the hall, and everyone present looked at Zhao Yang in astonishment.
Zhao Zhen was also startled, and then refused without hesitation: "You have no experience, so you must do something bad. ...No!"
Zhao Yang raised his eyebrows and said dissatisfiedly: "Don't you know that you need to be strong and soft at the same time, and use both appeasement and appeasement?... I invite you again."
"No!"
Zhao Yang raised his eyes and looked at Zhao Zhen, the smile on his face gradually faded: "My lord...please ask again!"
Zhao Zhen also changed his sitting position, straightened his spine and looked at Zhao Yang: "No!"
"Please come again!"
"No!"
After repeating this for two or three times, Zhao Yang's expression completely darkened, and Zhao Zhen also became serious.
Seeing the two men starting to fight again, all the ministers held their breath and did not dare to interrupt. The only exception was Fan Zhongyan, who was dumbfounded and looked in disbelief.
After a while, Zhao Yang took a slight breath and said, "Okay, I'll stop playing now..."
Zhao Zhen had already learned a lesson once, how could he be fooled again? Hearing this, he scolded: "If you dare to embarrass me in the morning, I will..."
"That's it?" Zhao Yang tilted his head and looked at Zhao Zhen.
"..." Zhao Zhen was so angry that he gritted his teeth and pointed at Zhao Yang with his fingers, but he couldn't say any threatening words for a long time.
Demoted? This guy doesn't care at all!
Grounded? I really pissed off this kid, so he just resigned. What should I do?
Seeing that the officials were speechless, Wang Shougui hurriedly stepped forward to smooth things over: "The officials calm down, the officials calm down. Young Mr. Zhao also wants to contribute to the Song Dynasty and share the worries of the officials. He has a pure heart..."
Chen Zhizhong also stepped forward to persuade him. Except for Fan Zhongyan who had not yet come to his senses, the other ministers looked at Zhao Yang thoughtfully, with a lot of surprise and admiration in their eyes. Of course, there were also doubts about his ability to do the job.
After a long time, Zhao Zhen took a deep breath to calm down and said: "The discussion of candidates will be put on hold for the time being. Sirs, please allow me to consider it carefully. ... Zhao Yang stays."
"I'll take my leave."
Your Majesty, please excuse yourself.
Only Fan Zhongyan hesitated to speak, but was pulled away by Ye Qingchen.
After being pulled out of the palace by Ye Qingchen, Fan Zhongyan blamed him: "What are you doing, Dao Qing? Mr. Zhao is kind to me, how can I abandon him?"
Ye Qingchen was delighted: Are you worried about a favorite who dares to impeach himself at the court meeting and force officials to submit?
He chuckled and said: "If there is a stone in the favor of the official family, Zhao Sijian has eight fights all to himself. Brother Xiwen doesn't have to worry. ... If brother Xiwen stays in the palace, maybe the official family will eventually move... Haha, you didn't Why don't you say anything when you see me waiting?"
Fan Zhongyan later discovered that when the young Mr. Zhao was arguing with the officials, none of the ministers said anything.
From the side, Wen Yanbo also echoed: "Indeed, Fan Xianggong does not need to worry about this son."
Fan Zhongyan nodded thoughtfully, and then hurriedly greeted Wen Yanbo: "Just now... thank you Mr. Wen."
"Where." Wen Yanbo waved his hand and said, "How about Fan Xianggong come and sit at my place for a while? I just have something to discuss."
"That's...ok."
Not far away, Song Xiang and Gao Ruona were standing together. When they saw this scene, Gao Ruona asked Song Xiang suspiciously, "Have you offended him?"
"..." Song Xiang shook his head slowly, then snorted softly, turned around and left.
At the same time, in the Chui Gong Hall, Zhao Zhen stared at Zhao Yang with a serious expression. Zhao Yang was not afraid. Their eyes met and looked at each other. Wang Zhi was secretly frightened when he saw the Di Wang Shougui and others as well as Xiu Si.
After a long time, Zhao Zhen stood up and said in a slow tone: "It's almost noon. Let's have dinner in Funing Hall today. Please have a good chat with me before dinner..."
Zhao Yang thought for a while and agreed, then followed Zhao Zhen to Funing Hall.
Because the time had not yet arrived, Zhao Zhen took Zhao Yang to the courtyard behind the main hall of Funing Palace. There were pavilions, rockeries, waterside pavilions, and many flowers and trees in the courtyard, which made the scenery quite good.
While Zhao Yang was looking around, Wang Shougui had already ordered people to place soft cushions on the stone bench next to a stone table.
"Sit." Zhao Zhen greeted Zhao Yang after sitting down.
"Thank you, officials." Zhao Yang thanked him with the courtesy of a courtier.
Zhao Zhen rolled his eyes, watched Zhao Yang sit down on the other side of the stone table, and then asked seriously: "Tell me, why do you want to go to Shaanxi Fourth Road?"
"What else can I do? I just want to see a battle and try to lead troops to fight."
Zhao Zhen sneered and said, "You are just an armchair talker, Zhao Kuo?"
Zhao Yang curled his lips and said: "Before the champion has ever led an army, he is just talking on paper..."
"Oh?" Zhao Zhen said in surprise: "You want to be Huo Qubing? This is not a small ambition."
"Of course." Zhao Yang said in an incomprehensible tone: "Fighting on the battlefield and opening up new territories have always been what our generation has longed for."
Zhao Zhen guessed that the "my generation" in Zhao Yang's mouth probably refers to the young man a thousand years later, so he felt quite emotional in his heart. He sighed softly for a long time: "Huo Qubing was only seventeen years old before he took charge of the army, and you... Can't you wait a few years? I will definitely do what you want."
Zhao Yang thought for a while and said: "The solution to the hidden dangers of the Tibetan people on the Song-Xia border this time is related to the success or failure of the future war against Xia. Although I have no experience, I still want to participate in it and contribute my insignificant talents..."
Zhao Zhen was hesitant after hearing this.
He must admit that this boy's vision and structure are indeed unmatched by the contemporary world. For example, this boy put forward the statement that "the dispute between Song and Liao was an internal struggle within China." He has no doubt that this statement may change the dispute between Song and Liao. .
"What about your technical department?"
"You can let Shen Tuo serve as the chief envoy. He is the top three winner in this year's imperial examination. He has both moral character and talent and knowledge, which is enough to serve as the chief envoy. ... In addition, before I leave, I will arrange to guide each case envoy and craftsman, and ask them to follow the minister's instructions. Steps to develop and improve firearms, cement, etc...."
Seeing Zhao Yang talking freely and arranging everything properly, Zhao Zhen knew that this boy had "planned for a long time" and was definitely not a temporary idea.
"Yesterday you asked me to promote you to a military position. I'm afraid you had this idea at that time, right?"
Zhao Yang, who was exposed by the officials, felt a little embarrassed in a rare way: "In fact, it was earlier. That day, I was discussing the strategy against Xia with the two Xianggongs of Song and Gao in the Privy Council. When I heard them mention the Tibetan people on the fourth road of Shaanxi, I thought With this idea... I just didn’t expect that I would get this golden opportunity so soon.”
"So I can't persuade you anymore?"
Zhao Yang raised his head and looked at Zhao Zhen. Although he didn't speak, his eyes were quite firm.
Seeing this, Zhao Zhen also knew that he couldn't stop this kid - maybe when they were close, he could still stop him as an "elder", but since the "Fan Tower Fight Incident", their relationship has changed. The relationship became what Zhao Yang called a "deal". Although he didn't agree with it, he couldn't deny that he really couldn't control this kid.
Of course, this inability to control is also based on the fact that Zhao Zhen does not want to destroy the pure innocence in Zhao Yang's heart, which is out of the recognition and sense of belonging to culture, nation, and ancestors, which is the most valuable.
After a long time, Zhao Zhen said sternly: "Since you insist...it's okay, I promise you, but I have conditions."
"What conditions?"
"First, I can only let you serve as the deputy envoy to recruit and appease, and I need to choose another person to take charge. After all, this matter is not trivial. I am also worried that you are young and energetic and spoil the plan. Do you agree?"
"Yes." Zhao Yang agreed without hesitation. He was not arrogant enough to directly serve as the chief officer, but he also recommended the candidate: "I recommend Gao Ruona as the chief officer."
Zhao Zhen's eyes twitched a few times: "Gao Ruona is the chief officer, who of you will command whom?"
He saw with his own eyes that this boy now called Gao Ruona "Xiao Gao" in front of him, and the latter did not dare to get angry.
"Of course he orders me...occasionally I order him. Let's see who is more reasonable. I won't be idle against him."
"..." Zhao Zhen looked at Zhao Yang suspiciously, but finally agreed. After all, Gao Ruonei had served as deputy privy envoy and did have this qualification.
"Secondly, we are not allowed to visit the battlefield in person."
"This can't be done." Zhao Yang shook his head and said: "The Song Dynasty repeatedly lost battles, but they were defeated by civilian officials who did not know how to fight and commanded from the rear, while the frontline generals had no decision-making power. Since I wanted to recruit pacification envoys, I naturally wanted to Staying with the generals cultivates trust, and in case of war, it can also inspire the soldiers to fight..."
"You are the deputy envoy!" Zhao Zhen corrected Zhao Yang angrily, and then said slightly tiredly: "In this way, I will order Wang Zhongzheng and others to be responsible for your safety. If necessary, I will allow them to make their own decisions. Do you agree? "
Zhao Yang had a strange look on his face. He turned back to look at Wang Zhongzheng and the others, turned his eyes slightly and said, "Okay."
Wang Zhongzheng and others also hurriedly raised their hands and said: "Please rest assured, officials, I will fight to the death to protect Lang Zhong Zhouquan."
Zhao Zhen nodded, feeling quite sad.
At this moment, an envoy from the palace suddenly came to report in a hurry: "To inform the officials, Princess Fukang wants to see the officials, but I can't stop her..."
Zhao Yang turned his head slightly and saw Princess Fukang leading several palace servants towards this side.
