The ninth day of the lunar month is an auspicious day, with gentle winds bringing happiness and auspiciousness rising.
Du Wei and Li Shiniang will get married today. Xue Bai and Du Wulang arrived at Du's house in Anrenfang early, preparing to accompany Du Wei to Youxiang Mansion to welcome the bride.
Yuan Zai and Wang Yunxiu were enthusiastic people and helped entertain guests in the courtyard. They greeted Xue Bai diligently when they saw him.
"Xue Lang is here." Yuan Zai looked friendly and said with a smile: "There are many people in the front yard, so I will introduce you to some friends in the hall."
Now he has become the core of Yang Party, and he has been promoted very quickly. He is considered to be tied to Xue Bai's interests. Although they do not have much contact with each other, they are already "close friends". At this time, he does not care about other guests and only greets Xue Bai.
We talked all the way to the back hall, where several young people had gathered.
Du Wei was wearing an auspicious suit and was about to get married, but he still didn't forget to argue with others about national policy.
"I'm just telling the truth. Most of the Hu generals appointed by the imperial court are tough, brave, loyal and loyal people... Wang Twelfth Mother is here, just ask her."
"The groom, are you still criticizing current affairs?"
Yuan Zai smiled brightly and ignored them. Recently, the people in the court were talking about nothing more than those few things. He was tired of talking about them.
After seeing the ceremony, he first introduced someone to Xue Bai.
This man was less than thirty years old. He was wearing a robe and dressed as a scholar. He was tall and handsome. He was the opponent who had just argued with Du Wei.
"Cen Shen, a disciple of the Prime Minister, was a Jinshi in the third year of Tianbao. He led the army in the right to join the army."
"I have long admired the name of Brother Cen."
Xue Bai had long said that he wanted to make friends with Cen Shen, but he had been busy and could only meet him today.
"We are of the same generation, Xue Lang, please don't be too polite. You must know that I am the one who has admired your talent for a long time."
Cen Shen is a very energetic person with a generous temperament and a forthright personality. He immediately invited Xue Bai to join the conversation and asked, "Do you know what the groom and I are talking about?"
He was tall and handsome, and although there were arguments, he did not get angry at all.
Du Wei was still laughing and asked, "What does Xue Lang think of the imperial court's policy of appointing barbarians as governors of various disciplines?"
Xue Bai did not answer, but asked: "Brother Du is getting married today, why do you still care about this matter?"
Du Wei said: "I think this is not the case without consideration by the imperial court. It is a fact that the Hu people grew up in the border areas, understand the local customs, and are brave enough to practice war. The courage to serve as Hu generals for many times also shows the magnanimity of the Tang Dynasty to embrace all rivers."
"The bridegroom should think of some poems to encourage you to make up." Yuan Zai smiled and said, "Go and clean up quickly, and I'll entertain your friends for you."
Although the two are good friends, one is Li Linfu's son-in-law and the other is Wang Zhongsi's son-in-law, they now have topics that they avoid talking about.
Du Wei then complained to everyone.
The groom's official was not there, but the arguments in the hall continued.
"Since the founding of the People's Republic of China, frontier commanders have always appointed loyal and famous ministers, and those with outstanding achievements often serve as prime ministers. The Prime Minister on the right is afraid of this, so he only offers suggestions to eliminate dissidents and win over the border generals."
"Yes, there are indeed three things to pay attention to when appointing border commanders since the founding of the People's Republic of China: they should not be appointed for a short period of time, they should not be led from afar, and they should not be unified. However, since the Kaiyuan Dynasty, the saints had the ambition to annex all the barbarians. Only those who have not been able to change the border generals for more than ten years can be appointed for a long time; Only when princes and prime ministers serve as Jiedushi envoys can they have distant leadership; when Generals Wang and General An are autocratic, can they have concurrent unified control. Therefore, using Hu people as generals can not only be familiar with military affairs, have full power to mobilize, but also be easy to control..."
Wang Yunxiu couldn't stand listening and couldn't help but said: "What does this mean? Does it imply that my grandpa is not easy to control?"
"Twelve Mothers, don't blame me. I have no intention of criticizing your Majesty. We are just speculating on the national policy and discussing why we should use barbarians as generals."
Wang Yunxiu said: "When did my grandfather not use barbarians? His brothers Shu Han, An Sishun, and Li Guangbi were forced by him to fail to make meritorious deeds. Why did Brother Nu insist on using all the barbarians in border towns?" meaning?!"
"Therefore, it is said that among the Hu people there are quite a number of people who are 'strong and brave, courageous and loyal'. From this point of view, we and General Wang have the same view, can we freely appoint Hu generals? There is no distinction between Hu and Han people, and tolerance is great."
Yuan Zai then stood up to defend his wife and said: "My father-in-law has Han generals and Hu generals under his command. It is great to be tolerant. Genu clearly stated in the memorial that all the barbarians should be used in border towns, so how can we be tolerant?"
Cen Shen also came forward to smooth things over, saying: "Everything has advantages and disadvantages. Let's just discuss it. Let's get ready to welcome the bride."
Wang Yunxiu turned to look at Xue Bai, with a faint expectation in her eyes, and asked, "What is Mr. Xue's advice?"
Xue Bai's view is actually very simple.
He can evaluate such a national policy based on its results, regardless of the foresight and consideration behind it being proposed.
Even the pattern has been lost, so there is no point in talking about whether it is wise or not.
However, Xue Bai spoke with an attitude that it had nothing to do with him.
"This is a major military and national matter, do I have any high opinion?"
Wang Yunxiu was a little surprised and disappointed.
Xue Bai once made a huge stone cannon for Wang Zhongsi. She thought that Xue Bai would help him talk about this, but what she didn't expect was this reaction.
~~
On the way to pick up the bride, Wang Yunxiu asked Yuan Zai in a low voice: "You said that my uncle wanted to win over my grandpa, why did Xue Lang refuse to express his position?"
"The situation is different."
As he spoke, Yuan Zai glanced back and saw Xue Baizhi and Cen Shen walking side by side, talking about poetry, without paying attention to this side.
He just whispered to his wife: "In the past, both the Right Prime Minister's Mansion and the East Palace were dealing with Xue Lang, and he had to seek help to protect himself. Now he has offered treasures several times, and the holy family is stable. These things have nothing to do with him, so he is proud of it." rise."
Wang Yunxiu rolled her eyes at Yuan Zai and said, "Do you think everyone is like you and doesn't care about things that don't concern you?"
"I have advised my uncle to win over my father-in-law." Yuan Zai said: "But if my father-in-law refuses to get close to my uncle, how can there be any reason for someone to help me for no reason? What's the use of asking Xue Lang again?"
"If grandpa returns to the capital, I will persuade him. But I'm afraid if he continues like this, before he returns to the capital, Ge Nu will dismiss him from his official position."
"No." Yuan Zai said with certainty, "If the imperial court wants to transfer my father-in-law, it must wait until he returns to the capital."
Wang Yunxiu was still worried and asked: "Then, can uncle Guo first write a letter against the use of barbarians in border towns?"
Yuan Zai said in a low voice: "I have spent all my time just to get my uncle to agree to win over my father-in-law. Is there any reason why my father-in-law has not made a statement and then asks my uncle to come forward?"
…
Xue Bai turned around and saw Yuan Zai and his wife whispering in front of them.
He remained calm, pretending he didn't know anything, and continued talking to Cen Shen. The topic was inevitably the battle to destroy the Xiaobolu Kingdom.
"Brother Cen actually recognizes General Feng Changqing?"
"Brother Wang Changling introduced him." Cen Shen said: "Brother Wang went to Helong and came out of Yumen when he was young, so he knew General Feng. I think of the saying, 'The yellow sand wears golden armor in a hundred battles, and Loulan will never return it until it is broken. ', now that General Feng has really done it, I think Brother Wang will also be happy when he hears the battle report in Jiangning."
"I see." Xue Bai said, "When the officers and soldiers of the Anxi Army return to court to report their merits, can Brother Cen introduce them to me?"
"As it should be..."
The two later started talking about Wang Changling's exclusion and relegation.
Although Cen Shen is young, he has rich experience.
He traveled around before he was twenty years old. After he was selected as a Jinshi, he took a tour of Hebei during the three years of being elected. It was during this time that he read thousands of books and traveled thousands of miles.
Xue Bai looks young but has more experience and can talk about everything.
Soon, we arrived at the Youxiang Mansion in Pingkangfang.
Cen Shen leaned over on the horse and whispered: "It's rare to be so arrogant in Genu's house. Watch me kick down his door."
After saying that, he laughed loudly and quickly dismounted from his horse.
This man is both civilized and martial, he can write poems and rhymes, he has passed the Jinshi examination, he is also very skilled, and he knows a lot about military affairs.
Xue Bai looked at Cen Shen's back and thought to himself that there might be fewer and fewer men like this in the future who follow the standard of "going out, general and entering".
Today Li Linfu is marrying his daughter, so the house is decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, making it all festive.
"The groom's official is here!"
"The orchids will flourish for thousands of years, and the music of harps will last for hundreds of years..."
Looking at this scene, Xue Bai suddenly thought, if he had married Li Tengkong, what would happen today, right?
He quickly dismissed the thought in his mind, warning himself that it would affect his progress.
Suddenly, a small hydrangea was thrown at his feet.
"Um?"
Du Wulang was standing next to him. When he lowered his head and looked down, he immediately became vigilant and whispered: "There are still five or six unmarried daughters in the Right Prime Minister's Mansion, right? Don't let them take a fancy to you."
Xue Bai looked in the direction where the hydrangea came from and saw Li Xiu waving.
He originally thought it would be Li Tengkong, but it seemed he was wrong.
"Hey, where are you going?" Du Wulang grabbed him and reminded: "Every time you go through a pit, you gain wisdom. Why are you still walking around?"
"fine."
Xue Bai still walked towards Li Xiu.
Du Wulang had no choice but to think that it didn't matter. It was impossible for the Youxiang Mansion to marry two daughters to Xue Bai, so it was important to protect himself.
Li Xiu was a good elder brother and took good care of his younger brothers and sisters. When Xue Bai came forward, his first words were: "Look at Du Wei, he is very responsible."
"Perhaps in a few years, Juro will also feel that I am responsible?"
"Don't worry, it won't happen." Li Xiu shook his head and said, "I want to see you, please come here."
~~
Today, a daughter is getting married in the house, but Li Linfu still hides in the study and refuses to show his face.
He is indeed diligent and is still handling official documents.
What's rare is that now that he saw Xue Bai, he was willing to greet him in a condescending manner and said: "Xue Lang is here. How is the bamboo paper making recently?"
"Progress is slow and achievements will not be made too quickly. The right minister can rest assured."
Li Linfu pointed at Xue Bai, smiled like an elder, and said, "I heard that you often interact with Li Mi recently?"
"I learned a lot from Mr. Li."
"oh?"
Li Linfu made an interested expression and was so patient that people were not used to it.
This talkative face is even more unsettling than the original arrogant cockfighting posture.
Xue Bai was still very calm and said: "Mr. Li reminded me that I should be more modest and not be too utilitarian and eager to make progress, which will inevitably make people wary. I thought so. I am much worse than Hu Er in this regard. .”
This is a test to see if Li Linfu is wary of An Lushan.
Li Linfu's expression was calm and he had everything under control, and said: "Sure enough, I know that you are dissatisfied with the national policy."
"The border towns are all using barbarians." Xue Bai asked: "With such a statement, your right minister dares to say that he has no selfish motives?"
"Is it important?" Li Linfu was the prime minister after all. He could not tolerate anyone criticizing his actions. His face sank and he immediately said: "The Prime Minister has been in charge of state affairs for more than ten years. He knows the Tang Dynasty better than anyone else. What he proposes is the most beneficial to the Tang Dynasty. Don’s method.”
Later, he realized that there was no need to explain to Xue Bai, and said: "The truth did not violate the agreement."
"Yeah?"
"The Prime Minister has fulfilled your request." Li Linfu said: "If you want to win over Wang Zhongsi, why don't you allow the court to adjust the border generals?"
Xue Bai asked: "Your right prime minister invited me here, is this what you want to say?"
"I'm reminding you that I have tolerated you to the best of my ability. If you dare to meddle in your own affairs again, don't blame me for being ruthless."
He was shrewd and calculating. When negotiating terms, he first agreed to let Yang Dang win over Wang Zhongsi, then turned around and removed him from the post of Jiedushi of the four towns. This is indeed not a breach of contract, so I have to warn Xue Bai not to jump over the wall in a hurry.
"The right minister takes me too seriously." Xue Bai said: "Who am I? How can I be nosy? As long as no one troubles me again."
Li Linfu looked around and saw that this boy really had an indifferent attitude this time, so he said: "Finally sensible, let's go."
He expected that Yang Dang wanted to win over Wang Zhongsi, just to gain some support from the Jiedushi envoys of the four towns. Now that Bian Zhen has used all the tactics of the barbarians, he has also left a little chance for Party Yang.
In addition, Xue Bai has nothing to do with him, so he can just sit back and watch.
It can be seen that once or twice, if you don't force someone to a dead end, the other party will be sensible.
~~
After meeting Li Linfu, Xue Bai seemed to have figured it out and slowed down his pace to walk leisurely.
Suddenly a bouquet of flowers was thrown to the ground from the window in front and landed in front of him. He walked to the window and saw that Li Tengkong and Li Jilan were on the other side of the wall.
"That's right sir."
Li Jilan looked very surprised, and stepped forward and said: "I have written many more chapters of the play. Sir, do you have time to review it? But don't just say 'good'. I would like to give you more pointers."
She had an inexplicable admiration for Xue Bai, so she was extremely enthusiastic, as if she would stick to him if there was not this wall between them.
Ever since he had a nosebleed, Xue Bai didn't like to go to Yuzhen Temple very much. Recently, he always commented on dramas through Yan Yan.
"Sir?" Li Jilan asked: "If you have time tomorrow, come to Yuzhen Temple. I also have some new poems that I would like to ask you to taste... If you don't come, I will inevitably not be able to write plays well."
The last sentence is somewhat of a complaint.
Li Tengkong was standing calmly with his hands behind his hands. Hearing this, his ears twitched and he looked at Li Jilan, feeling that she seemed to know how to act coquettishly.
After the drama was closed, Xue Bai nodded and said, "Then I'll go and bother you tomorrow."
~~
"Look, Xue Lang is not here."
Wang Yunxiu looked around and whispered to Yuan Zai: "As soon as he entered the Youxiang Mansion, he was invited by Ge Nu."
"Don't worry, if it's the most important matter, we won't wait until today to discuss it."
"But this incident shows that Xue Lang has a tacit understanding with the Youxiang Mansion and will not come forward to oppose Bian Zhen's use of barbarian tactics, right?"
"Ms. Yun, you are so sick that you have to seek medical treatment? Xue Lang has no official position yet, how can you object?" Yuan Zai said: "If you are really worried about your father-in-law, you should write a letter to your family again, one to persuade him to get close to his uncle, and the other to persuade him to get close to his uncle. He captured Stone Castle City as quickly as possible.”
"I've written several letters, but don't you know, I don't dare to reply."
Yuan Zai took his wife in his arms and said softly: "Don't be impatient for a moment. The situation may not be what you think. Maybe it's not directed at your father-in-law?"
"Isn't this?!"
"Shh, let's see you off first and let's go."
Wang Yunxiu was worried and continued to look around. Finally, she saw Xue Bai turning out from the path and hurriedly greeted him.
…
"Xue Lang. Du Wei has been kissed. Let's go."
"good."
"You have some flowers on your shoulders."
Wang Yunxiu casually brushed off the petals on Xue Bai's shoulders to show her closeness, and chatted casually, saying: "How about we sit at home tomorrow, let Yuan Zai make a pot of good wine, and try my sister-in-law's craftsmanship."
"No, I have an invitation for tomorrow."
Xue Bai refused simply.
But he didn't pretend to be stupid. He lowered his voice and said, "With the current rumors, my sister-in-law must be a little worried about General Wang?"
It was rare for Wang Yunxiu to hear someone willing to pick up on her, so she was a little surprised. She nodded and said, "Yes, the minister said it's okay, but I really think it's for grandpa."
"Then it's useless for my sister-in-law to find me or even my uncle. This is a real military and state matter. We can't talk at all. My sister-in-law should go to the prince."
"You have to be careful about the crime of 'constructing the East Palace'."
"General Wang is the sworn brother of the prince, and it is known to the whole world. This is the root of all guilt. In the end, hiding and hiding is no different from hiding one's ears and stealing the bell. Isn't it ridiculous that the prince doesn't take action and expects me to be innocent?"
Wang Yunxiu was still worried about being implicated by the prince.
Xue Bai had no choice but to remind her one more time and sighed: "I advise the prince to admit his mistake to the saint and eliminate the suspicion. General Wang has been in office for a long time and controls four towns. If the suspicion persists, no one can help him."
(End of chapter)
