After the discussion in the palace was over, all the ministers dispersed. Those who had nothing to do returned to their mansions, while those who were appointed went to the official office to deal with their affairs under the starry night. The situation in Hunan was uncertain, and the emperor's decision needed to be implemented quickly and no delay could be tolerated.
The servants carefully cleaned up the mess in the Chongzheng Hall, not daring to make a big noise. There was still a slight smell of oil and meat in the hall. Liu Chengyou simply called Tao Gu and Wang Pu who were left behind to accompany them. Take a walk outside.
It was extremely cold outside the palace in the depth of winter, and the surroundings were as dark as ink. There were many palace lanterns hanging, but it was difficult to defeat the darkness. When you look into it, the weak firelight sways under the lampshade, giving people a hazy and confusing feeling.
However, while walking and driving, thinking a little, and blowing a gust of cold night wind, my mind became clearer, and the chaos in my chest seemed to be purified a lot.
"Tao Qing, do you know why I am keeping you in the palace?" Liu Chengyou stopped, leaning relaxedly on the bluestone railing beside the square in front of the palace, and glanced at Tao Gu.
When Tao Gu heard the words, he turned his eyes shrewdly in a circle, leaned slightly, and said humbly: "I am on a mission to the Puppet Tang Dynasty. I wonder what your majesty has to teach you. I respectfully listen to the holy teachings!"
"Talking to you, Tao Xiushi, is like a spring breeze!" Liu Chengyou put out his hand to welcome the winter wind and said with a chuckle.
This statement seems to be praising Tao Gu for his cleverness, but when he thinks about it, it feels a bit awkward.
Lifting his head slightly and facing south, Liu Chengyou said: "The land of Jiangdong is a place with a gathering of humanities and pleasant scenery. There are also songs and dances of Qinhuai and Wu Nong's soft words. It is easy for people to get lost and intoxicated. I'm afraid it will be an endless aftertaste... ..”
Probably because he had a ghost in his heart, and the overtones in the emperor's words were so obvious, Tao Gu blushed, subconsciously glanced at Wang Pu who was also waiting aside, lowered his head and said: "Your Majesty, please don't worry, I will definitely send you to Tang Dynasty this time." Try your best to avoid being disturbed by external things, so as to speak to the Lord of the Tang Dynasty and live up to your mission!"
"Tao Qing misunderstood!" Seeing that Tao Gu was a little nervous, Liu Chengyou chuckled, his pupils reflecting the firelight shining particularly brightly in the dark night: "Who doesn't love a beautiful woman who drinks wine and sings and dances lightly? Tao Qing likes it, and so do I. Don’t take it for granted..."
After saying this, Tao Gu became even more nervous and lowered his head slightly, as if ashamed.
Seeing the crazy struggle on Tao Gu's expression, Liu Chengyou's tone was still relaxed and he pointed out: "Tao Qing is here just to persuade Li Jing. I only want the results and don't care about the process. I heard that the hypocritical emperors and ministers of the Tang Dynasty are good. Drinking banquets, talking loudly, and having fun, if we can achieve our goals, singing, dancing, and lingering, it is nothing..."
"Your Majesty is joking!" Tao Gu smiled.
Waving his hand towards him, Liu Chengyou said: "Ma Chu's matter is just a matter of my free hand. Although success or failure does not matter, but it can have an effect, it will reduce one point of resistance for the future expedition to Huaihe. It is winter this year, and the national affairs are urgent. , It doesn’t matter what the weather is like. I’m sorry for your hard work, so I’ll prepare the ultimatum tonight and go back home to pack up. Let’s go south tomorrow..."
"Yes!" Hearing this, Tao Gu breathed a sigh of relief and bowed solemnly.
"There's no need to say goodbye to me tomorrow!" Liu Chengyou said.
"Yes! I resign!"
Tao Gu bowed again and retreated. With Liu Chengyou's consent, he took a few steps back, turned around, and walked away, stepping on the cold floor tiles in a hurry, as if he was running away.
Looking at his back, Liu Chengyou said with emotion: "Tao Xiushi may have shortcomings in personal ethics, but he is still useful."
After saying this, Wang Pu, who was still standing by the side, did not take it easy.
Liu Chengyou looked at him and smiled slightly: "Qi Wu, do you also want to go to the Puppet Tang Dynasty?"
Wang Pu bowed his head and replied: "I have seen the beauty of Jinling and the fake emperors and ministers of the Tang Dynasty. I have been to the Tang Dynasty before. I can't make the trip this time. Even though I have few regrets, I just can't come in person to relieve your majesty's worries."
Listening to his words, Liu Chengyou had to sigh, how could these ministers speak so beautifully...
"It's not that I don't know how to move things together, it's just that as I just said to Tao Gu, the layout of Lizhou is irrelevant. And when Tao Gu goes away, no matter whether he can convince Li Jing to join forces with the Tang Dynasty to divide Chu, or whether it can be done, None of it is important. I am happy if I succeed, but if I fail, can I still give up on the great cause of attacking Huai?"
Liu Chengyou stood up straight, moved his sleeves with his hands, and said domineeringly: "To forge iron, you need to be strong. If you want to win Huainan, you must rely on the bravery of my Han soldiers, the quality of my soldiers, and war!"
Hearing the emperor's heartfelt words, Wang Pu's face, which had always been as dignified as Jin's, couldn't help but show a hint of admiration, and he bowed and said: "Your Majesty has a commanding height and a clear view of thousands of miles!"
"You don't need to praise me!" Liu Chengyou waved his hand, but he didn't appreciate it: "I'm not used to such compliments coming from your mouth, Wang Qiwu."
Wang Pu was stunned.
Without giving him any room to think about it, Liu Chengyou asked, "You have been with me for more than two years since you were promoted to Jinshi in the early years of Qianyu's reign. Do you have any intention of taking up a position in the local government?"
After coming back to his senses, Wang Pu thought quickly and immediately asked: "Your Majesty, do you want to release the minister?"
"What do you think?"
Wang Pu's face showed no surprise: "But please appoint me, Your Majesty!"
Satisfied with your attitude, Liu Chengyou pointed to the south and said, "I want you to be the grain envoy to Huaibei, go to Suzhou, build warehouses, and transport grain and military equipment. From now on, when the army conquers Huaihei, it must go to Suzhou. You should cooperate with Zhao Kuangyin to build Suzhou It will serve as a supply station for my army."
"Yes!" Wang Pu said with great interest, "Your Majesty has indeed prepared for a rainy day. He sent General Zhao to Suzhou last time, and he already had this intention!"
"The conquest of Huainan and the invasion of Jiangbei have been started since Wang Pu proposed this strategy. And the preparations for the war have to begin! Planning for the use of troops begins from now on!"
Hearing what Liu Chengyou said, Wang Pu suddenly felt pressured and had a heavy mission on his back, so he bowed solemnly.
Waving his hand, Liu Chengyou touched his nose and it felt a little moist. The cold wind outside the hall was really not suitable for blowing for too long.
After greeting each other and walking inside, Liu Chengyou asked as he walked: "The Cao Yin you recommended, if I remember correctly, he is Guo Wei's subordinate!"
He stopped for a moment, then quickly followed, turning his head slightly, and said carefully to Liu Chengyou: "This man joined the army when he was young, and later joined Taizu and returned to the service of Guo Shuxiang, but no matter what he was in the past, he is now your Majesty's subordinate. "
"You don't have to think too much!" After hearing what he said, Liu Chengyou said calmly: "There are quite a few veteran generals like Cao Yin among the two imperial armies. Putting them in their place can also give full play to their abilities. Good choice.”
Thinking of Zheng Renjie's performance in the Chongzheng Hall, Liu Chengyou said again: "Zheng Renjie is usually unknown, but when he saw it in the Shicai Hall, he was also a talented person with a lot of plans!"
Wang Pu nodded and said what he meant: "Mr. Zheng is honest, cautious, approachable, and has a very good reputation in the court. He is truly a talented scholar of the country!"
"Privilege Guo has really good vision. The people he promotes have many skills and talents that can be promoted!"
Faced with these words, Wang Pu did not dare to answer them randomly.
Suddenly, Liu Chengyou added another sentence: "You, Wang Qiwu, know people well. For so long, ministers inside and outside always seem to be able to comment on something every time they mention it..."
