In the Han Palace, under the afternoon light, two generals, Pan Mei and Cao Bin, walked along the usual corridor towards the place where the edict was to be awaited. The Forbidden Palace is very strict, and as a courtier, it is rude to look around. However, after being away for a long time, Pan Mei still carefully observed the surrounding scene, and finally turned into a sigh: "There doesn't seem to be much change in the palace! "
Cao Bin walked with him, perhaps learning the modesty and prudent attitude from Guo Wei. Hearing this, he just smiled politely and did not answer. In addition, unlike Pan Mei, who had served in the Forbidden Palace, Cao Bin did not have so many emotions. His official career was constantly promoted from the position of local official. Of course, Guo Wei's relationship played a big role in this.
Speaking of which, this time when he was ordered to return to the court to report on his duties, it was the first time that Cao Bin came to Beijing and was received by the emperor for the first time. Therefore, as far as Cao Bin is concerned, there is also an excited mood under his calm face.
Ever since the imperial court captured Jinghu in the eighth year of Emperor Qianyou's reign, General Pan Cao has been placed in Hunan to lead troops, train troops, suppress chaos, and suppress bandits. It has been almost seven years now.
Even at the beginning, when Liu Chengyou made adjustments to the national army, the Hunan region was not spared. Generals such as Du Hanhui and Li Jun were mobilized. Only two generals, Pan and Cao, were not moved. The emperor's appointment intention was obvious.
Now, both of them are over 30 years old. Cao Bin can still be said to be younger, while Pan Mei can already be described as running four. It can be said that a full seven years of precious time was spent in Hunan, and Pan Mei felt in her heart It was somewhat unwilling and depressing.
Pan Mei had little ambition and was a hero with a strong sense of professionalism and utilitarianism. From the Ping of Shu to the Northern Expedition, he had no part in the two large-scale wars. It was really painful for him. This is also the case. During the twelve years of the "Restoration War" between Han and Guangdong, Pan Mei tried her best to request orders from the imperial court to send additional troops and horses to destroy Guangdong and restore Lingnan in one fell swoop.
Although suppressed by the emperor, Pan Mei's desire for achievement became stronger and stronger. Now, more than two years have passed. When the emperor's edict flew to Hunan, Pan Mei knew that the opportunity he had been waiting for for many years to make a contribution had arrived.
After many years of serving in Nanzhu, Pan Mei was already familiar with the situation in southern Guangdong, and there was nothing to hide from him about the domestic situation. Moreover, Pan Mei had already completely mapped out how to destroy Guangdong and how to march into the army. She had a complete set of plans ready to present to the emperor after returning to Beijing this time.
When they entered the waiting room and saw Chai Rong sitting on the seat, talking to Guo Tingwei, Pan and Cao were stunned for a moment, then they came to their senses and stepped forward to salute: "I have seen the Prime Minister!"
"General Guo!" He bowed his hand to Guo Tingwei again. The two of them were just acquaintances.
"Now I have resigned as Privy Councilor!" Chai Rong also seemed very happy when he saw Second General Pan Cao and pointed out the mistake in the title.
Pan Mei is used to this. After all, Chai Rong has been mastering military affairs for a long time from deputy privy envoy to privy envoy, and it can be regarded as deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. Pan Mei also served as a subordinate in the Privy Council for a period of time.
On the other hand, Cao Bin smiled slightly and respectfully said, "General, I will pay my respects to Mr. Chai!"
Cao Bin is like this, he always gives people a sense of stability, down-to-earth and rules, and he can't make any mistakes at all. Looking at Cao Bin, who was also in his thirties, Chai Rong said: "Guohua can achieve what it has today. Mr. and Mrs. Xing should be happy!"
Cao Bin immediately said humbly: "Thank you so much for the compliment, I will not dare to accept it. All I want is to live up to your kindness from above and not suffer resentment from the people below. That's enough!"
"You, your temper has not changed in all these years!" Seeing this, Chai Rong's expression became more tolerant. He was a serious and serious person, and he recognized Cao Bin's unassuming words and deeds.
"Let me introduce you to General Guo, Commander-in-Chief of the Jing Navy, Guo Tingwei! This time, too, he has been ordered to go to Beijing!" Chai Rong introduced. Among the four people present, only Cao Bin and Guo Tingwei did not know each other.
When Guo and Cao met, Chai Rong turned to Pan Mei and said with emotion: "Zhongxun, Guo is now a general of the imperial court!"
Pan Mei smiled slightly and said respectfully: "I would also like to thank Your Majesty and Duke Chan for the promotion. It's just a pity that I was unable to participate in the Northern War!"
After hearing what he said, Chai Rong gave a rare smile and said, "It seems that you have already drafted a letter of challenge when you return to Beijing this time!"
Pan Mei continued her conversation by saying, "If you dare, I would like to ask Lord Chan. Your Majesty has summoned us back to the capital this time. Has he decided on the plan for Pingnan?"
Paying attention to Pan Mei's eyes, full of desire for meritorious service, Chai Rong shook his head: "We have returned from the northern tour. We are not yet clear about the decision made by His Majesty and the court. However, since we have returned to the court, Your Majesty has his own instructions, so you don't have to be impatient. !”
Several people were chatting in the waiting room, especially when talking with Pan Mei and Cao Bin. Chai Rong was somewhat attentive and particularly concerned about the situation in the south.
Speaking of which, it's no wonder that Liu Chengyou has an uncontrollable fear of the Guo family and his son. Don't talk about anything else, just look at the few generals waiting to be summoned. Cao Bin, Guo Wei's nephew; Pan Mei, who was a subordinate of Chai Rong in his early years, was discovered by him, and was later recommended by him to join the Forbidden Army. He served in the Privy Council and served as a direct subordinate for a period of time, and also strongly supported Pan Mei's appointment; Guo Tingwei , the friendship back then still plays a role today, and as a surrendered general, Chai Rong is also someone he is close to...
And these three people are obviously the generals Liu Chengyou has prepared to lead the army for the Pingnan War, and they will all be of great use. Not to mention, there are other old and strong generals in the Han army who are involved with Guo Chai.
The four of them were not kept waiting for too long. About a quarter of an hour later, the chamberlain came to deliver the message and summoned the four of them to the Long Live Hall to see them. At that time, Liu Chengyou was in the harem, flirting with Concubine Zhou Shu, listening to her talk about the piano and flute, and relieve the pressure of state affairs.
In the past few years, he had let go of power for a period of time, but unknowingly, he took it back again. Especially during the major military and political adjustments in the 12th and 13th years, he personally supervised the subordinates, which made many bureaucrats unable to breathe. , only after fifteen years did things get better.
Regarding the return of Chai, Guo, Pan and Cao to Beijing, Liu Chengyou certainly showed his enthusiasm and kindness. He took a few cooking cakes and said to the four of them: "These are the Sun family cakes that I specially ordered to purchase from outside the palace. It's very famous and has a loud sign. I've heard about it a long time ago. I'm trying it today. You guys came back at the right time, so you're in for a treat!"
The emperor's friendly gesture was quite comforting. With a few cakes, Pan Mei and Cao Bin were relieved of their nervousness when they met the emperor.
"This northern tour, I endured the wind and snow, it was a hard journey!" Of course, the first thing Liu Chengyou paid attention to was Chai Rong who returned.
"It's my honor to hunt in the sky. Your Majesty has great trust and is very sensitive. How can I say it's hard work?" Chai Rong looked very calm.
This is just a way of communication between monarchs and ministers. Liu Chengyou quickly dismissed it and talked about business, saying: "I have read the memorial you submitted, and I am very satisfied with the results of the Northern Inspection. However, you mentioned in it, There is something strange happening in Khitan, I am very curious as to where this strangeness comes from, let me know what you think!"
After hearing the question, Chai Rong also became serious and responded: "I only learned this through communicating with the generals on the border and inspecting the people in the border cities and Hu Jia. In the past year, the Khitan tribes and garrison troops have made great progress." Although the trend of westward migration is secretive, it is difficult to completely cover up the traces. Moreover, according to the report of General Li Wanchao of Jiuyuan, in the past three years, the Lord of Liao hunted westward several times, as far as the Bai Dadan tribe at the northern foot of Yinshan Mountain.
Although it is just a guess, I believe that the Khitan is secretly planning some plan, and it must be in the west, so the court has to guard against it! "
After hearing what he said, Liu Chengyou said coldly: "Not long ago, I also received a report from Lu Duoxun in the northwest, saying that Li Guangrui, the army in trouble, was secretly contacting the Khitans. Do you think the Khitans are planning something? Hexi region?”
In this regard, Chai Rong could not give a definite answer, but solemnly said: "I believe that after the Northern Expedition, the Liao Kingdom suffered heavy losses, and it will never be able to recover in just three years. His initiative to attack the Han Dynasty Possibly, it’s not big, but if we join forces with the Dingnan Army, it will definitely cause great harm to the northwest region, and we have to take this matter seriously!”
After thinking for a while, Liu Chengyou said: "It seems that after these few years of peace, they are no longer restless. The Khitan people and the Difficult Army also chose a good time."
Having said that, Liu Chengyou also expressed his attitude on this matter: "Now, the focus of the imperial court should be on flattening the south of the Yangtze River and unifying the world. As for the northwest, the Khitan people's intentions are not clear, and the party is still suspicious. As long as the situation is not changed, Breaking it can only be temporarily shelved. However, I have already issued an edict to make the northwest military and government be more vigilant."
