In the stone pavilion, Li Xuan's words that seemed to be smiling but not smiling made the atmosphere in the pavilion tense again.
Yuan Chao straightened his body slightly and said with a gentle expression: "There are no general matters. Others are mostly personal matters. As long as the previous Tianyin Sect generals agree, the next step is to surrender..."
At this point, Yuan Chao looked at Li Xuan, raised his hands and asked: "If the surrender is successful, I wonder if the imperial court can issue an order to no longer pursue the crime of being a thief. After all, after Chen Shuo's death, the lives of the people of Muzhou were many and difficult. They are a little worried..."
Li Xuan waved her hand directly and said with great certainty: "What happened in the past will never happen again. After all, the real masters of what happened in the past are still the Duke of Zhao and the Duke of Henan. Your Majesty is kind and loving to the people. If you follow the example of Yao and Shun, what happened in the past will not happen again." Happened again."
Yuan Chao immediately raised his eyebrows.
The Duke of Zhao was naturally Changsun Wuji, and the Duke of Henan was Chu Suiliang. They were in charge when the incident occurred.
In just one sentence, Li Xuan placed all the responsibilities on the two dead men.
But if this is really the case, then why did the imperial court's harsh administration of Muzhou never change in the following ten years?
"Your Majesty is magnanimous," Yuan Chao slightly arched his hands in the direction of Shendu, then looked at Li Xuan, and said helplessly: "I naturally know your Majesty's heart, but the foolish people and women of the Tianyin Sect are still grudges about this matter. Huai, I wonder if the imperial court can appease the people and put an end to their worries. After all, the Tianyin Sect has a large number in Muzhou. Otherwise, if they are pacified today and rebel again tomorrow, there will be no end in sight."
Li Xuan glanced at Yuan Chao, then turned to look at Yao Zhi. They didn't understand why Yuan Chao always emphasized this point.
Yuan Chaoke has never been an official who cares about the country and the people. On the contrary, he is very selfish.
After thinking for a moment, Li Xuan said: "The Central Committee has given comprehensive consideration to the Tianyin Sect's disposition. I will try my best to persuade Governor Duan and I to report together, asking Your Majesty and the Central Committee to forgive the common people's behavior of being traitors, and then make it clear. Tell the world."
"Thank you so much, Your Majesty. If all the crimes of being a thief that he is waiting for here can be forgiven, then I think they won't hold on to anything anymore." After Yuan Chao finished speaking, he said a long He breathed a sigh of relief.
Li Xuan and Yao Zhi looked at each other. They finally understood what Yuan Chao was talking about.
"Sir, have you ever thought about yourself?" Li Xuan slowly sat upright. Today's negotiation finally touched on the core issue.
Yuan Chao's own processing results.
Before the Muzhou Incident, Yuan Chao was a soldier in Muzhou and joined the army. Shi Xu was controlled by the Tianyin Sect, so Yuan Chao defected to the Tianyin Sect.
In order to win over Yuan Chao, the Tianyin Sect also recommended him as the Inspector of Muzhou Sima in the name of Shi Xu, and the court agreed.
It's a pity that before the imperial court's appointment came down, the Tianyin Sect had already started to take action.
Looking at the solemn looks in Li Xuan and Yao Zhi's eyes, Yuan Chao smiled bitterly and shook his head, saying: "This official is not an ignorant person. He is guilty and his crime will not be forgiven. Only with His Majesty's grace can we be lucky. Others I really can’t expect too much.”
In the entire stone pavilion, the sound of wind suddenly stopped.
Li Xuan lowered her eyebrows and lowered her eyes. Although Yuan Chao's words were pitiful, everyone knew that the real difficulty for the navy in front of them was Yuan Chao.
Once Yuan Chao's matter is not resolved, then everything about the two thousand navy and two thousand infantry will be empty talk.
Now that the Hangzhou Navy is still unable to spare its hands, Li Xuan's men can only hold Sanhe Pass at most.
It is reasonable to want to pacify Muzhou as quickly as possible, forgive Yuan Chao for his crimes, and even reward him.
Li Xuan raised her head, chuckled and said, "Mr. Yuan, don't worry so much. Your Majesty is broad-minded and generous in all things. If Mr. Yuan corrects the chaos at the critical moment, Your Majesty will definitely reward you. When the time comes, an uncle will definitely be indispensable... As for the specifics Not to mention that I have to wait for the position, even His Majesty may not be able to decide it. That is the responsibility of the three central provinces and the Ministry of Personnel."
Yuan Chao nodded, he knew what Li Xuan said was true, but if some things are not settled now, it will be more difficult in the future.
After a slight hesitation, Yuan Chao said: "Xiaoguan is well aware of the seriousness of his sins and does not dare to have too many delusions. I only hope that after this incident, Xiaguan can retire safely in Wuyue. I don't think about anything else."
"I will present the memorial together with Governor Duan." After saying this, Li Xuan couldn't help but smile, looked at Yuan Chao and said: "Actually, only Mr. led everyone to fight all the way to Muzhou City, and then defeated Tianyin rebels, let alone live in peace and security, it may not be impossible even for the state Sima and the state governor, sir, you must seize the opportunity."
"What the prince said is absolutely true!" Yuan Chao immediately became solemn.
Although the Tianyin Sect today has suffered heavy losses under Li Xuan's hands, it is not at the end of its rope.
The leader of Tianyin, Empress Gu, also led an army of 10,000 to attack Shezhou. Even though Li Xuan had now divided his troops to go to Muzhou, Empress Gu still did not look back.
It is true that Muzhou is the foundation of Tianyin Sect, but now, all the troops mobilized by Tianyin Sect in Muzhou have been mobilized. They do not expect much support from Muzhou, even in the form of food and grass.
Empress Dowager's army had already brought enough food and baggage with them when they set out. What they wanted was to capture Shezhou before the food and baggage was exhausted.
If you want to completely pacify Muzhou, you must ultimately defeat the Queen's army.
If at this time, Yuan Chao could lead the rebellious navy to stab Chao Guang from behind, it would be a huge blow to her and the entire Tianyin Sect.
With this, Yuan Chao will be forgiven no matter how big of a mistake he has made, and it is not a bad idea to even be promoted to a higher position.
…
"Sir, you might as well bring a message back to the rest of you. If we can really capture Muzhou City, break through the Tianyin Sect's nest, and capture Tianyin Gu alive, we will let them rule Muzhou forever, and we will grant them the title of Duke or Marquis. It's not a bad idea to have hereditary power and neglect!" Li Xuan said one sentence, and Yuan Chao's eyes suddenly lit up.
Yao Zhi on the side couldn't help but frowned. This was somewhat too much.
He did not speak to refute Li Xuan. After all, Li Xuan, the current king of the county, was qualified to say this.
"With these words from the prince, I feel much more at ease." Yuan Chao looked energetic. He bowed to Li Xuan again and said in a deep voice: "I will go back to discuss with everyone. If everything goes well, we will be there soon." I hope the prince will wait patiently for all the results."
Yuan Chao looked very excited and seemed to be looking forward to such a future.
"Sir, please!" Li Xuan and Yao Zhi stood up at the same time, and everyone was relieved at the same time. The matter finally came to an end.
…
The awning boat sailed from the river, taking Yuan Chao slowly towards the distance.
At this time, the sun was already high in the sky, and the mist on the river began to thin quickly.
A huge three-masted ship appeared above the clouds and mist, and the awning boat quickly approached the three-masted ship.
As soon as Yuan Chao stood still, a young general wearing silver fish scale armor came over: "Second brother, how is the situation?"
"Fortunately, it's not bad." Yuan Chao turned around and looked at Li Xuan and Yao Zhi who were still in the stone pavilion in the distance. He said solemnly: "The King of Nanchang is ready. If we are willing to surrender, of course He offers a series of benefits, and if we don’t surrender, he is also ready to deal with us.”
"Second brother, is the King of Nanchang really as powerful as the rumors say?" A trace of worry flashed across the young general's expression.
Yuan Chao looked at his ninth brother Yuan Lin amusedly and said, "Those are all rumors. If the King of Nanchang really has the power to control wind and rain, do you think the saint would send him to Wuzhou?"
"It turns out there isn't." Yuan Lin couldn't help but feel a little disappointed.
"That's not necessarily the case." Yuan Chao's face became serious, he looked at Yuan Lin and said: "Although the King of Nanchang does not have the ability to call for wind and rain, when he knows the sky, it is inevitable to follow the changes of the sky. In addition, his personal strategy is astonishing. If you don't pay attention, , you might fall into his trap."
"Brother, I remember!" Yuan Lin solemnly handed over her hand.
Yuan Chao waved his hand, and then asked: "Is everything in the army as usual?"
"Yes! Although Zhu Si was imprisoned, he did not do anything. Those under him were also very peaceful. On the contrary, the three Bai brothers were active everywhere and seemed to have other ideas." Yuan Lin left Yuan Chao here. Things that happened over a period of time were revealed one by one.
After hearing this, Yuan Chao's face turned cold involuntarily: "It seems that the King of Nanchang is right. Some things really need to be discussed carefully."
"Here!"
Yuan Chao took a deep breath and saw in the distance that Li Xuan and Yao Zhi had already boarded the boat, and he quickly handed over.
Li Xuan and Yao Zhi stood on the awning boat and returned the favor to Yuan Chao.
Standing up straight, Li Xuan turned to Yao Zhi and asked, "Sima, what do you think this Yuan Canjun wants?"
"What else could it be? Just the position of Sima, and two thousand sailors under his command!" Yao Zhi has been watching with cold eyes today.
In today's negotiation, all the questions raised by Yuan Chao were actually about himself.
He wanted to stay in Muzhou as an official, wanted to usurp actual posts, wanted to gather with his soldiers in one place, and wanted to be exempted from guilt by the imperial court's decree, all he said was himself.
Bing Cao joined the army and became Sima, and he also wanted to have control of the navy.
In this way, even if the court appoints a new Muzhou governor, Yuan Chao, who has military power, is still the real king of Muzhou.
He may even be able to get a glimpse of the position of governor in the future. He definitely has such ambitions.
Thinking of this, Yao Zhi couldn't help but ask: "Your Majesty, if he really breaks through the Tianyin Sect's lair and captures Tianyin's queen alive, will your Majesty really guarantee that he will stay in Muzhou forever, and that he will be granted the title of Duke and Marquis, and will be hereditary? ?”
"Of course." Li Xuan nodded simply.
Seeing Yao Zhi's expression that he wanted to persuade but didn't know what to say, Li Xuan waved his hand and said: "Sima doesn't have to worry about this. If he can really capture Tianyin's Queen alive, how can he find me?" To ensure the memorial, Your Majesty will personally summon him to the capital and present the correct report in court. As for whether he can persuade Your Majesty and the princes in the court to let Yongzhi Muzhou be granted the title of Duke, Marquis, and hereditary succession, it all depends on his own ability. "
"That's it!" Yao Zhi couldn't help but laugh.
Indeed, the final power to deal with Yuan Chao has never been in the hands of Southeast, but in the hands of His Majesty.
"By the way, Sima, he mentioned absolution and absolution several times just now. Could it be that he did something unforgivable?" Li Xuan's sudden words made the smile on Yao Zhi's face shake.
"There is no capital crime more than treason. They are all here now. Everything else is nothing more than trivial matters." Yao Zhi shook his head slightly.
In the current situation, as long as Muzhou can be quickly stabilized, the imperial court will recognize it even if there is something wrong.
What's more, the imperial court has a system of "eight discussions": discussing relatives, discussing old friends, discussing talents, discussing abilities, discussing merits, discussing nobles, discussing diligence, and discussing guests.
Among these eight types of people, those who are guilty of "exile" or less will be punished by one level of reduction; those who are guilty of serious crimes will be personally sentenced by the emperor.
If the emperor doesn't allow it, he will still be executed. If the emperor agrees, he will be exiled thousands of miles away.
Li Xuan took a deep breath and said softly: "Now it seems that he is really going to surrender. I have to admit that Yuan Canjun's senses are really keen. If he stays in the mountain all the time, I may really be able to do nothing to him." No, but if he breaks into Wuzhou, I will definitely let him never come back."
"This is already the best." Yao Zhi also felt relieved at the same time.
(End of chapter)
