Emperor Qingyuan was able to stand out among the disputes among the ten kingdoms. He was well aware of the need to segregate local political power, and redrawn the world into twenty-five roads. Each road was divided into administrative and supervisory areas, which were controlled by the central government. Each state had a military governor. , Zhou Mu, in charge of military and civilian affairs. A transfer envoy is set up to temporarily take charge of finance. The governor supervises the military, civilian and financial affairs, and a general magistrate is established to supervise and assist.
The former powerful governors, vassal kings, and hereditary emperors have also become honorary titles in name only.
The imperial court strengthened the centralized control of power, allowing the Confucian scholars in the temple to ascend to heaven. They boasted that "everything is of inferior quality, only reading is good". Even the weak scholar who had no strength to tie a chicken was seen wielding a sword and wielding a stick. Being able to scornfully say "Wu Fu" comes from proving one's innocence.
The number of literati in the dynasty was unprecedentedly prosperous. Any one thrown from the temple could knock down a large number of local officials. Civil servants of the same level were three points more expensive than military attachés.
Wang Chongli, the Zhijun of Qingzhou, is one of them. In his early years, he served as the deputy envoy of the Third Envoy of the imperial court. Later, due to the chaos in the imperial court, he was forced to leave the capital by the prince. He came to Qingzhou to serve as the Zhijun and Prefecture Affairs Officer, which was regarded as a long-distance investment by the prince. A chess piece to contain the Qingzhou frontier army of Zhenbei Liushi who was biased towards King Cheng.
The frontier army is different from the Xiang army. One is the Imperial Forbidden Army, directly under the emperor, and the other is the local field army, controlled by the states. Although the emperor suppressed military force and promoted culture, he was still quite partial to the imperial army directly under him. After all, this was what made him stable. The backing of the imperial power inside and outside, the sharp sword to regain the Yanyun Sixteen Provinces, never showed any mercy. This kind of jealousy and bias also prompted the local Xiang army to squeeze their heads into the Forbidden Army camp. Those who joined the ranks were all arrogant and fierce soldiers. The elite is the only institution in the current dynasty that cannot be entered through connections.
In contrast, the eunuchs and the three holy men in the temple were too happy.
It's ridiculous to say that three years ago, the Qingzhou Xiang Army and the Border Army slept on the same bed and drank from the same pot. Maybe because they were emperors and courtiers, the previous Zhijun Prefecture Minister Fan Wei was the brother of Zhi Privy Envoy Fan Shijie. , and the Privy Council was close to King Cheng, the border army and the Xiang army were naturally as close as one family. He was transferred back to the capital three years ago and was replaced by Wang Chongli, who was promoted by the prince. Naturally, the two parties were not on the right track.
He Shaozhou, the major general of the Qingzhou Frontier Army with his white horse and white armor, also happened to dislike the sourness of civil servants. As a result, the Qingzhou Frontier Army and the Xiang Army did not interact with each other for three years.
Wang Chongli was very cautious in taking charge of the Qingzhou Xiang Army for three years, for fear that something would go wrong and cause trouble to the prince. Fortunately, his son Wang Feng was able to fight for it and stand out among the younger generation. Wang Feng's talents can also be compared to his father's meritorious service in his own career. He can enter the official career with his literary skills, and join the imperial army with his military skills.
If they had to make a choice between civil and military affairs, the Wang family and his son would definitely choose the latter. That is where the prince lacked the most confidant. It was precisely because the Wang family and his son understood what the master needed that the prince could protect Wang Chongli, the chess piece, as the governor of Qingzhou. , this place is not far or close to the capital, and the emperor can see it, so that Wang Feng can stand out and break into the forbidden army by his ability.
Just after Shen Shi in the afternoon, with the spring sun tilting to the west, a large solid wood round table was placed in the pavilion on the hill in the backyard of the Wang family's residence. This pavilion is called "Lanjing Pavilion", overlooking the four directions, you can have a panoramic view of the backyard, and on the left you can see the sparkling huge lake. On the right, you can admire the orchards and flowerbeds that are blooming for miles. In the front, there are plum blossoms, orchids, bamboos, and chrysanthemums in stone forests and rockeries. In the back, you can overlook half a street of the lively fireworks market.
It can be said that the Wang family's residence is a place of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle, and a quiet place to explore in the city. It is difficult to find another residence of this size in the entire Qingzhou.
Even the mansions of Lu You, the governor of Nazhou, and Xu Liang, the governor, were not so luxurious. They were not both virtuous and humble people. All of this was due to the good fortune of the former military commander Fan Wei. During the years when he was in office, he and the border army were in the same family. He was considerate of the people and won the hearts of both the army and the people, but the people of Qingzhou could not repay him; they had to renovate and expand the mansion again and again. The governor and Zhou Mu, who were at the same level as him, had no choice but to open their eyes to him because of his background and the benefits of benefiting the people. With one eye closed, it finally reached its current scale, but he was transferred back to the capital before he could live in Rehu, allowing Wang Chongli to take advantage.
The mansion of Wang Chongli, a bargain-hunting magistrate and state minister, was extremely busy today. Dozens of young and beautiful women gathered together to enjoy the landscape flowers in the huge backyard, stroll in the stone forest, or climb up in the attic. The eyes are arrogant.
The servant who had been squatting at the door of the mansion saw a large group of people emerging from the street. When he got closer, he saw that they were the uniforms of the soldiers of the Wang family. He immediately stood up and was so anxious that he even patted his buttocks and ran towards the inner hall to report: " Master, the young master is back!"
The voice was surprisingly loud, which made several middle-aged people drinking tea and negotiating in the inner palace frown in surprise. They only felt their eardrums buzzing. The next moment they changed to happy smiling faces, not because they were tolerant to the servant, but because they heard him report: "Master I'm home!".
Among the middle-aged men, the most domineering-looking man stood up. It was Wang Chongli. He was obviously a civil servant, but he had a face that was more majestic than a military general. He handed over to the others and said, "My son is going back home. Here are some of you." Wait." She waved her red round-necked shirt and ran straight to the gate to welcome her son back home.
The few people who were left aside didn't find it strange. Everyone who knows the Wang family knows that the father of the Wang family is as important as the son. If it weren't for his son, I am afraid that Wang Chongli would still be living a life of intrigues and intrigues between the third rank and the fourth rank official. Is it the official rank or the actual authority and prestige? The third-rank official in this state has "quanzhiqingzhou state military", which is much stronger than the fourth-rank Beijing official from the third-level envoy. Although the word "quan" is added to the official title, it means that he has temporarily taken over. meaning.
Officialdom is like sailing against the current. If you don't advance, you will retreat. Who is not "temporary"? Judging from the current situation of the Wang family and his son, if nothing happens to the prince, the Wang family will be promoted steadily. Why not do this kind of icing on the cake? They looked at each other. Then he went to the gate to greet the beloved son of the Wang family.
When they arrived at the door, a group of people had already entered the house, and dozens of people were surrounding them. Wang Feng, who was three points handsome and seven points powerful, was leading the way for a graceful and plump woman in dark green clothes. The only flaw was that the woman's face was slightly dark and she was still alive. The obvious freckles and moles made many male servants in the mansion feel a great regret to the young talents who came to the backyard after hearing the noise.
Before the cheerful Wang Chongli could speak, his son Wang Feng took the lead and ordered: "Prepare the best bathing room in the house to bathe and wash away the dust for Princess Dali!"
As soon as these words came out, everyone present was stunned. Even his father, Wang Chongli, was stunned. His son always did things in a low voice and never revealed it to others. This time was the most surprising to him. He actually invited Princess Dali into the house. ?
In this way, my son has accomplished a lot! But it is said that Princess Dali is the second most beautiful woman in the beauty list. She is a charming woman. Why does she have a dark face and a lot of pockmarks and moles? Wang Chongli was confused but did not forget his son's instructions. He hurriedly sent his servants to follow the instructions. He supervised it himself. Before leaving, he did not forget to give his beloved son a thumbs up: "My son is going to be successful!"
As soon as Wang Chongli left, the middle-aged people who went out with him to greet Wang Feng all raised their hands to Wang Feng. After a brief greeting, they decisively avoided him. They were all human beings. On this occasion, he had nothing to talk about with a group of young people. Secondly, he didn't want to be left behind. The Wang family was displeased with the crime of taking advantage of the opportunity to curry favor with the Princess of Dali. Inviting several middle-aged people from prominent Qingzhou families to this youth feast hosted by the Wang family was enough to show that the Wang family father and son recognized these people, thus saving themselves from trouble.
They moved east and west, leaving behind a group of young talents exchanging polite greetings at the door. Still no one paid attention to the two rough guys who were with Princess Dali. After Wang Feng greeted everyone, he asked the maid to lead the princess to bathe and wash away the dust. Princess Dali Then he turned around and looked at the two mute "attendants" behind him: "Do you two want to take a shower?"
Everyone was surprised, Princess Dali is so unrestrained?
Chen Xiaoyao, who had a beard on his face, had a hint of indecency on his lips: "It's natural to wash up!"
Zhao Zhengli immediately analyzed the words and joked: "I'm afraid the bath bucket can't hold the three of us!"
Her Royal Highness finally realized that she had set a trap for herself, her face darkened, and she said to Wang Feng: "Prepare a basin of boiling water for the scumbag of the two, and wash it at the gate!"
All the young people are ashamed that the master and servants of Dali Kingdom get along so casually?
It took nearly half an hour for the three of them to take a shower and change clothes. The Wang family did not follow Her Royal Highness the Princess's instructions to prepare boiling water for the two of them at the gate, but served them like guests.
When Princess Dali appeared again, everyone who saw her was astonished, and everyone was shocked by her stunning beauty. Comparing it before and after, it was the difference between heaven and earth. Her skin was as smooth as cream, and her beauty was like a fairy. Her beauty.
Even though Zhao Zhengli had seen her true appearance, he was still deeply fascinated this time. Fortunately, he had seen several beauties on the beauty list, so he would not be like Chen Xiaoyao who was so worthless and drooling.
Led by Wang Feng, more than a dozen young people suddenly felt a hint of envy and jealousy towards the two rough guys. It was really a disgrace to such a beautiful woman to have two middle-aged rough guys next to her.
The people present were all the proud and proud young people of the martial arts world. They naturally kept their emotions secret, their eyes coveted Princess Dali for just a fleeting moment, and they didn't show any concern for the two rough men who followed them.
As the host, Wang Feng took the lead to break the deadlock: "Your Highness, Princess, please go to the backyard pavilion and take a seat. By the way, I will introduce to Your Highness the young talents from our Qingguo Jianghu temples."
The Princess of Dali was like a banished immortal coming to the dust. She was dressed in dark green clothes and walked with lotus steps: "Very good! Recently, I have often heard rumors that your country has Zhao Zhengli, the son of a rebellious official. I wonder if he can come?"
As she spoke, she intentionally or unintentionally glanced at the rough guy Zhao Zhengli behind her, with a hint of teasing in the corner of her mouth.
Except for Zhao Zhengli and Chen Xiaoyao, none of the young people traveling with her, including Wang Feng, could see the reason for the slight smile on her lips.
Wang Feng immediately laughed twice and said with great pride: "Even if the rebellious minister's son had the intention, I'm afraid he wouldn't have the guts to come! If he really comes, he will only bring gifts to the outstanding figures in the world."
Several young people accompanying him also flattered him: "This gift will definitely be given to the prince, one million gold, and a hereditary title, which will make the prince's reputation resound throughout the world!"
Princess Dali was met with cold water: "I heard that the rebellious minister's son had already fought against the puppet Grand Master in Shu, Nanzhao old woman. Prince Wang also has the strength to defeat the puppet Grand Master?"
The lively and flattering atmosphere suddenly dropped to a freezing point. A slender young man in gorgeous clothes helped to smooth things over: "It's just a rumor in the world. It can't be taken seriously. Our event is for exchange and learning. If the rebellious son really dares to come, we will be together soon." Being superior is naturally better than all kinds of gossip."
Another added: "As Mr. Wang said, if you give him the courage, he probably won't dare to come!"
The young man who had flattered the Wang family earlier said jokingly: "I heard that a few days ago in Taojia Town, Mr. Du Qiao of the Du family blocked him in the Peach Blossom Wine Shop. If he hadn't been the owner of the Peach Blossom Wine Shop, I'm afraid he would have been completely shocked by the rebellious minister's son?"
Talking about this time, someone reminded: "I heard that a Jinshi from the Jianghu Du family is working as an errand in the Ministry of Etiquette. Brother Wang, you have to hurry up and don't let that Du Qiao take away the "big gift"."
After hearing this, Wang Feng thoughtfully nodded in agreement.
The two rough guys who had been following behind said nothing and looked around the palace. They were secretly surprised. It was so big. The long corridor connecting the attic and the attic took a cup of tea. After walking through the corridor, Step on the arch bridge again, cross the stream, and then enter the winding stone forest. Each courtyard of plum, orchid, bamboo and chrysanthemum dominates one side, and there is a large peony courtyard with blooming flowers in the middle.
Before I finished reading here, I entered the weird-shaped bonsai garden. The old trees with entwined roots and the vigorous ancient vines were overwhelming.
After walking on the flat road, they climbed up a steep slope and climbed up the stone steps step by step. As the height climbed, the field of view became broader and the whole garden was unobstructed. At first, Zhao Zhengli and Chen Xiaoyao were still muttering whether the Wang family had brought everyone there on purpose. We took a roundabout way to show off our family status. We only found out the shortest way to the pavilion on the top of the mountain. If we took a roundabout way, we might not be able to get up until dark.
I cursed secretly in my heart: "You're so fucking big!"
On the other hand, Princess Dali said in a whisper as soft as a mosquito: "This yard is so fancy and overcrowded that it should be expanded if there are many varieties!!"
Wang Feng and the others didn't know whether they heard Zhao Zhengli, but he and Chen Xiaoyao were speechless. Do they really think they were from Dali?
The group of people arrived at Lanjing Pavilion at exactly the same time, when the spring sun was setting and the sunset was about to end. There were lamps and candles everywhere in the palace and the streets in the distance. The candles and lanterns corresponded to the sunset. The sky was between dark and not dark, which was very beautiful.
There are already more than ten people gathered in Lanjing Pavilion, plus a group of them who have arrived, a total of twenty or thirty people, not counting the servants and maids.
Several rows of lanterns were hung on the pavilion, making the night for miles around look like incandescence. Zhao Zhengli quickly scanned the faces of the people present. Many of them were familiar faces to the three saints in the temple, like Qi Yun Shan Yang Zhi Ming, who had a long sword hanging on his waist in the Tianshi Mansion, and was equipped with a long spear. Zhang Baishan of Wudang, several monks from the North and South Shaolin of the Imperial Prefecture, among which there were five or six monks from the North Shaolin who had formed an alliance with Zhao Zhengli, Yu Bo, the nephew of Yu Shangshu of the Confucian Academy, was also among them, and there were also Jiangnan Pang Haowei, Fang Na and Cai Xun are three outstanding figures in the literary world.
The other few young men with upright faces could tell at a glance that they were from a family of military commanders, and that the inherited martial arts were all the same.
There were also the three middle-aged people who had accompanied Wang Chongli to welcome Wang Feng earlier. Together with him and Chen Xiaoyao, the five of them were the oldest people present.
When Wang Feng saw everyone gathered, he took the initiative to introduce tonight's guest, Princess Dali. Everyone had already been attracted by her aura, even if they had heard about it; when it was confirmed and seen with their own eyes, they were still shocked. She was like a bright pearl, making everyone present equally graceful. The woman was eclipsed.
Confucian Academy Fang Na glanced at her again and again, with an expression full of envy and jealousy.
On the contrary, some young people were only shocked for a moment and then calmly calmed down.
He also introduced Princess Dali to the young men from the temples and temples of Qing Dynasty. Those upright young men were indeed from the ranks of military generals. They all came from Hebei, Hedong and Qingzhou. There were General Ge's nephew, Ge Xiao, who claimed to be a loyal minister, and the newly promoted commander Zhang. Zhang Yang, a general from the same clan, and Zhan Yanmo, a collateral member of the Zhan family of the Hunan Army in Qingzhou.
After these famous temple generals, Princess Dali didn't know any of the leaders in the world. She simply waved her hand to express friendship. Zhao Zhengli, who had stayed in Qingcheng Mountain all year round, didn't even know a few of the older generations who were famous in the world. I vaguely heard some senior brothers talking.
In contrast, Chen Xiaoyao, who has been in the world for a long time, knows too much. When it comes to Ge Xiao, he can talk about Ge Hongliang, the commander of Hedong Road. When talking about Zhang Yang, he can talk about Zhang Zhilong, the fierce general of Zhending Prefecture on Hebei Road.
Although these generals have become famous and prestigious among the generals in the temple, the few present today are not directly related to them. At most, they are related to each other. This is somewhat suspected of using the skin of a tiger as a banner.
Zhao Zhengli couldn't understand how Wang Feng managed to avoid direct connections and get to know people with distant and sometimes close connections. After all, he was also the son of a dignified Qingzhou Zhijun, but he didn't have a like-minded second-generation official best friend?
"Young Master Wang is very popular and likes to meet people. He didn't invite me to such a grand event. I came here uninvited. I hope you won't hurt your harmony!"
The visitor was dressed in silk fir, with a jade face and peach blossoms and a slight smile. He waved a folding fan gently in his hand. He was dressed in brocade clothes and had a jade sachet and brocade belt hanging on his waist. He was full of nobility.
Along with him were three or five young men who looked like noble men from aristocratic families.
It was those direct descendants of the generals, and even a descendant of the Jianghu sect. Except for Ge Xiao, the people present recognized his cousin, Ge Xiaojin, the son of Ge Hongliang, the rest were from the same clan of the Zhang family, and were descendants of the Zhan family. No one after the famous general recognized the direct lineage of the main commander.
Wang Feng hurriedly bowed and almost knocked his head on the ground respectfully: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, your presence will make your humble abode shine."
The young man closed his folding fan and said jokingly: "How can you do that? Your humble abode is already quite big!" Then he pointed to a few people around him: "Don't you want to meet the famous general? I have invited you here!"
As soon as these words came out, it was like a storm crashing on the shore, making Wang Feng and several famous generals who were related to each other feel nervous.
Zhao Zhengli, who looked like a rough guy, frowned and quickly calculated the identity of the visitor in his mind. Although the hereditary titles of princes and princes were reduced in the current dynasty, there were not only ten but also nine people who called the crown prince. He could really figure it out just by saying "the crown prince". It’s unclear who it is.
"Haha! It's so lively. Since it's a feast for the young generation of the world, it shouldn't be divided by national boundaries. Let me wait for people from other countries to come and ask for a drink. I wonder if the prince would like to enjoy the wine? Prince Xiao, would you like to stay temporarily?"
As soon as he finished speaking, three or five waves of people in different costumes rushed into the Wang family's mansion. Zhao Zhengli knew that they were Khitan, Tubo and Xixia without even looking.
From the corner of his eye, he glanced at Princess Dali who was looking at the excitement; he sighed in his heart: "Teacher Xiao? I'm afraid it will be lively tonight!"
