"What the prince said is absolutely true. Long Haotian wrote very clearly in the memorial that these sixty-six million taels are the tax for Xichuan for a hundred years," Wu Yusheng said, "He has already levied the tax for a hundred years. How can we pay back the tax?" Can I ask for Xichuan with me?"
While the two were talking, they entered the main hall. Changsheng called his servants and ordered him to change the tea.
Seeing this, Wu Yusheng hurriedly bowed and thanked him. In fact, the servants in the house had been serving tea while he was waiting. Changshengren's exchange of tea not only expressed his importance to him, but also told him that he was prepared to talk to him in detail. If he died, If someone changes his mind to tea, he should resign wisely.
The two were seated separately, and Wu Yusheng said, "The memorial said 'all the belongings were taken away', which means that in addition to paying taxes, he and the officials in Xichuan also handed over all their property, and the entire property was handed over." The memorial's wording was modest and intended to show weakness and loyalty, so as to avoid conquest."
"He is not showing weakness, he is really weak. With the ragtag group of people he leads, it is simply a miracle that he can capture Xichuan," Changsheng said, "And there is no one who can't die in a war. Even if he captures Xichuan, he will definitely lose his troops. His vitality is severely damaged, if we go to attack him at this time, he will have no power to fight back."
"Your Majesty, since he has done this, how should we respond?" Wu Yusheng asked.
"What do you mean?" Changsheng asked casually.
Wu Yusheng thought for a moment and said, "Xichuan is remote and the land is barren. The taxes collected every year are not enough for disaster relief. It is not easy for Long Haotian to raise these 66 million taels."
"It's not easy. He knows that giving me three melons and two dates won't fool me. He led his troops to conquer Xichuan before. I once met him on the way. At that time, I discovered that he had plundered a lot of gold and silver along the way. Xiruan, he also knows that I saw the gold and silver. When I was in charge of Yushitai, I was famous for being a ruthless person who confiscated property. He knew very well that if he didn't hand over the money, he would always be worried about me." Changsheng said.
Although Changsheng told the reason, he never made his position clear. Wu Yusheng could only wait for the next step.
Changsheng thought for a while and said, "The treasury is currently empty and we are in urgent need of money. This 66 million taels is not a small amount, and we cannot refuse."
"If I accept this batch of gold and silver in my humble position, will it be difficult for the prince in the future?" Wu Yusheng asked cautiously.
"Do you even need to ask? It must be difficult to do," Changsheng said. "As the saying goes, accepting people's money to help them eliminate disasters is a rule of the past dynasties. After accepting Long Haotian's money, you will naturally not be able to conquer him again in the future. "
Wu Yusheng nodded slowly and did not answer.
Changsheng felt awkward and cursed casually, "This shameless bitch did something like this at the critical moment. A few days ago, he was still in seclusion, sealing roads, and proclaimed himself king. Now that he learned that Master Zhang had won the battle, he immediately changed his position. You're just pretending to be a grandson."
Wu Yusheng smiled and said, "In my humble opinion, the reason why Long Haotian paid tribute and begged for mercy was not because Master Zhang won the battle, but because he learned that you had returned safely, my lord. He was not afraid of Master Zhang. He was afraid of you. These six thousand The six million taels were nominally given to the imperial court, but in reality they were given to you. He knows that you have a valuable character and are true to your word. As long as you accept this batch of gold and silver, you will never embarrass him again. Even if the imperial court wants to If you go back on your word, you will stop it.”
"He really understands me," Changsheng smiled bitterly and shook his head, "This guy was born as a beggar, his conduct is very despicable, and he has no limits in his actions. As long as it is profitable, he can forget all about face and dignity. I don't think back then. The eunuchs colluded with Jianghu warriors to besiege the Daming Palace. He was originally a rebel ally, but later found out that the situation had reversed, he immediately defected and turned into a great hero who supported the heaven."
Wu Yusheng could understand Changsheng's mood at this time. Long Haotian was undoubtedly a bad guy, but this bad guy took advantage of everything, made a series of opportunistic moves, and finally broke the earth and sealed the king. It was true that the sky had no eyes and the right path was not prosperous.
While the two were talking, a servant brought tea. Now that the matter was over, no matter how uncomfortable Chang Sheng felt, he could only endure it. Who made the imperial court so poor at the moment? It is true that people are poor but have short ambitions, and horses are thin and hairy.
"Your Majesty, I have had a detailed discussion with Shopkeeper Song these days..."
Before Wu Yusheng could finish speaking, Changsheng waved his hand and interrupted him, "You are fully responsible for this matter. The Ni family was forced to leave by the emperor back then. Now the rice and grain assistance is mainly because of me. Let's try not to waste it." Take other people’s rice and grain, and give them whatever you can allocate, and try to keep me from owing as little favor as possible. What should I give back to you?”
Wu Yusheng was single-handedly promoted by Chang Sheng, so Chang Sheng would naturally not treat him as an outsider, and Wu Yusheng also understood Chang Sheng's difficulties, "Don't worry, Your Majesty, the Tang Dynasty is vast and rich in resources. Although money and food are currently scarce, there are many mineral deposits and products. The Ni family has generously given gifts. I am humble in this position." We will definitely try to supplement the returns.”
Changsheng picked up the tea cup and took a sip of tea, then put down the tea cup and said, "You prepare for me 20,000 soldiers for half a month. I will mobilize 20,000 soldiers and horses from Shuzhou to recapture Qingyang. If Qingyang doesn't If it is recovered, grain and grass from the Western Regions will not be transported to Chang'an."
Hearing Changsheng's words, Wu Yusheng hurriedly stood up and accepted the order. Changsheng waved his hand at him and said again, "I also used to be in charge of the household department. I know how difficult it is to run this family. This 86 million taels seems like a lot." It's a little, but it's actually not much. You must save some money. Master Zhang doesn't need rice and grain supplies in a short time. Once the money and grain are in place, we will help the victims as soon as possible. I went out this time to take a look at the disaster situation on both sides of the river. It was shocking. , it’s terrible.”
After saying Chang Sheng's words, Wu Yusheng nodded solemnly, as he should be.
Chang Sheng stood up from his seat and said, "Okay, Datou and the others are back. I haven't heard anything from them during this period. They have been worried about you. I will come to see you first when I know you are coming. Now that the business is over, I have to go see them." , let’s go, I’ll see you off by the way.”
Changsheng did not send Wu Yusheng to the door, but sent him to the front yard and then changed his route to the west yard.
It was mid-afternoon, and the sun was not as harsh as it was at noon. When Changsheng went to the west courtyard, Datou and others were enjoying the shade under the hibiscus tree in the courtyard.
Everyone heard Changsheng's footsteps before he came in. When he walked into the west courtyard, everyone had already stood up.
Seeing Datou and others again, Changsheng felt as if he had been in another world, with thousands of thoughts and emotions.
The same is true for Datou and others. They originally thought that Changsheng had killed Silla, but now Changsheng appeared in front of everyone. Everyone was stunned for a moment. No one spoke or came forward. They just stood there blankly. on the ground, staring at him intently.
"No one is allowed to act like a child, let alone cry for joy." Chang Sheng said with a smile.
Everyone smiled when they heard Chang Sheng's words. In fact, several people had already discussed it on the way back. They must control their emotions and treat it as if they were reunited after a long separation. No one could get excited and lose their composure, causing trouble for Chang Sheng.
In addition to the big four, Huang Silang was also there. Changsheng stepped forward and bowed his hands to Huang Silang in greeting, "Brother Huang, I have worked hard for you during this time. I cannot thank you enough for your kindness."
Huang Silang knew that he was an outsider, and Datou and others met Changsheng. He did not want to participate, but Datou and others insisted on dragging him to meet Changsheng. Now that Changsheng treated him with great courtesy, Huang Silang put aside his worries and said, "Prince Seriously, you have been kind to me, and I should repay the kindness. Knowing that you survived a desperate situation, several generals are overjoyed, and I am also happy for them."
"From now on, we are friends. If Brother Huang encounters any difficulties in the future, we will be obliged to do so." Changsheng said.
Hearing Changsheng's words, Huang Silang not only did not feel lost, but felt relieved, because in the past few months, he had been running around with Datou and others. Not only was he physically and mentally exhausted, but he also encountered many dangers. He was an alien, and he was used to being careless on weekdays, with flashes of swords and swords. It can't get used to the old days, but if Changsheng is not here, it can't just leave.
Datou and others also saw that Huang Silang had already intended to leave, so they immediately agreed with Changsheng's words.
"Your Majesty, we brought you watermelon from Lingnan. We soaked it in cold water. I'll go get it..."
