In front of the Tai Chi Hall, all the officials saluted according to the usual etiquette.
After the ceremony, the attendants came out and said loudly:
"Announcement: General Anyuan Feng Yuan, the right minister of the Ministry of Rites of the East China Sea, has an audience~!"
Feng Yibo heard the announcement and walked out of the queue calmly.
Taking square steps, he walked up to Dan Bi.
Today is different from the past!
Now he is no longer the fifth-rank official who dozed off next to the door, leaning against the pillar, listening to political affairs.
Now, he is the right minister and minister of the Ministry of Rites, and has the title of General Anyuan of the second rank in military affairs.
During the court meeting, he had already stood relatively in front.
That is a position that most civil and military officials cannot reach in their lifetime.
In front of him, there were only the cabinet and six ministers.
There are also a very small number of distinguished families.
All other civil and military forces are inferior to him.
It's literally "Xiangbei"!
At this time, Feng Yibo was holding the festival in both hands under the attention of hundreds of officials.
He stepped forward and bowed respectfully, then straightened up and said loudly:
"Your Majesty Feng Yuan! I was ordered to supervise the army in the East China Sea. Fortunately, the Liaodong frontier army and the soldiers and civilians of Donghai County worked together and lived up to the entrustment of the Holy One. They annihilated more than 200,000 Japanese soldiers and generals. They accepted the surrender of the Japanese army at Ma Island and signed the Negotiate terms of peace!”
Having said this, he handed the knot in his hand forward and bowed again:
"The warlord's affairs in the East China Sea have been completed, and I'm here to return my orders today!"
Yanjie represents the emperor's order, which must be granted and withdrawn by the emperor himself.
Therefore, the first item of today’s court meeting.
It is the ceremony to take back the festival.
This means that the power that was released is officially transferred back.
From then on, Feng Yibo also stepped down from the errand of fulfilling the imperial edict and maintaining the festival.
At this time, Emperor Jingshun slowly stood up and walked down from the throne.
After taking the Jiejie back with his own hands, he would still have to praise him according to the etiquette.
Holding the Zhan Jie in his hand, he immediately announced:
"Feng Qing's family has been entrusted with the imperial edict this time, on behalf of the governor of the East China Sea. It has lived up to everyone's expectations. The worries of the Japanese country have been settled in one battle. I am deeply pleased!"
Upon hearing this, Feng Yibo immediately bowed slightly and said loudly again:
"My lord, I'm glad you lived up to your command!"
Emperor Jingshun nodded with a smile and returned to the dragon chair with the Zhan Jie.
Someone from the palace came forward and took over the Zhajie and put it away.
At this time, the attendant official again preached:
"Feng Yuan's decision to go there is determined by the first battle. After the war in the East China Sea is completed, he is specially promoted to the hereditary second-class Hai Zhenhai General to show his merits!"
It is natural to be rewarded for meritorious service.
Not only Feng Yibo, but also the border army will also receive rewards.
However, Feng Yibo’s reward is not small!
It seems that he has changed from the second grade to the second grade, and his rank has only been promoted by one level.
But the word "hereditary" was added in front!
In other words, if Baochai has a son in the future, he can inherit the title of descendant!
Such a reward is somewhat unexpected.
Feng Yibo had been thinking about the terms of the peace negotiation and was stunned for a moment when he heard this.
After reacting, he hurriedly bowed deeply and said loudly:
"Thank you, Lord, for your grace!"
At this point, the etiquette part is completely over.
Feng Yibo received the reward and returned to his position.
At this time, the attendant will announce the second item.
But if he didn't control it, someone would step out.
The man bowed directly before Lord Dan and said loudly:
"Your Majesty, Sir Feng's declaration of our country's authority will naturally be rewarded, but I think this peace negotiation is not in line with the way of a saint!"
What is supposed to come will eventually come!
Feng Yibo has made great contributions, and no one questions any reward he is given.
However, the benefits involved in the terms of the peace agreement are too great, and no one in the government or the opposition will not covet it!
Feng Yibo glanced sideways and found that he was an old acquaintance.
His old rival, Zhang Nianji, is a science student.
"Oh? How does the peace negotiation have anything to do with the saint?"
Emperor Jingshun looked puzzled and asked softly.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Nianji immediately returned:
"If I return to the Holy Spirit, in this battle in the East China Sea, Master Feng did praise the prestige of the Wei Kingdom, but he did not demonstrate the benevolence of the Wei Dynasty."
Zhang Nianji stood up straight at this time and continued:
"Just like in the terms of the peace negotiation, the ceded Pangzi Island, Iyo Island, etc. are all the old lands of Japan."
Having said this, he looked back at Feng Yibo, his eyes full of provocation.
"And we, the Wei Dynasty, should treat foreigners with mercy. Since the Japanese country recognized its vassal status first, how can we claim the vassal land?"
It seems that he has seen the terms and not only knows about the land ceding and compensation.
I also know that Japan recognized its vassal status.
But after hearing this, Feng Yibo couldn't help but laugh and said:
“How to repay kindness with evil?”
The answer to this question is obvious.
That is: repay grievance with straightness and repay kindness with kindness.
In other words, if you don't do something good, I will do it to you.
If you do good things, I will also treat you better.
This original text comes from "The Analects", so this time it is really what Zi once said.
With Feng Yibo's character, of course he won't just stop there.
First, he responded with the words of a saint, and then Feng Yibo came out and bowed to Lord Dan.
However, he did not speak to Emperor Jingshun, but turned to Zhang Nianji and said:
"What the adults said seems to make sense."
Feng Yibo responded with a smile, then changed the subject and said:
"Except for the Central Plains area, the "Book of Rites" has a saying of 'Southern Barbarians and Northern Di, Eastern Yi and Western Rong'. So according to your opinion, should we focus on benevolence and virtue and help them restore their country?"
He quoted what the "Book of Rites: Kingship" said about the people of the five directions.
This is also one of the origins of the word "Chinese".
However, as time has changed, things have changed.
According to the Book of Rites, the four "Barbarian, Di, Yirong" tribes in China have long been part of the Central Plains dynasty.
At the beginning, Dongyi was the lower reaches of the Yellow River, Nanman was the area south of the Yangtze River, Xirong was the Qin region, and Beidi originally referred to the Yanyun area.
If this division is true, then the capital must also be classified as the four barbarians.
"Nonsense!"
When Zhang Nianji heard this, he immediately scolded and said:
"These are the inherent territories of the Wei Dynasty, how can we let them go?"
Feng Yibo was waiting for his words. He nodded and said with a smile:
"It turns out that your Excellency also knows the importance of territory. So what you are saying is that only the founder of the country can expand the territory, and future generations can only defend the territory and not expand the territory?"
There is a mystery hidden in these words, waiting for Zhang Nianji to jump in.
Emperor Jingshun regarded Donghai County as its contribution to the expansion of territory and went to the Ancestral Temple to pay tribute.
If Zhang Nianji said yes, he was saying that Emperor Jingshun was overjoyed.
If Zhang Nianji said otherwise, then cutting the land of the Japanese country would also mean opening up territory.
"Fat Man's Island is isolated offshore. What's the use of this barren land?"
Hearing that Zhang Nianji was evading important matters, he did not dare to mention anything about Donghai County.
Just bite Fatty Island and won't let go.
Naturally, Feng Yibo would not let him pass easily, so he directly pointed out:
"It turns out that your Excellency openly dislikes Donghai County's offer of land and surrenders, but secretly mocks the Holy One as not opening up new territories."
"you!"
Zhang Nianji suddenly choked.
But Feng Yibo was not done yet, and said again:
"The First Emperor, with ministers like you, might not be able to sweep Liuhe. Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, with ministers like you, might not be able to seal the wolf as a coward. Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, with ministers like you, would probably not dare to accept advice. Emperor Taizu of the Song Dynasty, with ministers like you, might not dare to accept advice. Minister, are you still not allowed to return the government to the Chai family?"
Emperor Qin, Emperor Wu of Han, and ancestors of Tang and Song.
None of these four wise kings dared to use such ministers.
This can be said to be extremely serious.
Today's issue is negotiating the terms of peace, but the goal of both the government and the opposition is to pay compensation.
As for now, it's just a trial.
Therefore, Feng Yibo is not in a hurry to make big moves.
But with some appetizers, he had already filled the opponent who came on first!
"So, the Wei Dynasty will have ministers like you, who are truly open to all rivers and where benevolence and righteousness come first."
The last words imply that Emperor Jingshun is open to all rivers and places benevolence and righteousness first.
Otherwise, the previous words not only scolded Zhang Nianji.
Emperor Jingshun was also brought along.
Zhang Nianji naturally heard the insidiousness in his words and said anxiously:
"You've gone too far with a barren land!"
When Feng Yibo heard this, he immediately smiled and said loudly:
"Your Majesty is right. Both Fatty Island and Donghai County are indeed isolated overseas, and they are indeed barren lands. But let alone barren land, even if the East China Sea is all sea water, it is still my Wei Dynasty's sea territory!"
When Zhang Nianji heard that he was starting to go online again, he naturally wanted to pull back and immediately said angrily:
"Lord Feng, don't be so arrogant. What I mean is that the Wei Dynasty should preach its benevolence to the outside world!"
He wants to be a pioneer, not a cannon fodder.
If Feng Yibo continues this, I am afraid that his official reputation will be damaged.
"The two ancestors of Yan and Huang were the most benevolent, but why did they attack Chi You? Because the two ancestors showed their benevolence internally and their power externally!"
It's a pity that Feng Yibo is not ready to let him go yet.
You said benevolence, then let’s continue talking about benevolence.
He first asked and answered himself, and then concluded:
"So, it is true that the Wei Dynasty has benevolence, but the premise is that the territory of the Wei Dynasty is not the territory of the Wei Dynasty. If it is not the territory of the Wei Dynasty, how can we talk about benevolence?"
Feng Yibo's words can be said to challenge traditional values.
But he happened to use more traditional values.
Even the Yan and Huang ancestors have moved out. How can you ask the Confucian disciples who respect them as sages to refute this?
Zhang Nianji had no choice but to avoid the important and ignore the easy, and retorted:
"Don't confuse things. Why is the vassal state not considered the territory of the Wei Dynasty?"
Whether the vassal state can be regarded as the territory of the Wei Dynasty is still a matter of dispute.
But Feng Yibo would naturally not entangle this matter with him, otherwise it would be endless.
He smiled and asked directly:
"You just said it was a barren land, and now you say it is the territory of the Wei Dynasty. Even if the vassal state is the territory of the Wei Dynasty, then let me ask you, is the Japanese country a Siyi?"
Zhang Nianji was already tired of dealing with it at this time. Hearing this, he could only nod his head and said:
"Of course it is."
Although the Japanese state recognized its vassal status, this had nothing to do with whether they were barbarians or not.
Because in the view of the Wei Dynasty, all the Central Plains dynasties were barbarian lands.
So he couldn't help but admit it.
Feng Yibo wanted this answer. Hearing this, he smiled and said:
"Since ancient times, there have been only Siyi majesty, but never heard of Siyi benevolence. If the Japanese admired the benevolence of the Wei Dynasty, they would not try to get involved in Goryeo. Therefore, the benevolence that your Excellency talks about is not a sign of disobedience to the saints. Yan, do you want to repay evil with kindness?"
The other party will take the lead at every turn, or else they will slap the blame on others.
At this moment, Zhang Nianji felt very tired.
So is this how the person being impeached feels when he impeaches others?
Isn’t that right?
Now he is impeaching the terms of the peace agreement signed by Feng Yuan!
Why did he attack me?
Zhang Nianji had no time to think about it, so he could only reluctantly respond:
"Didn't you hear that all the nations came to court during the reign of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty? That means you heard about the benevolence of the Tang Dynasty!"
It is no secret that Emperor Jingshun liked Tang Taizong.
As the saying goes: What's good at the top will be bad at the bottom.
All the officials knew that the emperor liked Tang Taizong, and everyone read the relevant documents.
I hope that every time I publish it, I can get Emperor Jingshun's approval between the lines.
"New Book of Tang", "Old Book of Tang", and "Zizhi Tongjian" are all must-reads.
"Emperor Fan" and "Da Tang Entrepreneurship and Daily Notes" are promotions.
All historical materials related to Li Shimin are popular among the government and the public.
Even some unofficial histories compiled by the people are regarded as treasures.
"Is that benevolence? All nations came to court, and they came to court the power of the Tang Dynasty!"
Feng Yibo sneered and said again:
"If the Wei Dynasty is benevolent to others, they can return home, which means they can feel the benevolence. But the Wei Dynasty has been benevolent for hundreds of years, so why have the Tatars repeatedly invaded?"
The great concern of the Wei Dynasty has always been the Tatar tribes in the north.
Aren’t you kind and virtuous?
Why can't Tatar feel it?
"The Japanese army sent troops to Korea, obviously intending to invade the Wei Dynasty. Is it because the Wei Dynasty is not benevolent enough? No!"
Zhang Nianji was speechless by what he said, so Feng Yibo simply asked and answered his own questions.
"'China, Rong and Yi, the people of the five directions all have their own nature and cannot be transferred.' The reason why what is said in the "Book of Rites" seems inaccurate is actually because the people of the five directions have all belonged to the Wei Dynasty."
Feng Yibo once again quoted the words from "Book of Rites: Kingship", but gave a new interpretation.
"The reason why the four barbarians are now the four barbarians is precisely because they are afraid of power and have no virtue. When they know benevolence and virtue, they will also be the land of our great Wei."
Having said this, he looked at Zhang Nianji with a half-smile and asked:
"So, they themselves have no virtue, so where does the benevolence you are talking about come from?"
Zhang Nianji swallowed, finding it difficult to deal with it.
But when he looked at Feng Yibo, his eyes suddenly lit up, and he thought of something. He grabbed a life-saving straw and said hurriedly:
"Isn't it because of the benevolence of the Wei Dynasty that Donghai County surrendered its territory?"
Doesn’t it mean that benevolence is useless?
At the beginning, Donghai County offered its land to the Wei Dynasty because it felt the benevolence of the Wei Dynasty!
It's up to you to do this!
When Feng Yibo heard this, he thought it was about Donghai County?
No one knows Donghae County better than me!
"The reason why the king of Donghai County offered his land to the emperor was because he was originally from the south of the Yangtze River. He was deeply baptized by the benevolence of the great Wei Dynasty after bathing in the emperor's kindness, so he repaid him with his benevolence and donated his land."
The Prince of Donghai County was originally from the Wei Dynasty. Born in the Wei Dynasty, he naturally felt the benevolence of the Wei Dynasty.
Doesn’t this coincide with what he just said about “benevolence towards others”?
"If you really think that benevolence to others is useful, it can only mean that you have been under the Wei Dynasty for a long time and know too little about the outside world, so you put the cart before the horse without knowing it."
Speaking of this, Feng Yibo couldn't help but laugh, until Zhang Nianji laughed so hard that he said:
"My suggestion is to send your Excellency to the Tartars to see if you can influence them with kindness and make them surrender their lands."
Whoever proposes it solves it.
Feng Yibo has really tried this classic routine repeatedly.
Zhang Nianji shook his head like a rattle and hurriedly declined:
"The Department of Etiquette is responsible for external affairs. I, the Department of Etiquette, are responsible for supervising the Department of Etiquette, not interfering in the affairs of the Department of Etiquette."
When Feng Yibo heard this, he nodded and said with a smile:
"You don't want to do what you want to do if you are not in your position? Your Majesty, your views are high!"
With that said, he bowed to Lord Dan and said solemnly:
"Your Majesty! I boldly recommend Mr. Zhang, and I also ask Your Majesty to give Mr. Zhang a chance to join the Ministry of Rites!"
He glanced sideways at Zhang Nianji, smiled slightly, and then continued:
"I am willing to give up my position as the right minister of the Ministry of Rites. I only hope that Mr. Zhang can go to Tatar to spread his kindness! With Mr. Zhang's talent, maybe the Tatars will one day surrender their land!"
Speaking of this, Feng Yibo raised his head slightly.
He looked worried about the country and the people. He paused and then sighed:
"If this is the case, wouldn't the Wei Dynasty no longer have boundless worries?"
Zhang Nianji was stunned by this time.
This Feng Yuan is really unworthy of his talents in the Ministry of Rites!
Forget about going online, putting people on the line, making a fuss out of a molehill, etc.
He himself uses it from time to time, so it's quite common.
But the other party is actually good at stalking!
Seize the slightest loophole and kill him!
This is endless!
Zhang Nianji was inevitably a little confused for a moment and couldn't help but look towards the cabinet ministers.
"Master Feng, what you said is wrong!"
Obviously, opposing land cession is not the real purpose.
It's just a test by the new party.
At this time, we need to test the peace terms.
Do Feng Yuan and Donghai County have any other trump cards?
Unfortunately, the first attempt was not successful.
Zhang Nianji started with "benevolence and virtue", while Feng Yibo never left "benevolence and virtue".
Zhang Song understood more and more that there would be no results if he went around any longer.
Therefore, Feng Yibo tried to drag Emperor Jingshun into the water.
He frowned slightly and glanced at the officials.
At this glance, someone immediately jumped out and shouted to stop.
After the man came out of the queue, he first bowed to Lord Dan.
Then he looked at Feng Yibo and sneered:
"Master Feng, are you questioning His Majesty's way of employing people?"
Seeing the opponent's midfield substitution, Feng Yibo couldn't help but smile.
I just don’t know if this is the end of the warm-up.
Is it about to officially start?
(End of chapter)
