In the Han Palace, under the afternoon sun, two generals, Pan Mei and Cao Bin, walked along the long corridor towards the waiting room. The palace was strictly forbidden, and as a courtier, it would be rude to look around. However, we have been 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 he learned the modesty and prudent attitude from Guo Wei. Hearing the words, he just smiled politely and did not answer. In addition, Cao Bin was not like Pan Mei in the Forbidden Palace. He had been in office, so he didn't 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 it.
Speaking of which, it was Cao Bin's first visit to Beijing and the first time he was received by the emperor. Therefore, as far as Cao Bin was concerned, there was 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, but only two generals, Pan and Cao, were not moved. The emperor's appointment intention was obvious.
Nowadays, both of them are over thirty 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. Pan Mei's heart It feels 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 did not have a share in the two large-scale wars. It was really painful for him. This is also true in the During the twelve-year "Restoration War" between Han and Guangdong, Pan Mei tried her best to request orders from the imperial court and sent additional troops to destroy Guangdong and restore Lingnan in one fell swoop.
Although suppressed by the emperor, Pan Mei's desire for meritorious service became stronger and stronger. Now, more than two years have passed, and when the emperor's edict flew to Hunan, Pan Mei knew that the opportunity for meritorious service that he had been waiting for many years had arrived. Already.
After many years of guarding the South, Pan Mei has long been familiar with the situation in southern Guangdong. The domestic situation has nothing to hide from him. Moreover, Pan Mei has completely outlined how to destroy Guangdong and how to invade. , there is a complete set of plans, ready to be presented to the emperor after returning to Beijing this time.
When they entered the waiting room, they saw Chai Rong, Pan, and Cao sitting on the seats talking with Guo Tingwei. They were stunned for a moment, then they realized what they were doing and stepped forward to salute: "I've seen the prime minister!"
"General Guo!" He bowed his hand to Guo Tingwei again. The two of them were just nodding friends.
"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 was used to this. After all, Chai Rong had been mastering military affairs for a long time from deputy privy envoy to privy envoy, and he was deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. Pan Mei had also been 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 can't make any mistakes at all. Looking at Cao Bin, who has entered his thirties, Chai Rong said: "Guohua can achieve what it is now, Mr. and Mrs. Xing , it should be a relief!”
Cao Bin immediately said humbly: "Thank you very much for the compliment, I will not dare to accept it. All I want is to live up to your kindness and not suffer the resentment of the people. 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 Guo Tingwei, the commander-in-chief of the Jing Navy, and General Guo! 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.
Guo and Cao met with each other, and Chai Rong turned to Pan Mei again and said in a very emotional tone: "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 and said: "If you dare, I would like to ask Duke Chan, has your Majesty summoned us back to the capital this time to decide 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 between 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 with Pan Mei and Cao Bin. Chai Rong was somewhat attentive and particularly concerned about the situation in the south.
Speaking of which, it is no wonder that Liu Chengyou has an uncontrollable fear of the Guo family. If nothing else, just look at the few generals waiting to be summoned. Cao Bin, Guo Wei's nephew; Pan Mei, was Chai Rong's subordinate 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, and as a reduced general, Chai Rong It is also the object that he is close to...
And these three people are obviously the generals Liu Chengyou has prepared for the Pingnan War, and they are all very useful. Not to mention the other old and strong generals in the Han army who are involved with Guo Chai.
The four people were not left waiting for too long. About a quarter of an hour later, the chamberlain came to deliver the message and summoned the four people to the Long Live Palace. Liu Chengyou was in the harem at that time, 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 he took it back again without realizing it. Especially during the major military and political adjustments in the 12th and 13th years, he personally supervised the subordinates, which made many bureaucrats breathless. Come on, it will only get better after fifteen years.
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 and 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 is my honor to hunt on behalf of the heavens. Your Majesty has great trust and deep gratitude. Why bother?" 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 be on guard!"
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, who was determined to be in trouble, was secretly contacting the Khitan people. Do you think the Khitan people are planning something? Hexi area?”
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. It took the initiative to attack the Han Dynasty. Possibly, not very big, but if we join forces with the Dingnan Army, it will definitely cause great harm to the northwest region, and we have to pay attention to this matter!"
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 trouble-making 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 intentions of the Khitan people are not clear, and the party is suspicious and has not moved. As long as the situation is not disturbed, Breaking it can only be temporarily shelved. However, I have already issued an edict to the northwest military and government to be more vigilant."