The ninth day of the Lunar New Year is an auspicious day, with gentle winds bringing happiness and auspiciousness rising.
Du Wei and Li Shiniang will get married today. Xue Bai and Du Wulang arrived at Du's house in Anrenfang early, preparing to accompany Du Wei to the Youxiang Mansion to welcome the bride.
In Yuan Zai, Wang Yunxiu and his wife were enthusiastic people and helped entertain guests in the courtyard. They greeted Xue Bai diligently when they saw him.
"Xue Lang is here." Yuan Zai looked friendly and said with a smile: "There are many people in the front yard, so I will introduce you to some friends in the hall."
Now he has become the core of Yang Party, and he has been promoted very quickly. He is considered to be tied to Xue Bai's interests. Although they do not have much contact with each other, they are already "close friends". At this time, he does not care about other guests and only exchanges greetings with Xue Bai.
We talked all the way to the back hall, where several young people had gathered.
Du Wei was dressed in auspicious clothes and was about to get married, but he still did not forget to argue with others about national policy.
"I'm just telling the truth. Most of the Hu generals appointed by the imperial court are tough, brave, loyal and loyal people... Wang Twelve Niang is here, just ask her."
"The bridegroom officer, are you still criticizing current affairs?"
Yuan Zai smiled brightly and ignored them. Recently, the people in the court were talking about nothing more than those few things. He was tired of talking about them.
After seeing the ceremony, he first introduced someone to Xue Bai.
This man was less than thirty years old. He was wearing a robe and dressed as a scholar. He was tall and handsome. He was the opponent who had just argued with Du Wei.
"Cen Shen, a disciple of the Prime Minister, was a Jinshi in the third year of Tianbao. You Nei led the army of Cao to join the army."
"I have long admired the name of Brother Cen."
Xue Bai had long said that he wanted to make friends with Cen Shen, but he had been busy and could only meet today.
"We are of the same generation, Xue Lang, please don't be too polite. You must know that I am the one who has admired your talent for a long time."
Cen Shen is a very energetic person with a generous temperament and a forthright personality. He immediately invited Xue Bai to join the conversation and asked, "Do you know what the groom and I are talking about?"
He was tall and handsome, and although there were arguments, he did not get angry at all.
Du Wei was still laughing and asked: "What does Xue Lang think of the imperial court's policy of appointing barbarians as governors of various disciplines?"
Xue Bai did not answer, but asked: "Brother Du is getting married today, why do you care about this matter?"
Du Weidao said: "I think that the imperial court is not completely unconsidered. The Hu people grew up in the border areas, understand the local customs, and are brave enough to practice war. It is a fact that they dare to serve as Hu generals for many times, which also shows the magnanimity of the Tang Dynasty to embrace all rivers."
"The bridegroom should think about some poems to remind you of your makeup." Yuan Zai said with a smile, "Go and clean up quickly, I'll entertain your friends for you."
Although the two are good friends, one is Li Linfu's son-in-law and the other is Wang Zhongsi's son-in-law, they now have topics that they avoid talking about.
Du Wei then confessed his crime to everyone.
The groom's official was not here, but the arguments in the hall continued.
"Since the founding of the People's Republic of China, frontier commanders have always appointed loyal and famous ministers, and those with outstanding achievements often serve as prime ministers. The Prime Minister on the right is afraid of this, so he only offers suggestions to eliminate dissidents and win over the border generals."
"Yes, there are indeed three things to pay attention to when appointing border commanders since the founding of the People's Republic of China: they should not be appointed for a short period of time, they should not be led from afar, and they should not be unified. However, since the Kaiyuan Dynasty, the saints had the ambition to annex the four barbarians, and only those who have not been able to change the border generals for more than ten years can be appointed for a long time;
When the prince and the prime minister are appointed as Jiedushi, they can have remote leadership; when General Wang and General An are autocratic, they can have concurrent unified control. Therefore, using Hu people as generals can not only be familiar with military affairs, have full power to mobilize, but also be easy to control..."
Wang Yunxiu couldn't stand listening and couldn't help but said: "What does this mean? Does it imply that my grandpa is not easy to control?"
"Twelve Mothers, don't blame me. I have no intention of criticizing your Majesty. We are just speculating on the national policy and discussing why we should use barbarians as generals."
Wang Yunxiu said: "When did my grandfather not use barbarians? His brothers Shu Han, An Sishun, and Li Guangbi were forced by him to be unable to make meritorious deeds. Why did Ge Nu insist on using all the barbarians in the border town?"
meaning?!"
"Therefore, it is said that there are quite a lot of people among the Hu people who are 'strong and brave, courageous and loyal'. From this point of view, we and General Wang have the same view, can we freely appoint the Hu generals? There is no distinction between Hu and Han people, and it is great to have tolerance."
Yuan Zai then stood up to defend his wife and said: "My father-in-law has Han generals and Hu generals under his command. It is great to be tolerant. Genu clearly stated in the memorial that all the barbarians should be used in border towns, so how can we be tolerant?"
Cen Shen also came forward to smooth things over, saying: "Everything has advantages and disadvantages. Let's just discuss it. Let's get ready to welcome the bride."
Wang Yunxiu turned to look at Xue Bai, with a hint of expectation in her eyes, and asked, "What do you think Mr. Xue has to say?"
Xue Bai's view is actually very simple.
He can evaluate such a national policy based on the results, regardless of the foresight and consideration behind it being proposed.
Even the pattern has been lost, so how can we talk about whether it is wise or not?
However, Xue Bai spoke with an attitude that it had nothing to do with him.
"This is a major military and national matter, how can I have any high opinion?"
Wang Yunxiu was a little surprised and disappointed.
Xue Bai once built a huge stone cannon for Wang Zhongsi. She thought that Xue Bai would help him talk about this, but what she didn't expect was this reaction.
~~
On the way to pick up the bride, Wang Yunxiu asked Yuan Zai in a low voice: "You said that my uncle wanted to win over my grandpa, why did Xue Lang refuse to express his position?"
"The situation is different."
As he spoke, Yuan Zai glanced back and saw Xue Baizhi and Cen Shen walking side by side, talking about poetry, but did not pay attention to this side.
He just whispered to his wife: "In the past, the Right Prime Minister's Mansion and the East Palace were all dealing with Xue Lang, and he had to seek help to protect himself. Now he has offered treasures several times, and the holy family is stable. These things have nothing to do with him, so he is proud of himself."
rise."
Wang Yunxiu rolled her eyes at Yuan Zai and said, "Do you think everyone is like you and doesn't care about matters that don't concern you?"
"I have advised my uncle to win over my father-in-law." Yuan Zai said: "But if my father-in-law is not willing to get close to my uncle, how can there be any reason for someone to help me for no reason? What's the use of asking Xue Lang again?"
"If grandpa returns to the capital, I will certainly advise him. But I'm afraid if he continues like this, before he returns to the capital, Ge Nu will terminate his official position."
"No." Yuan Zai said with certainty: "If the imperial court wants to transfer my father-in-law, it must wait until he returns to the capital."
Wang Yunxiu was still worried and asked: "Then, can uncle Guo first write a letter against the use of barbarians in border towns?"
Yuan Zai said in a low voice: "I have exhausted all my words just to get my uncle to agree to win over my father-in-law. Is there any reason why my father-in-law has not made a statement and then asks my uncle to come forward?"
…
Xue Bai turned around and saw Yuan Zai and his wife whispering in front of them.
He remained calm, pretending he didn't know anything, and continued talking to Cen Shen. The topic was inevitably the battle to destroy the Xiaobolu Kingdom.
"Brother Cen actually recognizes General Feng Changqing?"
"Brother Wang Changling introduced him." Cen Shen said: "Brother Wang went to Helong when he was young and came out of Yumen, so he knew General Feng. I think back to the saying, 'The yellow sand wears golden armor in a hundred battles, and Loulan will never return it until it is broken.
', Now that General Feng has really done it, I think Brother Wang will also be happy when he hears the battle report in Jiangning."
"I see." Xue Bai said, "When the officers and soldiers of the Anxi Army return to court to report their merits, can Brother Cen introduce them to me?"
"As it should be..."
The two later started talking about Wang Changling's exclusion and relegation.
Although Cen Shen is young, he has rich experience.
He traveled around before he was twenty years old. After he was admitted as a Jinshi, he took a tour of Hebei during the three years of being elected. It was during this time that he read thousands of books and traveled thousands of miles.
Xue Bai looks young but has more experience and can talk about everything.
Soon, we arrived at the Youxiang Mansion in Pingkangfang.
Cen Shen leaned over on the horse and whispered: "It's rare to be so arrogant in Genu's house, watch me kicking his door."
After saying that, he laughed loudly and quickly dismounted from his horse.
This man was both civilized and martial, he could write poems and poems, he was a Jinshi, he was also very skilled, and he knew a lot about military affairs.
Xue Bai looked at Cen Shen's back and thought to himself that there might be fewer and fewer men like him who follow the standard of "going out, general and entering".
Today, Li Linfu is marrying his daughter, so the house is decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, making it a festive scene.
"The groom is here!"
"The orchids will flourish for thousands of years, and the music of harps will last for hundreds of years..."
Looking at this scene, Xue Bai suddenly thought, if he had married Li Tengkong, what would happen today, right?
He quickly dismissed this thought from his mind and warned himself that it would affect his progress.
Suddenly, a small hydrangea was thrown at his feet.
"Um?"
Du Wulang was standing next to him. When he lowered his head and looked down, he immediately became vigilant and whispered: "There are still five or six unmarried daughters in the Right Prime Minister's Mansion, right? Don't let them take a fancy to you."
Xue Bai looked in the direction where the hydrangea came from and saw Li Xiu waving.
He originally thought it would be Li Tengkong, but it seemed he was wrong.
"Hey, where are you going?" Du Wulang grabbed him and reminded him: "Every time you go through a pit, you gain wisdom. Why are you still walking around?"
"fine."
Xue Bai still walked towards Li Xiu.
Du Wulang had no choice but to think that it didn't matter. It was impossible for the Youxiang Mansion to marry two daughters to Xue Bai, so it was important to protect himself.
Li Xiu was a good elder brother and took good care of his younger brothers and sisters. When Xue Bai came forward, his first words were: "Look at Du Wei, he is very responsible."
"Perhaps in a few years, Juro will feel that I am responsible?"
"Don't worry, it won't happen." Li Xiu shook his head and said, "I want to see you, please come here."
~~
Today, a daughter is getting married in the house, but Li Linfu still hides in his study and refuses to show his face.
He is indeed diligent and is still handling official documents.
What's rare is that now that he saw Xue Bai, he was willing to greet him in a condescending manner and said, "Xue Lang is here. How is the bamboo paper making lately?"
"The progress is slow and the right minister can rest assured that achievements will not be made too quickly."
Li Linfu pointed at Xue Bai, smiled like an elder, and said, "I heard that you often interact with Li Mi recently?"
"I learned a lot from Mr. Li."
"oh?"
Li Linfu made an interested expression and was so patient that people were not used to it.
This face that talks sweetly and is full of swords is even more unsettling than the original arrogant cockfighting posture.
Xue Bai was still very calm and said: "Mr. Li reminded me that I should be more modest and not be too utilitarian. Being eager to make progress will inevitably make people wary. I thought so. I am much worse than Hu Er in this regard.
.”
This is a test to see if Li Linfu is wary of An Lushan.
Li Linfu's expression was calm and he had everything under control, and said: "Sure enough, I know that you are dissatisfied with the national policy."
"The border towns are all using barbarians." Xue Bai asked: "With such a memorial, how dare you say that you have no selfish motives?"
"Is it important?" Li Linfu was the prime minister after all, and he could not tolerate anyone criticizing his actions. His face sank, and he immediately said: "The Prime Minister has been in charge of state affairs for more than ten years. He knows the Tang Dynasty better than anyone else. What he proposes is the most beneficial to the Tang Dynasty.
Tang’s method.”
Later, he realized that there was no need to explain to Xue Bai, and said: "The truth did not violate the agreement."
"Yeah?"
"The Prime Minister has fulfilled your request." Li Linfu said: "If you want to win over Wang Zhongsi, why don't you allow the court to adjust the border generals?"
Xue Bai asked: "Your right prime minister invited me here, is this what you want to say?"
"I'm reminding you that I have tolerated you to the best of my ability. If you dare to meddle in your own affairs again, don't blame me for being ruthless."
He was shrewd and calculating. When negotiating the terms, he first agreed to let Yang Dang win over Wang Zhongsi, and then immediately removed him from the post of Jiedushi of the four towns. This was indeed not a breach of contract, so he had to warn Xue Bai not to jump over the wall in a hurry.
"The right minister takes me too seriously." Xue Bai said: "Who am I? How can I meddle in other people's business? As long as no one troubles me again."
Li Linfu looked around and saw that this boy really had an indifferent attitude this time, so he said: "Finally you are sensible, let's go."
He expected that Yang Dang wanted to win over Wang Zhongsi, just to gain some support from the Jiedushi of the four towns. Now that the border towns were using all the tactics of the barbarians, he also left some opportunities for Yang Dang.
Otherwise, Xue Bai had nothing to do with him, so he could just sit back and watch.
It can be seen that once or twice, if you don't force someone to a dead end, the other party will be sensible.
~~
After meeting Li Linfu, Xue Bai seemed to have figured it out, slowed down his pace, and walked leisurely.
Suddenly, a bouquet of flowers was thrown to the ground from the window in front and landed in front of him. When he walked to the window, he saw Li Tengkong and Li Jilan on the other side of the wall.
"Sure sir."
Li Jilan looked very surprised, and came forward and said: "I have written many more chapters of the play. Sir, do you have time to review it? But don't just say 'good', I would like to give you more pointers."
She had an inexplicable admiration for Xue Bai, so she was extremely enthusiastic, as if she would stick to him if there were not this wall between them.
Ever since he had a nosebleed, Xue Bai didn't like to go to Yuzhen Temple very much. Recently, he always commented on dramas through Yan Yan.
"Sir?" Li Jilan asked: "If you have time to come to Yuzhen Temple tomorrow, I also have some new poems that I would like to ask you to taste... If you don't come, I will inevitably not be able to write plays well."
The last sentence is a bit of a complaint.
Li Tengkong was standing calmly with his hands behind his hands. Hearing this, his ears twitched and he looked at Li Jilan, feeling that she seemed to know how to act coquettishly.
When Xiwen entered the stage, Xue Bai nodded and said, "Then I'll go and bother you tomorrow."
~~
"Look, Xue Lang is not here."
Wang Yunxiu looked around and whispered to Yuan Zai: "As soon as he entered the Youxiang Mansion, he was invited by Ge Nu."
"Don't worry, if it's the most important matter, we won't wait until today to discuss it."
"But this incident shows that Xue Lang has a tacit understanding with the Youxiang Mansion and will not come forward to oppose Bian Zhen's use of barbarian tactics, right?"
"Ms. Yun, you are so sick that you have to seek medical treatment? Xue Lang has no official position yet, how can you object?" Yuan Zai said: "If you are really worried about your father-in-law, write a letter to your family again, one to persuade him to get close to his uncle, and the other to persuade him to get close to his uncle.
He captured Stone Castle as quickly as possible."
"I have written several letters, but don't you know that I dare not reply."
Yuan Zai took his wife in his arms and said softly: "Don't be impatient for a moment. The situation may not be what you think. Maybe it's not directed at your father-in-law?"
"Isn't that what it is?!"
"Shh, let's see you off first and let's go."
Wang Yunxiu was worried and continued to look around. Finally, she saw Xue Bai turning out from the side of the path and hurriedly greeted him.
…
"Xue Lang. Du Wei has received the kiss, let's go."
"good."
"There are some flowers falling on your shoulders."
Wang Yunxiu casually brushed off the petals on Xue Bai's shoulders to show her closeness, and chatted casually, saying: "How about we sit at home tomorrow, let Yuan Zai make a pot of good wine, and try my sister-in-law's craftsmanship."
"No, I have an invitation tomorrow."
Xue Bai refused simply.
But he didn't pretend to be stupid. He lowered his voice and said, "With the current rumors, my sister-in-law must be a little worried about General Wang?"
It was rare for Wang Yunxiu to hear someone willing to pick up on her, and she was a little surprised. She nodded and said, "Yes, the minister said it's okay, but I really think it's for grandpa."
"Then it's useless for my sister-in-law to find me or even my uncle. This is a real military and state matter. We can't talk at all. My sister-in-law should go to the prince."
"You have to be careful about the crime of 'constructing the East Palace'."
"General Wang is the sworn brother of the Crown Prince, and it is known to the whole world. This is the root of all crimes. In the end, hiding and hiding is no different from hiding one's ears and stealing the bell. Isn't it ridiculous that the Crown Prince doesn't take action and expects me to be innocent?"
Wang Yunxiu still had concerns, worried that she would be implicated by the prince.
Xue Bai had no choice but to remind her again and sighed: "I advise the prince to admit his mistake to the sage and eliminate the suspicion. General Wang has been in office for a long time and controls four towns. If the suspicion continues, no one can help him."
