"Even if people in Xixia are divided, if the Liao Kingdom takes the lead, they will not let go of this opportunity to take advantage of the situation, right?" Fu Bi whispered: "So the imperial court is not willing to see the relationship with the Liao Kingdom deteriorate."
"The Liao Dynasty is a problem." Chen Ke said in a deep voice: "But firstly, there is an irresolvable hatred between Xixia and the Liao Kingdom. Secondly, the Liao Kingdom itself actually contains a big crisis. As long as the Liao Kingdom can be made
Emperor Yelu Hongji realized this and was able to blow through their bluff."
"The Liao Kingdom is also in crisis?" Fu Bi thought to himself, why do you think there is a crisis everywhere?
"Yes." Chen Ke nodded and said: "This crisis was left by Yelv Zongzhen, Xingzong of the Liao Kingdom. At that time, his mother, Xiao Yijin, wanted to launch a coup to abolish Xingzong and replace her with her younger son Yelu Zhongyuan.
As the emperor. But Yelu Chongyuan secretly ran to inform his eldest brother. As a result, Xingzong took action first and eliminated Xiao Zhenjin's conspiracy. The younger brother was so virtuous, how could the elder brother be unkind? Afterwards, Xingzong named him the emperor's younger brother, and concurrently
Stay in Nanjing, the Privy Envoy of the Beiyuan."
The emperor's younger brother is the legally determined crown prince of a country, while the privy envoy of the Beiyuan is the top military and political figure, and Nanjing Liushou is the lord of the sixteen states of Yanyun. In short, Xingzong of Liao gave his younger brother the best territory.
, the greatest authority, and the identity of the heir to the throne.
"For more than ten years after that, the Liao Kingdom was in peace, but as Xingzong had his own son, he began to regret it. Because the heir to the throne was his younger brother, nothing would happen without his son." Speaking of this,
Chen Ke couldn't help sighing secretly, why didn't he accept the lesson of the emperor of our country? "He began to use different methods to increase the value of his son. The current Lord of Liao, Yelu Hongji, was regarded as the King of Liang at the age of six. At the age of eleven, he was the commander-in-chief of Zhongchengsi
At the age of 12, he was granted the title of King of the Privy Council of the North and South. He was granted the title of King of Yan and Zhao. At the age of 19, he was appointed as the Minister of the Privy Council of the North and South. At the age of 21, he became the Grand Marshal of the World's Military and Horses. He was aware of the secret affairs -
-This series of top official titles covers all the major political affairs of Liao Dynasty. Except for the lack of the title of crown prince, what is the difference between him and the heir of the country? "
"But Yelu Chongyuan was already very powerful, and Xingzong did not dare to offend him, so until his death, neither of them could distinguish between them. In the end, Yelu Hongji became the emperor, and as compensation, Yelu Chongyuan received
A series of higher titles and benefits - no need to be named, Grand Marshal of the World's Soldiers and Horses, gold coupons, four hats, two-color robes, and the title of Emperor's Uncle."
'Pfft...' Fu Bi almost laughed out loud. He thought to himself that the emperor's younger brother had become the emperor's uncle. Isn't this ridiculous? Could it be that Yelu Chongyuan could survive his nephew?
"At the same time, Nerugu, the son of Yelu Chongyuan, was granted the titles of King Anding, King of Chu, and Tiyin in the Xingzong Dynasty. After Yelu Hongji came to power, he was promoted to King of Wu, King of Chu, and Military Envoy of Wu Dingjun.
This year, he became the Privy Councilor of the South Academy again. The father and son together are equivalent to the commander-in-chief of the Liao Army!" Chen Ke said solemnly: "Yelühongji and his son, in order to appease Chongyuan and his son, gave them
Too high a position of power is the biggest hidden danger of the Liao Kingdom!"
"Their father and son dare to do this, so they have something to rely on," Fu Bi said slowly. Although he had never been in charge of the Privy Council, he still knew the Liao Kingdom, a life-or-death enemy, very well. He knew the reason why Xingzong was successful.
The reason why he passed the throne to Yelu Hongji was because he handed over the Pishi army to Yelu Hongji.
The so-called hide room, also called 'Oruduo' in Khitan, means tent. From the day Abaoji became emperor, the Khitan people gathered elite troops selected from all over the country around the emperor's palace tent, forming a formation that was inseparable from the emperor. The personal guard force, that is, the Pishi Army.
When the old emperor dies, they will be inherited by the next emperor. At the same time, each emperor will establish his own Pishi army. In this way, layer by layer, there are now 60,000 to 70,000 people.
Yelu Hongji got the Pishi Army, but Yelu Chongyuan did not. This is the reason why the throne was passed down smoothly.
"But if there is a war between the Liao Kingdom and the Song Dynasty, it is impossible to rely only on tens of thousands of Pishi troops. Instead, men from all over the country must be mobilized to form a large army. At this time, Chongyuan and his son will no longer have empty titles. The commander of the army actually controls the world's soldiers and horses ten times that of the Pishi Army!" Chen Ke said solemnly: "So Yelu Hongji either didn't think of this, or it was a bluff! No matter what it is, as long as we point it out Once you understand this, you can turn passivity into initiative!”
"Well..." After listening to Chen Ke's words, Fu Bi thought for a long time and nodded slowly: "What you said makes sense. But one thing is that throughout Yelu Chongyuan's life, he had two opportunities to ascend to the throne. Give up. How did you make Yelu Hongji suspicious of him?"
"For an emperor, once the seeds of suspicion are planted, they will quickly grow into towering trees." Chen Ke said solemnly: "He will not use his own life and throne to test the loyalty of Chongyuan and his son. of."
"What you said is all based on your speculations." Fu Bi said slowly: "Any guess can be unpredictable. What if your suggestions lead to a military confrontation between the two countries? Who is responsible?"
"I am willing to take all responsibilities." Chen Ke said solemnly.
"Can you afford it?" Mr. Fu said calmly.
"Excuse me, did anyone ask you this question when Mr. Fu was on an envoy to Liao?" Chen Ke stared at Fu Bi with burning eyes and said every word.
"This..." Fu Bi's thoughts suddenly returned to more than ten years ago. The situation at that time was much more serious than it is now. The Song Dynasty and Xia Dynasty fought with all the country, and the Great Song Dynasty was defeated, each time losing tens of thousands of people. , the situation is extremely serious. The blackmail in that situation is more real and threatening than this time.
At that time, why did I have the courage to withstand the overwhelming pressure and dare to refuse all the unreasonable demands of the Liao Kingdom without even giving in a single word? Why now, instead, am I hesitant and hesitant?
The prime minister at that time, Lu Yijian, never asked himself this question, was he not even as good as him? Is it really like what he said, that he had spent all his energy and vigor on the process of climbing to the top?
After pondering for a long time, Fu Bi looked at Chen Ke with complicated eyes and said, "It's a pity that Liulang is your brother."
"What does this have to do with anything?" Chen Ke said softly: "I will discuss state affairs with them, not Liulang's affairs."
"No need." Fu Bi shook his head and said with a smile: "In our Song Dynasty, you are not the only one, Chen Zhongfang. Let others do this."
"Yes." Chen Ke could only agree.
After he retreated, Fu Bi fell into deep thought. The current situation was that those who had enough status were unwilling to come forward, and those who were willing to stand out were not enough. Even if they were promoted unexpectedly, he would not rest assured that they could get the job done. After all, this was You have to withstand great pressure and don't miss anything.
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Early the next morning, the eunuch Li Xian came to the Chen family. After seeing Chen Ke, Li Xian smiled and said: "The official family heard that you are back and wants to see you."
Chen Ke then followed Li Xian into the palace and came to the imperial hall of Chui Gong Hall.
After two years of not seeing each other, Zhao Zhen seemed to be a lot more haggard, but when he saw Chen Ke, he still seemed very happy and said with a smile: "I heard that your boy disappeared at sea. I was really nervous for a while. But I don't believe that you can be captured by the dragon.
The prince has taken it away, but God has given you back to me again."
"The officials are worried about me." Chen Ke said respectfully: "The humble minister deserves to die."
"Just come back and stop saying those unlucky words." Zhao Zhen looked at Chen Ke happily and sighed softly: "But I can't help you."
"What are the official words?" Chen Ke knew that he was talking about Liu Lang and said softly: "The imperial court has its difficulties, and the ministers understand it."
"Alas..." The more upright Chen Ke was, the more apologetic Zhao Zhen felt, and he sighed: "This is not the first time that I have been blackmailed by the Liao people. I swore that time that I would never be humiliated again. But..."
The old emperor said sadly: "Who would have thought that old age would happen again."
The emperor was sighing spontaneously, and of course Chen Ke had to shut up. Zhao Zhen sighed quietly: "Actually, there is nothing surprising. As long as the internal affairs of the Song Dynasty are not repaired, the national power is weak, and the army is sluggish, this scene will happen again and again.
"
"..." Chen Ke was silent, the old emperor was definitely a sensible person, but it was a pity that he was too understanding, so he looked forward and backward, and could not do anything.
"But the reason why such a large country can operate to this day is that there are countless balances in it. It is really difficult to make changes, it is really difficult." Sure enough, the next moment, the old emperor denied himself:
"I am getting old, and I often feel powerless recently. I can only place my hope on you in the future..."
Seeing the old emperor's dejected look, Chen Ke felt sad. He knew that this was caused by Zhao Zhen's excessive indulgence in women. He was over fifty, and it was too much for him to work all day long. He had no energy left.
Governing the country?
But the emperor also had his own difficulties. As he grew older, Zhao Zhen's sense of urgency in the issue of heirs also increased day by day. Moreover, his hard work in the past two years was not without results... He had given birth to seven dragon girls one after another.
, but there is no one with a handle.
This was no longer a matter of luck, it had already made Zhao Zhen deeply doubt whether he was destined to be childless. This realization made Zhao Zhen even more depressed, making him look even older.
"What happened to me recently?" Realizing that he had lost his composure, Zhao Zhen said with a self-deprecating smile: "Back to the topic. Regarding the negotiation with the Liao envoy, the East and West Governments finally gave Ding Mao - we can start the negotiation right away.
But the selection of the candidate still needs to be considered. Originally, both parties preferred Sima Guang, but unfortunately he was ill. But Zong Ji, the kid, took the initiative to apply for the job several times... He had completed his studies in the clan school and had to do something.
.But I am worried about taking on this important responsibility as soon as I come up. So, Chen Aiqing, will you help him?"