After the main meeting and the small meeting were over, the emperor had not rested yet.
It was already afternoon, and the emperor and Cui Zheng were sitting in the palace eating. Each of them had a bowl of soup cakes and a plate of pickles in front of them, and that was all.
The emperor ate heartily and praised: "The queen's cooking skills are getting better and better."
Cui Zhengchang chewed his food carefully and nodded without saying a word.
The emperor finished his meal quickly and patted his belly, still not satisfied: "I really want another bowl."
The eunuch standing aside lowered his head and said: "Your Majesty, the queen said that each person can only have one portion. Your Majesty, this soup has meat added, no more."
The emperor was immediately ashamed: "I was wrong. I'm actually not hungry, but greedy." He sighed and shook his head, "How many people are still not full, but I actually want to eat one more bowl of rice."
Cui Zheng also finished eating at this time and said: "Your Majesty, be frugal and self-reflective, but don't be too harsh on yourself." He looked at the map on the side, "The foundation I have accumulated over hundreds of years in Daxia, although the rebels are in rebellion, but
It’s not like everyone can’t eat, it’s just that they are being harmed by the rebels.”
As long as the rebellion is put down, everything will return to normal, and Daxia will still be the prosperous Daxia.
The emperor stood up and walked to the map. Yes, the Great Xia he was familiar with was rich in materials, everyone had food and clothing, and there were mountains of gold and silver everywhere. Now all of this has been blocked by the rebels...
"Master Xiang," he asked, "who can be trusted with the Xuanwu Dao thing?"
Without waiting for Cui Zheng's answer, the emperor smiled bitterly.
"Originally I said there was no news, but so much news suddenly popped up. I don't know who to listen to. I don't even know whether Xuanwu Dao's side is true or false. It's not like this has never happened before..."
Because it is not easy for the imperial court to verify, it is difficult to distinguish the true from false reports from various places. One government reported news that soldiers and horses had recovered how many places. The results were either false reports, or they were pretending to be rebels.
"Of course, I don't believe it. This matter involves Mrs. Chu, Han Xu, and Governor Xiang didn't say anything. These three are all loyal ministers and good generals."
"I'm just a little confused."
After Cui Zheng finished his last bite, he put down his bowl and chopsticks and signaled to the eunuchs to take them away. He stood up and came to the map and said, "Of course Governor Xiang is more trustworthy."
"Captain Xiang doesn't seem to know where it is," the emperor said hesitantly.
Cui Zhengdao: "It is precisely because he is unclear that he is more trustworthy. Governor Xiang is a person who is not good at expressing himself. He will tell what he knows and will never talk about what is unclear. Compared with Governor Xiang, Mrs. Chu is not trustworthy."
The emperor was a little surprised: "Why can't Mrs. Chu be trusted? She has always been brave and good at fighting, caring for the people, and assisting all parties. With her around, the local defense is at ease. She has always been reliable in her work."
Cui Zheng said: "This woman has a bad reputation."
The emperor was startled: "How could it be? Madam Chu is deeply loved by her, she is a fairy-like figure..."
Cui Zhengdao: "God-like figures are exaggerated. The good reputation bought with money is just for a purpose. After you become successful and famous, your true nature is revealed."
It is true that the Lady of Chu gave porridge to the people, but the porridge and grains came from wealthy families.
"If you want rice and food, you can do whatever you want with whatever name you want. If you don't pay, you will be kicked out of the Chu State Lady's rule." Cui Zheng looked at the emperor, "Not only those who refused were kicked out, but the whole family was kicked out.
The old, the young, the sick and the weak.”
The emperor looked shocked. He did not believe that such evil things existed in the world, and he was at a loss. It seemed that he was the one who did such evil things.
The bad things are not finished yet.
"Your Majesty gave her the management of Huainan Road. She will make the decision on everything about the government and the guards. She will sell her position." Cui Zhengdao, holding out his finger, "It doesn't matter how much. Those who give more money will give it to the senior officials, and those who give less money will give it to the junior officials."
, and even gave more money to those who originally voted for the rebels and could continue to serve as officials."
These words were serious. The emperor waved his hands and said: "Impossible, impossible, Governor Wu's wife cannot be like this!"
Cui Zheng said calmly: "Your Majesty and we have all dealt with Governor Wu. Governor Wu is arrogant, but he still has a bottom line. Governor Wu is not such a person, but there is no guarantee that Governor Wu's wife is also such a person. Your Majesty,
We don’t know anything about this Mrs. Wu.”
The emperor said: "This is a rumor. I know what the rebels are slandering. If Mrs. Wu is really like this, why didn't she report it to the local officials?"
"If you make her angry, you will be whipped with a horsewhip on the street while wearing official robes, and kneel outside her door." Cui Zheng sneered: "She has soldiers and horses in hand, and her husband is a man of your majesty's trust. She can cover the sky with one hand on Huainan Road.
Killing the nobles, beating up the officials, anyone who doesn't listen to her will be doomed, who dares to appeal? As for the surrounding..."
He stopped here and seemed to have finished speaking.
The emperor was in shock and asked casually: "What's going on around here?"
Cui Zhengdao: "Mrs. Chu has a good relationship with Han Xu."
The emperor was puzzled: "Isn't it good to be on good terms with Mr. Han? Mr. Han was someone who was relied upon by all the former emperors." He said that Han Xu became happy, "Now he is sitting in Shannan, and he can influence the three roads of Jiannan, Shannan and Jiangnan by himself, which is better than a military general."
It’s pretty awesome.”
Cui Zheng looked at the emperor's face, which was similar to that of the late emperor but much younger, and said: "Han Xu's matter is an old case from back then. Your Majesty has never met Mr. Han."
The emperor said yes with shame and regret.
"Master Han is very beautiful," Cui Zheng continued.
The emperor was stunned for a moment, and when talking about talent, let's turn to looks... What's more, Han Xu is not a woman, and he is not as good as Long Yang...
"Han Xu is very popular among women, and everyone who has met him admires him." Cui Zheng said, "Mrs. Chu saved Han Xu from danger at that time. Han Xu is a man who is talented in people's livelihood, official affairs, and government affairs, but there are some
He is also a bit stupid, because Mrs. Chu saved his life, so he must want to repay Mrs. Chu's kindness, so even if Mrs. Chu behaves inappropriately, he will not scold her."
The prime minister, who always spoke clearly and clearly, talked like an old woman. The emperor listened confusedly, seeming to understand but not understanding.
"In short, I definitely don't believe Mrs. Chu." Cui Zheng summed it up and waved his hand, "What Zhang An and Wang Lin said is so clear-cut, and they know so clearly. It seems that it is what others taught them. It's true.
Why aren't you reporting your achievements? It's clear that you have a guilty conscience and are just bragging about your reputation."
The emperor made a sound and said: "In that case, the matter of Xuanwu Dao is actually not that big..."
Cui Zhengdao: "Xiang Nan must be doing the work of Xuanwu Dao, and he must be doing it in a down-to-earth manner."
The emperor breathed a sigh of relief and said: "That's good, that's good. There's no need to rush. This kind of thing should be done slowly and steadily." After saying that, he left the map and went to sit at the table, "Mr. Prime Minister, you have been working hard for a long time. You have to work hard for a long time."
Come and take a rest quickly, there is no need to go back..." Then he called for someone to come, "Let's lay this side."
The eunuchs responded. Cui Zheng stopped the eunuch and said, "I don't need to rest. I'm not tired yet. There are still things to discuss."
He still doesn't know the emperor's temperament. When he encounters something he doesn't want to do and doesn't know what to do, he just puts it aside and pretends it didn't happen.
The emperor was indeed a little uneasy and murmured: "Master, it's too hard."
Cui Zheng said: "Your Majesty, please summon Mrs. Chu to Linzhou."
The emperor said: "Well, Huainan Road has just been stabilized, how can we invite her to Linzhou?"
Cui Zhengdao: "It is for the stability of Huainan Road and the stability of Governor Wu that we must summon Mrs. Chu to Linzhou. Your Majesty will grant her a residence and a title. If she still wants to lead troops, the troops and horses here in Linzhou can be given to her."
"
The emperor paced: "This can't be done. How can this be done? How can Governor Wu be safe? She is back. Who will lead the troops in Huainan Road?"
Yes! This is the most critical question!
The emperor regained his composure and said: "Prime Minister, who can lead the troops and horses of Huainan Road now? Who can stabilize Huainan Road?"
Cui Zheng said: "Xiang Yun."
...
...
Surrounded by the guards, the eunuch galloped out of the city gate and arrived at the military camp. His horse's hooves stirred up waves of loess, and he was stopped outside the military camp.
Even if the eunuch comes and says that His Majesty has summoned him and that Governor Xiang is in charge of the army, he still has to verify his identity before he can be let in.
The eunuch was not angry because of this, and happily rushed into the camp where Xiang Yun was. Jiang You had already received the news and came to greet him.
As the two approached, Jiang You saluted: "Thank you for your hard work, father-in-law."
The eunuch stretched out his hand to help: "Mr. Jiang, you're too polite. Please invite Governor Xiang into the palace quickly. Don't keep His Majesty waiting for too long."
As the two approached, the eunuch felt his sleeves sink and something slip off.
Jiang You stepped aside first and said: "The Governor has come from the army and is changing clothes. Father-in-law, please come in and wait a moment."
The eunuch responded and followed in. The guards were waiting outside and greeted each other with the guards in the camp. Most of the guards today were selected from the barracks.
In the camp, Xiang Yun was indeed changing his official robes. When he saw the eunuch coming in, he said hello.
The eunuch said in a low voice without exchanging pleasantries: "That's good news. Prime Minister Cui and Your Majesty have discussed asking the Governor to take over Huainan Road."
Xiang Yun stopped wearing his clothes and looked surprised. Jiang You was also surprised.
"This is really..." He looked at Xiang Yun, "What a heavy responsibility!"
Xiang Yun tied his belt steadily and asked, "Why are you talking about this? Is Mrs. Chu going to reunite with Governor Wu?"
The eunuch looked outside and hesitated a little. His Majesty and the Prime Minister should not talk about their private conversation casually...
Jiang You handed over a money bag and whispered: "A few gold leaves, father-in-law, take them to play with."
The eunuch squeezed it in his hand and felt the long, rectangular shape. He looked a little disappointed. The gold leaf was not perfect. He thought he had hidden it much better than this in the palace in the capital. It was just
Now it has all fallen into the hands of Ankangshan, or someone has touched it...
What can he do? He can only save money again. With money, sooner or later what the Prime Minister and His Majesty said will be told to everyone. Whatever.
"The reputation of Mrs. Chu..." He lowered his voice and gestured to Xiang Yun and Jiang You to come closer, "....the matter of hooking up with Han Xu spread. His Majesty was afraid that Governor Wu would cause trouble, so he sent Chu
Madam, please go back to Linzhou for resettlement first..."
Is this actually the case? Xiang Yun and Jiang You still looked surprised.
This kind of thing is unbelievable. The eunuch smiled and stood away.
This kind of thing is not unbelievable. Xiang Yun and Jiang You looked at each other. They had people spread the story about Mrs. Chu and Han Xu in order to reduce Han Xu's weight in the eyes of Cui Zheng and His Majesty.
It is best for His Majesty Cui Zhenghe to only see him. He is clearly in front of you, why is he not as good as a civil servant in the distance?
Unexpectedly, Han Xu was okay for the time being, and Mrs. Chu was about to be captured. This result was really... an unexpected surprise! It was better than replacing Han Xu.
If you can get Huainan Road, it is equivalent to getting Jiannan Road!
Jiang You straightened his back and looked solemn: "Commander, how will you advise His Majesty?"
Xiang Yun understood the meaning of his question, straightened the official robes he was wearing, and said: "I will tell your majesty that if Xuanwu Dao can be consolidated, it will not take two years to capture the capital, and we can do it this year or next year at the latest.
.”
Only by standing in front of the emperor can you clearly understand what the emperor wants most, what he expects most, what he is most intolerable to, and only then can he be loyal to the emperor and become an indispensable person.
He, Xiang Yun, was bound to become an indispensable person to the emperor and become famous throughout the Xia Dynasty.