After listening to Kou Ji's words, Wang Zeng roughly understood the whole story, and immediately lost interest in the 'report letter'.
"Should we send someone to check?"
Wang Zeng asked.
Kou Ji shook his head and said with a smile: "Forget it, there's no need. As you and I, if we investigate this person, the matter will inevitably cause a stir. This person may even gain a lot of fame.
Moreover, this matter has caused a stir, which is not good for Su Xun."
Wang Zeng said unexpectedly: "I didn't expect you to care so much about your students."
Kou Jizhan smiled and said: "Since they call me sir and serve the court and contribute to the people, why not care about them?"
Wang Zeng said with a smile: "Aren't you afraid that someone will accuse you of forming a clique for personal gain?"
Kou Ji smiled sarcastically and said, "If I form a clique, how can they have a chance to speak?"
Wang Zeng shook his head and smiled, saying nothing.
Wang Zeng casually tore the 'reporting letter' into pieces and threw it out of the carriage.
The pieces of paper were scattered all over the floor like snowflakes.
Passed Gubeikou.
The trip of Kou Ji and his party went much faster.
The magistrates of Datong Prefecture and Shuntian Prefecture dispatched prisoners to build official roads in the two prefectures during their leisure time.
Construction started last year, and as of this year, it has been basically completed.
The carriage of Kou Ji and his entourage traveled on the official road at a speed that was twice as fast as outside the pass.
Kou Ji and his party passed Shuntian Prefecture, crossed Tongtai Pass, which had been reduced to a county town, and arrived at the border of Baozhou.
The border area of Baozhou was overcrowded.
At the head were a pair of golden-armored guards and an official in purple robes.
After Kou Ji and his party arrived at the border of Baozhou, they got off the carriage.
Lu Yijian appeared in front of Kou Ji and others wearing a purple robe and leading the golden-armored guards.
When Kou Ji and others saw Lu Yijian, they roughly guessed what he was going to do.
"Xuan!"
After Lu Yijian waited for Kou Ji and others to arrive, he shouted loudly.
Kou Ji and his party all bent down.
As soon as Lu Yijian raised his hand, a eunuch came to him holding a yellow scroll.
"The edict says... Yang Yi, deputy general of the Zhenbei Army, Wu Zhongwu, Wu Zhongyong, Zhang Man, Zhao Shun, Gong Sanchang... and other sixteen generals have made outstanding achievements during the conquest of Liao and Goryeo, and were promoted.
Level six.
Yang Yi, the deputy general of the Zhenbei Army, was given the title of General Huaihua of the Zhenbei Army, and he was given the title of Duke of Heishan County...
Zhang Manqian, the loyal general of the Zhenbei Army, was given the title of deputy general of the Zhenbei Army, and was given the title of Marquis of Zhenbei...
…”
Lu Yijian held a yellow scroll in his hand and recited scroll after scroll.
The generals of the Zhenbei Army came out one after another and bowed to welcome the order.
By the time Lu Yijian finished reading the imperial edict, the Zhenbei Army had gained one more duke, ten marquises, thirty-two earls, and sixty-one viscounts.
After everyone in the Zhenbei Army bowed and thanked them.
Lu Yijian took out another yellow scroll.
"Zhi said... Send the general of the Northern Army, Yang Yi, to lead the Northern Army to go north to the imperial court and establish Yanshan Mansion to take control of the northern border..."
Yang Yi, the general of Zhenbei Army, rushed forward to meet the order.
Later.
Lu Yijian's slips announced another round of edicts.
Almost all the imperial troops who went on this expedition and made outstanding contributions were rewarded.
Even those soldiers of the Forbidden Army who stayed in Liao were rewarded.
After Lu Yijian announced the decree, he also sent eunuchs to deliver the decree to Liao.
After Lu Yijian read out the imperial edict, eleven more dukes, dozens of marquises, and a large group of earls and viscounts appeared in the army.
After conferring rewards on them, Lu Yijian read out the transfer order again.
It's almost the same as Kou Ji's previous arrangement.
Almost all the Imperial Guards were dispatched to their new stations to guard the borders.
Only 50,000 forbidden troops were left for Kou Ji and his party.
It is worth mentioning that in the edict of award read out by Lu Yijian.
There are no rewards for those above the third class.
After Lu Yijian read out the awards to the officers and soldiers of the Forbidden Army, he straightened his clothes and took out a volume of imperial edict again.
"Xuan..."
Kou Ji and his party bowed again.
Lu Yijian unfolded the imperial edict with a solemn expression and said in a deep voice: "The edict says... Privy Council Envoy Kou Ji, Deputy Privy Council Envoy Zhu Neng, Tongzhi Shiheng, who is in charge of the Privy Council, sent Japanese envoy Liu Heng... and other beloved ministers,
First he conquered the Black Khan, and then he conquered the Qingtang. He first conquered the Liao Kingdom, and then the Goryeo Dynasty, and made an unparalleled contribution to the Song Dynasty. His contribution lies in the country and will benefit the future. It is difficult to demonstrate his merit without heavy rewards...
As a gift to the privy envoy Kou Ji, he was given a golden crown, a purple python robe, and a jade belt...
As a gift to the Privy Council, he was given a gold crown, a red robe and a jade belt...
…”
Lu Yijian read out the rewards to Kou Ji and others.
Then he shouted loudly.
"Submit!"
One by one, the eunuchs were holding red plates with gold crowns, python robes, jade belts and other items on them.
Kou Ji and others roughly understood what Zhao Zhen was going to do.
They first saluted in the direction of Bianjing City, then saluted the imperial edict, and then saluted those red disks.
The eunuchs came to them with red plates, but did not teach them about the plates.
Lu Yijian shouted again, "Get dressed!"
The eunuchs handed the red plates in their hands to the golden-armored guards behind them, and then personally undressed and dressed Kou Ji and his party.
After Kou Ji and others put on the python robes, Lu Yijian saluted Kou Ji and others.
"Please mount your horses!"
Kou Ji held up his hands and thanked Lu Yijian, and then eunuchs appeared in front of them leading batches of tall horses.
Kou Ji and others got on their horses.
Lu Yijian stepped forward and took the reins of Kou Ji's horse.
Seeing this, Kou Ji's expression changed slightly, "Mr. Lu, how can this be accomplished?"
Lu Yijian said solemnly: "With your contribution, you deserve it."
Kou Ji was about to speak, but Lu Yijian continued: "If I don't help you lead the horse, then you have to ask King Shou to come. If King Shou helps you lead the horse here, then when you get to Bianjing City, he can help you."
You only have one person left to lead the horse."
When Kou Ji heard this, he smiled bitterly, "Then it's up to you to do it."
Lu Yijian nodded, took the reins of the horse, and shouted, "Play music!"
As a result, the drum music brought by Lu Yijian began to play together.
Kou Ji and his party walked into Baozhou accompanied by drum music.
The people of Baozhou crowded the streets to welcome him, and bursts of high-pitched shouts broke out wherever he went.
Ideas such as "This is what a man should be" have emerged from the hearts of some ambitious people.
Wearing royal robes, riding a royal horse, Tong Zhongshumenxiapingzhangshi led the horse and held a stool.
Even Zhao Zhen, the number one person in the Song Dynasty, did not receive such treatment.
At least he couldn't ask Tong Zhongshu's disciple Ping Zhangshi to help him lead the horse and hold the stool.
Such glory can be said to be the first time since the Song Dynasty.
Even Kou Ji felt a little excited in his heart.
Not to mention Zhong Shiheng, Zhu Neng and others.
Everyone was almost so excited that they couldn't contain themselves.
Amidst the cheers of the people.
Lu Yijian led the horse and welcomed Kou Ji and his party into Baozhou City.
After entering the city, Kou Ji and his party got off their horses all the way to the Zhizhou Yamen.
After dismounting.
Kou Ji and his party were busy with official duties.
A large part of the Forbidden Army soldiers who followed them into the customs had to rush to the garrison to take charge.
Kou Ji and his party naturally had to make arrangements for them.
Zhu Neng, Zhong Shiheng, Gao Chugong and others basically had to step down from their concurrent positions as generals, and they also had to explain some of their military affairs to the succeeding generals.
In addition, some of the great heroes who were to return to Beijing with Kou Ji and others to receive titles also had to explain clearly the military affairs in their hands to their subordinates.
Kou Ji and his party were busy working for two days.
It was not until the evening two days later that the Imperial Army soldiers were sent out of Baozhou City one after another.
After finishing everything.
Kou Jicai had time to chat with Lu Yijian and Wang Zeng.
After Kou Ji sent away the Forbidden Army soldiers, he moved to the post station in Baozhou with Lu Yijian, Wang Zeng and others.
Inside the inn.
Koji's residence.
Kou Ji asked someone to prepare a table of wine and food, and invited Lu Yijian and Wang Zeng to the banquet.
After the three of them sat down, Kou Ji ordered Kou Tianci and Zhao Run to pour the wine and said, "Why are the officials like this? Is it too exaggerated to give three meritorious officials?"
Zhao Zhen's purpose can hardly be hidden now.
When they were in Liaoyang Mansion, only Kou Ji guessed Zhao Zhen's purpose.
But when they arrived in Baozhou, almost everyone guessed Zhao Zhen's purpose.
Zhao Zhen wanted to reward his meritorious officials three times and give them all the courtesy that could be given to his officials.
Lu Yijian accepted Kou Tianci's pouring of wine calmly. Wang Zeng felt a little embarrassed when he looked at the wine that Zhao Run was pouring for him.
Wang once wondered if he needed to say thank you.
Lu Yijian spoke slowly, "Is it an exaggeration? It's not an exaggeration at all."
Kou Ji couldn't laugh or cry and said: "If word spreads about the three conferments on meritorious officials, I'm afraid everyone in the Song Dynasty will talk about it.
Isn’t that an exaggeration?”
This is not a future with advanced information. Once something big happens, almost the whole country knows about it.
This was an ancient time when information was not flowing smoothly. If it could make the whole country aware of it, it would be an earth-shattering event without exception.
Lu Yijian curled his lips and said: "Compared to your achievements, this is not an exaggeration at all. You have helped me increase the territory of the Song Dynasty by 150%.
The official family bestows meritorious officials three times, you can afford it."
Kou Ji smiled bitterly and said: "The fact that our Song Dynasty was able to conquer Liao and Goryeo is the credit of everyone in our Song Dynasty. It is not the credit of just a few of us.
Put all the glory on a few of us, and we deserve it."
Just as Lu Yijian was about to speak, Wang Zeng hurriedly interrupted: "This is true."
War can never be fought alone.
It requires a group of people.
Among this group of people, some are generals, some are soldiers, and some are in charge of logistics.
Kou Ji and his party were fighting in full swing at the front.
Lu Yijian, Wang Zeng and many other officials were all behind the scenes.
Kou Ji and others fought in the front for more than a year, and there was never any shortage of money or food during this period. It was the credit of Lu Yijian, Wang Zeng and other officials.
Lu Yijian heard Wang Zeng's words, glanced at Kou Jida and said: "It should be your contribution, there is no need to refuse. Anyway, many of you will be crowned kings after returning to Bianjing City.
You don’t have to be afraid of being overshadowed by your great achievements, let alone being impeached.”
Kou Ji smiled bitterly and said nothing.
Lu Yijian had already said this, so it would be hypocritical for him to shirk it anymore.
Kou Ji pondered for a moment and said, "Can you two tell the officials so that they don't create too big a scene in Bianjing City?"
Lu Yijian and Wang Zeng were stunned when they heard this.
Lu Yijian sighed: "It's useless if we talk about this matter, why don't you give it a try?"
Kou Ji said dumbfounded: "Since your attempts to persuade me are of no use, then I will try to persuade him, and most likely there will be no results."
Lu Yijian glanced at Kou Ji and said, "Since you know, then stop saying these things."
The three of them got together and chatted about some official matters.
Gone.
Lu Yijian suddenly said, "I heard that Privy Councilor Kou has some objections to my three sons?"
Kou Ji glanced at Lu Yijian. He guessed that Lu Yijian would definitely tell him about this, so he didn't hide anything and said decisively: "Your Qilin'er is good at studies and can do things, but he doesn't have the common people in his heart. I can't help it.
Put a man who has no people in his heart into the land of Liao."
Lu Yijian stared at Kou Ji and asked in a deep voice: "How did Privy Kou conclude that Quan Zi has no common people in his heart?"
Kou Ji was speechless and glanced at Wang Zeng.
When Wang Zeng was in Liaoyang Mansion, he had heard a little bit about Lu Gongzhu's deeds.
Wang Zeng saw Kou Ji looking at him and guessed what Kou Ji was thinking.
Immediately, Lu Gongzhu told Lu Yijian everything he had done in escorting the poor people.
After Lu Yijian listened, he fell into silence.
If Kou Ji deliberately suppressed Lu Gongzhu, then Lu Yijian would have to fight with Kou Ji to seek justice for Lu Gongzhu.
But in fact, Kou Ji did not deliberately suppress Lu Gongzhu. It was indeed Lu Gongzhu who did not do his job well and did not even do some face-saving work.
It's a completely business-like attitude.
There is no way to get into the political hall with this kind of attitude.
Even if the Lu family knew how to use all their connections to push Mr. Lu up, Mr. Lu still couldn't sit still.
Although most officials in the court, and even the previous prime ministers in the central government, most of them have a business-like attitude when running errands.
But when they need to do some face-saving work, they will never be lazy.
For example, there is a flood in a place.
It is necessary for important ministers of the DPRK to come and take charge.
After the important ministers of the court arrived at the place, they pretended to be waiting for the court to send relief grain. How could that be done?
We have to kill a few corrupt officials, deal with a few profiteers, raid the homes of a few rich and unkind families, get some food, and appease the people.
When the people saw that a good official was working for them, perhaps their newly born thoughts of causing trouble were extinguished.
Although they may not have the common people at heart, they have done a good job of saving face.
No one else can fault it.
Even if a major incident occurs, the court will impose a lighter punishment when held accountable.
However, Mr. Lu was not even willing to do any face-saving work.
Kou Ji said that he had no common people in his heart, and he even cried out for injustice.
Lu Yijian tried to defend him, but he couldn't.
After listening to Wang Zeng's description, Lu Yijian could only sigh and said: "It's my fault. It's because I've been busy with official duties and neglected to discipline him, so he can't even tolerate the common people."
Speaking of this, Lu Yijian looked at Kou Ji and said, "Thank you for seeing this and letting him return to Bianjing City, giving him a chance to change his ways."
Kou Ji smiled lightly and said nothing.
Whether Lu Yijian's words were sincere or just for show, he didn't want to care.
The three of them had finished chatting about personal matters and were already deep in love.
The three of them went back to their rooms to sleep.
The next day.
Kou Ji, Zhong Shiheng and others dressed in python robes, rode on royal horses, and embarked on their return journey again.
Lu Yijian and Wang Zeng followed closely behind them in sedan chairs.
As most of the Imperial Guard left their marching ranks.
Therefore, Kou Ji and his party's marching speed became much faster.
Kou Ji and his party wore python robes and walked across the state. Wherever they passed, the local people lined the streets to welcome them.
The news that Kou Ji and his party were going to be crowned kings was like a gust of wind, blowing throughout the entire Song Dynasty.
When approaching Kaifeng Mansion.
Kou Ji chose a post station to rest.
And after nightfall, he called Kou Tianci into the room.
Kou Tianci arrived at Kou Ji's room and stood in a corner without saying anything.
Kou Ji waved, "Come and sit."
Kou Tianci hesitated for a moment, then silently walked over and sat next to Kou Ji.
Kou Ji sighed, "Do you think that as a father, I am unkind and not good enough to you?"
Kou Tianci was speechless.
Kou Ji smiled bitterly and shook his head, saying: "It seems you really think so. Now that we are almost arriving in Bianjing, I should tell you something.
In case you are not prepared, you will make a joke and embarrass the Kou family."
Kou Tianci stared at the Kou family without saying anything.
The Kou family said straight to the point: "I am afraid that the kingship that I have worked so hard to earn will fall on your head in the end."
Kou Tianci finally reacted. He stared at Kou Ji with a stunned look on his face.
Kou Ji laughed and said: "Don't believe it? There's nothing you can do if you don't believe it. I'm afraid this prince will really fall on you. Because the official family and I have other important things to do, so the official family can't let me leave.
Beijing.
But the credit I have gained this time is the greatest, and the officials cannot but reward me.
So in the end, this kingship will definitely fall on you."
Kou Tianci had a sullen face, hesitated for a long time, and finally spoke, "I don't want any prince..."
Kou Ji shook his head and said: "You can't refuse the official's decree. Besides, everyone else has accepted the prince's title. If I, the Kou family, don't accept it, others will have other ideas.
You are so smart, you should know what other people think."
Kou Tianci hesitated for a moment and nodded.
Kou Ji sighed, "After you arrived in Liaoyang Mansion, the reason why I was cold to you and sent you to the army for training was to temper you.
After all, there will be a long time ahead.
You have to stay alone in the fief. I am not here, your mother is not here, and your sister is not here either.
You have to manage a fiefdom by yourself.
There is no one to help you with many things, and you need to handle many things by yourself.
There may also be life-threatening danger.
Letting you go to the military to hone your skills is to teach you how to remain calm when your life is threatened.
What a pity.
Zhao Run shot him in the army and asked Di Qing to kick you two out of the army.
You haven't been tempered at all.
Now we are about to arrive at Kaifeng Mansion, and the title of king will soon fall on you.
There is no time for you to sharpen your skills."
Kou Tianci stared at Kou Ji and said solemnly: "I don't want to leave my mother..."
Kou Ji couldn't help but rolled his eyes, "Then you want me to stay alone in the empty room?"
Kou Tianci opened his mouth, suddenly not knowing what to say.
Kou Ji continued: "There are some things that will be inconvenient to say once we return to Bianjing City. So I have to tell you now.
Once the official crowns you king, the entire Kou clan will inevitably move there.
There are some people in the Kou clan who are not good people.
Seeking profit only.
He even used his identity to threaten your grandfather and me.
After arriving in the fiefdom, they will inevitably use their status as clan elders to blackmail you.
Your grandfather didn't have much ability and his ears were soft.
At that time, they may be instigated by others to blackmail you.
They will even take away your power and make you a puppet."
Kou Tianci gave a shocked look to Kou Ji.
Kou Ji patted Kou Tianci on the shoulder and said, "But you don't have to be afraid. When you leave, I will let you take a group of people away. When you arrive at the fiefdom, soldiers and horses will come to help you one after another.
.
Therefore, those people do not dare to kill you. At most, they will coerce you, and then use you to control those soldiers and seek their own personal gain.
Of course, we cannot rule out the possibility that some people will go crazy and take risks.
So you must always remember to keep the troops and horses in your own hands.
Once someone threatens you, don't be polite.
If they work together to coerce you based on their status, you should not be polite to them.
If necessary, you can expel them from the family tree.
Let people throw them into the wilderness."
Speaking of this, Kou Ji suddenly paused and said: "If they still make trouble in the wilderness, send someone to send them back.
I will deal with them when the time comes."
Kou Tianci stared at Kou Ji blankly for a long time, then said with a somewhat sad expression, "Is there no room for turning around?"
Kou Ji was silent for a moment. He knew what Kou Tianci was asking. After being silent for a long time, he said: "If we refuse the throne, then either they will die or we will die."
"who are they?"
Kou Tianci asked a question.
Kou Ji said frankly: "Your godfather and the others..."
Kou Tianci stared at Kou Ji in horror.
Kou Ji sighed and said, "Don't look at me like that. I told you just now, if others accept the title of king, my Kou family will not accept it.
Everyone in the world will think that the people in our Kou Mansion have different intentions.
When the time comes, everyone in the government and the public will suppress us and guard against us.
All of us in the Kou government will never let down their vigilance against us unless we disappear under their pressure.
When your godfather was alive, they would still restrain themselves a little.
Once your godfather dies, they will definitely join forces to attack our government.
It will be difficult for our bandit government not to be destroyed by then.
If our government does not resist, it will surely perish.
The official family and I are brothers, and you and I are father and son.
For the sake of brotherhood, I will endure the humiliation and bear the heavy burden when the officials are around.
But once the official family is gone, I will definitely cheer up.
Because you are my son, I cannot watch you die."
When Kou Tianci heard this, his eyes were filled with astonishment.
After a long time, Kou Tianci stared at Kou Ji and said seriously: "My godfather is a good person. Although Zhao Run is a little stupid, he is also a good person. My godfather has always been good to me.