Kingdom of Heaven and Han

Chapter 494: Kong Yanzhou

Ezhou governs Jiangxia County, located on the left bank of the Yangtze River.Together with the Hanyang Army on the opposite side of the river, the place where the Han River flows into the Yangtze River is important.Later generations called this place Wuhan, roughly in Wuchang District.The place called Ezhou in later generations is a county below Ezhou, which is Wuchang County.

Kaifeng Mansion was breached by the Jin Army, and after the Song Dynasty moved to the south of the Yangtze River, Ezhou became an important town in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, more important than Xiangyang, which was located on the front line.Heavy troops were stationed here, and it was the center of the defense line in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River in the Song Dynasty.From then on, Ezhou took advantage of its geographical advantages to replace other cities in Hubei and became the center of this area.Of course, the name familiar to future generations is still Wuhan.

From Xiangyang back to Chuzhou, there were so many bandits in the Lianghuai area, and they couldn't go north.Is there Yang in the Dongting Lake area, and you can't go south.In comparison, the safest way is to go through Ezhou.

It is located in the hinterland of the Jianghan Plain, with numerous water networks and fertile land.After entering the Song Dynasty, after more than 100 years of transformation, it has become a densely populated place.After Zong Ze passed away, the Kaifeng defenders fled south, and the defenders of Ezhou changed like a revolving lantern.Now occupying Ezhou is the army of Kong Yanzhou who defeated Prime Minister Zhong last year.

Xu Fu and Gao Shi went south along the Han River, passing through the old-fashioned territory.Crossed the Yangtze River in Hanyang County, and arrived outside the city of Ezhou.

Seeing Kong Yanzhou in front of him covered in military uniform, surrounded by soldiers with swords and guns, Xu Fu sighed: "This Kong Yanzhou kills people like hemp, and he is not a good friend. When we went to Xiangyang, he obstructed in every possible way. Now that we come back, we just I'm afraid it won't be easy."

After finishing speaking, he rode forward with Gao Shize.

Not far in front of Kong Yanzhou's horse, Xu Fu and Gao Shi dismounted and saluted Kong Yanzhou together.

Kong Yanzhou didn't get off his horse, and he didn't even bow his hand in return.With a straight face, he said: "Admonishment, can you enjoy going to Xiangyang now?"

Xu Fu said: "Wang Jieshuai treated him with great courtesy, but he never suffered any grievances."

Kong Yanzhou stretched his neck to look at the car behind Xu Fu, and said, "Wang Xiaolie occupies the land of ten states, and it is a rich place. He is the richest person in the world. When you came back from Xiangyang, Wang Xiaolie didn't say anything back. Is it a gift?"

Gao Shi hurriedly said: "Boss, the gift we brought is a tribute from Wang Jieshuai to the court. But we can't move it!"

Kong Yanzhou snorted coldly and didn't even look at Gao Shize.He just said: "When you leave from me, I have obtained the imperial court's decree to appoint me as the governor of Qihuang Township. There is no one guarding this wonderful city of Ezhou. I think the imperial court's negligence is not small in this appointment!"

Xu Fu said: "The will of the imperial court is something that we, the courtiers, can discuss."

Kong Yanzhou looked at the car behind again, and said: "You have come from a long way, you should go to the city. I have prepared food and drinks, specially for the two of you. Don't talk about Ezhou, the Sajia will neglect you!"

Xu Fu thanked him, pulled Gao Shize onto his horse, and followed Kong Yanzhou into the city.

When he arrived at the state Yamen, Kong Yanzhou got off his horse.He said to the deputy general beside him: "The gifts brought by the two envoys, you take them to the side courtyard, and you must guard them carefully! If something goes wrong, I only ask you!"

The deputy general promised.He commanded his soldiers to take over the car brought by Xu Fu and the others.

Seeing that something was wrong, Xu Fu hurriedly cupped his hands in front of Kong Yanzhou and said, "Sir, this is a gift from Xiangyang Festival Commander Wang Xiaohun's tribute to the imperial court. It really can't be touched at all! Knowing that we are going to pass through Ezhou, the Festival Commander has prepared some gifts, and there is another A letter, addressed to the steward."

Hearing that he had his own gift, Kong Yanzhou's complexion became better.He said to the lieutenant general: "You and Xu Jianyi's subordinates will take care of the car together. Be careful, don't make any mistakes!"

The deputy general took the order and went down with his subordinates.

Xu Fu and Gao Shize were invited into the state office, and before they were seated, Kong Yanzhou opened Wang Xiaolie's letter.

There was nothing special in Wang Xiaolie's letter, it just said that the two envoys were going to pass through Ezhou, and Kong Yanzhou was asked to entertain them as much as possible.At the back, a list of gifts is also attached.Kong Yanzhou saw that there was no gold, silver or jewelry, and he was a little unhappy immediately.

Handing the letter in his hand to his trusted official, Kong Yanzhou said: "Guo Xuexue, take a look at what is valuable inside. Wang Xiaolie occupies a rich place, he should not be stingy."

Guo Xuexue took the letter and read it carefully.Said: "Zhen Fu, the gifts inside are very valuable!"

Kong Yanzhou said: "I just looked at it, and there is no gold, silver or jewelry. How can it be worth anything?"

The pedant said: "Perhaps it is because Xiangyang does not produce gold and silver, so I took what I produced to send to Zhen Fu. Look at this big car, it is all top-grade goods, and the market sells for [-] yuan a car. I gave away three Look at this glass mirror, one of which is sold for [-] guan in the market, and you have ten as a gift. Also, the clocks and watches made in Xiangyang, big and small, are not cheap. There is a big clock inside, I remember correctly, the market should be able to sell [-] guan. There are also three small watches worn on the body, and one can sell as much as [-] guan. After a rough calculation, this gift is worth at least [-] guan!"

"Oh, is that so?" Kong Yanzhou took the gift list again and looked it over carefully. "It is said that Wang Xiaolie is a generous man, and he is not a stingy person! We have never met before, and giving me five thousand guan is still a rare commodity, and he is a person who can be handed over!"

Putting down the gift list, Kong Yanzhou looked at Xu Fu and said, "Wang Xiaolie is so generous, the gift to the court would not be bad. I suggest that there is a gift list here? Let me have a look and gain some insight."

Xu Fu hurriedly said: "How can others freely inspect the things that have been paid tribute to the court? Manager, this matter cannot be allowed!"

Kong Yanzhou sneered and said: "If you don't show me the gift list, I'll send someone to check it in the car! If you don't check it clearly, how can you ensure that the gift is safe? If something is missing, you will definitely rely on me in the future!"

Xu Fu sighed: "Boss, Wang Jieshuai has already given you a big gift, why bother us?"

Kong Yanzhou said: "Wang Xiaolie gave me a gift, it is his friendship with me, what has it to do with you!"

After finishing speaking, he sneered.Seeing that Xu Fu refused to hand over the gift list, he didn't urge him anymore, but just winked at General Xi at one side.That general understood and left the hall.Go find the lieutenant general and check Wang Xiaolie's tribute gift.

Tea is served.Kong Yanzhou said: "The two envoys drink a cup of tea. When you go back, you will take a word to the court for me."

Xu Fu said: "If the general manager has anything to say, just put it in the memorial. You are an important member of the party, and the court will definitely not ignore it if you put up the memorial."

Kong Yanzhou said: "The memorial is useful, why bother you to bring the words. I joined the army since I was a child, and I have been in the army all year round. I am familiar with the army. Since the Jingkang period, I have led the army to fight for the court. Over the years, how many achievements have been made? Contributors! The Zhongxiang was in chaos, and both lakes suffered from it. Last year, I Tirui traveled to Dongting Lake and killed him in the first battle! What a great contribution! As a result, no festival has been established yet, and I was sent to do Qihuang Zhenfu envoy. I have hundreds of thousands of soldiers and horses, can they be settled in two states? Like Wang Xiaolie, occupying the land along the way, why not be a Jiedu envoy!"

Xu Fu carefully replied: "There must be a reason for the imperial court's arrangement. The manager is at ease, as long as he waits patiently."

Kong Yanzhou sneered: "A few days ago, the emperor of Qi State in the north sent envoys to persuade me to submit to him. It's just that I was loyal to the court and rejected him. If the court is unfair and neglects us generals, it will be hard to say in the future! "

(End of this chapter)