The third emperor of the Sui Dynasty

Chapter 549
As the time gradually approached dusk, Yang Tong watched the appointment letters submitted by the Ministry of Officials, the Ministry of Military Affairs, the Ministry of Punishment, and the Imperial Ministry in the study of the side hall. This was the appointment of officials in the hometown of Liang State. As long as Yang Tong signed and stamped it, it would take effect. In the several appointment letters, from the prefect to the county magistrate, none of the positions were lost. The resumes and personal standards of the officials corresponding to the positions were written in detail, and even the reasons for assigning them to the relevant positions were clearly listed. Literally speaking, the abilities of these officials are matched with their positions and places of employment. Such a distribution can make the places recover quickly.

However, the territory presented by Xiao Xian still has troubles. The long and narrow area reaching to the sea is sandwiched between the Three Kingdoms. It needs to be defended everywhere, but the defense is not good everywhere. The key is that there are powerful and Jiangnan gentry inside. These people must attract the enemy to attack, and it is far from enough to rely on the county soldiers who go south with the officials. This requires sending troops to suppress it. It is not much different from fighting, but the local tyrants are doing their own things. The scale is definitely smaller than a real war, but It will take time and will definitely affect the next military action of the Sui Dynasty.

The troubles in the Lingnan area are particularly serious. The name is given by Xiao Xian, but in fact it is under the control of Feng An. It will definitely not work if it is not recovered. If the extremely influential Feng family is destroyed by force, Lingnan will be in chaos. Officials have to face rebellion every day, so how can we talk about governance?Let’s recover peacefully. Feng An must respect Sui’s self-reliance like his elders, and firmly control Lingnan’s financial, political, and military power, so that Lingnan is separated from the Sui regime. There are majesty and endless troubles, not to mention that Lingnan includes parts of Guangdong, Guangxi and Hunan and Jiangxi in later generations, and the annual wealth and food produced are unimaginable. Yang Tong regards it as an important place for future food production. How could it become an uncontrolled country? The Kingdom of China?All in all, the most worry-free way is to move the Feng family out of Lingnan, and then slowly change the habits of the bureaucrats by law, erasing Feng's influence, but is Feng An as easy-talking as Xiao Xian?
Yang Tong first wanted to use Dou Jiande to engage in tactical deception, and then quickly pushed Li Mi's forces to the Jianghuai area, took over Du Fuwei's territory, and then further eroded Li Mi's strategic depth, blasting him to the Yangtze River In the south, this is not only convenient for centralized governance, but also more troops can be drawn to suppress Li Mi and Lin Shihong, and it can also cause disputes between Li Mi and Meng Haigong. Who would have expected Li Mi to see through the essence of Dou Jiande's surrender to the Sui Dynasty and let Xu Shiji and Wang Bodang go north first .As a result, the assault battle became a tough battle.With the end of the Sui and Tang Dynasties, I originally wanted to use Qin Qiong's second army as a mobile force to enter Li Mi's territory to break the deadlock and give Li Jing and Yang Gongren a chance, but Xiao Mian's surrender disrupted his plan. He had no choice but to let Qin Qiong go south to Nanjun. Now to break the situation, he had to draw troops from other places.

Yang Tong pondered for a long time, walked out of the room, and seeing that the sky had completely darkened, he said, "Quickly order Fang Xuanling, Ling Jing and Jiang Xingben to meet me in the military aircraft room."

"Here!"

Outside the study room, there was a Shura guard who was on call at any time, as soon as he heard Yang Tong's order, three of them flew away.

Yang Tong walked into the military aircraft room with his hands behind his back. There was a sand table, about [-] feet wide and [-] feet long. It was a sand table map of the Sui Dynasty. The scarlet red of the Sui Dynasty is so abrupt and conspicuous among the white representing Li Yuan, the purple of Du Fuwei, and the light blue of Lin Shihong.

After about a moment, the three ministers rushed over, walked into the room and saluted: "See Your Majesty!"

"Come here."

Yang Tong asked the three of them to come to the sand table. He picked up a wooden pole and pointed to the land of Lingnan, and first told Jiang Xingben: "Feng An listened to Xiao Xian and Lin Shihong's instructions, and Xiao Xian's descent to the Sui Dynasty does not mean that he Also surrendered, marking him as an independent force."

"Here!" Jiang Xingben responded quickly.

Fang Xuanling frowned, and asked, "Is Your Majesty planning to use troops against Feng An?"

"The Feng family has always judged the situation, followed the trend, and nominally belonged to Liang, Chen, and Sui, but in fact they listened to the propaganda and did not listen to it. They took Lingnan as their own from the beginning to the end. I will not allow the existence of a country within a country. , let alone allow the Feng family to continue encroaching on the imperial court's taxes. As I said, Lingnan is an undeveloped treasure land, and it will be an important food production area in the Sui Dynasty, so it must be included in the political system."

"My lord, I checked the files of Lingnan specifically, and found that both emperors Wen and Wu had the idea of ​​completely recovering Lingnan, but they couldn't implement it in the end." Fang Xuanling said.

"Why?"

"During the period of Emperor Wen, our main enemy in the Sui Dynasty was the Turks in the north. The Turks inherited the legacy of Rouran, and they were even more powerful than the former. The Turks who have the power to destroy the country, the Feng family seems insignificant, so they adopted a strategy of appeasement to the Feng family, allowing him to be the king of Lingnan in Lingnan. In the early days of Emperor Wu, our main enemy in the Sui Dynasty became one who disrupted business. Tuyuhun and Western Turks came after Goguryeo. There are two other reasons. One is that there are countless mountains, rivers and natural moats between Lingnan and the Central Plains. It is because the vast majority of people think that Lingnan is a barren land full of smog and wild beasts, and they do not realize the value of Lingnan. Otherwise, criminals would not be afraid of "distributing Lingnan". Based on the above three reasons, The Feng family is now stable and stable."

"Is there nothing we can do with him?" Yang Tong frowned.

Fang Xuanling cast a glance at Yang Yu, feeling helpless in his heart, it seems that the Holy One can't wait to take back Lingnan.

"Your Majesty, Feng An's troops are only tens of thousands. It is not difficult to recover Lingnan. If Guanshan is difficult to cross, the navy can attack the Pearl River Delta. The army will continue to enter by water, and the danger of Guanshan will no longer exist. .”

Yang Tong slapped his forehead and said with a smile, "Why didn't I think of that. You still have a way!"

"Really?" Fang Xuanling asked in surprise.

"Since there is a way, why not fight?" Yang Tong smiled and said, "The navy's daily maintenance is huge, but it has never had a chance to make meritorious service. There are voices in the court to ban it, which makes the navy Could it be that everyone is holding back their anger and wants to fight a few good battles to let the world know the importance of the navy, and this Lingnan is just for them to vent their anger."

"My minister thought that the commander who attacked Lingnan was none other than Dudu Zhang." Fang Xuanling recommended the commander, and continued: "Three years after Daye, Emperor Wu appointed Chen Leng as General Wu Benlang. Governor Zhang Zhen Zhou, who invited the doctor to the imperial court, went out with the army and was the vanguard of attacking Ryukyu. The great general died in the Jiangdu Rebellion, Dudu Zhang is quite familiar with that sea area, and he is fully qualified to be the commander of the Southern Expedition to Lingnan."

Yang Tong pondered for a long time, and said: "Lingnan can be fought, but the Feng family is deeply rooted in Lingnan and has a huge influence, and the benevolent government of several generations has won the hearts of the bureaucrats. If I kill Feng, I am afraid that Lingnan will be in chaos. For a long time, this is not conducive to my rule of Lingnan. What I mean is to use a few decisive victories to destroy Feng Shixing's fighting spirit against the imperial court, and move the Feng family to Luoyang. The clan lived a life of prosperity and wealth."

Yang Tong made this decision for the long-term stability of Lingnan, just like Emperor Wu Yang Guang exterminated Nanchen, but did not kill Chen Shubao, but made him a general, and let his brothers and nephews serve in the north. If the family is still alive, the Jiangnan people cannot use Chen Shubao and the Chen family as an excuse to rebel.During the Three Kingdoms period, the subjugated kings of Shu and Wu were the same. If Sima kept them alive, no one would rebel with the reason of reviving Shu and Wu.

"Holy Majesty is wise, in this way, the Feng family surrendered and received favorable treatment from the court. The bureaucrats have no reason to resist the court. Then use Feng's reputation to govern Lingnan. As long as the court is in place, within ten years the court will be able to Replace Feng's position in Lingnan." Ling Jing also said.

"You immediately submit an imperial edict ordering Zhang Zhenzhou to build warships at Gaomi Military Port to prepare for the attack on Lingnan. Also tell him my strategy."

"Here!"

"Don't worry, the Feng family in Lingnan is only suffering from scabies, it's not enough!" Yang Tong stopped Ling Jing who was about to leave, and said, "I want to send two troops as surprise soldiers to go deep into the enemy's territory and assist Zuo Pushe and General Xie broke the deadlock, who do you think is more suitable."

Fang Xuanling said: "Your Majesty, the left servant has many generals, and the two generals Pei and Shen are good at fighting in the enemy's rear, so there is no need to send another army to help. General Xie from Yingchuan is guarding the southeast gate of Henan County, and the task is heavy. , should send someone to help. The combination of General Luo and General Xin Liaoer is undoubtedly the best choice."

"There are 2 Xiaoguo troops on the front line, one of them is at Youpushe's place; the other is accompanied by Shixin to attack Zhang Shigui, which is quite damaged. Let him make up [-] people from Youpushe's place and go to Yingchuan to fight. Yes Now, let Cheng Yaojin hand over Hanchuan military affairs to Qian Jie, and go to Nanyang to serve as the deputy general of Shixin. The Xiaoguo army needs to rest and pick people, and Cheng Yaojin should be able to arrive."

The golden combination of Luo Shixin and Xin Liaoer should be even more exciting with Cheng Yaojin, who is known as a lucky general, joining in!Yang Tong was looking forward to it.

"Here!"

Then they discussed the newly acquired land, and even the appointed officials analyzed it one by one. Since there were too many positions, they simply had a meal in the side hall and discussed it later. When everything was over, it was almost morning
....................................

When Yang Tong returned to the back house, the night was already deep, the family members had already fallen asleep, and the courtyard was silent.He had just arrived at the gate of the inner house when he faintly heard someone talking, Yang Tong was slightly startled and stopped in his tracks.

The voice was low and indistinct, he couldn't hear what was being said, but he could hear a woman's voice talking to herself, and the voice came from an inner courtyard, which was the residence of Concubine Hui Xiao Yuexian.Xiao Yuexian had been in the Sui Dynasty for nearly half a year, but because the marriage was an exchange of interests, Yang Tong felt a little uncomfortable. Although Li Xiuning was also a political marriage, Yang Tong, who inherited the memory of his "predecessor Yang Tong", did not care for Li Xiuning. There is no stranger, and Xiao Yuexian is a complete stranger, and because of too little time to spend with each other and being busy, he has never touched her.

Hearing that there was still light coming from her side, Yang Tong walked in involuntarily, and saw a rock under an osmanthus tree, incense candles, and a Buddha statue who didn't know who it was, wearing a light yellow dress Xiao Yuexian is worshiping devoutly. The night wind wraps her long skirt tightly, highlighting her slender and slender figure. The long black and smooth hair naturally hangs over her shoulders. There is a faint brilliance under the candlelight. She puts her hands together and slides down her silk sleeves , revealing his crystal-clear and jade-like wrist, praying something in a low voice.

Xiao Yuexian's voice was soft and sweet, like a trickling spring flowing through Yang Tong's heart. When he listened carefully, he was actually praying for himself, which surprised Yang Tong. He never expected that she would actually pray for him. With a holy face, Yang Tong's heart softened, feeling that he had treated this woman harshly.

"Moon Immortal!"

When she got up, Yang Tong called out softly, Xiao Yuexian was startled, when she saw clearly that the person standing in front of the courtyard was Yang Tong, she patted her chest and breathed a sigh of relief.

Xiao Yuexian walked in slowly, seeing Yang Tong staring at her, her gleaming gaze made her heart twitch, and when she got closer, she saw that Yang Tong was neatly dressed, he didn't look like he got up at night, and asked in surprise Said: "Husband, why did you come back? It's almost two o'clock now."

"I have some important things to deal with today, so I came back late." Yang Tong pointed to the Buddha statue who didn't know what it was, and asked with a smile, "Don't you eat meat? Why do you believe in Buddhism?"

Hearing this, Xiao Yuexian was immediately embarrassed to death, and said shyly: "Buddhism doesn't taboo, but my ancestors ordered monks to be vegetarians. Since then, Buddhism has formed a tradition of vegetarianism."

Xiao Yuexian's ancestor was Xiao Yan, the founder of the Liang Kingdom. In the early days of the dynasty, Xiao Yan was a good emperor.Before him, monks were not taboo, because Xiao Yan found relevant theories in the "Mahaparinirvana Sutra", so he ordered monks to be vegetarian, not only that, but also ordered the whole country to follow him.It was also from this that Xiao Yan ignored the government, turning the Liang Dynasty into a puddle of muddy water and darkness.According to legend, Xiao Yan built more than 48 temples during his 480-year reign, and an average of ten temples were built every year... Therefore, Du Mu said in his poem, "There are 480 temples in the Southern Dynasty, how many buildings are in the mist and rain."

Buddhism is the state religion of the Liang Kingdom, and almost all the descendants of the Xiao family believe in Buddhism, not to mention the Xiao Yuexian in front of them, even the two empress dowagers also believe in it.

Xiao Yuexian knew that Buddhism was banned in the Sui Dynasty, and there were many restrictions on Buddhists. If you want to become a monk, you need to undergo a severe assessment. After a long time, you didn't get a response from Yang Tong, so you said very anxiously: "I'm sorry!"

"Why do you apologize?" Yang Tong was rather surprised.

"I shouldn't worship Buddha, and make my husband angry."

"No such thing!" Yang Tong shook his head lightly, "The reason why Buddhism can be passed down to this day shows that it has merits. It is absolutely true that Buddhist teachings guide people to be good! The fault lies in those who borrowed Pseudo-baldheads who seek profit according to Buddhist teachings. What I restrict is false baldheads, not Buddhism. If someone does not eat meat, cannot marry, does not make money, does not spend extravagantly, does not break precepts, and does not break the law, then he is truly Buddha's monk."

"This..." Xiao Yuexian bit her lip, "I don't think anyone can do this harshly."

"An eminent monk should be detached and free from vulgarity. All four elements are empty. No matter how many rules and regulations there are, they will be nothing to him. If he can't do this, then he is a fake monk who ruins the reputation of Buddhism. I restrict it for the good of Buddhism."

"..." Xiao Yuexian thought along Yang Tong's train of thought, and suddenly realized that Yang Tong's method was more sinister than destroying Buddha.

Although Yang Tong did not exterminate the Buddha, he used the teachings of the Buddhist school to create the birth of a dead monk in an open and honest manner. Although this method is not as vicious as the method of exterminating the Buddha, the effect is more than that.In the minds of believers, a high-ranking monk should be as defined by Yang Tong. If it fails to meet the requirements, it is a fake, and the court's ban will naturally not be opposed by the people.But without the support of the common people, those fake monks are nothing, who will become a monk in the long run?If no one inherits it, won't it be destroyed?

"Belief in Buddhism is your belief. I neither support nor oppose it. In the future, you can worship if you want, and I will not be angry." Yang Tong said, turned and left.

Xiao Yuexian chased after him, summoned up his courage and asked: "Husband, can I ask something?"

Yang Tong smiled and said, "You want to ask your father?"

"En!" Xiao Yuexian's beautiful eyes were full of fear, like a frightened deer.

There was a smile on the corner of Yang Tong's mouth, and he said softly: "I have canonized him as Duke of Jiangling County. He is on his way to Luoyang. You will see him in a few days. I can tolerate Dou Jiande, so naturally I can tolerate him." I can get your father! However, unlike Dou Jiande, who was born as a commoner, he has a lot of influence in the south. I am worried that the enemy will assassinate your father in Luoyang in order to stir up disputes and hinder the unification of the Sui Dynasty. Before he takes control of the south, he must not leave Luoyang, and when he no longer has the weight to stir up disputes, he will be safe, and at that time, I don't care where he wants to go."

"Thank you, husband!" Xiao Yuexian finally let go of his hanging heart, and said in a very grateful voice: "I only have my father as a relative. My husband treats him kindly. I, I am very grateful."

"I hope you and me are not because of your father, but because of your own will." She said "I only have my father as a family member", which made Yang Tong feel a little uncomfortable, but after thinking about it, he soon let go, Xiao Yuexian cared Isn't her father's safety the supreme act of filial piety?

"I..." Xiao Yuexian became a little nervous.

"Filial piety is as big as the sky. You are right to care about your father. I don't mean to blame you. It's late, you should go to bed early." Yang Tong smiled, turned and left.

Xiao Yuexian stared deeply at Yang Tong's leaving back with her beautiful eyes, and sighed sadly, she knew that what she said out of joy had misunderstood her husband.

(End of this chapter)