First Minister of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 495

...

Outside Hejian City, Kaohsiung rode forward.

"Ambassador Gao has arrived at Daxingtai, Eastern Shaanxi Province," Gao Chong shouted, "quickly open the city gate."

Gao Chong frowned, feeling something was wrong, "Why is the city gate closed even before the sun sets?"

When Wang Yun heard this, he immediately clenched the sword in his hand, and shielded it faintly in front of him.

"Ambassador Gao, you are not welcome in Yingzhou, you should go back."

"That is, Zheng Shijun is a good official, you can't deal with him."

……

Still no one showed up at the top of the city wall, but the voice came from behind the wall, it seems that they should be hiding behind the city wall and dare not show up.

Gao Chong was stunned when he heard it, and then reacted sharply.

"First, I'm not here to deal with Emissary Zheng. Second, I was ordered to patrol the sky on behalf of the sky. You will close the city gate and prevent me from entering the city. Do you know what crime this is?"

There was a commotion in the city.

"Ambassador Gao, are you really not here to deal with Ambassador Zheng?" A person at the head of the city said hesitantly.

"If you don't open the city again, Shijun Zheng will be implicated by idiots like you," Gao Chong reprimanded.

Zhao Feng's face changed suddenly, he looked around, gritted his teeth and said, "I hope Ambassador Gao will not deceive us, otherwise, otherwise we will risk our lives to seek justice for Mr. Zheng."

"Kaicheng".

The city gate opened slowly, and Gao Chong stepped forward with a gloomy expression.

"My subordinate Yingzhou Sima Zhao Feng, I have met Ambassador Gao," Zhao Feng bowed and said.

"Who told you that I came here to deal with Zheng Sui?" Gao Chong asked, "I will punish those who spread rumors and make trouble according to the law."

"Yes, it was what Zheng Shijun said." Zhao Feng also regretted it at this time.

He encouraged the guards to close the city gate ahead of time, and coerced dozens of people, trying to let the deposed emissary see Zheng Shijun's hearts in Yingzhou, but now it seems that he messed up, he was scared by Gao Chong's few words Living.

"Where is Zheng Sui now?"

"State Yamen", Zhao Feng bowed his head and replied.

"I'm telling you clearly, I'm not here for Zheng Sui, I'm entering the city," Gao Chong stared at Zhao Feng and said in a deep voice.

After entering the city, Gao Chong saw dozens of people gathered at the city gate.

"Zheng Shijun is a good official, why should he be dealt with?"

"Yes, we can only survive thanks to Mr. Zheng."

……

"Is this what you did?"

Gao Chong looked at Zhao Feng, "If you can't calm down the public opinion, you can come and see him."

Zhao Feng was in a hurry to respond, and hurriedly came forward and said: "Folks, I made a mistake, the court is not here to deal with Mr. Zheng, it is just a routine inspection...".

"Everyone in Yingzhou, my official Gao Chong, I have captured Dou Jiande alive," Gao Chong said in shocking words, saying,
Immediately, the people were full of voices and discussions. They were in awe of Gao Chong, and even a few people cursed at Gao Chong in a low voice. Gao Chong's sharp eyes patrolled the group of people.

"I was ordered to inspect the various prefectures and investigate the achievements of the chief officials of the prefectures. I heard that Zheng Sui in Yingzhou was upright and clean, and the people under his rule were pure and stable. Now it seems the opposite. What are you going to do?" Gao Chong sternly scolded.

Hearing these words, these common people immediately showed frightened expressions, begging for mercy in panic.

"Folks, this is a misunderstanding. I, Zhao Feng, made a mistake. Hurry up and disperse. If the trouble continues, Zheng Shijun will really be unable to step down..."

Zhao Feng was sweating profusely, this was really shooting himself in the foot.

At this moment, Zheng Sui hurried over upon hearing the news.

"You, what are you doing?" Zheng Sui realized the seriousness of the problem just by listening to the yamen servant. In the eyes of an orthodox Confucian like him, this move is tantamount to conspiracy.

"Yingzhou Inspector Zheng Sui, I have met Ambassador Gao," Zheng Sui hurriedly saluted.

"Envoy Zheng is polite." Gao Chong didn't get off his horse, but nodded slightly, and looked at the group of people, "Emissary Zheng, please deal with it."

"Folks, hurry up and leave." Zheng Sui had already stepped forward to prove that he was fine.

A group of people looked at each other in blank dismay, and could only look at Zhao Feng.

Zhao Feng was very anxious, and bowed deeply to the people, "Folks, I mistakenly thought that the deposed emissary came to arrest Zheng Shijun, and it was Zhao Feng's crime. Everyone, please disperse quickly, and don't implicate Zheng Shijun... ...".

"Going back to the government office", Gao Chong glanced at Zhao Feng, then rode his horse and left.

In the yamen of Yingzhou Mansion, each sat down.

"Who can tell me what's going on?" Gao Chong was in a bad mood, and looked at Zheng Sui, "When am I going to arrest you?"

Originally in this land of Hebei, it was supposed to be appeased, but who would have thought that entering the city would almost encounter a civil uprising.

Although those people did not carry weapons, blocking the city gate like this with the intention of blocking court officials, if they were dealt with on the line, they would already be suspected of treason.

Zheng Sui sighed when he heard the words, looked at Zhao Feng helplessly, and said directly: "Let's talk about it myself."

After hearing Zheng Sui's words, Gao Chong was speechless for a moment, only feeling angry.

"You are the governor of a state anyway, don't you know the court's decree, if you are innocent, how will the official deal with you, and you."

Gao Chong pointed at Zhao Feng, "You are an idiot, you don't know anything, you are here to manipulate public opinion, you are still a state Sima, do you know what your actions mean?"

Zheng Sui was a little surprised when he heard this, looked around, and seemed to have something to say.

"Say something straight," Gao Chong saw it, calmed down and said.

"Ambassador Gao's trip is not to investigate the former princelings?" Zheng Sui asked tentatively.

"His name is Wang Yun." Gao Chong did not answer this question, but pointed to Wang Yun who was standing beside him and said, "He used to be the personal guard of the deposed prince, and he is still standing here alive and well. When I return to Beijing, I will invite him Officer, you are just a member of the Zheng clan, if there is no ghost in your heart, why are you panicking?"

"This official is open and honest, but, but the Princess of Qianzhong is the official's sister", Zheng Sui said in amazement: "I also heard that the head of the Zheng family has been escorted to Chang'an, you really didn't come here to take me? "

Gao Chong didn't know whether to laugh or cry, this Zheng Sui was obviously the kind of nerd who read by heart.

Seeing Zheng Shanguo returning to Beijing to accept the crime, and seeing Gao Chong, the prince's confidant, coming to Yingzhou, he thought Gao Chong wanted to arrest him.

"Emissary Zheng is worrying too much," Gao Chong had no choice but to comfort him, "Patriarch Zheng just trespassed on the royal enclosure and needs to go back to Beijing to plead guilty, and has nothing to do with the abolition of the crown prince.

In addition, the Crown Prince has ordered a general amnesty, and let the past not be blamed for the party members of the second murderer, even Wei Ting, Wang Gui and others returned to Beijing to take up positions, not to mention Mr. Zheng, you are not the party member of the second murderer."

Zheng Sui was very excited when he heard the words, and couldn't calm down for a long time.

"The prince is benevolent, and he will be a holy king in the future. Since ancient times, the battle for the heir has often involved a lot. As a brother of the former prince and concubine, I thought that I would die..."

Gao Chong waved his hands and said with a smile: "Shijun Zheng really scared himself. I have seen it all the way. Yingzhou can have the current situation. Not only is Zheng Shijun innocent, but he also has merit. The first class in the state, I will report it truthfully and ask for credit for you."

Zheng Sui was overjoyed when he heard the words, and bowed to thank him.

He is a pure person. To put it bluntly, he is a person with a very "simple" mind. When he is studying, he reads seriously, and when he is an official, he is meticulous. It should be clean and honest, and benefit one party.

In his heart, there is no dog, only the teachings of the sages in the book, such a personality is respected, of course, some people call this kind of person dead-headed, which is why Gao Chong did not show his face to him.

As for Zhao Feng, he didn't have such good luck, Gao Chong played it truthfully.

Li Shimin is also a broad-minded person, and will not treat Zheng Sui differently because of his status as Li Jiancheng's uncle.

After receiving Gao Chong's report, he issued a decree to commend Zheng Sui, the governor of Yingzhou, and appointed a doctor, Wen Sanguan. As for Zhao Feng, he was demoted to the county magistrate.

Just because Zhao Feng had no malice, and he actively made up for it afterwards, and Zheng Sui interceded for him, otherwise, even if he was not killed for the crime of inciting the people, he would have to be exiled to the frontier.

Zheng Sui is an upright person, and he also upholds the law and is impartial when it comes to punishment and prison.

Gao Chong reviewed the criminal name case in Yingzhou, and gave Zheng Sui a very high evaluation. According to law enforcement must be strict."

At this time, Gao Chong was already at the height of the sun, and many people couldn't ask for Gao Chong's calligraphy, but Zheng Sui didn't judge the eight characters by the value of the calligraphy itself, turned around and inscribed the eight characters on the screen wall of the state government office. It can be seen in and out, and this anecdote has been handed down to later generations.

After leaving Yingzhou, I thought that Gao Chong would go south to Jizhou. After all, Gao Chong's trip was to inspect the states in eastern Shaanxi in name, and Hebei was the most important thing. However, Gao Chong did not go south, but went north. Hurry up.

After walking for a day, I saw a big river lying in front of me, which was Yishui.

This Yishui is the windy and cold Yishui, which is already the northernmost point of Hebei, and beyond Yizhou to the north is the border of Youzhou.

Yishui is [-] miles south of Yizhou City. In the first year of Emperor Kaihuang, Yizhou was established, and Yixian County was governed. In the early years of Daye, the state was abolished and the county was established, and it was changed to Shanggu County. In the fourth year of Wude, after Dou Jiande was pacified, Yizhou was reestablished.

On the bank of Yishui, Gao Chong stayed on his horse and stared at the big river.

Suddenly, the horseshoes rattled, dozens of riders in front of them rushed towards them at high speed, Gao Xiong and others were about to step forward to stop them, when they took a closer look, they grinned and said, "Lang Jun, do you see who is coming?"

Gao Chong turned his head to look, and immediately showed a smile. He rode his horse to meet him. When the two horses were more than ten steps apart, he reined in at the same time.

"Hongji, you miss me so much."

It was Liu Hongji who came, and Liu Hongji was also very happy, he stepped forward and hugged Gao Chong tightly.

"Yuzhi, I haven't seen you for more than a year. You are quite white and fat. It seems that Chang'an Fengshui really nourishes people."

Last spring, when the Turks invaded Longxi, Li Yuan ordered Liu Hongji to leave the town of Binzhou to defend against the Turks. Later, Li Yuan ordered Li Shentong, king of Huai'an, to take over the defense, and transferred Liu Hongji to be the governor of Yizhou. Guard Hebei until now.

"When the matter is over, you should be able to return to Beijing," Gao Chong patted Liu Hongji on the shoulder and said meaningfully.

Liu Hongji immediately understood and pulled Gao Chong aside.

"Youzhi, tell me the truth, has there been any change in Youzhou? Of course, if it's a secret, forget it."

"Since when did you, Liu Hongji, talk to me in such a secretive way?" Gao Chong punched him while laughing and cursing.

"Is there any movement in Youzhou?" Gao Chong sat directly on the bank of Yishui and asked relaxedly.

Liu Hongji imitated the example and sat beside him, "There was no big movement, but Wang Junkuo crossed the border with some soldiers and horses a few days ago, and I scolded him back."

Gao Chong frowned, "Why did he cross the border?"

Liu Hongji shook his head, "I just wandered around and went back, I just said it was hunting."

"Okay, Mr. Liu", Gao Chong put his arms around Liu Hongji's shoulder and joked, "Peng Guogong, who is a dignified man, came out to hunt, but you scolded him back."

"I'm so scared", Liu Hongji glared, "I'm not from the same way, he is the Duke of the state and so am I, I'm afraid of what he will do."

This sentence reflects the existence of some small groups in the military. One is from Taiyuan, such as Liu Hongji and Duan Zhixuan, and the other is from Wagang, such as Qin Qiong, Cheng Zhijie and others.

When they were in Chang'an, Liu Hongji, Duan Zhixuan and others hung out together every day.

Qin Qiong, Cheng Zhijie, and Wang Junkuo, the old Wagang people, are another group. It is hard to say that the two parties are hostile, but they are definitely not like a family.

And Gao Chong is an exception, who makes him like to make good fortune everywhere.

"Okay, okay, I know you are the Duke of the state, don't show off," Gao Chong cursed a little speechlessly.

After Liu Hongji joined Liu Wuzhou, he was ennobled as the Duke of the State because of his meritorious service, while Gao Chong was very aggrieved to be suppressed for his meritorious service, but that day is coming soon.

"Let's go to your state office. We'll talk while we eat and tell you something important," Gao Chong said as he got up.

"Okay, let's talk while drinking," Liu Hongji patted his butt very happy, and finally had someone who can drink freely.

"Drink a fart", Gao Chong didn't give this guy any face, "The matter is very important, it must be done beautifully".

Seeing this, Liu Hongji's heart trembled, and everyone rode their horses to Yi County
Chang'an City, Mi State Duke's Mansion, front yard.

A bunch of servants gathered here, Mrs. Mi Yang's face was very ugly, the servants were trembling and bowed their heads in silence.

Not long after, a servant girl rushed over and bowed to report: "Ma'am, I have asked all the servants in the mansion, but I haven't seen Ah Qiang in the past two days."

Yang's eyes suddenly flashed doubts when he heard the words, "When was the last time you saw Yang Aqiang? Where is it?"

"Returning to Ma'am, it was at the Zuiyun Building at sunset the day before yesterday. After Guanshi Yang went out, he was never seen again," a servant replied in a low voice.

Yang came from a family and was not a fool. He knew that Yang Aqiang would never dare to run away. After all, he was a servant of the family, and he could not walk an inch after he fled, and he would never dare to go out without returning for two days. After thinking about it carefully, something must have happened.

"It's all gone, don't talk about it," Yang ordered in a deep voice, turned around and went to the study.

"Mr. Lang, there is a servant in the mansion who has been missing for two days and hasn't returned." After adding some tea, Mrs. Yang said softly.

Feng Deyi picked up the teacup, disapproving, and said with a smile: "I haven't returned for two days, could it be that I have the guts to escape? Who is it? Have you reported it to Chang'an County?"

"It's Yang Aqiang, my concubine thinks he won't run away, something must have happened," Yang said truthfully.

With a click, Feng Deyi looked shocked, the teacup fell on the desk, and the tea splashed all over him, "Who are you talking about? Yang Aqiang? Yang Aqiang from Zuiyun Tower?"

Yang hurriedly wiped off the water stains on Feng Deyi, she didn't understand why she lost her composure, she didn't know what Feng Deyi asked Yang Aqiang to do, so she could only say: "It's him, he is loyal and smart, sure will not flee."

Feng Deyi looked suspicious, his face changed, and then he grabbed Yang and asked, "How many days have you been missing?"

"It's been two days," Yang frowned and said, "Mr. Lang, tell me, is this someone targeting our family? After all, Yang Aqiang is an old man in the house and knows a lot about our family."

Hearing these intentional or unintentional words, Feng Deyi suddenly couldn't sit still.

(End of this chapter)