First Minister of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 562 Ning Huizao enters Hepu

...

In Gao Kan's mind, his brother Gao Chong had always been smart and had a leisurely and contented demeanor, but now he was so angry, which showed how outrageous Ning Huizao's move into Hepu County was.

Gao Kan is already 15 years old. He and Xue Rengui study and practice martial arts together on weekdays, discussing major events in the world, and even Gao Chong entrusts them with some unimportant government orders.

The four young men were already regarded as the staff members of Gao Chong, the manager, that is, they were generally secretary assistants. They had unique insights into some important matters, so Gao Kan knew very well why Gao Chong was so rude.

Ning Daoming was originally from the Ning family, and he rebelled with the support of the family head Ning Changzhen. Although Ning Changzhen did not rebel openly, he also proposed the vague concept of separatist rule of solidifying the territory and defending oneself.

If it weren't for the fact that the Qinzhou Ning family was the chief of the bureaucrats, strictly speaking, Ning Chang would have committed a serious crime of treason.

But now, Ning Daoming has been defeated and died. Not only did Ning Changzhen fail to apologize to the court immediately, his eldest son, the future head of the Ning family, Ning Huizao, instead stationed in Hepu County.

Hepu County is the seat of Yuezhou. Ning Daoming, the governor of Yuezhou, rebelled and died. The imperial court should take over Yuezhou and carry out the next post-war pacification. Ning Huizao is the governor of Qinzhou. Although Yuezhou is subordinate to Qinzhou Under the command of the Governor's Mansion, Ning Huizao had no right to interfere in Yuezhou's military affairs.

Ning Changzhen does have this power, but when it comes to investigation, it is his nephew who rebelled against the prefectures and counties under his command. Shouldn't Ning Changzhen be held more accountable?

Fortunately, Ning Changzhen not only did not apologize respectfully, but instead regarded Yuezhou as the Ning family's possession and directly sent his son Ning Huizao to take over. Although he was the governor of Qinzhou, Yuezhou belonged to Zhongzhou and was ranked among the governors. The whole fourth rank belongs to the feudal officials, and he cannot be appointed at will by the governor.

"Let's go", Gao Chong casually took a cup of water to wash his face, and said in a deep voice: "Call Ning Pang, the two envoys, to come to the front hall quickly."

Gao Kan immediately went to deliver the message. Gao Chong and others stationed in Anchang County. They did not stay in the county government office, but stayed in the post house.

Xue Rengui came in at the door and straightened Gao Chong's clothes. He frowned and said, "Master, if the Ning family is so rampant, can you trust Ning Shijun?"

Gao Chong smiled when he heard the words, "He has already proved it with Ning Daoming's head and [-] rebels. If this is also a disguise, it is too exaggerated."

After hearing this, Xue Rengui thought about it carefully and agreed. Although Lu Nan was the first to put down Ning Daoming's rebellion, Ning Chun undoubtedly contributed the most. If he had his heart set on the Ning family, he would definitely not do this.

Not long after, when Gao Chong arrived at the front hall, Ning Chun and his two men had already arrived. Their faces were solemn, and they had obviously heard about Ning Huizao's entry into Hepu County.

"Ru He, tell me what you think." Gao Chong came to the front seat and sat down, looking directly at Ning Chun without delay.

When Ning Chun saw Gao Chong being the first to ask him, he could only smile bitterly, "Ning Changzhen has already regarded Yuezhou as his territory. Perhaps he thought that the governor did not dare to do anything to the Ning family, so he dared to be so direct."

Gao Chong looked unsurprised. He knew that Ning Chun's character would never be biased towards the Ning family. Xue Rengui, who was serving beside him, also took a deep look at Ning Chun.

Only Pang Xiaotai seemed to be a little absent-minded. Gao Chong knew what he was thinking without asking. It was just seeing that Ning Changzhen was so rampant now that he dared to compete with the court for territory, and his fear of Ning Changzhen rose again.

Gao Chong did not delay and said directly: "Yuezhou is the Yuezhou of the imperial court, not the Yuezhou of the Ning family. The subordinate officials in Yuezhou should be appointed by the imperial court, not the Ning family.

Ning Huizao's move is tantamount to provoking the majesty of the imperial court and will never be allowed.The plan remains the same, after noon, troops will enter Hepu County, if Ruoning Huizao dares to resist, kill him."

Hearing Gao Chong's strong words, Ning Chun just sighed and stood up to respond. Although Pang Xiaotai was a little timid, he did not dare to disobey Gao Chong's order, so he agreed.

"You two envoys, go down and organize the army," Gao Chong ordered.

The two took the lead.

"What do you think?" Gao Chong returned to the backyard and asked while having some morning tea.

Gao Kan glanced at Xue Rengui and the others and said bluntly: "Ning Zhijun is loyal and determined towards the Ning family, so he may be reused."

Xue Rengui nodded when he heard this, and said with some embarrassment: "My previous suspicions were a bit villainous."

Gao Chong waved his hand to indicate that it was okay. At this time, Tu Dijin, who was holding the bowl and sucking, suddenly said: "That Baizhou Pang Shijun is too cowardly, but his younger brother is a bit brave."

Gao Chong was a little surprised when he heard this. He just looked at Tu Dijin and asked curiously: "How do you know?"

Gao Chong was not very familiar with Pang Xiaotai's younger brother, Pang Xiaojie. He only knew that Pang Xiaojie had been serving as Pang Xiaotai's deputy general in charge of the Baizhou Lieutenant.

Tu Di Jin saw that his master valued him very much, so he put down the bowl, wiped his mouth, and said directly: "I saw Pang Xiaojie carrying a spear during the march. When I was stationed at the camp, my hands were itchy, so I asked him for some tips, and I recognized him as a soldier. A hero who is extravagant and generous is more refreshing than his elder brother."

Among this group of people, Gao Chong and Gao Kan used halberds, Xue Rengui used halberds, Pei Xingjian was not good at military skills and his family inherited swordsmanship, Ning Chun, a scholar, also used swords, Pang Xiaotai used horizontal swords, and only Pang Xiaojie used long spears. After all, long spears were used. The cost is low and it is the most common long soldier.

Tu Dijin also used a spear, and Tu Diji took the initiative to ask for advice because he was itching for skills, and the two got to know each other.

Gao Chong was thoughtful and said directly: "I'd like to go to the camp now and call Pang Xiaojie."

Tu Dijin was stunned, "Does master want to recruit Pang Xiaojie and make him betray his brother?"

"What are you soliciting for betrayal?" Gao Chong laughed in astonishment and raised his hand to slap Tu Dijin on the head.

"Pang Xiaotai has a soft heart and is indecisive in his actions. I am worried that he will be afraid of the power of the Ning family and do bad things. Listening to what you said, Pang Xiaojie is more courageous than his brother. I will meet him and give him some advice. As long as he doesn't Silly, you should know what to do?”

Xue Rengui nodded, "I understand, the master wants Pang Xiaojie to spur Pang Xiaotai, don't do bad things, don't be confused."

Gao Chong nodded with satisfaction, "That's right."

Tu Dijin scratched his head and went down to deliver the message.

During the waiting period, nothing happened. Xue Rengui was making tea aside, while Gao Kan and Pei Xingjian were packing their bags behind them.

Gao Chong closed his eyes and fell asleep, and asked thoughtfully: "What do you think should be done if Ning Huizao refuses to cooperate?"

Hearing this, all three teenagers slowed down their movements.

Xue Rengui took the lead and said: "First declare your righteousness. If you don't obey, then send troops to attack the city."

Gao Chong was noncommittal, "What else?"

Pei Xingjian continued: "Ning Shijun is quite prestigious in Yuezhou. Ning Shijun can come forward and declare Ning's crimes to advise the scholars in the city not to be rebellious."

Gao Chong still did not express his position, "Where is Yunzhi?"

Gao Kan slapped the bag in his hand heavily, and then Pei Xingjian continued: "If you refuse to cooperate, you will be guilty of conspiracy. If you can easily bypass this thief, your prestige will be ruined. After breaking the city, you may kill him to deter the thief." It will be more convenient for Master to govern next."

Hearing this, Xue Rengui and Xue Rengui were a little shocked. On the other hand, Gao Chong nodded with a satisfied smile, "What Yunzhi said is exactly what I want. Ning has repeatedly provoked the court. If treated lightly, , then Lingnan will never be able to completely surrender."

Xue Rengui and his two men understood this truth, but they were just a little worried, "Master, the Ning family is so strong. If they are completely forced to rebel, it will inevitably lead to another military disaster." "It doesn't matter," Gao Chong waved his hand nonchalantly, "Ning Chang is really old. There are many people who want to replace Ning, and they can't be monolithic."

After the words fell, I heard the tall man at the door announcing: Someone is coming from Jiangzhou.

He was stunned for a moment, and then he understood, "Guess who this person is?"

The three teenagers were discussing Ning Huizao's matter. Their brains were not as wild as Gao Chong's. They all shook their heads in confusion.

"The person who shows his good will," Gao Chong raised the corners of his mouth and said firmly.

When the people from Jiangzhou arrived, Gao Chong didn't recognize them either. He should be a minor official in Jiangzhou.

"I have met Gao Jinglue. Lu Changshi ordered me to come and report that Feng Zhiyu, the governor of Lianzhou, and Chen Longshu, the governor of Longzhou, have arrived in Jiangzhou and are ready to pay a visit to Jinglue. May I ask how Jinglue will arrange it?" The official of Nazhou Yamen bowed his body. Said.

Gao Chong raised his brows, looked at the three young men, and then directly ordered: "Return to Jiangzhou, I will wait in Hepu. If you are free, envoys Feng and Chen can come to Hepu for a while."

The little official responded to the words and stepped back respectfully.

"Master is really good at predicting things," Pei Xingjian said with a smile: "The Feng family in Gaozhou and the Chen family in Longzhou have come to express their goodwill. If this happens, Qinzhou Ningchang will really be unable to sit still."

Gao Chong snorted coldly, "He couldn't sit still. Wei Feng Guards came to report: This old guy is not in good health. He hasn't left the Governor's Mansion for two or three years. He must be dying not far away."

Not long after, Tu Dijin came to the courtyard with Pang Xiaojie.

"I've seen Gao Jinglue", when he saw Gao Chong, Pang Xiaojie crossed his hands and saluted, neither humble nor overbearing, at least in this bearing, he was far better than his brother Pang Xiaotai.

"Pang Canjun is polite," Gao Chong nodded and smiled, then stretched out his hand to the stone bench beside him and said, "Sit down."

Pang Xiaojie paid homage to Bing Cao and joined the army in Baizhou. He was one of the six divisions in the state and was in charge of the military affairs of the state. Of course, in Baizhou, Pang Xiaojie, Bing Cao and joining the army, was the head of the six divisions.

After all, he was from the Baizhou Pang family and was Pang Xiaotai's younger brother. This situation was very common in this Jisuzhou county.

"I've heard about the Pang brothers in Baizhou for a long time." Gao Chong looked at the upright Pang Xiaojie and praised, "Pang Shenjun is busy today in reorganizing the army and preparing for war, so I'll keep the story short."

The two heroes of the Pang family... Pang Xiaojie was taken aback for a moment, then crossed his hands and said, "It's a little bit, but please tell me."

"It's not a big deal," Gao Chong said with a chuckle, "Pang Canjun doesn't need to be so solemn."

As he spoke, Gao Chong personally poured a cup of tea for Pang Xiaojie, "Pang Canjun should be well aware of your brother Pang Shijun's character, right?"

Pang Xiaotai was suddenly stunned, and seemed to understand something in his heart. He frowned slightly and said, "If Gao Jing has something to say, you can speak frankly."

Gao Chong was quite surprised. Pang Xiaotai was as straightforward as Tu Dijin said.

"Okay", Gao Chong didn't hesitate, "Pang Canjun must also understand what happened today. Ning is so bold and disrespectful to the court. He is going to Hepu on this trip. If Ning Huizao refuses to cooperate, you should know what the result will be?"

Pang Xiaojie's expression changed, he nodded and said, "I know."

"Very good", Gao Chong was very satisfied, "You also know that your elder brother's attitude towards the Ning family is too awe-inspiring. Once you start a war with the Ning family, although your brother is loyal to the court, he will inevitably feel timid. When Pang joins the army, Do you know what to do?"

Pang Xiaojie took a deep breath and said in a deep voice: "I know."

Seeing Gao Chong looking over, Pang Xiaojie sighed: "My brother has a kind personality and is prone to hesitation when things happen. When the time comes, I will definitely advise him and resolutely obey the manager's orders."

Gao Chong couldn't help clapping and applauding, "Okay, very good, Pang Canjun is really a smart man, to tell you the truth, the Feng family of Gaozhou and the Chen family of Longzhou have come to help, if your Pang family of Baizhou makes meritorious deeds here, by then, Pang Canjun will Maybe he can become Governor Pang, it's unknown."

Pang Xiaojie's eyes lit up when he heard this, "Is what Jinglue said true?"

"I am in charge of the administration of the eight Lingnan prefectures, how can I be joking?" Gao Chong said seriously.

Pang Xiaojie stood up nervously and bowed deeply to Gao Chong, "Pang family from Baizhou, I am willing to help you with your hard work."

Gao rushed down and helped him up, "It's getting late. Brother Pang, go down and organize the army. I know that Baizhou's soldiers cannot do without you."

Pang Xiaojie prostrated again, turned and left.

"Master has good tricks," Xue Rengui, who had been silent behind him, immediately boasted: "With just a few words, I have completely conquered the Baizhou Pang family. Now Pang Xiaojie will not let his brother do stupid things again."

Pei Xingjian also thought thoughtfully, "This is the general trend. Master uses the general trend to suppress it, and Pangzi dare not disobey it."

"Okay", after hearing the compliments of the disciples, the corner of Gao Chong's mouth raised, "pack up and get ready to go."

For the Lingnan party, he brought the four teenagers with him, and he could not only serve them, but also teach them by precept and example. These insights were knowledge that they could not learn in school.

After Pang Xiaojie returned to the camp, before he could take a breath, his brother Pang Xiaotai came looking for him.

"Erlang, Gao Jinglue is looking for you?" Pang Xiaotai asked with eyes wide open.

Pang Xiaojie knew what his brother's temperament was. It would not be an exaggeration to say that he was timid and afraid of getting into trouble. Now he was not sure what to think about.

Of course, it's not that Pang Xiaotai doesn't trust him, it's just that Pang Xiaotai is worried and afraid that Gao Chong will do anything bad to Pang Xiaojie.

"Brother, don't worry, you sit down first." Pang Xiaojie pulled him to sit aside, and then stared at him seriously, "Brother, do you believe me?"

Pang Xiaotai threw his hand away, "Erlang, why are you so crazy? Tell me, what is he looking for you for?"

The two brothers grew up together since childhood and have a deep relationship. Pang Xiaotai has the demeanor of an elder brother, is kind and friendly, and is very tolerant towards his tribe. It can be said that Pang Xiaojie grew up behind Pang Xiaotai. They have been close to each other for many years, so Pang Xiaotai Xiaotai didn't even bother to answer his brother's question.

"Gao Jinglue said that the Feng family in Gaozhou and the Chen family in Longzhou have already led troops to help. If Ning Huizao refuses to cooperate, he will send troops to attack and completely annihilate him. He asked me to advise my brother not to be timid and to cooperate with the court as much as possible. After the rebellion is successfully suppressed, a governor's office may be established in Baizhou."

Pang Xiaojie didn't delay, and immediately made it clear in a few words. However, Pang Xiaotai's expression changed when he heard this, "Completely annihilate the Ning family? How easy is that?"

"No matter how easy it is, brother, you can't be half-hearted anymore," Pang Xiaojie said urgently: "No matter how strong the Ning family is, they can't beat the Feng and Chen families together, not to mention, there is a more powerful court behind it."

Hearing this, Pang Xiaotai nodded again, "Naturally, the Ning family is definitely no match for the imperial court sitting in the world."

　My dear, the wind howled last night and the windows rattled, but it still held up.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)