First Minister of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 570 Entering Qinjiang City

...

After hearing what Chen Longshu said, the city was once again in an uproar.

Whether it was Ning Chun or Chen Longshu, everyone in Qinjiang City was familiar with them. Even Ning Taoist was a little hesitant.

"Fifth Uncle..." Ning Daowu looked at Ning Jing.

The fifth man of the Ning family was on duty at the Qinjiang City Gate and was also a direct descendant of the Ning family.

Ning Jing's face was complicated, and he struggled internally for a long time.

Just outside the city, Tian Yangming was heard drawing his sword and pointing directly at Qinjiang City, "If the city is not opened within ten breaths, it will be punished as a traitor to the party."

Ning Jing's eyes flashed with helplessness, and then he looked at Daowu Ning and said, "Let's open the city."

Ning Daowu clenched his teeth, pursed his lips and nodded, "We can't implicate Awen anymore."

"Kaicheng".

The Qinjiang city gate slowly opened, and Tian Yangming rode back to the formation, proudly holding his hands in his hands and saying: "Thank you for your advice, the general will be able to live up to his mission."

"Okay, I'll give you two big legs of lamb tonight," Gao Chong said with a loud laugh: "Everyone, line up and enter the city. Commander Pang and Commander Feng will quickly take over the city defense."

Everyone heard the promise and agreed.

Tian Yangming scratched his head and leaned towards Pei Xingjian and the other four, "Hey, why are you giving me two big legs of lamb?"

The four teenagers looked at each other and smiled. Pei Xingjian laughed and said, "I'll let you eat enough to hold on."

Everyone laughed and rode into the city.

The opening of the Qinjiang City Gate announced the complete end of Ning Daoming's rebellion, and Ning Daoming also successfully led the Qinjiang Ning clan into the abyss.

"Xiaguan Qinjiang County Magistrate..." At the city gate, a man wearing the county magistrate's uniform greeted him respectfully.

"Okay", but before the county magistrate could finish speaking, Gao Chong waved his hand and said, "I have heard for a long time that you are an unknown county magistrate. You have been the county magistrate for four or five years. The people don't know your name yet, so I don't need to know it. . Go down and write a confession and report it to the Governor's Office later."

When the county magistrate heard this, not only did he not panic, but he breathed a deep sigh of relief and said, "Thank you so much for your help."

This county magistrate served as the county magistrate of Qinjiang for four or five years without any real power. He was controlled by the Ning family and did not dare to resist. The people called him the nameless magistrate because he had no sense of existence. It was really difficult for him. .

Now that Gao Chong has dismissed him, he finally jumped out of this quagmire. He doesn't care where he will work next or even what the punishment will be. It is better than being in Qinjiang.

As for the confession, the county magistrate secretly took a look at Ning Daowu and others, and he knew in his heart that Ning had fallen into the hands of this manager. The county magistrate knew what could and could not be written in the confession. .

"Are you Daowen Ning?" Gao Chong sat on his horse and looked at the young man in front of him.

"Xiaguan Qinjiang is in charge of Ning Daowu, and I have seen the administration." Ning Daowu saluted with an expressionless face.

Gao Chong was a little surprised and nodded appreciatively, "At such an age, you are very good at cultivating qi like this."

Then he smiled to the left and right and said: "When I was his age, Mr. Wu Erxian insulted my father. I kicked him down directly in front of the palace gate, but I was not as calm as him."

"You..." Ning Daowu was furious, staring at Gao Chong with a pair of red eyes, but Ning Jing behind him was tightly tugging on his sleeves. Ning Jing's eyes were also spitting fire. If eyes could kill, Gao Chong would have been broken into pieces. Scum.

Upon seeing this, Gao Chong just chuckled, "What a pity", and then rode into the city.

The Dudu's Mansion has become the private residence of the Ning family and is full of porcelain. Gao Chong just stood at the door for a long time, then turned around and headed to Qinjiang Post House.

In the evening, the front hall of the post house was full of people.

Gao Chong, the Lingnan economic envoy and the governor of Guangzhou, sat on the throne, with two young men standing on each side, namely Gao Yunzhi, Xue Rengui, Pei Xingjian and Tu Dijin.

The people at the bottom are also sitting in two columns, namely Ning Chun, the governor of Nanhe Prefecture, Feng Zhiyu, the governor of Lianzhou, Pang Xiaotai, the governor of Baizhou, Chen Longshu, the governor of Longzhou, Mo Zhongwen, the commander of the Hepu Military Prefecture, and others.

"Everyone," Gao Chong tapped the desk with his fingers, and everyone who was originally whispering and discussing fell silent immediately.

"The rebellion in Yuezhou has been put down now, and I have submitted a letter to the imperial court regarding the specific matters." Gao Chong looked at everyone with a smile, "I believe that the imperial court will have its own reward within a month. During this period, Ning Chun will temporarily be in charge of the administration of the Qinzhou Governor's Mansion. Prefecture Mo Tongjun, Long Prefecture Chen Shijun, I hope you two will give your full assistance, and the rest will rest for two days, each return to his own prefecture, and wait for the imperial court's decree."

After hearing the words, everyone happily agreed.

Feng Zhiyu looked at Gao Chong eagerly and bowed respectfully: "Jing Lue, my father is eagerly looking forward to it in Gaoliang. He just wants to talk to Jing Lue. He specially sent a message to his subordinates. He must respectfully invite Jin Lue to go to Gaoliang and visit Jing Lue." A little complete."

As the second son of the Feng family in Gaozhou, Feng Zhiyu, a well-known son from a famous family in Lingnan, had never been so respectful to others.

If this scene were to spread out now, I don’t know how many people would be shocked.

However, Chen Longshu and others personally witnessed Ning Huizao's death and saw that the eldest son of the Ning family had his head missing, so they did not think there was anything wrong with Feng Zhiyu's gesture.

Faced with Feng Zhiyu's attitude, Gao Chong was very satisfied. He upheld his righteousness this time, divided the officials in various states, and took risks to bring down Ning Changzhen. The results can be seen now, and they are indeed remarkable.

The reason why he said he was taking risks was because of Ning Changzhen. If Ning Changzhen made a desperate move and invited officials from various states to rebel, Gao Chong would definitely have to bear the responsibility if the situation worsened.

It's a pity that Ning Changzhen doesn't have it, or rather, Ning Changzhen is old and far from the anti-Sui spirit he once had. He just naively thinks that Gao Chong is still as gentle and appeasing to Lingnan as he was for four years of Wude.

"Don't worry, Erlang." Gao Chong picked up the teacup and said with a smile, "I had a deep friendship with your father back then. This time when I go to Guangzhou, I will also pass through Gaozhou and I will definitely go to Gaoliang. In addition, since I have arrived in Gaozhou, I should go to Xian in person. Worship at Madame Temple."

Feng Zhiyu was overjoyed to see that Gao Chong was so kind to him and no longer called Feng Shijun but Erlang.

Gao Chong's words, both inside and outside, showed his kindness to his Feng family, and even more so, his admiration for Mrs. Xian. Feng Zhiyu was happy from the bottom of his heart.

"Thank you Jinglue for the honor," Feng Zhiyu said with a smile, "I will send a message to my father right now that I will treat Jinglue well."

Gao Chong's face darkened when he heard this, "That's wrong."

"Ah?" Feng Zhiyu's expression changed drastically.

I saw Gao Chong sternly saying: "I have been ordered to travel through Lingnan and inspect prefectures and counties. This is my duty. I have my own posthouse to provide food and accommodation along the way. How can I be extravagant and extravagant? This is not good, it is really not good."

Tian Yangming pursed his lips and smiled, almost unable to hold it back.

Feng Zhiyu was stunned, and after reacting, he nodded, "What Jinglue said is that national affairs are difficult. Jinglue leads by example, is diligent and frugal, and is really a role model for our generation."

Gao Chong's face was not red, his heart was not beating and he nodded slightly, "This is right."Chen Longshu probably couldn't bear to listen anymore. He coughed and immediately stepped out in a serious manner, crossed his hands and bowed: "If we go to Guangzhou, we will pass through Longzhou all the way east. After passing Longzhou, we will reach Gaozhou. Since we pass through Longzhou, I will go to Xiaguan." If you are brave, please go to Longshui. You can also check for leaks and fill in the gaps, and guide your officials to continue the policy of household registration and naturalization in Longzhou."

Feng Zhiyu glanced at Chen Longshu with disdain, as if he was complaining: A flattering person who guides government affairs... is really a talent.

Pang Xiaotai looked stunned. He looked at Feng Zhiyu and then Chen Longshu. He cursed in his heart and stood up in confusion.

Gao Chong looked weird and looked at Pang Xiaotai, who was at a loss. "What? You have to pass through Baizhou when going to Guangzhou?"

Everyone laughed when they heard this.

Pang Xiaotai's face suddenly turned red. When he saw the four teenagers behind Gao Chong, he had an idea and grinned.

"Jing Lue is going to Panyu. The journey is thousands of miles, and there are mostly mountains and dense forests along the way. I see that all the people around Jing Lue are from the north. Maybe he is not familiar with the climate in Lingnan, so he is afraid that he may not take good care of him. This is my brother Xiaojie, who was born and raised here. As a Lingnan native, he has nothing to do with me, so it would be better for him to serve as an official and go to his post, and it would be better to have a native to take care of him."

Everyone's eyes widened when they heard this. Feng Zhiyu's eyes were full of admiration. Good guy, I'm still too young. Of these two people, one asked Jing Lue to guide his work, and the other served Jing Lue to take office. Only he, a fool, He actually said something about treating the manager well. In comparison, he was just a fool.

Gao Chong looked at Pang Xiaotai, who was blushing and thick-necked, and nodded and said with a smile: "It's rare for An Cheng to be considerate, so Lao Pang will join the army."

Pang Xiaojie, who was next to Pang Xiaotai, didn't react for a while. He couldn't believe it. This was what his gentle brother Cong said. When did he reach such a high level?

Until Pang Xiaotai tugged on his sleeve, Pang Xiaojie quickly stood up and turned over the tea cup on the desk, "I dare to die if I don't serve my humble duty."

Gao Chong laughed loudly and waved his hands in amazement, "No, no, Pang Shenjun's words are serious. I have thousands of soldiers shouting in front of me, and no blind bandits dare to attack me."

After finishing speaking, Gao Zhan suddenly paused and asked thoughtfully: "How many years has Pang Canjun been serving as a soldier?"

"It's been five years," Pang Xiaojie said truthfully without understanding what he meant.

"It's been too long." Gao Chong shook his head and looked at Pang Xiaojie with raised eyebrows, "Do you want to go to Guangzhou with me?"

Everyone was stunned.

Pang Xiaotai was overjoyed and was busy poking at Pang Xiaojie.

Pang Xiaojie reacted by bowing down and prostrating, "If you don't give up on the scriptures, Pang Xiaojie is willing to listen to his orders."

"Okay", Gao Chong said with a smile, stroking his hands: "I believe you have heard that I am going to Guangzhou for other important matters, that is, setting up a shipping department to open up sea trade. Pang joined the army in suppressing the rebellion and has also made great achievements. I I will write to you to ask for merit and recommend Pang to join the army and be promoted to the commander of the army."

"Thank you Jinglue for your great kindness." Pang Xiaotai bowed and fell to the ground. This was the kindness of knowing and meeting, and the kindness was renewed. From now on, Gao Chong will be his benefactor, and he will respect him like his parents and mentors.

Chen Longshu and others looked at this scene with envy. If they had known this, they would have brought more young handsome men from the clan over.

This time, although they all have meritorious service and will be rewarded, each of their families only has one person. As for the Baizhou Pang family, both brothers have meritorious service. It is really a blessing for the Pang family.

Gao Chong has paid special attention to Pang Xiaojie since Tudi recommended him. This person has been serving as his brother Pang Xiaotai's deputy. He has worked hard for many years, is familiar with military affairs, is loyal, and is more lively than his brother. Or reusable.

After staying in Qinjiang City for three days, Gao Chong used iron-blooded methods to wipe out the remnants of the Ning family. Many people still stubbornly believed that Ning Changzhen had been killed.

In just three days, Gao Chong suffered four assassinations. There were even small-scale riots in Neiting and Nanbin counties next door. Some officials attacked the county office, but it was all a small fight. The local defenders then Its comforting.

Note that in the face of the attack on the county office by the people, this is just to appease the local defenders. The local defenders do not dare to use troops. Once troops are used, casualties will completely change the nature of the situation.

Next, the pressure was put on Ning Chun, who also worked hard to achieve some political achievements and visited the leaders of each Dongxi one by one as a descendant of the Ning family.

Ning Chun was familiar with the classics and history. Although he did not have the eloquent skills of the ancient strategists, he was still able to face those uncivilized slang leaders with ease.

On the one hand, the great chief Ning Changzhen was nowhere to be found, and the imperial army was in shock; on the other hand, Ning Chun, a direct descendant of the Ning family, came forward to comfort him, and there were also powerful figures from various states such as the Chen family of Longzhou, the Pang family of Baizhou, and the Mo family of Yuezhou. With the help of the chiefs, the officials in the states and counties under the Qinzhou Governor's Mansion gradually stabilized.

Three days later, the Lingnan Jinglue Mansion Guards set off. From the east gate of Qinjiang City, their first stop was Baizhou.

In fact, if you go east from Qinzhou, as long as you don't spare the road, you will also pass through Baizhou, Longzhou, Gaozhou and other places. After all, Qinzhou and Guangzhou are in the west and the other in the east, and Baizhou, Longzhou and other states are between Qinzhou and Guangzhou. .

It was just that Feng Zhiyu and Chen Longshu had invited Gao Chong to the state for "inspection", but Pang Xiaotai was too shy to mention it again.

Qinjiang City goes east, crosses the Qinjiang River, then continues eastward, crosses the Zhang River and enters the Baizhou territory.

Baizhou, formerly known as Nanzhou, was renamed Baizhou in the sixth year of Wude. The slang and barbarians lived together, and Pang was elected as the chief. The current chief is Pang Xiaotai.

Baizhou has jurisdiction over six counties, including Bobai, Jianning, and Zhouluo. It seems that it has many counties, including six. After all, some states have only one county. However, in fact, the six counties in Baizhou are small in area, and some counties are not as large as one in the Central Plains region. Village fort.

Pang Xiaotai led the Baizhou children to set off with the Gaochong Guards. After crossing Zhangshui, he could clearly feel the excitement of the Baizhou children.

"After a brief review, Yunfei Mountain is in front of us, and Bobai City is in the north of the mountain."

Pang Xiaotai rode forward with a warm smile on his face, looking very relaxed and comfortable, "The scenery of Yunfei Mountain is magnificent, with peaks towering into the clouds and Zhangshui River below. Even if you look at Lingnan, it is also The scenery is superb. Seeing that it’s getting late, why don’t you set up camp at Yunfei Mountain tonight?”

Yunfeishan... Gao Chong's expression changed. Later, this place was called Yunfeizhang. It was really famous because the heads of heroes who died for their country were buried here. That hero was Pang Xiaotai.

Because this Yunfei Mountain is the Pang family's clan. Pang Xiaotai grew up in this Yunfei Mountain since he was a child and is familiar with every plant and tree here.

"I heard that An Cheng came from Yunfei Mountain?" Gao Chong asked directly.

Pang Xiaotai had become accustomed to Gao Chong's erudition and immediately grinned, "That's right. It's hard to turn a blind eye when passing by my house today. Please give me your permission and allow me to express my feelings."

Then he suddenly remembered that Gao Chong had always said that he should practice frugality, and he immediately said: "It's just some delicacies from the mountains and wild game, which is not considered extravagant."

At this time, Pang Xiaojie also stepped forward to persuade: "Since we have reached the bottom of the mountain, it is better to go up and sit down."

Upon seeing this, Gao Chong nodded in agreement, and Pang Xiaotai was overjoyed.

Pang Xiaojie also responded and made arrangements, directly ordering the Baizhou soldiers to camp on the banks of the Zhangshui River. His two brothers only led a dozen of Pang's servants to follow Gao Chong up.

Gao Chong understood clearly after seeing this, and he valued Pang Xiaojie even more.

Pei Xingjian was a few steps behind and whispered to Xue Rengui and the others: "This Pang Xiaojie is really thoughtful."

Gao Kan also nodded, "I was planning to advise my brother to be cautious, but seeing that Pang Xiaojie was so knowledgeable, I gave up."

More than 1000 guards followed. As soon as they arrived at the mountain pass, they heard loud banging and an uproar in the mountain.

"Jing Lue, wait until I step forward to reveal my identity." Pang Xiaotai bared his teeth and smiled, expressing great satisfaction with Yunfeishan's patrol.

(End of this chapter)