First Minister of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 582
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After entering the boundary of Longzhou, the first place we arrived was Yongning County.

The place name Yongning County is found in many places all over the world, because the name has a good meaning and means eternal peace.

The current Yongning County in Longzhou is not simple either. It was originally named Yongxi County. In the fifth year of Wude, it was renamed Yongning County.

Yongxi County was originally the seat of Yongxi County in the former Sui Dynasty. Later, Yongxi County was abolished, and its subordinate counties, including Yongxi County, Huaide County and other places, were all incorporated into Longzhou.

Therefore, although Yongning County is not the administrative seat of Longzhou, its status is no less than that of Yongning County. Its population, city size and prosperity are, to a certain extent, better than Longshui.

The current magistrate of Yongning County is Chen Longshu's eldest son, Chen Puguang.

When Gao Chong arrived in Yongning, Chen Longshu, the governor of Longzhou, had been waiting outside the city for a long time.

Chen Longshu was over fifty years old and was very reliable in his affairs. The area around Longzhou was all within the Chen family's sphere of influence. As soon as Gao Chong left Tongzhou, Chen Longshu received the news and ordered people to inquire along the way and report the driving itinerary from time to time. He was really successful. Watertight.

"Chen Longshu, the governor of Longzhou under the official command, respectfully welcomes the economic envoy."

Seeing Gao Chong turn over and dismount, Chen Longshu stepped forward quickly, bowed and saluted, "The military envoy has arrived in Longzhou, and the people of Longzhou are like rain after a long drought."

Gao Chong's mouth trembled, he waved his hands and said with a smile: "Chen Shijun, you are exaggerating. You and I are old acquaintances, so there is no need to be like this."

Then he looked at Chen Longshu, two young men on the left and right,

The man on the left is about thirty years old, dressed as a scribe, with a round and white face, and a faint smile on his face. If he shaved off his hair and put on monk's clothes, he would be a great Buddhist master.

But for some reason, this man looked very pale and looked sick, as if he was seriously ill.

The man on the right is about [-] years old, probably similar to Tian Yangming. He is dressed in warrior attire, with a horizontal sword hanging from his waist, and his face looks more resolute.

The Wen and Wu who accompanied him must be Chen Longshu's two sons.

Seeing Gao Chong looking over, Chen Longshu turned sideways and gestured without waiting for Gao Chong to ask.

The round-faced scribe took a deep breath, folded his hands and bowed before saying, "Yongning County Magistrate Chen Puguang has met the Minister of Economic Affairs."

"Chen Jiyuan, the special general of Yunji Military Mansion, has seen the envoy," the man with the sword bowed his hands solemnly and bowed.

"Jing Lue, these are two useless children from Xiaguan. I hope Jing Jing can give me some empty advice."Chen Longshu's attitude was very respectful and his words were very friendly. He thought that he had abandoned his sworn brother Ning Changzhen and had surrendered to Gao Chong. He could be regarded as Gao Chong's confidant, and his words were not too unfamiliar.

"That's right, everything is a thousand-mile horse of the Chen family." Gao Chong understood Chen Longshu's thoughts and didn't care about it. Then he looked at Chen Puguang with a strange look in his eyes, "Is Da Lang feeling ill?"

Chen Puguang's face was startled, and Chen Longshu sighed at the side, "This matter is a long story. Please go to the city to rest for a while, and let me tell you slowly."

Entering Yongning City, Gao Chong found that he could live and work in peace and contentment in the city. Yongning was close to the Yunkai Mountains and there had been no war for decades. The people were either farming or hunting, and taxes were extremely low, so their lives were pretty decent.

This is also Chen's biggest basis for establishing a foothold in Longzhou. Although the people in the capital of Guizhou are uneducated, they are not stupid either. They will support anyone who can give them a stable life. This is a very simple truth.

Just like the Ning family took root in Qinjiang, the exploitation was faced by outsiders, and the local people must be comforted.

Next, as usual, Gao Chong still stayed in the post house. Unlike other officials such as pacification envoys, deposed envoys and other imperial envoys, when they inspected various places, they stayed in official offices wherever they went to show their status. In addition, official offices The living environment is indeed the best, but as a result, those subordinate officials in the government office need to move out, which is quite troublesome.

It's just that Gao Chong never liked trouble. In his opinion, it was just a temporary stay for a day or two, and there was no need to bother. Therefore, Chen Longshu also knew that no matter where Gao Chong went, he would always stay in a posthouse.

At the banquet that night, Chen Longshu told the story of Chen Puguang's injury in grief and anger. He looked extremely aggrieved. Gao Chong only expressed his resentment, but had no other meaning. This made Chen Longshu feel anxious and confused. Somewhat uneasy.

In the post house, when Pei Xingjian was pouring tea for Gao Chong, he couldn't help but laugh when he thought of Chen Longshu's performance.

Seeing Gao Chong looking over, Pei Xingjian suppressed his smile and said: "Then Chen Shijun looked at Master eagerly, expecting Master to support him and make the decision. But Master, you have never expressed your opinion, but you have made him anxious." ".

Hearing what Pei Xingjian said, several others also found it funny.

"This Chen Shijun is also a wonderful person." Xue Rengui never speaks many words, but he can often hit the point with just one sentence.

"Tell me about it," Gao Chong liked this feeling better. As night fell, he sipped a cup of fragrant tea and tested four future talents, feeling physically and mentally comfortable.

Xue Rengui paused, organized his words and said directly: "Chen Longshu completely expressed his thoughts and demands in words. He knew that his behavior would not be offensive, especially to the master, because he, Chen, was completely attached to the master. , or he was attached to the imperial court, and for this reason he did not hesitate to betray his sworn brother Ning Changzhen.

He felt that he was useful to the master. The master needed him. He needed Chen's influence to stabilize Lingnan. The master had always promoted people who were aware of current affairs, so he did not hesitate to say anything. cover up".

Gao Kan also shook his head and smiled: "What Rengui said is absolutely true, he almost didn't say it directly."

"Just tell me, I'm yours. Now that I'm being bullied, you have to make the decision for me," Tu Dijin said in a muffled voice.

Everyone laughed again after hearing this.

"Then tell me why I didn't take a stand?" Gao Chong nodded, expressing great satisfaction, and asked again.

The four of them looked at each other. As the eldest disciple, Xue Rengui felt helpless when he heard this, "Master, you underestimate us too much."

"That's right", the more lively Pei Xingjian also said: "If we can't even see through this, are we worthy of being your disciples?"

Gao Chong was speechless for a while and looked at Tu Di Jin. As his name suggests, the third disciple is cautious in his words and deeds. He speaks the least and is the dullest person. Let's see how he answers.

Tu Dijin looked at the two senior brothers with a confused look on his face, and then said directly: "Didn't Master want to beat Chen Longshu? It was Chen Longshu's tax collection from the Luo Dou Liao people in Nanfuzhou. Didn't Master say that Nanfuzhou would be exempted from it? ?"

Gao Kan and the other three nodded in unison.

Upon seeing this, Gao Chong nodded and sighed: "Ren Gui is right, I underestimated you."

Pei Xingjian scratched his head and said, "Master, don't say that. What you did was too expressive. It was obviously for Chen Longshu to see. I believe he can understand what you mean."

"I hope so," Gao Chong nodded slowly, thoughtfully, "Let's all go down and rest. I'll take you on an outing tomorrow."

"Outing?" When the four of them heard this, they couldn't help but be stunned.

"Playing in the countryside?" Pei Xingjian blinked, a little unsure. From time to time, the master would pop up a word that they had never heard of. It was quite novel, and they were not surprised.

"We'll know tomorrow," Gao Chong came back to his senses and smiled.

The four of them had no choice but to turn around and go back to rest.

"Yunzhi, did you mean going to the countryside for an outing?" Pei Xingjian asked expectantly. Among the four, his personality was a little more out-of-the-box, but that was only relatively speaking. Compared with other teenagers, Pei Xingjian was also pretty good. steady.

Although he was born without a father, he still had the power of his father and brother, and his uncle Luo Shixin cared for him, so his character was more cheerful than Xue Rengui and others.

Gao Kan just shook his head and smiled, he didn't know.

Pei Xingjian looked at his senior brothers Xue Rengui and Tu Dijin, who looked indifferent and indifferent, and opened his mouth without asking any more questions.At the same time, the county government, the backyard.

Chen Longshu also frowned and sighed, while his two sons sat across from each other and bowed their heads in silence.

After all, Chen Jiyuan couldn't bear it anymore and couldn't help but ask: "Aye, do you think the manager is dissatisfied with my Chen family? There is no reason for him to be so indifferent."

Chen Longshu shook his head and said nothing.

Chen Puguang's injury had just improved, but he was still a little weak now. Hearing this, he just smiled lightly and said: "It involves those officials, so I guess this manager is not willing to bother."

Chen Longshu frowned and was about to reprimand, but when he saw that Chen Puguang's injury had not yet recovered, he immediately suppressed his anger and said: "My family is so devoted to their work, how can he just sit idly by and ignore it?"

Then there was silence for a while, and he just rubbed his eyebrows and sighed: "Maybe Erlang guessed it right. The manager or I, Mrs. Chen, are a little dissatisfied, and they are deliberately beating me up."

Hearing this, the two brothers were a little frightened for a moment. If this was really the case, it might be a disaster for the Longzhou Chen family. After all, the Ning family had learned from the past.

"But we are respectful to him and never disrespectful," Chen Jiyuan said angrily.

The father, son, and brother sat across from each other under the lamp, thinking hard but never figured out what exactly made Gao Chong unhappy.

Suddenly, Chen Jiyuan looked at Chen Puguang, a flash of inspiration flashed in his mind, and he said bluntly: "Is there something going on in Nanfuzhou?"

Chen Longshu was shocked, and Chen Puguang's eyes lit up, "Could it be that the officials in the mountains went to the eunuch to file a complaint?"

Chen Jiyuan also nodded and said in a low voice: "It is possible that Yang Hou and Luo Dou officials in Tongzhou are on good terms. The economic envoy stayed in Tongzhou for a day. If Yang Hou said something to the economic envoy, it would be very serious. possible".

Chen Longshu shook his head hesitantly after hearing this, "Yang Hou probably doesn't have the courage. This will not do him any good. It is completely unnecessary."

"In my opinion, Aye, don't worry. When you see Gao Jinglue tomorrow, just ask directly and it will become clear. Anyway, Aye, you have already expressed your feelings and there is no need to hide it."

Chen Puguang was feeling unwell and couldn't endure it at first, so he said directly.

Although he devoted himself to Buddhism, he was also quite wise. After all, he was also the eldest son carefully cultivated by Chen Longshu.

Hearing this, Chen Jiyuan also nodded in agreement, "Brother is right. He can speak out if he has something to say. I believe that Gao Jinglue will not waste Gu Aye's surrender to me, Chen. In that case, who will dare to surrender again in the future?"

Chen Longshu nodded when he heard this, "That's true."

Early the next morning, at dawn, Chen Longshu and his two sons were waiting at the door of the post house.

Yi Cheng didn't dare to disturb Gao Chong in the back hall, so he went directly to Gao Kan and the others.

Gao Kan and others looked confused, and Xue Rengui sighed sincerely: "With this research alone, we can't catch up with them."

Pei Xingjian also nodded, rubbed his eyes, and hurriedly got up to wash up, "I can't do it anyway."

Not long after, the four people welcomed Chen Longshu into the front hall to wait.

Gao Kan was accompanied by three people, and Tu Di Jin hurriedly went to the backyard to report.

During the exchange, Chen Longshu was also filled with emotion. These young men in front of him were all extraordinary people.

At that moment, he glanced at Chen Jiyuan intentionally or unintentionally. Chen Jiyuan also understood what his father meant and could only lower his head and eyebrows.

In the past, Chen Jiyuan relied on his background and boasted of both civil and military skills. He looked down on his peers in other prefectures and counties. However, there is a saying that in this land of Lingnan, there are indeed not many people who are better than Chen Jiyuan.

The three people in front of me, Gao Yunzhi from Bohai, Xue Rengui from Fenyin, and Pei Xingjian from Wenxi, all came from well-known families. In terms of background, they were even higher than Chen Jiyuan.

Even Su Mo Tu Dijin, who had just gone to the backyard to report, was the young clan leader of Su Mo Mohe and the son of the Duke of the country.

Looking at their words, deeds, and behaviors, Chen Jiyuan felt a surge in his heart.

Looking at Pei Xingjian, with the jade pendant hanging on his waist, he looked like a noble man from a noble family. Chen Jiyuan was holding an animal tooth on his waist tightly. Comparing the two, Chen Jiyuan felt that he was like a barbarian in the mountains.

At this time, Chen Puguang, who was sitting nearby, patted Chen Jiyuan on the shoulder, nodded and smiled at him. The smile was full of friendship and warmth.

Chen Puguang, who studied Buddhism intensively, was keenly aware of his brother's changes in mood. Although he didn't say a word, everything was unspoken.

Chen Jiyuan also nodded and smiled, immediately cheered up and continued watching their conversation.

"Although I am in the wild land of Lingnan, I have heard that my father and brother are famous for their reputation as a Confucian and a commander-in-chief, and that my brother is known as the enemy of thousands of people. They are truly extraordinary heroes."

At this time, the conversation was about Pei Xingjian, and Chen Longshu sighed from the bottom of his heart.

These words are true. Pei Renji, the father of Pei Xingjian, became famous very early. He made great military achievements as early as when he destroyed Chen. As for Pei Xingyan, he is even more recognized as a fierce general in the world. There is a saying in "Book of Sui": "Every time Xingyan attacks, He is invincible in all situations and is known as 'The Enemy of Ten Thousands of People'", which shows his prestige and reputation.

Pei Xingjian's face darkened when he heard this, and he sighed: "I was not born at that time, and I wished I could see my father and brother. Now I can only work hard, lest I disgrace my family."

Seeing the young Pei Xingjian say such bold words, Chen Longshu was also filled with admiration.

At this moment, footsteps were heard at the door, and a high-pitched voice was heard at the same time.

"A young man should have great ambitions and ride a horse across the plains." Gao Chong came with his hands behind his back, followed by Tu Dijin and others.

He looked at Pei Xingjian, nodded and smiled and said: "The reputation of your father and brother cannot be disgraced, and you should be determined to shine on the family lintel."

Pei Xingjian stood up, straightened his clothes, bowed deeply, and said, "Remember Master's teachings."

Gao Chong nodded and looked at Chen Longshu, "Shijun Chen came here early. Several of my disciples are naughty. I would like to thank Shijun Chen for your encouragement and guidance."

"Don't dare," Chen Longshu said humbly, "These young gentlemen are all outstanding figures in the world, and their future achievements will be limitless."

Gao Chong didn't have any other reaction. He sat on the main seat and asked calmly: "Did Chen Shijun come here for something?"

Then he pointed at Gao Kan and the others and said with a smile: "I am about to take these boys out to see the world."

Gao Chong's gesture made Chen Longshu feel very awkward. No matter whether you have something to do or not, you shouldn't really be passing by me when you come to Longzhou. As a local official, you can at least make a difference, even if it is to report on political affairs. Now I suddenly ask What's wrong with him, how does this make him respond.

"I wonder where Jing Lue wants to go?" At the critical moment, Chen Puguang asked respectfully: "I have been in Yongning for a long time, and I am willing to guide Jing Lue."

　I suddenly felt pain in my lower back, which was so painful that I couldn't stand up straight. I was so panicked that I hurriedly went to get checked out tomorrow.

　　It should be related to sitting for a long time, but I hope it's not a lumbar problem or something like that.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)