First Minister of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 587 Goodbye Feng An
...

Gao Chong was very pleased to hear Pei Xingjian's evaluation of Chen Puguang.

Among this group of people, except Gao Chong, only Xue Rengui could see Chen Puguang's resourcefulness.

Thinking of last night, when Xue Rengui was fetching water, he also expressed to Gao Chong that he suspected Chen Puguang was hiding something. Xue Rengui, who was only 14 years old, had already noticed that Chen Puguang was not simple. This was why Gao Chong had just asked the question.

Although Chen Puguang has always been kind to others, never sad or happy, and seems to be indifferent to worldly affairs, in fact Chen Puguang's resourcefulness should not be underestimated.

Perhaps because of his proficiency in Buddhism, he sees things more clearly and is easier to break through when encountering them.

If Chen Puguang had the heart to join the world, Gao Chong would really be willing to reuse him, but it's a pity that he only wants to stay in Yongning, or in other words, he only wants to stay in Longkan Dojo, the dojo he created himself.

Gao Chong could only focus on Chen Jiyuan. As expected, after they arrived in Gaozhou, the decree from the imperial court would also arrive in Longzhou.

Previously, when he received the decree in Baizhou, the imperial court awarded rewards to Ningchun of Qinzhou, Mo Zhongwen of Yuezhou, and Pang Xiaotai of Baizhou, but only the Chen family of Longzhou was left behind. This was not an oversight on the part of the imperial court, but Gao Chong's intention.

As Chen Puguang said, the more you, Chen Longshu, flatter you, the easier it will be to handle it.

But Gao Chong must grasp this degree. Although Chen Longshu has a weak character and is devoted to flattery, he actively contributes and makes great achievements. If he has made great achievements, he will be rewarded. If he blindly manipulates and beats too much, then it is a bit too much. Who will do it in the future? Dare to serve again.

There are probably rumors now that the Longzhou Chen family was not rewarded for their work in suppressing the rebellion, but they must have never imagined that the Longzhou Chen family not only received a reward, but also received the heaviest reward. After a high-profile beating, they will tell the world , especially the powerful chiefs in Lingnan states and counties, as long as they serve the imperial government and are loyal to the court, they will be generously rewarded.

I believe this is also a great surprise for Longzhou Chen.

Thinking of this, Gao Chong also had some contempt for Chen Longshu.

Previously, when I saw him relying on others and relying on the Ning family to return to Longzhou to revive his family business, I thought he was a hero, but now he only has flattery and flattery in his heart, and he does not even dare to receive any reward for his work in suppressing the rebellion. Ask for an explanation.

In Gao Chong's heart, Chen Longshu could only be regarded as a flag to stabilize Lingnan, and the governor of one state was his limit.

However, Chen Jiyuan's future achievements are limitless, and Gao Chong doesn't mind giving him a chance. This can be regarded as a disguised reward for Chen's active investment.

To the south of Longzhou is Chunzhou, and the two states are closely adjacent. From Longshui County, where Longzhou is governed, to Yangchun County, where Chunzhou is governed, it is only a little over a hundred miles away.

Although the distance is so close, Chunzhou is not within the Chen family's sphere of influence in Longzhou. In the era of Chen Fozhi in the former Sui Dynasty, although Chunzhou was a subordinate county of Gaoliang County, it was actually dependent on the Chen family.

However, since the death of Chen Fozhi, the Chen family's sphere of influence has shrunk sharply. Gaozhou Feng family took the opportunity to seize Chunzhou and truly included it within the scope of Gaoliang County.

In the fourth year of Wude, Lingnan surrendered, abolished the county and changed it to a state. Yangchun County in Gaoliang County was separated into two counties, Yangchun and Liunan, and Chunzhou was established, with Yangchun as its administrative seat.

Although Chunzhou only governs two counties and has a small area, even like Tongzhou, there is no separate military headquarters in the territory. However, because Chunzhou is located at the east-west transportation hub, its geographical location is very important. Chen Longshu is also concerned about Feng's occupation of Chunzhou. He was angry but dared not speak out. How could the Feng family be so powerful and powerful?

The current Chunzhou governor is Feng Zhidai, the eldest son of Gaozhou governor Feng An.

Gao Chong arrived in Chunzhou in just one day.

The Chunzhou government office is located outside Yangchun County, Sanliting.

At the end of the official road, a horseman came quickly, came to the pavilion, turned over and dismounted, and said, "report to the governor, the general's chariot has arrived five miles away."

"Okay, except for Da Lang, you all should go back," an old man in the pavilion slowly stood up and ordered in a deep voice.

All the officials in Chunzhou looked at each other.

"Aye, it's just the two of us. Isn't it a little rude?" Another middle-aged man in his forties frowned slightly and asked hesitantly.

The old man was Feng Ang, the governor of Gaozhou and Duke of Geng, and the middle-aged man was his eldest son, Feng Zhidai, the governor of Chunzhou.

Hearing Feng Zhidai's words, Feng Ang twisted his beard and smiled, "The manager is different from others and doesn't like extravagant scenes. You have all the etiquette and music, and all the state and county officials are welcoming you. It might be self-defeating. The two of us are here." , already reflects Feng’s intention.”

Feng Zhidai was also stunned when he heard this, and immediately ordered the state and county officials to return to the city, "You will go back to the city to check if there are any flaws in the post house. In addition, the dinner must be prepared in advance. Don't be too extravagant, just be decent."

The state and county officials had a bitter look on their faces when they heard this. It's good to be tactful. How to be tactful still requires a certain degree of control, which is really difficult. But since the envoy has given the order, he has no choice but to go down and do it.

All the state and county officials resigned, leaving only Feng and his son in the pavilion.

"Aye, I heard that the Chen family did not receive the reward this time. The Jinlue Envoy passed by Longzhou and never went to Chen's Mansion in Longshui. What do you think of the Jinlue Envoy?" Feng Zhidai looked at it with his hands behind his hands. On the other side of the official road, he frowned and thought.

Feng An still had a smiling attitude, but he twisted his beard and said with a smile: "As a father, I ask you, what does it have to do with you?"

Feng Zhidai was startled.

Feng Ang continued: "What's the use of thinking too much? I, the Feng family, are loyal to the emperor and serve the country. I have no other intention than to serve the country. There is no need to speculate on anything else."

Hearing his father's high-sounding words, Feng Zhidai disapproved and smiled: "Well, Aye, how are you going to convince the envoy to deal with the Tan family?"

"Persuade?" Feng An raised his eyebrows and smiled confidently, "There is no need to persuade. If you just beg for mercy and ask for help, even if the Tan family is wiped out, you will still be inferior."

When Feng Zhidai heard this, he was very interested, "Can Aye still...".

However, before he finished speaking, Feng Ang straightened his clothes, stepped out of the pavilion, and said, "Here we come."

Feng Zhidai looked up and saw a large amount of smoke and dust rising from the north of the official road, and a huge car was slowly approaching.

"Jingsuo, there is someone waiting in the pavilion ahead," the guards came to report.

Gao Chong was quite surprised and muttered: "The Feng family does this too... Let's go, follow me forward."

Immediately led Tian Yangming and others to come forward.

"Feng Mingda?"

Gao Chong's eyesight was very good. He could clearly see the faces of the two people outside the pavilion from a long distance apart, and he couldn't help but be surprised.

"What? Is that Feng Ang?"

"Feng An, the then General Manager of Lingnan?"

Tian Yangming and others were also shocked when they heard this. They did not expect that Feng Ang would come out of the city to greet him in person.

Feng Ang is a famous prince who has been famous for many years. When talking about the chiefs in Lingnan, people in the east will immediately think of Feng An in Gaozhou, Chen Fozhi in Longzhou in the middle, and Ning Changzhen in Qinzhou in the west. Only these three people , is the chief recognized by Lingnan officials.

At that time, Feng Ang killed Chen Fozhi of Longzhou and occupied more than [-] states in the eastern part of Lingnan. He claimed to be the general manager of Lingnan. Although he had no independent ambitions and was attached to Lin Shihong of Chu and Xiao Xian of Liang, he inherited the reputation of his grandmother, Mrs. Xian. To reach a higher level, who in the world does not know the name of Lingnan Feng Ang.

Nowadays, Feng An is in his sixties, but he is still in good health. He even came to Chunzhou from Gaozhou in person, and then went out of the city to greet him. This courtesy is really good.

Chunzhou, that is, Yangchun County, was subordinate to Gaoliang County in the Sui Dynasty. Later it was changed to Chunzhou and was also subordinate to Gaozhou Dudufu. Therefore, Chunzhou was also under the jurisdiction of Gaozhou Dudufu. Feng Ang came to Chunzhou from Gaozhou. , nor does it constitute unauthorized departure from the jurisdiction.Gao Chong didn't dare to make a big move, so he immediately clapped his horse and stepped forward. He dismounted from his horse a hundred steps away and strode forward to meet him.

"How dare you have Mr. Lao Mingda to greet you?" Gao Chong took the lead in crossing his hands and saluting, "After seeing each other for several years, Mr. Mingda has always been kind."

"I, Feng An, have met the Minister of Economic Affairs." Feng An also had a smile on his face, as if he was going to bow to see him.

Gao Chong supported him and said, "Ming Dagong, please don't do this. You and I are old friends. Why do you need to be so polite? Just call me by my name."

Feng Ang laughed loudly when he heard this, "Okay, Youzhi really values ​​friendship." Then he held Gao Chong's arm tightly and smiled: "It has been more than five years since Wude said goodbye every four years, and Youzhi is still young and high-spirited. It's really I’m so envious of this old man.”

"Feng Zhidai, the governor of Chunzhou, met with the official envoy."

After the two of them greeted each other, Feng Zhidai, who was behind him, also stepped forward to greet them.

"Brother Tianxi is so polite. We haven't seen each other for many years. Brother Tianxi is even more powerful." Gao Chong nodded and smiled.

Then he looked back at the four young men and said, "Let me tell you, this is Feng Zhidai, the eldest son of the Feng family. I competed with him several times back then, and it was hard to tell the winner. I guess after so many years, brother Tianxi is even better than before." , this time you guys should ask Brother Tianxi for advice."

Feng Zhidai, also known as Tianxi, was a famous brave general of the Feng family in Gaozhou. He was good at using spears. He was also famous in the Central Plains at that time and had the reputation of Lingnan Iron Spear General. Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty specially recruited Feng Zhidai to serve as Xiaoguo. Military captain.

After the Jiangdu Palace Incident, Yu Wenhua and the regicide usurped the throne, and the world was in chaos. The passes in various states and counties were occupied by official troops from all sides or rebels.

Feng Zhidai led the Feng family's personal guards all the way south, killing generals to pass the pass, fighting and retreating, and forced his way back to Gaoliang from Jiangdu. Along the way, there were hundreds of passes for more than two thousand miles. Compared with "passing five passes and killing six generals" "More powerful, this shows how brave Feng Zhidai is.

History books also record that "a wise man is brave and resourceful, able to care for his tribe, and when he wins soldiers and fights to the death, all the chiefs are willing to obey...".

"Youzhi has been praised too much, but he is brave and brave. How dare he show off in front of you?" Feng Zhidai saw Gao Chong's familiarity as usual, waved his hand and smiled, then looked at the four teenagers, "Is this?"

"Bohai Gao Kan, courtesy name Yunzhi, paid a visit to Governor Feng and Shijun Feng."

"Xue Li of Fenyin, named Rengui, paid a visit to Governor Feng and Shijun Feng."

"Wen Xi, Pei Xingjian, who kept his promise, paid a visit to Governor Feng and envoy Feng."

"Mohe is careful in his approach and words. He pays homage to Governor Feng and the Commander-in-Chief Feng."

The four young men were young and had not yet entered official positions, so they did not dare to be negligent and bowed immediately to receive the ceremony.

After hearing this, Feng and his son were shocked. This was such a big deal.

Gao Chong smiled and said: "This is my younger brother Gao Kan. These three boys are my apprentices. Mr. Mingda. If Brother Tianxi has some free time, I hope you can give me some guidance."

"They are all young and talented people. Youzhi is really impressive," Feng Ang praised loudly.

"Tian Yangming in central Guizhou, whose courtesy name is Ziguang, met Governor Feng and Shijun Feng."

"Bobai Pang Xiaojie, named Anyi, met Governor Feng and Shijun Feng."

Tian Yangming and Pang Xiaojie also came forward to see the ceremony. One of them grew up in Baizhou and the other grew up in central Guizhou. They also heard about Feng Ang's reputation since they were young. They were princes in a separate country, and they were a little excited.

When he faced Ning Changzhen before, it was because he knew that Ning Changzhen was standing on the opposite side of the court and would definitely die. He was not as excited as he was today. It should be noted that Feng Ang has always been famous for his loyalty, and he was even more so than the domineering Ning Changzhen. Be loved.

"Qianzhong Tian family?" Feng Ang raised his eyebrows when he heard this, and was quite interested, "I dare to ask my friend, who are you, Qianzhong Tian Huiguang?"

Tian Yangming was startled and didn't understand what he meant, so he could only reply: "It's the ancestor of the family."His grandfather was the former governor of Qianzhou and the current Duke of Qianzhou, Tian Zongxian, whose courtesy name was Huiguang.

"Okay, okay", Feng An thought about his beard and laughed loudly, "Tian Huiguang is so lucky to have such a talented descendant. Don't show it to others. Just call me Uncle Feng. When your grandfather entered Guizhou, there were many This time I came to Gaoliang, your family and I are family friends."

Tian Yangming was even more surprised when he heard this and immediately climbed up the pole and said, "Boy Tian Yangming, meet Uncle Feng."

Feng Ang nodded and looked at Pang Xiaojie.

Gao Chong put his hands behind his back and smiled. Feng Ang was really mature and sophisticated, and no one was left out.

"Bobai Pang... I traveled to Lingnan when I was young and made friends with Pang Pangyong, a heroic hero from Yunfeishan. I wonder if he is a member of your clan?" Feng Ang said with a warm smile.

"It's my uncle," Pang Xiaojie bowed and replied.

"Oh, that's quite a fate. From now on, you and I will have to move around more." Feng Ang nodded and smiled.

"Aye, the manager has come a long way and must be tired. Let's go to the city and rest for a while." Seeing his father looking at the four teenagers again, Feng Zhidai said hurriedly, fearing that his father would keep reminiscing about the past for a long time.

"Yeah, yes, look at my head, it's already confused." Feng Ang slapped his head, "There's no point in standing and talking, come on, come on, please come into the city quickly."

"Mr. Mingda, there's no need to be polite. You go first," Gao Chong said with a smile as he turned sideways.

"Haha, that's right, no need to be polite, then let's go together." Feng Ang laughed loudly, grabbed Gao Chong's arm, and walked with him.

Only Feng's father and son responded, which seemed a bit rude, but in fact, given Feng An's current age and his status in Lingnan, it was also a great courtesy to come from Gaozhou to Chunzhou to welcome him.

Gao Chong also felt quite emotional. Based on this alone, Chen was unable to flatter him. Chen Longshu's can only be regarded as a little cleverness, while Feng An's was a great wisdom.

After arriving at the post house to bathe and change clothes, he went straight to the Governor's Mansion.

Although it is called the Governor's Mansion, it is actually a Yangchun County government office. It is not spacious or luxurious.

Feng Ang did not overly flatter him. He removed the main seat in the hall and the two sat opposite each other. This was the best thing.

Gao Chong also knew the recent situation of the Feng family. After drinking for three times and tasting the five dishes, he did not hide it and just asked: "I heard that the Tan family in Luozhou launched unjust troops and invaded Gaozhou for no reason. Isn't it right?" Do you know the specific situation? Please also inform Mr. Mingda. I will definitely report it to the court and severely punish the Tan family."

Feng Ang was not surprised at all when he heard this. He smiled faintly and glanced at Feng Zhidai inadvertently, which was meaningful.

"Hey, I feel so sad when you mention the Tan family," Feng An's face turned and he sighed.

Gao Chong just raised his glass to show that he was listening.

Feng Ang picked up the wine glass, raised his head and drank it all in one gulp, and then spoke loudly.

Previously, Feng Ang said that the Tian family in central Guizhou where Tian Yangming lived and his Feng family were family friends. This was just a friendly expression of goodwill. There were only two real family friends of the Feng family. One was the Xian family who lived in Gaoliang, and they had been married for generations. Now we are as close as one family, no matter who we are.

Another family is the Tan family in Luozhou.

(End of this chapter)