First Minister of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 589 Longzhou Governor’s Mansion

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Gao Chong only rested for one night in Chunzhou, and went to Gaozhou with Feng Ang the next day.

Gaozhou, as the base of the Feng family, was the Gaoliang County of the former Sui Dynasty, and is now also the seat of the Gaozhou Dudufu. After four or five years, Gao Chong once again set foot on the territory of Gaozhou, and it was obvious that Gaozhou was developing very rapidly.

Tongzhou, Nanfuzhou and other places are like the prefectures and counties of the Lingnan army. They have a large land and few people, and are poor and backward. Compared with Gaozhou, they are very different. Compared with Zhongyuan prefectures and counties, Gaozhou is not far behind.

When Tian Yangming and others came outside Gaoliang City, they were also amazed. The prosperity of Gaoliang City was obviously beyond their expectation. In their impression, the wild land of Lingnan was actually so prosperous.

I saw the gates of Gaoliang City wide open, and there was an endless stream of traders and pawns. From time to time, scholars and scholars walked together. After entering the city, the broad stone streets were prosperous, and the vendors on the roadside kept shouting, and the people at the door of the shops were The waiter welcomed me warmly.

"Ming Dagong, it's really amazing that Gaoliang City can have such a lush scene." Gao Chong said with emotion and admiration: "It's a pity that those arrogant state and county officials in the Central Plains think that Lingnan is all a barren land. It's really ridiculous. ".

Feng Ang was obviously very satisfied with Gao Chong's praise. He smiled and said: "Actually, I didn't do anything. I just tried my best to make the people stable. As long as there is stability, the people will naturally live and work in peace and contentment."

"Yes," Gao Chong sighed a little when he heard this, "Stability is easier said than done. Chinese people are diligent. As long as there are no natural or man-made disasters, they can live well with their hands."

Next, Feng Ang's third son, Feng Zhisu, the governor of Gaozhou, led Gao Chong and others to Gaoliang Posthouse. After all, Feng Ang was highly respected and old, so it was already a great courtesy for him to go to Chunzhou to greet Gao Chong. It is somewhat inconsistent with etiquette to provide food and clothing for a busy lady.

When Gao Chong and others arrived in Gaozhou, the last decree was finally conveyed to Longzhou.

Longzhou, Longshui County.

Chen Longshu is handling the recent household registration matter in the state government office. He always likes to do it personally, especially for matters that represent political achievements, and there is no room for error. Chen Longshu personally handles every village in Dongxi.

Although Chen Longshu is not the governor of several states, he is the governor of Longzhou and also the governor of Nanfuzhou. He has control over the seven counties of Longzhou and the three counties of Nanfuzhou, making a total of ten counties. From this aspect, Chen Longshu He is really dedicated and loyal. Although he is an official fan, he is also a very motivated official fan.

"Aye, Aye, hurry up and get ready, the angel has arrived outside the city." Chen Jiyuan rushed in anxiously.

"Tell you not to be irritable...what did you say?" Seeing Chen Jiyuan's unruly and anxious look, Chen Longshu was about to scold him, but he was stunned when he heard what happened next, "Angel?"

"Yes, I just received the news that we are already three miles outside the city." Chen Jiyuan calmed down a little, but he also looked worried. "What do you think the angel came to do? Is it because he was punished for taxation? So the general manager is so ruthless? We still have to do meritorious service for him."

"Shut up," Chen Longshu glared and reprimanded, then frowned and thought, then shook his head: "It shouldn't be the case. The envoy didn't know about the taxation until he was in Tongzhou. From the perspective of time, it doesn't seem to be enough... Ignore this for now, Xiao Kuai Go and inform the state and county officials to follow me out of the city to greet you."

Not long after, Chen Longshu led dozens of state and county officials and hurried out of the city.

"Where is the angel?" Chen Longshu asked the messenger with his hands raised.

"At the pavilion three miles outside the city," the messenger bowed and replied, "Excuse me, please wait a moment, I will go and report."

Chen Longshu breathed a sigh of relief when he heard this, took out two silver barley grains from his sleeve and gave them to the messenger, "Thank you."

The messenger thanked him and rode away.

"It doesn't seem to be a bad thing," Chen Longshu said with a twist of his beard, and all the officials felt relieved.

In fact, this is a common practice. Generally, people from above come to inspect or announce a decree. If it is not a bad thing, they generally will not make a sudden visit and go directly to the city. Instead, they will wait outside the city and then send a messenger to inform the state and county officials. Be prepared.

There is a pavilion three miles outside the city. Outside the pavilion, there is a large group of guards wearing armor and swords. Two scribes in the pavilion are adjusting their clothes.

"Wei Changshi, after this trip to Lingnan is over, you should continue to guard one side, right?"

At this time, a scribe with a vicissitudes of life sighed with envy.

"I heard that Gao Xianggong said: Thunder and rain are heaven's grace. No matter where you are, it is also the kindness of a saint. As a minister, you don't dare to speculate."

The middle-aged scribe opposite also had a very elegant face. He was dressed in a fifth-grade official uniform. He looked energetic and graceful in his words and deeds.

This man was none other than Wei Shuxie, a regular servant of the imperial court.

The person who spoke first was Li Gongyan, the minister of Sanqi outside the Yuan Dynasty.

Hearing Wei Shuxie's words, Li Gongyan also nodded and smiled, "That's what Chang Shi said, but I heard that it came from Gao Jinglue."

Wei Shuxie paused after hearing this, waved his hands and said with a smile: "No matter who it comes from, the truth is correct."

Seeing the high-spirited Wei Shuxie, Li Gongyan felt very sad. It was not envy, let alone jealousy. It was just that the young master from an aristocratic family was really different.

Li Gongyan, a commoner, traveled to Shandong and Hebei, met Xia King Dou Jiande, and assisted Dou Jiande in ruling Hebei. He thought he could establish an immortal achievement, but it was a pity that Li Shimin captured two kings in one battle, and the majestic Xia King led an army of [-] men. Rescue Wang Shichong, who could have imagined that he would become a prisoner in a blink of an eye.

At that time, Dou Jiande appointed his wife's brother Cao Dan as the Daxingtai of Hebei and stayed in the capital of the Xia Kingdom. At that time, Li Gongyan was the official of the Daxingtai of Hebei and assisted Cao Dan.

Later, under Wei Zheng's persuasion, Li Tang surrendered to the Tang Dynasty. Li Tang treated the surrendered general generously and not only pardoned his sins, but also granted him an official status.

It's just that Li Gongyan's surrender is destined to be rarely reused.

Because he surrendered when Dou Jiande was captured, the Xia Kingdom was about to perish, and he was desperate. It was not like Qin Qiong and others who took the initiative to surrender. They followed the wrong people in troubled times, but followed them with all their heart to the end. They could still do anything with one life left. Officer, you are already extremely lucky.

After returning to the Tang Dynasty, Li Yuan appointed him as the Minister of Sanqi, ranking fifth in rank, and in charge of sending envoys to declare decrees and ask questions. This was not destined to be a powerful official position with great power.

Of course, Sanqi Shilang is always around the emperor and is relatively noble. When he goes out, he declares decrees on behalf of the emperor. Local officials must serve him respectfully. This is more majestic, but he also has to travel to various states and counties frequently, which is extremely hard and difficult. Said it was an easy job.

The Sanqi Shilang is just a temporary official with no quota. It is mostly filled by the sons of public clans and meritorious officials. It is an idle position and is often used to place retired officials, aging officials, etc. In Nanchen, it is even regarded as the son of the three princes. Become an official and become a family official.

And the word "yuanwai" means the official position other than the official position. That is, if it is outside the official staff, it is called "yuanwai". It is generally used to accommodate officials who have no place to place. As it develops later, its meaning also changes, not only becoming "the official position". Officials also gradually refer to landlords and gentry, because many wealthy people like landlords and gentry like to buy officials and idle official positions that are not included in the official staff to increase their social status.

Li Gongyan followed Dou Jiande until the end. It was Li Tang's favor to get such an official position, and Li Gongyan did not dare to complain at all.

But Wei Shuxie opposite him is different. Wei Shuxie is now a member of the Yuanwai Sanqi Changshi. The Changshi is half a rank higher than the Shilang, ranked fifth rank, with the same responsibilities. Wei Shuxie is also a member of the Yuanwai establishment, but he is just Let’s make a transition.

Wei Shuxie came from the Nanpi Gongfang of Weishi in Jingzhao, and is now the talker of Weishi's Nanpifang. His father was the former Sui Dynasty Minister Youcheng and Nanpi County Gong Wei Zan.

Wei Shuxie originally served as the governor of Puzhou, which was an important position in Hedong. During the evaluation a year ago, he was rated as high-level and should be promoted. However, Li Shimin had recently ascended the throne and had made great achievements. There were no suitable vacancies in the three provinces and six ministries, so he had to temporarily serve as an official. As a regular attendant of Sanqi, as soon as the time comes, Wei Shuxie will be reused.

This time, he went to Lingnan to inspect Daitian, and by the way, he accepted the decree and expressed condolences. It could also be regarded as a transition for Wei Shuxie.

While the two were chatting and laughing, the messenger reported back: "Chen Shijun of Longzhou has led the state and county officials out of the city to greet him."

"So fast?" Li Gongyan couldn't help but be surprised. "I heard that Chen Shijun is a wonderful man," Uncle Wei laughed loudly and said, "Let's go and meet this Lingnan chief."

The two got into the car and drove straight to Longshui City.

Not long after, when he saw the car arriving, Chen Longshu did not dare to neglect and hurriedly stepped forward to greet him.

"Chen Longshu, the governor of Longzhou, pays homage to the angel." Before the car drove away, Chen Longshu bowed his head and bowed with great respect.

"Mr. Chen, there is no need to be so generous. Please get up quickly."

Wei Shuxie and Wei Shuxie in the car were startled, and they quickly got out of the car and returned the courtesy, "I am an official who often serves Wei Shuxie outside the cavalry, and I have met Chen Shijun."

"Li Gongyan, the minister of Sanqi outside the Yuan Dynasty, met Chen Shijun."

Chen Longshu couldn't help but be stunned. Seeing that they were two fifth-grade civil servants, he didn't dare to neglect them.

"I've met Wei Changshi and Li Shilang. I didn't expect that it was the two of them who came in person. I'm sorry to hear that I'm a long way off, but I hope you won't be surprised. Don't be surprised."

Wei Shuxie and Wei Shuxie looked at each other, feeling a little helpless. They didn't expect that the Lingnan chieftain would have such a low profile and completely lower his status.

He respectfully welcomed the two of them into the city. Chen Longshu also found out their identities on the way. It didn't matter that Li Gongyan had fallen. He was from the common people and was a general. Don't worry too much about it. But this Wei Changshi was not a simple person. He was actually from Jingzhao. Born in Webster, he is the head of the Nanpi Fang family and the former governor of Puzhou. This is a new upstart in the future. Chen Longshu must be very interested in him, but he is afraid of neglecting him.

Entering the yamen, Wei Shuxie did not delay and said, "Chen Shijun, get ready to receive the order."

"Yes, waiter Wei Chang, wait a moment," Chen Longshu responded respectfully, turned around and urged, "Hurry, get on the incense table quickly."

The incense table is ready, and Chen Longshu and others are tidying up their clothes.

"Chen Longshu, the governor of Longzhou and the governor of Nanfuzhou, listened to the edict." After Wei Shuxie washed his hands, he took the imperial edict.

"I'm here," Chen Longshu actually bowed and bowed.

Wei Shuxie was slightly startled, then continued to announce the decree.

"Your Majesty, Chen Longshu, accepts the edict to express my gratitude!" After hearing the imperial edict, Chen Longshu suppressed his ecstasy and said these words tremblingly.

Chen Jiyuan couldn't help being stunned. Chen Longshu turned back and glared at him before Chen Jiyuan thanked him.

"Congratulations to Governor Chen. The saint values ​​you and your son very much." Wei Shuxie put the imperial edict together and handed it to Chen Longshu.

"I will live up to the saint's kindness." Chen Longshu received the imperial edict and said seriously every word.

It turns out that in Li Shimin's decree, Longzhou was promoted to the governor's office, which governed four states including Longzhou, Nanfuzhou, Tongzhou, and Dong'ezhou, and was subordinate to the Lingnan Economic Strategy Prefecture.

Chen Longshu was appointed as the governor of Longzhou, and he was granted the title of Marquis of Longshui County. Chen Puguang, the magistrate of Yongning County, was appointed as the governor of Longzhou. He Zhuang, the commander-in-chief of the Yunji Army, was appointed as the governor of Longzhou. Chen Jiyuan, the general of the Yunji Army, was appointed as the governor of Longzhou. The military government leads the army.

This is really a huge reward for the Chen family of Longzhou. Chen Longshu finally got his wish and became the governor. You can imagine his excitement.

As we all know, there are three major clans in Lingnan, Ning, Feng and Chen. Among them, the Ning family in Qinzhou is in charge of the Qinzhou Dudufu, and the Feng family in Gaozhou is in charge of the Gaozhou Dudufu. And Chen Longshu, just the governor of Longzhou, is as high as the other two families in terms of status. .

At that time, his grandfather Chen Fanian became the governor of Nanjiang. In terms of it, he was at the same level as the current governor. Now Chen Longshu has finally climbed to the level of his grandfather Chen Fanian and can be regarded as the lintel of the revitalization family. It is no wonder that Chen Longshu is so excited. After all, it is his lifelong wish It is the revival of the Chen family.

In fact, after careful calculation, the imperial court only paid for a county marquis title, and it also deducted Sosou and did not grant any food.

Longzhou and Nanfuzhou were originally named Chen, and Chen Longshu made all military and political decisions.

As for Tongzhou and Dong'ezhou, they are two poor lower states under the Yunkai Mountains. They originally belonged to the traditional sphere of influence of the Chen family. Yang Hou, the governor of Tongzhou, did not dare to disobey the Chen family, and Dong'ezhou was even more unbearable. , because this state is located in the Yunkai Mountains, with only one county, Eshi County, and even no governor.

But even so, the governor and county prince also caused Chen's status to change suddenly. It was still an official status after all, and the official hierarchy was different.

"Come on, Wei Changshi and Li Shilang, please take a seat and have a rest." Chen Longshu respectfully put away the imperial edict and was busy entertaining the two of them.

"Erlang, don't be stunned. Go and clean up the backyard. Don't delay the rest of the two angels."

When Wei Shuxie heard this, he waved his hands and said with a smile: "Master Chen, don't do this. There is no reason to stay in the government office. The two of us can just go to the post house."

Chen Longshu paused, then nodded and said with a smile: "That's fine, just follow what the angel said."

When Wei Shuxie and Wei Shuxie arrived at the post house, Li Gongyan also sighed with emotion and said with a smile: "This Chen Shijun is really... as Chang Shi said, he is really a wonderful person."

Wei Shuxie shook his head and smiled, "I didn't say that, it was Guangzhou Gao Jinglue who said it."

"Gao Jinglue?" Li Gongyan was stunned when he heard this.

Wei Shuxie turned his head and ordered: "Go out and guard. No one is allowed to get close to the hospital."

Webster's bodyguard heard the words and agreed.

Seeing that there was no one around him, Wei Shuxie stood up, straightened his clothes, and said seriously: "The sage's words are spoken."

Li Gongyan hurriedly stood up and listened.

"After the two of you announced the decree in Longzhou, you quickly met up with Gao Youzhi and listened to his orders. Gao Youzhi used his tyranny to frighten the place, and you two represented the imperial court to appease the powerful chief."

After finishing speaking, Wei Shuxie sat down again, picked up the tea cup and asked slowly: "Does Minister Li understand the saint's thoughts?"

Li Gongyan frowned slightly, raised his hands and asked, "Please ask Wei Changshi to clear up my doubts."

He naturally understood what Li Shimin meant. To put it simply, it was a red face and a white face.

If Gao Chong takes tough measures to intimidate and suppress the local chiefs, the two of them will comfort him on behalf of the court and Li Shimin.

The purpose is self-evident, which is to make the local noble chiefs feel grateful to the court and express their gratitude to Li Shimin for his kindness.

Li Gongyan had served as a member of the Yuanwai Sanqi Shilang for five years and was accustomed to official tactics. Although he disdained to cater to Shangguan, he could pretend not to understand so that Shangguan could show his talents. This he still understood.

　Why do I feel more tired during the holidays? I want to go to work.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)