First Minister of the Tang Dynasty

...

Feng Ang is over sixty years old and has been involved in politics for half his life. His political sense is so keen. At their level, every word and deed is of great significance.

Seeing Gao Chong standing in front of him with his hands behind his back, his body upright and standing tall, Feng Ang truly felt at this moment that his future life was formidable.

Li Shimin, Gao Chong, Changsun Wuji and others, the group of people who control the core power of the Tang Dynasty, are all in their prime, no matter how powerful or wise they are, they are no longer as good as those of the older generation. Feng Ang is even more profound. Deeply determined in his inner choice, in his opinion, people like him and Ning Changzhen, half of their bodies have been buried in the ground. They did not choose to separate themselves and stand on their own when they were young, and there is no need to take risks now.

Feng Ang was well aware of Gao Youzhi's thoughts. From the perspective of the imperial court, Gao Chong had to be domineering and intimidate the local government, and his actions to soothe and win people's hearts must be carried out by the imperial court. Gao Chong was indeed Act like this.

But at Feng An's level, he looked at the problem more deeply. Gao Chong just casually mentioned the two envoys Wei and Li, intentionally or unintentionally, and his intention was obvious. How could Feng An not understand and just watch him bow and thank him? Gao Chong just nodded and smiled, saying nothing.

There is no right or wrong in these matters. They are just different positions and people's hearts. The relationship is so important that it can only be attributed to the imperial court. At least on the surface, it must be so. But in reality, Gao Chong does not need to do everything. What he wants to do is to be an important minister, not a lone minister. Now Li Shimin's lone minister already has Du Yan, the imperial censor, which is enough.

Furthermore, even without the existence of Du Yan, Gao Chong would definitely not choose to become a lonely minister. This is not in line with his code of conduct. In Gao Chong's view, he must form a good relationship with Li Erfeng on the premise of resolutely supporting Li Erfeng. , this is the fundamental reason for standing firm.

While everyone was thinking, a puff of smoke and dust rose in the distance, and a delegation of more than a hundred people came slowly with flags.

Gao Chong did not step forward to greet him. At his position, he went out to welcome him in person for the sake of the angel's condolences on behalf of the emperor. If Wei and Li did not represent the emperor, there was no need for him to go out to welcome him in person.

Seeing that Gao Chong was motionless, Feng Ang and others also stood behind them, motionless.

Li Gongyan saw it from a distance and saw a group of people standing at the city gate. His face suddenly darkened and he said intentionally or unintentionally: "This Feng family does not have Chen's intention."

Wei Shuxie burst out laughing when he heard this. Looking at Li Gongyan who didn't know why, he twirled his beard and asked, "Did Minister Li forget who is in charge of Gaoliang City now?"

Li Gongyan paused for a moment, then finally remembered, his expression changed, and he said in surprise: "Yes, Gao Jinglue is in Gaoliang."

Then he urged: "Then you and I need to hurry up."

Wei Shuxie twitched the corner of his mouth, just chuckled, and then rode forward. Behind him, Li Gongyan rubbed his chin, his face not showing any fear at all.

"Youzhi, it's been more than a year since we said goodbye to the east of the river. It's always been a good time." Uncle Wei rode his horse to the city gate. He dismounted gracefully and laughed loudly. Although he was dressed as a scholar, he still showed his style. instrument.

"Brother Uncle Xie, you're fine," Gao Chong also smiled and stepped forward to return the favor, "Did Mrs. Sister-in-law give birth smoothly? As a cousin, I have already prepared gifts."

When Gao Chong passed through Hedong last year, he stopped in Puzhou. At that time, he had contact with Wei Shuxie, who was the governor of Puzhou at that time. In terms of seniority, Wei Shuxie was Wei Gui's elder brother. He was of the same clan but different sect. Gao Yanzhang's distant cousin.

Since they had this relationship and were just passing by, Gao Chong made friends with Wei Shuxie in Puzhou with the intention of forming a good relationship. Gao Chong remembered that when they were leaving, Wei Shuxie's wife was about to give birth. Gao Chong's memory It was always good, but now that this matter was brought up, Wei Shuxie was really moved. After all, this showed that Gao Chong truly regarded him as a relative and friend.

Hearing this, Wei Shuxi was greatly moved. He clapped Gao Chong's hand and said with a smile: "Youzhi still remembers it. He is really thoughtful. Mother and son are safe. Last winter, they gave birth to a son named Xuanfu."

"Okay, okay, congratulations to brother Shu Xie on the birth of Lin'er, although this congratulation is a bit late." Gao Chong held Wei Shuxie's arm tightly and smiled: "Be sure to bring the gift I gave to Xuanfu's nephew when you come back. ".

After the two briefly exchanged greetings, everyone went to greet each other.

"Li Shilang, I've seen you in Hebei for many years. I didn't expect that I would be promoted to a high-ranking official in Jishu Province." Seeing Li Gongyan come forward and salute respectfully, Gao Chong also nodded with a smile.

Li Gongyan was Dou Jiande's adviser back then, but his relationship with Gao Chong was somewhat forced. However, Li Gongyan did not dare to be resentful at all and responded respectfully.

The Jishu Province was originally the emperor's attendant advisor. He was responsible for commenting and advising on the inside, and taking orders and comforting on the outside. The chief officer was the Sanqi Changshi, and the Sanqi Shilang served as subordinate officials. It was also called the Sanqi Province, and was later merged with the Menxia Province. , but in common name, it is still called the Ministry of Collection of Books, just like the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Palace.

After everyone greeted each other, Feng Ang arranged for Feng Zhishu to lead Wei Shuxie and others to the post house to rest for a while, while Gao Chong returned to the camp and waited for the evening banquet to meet again.

Seeing that everything in the post house was brand new, Wei Shuxie was moved and couldn't help but ask: "May I ask Lord Feng, where is Gao Jinglue currently living?"

"Gao Jinglue's car is driving at the camp in the west of the city." Feng Zhishen was told by his father on the way. When talking about the topic of Jinglue, don't talk too much. Too many words will lead to mistakes. Feng Zhisun listened to his father's words the most.

Hearing this, Wei Shuxie was thoughtful and did not continue to ask. He just nodded with a smile and said, "Thank you, Ambassador Feng."

At the camp in the west of the city, Gao Chong called Gao Da over, "Is there any suitable gift in the bag that can be given to the baby?"

Gao Da was stunned when he heard this, "Lang Jun, are you not prepared in advance?" He followed Gao Chong to the city gate to greet the angel. He clearly heard Gao Chong say that he had already prepared gifts, but he was still wondering why the guards' luggage was still there. He was in charge, and I didn't see Gao Chong specifically ordering gifts to be prepared.

"Don't talk nonsense. Is there any?" Gao Chong's face darkened.

Gao Da scratched his head and thought for a moment, then said: "When Lang Jun was in Jinzhou, the barbarian chief Deng Shiluo gave the two young masters two daggers, the two daggers inlaid with gems."

"Very good. What kind of dagger is a child playing with? You go and get it. I will give it to Xuanfu's nephew tonight. By the way, remember to find a gift box to put it in," Gao Chong said with a wave of his hand.

The corners of Gao Da's mouth twitched and he responded.

The military camps located in the city are not all tents, but rows of barracks. In addition to the military office, the commander and general of the Gaoliang Military Mansion are respectively served by members of the Gaoxian family, both of whom are in the city. The residence is not in a government office, so it is convenient for Gao Chong and others to move in.

Seeing Gao Da go down to prepare, Gao Chong walked towards the back office with his hands behind his back. He wanted to see how the four boys calculated. Although it was just a formality, Gao Chong was really interested in the household registers of the states and counties under the jurisdiction of Gaozhou Governor's Mansion. After all, in Lingnan, there are only a few places where political achievements can be produced, such as opening up land and expanding prefectures, registering households and naturalizing people, etc.

Just after crossing the courtyard gate, Gao Chong suddenly stopped in his steps and said, "Xuanfu's nephew, Wei Xuanfu?"

Gao Chong instantly remembered who Wei Xuanfu was. Speaking of his rebirth as Gao Youzhi, he was somewhat related to Wei Xuanfu.

Taiyuan County, Jinyang City, Jinci Temple.

The experience of Wei Xuanfu also has this meaning. His father Wei Shuxie once served as the governor of Puzhou and the doctor of the Treasury. His grandfather Wei Zan also served as the minister Youcheng in the former Sui Dynasty, but Wei Xuanfu later only served as Cheng Menlang was later promoted to be the magistrate of Lantai County. He never entered the center in his life, and his achievements were far inferior to those of his father and ancestors.

But Wei Xuanfu may have taught his children well. Both of his sons are very good. The eldest son, Wei Ciao, was first appointed as Luoyang Liubei and later as Taiyuan Yin. This is an important position of the third rank. Luoyang and Taiyuan are the capitals second only to Chang'an, and Jinci Temple is also Wei Chou presided over the renovation, and even specially inscribed and erected a stele. Gao Chong was deeply impressed by this. His second son, Wei Chang, became the governor of Dengzhou and also had a good reputation as an official.

Not to mention the two sons, their fame is limited to historical data, and they are not famous, but Wei Xuanfu's grandson is extraordinary. His surname is Wei, his name is Jiansu, and his courtesy name is Huihui. He first followed Xuanzong to Shu, and was later ordered to assist Suzong in pacifying the Anshi Rebellion. He held the positions of Shizhong, Shangshu Zuopushe, etc., and was given the title of Duke of Bin.

But that will be a hundred years later, not to mention that the course of history has changed. It is still unclear whether the Webster Nanpi Fang branch can still be as prominent as it was on its original trajectory.

Gao Chong shook his head and stopped thinking about things that were too far away. Children and grandchildren will have their own blessings. He raised four boys, which is enough to ensure that the Gao family will be rich for a hundred years.

"No, seven goes up to seven, seven goes out and three goes into one. How did you come up with this number?" "Oh yes, senior brother is more careful. I hate arithmetic the most."

When they arrived at the courtyard, they heard the heated discussion among the four teenagers in the room. Gao Chong smiled knowingly and pushed the door open.

"How's it going? How's it going?" Gao Chong went straight to the empty main seat and sat down.

The desk was full of scattered household registers, and manuscript papers were piled in front of the four boys.

"This is important household registration information. It must not be defaced. Please sort it out quickly." Gao Chong felt dizzy when he saw this messy scene.

The four of them were busy getting up and tidying up.

"Master, there is no problem with the data. Among them, Baizhou's data has increased year after year, and it has doubled compared with last year. However, there have been no major changes in Danzhou, Yazhou, Zhenzhou and other overseas places." The four people looked at each other and finally Senior Brother Xue Rengui got up to give a simple summary report.

Gao Chong was not surprised when he heard this. Baizhou is where Pang Xiaotai lives. The Pang family has no ambitions. As a local chief, he has been actively promoting household registration. The local officials in the mountains also trust Pang family very much. In addition, Pang Xiaotai Treat the village well and never prey on the people. It is reasonable to increase the household registration.

Danzhou Yazhou and other places are located overseas, on Zhuya across the strait, that is, Hainan Island. They are remote and the local situation is even worse than that of Lingnan. Many ethnic groups live together. It is understandable that the implementation of household registration is slow.

Gaozhou Dudufu has jurisdiction over eight states including Gao, Luo, Chun, Bai, Ya, Dan, Lin, and Zhen. Half of them are barren lands. Danzhou, Yazhou and other places are the Zhuya County and Linzhen County of the former Sui Dynasty. County, Dan'er County and other places, this place belongs to the Tang Dynasty almost in name, and is a truly wild and remote place. Gao Chong is now unable to do anything, and he has nothing to do about it.

Unless we wait until the advent of the Age of Discovery in the future, it will be extremely difficult to change Lingnan, Hainan and other places just by relying on agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry and fishery.

"List the numbers of Hainan Island, that is, Dan, Zhen, Ya and other overseas states separately." Gao Chong thought for a while and then ordered: "Then you will follow me to the banquet tonight."

The four of them accepted the promise.

Since I want to express my position to the court, since I want Wei Shuxie and Wei Shuxie to play a comforting role, then I, Gao Youzhi, will be the villain again.

Gao Chong also felt a toothache. He was really a loyal minister to the public and the country.

In the post house, after Wei and Shuxie washed and changed clothes, they chatted and drank tea in the hall, waiting for the evening banquet.

"Chang Shi, I see that Gao Jinglue and Feng are close, so it seems that we don't need our comfort." Li Gongyan chatted with each other, and mentioned Gao Chong's attitude towards Feng intentionally or unintentionally in his words, as if Something pointed out.

Wei Shuxie raised his eyelids and said, "I've only been here for less than an hour, and you've already seen it clearly?"

Li Gongyan choked when he heard this, and said hurriedly: "That's not true, it's just the life of a saint...".

Before he finished speaking, Wei Shuxie placed the tea cup heavily on the desk and said, "Servant, be careful what you say."

Li Gongyan was so frightened that he rushed to accuse him.

Wei Shuxie stood up and took a deep look at Li Gongyan, "We have important responsibilities, so the minister should be careful in his words and deeds."

Li Gongyan was busy as promised.

Wei Shuxie said nothing more and went straight to the backyard to take a nap. In his opinion, Li Gongyan had wasted many years in the Book Collection Province and had lost his basic political sensitivity. His future achievements would stop here and he should never have a close friendship with him.

Looking at Wei Shuxie's leaving figure, Li Gongyan's expression remained as usual. He was just drinking tea by himself, not knowing what he was thinking.

As the sun sets, the back office of the Dudu Mansion is brightly lit, and Feng An is personally organizing it. A grand night banquet is about to begin.

When Tian Yangming put on a dazzling robe, he came to Gao Chong to show his grace, "Youzhi, what do you think of my outfit? Does it coexist with grace and dignity? I must be the most beautiful man in central Guizhou." ?”

Facing this conspicuous bag, Gao Chong was already immune, "Tonight there are all men, who are you showing off dressed like this?"

Tian Yangming was instantly deflated and muttered without knowing what he was talking about.

"Be mentally prepared," Gao Chong said as he stood up and straightened his clothes.

Tian Yangming was stunned, "What kind of mental preparation?" However, Gao Chong had already raised his legs and walked out.

"Yunzhi, tell me, why are you mentally prepared?" Tian Yangming grabbed Gao Kan and said, "It's not a good habit to speak in half words."

"Brother is going to make trouble at the banquet." Gao Kan had no choice but to tell the truth.

"Again?" Tian Yangming was surprised, "Who? Feng? Or the angel?"

Gao Kan rolled his eyes at him and ignored him.

"Rengui, tell me." Tian Yangming grabbed Xue Rengui again.

"It's not an attack, it's just fulfilling one's duties." Xue Rengui looked embarrassed, racking his brains to consider his words, "It's just to give the angel a chance to show off his skills. Do you understand?"

"No, I don't understand." Tian Yangming blinked, looking confused.

"Okay, brother Ziguang, we won't have anything to do then. We can just keep eating and drinking," Pei Xingjian had to say when he saw this.

"I understand," Tian Yangming clapped his hands and suddenly realized, "Xiao Shouyue is still concise and to the point. Look at you two, you should have said this earlier."

The four of them looked at each other and nodded in agreement.

The post house is only one street away from the Dudu Mansion, so there is no need to drive, so Gao Chong takes the lead.

Behind him, two young men, one civilized and one military, followed each other with their heads held high, namely Tian Yangming and Pang Xiaojie. On the left and right were four young men including Gao Xue, and at the end were more than a hundred personal guards led by Gao Ren, heading straight for the Governor's Mansion. .

Arriving in front of the Governor's Mansion, Gao Chong was about to speak out, but Tian Yangming waved his sleeves and took out an invitation from his arms.

"The Lingnan economic envoy, the governor of Guangzhou, the champion general, the governor of Guangzhou, the shipping envoy of Guangzhou, and the Duke of Yan are all here to attend the banquet."