first minister

Looking at the almost pitch-black sky above his head, the sleepy Xue Wenlu finally couldn't bear it anymore, "Are you fucking sick?!"

Bai Yunbian looked aggrieved when he heard this, "You are such an unreasonable person. Didn't you say that the price will be changed today? I came here to ask you regardless of my rest, so that I could report to the Queen Mother and Her Majesty for you, and also to help you accomplish something. Not only are you You don't want to be grateful, but you are still saying bad things here, are you going too far to bully others?"

Xue Wenlu looked at Bai Yunbian's expression of aggrievedness like that of his little daughter-in-law, and for the first time he truly realized what it means to be sinister and despicable in the world.

After all, he had an extraordinary character and slowly calmed down his emotions, "Sir Bai, it's just the ninth hour. Even though we are envoys, we still have the basic right to rest, right?"

Bai Yunbian slapped his forehead and said, "Blame me, blame me. Earlier, Marquis Jianning told me that you Northern Liang talents often heard the rooster dancing, so I came over as soon as I heard the rooster crow. But I think I probably misunderstood Marquis Jianning's meaning." .”

Xue Wenlu nodded angrily, and immediately reacted and glared angrily. Bai Yunbian was already smiling along with him, "Since we're all up, let me apologize. Let's go out to have breakfast together, and then take a walk."

Xue Wenlu wanted to refuse, but after all, he couldn't stay in the post house all the time. Moreover, he was invited like this, and it seemed timid to refuse him again and again.

So, after about a while of burning incense, Xue Wenlu, who was neatly dressed, called Yelu Wende and Yuan Wenjing, and accompanied by Bai Yunbian, they left the post house together.

As for why these two were called, it was very simple. The leader didn't even sleep in, so how could he let his subordinates have a good rest?

Under the bright sky in Zhongjing City, there are already many vendors running morning market business busy.

The aroma comes from the steamer at the bun shop, the fried dough sticks tumble golden in the pot, and the freshly caught fish flapping in the water cart;
The sounds of wooden door panels being dismantled, the shouts of loading and unloading goods, and the shouts of vendors all together gently lifted up a small corner of the most prosperous city in the world.

Everyone sat down in a breakfast shop. Although the shopkeeper, who had been in Zhongjing City for many years, did not recognize Bai Yunbian's face, he could recognize Bai Yunbian's official uniform. He hurriedly served himself and brought various breakfasts to everyone.

But it was obvious that when facing the barbarians of Beiliang, the displeasure and contempt hidden under the respectful appearance could not escape the eyes of these people.

However, Xue Wenlu and others had already expected this situation, and even thought it was normal.

If the shopkeeper saw them as if they were relatives, they would have to seriously suspect that the scheming and annoying Bai Yunbian was up to something shameful again.

The breakfast was very good. Regardless of whether they were used to it or not, just those things that were rarely seen in Beiliang on weekdays were enough to satisfy their little thoughts after traveling thousands of miles.

After breakfast, Bai Yunbian said with a smile: "I am full after this meal. Are you interested in following me to a good place that you will all like?"

Yelvwende was surprised when he heard this, "Isn't it a little early now?"

Bai Yunbian looked up at the sky, "It's almost getting bright, they should all be up."

"Now that we've come home, why don't we wash up, sweep, and so on?"

Bai Yunbian blinked his confused eyes, with a puzzled look on his face, "I'm talking about going to the lecture building opened by His Majesty in the city for the three world Wenzong masters of Tushan. It is the pinnacle of our Daxia culture, even better than the Imperial College. , where do you think I am taking you this early in the morning?"

Yelu Wende blushed instantly and muttered, "I thought Mr. Bai Bai was going to take us to the theater!"

He found an excuse, and immediately his words became fluent, and he affirmed loudly: "Yes, yes, that's what I thought. We all like to listen to operas. We don't go to Daliang much on weekdays, so I was thinking of going to your country to have a good experience." Listen!"

Xue Wenlu and Yuan Wenjing didn't want to see Yelu Wende lose face, so they had no choice but to nod their consciences.

Then Xue Wenlu immediately changed the topic, "I have heard about the three heroes of Tushan for a long time, and I have also admired Mr. Linxi for a long time. I'm sorry to trouble you, Mr. Bai."

"It's all my duty and what I should do." Bai Yun smiled and said, "Then let's go?"

An official quickly went to pass the news first, and everyone got on the carriage, and soon they arrived at a large courtyard in the east city in the light of day when the city had completely woken up.

"This was originally the villa of an honorable nobleman. Later, it was confiscated by the imperial court. After some renovations, it was given to three old gentlemen from Tushan by His Majesty as a place to give lectures, in order to fulfill the mission of these three great masters who preached to the world. Hongzhi, after all, Tushan is still far away, so it’s inconvenient to travel there. We haven’t officially given lectures yet, so you can be considered the first batch of guests.”

"What an honor! Master Bai is interested."

It was rare to receive sincere praise from these people, and Bai Yunbian felt a little uncomfortable for a while.

When Xue Wenlu and others got out of the car, they heard a burst of cheers from inside.

Yuan Wenjing smiled and said: "Is this some happy event? Then we are in luck today."

Bai Yunbian also smiled and said: "That's right! Let's go!"

Seeing Bai Yunbian's helpless appearance, Xue Wenlu suddenly felt inexplicably uneasy.

He then comforted himself by saying that this should be the normal state of relations between the two countries.

At the entrance of the courtyard, stood a young man, dressed simply and neatly, his whole person exuding an extraordinary temperament in his simplicity.

This kind of temperament is no stranger to Xue Wenlu.

Just like him, he has been able to integrate luxury into his body due to the fine clothing and fine food since he was a child and the deliberate carvings of his parents. The young man in front of him is similar. He has integrated culture into his bones, just like a sage classic. At first glance, Simple but full of atmosphere.

"This is the close disciple of the three old gentlemen, my senior brother to His Majesty, Xun Feihong."

After hearing Bai Yunbian's introduction, everyone who originally thought it was just a child welcoming the door suddenly became awe-struck and bowed seriously to this young man who was destined to have a prominent position in Daxia's future.

Xun Feihong returned the greeting respectfully, "The gentlemen are practicing to maintain their health. I would like to ask you to take all the distinguished guests to visit the hospital first. I will meet you later."

Xue Wenlu hurriedly said: "You're welcome, young sir, I'm sorry for bothering you."

Xun Feihong didn't say much and gave in politely, "This way, please."

After Xun Feihong walked in, Xue Wenlu felt like a normal visit. The day before yesterday and yesterday were all such messy things!

Thinking of this, he subconsciously turned his head and glanced at Bai Yunbian.

Bai Yunbian raised his eyebrows, "His Royal Highness, what do you think I am doing? Do you think I am a little quiet today? I can change it."

Xue Wenlu looked like he had swallowed a fly and twitched the corner of his mouth, "No need."

Then he quickly followed Xun Feihong.

When you walk into the courtyard, the first thing you see is a large open space. On the open space, elliptical lines are drawn, one after another.

"This is called a running track. It is Marquis Jianning's idea. Each person has a circle, so that there will be no chaos when running. We will run along this circle five times every day."

Xue Wenlu looked at Xun Feihong's expression and smiled: "Young gentleman seems to admire Marquis Jianning very much?"

Xun Feihong nodded, "The talent of Marquis Jianning is well known to the world, and he is naturally a role model for our generation."

Xue Wenlu smiled and said: "What about Master Bai? His talent and reputation are not inferior to Marquis Jianning."

Xun Feihong said calmly: "What your distinguished guest said is wrong. There is no distinction between talent and learning. As long as there is something worth learning, we should imitate it. Just like us, we have absorbed everything from the words and deeds of the three old gentlemen."

Yuan Wenjing smiled and interjected: "According to Mr. Xiao, Marquis Jianning and Lord Bai are enough to be compared with the three old gentlemen?"

Although Xun Feihong is full of talents, he is still a young man of twelve or thirteen years old. When talking about this arrogant eloquence, how can he compete with such a person who can be selected as an envoy? Hearing this, his face froze and he looked at A glimpse of the white clouds.

Bai Yunbian unexpectedly did not help, he just smiled and spread his hands.

Xun Feihong had no choice but to hand it over, "I have no intention of doing so, but I think these three gentlemen also hope that someone in our Daxia literary world can inherit and surpass their achievements, continue to lead the literary world, and cultivate culture."

If it weren't for the different positions, Xue Wenlu almost screamed. Looking at Xun Feihong, his eyes were even more appreciative, and then there was a bit of melancholy. where is it!

He was thinking wildly here, but Xun Feihong whispered in his heart, originally he wanted to be kind to the guests, but since you are going to give me problems, then I can only listen to Lord Bai's instructions.

He led the three of them through the open space and came to a small lake. To the west of the small lake was a row of classroom buildings, and further west of the school building were two rows of dormitories and canteens.

To the east, there are several houses hidden among green bamboos. They are probably the residences of old gentlemen and their families. Further east of the houses, there are rows of neat vegetable beds.

Opposite them across the small lake was a three-story building.

There is a plaque hanging on it with three big characters: Qingbei Tower!

Bai Yunbian smiled and said: "This is the library in the courtyard. The plaque was inscribed by Marquis Jianning himself. How do you think the writing is?"

The expressions of the three people in Beiliang changed slightly. It was like clearing the north, sweeping the north, breaking the north, etc. Of course, they were not good words. Do I need to say more about the meaning?
The people here are all disciples of the Three Masters of Tushan. Even if they are not closed disciples, they will have a good background in the court in the future.When they grow up, will they become the staunch militant faction in the Southern Dynasty court in the future?

Xia Jingyun, you are determined to kill me!

Upstairs in Qingbei, Xia Jingyun sneezed.

Dongfang Bai on the side asked with concern: "Uncle, what's wrong with you?"

Xia Jingyun waved his hand, "It's okay, some enemy is probably secretly cursing me again, haha."

Dongfang Bai hesitated and said, "Is it too much for uncle and Bai Aiqing to act like this today?"

Xia Jingyun smiled and said: "Beiliang is a tiger and a wolf. The so-called etiquette, benevolence and forgiveness are meaningless when applied to the diplomatic relations between the two countries. There are only pure interests and struggles between the two sides. We are weak. No matter how gentle and polite we are, they are the same." They want to bully us; when we are strong and domineering, they will only think that this is what a strong person should do. Although Bai Zhongcheng's behavior in the past two days is absurd, it does not cross the line."

Dongfang Bai nodded and drew inferences: "But this is not the case for the ministers in the court and the people under their rule. The emperor should have the virtues of an emperor and set an example for his subjects, right?"

Xia Jingyun nodded in approval, "With your Majesty's intelligence and kindness, you will definitely become a saint king for a generation."

Dongfang Bai smiled sheepishly, "Uncle, don't make fun of me."

Xia Jingyun stopped talking and picked up the book in his hand and started reading.

Downstairs, Xun Feihong led everyone to the school building. Most of the people who originally lived on Tushan Mountain have moved here, and they work like they did on the mountain every day.

At this moment, everyone came out after hearing the news. Xun Feihong introduced: "These three are distinguished guests from Daliang. Mr. asked me to show them around."

Hearing these words, everyone bowed and saluted. There was no sadness or anger at someone's doorstep in their expressions, but only peaceful calmness.

Xue Wenlu led everyone to return the greeting, and then said with a smile: "I have heard for a long time that the three heroes of Tushan are the Wenzong of the world, and I have admired them for a long time in Daliang. Although I have not yet seen the grace of the three old gentlemen today, but looking at your demeanor, This trip is definitely worth it.”

One of the leading men said: "Your envoy is a guest from afar. Although he has violated our territory and acted domineeringly based on his power, we, Daxia, follow the way of the saints and uphold the virtue of benevolence and forgiveness. We should repay evil with kindness. Why do we need to resort to tit-for-tat measures?"

Xue Wenlu looked at the other party and sighed, "Your Excellency is truly a humble gentleman!"

His words were not meant to be sarcastic. To be fair, he would never be so generous if he was in a different place.

He can ridicule the other party for being pedantic and a nerd, but he has to admit that the other party is a true gentleman.

Behind him, Yelu Wende and Yuan Wenjing had roughly the same idea, nodding and approving.

Xun Feihong pursed his lips, with a somewhat strange look on his face, and said to the crowd: "Brothers, please go ahead, I will take them to see you sir."

Saying goodbye to everyone, the three of them arrived at the first floor of the Qingbei Building with some trepidation, and saw the three heroes of Tushan sitting among them.

The three old men may be gentle and kind, simple and simple, or dark and serious, but their aura as they sit there is enough to support the reputation of the four words Wenzong in the world.

Seeing with my own eyes these three old men who had to salute very respectfully even when His Majesty saw them, Xue Wenlu and the two people behind him did not show any arrogance or hesitation and saluted respectfully.

"Meet Mr. Linxi, Mr. Wanlin, and Mr. Kongbi."

Mr. Linxi, who was sitting in the middle, smiled and looked at the leading noble man, "Your envoy is a guest from afar, so there is no need to be polite. Please take a seat."

After speaking, he looked at Bai Yun and said, "Master Bai, please sit down too."

Xue Wenlu said: "I have admired the names of these three gentlemen for a long time, and meeting them today will make my life worth living."

Mr. Linxi waved his hand, "It's just a false reputation, not worth mentioning. The three of us are just passing on the teachings of the sages."

Xue Wenlu said: "The teachings of saints are heard by everyone in the world, but those who can establish a sect like the three old gentlemen and be recognized as a Wen Sect in the world are like a rare thing. How can we not make people admire them?"

Mr. Kongbi said coldly with a dark face: "Since you have also listened to the teachings of the saints, why did you invade our territory of Daxia and even speak nonsense in the court with the intention of bullying the weak?"

Xue Wenlu looked calm, "The two countries are fighting for hegemony, and each is his own master. They are both aiming to stabilize the country and bring peace to the world, which is contrary to the teachings of the saints. Daxia also invaded our Daliang rivers and mountains. According to this, the great power at that time Xia Junchen also violates the way of the saints? Therefore, according to my opinion, the affairs of the court should belong to the court, and the affairs of the literary world should belong to the literary world. Wouldn't it be better if they don't interfere with each other? "

Mr. Wan Lin said with a smile: "Whether this statement is true or not, I will not judge, but I, Daxia, have always valued peace and repaid evil with kindness. I am anxious for what others need and what others need. I hope that the diplomatic relations between the two countries can be achieved. peaceful."

Mr. Linxi took out a piece of calligraphy and handed it to Xue Wenlu, "I will give this piece of calligraphy to your distinguished envoy as a gift for meeting each other."

Although Xue Wenlu didn't take their words seriously, the words given by these three people were worth more than a thousand pieces of gold.

Hearing this, he stood up quickly and said, "Sir, you are so righteous, but I, this junior, can't live up to it."

"It's okay. Take it." Mr. Linxi smiled and pointed upstairs, "Go upstairs, someone is waiting for you."

Xue Wenlu's heart moved, and he probably understood the secret.

After bowing and saying goodbye, he walked up to the second floor and saw Dongfang Bai and Xia Jingyun in the room facing the window on the second floor.

Seeing the young emperor of the Southern Dynasty, and the handsome young man beside him who was considered one of the two beauties of the Southern Dynasty with Jiang Yuhu, Xue Wenlu immediately understood in a very brief moment of astonishment that Baiyunbian was putting up such a big drama today, all for the sake of it. Set the stage for this meeting.

I'm afraid the real confrontation of conditions is now.

snort!People in the Southern Dynasties don't have martial ethics, so they still want to catch this prince off guard, right?
It's a pity that you made the wrong calculation.

Since you are willing to talk, I am sure to trap you!
Many thoughts passed through his mind in an instant. Xue Wenlu was overjoyed and pretended to be frightened, "The foreign minister paid homage to your majesty and met Marquis Jianning."

Dongfang Bai said calmly, and Xia Jingyun smiled and said, "Does His Royal Highness feel comfortable living in Zhongjing?"

Xue Wenlu also smiled and said: "The prosperity of the Southern Dynasty is naturally a source of comfort."

Xia Jingyun didn't pay attention to the sharpness in his words, "I remember what your envoy said yesterday, the Northern Liang Falcon Cavalry General Murong Hu sent troops privately to invade our territory?"

Xue Wenlu nodded heavily, "Of course. We, Daliang, and your country are brothers. How can we go to war without declaring it? Murong Hu has such selfish desires that he colluded with the traitors of your country. His crime is unforgivable." . However, this wolf is sitting on a powerful army, and I am afraid that it will cause more chaos. Therefore, the foreign ministers came here to make an agreement with your country to stop the troops, and then send envoys to mobilize troops to capture this wolf, and then the chaos in your country will disappear. It can be resolved calmly by your country.”

Xia Jingyun said with a smile: "I'm afraid this doesn't make sense, does it? How dare you, the leader of the frontier army, to act so recklessly? Don't you, Daliang, have any restraints? Isn't this actually a drama played out between you monarchs and ministers for us? ?”

Xue Wenlu smiled secretly in his heart. This so-called double jade from the Southern Dynasties seemed to be nothing more than that.

"The words of Marquis Jianning made me wonder. Dongfang Ping is also a general of the border army. Could it be that your country has no way to restrain him?"

Xia Jingyun was startled and nodded, "This is indeed the truth. But our dynasty is in turmoil after all, and Dongfang Ping is also the former emperor's prince, so it is normal to have ambitions. But the government of Daliang is stable, and Murong Hu is the leader of Beiliang. Do the direct descendants of the Murong family, one of the seven great surnames, really have the guts to behave like this?"

Xue Wenlu secretly laughed in his heart, what's the use of holding on to something like this that has no proof?Could you be thinking of using this as a breakthrough to bargain?
Then you are so naive.

So, he pretended to be angry and said: "Jianning Marquis, your words are so unreasonable! I have already spoken eloquently to His Majesty, who else will he deceive? Murong Hu acted arrogantly and violated His Majesty's orders. For causing trouble, ruining the diplomatic relations between the two countries, and causing such a huge disaster, the head of the Murong family has already gone to the palace to plead guilty! No matter his clan members or our courtiers, they all hate him to the core and wish to eat his flesh! You are the center of the court. How can you, an important minister, speculate based on your private thoughts? The situation is urgent now, and the two thieves are colluding. If the two governments and the public do not act immediately, it may lead to a catastrophe!"

He spoke impassionedly and with a clear conscience.

But he didn't see it. The white clouds behind him twitched the corners of his mouth and lowered their heads silently.

Xia Jingyun, who was standing in front of him, smiled and said, "Your envoy said this, I feel relieved."

Xue Wenlu:? ? ?

Looking at Xia Jingyun's smile, an ominous premonition suddenly occurred in his heart.

Dongfang Bai stood up slowly, put his hands on his back, and said calmly: "The counter-rebellion soldiers and horses I sent were at the border of Yuyan Prefecture and Langya Prefecture, outside Changshan City, and defeated the two thieves' coalition. Dongfang Ping fled, and Murong Hu was entrusted with the head."

Xue Wenlu and the two deputy envoys behind him stood stunned on the spot as if struck by lightning.

Dongfang Bai continued: "The so-called rebellious ministers and thieves are punished by everyone. I also hate these evil thieves! Now that he has been given the head, I intend to send envoys to pass Murong Hu's head to the border armies in order to frighten these thieves. Helping the arrogant and powerful generals. How about your Majesty join me in this matter? Both sides send envoys together to spread the news to all armies, which will also be a good talk for future generations."

Xue Wenlu's throat rolled and he swallowed.

In the dead silence, Xia Jingyun smiled and said: "In addition, the general leading the army this time is my cousin. You see that he has solved such a big trouble for your country. I have the guts to ask for a reward from your Majesty on his behalf?" Since the kings and ministers of your country are willing to eat his meat alive, don’t you think you will refuse this small request?” (End of Chapter)