first minister

Yelude is back?

Emperor Liang felt an inexplicable warmth in his heart. After Yuwen Yun was assassinated, King Zhennan was shocked, Murong Chui was a highly suspected assassin, and the unexpected return of Yelu's eldest son Yelu De, to some extent represented The loyal choice of the Yelu family is like someone suddenly lighting a candle in the dark wilderness where the cold wind is howling and dangers are lurking, warming the autumn at the end of the year.

Of course, he did not show any of these emotions and joy. He just nodded calmly, with a bit of dissatisfaction in his expression. "In that case, Hu Quan, go and see him. I have something to ask him."

The newly appointed eunuch Hu Quan was about to agree when Linghu Yan added, "He didn't even return to Dingxi Palace and came directly towards the palace."

As soon as he finished speaking, the guard at the city gate sent someone to tell him that Yelu De wanted to see him.

Emperor Liang was silent for a moment, then asked someone to announce his entrance, and then waved his hand to Linghu Yan, "Go and do your business. I need the truth about today's matter!"

Sitting in the empty hall, Emperor Liang thought about Yelv De's possible answers, what he could hear from those answers, and how to respond.

But when Yelu De came to the main hall, his first words confused Emperor Liang, who thought he was well prepared.

"I pay my respects to Your Majesty, and congratulate Your Majesty on ascending to the throne and ruling the world. I am guilty, and I hope Your Majesty will forgive me!"

Emperor Liang frowned slightly, and could only follow his words and continue: "What crime are you guilty of?"

Yelvde, who originally only had to stand and salute due to his status, knelt on the ground respectfully, "I was so frightened when I heard about the incident in the capital that day that I was so timid that I fled. Family tradition. Thanks to my father's teachings, I am able to find my way back and beg your majesty for forgiveness. Even if your majesty punishes me, I dare not complain at all."

Emperor Liang pondered for a moment, pretending not to know what to do, "Did you go to see King Dingxi?"

"I didn't dare to go to Beijing that day, but I didn't dare to control the crane army. I was afraid of provoking people, so I had to go to Lieyang Pass to join my father and find a strategy. Unexpectedly, as soon as I arrived at Huaishuo City, I met Cong Lieyang Pass. After they withdrew, they met with my father overnight."

Yelu De looked up at Emperor Liang with sincere eyes, "My father said, Yelu's family is a Liang minister, and he only needs to be loyal to the Emperor of the Xue family, why bother to think about so many twists and turns. The reason why he has been favored for more than thirty years, Just upholding a principle, the honor and disgrace of the Yelu family is protected by the imperial power. As long as you are loyal to His Majesty and don't have distracting thoughts, you will have fewer unnecessary worries and all choices will be clear. Therefore, my father I strictly order my subordinates to return to the capital immediately and apologize to His Majesty. Even if Your Majesty blames me, there must be no complaint or even resistance."

Emperor Liang pondered, and his fingers, which were blocked by the large case, gently tapped his knees in turn. The hall fell into a breathless silence.

The new eunuch Hu Quan, who was not used to this situation, couldn't help but twist his butt uneasily.

"Ha ha."

Emperor Liang chuckled, breaking the terrifying silence, "King Dingxi said something serious. The Yelu family, as one of the seven surnames, is the pillar of the country. It was only human nature to love Qing at that time. Since he did not make a big mistake, then What's the crime? Just get clean as soon as possible."

He stared at Yelude, preparing to see his next reaction.

Yelu De kowtowed and shouted: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness!"

But he did not stand up, but continued: "Your Majesty, my father has another unkind request. I hope your Majesty will grant it."

Emperor Liang was once again a little confused, and he said with a bit of interest: "Tell me about it?"

Yelu De said: "It is not a long-term plan for Your Majesty to ascend to the Supreme throne and then leave your position empty. My daughter Yelu Caiqi is of marriageable age. If Your Majesty does not mind, I, the Yelu family, hope to marry Your Majesty."

Emperor Liang sat upright all of a sudden, his eyes lit up.

It didn't matter what Yelu Caiqi was, he was mainly moved by the sincerity of the Yelu family.

They have presented their precious granddaughter, the Pearl of the Prairie. This is not sincerity. What is sincerity?

And once he and Yelu Caiqi get married, as the queen and the Yelu Caiqi family are descendants, both parties have the same interests and share the honor and disgrace. Is there any need to doubt what they will do?

After hearing this, to be honest, Emperor Liang no longer had any suspicion about Yelvshi.

However, he did not agree directly, but said with a smile: "For the important affairs of the country, the post cannot be left vacant. I have heard about the name of Yelu's daughter for a long time, but it is best to wait for the return of the Western King. We Have a good time discussing it.”

Yelu De didn't say much after hearing the words, and said very honestly: "What your Majesty said is true, but I am impatient. I will discuss this matter with your Majesty after my father returns."

"Okay, I'm tired from the journey and it's hard work. Let's go back and tell my family that I'm safe."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, I will leave!"

Seeing Yelu De leave respectfully, Emperor Liang's heart seemed to have dispersed as a dark cloud.

Yelv De used his life and property to show him the loyalty of the Yelu family.

His loyalty basically represents Yelvshi's attitude.

Whether it was asking for directions or showing his favor, at least it was clear that he did not choose to stand against him.

It is nothing more than a guarantee of continued trust in the Yelu family. The implementation of this guarantee is to make Yelu Caiqi their queen.

Of course, this request did not make Liang Emperor Xue Rui feel embarrassed. With Yelu Caiqi's beauty spread throughout the Liang Dynasty, even if the superiors were not willing, the subordinates were willing.

The only possible question in this is whether it is possible that Yelv De made an independent decision and wanted to preserve the Yelv family?

If it was indeed Yelvshi's attitude, then he would be much more relaxed.

With the backing of 50,000 crane-controlling troops from Yelu's Eight Tribes, and the 60,000 snow dragon riders who control the country, who else can stir up any trouble when he already occupies a high position?

Regardless of whether Murong Chui really wanted to eradicate his dissidents and take charge of the government, he could still treat him in a calm and calm manner.

When the time comes, Uncle Wang of Zhennan, with his 60,000 snow dragon riders, will be able to check and balance each other with Yelu Shi, who has 50,000 crane-controlling troops, so that he will be safe and sound.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but sigh. His father had been the emperor for decades, and he still needed to learn this skill.

Everyone knows some principles, such as the confusion of different opinions, such as the way of checks and balances, but what kind of skin to put on these things and which suitable people to choose are the real skills.

Yelvshi and Zhennan Wangshu were indeed the best choices to assist his political power.

In comparison, the reckless and domineering Yu Wenyun lacked a bit of magnanimity and composure, and the scheming Murong Chui lacked a bit of fame and status. In the end, they were still inferior.

I hope there are no other secrets and let the matter be settled as it is.

Emperor Liang secretly prayed in his heart. At this time, a young eunuch appeared at the door of the palace. Hu Quan saw this and walked over quickly. After a while, he returned to Emperor Liang and said, "Your Majesty, Zhongshu ordered Yuan Xiantao and Pei Shisheng, Minister of the Ministry of War, asks for an audience."

Emperor Liang's expression froze slightly, "Together?"

Hu Quan nodded, "Yes."

Emperor Liang took a deep breath and said, "Let them come in."

Not long after, the other two families from the top three of the seven major surnames in Beiliang, which were also the two most powerful families in the civil service system of the court, the current heads of the Yuan family and the Pei family walked into the palace together.

"Your Majesty, Yuan Xiantao/Pei Shisheng, pay homage to Your Majesty!"

"Get a life!" Emperor Liang was secretly wary as he looked at the two people in the court today who were the most vocal opponents of the peace agreement that was obviously very conducive to stabilizing the court.

Military men are arrogant because of their military strength, but civil servants like them have hidden evil intentions and kill people invisible.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

The two of them straightened up, and Yuan Xiantao took out a folder from his arms and said, "Your Majesty, the governor of Huaishuo has handed you a secret folder for your Majesty's inspection."

Hu Quan came to take it and handed it to Emperor Liang.

The secret fold could only be opened by the emperor himself, so Emperor Liang carefully checked it and confirmed that the paint was intact before slowly opening it.

Yuan Xiantao waited silently. Although the folder was intact, he knew the contents of it clearly.

As the Secretariat of the Imperial Court, he had quite a few disciples and former officials. The Huaishuo Governor happened to be one of his people. When the secret documents were presented, one of them was naturally delivered to him.

What is written in this excerpt is precisely the secret meeting between King Yelvshi of Dingxi and his son Yelvde in Huaishuo City.

Emperor Liang read it calmly, but did not react immediately. Then he looked at Pei Shisheng and said, "Where is Pei Aiqing, what do you want?"

Pei Shisheng, the Minister of War, leaned forward and said: "Your Majesty, urgent military documents have been delivered to Guanshan Road, Baihu Road, Shannan Road, and Shahai Road. There are rebellions in all four roads. The military situation is urgent. Your Majesty, please decide on a strategy so that I can make arrangements for you and others." All parties counter the rebellion.”

After saying this, he raised his head and looked directly at Emperor Liang without much fear, waiting for his reaction.

Now, Yu Wenyun is seriously injured and his life or death is uncertain;

King Zhennan was shocked by the assassination, and Murong Zhui, who was in charge of the Kyoto Guard, was highly suspected;

Pingbei King Wan Yanda has only expressed his congratulations without taking any concrete actions so far;

However, King Yelvshi of Dingxi stayed in Huaishuo City and did not return, and now he is secretly plotting with his son;

Of the seven major surnames, it seems that four of them plus half of the Xue surname are unreliable, and now there is war in various places.

If the new king wants to stabilize his position, shouldn't he consider the existing Yuan and Pei families?

The two of them came together to use that momentum to teach the new king a lesson, and at the same time gain his dependence on themselves, and power would naturally follow. Pei Shisheng was still afraid that Emperor Liang would not understand what he was saying or could not understand the situation, so he took the initiative and said: "Your Majesty, I am willing to mediate and let King Pingbei and King Dingxi work hard to suppress the rebellion, so that they will not destroy the world at this critical moment." Big picture.”

But he didn't know that there was no tension or panic in Emperor Liang's heart at this moment, but only complete peace of mind.

Yelv De has really seen Yelv Stone, so what he said just now is indeed the meaning of Yelv Stone.

The King of Dingxi is indeed the pillar of the country. With 50,000 crane-controlling troops and 60,000 snow dragon riders, what should I fear?

So, he gently put the fold in his hand on the table and said with a smile: "I am very relieved that Mr. Pei is willing to serve the country with all his loyalty. The rebellion in the four fields is all caused by Xiaoxiao, and the current focus is still on the court situation. Today, Uncle Wang and General Huwei of Zhennan were assassinated one after another, which shows that there are also villains with ulterior motives and extraordinary abilities in the capital city. When fighting against the outside world, we must first stabilize the inside. If we want to achieve great stability in the world, we must first stabilize the capital. If the capital is stabilized, then the four directions will be settled. Determined, do you two think so?"

Pei Shisheng and Yuan Xiantao looked at each other with a bit of confusion in their eyes.

After all, Yuan Xiantao was older and keenly sensed something was wrong, so he kept silent.

Pei Shisheng still wanted to fight for it, "Your Majesty, the late emperor fought more than a hundred battles and lasted more than twenty years before he conquered these twenty or thirty vassal states and incorporated them into our Daliang territory. I am afraid that if it cannot be stopped early, it will become a prairie fire." The situation is so strong, I’m afraid it will end badly!”

Emperor Liang smiled faintly, "Pei Aiqing is overly worried. Our confidence in Daliang is the combined efforts of the seven surnames. As long as the imperial power and the seven surnames are not in chaos, the world of Daliang will not be in chaos! But now, someone dares to take action against the seven surnames. I'm sorry Can you not cut his body into thousands of pieces to protect the honor of the seven surnames? When the court decides, if the late emperor can defeat them, can't I? Does Pei Aiqing have no confidence in me, or in my Daliang warriors? Gained confidence?”

Pei Shisheng opened his mouth and wanted to speak, but Yuan Xiantao coughed and stopped him from continuing.

When the two of them exited the hall with some disappointment, Pei Shisheng couldn't help but asked in a low voice: "Brother Yuan, why did you just do that?"

Yuan Xiantao sighed softly, "Doing something knowing that it cannot be done is not the choice of a wise man. As for the reaction of His Majesty's talents, there must be something inside that we don't know. At this time, if we try to change His Majesty's mind, it will easily be revealed. The details."

Pei Shisheng frowned, "Is it because Yu Wenyun is not dead? Or is it because Murong Chui gave His Majesty some reassurance?"

Yuan Xiantao shook his head, "I just heard that Yelv De was back, so I went to the palace to see him. Now it seems that he was the one who fed His Majesty the reassurance!"

Pei Shisheng snorted coldly, "What use can he be? His status in the Yelu family is not as good as that of Yelv Xiu. If he dies, he will die. Yelv Shi will not feel sorry for him! How can your majesty believe what he says!"

Yuan Xiantao did not answer, and thought to himself: But Yelvde came back after seeing Yelvshi, so there is no guarantee that Yelvshi didn't give anything to convince your majesty.

Of course he knew that Yelv De's reputation was not outstanding, but he did not dare to have any contempt for Yelv Shi. With Yelv Shi's great talent, after meeting him, Yelv De turned back to face the Holy Spirit. Credible conditions.

From this point of view, my trip was somewhat self-defeating.

It seems that we need to find out some information.

The two of them had their own thoughts, walked out of the palace gate, and bumped into a team.

Anton King Murong Chui rode his horse and stopped outside the palace gate with his guards.

The two sides bowed to each other, and then Murong Chui hurriedly entered the palace.

Looking at each other's backs, Yuan Xiantao and Pei Shisheng snorted softly. Only then did they think of entering the palace, maybe it was too late.

When Murong Chui stood in front of Emperor Liang, Emperor Liang had almost the same thought.

Without the attitude brought by Yelv De, the secret message from Huaishuo Governor, and the strong confidence brought by the surrender of the Yelu family, he would naturally be very happy and even grateful to see Murong Chui willing to take the initiative to plead guilty.

Just like a person who has been abandoned by his lover, when he is helpless and hesitant, if the other person is willing to look back, he will naturally be overjoyed and even grateful and flattering.

But if during this short window, someone who surpasses the previous partner in every aspect expresses love, then the lover's return will lose most of its meaning.

Murong Chui didn't expect that so many things would happen while he just hesitated in the mansion for more than an hour.

He said respectfully: "Your Majesty, today in the city, King Zhennan and General Huwei were assassinated. I, the commander of the Kyoto Guard, have neglected my duties. Please forgive me!"

Emperor Liang's expression remained as gentle as ever since he ascended the throne. "King Anton doesn't need to be like this. The thieves are so bold. The Kyoto Guard patrols everywhere. To deal with the evil thieves who have suddenly launched an attack, it is inevitable that there will be a shortage of manpower, which is understandable."

Murong Chui said quickly: "Your Majesty, please rest assured. I will do my best to pursue the murderer, give an explanation to Your Majesty and the court, and restore stability to Kyoto."

This was one of the reasons why Murong Chui hesitated for a long time not to go to the palace to plead guilty, because this matter really made him feel like a mute eating coptis.

If, as soon as those two people were assassinated, he rushed to the palace to plead guilty, would it seem to His Majesty that he had brought it upon himself?

But if such a big thing happens, if I, the person responsible for the security and defense of Kyoto City, don't say anything, am I acquiescing to the matter, and even seeming to be arrogant and not taking His Majesty seriously?

In the final analysis, it is because the unknown mastermind behind the scenes is a real conspiracy. As the biggest beneficiary, as long as His Majesty is suspicious, everything he says and does is problematic and can be doubted. point.

Even if the murderer is captured, His Majesty will still doubt whether he has found the person to take the blame, because he is fully capable of doing so.

This matter is almost unsolvable.

Why the hell don't you come and assassinate me!

Murong Chui couldn't help but growl in depression, thinking to himself: The only way out is for Your Majesty to keep trust in him and trust that he will not do such a thing.

Therefore, he then knelt down on the ground and said sincerely: "Your Majesty, I am concerned about the lives of the Murong family and the whole clan, and I have tried my best to help all the people in the clan who can fight. How can I be in this overall situation?" At this time of uncertainty, I made such a foolish move, but I have a sincere heart, so please give your Majesty a clear warning!"

This sentence moved Emperor Liang to a certain extent. He stepped down from the high platform and personally helped Murong Chui up, "You and I, our monarch and our ministers, have gone through blood and fire together. How can such a small thing affect it? Don't worry, I will I believe you."

Murong Chui choked with sobs, "Your Majesty."

"Okay, don't worry. Go back and have a good rest. After I have properly dealt with the Wanyan family and the Yelu family, I will reward you and celebrate your success!"

Seeing Murong Chui leaving, the smile on Emperor Liang's face slowly disappeared and was replaced by solemnity.

Of course, he would not be so stupid as to cut off his arms and go deal with the Murong family who had proven their loyalty just because of this matter, but it was inevitable that he would be a little wary in his heart.

Now that I have just taken over some power, I am beginning to think that one family will be the only one in power. What will happen if favors continue to flourish in the future?

After much deliberation, the Yelu family and Uncle Wang from Zhennan are more reliable. After all, they have both stood at the top, and their conduct must be more reliable.

These thoughts together are like grass growing out of the ground, no matter how hard it is to suppress.
-

At the same time, in Qingchuan Pass, Chen Fugui opened the door and walked in, handing Xia Jingyun the urgently delivered information from Zhongjing City.

"Sir, the evil wind in Zhongjing City is a bit strong!"

Xia Jingyun read it in silence, flicked it, and smiled nonchalantly, "Isn't it over? Xu Boyi's mouth is really on par with Brother Lexian, indistinguishable!"

Seeing that the young master was still joking, Chen Fugui did not say anything to refute, but said: "Then we will just wait here all the time? It will probably take some time for the overall situation in Beiliang to be settled."

Xia Jingyun shook his head, "Just wait until Yelvshi leaves for Beijing. People like him will not leave until the overall situation is decided."

Chen Fugui looked solemn, "What if it takes a year and a half?"

"No." Xia Jingyun smiled, "Not to mention his ability, even the court would not allow him to delay for so long. He once told me the direction, which is to enter the capital as a protector and then take full control of it. If my prediction is correct, he will take three steps. The first step is to incite rebellions in various places and create a general trend. The second step is to incite the Liangdu dignitaries to fight and be suspicious of each other, but he will stay out of it. ;third step"

Having said this, Xia Jingyun paused, "You must have heard of the name Pearl of the Grassland, right?"

Chen Fugui was silent for a moment, "I have only heard of Dongting Pearl."

Xia Jingyun broke through his guard instantly and punched him in feigned anger, "I'm not Bai Lexian, why do you need to point me out here?!"

Chen Fugui smiled innocently and did not dodge.

Xia Jingyun glared at him speechlessly, "Yelushi should marry his precious granddaughter Yelv Caiqi to Emperor Liang as his queen."

Chen Fugui was shocked, "Are you so cruel? Even your own granddaughter?"

Xia Jingyun shook his head, "Ordinary people have to do a lot of things to get a wife, not to mention the establishment of an emperor. This process will give Yelvshi enough time."

He looked at Chen Fugui and said, "This step can not only gain Emperor Liang's absolute trust, but also drive a wedge between Emperor Liang and other families. If Yelvshi can't even think of taking this step, I really have to doubt whether he can be with me." We have completed this cooperation that will change the overall situation of the entire world.”

"Then what if he has thought of it?" Chen Fugui tried to make himself think more and said: "According to the young master, such a powerful man is extremely ambitious and has great power. I am afraid it will be even more difficult to control."

Xia Jingyun nodded, "Not bad, I can think."

Chen Fugui said resentfully: "Young master, you have to find your place again, right?"

Xia Jingyun rubbed his nose awkwardly and forced the topic back, "With Lieyang Pass and Phoenix City in hand, Yuyan State has been recovered, and Beiliang is in chaos. Even if Yelvshi has different intentions, he will not be able to complete his move south in a few years. Preparations. In a few years, our own strength can make him give up that unrealistic idea. I will never place my hope on the kindness and mercy of the enemy."

"What's more important is that, as I said to him at the beginning, as long as he can find a more cost-effective way than going south to invade, he will take the wrong medicine to go south to fight. As long as he uses profit to tie up the seven surnames in Beiliang, Get on our chariot, and when Yelvshi wants to fight, other families will not want to fight either. This is my real confidence."

"Just wait patiently. When things here are over, let's go to Yuyanzhou together and then we can return to Beijing."
-

And just as Xia Jingyun expected, the news that Emperor Liang intended to make Yelu Caiqi his queen came out through unknown channels, and it quickly spread throughout the entire Liang capital.

The city of Liangdu was like a pot exploding in an instant. (End of chapter)