first minister

In front of the gate of the Yuyan Prefectural Mufu, the current King Jing Jiang Yuhu and the Marquis of Xing'an Xia Yunfei stood together.

This gesture shocked the others who saw this scene. Could it be that His Majesty is coming for this battle?

Until a group of people walked along the straight street and stopped in front of the State Shepherd's Mansion.

Seeing the young man who, despite being dusty, still had an outstanding demeanor and posture, the onlookers were confused, who is this?

Jiang Yuhu took a step forward and was about to clasp his fists in salute when Xia Jingyun opened his hands towards him and gave him a bear hug.

Jiang Yuhu almost knocked Xia Jingyun away with a horizontal elbow, but he held it back and was hugged by him stiffly.

Onlookers: ? ? ?

Is this person so tough? The key is that the little military god can still bear it?

Seeing this, everyone recalled some rumors and probably guessed the identity of the other party.

Xia Jingyun said with a smile: "It is really gratifying and congratulatory for the general to have made extraordinary achievements again and shocked the world!"

Jiang Yuhu looked at him blankly, and after a brief moment of confusion, he immediately returned to his usual cold and arrogant tone and gave a faint hum.

Xia Jingyun looked at Xia Yunfei again, smiled and punched him on the shoulder, "Brother! Congratulations!"

As soon as these words came out, everyone confirmed the identity of the other party, and their eyes became hot in an instant.

Although Prince Jing and Marquis Xing'an have high titles, they are all soldiers after all and are of little use, but Marquis Jianning is different!

The sworn brother of the Queen Mother, an important minister in the central government, the Minister of Household Affairs, a destined powerful minister, just letting them slip something would be enough to keep their family comfortable for decades!

Xia Yunfei, who had always been taciturn, smiled naively and said, "It's all thanks to the young master, so I cooperated."

Of course, Xia Jingyun didn't say anything more. He glanced around and said with a smile, "Let's go in and talk!"

The two of them, who usually didn't talk much, didn't have any objections to his anti-customer attitude.

Although in terms of title, one of them is already higher than Xia Jingyun, and the other is likely to be higher than Xia Jingyun soon, but Xia Jingyun's status is not an ordinary marquis.

However, Jiang Yuhu looked at Xia Jingyun's back, shook his body, and then slowly followed him.

Chen Fugui also followed. As for the people who were accompanying him, others would take care of them, so there was no need to worry.

The gentry who were watching were ready to follow him to visit, but they were all stopped outside the gate of the State Shepherd's Mansion.

Entering the main hall of the Zhou Mu Mansion, Xiao Fengshan greeted him.

This is the first time the two have met since they separated in Zhongjing City.

Originally, Xiao Fengshan thought about whether to leave to avoid suspicion, but then he thought about it, doing so would be a bit of a cover-up. In front of smart people at this level, he would be inferior, so at this moment, he stepped forward with a bit of trepidation and bowed, "Jian Marquis Ning! There are too many people outside to greet you, so I hope you will forgive me."

Xia Jingyun strode forward, held his hand, and said with a smile, "Congratulations."

Xiao Fengshan naturally understood the meaning of his words, and couldn't help but sigh with emotion when recalling all the past events.

After Chen Fugui also stepped forward to greet everyone, everyone took their seats.

Xia Jingyun told Xiao Fengshan about the defense situation at the three levels after he left, and everyone also told Xia Jingyun about the current situation in Yuyanzhou.

Xia Jingyun was completely relieved after learning that most of Yuyan Prefecture had surrendered, and that even the two strongholds of the eastern border army had been successfully taken over by the Longshou Army from the north.

Then everyone chatted about Dongfang Ping. Xia Jingyun was not very touched after hearing Dongfang Ping's last words relayed by Xiao Fengshan.

"Evil people often use a tragic story to find an excuse for their crimes, as if this can relieve him of the uneasiness and guilt in his heart. But in order for all evil seeds to take root and sprout, they also need evil The soil. Everyone will encounter various things in life. Some people can resolve them and others can suppress them. There is nothing worthy of sympathy for those who unscrupulously indulge their evil thoughts."

"The so-called pitiable people must be hateful, and hateful people must be pitiful. It is useless nonsense. If they can be forgiven like this, those souls who died miserably and unjustly at his hands without doing anything, How can you agree?"

He looked at everyone and comforted: "So, there is no need to feel so sad and sorry for him. All this is his own fault. And those people who are full of evil will keep saying that they have their own difficulties, and they are all. It's just a desperate cry for mercy, it's not worth a damn, let alone forgiveness."

Jiang Yuhu looked at Xia Jingyun, slightly confused.

Although these words are well said, they are somewhat inappropriate.

Because Xiao Fengshan just talked about Dongfang Ping as a conversation starter, Xia Jingyun's reaction was a bit too big.

However, he knew that this non-waste character would never do such stupid work, so he tacitly changed the topic and said with his usual laziness and nonchalance:

"Okay, you've been working hard for hundreds of miles. Go freshen up and rest first. Later, in the state pastor's mansion, let's have a drink together to welcome you and celebrate everyone's success."

Naturally, Xia Jingyun did not refuse, so Xia Yunfei personally took him and Chen Fugui to the backyard.

The Yuyan Prefecture's prefecture is high in the sky and far away from the emperor. The prefecture's prefecture is very luxuriously renovated and covers a large area. Therefore, even if no preparations were made in advance, the house was quickly packed with rooms of sufficient quality.

Watching Xia Jingyun enter, Xia Yunfei hesitated to speak, but finally did not speak.

He has a taciturn temperament. Except for the previous battle before the battle in Fanyang County, and the two people he met today who were unwilling to say anything, he has always been hiding something on his mind.

At this moment, although I really wanted to ask my brothers about the prisoners in Swift State in advance and tell them about the situation, I hesitated and didn't say anything.

Although Erlang is extremely smart, and even the title of Young Master has changed from a high-class waste to barely a waste, and now he doesn't mention waste at all, but war is still a war.

He didn't know the situation of these prisoners, and it was not his responsibility. If he asked this, would it put a lot of pressure on him.

However, if you don't ask yourself, what will happen if the master asks you later?

Should I at least say something in advance to let him think and prepare?

Thinking of this, Xia Yunfei wanted to turn his head and say a few words.

Xia Yunfei, who had always been reserved but decisive, was now a little hesitant because of such a small problem.

He didn't know whether this matter was too difficult or whether Jiang Yuhu put too much pressure on him.

On the other side, Jiang Yuhu leisurely inspected the kitchen in his house.

Don't dare to order a table from outside for tonight's meal. If something happens, Daxia's future will be over.

This drugged spy would definitely go down in history. Jiang Yuhu would not allow himself to make a decision that would only be made by such a waste.

Now the original servants in the entire house have been dismissed and taken over by his personal guards and Wudang Army sergeants, and the evening meals are also taken care of by them.

After walking around in a circle, Jiang Yuhu, who was actually just bored, walked back to the room. The guard smiled at the side and said: "Young Master really values ​​Marquis Jianning!"

Jiang Yuhu said calmly: "If you can escape the category of waste like him, I will also attach the same importance to you."

Everyone in the army knows that the rubbish words spoken by the old and young military gods are not considered curses. The guards also smiled and said: "That's right. The young master and the Marquis of Jianning are both civil and military. They are a perfect combination and complement each other. They can be called Daxia Shuangbi, it’s normal for you to feel better.”

Jiang Yuhu frowned, thinking of the hug today, "What are you talking about? Two grown men told you to talk like a girl."

Xia Jingyun didn't know what his cousin and Jiang Yuhu were thinking about. He just lay comfortably in the warm bathtub, feeling the comfort of being wrapped in warmth.

Riding a horse galloping is very exciting.

But riding a horse all the time can't keep you happy, because a useless waist, a useless leg, and a useless person.

Fortunately, once the matters in Yuyan State are settled, there will be no major problems for the time being.

In the future, before the world is settled, I should not leave the capital rashly, and there will be no more things that warrant my leaving the capital. I can live a leisurely life in the capital.

So, take advantage of this trip to get things done!

Thinking of this, he suddenly stood up from the bathtub. Amidst the sound of splashing water, the naked high sun reappeared in the world.

About an hour later, five people were sitting together in the side hall of the State Shepherd's Mansion.

Xia Jingyun, Jiang Yuhu, Xiao Fengshan, Xia Yunfei, Chen Fugui. If nothing happens to Xiao Fengshan, Chen Fugui, who is about to be ennobled, will be the lowest-ranking person among them, which can be called terrifying.

Jiang Yuhu, who had the highest status in the world and was the first to occupy the city, was considered half of the master. He raised his wine glass and glanced at the four people. In the expectant eyes of the four people, he fell silent for a moment and said, "Drink!"

The four of them laughed and drank the wine in one gulp, and a high-end internal dinner party began.

After drinking for three rounds, Jiang Yuhu put down his wine glass and looked at Xia Jingyun, "Before you come, we were discussing something."

Xia Jingyun nodded without interrupting.

Xia Yunfei's heart was quietly nervous for Erlang. The young master had so much confidence in him. If he couldn't come up with a good plan, Erlang would feel a little embarrassed.

He was thinking anxiously in his mind, hoping that he could help Erlang a little bit by then.

Jiang Yuhu put down his chopsticks and looked at Xia Yunfei, "You tell me."

When Xia Yunfei heard this, his brain almost shut down on the spot. After adjusting for a while, he said:

"The pacification of Yuyan Prefecture went smoothly, but just because of the smooth pacification, we now have nearly 30,000 prisoners in our hands. Among them, there are still more than 10,000 of the original eastern border troops, and four or five of the Beiliang Harriers are left. There are still more than 10,000 soldiers in the Yuyan Army among the thousand remnant troops."

He tried to make his words as detailed as possible to give Erlang more reference, "We have thought about killing them all, but we are worried about attracting criticism, affecting our reputation, and also having a negative impact on future wars. We have thought about killing them all. They were dispersed and organized into various armies, but they were also worried that these rebels would ruin the morale of the army. They thought about disbanding them, which would be more likely to cause chaos in the world. They thought about letting them serve in hard labor, but they also felt that most of these people They are all elite soldiers who have fought many battles, so it would be a pity to waste them like this."

Although Jiang Yuhu felt that Xia Yunfei had no need to introduce these things, he still listened patiently to Xia Yunfei and then looked at Xia Jingyun, "Tell me, what should we do? It's not easy to feed these 30,000 mouths!"

Xia Jingyun was silent for a moment after hearing this, and then smiled slightly, "This is not difficult."

Everyone present looked up, but Xia Jingyun did not directly reveal the answer to the mystery, but looked at Xiao Fengshan, "What are your plans next?"

As soon as these words came out, the atmosphere in the banquet quietly turned cold.

Although Xiao Fengshan had won the respect of Xia Yunfei and the trust of Jiang Yuhu with his actual actions, after all, it was a serious crime of regicide, and it was impossible for a person who had already died once to be exposed in front of others and continue to serve as an official in Daxia.

He could still drink and talk happily at this moment tonight, but the shadow of the future was always lingering in his mind.

Hearing this, his expression became sad.

Xia Yunfei glanced at Erlang doubtfully but said nothing.

Jiang Yuhu, on the other hand, raised his brows as if he had thought of something. He smiled and poured himself a glass of wine, then drank it leisurely.

Chen Fugui was once again shocked by Xia Jingyun. He just put it down without any mental effort. He put down his chopsticks and silently picked up the wine glass and drank.

Xiao Fengshan was silent for a moment and sighed softly, "To be honest, I haven't thought about it now."

He smiled bitterly, "In the past, we were fighting one battle after another, and the problems were one after another. I didn't have time to think so much. I just wanted to solve the problem and deal with it. Now that the overall situation is settled, Beiliang can no longer cause trouble. , there are no worries within the country, and for a moment I really don’t know where to go or what to do.”

He looked at Xia Jingyun and said, "Maybe, if that doesn't work, go to Beiliang and build up a force. Maybe we can provide some information to help you in the future."

Xia Jingyun shook his head and smiled mysteriously, "I have an idea, why don't you listen to it?"

Xiao Fengshan nodded, "Marquis Jianning, please speak."

Xia Jingyun said slowly: "There is a land east of Yuyan State. There are several small countries now, right?"

Xiao Fengshan and Jiang Yuhu, as the top military elites in Great Xia, were no strangers to this. They both nodded. Xiao Fengshan even spoke like a treasure: "There are three big countries now, namely Bongli, Xinluo, and Baiji. There are also more than ten small countries, and their territory is about the same as one county in our dynasty, and the entire area is roughly larger than Sixiang Prefecture."

Xia Jingyun nodded, "I asked the Qin family to send people to explore there before, and they brought back some information. Although the place is not big, it is not as barren as we imagined. The products are still rich, especially Some medicinal materials, mountain delicacies and seafood are quite abundant. Go there, conquer them, build a country on this land, and become a true king."

Xiao Fengshan was dumbfounded. What kind of idea is this?

Xia Jingyun continued to explain, "But the premise is that you want to be the king of Daxia. You, your descendants, and the people under your rule will be friendly to Daxia from generation to generation. If one day in the future, the time is right, you can take this If you merge a piece of land into the territory of Daxia, I think future generations will definitely give you a fair and noble evaluation."

"You can just take these 30,000 prisoners away and use them under your account. They will also serve as capital for your conquest, and they will also be the basis for future goodwill in Great Xia. The imperial court can give you half a month's military rations and necessary supplies and weapons. , now that the spring is warm and the flowers are blooming, this half month is enough for you to lay down a piece of land, and you will lose the food to the enemy."

Xiao Fengshan was dumbfounded at first. After he understood the joints and figured out Xia Jingyun's intentions and his future direction, his originally dead heart began to beat loudly.

Expanding territory is something that many emperors have been thinking about. And when they go there, they no longer have to hide their bodies and can act openly. More importantly, they can continue to serve their country to another extent. The aspirations of the people can also save his reputation a hundred years later, so he can't help but be moved.

Xia Jingyun did not forget to knock and said: "Originally, I cared about others in this matter, but you have indeed proved your ability and repentance these days, and coincidentally with these 30,000 prisoners, I came up with this idea. I hope Your Excellency can give it serious consideration.”

Xiao Fengshan was silent for a moment and looked at Xia Jingyun, "If this land is really conquered, what do I need to do?"

Jiang Yuhu smiled, and Xia Jingyun also smiled and said: "I will try to join forces with Beiliang and expand in all directions. To the east is the place you are about to conquer, and several large islands across the sea, but that is the legendary We still need to personally investigate. To the west is all the way to the west, trading with all the countries in the Western Region. To the south, across the high mountains, there is also vast and fertile land. The Northern and Southern Dynasties did not need to conquer each other for borders and wealth, and some of them were enough to fill the gap. Everyone’s wealth is waiting for us to grab it. If you successfully conquer this place, I will send a caravan to conduct trade. You need to ensure the safety of trade and the smooth flow of trade routes. If you feel that this small area is not enough To satisfy your ambition, there is a vast territory in this world that is no less vast than my own in Great Xia, which can be explored by you, and I can also support you."

Xiao Fengshan's mood became high-spirited when he heard that. He immediately stood up, clasped his fists towards Xia Jingyun and said, "Don't worry, Marquis Jianning, I was born as a Daxia person and died as a Daxia ghost. This trip is not about royal power and wealth. I am willing to serve as a pawn in my grand Xia century-long plan. But if you violate it, you will be struck by five thunders!"

Xia Jingyun stood up and supported him, "Why do this? If I don't believe you, why should I tell you all these top-secret plans?"

Jiang Yuhu suddenly raised his brows, and finally understood the original intention of Xia Jingyun's inexplicable comments about Dongfang Ping today.

This man wanted to test him, but he didn't expect that he had already calculated these things just after he arrived.

It was interesting. He smiled, picked up the wine glass, and brought it to his mouth.

After making an agreement with Xiao Fengshan, the atmosphere at the table became active again.

Although the matter has not yet been officially decided, with Xia Jingyun and Prince Jing present, based on their relationship and prestige in the court, the matter is almost certain.

Xia Yunfei felt a bit stunned. He didn't expect that this problem would be solved like this. By the way, it seemed that he also earned some land for the court?

Chen Fugui was already convinced and said with a smile: "If this can be done, our country will change from thirteen states to fourteen states! That will be a great merit!"

Xiao Fengshan also said with emotion: "I have already been convinced that Marquis Jianning is unparalleled in his wisdom and scheming, but with the world as a chessboard, I have truly seen it this time. I am convinced, really convinced!"

Xia Jingyun waved his hand modestly, "If you didn't fight bloody battles, and all the swords pointed to victory, how could these empty words of mine have a chance to be practiced and realized! Just like this incident in Yuyanzhou, it will not fall to the real sword in the end. The fight with real guns is coming. Speaking of which, let me have a drink for you to win this battle neatly and heartily!"

After finishing a glass of wine, Xia Jingyun poured another glass of wine and looked at Jiang Yuhu, "The general left Lieyang Pass that night and disappeared. Then he ran for hundreds of miles again to determine the overall situation of Yuyan Prefecture in one battle. Such a feat is really incredible. Shocking to the world, for the sake of the people of Yuyan Prefecture and the overall situation of the world, I give a toast to the general!"

Jiang Yuhu smiled and raised his glass, "Is there something missing?"

Something is missing?

Xia Jingyun's surprise disappeared in a flash, oh, the happiness of a foolish king, right?

Will they take the initiative to ask for it now?

He thought about it for a moment and said with a smile: "I am in a hurry and I have to write a whole poem. I am afraid that I will not think carefully and lose my reputation as a general. But there are two sentences that I feel are very suitable for this situation."

He looked at the crowd and chanted slowly: "The hall is full of flowers and three thousand guests are drunk, and fourteen states are frost-freezed with one sword!"

"it is good!"

As soon as he finished reciting, Xiao Fengshan, who was both talented in both civil and martial arts, poetry and swordsmanship, started to cheer, "Prince Jing personally led three thousand elites. On this prosperous spring day, a battle was decided on Yuyan. The whole world was shocked, and the three thousand people in the hall were drunk." Guest, one sword frosts the fourteen states! It’s suitable! It’s very suitable!”

Xia Yunfei couldn't help but nod, "Brother Chen just said that if we conquer the east, Daxia will be the fourteenth state. I didn't expect Erlang to even remember this."

Chen Fugui didn't know much about literary talent, but he could hear the spirit in the poem, "This is a perfect word to describe His Royal Highness Prince Jing!"

Amidst the cheers, only Jiang Yuhu’s hand that raised the glass froze, and he looked at Xia Jingyun silently, his eyes seemed to be asking:

Did your kid do this on purpose? (End of chapter)