first minister

In the main hall of the court, a strong chill came from the vest of Zhang Caiming, the deputy minister of Zhongshu, and a feeling of happiness that he had survived the disaster.

From now on, it seems that this group of aristocratic families is making a lot of noise, but in fact it is all under Xia Xiang's control.

This seemed to be a situation where one of the two was bound to lose, but Xia Xiang found a third solution, thus completely eliminating the problem.

Every move he makes seems to be a casual move that has nothing to do with the dispute between the two parties, but in fact it is dissipating the opponent's fighting spirit.

You say that I have a prejudice against the gentry and humiliate the gentry, with the sadness of the rabbit dying and the fox dying, and the worry that I will definitely try to kill more wealthy families in the future, but look at the Wang family, the Lu family, and the Yin family, these three families I I could kill a family justly, but I only killed the culprit.

This step seems to be the most inconspicuous, but it is actually extremely important. It allows many people who are actually worried about Xia Jingyun's position to start to calm down and think with a rational idea, instead of being coerced by his past cases and having instinctive reactions. resist.

And with this rationality, he then used an extremely skillful push, which directly set the backyards of these wealthy families on fire, and their strength was greatly reduced.

With this decree, I am afraid that almost all the big families will have bastards standing at the side of the court. Under the ebb and flow of one another, the will of the people to resist will naturally be much smaller.

And then, when the dozens of boxes of gold and silver arrived, and according to the general, they only wiped out one-tenth of a country's harvest, this direct and strong stimulation made everyone's minds sway.

The reason why the aristocratic family is so resistant is nothing more than the word "profit", but now that the word "profit" can be compensated or even enhanced, the price to be paid is just a concubine and a collateral lineage, so what reason is there to directly confront the imperial power?

Finally, with the exception of Yu Deshun, who firmly supported the New Deal, everyone understood the Queen Mother's firm attitude and found a better way. How much resistance can be left?

When more than half of the people change their minds, can the remaining stubborn ones really succeed?

To force a woman to conceive means to use force to suppress others. Without the advantage of numbers and momentum, it is not called coercing a woman, it is called mantis acting as a chariot! That's called hitting an egg against a stone! That's called seeking death!

Thinking of this, Zhang Caiming slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air. It is better to block it than to let it go. Xia Xiangzhi said that it is hard to say whether there is anyone else in the world who can resist. Anyway, with his own ability, he has no chance of winning.

Work hard. Although you can't become the opponent's direct descendant, the opponent is still tolerant after all. From the perspective of the government, if you leave yourself as a neutral faction in the center, you can also have a good reputation. Finally, you can land safely and win a lifetime. Ronghua is not bad, so why bother to sacrifice the lives of the whole family for the icing on the cake like Wan Wenbi did.

Thinking of this, his heart suddenly moved slightly.

The Beiliang delegation arrived in the capital yesterday, and according to the rules, they are here to submit their credentials today.

During their trip, all they could discuss was the matter of jointly opening trade routes between the two dynasties.

Zhang Caiming was startled and suddenly realized what a great help he had!

He looked at Xia Jingyun's back with even a bit of shocked awe.

Behind the bead curtain, the Queen Mother's voice sounded again, "Xuan Daliang's envoy is here to see you."

In the side hall of the palace, the representatives of the Beiliang mission headed by Yelu De and accompanied by the other six surnames have been waiting for some time.

"Damn it, I can't take it anymore, sit down for a while!"

As he spoke, a man sat down on the ground. Someone on the side quickly advised: "What are you doing? Get up quickly. We are in the palace of the Southern Dynasties. We represent the face of the imperial court and must be polite!"

"Tell us about some shitty etiquette. Did they mention it after we talked about it?" Another person simply agreed and sat down on the ground with an annoyed look on his face. "We've been left hanging here for almost half an hour. This is their etiquette." ?”

After hearing this, the other people thought the same thing and sat down one after another. In the whole field, Yelu De was the only one still standing.

"Everyone, please be patient. This is the intention of the people of the Southern Dynasties. This is a power they give us, and at the same time, they also hope that we will become restless and restless because of this."

He looked at everyone and said with a smile: "The more this happens, the more it shows that they are guilty. When we catch an ordinary horse on the grassland, just throw a horse pole at random. We only want to catch that rare horse." Only those who cannot be sought will try every possible means, right?"

Everyone nodded after hearing this, and their mood became much more stable.

At this moment, there was a sudden sound of footsteps outside the palace door.

"Everyone, the Queen Mother has summoned me, please follow me!"

Everyone looked at each other, smiled softly, and headed out with Yelu De as the leader.

When they came to the front of the palace, everyone in Beiliang was stunned when they saw the scene in the palace and the dozens of boxes full of gold and silver.

What does this mean? You just gave me a blow, and now I'm trying to induce you?

Everyone looked at each other and naturally felt that this was a benefit that the people of the Southern Dynasties were prepared to promise themselves, and it was also a bait they used to lure them into compromise.

Because there seemed to be no other possibility to explain the existence of these things, his expression inevitably became more arrogant.

Yelu De coughed lightly and stepped forward to salute respectfully, "The foreign minister pays homage to the Queen Mother and Your Majesty. I wish the Queen Mother and Your Majesty a long life."

The Queen Mother's voice came from behind the bead curtain, "Without courtesy. Why has your envoy come from afar?"

Yelvde handed over the certificate of credence in his hands, "Foreign ministers, under the orders of His Majesty, are here to discuss the establishment of a business company between the two dynasties and the joint opening of trade routes in the Western Regions, the Eastern Regions, and Nanyang."

"I, the Prime Minister, have already explained this matter in detail in the plan. Is there anything that your country doesn't understand?"

Yelu De smiled slightly, "It's not something that's confusing, but something that's inappropriate."

He said loudly: "According to your country's suggestion, both parties will jointly send troops and funds to establish a general trading house to manage the three-party trade routes. However, the terms are subject to discussion. The foreign ministers and others who are on this trip are under the orders of our Majesty. I just hope that we can enter into a mercantile treaty and agreement with your country to achieve actual cooperation and share the benefits of trade routes."

As soon as he said this, before he could wait for the reply from the Queen Mother of the Southern Dynasty and His Majesty, he suddenly felt a cold look on his back.

It was like walking in the wilderness at night and being watched by wolves.

In the court hall, the heads of the wealthy families and court officials who had just been "collected" stared at the people of Beiliang. What else is going on?

Because there have been so many things happening in the Daxia court recently, this matter has only been discussed once at the highest level. In addition, because of the previous peace talks between the North and the South, everyone just thought it was to fool the people of Beiliang. Moreover, the place is remote and no one can I never cared about it, let alone took it seriously.

But things are different now!

With such huge real benefits and huge policy benefits, it is no longer cost-effective and not worth considering in which directions to make a living.

Even after many wealthy families changed their minds, they began to think that since it was no longer cost-effective to annex land to raise slaves within the dynasty, why not take the opportunity to go there and bloom two flowers, so as to prevent unexpected events and ensure the inheritance of the family blood. You may be able to make huge profits.

If the people from Beiliang get involved in this matter, one more person will get an extra share of the pie!

If there is one more powerful force, there will be more troubles and less benefits!

If people from Beiliang insist on joining, then naturally the lower the ratio, the better, and the smaller the share, the better!

Xia Jingyun spoke at this time: "This article was written by me, and the proportions were determined by us over and over again. We consider it fair and just. What does your country think is wrong?"

Yelude felt like a thorn in his back, but he didn't know the specific reason for this hostility. According to the original plan, he spoke in exchange for the support of the Southern Dynasty families and continued: "For example, your country's imperial court holds shares Thirty-and-a-half percent, our dynasty holds 30% of the shares, and the two dynasties stand side by side, why are there still many shares? The rest, such as the proportion given to the big families is too low, and the proportion given to Xia Xiang yourself is too high, etc., they are also open to discussion. "

Xia Jingyun smiled slightly but did not speak immediately, but the aristocratic families present were excited again.

What's going on? Has a share been prepared for aristocratic families like them in this plan?

So, do we really have a share in the contents of these dozens of big boxes?

If you do this, then we won’t look down upon you Beiliang people!

Our court gets more, that’s what it should be! We are Zhengshuo of the Central Plains, and we are the winners of the north-south situation.

Xia Xiang gets more, and that’s what he should do! This matter was all planned and arranged by Xia Xiang, and was a result of his own efforts.

As for how little we get, isn’t it just because of you Beiliang people?

If you don't come, wouldn't our share naturally be larger?

We can't compete with the imperial court, we can't compete with Xia Xiang, and we can't compete with you group of grassland barbarians?

Listening to this, you account for at least 30%, but you still don’t think it’s enough?

We wish we could just donate money to destroy you. Wouldn't it be better if we just go and occupy your northern beam and spread your branches and leaves!

As a result, some people began to support the court and refute Yelu De.

"How ridiculous your envoy's words are! I, the Great Xia Dynasty, belong to the Zhengshuo of the Central Plains. I have a vast land, abundant resources, and sufficient troops and food. I can do this alone. However, for the sake of diplomatic relations between the two countries, I am willing to participate in this grand event with your country. This is friendly and reasonable enough. How can your country push even further and still care about the amount of share capital! It would make the world laugh at you!"

"Yes, there are three trade routes. The land in the Eastern Region has been included in the bag of our expeditionary army. The land in the South Ocean is thousands of miles apart from your country. At the same time, you are not good at navy. There is no help. The only people who can conspire are the Western Region. So. In this situation, it is only half a percent less than ours, which shows that our dynasty is kind and lenient, and that An Neng’s people are not enough! In my opinion, your country’s share should be half of my dynasty’s to be reasonable!”

"Your Majesty, Queen Mother, I think that since Beiliang feels that their share is too small and this matter is too difficult, it is better not to forcefully cooperate with them. I can act independently and support these things without bothering Beiliang." ”

Yelude is not that stupid second generation. Under his father's deliberate training, it can be said that he is more powerful than most second generation, but at this moment, he is also confused.

Before coming today, he had done some research and homework. He knew about the disputes in the Southern Dynasty court today. He even figured out that if those wealthy families in the Southern Dynasty had any brains, they would take advantage of the situation when they entered the palace today to launch an attack, hoping to force the imperial court to do so. compromise.

But he never expected that when they came to the court, they would be faced with a scene of a group attacking.

Some people even shouted that they, the Beiliang people, should be kicked out of this cooperation without any rebuttal.

What about rebuttal? Those big families who oppose the New Deal of the Southern Dynasties, are you stupid or crazy? Shouldn't we join forces and tacitly exert pressure today?

Yelude felt that the education he had received over the years had been impacted today, and he could not understand the situation he was facing at the moment.

Of course, it's not his fault. If it were his father, he might not have immediately thought that these people had been directly surrendered by Xia Jingyun instead of just suppressed.

Therefore, Yelude still struggled a lot, "What you said is a big fallacy. I heard that your country is now implementing the new policy, which has caused some disputes and involved a lot of energy. Without my help, your country may not have so much energy." Come and explore the outside world!”

"Nonsense!"

"You are talking nonsense!"

“There is absolutely no doubt about our support for the New Deal!”

"All the courtiers and civil and military officials in the palace absolutely support the New Deal! How can I allow you to confuse the public with your nonsense!"

Everyone in Beiliang:? ? ?

However, no matter how stupid they were and no matter how unwilling to admit it, they all knew that something must have happened in that short half hour that they did not expect.

Xia Jingyun smiled slightly and then spoke slowly, "Everyone has seen it, this is what the people of Great Xia want. Even the conditions given to you now were obtained with great reluctance for you. If you still give in, , and still only care about you, I am afraid that I will be scolded to death by the fierce discussions between the government and the opposition. I believe you all understand these four words, public anger is hard to offend, right? "

Everyone in Beiliang rolled their eyes silently. These four words came out of your mouth like a joke!

If you knew that public anger is hard to offend, you wouldn’t have implemented any new policies! Yelu De shook his head and said: "Xia Xiang, there are indeed many unreasonable things about this matter. It is difficult for us to agree to this condition."

Xia Jingyun raised his eyebrows and pointed at the boxes in the hall, "Have you seen these boxes?"

One person in the team of Beiliang people frowned and said: "Does Prime Minister Xia just want to use these things to bribe us? We have the emperor's mandate, and it cannot be tested with just a little money!"

Above the court, a burst of laughter instantly sounded.

Xia Jingyun smiled and shook his head, "The truth is, this is our first batch of results in the Eastern Region. It's a pity that the agreement hasn't been completed yet, so you won't have any share. Hurry up early. If you want to sign, sign it early. Otherwise, there would be more opportunities to get greedy from behind!"

"Is Xia Xiang threatening us?" A man couldn't help but ask.

Xia Jingyun smiled lightly, "How can presenting facts be considered a threat?"

Seeing that they could not agree with each other, everyone in Beiliang except Yelu De started the threat mode according to the advance plan.

"Since Xia Xiang wants to present the truth, then the lower official can also present a fact. Whether it is the Western Region or the Eastern Region, if I, Daliang, are not involved, your country will not be able to guarantee the safety of the trade routes, right?"

"In this matter, our country and your country are like two legs. If one is missing, we only think how far we can go. Isn't it a little taken for granted?"

"In the Western Regions, my reputation as Daliang may be higher than that of your country. Is your country really determined to use its own efforts to expand its territory and trade? What accident will happen at that time? What caravan will be robbed? If the settlement is robbed, the losses probably outweigh the gains!"

The people of Beiliang said something to each other, which made the faces of the courtiers in the palace change slightly.

Although these words from Beiliang people sound unpleasant, they are really not too arrogant.

They may not be of much help to success, but they can really do bad things.

Nanyang is beyond their reach, but whether it is the Western Region or the Eastern Region, their power can easily influence it.

At that time, Daxia's caravans were working hard to do business, riding horses and singing songs, returning to court happily, and suddenly they were robbed by horse bandits. How can you explain this?

After this many times, who would bother to settle or do business there?

Xia Jingyun narrowed his eyes slightly, "Do you really mean to threaten the truth and threaten our court?"

A man chuckled and sent back Xia Jingyun's words intact.

"How can presenting facts be considered a threat!"

These words as they were were like a slap in the face, loud and clear on Xia Jingyun's face.

However, Xia Jingyun did not get angry and said calmly: "I can say that to you because it is really the truth. If you say that to me, I just want to ask you a question."

He glanced at everyone in Beiliang and hummed, "Are you worthy?"

Looking at the people from Beiliang who suddenly changed their expressions, Xia Jingyun's tone suddenly rose and his face turned serious, "When you first arrived in the capital, you threatened that I would demand you for this matter? Who gave you the confidence? Is it the person who was expelled by Jiang Yuhu? The King of Zhennan running away with his head in his arms, or those Snow Dragon Riders who can no longer hold their swords and guns? Is it Lieyang Pass and Phoenix City that are firmly in the hands of our court, or is it your turbulent court situation? "

"You can ruin our affairs. You do have the strength, but you have the courage. Do you dare?"

"I, Prince Jing, are at Lieyang Pass. We have the final say whether to fight or not, not you!"

"You can threaten our caravan, but we can threaten your court!"

"You still threaten us by plundering caravans, destroying trade routes, and massacring settled people? Do you dare to try it? I threw a horse at the caravan, and a nobleman with the seventh surname will die in Beiliang and Liang. How dare you? Don’t dare to take a gamble!”

"Since you arrived in Beijing, I have been paying attention to your words and deeds. I didn't expect that you really can't understand the situation and are arrogant!"

"I'll give you face, then let's continue well. If I really feel that you have to do it, then let's fight again!"

"Ask the courtiers in this palace. Each family donated tens of thousands of taels of silver to support the Wudang army to destroy your Beiliang army, divide your land, and reward each family with a county. Let's see if they can do it! "

"Dry!"

All the courtiers in the palace immediately gave a unanimous agreement, looking at the eyes of everyone in Beiliang, as if to say, just eat them now, and then start the war directly!

Encouraged by the direct and clear huge profits and the active stimulation of the court, these people who were not so enthusiastic about opening up territories now also fell into a kind of enthusiasm for pioneering and enterprising.

This enthusiasm made even the most ferocious Beiliang people turn pale in an instant, and the rest of them were even more silent.

Because of the unquestionable unity displayed by the Daxia court at this moment;

Because Xia Jingyun’s heart-breaking words were direct but clear;

What's more, behind him is the general trend that has reversed in the world between the north and the south.

After the tragic defeat in Yinmayuan, the initiative in the world is no longer in Beiliang's hands!

Even if Jiang Yuhu takes the initiative to attack Beiliang, he may not be able to defeat him, but until the definite victory comes, the haze in his heart will not be blown away. Everyone will weigh it and everyone will be afraid.

As an envoy, Yelu De had no choice but to come out and smooth things over, "Xia Xiang's men are rude and ignorant, and they talk nonsense. Please calm down."

After being silent all morning, Bai Yunbian, who was now an important minister in the central court, finally began to show off his power and said lightly, "My subordinates are rude and ignorant, so don't let them speak. Now that they have spoken, don't talk about calming down so lightly." , do you think we are fools? Who knows whether you are really rude and ignorant, or whether you are pretending to be rude and ignorant?"

Yelude turned to look at the crowd, who looked hesitant. Yelude's eyes were sharp, and the four people who had just spoken could only turn to look at Xia Jingyun, "Xia Xiang, please calm down, Mr. Bai, please calm down. We are really rude and ignorant, no offense intended."

Bai Yunbian immediately took over the topic, "You said you were rude and had no intention of offending. How can you prove it?"

The faces of the four people turned red from suppressing their emotions.

Bai Yunbian snorted, "Look, one of you is a good person and the other is a bad person. You did it on purpose. If you are so deliberately provocative, then we have no choice but to respond!"

Yelu De's expression immediately changed. If the Southern Dynasty was really so united, they would at least have a long-term plan today.

For the current plan, we must not conflict with them in the court. We must go back and discuss it again.

Therefore, he immediately looked at the four of them and said, "You disobey orders and follow the rules, and you have ruined the court's dignity. Do you want the court to bear the consequences for your mistakes?"

The four nobles who were also domineering in Beiliang all had purple faces and spoke helplessly.

"Master Bai, you know that Xiaguan can't speak without thinking. Yesterday came, didn't Xiaguan say the wrong thing and offend you?"

"Mr. Bai, you know that Xianguan. Yesterday's dinner, Xianguan couldn't control himself and drank too much. Didn't he ask you to take us to your country to hang out upstairs? Isn't that rude and rude? Man, who would be like that when they first come here!”

"Master Bai, you know that Xiaguan has always been rough and rude. When he was waiting in the side hall just now, he almost took off his boots and lay down on the ground. He had no etiquette and rules. How could he really do it? It was just an honest mistake.”

"Sir Bai, you know that Xianguan, Xianguan. Xiaguan is indeed rude and dull. You, you, look at my appearance, I don't look like a good person!"

All the ministers had lowered their heads, their shoulders could not help but hunch, and it was very difficult to suppress their laughter. If they were not concerned about the etiquette before the emperor, they would all burst into laughter.

Bai Yunbian nodded leisurely, "Then it seems that you are really rude. Xia Xiang, since it was an unintentional mistake, why don't you just let them go?"

Xia Jingyun looked directly at Yelu De, "What do you have to say, your Majesty?"

Yelv De said quickly: "I already understand Xia Xiang's intention. I would like to ask Xia Xiang to let us discuss it for a while, and we will definitely give your country an answer as soon as possible."

Xia Jingyun nodded and said to the Queen Mother and Your Majesty: "Your Majesty, Queen Mother, in that case, let them discuss this matter before discussing it. Although they have behaved inappropriately in front of the palace, I hope that the Queen Mother and Your Majesty will bear in mind that they are rude and disrespectful. I have no reason to be enlightened by the king, so please forgive me a little."

The people in Beiliang felt extremely aggrieved and said hurriedly: "The foreign minister is rude and has offended Tian Yan. I hope the Queen Mother and Your Majesty will forgive me!"

Xia Jingyun and Bai Yun finished the play, so the Queen Mother naturally had no objections, "You can discuss the follow-up matters with Xia Aiqing."

Yelu De quickly led everyone to caress their chests and bow their bodies, "The foreign ministers have received orders, and the foreign ministers have to retreat!"

When they successfully walked out of the hall, everyone couldn't help but look back with lingering fear, especially the four who were forced to apologize. For the first time, they had some agreement with Xue Wenlu's words. That Baiyunbian is really not a good thing. ah!

But Yelu De had many things on his mind.

Although this trip was embarrassing, it was a rare opportunity for him to see and grow as a person.

Xia Jingyun of the Southern Dynasties is really amazing!

He whispered solemnly: "Don't delay, leave the palace quickly and return to Honglu Temple to discuss!"
-

At the same time, Daliang, Liangdu.

Returning to Dingxi Palace, Yelvshi summoned a confidant to him.

"Send a message to Yelu Xiu quickly and ask him to take action immediately upon seeing the letter to seize the territory!"

"Yes!"

Looking at the back of his confidant leaving, Yelvshi snorted softly.

The late emperor and Jiang Yuhu were not the only ones who knew how to use blindfolding. He was also familiar with this trick. (End of chapter)