Early Tang Dynasty: forge ahead

Chapter 292 Welcome (two in one)

Zhang Jianzhi and Wei Yuanzhong said goodbye and left together.

Chen Qingsi immediately asked people to invite Yuan Zhixin.

Lai Ji left his political resources to him and elected him as the leader of Qingliu. This does not mean that Chen Qingsi now has the same capital as Lai Ji.

Lai Ji was a veritable prime minister and a very important Zhongshu Ling.

Chen Qingsi's current prince Yude, who has no real power in his hands, is not enough to replace Lai Ji.

It's just that Lai Ji felt that Chen Qingsi was worthy of being entrusted with the future, so he introduced Chen Qingsi to everyone with a special attitude. This is equivalent to handing over the connections he manages to him, but it is unknown how he will use these connections and whether the other party will buy into them.

If Chen Qingsi wants to truly control Laiji's political legacy, he must first have a position that can convince the public, and secondly, the ability to convince the public.

As for the reputation that is most important to the Qing Dynasty faction, this is what Chen Qingsi lacks the most.

Chen Qingsi has no identity or background, so she relies on this persona. He has only been an official for a short period of time, but his reputation as an official is unprecedented.

This is also the biggest reliance for Laiji to introduce Chen Qingsi.

Of course, not everyone was watching from the sidelines. Yuan Zhixin was the first to stand up and support Chen Qingsi.

Yuan Zhixin was Liu Rengui's trusted confidant. When Liu Rengui planned to betray his son Li Yifu out of justice in his heart, Lai Ji acquiesced to this move, which disappointed Yuan Zhixin and for a time he was unwilling to play with the Qing faction.

At this time, the political parties were just a group of like-minded people who gathered together in the temple to keep warm. There were no special hard requirements.

It's not easy to get in, but it's very easy to get out. You don't even need to say hello. It's like a cold friend who suddenly stopped communicating.

But with the fall of Li Yifu, Liu Rengui was saved, and Yuan Zhixin became particularly close to Liu Rengui because Chen Qingsi came forward to meet Xu Jingzong. Now that Chen Qingsi was promoted as the leader, he was most happy, riding ahead and behind the wheel.

Chen Qingsi first prepared the tea sets in his house.

"Brother Negativity!"

As soon as Yuan Zhixin heard the invitation, he came immediately.

Chen Qingsi pulled Yuan Zhixin to sit down and filled him with the brewed tea.

The two exchanged brief greetings, and Chen Qingsi said: "Tomorrow in the court, His Majesty will discuss the candidate for the Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs. At that time, Brother Yuan will express his attitude and recommend Li Anqi, a member of Zhongshushe recommended by Xianggong Xu, as the Minister of the Ministry of Finance."

Yuanzhi knew that Chen Qingsi had been looking for him for a long time, but he didn't expect this to be the case. He couldn't help being shocked and said: "This matter has nothing to do with us. It is the matter of the two Xianggong Xu. It is not good for us to get involved."

With Lai Ji's departure, some people who had received his blessing were inevitably implicated. As a result, there was a vacancy in the position of Minister of Household Affairs. Xu Jingzong and Master Xu Yu were both interested in this position, and they fought fiercely with each other.

Master Xu Yu recommended Li Anqi from Zhongshushe, while Xu Jingzong recommended Sun Xia, a doctor from the Ministry of Industry.

Chen Qingsi said: "If the two husbands talk to me about this matter in the future, they are free to argue. But the two of them talked to me about this matter in the past two days, hoping to get support. They all came to the door, and I sat here Watching a tiger fight from a mountain and not daring to get involved will inevitably lead to being underestimated. Li Sheren's talent is far superior to Dr. Sun, for one. Second... this is also the intention."

Chen Qingsi has never seen what Li Zhi was like under the control of Changsun Wuji.

But after he entered Beijing, Li Zhi became dictatorial and kept his word. The decisiveness in his actions is definitely not the indecisive love brain in later TV series.

The Minister of Household Affairs was indeed important, but Chen Qingsi did not feel that Li Zhi's character and methods required the two husbands, Xu Jingzong and Xu Yushi, to fight to the death in the temple.

Most likely it was Lai Ji who left, and Li Zhi needed someone to check and balance Xu Jingzong.

Among the ministers in the temple today, no one is more suitable than Master Xu Yu.

In the end, the position of Minister of Household Affairs will most likely belong to Li Anqi.

As for whether it would offend Xu Jingzong, Chen Qingsi didn't care much. This was the rule of the game in the temple.

If Xu Jingzong didn't understand this, he wouldn't be able to become an evergreen tree.

After hearing this, Yuan Zhixin nodded and said, "That's it, I understand."

Just as Chen Qingsi thought, the position of Minister of Household Affairs fell to Li Anqi.

On this day, Chen Qingsi received a task in the Prince's Mansion in the East Palace.

Li Zhi issued a decree to the East Palace.

"General Zuo Xiaowei has conferred the title of Duke of Xing and Su Dingfang, Ambassador of the Western Regions, on his triumphant return. He has specially ordered the prince to come out of the city to greet me. The prince Yude is accompanying me to assist."

Su Dingfang's battle was extraordinary. He penetrated the Western Region, expanded the Tang Dynasty's territory to the Aral Sea, and then moved into Qinghai. He defeated the enemy and turned the tide.

Not to mention the prince's welcome, the emperor can also bear the responsibility of welcoming him personally.

"My son obeys the order!"

Chen Qingsi was also looking forward to meeting Su Dingfang, the most outstanding general in the Tang Dynasty's foreign wars, for the first time.

When the imperial edict was issued, the faces of the officials in the East Palace did not look good.

After all, generally speaking, this matter should be an internal matter of the East Palace, and it should be the responsibility of the three organizations of the East Palace Zhan Shifu, Menxiafang, and Dian Shufang. As a result, Li Zhi directly handed over the task to Chen Qingsi.

Zhan Shifu, Menxiafang, and Dianshufang have become institutions that help Chen Qingsi, so they are naturally uncomfortable.

Especially Li Jingxuan was extremely unhappy.

From that day on, when he learned about Chen Qingsi's political attitude, Zhan Shicheng, who was sober to everyone in the world, regarded him as an enemy.

The main etiquette for welcoming Su Dingfang was set by the Ministry of Rites, but the details of the reception of Li Hong, the prince, were taken care of by the prince's palace.

Regarding this detailed issue, Chen Qingsi asked Li Hong to invite officials from Zhan Shifu, Menxiafang and Dianshufang to discuss it together.

Li Hong, Chen Qingsi, Zhang Wenguan, Li Jingxuan, Dai Zhide, Xiao Dezhao and others gathered in Zhan Shifu.

Chen Qingsi glanced at Li Hong. Li Hong's eyes flashed with excitement, and he nodded to indicate that he could start.

This is the first time that the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty has fulfilled his obligations as Crown Prince since he became the Crown Prince.

Chen Qingsi looked at the people in the hall and said calmly: "Your Majesty's will is already clear to everyone. In five days, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince will welcome the victorious soldiers as the Crown Prince. It is necessary to discuss the details of the ceremony."

Zhang Wenguan said: "The emperor and empress have always advocated frugality. I think that there is no need to be extravagant in this reception, and a simple form will be good. It can just let the world know that not only the emperor and empress are frugal, but the prince is also benevolent and filial."

He originally disagreed with sending troops to help Tuyuhun. As a result, more than 30,000 soldiers were left on the plateau.

The rewards and pensions are astronomical, all costing the people's blood and sweat.

He was the most opposed to glorifying war.

This is also the case. In history, when Su Dingfang died of illness on the front line, Zhang Wenguan chose to deal with it by turning a major issue into a trivial one, pretending that he didn't know about it in order not to waste people and money.

A world-famous general who destroyed three kingdoms and captured his master alive, after he died of illness in the frontier, even his posthumous honors and favors were not announced in time.

Therefore, Zhang Wenguan did not think that Su Dingfang's triumphant victory required any ostentation, so he just wanted to be frugal in everything. Li Jingxuan looked at him with admiration. This is a truly respectable person who puts people's livelihood at the top of his heart.

Dai Zhide, the concubine of Zuo, said: "Here, Su Xinggong established the Western Region, aided Qinghai, and stretched across the north and south. His prestige was so great that it shocked the north and south. The East Palace was ordered to welcome him. If it is too shabby, wouldn't it be a joke?"

Li Jingxuan was eager to protect the Lord and immediately said: "What Zuo Shuzi said is wrong. Integrity is a virtue of ancient sages. People with knowledge will only praise the prince's benevolence. Only those with despicable temperament will think otherwise. Why should we go too far? Do you care what mediocre people think?"

Dai Zhide was always generous and did not care about Li Jingxuan. He did not say much.

As for Xiao Dezhao, the right concubine, he obviously had no intention of expressing his opinion.

When Chen Qingsi saw this, it was no wonder that Li Zhi wanted to hand over the task to him. If he really wanted Donggong to take responsibility, wouldn't he make a fool of himself?

"Your Majesty, on behalf of Your Majesty, welcomes the victorious soldiers. It is a kindness on behalf of the Heavenly Family, and it is a sign of showing kindness to talented people. If you deal with it stumblingly, won't the world say that Your Majesty and Your Highness disrespect worthy ministers? Kindness lies in words and deeds, not in front of others. Be diligent and thrifty to gain a false reputation.”

Chen Qingsi expressed his opinion without politeness.

Especially when it comes to Li Jingxuan, he unceremoniously points out that he has nothing but reality.

Li Jingxuan was so angry that he blew his beard and stared, and was about to speak.

Upon seeing this, Li Hong immediately stood up and said: "I think what Chen Yude said is reasonable. My father had trouble sleeping and eating because of the war a while ago. It was the news of Su Xinggong's triumphant return that allowed him to rest peacefully. What does my father think of Su Xinggong?" He was full of praises and ordered me to greet him personally. He also showed that he took it seriously, so I’d better listen to Chen Yude. You can’t neglect a good minister..."

Li Jingxuan's words were stuck in his throat and he sat down in frustration.

Chen Qingsi also made a final statement: "This is the first time that His Highness the Crown Prince has acted on behalf of the king, and I will assist you from the side. I hope you will cooperate with all arrangements. If you feel that you are not capable enough to complete the task, you can just say so. All things have a high level. I understand, I understand. But if you take over the task but can't complete it, don't blame me for not showing mercy."

Now, he doesn't need to cater to others. He can do what he can and if he can't, there are many people who are willing to do it.

Although there was a small episode, under the control of Chen Qingsi, the ceremony was grand and grand.

He did not do it to show off his extravagance, but to show the greatest respect to Su Dingfang, the soldiers who came with him, and even the soldiers who stayed in Qinghai.

Not only Chen Qingsi thought so, but the Ministry of Rites also had the same idea.

The entire Zhuque Street was decorated, and the Crown Prince's imperial concubine left the city along Zhuque Street early in the morning.

Su Dingfang and his soldiers arrived on the outskirts of the city as early as last night.

The two sides met at the stone monument at the far gate.

Chen Qingsi looked at the words written on the stone tablet, "The road to the West is nine thousand and nine hundred miles long, showing that the garrison can never travel ten thousand miles." Then he looked at the Tang generals of the Tang army walking from far to near. The feeling of blood spurting was beyond words. , words to describe.

Chen Qingsi also finally met Su Dingfang, a general who had been greatly betrayed but was also extremely outstanding.

Su Dingfang was dressed in military uniform, with thick eyebrows, big eyes, a high nose and a wide mouth. He had a square face with Chinese characters, which was extremely powerful, but his face was wrinkled and full of traces of time.

Su Dingfang looked excited. He didn't expect that he would be treated like this. He took off his helmet and stepped forward to salute.

"Su Dingfang has met His Majesty the Crown Prince and would like to thank His Majesty for his grace..."

Li Hong stepped forward with a smile and said in a childish voice: "Su Xinggong was exempt from courtesy. Xinggong conquered the Turks, quelled the civil strife, aided Qinghai, took the lead in hundreds of battles, and overcame thousands of enemies. A champion of perseverance and power. Da, I can’t help but be fascinated by it even at a young age.”

Su Dingfang was also happy when he heard this and said hurriedly: "General, I would like to thank His Highness for the praise. I am well-deserved."

"Nothing to be ashamed of!" Li Hong said, "Mr. Xing, I have a poem here for you."

He cleared his throat and said loudly: "The black geese are flying high in the moonlight, and Shan Yu is escaping in the night. If I want to chase Qingqi away, the heavy snow will cover my bow and knife."

Li Hong's voice was tender and crisp, unable to convey the power of this poem.

But every word of this poem is full of the mighty spirit of the soldiers, giving people the feeling of being on the battlefield.

Li Hong smiled "hey" and said: "It's not good for Gu Nian, this poem was not written by Gu. Gu didn't have this talent, so he asked Mr. Chen Qingsi and Gu's prince Yu De for it. Only he, You can write such a good poem.”

Su Dingfang was also from a local wealthy family. He was literate and able to judge good from bad. He was even more moved: "Thank you, Your Highness, Prince!"

As he spoke, he glanced at Chen Qingsi, who was beside Li Hong, bowed and said, "I also thank Chen Yude."

Chen Qingsi didn't expect that Su Dingfang recognized her, so she hurriedly returned the gift.

Su Dingfang had met Chen Qingsi, but he just passed by him in the imperial city.

At that time, Chen Qingsi was a popular figure in Chang'an, and Su Dingfang had not yet truly proven himself, so he did not recognize her when they met.

Under a grand welcoming ceremony, Li Hong and Chen Qingsi welcomed Su Dingfang into Chang'an.

"The Tang Dynasty is victorious!"

"Long live the prince!"

"Long live Mr. Su Xing!"

Upon entering Chang'an, the shouts became even more fervent.

It is undeniable that there is a certain amount of subterfuge in this, but the vast majority of people are excited and joyful from the bottom of their hearts.

The Tang Dynasty was the era after the Han Dynasty when people had the strongest sense of belonging.

Everyone in the world is proud to be a citizen of the Tang Dynasty.

This innate sense of superiority is even greater in Chang'an City. Most of the people who hear the shouting, even if they are not on the street where they are greeted, will shout a few times together, so that the cheers ripple throughout Chang'an.

Long live is not a forbidden word in this era and is not exclusive to emperors. If you are happy, no one will care if you name your son long live.

A group of people entered the palace and met Li Zhi.

Li Zhi once again praised Su Dingfang and then hosted a banquet in honor of him.

Li Zhiqin appointed Chen Qingsi as Su Dingfang's companion.

"Su Aiqing, Chen Qing's official position is not high, but he is the prince's husband. The prince is young and cannot drink, so he, the gentleman, will accompany him."

As soon as these words came out, they inevitably aroused a burst of envy.

Su Dingfang immediately laughed and thanked him: "I, a rough man, can sit at the same table with a great talent like Chen Yude and have the talent of Wen Quxing. This is a great reward from your majesty."

Although this world-famous general is unparalleled in bravery on the battlefield, he is no less generous in the officialdom.

There is no other reason. In his early years, he lost the most precious twenty years of his life because of his willfulness. The edges and corners have long been smoothed away, and his beautiful words are extremely good.

Chen Qingsi is also deeply honored to be able to sit with Su Dingfang at the same table. This is the thickest military thigh in this era.

Chen Qingsi held up a full cup of wine, looked at the general who turned the tide in front of him, and said: "Mr. Su Xing, I would like to offer you a drink!"

(End of this chapter)