Prime Minister dare not be

Chapter 47

In the winter of the 28th year of Yuanhe, envoys from the State of Qin arrived in the State of Jin.Xie Shu ordered the three ministers, Yuan Lin, the supervisor of the book, She Huanting, the right servant of the Shangshu province, and Xie Ziyuan, the censor Zhongcheng, to receive them with full authority.

Originally, the official positions of the three of them were enough to show the sincerity of the state of Jin, but on the day the envoy arrived, Xie Ziyuan suddenly went to the prime minister's mansion to meet Xie Shu and asked her to meet the envoy in person.

Xie Shu held his pen and looked at him with a smile: "What's the matter? What kind of important person has they come and insists on seeing him in person?"

Xie Ziyuan whispered a few words in her ear.

Xie Shu suppressed his smile, put down his pen and said, "You go first, the truth will come right away."

The envoys were arranged in the official office outside Guangyang Gate. Not far to the left is Miyagi, and going straight to the right is the Qinhuai River, which is quiet and unobstructed.Evergreen trees are planted all over the official office, even in the early winter, they are lush and green, which makes people feel at ease.

The sun was high in the sky, and the sun looked a little white, without any warmth.The little official in front of the mansion rubbed his hands, seeing Xiangfu's chariot approaching from a distance, he hurried forward to greet him.

When the envoys in the official office heard that the prime minister of Jin was coming, they all dressed up to welcome him.As soon as he walked into the hall, he saw a person walking in the door. He was wearing a black court dress with big sleeves, and his hair was tied with jasper buttons. His facial features were as delicate as a brushstroke, his eyes looked like a thousand words, and his expression was solemn and majestic. .

The state of Qin has a serious sinicization. Although it has been confronted with the state of Jin for a long time, it admires the style of the state of Jin very much.Seeing such a figure, several envoys were overwhelmed by his appearance before talking to him.

Xie Ziyuan reminded: "This is the prime minister of our country."

Only then did the envoys know that this was the rumored prime minister of Jin, and immediately raised their hands in salute.Xie Shu glanced at it and remained calm.Xie Ziyuan observed her expression, and said to the envoy: "Our prime minister has arrived, why don't you see your special envoy?"

Before the envoys could answer, footsteps came from behind them. They turned their heads and saw the person coming, and immediately bowed their heads and stepped aside.

Xie Shu looked up, a little surprised.The visitor was actually very young, he looked less than thirty, his hair was tied with a piece of purple silk inlaid with jade, and he was wearing a Hu suit of the same color, with lotus petals embroidered on the skirt, which was a bit more from the gorgeous color. Qing Yun comes.He has beautiful facial features, looking at Wen Liang, but those eyes are extremely frightening, when he looks at them, it seems to be spying on people's hearts.

"Prime Minister Xie's name is like thunder, and I have admired it for a long time." He raised his hand in salute, his voice was like a stone hitting each other.

"Take this sentence as the truth," Xie Shu replied with a salute: "Prime Minister An, be polite."

The head of Qin's envoys turned out to be Prime Minister An Heng.

Wei Yizhi was dealing with military affairs in the study, Fu Xuan walked in quickly and whispered something in his ear.

"An Heng actually came in person?" Pointing his fingers at the table, his eyes rolled lightly, and he said to Fu Xuan, "He was the one who ordered the execution of your family at the beginning, so you should not show up during this time, so as not to be recognized by him." .”

Sadness flashed across Fu Xuan's face: "Yes."

It is really unexpected that the Prime Minister of Qin State went to Jin State in person.The emperor felt that this person was disrespecting himself by hiding the itinerary and not reporting it. He was very unhappy, so he simply pretended not to know and left it to Xie Shu to deal with it.

When he was at the government office earlier, An Heng claimed that this trip was for the purpose of establishing friendship, and that he wanted to discuss matters such as the availability of exchanges with the state of Jin, but Xie Shu did not make arrangements in a hurry. He asked them to have a good rest first, and on the second day, he specially sailed on the Qinhuai River Host a banquet and entertain everyone.

The winter night is cold and cool, but the lights on both sides of the Qinhuai River are still bright.The family's big boats and painted boats passed by the river one after another, and inside were the children of the family who were singing and singing every night.In the restaurant on the left, there was an orchid dancing in the restaurant, causing everyone to applaud loudly, but on the right bank, there were vicious dogs chasing beggars and rushing across the street, making a lot of noise.

There are thick curtains hanging around the big boat, and a charcoal stove is burning inside, making it warm and cozy.Sitting by the window, An Heng glanced at the delicious food and wine in front of him, and then raised the curtain to look out, feeling that this is really a country of luxury and pleasure.

He put down the curtain and looked back at Xie Shu. She was wearing casual clothes today, and the snow-white material made her lips redder and teeth whiter. Her frowns and smiles were casual and innocent, making people feel defenseless, but he hadn't guessed her until now. What is your attitude towards them this time?

Xie Ziyuan raised a glass to invite all of you to come to the banquet. An Heng sipped his wine and said to Xie Shu: "The truth is that I am a native of the north, and I have long admired the customs and customs of the Jin country. What I saw along the way during this trip is indeed the scenery. Peerless, beyond beautiful.”

Xie Shu thought, I'm afraid you are not admiring, but plotting, right?But he replied with a smile on his mouth: "Prime Minister An praised it absurdly. The state of Jin is located in the south. How can it compare with the majesty of the state of Qin?"

An Heng smiled, noncommittal, "I've heard that Jin Guowen has Prime Minister Xie, and Wu has King Wuling. The two are comparable to Lian Po Lin Xiangru, who was under King Zhao Huiwen at the time. I have admired him for a long time. Now I finally see Prime Minister Xie. Why? Don’t you see King Wuling?”

Xie Shu pretended to be ashamed: "The King of Wuling was going to come, but thinking of fighting against Qin many times and hurting Qin's face several times, I am really embarrassed."

There was a little commotion among the envoys, and many of them showed displeasure. An Heng's expression changed slightly, but he soon smiled again: "It was all about the battlefield. Now in peacetime, the two countries have a good relationship. It's okay to see you."

His forbearance made Xie Shu even more defensive. "That's fine, the truth is, I'll send someone to invite King Wuling." Xie Shu called Mubai and asked him to invite someone.

Not long after Mubai left, the hatch curtain was lifted, and Xie Ran walked in with his head down.He was wearing a blue wide-sleeved robe and a cloak, with a little decoration, and he had a good appearance, which made the Qin envoys present take another look.

Xie Shu introduced to An Heng: "This is the truth's cousin Xie Ran. This time your country's envoy made arrangements along the way, and he personally made arrangements."

Xie Ran took off the cloak and handed it to Guang Fu behind him, saluted An Heng, and smiled very friendlyly: "To welcome all the envoys today, I have specially invited some highly skilled musicians to play for you." Wan winked at Guangfu, who immediately opened the curtain, and several actors entered one after another.

An Heng smiled and thanked: "Thank you, Sir, for your kindness."

Xie Shu didn't care at all, but frowned when he saw Chu Lian among the actors.She had ordered Chu Lian to be a guest of honor, why did she let him come out to please others?

Chu Lian didn't seem to mind at all. He was favored and wanted to do his best. This was something he was used to doing in the past, and he didn't feel that he was being humiliated.

The actors took their positions, and the cabin was instantly filled with music and soft tunes, like the earth rejuvenating, thousands of flowers blooming, completely isolated from the cold world outside.

Chu Lian didn't move. It's better for others to play in an ensemble, but Chi Zhu still listens to it alone, so he will only perform after others have finished playing.

At the end of the few songs, everyone clapped their hands and applauded. An Heng smiled at Xie Shu: "I came from a poor family, I am not good at rhythm, and I can't comment on it. I am really ashamed."

If it weren't for the different positions, Xie Shu really wanted to be friends with him, what a bosom friend!
While chatting and laughing, the servants opened the curtain to report that King Wuling had arrived.

The people present immediately looked up, especially An Heng, he wanted to see with his own eyes what the protector of Dajin looked like.

The cold wind was blowing, Wei Yizhi walked into the cabin with his head down, and raised his head, as if the bright pearl was in the hall, the lights were dimmed a bit.His long hair was loosely tied behind his head with ribbons, he took off his cloak, and he was wearing an elegant white shirt. Only the skirt and cuffs were decorated with embroidery, and there were no other ornaments on his body, and he did not apply whitewash like other officials. , not self-adorned, with a natural charm, as bright as a jade tree and independent.

If he hadn't heard the name, he would never have imagined that this would be the Wuling King who made countless Qin soldiers fearful.

"Thank you for being polite, and Prime Minister An for being polite." He raised his hand to salute everyone, his voice was low and intoxicating like fine wine.

An Heng bowed back and said with a smile: "I've heard about Wuling King Longzhang Fengzi for a long time, and seeing him today really deserves his reputation. It's really worthwhile to see you and Prime Minister Xie on this trip."

Wei Yizhi just smiled and accepted the compliment calmly, without being polite.The servants led him to sit down beside Xie Shu. When he looked up, he saw Chu Lian kneeling in the field, and he couldn't help but glance at Xie Shu.

Xie Ran was observing him, so he naturally saw this look, and immediately ordered Chu Lianjian to add to the fun.

Chu Lian said yes, pressed the string with his left hand, and hit the bamboo ruler with his right hand.His skills are superb, and his voice is coherent and smooth. Even Xie Shu and An Heng, two music idiots, listened to it for a while.

Wei Yizhi glanced at Xie Shu occasionally, but she kept staring at Chu Lian.

After the song was over, Xie Ran waved his hand naturally: "Go and serve the prime minister."

Chu Lian got up and put Zhu aside, knelt down beside Xie Shu, and wanted to pour wine for her.

"No need," Xie Shu blocked his hand: "You are a distinguished guest, you don't need to do this kind of errand, go back home and rest, there are servants here to take care of you."

Embarrassment appeared on Chu Lian's face, and he said in a low voice, "Thank you, Prime Minister, but the villain does this willingly."

Before coming here today, Xie Ran told him that Xie Shu's hometown is also in Jingzhou, and that the prime minister has been taking care of him a lot, and he is quite caring, and his guess is confirmed.

Although Xie Shu's words and demeanor are natural and unrestrained, he is no different from other men, but he connected the previous events, from Mubai's words to Wuling King's words to today's Xie Ran's words, he always felt that she must be wishful.

He felt fortunate that Ruyi must have suffered a lot less in such a big family, but he also felt sad. From that country girl to the prime minister with power over the government, how could it be done by wearing a man's clothes? .

He learned the lesson from being questioned by King Wuling last time, and he didn't dare to show any abnormality in front of Xie Ran, even if this person was her cousin.He also understood that he was finally far from her, and the only thing he could do was to find an excuse to be by her side and do what he could.

How could Xie Shu know these thoughts in his heart, seeing that he persisted, he didn't say much, but just glanced at Xie Ran intentionally or unintentionally.

Give me peace of mind, boy!

Sitting next to her, Wei Yizhi naturally listened to what she and Chu Lian had said, but actually felt very uncomfortable.

At that time, the situation was critical, and he thought that Xie Shu had no intentions for him, and Chu Lian was the most suitable candidate, so he naturally entrusted the matter to him.Unexpectedly, when he was sent to Xie Shu, he felt a crisis again.He is Xie Shu's benefactor, and he has feelings for Xie Shu. Now he is in the prime minister's mansion, getting along day and night...

But he didn't show it, and even talked with An Heng calmly.

"The king has also read Prime Minister An's national book, which mentioned your country's sincerity many times, but I don't know where this sincerity lies?"

An envoy couldn't help but said: "The prime minister of our country came here in person, isn't this the greatest sincerity?"

An Heng raised his hand to interrupt him, and smiled at Wei Yizhi: "The truth is that I came here with sincerity, and that sincerity is in the official office. If the King of Wuling is willing, he can go see him now."

Wei Yizhi looked at Xie Shu: "What does Prime Minister Xie think?"

"Then let's go and have a look." Xie Shu looked at An Heng with a half-smile, "I'm looking forward to Prime Minister An's sincerity."

When the big ship docked, the chariots and horses had already been prepared, and everyone stepped off the ship. Some envoys were not used to the slightly shaking deck, and even got seasick.

Wei Yizhi followed Xie Shu, seeing her send someone to send Chu Lian back, and even gave him her cloak, he felt more and more uncomfortable.

All the way to the government office, the hall is brightly lit.

An Heng got out of the car, and asked Xie Shu and Wei Yizhi to go first. The three of them sat down in the hall, and the servant served tea, and he asked the envoy to show his "sincerity".

About twenty men dressed in common people's clothes were brought over and stood in front of the three of them.

"This is..." Xie Shu turned to look at An Heng.

An Heng said: "The Qin and Jin countries have been at war for many years, and they have captured many hostages. Now that the two countries are on good terms, I feel that these people should be allowed to return to their homeland, so I brought over the twenty or so people who survived." He stared at Wei Yizhi: "I don't know if this can be regarded as sincerity in the eyes of King Wuling?"

Wei Yizhi raised his eyes to look at the group of people. He just glanced at them inadvertently, but suddenly he fixed his eyes and stood up from his seat.

Xie Shu looked at him in surprise, followed his line of sight to glance at the group of people, they were all equally haggard and embarrassed, and didn't see anything.It was not easy for her to ask him what happened in front of so many people, so she quietly reached out and tugged at his sleeve.

Wei Yizhi came back to his senses and sat down slowly.

An Heng said: "The King of Wuling hasn't answered the question about the truth yet? Is this considered sincere?"

Wei Yizhi glanced at him: "Forget it, Prime Minister An has a heart." He called the little official and ordered these people to be taken down and resettled. Later, they would ask their names and where they came from, so that they could arrange to be sent back to their hometown.

The twenty or so people bowed down one after another to thank them, and some even couldn't help but burst into tears. The officials of Jin State who were present all sighed when they saw it.

Xie Shu was also very emotional, no matter what purpose An Heng had for this trip, after all, he did a good deed.

After the two parties came and went and exchanged a few polite words, and looked forward to the future prospects of friendship, it was time to say goodbye.An Heng expressed that he wanted to see the customs of Jiankang, and Xie Shu handed over the matter to Xie Ran to arrange.

Wei Yizhi went out first, and everyone was busy saying goodbye and didn't care, but Xie Shu could see clearly, walked out the door with a haha, and followed his back.

Under the orders of the King of Wuling, the petty officials were very active in doing things.Those captives were taken to several carriages, and a small official was in charge of counting them, and a small official took a pen and paper to inquire about their names and places of origin. After that, they were divided into groups according to their regions, and they were immediately sent to post stations for resettlement.There will be a special person from the government office to confirm their identity, and they will be sent back to their hometown in a few days if they are fast.

One by one was arranged, and one person stood still.The little official took a pen and dipped it on the inkstone in his companion's hand, and asked, "What's your name? How old are you? Where do you live? Who else is there?"

Just as the man was about to speak, he coughed heavily, supporting the carriage next to him with one hand, and pursing his lips with the other, coughing so badly that he was almost out of breath.

Another little official carrying a lamp stepped forward, raised the lamp, and looked at him carefully. Seeing that he was still coughing with his hunched back, he stepped back and said to the little official who held the pen, "This man will not do anything wrong." Good disease, right? Don’t infect us.”

"No way..." The clerk who wrote the book frowned, took two steps back, and his tone was not very good: "Hey, talk, don't be half dead!"

The lamp bearer covered his mouth and nose and stepped forward to kick him: "It's really annoying, there's no end to it." The man fell to the ground, finally stopped coughing, and immediately shouted: "Hurry up, hurry up! Based on your name and place of origin, it seems that a car has been specially arranged for you."

Before the words fell, someone shouted from the side: "What are you doing!"

The petty officials turned their heads unanimously, and when they saw King Wuling walking quickly, they were startled and quickly backed away.

Wei Yizhi came to him and snatched the lamp from the little official's hand: "Take the other person and go first, this person will be arranged by the king himself."

The petty officials didn't dare to talk too much, so they hurriedly ordered to drive away.

Wei Yizhi walked up to the man holding the lamp, and supported his arm with one hand to help him stand up.

Under the lamplight, his face had changed a lot, he was not the young boy he was before, and his face was very pale, but once he stood up straight, his figure was as tall and straight as before, and he was still a good boy of his Wei family.

"Big brother..."

The man looked at him and smiled shallowly, as if a little shy, and nodded his head after a long time.

Wei Yizhi lowered his hand holding the lamp, not knowing how to describe his mood at this moment.

The big brother who had watched him grow up, the big brother he had set as his goal and pride, the big brother he thought he would never see again, would stand in front of him again one day, but he was in a state of embarrassment as a captive.He didn't even dare to recognize him in person.

"Yizhi, haven't we seen each other for more than ten years?" Wei Shizhi stretched out his hand and pressed his shoulder, but found that the weak younger brother was already taller than him, and twitched the corner of his mouth.

Wei Yizhi supported his arm, choked in his throat, speechless for a long time.

Xie Shu, who was standing in the distance, looked surprised.There were footsteps behind her, and when she turned her head, she saw Xie Ran following her with a lantern. She immediately turned around and walked back, stopping him by the way: "Let's go."

Xie Ran saw with his own eyes the people coming from the direction of the Wuling Dynasty, thinking that he interrupted their chance to be alone, and said with a smile: "If I had known earlier, I would not have come. Earlier, Chu Lian's outing was just a taste for the Wuling King. Originally, you are at this time It's best to appease him."

Xie Shu turned to look at him, and suddenly said, "You keep doing this, what's the fun in it?"

Xie Ran was stunned: "What?"

(End of this chapter)