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Volume 1: Yanyun Chaos Volume 3: Bending the Sky Chapter 18: Qianqi Volume Pinggang (5)

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    Next to Zhouqiao is the residence of Prime Minister Cai.  Cai You hurriedly entered the inner courtyard. This little Xianggong Cai, who was in his fifties and still behaved like a government official, had a rare expression of worry these days.  It made the servants and maids I met on the way feel a little strange.  Mr. Xiao Cai has been extremely nourishing these days.  Since the palace coup, Cai Jing has controlled almost all the administrative power of the entire Song Dynasty empire. Except for Xiao Yan, who is fighting against him, even the emperor is no longer in the eyes of her husband.  Mr. Cai also got rid of the constant bad luck after the failure of the war against Yan, and once again ushered in a happy life as the number one official of the Cai family.  It turns out that even if Xifudu accepted the mission, it was no longer possible to arrange it.  Even Cai Jing couldn't reach out to the Xifu controlled by Xiao Yan to snatch such an important position.  Xianggong Xiaocai was sent to the political affairs hall for official inspection.  This mission was also temporarily established after the palace incident, and it was entirely for Cai Youyin.  What Xi learned was Wang Anshi¡¯s will to set up the Wufang Public Security Bureau during his political reform that day.  But there is no such weight as the original mission.  Cai Jing didn't need his incompetent son to advise him on official matters. He just wanted to keep him under his nose to avoid causing trouble.  ¡°I know my son Cai Jing very well. Success is definitely not enough, and failure is more than enough.  This assignment sounds very powerful, but in this assignment, it is actually very leisurely.  In the past, Cai You, who had high ambitions but low abilities, would naturally be full of complaints and even cause trouble.  It wasn't Cai Jing who suppressed his power back then, so that the young prime minister Cai was voted under the banner of Liang Shicheng, Wang Qi and others, and he was severely cheated.  But this time, Mr. Cai stayed on this leisurely mission without any complaints.  ¡°One is that even if Cai You is dissatisfied, he has no other legs to embrace.  My father has reached the pinnacle of power that a civil servant has held for more than a hundred years, and his thickest thigh is my father.  The idea of ??taking refuge in Xiao Yan was simply a joke.  The second thing is that although Cai Jing did not dare to leave important matters to Cai You.  But Cai You still relied on his father's current status to sell his official position in full swing.  In this regard, Cai Jing never controls his son.  Just let him.  Except for the famous city of Dayi.  The important tasks within the three departments of Hanyuan of the Central Political Affairs Hall were dispatched, and the rest were left to his own sons.  Such as mentioning some temples and other high-ranking officials.  Cai You doesn't even need Cai Jing's nod. Cai You can collect the money and deliver the goods.  Although these days were short-lived, Cai You had no less than hundreds of thousands of goods in his pocket.  Originally, he and Cai Jing had separated and lived separately.  He enjoyed himself very luxuriously, and after the defeat of Yan, he retired from his job and lived idle, and almost all his property was lost.  Now that wealth is pouring in, Cai You devotes himself to it and has no higher pursuits for the time being.  In addition to pimping and selling officials to make money all day long, there are constant entertainment and banquets.  Enjoying a position like the stars and the moon, I smile every day.  But today, Xiao Cai showed a rare look of worry on his face.  He even took a break from the endless entertainment and rushed to Cai Jing's mansion, which he had not visited in two months.  Today, Cai Jing is in the mansion.  ??When King Yan Xiao Yan's army was about to launch, Dongfu and Jinzhong were united, and they softly resisted Xiao Yan and wanted to serve Zhao Kai, and two generations of kings personally marched to the east of the river.  There is an undercurrent surging in the capital.  Strong local town.  The soldiers and horses are strong.  Counties and counties all over the country are eagerly looking forward to the outcome of the Bianliang political dispute.  Instead, Cai Jing lost his previous diligence and cited old age and illness as an excuse.  Return to your home to recuperate.  It seems to have deliberately avoided the center of the whirlpool of today's political disputes.  His retreat made everyone in the world understand.  Cai Xiangdong's Mansion and Prince Yan's West Mansion are probably going to have a showdown.  Otherwise, Prime Minister Cai would not be so pretentious!  Cai You wants to come to look for his father, and now he has no choice but to look for him back home.  Cai You went straight to the inner study as a familiar person. Outside the inner study, he was carefully stopped by Cai Jing's trusted attendant.  Although Cai Jing claimed to be recuperating in the palace, the Song Dynasty was very concerned about political affairs, so what did he not need his nod for?  It is nothing more than the location of the office.  It was just moved from the political hall inside Xuandemen to his own mansion.  Was stopped by Cai Jing himself.  Cai You also knew that Cai Jing was meeting guests.  But after all, his status is unusual and he can walk into the room.  Just separated by a screen, I listened quietly to what Cai Jing was saying.  The layout of Cai Jing's study is also very large. The outer hall is full of carved windows and covered with fine gauze.  The old man cannot see well, so this is the best way to get the best lighting.  There are tall bookshelves all around the hall, with books of various colors placed densely on them, exuding the fragrance of ink.  The Song edition books are beautifully bound and printed with meticulous woodblock printing, making them look like works of art when placed there.  The four walls are all hung with paintings and calligraphy by famous artists, as well as many of Cai Jing's own calligraphy works. Put together with those famous artists of the previous generation, not only are they not inferior to them, they are even better.  The south side of the study hall is separated by a screen, and a small room is set up inside.?A lavishly furnished quiet room.  The original intention is that the owner can take a rest here when he is tired from reading and writing.  But now that Cai Jing is in the mansion, he likes to sit in this small quiet room.  Although Cai Jing doesn't use the inner study room with a rich collection of books now, and he rarely writes in person.  But as an important minister of the Song Dynasty with a true literati background, in his later years, he still felt more at ease here, closer to Mo Xiang.  And the guests Cai Jing met here were not his true confidants and important officials of the imperial court, so they were not allowed to take a single step.  Cai You tiptoed outside the screen and heard a clear and powerful voice coming from inside.  Cai You recognized this voice and it was He Li.  He Li was the number one scholar appointed by Zhao Ji Zhenghe for five years.  From the beginning, Cai Jing valued this young and handsome man.  When employing people, Cai Jing likes people who are talented in literature, meticulous and capable in doing things, and people who are smart and good at observing people.  He Li happened to have everything.  Under Cai Jing's care, He Li had a smooth journey, from being secretary to the Provincial School Secretary to promoting various academic affairs in the capital, and then to living and studying, and being sent by the nobles all the way.  It is the storage seed.  He also suffered denigration due to several scoldings by Cai Jing, and was once the prefect of Suining.  The number one scholar who had been circulating in the Qing secret circle showed his truly shrewd and capable nature. He managed the place so that all directions were secure and the barbarians were restrained, and his reputation increased.  With Cai Jing's status restored again, He Li also returned to the capital.  This suddenly jumped to the important position of Yushi Zhongcheng.  If you keep this up for a few more years, you will be able to enter the political hall.  As a result, Liang Shicheng, Wang Qi and others attacked Cai Jing for the last time.  He Li is sparse.  I have listed the fifteen crimes of Liang Shicheng, Wang Qi and others, and please behead them to express gratitude to the world.  As a result, there was no doubt that he stepped down with Cai Jing and rushed to Taizhou to become the governor.  But this memorial.  It also made He Li's reputation unprecedented.  After the palace coup, Cai Jing took sole control of the political affairs hall.  Naturally, I will never forget this right-hand man.  He Li immediately returned to the capital.  He came to the throne to participate in political affairs, got a cool umbrella, and received the governorship of Kaifeng.  Such an arrangement shows that Cai Jing attaches great importance to He Li!  " Letting He Li serve as a great ginseng and also the governor of Kaifeng can be regarded as a good way to know people.  First, He Li has experience in local governance and is able to handle complex matters as well as small matters.  Secondly, He Li had mentioned various academic affairs in the capital for several years and was a scholar in the capital.  Everyone must give face to this old man and listen to his greetings.  The third is that he has not seen Kaifeng Prefecture Yin as the number one scholar for many years.  Nowadays, Cai Jing needs all kinds of prestige to compete with Xiao Yan for the hearts and minds of Bianliang. It is the prestige that this person with political resources can manage that can temporarily restrain powerful ministers like Xiao Yan who have powerful troops!  Cai You really wants to hear what people like He Li have to say.  However, only one tail came to the rescue.  Then I heard He Li just say: "The Prime Minister will handle it, and the students respect it. Everything will be obeyed." Cai Jing's gentle voice also sounded: "All matters in Kaifeng Mansion will be handed over to Wen Zhen, so naturally a certain  Don't worry. Keep an eye on those imperial students and don't get angry rashly. It's not just for fun, everything is quiet at this moment." Then Cai You heard the sound of clothes, it must be something.  Li stood up and saluted to accept his order.  Then Cai Jing slowly asked: "When it rains. How are the arrangements for the expenses required by the King of Yan to support the advance army in Hedong?" In the quiet room, the sound of high clogs sounded again.  Cai Jing's most important assistant in financial management has now joined the political affairs committee, and is still in charge of Cai Jing's money bag.  Cai Jingdong asked, and Gao Gao immediately replied: "Originally, the wells of Dongfu and Xifu do not interfere with the river water. All the proceeds from the imperial guard army when the king of Yan captured the capital did not go to the third division. The expenses for raising and using the troops of the Shenwu Changsheng Army also belonged to the king of Yan.  Take care of it yourself. This time, King Yan Shizi asked the Dongfu for 700,000 guan for the expedition reward and 220,000 guan for the troops and horses.  There is also an odd amount of 310,000 guan in exchange for food which adds up to nearly 2 million guan! My husband also knows that the three companies have enough money to pay as they go. However, there is no money left.  I still followed my husband's instructions to demolish the east wall and repair the west wall. I raised 820,000 yuan for the mission and sent it to King Yan first, and then promised to make up for it within one month. In short, don't find any fault with King Yan at this time.  " Cai Jing was silent for a while and then said slowly: "That's it. Whatever King Yan wants, give him whatever he wants. Don't push back, don't cause trouble It's better to keep everything quiet tomorrow.  The reinforcements from Hedong are about to be sent out?" Gao Gao and He Li both said, "The troops in Hedong must be sent out tomorrow. The military situation in Hedong must be urgent." Cai Jing had nothing to say and just said goodbye.  Cai You was standing behind the screen when he heard the sound of footsteps, and then saw two officials covered in red and purple coming out.  Among them, Gao Gao is a familiar person, and he became familiar with Cai You after he was surprised.And He Li is a handsome middle-aged boy with fair face, tall body and elegant demeanor.  Seeing Cai You, his face darkened.  And Cai You didn't treat him badly, so the two of them pretended they didn't know each other.  When Cai You joined the sect of King Liang Shicheng, how could He Li think highly of him?  And how could Cai You, a man with the best temperament in the office, be so condescending?  Although they were both the closest people to Cai Jing, the two of them bumped into each other on the road, and they both got up and walked separately without saying a word to each other.  This is not the place for talking and getting angry, and the two of them didn't make things worse.  Gao Gao grabbed He Li and left quickly.  Cai You looked at He Li's back and snorted, then straightened his clothes and loudly reported: "Father, the child wants to see you." Cai Jing's voice sounded from inside, asking Cai You to come in.  Cai You turned around the screen and saw Cai Jing leaning on the bed, with a golden monkey hair blanket piled on his legs.  There were two maids standing behind the bed, holding a ginseng soup warm cage warmed by charcoal fire, and utensils such as spit kettles, standing silently.  The maids of Prime Minister Cai are not only young, but also as beautiful as flowers.  And they have undergone rigorous training. Even if they stand behind Cai Jing for a day, they can still remain motionless and silent.  Cai Jing met with important officials of the imperial court and even served as a director of the political affairs hall.  He also always has a maid to serve him.  Even the most upright minister would not dare to say anything wrong.  Cai You did not dare to look at the maids, and bowed deeply to Cai Jing: "Greetings, daddy." Cai Jing had a slightly tired look on his face.  But he doesn't have the senility he pretends to be when he loses his position.  The eyes seemed to be more agile and sharp than twenty years ago.  He waved his hands lightly: "That's it. It's a rare time for you to come to see me. What trouble did you cause again this time?" Cai You stood up and sat down on his own. He immediately shouted to Chong Tianqu: "Why are you causing trouble again?  ? The current situation is delicate, and the child is still worried about making mistakes, so how can he dare to cause trouble? "Since Cai Jing has experienced many ups and downs, I hope he will stand at the pinnacle of another powerful minister again in the next eight years.  Mr. Cai, who was in his fifties, no longer had the spirit of betraying his father's disciples before, and his words became much more flattering.  He deliberately pretended to be cute in front of his father.  If Xiao Yan had to watch from the side, he would probably spit it out.  Cai Jing smiled coldly: "Let's talk about whatever you have to say. What kind of job have you chosen this time? Is it Kinki, Hebei, or Jiangnan? Is it a people-friendly official, a salt official, or a tax supervisor?"  Cai You shook his head, with a rare look of fear on his face, and said softly: "Thief Xiao" Cai Jing interrupted him as soon as he uttered the two words: "It's King Yan, and the court system is related. How can we ignore it?"  " Cai You swallowed his saliva and said calmly: "Xiao King Yan sent his army, and there was an undercurrent in the capital. But those who are concerned about the current situation all know that King Yan's control of the capital is weakening I know.  The princes in the court must have taken action against King Yan. Otherwise, how could he use his imperial chariot to drag King Yan to Bianliang? How could he know that King Yan would not kill everyone and go on a killing spree in the capital?  What will happen next?" Cai Jing looked at his useless son intently.  Even Cai You can see the current situation in front of him.  What do people who are in the middle of the situation not understand?  A showdown with Xiao Yan is not far away.  But Xiao Yan still dared to send out his personal guard, just because he still had military horses in his hands.  It may not be enough to go into battle, but it will wash Bianliang with blood.  Still more than enough.  Xiao Yanxu thought this was the case, so he boldly sent out the most useful Chinese troops under his command.  Just the idea of ??holding the entire Bianliang civil and military officials hostage?  ¡° Considering that Nan Laizi has always been accustomed to taking risks in order to gain the maximum benefit, this should be the choice he would make.  This is the most common thought among those in Bianliang who can understand the current situation.  And Cai Jing naturally thought deeper.  ??A careful calculation of the strength that Xiao Yan can control is nothing more than Hedong Shenwu's constant victory and Bianliang's new army.  Yandi may have arrangements, but the news reported by Wu Min only vaguely mentioned it, and also said that Xiao Yan's private army in Yandi was rumored to have been deployed to Yunnei.  Even the generals named Wang Gui and Tang Huai who were in charge of Yandi rushed to Yunnei to take charge.  You can ignore Yan's army and horses.  Not to mention that the Yongning Army should be able to block and suppress this lone army hanging far away.  Hedong Shenwu's constant victory has been contained.  The new army in Bianliang is already empty.  Moreover, Cai Jing and others have other means to divide and disintegrate.  As long as one of the Western Army and the Yongning Army can return to Bianliang in time, there is a possibility that Xiao Yan will be overthrown overnight in the capital!  As for whether Xiao Yan would kill the fish and destroy the net, Cai Jing was naturally prepared.  Before the arrival of the Western Army and the Yongning Army, everything arranged by Cai Jing and his confidants will never be launched.  Moreover, Xiao Yan would do his best to satisfy whatever he asked for.  I just hope that I can hold Xiao Yan back for a short period of time!  When the distance between the Western Army and the Yongning Army wasLiang was only on a two-day trip.  At that time, the new army, which mainly defended the Forbidden Army, was launched to disintegrate and make noise.  However, the scholars held the public opinion of Bianliang City and all opposed Xiao Yan.  In these two days, Xiao Yan must have had no time to make any big move!  Perhaps before they could gather their troops' morale, the Western Army and the Yongning Army had already reached Bianliang City!  As for some damage, the people of Bianliang will suffer another disaster.  The most amazing thing is that Xiao Yan broke into the prison and kidnapped Zhao Kai, and tried to escape with two generations of kings.  Cai Jingdong didn't care at all.  There are many descendants of the Zhao family, just give one more to come out.  The people of Bianliang have enjoyed the prosperity of the capital for so many years. How can they pay a price in the eyes of those in power?  If Xiao Yan could escape, he could only go to Hedong.  At that time, the central resources were lost and only relied on Hedong.  How can we withstand the attack of the Jurchens in the north and the imperial army in the south?  As for the Jurchens going south, even if they were promised the land in Yunnei and more wealth, these barbarians would be happy to use it.  It's so bad, even if you promise a few New Year's coins, so what?  The Song Dynasty gave the Liao people annual coins.  There is no precedent for giving Xixia gifts.  If Xiao Yan¡¯s army doesn¡¯t move.  Enough to suppress the new army.  Cai Jing would never dare to make such a decisive move.  Xiao Yan's men and horses in Bianliang only need to block the Western Army and Yongning Army for three or two days.  It was enough for Xiao Yan to bloodbath the imperial court several times.  But Xiao Yan chose to take risks. The Chinese army was out and without its backbone, there were too many ways to disintegrate the new army.  The army must still have enough minions to control it.  Xiao Yan showed a flaw, and Cai Jing caught it keenly!  This is the responsibility that as the head of civil servants and officials must bear.  Otherwise, how could the civil servants and officials system that had actually ruled the Song Dynasty for more than a hundred years push Cai Jing out.  And gave other people authority they had never had before?  Being at the pinnacle may seem beautiful, but it is actually dangerous.  The memories of the Five Dynasties are not far away, and the memories left to today¡¯s high-ranking civil servants are too painful.  The warriors rule the country, and the civil servants are as straight as slaves.  A mutiny, a change of emperor, and a war between warlords are like a bloodbath like chopping melons and vegetables.  Even if they are lucky enough to survive, they will just linger in the cracks of military power. No one knows whether there will be a tomorrow.  Since the founding of the Song Dynasty.  All system building, all ways of governing.  They all revolve around one center, which is to guard against military officials.  Suppress the warrior!  The civil servants and officials will never allow these warriors to stand up again!  Therefore, Xiao Yan, who made his fortune with military power, set a dangerous precedent.  Either he will be completely defeated by Xiao Yan, or the civil servants will launch a crazy counterattack!  Such a trend cannot be resisted even by Cai Jing with his status.  This is a life-and-death fight.  People can betray their own class, but class will not betray their own class.  Rather than being trapped in it and drifting with the waves.  Then as the head of civil servants, he has to bear all the consequences.  It would be better to do it when Xiao Yan is still young and his foundation is not yet solid.  Hosted by yourself.  Whenever you get the chance, act decisively!  Such a move benefits the entire ruling class.  This is the behavior that truly protects one's wealth and status with the Song Dynasty.  During this period, Cai Jing carefully considered the odds of winning.  At least more than 80%.  The remaining 20% ??is just a matter of destiny.  Xiao Yan's power has really grown. Is it possible that they and others will end well?  Former ministers of the previous dynasty have always been the targets of purges.  It is of course a choice to join Xiao Yan at this moment.  But who would join Xiao Yan's power at this moment, which has a weak foundation and is on the verge of collapse at any time?  Since it can¡¯t be effective, and it can¡¯t sit back and watch him grow, the only option is to take action as soon as possible.  No matter how you choose, it is better than being indecisive and missing the opportunity.  Not to mention that if we carefully calculate the strength comparison between the two sides, Cai Jing's side is still ahead of Xiao Yan!  Having made this decision, despite Cai Jing¡¯s calm demeanor and determined demeanor in front of others.  Only the maid next to him knew how deeply the old man was thinking and how painfully entangled he was!  But why should you share these thoughts with your useless son?  His eyes could only see a little bit in front of him, and it was only on himself.  As long as he is still capable and makes him rich, that's all.  Cai Jing¡¯s silence lasted forever.  Cai You sat there, feeling uncomfortable.  Just when he was being looked at with fury, he heard Cai Jing let out a long sigh.  "You'er, in two days, you will be sick at home. I will send a few confidants to escort you out of the capital to Hebei for a temporary stay. You should not get involved in Bianliang's affairs. If you are a father  If there is anything to worry about, there have been changes in Bianliang recently. Just go back to your hometown in Mulanpi. If nothing happens, you can return to Bianliang in a while.  I will only let you be as absurd and willful as I am." Cai Jing's face showed deep fatigue as he said these words.  There is no longer the magnanimity of an important minister who has held power for decades.  On the contrary, over the years, it has been rare for me to pay attention to this son.?an expression of kindness.  Even with Cai You's coolness, he couldn't help but be moved at this moment. Tears suddenly burst out of him. He stood up and said in panic: "Dad" Cai Jing suddenly shouted: "Get out! Follow the arrangements!"  A roar of anger, like an old tiger roaring in the forest, is still majestic!  This old man has controlled the fate of countless people for decades. Although he is old, he is still enough to shock everyone!  Perhaps the only exception is Xiao Yan.  There was a loud clanging sound, but the maid behind Cai Jing was so frightened by the roar that she dropped the utensils in her hands and knelt down in a hurry to apologize.  Cai You was also frightened. In the past, even his betrayal of his father's family led to him stepping down again.  Cai Jing just smiled.  During the festival, Cai You's nieces and nephews were also sent to ask questions.  This was the first time I saw my father so furious, with such a dangerous look in his eyes!  Cai You stood up in a hurry, bowed hastily, and left in despair.  He never expected that if he came over today to inquire about the situation, the final result would be like this.  After a long time after Cai You left, Cai Jing slowly got up and walked outside the door.  Outside the inner study, a large group of stewards, maids and servants had already heard the noise and came over, but they did not dare to come in.  Just waiting in silence outside the door.  Seeing Cai Jingbu coming out, these people hurriedly knelt down.  Cai Jing walked into the courtyard without looking at them or asking for help, looking at the sky above her head.  The spring sky in Bianliang is transparent and high.  Compared with the smoke when every family burns charcoal for heating in winter, I don¡¯t know how much cleaner and more beautiful it is.  Ten days from now, at most about half a month, what will Bianliang look like under this sky?  Why does Xiao Yan appear in this Song Dynasty (To be continued) ps: I wish all readers a Merry Christmas!  Although I¡¯m not that interested in foreign festivals.  But I still wish all men have girls, and all girls have boys.  Asking for votes by the way!
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