Fenghou

Lu Gang hired someone to clean up the yard, and at the same time sent his men to report to the court. Soon after getting the news, Empress Dowager Wei sent Xu Xiantu and Zhu Shengfei to test out his attitude.

The two came to the special envoy's mansion and walked into the gate, only to see Lu Gang directing people to clean up the rubble. Lu Gang hurriedly stepped forward to salute, "It's completely changed, I made you laugh!"

Xu Xiantu also sighed and said: "The chaos of Plum Blossom Guard was very serious, not to mention the special envoy's mansion, my mansion was also attacked. Fortunately, there is a secret room in my house, and the whole family escaped by hiding in it, but the housekeeper was killed and the maid was killed. All the valuables at home were robbed, and tens of thousands of guan were also robbed from Mr. Zhu’s mansion, and he was fortunate that his wife and daughter were not in Lin’an.”

Zhu Shengfei also said: "The imperial court is registering the loss. Some items that were stolen can still be returned. Special Envoy Lu can go and register."

"My property loss here is nothing, but some furniture was burnt down, and there is still a house, so I don't need to bother the court, you two please!"

Lu Gang invited the two of them into the small room and sat down in the living room. One of his subordinates served them tea. Lu Gang asked again with concern: "I heard that the emperor was assassinated, can the assassin be caught?"

Xu Xiantu shook his head, "At that time, Lin'an City was in chaos, and the assassin just escaped, so it is impossible to investigate now."

"Any clues?"

"Basically, the imperial court has determined that it was the dignitaries' retaliation against the emperor, and it was related to the Xiang family. It was most likely the work of the dead men raised by the Xiang family. The steward of the Xiang mansion also confirmed that the dead men had a poisonous arrow. Seeing blood sealed the throat, the emperor To be stabbed by this kind of poisonous arrow."

"That's a pity. Now that the emperor has passed away, who will succeed him?"

Xu Xiantu and Zhu Shengfei looked at each other, both of them showed embarrassment, Xu Xiantu smiled wryly and said: "At present, the Queen Mother is in charge of the court temporarily, and the heirs of the Great Song Dynasty are scarce, and the court is still looking for them."

Lu Gang said indifferently: "Anyone, no matter if he is an idiot or a fool, as long as his surname is Zhao, he can become emperor and rule the world, do you think it is reasonable?"

Zhu Shengfei said disapprovingly: "The rules are like this, as long as you are a great Song Dynasty, you can only ascend the throne with the blood of the royal family!"

"But what if it's not Da Song Jiangshan?"

Zhu Shengfei's expression changed, "King Yong really wants to destroy Song Dynasty?"

Lu Gang laughed, "The Miao descendants of the Zhao family are all gone, so where is the Song Dynasty? Could it be that Empress Dowager Wei wants to ascend the throne and become the Empress herself?"

Xu Xiantu pondered for a while and said: "The former prince has two young sons, they are the authentic grandsons of the emperor."

Lu Gang took out two documents and handed them to the two of them, "This is a statement written by Zhao Chen last year, declaring that he and his two sons renounced the imperial power and will be civilians forever. In the reaffirmation letter written by the spies after the assassination, she inherited her husband’s behest, and once again stated that her two sons will no longer inherit the imperial power, change their surnames to Li, and be civilians forever, King Yong and the Internal Affairs Hall have officially approved her request.”

Xu Xiantu and Zhu Shengfei looked at each other in blank dismay, this move is absolutely perfect!Their retreat was completely cut off, and Zhao Bocong and his son also died, but it was said that Zhao's blood was completely cut off, but in fact it was not. Zhao Bocong's father was still there, but that man was a well-known old alcoholic in Lin'an City. Being an emperor is simply not worthy of virtue.

"What about His Royal Highness King Yong's plan?"

"His Royal Highness King Yong has only one plan. The Song Dynasty can be temporarily retained, but the capital must be moved back to Bianliang. The palace is still there. The army is not allowed to remain, but the guards can be retained. The Song Dynasty is protected by the Yong Kingdom and becomes a country within a country. , The Empress Dowager wants to ascend the throne as Emperor Song, and King Yong does not object."

Zhu Shengfei said anxiously: "How is it possible to give up the army?"

Lu Gang said indifferently: "It's for your own good to ask you to give up the army. Once the army can't support them, the court will be backlashed by the army. Can't you imagine the consequences?"

……

Empress Dowager Wei was not furious. Although she could not accept the various conditions proposed by Chen Qing, such as moving the capital and abandoning the army, etc., she agreed with her proposals to proclaim herself emperor and beware of army rebellion, but it hit her heart.

She immediately brought Qin Hui to discuss with her. Without Zhang Jun, she could easily control the remaining three prime ministers. Qin Hui was a courtier, especially his wife, Wang, who had a close relationship with her. Empress Dowager Wei was sure to control him. Needless to say, he was originally one of his own, and there was only Xu Xiantu left. Empress Dowager Wei had already seen through him, a slippery guy, a compromiser in his bones.

"Let's talk about the three princes! What about our throne?"

Empress Dowager Wei put the two statements on the table, "The former prince has completely given up, and now only those from Lin'an City are left, can you accept it?"

Qin Hui already knew from his wife what Empress Dowager Wei was thinking. This woman wanted to become emperor, and she asked this question now, obviously hoping to veto the hope of establishing a new emperor.

"Reporting to the Empress Dowager, the Great Song Dynasty is already in crisis, and I can't arbitrarily establish a new emperor, otherwise the virtue will not be worthy, and people in the world will no longer recognize the Song Dynasty. I suggest to wait patiently. The Empress Dowager can also serve as the regent. Take up the heavy responsibilities first, and wait until there is a suitable candidate in the future before considering the new emperor."

Qin Hui did not agree with the queen mother to proclaim the emperor immediately, but he suggested that the queen mother can be a long-term regency. Of course, he told the queen mother implicitly that proclaiming the emperor immediately would not work.

Empress Dowager Wei reluctantly accepted Qin Hui's plan, to regent first, and then ascend the throne when the time is right. Wasn't that what Wu Zetian did back then?

"I'm afraid that Ai's family is not capable enough to bear the burden of regent!"

Empress Dowager Wei spoke modestly, but she glanced at Xu Xiantu. Although Xu Xiantu did not receive Chen Qing's note, he fully understood Chen Qing's intentions from Lu Gang's mouth. Let Empress Wei go to destroy the Song Dynasty. Do, encourage her to ascend the throne as emperor.

"My minister supports Qin Xiangguo's opinion and supports the queen mother's regent!"

This is the first time in so many years that Xu Xiantu and Qin Hui have the same opinion. The Empress Dowager Wei was about to speak, but seeing Zhu Shengfei winking at herself, she said lightly: "Okay! You step back first, let the Ai family think about it Zhu Xianggong stays here, and the Ai family wants to discuss with you about the funeral of the official family."

In fact, the emperor Zhao Gou's funeral plan had already been decided, and he was buried next to the mausoleum of the late emperor Huizong. The posthumous temple name was Pingzong.

Qin Hui and Xu Xiantu resigned, and the two walked out of the Ziwei Hall, Qin Hui said coldly: "Xu Xiangguo, the county magistrate Yu of Zhongmou County is your son!"

Qin Hui got the news from another subordinate that Wei Yushou of Yuchi County had been promoted to the magistrate of Zhongmou County. Without Xu Xiantu's relationship, that Yu County lieutenant could not have been promoted so quickly.

Xu Xiantu no longer denied it this time, and said flatly: "To each other, isn't your son also in Yangzhou?"

Qin Hui's son Lin Yifei is currently in Yangzhou, guarding Qin Hui's family property transferred to Yangzhou, but this matter is very secret, even his wife Wang does not know.

Qin Hui's face changed, "How do you know?"

Xu Xiantu smiled slightly, "It doesn't matter if I know or not, as long as Mrs. Xiangguo doesn't know."

After he finished speaking, he chuckled and walked away. Qin Hui's face turned red and then pale, and he became really worried. It must be the Western Army spies who have been monitoring his son.

The first thousand and 450 chapters three capture soldiers

In the study, the Empress Dowager Wei pondered for a moment, and said directly to Zhu Shengfei: "How likely is it that the Ai family wants to become emperor?"

Zhu Shengfei bowed and said: "This is also the advice I want to give to the queen mother. It is not impossible to become emperor, because there is no suitable heir to the throne now, so the possibility of becoming emperor is now."

"and then?"

Empress Dowager Wei continued to ask: "What can I do to turn proclaiming the emperor from a possibility into a reality?"

"Reporting to the Empress Dowager is actually the unity of the inside and the outside, and everyone expects it. Now there are no big problems outside. Chen Qing has made it clear that he supports the Empress Dowager's ascension to the throne..."

"Why does he support Aijia?"

Empress Dowager Wei interrupted Zhu Shengfei's topic and asked: "Aijia has a bad relationship with him and has offended him countless times. I really don't understand why he is on my side?"

Zhu Shengfei smiled wryly and said: "The Queen Mother, Chen Qing is a hero, he will not take such trivial personal grievances to heart, as long as it can be used by him, he will support it. If the Queen Mother ascends the throne, the orthodoxy of the Song Dynasty will no longer exist. How can he Can you support the Queen Mother?"

Empress Dowager Wei said after a long while: "Okay! Even if he supports Aijia for his own benefit, with external support, is the key to internal affairs?"

Zhu Shengfei nodded, "That's right, the key is to straighten out the internal affairs, especially the military. If the Queen Mother can get the support of the military, then there will be no problem. Some ministers object, just let him go, and there will be no troubles." .”

Empress Dowager Wei walked a few steps with her hands behind her back, and said slowly: "The Ai family also has this idea, holding the military power in their own hands."

Empress Dowager Wei suddenly said: "The Ai family wants Wei Tong to be Marshal of the capital, replacing Han Shizhong, do you think he is competent?"

Wei Tong is the Empress Dowager Wei's brother and the person she trusts the most. Of course, she wants her brother to control the military power, which means that the military power is in her own hands.

Zhu Shengfei understood the empress dowager's thinking, nodded and said: "In the Song Dynasty, civil servants have always controlled the military power. Wei Tong can be appointed as the prefect, and then as the privy prefect, he can be the marshal of the capital and control the military talisman seal. In this way, there will be no problem in the system. Well, as for his ability, the key is that he must have a good staff, who will give him advice and teach him how to control him, if these two points are done well, Wei Tong can take control of the military."

Zhu Shengfei said in every sentence that in Empress Wei's heart, she also knew that her brother was ignorant, empty and useless, unable to solve her own problems, but she needed her brother to control the military power before she could give up, so Zhu Shengfei's staff The suggestion is very timely. If the brother has a good staff, it means he has a good mind, and he will make up for Wei Tong's biggest deficiency.

Empress Dowager Wei said happily, "Does Zhu Xiangguo have any suitable candidates to recommend?"

Zhu Shengfei smiled slightly and said, "I do have a staff member named Sima Chun, who is from Weizhou. He has a clear mind and a flexible mind. If there is no suitable candidate for the queen mother, I will recommend him to be Wei Tong's military adviser and staff."

Empress Dowager Wei has lived in the harem for a long time, so there is no staff there, and Zhu Shengfei is her representative of interests in the court. Apart from Zhu Shengfei, she does not trust other ministers. Wei Tong."

In the morning of the next day, Empress Dowager Wei convened a small court meeting, and proposed to improve the system of Xiangguo and the internal affairs hall. In charge of the three departments of rites, punishment, and engineering, Qin Hui continued to be the prime minister on the right and in charge of the government, and Zhu Shengfei was the prime minister on the left and served as a support envoy.

In this way, by means of promotion, Han Shizhong was deprived of the military power of the commander-in-chief of the three armies. At the same time, Xu Xiantu was transferred from the Privy Council, vacating the position of Chief Privy Councilor.

Zhu Shengfei also nominated Wei Tong as a member of the Privy Council, referred to as Zhiyuan, and the Empress Dowager Wei immediately approved it, making Wei Tong the fifth prime minister. At this time, Zhu Shengfei emphasized the principle of civilians in charge of the army. As the governor, he served as the Xuanfu envoy of the Shenwu Army and the marshal of the three armies.

Of course, everyone understands that the queen mother's real purpose is to allow Wei Tong to take control of the military power. Of course, Han Shizhong also understands that this military power looks good, but it is actually very hot. If it is not done, he will become a sinner of the Song Dynasty, and he is not attached to it. , gladly handed over the military talisman seal and the Marshal Lingjian to Wei Tong.

But what really made Baiguan happy was another thing. At noon, the "Beijing News", which had been silent for nearly half a month, suddenly reappeared on the streets of Lin'an. After reading this newspaper, they can grasp the general trend of the world so as not to lose their direction.

The new newspaper office is located on the bank of the Qiantang River outside the city. It is a mansion covering an area of ​​[-] mu. All the raw materials, equipment and personnel have been transferred here to continue to run the newspaper. Of course, it is impossible for Chen Qing to give up the "Beijing News". This is his public opinion. The weapon is also the mouthpiece of his voice.

In Xinfeng Teahouse outside Nancheng, Wang Mu gave Lu Gang a note with only one name on it, Sima Chun.

"This person is Wei Tong's only military adviser and staff member. With Wei Tong's intelligence, he is not enough to control the military power. He must obey Sima Chun's arrangement. This person is the key."

Lu Gang nodded, "Do you have any background and other information about this person? For example, his family and children."

"He is from Weizhou. He was born in the imperial school. Jianyan fled to Lin'an four years ago. There should be people in his hometown. He has two sons. Before that, he was Zhu Shengfei's staff. Wei Tong rewarded him with a house in Lirenfang. , it is estimated that they are moving in the past two days."

"What about his weakness?" Lu Gang asked again.

Wang Mu said with a smile: "The weaknesses of all the Tai students are the same. He didn't pass the imperial examination, he couldn't be an official, and he was worried. He still has another weakness, which is his two sons."

Lu Gang nodded, "I'll meet him tonight."

……

Sima Chunnian was about 37 or [-] years old, and he was born in Xinxiang County, Weizhou. Six years later, he entered Zhu Shengfei's residence as a small staff member. He persuaded Zhu Shengfei to attach himself to the queen mother and become the spokesperson of the queen mother in the imperial court.

So Zhu Shengfei also trusted Sima Chun quite a bit, appointed him as his chief staff officer, and Sima Chun's life gradually improved.

This time Zhu Shengfei even recommended him to the Queen Mother to become Wei Tong's staff and military adviser. It was not only his opportunity, but it also put him under tremendous pressure. Wei Tong is an ignorant playboy who only knows how to eat, drink and play. I don't understand other farts. What kind of future will I have as an assistant to such a person?

At night, Sima Chun was thinking about the arrangement of the army's generals in his study. The army's generals obviously refused to accept Wei Tong, especially Liu Kai, the commander of the Shenwu Left Guard Army. Thousands of elite soldiers, with deep qualifications, are difficult to deal with. Both the Central Guard Army controls Yang Yizhong and the Right Guard Army controls Yan Changde. It's a little bit better, knowing that Wei Tong is representing the Queen Mother.

At this time, his wife Liu Shi came in with a cup of tea. Liu Shi was the daughter of his benefactor and married him when he was at his worst. The husband and wife had loved each other for so many years, and they were very affectionate and gave birth to two sons.

"Husband, take a break!"

Sima Chun put down his pen, sighed and said: "Zhu Shengfei recommended me to Wei Tong, which really pushed me into the fire pit. This kind of evil, taking people's property everywhere, will be punished by God sooner or later. I will be tied to his car and will go with him bury."

Ms. Liu comforted her husband, "We also have some savings in our hands. If we can't do it, we can go back to our hometown, buy some land, live in peace, and raise our two children, isn't it good?"

Sima Chun smiled wryly, "That's the only way to go!"

At this time, the housekeeper reported that there was a visitor, and Liu was startled, "It's so late, who else is coming, I'll go and see!"

Mrs. Liu went out quickly, walked to the door, only to hear the butler say, "The man here is called Lu Gang, and he said that the master knows him."

"Lu Gang!"

Sima Chun jumped up in shock.

The first thousand and 450 chapters four capture soldiers

Sima Chun personally welcomed Lu Gang into the study, and told his wife, "Anyone who comes will tell me that I'm already asleep. If there is anything else, we can talk about it tomorrow, and Wei Tong is no exception!"

Mrs. Liu heard her husband talk about Lu Gang, and she knew that the consequences of leaking the secret would be serious, so she immediately went to make arrangements.

Sima Chun asked Lu Gang to sit down, and Mrs. Liu personally delivered hot tea, closed the door and went out.

Lu Gang smiled and said, "Did Mr. Sima go back to his hometown to have a look?"

"I've always wanted to go, but I just don't have the time."

"Go and have a look when you have time! His Royal Highness King Yong is recuperating in all parts of the world, and all parts of the world are slowly recovering. It is estimated that the prosperity before the Jinbing invasion will be restored in ten years."

"Yes, His Royal Highness King Yong's low taxes are very popular, but I don't quite understand, how can low taxes support an army of 60 to [-]?"

"This question is a good question. Many people have asked me this question. It is actually very simple. It is clear why the Southern Song Dynasty had a high tax burden. It was because there was too little land for taxation. Only a small amount of land was taxed. In order to feed the government, The court and the army can only desperately raise taxes on the taxed land. The idea is that all the land in the Yong Kingdom must pay taxes, and the official land and military land are no exception. There are many lands that pay taxes, so naturally they can adopt low taxes. This is the key to King Yong's ability to conquer the world step by step."

"I see, it is true!"

Lu Gang said again: "Now that the general situation of the world has been decided, only Lin'an Mansion is left in the Song Dynasty, and it won't last long. Why did Mr. Sima work for Wei Tong at this last moment?"

Sima Chun smiled wryly and shook his head, "I have no choice. If I don't agree, the whole family will suffer, so I have to bite the bullet and do things for him!"

"But Mr. Sima can choose!"

Lu Gang pointed to the two teacups and said calmly: "This is His Highness King Yong, and that is Wei Tong. Sima can choose one of the two."

"Can I choose?"

Lu Gang smiled and said: "Maybe Mr. Sima had no choice before, but now you can. If you choose His Highness King Yong, you can still have two choices. The first one is that you help His Highness King Yong, and we will give you a sum of money." Very generous money, the second is that you join His Highness King Yong, and I will recommend you to be the county magistrate of Xinxiang in the future. Of course, Mr. Sima can continue to choose Wei Tong, just pretend that I have not been here tonight. How about I give Mr. Sima Three days to consider."

Of course Sima Chun is not a fool, this is the most important opportunity in his life, how could he not seize this opportunity, he said without hesitation: "Don't think about it, it is my honor to serve His Royal Highness King Yong!"

"it is good!"

Lu Gang took out a letter of recommendation for employment and said with a smile: "When officials of the imperial court go to Jingzhao, they must pass through my test first. I will write a letter of recommendation for employment. This is also my right. You can simply fill it out."

Sima Chun looked at it, namely name, age, place of origin, imperial examination status, family status, etc., and he immediately took a pen to fill in all the places that should be filled.

Lu Gang took the pen and looked at it, and wrote a recommendation below, "Recommend him as the county magistrate of Xinxiang County!" 'And signed his own name, stamping the official seal of the special envoy's office.

Lu Gang smiled and said, "If there is no accident, you will take your family to report to the Ministry of Officials of Jingzhao next month. It should not be a big problem. I have three recommendation places every year, and you happen to be the third one this year."

Sima Chun was excited, and quickly got up to salute, "Thank you for the recommendation of Special Envoy Lu!"

Lu Gang took out another 20 taels of silver, and said with a smile: "This is also a rule, every official who goes to Jingzhao has it, and you are no exception for the troubles on the way."

Sima Chun nodded, accepted the money, and asked, "What should I do?"

Lu Gang smiled slightly: "Is it because Liu Kai disobeyed Wei Tong's order?"

"Exactly! He looked down on Wei Tong from the bottom of his heart and opposed him everywhere, which made Wei Tong very embarrassed on the first day. He wanted to kill him but didn't dare. He asked me to find a way to deal with Liu Kai."

Lu Gang smiled and said: "Soon Liu Qiong will lead the army north to the Qiantang River. Liu Qi and Liu Qiong are cousins. Do you understand what I mean?"