Madam, protect me!

Zhongshu Province.

A group of officials were sitting in their yamen, but they didn't have much thought about their work. They paid attention to the activities in a certain yamen from time to time.

The Prime Minister of the Left and the Prime Minister of the Right had a quarrel again today.

The two had been friends for many years, but in the past two years, their political opinions have gradually diverged and they have had more and more quarrels.

Especially in the past few months, the conflict between the two has become almost irreconcilable on the issue of war or peace.

Officials from the leftist faction believe that before fighting against foreign aggression, we must first settle the domestic problem. We should focus on the internal reform of the country, implement medical reform, agricultural reform, optimize the tax system, etc., so that the people can live a prosperous life.

The Right Prime Minister group has completely opposite ideas. They believe that with Liang Guo rebelling and Wei Guo watching eagerly, how to deal with external crises is more important than internal reforms. Daxia should give priority to expanding its troops to prepare for the upcoming war. Be prepared.

The money in the treasury is limited. The focus is on internal reform, which will naturally reduce armaments. Expanding armaments will also reduce medical reform and agricultural reform. Neither of them is willing to give in. A fierce quarrel is inevitable every few days. .

Within the government office.

The left prime minister almost pointed at the right prime minister's nose and said angrily: "Hundreds of millions of people in Great Xia are starved of food, sick and difficult to treat, and their livelihoods cannot be guaranteed, yet you go on a military rampage and ignore all the people..."

The right minister looked calm and asked: "Everyone knows the ambition of Wei State. This war is inevitable. If the money from the national treasury is not used to expand the armament now, will it be used to cede territory and pay compensation in the future?"

The left prime minister reminded: "If you are warlike, you will perish!"

The right minister retorted: "If you forget to fight, you will be in danger!"

…

Zuo Xiang was silent for a moment, then spoke again, "Are you being a little extreme? Although the Wei State is powerful, it is not easy for them to swallow up Daxia. Aren't they afraid that the three kingdoms of Chu, Qi and Zhao will reap the benefits? There is no chance of war in the short term. Such an expansion of armaments will be a huge burden on the national treasury and will greatly affect other reforms. Compared with spending money on armaments, it is more important that the people can afford food and medical care... …”

The right minister smiled sarcastically and said: "Reform and reform have been going on for decades. What is the result of the reform? Countless money has been spent. Can the people afford food or medical treatment?"

When the Prime Minister heard the words, he was speechless for a moment.

Over the past few decades, any reform, no matter how grand, has ultimately ended in failure.

The purpose of Confucian reform is for the common people.

All their reforms are based on the standpoint of the people of Daxia and seeking benefits for the people will inevitably conflict with the interests of powerful families.

The powerful people relied on their royal status and clung to their privileges. The aristocratic families were dominant and their influence was deeply rooted in the court. Anyone who tried to challenge them would not end well. Every time they reformed, they could not avoid the ending of failure.

At the local level, the influence of aristocratic families is far greater than that of the imperial court. Even if the decree has been passed, it will be difficult to implement it outside Chang'an.

Even as prime minister, he couldn't do anything about it.

Since the reform so far, the only thing that has been effective is probably to reduce the number of powerful people.

Over the years, they tried to reduce the number of powerful people through various reforms, including downgrading the title from one level to three levels for each generation, and finally compromised to two levels, but they failed...

Those powerful people even wanted to make the title hereditary. How could they make such concessions?

Today, there is no sign of the powerful in Chang'an.

The number of powerful people in Daxia was only twenty-three-tenths of what it was a year ago.

But this result was not achieved through the reform itself. It relied on Li Xuanjing's butcher's knife and the constant assassinations of assassins...

This has to be said to be a kind of irony.

The right minister looked at him and said: "Admit it, your reform is just a useless effort. If the money is distributed and exploited at all levels, it will most likely end up in the pockets of the wealthy families. A few percent of it will actually make money." Use it on the people?”

Prime Minister Zuo was silent for a long time, then slowly spoke: "Whether it succeeds or not, someone has to do these things, even if only the people of one state or one city benefit from it..."

Neither of them spoke anymore, and the yamen gradually became silent.

At this time, a crisp knock on the door reached their ears.

Li Nuo knocked on the door of the government office, then walked in and said: "Li Nuo, the doctor of the Ministry of Punishment, is here to return your orders."

When Zuo Xiang saw him, he looked happy and asked, "When did you come back?"

Li Nuo said: "This morning."

When he spoke, he did not use honorifics or salute.

The left prime minister didn't think there was anything wrong.

Because his status at this time was not only the doctor of the Ministry of Justice of Daxia, but also the first-class prince of the Zhao Kingdom. According to the rules, they should be the ones to salute him.

The right minister glanced at Li Nuo and said to the left minister: "That's it for today. We will discuss the appropriation another day."

After that, he walked away.

The left minister ignored the right minister, pointed to a chair in the government office, and said to Li Nuo: "Sit down."

After Li Nuo sat down, he breathed a sigh of relief and said, "You are finally back..."

Li Nuo said: "The Prime Minister Zuo asked me to come back. Is there something important?"

Prime Minister Zuo looked at him and asked, "Do you have a grudge against the court?"

Li Nuo asked: "Why did Mr. Zuo Xiang say this?"

Prime Minister Zuo asked: "If you don't have any grudges against the imperial court, why don't you use your talents in Daxia and instead make outstanding achievements for Zhao?"

Li Nuo said slowly: "Lord Zuo Xiang is wrong. When I was the Deputy Minister of Rites, I rectified the etiquette and laws, eradicated the unhealthy trends in the court, and helped the court establish connections with the martial arts world; when I was in the Honglu Temple, I also fulfilled my duties and not only did my job well, but also helped the court to investigate the Donggong case and the murder of the prince of Liang more than ten years ago; later, I served as the Minister of the Ministry of Justice, and I also performed my duties conscientiously and redressed countless grievances; my wife was pregnant, and the court transferred me to Zhao State for two years. I also obeyed the court's arrangements and never had any complaints. I did everything within and beyond my job, so what is there for the Left Prime Minister to be dissatisfied with? "

The left prime minister sighed and said, "The court is indeed unfair to you. Even if you have complaints, it is reasonable. But I promise that similar things will not happen again in the future..."

He looked at Li Nuo and spoke again: "I will not beat around the bush with you. I transferred you back this time because I hope you can use your talents in Daxia. You can ask for anything you need. The court will try its best to meet your needs. Regarding your official position, I promised you before that you can choose any official position of the fourth rank in the court..."

No matter how high the official position is, it is empty. It is easy to be promoted and easier to be demoted.

Li Nuo has no desire for promotion.

If he is willing, he will be second to none and above ten thousand people when he returns to Zhao State. Even the position of prime minister is within his reach.

He did not answer directly, but said: "Lord Zuo Xiang, please make the arrangements."

The Zuo Xiang thought for a while and said: "How about the assistant minister of the Ministry of Justice? In addition, you will also serve as the secretary of the Secretariat. If you have any problems, you don't need to report to the assistant minister of the Secretariat. You can go directly to me."

The Ministry of Justice has enough things to deal with, and the Secretariat is even more busy. After half a year, Li Nuo plans to spend time with his family. He wanted to refuse the Zuo Xiang, but the Zuo Xiang suddenly stopped, bowed to him, and said: "I am incompetent. I have been an official for so many years, but I have not been able to make the people of Daxia live a good life. I will leave it to you in the future..."

Looking at the gray-haired prime minister of a country, so servile, Li Nuo moved his lips, and finally could only say: "Okay, but I may not go to the government office every day."

The Zuo Xiang said without hesitation: "Okay, the Secretariat will not arrange official business for you, and you don't have to come every day. You can also arrange it yourself in the Ministry of Justice."

At this point, Li Nuo had no reason to refuse.

Having done so much for Zhao, if he returns to Daxia and does nothing, he will inevitably be criticized.

Li Nuo has rich experience in how to treat everyone equally.

Li Nuo nodded and said, "That's it. I will discuss the medical reform with the Imperial Hospital as soon as possible. I will also contact the Sinong Temple as soon as possible, as well as the Ministry of War. However, whether they listen to me or not is not certain..."

Zuo Xiang thought about it, took out the seal, stamped a few seals on several blank memorials, handed them to Li Nuo, and said, "Whatever you need them to do, write it yourself, no need for the door to review..."

As the prime minister, he is in charge of the affairs of the court, and naturally has some privileges that ordinary officials do not have.

When Li Nuo took the memorial, he touched Zuo Xiang's hand, and the aura in his body was invisibly affected.

Zuo Xiang sensed this breath, looked at him, and said in shock: "Have you cultivated a aura?"

Li Nuo nodded.

Zuo Xiang couldn't help but reach out and touch his head. A happy smile appeared on his old face, and he kept saying, "Good, good!"

Looking at this young face, he seemed to see the man twenty years ago.

At that time, he also had a noble spirit.

What a pity...

After a long time, he looked away, patted Li Nuo on the shoulder, and said, "Don't worry about anything. With me here, you can do whatever you want..."

After a while, Li Nuo walked out of Zuo Xiang's yamen and left Zhongshu Province.

With Zuo Xiang's promise, he wanted to do something, although it was still not as smooth as in Zhao State, but it was much more comfortable than before.

This old man over sixty years old, at least he was dedicated to the good of the people.

Just as Li Nuo left the palace gate.

Shangshu Province.

A middle-aged official walked into the right prime minister's office, closed the door, and whispered: "Teacher, Li Nuo is back."

The right prime minister put his hands behind his back, looked at the portrait of the Confucian saint on the wall, and said: "I know."

The middle-aged official continued: "The left prime minister wants to promote him to be the assistant minister of the Ministry of Justice and the secretary of the Central Secretariat. Should we object?"

Li Nuo was promoted from the fifth rank to the fourth rank in the dual official position in less than half a year. Even his father could not compare with him. This promotion speed is unprecedented. If the Shangshu Province objects, his promotion will definitely not be approved.

The right prime minister waved his hand and said, "No need. What should happen has already happened. Even if he comes back, he can't change the result."

The middle-aged official's eyes showed a trace of sadness, and he whispered, "If he had been transferred earlier, Dongfang Bo might not have died, and Chen Qi..."

The right prime minister turned around and said in a deep voice, "Including you and me, since we have chosen this path, we must be prepared to die at any time. Death is not scary, but meaningless death is scary!"

There was admiration and pity in his eyes, and he whispered, "I feel the aura of righteousness in him, but unfortunately, he was born too early. There is no place for him in Daxia now..."

The middle-aged official put away the sadness on his face and said again, "People in the Ministry of War said that the major aristocratic families are trying their best to send their children to the army, and many generals have received their bribes..."

Although war is unfortunate for the people, it is also a great opportunity for others to make meritorious deeds.

In a war, countless wealthy families will be destroyed, and new wealthy families will rise.

The right minister narrowed his eyes and whispered: "Send it, send it, the more you give, the better..."

…

After returning to Ningxinyuan, the attitude of the two female doctors towards Li Nuo changed drastically.

In the past, they guarded against Li Nuo as much as they guarded against a thief, and did not allow Li Nuo to sleep peacefully with his beautiful lady at night.

After returning this time, their attitude towards Li Nuo became very respectful, and they humbly asked Li Nuo for medical questions.

Although Li Nuo's medical skills were similar to theirs, his medical theory was unmatched by any other doctor.

The medical science of Zhao was already more prosperous than that of Daxia. In Li Nuo's mind, the essence of each school was integrated. It could be said that it was the culmination of the two countries' medical knowledge. It was more than enough to guide two people in the fourth realm.

In the afternoon, my mother-in-law brought my father-in-law to Ningxinyuan.

While eating, Song Zhe said to Li Nuo: "The three provinces are ready to promote you, so be prepared."

Li Nuo nodded and said, "I know. When I went to Zhongshu Province today, Mr. Zuo Xiang said it."

Song Zhe asked: "What position did the Left Prime Minister ask you to hold?"

Li Nuo said: "He is the minister of the Ministry of Justice and a member of the Central Book School."

When Song Zhe heard this, he stopped picking up the food and didn't know what he was feeling.

He had been an official for twenty years, and he had only climbed to the fourth-rank position. It was because of Li Xuanjing's killing spree, otherwise, he would still be wasting his position as a doctor in the Ministry of Personnel.

As for him, he had been an official for less than a year, and just like him, he was ranked as a minister.

The imperial court's rules that limited the speed of official promotion were in vain for him.

Although the power of the Minister of Criminal Affairs is not as great as that of the Minister of Civil Affairs, which can give him some comfort, he is also a member of Zhongshushe, which is the position that truly controls the country's secrets. The future prime minister will most likely be a member of Zhongshushe The chosen one.

People can't be compared with each other. He couldn't compare to Li Xuanjing back then, and he can't compare to Li Xuanjing's son now.

He calmed down, looked at Su Qing, and said, "It's a heavy responsibility to hold two jobs at the same time. I'm afraid he won't be able to take care of his family. You need to take more care of this beautiful woman..."

Li Nuo said: "It's okay. Zuo Xiang agreed. I don't have to go to the Yamen. My mother-in-law has taken care of my wife for so long, so it's my turn to take care of her."

Su Qing looked at Song Zhe, frowned and said: "We are all ministers, why can't others go to the Yamen, but you have to go every day?"

Song Zhe was immersed in eating, so he shouldn't say anything.

After finishing the meal, Yiren couldn't wait to show off her new clothes.

"It's so beautiful!"

"Master sister is so beautiful!"

Mu'er and Ning'er were very supportive and gathered around her, their eyes full of little stars.

The lady was so happy that she gave each of them a gem. The two sisters, who had been enjoying themselves just now, soon started to quarrel because of the different colors of the gems.

Li Anning rolled her eyes at her, looking hopeless. How could a princess be so happy just because of a piece of clothing?

Li Nuo knew that she was deliberately showing off in front of the beauty, so he held the beauty's hand and walked with her by the lake.

The beautiful woman held Li Nuo with one hand and held her belly with the other, and asked, "How are you and Yi Ren doing?"

Li Nuo told her one by one about their experiences in Zhao State. He looked back and said, "I don't know why, but she didn't let me tell you about this. Just pretend you don't know..."

Song Jiaren seemed to be more concerned about another question than this, and asked: "How did she break through the Grandmaster?"

Li Nuo knew that the beautiful woman would definitely ask this question.

Her competitive spirit is actually not strong, and she didn't show any signs of An Ning's breakthrough.

But Yiren's breakthrough has a different meaning.

In the past, she was stronger than Yi Ren.

Now that Yi Ren has overtaken him, it is normal for there to be a gap.

What's more, she used to be the strongest in the family.

But now, even Li Nuo's cultivation has surpassed hers, and she suddenly went from the strongest to the weakest...

Li Nuo could only comfort her and said: "It doesn't matter. After giving birth to the child, I will take you to the State of Zhao and let the masters of the State of Zhao be your sparring partners. If you can break through so quickly, you must be able to do it too... "

At the end of the walk, while the two female doctors were conditioning the beauty and An Ning, Li Nuo took the opportunity to pull the beauty into another courtyard, set up a soundproof barrier, and said, "Can you please stop showing off your cultivation in front of the beauty in the future?" ?”

Yi Ren curled her lips and said with an unconvinced look on her face: "Why?"

She has broken through the Grandmaster, and Song Jiaren has not yet broken through. If she does not show off in front of her, then what is the meaning of her breakthrough?

Li Nuo held her waist and said, "Be obedient."

Yiren's earlobes gradually turned red. After a moment, she lowered her head and said, "Okay, why don't I stop showing off in the future..."

Then, she looked around like a thief and asked, "Where are Song Jia and Li Anning?"

Li Nuo said: "In the room, two female doctors are conditioning their bodies."

As soon as the words fell, Yiren's arms suddenly wrapped around Li Nuo's neck.

Li Nuo asked in surprise: "What?"

Song Yiren snorted coldly, stood on tiptoes and said, "Huh, they used to snatch my husband-in-law, but now it's my turn to take revenge..."