There is no phoenix

On the afternoon of July [-]th, Shui Ruoyang and the crown prince were reviewing the memorial in the Chengde Hall, only to hear Dai Quan say back and forth: "Your Majesty, there is an official document of the battle report in the South China Sea, which was sent by the young prince himself!"

Shui Ruoyang hurriedly said: "Come in quickly!"

After a while, I saw Shui Rong came in with a happy face, met with Shui Ruoyang and the prince, and reported to the battle: "Father, this is an urgent report from the South China Sea Jiedu envoy and Li Tai! The rebellion in An Nanguo has been put down , King Annan is very grateful to our celestial dynasty for this help, and in order to reward us, he has paid 20 shi of Annan's refined grain and rice."

Shui Ruoyang received the two memorials and said with great joy, "Li Tai is indeed a talent!"

Shui Ze smiled and said: "Father, Li Tai and his son are both talented people. In my opinion, they can take on important tasks."

Shui Rong also said: "Father, since you have promised to marry Princess Nanning to Li Tai, I think it is better to let them get married in the South China Sea. Besides, An Nanguo has just quelled the civil strife. If they can guarantee their annual tribute, there must be a Delizhong will stay there."

Shui Ruoyang said: "Li Tai's last self-recommended report has already promised that he is willing to conquer the South China Sea, so I will let him be the governor of the South China Sea, govern the South China Sea with the South China Sea Jiedu envoy, and marry the princess there. Look at this OK?"

Prince Shuize said: "Father, I think this method is good. Let Li Tai become Princess Nanning's son-in-law, and he will be more loyal."

Shui Rong smiled and said, "With such a generous dowry as Princess Nanning, Li Tai won't feel wronged when he gets married there."

Shui Ruoyang said: "Li Tai went in a hurry this time, I asked the prefect of Nanhai and the governor of Nanhai to worry more about his wedding banquet with Princess Nanning. In another two or three years, if there are no more twists and turns in Annan and Nanhai, Let them go back to Beijing to visit relatives."

Both the crown prince and Shui Rong nodded in agreement.Shui Ruoyang asked Dai Quan to draw up an edict, and the next day the special envoy of the imperial court sent the edict to Nanhai. After Li Tai got married, the envoy returned to Beijing with the sending team.

Just as Shui Rong was about to leave, the Minister of the Ministry of War sent a battle report, saying that he had just received it, because the battle report was urgent, and was supposed to be sent to the Ministry of War, but Shui Rong had just left to see him, so he sent the urgent message here.

Shui Ruoyang took a look at the report, and immediately frowned.

Shui Rong hurriedly asked: "Father, what is the big deal?"

Shui Ruoyang said: "Bandits and bandits in Guizhou and Sichuan are rampant. They dare to attack the government offices, bully the cottages, and rob the officials and people of money and food. It's like gathering people to rebel. It's really abominable!"

After Shui Ruoyang finished speaking, he handed the battle report to Shui Rong.

Shui Rong took the report and looked at it, then hurriedly said: "Father, according to my son, this should not be an ordinary mountain bandit. There are thousands of people, and there must be the local chieftain's secret assistance. It should be called treason. You see , They not only robbed property, but also dared to burn posthouses, attack government offices, and kill officers and soldiers. I believe that the court should quickly send important generals to assist the local government. To change the outlook, we must completely wipe out these rebels."

Shui Ruoyang said: "Now the area of ​​Guizhou and Sichuan mentioned in the report, most of the people there are Miao people, and the location is very remote. Look at the report, it says that those bandits are entrenched in the mountains, easy to defend and difficult to attack, so the officers and soldiers I went to suppress it for more than a month, but it didn't work, and those bandits became more and more fierce."

Prince Shuizawa said: "Father, according to my son, Brother Rong is right. First, we must send someone to find out the reason, to see if it is caused by the incompetence of local officials like Yun Guang. Those who are really stubborn will be wiped out completely, and will never be tolerated!"

Shui Ruoyang said: "War in the mountains, the king of Nan'an can only lead people there, but it would be good to have a few capable generals. Rong'er, who do you think should go?"

Shui Rong thought for a while and said: "At that time, Li Taibai once wrote a poem saying 'The road to Shu is difficult, and it is difficult to go up to the blue sky'. Father and son thought that the people who want to be sent there must be familiar with the terrain and the mountains and jungles. Let's fight. Father, my son thinks of a few people who can go."

Shui Ruoyang hurriedly asked, "Who is it?"

Shui Rong said: "Wei Ruolan of the Western Jingxi Military Camp participated in the martial arts with Li Tai last time, and he is one of the few young people with outstanding martial arts. His hometown is in the mountainous area of ​​western Hunan, and he used to come back every year. His hometown in Xiangxi. Father, that Wei Ruolan is not only good at martial arts, but also very calm in his work. There are a few other people, that is, the bandits Zhang Jun and Tang Biao from Ping'an Prefecture, and that Zhang Jian. My son fought against them, and they They are good at martial arts, and they have been bandits in the mountains for two or three years. Especially Zhang Jun and Tang Biao, they lived in Sichuan for a few years, because they learned their arts in Sichuan."

After hearing this, Shui Ruoyang looked at Shui Rong with some doubts and said, "Rong'er, are you so relieved of Zhang Jun?"

Shui Rong nodded and said: "Yes, Father! These days when I took people to Ping'an Prefecture, I have a new understanding of Zhang Jun and these bandits. They are different from ordinary bandits, because many people admire them. They rob Food, food, food and shelter for their needs, most of which were given to the poor and helpless people. To tell the truth, the first time I met Zhang Jun’s three sworn brothers, I still felt that I was very close to him. Zhang Jun He liked to listen to the dramas of Lu Zhishen and Ma Chao, and said that he respected these two people the most since he was a child. He also said that Lu Zhishen was a chivalrous man and did not hesitate to stand up when he saw injustice. and Zhongyi, because at that time the minister didn't know that he was the bandit leader."

After Shui Rong finished speaking, he and Liu Xianglian met Zhang Jun and the other three in the tea house at night in Ping'an Town, and then they talked about listening to the opera together in detail, and then said: "Father, Zhang Jun came to the capital to see you." You, when we were on the road, Zhang Jian risked his life and brought people to rescue Zhang Jun, but Zhang Jun kept his promise with me and persuaded Zhang Jian to go away. Father, Zhang Jun is a sinner. I believe that the three of them will be excellent generals!"

Prince Shuizawa also said: "Father, since the case of Jia's mansion must be put down first, and we have to wait until Concubine Xiande gives birth, it is better to listen to brother Rong. My son also believes that Zhang Jun will take the crime and make meritorious service. If Zhang Jun and his men are allowed to go The military camp may be the best way. Father, these people are very loyal, and if the imperial court treats them extrajudicially, they will only become more loyal!"

Shui Ruoyang thought for a while and said: "Well, Rong'er, you go and bring Zhang Jun and the others over now, and I will ask them face to face to see if they are the kind of people who can commit crimes and perform meritorious service."

Shui Rong listened, so he bid farewell and went out.

In less than an hour, Shui Rong brought Zhang Jun and Tang Biao in.

Shui Ruoyang Zhang Jun Tang Biao and Prince Shui Ruoyang met, Shui Ruoyang said: "Zhang Jun, I have sent people to investigate your case and what you said. Yun Guang has been punished, but the matter of Jia's mansion must be postponed for a while." Wait, you must know all of this?"

Zhang Jun nodded, then knelt down to Shui Ruoyang and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, the young prince has already spoken to the sinner. The sinner has no other ideas now, and is willing to listen to the imperial court, without any complaints."

Shui Ruoyang said: "Zhang Jun, let me ask you, how many real bandits are there in Ping'an Prefecture?"

Zhang Jundao: "Back to the emperor, although we sometimes have up to 60 or 20 people on the mountain together, there are only more than [-] people who are really homeless like me. In addition, those who are poor and have no farm work will occasionally come out with us to rob. , Farm work is troublesome, and we have a good relationship and will help them with farm work."

Shui Ruoyang said: "Zhang Jun, the young prince said that you all have a heart of loyalty. Although you have gone astray, it is not too late to correct yourself now. You are a sinner, but the Ministry of punishment has not yet sentenced you. Zhang Jun , now I will give you and your brothers a chance to commit crimes and make meritorious deeds, I wonder if you are willing or not?"

After hearing this, Zhang Jun quickly kowtowed and said: "Your Majesty, the young prince is so affectionate to sinners. Your Majesty is benevolent. If the villain does not change his ways, it will be too much for a villain! If the emperor gives the villain another chance to be a man again, the villain is willing to go through fire and water , absolutely unambiguous. The villain believes, and so do the villain's brothers!"

Shui Ruoyang said: "Very well, Zhang Jun, are you and your brothers willing to join the army? Now the Miao people in Sichuan and Guizhou are in rebellion, and the imperial court needs elite soldiers to go there. The young prince recommended you and your two brothers. If any of your brothers are willing to join the army, and go to Guizhou to put down the rebellion this time, I will reward you for your merits like other soldiers. If you don’t want to go, you have to tell them to be good people with peace of mind from now on, and never again Playing around!"

After Zhang Jun heard this, he hurriedly pulled Tang Biao to kneel down together and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your extrajudicial grace. The villain is willing! Don't worry, your majesty, this villain's life was given by the emperor and the young prince. The villain will never let the emperor and the crown prince give it to you!" And the young prince is disappointed! In Ping'an Prefecture, the villain can get together with those brothers in one day, because now the villain's brothers are all near Ping'an Town at the junction of Ping'an Prefecture and Chang'an County!"

Shui Ruoyang was overjoyed after hearing this, and said, "Rong'er, take Zhang Jun and Tang Biao to the Jingxi Military Camp tomorrow and tell Wei Ruolan that the day after tomorrow let him take some outstanding military academies to Ping'an Town with Zhang Jun and Tang Biao, and gather Zhang Jun and Tang Biao together." Those under your command will set off in four days from the Southern Expedition Army, led by the King of Nan'an, and pass by Ping'an Town in Ping'an Prefecture. Zhang Jun, when the time comes, you and Wei Ruolan will bring your people and wait at the post in Ping'an Town. Zhang Jun, let me ask you again, how many people do you think are willing to go with you?"

Zhang Jundao: "It is estimated that there are about twenty or thirty people."

Shui Ruoyang said: "Okay, that's it, Zhang Jun and Tang Biao, you will go to Beijing West Daying with the young prince tomorrow, and discuss with Wei Ruolan about going to Ping'an Town."

After hearing this, Shui Rong hurriedly said: "Father, don't worry, I will take Zhang Jun and Tang Biao to the Jingxi military camp tomorrow morning!"

After Shui Rong left, Shui Ruoyang saw that the sky was getting late, so he hurriedly said to Shui Ze who was still reading the memorial: "Ze'er, go back and rest, Rong'er is going to the Jingxi Military Camp tomorrow, and you will bring the Prince of Nan'an and the Minister of the Ministry of War here tomorrow morning." Here, we will discuss together to put down the rebellion of the Miao people in Guizhou."

After hearing this, Shui Ze hurriedly packed up the memorial on the case, and walked out with Shui Ruoyang.

Early the next morning, Shui Rong Shui'an took Zhang Jun and Tang Biao to the Jingxi military camp on horseback.

Shui Rongshuian Zhang Jun Tang Biao came to the Jingxi military camp, and first went to meet the coach Shenwu General Feng Tang.Shui Rong talked about Zhang Jun and Tang Biao. Feng Tang saw that Zhang Jun and Tang Biao were handsome and chivalrous, and he liked them, so he called Wei Ruolan who was training recruits in the school grounds.

Wei Ruolan is Shi Xiangyun's husband, and he is also tall and handsome.Shui Rong told about going to Guizhou to quell the rebellion, Wei Ruolan hurriedly said: "Don't worry, young prince, the man joined the army to protect the country and the people, I will pack it up when I go back today."

Seeing Wei Ruolan being so forthright, Zhang Jun and Tang Biao felt respectful.Shui Rong then asked Wei Ruolan to take Zhang Jun and Tang Biao to the school grounds, so that Zhang Jun and Zhang Hua could meet up together.

After everything was settled, Shui Rongshui'an rode back on his horse, and thought of going to see Daiyu on the way.Because of the busyness of the past few days, Shui Rong hasn't seen Daiyu for nearly ten days.Shui Rong smiled and said to Shui'an: "Shui'an, now, you can accompany me to see my future princess, Zijuan and Chunxian, which one do you like better? My princess who has never been married said that when I marry Xueyan , I’m going to marry Zijuan and Chunxian, if you don’t choose first, I’ll let my concubine marry them to someone else.”

Shui An hurriedly asked: "Chun Xian is not even 15 years old."

Shui Rong smiled and said to Shui'an: "Shui'an, don't look at me. I don't know. I knew you were attracted to Zicuckoo. I won't try you. I'm afraid you have lust and no courage."

Shui'an hurriedly said: "Then how dare the young prince be so bold, you and Concubine Feng even went over the wall to see Princess Miaoyu and Miss Lin, how dare I?"

After hearing this, Shui Rong hit Shui'an hard and said, "Okay, Shui'an, you've been specially inquiring about such things. I think you've become cunning too. Last time, you should have given Xueyan to you first, and asked Li Lei to marry Zi Cuckoo is good."

Shui An hurriedly said: "Master, you have wronged me, how dare I inquire about you? Didn't you tell me when we returned to the mansion together on the day my son-in-law got married last time? If you don't tell me, I don't know how you and I are married. The son-in-law is going to climb over the wall to meet people at night?"

Shui Rong hurriedly stopped, and asked in disbelief, "Shui'an, did I really say it myself?"

Shui'an said: "Why didn't you admit it? Could it be that I said it? I didn't go over the wall with you, how would I know? Didn't you say that you didn't think that the wall of the Grand View Garden was as high as the wall of our Beijing Palace? But you and Feng Ziying can't be troubled. It's just that the majestic young prince of Beijing secretly went over the fence of his house at night. It's not good to spread the word, isn't that your original words?"

After hearing this, Shui Rong quickly reined in the horse's head and said, "Shui'an, did I really say that?"

Shui'an said: "That's still fake."

Shui Rong hurriedly said: "Shui'an, please don't tell my sister Miao Yuhuang and Miss Lin about this matter, if they know, you must have said it! Did you hear that?"

Shui An hurriedly swore: "Don't worry, Lord, I've never said that before. It's not that Lord is talking about being timid, how can I remember such a thing?"

Shui Rong said: "No wonder people say that misfortune comes from the mouth, I was really drunk that day."

Shui'an said: "That's right, you drank more than half of the wine that other people offered to the son-in-law that day, but luckily the younger brother of the son-in-law blocked it, otherwise it would be difficult for us to go back. Young prince, I can remind you first, wait for you On the wedding day, you can't drink like this, be careful that the princess is not happy."

Shui Rong hurriedly said: "I first promised Feng Ziying that I would help him stop drinking. I know that my imperial sister doesn't like men to drink alcohol the most, so I try not to let Feng Ziying drink. When I get married, I will naturally not get drunk. At that time, you and Xianglian and Chen Yejun helped me block it, and I dare not ask Feng Ziying, my brother-in-law, to block the wine again, and now that Sister Huang is pregnant, if I make her unhappy, Mrs. Feng will blame me!"

Shui An said with a smile: "Don't worry, my lord, when my lord gets married, I'll do my best to help my lord stop drinking!"

Shui Rong smiled and said, "That's not too bad."

Shui Rong and Shui An were chatting and laughing, and arrived at Linfu Daiyuan in a blink of an eye.

The two got off their horses and entered the yard, where they saw Lin Zhong and Hu Shan with a few people, playing with some freshly bought flowers and trees in the yard.Seeing Shui Rong and Shui An coming in, Lin Zhong and Hu Shan rushed into the living room.

Seeing that the furnishings in the living room had taken on a new look, Shui Rong hurriedly smiled and said, "Uncle Lin tidied up quickly enough."

Lin Zhong said with a smile: "It's thanks to Hu Shan who brought people to help. There will be a wedding soon, so naturally we have to clean up."

Shui Rong hurriedly said: "Uncle Lin, if there is not enough manpower, I will send the family of Erfang over there."

Lin Zhong hurriedly said: "No, there are several farmers in this village who have come to help. Hu Shan's father has already hired people, and they are all businessmen on Chang'an Street together. Yu'er said to keep it as simple as possible, and the dowry is the same."

Shui Rong hurriedly asked: "Uncle Lin, I don't know when you plan to go to Jia's Mansion?"

Lin Zhongdao: "My lord, Yu'er said, I will go to Jia's mansion to deliver wedding invitations on the 24th, and by the way, please invite the old lady and Yu'er's aunt and cousins ​​to come here for a gathering on the 26th or 29th. What do you think?"

To know how Shui Rong answered, read below.