The First Yamen of the Great Song Dynasty

Chapter 150

According to the agreement, Song State will pay Liao State 10 shi of grain every year for three years from this year, and then pay [-] taels of silver every year to take over Youzhou, Shunzhou, Jizhou, Zhuozhou, Yingzhou, Mo State, Tanzhou.

The Liao Kingdom will gradually evacuate relevant personnel from these cities from now on, ensuring that the evacuation will be completed before January [-] next year, and the Song Kingdom will take over completely.

Zhang Lin immediately drafted the letter of credence, and after the two parties signed it, the talks ended in an unhappy but harmonious atmosphere.

When the Song people left the Yamen of Youzhou and walked to the street, Ma Zheng looked at the bustling crowd on the street, feeling unreal, and murmured: "This, this land will belong to the Song Dynasty in the future?"

An official next to him patted him on the shoulder, "Don't doubt it, yes."

Looking at the scene on the street again, I was full of emotion in my heart. It was not until I returned to the embassy and drank a few glasses of wine that I completely digested the good news of taking back Youzhou. wine.

He drank wildly, wrote poems when he was drunk, and then either lay down under the table in a mess, or vomited against the wall.

Zhao Kai just watched everything silently with a smile on the side, neither participating nor stopping.

Gao Ming held a good amount of alcohol, after drinking for a while, almost everyone else collapsed, only him and King Yun were left on the table.

Zhao Kai looked at the drunkards and messes in this place, smiled and said to Gao Ming: "You are the greatest hero, you will be crowned king this time when you go back, congratulations in advance." Thank you Gao Ming for your contribution.

"Thank you, Your Highness." Gao Ming gulped it down without leaving a single drop, and looked at Zhao Kai with a smile, all the joy was expressed without words.

-

Gao Ming slept until noon and didn't get up. Even so, he got up early in the embassy, ​​and the others were still asleep.

After washing up, he went to the lobby to ask for something to eat, and was about to go back to rest when he heard that Yelu Dashi from the Liao Kingdom Mission had arrived.

Gao Ming went out to meet him, when Yelu Dashi saw Gao Ming, he asked his attendants to let a horse out, and said with a smile, "Let's talk?"

Gao Ming readily agreed, got on his horse, and walked side by side with Yelu Dashi, riding the horse all the way to the outskirts. The two found a place with a wide view, sat on the ground, and let the horse graze freely nearby.

Yelu Dashi threw the wine bag to Gao Ming, "It's cool in autumn, take a sip to warm yourself first, so you'll be prepared."

Gao Ming took a sip, so hot that he could only breathe out.

Yelu Dashi laughed and said, "Didn't you say that you would give us this kind of purer wine when you returned to Song Dynasty? Why didn't you say anything?"

Gao Ming said with a smile: "Didn't the talk break down last time? In that case, I proposed to give you wine. Didn't I cause trouble for myself? But this time it's different. The agreement was successfully signed. I promise, I will definitely go back to you." Bring wine."

There was always a smile on the corner of Yelu Dashi's mouth, but his tone was indescribably lonely, "This agreement is your consummation, but not ours. When I went back yesterday, the prince was very drunk."

"I can understand." Gao Ming said briefly.

Yelu Dashi said sadly: "I used to study history and read about the decline of the Tang Dynasty. I couldn't help but sigh, pretending that if I was in that time, how to save it. But I didn't expect that God really put me in the same situation."

Gao Ming knew that Yelu Dashi would go west and sweep Central Asia, "If you make the right choice, you are already saving the country. At the crossroads of history, sometimes, success is a choice, and failure is also a choice. .”

For example, Zhao Ji chose to unite Jin to destroy Liao at the beginning, which started the beginning of cholera.

"Did I make the right choice?" Yelu Dashi asked Gao Ming, "Cut off the east of Taihang Mountain to avoid the two-front war in Liao."

Gao Ming heard that Yelu Dashi was worried about the integrity of Song State, "You can rest assured that we are willing to unite with Jin State for the sake of Youzhou City. Now that it has been taken back by peaceful means, we have no reason to fight with Jin State again. Besides, if our country has a different heart, there is really no need to subsidize your food and rescue the people of the Liao Kingdom. You really don’t have to doubt this, of course I understand, after all, you are also worried about the fate of the Liao Kingdom.”

Yelu Dashi stared into Gao Ming's eyes for a long while, looked up to the sky and sighed, and smiled wryly, "How can He De, the Great Song Dynasty, be worthy of a subject like you. The cession of Youzhou was almost facilitated by you. By the way, the young deputy of your mission Shi, the status is great, right? You don't have to deny it, although he doesn't talk much, but every time he speaks, you Song people will shut up and listen, and when you finally agreed to the terms yesterday, you first looked at him, seeing He agrees, and you agree."

Gao Ming just smiled and said nothing.Anyway, the contract was signed, and the Liao Kingdom would not do such a strange thing as detaining Zhao Kai as a hostage.

Yelu Dashi said: "I heard that the emperor of your country likes the third prince Zhao Kai the most, can it be him?" Seeing that Gao Ming did not deny it, he knew it, "But he is not the prince."

He changed the subject, "He took back Youzhou this time, so I'm afraid he will be the crown prince."

Yelu Dashi thought of the issue of Liao's own heir. Is it the popular Yelu Aoluwo, or Xiao Fengxian who supports Yeluding?

The emperor was suspicious and jealous of the heir, far less trusting of his son than Song Guo, who was willing to ask people to come out to practice.

"Whether it is or not depends on what the official wants."

Yelu Dashi said enviously: "It can be seen that you have a good relationship. If he becomes the prince, he will ascend the throne in the future, and he will use you to make a career." Compared with him, it is difficult, he has no future The heir to the empire who can reuse him can look forward to.

Should he follow the example of Gao Ming and Zhao Kai and support Yelu Aoluwo?

Gao Ming smiled wryly and sighed, "I will accept your good words, but... I'm afraid it won't be all smooth sailing."

Yelu Dashi smiled and said, "I have a hunch that if it were you, I would."

"You too, will definitely make a career." Gao Ming said, in fact, he really wanted to say, no, you can pull people out to do it yourself, the Western Regions are so vast, wouldn't it be great to go there, you are also a descendant of Yelu Abaoji .

"When you go back this time, people from Wanyan's family will arrive soon, how do you plan to entertain them?" Yelu Dashi asked.

Yelu Dashi made an appointment with Gao Ming, the first was to confirm that the Song State would not join forces with the Jin to destroy the Liao Dynasty, and the second was to ask the people of the Jin State about their itinerary after going to the Song State.

"As a landlord, entertain them well, eat something good, wear something nice, come happily, and go happily. Don't worry, we will never unite with the Kingdom of Jin again since we signed an agreement with Liao."

You have all met our requirements, why are we still talking about Jin Guo, don’t you think?

Yelu Dashi nodded, "I believe in you. With your guarantee, we are all relieved. Similarly, please trust us. From now on, our people will gradually evacuate."

Gao Ming smiled lightly, "Although Youzhou City has returned to Song Dynasty, if you want to come and play, you are welcome at any time."

Yelu Dashi understood what Gao Ming said. If he came again, he would have to pass the checkpoint of Song State. He was not willing, "Yes. However, the situation in the city is complicated. Liao State can't guarantee how you deal with the future. gone."

It is easy to fight the world, but it is difficult to sit in the world. Getting it back is the first step, and there are indeed challenges in the next step.

"If we can take it back, we can manage it well. Let the local people continue to live and work in peace and contentment."

"Yes, live and work in peace and contentment." Yelu Dashi was very moved. No matter who owns it, what the people want is to live and work in peace and contentment.

It was late, the two talked for a while, and then set off to return to the embassy.At this time, the people in the embassy got up one after another, and when they saw Gao Ming walking in, they dragged him to the banquet without asking where he was, and got drunk for a while.

With a happy mood, everyone embarked on the return journey. Some people were not used to it and said, "Go back to Song Dynasty."

Another person corrected him, "It's back to Tokyo, the land under our feet is already Song Kingdom."

When everyone heard the words, they laughed happily. This was the happiest correction in the world.

Gao Ming was naturally also happy, humming a little tune from time to time on the road, and returned to Tokyo beaming.

Before arriving at the city gate of Tokyo, the soldiers reported, "The officials greet His Highness and all the adults at the gate of the city in person."

Zhao Ji personally went out of the city to meet the wind. After hearing this, everyone hurriedly straightened their clothes and even looked in the mirror to improve their appearance. At such a critical historical moment, they had to show their best condition.

From a distance, you can see the colorful decorations on the city gate, the drums and music, not only the royal guard of honor, but also the common people spontaneously watching and celebrating.

Seeing the black and swaying heads, Gao Ming really wanted to put on a pose and wave to them. What does it mean to return to one's hometown with honor, to return to one's homeland in good clothes?That's it.

Zhao Ji led his entire team out of the city to greet him, and it is estimated that this is the standard for offering sacrifices to heaven.

Zhao Kai dismounted first, and the others followed suit, and walked towards the city gate on foot.

Every step is followed by the cheers and praises from the surroundings, which is truly eye-catching.

Zhao Ji greeted him with outstretched arms, with tears in his eyes, "What the kings of the Song Dynasty dreamed about has finally come true today."

From Taizong to his father Emperor Shenzong, every generation of monarchs wanted to take back the sixteen prefectures of Youyun, and he finally realized it here.

Although Yunzhou is still in the hands of the Liao Kingdom, with the city in the east, the fence in the north is much stronger.

Since the news of the signing of the covenant with the Liao Kingdom came back, all the people in the court rejoiced, and the monarchs and ministers wished they could hug each other and cry.

Moreover, this time it was the prince Zhao Kai who led the team. With such a feat, who would dare to say no to him helping him to become the crown prince?

Standing beside his father and younger brother, Zhao Huan felt not happiness but despair.

No matter how many conspiracies and tricks, before the real great achievements, they are all as light as a feather.

How long can he stay in the crown prince?

At this moment, Cai Jing and Tong Guan also abandoned their prejudice against Gao Ming and immersed themselves in the joy of the country's recovery of Youzhou.

The wrinkles on Cai Jing's face became more wrinkled, and Tong Guan's beard became more elegant.

When everyone returned to the palace, there was already a banquet waiting, there was nothing to say, there was nothing that could not be celebrated with one banquet, and if there was one, it would be two.

First, a grand banquet was held in the main hall that all the courtiers could participate in. After the celebration, Zhao Ji arranged a small-scale banquet in Genyue to reward the members of the mission individually. It took three days for the banquet to be considered as the end of the celebration.

Gao Ming was happy when he was happy, but he always felt empty in his heart because he didn't see Hua Rong.

Only after asking his father did he find out that Hua Rong was still training soldiers in the barracks, so he probably didn't even know he was back.

When Gao Ming was considering whether to give him a surprise, he was forcibly dragged away by Murong Yanze to have a drink.

"I can't catch your shadow all day long, you are not allowed to go anywhere, you must follow me!" Walking to the door, just in time to meet other people who also invited Gao Ming to the banquet, Murong Yanze waved his hand, "Lord Gao, Today we have made a decision, no matter whose family you belong to, go back!"

Today's Gao Ming deserves to be the most delicious pastry in Tokyo, and everyone wants to come to enjoy the joy.

Gao Ming doesn't give others face, but Murong Yanze is an old friend with him, he has to give face no matter what when he invites himself.

Murong Yanze and Gao Ming exchanged cups, and said with a sour look: "When we were in the Imperial College, I thought we were similar, but who knew you were flying higher and higher, and I fluttered my wings nervously, but it's really better than that. But you."

How alike they were at the beginning, the younger brother of a noble concubine and the son of a captain, both ignorant and incompetent, spent their days in the Imperial College, and later held Cuju competitions together, but later Gao Ming's life turned upside down, His achievements are getting higher and higher, beyond his reach.

Gao Ming said humbly: "I traded my life for this. I just have a big life. This is not a good thing. Maybe I will explain it next time."

Murong Yanze smacked his lips, "Well, even though that's the case, my sister never told me to leave the capital, so I was delayed." After that, he said as if he had made up his mind: "Now that Youzhou has been recovered, it is Here's my chance!"

A manly man, watching his friends make great achievements, how can he let himself waste time, he should do something.

Gao Ming asked curiously, "How do you say that?"

"I want to invite the officials to call me the magistrate of Youzhou!" Murong Yanze raised an eyebrow at Gao Ming, "How about it, isn't this difficult?"

It's not a good thing for Youzhou to just take it back without even finding out what's going on inside.

After the governance is done, it's okay to say that if there is a mess, you will have to take the blame.

Now everyone regards that place as a hot potato, so no one covets the post of magistrate in the huge city of Youzhou.

Seeing Gao Ming staring blankly at him not speaking, Murong Yanze bumped his elbow in dissatisfaction, "Why, do you think I can't sit still?"

"No." Gao Ming came back to his senses and said with a smile: "I want to say that you have changed too. The old you felt that everything was dangerous and refused to leave Tokyo."

"I was inspired by you, what do you think of this reason?"

Gao Ming thought, this means that he has played the role of an example, making Murong Yanze not to be left behind, but also wants to make contributions.

He couldn't help laughing, "Who would have thought that one day I, Gao Yanei, would be able to set an example for the people around me?"

Murong Yanze usually talks about loving and hurting Gao Ming, but that is to show affection, but if Gao Ming really belittles himself, he can't get used to it, put his hand on Gao Ming's shoulder, and said seriously: "Don't say that about yourself, you are now But you are a role model in the world. If you don’t believe me, go out and scold Gao Ming on the street and see if anyone beats you.”

"I am so beloved?"

"Hmm! The women who want to marry you probably all go to Youzhou."

Only then did Gao Ming remember that he hadn't told Murong Yanze about his relationship with Hua Rong, wondering if he should come out publicly at the wine table, "You know Hua Rong, right?"

"Isn't he training soldiers, that's why I didn't invite him here, let's get together again when he's free in a few days!" Murong Yanze thought that it was because Gao Mingti Huarong didn't invite him today.

"No." Gao Ming whispered to Murong Yanze, "I have Hua Rong, so I can't marry others."

His father already knew about it, so he didn't miss Murong Yanze as a friend.

"Oh, so that's how it is." Murong Yanze nodded casually, picked up the wine cup in one hand and continued to drink, while drinking, the maids around saw him frown suddenly and looked at Gao Ming, the wine in the glass did not swallow at all, It all dripped out along the rim of the cup, spilling all over the skirt of the clothes.

Murong Yanze recalled, "Are you joking?"

Gao Ming slowly shook his head, "No."

Murong Yanze ran through the various details of Gao Ming and Hua Rong in his mind several times, and suddenly realized, "I said that the two of you were together during the Lantern Festival and never took me with you! So that's the case!"

A belated epiphany.

Gao Ming shrugged.

Then Murong Yanze muttered with a weird expression, "It turns out that you two are in this kind of relationship... How can I say this feeling?"

"Reasonable, unexpected?"

"Yes! That's what it feels like!" Murong Yanze, as a person who has been on the front line of Dasong Entertainment all year round, has no psychological barriers to accepting it. He just finds it strange to happen to a friend, "Seriously, should we just play around? "

After finishing speaking, thinking of Gao Ming and Hua Rong's tribulations along the way, he asked himself and answered, "It seems to be serious."

Gao Ming said: "Of course." Picking up the glass to drink, he heard Murong Yanze ask: "Who is the one below?" He glanced at Gao Ming, "Needless to say, I know."

"You have so many messy questions, aren't you afraid of being hacked to death by Khitans in Youzhou?" Gao Ming diverted the topic, "To prevent you from being hacked to death, I will give you a trick. If you can go to Youzhou, first Hold a few fun competitions, all Khitan people, Xi people, Korean people, Jurchens, Han people all come to play! Let’s enhance the relationship first. There must be many Khitan people who are not convinced that Youzhou will return to the Song Dynasty, let’s paralyze them with entertainment first! "

After hearing this, Murong Yanze clapped his hands in amazement, "You still have an idea, tell me quickly, what kind of competition should you hold?"

"There is no rush for the game. When you arrive in Youzhou, the first thing you do is invite the local elders over 70 years old to have a banquet, which is called the banquet of thousands of old people. At the banquet, there are 54 dishes from our Song Dynasty on each table, and dishes from the north 54 courses, a total of [-] courses, collectively known as the North-South Banquet. Food is the most important thing for the people, and I don’t believe there is a nation that doesn’t like food. Arrangements are made for all kinds of offerings. I think it's more appropriate, and I changed the name to a more catchy and easy-to-understand 'Hot Pot', what do you think?"

Paxiagong is the current name of the hot pot, and it is made of rabbit meat.

However, Gao Ming thinks that mutton boiled is the kingly way, and it is time to call the hot pot to embrace the mutton.

Murong Yanze nodded repeatedly, "That's a good idea, besides, it's old people who are invited. No matter what race they are, they respect and respect the old. If you win over the old men, are you afraid that other people will resist? If you can really ask me to be in Youzhou Prefect, I am confident that I can make the people in the city truly surrender."

These soft policies are backed by the military.But weapons cannot be easily shown, and what is put on the bright side has to be peaceful.

When Huarong became a soldier, he happened to be stationed there.

In history, the poor military discipline of the Song Dynasty army caused great resentment among the local people in Youzhou. This time the same mistakes cannot be repeated.

The soldiers trained by Hua Rong, needless to say in terms of military discipline, will definitely correct the talent and stink of the current soldiers and ruffians. Once it is effective, it will be expanded and promoted, and troops with strict military discipline will be selected to station in Youzhou City.

Murong Yanze was full of confidence, "I feel that everything is ready now, so the officials sent me there."

Gao Ming said: "I will also speak well for you, and I will protect you." He supported Murong Yanze as the magistrate of Youzhou, not all because of his friend's selfishness, Yu Gong, he also felt that Murong was a suitable candidate, and sent a diehard It's not a good thing when the old antiques are in the past and the conflicts are intensified.

He believed that Murong Yanze could fool the old men in Youzhou.

In addition to respecting and respecting the elderly, there is also the blessing of delicious food, so there is nothing to worry about.

Let me ask, who can resist delicious food?

Isn't Yelu Dashi "worried" that Da Song won't be able to swallow Youzhou City, so just prove it to him, there is no need to worry.