The First Yamen of the Great Song Dynasty

Chapter 142

Hearing that Gao Ming had an idea, Zhao Kai leaned forward slightly, and looked at Gao Ming expectantly. He was very nervous now. After all, what Gao Ming said would be related to the future stability of the Song Dynasty, and it would have far-reaching consequences.

Gao Ming was not in a hurry to express his strategy, but was still slowly analyzing, "If they open their mouths and ask the Liao Kingdom to cede Youyun permanently, they will definitely not allow it. You must know that the Liao Kingdom has overlooked the Central Plains for a hundred years. The state of Song has always been arrogant in its mentality. Asking them to hand over their rich and important towns, the shame in their hearts is no less than that of my Song Dynasty handing over the old coins."

Others still agree on this point. The national strength of the Liao people has declined, but their pride is still there.

"So? What should Gao Aiqing see?"

Gao Ming said: "I think, tell the people of the Liao Kingdom that the sixteen prefectures of Youyun will be leased for 30 years, and the rent will be 20 taels per year. Step by step, first receive Youyun into the hands of the State of Song and then slowly plot."

"Leasing?" Zhao Ji was startled, "30 years? Only 30 years."

Will it be returned after 30 years?

"Isn't it going to be returned after 30 years?" Cai Jing said.

He is worthy of being a person who can secure a position, he knows exactly what Zhao Ji is thinking.

Think what Zhao Ji thinks.

What Zhao Ji wanted was to annex Youzhou and Yunzhou and their state capitals forever, and he didn't want to have a 30-year deadline to leave a troublesome tail.

"If you don't go back, it depends on the national strength of the Song Dynasty and the Liao Kingdom. Whoever can work hard to govern, this cloud will be in his hands." Gao Ming analyzed: "And it's like we think that this cloud will sooner or later One day he will go back, so the Liao Lord must have such a hope in his heart. At least keep a glimmer of hope, so that he can accept it more easily in his heart and save face."

Otherwise, Yelu Yanxi's mentality would definitely not be willing to take out the Youyun area.

But if the time limit is 30 years, it will be different. Yelu Yanxi is almost 50 years old. According to the life expectancy of this age, he will soon die. Can he collect it and leave the debt to his son? If he doesn't come back, it means that his son will not ask for debts, and it has nothing to do with him.

Tong Guan smacked his lips, "Even if the Liao Kingdom is willing to give it, it's like raising a child for someone else, who will never be familiar with it after all. Besides, giving them another 20 taels of silver, isn't it the best way to send back the old coin that was just cancelled?"

"That's it, even the Liao Kingdom may not be willing to give it to them, why are there so many leaders?" Gao Ming said: "Bringing Youzhou back, even if it's only for 30 years, is definitely a good deal. Besides, Liao's internal and external troubles, can you Support for 30 years is still two words."

Gao Qiu said sharply: "Lease in name, but in fact it is still ceded. Besides, Youyun is rich, and there are taxes to collect."

In this era, cities can be directly fought for, and it is almost impossible to close the city after 30 years.

The reason for this is that the name has a good name, and it gave false psychological expectations to Yelu Yanxi, who was good-faced and fun-loving in the Liao Kingdom.

Just because Yelu Yanxi was fooled by Xiao Fengxian, Jurchen would not leave his hometown too far, as long as he fled west, Jurchen would not be able to catch up, he believed in this point.

Yelu Yanxi is more of an ostrich mentality, and often ignores the facts when evading issues.

It is a country that is collectively led by future generations. When it comes to the issue of the two countries, the character of the leader must be considered, let alone the contemporary era of absolute monarchy.

Zhao Ji glanced at Zhao Kai who was next to him. If the 30-year lease would really allow the Liao Kingdom to surrender Youyun temporarily, considering his age, his son might have to solve this problem at that time.

If the Liao Kingdom is strong at that time, it will definitely ask for it.

If the Liao State falls apart and the Song State becomes stronger, there is no need to return it.

Cai Jing shook his head, "The 30-year deadline is a hidden danger after all."

"Isn't it a hidden danger if you are going to fight with handsome soldiers now? If you take it today, they will be able to take it back tomorrow in a legitimate way. It's not as good as this." Zheng Juzhong choked on Cai Jing.

Due to the status of Gao Ming's father, Gao Qiu couldn't be too cuddly in front of the officials, and kept nodding to express his attitude.

Gao Ming continued: "Besides, just because of this situation, the Liao Kingdom is still unwilling to lease Youzhou, and the price will have to be increased."

Zhao Ji said painfully, "Aren't you willing to cede the rent of 30 yuan per year for 20 years?"

Zhao Kai said to his father in a low voice: "Think about the attitude of the Liao lords of the past dynasties towards our Song Dynasty, and how important Youzhou and Yunzhou are..."

Zhao Ji calmed down a lot. Youzhou and Yunzhou were like one of the limbs of the Liao Kingdom. It was indeed not so easy to agree to someone's broken arm.

Zhao Ji asked in a trembling voice, "Then what else should I give them?"

"It's hard to say. It depends on how we negotiate with the Liao Kingdom. But I think they may not agree to these two things. It depends on their attitude at the negotiating table. Maybe food aid, or something else. But please rest assured, I will do my best to suppress the conditions!"

He just reminded Zhao Ji that these things alone were probably not enough, so he had to prepare himself.

With these two conditions, it is still possible to talk about it. If not, I am afraid that there will be no chance to bargain. It is really difficult to have an empty hand in Youzhou.

Zhao Ji had a psychological expectation, "I know, but I absolutely can't let the Liao Kingdom slaughter me. However, I believe that Gao Aiqing's ability will not let the Liao Kingdom take advantage of it. Not surprisingly, the Liao Kingdom will soon exempt the New Year's Eve." Bi's credential to Youzhou, when the time comes, I will send you there."

Gao Ming took the order, and everyone had no objection to this, except for Gao Ming, no one else dared to accept it.

"Officials, I would like to recommend a few candidates for crossing the sea and Jurchen's horse market trade, and bringing people from Wanyan's family to Tokyo."

Just as Zhao Ji was about to talk about this matter, Gao Ming took the initiative to nominate a candidate, which came just in time.

"You write the candidate as a memorial and hand it up." Zhao Ji was tired today, so he didn't want to care about the minutiae.

Zhao Kai saw that his father was tired again, so he took the initiative to ask Ying, "I want to participate in the whole process of the agreement between Liao and Jin, and I ask my father to allow it."

In fact, what Zhao Ji regretted a little was that he didn't ask Zhao Kai to go to Liao Kingdom with Gao Ming, otherwise the old coins would be exempted now.

But now there is still a chance, and that is to take back Youyun Sixteen States through negotiations. If this is done...

With such merits by his side, who would dare to say no to Zhao Kai's entry into the East Palace?

Thinking of this, no matter whether it was from the country or from his own selfishness, Zhao Ji immediately regained his spirits and said, "It's up to you to do it." Then he looked at Gao Ming, "And it must be done!"

Looking around, he obviously said to Cai Jing and Tong Guan: "No one is allowed to say anything else!"

Gao Ming breathed a sigh of relief, in fact his luck is not too bad, after all he has the support of King Yun.

And King Yun is Zhao Ji's favourite, in order to let him take the position, Zhao Ji will agree to some measures.

"Yes."

The first meeting of Song and Liao on the leasing of Youyun Sixteen States was temporarily over, the general direction and the bottom line were finalized, and they waited for news from the Liao Kingdom, and then rushed to Youzhou for the final negotiation.

Gao Ming and his father left the palace and returned home. Gao Ming rushed back to his room and fell on the bed.

Tired, he was really tired.

Gao Qiu also felt sorry for his son, "Really, I told you to run up and down, but fortunately, you have King Yun supporting you. Otherwise, I really don't know how many layers of skin you have to lose to accomplish these things."

"That's right..." Gao Ming closed his eyes and muttered to himself, "We don't have much time to waste. I'm back in the Song Dynasty, and Jurchen must be waiting to write a letter."

He made an appointment with the people of Wanyan's family that when he returned to Song Kingdom, he would send people across the sea to Jin Kingdom to trade in the horse market, and by the way, his family would be taken to Song Dynasty for further study.

Zhao Ji did not reject the arrival of the Jurchens, and enlightening them might not be a two-footed strategy.

Neither side should offend, it is in line with Zhao Ji's mind.

Gao Qiu said: "By the way, you told the officials that you have candidates, but who do you want to recommend?"

Gao Ming turned over and said in a low voice: "Father, I suggest that Li Jun, who is recruited from Liangshan, go there. They come from reckless backgrounds, have seen all kinds of postures, can cope with the harsh environment of crossing the sea, and will not be underestimated by the Jurchens. Father , Do remember, we must not expose the true strength of our Song Dynasty, we must put on airs."

Gao Qiu remembered Li Jun. The fact is that after the conquest of Fang La, these Liangshan troops were completely dispersed and distributed to various places. Because Li Jun and others were outstanding, they were assigned to serve in the Jinling Navy.

"Ask them to go?" Gao Qiu nodded. It was indeed a good choice. Going to sea was dangerous, and a navy general with a deep foundation might not be willing to do it.

The Jurchens are also fierce, and it is indeed more suitable to call Li Jun, who was born as a water bandit, the Liangshan team.

Gao Ming said: "I thought about it early in the morning. He and Tong Wei and Tong Meng are the most suitable candidates. In addition, I would like to propose a person who is going to the Kingdom of Jin for horse trading, and that is Song Jiang."

Song Jiang is the bandit leader of Liangshan, and he can be called a brother and brother with the murderer. It is estimated that he will not be embarrassed by the Jurchens. Besides, this person is loyal to Da Song. The most important thing is that he has a dark heart but is good at pretending to be innocent. He is very suitable for evil of Jurchen trade work.

Gao Qiu didn't know Song Jiang very well, but he believed his son's vision, "Tell King Yun that you can go to Shuguan's house again." Speaking of this, he felt sorry for his son and said: "Everything has to be done, no matter how big or small. You worry about it, but my son is exhausted, so stop talking and take a good rest."

Just as Gao Ming had this intention, he lay on his back on the bed, and when he heard the door closing when his father walked out, he sighed, "I'm exhausted."

He knew in his heart that he still had to go to Youzhou to talk, and then wait for Wanyan's family to come over, everything was just the beginning.

He fell asleep, and when he woke up, he thought of one more thing, that is, Huarong's old grandmother was waiting for him to meet.

He didn't have a chance to chat with Hua Rong at Jiefengyan last night, and he didn't see him today, so he doesn't know how his family is doing.

Most importantly, has Huarong come out with his grandmother?

It seems that his family is also an only seedling, and the situation is also very serious.

Alas, when the only child falls in love, there are so many considerations.

However, he believes that Huarong's character will definitely be able to successfully complete the task of coming out.

Seeing that Gao Ming got up, Gao Qiu hurriedly asked the servant girl to prepare meals, and wanted to have a good father-son dinner with his son.

As soon as the two of them sat down at the dinner table, a servant girl came to report that General Hua had arrived, and after the front foot finished speaking, Hua Rong had already walked in on the back foot.Since the matter between Ya Nei and Hua Rong was made public, the servants of Taiwei's Mansion stopped stopping him, just like going back to his own home.

When Gao Ming saw Hua Rong, he smiled happily and said, "Why are you here?"

Gao Qiu sighed first, then smiled and said: "You came at the right time, let's sit together, along the way, Ming'er is thanks to you for taking care of me, I have to thank you very much."

Before Huarong could speak, Gao Ming said, "Father, one family, what two families are you talking about?"

Gao Qiu shook his head helplessly, and smiled wryly at his son, "Just face Hua Rong."

Hua Rong sat down and said with a smile: "Ya Nei is right, it's only natural for me to take care of him."

Gao Qiu suddenly remembered Hua Rong's family affairs, and said sullenly, "Why are you here? Have you explained everything to your family?"

Gao Ming looked at his father, looking like he wanted to support him, and couldn't help laughing, why, he was afraid that he would suffer, and forced Huarong to explain clearly to his family?

Hua Rong said: "I said it, and then my grandmother passed out, and she just woke up this morning."

Gao Ming grinned, these parents were too frightened and fainted at every turn.

Gao Qiu thought of his performance back then, and felt the same for the old lady, "Is it okay for the old man?"

"It doesn't matter, her body is stiff." Hua Rong looked at Gao Ming, "She wants to see you, would you like to come?"

Gao Ming has nothing to hesitate, "Of course. When the old man sees me, how can I not see him?"

Hua Rong held Gao Ming's hand, "Come back with me later, the old man is waiting."

Gao Qiu knew that this was Huarong's parent, so he said, "You can't go empty-handed, you bring something for the old man."

Hua Rong hurriedly said: "No need, I just want to meet him, so there is no need to prepare a gift." After repeating this several times, Gao Qiu complied with him.

Although Hua Rong had already eaten, he still ate some more. After the meal, Gao Ming followed Hua Rong to the outside of the mansion. ,carried me."

Hua Rong's whole body was tense, and then Gao Ming saw that his temples were soaked with sweat.

Gao Ming hurried down, took him by the hand and walked back to his room.

Hua Rong said: "What are you doing, it's getting dark, let's go quickly."

"Don't talk, just follow me."

Seeing the two of them entering the house together, Gao Qiu shook his head. Even if something happened after entering the house, they had already been released several times along the way, and it was useless for him to stop them.

Alas, let these young people go.

Gao Ming brought Hua Rong into the house, and went to untie his belt. Hua Rong smiled and said, "What are you doing? Let's talk when we come back."

"Don't talk." Gao Ming threw away Hua Rong's belt and told him to turn around. Hua Rong knew what he was doing, "Forget it, just stop watching."

Gao Ming inhaled, "Don't talk nonsense! Hurry up!" Hua Rong had no choice but to ask Gao Ming to look at his back.

Gao Ming saw the bruises on Huarong's back after being beaten with sticks, "The old lady beat her herself? Is she really an old lady? This is too cruel."

Hua Rong pulled down the clothes, "Just look at it, I've already taken the medicine myself, so it doesn't matter."

Gao Ming could imagine the scene, the old lady told Hua Rong to change his will, but he didn't.

Gao Ming felt distressed, wanted to touch but dared not touch, "She really can do it."

"After all, the result is good." Hua Rong said with a smile: "She has already compromised."

Gao Ming said: "Did you use the excuse that you were injured?" Seeing Hua Rong nodding, he grinned, "You still beat him so hard when you have excuses? If there is no excuse, why don't you beat someone to death?"

"It's already very light. That's because she's getting old. When she was able to cut people with a knife two years ago, when her legs and feet were flexible, I might not be able to come to see you wholeheartedly."

Gao Ming rolled up his sleeves, "Why hit my husband-in-law? I'll settle the score with the old lady!"

Hua Rong hugged him with a smile, knowing that although Gao Ming was joking, but he cared about him so much, he was naturally very happy, "She let go in the end, and there is another important reason, that is, the other party is you. You saved the old coins for Da Song, But she is a hero in the world. On the contrary, she thinks it is my fault, and doing such things will tarnish your reputation, so she asked me to invite you to confront her."

Gao Ming nodded hastily, "Okay, let her see our relationship."

Huarong fastened his clothes again, went out with Gao Ming, and came to Huarong's house.

When they arrived, it was dark and the lights were just coming on, so as soon as they entered the door, they saw the old lady sitting under the light with a shadow on her face, which was quite scary.

Mrs. Hua once had a relationship with Gao Ming. That time she went to Beijing to catch her granddaughter who fled to participate in a Cuju competition. Outside the Cuju field, she met her grandson Hua Rong and his friend Gao Ming.

At that time, she didn't like the notorious Gao Ya Nei at all, but who knows that Gao Ya Nei has improved year by year, and now he asked the Liao Kingdom to exempt the old coins, just like a hero of the Song Dynasty.

When she saw Gao Ming coming in, she looked him up and down, and saw that he was a young man with delicate features, especially between his eyebrows, he had an air of his own, which made people feel very comfortable.

Gao Ming paid her a visit first, "I've met the old matriarch." As soon as the words finished, the old matriarch stood up and bowed to him, "Master Gao exempted the country from the centenary coin, please accept the old lady's bow."

Gao Ming thought it was a scolding, but he didn't expect the old man to be so polite, so he went to help the old lady, "I'm spoiling this junior, how can I bear it?! Get up quickly!" Gao Ming helped the old man back to the chair, a little bit At a loss.

Mrs. Hua glared at her grandson bitterly, and said to Gao Ming: "I invited Mr. Gao to come, just to say that you don't have to worry anymore. I will strictly discipline this evil person, and never let him hold Mr. Gao down. damage your reputation."

Gao Ming's meritorious deeds in exempting the Liao from the old coins must be famous in history, how can he call his bastard grandson a stain on Gao Ming, a loyal minister of the Song Dynasty? !

Seeing that the old man's eyes were determined, Gao Ming must be serious, and quickly explained: "It's not Hua Rong's fault..."

"Sir Gao, don't hide it for him, he has admitted it himself." Mrs. Hua asked her grandson sharply, "Tell me, did you have evil thoughts first?"

Hua Rong did not deny this point, and nodded.

Mrs. Hua said angrily: "It's fine for you to degenerate yourself, how can you ruin the reputation of others?!"

It was all his grandson's fault, he himself was injured and useless, so he started not to follow the right path, and deliberately seduced Gao Ming to fall together.

Gao Ming thought distressedly, what is Hua Rong's fate? His father thought it was his fault, and his own grandmother also thought it was his fault.

Mrs. Hua and her father are completely two kinds of parents, one is good for their own children, and the other is wrong for their own children.

Mrs. Hua became more and more angry as she talked, and raised her crutches to beat Hua Rong.

Seeing that Huarong was not hiding, Gao Ming hurriedly said loudly: "Wait a minute, listen to me."

The old lady's crutch stopped in mid-air.

Gao Ming felt that the words were pale, so he came to Huarong, raised his head on tiptoe and kissed his lips.

Mrs. Hua was dumbfounded. There was a big difference in impact when she heard that her grandson was with a man, and seeing her grandson with a man with her own eyes.

Seeing is believing is extremely lethal, Mrs. Hua was dizzy for a while, and her crutches hit the ground, but she was strong enough to hold on, and did not fall, "Master Gao, you..."

Gao Ming said: "You see, it's what I want. It's not Hua Rong's fault that we are in love with each other."

The old lady Hua was heartbroken, "Why do you do this, how will future generations evaluate you?"

When she thought about the stigma left behind by her grandson and Gao Ming in the history books because of Long Yang's broken sleeve, she was heartbroken.

It would be fine if both of them were unknown, but they were already destined to be famous in history.

Thinking that her grandson would be despised for hundreds of years because of this, she wished she could beat him to death now, so as not to humiliate the family.

Gao Ming persuaded with a smile: "You really don't have to be so nervous. I used to be nicknamed Huahua Taisui, and I didn't have much reputation."

"It's all old stuff, no one remembers it for a long time. Besides, it's not the same as Longyang Duanxiu."

There are many good women, and it is difficult to attract people's attention in the vast history books, but the good men are different, they are very prominent.

Gao Ming said: "I have my own bottom line, but I don't get too entangled in things above the bottom line. I don't care about false names. The truth is, if I cared about false names, I wouldn't be able to get to where I am now. If someone The relationship between me and Huarong, I look down on us, so let him go, I don't bother to care about the attitude of such a person."

Mrs. Hua shook her head with a bitter face, "...It's still not good. I believe that without Hua Rong's dirty thoughts, you wouldn't fall into this quagmire and get all dirty."

"You misunderstood, there is no quagmire, and there is no dirty water. We have achieved each other, without Hua Rong, I am not what I am today." Gao Ming said: "Compared with Hua Rong, the name is not worth mentioning. Please don't talk about it. I don't care. something."

Mrs. Hua also saw Gao Ming's true attitude, and she was still heartbroken. She didn't discipline her children and grandchildren well, and spoiled other people's children, how could she have the face to show others.

Gao Ming continued to express his position, "No matter what, we are inseparable, why don't you help us."

Old Madam Hua said: "Since you have made up your mind, I won't say anything more. However, I also advised Mr. Gao not to delay the business, don't waste too much time on him, the important thing is to marry a wife and have children."

Don't delay other people's business because of your poor grandson.

Gao Ming said: "I haven't thought about it yet. Although it's good to leave offspring, if you have a wholehearted person and stay with you for a lifetime, you won't have any regrets."

Mrs. Hua raised her head and sighed, what a good speech, she hoped that her grandson would be worthy of his sincerity, she looked at her grandson, and saw that he kept pursing his lips and smiling, obviously it was very useful.

Forget it, the young people have already thought so clearly, and there is no need for her to say more.

She got up, pointed at Huarong with her crutches and said: "You should make contributions, even though you have no descendants, you are not in vain." After finishing speaking, she left.

After she left, Gao Ming sighed, if only the old matriarch and his father's education attitude could be neutralized.Huarong has no parents, and following such a hard-core old lady, it is estimated that the family warmth she experienced should not be too much.

He loved Huarong from the bottom of his heart, stepped forward, and hugged him silently.

Hua Rong lowered his head and asked him, "What's wrong?"

"It's nothing, I just want to hug you."

Hua Rong smiled and hugged Gao Ming back.