The First Yamen of the Great Song Dynasty

Chapter 128

In the evening, Gao Ming came back from the Imperial City Division. As soon as he entered the mansion, he ran into the old governor, "Ya Nei, Taiwei, I want you to come over. I have something important to tell you."

Gao Ming nodded, and said that he would go to the study when he knew it. The old man followed behind him. Gao Ming felt that the old man was staring at him, making him very uncomfortable. He frowned and turned around suspiciously. To see him.

Guan Jian, the old man, noticed that he was staring at his steps, and hurriedly stepped forward to stretch the back of his clothes, "It's a little wrinkled."

Gao Ming said: "It's better to ask someone else to do the job of flattening the wrinkles." The old man has served his family for many years, and he is not young, so there is no need to do such trivial things.

The old Duguan smiled awkwardly, "The affairs of the yamen are my affairs."

Gao Ming could taste some sad emotions from the eyes of the old man, "Is there something wrong with you?" Could it be that the old man is old and has some illness?

Old Duguan shook his head, it's not me who has something to do, but you in the Yamen, "No. The Taiwei is still waiting for you, you go."

Looking at Ya Nei's back, the old man pulled his clothes with hatred, why couldn't he say something to persuade Ya Nei, alas.

Gao Ming entered his father's study room, and saw Gao Qiu sitting on a chair with a solemn expression, he asked worriedly, "What's wrong, Dad?"

Judging by the degree of entanglement on his father's expression, the seriousness of the matter is unusual. Could it be that the matter between him and Hua Rong was discovered?

Then run away immediately and hide at Murong's house or Yan Qing's.

But can he outrun his father, a former athlete?

Well, I'm a little confident. His father hasn't exercised for a long time, so it shouldn't be a big problem.

Gao Qiu took a sip of tea to moisten his throat, opened his mouth and said, "That guy Wang Fu, it's not a thing, he even suggested to the official that you send New Year's coins."

"Give New Year coins?"

"It's fine if it's just to transport old coins, but the officials see that the Liao country is exhausted now, and want to send envoys to negotiate with the Liao country to reduce or exempt the old coins. When the Liao country is really spending money, it would be good not to levy more. How can it be reduced or exempted?" Idiots talking about dreams, this is an unfulfilling assignment. He actually asked you to go, and he has no good intentions!" Considering that in front of his son, Gao Qiu, as a father, would stop complaining, but the abuse and cursing towards Wang Fu in his heart never stopped stopped.

Gao Ming was taken aback for a moment, but the Liao Kingdom was busy dealing with the Jin Kingdom now, even if Song Dynasty didn't give them the old coins, they probably didn't have time to send troops to beat them up.But Wang Fu didn't open his eyes. He didn't know that the Liao Dynasty was destroyed. If the Jurchens' rebellion was just a flash in the pan, and when the Liao Kingdom wiped them out, they turned around and beat the Song Dynasty, which had fallen into trouble, then the picture would not be too beautiful.

And Zhao Ji actually agreed with Wang Fu's proposal. It can be seen that the current leadership team has problems and lacks a long-term vision.

Seeing that his son didn't speak, he thought he was frightened, so Gao Qiu comforted him: "However, I have already complained to the official several times, telling him not to arrange for you to go to the Liao Kingdom. I called you here to tell you that if the officials test your thoughts, you must not agree, even if you cry and hug his legs, you must let the officials dispel this idea."

Gao Ming was silent, to be honest, he really wanted to take this opportunity to visit the Liao Kingdom and find out the details there, this might not be a good opportunity.Knowing yourself and the enemy is invincible, sitting at home is tantamount to building a car behind closed doors.

"actually, I……"

As soon as Gao Ming said three simple words, Gao Qi stood up abruptly, jumped up to him, and widened his eyes, "No! If you dare to take half a step out of Tokyo, I will interrupt you." leg!"

There is a fact in Gao Qiu's heart that he doesn't want to face, that is, maybe his son is willing to agree to go on an envoy.

No matter what, in short he doesn't care, just don't allow this bastard to go out and take risks.

"I haven't said anything yet."

"Then don't talk about it!" Gao Qiu said angrily, "You really hate your life! Usually that place is not treated by people, but now bandits are everywhere, how dare you set foot there? Besides, how do you tell the Liao Lord to reduce or exempt the old coins?" One matter? Be careful to cut it off with a knife, and you will be buried in a foreign land. Or do you have the immortal body like Gongsun Sheng?"

"That's not true." Gao Ming said realistically.

"Then don't think about it." Gao Qiu was really anxious, his eyes not only showed sternness but also tears, "Otherwise, father, father..."

"Look at you, why are you still excited?"

Gao Qiu stared, indicating that he was telling the truth.

Gao Ming had no choice but to wave his hands, "Okay, okay, I'm just an idea, since you said so, I just give up the idea."

Seeing his son say that, Gao Qiu's expression softened a little. The father and son had dinner together, and during the dinner, he repeatedly urged his son to go down.

Gao Ming returned to his bedroom, sat at the desk and thought.

This time, he would still ignore his father's words. If he followed his true wishes, he would not only want to go to the Liao Kingdom, but he would also like to wander around the Jin Kingdom.

This opportunity to go abroad is very precious.

However, having said that, he is indeed a little worried. It is impossible not to be afraid. If you go on a trip, you have to worry about car bandits and road tyrants, let alone going to an enemy country.

But with the problem in front of us, he gritted his teeth and had to go.

Otherwise, the whole country will overturn in the end, and he will not end well.According to the current trend, when the Northern Song Dynasty perishes, the small imperial court after the Southern Transit will definitely find all kinds of scapegoats to take the blame for the emperor's mistakes. Alcohol died suddenly.

Knowing that there are tigers in the mountains, and walking towards the tiger mountains, it is probably such a tragic state of mind.

Don't look at Zhao Ji not agreeing to appoint him to Liao Kingdom in front of his father.But according to his understanding of Zhao Ji, he should have already made up his mind. If there is no accident, he will be summoned in the next few days to "fool" him to voluntarily sacrifice himself for the country.

That being the case, Gao Ming got up the next morning and ordered to go down to make various preparations.Write clearly what you need to bring.

While Zhao Ji was looking for envoys to the Liao Kingdom, he was also looking for suitable candidates for the new Jiangnan Yingfeng Bureau.

Zhu Xi was completely useless, not only ran away, but also ruined his reputation in the south of the Yangtze River. It was really hateful, and he was sent to death row to wait to die.

As for the new candidate, even Zhao Ji knew that this was a fat vacancy. Seeing all the officials in the court staring at him like black-eyed chickens, Zhao Ji also had a headache.

In fact, the most suitable candidate is Gao Ming, but he has to stay in Tokyo on business, ah no, he has to be envoy to Liao.

What Zhao Ji thinks is that if Gao Ming can be sent to Liao, he will definitely be free of money until he is old.

This idea is too strong, even if his former golf friends begged him with tears in their eyes, he still didn't give up the idea.

In the end, Zhao Ji decided to call Gao Ming and ask him for his opinion. If he was willing to plead for his country, then it would not be considered difficult for him to force others. Gao Qiu could not say anything, at least he would not run to him and cry.

Picking a good weather, Zhao Ji called Gao Ming to enjoy the flowers in Genyue, and then arranged wine and dishes in the pavilion, the monarch and his ministers drank together, and the atmosphere was harmonious.

But Gao Ming knew that Zhao Ji was going to "pit" him. Sure enough, after a cup of wine, Zhao Ji said with emotion: "Now the treasury is empty, but the Liao Kingdom keeps urging the Song Dynasty to deliver the old coins. The old coins are not only to deprive The property of our country is also a shame on the head of Song Dynasty. Since I became the throne, I have always wanted to erase this shameful treaty."

Is that right, you have been eating, drinking and having fun since you ascended the throne, Gao Ming said solemnly, "As the officials say."

In fact, the number of old coins is not too much, and through the border trade between Liao and Song Dynasties, this little money has long been earned back.

It's just that I was forced to ask for protection money, not the amount of money, even if it was a penny, I felt aggrieved.

Zhao Ji said: "I thought it was an opportunity to negotiate and ask the Liao Kingdom to make concessions when I went to Beijing to transport New Year's coins. I didn't mean to cancel it, but to reduce it. I have also explained to the people in Jiangshan. This trip is a big task, and I have been looking for suitable ones. Candidates, I wonder if Gao Aiqing can be recommended by someone?"

Self-recommendation, hurry up and self-recommendation!Zhao Ji looked at Gao Ming with a smile.

Gao Ming thought to himself, instead of being named, it is better to sell the emperor's face and volunteer, "I am willing to go to the Liao Kingdom to complete this matter for the officials."

Zhao Ji stood up on the spot, walked up to Gao Ming, and said with a smile: "Gao Aiqing is just like your father, she is really a pillar of the country!"

Gao Ming said again: "As a citizen of the Song Dynasty, when the country needs it, I should throw my head and blood."

Zhao Ji personally poured a glass of wine for Gao Ming, "I will pay respects to the martyrs for the country!"

Gao Ming pretended to be very moved, "I will definitely live up to the entrustment of the official family. If there is any mistake in this trip, please ask the official family to appoint a son for my father to take care of him."

Zhao Ji comforted: "I've thought about it for the past few days. As an envoy, your safety must be guaranteed, so let Hua Rong go with you." After speaking, he smiled meaningfully: "This arrangement is not bad, isn't it? .”

Well, originally Gao Ming also wanted to propose that Hua Rong accompany him, but Zhao Ji mentioned it first, "Thank you for the officials. I have another proposal. I hope that the deputy envoy of the mission should be appointed as Lord Wang Fu. Eloquent and eloquent, the most important thing is that I heard that he has a very good memory and has the ability to never forget. Ask him to accompany him, remember the scenery along the way, the appearance of the Liao Lord and his neighbors, and dictate it into a book when he comes back. A precious piece of information."

Zhao Ji even sent Gao Ming to be an envoy, not to mention Wang Fu, who immediately nodded in agreement, "Tell him to go with you."

Gao Ming was satisfied, "However, I need a few days to prepare, so I can't leave immediately."

"That's okay." Anyway, compared with every year, the time has been delayed, not bad for a few days.

The monarch and ministers sat down again, because Zhao Ji had achieved his goal, he was happy, and Gao Ming was even more satisfied. He just remembered the appointment arrangement that troubled him, so he decided to give this opportunity to Gao Ming as a benefit of his willingness to go on an envoy , "By the way, there is a shortage of personnel in Yingfeng Bureau. I don't know who Gao Aiqing thinks can be competent?"

In fact, Gao Ming was also staring at this matter. Without Zhu Shi, he didn't want to come to another man. Now that the emperor asked his opinion, he didn't hide it, and told his favorite candidate, " The minister has two candidates."

When Zhao Ji heard that there were two more, he nodded to Gao Ming while drinking and said.

"The first one is Murong Yanze. He built palaces for the official family, and he also knows about flowers and stones. The second candidate is Yan Qing. The official family also knows him. It's just right."

Zhao Ji had thought of Murong Yanze before, but considering that there might be Fang La's remnants in the southeast region, he was afraid that Murong Yanze might make a mistake going there.But the name Yanqing made Zhao Ji's eyes shine, yes, why did he forget him, isn't he the right candidate, he is not only his close minister, but also has the ability to organize the local area.

Zhao Ji stroked his beard and narrowed his eyes, "Yan Qing is indeed a suitable candidate." Yan Qing was in his favor, and he was willing to sell his favor to Gao Ming, so he said: "Then, according to Gao Qing's family As you said, ask Yan Qing to be nominated by the Jiangnan Yingfeng Bureau."

You obviously want it yourself, but you insisted that you followed what he said, Gao Ming thought to himself, but said: "The official is a sage."

-

Yan Qing's promotion should be promoted by the Bureau. Liang Shicheng, who was next to the emperor, knew the news at the first time, and told Yan Qing to sell favors, so Yan Qing naturally knew that the biggest hero was Gao Ming who recommended him, so he went to Fengle Building hosted a banquet for hospitality.

Originally, Gao Ming had shown kindness to Yan Qing, and now he helped him to take over such a fat job from the Jiangnan Yingfeng Bureau. Yan Qing was naturally grateful to Gao Ming, and kept saying good things to thank during the meeting: "My little Yan Yi can be what he is today, all thanks to Master Gao's support."

Gao Ming smiled politely and said: "Don't say that, I recommend you because you are suitable for this position. If you ask other people to go, those people may be another Jumian, but you are different, Xiao Yi, I believe You can handle matters in Hangzhou well."

Yan Qing smiled and said: "It's not difficult, Mr. Gao has opened up the way for me, I just need to continue Mr. Gao's previous policy."

"However, I heard that the officials seem to intend to ask Mr. Gao to go to the Liao Kingdom. This matter is really dangerous. If I don't want to go to Hangzhou to take up the post, I would like to accompany you."

"It's enough to have your words, but you don't have to worry about me. I'll take Huarong with me. With his protection along the way, there won't be any problems."

"This is true, but I'm afraid that the Liao Lord will not be able to deal with it. After all, this time is not a simple delivery of old coins, but a request for reduction or exemption. But I believe that with the ingenuity of Mr. Gao, it will be successful."

"I'd like to borrow your words." Gao Ming and Yan Qing exchanged cups, and they didn't leave the restaurant until the lights came on.

Gao Ming was about to get into the carriage, when he saw a man coming on horseback from a distance, it was Hua Rong, Yan Qing hadn't left yet, and said with a smile: "Isn't General Hua here to pick up Master Gao?"

Gao Ming smiled in his heart, of course he came to pick me up.

Hua Rong got off the horse and said to Gao Ming, "I'm going to your house. I heard you're out for a banquet, so I'll come over and have a look. Have you finished your drink yet?"

Yan Qing said with a smile: "At first I planned to invite General Hua, but I went to your house and said that you were in the army, so I had a drink with Mr. Gao first."

"It doesn't matter, the future will last." Hua Rong was more concerned about Gao Ming: "Since the drink is finished, I will pick him up."

Gao Ming said: "I don't want to sit in a sedan chair, it's so boring. After drinking, I just want to enjoy the cool breeze."

Hua Rong smiled and said, "Okay, I'll help you get on the horse."

Gao Ming got on his horse and called Hua Rong: "You come too."

Hua Rong looked around, the lights were just on, but there were still many people on the street, so he declined, "Forget it, I'll lead the horse for you."

Gao Ming tugged at him, and said in a coquettish tone, "I don't care, come up quickly."

Yan Qing just laughed at the side.

Hua Rong was also willing at first, but Gao Ming immediately agreed when he begged, got on his horse and pulled the reins, and walked forward with Gao Ming.

Gao Ming waved to Yan Qing: "Goodbye."

The two ride a horse together, but they don't know that all this is being seen by another person.

There was a person standing by the fence on the second floor, staring at the two people riding away.

He had already tried to avoid Gao Ming, but he didn't want to come to Fengle Building today to listen to the music and see Gao Ming and Hua Rong again.

The scene of the Lantern Festival was so vivid in his memory that he couldn't even tell whether the scene before him was cruel, or whether the scene on the Lantern Festival made him sadder.

Or rather, they were all the same, and they all made his heart ache.

"Your Highness? Your Highness?"

Hearing the followers around him calling him, Zhao Ji woke up like a dream, took a few deep breaths, his face was frosty, and he glanced at the two people who were gradually going away before leaving.

Zhao Ji sat in the room blankly, and the affectionate appearance of Gao Ming and Hua Rong once again appeared in front of his eyes.

He discovered a sad fact that he had no place from the beginning to the end, and even Gao Ming didn't even look him in the eye.

After the Lantern Festival, he also inquired about the relationship between Gao Ming and Hua Rong. Hearing those thrilling stories, he almost gave up his heart. Such a life-and-death relationship is beyond his ability to intervene.

But seeing them again in Fengle Building today, he was stabbed in the heart again, and it was sad because he would never be able to intervene.

He wasn't even eligible to play.

In such a mood, he fell ill that night, and he even had a premonition that if he couldn't digest the depressed gas in his heart.

I'm afraid he won't survive.

The eunuchs around him get along with him day and night, so how can they not know what the prince is thinking, and he can see that the prince is unwilling, if he doesn't vent his anger, this man may not get better.

But it was not easy to express such bad breath, Gao Ming was the emperor's favorite minister, and even ordinary princes would be afraid of him when they saw him. Although Hua Rong was a military commander, it was not easy to have Gao Taiwei to protect him.

Suddenly, the eunuch had an idea. Since Huarong was protected by the Taiwei, he didn't tear down his shelter.

Everyone knows that Gao Taiwei adopted Gao Ming as his son just to continue the incense. Now that his son has gone to the wrong side, Gao Taiwei knows, so he has to kill Huarong instead of his own prince.

"Your Highness, the matter between Gao Ming and Hua Rong must have been kept from Gao Qiu. I didn't know Gao Qiu..."

After Zhao Ji heard this, he raised his hand and gave him a slap, "It's not your turn to come up with bad ideas!"

He also deduced that Gao Qiu didn't know about it, but if Gao Qiu knew about it, then not only Hua Rong would be hurt, but Gao Ming would also be affected.

The eunuch was beaten, although it didn't hurt, but he was taken aback by Wang Ye's appearance and didn't dare to mention it again.

Although Zhao Ji didn't want to hurt Gao Ming, it didn't mean that his father didn't want to. The next day, he heard the news that Gao Ming was appointed as the special envoy to Liao.

He forced himself to sit up, "Change and enter the palace."

He wants to meet his father, hoping that he will take back his life, the Northland is dangerous, how can he ask Gao Ming who has experienced several dangers to take another risk.

Zhao Ji went a step late, and was told that Taiwei Gao had already entered the palace before him, so he was not in a hurry to call the eunuch to report.It would be great if Gao Qiu could change his father's mind, lest he come forward to stop him and make his father see something wrong.

After a quarter of an hour, he saw Gao Lian walking out with a face full of pain, a shadow cast over his heart, could it be that he didn't succeed?

Zhao Ji took the initiative to step forward and talk, "Is the Taiwei running around for the sake of high-level envoys to the Liao Kingdom?"

Knowing that his son had rescued Zhao Ji, Gao Qiu cried and said, "Yes, I came to ask the officials to change their minds, but I heard that it was my son's own wish. How can I speak?"

"He wants to?" Zhao Ji was also taken aback.

At this time, Liang Shicheng laughed and said, "With Hua Rong following, I believe he will protect Mr. Gao again."

Gao Qiu was not willing to listen, "According to your opinion, he will still be in danger, and Hua Rong will have to come to rescue him?"

Liang Shicheng was a little embarrassed, "That's not what I mean." What's the use of beating me, this is the idea of ​​the officials and Gao Ming.

When Zhao Ji heard Hua Rong's name, his whole body seemed to have fallen into a hole in the ice. From the inside to the outside, he was completely chilled, especially in his heart, where there was no warmth at all.

He seemed to understand why Gao Ming agreed to go to the Northland. Instead of sneaking around in Tokyo, Huarong would feel comfortable going out to the Northland.

Thinking about how the two of them left, they acted even more like no one else, and the hatred he had accumulated for so many days could no longer be suppressed. Leng Sensen said with a smile: "It turns out that Hua Rong is with you, no wonder."

Gao Qiu and Liang Shicheng knew Zhao Ji's temperament, but they were also taken aback by his sudden mood change.

Especially Gao Qiu didn't understand that Zhao Ji should care about his son, but why did he show such an expression when he heard that his son was protected by Hua Rong.

Zhao Ji hooked the corners of his mouth, "It's really good, going to the Northland to spend the little days of two people, it's a special feeling."

When Liang Shicheng heard this, he felt that something was wrong, so he found an excuse and left.

Gao Qiu was left to look at Zhao Ji in a daze, what are you talking about, why does it sound weird?

Seeing Gao Qiu's confused face, Zhao Ji laughed even more mockingly, "Hua Rong rescued Gao Ming three times and four times. I'm really moved. I'm afraid that's the same for his family. The two are about the same age, but they both It's a tacit agreement not to marry."

What exactly do you want to say, Gao Qiu didn't understand for a while, but he also vaguely felt that something was wrong, "What exactly does your highness want to say?",

Zhao Ji didn't want to be fooled anymore, and directly dealt Gao Qiu a fatal blow, "This year's Lantern Festival, I saw Hua Rong kissing Gao Ming on the street, and Gao Ming had no intention of refusing."

Gao Qiu's head was buzzing, as if he was a little top-heavy from the spirits that day, and he said angrily, "Nonsense!" But then he realized that he had lost his composure, and gritted his teeth and said to Zhao Ji: "There were so many people on the street that day, it must be because of the wrong shadows. , His Highness misunderstood them. They have deep affection for each other, how could His Highness misunderstand them?"

Zhao Ji sneered calmly, "That's right, it's no wonder you are the only one who is hiding it. Think about it, even the king has witnessed it on the street, how can others not see it, why don't you go back to the house and ask the servants. Or you Watch out for yourself."

Gao Qiu didn't want to talk to Zhao Ji anymore, this person is really hateful, his own son saved him, not only did he not read good news, he even slandered him, "Your Highness, take your leave."

Don't try to shake his trust in his son and Hua Rong with such crazy slander.

It must be that Zhao Ji is sick and has no friends, and is jealous of his son and Huarong.

Gao Qiu sat in the sedan chair, thinking bitterly.

However, uncontrollably, scenes emerged in my mind, the images of my son getting along with Hua Rong, how they talked and laughed, how they looked at each other, and that time they were hunting in the woods and the next day after Lantern Festival, when they were sleeping late, he caught them look...

ah!Gao Qiu seemed to have been stabbed in the head. Although it hurt, he seemed to have cleared his mind in an instant.

The sedan chair returned to the Taiwei's Mansion, and as soon as it stopped, he lifted up his clothes, showed his ability in kicking Cuju, ran back to the backyard, and shouted: "Yan Nei! Call Ya Nei!"

Old Du Guan heard the Taiwei shouting, stepped forward and said: "Taiwei, Ya Nei is still in the Imperial City Division and has not come back."

"Where's Hua Rong?"

The old man couldn't wait to see Hua Rong, and said with an awkward expression: "I should still be in the army, anyway, I didn't come today."

Gao Qiu didn't pay attention to the expressions of his servants before, but now he saw the old man's appearance, and immediately became alert, "You tell me the truth, what do you think of Hua Rong?" Grabbing the hem of his shirt, he asked sternly, "Tell me the truth, does Ya Nei have a problem with Hua Rong?"

Old Duguan wouldn't take the initiative to say it, but he didn't want to hide it after being questioned by Gao Lian. He nodded painfully, "Taiwei, you finally found out."

Gao Qiu was annoyed immediately, seeing him push, pointed at him and said angrily, "Why didn't you tell me?!"

Old Duguan looked at the Taiwei sadly, "I'm afraid you can't bear it, besides, I'm afraid it's just a whim, and I'll get tired of it after a few days."

"This kind of thing can't be the first!" Gao Qi was dizzy with anger, but there was still a glimmer of hope in his heart, that maybe the two of them had just begun to show signs of it, and the situation was not serious, "How do you see them? Did you read it wrong?"

After all this, the Taiwei still had fantasies in his heart, and the old Du Guan ruthlessly broke his fantasies, "In the garden, I saw Hua Rong and Ya Nei eating cakes."

Gao Qiu breathed a sigh of relief, it turned out that the two of them were just eating cakes, what's the big deal, Zhao Ji might have misread it, and the old man thought it was a misunderstanding, maybe it was all a misunderstanding. "What's all the fuss about eating pastry?"

"But Huarong feeds the yamen with his mouth."

Gao Qiu only felt a dull feeling in his chest, and he tightly grabbed Lao Du Guan's skirt, "You—you—"

Why don't you step forward to stop it? !

But this sentence, he couldn't say it, and a thousand words were stuck in his heart.

Then, unable to catch his breath, he rolled his eyes and lost consciousness.

-

Gao Qiu woke up and saw many servants surrounded by the bed. Thinking that all these people knew about the affairs of the yamen but kept it from him alone, he couldn't help saying angrily: "Get out!"

These people slipped away, only the old Du Guan stayed in front of him, "Taiwei, calm down, don't be angry."

Seeing that the sky was bright, Gao Qiu must have passed out not long ago, his lips were trembling, "Uh...uh..." After a long time, he finally organized his sentence, "Bring, get the map."

"Map? There is no map here, only Baihutang has it."

Gao Qiu propped himself up and sat up, "Help me to the White Tiger Hall!"

"You're already like this, let's let go of official business first." The old Du Guan persuaded: "Don't go to Baihutang."

"No, you must go to Baihutang. There is a map in Baihutang."

The old man was about to cry, "What do you want a map for?"

Gao Qiu was angry and wanted to cry, but of course he found a remote evil state up there and transferred that guy Hua Rong there!I really misunderstood him, my good son was spoiled by him.

Ah—my Minger—

It's really hard to guard against house thieves!This fellow Hua Rong has no good intentions!