Fenghou

Chen Qing asked with a smile, "Does Mr. Fan have any other questions?"

Fan Zongyin snorted heavily, "Let me ask you, after the two battles ended, why didn't you turn in the confiscated spoils, why didn't you tell the Ming court to divide up the money without authorization?"

Chen Qing said indifferently: "My task is very clear, to destroy Zhang Kui's rebellion, and to hand over Zhang Kui or his head to the imperial court. There is no mention in the task column that the wealth that Zhang Kui will be collected should be handed over to the imperial court."

Fan Zongyin finally grasped Chen Qing's handle, and he immediately retorted: "That's because the imperial court has clearly stipulated that all the spoils harvested must be handed over to the imperial court, and then rewarded for meritorious service. As the commander of the army, how can you even do this? Do you not know the minimum rules?"

Chen Qing still calmly said: "Of course you must be flexible when leading troops to fight. The army I lead is two thousand Ximenxiang troops. Everyone is like what they usually do, eating, drinking, whoring and gambling, blackmailing merchants, extorting goodness, etc. They did nothing less.

But it is such an army, in Chun'an County for a month, they have not harassed civilians, let alone committed crimes, they trained hard, ran hundreds of miles a day, and trained cruelly for eight hours a day, but not a single person When deserters, why do they convert?

It's me, Chen Qing, who is capable and capable?Wrong, because they had hope. I promised them on the first day that all the spoils would be distributed to them. There was no such hope. Zhang Kui, known as the number one general of the Forbidden Army? "

Fan Zongyin sneered and said: "It's useless for you to tell me these things. The imperial court will agree with you to distribute the spoils to the soldiers, but the premise is that you must report to the imperial court and get the imperial court's consent. You clearly did not take the imperial court seriously. Great crime!"

"What a mortal sin!"

Zhang Jun walked out of the train. He knew that this was the only mistake Chen Qing made. If Fan Zongyin caught it, he would not let him go. He had to come forward himself.

Zhang Jun bowed to the emperor Zhao Gou, "Your Majesty, can you allow me to say a few words?"

"Sure!" Zhao Gou readily agreed.

Zhang Jun said unhurriedly to Fan Zongyin: "I would like to ask Mr. Fan, the return of spoils to the court should not only be a rule of this court!"

"of course not!"

"Then I would like to ask Fan Xianggong, there are so many wars in the past dynasties, which war has all the spoils returned to the court, not to mention the Sui and Tang Dynasties, but the current dynasty, fighting against the Liao Kingdom, fighting against the Xixia Kingdom, fighting against the Jin Kingdom, and even Going to suppress the bandits and suppress the rebellion, which time the spoils of war were handed over to the court? Aren’t they all rewarded directly to the soldiers? Tell me, which time the spoils were handed over to the court?”

"This--"

Fan Zongyin hesitated for a while, but he still insisted: "I only know that the imperial court has this rule, so we must follow the rule!"

"Since the imperial court has this regulation, which general has the imperial court punished for it? None of them. You clearly know that the imperial court acquiesced in allowing the general to reward soldiers with spoils of war, but it's okay for you to grab a small commander. Is it because he beheaded the general? After Wanyan Loushi, it was because he wiped out tens of thousands of Jin soldiers at Jiandao Pass, which made you dissatisfied, so you did everything possible to find an excuse for him, and insisted on putting him to death, that's what the chieftain of the Jin Kingdom wanted to do Things, do you, the dignified Prime Minister of the Song Dynasty, also want to receive the [-]-guan reward offered by the chieftain of the Jin Kingdom?"

Zhang Jun's voice became more and more severe, and finally turned into an impassioned speech, berating Fan Zongyin.

Zhang Jun's stormy interrogation caused an uproar in the court. None of the officials thought that Chen Qing had made so many outstanding military exploits. Everyone's position began to turn to Chen Qing. Many ministers realized that Fan Zongyin Making a fuss over a molehill is indeed a bit too much.

Fan Zongyin's face was flushed and his chest was heaving with anger. He shouted, "Zhang Jun, you are spitting blood. When did I collude with the Jin people? I am a dignified Prime Minister, shouldn't I protect the imperial court system?"

Zhang Jun's tone suddenly calmed down, but the murderous intent in his words did not diminish at all, "Since you are the chancellor of the imperial court, you should know that the imperial court has always acquiesced in distributing the spoils to the meritorious soldiers. Chen Qingming made a great contribution to exterminating Zhang Kui. , but you turned a blind eye and just grabbed his braid, why?"

At this time, Qin Hui smiled and said, "You two must calm down first. In fact, Fan Xianggong is just worried that some inappropriate behavior will occur in the private distribution of the spoils, which will harm the interests of the soldiers, and has no other intentions!"

Qin Hui was trying to persuade the fight on the surface, but he quietly sent an assist.

Fan Zongyin immediately understood Qin Hui's hint, and he immediately followed Qin Hui's assist and said, "Because Yushitai is impeaching Chen Qing, so I want to ask clearly. The impeachment letter of the supervisory Yushi said that Chen Qing's distribution of property to soldiers is just As an excuse, he himself took the opportunity to embezzle most of the property..."

Chen Qing sneered and asked: "What evidence does the supervisory censor have that I embezzled most of the property? It's just his villainous heart. I can tell Fan Xianggong frankly that I, Chen Qing, have a penny of all the money seized." I didn't take it, I didn't take a single item, all of them were distributed to the meritorious soldiers, it's clear, it proves that I didn't say a single lie!"

"Humph! Humph!"

Fan Zongyin sneered repeatedly: "Speaking is better than singing, who can prove that you are not greedy for money?"

"I can prove it!"

All the people in the hall looked back together, Zuo Shiyi Xu Yun came out of the train, bowed and saluted: "I report to Fan Xianggong, I can prove that General Chen didn't take any money!"

"You? How can you prove it?" Fan Zongyin looked puzzled.

Xu Yun said calmly: "It's very simple. I also went to Muzhou. I specifically asked the two county officials in charge of distributing the spoils. They have detailed distribution records. If Fan Xianggong needs this record, I can provide it. .

In addition, I also asked all the generals above the escort team. They can all prove that Commander Chen distributed all the spoils to them and the fallen soldiers. He did not take any money himself. I have their testimony and pledges. , I can also provide.

Furthermore, I think Wang Huan can still testify. He said that Commander Chen embezzled the booty. Where is his evidence? "

Fan Zongyin's eyes narrowed, what's going on, Jian Yuan actually intervened, how come he doesn't know anything about it?

Fan Zongyin was very dissatisfied and said, "Excuse me, Zuo Shiyi, the investigation officer is obviously a matter of Yushitai, and it has been approved by several prime ministers. What about you? Who asked you to go to Muzhou to investigate?"

"I let him go!"

The emperor Zhao Gou, who had been silent all this time, suddenly spoke, as if a thunder had exploded in the court hall. All the officials in the court hall were stunned, including Fan Zongyin, who was even more stunned.

Zhao Gou smiled lightly and said: "I have always believed that if you listen to both, you will know that there is no division of families in the admonition platform, and the investigators also have the duty to admonish the court. It's just that I didn't tell you all, because I didn't think carefully!"

"If you listen to both, you will understand!"

Qin Hui came out, and he admiringly said to Zhao Gou: "Your Majesty is still wise and thoughtful about the problem. If His Majesty is not wise, let the Court of Remonstrance also investigate. If we really want to wrong a meritorious general today, it will be the court's fault." Disgrace, it is Your Majesty's wisdom that allows us to avoid future humiliation!"

Although this flattery is not brilliant, even a bit straightforward, but it is timely, it can be said that it is just right, making Zhao Gou like sweets, he smiled slightly: "Qin Xianggong has won the award!"

Qin Hui understood that Chen Qing's real backer was not Zhang Jun, but the emperor, why Lu Yihao kept silent, this old and cunning guy probably also saw it.

At this critical moment, Qin Hui quickly changed his position. Even if he assisted Fan Zongyin just now, even if Wang Huan was from his wife's family, he would step on it now without hesitation.

"Your Majesty, in fact, I know very well why Fan Xianggong must be so obsessed with Chen Qing? It is obviously a trivial matter, but he makes a big fuss and loses the dignity of the state. In fact, the root cause is prejudice.

He has a deep prejudice against the Western Army, which can be seen from his attitude towards cultivating teachers back then. If it was another army suppressing bandits, he might not take it seriously, but he is a general of the Western Army, and he is actually his political enemy. How could he tolerate Zhang Xuanfu's favorite general?Prejudice plus selfishness are the root of his gaffe today. "

Fan Zongyin was so angry that he trembled all over, pointing at Qin Hui, he couldn't speak, "You... you... are so shameless!"

Qin Hui ignored him and continued to say to Emperor Zhao Gou: "In addition, Wang Huan, the supervisory censor, also committed a serious dereliction of duty. In order to cater to Fan Xiangguo's thoughts, he concocted such a ridiculous impeachment report. He is not worthy of being a supervisory censor. I suggest that you He is dismissed from office!"

Yushi Zhongcheng Shen Wanqiu secretly scolded Qin Hui for being despicable and shameless, obviously he was the one who asked him to arrange for Wang Huan to go to Muzhou to investigate, now he betrayed Wang Huan mercilessly and cleared his relationship.

Zhao Gou nodded, "Qin Xianggong is right. Prejudice is indeed harmful and will cause countless misunderstandings and tragedies. Fan Xianggong, I hope you learn today's lesson and stop being prejudiced. I also hope that all courtiers will learn the lesson and disperse Let's go!"

In the end, Zhao Gou still showed some affection to Fan Zongyin, only mentioning prejudice and not selfishness.

All the ministers discussed and walked out of the hall. Today's fierce battle opened everyone's eyes. In the end, it turned around and the emperor made a move.

At this moment, Fan Zongyin had temporarily forgotten Chen Qing, he finally found a poisonous snake, and he was bitten severely by this poisonous snake just now.

He stared at Qin Hui with incomparable hatred, turned around and left quickly.

Qin Hui, as if nothing had happened, talked happily with Zhang Jun, and left together hand in hand.

Chen Qing looked at Qin Hui's back as he walked away, and he realized that today's protagonist is not himself, but this Mr. Qin, who managed to steal the spotlight at the last moment.

At this moment, a little eunuch came up and whispered something to Chen Qing.

Chapter 73 Summoned

In the imperial study room, Zhao Gou waved his hands with a smile and said: "General Chen is free from courtesy, and I will give you a seat!"

A eunuch brought an embroidered pier and put it beside Chen Qing. Chen Qing saluted, "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

He sat down, and Zhao Gou asked with a curious smile, "General Chen is very young! What year was he born?"

Of course, Chen Qing couldn't say that he was born in 1996. He had already prepared, and quickly said: "The humble job was born in the first year of Daguan."

"Which month?" Zhao Gou continued to ask with a smile.

"Humble job born in June."

Zhao Gou chuckled, "Aiqing is only one month younger than me."

Chen Qing also laughed dryly, but the eunuchs next to him were very surprised. It seemed that the official mentioned his birth time in front of the ministers for the first time.

Zhao Gou turned the topic back again, and said with a faint smile: "Actually, Fan Xianggong still doesn't understand military affairs. After the sneak attack at night failed, he basically retreated immediately, and the wounded soldiers became lambs to be slaughtered. Very few counterattacks are special. The situation is almost negligible. In fact, you can bring the injured bandits back to the city for treatment, but you execute them all. I don't mean to blame General Chen, but I want to know what you think, you Might as well tell the truth."

Chen Qing pondered for a while and said: "The humble official tells His Majesty one thing, and His Majesty may be able to understand."

"You say, I listen."

"In Dawang Village, Chun'an County, there are two people of the same clan, one named Jia Shude and the other named Jia Lv'er. When Fang La rebelled, Jia Shude participated in the rebellion and became a leader, but Jia Lv'er's father refused to do so. He rebelled and was killed by Fang La, and two of his three sons were also killed. Only a teenage Jia Luer was left to hide in the mountains and escaped unharmed.

Later, Fang La's rebellion was quelled, and Jia Shude was also released back to his hometown. It didn't take long for him to prosper. He bought hundreds of acres of land and became a local gentry. Jia Luer's family was ruined and he became a tenant farmer for Jia Shude. "

"Isn't Jia Shude's money coming from a legitimate source?" Zhao Gou interjected and asked.

Chen Qing nodded, "Because he donated [-] shi of grain to Zhang Kui, he was arrested by the humble official. He was interrogated by the humble official. He admitted that he made his fortune by participating in Fang La's looting of Hangzhou. He snatched a lot of gold and silver and hid a fish. Tangnei, after the war, he brought back the gold and silver, and then made a fortune."

"go on!"

"Your Majesty, here is the problem. After Zhang Kui went to Muzhou again, Jia Lv'er enthusiastically signed up to join the bandit. He was very active and became a leader of Zhang Kui's subordinates. Later, he interrogated Jia Lv'er why he joined the bandit. Tell me, because Jia Shude became a bandit and made a fortune, and then he had nothing to do. He refused to be a bandit but was poor. He felt dissatisfied. Your Majesty, this is why the humble official wants to kill these bandits, and the humble official wants to deter those who are lucky. To those who are involved, tell them that being a bandit will definitely end badly.”

Zhao Gou nodded slowly, "I understand what you mean."

"Your Majesty, I originally wanted to tell Fan Xianggong that to suppress banditry, we must use kindness and force together, and we must use gentleness to appease, but we must also use thunderbolt methods. The bandit must pay the price, even if he has no life in his hands for the time being, but as long as he If he has been a bandit for a day, then he must be punished for this choice. This time, more than 1000 bandits were released from humble positions, but they all have to serve the government for three years without pay. This is the price they pay for being a bandit."

Zhao Gou smiled happily: "I will tell Mr. Fan for you!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for understanding!"

"I support your ideas very much. You must use both kindness and power to fight the bandits, so that the thunderbolt method can show the heart of a bodhisattva. However, I appreciate your achievements in the Northwest. From now on, I will make an exception and promote you to be the commander of the Western Army and control Qinzhou. For the military, you will be appointed as the minister, and you will be rewarded with 3000 taels of silver!"

Chen Qing suddenly remembered something, and hurriedly said: "I captured the Dingyuan Bow from Wanyan Lou Shi, and I only found out later that it belonged to the Supreme Emperor. Please make amends, Your Majesty!"

Xu Ning told Chen Qing that the Dingyuan Bow was not in the collection of the Supreme Emperor Zhao Ji, but the bow used by himself. Although he could not pull the Dingyuan Bow, every time he went hunting, there would be guards who would carry it for him. .

This is a hidden danger, Chen Qing must take this opportunity to eliminate the hidden danger.

Zhao Gou hesitated for a moment. Logically, the emperor's weapons should not be given to the courtiers, but thinking that the emperor's Zhanlu sword had been returned to him, a bow is not a big problem.

Zhao Gou smiled and said, "The Dingyuan Bow is officially given to you on behalf of my father, as a reward for beheading Wanyan Loushi. I hope you will use it to defend the Great Song Dynasty!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty, I will live up to your Majesty's instructions!"

……

It was already afternoon when Chen Qing returned to the barracks after completing various promotion procedures in the Ministry of Officials and the Privy Council.

Chen Qing was staring at a piece of calligraphy on the table in a daze. This was a piece of calligraphy bestowed on him by the emperor Zhao Gou. '

There was a wry smile on the corner of Chen Qing's mouth. I'm afraid the word "loyalty" is what Zhao Gou really wanted to express!

Camp gate 'bang! With a bang, Hu Yantong and Zheng Ping rushed in like a gust of wind.

"Old Chen, you are so unkind, you are the one who killed Wanyan Loushi, and you still keep it from me!"

Although he complained, the admiration in Huyantong's eyes made Chen Qing almost unable to hold back.

"Old Chen, I heard that you have been promoted?"

Zheng Ping also said excitedly: "Hu Yan said that you have been promoted to commander, is it true?"

"What's so exciting about this!"

Chen Qing smiled slightly and said, "I was the commander of the general before, and I made great achievements in the Jiandao Pass. The emperor broke the rules and promoted me to be the commander. Isn't it what I deserve? Besides, you also want to be promoted!"

"That's right, it's what you deserve. Does that mean you're going back, so you don't have to study this wasteful martial art anymore?"

Chen Qing shook his head, "Of course you have to study martial arts. I can't be promoted every time! I don't have enough qualifications, but I have a reputation in martial arts, so it's only natural to be promoted in the future."

"Then you are going to Qinzhou?"

Chen Qing laughed, "Qinzhou is still in Jin Bing's hands. The emperor just drew a cake. If you want to eat this cake, you have to make it yourself. Let's go! I invite you to drink and call Liu Qiong and Xiao B."

……

Naturally, Chen Qing still treated guests at the Hukou Restaurant. He received a three-month salary by the way today, and he has a lot of money in his hands. Soon, the reward from the Privy Council will come down, and he will get another reward for military merit. The silver reward given to him.

Today is indeed a day of great joy, not only defeated Fan Zongyin's impeachment in the court, but also won the favor of the emperor and was promoted to commander. Everyone was happy for Chen Qing.

Zhao Xiaoyi rushed to fill everyone's wine, Chen Qing stood up and toasted with a smile: "Thank you for your great help, for our victory, this cup is made!"

"cheers!"

Everyone raised their glasses and drank it all. Now it was Liu Qiong who grabbed the jug and poured wine for everyone.

"Old Chen, is there any news from the Privy Council?" Zheng Ping asked with a smile.

This is also something that everyone is concerned about, and all four pairs of eyes are looking at Chen Qing.

Chen Qing said with a smile: "After today's court meeting, I went to the Privy Council again. Governor Li said that the reward for our suppression of bandits will come down in two days. I have no chance of promotion, but each of you will be promoted. There is quite a lot of rewards, all the soldiers have a share, and the soldiers who died in battle can get double the pension, the Privy Council is also generous this time."

Everyone cheered together, Zhao Xiaoyi asked urgently: "Then what kind of official will I be?"

"I have seen the list of rewards from Xuanfu envoys before, in Nanzheng. Before Lao Zheng, he was appointed as a general, and his rank was from the eighth rank Bingjielang. You are one level lower than him. You are appointed as the head of the capital, and the rank is the ninth rank. Lang, this time the bandit suppression has been upgraded to another level, Lao Zheng is Cong Yilang, and you are Bingjielang."

Zhao Xiaoyi drank the wine in the glass and said excitedly: "I never thought I would become an official!"

At this time, Hu Yantong said bitterly: "That Wang Bo, do you want to deal with him?"

Chen Qing said indifferently: "A villain like him doesn't need to deliberately deal with him. As long as the opportunity comes, I will definitely teach him a lesson that he will never forget. As for now, if we don't bother us, Wang Huan will deal with him severely for us."

"Has Wang Huan been dismissed?"

Chen Qing nodded, "The Ministry of Officials acted very quickly and dismissed him this afternoon."

"Then Wang Bo has to suffer!" Hu Yantong couldn't help laughing.

Chen Qing asked Huyan Tongdao again: "What is the title of the minister, and what is the official who controls Qinzhou's military?"