Looking at the mountains and rivers

Du Guang was startled, his knees almost went limp: "Yes... yes..."

He groaned for a long time and still couldn't answer, his face was flushed, and Yang Qi, Minister of the Ministry of Industry behind him, looked even more ugly.The ministers and workers on both sides also knew the inside story, but they didn't dare to speak, and just stood in the queue with their shoulders hunched.For a while, the hall was silent, only the indifferent King Mu and the flushed Shuibu Langzhong stood at the bottom of the steps.

When Emperor Yong'an saw such a situation, he couldn't help frowning. He knew that the large area of ​​land on the north bank of the Yellow River was originally owned by King Yong Yang Sui, and now the heir is naturally the eldest son Yang Qi.Yang Qi refused to spend money to divert the water and destroy his own land, so he slowly blocked the river along the way, which made the flood worse.However, in the past, King Yong had been assisting Chao Gang, and King Yong's Mansion was a very important branch of the clan. He didn't want to take the blame for this matter, so he said: "If the north bank can't divert water, it will be diverted to the south bank. Du Guang, you have to do it." .”

Hearing this, Du Guang breathed a sigh of relief, and hurriedly knelt down and said, "I obey the order."

Yang Yan smiled again: "Master Du, since you are a doctor of the Ministry of Water, you should be very familiar with the situation of mountains and rivers. How can you accept the order so hastily. The south bank of the Yellow River is high and the north bank is low. If you rashly divert water to the south, It will only make the river flood back and cause disasters, don't you know?"

Du Guang sweated like rain: "Chen...Chen..."

Knowing that he couldn't answer, Yang Yan turned around to face the Dragon Seat, bowed and said, "Your Majesty, the year before last Yanzhou was flooded, and 32 counties in four counties were flooded, and more than [-] houses were destroyed. Last year, the river overflowed the plains even more. As a result of months of famine, it has reached the point where people cannibalize each other. This is not a trifling matter, please be careful, Your Majesty."

"Human cannibalism?" Emperor Yong'an was obviously taken aback. He had also heard about the disaster caused by the flood last year, but the news in the newspaper was only about the destruction of houses and places, and never mentioned the tragedy of human cannibalism. , he said in a deep voice, "Mu Wang, you have lived in the mansion for a long time, where did you hear such news, is it just hearsay?"

Yang Yan said in a calm and unhurried manner: "This matter is related to the people of the Li people, and I dare not talk about it. Last year, the censor Taiwen was still serving as the county magistrate in Jinzhou. After experiencing this incident in person, the emperor must listen to him." Is it?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Wen Zhi had already walked up to the hall and knelt down and said, "My Majesty, the floods last year caused countless people to be displaced. Although there were food warehouses opened in the capital, many people died of starvation on the way to the capital. There are more than 150 people. Some people even pawn and sell human flesh for food. The meat of the dead is worth [-] Wen, while the living is [-] Wen. Those who can’t afford the money have to exchange their children for food, and some even eat it miserably. Children, cook to satisfy your hunger." When he said this, he sighed in a low voice, "On the way from Jinzhou to Jian'an, the bones were exposed in the wild, and there was no rooster crowing for thousands of miles."

"Your Majesty," Yang Yan bowed down slowly, "If the country is not peaceful, the people will be uneasy, and if the people are uneasy, there will be resentment, and if resentment is deep, there will be chaos. Controlling floods is the foundation of strengthening the people. Now it seems that the obstacles to building embankments are not only The feudal town is just a military envoy, the land for drainage is occupied by private fields, the officials of the Ministry of Water have no access to water conservancy, and the treasury’s relief money has been deducted layer by layer. Let’s ask if this continues, when will the flood of the Yellow River be quelled, and when will the grievances of the people be quelled. You must know the distance of a thousand miles The embankment collapsed in the ant's nest, the chaos of the refugees this spring is only the first sign, as for the future, I am afraid that the country will be shaken."

His words were talking about what Emperor Zhongyong'an feared in his heart, and he hurriedly said: "Since King Mu is well versed in water control, why don't you help me share the embankment of the Yellow River."

Yang Yan smiled: "I have only read a few books on water control strategies, and I only have a superficial understanding, so I dare not take on this important task. However, my younger brother recommends a person who is knowledgeable and knowledgeable. Let him preside over the flood control of the Yellow River, and Dazhao will never suffer from floods for a hundred years."

"There is such a genius, who is it?"

"This man is called Gongsun Tong. He used to be a small post guard in Chuzhong. The post he guarded was facing the river mouth. In order to prevent the river from flooding and flooding the post, he invited some peasants to build dikes and divert water together. In the next ten years, this Whether the river is flooded or drought, only the estuary outside his post station has constant water volume all year round, which is truly a genius."

"In this case, give him the post of head of the Ministry of Water and let him take charge of water control."

Yang Yan laughed again: "Your Majesty, the so-called injustice does not go well. To preside over water control, you must mobilize the power of the Quartet and dispatch a lot of people. No one will pay attention to a mere head of the Ministry of Water. I'm afraid the Emperor will be in vain again." Heart."

Emperor Yong'an looked at him: "What kind of official position should I give him according to King Mu?"

"I personally think that it is safe to let him be the doctor of the Ministry of Water." Yang Yan said in a low voice.

As soon as this remark came out, the Taibao Lu Wenju stood up aggressively: "Your Majesty, that Gongsun is also from Chuzhong, and I know it all too well. He was just a boatman, and now he is only working in a foreign position. Tongzhishui was promoted from a young official to a fifth-rank official, which is too hasty!"

Yang Yan calmly said: "Although this person comes from a humble background, he can relieve the emperor's worries and problems, and this alone should not be underestimated. If Lu Taibao thinks that this person cannot take on this important task, it is better to recommend someone else. Xiao Wang is still young. , and I don’t understand the business, so I shouldn’t be so boastful in front of the palace.”

As he spoke, he walked towards the corner, as if he really didn't want to care about this matter, Emperor Yong'an hurriedly said: "King Mu wait a moment," he tried his best to be gentle, "Since it is for the great affairs of the country, it doesn't matter if you make an exception for the promotion. It is decreed that Gongsun Tong should be the doctor of the Ministry of Water, and be in charge of the embankment of the Yellow River."

Yang Yan stopped, cupped his hands and said, "Your majesty is wise, I will write a book to my patriarch when I go back today, explaining the pros and cons of this matter, I expect my patriarch to understand the emperor's painstaking efforts."

Emperor Yong'an was naturally overjoyed when he solved such a difficult problem, and after he was able to retire from the court, he specially stayed with Yang Yan and started talking with him.

"Mu Wang, I originally thought you were a person who had been in the deep mansion for a long time and was ignorant of worldly affairs. But recently, it seems that you are not only talented and knowledgeable, but also know a lot of people. I am really happy."

"Your Majesty has a great reputation," Yang Yan smiled slightly, "I was born blind, and lived in the mansion for a long time to live a boring life. I can only listen to people talking about strange people and anecdotes from outside to amuse myself, so I know some allusions."

"So that's the case." Yang Jie nodded, and said again, "I just listened to what you said, and I'm quite sure about persuading Duke Tuoba?"

Yang Yan bowed his head and said: "The emperor also said that Duke Tuoba is the grandfather of my younger brother after all. Although he is a little bit arrogant, his blood is thicker than water, and he has some affection for his younger brother."

"It's natural." Yang Jie said in a low voice, "You should know that since your father passed away, there has been no close official in the court who restrained Donghu. I have the intention to hand over all matters related to Donghu to you in the future. You how about?"

Yang Yan seemed to be startled, took a step back and said: "My brother is stupid, absolutely dare not take on this important task."

Seeing his categorical refusal, Emperor Yong'an couldn't help frowning, and was about to speak when he heard the Taiwei Xie Yu who was standing quietly beside the hall suddenly say: "Your Majesty, His Royal Highness Mu Wang said earlier that the name is not correct. Now Although His Royal Highness King Mu is a prince, he only holds the position of shepherd of Jinzhou from afar, so how can he negotiate with the guards of Donghu?"

Emperor Yong'an immediately understood the meaning of his words, and said with a smile: "Xie Qing is right." He thought for a while, then looked at Xie Yao, his eyes showed a hint of seeking advice.

Xie Xie smiled and said, "King Mu knows all about capable people in the world, and he is especially good at farming and water conservancy. The position of Sikong must be perfect."

Emperor Yong'an hesitated for a moment, then laughed again: "That's right, take the imperial edict."

By the time Yang Yan stepped out of the hall, Si o'clock had passed, and it was raining continuously in the twilight of the morning.The rain in this spring is the most lingering and slender. Yang Yan raised his face slightly, and the rain fell on his forehead, which was slightly cool. He seemed to smile, and then he did not follow along, braving the drizzle walk away.

And Xie Gui in the palace looked at his back, showing a thoughtful expression, because Emperor Yong'an had to summon him after a meeting, it was inconvenient for him to leave the palace at this moment, so he just retreated to the side hall to rest for a while.Soon, a servant brought the soup from the emperor, and the soup contained high-quality bird's nest, which was the treatment only given to a very favored close minister.Xie Xie took a few sips of the soup, and someone handed him a towel to ask him to wipe his mouth. He wiped his eyes and saw that the eunuch who was waiting was very familiar. It was the little eunuch named Huaixi in front of the imperial court, so he couldn't help smiling: "Thank you, little eunuch."

Huaixi held the handkerchief graciously, and said with an apologetic smile: "I heard that the newly promoted His Royal Highness King Mu shined brilliantly in the early morning court. Just now, Taiwei Xie gave your advice and asked the emperor to make King Mu a Sikong."

These people in front of the imperial court are the most well-informed, Xie Xie didn't care, just nodded.

Huaixi laughed again: "Sikong and the Taiwei are both Sangongs. With such a beautiful scenery, His Royal Highness Mu Wang must also be grateful for the kindness and benevolence of Mr. Xie."

Xie Xie said indifferently: "Mu Wang is quite talented and learned. I speak up today just to relieve the emperor's worries. As for whether His Highness Mu Wang is grateful or not, I don't care."

"That's natural. Master Xie is dedicated to the country, and the slaves have always admired it." After Huaixi finished speaking, he paused for a while, and then said, "However, there is something that I don't want Master Xie to know."

Hearing that there was something in his words, Xie Ao felt a little strange, and couldn't help asking: "What's the matter?"

Huaixi glanced to the left and right, then lowered his voice, and said softly: "I heard that His Royal Highness Mu Wang is very close to General Wei Wei, the captain of Yulin guards. Earlier, His Royal Highness Mu Wang was poisoned by his brother, so General Wei went The family rescued each other, causing disturbances all over the city, and almost being beheaded."

Xie Xie frowned, as if he didn't understand what he meant, he said: "I have heard about this matter, but I still have some old feelings with General Chen in Habayashi Weizhong, this General Wei is not familiar with me."

Huaixi laughed awkwardly: "Lord Xie doesn't know something, this General Wei is an orphan, he was brought up by his adoptive father since he was a child, his adoptive father...is Tian Wenli, Eunuch Tian, ​​who used to guard the imperial tomb. "

Xie Xie was startled, his face changed slightly, he looked at Huaixi, he seemed to hesitate to speak, and then the inner eunuch came to summon him: "Taiwei Xie, the emperor is here to invite you."

Emperor Yong'an went to the Qilan Hall as usual after he retired from the imperial court. This is a pavilion near the water. The emperor leaned on the jade railing under the canopy and looked at the lake. He looked at Xie Ao who came in a hurry, and said with some surprise: " Why did Xie Qing come in such a hurry, she was actually sweating."

Xie Ao wiped it a few times like a cover-up: "I think it's because of the hot soup just now."

Emperor Yong'an nodded indifferently, then lowered his head to look at the koi in the water, and said casually: "How can you tell people how to think about the things in this world, the little blind man in Prince Mu's mansion was just a useless person at first, but he didn't expect it to be quite ability."

Xie Ao responded in a low voice: "It's really unexpected."

"But that's fine, I'm worried that no one can use him, and he saved me a lot of trouble." Emperor Yong'an said, and then turned to look at Xie Xie, "By the way, why did Xie Qing ask me to help you in front of the palace just now?" Designate him as Sikong? Although this Sikong official is high, it is a vacant position. It doesn’t matter what water control and farming, what I really want to use him is to deal with the Donghu gang, and he should have been named the Northwest Grand Protector.”

Xie Xie bowed his head and said: "The emperor has forgotten that the original protector of the northwest was Yang Ye, the ancestor of Mu Wang. How authoritarian and domineering Yang Ye was when he was in power? If not, the emperor will not have any worries when Yang Dai succeeds to the throne. He refuses to confer him the position of Chief Protector. If the emperor confers Yang Yan this position, isn't he afraid that he will become the second Yang Ye in the future?"

"Presumptuous!" Emperor Yong'an suddenly became angry, "When have I ever been afraid of him, Prince Mu's Mansion? Prince Mu's Mansion has always been my subject from the beginning to the end, and it is just a tool to rule the northwest for me!"

Xie Xie knew that he had unintentionally offended the emperor's dignity, so he quickly knelt down and said, "I made a mistake. It's just...just that the Northwest Metropolitan Guard holds half of the military power in the world, and I'm worried that if Yang Yan is careless, it will damage the emperor's reputation."

Emperor Yong'an looked down at him, and suddenly sighed: "Get up."

He raised his head, looked at the continuous spring rain, and said in a low voice: "Now that King Yong is dead, several courtiers are swarming up to fight for the power of the prime minister. It is not appropriate to make a lot of noise. Xie Qing, I might as well tell you clearly that this group of courtiers with foreign surnames I really can't believe it! However, there are not many people in the clan who are worthy of their ambitions. The original Yang Dai has scheming and means, but he is too arrogant and ambitious. I don't want to use him. The later Yang Jue is a Stupid, although he is obedient, he can't do anything. Now this Yang Yan is quite interesting. He is obedient, humble, and talented. The most important thing is that he is the grandson of Tuobaxin. I will not be afraid if I have him. That old dog Tuobaxin is not restrained."

"Your Majesty must not trust King Mu too much," Xie Yu said in a deep voice, "Since he has talent and learning, he has capable people under his command, and he has the support of the Tuoba family behind him. Then once he is no longer obedient and humble, it should be What a danger!"

Emperor Yong'an stared at him blankly, and suddenly smiled: "Xie Qing, I know you are cautious, but Yang Yan is blind! Do I have to worry about a blind man?"

Xie Xie understood Emperor Yong'an's temperament very well, and knew that if he tried to persuade him again, he would be reprimanded, so he had to endure it, and then changed his tone and said: "What the emperor said is true, but you might as well delay the matter of the Northwest Governor for a while, Let's take a closer look for a few years to see how much King Mu can control the Tuoba family."

"That's right," Emperor Yong'an chuckled, "Let's see if this King Mu can impress me again in the future."

He never expected that this day would come sooner than expected.