Emperor Que Shaohua

After the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, the peace talks will begin.At the first court meeting after the year, the civil servants and military generals did not forget King Ning's statement. They first expressed their opinions, and then quickly turned into a fierce debate.

Since the founding of the Yu and Zhou dynasties, the Northern Liao's invasion of the frontier has always been a problem facing the court. The few peace talks in the past either broke down on the spot, or ended with Yu and Zhou giving in and promising a lot of money. But within a few years, the Liao people again He will tear up the peace treaty and make a comeback with even more ferocious arrogance.

Luo Pingyuan's opinion was different from the past: Since he knew that the other party was an unfamiliar jackal, why did he cut the meat and feed it, and when his strength recovered, he would immediately turn around and bite back?And the specific method of his advice is practical and ingenious. It does not need to waste people and money, and the court does not need to spend a lot of time, which greatly relieves the emperor's worry.

The courtiers wrote letters of approval or seconded the court. After more than half a month of deliberation, some people also put forward further improvement measures and supplementary opinions.

The reason why the dispute still persists is that the auxiliary governor Xue Songnian and some civil servants still hold a conservative attitude, advocating that the requirements of the Northern Liao Dynasty be met to a certain extent. However, King Ning's proposal is too radical, and it suddenly widens the gap with Liao people's expectations and past practices. Once the peace talks break down, it is impossible to say that there will be no peace period for a few years, and it will start again this summer. war.After years of fighting, the people of the Yu and Zhou courts are eager to rest, and they are treated so harshly, who will be responsible for the war?

King Jing stood in the middle of the court, listening to Xue Songnian's speech in silence. He noticed that the crown prince had been silent, as if he didn't care about the terms of the peace talks, but when the assistant government came out to speak, the gloomy expression on his face became Seems to ease up a bit.

Since today's topic is closely related to the northern border, Luo Linpian, who was spending her days leisurely in the mansion, was also called to court.Hearing this, he gradually became angry, and said coldly: "According to some grown-ups, I, Yu Zhou, owed Beiliao a debt from birth. I have to drink poison to quench my thirst and cut meat to feed wolves, otherwise it will be hard to repay. That's right. More and less come from the people. The adults don’t have to pay taxes at home, so they are more happy to be more generous. Not to mention the hardships of the soldiers on the border, we can see how the Liao people tortured and slaughtered the people of Yu and Zhou at the border. How did Shi underestimate and despise him? You think the remonstrances of the Fifth Emperor’s younger brother treated Beiliao harshly, but I thought he was too lenient. It’s a pity how upright and strong the scholars in the mighty and prosperous Tang Dynasty were. They know that future generations can say such a thing, and they will be ashamed of you in the underground."

His voice was cold, and his aura was even more domineering. A few of the courtiers who had just advocated for kindness showed shame on their faces, and they dared not look at King Yun. Everyone can see who wins or loses; and the duty of civil servants like us is to plan state affairs for the imperial court for a hundred years, and the expediency of it is not immediately clear."

Zichen Palace fell into speechless embarrassment.Luo Yanhua, who has never spoken at the court meeting, said slowly at this time: "I want to report to my father, my son thinks that what is needed for peace talks is the sincerity of the two countries, and the foundation of equality and respect is even more important. If you can only rely on Yu Zhou unilaterally used money to appease, how long can such a contract be maintained even if it is concluded? The fifth emperor's letter takes into account the interests of both parties, and it is safe and feasible, and my son is willing to second it."

Amidst the murmur of commotion, Luo Pingyuan also came out of the class and said: "Father, my humble opinion, after the defeat of the Northern Liao Dynasty, there is no confidence to raise troops again in a short time. This is the fourth brother who led the soldiers and civilians in the northern border to bathe in blood." The opportunity gained through hard work, the father worked hard for it, and the country from the court to the people has contributed a lot. The opportunity should not be taken lightly. I believe that as long as the key balance is grasped, the Liao people will not dare to act rashly, and the situation will be peaceful. It must be able to last longer than in the past, and Yu Zhou will be able to recuperate and benefit the common people. If there are consequences due to improper suggestions in the previous submissions, I am willing to be punished."

Emperor Tianyi has been thinking for many days, if he hadn't intended to adopt the proposal when he saw it years ago, he would not have allowed his subordinates to spread the discussion.With his mind set, he nodded and said: "The fifth prince has the overall situation in mind, and he can think about the details. I am very relieved. Now the Secretary of the General Administration knows that Li Furen is the right, and the scholar Fu Jianchen is the deputy. I know that in three days we can formally negotiate a peace with the Liao people.

He originally considered letting King Jing be in charge of the peace talks, but he thought that Luo Yanhua would fall ill every month, and there were so many Liao and Jin warriors in Luo City, he couldn't rest assured that Luo Pingyuan was left alone, and Luo Yanhua would still need to help him. So finally give up.

Li Fu and Li Fu received the decree immediately, Li Furen and Xue Songnian had different attitudes, just now they expressed their support for the content of King Ning's letter, the emperor's appointment, the holy intention has been expressed very clearly.

With the opening of the peace talks, the day of the contest is gradually approaching, and King Ning needs to manage more and more affairs. Fortunately, his subordinates and helpers are still capable.In the Jingyu Guards, Shen Ling is in charge of cooperating with the Imperial Army and the Yulin Guards to maintain the order in Los Angeles. Yu Chiyan prepares for the martial arts competition, and at the same time supervises and guides the young cavalry guards who signed up for the competition to practice martial arts.As the saying goes, sharpen your guns before the battle, and you will be happy if you are unhappy.

The duties of the household department cannot be interrupted. It has been more than half a year since the investigation began, and King Ning has gradually become familiar with it from a half-knowledge.With the continuous efforts of Zhong Lin, the minister of the household department, except for a few of the most difficult deficits that have not yet been made up, the rectification of treasuries and granaries in various places in Yu and Zhou is nearing completion.

The returned treasury silver is about more than 400 million taels, and the grain is nearly 200 million shi. It can be said that the results are remarkable.

It was about money and power, and Luo Pingyuan already had a rough account of the ability and character of the chief official of the Yingzhou government.It's just that the more complicated and troubles piled up as the end came to an end, under the instruction of Emperor Tianyi, he didn't focus on pursuing the officials who neglected their duties. Only when the facts are found out and reported to the imperial court for punishment, is the fulfillment of the responsibility.

On this day, Luo Pingyuan came out from the household department. According to the schedule, he and Yu Chiyan would go to the school grounds to inspect the ring that had just been built.Just as he was about to mount his horse, Ge Jun, the personal guard beside him, suddenly pointed his finger: "Your Highness, isn't that Xiaoling from the manor?"

Luo Pingyuan raised his eyes and saw that Guan Ling was light and agile, floating down from the big tree in front of the hall, and came to him suddenly: "Your Highness Fifth, there is a very important guest in the house, the lord ordered me to come and deal with him Say it."

"Who is here?" Luo Pingyuan was a little puzzled. There have always been many visitors in the mansion, especially recently, but almost all of them were looking for the emperor's brother. This is the first time that King Jing sent someone to inform him when he was out on business. .

"My lord said, if His Highness the Fifth Highness is not in a hurry, you can find out when you go back." Guan Ling said, his expression was as serious as usual.

"It's so mysterious, okay, I'll go back to the mansion now." Luo Pingyuan smiled, unexpectedly, the emperor brother would occasionally make a fool of himself, he became curious, and immediately ordered someone to inform Yu Chiyan.

Guan Ling saluted briefly, then her figure drifted away, and quickly disappeared without a trace.Since Ah Su's return, Xiao Ling has become more and more like a secret guard, Luo Pingyuan thought to himself, turned over and rode on the dark clouds and stepped on the snow, and ran towards Jing Wang's mansion.If it weren't for the crowds in the streets during the day, he might have arrived before Guan Ling.

Stepping into the mansion, the attendants greeted King Ning as usual, but they all seemed to be smiling, which made Luo Pingyuan a little confused.

He stepped into the Lancang residence, and saw at a glance that there were indeed two visitors inside, talking to King Jing.One of them is about 27 or [-] years old, with clear eyes, and although he is dressed as a layman, he is a bit detached and elegant; the other is a boy of fourteen or fifteen years old, with a pair of round eyes that look quite cute.

"Second Senior Brother!" Luo Pingyuan was overjoyed, and took a few steps into the hall to hold the hand of the person who came, "And Xiaoyin, why are you here?"

The other party is Yin Jianxiu, the second disciple of the Hanshan School, and there is a deep friendship between the same sect. At first sight, when he sees his junior who has been separated for many years, his joy cannot be lower than that of Luo Pingyuan.It's just that the Hanshan sect emphasizes a clear heart, and their emotions are relatively introverted. At this time, Luo Pingyuan pulled him, and smiled: "Master received your letter, and ordered me to come to help, and by the way, let Xiaoyin and the others learn a lot. .”

"Fourth senior brother, I miss you so much." Seeing senior brother who had been away for a long time, Yan Yin felt that his brows were becoming more and more elegant, and his clothes were not as simple as when he lived in the mountain, but when he spoke, he still had the familiar expression in the past, and couldn't help it. Pulled his sleeve.

"Let me see, Xiaoyin has grown taller." Luo Pingyuan looked at his junior brother with a smile. The Hanshan faction has always avoided the world. If it wasn't for supporting him, the brothers would definitely not go down the mountain. Thinking of the care of the teacher, he felt He was both happy and moved, "Second Senior Brother, it's great that you are here, is Master still in good health?"

Luo Yanhua quietly looked at the emperor's younger brother who met his senior brother. In the past year, he had never seen Luo Pingyuan so happy from the bottom of his heart, as if seeing a long-lost family member.The little junior brother's eyes were full of admiration, reminding him that the little Ping Yuan looked at him with the same eyes back then, and followed behind by the hem of his clothes.

When the joy of meeting for the first time subsided, Luo Pingyuan thought that King Jing was also there, and said, "Second senior brother, if you had written a letter in advance, I would have someone waiting to pick you up at the city gate. You have already seen the emperor Brother." He always felt that he should solemnly introduce his brothers to King Jing, instead of letting them go to the mansion to seek an audience so casually, perhaps because the teacher and the emperor were both in his heart. important presence.

"It's not a few days early to write the letter, so I just set off directly." Yin Jianxiu smiled, "It's a great honor to meet the name of the suzerain Jiang today, and the master asked me to deliver a letter. Ping Yuan, his old man I have a letter for you too."

Luo Pingyuan was overjoyed, but also a little surprised, he had never heard of Hanshan Daoist and the emperor's brother having swan geese in the past, this must be the first time, otherwise the emperor should have mentioned it to him long ago.

Considering the friendship between the master and Su Lingxue who discussed Taoism and watched the stars for seven days and seven nights, it seemed normal to write a letter to Sect Master Langhuan when the second senior brother left for Los Angeles, so he didn't think about it any more.

It is conceivable that the atmosphere of the conversation was very harmonious, only Yan Yin's round eyes kept rolling.He didn't forget that just a year ago, he ran to say goodbye to the fourth senior brother on the eve before he went down the mountain, and accidentally saw him watching the portrait alone in his room.At that time Luo Pingyuan once said that this is my elder brother Luo Yanhua.

Yan Yin still remembers his expression at that time, his usual indifference can't conceal the depth and impressiveness.

Now that I am right in front of my eyes, Yan Yin has never seen such a quiet person.The fourteen or fifteen-year-old boy took out the most critical eyes and carefully looked at it for a long time. He only felt that his luck was light and elegant, and his speech and behavior were elegant, and he couldn't find any flaws.After watching it for a long time, the whole person will become silent.

The young disciples of the Hanshan School were a little convinced, but at the same time very depressed.I always feel that it's the same as talking, and when the fourth senior brother is facing this good-looking emperor brother, his demeanor will become different.My feeling at that time was not wrong, my favorite Fourth Senior Brother was indeed snatched away, this, perhaps it is more appropriate to say snatch it back?

How could the other three people know his small thoughts, Luo Pingyuan said with a smile: "You don't need Manager Yang to bother arranging accommodation, the second senior brother and the younger junior brother can live in my Hanxiao Zhai."

King Jing also felt that this was the most appropriate way, he nodded with a smile, and let him greet Luo Pingyuan's senior brother and settle them down.

After dinner, Yan Yin was still interested in asking the fourth senior brother about the story of the killing of the Sanskrit monk Mo Nalanyu in Huangjue Temple that day.He loves to listen to stories, and this matter has already spread across the world. Everyone knows that the current King Ning, as a disciple of Hanshan, deserves his name in martial arts. It's a pity that members of the royal family are not included in the martial arts rankings, otherwise they will definitely be rewarded. Pretty high ranking.

Luo Pingyuan thought that the two of them had come from a long way, and they must be tired. Although he really wanted to tell more about the situation of the teacher, he patted Yan Yin's head, asking the excited little brother to go to rest early.He washed his hands and opened Master's letter under the lamp.

After he left the mountain, he still wrote letters to Master Hanshan from time to time, mainly to greet An Hao, and sometimes to describe his recent situation, or his confusion when asking for a coach.Mo Hanshan didn't reply every time, only when he felt that something Luo Pingyuan mentioned was more important, he would send a letter to reply.Because of this, Luo Pingyuan was looking forward to what Master would say in the letter.His previous letter was very long. Apart from mentioning the upcoming martial arts competition and peace talks, he couldn't help talking about the physical condition of the emperor's brother. Every time the illness flares up, it seems that he will use his internal strength to help recuperate, and he will feel better. .He wanted to ask the teacher, is it possible for Brother Huang to practice some exercises again, so as to benefit his body.

Master Han Shan's letter is not long, he still encourages him with his usual calm tone, just do your best for the things around you, and let the rest take its course, you must know that everything has its own destiny, and excessive force becomes forceful.He also warned him that the more turbulent things are, the more he must not forget introspection, and the original mind of judging the situation will not change, so that he will not get lost.

The school aims to follow Taoism and nature. Practice is not only about martial arts, but more about state of mind and character. Looking at these teachings, Luo Pingyuan seems to have returned to the scene of the past meditation and training. Thousands, it is possible to return to the original.To his disappointment, Master told him not to look too much for the inner strength method suitable for King Jing, since the root does not exist, there is no way to practice it again; there is already the master of Mengxian Valley who is treating him carefully, so he thinks more about it and does not No benefit.

Luo Pingyuan sighed lowly, he felt as if he had been reprimanded by his master, and Xi Minghua said similar things, warning not to always have distracting thoughts in your mind, which would add to the chaos.Maybe I really shouldn't be obsessed with seeking medical advice. After all, if there is a better way, others have already thought of it.He just hangs in his mind, mid-autumn festival, Shangyuan, fire trees and silver flowers in Luocheng are all beautiful and beautiful, but there is only loneliness in the warm Lancang residence on weekdays, the emperor always looks so uncomfortable.He didn't know the feelings of other people in the mansion, and now whenever the moon in the sky was getting full, he felt inexplicably anxious.

Perhaps he didn't want to look too serious, Master Hanshan mentioned at the end of the letter that the ancient ink brought in a few days ago was of very good quality, and it smelled faintly fragrant when placed on the desk.Luo Pingyuan felt even more disappointed when he thought that his master loved Gu Mo, and it was his elder brother who suggested it.It will get better, don't worry, he told himself.

Now is indeed not the time to think about it, the second day of February is coming soon.

In fact, the competition day has not yet arrived, and the busyness has already begun.

The Los Angeles Forbidden Army Academy field is divided into four directions: southeast, northwest, and a ring is set up. It is three feet three feet high and ten feet long and wide.Named after Xuanshui, Chiyan, Bingfeng, and Hurricane Thunder, they competed at the same time after the start of the competition, which lasted for ten days.

It is conceivable that there are only four masters who can stay in the ring in the end, and they are also candidates who are qualified to enter the final round.According to the order of drawing lots, King Ning will test the martial arts of the four students one by one, and the one who beats Prince Yu Wuwu the first will be the final winner of this competition. The ranking of the martial arts and character displayed during the martial arts competition determines who is the first.

Generally speaking, the warriors from Beiliao and Yijin can all get the opportunity to fully demonstrate their martial arts. As for the last quarter, Luo Pingyuan will grasp it, it seems that Yu Zhou has more advantages, but, first of all, this is his territory Second, Yu Zhou also needs to take care of the public, even if he is partial, he should not be too obvious; third, if he refuses to accept it, send his own masters to win a few more rings, defeating the Fifth Highness, it is well deserved, and no one has anything to say .

Luocheng is already in turmoil, except for the subordinates brought by Yelu Shibao and Wanyan Chao, the Jingyu guards in Luocheng and the martial arts disciples living in Prince Jing's mansion, there are also countless warriors from the Three Kingdoms who came to Luocheng with their own goals. .Last autumn, the inn was full of candidates who went to take the exam, but now it is full of these visitors with different backgrounds, and most of them are gearing up to show their skills.

However, the arena is not open to everyone. Five days before February [-], Jing Yuwei has already begun to screen the applicants from Liao, Jin and other countries.

Yu Zhou has clear requirements: under the age of 30, never married or a monk, good in appearance and without disabilities, of course, must be a man.The last one was added on the spur of the moment, because there were indeed some chivalrous women who came and said they wanted to compete in the competition, but they didn't ask for marriage.While Jing Yuwei reviewed the qualifications, he had to send out those who made trouble out of good intentions or malice.

Those who initially pass the first review must pass the written test before participating in the competition.This level is not for blocking people, but as the emperor said, vulgar people are not included in the competition.The content of the essay test is very simple: write any paragraph of the Four Books and Five Classics silently, with no less than one hundred words, plus an ancient poem from the previous dynasty.As long as it is not outrageously wrong or the word is like a dog crawling, it is considered as a pass, and it is allowed to enter the school grounds.

Even people from the Liao Dynasty or the Jin Dynasty, as long as they can read and write, they will not be blocked by the literary test.

Luo Pingyuan saw that Yin Jianxiu signed up like the other sons and young heroes who came to help, and wiped his sweat secretly. With the ability of the second senior brother, it should not be a problem to win a ring, but wouldn't that mean he would become a son-in-law? Candidates, compete with yourself?

However, he knew in his heart that Yin Jianxiu should be preparing to raid the formation below, and he would only make a move if there was an accident or difficulty on Yu Zhou's side.

When Luo Pingyuan was busy for days and Langhuan was still standing still, Ji Wuya was sitting in his room in the post house of Honglu Temple, unpacking and reading the scrolls piled on the table, reading the news inside one by one .Standing next to him was a man with shrewd eyes and a chubby beard. It was Feng Kun, the former proprietor of Piaoxiang Restaurant.

"So, have you found out where Heng Dao and Ling Xu are?" Ji Wuya read the last information and smiled triumphantly. It's time for him to start carrying out the tasks assigned by the Kunlun Mansion.Although the contest that Yi Jin stirred up involved manpower, it also brought a lot of convenience.For example, now that Luocheng is full of martial arts people who have heard the news, King Ning has no energy to spend, and the expelled subordinates of the Kunlun Mansion can safely return to their carbine.Just like this Feng Kun, who else is more familiar with the situation in the city than him, who is more suitable to contact the frightened prince in the East Palace?

"Yes, the subordinates have already recruited some of the original staff back. Although Prince Jing's Mansion is not easy to get close to, but they have complicated things recently, and there have been more visitors coming in and out. Little thought, Luo Yanhua must be worried about letting him go The subordinates who were easily transferred back from the northern border lived too far away, so they ordered people to follow them from a distance for a while, and they found their hiding place." Shopkeeper Feng bent slightly, with a smile on his face, "Write everything It's on the top, the number of people has not been fully determined, but it should be roughly the same. Hengdao's master did not come back, but he found Lingxu's master Guan Chan, and he went to pay New Year's greetings to Luo Yanhua during the Chinese New Year."

"Very well, keep watching to make sure they haven't moved elsewhere. Also, carefully observe who is in contact with them frequently. You have lost in intelligence in the past, and you still don't know the details after being found out by Lang Huan." Ji Wuya nodded in satisfaction, "Qibi must have been hiding in the capital, and now the location has been switched, and it has become Langhuan in the Ming Dynasty, you wait in the dark, you must dig out all their strongholds, this time I want all of them Clean up."

Seeing Feng Kun nodding and bowing to accept the order, his eyes flashed coldly, and he suddenly slapped the shopkeeper: "Remember, don't let me hear you call Luo Yanhua by name next time, who is he? The number one enemy of the crown prince and Wei Yinshi is now the opponent of this Dharma protector! What kind of thing are you, you can always open your mouth and scream, you deserve it!"

Shopkeeper Feng staggered from the beating, he dared not speak, and he obediently agreed, feeling bitter in his heart that this Protector Ji who came out to give orders was actually a moody master.

"There is one more important thing," Ji Wuya raised his hand when he saw that he wanted to retreat but did not dare, and said, "There are two hidden guards beside Luo Yanhua, one is Qin Su, and the other, you can find out. Who is it, and what is its name?"

"Yes, I have already checked." Shopkeeper Feng didn't dare to touch his swollen face, so he had to reply quickly, "He is a young man who is only sixteen or seventeen years old. The person who suffered a disadvantage at the hands of that young man. The subordinates investigated in detail, and it seems that they are called Guan Ling."

"Send some of the most capable people to keep an eye on Guan Ling. He doesn't have to leave Jingwang's mansion. As long as he goes out, try to find out where he is going." Ji Wuya said, "He is probably Guan Chan's younger brother. It is inevitable that you will run to Ling Xu's residence, you should pay more attention to him to see if his actions are regular, and report to me as soon as possible. That's fine, you can go now."

Seeing Feng Kun retreating in response, Ji Wuya thought about a series of plans, and a smile slowly appeared on his face.He needs someone close to King Jing, preferably someone who is easy to identify.Qin Su always stayed in the mansion close to his left and right, and his martial arts were too high to be easily restrained. Guan Ling was just right in every respect.

More than half of this strategy was conceived by Luo Wenxiao. It has to be said that His Royal Highness is worried about gains and losses at other times, but if it is to deal with Luo Yanhua, it can be said that he has a vicious mind and spares no effort.