Chapter 37 Thirty-seventh round of Yuanmen who will go to the Pingmance court council to issue the Shu script first
Wei Xiaobao brought back the envoys of the Raksha Kingdom, and arrived in Beijing within a day.When Prince Kang, Suo'etu and other princes and ministers saw his return, they were all surprised and delighted.That day he went out to sea with his navy, and since then he has disappeared. The court sent people to investigate several times, but they all said that the sea was vast and there was no trace.Kangxi only knew that his team had been wiped out by a hurricane in the ocean, and whenever he thought about it, he always felt depressed.When the news was reported to the palace, Kangxi saw it immediately.
Seeing Kangxi smiling all over his face, Wei Xiaobao gave a brief account of what happened when he bowed down.Kangxi sent him out to sea this time with the main purpose of destroying the Dragon Sect and capturing the false queen mother. Now I heard that the dragon island has been breached.Ever since Kangxi interrogated the Mongolian envoy Hantema who was sent to Kunming, he learned that Wu Sangui had colluded with Luocha Kingdom, Mongolia, and Tibet, and he was deeply worried.Seeing that Wei Xiaobao came back safe and sound, he was already very fond of it, and he was even more delighted to learn that an envoy from the Raksha Kingdom had come to repair it, so he hurriedly asked for details.
Wei Xiaobao talked about it from the beginning to the end. When talking about how to instigate Sophia to instigate the musketeer battalion to rebel, how to teach her to set up two little tsars and make herself regent, Kangxi laughed and said: "Damn it, you learned I am a good boy in Qing Dynasty, but I went to teach the female Rakshasa ghost."
The next day, when Kangxi went to court, he heard about Luocha envoys.Wei Xiaobao is the only one in the court who understands Rakshasa dialect.In fact, Raksha dialect is very difficult to learn. In just a few months, what he has learned is very limited. In the eulogy of Raksha envoys, nine out of ten sentences he did not understand. He deceived everyone. Immediately made up something, actually recited the inscription Lu Gaoxuan wrote that day, saying something like "In a thousand years, there will be a great Qing Dynasty", and something like "The mighty spirit will help, not the mighty power".As he spoke, he peeked at Kangxi's face, but seeing him smiling, he knew that this inscription would be useful, so he read aloud: "Subduing demons and subduing demons, rising like the sun. Yu Ji assists, spit out the old and accept the new. Longevity Baixiang, nothing but prosperity. Immortal blessings will be enjoyed forever, respected by the world. Life is equal to heaven, civil and military benevolence. In a moment, heaven appears..." As soon as I recited the word "heavenly present", I stopped immediately, thinking that it would be okay to memorize it any more. It was about to reveal the tail of the fox, and said: "The little tsar of Luocha Kingdom, the queen regent, I salute the great emperor of China, Long Live God, Sheng Gong for his well-being."
These sentences were originally composed by Lu Gaoxuan to praise Hierarch Hong, and now Wei Xiaobao reads them, although they feel slightly nondescript, but the words "respected by the world" and "sage of civil and martial arts" are good prayers and praises.All the ministers couldn't stop nodding.
Kangxi knew that there was nothing in Wei Xiaobao's belly, so these elegant sentences must not be translated casually, they must have been prepared by the gunners in advance, and then recited in the hall, but he never expected that they were actually words praising the leader of the cult. It is used to embezzle flowers and take advantage of others.
Then the Rakshasa envoy presented a gift.The climate of Luocha Kingdom is colder than that of Liaodong, and the fur of the black fox mink produced is more gorgeous and richer than that of Liaodong.The ministers of Manchuria are all people who know the goods, and when they see it, they all appreciate it.Kangxi immediately ordered Wei Xiaobao to properly receive the envoys and return gifts from China.
After retiring from the court, Kangxi summoned Tang Ruowang and Nan Huairen and ordered them to meet the Luocha envoy.Nan Huairen is a native of Belgium, and his language is the same as that of France. The Raksha envoy can speak French, and the two of them speak the same language.Nan Huairen praised Kangxi for his brilliance, wisdom and benevolence. There are few emperors in the past and present who can compare with him, and the envoy was greatly impressed by what he said.
The next day, Kangxi ordered Tang Ruowang and Nan Huairen to practice artillery in Nanyuan, and Wei Xiaobao accompanied the Luocha envoys to watch the exercise.The envoy saw that the cannon fire was sharp and the shooting was accurate, and he secretly admired it, and asked Nan Huairen to tell the emperor that the female regent of the Raksha country decided to make peace with China and be a country of brothers forever.
After the Rakshasa envoy bid farewell and returned to the country, Kangxi remembered that Wei Xiaobao had made great contributions in eliminating Wu Sangui's two strong supporters in one fell swoop, so he decreed to make him a first-class loyal and brave uncle.The princes and ministers had their own congratulations.
Wei Xiaobao thought of Shi Lang, Huang Zongbing and others. Why no one reported it back. It must be because the commander disappeared at sea. He was the number one celebrity in front of the emperor. The emperor was furious, and he would definitely use "mistakes in the army, retreating in front of the battle, trapping the commander in chief" The accusations of death" and other crimes were added together, and everyone was afraid of beheading, so they lived on the island near Tongchi Island and never dared to come back.In the early days of Manchuria's army, the military law was extremely strict. When fighting, the leader of a team was killed while the troops retreated and fled. The whole team was often executed.Wei Xiaobao then sent two envoys to point out the routes of Tongchi Island and Shenlong Island, and summoned Shi Lang and others to return to the capital.
One day Kangxi called Wei Xiaobao to the upper study room, pointed to the three memorials on the table, and said: "Xiao Guizi, these three memorials come from three places, so guess whose memorial it is?" With a long head and neck, he looked at the three memorials for a few times, but he couldn't find any clues, and said: "The emperor has to give some reasons, so the servant can guess." Kangxi smiled slightly, raised his right palm and made a false chop, making three beheading gestures.Wei Xiaobao smiled and said: "Ah, yes, it's the memorials of the big... treacherous ministers Wu Sangui, Shang Kexi, and Geng Jingzhong." Kangxi laughed and said, "You are very smart. Guess again, among these three memorials What are you talking about?" Wei Xiaobao scratched his head and said, "It's very hard to guess. Did the three memorials come together?" Kangxi said, "There is a first and there is a later, and the difference between the days is not very far." Wei Xiaobao said: "The three treacherous ministers have no good intentions, and they are thinking in general. The servant guesses that what they say is similar." Kangxi patted the table lightly, and said: "Exactly. The first memorial was presented by Shang Kexi, an old fellow. He said that he was getting old and wanted to return to the old Liaodong, leaving his son Shang Zhixin to guard Guangdong. I gave instructions and said, Shang Kexi wants to go back to Liaodong, and there is no need to keep his son in Guangdong. Wu Sangui and Geng Jingzhong heard the news, and they wrote the memorials one after another." Picking up a memorial, he said: "This is from this old boy Wu Sangui. , He said: "Nian Chen Shi received the grace of heaven, and it is difficult to repay the donation, but the time to exhaust the barriers, dare to ask for a sigh of relief? Today, I heard that King Pingnan is still happy to express his feelings. He has been favored, and he is allowed to withdraw all Fan. Stand up to Hongci, listen to it, please remove it.'Hmph, he is testing me, see if I dare to withdraw his fan? He didn't do it alone, but contacted Shang Kexi, Geng The loyal three come together to frighten me!" Kangxi picked up another memorial and said: "This is Geng Jingzhong's. He said: "I have been in power for two years, and my heart is in love with the emperor. I only dared to stop the army because of the unpredictable atmosphere of the sea. I saw King Pingnan recently. It is still gratifying to beg to return to Yishu, and the previous decree has been fulfilled. The officers and soldiers of Fu Nianchen, who have been marching south for more than 20 years, begged the emperor and withdrew them. One is in Yunnan and the other is in Fujian, thousands of miles apart. It’s the same as what the above said? On the one hand, he said that he could not stop the army, and on the other hand, he begged to withdraw. These guys, do you still pay attention to me?” He said angrily and threw the memorial on the table. Wei Xiaobao said: "That's right, these three memorials are the most treasonous and immoral, and they are actually a letter of war for rebellion. Your Majesty, let's send troops right away and capture all three rebels in the capital. The whole family is full... Huh, the whole family is a man." If you kill them, the woman will reward the meritorious officials as slaves." He originally wanted to say "slash all the families", but suddenly remembered A Ke and Chen Yuanyuan, so he changed his words midway. Kangxi said: "If we send troops first, we will tell the people all over the world that I killed the hero, that the birds are all hidden, and the rabbits are dead. It is better to withdraw the domain first and watch the movements of the three people. If you withdraw the domain according to the order, you will respect the destiny." , that’s all; otherwise, if you send troops to crusade again, it will be famous.” Wei Xiaobao said: "Your majesty is like a god, and the slaves are so worshipful. It's like singing: the emperor asks: "Who is kneeling below?" Wu Sangui said: "My minister, Wu Sangui, see you." The emperor shouted: "What a bold Wu Sangui, Why don't you raise your head?" Wu Sangui said: "The minister is guilty and dare not raise his head." The emperor shouted: "What crime have you committed?" Wu Sangui said: "The servant refuses to withdraw the domain and wants to rebel." The emperor shouted: "Hey , Bold thing! Wei Xiaobao!' I stepped forward, knelt down, and said: 'The young general is here!' The emperor shouted: 'Here is the command arrow! I sent you to lead a hundred thousand soldiers to attack the rebel Wu Sangui!' The servant took the command arrow and shouted: "Decree!" He flew up and kicked Wu Sangui's ass, kicking him to death, alas!" Kangxi laughed loudly and asked, "Do you want to lead troops to fight Wu Sangui?" Seeing the mocking look in his eyes, Wei Xiaobao knew that the little emperor was joking with him, and said: "Your servant is so young and has no skills, how can he lead the army? It is best for the emperor to be the generalissimo himself, and I will do it for you." Pioneer officials, open roads in the mountains, build bridges in the water, and go to Yunnan in a mighty way." Kangxi told him that his heart was eager to move, he felt that Yujia's personal conquest of Wu Sangui would be a lot of fun, so he said: "Let me think about it carefully."
In the early morning of the next day, Kangxi summoned all the princes and ministers to discuss military affairs in the Hall of Supreme Harmony.Although Wei Xiaobao has been promoted several levels in a row, he is still a minor official in the imperial court, so he is not qualified to go to the Hall of Supreme Harmony to participate in the discussion of politics.Kangxi issued a special decree, saying that he had been envoy to Yunnan, knew the inside story of Wu Fan, and was ordered to accompany him to discuss politics.The little emperor sat in the dragon chair in the middle, the prince, county king, Baylor, Beizi, university scholar, minister and other ministers stood in groups, Wei Xiaobao stood at the end of everyone. Kangxi handed the three memorials of Shang Kexi, Wu Sangui, and Geng Jingzhong to Ba Tai, a scholar of the Hall of Zhonghe and the Minister of Rites, and said: "San Francisco is playing, begging to withdraw the clan, what should we do, everyone play separately." After the princes and ministers circulated the memorial, Prince Kang Jie wrote: "Return to the emperor: According to the humble opinion of the slaves, San Francisco's request to withdraw the domain is not out of the original intention, it seems to be testing the court." Kangxi said: "Why do you see it? You Let's talk." Jie Shu said: "Among the three memorials, it is said that the local military affairs are heavy and they dare not leave without authorization. It is obviously contradictory to say that the military affairs are busy, but they also ask for the withdrawal of the feudal clan." Kangxi nodded. Wei Zhou Zuo, a senior scholar at Baohe Palace, had white hair and white beard, and was very old. He said: "In my humble opinion, the imperial court should be gentle and consoling, saying that the San Francisco has made outstanding achievements, and the emperor relies heavily on it. You must work hard and withdraw for the royal family. There should be no need to discuss the matter of the vassal." Kangxi said: "In your opinion, what is the reason for the San Francisco not to withdraw?" Wei Zhouzuo said: "The Holy Master Mingjian: I said: 'Good soldiers are not good luck', even good soldiers are also bad luck Yes. Some people have also verified that the word 'jia' is a mistake in the word 'wei', and 'but the soldiers are unlucky', which makes it even more clear. Lao Tzu also said: 'The weapon of a soldier is an ominous weapon, not a weapon of a gentleman. Use it as a last resort.'” Wei Xiaobao wondered secretly: "This old fellow is so courageous. In front of the emperor, I am tall and I am short. The emperor is not angry." He didn't know that this old man was Li Er, a sage in ancient times, but not a man in the market self-proclaimed. Kangxi nodded, and said: "There are ancient instructions for soldiers to be fierce and dangerous. Once there is a conquest, life will inevitably be ruined. You said that I will follow the gentle order to comfort you and not allow the withdrawal of the feudal clan. Can this matter be settled?" The scholar of the Wenhua Palace said to Kana: "The emperor's lesson: Since Wu Sangui guarded Yunnan, the place has been peaceful, and the barbarians have not disturbed it. The south of the dynasty has no border troubles. If he is moved to Liaodong, there may be other troubles in Yunnan and Guizhou. You are not allowed to withdraw the feudal clan, Wu Sangui is grateful for the graphic report, Geng Shang's second feudal clan and Kong Jun in Guangxi will also look up to Dai Tianen, and from then on, the river will be clear and the sea will be peaceful." Kangxi said: "You are deeply afraid that after the withdrawal of the feudal clan, there will be no important towns in the southwest, say Maybe there will be border troubles?" He said to Kana: "Yes. Wu Sangui's soldiers are well-armored, with prestige, and the barbarians are overwhelmed. Once they are mobilized, it will be a blessing or a curse. It is hard to predict. In my humble opinion, one thing more is worse than one thing less." Mi Sihan, Minister of the Ministry of Household Affairs, said: "Since ancient times, sage kings have respected Huang Lao's techniques in governing the country. The great rule of the Western Han Dynasty was due to Xiao Gui and Cao Sui, who sought to be clean and inactive. There is a comparison. The emperor took over the throne in the early years. Since he took office, he has rested with the people and harmonized the four barbarians. The weather is good, the country is peaceful and the people are safe. The Holy Son of Heaven will govern, so there is no need to worry too much." Kangxi asked the scholar Du Lide: "What do you think?" Du Lide said: "The establishment of the San Francisco was originally for rewarding merit. There is no major fault in the San Francisco today. If it is withdrawn suddenly, there may be ignorant people who talk about the imperial court. The meritorious officials of the DPRK may hinder the political voice of the DPRK." After all the princes and ministers talked about it, they all advocated that the vassal should not be withdrawn. Wei Xiaobao listened to the words of the people, he dropped his book bag, although he didn't quite understand, he knew that they advocated not withdrawing the feudal clan, he became anxious, he quickly winked at Suo'etu, shook his head slightly, and asked him to speak out against the opinions of the people. Seeing him shaking his head, Suo'etu misunderstood his meaning, thinking that he was telling himself to oppose the withdrawal of the feudal clan, thinking that he understood the emperor's true intentions, and seeing that Kangxi was noncommittal to everyone's comments, he guessed that the little emperor would not dare to fight Wu Sangui, and said: " Wu, Shang, and Geng were all good at using troops. If the imperial court withdrew their vassals and the three vassals disobeyed, and the five provinces of Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangdong, Fujian, and Guangxi sent troops at the same time, there might be other rebels sending troops to respond. It would not be easy to deal with. From my servant's point of view, Monk Wu Sangui is very old and has passed away soon. It's better to wait a few years for the two of them to die. A large number of San Francisco veterans who have experienced many battles have also died. Come and evacuate at that time You are much more confident." Kangxi smiled slightly and said, "You are a mature and prudent plan." Suo'etu also said that it was the emperor's compliment, and quickly kowtowed to thank him, saying: "I am a slave who is planning important affairs for the country. Be loyal and considerate, and plan everything.” Kangxi asked the university scholar Tu Haidao: "You are all-rounder in civil and military affairs, you have a deep understanding of the three secrets and six strategies, and you are good at using troops. What do you think of this matter?" The soldiers and horses are excellent, and if the San Francisco has the intention to do something wrong, it will not be a big deal. But if hundreds of thousands of people from the San Francisco are sent to Liaodong, there is something to worry about." Kangxi asked: "What's the matter? Worry about it?" Tu Hai said: "Liaodong is the root of our Qing Dynasty, where the tombs of our ancestors are located. If San Francisco really has the intention of disobedience, hundreds of thousands of people will make trouble in Liaodong, and it will not be easy to prevent. "Kangxi nodded.Tu Hai said again: "The troops of the San Francisco evacuated from their original places, and the imperial court had to transfer troops to Yunnan, Guangdong, and Fujian to garrison. Hundreds of thousands of troops went north, and hundreds of thousands of troops went south. It's not small, and it's bound to disturb the local area. The San Francisco garrison gets along very well with the local people, and there is no conflict. The language of Guangdong and Fujian is very strange. When the new army is transferred, everyone's language is not clear, and the customs are different, maybe It will stir up civil uprisings and hurt the emperor's holy intention of loving the people like his own son." The more Wei Xiaobao listened, the more anxious he became. He knew that the little emperor was determined to withdraw from the feudal domain, but the princes and ministers were all timid and fearful. He was a lowly official and young, and he couldn't talk nonsense in the court. Kangxi asked Mingzhu, Shangshu of the Ministry of War: "Mingzhu, the Ministry of War should take care of this matter, what do you think?" Mingzhu said: "The Holy One is smart, far-sighted, and sees things a hundred times better than the courtiers. After thinking about it, the slave has to think about it. There are advantages to withdrawing, and there are benefits in not withdrawing. I will never let go of my life. I can't sleep for several days. Then I suddenly thought of something, and immediately felt relieved, and I could sleep last night. It turned out that the slaves thought that the emperor had thought carefully and thought of everything, and everything that the servants of the dynasty thought of had already been predicted by the emperor. The strategies that the slaves think of are no higher than the emperor's instructions. The slaves only need to follow the emperor's orders to do things. Whatever the emperor says, the slaves will be determined and go forward to do it. In the end, it will be auspicious and everything will go well." When Wei Xiaobao heard this, he was extremely impressed, and thought to himself: "In all the civil and military affairs of the court, no one is as good at being an official as this guy. This guy is very good at flattering, I have to worship him as a teacher. This guy will be very successful in the future, and his fame Wealth is limitless.” Kangxi smiled slightly and said, "I'm asking you to think up your mind, not to listen to your praises." Mingzhu kowtowed and said: "The holy lesson: this slave is not singing praises, it is indeed the truth. Ever since the Ministry of War learned about the instability in San Francisco, the slave has been worried day and night, thinking about how to deal with it, and how to dispatch troops if they need to use troops. , there is a sure way to win, and it is always necessary to let the master not worry about it. But after much deliberation, it is true that the master is too wise, and the slaves are too pussy. Randomly come up with an idea. The Holy Son of Heaven is the Ziwei star in the sky, so he is naturally not something that ordinary people like slaves can match. Therefore, the slave thought that as long as the emperor ordered it, it must be good. Even if the slaves don’t understand for a while, As long as you put your heart into it, you will finally realize it.” After hearing this, all the ministers secretly scolded him for being shameless, flattering everyone in public, and doing everything they could, but they had no choice but to follow suit. Kangxi said: "Wei Xiaobao, you have been to Yunnan, but tell me: how should this matter be?" Wei Xiaobao said: "The emperor clearly learned: slaves don't understand state affairs, but Wu Sangui said a word to slaves, he said: 'Wei Dutong, if there is any change in the future, you don't have to worry about it, your position as Dutong is only for you. Rising, not falling." The slave didn't understand, and asked him: "What will happen in the future?" Wu Sangui smiled and said: "The time has come, you will know." Your Majesty, Wu Sangui wanted to rebel. This matter is absolutely true , I'm afraid the dragon robe is already ready. He compares himself to a tiger, but compares the emperor to a yellow warbler." Kangxi frowned slightly, and asked: "What about tigers and orioles?" Wei Xiaobao kowtowed a few times, and said: "Wu Sangui said a lot of rebellious words, and I dare not repeat what I said." Kangxi said: "What do you say? Well, you didn't say it yourself." Wei Xiaobao said: "Yes. Wu Sangui has three treasures. He said that although these three treasures are good, it's a pity that there is a bit of a fly in the ointment. The first treasure is a ruby the size of a pigeon egg. It was really as red as chicken blood, so he inlaid it on the hat and said, "The jewel is very big, but the hat is too small." Kangxi snorted. All the ministers looked at me and I looked at you, and they all thought: "The gemstone is very big, but the hat is too small." The implication of this sentence is that they want to wear a crown on their heads. Wei Xiaobao said: "His second treasure is a white tiger skin with black stripes on a white background. The servant once served the emperor in the palace, but he has never seen such a white tiger skin. Wu Sangui said that this kind of white tiger is almost It is rare to see it once in a hundred years. Song Taizu Zhao Kuangyin, Zhu Yuanzhang, Cao Cao and Liu Bei also fought. He put the white tiger skin on the chair and said: "The white tiger skin is rare, but the chair is too expensive. Ordinary.'" Kangxi nodded again, secretly amused, knowing that Wei Xiaobao had framed Wu Sangui with his words; also knowing that he was ignorant, thinking that Cao Cao had also been emperor. Wei Xiaobao said: "The third treasure is a marble screen, a natural scenery, in the picture there is a little oriole standing on a tree, and there is a big tiger under the tree. Wu Sangui said: "The screen is also precious, just It's a pity that the tiger is under the tree, but the little oriole is standing on the high branch.'” Kangxi said: "These three words he said are just metaphors, not necessarily rebellious intentions." Wei Xiaobao said: "The emperor is magnanimous, and he loves his servants. If Wu Sangui has a three-point conscience and knows how to be grateful, that would be great. It's a pity that he He will give gifts to the princes and ministers in the court. This one has a thousand taels of gold, and that one has twenty thousand taels of silver. They are extravagant. Those three treasures, but they do not pay tribute to the emperor." Kangxi said with a smile: "I don't Covet him for something." Wei Xiaobao said: "That's right, Wu Sangui always asks the imperial court for money, please reward him, and when he got the money, more than half of it stayed in Beijing and gave it to all civil and military officials. The slave said to him: 'My lord, you give gold and silver to the pawn To those high-ranking officials, it’s too generous to make such a move, I will feel sorry for you.” Wu Sangui smiled and said: “Little brother, these gold and silver are just sent to their homes for the time being, let them all help me say good things, how long will I live? Years, they will obediently add interest, and return me with interest.' The slave didn't understand this, and asked: "My lord, if the property is in the hands of others, how can I return it to you? This is what you willingly gave to me." Theirs is not borrowed from you, how can it be profitable?" Wu Sangui laughed loudly, patted me on the shoulder, gave me a brocade bag, and said: "Little brother, this is a gift from Xiao Wang." Your little thought, I hope you will say a few more good things to me in front of the emperor. If the emperor wants to withdraw the domain, you must say that this domain must never be withdrawn. Haha, don't worry, these things, I I will not ask you for it in the future.'” As Wei Xiaobao said, he took out a brocade bag from his bosom, held it in his hand, and held it up high. Everyone could see the four red characters "Pingxi Palace" embroidered on the bag.He bent down, opened the bag, and turned it upside down, only to hear a clanging sound, pearls, gemstones, emeralds, beautiful jade, dozens of treasures were scattered on the hall, shining like jewels and dazzling flowers.Some of these jewels were definitely gifted by Wu Sangui, while others were bribes received by Wei Xiaobao from other places. How could others tell the difference? Kangxi smiled and said: "You have gained a lot from your trip to Yunnan." Wei Xiaobao said: "Slaves dare not take these precious pearls. Please the emperor reward others." Kangxi said with a smile: " It was Wu Sangui who gave it to you, how can I give it to someone else?" Wei Xiaobao said: "Wu Sangui gave it to the slave, and asked me to lie in front of the emperor, to help him say good things, saying that the vassal should never be withdrawn, the slave is loyal to the emperor, You can't covet some gold and silver treasures, and call the traitor a loyal minister. But in this way, I feel a little sorry for Wu Sangui for taking things from Wu Sangui. Anyway, all the gold and silver treasures in the world are the emperor's property. Who the emperor rewards, It is the kindness of the emperor, Wu Sangui does not need to use it to be a good person and buy people's hearts." Kangxi laughed, and said: "You are quite loyal to me, so these pearl treasures, I will reward you again." Then he took out a western spring gold watch from his pocket, and said: "I will reward you in addition." A Western treasure." Wei Xiaobao quickly knelt down and kowtowed, walked up a few steps, and took the gold watch with both hands. His monarch and his ministers are so pretentious, and all the ministers are people who are good at looking at their complexion, how can they not understand Kangxi's intentions?All the ministers had received bribes from Wu Sangui, and Wei Xiaobao handed over this batch recently. He thought that if he was ignorant again, Wei Xiaobao would reveal how much "Dian Jing" he had given to the court. He will be punished for the crime, and he will have to be exiled if he does not kill his head.Wei Xiaobao's words of framing Wu Sangui were very naive and ridiculous. Even if Wu Sangui really had the intention of rebelling, he would definitely not reveal it in front of the imperial envoys sent by the emperor; he also said that the gold and silver given to the ministers of the court would be recovered with interest in the future , implying that the rebellion will succeed in the future, and when he becomes emperor, he will ask the ministers to return the gold and silver.This is obviously the thinking of a child who has never seen the world, how can a scheming person like Wu Sangui care about how much gold and silver he gave away?But knowing that Wei Xiaobao's words cannot be refuted, and he has the emperor's backing, who would dare to ask for trouble and refute? Mingzhu had the quickest brain, and immediately said: "Wei Dutong is a young talent, he understands what is happening, he is loyal to the emperor, he went deep into Wu Sangui's tiger's den, and found out the truth of the matter, which is really admirable. If it weren't for the emperor's insight, he would send Wei Du The relatives went to investigate, we are working in Beijing, how can we know that this old fellow Wu Sangui is deeply favored by the country, and he would have a different heart?" In these few words, he not only praised Kangxi and Wei Xiaobao, but also despised himself and his colleagues in the Manchu Dynasty. Lightly excused, and then sat down to prove Wu Sangui's crime.In the Hall of Supreme Harmony, everyone felt that these words were very pleasing to the ear, and all the ministers were originally anxious, but at this moment they couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. Prince Kang and Suo'etu were originally friends with Wei Xiaobao, so they naturally understood at this moment, and they immediately made trouble, and blatantly blamed Wu Sangui.All the ministers said that the feudal clan should be withdrawn, and some even blamed themselves for being stupid. Fortunately, the emperor enlightened him, and it was like seeing the blue sky through the clouds.Some even contributed strategies, talking about how to withdraw the vassal, how to bring Wu Sangui to Beijing, and how to raid his home.Wu Sangui is as rich as a country. When it comes to copying his home, everyone thinks it is a big mistake, but after thinking about it, they feel that this matter is not easy to handle. Once Wu Sangui turned his face, you haven't copied his home yet. He cut off your head first. Kangxi told everyone about it, and said: "Although Wu Sangui has mischievous intentions, he hasn't revealed the truth. No one is allowed to miss a word in what he said today. He must be given a chance to reform himself." The ministers praised the emperor's kindness, generosity and kindness.Kangxi took out a piece of yellow paper from his bosom, and said, "See what's wrong with this edict." Batai took it with a bow, clasped his hands together, and read aloud: "Fengtian Chengyun Emperor's Edict said: Since ancient times, emperors have pacified the world and relied on the strength of teachers and military officials; and Haiyu Ningjing, revitalizing the squadron, resting soldiers, serving the important officials of the frontier, enjoying the best care of the world, enjoying the prolongation of the world, and pampering the rivers and mountains. It is a grand ceremony. !" When he read this, he paused.All the ministers buzzed and clicked their tongues in unison, praising the emperor's imperial writings. Ba Tai coughed lightly, turned his head in two circles, as if admiring Han Liu Osu's wonderful article, then read out again: "Wang Sudu is loyal and loyal, he restrains the enemy, declares his efforts, guards Yanjiang, and relieves my worries in the south. It is a great achievement!" When he read this, he paused, and sighed softly: "What a good article!" Suo'etu said: "The emperor's grace, as long as Wu Sangui is a little bit human, he will be ashamed to death immediately after reading this edict." .” Batai read again: "However, King Nian is old, and his master and apprentice have been exposed. He has been stationed in Xiahuang for a long time, and he has a good heart. It is close to the locality, so at the request of the king, he moved it. I hereby send someone, someone, to announce the decree. My opinion. Wang Qi led the officers and soldiers under him to go northward in fun clothes to comfort me. The concubine will stop every day and night, and the monarch and his ministers will be happy together, and the rest will be boundless forever. As soon as the arrangement is made, it has been ordered and detailed. When the king arrives, that is With Ning Yu, I don't think about it. This is it." Ba Tai's voice was sonorous, and he recited the oracle in rhythmic rhythms.After reading it, all the ministers praised it.Mingzhu said: "The eight characters of 'going to stop at night and night, the monarch and his ministers are happy together' are really grateful. After hearing this, the servants felt warm in their hearts for a while." Tuhai said: "The emperor is thoughtful and considerate. , Tell him in advance that once he arrives in Beijing, there will be a place to live, lest he push back and say that he wants to send people to Beijing to build a building and build a house, and it will delay him for three to five years." Kangxi said: "It is best that Wu Sangui can be ordered to return to the court, and the people will be spared a disaster of swords and soldiers. We must send two eloquent people from Yunnan to announce my intentions." When the ministers heard what the emperor said, they all looked at Wei Xiaobao.Wei Xiaobao was flustered by the sight of everyone, and thought: "Be good at it, this is not for fun. The last time I sent my new wife, I almost lost my life. This time, when I went to withdraw the feudal clan, how could Wu Sangui not kill the imperial envoy?" The reason?" Thinking of seeing A Ke in Yunnan, I couldn't help feeling hot, but in the end, my life was at stake. Seeing that Wei Xiaobao's face was ashen, Mingzhu knew that he didn't dare to go, so she said: "The emperor's lesson: In terms of eloquence, Wei Xiaobao is very capable in the first place. But Wei Dutong is a man who hates evil, knowing that Wu Sangui disrespected the emperor and hated him to the bone, more than half If we meet, we will reprimand Wu Sangui, for fear that something bad will happen. In my humble opinion, it is better to send Zheerken, the Minister of Rites, and Darli, a scholar of the Imperial Academy, to Yunnan to announce the decree. These two people are gentle and have a good reputation, and they may be able to influence the stubborn. Also unknown." When Kangxi heard it, he was very satisfied, and immediately ordered Zheerken and Daerli to go and proclaim the decree. All the ministers saw that the emperor's intention to withdraw the feudal domain had been decided early, and even the imperial edict was written to be brought with him, and they all deeply regretted the good things they said to Wu Sangui earlier.At this time, people's attitudes changed drastically, and they said a lot of crimes that Wu Sangui had made out of nothing. Kangxi nodded, and said: "Although Wu Sangui is bad, it's not like that. Let's all be realistic and handle things carefully." He stood up, waved to Wei Xiaobao, and led him to the apse.
Wei Xiaobao followed behind the emperor and came to the imperial garden.Kangxi smiled and said: "Xiao Guizi, you really have it. If you hadn't taken that bag of pearls out and shook it on the ground, those fucking old guys would still be speaking nicely of Wu Sangui." Wei Xiaobao said: "Actually, the emperor only I have to say, 'It's better to withdraw from the feudal clan', but not everyone said, 'Sure enough, it's better to withdraw from the feudal clan'. It's just that it's more interesting for them to say it themselves." Kangxi nodded, and said: "The old guys try to be safe in doing things, and you can't say that everything you think is wrong. But in this way, Wu Sangui can do it whenever he wants, and he can decide everything. It's not good. Let's withdraw his vassal first, and then we can disrupt his footsteps." Wei Xiaobao said: "Yes, it's like playing Pai Gow, so why always let Wu Sangui be the banker? The emperor also has to roll a few dice. Kangxi said: "This analogy is right, we can't always let him be the banker. Xiao Guizi, we have rolled the dice, but Wu Sangui is really not aggressive. The generals and soldiers under him are all dead. A powerful character who has experienced hundreds of battles. He rebelled all the way, and if the Han people all over the world responded to him, it would be terrible!" Wei Xiaobao has been traveling around in recent years, and he has heard a lot of Chinese people cursing the Tartars. There are so many Han people, there may not be a Manchurian for every one hundred Han Chinese. I can't resist it, but although there are many people who curse the Tartars, even more people hate Wu Sangui.He thought of this verse, and said: "The emperor looks at the peace, Han people in the world, no one likes Wu Sangui. If he wants to rebel, no one will praise him except his cronies." Kangxi nodded, and said: "I also thought of this festival. The former King Gui of the Ming Dynasty fled to Burma, and Wu Sangui went to capture and kill him. If Wu Sangui wants to rebel, he can only say that he rebelled against the Manchus in the Han Dynasty, but he cannot say that he opposed the Qing Dynasty and restored the Ming Dynasty." Having said this, he paused for a moment, and asked, "The former Emperor Chongzhen of the Ming Dynasty, on what day did he die?" Wei Xiaobao scratched his head, and murmured, "This...slave hadn't been born at that time, it's not...no Very clear." Kangxi laughed loudly and said, "I can ask Yu Blind about this. I was not born at that time. That's right, on the day of his death, I sent several princes Baylor to worship at the Chongzhen Mausoleum. Fan, so that the people all over the world are grateful to me, and hate Wu Sangui in their hearts." Wei Xiaobao said: "The emperor has a clever plan. But if the death of Emperor Chongzhen is still far away, Wu Sangui rebelled first?" Kangxi took a few steps, and said with a smile: "At these times, you have suffered a lot because you have been doing things according to the order. Wutai Mountain, Yunnan, Shenlong Island, Liaodong, and finally even the Raksha Kingdom. I will send you this time. A good place to adjust, adjust." Wei Xiaobao said: "The best place in the world is to be by the emperor's side. As long as I hear a word from the emperor, or see him, I feel energetic and feel unspeakably comfortable. Your majesty, this is absolutely true, isn't it Kissing." Kangxi nodded and said: "This is the truth. I speculate with your monarch and ministers, that is also fate. My friendship with you is from childhood fights, which is different. I am always very happy to see you. Xiao Guizi, then I haven't heard from you for half a year, I only know that you drowned in the sea, I have always regretted it, I should not send you to take risks, I am really sad." Wei Xiaobao was excited, and said: "But... I hope I can serve you for the rest of my life." As he spoke, his voice was a little choked up. Kangxi said: "Okay, I have been emperor for sixty years, and you have been a high-ranking official for sixty years. Both of us, the monarch and his ministers, have kindness and righteousness, from the beginning to the end." It is extremely rare for the emperor to say such words to his courtiers. Firstly, Kangxi was young and spoke frankly, and secondly, he and Wei Xiaobao were the best friends of the president, and they were sincere to each other. Wei Xiaobao said: "If you have been emperor for a hundred years, I will be a hundred years away from you. I don't care if I am a high official or not." Kangxi smiled and said, "Isn't it enough to be an emperor for sixty years? You can't be too dissatisfied by yourself." After a pause, he said, "Xiao Guizi, this time I will send you to Yangzhou, so that you can return to your hometown in fine clothes." Wei Xiaobao heard the words "go to Yangzhou", his heart skipped a beat, and he asked: "What is returning home with a fine clothes?" Kangxi said: "You became a high-ranking official in Beijing, and you went back to your hometown to meet relatives and friends, to show off, Isn't it beautiful to make everyone envy you? You ask your subordinates to write a memorial for you, and your father, mother, and the court can give them orders, scenery, scenery." Wei Xiaobao said: "Yes, yes, thank you, the emperor. Grace." Seeing his awkward expression, Kangxi asked, "Eh, you don't like it?" Wei Xiaobao shook his head and said, "I like it very much, but...it's just that I don't know who my biological father is." Kangxi was taken aback, thinking that his father was a monk in Wutai Mountain, and he had some sympathy with him. He patted him on the shoulder and said softly: "When you arrive in Yangzhou, you might as well look for it slowly. Maybe God will show mercy and reunite your father and son. Xiao Guizi, go Yangzhou, this mission is urgent for Ke Yi. I will send you to build a martyr's shrine." 韦小宝搔了搔头，说道：“种栗子？皇上，你要吃栗子，我这就给你到街上去买，糖炒良乡桂花栗子，又香又糯，不用到扬州去种。”康熙哈哈大笑，道：“他妈的，小桂子就是没学问。我是说忠烈祠，你却缠夹不清，搞成了种栗子。忠烈祠是一座祠堂，供奉忠臣烈士的。”韦小宝笑道：“奴才这可笨得紧了，原来是去起一座关帝庙甚么的。”康熙道：“这就对了。清兵进关之后，在扬州、嘉定杀戮很惨，以致有甚么'扬州十日'、'嘉定三屠'的话。想到这些事，我心中总是不安。” 韦小宝道：“当时的确杀得很惨啊。扬州城里到处都是死尸，隔了十多年，井里河里还常见到死人骷髅头。不过那时候我还没出世，您也没出世，可怪不到咱们头上。”康熙道：“话是这么说，不过是我祖宗的事，也就是我的事。当时有个史可法，你听说过吗？”韦小宝道：“史阁部史大人死守扬州，那是一位大大的忠臣。我们扬州的老人家说起他来，都是要流眼泪的。我们院子里供了一个牌位，写的是'九纹龙史进之灵位'，初一月半，大伙儿都要向这牌位磕头。我听人说，其实就是史阁部，不过瞒着官府就是了。” 康熙点了点头道：“忠臣烈士，遗爱自在人心。原来百姓们供奉了九纹龙史进的灵位，焚香跪拜，其实是纪念史可法。小桂子，你家那个是甚么院子啊？”韦小宝脸上一红，道：“皇上，这件事说起来又不大好听了。我们家里开了一家堂子，叫作丽春堂，在扬州算是数一数二的大妓院。”康熙微微一笑，心道：“你满口市井胡言，早知道你决非出身于书香世家。你这小子对我倒很忠心，连这等丑事也不瞒我。”其实开妓院甚么，韦小宝已是在大吹牛皮了，他母亲只不过是个妓女而已，哪里是甚么妓院老板了。 康熙道：“你奉了我的上谕，到扬州去宣读。我褒扬史可法尽忠报国，忠君爱民，是个大大的忠臣，大大的好汉。我们大清敬重忠臣义士，瞧不起反叛逆贼。我给史可法好好的起一座祠堂，把扬州当时守城殉难的忠臣将勇，都在祠堂里供奉。再拿三十万两银子去，抚恤救济扬州、嘉定两城的百姓。我再下旨，免这两个地方三年钱粮。” 韦小宝长长吁了口气，说道：“皇上，你这番恩典可真太大了。我得向你真心诚意的磕几个头才行。”说着爬下地来，冬冬冬的磕了三个响头。 康熙笑问：“你以前向我磕头，不是真心诚意的么？”韦小宝微笑道：“有时是真心诚意，有时不过敷衍了事。”康熙哈哈一笑，也不以为忤，心想：“向我磕头的那些人，一百个中，倒有九十九个是敷衍了事的，也只有小桂子才说出口来。” 韦小宝道：“皇上，你这个计策，当真是一箭射下两只鸟儿。”康熙笑道：“甚么一箭射下两只鸟儿？这叫做一箭双雕。你倒说说看，是两只甚么鸟儿？”韦小宝道：“这座忠烈祠一起，天下汉人都知道皇上待百姓很好。以前鞑……以前清兵在扬州、嘉定乱杀汉人，皇上心中过意不去，想法子补报。如果吴三桂造反，又或是尚可喜、耿精忠造反，要恢复明朝甚么的，老百姓就会说，满清有甚么不好？皇帝好得很哪。” 康熙点点头，说道：“你这话是不错，不过稍微有一点以小人之心，度君子之腹。我想到昔年扬州十日、嘉定三屠，确是心中恻然，发银抚恤，减免钱粮，也不是全然为了收买人心。那第二只鸟儿又是甚么？”韦小宝道：“皇上起这祠堂，大家知道做忠臣义士是好的，做反叛贼子是不好的。吴三桂要造反，那是反贼，老百姓就瞧他不起了。” 康熙伸手在他肩头重重一拍，笑道：“对！咱们须得大肆宣扬，忠心报主才是好人。天下的百姓哪一个肯做坏人？吴三桂不起兵便罢，若是起兵，也没人跟从他。” 韦小宝道：“我听说书先生说故事，自来最了不起的忠臣义士，一位是岳飞岳爷爷，一位是关帝关王爷。皇上，咱们这次去扬州修忠烈祠，不如把岳爷爷、关王爷的庙也都修上一修。”康熙笑道：“你心眼儿挺灵，就可惜不读书，没学问。修关帝庙，那是很好，关羽忠心报主，大有义气，我来赐他一个封号。那岳飞打的是金兵。咱们大清，本来叫做后金，金就是清，金兵就是清兵。这岳王庙，就不用理会了。”韦小宝道：“是，是，原来如此。”心中想：“原来你们鞑子是金兀术、哈迷蚩的后代。你们祖宗可差劲得很。” 康熙道：“河南省王屋山，好像有吴三桂伏下的一支兵马，是不是？”韦小宝一怔，应道：“是啊。”心想：“这件事你若不提，我倒忘了。”康熙道：“当时你查到吴三桂的逆谋，派人前来奉知，我反而将你申斥一顿，你可知是甚么原因？”韦小宝道：“想来咱们对付吴三桂的兵马还没调派好，因此皇上假装不信，免得打草惊蛇。”康熙笑道：“对了！打草惊蛇，这成语用得对了。朝廷之中，吴三桂一定伏有不少心腹，我们一举一动，这老贼无不知道得清清楚楚。王屋山司徒伯雷的事，当时我如一加查究，吴三桂立刻便知道了。他心里一惊，说不定马上就起兵造反。那时朝廷的虚实他甚么都知道，他的兵力部署甚么的，我可一点儿也不知，打起仗来，我们非输不可。一定要知己知彼，才可百战百胜。” 韦小宝道：“皇上当时派人来大骂我一顿，满营军官都知道了。吴三桂若有奸细在我兵营里，必定去报告给老家伙知道。老家伙心里，说不定还在暗笑皇上胡涂呢。” 康熙道：“你这次去扬州，随带五千兵马，去到河南济源，突然出其不意，便将王屋山上的匪窟给剿了。吴三桂这一支伏兵离京师太近，是个心腹之患。” 韦小宝喜道：“那妙得紧。皇上，不如你御驾亲征，杀吴三桂一个下马威。” 康熙微笑道：“王屋山上只一二千土匪，其中一大半倒是老弱妇孺，那个姓元的张大其辞，说甚么有三万多人，全是假的。我早已派人上山去查得清清楚楚。一千多名土匪，要我御驾亲征，未免叫人笑话罢！哈哈，哈哈。”韦小宝跟着干笑几声，心想小皇帝精明之极，虚报大数可不成。康熙道：“怎么剿灭王屋山土匪，你下去想想，过一两天来回奏。”
韦小宝答应了退下，寻思：“这行军打仗，老子可不大在行。当日水战靠施琅，陆战靠谁才是？有了，我去调广东提督吴六奇来做副手，一切全听他的。这人打仗是把好手。”转念又想：“皇上叫我想好方略，一两天回奏，到广东去请吴六奇，来回最快也得一个月，那可来不及。北京城里，可有甚么打仗的好手？” 盘算半晌，北京城里出名的武将倒是不少，但大都是满洲大官，不是已经封公封侯的，就是将军提督，自己小小一个都统，指挥他们不动。他爵位已封到伯爵，在满清职官制度，子爵已是一品，伯爵以上，列入超品，比之大学士、尚书的品秩还高。但那是虚衔，虽然尊贵，却无实权。他小小年纪，想要名臣勇将听命于己，可就不易了。 他在房中踱来踱去寻思，瞧着案上施琅所赠的那只玉碗，心想：“施琅在北京城里不得意，这才来求我。北京城里，不得意的武官该当还有不少哪。但又要不得意，又要有本事，一时之间，未必凑得齐在一起。没本事而飞黄腾达之人，北京城里倒也不少，像我韦小宝，就是一位了，哈哈！” 走过去将玉碗捧在手里，心想：“'加官晋爵'，这四字的口采倒灵，他送我这只玉碗时，我是子爵，现下可升到伯爵啦。我凭了甚么本事加官进爵？最大的本事便是拍马屁，拍得小皇帝舒舒服服，除此之外，老子的本事实在他妈的平常得紧。看来凡是有本事之人，多半不肯拍马屁，喜欢拍马屁的，便是跟老子差不多。” 仰起了头思索，相识的武官之中，有那个是不肯拍马屁的？天地会的英雄豪杰当然不会随便拍人马屁，只是除了师父陈近南和吴六奇之外，大家只会内功外功，不会带兵打仗。师父的部将林兴珠是会打仗的，可惜回去了台湾。 突然之间，想起了一件事：那日他带同施琅等人前赴天津，转去塘沽出海，水师总兵黄甫对自己奉承周到，天津卫有一个大胡子武官，却对自己皱眉扁嘴，一副瞧不起的模样，一句马屁也不肯拍。这家伙是谁哪？他当时没记住这军官的名字，这时候自然更加想不起来，心中只想：“拍马屁的，就没本事。这大胡子不肯拍马屁，一定有本事。” 当下有了主意，即到兵部尚书衙门去找尚书明珠，请他尽快将天津卫将一名大胡子军官调来北京，这大胡子的军阶不高也不低，不是副将，就是参将。 明珠觉得这件事有些奇怪，这大胡子无名无姓，如何调法？但韦小宝眼前是皇帝最得宠之人，莫说只不过去天津调一个武官，就是再难十倍的题目出下来，也得想法子交差，当即含笑答应，亲笔写了一道六百里加急文书给天津卫总兵，命他将麾下所有的大胡子军官，一齐调来北京，赴部进见。
次日中午时分，韦小宝刚吃完中饭，亲兵来报，兵部尚书大人求见。 韦小宝迎出大门，只见明珠身后跟着二十来个大胡子军官，有的黑胡子，有的白胡子，有的花白胡子，个个尘沙被面，大汗淋漓。明珠笑道：“韦爵爷，你吩咐调的人，兄弟给你找来了一批，请你挑选，不知哪一个合式。” 韦小宝忽然间见到这么一大群大胡子军官，一怔之下，不由得哈哈大笑，说道：“尚书大人，我只请你找一个大胡子，你办事可真周到，一找就找了二十来个，哈哈，哈哈。” 明珠笑道：“就怕传错了人，不中韦爵爷的意啊。” 韦小宝又是哈哈大笑，说道：“天津卫总兵麾下，原来有这么许多个大胡子……”话未说完，人丛中突然有人暴雷也似的喝道：“大胡子便怎样？你没的拿人来开玩笑！” 韦小宝和明珠都吃了一惊，齐向那人瞧去，只见他身材魁梧，站在众军官之中，比旁人都高了半个头，满脸怒色，一丛大胡子似乎一根根都翘了起来。 韦小宝一怔，随即喜道：“对了，对了，正是老兄，我便是要找你。” 那大胡子怒道：“上次你来到天津，我言语中冲撞了你，早知你定要报复出气。哼，我没犯罪，要硬加我甚么罪名，只怕也不容易。” 明珠斥道：“你叫甚么名字？怎地在上官面前如此无礼？”那大胡子适才到兵部衙门、已参见过明珠，他是该管的大上司，可也不敢胡乱顶撞，便躬身道：“回大人：卑职天津副将赵良栋。”明珠道：“这位韦都统官高爵尊，为人宽仁，是本部的好朋友，你怎地得罪他了？快快上前陪罪。” 赵良栋心头一口气难下，悻悻然斜睨韦小宝，心想：“你这乳臭未干的黄口小子，我为甚么向你陪罪？” 韦小宝笑道：“赵大哥莫怪，是兄弟得罪了你，该当兄弟向你陪罪。”转过头来，向着众军官说：“兄弟有一件要事，要跟赵副将商议，一时记不起他的尊姓大名，以致兵部大人邀了各位一齐到北京来，累得各位连夜赶路，实在对不起得很。”说着连连拱手。 众军官忙即还礼。赵良栋见他言语谦和，倒是大出意料之外，心头火气，也登时消了，便即向韦小宝说道：“小将得罪。”躬身行礼。 韦小宝拱拱手，笑道：“不用客气。”转身向明珠道：“大人光临，请到里面坐，兄弟敬酒道谢。天津卫的朋友们，也都请进去。”明珠有心要和他结纳，欣然入内。 韦小宝大张筵席，请明珠坐了首席，请赵良栋坐次席，自己在主位相陪，其余的天津武将另行坐了三桌。伯爵府的酒席自是十分丰盛，酒过三巡，做戏的在筵前演唱起来。这次进京的天津众武将，有的只不过是个小小把总，只因天生了一把大胡子，居然在伯爵府中与兵部尚书、伯爵大人一起喝酒听戏，当真是做梦也想不到的意外奇逢。 赵良栋脾气虽然倔强，为人却也精细，见韦小宝在席上不提商议何事，也不出言相询，只是听着韦小宝说些罗刹国的奇风异俗，心想：“小孩子胡说八道，那有男人女人在大庭广众之间搂抱了跳啊跳的，天下怎会有如此不识羞耻之事？” 明珠喝了几杯酒，听了一出戏，便起身告辞。韦小宝送出大门，回进大厅，陪着众军官看完了戏，吃饱了酒饭，这才请赵良栋到内书房详谈。
赵良栋见书架上摆满了一套套书籍，不禁肃然起敬：“这小孩儿年纪虽小，学问倒是好的，这可比我们粗胚高明了。” 韦小宝见他眼望书籍，笑道：“赵大哥，不瞒你说，这些书本子都是拿来摆样子的。兄弟识得的字，加起来凑不满十个。我自己的名字'韦小宝'三字，连在一起总算是识得的，分了开来，就靠不大住。除此之外，就只好对书本子他妈的干瞪眼了。” 赵良栋哈哈大笑，心头又是一松，觉得这小都统性子倒很直爽，不搭架子，说道：“韦大人，卑职先前言语冒犯，你别见怪。”韦小宝笑道：“见甚么怪啊。你我不妨兄弟相称，你年纪大，我叫你赵大哥，你就叫我韦兄弟。”赵良栋忙站起来请安，说道：“都统大人可别说这等话，那太也折杀小人了。” 韦小宝笑道：“请坐，请坐。我不过运气好，碰巧做了几件让皇上称心满意的事，你还道我真有甚么狗屁本事么？我做这个官，实在惭愧得紧，那及得上赵大哥一刀一枪，功劳苦劳，完全是凭真本事干起来的。” 赵良栋听得心头大悦，说道：“韦大人，我是粗人，你有甚么事，尽管吩咐下来，只要小将做得到的，一定拚命给你去干。就算当真做不到，我也给你拚命去干。” 韦小宝大喜，说道：“我也没甚么事，只是上次在天津卫见到赵大哥，见你相貌堂堂，一表人才，我是钦差大臣，人人都来拍我马屁，偏生赵大哥就不卖帐。”赵良栋神色有些尴尬，说道：“小将是粗鲁武人，不善奉承上司，倒不是有意对钦差大臣无礼。”韦小宝道：“我没见怪，否则的话，也不会找你来了。我心中有个道理，凡是没本事的，只好靠拍马屁去升官发财；不肯拍马屁的，一定是有本事之人。” 赵良栋喜道：“韦大人这几句话说得真爽快极了。小将本事是没有，可是听到人家吹牛拍马，心中就是有气。得罪了上司，跟同僚吵架，升不了官，都是为了这个牛脾气。” 韦小宝道：“你不肯拍马屁，一定是有本事的。” 赵良栋裂开了大嘴，不知说甚么话才好，真觉“生我者父母，知我者韦大人”也。 韦小宝吩咐在书房中开了酒席，两人对酌闲谈。赵良栋说起自己身世，是陕西省人氏，行伍出身，打仗时勇往直前，积功而升到副将，韦小宝听说他善于打仗，心头甚喜，暗想：“我果然没看错了人。”当下问起带兵进攻一座山头的法子。 赵良栋不读兵书，但久经战阵，经历极富，听韦小宝问起，只道是考较自己本事。当下滔滔不绝的说了起来；说得兴起，将书架上的四书五经一部部搬将下来，布成山峰、山谷、河流、道路之形，打仗时何处埋伏、何处佯攻、何处拦截、何处冲击，一一细加解释。他说的是双方兵力相等的战法。 韦小宝问道：“如果敌人只有一千人，咱们却有五千兵马，要怎么进攻，便能必胜？”赵良栋道：“打仗必胜，那是没有的。不过我们兵力多了敌人几倍，如果是由小将来带，倘若再打输了，那还算是人么？总要将敌人尽数生擒活捉，一个也不漏网才好。” 韦小宝命家丁去取了几千文铜钱来，当作兵马。赵良栋便布起阵来。
韦小宝将他的话记在心中，当晚留他在府中歇宿。次日去见康熙，依样葫芦，便在上书房中布起阵来。韦小宝不敢胡乱搬动皇帝的书籍，大致粗具规模，也就是了。 康熙沉思半晌，问道：“这法子是谁教你的？”韦小宝也不隐瞒，将赵良栋之事说了。康熙听说明珠连夜召了二十几名大胡子军官，从天津赶来，供他挑选，不由得哈哈大笑，问道：“你又怎知赵良栋有本事？” 韦小宝可不敢说由于这大胡子不拍马屁，自己是马屁大王，这秘诀决不能让皇帝知道，便道：“上次皇上派奴才去天津，我见这大胡子带的兵操得很好，心想总有一日要对吴三桂用兵，这大胡子倒是个人才。” 康熙点点头道：“你念念不忘对付吴三桂，那就好得很。朝里那些老头子啊，哼，念念不忘就是怎样讨好吴三桂，向他索取贿赂。那赵良栋现今是副将，是不是？你回头答应他，一力保荐他升官，我特旨升他为总兵，让他承你的情，以后尽心帮你办事。” 韦小宝喜道：“皇上体贴臣下，当真无微不至。” 他回到伯爵府，跟赵良栋说了。过得数日，兵部果然发下凭状，升赵良栋为总兵，听由都统韦小宝调遣。赵良栋自
One day Kangxi called Wei Xiaobao to the upper study room, pointed to the three memorials on the table, and said: "Xiao Guizi, these three memorials come from three places, so guess whose memorial it is?" With a long head and neck, he looked at the three memorials for a few times, but he couldn't find any clues, and said: "The emperor has to give some reasons, so the servant can guess." Kangxi smiled slightly, raised his right palm and made a false chop, making three beheading gestures.Wei Xiaobao smiled and said: "Ah, yes, it's the memorials of the big... treacherous ministers Wu Sangui, Shang Kexi, and Geng Jingzhong." Kangxi laughed and said, "You are very smart. Guess again, among these three memorials What are you talking about?" Wei Xiaobao scratched his head and said, "It's very hard to guess. Did the three memorials come together?" Kangxi said, "There is a first and there is a later, and the difference between the days is not very far." Wei Xiaobao said: "The three treacherous ministers have no good intentions, and they are thinking in general. The servant guesses that what they say is similar." Kangxi patted the table lightly, and said: "Exactly. The first memorial was presented by Shang Kexi, an old fellow. He said that he was getting old and wanted to return to the old Liaodong, leaving his son Shang Zhixin to guard Guangdong. I gave instructions and said, Shang Kexi wants to go back to Liaodong, and there is no need to keep his son in Guangdong. Wu Sangui and Geng Jingzhong heard the news, and they wrote the memorials one after another." Picking up a memorial, he said: "This is from this old boy Wu Sangui. , He said: "Nian Chen Shi received the grace of heaven, and it is difficult to repay the donation, but the time to exhaust the barriers, dare to ask for a sigh of relief? Today, I heard that King Pingnan is still happy to express his feelings. He has been favored, and he is allowed to withdraw all Fan. Stand up to Hongci, listen to it, please remove it.'Hmph, he is testing me, see if I dare to withdraw his fan? He didn't do it alone, but contacted Shang Kexi, Geng The loyal three come together to frighten me!" Kangxi picked up another memorial and said: "This is Geng Jingzhong's. He said: "I have been in power for two years, and my heart is in love with the emperor. I only dared to stop the army because of the unpredictable atmosphere of the sea. I saw King Pingnan recently. It is still gratifying to beg to return to Yishu, and the previous decree has been fulfilled. The officers and soldiers of Fu Nianchen, who have been marching south for more than 20 years, begged the emperor and withdrew them. One is in Yunnan and the other is in Fujian, thousands of miles apart. It’s the same as what the above said? On the one hand, he said that he could not stop the army, and on the other hand, he begged to withdraw. These guys, do you still pay attention to me?” He said angrily and threw the memorial on the table. Wei Xiaobao said: "That's right, these three memorials are the most treasonous and immoral, and they are actually a letter of war for rebellion. Your Majesty, let's send troops right away and capture all three rebels in the capital. The whole family is full... Huh, the whole family is a man." If you kill them, the woman will reward the meritorious officials as slaves." He originally wanted to say "slash all the families", but suddenly remembered A Ke and Chen Yuanyuan, so he changed his words midway. Kangxi said: "If we send troops first, we will tell the people all over the world that I killed the hero, that the birds are all hidden, and the rabbits are dead. It is better to withdraw the domain first and watch the movements of the three people. If you withdraw the domain according to the order, you will respect the destiny." , that’s all; otherwise, if you send troops to crusade again, it will be famous.” Wei Xiaobao said: "Your majesty is like a god, and the slaves are so worshipful. It's like singing: the emperor asks: "Who is kneeling below?" Wu Sangui said: "My minister, Wu Sangui, see you." The emperor shouted: "What a bold Wu Sangui, Why don't you raise your head?" Wu Sangui said: "The minister is guilty and dare not raise his head." The emperor shouted: "What crime have you committed?" Wu Sangui said: "The servant refuses to withdraw the domain and wants to rebel." The emperor shouted: "Hey , Bold thing! Wei Xiaobao!' I stepped forward, knelt down, and said: 'The young general is here!' The emperor shouted: 'Here is the command arrow! I sent you to lead a hundred thousand soldiers to attack the rebel Wu Sangui!' The servant took the command arrow and shouted: "Decree!" He flew up and kicked Wu Sangui's ass, kicking him to death, alas!" Kangxi laughed loudly and asked, "Do you want to lead troops to fight Wu Sangui?" Seeing the mocking look in his eyes, Wei Xiaobao knew that the little emperor was joking with him, and said: "Your servant is so young and has no skills, how can he lead the army? It is best for the emperor to be the generalissimo himself, and I will do it for you." Pioneer officials, open roads in the mountains, build bridges in the water, and go to Yunnan in a mighty way." Kangxi told him that his heart was eager to move, he felt that Yujia's personal conquest of Wu Sangui would be a lot of fun, so he said: "Let me think about it carefully."
In the early morning of the next day, Kangxi summoned all the princes and ministers to discuss military affairs in the Hall of Supreme Harmony.Although Wei Xiaobao has been promoted several levels in a row, he is still a minor official in the imperial court, so he is not qualified to go to the Hall of Supreme Harmony to participate in the discussion of politics.Kangxi issued a special decree, saying that he had been envoy to Yunnan, knew the inside story of Wu Fan, and was ordered to accompany him to discuss politics.The little emperor sat in the dragon chair in the middle, the prince, county king, Baylor, Beizi, university scholar, minister and other ministers stood in groups, Wei Xiaobao stood at the end of everyone. Kangxi handed the three memorials of Shang Kexi, Wu Sangui, and Geng Jingzhong to Ba Tai, a scholar of the Hall of Zhonghe and the Minister of Rites, and said: "San Francisco is playing, begging to withdraw the clan, what should we do, everyone play separately." After the princes and ministers circulated the memorial, Prince Kang Jie wrote: "Return to the emperor: According to the humble opinion of the slaves, San Francisco's request to withdraw the domain is not out of the original intention, it seems to be testing the court." Kangxi said: "Why do you see it? You Let's talk." Jie Shu said: "Among the three memorials, it is said that the local military affairs are heavy and they dare not leave without authorization. It is obviously contradictory to say that the military affairs are busy, but they also ask for the withdrawal of the feudal clan." Kangxi nodded. Wei Zhou Zuo, a senior scholar at Baohe Palace, had white hair and white beard, and was very old. He said: "In my humble opinion, the imperial court should be gentle and consoling, saying that the San Francisco has made outstanding achievements, and the emperor relies heavily on it. You must work hard and withdraw for the royal family. There should be no need to discuss the matter of the vassal." Kangxi said: "In your opinion, what is the reason for the San Francisco not to withdraw?" Wei Zhouzuo said: "The Holy Master Mingjian: I said: 'Good soldiers are not good luck', even good soldiers are also bad luck Yes. Some people have also verified that the word 'jia' is a mistake in the word 'wei', and 'but the soldiers are unlucky', which makes it even more clear. Lao Tzu also said: 'The weapon of a soldier is an ominous weapon, not a weapon of a gentleman. Use it as a last resort.'” Wei Xiaobao wondered secretly: "This old fellow is so courageous. In front of the emperor, I am tall and I am short. The emperor is not angry." He didn't know that this old man was Li Er, a sage in ancient times, but not a man in the market self-proclaimed. Kangxi nodded, and said: "There are ancient instructions for soldiers to be fierce and dangerous. Once there is a conquest, life will inevitably be ruined. You said that I will follow the gentle order to comfort you and not allow the withdrawal of the feudal clan. Can this matter be settled?" The scholar of the Wenhua Palace said to Kana: "The emperor's lesson: Since Wu Sangui guarded Yunnan, the place has been peaceful, and the barbarians have not disturbed it. The south of the dynasty has no border troubles. If he is moved to Liaodong, there may be other troubles in Yunnan and Guizhou. You are not allowed to withdraw the feudal clan, Wu Sangui is grateful for the graphic report, Geng Shang's second feudal clan and Kong Jun in Guangxi will also look up to Dai Tianen, and from then on, the river will be clear and the sea will be peaceful." Kangxi said: "You are deeply afraid that after the withdrawal of the feudal clan, there will be no important towns in the southwest, say Maybe there will be border troubles?" He said to Kana: "Yes. Wu Sangui's soldiers are well-armored, with prestige, and the barbarians are overwhelmed. Once they are mobilized, it will be a blessing or a curse. It is hard to predict. In my humble opinion, one thing more is worse than one thing less." Mi Sihan, Minister of the Ministry of Household Affairs, said: "Since ancient times, sage kings have respected Huang Lao's techniques in governing the country. The great rule of the Western Han Dynasty was due to Xiao Gui and Cao Sui, who sought to be clean and inactive. There is a comparison. The emperor took over the throne in the early years. Since he took office, he has rested with the people and harmonized the four barbarians. The weather is good, the country is peaceful and the people are safe. The Holy Son of Heaven will govern, so there is no need to worry too much." Kangxi asked the scholar Du Lide: "What do you think?" Du Lide said: "The establishment of the San Francisco was originally for rewarding merit. There is no major fault in the San Francisco today. If it is withdrawn suddenly, there may be ignorant people who talk about the imperial court. The meritorious officials of the DPRK may hinder the political voice of the DPRK." After all the princes and ministers talked about it, they all advocated that the vassal should not be withdrawn. Wei Xiaobao listened to the words of the people, he dropped his book bag, although he didn't quite understand, he knew that they advocated not withdrawing the feudal clan, he became anxious, he quickly winked at Suo'etu, shook his head slightly, and asked him to speak out against the opinions of the people. Seeing him shaking his head, Suo'etu misunderstood his meaning, thinking that he was telling himself to oppose the withdrawal of the feudal clan, thinking that he understood the emperor's true intentions, and seeing that Kangxi was noncommittal to everyone's comments, he guessed that the little emperor would not dare to fight Wu Sangui, and said: " Wu, Shang, and Geng were all good at using troops. If the imperial court withdrew their vassals and the three vassals disobeyed, and the five provinces of Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangdong, Fujian, and Guangxi sent troops at the same time, there might be other rebels sending troops to respond. It would not be easy to deal with. From my servant's point of view, Monk Wu Sangui is very old and has passed away soon. It's better to wait a few years for the two of them to die. A large number of San Francisco veterans who have experienced many battles have also died. Come and evacuate at that time You are much more confident." Kangxi smiled slightly and said, "You are a mature and prudent plan." Suo'etu also said that it was the emperor's compliment, and quickly kowtowed to thank him, saying: "I am a slave who is planning important affairs for the country. Be loyal and considerate, and plan everything.” Kangxi asked the university scholar Tu Haidao: "You are all-rounder in civil and military affairs, you have a deep understanding of the three secrets and six strategies, and you are good at using troops. What do you think of this matter?" The soldiers and horses are excellent, and if the San Francisco has the intention to do something wrong, it will not be a big deal. But if hundreds of thousands of people from the San Francisco are sent to Liaodong, there is something to worry about." Kangxi asked: "What's the matter? Worry about it?" Tu Hai said: "Liaodong is the root of our Qing Dynasty, where the tombs of our ancestors are located. If San Francisco really has the intention of disobedience, hundreds of thousands of people will make trouble in Liaodong, and it will not be easy to prevent. "Kangxi nodded.Tu Hai said again: "The troops of the San Francisco evacuated from their original places, and the imperial court had to transfer troops to Yunnan, Guangdong, and Fujian to garrison. Hundreds of thousands of troops went north, and hundreds of thousands of troops went south. It's not small, and it's bound to disturb the local area. The San Francisco garrison gets along very well with the local people, and there is no conflict. The language of Guangdong and Fujian is very strange. When the new army is transferred, everyone's language is not clear, and the customs are different, maybe It will stir up civil uprisings and hurt the emperor's holy intention of loving the people like his own son." The more Wei Xiaobao listened, the more anxious he became. He knew that the little emperor was determined to withdraw from the feudal domain, but the princes and ministers were all timid and fearful. He was a lowly official and young, and he couldn't talk nonsense in the court. Kangxi asked Mingzhu, Shangshu of the Ministry of War: "Mingzhu, the Ministry of War should take care of this matter, what do you think?" Mingzhu said: "The Holy One is smart, far-sighted, and sees things a hundred times better than the courtiers. After thinking about it, the slave has to think about it. There are advantages to withdrawing, and there are benefits in not withdrawing. I will never let go of my life. I can't sleep for several days. Then I suddenly thought of something, and immediately felt relieved, and I could sleep last night. It turned out that the slaves thought that the emperor had thought carefully and thought of everything, and everything that the servants of the dynasty thought of had already been predicted by the emperor. The strategies that the slaves think of are no higher than the emperor's instructions. The slaves only need to follow the emperor's orders to do things. Whatever the emperor says, the slaves will be determined and go forward to do it. In the end, it will be auspicious and everything will go well." When Wei Xiaobao heard this, he was extremely impressed, and thought to himself: "In all the civil and military affairs of the court, no one is as good at being an official as this guy. This guy is very good at flattering, I have to worship him as a teacher. This guy will be very successful in the future, and his fame Wealth is limitless.” Kangxi smiled slightly and said, "I'm asking you to think up your mind, not to listen to your praises." Mingzhu kowtowed and said: "The holy lesson: this slave is not singing praises, it is indeed the truth. Ever since the Ministry of War learned about the instability in San Francisco, the slave has been worried day and night, thinking about how to deal with it, and how to dispatch troops if they need to use troops. , there is a sure way to win, and it is always necessary to let the master not worry about it. But after much deliberation, it is true that the master is too wise, and the slaves are too pussy. Randomly come up with an idea. The Holy Son of Heaven is the Ziwei star in the sky, so he is naturally not something that ordinary people like slaves can match. Therefore, the slave thought that as long as the emperor ordered it, it must be good. Even if the slaves don’t understand for a while, As long as you put your heart into it, you will finally realize it.” After hearing this, all the ministers secretly scolded him for being shameless, flattering everyone in public, and doing everything they could, but they had no choice but to follow suit. Kangxi said: "Wei Xiaobao, you have been to Yunnan, but tell me: how should this matter be?" Wei Xiaobao said: "The emperor clearly learned: slaves don't understand state affairs, but Wu Sangui said a word to slaves, he said: 'Wei Dutong, if there is any change in the future, you don't have to worry about it, your position as Dutong is only for you. Rising, not falling." The slave didn't understand, and asked him: "What will happen in the future?" Wu Sangui smiled and said: "The time has come, you will know." Your Majesty, Wu Sangui wanted to rebel. This matter is absolutely true , I'm afraid the dragon robe is already ready. He compares himself to a tiger, but compares the emperor to a yellow warbler." Kangxi frowned slightly, and asked: "What about tigers and orioles?" Wei Xiaobao kowtowed a few times, and said: "Wu Sangui said a lot of rebellious words, and I dare not repeat what I said." Kangxi said: "What do you say? Well, you didn't say it yourself." Wei Xiaobao said: "Yes. Wu Sangui has three treasures. He said that although these three treasures are good, it's a pity that there is a bit of a fly in the ointment. The first treasure is a ruby the size of a pigeon egg. It was really as red as chicken blood, so he inlaid it on the hat and said, "The jewel is very big, but the hat is too small." Kangxi snorted. All the ministers looked at me and I looked at you, and they all thought: "The gemstone is very big, but the hat is too small." The implication of this sentence is that they want to wear a crown on their heads. Wei Xiaobao said: "His second treasure is a white tiger skin with black stripes on a white background. The servant once served the emperor in the palace, but he has never seen such a white tiger skin. Wu Sangui said that this kind of white tiger is almost It is rare to see it once in a hundred years. Song Taizu Zhao Kuangyin, Zhu Yuanzhang, Cao Cao and Liu Bei also fought. He put the white tiger skin on the chair and said: "The white tiger skin is rare, but the chair is too expensive. Ordinary.'" Kangxi nodded again, secretly amused, knowing that Wei Xiaobao had framed Wu Sangui with his words; also knowing that he was ignorant, thinking that Cao Cao had also been emperor. Wei Xiaobao said: "The third treasure is a marble screen, a natural scenery, in the picture there is a little oriole standing on a tree, and there is a big tiger under the tree. Wu Sangui said: "The screen is also precious, just It's a pity that the tiger is under the tree, but the little oriole is standing on the high branch.'” Kangxi said: "These three words he said are just metaphors, not necessarily rebellious intentions." Wei Xiaobao said: "The emperor is magnanimous, and he loves his servants. If Wu Sangui has a three-point conscience and knows how to be grateful, that would be great. It's a pity that he He will give gifts to the princes and ministers in the court. This one has a thousand taels of gold, and that one has twenty thousand taels of silver. They are extravagant. Those three treasures, but they do not pay tribute to the emperor." Kangxi said with a smile: "I don't Covet him for something." Wei Xiaobao said: "That's right, Wu Sangui always asks the imperial court for money, please reward him, and when he got the money, more than half of it stayed in Beijing and gave it to all civil and military officials. The slave said to him: 'My lord, you give gold and silver to the pawn To those high-ranking officials, it’s too generous to make such a move, I will feel sorry for you.” Wu Sangui smiled and said: “Little brother, these gold and silver are just sent to their homes for the time being, let them all help me say good things, how long will I live? Years, they will obediently add interest, and return me with interest.' The slave didn't understand this, and asked: "My lord, if the property is in the hands of others, how can I return it to you? This is what you willingly gave to me." Theirs is not borrowed from you, how can it be profitable?" Wu Sangui laughed loudly, patted me on the shoulder, gave me a brocade bag, and said: "Little brother, this is a gift from Xiao Wang." Your little thought, I hope you will say a few more good things to me in front of the emperor. If the emperor wants to withdraw the domain, you must say that this domain must never be withdrawn. Haha, don't worry, these things, I I will not ask you for it in the future.'” As Wei Xiaobao said, he took out a brocade bag from his bosom, held it in his hand, and held it up high. Everyone could see the four red characters "Pingxi Palace" embroidered on the bag.He bent down, opened the bag, and turned it upside down, only to hear a clanging sound, pearls, gemstones, emeralds, beautiful jade, dozens of treasures were scattered on the hall, shining like jewels and dazzling flowers.Some of these jewels were definitely gifted by Wu Sangui, while others were bribes received by Wei Xiaobao from other places. How could others tell the difference? Kangxi smiled and said: "You have gained a lot from your trip to Yunnan." Wei Xiaobao said: "Slaves dare not take these precious pearls. Please the emperor reward others." Kangxi said with a smile: " It was Wu Sangui who gave it to you, how can I give it to someone else?" Wei Xiaobao said: "Wu Sangui gave it to the slave, and asked me to lie in front of the emperor, to help him say good things, saying that the vassal should never be withdrawn, the slave is loyal to the emperor, You can't covet some gold and silver treasures, and call the traitor a loyal minister. But in this way, I feel a little sorry for Wu Sangui for taking things from Wu Sangui. Anyway, all the gold and silver treasures in the world are the emperor's property. Who the emperor rewards, It is the kindness of the emperor, Wu Sangui does not need to use it to be a good person and buy people's hearts." Kangxi laughed, and said: "You are quite loyal to me, so these pearl treasures, I will reward you again." Then he took out a western spring gold watch from his pocket, and said: "I will reward you in addition." A Western treasure." Wei Xiaobao quickly knelt down and kowtowed, walked up a few steps, and took the gold watch with both hands. His monarch and his ministers are so pretentious, and all the ministers are people who are good at looking at their complexion, how can they not understand Kangxi's intentions?All the ministers had received bribes from Wu Sangui, and Wei Xiaobao handed over this batch recently. He thought that if he was ignorant again, Wei Xiaobao would reveal how much "Dian Jing" he had given to the court. He will be punished for the crime, and he will have to be exiled if he does not kill his head.Wei Xiaobao's words of framing Wu Sangui were very naive and ridiculous. Even if Wu Sangui really had the intention of rebelling, he would definitely not reveal it in front of the imperial envoys sent by the emperor; he also said that the gold and silver given to the ministers of the court would be recovered with interest in the future , implying that the rebellion will succeed in the future, and when he becomes emperor, he will ask the ministers to return the gold and silver.This is obviously the thinking of a child who has never seen the world, how can a scheming person like Wu Sangui care about how much gold and silver he gave away?But knowing that Wei Xiaobao's words cannot be refuted, and he has the emperor's backing, who would dare to ask for trouble and refute? Mingzhu had the quickest brain, and immediately said: "Wei Dutong is a young talent, he understands what is happening, he is loyal to the emperor, he went deep into Wu Sangui's tiger's den, and found out the truth of the matter, which is really admirable. If it weren't for the emperor's insight, he would send Wei Du The relatives went to investigate, we are working in Beijing, how can we know that this old fellow Wu Sangui is deeply favored by the country, and he would have a different heart?" In these few words, he not only praised Kangxi and Wei Xiaobao, but also despised himself and his colleagues in the Manchu Dynasty. Lightly excused, and then sat down to prove Wu Sangui's crime.In the Hall of Supreme Harmony, everyone felt that these words were very pleasing to the ear, and all the ministers were originally anxious, but at this moment they couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. Prince Kang and Suo'etu were originally friends with Wei Xiaobao, so they naturally understood at this moment, and they immediately made trouble, and blatantly blamed Wu Sangui.All the ministers said that the feudal clan should be withdrawn, and some even blamed themselves for being stupid. Fortunately, the emperor enlightened him, and it was like seeing the blue sky through the clouds.Some even contributed strategies, talking about how to withdraw the vassal, how to bring Wu Sangui to Beijing, and how to raid his home.Wu Sangui is as rich as a country. When it comes to copying his home, everyone thinks it is a big mistake, but after thinking about it, they feel that this matter is not easy to handle. Once Wu Sangui turned his face, you haven't copied his home yet. He cut off your head first. Kangxi told everyone about it, and said: "Although Wu Sangui has mischievous intentions, he hasn't revealed the truth. No one is allowed to miss a word in what he said today. He must be given a chance to reform himself." The ministers praised the emperor's kindness, generosity and kindness.Kangxi took out a piece of yellow paper from his bosom, and said, "See what's wrong with this edict." Batai took it with a bow, clasped his hands together, and read aloud: "Fengtian Chengyun Emperor's Edict said: Since ancient times, emperors have pacified the world and relied on the strength of teachers and military officials; and Haiyu Ningjing, revitalizing the squadron, resting soldiers, serving the important officials of the frontier, enjoying the best care of the world, enjoying the prolongation of the world, and pampering the rivers and mountains. It is a grand ceremony. !" When he read this, he paused.All the ministers buzzed and clicked their tongues in unison, praising the emperor's imperial writings. Ba Tai coughed lightly, turned his head in two circles, as if admiring Han Liu Osu's wonderful article, then read out again: "Wang Sudu is loyal and loyal, he restrains the enemy, declares his efforts, guards Yanjiang, and relieves my worries in the south. It is a great achievement!" When he read this, he paused, and sighed softly: "What a good article!" Suo'etu said: "The emperor's grace, as long as Wu Sangui is a little bit human, he will be ashamed to death immediately after reading this edict." .” Batai read again: "However, King Nian is old, and his master and apprentice have been exposed. He has been stationed in Xiahuang for a long time, and he has a good heart. It is close to the locality, so at the request of the king, he moved it. I hereby send someone, someone, to announce the decree. My opinion. Wang Qi led the officers and soldiers under him to go northward in fun clothes to comfort me. The concubine will stop every day and night, and the monarch and his ministers will be happy together, and the rest will be boundless forever. As soon as the arrangement is made, it has been ordered and detailed. When the king arrives, that is With Ning Yu, I don't think about it. This is it." Ba Tai's voice was sonorous, and he recited the oracle in rhythmic rhythms.After reading it, all the ministers praised it.Mingzhu said: "The eight characters of 'going to stop at night and night, the monarch and his ministers are happy together' are really grateful. After hearing this, the servants felt warm in their hearts for a while." Tuhai said: "The emperor is thoughtful and considerate. , Tell him in advance that once he arrives in Beijing, there will be a place to live, lest he push back and say that he wants to send people to Beijing to build a building and build a house, and it will delay him for three to five years." Kangxi said: "It is best that Wu Sangui can be ordered to return to the court, and the people will be spared a disaster of swords and soldiers. We must send two eloquent people from Yunnan to announce my intentions." When the ministers heard what the emperor said, they all looked at Wei Xiaobao.Wei Xiaobao was flustered by the sight of everyone, and thought: "Be good at it, this is not for fun. The last time I sent my new wife, I almost lost my life. This time, when I went to withdraw the feudal clan, how could Wu Sangui not kill the imperial envoy?" The reason?" Thinking of seeing A Ke in Yunnan, I couldn't help feeling hot, but in the end, my life was at stake. Seeing that Wei Xiaobao's face was ashen, Mingzhu knew that he didn't dare to go, so she said: "The emperor's lesson: In terms of eloquence, Wei Xiaobao is very capable in the first place. But Wei Dutong is a man who hates evil, knowing that Wu Sangui disrespected the emperor and hated him to the bone, more than half If we meet, we will reprimand Wu Sangui, for fear that something bad will happen. In my humble opinion, it is better to send Zheerken, the Minister of Rites, and Darli, a scholar of the Imperial Academy, to Yunnan to announce the decree. These two people are gentle and have a good reputation, and they may be able to influence the stubborn. Also unknown." When Kangxi heard it, he was very satisfied, and immediately ordered Zheerken and Daerli to go and proclaim the decree. All the ministers saw that the emperor's intention to withdraw the feudal domain had been decided early, and even the imperial edict was written to be brought with him, and they all deeply regretted the good things they said to Wu Sangui earlier.At this time, people's attitudes changed drastically, and they said a lot of crimes that Wu Sangui had made out of nothing. Kangxi nodded, and said: "Although Wu Sangui is bad, it's not like that. Let's all be realistic and handle things carefully." He stood up, waved to Wei Xiaobao, and led him to the apse.
Wei Xiaobao followed behind the emperor and came to the imperial garden.Kangxi smiled and said: "Xiao Guizi, you really have it. If you hadn't taken that bag of pearls out and shook it on the ground, those fucking old guys would still be speaking nicely of Wu Sangui." Wei Xiaobao said: "Actually, the emperor only I have to say, 'It's better to withdraw from the feudal clan', but not everyone said, 'Sure enough, it's better to withdraw from the feudal clan'. It's just that it's more interesting for them to say it themselves." Kangxi nodded, and said: "The old guys try to be safe in doing things, and you can't say that everything you think is wrong. But in this way, Wu Sangui can do it whenever he wants, and he can decide everything. It's not good. Let's withdraw his vassal first, and then we can disrupt his footsteps." Wei Xiaobao said: "Yes, it's like playing Pai Gow, so why always let Wu Sangui be the banker? The emperor also has to roll a few dice. Kangxi said: "This analogy is right, we can't always let him be the banker. Xiao Guizi, we have rolled the dice, but Wu Sangui is really not aggressive. The generals and soldiers under him are all dead. A powerful character who has experienced hundreds of battles. He rebelled all the way, and if the Han people all over the world responded to him, it would be terrible!" Wei Xiaobao has been traveling around in recent years, and he has heard a lot of Chinese people cursing the Tartars. There are so many Han people, there may not be a Manchurian for every one hundred Han Chinese. I can't resist it, but although there are many people who curse the Tartars, even more people hate Wu Sangui.He thought of this verse, and said: "The emperor looks at the peace, Han people in the world, no one likes Wu Sangui. If he wants to rebel, no one will praise him except his cronies." Kangxi nodded, and said: "I also thought of this festival. The former King Gui of the Ming Dynasty fled to Burma, and Wu Sangui went to capture and kill him. If Wu Sangui wants to rebel, he can only say that he rebelled against the Manchus in the Han Dynasty, but he cannot say that he opposed the Qing Dynasty and restored the Ming Dynasty." Having said this, he paused for a moment, and asked, "The former Emperor Chongzhen of the Ming Dynasty, on what day did he die?" Wei Xiaobao scratched his head, and murmured, "This...slave hadn't been born at that time, it's not...no Very clear." Kangxi laughed loudly and said, "I can ask Yu Blind about this. I was not born at that time. That's right, on the day of his death, I sent several princes Baylor to worship at the Chongzhen Mausoleum. Fan, so that the people all over the world are grateful to me, and hate Wu Sangui in their hearts." Wei Xiaobao said: "The emperor has a clever plan. But if the death of Emperor Chongzhen is still far away, Wu Sangui rebelled first?" Kangxi took a few steps, and said with a smile: "At these times, you have suffered a lot because you have been doing things according to the order. Wutai Mountain, Yunnan, Shenlong Island, Liaodong, and finally even the Raksha Kingdom. I will send you this time. A good place to adjust, adjust." Wei Xiaobao said: "The best place in the world is to be by the emperor's side. As long as I hear a word from the emperor, or see him, I feel energetic and feel unspeakably comfortable. Your majesty, this is absolutely true, isn't it Kissing." Kangxi nodded and said: "This is the truth. I speculate with your monarch and ministers, that is also fate. My friendship with you is from childhood fights, which is different. I am always very happy to see you. Xiao Guizi, then I haven't heard from you for half a year, I only know that you drowned in the sea, I have always regretted it, I should not send you to take risks, I am really sad." Wei Xiaobao was excited, and said: "But... I hope I can serve you for the rest of my life." As he spoke, his voice was a little choked up. Kangxi said: "Okay, I have been emperor for sixty years, and you have been a high-ranking official for sixty years. Both of us, the monarch and his ministers, have kindness and righteousness, from the beginning to the end." It is extremely rare for the emperor to say such words to his courtiers. Firstly, Kangxi was young and spoke frankly, and secondly, he and Wei Xiaobao were the best friends of the president, and they were sincere to each other. Wei Xiaobao said: "If you have been emperor for a hundred years, I will be a hundred years away from you. I don't care if I am a high official or not." Kangxi smiled and said, "Isn't it enough to be an emperor for sixty years? You can't be too dissatisfied by yourself." After a pause, he said, "Xiao Guizi, this time I will send you to Yangzhou, so that you can return to your hometown in fine clothes." Wei Xiaobao heard the words "go to Yangzhou", his heart skipped a beat, and he asked: "What is returning home with a fine clothes?" Kangxi said: "You became a high-ranking official in Beijing, and you went back to your hometown to meet relatives and friends, to show off, Isn't it beautiful to make everyone envy you? You ask your subordinates to write a memorial for you, and your father, mother, and the court can give them orders, scenery, scenery." Wei Xiaobao said: "Yes, yes, thank you, the emperor. Grace." Seeing his awkward expression, Kangxi asked, "Eh, you don't like it?" Wei Xiaobao shook his head and said, "I like it very much, but...it's just that I don't know who my biological father is." Kangxi was taken aback, thinking that his father was a monk in Wutai Mountain, and he had some sympathy with him. He patted him on the shoulder and said softly: "When you arrive in Yangzhou, you might as well look for it slowly. Maybe God will show mercy and reunite your father and son. Xiao Guizi, go Yangzhou, this mission is urgent for Ke Yi. I will send you to build a martyr's shrine." 韦小宝搔了搔头，说道：“种栗子？皇上，你要吃栗子，我这就给你到街上去买，糖炒良乡桂花栗子，又香又糯，不用到扬州去种。”康熙哈哈大笑，道：“他妈的，小桂子就是没学问。我是说忠烈祠，你却缠夹不清，搞成了种栗子。忠烈祠是一座祠堂，供奉忠臣烈士的。”韦小宝笑道：“奴才这可笨得紧了，原来是去起一座关帝庙甚么的。”康熙道：“这就对了。清兵进关之后，在扬州、嘉定杀戮很惨，以致有甚么'扬州十日'、'嘉定三屠'的话。想到这些事，我心中总是不安。” 韦小宝道：“当时的确杀得很惨啊。扬州城里到处都是死尸，隔了十多年，井里河里还常见到死人骷髅头。不过那时候我还没出世，您也没出世，可怪不到咱们头上。”康熙道：“话是这么说，不过是我祖宗的事，也就是我的事。当时有个史可法，你听说过吗？”韦小宝道：“史阁部史大人死守扬州，那是一位大大的忠臣。我们扬州的老人家说起他来，都是要流眼泪的。我们院子里供了一个牌位，写的是'九纹龙史进之灵位'，初一月半，大伙儿都要向这牌位磕头。我听人说，其实就是史阁部，不过瞒着官府就是了。” 康熙点了点头道：“忠臣烈士，遗爱自在人心。原来百姓们供奉了九纹龙史进的灵位，焚香跪拜，其实是纪念史可法。小桂子，你家那个是甚么院子啊？”韦小宝脸上一红，道：“皇上，这件事说起来又不大好听了。我们家里开了一家堂子，叫作丽春堂，在扬州算是数一数二的大妓院。”康熙微微一笑，心道：“你满口市井胡言，早知道你决非出身于书香世家。你这小子对我倒很忠心，连这等丑事也不瞒我。”其实开妓院甚么，韦小宝已是在大吹牛皮了，他母亲只不过是个妓女而已，哪里是甚么妓院老板了。 康熙道：“你奉了我的上谕，到扬州去宣读。我褒扬史可法尽忠报国，忠君爱民，是个大大的忠臣，大大的好汉。我们大清敬重忠臣义士，瞧不起反叛逆贼。我给史可法好好的起一座祠堂，把扬州当时守城殉难的忠臣将勇，都在祠堂里供奉。再拿三十万两银子去，抚恤救济扬州、嘉定两城的百姓。我再下旨，免这两个地方三年钱粮。” 韦小宝长长吁了口气，说道：“皇上，你这番恩典可真太大了。我得向你真心诚意的磕几个头才行。”说着爬下地来，冬冬冬的磕了三个响头。 康熙笑问：“你以前向我磕头，不是真心诚意的么？”韦小宝微笑道：“有时是真心诚意，有时不过敷衍了事。”康熙哈哈一笑，也不以为忤，心想：“向我磕头的那些人，一百个中，倒有九十九个是敷衍了事的，也只有小桂子才说出口来。” 韦小宝道：“皇上，你这个计策，当真是一箭射下两只鸟儿。”康熙笑道：“甚么一箭射下两只鸟儿？这叫做一箭双雕。你倒说说看，是两只甚么鸟儿？”韦小宝道：“这座忠烈祠一起，天下汉人都知道皇上待百姓很好。以前鞑……以前清兵在扬州、嘉定乱杀汉人，皇上心中过意不去，想法子补报。如果吴三桂造反，又或是尚可喜、耿精忠造反，要恢复明朝甚么的，老百姓就会说，满清有甚么不好？皇帝好得很哪。” 康熙点点头，说道：“你这话是不错，不过稍微有一点以小人之心，度君子之腹。我想到昔年扬州十日、嘉定三屠，确是心中恻然，发银抚恤，减免钱粮，也不是全然为了收买人心。那第二只鸟儿又是甚么？”韦小宝道：“皇上起这祠堂，大家知道做忠臣义士是好的，做反叛贼子是不好的。吴三桂要造反，那是反贼，老百姓就瞧他不起了。” 康熙伸手在他肩头重重一拍，笑道：“对！咱们须得大肆宣扬，忠心报主才是好人。天下的百姓哪一个肯做坏人？吴三桂不起兵便罢，若是起兵，也没人跟从他。” 韦小宝道：“我听说书先生说故事，自来最了不起的忠臣义士，一位是岳飞岳爷爷，一位是关帝关王爷。皇上，咱们这次去扬州修忠烈祠，不如把岳爷爷、关王爷的庙也都修上一修。”康熙笑道：“你心眼儿挺灵，就可惜不读书，没学问。修关帝庙，那是很好，关羽忠心报主，大有义气，我来赐他一个封号。那岳飞打的是金兵。咱们大清，本来叫做后金，金就是清，金兵就是清兵。这岳王庙，就不用理会了。”韦小宝道：“是，是，原来如此。”心中想：“原来你们鞑子是金兀术、哈迷蚩的后代。你们祖宗可差劲得很。” 康熙道：“河南省王屋山，好像有吴三桂伏下的一支兵马，是不是？”韦小宝一怔，应道：“是啊。”心想：“这件事你若不提，我倒忘了。”康熙道：“当时你查到吴三桂的逆谋，派人前来奉知，我反而将你申斥一顿，你可知是甚么原因？”韦小宝道：“想来咱们对付吴三桂的兵马还没调派好，因此皇上假装不信，免得打草惊蛇。”康熙笑道：“对了！打草惊蛇，这成语用得对了。朝廷之中，吴三桂一定伏有不少心腹，我们一举一动，这老贼无不知道得清清楚楚。王屋山司徒伯雷的事，当时我如一加查究，吴三桂立刻便知道了。他心里一惊，说不定马上就起兵造反。那时朝廷的虚实他甚么都知道，他的兵力部署甚么的，我可一点儿也不知，打起仗来，我们非输不可。一定要知己知彼，才可百战百胜。” 韦小宝道：“皇上当时派人来大骂我一顿，满营军官都知道了。吴三桂若有奸细在我兵营里，必定去报告给老家伙知道。老家伙心里，说不定还在暗笑皇上胡涂呢。” 康熙道：“你这次去扬州，随带五千兵马，去到河南济源，突然出其不意，便将王屋山上的匪窟给剿了。吴三桂这一支伏兵离京师太近，是个心腹之患。” 韦小宝喜道：“那妙得紧。皇上，不如你御驾亲征，杀吴三桂一个下马威。” 康熙微笑道：“王屋山上只一二千土匪，其中一大半倒是老弱妇孺，那个姓元的张大其辞，说甚么有三万多人，全是假的。我早已派人上山去查得清清楚楚。一千多名土匪，要我御驾亲征，未免叫人笑话罢！哈哈，哈哈。”韦小宝跟着干笑几声，心想小皇帝精明之极，虚报大数可不成。康熙道：“怎么剿灭王屋山土匪，你下去想想，过一两天来回奏。”
韦小宝答应了退下，寻思：“这行军打仗，老子可不大在行。当日水战靠施琅，陆战靠谁才是？有了，我去调广东提督吴六奇来做副手，一切全听他的。这人打仗是把好手。”转念又想：“皇上叫我想好方略，一两天回奏，到广东去请吴六奇，来回最快也得一个月，那可来不及。北京城里，可有甚么打仗的好手？” 盘算半晌，北京城里出名的武将倒是不少，但大都是满洲大官，不是已经封公封侯的，就是将军提督，自己小小一个都统，指挥他们不动。他爵位已封到伯爵，在满清职官制度，子爵已是一品，伯爵以上，列入超品，比之大学士、尚书的品秩还高。但那是虚衔，虽然尊贵，却无实权。他小小年纪，想要名臣勇将听命于己，可就不易了。 他在房中踱来踱去寻思，瞧着案上施琅所赠的那只玉碗，心想：“施琅在北京城里不得意，这才来求我。北京城里，不得意的武官该当还有不少哪。但又要不得意，又要有本事，一时之间，未必凑得齐在一起。没本事而飞黄腾达之人，北京城里倒也不少，像我韦小宝，就是一位了，哈哈！” 走过去将玉碗捧在手里，心想：“'加官晋爵'，这四字的口采倒灵，他送我这只玉碗时，我是子爵，现下可升到伯爵啦。我凭了甚么本事加官进爵？最大的本事便是拍马屁，拍得小皇帝舒舒服服，除此之外，老子的本事实在他妈的平常得紧。看来凡是有本事之人，多半不肯拍马屁，喜欢拍马屁的，便是跟老子差不多。” 仰起了头思索，相识的武官之中，有那个是不肯拍马屁的？天地会的英雄豪杰当然不会随便拍人马屁，只是除了师父陈近南和吴六奇之外，大家只会内功外功，不会带兵打仗。师父的部将林兴珠是会打仗的，可惜回去了台湾。 突然之间，想起了一件事：那日他带同施琅等人前赴天津，转去塘沽出海，水师总兵黄甫对自己奉承周到，天津卫有一个大胡子武官，却对自己皱眉扁嘴，一副瞧不起的模样，一句马屁也不肯拍。这家伙是谁哪？他当时没记住这军官的名字，这时候自然更加想不起来，心中只想：“拍马屁的，就没本事。这大胡子不肯拍马屁，一定有本事。” 当下有了主意，即到兵部尚书衙门去找尚书明珠，请他尽快将天津卫将一名大胡子军官调来北京，这大胡子的军阶不高也不低，不是副将，就是参将。 明珠觉得这件事有些奇怪，这大胡子无名无姓，如何调法？但韦小宝眼前是皇帝最得宠之人，莫说只不过去天津调一个武官，就是再难十倍的题目出下来，也得想法子交差，当即含笑答应，亲笔写了一道六百里加急文书给天津卫总兵，命他将麾下所有的大胡子军官，一齐调来北京，赴部进见。
次日中午时分，韦小宝刚吃完中饭，亲兵来报，兵部尚书大人求见。 韦小宝迎出大门，只见明珠身后跟着二十来个大胡子军官，有的黑胡子，有的白胡子，有的花白胡子，个个尘沙被面，大汗淋漓。明珠笑道：“韦爵爷，你吩咐调的人，兄弟给你找来了一批，请你挑选，不知哪一个合式。” 韦小宝忽然间见到这么一大群大胡子军官，一怔之下，不由得哈哈大笑，说道：“尚书大人，我只请你找一个大胡子，你办事可真周到，一找就找了二十来个，哈哈，哈哈。” 明珠笑道：“就怕传错了人，不中韦爵爷的意啊。” 韦小宝又是哈哈大笑，说道：“天津卫总兵麾下，原来有这么许多个大胡子……”话未说完，人丛中突然有人暴雷也似的喝道：“大胡子便怎样？你没的拿人来开玩笑！” 韦小宝和明珠都吃了一惊，齐向那人瞧去，只见他身材魁梧，站在众军官之中，比旁人都高了半个头，满脸怒色，一丛大胡子似乎一根根都翘了起来。 韦小宝一怔，随即喜道：“对了，对了，正是老兄，我便是要找你。” 那大胡子怒道：“上次你来到天津，我言语中冲撞了你，早知你定要报复出气。哼，我没犯罪，要硬加我甚么罪名，只怕也不容易。” 明珠斥道：“你叫甚么名字？怎地在上官面前如此无礼？”那大胡子适才到兵部衙门、已参见过明珠，他是该管的大上司，可也不敢胡乱顶撞，便躬身道：“回大人：卑职天津副将赵良栋。”明珠道：“这位韦都统官高爵尊，为人宽仁，是本部的好朋友，你怎地得罪他了？快快上前陪罪。” 赵良栋心头一口气难下，悻悻然斜睨韦小宝，心想：“你这乳臭未干的黄口小子，我为甚么向你陪罪？” 韦小宝笑道：“赵大哥莫怪，是兄弟得罪了你，该当兄弟向你陪罪。”转过头来，向着众军官说：“兄弟有一件要事，要跟赵副将商议，一时记不起他的尊姓大名，以致兵部大人邀了各位一齐到北京来，累得各位连夜赶路，实在对不起得很。”说着连连拱手。 众军官忙即还礼。赵良栋见他言语谦和，倒是大出意料之外，心头火气，也登时消了，便即向韦小宝说道：“小将得罪。”躬身行礼。 韦小宝拱拱手，笑道：“不用客气。”转身向明珠道：“大人光临，请到里面坐，兄弟敬酒道谢。天津卫的朋友们，也都请进去。”明珠有心要和他结纳，欣然入内。 韦小宝大张筵席，请明珠坐了首席，请赵良栋坐次席，自己在主位相陪，其余的天津武将另行坐了三桌。伯爵府的酒席自是十分丰盛，酒过三巡，做戏的在筵前演唱起来。这次进京的天津众武将，有的只不过是个小小把总，只因天生了一把大胡子，居然在伯爵府中与兵部尚书、伯爵大人一起喝酒听戏，当真是做梦也想不到的意外奇逢。 赵良栋脾气虽然倔强，为人却也精细，见韦小宝在席上不提商议何事，也不出言相询，只是听着韦小宝说些罗刹国的奇风异俗，心想：“小孩子胡说八道，那有男人女人在大庭广众之间搂抱了跳啊跳的，天下怎会有如此不识羞耻之事？” 明珠喝了几杯酒，听了一出戏，便起身告辞。韦小宝送出大门，回进大厅，陪着众军官看完了戏，吃饱了酒饭，这才请赵良栋到内书房详谈。
赵良栋见书架上摆满了一套套书籍，不禁肃然起敬：“这小孩儿年纪虽小，学问倒是好的，这可比我们粗胚高明了。” 韦小宝见他眼望书籍，笑道：“赵大哥，不瞒你说，这些书本子都是拿来摆样子的。兄弟识得的字，加起来凑不满十个。我自己的名字'韦小宝'三字，连在一起总算是识得的，分了开来，就靠不大住。除此之外，就只好对书本子他妈的干瞪眼了。” 赵良栋哈哈大笑，心头又是一松，觉得这小都统性子倒很直爽，不搭架子，说道：“韦大人，卑职先前言语冒犯，你别见怪。”韦小宝笑道：“见甚么怪啊。你我不妨兄弟相称，你年纪大，我叫你赵大哥，你就叫我韦兄弟。”赵良栋忙站起来请安，说道：“都统大人可别说这等话，那太也折杀小人了。” 韦小宝笑道：“请坐，请坐。我不过运气好，碰巧做了几件让皇上称心满意的事，你还道我真有甚么狗屁本事么？我做这个官，实在惭愧得紧，那及得上赵大哥一刀一枪，功劳苦劳，完全是凭真本事干起来的。” 赵良栋听得心头大悦，说道：“韦大人，我是粗人，你有甚么事，尽管吩咐下来，只要小将做得到的，一定拚命给你去干。就算当真做不到，我也给你拚命去干。” 韦小宝大喜，说道：“我也没甚么事，只是上次在天津卫见到赵大哥，见你相貌堂堂，一表人才，我是钦差大臣，人人都来拍我马屁，偏生赵大哥就不卖帐。”赵良栋神色有些尴尬，说道：“小将是粗鲁武人，不善奉承上司，倒不是有意对钦差大臣无礼。”韦小宝道：“我没见怪，否则的话，也不会找你来了。我心中有个道理，凡是没本事的，只好靠拍马屁去升官发财；不肯拍马屁的，一定是有本事之人。” 赵良栋喜道：“韦大人这几句话说得真爽快极了。小将本事是没有，可是听到人家吹牛拍马，心中就是有气。得罪了上司，跟同僚吵架，升不了官，都是为了这个牛脾气。” 韦小宝道：“你不肯拍马屁，一定是有本事的。” 赵良栋裂开了大嘴，不知说甚么话才好，真觉“生我者父母，知我者韦大人”也。 韦小宝吩咐在书房中开了酒席，两人对酌闲谈。赵良栋说起自己身世，是陕西省人氏，行伍出身，打仗时勇往直前，积功而升到副将，韦小宝听说他善于打仗，心头甚喜，暗想：“我果然没看错了人。”当下问起带兵进攻一座山头的法子。 赵良栋不读兵书，但久经战阵，经历极富，听韦小宝问起，只道是考较自己本事。当下滔滔不绝的说了起来；说得兴起，将书架上的四书五经一部部搬将下来，布成山峰、山谷、河流、道路之形，打仗时何处埋伏、何处佯攻、何处拦截、何处冲击，一一细加解释。他说的是双方兵力相等的战法。 韦小宝问道：“如果敌人只有一千人，咱们却有五千兵马，要怎么进攻，便能必胜？”赵良栋道：“打仗必胜，那是没有的。不过我们兵力多了敌人几倍，如果是由小将来带，倘若再打输了，那还算是人么？总要将敌人尽数生擒活捉，一个也不漏网才好。” 韦小宝命家丁去取了几千文铜钱来，当作兵马。赵良栋便布起阵来。
韦小宝将他的话记在心中，当晚留他在府中歇宿。次日去见康熙，依样葫芦，便在上书房中布起阵来。韦小宝不敢胡乱搬动皇帝的书籍，大致粗具规模，也就是了。 康熙沉思半晌，问道：“这法子是谁教你的？”韦小宝也不隐瞒，将赵良栋之事说了。康熙听说明珠连夜召了二十几名大胡子军官，从天津赶来，供他挑选，不由得哈哈大笑，问道：“你又怎知赵良栋有本事？” 韦小宝可不敢说由于这大胡子不拍马屁，自己是马屁大王，这秘诀决不能让皇帝知道，便道：“上次皇上派奴才去天津，我见这大胡子带的兵操得很好，心想总有一日要对吴三桂用兵，这大胡子倒是个人才。” 康熙点点头道：“你念念不忘对付吴三桂，那就好得很。朝里那些老头子啊，哼，念念不忘就是怎样讨好吴三桂，向他索取贿赂。那赵良栋现今是副将，是不是？你回头答应他，一力保荐他升官，我特旨升他为总兵，让他承你的情，以后尽心帮你办事。” 韦小宝喜道：“皇上体贴臣下，当真无微不至。” 他回到伯爵府，跟赵良栋说了。过得数日，兵部果然发下凭状，升赵良栋为总兵，听由都统韦小宝调遣。赵良栋自