Chapter 191 Chapter Eighteen

Part Six Everlasting and Everlasting Chapter Eighteen In the third month of Yiyou, eighth year of Longsheng, Emperor Yong issued an edict to appoint Qi Wangxian as the commander of Jiangnan Xingyuan, and Prince Jun as the deputy commander. counselor. ——"Zi Zhi Tong Jian".Yong Ji IV On the thirteenth day of the first lunar month in Yiyou, the twelfth year of Tongtai in Southern Chu, the capital of Southern Chu was established, and the Lantern Festival was approaching. The victory caused Nan Chu to fall into a frenzy. More than ten years ago, King Yong and Li Zhi plundered Jianye and took away the king and all the officials. The blow to Southern Chu was more than many people imagined. The Jianghuai line of defense has been consolidated, but almost all people in Southern Chu feel precarious. They are always worried that Dayong's iron hooves will crush the prosperity and prosperity in front of them. Therefore, over the years, there have been many wild students in Jiangnan who are determined to avenge their shame. There are more frivolous prodigal sons who are drunk and dreaming of death.This time Lu Can won the Huaixi and Guazhou victories, not only washing away the shame of the year, but also rebuilding the confidence of the soldiers and civilians in Southern Chu, and Lu Can is no longer the target of criticism by those literati, but has become a famous general who turned the tide , can lead the soldiers and civilians of Southern Chu against Dayong's million-strong army, and preserve the splendid and prosperous heroes in the south of the Yangtze River.

This time the Lantern Festival is just after the big victory, so both the gentry and the common people intend to express their joy by celebrating the festival, so this year's lanterns are more lively than in previous years, and the city is full of lights, just like fairy palaces and jade palaces .There are tens of thousands of lotus lanterns floating on the Qinhuai River, as if the galaxy in the sky has fallen into the world. All the boats and boats are decorated with colorful lanterns high up, like Qionglou Yuyu. Uploading songs and dancing, the singing is loud and clear, like the sound of nature, and the dancing is graceful, like a fairy.The fiery trees, silver flowers, and night sky, this scene, makes people ecstatic, and completely forgets where the world is.This is only the thirteen lanterns. If it comes to Shangyuan Day, the inside and outside of Jianye City will definitely be more prosperous.

The capital is covered with crowns, and the people are haggard alone. At this time of universal celebration, there are people who are suffering. In the study of the prime minister's mansion, at this moment, it is cloudy.Shang Weijun, who is full of power, sits behind the desk with a sad face, and there are three other people sitting or standing in the study.A middle-aged man with a cautious expression stood behind Shang Weijun. He was Shang Weijun's only son, Shang Chengye. Giving up, so he can only hold an idle position in the official department, and there is no seat for him in this study.In fact, he is also a reckless and frivolous figure outside, but he is trembling in front of his father and dare not be presumptuous.A middle-aged man with slender eyebrows and long eyes sat on the chair on the first left. He was Yin Duanhua, Minister of the Ministry of Household Affairs, a student of Shang Weijun, and his confidant.And sitting on the right is an old Confucian scholar, he is Shang Weijun's mastermind Ning Qian, Shang Weijun has been intriguing with others in the officialdom for many years, and often relies on this person for his conspiracy.

After being silent for a long time, Shang Weijun finally couldn't help but said: "Mr. Ning, Duanhua, do you have any ideas? The truth has already delayed the matter of awarding, but the day after tomorrow will be Shangyuan, so it should be awarded anyway The army is now. But Lu Can is already the Duke of Zhenyuan, and he is also the honor of the Great General. If he wants to confer rewards, he will be the title of prince. Different surnames are not conferred kings. This is the golden rule, but if not, how can he confer rewards? Now Huaidong The military power has been lost, and the Southern Chu military power is in the hands of the Lu family, once Lu Can is dissatisfied, I am afraid that we will all die without a place to die."

Yin Duanhua said worriedly: "Yes, Lu Can asked for military expansion and preparation for war on the paper a few days ago. He has already controlled almost all military power, but he wants to expand the army. Isn't this out of desperation?" Shang Weijun shook his head and said: "You are overthinking. The expansion of the army is also necessary. This time, almost all the Huaidong Army was ruined. If we do not expand the army, we will not be able to consolidate the Jianghuai defense line. And if we expand the army, we will have the opportunity to put our own people in."

A cold light flashed in the old Confucian scholar's eyes, and he said: "Although Xiangye has this intention, if Lu Can is allowed to recruit troops, I'm afraid that these new troops will obey Lu's orders." Shang Weijun waved his hand and said: "There is no way, there is no one among us who can lead troops, that Luo Lou really ruined all my efforts in Huaidong, alas, let's not mention it, let's discuss how to award rewards. " The old Confucian scholar twitched his beard and said, "Mr. Xiang, why not exchange terms with Lu Can? Doesn't he want to expand the army? This matter must be passed through the court. The Master agreed to support his conscription and prepare for war, but asked him to give up the reward this time." , Xiangye can add some fiefs to him at will, but if he doesn't raise his title, wouldn't everyone be happy in this way, and it will save face, Lu Can would give up his title in exchange for Xiangye's support."

Shang Weijun nodded again and again, and said: "Mr. Ning is right, expanding the army is not a trivial matter. Without the government's food and salary, it is impossible to proceed smoothly. Although Lu Can is hateful, he is not a person who does not know how to praise. In this way Well, didn't his son have made military exploits, this time he will be given the military rank of a sixth-rank captain as compensation." Yin Duanhua said: "It's cheap for the Lu family and his son, but how should other meritorious soldiers be rewarded? If the reward is light, these people will cause trouble, but if the reward is too heavy, most of these people are just grateful to Lu Can. How many people would think of it?" Is it the grace of the Lord and the Prime Minister?"

Ning Qian closed his eyes and remained silent. He didn't quite agree with Yin Duanhua's words, but seeing Shang Weijun's pensive look there, he didn't object. At this time, Shang Chengye said: "Actually, the military is not monolithic. This time Lu Can and Shi Guan have made great contributions, but although Yu Mian and Rong Yuan have made great contributions to defending the soil, they are not so successful after all. Father might as well seal Shiguan heavily, but treat Yu Mian and Rong Yuan passed by, but Yu Mian was fine, that Rong Yuan was not Lu Can's best friend, and this person was a bit narrow-minded, so he must be jealous of Lu Can because of this, father might as well comfort him in private, this person But those who have real talents and learning, and they belong to Prince De's old department, who are loyal to the emperor and patriotic, might join father's command."

As soon as these words came out, not only Shang Weijun's eyes lit up, but also Yin Duanhua and Ning Qian nodded repeatedly.Shang Chengye never said much on such occasions, but today he suddenly proposed a plan, but it was such a clever plan that Yin and Ning were impressed and praised repeatedly.Shang Weijun knew the depth of this son, and asked in amazement: "You have something to say today, I wonder whose idea it is?" Shang Chengye blushed, and said: "Father, he is a new friend of mine. He is a scholar from a poor family. He has no intention of taking the imperial examination. He only composes and writes lyrics for those singers in the fireworks and willow alley. The boy saw that he had a high bearing, so he turned over every detail. He was drinking with him a few days ago, and accidentally mentioned that the general's authority is now more important than his father. He smiled and said that Lu Can still can't cover the sky with one hand, if so This way, it will work.”

Shang Weijun's eyes flickered, and he said, "You have carefully checked the identity of this person. With your identity, you must not be careless in making friends." Shang Chengye said embarrassingly: "My boy just got along with him in poetry and wine, so I don't know his life experience, but this man is generous and talented, but it's a pity that he sees through the world and has no intention of fame. If my father is interested, my boy can try to recruit him To the father's shogunate." Shang Weijun shook his head and said: "Let's take a look first, you must not be careless in employing people, but this person is so talented, you should not ignore him, you should first win over him well, if there is no problem with his status, you might as well recruit him into the mansion." After that, Shang Weijun Jun hesitated for a moment, and then said: "There is one more thing. Originally, I intended to give my adoptive daughter Lingxiang to Lu Can's eldest son. If I could get married, I could have more bargaining chips to control the Lu family. Unfortunately, Lu Can refused. See if there is room for redemption?"

Ning Qian frowned. He naturally knew who this Lingxiang was. She was the adoptive daughter of Ji Xia, the head of the Yihuang Hall of Fengyimen, but she also worshiped Shang Weijun as her adoptive father.In fact, Ning Qian also knew the ambiguous relationship between Ji Xia and Shang Weijun. Falling into the tenderness trap of Fengyimen.Ning Qian had expected this marriage to be rejected by Lu Can. It would be strange if Lu Can did not refuse. The future patriarch of the Lu family should naturally marry a lady from a famous family in Southern Chu. How could he marry a woman of unknown origin? wife.After hesitating for a while, Ning Qian said politely: "Master Xiang, if you intend to marry, you might as well consider Princess Shuning." "Princess Shuning!" Shang Weijun murmured. Princess Shuning is the half-sister of Zhao Long, the current ruler of the country. She has no status, and Shang Weijun didn't even notice her existence. Now that he heard Ning Qian's reminder, his heart moved. If he promised a princess to the Lu family, wouldn't this be the best way to win over her? After all, he still needs to rely on the Lu family to resist. Dayong's.And if the Lu family has objections, Princess Shuning can also play a role that ordinary people can't. When Shang Weijun was conspiring with his cronies in the study, Lu Can and others who were ordered to return to Beijing to accept the reward had already entered the city.He didn't want to disturb the common people, so Lu Can entered the city in low clothes. Looking at the wealth and prosperity in his eyes, he sighed softly. With the hands of the Yong army, and the Yong army can mobilize the army to go south at any time, the pressure on Nanchu will only be greater.And most importantly, since Dayong suffered such a disastrous defeat, Emperor Yong would definitely use Jiang Zhe, fearing that when Dayong marched south again, his mentor would go south with the army. However, the distress in his heart obviously did not infect the two teenagers behind him.Shi Xiu looked around at the lanterns on both sides of the road, her handsome face was full of surprise and longing, while Lu Yun pointed out the sights along the way one by one for her, like the most hospitable host.This time, both of them were awarded by imperial edict to enter the court. Although Shixiu was originally a woman, she was not included in the list of awards as a rule, but now they are young heroes praised by everyone in Southern Chu, and because of the vagueness of the military report, As well as Jianye's mistakes, Shixiu also got the intention of entering Beijing to be rewarded. Although Shi Guan wrote a letter to explain this, but in the end Jianye decided to make the mistake and reward the "Shi Yujin" in order to motivate the army, but it was vague in the intention. The words did not indicate whether Shi Yujin was a man or a woman. Looking at the gorgeous lights on both sides of the street, Lu Yun was also a little uneasy. He left Jianye without saying goodbye and went to Yongdu. After returning from Chang'an, he was sent directly to Jiangxia by his father, and then went to the Huaixi battlefield. It has been nearly ten months, and my mother must have broken her heart for him. I am afraid that she will be severely punished by my mother this time. Although it is nothing to punish him by kneeling on the board, it would be too embarrassing for his younger siblings to see.After thinking about it, why don't you find a way to let a few younger siblings plead for yourself in front of your mother, but you need to bribe a few little guys first.After thinking about it, the second brother also likes to ride and shoot, so I will give the rhino horn bow given to him by the king of Jiajun. Give yourself a bow to shoot and kill Dayong's soldiers.Little brother, since he is still young, just give him the dough figurines and puppets I bought on the road.As for the little girl, Lu Yun's heart skipped a beat, and he thought of the golden ring in his arms, and then he thought of Princess Zhaohua's charming face, which was both happy and angry, and the already blurred image of a pretty girl became vivid again. At this time, Shi Xiu impatiently said loudly: "Brother Yun, why are you in a daze, what kind of lamp is that, it's so beautiful." Lu Yun woke up suddenly, blushed, turned to look at Shi Xiu, saw the girl who was fighting with him with a bright brilliance on her face, the face flushed by the cold wind was so charming and charming, this For a moment, he suddenly felt that the person next to him was a girl, and with a sudden thought, he took out the gold ring from his bosom and handed it to Shi Xiu, "Sister Xiu, this is for you." Shi Xiu was furious at first, and was about to correct Lu Yun's address, but at a glance, she saw the golden ring surrounded by flowers and branches. No matter what, she was a young girl after all, with big bright eyes bent into crescent moons, and she couldn't put it down after taking the golden ring .Lu Yun felt guilty in his heart, Shi Xiu and himself are like brothers, so it is reasonable to give the golden ring to her, even though Princess Zhaohua originally said to give it to his sister.At this time, Shi Xiu reluctantly handed the gold ring back, and said in a low voice: "This is too precious, you should take it back." Although Shi Xiu never paid attention to these details, but this gold ring is so It was so exquisite that it must be hard to buy, how could she accept such an expensive gift. A gleam of light flashed in Lu Yun's eyes, and he whispered: "This is also given to me by a friend, so you should keep it for me." Shi Xiu wanted to refuse, but she didn't know how to say it. She just lowered her head and played with the golden ring, her eyes flashed inadvertently, and she saw two small characters as thin as rice grains in the stamens of the plum blossom where the golden ring connected. Xiu Ning looked at it, but it was the word "Zhaohua", couldn't help but feel moved, and said with a smile: "Well, I will keep it for you first." Lu Yun felt relieved and said with a smile, "I'll take you out to the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day, okay? Now it's just a quick tour. There are many interesting places you haven't seen yet?" Shi Xiu's eyes lit up when he heard the words, and said: "Okay, I heard that the Qinhuai River is very interesting. There are lotus lanterns on the water, and there are also juggling and singing and dancing to watch." Lu Yun repeatedly nodded in agreement, and Shi Xiu showed a sweet smile on his face. The two immediately approached and whispered, discussing how to play. At this moment, the two are not young heroes who are famous in the south of the Yangtze River, but just a pair of young people who have not grown up. That's all. The whispers of the two children were clearly heard by Lu Can. He relieved his troubles a little, and couldn't help but smile slightly when he thought of Shi Guan's faint intention of getting married. Thinking of his wife and children whom he hadn't seen for more than a year, he felt infinite love. Tenderness, added a whip, speeded up the horse, and walked forward. The Duke of Zhenyuan's mansion is in the south of Jianye City. The mansion is solemn and solemn. Today, the central gate is wide open, and lights and festoons are decorated in front of the gate. When the head of the family returns from victory, the whole family will naturally come out to greet him. The middle-aged woman who is leading is the dignified and beautiful woman, who is Lu Can's wife.There are two children standing behind her, one on the left and one on the right. The boy on the left looks about ten years old, similar to Lu Yun in appearance, but a little more delicate. He is Lu Can's second son, Lu Feng, and the girl on the right is only seven or eight years old. Although she is young, she is already as beautiful as a fairy dew pearl. She is Lu Mei, Lu Can's only daughter, who is leaning against her mother and secretly looking at everyone.Behind the three of them, there was a middle-aged woman hugging a two or three-year-old boy. This little boy was very cute, but it was Lu Can's youngest son, Lu Ting. Standing beside Lu Yun, Shi Xiu's heart was pounding for some reason. She knew that Mrs. Lu was from a famous family, she must have all four virtues, but she is like a tomboy. What can I do if I am so wordy. At this time, Mrs. Lu brought everyone to greet Lu Can, and Lu Yun went up to greet his mother anxiously. When Mrs. Lu saw the eldest son, her eyes suddenly became hazy. Only then did I feel relieved.At this time it was Shi Xiu's turn to come forward to pay respects, Shi Xiu stole a glance at Lu Yun, stepped forward and bowed down to pay respects. Mrs. Lu had received a letter from her husband a long time ago, she knew about Shixiu, she also knew that her husband intended to marry her, and she also knew that this girl in men's clothing was very heroic, and she had a good impression of her on the battlefield with her beloved son.Going forward to help the girl, gently hugged her into his arms, said: "You are Xiu'er, my good boy, thank you very much, if you didn't risk your life, my Yun'er would have died." Shi Xiu blushed when she heard the words, she knew that what Madam Lu said was that she stabbed Dong Shan to death after she feigned death on the battlefield. She was about to explain the result of the cooperation, but saw Lu Yun secretly winking at her, so she couldn't help but keep silent.When Mrs. Lu saw the girl's uneasy appearance, she felt even more joyful, and took her hand and said, "Don't be restrained, you will be at home when you arrive here, and I will treat you just like Yun'er." She held the girl's hand , I felt that the slender hand was strong and powerful, and the skin was a little rough, which was obviously the trace left by years of martial arts training. I felt pity in my heart, and then looked at Lu Yun's nervous expression, and suddenly felt that it would be nice to have such a daughter-in-law. The trace of doubt disappeared without a trace, and she walked inward while holding Shi Xiu's hand with a smile. Lu Yun only felt a relief in his heart. He patted his chest lightly, feeling less nervous. Then he saw the shining eyes of his second brother Lu Feng and younger sister Lu Mei. They pulled him from left to right. Lu Feng said viciously: "Brother, you tricked me into stealing money for you, and in the end I was punished by my mother to kneel." Lu Mei said tearfully, "Brother, can you sneak away with Meier in the future?" The warm current flowed into the lake of his heart, and he stretched out his hands to hug his younger siblings. The excitement of reuniting after a long absence made him almost speechless. When the gate of Zhenyuan Duke's Mansion was slowly closing, a young man was drinking a glass of wine with a smile in a restaurant on the opposite side of the street, in a box facing the street, looking at the closed vermilion gate, a gleam of coldness flashed in his eyes.