Chapter 10 The Tenth Chapter Ma Zhoutu Poor Enters the Capital

But it is said that there is a man named Dou in Chang'an. During the reign of Wude, he saw a low-lying land in the east city of the capital.The area is overgrown with weeds and overflowing with dirty water. Pedestrians often walk quickly with their noses covered.This person is quite good at management. Seeing that the merchants in the East City are gradually prospering, he feels that it is profitable here, so he bought the low-lying land at a low price.He first transported loess to fill up the low-lying areas, and then built hotels on them.As a cosmopolitan city at that time, Chang'an was full of various hostels, and the competition for tourist sources was fierce.This man surnamed Dou made up his mind to attract two types of people to live in. He first built a hotel in the Persian style near the street and named it "Persian House" for Hu merchants to live in. For some of the long-term residents, even more Lure with low price.Gradually, this place became the gathering place for Hu merchants in Chang'an.He also built a simple inn connected to the front in a secluded back street, named it "Sujuzhai", to attract traffickers and wanderers with little money to live in.After the opening of these two hostels, because of their considerate service and reasonable price, they attracted many tourists to come here, and gradually filled up every day.This made people surnamed Dou make a profit every day, and after a few years, they became very rich because of it.The surroundings admire him, and he is honored as "Dou Gong".

Although Duke Dou has a lot of money, he still maintains the simple look of his undeveloped days. When he is free, he often wanders around the two inns.One day when he came to Sujuzhai, he saw that the front desk clerk was arguing with one person. The man was about thirty years old, wearing a short crimson white shirt and six seam boots.His shirt and boots are already worn out, which shows that this person is in distress.However, his face with Chinese characters has a serious face, and his eyes are calm and energetic, and he doesn't look very lazy.The man asked the clerk, "Have I paid for today's shop?"

"paid." "Can I stay in this store today?" "Can live." "Isn't this going to work? Why are you still pestering me so hard?" "Our store has a rule that if the guest officer continues to stay at the store tomorrow, he must pay two days in advance." "I know. Can you ask for it tomorrow?" "No. Our business is very good. If you don't pay in advance, there will be no room to live in tomorrow." The man suddenly became angry and asked, "So, if I don't pay the shop, are you going to drive me out today?"

Dou Gong understood the quarrel between them, and hurried over and said: "This guest officer, don't get angry, you can just stay here." Seeing Mr. Dou coming, the clerk hurriedly said, "This is Mr. Dou, the owner of this store, and he made the rules." Dou Gong stared, and reprimanded: "Go do your job, you don't need to talk here." Then he turned to the man and said, "Because there are too many cheap customers in this shop, the old man set these bad rules. Today, after you reminded me, Starting today, this rule will be abolished." Seeing Mr. Dou's friendly face, the man felt very fond of him, so he cupped his hands and said, "My lord, Ma Zhou, lives in Bozhou. He traveled around the capital recently, and he didn't bring much money with him, so he provoked such unnecessary talk."

Dou Gong cupped his hands and said: "It's okay, I see that the guest officer's face is also kind. Even if you have no money, you can continue to live in our shop, as long as you don't think it's too simple. Money is something outside of your body, how can people be burdened by money? The old man used to have When you are in trouble, today is considered a little rich. It’s okay, it’s okay, you just stay here. As for the shop money, you can pay it back when you have money in the future, if you don’t have it, it’s okay, I have the right to treat this old man as having you as a year-end friend.”

Ma Zhou was greatly moved, and he cupped his hands again and said, "I am grateful for Mr. Dou's kindness, but if I can't pay the shop, I won't be brazen enough to stay here. Alas..." His last long sigh expressed the truth. There is endless depression in his heart, and there is also a bit of reconciliation. Dou Gong asked: "Guest officer, the old man sees that you have an extraordinary appearance and you are at the right age. Today's imperial court recruits talents, and you must be useful." Ma Zhou said bitterly: "People don't know talent, what can I do?"

It turned out that Ma Zhou was born in Ramping, Bozhou, and lost his father since he was a child. He was left with orphans and widows, and his family was poor.However, Ma Zhou was born with a broad-minded nature. He was not troubled by the environment when he was young, and he loved reading. At the age of four, he was able to memorize "Spring and Autumn" by heart, which was once a legend in the village.When he grew up, because of his poor family, he was unable to enter an official school or pass the tribute and examinations to become an official. However, his reputation spread far and wide, and everyone around him called him capable.At this time, Bozhou government school heard his name and made him a teaching assistant.one day.Da Xishu, governor of Bozhou, came here to inspect the school. When he saw Ma Zhou, he said contemptuously, "You have such a great name, why don't you get a good name? Besides, you haven't entered an official school for a day, and you only read a few books to become a teacher. Isn't it a little bit Is the name not worthy of the name?" Da Xishu was born as a warrior, with a simple temperament and harsh words, which aroused Ma Zhou's fury, and he turned his head and left.After returning home, Ma Zhou packed his bags and led his mother to Bianzhou.Here, a distant relative named Zhao Renben introduced him to Junyi County for a job. Unfortunately, Cui Xian, the magistrate of Junyi County, was Da Xishu's subordinate when he was in the army, and he had already heard about Ma Zhou's story.At that time, Zhao Renben hosted a banquet for Cui Xian and asked Ma Zhou to attend. During the banquet, he asked Cui Xian to find a job for Ma Zhou.When Cui Xian heard about Ma Zhou's name, he squinted and said, "Ma Zhou? I have heard of your name. My old boss mentioned your name the other day, and said that you are a fame-seeking person." .”

After hearing this, Ma Zhou was furious. Instead of answering, he took the flagon and poured it all by himself.He leisurely drank the last drop of wine in the pot, then got up and said to Zhao Renben: "Brother Zhao, thank you for your kindness. I am going to the capital now, so my mother asked my elder brother to take care of me. In less than two years, my younger brother came to welcome my mother." He turned to Cui Xian and said, "Magistrate Cui, you must be humble and not too arrogant. I, Ma Zhou, will save a sentence here today: One day, you want to see me but can't."

Cui Xian sneered endlessly there. Afterwards, Ma Zhou went to Chang'an alone with the stars and the moon, full of ambition, and wanted to find opportunities in Chang'an.However, when he arrived in Chang'an, he had no relatives, and the days passed day by day, and he still lived in Sujuzhai.When he came, Zhao Renben had sponsored him to make some money, and after spending these days, there was not much left in his pocket. Duke Dou visited many people, and when he saw Ma Zhou's expression, he knew that he was an underappreciated master, so he said warmly: "Guest officer, don't be too anxious, you must take your time in everything, maybe suddenly it will be bright. You Now in Chang’an, the first thing to do is to stand on your feet first, and then plan other things. I see that the guest officials have a good conversation, and they will be able to prosper in the future. For the moment, it is best to find a job.”

"Thank you, Mr. Dou, for your concern. It's just that I can't lift my shoulders or lift my hands. I'm just proficient in writing and ink. Chang'an is so big that there seems to be no place to stand on it." "The old man remembered, there is an errand in front of him, I wonder if the guest officer is willing to give in?" "What errand?" "Zhonglang is acquainted with the housekeeper in Changhe Mansion and the old man. A few days ago, he asked me to pay attention to the capable people who came to Beijing. He said that Zhonglang ordered some days ago to let the mansion recruit some well-educated disciples."

"Menke? It's diners. I'm poor now, and it would be nice to have a place to eat." Ma Zhou laughed and laughed at himself. "The guest officer doesn't know. This General Zhonglang is currently the emperor's favorite! The mansion is very strict in selecting candidates. If you can get lucky, it will be a blessing." This sentence moved Ma Zhou's heart, and he felt that this was an opportunity, so he cupped his hands and said, "If that's the case, I will introduce you to Mr. Dou." "It's getting late today, you should have a good night's rest, and I'll take you there tomorrow." Mr. Dou was indeed a warm-hearted person. At the end of the second day, he asked someone to set up a car and drove Ma Zhou to Chang He's residence.The housekeeper warmly welcomed them into the side hall, first asked Mr. Dou to sit down, and then asked Ma Zhou: "I have always admired Mr. Dou's vision, but my family is very strict in selecting people, and the guests who come here are not for nothing. Yes. Tell me first, what abilities and talents do you have?" Ma Zhou said proudly: "Although I am a white man, I have several advantages: first, I can understand poetry and books, as well as literature and history; It’s just that I’ve had no chance, so I’ve been stuck so far.” After listening to Dou Gong’s brief introduction to Chang He, Ma Zhou had a vague feeling that this man was born as a warrior, and he is also a popular figure in the current emperor. Find a disciple who is proficient in literature and ink as a think tank.So when he answered, he tried his best to express himself, and he was not humble. The butler looked at Ma Zhou carefully and remained silent for a while.After a while, he got up and said: "People who come here to seek business think of themselves as talented. How about this, the master left a question before leaving. If you can answer it, I will report it to the master later. If your answer is not what you asked, we don't need to answer it." Talk more." After finishing speaking, he went to the copywriting on the left to get a volume.He held up the paper and proudly said to Duke Dou: "Mr. Dou, the origin of this question is very unusual. The master wants to pick out the guests, but unfortunately there is no standard for taking the test. He has always been on good terms with Mr. Yu Shinan, so he asked Mr. Yu for questioning. Knowing Yu Your Excellency? He is known as the "Three Wonders" of the dynasty, one is erudition, the other is literary diction, and the third is Shuhan. Many of the emperor's documents were written by him, and he is very famous. The master came to him that day and asked how to choose people, Mr. Yu Smiling slightly, he picked up a pen and wrote a few lines and handed it to the master, saying: "As long as someone can answer this question correctly, it will be accepted." To tell you the truth, this question has scared away many people so far. .” Ma Zhou nodded secretly, he had heard of Yu Shinan's name long ago.Seeing that there are several lines of big characters written on the scroll, its shape is beautiful, and it contains hardness and softness. It really forms a whole, so I exclaimed: "Good characters." The butler spread the papers in front of Ma Zhou and said, "You won't be allowed to comment on the font today, but you can read the meaning of the question carefully." Ma Zhou took a closer look, and saw that it said: one "nai" and one "膉" cannot be detailed, and the only one who wants to find out the code is the talent of the king. Ma Zhou watched it for a long time, and countless scriptures flashed through his mind, but he couldn't remember its source for a while.The housekeeper carefully observed his expression, stepped forward to put away the paper and said, "Haha, it seems that you are not good either, please find another job." Ma Zhou glanced over the last two sentences above, and suddenly an idea flashed in his mind. He smiled and said, "What's so difficult about this?" He saw a pen and inkstone on the copywriting at a glance, so he went to pick up a pen and wrote: The word "Xiang Zhe" has not been seen in the group of books, and it has not been examined in which text Master Yu obtained it. "Zhou Muwang Biography" has the two characters "膋" and "膌". According to a hundred Confucianism, but the name of the ancient horse is not dared to be divided into Feitu and 騕褭, and it is also known in detail today. Duke Dou and the butler watched Ma Zhou's handwriting, and saw that his handwriting was smooth and vigorous, and his brushwork was flowing like clouds and water, so they had a good impression in their hearts.The steward waited for Ma Zhou to finish writing, nodded and said: "The handwriting is good. As for the meaning of your question, I also have difficulty understanding it. How about it, the master is now patrolling the world with the emperor, and I will ask Mr. Yu when he comes back. Duke Dou, if the master can choose this person, I will definitely notify you in time." Duke Dou and Ma Zhou backed out of Chang He Mansion.When Ma Zhou heard that why Chang was not at home, he suddenly felt worried: he is penniless now, how can he make a living?Duke Dou saw what he was thinking, and said with relief: "You wait in the hostel these days, and then help out on the cabinet and do some copying. The basic food in the store, as long as you don't mind it." Ma Zhou didn't expect to meet such a good man, so he couldn't help feeling grateful, cupped his hands and said, "Grand Dou, thank you for your kindness. When Ma Zhou is proud in the future, he will never forget it." Chang He followed Li Shimin to the border of Dengzhou at this moment, and Chen Junbin led his subordinates to greet him at the side of the road early.Li Shimin was not far from Shanzhou that day, and saw Zhang Liang leading a thousand Luoyang officials to welcome him.Since then, Li Shimin has changed his clothes to travel in Mingli to inspect, but officials from all over the country are not allowed to make arrangements to greet and see him off.Chen Junbin understood Li Shimin's intentions, and only led a dozen people this time.When they saw Li Shimin, they all knelt down beside the road and shouted long live three times. Li Shimin stopped his horse and said, "Chen Junbin, it's good that you don't show off. Get up and lead the way for me. Let's talk while walking." Chen Junbin stood up and let his servants go last, then put his stirrups on his horse and led the way for Li Shimin.He didn't dare to walk on the road, he carefully reined in the horse's rein and slipped along the roadside, and let Li Shimin overtake him by a head. Li Shimin tilted his head and said: "Chen Junbin, I haven't seen you for nearly two years. I didn't expect you to come to Dengzhou and make it flourish. I visited Fenglingdu a few nights ago and heard Pu The people of the state praise your merits and virtues. I want to see is believing when I come this time, to see what real abilities you have." Chen Junbin replied: "Your Majesty praised my humble minister in public in the court that day, which made me more grateful and even more fearful. I was always afraid that I would screw up my job. If I did something wrong, my personal crime is actually small. I am most afraid that the emperor will be humiliated because of this. Therefore, after taking office, I will follow the emperor's strategy of governing the country and implement it according to the situation in this state. I dare not slack off a bit, and only then will there be some results." Du Ruhui and others saw that Chen Junbin was talking eloquently and impeccably, and thought that he had really reached the point of proficiency. Li Shimin said: "Okay, I said that seeing is believing. This time I will check your granaries and fields one by one. If there is half a lie, I will not forgive you. Chen Junbin, you have actually lied to me once. Chao Liangcang concealed it and did not report it. It seems that you are very courageous. But you finally used it for the common people and helped Pu and Yuzhou escape disaster. When Chen Junbin saw that Li Shimin really brought up the matter of the granary, at first it was like thunder, and he wanted to feel bad, and a thin layer of sweat broke out on his forehead.Hearing that he had been spared, the stone in his heart just fell to the ground, and he said in a trembling voice: "Your Majesty, at that time, I went down to the granary, and I only pretended to be about Dengzhou's affairs in my heart. Now that the emperor has spared my minister, I still blame myself in my heart. After all, my heart was a bit narrow at that time, and I should have thought more about the world's affairs. The reason why I helped Pu and Yuzhou later was to forgive some of my sins." Li Shimin waved his hand and said, "Forget it, there is no need to mention this matter again. Regardless of your official position, as long as you have the common people in mind and do not seek your own selfishness, you will be meritorious. The wind and rain have not adjusted for the past few years, and I am worried. It is rare. You have made political achievements for the people wholeheartedly. You can be called the best in the history of governors. Chen Junbin, I see that the crops on both sides of the road are growing well just now, which is similar to the situation I have traveled along the way. From your point of view, is this year's harvest better than previous years? " "Your Majesty, with the rain this spring, we can sow seeds. The crops in front of us are indeed growing well, and there should be a good harvest in autumn. It's just that after a long drought, waterlogging must be prevented. Don't be careless now." Li Shimin was overjoyed, and looked back at the officials and said: "Have you all heard that? Chen Junbin is concerned about farming. Although he is proud, he is still vigilant. He said to beware of waterlogging. Pei Qing, I heard Li Chunfeng say that the principle of astronomy Roughly balanced, after a long drought, it is necessary to prevent floods. After you return to Beijing, you can ask the household department to observe the water situation, take precautions as soon as possible, and plan for rainy days." Pei Ju replied: "I have obeyed the order. I will send a message to the doctor of the Ministry of Water today, asking him to send people to inspect the water situation in the world." Li Shimin raised his head to the sky and said, "Chen Qing, it's getting late. Are we going to your Dengzhou government office today?" Chen Junbin pointed to the front and saw the corners of the rafters of several houses in the twilight. He said: "Your Majesty, the front is Nanyang County. This is the administrative seat of Nanyang County in ancient times. The houses here are better than those in Dengzhou. Please invite the emperor." You can rest here tonight." Li Shimin nodded, and murmured: "Nanyang County? Is it Zhuge Kongming's farming land?" "Your Majesty, there is a place in the northwest of Nanyang County called Wollongong, which is said to be the place where Zhuge Kongming worked his cultivation." Li Shimin stopped his horse and said, "Seeing Zhuge Kongming's hometown today made me feel more emotional. Ruhui, Wei Qing, Wen Qing, you are all in phases now, you should know that Zhuge Kongming is a wise man in ancient times. You know he is the most worthy What is the place of praise?" Du Ruhui said: "Your Majesty, Zhuge Kongming can understand the world's major affairs, has political and military talents, and is loyal. He has many advantages. He is indeed a model for ministers to learn from." "That's right, Zhuge Kongming is an all-rounder. However, when he was the prime minister, he was the most fair and upright, and his predecessors have not been able to match it. In fact, since the Han and Wei dynasties, there has been only one prime minister. Dismissed from office and flowed in Nanzhong. When Kong Ming died, Liao Li wept unceasingly, and Li Yan died of grief. Chen Shou wrote "Three Kingdoms" and commented: "Liangzhi governs, is sincere, imparts justice, and is loyal to benefit the time." Those who have enmity will be rewarded, and those who break the law and neglect will be punished even if they are relatives." Liao Li and Li Yan were so loyal to Zhuge Kongming when they were demoted. This is the reason. Qing and others should take Zhuge Kongming as an example , dealing with people and things with fairness and integrity is the most important thing, and if this is the case, you will be honored with a high position and can be kept for a long time." Du Ruhui and others replied: "Your Majesty's admonition, I will definitely keep it in mind." Li Shimin sighed again, and said: "Many great principles are easy to say, but difficult to do. Like fairness and integrity, there are many expositions by former sages. "Shangshu" says: "No bias, no party, kingly way. No party, no party. Bias, Wang Dao is flat.’ Confucius said: ‘If you act straight and wrong, the people will obey you.’ It’s a pity that in so many years, there are very few people who govern politics with integrity. Like Hui, Wei Qing, Wen Qing, you have different personalities. However, there is a style of fairness and integrity in handling affairs. In fact, I use you as a minister, and I also value this point, and I hope you will do better." Li Shimin's words are true. Among the people who can go to the political affairs hall to discuss matters, Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui have been with Li Shimin for many years. They can see the overall situation and act with fairness; Fairness is also used as the ruler; as for Changsun Wuji, Xiao Yu, and Chen Shuda, although they have limited vision for planning, after all, they have a deep connection with the Li family and can grasp the important points. Li Shimin patted the horse, and everyone started to move forward slowly again.He pondered for a moment, and said to everyone: "Among the ministers in the court, there is Dai Zhou who is the most fair and upright. I am very relieved to let him preside over the Dali Temple. It is a pity that his academic knowledge is very shallow and he does not understand classics and history. If he is allowed to be in a big position again It's a little bit forced." Since Wei Zheng came to work with Li Shimin, he felt more and more that the young emperor had many advantages.If you use people, after several adjustments, you can use your personal strengths just right, and you can be said to know people well.Li Shimin has a famous saying, which is called "A gentleman uses people like tools, and each takes his own strengths."no one is perfect.The so-called talents will naturally have their own shortcomings. If you look at him from the perspective of perfection and blame, there is bound to be no talent.Li Shimin mentioned Dai Zhou just now, and in him, he sacrificed his shortcomings and made use of his strengths.Similarly, Li Shimin blamed Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui for not getting caught up in the affairs of the Ministry of Finance. He also saw that these two people were not good at managing prisons and handling miscellaneous chores, so he allowed them to detach themselves and focus on selecting talents and handling military and state affairs. superior. Li Shimin turned his head to Chen Junbin again and said: "Chen Qing, you are not bad. Although Dengzhou is small, it is thriving under your governance. I have verified the facts this time and recommend your approach to Zhuzhou." Chen Junbin listened to the discussions among their monarchs and ministers, and felt that they always put the world's affairs first. Although they were gossiping, they were all concerned about state affairs, and their words were related to grand purpose, so they couldn't help but feel excited.Hearing Li Shimin praise himself suddenly, he didn't know how to answer for a moment. Wei Zheng said at this time: "Your Majesty, Zhuge Kongming helped Liu Bei win one-third of the world, and later assisted the young master in governing. He made great achievements. However, he is extremely smart and loyal. He still neglected one thing." Li Shimin knew that Wei Zheng was good at thinking, and his views were often unique, so he stopped his horse with interest and said, "Please speak, Wei Qing, I will listen with all my ears." "I remember that there was a saying in Shu at that time, which was called 'There is no general in Shu, Liao Hua is the vanguard'. Sima Yi heard that Zhuge Kongming was too careful in planning and the solar eclipse was declining before the Jigu formation. "Zhuge Kongming looked down on the current world, he had to do everything personally, and decided the affairs of the world with one person, so that the talents were suppressed and there were no follow-up talents. In comparison, Cao Cao was good at gathering people. The so-called Cao Wei was powerful because of the large number of people. .” When everyone heard it, they felt that Wei Zheng's point of view was very novel.You must know that in Chen Shou's "Three Kingdoms", there are many praises for Zhuge Kongming, but few satires. Even in the legends, he is also a perfect man.Cao Cao's image is not very good, giving people the impression of a "treacherous hero".Li Shimin sighed for a long time, nodded and said: "Wei Qing is reasonable. The world is so big, how can it be up and down because of one person? It seems that the ruler and minister are important in governing the country. If the government can be changed safely for generations, the system must be maintained. , and talents come forth in large numbers. Wei Qing, is this the reason?" "Your Majesty draws inferences from one instance to another, which is beyond my reach." "Haha, are you humble again? Chen Qing, what Wei Qing said just now is also useful to you. Dengzhou used to be in decline, but after you came to take charge of the government, there have been earth-shaking changes. The main reason for thinking about it is your personal ability. But you If you have exhausted all the tricks you have done and have no new tricks, if you are no longer proud and complacent, Dengzhou will at most maintain its current state, or it will fall behind. Or, if you suppress talents in office, your subordinates will only be obedient and not You will find new ideas, if I transfer you to another place, wouldn't this place be bad?" Chen Junbin cupped his hands and said, "I don't dare. I heard the emperor's will today, and I was enlightened. From now on, I will study it silently to make progress." A group of people stopped and walked, the twilight in front of them became thicker, and they felt that they had reached the edge of Nanyang City.Liu Tieli led his staff to hold torches, knelt by the side of the road to greet them, and sent Li Shimin and others to the post that had already been cleaned.During this trip, Li Shimin rode on horseback all the way, and he took very few followers with him.Everywhere he went, he lived in a post house prepared by the government.Compared with the ostentation of Emperor Sui Yang when he traveled around the world in the past, it is not the same.Before Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty went out, there was a minister who had to make careful plans for him, and stayed in the pre-repaired parting hall of the palace. When Li Shimin came to Dengzhou this time, Chen Junbin roughly calculated the time of his arrival, and asked Liu Tieli to sweep the Nanyang Pavilion post for residence.Liu Tieli was very puzzled, and asked: "Can the emperor live in such a place?" Chen Junbin glared at him: "I heard from people in Beijing that the emperor has lived in the posthouse when he travels recently. Moreover, Dengzhou has a radius of several hundred. There is no one leaving the palace within the mile, could it be that the emperor is allowed to sleep in the wild?" On the second day, Chen Junbin led Li Shimin and a group of people to inspect the counties. Li Shimin saw waterwheels standing all over the fields, so he asked what happened, and Chen Junbin told the truth.Li Shimin sighed: "I remember someone said before that man can conquer the sky. It is said that the force of nature cannot be changed by manpower, and it is difficult to overcome the sky. However, using the force of nature and making the best use of it can still play some role. Building more waterwheels is an example.” Li Shimin went to various righteous warehouses, went into the warehouses personally, and carefully inspected the grain stored in them.I saw that the warehouse was full of grain, the grains and millet were full, and the color was very new, which was obviously new grain.When they were walking on horseback, Li Shimin rode his horse over when he saw the house, and then dismounted to ask.Seeing the people's homes full of grain in the barns, the people's brows and eyes were filled with smiles, and they praised the government's kindness when they opened their mouths.After so many times, Li Shimin believed it was true, so he said to everyone: "Seeing is believing, it seems that the praise of Dengzhou before was correct. Chen Qing, after seeing it with my own eyes, I really have a solid foundation in my heart. He said to Wei Zheng again: "Wei Qing, on the eve of Zhenguan, you argued with Feng Deyi and others, saying that if you educate the people, you can achieve great rule in three years. It has been nearly three years now, and it seems that the day of great rule is still some time away." Distance. But after seeing the situation in Dengzhou today, if all the states are like this in the future, the day of great rule will not be far away!" Wei Zheng replied: "Your Majesty, as the saying goes, 'Illness comes like a mountain, and it goes away like silk'. After the world is in chaos, if you want to make a big cure, you must do it slowly just like you want to go away. The minister debated with Feng Deyi that day, in order to persuade , talking too much about something—this is my crime.” "What's your fault? Feng Deyi and others wanted to govern the country with power at that time, and you insisted on using enlightenment methods, which is very much in line with my wishes. The strategy of 'helping the people to calm down, and only emphasizing education' for governing the country set at that time is really a great achievement One thing. As for how many years it will take to realize the great order of the world, it is not important. I will show you Dengzhou today, and you will see the clues of the great order of the world." All the ministers praised him one after another. Li Shimin turned to Chen Junbin and said with a smile: "Chen Qing, you have managed Dengzhou well. Not only the people in Dengzhou say hello to you, but I also praise you—you have set an example for all states in the world. You must be very happy these days." Very good. People are in good spirits on happy occasions, even when they are dreaming, there is nothing to worry about. Am I right?" Chen Junbin reported: "There are troublesome things. Your Majesty, I am familiar with the affairs of Dengzhou, and I am not worried. However, after the beginning of the year, the governor of Xiangzhou Yuchi came to the Dengzhou government office twice, insulting the minister for fame and reputation, saying that the minister is devoted to helping Pu. State, Yuzhou, but ignore the people of Xiangzhou, let the minister really feel wronged." He talked about the quarrel with Yuchi Jingde in detail, Li Shimin didn't make it clear after hearing it, and said indifferently: "Chen Qing, this is a trivial matter, I asked Yuchi Jingde not to bother you in the future. You act like this Very good, I support you." He turned to Fang Xuanling and said, "Jing De should have arrived in Dengzhou by now, and I will punish him tonight." According to the itinerary, Li Shimin and his party will live in the Dengzhou government office tonight.At this time, the sun has slanted to the west, and we have arrived at the place when we see it.Sure enough, I saw Yuchi Jingde respectfully waiting by the roadside, and seeing Li Shimin coming, he knelt down with a "plop", choked with sobs, and said, "Your Majesty, I am honored to see you, Your Majesty. I heard that the emperor's tour is here, and I have been excited for many days. Your Majesty, you make me think hard." Li Shimin looked at the trembling head of Captain Chi Jingde, and recalled the scene of the previous battle in his heart. He couldn't help feeling tender, and called out: "Jingde, get up and follow me into the city. I will always miss you." That night, Chen Junbin gathered wild fruits and vegetables, caught white fish, slaughtered domestic chickens and ducks, and served several tables of banquets for everyone.Everyone thought it was delicious, and they all praised it. Li Shimin was also very happy, and said with a smile: "Chen Qing, it doesn't matter if you become a farmer. If all governors in the world follow your example, everyone is busy plowing the fields and raising chickens, and pass it on to future generations. You will definitely laugh at me. Court officials have their own responsibilities, but I made you farmers, because I don’t know, and I don’t know how to use people.” Chen Junbin said: "At the beginning, my mind was on fire, and because of this bad plan, I didn't expect to shame the emperor. After this extraordinary period, I will return to the normal system and concentrate on promoting government affairs." Li Shimin waved his hands and said: "You can't be old-fashioned, as long as you can get good results, why should you be in the middle of the law? Ruhui and Jingde have fought with me for many years, and know that I, as the commander, often go to the heavy soldiers with light cavalry. Li Yaoshi has repeatedly Advise me not to do this, but I win every battle, although this method is not in line with the art of war, it is not a bad policy. Jingde, why did you change your temper when you came to Xiangzhou, why do you not eat wine and eat too much? It seems that you are full of thoughts." Yuchi Jingde replied: "Your Majesty's talk about the battle has made my blood boil. Your Majesty, it is best to find a job for me to fight. Only when I am on the battlefield can I be refreshed and full of energy. If Let me continue to be the state official of Laoshizi, I really can't cheer up." "Nonsense. If the world is at war all day long, is it what you and I wish? Jingde, war is a last resort. Now I often say that I want to appease the people to calm down. It's just because there were too many wars in the past. We are the ones who can create a peaceful world." The wishes of the monarch and ministers, the blessings of the people." Seeing Yuchi Jingde's embarrassment, Du Ruhui thought that this person is ignorant of the general trend and his mind is full of battles, so he said: "Jingde, Your Majesty has been tired these days, so we can talk tomorrow if we have something to say. , so that the emperor can rest early." Li Shimin got up and said: "It's getting late, I'm really tired. Jingde, I won't go to Xiangzhou this time, you wait early tomorrow morning, I have something to say to you." Yuchi Jingde didn't sleep well all night, before dawn, he came to Li Shimin's house early to wait.Yuchi Jingde knew that Li Shimin had the habit of doing morning exercises, and wanted to protect him by his side. After a while, there was a light in the house, and then the two doors opened with a "squeak", and Li Shimin walked out with a long sword in his hand.Yuchi Jingde took a few steps forward and said, "Your Majesty, my minister, Yuchi Gong, is here to escort you." Seeing that Yuchi Jingde rushed over so early, Li Shimin couldn't help being surprised and said: "You black man, you are now a local official, can I still use you as an escort? You just wait by the side, I will find you after training say." Still a vigorous figure, still a mighty Bodhidharma swordsmanship, Yuchi Jingde watched the familiar figure dancing in the twilight, and couldn't help but admire in his heart: Although Li Shimin became the emperor, his kung fu has not diminished in the slightest. Seeing Li Shimin's sword closing in, Yuchi Jingde moved a few steps, and complimented: "Your Majesty's kung fu is becoming more and more proficient. Although your Majesty does not use many guards this time, it is difficult for thieves to get close." Li Shimin wiped the sweat from his brow, put the long sword back into the scabbard, and said, "Well, it seems that your verbal skills have improved over the years." "My minister is clumsy and tongue-tied, why should the emperor praise you." "No. I heard that when you went to the Dengzhou government office, you scolded Chen Junbin speechlessly. You know that Chen Junbin has been an official for many years, and his verbal skills should not be bad, but you scolded him, so you didn't improve? " Yuchi Jingde heard the sarcasm in Li Shimin's words, he couldn't help showing a trace of shame on his face, and argued: "Your Majesty, this old man Chen Junbin is really annoying. He clearly knows that Xiangzhou is in disaster, so he doesn't want to be so close to him." Help, but reached out to rescue Puzhou and Yuzhou. He did this, obviously wanting to ask for credit from His Majesty, and his heart is damnable." "Hmph, I only know that Xiangzhou and Dengzhou are neighbors. Why do the people of Dengzhou live and work in peace and contentment, and have surplus food to help other states, while the people of Xiangzhou can't eat enough, and you have to beg for it? " "Chen didn't come to beg, he just wanted to make a point." "What is it if it's not begging? If someone doesn't give you anything, you'll just jump up and down. Jingde, I will remember your past achievements in my heart. However, the days to come will be long, and you can't rest on your previous achievements and not think about making progress. What does the governor do? His duty is to feed the people and provide them with farms. If it comes to war, Chen Junbin is no match for you, but when it comes to governing and promoting agriculture, you are definitely not as good as Chen Junbin. This matter is not allowed to be mentioned again in the future. You immediately Back in Xiangzhou, learn from Chen Junbin's methods and do everything carefully. From now on, if you sincerely ask Chen Junbin for advice, I will allow you to come to Dengzhou again; if you want to cause trouble, you will not be allowed to set foot on the territory of Dengzhou in this life. " Yuchi Jingde saw that Li Shimin's voice became more and more serious, so he said repeatedly: "I obey the order. I obey the order." Li Shimin turned and said softly: "It's good if you can obey the order. Jingde, I remember your achievements, but seeing what you have done these years, I feel really sad. After you return to Xiangzhou, you must shut yourself up and think about your mistakes." Yuchi Jingde bowed his head to receive the order. After breakfast, Li Shimin and his party wanted to return to Beijing, Chen Junbin and Yuchi Jingde sent them out of the north gate, then sent them on their horses respectfully, and watched them gallop away.Seeing that Li Shimin had already left, Yuchi Jingde turned his head and left, leaving behind Chen Junbin's greeting. In order to save travel time, Li Shimin was unwilling to return from the original road. Instead, he walked northwest along Danshui, and then crossed Zhongnan Mountain and went directly to Chang'an.The road on this trip is narrow, with rapids and cliffs all over the way.Seeing that the road was dangerous, Chang He suspected bandits were haunting it, so he tried hard to persuade Li Shimin to return from the same road.Li Shimin didn't listen, and said generously: "When Yang Wengan's rebellion was put down, I went to Qingzhou day and night. The road was more dangerous than today. At that time, I was not afraid. What is the road ahead?" They diverted to this road, without the support of the government, the situation was very difficult.Du Ruhui and Wei Zheng used to be in the army a lot, and they didn't feel any hardship when they traveled, it was just Wen Yanbo and Pei Ju who suffered.The two of them have been living and working as officials in the capital, and they have been taken care of by the government along the way when they travel, so there is such a difficult time.Although the emperor was able to leave, they had no choice but to grit their teeth and hold on. On the way, Li Shimin talked to Du Ruhui about Yuchi's respect for virtue: "Ruhui, when Jingde arrived in Xiangzhou, his arrogant temper did not change much. You see, he found Chen Junbin for a little food and made a big fuss. Dare?" Du Ruhui sighed, and said: "Jingde used to be quite good, but now he seems to be a different person, and there is hardly a trace of him before. Your Majesty, there is only one person afraid of Jingde in the world." Li Shimin nodded, and pondered: "Yes, he is afraid of me alone. It is really annoying to see what he is doing now. But that day when he fell down in front of him and wept, my heart suddenly softened. I know, Jingde's expression at that time was not faked, it was true. Alas, thinking of the past, I really don't want to blame him." "Your Majesty, Jingde is now far away from the capital, and without the emperor's restraint, he must be able to keep his word in the local area. In this way, his rule is very good, and bad is very bad. Thinking of the tens of thousands of people in Xiangzhou , Now is a difficult time, and a good governor like Chen Junbin is urgently needed." "Yes. I used to think that the most important thing is that Beijing officials live in the center of the country. It is necessary to choose good people. Now it seems that foreign officials should not be easily appointed. If there is a good official like Chen Junbin in the state and county, the people will be fooled by it."利；若碰上一个昏聩之人，则百姓定受其荼毒。敬德虽然忠君直率，然他没有治事能力，看他在襄州的境况，定然算不上一个好官。如晦，你回京后帮助敬德选一个位置，让他回京，另派襄州刺史。” "The minister obeys the order." 李世民仰头观看两侧山水，喃喃道：“公平正直？”然后复对杜如晦道：“如晦，看样子人皆有私啊。像朕对敬德，为何就是硬不起心肠？” “敬德有大功于国，皇上这样对他，足见拳拳关爱之心。臣定将皇上这份心思告知敬德，让他幡然悔悟，今后不可再做乖张之事。臣等随侍陛下日久，既知皇上有如此关爱心怀，便应当谦虚谨慎，努力办事才是。若再起狂妄之心，则无颜面对圣上。” “就是这个意思，你对敬德说吧。” 常何回京后，管家将马周的那份答卷交给他。常何略看了一眼，不明其意，不耐烦地说道：“我有些乏了，待过些日子，抽空再找虞先生品评。”如此，马周的事儿又被搁了下来。马周多亏遇到窦公，才有了一方容身之地。他在店里整日望眼欲穿，渴望常府早日来人。然日子一天天过去了，那边杳无音信。 李世民回到京城，二路番使正在那里等候。一路是突利可汗的使者，另一路是西突厥的使者。鸿胪卿唐俭在李世民回京的第二日奏明此事，李世民让突利可汗的使者先来。 那名使者见了李世民，先行跪拜礼，然后起身说道：“陛下，大汗差小人来向陛下请旨。如今颉利攻打甚紧，请陛下发兵救援。” 李世民心里一震：突利和颉利果然真刀实枪干起来了。 原来突利那日遭到颉利的殴打和禁闭后，突利认为受到了奇耻大辱，又想东突厥现在众叛亲离，哀鸿遍野，就起了脱离颉利的念头。颉利为了扑灭各地的反叛部落，又屡屡向突利征兵。突利一开始采取了软抗的法子，不与颉利照面，以各种借口不听他的号令。如此三番五次，颉利明白了突利的想法，遂罢攻其他部落，集合重兵扑向突利。 李世民听完来使的诉说，沉吟不言，挥手让唐俭将其带回驿所内等候。随后，召来房玄龄、杜如晦、李靖等人议论这件事情。 待众人来到，李世民将突利来使之意向大家说了一遍，然后道：“朕与突利为兄弟，其现在有难，不可不救。然朕与颉利亦有渭水便桥之盟，这如何是好？” 杜如晦的态度很明确：“陛下，戎狄无信，所盟所约是当不得真的。现在突利来求救，则其今后势必臣服我朝。臣以为可以发兵救援突利，联手将颉利灭亡。如今时机光顾我朝，稍纵即逝，若不加利用，今后将后悔莫及。” 李世民不置可否，说道：“如晦善断，须玄龄之谋。如晦，且先听听玄龄的主意，你再判断。” 房玄龄想了一下，觉得此事头绪太多，一时不好下评语，遂斟章酌句道：“陛下以前说过，这东突厥多年欺凌我国，如今势衰，确实有可取之道。且颉利和突利相攻，也有可乘之机。要说将他们两人相比，臣的心思要偏向突利一些。然突利实力比不上颉利，若其相攻日久，突利如落败，则颉利依旧控制漠北，非臣所愿。只是眼下农机未复，再起兵事，怕又扰劳天下，与陛下以静抚民之愿不符。” 李靖揣摩李世民的真实意思，觉得眼前刚刚度过灾年，正是恢复生机的关键时刻，他不会因为与突利盟为兄弟而妄动刀兵。颉利与突利相攻，结果肯定是突利落败，但同时也能消耗颉利的力量，战事之后也会进一步激发各种矛盾，这正是李世民愿意看到的结果。李世民作为一个在逆境中夺取皇位的新皇帝，若不明白大势及掌握各种时机，则难登皇帝位。李靖正在这里默默思索，就见李世民投来探询的目光，他不等李世民开口，急忙奏道：“陛下，臣以为现在不宜援助突利。一者，陛下与颉利、突利皆有盟约，援其任何一方，即为背盟，有损名声；二者，颉利和突利兄弟相攻，为其内乱，陛下若贸然插手，会招致突厥民众的怨言。臣以为，我朝对其两不相帮才好。” 李靖果然猜中了李世民的心事。李世民认为东突厥内乱刚刚开了个头，远非到了彻底混乱的地步，眼下颉利和突利的势力最强，他们刀兵相见，定能大伤东突厥的元气。李靖所奏与自己想法相合，定是也看到了这一点。李世民眼光晃过李靖、房玄龄、杜如晦三人，觉得这三人才具超卓，然在兵法玄机方面，李靖又优于他们。房玄龄、杜如晦才具出众，此生也定会忠心辅佐自己，他们能力越强，李世民心中越喜。至于对李靖，李世民的心中透着矛盾。当初自己与李建成相争时，明对其问计，其实是想将他拉拢到自己的阵营里。孰料李靖推辞，来了个两不相帮，这使李世民一直耿耿于怀，见面时虽亲热呼其为“药师兄”，然内心里实在难有与房玄龄等人的情分。李世民潜意识中认为，臣子能力越强，若不对自己忠心，则越危险。 李靖并不知道李世民此时心中在想些什么，继续奏道：“陛下，臣想突利既来求援，可告之实情，若其势衰而来投奔，陛下答应收留即可。这样，也不失一番兄弟之情。” 李世民收回心思，点头道：“药师兄所言甚是有理，玄龄、如晦，你们以为如何？”房玄龄和杜如晦听了李靖所言，已经明白了其中的道理。两不相帮，皆不背盟，让东突厥内部继续纷争，以耗其势，然后坐收渔利。 事情就这样定了下来，李世民感叹道：“唉，想当初突厥强盛之时，其控弦百万，欺凌华夏，无人敢挡。其骄恣无道，自失民心，才会势衰如此。突利现在来求援，朕的心里又喜又惧。喜的是突厥自此衰微，无暇来入侵我国，边境从此得安。然朕若他日无道，也会落个如颉利这样的下场，岂不可惧？你们随朕身边，要随时举谏以匡缺失，不能让朕重蹈颉利的覆辙啊。” 李靖奏道：“陛下即位以来，臣下如魏征、王珪、戴胄等人犯颜直谏，开贞观新政之风，群臣慕之效之，皆在各自职位上兢兢业业，查漏补缺。今日陛下召臣等来议事，其实是想善纳人言，兼听则明，将大计行得更完善。如此，陛下定能克成一代大业。” 李世民微微一笑：“药师兄，你说出这样的话，让朕听得很舒服。然朕听这样的话多了，也会骄傲起来。到那个时候，也有可惧之处呢。” 李靖见李世民说出这样的话，知道他的脑子十分清醒，遂拱手道：“臣谨记皇上训诫。” “罢了，我们不提这个话题。药师兄，颉利那边的事儿你要盯紧，且看他与突利相斗的结果。朕既然答应突利可以入国庇身，你可嘱李大亮等人注意其战事进程，万一突利抵挡不住，要派人去接应。” 突利的来使怏怏而归，突利闻讯心如死灰。面对颉利的攻势，他别无选择，只好竭力抵挡。这样支撑了半个月，眼见抵挡不住，突利便在一个黑夜里率领家人和亲随狂奔至马邑。李大亮已在这里等候多时，将他接入城来并送往长安。 西突厥的来使却是两拨，一路为莫贺咄侯突利俟毗可汗所派，另一路为乙毗钵罗肆叶护可汗所使。他们来京的目的很明确，即是向唐朝请婚。 西突厥当时控制着东起金山，西至咸海，北起夷播海，南达葱岭的广大区域，其中辖有高昌、焉耆、龟兹、疏勒、千泉、安国、康国、吐火罗等数十个附属国。西突厥王庭设在伊列河的上游，一直由统叶护可汗坐镇。某一日，统叶护可汗的伯父起兵，混乱中杀了统叶护可汗然后自立，是为莫贺咄侯突利俟毗可汗。统叶护可汗的儿子被人拥戴，是为乙毗钵罗肆叶护可汗。这样，西突厥由此分成两派，他们征战不息，一时分不出高低来。为了增强势力，两派不约而同想与唐朝联姻，以提高自己的地位。 西突厥此次派来两路人马求婚，李世民断然不与。他召来两路来使说道：“如今你们互相攻伐，则君臣未定，朕无法许配两家。”他转而当起了和事佬：“你们归去后，可致言可汗，就说朕的意思，让他们各守自己的地盘，勿复相攻。” 两路来使无功而返，他们将李世民的话分别转述给两可汗，然没有起到一点作用。两派相攻更急，无止无休。看见头领自顾不暇，西突厥的属国渐渐不向他们称臣纳贡，各自紧守属地，自成一统。 常何那日见到虞世南，忽然想起马周答题之事，急忙从身上掏出答题递了过去，说道：“虞先生，你的这道题难倒了许多人，现在总算有人敢答了，请你品评。” 虞世南接过答题，先说道：“嗯，此人的字写得不错，极有风骨。”待他细看了马周的答题，颜色顿改，抬头沉吟。常何见状，问道：“怎么？难道他答非所问吗？” 虞世南摇摇头：“非也。我想不透草莽之中竟然有如此机敏之人。常将军，我这题用两个僻字为引，其实没有什么一定的答案。此人以《周穆王传》为对，飘逸之中又见扎实，实敏达博学之极也。” 虞世南在那里咬文嚼字，常何听不懂也弄不明白，遂着急地问道：“听虞先生的意思，这人还算有戏？” “你不过觅一门客而已，岂止有戏？常将军，你访得此人之后，可将他引来与我见一面，届时我再试其真伪。” 管家奉常何之令找到窦公，让其找到马周。马周正伏在柜上忙忙碌碌抄写，竟然没有看见窦公和管家来到面前。 窦公轻声唤道：“马先生，常将军已回府，让管家来请你相见呢。” 马周这些日子的心情一天比一天灰暗，心想京城之大，竟无自己立锥之地，自己满腹经纶，却无机缘显露。为谋一门客就如此艰难，何谈其他呢？这几日，马周懒得连胡须都不想刮，蓬头须面的，更显落拓。 管家显然也注意到此点，说道：“你若以这般面貌去见主人，不妥。这样吧，我且在这里稍待片刻，你快去刮刮胡须，再换一套干净的衣衫出来。” 马周感激遇到眼前这两位好人，遂遵嘱入内换洗一番。 马周跟着管家入了常何府，管家入内禀报，片刻出来说道：“主人正在堂上与韦大人说话，你先在这里候着。”管家所说的韦大人，即是当朝的谏议大夫韦挺。韦挺与常何以前皆在东宫，两人相处得很是融洽，两人其间虽经过不少波折，现在终于又一殿为臣，这份友谊一直保持了下来。 马周一直在堂前等了小半个时辰，才见两人一前一后走了出来。观其神色，前面那人自是来访的韦大人，后面那人剑眉大眼，一身英气，定是本宅的主人常何。 常何走到马周的身边停了下来，问管家道：“这位即是马周了？” 管家点头称是。 已走过去的韦挺扭过头来，仔细打量了马周一眼，笑道：“常兄弟，你怎么也附庸风雅起来？要找什么门客？哈哈，你要找门客也要找一些有真本领的才是。像眼前这位，定是从街上随便寻来的吧？” “不，韦兄。这人还是有才华的，已经得到虞先生的首肯。” 韦挺又是哈哈一笑，提脚就走，边走边说道：“你在街上能寻来什么宝贝？要我说，你还不如让国子监帮你随便寻一个，这样才最令人放心。哈哈，你别是想图便宜吧！”常何将韦挺送出门外，那边的马周听了韦挺之语，感到受到了极大的侮辱，一双眼里充满了怒火，双拳不由得捏了起来。管家也觉得韦挺的话太刺耳，宽慰道：“马先生别多心，韦大人一直是快人快语的脾气，并没什么恶意。” 马周已经得知了韦挺的来历，冷冷说道：“如此之人，还能居于谏议大夫之列？” 说话间，常何已经转身回来，他对马周点点头，说道：“你既然得到虞先生的首肯，那是不会错的，就留下来吧。管家，你先帮马先生安顿一下，然后再领来见我。” 这样，马周就当了常何的门客。此后数日，马周每每想起韦挺那蔑视的神色，心中忿忿不已。