Chapter 68 Chapter 68

Zong Yao suddenly understood that Zhang Qianyu wanted to drag herself into the water, and set up a tea-horse trade market with him behind the king's back.He admired Zhang Qianyu's courage in his heart, knowing that he was the adopted son of the king, he told the truth.Although once this matter is done, it will take a lot of risk.However, thinking of the ins and outs described by Zhang Qianyu, while he was grateful for Qianyu's trust in him, he was also impressed by the courage and courage of this red-faced general.More importantly, Zhang Qianyu's suggestion was exactly the same as Zhou Xiang's previous idea of ​​exchanging needs and doing business with barbarians.Since it is all for the benefit of the people of all ethnic groups, it is naturally worth taking this risk!

"Master Zhang trusts Zong Yao so much, I will definitely help him with all my strength!" Ten years is sometimes like a flick of a finger; and the situation of several months is sometimes so difficult. I still remember when we bid farewell to Wei Zhuang under the Daxuan Tower, it was still a cold day, and the plank road in Jianbei was covered with thick snow.Now, the weeping willows on both sides of the Jinjiang River have sprouted new greens, it's time for Wei Zhuang to come back! I have been in the army for more than 20 years, and I have never been as idle as these few months.Or it can be said that the Langya King, who owns 257 counties in the 52 prefectures of the three rivers, has been spending the past few months in a kind of waiting.Wait, let time become long.When a worry filled the depths of his mind, no matter how big it was, it would be difficult to distract him.

Wang Jian sent Wei Zhuang to the court to pay tribute, not so much to meet the emperor, but to negotiate with Zhu Wen.From Yang Fugong to Liu Jishu, from Han Jian to Li Maozhen, both eunuchs and vassals all hope to follow the story of the emperor's orders to the princes.It's just that these people who came and went in a hurry are just passing by, and the person who really dominates the fate of the emperor is Zhu Wen. Wang Jian and Zhu Wen had fought against each other in Dengzhou before, and it was obvious that Wang Jian was superior to outwitting Dengzhou.Zhu Wen ruled the government and the public, and he was absolutely not convinced.However, the done deal made him have to face the reality: at present, Sanchuan has decided that he will not be allowed to compete with Zhu Wen for the Central Plains regardless of financial and human resources, and there is no need for this.In this case, he must reach an agreement with Zhu Wen on the surface that they will not attack each other.At least, he needs to continue to develop Sanchuan's agriculture and commerce for a long time.Only by accumulating enough strength can one occupy a place in this troubled world where force speaks.

Looking forward to the stars and the moon, and finally looking forward to returning to Weizhuang.According to the usual practice, Wang Jian was supposed to reward the important ministers who had returned from a long way with a feast the next day.However, he couldn't wait to call Wei Zhuang into the mansion overnight to have a talk. It took a lot of thought for him to send Wei Zhuang to pay tribute.Wei Zhuang was able to stay by his side because of the accumulation of great fate.In all fairness, Wang Jian was naturally reluctant to let such a favorite minister go to Hukou.But after much deliberation, Wei Duanji is the only one who can shoulder heavy responsibilities at critical times.

Wei Zhuang's temple hair in front of him was a little messy, obviously he hadn't had time to go home and wash off the dust all over his body.After going there for several months, when I looked up at my lord, he looked much older, with gray hair growing on his temples.Although the supreme officer in charge of Sanchuan is a military general, he is dressed as a literati at the moment.With a gray beard and caring eyes, there was kindness. "Your Majesty, my minister Wei Zhuang was ordered to pay tribute, fulfilled his mission, and returned smoothly!" "Okay! Okay!" Wang Jian's trembling voice couldn't suppress his excitement and joy, "I've been looking forward to your coming back soon!"

Wei Zhuang then told each other what he had seen and heard after entering the court.When he learned that the emperor had no freedom, Wang Jian sighed: "As a subject, I can't protect the king! I am ashamed of my trust in the late emperor and my trust in the emperor." "Don't be sad, Your Majesty. The Emperor already knows that you are loyal to the court. This time I met the Son of Heaven. Although the Son of Heaven was weak, he resisted all opinions and proclaimed His Majesty the King of Shu! Although the King of Liang was somewhat reluctant, he finally followed the Son of Heaven. I wish to express my wish. Congratulations, Your Majesty! The canonized imperial edict is expected to arrive in Chengdu in one month!"

"It's all thanks to Master Wei!" Wang Jian was grateful, and asked Wei Zhuang, "But, I wonder if there is any difference between the King of Shu and the King of Langya?" "Oh! This is not the same!" Wei Zhuang's words clearly revealed a bit of awe, "The king's conferment of Langya King is nothing more than a nominal title. Langya was originally in Qilu, and now the world confers Langya King, Langya King The king of the county is definitely not the king alone. From this, it can be seen that this is nothing more than a noble title." Wei Zhuang changed the subject: "This 'King of Shu' is extraordinary! Sanchuan has been called the 'King of Shu' since ancient times. Shu', the first king of Shu was called Cancong King, and then passed through Baiguan, Yufu, Du Yu, and Kaiming four kings of Shu... If the king was crowned King of Shu in Jin Dynasty, he would not only inherit Xia's reputation in terms of canonization. The lineage of the nobles of the dynasty even more affirmed that all within the three rivers belong to the territory of the king, and all within the three rivers are respected by the king's order!"

Wang Jian was full of emotion: "If the lonely king can be crowned the king of Shu one day, Mr. Wei will be my number one hero!" "I almost forgot about the important event! The king of Liang sent Ya Wang Yin to accompany me to Chengdu to apply for a job. I have arranged for him to rest in the post. According to the usual practice, the king should receive this person tomorrow." "Zhu Quanzhong is still a courtesy. If that's the case, tomorrow there will be a first-class banquet, and I will meet him in person!" "It's just..." Wei Zhuang's face showed embarrassment, "This Wang Yin is arrogant, and his words are not kind!"

The next day, Wang Jian's mansion entertained Wang Yin.During the banquet, Wang Yin inquired about the price of rice, Shu brocade, tea production, private houses, and military power in Chengdu, and Wang Jian answered them without hiding anything.Seeing that Xichuan was really rich and worthy of being called the Land of Abundance, Wang Yin turned to laughing and said, "I came to Xichuan and saw the beautiful scenery and rich people here, which shows that the king governs well. It's a pity that the king was born in the army, and there are not many horses in the big three rivers, hehe , I am afraid that one day the enemy will come to the city, and the king will be hard to resist!"

"Bold Wang Yin! Your master has the guts to come here with his own soldiers. If I let you enter Deyangping, Jianmen will not return you alive!" Wang Yin's words immediately angered Wang Zongji who was on the side, and the wine on the table spilled on the ground with a bang. "General, calm down! Wang Yaya is just a joke, the general doesn't have to take it seriously." Wei Zhuang quickly dissuaded Zongji.Although Zong Ji was not as tolerant as Zong Kan who was at the side, after all, it was rare for him to be so rude and angry in front of his adoptive father Wang Jian.Wei Zhuang knew that it was because Wang Yin poked the general's sore spot - right now, in the huge Xichuan, all the horses gathered together are no more than a thousand horses.Firstly, there are no horses produced in the plains here; secondly, the continuous battles have made warhorses extremely scarce.No wonder Wang Yin angered Zongji, such words are really provocative!

Zongji realized that he had lost his composure, and after returning to his seat angrily, he kept silent, stealing eyes from time to time to look at his adoptive father who was sitting above him. No, Wang Jian ignored Zong Ji's presumptuousness at all, he smiled, and raised the wine in his glass to Wang Yin: "Come on, Ya Ya will drink this glass first." He drank the remaining wine in the wine cup in one gulp.Wang Jian stroked his beard with his hands, and said with a smile: "I'm afraid I don't know Ya Ya. My three rivers and mountains are mostly dangerous, and the cavalry is often useless. As for horses, hahahahahaha, not only are they not lacking, but they are rich! Ya Ya wait a moment, My king is willing to lead you to reward the war horses together!" After saying that, he ordered General Zhou Dequan to line up on Xingxiu Mountain, waiting for inspection. Wang Zongji and Wang Zongkan were immediately embarrassed.You know, just a month ago, they inspected Xingxiu Mountain in person, and checked only a thousand horses.Could it be that your Majesty doesn't know the military situation, and if he ordered so easily, he might be made a joke and lose Xichuan's face!Wei Zhuang was also a little surprised, everyone knows that Xichuan has no horses, why is the king so confident? A group of people left the palace without saying a word.After leaving the north gate of Chengdu City, it took more than an hour to arrive at Xingxiu Mountain.Wang Jian boarded the military parade in high spirits, and Zong Ji and Zong Kan each wore military uniforms and stood on the left and right.Wang Jian invited envoys to board the military parade, and everyone was stunned by what he saw.On the school military field, the armor of the three armies is distinctive and neatly lined up.As soon as Wang Jian waved his hand, Zhou Dequan waved the red flag on another high platform. About 40,000 soldiers held weapons and shouted in unison, and the voice lingered among the mountains for a long time.Zhou Dequan waved the flag, and 40,000 soldiers rushed to the left and right in an orderly manner, leaving an open space half a mile wide in the middle. Afterwards, the cavalry in the distance pressed the pace of the horses and moved slowly. Wang Zongji and Wang Zongkan couldn't help rubbing their eyes, unable to believe what they saw.A team of white horses, a team of black horses, and a team of brown horses, not only the horses are neat, but even the colors are so consistent!Zong Ji made a rough calculation, and at least there were ten thousand war horses.The horseshoes stomped on the ground and made a sound.Wang Yinzao was stunned by everything in front of him.It never occurred to him that Wang Jian not only had invincible infantry, but also such a cavalry team that was difficult to form in the Central Plains. Wang Yin hurriedly apologized to Wang Jian.Wang Jian laughed and waved his hand to indicate that he would not take it to heart. Soon, Wang Yin, who went back to hand over his life, reported to Zhu Wen what he had seen and heard in Chengdu.Zhu Wen saw that Sanchuan had strong soldiers and horses, and the people's livelihood was prosperous, so he gave up his idea of ​​plotting against Sanchuan.A few months later, the imperial court came to decree that the king of Jin was established as the king of Shu.From then on, Wang Jian became the master of Sanchuan, which was proclaimed by the Tang Dynasty. But the horses in Xingxiu Mountain are naturally the horses tributed by Wang Zongyao of Qiongzhou.Wang Zongyao followed the advice of Zhang Qianyu and Zhou Xiang, and opened markets at various passes in Qiongzhou to collect horses.In just three months, seven or eight thousand war horses were collected and sent to Chengdu one after another.Wang Jianzheng was worried about the lack of horses, and suddenly saw Zong Yao coming to the rescue, and happened to meet Wang Yin asking him such a question, so he inspected the three armies with confidence. Later, Wang Jian not only pardoned Zhang Qianyu and Zong Yao for the crime of arbitrariness, but also appointed Zhang Qianyu as the governor of Maozhou, allowing Zong Yao to act cheaply at the border.Then, Mingwen, Li, Wei, and Mao prefectures all followed the example of Qiongzhou and opened their markets extensively.Since then, the rudiments of the ancient tea-horse roads that stretched one after another came into being. This was Wang Jian's first birthday after he became King of Shu in Jin Dynasty, and it was also the most extravagant birthday party for Wang Jian after he arrived in Chengdu.Many adopted sons of Wang Jian in Sanchuan came back to congratulate him. Important ministers who were invited included Zhou Dequan, Xu Geng, Zhang Lin, He Yiyang, Wei Zhuang, Feng Juan, etc. Even Buddhist master Guanxiu and Taoist master Du Guangting also came to Shu Palace. Above the hall, maids and servants shuttled among them, and the banquet was full of wine and meat. Tang Dao, Wang Jian's new favorite minister, held the gift list in his hand, and loudly read the tribute from the four states: "...Wang Zongdi, the envoy of the Shannan Festival, offered an ancient Shu sword; Wang Zongyao, the governor of Qiongzhou, offered a bloody horse; Zhang Qianyu, governor of Maozhou, offered a bunch of rice..." "Slow down!" Wang Jian felt fresh when he heard this, "Bring that bunch of rice to me." The envoy from Maozhou carefully presented a delicate box to Tang Daozai, who passed it on to Wang Jian. Wang Jian gently twisted the bundle of yellow rice in his hands. Although it had shrunk a bit after traveling a long distance, he could still see that the ears of rice were huge and the grains were full. "Your Majesty," Tang Daoxi frowned, "Today is the King's birthday, and the governor of Maozhou took this bunch of rice that everyone is used to as a birthday present... Isn't this a bit inappropriate?" Tang Daoxi was originally A dancing boy from Langzhou won Wang Jian's appreciation because of his delicate features.Soon, he was appointed as a privy envoy by the king of Shu. Wang Jian was not moved by Tang Daoxi's words, but turned to Zhang Lin, the Jiedu Envoy of the Wuxin Army, who was sitting above the guests on the left.During Wang Jian's several Eastern Expeditions and Northern Expeditions, he assuredly appointed Zhang Lin alone for all matters concerning Xichuan.In Chengdu, no matter whether it is a scholar who is well-read in poetry or a proud martial artist, they all respect this famous official in the late Tang Dynasty. Zhang Lin is getting old.Since Wang Jian captured Shannan and returned to Chengdu, his body gradually weakened, and he resigned several times.Wang Jian thought that his contribution to governing Chengdu was indispensable, so he asked him to stay at home to support his life, but he was awarded the title of Wuxin Army Jiedu envoy to show his dignity. Zhang Lin took the rice from Wang Jian, took it closer and looked at it carefully, her face overflowing with joy: "Congratulations to the King of Shu! Such full-grained rice can only be found in the Chengdu Plain. Maozhou is mostly The alpine grassland can survive such rice, it is really auspicious for the king of Shu!" All the guests praised Zhang Lin when they heard what Zhang Lin said, and congratulated Wang Jian one by one.Wang Jian was very happy. He knew that this had something to do with Zhang Qianyu's continued construction of ditches and water conservancy there.Zhang Lin has repeatedly mentioned the importance of water conservancy to promote agriculture. Zhang Qianyu has worked hard in the past few years, and he has not misjudged people! At this time, someone outside the door announced loudly: "Xing Guogong, General Jin sent a birthday gift!" Wang Jian's heart was shocked!There was no news of Jin Hui for a long time. At the beginning, he asked for orders to guard Dongchuan, and since then there has been no news for more than half a year. When he suddenly heard Jin Hui's name, the joy was better than any gift: "Quickly read!" Wang Jian urged eagerly Tang Dao attacked. "I am delighted to hear that Situ Jin was crowned King of Shu, and Dongchuan's army and people are all delighted. With the help of Shu King Hongfu, I have lived up to everyone's expectations and led the army eastward to recover the four prefectures of Kui, Zhong, Wan, and Shi in southern Jing. I will deliver this news with speed. Sincerely wish King of Shu is blessed with great blessings equal to the heavens, and his life span is longer than Nanshan! Minister Jinhui led his sons Kuangyan and Kuangyi to open the way and commanded Wang Zongben to congratulate him!" Wang Jian slapped the table excitedly: "This king wants to kill him! Pass the order quickly, leave Wang Zongben to guard Dongchuan, and let the old general Jin bring his family back to Chengdu. This king wants to see him!" Tang Daoxi hurriedly stepped forward to congratulate: "Shu King Ren Deze was captured by Sanchuan, the people's life is rich, and all the prefectures and counties belong to it! This is really the blessing of Sanchuan!" To the peaceful scene of Sanchuan. At this time, there was a burst of light laughter from the crowd.The sound is not very penetrating but extremely strong, and it is incompatible with everyone's admiration and laughter.Immediately, the hall fell silent, and everyone focused their attention on the person who was making a strange laugh.Wang Jian followed the voice and saw Judge Feng Juan standing up holding a wine glass: "Today is the birthday of the king of Shu, and my minister Feng Juan is very happy. I wrote a special poem "Birthday Song" to express my heart." Wang Jian was very happy. He didn't expect that Feng Juan, who has always been arrogant and conceited, could take the initiative to write a poem of congratulations.I have long heard that Feng Juan has a good literary reputation but rarely writes poems. It is not easy to listen to it with my own ears today.He thought to himself, Feng Juan flattered him so much, maybe it was his martial arts and martial arts that convinced this stubborn old man! Feng Juan filled his glass with wine, walked to the center of the hall, showed the empty glass to everyone, and chanted clearly word by word: Such easy-to-understand poems can be understood even by generals present here who cannot read big characters.Feng Juan wandered around the hall while reciting.As soon as the first two sentences were uttered, Wang Jian was really happy for a while.But the next few words made the smile on King Shu's face instantly freeze. It turned out that in the past few months, because of the military preparations, Xichuan's taxes and services have increased, and the transfer has been arduous.Wang Jian knew about this matter, and so did his officials, but no one came forward to dissuade him, so Wang Jian just turned a blind eye.Unexpectedly, Feng Juan criticized him in public at his birthday banquet.All of a sudden, there were people whispering and some people were silent, they all looked at Feng Juan who seemed nothing had happened, and watched Wang Jian's expression. Seeing that the King of Shu was silent for a long time, the son Wang Zongyi couldn't sit still.Zong Yi is Wang Jian's second son, and also Wang Jian's tacit eldest son.Although he was only thirteen or fourteen years old, Zong Yi was outstandingly talented. Although Zong Yi had an ugly face, he had the ability to shoot through money holes from a hundred steps away, and was favored by the King of Shu. "Master Feng, today is my father's birthday. Even if you complain, you should choose another time, right?" Zong Yi stared at Feng Juan abruptly.But Feng Juan didn't seem to care. "My lord is right! Master Feng, you have ulterior motives when you accuse the king face to face!" Tang Daoxi also said. Immediately afterwards, everyone present echoed. At this time, Monk Guanxiu said Amitabha: "Master Feng just wrote a poem, and the poor monk recently wrote a new poem "Young Master's Journey", and I will give it to the king of Shu." Everyone focused their attention on Guanxiu again. Xio didn't care, and started singing to himself. Brocade clothes and fresh flowers, holding a falcon in their hands, their leisurely demeanor is so careless. Jiarong is difficult and always does not know what the five emperors and three emperors are! After singing, everyone is silent. "Gongzi Xing" was originally a poem title that satirizes the flashy life of dudes. Everyone can hear that Guanxiu's poem refers directly to many noble children in the late Tang Dynasty, including Wang Jian's son and adopted son. Unexpectedly, after listening to it, Wang Jian laughed and exclaimed: "What a great poem! The master is not only proficient in Buddhism, but also famous for his accomplishments in poetry and painting!" Wang Jian praised it while secretly admiring it in his heart.I thought to myself that this Guanxiu is really arrogant and not attached to the powerful, and he actually recited such a poem in front of so many high-ranking people.He thought about it for a second, Guanxiu might be reminding himself that although these well-dressed children are ignorant, they are still trying their best to protect their own interests.Thinking of Feng Juan just bluntly saying that Xichuan's taxes are too heavy, Zong Yi immediately came out to criticize.Although Zong Yi was young, he might have wanted to protect his father's dignity, but so many officials here acquiesced to the child's questioning, and no one stood by Feng Juan's side to speak for him, which shows that Guanxiu's ridicule was not groundless . He remembered Zhou Xiang's previous warning to him to reuse Feng Juan, and his heart suddenly became clear. "Master Guanxiu, I like your poem very much. This king gave you the honorary title 'Master Zen Moon'!" Then he said to Feng Juan, "This king ordered an increase in taxes a few months ago. The army. Your loyal advice is a petition for the people! Feng Xinzhi dares to say what others dare not say, and you dare to speak out in front of all civil and military officials at the king's birthday banquet. This king gives you a word-'good'! This king bestows on you a hundred gold bars and a hundred bolts of silk." Wang Jian's words stunned all the officials present.No one expected that the king of Shu not only did not blame these two talents who used poetry to satirize, but rewarded them so much. Wang Jianfu said to the ministers again: "From now on, all the ministers should follow Feng Xinzhi's example in admonishing. Emperor Taizong has a minister like Wei Zheng who has made an admonishment, and has achieved a thousand years of imperial career. If all the ministers can be like Feng Xinzhi, why should I worry about it?" Is the king's career not successful?" His face showed the confidence and calmness unique to the king in the peaceful and prosperous age.Perhaps, in the past hundred years, Sanchuan has never achieved such unprecedented unity and prosperity.Although there is still a long way to go, with such talented officials who work for the people and generals who work hard to guard the frontier, what is he worried about?