Chapter 35 Chapter Thirty-Five
The Yellow River is far above the white clouds, and there is an isolated city, Wanren Mountain.
Di Qing galloped across Yumen against the sound of the Qiang flute, followed the water and horses of the Yellow River to step on Guanshan Mountain, and returned to Bianjing on this day.
Thousands of miles away, the capital is still prosperous.When Di Qing arrived in the capital, it was cold and windy, and his breath turned into frost.His temples were also as white as frost early, seeing the heyday of the capital for more than ten years, he just lowered the felt hat on his head and quietly arrived at the Guo Mansion.
The front door of Guo's mansion is empty, it is really deserted.
Di Qing thought, "According to the news, Guo Kui should still be waiting for orders in the capital. I asked Han Xiao to send a letter to inform him that I will return. Will he wait for me in the mansion? Well, me, Brother Guo and Xiao The three of Kui have been traveling outside for a whole year, so the Guo Mansion has already been covered with thick dust, right?"
The door was ajar, Di Qing pushed the door open and entered, after searching for a while, he found dust everywhere, but Guo Kui, his old room and Guo Zun's room were all clean and tidy.
Seeing this, Di Qing was startled for a moment, with a very bitter smile on his lips, knowing that Guo Kui must have taken care of it.Perhaps in Guo Kui's mind, Di Qing and Guo Zun never left him.
Sitting in Guo Kui's room, Di Qing waited until dusk and sunset, but he still didn't see Guo Kui turning around, feeling a little strange in his heart.After thinking for a while, he took up a pen and left a message, saying that he had returned and went out for a while. If Guo Kui came back, he should not go out and wait for him to return.
Di Qing came out of the Guo Mansion, wearing the clothes of ordinary people, still wearing a felt hat, not wanting to be recognized.
As he strolled, he felt hungry, and remembered that the wine shop opened by Mr. Liu was nearby, so he walked in the same direction.When I arrived at the wine shop, I saw a single lamp inside, and there was only one person sitting in the wine shop.With his back to Di Qing, the man was holding a wine glass and pouring it into his mouth.
Seeing that the man with gray hair looked like Father Liu, Di Qing walked over lightly.The man murmured: "Sister... You are always good. You are over there, but lonely?" The voice was choked, full of grief, and mixed with worry and anger.Di Qing frowned, feeling that the man was not like Mr. Liu, turned around to look, and said in a daze, "You are..."
He saw the man's face clearly, and knew that he had misunderstood the man. The man was dark-skinned, with sunken cheeks and a haggard look.
At first glance, Di Qing thought he didn't know that person, but for some reason, he always felt familiar.
When the man looked up and saw Di Qing, he jumped up suddenly, and the jug fell to the ground with a loud "ping".He looked at Di Qing, clenched his teeth, and his eyes showed extreme panic and fear.
Di Qing looked at that face and tried his best to find out who this person was, when he heard the person yell, overturned the table, turned around and rushed out of the wine shop.
Di Qing stretched out his hand, grabbed the man, and shouted: "Uncle Li Guo, why is it you?" When he saw the man turn around, he felt a little impression, his thoughts turned suddenly, and he remembered who that man was.
That person is Li Yonghe, Li Shunrong's younger brother, who is also the uncle of today's son Zhao Zhen!
The man was caught by Di Qing, he struggled to break free, and shouted: "Let go, you have admitted the wrong person." He struggled so hard that sweat dripped from his forehead, Di Qing saw that the man just kept denying, with a haggard and terrified face, and couldn't bear it. Grab hard and let go.
The man staggered and almost fell to the ground.But he ran away in an instant and disappeared without a trace.
Di Qing was very surprised, thinking to himself that the person was obviously Li Yonghe, so he should not have admitted his mistake.But why was that person so eager to deny it, and so hastily?
Di Qing stood there, full of puzzlement. Hearing the sound of footsteps behind him, he turned his head and saw that it was Old Liu who came out of the back hall.
When Father Liu saw Di Qing, he was both surprised and happy, and he greeted him a lot.He brought out the food and wine quickly, and said, "General Di, they all said you were dead, but I said how could a person like you die." His words were sincere, and his old face was full of brilliance.
Di Qing was grateful, and just said: "I was in danger, but I was fine later." He knew that Father Liu missed Guo Zun very much, but he also knew that Guo Zun didn't want to show up again, so he didn't talk about it.
Father Liu was full of rejoicing, and he drank two glasses of wine with Di Qing, and then asked: "General Di, you are returning to Beijing this time to fight Nong Zhigao in Lingnan, right?"
Di Qing hesitated for a moment before saying: "In the face of a national crisis, if I, Di Qing, are needed, I will do it."
Father Liu was surprised: "If they don't use General Di, who else will they use?"
Di Qing smiled wryly in his heart, thinking to himself that I wanted to serve the country, but Song Ting might not necessarily want me.Over the years, I have been promoted very fast, and I offended many civil officials. Even if these people are facing a national crisis, I am afraid that they have the heart to exclude dissidents. Even Mr. Fan was forced out of the capital by them, let alone me, Di Qing?If the Lingnan Rebellion this time is astonishing and disturbs the Song Dynasty, they will have to use me.If the momentum fades away, it will be an opportunity for those people to make meritorious deeds, and I, Di Qing, will definitely not be allowed to lead the army.
But he is Di Qing, and the Lingnan Rebellion has disturbed the whole world. If he is not dead, he must come back.
But Di Qing didn't want to say these words to Father Liu.Unexpectedly, Father Liu said: "General Di, is it because some treacherous ministers in the court speak ill of you, so the court doesn't use you again?"
Di Qing was startled, and asked, "Why do you say that?"
Old Man Liu sighed and said: "The reform of the court is good, but I heard that the traitors disregarded the interests of the world and forced Fan Gong away. Famous. Since they can force Fan Gong away, they will definitely suppress you as well."
Di Qing didn't want Father Liu to see it thoroughly, and thought to himself, "It's okay if some ministers don't see me well, but what Zhao Zhen thinks?"
After eating and drinking, thinking of Guo Kui, he bid farewell to Father Liu.After arriving at the long street, seeing the fireworks in disorder, looking through the night in the direction where Li Yonghe left, there was no one there.
Di Qing felt a little strange, thinking to himself that Li Yonghe is also an uncle of the country, how could he be so down and out?Li Shunrong has been dead for many years, even if Li Yonghe and his sister and brother are deeply in love, it is reasonable to say that the sadness should fade away, but seeing Li Shunrong's death today, it seems that he is still a little... brooding about Li Shunrong's death?
Shaking his head, Di Qing turned back to Guo Kui's mansion. Seeing that Guo Kui still hadn't turned back, he frowned slightly, leaned on the bed and waited, and fell asleep unknowingly.
There was nothing to say all night, when Di Qing opened his eyes the next day, he saw that the sky was pale, and Guo Kui still hadn't turned around, so he was a little worried.Since Guo Kui knew that he was coming, there was no reason not to wait for him. Now Guo Kui has not returned. Could it be that there was an accident?But Guo Kui had always been alone, the Guo mansion was deserted, and the only old housekeeper didn't know where he was. He wanted to ask, but there was no way to ask.
Getting up slowly, Di Qing left the Guo Mansion again, wandering the streets of Bianjing.
Bianjing has been peaceful for many years, just like a city that never sleeps.In the early morning, some traders got up and shouted to buy and sell, and it was very lively.Di Qing was walking on the street, thinking to himself, "This time I return to the capital, it is considered that I have not received an imperial edict. If I go back to the capital privately, if I want to pursue it, I may be at fault, but I have long ignored it. I wanted to ask Guo Kui about Lingnan. If there is an urgent need for me, Di Qing, it is my duty to lead the army to rescue the people from the fire and water. But if it is not urgent, I may resign and never return to the capital. The world is fine, and I, Di Qing, can stay in the capital. What's the use? I only have one wish now, that Brother Guo and the others can return to Shambhala. If they can save Yushang, I, Di Qing, will be with her and ignore the world. But..."
Thinking of this, I forcibly stopped thinking about it.
He didn't dare to think about what would happen if he couldn't save Yu Chang.
At this time, the sound of a gong awakened Di Qing's long dream, and he heard people shouting in the distance: "The disciples of the Son of Heaven are parading in the street." Then there was the sound of "hula", and countless people rushed over to watch the excitement.
It was only then that Di Qing realized that, unknowingly, he had moved to the vicinity of the Daxiangguo Temple.
Many years ago, in front of the Daxiangguo Temple, he met Yushang.
Qianhua still laughs at Fengchen, she is no longer in Zhu Yangai...
While thinking about it, I heard someone not far from me saying: "Son, you should study in the future, don't become a soldier like that man. If you become a soldier, your life will be ruined."
Di Qing felt that he had heard those words before, turned his head and looked over, and saw a woman secretly pointing at him, and was teaching the naughty son beside her.
Di Qing smiled bitterly, remembering that such a scene happened many years ago. "Don't serve as a soldier. Serving as a soldier will waste your life." This concept has not changed over the years.
Unexpectedly, the child straightened his back and said loudly: "What's wrong with being a soldier? Just like General Di, everyone in the world admires him, and he is much better than those scholars. When the country is in crisis, can poetry save the country? If I have a choice, I would rather I want to be like General Di." He said loudly, many people around looked over, but there was no voice of refutation.
The woman was stunned, and said after a while: "Silly boy, how can you have the ability of General Di? How many generals are there in this world?"
The capital is covered with crowns, and the people of Sri Lanka have shed tears!
Di Qing quietly walked away a few steps, feeling filled with emotion.It suddenly occurred to me that people in the world have different opinions about me, Di Qing, whether they praise or criticize me, but only Yushang has always treated me the same.Back then, even if I, Di Qing, was an ordinary imperial guard, she still liked me.
Thinking of this, seeing that the world of mortals is still there, and there is a messy sound in his ears, the bridge of Di Qing's nose can't help but feel a little sore.Going back and forth through the world of mortals, on the other side of the road, there is a girl in white...
Qiao smiled and looked around, and spoke sweetly.
"Yu Chang, you saw me right." Di Qing murmured, "Di Qing is already a hero like no other in the world, but can you see it?" I can't see that Di Qing is famous all over the world, and his eyes are a little moist, just thinking, "Yu Chang, do you know that in these years, there is not a day when I don't think about you."
Everything has never changed.
"Brother Di..." Someone shouted.
Di Qing was startled, and instantly recognized that it was a man's voice. Turning his head to look over, he saw someone striding towards the other end of the long street.
Di Qing was slightly happy, and greeted him, saying: "Guo Kui, where have you been?"
It was Guo Kui who came, and when they met on the street, they held each other tightly, feeling extremely happy in their hearts.
Someone in the market recognized Guo Kui, and said in a low voice, "That's General Xiao Guo. Back then, the Great General Guo beat down Sanchuankou and killed hundreds of thousands of Xia's troops. The iron kite cavalry is no worse than General Guo."
The Guo brothers are also well-known in the capital. The common people call Guo Zun the Great General Guo and Guo Kui the Little Guo General, but their love and affection are the same.
Another person asked: "Who is it that can make General Xiao Guo call Brother Di?"
Someone said in a trembling voice: "That's no need to ask, of course it's General Di Qingdi. General Di has returned to the capital."
General Di has returned to the capital!
This sentence was spread to ten, ten to hundreds, and spread around the Daxiangguo Temple in an instant, and the entire noisy market suddenly fell silent.Some people rushed in this direction, arriving beside Di Qing and Guo Kui like waves, and pointed out, "Look, that's General Di."
Although more people have known Di Qing, but Di Qing has been away all year round, there are more and more people who have only heard of Di Qing's deeds, but have never seen Di Qing.
Those who saw it wanted to take another look, and those who didn't see it broke their heads and wanted to see Di Qing.
This kind of hero is what the common people want to see most.
So the people in the outer circle wanted to squeeze in, just to see what the unparalleled Di Qing looked like.Those who squeezed into the inner circle resisted the crowd outside, fearing that everyone would squeeze into General Di.The Daxiangguo Temple was like a turbulent wave, and the people rushed to see it, but no one went to see the disciples of the Son of Heaven parading the street.
Those disciples of the Son of Heaven looked at each other in blank dismay, never expecting to receive such a cold reception, inevitably they had different expressions.Some are envious, some are jealous, some want to see Di Qing, some pretend to be disdainful...
Di Qing and Guo Kui never imagined that the two of them would meet to cause such a sensation. Guo Kui had a thousand things to say, but at this moment he couldn't say anything at all. He turned his eyes and shouted to the crowd: "Everyone, please listen to me." When he shouted loudly, the people suddenly fell silent.
Seeing this, Guo Kui said with a smile: "I know that everyone wants to see General Di, but not me, Guo Kui." The people laughed kindly, and the atmosphere became slightly relaxed. Pommel Horse Laidun, we still have to discuss state affairs right now. All the folks and elders have to see, there are still many opportunities. At the moment, please put the state affairs first, how about letting General Di enter the palace first?"
When everyone heard the words, they all consciously dodged to the side of the road to give way to the palace.
Di Qing didn't say much, just cupped his hands.After walking a few steps, someone among the people shouted: "General Di, are you personally leading the army to put down the chaos in the south of the Five Ridges this time?"
It turned out that Nong Zhigao caused chaos in the south of Lingnan, and the disaster became more and more serious. Every day, news spread to the capital.What's more, the people from Lingnan and Jinghu fled all the way to the middle of the capital, exaggerating, and the people were panic-stricken, only feeling that the country was about to collapse.
And there is only one general who can protect the great Song Dynasty, Di Qing!
The people were silent, but all eyes were on Di Qing, waiting for his answer.
Di Qing was silent for a moment, bowed lightly to the people, and said in a deep voice: "Qingben is a military man, he was born in the army, and he is loved by the folks and elders. I am very grateful. Now that the country is in crisis, I will devote myself to it."
When everyone heard this, they didn't know what Di Qing meant, but they cheered happily as if they had received a guarantee.
However, Di Qing and Guo Kui were already heading towards the imperial palace. The people watched Di Qing, but they stopped following him.Di Qing just got out of the crowd, when he heard someone spitting on the side: "A mere old man, so beautiful?"
Di Qing was slightly shocked, turned his head and looked over, only to see the voice came from a sedan chair, Guo Kui was furious when he heard the words, and was about to rush over, but was grabbed by Di Qing.
It turned out that the tattooed soldiers were called Chi Lao in the vicinity of Bianjing, which meant contempt and insult.Di Qing is now in Sanya, and that person called Di Qing the Chi Lao, which of course meant an insult.
The man's voice was soft, but Di Qing and Guo Zun were people with sharp eyes and ears, so they could hear clearly.
Di Qing stared at the sedan chair, and suddenly thought of that thunderstorm night.
That night, because she didn't want to see him being humiliated, that feather-like woman jumped down from the tall gate of Huangyi.
Yang Yushang's face reappeared in front of him, "Di Qing, you are in my heart... you are a peerless... hero, how can you suffer... those people's... contempt?"
He, Di Qing, fought all over the world and was promoted by his military exploits. In the eyes of some people, he was nothing more than a red-blooded old man.Thinking of this, Di Qing smiled instead, and asked lightly: "I don't know which adult is in the sedan chair?"
Guo Kui said in a low voice: "It's Xia Song's sedan chair from the two prefectures, and most of the sedan chairs are Xia Song's."
It turned out that Xia Song was not allowed to enter the Privy Council at the beginning, but after playing several times, he finally kicked away Fan Zhongyan, Shi Jie and others. After avenging the humiliation in the past, although he has not been admitted to the Privy Council now, he has to re-enter the Zhongshu Province as a chancellor.
In the sedan chair is Xia Song.
It turned out that he was rushing to the morning court today, and when he passed by here, suddenly there were so many people that he couldn't pass through.After he asked, he realized that Di Qing was here, and couldn't help being jealous and hating.Xia Song was originally a person who must take revenge, and knew that Di Qing and Fan Zhongyan were good friends. Seeing Di Qing's beauty, he couldn't help but sneer.Hearing Diqing's question and hearing Guo Kui's answer, Xia Song just snorted coldly and didn't say much.I thought to myself, "What can I say to a lowly person like you?"
Di Qing didn't hear Xia Song's opening, and said again: "I wonder if Mr. Xia can repeat what he just said?"
Xia Song saw Di Qing looking at him coldly through the sedan chair curtain, knowing that Di Qing was brave, he felt a chill in his heart.But after thinking about it, this is the capital, and Di Qing dared to fail because of a word, so he said: "I said that a mere old man is so beautiful."
Guo Kui's eyes burst into flames, Di Qing suddenly smiled, and said word by word: "Okay, Mr. Xia remembers what you said today. Di Qing is leaving."
Xia Song originally thought that Di Qing would do something, and thought to himself that if Di Qing did something, he would be accused of beating an official of the court, but he didn't expect Di Qing to turn around and leave.He thought to himself, "You, Di Qing, are pretty smart. Even Fan Zhongyan can't beat me. If you, Di Qing, dare to provoke me, you will ask for trouble."
Di Qing approached the direction of the palace, suddenly stopped and said: "Xiao Kui, go home."
Guo Kui wanted to take Xia Song out and beat him up, but he was stunned and said, "Go back to the mansion? The Holy Majesty was very happy to hear that you were back, and discussed with me all night how to attack Lingnan. Today he asked me to When I meet you, please enter the palace immediately to discuss the matter of pacifying Lingnan."
Di Qing shook his head slowly and said, "Now is not the time to discuss, you just listen to me."
Guo Kui was a little dazed, but in the end he followed Di Qing's wishes, and the two returned to Guo's residence.After Di Qing returned to the mansion, he first took out a letter from his pocket and handed it to Guo Kui, "This is a letter from your elder brother. He said that you read this letter, so don't say anything about him, and don't say anything about him." .You... just treat him as dead."
Di Qing didn't know the content of the letter, but only thought that Guo Zun personally asked him to give the letter to Guo Kui. Obviously, the content was more important to Guo Kui.
Although Guo Kui had learned from Han Xiao that Guo Zun was not dead, he still couldn't believe it. After receiving the letter, he was very excited when he saw that the words on the envelope were in his elder brother's handwriting.
But Di Qing went to bed and pulled the quilt over her body, and said to Guo Kui, "If anyone comes to see me, just say I'm sick."
Guo Kui nodded, and after leaving the room, he thought to himself, "Brother Di is angry at what Xia Song said, so he excused his illness and didn't want to lead the army anymore? But Brother Di probably won't make jokes about state affairs."
Sitting in the courtyard, Guo Kui was holding the letter from his elder brother, feeling agitated and very strange, thinking to himself that since elder brother is not dead, he should come back, why not return to the capital again?
Guo Kui was completely puzzled, opened the letter, and after reading it a few times, his expression changed.After reading the letter, his expression was in a daze, and when he let go of his hand, the letter fell to the ground.As soon as the wind blew, Guo Kui came to his senses, hurriedly picked up the letter, put it safely in his arms, and then sat in the courtyard blankly, with an uncertain expression on his face.
At noon, there were hurried footsteps coming from outside the mansion. Guo Kui looked up and saw Yan Shiliang leading a few people from the palace inside. Seeing Guo Kui, he shouted: "Guo Kui, why are you still here? General Di What? The Holy Majesty thought you were going to enter the palace soon, and I have been waiting for you for a long time."
Guo Kui got up slowly, showing a troubled expression, "Di...Second Brother, he's sick."
"Sick? Why is he sick at such a time? How can he be sick?" Yan Shiliang asked three times in a row, very puzzled.
Guo Kui was furious and shouted, "Is he a god? Can't he be sick?"
Yan Shiliang was taken aback and took a few steps back.Feeling that there was something wrong with what I said, I also wondered why Guo Kui got angry, he hurriedly smiled and smoothed things over: "I didn't mean that. I heard Prime Minister Xia say that he just saw General Di. Is that General Di okay?"
Guo Kui said coldly: "There are many things that are hard to say."
Yan Shiliang was unhappy, feeling that Guo Kui was different from yesterday, but it was urgent, so he asked Guo Kui to take him to see Di Qing first.After entering the room, Yan Shiliang saw Di Qing lying on the bed in broad daylight, and he was also a little flustered, asking questions, Di Qing seemed confused, only whispered something tired, and then closed his eyes and remained silent.
Seeing this, Yan Shiliang thought to himself that Di Qing couldn't be carried to the palace, so he went out of the room and said to Guo Kui, "Guo Kui, what should we do?" He looked very anxious and lost his mind for a while.
It turned out that when Zhao Zhen was in the early dynasty, he discussed with Wenwu how to put down Nong Zhigao's rebellion. The news of Di Qing's return to the capital and his appearance at the Daxiangguo Temple had already spread to the ears of the imperial guards in the capital and then to Da Nei.Hearing this, Zhao Zhen's spirits lifted, and he thought to himself that with Di Qing's character, he would probably enter the palace soon, so he began to discuss state affairs with civil and military officials, and waited for Di Qing to enter the palace by the way.
After waiting for a long time, Di Qing disappeared.Zhao Zhen was puzzled, and hurriedly ordered Yan Shiliang to come to Guo Kui to ask about the situation.
When Guo Kui heard that Yan Shiliang was asking for advice, he said, "What should I do? Tell the Holy One that Di Qing is ill."
Yan Shiliang said anxiously: "You put it lightly, the war is going to burn to the capital now, what should we do without General Di? You come into the palace with me to explain." He couldn't help saying, dragged Guo Kui out of the Guo mansion, and went straight to the palace. Ben big.
Di Qing waited for the courtyard door to close before getting up and leaning against the bed, with a smug smile on his lips.
He sat on the bed and waited until dusk and sunset before Guo Kui turned around.After Guo Kui entered the room, he put food on the table and brought two jars of wine.
Di Qing thought what Guo Kui would say, but Guo Kui didn't ask anything, and he didn't say anything about the court. how?"
Di Qing was a little surprised, and felt that Guo Kui was a little strange, but he didn't ask any questions after all.The two of them held up the wine jars and drank in muffled voices. After finishing the two jars of wine, Guo Kui went out and brought back two more jars.
The two drank until midnight, Guo Kui was already a little drunk, his eyes were bleary under the light, he suddenly looked at Di Qing and said, "Second Brother Di, I already know, so... oh..." He sighed and said nothing more.After drinking half a jar of wine, he fell asleep.
Seeing this, Di Qing felt weird, and thought to himself that Guo Kui was not like this during the day, so why was he so silent after he came back from the palace?Could it be that Zhao Zhen made Guo Kui wronged in the palace?But it doesn't feel like it.Seeing Guo Kui slipped crookedly from the chair and fell to the ground, Di Qing shook his head secretly, helped him up, and put him on the bed to settle him down.
When supporting Guo Kui, he touched the letter in his arms, and suddenly thought, Big Brother Guo gave Xiao Kui a letter, did he become like this after reading the letter?
Finally resisting the urge to read the letter, Di Qing just took off Guo Kui's shoes and covered him with a quilt, then sat at the table drinking wine, thinking about his own thoughts, and after a while, also fell asleep at his desk.
Guo Kui woke up the next day, without saying a word, went out to buy food for Di Qing, and then left Guo's mansion.Di Qing pretended to be sick and still did not leave the Guo residence. When it was dusk, he heard footsteps approaching the door and knocked twice.
Di Qing knew that the person was definitely not Guo Kui, and wondered who would come at this time, and said in a low voice, "Please come in."
When the door opened, Di Qing was stunned for a moment, got off the bed, got up and saluted, "Pang Pang, why are you here?"
It was Pang Ji who came in.
Pang Ji saw Di Qing, with a smile on his face, looked around, saw that the room was messy, sighed softly, sat down, and said straight to the point: "Di Qing, you are always calm and cautious, this time, why are you being aggressive? "
Di Qing also sat down, and said indifferently: "If I am sick in the room, drinking to soothe my worries is considered aggressive. The world is so big that there is no room for me, Di Qing."
Pang Ji hesitated for a while before saying, "You are serious." Changing the topic, Pang Ji said: "Yesterday Guo Kui explained to the Holy Majesty the misunderstanding between you and Prime Minister Xia. Guo Kui said that you were ill because of anger. The Majesty listened I am... very dissatisfied with Xia Song, and ordered Xia Song to go to your mansion to make an apology within three days. Di Qing, stay on the line today so that we can meet again in the future. State affairs are the most important thing, let’s forget about this matter, okay?”
Although Pang Ji was aggrieved for Di Qing, but this time he came here with the attitude of letting Di Qing calm down.
Di Qing smiled, "Forget it? Xia Song didn't come, how can we forget it?"
Pang Ji wondered: "Di Qing, why are you bothering? You always see the big picture, why are you so obsessed with one corner?" When he said this, he felt powerless.
He felt tired and old. Ten years ago, Pang Ji would not have persuaded Di Qing like this.
Is it because, when people get old, they think more?
Di Qing suddenly stood up, and was about to slap on the table with a palm.Seeing that Pang Ji was panicked, the palm finally came down slowly, and he turned to look out the window. In the cold wind, the setting sun followed the wind, passed through the window, and landed on the vicissitudes of his face.
"That's right. I always look at the big picture. This is what Fan Gong taught me. He said I don't know how to read, so he told me to read more books, but the more I read and the more I experienced, the more I don't understand many things. I take the big picture The most important thing is that I didn't kill the father and son of the Xia family back then, and let the souls of more than ten thousand heroes of the Song army die in Sanchuankou. I put the overall situation first, and endured Han Qi and Ren Fu, resulting in the death of tens of thousands of Song soldiers in Sanchuankou I put the overall situation first, and sent an envoy to Khitan to guard Hebei, and left the Northwest War situation behind. As a result, more than ten thousand Song soldiers died in Dingchuanzhai, and Zhong Shiheng died in Xiyao City. Driven out of the capital." Huo Ran turned around, and the afterglow of the setting sun shone on Di Qing's pupils, shining like fire, "Pang Dao, tell me that the nearly 100,000 Song soldiers who died on the border, a group of heroes who died innocently Degraded Fan Gong, what should be the most important thing?"
Pang Ji looked gloomy, lowered his head, and had nothing to say.
"Yes, I, Di Qing, am a reckless man. I was born in the army. I don't know much. But I know that everyone has only one life, and no one has the right to belittle others. I said this to Han Qi back then. After all these years, I I still say that. I put the overall situation first. After escaping from the dead, I knew that Lingnan was in trouble, so I rushed back to the capital hoping to do my best, but did they put the overall situation first? I, Di Qing, have been fighting to the death for many years. , Is it just to let them say, how can a mere old man deserve that kind of scenery? I, Di Qing, are not worthy, but they are worthy?"
Pang Ji's body trembled, and he wanted to say something, but in the end it turned into a long sigh.
The more Di Qing said, the more angry he became, and he looked at Pang Ji aggressively and said, "Pang Da man, I heard that there is chaos in Lingnan this time, and you recommended me Di Qing to fight at the first time. I thank you for your consideration. But if I lead troops to fight, If those soldiers asked me, Di Qing, even if you are in a high position, in the eyes of others, you are just a red old man, then they would risk their lives, and they might never come back after this trip. They will never see their parents again, never I can't see my wife and children, and I can't see my brothers again. In the eyes of others, what are they for? Is it just because of the title of Chi Lao? Man Pang, you have read a lot and you are eloquent. Can you tell them that they What is it for?"
Pang Ji stood up slowly, trembling, and said apologetically, "You're right. I shouldn't have come this time."
Di Qing sighed and said: "Yes, you really shouldn't come. In the eyes of those who are not Chi Lao, I, Di Qing, don't know how to flatter and can't put the overall situation first, but I want to ask them, they want face, so why don't I, Di Qing?" Face? Well, this time, I don’t know how to flatter. Their overall situation is to protect the prosperity and wealth, and to protect the stability of the country. If they like it, they can go to quell the chaos. My overall situation of Di Qing is only one person, and that is Yang Yushang. I said, Di Qing should not be underestimated by those people. I, Di Qing, can have nothing, and I can die, but I promised Yang Yushang that I will never be underestimated by others in this life! Even if I am demoted tomorrow, even if I am stabbed for three thousand miles, Even if there is a knife on my neck, if I don't see Xia Song admitting my mistake, I won't lead the army!"
Pang Ji nodded, his back slightly bent, as if he was overwhelmed.After a long time, he said: "I see. You are right. If you are wrong, you are wrong. No matter how many excuses you make, you are wrong. If you are wrong, you are wrong. The mistakes must be made up for by those who are going to make mistakes." He looked at Di Qing for a long time, nodded again, turned around and opened the door, walked out, and then slowly closed the door.
Di Qing vented his anger, his whole body was suddenly empty, and he sat down slowly, with a smile on his lips, "But who would admit that they were wrong?"
Di Qing sat blankly in the room, Guo Kui opened the door and walked in, still holding two jars of wine.Guo Kui was just outside the house, and he had heard everything. He seemed to have a thousand words, but he just said, "Brother Di, shall I drink with you?"
Di Qing nodded, took a few sips of the wine from the altar, only to feel a bitter taste in his mouth.
The two drank heavily, and in the middle of the night, Guo Kui was drunk again, when suddenly someone knocked on the door outside the room.
There was nothing to steal in Guo's mansion, and the people in the neighborhood respected Guo's family very much. Guo Kui was careless, and the gate of the courtyard was always concealed.The visitor obviously entered the front of the house from the courtyard door.
Di Qing and Guo Kui looked at each other, and they both saw each other's doubts.
Pang Ji is gone, at this time, will anyone come here?Could it be that Xia Song came to admit his mistake?But a person like Xia Song would not admit his mistake to Di Qing even if he was beaten to death, otherwise how could he hold his head up in front of civil and military officials in the future?
Seeing that Guo Kui was 80% drunk, Di Qing could only get up and go to the door, and opened the door.
A sliver of moonlight came out and fell on the face of the man in front of the house. When Di Qing saw it, he was taken aback and said in a voiceless voice: "Your Majesty?" , it is Zhao Zhen, the emperor of Song Dynasty!
Di Qing never expected that Zhao Zhen would come to the Guo Mansion in person!
The moonlight was cold, falling between the two of them like the Milky Way in the sky.
Zhao Zhen looked complicated, seeing that Di Qing wanted to salute, he said, "Forget it." Seeing that the room was full of alcohol, he frowned and said, "Di Qing, you go to the courtyard to talk to me, I don't know what you want ?”
Di Qing hadn't heard Zhao Zhen's polite tone for many years.Nodding his head, he followed Zhao Zhen to the courtyard, and saw Yan Shiliang standing at the gate of the courtyard, and when he listened carefully, he felt a lot of subtle breathing sounds outside the courtyard wall.
Di Qing knew that Zhao Zhen was no longer like before, and would easily take risks. When he came to the Guo Mansion this time, without asking, he must have brought many forbidden troops with him.
Zhao Zhen saw a stone table in the middle of the courtyard, with tables and chairs beside it, walked over to sit down, and motioned for Di Qing to sit down too.
Di Qing was waiting to give way, but after thinking about it for a moment, he sat opposite Zhao Zhen.
There was emotion in Zhao Zhen's eyes, and he said slowly: "Di Qing, we haven't seen each other for a long time." Since Zhang Meiren was poisoned for no reason when he returned to Beijing last time, Di Qing was sent to Khitan.In the blink of an eye, years passed.
Di Qing knew that Zhang Meiren was not dead, but she had been ill all along.He has a clear conscience, and it is hard to imagine Zhang Meiren being poisoned.What was even more difficult for him to imagine was that he and Zhang Meiren had never met before, so why did Zhang Meiren frame him?
Seeing that Di Qing was silent, Zhao Zhen pondered for a while before saying: "Actually, I... have always regarded you as a brother. Although there is no blood oath between us, in my opinion, many oaths are only valuable in sincerity, not in form. "He said in a very soft voice, but he didn't notice that Guo Kui was in the room, watching them quietly through the window.Hearing Zhao Zhen's words, Guo Kui looked very strange.
Di Qing wanted to say something, but Zhao Zhen didn't look at him, so he finally remained silent.
"I have always wanted to be a good emperor, and I have been trying my best to be a good emperor." Zhao Zhen murmured: "But first there was the Queen Mother, then there was Yuan Hao, and then there was Nong Zhigao, and I was exhausted physically and mentally." When talking, thinking about the war situation of Song Dynasty, he was very anxious.
In the past few days, Lingnan's distress letters have been flying in like snowflakes.
Two more states were trapped, another state was trapped, another general was killed, and another Zhizhou surrendered...
Nong Zhigao won consecutive battles, and the Song army was bound to lose every battle.
If the Song Army in the Northwest and Northern Xinjiang has been tested by the flames of war, then the Song Army in the South has completely forgotten how to fight under decades of peace.
The disadvantages of the Song Dynasty's implementation of strong branches and weak branches in the military system have long been revealed, and this time it really broke out.The Great Song Dynasty, which has millions of forbidden troops, is all in the northern border and northwest, and the Xiang army in the south can't compete with Nong Zhigao at all.
Now Nong Zhigao's army is as powerful as a broken bamboo. Judging from the situation, it is likely to wipe out Guangdong and Guangxi, and swallow Jinghu.
If it goes on like this, within a few months, the south of the Yangtze River will be completely planted with the banner of Nong Zhigao.
Could it be that the Great Song Dynasty was cut off by Khitan to the sixteen prefectures of Yanyun, was snatched by the Xia State to the west of Hengshan, and now it will be ruled by Nong Zhigao?
Zhao Zhen is not reconciled, but what's the use of not being reconciled?The ministers are tied up and have nothing to do.
Every time he thinks of this, Zhao Zhen gets angry, the Khitan coercion, the officials tied their hands; Yuan Hao sent troops, the officials tied their hands; now Nong Zhigao sent troops, the officials still tied their hands.These officials are loyal, loyal ones can die with his Zhao family, but they never think about how to save them.
After Lu Yijian died, Fan Zhongyan was expelled, and Song Dynasty returned to a stagnant situation.
Up to now, he still can only trust Di Qing.
Some people proposed to transfer the army to defend the Khitan in the north and the army to defend the Xia State in the northwest to fight against Nong Zhigao, but the two places were empty, and the Khitan and Xia Kingdom took advantage of the situation, and the Song Dynasty might be cut to pieces in an instant...
Thinking of this, without hearing Di Qing reply, Zhao Zhen turned his head and looked over, and saw Di Qing looking at the bright moon in the sky.The young man who used to be reckless, reckless, and somewhat philistine was long gone. What he saw was a vicissitudes, melancholy and unpredictable man.
He couldn't figure out what Di Qing was thinking now.
"Di Qing, do you want Xia Song to admit his mistake?" Zhao Zhen asked.
Di Qing only replied with one word, "Yes." He was aggressive, not only for his own sake.Back then, Yuan Hao forged the letter and sent it to Xia Song. Xia Song got it, like a treasure.It was that letter that made Fan Zhongyan expelled from the capital and made the new law die.For this kind of courtier, he didn't want to condone at all.
The consequences of appeasement are even more disastrous!
Zhao Zhen sighed softly, and said with sincerity: "Actually, after hearing what Guo Kui said, I was also very angry with Xia Song. I have ordered him to apologize to you within three days, but he is ill, very ill, and there is no need Can't get up."
Di Qing sneered, thinking that I am sick and he is also sick?Even if he is terminally ill, he will come here once before he dies.
赵祯道：“朕总不能逼他抱病之身来这里吧，狄青，朕真的不能那么做。”见淡青的月色落在狄青的脸上，有着说不出的冷漠，赵祯叹口气，用手示意了，阎士良上前，拿出面铁牌轻轻的放在桌上，上嵌金字。
狄青目光掠过，见铁牌上正中镶嵌写着几个大字：“卿恕九死，若犯常刑，不得加责。”那铁牌右上角写着赐给他狄青的，左下角注明年月。而那大字旁边，又写着不少小字，说明这铁券适用之处，一时间难以尽览。
狄青倒知道，这东西叫做金书铁券！
金书铁券又叫丹书铁券，历代都是皇帝赐给臣子的最高许诺。有此凭证诺言，狄青只要不犯谋反之罪，一律免死！
赵祯望着那铁牌，神色复杂，“昨晚我想了许久，特命他们做此金书铁券。狄青，我知道，你这些年来受制于祖宗家法，很是委屈。朝中崇文抑武多年，那些文臣观念根深蒂固，一时间也难以改变。我想你是怕这次领军后，若胜了，多半有人会诋毁你，朕以此金书铁券为凭，绝不疑你，若败了……”若有期冀的望着狄青，只盼他开口。
狄青终于开口道：“这次出兵，再也不能败了。”赵祯连连点头，神色期盼。狄青又道：“大宋连折多仗，我若再败，宋军绝无斗志。只怕他们打过长江、直逼汴京，也是大有可能。”
赵祯脸色微变，手都有些发抖。
狄青又道：“我若出兵，只求一胜，兵败自死。”
赵祯急道：“狄青，何出此不详之言呢？”
狄青淡漠笑笑，突然想起武英临死之言，缓缓道：“身为武将，为国尽忠，兵败当死，何须多言呢？”不望那丹书铁券，狄青站了起来，只望明月道：“圣上若让卿若出兵，青只有两个要求。”
赵祯忙道：“你尽管说。”
狄青道：“圣上当礼遇臣子，让天下禁军知道，武人并非卑贱无地。若非如此，臣只怕武人心寒，难以尽心一战。”
赵祯沉默片刻，说道：“朕知道如何去做。那第二个要求呢？”
狄青道：“朝廷素来以文制武，难免兵调不灵，臣若出兵，定当总领用兵大权，旁人不得指挥。”
赵祯犹豫许久才道：“朕可应承你。”
狄青道：“只要圣上能做到这两点，臣明日早朝，请领军平南。至于这金书铁券，圣上就收回去吧。”
赵祯忙道：“你留着无妨。”见狄青终答应领兵，赵祯心中欣喜，又看天色已晚，放下金书铁券，告辞离去。
狄青枯坐在庭院中，静静地望着那天边的明月，明月也在看着他，直至天光发白后这才起身洗漱，收拾利落后前往宫中。
到了文德殿后，文臣早聚，有几文臣见狄青站到一旁，低声议论道：“等一赤老，竟这般架子。”他们这几日一直在等狄青，不想狄青托病不来早朝，这些人早有怨言。
狄青听了，淡漠笑笑。远望庞籍、欧阳修等人低声议论，时不时的向狄青看来，狄青也不放在心上。
有宫人唱喏，天子驾到，百官肃然跪叩，等起身后。赵祯见群臣似有千言万语，径直说道：“朕今日早朝，就议平定岭南一事。朕意已决，准备升狄青为枢密副使，总领平南事务。若有军功，再行封赏。”
此言一出，满朝皆惊。
狄青以行伍、黥面之人，能入两衙荣升为捧日、天武四厢都指挥使，已是大宋少有的事情，而如今才一回京，就能得入两府，那真的是大宋开国以来前所未有之事，狄青眼下入主枢密院，若一战功成，再赏的话，不就是枢密使了？想大宋就是名将曹彬在时，都没有这般礼遇。而大宋自太祖以来，素是以文制武，圣上这次传旨，狄青不被钳制，直接负责调兵遣将，实在是打破祖宗家法的举动。
群臣反对。
可反对均在心中，群臣久在朝堂，知道朕意已决四个字的分量。赵祯开口就是这四个字，就已表明态度，若有人反对，那好，谁反对谁去平叛！
谁也不想去平叛。
赵祯见群臣默然，缓缓的点头道：“既然众卿家没有异议的话……”他拖长了声调，环望群臣。
有谏官上前道：“圣上，祖宗家法有云，武将不得独掌军令。臣以为，宜派狄青为副手，再派一文臣总管岭南一事为宜。”
群臣听了，均是点头赞同。
狄青不知道那谏官是哪个，可知道朝廷这些年来，只是不一样的面孔，素来一样的腔调。他也不出声，只是冷冷一笑。
赵祯瞥见狄青的冷笑，心头微颤，叱道：“那派你在狄青之上吗？”
那谏官诚惶诚恐，倒还有自知自明，忙道：“臣不够资格。”
赵祯环视众人，问道：“众卿家意下如何呢？”
众人感到赵祯的怒意，察觉狄青的冷意，一时间惶惶不敢多言。庞籍终于上前道：“启禀圣上，非常时期，当行非常之事。臣以为，狄青身为武将，用兵之计素来常人难测，若派人协助或者指挥，均难体会狄青用意。如难以一统号令，不利于战，臣认为，还是让狄青专任为好。”
赵祯缓缓点头，轻舒一口气道：“既然如此，就这么决定了。狄爱卿，不知你何时启程呢？”昨晚他回转宫中，案边又到了几十道奏折，早就心急如焚。
狄青终于上前施礼道：“救兵如救火，臣请今日出兵。”
赵祯大喜，说道：“好，那祝狄将军马到功成。”以眼色示意群臣，群臣见状，纷纷上前恭贺。有恭祝狄青一战得胜，有贺喜狄青入主两府。
众人表面虽是一团和气，可心中总感觉别扭不满。
这时文彦博到了狄青的身边，笑言道：“狄大人这次得入枢密院，人逢喜事，这脸上的涅文都有些发亮了。”说罢又笑，像是玩笑。
群臣均笑，可笑声中，隐带嘲弄之意。
狄青冷冷地望着文彦博，盯得文彦博浑身不自在，半晌后才道：“文大人若是喜欢的话，我可免费帮你刺上几行。”
文彦博笑容僵住，尴尬无地，却不知如何反驳才好。群臣的笑容也凝在脸上，一时无言。
赵祯龙椅上见到，暗自皱眉，半晌道：“狄卿家，你若是不喜涅文，大可洗了去。”
狄青回道：“涅文可洗去，可有些东西刺在心头，很难洗了去。圣上，臣要出战，先行告辞。”说罢转身就走，到了方才几个说他赤老的文臣前，狄青陡然止步。
那几个文臣知道不妙，见赵祯脸沉似水，忙作揖，七嘴八舌或称狄大人，或说狄将军，或有谄媚的直接称呼枢密副使大人，都祝狄青旗开得胜，马到成功。
狄青仰天一笑，大声道：“枢密副使大人？嘿嘿，不过一赤老矣，何敢劳几位大人这般礼遇？”说罢大踏步离去，可那笑声激荡，回旋不休，卷起落叶风雨，渐渐去得远了……