The rice wine was slightly hot, and the boy immediately poured it into each wine glass.

The weather was cold, and after a sip of hot wine, the chill on Xu Yong's body disappeared a little, but the chill in his heart seemed even more cold.

After He Tengjiao finished speaking, he still didn't see Xu Yong's reaction, and he couldn't help but feel a little depressed. Du Yinxi said intentionally or unintentionally while fiddling with the dried fruit preserves on the plate: "The imperial court divided the lake and ruled the river, not on a whim. To tell the truth, some time ago, I also deliberately sent lieutenant officials to various places to solicit opinions. The combination of inside and outside is appropriate. ”

Xu Yong said at this time: "I don't know what adults everywhere think about this? ”

Du Yinxi didn't think much about it, and replied: "Lord Jiangxi Kuang and Lord Anlu Zhang all feel that it is more beneficial to Chu Di to do this. ”

This sentence was originally intended to borrow the attitudes of Jiangxi Governor Kuang Zhao and Anlu Governor Zhang Liang to put pressure on Xu Yong, but He Tengjiao was obviously more experienced than Du Yinxi, and coughed lightly twice to remind. Seeing this, Du Yinxi knew that he was speechless, and immediately said: "But how to do it depends on the decision of the imperial court." ”

Xu Yong nodded and continued to ask: "The matter is very important, has the imperial court consulted Lord Zhao on this matter?" After chatting about Chu for a long time, he didn't mention Zhao Dangshi, the biggest force in Chu, and he couldn't help but take the initiative.

Du Yinxi wanted to answer, but He Tengjiao gently held him with his hand, and said first: "This matter is still in the early preparations, it's just a clue at the beginning, there is no need to involve too many people, when the time is ripe, Lord Zhao will naturally know." He added, "Lord Zhao understands the righteousness, and he will not have any objections to this matter in the future." After all, the terrain and terroir of Hubei and Hunan are different, and his energy is basically invested in the north, and someone shares his pressure in the south, which can help him go all out. ”

Plug Yinxi continued: "The thieves in the north are all in trouble, and the north and the south are one. Now there are difficulties in the north, and the south is relatively safe. It is precisely to vigorously develop the south to alleviate the difficulties of the north. At present, Fengyang has Ma, Anlu has Zhang, Jiangxi has Yuan and Kuang, and Nanjing has Shi, each of them is working hard. I also have to catch up bravely, separate Hunan, and cooperate with this move. The land of fish and rice in Hunan, as long as it is properly managed, will definitely become the heart of the country. ”

Xu Yong nodded thoughtfully, took a sip of the wine glass, and replied: "Xu Moujie is a martial artist, he doesn't dare to comment on the decision-making of the imperial court, but when it comes to his own affairs, he can't help but dare to ask a few more questions." ”

He Tengjiao was about to speak to him, sat upright and smiled: "Today, we in the pavilion are all talking about each other in our old identities, so we don't have to have any scruples. What does Guerrilla Xu want to ask, as long as it does not involve major military affairs, this official knows everything. ”

Xu Yong smiled shyly and said: "Where do you dare to provoke the military aircraft, Lord He has raised Xu." Xu joined the army at a young age and left his hometown, all he wanted was to earn a bite to eat. In the past, Lord He was Xu's food and clothing parents, and Xu still misses it. Now General Zuo is Xu's food and clothing parents, and Xu has to explore the news for General Zuo's future, right? ”

Li Guoying echoed: "Brother Xu's words are not bad, like us in Liaodong who came out to beg for a living, everywhere we go are outsiders, and when we come to this Chu land, it is not as deep as the roots of the indigenous trees, and it is inevitable to climb high branches." I belong to Lord He, Lord He is my Gao Zhi, Brother Xu works for General Zuo, and General Zuo is his Gao Zhi. It is human nature to have both prosperity and loss, and it is human nature to worry more about it. ”

He Tengjiao replied: "So what Xu Guerrilla wants to ask is the future of General Zuo?" ”

Xu Yong said: "Yes, the two adults also know that at present, my Zuojia army is controlled by the Huguang Admiral Yamen, but if the imperial court promulgates a decree to divide Huguang into the river and govern it, and Wuchang Mansion is in the south of the Yangtze River, will it belong to the Hubei Admiral Yamen or the Hunan Admiral Yamen?" "Once the matter comes true, needless to say, it is also known that Zhao Dangshi, who has been operating in the northern part of Huguang for many years, will definitely be the best candidate for the governor of Hubei, but it is difficult to say about the Yamen of the Hunan Governor, and the Zuojia Army guarding the south bank of the Dajiang River will inevitably face a huge adjustment in garrison or establishment.

"This matter is really important, but the imperial court is currently undecided......" He Tengjiao and Du Yinxi glanced at each other.

However, Du Yinxi immediately said: "I have a private meeting with Lord He, General Zuo is south of the river, and he is very important, so it is not appropriate to act rashly. ”

"Why shouldn't you act rashly?"

He Tengjiao pretended to be indifferent and said: "Hubei and Hunan are both important places, and they are equal. Hubei is guarded by Lord Zhao, and Hunan must also have a person of the same level to be in charge. "Cough lightly," Looking around Jiangbiao, who can take on this great task, Master Du and I both selfishly think that only General Zuo is worthy of his position. ”

Gu Yinxi nodded and said: "Exactly, General Zuo has been in Wuchang for a long time, and he is also a famous family, both his reputation and strength are impeccable, if he can be the governor of Hunan, it is very suitable." He added, "It's just that I discussed this matter with Lord He, and I have to ask for the parties' opinions in the end." ”

"Since it's related to General Zuo, why don't you just invite him here?" Xu Yong smiled bitterly.

"This matter is not small, although we intend to recommend General Zuo, we still have to act cautiously. Otherwise, it will be reported to the imperial court at that time, but there will be an embarrassing situation of falling flowers and deliberately flowing ruthlessly, which will not only break the face of the imperial court, but also damage the friendship with General Zuo. First of all, please ask Xu Guerrilla to come here, and also ask for directions for throwing stones. He Tengjiao smiled lightly.

Xu Yong sighed and said, "Xu understands." ”

Li Guoying snatched the wine bottle in Xiao Tong's hand, filled it with Xu Yong, and said at the same time: "Brother Xu, you are the most sensible, in the past, under Zuo Shuai's account, I didn't accept anyone, so I will obey you." General Zuo is still young, and some things may not be able to be thought through or seen, but you can persuade him to show him a clear way. Then he clinked glasses with Xu Yong, "I am also an old general of the Zuo Army, the past power of the Zuo Army is vivid, and the great foundation created by Zuo Shuai was ruined, and I am a pain in my heart." Now General Zuo inherits Zuo Shuai Yu Wei, although there is still the land of Wuchang Mansion, but it is not a long-term solution in the end. This is the best opportunity for the Zuo family army to regain its strength, and by seizing this opportunity, General Zuo will be able to show his ambitions. ”

Xu Yong smiled crampedly, his body moved uncomfortably, He Tengjiao clapped his hands and said: "This matter is not up to me, just say a thousand things and ten thousand in the pavilion, to no avail." I invited Xu Guerrilla to come today, just to hear Xu Guerrilla's opinion, Xu Guerrilla doesn't have to be more serious, and he laughed afterwards. ”

Xu Yong nodded and drank a few glasses of stuffy wine, thinking that he was really uncomfortable, so he raised his glass to He Tengjiao and the others and said, "Lord He invited, Xu is grateful." Speaking of which, Lord He is kind to me, and this wine should be invited by Xu. When you have the opportunity in the future, you will definitely come back! After drinking all the wine in the cup, he said, "How can Xu be a lowly person who has no courage to intervene in the important affairs of the imperial court, Lord He has worked hard to explain this matter to Xu, Xu is flattered, but he really doesn't dare to speak out in vain, and I ask Lord He, Lord Du, and Brother Li to forgive me." As he spoke, he filled himself with another glass and drank it clean.

He Tengjiao raised his glass and smiled: "It's okay, it's okay, it's just a matter of talking about money and passing the time." ”

Xu Yong poured another cup, stood up and said: "Lord He, Lord Du's golden and jade good words, Xu has all remembered in his heart, and when he sees General Zuo, he has his own share." Speaking of this, he saluted, "It's a pity that there are still important things in Xu's army that need to be dealt with urgently, and going late will hinder official business, Xu is ashamed, I have to take a step first, look at you Haihan!" ”

"Business is important, business is important, and I will talk about it when I have time." He Tengjiao, Du Yinxi, and Li Guoying got up together and sent Xu Yong, who was about to leave in a hurry, out of the pavilion.

The two were separated, Li Guoying sent Xu Yong away, and He Tengjiao and Du Yinxi turned back to the pavilion and sat down.

Gu Yinxi sighed and said, "Looking at Xu Yong's behavior like this, I'm afraid that this wine is uncomfortable." ”

"Take your time. Xu Yong is cautious, even if he has ideas, he will not go to the bottom with us for a while. Now it's just a lack of a pusher, with Li Guoying in the middle, just grind slowly. He Tengjiao said slowly.

Du Yinxi said: "Li Guoying can stabilize Xu Yong, but it may not be able to prompt him to make up his mind." What is the driving force that the teacher said? ”

He Tengjiao replied: "Although Xu Yong is a person who can speak next to Zuo Mengeng, he can't shake the status of Jin Shenghuan and Gao Jinku. Jin Shenghuan is stubborn, Gao Jinku is cunning, and both of them know very well that as long as they twist into a rope and wrap around Zuo Mengeng, Zuo Jiajun will not fall for a day, and the status of the two of them will be stable for a day. And these two people, you and I don't have much friendship, so it is very difficult to pull Zuo Mengeng to our side from within the Zuo Family Army. ”

Plug Yinxi pondered for a moment and said, "What does the teacher mean, the thrust still has to be found from the outside?" Turning to frown, he said, "Previously, students went to Xiangyang more than once to contact Bai Wang. Bai Wang has a heavy army in his hand, and he sits in Huguang for Zhao Dangshi, and if he can move him, the big thing can be decided. But this person is a master who does not eat oil and salt, and he is extremely loyal to Zhao Dangshi, and it is impossible to pry him. ”

He Tengjiao held the wine glass in his hand and said: "Zhao is a hero, good at knowing people, and he can put Bai Wang in this position, so he naturally has his reasons." Bai Wang's nail touches him once or twice, otherwise it will change if he is forced too quickly. ”

Gu Yinxi sighed: "But if there are no powerful people to help, just rely on the thousands of people under my Chufu Yamen Li Guoying, what kind of storm can be set off." Zuo Mengeng, Xu Yong, these martial artists are all snobs, and they only recognize their fists and do not recognize reason. ”

"I'm not in a hurry to do this, I looked for Xu Yong, and I didn't expect to pull him over with a drink, if that's the case, I wouldn't dare to use such a person." He Tengjiao exhaled a long breath and said, "Powerful people, it's not just Bai Wang, you take a long-term view, see who else?" ”

"This ......," Du Yinxi muttered, "Huang Degong, Fang Guoan?" ”

"Hehe, these two people and Zuo Mengeng are the same raccoon dogs, they look big and grinning on weekdays, but in fact, their minds are thinner than the tip of a needle. With only an empty shell of me, how can I scare them. ”

"And then...... There are also Kuang Zhao and Zhang Liang...... But they are the same Caotai Yamen, not much better than us, it's okay to say it and suppress the ignorant, but if you really want to meet a practitioner who knows how to do it, it's not easy to do it. "Plug Yinxi's palms clenched into fists," Yuan Jixian had a little strength, but he didn't seem to be active about the matter of dividing the land. ”

He Tengjiao put down the wine glass and said, "Yuan Jixian, Kuang Zhao, and Zhang Liang are nothing. You're right, carry them out, at most to support the scene. Speaking of which, how did you forget Fengyang and Nanjing? ”

Du Yinxi's eyes widened and said, "Could it be that the teacher and Master Ma and Master Shi ......?"

"At Nanjing Master Shi, I sent someone to communicate earlier, and he supported our initiative to run Huguang. In his letter, he told me bluntly that making the Huguang family dominant is not a good thing for the strength of the thieves and the stability of the imperial court. ”

The "Shi Daren" mentioned here is the Nanjing Military Department's Shangshu Shi Kefa.

"Master Shi is really a straightforward and upright person, and he dares to say anything if he has something to say."

"On the Nanjing side, there were several battalions of soldiers and horses such as the sincere Bo Admiral Caojiang and Jiang Defense and the preparation of the Japanese general Wang Zhiren, and I heard that they had previously appeased a strong force in the 'Little Yuan Battalion' Yuan Shizhong, which had been quite popular in Huaiying and eastern Henan, like a tiger with wings. Master Shi is willing to cooperate with my Chufu Yamen, and we will have the backing. Nanjing Qi, Lu, Gao, Zhang, Jiang and other adults are also mostly inclined to us, at least Nanjing, which should be safe. ”

In addition to Shi Kefa, Qi Biaojia, the governor of Nanjing, Lu Daqi, the right attendant of the Nanjing Military Department, Gao Hongtu, the secretary of the Nanjing Household Department, Zhang Shenyan, the imperial historian of the right capital of Nanjing, and Jiang Yueguang, the Zhan Shi of the Nanjing Zhan Mansion, were all ministers with considerable weight in Nanjing. Listening to He Tengjiao's words, Nanjing from top to bottom, can be regarded as standing on the side of the Huguang Governor's Yamen.

"Then Master Fengyang Ma, the teacher is also ......"

"There has been no reply from Mr. Ma yet, but I think the general trend is coming, and Mr. Ma should be aware of current affairs."

Du Yinxi heard the "general trend" and "understands current affairs", and immediately understood the meaning of He Tengjiao's words.

This month, Zhou Yanru's case of forming a party, which has been boiling and tossing for nearly half a year, has finally come to an end. Following Dong Tingxian's imprisonment, Zhou Yanru's other right-hand man, Wu Changshi, was also tried in prison. Emperor Chongzhen attached great importance to this interrogation and personally presided over it.

Wu Changshi used to be a member of the Restoration Society, and in the past, he and Zhang Pu, the leader of the Restoration Society, helped Zhou Yanru to get through the road before Zhou Yanru made a comeback. But then Wu Changshi harmed Zhang Pu with poison and enjoyed great merit alone. Zhou Yanru entered the cabinet and appointed Wu Changshi as the official of the Qing Dynasty, and the management officials were promoted and transferred, but the power was small. Zhou Yanru took advantage of Wu Changshi's position to manipulate the appointment and dismissal of personnel in the DPRK and China, and even sold official positions, and Wu Changshi also benefited a lot from it.

Emperor Chongzhen personally interrogated, and the hundred officials had no scruples and came forward one after another. Qi Biaojia, who had not yet gone to Nanjing, first impeached Wu Changshi for taking power, and Jiang Gongchen, the imperial historian, also accused Wu Changshi of abusing his power and accepting a large amount of bribes, and then joined forces with Cao Liangzhi to bring Zhou Yanru into the case. This move was in the hands of Emperor Chongzhen, who intensified his interrogation of Wu Changshi, and used this to remove Zhou Yanru from all his positions and send Jinyi Wei to arrest him for trial. In the follow-up interrogation, Wu Changshi denied it in every possible way, and Emperor Chongzhen ordered to break his calf in a fit of rage. Cabinet auxiliary ministers Jiang Dejing, Wei Zaode and others couldn't stand it, and persuaded Emperor Chongzhen: "His Majesty's torture is really something that has not been done in three hundred years!" ”

Unexpectedly, Emperor Chongzhen, who was already extremely angry, immediately choked back and said: "Wu Changshi, this guy has not been a person in three hundred years!" ”

Seeing that Emperor Chongzhen's attitude was resolute, the ministers all knew that there was no room for maneuver in Zhou Yanru's affairs, and no one dared to act against the scales. Therefore, in mid-December, Wu Changshi was beheaded, and Zhou Yanru was hanged, and the case was closed.

The rabbit died and the fox was sad, Zhou Yanru fell and died, and everyone knew that Ma Shiying, the governor of Fengyang, who was promoted by Zhou Yanru, would naturally have a heart of self-endangerment. Generally speaking, in this case, Ma Shiying should immediately resign from the field and wait for the opportunity to come back. But the reality is that Ma Shiying has not moved so far, which shows that Ma Shiying, who has been suppressed for too many years, has an unusual attachment to power, so much so that when the storm hits, he still wants to hard-top. In previous years, it was not wise for him to act like this, but now it is different from the past, the imperial court is not available in the local area, and his governor Fengyang has been able to control the situation in the past few years. Therefore, Ma Shiying gambled that at the moment of turmoil, the imperial court had to continue to appoint him, which was a political adventure.

Ma Shiying's mentality, He Tengjiao knows it. Unlike Ma Shiying, He Tengjiao is a minister appointed by Emperor Chongzhen and Emperor Chongzhen, and has the full trust of the central government, in a sense, with the support of Emperor Chongzhen behind him. If Ma Shiying knew the current affairs, he would not be unhappy with He Tengjiao at this sensitive time. Judging by He Tengjiao, Ma Shiying will inevitably support himself.

Ma Shiying and Shi Kefa, the combined strength of the two sides is tens of thousands, which is far beyond the reach of Yuan Jixian, Kuang Zhao, Zhang Liang and others. If they were all of the same mind as He Tengjiao, looking back, He Tengjiao would undoubtedly be more effective in exerting internal pressure with this external force.

"It's not just Master Ma and Master Shi." He Tengjiao said with a red face, "I am planning to ask the imperial court to seal Xu Dingguo as the general army to aid the suppression." In addition, Liu Zeqing and others, when Xu Dingguo is brought in, I will also negotiate. ”

Xu Dingguo, the chief soldier of Taiyuan Town, was stationed in Shanxi for a long time, and was originally ordered to rush to help Henan, but there was a military rebellion on the way and he failed to arrive in time. By the time he had put his troops in order, Sun Chuanting had already been defeated in Henan, and he was stationed in Huaiqing Mansion in the north of Henan to observe the situation across the Yellow River.

Like Xu Dingguo, Liu Zeqing, the chief soldier of Shandong Town, was also a guest soldier who was ordered to go to Henan to help suppress it.

Xu Dingguo and Liu Zeqing themselves have considerable strength, but no one can rely on them. If you can take them for your own use, you will be a strong partner.

"After passing through the lake and wide, it is not a day's work to control Zhao Dangshi. Whether you or I are you, we need to be patient and go one step at a time. He Tengjiao said meaningfully.

Zhao Dangshi is a fierce beast, it is difficult to control the power of one person and one ya, and it is necessary to make efforts and form a net to effectively balance and drive the spur.

This net has been slowly unfolded under the operation of He Tengjiao and others.