Ezhou experienced a torrential rain, and calm quickly returned after the rainstorm.

In order to make up for the dereliction of duty, the yamen officials arrested and tortured all the scoundrels in the market. Some of the looted shops have also partially recovered their lost property. What is shocking is that although the case of the riots has not yet been concluded, the prisoners sent to the prison of the Criminal Department by various prefectures and counties for retrial have begun to yield results one by one, and for more than 10 consecutive days, hundreds of people who have committed capital crimes have been beheaded on the execution ground of Zhuyanmen every day.

The killing of the head adds a few lively scenes to Ezhou City every day. Outside the execution ground, there were many people, some people shouted injustice, some people praised it, and some people applauded. Later, there was a faint smell of blood in the city, and panic and anxiety secretly grew in people's hearts. Although these prisoners are guilty of taking the death of themselves, the Yamen kills people so mercilessly, and if one day the hand is slippery, the necks of all the spectators also feel cold. There were rumors outside, and the Criminal Department wanted to commute the sentences of many people to assassinate them in accordance with the practice of this dynasty, but because of the fact that the poor were coerced to make trouble, they had to be so ruthless.

When the Lisheng made trouble, the Xiangfu guards opened fire and bombarded, killing hundreds of people on the spot, although the city of Ezhou suffered a big chaos, but among the people, there are still many sympathizers for the Lisheng, meeting in the teahouse, but also shaking their heads and muttering two sentences, sighing that the Xiangfu is too ruthless. At present, the number of prisoners executed by the Criminal Department every day is more than 100. In the evening, the heads were piled up, blood flowed into streams, and the bodies were to be carried out by boat to be burned outside the city. The people were silent, the Qing Dynasty was surprisingly calm, and there were fewer discussions of sympathy for the victims. The city was full of murderous spirits, and for fear that the court would kill them, the scoundrels in the market either did not dare to go out at home, or simply fled to other places to avoid trouble.

The Marquis of Wuchang Mansion is still calm, and everything is as usual. However, everything seems to be different. The soldiers saw Zhao Xingde from a distance and saluted solemnly, the forbidden army was more like the guards of the Hou Mansion. The military department changed three commanders in a row, but all of them had the same attitude. In the southeast battalion, from the officers to the ordinary soldiers, they all recognized Zhao Xingde as a marshal. Everyone just took the opportunity of this guard to pay their respects to him. In the end, the Ministry of War could only report that if the soldiers and generals of the southeast battalion were used, it would be impossible to really imprison Zhao Xingde, and it was recommended that the 10th battalion of the Huai Western Army be transferred to defend Ezhou. The military department was suppressed by Chen Dong.

On this day, Dunhuang's reply arrived, and the envoy of Xia immediately asked to see the prime minister, and Feng Tinglun was allowed to visit Zhao Xingde.

Liu Xianggong felt that there was no better candidate for the post of governor of the water division than the general. Taking this as an opportunity, the two countries have turned hostility into friendship, which is also a blessing for the people of the two countries. This burden, General Zhao should not let it be picked up. Feng Yanlun reported respectfully. Whether in the Xia Kingdom or the Song Kingdom, Zhao Xingde can be called a legendary figure. Feng Yanlun's duty is to ask Zhao Xingde to return to China, but now, he is more excited to see Zhao Xingde.

Zhao Xingde doubted: "Shouldn't the sailor be led by a general who is familiar with water warfare?" For example, General Li Sihai? ”

"General Li is already the governor of the West Sea Division, and he can fight side by side with General Zhao in the future." Feng Yanlun said with a smile, "Most of the officers and sailors of the United Naval Division are Song people. The two countries agreed that after defeating the Sultan of Rûm and the Great Eclipse Princes, this would be the Song State's South China Sea Naval Division to protect the Song State's states and counties in the South China Sea. Liu Xianggong and Chen Xianggong still have an agreement," Feng Yanlun lowered his voice, "In the future, in the new reclamation area of the South China Sea, the people are willing to follow the system of our Xia State or the system of the Song State, and let them choose for themselves, and both of our countries promise not to use force against the reclaimed land because of this." After speaking, Feng Yanlun unconsciously picked up the teacup and took a sip.

"The interests of the South China Sea are getting bigger and bigger," Zhao Xingde said with a mocking smile: "Is it possible not to use force?" ”

"One time, another time. A few years later, who will tell. Feng Yanlun shook his head and smiled noncommittally, he also felt that this was impossible. However, this is all for the future. The two countries established a joint naval division, with 15,000 soldiers and soldiers, the Song Dynasty sent ships and sailors, gunners, and gunners, and our country provided some officers, rations, and artillery, and General Zhao was the governor of the capital, and the Song State and our dynasty each appointed a deputy governor. The condition is like this, and the Song State will definitely share it with the general. Feng Yanlun looked at Zhao Xingde expectantly, "Liu Xiang's bus is the subordinate official, this matter will depend on the general in the end, if the general nods, the subordinate will discuss with Song Guo and arrange for the general to reunite with his family, if the general is unwilling, then the subordinate will fight with Song Guo to go to Guanzhong, and he will definitely let the general return to Guanzhong in style." ”

After being quiet for a while, Zhao Xingde nodded and said: "The two ministers agreed, Zhao Mouchao heard the order, and Xi took office, and there is nothing to say." Although the words were impassioned, the expression was not like this, and the tone was a little gloomy. Seeing this, Feng Yanlun sighed with emotion and comforted: "The so-called heavenly generals are entrusted to people, and they must first suffer their minds and act chaotically, that is, the general." The experience of generals in the past few years of fighting in the east and west is rare in our dynasty, and the lower officials can only be stunned. ”

"Lord Feng is too modest." Zhao Xingde smiled slightly and thanked him, "The envoy of a great country is more able to surrender without a fight." ”

"General Zhao has won awards, awards." Feng Yanlun's face was full of spring breeze, and after a few humble words, he said solemnly, "There is another important matter for the envoy of the lower official this time, which is to tell the general about the Shangzhu Kingdom. More than 100,000 people were elected, held the power to formulate laws, determined points and stopped disputes, and were the pillars of our Great Xia country, so it was a pillar country. The prestige of the pillar country is respected, and you can choose to be subordinate to two people, and ten people can watch the wind. Engaged in being the minions of the pillar country, watching the wind and making it the eyes and ears of the pillar country, collecting the suffering of the people of the world to report to the pillar country. However, the pillar state must restrain subordinate officials, and must not directly interfere in politics, and watch the wind so that they cannot show off their identity in front of others. In addition, the military government will send ten Tiger Wing Army Guards to protect it. If the number of people nominated exceeds 100,000, one will be added for every 10,000 additional people, and one for every 100,000 more will be added. ”

"Oh? Is there such a thing? Zhao Xingdeqi said, "Why didn't I know before? ”

This right to choose one's own subordinates is not simple. According to the Song Dynasty Great Rite Law, only the prime minister has this right, and he chooses five Shangshu as his wings, and the Hubu Shangshu must be elected by the academic and political council. The appointment and dismissal of other central officials, the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Officials must evaluate their virtues, talents, and political achievements respectively. In the Xia Kingdom, the subordinate officials such as marching chief Shi and Sima were strictly sent by the departments of the Great General's Mansion, while officers such as captains and centurions were recommended by sergeants.

"In addition to formulating laws, the Zhuguo Mansion generally does not directly intervene in the imperial court, and all major affairs in the country are decided by the Protectorate Mansion, and the military and political affairs are handled by the General's Mansion and the Prime Minister's Mansion respectively. Watching the wind makes only stealth in the folk to collect various situations. Therefore, it seems that the Zhuguo Mansion is just prestige and respect, but in fact, it is not the case, our dynasty governs the people with the army, and the heaviest order is prohibited, whether it is the government or the people, all the time and everything is in the Zhuguo Mansion. General Zhao was born in the Kwantung region, and soon after he came to our dynasty, he set out to conquer Rom, and he has been busy with the east and west, so it is not surprising that he does not know that this pillar country can choose its own subordinates. ”

"But," Zhao Xingde asked again, "I have been on expeditions all year round, if I can't participate in the discussion of the law, wouldn't it be a corpse vegetarian meal in the Zhuguo Mansion?" ”

"This is exactly what the lower officials want to explain in detail." Feng Yanlun hurriedly said, "It is forbidden to discuss the law in the Pillar Kingdom. ”

He was very surprised when he saw Zhao Xingde, and explained: "The public instrument of the state is nothing more important than the law. The Pillar Government held the power to make laws. If it is a traitor, if the public weapon is used for private purposes, no one can fight against it. Therefore, in order to prevent trouble, when the founding alliance swore to establish the Zhuguo Mansion, it made an iron oath that the Pillar Mansions would prohibit discussions. Every time a legal case is presented to you, you can only write 'yes' or 'no' in pen and ink, or have other opinions, which can be written down for your records. As long as these texts do not involve military aircraft, they are allowed to be read and copied. But keep in mind that it is strictly forbidden to discuss legal cases, either publicly or privately. If you do, you may be impeached and lose your status as a pillar state. ”

"Can't talk about it?" Zhao Xingde frowned and said, "If Zhu Guo's article involves a legal case, does it also violate this iron oath?" ”

"Yes. As a pillar country, everything should be arbitrary. Feng Yanlun looked respectful, but he was very sure, "It's okay if Zhu Guo doesn't like dancing and writing, otherwise, you must be careful at this point." If the law case in the palace is still being heard, if the law case is not passed, three years after the trial, Zhu Guo himself will not be able to discuss the relevant content. If the law becomes a formal law, the Pillar Kingdom cannot discuss it in private, but can only add a personal note to the decree of the Pillar Kingdom in pen and ink for others to refer to when you consider the original meaning of the law. ”

"It's so calculated," Zhao Xingde sighed, "In front of the law, Zhu Guo himself can only remain silent. The heroes of the world are all in the middle. ”

"My lord." Feng Yanlun said, "The law, the public instrument that measures right and wrong, the court relies on the people, drives the people, makes meritorious contributions, and suppresses evil." If the pillar kingdom is talking about itself, how can it make the people of the world willingly obey the law? Although there can be no discussion between the pillars, the government will follow the pen and ink of the lords, and if the law can be amended, it will be revised to make it complete, and if it cannot be amended, it will be abolished and archived. He shook his head regretfully, as if sorry for the rejected cases.

"What did Lord Feng say?" Zhao Xingde frowned slightly, and asked, "Once you are a Shangzhu country, you must be silent about many things?" ”

"Probably." Feng Yanlun nodded and said, "However, if you can't remain silent, you can only declare that you will renounce the identity of the Pillar Kingdom, but this will disappoint the people who nominated you." He hesitated, "Generally speaking, although the Zhuguo Mansion is not taboo to hold other positions, it is impossible for the prime minister and other important officials of the court to remain silent about many things, so the people will only elect them as Shangzhu after their ordination." However, the people of Kanto did not understand the importance of this, and 560,000 people elected you. This means that you can choose six and fifty-six of your own. The court pays you their salaries every year, and you pay them to your vassals. If you give up your identity as a pillar country, you will live up to the expectations of the 560,000 Kanto people who want you and the pillar country. ”