The next day, Fang was Li Daozong's birthday. Since early in the morning, many officials from the four prefectures have rushed from all over the world to congratulate him on his birthday. Cars and horses are flowing like water. As a rough estimate, there are at least one hundred and eighty people. At noon, there was a big circle from the main hall to the outer hall, and the outer three floors were surrounded by a large circle, which was really lively.

It is worth noting that none of the officials brought any congratulatory gifts, which were obviously repeatedly told by Li Daozong.

Qin Mubai and Chu Suiliang couldn't refuse, and they were treated as VIPs and sat on the same seat with Li Daozong, which was very eye-catching. Everyone present also knew that Qin and Chu were close ministers of the emperor, and there was nothing to be jealous of them when they received such courtesy. Moreover, these local officials also intend to make a good impression in front of the Qincha, and it would be great if they could make friends. There are people in the capital who are good officials, and everyone understands this truth.

A banquet lasted for a long time, and Qin Mubai and Chu Suiliang were frequently toasted by the officials, and they were already a little drunk. When the wine was half-drunk, Li Daozong walked to the hall with a glass of wine, and everyone thought that he was going to persuade him to drink or make a drinking order, so they got up and raised their glasses.

"This king is cheap, and all my colleagues have come to congratulate me without abandoning it, and this king is not very grateful." Li Daozong was very generous, and said with a smile on his face, "Actually, this king knows that many of your colleagues are wondering about a problem at this moment. That is, why this king has repeatedly reiterated that he will not accept congratulatory gifts today. Everyone also knows that this king has nothing to love in this life, but loves money. And it is neither for squandering nor for enjoyment, but for leaving it to children and grandchildren, so that they will not be good at business in the future and live on the streets without food and clothing. ”

After listening to Li Daozong's opening remarks, everyone cheered up a little: it's time to get to the point. What he wants to say next is probably the theme of his birthday banquet today!

"A few days ago, this king went to the capital to talk with His Majesty the Emperor, listened to the teachings of the saint, and suddenly woke up." Li Daozong raised his wine glass and bowed to the north from afar, and said, "The saint said that money and things outside the body are not brought in life and not brought in death. The adopted son is better than me, what is the use of having money? If you don't have a good son, what's the use of asking for money? - I was really enlightened at the time, and I understood this truth instantly. His Majesty is worthy of being a saint of the ages, and his casual words are all straight to the point. Thinking about what this king has done over the years, it is indeed pedantic, ridiculous and ignorant. How good it is for the Holy Lord, if the son and nephew of this king are better than me, he will be able to run his own family business, and it will not be his turn to make a living by eating the ancestral business; If the descendants of this king are all unscrupulous, and give him gold and silver, he can also ruin the family, and he will also bully others and harm the people. Therefore, this king took advantage of today's birthday banquet to gather all his colleagues and announced that this king has decided to disperse his family resources to help the flood victims in Jiangzhou, and instead of keeping these gold and silver to corrupt my children and grandchildren, it is better to donate them to do something for the community! What do you think? ”

"Great goodness!" Suddenly, countless people clapped their hands, and a sound of praise for virtue sounded.

Qin Mubai smiled slightly and didn't make a sound, thinking in his heart: Li Daozong did a good job in this show. It seems that he had a good conversation with the emperor, at least now he is neither held accountable nor depressed, but has just made a makeover. Scattering all of their family resources to help the victims of the disaster is indeed a very effective practice. First, to show the emperor that he will no longer be greedy for money in the future, and secondly, he also has the meaning of making up for his mistakes. After all, the Jiangzhou case is also more or less related to him. If it weren't for him helping Zhang Tianci and others to raise their banners, how could they act so conveniently?

"The prince is so broad-minded, it is really beyond the reach of people. Now that Ndega has been added to the victims of the Jiangzhou disaster, we are all impressed. Although our official positions are low and our salaries are poor, we are also willing to follow the example of the prince and do our best for the victims of the Jiangzhou disaster! Many people said in public when they saw the wind and rudder, obviously, it was still discussed.

Among the officials who came to the banquet today, many of them had close relations with Zhang Tianci, Cheng Songnian, and others. Taking this opportunity to follow Li Daozong, the king of Jiangxia, to "change his mind" and "make up for his mistakes" is a smart move.

Qin Mubai lightly picked the corner of his mouth and said with a secret smile in his heart: They are all old treacherous and slippery guys. After the outbreak of the Jiangzhou case, the emperor adopted a policy of "not to blame the past" for the case, but there were still some people who were worried in their hearts, fearing that the emperor would record an account for them and settle it in the future. With the handle in the hands of others, it is rare to get a good night's sleep that night. Now it's okay, you can repent and reform with King Jiangxia, and if someone takes the lead and just goes with the flow, it will be much more comfortable.

Li Daozong laughed: "This king joined the army in his teens, killing people like hemp, stained with countless blood, and he only killed people in his life and never saved anyone." If you do a good deed this time, you should accumulate some yin virtue for your children and grandchildren! Colleagues, this king has no intention of lobbying you to donate money for disaster relief, everyone is willing to do what they can! ”

"Do as you are told!" The crowd bowed their hands together.

Qin Mubai and Chu Suiliang glanced at each other and smiled. Unexpectedly, a birthday banquet turned into a charity donation party.

"At present, the minister who is in charge of the important military and political affairs of Jiangzhou is here, and all colleagues might as well write down the money and things they want to donate and sign them and hand them over to the two ministers. Later, after returning home, you can send someone to send it to Jiangzhou Mansion. Li Daozong invited Qin Mubai and Chu Suiliang out and introduced everyone in public.

Qin Mubai and Chu Sui both knew in their consciences that today's birthday banquet was originally a political show by Li Daozong, and the two of them were specially invited to testify. Now it's better to be a favor and help him complete this matter.

As a result, Qin Mubai and Chu Suiliang both praised Li Daozong once, and also accepted the "white slips" written by many officials, large and small, which were the vouchers for donating money, food, and clothing.

The drunkard's intention was not to drink, and everyone had been speculating endlessly about Li Daozong's intention to hold a birthday banquet, but now they finally understand. In the future, it is estimated that no one will send money and bribes to Li Daozong, because he has already told the world that he is "no longer greedy for money"!

Li Daozong's goal has been achieved.

Qin Mubai also knew that he had finally completed the mission of this trip to Jiangzhou. This time, he came by order, and on the surface the important task was to provide disaster relief and comfort to the people, but secretly he was burdened with an important political mission entrusted by the emperor - that is, the contest between the emperor and Li Daozong.

Now it seems that the ending is not bad, at least the emperor and Li Daozong did not tear their faces, and Li Daozong did not suffer greatly because of this, and he can still be his Taiping prince in the future, and he is still the respected founding father of the Tang Dynasty. The emperor also benefited, at least knocking on the mountain and shaking the tiger completely suppressed Li Daozong, and he would not dare to do anything wrong in the future. Moreover, most of the officials and generals in the four states of Jiang, Jin, and Pu have received the emperor's amnesty, and from then on, they will inevitably be affected by the emperor's prestige and sense of holy grace, and they will no longer dare to pull mountains and engage in gangs as before, and they will become a country by themselves.

It seems to be a happy situation.

There is only one person who is difficult to be happy, and that is Chen Yan.

After the banquet was dispersed, Qin Mubai and Chu Suiliang, a pair of distinguished guests who were about to "get drunk", were first sent to the guest room to rest, and Li Daozong still stayed in the front hall to greet those relatives and friends one by one.

Chen Yan did not attend the banquet and sat in Qin Mubai's room waiting for him to come back.

Qin Mubai sat down at the table, and a bowl of sobering soup was handed to him, but Chen Yan was silent, and seemed to be a little depressed.

"What's wrong, unhappy?" Qin Mubai took a sip of the sobering soup and said, "I didn't see you attending the birthday banquet just now, what were you thinking?" ”

"The people who went to the banquet are all officials and generals, what should I do to join in the fun? Although I am the righteous daughter of King Jiangxia, not many people know about it, and neither I nor the prince have any intention of publicizing it. In the future, he will still be the prince, and I will still walk my rivers and lakes. Chen Yan whispered indifferently.

Qin Mubai was silent for a moment and said, "You remembered Zhu Chengwen, right?" ”

Chen Yan's eyelids lifted slightly, and she sighed lightly and nodded: "I'm thinking, if he is still alive at the moment, will he be at today's banquet?" A huge storm with a turbulent undercurrent subsided in this way, except for Zhang Tianci's culprits, everyone seemed to be safe, but he was gone. If he was still alive, what would it be like to have an interview with the prince at this moment? ”

"The dead are gone, don't think too much." Qin Mubai comforted with a smile on his face, "The emperor sent Yushi to thoroughly investigate the Jiangzhou case, found out the cause of Zhu Chengwen's death, erected a monument of kindness in front of the Ya in Jishan County, and posthumously named him a male in Jishan County, and his descendants were hereditary. Since then, his descendants have been taken care of by the imperial court, and they have no worries about food and clothing for a lifetime. ”

"What's the use? Everyone is dead......" Chen Yan whispered, "If I can, I am willing to use the current one to bring him back to life." ”

"Don't be stupid. You have forgotten what you said at the beginning, Zhu Chengwen's death is not a relief for himself. It's just that when you see today's 'everyone is happy' situation, you feel a little unworthy of his death, right? Do you think that all of us have benefited from his death, that he died for us? Qin Mubai said.

Chen Yan was slightly stunned, and sighed lightly: "You are smart and can read through other people's thoughts." That's right, I just think that Zhu Chengwen is a sacrifice, in exchange for the peace of many people. In fact, many of the people who came to the feast today were guilty, right? Why didn't they die, but Zhu Chengwen died...... I couldn't figure it out, so I was depressed. ”

"There's nothing I can't figure out." Qin Mubai said, "There is no fairness in the world. Officialdom is different from the rivers and lakes, above the rivers and lakes, if you don't agree with each other, you draw a knife, and you are happy to take five steps with hatred and blood. There are too many things in the officialdom, and it affects the whole body. Killing an official involves three or five. Kill these three or five officials, and many more...... All the officials have been killed, who will help govern the people? ”

"Then wait for faint officials, corrupt officials, and evil officials, just kill them!" Chen Yan reprimanded in a low voice.

"People who are officials are often quite complicated, and they cannot be judged by simple, absolutely good or bad officials." Qin Mubai said, "Figuratively speaking, the king of Jiangxia, he was famous and famous, but he also had the bad problem of greedy money and bribery. Are you just because you judge him to be a corrupt official? ”

"......" Chen Yan was silent and speechless, and only said after a while, "I really don't understand the affairs of officialdom. Regarding Zhu Chengwen, I just can't untie the knot for a while, and I'll be fine in a few days. You don't have to say more. ”

"Okay...... Qin Mubai smiled slightly, "Take it easy." If Zhu Chengwen has knowledge, he must hope that you will live happily and happily, and don't be too entangled in his departure. Didn't you say that? To really like someone is not necessarily to have him, it is enough to make him live better. I think, Zhu Chengwen thinks the same way, right? ”

"Okay...... I know. Chen Yan nodded slightly, and finally a smile appeared on her face.

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

"Is General Qin asleep?" It was Li Daozong's voice.

Qin Mubai hurriedly stepped forward to open the door, Li Daozong glanced at the room and smiled: "It seems that this king has disturbed you, okay, I'll go, I'll come back later." ”

"Don't go, prince." Chen Yan hurriedly stepped forward to stop him, "I'm fine, go back to the room to rest first, let's talk." With that, he turned around and left.

"Hehe......" Li Daozong looked at Chen Yan's back and smiled meaningfully.

Qin Mubai invited him into the room to pour tea, and said, "The prince is busy, why do you still deign to come and see it?" ”

"Not busy! The feast was over, and the guests were gone. Li Daozong sat down, looked Qin Mubai up and down with a pair of tiger eyes, and laughed, "This king has seen you clearly from head to toe, yes, he is indeed a dashing and pretty gentleman, no wonder he likes women so much." ”

"Don't make fun of the prince." Qin Mubai smiled awkwardly.

"Haha, what's so funny about this, this king was like you when he was young!" Li Daozong laughed and said, "There is nothing wrong with people who are not romantic teenagers. In fact, women are also lustful, who doesn't like handsome men, who doesn't like dashing sons, and who doesn't like heroes who are famous all over the world. Men have worked hard all their lives to make contributions, and they say that they are good for the sake of the society and the people, but they all have the idea of wine and wealth in their hearts. ”

"Haha! The prince is really a straightforward person, and he tells the truth. Qin Mubai laughed and said, "The sages all sneered at wine-colored wealth, but they themselves didn't like it. It's hard to move an inch without money, and everyone has a love for beauty, it's just nature. ”

"Haha, well said!" Li Daozong stroked his palms and laughed, "As soon as this king saw you, he knew that he could be like-minded with you." Because we are all real people, we don't like those hypocrisy! - Chu Suiliang, I don't like it very much, this talented man from a scholarly family, more than elegant but not straightforward enough, too scheming is always calculating and pondering. Qin Mubai, let me ask you, the last time you came to my house to report to me, did you mean it or did Li Ke mean it? ”

Qin Mubai smiled slightly and said, "I think, Chen Yan should have told the prince." ”

"No, she didn't say anything." Li Daozong said, "I didn't ask her, I just waited for you to tell me in person." ”

That can only be said that it is not only the meaning of King Wu, but also the meaning of the next. I coincide with King Wu. Qin Mubai said truthfully.

Li Daozong's bright eyes stared straight at Qin Mubai's eyes, and then laughed: "I believe you are not lying!" If I had known this, I wouldn't have been so rude to you that day and blew you away. At that time, I was worried that you were here to test my details, or that you and Li Ke did not agree with each other, so I deliberately prevaricated with you, so that you would not be difficult to reply in front of Li Ke and be guilty of leaking secrets. ”

"The prince has good intentions, and he understands it below." Qin Mubai arched his hand and smiled.

"At first glance, I also know that you are a broad-minded person, and you will not worry about this king." Li Daozong smiled and said, "Actually, this king and your father were also friends of Mo Rebellion. In the early years, when the southern and northern wars were fought in the east and the west, they also fought side by side. It's just that over the years we have parted ways for various reasons, so we don't have much contact. Unexpectedly, Uncle Bao gave birth to such a smart son as you, which is really a blessing for the Qin family! ”

"The prince has a good reputation!" Qin Mubai said with a smile.

"This time the king was able to be safe, thanks to your maneuvering." Li Daozong nodded and smiled very sincerely, "This king loves and hates love all his life, and if he has kindness, he will repay and revenge, and if he owes you a favor, he must pay it back." Chu Suiliang was present that day, and the king didn't say much. Just briefly mentioned the matter of recommending you to Li Jing's door, and it also had the meaning of testing Chu Suiliang's style. He didn't say much at the time, but the king could see that he wasn't very much in favor of it. Although he is only a small living man, he is a close minister of the emperor, and many words and deeds are consistent with the emperor. Therefore, this king feels that if he really wants to recommend you to Li Jing, you must first pass the emperor's pass. I don't know what you think? ”

Qin Mubai twisted his brows lightly, and said seriously: "Don't hide it from the prince, listen to the teachings of the Meng family's father, and have always been very yearning for Li Jing's art of war." If you can learn a thing or two from him, you can fulfill your life's long-cherished wish. It's just that...... If there is any inconvenience, the prince does not need to mention it. I don't remember when and where I gave the prince any kindness, and I can't mention the idea of repaying the kindness! ”

"Haha, don't forget to repay your kindness, good virtue!" Li Daozong laughed and said, "This king never promises others anything easily, but as long as he opens his mouth, he will definitely do his best." Now that I have asked your mind, I can rest assured that I will fulfill my promise. Now what I want to tell you is that after returning to the dynasty, you will be an official, and don't let the emperor alienate you, that's fine. As for the matter of apprenticeship with Li Jing, it will be on this king! ”

"Thank you, Lord Wang!" Qin Mubai bowed gratefully.

"No need to thank you, in fact, if you can worship under Li Jing's door, it will be beneficial to the king in both public and private, so you don't have to hide this." Li Daozong smiled meaningfully, "First, this king can afford you to be a talent that can be carved, if you can become a tool, in the future, the Tang Dynasty will have one more general and a good handsome, and this king will also have one more comrade who fights side by side, isn't it a good thing?" Second, in the past few years, the world has gradually become peaceful, and some of the founding fathers who were in the Ding Dynasty because of their military exploits in the past have gradually been forgotten, leaving only the civil officials such as Changsun Wuji and Fang Xuanling appearing frequently. If a country does not attach importance to military force, it is bound to decline. It's time to train more generals for Datang. Among the younger generation of generals, there is hardly anything particularly outstanding. It's the same people who were before. If we all become ancient, what will happen to Datang Sheji? ”

"The prince's words are wrong!" Qin Mubai said, "Let's say that you, Lord Wang, are only forty years old this year; is still Li Maogong and others, and they are all in the prime of life! ”

"You're only in your early twenties, can we outlive you?" Li Daozong laughed when he said, "Actually, what this king means is that the Tang Dynasty now has a bit of a civil and military posture, and it is necessary to increase the strength of the military, especially a rising star like you." Have you ever understood the king's intentions? ”

"I see." Qin Mubai nodded, and said secretly in his heart: It turns out that Li Daozong meant ...... The military general's camp is slightly weak, and the power of the court is basically in the hands of the eldest grandson Wuji, Fang Xuanling and others. The uneven strength of civil and military forces is indeed not a good thing. He's making it clear that he's going to pull me around and join his camp!

Join, just join, I'm from Jiangmen, and now I'm also a pawn. Besides, I have more or less had a holiday with Fang Yiai and the eldest grandson Chong, so it is unlikely that I will get along much better with the eldest grandson Wuji and Fang Xuanling. Sooner or later, I will have to stand in line, and it is simply unrealistic to want to pedal on two boats with exquisite feet, and then only two factions will be disgusted with me, a guy who does not have a firm position.

Rather than this, then I might as well choose the military!

Because, I am definitely not as good as the eldest grandson Wuji, who has been immersed in the ink for most of my life. With such a natural advantage as my father, I myself was born in Rongwu, and now I have the recommendation of Li Daozong - unless my brain is broken, I will choose to be a civil official who intrigues with others all day long!

[Two chapters are posted today as one chapter]