Chen Qingzhi, accompanied by Ma Funian, came to the mansion of Zhu Yi, a member of the Zhongshu House. The wide, tall and heavy gate shows the wealth and power of the master, full of style, just like a royal palace.

Entering the courtyard made Chen Qingzhi even more eye-opening and amazed. Surrounded by carved beams and painted buildings, golden and brilliant; Precious flowers, plants, mountains and rocks can be seen almost everywhere; The pavilions and pavilions are scattered, and the whole mansion is brightly lit, like daytime.

Under the guidance of Ma Funian, Chen Qingzhi walked through the layers of courtyard walls, porches, and courtyards, so much so that he began to guess how big the mansion of this Chinese scholar was.

After passing through the entire mansion, Chen Qingzhi appeared in front of a rather large, artificially excavated and repaired pool, there is a platform in the center of the pool, linking the platform and the shore, is a delicate floating arch bridge, the bridge body is vermilion, the guardrail is inlaid with various auspicious carvings of gold and jade, and the two rows of lights on the bridge railing, the lampshade is made of colored glass, the light is warm and transparent, Ambilight, like a flyover.

The surface of the water has frozen. Around the central platform, the surrounding ice is arranged with dense lights, at a glance, like a little star, for a while, people can't tell where is the sky and where is the earth.

Cross the arch bridge and come to the platform. An elaborate two-storey pavilion stands in the center of the platform. The interior and exterior of the pavilion are brilliantly lit, and the edges of the doors and windows are carved with exquisite patterns, all decorated with gold powder; There are several wind chimes hanging under each cornice, and the wind continues to emit a refreshing and ethereal sound.

Entering the pavilion, it is warm and comfortable inside, despite the snow outside. When he went upstairs, Zhu Yi was already waiting here.

Chen Qing stepped forward, "The people of Zhongshushe are so gracious, and I am grateful. ”

Zhu Yi smiled all over his face, "Brother Ziyunxian, it's not in the court, so there is no need to be restrained." When we get home, you and I are brothers. ”

"The people of Zhongshu are the pillars of the country, how dare they climb high."

"What did the virtuous brother say," Zhu Yi took Chen Qingzhi's hand, "You and I are both scholars from a poor family, and we are both ministers of His Majesty, how can there be a high climb, could it be that you look down on the foolish brother?" ”

"Since Brother Yan and Brother don't dislike it, then I'll take the liberty of it."

"That's right!" Zhu Yi patted Chen Qingzhi's hand, "It is not easy for someone like us to be from a humble family, and it is not easy to have today's status, so naturally we should be more intimate and work together." ”

After taking his seat, Chen Qingzhi saw that the dining utensils and wine utensils were all gold and jade utensils, and the ingredients were even more delicacies from the mountains and seas, which were dazzling, which could be described as extremely luxurious.

Chen Qingzhi settled down, smiled and asked, "Brother Yanhe, I don't know what happened when I was invited to the banquet today?" ”

"You see, it's approaching the New Year, and it's time for you and my brother to get together." Zhu Yi picked up the wine cup, "Come on, come on, the foolish brother will pay tribute to the virtuous brother first." ”

Putting down the wine cup, Zhu Yi continued, "In addition, His Majesty recently mentioned to Brother Yu that Brother Xian had recruited a subordinate soldier and was waiting to serve my Liang in the future. ”

When Chen Qingzhi heard this, his heart couldn't help but tighten. But he tried to control his face, and still seemed calm, "Oh, it's true, it's just that the strength is limited, and there are only more than a thousand people." ”

"Brother Xian, you're just out of sight." Zhu Yi said in a cordial tone, "If there is any difficulty, just tell Brother Fool, I will definitely help you with all your might!" ”

"These little things, how dare you bother Yan and brother."

"How can this be a trifle?" Zhu Yi unconsciously raised his voice, "To be honest, you and my brother are from a poor family, but they are in a high position, and many scholars inside and outside the court are dissatisfied. Let's just say Brother Xian, what are they mocking you behind your back? Chess Boy Lord's Book! It's really unbearable! ”

Zhu Yi said excitedly, and couldn't help but stand up, "You and I can be in a high position, what do you rely on?" It's just learning! It is able to solve problems for His Majesty! Not by blood, by family. ”

"However, it's still the virtuous brother who sees far away, and this foolish brother sighs to himself." Zhu Yi walked in front of Chen Qingzhi, "Although you and I are currently in a high position and have won the trust of Your Majesty, it wasn't until Your Majesty mentioned the matter of Brother Xian's recruitment of soldiers that Brother Fool suddenly woke up to the fact that we still have such a fatal weakness!" ”

Chen Qingzhi was silent and listened quietly to Zhu Yi's words.

"The people who commanded the army of my Great Liang are all from the world. Not to mention the soldiers and horses in other towns, even the forbidden army in this city is in their hands. You and I are such an upstart, but we don't have any of our own soldiers and horses, once there is a change, how can we protect ourselves, how can we protect Your Majesty? ”

"Brother Yanhe, recruiting soldiers and horses under him is definitely not for self-preservation."

"The sincere heart of the virtuous brother, of course the foolish brother understands. But no matter what, with this army of soldiers and horses, others will not dare to despise you and my brother! ”

"With the ability of Yan and his brother, he can recruit a more powerful army of soldiers and horses on his own......"

"Huh!" Zhu Yi interrupted Chen Qingzhi's words, "If you don't have a military position, you can still recruit soldiers and horses, and in my Daliang, you are only a virtuous brother." You and I both know it, why should a virtuous brother refuse a foolish brother thousands of miles away? ”

"Brother Yan and Brother misunderstood, I never meant that in the next."

A smile resurfaced on Zhu Yi's face, "Brother Xian's thoughts, Brother Fool understands." The virtuous brother has the heart to serve the country, how can the foolish brother not help him. ”

"Wencai." Zhu Yi greeted Ma Funian, who was standing on the side.

Ma Fu understood and turned to go out. After a while, he brought someone in with two boxes.

When the lid of the box was opened, it was full of large gold ingots, and under the illumination of the lights in the room, Chen Qingzhi could barely open his eyes.

"Brother Yanhe, what do you mean by this?"

"Recruitment will inevitably cost a lot, and the foolish brother is in this mood, and he will act as military funds for the virtuous brother, please laugh at it."

Chen Qingzhi hurriedly got up and excused himself, "Brother Yanhe, this is absolutely unacceptable!" ”

"Virtuous brother!" Zhu Yi grabbed Chen Qingzhi's arm with both hands, "Brother Fool just wants to help you, and he has no other intentions." If you want to excuse yourself, you will look down on your foolish brother! ”

Chen Qingzhi looked at the smiling man in front of him, and remembered what Yongchang Hou said to him in the car. He finally understood why Zhu Yi, who had no communication, would entertain him so hospitably today; also clearly knows that he has to collect this gold, and he has to collect it if he doesn't collect it.

After three rounds of drinking, Chen Qingzhi got up and said goodbye. Zhu Yi personally sent him out of the mansion and sent him home with the two large boxes of gold.

Watching the car drive away, Ma Funian asked, "Sir, the student's reaction to this Chen Zhushu today, I'm afraid it will be difficult to fulfill your wish, right?" ”

"Let's take a look at it again, if you can rely on this army and horses, that's the best, if you can't, then just destroy it."

In front of the Yongchang Marquis's Mansion, Chen Qingzhi had just dismounted, patting some snow on his shoulders, and Wei Xun jumped out happily from inside. When he saw Chen Qingzhi, he saluted and hurriedly left.

Chen Qingzhi entered the mansion, saw Wei Fang, and asked, "Wei Xun is in a hurry, where are you going?" ”

"This kid, since he came back from Yixing with you, he has always run to Nayang Mansion." Wei Fang said helplessly, "As long as you don't cause trouble for me, I don't bother to care about him." ”

Wei Rui reclined on the couch. The brazier in front of the couch is burning brightly, and the room is warm and comfortable.

After saluting, Chen Qingzhi and Wei Fang sat down around the brazier. Chen Qingzhi said to Wei Rui, "I have some troubles in the past two days, I didn't come to visit Mr., and I hope Mr. will forgive me." ”

"I thought that you had been to the mansion of the Zhongshu Sheren, and you would look down on my shabby Houfu." Wei Rui smiled slightly.

"Sir, you already know?" Chen Qingzhi was a little surprised.

"In Jiankang, how can you do it without some eyes and ears." Wei Fang explained, "But you and Zhu Yi have always been just general friends, why did he suddenly invite you to a banquet?" ”

"Actually, the students came today for this purpose, and I would like to ask Mr. to dial it."

Chen Qingzhi explained the matter in detail.

"This Zhu Yi is really generous!" Wei Fang couldn't help but sigh, "Two boxes of gold ingots!" How much ordnance and grass can this be exchanged for! ”

"Brother Yuan," Chen Qingzhi said calmly, "If you want to look at the luxury and magnificence in the mansion of the Zhongshu Sheren, you will know that these two boxes of gold are just a drop in the bucket for him." ”

"Oh, Ziyun, when you say that, I want to open my eyes."

"Brother Yuan wants to go, I'll introduce you below." Chen Qingzhi said teasingly.

"Just talking, I don't want to be involved with this kind of person." Wei hurriedly waved his hand and refused.

"You and Ziyun don't want to have anything to do with him, but not everyone can be unmoved in front of gold." Wei Rui spoke at this point.

"In fact, Zhu Yi can now be regarded as a powerful government and opposition, and judging from the fact that His Majesty told him about Ziyun's recruitment, his trust in him can be said to be no less than his trust in Ziyun, and even in his old man."

Wei Rui coughed a few times, breathed a sigh of relief, and continued, "My Liang has always been stable in the situation, so Zhu Yi didn't realize the importance of military power. But Ziyun's recruitment made him realize this weakness of his own. The army of Daliang is in the hands of the nobles of the world, and others cannot touch it. And Zhu Yi also knew that even if he could control the government, he could not do anything about those who held military power; And he also knows that these people from high families look down on him in their bones. ”

"This point students understand that people like me and Zhu Yanhe are from humble backgrounds, but they are in high positions, which will inevitably attract criticism."

"You're not like him. Like the old man, if you don't judge a person by your background, there are many people in my Liang. What the old man despises is his character. ”

Wei Rui continued, "Now that His Majesty favors Zhu Yi, of course he can do whatever he wants, and no one can do anything with him." But what about Your Majesty a hundred years later? He knew that his high-flying and domineering must have someone who wanted to get rid of him quickly. At this time, the importance of military power is reflected. ”

"Father, can this Zhu Yi's mind think so long-term?"

"If he hadn't even thought of these things, he wouldn't have climbed to where he is today." Wei Rui's tone was resolute.

"There are many generals who are greedy for money, why did he choose Ziyun?" Wei Fang continued to ask.

"After this time, Zhu Yi will definitely buy other generals, especially the generals of the Taicheng Forbidden Army. However," Wei Rui changed his words, "Ziyun's army has advantages that no other army can replace!" ”

"Oh? Ziyun's little soldier and horse, is there anything special? ”

"No matter how many other soldiers and horses are bought, they can't be used and transferred at will. But Ziyun is different, this army is equivalent to a private soldier with His Majesty's tacit approval! ”

"I understand," Wei Fang suddenly realized, "If he can control Ziyun's soldiers and horses, once there is a situation that is unfavorable to Zhu Yi, he can mobilize this army to defend himself!" ”

Wei Rui nodded slightly, "This is the greatest value of this army." So even if he knew in his heart that Ziyun and him were not all the way, he had to try, because with such soldiers and horses, there would be no second branch of the beam. ”

"Zhu Yanhe did say that there is no military position, and there is still a person who can recruit soldiers, and there is no second person in the beam except me." Chen Qingzhi confirmed Wei Rui's view.

"So Zhu Yi is bound to you to win, these two boxes of gold should be a temptation, if you insist on not accepting it at that time, it is estimated that it will ......"

"The students did think about it at the time. For Zhu Yanhe, he is either a fellow or a stranger. And his means of eliminating dissidents have also been seen many times by students in recent years. ”

"Take it first, at this time you are not enough to be an enemy of Zhu Yi, try to deal with it first." Wei Rui's tone revealed a hint of helplessness.

"The students think the same way, so they can only accept it temporarily."

"At this time, the old man would have liked to have started the war earlier." Wei Rui sighed deeply, stared at the roof, and muttered, "I'm an old bone, I can't fight for Da Liang anymore, and now I hope to live to see you make military achievements for Da Liang, and have the ability to balance Zhu Yi, and the old man will be dumbfounded......"

"Father, what are you talking about, you can raise it with peace of mind, and it will be fine when spring blooms." Wei Fang comforted Wei Rui softly, "Besides, if you don't have children, you can help Ziyun." ”

"Don't comfort me, my body knows itself." Wei Rui looked at Wei Fang, "And you're not in the court, how much can you help Ziyun?" ”

"Sir, please relax, I have received so many teachings from you over the years, and the students will handle it well."

"You guys prepare well, there aren't many peaceful birthdays left." Wei Rui looked at the roof again, "The old man has already smelled the blood of the Jin Ge Iron Horse......

Here, Wei Xun rode a horse and ran to the Yang Mansion, and when he arrived at the door, he jumped off the horse and rushed in.

"Huize! Sweet! Wei Xun shouted as he walked inside.

"Wei Gongzi!" The servant in the courtyard hurriedly stepped forward to stop him, "There are distinguished guests in the house today, don't shout loudly, the old lady and they are all in the hall, and the little one will take you over." ”

"What kind of guest?" Wei Xun asked curiously.

"The little one doesn't know, it seems to be the master's brother."

When he came to the hall, Wei Xun saw that Yang Baihua and his wife, as well as Yanran and Hui Ze, were all sitting there; There was also an unknown man sitting next to Yang Baihua.

Wei Xun stepped forward to salute, and Yang Baihua enthusiastically stood up and introduced, "Master Wei, come, let me introduce, this is my brother - Yang Zhao, who just arrived in Jiankang today." ”

Yang Zhao got up and saluted Wei Xun, only to see that he was slender and strong; The face is thin and angular like a knife and axe, giving people a feeling of not smiling; The eyes are slender, but they are as sharp as an eagle, shining with a dark light that captures the heart.

"Fortunately, I will be lucky," Wei Xun hurriedly saluted, "My name is Wei Xun, and I came to find Huize and Yanran." ”

"Are you going out again?" Yang Baihua asked with a smile.

"There are lanterns to see tonight, so I came to them to watch the lanterns together at night."

"Go ahead, go ahead, but don't play too late, don't cause trouble." Yang Baihua was obviously in a good mood and readily agreed.

The three of them went out happily. When he came to the street, Wei Xun asked Yanran, "Yanran, this person named Yang Zhao is not a brother to your father, right?" ”

"Yo, you can see that?" Yanran quipped.

"It doesn't look like it," Wei Xun said, "and it doesn't feel like it at all." ”

"How is it different?" Yanran asked.

"Your dad gives people the feeling, huh...... Like spring, warm. Wei Xun grabbed his head and racked his brains to think of appropriate adjectives, "But that Yang Zhao always feels eerie, like a cold winter!" ”

"What a gloomy one," Yan Ran said dissatisfiedly, "My uncle is very nice, but he doesn't like to talk." ”

"Yanran," Hui Ze interjected, "To be honest, the little monk also feels this way, and your uncle's eyes are a little crazy. ”

"You two did it on purpose, didn't you?" Yan Ran raised her voice, "My uncle finally arrived in Jiankang, and he didn't provoke you." ”

Wei Xun and Hui Ze were silent and didn't dare to talk. Yanran looked at it and sighed, "Okay, let me tell you, they are indeed not brothers." ”

Wei Xun was happy when he heard it, "Look, I'll just say it." ”

"My uncle was originally the son of my grandfather's generals." Yan Ran began to recount, "His father died in battle to protect my grandfather. My uncle was only four or five years old at that time, and my grandfather adopted him and let him change his surname to Yang. My father and uncle grew up together, and they were closer than brothers. Uncle is just in front of outsiders, he doesn't like to talk, but he is a very good person. ”

"Hearing you say that, it must be an illusion between me and Wei Xun, miss, don't take it to heart."

"Yes, yes, Yanran, it's our gaffe, don't take it to heart!"

"Those who don't know are not to blame!" Yan Ran said lightly, "But in the future, Uncle will live with us again, so you have to respect it." ”

"That is, you must respect your uncle, and you must be respectful."

"What's your name, uncle?" Yanran glanced at Wei Xun, "It's not related to you." ”

Yan Ran's words made Wei Xun speechless for a while. Seeing this, Hui Ze smiled and played a round game, "Okay, let's come out to watch the lanterns." But it's still early, so let's take a look around. ”

"We're happy," Yan Ran suddenly sighed depressedly, "I don't know what Xu Jin is doing." It's snowing again, so it must be cold in the barracks......"