After the party, Song Qinglian and Wu Haoze personally escorted Xiao Zhi back to the palace, and the three of them rode side by side in front, Xie Lan, Fang Fei and a group of hidden guards followed from afar.

The autumn breeze at night is slightly cool, gently blowing the bamboo and wood, making a rustling sound, and the cicadas are singing faintly, which seems to be extremely quiet. Wu Qinglian looked around leisurely, but secretly thought about Xiao Zhen's words at the banquet. With his quick reaction ability, he suddenly understood the meaning of Xiao Zhen's words. And now that I think about it in a quiet place, I am a little worried about letting go of Cao Ze and Xiao Yan so easily, and even reactivating the two of them to some extent.

"Is it appropriate to forgive them like that?" Song Qinglian seemed to understand Xiao Zhen's intentions a little, and asked, "You can't be scared, right?" ”

"Sort of, after knowing about the crossing." Xiao Zhi sat on the horse, quietly listened to the sound of cicadas, and said lightly for a long time, "If it is really as I speculated before, my crossing was not accidental, but came to this world as a special experimental subject. I'm afraid that when I will be captured by them, then what will Qi Guo do. ”

"These two may not be very loyal to me, but the country of Qi is their own country, and they must love it." Xiao Zhi said with a smile, "Before I am arrested, it is not bad to leave a few talented people for the Qi Kingdom." After all, even if I can't fulfill his ambition for the owner of this body, I must at least keep his country. ”

"Don't think too badly, we're not going to let you get caught easily." Wu Haoze listened quietly and suddenly interjected.

"You're in danger somewhat, what did you do to anger those people or what? Otherwise, they wouldn't have come to me, a person who knows nothing, in every possible way. Xiao Zhi was calm, "I'm a thief, and I'm the most sensitive to dangerous things." So, what else are you hiding from me? ”

It was rare for Song Qinglian not to talk, so he only walked forward slowly with his horse, and the atmosphere was a little awkward for a while.

"No matter what you hide from me, you will do your best to help me when I rebel, and this friendship will not change. I'm not an ignorant person. Xiao Zhi tried to ease the atmosphere, "As long as it doesn't endanger my life, if there is anything I can help, just mention it." ”

"Just govern the country of Qi well now, and prepare for the future." Somehow, Song Qinglian felt relieved, maybe because some questions were avoided, "Next, how do you plan to arrange Cao Ze and Xiao Yan?" ”

"Although the rebellion has been resolved, I heard that some places are still enclosures, especially the border between the Qi State and the Three Dynasties. Xiao Zhi seemed to have thought about it for a long time, "I want to let Guo Zhang deal with these things, and Cao Ze and Xiao Yan will assist as my cronies." The first is to let Guo Zhang practice, and the second is to let Cao Ze and Xiao Yan experience for themselves, how big a basket they have stabbed in the end. ”

"Death is an easy thing, but facing one's mistakes and taking responsibility for them is the truly cruel punishment. At that time, I would only ask myself over and over again, why did I do that in the first place? Being caught in a whirlpool of remorse and unable to extricate yourself is called hell. Wu Haoze lowered his head and thought for a long time, only to feel that his body was cold, and said slowly, "You didn't think about letting them go at all." ”

Xiao Zhi smiled slightly, noncommittal.

Regardless of Cao Zexiao's own fate, the dynasty is becoming more and more clean. The Thirteen Yamen, which had previously been controlled by Cao Ze, were withdrawn and replaced by a new patrol team composed of Xie Lan, Luo He and other henchmen. According to Wu Haoze's intentions, Xiao Zhi ordered the rearrangement of the troops stationed near the capital, which were more tightly deployed than before, and a group of generals were replaced, and Wu Haoze concurrently served as the commander-in-chief.

Yan Zhiyuan was demoted to a co-organizer of the university, and Xiao Zhi imitated the foreign parliamentary system, and specially ordered Sima Ni and Xue Bilong to form a cabinet with various ministries and scholars, each of whom had one vote and a show of hands to vote on major affairs in the court. If more than two-thirds of the number of people agree, the will can be issued directly, and if the number does not exceed two-thirds, it will be discussed with Xiao Zhen. In this way, the efficiency of handling the government has been greatly improved, and the government is clear and clear, and there is no stagnation between the top and bottom.

After issuing an edict in May strictly prohibiting officials from enclosing land and occupying houses, they were exempted from disasters in 45 prefectures, including Zhili, Jiangnan, Henan, Shanxi, Shaanxi, and Huguang. In August, Xiao Zhi suddenly issued another edict, appointing Guo Zhang as the imperial history of the left capital, and sent Xi'an to deal with corruption and the details of the border conflict with the three dynasties, and interviewed the people by the way. secretly sent Cao Ze and Xiao Yan to secretly assist, and set off on the same day.

Shen Lian and Xie Lan took the two brothers with a vivid and vivid meal, and ate food and drinks for the three of them. It was the golden autumn of September. Yellow flower land, blue clouds, moat bay brocade murmuring eastward, lined with distant mountains lightly dyed, clouds thin floating. As soon as the autumn wind passes, the yellow leaves on the weeping willows fall one by one, falling on the withered yellow withered grass, curled up and trembling, and it seems that the heaven and the earth are slaughtered, and the parting is long.

"You have just entered the court and received this important responsibility, and you will definitely have a bright future in the future." After half a glass of wine, Shen Lian smiled, and quipped to Cao Ze Xiao Yan, "The two of you are too, you escaped death, congratulations." ”

Xiao Yan knows a little about Shen Lian, the opponent of the Divine Dragon, who is the most articulate and good at management. finally couldn't help such a mockery, and sneered, "Speaking of which, Mr. Shen Lian has also made a lot of efforts?" I heard that he was seriously injured. But why does the king treat it as nothing? I won't even reward you with an official position? Isn't it a colt, so you have to enjoy the glory and wealth at home with peace of mind? ”

"Eh, Mr. Xiao Yan is really unforgiving." Shen Lian thought for a while, "I have no intention of being in the government, why should I be an official?" ”

"Huh? So what is the gentleman going to do? Guo Zhang, who was sitting on the side, was very surprised and asked impatiently. Guo Zhang hopes that Shen Lian will be an official with him, judging from his observations, Shen Lian's strength is definitely not ordinary, the forces behind him should not be underestimated, and the two have a very good personal relationship, and they can help him a little at critical moments. "I know that the king values his brother's heart, and he is no less than Sima Gong. Don't miss this opportunity, sir. ”

"Retreat to the spring forest, wander the world, go boating with the water, and dance cranes in the world of shengping. Or hidden in the city, coarse tea and light rice are also good. Intentionally concealing what he had agreed with Xiao Zhi in private, Shen Lian replied casually, "I was originally an idler in the rivers and lakes, and I was inadvertently involved in such a thing. If there is any benefit, this marriage is the greatest benefit. ”

"And I've already bowed to the fold." Shen Lian took a sip of wine and smiled, "We have been getting along deeply for several years. But neither you nor Xie Lan know me as well as the king today, and I expect that the king will grant me what I want. ”

"Have you already bowed to the excerpt?" Xie Lan asked in surprise.

"Well," Shen Lian said calmly, "I'm lazy by nature, and I can't bear the disturbances of people in this capital, and I'm even more tired of the ups and downs of the sea, intrigues, and mutual conflicts. Over the past few years, he has been getting along with the king, and the righteousness of the monarch and his ministers has become increasingly important and his affection has deepened. But over the years, I have experienced some personal accidents and experienced some political turmoil, and I thought that at this time, I could retreat detachedly, and I could have my whole body, my full name, and my whole section; As soon as you enter the sea of eunuchs, you will be smoked for a long time, and you will not be able to extricate yourself. ”

He still talked eloquently: "You are all people who have read books, have you assisted the emperor since ancient times?" You shook your head, which proves that what I saw was true. Some talented people only know and don't know how to retreat, and eventually fall into injustice! This is one layer; On another level, the king now has to do two major things: to conquer the nations, and there is no need to use my weak scholars; Reform the system, and I don't need to take power in the court. I am a person of the rivers and lakes, swimming on the rivers and lakes, singing for the prosperity of the holy dynasty, is it better than being in the court? ”

The words that followed were all written by Shen Lian in the recital, Lao Zhuang smelled very strong, but Xie Lan had never heard of it. But he also sighed: "Mr. wants to learn from Li Qinglian to give gold back to the mountain, and the high wind and bright festival are admirable, but I always feel that it is a pity for Mr. to be like this." ”

"As Your Excellency, working hard for the king in the rivers and lakes, this identity, this action, is more beneficial." Xiao Yan knows Shen Lian's identity very well, and he can't see through it, "This so-called Son of Heaven can be a friend, and he can't be a minister." ”

"I expect the king to think the same way," Shen Lian said with a smile, "The king is talented and far-sighted, and he is very capable of being able to go here." ”

"Boating on the five lakes, wandering the world, and not losing the original face of heroes." Guo Zhang said.

Shen Lian only looked at Guo Zhangdao: "Why bother? You're different from me, just think about it. Speaking of this, he hesitated for a moment, "I only say this to my close friends, if it is not as good as you want, just because I didn't say it!" ”

"Brother Xian, the king is thinking of your sincere heart, and he will be entrusted with important tasks without fear of authority. Don't forget that. Shen Lian's words hit Guo Zhang's heart hard, "I also regret the matter of Aunt Cui. It's just that people have to look forward. ”

The mystery of the authorities is clear to the onlookers. Guo Zhang's changes, Shen Lian could see clearly. In those years, he was wanton and insulting, indulged in drinking, and indulged in poetry and painting, and the talented people of the Wei and Jin dynasties were gone forever, replaced by experienced veterans who were well versed in the way of officialdom and were at ease. Shen Lian roughly guessed that the death of his lover for no reason made Guo Zhang lose too much, and the desire for power and status was like a drug, which could temporarily free him from the pain.

An empty heart, always needs something to fill it. It's the same with a long life, you always need some goal to get going, don't you?

As long as you don't get lost, Shen Lian hopes so.

"I understand." Guo Zhang nodded.

As long as there is hope, it is natural to look forward.

When the banquet moved, Xie Lan got up and looked at Cao Ze, and Xiao Yan saluted, "Both of you are capable people who are both civil and military. Now although the king has the heart to punish, he still appreciates the talents of the two. Today is far away, is for the future of the great ambitions, you don't have to give up, take care of yourself all the way! ”

"Where did I get my ambition?" Cao Ze has always had a headache with Xie Lan's "miscellaneous", but today's farewell, seeing Xie Lan's expression so solemn and sincere, although there are rules in the words, it is also a correct theory, and the little mustard that is stored on weekdays can't help but be swept away. Seeing Xie Lan talking to herself, she couldn't help but sigh with emotion, "The old lady's ups and downs have been tasted completely, and when the Holy Lord is exclaimed, this life is not wasted!" Naturally, as the king said, he did his best to make up for his mistakes. ”

"Cao Gongdao is profound, and the juniors are very respectful. He may meet with Cao Gong Che Li, if he does not abandon it, if he can teach, his wish is enough. When we meet the capital again, I will discuss with you more and have a few more discussions! ”

Cao Ze couldn't help but smile and said, "Okay, a word is a deal!" ”

Shen Lian was listening, only to feel desolate, and said, "We are saying goodbye for the time being, these words are too bleak." If you are in urgent need, you can also send it by the post road, and it is convenient for fish and geese to come and go. ”

"Naturally, there are difficulties and obstacles along the way, and the things to be done are also very complicated, so you are indispensable for help." Xiao Yan interjected.

"If you give money, everything is easy to say."

"We're doing official business!"

"If you know someone, let's get a 20% discount!"

The hour is getting late, and everyone insists on cherishing each other and saying goodbye. Guo Zhang ordered: "Lead the horse!" ”

More than 30 entourages on both sides heard the order of the minister to set off, and lined up the honor guard of the halogen book with a thunderous "chirp". Guo Zhangfu Cao Ze got on the horse, and he also turned over on his mount, and the three cannon shots sounded, and the team began to walk. Xie Lan and the others waited until they couldn't see their backs before returning to the city.

Guo Zhangzai immediately looked back, glanced at the city gate that was getting farther and farther away, and looked at the towering dangerous buildings in the deserted suburbs, which also aroused his own thoughts. I entered the city from here in the first place, and I was alone and scattered, with no relatives and no food and clothing, what a miserable scene it was! met the person you loved, but watched her leave. Today, he came out of this gate again, and he was already a glorious messenger who went out on patrol on behalf of the king. , thinking back on everything that happened, as if it were a world away. The blue-maned horse with the nine pythons and five claws of the hedgehog god sheep supplemented the official uniform, and the sword of the Son of Heaven given by Xiao Zhiqin was tightly held in his hand, and all the glory seemed to be condensed on Guo Zhang alone at this time.

See, Atsui, everything went as I wanted, and I did it. One day, you will come back to me as well.

Guo Zhang thought about turning around, raising the whip, and just wanted to say, "It may not be a spring breeze to be proud, and walking with the autumn scenery will also make people happy", but when he saw Cao Ze, Xiao Yan's face was gloomy, so he swallowed back.

Xiao Yan was already a little aware, and he smiled slightly: "Eighty-three rains have been harvested, Gyeonggi has retreated from the fields, and the people have the heart to farm, and the rain a few days ago was very good." Cao Ze frowned and said, "What Ah Yan said is true." But the people still seem to be suspicious. We've been walking more than 30 miles, haven't we? There are not many people who plough in autumn along the way. ”

"He who has arable land and has no ploughable land, even in the vicinity of the capital, let alone any other place." Cao Ze paused and sighed, "How many years of fighting, plus enclosure and entanglement, now it is full of mourning, extremely desolate, and the people's livelihood is waiting for Su!" ”

One is "proud of the autumn wind", and the other is "desolate in the sky". The same scene, the two people have different moods, and their feelings are different. Guo Zhang is an extremely smart person, he immediately realized this, and felt that he should adapt to Cao Ze Xiaoyan's emotions, and said with a busy smile: "Cao Gong always thinks about the people's livelihood, and the younger generation admires him. The younger generations have a lot of things they don't understand, and I hope to give me more advice. ”

"What do we think about people's livelihood? Didn't we all do it? Xiao Yan laughed at himself, "It's the king's business to think about the people's livelihood." But this little wish of yours is good for the people, and the foolish brother will look at you! In my opinion, if we don't fight, we can recover in five years, but if we start fighting again, it's hard to say. ”

"The battle is no longer fought." Guo Zhang continued, "If you fight again, the people and the court won't be able to stand it." ”

"This can't be done by you and me, and not by the king, it depends on what the three dynasties think." Cao Ze calmly analyzed, "But the people don't want to go to war anymore, this is indeed the truth." Heaven listens to its own people, and heaven sees itself as its own people. If the three dynasties dare to risk this big disapproval, it is a dead end. But in the end, he will lose 1,000 enemies and 800 himself. Don't call it Houhan, it's good for Yan Guo to pick up a bargain. Guo Zhang nodded silently.