The years have passed, time has passed like a shuttle, and it has been the fifty-seventh year of Kangxi in a snap of a finger. The political and religious disputes between the Western Xinjiang and the Tibetan lamas intensified, and finally brought about great changes. In the fifty-sixth year of Kangxi, Alabutan sent the general of the Zhun Geer Department to lead troops to attack Qinghai, kill Dazang Khan, and the army entered Tibet to occupy Lhasa City, and imprisoned the ** lama. The murderous letter spread to Beijing, Kangxi was furious, and in February of the 57th year of Kangxi, he ordered Erdan to be the general of Zhenwu and Qi Deli to be the assistant general, out of the Altai Mountains, to meet the Funing An army, to strictly prevent the entry from Junggar to the Kou, and only sent the Xi'an general Erut to supervise the troops into Tibet to quell the rebellion.

It went well at first. In May, the two armies crossed the Urummu River one after another, and the quasi-troops and horses retreated at the touch of a button, and the good news came, Kangxi's sealed edict had not yet been issued, and more than 60,000 Qing soldiers had been tricked into luring the enemy to go deeper, and were trapped on the bank of the Karawusu River. broke through several times, but was trapped like a bucket. The water and grass in the other place were cold, the grain road was cut off, and within a few days, the quasi-soldiers gathered on all sides, and attacked in a burst, and the poor army of 60,000 had no way to enter the sky and no door, and there was no hope of receiving help, so they did not attack and were in chaos, and the whole army was annihilated.

This was an unprecedented defeat in the 57 years since Kangxi ascended to the pole, and he rushed to Beijing, which immediately caused shock in the court. A few days after Ortai, the secretary of the Ministry of War, took office, he couldn't figure out what to do when he received the report of defeat, so he rode a fast horse to Changchun Garden to call the police.

At this time, Beijing was already very hot, Ortai was anxious to beat the horse all the way to gallop, and when he arrived at the double gate of Changchun Garden, it was the right time, and when he got off the horse, he was already sweating profusely. When the eunuch guarding the door saw him handing over the sign, he smiled and said, "What are you anxious about?" The emperor is entering the imperial meal, let's talk about it later. ”

"No way!" Ortai said, "I have something urgent, I have to meet the emperor immediately!" The eunuch only smiled and shook his head: "No matter how anxious you are, you have to wait for the emperor to have dinner!" Ortai knew that he was ripping bamboo, but when he touched his body but didn't bring any silver, he couldn't help but be anxious, and said: "Let me tell you, I am the new secretary of the military department, and I have delayed my business, and you can't eat and walk around!" ”

The eunuch saw that he couldn't find the money, so he became more and more disappointed, and said with a straight face: "My lord, you are the secretary of the military department, I am not the official of the military department, and I can't take care of you!" In this place, even if the prince comes, he has to follow the rules! The two were arguing, but they saw a sedan chair from Qingfan Temple on North Road, and got off the sedan chair at the double gate. Yin Zhen bowed down and came out of the sedan chair, on a hot day, he was still wearing four dragon robes, and the bright gauze crown was decorated with ten eastern pearls, which was very neat. Yin Zhen saw that the two of them were arguing with each other, so he paced over with his hands behind his back and asked, "What's the matter?" Shouting here! When Ortai saw that it was Yinzhen, he hurriedly said: "Fourth master, tell him and ask the slave to hand the sign in?" As he spoke, the general handed over and said, "Look, can this matter be delayed?" ”

"Hmm." Yinzhen took the military report, only glanced at it, and immediately changed his expression, hurriedly handed it back to Ortai, and said, "What are you still staying?" Don't want to get in yet? "The eunuch just said a big thing, and if he didn't want to, he really came to a prince, and when he saw that Yinzhen had approved Ortai to enter, he hurriedly beat Qian'er and said: "Fourth master, it's not a slave who refutes your face." This spring, the study set the rules, and the orders were followed, and no matter the prince or minister, he was not allowed to ask for an appointment without authorization. Long live the dragon body has been unhappy in the past few years, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs has also instructed that big things can't disturb Long Live sleeping and eating. It's the fourth master, and the slave has to grieve you for a while......" Yinzhen kept smiling and listening, and then asked, "You're new here, right?" ”

"Yes!"

"What's your name?"

"Qin Gou'er."

"Baoding people?"

"Yes!"

"Your original surname was Qin, or did you change your surname when you entered the palace?"

"Back to the fourth master, the original surname is Hu."

"Do you know why you changed your surname to Qin?"

Qin Gou'er looked at Yinzhen inexplicably, shook his head and said, "The slave doesn't know." Before he finished speaking, there was a "snap" on his left cheek, and he had already slapped Yinzhen! It took a few steps to stand still.

"Because Qin Hui's surname is Qin! Long live the lord in order to prevent the eunuch dictatorship, since the fifty-second year of Kangxi, the eunuchs who entered the palace have all changed their surnames to Qin, Zhao, and Gao! Yin Zhen scolded with a wide squint, "The fourth master rewarded you with a mouthful, so that you could understand!" - Even I dare to stop you, what are you? I'm not only the prince's brother, but also the emperor's guard, bastard, do you understand? ”

Qin Gou'er was so frightened by him that he knelt down, kowtowed, and said: "Fourth master, the slave eats, the blind man is not sensible, you say a charter, and the slave obeys the order!" ”

"That's a human saying." Yinzhen had regained his calm, because when he saw the first few eunuchs coming out, he said and ordered: "A few of you take Lord E in, see who is on duty in the study, and say hello, Lord E must see the driver immediately!" Seeing Ortai enter, Yin Zhenfang smiled and said, "Get up, you have to look good here!" I haven't heard anyone say, those who don't work hard, those who don't work lazy, and those who don't have long eyes? So he took out a silver ticket of fifty taels from his sleeve, threw it to Qin Gou'er, and went straight into the garden without squeaking, rubbing Qin Gou'er into a daze.

As soon as Yinzhen entered the garden, he immediately felt cool and pleasant, covered by bamboo trees all the way, and the stone was cold and mossy and slippery. Because I saw more than a dozen eunuchs holding bamboo poles, looking around for it, and if there was a scream, they stuck it with gluten. The garden became more and more quiet, and Yin Zhen couldn't help but sigh secretly: "It's the emperor in the end, you can't even call it if you know it here!" "Because I think about the military in the west, I can't help but think of Yinxiang, the thirteenth brother has read so many military books, if he is not imprisoned, he may be able to go out to lead the troops! This is good, the military power has fallen into the hands of the fourteenth brother, and Yinxi is not as good as a tiger! Yinzhen was thinking wildly, he had approached Ningju, so he quickened his pace, and when he arrived at the Danqi, Li Dequan saw him coming, and hurriedly raised the curtain with both hands, and reported: "Fourth elder brother Yinzhen is driving!" He laughed quietly: "Fourth master, long live Fang just praised you, saying that you know the general ......" Yinzhen knew that this was the effect of sending Li Dequan two hundred taels of silver last time, so he went in with a smile.

The imperial meal has not been withdrawn yet, and it seems that Kangxi was alarmed before he finished his meal. When Yinzhen looked at it, Ma Qi, Fang Bao, and Zhang Tingyu were not lacking, they were all standing beside Kangxi, and Ortai knelt straight on the ground.

"I didn't expect it to come to this!" Kangxi sat firmly on the couch, opened and closed the fold with both hands, and looked very hesitant, "Qi Dry doesn't talk about him, Erdan and Erut have both followed the expedition to the west, why did they fight such a mess?" ”

Zhang Tingyu bowed down and said: "I remember that the emperor issued an edict that day, there was a word to ensure the grain route, and not to be rash and rash. The border general is greedy for merit and forgets the master's advice, so that there is such a defeat, which is very hateful. In the humble opinion of the slaves, these generals who have lost their teachers and humiliated the country should not be given a nickname to show punishment! Ma Qi frowned and said: "If you come back from defeat and humiliation, even if you kill it." But they would rather die than give in, and although they did not succeed, they became benevolent. If you don't give it, it's not enough to inspire future generations! Fang Bao sighed: "What Ma Qi said is true. Hey, I still have to give it. The minions of the war do not understand, but since ancient times, the impermanent victory of the general, now it is useless to be frustrated, and you have to think of a way to redeem it. ”

"What about you?" Kangxi stared at Ortai and asked, "You are the secretary of the military department, I want to hear about you?" ”

Ortai kowtowed and said: "According to the minions, there are many reasons for this defeat. The Green Battalion has been training for many years and has no actual combat experience, which is one of the reasons; Second, there are no commanders in the army. When they followed Banzai to fight, they were just battalion sentry bands, and they did not have the talent to coordinate the overall situation. Moreover, because of the successive victories in the past years, he has a vain and arrogant heart, does not learn and has no skills, does not study, and has no art of war, how can he win against Alabutan? And the Arabutan tribe is always at war! ”

Kangxi bowed his head silently, and said after a long time: "That's right." But veterans such as Tuhai, Zhao Liangdong, and Zhou Pei have long since died, and there are also people like Wolf Blind and Wu Dan who are all old. If you want to send a general to the west, who can do this? When they heard this, they couldn't help but look at each other. At that time, a generation of famous generals of the Kangxi Dynasty had been left behind. Fighting this kind of battle, different from the interior to exterminate a small group of green forest bandits, the northwest is a vast land, the water is cold and barren, everywhere is the Gobi Desert, the desert Hanhai, the Alabutan nomadic tribe, strong and difficult to defeat. In case the recommendation is improper, and something like the Karawusu River is made, not only will it be difficult for the recommender to take the blame, but even if it is done with public intentions, the court really can't afford to lose this battle. Kangxi saw that everyone was speechless, and couldn't help but look gloomy, looking out in a daze. remembered that he personally commanded the three armies back then, sent troops and released horses three times, drove thousands of miles, and beat Geldan so that his soul was not possessed, and he committed suicide. Now that he is dying, he can't even choose a general to take care of military affairs! Thinking about it, he raised his fist and slammed his leg.

The main worry is humiliation, everyone knelt on the ground with a plop, Fang Bao was about to comfort, but Kangxi raised his head, tears rolled in his eyes, and he said: "...... On the second southern tour, I inspected the river workers, and took a flat boat with Yu Jackie Chan, swimming freely in the raging Yellow River, and I didn't feel anything at all. On his 65th birthday this year, he was so dizzy that he was almost unable to make a ceremony when he sat in a dragon boat across Kunming Lake! Even if I go back ten years, I will take care of this idea myself, and I can't imagine that it will be so difficult for you! "He is telling the truth, he reigned for fifty-seven years, and at the age of fifteen he was a man of his own fortune and wisdom; At the age of nineteen, he decided to withdraw the feudal domain; At the age of 32, he recovered Taiwan, together with three personal expeditions, and participated in more than 70 battles in person, large and small, and never suffered anyone's losses. Now a little Alabutan is in trouble, but there is nothing he can do! Fang Bao pondered for a long time and said, "Long live don't be sad. The minister didn't know the soldiers, but he knew that the soldiers were brought out, and the generals were also fought. As far as the minister knows, Yue Zhongqi, the general of Jingxi, and Nian Qianyao, the governor of Sichuan, are both brave and good generals, and they only lack a commander who controls the overall situation. Since he couldn't think of a suitable candidate for a while, why not pick one out of the emperor's brother and rush to Xining to control the armies. If there is no way to win for a while, and the Ganshan portal is choked, the camera is ready to change. Alabutan has no ambitions, but he is a clown, no matter the national strength, military strength, or backup food, he can't match me at all. If we hold on for a long time, we will definitely be able to give birth to a chance to destroy this ugly species! ”

"My son is willing to go!" Yin Zhen's heart suddenly fluttered, blood gushed up, his face turned red, and he took a step on his knees and said: "Although Erchen doesn't know soldiers, according to Fang Baoyun, this mission can make Erchen do it!" There are sons and ministers who guard the western frontier, and the father can lie down in peace! Kangxi's eyes seemed to be a little tired, staring at Yinzhen just groaning, and only said after a while: "Fourth elder brother, I know you." You were moody when you were young, and you weren't very good in Ago. Xu is studying and cultivating his spirit over the years, and his fortitude has not changed, but he is much more stable and persistent. Only you have handled many household departments and officials over the years, and you are skilled in civil affairs, and you can't abandon your long and short ones. Yinzhen received this award, and was very moved in his heart, kowtowing and crying: "Knowing a son is better than a father!" Erchen did have this disease when he was young, and now he has deeply reflected on himself and changed it. If the father and emperor ask his son to go on the expedition, he should be more cautious and cautious, like walking on thin ice. There was another request, and since the sons had corrected it, they begged Amar to avoid recording the 'moody' test words of the day, and the sons trembled and felt the kindness of their father. ”

Kangxi smiled: "What's this?" Tell Li Dequan to go and remove this paragraph from the living stall. But I still won't allow you to go to Xining. Among my sons, the thirteenth elder brother and the fourteenth elder brother are the best martial artists. The thirteenth elder brother doesn't talk about him, the fourteenth elder brother is in charge of the military department, and he is also familiar with the matter of raising salaries, so I will temporarily decide to go to Yin! ”

In fact, Kangxi said that everyone had guessed in their hearts that he was going to Dingyin to go on the expedition, and everyone looked at each other and breathed a sigh of relief. Although Yin Zhen was unwilling, he couldn't find the words to refute it for a while, and after thinking for a long time, he said: "The fourteenth brother has a high temperament, and he has never led troops to fight, and his father must still think deeply about this matter." As he was talking, when he saw You Mingtang, the secretary of the Ministry of Rites, coming in, Kangxi asked, "What's the matter?" ”

"Back to Long live the words," You Mingtang was promoted from the household department several times to the Ministry of Rites, all of which were supported by Yinzhen, but at this time, he wanted to avoid the traces and replied without squinting, "The main examination of this year's autumn is ordered, and Nanyu should be presided over by Tan Wei in Tianfu, please give the exam questions from the Lord, and he will go south." Kangxi said with a smile: "Just discussing military politics, you called out the essay question again!" I couldn't think of any topic for a while-I see, so I'll come up with a 'put Taijia in Tonggong'! According to the Five Elements, this topic occupies the position of the green dragon, which can dilute a little bit of the Western military spirit. ”

The exam is a trivial matter, and the "Tonggong" question is more rare, and it is easy to measure talents. Everyone didn't know anything, but Fang Bao trembled, wanted to say something, but paused again, only bowed his head and said nothing. You Mingtang said again: "Fu Ning'an and Erut mansions are all in Beijing, and now they have died in battle, and the ministry thinks that the mourner is guilty, and the martyrdom is commendable, I don't know what to do, I ask for a long live order, and the slave obeys the order." ”

"Let the people who die be compensated according to the king's affairs. People are dead, and what sin do they care? Kangxi said, "The people of your Ministry of Rites will go to see their families first, and then come to me if you have any requests." As for the nickname, I will send it to you when I go to the study. You Mingtang received the order, and hurriedly withdrew.

"Tell that Tan Wei that if he is a good student and runs an errand, if there is any fraud, I will ask Yinzhen to deal with him!" Kangxi shouted another word to You Mingtang, got up from the couch and yawned, and said, "It's a hot day, let's discuss it here today!" Don't tell the old fourteen in advance, I think about it again, there is already Pang Juan, don't come out with Zhao Kuo! Yinzhen, you can also take the envoy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The third elder brother has been busy compiling books, and you are the oldest beside me, take care of more trivial matters, don't be afraid of trouble. ”

With that, everyone quit one after another. Kangxi saw that Fang Bao wanted to leave and stop, so he said, "Mr. Fang, you seem to have something on your mind?" ”

"Hooray!" Fang Bao looked at the left near no one and said, "The minister is thinking, why did you come up with the topic of 'releasing Taijia in Tonggong'. Kangxi smiled and said: "This is the words in the "Four Books", is there anything that hinders it?" "It's a hindrance." Fang Bao's small eyes flickered like pepper beans, "At the beginning, the Shang King Taijia had no way, and was placed in the Tong Palace by Prime Minister Yi Yin, and after three years of reform, he was established as the emperor - could it be that the emperor still has the intention of the second elder brother?" "Absolutely not." Kangxi took off his coat, seemed to be much more relaxed, handed Fang Bao a plate of ice longan on the case, peeled one off himself, and said: "I have made an order, there are those who dare to say that the prince has changed, and he should still be reinstated. I read the "Book Preface" yesterday, and I thought of it by chance when I talked about the three articles of Yi Yin's "Taijia". This topic is fresher, and it's hard to think about it, this guy only knows how to plagiarize eight shares. Fang Bao blinked and said, "Long live, I don't know if you've thought about it, this topic is very easy to trigger some people's different minds, and if they covet it again, they will be turbulent again." ”

Kangxi didn't answer, got up and paced a few steps leisurely, and sighed: "Fang Bao, you are too angry. Didn't you hear the saying 'the wind knows the grass, and the board knows the hero'? I muddy the waters, this is also one of the ways to distinguish between traitors! Do you think I don't know what is going on? I know it very well! You sit down, listen to me—" He sat down with his hands on the dumbfounded Fang Bao, "First, the government is not clear, there are no officials in the world who are not greedy, good officials such as Lu Long and his generation cannot be promoted, and corrupt officials such as Feng Sheng Yun's generation cannot be severely punished, isn't this to force good people to become prostitutes?" ”

"Second," Kangxi said angrily, "Officials form parties for personal gain, protégés, former officials, relatives and friends enter the door as soon as they are invoked, a group of gangs are intertwined, one person ascends to heaven, and one person is in trouble and echoes in all directions - this matter is connected with the first thing, I am daunted, not shocking? As for Ding Yintian's uneven endowment, the malpractice of prison, bribery in the examination room, the deficit of treasury money, and excessive consumption, I am also insightful. But I think that the first priority in the world is to refresh the rule of officials, and if this level is passed, everything will be easy to do! When Fang Bao heard this, he asked in surprise: "Your Majesty, since you all know, why don't you boost the heavens, make decisions and make rectifications?" Kangxi flashed his eyes faintly, and after a while, he lowered his head and sighed: "I'm too tired to do it." I originally pinned high hopes on Yinren, who knew that he was not angry, and tried to rectify it twice, I have understood that if I don't do these things myself, it will be difficult to do them well, if I do it myself...... If there is a change in my body halfway, it will be difficult for even my sons to continue in the future, and I will lose my life's fame and career, and future generations will regard me as Xuanzong, first bright and then dark. Mr. Fang! Do you think it's difficult? ”

These words are full of liver and guts, and they are heart-wrenching. Fang Bao himself is also an old man, touching the bypass, he couldn't help but burst into tears, and sobbed: "Your Majesty, the ministers all understand, understand......"

"So I want to have all the five blessings and leave a reputation for future generations, and I can't care about these rebels who are staring at the big position like wolves!" Kangxi's ruthless gaze was as gray and dark as iron, "If you release a little 'Taijia' wind, the brothers will think of ways to guard against him, so that they won't go all out to deal with me!" Think about it, there are eight elder brothers contacting courtiers inside, and fourteen elder brothers outside with heavy troops, once a big change arises, what is the consequence unimaginable? ”

A chill that pierced the bone marrow made Fang Bao's body tremble, and he resigned in a daze, until Shang Jue's heart was beating suddenly outside the garden gate.