Chapter Ninety-Four: Fight for the Placer Gold to Break the Crisis

Because the test was imminent, Lin Fu sent someone to call Wei Su, the servant of the main test, for the sake of the future of his little son-in-law Qi Dao.

Although Wei Su had always been dissatisfied with what Lin Fu had done, he was afraid of his obscenity and did not dare to fight against him. He attaches great importance to doing his job well, never quarrels with others, and ends up with a neutral name.

When Yang Silang was promoted to the left minister by Emperor Xuan, he suddenly felt that the opportunity was promising, so he made eye contact with Yang Silang in private. When he heard that Lynver had asked him to go, he felt uneasy about what was happening. After his thoughts, he decided to act.

Wei Su entered the Moon Hall, bowed to Lin Fushen, and asked him what was the matter?

Lin Fu glanced at Qi Dao, who was standing on the side, and said with a smile on his face: "This autumn's test, are the officials ready?" ”

"Rest assured, the autumn test will be held as scheduled and according to the system."

"Well, that's good." Lin Fu coughed dryly, "Master Wei has been trying for many years, and he is dedicated to acting in a public manner, so the old man is naturally relieved." ”

Qi Dao bowed deeply to Wei Su, and said warmly: "In this test, please take more care of adults." ”

Wei Su immediately understood when he heard this, and said to Lin Fu with a solemn face: "Please forgive Wei for saying bluntly, as a secretary, it is no longer necessary for Ling's son-in-law to participate in the test." ”

Lynver listened with a smile and did not say a word.

Qi Qi hurriedly said: "My lord, forgive me, Qi just wants to gain a good reputation." ”

"Oh, I see." Wei Su nodded. He thought that if he didn't agree today, he would offend Lin Fu, so he pretended to agree, "Okay, Wei has written it down." ”

Lin Fu was secretly proud when he heard this, and said in a heavy tone: "As an official, you must have a long-term vision. For this test, the old man has drawn up a list. With that, he took a page from the table and handed it to Wei Su.

Wei Su took the list, skimmed through it roughly, and took a breath of cold air. He forcibly suppressed the panic in his heart, and pretended to be calm: "Don't worry, my lord, I will definitely act according to this list." ”

Due to the dim candlelight in the room and the dimness of his old eyes, Lynver did not notice the change in his heart, and nodded slightly......

On this day, Da Fu found out that Chen Xingjia's wife was sick in bed, so he brought a lot of expensive medicines to visit Chen's house.

Chen Xingjia smiled when he saw it: "You just come, why do you need to bring any heavy gifts!" ”

"The adults smiled, just some ordinary tonic medicine for Mrs. Zun, just a little heart." Da Fu said respectfully.

"Alas, I can't help myself when I'm older." Chen Xingjia beckoned him to sit down, "Fortunately, the insider only suffered a little bit of wind and cold when he got up at night, and after careful treatment by the imperial doctor, he has been much better." ”

"That's good." Da Fu sat down and took a sip of tea, slowing down, "Seriously, Mrs. Zun is sick, and there is one person who is more worried than me." ”

"Who?"

"Prince." Da Fu pretended to be careless, "He wanted to come to visit in person, but he was suspected of having a bad relationship with a general, so he asked him to come down to greet him." ”

"Oh, I see." Chen Xingjia sank his face, "Please tell the prince that I have received his wishes." ”

"Okay." Da Fu nodded, stared at him for a while, and sighed lightly, "It's really a pity for the general." ”

"Oh?"

"The general has the talents of Yin Yi and Huo Guang, and he is really the pillar of the auxiliary country and the state of this dynasty, how can it be difficult to have ambitions because of traitors."

"Hmph, how dare Chen talk about any ambitions when he is an old and dying person."

"The prince doesn't think so." Da Fu put down the teacup, his eyebrows furrowed slightly, "The prince is benevolent, filial piety and loyalty, although he has the heart to eliminate traitors for the country, he has no choice but to be weak and lonely, don't these generals see it?" ”

Chen Xingjia's face changed suddenly when he heard this, and he got up and shouted: "Chen is a martial artist, he only knows how to be loyal to His Majesty, and he never dares to discuss any government affairs in private. ”

"That's right, the general and I are both loyal to Your Majesty. But Your Majesty has been deceived too deeply by traitors, shouldn't a courtier help him remove dust and dirt? ”

Chen Xingjia pressed his sword and shouted angrily: "For the sake of you and me, I am an old acquaintance, and the old man will not kill you today; Let's go! ”

Da Fu stood up and paced a few steps to himself, looked up to the sky and laughed: "Haha-God, I can't imagine that the general Zhongyong I is so afraid of villains!" ”

"Hmph, you dare to laugh at me!"

Da Fu said unhurriedly: "I think that the general followed His Majesty to launch two palace changes, Xiantian and Tang Long, for the sake of Li Tang Sheji, and his loyalty and courage made the world respectful. I didn't expect to become so timid when I got older...... It's a pity that the prince saw the wrong person. ”

Chen Xingjia was stunned for a moment when he heard this.

"There are many offences in what I said, and I ask the general to bear with me." Da Fu said and bowed his hand, wanting to leave the house.

"Slow down, adult." Chen Xingjia softened his tone, "Please tell the prince that the old man is only loyal to His Majesty in this life." As for the courtiers, without his will, the old man would not have moved. ”

Da Fu immediately understood, and said, "Yes, I understand." ”

After several days of traveling, Li Yunhan and Du Miao rushed all the way to the capital. Before entering the city, Du Miao was worried about her mother because she hadn't seen her for many days, so she went back to Liuhua Town alone.

Li Yunhan returned to Zhiyuan and saw Shaoling studying hard in the house, but he didn't notice him. He coldly patted Shaoling's back and quipped: "I haven't seen you for a few days, and my little brother is getting more and more diligent." ”

Shaoling was surprised and delighted when he saw him come back, and said that in another half a month, the officials would have to take the exam, so why not read more scriptures.

"Okay, just wait for the little brother to pass the test, and he will be able to put on the official uniform."

"Of course, after ten years of cold windows, it's my turn to do things this time." Du Shaoling was relieved when he heard this, thought for a moment, and complained, "Brother, why didn't you even say hello on this trip?" ”

"I'm ashamed, just because it happened suddenly, I didn't have time to say it."

While the two were talking, Wu Qi heard the sound and entered the room and greeted the master.

After the greetings, Li Yunhan told all the things about the trip to the north.

"What, Miss Luo is dead......" Shaoling was shocked when he heard this, and said angrily, "Chu Qing, it's too insidious and despicable!" ”

Wu Qi asked, when will you take revenge?

Li Yunhan's expression was gloomy, and he said that he had just returned to the capital and had not yet thought about it, and he would make a decision after discussing it with Da Fu.

Wu Qi said hatefully: "Okay, let this kid live a few more days, and then the new and old accounts will be settled together!" ”

Li Yunhan rested for a while, briefly had lunch, and was about to go out with Wu Qi, but bumped into Anar and Bezi. It turned out that Anar suspected that he had leaked the news, which caused the gold dust of the Hui caravan to be looted, so he came to the door to ask.

Li Yunhan was very surprised when he heard what Bezi said, pondered for a while, and asked Anar: "......What does that girl mean?"

"I've only told my husband about it;" Anal sank his face, "Say, did you denounce it?" ”

"How could this be!" Li Yunhan smiled indifferently.

Wu Qidao: "Hugh wants to spew blood!" Don't you know the character of the gentleman? ”

Anal stared at Yun Han, snorted, and said, "I don't believe it." If the gold dust is returned within three days, the princess will not be blamed for the past; Otherwise, don't blame me for being ruthless! ”

Anar said this, and took Bezi and walked away.

Li Yunhan didn't dare to delay any longer, and rode on his horse to Dafu's house.

As soon as he saw Da Fu, Li Yunhan asked: The Hui caravan was robbed, but it was his idea?

"That's right, I asked Chu Yanzhong to do it," Da Fu didn't care, "Hedong has been eyeing me for a long time, but I have never had a chance." Later, it was discovered that Ni often went to the Omani warehouse and had a secret meeting with Pasha, so it was inferred that there was still a deal between them...... Aren't you happy to cut off Chu Mohan's financial path this time? ”

"Well, this is not appropriate, and it will definitely offend Zel Khan."

Da Fu sneered: "What are you afraid of, it is to break the contract first, and you have the ability to ask them to ask Your Majesty for it." ”

Li Yunhan thought for a moment and said, "Otherwise, you can accompany me to see General Chu Yanzhong......

"Don't dream, swallow the meat in your mouth, how can he spit it out again!"

"You really don't want to go?"

"It's useless to go." Da Fu's expression was calm, and he said slowly, "Many years ago, the two countries signed an agreement to stipulate the annual trading volume of salt, tea, iron, porcelain, horses and other goods between the two sides. However, in recent years, with the sharp increase in national strength, ambitions have also swelled day by day, not only secretly trading with the Hedong Gang, but also expanding the territory to the south, so that the friction between the two sides continues...... General Chu's move is also excusable. ”

"If this continues, won't the contradictions between the two sides accumulate deeper and deeper!" Li Yunhan stood up as he spoke, and bowed his hand to Da Fu, "Since Brother Da refuses, I will find someone else." With that, he left the house.

Out of the Dafu Mansion, Li Yunhan went straight to the Yamen of the Salt and Iron Envoy. saw the fifth Qi and told him about Chu Yanzhong's investigation of whether he had returned the gold dust.

After hearing this, Wu Qi pondered for a moment and said, "Do you want me to denounce Chu Yanzhong?" ”

"My lord's words are serious, I just want you to help Hui recover the gold dust."

Fifth Qi smiled bitterly and said, "Chu Yan is loyal to law enforcement impartially, and has not exceeded his authority in the slightest; Besides, in recent years, smuggling has become more and more rampant, and as a salt and iron envoy, I can't crack down on them, so how can I speak for them? ”

"If Chu Yanzhong swallowed the gold dust ...... privately"

"Embezzling ......"

"He let go of the salt dealer and took the placer gold, so I don't know if he wants to swallow it privately?"

Wu Qi shook his head when he heard this, sighed, and said, "This is not something that I can manage as a salt and iron envoy." ”

"Really?" Li Yunhan raised his eyebrows and said loudly, "As far as I know, the reason why Hui Hui traded with the Hedong Gang was that it was cheap, and secondly, because they were in great demand, and the imperial court could not meet it. ”

"This ...... As a salt and iron envoy, of course I know it all too well. ”

"That's right. Just imagine, if the imperial court could revise the salt transportation agreement and supply it at a parity price according to the needs of the Hui, it would not only eliminate the trend of illegal salt trafficking, but also increase the treasury and taxes, wouldn't it be the best of both worlds! ”

Wu Qi suddenly became interested when he heard this, and asked him to continue.

Li Yunhan said eloquently: "The agreement signed between the imperial court and the Hui Institute was twenty years ago; Now the number of people, horses, and livestock has increased by more than ten times, and if they are still supplied in the same quantity and price as before, they have no choice but to take risks in order to survive! ”

Wu Qi shook his head lightly when he heard this, and said: "Mr. is too simple, how can the Tang Dynasty national policy be changed if it is changed?" Hui and I are neighbors, in recent years, its momentum has become stronger, and its territory has continued to expand southward, how can the imperial court not worry? In order to restrain them and prevent them from fighting, the imperial court had to control them a little by trading in salt, iron, and tea. As for increasing the treasury and taxes, the fortunes of the Tang Dynasty are prosperous and the treasury is full, and such small profits are not worth mentioning in the eyes of His Majesty. ”

"My lord's words are wrong, and the times are easy. After years of blending, the two states have lived in harmony and exchanged business and travel, and the Hui and Han have become one. How can you ruin long-term interests with temporary interests and stuck people's necks! ”

Although the fifth Qi listened to it, he slightly agreed, but he was worried: "Mr. is far-sighted and reasonable, but this matter is related to the adjustment of national policy. ”

"I beg your majesty to revise the national policy."

"This ......" Fifth Qi hesitated, "Your Majesty favors traitors and obstructs the way of speech, how can you listen to my advice alone?" ”

"My lord, Yun Han, please." Li Yunhan bowed and said, "For the sake of Li Tang Jiangshan Sheji, I implore your Excellency to meet Your Majesty Chen and talk about the benefits." ”

Fifth Qi was deeply moved by what Li Yunhan said, so he decided to take a risk.

The next day, the ministers held a regular court meeting in the Qinzheng Palace.

Wei Huaibing was the first to come out and said to Emperor Xuan: "Your Majesty gave the wedding to Chu Qing, but according to the Ministry of Rites, Luo Feng, the official of the march, has disappeared for several days and has not cooperated with the preparation of the wedding. ”

Emperor Xuan frowned and asked Zhang Hui, the waiter of the Ministry of Rites, what was going on?

Zhang Hui said timidly: "Back to Your Majesty, Luo Feng returned to Yuyang to visit because his old mother was critically ill, and the wedding was delayed. ”

Yang Silang came out and said, "Your Majesty, Chu Mohan is so lazy, he must not be planning to participate in the wedding." ”

Emperor Xuan smiled when he heard this, "Yang Qing is laughing again." When the time comes, I will also come to the wedding banquet in person, how dare he not come! ”

"It's ridiculous!" Lin Fu sneered at Yang Silang, "The will has been made, how can General Chu not come!" ”

"Your Majesty, that's because he has a weak heart." Yang Silang ignored Lin Fu and said to Emperor Xuan again.

Emperor Xuan asked, what is the weakness of heart?

Yang Silang said that Chu Mohan is power-hungry, and now he has soldiers and horses in three towns and more than 100,000 people; The reason why he didn't dare to enter Beijing was not because he was worried that His Majesty would cut off his military power.

Lin Fuyin smiled and said to Yang Silang: "It's really alarmist. Your Majesty has a lot of trust in General Chu, and General Chu is loyal to Your Majesty, so why worry about it! ”

Emperor Xuan laughed loudly: "Yang Aiqing is too worried; General Chu has always been loyal, how could I deprive him of his military power! ”

Yang Silang's face was red when he heard this, and he couldn't answer.

Seeing this, Lin Fu was still unwilling to give up, and said to Emperor Xuan: "The minister said that Chu Mohan would come, but Lord Yang said that he would not come; How about a gambling with him? ”

Emperor Xuan nodded and said, "Yang Qing, what do you say?" ”

Yang Silang looked embarrassed when he heard this, and he was at a loss for a while.

Lin Fu was very proud when he saw it, and said with a smile: "The adults are hesitant, presumably because they are timid." ”

"Who's afraid?" Yang Silang held back his strength and said to Emperor Xuan, "Your Majesty, the minister is willing to gamble with a black gauze hat on his head." ”

After hearing this, Lin Fu immediately agreed: "Okay, with Your Majesty testifying, you can't break your word!" ”

"Okay." Emperor Xuan smiled bitterly, moved his gaze to Ji Wen, and asked if there was any progress in the Heifengyu case?

Ji Wen panicked in his heart and said, "Back to Your Majesty, the minister is stepping up the investigation." Since the case was discovered, dozens of suspects have been detained, and it has been preliminarily ascertained that the Heifengyu case was committed by Hui bandits......"

"Bandits?"

"Yes. It was found that this group of bandits often operated in the Gyeonggi area, and they usually turned into business travelers and tourists to inquire about the news, and after committing the crime, they sneaked back to Huifu territory. ”

Emperor Xuan asked again, why didn't he capture him?

Ji Wen said: "It's just that because the gang of robbers acted secretly and came and went without a trace, they couldn't be brought to justice." Your Majesty is assured that the ministers have found out the characteristics of this gang of bandits, and when they reappear, they will be brought to justice. ”

Yang Silang listened to it and said hatefully: "According to what Lord Ji said, Yang will never see the real murderer in this life!" ”

Ji Wen was expressionless and speechless when he heard this.

Emperor Xuan drooped his face and said to Ji Wen: "Then give you some more grace; If you dare to break your promise at that time, I will not spare it! ”

Ji Wen's body trembled and hurriedly replied, "Yes, the minister obeys the order." ”

After being silent for a while, Chu Yanzhong stepped forward and said that he had a book to play.

Emperor Xuan glanced at him, frowned slightly, and said, "Isn't Chu Aiqing recuperating at home, what is the report?" ”

Chu Yanzhong said: "The minister received an urgent report from Xiao Guan yesterday, and three days ago, he suddenly sent troops to besiege Xiao Pass, and cut off the business road, so please send troops to exterminate." "It turned out that Zele Khan did not see the Tang army return the gold dust for a long time, so he ordered Ye to escort the soldiers to surround Xiao Pass. The two armies were tense, and the war was on the verge of breaking out. After Chu Yanzhong learned about it, he was worried that his robbery of the placer gold would be exposed, so he took the first step to see Emperor Xuan and wanted to sue him.

Emperor Xuan was shocked when he heard this and asked why?

Chu Yanzhong said that because the Hui caravan was privately trading salt and weapons and was intercepted by the Xiao Guan garrison, he was resentful and provoked the incident.

Emperor Xuan heard this and said angrily: "This Zele Khan is really arrogant, don't forget that his country was still laid by me!" ”

Wei Huaibing said: "In recent years, the ambitions of the Hui Hui have been expanding day by day, and they have been expanding southward, hurting our border people and attacking business travelers from time to time, and I hope Your Majesty will make a decision as soon as possible." ”

"Over the years, I have endured it again and again, and he really has to make inches." Emperor Xuan sighed and asked Lin Fu what his plan was?

Lin Fu said that the imperial court has always been lenient towards the Hui, but now that its wings are stiff, it has repeatedly made trouble in disregard of the agreement between the two countries, and he thinks that it must be sanctioned by thunderous means.

Emperor Xuan laughed dryly and asked what kind of thunder means?

Lin Fu said: "First, clearly demarcate the boundary line of the adjacent border and restrict the entry and exit of its soldiers and horses; Second, the types and quantities of goods traded between the two countries should be strictly controlled; Third, those who dare to violate the border and hurt our border people will be severely punished! ”

Emperor Xuan said "um" and said, "These three are good, just take care of them at the behest of the order." ”

"Your Majesty, this is a bit too much." Wei Su came out of the column.

Emperor Xuan was stunned when he heard this.

Wei Su said: "I have been friendly with Hui Su over the years, and overall it is not bad. As for some minor disputes and frictions, the imperial court can send a note to the Khan and ask him to strictly control his subordinates! ”

"Your Majesty, what Lord Wei said is reasonable." Fifth Qi echoed, "In the past, Dayu controlled the water according to the situation, and the sparse was mainly sparse, and the dredging was appropriate, so the flood was cured; The minister thought that the same should be true of the administration of diplomatic relations. ”

"What a philistine!" Chu Yanzhong smiled contemptuously, and then aimed his gaze at Emperor Xuan, "As long as Your Majesty gives an order, the old minister will immediately lead his troops to exterminate them!" ”

Fifth Qi stared at Chu Yanzhong and sneered: "The general's tone is really not small. The reason why the general is in a hurry to use troops is probably because of ulterior motives. ”

"What do you mean by that?"

Fifth Qi said unhurriedly: "Last month, the general confiscated a batch of placer gold in Xiaoguan, but is there such a thing?" ”

Chu Yanzhong was stunned for a moment and said, "What?!" ”

Emperor Xuan asked, what's the deal with the gold dust?

Chu Yanzhong said that the Hui caravan sold illicit salt, and the placer gold it carried was intercepted by the defenders on the spot.

Wu Qi asked again: "Why did the general only confiscate the gold dust, but let go of the salt goods of the Hedong Gang?" ”

Chu Yanzhong was speechless for a while.

"Chu Aiqing, is this serious?" Emperor Xuan asked.

Chu Yanzhong hurriedly replied: "Back to Your Majesty, that group of salt dealers was not released by the old minister, but they ran away when they heard the wind." ”

"The general is afraid of offending Chu Mohan!" Fifth Qi turned around and said to Emperor Xuan again, "Your Majesty, as a salt and iron envoy, according to a few months of investigation, the Hedong Gang has been smuggling salt, iron and other items prohibited by the imperial court for a long time, all because of the support of Chu Mohan behind it. ”

"Fifth Qing, doesn't the imperial court have an official salt supply, why do you still repeatedly violate the ban when you return to the court?" Emperor Xuan asked.

"Your Majesty, the population of the Imperial Court has increased several times and has exceeded one million, and the imperial court still uses the agreement of twenty years ago to supply salt for transportation, which is not only far from the same quantity, but also the price of salt per bucket is twelve wen, which is nearly twice as high as that of the black market. As a result, the volume of official salt trade has continued to decline, and the trend of private smuggling and trafficking has become increasingly serious, and repeated prohibitions have not stopped......"

"Nonsense." Lin Fu interrupted Wu Qi's words, "The salt and iron trade is the national policy of the Tang Dynasty, and it is to stifle the expansion of the Hui power. Once it is released, won't it be a problem to raise tigers? ”

Fifth Qi said in a solemn tone: "My lord's words are wrong. Times are easy, if you still want to use salt to transport their necks, if this goes on for a long time, won't it be even deeper contradictions? ! ”

Emperor Xuan pondered for a moment after hearing this, and asked Wu Qi what he thought?

Fifth Qi said that the national policy should be adjusted in a timely manner, the price of salt should be liberalized, and the supply should be provided according to the needs of the Hui.

Emperor Xuan couldn't make up his mind for a while, and asked King Jing what he meant?

King Jing looked indifferent and said: "Father, the fifth great man is reasonable, this move can be described as killing three birds with one stone, which can not only stabilize the hearts of the Hui people, but also cut off the road of illegal salt sales and enrich the treasury. ”

"Well, yes, it's time to adjust the national focus in due time." Emperor Xuan smiled slightly.

"Your Majesty." Fifth Qi hurriedly proposed, "The placer gold confiscated by General Chu should be the deposit paid in advance to the imperial court; As for the withdrawal of the army, King Huang had sent envoys back to Hui many times, but he could be ordered to go to negotiate. ”

"Okay, then add twice as much official salt; As for the price of this salt......" Emperor Xuan turned his gaze to Yang Silang, "Yang Qing, what do you say?" ”

Yang Silang said: "Your Majesty's generosity and benevolence are admirable. However, the minister thought that he could not make too much profit at once, and only reduced three cents at most per bucket. ”

Emperor Xuan smiled and agreed; Immediately sent a message to King Huang, ordering him to send an envoy back to Hui from now on to negotiate the matter of salt transportation and withdrawal of troops.

After being silent for a while, Wu Qi asked again, how should the Hedong Gang deal with it?

Emperor Xuan was still immersed in faint joy and didn't come back to his senses for a while.

Lin Fu said that the prince broke the law and committed the same crime as the common people, and the Hedong Gang could not go unpunished; It's just that the scope of this case is too extensive, and it still needs to be determined after the evidence of the crime is investigated.

Fifth Qi said, what is difficult to find out about this, salt is the evidence of the crime.

Yang Silang sneered at Lin Fu: "I found out the black background behind the Hedong Gang, I'm afraid it's not good for you......"

"Hmph, that's too early to tell." Lin Fugan smiled and said to Emperor Xuan, "The old minister is not talented, he is willing to investigate this case personally, no matter who is involved, he will not be tolerated!" ”

Emperor Xuan looked at him for a while, shook his head, and said with a smile: "It's just an ordinary case of smuggling, Lin Aiqing doesn't have to do it personally because she is old; As for my intentions, it is still handed over to the Fifth Qi and Jingzhao Mansion for investigation. ”

Yang Silang, Fifth Qi and others hurriedly shouted in unison when they heard this: "Your Majesty Shengming." ”