Chapter 68

  This Pan family has been assimilated into the Han for more than four generations, and is no different from a Han family. (For a long time, the Qiang people had their own language but no written characters, so they used Chinese characters instead. For convenience, many of their surnames were also simplified to Han surnames. The prominent Qiang surnames such as Gong, Jiang, Bo, and Jin in Hexi and Longyou all originated from this practice.) This Pan surname is the same case.

  "Although ordered by the military commander"

  Looking at his respectful and obedient expression, I suddenly had an idea.

  In another large tent, several people sat separately, with a flower case and a bright table. Because of this simple arrangement, the strict and stern atmosphere that should have been present in the military was reduced, and instead, there was an added elegance.

  At this moment, Cui Yuan, the deputy envoy of the Sword South Circuit, was in a very good mood. Although he had been preempted by the King of Hanzhong, who had taken the lead in leaving behind a joint memorial to discuss the matter, his own younger brother, Cui Bian, the governor of Bazhou, had been summoned and responded appropriately, in line with the emperor's intentions, and was appointed as a co-director of the Imperial Secretariat, entering the imperial court to provide mutual support.

  Cui Bian, wearing a newly bestowed purple robe with a rhinoceros belt and a golden fish bag at his waist, was sitting opposite him, sipping tea and smiling at each other.

  "Zi Du, this is the best of Minzhong's specialty - Yan Shang Lu Cha, also known as Late Sweet Throat. It was given to me by my friend and colleague Jiangnan Dongdao Fu Zhou Jinglue Shi when I was in office. This is a rare product that cannot be grown in Jianyang."

  "It is produced by a single tree on the steep and lofty cliff of Mojie, with an annual tribute of no more than a few catties."

  The small stove made of red clay emitted the smoke of old Shandong peach wood and new charcoal, a silver kettle with a long spout poured out steam, and a set of natural Song-style tea utensils with a dark, simple pattern were scattered on the table.

  Raise a cup of "En... bitter and sweet, thick and long-lasting, worthy of the tea master Lu Yu's praise as a top-grade tea with a harmonious balance of bitter and sweet flavors."

  Although Fujian is a place of hardship and evil, it indeed has some famous products.

  "This tea is like its local soil and water, with a bitter-sweet temperament that cannot be cultivated without wind, frost, rain and dew."

  "But...". Looking at this clear tea liquid, it's like a fluctuating mood, Cui Bian's face is not quite right.

  "My brother needn't be modest, this tea has been offered to the current emperor and specially granted with imperial favor, others cannot participate in the ceremony"

  Close your eyes and savor deeply for half a moment, then open them.

  "As the saying goes, tea reveals one's character." His expression became slightly more serious.

  "Everyone at the time said that brother was involved with Yang's party", which shows Cui Yuan's calm and composed demeanor.

  Cui Bian said, "I didn't know you had such talent. It's all due to your own efforts and progress, exhausting your mind and thoughts. You are far superior to Yang, who relies on your abilities." Although it was somewhat flattering, it was very much to his liking.

  "These trivial matters are not on my mind, the public is just and fair, this Yang Party's connection, above there is still a Wei Xiang, the one in the upper palace is also at ease... What's the use of turning it over again?"

  Choi Yu An calmly took a sip and then poured some more for herself.

  。。。

  "Brother, congratulations! The Emperor has issued a decree, appointing you as the Commander-in-Chief of the military forces in the southern and eastern regions."

  "My younger brother is now in a position of honor, having ascended to the pavilion and entered the imperial court. His great ambition has been fulfilled, and it won't be long before he becomes the master of the imperial court."

  "My brother is overpraised. Now the Emperor wants to take action on military affairs, and has issued imperial edicts to various states to mobilize troops and horses. He relies heavily on my brother as a pillar of the state, and will surely achieve great things."

  It's getting lively outside

  "What's all the commotion?"

  Yu Hou replied and also took charge of the records.

  "The Northern Army Commander-in-Chief Liang Jun inspected the Songzhou Qiang army, and was currently... borrowing our army's camp to practice drills... for battle"

  "Oh, how did you come up with this"

  "Using wooden tally sticks as soldiers, marking with ash, switching between offense and defense, counting casualties by the number of white ones."

  "This Mr. Rongruo is also a wonderful Dharma"

  "But..."

  "Besides, it's nothing to be ashamed of."

  Zhang Shu did not speak, presenting a clear list, but his face was somewhat strange. Even though Cui Yuan had many years of city governance and cultivation, after seeing the things on this list, he also slightly changed his expression.

  "Jie Chen" felt a bit awkward at the clerk's words "He actually still wants to take you away".

  After waving goodbye and retreating, I saw that the kettle had been boiled dry, so I added some fresh distilled water.

  Cui Bian had long heard that this Northern Army Commander was causing trouble in various camps, using strange methods to select people, and even allowing private fights and spreading rumors of chaos. He couldn't help but frown, "Brother, you really have a good temper."

  "I see that he is just a sycophant who has managed to gain control of the key positions, and it's because of him that I've ended up like this." One of his colleagues spoke out.

  Cui Yuan merely smiled faintly and remained silent. Although Cui Yuan rose to prominence through military merit and was once a decisive figure who gave orders and wielded power, he was in an exceptionally good mood and more tolerant of his subordinates' doubts, but there was no need for him to explain anything.

  Re-look at Cui Bian's smile unchanged, his eyes slightly narrowed as if he had a similar feeling.

  He sighed in his heart that this younger brother was born in a giant family in the capital, although he had talent, but also had some arrogant bones. It is said that he was the grandson of Cui Xuanwei, the king of Boling County, who served as the left assistant minister of the Ministry of Rites, and his father Cui Ju, who was famous for his literature and served as a secretary in the Imperial Secretariat and a deputy minister in the Ministry of Rites. He was a prominent figure in the Cui family and was praised as one of the "Four Dragons of the Cui Family".

  When he was demoted to a lower position, Yang would often not see him off with pleasure. However, Bo Ling and Cui Shi of the same clan but different lineage had a long-standing friendship. With deep family connections, someone asked for his help in transferring, and he also made some effort on account of their private relationship, so he was only demoted to a remote state. Although after these years of official ups and downs, he has become more mature and stable, there are still some thoughts.

  "You are really unaware, aren't you? Although his background is unclear, he was just a low-ranking soldier a few months ago. Since he could survive the fierce battle, he must have extraordinary luck. The defeat at Tongguan Pass resulted in tens of thousands of soldiers being wiped out, with only one or two surviving. Some traitorous generals even surrendered to the enemy. It's not surprising that he was able to escape unharmed, but as a mere soldier, he was able to rally the remaining troops and fight his way through danger to find the imperial carriage and plot to report back."

  That's the credit of those fellow soldiers, and when it comes to this escape experience, it's naturally going to be exaggerated from four parts to ten parts of brilliance, which also makes oneself look better.

  But saying this is a matter of breadth and depth, it's something that can be described as loyal and brave. In these chaotic times, there are few people who have both luck and ability, so don't underestimate others, being kind to oneself is the best.

  "My brother can't help but filter it out..." with a somewhat disapproving attitude.

  Chui Yuan heard this and dismissed his attendants and guests.

  Just said again

  "Rough words and deeds do not necessarily mean ignorance. From what I've heard about this person's actions, it's nothing but a ruthless and cunning mind, with base thoughts and no regard for consequences, disregarding reputation or infamy, yet possessing insight beyond the ordinary, not your average coarse and vulgar individual."

  Moreover, there is the merit of saving the emperor's life, and the imperial palace has the meaning of preserving the whole.

  That small temple's marriage, although it is said to be the emperor's decree, secretly conveyed that the crown prince's intention was predominant. The empress also promised her adopted daughter to him. It is said that he is also closely related to the imperial heir, Guangping King and Jianning King, and has both a reputation for teaching and actual instruction. This network of relationships connects three generations of rulers, from top to bottom, and its scope cannot be underestimated. In the future, his advancement and retreat will leave room for maneuver, it can be said that one cannot judge a person by appearance.

  Moreover, even if he has some underhanded means, they are all ruthless and clean, leaving no room for criticism. He always manages to cater to the emperor's wishes, carefully considering the imperial family's dignity and authority, and having a marital relationship with the royal family, so even if he is somewhat arrogant, it is as if the emperor does not know about it.

  "It is precisely for this reason that some capable individuals are also good at catering to the superior's opinions; we should all the more make friends with them."

  There is also a Han Zhong Wang who shares the same idea as He Jiedushi Cui Yuan, and the same problem also exists among the Han Zhong Wang's accompanying officials and guests.

  "The king is pleased, but it's just a joke to amuse the emperor, nothing more. Why... Your Highness is being too kind and forgiving." It seems that what was said earlier was somewhat excessive, but King Han Zhong didn't mind, instead explaining

  Although this person's behavior is a bit strange, the rest are not simple. According to some people, this guy appears very boring and sloppy on the surface, but never does anything unnecessary, has a thick face, a black heart, and ruthless means, is good at remembering grudges and knows how to seize opportunities, and is a promising type in the officialdom.

  Moreover, he dares to use people, is willing to use people, does not avoid fugitives, and does not compare backgrounds. He can also make great efforts to help others, and has a reputation for being protective of his subordinates. In small matters, he is not strict, but in major matters, he is strict and unambiguous. When there are achievements, he rewards them generously, without begrudging his subordinates. As a result, he does not lack people who are willing to risk their lives for him. It is better to make friends with someone like that than to provoke him.

  That's all I have to say. Feeling that the tea in his mouth had become too weak, he called for a servant to come and change it for fresh tea.

  "Imperial edict arrived at Hanzhong City, troops from various states and towns returned to Jianjinwei, forming a new army." Cui Bian picked up a cup of newly brewed tea, filtered it twice, placed it under his nose and took a deep breath, savoring the aroma carefully.

  "Oh, that's natural too. It's just that Your Majesty has made this arrangement, and the selection of officials is still in the hands of that Mr. Liang." Upon hearing this, Cui Yuan's eyebrows moved slightly, but he put down his cup.

  "Not bad, although it's just a Jinwu Zhonglang, in daily life it doesn't matter much. There are still several Zhonglang, generals, Da Jiangjun, and Shang Jiangjun who have control over the various provinces, departments, temples, and government offices. However, at present, all of these are incomplete and imperfect due to simplification, and the Imperial Guards are also in decline, so he is the only one who stands out."

  "But he is still in charge of the imperial city and has other duties with the Dragon Guard, I'm afraid it's just a nominal position, and someone else will be appointed as deputy." Cui Bian gently picked up the silver kettle and added another pour.

  "Nothing is impossible for a willing mind."

  "Zi You, I don't understand. Although he is a rare talent at a young age, Wei Lao Xiang Ye is the head of the Imperial Secretariat and Wei Da Xiang Gong is the Grand Councilor. If Little Wei Jiang Jun were to be appointed, where would he be placed? The thoughts of the imperial family cannot be guessed at will." Cui Bian heard this and seemed to have something on his mind.

  "Who raised his hand in the end?"

  "Longwu Army Left General Gao Dafu and Left Jinwu Right General were stationed at Zhi Shangjin, responding to Dasanguan and Shangluo."

  "Dafu, this name seems to have been heard before... Isn't he that young man from a poor and humble background who loves socializing and has the spirit of a wandering knight, and aspires to achieve great things? His poems 'Yan Song' and 'Handan Youth' are renowned throughout the world, sung by people everywhere, and together with Wang, Cen, Li and others, he is known as one of the greatest poets of the border regions of our dynasty. I heard that Dafu, a man from Bohai, spent his early years traveling and living in the western regions of the river, where he gained great fame, and later followed Geshu to fight on all four sides, achieving great things in both literature and military affairs."

  "It is"

  "This road was where he accompanied his brother Gao Su through Tongguan, and could not avoid dying for the country. Who would have thought that it would come to this..."

  "It was heard that previously he served as a secretary for the marshal, going back and forth to the capital to present memorials. When Geshu's army was defeated, he was in Chang'an urging the delivery of grain supplies. The current emperor asked his ministers for strategies to pacify the region, but only he suggested exhausting all means to recruit brave soldiers to resist the bandits, saying it was not too late. This made Yang and others resent him, and he was wrongly accused of being a rebel. When the emperor went west, An Dejiu did not know how he managed to escape, but halfway through his journey, he was recruited by Liang, and then cleared of charges."

  "Unwilling to think that 'the unknown liver and gallbladder, who will go', yet it makes one recall the humble abode of Pingyuan Jun, a man of great talent, now unexpectedly willing to dwell beneath this person, isn't this a compromise?"

  Cui Yuan sighed, "But it's not like that. That Liang certain person claimed to be a former subordinate of Ge Shu. At the beginning, he was just a soldier, but after the change in the middle of the journey, he didn't hesitate to use his military achievements and noble titles as rewards, and even risked his own family to prove Ge Shu's innocence. Such kindness has won people's hearts. It's likely that others who were also former subordinates of Ge Shu would feel the same way and rely on him heavily. It's not surprising that he is willing to serve him wholeheartedly."

  "This Lord Rong still has some insight"

  "It's not just that," said Cui Yuan with a sigh, "look at this memorial"

  Received a hand copy with a torn edge, obviously ripped off, and scribbled handwriting.

  "The Seventeen Forbidden Laws, Fifty-four Executioner" Cui Bian's face changed greatly. But the more he looked, the more shocked he became.

  When drums beat, they do not advance; when gold is offered, they do not halt. When flags are raised, they do not rise; when flags are lowered, they do not lower themselves. This is called a rebellious army. Those who violate this rule shall be beheaded.

  Second: When called, they do not respond; when summoned, they do not arrive on time; violating the appointed time and altering the military laws - this is called a slow army. Those who commit such offenses shall be beheaded.

  Third: At night, sentinels who fail to report and are slow to respond, or whose signals are unclear, will be considered a lazy army. Those responsible will be beheaded.

  Fourth: frequently expressing discontent, being angry with one's commander, refusing to listen to advice, and making it difficult to control the troops - this is called "rebellion". Those who commit this offense will be beheaded.

  Although I am not very familiar with military affairs, I also know the weight of this thing.

  "Simple and easy to frighten, the overall key to governing the army since ancient times, all can be summed up in this. If you can do two or three things, you can become a general of a region or a pillar of the state. I wonder which saintly person can pick him out." He turned to Cui Yuan and said:

  But surprisingly saw his rarely expressive cousin reveal a hint of bitter smile.

  "This is what Rongyu said when he first met with the current emperor and spoke from his heart"

  Speechless

  In the end, it's all about speed. The balance of cat's level, quality and quantity. Some people think the plot is dragging on, this is probably a common problem for those who have read too many cat books, and accidentally wrote too much introduction. As for the comments that the first few chapters are chaotic, I won't say more, everyone thinks it's best to update every few days while ensuring quality.