Chapter 179: I want to imitate Qi Wangxin's betrayal of Xiang Yu and his allegiance to Liu Bang
Chapter 179: I want to imitate Qi Wangxin's betrayal of Xiang Yu and his allegiance to Liu Bang
Inside the house, Lu Yunyi and Liu Wanyi sat on one side.
Sitting opposite were Liu Zhizhou and Lu, and they were having a pleasant conversation.
Liu Zhizhou knew that he had made another great contribution, and naturally he became more and more satisfied.
If the current momentum continues, he, as a virtuous son-in-law, will soon come to the attention of the central government.
The Du family was also descended from a Liaodong family, and they knew how difficult it was to achieve success in the military.
Now the son-in-law is dressed in casual clothes, like a handsome young man, and he and his daughter are a perfect match.
Mrs. Du seemed to be a bit like a mother-in-law who likes her son-in-law more and more the more she looks at him.
After they chatted for less than two quarters of an hour, Mrs. Du slowly stood up, looked at Liu Wanyi, and said:
"Wanyi, come with me. Some cloth was sent to us today. Come and see if there is anything you like."
This move naturally gave Liu Zhizhou and Lu Yunyi room to talk.
Both of them were court officials and always talked about military and political affairs.
Liu Wanyi's mouth drooped slightly, but she still knew the general situation, so she stood up happily and said to Lu Yunyi:
"Husband, Wanyi will bring more cloth this time and make clothes for you."
"Okay, okay, of course it's great." Lu Yunyi could only nod repeatedly.
Liu Zhizhou felt a little jealous and kept sighing:
"You've just walked through the door, and your elbow is already turning outward"
Liu Wanyi stuck out her tongue at Liu Zhizhou, and followed Mrs. Du happily, shaking her head. She could still faintly hear Mrs. Du's scolding:
"You are already married, you should be more stable and learn from the ladies from wealthy families."
Lu Yunyi and Liu Zhizhou watched them leave with a smile.
Liu Zhizhou smiled and said, "I am the only daughter of this old man. She has been spoiled since she was young and has a bit of a erratic personality. Yun Yi, please don't be surprised."
Lu Yunyi spoke with great fear and trepidation:
"My father-in-law, you are joking. Wanyi and I are still young, so it is normal for us to be more lively. If we are depressed, it will be bad."
As he spoke, Lu Yunyi remembered what Lan Yu had said to him, and he smiled and said:
"My dear father-in-law, the general once told me,
I want to be more domineering and not be mature and prudent, otherwise I will be feared by others because of my old-fashioned air.
With Wanyi by my side, I can feel more lively. "
Liu Zhizhou showed a strange look in his eyes and nodded repeatedly:
“The general is right, military leaders must be domineering, greedy and lustful, otherwise their superiors will be wary.
Those soldiers in Liaodong have been committing crimes all these years without any punishment from the imperial court.
But once they settled down, the court immediately sent Wu Dinghou to watch over them, and as expected, they discovered that they were in collusion with Nahachu. "
Lu Yunyi blinked his eyes, looking confused. Is this actually happening?
In the 18th year of Hongwu, Guo Ying, Marquis of Wuding, was appointed General Jinghai and stationed in Liaodong. In the same year, the Guo Heng case broke out.
Could it be related to it?
With his brows slightly furrowed, Lu Yunyi asked without any hesitation:
"My Lord, is Liaodong related to Guo Heng and Beiping?"
In the Guo Heng case, the main culprits were Beiping Governor Li Yu and Provincial Surveillance Commissioner Zhao Quande.
By paying less autumn grain, he also created various excuses when collecting taxes, including water fees, food fees, treasury fees, fees for gods and Buddhas, and a series of other taxes that did not exist elsewhere. He committed crimes over the years and embezzled more than 20 million shi of grain.
Seeing Lu Yunyi like this, Liu Zhizhou nodded in admiration and said mysteriously:
"More than 20 million dan of grain. If all of it were sold in the Ming Dynasty, the price of grain would plummet. Where did all this grain go?
There were rumors in the market that some grain went to Nahachu, Korea and Northern Yuan Dynasty through Liaodong.
Whether it is true or not, I don’t know. "
That must be it.
Lu Yunyi secretly confirmed in his heart that his father-in-law was from a noble family in Liaodong and must know some secrets.
Liu Zhizhou smiled, his voice dry and warm:
"You are a young general in the army, but you happen to have a steady personality. No matter how I look at you, it seems a bit awkward."
Liu Zhizhou looked at Lu Yunyi from head to toe.
He made inquiries and learned that this son-in-law was invincible in fighting in Qingzhou.
Now he looks like a scholar, which looks weird no matter how you look at him.
Noticing his gaze, Lu Yunyi smiled bitterly and said at the right time:
"I dare not deceive my father-in-law. I also want to eat and drink without thinking all day long.
But I have something on my mind, so I can't be happy.
Today, I would like to take this opportunity to visit my father-in-law and ask him to help me solve my doubts."
Liu Zhizhou put away the smile on his face and frowned slightly.
He did not speak, but slowly stood up and slowly closed the door.
The original light in the room was suddenly blocked, and it became gloomy.
But because the door was closed, the coolness of the ice cubes placed in the four corners of the house immediately spread, making people feel refreshed.
Liu Zhizhou returned to his seat with a solemn expression. He calmed his breathing, stabilized his thoughts, and said in a deep voice:
"What's the matter?"
Lu Yunyi brought out the statement he had prepared long ago:
"What do you think of the fact that King Xin of Qi abandoned Xiang Yu and joined Emperor Han, Liu Bang?"
Liu Zhizhou frowned, his expression changed, and he looked at Lu Yunyi suspiciously. The atmosphere in the room became more and more solemn.
After a long time, Liu Zhizhou slowly spoke:
"It is human nature to seek better employment if one is not given a high position."
Lu Yunyi took a deep breath and continued:
"If King Qi Xin is valued by Xiang Yu, promoted by Xiang Yu, and taught him repeatedly, what should King Qi Xin do? Please teach me, father-in-law."
"The Strategies of the Warring States: Zhao Strategies" once said, "If you treat me like a national hero, I will definitely repay you like a national hero."
If Qi Wangxin is valued by Xiang Yu, he will certainly be loyal to his master." Liu Zhizhou's brows were getting tighter and tighter.
Lu Yunyi continued, "Xiang Yu committed suicide at Wujiang River. How should King Xin of Qi deal with it?"
Liu Zhizhou shook his head and said: "If Qi Wangxin is given an important position, Xiang Yu will definitely use his battle tactics, and with Xiang Yu's bravery, there is no possibility of defeat."
Lu Yunyi wanted to continue speaking, but Liu Zhizhou waved his hand to stop him. He looked heavy-hearted and sighed:
"Although the general's bombardment of Xifeng Pass was inappropriate, it was also a helpless move.
General Lan Yu was rebellious, insulted the Yuan emperor's wife, and adopted many sons. These were all ways that generals of the previous dynasty used to save their lives.
This battle was a great victory, and the rank of General of Conquering the Enemy has reached the limit of his potential promotion, so he has no choice but to resort to this method."
Lu Yunyi wanted to say something, but Liu Zhizhou raised his hand to stop him and said slowly:
"Yun Yi, you are still young and you cannot see through some things, so let me ask you.
If General Lan Yu is a humble person, respectful to the wise and humble, willing to give up his clothes and food, kindly treats former Yuan officials, appeases the Northern Yuan royal family, and strictly disciplines the soldiers, what would you do if you were the current emperor?"
This was extremely outrageous, but Lu Yunyi opened and closed his mouth, unable to say anything.
He would summon Lan Yu into the palace that very day, smash a cup as a signal, have executioners serve, confiscate Lan Yu's property, and kill his clan, to ensure that Lan Yu would not see the sun the next day.
"Qi Wangxin is not only confused in politics, but also in the military. What is his fate?"
Liu Zhizhou's eyes were sharp, then they became relaxed:
"Generals being domineering is not a bad thing but a good thing.
When the army returns to the capital, Your Majesty and the Crown Prince will surely give you a great reward.
The general who conquered the enemy had no other title to offer, so he could only be promoted to a higher rank.
If we go one step further, General Lan Yu will truly have no more titles to offer, and he will only be able to train troops everywhere and promote the younger generation."
After a pause, Liu Zhizhou spoke earnestly:
"General Lan Yu thinks highly of you. He sent you alone to fight in Liaodong without sending anyone else. His intention to promote you is clearly revealed.
For this reason, he must have had a huge quarrel with many military commanders.
As the Warring States Policy says, if you treat me like a great man, I will repay you like a great man.
Give up your thoughts. If you turn to someone else now, you will no longer have a place in the Ming Dynasty."
He was in the Ming officialdom and had a thorough understanding of the court affairs. Every promotion meant a battle.
If you change your allegiance easily, you will be cursed at best, and die without a burial place at worst.
Lu Yunyi sighed heavily, he had been convinced. In this world, good people and bad people all have food to eat, but traitors don't.
Sighing softly, Lu Yunyi spoke in a deep voice:
"I dare not expect my father-in-law. After the war, the general wants to transfer me to Daning.
Assist the censor in drawing fish scale maps and measuring land, but my son-in-law wants to go to the southwest to fight. "
Liu Zhizhou frowned slightly, and was shocked. Daning? Southwest?
He frowned and thought quickly about the court reports of the past few days.
If the imperial court wants to make decisions on local administrative and military affairs, it will certainly be reflected in the official reports.
After a long time, he spoke in a deep voice:
"The imperial court is going to mobilize troops against Luchuan? Didn't Lord Mu defeat Si Lunfa at the beginning of the year?"
Lu Yunyi explained:
"Luchuan has many rebellions. Even if the imperial court does not attack, Silunfa will continue to harass.
Judging from the military report from the year before, it was just an initial test.
The real military action is still to come, maybe next year.
The military commanders had already noticed this and began to prepare for war in the northwest.
However, the troops from Xiping Marquis’ Mansion should be the main force.”
"Do you want to defect to Lord Mu?" Liu Zhizhou had a strange look on his face.
Lu Yunyi's expression also turned strange:
"Father-in-law, I just want to find a remote place to escape the disaster.
The general acted like this, and I was afraid that the emperor would be angry and kill me along with him.
My son-in-law has just started a family and wants to live a peaceful life."
"Give up this attachment as soon as possible."
Liu Zhizhou's face turned serious and he said in a cold voice, then he laughed:
"You are good at choosing people. If you switch to someone else, Lord Mu may be the only one in the world who would dare to accept you. Tang has the two Lis, Ming has Chang Xu, and now only Mu Lan is left."
Lu Yunyi smiled bitterly, a little bitterly.
Liu Zhizhou looked at Lu Yunyi and said with relief:
"You are right not to get involved in the matter of the Fish Scale Yellow Book, especially in Daning. This is an assignment to cut off people's money.
Our Ming Dynasty was newly established, and we charged forward from south to north without any hindrance.
But before that, the current emperor had been fighting in the south for more than ten years, and the nobles and dignitaries of the previous dynasty were all dispersed.
Most of the northern regions were conquered by edicts, and the nobles and dignitaries were still there, and their influence on the local areas was still there.
The local people almost only recognize their masters and not the imperial court, so it is better to avoid such a quagmire.
Even if you want to draw the Yellow Book of Fish Scales, you should do it in the south, not in the north.
There are too many tricks involved here, and I’m afraid Wanyi will lose her husband at such a young age.”
When he said this, Lu Yunyi looked a little strange.
My father-in-law's family is a prominent family from Liaodong and has its own foundation, so I think what he said is true.
Seeing his expression, Liu Zhizhou knew what he was thinking and smiled:
"The family has some ancestral property in Liaodong, and thousands of people live with the Liu family.
If someone comes to Liaodong to survey the land, I will naturally target them in every way possible, and there is no need to explain the tricks."
Lu Yunyi also knew a thing or two about this.
The local dignitaries have not paid taxes for hundreds of years.
The newly established Ming Dynasty required the payment of taxes, which was like snatching food from a tiger's mouth. Naturally, there were all kinds of obstacles.
This situation is particularly serious in the north.
Because the north was where the Yuan capital was located, and the Yuan used a tax-farming system, the powerful and wealthy were entrenched in the local area, and a rigid system had long been formed.
This may be one of the reasons for moving the capital to the north.
Lu Yunyi didn't want to say more about this matter.
The affairs of Liaodong were a mess until the demise of the Ming Dynasty. It went on and on, and no one knows how many talented people were annexed by it.
Lu Yunyi frowned slightly, and he suddenly realized something.
Since measuring the land in the north is a deadly job,
If he takes the initiative to take over this task, can he become a lone minister?
Is he valued by the Emperor and the Crown Prince? He will be able to survive in the future.
The more Lu Yunyi thought about it, the more he felt that this was an idea.
At this time, Liu Zhizhou saw his expression changing back and forth, and said to comfort him:
"If you want to fight in the southwest, you don't have to go elsewhere.
You can just report it to the general and ask him to transfer you there.
Judging from the Liaodong incident, the general already considers you as his confidant, so it is still possible to have a good talk with you."
Lu Yunyi's face turned dark and he was almost confused.
With a light sigh, Lu Yunyi adjusted his thoughts:
"Thank you, father-in-law, for clearing up my doubts. I will think about it carefully when I get back and find a safe solution."
Liu Zhizhou smiled and nodded repeatedly:
"It's no wonder the general said that.
Yun Yi, you are indeed too mature and cautious. Sometimes you think too much and suffer the consequences.
There is no place in the world more secure than under the prince's command.
Nowadays, the old ministers in the court are either dead or retired.
A few days ago, news came from the capital that Duke Xin had retired and returned to his hometown.
Some old ministers also begged to retire, and Your Majesty promoted many people who were the crown princes.
If you stay under the Crown Prince's command, your future will be limitless."
There was ice placed in every corner of the house, making the temperature inside the house comfortable, but also chilling Lu Yunyi's heart.
He smiled and bowed repeatedly:
"Thank you for telling me, father-in-law. I will keep it in mind."
Seeing that Lu Yunyi admitted his mistakes and corrected them with a sincere attitude, Liu Zhizhou was extremely satisfied and nodded repeatedly.
"By the way, Yun Yi, when do you plan to set out to catch up with the army?" Liu Zhizhou suddenly remembered something and asked.
Lu Yunyi's face was solemn, and he said in a deep voice:
"After hearing the teachings of my father-in-law, I think I should return to the army and report the battle to the general as soon as possible, so I plan to leave tomorrow."
"So fast?" A trace of surprise flashed across Liu Zhizhou's face.
A son-in-law is like a half son to him. They just met today, and he will leave tomorrow. He feels a little reluctant.
But as a court official, he naturally knew the importance of the matter, so he nodded:
"You are a soldier. Even though we are reluctant to let you go,
But we still have to focus on military affairs, and it would be better if we could get back earlier, but it would be hard for Wanyi."
Lu Yunyi shook his head and smiled bitterly, saying frankly:
"I heard from Wanyi that your father-in-law is going to Beijing?
If my father-in-law comes to Beijing, Wanyi can go with him to accompany him, so that Wanyi will not feel so lonely at home.
It just so happened that the general gave me a house in the capital, so I cleaned it up as well."
"We have indeed considered it, but we will have to wait until next year or the year after next to consider it."
At this moment, Liu Zhizhou's satisfaction has reached its peak.
He always thinks about his daughter, he is indeed a good son-in-law!
"You will stay at my house today. I will have someone prepare some good wine and food tonight, and we will have some wine."
"It is better to obey than to be respectful."
Time passed quickly, and by the time Lu Yunyi and Liu Wanyi left the Liu Mansion, it was already the beginning of the Xu hour.
Lu Yunyi was riding a war horse, with a carriage following beside him, and Liu Wanyi was sitting in it.
There were two material carts at the back, which were filled with the finest silk cloth and rare items from Liaodong.
Horse-drawn and donkey-drawn carts rolled over the streets of Gyeongju, making a creaking sound.
At this time, the curtain of the small window on one side of the carriage was lifted, and Liu Wanyi's somewhat resentful face was revealed:
"My husband, I heard from my father that you are leaving home again?"
Lu Yunyi reeked of alcohol, and his eyes were a little drunk. He nodded silently:
"As long as we haven't returned to the capital, the war is not over. Your husband must lead his troops back to the army as soon as possible."
Liu Wanyi pursed her lips and nodded gently:
"My husband, please be safe on your journey. I will wait for you to come back home."
(End of this chapter)