Zhang Chao walked to the corridor and looked at Zhang Cheng who was wielding his sword amidst the snowflakes in the sky.

More than ten days have passed since the bloody battle in front of the inner city. From that day on, Zhang Cheng, who came back, felt a little abnormal, very anxious, uneasy, and even angry.

"Your name was also mentioned in the edict. Your performance this time is remarkable. It can be said that without you, the inner city would have been captured by King Jing a long time ago, and the whole thing would have completely changed.

The officials want to reward you in person!" Zhang Chao said.

Zhang Cheng inserted the knife on the ground and turned around. Blood stains were flowing down his naked upper body. It was unclear whether it was sweat or snow.

"I don't want to go, I feel very confused."

Zhang Chao frowned slightly, walked into the snow, stared at Zhang Cheng and said: "Because of the death of King Jing?"

"Yes, it's not just that. The last battle that day really made me feel uncomfortable. Father, maybe I did something wrong." Zhang Cheng said with his head hanging down.

"Nonsense!" Zhang Chao's face darkened: "How can it be wrong to be loyal to officials? No matter when, even if this scene is recorded in history books many years later, it will only be words of praise for you."

"History books are written by the victors!" Zhang Cheng looked up to the sky and sighed. "The so-called Spring and Autumn Period. Don't expect history to be fair, because the history that can be passed down is all sung by the victors. What about the losers?

Are you qualified to write history? So fairness is not that important, right?"

"Who told you this?" Zhang Chao looked at his son in surprise, "In the past, apart from practicing martial arts, you were just eating, drinking, whoring and gambling, and you never thought about these things."

"A friend." Zhang Cheng smiled and said, "A very knowledgeable friend."

Zhang Chao glanced at him and snorted: "Is it Xiao Cheng and Xiao Chongwen?"

Zhang Cheng was surprised: "How could my father guess so accurately?"

"When you were talking about a friend just now, you glanced at the knife involuntarily!" Zhang Chao pointed to the knife stuck in the snow: "And I just know that this knife was given to you by Xiao Cheng.

of."

"It's no wonder that my father can become a Taiwei and command an army. His ability to observe facial expressions is truly amazing." Zhang Cheng shook his head. He really didn't expect that his secret would be exposed with just one look.

"Son, the victor is naturally the correct one. Of course, history only records the correct ones." Zhang Chao patted his son on the shoulder and said with a smile. "In order to find out who is right and who is wrong in this matter, in such a matter, originally

It is meaningless. But King Jing became a prince and raised an army to rebel. This is a big mistake and will definitely be tolerated by the world. So you don't have to feel guilty about this matter."

"But father, do you feel comfortable when you see people like Cui Ang triumphant in the court, and famous border generals like you Qin Kuan being punished?" Zhang Cheng became a little annoyed. "He even dared to bite King Jing.

, dare to frame you, who knows when they will attack you?"

Zhang Chao smiled lightly, "That's it for people like Cui Ang. He is just a knife in the hands of officials. He has lost the capital that a civil servant relies on to survive, and he doesn't have us to protect his family.

What's left of Weiguo's ability is that he will be ruthlessly exploited by the officials. One day, when his use value is gone, it will be time to end sadly. This kind of person is not worth your worry."

"Does this mean that good people don't live long, but disasters last for thousands of years?" Zhang Cheng said angrily.

Zhang Chao laughed: "If the water is clear, there will be no fish, and if the people are careful, there will be no disciples. Son, with your current mentality, you can only be a general, not a commander! Okay, if you don't go, you won't go. You still have to be a general."

If you don't learn to hide your thoughts, and you really go in front of the officials, it's not beautiful if you don't respond properly. However, this time you have made great achievements, and you definitely deserve a heavy reward. You are already a commander. If you are promoted again, you will be

Now that you can go out and take charge, can you tell me what you think? This way, I can be prepared in front of the officials."

"My son wants to go to Hebei!" Zhang Cheng exhaled and said, "The strong smell of blood in Bianliang makes me feel very uncomfortable. I want to go to Hebei. All the people I kill there will be Liao people."

Zhang Chao nodded: "Yes, that's not bad. Although Ma Xing is a little meaner, he has never been jealous of talents, and he can also know people well. Zheng Xiong, the new marching director on Hebei Road, is also your father's old comrade-in-arms.

, I won’t embarrass you. Another deputy general, Wang Jun, is also very capable, but he is cautious and cautious in everything he does. Wherever you go, Wang Jun will not fight with you. Zheng Xiong cares about his father.

On the face of it, I will also give you a chance. If you go there, it will be an opportunity to reach a higher level."

"My son won't be promoted in a short period of time!" Zhang Cheng said, spreading his hands.

"Why not? Xiao Changqing is twenty-four years old this year and is already the marching general manager of the Western Army!" Zhang Chao smiled and said: "You are twenty, maybe you can become the marching general manager of the Western Army when you are twenty-four!"

"Father, you are the commander of all the four armies. No matter how meritorious your son is, he will never be able to lead an army alone!" Zhang Cheng said.

"If you really have such a day, father will make way for you!" Zhang Chao said with a smile.

Zhang Cheng shook his head: "My son is not that capable, but I still have this bit of self-knowledge. Father, when it comes to Xiao Changqing, what are the thoughts of Xiao Yu and the court this time? It's been three days, why are you still locking up Prime Minister Xiao?"

?What kind of charter is this?”

"Xiao Jixiang has always been a supporter of King Jing. This is not a secret in Bianliang. What's more important is that this time King Jing rebelled, Xiao Jixiang openly stood on King Jing's side!" Zhang Chao said.

"Isn't Luo Xianggong also standing on King Jing's side?" Zhang Cheng snorted. He was on the city wall at the time, but he could see clearly. "Father, I guess the court is still imprisoning Xiao Jixiang.

Is it because of Brother Xiao? This matter is no small matter. If there is any misunderstanding, it will cause big trouble."

"Didn't you say before that Xiao Changqing was loyal and a worthy official of the country? Why do you have no confidence now?" Zhang Chao raised his eyebrows and asked.

Zhang Cheng sighed: "Even King Jing jumped out to rebel against me. No matter how much I trust Brother Xiao, I dare not make such a guarantee. But father, Xiao Changqing is not King Jing! King Jing's rebellion was in Bianliang

, it is in the center of the Song Dynasty. After all, there are hundreds of thousands of troops stationed around Bianliang, and they can be mobilized at any time. If something happens to Xiao Changqing, it will be in the northwest. It is said that Xiao Changqing can control a hundred thousand strings!"

"There are some things you don't know!" Zhang Chao said calmly: "None of the two sons of the Xiao family is worry-free."

"What's wrong with Xiao Chongwen? He's just a civil servant, and he's still in a place like Qianzhou where birds don't shit!" Zhang Cheng was surprised.

"Ha!" Zhang Chao laughed: "When the officials sent Xiao Cheng to Qianzhou, they were indeed punishing this person, but the development of the matter was beyond everyone's expectation. This Xiao Cheng is really

He is a good hand in dealing with the Yi people. He has only been in Qianzhou for a year. Qianzhou has 49 Jizhou prefectures under its jurisdiction, and he has already bowed to him."

Zhang Cheng's eyes widened and he almost couldn't believe his ears. If his father hadn't said such words, he would never have believed such a thing.

"Why haven't you heard of such a thing before?"

"Didn't something happen to Xiao Yu? Kuizhou Road Transfer Officer Li Fang was afraid that the matter would involve him, so he reported Xiao Cheng's actions in Qianzhou. Before that, he was bored

He wants to make a fortune!" Zhang Chao snorted: "Xiao Cheng is really clever, but Li Fang is getting stupider as he gets older. He wants fame, power, and money, but Xiao Cheng can't get it.

Deadly?"

"In this case, it will be more okay for Xiao Ji to meet, right?" Zhang Cheng thought of another possibility and felt a little happy.

Zhang Chao looked at his son and said meaningfully: "That's not necessarily true. Things must be reversed at their extremes. One body has two sides. It just depends on which angle you look at this matter!"

The court meeting in Daqing Hall is over.

All the high-sounding words or things have been said there and arranged properly.

After some people who could decide the final direction of the empire left the Daqing Palace and went to the Imperial Study Room, more things that could affect the country were put on the table.

Although Luo Song and Li Guang were released, they can only stay at home now.

And another big shot, Xiao Yu, is still imprisoned in Taiwan Prison and has not been released!

Today's discussion in the imperial study room focused on Xiao Yu's affairs.

"It's time to let Xiao Jixiang come out." Xia Jie said: "The three secretaries are now in chaos without their chief officer. Bianliang is currently unstable, and the stability of the three secretaries is even more important."

"Not bad, not bad!" Chen Gui agreed: "Guan Jia, the Fourth Army has suffered a lot of casualties this time, and the pension alone is a huge sum. It just happens that it is the end of the year, and Xiao Ji can't show it.

We can’t raise any money, so we can’t delay this matter, otherwise something will happen easily.”

Zhang Chao sat aside with his head lowered and remained silent. This was his usual style. Although he was always present at discussions of this level, he always came with only one ear and his mouth was usually slit.

Even if he was asked by officials, he would just hum and say nothing.

This is his way of survival. For so many years, the civil servants in power have been able to tolerate such a military general among them.

Because Zhang Chao never fights.

Cui Ang looked at the nostrils of the East and West mansions, and then looked at the officials' expressions, and knew it was time to take action.

Regardless of Xia Jie or the old rules, when doing things, instead of asking the officials for instructions first, they look like they are instructing the officials to do things. It would be strange if the officials feel happy.

"Officials, I think it's inappropriate! Xiao Yu is different from Mr. Luo and Mr. Li. If we don't investigate clearly, how can we be convinced by the tens of thousands of civilian soldiers who died in this incident?" Cui Ang stood up and spoke impassionedly.

typical.

"Cui Zhongcheng, what do you mean?" Xia Jie suddenly changed his face.

"Chief Assistant, Xiao Yu is a die-hard confidant of King Ni. If you go to the street and ask a random person, I'm afraid that person will be able to tell about this matter. King Ni is rebelling. Whether Xiao Yu participated or not, we will not investigate.

How does Cha know?" Cui Ang said.

"Nonsense!" Chen Gui said angrily: "Cui Zhongcheng, don't you know what kind of person Xiao Yu is? Don't you know how involved he is? The rebellious king is dead, Tao Dayong and other rebellious people have been beheaded, Qin Min

It is impossible for a group of people to escape even if they have wings, so this matter is over here. The intention of the official family, myself and the chief assistant is that the main thing now is to appease, and this matter must not be expanded."

"Is it because of Xiao Ding?" Cui Ang sneered: "Chief Assistant, Privy Councilor, if it is because of this reason, then how can we lose the face of our Song Dynasty court? Is this setting a benchmark for future generations? If it is because of Xiao Yu, Xiao Ding

If such a son dares not to investigate, cannot investigate, or does not want to investigate, isn't he sending an extremely bad signal to the world? Is there anyone who has a strong army and strong horses?"

Cui Ang's voice suddenly rose in pitch.

Xia Jie and Chen Gui looked at each other with extremely annoyed expressions on their faces.

There are those who have strong soldiers and strong horses!

That’s how it is!

But such things cannot be said.

Trai Ang is a troublemaker, but he cannot be a troubleshooter.

"What does the King of Chu mean?" Looking up, Zhao Suo's eyes turned to Zhao Jing, the King of Chu with a lowered eyebrow. Perhaps his second son rebelled and died too tragically in the inner city battle, so he had feelings for Zhao Suo.

It had quite an impact. From then on, the King of Chu could also attend meetings of this level.

"Father, as my son and minister wish, I also asked Xiao Jixiang to stay in Tai Prison for a longer period of time, but as long as he serves me well with wine and food, maybe his wife and children can come in to visit at any time." Zhao Jing raised his head and said with a smile: "

I can trust Prime Minister Xiao Ji’s character, but outsiders don’t know it, so it’s necessary to check it out. If you check it out, you can also clear Prime Minister Xiao Ji’s name!”

"That's it?" Zhao Suo frowned slightly.

"No matter what, if Mr. Xiao is involved in this big thing, he should always inform Mr. Xiao. Mr. Xiao is the eldest son in the family. If something like this happens, he should come back to fulfill his filial piety and take care of the housework.

Furthermore, Manager Xiao has made great achievements many times since he left Shengxi last time, but he has never returned to his job to boast about his achievements. It just so happens that he can use this opportunity to kill two birds with one stone!" Zhao Jing said with a smile.

Upon hearing this, both Xia Jie and Chen Gui's eyes flashed, looking at Zhao Jing as if they were seeing each other with admiration after seeing each other for three days.

Zhao Jing was threatening Xiao Yu and Xiao's family to threaten Xiao Ding, asking Xiao Ding to return to Beijing to report on his work.

There is no doubt that once Xiao Ding returns to Bianliang, he will never dare to leave again.

If Xiao Ding comes back, Xiao Yu will be fine, and the Xiao family will still be rich.

No matter what the court thought, it still needed to use this attitude to appease the Western Army.

Of course, after the imperial court completely takes over the Western Army, how to deal with the Xiao family is another matter.

Was it really Zhao Jing who came up with this strategy?

Looking at everyone's expressions, Zhao Jing was quite proud.
Chapter completed!