The winter night in Jinling is deep and vast. Above the magnificent city is a vast night sky. The capital of the Tang Kingdom is surrounded by rivers on three sides, with high walls and steep rivers. The river water is as solid as the golden soup.

The Tang Dynasty had not experienced a major war for more than 20 years. Emperor Li Yu followed the art of Huang and Lao, and ruled inaction. Therefore, the people were rich. There were more than a thousand wealthy households in Jinling City, most of which were merchants. Since Hu Shang Abu and Guangling salt merchant Wang Shizhang donated military funds to be appointed as officials, wealthy merchants from all over the country have actively donated silver. In the past six months, Guanglu Temple has collected 2.3 million military funds, of which 150 have been allocated as military funds to pacify Qingyuan, and the remaining 800,000 are used for the construction and rectification of farmland water conservancy in winter. The two major tiers of agriculture and commerce are all happy.

At the same time, nearly 300 merchants obtained dispersed positions from the seventh to ninth ranks. In order to maintain this position without power or position, the merchants who obtained official positions had to pay a different amount of money and grain according to their ranks every year. After paying more than fifteen years, they could benefit their descendants. Therefore, although the wealthy businessmen felt sorry for the money, they still rushed to donate silver. It is roughly estimated that in the next ten years, the income of the Tang Dynasty's treasury would be increased by 3 million chunks of income every year. This money was not under the Ministry of Revenue and was directly under the Guanglu Temple and the inner government directly under the emperor. This was convenient to use money, and the centralization of the monarch was strengthened.

Zhou Xuan, the Duke of Xinzhou County, did not think about these major national affairs at this time. His beautiful wife and young daughters were surrounded by girls, and the female music was mixed, and he enjoyed the joy of peace and prosperity.

The Zhou Mansion band was trained by the music genius Yang Xiaopin, and at this time, she was quite imposing. Yang Xiaopin's nine-string zither, Ruichu's zither, Niannujiao's pipa, thin willow's Long Ruan, Ji Zhi's pan flute, Fengling'er's sheng, Su Xixi's twenty-five-string zither, and two maids, one blowing bamboo and the other blowing tube. A total of nine people were first played the big song "Green Waist" compiled by Li Guinian of the prosperous Tang Dynasty. The combination of each part was already skillful, the piano and sewing the flute and sheng were spinning. Zhou Xuan was overjoyed, and his hands were placed on his knees to beat the beat, leisurely intoxicated.

At this time, the round table feast had ended. Zhou Xuan brought his family and friends to "Zhujinlou" to drink and listen to music. Yang Zongbao, Lin Heishan, Qi Hong, Sun brothers, Gu Changshi and others sat on the exquisite food carpet, with an ebony desk in front of his knees, and a delicious wine and delicacies on the table. Listening to the wonderful music played by the lamb little flirts and the girls, they shook their heads and praised them.

Zhou Xuan was half drunk and was very excited. After the "Green Waist" was played, he shouted: "Come on the Jie drum and watch me beat the drum."

A strong servant lady brought the Jie drum to him, and Yang Xiaopin personally handed two boxwood drumsticks to Zhou Xuan's hand, and cut the water and clear eyes were staring at him. Since Zhou Xuan came back, the girl had almost never left Zhou Xuan, and her attachment was beyond words.

Zhou Xuan took the drumstick, turned his head and smiled, "Pin'er has grown taller again, but she seems to have lost weight. Why have she lost weight?"

Yang Xiaopin said three words: "I miss the young master."

Zhou Xuan said "Yes": "I miss you too." After that, he started beating the drum, his head was like a green mountain peak and his hands were like white raindrops. He had not practiced for more than three months, but his skills were not lost.

Xiao Xuxiang quietly said to Qin Que: "Xiao Xuxiang now understands that when my son-in-law is fine, he likes to move his hands quickly. It turns out that he is practicing beating drums. My son-in-law is really hardworking."

Qin Que and sewing needles all smiled like "parent".

Ernr looked at Zhou Zhiruo in her arms, her eyes were still black, and she smiled and said, "This little thing is happy today, and she still refuses to sleep."

Qin Que pursed her lips and said, "It's better to sleep deeper later, you can spend your time with your husband."

Renzi smiled and said, "Of course you are with me, I want to take care of Zhiruo."

Qin Que said something softly in the ear of the sewing needle, and the two of them laughed softly.

Sanchi brought Lin Ning over to greet the two mistresses and asked Qin Que to take Lin Ning's pulse.

Qin Que asked: "What's wrong with the third sister-in-law? I'm not feeling well?"

Zhou Xuan came back after beating the drum at this time and happened to hear it. He laughed and said, "My third sister-in-law is not sick, but pregnant."

Qin Que, Renzi quickly congratulated the Sanchi couple, Renzi said, "It's great, our Xiao Zhiruo will have a playmate soon."

Qin Que asked: "San Sister-in-law, how many months have you been?"

Lin Ning said with a red face: "It's been more than three months."

Qin Que smiled and said, "You can't tell a man or woman if you can't take your pulse for three months, it will take five months." As he said that, he asked Lin Ning to put his hand on her legs to take Lin Ning's pulse and check the fetal energy.

Zhou Xuan didn't dare to hug his daughter, so he just teased her and said, "The third brother is so anxious to know what it is his son or daughter. Do you prefer boys over girls?"

Sanchi said: "I like boys. Aning saw Miss Zhiruo so cute. She wanted a daughter."

Zhou Xuan smiled and said, "What's the hurry? I'll keep giving birth to my son before I give birth to a group of children."

Blowing and beating, talking and laughing, late at night, Zhou Zhiruo fell asleep in Ernine's arms. The girl Xiaoju took the cloak and surrounded Xiaozhiruo. Qin Que and Ernine got up and returned to "Furong Garden."

Zhou Xuan said: "Everyone is gone, we will meet again tomorrow."

Zhou Xuan laughed and said repeatedly: "Good, good, good, good, I will benefit the women of Tang State. The Imperial Doctor ordered Lord Qin to be happy not to quit his work."

At the beginning of the Chen Shi, Zhou Xuan took Qi Hong and the messenger of the Minister of War Chen Kai to the Qinzheng Hall of Daxing Palace to meet the emperor Li Yu. Li Jian and Lin Ji had been waiting outside Danfeng Gate for a while.

Avoiding everyone, Li Jian whispered: "I heard that cousin Xuan wants to be my brother-in-law?"

Zhou Xuan's face became slightly hot and said, "I'm afraid my aunt will not agree."

Li Jian smiled and said, "Don't worry, cousin Xuan, originally worried about Liu Shousu. Now that Liu Shousu has done it, if Huzhu doesn't marry you, who else can you marry?"

Li Jian already knew that the Tang army had captured Fuzhou, and the envoys who sought peace in Wu and Yue were still in Jinling.

When I arrived at Qinzheng Hall, I saw three dukes, two provinces, six ministers, Hanlin Academy and Jixian Hall, and King Jing Li Kun also arrived.

After visiting, Li Yu immediately ordered Zhou Xuan to inform the court officials of the southbound journey. As for Li Yu himself, Xiao Hou Zhou and Princess Qingle had already reported to him one by one yesterday evening.

Zhou Xuan once again told me about the experience he had told Xiao Zhou Hou the day before yesterday, and presented it to Liu Shousu, the new emperor of the Southern Han Dynasty. Zhou Xuan had already reported to Xiao Zhou Hou's marriage envoy halfway. Xiao Zhou Hou was unwilling to marry a Nanhan Princess who was good at martial arts as the crown princess, and praised Zhou Xuan for doing it right.

All the officials were talking about it, and they praised the Xinzhou County Government for making great contributions, not only making friends with the Southern Han Dynasty, but also helping Secretary Chen to wipe out Qingyuan. In March, he won 100,000 troops to move south.

At this time, the palace official whispered: "Qizhou County Duke Chen Si'an meets with him."

Chen Si'an, with a haggard face, knelt under the danmu, feeling ashamed that he dared not look up.

Li Yu was indeed kind and did not deliberately humiliate him. He asked a few questions and answers, and ordered a house in the east of the city to be given a hundred soldiers, and a banquet in the harem in the afternoon.

Chen Si'an thanked him and withdrew.

Li Yu looked at Zhou Xuan and smiled slightly, and asked, "Zhou Aiqing, the envoy who asked Wu Yue to seek peace is now in the office, asking our country to return to Fuzhou, saying that he is willing to redeem it for 500,000 taels of silver. Zhou Xuan thought how should he reply?"

Zhou Xuan thought to himself: "How can such a great opportunity be wasted? Naturally, some unequal treaties have to be signed." He said: "Your Majesty, Fuzhou was originally the old land of Fujian, and it was stolen by Wu and Yue. Now the entire territory of Fujian belongs to our Tang Dynasty, so how can we return it to Wu and Yue Fuzhou! Of course, we still have to collect 500,000 taels of silver, so we will reward our soldiers in the southern expedition as war compensation. In addition, we have to pay 200,000 taels of silver and 200,000 pieces of silk to our Tang Dynasty every year."

Li Yu was really weak and said, "These conditions of Zhou Aiqing are not harsh. How could Wu Yue agree to it?"

Zhou Xuan said: "If Wu Yue Kingdom refuses to agree, Chen Shangshu's 40,000 elite troops will be stationed in Fuzhou and will not retreat, and there will be 50,000 Qingyuan surrendered troops. Wu Yue Kingdom will not be afraid. In addition, our Tang Kingdom should form an independent naval army and cruise in the area of ​​the sea and the sea, and make a big noise on both sides of the water and land. How dare Wu Yue not surrender?"

Li Jian said: "Father, the Xinzhou County Duke said very well. This is the best strategy to defeat the army without fighting. After that, Wu and Yue paid tribute every year, and our Tang Kingdom became more and more prosperous. Wu and Yue finally had to be attached to our Tang Kingdom."

Li Yu nodded and said, "Very good, I don't know who can be the envoy of our Tang Dynasty negotiations?"

Li Kun immediately said: "The Zhou County Gong is resourceful and eloquent, and is able to take this responsibility."

Zhou Xuan saw Li Kun's words and thought to himself: "What do you recommend this guy to do? This is not a fat man. My buddy asked me to go out again as soon as he returned to Beijing and wanted to send me away. What do you want to do with Boy Li Kun?"

Li Yu hesitated and said, "Zhou Aiqing has just returned to Beijing and has not sat in the seat. How could he send another call?"

Zhou Xuan said: "I thank Your Majesty for your compassion. I recommend one person and I will definitely live up to my mission."

Li Yu asked: "Who is Zhou Aiqing recommending?"

Zhou Xuan said: "The nephew of Chen Kai, the Minister of War, is currently the General of Huaihua. This man assisted Chen Shangshu to make great contributions in the Battle of Qingyuan. He is smart and resolute, and can take this position."

Li Yu said: "Okay, let Chen Ji be the negotiating envoy and strive to make an alliance with Wu Yue before the New Year."

After discussing this matter, Li Yu said: "This time, the soldiers of the Southern Expedition and the generals surrendered by Qingyuan were rewarded. Only Zhou Xuan has not yet rewarded him. Zongzheng Temple Minister will announce the edict on my behalf."

Zhou Xuan knelt down and heard the title, but he was promoted to the title of the first grade, from Xinzhou County to Duke of Wu, with a fief of 3,000 households, and his eldest son was granted the title of Marquis of Xinzhou, waiting for a rank of rank.

Zhou Xuan's son had already had a title without knowing where he was. This was really an unprecedented honor. If Pan Yujiao gave birth to a son, then Zhou Xuan's eldest son, but he was an illegitimate son and could not be granted. Moreover, Pan Yujiao refused. She wanted her son to be the king of Shanha, how could he do this? Just a marquis of Xinzhou!

Lin Ji was promoted to the deputy envoy of the left army of the Yulin Guard and led the left guard of the Yulin Guard. He was one level higher than the original Zuo Jinwu General and had much greater power.

Zhou Xuan also requested the establishment of a navy and recommended Qi Hong, the cavalry general of the Fenghua Protectorate, to join three surrendered generals of Qingyuan, to temporarily command the command.

Li Jianbao reported to Duke Wu Zhou Xuan as the navy's gubernatorial commander, and Qi Hong and others were the assistants.

Zhou Xuanqian said that he did not know how to lead troops, nor did he know how to fight in the water. He asked His Majesty to choose another talented person.

Li Yu smiled and said, "Zhou's beloved knows the art of war, so who knows the art of war? He attacked Quanzhou and captured Chen Si'an in one fell swoop. Such a strange strategy is well known to the world. Zhou's beloved should not let his hard work and take on the responsibility of forming a navy."

Zhou Xuan had no choice but to receive the order to thank him. Qi Hong was promoted from a fifth-rank general to a fourth-rank general, and the other three surrendered generals of Qingyuan were also promoted one level. These three were three of the five Qingyuan military officers who followed Zhou Xuan to Quanzhou. They are now Zhou Xuan's confidant.

When the court was discussed, Emperor Li Yu had a banquet for the ministers in Baoyuan Hall until the end of the day, the king and his ministers all parted in joy.

Li Jian sent Zhou Xuan back to his residence and discussed the establishment of a navy on the way. He decided to first draw 50 large ships with watertight cabins from each Protectorate's Office, including 10,000 soldiers, and 10,000 surrendered Qingyuan Navy to form a Tang Navy with 20,000 soldiers. The "Lingfei" ship won from the Southern Han Dynasty was the flagship of the navy's guardian.

That night, Li Jian talked to Zhou Xuanchang about the time when the sea was scattered. When Zhou Xuan sent Li Jian out of the house, Li Jian lowered his voice and said, "Cousin Xuan, don't worry about Huzhu's affairs. I will pay attention to the news in the palace for you and test the queen of my mother's words."

Zhou Xuan is so helpful. He can always win the favor of his brother-in-law first. In this way, it will be impossible to attract his sisters. In the past, Qin Xiaodi was loyal to Zhou Xuan. He used a slingshot to drive his cousin Lu An away so that Zhou Xuan would be his real brother-in-law. Now Li Jian is also determined to let Zhou Xuan be his brother-in-law. With such respectable and lovely brother-in-law support, Zhou Xuan will have more worries!

That night, Zhou Xuan rested in Yang Xiaopin's room, and was extremely loving. Zhou Xuan's gift to Yang Xiaopin was a Jiaoweiqin. According to legend, it was handed down by Cai Yong and given to Zhou Xuan by Chen Si'an after he was promoted to the Imperial Master.

The next day, Zhou Xuan, Sanchi and others accompanied Yang Zongbao to Xuanwu Lake, climb Zhongshan, and came back in the evening to raft the Qinhuai River, fulfilling the friendship of the landlords. Because the year is approaching, Yang Zongbao cannot delay in Jinling anymore, so he decided to set off for Kaifeng tomorrow.

On November 13, Zhou Xuan sent Yang Zongbao, and the Northern Song Dynasty Douzhe envoy and his party left the northern gate of Jinling and were preparing to return to China through Huainan. Zhou Xuan specially applied for a pass from the Ministry of War to prevent Yang Zongbao and his party from being investigated along the way.

Zhou Xuan, Sanchi, Qi Hong and others sent it ten miles away. Yang Zongbao repeatedly asked Zhou Xuan not to send it away, and sincerely invited Zhou Xuan to visit Kaifeng.

Zhou Xuan held the horse's reins, took out a booklet from his arms, and handed it to Yang Zongbao and said, "Young Master Yang, you and I will fall in love with you at first sight. When we are leaving, we have nothing to give you. We can only write a book of cricket maps by hand, so don't dislike it."

Yang Zongbao took it and saw the six-character "The Secret of the Animal King of Insects" written on the cover. He was overjoyed. He was puzzled by Zhou Xuan's confusion about the passing of the Xingwang Mansion with a white-backed cricket. When he was chatting with Zhou Xuan, he learned that Zhou Xuan had read the "The Secret of the Animal King of Insects" in his early years, which recorded various mutant crickets, which were not as good as Yunxian, but it was difficult to ask for each other. After all, this is a secret skill of others, just like his Yang family's gunshot technique. How can he be easily passed on to others? Unexpectedly, Zhou Xuan gave it to him with this. Is there any more precious gift for an insect friend?
Chapter completed!