"My minister's move is definitely not to repay Chen Yingliang's early pleading! My minister's heart is to learn from the sun and the moon. Even if Chen Yingliang did not plead with His Majesty for this minister on that day, if His Majesty asks about the candidate for the minister to stay in the East For this position, I will definitely recommend Chen Yingliang to His Majesty!"
Ji Shou knelt in front of Sui Yang Emperor, and he was very firm in recommending Lai Huer, and said loudly: "In my view, General Chen Yingliang and Chen Yingliang are the most suitable candidates for your Majesty's Southern Tour this time! There are three reasons. One is loyalty. Since General Chen Yingliang became an official, he has always striven to be the first in every situation, has faced difficulties, has never shied away, never complained, and has devoted himself to doing state affairs well. The world can prove it, the sun and the moon can learn from it! I also think that I am loyal to His Majesty, but compared with General Chen Yingliang, I still sigh in many places, and I am ashamed!"
"Secondly, all-rounder in civil and military affairs!" The more Lai Huer said, the more excited and determined he became, and he said, "In the court of the Sui Dynasty and in the Eastern Capital City, there are indeed as many courtiers who are loyal to His Majesty as crucian carp crossing the river, but like Chen Yingliang There are only a handful of courtiers who are so versatile in civil and military affairs as a general! Last time His Majesty returned to Daxing, the four major forces stayed behind to assist His Highness the King of Yue, fighting for power and profit, shoving committees and wrangling, messing up political affairs and military affairs. The trend of falling leaves quelled the rebellion in Fenshui, and returned thousands of miles to help Henan County. With a snap of the finger, the four left-behind thieves in Yiyang, which could not be suppressed for a long time, were quelled. In just three days, the four left-behind left-behinds had a backlog of nearly two months. He solved the strange case of one bird and five lives, and caused a sensation in the whole city of Dongdu! Such a versatile person in both civil and military affairs is enough to entrust him with important tasks!"
"Thirdly, General Chen Yingliang is honest and self-defense, impartial and selfless, with high moral character and both ability and political integrity!" Lai Huer continued to say loudly: "Since General Chen Yingliang entered the official position, he respected his elders, cared for the common people and soldiers, and never took the initiative to conflict with his colleagues. Disputes, when things happen, the country is always the most important thing, and I would rather wrong myself than delay the state affairs for personal gain! The Yanmen War is a clear proof. Afterwards, he still gave Tang Guogong a heavy responsibility, never made things difficult and harsh, rewarded and punished life and death, and enforced the law like a mountain, even hating him to the bone, Tang Guogong has nothing to say, and he can't find any flaws!"
"There is also Yuantaifu and Duan Daduan, the capital of Yuanwen, and Dr. Duan Daduan last time." Lai Huer added: "The last time General Chen Yingliang returned thousands of miles to help the Eastern Capital to quell the rebellion. Regarding government affairs, although Yuan Taifu and Doctor Duan didn't say anything, it is human nature to feel a little unhappy in their hearts. But as far as I know, when these two important court officials saw how General Chen Yingliang handled government affairs, I also saw General Chen Yingliang's hard work for the court, but he still cooperated with General Chen Yingliang to deal with the backlog of government affairs at the last moment. General Chen Yingliang never used force to persecute them. He moved them with his moral behavior and awakened their conscience. .”
Listening to Lai Hu'er's eloquent remarks, Emperor Sui Yang never said a word, and his face was always thoughtful, and he said after a while: "Although everything Ai Qing said is reasonable, I also know that Chen Yingliang Aiqing is a rare talent who is worthy of great responsibility, but his age... is only twenty years old, if I use Chen Aiqing, who is only twenty years old, as the left-behind of the Eastern Capital, it will be too shocking."
"Grandfather, I was only nine years old the first time I stayed in Dongdu." Yue Wang Yang Tong said timidly: "My grandson is only nine years old and can stay in Dongdu to preside over the government affairs of Dongdu. General Chen is already twenty years old. Why can’t you let him assist your grandson to stay in Dongdu? Grandson please, let General Chen stay with me. Just this time, grandson.”
Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty laughed, and scolded Chen Yingliang: "Stinky boy, no wonder you are so kind to my grandsons. It turns out that you have already set your mind on my grandsons. I really can't think of the food you sent, but now you are so kind." Can play such a role, let my grandson beg me so."
Chen Yingliang blushed and hurriedly pleaded guilty, while Yang Yu argued that he liked Chen Sangliang not only because of the food Chen Sangliang gave him, but also because he could learn a lot from being with Chen Yingliang. Lai Hu'er begged again: "Your Majesty, if you feel that General Chen Yingliang is too young, you can also arrange a few veteran officials to serve as deputy guards to help Chen Yingliang assist His Highness the King of Yue."
Hearing this, Emperor Sui Yang, who was already a little tempted, was even more shaken. He came to protect his son to observe the situation, and hurriedly continued to strike while the iron was hot, and said: "Your Majesty, I think that General Chen Yingliang stays in the Eastern Capital. In the heart, the roads extend in all directions, and General Chen Yingliang has always been known for his swiftness and swiftness in using troops. Let him stay in the Eastern Capital to preside over Luoyang's soldiers and horses. Putting out fires locally and making up for leaks can save His Majesty countless hearts."
Twirling his beard and thinking about it for a while, unable to resist the strong recommendation from the nurse and the repeated pleas from his grandson, Emperor Sui Yang finally said, "Okay, let me think about it, it's a big matter, I have to think about it again."
The matter was really serious, and Lai Huer didn't dare to ask Emperor Sui Yang to accept his recommendation right now, so he honestly sang promises and agreed, and accompanied Chen Yingliang and others to have dinner with Emperor Sui Yang, and they didn't leave until the end of Shen Shi When leaving the palace, in order to compensate for the innocent suffering of Lai Huer and Chen Yingliang in the past two days, Emperor Sui Yang gave Lai Huer and Chen Yingliang each a royal meal and asked them to take it home to share with their families. .
After getting out of the imperial city, Chen Yingliang felt as if he had passed away, and Chen Yingliang hurriedly saluted and thanked Lai Nuer for his recommendation. Lai Nuer waved his hand and said, "You're welcome. In addition, it is also for the sake of the country. Also, I can see that His Majesty is only tempted now, and has not made up his mind. Whether your wish can be fulfilled depends on your efforts and opportunities."
When I hurriedly thanked you again, Lai Huer said in a low voice: "Your Majesty will consult Pei Zuoxiang and Yuwenzhu Kingdom for their opinions on this matter, and I will go to Yuwenzhu Kingdom to talk about it for you. There are no conflicts and disputes, and there is no one under your command to compete with you. I went to say hello to you, and if you work hard on your own, it will not be difficult to get him to agree. With Pei Zuoxiang, it’s up to you.”
Chen Yingliang was overjoyed when he heard that, he hurriedly thanked Lai Nuer for his guidance, respectfully sent Lai Nuer back to Qinghuafang, and then immediately returned to Lushunfang to report the good news to his family, and at the same time, he hurriedly discussed with Fang Xuanling how to do it. Bribes bought Yu Wenshu, Pei Ju and others, but it was getting late at this time, so Chen Yingliang did not take any action today.
…
Chen Yingliang didn't need to bother to explain what happened to Pei Ju and others. Emperor Yang of Sui Dynasty would always be surrounded by eyeliners who were bribed by his favorite ministers. People already knew the news that Emperor Sui Yang summoned them again, and before Chen Sangliang and Lai Huer left Miyagi, the story of Sui Yang's rewarding meal and Lai Huer's recommendation of Chen Sangliang as the stay-at-home in the Eastern Capital had also been spread. In the ears of Pei Ju and others, even the reason for recommending the nurse and the specific reaction of Emperor Yang of Sui Dynasty were almost inseparably known to Pei Ju and others.
Hearing the news, Pei Ju calculated that there would be enough time for a stick of incense, and then sent people to contact Pei Yun, Pei Hongce, Pei Renji and other court brothers, and asked them to gather at his home tonight, and as the second rank's court chief Auxiliary, Pei Ju's mansion is of course open to the street, so even though it was not early, the brothers of the Pei family entered Pei Ju's house smoothly, and met Pei Ju who had just returned home.
The discussion was held at Pei Ju's family banquet. After the banquet started, Pei Ju also gave a detailed introduction to the clan brothers about what happened in the palace today. As a result, Pei Yun, the second son of the Pei family, was delighted when he heard it, and said with a smile: " I really didn't expect Lai Hu'er to be so loyal. Nephew Ying Liang just stayed with him for a few days of fear and fear. He could repay Nephew Ying Liang like this. He immediately recommended Nephew Ying Liang to be the guard of the Eastern Capital as soon as he was freed from crime. Thanks to him for having the guts."
"Lai Zhuguo is too courageous." Pei Renji also said jealously: "Nephew Yingliang is only twenty years old, and Laizhuguo dared to recommend him to be the guard of the Eastern Capital. His Majesty didn't reprimand him. It's really his face." .”
"Brother, what was Your Majesty's reaction at that time?" Pei Hongce was concerned about another point, and asked, "Is Your Majesty angry?"
"Wrong, Your Majesty is not only not angry, but also a little tempted." Pei Ju said with a smile: "Because not only Lai Zhu Kingdom spared no effort in recommending Ying Liang's nephew, His Royal Highness King Yue also repeatedly begged His Majesty to let Ying Liang's nephew stay behind in the Eastern Capital. Your Majesty always loves him." Prince Yuande left him three grandsons, so His Majesty is not only not angry, but also obviously moved."
Pei Hongce was tongue-tied, and after a while he exclaimed in surprise: "When did Ying Liang get through His Highness King Yue's door? Why didn't we know before? Oh, by the way, could it be that he gave His Highness Yue some food to please His Highness?" ?”
"Exactly." Pei Ju said with a wry smile: "Even our majesty asked King Yue whether this was the case, His Royal Highness also admitted frankly, and took the opportunity to say a lot of good things for nephew Ying Liangxian. Now it seems that nephew Ying Liangxian is here The depth of scheming and the far-sightedness in this regard are still higher than ours."
Pei Hongce and Pei Yun were speechless, while Pei Renji was so jealous that his eyes turned red. Pei Ju took out another piece of paper from his sleeve and handed it to Pei Yun. Curiously asking whose pulse case was, Pei Ju replied in a low voice: "Yu Wenshu's pulse case, although he has been holding on, but judging from the pulse case, not only did his dizziness worsen, but he also developed palpitations." The disease is not mild, and there is a high possibility of complete illness."
"Yu Wenshu's condition is so serious?" Pei Yun was surprised at first, then after careful calculation, he immediately said: "I am afraid that there will be major changes in the Sixteen Guards Mansion, and the person who will replace Yu Wenshu is most likely to come to protect the children." !"
"That's right, that's why I called you here." Pei Ju nodded, and said in a low voice: "Your Majesty's love for Lai Huer is not below Yu Wenshu's. If there is any accident in Yu Wenshu, Lai Huer will definitely become a soldier. Fang No. 1 person. Yu Wenshu’s family knew about his own affairs, so he didn’t dare to insult Lai Huer this time. In order to leave a way for his descendants, he would not spoil Lai Huer’s affairs. Against it, Lai Huer's attitude is firm, and there will be no major problems in the Sixteenth Guards Mansion. Anyway, we should make some adjustments."
"Brother, do you mean that we also recommend Ying Liang's nephew to stay behind in the Eastern Capital?" Pei Yun immediately came to his senses.
Pei Ju nodded and said solemnly: "Nephew Yingliang's abilities and contributions are sufficient for this position. The only weakness is his age, but with the strong recommendation of Lai Hu'er and His Royal Highness the King of Yue, this weakness can be basically offset. With Ying Liang's nephew, it is not impossible to help him to this position. It is an important place in the eastern capital, so it is far better for our own family members to be left behind than to entrust it to outsiders."
Pei Yun nodded silently, while Pei Hongce and Pei Renji looked at each other in blank dismay. They couldn't believe that such a situation would happen. The distant nephew that Pei Hongce picked up on the way to escape could go so far and hope to take over as the leader of the two capitals. Everyone stays behind.
"It's time to come up with a decision." Pei Ju said again: "Although this nephew Yingliang has a foreign surname, he has always been loyal and obedient, and he is respectful and filial to us. Apart from Pei, he has no other choice, such a person is safe to use, and it is worth spending effort on him. What do you think, my virtuous brothers?"
Pei Yun nodded without hesitation, and said: "Nephew Yingliang is good, he takes good care of our Pei family, last time he pleaded with me behind Fan Zigai's back for Pei Ji's matter. People from the Pei clan are not important people, but it is better to have such a heart than to be ungrateful."
Hearing this, no matter how jealous and envious Pei Renji was, he could only obediently nod in agreement, but Pei Hongce shook his head and said with a wry smile: "I really didn't expect, I really didn't expect that my distant nephew, who was brought in for my elder brothers, would actually to get to where we are today.”
"It's God's will, and it's also the luck of our Wenxi Pei family." Pei Ju smiled and said, "Since none of the virtuous brothers have met, then it's settled. Brother Pei Yunxian, you will go to see Duan Da tomorrow. Hu'er recommended Nephew Ying Liang as the left-behind of the Eastern Capital and told him directly, and then told him, Lai Hu'er also suggested that His Majesty appoint several veterans as deputy stay-at-home officers to help nephew Ying Liang assist the King of Yue. If he is willing to cooperate, we promise Let him be one of the deputy left behind."
Pei Yun readily agreed, and Pei Ju turned to Pei Hongce again, and ordered, "Hongce, go see nephew Yingliang and tell him not to come to see me. He is an upright official, and he usually has big hands and feet, so he must have little savings, which is good." Take the things to Yu Wenshu first, Yu Wenshu's opinion is also very important before His Majesty."
Pei Hongce also agreed, and was very grateful to thank Pei Ju for his thoughtfulness on behalf of his distant nephew. Pei Ju smiled and waved his hands, then turned his gaze to Pei Renji, and ordered: "Deben, you go to see Xiao Huaijing and tell him directly that although nephew Yingliang has been exonerated, this is entirely His Majesty's own decision and has nothing to do with him." Relationship. If he wants to get that piece of paper back, he will personally recommend nephew Ying Liang to be the left-behind of the Eastern Capital, and when Nephew Ying Liang is the left-behind of the Eastern Capital, that note will return to him."
"Little brother understands." Pei Renji nodded, and said with a wry smile: "I guess Xiao Huaijing would cry on the spot when he heard this request, and Guan Long had to skin him."
"That's his business, why do you still feel sorry for him?" Pei Ju smiled, and said again: "By the way, why don't you just ask Xiao Huaijing to persuade Yuan Wendu to recommend Yingliang's nephew, so that he can encourage Yuan Wendu to support him?" Nephew Ying Liang took up the position of left-behind, and Yuan Wendu himself took the opportunity to win one of the positions of deputy left-behind. Last time when the four were left behind, Duan Da, Yuan Wendu and nephew Ying Liang had a happy partner in the last few days, so it should be possible."
Pei Renji obediently agreed, imagining in his heart what kind of wonderful expression little uncle Xiao Guo would have after he made this request to Xiao Huaijing—fortunately, Pei Renji, who was born as a warrior, was 100% sure that he could beat little uncle Xiao Guo, so there was no need to worry. own personal safety.
At this time, Pei Yun pinched his fingers and made the calculations, and suddenly said: "Brother, only Yu Shiji is left. He is the Minister of Internal History, and he can speak well in front of His Majesty, and because of his confidant Feng Deyi, he has nothing to do with him." Ying Liang's nephew is not easy to deal with, so he has to guard against it."
"On Yu Shiji's side, I'll do it myself. What's great is to make some deals." Pei Ju replied casually, and then Pei Ju sighed again, and said with a smile: "Our Pei family has done so many things for his kid, how we will repay us in the future depends on that." His own conscience."
"Brother, don't worry, nephew Yingliang has always been loyal and filial, and he will never forget the kindness you have shown him." Pei Hongce hurriedly said good things to Chen Sangliang.
Pei Ju smiled and said, "I hope so."
…
As Pei Renji expected, after hearing Pei Renji's threats, Xiao Guoshu not only collapsed on the spot, but also immediately jumped up, rushing up with red eyes to strangle Pei Renji, who was shamelessly grinning, but it was a pity that he was still with Pei Renji As expected, his small body was so pitifully weak that he was kicked upside down by Pei Renji, and then Pei Renji left without saying a word, "You can see for yourself, if nephew Yingliang If you don’t go to Dongdu to stay behind, or if you dare to speak up and object, I will send that piece of paper to His Majesty immediately.”
Pei Renji left with a sinister smile, Xiao Xiaoguo also went home with a sad face, and found a resourceful relative's second son to ask for advice, but the relative's second son was almost scared to death, so he quickly persuaded Xiao Xiaoguo that he would never agree. Unable to let the heartless Chen Sangliang get what he wanted, little uncle Xiao Guo looked even more mournful, and said: "But nephew, if I don't agree, why would that black-hearted Pei Renji really present that paper to His Majesty?" Do it? Pei Renji has already done this before, and he can definitely do it now!"
"Even if this is the case, I can't agree." The second son of the relative said with red eyes: "Uncle, you have to think carefully, if Chen Yingliang is allowed to sit in the position left behind in Dongdu, with his ability, His Majesty will be satisfied, His Majesty will be satisfied." , if he tours anywhere in the future, Chen Yingliang will definitely stay behind in Dongdu! At that time, you will be trampled by Chen Yingliang forever, and trying to overthrow him will be as difficult as climbing the sky!"
Just being trampled on is far better than losing the whole family's life. Uncle Xiao Xiao certainly understands this truth, so after thinking about it for himself, he said with a sad face: "Nephew, uncle can't listen to you this time. The heads of my uncle's family are very important, so I can only lower my head temporarily. You are a good student, and I will go to see Yuan Wendu."
The relative's second son couldn't stop the suffering, Xiao Xiaoguo finally came to the Taifu to visit Yuan Wendu, secretly told Yuan Wendu about the situation of Lai Nuer's recommendation of Chen Yingliang, and urged Yuan Wendu to take a step back and give up. In the competition for the left-behind position in Dongdu, the next best thing is to seek the most certain deputy left-behind position, and Yuan Wendu is also very clear that he did not satisfy Emperor Sui Yang by staying in Dongdu before, so the chance of success this time is very small , so after careful consideration, Yuan Wendu finally nodded weakly, determined to accept Chen Sangliang's deputy position.
One day later, Emperor Sui Yang held another banquet in the palace, summoning Yu Wenshu, Pei Ju, Lai Hu'er, Yu Shiji and other confidants to accompany him. Regarding this matter, Pei Ju and Yu Wenshu spoke in unison, praised each other neatly, and took the opportunity to list all kinds of loyalty and goodness of Chen Sangliang, as well as the various advantages of being left behind in the Eastern Capital, and had some conflicts with Chen Yingliang. Asking Chen Yingliang to stay in the Eastern Capital, Emperor Sui Yang remained silent and still did not make a decision.
After hearing the news that Yu Wenshu had also sided with Chen Sangliang, Yun Dingxing, who hugged Yu Wenshu's thigh tightly, could only wipe the corners of his eyes and go home crying. Dugu Sheng and other important military generals also sadly withdrew from the competition, not daring to offend Yu Wenshu, the number one man in the army, and Lai Huer, the second person in the army—it is dangerous enough to offend one of these two big men, but it is uncertain to offend two at the same time. Li Hun, the former Right Xiaowei General who was full of gangsters, is their shining example.
Five days later, on the 16th day of July in the twelfth year of the Sui Dynasty, the Xiaoguo Army, who was on tour in the south, arrived at the Eastern Capital and waited for orders. The dragon boat and water palaces were covered with red and colorful colors, ready to set off at any time, and the moment to determine the fate of the Sui Dynasty came. , Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty held a court meeting in the Daye Hall, and officially announced that he would set out to tour Jiangdu in the south the next day. The court also announced that Chen Yingliang would be appointed as the left guard of the Eastern Capital, and Yuan Wendu and Duan Da would be the left and right deputy stay guards. Yue Wang Yang Tong stayed in the town of Dongdu.
In addition to the Guanlongmen faction who was still struggling, he used Chen Yingliang's age to make some articles to persuade Emperor Sui Yang to think carefully, but it was ineffective. There was almost no opposition from the court, and he praised Emperor Yang of Sui for his wisdom and courage to break the rules. With the sound of landslide and tsunami, Chen Yingliang also knelt up and wailed loudly, weeping bitterly, saying that even if he was afraid of going through fire and water and being smashed to pieces, he would never let down the trust of Emperor Sui Yang! I will definitely do my best for Emperor Sui Yang, and I will die thereafter!
At the same time, Chen Sangliang naturally had to swear in his heart that he would definitely serve Princess Yuer to the end, dedicate his soul and body, and serve Princess Yuer deeply and extensively in all aspects!
When the news spread to the practice workshop, in a certain room in the backyard of Uncle Xiao Xiao’s mansion, there was the sound of teacups being smashed and desks overturned, as well as a roar from the bottom of his heart, "The sky has no eyes! The sky has no eyes! God, you don't have eyes!"