I was wrong. I shouldn't have been so careless. Please forgive me and just pretend that nothing happened. . . . .
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After going deep into the Xixia Kingdom, Sun Tucai discovered that he had indeed taken it for granted before. The country established by the Dangxiang people was far more prosperous and peaceful than imagined. Even if it could not compare with the Song Dynasty, which was already rich enough, it had far surpassed it. The northern Liao Kingdom was also founded by foreigners.
Although some places not covered by villages and towns are still desolate, and sometimes there is no human habitation for dozens of miles, wherever people gather, it is extremely lively and prosperous, especially in some cities, where the residents live and work in peace and contentment and live a prosperous life. , it is not wrong at all to say that Xixia is now in its golden age.
In Sun Tu's opinion, half of the credit for all this must be attributed to the current Emperor of Xia, Li Qianshun, because it was under his rule for several decades that the country of Xixia was able to develop stably and no longer had to worry about conflicts among the various tribes in the country. Chaos occurs because of various contradictions. Because of the original rectification of officialdom, Xia officials now appear to be conscientious and more willing to think about people's livelihood than local officials in Liao and Song Dynasties.
It can be said that the prosperity of Xixia is related to the fact that it occupies the Hetao area, a treasure land rich in resources and fertile land, but the more critical factor is the people. Only bright and heroic leaders like Li Qianshun can quickly stabilize the originally turbulent country. , so that people can live an ideal life.
Sun Tu even came up with the idea that if Xixia was really given enough time to develop and grow, given the current situation of both Song and Liao countries having weak kings, maybe Xixia, which was originally weak, would be able to rise up. Turn over and suppress the Liao and Song Dynasties below.
Of course, this is just unfounded worries after all. The foundation of the Xia Kingdom is not strong enough after all, and as he grows older, the more powerful emperor Li Qianshun is no longer satisfied with the status quo and begins to challenge the two great powers of Song and Liao. This will naturally lead to the rise of the Xia Kingdom The road was interrupted, and what Sun Tu wanted to do this time was to cause various problems in Xixia that had been covered up for decades to erupt again!
After more than ten days of trekking, Sun Tu and his team finally arrived at Dingzhou City. Similar to the many cities we passed before, this important state city, which is only more than 300 miles away from Xingqing Mansion, appears to be particularly prosperous and lively. As soon as you enter the city gate, you can see the long street filled with people. There are many shops on both sides of the street. People of all kinds enter the shops from time to time to buy goods. Almost everyone has a look of satisfaction on their faces. smile. Obviously, under the rule of King Yue, this Dingzhou city was also extremely stable.
It is said that foreigners such as Dangxiang and Khitan have indeed not inherited the traditions of the Han people in this regard. Since the outbreak of the Seven Kingdoms and Eight Kings Rebellion in the Han and Jin dynasties, the Han court has been extremely tight in its treatment of clan princes, and is almost unwilling to hand over real power, especially military power, to the clan, even if they are enlightened and confident. The Li family of the Tang Dynasty and the royal family of the Li family were only in name but had no real power. Therefore, when the Anshi Rebellion and the separatist regimes occurred, the Li family could only rely on foreign surnames and even foreign clans to quell the chaos.
As for today's Song Dynasty, this is even more true. The old Zhao family can't even trust the generals who helped them conquer the country. Naturally, it is even more impossible to distribute power to the clan, so these clans with the surname Zhao
He can only stand in front of one after another, without any ambition or talent at all.
Neither the Dangxiang people nor the Khitan people have any concerns in this regard. As long as they are outstanding in the clan, they can always be entrusted with important tasks. This makes the surname more and more stable, and there are Yelu everywhere in the Liao Kingdom, and also in the Xia Kingdom. Many important officials surnamed Li served in various states.
At this time, the Yue King Li Renyou whom Sun Tu and the others met was the third son of the current Xia Emperor Li Qianshun. The Li family was extremely hardcore. Although he was only in his early thirties, he looked impressive. Even though he was very gentle and warm at the moment because of seeing Xi Fengchang, it still put a lot of pressure on Sun Tu.
In the palace of the Yue Prince in Dingzhou City, Sun Tu and Xifeng often sat down at the bottom, sipping the strange-tasting milk tea while listening to the two of them chatting and talking about their farewells. Feng Chang still admires and respects the King of Yue a lot, and he also seems to be very close to him in terms of titles: "Uncle King of Yue, my nephew has been to Dingzhou three years ago, but this time he came to the city again and found that this place is very different from before. , both the city and the people's appearance have been greatly improved, so it seems that you have spent a lot of effort here."
Hearing such praise made the King of Yue feel very useful. After laughing for a while, he waved his hand and said: "I just fulfilled my duty as a minister. Since my father trusts me and entrusts me with the governance of Dingzhou, I will take it upon myself." Do your best to complete the errands and let the people live a better life. And if you really want to talk about it, your Xifeng clan is also responsible for this. If it weren't for your Xifeng clan guarding the east, the Liao people would not dare to How can I, Dingzhou, live a good life peacefully if we come west so easily? That’s why I have always said that in terms of my contribution to the prosperity of the Gao Kingdom, apart from my father, you and other generals are the greatest contributors. ”
After the two complimented each other for a few words, the King of Yue looked at Xi Fengchang with a smile and said: "I can't believe that in three years, you have made great achievements. Although I saw at the beginning that you are a rare talent among the Xi Feng clan. Jun, but I didn’t expect that you would stand out in just three years, and the head of the Xifeng clan would actually entrust you with such an important task. I think my father would be very happy when he knew that the Xifeng clan would have a successor.”
"This is all due to your original encouragement and encouragement from Uncle Yue Wang. I still remember that when I was bullied by Sixth Brother and the others here, it was you who came out to dissuade me and told me many reasons, so that Xi Fengchang knew The principle of working hard to become stronger. So in my nephew's heart, if it hadn't been for the advice from you, Uncle Yue Wang, I wouldn't be where I am today." Xi Fengchang said, then looked at Sun Tu behind him: "Of course. This time I can make my father take him seriously and entrust him with important tasks, and Qianli has also made great contributions. Qianli, come to see Uncle Yue Wang."
Sun Tu had already visited Li Renyou with a large ceremony before, but after listening to the instructions, he had to get up and go forward to greet him again. The King of Yue casually waved his hand and said: "We are all a family, so there is no need for too much courtesy here. Are you Sun Qianli?" He looked at Sun Tu for a while, which made Xi Fengchang feel a little confused. Strange: "Uncle King Yue actually knows the name of Qianli?"
"What happened in Shunjun City some time ago has already been reported. Not only me, but also many people in Xingqing Mansion have heard that you have a wise and brave assistant named Sun Qianli."
These words made Sun Tu feel a sudden shock in his heart. He didn't expect that in just a month or two, he had already become famous in Xia Kingdom's official circles. This was not a good thing.
You must know that after that incident, neither Xi Feng Ye Chang nor Xi Feng Chang
What happened that day was publicized. After all, this was a feud between brothers within the Xifeng clan. It would not sound good if it was spread out. But now, it is obvious that the matter has spread to the whole country. This is something someone did deliberately. As for who is targeted, it is hard to say.
Only slightly frowning, Sun Tu saluted humbly and said: "I really can't afford such praise from the King of Yue. It just happened to be a meeting that day, so I don't dare to take any credit."
"Oh? Originally, I also thought that this might be an exaggeration by some people, but now, I don't think so. Although you are young, you already have the mind and brains of someone who has achieved great things. "Li Renyou chuckled and looked at Xi Fengchang again: "This person can really be a big help to you in the future, so you have to win over him."
"That's natural." Xi Fengchang responded without thinking, and then the two of them looked at each other and laughed.
Their reaction made Sun Tu feel more and more uneasy. The King of Yue looked gentle and peaceful, but it always gave him an invisible pressure, as if he could understand his own thoughts at a glance, but he couldn't figure it out. Reveal each other's thoughts. With such a deep city and people with great wisdom, Sun Tu had only seen it in a few people such as Tong Guan. He had to deal with it carefully and not let the other party see any flaws.
Fortunately, the King of Yue didn't pay too much attention to him afterwards. He just asked some caring questions and led them to a nearby hall to eat.
Sun Tu originally thought that as the king of Yue, he would treat them to a grand banquet, but the result was beyond his expectation. What was placed in front of them were only the simplest dishes, and even the wine was just a few. It was just ordinary koumiss, and what they had eaten along the way was not much richer.
The reason given by the King of Yue was also very direct: "There is not enough rain in Dingzhou this year, and the grain production has been reduced by 30%. The people are still struggling to survive. How can I, as a local official, bear the extravagance and waste? So today I have wronged a few people. Wait until When I return to Xingqing Mansion, I will make good compensation to you all."
After hearing this, others naturally praised him and said that the King of Yue was a rare good official in the Xia Kingdom and was really a blessing to the people of Dingzhou. Sun Tu, on the other hand, heard some other meanings. This person who cherished his official reputation and feathers so much seemed to have a big purpose. Coupled with his status as the prince of the Xia Kingdom, maybe what he is eyeing is not the ordinary wealth, but the at least supreme throne!
Thinking back to the advice and care the King of Yue gave to Xi Fengchang, Sun Tu even had the idea that he was deliberately trying to win over the Xi Feng clan. But it's hard to say whether this is because he is overthinking it.
Because of this relationship, Xi Fengchang did not show any interest in Li Renyou. He quickly extended an invitation and said: "In more than a month, the emperor's birthday will be celebrated. This is why my nephew came here. I don't know if the King of Yue is here." Are you willing to go to Xingqing Mansion with me?"
The King of Yue smiled calmly and said: "Of course I want to go, but there are still some diseases in the city that have not been completely resolved, so I can't get out for a while. Of course, if you are not in a hurry and leave immediately, you can go with me."
"Why, in addition to the lack of food due to lack of rain in Dingzhou, is there now a plague that is rampant?" Xi Fengchang immediately asked nervously after hearing this.
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The order of chapters will be adjusted tonight. . . .