At this time, Zhao Junhong suddenly realized that he had overreacted. The imperial family and powerful families would never interfere in each other's internal affairs.
Although the patriarch of a powerful family must be canonized by the emperor, that is only a procedure, and the list of patriarchs is submitted by each family itself. In the past, there was a farce where a family applied for two lists. The response of Shilu Mansion was to return them together, and it didn't care what happened in your family.
Sure enough, Emperor Hao's original words were:
"Speaking of which, Rong Guogong is also my nephew. Ever since the imperial sister Gaoyi descended, he has had less contact with Tianqi, and the meetings are always at the clan banquet. Today, I see that the imperial sister's children are all outstanding and outstanding among others. , I am also very pleased. I don’t know if Jundu has the intention of dividing the clan? The fiefdom in Tianshui County is good, but it is not suitable for you. Good choice."
When Zhao Jundu heard this at first, he didn't understand why, so he hesitated first.
Emperor Hao said again: "The Zhao Clan's family is brave and powerful, they are the pillars of the empire. I don't need to worry about it, but the children of the imperial sister belong to the clan, so it is reasonable to transfer them from the reserved collar. Jundu has made up his mind and told me to Can."
The two together said these two sentences, and then Emperor Hao left. Seeing that he walked from the outer void, it seemed that he had left Xilu directly.
Zhao Junhong couldn't help laughing wryly after hearing this, he couldn't even remember that Emperor Hao was actually their brother's uncle, and the blood relationship didn't even go through three generations, but it was closer than the current branch of Duke You in the Zhao Clan. Outside of the status of parents and seniors, it is reasonable to say that there is nothing wrong with caring about the junior's first field seal.
But things are not that simple, Gao Yi and Emperor Hao said they were siblings, but they never got close. Gao Yi is a prostitute, her mother's family is noble, and the emperor's blood is strong. When she was in the palace, she probably couldn't remember what Emperor Hao looked like.
After Emperor Hao succeeded to the throne, there was a long period of silence. And Cheng Engong's family is just a branch of Youguogong's lineage, Gao Yi can't take care of his own family affairs, how can he take care of an emperor's younger brother who has no sense of existence.
At this time, Emperor Hao picked up this relationship, just to show that he was only giving advice as an elder, and had nothing to do with the status of the emperor or even the king of heaven.
But Zhao Jundu wondered why Emperor Hao would mention this matter.
There is a standard process for imperial titles and fiefdoms. False titles are the fastest, no matter how high or low the title is, all procedures can be completed within one month. On-site knighthood is different. Unless it is redistributed from the family's original fief, the process will be very long.
Among them, if it is a newly developed territory, measurement, surveying and mapping, spatial positioning, and delineation of the theater part are required, which can usually be completed in half a year.
If it involves exchange with the mainland of the empire, it will not be so easy. Most of the local territory is already a family fief, and a small part is unowned for various reasons, and is under the unified trusteeship of the empire. This kind of land is often two extremes, either excellent or very bad, so it often needs to be adjusted It will take several years to balance all parties before it can be finalized.
Zhao Jundu fought two pioneering battles. After being granted the title of hereditary duke, he not only had a fief on the floating land, but also got a county in the mainland of the empire. The land of a county is equivalent to the fiefdom of an earl's family, which is not so easy to adjust. Originally Zhao Jundu didn't care about it.
Zhao Jundu frowned and said, "My actual title would not be determined so quickly, why is it that the name of the specific county is revealed now, and I remember that Tianshui is a famous province in the Eastern Continent, so it shouldn't be given to the new Duke, right? "
Zhao Junhong already had some clues, sighed, and said with a wry smile helplessly: "Tian Shui was originally going to be granted to Lord Lin Xitang."
No matter how calm Zhao Jundu was, he couldn't help being taken aback, "Although the descendants of the Lin family are sure to attack, why should the fief be taken back? His Marquis of the Kingdom was conferred by the previous emperor, and he hasn't been promoted in these years. With his The military merits are enough to confer another duke. How big is the current fiefdom of the Lin family?"
In fact, since the empire settled on four lands, it has become more and more difficult to confer titles on the spot. Especially today, when the local peace has been going on for a long time, the land area of most titles is not enough. Included in the calculation of the rank of the powerful family, in addition to the fiefdom, it also includes military merit and enclave income.
The Lin family is a low-ranking family, and most of the family members are middle- and lower-level military officers. There is only one county in the mainland, and it is still a small county. When Lin Xitang was appointed Marquis of the Town, he also served as the chief assistant of the cabinet. It was the time when he was most criticized by the government and the opposition. Although his title was a real title, he did not increase the fiefdom.
During Lin Xitang's tenure as marshal, he opened up the territory and expanded the territory. When he was in office, it was regarded as the scope of the war zone. When he left office, he could keep part of it as a fief according to the law. In addition to his military achievements over the years, it would not be an exaggeration to exchange for a large local county.
Thinking of this, Zhao Junhong couldn't help pressing his forehead, and didn't answer Zhao Jundu's last question, only said: "I heard that it was the Lin family who wrote a letter, claiming that they are incapable of defense, and want to return the fief to the empire."
Zhao Jundu is proficient in military affairs. Although the government affairs are slightly inferior to Zhao Junhong, he is also familiar with the various regulations of the empire. Hearing this, he immediately connected several things today, his expression darkened, and said: "Second brother, why did the Beifu Army stay in the Western Continent all this time? ?”
Zhao Junhong thought of this one step earlier than Zhao Jundu, but he didn't know how to speak. Seeing that Zhao Jundu also noticed the clue, he couldn't help but sighed heavily, and said with a wry smile: "When the Beifu was changing defenses, it happened that the army of alien beasts invaded, and it was my father who asked the Beifu to stay and help defend. "
Zhao Jundu had already gone to Qin Lu to preside over the advance base, and later learned that the loss of Xi Lu was much better than that of Yue Lu, so he didn't pay attention to the details. Hearing what Zhao Junhong said at this moment, he felt more and more inappropriate, and said: "Who gave father the idea?"
You must know that Zhao Weihuang and Lin Xitang have lived next to each other for these years, and their relationship is not very good. Beifu was in a vacuum period, nominally controlled by Zhao Weihuang, the Northwest General with the highest rank in the Western Army, but Zhao Jundu was sure that he had never even stepped into the Beifu camp.
Besides, with Zhao Weihuang's temperament, when foreign enemies invaded, the first reaction was to mobilize troops to kill them. How could he go out to find the Beifu Army in person
Zhao Junhong sighed: "No matter who proposes it, there will be no objection."
Zhao Jundu understood Zhao Junhong's meaning. Now that he thought about it, even if he was present, he would not realize that there was something wrong with this proposal. It was the proper meaning for the imperial army to fight to defend the land. However, stretching the field of vision further, the various actions of the Zhao Clan actually stranded the Beifu Legion in the West Continent. And up to now, Beifu has not been able to complete the formalities, which is particularly conspicuous.
"What happened to the water that day?"
"Going to the military headquarters to go through the formalities of conferring titles for you and planning the local fief is a family decision." Zhao Junhong said with a wry smile: "In fact, it is not our family that is planning for that fief. Tianshui County has a complete border, a prosperous market, and is located in The hinterland of the mainland is a rare piece of good land in recent years. When Lord Zhen Guo was alive, he ranked ahead of everyone with his military achievements, seniority and status. I won’t say it. At this moment, anyone who is waiting in line for the fief, or even needs to change the land, probably wants to make a plan, and the Zhao Clan is not immune.”
The local fiefdom is a major event for the entire family, and it is impossible for the knighter to handle such trivial matters in person. The rule of any family is to first discuss various plans within the family, and then send capable people to strive for the best interests of the family. This is not a decision made by one or two people, but the entire Zhao Clan, one leveling, two masters, and eighteen subordinate mansions, together with the family interests of all the vassals.
Zhao Jundu didn't bother to ask about the details of the family meeting, as if there was no need to find out who first gave Zhao Weihuang an idea. Because if you only start from the interests of the family, many people think so. To distinguish those with ulterior motives, you have to start from other places.
Zhao Junhong sighed: "Every piece of local fiefdom is finally settled, and there are countless games, balances and exchanges behind it. How could our family be able to do it. Your Majesty approached you for this matter, and I don't know what it means?"
Zhao Jundu said indifferently: "Maybe the Zhao Clan is not in charge of this matter, but we are not innocent."
Zhao Junhong was stunned, and wanted to object, but felt that he had nothing to say. Even he himself is not sure whether he can give up the benefits to other families if he has the opportunity to push the boat along when the Lin family obviously cannot keep the fiefdom. It's easy to say that a gentleman is cautious about his independence, but few people can do it.
Zhao Jundu pondered for a while, and said: "I understand Admiral Lin's meaning somewhat. It is inevitable that rumors arise at such a juncture, and it is hard to avoid people's associations. Moreover, it seems simple to spread rumors, but it is difficult to find out. Take Zhao Clan and Zhen Guo The public has been unhappy over the years, and many people will not take gossip seriously."
Zhao Junhong shook his head and said: "I have some bad premonitions. Even if we can find out the truth, what is the punishment? Killing people just to gossip? There must be someone involved in the government, but those uncles and uncles don't feel like scolding Zhen Guo at all. It’s wrong to say something, but they dare to scold His Majesty the Emperor. And if the direct descendants are involved, both You and Yan will not support us.”
At this time, Zhao Jundu remembered Emperor Hao's seemingly complimenting words, "The family of the Zhao Clan is brave and strong".
The Zhao Clan's family is brave and their children go to the battlefield when they grow up. Therefore, among the twenty elders who hold high positions, that is, one level, two masters and eighteen servants, none of them is a vegetarian. Yifu is not because of his genius, but because of his strength and military exploits.
Therefore, among these veterans, even those with weaker force have made great contributions and are extremely prestigious. This is why although the Zhao Clan was criticized for not intermarrying with the gentry, and because there were many empresses, they were often displeased between the clan and the imperial family, but they were still among the clans and looked down on the clans. root cause.
However, this also led to the fact that there is no dominant voice in the valve. Originally, the position of the lord was held by You and Yan in turn, and the main branch and branches maintained a relatively stable balance. But Cheng Engong's superiority broke this balance, and in fact dispersed the power of the backbone, one master, and two flat mansions.
Especially for Duke Cheng En, it has been less than 40 years since the lineage of Lord Youguo. his elders. As long as it does not violate the Yanyun Zhao family's ancestral precepts, each government manages its own share, and no one is good at telling others what to do, otherwise it will definitely lead to a backlash.
The whole story of the Zhao Guanwei incident is the best example.
At this time, Zhao Junhong was talking, and suddenly remembered something, his expression became a little unnatural, and said: "His Majesty the Emperor suddenly asked you about the division of the clan, maybe he knew some time ago..."
Looking at Zhao Junhong's expression, Zhao Jundu knew what he wanted to say, and he patted his second brother on the shoulder openly and said: "I really don't have anything, besides, those are all outsiders' words, second brother don't take it to heart."
Zhao Junhong just smiled wryly.
This matter started after the Battle of Floating Land. Although Zhao Jundu was rescued by Haimi, he exhausted all the medicine stones and still did not heal for a long time. The worst thing was that the level of his original force dropped significantly.
This is a big deal for Zhao Clan. Previously, Youyan and Youyan fought against all opinions, skipped the selection process of the Zhao Clan's previous lord leaders, and confirmed Zhao Jundu as the next lord leader. Although it was not publicly announced, it had already passed the elders' meeting.
As for Zhao Jundu's injury, it was considered hopeless at that time. Since the founding of the Zhao family, there has never been a leader who is not a god general. At this time, it is perfectly normal for someone to propose overturning the original proposal.
At that time, among the grandchildren of Yan Guogong, Zhao Fenglei was imprisoned for two years due to the floating land war, and the chief resources were transferred to the other two young children. Impressive progress. As for Duke You, apart from Zhao Yuying, there were finally a few teenagers who showed their talents.
So while everyone was delighted that the disciples of the main sect had solved the heart fault, they inevitably had to reconsider the issue of heirs. One of the compromises is to propose Zhao Junhong as the successor of the lord.
When Zhao Jundu's brilliance covered the entire empire's young geniuses, the outside world regarded Zhao Junhong as having mediocre aptitude, while the Zhao Clan internally regarded him as a seasoned government official with a superior military strategy. . When Zhao Junhong was named deputy commander, he had passed the seventeenth rank.
The matter finally ended when Zhao Jundu smelted real gold and broke through the God General's Heaven Pass, and Gao Yi became furious. The eldest princess of the empire threatened that she would never tolerate anyone who provoked her two sons to fight. Immediately after that came the invasion of alien beasts and the battle of the new world, and the re-discussion of the successor of the lord was temporarily put on hold.
At this time, several signal flares exploded in the air in the distance, which were Zhao Clan's general closing signal.
Zhao Junhong said: "We have to go back, otherwise someone might look for it." Emperor Hao and King Qingyang can pass through the door without entering, and he and Zhao Jundu still need to appease the defenders of Youtong Pass.
Zhao Jundu nodded and said, "Second Brother, don't tell anyone about today's matters."
Zhao Junhong sighed, and said: "I'm just going to persuade you, it's not appropriate to tell mother about this beforehand. It's best if you think the same way, let's figure it out first!" Among the Zhao brothers, the two of them are the closest Zhao Junhong naturally understood, Zhao Jundu should not tell anyone, including his parents and brothers.
Zhao Jundu frowned and said, "Why is it related to mother?"
Zhao Junhong felt tired even with a wry smile, "I remembered something, whether it has anything to do with the present or not, it would be better to let you know about it. Back then, when Lord Zhen Guo created the secret treasure and sent the children of various families into the maelstrom, my younger sister snatched it Whose secret treasure also followed in. My mother once said something on the way to chase, and she wanted to settle the score with Zhen Guogong."
Zhao Jundu didn't expect such a thing at all, he said in astonishment: "What's the reason for this, Duke Zhen can still instigate little sister?"
Zhao Junhong said: "Mother is in a bad mood, so let's just say it casually. The problem is who spread the word, and I even heard the word."
Even Zhao Jundu could only sigh, these are trivial matters, but connected together, they turned into a result of sinister intentions, Zhao Clan is still the villain in it.
Zhao Junhong said: "I also can't think of anyone who has the ability to do so many traps for the Zhao family to fall into."
Zhao Jundu shook his head, "How can there be so many conspiracies, many things are not confidential, I don't cultivate myself, and people push the boat along the way. Compared to His Majesty, Admiral Lin is what I worry about the most. I'm afraid that someone will be smart , go to trouble him, and then not only will he be killed, but the scandals he has done will also be made public."
Zhao Junhong thought of Lin Wu's past deeds, and felt that his head started to hurt. When Lin Wu was Fang Qingkong, the number of assassinations he encountered was innumerable. Not only did he fail once, but he was exposed to scandal every time just right, and he couldn't cover it up. You must know that most powerful families are shameless, and they would rather deal with some matters in private than to be made public.
But even Zhao Junhong himself admitted that with Lin Wu's tone of voice just now, he really wanted to challenge him one-on-one.
Zhao Junhong also wanted to understand at this time, "If it's just for rumors, Lin Wuyi should say such heavy words. It is impossible for any powerful family to clean up the house for spreading rumors. I'm afraid someone in the clan really did something terrible, and they don't know. Lin Wu already has a proof, and he is planning to start a fight to find a proof."
Zhao Jundu said: "The matter of rumors must always be resolved. Let's start with this matter first, ask all the governments to restrain the clansmen, and find out the source of the rumors. You and I will secretly investigate on our own to see what's going on."
Zhao Junhong nodded in agreement, and the two returned to Youtong Pass together.