"Minister Zuo is really wise."
In the post house, a group of envoys of the Sangyi Kingdom sat in the garden enjoying the spring scenery while chatting in the language of the Sangyi Kingdom.
Neither the attendants nor the soldiers could understand what they were talking about, but seeing their smiling faces and soft tones, they thought they were discussing the lush flowers and plants in spring.
A chunky envoy said: "Minister Zuo posed several problems for the court, and deliberately asked them to solve them, so that they would think that they were smarter than the people of the Sangyi country. These days, they took us around non-stop, spinning and weaving wooden ware Studying in the workshop. The officials almost thought that we really came to study."
When he said this, his eyes unconsciously glanced at the soldiers standing in the court, and seeing that there was no abnormality on the faces of the soldiers, he smiled with satisfaction.
People in Beili can't understand the words of Sangyi Kingdom, but they can understand Beili's words. This is the gap.
Sitting in the gazebo, Minister Zuo held a teacup, sniffed it lightly, and then played with it, "If not, how can we convince that smart female monarch to trust us? Although many things in our Sangyi Kingdom are better than theirs Well, for example, this tea ceremony. The maids who make tea in the post house are really not very skilled."
As he spoke, he turned his head to the maidservant, and said in the language of the mainland of Kyushu: "Your tea is so well brewed, it smells so good."
After finishing speaking, he took a sip with a smile, and his whole face wrinkled like a cat, seeming very satisfied.
The servant girl bowed her head shyly, "Thank you for your compliment, my servant's tea art is just average, far worse than those in the palace."
Minister Zuo just nodded, put down the teacup and said to the envoys behind him: "You see, the Beili people really underestimate us, she will believe me if I compliment you casually. Of course she knows that her tea making skills are average." , I just thought we didn’t drink good tea in Sangyi country.”
All the envoys looked at the teacup in front of them, a little angry for being underestimated for a moment, but tried their best to restrain their expressions.
The maid who made tea thought that Minister Zuo was having a tea ceremony with them, so she had no doubts.
An envoy exhaled lightly from his nose, "Our country of Sang is the country of sunrise in the east. Although it is small, it is much more noble than the clumsy continent of Kyushu. They Call us 'Yi'? They seem to think we don't understand what 'Yi' means."
Barbarian, alien, with contemptuous meaning.
This is the so-called 'barbarians' in the mainland of Kyushu.
Minister Zuo smiled, his expression seemed to be more self-controlled than the others, "What does that matter? Let them dream more about the heavenly kingdom. Only when they underestimate the enemy can we catch us by surprise. What I worry about is that they don't despise the enemy enough. We, Beili Chaozhong, have no shortage of talents..."
Minister Zuo narrowed his eyes slightly, thinking of how many questions he asked on the Golden Palace that day.
Gu Shubai and Tian Yunpo are the leaders of the younger generation in the court. They have both swords and swords, and their quick thinking should not be underestimated.
But what surprised him even more was the aloof female monarch.
She is so young and her complexion is so white, she will definitely be enshrined as a porcelain doll in the Sangyi Kingdom, and she is the most cherished and precious little daughter in the family.
But she is so smart, he didn't lie about the question about buying chickens. Although people in the Sangyi country can solve the answer, no one can solve three kinds of answers at the same time.
He could tell that Yu Fuzheng had solved three kinds of answers that day, so she asked Tian Yunpo when she was not confident and asked him to tell her own answer.
So smart it's astounding.
"Minister Zuo, what do you mean?"
All the envoys have been forbearing, thinking that they have received enough contempt, why is Minister Zuo still worried
Minister Zuo said: "You have been wandering around for so long. Didn't you realize that His Majesty Bei Li has not opened the North Korean War Department to us? Their artillery, continuous crossbow, and the most advanced weapons have not been shown to us."
After a moment of silence, Minister Zuo suddenly realized something, and asked the tea-making maid, "What kind of tea is this?"
"My lord, this is Yuqian Longjing."
"It's delicious."
Minister Zuo, who was always smiling, sighed slightly, "We can't grow such good tea in our country, so everyone is very sad. It turns out that such a good tea is called Yuqian Longjing, I remembered it."
No wonder these envoys suddenly looked ugly, it turned out that it was just for the tea.
The maid smiled and bowed her head, but she thought in her heart, this is not the best tea, you have never tasted even better Mingqian Longjing tea!
When Chen Chen heard Zuo Minister's words later, they all cleared their faces and smiled again.
…
in the palace.
"Big Brother, I told the Ministry of Industry to learn the shipbuilding technology of the Sangyi Kingdom. What concerns do you have?"
Yu Fu thought it was a good thing, but Gu Shubai didn't immediately agree.
He thought for a while and said, "Yufu, not everyone is ashamed to ask questions like you. Although the ministers in the court are polite and polite to the left ministers and others on the surface, you should know that they look down on Sangyi country more or less in their hearts."
Yu Fu nodded, "Yes. It's inevitable. Beili people pay attention to etiquette and righteousness. In the past, even Xikun people looked down on them, let alone the more backward Sangyi country?"
Gu Shubai said: "If it is said now that the court wants to learn shipbuilding technology from the Sangyi Kingdom, many ministers will object because of face, thinking that we are a big country, why should we learn from the barbarians?"
Yu Fu frowned slightly, thinking for a moment.
"But this matter was first brought up by the Minister of the Ministry of Industry. At that time, there were no ministers in the court who objected. I think I will bring it up now, and no one will object."
"That's different."
Gu Shubai said: "The last time the minister of the Ministry of Industry raised this matter, it was because the envoys had not yet entered Beijing and were still in the stage of seeking information. The people we sent secretly drew the blueprints of the ships, and the people of Sangyi didn't know about it. In this way Not falling into Beili's national prestige, the ministers naturally don't feel embarrassed."
Yu Fu understood what he meant, "Now that the envoys are coming to Beijing, and they have to ask them about shipbuilding in person, it is inevitable that some people will lose face. You mean, in order to take care of these people's face, they cannot directly ask Minister Zuo and others about shipbuilding The matter? Ridiculous!"
She suddenly raised her voice and cursed angrily.
Of course, it was not Gu Shubai who scolded, but those ministers.
"When did the court catch this kind of atmosphere, and look down on others just because they are small and weak? That's all. Knowing that although they are weak, they are better than us in shipbuilding technology, why are they not willing to learn humbly? As an important minister of the court You don’t even have this bit of generosity, it’s really pedantic!”
Gu Shubai said: "I'm afraid there is a reason for successive victories."
Yu Fu was silent for a moment, pursing his lips in thought.
After a while she raised her head, "This kind of atmosphere needs to be changed. Although the Sangyi Kingdom is small, there is one thing I admire. Hundreds of years ago, they traveled across the ocean to study and changed the original living conditions of the country. Gradually move towards civilization. Although Bei Li is strong, if he can retain this enterprising spirit, why worry about the disunity of the Kyushu continent?"
Gu Shubai looked at her for a long time, then smiled lightly and said, "So, you've decided?"
"Decided."
Yu Fu looked outside the hall, "Call Honglu Temple Minister Chen Jingxing to have an audience."
Chen Jingxing came out of the palace, hurried to the Ministry of Industry, and asked the Minister of the Ministry of Industry to go to the post house.
The Minister of the Ministry of Industry twitched in every possible way, "Everyone is the person in charge of the department, what's the point of arguing? Master Chen, the affairs of envoys are the responsibility of your minister of Honglu Temple. What do you have to do with me? It's embarrassing. .”
Chen Jingxing said solemnly, "Your Majesty understands Lord Shangshu's eagerness to learn, and ordered me to come to Lord Shangshu, and then bring the officials and craftsmen in charge of manufacturing ships from the Ministry of Industry to the posthouse to ask the envoys of the Sangyi Kingdom. It is not Lord Shangshu who wants to Did you learn it? Why are you embarrassed now?"
"What's the difference?"
The minister of the Ministry of Industry said displeased: "It was done secretly before, but now if I ask it face to face, wouldn't it be degrading my national prestige? Beili, a great country, wants to ask their barbarians for advice, what's the matter!"
He flicked his sleeves, stood with his hands behind his back, and stubbornly raised his chin.
Chen Jingxing said: "I'm afraid that Lord Shang Shu will not go if he wants to go, or not go if he doesn't. His Majesty has issued an imperial order. Could it be that the Lord wants me to enter the palace to invite a Ming to issue an imperial edict?"
"you!"
If the imperial edict asked him to go to the Ministry of Industry to ask the barbarians for advice, wouldn't he lose all his old face
The Minister of the Ministry of Industry hurriedly tugged on his sleeve, with a flattering attitude, "Master Chen, you have always been highly regarded by His Majesty, please tell me honestly, what does Your Majesty mean?"
Chen Jingxing's tone softened a bit, "What else can your majesty mean? Our majesty is young and eager to learn, and he has a magnanimous heart that is not ashamed to ask. Wouldn't it be a good thing to benefit the people? Your majesty If you don't think you've lost Bei Li's national prestige, why is Master Shang Shu still flirting?"
Hearing this, the Minister of the Ministry of Industry sighed, "Why don't I know that transforming the ship will benefit the people? If not, I would not have taken the initiative to mention it to His Majesty before. But now... that's all, shame on you, for the benefit of the people , so what if I lose this old face?"
Chen Jingxing snickered in his heart, but his face was still serious, "Master Shangshu, is this little bit of face more important, or His Majesty's sacred heart? If this matter is done well, do you still worry about His Majesty not rewarding you? In the future, you will be left in the history books. The name of your lord is the leading figure in the progress of Beili's shipbuilding industry, that is a good thing that will last forever and glorify your family!"
As expected of Chen Jingxing who often travels as envoys to various countries, he has also received envoys from many countries, and his words are first-class.
After being praised so much by him, the Minister of the Ministry of Industry was already cheerful, and said actively: "Master Chen, wait a moment, I will go and bring the relevant responsible officials and craftsmen of the ship, and everyone will go to the posthouse together!"
When the group arrived at the posthouse, they saw Minister Zuo waiting to enjoy the flowers in the garden, and when they saw Chen Jingxing, they got up and saluted, and they all met together.
"This lord is..."
Chen Jingxing hastily introduced: "This is Lord Minister of the Ministry of Industry. Your Majesty has a will, saying that the two countries will learn from each other and benefit each other. Since Minister Zuo has led people to visit the capital for so many days, I think you will not be stingy with your shipbuilding. Teach crafts to our craftsmen?"
Minister Zuo was stunned for a moment, almost thinking he heard it wrong, "Master Chen, what do you mean..."
Chen Jingxing said with a smile, "It's not what I mean, it's what His Majesty meant. Minister Zuo wouldn't be willing to let Mr. Minister of the Ministry of Industry bring craftsmen to learn shipbuilding techniques from you?"
"No, no, of course not."
Minister Zuo hurriedly responded with a smile, and said: "Your Majesty is just too surprised. I didn't expect that we have something worthy of your country's learning, and let Your Majesty personally issue an imperial edict."
Minister of the Ministry of Industry was a little embarrassed when he heard the words, but Chen Jingxing was neither humble nor overbearing.
Minister Zuo had no choice but to say: "Then invite the craftsmen we brought and the craftsmen of the Ministry of Industry to discuss, maybe there will be something that can benefit each other. Please sit down, two adults, and have a cup of tea."
The relevant officials led the craftsmen to retreat, and Chen Jingxing and the Minister of the Ministry of Industry sat down with the envoys to drink tea. Chen Jingxing held up the teacup and said, "Why don't you adults seem unhappy? Could it be that you don't want to hand over the shipbuilding workers? Is the technology shared with us?"
Minister Zuo couldn't help trembling.
He subconsciously glanced at the envoys behind him, everyone had obviously covered up their emotions well, how did Chen Jingxing see the difference
He was taken aback, and quickly added, "Master Chen, that's not the case. Before you came, we were talking about the Dragon Well Tea before the rain, and about the tea in our hometown. We were just homesick and sentimental for a while. After all, we have been drifting on the sea for a long time. There are many winds and waves, and it is inevitable to miss home."
This reason sounds flawless.
Chen Jingxing put down the teacup, and said with a smile: "So that's it, it seems that I was overthinking. If Minister Zuo likes this Yuqian Longjing, I will give you some of the Longjing treasured at home later, and see if it compares favorably with you." This tea is better."
Minister Zuo apologized and said with a smile: "Then thank Mr. Chen first."
After leaving the post house, Chen Jingxing and Minister of the Ministry of Industry said goodbye outside the door and got into the carriages.
In the car, Chen Jingxing closed his eyes slightly, and said to the subordinates who followed beside the car: "Send someone to check to see if there is anyone in the middle school who understands the language of the Sangyi language. If there is anyone, come and see me immediately."
…
During these days when the envoys are in Beijing, the court is quite busy.
Fortunately, the surroundings are stable, the people live and work in peace and contentment, and there are no troubles.
King Chu sent a letter from Xikun, saying that Bai Qing's ability to govern the region was beyond his imagination. In just two months, Xikun's government affairs became more and more smooth. Bai Qing also asked for an order to make Xikun like Beili, Re-division of state governance.
It has reached the point of dividing the state capital, which shows how stable Xikun is under Bai Qing's governance.
Yu Fu was very happy, and ordered the Imperial Academy to draw up an edict to reward Bai Qing and King Chu, and sent them many rewards that they could use, so that they could work harder to govern Xikun.
As for the proposal to divide the state capital, it reminded her that it was time to divide and manage the ten important towns of Dongling and the surrounding areas that were included in Beili's bag earlier.
Now a group of young courtiers newly cultivated by the DPRK and China are becoming more and more powerful, and they can just be sent to various places to govern the local area. They can not only train them, but also let their young bloody spirit work for the well-being of the local people.
only…
"Didn't Emperor Ning send a lot of gifts at the end of this year? I heard that Emperor Ning is about to confer the title of Empress. This is also a great event, so send envoys to give gifts."
Yao Lan said: "Your Majesty, why did you suddenly think of giving gifts to Emperor Ning? In fact, that empress is not an important person, she is the former Concubine Li. The Dongling Dynasty seems to have a lot of criticism for this empress. Why should we rush to give gifts go?"
Yu Fu glanced at her, "It turned out to be Concubine Li, I didn't care. Whoever he sealed, he just found a reason to give gifts. I plan to re-divide and manage the ten important towns that Dong Ling gave to Bei Li. But those places are close to Emperor Ning’s rule area after all. Send him some gifts to appease him, lest he have any crooked thoughts to hinder the implementation of my policy.”
It turned out to be like this.
If Yufu personally ordered someone to send gifts, it would give Concubine Li face and calm down the dissatisfaction with the new empress in the Dongling Dynasty. Ning Chengzhi must be grateful.
Secondly, it also gave Ning Chengzhi face, he should accept it as soon as he got this face, and won't play bad things to Bei Li again, right
Yao Lan nodded and said: "The servant girl will give orders now."
The news that Yufu sent envoys to Dongling to give gifts spread like wildfire in the capital, and soon the post also got the news.
Minister Zuo and the others were uneasy because she sent someone to learn their shipbuilding technology. When they first heard the news, they immediately thought wrongly.
"Although Bei Li and Dong Ling didn't have any enemies, considering the relationship between Emperor Ning, His Majesty Bei Li, and the Gu family, why would she take the initiative to send someone to give gifts? It's strange, it's really strange."
Someone immediately thought of something: "Could it be that they already know about our deal with Dongling?"