The dusty Cao Bin stood in front of the majestic Xuande Gate, leading his horse and looking up at the city wall.
At this time, a thin eunuch walked out from the door next to him, holding the whisk in his hand, bowed and said: "Your Majesty has been waiting for a long time. Marshal Cao, please follow me into the palace."
Cao Bin politely replied: Thank you, Eunuch Cao.
He handed the reins to his attendant and followed Cao Tai into Xuande Gate.
This magnificent imperial city was solemn and dignified. It was an honor for the civil and military officials of the outer court to enter the imperial city, and it was a sign of being close to the center of power. But Cao Bin felt depressed every time he came in, even on a sunny day, probably because he had to be extra careful in every move.
Following the straight and wide avenue, another city gate soon appeared in front of us, and inside was the location of the Jinxiang Palace.
Cao Bin pretended to be relaxed and talked to the eunuch: Where are we going to see the emperor
The eunuch walked a few steps slowly, turned around and said: When I came out, the emperor was in the Yangde Hall.
After a short silence, the eunuch Cao Tai said in a very calm and casual tone: When the emperor reviewed memorials in the East Hall, there was originally a room in the East Hall for receiving ministers; the Yangde Hall was the place for the emperor to rest and recuperate. Later, the emperor felt that the Yangde Hall did not have a high throne, and it was more casual to meet with ministers, so the living room was abandoned.
The eunuch seemed to be talking about some trivial matter.
But Cao Bin immediately agreed and said: The emperor is benevolent and gracious to his subjects, and it is a blessing for the officials of this dynasty.
The eunuch was delighted and said: "That's right. This morning, the maid on duty at Yangde Palace was careless and used boiling water to brew the tender tea picked in spring. When I taught her, she actually talked back."
Cao Bin followed the eunuch's suggestion and pretended to be very interested and said: That won't work. We have to wait until the boiling water cools down a little.
The eunuch nodded and said: "I have drunk everything for you, how can you hide this from me?" I was furious and was about to teach the maid a lesson. At this time, the emperor walked to Yangde Hall and heard the voice and asked. I told the truth. Guess what the emperor said
The emperor said that what I want is not such trivial enjoyment. So he issued an order to forgive the palace maid.
Cao Bin responded calmly: I didn't expect the emperor to be so generous to a slave.
Eunuch Cao Tai said: "General Cao is right. Because of this, even the concubines of the previous dynasty were treated well. Hey, General Cao's concubine is Concubine Zhang. She was supposed to stay in Wanfu Palace until she was old, but now she lives a good life beside the Queen.
Cao Bin suddenly understood what was going on and bowed to the palace on the high platform in front of him. He said, "I cannot repay the royal family for their kindness, even if I die nine times."
The two men went up to the stage, passed through the study of the inner cabinet, and entered the Yangde Hall. They saw that there was not only Guo Shao in the room, but also two envoys of the Privy Council, Wang Pu and Wei Renpu. Cao Bin hurried forward to pay his respects and praise him.
Today was not a day for a grand court session. Guo Shao, wearing a purple round-necked robe, pointed to the couch next to the chess table and asked Cao Bin to sit down.
Guo Shao turned to look at Cao Bin: I was discussing the Northwest affairs with the two envoys. We cannot abandon things halfway. I plan to send another general to finish Li Chuyun's matter.
Cao Bin hurriedly said: Your Majesty is absolutely right.
He would not ask too many questions. It was necessary to be careful with words. If the emperor was willing to speak, he would naturally say it.
As expected, Guo Shao immediately said: Prime Minister Wang Pu wrote a letter to recommend Xiang Gong. But I discussed with the two Privy Councilors and felt that Yang Ye was better. Although Yang Ye is an outsider, he is indeed a talented general. If I send the imperial army general Dong Zunhui as the vanguard, I can let the imperial army be deployed under Yang Ye's orders.
Cao Bin pondered for a moment and said: Your Majesty is very thoughtful. Although Shi Guogong is brave, I heard that he is not on good terms with Yang Ye. General Dong is more suitable.
Guo Shao smiled and said: General Cao’s thoughts are exactly what I think.
Wei Renpu said: Yang Ye and Zhe Dejian are relatives by marriage, and by employing Yang Ye, we can also get Zhe Dejian's full cooperation.
Cao Bin only agreed and didn't pay much attention to the affairs of the northwest. He was about to be appointed as the commander of the southern part of the country. The success or failure of the Jiaozhi campaign was closely related to his personal gains and losses. How could he care about such a broad matter
But why did the emperor mention this when he summoned him
Cao Bin immediately thought of something that many generals were eyeing: the title of Duke of the Protectorate.
Last year, two dukes died, but only one position was left vacant. Li Chuyun's founding duke title was inherited by his eldest son, and Luo Yanhuan was implicated in a treason case, so the Luo family was stripped of several ranks. It is almost impossible for the descendants of the Luo family to regain the position of duke, so who will fill this vacancy
More than one person wants
The six dukes of Daxu were very important, with hereditary titles and generous salaries, and they shared the throne with the emperor. Given the current situation of the Daxu Dynasty, it was unlikely that senior military commanders would be able to take turns to rule the country as in the Five Dynasties, because no one could control the imperial guards anymore; the guards were similar to the palace soldiers in Cao Bin's opinion, and he had never heard of a military commander who could usurp the throne by relying on the palace soldiers.
Therefore, the Duke is the highest interest and status pursued by the generals.
Cao Bin couldn't help but think that if he could make military achievements in Jiaozhi, he would be fully qualified to receive the honor of Duke. But if Yang Ye conquered the northwest, wouldn't he have a chance
There is also Xiang Gong, who, like Yang Ye, was not in the imperial guards, but it is said that he helped the emperor many times when he was in a low position. And the current emperor is a person who knows how to repay kindness.
Even the young Dong Zunhui cannot be completely ruled out. He has made many outstanding achievements in his life and is highly appreciated by the emperor. There are rumors that Dong Zunhui's mother, Madam Gao, has an affair with the emperor. Conferring the title of Grand Duke on Dong Zunhui can also comfort his uncle Gao Huaide.
Cao Bin muttered in his heart, but said: Your Majesty knows how to use people well, and we will do our best to fulfill the heavy responsibility.
Guo Shao glanced at the old minister Wang Pu and raised his chin slightly.
Wang Pu then took out a file and handed it to Cao Bin, saying: "The court spends money easily, but collects taxes slowly. We cannot be involved in two wars that will consume too much of the national treasury at the same time. When General Cao goes south this time, the specific deployment can be decided on the spot, but the general plan must follow the court's strategy."
Cao Bin took it, clasped his fists and said: I will follow the instructions of the Privy Council.
Wang Pu continued: "We should take our time to move southwards, and do not rush for quick success. We can first test the game, find out the enemy's situation, know ourselves and the enemy, and then win over the local people who oppose Ding Buling and conspire for a grand plan."
In order to save military expenses and avoid long-distance marches, General Cao had to gather his guards in the nearby former territory of the Southern Han Kingdom; the court would also send a part of the imperial guards and the Jiaolong Army to assist General Cao.
After Wang Pu finished speaking, Guo Shao said: "After General Cao goes south, if necessary, gather the southern guards. I will send people to transport the armor, firearms, settlement expenses and reward silver of the guards to you. Zan Jurun will be responsible for this matter. The Duan family of Dali Kingdom sent a secret envoy to agree that they are willing to form a monarch-subject relationship with Daxu and accept the canonization of the Daxu court. When the time is right, in addition to the guards of the former Southern Han Dynasty, the Dali Kingdom will also dispatch troops to help General Cao."
I am now trying my best to provide support to the soldiers of Daxu. Is there anything else that General Cao needs
Cao Bin bowed and said: I want three people.
Guo Shao was overjoyed after hearing this, and Cao Bin understood: He didn't want money, he just wanted people, and making the request meant he was willing to do his best.
Guo Shao slapped his thigh and said happily: Who do you want
Cao Bin said: Founding Marquis Zhang Jiankui, Qianniu Beishen Lu Duan, Founding Marquis Feng Jiye.
Guo Shao looked a little surprised after hearing this. Wang Pu immediately said: Feng Jiye is violent and bloodthirsty, General Cao must manage this matter according to the court's strategy, only then will the court recognize your merit.
Cao Bin said: "Feng Jiye acted recklessly in Lingzhou and had a bad reputation, but I can control him. I need a fierce general. Although the famous Shi Guogong is the most powerful general in Daxu, I cannot command him. Feng Jiye can be used."
Cheng Guoshao pondered for a moment and said, "Qianniu Beishen is on par with Kaiguo Hou. Why do I seem to have heard of Lü Duan somewhere?"
Cao Bin said: As long as this person is in the front camp military headquarters, I can ask for his opinion when making important decisions.
Guo Shao nodded and said: "General Cao, go back and prepare. If you have anything else to say before departure, come to Jinxiang Palace and speak to me in person." He turned to look at the eunuch Cao Tai and ordered him to report immediately if General Cao entered the palace.
Cao Tai said: I obey your order.
After hearing this, Cao Bin stood up, clasped his fists and bowed, saying: "I will do my best to live up to your majesty's expectations. Now I'm leaving."
The eunuch escorted Cao Bin out of the Jinxiang Hall. Cao Bin stood on the platform and said, "Eunuch Cao, I have a favor to ask of you.
The eunuch Cao Tai looked flattered. I hope I can help Marshal Cao. Tell me more.
When my late mother was dying, the one she was most worried about was my aunt who had entered the palace. But my aunt lived deep in the palace, and I was usually busy with military affairs, so I had no time to ask about her well-being. Now I am going on a long journey again, and I don’t know when I will return. Before I leave, I want to see my aunt, Cao Bin said.
I am but a eunuch and servant named Cao Taidao, but if I report this to the Queen, perhaps I will be granted permission.
Cao Bin knew that this eunuch was Empress Fu's confidant, otherwise he would not have spoken. He immediately bowed and thanked him.
There is a side hall next to the main hall, where ministers wait for the court session. General Cao, please wait there for a while. I will send someone to report this to you right away. Cao Tai said.
Cao Bin was delighted when he heard this and said, "Thank you, Eunuch Cao." He thought to himself, this guy is really dedicated to his work. Could it be because of his family
Cao Bin knew the side hall, of course. When he was in the capital, he attended court every time, so he was familiar with it. So he went there to sit and wait. Once he entered, the eunuch on duty brought him tea and water.
After waiting for a long time, the eunuch Cao Tai came again and said: The Grand Concubine has gone to the West Palace, General Cao, please leave.
Cao Bin took out a bag of silver coins from his sleeve pocket, glanced at the guard standing outside the door with his back to the house, and stuffed it into the eunuch's hand. The eunuch hurriedly whispered: No, this is not popular now.
Cao Bin said: "I don't mean anything else. If my aunt has any problem, please take care of her. I am just being filial."
The eunuch smiled bitterly and said, "If we don't accept the offer, we will accuse General Cao of being unfilial."
I'm sorry, book friends, the updates have been a bit slow these days, and I've kept you waiting for a long time. After this book is finished, I will start a new book within a month. Xifeng will do his best to write a good one. Thank you for your support for so long.