Chapter 44 Chapter 5 Fighting openly and secretly

The palace city of the Southern Jin Dynasty is located in the north of the east city of Jiankang, also known as Taicheng. Taicheng is backed by the two mountains of Fuzhou and Jilong, and looks forward to Niushou Mountain. There are two walls.There is a moat around the city, five feet wide and seven feet deep.The gate in the middle of the outer wall is Da Sima Gate, where all those who perform the performance will kneel down and wait for the report, so it is also called Zhang Gate. Da Sima Gate is far away from Xuanyang Gate, the southern gate of the capital city, and is connected by an imperial road. On both sides of the imperial road, there are imperial ditches, on the banks of which are planted locust trees and willows.Going south from Xuanyang Gate, there is another Wuli Royal Road leading to Zhuque Bridge.The seven-mile-long imperial road is the central axis street that runs through the capital, and other lanes and side streets are expanded accordingly.

The capital city of the Southern Jin Dynasty, regardless of the palace city or Fuchen, or even its satellite castles such as the Stone City, used natural mountains or waterways to achieve the strongest defense capabilities. This also reflects the confrontation between the Southern Jin Dynasty and the northern Hu people, as well as internal A chaotic situation of intense political struggle and social unrest. The palace city where Sima Yao lives is not only the royal palace area, but also a strong fortress that can exert huge defensive power in war. The safety of Taicheng is related to the rise and fall of the entire regime.

For Huan Xuan, if he could attack Taicheng, and if he could control the world in the Southern Jin Dynasty and rely on the power of Jingyang and Yangzhou, Xie Xuan's Beifu soldiers would be nothing to fear. As far as Xie Xuan is concerned, he must do everything in his power to prevent Jiankang from falling into Huan Xuan's hands. Under such circumstances, it was difficult for Xie Xuan to attack Jingxiang against the river, but it was easy for Huan Xuan to attack Jiankang downstream. Therefore, since the Southern Jin Dynasty, the initiative has always been controlled by the warlords in Jingzhou, while Jiankang downstream has fallen into a passive disadvantage.

Xie An's chariot and horse team drove straight into the Da Sima Gate. He had a high status and did not need to wait for orders at the Da Sima Gate. Someone flew to report to Sima Yao. Although what he saw was the many buildings and pavilions in the palace city, what he was thinking about was the battle between the two mysteries that could be seen in the future, and he had mixed feelings in his heart. The motorcade drove towards the main hall, the Taiji Hall. This hall is the most magnificent building in Jiankang Palace. It has twelve bays, symbolizing the twelve months of the year. There are two halls on the east and west sides. Zhang, ten feet wide, with a square courtyard of 60 mu in front, the whole group of architectural gardens, mainly Taiji Hall, is the place where Sima Yao summons ministers, holds palace banquets and handles daily government affairs.

Sima Yao has canceled the early court for three consecutive days. Since he won the new favorite Zhang Guiren, he has neglected the government on the pretext of recuperating after the Battle of Feishui.Because of Xie An and Wang Tanzhi's hard work, their government affairs were greatly reduced and transferred to Sima Daozi's official office of ministers. Therefore, such an important matter as the construction of Maitreya Temple also surpassed Xie An, making him unable to stop it. However, Xie An has made up his mind this time, and is determined not to let Sima Yao pass the test vaguely, and Sima Yao has to make a choice between division and unity among important officials.

If you want to visit Jiankang, the best way is to go boating on the waterways all over the city. Jiankang City is located in the water network zone of the Yangtze River, Qinhuai River and Xuanwu Lake, surrounded by water on all sides. The urban area develops along the Qinhuai River and becomes more and more prosperous. The industrial and commercial districts and residential areas extend from the long distance, and the big city expands to the east of the Qinhuai River and Qingxi. , the urban area is row upon row, very lively. At that time, the scale of Jiankang City had become the highest in the Central Plains, with tall buildings and mansions, Lianyu high tiles, all of which were uneven.

The most distinctive feature is that the river leads to the port fork, boats and masts come and go, and enter the port in twists and turns; There are four commercial markets in the city, and there are more than a hundred markets on both sides of the Qinhuai River.Another feature is that most of the markets are built near Buddhist temples. Due to the prosperity of Buddhist affairs and the flow of people around the temples, they become good places for business and transactions. The most famous ones are Dashi in front of Jianchu Temple and Beishi in front of Guishan Temple. In addition to the permanent market, there are also many non-fixed grass markets, showing that more and more people are doing business to make a living, making Jiankang the richest and most prosperous metropolis in the world.

Beyond the main Royal Road and Chi Road, there are sub-level streets extending like spider webs to the inner squares of the city, even narrow streets and alleys.Houses stretch along the river, deep houses and courtyards, houses with white walls and black tiles, stone roads, stone arch bridges, floating boats, and stone river ports; Hanging frost is as beautiful as a dream. Compared with Yan Fei's first visit to this place five years ago, it is a different occasion now. Yan Fei has a soft spot for the characteristics of Jiangnan Water Town.For him, the beautiful scenery of towns and cities in the south of the Yangtze River, which live by the water, is like a poetic picture scroll with proper density, virtual and real, showing infinite artistic conception and interest in a limited space.

Yan Fei turned out of Wuyi Lane and set foot on the imperial road, accompanied by Gao Yan and Liang Dingdu on the left and right, followed by four guards from the Xie family. Liang Dingdu insisted on the arrangement. Liang Dingdu and Gao Yan are like the wrong door gods, they don't look at each other, they don't say anything, they refuse to give in to each other when they speak, quarrel, sarcasm, and sarcasm, which makes Yan Fei very annoyed. Yan Fei had no choice but to stay silent, put aside all troubles, squeeze into the bustling bustling avenue, and plunge into the joy of life in Jiankang City.

There are many shops of all kinds on both sides of the imperial road, and there are many shops along the street. There are many restaurants, restaurants, teahouses, wine shops, and vendors selling all kinds of groceries on the ground.There are two Buddhist temples and one Taoist temple near Yudao and Niaoyi Lane alone. Regardless of the front and outside of the temple, there are people like tides, and most of the believers are women. What interested Yan Fei the most was that farmers and fishermen from all over the city brought fresh vegetables, fruits, fresh fish and shrimp by boat from various waterways, and sold them at the embankment at the bottom of the bridge, or along the river. sell.

Yan Fei and the others walked along the winding long street on the north bank of the Qinhuai River, leaving the straight imperial road, which is another fascinating feeling. Whether it is the lawless Borderlands, or Jiankang City, the capital of the Southern Jin Dynasty, people always have to live. The reality is similar, but the former is far from the leisure of the latter. Gao Yan leaned closer to Yan Fei's ear and said: The Gaopeng Building in front is most famous for its roast mutton. Liang Dingdu was pricking up his ears to eavesdrop. Hearing the words, he said: Mr. Yan hasn't eaten a grain of rice or dripped water for a hundred days. This meal should be light rather than thick. A hundred steps more will lead to the famous vegetarian restaurant Jingxinzhai. Suitable for Mr. Yan. Gao Yan said angrily: How can you understand our desolate people's eating habits, we haven't eaten for a hundred days, and after waking up, we still have to eat vegetarian dishes that make people fade away?snort!Who is the guest now? Liang Ding was about to retort, when suddenly there was a commotion in front, everyone rushed to avoid it. Liang Dingdu was responsible for protecting Yan Fei's safety, so he was taken aback and dragged Yan Fei to the side, while the guards behind immediately rushed forward to build a human wall to protect Yan Fei. Yan Fei looked over and saw a person rushing out of the driveway, rushing dangerously in front of a carriage like a stray dog, and rushing to the opposite street, causing the horses to stand up and the driver to yell at him.However, when the imperial guard saw five or six armed men in green clothes chasing after that person, he immediately fell silent and did not dare to continue cursing. The chased and the chased immediately disappeared into a side alley, and the situation on the street returned to normal in an instant, as if nothing had happened. Liang Dingdu said dejectedly: "It's Uncle Bao's man again." Gao Yan was surprised and said: Uncle Bao? Liang Ding gave him a blank look, and angrily didn't answer him. Yan Fei was afraid that Gao Yan would be difficult to step down, so he asked on his behalf: "Who is Uncle Bao?" To Yan Fei, Liang Ding didn't dare to neglect him, and replied respectfully: Uncle Bao is the son-in-law of Mrs. An, the son of Mr. Zhongshu Jian, Wang Guobao, and he is now the most wealthy person in Jiankang City. He specializes in loan sharks. He is also well versed in the way of hoarding, constantly annexing other people's fields, houses, mansions, and shops, and amassing astonishing wealth. Mr. An dislikes him very much. Yan Fei felt annoyed when he heard it, and was deeply grateful for An's real situation, which was far less than his superficial carefreeness. Of course Gao Yan is not interested in vampires who lend money and eat high interest rates, he said: Where are we going now? Yan Fei winked at Liang Dingdu, and said, "Whoever treats guests is the one to talk about, of course it is to eat roast lamb!" Gao Yan cheered up, with an air of victory, and led the way. Sima Yao may be a person with a dual personality. He can be very persistent in certain things, but sometimes he can't make up his mind and is easily instigated by others; he can do very willful and fanatical things, and even kill mercilessly , but has a cautious and kind side. Under the political situation at that time in the Southern Jin Dynasty, he has always been cautious about inheriting his ancestral business and dare not neglect government affairs. Although in private he continued to indulge himself to the point of anesthesia, but the vigilance stemming from fear made him On the whole, he can still fulfill his responsibilities as a monarch. But with the victory of the Battle of Feishui, under the ecstasy that seemed to remove the threat, his usual self-control finally collapsed, revealing his lazy and lazy side of character. He is thirty-nine years old, of medium build, with an unhealthy pale complexion, gentle and gentle, always speaks slowly and elegantly, and looks and talks like a celebrity. In essence, he is an introverted person who always likes to rely on others to do tedious tasks He is a little afraid of facing the ministers and facing the reality. In the past, when the threat from the north was severe, he relied on Xie An; now when he is enjoying himself, he relies on Sima Daozi. The most important thing in front of him is definitely not to unify the world, but how to consolidate his Sima clan's imperial power, so that the happy royal life can continue indefinitely. After receiving the news that Xie An entered the palace, he was having breakfast with the two brothers Sima Daozi, and because he had just left the dragon bed, his eyes were still sleepy, his mind was still filled with the charming and charming expression of nobleman Zhang last night, and the hangover was still alive . He was a little delirious and turned his head to Sima Daozi who was on the lower right and frowned: "What is Xie An here for?"Is there anything you can't wait until the next court meeting? Right now, they were in the Azure Dragon Hall to the east of the Taiji Hall, where a group of eunuchs and eunuchs waited on them attentively.Sima Daozi didn't come here for fun, he pretended to report government affairs to him, but in fact he asked him to sign and seal the memorials and imperial edicts.After all, he is a top-notch swordsman, and he is well aware of the dangers of drinking and sex, even if he has a banquet with Sima Yao, enough is enough. Hearing this, murderous intent flashed across his eyes, and he pretended to be casual and said: We must pay close attention to the military and political aspects. If he is talking about the Northern Expedition, the emperor must not give an inch. After the war, our Great Jin will need a long period of recuperation. It is not advisable to act recklessly.For the rest, let adults have something to say. He understands Sima Yao's mind best, as long as he mentions the Northern Expedition, he will be able to set up sharp arrows to protect his whole body like a hedgehog, and cleverly find an excuse for Sima Yao to oppose the Northern Expedition, so that Sima Yao can deal with Xie An calmly. Sure enough, Sima Yao's face tightened, and he snorted and said, "Great Sima is using troops in Bashu, so of course we should move rather than stay still." Master Zhongshuling is here! Sima Yao immediately shut his mouth, exchanged glances with Sima Daozi, and looked at the gate. The guard guarding the gate paid respects solemnly. Xie An's tall and unrestrained figure appeared in front of the two people, walking straight towards them with easy steps, with a smile on the corner of his lips, like a friend meeting for a clear talk, without the slightest nervous expression to salute After visiting, Sima Yao gave him a seat. If there are people in the world whom he respects, Xie An must be one of them. Xie An leisurely sat down on the left seat, looked at Sima Daozi, and said with a calm smile: "Langya King Fu'an, Xie An's meeting with you this time is a major matter related to the survival of my great Jin Dynasty, and I must report it to the emperor in private. Don't be offended. Sima Daozi was furious, Xie An's words made it clear that he wanted him to avoid the banquet, it was very disrespectful to him, and he didn't leave any room for it.Then he snorted coldly and looked at Sima Yao to see how he would respond. Sima Yao was stunned for a moment, and looked at Xie An. The latter was still calm and unrestrained, but he clearly felt that Xie An was giving him an ultimatum. Blatant break. Until now, Xie An is still in charge of the military and political power in the Southern Jin Dynasty, and his prestige in Jiangzuo is not second to anyone.The most important thing is that the military power in the Beifu is still firmly in his hands, and he was so frightened that he lost his drink.Dao: What Mr. An wants to talk about is It is only heard that he regards Xie An as the emperor, but also as An Gong, which shows Xie An's status in the court. Xie An met his gaze, and said calmly: What the old minister wants to report is about the construction of Maitreya Temple. Sima Daozi snorted again, and when he was about to speak, he gestured to Sima Yao to stop him, and said in a deep voice: "So that's the case, let me explain it to Mr. An in person to explain Mr. An's doubts."Then he nodded to Sima Daozi. Sima Daozi had no choice but to bow and leave, but he didn't look at Xie An to show his anger. When Sima Daozi exited the hall, Sima Yao dismissed all the eunuchs and maids who were waiting on him, leaving only the monarch and his ministers and the guard guarding the gate far away in the hall, Xie An let out a long sigh. Sima Yao frowned and said, "Why should An Gong sigh?"Maitreya is a new branch of Buddhism in the north. Its teachings are novel and incisive. Our dynasty has always adopted an inclusive and open attitude towards all kinds of sects. Moreover, the funds for the construction of Maitreya Temple this time will all be donated by believers and will not affect government expenditures. You can rest assured. Xie An replied calmly, and said calmly: Does the funding come from the national treasure, the animal? Sima Yao was stunned, since he knew Xie An, he had never heard any curse words from him.At this moment, he called his son-in-law to be an animal, it can be seen that Xie An's heart is full of anger.And Xie An, who was always not easy to get angry, lost his temper in front of himself, the emperor, which made him more aware of the seriousness of the matter.Surprisingly, there was no anger in his heart, only fear and uneasiness. Sima Yao cheered up, shook his head and said: This matter is handled by King Langya, I don't know the details. Xie An looked at the emperor of Southern Jin indifferently until he felt hairy in his heart, and said slowly: The world is chaotic, and people think about it, since ancient times.When feeling hopeless about reality, it is more human to seek spiritual liberation to get rid of the situation you are in.In the chaos at the end of the Han Dynasty, Taoist heresy originated among the people and combined with the rebellious people, resulting in the chaos of the Taiping Road and the Five Dou of Rice Road.It is not a big deal to build one more Buddhist temple and one less Buddhist temple, but if it is related to Zhu Faqing, this matter must not be done. Please take it back. Sima Yao was displeased and said: "Dahuo Maitreya's Buddhism is profound, how can we generalize it with Sun En and others?" Xie An softly said: "Has the emperor consulted with respected Buddhists such as Zhidun for the construction of the Maitreya Temple?" Sima Yao didn't expect that Xie An would dare to treat him like this, and said angrily: "I know who is right and who is wrong. If I have to ask people about everything, how can I govern the country?" These words were very serious, if Xie An made a slight comment, it would become Xie An doubting Sima Yao's ability to be the emperor. Xie An smiled slightly and said: "Your Majesty is wise, of course no one can doubt it. Thanks to His Majesty's blessing, we were lucky to win a complete victory in Feishui."However, this victory did not come easily, and he was unable to take advantage of the victory to regain the north, so he should be more cautious in court affairs, and not let the fruits of victory come to naught.Zhu Faqing is not only a traitor of Samana, but also has great ambitions, and his methods of dealing with fellow Buddhists are even more brutal.If he is given a foothold in Jiankang, first of all there will be fierce struggles among the Buddhist sects, and the chaos will start from within, which is the most difficult to prevent. Huan Wen has passed away, Huan Xuan's intentions are unclear, and Sun En is eyeing him in the south, which is a serious threat.In my opinion, it is better to be still than to move. Please think twice, Your Majesty.Although he was opposed to Sima Yao's views, he spoke very tactfully. He went around a big circle to tell Sima Yao how bad he was, and what he said were all hard facts, which were bound to happen. In fact, Sima Yao knew Zhu Faqing through the dictation of Sima Daozi and Wang Guobao, otherwise he had already heard about it, so he was already dissatisfied with his unruly style of work, so he couldn't help hesitating at this moment, saying: Let me think about it. How could Xie An allow him to discuss with Sima Daozi again, he shook his head and said: This matter has been widely spread, causing people to panic, otherwise the veteran would not have heard of it.If your majesty thinks that the old minister can still serve as the Zhongshuling, please make a decisive decision and authorize the old minister to immediately announce to the world that the construction of Maitreya Temple will be stopped, and Zhu Bugui will be expelled to the north. This will calm the storm, otherwise the state of Jin will be in danger! Sima Yao was startled and looked at Xie An, who also looked back at him without giving way.