Chapter 3 Chapter Sixteen

Ruisi Hall. Yang Xinhou.Watching Tian Liewu walk in from a distance, Zhao Xu immediately dropped the brush in his hand, left aside the servants who followed him, got up and walked quickly towards Tian Liewu, Marquis Yang Xin, have you seen Mr. Sang? His Majesty.Tian Liewu hurriedly visited and saluted, he was still not used to being a marquis. Have you seen Mr. Sang?Zhao Xu just stared at Tian Liewu expectantly. Tian Liewu nodded, took out a book that still exuded the fragrance of ink from his arms, held it in both hands, and handed it to Zhao Xu. What's this?Marquis Yang Shifang of Wucheng, who was almost inseparable from Zhao Xu, glanced at him and asked.

Mr. Sang asked me to bring it to His Majesty.Tian Lie Wudao, a book written by a Hu man named Tolemy, is about the same as "Preliminary Geography", full of maps. But Marquis Wucheng hadn't even read "Elementary Geography", and of course he couldn't know about Ptolemy, but Yang Shifang knew that the little emperor listened to Sang Chongguo very much, so he just nodded and didn't say much.Pang Tianshou, who was still wrapped in bandages, limped forward, took the book and put it away. Tian Liewu said again: Mr. Sang said that the future of the Great Song Dynasty lies in the south, and His Majesty must know the geography of all countries in the world. Mr. Sang asked several great scholars to write commentaries for this book, and copied them in the book himself.Your Majesty, please read one article every five days.

I made a note of it.Zhao Xu nodded in response. Mr. Sang also said that Mr. Cheng began to talk about "Zhenguan Zhengyao" at this time, which is indeed a bit esoteric. After that, every five days, Mr. Sang will write a story about the emperor and his ministers of Zhenguan for his ministers to bring in. After reading these stories, His Majesty will understand it more easily. .When Tian Liewu said this, he hesitated for a moment, and Fang continued: Mr. Sang said, Mr. Cheng is good in knowledge and character, and has a high reputation among scholars. His Majesty must respect him, so that the scholars and bureaucrats in the world will support His Majesty even more .

After finishing speaking, Tian Liewu glanced at the little emperor in front of him almost nervously.After all, this is just a child less than ten years old. But to Tian Liewu's surprise, Zhao Xu just pursed his lips and thought for a while, then said: I understand. He didn't know if Zhao Xu really understood, but he didn't dare to ask further.In the Ruisi Hall, beside the little emperor, how many servants and court ladies will report their every move to the empress dowager in detail?Even a loyal and honest person like Tian Liewu was well aware of the current situation. The only people who could really trust the little emperor were Yang Shifang, Tian Liewu, and Pang Tianshou.

Ruisi Palace has absolutely no secrets about Baoci Palace.It was the empress dowager who acquiesced in him delivering the message for the little emperor and Sang Chongguo, but this could also become evidence against his Yang Xinhou Tian Liewu at any time.Therefore, even though they were all very angry that King Yong was safe and sound, no one dared to speak nonsense in front of the little emperor Just thinking about this, official.Tian Liewu saw a servant come in from outside the hall holding a plate of fruit, and the servant walked six or seven steps away from Zhao Xu. Suddenly, he heard Zhao Xu scream: "Stop!"

The servant was stunned for a moment, but didn't understand what Zhao Xu meant, and said, "Officer, this is sent by the empress dowager." After taking two steps forward, Zhao Xu suddenly snatched a stick whisk from Pang Tianshou's hand, He beat the servant viciously, screaming at the same time: "Stop!"Stop for me! Tian Liewu was stunned for a moment, seeing that the servant was inexplicably beaten to the point of bleeding by the little emperor, kneeling on the ground with his head in his hands, wailing and begging for mercy, a plate of fruit was scattered everywhere.

Until Yang Shifang hugged Zhao Xu tightly, he blushed, waved the stick whisk, and shouted loudly: "Yang Xinhou, take down this rebellion, take down this rebellion!" Tian Liewu was a little at a loss for a while, seeing Yang Shifang walking towards the inner hall with the little emperor in his arms, but saw Pang Tianshou limping up to the hapless servant, and scolded: You idiot, you don't fucking grow up ears? Injustice, injustice, the waiter was obviously frightened, he just kowtowed desperately, shouting injustice. Wrong ass!Pang Tianshou spat on his face, and cursed viciously: You cut off your fucking ear with that thing too?Just now the official told you to stop, why didn't you stop?

Wronged You are a mother-in-law and call out for injustice again!Pang Tianshou suddenly yelled, and stared at the servant, how dare you call out your injustice again! The servant was so frightened that he could hardly speak, but just looked at Pang Tianshou foolishly. roll!Get out! Seeing the servant running out of the palace in a frenzy, Pang Tianshou turned around, turned to Tian Liewu, and said with a wry smile: Tian Hou Tian Liewu looked at Pang Tianshou, completely confused about the situation. Pang Tianshou shook his head with a wry smile, this is the second one since yesterday.

what on earth is it? Pang Tianshou sighed, Marquis Tian knew about the nightmare he had before, and the imperial physician tried everything he could, but it didn't get better.It was like this yesterday, as long as people from outside, if the officials tell them to stop, they stop, that's all.But if you don't stop right away, that's it Does the Empress Dowager, the Empress Dowager know? Pang Tianshou nodded, but did not speak.Because, even Tian Liewu, who was asking the question, knew in his heart that this was nonsense! I'm going to see the official house.After a while, Tian Liewu whispered again.

Yang Xinhou, has the rebellion been taken? When Tian Liewu walked to the inner hall, Zhao Xu was sitting on a chair, his face was still flushed, but his mood had calmed down a lot.Tian Liewu looked at Yang Shifang, and heard Yang Shifang say: "The official family has been taken down." Zhao Xu looked at Tian Liewu inquiringly, and Tian Liewu hurriedly avoided his eyes and nodded slightly. Zhao Xu obviously breathed a sigh of relief, he suddenly lowered his voice and said: General Yang, Marquis Yang Xin, there are many rebels in the palace. When Tian Liewu heard this, he suddenly felt his nose sore. His Majesty can rest assured that with General Yang and his ministers around, no rebellion can hurt His Majesty.

I know.Zhao Xu nodded seriously, and General Huyan, the Holy Queen said, you are all loyal ministers.The queen mother told me that I want to be a good emperor like my father, and a good emperor is not afraid of rebellion. Tian Liewu raised his eyes and looked at Zhao Xu's immature face, almost crying bitterly.He lowered his head, not daring to lose his composure, but saw Yang Shifang tightly holding onto the adornment around his waist, with veins popping out, almost crushing the adornment. Your Majesty will be a good emperor.Tian Liewu said warmly. I am not yet.Zhao Xu shook his head earnestly. I heard from the Queen Mother that she will never let anyone do anything against me, and she will definitely let me rule in peace. The official family will be a good emperor, and the official family will definitely govern safely!Yang Shifang almost gritted his teeth and said, at that time, the official family will be as good an emperor as the late emperor. The late emperor defeated the Dangxiang people, and the official family will definitely be able to defeat the Khitan people in the future.The official family will be a good emperor of the Song Dynasty. It must be!Tian Liewu also followed suit.This is the oath. General Yang, Marquis Yang Xin, and Zhao Xu looked at Yang Shifang and Tian Liewu with wide eyes, and asked softly: Some people don't want me to rule in person, do they? The official family is the crown prince of the Daxing Emperor, and he was born to be an official family.Pang Tianshou also came in at some point, he walked up to Zhao Xu, and said carefully: When the officials grow up, they can take charge of the government.This is only right and proper. good!This is only right and proper.Yang Shifang said in a deep voice. Tian Liewu, who came out of the Hall of Ruisi, became heavy on his feet. In Tian Liewu's heart, Empress Dowager Gao was not the traitorous queen that the storyteller said, but he knew very well that King Yong was indeed the mastermind of the rebellion.This matter cannot be concealed.On the night of the rebellion, in order to prevent King Yong from entering the palace, Han Zhongyan mobilized many people, not to mention Tian Liewu's relationship in Kaifeng Mansion, these things could not be hidden from him at all, even ordinary people in Kaifeng Mansion knew about it.For so many people to keep secrets strictly, unless all those who participated in the quelling of the chaos were killed, it would be impossible for you to use any means.Moreover, Tian Liewu also knew from the rebels that night that they were here to welcome King Yong! In fact, almost everyone in Kaifeng Mansion knew that King Yong had an inseparable relationship with the rebellion.Rumors never only existed in Baishuitan and Taixue. Thirty-seven Gongsheng students were drunk and made trouble. There are countless sympathizers in any teahouse or restaurant in Bianjing. Tian Liewu was born as a yamen servant in Kaifeng Mansion. He is not incomprehensible to what Empress Dowager Gao did to save her son's life.He didn't naively believe that bad guys would be punished. After all, people with such a mentality are unlikely to do well in Gongmen.But Empress Dowager Gao refused to reveal King Yong's crimes to the world, but she couldn't help making people jealous.For those of them who are loyal to the little emperor, this anxiety is even more obvious.Pang Tianshou would personally go to the imperial dining room to monitor everything the little emperor ate, while Yang Shifang had to taste everything before letting the little emperor eat it.The two protected the little emperor closely, while Tian Liewu was in charge of helping the little emperor find out news from the outside world and contact people who were loyal to the little emperor outside. Tian Liewu knew that they were all afraid of Empress Dowager Gao.Because they all believed that Empress Dowager Gao had the ability to abolish the emperor. Even though they knew that Empress Dowager Gao was on the side of the little emperor on the night of the rebellion, she might not have any malice towards the little emperor, and it was understandable for her to protect King Yong, but they were still afraid. I'm afraid that something might happen. Unless Empress Dowager Gao's attitude became clearer, they would not dare to take it lightly until the day when the little emperor came to power. Originally, Zhao Xu was very reassuring for them. So far, in all funeral ceremonies, whether it was meeting officials, summoning the clan, meeting foreign envoys, or treating the Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager, Zhao Xu's behavior was very decent.He seemed very sensible, and listened to the Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager very much. At the funeral, he could be sad without being rude. During the one or two hour meeting, he didn't cry or fuss, just opened his eyes wide and listened carefully. Such a little emperor, people can't fault him at all.Except that he would have nightmares and scream every night, Tian Liewu and the others don't have to worry about him any more. But those days seem to be over. Whether Tian Liewu, Yang Shifang, or Pang Tianshou, they didn't know what to do about the little emperor's outburst.But if there are too many such things, it is obviously harmful to the little emperor, but not beneficial. They all knew the reason in their hearts. Although no one revealed it, Tian Liewu knew that both Yang Shifang and Pang Tianshou transferred their resentment to Empress Dowager Gao and King Yong. In the Great Song Dynasty, is it true that there are no loyal ministers like those in Pingshu?Why didn't there be any loyal ministers in the court to remonstrate with the Empress Dowager Gao to kill her relatives righteously? In fact, Tian Liewu wanted to ask Shi Yue and Sima Guang, people whom he respected, why? However, even though he is Yang Xinhou, he also knows that this is impossible. His identity is still very different from that of Shi Yue and Sima Guang. He can only find the answer by himself. After leaving Donghua Gate, the newly hired family members had already brought their horses over.Since following Zhao Xu, Tian's income has increased day by day.Especially in the short ten days after Zhao Xu ascended the throne, people who Tian Liewu had never heard of came to visit. Some people sent things in different ways, from silk, satin, gold and silver, to servants and singing girls, and even the carriages, coachmen, fields, and houses were richer and richer, and the status of the senders was also higher than that of the ones.In the first few days, in order to return these items, Tian Liewu's whole family was almost exhausted. Even so, it was a huge problem to even return the items sent by some dignified people.However, this trouble was solved after Cao Youwen gave Tian Liewu advice, and the Tian family soon moved to a large mansion, hired more than a dozen new family members, maids, bought several horses, carriages, and hired a coachman Although Tian Liewu still felt a little awkward in his heart, he knew that Cao Youwen was right.Although he is Yang Xinhou, in the eyes of others, he is always a military officer. No one treats him as a scholar-bureaucrat, but only as a vulgar person, so he gives gifts to please, and he hardly hides it. Those who want to make friends with him Not all of them are undesirable.It is only because the world has this kind of prejudice that it despises him so much.As for these gift givers, as Cao Youwen said, they cannot be simply returned, because giving gifts to him Tian Liewu is actually to curry favor with the little emperor.For the moment, Tian Liewu can't help them. What these people value is the return in eight or ten years.But the current situation is that the emperor also needs this kind of investment. Although these people can't really help, but they are sure that if they invest in the little emperor, at least they will be more happy to see the little emperor can take charge of the government safely in the future.The more they invest, the more they will support the little emperor.As for whether their investment will pay off in the future, that has nothing to do with Tian Liewu.Cao Youwen assured him that even if he turned his face against others in the future, no one would dare to take back these things from him.And he doesn't have to feel guilty, as long as these are all rewards from the little emperor. Therefore, Cao Youwen told Tian Liewu to record all the gift givers and gifts, and then report them to the Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager.Sure enough, as Cao Youwen expected, both the Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager smiled and asked him to accept it as a reward from the officials. Therefore, within just a dozen days, the Tian Mansion looked like a Hou Mansion.And Tian Liewu's life began to look a bit like Yang Xinhou's. Get on your horse and leave Donghuamen Street, pass Huihefang, and head east all the way to Old Caomen Street.Tian Liewu's new house is near the Tianwang Temple outside the old Caomen Street. Tian Liewu's newly hired entourage was called Li Shun, and he was actually his old subordinate. Li Shun was in Tian Liewu's camp under the city of Lingzhou in the thirteenth year of Xining.Because he was injured during the siege, he lost his left hand. After retiring from the army, he received a pension and went to Bianjing to join his nephew. Hearing the news, he remembered that Tian Liewu had always been very kind to his subordinates in the army, so he came to join his wealthy old master, and he was indeed taken in by Tian Liewu as a follower. Li Shun led the horse all the way, seeing Tian Liewu was preoccupied, he deliberately found something to talk about and laughed: the little one was just waiting outside, and I heard that the battle in the Southwest Yi was over, and the brothers who went to Yizhou will soon be sent back to the court , I don’t know if it’s true or not. I have a cousin who is still listening to orders under General Xiao Wang’s account. I don’t know Is your cousin really under the tent of General Xiao Wang?Tian Liewu sat on the horse, shook his head, and sighed, then he might not be able to come back in a year or so. Could it be fake?The little one was happy for nothing. fake is not fake A few days ago, news came back from the army of Wang Hou and Murong Qian that they had once again marched and returned without success.Wang Hou and Murong Qian pleaded guilty, acknowledging that the southwestern barbarians were not a hasty decision, and the Zhengshitang asked the Yizhou soldiers to be dismissed.For this reason, the Shufu was very dissatisfied because of face loss, and reprimanded the king and Mu for cowardly fighting. flow, and made the imperial court underestimated by the barbarians.Instead, Shi Yue spoke for the two, boasting that they knew where to advance and retreat, and that the court had won two famous generals.Therefore, what Li Shun heard cannot be false.Tian Liewu also heard Li Dunmin say that Shi Yue was actually very disappointed in his heart, but Mr. Junshi was unwilling to fight another unnecessary battle, so he had to give in.The imperial court wants to save money to solve the domestic price rise and the currency payment crisis. However, General Xiao Wang proposed to the court another strategy of flattening.Although the imperial court will withdraw most of the soldiers and horses in Yizhou, General Xiao Wang and General Murong will select 3,000 elite soldiers to stay in the fields, train the local soldiers, and support them by fighting.If your cousin is under the tent of General Xiao Wang, he might marry a wife and have children there.Tian Liewu laughed. This is a plan that Duan Zijie is full of praise for.The garrison is too many and useless, and it is not familiar with the soil and water, which is completely increasing the burden on one's own side.On the contrary, if only some elite soldiers are left, it will not pose a burden to Yizhou's finances at all.Because these troops trained the local residents on the border and the acquaintances who were attached to them, and at the same time deterred the harassment of the Southwestern Yi, once they turned from offensive to defensive, the Southwestern Yi would have no advantage, and the Song army would remain invincible.As long as the terrain is suitable, a thousand Southwestern barbarians may not be able to defeat a hundred real Song army elites, not to mention that the Song army has fortifications and local soldiers to assist.Moreover, once the main forces of the officers and soldiers are withdrawn, the external pressure on the Southwestern Yi will drop sharply, and the internal division will intensify. With the power of Wang and Mu, they will make foreign attacks from afar, win over and divide, and attack the barbarians with the barbarians. It will not take a few years. The heads of the rebellious chieftains can be sent to Bianjing one by one to hang their heads for public display. Tian Liewu also admitted that General Xiao Wang's method was far superior to mobilizing 100,000 troops aggressively to fight the disease and his own supply ability.The Privy Council was very indifferent to General Xiao Wang's plan to flatten the barbarians, but it was just out of face. Their biggest worry was the absurd belief that admitting the defeat in the southwestern barbarians might affect the Khitan's judgment.This was a worry that even Tian Liewu felt ridiculous. Tens of thousands of forbidden troops returned to defend Hebei, no matter how low their morale was, it would be a great deterrent to Khitan. It is said that Junshi Xianggong has been advocating the complete abandonment of the Southwestern barbarians because he was worried that the number of soldiers would be useless and that it would not be easy to train the native soldiers.If it weren't for Shi Xianggong's efforts in the two prefectures, General Xiao Wang's pacification plan would never have become a reality. Tian Liewu also almost went to the southwest.This incident can be said to be a very important turning point in his life.If he had gone to the southwest at that time, many things now would not have happened again.To be ranked as Marquis of Yang Xin like this today is something he dared not even think about.How much military merit must be achieved to have a chance to become a Marquis? But he still couldn't help imagining another life for himself.He would also think, if he was in Yizhou, could he, like General Xiao Wang, come up with the plan to flatten the barbarians? He had thought about it many times, but the answer was always no.Although this made Tian Liewu a little frustrated, he had no choice but to accept this reality.He is not the kind of person who has many strategies to solve problems, so he should listen to other people's opinions more. Li Shun also seemed a little disappointed, grandma, he doesn't want to ask a barbarian to be his wife.He spat, and suddenly laughed again: I heard that the barbarian woman over there is very handsome. I don't know.Tian Liewu smiled and said, you can write a letter and ask your cousin. It's better to save on the small one.Li Shun said with a smile: "It takes dozens of letters to find a gentleman to write a letter and send it to Yizhou at the post office."In Bianjing, a day of hard work is only worth a hundred pens. Tian Liewu nodded with a smile, but suddenly remembered something, I heard you say last time, you still have more than two hundred bank notes? yes.The little girl originally planned to take some money to beg for a wife, but never thought that handing over banknotes would become like paper overnight.The little one didn't give up, so he kept holding it back, but it seems that these days, after the imperial court issued the edict, I heard that it can be used to deduct taxes, and the money handed over in the ghost market has started to be worth a little money again, and someone is there to collect the money , ready to take to other states.The third brother of the He family next door to the younger one even came to find the younger one while doing this, but the younger one didn't agree to him. Tian Liewu already knew that Li Shun talked a lot. If he recalled the things in the army, Li Shun could talk non-stop for days and nights, but he also liked to chat with Li Shun about family matters. The two walked through the bustling streets of Bianjing. Talking some gossip, compared to entertaining those dignitaries, can make Tian Liewu feel at ease from the heart. You were right not to sell it to him.Tian Liewu smiled, and asked again: Is your cousin down-to-earth? Fairly honest. That's right, I have personally experienced the military discipline under General Xiao Wang's account.Tian Liewu smiled and said: "Then you have to be in a hurry to find a wife for this matter, so you should keep the notes carefully. If you are not in a hurry, you can go to the secret courtyard to find a familiar Pao Ze and inquire about it. If your cousin's one is really true If you don't come back, you go to the Tang family bank to deposit a flying ticket, and first give the money to your cousin to help you deposit it. ah?Li Shun turned around in surprise and looked at Tian Liewu. Don't ask why.Tian Liewu smiled and said: When the prices in Yizhou stabilize, I will give you another vacation. You go to Yizhou. If you want to settle down there, the money is nothing in Bianjing, but it is a huge sum of money in the local area. It is enough for you Buy land and land to marry your wife.If you still want to go back to Bianjing, you can buy some Sichuan brocade, tea leaves, etc., and sell them back, and you can make a fortune. It's just that Li Shunyuan is also a clever person, so he didn't dare to ask any more questions at this time, it's just that the flying ticket Are you worried about this?Tian Liewu smiled and shook his head, it was no wonder.When you were in the army, you didn't have this thing. Li Shun smiled embarrassedly, and Tian Liewu said again: Nowadays, as long as the army is not stationed in the army, brothers in the army use flying tickets to send home.Hugh said that in the army, even those who are officials and businessmen in other places use this flying ticket.As long as you have a family, a name and a surname, and you are not the kind who run around, you can send it.If you go to the bank, they will ask you clearly, if you can't send it, they won't lie to you Tian Liewu had good intentions. The imperial court has decided to use Feng Jing to judge the affairs of the Chengdu government, while Chen Yuanfeng will be in charge of the civil affairs of Yizhou as a transit judge, and Gao Zunhui will be in charge of the military administration. Under Sima Guang's insistence, the two governments have also decided to proceed simultaneously with the withdrawal of troops, and Yizhou will become a city. In the pure banknote delivery area, copper coins and iron coins will be abolished in Yizhou, and the circulation of copper coins and iron coins in the market will be completely prohibited. It can be circulated in Yizhou, and other banknotes are also prohibited from circulating in Yizhou.In other words, Yizhou will once again become a country within a country in terms of currency!In order to prevent repeating the same mistakes, the imperial court will set up an additional Shu coin bureau under the Taifu Temple, based on gold, silver and copper, and calculate according to a certain ratio to limit the number of additional Shu coins. Originally, as Tian Liewu, it was impossible to know these things, but when he went to Li Dunmin's house that day, he happened to hear Li Dunmin's complaints.Li Dunmin was very dissatisfied with the court's move.In his opinion, such a decision by the two governments is a complete retrogression, although because of Yizhou's special history and geographical location, this move may not be unfeasible, and with the withdrawal of the army, there is no supply pressure to supply the troops. The social situation tends to be stable, coupled with this kind of Shu currency, which is like issuing a new kind of banknote, and cutting off from the crisis-ridden banknote delivery, this move is like building a wall between Yizhou and other roads in the country. , It is indeed possible to solve the problem in Yizhou.But Li Dunmin always believed that this was an extremely short-sighted move, which would definitely leave many unexpected troubles in the future. (Note 1) But even though he suggested to Shi Yue, Shi Yue didn't accept him. It is impossible for Tian Liewu and Li Dunmin to know the pressure on Shi Yue.And it is even more impossible for Tian Liewu to know that there will be a salt bond issue, so he gave Li Shun this idea.Fortunately, Li Shun also knew in his heart that this Marquis of his family was not good at these financial management strategies. Although he promised in his mouth, he was thinking in his heart that if he could meet the little Sheren of the Cao family someday, he would ask Cao You to hear about it. opinion, it is not too late to make plans. How did Tian Liewu know that Li Shun had this idea in his heart, and he was still patiently talking about the flying ticket Just like that, the two of them approached the old Caomen.Tian Liewu saw the city gate from a distance, a young scholar came with a few followers on horseback, and he felt vaguely familiar, when he saw one of the followers walking towards him quickly, and when he came in front of him, the follower walked After a salute, he asked, "May I ask if this is General Yangxin Houtian?" Tian Liewu hurriedly told Li Shun to stop his horse, and immediately lowered his head while sitting down and asked: Who are you? The younger one is the family member of Cai Shaojian, the new military supervisor, called Cai Yong. Cai Shaojian?Tian Liewu was taken aback, and looked up, that young scholar, if not Cai Bian and Cai Yuandu, who was he? <Note 1> According to the author, the decision of the two governments seems almost unbelievable today.However, in real history, paper money first appeared, but it was used in restricted areas.During the Song Dynasty, several banknotes appeared at the same time, and it was common for each of them to be used only in restricted areas.And when there is a problem with some banknotes that were originally not restricted in the use area, switching to the method of restricting the use of the area is a method often used by the Song Dynasty governments.Therefore, regardless of the pros and cons of this move, readers need not be surprised.In fact, as pointed out in this book, the Song Dynasty was essentially an economic union composed of several sub-economic zones, so there are also deep-seated reasons for these situations in history. Tian Liewu and Cai Bian were not very close at first.Back then in Shifu, we occasionally met a few times, but the status and status of each other was far from the disparity.Cai Bian was awarded a Jinshi at the age of twelve, and his official career was very successful. He participated in the development plan of Huguang in the Ministry of Industry, and Shi Yue and Su Zhe valued him very much.But now, more than ten years later, Cai Bian's official career seems to have stalled. Not only has he not been promoted, but he was also expelled from the court to serve as a local official in Luzhou.However, Tian Liewu has become the little emperor's confidant and attendant, and has become the envied Marquis of Yangxin. Tian Liewu didn't know where Cai Bian had been an official for the past few years, but he had heard that Cai Bian was going to be transferred back to the capital. Regarding the reform of the prison, I heard that he once made a request to the court to increase investment in researching an individual firearm that could replace the bow and crossbow.Cai Bian is said to have firmly believed that gunpowder weapons should become the main equipment of the Song army in the future, but this idea eventually became a laughing stock.Tian Liewu heard that the Ordnance Research Institute did produce a small artillery that was light enough for one person to use, but this artillery had a short range and a very low rate of fire, making it impossible to aim at all, and it was even more inconvenient to ignite.The Ordnance Research Institute may not have paid too much attention to this, and it has not even designed the protruding grooves for placing the igniting powder. This is a technology that the Weapons Research Institute has long mastered. Therefore, it is said that this small artillery must stand on the Next to a stove, so that you can take a piece of charcoal or a red-hot iron piece to ignite and shoot something like this, not to mention that it is inferior to other artillery, and it is far less convenient and practical than a bow and crossbow, not to mention the most proud arm of the Song Army. Bow, so it is only natural that he was left out in the Privy Council.This invention is just a failed test product of the Armament Research Institute. In the end, almost no one knew about it. If Shen Guitian had not become the director of the Armament Supervisor, and Tian Liewu had a very good relationship with Duan Zijie, it would be impossible to know that there was such a thing. That's what Duan Zijie told him as a joke. In order to meet Xue Yi and Gao Liguo's request, the military supervisor threw the blueprint of this small artillery to them For the Armament Supervision and Ordnance Research Institute, how to improve their real artillery system, how to enhance the mobility to facilitate field battles; What they really care about.Tian Liewu vaguely knew from Shen Guitian that the weapon research institute was researching a powerful field weapon, which was said to be the nemesis of the Khitan horse army As soon as Tian Liewu saw Cai Bian, he couldn't help thinking of these trivial things. This was actually his entire impression of Cai Bian. Cai Bian in front of him looked very young.Tian Liewu reckoned that his age should be around twenty-seven or eight, but judging from his appearance, one would almost think that he was only twenty-three or four years old. His current attire was similar to that of the students in Baishuitan. The scarf is personable, and it is the good son of Zhuoshi.As for Cai Bian's fourth brother, Cai Jing, who was appointed as the new governor of Kaifeng Prefecture, in Tian Liewu's eyes, he was originally considered a handsome man, but when the two brothers sat together, Cai Jing was immediately compared by Cai Bian. At this moment, Tian Liewu couldn't help but secretly sigh with emotion.More than ten years ago, when he was still working in the Kaifeng Mansion, did he ever think that one day, he would be able to sit on an equal footing with the Kaifeng Mansion?Every time Cai Jing personally poured wine for him, Tian Liewu felt terrified, as if he was dreaming. Tian Liewu raised his eyes again to look at the famous Caozhou main store next to the old Caomen. In this small separate courtyard, Huang Tingjian's calligraphy was hung on the wall, and the first-class Huihe incense was burned in the room. The servants are dressed in bright clothes, all wearing silk and satin, and look at the table full of vegetarian wine and vegetables, he, Yang Xinhou, many of them can't even remember his name.The cost of this meal is at least three hundred coins! It was indeed a dream.However, Tian Liewu didn't know whether this dream was a blessing or a disaster.He still remembers how he helped Li Hun raise 300 guan in the seventeenth year of Xining. The money was not only used as money for Li Hun, but also to feed his eight children!Such a huge sum of money back then turned out to be just the cost of a simple meal invited by the Cai brothers.Tian Liewu couldn't help sighing in his heart. What comforted him a little was that when he just left Ruisi Hall, Yang Shifang told him quietly that Li Hun's guilt was also within the amnesty of the world. Then arrange a better assignment for Li Hun.Tian Liewu very much hoped that Li Hun could be transferred back to Bianjing to serve as the guard of Banzhi, but Li Hun's identity was too sensitive after all. Although Yang Shifang also hoped that there would be more people loyal to the little emperor among the guards of Banzhi, there was nothing he could do about it. Brothers Cai Jing and Cai Bian, who were talking and laughing happily, never imagined that at this moment Tian Liewu was thinking of Li Hun who was sent to a remote military state by the editor.But the Cai brothers are very shrewd people, and they have already seen that Tian Liewu is a little absent-minded.The two brothers glanced at each other, and Cai Bian, who had been chattering non-stop since they sat down, changed the subject immediately and said with a smile to Cai Jing: Fourth brother always loves to collect rare things Bao, my brother came back from Hunan Road this time, but he also brought a few things. Well?Cai Jing smiled, glanced at Tian Liewu, and said with a smile: "Lao Qi, you are not afraid of Tian Hou's jokes." Tian Hou is a hero, so he must not be surprised.Cai Bian replied with a smile, but his eyes were looking at Tian Liewu. Tian Liewu listened to the two talking, but it took him a long time to realize that he was asking for his own opinion!The one sitting in front of him was the Kaifeng Mansion, a young supervisor of military weapons. In Tian Liewu's heart, he never thought that they needed to ask his permission for what they were going to do!At this time, he didn't know how to answer, and he couldn't be as casual as he was to his subordinates in the army. In a hurry, he had to reply with a blushing face: How dare you!How dare! Cai Jing and Cai Bian looked at each other and smiled.If so, it's a shame.Cai Bian smiled and clapped his hands lightly, and saw Cai Yong leading two attendants, carrying a box and walking in. Tian Liewu couldn't help being taken aback. Although he is not good at communicating with these high-ranking officials on an equal footing, he is not a fool, otherwise he would not have been able to arrest the head in Kaifeng Mansion back then.As soon as Cai Bian clapped his hands, the servants brought the things in without waiting for orders, which was clearly arranged long ago. But these days, he has also seen many people who come to curry favor with him, and he is still silent at the moment, just looking at the box, Tian Liewu doesn't know how valuable that dark box is, but he can see it at a glance. The lock on it was made by Tiesuo Li, the best locksmith in Xiangzhou. It was something he was used to seeing when he was in Kaifeng Mansion. The things snitches love to steal are the locks of Tiesuo Li. Because there must be valuable treasures inside.Sure enough, Cai Bian took out a key from his body and unlocked the box. For a while, Tian Liewu felt a strange smell coming from his nostrils. When he looked closely, he saw that there was a white stone the size of a dog's head in the box. Ambergris!On the other side, Cai Jing had already stood up and called out in surprise. Ambergris?Tian Liewu was also stunned. He had never seen ambergris in his life, but he heard that ambergris is extremely rare. When it is cheap, one tael costs fifty or sixty guan, hundreds of guan; Time is almost priceless, I heard that the best ambergris can be sold for a penny of 100,000 guan, or even an incredible price of 150,000 guan!According to the rumors that Tian Liewu heard, ambergris is the top grade in white. The piece of ambergris in front of me weighs at least a dozen catties! Old Qi, how did you get this?Facing such rare treasures, even Cai Jing lost his usual composure. Naturally it was bought.Cai Bian laughed. But don't say that Cai Jing doesn't believe it, even Tian Liewu is also skeptical, if you want to sell Ambergris to 100,000 Guan for a penny, it will naturally need a coincidence and a bit of luck.But Tian Liewu knew that it would not be difficult for such a piece of ambergris to sell for hundreds of thousands or even millions of sticks.The candles used in the palace also add flooding ambergris, which costs more than a hundred sticks per tael, but as far as Tian Liewu knows, this kind of flooding ambergris, which is called top grade, is only gray.If Cai Bian really bought this piece of ambergris, then the land he has scooped up during the past few years is too appalling. Then Cai Jing laughed and said: As far as Brother Yu knows, since the Kingdom Dynasty, only in the first year of Tianxi, the three Buddhas paid tribute to a piece of ambergris weighing 36 catties, and that piece of ambergris, although there is no record , but I'm afraid it's far inferior to this rare treasure that I don't know how much money Lao Qi paid for it? This kind of thing is said to be a rare treasure, but it is also a rare treasure.But in the end it's just useless.蔡卞卻不以為然的搖搖頭，我買下此物，不過花了二十萬貫，外加兩樣東西的製法。 二十萬貫！田烈武連眼珠都幾乎瞪了出來。 何物之製法竟如此值錢？蔡京卻只覺得蔡卞揀了個大便宜，依然不肯相信。 田烈武一面在心裏計算著二十萬貫究竟是多少錢，便見蔡卞朝蔡用使了個眼色，蔡用連忙退了出去，不多久，又捧了兩盒東西進來。 便是這兩樣東西。蔡卞指了指那兩個紙盒，示意蔡用打開盒子。 蔡京與田烈武聞言望去，卻見一個盒子裏裝的是一種似鹽非鹽的雪白色的小顆粒，而另一個盒子裏，卻是一顆顆的小冰塊，倒像許多的小冰雹。 田烈武卻是兩樣物什都不認得，只好去看蔡京，但看蔡京的表情，竟是也不知道這究竟是什麼東西。 田侯，四哥，且嘗嘗看。蔡卞笑道。 此乃可食之物？蔡京狐疑的望了蔡卞一眼，拿起一顆小冰塊放到嘴裏。田烈武卻是抓了一把似鹽非鹽的東西丟進口中。蔡卞笑瞇瞇的望著二人。 甜的！ 白砂糖？ 頃刻，蔡京與田烈武不約而同驚訝的叫出聲來。 白砂糖？蔡京不可思議的望了田烈武一眼，要知道，白砂糖技術傳入中國已久（注二），這白砂糖也不算特別稀罕之物，但是當時的白砂糖都是淡黃色的，但田烈武所吃的那似鹽非鹽的東西，竟然如雪一樣純白！ 的確是白砂糖，四哥所吃的，則是用白砂糖與雞蛋熬出來的冰糖 可這白糖？ 此乃是我治下一處屯田廂軍試製出來的，他們用黃泥水淋脫色，便可以將黑糖變成白糖，色澤潔白無暇。較之大食白砂糖還要好些！ 你便是用這熬制白糖與冰糖之秘法，換來的龍涎香？蔡京盯著蔡卞，一臉的不可思議。 exactly 蔡京不由得搖了搖頭，若我沒猜錯的話，買下你這秘法的，定是個大食胡人？ 若是大宋人，亦不至這般蠢笨。蔡卞笑道︰那大食人還有個漢名，叫做劉圖泰。 劉圖泰劉圖泰我卻是知道此人。他只怕亦不如何蠢笨。蔡京嘿嘿笑道︰老七可知道，蔗糖在所有的國家，皆是供不應求？大宋、天竺、大食，皆產蔗糖，然這三國，雖然皆出口蔗糖，實則本國之需求亦極大，你看早年大食來貢，總會帶上蔗糖，而如今大食海商回程，蔗糖亦是他們採購的貨物之一。我當年在杭州，已聽說蔗糖在契丹、高麗、日本，乃至泰西諸國，皆極受歡迎，利潤極高。本來若我大宋有了這老七你這兩樣秘法，注輦國、大食的海商，必定都趨之若鶩 蔡京雖然沒直接指責蔡卞，但他這麼一說，便連田烈武也已經明白，這筆生意對那劉圖泰來說，亦是划算的。他學會了此法，回到大食國依法製造，面對泰西諸國的貿易利潤，想必將會非常可觀。 他心裏正感惋惜，不料蔡卞卻絲毫不以為然，笑道︰四哥所說之事，卻不過是杞人憂天而已。 蔡京聽到蔡卞話中有輕忽之意，不覺微微色變，老七此話怎講？ 蔡卞卻全然不覺，依舊笑道︰四哥既然說了蔗糖如此供不應求，便將秘法給了劉圖泰，又有何妨？大食國雖然產蔗糖，又能有多少產量？他劉圖泰縱然發財，亦擋不了我們大宋的財路。反正這所謂的秘法，用不了三五年，全大宋的蔗糖坊都會知道，到時候他要學到這法子，亦不是甚難事，這可不是蠢笨嗎？平白卻便宜了我。四哥所言之事，其實弟亦略有所聞，然蔗糖畢竟是產量所限，湖廣屯田廂軍，大都想種甘蔗，蔗糖也罷，甘蔗酒也罷，可以賣給海商，亦可以賣給國內的行商四哥莫要忘了，當年便是弟在工部建議朝廷為防侵蝕農田，曾頒佈下嚴令，限制蔗田數量。這些年弟在湖南路，最覺欣慰者，便是自屯田廂軍以來，湖廣墾田數量逐年增加。依弟之愚見，湖廣增加蔗田，於國家之利小，而湖廣之稻田增加，於國家則有大利。這方是石相公當年決意開發湖廣之本意！吾輩立身朝堂，當為天下謀正道，旁門左道，可謀一時一地之利，卻難謀天下之大利。 蔡卞只道在座之人，一個是他四哥，一個是素稱忠厚的田烈武，他畢竟還年輕，說話竟是全無顧忌，卻不知這話聽在他四哥耳裏，卻全不是個滋味，所謂言者無意，聽者有心，蔡卞這話，倒彷彿是在譏刺蔡京愛走旁門左道一般。 但蔡京之城府，卻非蔡卞可比。他心裏面惱怒，臉上不僅毫無表露，反而露出慚愧之色，老七所言，確是正理。如此說來，倒是老七佔了個大便宜。 蔡卞搖搖頭，笑道︰我要這龍涎香又有何用？此乃是本州軍民上供皇上，祝賀皇上登基的一點心意。否則我又哪來這許多錢？如今亦不過拿出來，給田侯與四哥瞧個希罕說到這裏，他揮揮手，令蔡用收起香來，話鋒一轉，又道︰不過，我自己倒也收了幾樣寶物，正要送給田侯與四哥 田烈武方在感嘆蔡卞會拍馬屁這上貢之物，自是不用自掏腰包，而這龍涎香，卻是後宮所喜之物，他口裏說的是賀皇帝登基，實則卻是祝太皇太后聽政卻不料蔡卞話鋒一轉，竟開門見山的要送起禮來。 他正欲推辭，卻見蔡京已笑道︰我倒要看看你拿什麼東西來糊弄我。又笑道︰田侯雖是自家人，你亦不可糊弄了事 小弟豈敢？蔡卞笑著答應，兄弟倆一唱一和，不給田烈武說話的機會，已叫隨從將東西送了上來。 只見蔡卞親自走到幾個隨從的跟前，掀開他們手中托盤上蓋著的綢布，田烈武的眼睛，便像被勾了魂一樣，盯著那幾樣東西，再也移不開了。 達馬斯谷刀！ 兩柄貨真價實的達馬斯谷刀！ 這些年來，大宋朝的武人，無不夢寐以求，希望能夠得到一把達馬斯谷刀，但是，它比倭刀、真臘蕃劍都更加名貴罕見。流入大宋朝的達馬斯谷刀，總數都可能不超過五十把，甚至更少！ 田烈武從未想過，自己的面前，竟然同時出現兩把！ 蔡卞與蔡京交換了一下眼色，蔡卞微微笑道︰此亦是機緣巧合，方能覓到之物。不過我一介書生，要此物又有何用？我常聽四哥提起，石相門下之士，惟田侯有西漢周勃之風，而四哥又素好奇珍異寶，故我買這兩柄寶刀時，便已想好，一柄贈四哥收藏，一柄贈田侯，若他日田侯能佩此刀，縱橫疆場，為國建功，亦是不辜負了如此寶刀 如此貴重之物田烈武聽蔡卞說著，終於還是戀戀不捨的移開目光，搖搖頭拒絕道︰雖蒙少監錯愛，然此刀在下卻是絕不敢受。 田侯何必見外？所謂貴重，亦須看它之用處。這寶刀貴重與否，還要看它操之於何人之手。若持於名將之手，用之手刃寇仇，開創太平，便可稱貴重；若在我等書生手中，無非用來裝飾門面，又有何貴重可言？況且我到底只是個文臣，若說國朝武將，除了田侯，我還真不識得幾個。且那等閒之人，又如何配得起這等寶刀？田侯豈能忍心辜負這寶刀？ 蔡京也在旁笑道︰放在老七手中，原也是糟蹋了。老七亦是因為大丈夫意氣相許，這才不怕冒昧，田侯亦不要辜負了他這番心意，看輕了他。 豈敢 這亦沒什麼不敢的。蔡京笑道︰田侯如今乃天子身邊的紅人，天下之人，莫不想努力巴結。不過，老七的心意，田侯卻是不知道。若說田侯一生之志向，只是安於班直宿衛，便任君再親貴，他亦不肯贈這刀的。若果真是為了巴結，恕我直言，何不將這刀送給唐康時、呼延忠？老七卻是盼著有朝一日，田侯能佩此刀，登上析津城樓，庶幾亦不負此刀威名！ 田烈武本就不擅言辭，這時候被蔡京一番話說得無言以對。他嚅嚅著還要拒絕，卻聽蔡京又說道︰老七有這番心意，田侯不當推辭。但送我那把刀，我卻亦想借花獻佛，請田侯轉贈武城侯。 ah? 蔡京淡淡笑了笑，道︰我的心意，卻與老七不同，我將這刀轉贈予武城侯，是盼著二君能以此寶刀護衛主君。他抱拳拱手，加重語氣說道︰皇上天資聰穎，十年後親政，必能成一代明君。在此之前，卻要多拜託田侯與武城侯！ 田烈武萬萬想不到蔡京會說出這番話來，他望望蔡京，又望望蔡卞，卻見蔡卞也重重點了點頭。田烈武沉吟了一會，終於抱拳說道︰若是如此，在下便恭敬不如從命了。 蔡卞見田烈武答應，不由得喜形於色，連忙吩咐下人將刀送往田府。三人方欲重回座位，卻見蔡府的管家蔡喜急匆匆的走進來，稟道︰大府，不好了，出大事了！ 蔡京的臉頃刻間便沉了下來，喝斥道︰何事值得這等大驚小怪？ 蔡喜望望蔡卞，又望望田烈武，躊躇不語。不料又是被蔡京一頓臭罵︰有甚好遲疑？你不認得七哥和田侯嗎？ 蔡喜沒來由挨了蔡京一頓罵，卻再不敢遲疑，連忙哈著腰道︰是，是，小的糊塗，小的糊塗。小的剛剛接報北海侯仲維、太子右內率府副率士丘等七名宗室，不知何故，在單將軍廟毆打鴻臚寺主薄吳從龍 What did you say?即使連一貫處變不驚的蔡京，此時亦震驚得張大了嘴巴，半天合不攏來。蔡京可再也想不到，這些大宋朝的鳳子龍孫們，平時雖然貴為天潢貴胄，但卻是連個進士都不敢欺負的，他們何時竟然有了這樣的膽量？他望著蔡喜，忍不住問了句︰你是不是聽錯了？ <注二>唐太宗曾派人去摩揭陀取熬糖法，疑為引入白砂糖技術。但宋初中國白砂糖仍然主要依賴進口。或謂據馬可波羅所云，白砂糖技術乃蒙元時方引入中國。實則宋末之戰亂，實為人類文明史上極大之浩劫，蒙元時有技術失傳，欲待重新向中亞學習，亦不足為奇。 保慈宮。 好本事！好本事！高太后聽著陳衍的稟報，氣得連連冷笑，趙宗諤家可真是好門風！當年趙宗諤爭著索要使相俸祿，又疑他弟弟家人偷他家東西，被御史彈劾，死後謚號還被駁了兩次，最後落了個思字，追悔前過曰思，可榮耀得很！如今他家兒孫，可越發青出於藍了！毆打朝廷命官，祖宗以來，可有過這等混帳事？ 太皇太后息怒。陳衍一面勸慰著，又稟道︰剛剛老奴見著蔡國公和魯國公，都在外頭候見 他們還好意思來求情？高太后越發氣不打一處來，蔡京查清楚打架的原由未？ 此刻只怕還在過堂不過，這蔡國公和魯國公，太皇太后只怕亦不好不見 老婦明白著呢！高太后不耐煩的說道。 蔡國公趙宗達，本是太宗長子魏王元佐之後，後來因太宗第七子蔡王元爯之子允則無後，遂過繼到這一房，熙寧三年襲封蔡國公。此人乃是英宗同輩，在宗室中輩份算比較高的。而且他的生父允升又是太宗皇帝一系的長房長孫，趙允升自小由太宗的皇后明德李太后親自撫養長大，這身份就比尋常宗室要尊貴幾分。而趙宗達的幾個親兄弟，在宗室中亦名聲極好。他輩份高，又兼著太宗一系魏王、蔡王兩房的面子，巴巴的來求見，高太后自是不便一直將他丟在外面不理會。 而魯國公趙仲先，雖然輩份上比高太后要低了一輩，但身份卻更加親貴。他襲封的，乃是太宗皇帝第四子魯王趙元份的爵位當今帝室所出的濮王一系，便是出自魯王趙元份這一房。他父親趙宗肅，是當年曾經跟隨英宗進慶寧宮的宗室之一！ 說起來，這帶頭闖禍的趙仲維、趙士丘，同樣也是魯王房。趙宗諤還是趙宗肅的親哥哥，仁宗時策立英宗為皇子，英宗懼禍而不敢受，受命來勸說英宗的人中，趙宗諤亦是出了大力的。 高太后雖然口裏罵著趙宗諤，但她心裏亦明白，宗室裏頭，便是有些人要親貴些。當年趙宗諤敢爭要使相待遇，還不是仗著他與英宗的親厚？這趙仲維、趙士丘敢帶頭惹事，不管原因是什麼，他家地位之不同，肯定亦是原因。換著疏遠一點的宗室，哪怕貴為國公，又如何敢去招惹吳從龍？更不要說去毆打他了。 趙宗諤一家是如此，她的寶貝兒子趙顥，又何嘗不是如此？ 高太后忽然便又不由自主的想到她兒子趙顥，心裏隱隱一陣作痛。 她一時間便有點灰心，揮了揮手，也罷，也罷，召他們進來吧。老婦便聽聽他們說些什麼！ 開封府對田烈武來說，算是個非常熟悉的地方。但以陽信侯的身份來到開封府，卻依然能讓他感覺到開封府陌生的一面，他此時和蔡卞悠然喝茶的這間後廳，便是他以前從未有機會到過的地方。 但他亦無心去品味一朝成為座上賓的感覺，在開封府當過多年公差的田烈武，儘管對朝中的政治鬥爭還是個門外漢，但卻直覺的便意識到，這樁案子非比尋常！ 所有在開封府當過差的公人都知道，汴京的宗室們，是一個極為物殊的群體。他們身份高貴，坐享厚祿，在普通的市民看來，他們高不可攀；而在富商巨室們看來，他們則是結親的理想對象；但對於士大夫們來說，宗室卻是他們敬而遠之的對象 想要準確的評價一個群體的社會地位，這個群體的婚姻狀況絕不可忽視。汴京宗室的婚姻對象主要有三舊日勳貴之後、富商巨室、舉子進士或者朝廷品官之家。在這三者當中，舊日勳貴之後，被視為門當戶對，有著悠久的傳統；而與富商巨室結親，則多半是為了貪圖錢財，但也有很重要的原因是不得已。但凡宗室，無不想與舉子進士或者朝廷品官之家結親，但事實上他們卻往往被後者所嫌棄，而所謂的舊日勳貴之後，亦畢竟數量有限，而且又無利可圖。 甚至，田烈武經常聽說書人講的漢唐宗室如何橫行霸道，當街殺死朝廷的公吏諸如此類的事情，在大宋朝也是沒有的。開封府的公差當然不敢招惹宗室，但是田烈武也從未聽說過有宗室欺侮開封府的公差的事情。 在大宋朝，宗室們絕大部分都安分守己。朝廷給他們俸祿與特殊的待遇，他們就安然享受；朝廷剝奪他們中間一部分的特權，削減他們的俸祿，他們也只敢低聲發發牢騷。大宋朝乃是士大夫的天下，不是宗室外戚的天下，這一點不僅田烈武心裏很清楚，汴京的宗室們，大約亦都很清楚。所以，甚至只有極少數的宗室才會在儒家經典上用功，因為這被視為經世濟國的學問；田烈武在白水潭也見過不少宗室子弟，這些在宗室子弟中被視為極上進的人物，如果熱衷的不是求仙問道練丹之術、醫術、書畫之類，便一定是與格物院交往甚密，因為格物院的雜學，被視為較少忌諱。他們非常的謹慎，即使在算術上很有天份的宗室，也絕不會學習任何與天文星象有關的知識，至少在公開場合是如此。 便是這樣的一群宗室，竟然敢毆打鴻臚寺主薄！ 即使他們不知道吳從龍是石越的門生，亦是不可思議的這背後必有隱情。而吳從龍回汴京沒有幾天，亦不太可能與這些宗室們有什麼私怨 Fourth brother!埋頭想著心事的田烈武，竟然沒有注意到蔡京進來，待到蔡卞起身相迎，他才恍然跟著站起來。 田侯，老七，不必拘禮。蔡京招呼著二人又坐了，自己也坐下來，端起茶來喝了一口，卻又苦笑著搖搖頭。 這案子實是棘手。他揮了揮手，令廳中的僕人都出去迴避後，才又移目田烈武，道︰田侯亦是一點風聲也未聽著嗎？ 田烈武愕然道︰不知大府所指？ 蔡京卻只是望著田烈武他對田烈武的底細，可以說摸得一清二楚，田烈武與李敦敏、曹友聞等人過從甚密，而這二人不僅是石府的新貴，曹友聞更與吳從龍是故交，二人又與陳良、司馬夢求、范翔，皆是好友。蔡京斷斷不肯相信，吳從龍剛回汴京，這麼大的事情，竟會不和他的這些好友們商議。而曹友聞和田烈武在熙寧十七年替還是太子的小皇帝所做的事情，已經讓蔡京給他的這位舊友也打了一個鮮明的印記。蔡京甚至疑心，吳從龍所謀劃之事，正是受皇太后或者小皇帝身邊的人所指使！這樁事情，無論從哪方面來看，都是為了鞏固小皇帝的帝位！ 田烈武如何可能不知道？ 但是他觀察田烈武的表情，竟又看不出什麼異樣來。蔡京素聞田烈武忠厚，一直以為可以欺之以方，此時卻不免要覺得面前的這位陽信侯，深不可測，不可小覷。 田烈武可以裝傻，蔡京卻不可以裝傻。 這樁案件的確很棘手他既可以大事小化的處置那個什麼北海侯，上章彈劾吳從龍；亦可以嚴厲制裁那群宗室，而對吳從龍的事情不聞不問。 對於蔡京來說，審出事情的真相是一回事，但斷案的標準，卻既不是根據大宋刑統，亦不是根據編敕所的編敕。案子如何判法，取決於雙方背後的勢力。 若是這樁案子，竟然涉及到皇太后、小皇帝與太皇太后的宮廷鬥爭，那麼此事便不止是棘手了，簡直就是燙手。蔡京固然想討好小皇帝，為將來打好基礎，但是他亦從來都不想得罪高太后。 他的目光始終沒有從田烈武身上移開，事情之起因，乃是因為吳從龍私下裏寫了一封劄子，建議朝廷仿成周之法，將諸房宗室封建至南海立國 ah? !他這邊話未說完，那邊蔡卞已激動得站了起來，封建南海這吳從龍乃何許人？竟有這等膽色、見識？ 這吳從龍，亦是石相門下之士，與石府的陳子柔先生、雲陽侯司馬夢求，皆是布衣之交蔡京淡淡說道，一面留心田烈武的神色，卻見田烈武一臉的莫名其妙，他自是很難想到，田烈武讀書全是自學，所知歷史多半靠聽評書，汴京街頭的評書，最可靠只說到東周，再往上便全是神仙鬼怪了，他若說西周，田烈武或還聽得懂，他說什麼成周，卻叫田烈武想了半天，亦想不出來究竟是哪朝哪代至於封建南海，於田烈武就更加難以理解了。 但蔡京素聞田烈武文武雙全之名，哪裏又會知道他的學問可不如何全備。這時候反而越發覺得田烈武心裏有鬼，這才裝傻過頭。 蔡卞卻未有蔡京這許多的心機，兀自興奮不已，原來如此，原來如此！如此說來，那幾個宗室，卻是甚沒出息。 蔡京點點頭，老七說得不錯。吳從龍的這奏摺，不知如何，尚未上奏朝廷，反而先流傳出去，宗室之中竟先得知了此事。這北海侯一干人，得知吳從龍竟欲建議朝廷將宗室全部分封到南海諸島去，對吳從龍早已懷恨於心，不巧卻在單將軍廟遇著，年輕氣盛，幾句口角，竟致動起手來 將宗室全部分封到南海諸島？這句話田烈武卻是聽懂了，可這朝廷如何肯答應？宮裏有很多叛逆！他心裏面一想起小皇帝的話，便覺得一陣刺痛。如果這些叛逆全部被趕到南海田烈武只覺得這吳從龍實是個忠臣，這必是曹友聞的主意。這一瞬間，蔡京之前話中之意，他立時全部都明白了。 曹友聞的這個主意，確是不錯。只是不知為何他竟沒有與眾人商議，難不成，石相亦暗中支持此議？田烈武馬上想到。但他卻不覺得此事可行，莫說南海諸島，便是嶺南，在汴京那些養尊處優的紈絝子弟眼中，便已經形同地獄。而南海諸島，更是遠隔重洋，又是瘴癘之地，誰又願意放棄富貴的生活去那種地方？將這許多宗室趕去南海諸島，形同流放，便是田烈武也知道，這種事情非得由雍王、曹王帶頭不可，太皇太后又如何捨得？ 田烈武亦明白了素來老實本份的宗室們，為何竟會做出如此出格的事情來有人要將他們趕到南海去，對於許多宗室來說，便是形同要他們的性命。即使只是說說，亦已犯忌。何況，經歷過石得一之亂，只怕宗室們也是在惶恐不安中生活這個時候，竟冒出一個什麼吳從龍來挑起這樣的事情來，只有七個宗室動他一頓，實在已經不能算是出格了！ 但蔡京的回答，卻讓田烈武極是意外，田侯不必擔心，我卻以為，太皇太后未必不肯答應！ Worry?田烈武不由在心裏苦笑。 蔡京卻已認定田烈武只是在裝傻