Chapter 4 Chapter Three Who Holds Bai Yu Jing Fengchen
Daxiangguo Temple.The largest royal Buddhist temple in the empire.Zhenlou throne, majestic hall tower, melodious bells and chimes.
In a secluded courtyard, Zhiyuan and Pan Zhaolin were divided into stone cases, holding black and white in their hands, fighting on the nineteen-way pattern scale.Zhiyuan always had a smile on his face, while Pan Zhaolin closed his eyes slightly with no expression on his face. The two were calm and relaxed, without any hesitation, but the little monk and the book boy standing behind them watched the two confront each other , killing each other's big dragons, seeing that one inadvertent move, the whole game was lost, already broke out in a cold sweat.
Suddenly, Pan Zhaolin opened his eyes and glanced at Zhiyuan with a smile.Zhi Yuan, who always had a smile on his face, shuddered unknowingly, and saw Pan Zhaolin slowly drop a child, and said with a smile: Master, I accept it.Zhiyuan moved his eyes to look at the chessboard again, and saw this piece. The big dragon that Pan Zhaolin had been chasing and killing had been connected with the black piece at the corner, and his own big dragon was surrounded by black pieces. In the game, seeing that the defeat was decided, Zhiyuan couldn't help but let out a long sigh, and surrendered.
Seven days ago, he played 21 games of fast chess with Pan Zhaolin, Zhi Yuan, whose chess strength can compete with the national players of the Imperial Academy, has never won even a game.At this time, I was really convinced.
He glanced at the chessboard in a daze, shook his head again, and told the little Samana beside him: Go, get the pagoda.
The little monk hesitated for a while, looked at Zhi Yuan, then at Pan Zhaolin, and then answered: Yes.Quickly backed out.Not long after, he walked in carefully holding a wooden tray covered with red silk with both hands.
Pan Zhaolin looked at the little monk carefully placing the wooden plate on the wooden scale, and looked at the contents on the plate with great nostalgia, and then stood aside with his hands crossed, not feeling amused in his heart.He pointed to the red silk and said with a smile: This is the white jade pagoda given to the master by the Xixia state teacher Chanshan?The Shan Shan State Teacher of the Xixia Kingdom he said was actually a spy of the Song Dynasty. He was originally named Ming Kong, but after moving west with Bingchang, Bingchang respected him as the State Teacher.In fact, this master Mingkong is very likely to become the first national teacher since the founding of the Song Dynasty. Although Tang and the Five Dynasties had the title of national teacher for monks, but in the Song Dynasty, until the current emperor Zhao Xu reigned, he had never given this title to him. The honorary title is added to any monk's head.And in the history of another time and space, Zhao Xu once named a monk who traveled westward from Japan to the Song Dynasty as a master. After his death, he was posthumously named a national teacher.
This is it.Zhi Yuan got up and bent down, slowly opened the red silk, but saw that under the red silk was a two-foot-high silver box, the outside of the box was covered with various precious stones, just looking at the box, it was already extremely precious.Zhiyuan touched the silver box gently, and suddenly pressed it hard with both hands, but did not touch any mechanism, the silver box opened with a snap, revealing the white jade pagoda inside.
For a moment, Pan Zhaolin stared at the pagoda in the box, almost speechless.
This is a seven-story jade pagoda carved out of Khotan white jade. From the bricks and tiles of the pagoda, to the carvings of Buddha statues in the pagoda, and even the wind chimes at the corners of the pagoda, every detail is exquisitely carved, which is really ingenious.The colors of the jade pagoda carvings are all inlaid with gemstones of various colors. At this time, the pearl light is flowing, so that people can't take their eyes off.
It really is a pagoda!By this time, Pan Zhaolin had no other words to praise.
This white jade pagoda was originally the property of the Lion King of Gaochang.It was after the 16th year of the Yizhou War in Xining that the Uighurs in Gaochang used it to bribe the state teacher Chanshan in order to beg for peace from Lord Xia.Zhi Yuan briefly introduced.
It turned out that since Xixia moved westward, the monarchs of Xixia began their strategy of proclaiming their vassals to Song Liao and using China's power to carry out the Western Regions. Although they were rejected by the Song Dynasty, they were canonized by the Liao Kingdom.The Lord of Liao was worried that his lips would die and his teeth would be cold. He not only returned the refugees from Xixia who had fled to Liao and the captives captured by Liao, but also made a daughter of a clan a princess, married Bingchang, and was named queen by Bingchang.As the dowry of the princess of the Liao Kingdom, the Lord of Liao presented Bingchang with 1,000 elite cavalry and 2,000 slaves. This is one of the reasons why the Song Dynasty did not relax its management and consolidation of Hexi.The improvement of the relationship between Liao and Xia accelerated the speed of Xixia's recovery. In the 16th year of Xining, Bingchang first made a large-scale personal conquest, breaking the scattered Huangtou Huihe, and bringing more than 10,000 Huihe households under his rule.Then, relying on Yu Wei who defeated Huangtou Huihe, the Yeyin brothers led troops to invade Xizhou in the west.Facing the Xixia cavalry after a hundred battles, the Xizhou Uighurs were vulnerable.What's more, in the hands of the Xixia army, there are also firearms that the Xizhou Uighurs have never heard of, such as the Liao Kingdom's imitation Zhentianlei and Thunderbolt Bombs.The tens of thousands of troops of the Lion King in Gaochang fought against the Xixia army in Yizhou, but they were defeated by the brothers Ye Yin and Ye Hai with less and more, and returned home in a big defeat.The Kucha Uyghur regime, another Uighur regime in Xizhou, was robbed by the short-sighted Black Khanate and unable to rescue Gaochang.As a result, the Lion King of Gaochang had no choice but to surrender to Lord Xia and beg for peace.After the Battle of Yizhou, Xixia not only regained its prestige in the Western Regions, but even Bianjing was shocked by it.
Pan Zhaolin was naturally very familiar with these facts. He stared intently at the magnificent masterpiece of art in front of him, and asked: Then why is it in the hands of the master again?
This was used by Chanshan to bribe poor monks.Zhiyuan said frankly.
oh?Pan Zhaolin still didn't move his eyes away, but there was a hint of ridicule in his tone.
Although the Xizhou Uyghurs were blocked by roads, they have always claimed their vassals to China. They called themselves Xizhou's nephews to Guochao, and called the emperor the uncle of the Han family. Since Xixia wanted to annex Gaochang, they begged the court to re-canonize him as the king of Xixia. Easing the relationship between the two countries is imperative.Besides, the tombs of Bingchang's ancestors are all under my control. In terms of righteousness and propriety, he has to beg the court for permission to send someone back to sweep and pay homage.Chanshan sent people to bribe me, but he hoped that I would help them bridge the gap so that they could bribe the court ministers.
Pan Zhaolin sighed and said: "It's so generous to build a bridge. It seems that the Gaochang Uighurs must be very rich. Xixia made a fortune this time."However, the stance of this Chanshan national teacher is quite intriguing
Zhi Yuan smiled slightly, and said: Although Chan Shan is in Buddhism, his heart is a Confucian scholar.The so-called scholar dies for his confidant, Xia Zhu pushes clothes and divides food, does everything he can, and listens to his words. Treating him like this, I'm afraid he will be turned into an iron man.Moreover, although he made suggestions for Lord Xia, he may not openly betray the court. Over the years, the court has often been able to gain insight into the confidential truth of Xixia, and it also depends on him.However, seeing that he is becoming more and more careful, contacting the staff office, he is more and more unwilling to leave any evidence. It can be seen that Chanshan is really swaying in Song Xia's heart. I think he is probably ready to become the loyal minister of Lord Xia at any time.
A double agent?Before Zhi Yuan finished speaking, Shi Yue's laughter came from outside the yard.
Zhi Yuan and Pan Zhaolin hurriedly got up to meet each other, but saw Shi Yue approaching with a smile on his face, he paid a tithe to Zhi Yuan, and said: Master, don't come here without any harm.
Zhi Yuan hurriedly gave a deep salute, and the bachelor was safe and sound.
But Shi Yue went straight to the white jade pagoda, looked at it for a while, and praised: "It really is a treasure."Turning his head to Zhiyuan, he said with a smile: Actually, there is no need for Chanshan to be so vigilant, he really voted for Xixia, no matter how the Zhifangguan said he was a member of the imperial court, Xiazhu would only regard him as a way of alienation.I'm afraid that the more the staff side hall wants to get rid of it quickly, the stronger his position in Xixia will be.Moreover, it is impossible for the imperial court to put him to death because of his betrayal.With his influence on Lord Xia, if he really offended him, wouldn't it just cause side trouble in vain?Even if the imperial court is not afraid of the Xixia people now, it is not a good thing to make the frontier restless after all because enemies should be resolved rather than knotted.
It's a good sentence, it's better to solve an enemy than to end it!Zhiyuan praised, "It's a pity that the princes of the court only want to get rid of the evil and destroy the food of the court, for fear of raising a tiger and causing trouble."
What troubles can Xixia become in decades?Decades later, why is the imperial court afraid of Xixia?Shi Yue laughed and said: If the descendants have no ability, no matter how big the family fortune is, it will be ruined; if the descendants have the ability, the current family fortune can be entrusted to future generations.
High regards.Zhiyuan smiled, pointed at the white jade pagoda, and said with a smile: "The poor monk is too embarrassed to receive such a heavy gift from Chanshan, because he ordered the messenger to tell Lord Xia to wait for a year, and something will happen." turnaround.It's just that the poor monk didn't expect his busy life to be wasted. He played 21 games of chess and didn't even win any of them. The White Jade Pagoda now belongs to Mr. Pan.As he spoke, he waved to the little monk, and the little monk and Pan Zhaolin's school boy hurriedly retreated quietly.Although both of them are confidantes, Zhiyuan knows that Shi Yue's sudden visit to Daxiangguo Temple this time is by no means simple.
Pan Zhaolin smiled and said, "Why do I want this Buddhist thing?"It is still stored here with the master.When there is no money to spend, I will find a master for alms.After all, seeing that Shi Yue had already sat down, he stopped gossiping, sat down next to Shi Yue, and said: The student has already met He Weizhi.
Oh, what did Lianfang say?
Pan Zhaolin shook his head, and said: He hasn't been back to the southwest since the Pingqidi Rebellion, and He Weizhi can't come up with a good countermeasure for the current situation.Where the Southwest barbarians live, there are rolling mountains and dangerous terrain. If the time, location, and harmony of people are not on our side, even the gods will not be able to win this battle.He Weizhi thought that it would be easy for the Southwest to be stable, as long as there was an imperial edict, the Southwest would definitely obey.If you insist on using troops, it is better to use troops to destroy the Dali Kingdom. It is easy to destroy the Dali Kingdom, but it is difficult to pacify the Southwest barbarians!
He Lianfang still couldn't forget Dali.Shi Yue laughed.
However, according to the students, what He Weizhi said was the truth.Pan Zhaolin said lightly, with a sarcasm unconsciously showing on the corners of his mouth: Now some people in the imperial court open up the map to find them, they may not be able to find where the Southwest Yi is. Some idiots think that the Southwest Yi is near Chengdu!This generation is ignorant of military affairs, geography, customs, ignorance and ignorance, but still likes to make irresponsible comments. All day long, they can only say that the generals in the Southwest are incompetent and the soldiers are useless; So what about Nong Zhigao; what about the broken beggars a few years ago, in fact, they are all nonsense, the bullshit is not clear, the court should really throw all this generation to Luzhou, and see what they can shout about then?In contrast, what He Weizhi said, although disappointing, is after all the words of a man who knows how to fight.It is indeed rare to have any strategy to speak of before going to the southwest to observe the situation between the rebels and our side.The so-called Dali Kingdom and so on are just words of indignation. What He Weizhi said is actually just four words: suppression is not as good as caress.The Southwestern barbarians may not have rebellious intentions. Opposing the imperial court will do them harm instead of benefit. Their rebellion is just a wrong strategy of the imperial court and they have to turn their ears back.
Shi Yue knew that Pan Zhaolin had always been mean, so he didn't care.He only smiled, and ignored his harsh words, and said: I also know that it is better to suppress than to caress.But even if the imperial court can turn wars into jades in Southwest China with a single imperial edict, this edict cannot be issued!
Is the court's face really worth more than the lives of tens of thousands of soldiers?And seeing that there may be a risk of a big rebellion in Yizhou!Zhiyuan couldn't help asking.
This is not only the face of the court, but also the prestige of the court!Shi Yue replied, if this edict is issued after repeated battles and defeats, how is it different from the alliance under the city?Besides, who can guarantee that after the edict is issued, all the tribes will obey?If there are three or four tribes who refuse to accept, but the court is still unable to suppress it, it will be humiliating itself, and it will only make the barbarians in the southwest feel less favored by the court.Unless it is absolutely necessary, as long as the situation in Yizhou can be controlled, the court must first seek military victory.After winning the battle, consider other means.
This is tantamount to gambling with Yizhou.Pan Zhaolin reprimanded unceremoniously, now that Lu Huiqing is lying, who knows how far the situation in Yizhou has reached?In case something happened to Wang Xiaobo and Li Shun, all the iron in Kyushu can't make this mistake!
Sometimes mistakes are already made, and we have to make mistakes.Shi Yue smiled wryly and said, Lu Huiqing thinks so, Wen Yanbo and Sima Guang also think so, if I change places, I must think so too.Who is the prime minister?The prime minister is the official who weighs the weight of the world!If you only look at the gains and losses in front of you, you are mediocre.Lu Huiqing made a mistake in promoting the naturalization of Xining, but he was not wrong in sticking to his policy. If he makes a concession at this time, all his previous efforts will be wasted, and the land thousands of miles to the southwest will no longer be ours.Lu Huiqing's fault was that he deliberately concealed the facts of Yizhou in order to win by chance, instead of taking it as his own advance and retreat.However, Brother Qianguang's proposition is not unreasonable. If the safety of the Yizhou road is really a bet, the court really can't afford to lose.Also because of this, so it is necessary to choose the patrol to watch the wind.
Patrolling the border to watch the wind?Pan Zhaolin and Zhiyuan couldn't help being stunned.
Shi Yue briefly introduced the situation of the Wenfu meeting, and said: This Yizhou patrolling envoy is not only related to Lu Huiqing's astrology alone, but also involves the safety of the road in Yizhou. fate!You must choose someone well
Exactly as the Maester said.Zhiyuan pondered and said: Mr. Pan thought, which one would Taifu Wen and Sima Xianggong recommend?Halfway through his speech, he found that Pan Zhaolin had already started to frown in meditation, and stopped talking now, and began to secretly calculate in his heart.However, he is not concerned about the candidates of the old party.
Zhiyuan actually knew that, to be fair, Lu Huiqing was not entirely responsible for the Song Dynasty's use of troops against the Southwest Yi.At that time, the ruling and opposition parties were immersed in a series of unprecedented military victories, and many people's self-confidence began to inflate rapidly, thinking that the Song Dynasty could easily defeat all opponents with its own military strength, let alone the mere Southwestern Barbarians. Down.Against such a background, the Song Dynasty was so hot-headed that they pushed Xining to naturalize after the war when their vitality was not restored, and they used an extremely tough attitude to use troops in the southwest, which finally led to today's bitter fruit.You know, a few years ago, there were not many sober people up and down in the Song Dynasty; it's just that with the military failures in the past few years, the treasury has become more and more tight, and the court has continued to print and issue banknotes, and the supply of materials in some areas is insufficient. , Internal and external pincers lead to skyrocketing prices, only to make some people of insight gradually realize the seriousness of the problem.But even in such a situation, there are still many people who don't know the inside story, still think that using troops in the southwest can easily win, and put all the responsibility for the failure on the frontline soldiers.That's why Pan Zhaolin said those extremely mean words just now.However, with the mutiny of the Xiongwu Second Army, the sudden death of Zhong Er, and the death of the admiral of Yizhou, the sense of crisis among some insightful officials suddenly intensified.Whether it is Wen Yanbo, Sima Guang, or Shi Yue, they have actually regarded Lu Huiqing as a roadblock that must be cleared. Indeed, if we want to truly solve the crisis in Yizhou now, politically, we must first kick Lu Huiqing away. A blocking stone.Simply put, the so-called dispatch of the so-called Yizhou Border Patrol Envoy is the person who levered the lever in Yizhou. On this point, Shi Yue and the old party have common interests.
However, although Shi Yue and the old party seem to be allies on the surface, Shi Yue, who has been idled, and the old party, which holds considerable power in the court, also have their own plans.Although the old party was not hostile to Shi Yue, with Shi Yue's current qualifications, great prestige and achievements, it is impossible for them to be completely unscrupulous. It is hard to predict which step he will go to, as smart and sophisticated as Wen Yanbo, and as Bo Gutong as Sima Guang today.Seeing that Wen Yanbo is about to retire soon, Sima Guang is getting old, there are only a few people in the old party who are really worthy of great use, but Shi Yue is in his prime, Wen Yanbo and Sima Guang have far-reaching plans It is impossible for them not to consider who will check and balance Shi Yue in the future.Therefore, they will definitely hope to cultivate successors as much as possible, so as to accumulate more political energy for the old party.
But standing in Shi Yue's position, he has been dormant for several years, and Shi Yue is not a person who is indifferent to fame, so how can he be willing to sit and watch it slip away in vain with such a god-given opportunity?Shi Yue has worked hard for more than ten years. If he said that he has no ambition to enter the political affairs hall and can show his ambition without any scruples, no one will believe him.That's why this time, Shi Yue cared so much about the candidate for the Watcher, otherwise, he could just watch Wen Yanbo, Sima Guang and Lu Huiqing fight.The human heart is a very changeable thing. When a person is not full-fledged, if he can use the hands of others to promote his ideas, he will regard it as a great victory and be very satisfied; but if he is full-fledged, even Just let him fold his wings for a while without stretching, and he will feel very restrained.The thought of wanting to stretch one's wings without any scruples sometimes really overwhelms everything else!
From Zhiyuan's observation, Shi Yue obviously believed that only he had the ability to clean up the current situation.
son.At this time, Pan Zhaolin suddenly spoke. Instead of trying to guess Wen Yanbo and Sima Guang's candidates in vain, it would be better to recommend a candidate that Lu, Wen, and Ma could not refuse.
Wen Yanbo and Sima Guang are bound to win, and Lu Huiqing is unwilling to give up, so who can I choose to pick chestnuts from the fire?Shi Yue smiled wryly.
He spoke the truth.Those who are closely related to Shi Yue, or the ministers of the so-called Shi Party, Su Shi is far away in Liao, so there is no need to mention it; Zhang Dun has just returned from Shaanxi, and there is no reason to let him go to Yizhou to be an observer; Shen Kuo has just arrived in Dushui The supervisor took over; the rest, such as Han Wei, Su Song, and Liu Xiang, did not have a suitable patrol officer. After all, it is not a good job, and it does not mean that if you recommend someone, they will be willing to go.Now Han Wei is a Hanlin scholar, and it is rumored that he will soon worship the deputy envoy of the Privy Council, and may even be the six ministers; Su Song is the governor of Kaifeng; The state is a place of right and wrong, so be an official of right and wrong.There are definitely people who are willing to go, but they may not be able to go to the place where Su Zhe was educated by the minister of the Ministry of Industry. The dignified deputy prime minister has become the secretary of the prefectural committee. This is also a good opportunity for him to make a comeback. If he is recommended, Shi Yue expects that he will go to the post day and night.But how could Lu Huiqing allow him to go to Shu?Shi Yue also thought about using Zeng Bu, but Zeng Bu had stayed overseas for ten years, and he might not even know the name of the Yizhou Transit Envoy, so how could he be able to resist public opinion?As for Tang Di, Cai Bian, Feng Ji, Cai Jing, etc., they lack prestige and qualifications. People with their qualifications were innumerable in the court of the Song Dynasty.
There is a choice.Pan Zhaolin squinted his eyes at Shi Yue, and said slowly.
oh?Shi Yue's eyelids suddenly jumped, and a bad premonition floated in his heart.
However, he himself may not be willing to go, and he must have an effective lobbyist.Pan Zhaolin didn't say the person's name right away, and it was a risky move.
Almost the same moment.Lu Huiqing's mansion.
Patrolling the border to watch the wind?Chen Yuanfeng shook the hand holding the tea involuntarily, I'm afraid Wen Yanbo and Sima Guang won't give up so easily.This generation is sure to make a big fuss with this, and my husband must not take it lightly
I have my own plan.Lu Huiqing said with a smile, but this matter still requires hard work.
Chen Yuanfeng hurriedly put the teacup back on the table, bowed and said, "But I'll send it on my errand."
I know what to do can help me.Lu Huiqing nodded with satisfaction and smiled, then looked around and saw that the servants were all guarding outside the hall far away, Fang assuredly said: "Watch the wind to let him go, I will recommend Pu Chuanzheng (Pu Zongmeng) tomorrow, Pu Chuanzheng once visited Jinghu two Lu, Play Ba Chen, Yuan Yeqian and Hunan Ding Fu are well-known in the government and the public. The emperor has praised him several times in front of me. When he said this, he suddenly saw Chen Yuanfeng's lips move slightly, as if he had something to say, and he couldn't help it. He stopped and asked: Do you think there is something wrong with being good?
Chen Yuanfeng hurriedly said: The students didn't think it was wrong.It’s just that Pu Chuanzheng went from Zhizhigao to Hanlin Bachelor and served as a student, and now he is a fellow student of the history of the two dynasties. The emperor trusts him. There are rumors that Pu Chuanzheng will enter the Minister of Ministers sooner or later. The students worry that he may not be willing to go to the Southwest
Lu Huiqing nodded appreciatively, and said with a smile: Lu Shan's worries are extremely serious.However, there is one thing that I don't know about being good. Sima Junshi recommended a few bloody censors. As soon as these people entered Lantai, they impeached Pu Chuanzheng for his excessive drinking, extravagance, and excessive construction of houses. unambiguous evidence.The censors even had to eat ten sheep and ten pigs for his three meals a day, and spent three hundred candles every night. There were small washes, big washes, small feet, big feet, small baths, and so on. The difference between the big baths, how many maids are needed to serve them, one bath, five hu hot water and other trifles are very clear.As for the rest of the extravagance, it is even more staggering.Although these are just trivial things, but now that the national treasury is struggling, and the emperor has repeatedly reduced the palace expenses, comparing the two, although the emperor will not convict him because of this, but if he still wants to be favored, he must consider it. Make more contributions.Otherwise, don't talk about entering Zhubu Temple, it's hard to say how many days he will be able to do as a Hanlin scholar.What's more, Pu Chuanzheng strongly agreed with the Yizhou incident.If something happens, Lu Huiqing smiles lightly and doesn't say any more.In fact, he said it very euphemistically. Zhao Xu didn't say these things about Pu Zongmeng, but he still cared very much in his heart.
I see.Chen Yuanfeng clapped his hands and said with a smile: In this way, Pu Zongmeng will definitely not refuse.He was originally from Langzhou, Yizhou. He had been an observer of Kuizhou and was familiar with the situation in the southwest.And he visited Jinghu two roads, which was approved by the emperor.If you add that during the Zhiping period, due to floods and earthquakes, he discussed things in chapters and reprimanded ministers, palace bans, and eunuchs. Since then, the emperor has recognized him as an outspoken minister. In this way, Pu Zongmeng is very good Candidates.From the perspective of the students, today's emperor attaches great importance to the righteousness of the monarch and his ministers, and cherishes talents very much. Pu Chuanzheng is now at a time when his favor is not fading. The emperor trusts his character and ability, so he may not want to give him another chance. Chen Yuanfeng While analyzing for Lu Huiqing, he praised again and again: Wonderful!Wonderful!
Lu Huiqing looked at Chen Yuanfeng with a smile, she couldn't help feeling a little wary, but she was relieved immediately.Having been the prime minister for so many years, he actually has quite a few followers, but those who really caught Lu Huiqing's eyes were only a few.And Chen Yuanfeng is one of the best, he can draw inferences from one instance, comprehend by analogy, can be called brilliant.Just a little too frivolous sometimes.However, the most important thing is that Lu Huiqing knows that Chen Yuanfeng's future depends on her, so she doesn't have to worry that he will betray her.But even so, facing this confidant student, Lu Huiqing still spoke with some reservations.
However, Pu Chuanzheng alone is not safe enough after all.Lu Huiqing said: I think carefully about today's Wenfu meeting and my experience with Wen Yanbo before and after the meeting, and I always feel a little uneasy.From Lu Shan's point of view, if Wen Yanbo and Sima Guangtie were determined to make a big fuss, who do you think they would recommend at the Zhengshitang meeting?
Chen Yuanfeng pondered for a while, then said: The students think that it is difficult or not easy to guess their candidates.The difficulty is that Wen Yanbo, Sima Guang and his like call themselves gentlemen, and quite a few of them are desperate for fame and reputation.According to common sense, if a person has a high official position and is proud of his official career, he is probably unwilling to go to a place of right and wrong.But if a person wants to be a hypocrite, he cannot be judged by common sense.It is not difficult to say, it is Wen and Ma who are conspiring big this time, and their ambition is to win, so the recommended person must be someone who is well-known in the ruling and opposition parties, and in order to make the most of the job of watching the wind, at least it will be more than two systems Students would not be surprised even if the officials they recommended were written by Lu Gong.
By Lu Gong?Lu Huiqing didn't expect this aspect, and was stunned. Lu Gong wrote a former Tongzhi Privy Council official Lu Gong, and was also a famous official of the old party.He was impeached because there was something wrong with the clan's management of the Huguang Army Tunnel, and Lu Huiqing used a small plan to drive this old party boss who opposed Xining's naturalization to Daming Mansion as a county guard, and by the way supervised the repair of a nearby cannon Fortress group.
Lu Gong read Lu Huiqing's name silently, frowning in thought.After a long time, he stopped suddenly, raised his hand slightly, and said decisively: I thought it wasn't him.Lu Gong wrote that he went to the Daming Mansion because he was offended. At this time, there is a wave of unrest and another wave of using him.What I read in Wen and Ma's mind is to cut the mess with a sharp knife!
Chen Yuanfeng's eyes suddenly lit up, and he said: Could it be Sima Guang himself?
Be it Wen Yanbo or Sima Guang, the court still cannot do without them.The emperor will not agree.Lu Huiqing shook her head.
What about Feng Jing?Or, or is it Shi Yue?
Lu Huiqing was stunned for a moment, and Chen Yuanfeng was also taken aback by her guess.The hall instantly became deadly silent.Both of them knew in their hearts that Feng Jing was nothing to be afraid of, if it really was Shi Yue, they would have to admit defeat completely.With Shi Yue's current prestige and qualifications, even if Lu Huiqing tries his best to prevent this appointment, the possibility of success is not great.As Tang Kang's memorials were advanced to Da Nei, coupled with the mutiny of the Second Army of the Xiongwu Army, and the death of the Yizhou admiral before the death of the army, it was impossible for the emperor not to be suspicious of the situation on Yizhou Road. of.And no matter how far the situation on Yizhou Road develops, if Shi Yue is really sent there, it will be a reassurance for the government and the public, and even the emperor himself. Chen Yuanfeng had to admit this in his heart.In fact, the so-called prestige and qualifications, if we describe it more intuitively, it means that when a certain crisis arises, people will feel an inexplicable sense of peace of mind when they see him.
Shi Yue already possessed such an ability, which no one can deny.
The emperor may be overjoyed, may be self-willed, may be hot-headed, and may even be deceived for a while, but the emperor is still a British lord.
But is it possible for Wen Yanbo and Sima Guang to recommend Shi Yue?
If they can overthrow themselves in one fell swoop, the old party will be able to win the biggest victory since Xining in a short period of time.Although the emperor might not be happy to see such a situation, if things really got to that point, there would be nothing the emperor could do for at least a year or two.What the emperor really cares about is who can help him govern the country well. The situation in the country is much better now than it was at the beginning of Xining. If the old party members can prove themselves within a year or two, then the emperor will focus on It is not impossible to lean towards the old party, Wen Yanbo is old, Sima Guang is also seriously ill, the rest of the old officials have been idle and suppressed for a long time, their prestige is already extremely limited, and the old party of the young and strong faction cannot have any influence on the emperor. threaten.Therefore, even if the emperor changed the strategy of keeping the old and new parties on par for the past ten years, and returned to the situation in the early years of Xining, it would not necessarily be impossible to make the old party bigger and the new party smaller to contain it.
Moreover, Lu Huiqing still doubts whether the old party has such political wisdom!After more than ten years, Lu Huiqing has already understood that if the country can move forward on a good road, the emperor hopes that his subjects will restrain each other, rather than fight to the death. The emperor's actions to suppress the old party in the early years of Xining were only for long-term political interests. However, the sacrifice of giving up short-term interests was so true. The emperor still tried every means to arrange the senior officials of the old party to retire in Xijing, and used a more ingenious way to contain the new party, which was almost in power.But Lu Huiqing understands these principles, Wen Yanbo and Sima Guang may not understand them, even if they understand them, they will dismiss them.Because they think they are gentlemen, and the so-called gentlemen like to force the emperor to do things he doesn't want to do.Even if they knew the emperor's intentions, they would not bother to cater to them, but respected the so-called truth in their hearts.
Of course Lu Huiqing despises this kind of hypocrisy.But the question is, under such circumstances, seeing that the gentlemen are likely to win an all-round victory, what reason do Wen Yanbo and Sima Guang have to give Shi Yue a chance to make a comeback?
For a moment, Lu Huiqing felt that she had touched the core of the matter.
Neither Shi Yue nor Feng Jing are the real old party!
Shi Yue formed his own party, while Feng Jing was a centrist between the old and new factions and Shi Yue. His inclination towards the old party or Shi Yue made it difficult for him to judge which side he was closer to.
Wen Yanbo and Sima Guang have no reason to share their victory, let alone an opponent like Shi Yue.If Shi Yue comes back, Lu Huiqing can't see anyone in the old party who can check and balance him!
Changing places, Lu Huiqing thought that if he was the leader of the old party, even if he had no selfish intentions, it would be considered the utmost benevolence not to deliberately suppress Shi Yue.It is absolutely impossible to help him come back.
Among the young and strong faction of the old party, the most promising is Fan Chunren.Fan Chunren served as the Minister of the Ministry of Officials, and was in charge of military supplies during the campaign against Xia. He ensured the supply of military supplies and made great contributions.He has qualifications, political achievements, knowledge, talents, and impeccable character. He is quite charismatic. His father, Fan Zhongyan, a famous minister of Qingli, naturally inherited the intangible political legacy left by his father.It is precisely because of this that Sima Guang placed high hopes on him and tried his best to help him enter Lantai.And Lu Huiqing also regarded him as the biggest political enemy in the old party besides Wen Yanbo and Sima Guang.
But even Fan Chunren couldn't compare with Shi Yue.
Thinking of this moment, Lu Huiqing's heart moved, and suddenly, he finally understood who Wen Yanbo and Sima Guang's candidates were!
Before, no one would have thought that the old party was willing to give up Yushitai!However, the purpose of pushing Fan Chunren into Lantai is to use Lantai to attack himself.But if he can directly drive himself off stage, what else does Fan Chunren need to do in Lantai?
Fan Chunren's qualifications, talents, and political achievements are impeccable. He is both civil and military. He has rich experience in military supplies during the Xia campaign. Minister of the Ministry, an official who is familiar with Yizhou!Among the government and the opposition, Lu Huiqing really couldn't find anyone who was more competitive than Fan Chunren!
Moreover, he has no way to stop it.His only excuse was to find a more important matter for Fan Chunren, but if he stopped Fan Chunren from going to Yizhou, it would be very difficult for him to have an excuse to stop him from entering Lantai, which would be like drinking poison to quench his thirst.
Everyone who had been a prime minister in the Song Dynasty knew how much power Yushi Zhongcheng had.
Lu Huiqing stood up involuntarily, pacing back and forth in the hall with her hands behind her back, thinking about countermeasures.Wen Yanbo and Sima Guang's moves are undoubtedly very beautiful.If Fan Chunren went to Yizhou, the emperor would definitely give him more power. With Fan Chunren's ability, it would be no problem for Yizhou's scars to be completely uncovered. Most importantly, he could use this to make great contributions. Accumulate more prestige and qualifications, and it will be logical to become another leader of the old party in the future.Moreover, even if one day Shi Yue cannot be prevented from returning to the Political Hall, Fan Chunren still has enough capital to fight against Shi Yue.In this case, it is not unacceptable to strategically give up the opportunity to take over Lantai.If you want to take it, you must first give it.
In an instant, Lu Huiqing stopped abruptly, turned around and looked at Chen Yuanfeng, recommending Pu Chuanzheng was only an obvious means, other than that, you still need to go up to the table and recommend Wang Xilie to the emperor as the watcher!
How did Chen Yuanfeng know that Lu Huiqing had already had countless thoughts in his mind, and when he suddenly changed the topic again, he couldn't help being stunned for a while, and then said: "Wang Zhongzheng?"
good.Lu Huiqing simply replied.
Chen Yuanfeng only hesitated briefly in his heart, then clasped his fists and said: Don't worry, Mr. Xiang.He didn't know how good the relationship between Wang Zhongzheng and Lu Huiqing was, but he knew that it was very taboo to recommend eunuchs because of the respect of prime ministers.This kind of thing, of course, has to be done by others.
However, Chen Yuanfeng was very skeptical. Although Wang Zhongzheng was also an eunuch trusted by the emperor. Since the Renzong Dynasty, he had made great achievements in suppressing rebellion and escorting him.
Not Shi Yue.As if guessing the suspicion in Chen Yuanfeng's heart, Lu Huiqing said flatly that it was Fan Chunren.
Fan Chunren?How is it possible?Chen Yuanfeng couldn't turn the corner for a while, he didn't know why Lu Huiqing was so sure all of a sudden, and he didn't understand how the old party could give up the position of Yushi Zhongcheng!
Lu Huiqing nodded without further explanation.Suddenly, he felt a burst of fatigue.Drink poison to quench thirst!Even though he knew it was drinking poison to quench his thirst, he had no choice.He already has the determination of a strong man to sever his wrists, no matter what, he will not let Fan Chunren go to Yizhou, he will never let Fan Chunren step on his corpse to make meritorious deeds!Even if it is drinking poison to quench thirst, as long as the scar on Yizhou Road is not exposed for the time being, as long as he survives this test, as long as there is a military victory, he will not be in despair.
Lu Huiqing knows better than anyone else that as long as he survives for another year, at most two years, Hexi will be basically consolidated, Shaanxi can be restored, and the pressure on the Song Dynasty can be reduced by half, and then he can go all out to wipe out Those damn Southwestern Yi!
It only takes a year.
Jingyuanzhuang.
The willow shade flicked lightly, and there was no sound.黃昏夕照之中，一位身著紫衫、面容削瘦的中年男子正坐在莊內小湖邊一塊石板上垂釣，他極其專注地望著靜靜地垂在湖中的金線，彷彿是在做一件很了不起的大事。他的身後，一位身著綠衫的女孩隨意地坐在一塊大石頭上，百無聊奈地東望望西瞅瞅，一雙金縷鞋不停地晃著，裙側的玉佩不時碰撞到一起，發出清脆的叮聲。若是只看這二人的打扮與神態，而不管園門外依稀可見的儀仗、宦官、宮女還有一身戎裝的班直侍衛，絕沒有人能想到，在這裡垂釣的男子，竟然是貴為當今天子的大宋皇帝趙頊，而旁邊的那個女孩，則是俗稱淑壽公主的溫國公主。
三娘，你能不能安靜一點？被女兒在身邊煩了小半個時辰，趙頊終於忍耐不住了。
好不容易終於吸引到父皇的注意，淑壽完全無視了趙頊那沒有任何殺傷性的訓斥，跳下石頭，扯著趙頊的袖子低聲央求起來︰求父皇開恩，便讓兒臣去看白象罷。
趙頊皺起眉毛，回過頭望著自己最心愛的公主，不禁哭笑不得，這一天之內，淑壽至少已經央求過他不下二十次了。
到這一年為止，趙頊一共生有十四位皇子和十位公主，但多半都因為當時落後的醫療條件而夭折，活下來的只有六子四女除由向皇后親自撫養的皇三女溫國公主外，還有朱德妃所生的皇六子趙傭、皇十三子趙似、皇十女慶國公主；高麗公主王賢妃所生的皇七子趙俟、皇十二子趙俁；宋貴妃所生的皇四女康國公主；林婕妤所生的皇十四子趙偲；武才人所生的皇九子趙佖；陳美人所生的皇十一子趙佶。這六子四女能不能活下來，也還難說得很，較小的皇子公主們，現在還在襁褓當中；而最大的淑壽，也不過十幾歲，這並不是一個安全的年齡，趙頊與向皇后所生的皇長女，就是在十二歲時夭折的。可能也正因為如此，亦或是趙頊疼惜淑壽的生母早亡，對這個實際上的皇長女，寵愛到了連高太后都有點看不過去的分上。
你是大宋朝的公主！怎麼可以隨便去動物園那種所在？
趙頊雖然板著臉，但是他的眼神與聲調，卻徹底地出賣了他。那為何六哥和七哥（注︰宋代俗稱如此）便去得？他們還得騎馬去！淑壽已經將嘴噘得老高。
六哥、七哥是男子，去去無妨。趙頊的聲音開始動搖了。
可石家大娘亦是女子，她也去得。怡園許多人都去過。淑壽越發不滿起來，嘴角一撇一撇地，淚珠便已經到了眼眶中打著轉兒。
趙頊頓時心都快化了。他此時心裡真恨不能把曾布與薛奕一腳踢回凌牙門去，若不是他們獻這勞什子白象，他怎麼能想安靜釣會魚都做不到？對於皇帝來說，這種機會是非常難得的，他若在別的地方垂釣，不知道內侍們早已暗中放了多少條鯉魚進去不過，這種不切實際的念頭也能是想想而已，他看著淑壽，幾次便幾乎要脫口答應她，但話到嘴邊，終於還是硬生生忍了下來。
若是答應了淑壽，太后那邊他怎麼交差？
但若不答應她，這事也難以善罷干休。他的這位三公主，根本就是個小魔頭，比起當年的柔嘉來，還要厲害三分。在高太后與幾位嚴肅太妃面前，她裝得比清河還乖巧這種坐在石頭上晃腳的事情，高太后和那些太妃們只怕連想都不想到；但只要轉過背來，她便能把整個皇宮鬧得雞飛狗跳。
這種事是有前車之鑒的。
當日她不知道從哪裡聽說了怡園的事情，為了去怡園念書，她一面向高太后與太妃們大獻殷勤，一面不知用了什麼辦法策動了一干說得上話的后妃們替她求情。整整一個月內，高太后與趙頊的耳邊能聽到的，幾乎都是為她求情的聲音眼見著這位乖巧的三公主整日悶悶不樂、茶飯不思而日漸削瘦，最後連高太后的心都軟了。加上耳邊實在不勝其煩，最後高太后與趙頊才不得不答應下來。
罷！罷！前思後想，趙頊終於決定脫過眼前這一劫再說，他左右看看無人，把淑壽拉近來，放低聲音說道︰三娘定要想去，朕也准你
他話未說完，淑壽已然破涕為笑趙頊又是好氣，又是好笑，繼續說道︰不過，妳不能說出去。妳悄悄去找十九姑，便說是朕的旨意，令她悄悄帶你去看白象，不許聲張！他話音方落，卻見淑壽已經又撇起嘴來，父皇騙人，無憑無據，十九姑姑才不肯信我的哩！
趙頊不禁臉一紅，他的確打著將麻煩先推給柔嘉的主意，不料卻被女兒揭破，只得說道︰朕叫李向安找幾人陪你去見她便是。
淑壽這才又高興起來，裝模作樣向著趙頊一襝衽，稚聲稚氣地拖長聲調說道︰謝父皇隆恩！
趙頊見她這般模樣，忍俊不住，不由得哈哈大笑。淑壽心願得逞，一把抱著趙頊的脖子，又笑又鬧更是沒上沒下起來。
趙頊好不容易才又安撫了淑壽，正待重新去釣魚，剛剛轉過身去，便聽園外傳來李向安尖聲尖氣地稟報聲︰陛下，李憲、石得一求見。
宣。趙頊無可奈何地扔下釣竿，一面對淑壽道︰妳先去找姑姑們玩吧。
目送著淑壽興高采烈地離去，趙頊心裡頭竟泛起一絲惆悵。他沒有去看跪在跟前的石得一，只是拿眼角瞥了一眼李憲，道︰你們見過唐康了？
李憲嚅嚅了一下，卻沒有說話。他職分雖然比石得一高，但這件差使，卻是石得一為主，他只是奉旨去聽聽而已。而且李憲也頗有自知之明熙寧俗傳有五貂，他李憲節制方面，手握重兵，官爵既高，表面上亦最風光；但相比之下，王中正不僅長居京師用事，而經常替皇帝赴各地差遣；宋用臣負責督責京師一切工程建築；李向安長期負責宣敕、服侍皇帝起居，三人之恩寵其實都不在自己之下；但最讓李憲忌憚的卻是跪在他旁邊這個石得一。兩年之前，前任勾當皇城司宦官致仕，石得一執掌皇城司這個要害機構，他一改往任無為而治的方針，將自職方館與職方司成立後皇城司那埋塵已久的間諜功能又重新發掘了出來。他給皇城司的探事兵吏規定功課，要求每人每日必須探得多少件事回報。一時間搞得京師烏煙瘴氣，人人側目，稱得上是權勢燻天。不僅僅臺諫對他大為不滿，彈劾不斷，甚至連兵部職方司也因為他手伸得太長而多有矛盾。但皇帝認為他是忠奴，呂惠卿要借他來打擊異己，兩府又頗有一些大臣明哲保身，竟然沒人奈何得了他。他也因此更加氣焰囂張。李憲雖然遠在陝西，但他的家屬親戚都在京師，正好在皇城司探事範圍之內，誰都難保家裡沒有人有個不法之事，若每一樁不怎麼光彩的事情都被報到皇帝耳裡，日積月累，憑誰也受不了。更何況他在外領兵，尤其要加倍小心。李憲雖然心知石得一這樣下去必定沒有好下場，但他卻也絕不願得罪他。
當下他只是靜靜伏在地上，聽石得一回報道︰回稟官家，賤臣等奉敕至御史臺獄問話，依聖旨，無他人在場。臣問︰可知罪？唐康答︰罪臣知罪。臣問︰為何擅調禁軍？唐康答︰事起倉猝，不得不爾，若待請復，必貽誤軍機。臣問︰田烈武、趙隆、李渾為甚竟予兵給你？唐康答︰田烈武有忠義，且與罪臣有舊，故不惜死；趙、李實不知情。臣問︰為何擅殺降？唐康答︰罪臣非敢殺降，是擅殺叛卒。一則激於義憤，一則恐兵力不足，貽為後患。臣問︰田烈武、趙隆是否知情？唐康答︰田、趙實不知情，謝罪摺子所言，無一字虛言。罪臣死不足惜，願陛下勿輕西南夷。臣問︰為何令章惇代遞摺子？唐康不答。臣又問，唐康答︰罪臣恐通進銀臺司附宰相，見臣之名而不肯進呈。又言，若西南之事，有一字虛言，願受族誅！
趙頊沉著臉靜靜地聽著，聽到此處，不由嘴角輕輕抽搐了一下，族誅？他當朕是漢武帝麼？
石得一正悄悄抬眼看皇帝，卻見趙頊陰冷的眼神掃了過來，他連忙把頭又伏下去，聽皇帝冷冷地說道︰他這點罪，兩府議上來，至重不過是編管。恩自上出，朕還能給他加刑不成？看在文彥博、石越面上，總還要給他加恩的。不過現在看來，倒是不必急於一時了。禁軍兵變、主帥病殃、瀘州失陷、提督兵敗戰死難不成一夜之間，益州便天塌地陷了？到底是有人昧心欺君，還是有人危言聳聽，總是要查個清楚的。待查清楚了，再議他的罪不遲。他調兵擅殺之事，朕可恕他；但他若是故意危言聳聽，構陷宰相近臣哼！
皇帝並沒有發問，李憲與石得一都不敢接話。但連頭帶身體趴在地上，卻正好能掩飾住李憲的表情。他現在已經更加清楚地知道，這場權力鬥爭，已經是到了圖窮匕見的關口。無論是哪一方最終取勝，朝中現有的平衡，都不再可能繼續下去，緊接著一定是一場堪比熙寧初年的大罷黜。也許比那還要殘酷無情。
李憲。
賤臣在。
你在外行走，益州虛實，可曾見到、聽到些什麼？
李憲彷彿感覺到石得一的眼睛，正在陰冷地盯著自己的後背，他禁不住哆嗦了一下，當即回道︰賤臣奉旨陝西差遣，非分內之事，不敢以聞。
皇帝那裡沉默了。李憲感覺到一種無形的壓力，鋪天蓋地地向他撲來，他頓時冷汗直冒。皇帝是英主，他將那日文彥博府上會議之情形，早已詳詳細細專摺以聞，再加上唐康的摺子，還有這接二連三發生的事情，皇帝心裡若不起疑心，那是斷不可能的。
他面前的這個皇帝，最恨的便是欺瞞。
李憲不禁羨慕起那些士大夫來，士大夫可以躲在禮法的背後，光明正大、理直氣壯的不回答自己不想回答的事情，但他卻是個內侍，不管閒事是對的，但是皇帝派他們出去，就是讓他們做皇帝最親信的耳目，若是聽到的、見到的，都不肯以聞，皇帝心裡要做何想法？
他心裡不由泛起一陣悔意。
官家，賤臣以為，而今益州最要緊之事，還是要盡快壓服西南夷之叛亂。李憲試圖將功補過，今靈夏大定，秉常雖存，吾扼險而守，以水泥磚石築城，兼有火炮、神臂弓之利，西兵皆百戰之師，王師雖進取不足，守成則有餘。西賊已不足為慮，此正是朝廷觀兵燕趙，收復故土，復仇雪恨之時！西南夷不過跳樑小丑，即便唐康所言是虛，朝廷為此耗費國力兵力，非上策也；若唐康所言皆實，為防萬一，更須趁早鎮壓西南叛夷，否則內外交攻，益州危矣。
朕用兵西南，原亦有練兵之意！東南兵與河朔兵久不經戰陣，朕欲使之小試於西南，使將士經戰陣，而後方可大用。李憲雖然看不到皇帝的表情，但是卻明顯聽出皇帝的語氣已經緩和。他心裡略略放寬了一些。皇帝最大的抱負是什麼？這是公開的秘密。皇帝的那身紫衫，便已經是一個強烈的信號紫衫是宋朝軍人的服裝之一。司馬光痛恨民風孱弱，石越鼓吹恢復配劍古風，在這樣的氣氛下，皇帝也終於可以經常著戎裝見臣下，但李憲卻知道，皇帝的想法與司馬光、石越還是不同的。後者也許只是單純為了改變社會風氣，但是皇帝想的卻是赫赫武功！大宋自開國以來，便無時無刻不想收復燕雲故土，皇帝變法圖強也好，用兵西夏也好，最終的目標，都是指向北方。這是大宋君臣解不開的心結。但現在，無論益州的情況究竟如何，顯然那裡都已經綁住了皇帝的手腳。
趙頊沒有去看跪在他跟前的兩個宦官，他有點心煩意亂。來回不安地走動幾步，他說一半是心裡話，調河朔禁兵入蜀作戰，自然是有練兵的意思，但另一方面，也是迫不得已。但趙頊是無時無刻不想著向遼國報仇的。所以，儘管財政困難，河北的邊防從來不敢鬆懈，火炮也是優先供應給兩北塞防。薛奕幾次請求要在海船上安裝火炮，都被他否決，原因就是趙頊認為海外始終只是海外，而幽薊卻是中國故土。對於趙頊來說，南海也好，海外貿易也好，始終只是一個財源。他的抱負，他的理想，始終是北方的那塊土地。
但是，此時，趙頊感覺仿若是，自己正在有條不紊地打著如意算盤，卻被人忽然從中橫插一手，將算盤攪得一塌糊塗。一直好端端的益州，忽然之間，卻有告訴他，那裡已經處在大叛亂的邊緣！
趙頊心裡充塞著惱怒的感覺。他感覺自己什麼都不知道，既不知道事情的真相，也不知道應當如何應對這種感覺，尤其讓趙頊感覺到憤怒。他是大宋朝的中興之主，他收復了河西，把西夏趕到了賀蘭山以西；他的統治下，大宋朝不再需要每年給遼國與西夏那屈辱的歲賜；他的疆域，遠至萬里之外的凌牙門，大宋成為南海的霸主；他不用刀兵，就讓高麗幾乎淪為半附庸的屬國！
大宋今日之盛況，是安史之亂以後，中國未有之盛世。而他趙頊，乃是開創這一盛世之聖主！
但是，在呂惠卿與文彥博向他稟報西南局勢之時，在他讀到唐康的奏摺之時，趙頊忽然間有幻滅之感。他那種優越感，他那種驕傲感，他那種成就感，他那種以為大宋已經極強盛之自矜，突然之間，便變得不那麼靠得住了。
他以為自己是堪比唐太宗的聖主明君，難道到頭來會變成唐玄宗，成為天下後世之笑柄麼？
這是趙頊無法接受的事情。
官家廟謨宏遠，非賤臣所能及。河朔禁軍承平已久，雖經整編，畢竟不如西軍。之前何去非主張直接向河朔禁軍派遣西軍將校，當時樞府、三衙、兵部皆以為善策，然官兵失和，亦是此次兵變之因。可見此策於理可行，實際卻未必行得通。官家以實戰練兵，才是不易之論。只是如今西南局勢有變，這個方針，或可略為修正一下李憲小心的措辭著，宦官與士大夫最大的不同，便是宦官永遠都會顧及著皇帝的感受，政事臣不敢妄言。朝廷諸公之前或許多有輕西南夷之處，然唐康之言，亦未必無誇大其辭之處，官家亦不必過於憂心。兩府以為先遣使瞭解益州實情，亦不失為謀國之言。官家何不靜等水落石出，再做處置？至於軍事，賤臣以為，取勝不難。而只要能打一場大勝仗，縱是有危機，亦必可大為緩解。故要緊處，還是選派精兵良機入蜀平亂但官家以實戰練兵之宗旨，還是不能丟了，賤臣以為，作戰之主力，自然要從西軍中選調，然可同時從河朔禁軍各軍各營中，抽調一指揮之兵力，編入西軍各營中，讓他們跟西軍學學怎麼打仗。這些兵若是練成了，將來回到河朔禁軍，便能以這些兵為主力，將全營全軍都帶上去
This is a great idea!不待李憲說完，趙頊已擊掌稱讚，何去非畢竟是書生之論，比不得老將之言。一個指揮一個指揮調出去，他們也不敢興風做浪。
李憲聽皇帝褒貶何去非，心裡忽然一動，這何去非原本是福建一介書生，累次考進士都落第，後來得人推薦，入慕容謙幕中，頗立下些軍功，戰後慕容謙向皇帝舉薦何去非之能，皇帝親自廷試，奏對稱旨，特授同進士出身，令他在講武學堂為教授，講授歷代戰史。此君是慕容謙幕府出身，與石越的幕僚們交往甚密，文章策論又很得蘇軾稱讚，雖然不過是一小小的教授，卻又得到文彥博、郭逵的另眼相看，經常就軍制改革發表意見與建議，每次建議，都很得皇帝的稱讚李憲想起何去非的這些背景，便覺得這個人不便過於得罪，忙道︰賤臣原本計不及此，實是聽到官家以實戰練兵之論，才忽然想到，這原也怨不得何去非。尋常之人，又怎能似官家想得如此深遠？
趙頊微微一笑，道︰你這是言過其實了。他又看了一眼李憲與石得一，這才說道︰你們都起來回話罷。
Thank you, Your Majesty.李憲倒還罷了，石得一卻早已跪得雙腿痠痛，這時如蒙大赦，謝恩站起來，嫉妒地望了李憲一眼，心裡頭恨不能便用目光將他烤死。
趙頊卻沒理會石得一，只向李憲說道︰既要從西軍中挑選精兵，你熟悉西軍，你說說，要調多少兵力入蜀？調哪些部隊合適？朕也聽聽你心裡經略使的人選。
李憲悄悄抬眼，見皇帝熱辣辣目光投在自己身上，心裡一驚，方才心裡的那點輕鬆得意，頓時跑到了九霄雲外。看皇帝的神情，竟是希望他主動請纓，但是李憲口裡說得輕鬆，心裡卻是極明白的︰益州的仗本來就不好打，若是內政糾纏不清，那就更加兇險。與其去益州打仗，李憲倒寧可攛掇皇帝再次向西夏開戰。這西南的功業，還是留給別人去建好了。但他心裡雖然打著小算盤，卻斷不敢讓皇帝看出半點來。他連忙將頭垂下，避開皇帝的眼神，假作沉吟，過了一會，方才回道︰賤臣以為，今在蜀之兵，有本地廂軍、鄉兵，有東南禁軍，有河朔禁軍，還有西軍，這些軍隊，倉促間無法退出益州，要能節制這五花八門的軍隊，還要懂得善用其力，單單是西軍出身的將領，只恐難孚重任。西軍將領多數看不起河朔與東南軍，而河朔禁軍亦免不了會猜忌西軍將領臣愚見，以為經略使非重臣宿將不可。若不是在軍中素有威名，怎麼能鎮伏得了各軍將士？且若欲迅速見功，最好是要在西南或者南方打過仗，當年經歷過儂智高叛亂的老將
你是說郭逵？趙頊默然一會，搖頭嘆道︰郭逵老矣。兵部侍郎郭逵雖然是仁宗朝名將，但是畢竟已經六十三歲了，因郭逵在英宗朝做過同簽書樞密院事，所以趙頊心裡早就打算這兩年內就讓他直接做兵部尚書，然後體體面面地致仕。實際上，趙頊現在的兩府，除了呂惠卿外，年紀都普遍偏大，這已經成為趙頊的一塊心病。
李憲不料自己還沒來得及把郭逵的名字說出來，便已經被皇帝否決。他這次卻沒能猜中趙頊的心思，因笑道︰廉頗雖老，尚善飯。
种諤是前車之鑒。趙頊不待李憲說完，已經連連搖頭，道︰這事先議到這裡。明日朕要親自去樞府，朕要見見田烈武與李渾。
officials.李憲與石得一都吃了一驚。
What are you afraid of?朕不能一直被人蒙在鼓裡。揣摸趙頊話裡的含義，石得一的臉唰地白了，本來勸諫的話已經到了嘴邊，又吞了回去。只聽趙頊冷笑道︰唐康、田烈武的案子，不宜分開審理，著樞密院、衛尉寺和御史臺會同審理。石得一，你去旁聽。
領旨。石得一慌忙又跪了下來。
還有，你去宣一次旨，看在太后面子上，高遵惠之罪不問。
李憲與石得一不由面面相覷，案子還沒有開始審，就已經把高遵惠赦免了，那麼唐康與田烈武擅調兵之罪，只怕也沒辦法問了。李憲心裡頭暗暗嘀咕，只怕這道聖旨，沒有人會替皇帝草詔。
李憲所料不錯，當天下午，知制誥就封還了辭頭，高遵惠到底沒能置身事外。而第二日，皇帝也沒能真去得了樞府，刑部尚書陳繹忽然得了急病，皇帝雖然派了翰林院的醫官去診治，但是陳繹年事已高，非藥石所能挽回，到了第五日上，便逝世了。為了安排陳繹的喪事、追謚，趙頊把唐康、田烈武的事情丟到了九霄雲外。一下子多了兩個尚書的空缺，對於臣子們來說是一件好事，但對趙頊來說，卻是逼迫他不得不面對一個嚴酷的事實他的兩府大臣們，年紀都太大了，而新的人材，卻還沒有培養起來。這是過去十年他為了保持朝中政治穩定而付出的代價，現在，收債的人來了。
樞密使文彥博，七十九歲；同簽書樞密院事孫固，六十九歲；吏部尚書馮京，六十四歲；戶部尚書司馬光、禮部尚書王珪，六十六歲；其餘如韓維也已經六十八歲，蘇頌亦有六十五歲他的宰執大臣們中，惟有左僕射呂惠卿與工部尚書王安禮還有五十餘歲。但是他對呂惠卿的信任，也已經開始動搖；而王安禮，趙頊對他並不滿意。
到了這個時刻，趙頊不得不開始認真考慮人材問題。
趙頊並非完全不曾刻意地培養人材，他對韓琦的長子韓忠彥便寄以重望，從鴻臚寺卿到京東西路轉運使到禮部侍郎、工部侍郎，是趙頊希望能成為宰相之材的人物。但是韓忠彥的才華，較他的父親實在相差太遠
與韓忠彥年歲相當的臣子們，范