Chapter 6 Chapter Four: The Scholar's Fame and Fortune

Lu Huiqing didn't know how she left the Zhengshitang until evening.Wang Anshi's vermilion pen and red characters are so glaring, they keep shaking in front of his eyes, making him upset.After getting into the carriage, he listened to his attendants and asked beside him: "Sir, are you going back home?"Lu Huiqing looked up at the sky, the summer days were long, and even though it had passed Youzheng, he was still quite handsome. He lifted his clothes and got into the carriage, saying: "Go to Jixi Temple."The entourage didn't dare to ask more questions, so they answered, and ordered the coachman, Yiwei, to drive to Jixi Guanchi.

This episode of Xiguan is between Nanxun Gate and Puji Water Gate. It is quite a distance from the imperial city. After Youzheng, it is the time when the day market closes and the night market starts. The streets are bustling and lively.Although Lu Huiqing was traveling as a prime minister and had guards of honor to clear the way, she couldn't walk fast. When it was approaching Jixi Temple, it was already dark and candles had already been lit in the temple.Lu Huiqing got out of the carriage at Guanqianli, leaving behind the guard of honor, and only brought two companions, and walked towards Guanmen at a leisurely pace.When I arrived at the temple, I saw that the gate was closed tightly. A companion quickly grabbed the knocker and called for the door. Not long after, I heard the gate creak and opened a crack. A little Taoist stuck out half of his head through the crack, looking He glanced at Lu Huiqing and the three of them, and asked, "I don't know what the benefactor is doing?"

Companion was about to speak, but was stopped by Lu Huiqing, he took a few steps forward, clasped his fists and said with a smile: Fellow Daoist bothering you, Is Master Unknown Kou in the audience?The Kou real person he was talking about was the host of Jixi Temple, and his common name was Kou Tiansu.The little Taoist heard that he was visiting to preside over it, so he took another look at Lu Huiqing. Seeing that he was dressed in a noble and elegant manner, he didn't dare to neglect him.What's the matter with finding a tutor? Lu Huiqing smiled lightly, and said: I will trouble fellow Taoists to pass it on, and say that an old friend is visiting.Having said that, I had a companion to hand over the name card, the little Taoist took the name card, waited a while, and hurried back to the temple to report.Not long after, the gate of the temple was opened wide, and a Taoist priest with white hair and youthful face led several Taoist boys to welcome him out. When he came out, he looked Lu Huiqing up and down, gave a checker, and said with a smile: "Sir, it's been a long time.

Lu Huiqing had already seen Kou Tiansu, so she hurriedly returned the salute, and said with a smile: "Master, I look even better than before."After all, the two looked at each other and laughed, joining hands in the audience. This Jixi Temple was originally called Huiling Temple, and it is dedicated to the gods of the three mountains and five mountains.Kou Tiansu was originally a Taoist priest of Tianshi Taoism. In the Song Dynasty, the three religions merged. Not only did Confucianism absorb the thoughts of Buddhism and Taoism, but also many outstanding scholars abandoned Buddhism and Taoism and returned to Confucianism. The Zhiyuan of Xiangguo Temple is an example.This Kou Tiansu is not only unknown in the Taoist Taoism, but also among so many Taoist priests in Bianjing, he is also unknown. Although he is in charge of Daguan, he has always been regarded as a mediocre person. , is not taken seriously.But Lu Huiqing knew that Kou Tiansu was really a person who lived in seclusion.When he was not an official, he had studied Lao Zhuang intensively, and later traveled with Wang Anshi. The academic system of Wang Anshi and his sons all attached great importance to Lao Zhuang. , became famous for a while.Lu Huiqing paid more attention to this point. Many of the philosophical propositions such as the monism of qi advocated by Fan Wang and Lu have unclear relations with Taoism and Taoism.Lu Huiqing had known Kou Tiansu long before he became a Jinshi in the middle school. He knew that Kou Tiansu not only studied the three religions, but also dabbled in vertical and horizontal, conspiracy, and magic. As the abbot of the Royal Temple, he runs around the door of the prime minister, but he is ambitious and wants to make contributions in the empty door; Kou Tiansu lives in a prosperous place in the capital, and he can't help wandering among the dignitaries, but he pretends to be An ordinary Taoist priest who can only tell fortunes and make alchemy, and invest in what the nobles like.In fact, he has close ties with Wang Anshi and Lu Huiqing, but they have worshiped each other for nearly twenty years, and they are in the same city, but they hardly communicate with each other.And Lu Huiqing didn't dare to disturb his practice easily, if it wasn't for the most important relationship in life at this time, Lu Huiqing would never have come to this episode of Jubilee View.

Kou Tiansu smiled and led Lu Huiqing into a small courtyard in Guanzhong. Lu Huiqing ordered his companion to wait outside, and followed Kou Tiansu into a quiet room.He said with a smile: "I was born with a cup of water, and I couldn't learn it with skillful efforts, but I laughed at Lu Hongjian at that time. Sencha won a good reputation, respected teacher. I don't know if I will be blessed today, and watch the master show his unique skills." Kou Tiansu invited Lu Huiqing to sit down with a smile, and said with a smile: Mr. Kui still remembers that it has been so many years since he shared tea.

Those who are fortunate enough to meet the master's unique skills will never forget them in this life.I have never seen such a magical skill in more than twenty years.Lu Huiqing's admiration came from the heart. Twenty years ago, he personally saw Kou Tiansu order four teacups at the same time, and in the four tea soups, separate a quatrain!His skill in distributing tea is just a superficial imitation of Kou Tiansu, and he is already well-known among the officials in Bianjing. Kou Tiansu stared at Lu Huiqing, took the tea from the boy with his own hands, handed it to Lu Huiqing, and said with a smile: The man beheaded Loulan's head and worshiped Yuxian while drinking tea.Could it be that the husband has a desire to return?

Lu Huiqing took the teacup, then lifted the lid and put it to his mouth, but he said the central thing, he couldn't help laughing bitterly, put the teacup back on the table, sighed, and said: Shi Ziming wrote a good poem . Kou Tiansu smiled slightly, and said: among the things in the world, if there is strength, there will be weakness, and if there is success, there will be weakness.The mutual generation of the situation has to be done, so how can we do it safely? When Lu Huiqing heard this, she couldn't help but fell silent.This passage was originally said by him in the "Biography of the Tao Te Ching". At this time, Kou Tiansu quoted it to persuade him not to be too obsessed with fame and fortune.But he has been a prime minister for ten years, and he has great power in his hands. If he wants to lose his power and position once, think about the warmth and warmth of the people he has seen, how can he be reconciled?Because of the Tao: Master, twenty years ago, he once looked at me for me and said that I must be the third prince.Today, I would like to ask the respected teacher to give me some advice.

Kou Tiansu looked at Lu Huiqing, and seeing that he was so obsessed, he couldn't help but secretly sighed.After a while, Fang said: "Why do you come here, Mr. Xiang?"Things in the world are fickle.If I can retreat today, I will have room to take a step forward in the future. Speaking of this, seeing Lu Huiqing's face full of disappointment, I couldn't help but paused, and sighed: The fate of my husband has already been counted, so there is no need to look at it again.Chenggong is also Jiefu, and defeat is also Jiefu Cheng Yijiefu, defeat also Jiefu?Lu Huiqing murmured.

The foundation of Xianggong is still shallow.He did not win the hearts of the people, but he only relied on the trust of the emperor and Wang Jiefu to ascend to the throne.After ten years of business, Mr. Xiang never paid attention to his innate shortcomings and did not build a solid foundation. He just blindly relied on his own strategy and wisdom.Back then, Wang Jiefu had been under the expectation of the world for thirty years, because the imperial court was fundamentally unstable, and he took advantage of the emperor's trust to pay homage to the Prime Minister, and acted hastily. Once the emperor lost his trust, he would resign sadly.Xianggong is just repeating the mistakes of Wang Jiefu. One day, the emperor believes it, but Wang Jiefu does not believe it.

So what about winning people's hearts?Lu Huiqing only felt that Kou Tiansu's words were extremely harsh, so she couldn't help asking: Throughout the ages, there have been countless virtuous and outstanding scholars who have won the hearts of the people. What Xianggong said is true.Kou Tiansu looked at Lu Huiqing with pity, and said: Originally, the way of the world is constantly changing.If you only rely on winning the hearts of the people, you may not be able to get things done.If you want to maintain wealth for a long time, you can't just rely on certain advantages. This is an extremely difficult thing in the world.Fame and status are one thing, like a thin layer floating on the abyss, it is not easy to walk on it, let alone walk on it for a long time?With all due respect, it is beyond my expectation that Xianggong can be prime minister for ten years.How can Xianggong not be satisfied?

If I can survive this test, it only takes one year, let alone ten years as prime minister, even if it is twenty years, I will be worthy.Lu Huiqing said unconvinced. Kou Tiansu just looked at Lu Huiqing without speaking, his eyes were full of pity and regret. Don't you believe me, Master?Lu Huiqing seemed to be irritated by this look, so I'll show you!I can be the prime minister for 20 years, I can become the famous prime minister of the Song Dynasty, what Wang Jiefu, what Han Qi, what Shi Yue, what Sima Guang?They are not as good as me!Without my painstaking efforts, could Shi Yue defeat Xixia?Lizi steals his name!I will never lose to them!I won't let them sit back and enjoy it!I don't lose so easily! Kou Tiansu still didn't speak, just smiled lightly, as if looking at an ignorant child. Lu Huiqing stood up abruptly, grabbed Kou Tiansu's shoulders, opened her eyes, and shouted hoarsely: Don't you believe it?I will do it!I will do it! Kou Tiansu was still just smiling, smiling, suddenly, Lu Huiqing looked at Kou Tiansu's face slowly blurring his face, revealing Shi Yue's smile ah!Lu Huiqing suddenly broke out in a cold sweat and woke up suddenly. The moonlight shone into the room through the window, Lu Huiqing sat up, and saw Kou Tiansu's letter on the desk opposite, being turned by the night wind, making a soft rustling sound.Riding bravely?This is the behavior of the weak.Lu Huiqing was never reconciled to being defeated so easily.Appointing Wang Anshi is just their wishful thinking.Wang Anshi may not be willing to come out again! Waking up early the next morning, after Lu Huiqing finished washing, she went to sit in the study, drawing up a pen to conceive of the memorial to the sick.Reappointing Wang Anshi, changing Li Tao to Honglu Temple, and knowing Luzhou through Gao Zunyu are all major events, but as the prime minister, he was not aware of all these things in advance, and the emperor did not intend to consult and discuss them, although Lu Huiqing Lost his mind for a while, signed the imperial edict and used the seal. At this time, he regretted it too much, but even if it was just out of dignity, Lu Huiqing must not go to the Political Affairs Hall for the time being.He is the prime minister of the imperial court, not a Hanlin scholar.Halfway through writing the zhezifang, he heard his family come in and say: Mr. Chen Yuanfeng is here. Lu Huiqing raised her eyes to look at her family, and said with a huff: "Please wait in the living room." The man agreed to back down.Lu Huiqing only pondered for a while, then continued to write the memorial in a leisurely manner. When she finished writing, she picked it up and read it again. Seeing that there was no problem, Fang put it back on the table, got up and adjusted her clothes, and went out to meet Chen Yuanfeng. When he arrived at the living room, he found Chen Yuanfeng sipping tea leisurely there. After waiting for half an hour, he didn't look anxious at all.Lu Huiqing praised secretly in her heart, and said with a smile: Lu Shan, I have been waiting for a long time.When Chen Yuanfeng saw Lu Huiqing coming out, she hurriedly got up and said: "The student has met your husband."Lu Huiqing smiled and asked him to sit down again, looked at Chen Yuanfeng, and said with a smile: Lu Shan came to see me, is there something wrong? Chen Yuanfeng bowed and said: The students heard some rumors that the emperor intends to reappoint Wang Jiefu That's not a rumor.Lu Huiqing said with a smile, the imperial edict was issued yesterday. This Chen Yuanfeng shook his head, and said: Mr. Xiang, in the situation in Yizhou, it is inevitable that local officials will deceive their superiors and their inferiors.If Wang Jiefu goes to Yizhou, he is afraid that he will be used by others to attack Xining's naturalization.You must guard against your husband! It is certainly a matter of concern.Lu Huiqing said with a smile: "However, since Yuanze's death, Jiefu has lived in seclusion in Jinling. He has been favored by the court many times, but he has refused.Although the imperial court called for an imperial edict this time, he might not be willing to reappear.It takes a month for the envoy to come and go. If he refuses to agree, I think some people in the court will be impatient.Speaking of this, Lu Huiqing shook her head and said: Besides, I stand upright, and I am not afraid of people's slander.The most urgent task is to determine the rightful successor of the seed as soon as possible, so that the chaos in the Southwest Yi can be quelled one day earlier, and all kinds of storms have subsided.A while ago, the imperial court and ministers had put the cart before the horse!Don't think about the candidates for the economic strategy, but fight for the wind and the wind That's not putting the cart before the horse, it's putting party struggle above the community.Chen Yuanfeng said hesitantly, Mr. Xiang has heard that Fan Chunren pretends to be noble and refuses to be Minister of the Ministry of Punishment, and there are still people who are creating public opinion, praising him for his integrity, and paving the way for him to become the imperial censor. I would rather guard Lantai than guard the Ministry of Penalties.Lu Huiqing smiled mockingly.What else would they do besides party struggle? These gentlemen are like this.Those who do things for the country are regarded as ministers of profit; those who want to do something practical are petty officials.Apart from talking about their lives, do they know anything about economics?Xianggong opened up territory for the imperial court. This generation is short-sighted and sees it as something exciting, but only knows to plot behind his back. Chen Yuanfeng said angrily. That's all, that's all.Lu Huiqing glanced at Chen Yuanfeng, and said with a smile: Lu Shan, there is a saying in "The Doctrine of the Mean": do not blame heaven at the top, and do not favor others at the bottom.Such things, say what he did.Having said that, he paused, and suddenly said: Lu Shan, would you like to go to Chengdu? I?Chen Yuanfeng was stunned for a moment, and immediately said: "If the minister can use it, don't talk about Chengdu, I can also go to Luzhou." That's overkill.Lu Huiqing said with a smile: "Yizhou Road Sisi Yamen, your official position is neither high nor low, so you can't be placed."But you have been a member of the court for so many years, you have made outstanding achievements, you are also a Jinshi, and you have military merits.It's just that at this time, Yizhou Road is avoided by everyone, but you have been wronged Where did the gentleman say it?Chen Yuanfeng folded his fists and bowed his body, he said emotionally: "Students are people who avoid things and are afraid of difficulties?"Don't worry, Xianggong, there are students in Yizhou, but you can rest easy. Northwest of Daliang Gate, Bodhi Temple. Gao Zunhui was holding a volume of "Chunqiu Zuo's Biography" in his hand, walking and reading, bored.Finally, the emperor gave the empress dowager face, so Gao Zunhui didn't have to stay in the dark prison like Tang Kang and Tian Liewu.This temple, commonly known as Bodhi Temple, became his forbidden place.Regarding all this, Gao Zunhui was quite able to deal with it indifferently.The monks in the temple knew that he was the father of the empress dowager, so they didn't dare to be contemptuous. They packed up the best room in the temple and gave it to him to live in, and specially appointed a few little Shatuo to serve him.Even after many people came to visit and suppress the Weinan Mutiny every day, Gao Zunhui became famous, and many scholar-bureaucrats who had never been in contact with each other came to visit at this time, which made him flattered.This kind of treatment has already exceeded his expectations. Gao Zun Huisheng was afraid that the scholar-bureaucrats would underestimate him. Apart from seeing guests every day, he read books attentively.And this undoubtedly made him even more favored by the scholar-bureaucrats. The Marquis of Qi guarded all Pingyin, defended the gate and guarded Guangli.Su Shawei said Mr. Gao, you are so elegant!A voice that seemed familiar came from outside the courtyard. Gao Zunhui was startled, and followed the reputation, but saw Shi Yue walking in with a smile. He was wondering why no one informed him, but saw that Shi Yue did not come after he entered the courtyard. Talking, but turned sideways to the side.He was startled, and hurriedly fell to the ground. Sure enough, a familiar figure slowly walked in. It was Zhao Xu, the current emperor of Song Dynasty. Gao Zunhui, the guilty minister, kowtows to see my emperor long live. get up.Zhao Xu smiled and said: What crime do you have? Speaking of this, he glanced at the book in Gao Zunhui's hand, and couldn't help but asked with a smile: Are you reading?What book is in your hand? Back to the official house, it is "Zuo Zhuan". Zhao Xu said with a smile: Zuo Zhuan was read by the soldiers.Last time Shi Yue said that Zuo Zhuan was actually written by Wu Qi. Gao Zunhui was taken aback for a moment, but Shi Yue laughed beside him and said: Your Majesty, this subject is just a reasonable guess. Seeing Gao Zunhui lying on the ground, Zhao Xu still didn't dare to get up, and said again: Speaking of which, you are still my uncle and grandpa.Forget about living, Qi Li's family, it is the court's blessing to have a talent like you. Thank you official.However, the guilty minister thought that Qi Li's family had better keep their duty.Only then did Gao Zunhui get up, bowed his waist, and slowly replied: At Zhaoling, seven clans, including the old Anding County King Congshi and the old Xingguo Gong Shiyong, requested to serve in the army to conquer Yuanhao, and Renzong only rewarded him. Shi Yue also knew this allusion, Zhao Congshi was the king of Anding County who was worshiped by Song Taizu, and Zhao Shiyong was the eldest grandson of Song Taizu.The clan of the Song Dynasty was divided into three clans by Taizu, Taizong, and King Tingmei of Qin. At that time, seven clans requested to serve in the army, and they were all from the clan of Taizu. Although Zhao Shiyong studied with the prince in Zishantang, he had a close relationship with Renzong. However, whether it is the tradition that the Song Dynasty clan no longer holds real power after Zhenzong, or the potential defense of Taizong's clan against Taizu's clan, Zhao Congshi will not allow Zhao Congshi to display their patriotism.What Gao Zunhui said was indeed a general consensus at the time.The protection against the clan and relatives is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people.However, Shi Yue knew better that since Wang Anshi came to power, the clan had been allowed to participate in imperial examinations and participate in politics. In another time and space, decades later, the first clan prime minister appeared. In order to protect this crumbling dynasty, countless clans fought bloody battles to the death. Their loyalty and bravery made people sigh with broken wrists.The protection against the clan and relatives certainly has its positive significance, but it is completely negative protection, but it may not be completely indisputable. However, although Shi Yue slandered Gao Zunhui's example, he would not publicly express his objection, especially in front of the emperor.Sure enough, he heard Zhao Xu turn his head to look at him, and said with a smile: Among Qi Li, Gao Zunhui knows the general situation best. Shi Yue hurriedly laughed and said: "Although this is the case, if there are talents among the clan's relatives, with your Majesty's wisdom, they can control them by themselves." Hearing these words, Gao Zunhui couldn't help but wondered, and looked at Shi Yue in surprise.But a servant moved a chair over, found a shady place, and waited for Zhao Xu to sit down.Zhao Xu glanced at the two of them with a smile, his gaze rested on Gao Zunhui's face, and said: The admiral of Yizhou died in battle, and now the deputy envoy will take his place temporarily.There are a lot of things going on in Yizhou now, the admiral is an important position and cannot be absent for a long time, Shi Yue recommends you to take over. Although Gao Zunhui had expected that the development of the matter would not be as bad as he imagined, he was also taken aback, and hurriedly said cautiously: the official family, the minister is the body to be punished. Zhao Xu smiled at your little crime, and said: Leave this alone.I just want to know, do you dare to go to Yizhou?Do you have a plan in your chest to calm the chaos? If the official is sent, the criminal minister dare not avoid danger and fear difficulty.There are always different opinions about the situation in Yizhou, and the guilty ministers don't know why.However, the guilty minister believed that the duty of the admiral was to guard the territory and arrest robbers, and to assist the imperial army in combat.To quell the rebellion of the Southwestern Yi, the imperial army is responsible.What the admiral has to do is to maintain the peace in the rear, provide guides for the forbidden army, escort supplies, so that the forbidden army has no worries Listening to Gao Zunhui's careful words, Zhao Xu and Shi Yue couldn't help smiling at each other.Zhao Xu laughed and said: Shi Yue really knows people.The admiral of Yizhou I want is Qing. Shi Yue also said: "The admiral must not strive for merit, but keep his duty carefully."If you are a person who is very happy, the more you know how to fight, the greater the harm will be.The southwestern barbarians are not to be feared, but what is to be feared is that the officials forced the people to rebel, making Yizhou a place of war everywhere.In addition, the so-called kindness does not lead the army, and the admiral must not have the benevolence of a woman, otherwise the rear will not be able to suppress it, and it will be a catastrophe.To find such a person, Gao Gong is a ready candidate. Officials Hey, Zhao Xu waved his hand, interrupted Gao Zunhui, and said: I want someone I can trust to go to Yizhou.Gao Zunyu has already gone to Luzhou. He can lead troops and is good at dealing with barbarians. I am not a person who does not miss old feelings. This is a chance for him.But you are different, among the relatives, I think you are the most cautious, you don't make friends with the clan, you make friends with the ministers of the two mansions and the nobles in the court, and you know how to measure, which is extremely rare.This time, you are loyal to the country, even if you are guilty, I don't blame you Gao Zunhui looked at the emperor with mixed feelings.To have the opportunity to admiral Yizhou Road was indeed unexpected for him who was dealing with crimes, and it also represented the trust of the emperor. It would be a lie to say that he was not moved.After all, he didn't want to follow in the footsteps of Gao Zunyu. When he used to control one party in Weizhou and was a prince of a town, although he did a living of licking blood on the edge of a knife, Weizhou was also a remote and backward place, but after all, he was in power. The color is different.Once you are demoted, even if you are in a good place, after all, your movements are restricted, and you have to report every little thing to the magistrate, which is not too different from going to jail, and you are not happy in your heart, and your body will only see changes day by day. Bad, what kind of problems are fine in the border county, but they all appear in the interior.This time the emperor asked him to go to a place like Luzhou, and he was so happy that he won the first prize. However, how could he not know that Yizhou Road is a place of right and wrong?The emperor was clear-eyed, he wanted someone who could be trusted, who dared to speak the truth and did things, and who was not caught in the struggle between the ruling and opposition parties, to go there to be his eyes and ears, and to stabilize the situation if necessary; but he didn't want to go there Too upright, regardless of the consequences, set off turbulent waves in the ruling and opposition parties that even the emperor could not control.But it also requires people to be outspoken and not shy away from the powerful; it is also necessary for people to know how to compromise and be willing to obey the emperor's control. How can there be such a good thing in this world?Thinking about it this way, Gao Zunhui is indeed a good candidate, no matter what, he is also a relative.However, after hearing Shi Yue and the emperor's words, Gao Zunhui was really unwilling to agree to this mission. Once he was involved in the struggle between the government and the opposition, he didn't know how many enemies he would make, overt or covert, and he acted a little carelessly. The accusation of foreign relatives wreaking havoc on the country can easily fall on him. Regardless of the fact that the emperor trusts him now, Shi Yue enthusiastically recommends it. The so-called three people become tigers and accumulate money. He is thousands of miles away. Who knows those people How to slander him in Bianjing?As long as the emperor wavers a little, don't look at Shi Yue as a gentleman, but at that time, he may not be willing to say a good word for himself.Given a choice, Gao Zunhui would rather live a prosperous life in Bianjing.However, looking at the emperor's expression, Gao Zunhui could only sigh secretly in his heart. After thinking about it for a while, Gao Zunhui finally plucked up the courage and said to Zhao Xu: The guilty minister is the one who treats the guilty, but the officials don't punish them and demote them, instead they give them heavy responsibilities. , nothing to repay.However, the guilty minister is not only a relative, but also a guilty person, and the admiral of the big county may inevitably be immune to material criticism.If the dispatch is not done effectively, the death of the guilty officials will not be regretted, and those who are worried may hurt the holiness of the Empress Dowager and the understanding of officials and people.Also please think twice.He paused, gritted his teeth, and said bluntly: "And Yizhou, forgive the guilty minister for speaking bluntly, now it is a place of right and wrong, although the criminal minister dare not avoid suspicion, but when he arrives in Yizhou, he wants not to deceive the emperor, but he can't." Sinners, I'm afraid it's hard to have both.The guilty minister was worried that three people became tigers thousands of miles away. Don't worry, I won't be alienated so easily. But Gao Zunhui could only smile wryly, because Zeng Zi was a virtuous man, and mother and son knew each other deeply, others said that Zeng Zi killed someone and Zeng Mu fled over the wall.Given the deep acquaintance between the emperor and Wang Anshi, Shi Yue's monarch and ministers, even if Wang Anshi dismissed him, Shi Yue would inevitably be suspected and left idle, let alone Gao Zunhui?What's more, he has a foreign relative who should be suspected by nature? But since the emperor said so, after all, Gao Zunhui didn't dare to force the emperor to make any guarantee like ordinary scholar-bureaucrats.What's more, he can't believe this kind of guarantee, even the iron certificate of Dan Shu, so what else can he trust? He hesitated for a while, and finally said: The guilty minister would never dare to lose the trust of officials. Zhao Xu suddenly smiled, and was about to praise and encourage him, but he saw Li Xiang'an coming in a hurry, and knocked at the gate of the courtyard: "The official family, there is an important memorial to the Yintai Division." What memorial?Zhao Xu frowned. Li Xiang'an hurriedly handed over the memorial, and Zhao Xu accepted the memorial in a flustered heart, opened the cover of Huang Ling, and after only one glance, he was stunned and Lu Huiqing complained.Shi Yue and Gao Zunhui were already suspicious in their hearts, and they didn't know where there was another mistake. Seeing the emperor's expression, they couldn't help but become more worried.But they dare not ask each other.After a while, Fang heard Zhao Xu laughing bitterly several times, and said: "Go back to the palace." At this extremely sensitive time, Prime Minister Lu Huiqing suddenly suffered from a foot disease, and since then closed the door to thank guests, and no longer go to court, from the emperor to the ordinary officials, all know that this is Lu Huiqing expressing dissatisfaction and bargaining with the emperor.Zhao Xu had no choice but to send imperial physicians to treat the disease, and issued condolence orders, asking Lu Huiqing to return to the court in spite of illness.Naturally, Lu Huiqing declined repeatedly.In order to avoid being misunderstood that he was against Wang Anshi's appointment, during the period when he was suffering from foot illness, Lu Huiqing also made a special statement, expressing his approval of the emperor's appointment of Wang Anshi as the wind watcher.In this way, his reservedness became reasonable. He was only dissatisfied that the emperor did not respect his opinion as a prime minister during major personnel changes. At the same time, under the hint of Chen Yuanfeng and others, officials close to Lu Huiqing also began to write letters criticizing the emperor The appointment and dismissal of such an important position as the Minister of Jiusi, but without prior consultation with the Zhengshitang.In order to avoid suspicion, some people even criticized Lu Huiqing for not hastily counter-signed the imperial edict; another part, either explicitly or implicitly, expressed that this was also one of the important reasons why Lu Huiqing refused to take matters seriously.There were also young officials who gave the emperor a passionate memorial, reviewing Lu Huiqing's various achievements since he became prime minister, and urged the emperor to comfort Lu Huiqing as much as possible and let him come back as soon as possible. Under the pressure of such strong public opinion, and worried that the court would not be idle for a long time without a prime minister, Zhao Xu finally issued a sincere edict to Lu Huiqing, fully affirming Lu Huiqing's actions over the past ten years, and reiterated that It is the righteousness of the monarch and his ministers to know each other, and I hope that Lu Huiqing can reluctantly do what is difficult and see things in a sick way.In order to show his sincerity, Zhao Xu asked Lu Huiqing for advice, and appointed Xue Xiang, who was once highly appreciated by Wang Anshi and famous for his financial planning in the new party, as the Minister of Taifu Temple.Therefore, this new party cadre who maintained good relations with Wang Anshi and Lu Huiqing finally entered a key department controlled by the central government after serving as a transit envoy for more than ten years.Reusing Xue Xiang as Minister of the Taifu Temple also showed a gesture of the emperor, he did not abandon the new party. And after his achievements in power were affirmed by the emperor's edict, Lu Huiqing finally came back to take care of things on the spot after he was sick for seven days.At least in a short period of time, Lu Huiqing used this method to re-consolidate his crumbling power and once again established his leadership in the Zhengshitang. On the night that Lu Huiqing returned to the Zhengshitang, Shifu. This is really a winner.While drinking, Shi Yue said emotionally, I knew that Lu Jifu would not be defeated so easily, but I never expected him to grasp the timing and measure so well. It is also a complaint, but there is a difference between high and low.Wang Jiefu's complaint was almost like a threat; Lu Jifu's complaint made people feel that he was really wronged.Pan Zhaolin said with a smile, the time is neither too long nor too short, if it is too long, it will inevitably make people bored; if it is too short, it will inevitably make people feel that he is too impatient.However, Fujianzi is only trying to win a round, and the building will collapse, which cannot be supported by using power and wisdom. Let's wait and see.Shi Yue also laughed and said: Whether Zhiyuan can persuade Wang Anshi to come back is still unknown.The emperor has already laid out Gao Zunyu's chess piece first. Whether Gao Zunhui can make this move depends on how Kang Shi's case is closed.In my opinion, there will always be a conclusion in these two days.The emperor must close the case before the queen mother's birthday, so that if it is not what he wants, it will be convenient to take the opportunity to pardon and reduce the crime.but The young master is worried that Fujian Zi will be a hindrance?Pan Zhaolin took a sip of the wine, and said with a smile: If Lu Huiqing is acting out of passion, if he wants to fight the young master to the end, he may make a big fuss. If he changes Sima Guang, it is almost inevitable.But Fujian Zi is not necessarily, he is not ignorant of the emperor's will, and I dare not do things that go against the holy will.If I were him, I would be a favor, sell the young master a favor, and make a deal with the young master trade?Shi Yue laughed dumbfounded, and said: Can he believe that I will stop? When the two armies are at war, they also have to exchange prisoners, not to mention the fact that it is now a three-way war?Pan Zhaolin said calmly, now he knows that the young master can also control the court situation, compared to Wen Yanbo and Sima Guang, can he expect them to compromise?If you want the young master and Wen and Ma to deal with him wholeheartedly, or try to ease the relationship with the young master and free up your hands to concentrate on dealing with Wen and Ma, Lu Huiqing is not a stubborn person. As long as he thinks that he can convince the young master, his status is still the same. stable, then compromise is possible.Even though he expected that the young master would not give up, he also knew that he could exchange prisoners if he fought with the young master, so why would he not take advantage of it? Shi Yue groaned and remained silent, just lightly playing with the wine glass in his hand. But Pan Zhaolin said again: Fan Chunren still refuses to be Minister of the Ministry of Punishment, the emperor seems to give up.But Yushi Zhongcheng may not be in his pocket.If I were a son of Fujian, the first thing I would do now would be to place cronies in Yizhou, while trying to prevent Wang Anshi from coming back, while deploying in Yizhou, and then quietly changing my position, if there is any emergency, I would be blamed To the heads of officials big and small on Yizhou Road.At this time, Yushitai is the place that must be contested.Fan Chunren's firm refusal of the Minister of Criminal Justice probably also thought that if something happened in Yizhou, it would be a major case, and when the time came to impeach officials and try the case, it would be Yushitai's job.After Lu Huiqing made use of An Dun, he pushed him out of the court and went to the local government to serve as magistrate and criminal envoy. Now in Yushitai, there are many people who are close to Lu Huiqing, such as Shu Quan, but these people are not qualified to do so. Yushi Zhongcheng.An Dun and the young master are mortal enemies, and Wen and Ma are also at odds with each other. Therefore, although the two have grievances, at this time, Lu Huiqing will probably invite him to help.The young master will wait and see, Lu Huiqing will definitely try to influence Yu Shi Zhongcheng's appointment.However, in the final analysis, this is still a plan after all. An Dun is no more than a mountain wolf. Who knows if he will make trouble for Lu Huiqing by then?Before that, Lu Huiqing's only chance to get rid of future troubles forever is to find a better manager as soon as possible.As long as there are a few victories in a row, the emperor's heart can be stabilized; if the Southwest Yi can be suppressed quickly, it will be a drudgery.He, Lu Jifu, can cover up no matter how big a mistake he is. I am afraid that at that time, Yizhou would already be full of Chen Sheng and Wu Guang.Shi Yue smiled wryly, besides, he, Lu Huiqing, knows who can fight and who can't?The economic envoy is not a matter of the Zhengshitang, after all, it is a matter of the Privy Council. That's why he wanted to exchange prisoners of war with the young master.Pan Zhaolin said with a smile, he wants to be quick to see success, not relying on the Western Army but on whom?Ministers of the DPRK and China, who has the most influence on the Western Army?Who is the most famous general? Shi Yue was silent for a moment. Pan Zhaolin said again: Even if the young master wants to put him to death, but in terms of this matter alone, he and the young master have the same interests.So, no matter Gao Zunhui or Kang Shi, you don't have to worry.Only Tian Liewu and Li Hun, although the emperor intends to pardon, but the result is still unpredictable.I think Lu Huiqing will definitely come to look for the young master in the past few days.He is looking forward to a victory in Yizhou more than anyone else. Then how should I deal with it?Shi Yue asked suddenly. The emperor has been undecided about the candidates for the envoy.For the young master, it is naturally best to delay Wang Jiefu's comeback, but If it is really delayed until that time, I don’t know if Yizhou Road can be dealt with!Shi Yue shook his head, and laughed at himself: I don't have the guts to bet on the life of Yizhou all the way.Both Lu Huiqing and Lu Huiqing can use their own means, and the candidates for the strategic envoy must persuade the emperor to make a decision as soon as possible.Yizhou Road, I'm afraid it won't last.Whether Zhiyuan can persuade Wang Jiefu or not, as long as Yushi Zhongcheng wins against Lu Huiqing here, it will only be a matter of time before he is overthrown. The young master also said, let all kinds of troubles break out at once, and then deal with them slowly. Even if I have the benevolence of a woman.If Lu Huiqing resigns in exchange for the turmoil in Yizhou, I would rather he stay in the Zhengshitang.Shi Yue said in a deep voice: I want to force Lu Huiqing to step down because I know the situation on Yizhou Road and he can't deal with it.In the political affairs hall, he can only make Da Song get deeper and deeper in Yizhou. Pan Zhaolin looked at Shi Yue for a long time, then suddenly sighed.Just as he was about to say something, he saw Shi Jian hurried over and said, "Scholar, Lu Xianggong is asking to see you." Shi Yueteng stood up, Gu Shipan cast a glance at Zhaolin, and said with a smile: Please hurry up. The most expensive prime minister in the Song Dynasty. After Zhenzong, even if you were a prince, the number of shifts was lower than that of the prime minister.When Lu Huiqing came in person, Shi Yue would naturally step down to meet him.The two entered the living room humbly and talked about the position of guest and host.After the tea was set, Shi Yue apologized and said: "Your Majesty is ill. If you have any advice, send an official to let me go to the Prime Minister's Mansion to be educated. It is a crime to condescend to me instead." Lu Huiqing smiled and said, "I'm just on the way."Passing by Xueshi Lane, because there are a few things that haunt my heart, I know that Ziming is wise enough to ignore others, and he is old enough to seek the country, so I bother you, and I would like to ask Ziming to enlighten me. How dare. Why should Ziming be too modest?Lu Huiqing said with a smile: Who in the government and the public does not know that Ziming is the pillar of the country?He put on one high hat after another, Shi Yue thanked him modestly, but he was already admiring Pan Zhaolin's foresight in his heart.They went back and forth and praised each other for a few words of humility, but saw that Lu Huiqing suddenly restrained her face, looked worried, sighed, and said: since ancient times, those who occupy positions of authority have been most afraid of being deceived by local officials.To be honest with Ziming, I can hardly sleep at night these days, the court's finances are still stretched, and Yizhou Road!Lu Huiqing sighed and said: I also suspect that the local officials have made a mistake at this time! Shi Yue didn't expect that Lu Huiqing's attitude would turn 180 degrees when he opened his mouth to talk about serious matters, and he vaguely shifted the responsibility to the officials of Yizhou Road.卻聽呂惠卿又道︰益州路形勢不明，但我依然以為熙寧歸化之政並無不妥。只是朝廷過於輕敵，地方官諱過欺瞞。如今介甫既已為觀風使，當日在文公府上所議之事，便是辦了一半。當務之急，卻是要速擇良將為經略使，徵調精兵赴蜀，早日平定西南夷之亂。大軍在外，空耗糧餉，非國家之利。平定叛亂，宜早不宜晚。然經略使之人選，一個個皆不合聖意。樞府總天下軍事，一個經略使都久懸不決，實是讓人呂惠卿說到這裡，搖了搖頭，不滿之情溢於言表，又道︰不僅是經略使，渭南兵變一案，亦總是拖著不斷文公三朝名臣，如今實是精力大不如前了。 石越聽他抱怨著樞府的效率，他亦不好說其實樞府也已經進呈了人選，只是皇帝猶豫不決這是指責皇帝了，因笑道︰選將調兵，畢竟是樞府的事。且將帥關係甚大，謹慎一點，亦是應當的。 只怕有人為私意而害國事。呂惠卿冷冷地譏諷了一句，話鋒一轉，又道︰國朝之制，雖然兩府對掌文武大柄。但兵者，國之大事也，政事堂若全然置身事外，亦是一弊。故官制改革，頗救其弊。一般的軍隊調動，政事堂固然不當多管，但若是關係重大的戰爭，無論選將用兵，政事堂都理當要管的。今西南每日駐軍空耗國帑，久而無功；樞府調兵選將，又屢戰屢敗。能否平定西南夷之亂，不僅關係到益州一路之安寧，亦關係到熙寧歸化之成敗，乃至關係到大宋二十年之氣運。我等為大臣者，食君之祿，忠君之事，豈可因為那是樞府的事，便置之不問？子明亦常說，士大夫當以天下為己任。若是樞府遲遲定不了讓皇上滿意的人選，我輩亦不能置身事外，袖手旁觀。朝廷諸公之中，以子明最為知兵，故此我特意前來，想聽聽子明的意見。 石越聽他擺明了是要侵削樞府職權，妄圖通過軍事上的勝利來挽救自己的權位，卻能說得如此冠冕堂皇，因笑道︰相公見詢，敢不盡言。然熙寧歸化，在下實以為略嫌操之過急。西南夷之叛，若止以武力鎮壓，雖孫、吳再生，亦無能為。相公果然想要平熄戰火，還是要剿撫並用。 石越的這番話雖說得委婉，卻分明是要呂惠卿承認熙寧歸化失敗，他在益州折騰了三四年，搞得雞犬不寧，無尺寸之功，便黯然收場，呂惠卿卻是騎虎難下，斷然不可能答應。但他此來，卻不是與石越爭辯政見的，因只是不置可否地一笑，道︰即便是剿撫並用，總要先能剿方可撫。不能戰者不可言和。子明以為，應當如何剿？派誰去剿呢？ 石越聽他話中雖有妥協之意，但依然避重就輕，便已知他心意，不過求同存異而已，便道︰依我之見，經略使若是不能速定，益州路提督使卻應當早點定了。 呂惠卿端起茶杯，送到嘴邊，不覺微微一笑。他曾聽到過風聲，皇帝有意用高遵惠為益州提督使，傳聞還是石越的推薦。這時石越看似不經意地提起此事，自然是有用意的要起用高遵惠，渭南兵變的案子就一定要先結案。那怎麼樣處置唐康、田烈武等人就要有個定論。呂惠卿苦於在軍中沒有根基，他深知如今禁軍中勢力最大的就是西軍，而石越在西軍中威信極高，在朝廷中又素有知兵之名。在推薦人選時，若能得他之助，不僅在人選能否被皇帝接受上更有把握，將領的能力更可信任，而且更容易堵住反對者的嘴，減少許多不必要的爭議。他不是沒有自知之明的人，亦知道用兵選將適當與否，關係到益州成敗，為了自己的權位，他一定要與石越達成某種程度的妥協。雙方都是極精明的人，既然是他有求於石越，那麼石越自然便會要求回報。 而他呂惠卿當然也不可能是空手而來。 子明所言，正合我意。這益州提督使，倒是有個現成的人選。 oh?不知相公 便是陝西路提督使高遵惠。呂惠卿裝得全然不知道石越舉薦高遵惠的事，笑道︰高遵惠雖是戚里，但為人謹慎，知兵，必要時亦能有擔當。去益州，必不辱命。 石越點點頭，卻故意嘆道︰可惜他這次怕亦脫不了干係。 呂惠卿立時搖頭，慨聲道︰高遵惠、唐康，不管做了什麼，總當得上忠臣義士四個字，法理不外乎人情，不管最後定什麼罪，我以為章程有兩個︰一是此事不應當再拖，要早一點給天下軍民一個交代；一是若無罪則罷，若是有罪，政事堂理當保全他們，向皇上請求特赦。某忝為宰相，絕不會做讓忠臣義士寒心之事。 石越道︰若是如此，高遵惠倒的確是益州提督使的上佳之選。有他坐鎮，禁軍可無後顧之憂。卻絕口不提唐康。 呂惠卿點點頭，又沉吟道︰今國家多事，樞府文公老矣，孫固輩少年驟貴，少歷州郡，又不懂軍事，兼輕視武臣，樞密會議形成虛設。樞府還須要有重臣去執掌大局。否則，誤國事，必樞府！放眼朝野之士，某以為子明當仁不讓。若有子明在樞府，西南夷之患，反掌可定，皇上亦可高枕無憂 呂惠卿這番話，卻多有不實之處，孫固做轉運使時，就和西南夷打過交道，還鎮壓過小規模的西南夷叛亂，剿撫並用，手段狠辣，不懂軍事四字評語，斷斷安不到他頭上。石越正端起茶來啜飲，聽到他這話，一個失神，幾乎嗆了出來。他連忙咳嗽幾聲掩飾自己的失態，笑道︰相公說笑了，文公三朝元老，德高望重，又兼通文武，若非有文公在樞府，便是伐夏之時，亦不能這麼般順利。孫和父是隨龍舊臣，為人剛正不阿，見識過人，頗有才具；如今皇上又拜韓持國為副使。樞府實是人材濟濟。在下絕不妄自尊大，以為可以勝過文、韓、孫諸公。 呂惠卿眼中失望之色一閃而過，他試探石越，欲以其登上樞密使之位相誘，換取石越更進一步的，雖然事先並沒有抱太大的指望，但此刻被婉拒，卻是已分明知道石越之立場甚是堅定。他不敢奢望石越在即將來臨的權力鬥爭中偏向自己，但總是希望他能保持中立，而石越今晚之態度，卻令他甚是失望。 但他還不肯死心，又笑道︰子明卻太自謙了。 在下並非自謙，而實是以為益州局勢不可全歸罪於樞府。便讓我在樞府，亦不過束手而已。石越雖然含笑而言，語氣卻甚是堅決，平心而論，對西南夷，我所知未必及得上孫和父。 呂惠卿以宰相之尊，親自拜會石越問策，又百般利誘，拉攏石越。石越語氣雖然委婉，但一字一句，竟都是回絕之意。呂惠卿雖然明知自己籌碼有限，但心中亦不禁有點惱羞成怒，然他城府甚深，卻不肯發作，只強抑著惱怒，反言辭懇切地說道︰子明之見，某不敢苟同。只是吾輩雖意見分歧，用心卻都是為了國事。我素知子明與他人不同，凡事都是以國家為先的。平定西南夷之亂，是迫在眉睫之事，還望子明以國家為念，以益州軍民為念！朝廷中有一等人，自居君子，卻為了意氣之爭，或為明哲保身，而坐視國帑空耗，局勢敗壞，此輩夜半捫心自問，寧不有愧？似這般人，能稱君子否？某雖不材，但每念及不能輔佐聖天子致太平盛世，常坐立不安，恐有傷聖天子之明，失天下之望。子明素稱賢者，還望不要再推辭。不管益州路現在究竟如何，速擇良將，打上幾個勝仗，對國家皆有百利而無一害。吾輩既為朝廷公卿，受皇上重恩，當此主憂臣辱之時，應當先放下爭議，不計個人榮辱，以國事為先。 他言語切切，話中一片為國之心，令人聞之動容。石越雖然知道呂惠卿在位，熙寧歸化便無法糾正，以他生事邀功的天性，國家亦無法休養生息。於公於私，他都一定要將呂惠卿趕出政事堂。但是呂惠卿既然開出了幫助赦免唐康的價碼，他亦不能不考慮做出一定的妥協。益州的局勢究竟到了什麼地步，他也無法準確知道，畢竟從益州到汴京，有十幾天的時間差，各種信息真假攙雜，又不完全，如果再這麼拖下去，風險也是極大的萬一突然矛盾爆發，到時候就真的悔之無及。盡快取得對西南夷的軍事勝利，從短期來看，的確可以穩定益州局勢；另外，石越也有私心，他想藉機來左右益州經略使的任命。而且唐康的案子，若呂惠卿真要從中作梗，他畢竟還是宰相，結果如何，也難以預料。唐康倒最多只是吃幾年苦，但田烈武、李渾，就有性命之憂。李渾倒也罷了，石越與他素不相識，最多也就只是感到惋惜；但田烈武，石越卻不能眼睜睜見死不救 但是，這種妥協，也可能給呂惠卿以喘息之機，甚至讓宋朝在改土歸流上越陷越深權衡種種利弊得失，石越一時間竟然也無法決斷。 沉吟半晌，石越方說道︰相公憂國之心，令人感佩。益州經略使，在下亦以為應當早定。兵機貴速，久拖不決，非用兵之利。然官兵屢戰屢敗，當此之時，皇上、樞府於選將調兵，加倍謹慎，亦是為了萬全。說罷，他頓了頓，忽然問道︰相公可知道樞府都推薦過哪些大臣？ 皆是重臣宿將。呂惠卿苦笑道︰益州之兵，五花八門，不用重臣宿將，怕節制不住。剛剛才有渭南兵變之事只不知為何，竟無一人合聖意者。 相公，益州的確既有河朔兵，又有西軍，又有東南禁軍、廂軍、土兵，但對善用兵者，沒什麼節制不了的。韓信能驅市人作戰，章邯以刑徒大敗項梁，此二人，誰曾管他的兵來自何處？樞府因官軍一敗再敗，又碰上渭南兵變，滿心想的都是謹慎。但如今要想在西南打勝仗，便只能依賴西軍，捨此別無他途。什麼河朔軍、東南禁軍、廂軍、土兵，竊以為都不必管他。從西軍抽調精銳，從西軍擇選良將，便是這兩條章程。 子明之言，正合吾意。呂惠卿不由得擊掌笑道。 西南夷所居之地，是群山綿延之所，其與洞蠻、溪蠻還不同，有許多種落，素來不事耕種，而喜畜牧，是以又有騎兵。要破西南夷，一定要用騎兵，但河朔騎兵卻不堪使用，要用山地騎兵。這是狄武襄公賴以破儂智高者。 山地騎兵？呂惠卿亦是飽學之士，智力過人，沉吟一會，便恍然大悟，連連點頭，讚道︰子明高見。 國朝馬軍，自李繼遷叛亂之後，便日漸衰落，如今雖然重建，但漢人操練馬軍，在平原大地馳騁作戰，以今日之禁軍，便是契丹精銳，亦與其一較高下。我軍馬術雖然略遜，然紀律嚴明，馬軍之骨幹，都是西軍久戰健兒，或蕃騎中驍勇之士，如今又添了許多西夏降將，國朝騎軍之盛，莫過於今日。然要在西南與叛夷作戰，卻如同一個從未坐過船的勇士在驚濤駭浪之中，於一葉小舟上，與一善習水性之人搏鬥。是以己之短，攻敵之長，鮮有不敗者。兼北人不習水土，未戰已先損耗三停。石越侃侃而談，說得呂惠卿頻頻點頭。當年以盛唐之強盛，幾十萬唐軍還葬身於西南，若這還可以說是將領無能的話另一個時空中，以忽必烈之英武，蒙古騎兵之驍勇，還有許多蕃部望風而降，爭為前鋒嚮導，十萬大軍遠征大理國，出其不意，攻其不備，雖然成功，但最後活下來的蒙軍卻不過二萬餘人，更有數十萬匹戰馬死於此役西南之地利的厲害，石越又豈敢有絲毫的掉以輕心？西南夷雖然比不得南詔、大理，但宋軍投入的力量，卻也絕對不如唐軍、蒙軍。更何況，宋軍絕對經受不起唐軍、蒙軍那樣的損失，巨大的損失曾經迫使忽必烈一改蒙軍習慣，沒有在大理屠城，又不得不保全段氏的性命，借其威望來維持在大理的佔領但此時的宋朝，卻不會有蒙古人那樣的好形勢，真要是那種慘勝，後果沒有人敢想像。不過這些計較，石越卻是沒辦法與呂惠卿分說的。 以在下之愚見，今天下之兵，擅長在山地作戰，而又不懼瘴癘者，惟有橫山羌兵。要與西南夷作戰，朝廷應當於沿邊諸軍中，抽調熟蕃與漢軍中有山地作戰經歷之精兵，並招募橫山羌兵，組建新軍。若有這樣一支軍隊，西南夷何足道哉？且自各處抽調軍隊，招募羌兵，亦可不影響到西北塞防。而將帥之選，便要自這軍隊的構成來考量要有山地作戰之經驗，要有帶蕃兵之經驗！後者尤為緊要，蕃兵多是桀驁難制者，若非在西北諸蕃中威名素著，令蕃人信服者，絕不能統率此軍。這樣的將領，西軍中也沒有幾個。 呂惠卿此時早已心悅誠服，笑道︰子明胸中，必早有人選。 石越淡淡一笑，道︰王襄敏之子王厚，其父子在西北蕃漢之中，皆素有威名。王厚亦是西軍名將，在群山之中，打了近二十年的仗。最要緊的，是他在講武學堂做過教官，便是河朔、東南禁軍，許多將校都曾是他的學生。做個益州經略，綽綽有餘。不過他一直是李憲的副將，未曾獨擋一面，年歲畢竟也還是小了些。另外一個慕容謙，最擅長的便帶這種東拼西湊的雜牌軍，他熟知蕃情，橫山一帶的蕃人中，其威望尤在王厚之上。任他多桀驁的蕃人，到了他手下，都能調教得規規矩矩。若以其副王厚，可保萬全。 可是曾奔襲地斤澤之慕容謙？ Exactly. 呂惠卿撫掌大笑，抱拳謝道︰子明胸中真有數萬甲兵。明日我便向皇上薦此二將。 相公的胸襟，才讓人佩服。我亦希望西南能早有捷報。石越望著呂惠卿，微微笑道。為了讓推薦王厚與慕容謙二人變得順理成章，他閉口不提環州義勇與渭州蕃騎這兩支現成的山地騎兵，反而出了個抽調、募兵的主意，便是料定呂惠卿不知其中虛實。果然，呂惠卿雖然明知道慕容謙與石越的關係，依然信之不疑。不過，這其實也不足為怪，休說呂惠卿，便是文彥博、孫固，亦未必會想到這裡，尤其是默默無名的渭州蕃騎。 送走呂惠卿後，石越看了一眼座鐘，卻已是定昏時分。他正欲去找潘照臨，侍劍知他心意，已在旁稟道︰潘先生去了土市子。 土市子？石越奇道，這麼晚了，潘先生去那裡做什麼？ 侍劍笑道︰潘先生沒說，我猜或者又是聽說哪家店子有什麼好吃的，去大快朵頤了。 石越笑著搖了搖頭，忽然道︰你去換了衣服。 換衣服？侍劍莫名其妙地望著石越。 石越笑道︰我們也出去走走，上回聽章子厚說，熙寧蕃坊有不少新鮮物什，有一家叫什麼寶雲齋，聽說是極西的夷人開的，我早想去看看。 寶雲齋倒確有些名聲，只是蕃坊這個時節，學士不宜去的。侍劍連忙說道。 為什麼不宜去？ 學士還不知道麼？侍劍笑道，熙寧歸化以來，蕃學便不太安穩。參加叛亂的蕃部子弟就不用說了，都被朝廷軟禁起來了。可其餘的蕃人，許多都和叛亂的蕃人有牽扯不清的關係，聽說還有不少私通消息的。開封府的、職方司的、皇城司的，到處都是，朝廷還特意移了一營禁軍駐紮到附近。京師別處都是通宵達旦的，從來沒有宵禁一說，但幾個蕃坊卻是不許的，我看再有一個時辰，開封府就要在幾個蕃坊宵禁了。學士這時候去，那邊的店舖多半也歇業了。而且那裡頗有對朝廷不滿的蕃人，喝了酒便鬧事，學士去那種地方，亦不太安全。若有差池，我們怎麼擔待得起？ 我也不去太久，去看看也沒關係。有幾個人會認得我，又會出什麼差錯？石越笑道，快去換衣服吧。 侍劍見石越神色甚是堅決，只得退了下去。待石越換了衣服出來，侍劍與幾個護衛已經備了馬車，在外面等候。石越卻連馬車也不肯坐，主僕六人只騎了馬，往熙寧蕃坊行去。其時雖已夜深，但可能是夏日因為天氣炎熱，白日出門的人少，夜晚清風徐來，涼爽怡人，這汴京街頭，較之白日，反更有一番熱鬧景象。在熱鬧的坊區，家家戶戶依然是燈火通明，路上行人你來我往，商販叫賣之聲不絕於耳，沿街的酒樓店舖更見熱鬧，客往客來，隱隱更可見紅袖招展。 這幾年石越雖然是半閒散狀態，但心情欠佳，是甚少有這般閒情逸志出來逛夜市的。他領略過馬行街、州橋、潘樓街等處夜市的盛況，卻不曾想熙寧蕃坊的夜市，竟亦已不遜於馬行街。這還是有宵禁的情況下，他想見平時之盛況，不由為之咋舌。 侍劍一面走，一面和石越說著閒話，哪家店舖賣的是正宗的亳州輕紗，哪家店專營定州的緙絲，哪家店有海南的青花布此外，靈夏的拔羢褐、西夏的駝毛氈、契丹的西瓜，還有交趾的蓬萊香、翠羽；占城的象牙、連香、黃蠟、絲絞布、紅鸚鵡；真臘等國的番油、姜皮、金顏香、豆蔻；三佛齊的丁香、檀香、珊瑚樹、蘇合油、貓兒晴、琥珀；蒲甘、細蘭等國的寶石，注輦國的琉璃、檳榔、玻璃四海萬國之物，這裡都是應有盡有。 去年有家店子，不知怎麼便弄到了廣州市舶務的許可，從真臘國還是什麼國，運來了一大批蕃劍，真是好劍，比起倭刀與大理寶刀來都毫不遜色。一把蕃劍，竟賣到五百貫。侍劍笑著說些逸事，不過樣子上看，沒有寶雲齋的達馬斯谷刀好看。且到底不如達馬斯谷刀罕見。 朝廷頒佈勳刀勳劍之制時，勳刀便曾想仿達馬斯谷刀的形制，不過聚集多少能工巧匠，亦是束手無策。石越笑道，這真臘國有什麼劍能比得達馬斯谷刀？他話剛說完，卻忽然想起真臘國吳哥王朝的領土南至馬來半島北部，其時國勢日盛，是當時中南半島赫赫有名的大國，其國力無論是親附大宋的交趾，還是統一未久的蒲甘，都有所不及。其餘占城、丹流眉更加不用提起占城毗鄰真臘、交趾，一個隱然是中南半島第一強國，一個背後卻宋朝這個龐然大物撐腰，兩國偶有爭端，李乾德便打著宋朝旗號出兵，薛奕為了立威，也出動海船水軍相助，占城國本來也未必怕交趾，但這時強鄰環視，又畏懼宋朝海船水軍，只得忍氣吞聲。為防止被這兩國吞併或是淪為附庸，占城國王不得不累次遣使汴京，向宋朝朝貢，終於讓宋朝皇帝重新冊封他為銀青光祿大夫、占城節度使、權知占城國王事，借著宋朝的力量，來制衡真臘與交趾。只是宋朝為了安撫交趾，只給占城國王銀青光祿大夫的名號，交趾國