Father Han Gaozu

Chapter 776 Xiao Yan
"As soon as I entered the city, these people immediately surrounded me!"

"The front and rear are all armored soldiers, all holding crossbows. When I look up, well, thousands of crossbows are facing me!"

"Can I be afraid? I yelled immediately, the Taiwei of the Dian Kingdom is here, get out of the way!"

"They were terrified, and the strong crossbows of several soldiers fell to the ground in fright. I rushed out, just to see His Majesty, and the Northern Army came to stop me. That Xia Houzao, Zhou Yafu, Lu Ta After that, Fan and his wife came to stop them one after another, but where are they my opponents? Xia Houying, Zhou Bo, Zhao Tuo and others came to besiege me. I was not afraid at all. I fought all the way to the Hall of Houde, and in the end it was Your Majesty He came out and said that I had injured his fierce general, but he didn’t blame him, and insisted on keeping me for a drink. There was also a father-in-law who insisted on befriending me as a brother, saying that he admired my reputation.”

Chai Qi ate some wine, and drunkenly talked about the great things he had done in Chang'an.

The surrounding ministers listened to his words with gritted teeth, resisting the idea of ​​getting up and beating him.

The Prime Minister Xiao Yan was sitting in front of him, listening to his words very seriously, and when he learned that he fought with so many masters, he even asked with some concern: "You fought with so many people? You were not injured, did you?" Among many of my friends, Zao is the fiercest in martial arts, and his horse fighting is even more outstanding. He is quite powerful, like General Xia Houying who killed Yingbo at the beginning. Although Zhao Tuo is old, he is also brave. unstoppable"

Chai Qi suddenly grinned, and couldn't help but said: "Where are they my opponents? In the whole world, only His Majesty is superior to me!"

Xiao Yan laughed, "With a strong general like you in the country, what else do we have to worry about? Then what did His Majesty say to Ailao Kingdom?"

As he grows older, Xiao Yan looks more and more like Xiao He, with the same beard, the same gentleness, a gentleman like jade, but his speech is still a bit dull, lacking in aura, and his eyes are slightly dull, so he doesn't look very good. Smart look.

Chai Qi replied: "Your Majesty said, you don't need to care about such a small matter, as long as we manage Ailao County well, it will be fine. By the way, Your Majesty also rewarded you. The rewards will come soon. what we need."

"It's just that the officials are a little unhappy. They feel that we sent troops privately, but I also explained that the arrow is on the string, and we have to. The officials still don't want to, so I debate with them, what is Chao Cuo, Zhang Buyi, Jia Yi, Zhang Cangzhi The class took turns to argue with me, but none of them were my opponents. In the end, the crown prince came forward, and I gave him some face and deliberately lost to him."

Chai Qi continued his bragging, and the officials gritted their teeth again and endured it.

Xiao Yan laughed, "It's the best, it's the best."

"Today is a welcome banquet for the general, please eat more"

The banquet continued, Xiao Yan stared blankly into the distance, and he didn't know what he was thinking. Just as everyone was drinking and eating meat, a minister sat beside him and said angrily: "General Chai ate some meat. Liquor, just talking nonsense, disrespecting the court officials, talking nonsense, why didn't you punish him?"

Xiao Yan was taken aback, then looked at him, and said with a smile: "Ailao was rude to us, General Chai took the risk to send troops, and then went to Chang'an alone to plead guilty to us. If you risk your life in exchange for meritorious service, if you have to punish him for saying a few words after drinking, can this still be regarded as a moral act?"

The minister was taken aback, his face flushed, and he hesitated, Xiao Yan took his hand again, "But you are right in reminding us, what did General Chai say when facing us and treating us as close people?" It doesn't matter, but if you don't remind him, won't he bring trouble to himself by talking like this in front of other people in the future? You remind him of his mistakes as a friend, I never thought of this, I am not as good as you, we How about reminding him of this after he sobers up?"

"Of course I obey the Prime Minister."

The minister saluted respectfully and then stepped aside.

There are more than ten ministers present, and they looked at Xiao Yan with respect in their eyes. This country minister and Chai Qi are really completely different. It's even more powerful, the first prince of the Han Dynasty, but unlike Chai Qi's arrogance, Xiao Yan is very generous to others, he will listen to everyone's suggestions, and never criticize those who dare to express opinions. Gather everyone together and fully listen to their suggestions. If someone wrongly blames him, he will not rush to explain. If someone wants to ask for credit for him, he will refuse them all. Taking the blame for them, regarding Chai Qi's case, Xiao Yan was actually the first person to write a letter of apology, and he attributed all this to himself.

This led to his extremely high status and unparalleled reputation in the Dian Kingdom, and even the kings of Dian were not as good as him.

From top to bottom, no one didn't know this Prime Minister, and they all said that this person had the style of an elder and was willing to talk to him about anything.

The Dian Kingdom was originally a very dangerous country. Their king died in the hands of Liu Chang. The emperor was the father-killing enemy of the new king. There were many lords in the country, and the political system was chaotic. Hu people, the civil order is chaotic, conflicts are fierce, the officials come from all over the country, and their political opinions are very different, not to mention the unfriendly neighbors around them, the remote geographical environment, it is such a dangerous place, when Xiao Yan became the Prime Minister After that, there was not a single rebellion or large-scale civil uprising.

In other places, there have been more or less incidents. Even in Liang State, there have been people who openly resisted taxes. , only this Dian Kingdom, nothing happened, quiet and peaceful.

It's hard to imagine that such a region, which should have been fighting endlessly and full of internal conflicts, could become like this.

The Dian Kingdom is not well-known in the whole Han Dynasty. Whether it is the grain produced or the business, in all aspects, the Dian Kingdom is at a satisfactory level, but if someone deliberately looks at the progress of the Dian Kingdom over the years, then He must be very surprised, because unlike the fluctuations of other countries, Dian Kingdom has always been developing at a very common but stable speed, whether it is household registration, cultivated area, or commerce, handicrafts, etc.

This dilapidated barbarian land has become more and more prosperous. Everywhere is full of waste, and there is no shortage of everything in the Central Plains.

Xiao Yan saw that the atmosphere was getting warmer and everyone chatted happily together, then nodded and left the banquet calmly.

When Xiao Yan walked into the hall, the young Dian Wang Zhuangbushi was reading a book. Seeing Xiao Yan walking in, he hurriedly put down the book in his hand, stood up with a smile, and welcomed the Prime Minister aside.

Xiao Yan still respectfully bowed to him.

Zhuang Bushi felt a little helpless, "Father Xiang, why are you doing this? You don't have to salute."

"As a minister, how can you not pay homage to the king."

"Oh, please sit down!"

Zhuang Bushi pulled Xiao Yan to sit down, and then said very seriously: "Although the etiquette cannot be broken, I have always treated you as my father. You are very kind to me, and you watched me grow up. , how could I accept your gift? If it weren’t for you, I’m afraid I would have lost this throne long ago. Dian Kingdom was just a barbarian country at the beginning, and it was the most backward place among the big Han. Although it is not very good now, it is You can also compete with Nanguo County, this is all thanks to you."

"When I was young, I didn't understand the truth, and I often said something disrespectful to the temple. It was you who dissuaded me again and again. If it wasn't for you, I should have been taken out and beheaded long ago."

Xiao Yan shook his head, "Your Majesty, don't say such words. Your Majesty has been smart since he was a child. He has read some books and knows right and wrong. Naturally, it is different. I came to the palace this time for a very important matter."

"Oh? Father Xiang, what's the matter?"

"I heard that it is a good thing that the temple sent Hu Wusheng to the south to dig a canal and strengthen exchanges between the southern countries. In the past, the Dian Kingdom did not have the ability to dig canals, so communication was quite difficult. If we can get the permission of the temple, let our Dian Kingdom also It is of great benefit to us to be able to participate in the excavation. The Dian Kingdom can only develop if it has frequent exchanges with various places."

Xiao Yan always spoke in a calm manner, and his tone was not so firm.

But Zhuang Bushi trusted him very much. Hearing Xiao Yan's words, he was very surprised and asked back: "Since you have this idea, why don't you contact Hu Wugong, but come to me instead?"

"Your Majesty is a king, so naturally I have to ask you first."

"Hey, Xiangfu, just do it, what you want to do, you will definitely not go wrong!"

With the king's permission, Xiao Yan returned to his mansion. His mansion was next to the palace. Xiao Yan did not seek to enjoy himself. The child is not here. His child was sent to Chang'an when he reached the age of schooling, and his wife returned to her natal family not long ago. At present, he is the only one left in the mansion. There are a lot of government affairs to deal with.

Fortunately, there are quite a few capable officials around Xiao Yan, and with the help of everyone, he quickly took care of these things.

After waking up the next day, Xiao Yan summoned the officials and talked about his idea of ​​actively participating in the canal project.

When the officials heard this, they were a little excited, and even couldn't help stretching their bodies.

Back then, the poor in Dian had to accept the relief from Berkshire and Shu County to make ends meet. How could we dare to think about any projects? Now we are finally rich enough to say that we are digging canals! !
When Xiao Yan said this, he also had his own strength. The Dian Kingdom has accumulated a lot of wealth over the years, which cannot be compared with the Wu Kingdom and Nanyue Kingdom, but it still has the strength to start projects.

The officials quickly agreed to this idea, but Chai Qi shook his head, "It's useless just because we promised. Although His Majesty asked Hu Wusheng and them to build a canal in the southern country, but our Dian kingdom... ahem, right? This matter has to be agreed by others, we are not the same as Changsha and Wu, even Nanyue can get from the mother clan, right?"

Chai Qi didn't say it clearly, but everyone knew what he meant. Not only did the local government need to contribute to this matter, the temple also had to give some support, and the Dian Kingdom was not a clan kingdom. In terms of relationship, it was even farther than the Nanyue Kingdom. What to help you with engineering?

Moreover, this matter is based on the entire south. Will the participation of the Dian kingdom slow down the process, and will it make other princes and counties unhappy?In a joint project, the one who lags behind is usually not liked by the others.

Xiao Yan was silent for a long time, and then said: "I still have to visit this Hu Wugong."

Hu Wusheng led the geologists around the south for several times. Many counties and states have already started to build, and the Changsha Kingdom has also begun to be built. Only Wu and Nanyue have not done anything yet.

The geologists stood by the water, kept recording, and chatted with each other. Although Hu Wusheng had read many books, their words were like heavenly scriptures to Hu Wusheng’s ears. Every word They can all understand, but if they are connected together, he can't understand anything. Standing by the edge of the water, the wind keeps blowing in front of him, and Hu Wusheng's sleeves made a burst of noise. Liu Wu was very upset. Reluctantly, he walked back to Hu Wusheng's side. He was wearing a straw coir raincoat and barefoot, no different from the other geologists.

"Hu Wugong, His Majesty asked you to come here just to avoid disputes between the county and the country. You don't understand these things. You can go back and wait for us first. We will naturally report to you after we finish our work here. It's unnecessary. Come here and suffer with us."

Hu Wusheng shook his head, "Your Majesty trusted me and asked me to inspect the canal. If I sat in the house and let you be busy here, I'm afraid that when I return to the temple, I will be humiliated by Your Majesty in every possible way. Your reputation is ruined."

Liu Wu couldn't help admiring: "A true and sincere gentleman!"

"I want to help, but I don't know what I can do. The status of Kanyu family is not high. I stand here, so that these people don't dare to embarrass you, don't dare to despise you. You just go to work and don't pay attention to me."

Hearing what he said, Liu Wu stopped talking and continued to devote himself to the work of geomancy with everyone.

They stayed here for six or seven days. During the period, no matter it was windy or rainy, or anything else, they couldn't repel them. It was really rainy here. Once the rain started, it would be endless. For the next half a month or so, these Yankees had never seen such a situation. Hu Wusheng's face was turned pale, but he still stood firm here.

On the eighth day, Hu Wusheng accompanied the members of Kanyu's family along the waterway as usual, and when they were investigating the design, a carriage followed them.

"Meet Hu Wugong"

In the rain, a man was wearing a coir raincoat and stood in front of Hu Wusheng. The man was dripping wet. He was about to speak when he heard the exclamation from the Kanyu family in the distance. Hu Wusheng didn't have time to talk to this man. The stranger spoke, and hurriedly walked towards Kanyu’s house. Liu Wu and the others were very happy. They took out the drawings in their hands and were discussing something intensely. Seeing Hu Wusheng, they explained with a smile : "The design drawings here are also completed, and you can start building them"

Hu Wusheng asked them about some local projects, and after a while, he remembered the stranger.

"This gentleman, you were rude just now. I don't know what you can do?"

"Hu Wugong, I'm from Dian Kingdom. I know that you led people to build the canal here, but I don't know if Dian Kingdom can also participate?"

Hu Wusheng frowned, "I'm not sure about Dian Kingdom, I still have to take people to Dian Kingdom to check, and I have to discuss it with your country's prime minister."

The man was taken aback, and replied with a smile: "I am Xiao Yan, Prime Minister of the Dian Kingdom."

"Um???"

Hu Wusheng was stunned, he looked at the extremely humble man in front of him again, "Binghou??"

"Hu Wugong, we won't drag too much. We have a lot of savings over the years. If the countries are unwilling to help, I won't blame them. I just hope that the geologists can go to our side. .Look at the situation over there, our traffic is extremely bad"

Hu Wusheng came to his senses, and hurriedly saluted this person again, "I don't know if it's the Prime Minister of Dian, please forgive me for being rude, but why are you here? You are the Prime Minister of the country"

"The laws of the Han Dynasty do not allow the princes and kings to leave the country, but it does not say that the country's prime minister cannot leave. Besides, I think it is difficult to negotiate this matter with other people. Dian Kingdom is."

"Xiao Xiang. You don't need to be like this. We will be busy here for a few days. I can send people to Dian Kingdom to have a look. If possible, we can dig it together. Your Majesty didn't say that no place is not allowed to participate, but I don't know. The Dian Kingdom can also do such a project, and such a project may require more than [-] people. Moreover, the consumption of food and tools cannot all rely on temples."

Hu Wusheng reminded cautiously.

Xiao Yan laughed happily, "We have civilian husbands, food, and tools."

When those members of Kanyu's family returned to Hu Wusheng's side after finishing their work, they were all shocked when they learned the man's identity, and rushed to meet him, even Liu Wu was no exception. The head is really too big.Xiao Yan also didn't have the arrogance of being a Marquis of Dache at all, and he even seemed a little polite when he returned the salute to these people.After learning about the needs of the Dian Kingdom, the geologists immediately stated that they would go to the Dian Kingdom for investigation next. If possible, they would find a way to solve the problem of communication between the Dian Kingdom and Changsha, South Vietnam and other places.

Xiao Yan waited here for them to finish their work, and finally led them in a carriage, heading towards the Dian Kingdom.

Sitting in the car, Hu Wusheng couldn't help but sighed to Liu Wu beside him: "I have been to many places, and I have never seen such a state minister. Dian has such a state minister, I am afraid that sooner or later it will surpass Changsha, Nanyue, etc. land."

Liu Wu disagreed, "It is true that sages are important, but Dian has no arable land. It is not as beneficial to open the sea as Nanyue, and it does not have the arable land and household registration like Changsha. Let alone Wu, Dian wants It may not be easy to go beyond these places."

"You don't understand, everything depends on people, and everything is determined by people."

Sitting in the front carriage, Xiao Yan looked at the hills and valleys in the distance with a smile, and his eyes lit up when he thought of how smoothly he had invited a large number of geomancy scholars.

The carriage hurried past, leaving a long trail in the muddy ground.

(End of this chapter)