Chapter 83 Brother-in-law is coming
Lu Sen is back.
After hearing the news, a large number of people immediately went to the open space under the projection screen to clear the snow.
Vendors began to produce large quantities of hot soups, wines and other goods.
The table charges at Fanlou and nearby pubs have once again increased from low to high and are now in great demand.
They did not intend to force Lu Sen to show the immortal shadow play as soon as he returned. They just wanted to make preparations first and wait for Master Lu to rest for a few days and relieve his fatigue before showing it to them.
However, to their surprise, Lu Sen brought out the projector again that night.
When light and shadows were projected onto the white screen on the city wall, the people of Bianliang, seeing the familiar scene, quickly filled the open space below.
Even on a cold winter night, as long as there are enough people, the chill can be driven away.
This time, the screening happened to include a scene of Antarctic penguins huddled together to keep warm during a snowstorm.
Let the audience feel involved in the film.
By the next morning court session, all the civil and military officials, who had finally had a good night's sleep for about a month, had dark circles under their eyes again.
As usual, Zhao Zhen went to court about an incense stick later than the other civil and military officials .
Naturally, he also had dark circles under his eyes. Sitting on the dragon rider, after yawning, Zhao Zhen glanced at the ministers in the hall. Seeing Lu Sen mixed in the crowd, he smiled.
This time he did not thank the ministers for coming to court early as usual, but said happily: "My dear ministers, last night I received military intelligence from the Investigation Department. Seven days ago, Li Yuanhao, the ruler of Western Xia, was murdered by his crown prince Ning Geling."
As soon as these words came out, the ministers below were excited. All the officials in the palace, whether civil or military, were so excited that they could not be surrounded at first, and then they showed ecstasy.
Of the two countries, Western Xia and Northern Liao, Western Xia was the biggest concern. Although Liao also loved to threaten the Song Dynasty, it could always be dealt with with money and food.
Only Xixia is a wolf that can never be fed.
Especially Li Yuanhao, as the founding emperor of Western Xia, he fought against the Song Dynasty several times and won every time, which almost destroyed the morale of the Song Dynasty.
Now, this thorn in the heart of the Song Dynasty has died.
There was a great deal of noise in the hall. All the officials were so happy that they couldn't help talking to each other. The atmosphere was just like that of New Year's, except for the firecrackers.
Zhao Zhen was also very happy, but he received the news quite early and had almost digested it, so he was able to appear calm now.
He sat on the dragon throne and waited for a while. Seeing that the ministers had no intention of stopping, he signaled to Eunuch Liu who was standing next to him.
Eunuch Liu also took out the small gong he had prepared earlier and struck it heavily.
The sound of iron striking echoed in the hall, drowning out the voices of the ministers.
The hall suddenly became quiet, and all the officials suppressed their joy.
At this time, Master Pang took the initiative to step forward, and shouted with a full smile: "Congratulations, Your Majesty, the great worry in your heart has been solved. May God bless our Great Song Dynasty."
With someone taking the lead, all the officials bowed and shouted almost in unison: "Congratulations, Your Majesty. God bless the Song Dynasty."
Listening to the uniform and deafening congratulations, Zhao Zhen laughed out loud, almost to the point of being "proud".
It's really no wonder he was like this. The emperor was killed by his own prince, and the reason was that he occupied his son's daughter-in-law... Anyone who heard about this would find it absurd, and then be happy.
There is even a feeling that the Song Dynasty is destiny.
Since Grand Tutor Pang had spoken out, the Eighth Sage Prince had no choice but to step forward. He walked to the same place as Grand Tutor Pang, clasped his fists and said with a smile, "Your Majesty, since our great enemy Li Yuanhao was murdered by his crown prince, the Xixia government must be in chaos, and a fight for the throne is inevitable. This is a good time for our Great Song to take the initiative."
The Eighth Wise King was also very happy at this moment. Half an incense stick ago, the entire Song Dynasty was still worried that the Western Xia people would go south to plunder and rob.
As a result, the enemy itself is now in internal strife.
"Well, what the Eighth Sage King said is very true." The fat on Zhao Zhen's face was shaking when he spoke. He didn't know if it was an illusion, but he seemed to have gained some weight during the period after the Chinese New Year. "Then regarding the decision-making of the Xixia attack, you nobles can now speak freely. After private discussions between me, Grand Tutor Pang, the Eighth Sage King, Ouyang Xiu and other nobles, the Zhe family will serve as the front vanguard, and the Zhong family will send troops to support from the side, and finally meet up in Xingqing..."
Next, there are some arrangements regarding logistics, troop deployment and personnel.
The civil and military officials did not discuss much. After all, most of the civil officials in the palace did not understand these arrangements and they just listened.
And the military attachés will not cause any trouble in this regard.
Seeing that the officials had no objection, Zhao Zhen skipped this question and said, "As for the selection of military supervisors, the Zhe family will have Lu Zhenren as the military supervisor and concurrently the pacification envoy along the Yongxing Army Road; the Zhong family's northern border line will have Wang Anshi as the military supervisor and concurrently the pacification envoy along the Taiyuan Border."
This appointment was reached through private discussions among the emperor, Grand Tutor Pang, the Eighth Wise King, the Prince of Runan and others.
As soon as these words were spoken, the ministers were in an uproar.
A position like the Border Pacifier is relatively easy to handle, as it has real power, but is more nominal in nature.
But the power of the military supervisor was so great that he even had the power to control the marshal and change the strategy. Normally, the position of military supervisor should be held by a civil official or a eunuch. It was very unusual that an outsider was appointed this time.
At that moment, an official came forward, holding a jade tablet and said hastily, "Your Majesty, I have a complaint. Master Lu is related to the Zhe family by marriage, so it is not appropriate for him to supervise the army of the Zhe family in the northwest."
The Zhe family was Lu Sen's matchmaker, so it's not an exaggeration to say that they were relatives by marriage.
Many court officials couldn't help but nod when they heard this.
Zhao Zhen said calmly, "I understand this, too. Next, Lord Di will resign from the post of Privy Councilor and be demoted to Deputy Privy Councilor, and concurrently serve as the Pacifier of Qinfeng Road. Half a month later, 150,000 troops will be dispatched to Lanzhou to participate in the attack on Xixia. The post of Privy Councilor will be temporarily held by Bao Zheng. Do you have any objections?"
Upon hearing such an appointment, most of the court officials were stunned. Even the censor who stood up stood there for a moment and then retreated back into the crowd.
Those who can stand in this hall are all shrewd people, and they all understand that this is the result of exchange of interests.
They had no objection and believed that it would be best if the position of Privy Councilor could be returned to the hands of civil servants.
Di Qing sent troops to the border... He was originally a military general, wasn't it natural for him to lead troops to fight?
As for Lu Sen being the military supervisor, the Prince of Runan had persuaded Di Qing to return the important post of Privy Councilor to the hands of civil officials. So what if Lu Sen got the position of military supervisor? What complaints could they have?
The rules of officialdom are often about exchanging interests and making compromises.
As for Wang Anshi... The Zhong family army on the northern front was not the main force to attack Xixia, but was only there to distract the enemy. Of course, if there was an opportunity, the Zhong family could also launch a strong attack, break through the enemy's defenses, and directly enter Xixia Xingqing Prefecture. He went to the Zhong family as a military supervisor, to put it bluntly, to brush up his "qualifications".
This arrangement makes everyone happy.
Although Di Qing no longer held the position of Privy Councilor, since taking this position, he had been restricted in what he did, was treated coldly by others, and was extremely depressed.
He felt it was a good deal to exchange this position for the opportunity to conquer Western Xia.
Bao Zheng's appointment as Privy Councilor was a victory for the Eight Wise Kings.
Master Pang successfully arranged for his confidant Wang Anshi to be the military supervisor.
As for the Prince of Runan and the generals, Lu Sen is the bridge between them. If the attack on Western Xia is successful, Lu Sen will definitely be promoted and his prestige will be greatly improved. This is a great thing for the Prince of Runan and the generals.
After all, Lu Sen's wife is the daughter of a general, so he should have a good relationship with the generals.
This court meeting achieved a result that was satisfactory to all parties, and also set a time for the attack on Western Xia.
After the court meeting, Lu Sen returned home and told his family about what happened.
After listening, Yang Jinhua and others were silent.
As wives and concubines, Yang Jinhua and Bilian naturally did not want their husbands to travel around and be away from them for too long.
But they also understood that this was a rare opportunity. In the past, the position of military supervisor was a piece of cake in the hands of civil officials and officials, and it was difficult for others to get it.
"When do we leave?" Yang Jinhua asked reluctantly.
"About ten days later."
Because Di Qing had to mobilize troops and dispatch generals, he would not go to Qinfeng Road until about fifteen days later.
Lu Sen and Wang Anshi will set off in ten days.
"Too fast." Zhao Bilian hugged Lu Sen's arm and said, "Without you, my lord, this house will be empty."
Although Yang Jinhua was reluctant, she still said, " Bilian, don't be willful. Your Majesty wants to make great achievements. We women can't help, but we can't hold him back."
Zhao Bilian let go of her hand in frustration.
Lu Sen knew that the two were worried about him, so he comforted them: "Don't worry, I will be fine. As long as I don't want to die, no one in this world can hurt me."
The two of them thought about it and realized that their husband was truly a god, and their mood improved a lot.
The next ten days passed uneventfully.
He showed the film to the people of Bianjing City. Apart from attending court, he usually stayed at home and spent time with his two wives.
Perhaps because they thought they wouldn't be able to see their husbands for a long time, both Yang Jinhua and Zhao Bilian were particularly relaxed.
Especially Yang Jinhua, who used to be shy about sex, but has been particularly passionate and bold in the past few days.
The daughter of a general is skilled in martial arts and has a very flexible body. She can do some special postures with ease that Zhao Bilian cannot do.
Lu Sen was very surprised.
In the blink of an eye, ten days passed.
Early that morning, Lu Sen met another military supervisor outside the north gate of the city.
Seeing Wang Anshi from afar, Lu Sen walked over, clasped his fists and said with a smile, "Good morning, Governor Wang. Please take care of me as we travel together."
Although the two military supervisors had different military routes, they traveled together for a long distance.
Wang Anshi, who was standing in the escort team, was a little surprised. He was stunned for a moment, then walked out of the crowd, clasped his fists and said, "Good morning, Master Lu. You are too polite. I still have to rely on your magic along the way."
Wang Anshi was a very proud man. He had actually met Lu Sen a long time ago and also wanted to say hello to him.
But I just can't let go of my pride, afraid of being accused of flattery and affecting my noble image.
And just during this moment of hesitation, Lu Sen took the initiative to come up and say hello.
This action made him like Lu Sen more. Others said that Master Lu was aloof and didn't like socializing, and he thought so. But Master Lu took the initiative to greet him, so he thought that in his eyes, he had some dignity and status.
"There is no such thing as immortal arts or not, they are all just minor arts." Lu Sen waved his hand, looked around, and said with a smile: "Wang Du Envoy, why don't you show more respect?"
Because he looked around and found that apart from some food and fodder for the road, there seemed to be nothing else.
Wang Anshi also looked around Lu Sen and asked in the same way: "Master Lu doesn't seem to have brought too many miscellaneous items."
“In fact, I brought a lot.”
Wang Anshi was stunned for a moment, then he immediately remembered that it was rumored that Lu Sen had the magical power of "the world in his sleeve".
"I'm worrying too much." Wang Anshi smiled awkwardly.
Then the two of them strolled around for a while, and soon it was time to set off.
Lu Sen greeted everyone who came to see him off one by one.
In fact, there were many people who saw him off, including his wife and others, as well as the uncles and nephews of the Zhe family, Mu Guiying, the Prince of Runan, the Cao family, and so on.
Even officials came.
When Lu Sen expressed his gratitude to Zhao Zhen, the latter asked in a low voice: "Master Lu, if my son's illness relapses again, where ?"
"Leave the palace for a while, as long as it is a clean and quiet place." Lu Sen thought for a while and said, "If the crown prince's illness relapses after leaving the palace, you can go to the low mountain to find my wife and ask her to bring out some honey."
Zhao Zhen was relieved. He was afraid that after Lu Sen left, the elixir of Aishan would stop being produced. He said gratefully, "Master Lu's kindness to my son will be remembered in my heart."
"Officials don't have to do this."
To be honest, Lu Sen didn't want Zhao Zhen to remember his kindness too much, and he didn't like to get too entangled with the palace.
The group of people who were seeing them off greeted Lu Sen first, and then went to greet Wang Anshi.
In fact, they mainly came to see Lu Sen off, and Wang Anshi was just a sideshow.
It's just a few more words anyway.
After Lu Sen and Wang Anshi set off, the others who saw them off quickly returned to the city.
Only Yang Jinhua, Bilian, Heizhu and Ringo stood on a high place and watched until the flag of the troops escorting Lu Sen completely disappeared.
After leaving the official road in the north city, we began to circle westward.
Lu Sen would enter Yongxingjun Road from Xi'an, while Wang Anshi would turn north outside the territory of Xi'an, pass through Hezhong Prefecture, and then go to Fenzhou.
So the two of them will spend several days together.
Along the way, Lu Sen and Wang Anshi rode side by side, chatting about everything and sharing interesting stories.
They should have taken the water route, but it was freezing cold. Although the temperature had warmed up compared to more than ten days ago, the river was still covered with floating ice, making it unsuitable for sailing.
Of course, it is not suitable for sledding.
Due to the snowy road, Lu Sen and his companions walked much slower. They had originally planned to reach Xi'an in five days, but it took them nearly seven days to reach Xi'an city.
About a day ago, Wang Anshi had already moved north.
Now only Lu Sen and his thirty-three cavalrymen from the Imperial City Division are left, oh... and a little eunuch.
He said he was here to take care of Lu Sen's daily life.
Since female family members were not allowed in the army, it was normal for eunuchs to accompany them.
This little eunuch has a low presence. Although he usually follows Lu Sen around, he always hides in a corner, often making people forget about him.
As soon as Lu Sen appeared at the entrance of Xi'an, the city gate that was still open was closed, and someone shouted from above: "Who are you down there? Tell me your name."
When Lu Sen was thinking about how to answer, the young eunuch suddenly stepped forward and shouted in a shrill voice: "The Border Pacifier, the Military Supervisor of Yongxing Army Road, and Master Lu of Zhongnan Mountain have arrived. Open the door quickly!"
"Please submit your credentials." A basket was hanging from above.
The young eunuch put the token and paper letter that had been prepared earlier into the basket.
Not long after, the city gate opened, and a group of people rushed out, divided into two teams. Standing in the middle was a handsome man in white armor. He took the initiative to walk up and said with a happy smile: "I've been waiting for you for a long time, brother-in-law."
