Chapter 276: Fight between the snipe and the clam or have the best of both worlds?
"horse?"
"Yes."
Yang Chang stood facing the outside of the hall with his hands behind his back, and with his back to Wen Huanzhang, he said in a heavy tone, "The Song Dynasty has no horse farm of its own, and no land of Yanyun as a barrier. How can it defeat the Jin people who destroyed the Liao Dynasty?"
"So you advocate going north first just to own the horse farm?"
Wen Huanzhang slowly approached, looked at Yang Chang's resolute face, and reminded him in a deep voice: "Although this idea is not wrong, it is too difficult to implement. I suggest you do it within your ability. Playing both sides must be the best choice. Don't act on impulse when fighting for the world."
"Loyalty? Not at all. Besides, even if I don't deal with the Jin people, do you think they will let me go?"
"That's true"
Yang Chang turned sideways to look at Wen Huanzhang and said sternly, "Instead of waiting to be beaten, it is better to take the initiative. Of course, the timing is not right yet. By the way, Zhao Huan sent General Su here, and I think I can make some requests."
"So you plan to choose Zhao Huan? Will Song Qing still see you?"
"See you, let's go together tomorrow."
"what?"
Wen Huanzhang shook his head, thinking he had heard it wrong.
Seeing this, Yang Chang smiled and explained: "To make an inappropriate analogy, if two families come to propose marriage at the same time, even if you like one family, don't you have to see the sincerity of the other family? As for whether to marry or not, the initiative is in your hands."
"Hiss, wonderful!"
Wen Huanzhang clapped his hands happily and said affirmatively: "Isn't this another case of the snipe and the clam fighting each other? The general is really quick-witted, better than me who can play both sides."
"Su Yuanjing is a capable official who can get things done. We need him right now. Sir, you have a close relationship with him. Can you help me win him over?"
"I've done my best. He's still waiting for news at my house, so I won't bother him."
"Sir, walk slowly."
Yang Chang sent Wen Huanzhang to the door.
The sky was dark at this time and there were few people on the street.
With my second brother's alcohol tolerance, shouldn't he get Song Qing drunk quickly? Why hasn't he replied yet?
What's going on today?
Yang Chang was worried, so he sent someone to the post house to inquire, and then walked to the right side of the front yard, where there was a row of houses, and the one at the far end was Wu Song's residence.
When you push the door open, you will see a simple set of furnishings: a couch, a table, and a cabinet.
Every time he comes here, Yang Chang can see neatly folded clothes and bedding. This single man is like a future soldier. He has kept his good habits since he was in the dormitory of Yanggu County Government.
"I always felt something was wrong, it turned out to be a lack of warmth."
Yang Changgang stopped sighing as he began to sense Wu Song's aura. He immediately strode out to greet him and was surprised to see that Wu Song's steps were unsteady and he seemed a little drunk.
"Second brother, how much wine have you consumed?"
"How much? I don't know."
Wu Song put his hand on Yang Chang's shoulder, blinked and muttered, "We drank from the afternoon until dark, and finally got him drunk."
"Besides Dai Zong, does Song Qing have other companions?"
"Dai Zong never drinks. This afternoon, Song Silang and I drank together. I didn't expect that he was a real person. Although his alcohol tolerance is not as good as mine, he is already the best among people, and is definitely better than Sanlang."
"I am narrow-minded, so I won't mention it."
Yang Chang helped Wu Song to the couch, personally helped him take off his shoes and covered him with a blanket, and said with concern: "Second brother, you have worked hard accompanying the guests. Rest early when you come back. I will arrange two people to serve you at night."
"What are you talking about? Brother is not drunk."
Wu Song pulled Yang Chang up and said sternly, "Sanlang is here for Song Silang? He can't get anything out of me. Yang Jian also handled it well. You can rest assured."
"Brother, you are overthinking. How can I not believe you? You haven't come back yet just because you are curious. Now I finally know the reason. Go to bed early."
"I'm really not drunk!"
"Got it. I'm leaving now."
Yang Chang pursed his lips, shook his head and waved his hands, walked to the door and suddenly turned around, smiling and joking: "Second brother, do you want a wife or not?"
"What?"
"Just looking for a wife. As long as Second Brother opens his mouth, I will personally act as a matchmaker for you?"
"Oh," Wu Song smiled dumbly and said indifferently, "Then go find it."
Watching the wooden door slowly closing, Wu Song thought to himself, is it because your brother is drunk and is deliberately making fun of me?
How could a fierce general who made the Jin people tremble in fear be able to do the job of matchmaking and boatmanship?
How could Wu Song believe it?
Yang Chang hummed a little tune and returned to the main room. Hu Sanniang prepared the foot washing water as usual.
"Sir, you are in a good mood. Did something happy happen to you just now?"
"certainly."
Hu Sanniang did not continue to ask, but squatted down to take off the man's shoes.
I saw a pair of peaks hanging upside down in the air, with proud curves outlining their exquisite and enchanting beauty.
Wow, the lady is more outstanding and her figure is amazing.
However, for the Jurchens who had never eaten bran, Xing Bingyi could be considered outstandingly beautiful. I just wonder if these women would experience humiliation again in the castrated version of the Jingkang Incident.
You know, in the original history, Concubine Wei once set a record of receiving hundreds of guests a day. Maybe she was helping Zhao Gou to atone for his sins?
In the new world influenced by Yang Chang, Zhao Gou, who proclaimed himself emperor, had an ambiguous relationship with the Jin people. Perhaps his wives, concubines and mother would not repeat the mistakes of history?
Fortunately, Zhao Fujin was rescued.
"Sir, Sir?"
"what?"
"What are you thinking about? You were so happy just now, why are you so serious all of a sudden?"
"Ah I."
Yang Chang was woken up by Hu Sanniang. He smiled awkwardly and replied, "The princess found me this afternoon and hoped that I could help my younger sister find a match. My second brother is thirty-six this year, twice my younger sister's age. I found it incredible at first, but the princess said that he was my younger sister's favorite. What happened between them during the time he was late?"
"Um"
Hu Sanniang raised her jade neck, thought carefully for a moment, and then murmured, "I remember when the little princess first came, she was often in tears, so my second sister disguised herself and took her out to relax, but every time she went out, she was followed by guards. She probably didn't have any personal contact with my second brother, and at most she just greeted him when she saw him."
"She is of noble birth, young and beautiful, so she should have no trouble finding a husband. Why did she suddenly fall in love with my second brother? Especially since the prince consort died not long ago, it happened too quickly." Yang Chang frowned, puzzled.
"If you put it that way, I can really understand."
Hu Sanniang raised her wet hands to lift her hair, and she looked even more charming under the candlelight. Yang's heart was suddenly moved, and he immediately reached out and pulled her into his arms, startling her and making her moan.
"Ah, sir, you..."
"Explain yourself quickly, or you will be punished by your husband's family law."
"Stop joking. I'm talking about business. Do you know how many times the little princess was harassed by the Jin people during her trip to the north? She was already pregnant at that time, and her husband was right beside her. These beasts acted like they had never seen a woman before."
"It is normal for nomadic people to treat women as cattle and sheep and disregard human ethics."
Yang Chang frowned as he finished speaking, and then added: "My little sister suffered so much this time, probably because of me. I slaughtered the Jin people like cattle and sheep, and the Jin people took out their anger on her."
"The Jin people not only harassed the little princess, but also did not let Princess Xing and others go, so you don't have to blame yourself."
"Really? I was traveling with them, but I never heard her talk about it." "How can a girl like me tell you about this?"
After listening to Hu Sanniang's description, Yang Chang suddenly understood and nodded in agreement, then asked again: "Then why choose the second brother? In fact, in terms of age, Jiandi should be the most suitable, but unfortunately he got married last year."
"With Uncle Wu's stubborn character, how could he allow Brother Jian to marry a princess?"
Hu Sanniang shook her head and added: "The Jin army besieged Tokyo twice, and even the royal family lived in fear. Seeing the little princess suffer such a fate, I thought of myself back then. Women have no one to rely on in troubled times, and the more beautiful they are, the more disasters they face.
I guess there are three reasons why the little princess likes the second brother. First, she suffered a lot, and the second sister wanted her to get over it as soon as possible, so she thought of the second brother who also suffered, and he might have some guidance in secret.
Secondly, my second brother is very talented. He often practices boxing in the courtyard after winter. He has a heroic spirit that most people don’t have. Thirdly, age is not a problem at all. Thirty-six is not old at all. If you want to marry a young wife, believe it or not, there are countless women willing to marry even if they are seventy or eighty years old. "
"Uh," Yang Chang complained with an embarrassed look on his face, "Why are you involving me again?"
"That's what I said. If you can help me, it will be a great deed. But I'm afraid my second brother won't agree."
"Hey, he just agreed."
Yang Chang smiled wickedly, thinking that he had no choice but to agree, and he could make the decision even by force.
Of course, after sending Su Yuanjing and Song Qing away, Yang Chang will have a formal talk with Wu Song. He is confident that he can convince Wu Song.
The next morning, Weisheng City, Taiwei Mansion.
As soon as Song Qing and Dai Zong followed Yang Jian into the front hall, they saw Lu Junyi, Wu Song and Chai Jin standing on the left. On the right, except for the man in the lead whom they did not recognize, the other two were Wen Huanzhang and Su Yuanjing.
Lu Junyi, who is unrivaled in the world in spear and stick, is really willing to be inferior to Yang Chang? When did Su Yuanjing come?
Is this Yang Chang’s counselor and general?
While Dai Zong was secretly calculating, Song Qing had already started to greet and ask about etiquette, and he quickly clasped his fists in agreement.
"Don't blame me, Fourth Brother. I was too busy to meet you yesterday, so I asked Second Brother and Yang Jian to accompany you. I guess I didn't neglect you, did I?"
"Things are different now, you are too polite, General."
When Yang Chang was being polite with Song Qing, he remembered that he had a drinking contest with Wu Song yesterday, and he couldn't help but use his [Eye of Insight].
He has a deep understanding of the creation of yin and yang, and is familiar with the mechanisms of ghosts and gods.
In the sea of consciousness, a panel appears.
Name: Song Qing
Cultivation: Mortal
Possessing attributes: Good at dancing with long sleeves (observing words and expressions, being experienced in human relationships, and command bonus)
Skills: Gun and stick proficiency, sword proficiency
Possessing the special skill: Intolerance (a passive special skill exclusive to Long Sleeves Dancer, any negative effects are halved)
There are only a few simple attributes on the panel, and as expected, Song Qing's martial arts are pitifully low, but [Good Dancing with Long Sleeves] is a good attribute, and the special skills that come with this attribute seem to be specially tailored for being a leader.
No wonder he can compete with Wu Song in drinking, this is much stronger than [Suppressing the Body with Drugs].
Yang Chang was briefly moved, and waved his hand and asked knowingly, "Fourth brother, what's the matter with you?"
"King Kang ascended the throne in Jeju last month by order of the Supreme Emperor. I have specially informed the officials of all states that I have come to Weisheng to confer titles and awards on His Majesty's orders. Please ask General Yang to receive the order."
After Song Qing finished speaking, he took the imperial edict handed to him by Dai Zong, and then held Huang Chou's scroll high in his palm.
Yang Chang pointed at the imperial edict and asked curiously, "What does Fourth Brother mean? Do you want me to kneel down and accept the edict?"
"It should be so according to etiquette."
"fart!"
Lu Junyi interrupted Dai Zong and scolded him: "You are delivering the edict for the fake emperor, and you dare to speak nonsense here? Even if it was the edict of the real emperor, Yang Taiwei would not kneel!"
"Mr. Lu, you."
Dai Zong was so angry that his eyes were wide open.
He still clearly remembered that when they were in Liangshan before, Lu Junyi didn't dare to speak loudly to him. Now that he has joined Yang Chang, he is so arrogant. Has he forgotten his roots so quickly?
"Dai Tongzhi"
Song Qing stopped Dai Zong in time, lowered his hand holding the imperial edict, and patiently explained: "The one in Tokyo is no longer the emperor. He disobeyed his father and was incompetent in governing the country. He was demoted to the King of Changle by the emperor. The current emperor in Nanjing is the true emperor of the Song Dynasty."
"Wasn't the Emperor abducted by the Jin people? Could it be that his imperial edict was drafted by the Jin people? Can it be counted?"
"hehe."
Seeing Tang Ke asking excitedly, Song Qing smiled and bowed his hands calmly and said: "The handwriting of the retired emperor is very special. How could it be copied by the Jin people? I have a copy with me. If you don't believe it, you can go to Nanjing to check the original."
"Go to Nanjing to check out the original? King Kang is really good at this!"
"May I ask who you are?"
"All right."
Yang Chang raised his hand to interrupt the two of them and said, "You don't have to argue for now. Fourth brother, please read the imperial edict to me first. I don't know what the reward is."
"Alright."
Song Qing nodded and unfolded the imperial edict, reading it out in a clear and melodious voice: "The edict says: Since I ascended the throne, I have governed the world with benevolence and righteousness, practiced rituals and music to change the country, and used public rewards and punishments to settle wars. Taiwei Yang Chang has repeatedly made special contributions, and was promoted to the general of the garrison army, appointed as the pacification envoy of Jingdong East Road, and granted the title of Viscount of Shouzhang County."
"Gone?"
Yang Chang spread his hands after hearing this. Seeing this, Song Qing looked at Dai Zong and asked, "What do you mean?"
"Well, there is really no benefit at all. Zhao Gou is so stingy that he even gives me false reputation?"
"You are not allowed to address His Majesty by his name."
Song Qing knew something was wrong when he heard it, so he had to seize the opportunity to find something wrong in Yang Chang's words and hit back.
How smart is Yang Chang? Jingdong East Road and Shouzhang County are both in Shandong, so how could he leave Shanxi?
Moreover, Zhao Gou originally wanted to give him the title of marquis, but Song Jiang felt that he was only a marquis, so he strongly suggested giving Yang Chang the title of viscount first. However, he did not expect that Zhao Huan's people were also there.
"They all claim to be orthodox. Who do you think I should listen to? The one with the highest bid wins? General Su, why don't you read it too?"
"Yes."
Su Yuanjing bowed and stepped forward, also took out a scroll from Huang Chou, and read it solemnly: "The decree says: Yang Chang, the governor of Weisheng, Pingbei, and Luzhou, and the Grand Commandant, has made great contributions in defeating the Jin bandits and protecting the country. He is now appointed as the ambassador of Hedong and Hebei, and is given the title of Kaifu Yitong Sansi, and the title of Weisheng Hou."
Song Qing was stunned after hearing this. All the rewards from his own emperor were completely suppressed by Zhao Huan.
The second-rank military officer, the General of the Garrison Army, is the highest rank that a civil official can reach, compared with the first-rank Kaifu Yitong Sansi; the Pacifier of Jingdong East Road has jurisdiction over less than ten states, compared with the Ambassadors of Hedong and Hebei Routes, who have jurisdiction over more than forty states; and the Viscount is compared with the Marquis.
Two words: complete defeat.
After Su Yuanjing finished reading the imperial edict, Song Qing's face was full of bitterness. Even though he had always acted tactfully, he didn't know how to deal with it at this moment.
Dai Zong's face turned red and his neck became angry. He secretly pulled Song Qing's clothes, signaling him to say goodbye and go back. Anyway, he had no intention of winning over Yang Chang.
All these little actions of his, just like a poor student reading a comic book in the back row of the classroom, were seen by Yang Chang, but this guy just acted embarrassed.
"Both emperors have come to confer titles on me, but the prefectures and counties under my rule have already been ceded to the Jin people. I really don't know whose imperial edict to accept. How about you emperors come to a consensus among yourselves first?"
(End of this chapter)