Chapter 18 Power Reorganization

Chu Mingtang got off the carriage and slightly adjusted his official uniform

Today is the day when the three sons of the Liang Shangyun family of the Minister of Justice got married. They married the daughter of Cheng Fengzhi, the Minister of Personnel. These two families are also considered famous families in the court. As the Grand Marshal of the current dynasty, Chu Mingtang should come to congratulate him in terms of emotion and reason.

Liang Shangyun, who was standing at the door to welcome the guests, came up from afar and bowed: Lord Taiwei takes time to attend Xiaguan’s dog’s wedding. Our Liang family is so glorious.

Chu Mingtang smiled and said: Lord Liang is so polite. You and I are the ministers of the same palace. Today is another great day for your family. I want to come and get some joy.

Liang Shangyun smiled and said: Thank you, Lord Taiwei, please come in quickly

The servant beside him shouted loudly: Lord Taiwei is here!

The officials in the court who came to Liang Mansion first heard the sound and retreated to both sides. The crowded crowd instantly appeared.

Liang Shangyun accompanied Chu Mingtang into the door. Seeing this, he was stunned. He looked at Chu Mingtang, and his envy flashed through his eyes and bowed: Please, Lord Taiwei

Chu Mingtang smiled at the officials on both sides, and most of the officials looked respectful and bowed to the ground.

Chu Mingnan, the Minister of Rites, and several officials from the third rank or above of the Chu family came up and accompanied Chu Mingtang to the front desk.

The new Minister of Personnel Tang Xiaokang came to see Chu Mingtang, and the two of them made a few remarks.

Chu Mingtang looked back and smiled at Liang Shangyun: Lord Liang, today is your happy day, and there are many guests who congratulate you, so don’t worry about this official. Although you are not the Minister of Rites, there must be no lack of Ah in this etiquette.

Everyone laughed, Liang Shangyun also laughed and accused him of guilt and then sued him.

Chu Mingnan, the Minister of Rites, looked at Liang Shangyun's back and smiled: There must be few people who have not arrived. I want to see the officials who came one step later than the Grand Marshal. I want to see them later. I will study his book tomorrow morning. Lao Liang may not have any good looks on them.

Tang Xiaokang smiled and said: Lord Chu is serious about this? If others don’t say it, Guo Shitou will definitely be one of them.

When Tang Xiaokang was the censor, he had a stern face all day, as if everyone owed him hundreds of taels of silver. Now that he has become the Minister of Personnel, he has become full of spring breeze and smiles all day long

Chu Mingnan was stunned and shook his head and said: I can't move him. If you have this skill, it's better to go home early to have a few sips of wine.

Several people chatted and laughed with Chu Mingtang, while the rest of the officials just watched from a distance and did not dare to come forward to disturb him.

Chu Mingtang has been calling for wind and rain in the court these days, and even the Minister of Personnel Tang Shouwang said he would be exempted. All the officials in the court were frightened when they saw him.

Suddenly, the servant shouted: The Prime Minister is here

Chu Mingnan laughed and said: Did Fang Xiangguo get cat in some alley? When he saw Brother Mingtang enter the Liang Mansion, he came in a big dress and a big shot. The time was exactly the same.

Seeing that he was sarcastic and mean, Chu Mingtang couldn't help but smile, but said: Ming Nan, don't talk nonsense

Tang Xiaokang said: Their Fang family is a scholarly family, and they have the longest relationship among the middle-aged families. If you really want to trace it back, I am afraid that this etiquette will be of great importance. Other Fang Lingxin will not be able to do anything from Mao Hutong, but the servants in their mansion have probably been staring at the Taiwei.

As he was talking, Fang Lingxin came over with Liang Shangyun, bowed to Chu Mingtang and smiled: Mingtang arrived so early.

Chu Mingtang also bowed and said with a smile: The Prime Minister is not too late.

Fang Lingxin said: Actually, Mr. Cheng’s daughter has not arrived yet, and you and I have come a little early.

Smiling at Liang Shangyun again, saying: Lord Liang, your son is so lucky. Cheng’s daughter has been loved by her for a long time. Unexpectedly, she still let your family get the first

Liang Shangyun said a few humble words

After a while, Guo Huai also came. Liang Shangyun hurriedly accused him of guilt and went to greet him, but he couldn't help but feel angry. If Guo Huai could have arrived a while before Chu Mingtang and Fang Lingxin, he would not have been so rude.

Liang Shangyun and Guo Huai are just ordinary friends on weekdays, but they are both confidants of the emperor. Liang Shangyun is not easy to neglect, so he has to accompany each other in person.

Fang Lingxin sneered slightly and said to Chu Mingtang in a low voice: Mingtang, look, Guo Shitou looks like a Shangshu. Liang Shangyun was very happy today. There were stains on his official uniform. Not to mention how many gifts he gave, he was actually packed in an old box. It was a pity that he was Shangshu. If he were a lower official, Liang Shangyun would have been bombarded out.

Chu Mingtang looked carefully and saw that it was true, and couldn't help but shake his head and smile bitterly.

A joyful music sounded, the bride had arrived

Liang Cheng and the two families are also rich families, with various rules and etiquettes. Chu Mingtang couldn't help but enjoy it. He was born in a branch of the Chu family and was poor since childhood. He didn't know much about these things.

When he married Wang Xiuhe, it was even more grand than here. Even the emperor was present in person, but at that time he was the person involved, so he remembered so much in a daze.

Fang Lingxin suddenly smiled and said: Mingtang, your children have not yet gotten married, right?

Chu Mingtang also smiled and said: It's Ah, I can learn from it today, and it will be useful in the future.

Fang Lingxin shook his head and said: The Liang family has only been an official for three generations, so how can they understand the rules? Today's wedding ceremony is full of omissions, so it's fine if you don't watch it.

Chu Mingtang looked at Chu Mingnan and others, and saw that they were also sneering at the corners of their mouths, as if they were quite disdainful.

Chu Mingtang couldn't help laughing, why did she worry about this? Wang Xiuhe arranged the marriage for several children. She is the eldest daughter of the Wang family, so she is naturally familiar with this set.

However, today, Lingxin was a little strange, and for some reason he was quite close to him.

Fang Lingxin pointed to Liang Shangyun, who looked pleased on the stage and said: Since ancient times, no parent has ever been worried about their children? Look at this old Liang, he has a bitter face on weekdays, and he smiles so happily today.

Chu Mingtang heard that there was something in Fang Lingxin's words, but he was very cunning. Since Fang Lingxin was not speaking out, he did not want to ask questions.

The banquet began. Among the guests, Fang Lingxin and Chu Mingtang, the identities of the guests, were most respected and were arranged to the main position. Another important minister in the court, Liu Lao Situ, has been seriously ill in the past few months, and even Chu Mingtang has not seen him several times.

Fang Lingxin was a little unhappy and couldn't help but mutter: This master seat was not where we sat, we are not the elder relatives of the newlyweds.

Chu Mingtang remembered that she got married that day, and the emperor also smiled and sat on the next seat automatically. He couldn't help but smile: Forget it, it's not convenient to argue about this matter at this time, why bother to discourage them?

Liang Shangyun's chubby son had seen two people drinking for three rounds, and Fang Lingxin whispered: Mingtang, can I go out for a walk with me?

Chu Mingtang thought to himself that Fang Lingxin said more to him today than in the court for a month. It would be strange if he was fine.

At this time, most of the officials had finished their meals and were walking around in the yard in groups of three or three. Liang's mansion invited some jugglers, and many officials watched on the sidelines.

Chu Mingtang and Fang Lingxin walked side by side, with several followers following them, and they pointed at some affair from time to time. No one expected that what they said had nothing to do with everything in front of them.

Chu Mingtang looked at an artist who let a monkey crawl around him and said: I wonder what the Prime Minister is looking for Mingtang?

Fang Lingxin looked at the monkey and said: Mingtang, a few days ago, our family members were missing a lot of Ah

Chu Mingtang was stunned. Could it be that Fang Lingxin came to ask him for a crime for this matter? This is not like his personality.

Chu Mingtang smiled and said: That is Mingtang's duty, please forgive me.

Fang Lingxin smiled and said: That's no wonder you. Tang Shouwang is indeed not a good guy. If it weren't for his own misconduct, there were so many handles in your hands, Ming Tang wouldn't do anything to him.

Chu Mingtang didn't expect Fang Lingxin to say so bluntly, and laughed dryly and said: How can the Prime Minister explain this?

Fang Lingxin did not answer. After watching the juggling for a while, he suddenly said: Mingtang, how do you view me?

Chu Mingtang was surprised. They were just talking nonsense. How could Fang Lingxin ask such a question?

Fang Lingxin saw that Chu Mingtang did not speak, and did not think it was strange, and said: I think that the founding of the nine major families of the Great Zhao State, and now there are only three families of King of Chu. Our Fang family is not like the two families of your King of Chu, both of which are leading soldiers. The ancestors of the Fang family were just civil servants. Since the founding of this dynasty, the Fang family has been with the last one among the nine major families. To this day, the Fang family is still not as good as your Chu family and the Wang family. However, the Dong family, whose strength among the nine major families is not as strong as your King of Chu, and the Cheng family is no longer there. Why can our Fang family stand firm? Do you know the reason for the Mingtang?

Chu Mingtang said seriously: Please give me some advice.

Fang Lingxin smiled and said: Our Fang family has always paid attention to the word "balance". He is good at getting along with everything in the court. To put it more beautifully, it is the so-called fence-bearing man in the folk.

Chu Mingtang smiled and said: Prime Minister was joking

Fang Lingxin seemed to have not heard of it and continued: But the Fang family did not just invest in the strong side. Who would not know the icing on the cake? The balance method that the Fang family values ​​is the balance method for the entire Great Zhao State.

Chu Mingtang's face gradually became solemn, and he said: Mingtang would like to hear the details

Fang Lingxin said: When the two Dong and Cheng families were in great power, our Fang family had never surrendered. The two Chu Wang families led their troops to support the king, while the Fang family supported the city. The three families worked together to save the Great Zhao State from danger. You should know these things, Mingtang, right?

Chu Mingtang nodded. It was this battle back then that the Chu family truly established its position as the largest family in Zhao State.

Fang Lingxin gave the monkey some reward and said with a smile: In the decades since then, the real ally of the Chu family was actually our Fang family. The two families had married many times. To put it bluntly and secretly, Mingtang, your mother should be the old husband and aunt, while the Wang family has always been loyal to the emperor. The two sides fought openly and secretly. This situation did not change until twenty years ago. Especially Mingtang, you married the eldest daughter of the Wang family, and the King of Chu families came together, and our Fang family came to the emperor again.

Fang Lingxin suddenly looked at Chu Mingtang and said: Our Fang family has always been a little confused about your King of Chu. You two seem to have a deep connection. Although you have been fighting each other continuously, if one side is in trouble, the first one to lend a helping hand must be the other family that has experienced many crises over the past hundred years. But at critical moments, they can always work together to overcome the difficulties. I wonder why?

Chu Tianfang and your father-in-law Wang Lie were irreconcilable in the court. At that time, I was still young and I was frightened when I watched it. But now, since Chu Tianfang handed over the position of the leader of the Chu family to you, he often went to Wang Lie's mansion to fish for him. If I hadn't known that this person who reported the news would never dare to deceive me, I would have regarded this as a joke.

Chu Mingtang was silent, he couldn't tell him that the two ancestors were brothers from the Demon Sect.

Fang Lingxin didn't expect him to answer, saying: Unfortunately, the emperor didn't see this. Since the day he ascended the throne, he has been deliberately trying to eradicate the Chu family, but he didn't notice that Wang Lie secretly helped the Chu family from time to time to help the Chu family's marriage with the eldest daughter of the Wang family. It was a big mistake. The Chu family in Shangjing was gradually declining, but Chu Tianfang pushed you to the position of sect leader. I guess that the Wang family has made great efforts in it. Now the two families of the Chu family have become inseparable. Wang Lie has no son. The Wang family has a strong wife. The Wang family has a majority of their power. The three sons are all born for her. The emperor wants to eradicate the Chu family. It's not easy.

Chu Mingtang said coldly: Mingtang was deeply impressed by the Prime Minister's analysis.

Fang Lingxin said: Mingtang, don't misunderstand. I just couldn't help but guess. Since the two families of Dong Cheng were destroyed, the Xiao family was unknown, and there were only three families of King Chang in the court. In the past few decades, the government has been stable and the world is peaceful. My country's strength is becoming stronger and stronger. I think that the Xiqi family alone beat our country and almost lost our capital. But a few days ago, we were also very comfortable in using troops to the Southern Qi and Western Qin. Mingtang, you even suffered great damage to the Southern Qi and this situation. As long as we maintain it for another ten years, our Zhao country will not be discussed on paper.

Chu Mingtang was moved. This was his biggest dream in his life. However, he didn't expect that the treacherous Fang Lingxin in front of him had the same idea as him.

After all, Chu Mingtang has been a political sect for a long time, so he would not believe it easily. After thinking about it, he said lightly: However, the emperor is so suspicious of the Chu family now. Although my Chu family is willing to serve, he has no way to serve the country.

Fang Lingxin did not answer and asked back: I heard that Mingtang, you once swear to heaven that there is no intention of rebelling against Da Zhao in this life?

Chu Mingtang was secretly awe-inspiring. This was what he said in Guo Huai's mansion. It seemed that this old fox also had many eyes and ears, so he did not deny it and said: It's true

Fang Lingxin nodded and said: Since ancient times, what the emperor is most worried about is that his ministers usurp the throne and are guarding against powerful ministers like you and me. It cannot be said that what the emperor is concerned about is unreasonable. Since Ming Tang made an oath, I will feel relieved. As long as you do not violate this oath in the future, the Fang family will also help you when the Chu family is in crisis.

Chu Mingtang was shocked when he heard this, but when he saw Fang Lingxin saying this, he simply asked bluntly: Why does the Prime Minister say this?

Fang Lingxin said: I just said that the Fang family is obsessed with the balance of the Great Zhao State. The emperor wanted to eradicate the two families of the King of Chu, which was originally a mistake. Regardless of success or failure, Zhao State would inevitably be greatly damaged. The tiger and wolf army of the Western Qin stationed troops on the western front and would take advantage of the opportunity to enter, and then the Great Zhao was in danger.

If Zhao State is not here, how can our family survive?

Even if you can resist the Western Qin outside the border, without your King of Chu, what is the benefit of our Fang family? I am already the prime minister and the leader of all officials. Although the disciples and disciples of the Fang family cannot be compared with your Chu family, they can also be said to be everywhere in the world.

At that time, the emperor was most afraid of the Fang family. The ones he valued were Guo Huai, Liang Shangyun, Cheng Fengzhi and others. These three people were just as talented as the ones. Guo Huai was a good man in war and was a reckless man in politics. The vacancies left by the King of Chu must be replaced by the children of their families, but these people were officials for only three generations at most. The disciples and children were as rich as those of the King of Chu families. At that time, a large number of mediocre people were flooding the court, and the government would inevitably be in chaos. But can the Zhao government withstand two chaos?

Chu Mingtang remained silent

Fang Lingxin suddenly smiled and said: Besides, Liang Shangyun and others have great power. Our Fang family will be the target of public criticism. If possible, it will be a big deal to kill me. But I have to think about my children and grandchildren. The three families of King Fang of Chu have been taking turns to grasp the government affairs for many years. Although they have been in conflict with each other, they always know how to grasp the word "Du". There are still some incense between each other and I am used to fighting with you two families. I feel like I have to meet opponents. This prime minister will be a few years later. It is a pleasure to be a rival for Mingtang. As for Guo Huai, Liang Shangyun and others, I still don't want to be with them. Look at the marriage today, I have no taste at all.

Chu Mingtang smiled and said: Since the Prime Minister said that, Mingtang is willing to accompany him to the end, but Mingtang is a little confused. Now the emperor no longer forces me to the Chu family step by step. Fang Prime Minister has some serious words.

Fang Lingxin snorted: Mingtang, do you think I am referring to the current emperor? Although the current emperor is indecisive and cannot be regarded as a wise lord, he still knows how to recognize and use people and weigh the pros and cons. If he is healthy, I will not say this today.

Chu Mingtang stared at Fang Lingxin: Is the Prime Minister referring to the crown prince?

Fang Lingxin nodded and said: Do you know what he had discussed with me when he arrived at my husband's mansion a few days ago?

Chu Mingtang smiled and said: The crown prince’s resentment towards the Chu family has been long, what else can he say? It’s just to let the prime minister help him deal with the Chu family.

Fang Lingxin snorted coldly: When he arrived at my house, his attitude was quite humble. I believe the emperor has taught him a lot of principles in the past two years. He first discussed the way to govern the country with me. I guess he was looking for someone to catch the knife. Unfortunately, I asked a little more details and he revealed his true colors. He just insisted repeatedly that the two families of the King of Chu are the biggest disaster in the court. If the world is not to be eradicated, the restlessness of the world is not

I patiently explained to him that the strong enemy is now on the side, not to mention that you, King of Chu, have a strong camp on the southern front, and the northern border on the western front, are quite foundational, so it is better to maintain the status quo. Moreover, the King of Chu, the two families have no intention of rebelling, so why bother to force each other to change their faces when they hear it? Maybe I didn't expect that when I said this, I turned around and said goodbye. It seems that even the Fang family was resentful.

Chu Mingtang pondered for a long time and suddenly smiled: Thank you, Prime Minister, for telling you bluntly. If the Fang family is in trouble in the future, the Chu family will never stand by.

Fang Lingxin looked at him and said: But the crown prince will ascend the throne in a few years. Isn’t Mingtang worried at all?

Chu Mingtang said: What are the good strategies for Prime Minister?

Fang Lingxin: Instead of watching the empty eyes, it is better to break the claws and teeth first

Chu Mingtang smiled slightly: Please tell me, Prime Minister

Fang Lingxin said: Guo Huai is your former friend of Mingtang, and he has a high prestige in the army. He cannot do so for the time being, Liang Shangyun and Chengfeng are loyal to the emperor, and they are also trusted by the crown prince. It is better for you and I to join forces to remove them first. However, after the matter is completed, the position of Minister of Justice will be taken by our family.

Chu Mingtang thought about it. No matter what Fang Lingxin was thinking, it was beneficial to the Chu family anyway. He smiled and said: OK, but let's talk about the details of this matter again. Today is a happy day after all.

Fang Lingxin smiled and looked at Liang Shangyun, showing his intention to kill.

Guo Huai suddenly walked out of it and collided with Chu Mingtang and Fang Lingxin.

Seeing the two of them standing together, talking and laughing, Guo Huai was stunned and felt a little embarrassed. After thinking about it, he bowed and said: "Secretary of the Prime Minister, Grand Marshal, Grand Marshal."

Fang Lingxin smiled and said: It’s Lord Guo Ah, you are going to say goodbye so early?

Guo Huai said: That's right, the officials still have important things to do, and they have already sued Lord Liang just now. After saying that, he bowed to the two of them and turned around and wanted to leave.

Seeing that he was so cold to him, Chu Mingtang felt angry. He suddenly remembered something and said with a smile: Lord Guo, please stay, I have something to discuss with you.

Guo Huai turned around and saw Chu Mingtang smiling a little badly. He felt cold in his heart and reluctantly said: Please tell me, Lord Taiwei.

Chu Mingtang pretended to be pondering: Your eldest daughter is Ying'er. She married my Yuan'er back then. Today, she saw Lord Liang and Lord Cheng marry him. I am very envious. Thinking about these two children are not young anymore. I want to discuss with Lord Guo when will the marriage be handled.

Fang Lingxin was shocked, Chu and Guo wanted to marry?

Then he laughed silently and thought, "Chu Mingtang and Guo Huai had a close relationship and decided to have one or two marriages." But today, he suddenly suggested that Chu Mingtang was deliberately trying to embarrass Guo Huai."

Guo Huai's face turned red and hesitated: This... The two families had arranged this marriage back then, and Guo Huai never forgot it. He originally wanted to handle this matter after Chu Mingtang came to Beijing, but now Chu Mingtang and the emperor are already in power. If he agrees, the emperor will not be able to explain it.

Guo Huai had a headache for a while

Chu Mingtang's face sank and said: Why, Lord Guo wants to regret getting married? I wonder if my family is not good at character, or if my Chu family cannot compete with your Guo family?

Fang Lingxin gloated and said with a smile: Mingtang is such a bad word. Lord Guo and you are the Minister of War and the Grand Marshal of the current dynasty. They are very good at being a good match. I have seen these two children, and I think they are quite compatible. How could Mr. Guo disagree?

Guo Huai glared at Fang Lingxin and thought it was nothing to do with you. Are you two mortal enemies on weekdays? Why did you vent your anger on one nostril today?

Chu Mingtang snorted coldly and said: But Lord Guo is trying to stop him, I wonder what he is thinking?

Guo Huai stared at Chu Mingtang, about to have an attack, but he became softer. If he really regrets the marriage, he will definitely not be able to take any word for reason unless he denies the fact that he did not make a marriage. However, Guo Huai asked himself that he could not do this dirty thing, so he had to say umsmugly: Grandmaster, let the officials go back and discuss with his wife before making a decision.

Chu Mingtang spread his hands and said: How can this be done? My wife has pushed many people who came to the door to propose marriage to Yuan'er for your Ying'er. You have delayed this so much. Wouldn't you want my Chu family to be the queen?

Chu Mingtang wanted to press on purpose, but who made Guo Huai ignore him every time he saw him, as if he owed him something. In fact, he should be owed a daughter of the Chu family.

If Guo Huaizhen can't stand it and agree to this matter, it doesn't matter Chu Mingtang, then Guo Ying has seen him several times. Wen Jingxianshu is a good match for Yuan'er, and not to mention that he can use this matter to discord the relationship between Guo Huai and the emperor, why not do it

Guo Huai was very angry and thought that there were three sons alone. Even if Chu Yuan never got married, he would never be able to do so.

Thinking of this, Guo Huai suddenly had a flash of inspiration and said: Grandmaster, your eldest son and second lady are still unmarried. You don’t have to worry about Ying Er’s affairs.

Chu Mingtang was stunned. When did Guo Huai's mind turn so quickly? After thinking about it, he said: Xuan'er and the lady of the prefect of Pingyuan, Mrs. Ning, had a long engagement. This time he went to the southern line camp to get married. As for Xin'er...

Fang Lingxin suddenly said: Mingtang, my husband’s youngest son Zhongcheng has not been married yet. Today, I am shameless and propose marriage to Mingtang for his son.

Chu Mingtang was stunned, but he didn't expect Fang Lingxin to follow the stick.

Seeing the opportunity, Guo Huai hurriedly politely said: Since the Prime Minister has this intention, Grandpa, it’s better to talk about the little girl in a while. After that, he fled in panic.

Chu Mingtang looked at Guo Huai's hurriedly leaving and said in confusion: Prime Minister, why did you mention this matter in front of Guo Huai? Are you not worried that he will report to the emperor?

Fang Lingxin smiled proudly: So what? Ming Tang agreed to this matter, the Fang family and the Chu family get married, your Xin'er is the granddaughter of the old Marquis of Wang Lie. Who can stop this country of Zhao? Besides, you can use this matter to warn the crown prince, so that he can understand that with his ability, he should be the emperor in the future.

Chu Mingtang was silent for a while, thinking that if Fang Lingxin had said his heartfelt words before, then the three families of King Fang of Chu formed an alliance to fight against the emperor for the first time. In this way, the marriage between the two families would be a good thing. So he said: I will discuss this matter with my wife when I return to my house and will reply to the Prime Minister tomorrow.

Fang Lingxin smiled and said: I am a little abrupt in this matter, please forgive me.

The two of them made a few more polite words, returned to the hall and said goodbye to Liang Shangyun, and then set off for their own trip back home.