Cao Bin, who was tired of travel, led his horse and stood in front of the majestic Xuande Gate, looking up at the tower. Íø At this time, a slender eunuch walked out of the door next to him, held the fly whisk in his hand and bowed: "The officials have been waiting for a long time. Marshal Cao will enter the palace with the Za family." Cao Bin responded politely: " "Thank you, Eunuch Cao." He handed the reins to his entourage and followed Cao Tai into Xuande Gate. This magnificent imperial city is solemn and solemn. It is an honor in itself for the civil and military officials of the outer court to enter the imperial city, and it is a sign of being close to the center of power. But Cao Bin could feel depressed every time he came in, even if the sun was shining brightly today, probably because he had to be extra careful in every move he made. Along the straight and broad avenue, not long after another city gate appeared in front of you, inside was the location of Jinxiang Palace. Cao Bin pretended to be relaxed and chatted with the eunuch: "Where should we meet the saint?" The eunuch walked slowly for a few steps, turned around and said, "When the Za family came out, the official family was in the Yangde Hall." After a while of silence, the eunuch Cao Tai used his skills again. He said in a calm and casual tone: "When officials reviewed memorials in the East Hall, there was originally a room in the East Hall dedicated to receiving ministers; the Yangde Hall was a place for officials to rest and rest. Later, the officials felt that Yangde Hall was not as tall as The throne is more relaxed when meeting ministers, so the living room is abandoned." The eunuch seemed to be talking about some inconspicuous things. But Cao Bin immediately agreed: "It is indeed a blessing for the ministers of this dynasty to have an official who is kind and kind." After hearing this, the eunuch said with a happy face: "No. The maid on duty at Yangde Hall this morning was careless. She was so careless that she used boiling water to make tender tea picked in the spring. When her family taught her, she actually talked back" Cao Bin followed the eunuch's wishes and pretended to be very interested and said: "That won't work. You have to wait until the boiling water cools down a little. "The eunuch nodded and said: "Yes! How can I hide it from him if I don't drink anything? He was so angry that he was about to teach the maid a lesson. When asked, the Zajia told the truth. What do you think the official said? The official said that what I asked for was not such trivial enjoyment, so he ordered the palace maid to be spared. "Cao Bin responded calmly: "I didn't expect it. The officials are so generous to a slave." Eunuch Cao Tai said: "What Marshal Cao said is true. Because of this, even the concubines of the previous dynasty were treated well. Huh? Marshal Cao's aunt was Princess Zhang, who was originally going to stay in Wanfu Palace. When I grow old, I will live a good life next to the queen. " Cao Bin was suddenly enlightened when he heard this, and he bowed to the palace on the high platform in front, "The royal family is so kind, I can't repay you even if I die!" The two walked up to the platform base, passed through the cabinet study, and entered the Yangde Hall. I saw not only Guo Shao in the room, but also Wang Pu and Wei Renpu, the two envoys of the Privy Council. Cao Bin hurriedly stepped forward to salute and praise. Today is not the day of the dynasty. Guo Shao, wearing a purple round-neck robe, pointed to the chess table next to the chess table in a very easy-going manner and asked Cao Bin to sit down. Guo Shao turned to look at Cao Bin: "I and the two envoys are talking about the northwest affairs. We can't give up halfway. I plan to send another general to finish Li Chuyun's affairs." Cao Bin said hurriedly: "What your Majesty said is absolutely true." He would not ask too much. It is necessary to be careful when speaking. If the emperor is willing to say it, he will naturally say it. Sure enough, Guo Shao immediately said: "Prime Minister Wang Pu wrote to recommend Xiang Gong. But after discussing with the Second Privy Councilor, I felt that Yang Ye was better. Although Yang Ye was a foreign general, he was indeed a talented general. I then sent Dong Zun, the general of the Imperial Army. If you serve as the vanguard, the imperial army can be ordered to deploy by Yang Ye. "Cao Bin pondered for a moment and said: "Your Majesty is very thoughtful. Although Duke Shi is brave, I heard that he is at odds with Yang Ye, and General Guo is more suitable. Shao smiled and said: "General Cao is very consistent with what I think." Wei Renpu said: "Yang Ye and Zhe Deku are related by marriage. With Yang Ye, we can also get Zhe Deku's full cooperation." Cao Bin only agreed, I don't pay much attention to things in the northwest. He is about to take charge of the southern capital deployment. The success or failure of the Cochin campaign is closely related to his personal gains and losses. How can he be so lenient? But why did the emperor mention this matter when he summoned him? Cao Bin immediately thought of something that many generals were eyeing: the title of Lord Protector! ¡°Two princes died last year, but only one position was vacated Li Chuyun¡¯s founding dukedom was inherited by his eldest son, while Luo Yanhuan was involved in a treason case, and the Luo family was reduced by several levels of nobility. It is almost impossible for the descendants of the Luo family to regain the position of Duke. So who will fill this vacancy? More than one person thinks! Most of the Dukes of the Six Kingdoms are not trivial. They are hereditary people who receive generous salaries and share the world with the emperor. Given the current situation of the Great Xu Dynasty, it is very likely that senior generals would like to take turns taking turns with the generals of the Five Dynasties.This is because no one can control the imperial army anymore; in Cao Bin's opinion, the guards are similar to government soldiers. He has never heard of a general who can usurp the throne by relying on government soldiers! Therefore, the duke is the highest interest and status pursued by the generals. Cao Bin couldn't help but wonder that if he could achieve military exploits in Jiaozhi, he would be fully qualified to receive the honor of being a duke But if Yang Ye settled in the northwest, wouldn't he have a chance? There is also Xiang Gong. Like Yang Ye, this general is not in the imperial army, but it is said that he helped the emperor many times when he was in his decline. Now I am a person who knows how to repay kindness. Even the young Dong Zunjie cannot be completely ruled out. In his later life, he made many outstanding achievements and was highly appreciated by his superiors Moreover, there are rumors in the world that Dong Zunjie's mother, Mrs. Gao, had an affair with his superiors. Feng Dong Zunjiao can even more comfort his uncle Gao Huaide's heart. Cao Bin murmured in his heart, but said: "Your Majesty knows people and makes good use of them. I will do my best and live up to my heavy responsibilities!" Guo Shao glanced at the veteran Wang Pu and raised his chin slightly. Wang Pu then took out a file, handed it to Cao Bin, and said: "It is easy for the court to spend money, but tax collection is slow. We cannot get into two wars that consume too much of the national treasury at the same time. The specific deployment of Marshal Cao's trip south this time can be decided on the fly, but The general strategy must be based on the imperial court's strategy." Cao Bin took it and said, "I will obey the Privy Council's wishes." Wang Pu continued, "There is no need to rush for quick success. You can test and play games first, and then know yourself and the enemy. Then win over the local people who are opposed to the leader of the Ding tribe to make a big plan. In order to save military expenses and prevent the soldiers from marching far away, General Cao will have to gather the guards in the nearby hometown of the Southern Han Dynasty; the imperial court will also send a forbidden army to assist Cao. General." After Wang Pu said this, Guo Shao said: "After General Cao goes south, gather the Southern Guards again if necessary. I will send people to transport the armors and firearms of the Guards, settlement expenses and silver rewards. Zan Jurun will be responsible for this. The Duan family of Dali State has agreed to send a secret envoy to marry Da Xu and accept the canonization of Da Xu. When the time comes, in addition to the guards from the Southern Han Dynasty, Dali State will also send troops to help General Cao. I will do my best now. To provide support to the generals, what else does General Cao need?" Cao Bin said, "I want three people." Guo Shao was overjoyedCao Bin was convinced: he didn't want money, he just wanted people, and he made a request. It means that you are willing to do your best. Guo Shao slapped his thigh and said cheerfully: "Who do you want?" Cao Bin said: "The founding Marquis Zhang Jiankui and Qian Niu Bei Lu Duan, the founding Marquis Feng Jiye." After hearing this, Guo Shao looked a little surprised. Wang Pu immediately said: "Feng Jiye is violent and murderous. General Cao must handle this matter according to the court's strategy, so that the court will give you credit." Cao Bin said: "Feng Jiye acted recklessly when he was in Lingzhou and had a bad reputation, but I can restrain him. He. I need a strong general. Although the famous Shi Guogong is the most powerful general in Daxu, I can't help it. Feng Jiye can be used." "Yes!" Guo Shao said after a while, "Qian Niu is ready to be tied with the founding lord. Why do you seem to have heard the name Lu Duan somewhere?" Cao Bin said, "As long as this person is in the front camp, I can ask him for his opinion on key decisions." Guo Shao nodded and said, "General Cao goes back to prepare. "If you have anything else to do before leaving, please go directly to Jinxiang Palace to see me and tell me face to face." He then turned to look at the eunuch Cao Tai, "Go down and tell General Cao to come into the palace this time." Cao Tai said: "My servant obeys the order." After hearing this, Cao Bin stood up and bowed with his fists clasped: "I will do my best and live up to your majesty's high expectations. I will retire." The eunuch sent Cao Bin out of the Jinxiang Palace. Cao Bin stood on the platform and said : "Eunuch Cao, I have something to ask of you, I don't know" Eunuch Cao Tai looked flattered, "Can the Za family help Marshal Cao? Please tell me." "When I was dying, I couldn't let go the most. This is my aunt who has entered the palace. But my aunt is in the palace, and I am usually busy with military affairs. Now I am traveling far away. I don¡¯t know when I will return,¡± Cao Bin said. "The Zajia is just a servant and servant" Cao Tai said, "But if the Zajia reports to the Queen, we may be able to get a favor." Cao Bin had known that this eunuch was a confidant of Empress Fu, otherwise he would not have spoken, so he thanked him immediately. "There is a side hall next to the main hall, where ministers wait to go to court. General Cao will wait there. The Za family will ask someone to report it." Cao Tai said. When Cao Bin heard this, he said happily: "Thank you so much, Eunuch Cao." He thought that this guy was very considerate in his work. Could it be because of my family? Of course Cao Bin knew the place of the side hall. When he was in the capital, he came to attend the court every time, and he was already familiar with it. So he went to that place and sat waiting. As soon as he enteredGo, there are eunuchs on duty who will serve you tea and water. After waiting for a long time, the eunuch Cao Tai came again and said, "The Imperial Concubine has gone to the West Palace. General Cao, please leave." Cao Bin took out a bag containing silver coins from his sleeve pocket and glanced at the door facing away. The guard standing in front of the room thrust it into the eunuch's hand. The eunuch hurriedly whispered: "I can't help it. I don't want to do this now." Cao Bin said: "Nothing else. If anything happens to my aunt, please ask my father-in-law to take care of her for a while. I just want to show my filial piety." "This" The eunuch smiled bitterly and said, "If you don't take over the miscellaneous family, you will have to trap General Cao into being unfilial." (I'm sorry book friends, the updates are a bit slow these days, keeping everyone waiting. One month after the book was finished, A new book will be published within the next few days, and Xifeng will do his best to write it well. Thank you all for your support for so long) 8