First Minister of Ming Dynasty

First Minister Section 444

Zhang Ximeng also said: "Master, hurry up and send someone to Di Dao, I hope I can catch up."

The imperial envoy left Beijing overnight with a decree.

In the far northwest, a carriage carrying a sick general stopped in front of a city.

"Brother, we've arrived in Liangzhou." The drowsy Feng Guoyong was slightly startled when he heard the call. After a while, he suddenly smiled and said, "But that Liangzhou that Lu Fangweng dreamed of?"

Feng Guosheng nodded tearfully.

"Come on, help me down quickly, I want to see...Look at the land of Liangzhou."

Trembling, Feng Guoyong got off the carriage, and with the support of his brother, he walked slowly into Liangzhou City. Suddenly, he murmured: "Lu Fangweng has a poem, Liangzhou daughters are full of tall buildings, and they comb their hair just like those in Kyoto." We finally arrived in Liangzhou, but when the daughter of Liangzhou learns to comb her hair according to the sky, I’m afraid I won’t be able to see it.”

Feng Guosheng said with tears: "Brother, what you can see, what you can see! I will arrange it now! Let's go to the tallest building in Liangzhou, overlooking Liangzhou, overlooking the land of Hexi!"

After Feng Guosheng finished speaking, he leaned over and carried his brother on his back with his broad back. The moment Feng Guosheng got up, Feng Guosheng almost fell down. It was not too heavy, but too light!

Feng Guosheng cried out.

Feng Guoyong on his back smiled lightly and said, "Why are you sad, silly brother, I am much more blessed than Lu You!"

Chapter 618 Zhang Xiang Presents Poems

Feng Guoyong's illness came very suddenly. A few days ago, he was still scouting the terrain and sketching out the marching route, but all of a sudden, he had a high fever, vomiting and diarrhea, and even his lips were bruised.

Feng Guosheng and others once thought that he had been poisoned, and the angry generals immediately looked for the murderer.However, after some searching, there was nothing to be found.

But Fu Youde found some suspicious signs. For example, two of the soldiers who went to reconnaissance with Feng Guoyong that day fell ill, and they were more serious than Feng Guoyong. One of them died.

Asking another person, Fu Youde learned that when they went to reconnaissance that day, they encountered a clear spring on the road.

After Feng Guoyong drank it, he also said that he would mark the spring and save it for future use by the army going west.

Fu Youde went to look for it immediately, and finally found this spring. As he said, it was extremely clear and the water quality was good, but Fu Youde was not sure whether it was poisonous, so he got some water and fed it to a horse.

To Fu Youde's surprise, the horse was romping around and nothing happened.

Waited for several days, it was like this.

Fu Youde was puzzled, the water was fine, so what was the problem?

Not reconciled, he continued to inquire, and finally found a few woodcutters. After asking, Fu Youde heard a saying that there was a strange snake hidden in the ground, and it would spit into the water... As long as you see the water splashing, it is The poisonous snake is causing trouble, and in the next few days, no matter how clear the water is, you can't drink it, otherwise you will be poisoned.

The so-called poisonous snake theory is naturally false.But the magic of nature's creation is beyond human imagination. Perhaps this spring erupts from time to time, and after the eruption, some poisonous things will be brought out from the ground.

Fu Youde didn't know about these things, but he inquired extensively, and he heard many special stories... Someone told a group of Yuan soldiers, about 300 people, who suddenly died somewhere, and when they found out, there were already a lot of bones.It is said that it was Princess Xixia who took their lives.

After another caravan entered the desert, it disappeared.

I heard that in the worst case, thousands of Yuan soldiers escorted a group of prisoners, but the whole army was wiped out, and only one military doctor escaped.

Since then, the military doctor has remained silent and has become like a fool. People say that he has been robbed of his soul.

All kinds of rumors made Fu Youde shudder.

It is said that the sixteen prefectures of Yanyun are the pain of the Central Plains. In fact, the land of Hexi cut off its connection with the Central Plains as early as after the Anshi Rebellion.

Then came the rise of Xixia, which completely cut off the connection between the Western Regions and the Central Plains, and after that, the rise of the Yuan Dynasty.Although the Yuan Dynasty ruled the world, the land of Shaanxi and Gansu was entrusted to many princes and nobles and became their pastures. The number of Han people dropped sharply, which made the local customs very different from those in the Central Plains.

The geography and humanities are all different, even the language is different, and the appearance is very different. It is amazingly difficult to make a large-scale advance under such conditions.

Open guns and dark arrows, mountains, rivers, and even a stream may take away the lives of soldiers.

In the face of this vast unknown, human life is too fragile.

The sky is high, the land is wide, and the mountains and rivers are boundless.

Standing under the crescent moon, all I can feel is smallness and fear.

With a weak body, how can it master such a vast and complex area?

Continue to march?

Or... why not go back!

On the tall buildings in Liangzhou, Feng Guoyong reclined on a chair, and several layers of wolf fur mattresses were placed under his body to make him more comfortable.

Ding Pulang, Feng Guosheng, Fu Youde, and other generals rushed over, looked at him one by one, endured their grief, and dared not speak.

Unexpectedly, Feng Guoyong laughed, "No matter how difficult it is now, can it be compared to the difficulty of the Western Han Dynasty in the Western Regions? The Han Dynasty started from scratch, and Zhang Qian escaped death! Then the Han Dynasty used troops several times, including snatching Khan. The bloody horse... which time did not have tens of thousands of casualties? May I ask, did the Han Dynasty retreat? Was it panicked? Did our ancestors stop because of this?"

Feng Guoyong questioned repeatedly, and several generals blushed. Feng Guosheng also said: "It is true that the big man never retreated, so the Western Regions merged into the Central Plains. It has never been easy to expand the territory and overcome obstacles, but..."

"It's just what? It's just that I can die as a pawn, but can't I, the governor?" Feng Guoyong sighed, "Think about it clearly, a person is worthless, life and death are disillusioned, life is like a lamp, when a gust of wind comes, just It may be destroyed. But when tens of thousands of people gather together, it will be a raging fire, covering the sky and the sun, and it will not be extinguished or scattered! Our ancestors were able to open up the Western Regions and perform unprecedented feats. We are just repeating the behavior of our ancestors. If you can't even do this, then you really feel ashamed of your ancestors?"

Feng Guoyong took a breath, and continued: "March into Yunnan, open up Liaodong, and use troops in the northwest... We are repaying debts, and we are also opening up, restoring the territory of the Han family, and casting China's glory. Zhang Xiang has been eager to advocate these years. We Also engraved in my heart, isn't that what I care about!"

"I, Feng Guoyong, are more important than my body, and my homeland is more important... If I delay the important event of recovering Hexi because of me, I will die with regret!"

Speaking of this, Feng Guoyong couldn't help coughing, Feng Guosheng quickly brought a cup of tea to his brother's mouth, and patted him on the back.

After a long while, Feng Guoyong recovered, a trace of rosiness appeared on his pale face, and then he said again: "I just said the first point, which is to have confidence and not shrink back. We must never give up our homeland, otherwise we will be sorry for our ancestors." , I’m sorry for the descendants. Next, I will say the second point, we must be careful in the future, every plant and tree, we must be careful. We must learn the wisdom of survival from the local people.”

"Also, I remember that Zhang Xiang promoted the method of filtering water in Beiping. We must implement it. We must drink hot water and not eat unclean things. We must be sincere, treat the local people well, and help them work. Talk to them, make friends, and solve problems. We must resolutely take back the pastures of the kings of Shaanxi and Gansu, and distribute their horses, cattle and sheep to the common people. Whether they are Han people or Semu people."

"You have to remember my words, we stand under the sky, although we are small as sand, but our hearts can cover the world and run through the past and the present."

Feng Guoyong said again: "I have already asked Zhang Xiang to help me sort out a lot of ancient books from the Han and Tang Dynasties, especially those about the Western Regions, and they have been sent over non-stop. You all have to study hard, and you have to investigate the local people's sentiments, and put the books on the books. We have to look for the footprints of the predecessors, and we must also write down what we saw and heard, and leave it to future generations."

Feng Guoyong took the trouble, thoughtful of everything, and carefully advised everyone.

He spoke more and more hastily, but his breath was getting weaker and weaker. Feng Guosheng was worried and couldn't help saying: "Brother, you should rest first, don't worry, let's talk slowly."

Feng Guoyong smiled slightly, but did not agree, but asked: "Comb your hair, have you combed your hair like Kyoto?"

One question brought Feng Guosheng almost to tears, and he said hastily: "It's been arranged, I'll be here right away."

Feng Guoyong nodded, and murmured: "It's easy to restore the mountains and rivers, but it's difficult to restore the Huaxia! To bring down the land, to educate, to subdue the hearts of the people, to take the roots of China... It's a pity, I can't see that. It's been a day. Guosheng, remember, don't send me back to my hometown, just bury me in this land of Liangzhou. My grave is here, and I will watch you here. From then on, you only Promise to move forward, not to retreat... Can the big guy do it?"

Feng Guosheng fell to his knees immediately, Fu Youde, Ding Pulang and others also knelt on one knee, weeping uncontrollably.

"Great governor, don't worry! We all understand that the mountains and rivers are far above our personal honor and disgrace. Even if we die, we will not take half a step back!"

A smile finally appeared on Feng Guoyong's face. At this moment, there was a sound of stairs, and someone led several women up. They were wearing Yingtian's clothes and combing Yingtian's hair accessories.

Just came up, looking panicked, very scared.

Feng Guoyong lowered his face slightly, several generals quickly turned their heads, and explained to the women, telling them not to misunderstand, there was no such embarrassment.

I just want to ask them to show it here, and then they can leave safely.

After a while, several women calmed down, and the leading woman volunteered that she could sing Liangzhou Ci.

Feng Guoyong was overjoyed and quickly asked them to sing.

The Yellow River is far above the white clouds, and there is a lone city Wanrenshan.

Why bamboo flute complain willow, spring is not degree Pass.

The women's voices were slightly hoarse, and their intonations were a little messy, but Feng Guoyong didn't care, and his face was full of smiles.

Listened to it over and over again.

After listening, Feng Guoyong asked his brothers to help him, struggled to get up, and slapped them.

Then Feng Guoyong sat down again, and said with a smile: "My lords, if one day, the people in Hexi, and even the children of the Western Regions, can recite this poem as many as possible, we will be considered a success."

Everyone endured their grief, "Don't worry, the governor, we will teach the soldiers now, and let them teach the people!"

Feng Guoyong nodded, but then said: "This poem is not the best after all. The lonely city, resentment, and indifference... After all, it is a work of literati, always carrying a little bit of resentment, lacking the courage to swallow mountains and rivers, Good is good, but it cannot boost morale or inspire people.”

Ding Pulang said: "Who says it's not? Although I don't know how to write, but what does it mean that the spring breeze does not cross the Yumen Pass? We will take the soldiers to kill the Yumen Pass and go to the Western Regions!"

Feng Guoyong nodded again and again, "Yes, this is the spirit of a general."

While talking, suddenly a ride flew over.

"Great governor, there is an imperial decree, plus a poem by Zhang Xiang!"

"Zhang Xiang's poem? What did you write?" Feng Guoyong asked hastily.

The envoy quickly unfolded it, and said in a loud voice: "The general has not yet returned the border, and the Huaixi disciples went to Tianshan. The newly planted willows are three thousand miles away, and the spring breeze is attracted to Yuguan."

Chapter 619 The King of Xiliang

Zhang Ximeng didn't go to work in Menxia Province for a few days, nor did he go to the National History Museum.He was rummaging through some things in his mansion... In Zhang Ximeng's place, he could find a lot of strange things, such as the writing brush that Zhu Yuanzhang first practiced calligraphy, such as the copy of the official document of Zhu Jiajun's first division of land, such as the first time he entered Chuzhou. An Anmin notice, the first purchase agreement...

When a group starts up, any ordinary thing will become a priceless treasure after a hundred years.But the original people, whose future was uncertain, could not appreciate the value of these things at all.

Zhang Ximeng just tried his best to collect them, tried his best to preserve these historical evidences, and gave future generations a glimpse of enlightenment... During the search, he found the manuscript of Feng Guo crossing the river with his advice, and also dug out the work of the Feng brothers. There are more than 800 people on the list.

This is the exact list left by Feng Guoyong and Feng Guosheng when they led troops to join Zhu Yuanzhang and checked them.

There is also Zhang Ximeng's signature after inspection.

Looking at these historical records, Zhang Ximeng recalled the past with a heavy heart.

At this moment, someone suddenly stepped into the gate of Zhang's house and went directly to Zhang Ximeng's study.

It is undoubtedly Zhu Yuanzhang who can be so unscrupulous!

"Your Majesty didn't handle the official documents?" Zhang Ximeng was a little surprised. After all, Zhu Yuanzhang was a well-known Emperor of the Liver. Recently, although Li Shanchang was still in charge of the Zhongshu Ministry, he became more and more afraid of monopolizing power. Many things were left to Lao Zhu to deal with. He was so obedient.

According to common sense, Lao Zhu didn't have time to come here.

"Suddenly my heart is in a mess, and I can't calm down, so I come here to chat."

Zhu Yuanzhang sat down and looked at the things on the table. Old Zhu said with emotion: "Mr. Nanwei still keeps these. The king of Xiliang has made great contributions to our world!"

Zhu Yuanzhang called Feng Guoyong the king of Xiliang.

After the news of his serious illness spread to the capital, he was originally conferred the title of Duke of Ying. After weighing it, Zhang Ximeng proposed to posthumously confer the title of prince to show his honor.

Zhu Yuanzhang agreed to the proposal, but he also felt that the old brother had to wait for someone to die before he became a king?

Simply, Zhu Yuanzhang decreed that Feng Guoyong be named King of Xiliang first, and after the Western Regions are pacified in the future, he can be named King of Liang later.

Zhang Ximeng naturally agreed.

Zhongshu Sheng also had no objection, so the poem accompanying Zhang Ximeng was actually Zhu Yuanzhang's will to bestow Feng Guoyong as the king of Xiliang.

The second living courtier appeared.

Zhu Yuanzhang sighed softly, "Sir, we are not old yet, but it is hard to say that there is no hidden disease after many years of fighting. The rest of the generals were injured more and many were sick. Although the king of Xiliang was wrong this time Drinking unclean water, but it is hard to say, there will be no other generals who will leave one after another. After all, a generation will end when the flowers bloom and fade, and the tide ebbs and flows. I feel empty and feel like I should do something.”

Zhang Ximeng listened silently, Feng Guoyong had indeed opened the precedent for the death of important ministers and the withering of famous generals, but the rest of the generals would also leave one after another, including Zhang Ximeng and Zhu Yuanzhang.

No one will last forever.

This point has long been understood by people, and only then can there be the three immortal theories of virtue, speech and meritorious deeds.

When a person dies, his virtues, achievements, and writings remain, and are passed on for a long time to future generations. That is to say, he exists with the world and is immortal.

"If my lord is willing, can we build a national history memorial hall? It is dedicated to record our experiences along the way, and write down those epic people and events!"

Zhu Yuanzhang did not hesitate, and immediately agreed: "That's what we mean, where do you think it is better to build it?"

Zhang Ximeng said: "When the Ancestral Hall of the Heroes was being built, there was an open space next to it. If Your Majesty is willing, let it be there!"

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, "Let's do it this way! Lao Feng is the first one, and one day, we will all go in. Let future generations comment on all the achievements of these years!"

Lao Zhu asked Zhang Ximeng again about his vision for the memorial hall, what should be done!

The monarch and his ministers were chatting, when suddenly someone asked to see him outside.

The visitor is not as confident as Zhu Yuanzhang, who dares to come in directly!

But looking at the famous post, the person here is quite famous, and it is Wu Datou, the number one red thief in the world!

"I pay respects to Your Majesty."

Lao Zhu waved his hand and asked him to stand up, "There's no need to be too polite, you must have something to do when you come to see Prime Minister Zhang, right?"

Wu Datou pondered for a while, and said: "Your Majesty, I really have something to do when I see Prime Minister Zhang. I want to go to Liangzhou."

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned, "Why? How did you plan?"

Wu Datou sighed: "I have heard people say that it is difficult for the soldiers to march westward. I also heard that Feng Dadu is seriously ill...Although I can't fight, I think I can do something. For example, tell the soldiers Acting can ease the homesickness. Also, I, I can use the opportunity of acting everywhere to explain the health regulations to the big guys, so that the big guys should be more careful and avoid tragedies."

After Zhu Yuanzhang heard it, he was quite emotional, "It's really not easy for you to think of these things, and someone needs to do it. It's just that you are half a hundred years old now! Can you survive a long journey?"

Wu Datou patted his chest and said with a smile: "The minister is strong and can eat and drink, please rest assured, Your Majesty."

Old Zhu nodded, "If that's the case, then you choose some people and leave immediately!"