Chapter 644 Don’t Let Me Down
Jiangling is located in the heart of the Jianghan Plain, overlooking the most prosperous and essence of the middle reaches of the river. It is an important town in Jianghan with a long history.
However, as the Yunmeng Daze between Jianghan and Han Dynasty shrinks year by year, large swamps and swamps gradually transform into plain land, and Jiangling's strategic importance is gradually reduced.
In recent years, the plains to the east of Jiangling have become more and more open. If there are invading enemies, they only need to pass through Jingling, and the road ahead will be a smooth river. Through the Jianghan Plain, they can directly reach the foot of Jiangling Castle.
Changes in the natural environment have also greatly increased the pressure on Jiangling's city defense. Whenever there are signs of war in the surrounding areas, the outside of Jiangling City needs to be covered with tree fences to prevent incoming enemies from directly attacking the city.
Even so, due to its long history, Jiangling today is still the military and political center of Jingzhou in the Southern Dynasties. As the situation downstream becomes more and more corrupt, Jiangling is now also responsible for the resurgence of the entire Southern Liang Dynasty.
Although Xiao Yi, the king of eastern Hunan, was disabled, his noble background did not affect his future. In addition, he was rich in talents and versatile, so he was well-known at that time and was highly valued by Emperor Liang, who often took charge of Dayi. He only stayed in Jiangling for several years. There were many disciples and former officials in Jianghan, and his influence was very profound.
The envoys who went to Mianbei were ushered into the palace as soon as they returned to the city. The King of Xiangdong was discussing current affairs with several newly arrived scholars. When he heard the waiter report the matter, he quickly stopped chatting and turned around. The outer hall summoned a group of envoys.
When a group of members came into the hall, the one eye of the King of Xiangdong immediately looked at Wang Sengbian. Seeing that his beard and tail were intact, the King of Xiangdong smiled and said: "Although the Qiang captives speak arrogantly, After all, the force is weak, and I don’t want to have any fight with him. Naturally, he doesn’t dare to harm my general!”
When Wang Sengbian heard this, he couldn't help but feel a secret resentment in his heart, but he didn't dare to show it. He could only walk forward and pay homage: "Fortunately, thanks to the protection of the king, the last general was able to return. Li Da from Mianbei The general is not ignorant, he is willing to listen to the explanation, no longer dwells on the past, and expresses his greetings in a written form, please read it."
As he spoke, he handed over Li Tai's handwritten letter with both hands.
The King of Xiangdong took the letter handed over by the waiter, but did not start reading it immediately. Instead, he put it on the desk and said with a smile: "I'm not in a hurry to read the letter. Let's first take a look at Li Boshan, who has repeatedly defeated famous generals from the north and the south." What a style.”
Hearing what King Xiangdong said, one of the envoys quickly took out a long box and handed it over.
King Xiangdong placed the long box on the case and opened it, then took out a scroll from it. He carefully unfolded the scroll on the case, and gradually a portrait of a character on the canvas appeared in front of his eyes.
It turns out that the King of Xiangdong was curious about Li Tai's appearance, so he sent the royal palace's elite painters as envoys to Mianbei. After seeing Li Tai with his own eyes, he painted his portrait, which is the one in front of him.
King Xiangdong himself was versatile, and he was also very good at painting. He also had his own "Tribute Picture" depicting the envoys who came to pay tribute to the country, and his painting skills were unparalleled.
Therefore, the painters supported by his residence are naturally of extraordinary skill. The one sent to Mianbei this time is the direct disciple of Zhang Sengyao, who is an excellent painter and is particularly good at portraits. Therefore, this portrait is also lifelike and full of charm.
"This heavenly being is not as elegant as the Qiang people!"
When the portrait was fully unfolded in front of his eyes, King Xiangdong looked at it for a moment. He raised his eyebrows and said in surprise. His single eye was filled with incredulity. He turned to look down at the painter and envoy and said in a deep voice: "Is it the Qiang?" I know there is a painter who paints his portrait, and he bribes me to paint his portrait in a pretentious way. Is the painting slave greedy for money and using his beauty to deceive me?"
After hearing this, the painter quickly knelt on the ground and shouted repeatedly: "How dare you, my servant... How dare you... That General Li is indeed handsome and handsome, rare in the world. My servant uses his brush carefully, and he can achieve a noble and graceful expression." Less than half, there is absolutely no way of accepting goods to show beauty, please be clear to me!"
After hearing this, the King of Xiangdong snorted coldly, and then displayed the portrait to the hall. Then he looked at Monk Wang and asked, "Leader, tell me, is what this painting slave said true?"
After hearing the words, Wang Sengbian quickly stood up and said seriously: "General Li is indeed handsome and handsome, and does not have the vulgarity of ordinary Qiang captives. He is also powerful and powerful, and has a rather domineering attitude. The viewer can't help but feel proud. Being robbed or exaggerated, only someone as naturally noble as your Majesty would regard it as normal and treat it indifferently."
After hearing this, the King of Xiangdong nodded thoughtfully, and then admired the portrait again, and then sighed: "The sudden rise in fame can be said to be a lucky accident. But this time Li Boshan His reputation was not temporary, but in recent years, he moved to the southeast, and his deeds became known to the public. There is no doubt about his talent, but he did not expect that his appearance and style were also impressive. He was truly loved by heaven. You are very sharp, but if you are angry and disobey me, you may not live long!"
After sighing for a while, he beckoned someone to put away the portrait and keep it in a safe place. Then he returned to his desk, opened the letter and read it carefully, but his face gradually became gloomy.
Wang Sengbian stood in the hall and secretly observed the King of Xiangdong. Seeing this change in his expression, his heart suddenly sank. Just as he was thinking about whether he should speak out in his own defense and explain a few words, he heard a bang in the hall, and the King of Xiangdong This letter has been photographed on the case.
"The Qiang thieves are really brave and courageous. I didn't want to fight with them before, not because I was afraid of them, but because I wanted to make peace with them first. But I didn't expect that it would only increase the thieves' arrogance by making such arrogant remarks!"
The King of Xiangdong roared angrily at first, then turned to look at the worried people in the hall. Then he pointed at Wang Sengbian and said: "Lead the army for a long journey, and return to the residence to recuperate first. If anything happens, we will attack again."
Wang Sengbian was quite uneasy, but he did not dare to say anything more. After hearing this, he stood up, bowed and left.
After Wang Sengbian withdrew, the king of eastern Hunan looked at the remaining people and asked fiercely: "Only when you go to Mianbei can you express your resentment?"
After hearing this, several people hurriedly lowered their heads and thought about it carefully, and then shook their heads.
When the King of Xiangdong saw this, he couldn't help but become even more angry. He punched the case with his fist and said: "This guy is just a slave before the case. He has never been famous outside. It is even more unknown to the Qiang captives! If he doesn't live up to my words and deeds, how can he be respected by the captives?" Not only are you not guilty, but you also want to call his son to rest? Why don't you cover it up? Tell us all the details of your trip, and you will not be lenient if you dare to hide anything!"
After hearing this, several people suddenly became nervous. They recounted their travel experiences in detail while recalling them, confirming each other's details and not daring to omit anything.
King Xiangdong frowned and listened very seriously. He was quite suspicious of Wang Sengbian. It was not that he looked down upon him, but that he took him very seriously.
When the country is in trouble, it looks up to the military ministers. Of course the King of Xiangdong understands this truth. Having been together in the palace for many years, he also had a full understanding of Wang Sengbian's military talents. If he was not disrespected, why did he keep him in the house for so many years?
It is one thing to value Wang Sengbian, but it is also not a way to control people by relying solely on him without criticizing him. In particular, Hou Jing stirred up unrest in the south of the Yangtze River as soon as he introduced the warriors. Did the other generals feel lucky to have been born at the right time after seeing this? Once you become arrogant due to favors and are proud of your achievements, it is like raising a tiger to create trouble. Such signs must be severely suppressed!
Although he himself warned Wang Sengbian a lot, he was worried that others would be easy to attract Wang Sengbian, so he was so sensitive and vigilant about this matter.
Especially when he heard the envoy relaying the many words of praise and praise given to Wang Sengbian by Li Boshan of Mianbei, the king of Xiangdong frowned even deeper and said angrily: "This thief is really knowledgeable and has the ability to recognize people. Don't underestimate him because of your short teeth! If you had known this, you shouldn't have sent Wang Juncai to the north. But his father and son have been living off my salary for many years, and it is really hateful that he wants to sacrifice his son at the slightest invitation!"
After listening to these contents, it was already late at night, but King Xiangdong was still not sleepy. After some consideration, he ignored the darkness and summoned Wang Sengbian to meet him in his mansion.
When Wang Sengbian hurriedly entered the palace, the King of Xiangdong stared at the man with his one eye and observed him carefully. Seeing that he did not appear confused as if his sleep had been interrupted, he sneered and said: "Why is Wang so haunted? After returning to the mansion for a long time, he unexpectedly Not sleeping?"
Regarding the sensitivity and suspicion of the King of Xiangdong, Wang Sengbian had also learned about it for many years. After hearing this, he quickly bowed his head and replied: "When I went to Mianbei, I saw that the armor and sticks of the bandits were very popular. When I came back, I secretly thought about what I should do if I want to regain Handong in the coming year. What's the plan?"
After hearing this answer, King Xiangdong's face softened slightly, and then he said again: "The pirates are greedy for talents in my sect. They can't get the big ones, but they won't let go of the small ones. Now that I want to repair it, I might as well respond. Let’s take a few breaths under the leadership of the army. From what you see, who is the right person to send?”
"My disciple Chang Xi has grown up a long time ago. All his food, clothing and education come from the king. He should dedicate all his talents to the king. How can he use other disciples! However, all the young disciples are young and have insufficient intelligence. They are still under-educated. They are not It is also not appropriate to know what is right and wrong.”
Wang Sengbian was thinking about this question all the way back. When he heard the question from King Xiangdong, he knew that he was still testing himself, so he replied: "Cixixi Mingbang, although he is young and reckless, he already knows kindness and righteousness. Although he is free-ranging Mianbei can still be summoned, and it is best to send him there."
After hearing Wang Sengbian's answer, King Xiangdong pondered for a while before nodding with satisfaction.
Sorry, sorry, it's even later. . .