Jiuxi

Chapter 821: 819 [Know What I Want]

While Li Daoyan was talking about the Wang family of Zhai Lin, Lu Chen was actually still thinking about the four measures.

The emperor won over the middle and lower-level generals of the border troops, divided the war zones to achieve power division, used the rotation system to avoid regional rigidity, and had the three chief officers of the border check and balance each other. These measures would not immediately weaken the military power in Lu Chen's hands, but as long as they could be implemented smoothly, Lu Chen would be subject to more and more constraints.

As Li Daoyan said, these are all very gentle and slow techniques that require sufficient patience and concentration.

Lu Chen had no reason to stop it, unless he openly raised the banner of rebellion, otherwise he could only accept it with a pinch of his nose, because these measures were not aimed at him on the surface, just like how he used the Beijing Inspection Incident to clip Li Shizhi's wings, which were essentially open conspiracies.

Even though he had been through many hardships over the years and had become as hard as stone, Lu Chen could still feel the tremendous pressure that the frail old man in front of him was exerting on him without making a sound.

However, Li Daoyan seemed to be just chatting casually and continued to talk about the problems of Zhai Lin and Wang Shi in a nonchalant manner.

Hearing the old man's self-deprecating words, Lu Chen said with emotion: "Old Prime Minister, why do you have to hurt yourself? After all, among the aristocratic families, there are still great sages like you who care about the country."

"You are not suitable for flattery. I am afraid that even Ding Hui cannot compare with you in this aspect."

Li Daoyan made a joke and seemed to have recovered some of his spirits. He pushed the chess piece forward and continued, "A family with deep roots like the Zhailin Wang family has its own set of rules for seeking benefits and avoiding harm. Your father-in-law Wang Cheng cannot decide the fate of the entire family, and the head of the family Wang Anzhong cannot do it either. As long as the emperor throws enough bait to the Zhailin Wang family, this prestigious family with a very long history will surely be immersed in the ecstasy of regaining power."

Hearing this, Lu Chen couldn't help but sigh softly: "Old Prime Minister, what you said makes sense."

His emotions had gradually calmed down, so he asked curiously, "The Wang family of Zhailin is easy to be divided and won over, so what tricks does the old prime minister have to control the Seven Stars Gang?"

"No."

To his surprise, the former left prime minister shook his head decisively, his old eyes gleaming with wisdom: "No one in this world can do everything, only fools think they have everything under control. The Seven Stars Gang emerged because of tyranny and has been turning their backs on the court for more than 20 years. It is only because of your personal charm that they have returned to the rule of Da Qi. They naturally distrust the court and follow you unswervingly. Even if you did not marry Lin Jie's daughter, this force would still only obey your orders."

Lu Chen said seriously: "Thank you for your advice, old prime minister."

The old man's opening words really benefited him a lot.

Li Daoyan smiled and said, "But from the perspective of the operation of the court, the threat posed by the Lin family and the Seven Stars Gang is far less than that posed by the Zhai Lin Wang family. Besides, as I said before, these measures are not meant to force you to death. They are just efforts to maintain the central position under a premise that both parties can accept."

Hearing this, Lu Chen said frankly: "That's true. The old prime minister's starting point is different from those people."

Li Daoyan picked up the third chess piece and placed it forward, saying slowly, "The Lu family business is not particularly closely connected with the people's livelihood in Jiangbei at present. The emperor and Li Shizhi's decision to let Xu Zuo come to Beijing was a blessing in disguise. Even without this step, the emperor only needs to replace the chief officials of some important towns and support the big businesses in Jiangnan to cross the river and go north, which is enough to muddy the waters. Your father's ability is indeed outstanding, but using the business to leverage the people's livelihood is a very long process. If someone else interferes, the probability of success is very low."

Lu Chen listened quietly.

The old man first explained his cards one by one, and then gave a strategy to deal with it, which was gentle but effective.

If someone else did the same, they would inevitably feel a little smug, but Li Daoyan's honesty and kindness prevented Lu Chen from feeling disgusted.

Regarding the old man's judgment on the Lu family business, Lu Chen nodded in approval, and then asked: "If it were the old prime minister who was in charge, how would you treat my arrangements in the capital?"

"do nothing."

Li Daoyan said frankly, "You are not the only one who is setting up spies in the capital. The emperor is doing it more openly. Most of the noble families are doing it, and I am no exception. If that's the case, why do you want to start a war and cause a stir in the court? From ancient times to the present, unless it's an invasion by a foreign race, killing is the lowest means. As for your relationship with the Textile Bureau, the emperor may not be completely unaware of it. If I were to handle this matter, I would definitely not lift the lid easily."

Lu Chen asked: "Wait for the right time?"

Li Daoyan pushed the fourth chess piece forward and nodded, "Gather evidence patiently, and when you want to overturn the table, tell the world the inside story of this matter. As a powerful military hero of the border army, you actually colluded with the chief of the Textile Bureau. How will the world view this? Even if your original intention was to protect yourself, some things are not black and white. By then, you won't even be able to prove your innocence, and the people will be with the court. What are your chances of winning?"

At this point, except for the Seven Star Gang, which was unshakable, all of Lu Chen's trump cards were controlled by the old man.

Li Gongxu looked at Lu Chen's still calm expression, and for some reason he suddenly felt sad.

He recalled the time when he served as Lu Chen's personal soldier. He had witnessed with his own eyes how Lu Chen fought desperately to defend Da Qi against powerful enemies. The scene of Lu Chen sitting casually on the street in the warm sunshine and simply filling his stomach with his personal soldiers when he came out of the Military Academy one time was still fresh in the boy's memory.

Why would such a person be treated like a thief by the important figures in the court?
Lu Chen took a sip of tea and saw the boy's gloomy face, so he smiled and said, "Gong Xu, what do you think?"

Li Gongxu was stunned for a moment, then said honestly: "Mr. has a really good temper."

"Ok?"

Lu Chen was slightly stunned.

Li Daoyan, who was sitting opposite, couldn't help but laugh.

Li Gongxu thought he had said something wrong and could not help but lower his head. Li Daoyan glanced at his grandson and said leisurely, "Zhiyuer, your husband's temper has always been different for different people. He is naturally kind and friendly to you, and he is also very respectful to me, an old man who is about to die. But it does not mean that he will still be like this in front of other people."

Lu Chen did not refute, but said to the old man sincerely: "The old prime minister's support and protection will be remembered by this young generation."

“These are not favors.”

Li Daoyan shook his head slightly and said earnestly: "On the one hand, I admire your character very much. On the other hand, Zhi Yuer and I have different ideas. Maybe he thinks your situation is quite aggrieved, but I only think that Lu Chen who is forced into a desperate situation is the most terrifying."

"afraid?"

Lu Chen seemed a little puzzled.

Even if there had not been today's frank conversation, he still firmly believed that the old man in front of him was the wisest person in the court of Da Qi besides the late emperor, and was the real behind-the-scenes helmsman who could suppress his momentum.

Li Daoyan sighed lightly, with a bit of regret in his eyes: "I am afraid that you will take the risk and go to the most extreme path. This is the worst result for both you and Da Qi. Although the court controls the logistics lifeline of the border troops, they don't seem to have thought that the border troops are living people and will not wait to die foolishly. The resources in Jiangbei are enough for your soldiers to support for a period of time, enough for you to lead them to raid thousands of miles. No one can stop you from Dingzhou to Huaizhou. When you lead more than 100,000 elite troops to cross the river and head south, how can the Beijing army be your opponent?"

"Even if you can't threaten the capital, the wealthy land of Jiangnan will undoubtedly become a racing ground for the border troops, and the people will fight against each other, killing each other, and hundreds of millions of people will suffer. The country will be overturned..."

The old man looked a little sad, and said with shame: "If it really develops to that point, how can I face the late emperor?"

Lu was silent.

After a moment, he said softly, "It's not easy for the old prime minister."

"Just a paperhanger."

Li Daoyan leaned back in his chair and said calmly, "My son is obsessed with power and only wants to replace Xue Zhangxian as the head of all officials. At the same time, he is extremely wary of military exploits. In fact, I have seen through his mind in the past few years, but the foundation of the Li family has long been handed over to him. Apart from occasionally hitting him, what else can I do? I can't force you into a desperate situation, and I can't force him into a desperate situation either. The so-called dilemma between family and country is probably like this. Therefore, I can only patch things up and try my best to make everyone fight within a controllable range."

"So the old prime minister did not make my situation more difficult, but only reminded me to abide by my duties as a minister."

Lu Chen's words were a bit blunt, even though he did not indicate that he had any intention of being disloyal.

Li Daoyan didn't ask further and nodded, "No fourth person will know about today's conversation."

In other words, he would not tell Li Zongben those methods and teach him how to deal with Lu Chen.

The purpose is self-evident.

At the same time, Lu Chen also understood why Li Daoyan wanted to take action against Li Shizhi this time. One reason was to lend him a helping hand and let him know that not everyone in Jiangnan is selfish. The second reason was to hope that Li Shizhi could learn from this experience and lessons and not be obsessed with conspiracies and calculations, which were ultimately low-level means.

Thinking of this, Lu Chen looked at the old man's tired face and frail body, and said seriously: "After I marry Miss Li, I will ask for permission to return to the north, and will not return to the capital unless necessary."

The old man looked at him steadily, a look of relief and emotion gradually emerged on his face. He reached out and slowly held the teacup, saying, "Now that I can no longer drink, I will offer you this cup of tea."

Lu Chen stood up, raised his cup with both hands and said, "Old Prime Minister, please take care of yourself. As long as you are here, Da Qi will not be in turmoil."

Li Daoyan finally smiled with relief and nodded, "With your words, I will definitely live a few more years, at least until you get the news of your victory in retaking the old capital."

"I will definitely live up to my trust."

Lu Chen put down the teacup, bowed again, then turned and walked out of the Jianxi Pavilion.

Li Daoyan looked at his back and said softly, "Chiyuer."

"My grandson is here."

"When your master went north, you followed him and served him from now on, fulfilling your duty as a disciple."

"Yes, grandfather."

Li Gongxu responded respectfully.

Li Daoyan put his hands on his lower abdomen, exhaled slowly, and closed his eyes slightly.

The breeze blows, and the world is extremely peaceful.

(End of this chapter)