Chapter 925: The New Year Is Approaching

The replacement of the old with the new is the unchanging principle of heaven and earth.

Nothing will remain unchanged. A dynasty has its ups and downs, and naturally some people grow old and some people are young.

No one is always young, but there are always young people.

When the Xie family's ancestor bid farewell to the Chen Dynasty, he laughed at himself and said, "I didn't think so before, but I read the resignation letter of the prime minister a while ago, and I really felt sad."

Now the whole Shendu, and even the whole Daliang, have actually praised the prime minister's resignation letter. The court and the public have named it Taihu's resignation letter.

There is also a saying that those who don't cry after reading Taihu's resignation letter should not be associated with him.

Taihu is the name of the prime minister.

Walking out of the Xie family's ancestral house, Weng Quan quickly came up and asked, "Sir, where are you going? Are you going back to the bamboo building or to my second uncle's residence?"

It has only been half an hour, and I think the people over there haven't left yet.

Chen Chao shook his head, got on the carriage, and whispered, "Go to the Prime Minister's Mansion."

...

...

It was early autumn, and it was not yet the season for leaves to turn yellow and fall, but an old tree in the Prime Minister's Mansion had already become old and withered. When the autumn wind blew, the leaves, which were not many this year, fell down.

There were not many servants in the Prime Minister's Mansion. Now there was only one old servant who was hunched over and sweeping the fallen leaves.

The Prime Minister, who was lying on the corridor, opened his somewhat turbid eyes with difficulty and spoke softly, "The dragon claw locust tree was planted by my father on the day of my birth. It can be said that it is the same age as me. It is said that it is generally a hundred years old, but now it seems that it is going to go with me."

The Prime Minister was covered with a thick quilt, and the fabric was a little white. Next to him, there was a small yellow mud stove, on which was placed an old copper kettle, which had long been uneven.

It was full of traces of time.

Next to the stove, a young man in a black robe sat upright, glanced at the Prime Minister's white hair, and said softly, "Prime Minister, it's been a long time since you have to worry about the country's affairs. You should be at the age to enjoy your old age. Don't think about it."

"Sir, I feel so ashamed when I talk about this. In fact, I wanted to retire a few years ago. At that time, Your Majesty was still there and the world was relatively peaceful. I was gone, but now I have to be frank. I really haven't thought about retiring. The ruler is young and the country is in doubt. It's really not the time to retreat. But my body can't support it anymore. I can only apologize to Daliang and the people."

Tears welled up in the Prime Minister's turbid eyes. The old man, who entered the officialdom early and spent almost his whole life in the officialdom, sighed.

Having spent his whole life serving the country and the people, the Prime Minister had wanted to stay away from the officialdom more than once, return home, and study, but every time he wanted to retreat, he failed to do so for various reasons.

Just like when the Emperor of Daliang led his army to conquer the capital and took the throne, countless colleagues did not want to serve two masters and chose to resign. However, the Prime Minister thought that the world had just changed and the people were unsettled. If the court was in chaos, the people would suffer in the end. He decided to stay in the court and do something for the people. In fact, his intention was good, but he was still misunderstood by many people. Many of his friends at that time never had any contact with him again.

Later, he worked for many years. When he wanted to retire again, it happened that the Emperor went to the country and the Crown Prince was the regent, leaving behind such a Daliang Dynasty. It was really difficult for him to make a decision to retire.

Chen Chao said gently, "Your Excellency, the Prime Minister has done a lot. We can't do better. This is enough."

The Prime Minister said softly, "But I'm still worried."

Chen Chao thought for a while and said, "When I returned to Beijing this time, Your Highness asked me to discuss the new Prime Minister, but there is no conclusion yet. Does Your Excellency have a candidate in mind?"

The Prime Minister shook his head, "I have been an official for a lifetime, and I understand many truths. A minister should not embarrass the king, nor the successor. If I really recommend someone. If he goes out to do things and has some problems, should Your Highness give him a break for my sake? And should the government and the public keep silent for my sake? So no matter what, I shouldn't say anything. "

Chen Chao thought about it and was about to say that His Highness the Crown Prince should not be treated as an ordinary monarch, but after thinking about it, he gave up. Everything in the world can change, but the word "rules" is written in black and white.

"I already have a candidate. Master Zhang from the academy should be able to take on the important task."

Since the prime minister is so insightful, he won't hide it.

The prime minister nodded and said nothing.

Sure enough, Master Zhang is the best successor in the prime minister's mind.

The Prime Minister thought for a moment, then tremblingly took out an envelope from under the quilt and handed it to Chen Chao. Chen Chao took a look at the Prime Minister's skinny arms that were almost devoid of flesh and blood before taking the envelope.

"Master Zhang has great talents, but he is already quite old. He can only serve the country for ten years at most. After ten years, the position of Prime Minister will still be vacant. Lord, the garrison commander, there are some things that need to be prepared for a rainy day. There are more than ten people on the paper, all of whom have the potential to be Prime Ministers. Please advise His Highness to train these people more. Perhaps one of them will be able to replace Master Zhang in ten years. The rest, even if they cannot become Prime Ministers, are destined to be capable ministers. With them, the people of Daliang should be able to live a good life for decades."

Master Zaifu sighed with emotion, "We scholars, there are not many things we can do. This is something that needs to be done and must be done well. As for other things, we have to trouble the guards to pay more attention to it." "

Chen Chao nodded.

Master Zaifu looked at Chen Chao, was silent for a long time, and suddenly asked, "If one day, the demon clan is completely destroyed, and the people in the north no longer have to worry about the disaster of the demon clan, will the lives of the people be better?"

The imperial court sent half of the world's taxes to the north. For many civil servants, this was something they were unwilling to accept but had to accept.

Affection.

If there had not been that long-term war, then the imperial court's taxes could be reduced a lot, the national treasury would be full, and the lives of the people in the world would become easier and easier.

Chen Chaoping said, "If one day there is no need to fight anymore in the north, the lives of the people will naturally be much easier. I will try my best to make that day come as early as possible and try to save the people from suffering for a few years."

Master Zaifu said softly, "Even if there is no other way, please protect the northern border with all your strength and prevent the demon clan from going south. The people's life will be a little harder, but at least they can survive. If the demon clan rears its ugly head in the future... "

Mr. Zaifu didn't say any more, as if he couldn't bear it and couldn't speak.

Chen Chao just said calmly, "That's what we warriors have to do. The scholars, including Mr. Zaifu, are good at cleaning up the broken mountains and rivers, how to build another Tongtian Tower, and we must ensure that there is space for the Tongtian Tower built by the scholars. Buildable.”

Lord Zaifu listened to this and finally just asked a question.

Same as someone asked before.

Can you hold it?

Even if you can't hold on, you have to hold on. You must hold on.

This is Chen Chao's answer.

…

…

Finally, Chen Chao said goodbye to the old Prime Minister and walked out of the Prime Minister's mansion.

Standing on the steps, Chen Chao thought about many things.

First of all, going to the Prime Minister's Mansion to visit this civil servant who worked hard and devoted half his life to Daliang was something that Chen Chao had already made up his mind about. However, when he made up his mind about it at that time, he still wanted to ask the old man for help. The one thing Zaifu did was for the sake of His Highness the Crown Prince and Wu Xinyue.

But in the end, I gave up after thinking about it. The old Zaifu had worked hard all his life, and now that his time was running out, it was really difficult to let the old Zaifu do anything more.

I can't bear it.

In fact, why did General Xiao Hezheng finally disband his troops and return home? Didn't Emperor Liang know that the Northern Territory needed this general? In fact, I knew it, but in the end I still nodded and agreed to it, for the same reason.

After working hard for the country all his life, his final wish is just to die in his hometown. If this "little thing" cannot satisfy people, it would be really chilling.

It can't be done.

However, when the ancestor of the Xie family mentioned Zaifu's resignation letter at the end, it actually had another meaning, which was to remind the Chen Dynasty that it is you young people who are in charge of Daliang today, but don't forget that these old people once did things for Daliang. Don’t let these old people feel cold about their contributions.

It is difficult for people to get together, but separation can happen in the blink of an eye.

Chen Chao rubbed his head and walked down the steps. Weng Quan approached and asked, "Sir, do you want to go to Zuowei Yamen?"

Chen Chao glanced at him and asked, "Why?"

Weng Quan chuckled, "Many newcomers have come to Zuowei Yamen. They all heard that it was the place where you made your fortune. They are looking forward to when you can visit your old place again and open their eyes. After all, your charm is all in They say it from word to mouth, and now all the military attachés in the imperial court admire you very much!"

Chen Chao raised his eyebrows, squinted his eyes and said with a smile, "Is it really just like this?"

Weng Quan scratched his head in embarrassment, "Xiaguan... occasionally mentions your Excellency, saying that you must be a nostalgic person. As long as you return to Beijing, you will definitely go and visit."

Chen Chao didn't know whether to laugh or cry, but then he remembered something and asked with a straight face, "How many rumors did you spread about me outside during the days when I was not in Shendu?"

Weng Quan scratched his head, feeling a little guilty. He didn't have the confidence to speak, "I don't think I have any..."

Chen Chao sneered, "Sure enough, your second uncle and I are not the same family as each other."

Weng Quan opened his mouth and retorted, "Second Uncle Xiaguan is known for his integrity. Sir, I don't want to talk nonsense."

Chen Chao snorted coldly, ignored this guy, and got on the carriage.

Weng Quan quickly sat up, pulled up the reins, turned around and asked, "Sir, where are we going?"

"Zuowei Yamen."

Chen Chao's voice came from the carriage.

Weng Quan was overjoyed and said with a grin, "As a low-ranking official, I know that you are generous and nostalgic!"

Chen Chao, who was in the carriage, listened to the word "nostalgia" and looked at the carriage that had been with him for who knows how long. He was speechless for a long time.

I don’t want to miss this old thing!

…

…

After autumn, rumors began to spread in the city of God among the aristocratic families and the court, saying that His Highness the Crown Prince had taken a fancy to a female monk from outside the country and wanted to make her the Crown Princess.

This news has just come out, and everyone, whether it is the public or the academy, is a little shocked. Such things have indeed happened in the past dynasties, but they were all done by monks outside the country in order to control the imperial power, and Most of those emperors who made female monks from outside the country their queens were just puppets throughout their lives. After the founding of the Liang Dynasty, this matter never happened again for more than two hundred years. Now, although it is obvious that it is not the same thing, it always It will make these people feel a little incredible.

But soon afterwards, at the academy, the acting dean of the academy gave a lecture. Later, the acting dean made it clear that it was a good thing to laugh at. Some scholars asked where the best place was. That person was already a saint. The acting dean said, one moment and another, it was forced to be like this at first, but now it is Daliang who wants to do it, of course it is good.

With the acting dean taking the lead, the resistance to this matter among scholars was no longer high. Later, I heard that the ancestor of the Xie family, who had not been seen for a long time, had also sent out invitations to all the heads of the famous families. After a while, Xie also mentioned this matter. The attitude of Xie's ancestor was exactly the same as that of the Zhou sage.

These two are here

People with high status in the Liang Dynasty expressed their attitude. In fact, the opposition voices suddenly became much smaller, but some courtiers still insisted on this matter.

But the most surprising thing was that some courtiers later paid a visit to the Prime Minister who had resigned but still had great influence in the court. The latter actually gave the same attitude as the first two.

In this way, there is actually no resistance to the matter.

As for the military attaches, they were happy to see this kind of thing come to fruition. The only dissatisfaction of this group of military officers was that this foreigner woman should not be the crown prince, but it would be better if she was a concubine.

But even if there was something bad, no one would say anything bad. After all, although the guardian envoy still did not attend the court meeting, everyone knew that he had returned to the capital.

Different from the complicated emotions of the civilian officials, no one on the military attaché side would question the guardian envoy whose meritorious service was so great.

If we look at the prestige of the Chen Dynasty separately, he has the lowest prestige among the civil servants in the court, followed by the common people. The ones who respect him the most are the military officers.

After this incident, during a court meeting, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince appointed Master Zhang, who was now teaching in the academy, as the new Prime Minister. The courtiers knew of Master Zhang’s knowledge and reputation, so there was no resistance. It was just that the decree was conveyed to the academy. He was declined by Master Zhang, and the same happened the second time.

The third time His Royal Highness the Crown Prince went to the academy in person to invite Master Zhang to come out. Master Zhang was deeply moved and decided to come out and serve as the Prime Minister of the Liang Dynasty.

Under these two things, the other thing seemed a bit minor. A black-clothed monk entered the Ministry of Household Affairs and became a Yuanwailang. His official position was not high, so not many people paid attention to it. However, I heard that this black-clothed monk Before becoming an official, he once entered the palace and had a half-day conversation with His Highness the Crown Prince.

As for Chen Chao, apart from the necessary things these days, he did two things in his free time, teaching boxing during the day and practicing at night.

Yu Qingfeng originally looked forward to the master taking the initiative to teach boxing. He was also the one who cared most about martial arts practice. But when Chen Chao started to teach boxing wholeheartedly, Yu Qingfeng really complained.

My master's method of teaching boxing can be described as simple and direct. In the first few days, he taught his own boxing skills. After they practiced for a few days, they started the so-called "feeding boxing". , but that is not the least bit merciless. His master will never show any mercy except killing people.

On the first day, Yu Qingfeng was full of confidence, thinking that even if he couldn't defeat his master in the same situation, how could he still withstand hundreds of punches, right?

But the result was completely different from what he expected. The first time he was punched, he could only withstand three punches before being knocked away by one. Just when he wanted to give up, his master refused to stop. That day , Yu Qingfeng received a full fifty punches from his master, leaving him covered in bruises and breaking several bones. Finally, he ended the boxing session with difficulty in the dissatisfied eyes of his master.

After that boxing session, Yu Qingfeng stayed away from the ground for three days and relied on He Liang to feed him all his meals.

But after he recovered, he started to punch for the second time. This time Yu Qingfeng persisted in six punches, but was still knocked away by one punch. The scene after that was the same as the first punch.

But this time, I don’t have my good junior brother He Liang to feed me, because my master treats everyone equally, and my junior brother also received a good punch. However, He Liang was not as good as him, and under his master’s suppressive punches , only lasted two punches.

In the next two months, Yu Qingfeng and He Liang lived in a cycle of being beaten to recover from their injuries, and then continued to be beaten after their injuries healed.

During this period, the little girl Jiang Xiaoan came here and saw the tragic situation of these two people. She was extremely lucky that she did not learn boxing at that time, but instead practiced swordsmanship.

But hardship is hard work. Although Yu Qingfeng felt uncomfortable, he could still accept it. The most unacceptable thing was that the Yu Da Sword Immortal came here from time to time, and his words were different every day. The first time was about why you, Uncle Yu, can't even talk at this moment. No strength left?

Later, I came back and said why you, Uncle Yu, have not made any progress at all. Why can't you beat your master while you are fighting in the same situation?

Anyway, every time he comes, this world-famous great swordsman speaks differently, but every time he speaks, it's like drawing a sword and piercing Qingfeng's heart.

On the other hand, He Liang was much more silent. Every time his master threw him into the medicinal soup to weaken his body, he would ask his master if he would hold back again today.

Compared with her two senior brothers, Ning Qingnian, who was a closed disciple, was actually much better. Apart from using medicinal soup to strengthen her body, she was actually learning more about Chen Chao's sword skills.

You must know that the Chen Dynasty's sword skills were born out of the three strongest warriors at that time. They can be said to be the masters in the world today. People who use swords in the world recognize that the master of the Sword Sect is unparalleled. When it comes to using swords, it is this Lord Guardian who is proud of him. Heroes.

Dominate.

Yu Qingfeng also mentioned later that it would be okay to learn swordsmanship by himself in the future, but Chen Chao ignored it and just said that he would learn swordsmanship after practicing boxing.

However, although Yu Xiyi sneered at Qingfeng every time he came here, he still envied these two little guys from the bottom of his heart. When chatting with He Liang later, he rarely said a few sincere words.

Your master's current achievements are all achieved through fighting in life and death. If you are not careful, you will drink hatred on the spot. You will also suffer, but at least your life is not in danger, and you have such a most amazing martial artist in the world. Boxing, is this something ordinary people can imagine?

So you silly boy, don’t be ignorant of the blessings in your life. If you can grit your teeth and persevere, grit your teeth and persevere. Your martial arts realm is the great way to the sky that your own master has forcibly smashed for you.

If I were a martial artist, I would wish to have Chen Chao beat me up every day.

But even though he said that, in fact, with Yu Xiyi's temperament, he probably wouldn't be willing to be beaten like a sandbag every day.

It's just that my back doesn't hurt when I stand and talk.

Yu Qingfeng asked angrily why Yu Xiyi was not stricter on his close disciple Jiang Xiaoan and took him every day

Thousands of swords are stabbed on it.

As a result, Yu Xiyi kicked him down and said with a sneer, do you think we sword cultivators are you weak-legged warriors? You need to endure this every day, it depends on your understanding, do you understand? !

Besides, he is my own disciple, can he compare with stepmothers like you?

As a result, when Yu Xiyi finished saying this, Chen Chao came over expressionlessly, wanting to shake hands with Yu Xiyi.

Maybe his apprentice Jiang Xiaoan was there that day. Yu Xiyi slapped the table, stood up and said, let's fight. Who is afraid of whom?

There was really a battle between a great swordsman and a peerless martial artist that day, but no one knew the final outcome.

All I know is that after that day, Yu Xiyi didn't show up at Zhulou for half a month.

The days pass by, watching autumn pass, and winter comes as promised.

The New Year's Eve is not far away.

A heavy snowfall makes the city of God turn white.

It was a rare day without feeding. The exhausted Yu Qingfeng hid in the house to sleep, and Chen Chao set up a stove in the yard to bake.

He Liang, who was covered in bruises, and Ning Qingnian, who was quiet, sat next to their master.

Chen Chao put a few pieces of charcoal into the stove, then turned it over, squeezed it with his hands, picked up one and threw it to He Liang. He picked up the other one, peeled it carefully, and handed it to Ning Qingnian beside him.

After Ning Qingnian took a bite, her eyes turned into crescent moons when she smiled.

He Liang peeled it off with great effort and handed it to his master. Chen Chao did not refuse, but after taking it, he said softly, "A lot of times, you have to slow down to see the skills."

While talking, Chen Chao handed another one to He Liang. The latter nodded, and then said with some distress, "Master, are my qualifications really average?"

Chen Chao glanced at He Liang and said calmly, "Who are you competing with? Comparing with my master? In that day, martial artists all say that they are stupid in front of their master."

There was nothing wrong with what he said. He Liang also said, "Then I definitely can't compare with Master, just compare with Senior Brother Yu. Am I far behind?"

"Is it very far? I don't think so. Yu Qingfeng is worse than you in terms of qualifications, but not as good as you in terms of character. The gap is still big now, but there is no rush in the journey of cultivation. If one day, you two become the same Realm, your senior brother probably won’t win against you.”

In fact, Chen Chao also thought about whether to force these two little guys to fight in the same realm once, but in the end he gave up after thinking about it. After doing this kind of thing, it would be okay if He Liang lost, but for Qingfeng. He said that if he loses, his Taoist heart will be damaged a lot.

"Whether it is a martial artist or a monk in this world, they are just like the stars in the sky. Can you count them clearly? If you can't count them, there is actually no need to compare who is bigger or who shines brighter. If there is no battle between life and death, then Just do your own thing and don’t care what others do?”

"Yu Qingfeng aims to be the strongest in the world. Xiaohe, you are not, and you don't have to be."

Chen Chao bit it and felt a lot. Once upon a time, he was still a boy. In the blink of an eye, he was no longer a boy, he was already the master of several children.

He Liang nodded, looked at Chen Chao's expression, and asked, "Master, do you miss your wife? I heard from Sister Liu Ye that my wife's favorite thing is the one baked by the master."

Chen Chao smiled and did not hide it, "Think about it, why don't you think about it, but you can only think about it. She has her own things to do, and Master also has his own things to do, and they can't escape. "

He Liang sighed and said, "Master and Mistress cannot stay together. They must both feel a little disappointed, right?"

Chen Chao smiled and said, "I can't say I'm disappointed. I might be a little disappointed, but there's nothing I can do about it. She's so brilliant, and she's so... amazing as a teacher."

Jiang Xiaoan would often sneer at his master's boasting, but He Liang sincerely felt that this was the case every time.

Ning Qingnian ate, and many times, when her master and senior brother were talking, she would just watch quietly.

After eating one piece, he threw the skin into the stove. Chen Chao smiled and said, "Why don't you stop feeding me until the New Year?"

After hearing this, Ning Qingnian looked up at his senior brother, wondering how his senior brother would respond.

As a result, He Liang shook his head honestly and said, "Master's fist is hard-earned, I have to cherish it."

Chen Chao laughed loudly. His apprentice was too honest.

Although he had made up his mind that no matter what He Liang said, Wei Quan would not change, but he felt relieved after hearing this sentence.

Xiao He was still Xiao He, without any change.

He Liang thought about it, and suddenly said, "Does the master need to spend some time practicing? If so, then I won't delay the master."

Chen Chao said, "Xiao He, are you trying to use this excuse to avoid Wei Quan?"

He Liang smiled, neither saying yes nor no.

You see, I have become smarter, right?

Chen Chao reached out and rubbed the boy's head, saying, "After the New Year, the master will go out for a trip."

Hearing this, He Liang felt a little disappointed, but he only asked, "Where is the master going this time?"

Chen Chao narrowed his eyes and said nothing.

He Liang had no choice but to stop asking.

Chen Chao suddenly said, "Didn't you think about traveling around the world before? Are you going out with the master this time?"

He Liang suddenly became energetic and nodded repeatedly.

Chen Chao turned around and rubbed Ning Qingnian's head, smiling and saying, "Not too long."

After saying this, Chen Chao stood up, clapped his hands, and shouted to the bamboo building, "Yu Qingfeng, come out and fight me!"

Yu Qingfeng was sleeping soundly in the bamboo building. When he heard this, he sat up in shock and cried, "Master, didn't you say you would take a day off today?!"