Chapter 231: The Two-Phase Struggle, the Situation in the Court

Gu Yankai's coffin was kept for 49 days and buried with the emperor.

He fought for decades, most of which were spent in the struggle with Xixia.

After his death, it is said that many Xixia generals who fought against him paid homage to Gu Yankai from afar on their own land.

This is the mutual respect between military generals.

Gu Yankai ended here, but the Gu family ushered in a new beginning.

Wei Yuan was not in a hurry to let Gu Tingye go to the army to serve, but planned to let Gu Tingye take up the post in March of the next spring.

The day before New Year's Day, Wen Yanbo returned to Beijing and served as Shangshu Ling, and together with Han Zhang, he commanded the six ministries, nine temples and hundreds of officials.

So far, in the later years of Zhao Zhen's dynasty, the "two-phase" era has arrived.

Later historians called this period of history the "two-phase dispute".

This dispute between two old ministers led by the emperor is also called the end of an era.

This year, perhaps because Zhao Zhen was bedridden, the court did not celebrate the arrival of New Year's Day, and even the annual banquet held by the court was cancelled.

Wei Yuan didn't want to go to that kind of occasion, so it was better to cancel it.

After New Year's Day, the nobles began to interact closely and win over each other, commonly known as "visiting relatives and friends."

Last year, all these things were arranged by Wei Yuan, and he was very annoyed.

But this year, there is no need to consider so much, because Zhang Guifen is here, and it is more appropriate to leave things like interpersonal relationships to her.

"I looked at the list of contacts that the official went to the nobles' houses at this time last year, but I didn't see the official going to the Sheng family. Why is that?"

Zhang Guifen checked the gift list and suddenly found this matter, and couldn't help but wonder.

Wei Yuan said, "Sheng's house? You mean to visit the eldest sister? I haven't been to the second sister's house either. We are siblings, so why should we go specially?"

Zhang Guifen said, "But the eldest sister's family and the second sister's family have sent gifts. It was fine before, but this year the master has married. If we don't go, won't it make outsiders know about it?"

Wei Yuan thought about it and said, "I will go to the second sister's house, and you go to the eldest sister's house, how about it?"

Zhang Guifen shook her head and said, "Master, either you don't go and let me go, or you and I go together, how can you go to one family and I go to another?"

"The eldest sister is naturally not afraid of her thinking too much, but what about our brother? Will he think too much?"

Wei Yuan didn't want to go to the Sheng family because he didn't want to see Sheng Hong.

This guy is too obsessed with officialdom. When there is a slight disturbance in the court, he wishes he could grow his legs in the loyal and brave mansion.

If he doesn't ask thoroughly and understand the ins and outs of some things, he will never leave.

Wei Yuan can imagine what Sheng Hong will ask him when he goes to the Sheng family.

It's nothing more than the government's re-employment of Wen Yanbo, what kind of impact will it have on the court situation, and how to stand on the side

Can Wei Yuan say such a thing?

He is a military merit!

Once it is said, it will be difficult for him to spread it out?

In addition, who the government employs is a national policy. With Wei Yuan's current status, it is not appropriate to think and talk too much about it.

Otherwise, if the world knows, they will think that the court is full of conspiracies and intrigues.

Even if Sheng Hong doesn't mention these things, he will talk about other things. In short, it must be related to his official position.

Wei Yuan is a military merit, and it's okay to promote military generals. If he really promotes a civil official, then the civil official won't dare to let him promote him?

But Sheng Hong always feels that there is no harm in following Wei Yuan.

The main reason is that Wei Yuan doesn't dare to take him as a teammate.

For fear of pitting himself.

Although Chen Daniu is stupid, he often gets into trouble. Some time ago, he went out for a drink and beat up a noble son.

But Chen Daniu is obedient! Where is Sheng Hong?

Just as Wei Yuan was silent, Zhang Guifen's voice came to his ears again,

"My husband and I just got married. It is reasonable for us to go to the eldest and second sisters' place together."

"Although the eldest sister is not the mistress of the Sheng family, she also has the status of an imperial edict. If we don't go, we will inevitably be looked down upon by the Sheng family again."

"The second sister looks careless on the surface, but in fact she is the most delicate. I have been to the eldest sister's place. If I don't go to the second sister's place, I am afraid that the second sister will be sad."

In the past, Wei Yuan never paid much attention to such interpersonal relations. It can be said that this is his shortcoming, but now with Zhang Guifen, he only needs to listen to the arrangements, which saves a lot of thoughts.

"You only talked about the eldest and second sisters. My father-in-law also has many relatives. Do you want to visit them too?"

Wei Yuan asked.

Zhang Guifen shook her head and said, "You don't have to worry about those trivial matters. I will visit them one by one another day."

Wei Yuan was moved when he heard it.

Going to her elder sister's and second sister's house was not a trivial matter in her mind.

As for going to Zhang's relatives' house, she was worried that they would not want to go, so she said it was a trivial matter.

With such a wife, what else can a husband ask for?

Wei Yuan held Zhang Guifen's delicate hand and said affectionately:

"There is nothing important in the court these days. I will go with you. You and I have just started a family, so there is no reason for you to go alone."

--

The next day.

Wei Yuan and his wife went to Sheng's house.

Before that, the Marquis's Mansion had already sent someone to notify the Sheng family, so early in the morning, Sheng Hong took Wang Ruofu, Wei Shuyi and others to wait outside the house.

For Sheng Hong, since the day Wei Yuan was conferred the title of Earl, the gap between him and Wei Yuan can be said to be a chasm.

Not to mention, Wei Yuan is now one of the top leaders in the court, and can directly participate in major national policies. He is a minister who has entered the center as a military general.

At this moment, in front of the Sheng family, Wang Ruofu and others looked anxiously at the street not far away, and said one after another:

"Calculate the time, it's time to come, right? Why hasn't it come yet?"

"Don't be anxious, just be patient and wait."

"Bai'er, Feng'er, you two must have a good drink with your uncle Wei family today."

"."

In the past, Wang Ruofu might have been jealous of Wei Shuyi because of Wei Yuan's existence.

But now it’s more about awe.

She knew very well that with Wei Yuan's current strength, Sheng Changbai's future could be cut off with just one sentence.

Therefore, she would never dare to cause trouble with Wei Shuyuan or cause any trouble due to jealousy over her.

"It's the convoy of the Zhongyong Hou Mansion. Uncle and the others are here."

At this moment, Minglan suddenly saw the convoy of the Hou Mansion approaching.

Without saying a word, Sheng Hong hurriedly greeted him.

"Brother Yuan, please let Brother Yu wait easily!"

Hearing this, Wei Yuan slowly got out of the carriage, and then personally helped Zhang Guifen down.

Wei Shuyi couldn't help but smile when he saw this scene.

A harmonious relationship between her younger brother and her younger siblings is naturally what she hopes for.

Minglan stood behind her and whispered:

"Some time ago, the official was unwell, and my uncle personally guarded the confinement in accordance with the official's order to prevent chaos."

"In those days, my aunt couldn't eat or sleep well, and she lost weight several times. Now that my uncle has been fine these days, I feel that my aunt's face has become a lot rounder."

Only Minglan, a woman, could detect these details.

As for Wei Yuan, at first he just thought it was Zhang Guifen who couldn't get used to the food in the Hou Mansion, so he changed his chef several times.

When Zhang Guifen heard about this, she didn't think anything of it, she just thought that Wei Yuan wanted to change his taste.

"Your little aunt really likes your uncle in her heart. When your uncle was in the southeast, she often complained to me, saying that your uncle didn't send anyone to send a letter even after he was gone for so long."

"At that time, I was even worried that your uncle would not marry her, and I couldn't sleep for several nights."

After hearing what her mother said, Minglan's eyes suddenly widened.

"What else is going on?"

While they were talking, Wei Yuan and his wife were already walking towards their mothers.

Zhang Guifen bowed and said, "Sister, happy New Year."

Minglan giggled and said, "Happy New Year, aunt."

Afterwards, Sheng Changbai and others said one after another:

"I've met my uncle and aunt from the Wei family. Happy New Year."

"."

After everyone said hello, Sheng Hong quickly welcomed Wei Yuan and his wife into the home.

Minglan held Brother Mu's hand and walked slowly.

When Wei Yuan saw this, he snatched Brother Mu directly from her hands, held him in his arms, and said happily:

"Brother Hao Mu, call me uncle quickly."

Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, Brother Mu is already three years old.

Wei Yuan still remembered that when he first saw this child, he couldn't walk very well.

"uncle."

Brother Mu said something obediently, and at the same time he hugged Wei Yuan's neck affectionately.

When Sheng Hong hugged him, he always looked reluctant.

Only Wei Yuan hugging him would not make him feel conflicted.

"Brother Mu is so good."

Wei Yuan hugged Brother Mu and strode forward.

Zhang Guifen followed behind and said quickly: "Brother Mu is still so young, don't throw him, be careful."

Before Wei Yuan responded, Brother Mu looked at Zhang Guifen with wide eyes, and suddenly said with a smile:

"Auntie. It's so beautiful."

One sentence made Zhang Guifen blush with shame.

Wei Yuan couldn't help laughing.

Later, Wei Shuyi and others also covered their mouths and smiled.

Zhang Guifen came forward, touched Brother Mu's round cheek, and said, "Tell me, why is my aunt so good-looking?"

Mugeer babblingly said: "Like a fairy."

Zhang Guifen smiled, found a priceless jade pendant from her body, handed it to Mu Geer's little hand, and said:

"With such a sweet mouth, I don't know how many women I will make happy in the future."

After Mu Ge'er's fuss, the original tension of everyone in the Sheng family disappeared, replaced by a more comfortable feeling.

It seemed as if the Wei Yuan couple standing in front of them at this moment were either the general, the wife of Yanmen County, or their own relatives.

Wait until you arrive at the main hall of the Sheng family.

Sheng Hong, Chang Bai and others chatted with Wei Yuan.

Wei Shuyi took Zhang Guifen to visit Mrs. Sheng first, and then chatted behind the screen in the main hall.

At this moment, in front of the main hall.

Sheng Hong chatted with Wei Yuan for a few words, and then asked about Wen Yanbo's appointment as minister.

"Brother Yuan, how will Mr. Wen's appointment as Shangshu Ling affect the current situation?"

As expected. Wei Yuan frowned slightly and said, "What do you want to know? Or what do you want to do?"

When the two of them talked about this topic, Sheng Changbai, who was sitting aside, looked at Sheng Changfeng, and then the two brothers found an excuse to leave.

As soon as they left, Sheng Hong hurriedly said: "Brother Yuan, I heard that Minister Wen has hired Mr. Ouyang. You also know that Brother Yu has just arrived as an errand at the Ministry of Household Affairs."

"I paid a special visit to Lord Ouyang a few days ago. Will Brother Yu be implicated in this matter?"

Due to Wang Anshi's drastic restructuring, many officials in various departments were laid off. Sheng Hong went to the Ministry of Household Affairs to fill the vacancies, but still held the position of Yuanwailang.

But in any case, the power held by Yuan Wailang from the Ministry of Household Affairs is greater than that from Yuan Wailang from the Ministry of Works.

Uncle Ouyang Yong was in charge of the household department. Before the New Year, Sheng Hong visited Uncle Ouyang Yong on the pretext of paying New Year greetings.

It is said that the two also discussed calligraphy and had a good time with each other.

As expected, Sheng Hong, with the support of Ouyang Yongshu, is expected to serve as a Langzhong of the Ministry of Revenue, which is the fifth rank.

Yuanwailang of the Ministry of Revenue is the fifth rank.

Don't underestimate this promotion. Once you take it, you will have a bright future.

Wei Yuan glanced at Sheng Hong and thought, if it weren't for his elder sister's face, he would have cursed.

Wen Yanbo complained to Ouyang Yongshu because he wanted to take control of the Ministry of Revenue and reduce Han Zhang's wings. It was a trap for big men.

The purpose was to change the status quo in the court.

But as a Yuanwailang, is this something you should worry about?

That's Wen Yanbo!

How could such a well-informed person do something to you? Wouldn't it be cheap?

"Brother, do what you should do. These things are not your turn to worry about, or you shouldn't worry about them."

"As the saying goes, do your job in your position. Thinking too much is not good."

Wei Yuan said tactfully.

Sheng Hong nodded repeatedly and said, "Brother Yuan is right, but I am too ignorant."

"Brother Yuan, will Lord Ouyang be sent out? Or will he no longer serve as the Minister of Revenue?"

Wei Yuan:.

Wen Yanbo's reason for impeaching Ouyang Yongshu was that he was "unvirtuous and lazy."

He even used rumors from the people to secretly point out that Ouyang Yongshu's relationship with his daughter-in-law was not normal.

Ouyang Yongxiu was so angry that he fell ill.

If this is not a naked slander, what is it?

But he couldn't say anything. Wen Yanbo also said that the relationship could be abnormal or normal.

This matter affected the official's reputation. Regardless of whether it was true or not, Ouyang Yongshu would definitely not be able to stay in the central government.

Han Zhang and others didn't expect that Wen Yanbo would be so ruthless as soon as he took office.

Even some conservatives such as Sima Junshi stood up to support Wen Yanbo.

Now we have to wait for the emperor's order, then Ouyang Yongshu will be demoted, and it is still unclear whether he can stay in the capital.

But Wei Yuan couldn't tell Sheng Hong about this matter directly.

The affairs of the court cannot be summarized in black and white.

"Brother, I still say that you should do your job well. As for the matter between Ouyang Yongshu and Wen Yanbo, you'd better not get involved."

"Brother, I'm not trying to scare you. At this juncture, if you show any signs of standing on the side, the final outcome will definitely not be good."

Hearing Wei Yuan say this, Sheng Hong agreed deeply and said:

"I understand, thank you for your guidance."

"I just thought about whether it is possible to go further at this juncture."

"I really neglected the seriousness of this."

He is a person who listens to advice.

Wei Yuan said so many things to him that he shouldn't say, in fact, it was also for the sake of his eldest sister's face in the Sheng family.

If Minglan and Muge'er weren't there, everything would be easy. I'm just afraid that Sheng Hong would get them into trouble because he chose the wrong side in the officialdom.

After all, even a figure like Ouyang Yongshu could hardly protect himself, let alone a small Sheng family?