The Khitans settled down in the pavilion.

In the next few days, Han Gang would come to visit every day and talk to Xiao Xi about some inconsequential gossip. Talking about heaven and earth, that is, not talking about personnel.

During this period of time, Xiao Xi did not start to extort money and ask for land and New Year's coins, but chatted honestly as a Zhengdan envoy like in previous years.

But Han Gang understood that this was just a calm, false peace before the beast was about to start hunting. It's just because Xiao Xi still doesn't know if they have begun to cooperate with his actions in China.

The road is separated by thousands of miles, and even if we meet in advance, there will be many unexpected accidents in the middle, so that it is difficult to plan and plan. But there is one thing that makes the method of blocking the inside and outside not work: the envoy and the country can communicate the message by letter. When Fu Bi was negotiating in Liao, he could even receive a letter from home, and of course it was impossible to stop the letter sent by Liao to Xiao Xi, and it was almost impossible to see the content of it.

Han Gang believed that Xiao Xi would receive the letter soon, and that would be when the real confrontation began.

It was in this peaceful time that Han Jiang finally arrived in the capital.

As the prime minister of Xuanma for the third time, it should be the Son of Heaven who respects and the ministers who are afraid, and the protégés are innumerable, stomping their feet, and half of the court is trembling. Han Qi, Fu Bi, and Wen Yanbo, although they do not have the glory of the three times of the capital, they are still the characters who have to go to the emperor to greet him every year.

But Han Jiang is an exception, in general, he has served as prime minister twice before, but he has been a director in the political hall for less than two years, which is too short. It's not enough for him to develop enough prestige and connections.

Han Jiang served as prime minister for the first time, so that he could sit in the position of Xuanfu on the two roads of Hedong in Shaanxi Province and command the first battle of Hengshan. If it is successful, of course, you can return to the court with the merit of pouring heaven and become a veritable prime minister. It's a pity that he failed, and he didn't even sit on the throne of the political hall and dismissed the prime minister.

The second time he became prime minister, it was after Wang Anshi's first resignation as prime minister, in order to ensure that the new law was not abolished, he recommended Han Jiang to replace him and promoted Lu Huiqing. In the planning process, the joint efforts of one phase and one can fully escort the new law. It's a pity that Han Jiang and Lu Huiqing fought first, but they were suppressed by Lu Huiqing, who was more well-connected. After the last, Han Jiang had enough and invited himself out.

These two visits to the prime minister have made the world see Han Jiang's incompetent side, and such a weak prime minister will only be embarrassed. This time he can come back to Xiangguo again, and it is privately rumored that it is only because of his origin.

Meet the queen, meet the prince, and then go to the Funing Hall to greet the Son of Heaven, looking at the seriously ill bedridden Son of Heaven sighed for a while, and the prime minister officially entered the political hall.

On Han Gang's side, in addition to going to the temple to discuss matters and accompanying guests every day, the time he spent on the Privy Council side also became longer. He was rummaging through the Privy Council's cabinet vault for records of old negotiations. Whether Xiao Xi wants land or New Year's coins, having a record of the past in hand is a good card.

In the early afternoon, Han Gang was in a small hall specially arranged for him in the Privy Council, buried in a pile of old papers. A small official hurriedly came, saying that Zhang Dian and Xue Xiang had an urgent matter to discuss.

Han Gang immediately put down the scroll in his hand, got up and followed the little official to the main hall.

When they arrived at the ground, Zhang Dian and Xue Xiang were there. As soon as he saw Han Gang, Zhang Dian handed over a piece of music.

Han Gang unfolded it and skimmed it hastily, then closed the note from the new privy envoy. "Brother Zihou, Brother Zizheng, what do you think?" He asked.

"This is Sima Zhao's heart." Zhang Dun was unceremonious.

What Lu Huiqing wants to do, as Zhang Dian said, is known to passers-by. Basically, as long as you have a little understanding of the old things and Lu Huiqing's identity, then the answer is about to come out.

“…… But it's a good idea. Han Gang thought for a moment and then said, "Isn't it? He asked, looking at Xue Xiang.

Xue Xiang was silent for a moment, then nodded, "Indeed." ”

"Where's Brother Zihou?" Han Gang also consulted Zhang Dian for his opinion.

Zhang Dian said categorically: "I won't let Lu Jifu pick up the bargain alone, the foolish brother is the one who will not let it!" ”

Xue Xiang picked up the teacup and bowed his head to drink. Without the rank of Jinshi, he is not qualified to compete with Zhang Dian, so he does not have too many ideas. But he was still a little skeptical, "Can it really be done?" ”

"The two ministers in the political hall have arrived, and there is also Zhang Diming, and Han Yuru has not left yet. And on the Xifu side, there are two deputy envoys, Brother Zihou and Brother Zizheng. Even though the east wind has always prevailed over the west wind, it should not be excessive. Han Gang smiled, "Moreover, there must be a balance between inside and outside, right?" ”

Although he didn't say it explicitly, the three of them knew what Zhang Dian wanted by taking this opportunity.

"I'll let Lu Jifu get his wish." Zhang Dian clapped, "Anyway, stopping him will cause trouble in vain, what if he stays in Shaanxi?" It's just Yukun. He looked at Han Gang, "The queen's side ......"

"It's not just the queen, the Funing Palace must be out of the house."

"Needless to say, the foolish brother will go and discuss it with the minister." Zhang Dian said, "But Han Zihua and Cai Zhizheng are not easy to say. ”

"They don't need their consent to do so. If something happens after the opposition, will they be able to afford it? Han Gang got up as he spoke, ready to say goodbye and leave.

"Yukun." Xue Xiang stopped Han Gang, "Are you going to put it in Hebei, or in Jingdong?" ”

"When it is like the old meaning of the elder brother. Otherwise, it will inevitably seem too aggressive, and there will be less room for maneuvering. Han Gang smiled, "Who told Lu Jifu to stay in Kansai?" In this way, Kanto will have to leave a little room to move around. ”

Coming out of the Privy Council, Han Gang went back to Taichang Temple first. On Wang Anshi's side, he is not going to go over today, and he will talk about it tomorrow - I think that today Zhang Dian will try to contact Wang Anshi - he came out of Xuande Gate and went home, and walked to Wang Anshi's Cidi, but it was a long detour.

Hearing Han Gang's movement, Su Song didn't move, and asked without raising his head while moving his pen: "Yukun, have you heard of Lu Jifu's new concerto?" ”

It's only been a long time! It all reached Su Song's ears!

Han Gang suddenly felt that if he entered the political affairs hall, the first thing he would do was to purge all the officials who had entered the Yintai Division. The content of the important ministers of the frontier was leaked so quickly, so it was so delayed overnight that it would be passed on to the outside world!

Sitting down, he replied, "Of course." It was just sent to Xifu. ”

"What exactly does Lu Jifu want to do? Is it really because the Liao people who saw Xingling were about to move, and they didn't dare to leave Jingzhao Mansion suddenly? ”

Han Gang smiled coldly, "Zhang Zihou said that he is the heart of Jin Taizu, I don't know if Brother Zirong knows?" ”

Su Song put down his pen and looked up at Han Gang directly: "Xuanfu Envoy!?" ”

"Nature." Han Gang nodded, it was not surprising that Su Song could guess, Lu Huiqing's thoughts were too obvious, "What Lu Jifu wants will only be a Shaanxi Xuanfu." ”

"So that when he returns, he will be able to sit firmly in the position of the head of the West Mansion?"

"Of course." Han Gang tugged at the corners of his mouth and showed a sarcastic smile, "Could he have other ideas?" ”

Look at Han Jiang, in order to let him sit firmly in the position of Xuanfu on the two roads of Shaanxi and Hedong, he worshiped him as the prime minister. For a term of Shaanxi Xuanfu, of course, only the governor or privy envoy is qualified.

If Lu Huiqing returned to Beijing directly after receiving the errand of the privy envoy, how could he suppress the deputies in the privy council? Lu Huiqing has participated in political affairs, and in the years when he participated in the reform of the law in the center, he was even more. In Kyobaiji, he has a lot of influence. If you return to the political hall, you will only be able to participate in the governor's affairs, and you will still be able to compete with the prime minister.

But he is now going to the Privy Council, and when it comes to the right to speak on military issues, Zhang Xuan, who has made great military achievements and shocked southern Xinjiang, Xue Xiang, who is in charge of military spending and has outstanding talents in logistics and transportation, and even Han Gang, who is outside the Privy Council, he can't compare with any of them. The way to change this situation is to either try to transfer to Dongfu, or simply establish a plausible military merit.

Lu Huiqing chose the second one - if Han Gang chooses it, he will definitely choose the latter - this is the difference between active and passive. Moreover, military merit can not only be used for a while, but also in the future, and it is also one of the best reliance when promoted to prime minister. It's much better than trying to ask the Son of Heaven for mercy.

"It's not easy." Su Song smacked his lips, "Are Zhang Zihou and Xue Zizheng ready to help?" ”

In the position of Zhang Dian and Xue Xiang, it must be inconvenient to openly obstruct Lu Huiqing's calculations. Even if he interfered and made it impossible for the Shaanxi Xuanfu Envoy to be established, Lu Huiqing was still a privy envoy after he came back, and he pressed on their heads. Isn't this unpleasant for yourself? Even if he wants to ruin Lu Huiqing's good deeds, he will only act in secret. On the surface, it is either neutral or supportive, and it is impossible to oppose it explicitly.

"It's good for them." Han Gang said, "Now just look at the Dongfu side." ”

"What about the officials?" Su Song narrowed his eyes, and his eyes deepened.

"Where are Wang Yuyu and Uncle Lu Hui now?" Han Gang asked rhetorically.

Su Song sighed, indeed, the Son of Heaven can't suppress the courtiers who have different intentions now, otherwise how could Wang Qi and Lu Gongzhu go out? After a few sighs, he asked Han Gang again: "What about you, Yukun?" What do you think? ”

Han Gang chuckled: "Little brother, I can't wait for Lu Jifu to stay outside for a few more years." ”

Seeing the smile on Han Gang's face, Su Song understood. Han Gang's mind has never been on the official position. The five rejections of the Privy Councillor's edicts have amply demonstrated this.

"Lu Jifu has never had the experience of leading a leader." Su Song reminded Han Gang. It's okay to calculate, but if you forget it, you have to eat the bitter fruit.

"It's good that Lu Jifu has been on Yongxing Military Road for so long." Han Gang wasn't worried, "And it's okay for others." Lu Jifu's intelligence, ability, and mental skills are not under Zhang Zihou, especially the younger brother. With him guarding Kansai, and he is mainly guarding the palace, which is much more secure than Han Xianggong back then. ”

To be honest, when it comes to his performance in Chang'an, Lu Huiqing is much more reliable than Sima Guang, and he should be above Han Jiang. The so-called 'newcomers' promoted by Wang Anshi back then may have something debatable in their conduct - in fact, the veterans of the old party are also ordinary - but in terms of ability, they are by no means inferior to those famous ministers. If you change the environment and don't participate in the change, you can still stand out.

At first, Lu Huiqing was recommended by Ouyang Xiu and other famous ministers, and was full of praise for his knowledge, talent and personality, so he was recommended to Wang Anshi. With him guarding Shaanxi, he is by no means worse than anyone else.

"And the Xuanfu Division was established," Han Gang smiled, "It's also a good thing for the junior brother to do a good job of the errand in hand." ”

Su Song was silent for a while, and then spoke again: "Yukun, do you know the Dao." Before you come back, Cai Zhizheng entered the palace. ”