Chen Xi entered Nanjing City at noon and went to Gongya District in Zhengyangmen to contact Nanjing’s Ministry of Revenue, Ministry of War, and Ministry of Works after contacting the work, the sun was still hanging high in the air.

At this time, Chen Xi could have left Nanjing City directly and returned to the camp to spend the night, but he had already prepared a banquet for him to welcome him, and as the main leader, he really had no way to refuse.

Because during the conversation with Wang Zhuo and Wang Zuo, Chen Xi had already stated that he would visit the Zhongshan Palace of Duke Xu Qi of Wei, so when he finished his business, he did not insist on leaving the Ministry of Revenue. Under the compliment of many people, Chen Xi finally decided to go to the banquet.

The Zhongshan Prince's Mansion is located near Confucius Temple, only three streets away from Gongya District, and it only takes a quarter of an hour to take a bus.

The Zhongshan Palace was very lively that day. Although Xu Qi couldn't stand the same with Chen Xi in terms of face, he could only swallow his anger in some things for the sake of Jiangnan's power.

With Xu Qiu's age, what he cares more about is that Chen Xi's success is a young man, and he is angry that he is as Xu Da's legitimate grandson but has to surrender to his younger generation!

But in fact, Xu Qiu was inexplicably awe of Chen Xi, the most powerful minister in the court. He said he wanted to draw a clear line with Chen Xi, but in fact he honestly followed Xu Cheng's advice and held a banquet and hospitality at the mansion.

When Chen Xi arrived at the gate of the Zhongshan Prince's Mansion, Xu Qi personally brought people out to greet him. There were no less than twenty officials from Jinling and officials behind him. This was the situation that occurred when the Sixth Ministry of Nanjing, Yingtian Prefecture, Shangyuan, and Jiangning County were still on duty. In addition, there were a large number of gentry who were not qualified to go out to welcome him, so they could only stand in the yard and wait patiently.

When he got off the carriage, Wang Zuo, who was in the same carriage, said to Chen Xi: "Jiang Shangshu of Nanjing's Ministry of Rites, has just passed away, and the court has not decided to replace him now. If Zhihou can make a comment to Your Majesty, remember to mention it."

Before Chenxi arrived in Jinling City, a big boss happened to die in the six ministries of Nanjing. He was a veteran of the three dynasties. Jiang Lan, who was the Minister of Rites in Nanjing, died while in office. Because Jiang Lan died, the Nanjing Ministry of Rites was also a retirement yamen. The court did not give an answer to who would replace Jiang Lan for the time being... This is also related to the fact that the emperor is not concerned about the court affairs now, Xie Qian and Zhang Yuan, the chief supervisor of the Sili, argued with each other and fought in secret.

Chen Xi just nodded slightly and did not make a clear statement.

In front of the Zhongshan Prince's Mansion, Xu Qi brought people to greet him, with a polite smile on his face.

What is more solemn than the welcome outside the city is that in addition to officials and gentry representatives, there are also a large number of people watching. At this time, outside the gate of the Zhongshan Palace, firecrackers were ringing, drums and music were clamoring, lion dances, dragon dances, stilts and other welcome methods were all launched, just like celebrating the Spring Festival.

The people outside the city cannot disturb the people, but there are not many taboos in front of the Zhongshan Palace. Xu Cheng seemed very attentive to arrange the greetings, for fear of neglecting them.

After the sound of firecrackers stopped, Xu Qi stepped forward and smiled and said, "Zhihou, let's go in and talk. The fellow villagers in Jiangnan have high hopes for you to lead the army to suppress the rebellion. Many celebrities and scholars admire your talent and will be introduced to you later." After that, he grabbed Chen Xi's arm, looked very close, and walked in with him.

Many people greeted Chen Xi along the way, some called Shangshu Chen, some called Lord Shen or Young Master Chen, but more people called Chen Xi Duke Chen, who looked at him as the mainstay of the great Ming Dynasty.

In the past, no matter how high Chen Xi's official position was, he would still be polite when he saw those marquises. After all, these people were hereditary and were of superb status in the court. However, now he doesn't have to care too much etiquette, because his status is far above these people, and only Xu Qiu can barely be on an equal footing with him. This is based on only treating him as a duke. In fact, Chen Xi's title is more like an empty title, and the Minister of Personnel and Minister of War, who he serves as the Minister of Personnel are the big ones.

When I arrived in the yard, colorful flags were flying in my sight, and big red lanterns could be seen everywhere, looking festive.

In the spacious yard, in addition to officials and nobles, there were also a large number of gentry representatives waiting for him. When they saw Chen Xi, they came over and introduced themselves enthusiastically. Some were also introduced by Xu Qin, and the scene was noisy.

Chen Xi nodded politely in response, as if he was a routine matter, but he wrote down all the names of these people in detail, and even observed some of them and found some small details.

"Zhihou, the banquet is held in the main hall, and I will invite you inside."

Xu Qi pulled Chen Xi into the main hall of the Zhongshan Prince's Mansion. Many people who had not had time to express their closeness to Chen Xi wanted to go in, but were blocked by Wang Zhuo and others. At this time, the generals and guards of the Zhongshan Prince's Mansion also came forward to help maintain order, and the slightly chaotic scene was controlled.

Chen Xi stepped into the main hall, and Xu Qi turned his head and said with a little apology: "Zhihou, Nanjing gentry has long heard of your name. Today I have seen it too enthusiastically, don't be surprised."

Chen Xi smiled and said, "How could it be? I am honored."

"That's good, that's good."

Xu Qi made a gesture of invitation and pointed to a round table in front and said, "Let's go to the table now, it won't take too long, and there will be some fun programs in the future... Don't go back tonight, stay in the mansion for the night, I will prepare your bedroom."

Chen Xi shook his head and said, "I am used to living in the army, so I can't bother you in the mansion for too long. Please forgive me, Mr. Xu!"

Wang Zhuo next to him smiled and said, "How can this be? Since I came to the banquet, I will never return drunk. Today I have good wine and food. I usually don't want to take out the good wine he has treasured for many years."

"hehe……"

A group of people laughed apologetically, which seemed a bit funny to Shen Xi. She smiled but said nothing at the moment. At the invitation of Xu Qi, she sat in the position of the head. Even Xu Qi deliberately made way out of the main position, meaning that she could not sit on an equal footing with Chen Xi, so she would hold Chen Xi to a very high position.

As for the others, according to their respective identities and status, there were several empty seats on the main table. It was obviously the six important officials who came to the banquet after the breaking class.

Xu Qi did not pour wine for Chen Xi, and said with a smile: "I know you are coming, you are here. I have specially prepared good wine, which have been aged for decades. Oh, by the way, I also invited people from the Jiaofangsi to come and cheer them up. Wu Nong Ruyi, Tanci Kun District is a scenic spot in Jiangnan. You may not be able to see it in the north."

Wang Zhuo smiled at the side and said, "Duke of Wei has always mentioned Shangshu Shen in front of others recently, saying that he would regret meeting you too late, and this meeting will definitely bring good hospitality."

Chen Xi smiled and said, "It's a pity that the new eunuch Zhang Yongzhang, the governor of Nanjing, has not arrived. Otherwise... he should have been invited to the banquet together, so that Mr. Xu would have to prepare two more banquets."

It seemed like he was joking, but at this moment the atmosphere in the main hall became subtle. After all, many things did not break through the window paper. Everyone knew why Xu Qi invited Chen Xi, but because Xu Qi himself did not explain the intention to Chen Xi, others would not interfere in their own affairs.

What Chen Xi said seemed to be pouring water on the window paper. Now no one needs to stretch out his finger to pierce it. As long as a gust of wind blows, it will break through the opening.

Now who will be the wind has become the biggest problem.

As the host, Xu Qi should have taken over, but he had many taboos and could only keep silent. As a result, Wang Zhuo, the right assistant minister of the Nanjing Ministry of War, was pushed out, and among the people present, he could only change the topic.

Sure enough, Wang Zhuo took the initiative to break the silence and said, "I heard that Eunuch Zhang is about to arrive in Nanjing. If Mr. Chen stayed for one or two more days, I think he could meet him. The banquet would definitely be more lively by then."

"Yes, yes, I will definitely let the two VIPs return satisfied by then." Xu Qi took the speech, with a smile on his face and the paper on the window was not moving.

Those present thought Wang Zhuo and Xu Qiu would blow this breath, but they just flicked and yelled, and there was a layer of fog on the window paper.

Chen Xidao: "I heard that Eunuch Zhang is about to arrive in Jiangnan. This time he came as the eunuch of the East Factory, the chief eunuch of the Secretariat and the admiral. I wonder if the vacancy of the Minister of War in Nanjing will be directly decided by the court after his arrival?"

Before the window paper was pierced, Chen Xi poured a basin of water on another window. No one present expected that Chen Xi would make it open and honest, because most people had no direct relationship with the power dispute in Nanjing, and they just came to the banquet as guests, so they were not interested in what Chen Xi said.

Xu Qi said: "That's right, I have actually submitted a memorial to the court before. Wang Shilang has a deep qualification and has led his troops as a civil servant. He has served as deputy envoy of Guizhou and Qiongya soldiers. He has also served as the Censor of Guangxi, Right Governor of Guangdong, Left Governor of Sichuan, etc. He has been in the position of Right Governor of Nanjing Ministry of War for six years and has been in charge of military and political affairs in an orderly manner. I hope to work with him to manage the Jiangnan army well and prevent the Japanese pirates from spreading from the coast to the inland."

Wang Zhuo immediately stated: "That's true, the Xiaguan hopes to stabilize the southern Zhili and Zhejiang areas, and lay a solid foundation for Shangshu Chen to pacify the sea border."

The previous layer of window paper was not broken, but Xu Qi and Wang Zhuo made it clear about the matter of the Secretary of the Ministry of War in Nanjing, and even had a little intention of self-exploding privacy. If they didn't say it out, others would know that they had discussed it privately without a solid evidence.

Originally, there was a competitive relationship between the Minister of War in Nanjing and the garrison ministers. Now the two are negotiating privately. If Wang Zhuo is really allowed to be the Minister of War, there is a possibility of forming a clique for personal gain.

This is obviously not the result the court hopes to see.

No one said anything. Wang Zhuo and Xu Qi looked at Chen Xi with a smile, waiting for a reply.

But Chen Xi stopped talking, but instead picked up the teacup and put it to his mouth and took a sip.

Wang Zuo was a little anxious and asked repeatedly: "Shangshu Chen, what do you think, but it doesn't matter. In fact, everyone present is not outsiders."

Chen Xi looked around and smiled: "What do you want to evaluate? This matter in the court was originally appointed by Your Majesty, and the North Korean Parliament gave proper arrangements... When I first arrived in Jiangnan, how could I take the lead? "

Xu Qi and Wang Zhuo expressed their determination just now, and they both seemed a little embarrassed at this moment.

Wang Zuo said helplessly: "Shangshu Chen is not just the Minister of War, but also the Minister of Personnel. I believe that Your Majesty will obey some of the words of Shangshu Chen... Now is the time when Jiangnan quenches the rebellion in the seas. I heard that Eunuch Zhang also received the order of Your Majesty to work with you to do the job."

"Yeah?"

Chen Xi smiled and asked back, "This is the first time I heard about it, but I don't know if the news is true."

Xu Qi said: "It should be true. Besides, even if Eunuch Zhang doesn't help you, can you help Zhihou? They are all working for the country and the country of Ming Dynasty. It's a pity that I am over 60 years old and cannot carry a gun to fight. Otherwise, wouldn't it be nice to fight with Zhihou?"

Xu Qi said so proudly, as if he really wanted to go into battle with Chen Xi to kill the enemy. Someone next to him praised: "Mr. Xu is still stronger, and he is really a role model."

Chen Xi smiled: "If Mr. Xu sincerely serves the court, his age is no problem. It is better to fulfill his wishes and report to His Majesty that Mr. Xu will join the army to fight together. How about we, the young and old, wipe out the Japanese pirates together?"

"ah!?"

Xu Qi didn't expect Chen Xi to follow his words, as if he was to fulfill his wishes, but in fact, these words were more like sarcasm for not knowing the current situation.

Xu Qi did not answer because he couldn't answer at all. He said it was not a bad or a bad one. He just expressed his ambitions. Not refusing to refuse now is equivalent to slapping himself in the face. His eyes looked at Chen Xi were full of resentment and resentment: "Why are you young man so unaware of the world? I said I wanted to fight side by side with you, but I was just a few polite words. Are you still serious?"

Chen Xi smiled and looked at Xu Qi, and his eyes seemed to respond: "As Duke of Wei, you should know what you say and do what you say, no one laughs at you."

Wang Zhuo quickly smoothed out the situation: "Mr. Xu is old and in poor health. Recently, he has been suffering from illnesses and is afraid that he will not be able to go to the battlefield with a young and strong person like Shangshu Chen."

Xu Qi followed the trend and said: "Yes, my health is not as good as back then. Even when I was young, I could not bear the tripod, but I had galloped across the battlefield to ensure peace in the Ming Dynasty... It's a pity that time has not forgiven others, so the general is not allowed to see white hair!"

“Yes, yes!”

A group of people were echoing again, but this time the voice was obviously much smaller than before. It was obvious that Chen Xi and Xu Qi were not in harmony, but more like they were picking on each other.

Although Xu Qiu has a high status in Nanjing, he cannot affect the center and is a local snake. Chen Xi is a powerful dragon crossing the river. Whether it is a noble or a civil servant, they are asked to choose a position between Shen Xi and Xu Qiu. They also know that they should curry favor with Chen Xi, a young and promising royal relative who is a royal minister.

Chen Xi was young and served as the Minister of Personnel and the Minister of War, which could bring substantial benefits to them and even descendants. Moreover, Chen Xi lacked wings in the south of the Yangtze River, so the words of the vassal at this time might have miraculous effects.

On the other hand, Xu Qi is old and has countless followers around him. It is too difficult to make Xu Qi trust him. That is, now he is in the Zhongshan Palace and needs to deal with it politely, otherwise they would rather ignore Xu Qi and concentrate on currying favor and flattering Chen Xi.

Facing Xu Qi's seemingly sincere rebuttal, Chen Xi said seriously: "If Mr. Xu follows Xia to fight, he doesn't have to stand on the front line. He just needs to sit firmly on the Diaoyutai and plan in the rear. He has experience in fighting on the battlefield of Xu Lao's battlefield, and a group of elite soldiers and generals brought by Mr. Xu, so he has more confidence in Xiaping Haigang."

Many people looked at Chen Xi and suddenly understood why Chen Xi proposed to Xu Qiu to go to the battlefield, not only to show their position, but also to consider the overall situation.

"Although Shen Zhihou is powerful, his military achievements are mainly obtained when fighting against the Tatars in the north. He is good at land warfare, which is different from the southern ship warfare and naval warfare. Didn't someone say that his troops and horses are not familiar with the waters and lands of the south? Perhaps he wanted to take the opportunity to propose recruiting troops with Duke Wei, but he might not have to make things difficult for others."

Xu Qi seemed to understand Chen Xi's difficulties, but he felt a little more proud in his heart, thinking to himself: "If you, Shen Zhihou, can you fight well, and you will be like a headless fly when you reach the Jiangnan territory? Now that I can help you?"

Xu Qi became serious, twisted his beard under his jaw and said, "It's not that I refuse you. It's because the Jiangnan area has not been in war for a long time. The soldiers are very determined to fight. I'm afraid they will not be able to fight against the Japanese pirates suddenly."

Chen Xi smiled and said, "I don't understand what Mr. Xu said very well. I actually hope that Mr. Xu will follow the army and that Mr. Xu will stabilize the overall situation in the army!"

"Ah!?" Xu Qi just raised a little momentum and felt that he was steadily suppressing Chen Xi, but unexpectedly, Chen Xi immediately led another army.

In love, Chen Xi is not going to second his troops, but to recruit him. Xu Qi was not sure that Chen Xi was making things difficult for him before. Now it is almost certain that Chen Xi is here to cause trouble for him. He thought to himself: "What is the use of my old bone on the battlefield? What can it really play a role in stabilizing the overall situation? Are you lying to the gods! Is it obvious that I want to mess with me, or to transfer me out of Nanjing to facilitate your control of the authority in Nanjing?"

"Yuhou, you!"

Xu Qiu stood up in anger, pointed at Chen Xi, showing annoyance on his face, and his true feelings were revealed.

But after he had an attack, he realized that the scene was not suitable. Wang Zhuo and Wang Zuo quickly stood up to persuade him. Wang Zhuo smoothed out and said, "Actually, Shangshu Chen has high hopes for you, Mr. Xu... He is a young man, not so familiar with the environment in Jiangnan. He hopes to get help from a respected senior like Mr. Xu. I respect you."

Wang Zuo also said: "Shangshu Chen may not be used to water wars, so he wants to ask Duke Wei for advice."

Xu Qi realized that he had lost his composure. Even if Chen Xi was really ridiculing him, his words were for the country and the people, and he even had the intention of asking for advice. He couldn't say that you expressed your intention to go to the battlefield and others would do so. You would just sing at someone else, and that person was your immediate boss, which was related to your strong dragon with a stable status in Jiangnan. How excited are you?

"Ahem."

Xu Qi coughed twice, blushed, and looked embarrassed, and smiled reluctantly, "Zhihou, don't get me wrong. I mean I want to get you some jars of good wine... You can continue first, the meal will start soon. I went into the inner hall and got the good wine and came out."

Everyone knows that this is fooling people, but no one present dares to comment on the things in front of him casually. Someone secretly glanced at Chen Xi, but found that Chen Xi had a smile on his face, as if he had no feelings at all. This young man could also turn against the enemy in the Zhongshan Palace, which is really amazing.

"Honey Mr. Xu, do you need help?" Wang Zhuo asked.

Naturally, he didn't go to help Xu Qi get wine, but wanted to go into the inner hall to discuss countermeasures with Xu Qi. However, Xu Qi did not understand Wang Zhuo's kindness and waved his hand: "Mr. Wang stays here to accompany the guests, and I will come when I go."

While talking, Xu Qiu looked a little embarrassed and went to the inner hall.

The people present looked at each other in a different way, and the atmosphere became subtle and awkward, silent... After Duke Wei left, only the only one who was qualified to talk to Chen Xi was the Minister of Revenue Wang Zuo in Nanjing. No one wanted to get involved in the dispute between Chen Xi and Duke Wei.

Wang Zuo picked up the teapot and greeted with a smile: "Shangshu Chen, I will give you tea. This is to thank the people of the Ming Dynasty for pacifying the northern border, eliminating the rebellion of the Central Plains, and ensuring peace in the Ming Dynasty!"
Chapter completed!