After exhausting myself to death

"Lord." Seeing that the two reached a consensus, Xie Zhifei coughed lightly.

"The lord needs soldiers and horses in his hands. If it were someone else, he would have to raise the flag of rebellion and recruit people in the fields and forests. It is inevitable that the good and the bad will be mixed. It cannot be used without long-term training and rectification, but the lord is different. The lord is the crown prince of the Yong Kingdom, and his name is justifiable. The prince, Zizheng asks the lord to return to the country as soon as possible, first to settle the country of Yong, and then to plan for Yan Jin."

Xie Zhifei took a sip of tea and prepared to discuss with Shen Minghuan how to return to Yong Kingdom safely, how to seize power and then logically take over the army.

Shen Minghuan also coughed lightly: "Zizheng, since you are Gu's adviser, I should tell you some things."

"My lord, please speak." Xie Zhifei sat upright with a serious look on his face.

Seeing Shen Minghuan's serious expression, he immediately thought of many bad situations, such as being unable to return to the country due to Emperor Yan, and Shen Minghuan's situation in Yong Kingdom being even worse than he imagined.

for example……

Xie Zhifei's expression froze, he almost lost his grip on the cup in his hand, and interrupted in surprise: "Wait a minute, my lord, are you saying that the gangsters on Mingshan Mountain outside the city are yours?"

"What do you mean by a lonely person?" Shen Minghuan said dissatisfied: "This is called an ally!"

"They are mountain bandits who were forced to survive by the nobles of the aristocratic families. They are self-sufficient on Ming Mountain. They rob the nobles and accept many refugees. This has become a serious problem for the Yan State. We have the same ambition. We have common enemies and obstacles, so is there any problem in joining forces?”

Shen Minghuan said confidently: "Since we are united and Gu is smarter than them all, is there any problem in following Gu's command during the operation?"

"No wonder..." Xie Zhifei's eyes were a little dazed, "No wonder I heard that Li County would ask for help from Yecheng, but Yecheng's troops sent by the government could only return without success."

There are basically bandits wherever there are mountains in each country. They occupy the terrain and it is not easy to eradicate them.

Moreover, every time a large army moves out of camp, it costs a huge amount, so unless the threat from the other side cannot be ignored and the government allocates funds and orders it, the local governments usually treat it as unknown.

This time, the Mingshan bandits robbed the Duke of the current dynasty, and the loss of money was secondary. The main reason was that he had lost such a big face. The Duke must get the place back.

That's when the troops were dispatched from Yecheng, but the Duke didn't expect that they would be defeated.

Nowadays, everyone in the court is in danger because of the poisoning of the royal family. The Duke does not care about the little bandits outside the city, so he just lets it go.

Xie Zhifei suddenly remembered the gangsters in Hongcheng. Bandits broke into the nobles' farms and plundered them, and then burned down the slave market.

Nowadays, unrest is common everywhere, but the consequences of this incident are particularly bad for the imperial court.

The farm was just outside the city, not to mention that there were no soldiers stationed in Hongdu, so the court didn't pay too much attention to the opponent's strength. It just felt that it was a temporary negligence.

Xie Zhifei probably knew more clearly than what the local government reported to the emperor.

This turmoil started from within. It seemed that some people broke into the slave market to save their friends and killed a slave trader. Later, it turned into a melee between slaves, civilians and traders.

Afterwards, the turmoil became more and more serious. Someone took advantage of the turmoil and opened the city gate. The bandits marched straight in, walked around the city's warehouses gracefully, and finally left with a group of "rebels" who had caused the turmoil.

This thing seems ridiculous, but when you think about it deeply, it feels so natural that it is ordinary.

Xie Zhifei took a breath of cold air and said, "Master, the matter in Hongcheng is also related to you?"

Shen Minghuan blinked, "Liang Da, the leader of the Hongshan bandits, was rescued by an official family named Qi when he was young. Now that the family has been demoted as slaves, Liang Da is short of money and can only use other means to save people. "

"He went to the nearby Mingshan Mountain to ask Zhou He for help. Zhou He and he were on good terms with each other. As an ally, it's not too much to offer some small suggestions, right?"

He stretched out his fingers to indicate that it was indeed very small.

Xie Zhifei smiled bitterly, "Lord, what else have you done?"

"There aren't many, right?" Shen Minghuan wasn't sure either. He had buried a lot of strategies, and perhaps less than half of them worked.

He thought for a while and said seriously: "Besides allies, there is one more important thing. Gu and Wang Suizhi had a few brief contacts. Wang Suizhi was responsible for the transportation of military rations. Zizheng, Gu felt that this job was suitable for Gu."

Xie Zhifei understood, and he smiled gently and said: "Don't worry, my lord, there is a lot of money in transporting food, but I will give Mr. Wang an even more irresistible reason to refuse. In the court, I will trouble my lord to cover it up for you."

Emperor Yan would not allow any affairs related to the army to fall into the hands of other countries, so they had no choice but to make a fortune in silence.

As soon as the preliminary plan was discussed, the housekeeper knocked on the door and reported: "Sir, someone is coming from the palace. He said that he was summoned by His Majesty."

Suiqing's pupils shrank suddenly. He had just finished talking about such a treasonous topic, and the emperor suddenly wanted to see Shen Minghuan, which really shocked him.

The control that he could not escape in the past turned into a nightmare, and he suddenly regretted it.

Maybe he shouldn't tell Shen Minghuan what he wanted, maybe his death would be the best outcome.

Xie Zhifei stood up, with a slight worry on his brows, "It should be related to the third prince's poisoning."

"Peace of mind." Shen Minghuan said seriously: "Just so I have a debt to settle with His Majesty."

He gestured for Sui Qing to follow him, and before leaving, he turned around and smiled at Xie Zhifei, confident, proud and relaxed.

The nervousness and anxiety in Xie Zhifei's heart was swept away. He returned a gentle smile and began to believe in that future from the bottom of his heart and without reservation.

Believe that they will succeed in the end.

*

Before Emperor Yan could speak, he saw Shen Minghuan entering the palace with a cold face and a sulk on his face. He found a place to sit down by himself without saying a word, which was very rude.

Emperor Yan was a little dissatisfied, but in the end he was more curious. He said calmly: "My dear nephew, who made you unhappy? Just say, I will seek justice for you."

Oh, it's so strange that someone can make Shen Minghuan so angry?

The words were gentle, but the tone was not very warm. It was more like warning Shen Minghuan to curb his emotions.

Shen Minghuan was not only unafraid, but even said in a strangely sarcastic tone: "Your Majesty can always renege on your promises, how can there be any justice?"

Emperor Yan was confused: "When will I regret it?"

He lowered his face, "Could it be that someone said something to you in my name?"

"Your Majesty, are you shirking your responsibilities?" Shen Minghuan snorted and complained angrily: "Your Majesty, do you get less of the monthly dividends? Why do you need to use such vicious means to attack Gu's caravan? I told you Gu just wants to do business, and there is no threat to your country. Are you doing this for money, or are you targeting Gu? "

"What do you mean? What did I do?" Emperor Yan frowned.

He has no plans to break up with Shen Minghuan for the time being. This person is of great use. He wants Shen Minghuan to serve the Yan State.

Shen Minghuan said angrily: "Yesterday, Gu's caravan was robbed at the foot of Ming Mountain. Your Majesty can't say you don't know about it, right?"

Emperor Yan felt outrageous.

What does it have to do with him? This tone made it clear that he was the mastermind behind it.

Emperor Yan said displeasedly: "bandits are rampant, and being robbed and robbed is common. Even my prince was attacked by bandits a few days ago."

Forget it, be patient, Shen Minghuan has this kind of character, since he wants this person to do things for him, he should bear with it a little more.

"How dare you speak to His Majesty like this without evidence?" He dared.

Shen Minghuan put the tea cup on the table with a little force, and the ceramic collided with the wood, making a dull sound.

He took out a scroll from his sleeve and unfolded it, pointing at the pattern on it and gritting his teeth, "This is what they drew when Gu got the news and asked people to collect the body. Your Majesty, you should be able to tell that this broken arrow belongs to your Yan Kingdom." It’s an official product, right?”

"Qi Gu has long warned them to stay hidden along the way. They would rather spend time taking a detour to protect themselves. How could they be caught in one fell swoop? Besides Gu and Your Majesty, who else can know their route!"

Emperor Yan was about to laugh in anger, "Shen Minghuan, how could you fall for such a clumsy plan with your intelligence? I paid for the construction of your caravan, so why should I bother you?"

"That's impossible to say."

When Shen Minghuan saw how angry the other party was, he stopped being angry. He leaned on the chair and said slowly, "I just believe in the evidence."

Emperor Yan was not stupid. Looking at Shen Minghuan's rogue appearance, he also knew that this person was not unaware of the fishy nature, but he just found it profitable, so he used chicken feathers as arrows.

It really was a businessman's thinking, smelling of copper, and Emperor Yan sneered inwardly. Scholars, farmers, industrialists, and merchants, the prince of a country only thinks about gold and silver all day long, which is simply embarrassing.

"I understand." Emperor Yan calmed down, "I am not interested in your business, and I will not be involved in any matters related to this aspect in the future. In fact, I have long been too lazy to look at your account books, so you caravan went Where it is, I really don’t know.”

Emperor Yan also noticed something unusual when he said this.

He originally thought that this matter was the work of a disloyal family, or a spy from the imperial court who entered the Jin Kingdom, but even he didn't know the situation of the caravan. How did the people behind the scenes know?

Emperor Yan did not doubt that Shen Minghuan directed and acted in his own right. This person had been under his surveillance at all times since he entered the Yan Kingdom. How could he have the ability to direct such a big drama?

Apart from Shen Minghuan, the only one who could get the account book was Sui Qing.

It was Sui Qing who betrayed him.

Shen Minghuan was not satisfied. He said bluntly: "I don't believe it."

You have obtained the account books and all the arrangements have been seen by your people. You say you will not ask questions?

Shen Minghuan said nothing, and the surprise in his eyes was so strong that it was full of contempt.

Emperor Yan was so angry that he didn't bother to argue with Shen Minghuan, and simply said: "What do you want? Do you want Sui Qing to commit suicide?"

Shen Minghuan sneered: "Sui Qing? Your Majesty, you finally admitted that you asked Sui Qing to spy on the caravan's movements, and then sent people to kill them, right? Can the eighteen lives of the solitary caravan be offset by Sui Qing's one life? Don’t you think it’s too much for your majesty, the emperor, to resort to such despicable methods?”

"Shen Minghuan, let me say it again, this matter has nothing to do with me!"

Emperor Yan forced himself to calm down, "I don't know about this. If you don't believe me, you can interrogate Sui Qing."

Before Shen Minghuan agreed, he waved and told the chamberlain: "Go and get Sui Qing's deed of prostitution."

Shen Minghuan had no choice but to "reluctantly", "know the current affairs" and "enough is enough" and was "forced" to accept it, with a very reluctant expression.

*

A little guard who was no longer loyal could relieve Shen Minghuan's anger. Emperor Yan felt that this transaction was worth it.

Even if there is one less person to monitor, the airtight chess pieces in Shen's mansion are enough. Although he can't repeat everything like Sui Qing, Shen Minghuan can't change everything with just this little bit of private space, right?

The most important thing is that Emperor Yan will use Shen Minghuan next, and he feels it is necessary to show his "employment without suspicion" bearing.

"These princes of mine have made my nephew see a joke." Emperor Yan said with a smile, as if he was talking to friends about his beloved son who he was worried about, and his helplessness was mixed with doting, "I heard that my nephew once said , Our country of Yan has no successor?”

Shen Minghuan rubbed the fidelity contract in his hand and glanced at Sui Qing with a half-smile.

Suiqing lowered his head. Compared with last time, he was indeed scared now.

Sui Qing doesn't understand politics, he just understands Shen Minghuan. He knows that Shen Minghuan won't blame him. Maybe he was just pretending to pave the way for today.

He knew everything, but he was still terrified, guilty, and terrified.

"I have said it before, doesn't Your Majesty feel the same way? Otherwise, he would not have established a prince yet." Shen Minghuan said calmly and confidently.

Good things happen to people, and the emperor will establish a prince as soon as possible after he ascends the throne. In order to stabilize his rule and to reassure his courtiers, even if something happens to him, at least he can immediately find an emperor who can preside over the overall situation.

But Emperor Yan was already over fifty years old, and he was at an age where he could encounter unexpected events at any time. Fortunately, he still had control over the Yan Kingdom, otherwise he might have changed.

The ministers have never stopped admonishing him, and Emperor Yan also knew that he could not delay for long, but over the years, his requirements for heirs had been lowered again and again, and now he only wanted to be taller among the short ones. Unexpectedly, his group of Son is so united on this.

Each is stupid in its own way, but equally incompetent.

Emperor Yan looked at Shen Minghuan carefully, "I wonder if my nephew has any clever ideas?"

In fact, he originally wanted to ask Shen Minghuan to teach the prince, but it was not like he had never found a great scholar in the world before, so he probably couldn't learn it because Emperor Yan hated that iron could not become steel.

Moreover, although Shen Minghuan was quite talented and learned, he was not suitable to be an emperor. Don't make his already unintelligent prince even more stupid.

Shen Minghuan shook his head wildly, "I can't help, there's nothing we can do, the Yan Kingdom is over."

Before Emperor Yan could get angry, Shen Minghuan continued: "Your Majesty, you have seen that the adult princes are all incompetent. The Ninth Prince is young and may have a chance to be educated from an early age, but Your Majesty, you can protect them until Does it stop when you grow up?”

The truth was always harsh, but Emperor Yan was very tolerant of Shen Minghuan, who had such "character flaws". He frowned, "Then according to your opinion, which prince should I make the crown prince to ensure that the country of Yan is safe?"

It doesn't matter, you can draw lots, choose one person first, and he doesn't require that the other person can make a career, just don't destroy the country.

Shen Minghuan was particularly surprised, "Your Majesty, are your demands too high? These are troubled times!"

No, no, no, you don’t really think your good-for-nothing son can hold on to his territory, do you?

Emperor Yan's eyes twitched, but he had to admit that what Shen Minghuan said made sense.

The Yong Kingdom was once so powerful, but now it still wants to send away protons to beg for mercy? He has no guarantee that one of his grandchildren will be able to send a proton as outstanding as Shen Minghuan.

Today is also a day when I am shocked by Shen Wei's blindness.

Shen Minghuan gloated: "Your Majesty, your children and grandchildren will have their own blessings, so don't worry about it. After all, it's useless for you to worry. If it were you, just find a way to invite those celebrities who live in seclusion in the government and the public and have the reputation of contemporary crouching dragons and phoenixes. You If my son is obedient, maybe Yan will be able to support the next monarch with great talent and strategy."

Although he knew that Shen Minghuan was being sarcastic, Emperor Yan actually became moved after thinking about it carefully.

If he can find a prince who will be reincarnated as Zhuge to assist him, why worry about the Yan Kingdom not being prosperous? As for whether the other party will be loyal to Prime Minister Zhuge...

Most celebrities have noble ambitions and choose one master for life, and will not allow themselves to have such a big reputation as usurping the throne.

At worst, he will leave a secret order to his confidants. If the assistant minister has any objections, he will be killed at all costs.

The details can be planned later, but such celebrities are always rich and powerful and cannot be slutty. It is not easy to invite them to come out.

Emperor Yan looked at Shen Minghuan thoughtfully, feeling a little moved.

Shen Minghuan was shocked, "Gu can't do it, Gu can't get along with trash... No, Gu means, Gu is weak... Yes! Your Majesty, Gu might leave earlier than you!"

If he had agreed straight away, Emperor Yan would have suspected whether he had any evil intentions, but he was so repulsive that Emperor Yan was relieved.

"I know that you just want to do business." Emperor Yan scolded with a smile, "You kid is really obsessed with money. I didn't deprive you of food."

There is indeed some sincere concern for the younger generation.

Shen Minghuan was noncommittal: "Making money is my hobby."

Emperor Yan said: "Then shall I discuss another deal with you?"

"No!" Shen Minghuan flatly refused, "I don't want to visit the thatched cottage for your son. It's too tiring. These celebrities can't be beaten or scolded. Who knows how they will embarrass me?"

"Your Majesty, please hire someone else. These gentlemen are not interested in profit, but they are probably not willing to bury all their knowledge in the mountains and forests. If you want to leave a name in history, you must enter the mortal world and choose a master to assist you. Your Majesty, please send someone to have a good relationship with them." "The hope of success is still very high."

Shen Minghuan's words were sincere, heartfelt, and loyal. It was extremely touching to hear them.

It shows how much he rejects this job.

Emperor Yan felt that he was very eloquent, so he became even more urgent, "The shop on Pingkang Street, the Huangzhuang in the north of the city, I can also make your chamber of commerce the number one imperial merchant in the Yan Kingdom."

Shen Minghuan looked a little shaken when he heard this, "I am going to open chambers of commerce all over the Yan Kingdom..."

"I will order all places to cooperate with you." Emperor Yan heard the song and knew its elegant meaning.

Shen Minghuan was satisfied, "I can't go far away. If your majesty can invite someone here, I will try my best."

Emperor Yan was also very satisfied, "I believe in my worthy nephew."

Shen Minghuan hesitated and asked: "But Your Majesty, which prince do you want Gu Gu to persuade the gentlemen to assist?"

He said this with difficulty, as if just thinking about the level of those princes, he felt that there was no hope of success in this mission, and he even wanted to give up.

Returning to the original topic, Emperor Yan had a headache, "Xiannephew, what do you think?"

"The establishment of a crown prince is a major matter for the country. I dare not comment on it. As long as it is not the third prince, your majesty can choose anyone."

The third prince's crime was proven conclusive and he had already been demoted to a commoner, yet he still held a grudge. Emperor Yan laughed dumbly and explained: "He is my son after all. I spared his life, but that's the end of it."

He hinted that if Shen Minghuan wanted to seek revenge from Zhao Yuanqing, he could pretend not to see it as long as the person did not die.

For Emperor Yan, even his biological son can be used as a bargaining chip.

Shen Minghuan understood the implication of Emperor Yan's words, and naturally reciprocated the favor, sincerely persuading: "Your Majesty, please make an early decision on the appointment of the crown prince. If the prince is uncertain one day, the princes will not stop fighting, which will waste the country's power."

"Your Majesty, if you choose a good person earlier, you can also cultivate the way to be a king earlier and pave the way for the prince, so that the transition can be smooth. As for the candidate, I don't know the princes as well as your Majesty, but I feel that I would rather choose someone who is dull... uh, extra stupid and do not choose those who are wise.”

Shen Minghuan persuaded him kindly, "Fools who think they are smart can often do even bigger stupid things."

Emperor Yan was deeply convinced and decisively kicked out the second prince Zhao Yuanduan as a candidate.

*

Your Majesty intends to establish a throne.

I don’t know how this news came out, but within half a day everyone who needed to know knew it.

This is a big deal.

Countless pairs of eyes in the court have been waiting for this day for more than ten years. The number of neutral courtiers has been decreasing year by year due to interests or threats, and now they basically have their own sides.

Although Emperor Yan is old, he is still in good spirits. They dare not make any big moves for the time being.

Originally I thought Emperor Yan was planning to raise Gu and let the princes decide the winner.

They were already preparing for the foreseeable struggle to seize the direct line in the future, but Emperor Yan actually planned to establish a heir apparent.

Emperor Yan is definitely qualified to support his successor to secure the throne.

No matter what kind of struggle it is to seize the rightful son, it is not as important as gaining Emperor Yan's approval at the moment.

But who knows what the criteria for Emperor Yan's approval are. They don't even know why Emperor Yan suddenly relented and established the throne, or whether he has a candidate in mind!

Oh, there's someone who should know.

Shen Minghuan.

The prince of Yan Kingdom and the courtiers had never been so speechless in their lives.

For many years, they had piled up a room full of discounts, but the emperor simply refused to listen.

Shen Minghuan went to the palace, and within an hour, he decided to establish a heir apparent? Is Shen Minghuan the crown prince of the Yong Kingdom or the illegitimate son of their Emperor Yan!

Everyone just complained in their hearts, but they never really doubted Shen Minghuan's identity.

All other evidence is secondary. The most important thing is that with Emperor Yan's "favor" for Shen Minghuan, if Shen Minghuan was really an illegitimate son, his position as prince would have been determined long ago.

Wait, the Yan Kingdom has not established a crown prince for so many years. Could it be that Emperor Yan was waiting for Shen Minghuan?

The courtiers quickly shook off this idea. The secrets of the royal family were unknown and unknowable.