Nightwatcher

The palace, the imperial garden.

In the gazebo with bright yellow curtains hanging down, there is an octagonal table made of huanghuali wood, sitting in a yellow robe and a green robe.

Wei Yuan and Emperor Yuan Jing were about the same age, one had a rosy complexion and black hair, the other had gray temples early on, and there were vicissitudes accumulated over the years in his eyes.

If men are compared to wine, Emperor Yuan Jing is the most glamorous and noble pot, but in terms of taste, Wei Yuan is the most mellow and fragrant.

The two are talking in hand.

Emperor Yuan Jing looked at Bai Zi who was taken away by Wei Yuan, and sighed:

"After King Huai's death, there will be no Optimus Prime in the northern border, and the barbarians will not be able to stir up trouble for a while, but if the Northeast Witch God Cult detours through the northern border and enters through Chuzhou, it will go straight to the capital, and the dragon slaying will come! "

While speaking, Emperor Yuan Jing dropped a piece, and amidst the crisp sound of the pieces hitting the chessboard, the situation suddenly turned to one side, and the white pieces formed a sharp sword, approaching the dragon.

"Tsk, Wei Qing is a little distracted playing chess today."

With gentle eyes, Wei Yuan picked up the sunspot and said, "Optimus Prime is too tall and too big to control, when it collapses, it will hurt others even more."

Floating down.

The two chatted and played chess at the same time. After four or five times, Yuan Jingdi said lightly:

"The prince was assassinated a few days ago, everyone in the harem was in danger, and the queen was also frightened. During this time, I couldn't eat well or sleep well, and everyone was haggard. Wei Qing, catch the assassin earlier and let this matter pass. The queen doesn't have to worry about it."

Wei Yuan glanced at the chessboard, conceded defeat, and let out a sigh of relief: "Your Majesty's chess skills have become more and more exquisite."

Then, he stood up, took a few steps back, bowed and said, "It's my servant who has neglected his duty. This servant will definitely do his best to catch the assassin as soon as possible."

Emperor Yuan Jing laughed out loud.

At the same time, the cabinet.

A middle-aged eunuch wearing a boa robe brought two eunuchs to Wenyuan Pavilion and met with the Chief Assistant Wang Zhenwen.

They didn't stay for too long, only a quarter of an hour later, the chief eunuch led the two eunuchs away.

Chief Assistant Wang Zhenwen sat behind the desk expressionlessly, without moving for a long time, like a silent sculpture.

The next day, at the court meeting, Emperor Yuan Jing still argued with the princes about the Chuzhou case, but it was no longer as intense as yesterday, and the hall was full of gunpowder.

Although today's court meeting still has no end, the court was dispersed in a relatively peaceful manner.

Zheng Xinghuai, who has been in the officialdom for a long time, smelled a trace of uneasiness. He knew that the problem he worried about yesterday had finally appeared.

At the court meeting, although the princes still refused to let go, they did not insist on convicting King Zhenbei like yesterday.

Even when the nobles proposed how to eliminate the rumors in Beijing and change the views of the 20,000 soldiers in Chuzhou on this matter, some civil officials participated in the discussion in the name of scolding.

What saddened Zheng Xinghuai the most was that Wei Yuan and Wang Zhenwen remained silent throughout.

After the court was over, Zheng Xinghuai walked silently, and as he walked, he suddenly heard someone calling him from behind: "Master Zheng, please stay."

He turned his head blankly, and saw Cao Guogong in the duke's uniform catching up, with an obvious smile on his face.

In Zheng Xinghuai's view, this is the smile of a winner.

"Master Zheng, you left Chuzhou privately and went to Beijing to file a complaint. You thought you came here with the general trend, but did you ever think that you would have today?"

Cao Guogong looked calm and said lightly:

"My lord will give you a clear path. Chuzhou City is waiting to be rebuilt. You are the chief envoy of Chuzhou. At this time, it is time to stay in Chuzhou and rebuild Chuzhou City. As for the affairs of Beijing, don't get involved. It's reconciled."

He turned his head and glanced at the Golden Luan Hall behind him, and said, "This is also what His Majesty meant."

What His Majesty means is that if you see something good, you will accept it, and you are still the chief envoy of Chuzhou. Where did you come from, where do you go back to. Anyway, Chuzhou is tens of thousands of miles away from the capital, so I don't care if I don't see you.

"Pooh!"

What responded to him was Zheng Xinghuai's spittle.

"I don't know how to flatter."

Cao Guogong looked at Zheng Xinghuai's back and sneered.

Hit the more people's Yamen, Haoqi Building.

Wei Yuan was the first person to visit Zheng Xinghuai after he disbanded.

Xu Qi'an has been paying attention to the movement in the hall today, and was going to the post station to ask Zheng Xinghuai about the situation, when he heard that he was visiting Wei Yuan, he immediately went to the Haoqi Building.

But was stopped by the guard downstairs.

"Duke Wei said that no one is allowed to disturb you during the meeting. Besides, Duke Wei has no plans to see you during this time. Didn't he chase you away several times?"

The guard and Xu Qi'an are old acquaintances, so they have no scruples about speaking.

Xu Qi'an also had no scruples about beating people, he kept slapping people on the head, cursing while beating: "You are the only one who talks too much, you are the only one who talks too much"

seventh floor.

Wearing Tsing Yi, Wei Yuan with gray sideburns sat cross-legged in front of the desk.

On the opposite side of him was Zheng Xinghuai, whose back was gradually hunched, also gray-haired, with an unresolved depression between his brows.

"At the end of the Beijing inspection, Mr. Zheng returned to Beijing to report on his duties. I met you once. Although your hair was gray at that time, your spirit was very good." Wei Yuan's voice was gentle and his eyes were compassionate.

Goodbye now, this person seems to have lost his soul, and the thick eye bags and bloodshot eyes indicate that he is tossing and turning at night.

The slightly drooping corners of the mouth and the depression between the eyebrows indicate that the other party has deep resentment in his heart, and it is difficult to calm down and relax.

"Is Duke Wei planning to give up too?" Zheng Xinghuai said in a deep voice.

"I admire Xu Qi'an very much and think he is a natural martial artist, but sometimes I feel headache because of his temper."

Wei Yuan answered the wrong question and said: "I told him that when you are in the officialdom, you have to think twice: think about danger, think about retreat, think about change.

"Before doing something, you must consider the consequences of this matter, understand the pros and cons, and then weigh whether to do it or not.

"If the trend of Gun Gun is unstoppable, you have to retreat and avoid its edge. Our Majesty has done a good job. Only when you retreat and are safe, can you think about how to change the situation.

"Xu Qi'an, you answer me: I understand all these principles, but I don't care, you vulgar martial artist."

Zheng Xinghuai remembered what Xu Yinluo said in the cave, knowing that the King of Zhenbei was powerful, but still going to Chuzhou to investigate the case, he couldn't help smiling more on his rigid and serious face.

"Getting Wei Gong to say the word "vulgar" just shows that Wei Gong has nothing to do with him."

Zheng Xinghuai understood the meaning of Wei Yuan's words, but like Xu Qi'an, he has a bottom line that he must stick to and never flinch.

He went downstairs alone, and saw Xu Qi'an waiting downstairs.

"Master Zheng, I'll take you back to the station." Xu Qi'an came up to welcome you.

"I won't go back to the station." Zheng Xinghuai shook his head and looked at him with a complicated expression: "Sorry, I disappointed Xu Yinluo."

Xu Qi'an's heart sank.

The two left the Yamen in silence, entered the carriage, and Baili Shentu, who was acting as the driver, drove away.

On the way, Zheng Xinghuai described the whole story of today's court, pointing out that the attitudes of the princes were ambiguous and their positions changed quietly.

"Wei Gong shouldn't be. When he is in his position, if he really wants something, he can plan it himself, and there is no need to violate his conscience and cater to His Majesty."

Xu Qi'an frowned deeply, puzzled.

"Wei Gong has difficulty." Zheng Xinghuai explained for Wei Yuan, with a weak tone:

"There is a difference between monarchs and ministers. As long as His Majesty does not touch the interests of the vast majority of people, no one in the court can be his opponent."

"Think twice about what Duke Wei said, Mr. Zheng, why don't you think about it? Let's avoid the edge for now. King Huai is dead, and the people of Chuzhou City have avenged themselves." Xu Qi'an persuaded.

Mr. Zheng is a good official, and he doesn't want such a person to end up in a bleak end, just like when he was in Yunzhou and defended against the rebels alone for Governor Zhang.

This time there were no rebels, and this time the battle was above the court, it was impossible for Xu Qi'an to rush into the palace with a knife in his hand and kill them, so he didn't play a role.

I can only persuade Mr. Zheng to think twice.

Zheng Xinghuai looked at him and asked, "Are you willing? Are you willing to watch an executioner like King Huai become a hero, worthy of the Imperial Temple, and go down in history?"

Xu Qi'an didn't answer, but Zheng Xinghuai saw unwillingness in the young man's eyes.

So he smiled gratified.

"I am a second-rank minister, but I am also a scholar. A scholar wants to be worthy of his heart. He must be worthy of himself, and even more so, his parents who have worked so hard to raise you up."

All the way without words.

After a long time, the carriage stopped on the side of the street, Shentu Baili said in a low voice: "My lord, we're here."

Xu Qi'an lifted the curtain, and the carriage stopped in front of a very imposing courtyard. The plaque on the gate read: Wenyuan Pavilion.

cabinet!

Zheng Xinghuai jumped off the carriage, and said to the guards at the door: "I, Zheng Xinghuai, the chief envoy of Chuzhou, please see Wang Shoufu."

Seeing this, Xu Qi'an already understood Zheng Xinghuai's plan, he wanted to be a lobbyist, lobby the princes, and pull them back into the camp.

The guard entered the cabinet to report, and after a while, he strode back and said in a deep voice:

"Master Shoufu said that Mr. Zheng is the political envoy of Chuzhou. No matter when he is on duty or after he is on duty, don't go to him, so as not to be impeached for forming a party."

Zheng Xinghuai left disappointed.

In the following day, Xu Qi'an watched him running around lobbying, bumping into obstacles everywhere, and returning to the post sadly at dusk.

Xu Nian came back home on duty, but he didn't see his eldest brother. After walking around the yard, he heard someone shouting from the roof: "Your elder brother is here."

It was the melodious voice of a young woman.

Looking up, it turned out to be Li Miaozhen, the Saintess of Tianzong. She was standing on the eaves, looking down at herself expressionlessly. Just by looking at her face, she could sense that the other party was not in the right mood.

When Xu Erlang moved the ladder, he found that Li Miaozhen was no longer there. The elder brother was lying on the roof with grass roots in his mouth, his hands on the back of his head, and his legs crossed.

The impeccably handsome Xu Nian climbed up the stairs to the roof with his official robe hem in hand.

"What are you doing here?" Xu Qi'an said angrily, "An annoying woman left, and you came here to quarrel with me again."

"Li Daochang doesn't seem very happy." Xu Erlang spoke calmly, and sat down next to his elder brother.

"Of course I'm not happy. If she has the strength, she wants to enter the palace at Maoshi now."

"Why wait until Maoshi?"

"Because she thinks that the temple is full of animals and animals, all of them should be killed, so she has to wait for Maoshi to go to court and kill a nest." Xu Qi'an said angrily.

Xu Erlang shrank his head when he heard this, "Fortunately, I'm just a good man."

Xu Qi'an couldn't help laughing, and after laughing, he sighed again:

"Tianzong's cultivation is to be too forgetful. Maybe, when she really has this strength in the future, she will no longer be the flying swallow heroine back then. This is life, and nine out of ten unsatisfactory things."

"Brother seems to have become calmer." Xu Erlang said with relief.

"It's not calm, it's because I'm a little tired and a little disappointed." Xu Qi'an put his hands on the back of his head, looked at the evening sky, and murmured:

"Admit your mistake and apologize, is it that difficult?"

Xu Erlang turned his head, glanced at him, then turned his gaze to Qing Ming's sky, and said:

"I already know about the affairs of the imperial court, and I came here to talk to my eldest brother. Although the imperial court has made a final conclusion on the case of King Zhenbei's massacre of the city, the matter has already become a foregone conclusion. If you want to reverse the situation, it is not so Simple.

"Even if the court forcibly portrays King Zhenbei as a hero, this matter will leave hidden dangers. When people talk about this matter, they will never forget the event of King Zhenbei's massacre of the city that shocked them at first. This is the key to overturning the case in the future where."

Reversing the case, Xu Qi'an raised his eyebrows, and instantly remembered many cases in his previous life history.

Many loyal ministers and good generals who died innocently were overturned in the end, and the treacherous ministers who were once famous finally got what they deserved.

Among them, Qin Hui is the most famous.

The bronze statue of this eternal treacherous official and his wife is still standing in a famous scenic spot, and is cast aside by later generations.

To what extent is she cast aside——Qin Hui's wife, Jia Nailiang.

Wei Gong made Zheng Xinghuai think twice, did he also have the same thought? Mr. Zheng was overwhelmed by anger and hatred, and his emotions were inevitably extreme. He might not understand what Wei Gong meant. Well, I will remind him tomorrow.

It is not too late for a gentleman to take revenge for ten years. Since the situation is stronger than others, then bear with it.

As expected, Erlang of my family has the qualifications to be the first assistant, and his intelligence is not inferior to that of Duke Wei. Xu Qi'an sat up happily and put his arms around Xu Erlang's shoulders.

Xu Erlang pushed him in disgust.

royal palace.

In the luxuriously furnished bedroom, Emperor Yuan Jing was leaning on the rug, studying Taoist scriptures, and asked casually, "What's going on in the cabinet recently?"

The old eunuch whispered: "Master Shoufu has not seen any guests recently."

Emperor Yuan Jing nodded in satisfaction: "Where's Wei Yuan?"

"After the imperial court was dispersed the day before yesterday, the envoy Zheng Buzheng went to the Changren's Yamen. Wei Gong met, and the two never met again after that." The old eunuch reported truthfully.

"Wei Yuan and Wang Shoufu are both deadly smart, but Wei Yuan doesn't take me seriously." Emperor Yuan Jing was not angry at all. He turned a page, stared at it for a while, and suddenly his face turned cold:

"Where's Zheng Xinghuai?"

"Master Zheng has been running around all over the past few days, trying to lobby all the officials. Not many people are willing to see him, and the princes are all waiting and watching. He changed his mind later and went to the Imperial College to confuse the students." The old eunuch whispered road.

Emperor Yuan Jing smiled, his eyes were not smiling at all, but cold.

On the morning of May 12, eight days had passed since King Zhenbei's body was transported back to the capital.

Regarding the conviction of King Zhenbei in this way, the court's announcement has not been posted.

The people of the capital are not in a hurry. As residents at the foot of the emperor, they have even seen a case that has been dragged on for several years, and they have also seen a government decree for tax reduction and exemption. It has been circulating since a few years ago, and it is still circulating after a few years. It will probably be passed on.

Don't be in a hurry to return, the heat is still there, and it hasn't cooled down because of it.

After tea and dinner, the people in the capital will habitually lift the King of Zhenbei out for a second brush and a third brush

In the early morning of this day, a group of uninvited guests came to the capital.

Thirty horsemen rushed into the city gate, passed through the outer city, and stopped at the gate of the inner city.

The leader had a pretty face, but was blind in one eye. It was Que Yongxiu, the commander of Chuzhou.

The protector was wearing a torn armor, with disheveled hair and a dusty look.

All the companions who accompanied him were like this.

At the gate of the city, Que Yongxiu abandoned his horse and entered the city, and walked on foot. He took out a blood book from his arms and held it in the palm of his hand, shouting:

"I am the commander of the capital of Chuzhou, and Que Yongxiu, the protector of the country, sued Zheng Xinghuai, the governor of Chuzhou, for colluding with monsters and barbarians, and killed the king of Zhenbei. He killed 380,000 people in Chuzhou City.

"Afterwards, Zheng Xinghuai deceived the mission and chased and killed me. In order to cover up the fact that he was colluding with monsters and barbarians, he framed the King of Zhenbei for massacring the city. He committed a heinous crime."

He walked and talked all the way, which attracted the people in the city to stop and watch, talking a lot.

"The protector of the country? The protector of the Chuzhou? The one who helped the king in the case of the King of Zhenbei's massacre of the city?"

"It's good to be back, throw yourself into a trap, keep an eye on them, don't let them run away, let's go to the government office to report to the officials."

"Don't worry, listen to what he said, the chief envoy Zheng Xinghuai colluded with the monsters, killed King Zhenbei, and deceived the mission. What's going on?"

"Could it be that the chief minister of Chuzhou is the culprit who caused the collapse of Chuzhou City?"

The common people in the market are used to this kind of reversal cases, just like the storyteller's cliché that Zhongliang was framed and finally got reversed.

They are most familiar with this kind of drama.

"It must be a fake. Chuzhou City was killed by King Zhenbei. Have you forgotten that there is Xu Yinluo in the mission. Will Xu Yinluo wrong a good person? If the chief envoy is a traitor, Mr. Xu Can't see it?"

"Makes sense."

The surrounding people deeply agree.

In the year of the Jingcha, a series of major cases occurred in the capital, and each time the official was Xu Qi'an. At that time, he was gradually known by the people and became a talking point from a small gong.

After Yunzhou came back, his reputation rose to a new level, from a talker to a martyr. What really exploded was the Buddhist fighting method. After defeating the Buddhist sect, he became a hero in the capital. With the imperial court's report sent to various places, he was even talked about by the people and people from all over the world.

solidified a huge reputation.

The battle between heaven and man has consolidated his image and reputation. He exists deeply in the minds of ordinary people, as well as in dreams, hearts, and shouts.

Therefore, compared to Que Yongxiu's bloody letter, the surrounding people were more willing to believe in the Chuzhou chief envoy brought back by Xu Yinluo.

Soon, the Commander of the Chu State Commander, Duke Protector Que Yongxiu returned to Beijing, holding a blood book in his hand, along the street to sue Zheng Xinghuai, the chief envoy of Chu State, and the matter quickly spread along with the crowd of onlookers.

For a while, the Zhenbei Wang Tucheng case became more and more confusing.

After the incident happened, Que Yongxiu was immediately taken to the palace by the forbidden army, and had to meet the emperor alone.

Not long after, the emperor summoned the princes and held a small court meeting in the imperial study.

Emperor Yuan Jing sat behind the desk, the civil servants were on the left, and the honorable clan was on the right. Que Yongxiu was kneeling before the case, holding a book in blood.

"My dear friends, take a look at this blood book." Emperor Yuan Jing handed the blood book to the old eunuch.

The latter took it over respectfully and passed it on to the royal family, and then the civil servants.

Cao Guogong strode out and said indignantly: "Your Majesty, Zheng Xinghuai colluded with monsters and savages to kill Zhenbei King. The crime is heinous and should be punished by the nine clans."

The servant of the Ministry of Rites frowned and went out, "Mr. Cao Guo's words are too arbitrary. Zheng Xinghuai colluded with the monsters, and then killed his whole family?"

A county king retorted: "Who can be sure that Zheng Xinghuai's whole family died in Chuzhou?"

Zhao Tingfang, a scholar of Dongge University, was furious, and said harshly:

"If Zheng Xinghuai colluded with the monsters, what happened to the mysterious expert who beheaded the King of Zhenbei? He named the King of Zhenbei by name and said that he slaughtered the city. The mission saw it with his own eyes and heard it with his own ears."

Cao Guogong sneered and said, "Who is that mysterious master? You let him come out to testify for Zheng Xinghuai. How can you believe what an evil cultivator of unknown origin says."

Liu Hong, the censor of the right capital, was furious, "It was the evil cultivator you spoke of, who beheaded the leader of the barbarians. Cao Guogong was obsequious in front of the barbarians, but he punched hard in the court hall. It is really awe-inspiring."

Before Cao Guogong could refute it, Yuan Xiong, the censor of Zuodu, took the lead to argue with his political opponents: "The so-called people who are not of our race must have a different heart, Mr. Liu, don't forget your identity."

Liu Hong sneered: "It's not my race, can you use the Zhenguo sword?"

"enough!"

Suddenly, Emperor Yuan Jing slammed the table with anger.

When Duke Protector Que Yongxiu saw this, he fell to the ground immediately and cried, "I beg Your Majesty to be the master for me, the King of Zhenbei, and the people of Chuzhou City."

Emperor Yuan Jing nodded slowly: "This case is of great importance, and I will naturally investigate it thoroughly. This matter will be jointly heard by the three divisions. Cao Guogong, you also need to participate."

After finishing speaking, he glanced at the big companion beside him, and said: "Give Cao Guogong a gold medal, and go to the post station to arrest Zheng Xinghuai immediately. Anyone who violates it will be killed first and then played."

Cao Guogong said excitedly: "Yes, Your Majesty is wise."

After leaving the palace, Wei Yuan hurriedly caught up with Wang Shoufu, and the two power officials walked side by side without taking a carriage.

This scene, before the eyes of the princes, can be called a landscape. Years later, the scenery is still worth recalling.

"I tried to persuade Zheng Xinghuai, but it's a pity that he has a stubborn temper." Wei Yuan's voice was gentle, and his face was as usual.

"If he hadn't been stubborn, he wouldn't have been sent to Saibei by the old Shoufu." Wang Shoufu sneered, "What an idiot."

I don't know whether he is scolding Zheng Xinghuai or himself.

Wei Yuan said indifferently: "Last time, I almost caught Que Yongxiu in the palace and let him escape. We searched all over the city the next day, but we still couldn't find it. At that time, I knew that this matter must not be violated."

Wang Shoufu said calmly: "It's not a bad thing. You can agree with His Majesty's opinion because King Zhenbei is dead. Now that Que Yongxiu has come back alive, some people will not agree. This is our chance."

Wei Yuan shook his head: "It is precisely because of Que Yongxiu's return that those people see the hope of "reversing the case". As long as they cooperate with His Majesty, the case can be settled. And once it is settled, Que Yongxiu is a first-class duke. It will be difficult to deal with him."

After a moment of silence, the two asked at the same time, "Did he threaten you?"

station.

A cough came from the room. Zheng Xinghuai was wearing blue casual clothes, sitting at the table, with his right hand flattened on the table.

A warlock in white was giving him his pulse.

After a long time, the warlock in white withdrew his hand and shook his head:

"It's not a big problem to get sick from depression. You can take a few doses of medicine and recuperate for a few days. However, Mr. Zheng, you should relax earlier, otherwise this disease will come to you again."

Chen Xian and his wife breathed a sigh of relief, then sighed again.

Illness is a minor illness, not difficult to treat, but difficult to treat is Mr. Zheng's heart disease.

Zheng Xinghuai did not respond to the warlock in white, but cupped his hands: "Thank you, doctor."

"Don't act like you're not taking it seriously." Si Tianjian's white-clothed warlock has a proud personality. As long as he is not violently oppressed, he will always say something straightforward:

"You are not too old. If you are heartless, you can live for a few more years. Otherwise, in three to five years, you will have a serious illness, at most ten years, and I can go to your grave to offer incense."

Chen Xian and his wife looked unhappy.

Zheng Xinghuai seemed to have seen the face of a white-clothed warlock before, and he didn't blame or get angry. Instead, he asked: "I heard that Xu Yinluo and Si Tianjian are inseparable."

The warlock in white sneered: "I know what you're up to. Mr. Xu is the nobleman of our Si Tianjian. But, if you want to meet the supervisor through him, then don't even think about it. Si Tianjian doesn't care about court affairs. , this is the rule."

Zheng Xinghuai was about to say more when he heard the magician in white add: "Xu Yinluo has already gone to Si Tianjian to ask for it. If this road works, what else do you need to say?"

He, he had already been to Si Tianjian. Zheng Xinghuai had a complicated look on his face. Among the missions returning to Beijing, only Xu Yinluo was still working on this matter.

Others chose to remain silent due to the situation.

While speaking, the sound of hurried footsteps came from downstairs, followed by Zhao Jin's roar: "Which yamen are you from, dare to trespass on the inn where Mr. Zheng lives?"

Zheng Xinghuai and others ran out of the room, just in time to see Cao Guogong in military uniform wielding a scabbard and slapping Zhao Jin's face fiercely, smashing half of his teeth.

The silver gong who hit the watchman's yamen ran out of the room with a few gongs, and shouted: "Stop!"

Instructing the gongs to hold Zhao Jin who was furious, the silver gong stared and warned: "This is the forbidden army in the palace."

Zhao Jin's face froze.

Yinluo took a deep breath, cupped his hands and said, "Duke Cao, this is you"

Cao Guogong looked at Zheng Xinghuai who ran out of the room, smiled coldly, and said: "According to His Majesty's order, arrest Zheng Xinghuai and return him to Dali Temple for questioning. Anyone who disobeys will be killed."

"What?!"

The expressions of the watchman, Zhao Jin and others changed.

Zheng Xinghuai was not afraid, he had a clear conscience, and said: "What crime did I commit?"

Cao Guogong was taken aback, his smile became playful, and he mocked: "It seems that Mr. Zheng didn't go out today. Well, Que Yongxiu, the commander of the Chuzhou capital and the protector of the country, has returned to Beijing. He sued His Majesty for colluding with monsters and barbarians and killing you." The King of Zhenbei and the 380,000 people in Chuzhou City."

Zheng Xinghuai staggered, his face pale.

Huaiqing Mansion.

The head guard knocked on the door of Princess Huaiqing's study, stepped in, and presented the note in his hand:

"Your Highness, all the information you want is here. Mr. Zheng has already been imprisoned. In addition, there are many people in the capital who are spreading the rumor that Mr. Zheng is colluding with demons and barbarians. Cao Guogong's people are instigating behind the scenes."

While listening, Huaiqing unfolded the note and read it silently.

"I already knew that my father still had a backup. Que Yongxiu had returned to Beijing a long time ago, lurking in secret, waiting for an opportunity. My father ignored the rumors in Beijing just to wait for this moment, amazing."

She waved.

The head guard resigned.

After the door of the study room was closed, Huaiqing, who was wearing a plain white dress, went to the window and quietly looked at the spring scenery outside the window.

A soft sigh echoed in the study.

East Palace.

Lin'an flew with her skirt, like a cluster of gorgeous flames, the skirt, waist jade, and ribbon fluttering.

Six court ladies chased after her, yelling loudly: Your Highness, slow down, Your Highness, slow down.

"Brother Prince, Brother Prince"

The melodious voice like a silver bell echoed and floated into the hall from outside.

The prince was in the dormitory facing the charming court lady, when he heard the girl's shout, his face changed greatly. Climbed out of bed in a panic, picked up the clothes on the ground, and quickly put them on.

Fortunately, the eunuchs in the East Palace were sensible and knew that their master was working hard for the royal family, so they forcibly prevented Lin'an from entering the palace and invited her to the parlor.

While tidying up his clothes, the prince entered the living room. When he saw his younger sister, his face softened, and he said gently, "Why are you in such a hurry?"

Lin'an frowned delicately, her charming peach eyes flashed with anxiety and worry, and said repeatedly: "Brother Prince, I heard that Zheng Buzheng was arrested by the emperor's people."

The prince was silent for a moment, nodded: "I know."

He has been the crown prince for so many years, so he has a solid background, and he knows everything about the court.

Lin'an said furtively: "Father, he, he misses Mr. Zheng, right?"

The prince waved away the eunuchs and maids, and when there were only two brothers and sisters left in the hall, he nodded and gave an affirmative answer.

The bright peach blossom eyes dimmed, and Lin'an whispered: "Duke Huai slaughtered the city and killed 380,000 innocent people, why did the emperor cover it up for him, and he did not hesitate to blame Mr. Zheng for this?"

This is about the face of the royal family, and it is absolutely impossible for the prince to give up half a point. He wanted to say this, but seeing the girl was depressed, he sighed and patted her on the shoulder:

"You are a daughter's family, don't worry about these things, why don't you learn from Huaiqing, you shouldn't go back to the palace."

Lin'an lowered her head, like a frustrated little girl.

The prince still felt sorry for his younger sister, he pressed her shoulders, and said in a deep voice: "Father likes you because of your sweet tongue, and because you have never asked about court affairs, why have you changed now?"

Lin'an said weakly: "Because Xu Qi'an's position is getting higher and higher."

The prince's face changed, revealing an angry look: "Did he encourage you to enter the palace?"

"No." Lin'an pursed his lips, and said aggrievedly, "I, I dare not see him, I have no face to see him."

Prince Huai is her own uncle, who committed such atrocities in Chuzhou, and is also part of the royal family, how can she completely disassociate herself from it?

The guilt for the 300,000 innocent souls made her feel ashamed to go to see Xu Qi'an.

She even thought to herself that she would never meet again.

"So, you came to me today because you want me to plead with the emperor?" The prince led her to sit down again, and seeing his sister pecking her head, he shook his head and laughed:

"Royal father doesn't even see you, how can he meet me? Lin'an, there is no right or wrong in the officialdom, only gains and losses. Not to mention whether it is useful for me to come forward, I am the prince, and I must stand with the clan and nobles of.

"You are just a daughter's family, no one cares what you do. If you are a prince, your behavior a few days ago will have missed the throne."

Lin'an said with a sad face: "But, killing so many people, there is always a price to pay. Otherwise, who would believe the king's law that we have enshrined. I heard from Huaiqing that the one who killed for King Huai was the protector of the country." male.

"He killed so many people, and the emperor still wants to protect him. I am very unhappy."

Silly sister, under the dragon chair of the emperor is a mountain of corpses and a sea of ​​blood.

There were many such things in the past, many now, and they will continue in the future. No one can change it.

Including your favorite Xu Qi'an.

The prince shook his head helplessly.

Dali Temple, prison.

In early summer, the air in the cell was foul and foul, mixed with the smell of prisoners defecating and rotting food.

The stuffy air makes people sick.

The Prime Minister of Dali Temple carried two jugs of wine and a bag of beef into the prison. He walked slowly to the cell where Zheng Xinghuai was held, not shy away from dirty place names, and sat down on Li.

"Master Zheng, I want you to drink." Dali Temple Cheng smiled.

Zheng Xinghuai, whose hands and feet were shackled, walked to the fence, looked at Dali Temple Prime Minister, and said, "You don't look very good."

"What's wrong? It's clear that her complexion is rosy and her whole body is relaxed."

The Cheng of Dali Temple unwrapped the butter paper and ate it with Zheng Xinghuai. While eating, he suddenly said: "After this matter is over, I will retire and return home."

Zheng Xinghuai glanced at him and nodded: "Very good."

After eating the meat and drinking the wine, the Prime Minister of Dali Temple stood up and bowed deeply to Zheng Xinghuai: "Thank you, Mr. Zheng."

He didn't explain, just left on his own.

Thank you for giving me my conscience back.

As soon as Fang walked out of the dungeon, the Chancellor of Dali Temple saw a group of people approaching. The two standing side by side in the front were Cao Guogong and Huguogong Que Yongxiu.

Why did they come here, the Lord Protector, as the main person in the case, was also detained?

Dali Temple Prime Minister glanced at them, and saw the entourage behind the two of them taking them into custody and bringing entourage with them?

"Dali Sicheng, let's meet again."

Que Yongxiu greeted him with a smile, looked him up and down, and said with his tusk:

"It turns out that you are only a sixth-rank official. When I was in Chuzhou, I thought you were a dignified first-rank sir. You are so majestic that even I dare to question you."

The Prime Minister of Dali Temple suppressed his anger, and said in a deep voice, "What are you doing in Dali Temple?"

"Of course the prisoner is being interrogated." Que Yongxiu showed a mocking smile: "According to His Majesty's orders, the prisoner Zheng Xinghuai is being interrogated. During this period, no one is allowed to enter the dungeon. Anyone who violates the law will be punished with the same crime."

So saying, the two dukes entered the dungeon side by side, and the door of the dungeon was closed and locked inside by their attendants.

They wanted to kill people and wipe them out. This thought flashed in Dali Sicheng's mind, like being struck by lightning.

He instinctively wanted to seek help from the Dali Temple Minister, but the fact that the two dukes dared to come here was enough to show that the Dali Temple Minister knew about this and acquiesced.

Because the two dukes were ordered by His Majesty.

"They want to kill people to silence them, and then pretend to commit suicide in fear of crime, so as to make it known to the world. In this way, the anger towards Duke Huai will be transferred to Zheng Xinghuai.

"It's much simpler than overturning the previous statement and forcibly washing Duke Huai's crimes, and it's easier to be accepted by the people. Your Majesty, he doesn't intend to try the case at all. He wants to catch the princes by surprise, so that they have no choice."

The Prime Minister of Dali Temple walked away quickly, his pace became faster and faster, and finally he ran wildly, and he rushed to the stable of the Yamen.

There was only one thought in his mind: to find Xu Qi'an.

Only this stinky stone in the latrine can stop Duke Hu and Cao Guogong, and only he can be angry for the belief in his heart.

Cao Guogong covered his mouth and nose, frowned, and walked in the corridor between the dungeons.

"What is this stench, Cao Guogong, you haven't led the army for too long." The one-eyed Que Yongxiu said hesitantly.

"Stop talking nonsense, finish the job quickly and leave, otherwise things will change later." Cao Guogong waved his hand.

The two stopped in front of Zheng Xinghuai's cell, and Que Yongxiu glanced at the flagon and butter paper on the ground, and said, "Master Zheng, you have a good life."

Zheng Xinghuai's eyes turned red in an instant, and he ran out dragging his shackles, roaring like a lion: "Que Yongxiu, you bastard!"

Que Yongxiu was not angry either, and said with a smile: "I am a beast, I will kill all the beasts in your family. Zheng Xinghuai, let you escape by chance that day, which will cause so many troubles later. Today, I will send your family to reunite."

Zheng Xinghuai yelled and roared, and the grandson who was provoked by the spear, the son who was nailed to the ground, and the wife and daughter-in-law who were hacked to death with knives appeared in his mind.

The people in Chuzhou City fell to the ground under the arrows, and their lives were like nothing.

The scenes were vivid and clear, making his soul tremble and howl.

Que Yongxiu laughed heartily, leaning forward and backward while laughing.

Cao Guogong sneered and said:

"Your majesty can't stand the ups and downs these days. If you weren't useful, you would have died without a sound. Zheng Xinghuai, you are still not smart enough. If you can think about everything that happened in Chuzhou, you You should know who you are going to face."

Zheng Xinghuai froze suddenly, as if someone had hit him with a sap.

A few seconds later, the scholar's body trembled, trembling non-stop, trembling non-stop.

"Why did he do this, why did he do this, those, those are his people"

He lowered his head and never raised it again.

The spine of this scholar is broken.

Que Yongxiu snorted, "Thank Cao Guogong for letting you understand even if you die."

As he spoke, he stretched out his hand and said with a ferocious smile: "Give me Bai Ling, I will send him up with my own hands."

A follower handed over the white silk, and a follower opened the cell door.

Que Yongxiu strode in, with a flick of his wrist, the white silk wrapped around Zheng Xinghuai's neck, pulled it violently, and said with a smile:

"Zheng Xinghuai, the governor of Chuzhou, colluded with monsters and barbarians and slaughtered 380,000 people. After being exposed by Que Yongxiu, the protector of the country, he hanged himself in prison.

"Sir Zheng is satisfied with this ending?"

Zheng Xinghuai couldn't speak anymore, his eyes were raised, his face was flushed, and his tongue stuck out a little bit.

His struggles changed from violent to slow, and with an occasional kick, his life flew by like a candle in the wind.

At this moment, life is about to come to an end, and the past life emerges in Zheng Xinghuai's mind.

At the end of a miserable childhood, a hard-working teenager, a lost youth, and a selfless middle-aged life, he seems to have returned to the small mountain village.

He ran on the dirt road in the village, heading towards his home. He had walked this road thousands of times. Today, he didn't know why, but he was extremely anxious.

bang bang bang!

He knocked on the courtyard door anxiously.

The courtyard door opened slowly, and there was an ordinary woman standing inside the door, weather-beaten and with a gentle smile.

He breathed a sigh of relief, as if he had found the harbor in his life, rested all his fatigue, and smiled happily.

"Mom, I'm home"

After an unknown amount of time, a loud noise broke the quiet dungeon.

The iron door leading to the dungeon was violently kicked open and slammed into the opposite wall, and the loud noise echoed in the dungeon corridor.

Xu Qi'an rushed into the dungeon with a knife in his hand.

Dali Sicheng followed behind him panting. At his age, even though he usually pays attention to maintaining his body, the vigorous running still made his lungs burn.

Dali Temple Chancellor chased Xu Qi'an into the corridor, and saw him suddenly froze at the door of a certain cell.

Frozen there, like a sculpture.

Dali Sicheng's heart sank, he didn't know where the strength came from, and ran over staggeringly.

In the gloomy cell, on the fence, hangs a dead body.

Dali Sicheng sat down on the ground, covered his face, and burst into tears.

PS: I am too tired to write a book recently, and I used to have some lsp dreams, but now my dreams are full of novels, and I am conceiving plots even in my dreams.

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