Nightwatcher

It was Xu Qi'an who died in Yunzhou when the adoptive father first proposed to fight the Witch God Sect.

Nangong Qianrou guessed that the foster father's mood at that time was not only the pain of losing a trusted confidant, but also the idea that the Witch God Sect had grown too fast and needed to be suppressed.

Later, Xu Qi'an returned to Beijing to be revived, and the Witch God Sect has been keeping its own place. Since this is the case, there is no need to go to war.

For the Witch God Sect, it only needs to be suppressed.

But what the righteous father meant was to set off a large-scale national war.

"Father, is it too radical?" Nangong Qianrou said straightforwardly.

Now that Dafeng's national strength is weak, a large-scale national war that will take several years is an unbearable burden.

"Yang Yan sent an urgent report from the north that the Sorcerer Sect is attacking the demons and barbarians in the north. Zhujiu was unable to support himself, so he withdrew from the original territory, and joined forces with the demon and barbarian tribes, preparing to retreat to the northwest."

Wei Yuan lowered his head to delve into Kanyu map, his tone was flat: "Although King Huai's plan failed, the purpose of the Witch God Cult has been achieved. Any death in battle between Zhu Jiu and Ji Li Zhigu will make the northern monsters fall into unprecedented weakness.

"However, Chuzhou also suffered heavy losses. It lost a third-ranker, and was unable to go north, so the Witch God Sect was in vain."

Nangong Qianrou was startled, and suddenly realized: "So, foster father doesn't care about court affairs, because His Majesty is very likely to send you to the northern border?"

At the same time, he speculated in his heart that His Majesty's suppression of Wang Shoufu at this time seemed to be disregarding balance, but in fact it was precisely the way to balance.

Without Wei Yuan in the court, wouldn't Wang Shoufu's family dominate?

"Even if the foster father's focus is not in the court, but he is still far away from the autumn queen, why not take advantage of the current crisis of the royal party to take advantage of it, so that there will be no worries about future expeditions."

Nangong Qianrou put forward her own opinion.

Wei Yuan laughed and said, "Do you think it's better if Wang's party falls, or not?"

Nangong Qianrou said without hesitation: "It's best to pour."

Wei Yuan nodded: "Yeah, it's best if it falls, and it's also good if it doesn't fall. If it wasn't for the start of the war, I would make trouble. Once Wang Zhenwen falls, I have at least five years to work. Your Majesty wants to support a new party to fight against me. Not overnight.

"In the current situation, there is an advantage in not being defeated by the royal party. Wang Zhenwen and I have been fighting for so many years, so we know the bottom line. It is better to have a familiar opponent in the court than an unfamiliar passerby."

At this time, the official came to report and said respectfully: "Wei Gong, Qian Qingshu, a scholar of Wuyingdian University, asks to see you."

Qian Qingshu is Wang Zhenwen's confidant Nangong Qianrou looked at Wei Yuan.

Wei Yuan waved his hand: "No, let him go back."

The official bowed and saluted: "Yes."

"Father?" Nangong Qian said softly, did the father choose to stand on the sidelines in the end?

"It doesn't make sense for me to make a move."

Wei Yuan smiled and said, "This favor should be reserved for the right person."

Nangong Qianrou didn't understand, but she didn't ask. After getting along for so many years, he got used to his adoptive father's language style.

"You go out first." Wei Yuan said suddenly.

After Nangong Qianrou left, he took out a few envelopes, picked up a pen, and wrote.

The Imperial Palace, in Jingxiu Palace.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was eating iced plums, with a basin of ice cubes at his feet, enjoying the cool breeze fanned by the maid, but his expression was not at all relaxed, and he said:

"I persuaded Wang Shoufu that day, don't compete with your father, don't go with Wei Yuan, but he doesn't listen. Now it's good, father is going to punish him."

The prince and Wang Shoufu did not have much intersection, but in the royal party, many people were unswerving princelings.

If Wang Zhenwen falls, these people will also be implicated, weakening the prince's influence in the court in a disguised form.

Concubine Chen and Lin'an were listening, both a little worried. Since the year of Jingcha, the crown prince's position has been swaying from side to side, and he couldn't sit still.

Concubine Chen frowned and said, "What's Wei Yuan's attitude?"

The prince said in a deep voice: "Qian Qingshu, a scholar of Wuyingdian, went to pay a visit to Wei Yuan this morning, but he didn't see anyone."

Concubine Chen's face was full of sadness: "Wei Yuan and Wang Shoufu are political enemies, and I'm afraid they are waiting to make trouble."

The prince looked at his younger sister and said, "Lin'an, isn't Xu Qi'an your confidant? He is someone Wei Yuan relies heavily on. How about trying to break through from him?"

Lin'an was sitting on a soft bed, wearing a gorgeous red long dress and a golden hair crown. She had a round oval face with graceful lines and peach blossom eyes that were charming and watery.

When silent, like a delicate and flawless jade beauty.

"He hasn't seen me for a long time"

Lin'an's face was gloomy, and he whispered.

After the Chuzhou massacre case, more than half a month has passed, Xu Ningyan has never looked for her, and Lin'an has never said anything, but she is sensitive in her heart and always feels that Xu Ningyan completely hates the royal family because of that incident.

He even hated her, so he deliberately alienated himself.

Thinking of their happy days before, Lin'an felt sore in his heart.

"It's simple. You quietly send someone to deliver a letter to Xu's residence and ask him to meet. If he agrees, it means that his thoughts are still with you." The prince suggested with a smile.

Concubine Chen added: "Remember to keep it secret, let the servants of Lin'an Mansion do it, don't send palace guards. Don't let your royal father know that you have any contact with Xu Qi'an."

Lin'an nodded his head vigorously, with an expression of apprehension and anticipation on his face: "I'll let someone do it."

At lunch time, Yuan Xiong, the censor of Zuodu, and Qin Yuandao, the servant of the Ministry of War, entered a restaurant in the inner city.

There are also several officials from the same camp.

There is a one-hour break for lunch. The canteens in the yamen of the capital are notoriously unpalatable, and the clear soup is not too watery, but don't even think about big fish and meat.

Except for low-level officials who dined in dining halls, high-ranking officials all went to restaurants.

Yuan Xiong raised his teacup and said with a smile: "Congratulations to Qin Shilang first, he is expected to enter the cabinet."

Qin Yuandao responded with a toast, and said, "Master Yuan will monopolize the Metropolitan Procuratorate just around the corner. At that time, don't forget to take care of us."

The Metropolitan Procuratorate has great power and has the responsibility of supervising all officials. Yuan Xiong has always wanted to take sole control of the Metropolitan Procuratorate and kick out Wei Yuan's followers.

However, because Qin Yuandao had no hope of becoming Minister of the Ministry of War, he thought of finding another way to join the cabinet.

The two jointly planned the imperial examination fraud case, which failed in the end, and is now making a comeback. The difference from the last time was that His Majesty was standing on the sidelines at that time, but this time he gave full support behind him.

"Even if Wang Zhenwen doesn't fall this time, he will still be injured. He has been in charge of the cabinet for many years, and he had to rely on him to check and balance Wei Yuan. Now, His Majesty intends to let Wei Yuan be the commander-in-chief of Chuzhou. Gotta move."

"Also, I heard that Qian Qingshu visited Wei Yuan this morning and was shut out."

"If it wasn't for that bastard surnamed Xu last time, our position would have been moved." Qin Yuandao gritted his teeth.

An official raised his glass and said with a smile: "Qin Shilang doesn't need to be angry, then Xu Qi'an can't protect himself. If he offends His Majesty, he will be liquidated sooner or later. First hit the big ones, and then deal with the small ones. He is not far from death."

"Drink and drink."

Pushing cups and changing cups, chatting and laughing loudly.

"Da Lang, someone sent you a letter outside."

In the front hall, Old Zhang, the concierge, presented a secret letter.

Xu Qi'an, who was kicking Xu Lingyin up and down like a shuttlecock, put down Yaomei, reached out to receive the letter, and asked, "Who sent the letter?"

Old Zhang, the concierge, shook his head: "He was outside, and he didn't say who delivered it for him. He also said he was waiting for your reply."

"Brother, keep playing!"

Xu Lingyin had enjoyed the feeling of flying, so she was no longer willing to be a stupid child living on the ground.

Hugging Xu Qi'an's leg like an octopus, not letting go.

Xu Qi'an kicked it, but it didn't fly away, thinking that this silly boy's strength is getting stronger and stronger.

"Peace!"

he yelled.

There was a whistling sound, and the peace knife flew out of the room, with the knife and sheath hanging in front of Xu Qi'an.

Xu Lingyin was stunned, with a raised face and a stupid look on her face.

Xu Qi'an picked her up, let her ride the peace knife like a witch riding a magic broom, then patted Xu Lingyin's little butt, and said loudly:

"Go, Magical Girl Douding!"

Tai Ping Dao flew out of the front hall with her, Xiao Douding's heartless laughter came from the air.

Xu Qi'an unfolded the letter and read it. The letter was sent by Lin'an, which described the situation of the court dispute in recent days, and asked tactfully if he could be invited to check Wei Yuan's tone.

This doesn't look like Lin'an's style, whether it's Concubine Chen or the prince who is instigating it. I remember Wei Gong said that there are many supporters of the prince in the royal party. Speaking of which, I haven't visited since the beheading of the two princes. Lin'an.

Hey, the main reason is that there are too many things, one after another, neglecting her

Lin'an is different from Huaiqing, Huaiqing doesn't need to be coaxed, but Lin'an is a girl who really wants to be with her.

"You tell him to tell the master, just say I know."

Xu Qi'an sent the concierge Lao Zhang away, sat at the round table, and couldn't help but recall what Wei Yuan said this morning:

I don't care about this matter.

Yesterday Xu Erlang went back to his home on duty, and told him about the incident in the court, Xu Qi'an kept an eye on it, and went to the watchman's yamen this morning to talk to Wei Yuan, only then did he know that this was not an ordinary fight.

Emperor Yuan Jing wants to move Wang Shoufu.

"It's actually an opportunity for me. Although Erlang flirted with Ms. Wang, he didn't come into Wang Shoufu's sight. Moreover, because of his status as a student of Yunlu Academy and because of me, it is difficult for him to make further progress in the officialdom unless he joins Wang Shoufu .

"But Wang Shoufu was born in the Imperial College, and he naturally resisted the students of Yunlu Academy. Now, isn't it an opportunity. I have many officials and Cao Guogong's criminal evidence of corruption and perverting the law. Some of these political chips should be given to Wei Gong and some to Erlang.

"Isn't it just a good time to use it now? Moreover, if I can reap the favor of Wang Shoufu, it will be of great help to me, Emperor Yuanjing. I just want to go to the Ministry of Officials to check the files.

"I have already confessed Cao Guogong's secret letter to Wei Gong, and he said that he doesn't care about it. The hint is already obvious. Wei Gong seems to be relatively negative about the court affairs recently? What is he planning?"

Xu Erlang returned home for dinner with a dejected expression on his face. Just as he passed through the front yard, he saw Yaomei riding on a knife, circling and dancing in the small courtyard, laughing like a pig.

Niang and Lingyue watched worriedly from below, screaming from time to time, saying in multiple voices: Be careful, be careful!

The aunt said angrily: "Xu Ningyan, quickly let your broken knife come down, if Lingyin falls and hurts, let me see how I teach you."

My aunt pinched her waist, stood in the yard, and shouted towards the front hall.

"Mother, how can a knife fly?" Xu Lingyue was a little surprised and a little scared.

"Who knows, it must be your elder brother's sorcery." Aunt said.

The couple had seen Li Miaozhen stepping up and down on flying swords, and thought it was no big deal, but when Xu Erlang saw this scene, he was stunned and stunned.

"Jeez, peerless magic weapon" Xu Erlang murmured.

At this time, Xu Qi'an came out from the front hall and greeted: "Taiping, come down."

The Taiping Knife lowered its height and hovered motionless. My aunt immediately snatched her precious daughter over and spat, "What a broken knife."

After she finished speaking, she saw Xu Xinian taking two steps in three steps, stopping in front of the peace knife, stretching out his hand with straight eyes, as if he wanted to hold the knife, but he didn't dare, and he was extremely excited.

Xu Erlang, as a scholar from the Confucian orthodox system, naturally knows the peerless magic weapon.

Seeing his son's attitude, the aunt asked suspiciously, "Erlang, what's wrong with this knife?"

Xu Erlang murmured: "This knife is extremely rare and priceless, no, it is a priceless treasure."

Priceless? ! My aunt's heart skipped a beat, she looked at the peace knife in surprise, and asked tentatively, "How much is that worth?"

Aunt needs a specific number to measure its value.

"Let's put it this way, if elder brother trades it for a title, at least he can get an earl, even a marquis."

The marquis is second only to the duke, and the duke of Dafeng is almost the pinnacle of the title of a different surname.

The aunt opened her mouth, and when she looked at the peace knife again, it was like looking at her own son, no, it was even hotter than her own son.

"I still want to play." Xu Lingyin climbed the peace knife.

"Go, son, such a precious thing, if you break it, I will kill you." The aunt slapped Xiao Douding away.

Xu Qi'an watched this scene with a smile, and shouted: "Erlang, come in, I have something to tell you."

Xu Erlang entered the front hall, sat on the table, and then his eyes were attracted by a stack of secret letters on the table, not the secret letters sent by Lin'an, but the secret letters found in Cao Guogong's private house.

"I already know what happened to Wang Shoufu, Erlang, if you have the ability to help him tide over the difficulties, will you help him, or will you stand on the sidelines?"

Hearing this, Xu Nian frowned slightly, and said calmly, "I'm worried about Simu, but I don't have much feeling or anxiety about what happened to Wang Shoufu. And if I didn't have Simu, I would probably have a drink with my elder brother now."

Da Feng's good son-in-law Xu Qi'an complained in his heart, and said with a smile: "But if you can help, I believe Wang Shoufu will be willing to accept you, at least, he will not contradict you."

As he spoke, he pointed to the secret letter on the table.

With doubts, Xu Erlang opened the secret letter and looked at each one. His pupils shrank slightly, showing a look of shock, and then he was excited, and his hands trembled slightly.

If these secret letters fall into the hands of capable people, they will become a sharp weapon in their hands. Well, I don't know how many officials in the capital will be convicted of this, and the entire officialdom in the capital will experience a major earthquake.

Of course, there is another possibility that all these secret letters will be destroyed, because too many people are involved.

"I can only give you a small part of these secret letters. We need to select a few people who will be useful to Wang Shoufu." Xu Qi'an laid out the secret letters one by one.

The so-called useful people cannot be kings or Yuan Xiong first-class. The latter is backed by the emperor, and these secret letters cannot cause fatal effects on them, at least in the current situation, they cannot be killed in one blow.

Soon, the brothers picked out eight characters. Both high position and weight, but not the first two.

"After the value is released, you go to the palace and hand over these secret letters to Wang Shoufu. Remember, you must go to Miss Wang first and let her introduce you."

The elder brother meant that I should hint to Wang Shoufu about my relationship with Simu. Xu Nian said "hmm", and just as he had finished the secret letter, he saw the elder brother roll up his sleeves.

"Brother, what are you going to do?"

"beat you!"

boom!

Xu Erlang's handsome face was punched, and he fell down screaming. Xu Dalang took advantage of the situation and rode up, bowing left and right.

"Brother, don't slap your face!" Xu Erlang screamed.

"If you don't slap your face, how can you show your sacrifice, and how can you move Miss Wang's family. In order to save my father-in-law, you did not hesitate to turn against your eldest brother."

"This, wouldn't this be a little despicable?"

"It's not despicable, it's a routine. Come on, put on a good posture, and the elder brother will punch you a few more times."

Jingxiu Palace.

Lin'an Mansion quickly sent back news, but there was no reply, only one sentence: I see.

The prince glanced at Lin'an, touched his nose, and said with emotion: "It seems that there is no hope, but it is true. I will not be an official anymore. I know that I have angered my father, so I am too lazy to manage the relationship between our brothers and sisters."

Lin'an's eyes turned red at what he said.

Concubine Chen frowned, and reprimanded: "Say less, it's normal if he doesn't help, and if Wei Yuan relies on him again, can he listen to him?"

The prince said helplessly: "I know, it's just that his attitude makes people unhappy."

Lin'an pursed his lips tightly, and said sullenly, "I'm going back to Shaoyin Palace."

palace.

In the inner hall, the atmosphere was a little dignified.

Sitting beside Mrs. Wang, Wang Simu talked softly, trying to ease her mother's anxiety.

The eldest son of the Wang family who worked in the household department drank tea without saying a word, while the second son of the Wang family who was in business was impatient and wandered around in the hall.

"Brother, I heard from acquaintances that His Majesty is going to wipe out our Wang family this time?" Second Prince Wang said as he walked, his tone hurried.

Mrs. Wang's eyes were even more worried, and she looked at the eldest son with a questioning look.

Prince Wang put down his teacup, and said in a calm voice, "It's a little troublesome, Yuan Xiong and Qin Yuandao listed a lot of criminal evidence, the most troublesome one is embezzlement of military pay.

"You still remember Zhou Xianping, the former servant of the household department. He belonged to his father, and he did embezzle the military salary privately. When the house was raided, there were only a few thousand taels in the Zhou family. Where did the money go? It is said to be in our royal family."

"It's just nonsense." Second Young Master Wang gritted his teeth angrily.

Young Master Wang pinched the center of his brows, and sighed wearily:

"Father Jane was in the emperor's heart in the past, so there is no problem. During the Chuzhou massacre, my father offended His Majesty too much. This is the crux of the problem."

Mrs. Wang said worriedly: "What should be done, what should be done."

Wang Simu quickly comforted his mother, then frowned and said:

"Speak less, both of you. If you can't come up with a countermeasure, don't pour bitter water here. What else is there to add to mother's worries?"

She continued to comfort her mother, and said softly: "Father has been the chief assistant for more than ten years, and he has never seen any big storms. He knows it well. Isn't this discussed with the uncles in the study?"

Prince Wang glanced at his sister and shook his head. Although there were crises before, it was never as dangerous as this time. Fighting political enemies and fighting His Majesty are the same thing?

While talking, the butler rushed to report, glanced at the people in the hall, and looked at Wang Simu: "Miss, Mr. Xu is outside and wants to see you."

Second Brother Wang sneered and said, "When is it, are you still talking about love?"

Mrs. Wang and Mr. Wang frowned.

They knew that Xu Erlang was close to his daughter. Wang Simu had a strong personality and was extremely intelligent. No one in the family could control him except Wang Zhenwen.

So I just closed my eyes and let her go.

But now that the Wang family is in crisis, Xu Erlang still visits frequently, which is inexplicably annoying.

Wang Simu squinted at his second brother, stood up Yingying, and said, "Lead him to the outer hall."

She patted the back of her mother's hand, left straight away, walked through the inner courtyard, and walked through the winding corridors. Miss Wang met Xu Erlang in the living room.

He sat on a chair, covered his face with his sleeves, dodging and dodging.

"What's wrong with Erlang?" Wang Simu looked around for a while, but he avoided them all.

"no problem"

Xu Erlang said, "I'm here to give you something."

Saying that, the other finger pointed at the coffee table, and Wang Simu found a stack of letters on the coffee table.

Curious, Wang Simu opened the letter and glanced at it, her delicate body trembled, her beautiful big eyes were full of shock.

"Well, where did Erlang get these secret letters?" She opened her mouth slightly, her face paled.

"I got it from my elder brother." Xu Erlang replied.

Where did Xu Qi'an get it from? He is Wei Yuan's confidant, how could he help my father, Wang Simu, turn his eyes to see Xu Erlang's evasive appearance.

His heart sank suddenly, and he pulled his sleeves away with his hands.

"ah"

Wang Simu let out a cry.

Xu Erlang's cheeks were swollen, the bridge of his nose was bruised, his lips were cut several times, and he looked like he was beaten up.

"Did your elder brother call it? Because, because of these secret letters?" Wang Simu's lips trembled.

"I fell it myself." Xu Erlang denied it.

Wang Simu's tears flowed out "shua", patter papa, like broken pearls.

"He, he beat you like this!" Miss Wang broke down in tears.

Big brother's routine really works! Xu Erlang felt emotional, and explained: "I really fell it myself."

He didn't waste any time, and said: "These secret letters are from my eldest brother, but he has a condition. I need to tell Mr. Shoufu face to face."

Wang Simu took out the brocade handkerchief from his sleeve, wiped away the tears carefully, and looked into Xu Erlang's eyes full of love.

She nodded: "I'll take you there now."

In the spacious study room, sandalwood incense was wafting, and Wang Shoufu was holding tea, frowning silently.

Qian Qingshu, a scholar of the Wuying Palace, Chen Qi, a scholar of the Jianji Palace, Sun Shangshu of the Ministry of Punishment, and other confidantes gathered together with dignified expressions.

"Look at what your Majesty means, in a few days, it will be our turn?" Qian Qingshu said in a deep voice.

Chen Qi, a scholar of the Jianji Temple, has a bad temper. He slapped the table and cursed: "The Chuzhou massacre case is the result of King Huai's insanity. How can it be tolerated? This old man will end up being an official."

The Minister of the Ministry of Officials snorted coldly: "If you become an official, wouldn't you be in the arms of Qin's surname."

Wang Shoufu sat at the main seat, sipped the tea, and silently listened to the quarrel of his colleagues. The old man has been in the ups and downs of his official career for half his life, and he has never been in a hurry.

Seeing that the quarrel subsided, Wang Shoufu asked, "What's Wei Yuan's attitude?"

"The door was closed." Qian Qingshu said with a sullen face.

"No surprise." Wang Shoufu nodded: "Your Majesty will use him, Wei Yuan's role is much stronger than ours."

The Minister of the Ministry of Officials sneered, "Will Your Majesty tolerate his family's dominance?"

Wang Shoufu took a sip of tea, and said in a calm tone: "Many years ago, I felt that he was tired of fighting in the court, and he wanted to take charge of the army again. If I'm not wrong, Duke Huai's death was due to him.

"Sun Shangshu, you are in charge of the Ministry of Punishment, you must be locked up, and you cannot let the Dali Temple and the Metropolitan Procuratorate convict you."

Sun Shangshu of the Ministry of Punishments nodded.

"Xu Shangshu, I know you support the prince and support the prince, so I just took this opportunity to contact other princelings."

The Minister of the Ministry of Officials nodded.

Then, Wang Shoufu spoke calmly and looked around at the crowd: "There is nothing wrong with becoming an official. It is better to retreat bravely than to end in a dismal situation. Moreover, after becoming an official, you can come back. A gentleman must learn to seek advantages and avoid disadvantages, and retreat when you retreat."

At this time, there was a knock on the door, and Wang Simu's soft and pleasant voice sounded: "Father, my daughter has something to see."

PS: Come back, continue to code the next chapter. This chapter is half coded on the mobile phone, there may be a lot of typos, help catch bugs.