After the Chinese New Year, the weather gradually became warmer. After a few days of adaptation, the various yamen of the imperial court finally resumed normal operations.
The main reason is, of course, the memorial issued by the Ministry of War to rectify military camps.
As time passed, the discussion about this matter became more and more intense in both the government and the public, and both civil servants and military officers came and went between various mansions much more frequently.
Everyone's eyes are fixed on the court meeting that will take place a few days later...
In a blink of an eye, it was the tenth day of the Lunar New Year, and Dongcheng, which had been gradually calming down after the Chinese New Year, suddenly became lively.
Today is the day when the prince of Zhennan Palace and the daughter of Jing'an Palace are getting married. Originally, it was taboo to get married in the first month of the year. However, this date was chosen by the old King himself. With his identity as an old man, naturally no one dared to
Say more.
Early in the morning, the officers from the Wucheng Military and Horse Department went out and sealed off the entire street in front of the Jing'an Bo Mansion.
The long street was already decorated with red silk, the gongs and drums were noisy, and firecrackers were blasting, making it lively.
Not long after, a team came from afar, but it was not a team to welcome the bride. The three leaders, one civil, one military and one eunuch, were all very important figures in the government and the public...
The person in the middle, wearing a scarlet robe with unicorns embroidered on it, is Li Xian, the Duke of Feng Kingdom. The one on the left wearing a crane to mend his clothes is Hu Ming, the Minister of Rites, the young master. The person on the rear right wearing a python suit with a pale face is the Secretary of Ceremonies.
The eunuch Cheng Jing was in charge of the seal.
Behind them, those following behind them were not ordinary servants and maids, but actually palace servants.
Although there were troops from five cities blocking the road, both sides of the street were already crowded with onlookers.
In front of the gate of Prince Jing'an's Mansion, Fan Guang was wearing the unicorn uniform given by the emperor, his face glowing red, leading a group of people in the mansion who had been waiting for a long time.
Next to him was the wedding host, Yu Qian, Shangshu of the Shaobao Military Department, who was also dressed in a crane suit and had a smile on his face!
If nothing else, this should be the grandest wedding in the entire capital.
Logically speaking, the imperial court would only send special envoys to confer marriages between princes and princes. This time, although the marriage between the two palaces was also from the prince's palace, in the end, it was only the crown prince, not the real prince.
However, the emperor's special favor was to personally grant marriages to the two families, which was considered a great favor to the emperor. Therefore, although all the etiquette was slightly different from that of the prince's wedding, it was not much different.
Following the noisy sound of gongs and drums, the long queue stopped in front of the Jing'an Bo Mansion. Several people dismounted and saluted each other.
Immediately, the etiquette officer who followed the team said loudly.
"According to the system, Li Xian, the Duke of Feng Kingdom, was appointed as the chief envoy, and Hu Hu, the Minister of Rites, the young master, was appointed as the deputy envoy. The registration ceremony was carried out in accordance with the regulations, and Fan, the eldest daughter of Fan Guang, Jing'an Bo, was appointed as the royal concubine of the crown prince of Zhennan."
"The officiant introduces the ceremony!"
The corresponding ceremonial process had been rehearsed in advance, so there would be no mistakes. Yu Qian took a step forward and said.
"The incense table has been set up in the main hall. Please follow me into the main hall to register!"
So, everyone entered the mansion, and the gongs and drums sounded again, and it was very lively...
However, the Changping Marquis Mansion, just a street away, seemed unexpectedly deserted.
In front of the huge Hou Mansion, there were two young men standing.
Although the weather is getting warmer, Yang Jie is still wearing a thick cloak. Beside him, Yang Neng is wearing a smart outfit and looking at the lively scene in the distance with complicated eyes.
Some families are happy and some are sad. While this grand wedding is taking place in Jing'an Bo Mansion, the situation in Changping Marquis Mansion seems to be getting worse.
Yang Hong was dismissed from the post of admiral of the Beijing camp, Yang Neng was demoted to Guangxi, and Yang Jun was exiled to Longmen Guards. Each one of them seems to show the same political signal...
The Yang family and the Changping Marquis Mansion are declining!
Looking at the dozens of long boxes of gifts on the opposite side, being carried into the mansion under the command of the accompanying female officer, Yang Neng's face was as dark as water, he withdrew his gaze, looked at Yang Jie beside him, and said.
"There is so much excitement over there. My uncle is inconvenienced and cannot go to congratulate him. Xiaojie, as the eldest son of the Changping Marquis Mansion, why don't you go and have a glass of wine on my uncle's behalf?"
There was a hint of ridicule and a bit of resentment in his tone.
Yang Jie shook his head and said calmly.
"The congratulatory gifts have been sent. I am a quiet person by nature, so I won't join in the fun. Besides, my second brother is leaving for office today, so my family's affairs are naturally more important than outsiders' banquets."
Looking at his fourth brother who was always calm and unfazed, Yang Neng let out a breath, but couldn't hold it back, took a step forward, stared at him closely, and asked.
"Xiaojie, my second brother is leaving the capital soon. Tell me the truth. Why did Xincheng Bo Zhao Rong suddenly recommend me to Guangxi?"
Yang Jie was silent for a moment, then he raised his head and looked directly into Yang Neng's eyes and said.
"Father's intention!"
"Second brother will not think that with my status, I can allow Uncle Xincheng to take the risk of offending the Yang family and transfer my second brother away at this time."
This time Yang Neng was silent.
In fact, he had already thought that if Xin Chengbo could come forward to present the petition, Yang Hong would have to come forward.
Although Yang Jie is the future heir to the Changping Hou Mansion, he is called the Crown Prince of the Hou Mansion.
However, after all, he is just a junior member of a noble family. In the circle of descendants, he may still have some influence due to his weight in the Hou family.
But in the court, in front of such a serious Lord as Xin Chengbo, he didn't even have the right to sit and talk, let alone influence the other party's decision.
Strictly speaking, Yang Neng's transfer to Guangxi can only be regarded as a smooth transfer, not a demotion.
However, at such a critical time, he was transferred to the southeast, a place he was unfamiliar with, and the political implications were very strong.
It is impossible for Zhao Rong to take the initiative to do such a thing to offend the Changping Marquis Mansion without any reason.
Even though the Yang family is now at the center of the turmoil, it is still the prestigious Hou Mansion. This matter would not have been possible without Yang Hong's nod.
so……
He gently clenched his fist, but Yang Neng's expression did not relax. He still stared at Yang Jie closely and asked.
"Xiaojie, you know I'm not asking about your uncle, but you!"
"What role did you play in this matter?"
Although Yang Hong could not be bypassed by transferring Yang Neng out of Beijing, this decision actually showed that Yang Hong rejected Yang Neng's proposal on New Year's Eve.
Until now, in the face of rumors and pressure from both the government and the public, the Yang family has never taken any action, which also proves this point.
It has always been Yang Jie's idea to stay humble, to give in and compromise, so Yang Jie couldn't help but doubt that Yang Jie played some role that he didn't know about in this process.
The wind suddenly picked up, blowing his clothes and rolled up. Yang Jie sighed, and seemed not to know how to answer for a moment. After a while, he looked at Yang Neng and said seriously.
"Second brother, we are a family, a family that shares weal and woe!"
"Since the second brother is asking, let me tell you straight away. It is indeed my father's intention to let the second brother serve under Anyuan Hou. However, he has also discussed it with me, and I... have no objection."
After hearing the previous sentence, Yang Neng's expression softened, and a complicated light flashed in his eyes. However, after hearing the next sentence, he couldn't help but ask.
"Why?"
Yang Jie pondered for a moment and then explained.
"Second brother, you should understand in your heart that with the current situation of the Yang family, if you are not careful, it will be a disaster. No matter which path you take, you must go all out if you make up your mind. If you are hesitant and unable to do anything, you will be able to do it."
It’s a real recipe for disaster.”
He didn't say it clearly, but Yang Neng already understood.
Compromise or rise up to resist, the Yang family can only choose one path. It is obvious that Yang Hong is inclined to listen to Yang Jie in the end.
Under such circumstances, it would be inappropriate for Yang Neng to continue to stay in the capital.
Just like Yang Jie said, no matter what the final choice is, once you make the choice, you have to go all out. If you want to change your mind at every turn, then big things will really happen at this critical moment.
Yang Neng knew his character well. If he continued to stay, if something happened again, he would not be able to help but persuade Yang Hong again, or even do something in private.
From this perspective, letting him leave is indeed the best way.
but……
"Xiaojie, your second brother and I have been stationed at the border for these years. Whether it is in the north or the southeast, it is no hindrance to me. It is just leading troops to fight and fight on the battlefield. There is nothing difficult."
"But, you should know that the Yang family is the foundation of you and me. With the current situation in the capital like this, are you really sure that you can keep the Yang family safe?"
Yang Neng sighed, the unhappiness in his eyes dissipated a lot, and then a trace of worry appeared in his eyes, and he said.
"Now that I have been transferred out of the capital, your third brother has been exiled to Longmen, my uncle is ill in bed, and the court is busy sharpening its knives when a storm is coming, how can I leave the capital with peace of mind!"
Hearing this, Yang Jie also had a rare hesitation.
Yes, who can not worry about this kind of thing at this time?
Although he has done his best, the situation in the court is treacherous and ever-changing. Except for His Majesty the Emperor, who is at the ninth level, who dares to say that everything is under control...
Taking a deep breath, Yang Jie shook his head slightly, as if to put all the weakness in his heart behind him.
Then, he raised his head and spoke to Yang Neng calmly but seriously.
"Second brother, don't worry. I have thought about it carefully. Although the imperial court has made great efforts to organize the army this time, it is not without any scruples after all."
"My father fought many battles and made great contributions to the country. He guarded the Xuanfu for many years and gained a reputation far and wide. He kept the territory safe. He resisted the border invaders several times. Last year, he also made a large-scale march. At the critical moment, my father swore to guard the Xuanfu and stabilize the country.
The morale of the army, the raid on Alazhiyuan, and the reversal of the war situation are indispensable."
"Even if the imperial court wants to show its determination to clean up the military garrison, it is impossible to kill all the Yang family. The second brother is now out of Beijing and going to Guangxi. Although his official position has not been reduced, it is tantamount to being demoted. Although the third brother is guarding the border because of his crime, he
It means that several crimes are punished at the same time, and the mistakes made before can be regarded as being wiped out."
"Since the imperial court has made arrangements for you, it is impossible to change the order overnight. Even if something happens to the Yang family during this turmoil, you two will not be involved again."
"The only thing to worry about is the situation of the eldest brother in Xuanfu. However, if the court really wants to use the Yang family's method, it will mainly be against the father. The eldest brother will be implicated at most. When Yu Shaobao was in Xuanfu, the eldest brother was
He did not obstruct me, but protected me at every turn, which can be regarded as leaving a trace of incense."
"If there is any disagreement, my father and I will try our best to keep my eldest brother safe. I can't guarantee anything else, but I am still confident about this."
Yang Neng frowned and thought about these words carefully in his mind. Still a little worried, he asked.
"real?"
Yang Jie nodded and said.
"Second brother, don't worry. I have already sent someone to inquire. At the beginning, the Ministry of Punishment wanted to exile the three of them to Tieling Guards, but later on, the decree was changed to Longmen Guards."
"The Longmen Guards have returned to the Xuan Mansion to control the situation. The eldest brother is guarding the Xuan Mansion. It is impossible that the Ministry of Punishment does not know this. Since the third brother is sent to the Longmen Guards, it means that the emperor has no intention of killing everyone."
After listening, Yang Neng breathed a sigh of relief, but the doubts in his eyes were still there. He hesitated for a moment and asked again.
"Is the news accurate? Is it possible that the Criminal Department changed its mind and sent Xiaojun to Longmen Guards?"
Yang Jie did not hesitate this time, shook his head and said.
"The news should be good. The Ministry of Punishment's original plan was indeed to be Tieling Guards. However, even if what the second brother guessed was true, it was the Ministry of Punishment that changed the place of exile. When the decree was finally drafted, the cabinet and the Supervisor of Ceremonies would definitely remind them
Your Majesty, the Longmen Guards belong to the Xuan Mansion, and my eldest brother is guarding the Xuan Mansion."
"If His Majesty does not have this intention, then the final decree will inevitably be changed. In fact, this is why I am confident that I can keep my brother even in the worst case."
"Third brother's arrival at the Longmen Guard is your Majesty's kindness to the Yang family. However, if the Yang family's affairs eventually affect the Yang family, then there is no need for Your Majesty to go to the Longmen Guard and let the third brother go to the Longmen Guard."
This statement is clear and meticulous.
After Yang Neng listened, he finally felt relieved. At the same time, he couldn't help but have a flash of admiration in his eyes and said.
"Xiaojie, it was my second brother who misjudged you before. My uncle was right. You have such a meticulous mind and the ability to see into people's minds and political situations. The Yang family can only last long if it is left in your hands!"
"Although I don't know how you persuaded uncle, but with your words, my second brother believes that you will be able to let the Yang family get through this crisis safely!"
Yang Jie gave a wry smile, only to feel the pressure on his shoulders getting a little heavier.
After pondering for a moment, Yang Jie looked at Yang Neng's sincere look, his eyes flashed, he took a step forward and asked.
"Since the second brother said so, I also have a question, please ask the second brother to clarify it."
Seeing this situation, Yang Neng also calmed down. After all, he was not a careless person. He probably guessed what Yang Neng wanted to ask. He sighed and Yang Neng said quietly.
"As expected, uncle still told you everything?"
Yang Jie nodded and said without hesitation.
"I shouldn't be involved in second brother's personal affairs. I know that although second brother and I have different thoughts and ideas, we are both for the good of the Yang family. Therefore, I didn't plan to ask about this matter, but since second brother just said so
, then the little brother asked rashly..."
"That night, the second brother said that Ning Yuan Hou Renli had contacted you privately. Please tell the truth about the specific situation."
Yang Neng hesitated for a moment, but this time he did not refuse. He nodded, then lowered his voice, leaned into Yang Jie's ear, and whispered a few words.
Immediately, Yang Jie's expression changed and he said in surprise.
"Is this happening?"
Yang Neng withdrew his body, sneered and said.
"He didn't come to me. I haven't thought of this yet. But this Marquis Ren secretly sent a message to his eldest brother when he was in Xuanfu. When he returned to the capital, he came to me privately again. If he didn't have a guilty conscience, then why?
"
"He wants to use my Yang family as a gunman, how can I be defenseless against him? Xiaojie, don't worry, even if you don't ask about this matter, I originally planned to talk about it."
"When he found me, I kept a secret and sent people to Gansu to investigate. What I just told you is the news I just got a few days ago."
"If nothing else, the details can be found out before this court meeting. Although the time is too tight, we may not be able to get conclusive evidence. However, since the court wants to investigate the military settlement, it will definitely investigate in detail. When the time comes, you only have to
These matters need to be brought to the court, even if our Yang family falls into the quagmire, Ningyuan Hou Mansion will not be able to survive alone!"
Yang Jie nodded, barely suppressing the surprise in his eyes, and looked Yang Neng up and down, and gained a new understanding of this second brother who was praised by his father as Shen Yi's strategist.
"If this is true, then my second brother has really helped a lot this time!"
Yang Neng's eyebrows relaxed, he reached out and patted Yang Jie's shoulder and said.
"Didn't you just say that we are a family, a family that shares weal and woe, and if you can help us or not, my second brother is still saying that, the Yang family is not anyone else's Yang family, it is the Yang family of the Yang family!"
"Okay, second brother is gone. I'm in Guangxi, waiting for your good news!"
There are bursts of joy in the distance, the gongs and drums are noisy, the sound of firecrackers is deafening, and it is very lively.
In front of the Yang Mansion, a lonely carriage stopped leisurely. Yang Neng got on the carriage with two followers, took a deep look at the plaque hanging on the Changping Marquis Mansion, turned around and got into the carriage, staggering towards
Go forward.
The cold wind was blowing, and his clothes were flying. Yang Jie stood at the door of the mansion, looking at the carriage going away, his eyes flashing, and he didn't know what he was thinking in his heart.
When the shadow of the carriage disappeared from his sight, he withdrew his eyes and glanced at the lively Jing'an Bo Mansion in the distance. A smile appeared in his eyes, and he turned back to the mansion.
It was almost noon at this moment, Yang Jie walked towards the mansion step by step, the shadows on the ground shrank into a small ball.
Above his head, the scorching sun was shining in the sky, and the world was warm...
This chapter has been completed!