By the end of August, the wind was calm inside Juyong Pass.

Zhu Houzhao was still stranded in Weizhou, Zhang Yong, Xiao Taozi and Hu Lian and his party set off for a while and there was no news. Everyone was waiting in an anxious mood.

On August 29th, Tang Yin and his party arrived at Juyongguan, which was also the second group of people from Yansui.

Although Lin Heng and his party set out early, they had not received the imperial edict and could only stay in Xuanfu for the time being unable to move. Among the first group of people, only Zhang Yong and Ma Yongcheng were the eunuchs in the military supervision and supervision, and arrived at Juyongguan.

This time, Tang Yin brought Shen Yongzhuo and others from Yansui, and because no one informed him halfway, he went directly to Juyongguan.

On that day, Chen Xi did not go out of the city to greet him, but just sent someone to provide guidance. That night, Tang Yin took the initiative to visit Chen Xi.

In his military service to the grassland, Tang Yin made great contributions as Chen Xi's aide. Although Chen Xi did not follow him when he pursued the defeated enemy, he still won the respect of the army.

Tang Yin's first action when he saw Chen Xi was to pass on the letter written by Xie Qian.

Xie Qian was old and had no way to quickly rush, so Tang Yin separated from him after leaving Yulin Weicheng. Originally, Xie Qian wanted to go to Yangqu and Niangziguan, the smooth road of Niangziguan, and returned to Beijing from Zhending and Baoding. However, now there are bandits in Jin, Henan, and northern Zhili, so Xie Qian had to temporarily change to the northern line, from Ningwu Pass to Datong, and pass through Juyong Pass through Xuanfu and return to Beijing. Now the carriage he was riding is still slowly moving in the mountainous area north of Zhenxiwei, and it is about half a month away from Juyong Pass.

"...Shangshu Chen, Mr. Xie was very anxious when he heard about His Majesty's affairs. Fei Ge sent a letter and a special person sent me a letter to you first."

Tang Yin took out the letter while telling the reasons for the incident.

Chen Xi suddenly realized a problem when he heard this. Xie Qian did not send the letter through the person he sent to protect him, but asked Tang Yin to pass it on his behalf. In this way, the letter would be delayed at least two to three days on the road.

Chen Xi was a little confused for a moment when why Xie Qian did this.

After Chen Xi roughly read the letter, he became even more confused.

In his letter, Xie Qian roughly described his arrangements to the court. His guidance to Chen Xi was limited to maintaining stability in the army and that the situation should be notified to the capital city as soon as possible to prevent accidents. Chen Xi had done these things long ago.

But Xie Qian would not have thought that Chen Xi had made the news public in a relatively large range, and what Xie Qian didn't even think that now in the capital, the news about the emperor's disappearance has caused a lot of storm and storm, and the savages are in panic.

Chen Xi pondered for a long time, looked up at Tang Yin, and asked, "Brother Bohu, has Mr. Xie told you that he would go to Juyong Pass or Zijing Pass to return to Beijing? When will he arrive in the capital?"

Tang Yin looked at Chen Xi, thought for a while and shook his head, "Is there no explanation in the letter? I don't know this. After all, I just handed over the letter and didn't see Mr. Xie himself. I don't know anything about how he arranged it. However, even if he is by Master Xie, he would not follow me to explain too much... But one thing is certain, Master Xie believes that as long as Mr. Chen is here, Juyongguan and the capital will not make any mistakes!"

Tang Yin highly praised Xie Qian, which surprised Chen Xi. After careful examination, he found that Tang Yin was a little more calm at this time. He could not say that he was too decent when speaking or doing things. At least he would not make people feel abrupt, and he had obvious progress in his behavior.

Tang Yin said again: "After going to Yansui, I met Mr. Xie twice, and every time I chatted briefly... It seems that he was avoiding something... I think that Mr. Xie, as the chief minister of the dynasty, was not in the capital. With his identity and environment, when he met a military aide like this, he could only be cautious and afraid that others would be too careful."

Chen Xi asked in surprise: "Are you saying that Master Xie is full of wary of the officials and generals on the three sides?"

Tang Yin was a little hesitant, carefully pondering the relationship between Xie Qian and other officials and generals, and finally said in an uncertain tone:

"What is Mr. Xie avoiding? I can't grasp it. But on the surface, the three-sided king system still respects Mr. Xie, and I will ask for advice almost every time I encounter a major problem. This time, I wanted to return to Shangshu Chen earlier, but when I think that Mr. Xie was old and weak and needed someone to accompany me, I decided to set off with Mr. Xie. After not leaving Yulin Cangcheng, he sent someone to tell me that the main business is important. He refused but then went to the horse first... By the way, nothing big happened to His Majesty, right?"

Chen Xi shook his head and did not answer. He did not want to explain too much to Tang Yin about the emperor's situation.

Tang Yin probably understood that there were some things that Chen Xi could not say to him, and he was a little moved: "It's a pity that Mr. Xie could not reach Juyongguan in a short time and could not play the role of a mainstay... The matter here can only be troubled by Chen Shangshu."

...

...

Tang Yin did not stay at Shenxi's residence for too long before saying goodbye.

Although in a sense, Tang Yin was promoted by Chen Xi, he was not Chen Xi's confidant, and there was a certain gap between the two.

After Chen Xi met Tang Yin, he felt that Tang Yin had changed a lot.

"When I went to Yansui, why did I become Xie Yuqiao's person?" Chen Xi said to himself.

Originally, Tang Yin was brought to the army by Chen Xi, and his contribution to Tang Yin was basically given to him in his military use of the grassland. However, when choosing to stand in a team, Tang Yin was more inclined to Xie Qian, which made Chen Xi a little unhappy. But he knew what the problem was. In the eyes of civil officials or scholars like Tang Yin, Xie Qian was the pillar of the court and had a significant impact on his personal career, so he did not consciously rely on Xie Qian regardless of his words and actions.

"Sir, the master of the big house asked me when I would go back to Beijing?" Chen Xi sent Tang Yin away. He wanted to calm down and think about something, but Zhu Hong came over with Shen Yongzhuo's greetings.

What Shen Yongzhuo is most concerned about is when he will return to the capital to meet his family.

Because Shen Yongzhuo's military achievements were not confirmed, he had to wait until he returned to the capital to verify the military affairs office. Many of Chen Xi's confidants wanted to return to Beijing earlier and implement the credit as soon as possible, waiting for promotion and wealth, and had no more ideas about staying in Juyongguan.

Chen Xidao: "We cannot return to Beijing for the time being. It may take a few months for the team to go. I can only ask everyone to endure it."

Chen Xi could have asked Shen Yongzhuo to go back early because Shen Yongzhuo had never had military experience before. He had been tested by life and death this time. He must have had a lot to say to his relatives, but he thought that this might destroy the subsequent promotion, so he held back.

Chen Xi needs a reason to promote his family members, and he has power in this area... He cannot give a civil servant in the sixth and seventh ranks, and he cannot give a military officer out of thin air. He can only get military merit first, and then find a way to hand it over to the Governor's Office of the Five Army, and go through the process. With his face as the Minister of War, the Governor's Office of the Five Army will not refuse at all.

Zhu Hong bowed: "Young man, let me tell the master now."

Chen Xi smiled and said, "A group of brothers came from Yansui to let them have a good rest in Juyongguan. It won't take too long to return to the capital from here. Everything will be arranged!"

As he spoke, Chen Xi himself was also a little tired.

Because Zhu Houzhao ran away from the army, many things in the future became uncertain, Chen Xi himself couldn't help but fall into a state of confusion.

The outside world has been flattened, and the next step is to revitalize the Ming economy, but judging from the current situation, it is still difficult.

Even Chen Xi couldn't imagine how many complicated situations he had to face.

...

...

Chen Xi was waiting for news from Zhu Houzhao to determine when to go to the team.

At this time, Chen Xi seemed to have an eagle with his wings cut off. The court had already had some boycotts of him. A hidden force was fueling the fire behind him. A feast for power seemed to be about to begin. Even Chen Xi could not predict what kind of party struggles he would face after returning to the capital.

At this time, Zhu Houzhao didn't think about the affairs of the court at all. In his opinion, he was the least controversial emperor of the Ming Dynasty. He just needed to enjoy himself. Even in a small place like Weizhou, he could still play with the feeling of a leopard room in the capital.

Jiang Bin gradually came into contact with authority, and the first thing he mastered was Zhu Houzhao's fun heart.

Jiang Bin gradually figured out Zhu Houzhao's preferences and flattered him in every way. In this small Weizhou land, with Jiang Bin's rights, he could help Zhu Houzhao get everything he wanted, and thus gradually became the most respected favorite minister in Zhu Houzhao's mind.

The mansion of Zhao, the former commander of Weizhou Guard, became Zhu Houzhao's temporary residence. Jiang Bin not only sent some women of all kinds in, but also desperately searched for everything to eat, drink and have fun in the place, such as opera troupes, storytellers, circuses, etc. The huge mansion was very lively for a while.

Zhu Houzhao was quite happy. He did not give him any warnings when he encountered the two dangers he had encountered before. This man basically remembered to eat but not beat him.

"...Your Majesty, the villain has received the news that Juyongguan has sent someone to invite His Majesty back to Beijing. I am afraid that the person is about to enter Weizhou City. I wonder... will you give him a meeting?"

On that day, Jiang Bin came over to ask for instructions. In addition to sending fine wine, there were also several wives and daughters who had taken advantage of their robbery from their subordinates. He asked for instructions to Zhu Houzhao when Zhu Houzhao was full of fun.

Although Jiang Bin began to gain the trust of Emperor Zhengde, he was not yet indulgent. Because he did not hold power and did not experience the wonderful taste of being arrogant, he still seemed very humble now. He should notify Zhu Houzhao immediately if there is any news to reflect his loyalty.

But he didn't understand that what Zhu Houzhao wanted was not his loyalty at all, because in Zhu Houzhao's opinion, loyalty to him as the emperor was the right thing to do. What he needed Jiang Bin to do was to handle everything well, rather than to disgust him with some troubles.

Zhu Houzhao was a little unhappy when she heard this: "Is there any need to ask me about this kind of thing? They want to see me, but there is no one in the door... Humph, I actually know that I am in Weizhou, who revealed the news?"

Jiang Bin said tentatively: "Your Majesty, as far as the villain knows, he encountered bandits on his way to Weizhou before. After entering the city, he met Commander Zhao and killed the lord. There are many people who help him to avoid danger. These people who took action at critical moments seem to be not Jinyiwei, but... The villain has not yet found out clearly, but probably knows it is related to Lord Shen."

Zhu Houzhao was unhappy when she heard this. He should have been grateful when Chen Xi sent someone to save him, but Zhu Houzhao was a weirdo. Thinking that those who saved him were sent by Chen Xi to monitor him, this means that he was still in a state of unfreedom, but he felt embarrassed and angry.

Zhu Houzhao said coldly: "I wanted to stay for two days and leave. Who knew that I was delaying so much time in Weizhou? It seems that it is time to leave Weizhou. I am ready to leave tomorrow... I don't want people to keep an eye on me. I am the lord of the world. I don't need anyone to care about where I want to go!"

...

...

Zhang Yong, Xiao Taozi and others entered Weizhou City, but they did not dare to see Zhu Houzhao directly. For them, they had to muster up their courage to see the emperor. If they were not careful, they might be punished.

As for how to meet, it is necessary to discuss it first.

As the eunuch close to the emperor, Zhang Yong and Xiao Guozi thought of asking Hu Lian to meet the saint first.

Because according to Zhu Houzhao's temper, no matter how unhappy he is, he will not treat civil servants. On the contrary, if they are not careful, they will have the possibility of their butt blooming. But they also know that at Hu Lian's level, they do not seem to be qualified to talk directly with Zhu Houzhao, so they must find a compromise.

The three of them stayed in the hotel. Because they could not disclose their identities casually, they could not use the power of the government for the time being. Even Jiang Bin and others dared not send people to contact each other casually.

"Mr. Hu, now we can only rely on you."

Xiao Guozi had no choice but to put his hope on Hu Lian, "We are slaves after all, and you may be punished by Your Majesty when you meet the saint. You are the official of the court. This time, you will assist Your Majesty in the middle of the control of the grassland battle and make great contributions. You should come forward to invite Your Majesty back to Beijing. You should be the most suitable candidate."

Hu Lian was somewhat embarrassed when facing Xiao Taozi and Zhang Yong's anticipated gaze: "It's not impossible to meet the saint, but you have to make it clear, how can you meet the saint? Now I only know that Your Majesty lives in the former Weizhou Guard Commander's Mansion. Now there are a large number of officers and soldiers guarding the house inside and outside the mansion. If you want to meet the saint, you will alarm Jiang Bin. In the end, if you want to meet the saint, you must ask Your Majesty to tell him... Who will do this request?"

Zhang Yong seemed very impatient and frowned and said, "You ask me to ask Your Majesty first. It would be better for us to directly meet the saint and make suggestions. Anyway, I have already met Your Majesty's people, so what's wrong with saying a few more words? In fact, why do you want to ask for instructions when you meet the saint? This is not the same as giving Your Majesty the opportunity to refuse? How can you successfully meet the saint in that way? Wouldn't it be enough to just break in?"

Hu Lian shook his head and smiled bitterly: "If you act rashly, you may be killed on the spot as soon as you break into the mansion, and you don't even have the chance to shout for justice!"

Xiao Zhuozi thought about it and thought it was true. After flirting with his eyebrows for a while, he suddenly remembered something and asked, "Before coming to Weizhou, Lord Shen had never given advice to Lord Hu?"

Hu Lian thought for a while, shook his head and said, "Mr. Shen did not say anything about how to meet the saint."

Zhang Yong heard a hint of clue, "What did Lord Shen say to Lord Hu?"

"this……"

Hu Lian couldn't answer for a moment, and Xiao Twist over there seemed to be very enthusiastic, "Why don't that be like this, Eunuch Zhang, let's try to contact Jiang Bin first to see if there is a chance to come in and meet the saint. It's too difficult for Lord Hu to go directly to meet the saint. If we don't do anything, why should we accept the chore of persuading Your Majesty to return to Beijing?"

Zhang Yonglao was cunning and sighed, "Dude-in-law, you are your majesty's close servant, so you are naturally qualified to meet the saint. But our family has not met the saint for a long time. Isn't it sincere to make things difficult for us to come forward? Otherwise...you go by yourself?"

Xiao Guozi seemed very aggrieved: "Eunuch Zhang, you are mature and steadfast. You should be the one who presides over the overall situation. How can you let the junior take the lead? Your Majesty used to say that you were doing your business properly. This time, you first agreed to persuade Your Majesty to return to Beijing, and then our family came out to make up the numbers..."

"Oh! Master Twist, don't say anything. In short, it's not easy to meet the saint now. Everything needs to be discussed with long-term plans. Unfortunately, Lord Shen doesn't give much advice. In fact, if he comes in person, no one can stop him from doing... Our family is far away from His Majesty, how could we summon him casually?"

Zhang Yong began to complain.

Seeing this situation, Hu Lian thought to himself: "These are three monks who have no water to drink! No one wants to go. Even if I want to meet the saint, I have no way to go. And these two people are obviously here to be perfunctory... Maybe as they said, if Shangshu Chen comes in person, things will be easier, why does the current deadlock appear?"

...

...

The three of them had no choice but to contact Jiang Bin and communicate with Zhu Houzhao through Jiang Bin, while they quickly went to Juyongguan to get "instructions" from Chen Xi.

Before the three arrived in Weizhou, they were not worried about how to meet the saint, but now they are very confused. They are not predicting the difficulties they face. When they arrive at the place, they find that they are very different from what they think. If they want to meet the saint, they cannot explain it clearly in just a few words. Even if they meet the emperor on the street, they dare not come forward to meet him casually.

Because the three of them did not live in the official post, the letter transmission could only be sent out of the city first, and the letter was delivered through specific messengers, and even the fast horses from the official post could not be called.

Although Jiang Bin had known about the three of them for a long time, he was unwilling to communicate with them on his own initiative. After asking Zhu Houzhao for instructions, he found that Zhu Houzhao was right to the people who came to persuade him to go back did not want to meet him at all.

With Jiang Bin's selfishness, he naturally hopes to accompany the emperor to visit more places to deepen his relationship with the emperor, so that Zhu Houzhao can't live without him. This is also the reason why he is unwilling to take the initiative to help.
To be continued...