It was another royal banquet where the father was kind and the son was filial.
Today, the old eunuch has not been avoided. Many things still require his participation and assistance. At least he still wears the title of "Promoting the Imperial City".
"Mo'er, let's not talk about this for now. My father just received a 'good news' from your mother-in-law. You concealed it well enough. You didn't reveal any news to my father when you came here two days ago."
Emperor Ningzong suddenly complained about Guo Mo without any reason, leaving Guo Mo confused.
"Take it and take a look. Although there is a custom of not reporting to others within three months, it is only to outsiders, to your own father. Do you do the same?" Ning Zong pretended to be angry.
Guo Mo opened a secret folder, which contained a short letter, briefly introducing Huang Rong's pregnancy. There were only two words in it, and even Guo Mo was startled when he read it.
"Twins"? Pregnant with two children?
"What? Don't tell me, you don't know it yourself, right?"
Looking at Guo Mo's appearance, Ning Zong was also slightly surprised.
"Hey, it's not that I didn't know, I just didn't expect them to be 'twins'. I guess my father-in-law just found out through the examination." He looked like he was smiling silly.
"Okay, tell me, what kind of reward do you want? It's been a difficult time for father and son, and now you are the only one. You need to spread your wings."
Although he was talking about a happy thing, Emperor Ning Zong was filled with emotions.
"How can these things be what my son wants? You just have to wait until he is born to talk about it. By the way, this time I and the young prince of Prince Zhao of the Kingdom of Jin also talked about some 'homely affairs'."
Guo Mo told Emperor Ning Zong his conversation with Wan Yankang in the "Iron Spear Temple".
These matters cannot be hidden from the emperor's father. After all, his final cooperation and decision are still needed.
"Mo'er, you are right. The pressure from the Jin Kingdom on our court has lasted for so many years. It has always been my father's thorn in my side. Let's see how far they can go this time."
"In addition, since you talked about Mongolia last time, my father has asked the Imperial City Division to increase its exploration of the north. Unfortunately, our ability to conduct external exploration is still weak."
"Even so, my father also understands what you are talking about, the ambition and strength of 'Genghis Khan'. Fortunately, Mongolia is separated from the Song Dynasty by thousands of mountains and rivers."
"However, if Mongolia really goes south, the Jin Kingdom may not be able to stop it. We still have to make plans in advance."
Seeing that Emperor Ningzong had paid attention to Mongolia, Guo Mo was very pleased, thought for a while and said.
"From a child's perspective, there are only four reasons why Mongolia is so powerful."
"First, there is a strong monarch and commander-in-chief, and there are not many internal constraints, so it is easy to form unified ideas and decisions."
"Second, the powerful military force. Genghis Khan's most powerful army is called the Qixue Army, which is equivalent to our forbidden army."
"This army is not large in number right now, only a few thousand people, but it is extremely loyal, tough, and iron-blooded. Every one of them can be a ten-man general or even a hundred-man general."
"Third, the entire nation is full of iron-blooded and martial spirit. This is mainly due to their harsh living environment, and they have also established an effective military merit system."
"Fourth, they are good at taking advantage of external factors. The surrounding countries and tribes have declined to varying degrees, but they are developing vigorously. Under the influence of one and the other, they will inevitably be the final winners."
Guo Mo's voice echoed in the Funing Palace, and Emperor Ningzong and the old eunuch also worked hard to digest his words.
"Officials, don't blame me for talking too much. Just what His Highness said just now would make everyone in the civil and military circles ashamed."
The old eunuch has completely become Guo Mo's supporter. It was because of his martial arts before, but now it is because of his superior knowledge and mind.
"Haha, my father has been an official for more than 20 years, but he can't see clearly, thoroughly, and far as my son. Why don't you say you don't want to just sit in the position of father?
"
There is no harm without comparison. Ning Zong suddenly felt in his heart that if he really went against Mongolia, he really was not the opponent called "Genghis Khan".
"Hey, my son is still young. He wants to play for a few more years."
Well, Emperor Ningzong and the old eunuch were both defeated by this one.
If you look through history, have you ever seen such a strong reason for rejecting the "throne"?
"Tell me, what are your plans this time?"
Emperor Ningzong gradually got to know his son better and knew that he had nothing important to do and was not willing to run to the palace.
Sometimes, he really envied his son. He could do what he liked all day long, but he could only stay in the palace.
Based on my son's character and martial arts, even if he becomes an official in the future, he will be able to enter and exit the palace at will without being discovered. I envy him.
Guo Mo explained in detail what happened when he met the Huyan family in Jiaxing.
It involves the case itself, the ins and outs of the Huyan family, Mo Qing's uncle Mo Ze, the inaction of the Criminal Department, Shi Miyuan's intervention, and the results he wants.
After all, Guo Mo is not from these backgrounds. Although he has a vision that is hundreds of years beyond this era, when it comes to specific implementation, he still wants to hear the opinions of "professionals".
Emperor Ningzong listened carefully and squinted his eyes in thought.
"Mo'er, you don't just want to save the Huyan mother and son, right? It's very simple to save them. You can find any reason for your father to let them go."
"When it comes to punishment, there are several things involved."
"Mo Qing is rampant in the countryside. Since there is such an incident, it will not be the only one. Let the 'Imperial City Division' conduct a random search and probably find out a lot. Mo Ze cannot escape the crime of lax discipline.
"
"A formal document has been sent to the Ministry of Punishment, but there has been no reply for more than half a year. This is still a case where human life is at stake, and the Ministry of Punishment is also guilty of dereliction of duty. Zhao Rushu, the Minister of Punishment, is also the capable person of our Prime Minister, right?"
"Moze, an official from the Ministry of Household Affairs, was able to interfere in the affairs of the Ministry of Justice with a note from Shi Miyuan. Moze's 'excessive agency' and the inaction of the Ministry of Justice are clearly on display here."
In just a moment, Emperor Ning Zong was able to peel off the cocoons and figure out the core of these issues.
And involving Shi Miyuan's men, two generals in the "Four Woods and Three Evils", he is indeed an "old politician".
"What dad said is true. Regarding the Huyan mother and son, the 'Imperial City Division' came forward. The next official letter mentioned the two of them and said that another case was involved. I guess no one would dare to come to confront you."
"It's just that between Mo Ze and Zhao Rushu, looking at this matter alone, Mo Ze is more involved. But how can we expose this matter?"
At this time, the old eunuch standing aside interrupted.
"Officials, from the perspective of this old slave, we might as well defeat them by surprise and add another crime to them."
"Both of these two are Shi Xiang's strong men, and they may not be able to defeat them with one blow. We might as well give him another option, and maybe we can get some benefits from it."
The old eunuch said with a "sinister" look in his eyes.
"You old man, if you have anything to say, just say it quickly."
Seeing the old eunuch like that, Emperor Ning Zong couldn't help but feel excited.
"Hehe, I'm afraid I'll have to trouble Your Highness to show off his skills for this."
What about his own affairs? Guo Mo was a little confused.
"Tonight's defense of the entire palace has been fully arranged by Xia Zhen, the 'Imperial City Secretary' of the 'Imperial City Department'. This person is nicknamed 'Green Wolf' and is regarded as the number one thug under Prime Minister Shi."
"I'll trouble you, Your Highness, to write a complaint about this case in a moment, and shoot the knife directly at the plaque of Funing Palace. The officials should insist on the blame of 'inadequate protection' in the morning. I think it will be effective."
"Haha, you old guy, you can't compete with Xia Zhen, and now you arrange for us, father and son, to act for you."
"But it can be regarded as a way. If Xia Zhen is removed, we can take the opportunity to install one of our people. At least from now on, the guards of the palace can be completely controlled by ourselves."
Seeing that Emperor Ningzong approved it, Guo Mo also felt that this matter was feasible, and the plan was decided.
Attack Mo Ze mainly, attack Zhao Rushu from the side, and capture Xia Zhen. It is a three-pronged approach. No matter which one can be achieved, it will be considered a big progress.
On the ninth day of winter, on a moonless night, even the palace was mostly dark, with only a few places lit by candlelight.
Groups of soldiers on night patrol, carrying "angry wind lanterns", shuttled through the inner courtyard of the palace according to the established route.
The third watch has passed, and Emperor Ningzong has fallen into a deep sleep under the care of the old eunuch.
At this moment, a dark shadow came from outside the palace.
This person was covered in black clothes and black trousers from top to bottom. He also wore a black mask on his head, with only two bright eyes exposed.
He jumped over the palace wall and rushed into the palace.
Maybe it was the first time I came to the palace, and the route was very unfamiliar. I broke into Chui Gong Hall and Qinzheng Hall, and encountered two groups of night watchmen. After injuring several people, I fled in the direction of Funing Hall.
"Catch the assassin——"
"The assassin ran towards Funing Palace——"
"Hurry up and protect the official family——"
In the palace, the sounds of fighting and shouting had already become loud.
Emperor Ningzong was also "awoke" by the shouts of killing.
"What's the fuss outside?"
Under the service of the old eunuch, I hurriedly dressed.
I had just slept for more than an hour and was suddenly woken up. No one would have a good temper, let alone the king of a country.
Not long after, a night guard ran out.
"Reporting to the officials, we found a night traveler who broke into the palace. Commander Xia is organizing to capture him."
"Tch, if Xia Zhen was really capable, he wouldn't have people rushing into Funing Palace. This is already the official dormitory."
The old eunuch lost no time in teasing Xia Zhen.
As Xia Zhen's subordinate, the soldier was not easy to argue with.
"Okay, I'll wait for Commander Xia to capture it later. Send him directly here and tell Xia Zhen that I'm waiting for him here."
Emperor Ning Zong didn't bother with these details and gave instructions casually.
The soldier promised, then turned and ran out.
The man in black has landed in the courtyard in front of Funing Hall, surrounded by dozens of Ouchi masters. A middle-aged man with a beard is standing ready with a sword in his hand.
"You can be considered a capable person if you can break in here. I don't know what kind of friend you are. You hide your head and hide your tail. Do you dare to meet your true face?"
The visitor didn't say anything. He looked around and saw that there were more and more soldiers, as if he had given up on moving forward.
He suddenly turned around and rushed to the right, holding a ghost-headed sword.
If Sha Tongtian, the "Dragon King of the Ghost Sect" who died in the palace, was still alive, he would definitely be able to recognize that this man was the swordsman of his great apprentice, the "Soul-Destroying Sword" Shen Qinggang.
It's just that it was far more soul-destroying than Shen Qinggang's, and it was so powerful that all the internal masters were killed and retreated.
"Commander Xia, this person's martial arts moves are average, but his strength is too great and his sword skills are too fast. My brothers will be unable to withstand it."
"Trash, let me, the commander, take him personally."
Xia Zhen also watched for a long time. This person was coming and going, and he only had about twenty moves, which were all in the form of a crop. It was strange to see everyone's weapons being knocked away constantly.
"A certain family is Xia Zhen, the 'Green Wolf'. Since my friend is unwilling to reveal his identity, I have to capture you first."
After Xia Zhen finished speaking, he pressed the spring with a "clang" sound, pulled out the sword in his hand, and a flash of lightning struck the courtyard.
"What a sword!"
The visitor couldn't help but praise, and seemed to suppress his voice consciously.
"My friend still has some eyesight. This sword is the 'Green Sword' given by the Prime Minister. It was used by Zhao Zilong, the hero of Changbanpo back then. Look, someone will use this sword to kill you today."
After saying that, he handed the sword forward and stabbed distractedly.
After Xia Zhen's death, everyone else put away their weapons and watched the battle, but they still remained vigilant.
Back and forth, the two exchanged more than twenty moves. The man also used the ghost head sword in his hand to the extreme, but he still couldn't defeat Xia Zhen, and his footwork was still a bit messy.
Perhaps because they were afraid of the sharpness of the "Green Sword", no one dared to touch Xia Zhen's sword with the Ghost Tou Dao like before.
"Commander Xia is on the verge of victory, and success is imminent——"
I don't know who shouted something nearby, and then everyone else also shouted, and Xia Zhen's morale became even stronger.
"Hmph, junior, I will capture you in five more rounds!"
Xia Zhen also stepped up his offensive pace.
I saw Xia Zhen use the move "Nezha Tanhai", the sword took the middle path and went straight to the choked throat of the person coming.
The sword came too quickly, and a cold light came over.
However, the person who came was able to avoid it with an extremely weird posture, then stretched out his left hand, took the "Green Sword" from Xia Zhen's hand, turned around and took off the scabbard from Xia Zhen.
He kicked Xia Zhen in the back, causing a mouthful of blood to spurt out, and he fell unconscious immediately.
"Today, I will spare your lives and take my leave."
Saying "goodbye", he took something out of his arms with his right hand and threw it casually.
There was a "pop" sound, and a bright flying knife was nailed to the plaque of "Funing Hall".
While everyone was stunned, the attacker, wielding a right sword and a left sword, broke out of the siege and walked away.
It's troublesome, but it only takes a few breaths.
When everyone came to their senses, they found no trace of the people who came again, and Xia Zhen was also lying on the ground unconscious.
The surroundings fell silent, but the door of Funing Palace opened from the inside, and the old eunuch walked out tremblingly.
"Why is there no movement? Has the assassin been caught? Where is Xia Zhen?"
"Reply...to my lord, the assassin ran away, and Commander Xia was beaten until he vomited blood and fell into a coma."
A man who looked like a low-level general bravely stepped forward and replied, because he also belonged to the "Imperial City Division", so he called himself "Sir."
"What? Even Commander Xia was defeated? Why are the assassins so rampant?"
The old eunuch was extremely shocked. He took two steps to the center of the courtyard and saw Xia Zhen unconscious on the ground.
"You losers, it's just that you can't catch the assassin. Why did Commander Xia fall on the ground and no one came to help him up?"
When the old eunuch said this, everyone was like a dreamer.
No one would have realized before that in their hearts, the invincible Commander Xia Zhen would be defeated, and defeated so completely.
Everyone hurried forward, patted his chest and rubbed his back. It took Xia Zhen a long time to wake up.
"Wow--"
Another mouthful of blood spurted out, with some fragments in the blood.
Xia Zhen knew that he was seriously injured. Even if he recovered, half of his physical strength would have been lost. How could he continue to serve Shi Xiang!?
"Commander Xia, go and talk to the official. He is still waiting for you."
The old eunuch's voice sounded in Xia Zhen's ears at an inappropriate time.
With the support of two of his subordinates, Xia Zhenqiang stood up and found that the "Green Sword" in his hand was gone. Now he didn't know how to deal with Shi Jiao.
I couldn't care about that much at the moment, so I staggered towards Funing Hall.
At this time, someone with sharp eyes discovered a flying knife stuck on the plaque of "Fu Ning Hall", and there seemed to be something on the flying knife.
A person with high Qinggong skills flew onto the roof, moved to the plaque, and pulled out the flying knife.
Sure enough, there was a roll of silk on the flying knife, which seemed to be filled with words, and the ink soaked into the back.
The man did not dare to act on his own, so he handed the throwing knife and silk cloth to the old eunuch.
The old eunuch reached out and took it without opening it.
"You, you, you two will also come in together and report tonight's events to the officials in detail."
The two people named by the old eunuch were both commanders of the "Imperial City Division" and close confidants of Shi Miyuan.
The group of four people entered the Funing Hall, and the others returned to their respective places. Those who were unfortunately injured also hurriedly bandaged and treated them.
Tonight, the fighting was so fierce and a lot of blood was shed, but no one died, which can be considered a blessing among misfortunes.
In the Funing Hall, Emperor Ningzong was sitting high, playing with the flying knife in his hand, and the old eunuch was waiting beside him.
The other three members of the "Imperial City Division" were all kneeling on the ground tremblingly, and Xia Zhen looked even more devastated.
In the Song Dynasty, officials did not have to kneel down when meeting officials, but at this time, the three people were not well protected and were guilty of the crime.
"Tell me, what happened tonight?"
Emperor Ningzong asked with a sinking face.
The three people kneeling on the ground looked at each other, and finally Xia Zhen bit the bullet and recounted what happened that night.
Emperor Ningzong opened the roll of silk without comment.
Naturally, it writes about the case of Huyan's family, pleading for Huyan's mother and son, and suing Mo Ze, the minister of the Ministry of Household Affairs, and Zhao Rushu, the minister of the Ministry of Punishments.
"Actually, the people are suing the government? Old man, the Huyan family can be considered a loyal and good generation in the Song Dynasty. They are trapped in jail if they don't want to. Go and make arrangements to release these two people first, as long as they don't leave the ground in Jiaxing.
.”
"Xia Zhen, you should go back and treat your injuries first. We'll talk about it in the morning together tomorrow."
Emperor Ning Zong actually didn't comment on the assassin entering the palace tonight?
"Xia Zhen, bring this roll of silk to the Prime Minister. His name is actually on it. Ask him to prepare it and defend himself in court tomorrow morning."
After speaking, Emperor Ningzong yawned and left his seat.