It's still dark, but Tieteng Mountain is brightly illuminated by fire.
The mighty long dragon snaked down from Tienwang Mountain, along the southern avenue, and headed towards the capital.
Due to the large number of people, the journey was slow. Only half of the distance was covered until it was completely dark.
In front of Emperor Ningkang's dragon chariot, a golden-armored general galloped towards him: "Your Majesty, Jia Lian, the Marquis of Zhenyuan, and Prince Teng, the ruler of nine provinces, have come to see you!"
"Xuan."
…
Jia Lian and Wang Ziteng were walking side by side among the crowd. Without turning their heads, they knew that they were the focus of countless people.
Of course, it goes without saying that Jia Lian, Prince Tengna was also one of the few first-rank officials with real power in the dynasty, and he was powerful in his own right.
The key is, as the ruler of nine provinces, how could he appear here?
Because of the arrival of Wang Ziteng, Emperor Ningkang asked the team to stop and rest.
"Your Majesty, Prince Teng, comes to see your Majesty."
Emperor Ningkang's dragon chariot was a large carriage nine feet wide and more than two feet long. It was supported by four beams and pillars, and the chariot was carved with dragons and phoenixes. On the top beam, bead curtains and curtains hung.
The curtains were slightly light-transmissive, so Wang Ziteng could see the two people sitting in the dragon chariot.
A rustling sound came, and Wang Ziteng, who had already knelt down, knew that it was the palace maid who had rolled up the curtain, and Emperor Ningkang must be watching him through the bead curtain at this moment.
But Emperor Ning Kang didn't speak, and he didn't dare to raise his head to watch.
"How many people did you bring back to Beijing this time?"
Prince Teng didn't have time to think about why Emperor Ning Kang used the word "return to Beijing". He immediately replied after hearing this: "Reporting to your Majesty, I have brought back a total of more than 32,000 troops and horses, each led by three generals..."
"Well, what do you think now?"
"As a minister of the Wei Dynasty, I should be loyal to Your Majesty and the Wei Dynasty. I am willing to listen to Your Majesty's decision."
After Wang Ziteng finished speaking, although he couldn't see Emperor Ning Kang's expression, he guessed that Emperor Ning Kang was satisfied. He felt that the atmosphere was less depressing.
Sure enough, he immediately heard Emperor Ning Kang say: "In that case, let's make peace."
Wang Ziteng wiped the sweat in his heart, got up and stood respectfully.
Little did he know that Emperor Ningkang was looking at Jia Lian beside him at this time. After getting a definite answer from Jia Lian, he looked at him again.
"You have patrolled nine provinces for me over the years, and you have done a lot of hard work. I plan to give you another promotion.
You are also from the capital, so from now on you should stay in the capital, and leave the hard work to others."
"yes……"
"As for the position... Jia Lian should have told you, right? What do you think about the general and joining the cabinet as an auxiliary minister?"
"Reporting to your majesty, I am also a Jinshi myself. If your majesty does not give up, I want to join the cabinet and will assist your majesty in handling government affairs from now on."
"Well, yes."
"Thank you, Your Majesty, long live my emperor."
After Prince Teng thanked him, he finally dared to face Emperor Ningkang directly.
But when he raised his head, he found that the Emperor Ning Kang in front of him was very different from the one in his impression... He felt much older and haggard!
It seems that it is not easy for Your Majesty...
"Since you have chosen to stay in Beijing, don't be careless with the tens of thousands of troops. I will give you a day to comfort them and let them go back as they came, without causing any trouble."
"yes……"
"Let's see, it's not easy for them to go to Beijing. I will issue a decree and ask Feng Sheng to bring out all the wine and meat in Juyong Pass, just under the city gate. On behalf of me, you will give them a good condolences. Specifically,
You go down and negotiate with Feng Sheng."
As soon as Emperor Ningkang said these words, Wang Ziteng was a little moved.
Only when you actually reach the border can you know how difficult it is for the soldiers at the border compared with the officers and soldiers in the capital.
If the emperor can sympathize with this, it can at least prove that Emperor Ningkang is not an unprincipled king, so he will feel better when he betrays the Supreme Emperor's will and joins Emperor Ningkang.
…
Prince Teng took the order and left, and Jia Lian was also ready to leave.
"What are you going to do?"
"I remembered that there are some things that need to be explained at the Firearms Camp..."
"It's not too late to talk about those things after we return to the city. Come up, I have something to ask you."
Seeing the little eunuch skillfully placing the carriage benches, Jia Lian could only apologize and stepped onto the dragon chariot.
"Come in."
"yes……"
Wang Ziteng stood in the distance and watched this scene, thoughtfully.
He originally wanted to wait for Jia Lian to leave together and then have a good exchange with Jia Lian.
He had been away from the Central Committee for several years, and this time he returned to the cabinet, the highest auxiliary organ of the imperial court. Naturally, he needed to make some capable people in order to gain a firm foothold in the cabinet.
In front of everyone, Emperor Ning Kang actually asked Jia Lian to get into the dragon chariot. He couldn't help but be surprised.
I believe there is more than one person who is as surprised as him.
After glancing at the people around him who seemed to dare not look directly at the dragon chariot, but who had already remembered this scene in their eyes, Wang Ziteng stepped away.
He knew that his choice to cultivate Jia Lian back then was a wise decision, which might bring huge benefits to his future career.
No, it’s not just the future. I’m afraid that this niece-in-law will benefit from this niece-in-law if he can successfully get out of the crisis and even join the cabinet out of misfortune.
The cabinet, that was the place he had dreamed of in the first half of his life. Unexpectedly, after many twists and turns, he finally took this step. Although, it was in a relatively different way.
Enter the dragon chariot.
When Jia Lian bent down and entered the chariot tent, he saw Emperor Ningkang and the Queen looking at him.
The difference was that Emperor Ning Kang still had a cold expression, as if everyone owed him money, while the Queen was smiling and even nodded to him.
"Sit down."
"I dare not..."
"I tell you to sit down."
Jia Lian sat down on the small stool opposite the emperor and empress.
Although the emperor's carriage was much larger than ordinary carriages, it was only a carriage after all, and Jia Lian was wearing a general's armor. He felt quite embarrassed sitting in front of the emperor with such a big horse and a golden sword.
Mainly because it's too close.
Jia Lian felt that even if he was "disarmed" by the young eunuch before getting into the chariot, at such a close distance, he could kill both the emperor and the empress in an instant with his bare hands.
Emperor Ning Kang seemed to feel a little uncomfortable, but he didn't say anything. He glanced at Jia Lian and said indifferently: "You did a good job this time."
Ning Kangdi said it in an understatement, but even with his strong heart, he almost complained about himself.
Not only is it great!
Although he had expected that Jia Lian would succeed when he came down from the mountain with the decree.
However, in just one day and night, the problem of tens of thousands of troops from three parties, which was a headache for him and the princes in the court, was safely solved, which still surprised him.
It is no small matter for foreign troops to enter Beijing, especially these foreign troops, who really came under the "imperial decree"!
If it is not done well, it will cause a chain reaction. Once a chain reaction is caused, and soldiers and horses from all over the world rush to Beijing to "protect King Qin", the consequences will be unbearable even for him, the emperor.
It's okay now. As long as Wang Ziteng and the other three troops retreat, even if there are some remaining foreign troops entering Beijing, they won't be able to make any waves.
"Thank you for the compliment, Your Majesty. I am just trying my best to be loyal and serve Your Majesty."
Jia Lian spoke modestly, but he glanced at Emperor Ning Kang at an inappropriate time.
In that look, there is clearly a feeling of resentment towards me because I didn't do enough for you.
Emperor Ning Kang frowned slightly, but in the end he could only pretend that he had not seen it. He changed the topic and asked directly: "Do you have any ideas about the person who will take charge of the Firearms Battalion and the Western Army and Horse Division?"
Getting rid of Jia Lian's military power was the consensus reached with Jia Lian last night. In fact, Emperor Ning Kang could directly arrange new appointments. The reason why he asked Jia Lian at this time was just to take care of Jia Lian's mood.
Needless to say, Jia Lian worked in the Xicheng Army and Horse Department for many years and never had any major troubles.
The firearms camp was set up by Jia Lian.
When it came to business, Jia Lian immediately became serious and thought for a moment and said: "As for the Firearms Camp, I think Captain Su Keguang is very suitable. He was originally the Commander-in-Chief of the Shenji Camp supervising the manufacture of firearms, and he has sufficient knowledge about firearms.
In addition, he is also very cautious, so I think he can take on the important responsibility of the Firearms Camp.
As for the Western Army, Ma Sichen, there is nothing much to say. I believe that your Majesty and the Ministry of War know better than me who is qualified for the job.
If I really want to recommend him, I think it would be good to have experience with Fan Jin. He has been working in the Military and Horse Department of Xicheng for more than ten years, and he has a good knowledge of all matters in Xicheng.
Although he is currently of a lower rank, if His Majesty wants a reliable person to stabilize West City, he is a good candidate."
Although Jia Lian did not promote virtuous people to avoid relatives at all, Emperor Ningkang was very satisfied after hearing this.
Naturally, Emperor Ningkang would not think that Jia Lian would not know that he directly issued an order to Su Keguang, asking him to bring all the artillery troops down the mountain to assist in the defense of the Beijing camp.
Jia Lian's generous recommendation of Su Keguang at this time not only showed that he was not selfish, but also took care of Emperor Ning Kang's dignity. After all, the person you value is also recognized by me, so naturally there is nothing to complain about.
As for the Military and Horse Division, Emperor Ning Kang knew from the moment Jia Lian said the words "stabilize the west city" that Jia Lian was really thinking about him and knew that he would be in a lot of trouble after returning to Beijing this time.
It can also be seen that Jia Lian wanted to continue serving the court and doing things, otherwise he would not think about these things.
But there was no way. In order to avoid unnecessary trouble, he had to disarm all the weapons on Jia Lian first. He wanted those who were determined to commit crimes in the name of Jia Lian's "emperor's grandson" or "the emperor's order in danger" to take their eyes away from Jia Lian.
open.
He really couldn't bear to kill Jia Lian.
That's why it must be done.
Ever since he rushed to the market and forcibly recruited Jia Lian from a dandy to serve in the court, over the past few years, Jia Lian's ability to do things has been completely recognized by him.
Able and loyal...
Thinking back to yesterday morning, when Jia Lian rejected the Supreme Emperor's serious solicitation in public and rode back to him alone, let alone, he was a little touched.
There are not many ministers like this who are capable, loyal, and most importantly still young, looking at the court.
Emperor Ningkang had no choice but to use such ministers.
Therefore, he wanted to lock up Jia Lian first to prevent him from making mistakes under the temptation of villains.
In one year, Emperor Ningkang felt that he could wipe out all the evil spirits in the court, and then he would be able to release Jia Lian to do business and big things!
Without having too many discussions with Jia Lian about the Firearms Camp and the Military and Horse Division, Emperor Ning Kang immediately asked Jia Lian about the details of his trip, which would make it easier for him to arrange the aftermath.
After a long time, seeing that the monarch and his ministers had almost finished talking about business, the queen who had been silent until now suddenly laughed and said:
"Sure enough, Marquis Zhenyuan will please His Majesty. When I saw His Majesty talking to Marquis Zhenyuan, I looked much better."
When Emperor Ningkang heard this, he hummed and said nothing.
The queen then said to Jia Lian: "You are also a blessed child. Even among your majesty's princes and princesses, I have never seen anyone who can sit in front of your majesty and talk for such a long time. It shows that your majesty really likes you.
, please don’t live up to His Majesty’s favor for you.”
Sensing some changes in Emperor Ning Kang's expression, he obviously didn't like her talking too much. The queen changed the topic and sighed and said sadly: "It's a pity that this palace is not blessed. The prince she gave birth to died young, and she has not been able to see her again for so many years."
Raising a child and taking care of his father's worries is why Your Majesty is so busy."
Hearing what the queen said, Emperor Ningkang also thought of his second son who died young. He sighed, took one of the queen's hands and patted it to show comfort.
The Queen wiped away her tears, looked at Emperor Ning Kang and said, "It's all my fault, I, for mentioning this again. But just now when I saw His Majesty talking to Marquis Zhenyuan, I couldn't help but think of our Emperor, and what if Ruan Er
If he were still here, he would probably be as big as Zhenyuan Hou..."
Emperor Ningkang had no choice but to put his arms around the queen's shoulders and comfort her softly.
At this moment, he was no longer an emperor, but just a husband comforting his wife who missed her son.
In front of the courtiers, the queen seemed a little embarrassed. She took off Emperor Ningkang's arms, wiped her tears, straightened her appearance, and suddenly said to Emperor Ningkang in a consultative tone: "Your Majesty, I have an unkind concubine.
Please..."
Emperor Ning Kang looked at her expression, as if he had some realization, and was speechless.
"Since Zhenyuan Marquis is the bloodline left behind by the Supreme Emperor, he is naturally a member of the Tian family. It just so happens that I like this child very much, and he is as old as Ruan'er, so why not adopt him to my concubine's knees, and from then on
, Not only will my concubine have a perfect and filial child to die by for me, but Your Majesty will also have a child to rely on who can share your worries and solve problems..."
After hearing what the Queen said, Jia Lian realized that no wonder he had felt that the Queen was always looking at him.
He was still muttering in his heart, because he had seen the queen's look from Aunt Xue.
Although the Queen is very elegant, dignified and gentle, as His Majesty's first wife, you must be over fifty no matter what, so we are not suitable.
Now that he knew that the other party was not attracted to him, but wanted to be his mother, Jia Lian was relieved and at the same time his mind became active.
Emperor Ning Kang's face also became unusually serious, with his brows furrowed as if he was thinking.
The queen took the opportunity to look at Jia Lian and asked, "You have heard what I said, are you willing to be my child?"
Jia Lian blinked his eyes and said numbly: "It is a great blessing for me to be favored by the Queen. How can I say that I don't want to."
Before the queen could be happy, she turned around and found Emperor Ning Kang's frown getting deeper and deeper.
The Queen thought for a while and said: "If Your Majesty feels that adoption is not appropriate, you can just adopt him as your adopted son..."
Emperor Ning Kang shook his head and looked at the queen apologetically: "Let's talk about this later."
Emperor Ning Kang had always wanted a prince like Jia Lian, so he was really moved by the Queen's proposal at the beginning.
But as he thought more deeply, he knew something was wrong.
These are troubled times, and the prince has just died.
Both Jia Lian and the Queen have extraordinary status. If the Queen accepts Jia Lian as their son at this time, it will not only appear that he and the Queen are trying too hard to win over Jia Lian, but it will also send a very dangerous signal to the outside world.
The empress was a woman who could act based on her emotions, but as the emperor of the Wei Dynasty, he was still an emperor who had just forced his father to retreat and his position was in turmoil. He had to consider more.
The situation is already chaotic enough, and he doesn't want to cause any more trouble.
The queen knew Emperor Ningkang very well and knew from his expression that there was no room for further discussion on the matter. Although she was disappointed, she still didn't say anything more.
Before Jia Lian had time to think clearly about the pros and cons of becoming the queen's heir or adopted son, Emperor Ning Kang rejected the proposal. It was naturally embarrassing to stay on the dragon chariot at this time, so he could only resign.