Volume 121 of the Deposed Dragon Text: Killing the Whale At this moment, Zhang Xian was shaken.
He was really shaken, shaken from the bottom of his heart, because this Zhongcheng showed him a path he had never imagined...bizarre, shocking, but full of room for imagination...
Zhang Xing can almost imagine that once he nods and becomes the adopted son of this important royal minister, he will be able to easily overcome many invisible obstacles. He will be like a fish in water within Jing'antai. As long as he has the qualifications and cultivation level, he can easily become a representative.
Zhu Shou, who entered the imperial court and entered the imperial court, was as good as a man on the ground, including his later transfer to the military, whether he was a general or a prime minister.
To put it bluntly, the identity of the adopted son of the sonless Prime Minister is just a ticket, a ticket that allows him to truly deserve his name... If he doesn't have the ability, he will just be a janitor like Xue Liang, but if he has the ability, he will be completely
You can enter the hall and go directly to the yamen.
And if that's the case, even the little private thoughts between him and Bai Yousi will disappear, and the question that everyone has been avoiding is that their family backgrounds are so different.
But this is not the most rare thing.
The most rare, or the most direct, and the most exciting benefit for Zhang Xing was that as long as he nodded, he could immediately touch the supreme power of the Wei Dynasty.
Undoubtedly the highest power, because the Grand Master himself is the representative of the highest power in the empire. He is a pole of the Nanya rulers and independently controls most of the secret agents of the Wei Dynasty. To some extent, because of his
Identity and the characteristics of unrelated descendants have been cut off part of the imperial power. You know, now, everyone can see the temperament of that saint to some extent. What he wants is a self-centered person, and the most despised thing in his life is the disobedience of others.
, but even such a master is completely powerless in the face of this imperial uncle.
In the most extreme case, three hundred swordsmen and axes would be useless in an ambush, or in other words, it would be a joke.
Then Zhang Xing can completely turn around and become the think tank of the Zhongcheng, and do some major things through this Zhongcheng, ranging from re-examining the local wealth to restraining the arrogance of the saint, and trying to act from the highest power.
To unblock this regime, which is already extremely tight on fundamentals.
Zhang Xing even thought for a moment that if he did this directly, Zhong Cheng, who was strict about rules and loved order, would probably disagree. But it didn't matter, Zhang Sanlang could mobilize the other seven or eight of Zhong Cheng's subordinates.
The adopted son formed a political force that cannot be ignored, and then manipulated power within Jing'antai, pushing the powerful bureaucracy of Jing'antai to seize power and expand for itself, and then used the emperor's uncle to do things.
Then they continued to fight, and as long as the fight reached a certain level, it would be difficult for the emperor's uncle not to become a powerful minister... including to the throne.
Zhang Xing has figured out the specific process. He steals the Fulong Seal, transfers him away, bribes the masters of Beiya, and then seizes Xuanwu City in one night, goes straight to Xiyuan, and feeds the saints cakes... If something happens, who is afraid of whom?
ah?
In a word, as long as you agree to the other party, not only will you immediately have a huge backer, you will no longer have to worry about safety issues, you will also have a great future to look forward to, and there will even be a path visible to the naked eye that allows you to think about things.
The path is before your eyes.
At the same time, what are the consequences if you refuse?
The best is to give him a scolding, and he will never be promoted to Zhu Shou, which will ruin the future of the Jing'antai system, right? The worst is to say that he will be slapped in the dark cell at the bottom.
However, such a huge contrast of paths only exists now, and Zhang Xing has never been able to say anything clear.
"Zhongcheng."
Bai Yousi's voice suddenly sounded from behind him, and as soon as he heard it, he knew that he had lost control of his emotions. "How can there be such a truth in the world that a dignified ruler openly steals talents from his subordinates?"
"Why not?" Cao Lin didn't move at all and glanced directly at Bai Yousi, who was not far away. "It depends on Sisi whether you love talents or not? What can you give to such a talent?
?To put it bluntly, if Zhang Sanlang becomes my adopted son, next time I go to your house and see your father, maybe there will be a chair... Do you think so or not? "
"I use Zhang Xing, not for the sake of the Bai family." Bai Yousi said immediately. "In fact, I regard him as a friend of the same rank. My father did have an invitation that day, but Zhang Sanlang immediately rejected it.
.”
"If that's the case, what's the point of bringing in talents?" Cao Lin responded with a smile, as if he was facing a little girl who was having a bad temper. "Actually, don't we still regard him as your private person?"
?”
In fact, I'm afraid this is really the case, and Zhang Xing felt sad for a moment.
"This is a superficial comment on the current situation, so I have no choice but to speak like this." Bai Yousi looked a little embarrassed and angry.
"Then let Zhang Sanlang use my power to break through this superficial discussion and soar into the sky from now on." Cao Lin suddenly raised his other hand, his big sleeves fluttered, and the bells rang. He was so shocked that
The tower is horrifying.
Zhang Xing was so shocked that he suddenly raised his head.
Even Bai Yousi couldn't speak without permission.
It wasn't that Bai Yousi was afraid of the great master, but that she had already figured out that Zhang Xing could only make the decision on this matter... Moreover, as soon as she thought about it, the female inspector had already made up her mind. If Zhang Xing
She has her own plans, although she has nothing to say, but if Zhang Sanlang is willing to continue to fulfill the contract and go on another journey with her, even if it is just a decision today, it will only be a mere journey in the future, then she must risk her life
, try to keep this person safe.
Below Sima Zheng, Zhu Shou, Hei Shou, Bai Shou, Xingqiu, although it is just one person's personal relationship and some things have nothing to do with him, but now that he is here, he can't trust Zhang Xing's talent, and he is willing to trust a Zhongcheng.
How can you not care about vision?
Therefore, everyone had gathered their eyes early, but like Uncle Cao Huang, they only fell on Zhang Sanlang.
"Zhongcheng, I was shocked just now, and my thoughts started to change again." After waiting for a moment, Zhang Xing spoke slowly.
"Of course." Cao Lin smiled. "With your intelligence, you must consider it, so have you considered it properly?"
"I have three questions, which are quite presumptuous." Zhang Xing's words seemed to be extremely sincere. "Zhongcheng, please forgive me for being so abrupt. I must answer them... Only then can I make up my mind."
"It doesn't matter." Cao Lin said with a smile. "I checked the copy and found out one of your strengths... that is, you are planning, but when you really have to make a decision, you are never sloppy, and you are always quick and agile... Today we will
In this tower, let alone three questions, even thirty, I will answer them properly on the spot...let you make up your mind."
"First question, I would like to ask Zhongcheng. According to the rules, Zhongcheng has a call, and His Majesty has a call. Are there any similarities... I mean, His Majesty has a call, and those who follow it are loyal, and those who do not follow it are unfaithful. Zhongcheng's here
If you call me your son, of course you won't mention it. But if you don't, according to the rules, is there anything immoral?" Zhang Xing asked seriously. "I had refused Bai Gong's invitation before, and I felt that there was nothing wrong with it at that time.
, but I still don’t know how Zhongcheng is doing here. After all, Zhongcheng is my official superior."
"No." Cao Lin was silent for a moment and responded with the same seriousness. "There are four supreme beings in the sky, but in this world, there is only one saint, and only the saint can dominate and bring blessings. Although I am a relative of the emperor, you are the one who is in charge.
The Shangguan in charge should not be regarded as loyal... In fact, this is what the late emperor often emphasized when he was in power. The prefectures and counties are separated, and the black ribbon comes from the central government. The power is divided between the governor and the county guard, so that the prefectures and counties are in charge.
That's what it means to not be a blessing...that's what I mean to take you out of Bai's trap."
"Well, the second question is, I would like to ask Zhongcheng, a close relative of the royal family inherits the destiny of the sky, and is precious; the great master is powerful in the world, and he has become the world; Nanya Xianggong, Jing'an Zhongcheng, is more capable of ruling the world, and is known as
Measure Sheji... And Zhongcheng is not only a relative of the emperor, but also an important minister and a great master. So I dare to ask Zhongcheng, which one is the foundation for Zhongcheng's career?" Zhang Xing continued to ask under pressure. "In other words, Zhongcheng
The Prime Minister always talks about rules, but he doesn’t know what kind of rules he is talking about at the most fundamental level?”
"Good question!" Cao Lin thought for a long time this time before answering slowly, "The family and the country are one, and the emperor's relatives and ministers are not contradictory. They all want to assist His Majesty and make the Wei An peaceful... This is my most important thing.
Fundamental rules. As for the identity of Grand Master, I did have some thoughts in the past, but as I get older, I just want Wei Antai to pass on to all generations, and no longer demand personal gain. Of course, I don’t care about it completely.
Instead, we should go with the flow and put our family and country first."
Zhang Xing still looked solemn, and handed over his hand again: "One last question, if we want the Wei Dynasty to have long-term peace and stability, we must clean up the troubles. I dare to ask Zhongcheng, which part of the Wei Dynasty does Zhongcheng think is the most serious? It is because of the endless emergence of clans and iterations.
, controlled the military and government? Or was there a large number of local powerful forces, which limited the power of the Wei Dynasty to the counties? Is it because Dongyi won twice, people were tired of war, and gradually lost the chance of unification? Or maybe the remoteness of Beihuang and Nanling made the Seven Demon Guards and Zhen
The Fire Sect each relies on the supreme power to make the northern and southern counties difficult to name? Or is it that the Wu Clan is separated by natural dangers and is somewhat difficult to control after all? "
Cao Lin pondered for a moment, his body remained motionless, but his expression became serious, and he actually asked back: "The first question, I know, you are afraid, and you are asking for your own safety; the second question, I also understand, you are afraid of Mingzhu.
You are asking about your future in secret; what is this third question? Why are you asking?"
"For some selfish ambitions," Zhang Xing blurted out.
"Okay, okay, okay." Cao Lin had already spread out his hand, and then nodded heavily. "I know it's a matter of whether you can take my hand and kneel down and call me father, but regardless of this question, can we
To be honest, if you ask about the situation in the Wei Dynasty, I have nothing to say... This is not selfish, but public."
Zhang Xing just quickly bowed his head slightly.
"The clan problem is indeed serious. The late emperor once said this. But I think, firstly, most of the talented people are still in the clan, and secondly, because of some things, the clan is already close to the royal family and has meritorious deeds...
...So, in this matter, it is best to be fair and aboveboard, use talents and talents, remove the clutter, and let nature take its course." At this point, Cao Lin couldn't help laughing. "They have a high status, just give them a position, and then they can
Those who go up, those who are mediocre, go with the flow, those who go against the odds, perish, that's all... When there is no clarity, if there is a seat that is not given to them, wouldn't it be better to give it to an unknown person?"
Zhang Xing did not make any pretense.
"Powerful people are a big problem, especially in the Eastern Qi and Nanchen hometowns. It is a fact that there are many powerful people. The reason why the imperial court used the Jing'an Taiwan patrol system is to suppress the powerful people." Cao Lin still said with certainty.
"We must strictly adhere to this point and not slack off for even a moment."
Zhang Xing nodded heavily.
"As for the Dongyi people, the Wu people, and the Northern Wilderness and the Southern Ridges... they are actually very important." Cao Lin sighed. "The Dongyi people are the last big obstacle to unifying the world, and the Northern Wilderness and the Southern Ridges are not only
Whether the Wei Dynasty can rule properly also involves the attitude of the two supreme kings towards the Wei Dynasty...Which one is not important? If you ask me, they are all necessary things. But things have priorities, and there are internal and external problems...We must fight against foreign forces.
The internal affairs must be settled first, and the arrangements must be made from the inside out. Therefore, I have to put these five things in order, but the suppression of the powerful comes first; the affairs of the clan and the Dongyi will come later; the affairs of the Northern Wasteland and the South Ridge will come later...
...As for the Wu Clan, unless the Northern Wilderness is properly sorted out and the natural dangers are dealt with, it will be difficult to accomplish anything major, so it should be done at the end."
Zhang Xing nodded repeatedly, obviously feeling a little relieved.
"So, I've finished my answer, how do you answer it?" Cao Lin saw the other party's attitude, but immediately asked with a smile.
"I'm sorry for my arrogance, but I dare not accept such a great favor." Zhang Xing bowed his head respectfully and bowed his head. As expected, he was not sloppy.
There was silence in the tower again. Bai Yousi raised his head and stared ahead, but Zhang Xing could only lower his head further, and then he could only see the purple robe in front of him fluttering slightly in the wind.
A moment later, as a bell rang, the suffocating silence was broken, but there were only two simple words:
"Why?"
"Because Zhongcheng's first two answers were very lenient with his subordinates' mood, but he really disagreed with his third answer." Zhang Xing bowed his head.
After hearing these words, Cao Lin, Bai Yousi, Sima Zheng and Qin Bao all changed their expressions obviously.
"Then what is the third answer you want first?" After a moment, Cao Lin put away his hands and clasped them behind his back and asked.
"I don't dare to say." Zhang Xing gave a strange reply.
Cao Lin was about to sneer, but for some reason, he suddenly stopped and stood silent for a long time.
At the same time, the copper bell rang instead.
It was during the ringing of the bells that Bai Yousi suddenly woke up, but without hesitation he gritted his teeth and stepped forward: "Zhongcheng, Zhang Sanlang is not rejecting you out of selfish motives, but out of public motives. There are some things that even Zhongcheng can't do."
, and why force a young man in his twenties?"
Qin Bao and Zhou Xingfan quickly followed up and saluted with their hands raised. Qian Tang was stunned for a moment and then followed.
At this time, Cao Lin slowly turned his head and looked at Bai Yousi coldly, but remained silent.
Bai Yousi didn't care at all, but continued to respond: "He didn't dare to say it, but I risked my future and life to say it... Zhongcheng's order is naturally absolutely correct, but saints are the ones who decide the strategy, and it is the saints who
Good luck to everyone... The princes of Nanya are obviously of the same mind, but they can't even persuade them to build the big golden pillar. And if they can't even persuade them to do this kind of thing, who can persuade the saint to put the inside first and then the outside? Zhang Sanlang's heart
His ambition is to make the world peaceful. If he can't do this, what if he becomes Zhongcheng's adopted son? He will just be paid away by Zhongcheng for nothing, and he will also have to bear the bad name of betraying me."
Cao Lin didn't say a word, but the Grand Master was in harmony with nature and man, and was not afraid of being happy or angry. Everyone could see clearly that he was obviously angry after Zhang Xing refused.
Instead, he suddenly realized something and froze for a moment.
As for Bai Yousi's anger actually diminished slightly after he came forward, but his subsequent words clearly angered him, making him even more angry.
"Zhongcheng."
Seeing this, Sima Zheng stepped forward without hesitation and handed over his hand. "I only have one thing to say... No matter what, Zhang Baishou is a man who has served the country and is understandable in both heart and deeds. How can he not be rewarded for his merits? Instead, because of this
Is the matter punishable? If so, how do the superiors and subordinates think about the Prime Minister’s way of employing people? "
Zhang Changgong, who was wearing a mask, hesitated for a moment, then actually stepped forward and offered his hand.
The atmosphere solidified again.
I don’t know how long it took, but finally, from the perspective of Zhang Xing, whose chin was dripping with sweat, Cao Lin’s purple robe stopped beating in the wind, and the copper bell that rang from time to time also rang softly, and then suddenly stopped.
Come down.
Then, Cao Lin's purple robe turned out of sight.
At this time, Zhang Xing finally heard the other party's cold voice, but it turned out that he was not calling him: "Zhang Changgong!"
"My subordinate is here!" Zhang Changgong replied calmly.
"Why do you ask for a favor?" Cao Lin's voice was sharp. "Do you know him? Have you seen his abilities? Or do you want to sell someone a favor?"
"None of them." Zhang Changgong responded carefully. "My grandfather once gave us a small instruction, asking us to pay attention to a descendant of the Zhang family in Hedong... It was Zhang Xingyan who was involved in the rebellion and was forced to sell it. I heard that
He did not want to recognize his ancestor and return to his clan. Instead, he directly joined the army in Taiyuan and participated in the Second Expedition to Dongyi as the fifth army... Before I came to Jing'antai, I noticed this Zhang Baishou, who was like a cone in the pocket, and I dared not to miss him.
suspected."
Cao Lin was slightly startled, then his expression softened.
As for the people around him, from Bai Yousi to ordinary patrolling, everyone was surprised.
Only Zhang Xing himself is confused... He has read the relevant documents in Jing'an Terrace and knows that his body is called Zhang Xingyi, and he can match Du Meng... What the hell is Zhang Xingyan?
"Zhang Xing." Cao Lin suddenly shouted. "Are you Zhang Xingyan, deliberately faking amnesia?"
"No." Zhang Xing immediately raised his voice and answered. "I really lost my memory. Later, when I checked the documents, I should have been a Northland wanderer whose original name was Zhang Xingyi, but I just thought he had changed his name... He was not from a famous family.
.”
After hearing this, Cao Lin exhaled slightly, and then finally issued the final verdict:
"Forget it this time, but don't come to the Black Tower in the future."
"Thank you, Zhongcheng, for your generosity." Zhang Xing looked relieved again.
"Don't thank me." Cao Lin sneered and began to look through the documents on his case.
"Yes, it's all thanks to the patrol inspector and Sima Changjian." Zhang Xing corrected him immediately.
"It's not just them." Cao Lin shook his head slightly. "As I said just now, the disciples of the noble family still want those who follow the rules to prosper and those who go against the will to perish, let alone someone with an unknown origin like you? The reason why I am willing to let you go is that a person of course
These are the people who work with you who are willing to protect you; the other one is you, from the beginning to the end, despite your crazy opinions, you have always shown your loyalty to the Wei Dynasty and you have always been honest...
Putting aside Zhang’s misunderstanding, these questions are certainly asked by you and answered by me, but why are they not asked and answered by you? Your self-reported thoughts leave me speechless. No matter who you follow in the future
, wherever you go, never forget the questions and answers you have in mind today."
"This is exactly my subordinate's intention." Zhang Xing raised his head suddenly, causing sweat to sway and penetrate deep into the collar of his coat.
"I'll give you a black ribbon, let's go!" Cao Lin waved his hand and threw out a black ribbon and a piece of paper, but they landed on the opponent's hand. "Don't come to this tower again in the future!"
Zhang Xing held the sealed document and immediately responded: "Thank you so much, Zhongcheng, for your kindness! Zhang Xing will definitely remember Zhongcheng's generosity today!"
This was a very honest statement, but Cao Lin didn't answer at all.
On the other side, as soon as he finished speaking, Zhang Sanlang tried his best to step back. He took a few steps, almost two thousand, but suddenly felt his body lightened. When he looked back, he realized that it was Bai Yousi who had reached out to hold his arm.
, so he relaxed completely, but was almost completely held up by the female patrol inspector.
Since the female patrol officer received the person, she did not hesitate, bowed her head with one hand and saluted, then turned around and left under the complicated eyes of Xue Liang and others. The other patrolmen could not hold on any longer and turned around to flee.
Only Sima Zheng calmly stepped forward to salute and talked about something with Cao Lin, making the atmosphere less awkward.
The group of people came out of the Black Tower and ignored their colleagues on the road. Instead, they walked straight across the bridge to the outside of Jing'an Terrace. When they came to Tianjie Street, which was no longer crowded, Zhang Xingfang felt that he was alive, but then he woke up.
, these people were actually so nervous that they didn’t take the horses back.
"You guys have all dispersed." Bai Yousi looked around coldly. "I will send someone to look for you tomorrow..."
The several patrolmen dispersed immediately as if they had received an amnesty. Qian Tang hesitated for a moment, then silently walked away. Only Qin Bao and Zhou Xingfan remained motionless for a while.
Zhang Xing took a breath and knew that Tianjie Street was not a place to talk. He met Qin Bao and Xiao Zhou again and climbed over the wall into Chengfufang... It's ridiculous to say that after killing Zuo Youxian, Zhang Xing's cultivation level had reached ten levels.
The Zhengmai was close to perfection, but it actually failed to climb over the wall once, and it was only the second time that it got over.
But no one laughed at him. Who wouldn't have weak legs? Is that a great master?
"Where are the leopard and the yellow gelding?"
Arriving at home, Yueniang stuck her head out and glanced at Bai Yousi. She acted as if she hadn't heard anything and just looked behind her. "Why did I lose my horse when I went out on an errand?"
"Close the door!" Zhang Xing was too lazy to say more. "Don't let anyone else in."
Yueniang immediately shut up and got out of the way. After waiting for the people to come in, she immediately locked the door, got into the kitchen again, and brought out tea and cakes.
But no one was eating or drinking.
"Brother Zhang...you are so brave." Zhou Xingfan spoke first, wiping his sweat repeatedly.
Zhang Xing ignored it.
"Third brother." After a moment, Qin Bao spoke. "Are you just taking such a big risk because Zhong Cheng can't persuade the saint?"
"No." Zhang Xing took a deep breath and looked at Bai Yousi who spoke calmly. "If you have different ideas, you two should be clear about my thoughts. I have always believed that the dangers of the Wei Dynasty have never been resolved."
It's not about what's inside or outside, but what's the best and what's the lowest... And as early as the last Jiangdong incident, I knew that Zhong Cheng had everything in his eyes, but not the lowest, so he was reluctant to recognize him as his godfather from the beginning. As for Zhongcheng's eyes, he has everything but the lowest.
, the last 'I don't dare to say', I just deliberately used Nanya's dissatisfaction with the saint to induce Zhongcheng to think so."
Qin Bao shook his head repeatedly: "That's it. A man can bend and stretch, so what if he saves his life first? Why do you have to humiliate him in front of him like this? Do you know that if Zhong Cheng had an unfavorable idea just now, with one palm of his hand?
Nothing is gone."
"That's the key." Zhang Xing suddenly smiled and said, still staring at Bai Yousi. "A real man can bend and stretch, but he's afraid that if he bends too much, he won't be able to straighten his waist anymore... To put it bluntly, I still feel that I can't get over that hurdle. It's true.
I don’t want to submit to another person again... This is why I finally made up my mind."
"As expected." Bai Yousi sighed slightly. "I knew it...but no matter what, you are still with me today. Even if you have to break away from me in the future, I can't forget today's friendship."
.”
Qin Bao and Zhou Xingfan just lowered their heads and said nothing, while Yueniang couldn't help but open her eyes wide and look at Zhu Shou, a woman dressed as a man, as if she had received some inexplicable shock.
Zhang Xing nodded and said no more words.
"Well said." At this moment, a voice suddenly came from above the head. "Zhang Baishou... No, Zhang Heishou, I have seen you many times and been convinced... Based on your wisdom, bravery and benevolence today, you will be rejected by the Prime Minister himself.
With Zhu Shou's future in mind, why worry about not being able to make great achievements in the future?"
Zhang Xingdeng's face turned dark and he went to see Bai Yousi again.
Bai Yousi sneered: "He just came here, and he only heard Qin Bao's words after he said that a man can bend and stretch..."
Zhang Xing felt relieved and sighed again, but simply remained silent and sat in a daze, not even inviting Sima Erlong to come down to the room for a cup of tea.
And Sima Zheng was not embarrassed at all.
After all, how can you kill a whale across the sea with the Yitian Sword? However, even if you borrow the Yitian Sword, you can only kill the whale on the Huaihe River. If you want to kill the whale in your heart with one sword like today, how can you not waste it?