"I want to ask, Li Heng, what exactly do you want to do?"
Cheng Zhouhai's voice sounded in the restaurant room. Ning Yi folded his hands, his smile did not change, and he only narrowed his eyes slightly.
People who can follow Qin Siyuan to do things have a different mentality from ordinary people. He can ask this question so seriously here, which naturally has a different meaning than before. Ning Yi was silent for a moment and just looked at him: "I
What else can be done.”
"After the teacher was imprisoned, Li Heng originally wanted to leave, but later he found out there was a problem and decided not to leave. I can't guess what the problem was." Cheng Zhouhai turned his teacup around, "I
I have not been with Li Heng for a short time, but I have some understanding of Li Heng's methods. If you see things are not in harmony and seek refuge with Tong Guan, if it is just for survival, I will not say what I said today."
He had thoughts in his mind, but even if he didn't, Cheng Zhouhai was never a person who showed his thoughts on his face. His words were not high-pitched, but Ning Yi's tone was calm: "When things have reached this point, the power of the prime minister's office has been exhausted.
, I am a small businessman, and Zhuji is also passive. If I am not trying to survive, what else can I do?"
"I don't know, but Li Heng doesn't have to belittle himself. After the teacher left, the only thing left behind that has been preserved is Li Heng."
"Most of them are handed over to the Prince of Guangyang."
"That is also your choice, Li Heng." Cheng Zhouhai sighed, "Teacher has served the country and the people all his life. Since he passed away, although the trees have fallen and the animals have been scattered, some human kindness has still been left behind. In the past few days, I have listened to
It was said that the chief arrester of the Criminal Department, Zong Feixiao, was missing. Another chief arrester, Tie Tianying, suspected that you were responsible. He contacted Cheng Wenhou, an aide of the Qi family, and wanted the Qi family to come forward and come forward for this matter. Cheng Wenhou has a good relationship with the great scholar Mao Su.
, after Mao Su heard about this, he came over and told me."
Ning Yi was silent for a moment: "Brother Cheng is here to warn me about this?"
Cheng Zhouhai was noncommittal: "I know what Li Heng is capable of, and now that the Prince of Guangyang is taking care of him, it shouldn't be a big problem. I have the moral obligation to inform Ning Heng about these things, but I'm not too worried." He said,
He looked out the window, "What I'm afraid of is what you are doing now, Li Heng."
The room fell silent, and then Cheng Zhouhai's voice sounded slowly.
"Since the teacher's accident, he has hidden everything behind his back, and has changed from leaving to not leaving. The movement behind Zhuji is unknown, but it has never stopped. You give the evidence left by the teacher to the Prince of Guangyang
, he may just think that you are going to kill someone with a borrowed knife, and he is wary of it, but I feel that this may not be the case."
"Some things are plots. The trends are given to the prince. Even if he is wary, he will inevitably use them."
Cheng Zhouhai shook his head: "If it's just like this, I have thought clearly. But Liheng, you have never been such a petty person. If you stay in the capital, even if you want to avenge your teacher, you will not just do this.
Means, judging from your past behavior, I know you are preparing for something big."
There was a slight pause: "Zong Feixiao wouldn't be killed by you. A small chief catcher can't catch your eye. Even if you really want to touch him, you won't be the first one. I doubt you want to
It affects the Qi family and the Great Light Sect, but maybe it's more than that." Cheng Zhouhai raised his head from the opposite side and asked, "What on earth are you thinking."
Ning Yi looked at him for a moment and replied sincerely: "It's just self-protection."
Cheng Zhouhai's expression did not change.
Ning Yi said: "I just wanted to leave at first, but then I suddenly discovered that the whole world is not the king's land, and the shore of the land is not the king's ministers. I am still in the capital, and people like Tie Tianying are making plans for me. I
I have countless grievances with Lulin and aristocratic families. How many people have secretly had thoughts but have never taken action. Just imagine that when I go back to Jiangning, the Chengguo Princess Mansion temporarily shelters me, but Kang Xian is already old. How long can he protect me? By then,
People like Tie Tianying and Zong Feixiao will still come to my door. If I want to protect myself, I still have to find a high branch to climb. Therefore, on the day when Prince Tong came to pay homage to Prime Minister Qin, I took advantage of the situation and handed over the things.
Yes. I still had a choice at that time, so it’s finally a credit.”
"Sometimes when I go on stage, the problem is that I can't get off." Ning Yi slowly leaned his back on the chair, clasped his hands and put it down, "When I hand things over to the Prince of Guangyang, he always has to accept them.
I share the same feelings, and he is a member of the military system. These people are the most unreasonable. If others want to touch me, the method is very different if I am under the banner of others. But I joined this side and fought with them.
The conflicts are the least. After staying in Guangyang County Prince's Mansion for a while, if I lower my eyebrows and look down a little, the Prince will naturally think that I am insignificant. When he stops paying attention to me, I, a businessman, can do it.
If we go south, I can at most ask people to send a few carts of gifts every year on the prince's birthday. In this way, everyone can get what they need. I finally borrowed the donkey from Poxia."
His tone was calm, and what he said was reasonable. In fact, Wen Renfu'er was several years older than Ning Yi. After experiencing this, he was still disheartened and left the capital. Ning Yi's attitude at this time
, it’s not surprising. Cheng Zhouhai shook his head: “If this is really the case, I have nothing to say, but I don’t believe it in my heart. Brother Ning Xian...”
He opened his mouth and then said: "Teacher's lifelong wish is only for this family, country and the world. His methods of doing things are different from mine, but his conduct can be said to be upright. The Jurchen's coming south this time has touched the hearts of many people.
The delusion was shattered. When I returned from Taiyuan, I knew in my heart that they would go south again. In today's capital, Liheng, if you are really discouraged and want to leave, it's nothing. If you really remember
Regarding Zong Feixiao's matter, it is only a trivial matter to kill several criminal officials to vent their anger, but if it goes up..."
"...The Qi family, the Great Guangming Sect, Tong Guan, Cai Jing, Wang Fu, Li Bangyan, Liang Shicheng...these people can influence the whole body. I have seen Liheng, your actions, your plan to destroy Liangshan, and the family.
From the disaster relief game between the rich clans to the hardships faced by Xia Village, you have come through. Others may look down on you, but I won’t. I can’t do these things, and I don’t know how you can do them, but if...you have to be at this level
If you take action, no matter whether you succeed or fail, you will not be harmed by the common people in the world."
Cheng Zhouhai used to be extremely scheming and was very scheming in his actions. Now when he said these words, Ning Yi was quite surprised and smiled slightly: "I originally thought that Brother Cheng was a
A person who is radical and informal..."
"Cheng has always been a bit extreme in his plans, but this moment has changed. When I was in the Prime Minister's Mansion, I could achieve results in my actions, and the means came second. Now, Cheng only hopes that when the Jurchen comes south, the people in the city will...
I can have a good home."
Ning Yi fell silent. After a while, he leaned back on his chair and said, "Although Duke Qin has passed away, most of his disciples have inherited his lineage..."
"However, Liheng, you have different beliefs from my master. You are really different. Therefore, you can do extraordinary things." Cheng Zhouhai looked at him and said, "In fact, after the master passes away,
We can't bear his burden. Li Heng, if you can take it on, that would be great. If what you do is to prevent future disasters when the Jurchens go south, it will become someone's worry today. In other words, it is superfluous.
.”
"I promised to pass down his books for Mr. Qin. As for his career... Brother Cheng, now you and I are not valued by others and can't do anything."
"Some things don't just mean you can't do them if you can't do them. I came out of Taiyuan and saw what it was like for people to live in ruins. Whether it's me or Li Heng, as long as you want to do it, there are always ways to do it."
Ning Yi nodded. Cheng Zhouhai spoke calmly and calmly. Although his previous plots were extreme, after Qin Siyuan left, Wenren Buer left the capital in despair, but he still stayed in the capital. I heard that someone
When Ning Yi was about to be touched, he could come over and warn him. This man who narrowly escaped death in Taiyuan and had a huge change in his family after returning to Beijing. After all his background and extremes were gone, all that was left behind was a heart for the country.
Ning Yi and Qin Siyuan acted differently, but they always respected the old man and had to admire Cheng Zhouhai in front of him.
They have finally retained the essence of Confucianism.
He just nodded and did not answer the other party's words. When he looked out the window, it was noon, the bright sunshine was shining on the lush trees, and birds were coming and going. Twenty days had passed since Qin Siyuan's death.
"There is something I have always forgotten to tell Mr. Qin."
In that silent atmosphere, Ning Yi said this.
"A few years ago, because of Fang Qifu's matter, I formed a quarrel with the Ministry of Punishment and the Great Guangming Sect in the south. At that time, the person in charge of the Secret Investigation Department in Chongping County was named Hao Jinhan, who cooperated in that operation.
After I left, Lin Echan found him, and Hao Jinhan's family was killed. After the news came, Mr. Qin had someone seal the news so that I wouldn't see it."
He paused: "This time Mr. Qin was convicted. I found this thing when I was sorting out old information. He was in prison at the time, and later he was convicted and sentenced to prison. Every time we met, there were many major events involved.
I always forget to mention it. The last time I saw him off outside the city, I had a lot of troubles on my hands. When I looked back, I remembered this matter and forgot to mention it. At that time, I wanted to wait until the matter in hand was settled.
Next, if you find a chance, you can always say hello."
"However, when we said goodbye, I saw him on that hill. There was no chance to say anything."
After he said this, he fell silent again. After a while, he said, "Brother Cheng, you are right when we act differently. That's because you are doing it for morality and I am doing it for recognition. As for the things you said today, please tell me.
It would be too troublesome for the Qi family to avenge Grand Master Cai and others and cause trouble..."
He paused and then said: "It's too troublesome...I won't do it."
The two sat opposite each other for a while and ate something. Soon after, Cheng Zhouhai also said goodbye and left. Before leaving, Cheng Zhouhai said: "If you really want to do something, you can come to me."
Ning Yi just nodded.
In the next few days, the capital was still very lively. When Qin Siyuan was there, although the two prime ministers on the left and right were not the most knowledgeable ministers in the court, under the premise of the Northern Expedition and the recovery of the sixteen states of Yanyun, the overall strategy of the country was pretty good.
It is clear. Although it was only more than twenty days after Qin Siyuan resigned as prime minister, the left prime minister line had begun to decline. People with ambitions and a sense of urgency began to compete for the position. In order to promote the current national policy of the Yellow River Defense Line, Tong Guan and his line began to actively
In the court, Cai Jing confronted Li Bangyan and others. Although Cai Jing kept a low profile, his disciples all over the world had the inner meaning that it was hard to shake just by putting them there. On the other hand, because of the battle with Jurchen
With the loss, Tang Ke and other peace factions also became more popular. Various merchants and stakeholders hoped that the Wu Dynasty could stop the conflict with the Jurchens and open border trade as soon as possible so that everyone could make money happily.
Anyway, didn’t the Wu Dynasty and the Liao Kingdom have the same relationship back then?
In this way, the princes appeared to be standing side by side in the court, and Zhou Zhe planned to maintain stability among them. When he realized that Tong Guan was going to attack Wurui Camp, he also sent several generals there. Compared to Tong Guan
When doing things, Zhou Zhe's current pace is much more cordial. These generals went over and said it was just to learn. At the same time, they also wanted to avoid unfair things in the army. Quan acted as a supervisor. In fact, it was tantamount to wooing and showing goodwill.
In any play, there are always bad faces and bad faces. Back then, he was too good to Chang Shengjun, but no one dared to play bad. Now that Tong Guan is playing bad, he can naturally act as an emperor and play white.
Face. The Wurui camp has become powerful. The most important thing is for them to directly transfer their loyalty to the emperor. If necessary, he would not mind turning this army into the emperor's forbidden army.
Regardless of whether he came to power or fell, everything seemed to be in an uproar. Ning Yi was dragged to Wurui Camp twice more. He still kept a low profile in the palace, and usually lived in seclusion and kept his tail between his legs. The soldiers in Wurui Camp started talking privately.
, many people began to despise Ning Yi. Only in the most hidden depths of Wurui Camp, someone was saying some inflammatory words.
"...It's all official tactics! You saw it, first the right prime minister, then Qin Shaoqian, General Qin. After General Qin left, Boss He also became passive. And Mr. Ning, why was he dragged over? To let him hold the line.
Is it? No, this is to let everyone throw shit on him and discredit him! What are they doing now! The Yellow River Defense Line? You still don’t know? As long as there is a lot of construction work, what comes is money! Why are they so enthusiastic? Do you want to
They say they are not afraid of the Jurchens coming south. Hey, they are afraid. They are concerned... They are just trying to gain some power and make some money while doing things——"
These words were suppressed at the bottom of the wind. As the capital became more and more prosperous, the battle with the Jurchens was extremely painful, but as long as they survived, there was always a chance for a comeback. During this period, not only merchants came from various places, but also various
Scholars from all walks of life became more and more vocal in their efforts to save the country. In brothels, wine shops and teahouses, scholars were often seen gathering together to discuss strategies to save the country.
This atmosphere has also led to the prosperity of many folk sects. The most famous one is the Celestial Master Guo Jing who recently came to Bianliang. It is said that he can move mountains and turn seas and sow beans into armies. Some people are doubtful about this, but the people are very enthusiastic about it. Many court officials
All the senior officials in the Central Committee of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have received him, and some people said: If the Jurchens come and Tianshi Guo is there, all they have to do is open the city gate and release the Liujia Divine Soldiers. At that time... most of them talked about it with great enthusiasm and tutted.
Everyone needs to watch at the top of the city how the Liujia Divine Soldiers harvested the Jurchens.
At this time, many people once again recalled the miserable situation of defending the city and secretly wiped away tears. If the Heavenly Master had come earlier and not allowed the traitor to defend the city, why would their husbands and sons have died tragically in the city? But during the discussion, it turned out that
Some people also say that since the treacherous prime minister is in office, even if the Heavenly Master comes, he will definitely be ostracized and suppressed. When everyone thinks about it, it is quite possible.
In early June, the construction of the city wall near the New Suanzao Gate had been completed. Zhou Zhe left the palace and walked around the city gate. He was quite pleased to see the crowds of people entering and leaving the city at the restaurant.
"Everything is in ruins and waiting for prosperity. Our people of the Wu Dynasty have not been defeated by this suffering after all. Now, wherever we look, we can see even more prosperity. This is exactly the sign of a country that thrives on adversity!"
He pointed to the caravan entering the city below and said to Du Chengxi. Seeing that the caravan members had brought more weapons, he nodded again and said: "After the disaster, the road was not smooth, so the martial arts flourished, so it is not a big deal now."
Bad things need to be carefully managed between how to suppress and guide them. After returning home, we must come up with a charter as soon as possible."
He then briefly talked to Du Chengxi about some things. The people in charge of each section of the recent Yellow River defense line had been fighting for a while. He didn't want the turmoil to escalate anymore, so he had to make up his mind in the next few days. This was now
This is a major strategy to prevent the Jurchens, and it is also a major distribution of power in the court after Qin Siyuan's departure. It is an opportunity for him to regain the core of balance. He has long thought about it and is confident. What he can say to Du Chengxi at this time is,
Most of them are things that can be let out by the wind.
Du Chengxi hinted these things to others, and others knew it was a plan and did not dare to say anything more.
"Only after Qin Siyuan died did I know how much he had hidden from me. This is the case with powerful ministers. If you want to do something with him, he will bite you back sooner or later. But I have thought carefully about the balance and cannot mess with it.
.People like Cai Jing and Tong Guan should be my roof beams and use them as pillars. The one who really does things must be me!"
After he said this, he thought about something more in his mind. He looked at the city gate and what came to his mind was the scene of a wooden platform built over there, and a woman went up to perform for the wounded soldiers. He tried his best to make this scene as clear as possible.
After removing it from his mind, he thought about some more things. On the way back to the palace, he and Du Chengxi gave instructions on many political matters that would follow.
"...Things have been decided in the past few days, according to the imperial edict. Many things need to be clarified. The imperial edict is that the court will be on the right track. Regarding Tong Guan and Li Bangyan, I don't want to go too far. On the contrary, Cai Jing, he
Standing there without moving, Qin Siyuan easily took up most of Qin Siyuan's previous benefits. I thought about it and finally had to give it a try. I will go to court the day after tomorrow..."
After giving instructions one by one, at the end, something came to mind.
"...In addition, after three days, things will be decided. Among the young generals and officials I want to see, there will be one more person. Ning Yi Ning Liheng. He came out of the Prime Minister's Mansion and has become much more peaceful recently. I heard that he is taking refuge in
In the Guangyang County Prince's Mansion, the old business has not been picked up yet. Recently, he has been often called to Wurui Camp. He has some relationship with Wurui Camp. I have even heard rumors that he has a relationship with the Lu village master in Luliang.
They may be a couple, whether it's true or not, it's uncomfortable and makes people lose face."
"When the Qin government fell and everyone pushed against it, I saved him. He has a good way of doing things. Don't beat him too much. I want to give him an official position with a pen in the Ministry of War and give him a step up.
This will prevent the Prince of Guangyang from being too harsh on his people and destroying his energy." He said this, and then sighed: "With this matter, the case of Qin Siyuan should come to an end. Now.
The Jurchens are watching eagerly. It is urgent to revive the court. This is not the time to settle old scores. It is time to put down the past and look forward. Du Chengxi, this is my wish. You can arrange it. Now that we are working together, Qin Siyuan is good at being domineering. Don't let it happen again.
.”
Du Chengxi accepted the order, and the emperor then went to do other things.
The next day, someone from the palace came to Ning Mansion and told him that he was about to go to Hajj. By the way, he also told him the etiquette of meeting His Majesty and what he would probably encounter. Of course, some beatings were also inevitable.
"... Major cases in the capital often involve a wide range of topics. In the case of Qin Siyuan, you are all guilty. It was His Majesty who opened his mouth and just opened his eyes to you. Mr. Ning, you are just a businessman.
To be summoned by His Majesty is a blessing that you have cultivated for eighteen lifetimes. From now on, you must burn incense religiously and pay homage to your ancestors. The most important thing is that you must understand His Majesty’s love and support for you. From now on, everything will be yours.
To share the worries of the country, we must work hard! Your Majesty Tianyan, is that something everyone can see if they want? That is the emperor! He is the Nine-Five Supreme Being..."
The man from the palace educated Ning Yi vividly for half an hour. Ning Yi was also frightened, nodding his head repeatedly and speaking humbly. After the education here, Tong Guan called him over and gave him a brief education.
The meaning is basically the same, but Tong Guan pointed it out. Your Majesty hopes that Qin Siyuan's crimes will end here. You should know it in your heart and look up to God for his grace.
At this time, many major events related to the Yellow River defense line in Beijing began to fall. This was a big move at the strategic level. Tong Guan was also accepting and digesting the power in his hands. For the interview that a small person like Ning Yi had to receive, he could call
It was a good attitude to talk about it. After reprimanding him, he sent Ning Yi away and stopped caring about him.
On the other hand, when Ning Yi passed by the corridor of the palace that day, he suffered several eye rolls and comments from others. Only when he was feeling heavy, the other party smiled, came over and said a few good words: "I knew Li Heng was not in the pool.
To be summoned by His Majesty, this is not an ordinary honor, it is a great event that can comfort our ancestors!"
"That is, that is."
"I heard that someone from the Punishment Department is looking for trouble for you. After this incident, huh, let's see what else they dare to do! Even though the Qi family is powerful, there is no need to be afraid in the future! Brother, we will be prosperous in the future.
, Don’t forget your brother, hahahaha..." He patted his shoulder heavily and laughed.
"Yes, I originally wanted to find some people to go to the Qi family to help with the matter." Ning Yi also laughed.
"Don't worry, don't worry..."
Soon after, Ning Yi and others' carriage left the palace.
The sun is setting in the west, and the prosperity of the huge Bianliang City has not diminished. The bustling crowds are still walking through the city. Tie Tianying leads his team through the city, looking for the possibility that Zong Feixiao's death is related to Ning Yi. The lights gradually dim.
It lights up. Ning Yi is sitting in the courtyard of the mansion, waiting for the sky to fade away and the stars to shine in the night sky. The world becomes quiet because of this. The wheel of time passes little by little, in this prosperous and peaceful place.
In the midst of it, he slowly but without hesitation pressed towards the future two days later.
Two days passed in the blink of an eye. (To be continued.)