Just when Lu Duan was reporting back to Guo Zongyi, under the same moonlight, in front of a small house with two entrances in the south of Kaifeng's inner city, a green-robed civil servant knocked on the door carrying two baskets of gifts.
The person who opened the door was an old servant. He stooped and struggled to lift the lantern. He rubbed his dim old eyes and saw clearly that the person who came was a young official. He asked politely: "May I ask my husband why he came to visit late at night?"
thing?"
The official put down the gift, cupped his hand, and said humbly: "Don't call me Mr. Bian. I am a student of Mr. Bian. My surname is Yang and my name is Ke Rang. I arrived in Beijing today with General Yao Yuanfu and came here to pay my respects."
"This is my young man, please come in." Teachers and students are considered a family, and the title of "old servant" is much more cordial.
Entering the small courtyard, Yang Kerang saw that the lights in the main hall were dim, and only a small room on the east side still had lights, so he asked: "My mentor comes from a family of officials, and he is the fourth-rank minister of the dynasty. Why is it so cold in Tokyo's house?"
The old servant laughed and said: "The younger generations have all started their own families. My wife died young, so there are only the husband, a few concubines, and three or five rough servants left in the courtyard. Once it gets dark, it couldn't be more pure."
"
Yang Kerang understood, pointed to the side room with orange lights, and asked, "But the teacher is here?"
"That's right. Tomorrow I will attend the meeting, and Mr. Lang is writing the memorial."
Yang Kerang stopped when he heard this: "In that case, I will wait for my mentor to finish writing before going to see him."
After saying that, he put the gift aside and stood there waiting.
Surprise flashed in the old servant's eyes, and he said: "Young man knows etiquette very well, but he has been writing since he got home in the afternoon, tearing it up and tearing it up. He hasn't even eaten the evening meal yet. Why don't you wait here?"
I know when to wait.”
"This..." Yang Kerang looked confused. He couldn't stay outside for too long. If the city's curfew was over for another hour, he wouldn't be able to go back.
"Please be safe, young man. I'm going to report it." After saying that, the old servant staggered to the side room and gently knocked on the door.
"Didn't I tell you not to disturb me?"
Bian Guichen's roar came from inside the house. Yang Kerang's heart trembled, but he was relieved immediately. When he was a child, he heard this roar every day, but after many years, its power has not diminished.
"It's your student Yang Kerang who is here." The old servant shouted.
The room was silent for a moment, and then there were the sound of hurried footsteps, creaking, the door opened, and Bian Guichen appeared in front of Yang Kerang.
"Teacher!" Yang Ke couldn't restrain his emotions and shouted tremblingly. He rushed to Bian Guichen, lifted up his robe and gave a big salute.
When Bian Guichen saw his beloved disciple whom he had not seen for a long time, he was also filled with sadness. He bent down and helped him: "Get up, get up quickly."
The old servant left quietly. Bian Guichen and Yang Kerang exchanged many greetings at the door. Then Bian Guichen slapped his forehead and said: "Come in quickly, why are you standing at the door?"
After saying that, he pulled Yang Kerang into the study.
The two sat down at the desk, and the old servant came in at the right moment holding two cups of tea and a stack of cakes.
Bian Guitan glanced at it and said, "What are you going to make for tea? Warm up some wine and prepare some side dishes."
Yang Kerang waved his hands repeatedly: "It is not convenient for students to drink. They will have to return to camp later."
Bian Guitan laughed, motioned the old servant to go down, and said, "You'd better not go back."
As he said that, he picked up a piece of paper on the table and handed it over.
Yang Kerang took it and took a closer look. He was so shocked that the watch fell to the ground, and he lost his voice and said, "Why did my mentor do such a dangerous move!"
"There are national thieves in the court, and someone needs to come forward!" Bian Guitan raised his hands to the sky with a righteous look on his face.
Yang Kerang picked up the memorial and said in confusion: "But based on what is said in this table alone, Wang Jun colluded with Yao Yuanfu, took advantage of favors, and led troops to the capital. His Majesty would not believe such a serious crime without ironclad evidence.
, in turn, you may be punished for criticizing the minister."
"Whether you come or not, it will happen." Bian Guixuan looked at his beloved disciple with a half-smile, "Yao Yuanfu and I are also old acquaintances. According to his temperament, he will never act like this. There must be someone among them.
Luoluo, what do you know from listening to Yao Yuanfu's tent?"
Facing his mentor's scorching gaze, Yang Kerang lowered his head. He was Yao Yuanfu's defense officer and one of the few literati under his command. He was deeply trusted by him, so he naturally knew some inside information.
In fact, Wang Jun did write a letter to Shi Yuanfu, asking him to come to Tokyo to meet with His Majesty before going on the expedition to reassure the Emperor.
He was unsure about his doctrine, so he consulted several court officials. Yang Kerang felt that the matter was inappropriate and tried his best to stop it. However, several other court officials were eager to contribute and supported him. Yao Yuanfu believed it and decided to write a letter to see him.
.
Sure enough, His Majesty responded with an edict and promised that he would be richly rewarded when he arrived in Beijing.
Unexpectedly, Wang Jun acted so secretly that even his mentor in the capital got wind of it.
Seeing him lowering his head and saying nothing, Bian Guichen picked up the tea and said, "Although we are masters and disciples, we are each our own masters now. If you don't want to say it, I won't blame you. Just go back."
Yang Kerang remained silent, and did not chase him away when he returned home. He drank tea and ate snacks by himself. Until the cup of tea was finished, Yang Kerang slowly spoke: "Who is the master of my mentor?"
Bian Guitan's face tightened when he heard this, and he scolded: "My lord is the only one!"
Yang Keyang shook his head: "Teacher, there is no need to lie to me. If you were Your Majesty, why would you want to fight to the death with Wang Jun?"
When Bian Guichen met those shining eyes, he was shocked to realize that the beloved disciple in front of him had grown a beard and was wearing an official robe. He was no longer the young boy in short brown clothes, poor and living in poverty.
Bian Guichen was silent, caught in the battle between heaven and man, just like Yang Kerang just now, making a choice is the most difficult thing in the world.
Yang Kerang stared at his mentor calmly, waiting for him to speak. Fortunately, he didn't weigh it for too long. Soon, Bian Guichen raised his head and broke the silence: "The eldest son of the emperor, Rong."
For a moment, Yang Kerang felt that his belief had been broken.
On the twenty-eighth day of the first lunar month, the first batch of refugees entered Kaifeng Prefecture, and within two days they would arrive at the foot of Tokyo City.
Guo Zongyi got up early that day, put on his court clothes, hung up his fish bag, and slowly went to court. This was the first time he went to court on his own initiative. Guo Wei had sent someone to summon him before.
The rituals of the court meeting remained as before. After the edict was promulgated, Bian Guicheng took the lead and impeached Privy Councilor Wang Jun and Minister of War Wei Xun for colluding with the feudal lord and having evil intentions.
There was an uproar in the Chongyuan Hall. Wang Jun's face was tense and his eyes were fierce. Wei Xun had already been frightened to the point of white hair on his forehead and wanted to go out and complain, but Wang Jun stopped him with his eyes.
Guo Wei was a little confused, and thought to himself, how could Mi Heng be so crazy at that time, and the Privy Councilor rebelled? I was the Deputy Privy Councilor who rebelled.
At that moment, his face darkened and he said coldly: "Send it up!"
Xiao Huangmen took the memorial table and presented it to Guo Wei, ignoring the complicated words, and he read it in a few seconds.
Guo Wei put down his memorial table and scolded: "Bian Qing, last year you submitted a memorial to rectify the problem of catching wind and shadow, why did you commit the crime today?"
Guo Wei's words were like the heavenly sound. Wang Jun's expression softened, and Wei Xun felt relaxed all over, as if a heavy burden had been lifted.
Bian Guixian asked in a serious voice, "Your Majesty, how can I catch up with what I have reported? Is there a ban on foreign troops arriving and stationing thirty miles away from Jingxu City? Is there a ban on foreign troops and the imperial army being stationed in the city?"
No mixing is allowed during non-war times? Has Yao Yuanfu's army settled in the south camp? Are there any Imperial Guards left in the south camp? Is it the Privy Council that arranges the Yao Army's itinerary? Is it the Ministry of War that executes it?"
He asked six questions in a row, which made Guo Wei angry. However, everything he said was true, so he had to admit: "Your Majesty...it is not without purpose."
Then he looked at the old god Wang Jun, and asked him to hand the memorial to him: "Prince Wang, take a look at it yourself."
Wang Jun read it with a displeased look on his face, then left the class and said: "I think that if you want to impose a crime, there is no reason to hesitate."
After saying this, he put his hands aside and said nothing.
Seeing the treacherous minister's unsparing behavior, Bian Guichen couldn't help but feel angry. He walked up to Wang Jun and asked, "The facts are here. If you don't speak up, can you be exempted from guilt?"
Wang Jun turned sideways impatiently and moved a little further away from him, then said calmly: "Yao Yuanfu's request to see me is approved by His Majesty, and the Yao Army is stationed in the camp in the south of the city. It is also true that General Yao is sympathetic."
He was old and busy with the king's affairs, so he took the initiative without permission and asked Chenzhou's army to set up camp in the south of the city. Firstly, it was to show the court's reasonableness to the feudal lords all over the world, and secondly, it was to show His Majesty's grace and kindness to the soldiers who suppressed the rebellion. Although it was against the rules.
I'm sorry, but I don't mean to overstep my bounds."
"Sophistical words are not trustworthy." Bian Guixun sneered, and turned to face the emperor: "Just talking about this detour to Beijing, General Yao is loyal, he does not hesitate to do the king's service, and I respect him. It's just medicine, and I am a minister.
It is the duty of the temple to suppress rebellion. If the temple rewards the generals every time there is a war, and uses chaos and chaos to show off their kindness, the minister thinks it is inappropriate. Rewards have their own rituals, and court officials should be virtuous. If it doesn't work, give them money and silk.
Rewarding the three armies with wine and meat will have the same effect."
Having said this, he turned to Wang Jun and asked: "Would Prime Minister Wang not understand this since he has been in the army for a long time?"
"Of course I understand."
"Then why did you write to Shi Yuanfu, asking him to come to Beijing to meet the Holy Spirit? You also addressed your Majesty to ask for his permission. You also instructed the Ministry of War to arrange for the Chenzhou Army to be stationed in the camp in the south of the city. It was clearly you who controlled the situation.
, to achieve your ulterior purpose!"
Wang Jun sneered, cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, what Bian Guidan said has no evidence. It is all conjecture and cannot be trusted. Please punish him for falsely accusing him of climbing and biting."
Bian Guitan glanced at him sideways, took a big step, and said loudly: "I have you!"
Then he raised his hand and said: "I have a witness. I am the defense official of Chenzhou. I am now outside the palace gate. Please summon your majesty."
Guo Wei was slightly surprised. He didn't expect that Bian Guichen could really find a witness, and he was someone from the Chenzhou Defense Envoy. This was not like the power that he, an idle civil servant, could have. Could it be that someone was behind this to add fuel to the flames?
With a sullen face, he glanced at the ministers, and finally his eyes fell on Guo Zongyi. Seeing him frowning and looking like he hadn't woken up, he felt that it couldn't be him. This kid just stepped into the court a few days ago.
Nor would he have such ability.
After calming down, Guo Wei asked Xiang Biangui: "Who is this official?"
"The surname is Yang and the name is Kerang. He is from Tongzhou. At the end of the Jin Dynasty, he was not selected as a Jinshi. General Zhang Yancheng of the Jinwu Guards came to Tongzhou and set up a tent to serve. Later, General Zhang entered the Jinwu Guards and recommended his talents to the defense envoy of Chenzhou.
Si is also my former student."
"In this case, I summoned him to the palace." Guo Wei said neither salty nor coolly.
The corners of Wang Jun's eyes twitched, and his expression was slightly moved. Although it was fleeting, it was keenly captured by Guo Zongyi, who was observing him secretly. He carefully recalled the historical facts and gradually gained understanding.
Soon, a green-robed civil servant was brought to the palace, which was particularly eye-catching among the nobles in the hall.
Yang Kerang is thirty years old this year and has been an official for seven or eight years. This is the first time he has entered such a deep palace. Seeing the majesty and solemnity of the palace, he felt a little depressed at that time. He was summoned to Chongyuan.
As far as the eye can see from the palace, there are many nobles and nobles. The emperor is sitting high on the imperial steps. He looks around and looks around. He has the potential to move mountains and topple them. Under such prestige, his legs and feet begin to feel heavy unconsciously.
Forcing himself to walk into the palace, Yang Ke let his heartbeat slow down and regained his composure. He lifted up his robe, knelt down and gave a great salute, shouting: "I, Chenzhou, the defense official, bow to your majesty, may your majesty bow down and be blessed."
"Get down, Yang Qing."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Yang Kerang Nai got up, bowed his hands towards Bian Guijian, and said, "Teacher."
Bian Guifan nodded, Yang Kerang looked for Zhang Yancheng in the Spanish class, and also bowed down: "Zhang Shuai."
Zhang Yancheng smiled and waved his hand, not wanting to be polite.
Guo Wei was very interested in watching him from the throne. After he finished paying homage, he asked: "Why don't you wait until you leave the court and insist on paying homage to your mentor, the old commander, in front of the emperor?"
"Teachers are to ministers, and they have the great kindness of preaching and imparting knowledge. Old commanders are to ministers, just like parents who guide and reinvent themselves. The emperor of heaven and earth are relatives and teachers. They are the best in ethics, and I dare not violate them."
Guo Wei was greatly surprised when he heard this, and said to Zhang and Bian: "This boy is indeed talented."
Then he asked Yang Kerang about his current situation, and then turned to the topic: "Bian Qing just said that Wang Xiang colluded with Yao Yuanfu and led troops to the capital. Is there any problem?"
"It is true that General Yao received a private letter from the King, saying that he was awarded this important position at the age of seventy. The commander was afraid that Yao was too old and would not be able to fulfill his duties, so he wanted to change the general. The letter suggested that General Yao should kill the thief if he wanted to.
, I wrote to Your Majesty to take a detour to Tokyo and then go to Yanzhou after the audience to appease Your Majesty."
"Although General Yao Lao is old, his prowess has not diminished, and he is worried about the king's affairs. He is afraid that he will be withdrawn and will not be able to quell the chaos for the country, so he summoned us to discuss it, and then decided to submit a letter to see him. That's why today's events happened."
After saying this, Yang Kerang bowed and stepped aside.
After hearing this, Guo Wei said nothing and turned to look at Wang Jun, his eyes neither sad nor happy.
Wang Jun's face was as dark as water, and he cupped his hands and said: "This Chenzhou official is a master and disciple of Bian Guichen. What he said cannot be proved."
Seeing that he still refused to admit it, Bian Guichen immediately sneered, took off his jade belt, tore open his official robe, and said with his head: "I am willing to guarantee with my life that everything Yang Kerang said is true. If your Majesty does not believe it, you can call General Yao."
Confront in court!"
Wang Jun took a deep breath, knelt down slowly, dropped the elephant wat, took off the black gauze on his head, and placed it on the ground: "I am a rough man, and I can't speak for a learned man like Shilang Bian, Your Majesty.
You can call General Yao to the court, but the loyalty of my ministers can be seen in the sun and the moon, so please observe carefully."
After saying this, I cannot kneel down for a long time.
Dead silence fell in Chongyuan Hall.
The two were in a stalemate, and they behaved disrespectfully before the emperor, risking his wealth and life. For a moment, Guo Wei's face was extremely ugly.
His cold, razor-sharp gaze swept back and forth between the two of them, but he did not speak for a long time, and the two of them remained still in their kneeling position.
He was hesitating whether to take advantage of this opportunity to kill Wang Jun, or to make the big deal a trivial one and hit fifty big ones each.
Guo Zongyi was deeply shocked when Yang Kerang came to the palace. He didn't know where a Chenzhou official came from, but he pushed the matter to such a high level that it was out of his original intention and control.
It seemed that there was a more skillful hand controlling the chess pieces, and even he, the original chess player, ended up becoming someone else's chess piece.
Suddenly, a huge fear arose in Guo Zongyi's heart, far worse than the last time he felt palpitations towards Guo Wei. His thoughts turned over and over again, but he still couldn't figure it out.
Zhang Yongde was dressed in a scarlet robe and lived in the Spanish class. He glanced at the ministers on both sides, with mixed feelings on their faces, but no one dared to speak out.
He looked at Guo Zongyi again. His nephew's brows were furrowed, his eyes were suspicious, and his mind was obviously not in the court, as if he was at war between heaven and man.
Finally moving towards the emperor, Guo Wei was sitting sideways with a frown on his face and a look of hesitation. At this moment, he was probably like Guo Zongyi, fighting between heaven and man. The two grandfathers and grandsons were not related by blood, but they were surprisingly similar.
He has been close to Princess Shouan for ten years, and has a fairly deep understanding of himself, the old man.
Guo Wei's biggest shortcoming was that he was not decisive enough. In the past, when he was in charge of Yedu as the Deputy Privy Envoy and controlling the towns in Hebei Province, some people advised him to bring some of his family members with him to avoid suspicion in the court and harm to his family.
However, he looked forward and backward and did not dare to act. As expected, Liu Chengyou soon launched the Qianyou Incident and killed more than a hundred members of the Guo family, including the infants and children.
Now, he must be struggling again. He is afraid that rashly questioning Wang Jun will cause instability in the court, and he is also afraid that if something is true, it will be detrimental to the country.
Both sides have similar results, so why don’t you dare to make a choice?
After thinking about it, Zhang Yongde decided to add fuel to the fire. Anyway, he was just a consort.
Just as he was getting ready to leave work, he saw Guo Zongyi in front of him moving.
Guo Zongyi also decided to add fuel to the fire. This was a good opportunity to deal with Wang Jun. He knew how to choose. He was not like Guo Wei's hesitant temper. He knew that the opportunity was not to be missed and the time would never come again. Even if it would cause a scandal afterwards, as long as
If you can get rid of this current stumbling block, you will surely make a profit without losing money.
After thinking about it, Guo Zongyi raised the elephant wat and was about to speak when he saw Guo Wei suddenly stood up and stared at him with a cold light, which frightened all the ministers to retreat.
