Chapter 36: The beginning of the hunt for Xiao Luan
"...Actually, I have been hesitating whether I should hand over the Black Crows to you."
After Jie Ziu left, Zhao Hongrun said while holding a tea cup.
Hearing the words "Black Crows", Zhang Qigong verified his guess and looked a little excited. However, because of Zhao Hongrun's words, he restrained his excitement and lowered his head to listen.
At this time, Zhao Hongrun continued: "As far as I know, you are secretly sorting out the laws of Wei Dynasty and making corresponding annotations..."
"..."
Zhang Qigong opened his mouth slightly, feeling slightly surprised.
In fact, he did compile Wei's laws and regulations in his spare time and changed them with his own ideas. However, he never disclosed this matter to anyone. For the time being, it could only be regarded as a personal hobby of his. Unexpectedly, in front of him,
His Highness the Crown Prince actually knew about this.
He was surprised, but he was not surprised.
After all, he had defected to the Crown Prince halfway. It was normal for the Qingya people to send people to keep an eye on him, and Zhang Qigong believed that he had no hidden secrets.
"This is Gao Kuo's intention. I hope you won't hate him for this..." Zhao Hongrun said with a smile.
"His Royal Highness, the words are serious." Zhang Qigong heard the words and said seriously: "Even if I am standing in the position of Lord Gao Kuo, I will be cautious."
"That's good if you think so." Zhao Hongrun nodded and asked with a smile: "Do you want to hear Gao Kuo's evaluation of you?"
Zhang Qigong raised his head and opened his mouth slightly. Even he couldn't help but feel a little nervous at this moment. After all, Gao Kuo's evaluation of him may determine his trust in the heart of the Crown Prince in front of him.
But just when he was worried, he saw Zhao Hongrun smiling and comforting: "No need to be nervous, Gao Kuo has a very high opinion of you, relatively speaking..."
Speaking of this, he couldn't help but think of the criminal laws compiled by Zhang Qigong, took a breath, and felt the slightest hesitation in his heart.
The reason is that the criminal code compiled by Zhang Qigong is "very interesting". Severe punishments are imposed for serious offenses, and more punishments are imposed for minor offenses. What is revealed between the lines is simply an inhumane Legalist thought.
For example, even for such a trivial matter as "dumping charcoal ash on the roadside", Zhang Qigong advocated the punishment of "amputation of fingers" and "amputation of hands", which really shocked Zhao Hongrun.
"Why do you insist on amputation of fingers and hands for such a trivial matter as dumping charcoal? Don't you think this is too cruel?" He couldn't help but ask.
Zhang Qigong was stunned for a moment, and then he realized why the hesitation and solemnity on the face of the Crown Prince in front of him was the reason, and then explained with a smile: "Your Highness, it is just because it is a trivial matter that I have advocated severe punishment. Sir.
I think that this commandment should be something that everyone can do. Since everyone can do it, but there are still people who slack off and make fun of it, this is a serious crime... and it needs to be severely punished to ensure the power of the law!"
"..." Zhao Hongrun touched his chin and thought for a moment.
I have to say that Zhang Qigong's explanation makes sense. After all, "You are not allowed to dump charcoal ash on the roadside at will." This is a small and easy thing to do. Although Zhang Qigong gave him a heavy punishment in this matter,
But if no one violates it, in fact this law is just a decoration.
Taking advantage of the power of the Chongdian, it restricted something that almost everyone could do and strengthened the people's awareness of the rule of law.
While thinking about it like this, Zhao Hongrun suddenly felt as if he had been convinced by Zhang Qigong.
He shook his head and said: "Put this matter aside for now... Regarding some of your actions in Song County, I have read the reports of Cui Yong and Gao Kuo, and their evaluations are simply two extremes..."
Zhang Qigong said lightly after hearing this: "It cannot be denied that Lord Cui Yong is too impulsive and straightforward at certain times, and is far less stable than Lord Gao Kuo..." As he said, he glanced at Zhao Hongrun secretly, saw Zhao Hongrun frown slightly, and immediately said
He changed his words and said: "Of course, Master Cui Yong's talent is obvious to all, otherwise, His Highness the Crown Prince would not give him such a heavy responsibility."
Taking a deep look at Zhang Qigong, Zhao Hongrun said meaningfully: "I know that you and Cui Yong are not happy together in Song County, but I also know what kind of person Cui Yong is, so... don't
Do something that will affect your evaluation in my heart."
Hearing this, Zhang Qigong felt a chill in his heart, and quickly handed over his hands to accuse him and said, "I am aware of my guilt."
Seeing Zhang Qigong admitting his mistake frankly, Zhao Hongrun nodded with satisfaction, then smiled and comforted: "Actually, whether you or Cui Yong, it is just a conflict caused by your different opinions. On this point, I will not take sides. If it is
You two have a private grudge, and I suggest that you resolve it like the scholar-bureaucrats of Qi State did..." At this point, he saw Zhang Qigong's confused look, so he smiled, raised his fist, shook it, and explained: "Private in a man's way.
Go down and solve it."
Zhang Qigong opened his mouth with a look of astonishment on his face. Then he raised his hand and touched the chin that had been hit hard by Cui Yong's punch, and said discouragedly: "In other words, I have no chance of revenge."
Hearing Zhang Qigong's slightly humorous words, Zhao Hongrun couldn't help but laugh.
I have to say that he was a little surprised. Zhang Qigong was obviously nine feet tall, but he was beaten to the ground by Cui Yong, who was eight feet tall.
A civil servant with considerable force.
"Okay, okay, in short, I will leave this king of the Black Crows to you."
After hearing this, Zhang Qigong put away the joke on his face and excitedly raised his hands and said: "I would like to thank His Highness the Crown Prince for your support..."
Zhao Hongrun waved his hand and interrupted Zhang Qigong. Different from his friendly and kind expression just now, he said with a gloomy face: "There is no need for so-called politeness. I will hand over the Black Crows to you, and you have to give me an explanation... to find Xiao."
Luan, life or death!"
Feeling the strong pressure from His Highness the Crown Prince in front of him, Zhang Qigong raised his hands and said seriously: "Your Highness, don't worry, I will definitely capture the thief alive before His Highness the Crown Prince."
"Hmm." Zhao Hongrun nodded with satisfaction, and then his expression returned to normal, and he said slowly: "Later, you go to Gao Kuo to take over the Black Crows. When you turn around, I will give you the title of "Captain of the Prince's Mansion". In the future, you will be affiliated with the Prince."
It is under the jurisdiction of the government and not under the jurisdiction of the imperial court..."
"Prince's Mansion?"
Zhang Qigong was slightly stunned, and he was very puzzled: Hasn't His Highness the Crown Prince moved to the East Palace? Why is the Crown Prince's Mansion still left?
No wonder he was confused, after all, he didn't know that Zhao Hongrun was planning to transform the Prince's Palace into a military institution superior to the six ministries of the imperial court.
Although Zhao Hongrun also guessed that Zhang Qigong would be confused about this, he did not intend to reveal it at the moment.
After all, once the Wei State's highest military decision-making office is completed, a chief must be appointed. Zhao Hongrun is also preparing to take over the post of general himself. How dare he reveal it so easily and let Du You, the Minister of Rites, and other ministers of the court participate in it to cut him off?
Thoughts.
"Is there any problem?" he asked deliberately.
Upon hearing Zhao Hongrun's tone, Zhang Qigong knew that His Highness the Crown Prince did not want to explain too much on this matter, so he shook his head knowingly and said: "No, Your Highness the Crown Prince."
"Very good, let's go." Zhao Hongrun waved his hand and sent Zhang Qigong away.
After saying goodbye and leaving the East Palace, Zhang Qigong first returned to the inner hall of Chui Gong Hall.
Because for a long time, he, Lin Yuyang, Jie Zizhi and others were colleagues in the inner court, reviewing memorials together in the inner hall. Now that he has another position, he should say hello to these colleagues at least. After all, he is still in the inner court.
Officials, if they leave without saying goodbye, they will inevitably feel embarrassed when meeting these colleagues in the future.
So, he came to the inner hall of Chui Gong Hall and told his colleagues about the appointment.
To be honest, Lin Yuyang, Yu Ziqi and others were optimistic about Zhang Qigong being transferred to another department. After all, with their ideas, they really couldn't fully accept Zhang Qigong, a cruel official. Therefore, they learned today that Zhang Qigong had been transferred to another department.
They were quite happy.
But having said that, the ministers in the inner court were also very confused about Zhang Qigong's newly appointed "Captain of the Prince's Palace".
Because in their view, even if His Highness the Prince appointed Zhang Qigong to be in charge of the intelligence agency, he should be the "Captain of the East Palace". After all, the Prince's Mansion located in the city is currently idle, except for a few princes.
Zhao Run's Zongwei and some Su Wangwei lived there, but Prince Zhao Run himself and his female relatives had already moved to the East Palace.
Regarding this, Zhang Qigong vaguely guessed something from Zhao Hongrun's attitude, so he wisely said nothing and quietly packed up his things. He then exchanged a few words with his colleagues and left with his things.
.
As for the polite words he said, such as "getting together again when we have the opportunity in the future," Lin Yuyang and other ministers did not take it seriously. In fact, Zhang Qigong did not take it seriously either - after all, the two parties were not from the same place.
"How does it feel when the biggest threat is gone?"
Looking at Zhang Qigong's leaving figure, Wen Qi laughed and teased Jie Zi.
Hearing this, Jie Ziyu blinked and said with a smile: "Isn't the biggest threat to me always been Mr. Wen?"
To be fair, Jie Zigui has never regarded Zhang Qigong as his strong rival, because he knows very well that Zhang Qigong's character and concepts are destined to prevent him from gaining too much power in the inner court. Currently, the nominal chief minister in the inner court is
Du You, the Minister of Rites, followed by Li Liang, Lin Yuyang and others, are all upright officials in their prime. It is almost impossible for ruthless people like Zhang Qigong to achieve anything in the inner court.
Not to mention that Jie Ziyu is still in the stage of learning from his colleagues and seniors. Therefore, how could Zhang Qigong become a threat to him?
From the side, Yu Ziqi heard this and interrupted with a smile: "Master Wen, if you don't want to be as lazy as His Highness the Crown Prince, you may really be the biggest threat to Master Jiezi..."
"Hey, Master Yu, these words are so hurtful." Wen Qi said dissatisfied.
It has to be said that as soon as Zhang Qigong left, the inner court in Chui Gong Hall became more harmonious.
After a while, Du You, the Minister of Rites, waved his hand and said with a smile: "Okay, okay, thanks to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, the court is eager to build a track from "Hexi" to "Hetao", and it also needs to be in "Yuanzhong".
City forts will be built in "Yulin", "Shuofang", "Yinchuan", "Jiuyuan", "Yunzhong" and other places. In addition, a Great Wall will be built in Yinshan and Yangshan that goes directly to Yunzhong. Everyone, we
The responsibility is quite heavy..."
After hearing this, the officials in the inner court immediately stopped laughing. During this period, Wen Qi asked Du You with a hint of ridicule: "Master Du seems to have accepted his fate?"
Of course Du You knew what Wen Qi was referring to, and he said calmly: "In fact, His Highness the Crown Prince is not lazy, he just doesn't like to be restrained. As long as His Highness the Crown Prince can fulfill his duties, no matter in the Chuigong Hall
Whether it's in the East Palace or somewhere else, it's actually the same..."
"Oh?" Wen Qi raised his eyebrows and asked with a strange expression: "Is this really what Master Du said from the bottom of his heart?"
Hearing this, Du You put down the brush in his hand, took a deep look at Wen Qi, his eyelids twitched slightly: "What do you think Mr. Wen does?"
"I'm just asking casually." Wen Qi smiled heartily and ended the topic in a sensible way.
Seeing this, all the ministers in the imperial court secretly laughed in their hearts.
In fact, they all know that Mr. Du really wants to tie the Crown Prince to Chui Gong Hall with a rope, but so far, they have not found any chance.
To be honest, they are not optimistic about Du You. Although Du You is indeed a resourceful courtier, the problem is that His Highness the Crown Prince is more cunning and wiser. It is difficult to make His Highness the Crown Prince obey obediently! Haha, it is difficult!
At the same time, Zhang Qigong had stepped out of the palace, rode to the Prince's Mansion, and found Zongwei Gao Kuo who still lived in the mansion.
Gao Kuo was not surprised by Zhang Qigong's arrival and his request to take over the Black Crows. After all, Zhao Hongrun had already informed him about this matter.
Therefore, Gao Kuo said to Zhang Qigong readily: "I will arrange for you to meet "Yang Ji" as soon as possible. When the time comes, he will assist you."
"Yang Yi?" Zhang Qigong frowned and asked, "Isn't the leader of the black crows... the mourning crow?"
Gao Kuo thought for a while and felt that it was necessary to explain a few words to Zhang Qigong, the official who would take over the Black Crows in the future, and then explained: "The Black Crows have three leaders, and the "Black Spider" is responsible for training new people and building the hidden thief village. In view of the
When the Chu army captured Yangxia two years ago, they completely destroyed the hidden bandit village of Black Crows. Therefore, right now, Black Spider is busy rebuilding the village and has little time to talk to you... Master Zhang, you need to know,
The Black Crows are loyal to His Highness the Crown Prince, so sometimes you and I have to accommodate them... And "Yang Ji" is responsible for completing most of His Highness the Crown Prince's instructions. In fact, Black Crow
The Crows are not only responsible for killing people, Master Zhang can also ask them to spy on intelligence in the future. However, these people are too casual, and they might kill those who get in the way during surveillance missions, so
...Well, as for Sang Ya, he is only responsible for killing people. In addition, he has been doing some 'private work' recently, so Master Zhang shouldn't be able to find him."
Having said this, he took out a stack of paper from the desk and handed it to Zhang Qigong: "This is the evaluation of the Green Crows against the Black Crows... Mr. Zhang, you must know that these two thieves don't like each other, so this
This assessment is inevitably exaggerated, but in general it is credible. Lord Zhang may wish to take a look at this assessment, which will help Lord Zhang take over the Black Crows."
Zhang Qigong received the evaluation and Wei Wei felt a little strange.
"Is there anything else?" Gao Kuo asked with a smile, seemingly in a good mood.
Looking at the assessment in his hand and then at Gao Kuo, Zhang Qigong said hesitantly: "Regarding Xiao Ni, I need the information collected so far by the Green Crows."
"No problem." Gao Kuo said with a smile: "Before midnight tonight, someone will send it to Master Zhang's study."
Looking at Gao Kuo's hearty smile, Zhang Qigong always felt that the other party seemed to have thrown a hot potato to him.
With an anxious mood, Zhang Qigong returned to his mansion.
This mansion was the residence that the latter arranged for him after he defected to Prince Zhao Run. It did not occupy a large area, but it was spacious enough for the lonely Zhang Qigong.
After returning to the study, Zhang Qigong took out the evaluation of the Green Crows and the Black Crows from his arms and read it carefully.
It has to be said that the relationship between the Green Crows and the Black Crows is indeed not good, so much so that in this evaluation, Zhang Qigong could hardly find the merits of the Black Crows that were recognized by the Green Crows. Instead, he mostly criticized them.
The three leaders of the Black Crows, namely Black Spider, Yang Yi, and Mangyao, were also criticized by the Black Crows. For example, Black Spider was too cruel when training newcomers, and Yang Yi's ability and prestige were not enough to overwhelm his subordinates.
People, and Mangyao, was the most outrageous. This guy often disappeared. Later, after several inquiries by the Blue Crows, they learned that this guy actually disguised himself to do private work...
The Black Crow generals under these three leaders are all unruly and lawless masters. Although they will not attack ordinary people, it is common for them to kill a few people they don't like.
So many generals of the Black Crows have actually been on the court's wanted list.
"Who are these people!"
Zhang Qigong felt a headache.
Comparing the generals of the Qing Crows, that is, the leaders from "Crow One" to "Crow Ten", almost all of them are responsible for local intelligence collection work in Wei, Han, Chu and other places, and are highly regarded by Prince Zhao Run.
In comparison, the Black Crows seem to be nothing but a bunch of mess except for killing people.
The most outrageous thing is that many of them are still on the court's wanted list. How can Zhang Qigong carry out his work?
Now, he finally understood. No wonder Gao Kuo threw the Black Crows to him so readily. Obviously, Gao Kuo might have been deeply troubled by the Black Crows.
When the sky gradually darkened, Zhang Qigong walked to the main house and asked the only cook in the house to prepare some food.
After dinner, he returned to the study. With nothing to do, he simply read the scroll for a while, waiting for the Blue Crows to send him the information about Xiao Ni.
After waiting for a long time, he gradually became sleepy, so he closed his eyes and took a nap.
I don't know how long it took, but he felt someone tap him on the shoulder, and whispered: "The things have been delivered, I will take my leave."
Zhang Qigong opened his eyes drowsily, and suddenly saw a large wooden box on the desk in front of him, filled with stacks of paper.
Obviously, this should be the information about Xiao Ni sent by the Green Crows.
Looking around again, there was no one around.
"Are these the Blue Crows? They are really powerful..."
Amid the praise, Zhang Qigong pulled out a stack of paper from the wooden box and looked at it carefully.
This box of information records the details of every member of Xiao Ni so far, such as "Yu Yan, the official who punished the treasurer", "Jin Xu, the prison chief of Dali Temple", "Ai He, the deputy general of the Nanyan Army" and so on.
wait.
It has to be said that Xiao Ni's members are so widespread that even Zhang Qigong feels his scalp is numb.
He had never thought before that the remnants of the Xiao family had been lurking in Wei State, and many of them had actually reached the level of "deputy general" and "lang officer".
Unfortunately, these remnants of the Xiao family on the list are all deceased. Zhang Qigong could not find any clues from them. The reason why he asked Gao Kuo for this information was just to estimate whether there was anything else that had slipped through the net.
at home.
I don't know how long it took, but he suddenly saw the name "Sima Song, Marquis of Quliang" among these intelligence materials.
At that time, Zhang Qigong was so shocked that he almost spit out the tea in his mouth.
"Sima Song, Marquis of Quliang...is this person really Xiao Ni?"
Putting the tea cup aside, Zhang Qigong's expression was very complicated, because it was Zhang Qigong who persuaded King Yong Zhao Yu to win over Sima Song, the Marquis of Quliang, who was standing in the camp of King Qing Zhao Xin at that time. Unexpectedly, he actually won over Xiao Ni and arranged for him
Rebellion in Wei State.
"Forget it, he's... huh?!"
Zhang Qigong originally wanted to expose this matter, but unexpectedly, he suddenly saw the word "life" next to the name of "Sima Song, Marquis of Quliang" where "death" should be marked.
"How is that possible?"
Subconsciously sitting upright, Zhang Qigong turned a page and saw from the notes the reason why Quliang Hou Sima Song survived. He also learned that Queen Wang originally sent the imperial guards to try to get rid of Quliang Hou Sima Song, but
The latter was rescued by the Blue Crows in a complicated process.
"...It turns out that it was because of Queen Wang that His Highness the Crown Prince acquiesced in the death of Marquis Quliang. However, a living Sima Song is far less effective than a "living Sima Song, Marquis of Quliang"..."
Zhang Qigong thought to himself.
At dawn the next day, he took this letter with him and went to the East Palace to ask for an audience with Prince Zhao Run.
Perhaps because he asked for an audience too early, the Crown Prince seemed unhappy, but Zhang Qigong didn't care so much and asked for instructions seriously: "Your Royal Highness, I think it's time to activate the "Ode to Sima Song of the Marquis of Quliang".
A chess piece?"
Zhao Hongrun frowned and said: "Sima Song, Marquis of Quliang, is dead. This is known to the whole country..."
"It's easy." Zhang Qigong said: "Thanks to the poet Liang Hou Sima Song, he was lucky enough to escape at that time, and then changed his identity and hid... Your Highness can rest assured that I will make proper arrangements and will never involve the Queen.
"
After thinking for a moment, Zhao Hongrun nodded and said: "Try to do it. I will smooth things over for Queen Wang... In addition, there is no need to report everything to me in the future. I only want Xiao Luan, no matter life or death."
"As you command!"
Zhang Qigong surrendered and retreated.
Within a few days, a rumor spread in Daliang, saying that Sima Song, the Marquis of Quliang, was actually a remnant of the Xiao family. He was harmed by Xiao Ni because he was unhappy with what Xiao Luan, the leader of Xiao Ni, had done. However, God saw how pitiful Qu Liang was.
Sima Song, Marquis of Liang, luckily survived.
This rumor spread quickly and caused great repercussions in the country.
"...Sima Song, Marquis of Quliang? Weishan?"
After learning about this incident, Lu Xin, the Marquis of Gaoxian, meditated for a long time in the study room of his residence.
Just as Mr. Gong said that day, Xiao Ni's chess pieces in the Wei Kingdom were indeed more than just the Marquis of Quliang, Sima Song.