In Prince Zhao's Mansion, Zhu Gaosui was once again shocked by Mr. Zhang's words.
For so many years, I had only thought about seizing the direct descendant, but the King of Han had already taken action.
"Mr. Zhang, since the second brother's target is the crown prince, why do he want to target the unrelated Dongchang captain?" Zhu Gaosui's mind became increasingly confused as he didn't know if it was because he had not participated in the battle for the heir for many years.
"Because this is an opportunity. The purple-robed captain killed the imperial minister of rites in public, which caused public outrage. The King of Han seized this opportunity and united all the officials." Elder Zhang said.
"What does this have to do with the prince?"
"Zheng He's sixth voyage to the sea is scheduled for the 30th day of the first lunar month. The prince has always opposed the voyage. Therefore, the prince will definitely raise objections in the morning. Since the ministers are all chasing the purple-clad captain, they will not oppose the prince's objections.
Regarding the long voyage, I will definitely speak out."
"In this way, the emperor will think that the prince is communicating with the courtiers to put pressure on himself." Mr. Zhang explained concisely.
Zhu Gaosui opened his mouth half-open, looking like he suddenly realized something.
"So that's it. The second brother's move is not a bad move. If I bring up the affairs of the court again at this time, my father will definitely hate me too. Killing two birds with one stone is so cruel." Zhu Gaosui pursed his lips.
, the palm of his right hand was clenched tightly into a fist, and he hit the table hard.
"That's why my subordinates strongly recommend the prince to go to the palace more recently. But he must not mention anything about the affairs of the court." Mr. Zhang warned seriously.
"Okay, I'm going to make preparations and go to the palace in the next few days to pay attention to my father."
...
On the thirteenth battle, Xiao Chen sat next to the stove in the room, stretching out his hands and warming himself quietly.
On the ground next to the stove, there was the oblate animal skin wine bottle within easy reach.
There was a sound on the door, and Duan Tianming walked in.
"Is there anything going on over there with Li An?" Xiao Chen raised his head and asked.
"No. Except for Li An, no one comes in or out of the Shangshu Mansion." Duan Tianming answered, pulled up a bench and sat next to the stove.
"I guess we are a step too late. The people from the Han Palace who were in contact with Li An have been scared away by me." Xiao Chen reached out to pick up the wine bottle, took a sip and said lightly.
"Did your master called 'Old Guy' leave this wine flask to you?" There was no progress in the business, so Duan Tianming looked at the wine flask and started talking about family matters.
"Yes, this is the only thought Master left for me. After so many years, I don't know where he is now or whether he is still alive. I was still a teenager at that time. Even if we meet now, he will definitely be there."
You don’t recognize me anymore." Handing the wine bottle to Duan Tianming, Xiao Chen felt a hint of disappointment in his words.
Taking the wine bottle, Duan Tianming raised his head and took a big sip, raised his sleeves, and wiped the remaining wine stains at the corners of his mouth: "Tell me, who is your master? He appeared mysteriously and disappeared mysteriously, like God.
It’s just a deliberate arrangement for you.”
Xiao Chen raised his left hand, wiped it on his face, and let out a long yawn: "Who knows, I appeared and disappeared out of thin air. For Master, I may be just a pause in his life. But
For me, he is a teacher once and a father forever. He has completely changed my life."
"You should be lucky to have met such a good master who taught you top-notch martial arts." Duan Tianming said with a smile.
"Hehe." Xiao Chen smiled, "Commander Duan's skills are also quite agile. Didn't Yizhou get back hundreds of thousands of silver notes with just a few whips?"
"Hahaha, so I'm better than you." Duan Tianming also laughed.
Xiao Chen's face straightened: "In Yizhou, Mr. Ouyang lost his reputation one after another because he didn't pay the money. I planned to come back to check the Ministry of Rites, but I didn't expect that hundreds of officials would jointly hold him accountable. I don't know what the early morning meeting is like today.
state."
"The Minister of Punishment, Li An, was almost frightened out of his wits by you last night. He should have changed his tone today," Duan Tianming said.
"This matter is not a matter of one person. If we want to establish the prestige of our Dongchang, the officials in the DPRK still need to make a few more specimens." Xiao Chen said calmly after taking a sip of wine.
"Didn't you say that this conspiracy was most likely the work of King Han? How about we take action on him?" Duan Tianming winked and moved closer to Xiao Chen.
"The King of Han, unlike the ministers in the court, cannot take action without complete evidence. Li An's housekeeper should be the chess piece placed by the King of Han next to Li An. Keep an eye on Li An's Shangshu Mansion, and there should be unexpected gains."
Xiao Chen rubbed his forehead with his left hand and said softly.
After looking around the room and seeing San'er's small bed, Duan Tianming said: "Tomorrow is the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first lunar month. You haven't seen Xiao Yu for more than 20 days. If nothing happens, we will go tomorrow."
A trip to Qinghe Store?"
Xiao Chen was startled, then smiled and said: "Time flies so fast, accidentally the first month has already passed nearly halfway. I originally wanted to visit Xiao Yu during the New Year, but I have been busy with the case, so I delayed it. If there is nothing tomorrow,
If nothing else, let’s go to Qinghe Store to celebrate the Lantern Festival.”
"Would you like to bring some gifts?"
"Of course I have to bring it. The Qinghe store is in a remote place, so let's buy some good Yuanxiao from the capital and bring it there. I haven't had a chat with the royal family chief for a long time, so I'll go over and have a good chat tomorrow." Xiao Chen said softly.
Duan Tianming poked the stove a few times, stared at the red charcoal in the stove, and said casually: "You said that even a guy like Li An can reach the position of Minister of the Ministry of Punishment. The royal family leader is so knowledgeable and talented, he will not serve in the imperial court.
What a pity for an official."
Xiao Chen frowned: "From my contact with Li An yesterday, it seems that Li An has neither a city government nor a responsibility. With the emperor's employment vision, he should not be allowed to be the Minister of the Ministry of Justice, but why?
, he has been able to be the Minister of the Ministry of Justice for so many years and be in charge of the entire Ministry of Justice?"
Duan Tianming stopped what he was doing and looked at Xiao Chen: "Did someone recommend it, or did Li An have other outstanding qualities that the emperor valued?"
Xiao Chen shook his head: "No one can guess the emperor's thoughts. Perhaps the emperor is balancing something by letting Li An serve as the Minister of Punishment. Just like Cang Cheng, he always talks about benevolence, righteousness and morality.
The emperor did not punish him for not knowing how to adapt and lead to disaster. The emperor's employment strategy must have his deep meaning."
"Doesn't that mean that you killed Cang Cheng and affected some balance?" A trace of worry flashed in Duan Tianming's eyes.
Xiao Chen shook his head and stood up: "It's hard to say. Mr. Factory Master should be back from the palace now. Let's go and see what the situation is like in today's morning court and what the emperor's attitude is."
