It was already dusk. In front of the Right Minister's Residence, a small commotion suddenly spread.
After the Battle of Bianliang, it was like a great wave washing away the sand. Those who could stay by Ning Yi's side were already the most loyal guards. For a long time, Ning Yi's identity was complicated. He was a businessman and a scholar. He was a demon in the forest, but he was just an advisor in the government. During the famine, he organized the fight against the local officials. When the Jurchen came, he went to the front to organize the battle. In the end, he defeated Guo Yaoshi's resentful army.
These things, these identities, could always be seen by those who were willing to see. If it were an outsider, there would be those who admired and those who despised Ning Yi, but to be honest, those who despised Ning Yi were more numerous. However, those who followed Ning Yi were different. They had seen everything. If the famine and disaster relief were only the beginning of their admiration for Ning Yi, after the Jurchen invasion, their loyalty to Ning Yi had reached a whole new level. In addition, Ning Yi had always treated them well, given them material gifts, and stirred up their morale in this battle. Some of the guards admired Ning Yi, and it was not an exaggeration to say that they were fanatical.
In these days, the Right Minister's Residence had lost power, and Takeshi had encountered all kinds of things. It was one thing to feel wronged, but it was another to see Ning Yi get punched in public.
In the crowd, people like Hunchback Chen pulled out their swords and slashed at Tie Tianying!
The rest of the guards had also returned from the battlefield, and they were all startled by what they saw. When Ning Yi got punched, a wise person might hesitate, but when his companion pulled out his sword, there was nothing to say. In the blink of an eye, everyone attacked at the same time. The swords flashed, and then the Western Army pulled out their swords. Ning Yi shouted, "Stop!" Zhong Shidao also shouted, "Stop!" Tie Tianying swung his Gigantic Sword and fought with Hunchback Chen. The crowd was in chaos, and they all backed off.
The bailiffs that followed Tie Tianying hesitated and pulled out their swords to fight. It wasn't that they didn't have any experts among them. It was just that they were in Bianliang City, near the Imperial City. Who could have foreseen the current situation?
The surrounding crowd was so frightened that they retreated quite a bit. Fortunately, it wasn't too crowded, so it didn't cause a stampede. In front of the Qin Manor, the situation stopped after the previous fight. The scene froze. Both sides stood facing each other, and the atmosphere was somber. Ning Yi and Zhong Shidao's authority was useful after all. After the shout, the crowd came to their senses, but they had already drawn their sabers. Some Takeshi guards and constables stood face to face, each intimidating the crowd with their imposing manner.
Among the guards of Takeshi, there were a lot of people from the Green Forest. Some were righteous like Tian Donghan, and some were evil like Hunchback Chen. After entering Takeshi, everyone thought they were innocent, but their methods were different. Although Hunchback Chen was an expert from the evil faction, his martial arts and identity were much worse than Tie Tianying's. However, after a few months of bloodshed on the battlefield, coupled with his recognition of what Ning Yi had done, he stood in front of Tie Tianying and stared at him with his small eyes. Although he was facing the chief constable of the Ministry of Justice, he didn't back off at all.
Tie Tianying held the Great Ravager in his hand and smiled. "Hunchback Chen, don't say I don't know you. Do you think you're not afraid because you have a backer? Are you reliable? "
"Your life is worthless." Hunchback Chen stared at him and said, "After this, you don't need to look for me. I'll go look for you! "
Tie Tianying's eyes became fierce. On the other side, Ning Yi wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and looked over with a gloomy face. "I said stop! Didn't you hear me!? "
Only then did the group of Bamboo Shop guards take a step back, sheathing their swords. Hunchback Chen slightly lowered his head and moved away. Ning Yi stood in front of Tie Tianying.
The two of them confronted each other for a while. Zhong Shidao also waved his hand to let the western troops put away their swords. The gloomy old man walked back to check on Elder Qin's wife and pulled Qin Shaoqian back. The people on the side of the road didn't completely leave. Seeing that there was no fight, they continued to watch.
Tie Tianying looked around and stopped in front of Ning Yi again. "Can't you control your family? Mr. Ning, if you pull out your sword on the street, I can bring them all back to the Ministry of Justice."
Ning Yi's eyes were calm. He didn't look tough at this moment. He just took out two letters and handed them over. "Chief Constable Tie, this is the order from the Left Prime Minister and the Ministry of Justice. It's time to accept it. The matter has already been settled.
You have to leave in a good way. "Tie Tianying sneered. He raised his finger and slowly knocked on Ning Yi's shoulder." Ning Liheng, I know you are a ruthless person. That's why I didn't touch you when the Right Prime Minister was still here. But the Right Prime Minister's Residence is going to be finished. Let's see how many times you can resist. You scholar, you'd better go write poems! "
Ning Yi tilted his head and looked at his hand. Then he raised the order and put it in his hand. "I watched him build the vermilion building, entertain the guests, and collapse the building. Everything in the world has its ups and downs. Chief Constable Tie, I don't want to cause trouble. Take the things and leave. "
Tie Tianying finally took the order. "Now I rise and you fall. There is a grudge between us. I will remember you."
"Chief Constable, please have mercy." Ning Yi nodded tiredly. Then he spread his hands to the side. "The Ministry of Justice is over there."
"Humph." Tie Tianying snorted with a smile. Then he cupped his hands toward Zhong Shidao and left with the constables.
When something happened to Qin Shaoqian, everyone in the Prime Minister's Residence took action. Yao Zunian went to find Zhong Shidao. Ning Yi went to find Li Gang. Wenren Buer went to find Tang Ke. At the same time, she also went to find Qin Siyuan who was imprisoned. At this time, Ning Yi finally came to help. A group of disciples of the Qin family, together with Zhong Shidao and the others, escorted Mrs. Elder Qin into the Residence. Ning Yi stood there and looked at the crowd around him. Then Cheng Zhouhai also came to talk to him. The onlookers nearby saw that the matter was over, and then they dispersed like the tide.
After the crowd dispersed, there was a mess left. When the two sides drew their swords, some onlookers turned around and ran away. But they still bumped into something. Some passers-by who were buying vegetables had their baskets knocked over. At this time, they squatted on the ground to pick up the vegetable leaves. Some people had begun to light their lamps. Shishi looked over and felt that the night wind was bleak. Although Ning Yi was still tall and straight in his cyan robe and had just faced the chief constable of the Ministry of Justice, deep in his back, he seemed to be a little tired.
Shishi originally thought that when Takeshi began to move to the south, the properties in the capital city were disturbed, mortgaged, and sold, including the entire Liheng family. She was afraid that they would also leave the capital city and move to the south. But he didn't come to inform them, so she felt a little sad. At this time, when she saw Ning Yi, this feeling became another kind of sadness.
Sometimes, some people always had to bear more than others …
She thought so here. On the other side, Ning Yi and a group of Takeshi's people stood outside the Qin's Residence for a while. When the onlookers almost left, they went in to ask about Old Grandma's situation.
Compared with the excitement of the previous days, Mrs. Elder Qin was not seriously affected at this time. She was just blocked at the door, shouting, emotional, and physical exhaustion. After coming out of Old Grandma's room, Qin Shaoqian sat in the yard outside. Ning Yi and Cheng Zhouhai also went over and sat down at the stone table.
After sitting for a while, Qin Shaoqian spoke first. His tone was calm, but he suppressed his emotions. "Thank you, Liheng and Brother Cheng."
Ning Yi clenched his fist and slammed it on the stone table. He didn't say anything, but his gaze was not hesitant. Cheng Zhouhai said, "Prime Minister Li probably doesn't dare to say anything, right?"
"Even if I hide this time, there will be a next time." Qin Shaoqian said, "There will be a time when I can't hide. I'm already mentally prepared."
"You can't say that. If you hide a few times, you can hide." Ning Yi said, "Even if the Qin family collapses to the point where they can't rise again, Second Young Master, you don't have to be punished."
"If I can survive, it will be better. Otherwise, wait for me to take revenge." Qin Shaoqian said.
Ning Yi shook his head and didn't answer. "Apart from Prime Minister Qin, everyone else is just a bonus. If I can protect one, I will."
After saying a few words, Ning Yi said goodbye to Yao Zunian and then left the Prime Minister's Mansion. It was already late. He hadn't gone far when someone stopped the carriage and asked him to go over.
The Right Minister's Mansion wasn't far from the Imperial City. There weren't many people there and the road was wide. The person who stopped him was a steward of the Prince of Guangyang's Mansion. He entered a courtyard in front and went up to the second floor. He saw a person standing in front of him. It was Tan Zhen, who was once the Privy Envoy and was now in charge of the Ministry of War. The last time he saw Tong Guan, Tan Zhen followed him. This time, he only saw Tong Guan, but his expression wasn't good. He put his hands behind his back and glanced at him.
"You've done well these days."
"Greetings, Lord Tan …"
"You've seen me? Mister Ning has benefited from both sides. I'm afraid you don't even place the Prince of Guangyang in your eyes. What does it matter if I don't see a small fry like you? "
"Eh, Lord Tan, this is …"
"Do you still remember what His Highness said to you?" Tan Zhen's tone became increasingly severe. "You're just a little merchant who doesn't even have a scholarly title. Do you think you can't die just because you've obtained an imperial sword?!"
With his current status in charge of the Ministry of War, it was rare for him to lose his temper to Ning Yi. Before Ning Yi could say anything, another figure came out from the side. This figure was tall and steady, wiping his hands with a cotton cloth.
"Lord Tan, pay attention to your status. Saying these words is a bit excessive." Tong Guan warned. Tan Zhen took a step back and cupped his hands in apology. "… I really can't stand such an arrogant person." Ning Yi also cupped his hands in greeting. Looking out from the small balcony on the second floor, one could see the lights of the residences below. In the distance, one could also see the scene of endless traffic on the streets.
Tong Guan looked at Ning Yi a few times and said, "One must be loyal to others. Right now, the Right Minister's residence is not in a good situation, but Liheng has not abandoned them and is running with all his strength. This is also a good thing. But Liheng, sometimes good intentions may not necessarily not lead to bad things. If Qin Shaoqian is convicted this time, who knows if he won't avoid the next big disaster. "
He paused and then said, "You don't need to think too much. The main person in charge of the Ministry of Justice is Wang Ci. This matter has nothing to do with me. I don't want to do things to the extreme, but I also don't want the water in the capital to become even muddier. More than a month ago, when this prince came to talk to you, the matter was still somewhat unclear. But now, there's nothing to say. All kindness and honor are in the hands of the top. This time, the Qin residence can't avoid it. Not to mention the overall situation, what do you count for in it? You have no scholarly honors and no background. You are merely a merchant. Even if you have some talent and knowledge, how can you withstand a great storm and a great wave? Right now, it's just that no one wants to touch you. "
Tong Guan's gaze was severe. "How does your status compare to Yao Zunian's or Jueming's? Even Ji Kun of the Minister's residence has much deeper roots than you. Because you have nothing to rely on, you managed to avoid several calamities. This prince thought that you could see this clearly, but who would have thought that you seemed to be somewhat complacent? Not to mention this time, just the matter of Luo Shengzhou is enough for this prince to kill you! "
His voice reverberated on the balcony. Tan Zhen was silent, his gaze disdainful. Tong Guan pursed his lips and then slightly softened his tone. "What kind of status does Lord Tan have? He lost his temper with you because he cherishes your talent and considers you to be one of his own. This prince is the one leading the army. Saying such harsh words to you is also because I don't want you to make a mistake. In today's matter, you performed beautifully. I summoned you not because you protected Qin Shaoqian, but because you sought out Li Gang! "
He pointed heavily at Ning Yi. "In today's matter, you sought out Grand Preceptor Cai, sought out this prince, and sought out Lord Wang. All of these are ways to resolve the situation. This shows that you can clearly see the situation. You sought out Li Gang. Either you don't understand the situation, or you understand, but you still hope for a fluke. That is because you don't understand your own status! That is the path to death! A few days ago, you had your subordinate Takeshi stop flattering the Qin family. I thought you were smart, but now it seems that you aren't smart enough! "
Tong Guan paused for a moment, then finally clasped his hands behind his back and sighed. "Fine, you are still young. A bit stubborn isn't a bad thing. But you are also a smart person. If you still can't understand this prince's painstaking efforts, then you are not worthy of this prince protecting you. You youngsters, at this age, this prince can protect you for a while. After this prince passes, Lord Tan and the others can also protect you for a while. After walking for a long time, you will slowly be able to protect others as they walk forward. Your ideals, aspirations, ah, can only be achieved at that time. This officialdom is like this, the ways of the world are like this. This prince still has the same words. Chase after the wind, chase after the moon, don't be lenient. If you show too much leniency, it will be useless. You will also lose your future and your life … Think about it yourself. Lord Tan has treated you with sincerity. You must appreciate it and apologize to him. "
Tan Zhen said, "How can I accept the apology of such a great scholar?!"
Tong Guan laughed. "Look, he is treating you as one of his own."
Not long after, Tan Zhen escorted Ning Yi out. Ning Yi's temperament was easy to accept. He apologized and thanked Tan Zhen. Tan Zhen only nodded slightly, his face still stiff. He said, "His Highness is speaking to you and also protecting you. You must understand His Highness' painstaking efforts. These words, Grand Preceptor Cai and the others will not say to you. "
Afterwards, Tan Zhen returned to the balcony of the second floor. When he was alone with Tong Guan, he said, "I see that this brat is rather crafty. I don't know if His Highness appreciates His Highness' painstaking efforts."
Tong Guan held his hands behind his back, shaking his head and smiling without speaking. In reality, he understood clearly in his heart that Tan Zhen did not cherish that Ning Yi. Earlier, in the Wu Rui Camp matter, Luo Shengzhou had been seriously injured and driven out with his face covered in dirt. Tan Zhen's face had been slapped on the spot and he had flown into a thunderous rage. He had almost attacked Ning Yi, who was suspected to be the mastermind behind the scenes. It was Tong Guan who had suppressed him. In his heart, he had been suppressing a bellyful of anger.
Tong Guan also did not necessarily truly cherish Ning Yi's talent. This kind of young junior had impulsiveness, did not know life from death, and was not shrewd enough. He could be a vanguard, but it was difficult to use him. It was just that after Qin Siyuan had passed away, someone would have to take over the things of the Right Minister's residence. For him to casually beat them down was no more than the effort of lifting a finger. In reality, whether it was Tan Zhen or Ning Yi, they were all just ordinary chess pieces. Jumping here and there, he only felt that it was ironic and interesting. Sometimes, he couldn't help but sigh. At this time, when Tan Zhen spoke ill of Ning Yi, Tong Guan only smiled slightly, not commenting.
*****
Ning Yi walked out of that courtyard. The night wind gently caressed him, and his gaze also appeared to have calmed down.
He had already decided to leave, and he had already anticipated what would happen in the following period of time. If he wanted to sigh or be angry, there was a reason, but there was also no meaning to those things.
These days, he had seen such things in the open and in the dark, in the exchange of interests. Going down, looking for Takeshi or Ning Yi to cause trouble, or old enemies like Tie Tianying. Going up, whether it was Cai Jing, Tong Guan, or even Li Gang, right now, what they could only care about was the following issue of interests. Of course, Ning Yi was not Li Gang's confidant, and Li Gang also did not need to show any impassioned expression to him. After Qin Siyuan was imprisoned and Zhong Shidao was disheartened, perhaps Li Gang still wanted to prop up a piece of sky. He could only do it from the perspective of interests, and do his best to pull people in and protect himself as much as possible.
But Ning Yi was going to leave.
It was not a big deal to swallow insults and pretend to be a coward. Although he hadn't done this for a long time, it was also a skill he had mastered many years ago. If he was really a young man with great ambitions, the practical or idealistic words of people like Tong Guan, Cai Jing, and Li Gang would have touched him a little. But now, he could see too clearly what was hidden behind these words. Behind indifference, he had to do what he should do. Of course, he would still pretend to be a yes-man on the surface.
He couldn't even be bothered to ridicule him anymore. "The current situation is like this," "the world is like this," "the will of the superior is like this," "I have to do it." When he put all these in his mind, he only saw the scene of the whole Bianliang City falling. At this time, these people were probably going to die. The men were taken to the north to be slaves, and the women were raped for pleasure. Such a scene was not even a curse.
Because of this, many times when he saw the faces of those who wanted to shoot him to death, he just let them be.
There were many things in the world that couldn't be said to be difficulties, and couldn't be solved with understanding. After understanding more, those who had difficulties only deserved to die. This was the cold reality that never took care of people's wishes.
He didn't even have the thought of sighing in his heart. Along the way, the guards also brought the carriage here. When he was about to get on, he saw another familiar figure at the intersection in front of him.
In the past few days, people came one by one, and he also went to look for them one by one. More or less, he felt tired in his heart. But the figure in front of him didn't make him feel troublesome at this time. In the faint light on the street, the woman was wearing a light pink dress. The dress fluttered in the night wind, lively but dignified. He hadn't seen her for a long time, and she also looked a little thin.
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