"These words … did that Ning Yi and Ning Liheng teach you to say?"
In the imperial study, the room was filled with light. Hearing the emperor's question, Han Jing was slightly stunned. "Ning Yi?"
Zhou Zhe stared at him without saying a word.
Han Jing knelt there, looking a little flustered and confused. "Your Majesty, Ning Yi is … a businessman."
"Yes, so what?"
"Then he … is a businessman …" Han Jing's expression became complicated, as if he didn't understand why Zhou Zhe would mention Ning Yi at this time. He organized his thoughts. "I, I won't hide it from Your Majesty. When Lu Liangshan wanted to eat and do business, this Mister Ning came over. He had a good relationship with Lu Liangshan. After we came to the capital, we also kept in touch. But … but today, Your Majesty, he … he is a businessman … "
"He has a good relationship with the Right Minister." Zhou Zhe clasped his hands behind his back. After a moment of silence, he said to himself, "That's right. I was wrong. Although he is good, he has never been in contact with the bureaucracy. He only works behind the scenes …"
Han Jing didn't know if he should continue. After a while, Zhou Zhe pointed at him. "Han Jing, based on this matter, I really should kill you."
Han Jing shrank back.
"However, the reason why the people of Mount Lu Liang's Greenwood Stronghold are able to have such battle prowess is precisely because of this affection. Without this kind of courage, without this kind of uncivilized air, I am afraid that you will become like the others. But Han Jing, no matter what, the capital is a place of rules. There are some things that cannot be done. We have to think of a compromise. Tell me, what should I do with you? "
"I, I … don't know … Your Majesty, please punish me."
"The crime must be punished!" Zhou Zhe emphasized. "But, how to combine this unruliness with the rules, you have to think of a way with me. As for you, there are some things that you should change and some things that you shouldn't. I haven't completely figured out where to grasp the middle. You have committed a great crime this time, but … Old Qin … "
He raised his head and paused. "Old Qin's family died before they left the capital. These people couldn't wait any longer, it really made one's teeth turn cold! Han Jing, you used to follow Qin Shaoqian in the Wu Rui Camp. You know how Qin Shaoqian is, don't you? "
"General Qin … this subject feels that he's actually a good person …"
"Yes, he's a good man." Zhou Zhe didn't refute this. "I understand. He treats his subordinates quite well. But in order to win the war, he used his father's power to take all the good stuff under his command. Many of the other troops suffered because of this. He has merits and demerits, but I can't let his merits and demerits cancel out. This is the rule. But this time, his father passed away, and he was also beheaded. I am sad and grieved. I am sad that his whole family died, and I am grieved because … these powerful ministers who are still alive are scheming against each other, not caring about the country at all! "
"Minister Han, don't become such a powerful official in the future."
Zhou Zhe took a deep breath and slowly walked to the side of the desk. "Get up. I will give you a note regarding this matter. You know, this time, I am meeting you alone. Tan Zhen, Li Bingwen, Cao Fangxiu, and the others have already arrived. I will let you know that Li Bingwen didn't say anything bad about you. He treats you as a brother. But as for the others, it is their duty to impeach you. You must not bear a grudge, understand? "
"Yes."
"Didn't I tell you to get up?" Zhou Zhe frowned.
"This sinner doesn't dare."
"If I tell you to get up, then get up. Otherwise, we will be angry." Zhou Zhe waved his hand. "I just happen to have a few things to ask you."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Only then did Han Jing stand up. Zhou Zhe nodded, a slight smile on his face.
"I heard that this Lin Zongwu is known as the number one expert in the world? Is that right? "
"Yes." Han Jing nodded. "It is widely rumored that his Great Radiant Sect was formerly the Manichean Sect. And this time, when he came to the capital, there was also someone behind him … "
"We are well aware of these things, but don't talk nonsense," Zhou Zhe lectured simply. When Han Jing nodded, he said with satisfaction, "I heard that this time, when he came to the capital, the people he brought with him were all experts."
"Yes."
"What did you do to him?"
"He escaped with injuries, but the followers under his command … were almost all killed by us …"
"Haha." Zhou Zhe laughed. "The number one expert in the world, in front of our cavalry, also has to cover his head and flee. How many casualties did you suffer? "
"There were also … a few casualties …" Han Jing hesitated, then added, "Five of our brothers died, and some were injured …"
Zhou Zhe pursed his lips, then said, "They are all martyrs, and should be properly compensated. Although you secretly left the camp for the First Master, this time, the money will be paid from the palace. However, you have to tell everyone that I admire what your First Master has done, but this kind of unruly behavior cannot be repeated. If there is a next time, I can only bear the pain … and punish you, just like what I did to the Qin family. "
After Han Jing answered, Zhou Zhe nodded again and said with a smile, "Also, I am a little curious. Since you all love and respect First Master Lu, why is it that you come to see me every time, and not First Master Lu himself?"
Han Jing hesitated for a moment. "… First Master is a woman after all, so these things are all entrusted to me to explain … It is not disrespectful to Your Majesty …"
"Hahahaha." Zhou Zhe laughed generously. "I understand, I understand. Subject Han, don't worry, I understand. Your First Master is a respectable and admirable woman, a great hero. We have taken a good look at her. If she came today, it might not be easy for us to talk. Lu Liang Mountain, you are all my people. It is my fault that you have suffered for so many years, but the past is the past, there is no need to look back. Now that the true women are rampant, the mountains and rivers are shaken by the wind and rain, it is also an opportunity for men to make contributions. Han Jing, guard this world well for me, and I will not let you down. In the future, you may be like the Prince of Guangyang, and be conferred a title … "
Zhou Zhe originally had some doubts about the cavalry of the Green Wood Stronghold. Between Han Jing and Lu Hongti, he was not very clear who was the leader, but at this moment, he suddenly understood. The Green Wood Stronghold of Lu Liang Mountain was originally developed by Lu Hongti, but after it grew strong, how could a woman lead a group of heroes? In the end, it was still Han Jing and the others who had the final say. But Miss Lu's prestige was very high, and the people in the stronghold also owed her a favor and respected her very much.
In this way, to those who held real power like Han Jing, he could use both kindness and authority, and to those who were worshipped like Lu Hongti, he only needed to add all kinds of honor and favor.
He was quite happy to think these things clearly. Previously, when he thought of Ning Yi, it was only a flash of inspiration, but when he saw Han Jing's puzzled face, he regretted it.
Previously, he was interested in Ning Yi mainly because he had not seen Li Shishi for a few times. Later on, when he saw Li Shishi perform for the soldiers at the top of the city wall, he also had mixed feelings in his heart. But Li Shishi already had a sweetheart, and he was the Emperor, how could he be jealous over this? He carefully understood that Ning Yi was a scholar, but he ran off to do business, and used all kinds of dirty tricks under the Right Minister's command. Although he was disgusted, he had to admit that the other had some ability. Since he was the Emperor, he should use people without discrimination. Qin Siyuan was already dead, and in the future, he would make him kneel in front of him like a clown, and use him a little. If he made a mistake, he could just casually erase it.
How could he really care about such a person? And even if the Right Minister fell from power, how could he casually get rid of him because of such emotions? But if he did something wrong in the future, he would not tolerate it.
Because of such emotions, every time he noticed this name, he did not want to think too much about it. If he thought too much about it, it would seem that he valued him very much. This time, in such a formal occasion, he mentioned Ning Yi in front of a highly valued general. After he said it, he felt a little embarrassed in Han Jing's puzzled face. He thought, "Did you do such a thing because of a businessman?"
Tsk, it was really embarrassing.
Fortunately, Han Jing also knew that he had made a big mistake, and he was nervous, so he should not notice anything.
After that, he got to know the general situation of the Lüliang cavalry. With a breakthrough point, he was in a good mood. How to adjust the Lüliang cavalry so that they would not lose their wildness, but still be able to control them and even develop more of such quality troops was actually the most important thing to him recently. Because there was no law here. As for the death of Qin Siyuan and the various changes of power, even if such a big incident happened near the capital region, and all kinds of unsightly behavior, he would still deal with it according to the rules and give it a beating. That would be enough.
After chatting with Han Jing for a while, Zhou Zhe let him go back to appease the army, and at the same time, gave him a note to send troops. As for Tan Zhen, Li Bingwen, and the others, he did not arrange for them to meet in the palace, in case they had to mediate again.
Han Jing led a few bodyguards out of the capital. When he passed by a courtyard, he saw that a small mourning hall had been set up in the distance. He sighed slightly …
After he left the city, the atmosphere in the capital seemed to be covered with a layer of fog. In this night, it was so hazy that people could not see clearly.
*****
Nearly two thousand cavalrymen left the camp without a military order, and then killed in the wilderness until blood flowed like a river. This kind of thing was naturally a big matter in normal times, but in the current situation, it could be said to be big or small.
Qin Siyuan's problem involved too many people. In the capital, several big families, several high-ranking officials, to say that there were not many people who could completely escape the responsibility. When the news came that another high-ranking official had entered the palace, those in the core of power were all guessing what might happen next. As for the lower ranks, like Chen Qinghe, Tie Tianying, and the other constables, they had already returned to the capital and made preparations for a big fight. When the grievous news of Qin Siyuan's family reached the capital, the situation clearly became even more complicated.
This time, no matter which side the higher-ups wanted to deal with, they clearly had a reason.
However, that night, the situation remained tense and there were no follow-up developments. Perhaps the Emperor had not yet made a decision, or a few powerful officials were still negotiating in private. Everyone just watched the wind blow, not daring to act blindly without thinking.
Zhuxian Village was thirty to forty li away from the capital. Although the news of Qin Siyuan, Qin Shaoqian, and the others' deaths had reached the capital that night, the corpses had not yet arrived. As for the group of people who had set out to rescue Qin Siyuan that night, they controlled the last of the Qin Manor's strength. They only followed the carriage with the corpses and slowly moved forward.
After the Female Zhenren passed, Bianliang became prosperous again, but the city gates were still closed at night. Qin Siyuan's corpse followed Ning Yi and the others to the south gate of Bianliang in the early morning. When the gate opened in the morning, they drove into the city. Tie Tianying and the others had already been waiting there.
At this time, the morning court had already begun. Once the matter was concluded, he could take action. Ning Yi and the others escorted the corpse in with cold expressions. It seemed that they did not want to make any more trouble. Not long after, they carried the corpse into the small mourning hall.
When the tree falls, the monkeys scatter. When the wall falls, everyone pushes it. Although Qin Siyuan's coffin was covered, there might not be many people who dared to come to mourn him at this time. After dawn, Tie Tianying received the news that the matter of the cavalry leaving the camp had been lightly handled by the higher-ups.
However, the matter here was not over yet. In the early morning, unexpectedly, the first high-ranking official to come to mourn was Tong Guan. He went in to see the mourning hall of Qin Siyuan and the others. When he came out, he first called Ning Yi to talk to him.
In a room in the courtyard not far from the mourning hall, the conversation went like this:
"Because of you, I didn't sleep well last night! You can hide it from others, but can you hide it from me? You said that the 1,800 Lu Liang cavalrymen leaving the camp had nothing to do with you? Can you hide it from the world? "
"Just to save Prime Minister Qin's life …"
"You! Saved it? "
"For what he should do, Prime Minister Qin did his best. He shouldn't end up like this …"
"However, for what he should do, he still used the wrong method. What happened before is the collapse of the cart behind! "
"I didn't expect that the first one to come to mourn would be Your Highness …"
"Humph! I … Alas … "
"To protect Prime Minister Qin, I used all methods. Now, all my efforts are in vain …"
"What do you want to say?"
"Before Prime Minister Qin left, he left something that many people want. I'm just a businessman. Prime Minister Qin left, and I can't keep him. The thing … is here. "
"… You want to kill me with a borrowed knife!? I'm the commander of the army, and I don't want this!? "
"Your Highness has the least involvement here, and you are the least afraid of trouble. This is the cause and effect left by Prime Minister Qin. It's not good for anyone to get involved with it. Your Highness, if you want to use it or burn it, it's up to you. "
"…"
Tie Tianying thought that at least Tong Guan would be angry because of the cavalry, but he really couldn't understand the thoughts of the big shots. Not long after the private negotiation with Ning Yi, this prince also left with a calm face.
As for Ning Yi, Tong Guan no longer pursued the matter of the army. In the Palace, Zhou Zhe had endorsed the book. From then on, the only thing he ordered was to arrest the murderer who had assassinated Qin Siyuan. There was nothing to be done about this. The head of the Ministry of Justice was indeed an evil star in the Lulin Forest, but it was not easy to touch someone of Lin Zongwu's level. In the past few decades, the only Great Grandmaster that they had touched was Liu Dabiao.
And in this, Lin Zongwu had really suffered a great loss. He originally had the support of the officials in the capital. After assassinating Qin Siyuan, he wanted to become famous in the world, and the officials in the capital would be more lenient. Then, the Great Radiant Sect would take the opportunity to expand to the capital. Who knew that he would run into the army head-on? Not only were most of the experts in the sect killed, but he also wanted to enter the capital.
Apart from Lin Zongwu, a few big families in the capital that secretly trained warriors also suffered a lot. The experts in the Lulin Forest who ran to the wilderness to watch the excitement were so miserable that they had no one to reason with. However, in this battle, there were many things that appeared in the dark that truly moved people. Some of the criminals that had long been wanted in the capital, including the remnants of the Saint Duke and the others, had all entered the capital. It seemed to be a foreboding sign that something bad was about to happen.
After Qin Siyuan's death, there would definitely be a fierce battle for the division of power before it could be stabilized again.
And Tie Tianying also did not believe that Ning Yi would stay out of this chaos. It did not matter if he sided with Tong Guan or which side he was on. What was important was that he had massacred half of Liangshan for the sake of the 100 people in his family. He would definitely take revenge for what happened this time!
But because the higher-ups were being lenient, in addition to the deaths of all the people in the Qin family, and Tong Guan intentionally or unintentionally took care of him, the matters on Ning Yi's side temporarily faded out of the eyes of most people.
In the following days, people would occasionally come to the mourning hall to pay their respects. Ning Yi spent some money to set up a stage at the entrance of the alley. He also gathered the performers under him to either tell stories or sing operas. The children in the neighborhood would occasionally come over to listen and watch, and the performers would even give them candy. These performances also had a sense of propriety. Most of the performances were performances that made people unable to close their mouths. The storytellers also did not talk about tragic and stirring things. They only told stories that had nothing to do with the affairs of the world. In the summer, when it was sunny or rainy, some children came over, but they were pulled back by the adults who heard that it was the funeral of a treacherous official. When it was rainy, there were not many people, but the performances on the stage continued. Once, Zhong Shidao came over. In the deep and shallow shade of the trees in the summer, he heard the sound of the Erhu, and the singer was singing.
"The rolling Yangtze River flows eastward, the waves wash away all heroes … right and wrong, success and failure turn into nothingness. The green mountains are still there, several times the setting sun is red … white-haired fisherman and woodcutter on Jiangzhu, used to watching the autumn moon and spring breeze … "
The song was desolate, and in the midst of the laughter and stories, it seemed very funny. When he heard "how many things in the past and present, are all in laughter", he could not help but shed tears. The summer was bright and beautiful, but the wind and rain were boundless. After saying goodbye to Qin Siyuan, who was guarding the city, he also had to leave, to take his brother's remains back to the northwest.
The rest of the high-ranking officials in the capital did not care about this small matter after Qin Siyuan's death. At this time, he was still a treacherous official. He could not talk about right and wrong, and could not talk about "existence", so he could only talk about "emptiness". Since talking about right and wrong, success and failure turn into nothingness, these people also threw it to the back of their minds. People who had this kind of thinking could not play in the political arena.
Only Tie Tianying was not confused by this atmosphere. After the seventh day of Qin Siyuan and Qin Shaoqian's death, Ning Yi and the others buried the family without alarming too many people. At this time, everything in the capital had returned to the chaotic and busy routine. The Ministry of Justice spent a lot of effort to investigate the remnants of the Manichean Cult coming from the north, but there were too many people coming to the capital recently, and there were also many cases breaking out in the capital, so the progress of the investigation had been very slow. However, Tie Tianying still arranged people to monitor Takeshi's movements.
In the general direction, after Taiyuan fell, the establishment of the Yellow River defense line had become the capital's biggest strategic action in recent times. To build such a large defense line, money and effort must be spent, and money and effort must be allocated. Therefore, all the forces in the capital were fighting for it. On the other hand, the Right Minister's position had been vacated, and the new candidate had not been decided. This was also a big piece of cake. In fact, anyone with a discerning eye could see that Li Gang's position as the Left Minister would not last long.
Because of the threat of the Female Zhenren, the army was the top priority. All the high-ranking officials in the capital were looking for ways to reform. At this time, the Wu Rui Camp outside the city was already at the heart of the struggle. However, the more it was like this, the more cautious the parties were about how to deal with this army. These were all important matters. After Ning Yi buried Qin Siyuan, he began to lean towards Tong Guan's side, and Takeshi began to move again. However, he had just entered Tong Guan's circle, and basically, he was acting on his own. Maybe he needed to restore the vitality of his subordinate Takeshi first.
Because of this and that, among the many important matters, what Takeshi did seemed really insignificant. Many of the matters of Takeshi's members seemed to be a little aimless for a time. After Qin Siyuan died, Ning Yi's behavior also seemed to be a lot more strange. Tie Tianying occasionally saw him go out to look at cloth, talk about business, and do some more boring things than before. During this time, Tie Tianying could not guess what Ning Yi was thinking.
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