"I want to ask, Liheng, what on earth do you want to do?"
In the room of the restaurant, Cheng Zhouhai's voice sounded. Ning Yi crossed his hands, still smiling, but slightly squinting his eyes.
Those who could work with Qin Siyuan had different temperaments from ordinary people. For him to ask this question so seriously here, it naturally had a different meaning than before. Ning Yi was silent for a moment and just looked at him, "What else can I do?"
"After teacher was imprisoned, Liheng originally wanted to leave, but later he found that there was something wrong and decided not to leave. I can't guess what the problem is." Cheng Zhouhai twirled the teacup in his hand. "I haven't known Li Heng for long, but I have some understanding of Li Heng's way of doing things. If you only wanted to survive by relying on Tong Guan when you saw that things weren't going well, I wouldn't have said these words today."
He had an idea in his heart, but even if he didn't, Cheng Zhouhai was never a person who would show his thoughts on his face. His voice was not loud, but Ning Yi's tone was calm, "Things have come to this point, the power of the Prime Minister's Mansion has been exhausted. I am just a small businessman, and Takeshi is almost passive. If I don't want to survive, what else can I do?"
"I don't know, but Liheng doesn't need to belittle himself. After teacher passed away, Liheng's things are preserved."
"Most of them are given to Commandery Prince of Guangyang."
"That's also your choice, Liheng." Cheng Zhouhai sighed, "Teacher has been serving the country and the people all his life. Since he passed away, although monkeys scatter when the tree falls, he still left some favors. In the past few days, I heard that Zong Feixiao, the chief of detectives of the Ministry of Justice, disappeared. The other chief of detectives, Tie Tianying, suspected that you did it. He contacted Cheng Wenhou, the advisor of the Qi Family, and wanted the Qi Family to stand up for this matter. Cheng Wenhou has a good relationship with the great scholar, Mao Su. After hearing this, Mao Su came to tell me. "
Ning Yi was silent for a moment, "Did Brother Cheng come to warn me about this?"
Cheng Zhouhai said noncommittally, "I know Liheng's ability. Now that Commandery Prince of Guangyang is taking care of him, there shouldn't be a big problem. I have the obligation to tell Ning Heng about these things, so I'm not very worried." As he said, he looked out of the window, "What I'm afraid of is what Liheng is doing now."
The room fell silent. Then, Cheng Zhouhai's voice slowly rang out.
"Ever since something happened to Sensei, he's been hiding everything behind his back. From leaving to not leaving, Takeshi's movements are unknown, but he's never stopped. You gave the evidence left by my teacher to the Prince of Guangyang. He may think that you are trying to kill him with a borrowed knife, so he is on his guard. But I don't think so. "
"Some things are overt plots. Even if His Highness is wary of them, he will still have to use them."
Cheng Zhouhai shook his head, "If that's the case, I've thought it through. "But Liheng, you've never been such a petty person. If you stay in the capital, even if you want to avenge Teacher, you won't just use this kind of method. Looking at your past actions, I know that you're planning something big."
He paused for a moment, "Zong Feixiao won't be killed by you. He's just a chief of detectives. Even if you really want to kill him, you won't choose the first one. I suspect that you want to do something to the Qi Family and the Great Light Sect, but maybe it's more than that." Cheng Zhouhai raised his head, "What are you thinking?"
Ning Yi looked at him for a moment and answered sincerely, "I'm just protecting myself."
Cheng Zhouhai's expression did not change.
Ning Yi said, "I originally just wanted to leave, but then I suddenly realized that the whole world belongs to the king, and all the people in the land are the king's servants. While I'm still in the capital, Tie Tianying and the others are already plotting against me. I have many grudges with the Lulin and the aristocratic families. I've secretly plotted against them, but how many of them haven't done anything? Think about it, when I return to Jiangning, Princess Cheng's residence temporarily protects me. But Kang Xian is already old, how long can he protect me? At that time, Tie Tianying, Zong Feixiao, and the others will still come looking for me. If I want to protect myself, I'll still have to find someone of high status. Therefore, on the day when Prince Tong came to pay his respects to Prime Minister Qin, I conveniently handed over the item. At that time, I still had a choice, so it's considered a contribution. "
"Sometimes, when you're on the stage, the problem is that you can't step down." Ning Yi slowly leaned back on the chair and put down his hands that were clasped together, "I handed over the item to the Prince of Guangyang, so he has to owe me a favor. Moreover, he's from the military system, and these people are the most unreasonable. If others want to touch me, the method is very different than if I'm under someone else's banner. But if I join this side, I'll have the least conflict with them. After staying in the Prince's residence for a while, I'll be more docile, and the prince will naturally think that I'm nothing. When his attention is no longer on me, as a businessman, I can also withdraw from the south. At most, I'll send a few carts of congratulatory gifts every year for the Prince's birthday. In this way, we both get what we need. Finally, I can take advantage of the situation. "
His tone was calm, and what he said was reasonable. In fact, Wenren Bu 'er was a few years older than Ning Yi. After experiencing this, he was still disheartened and decided to leave the capital. Therefore, Ning Yi's current attitude was not strange. Cheng Zhouhai shook his head, "If it's true, I have nothing to say. But I don't believe it. Brother Ning … "
He opened his mouth and said, "Teacher's wish in life is only for the country and the world. His way of doing things is different from mine, but his way of doing things can be said to be upright. The Female Zhenren's trip to the south this time can be considered to have broken many people's delusion. When I returned from Taiyuan, I knew in my heart that they would definitely come south again. Now, Liheng, if you're really disheartened and want to leave, it's not a big deal. If you really remember what happened to Zong Feixiao, it's a small matter to kill a few constables of the Ministry of Justice to vent your anger. But if you go up … "
"… the Qi family, the Great Radiant Sect, Tong Guan, Cai Jing, Wang Hua, Li Bangyan, Liang Shicheng … These people are all affected by the slightest move. I've seen Liheng's way of doing things. The plan to destroy Liangshan, the game of disaster relief with the aristocratic families, and the difficulties in Xia Village, you've survived all of them. Others may look down on you, but I won't. I can't do these things, and I can't think of how you'll do it. But if … you want to take action at this level, no matter if you succeed or fail, will you be guilty of anything? "
In the past, Cheng Zhouhai's schemes were extreme, and his methods of doing things were also calculated. Now that he said these words, Ning Yi was rather surprised. He smiled slightly, "I originally thought that Brother Cheng is a radical person who doesn't care about trifles …"
"I've always been a little extreme in my schemes, but times have changed. When I was in the Prime Minister's residence, my methods were secondary. Now, I only hope that when the Female Zhenren comes south, the people in the city will have a good place to live. "
Ning Yi fell silent. After a while, he leaned back on the chair and said, "Although Qin Gong has passed away, most of his disciples have taken over his teachings …"
"However, Liheng, your beliefs are different from my teacher's. You're really different. Therefore, you can do extraordinary things. " Cheng Zhouhai looked at him and said, "In fact, after my teacher passed away, I can't bear his burden anymore. If you can take over, Liheng, it will be great. If what you're doing is to prevent the disaster when the Female Zhenren comes south in the future, my worries today are unnecessary."
"I've promised to pass on Elder Qin's book. As for his career … Brother Cheng, now that we're not valued, we can't do anything."
"Some things can't be done just because you say you can't do it. I've come from Taiyuan, and I've seen what it's like to be in misery and suffering. Whether it's me or Liheng, as long as we want to do it, we always have a way to do it. "
Ning Yi nodded. Cheng Zhouhai's words were calm and unperturbed. Although his previous plan was extreme, after Qin Siyuan passed away, Wenren Bu 'er left the capital dispiritedly, but he still stayed in the capital. When he heard that someone wanted to touch Ning Yi, he could come and warn them. This man, who had narrowly escaped death in Taiyuan and returned to the capital, had a great change in his sect. After getting rid of his background and extreme ideas, what was left was only a heart for the country and the people. Ning Yi and Qin Siyuan did things differently, but he had always respected that old man. As for Cheng Zhouhai in front of him, he couldn't help but admire him.
After all, they had left the essence of the Confucian Faction.
He just nodded and didn't answer the other's words. When he looked out of the window, it was noon. The bright sunlight shone on the lush trees, and the birds were flying. It had been twenty days since Qin Siyuan died.
"There's something I've always forgotten to tell Elder Qin."
In that silent atmosphere, Ning Yi said this.
"A few years ago, because of the Seven Buddhas of Fang, I made enemies with the Ministry of Justice and the Great Radiant Sect in the south. At that time, the person in charge of the Office of Secret Investigation in Chongping County was called Hao Jinhan. He cooperated with me in that operation. After I left, Lin Eechan found him, and Hao Jinhan's family was killed. After the news came, Elder Qin had people seal this information and didn't let me see it. "
He paused. "This time, when Elder Qin was convicted, I found this when I was sorting out the past information. At that time, he was in prison, and later, he was convicted and sent to prison. Every time we met, there were many things to deal with, and I always forgot to tell him. Last time, when I saw him off outside the city, I had all kinds of troublesome things on my hands. When I turned around, I remembered this matter and forgot to tell him. At that time, I thought that when the things on my hands were settled, I would find a chance to say hello. "
"However, when we met again, I saw him on that hill. I didn't have a chance to tell him. "
At this point, he fell silent again. After a while, he said, "Brother Cheng, we do things differently. You're right. That's because you do it for justice, and I do it for approval. As for what you said today, taking revenge on the Qi family, Grand Preceptor Cai, and making trouble … is too troublesome. "
He paused and said, "Too troublesome … I won't do that."
The two of them sat for a while and ate. Not long after, Cheng Zhouhai also took his leave. Before he left, Cheng Zhouhai said, "If you really want to do something, you can find me."
Ning Yi just nodded.
In the next few days, the capital was still very lively. When Qin Siyuan was still around, although the Left and Right Ministers weren't the most knowledgeable officials in the court, everything was based on the northern expedition and the recovery of the sixteen provinces of Yan and Yun, so the overall strategy of the country was still clear. After Qin Siyuan resigned as Minister, although only twenty days had passed, the Left Minister's faction had also begun to decline. People with ambition and a sense of urgency began to compete for Minister. For the sake of the national policy of the Yellow River defense line, Tong Guan's faction began to actively advance. In the court, they opposed Li Bangyan and the others. Although Cai Jing kept a low profile, his disciples were everywhere. Just by being there, it was hard to shake him. On the other hand, because of the losses in the battle with the Jurchens, Tang Ke and the other advocates of peace were also in the limelight. All kinds of businessmen and stakeholders hoped that the Wu dynasty could stop the conflict with the Jurchens and open border trade as soon as possible so that everyone could make money happily.
In any case, didn't the Wu dynasty and Liao have the same relationship?
In this way, it seemed that the feudal lords were on equal footing in the court. Zhou Zhe had a plan to maintain the stability. When he realized that Tong Guan was going to make a move against the Wu Ruiying Camp, he also sent a few generals over. Compared to Tong Guan's work, Zhou Zhe's pace was much more cordial. These generals went over only to say that they were learning, and at the same time, to avoid unfair things in the army. They had the right to supervise, but in fact, it was equal to winning over and showing goodwill.
In any play, there was always a black face and a white face. In the past, he had been too good to the ever-victorious army, so no one dared to play the black face. Now that Tong Guan was playing the black face, he could naturally come out as the white face as the emperor. The Wu Ruiying Camp's military strength had been established. The important thing was to let them directly turn their loyalty to the emperor. If necessary, he didn't mind turning this army into the emperor's imperial army.
Whether they came to power or fell, everything seemed to be in an uproar. On Ning Yi's side, he was dragged to the Wu Ruiying Camp two more times. He was still low-key in the Prince's Mansion, living in seclusion and living with his tail between his legs. The soldiers of the Wu Ruiying Camp began to discuss in private. They also began to despise Ning Yi. Only in the Wu Ruiying Camp, in the most hidden depths, some people were saying some provocative words.
"… These are all the methods of the bureaucracy! You saw, first it was the Right Minister, then it was General Qin Shaoqian. After General Qin left, Boss He also became passive. And Mister Ning, why was he dragged over! Is it for him to hold the line? No, it's for everyone to throw dung on him and smear his name! What are they doing now! The Yellow River defense line? Don't you all know? As long as they build on a large scale, they will get money! Why are they so enthusiastic? If you say that they aren't afraid of the Female Zhenren coming south, hey, they are afraid, they are concerned … they are just doing things to get some power and make some money — "
These words were suppressed at the bottom of the wind. The capital became more and more prosperous. The battle with the Female Zhenren was extremely tragic, but as long as they survived, there would always be a chance to turn the situation around. During this period of time, not only were the merchants returning from all over the country, but scholars from all walks of life were also becoming more and more enthusiastic about saving the country. In the brothels, in the wine shops and tea houses, scholars would often gather together to discuss the strategy to save the country.
Such an atmosphere also led to the prosperity of many sects among the people. The most famous one was the Celestial Master Guo Jing who recently came to Bianliang. It was said that he could move mountains and drain seas, and scatter beans to form soldiers. Some people were skeptical about this, but the people were very popular, and many high-ranking officials of the court had already met him. Some people said that when the Female Zhenren came, Celestial Master Guo only needed to open the city gate and release the Six Armor Heavenly Weapon. At that time … most people were enjoying it. At that time, everyone only needed to watch how the Six Armor Heavenly Weapon killed the Female Zhenren.
At this time, many people remembered the tragic situation of defending the city again and secretly wiped their tears. If the Celestial Master had come earlier, he wouldn't have sent a treacherous minister to defend the city, and his husband and son wouldn't have died on the city wall. But in the discussion, some people said that since the treacherous minister was in power, even if the Celestial Master came, he would definitely be ostracized and suppressed. Thinking about it, everyone felt that it was quite possible.
In early June, the city wall near the new Suanzao Gate had already been built. Zhou Zhe left the palace and walked around the city gate. From the restaurant, he saw the flow of people entering and exiting the city, and he was quite gratified.
"There are a thousand things waiting to be done. The people of our Wu dynasty have not been defeated by this suffering. Now, as far as the eye can see, they are even more prosperous. This is the sign of a nation rising through hardship! "
He pointed to the caravan below and said to Du Chengxi. Seeing that the caravan members had brought more weapons, he nodded and said, "After the disaster, the road is not peaceful, so martial arts are flourishing. It's not a bad thing at the moment, but how to suppress and guide it needs to be well grasped. When we go back, we need to come up with a plan as soon as possible. "
He then told Du Chengxi a few simple things. The people in charge of the various sections of the Yellow River defense line had already been fighting for a while. He didn't want the storm to expand, so he had to make a decision in the next few days. This was a major strategy to guard against the Female Zhenren, and also a major distribution of power in the court after Qin Siyuan's death. It was an opportunity for him to once again grasp the core of balance. He had long thought it through and had a plan in mind. Right now, most of what he could say to Du Chengxi were things that could be leaked.
Du Chengxi hinted these things to others. Knowing that it was a plan, they didn't dare to say anything more.
"After Qin Siyuan died, I finally knew how many things he had hidden from me. Powerful officials are like this. If you use them to do things, they will bite back at you sooner or later. But after thinking about it, I can't act recklessly on the path of balance. Cai Jing, Tong Guan, and the others should hold up the beams for me. I can use them as pillars, but the one who truly does things has to be me! "
After saying this, he thought of something else. Looking at the city gate, he remembered the scene of a woman performing for the wounded soldiers on a wooden platform. He tried his best to get this scene out of his mind and thought of something else. On the way back to the palace, he told Du Chengxi a lot of political affairs.
"… Things will be settled in the next few days. There are many things in the imperial edict that need to be handled clearly. Once the imperial edict is issued, the court must be on the right track. I don't want to beat too much about Tong Guan and Li Bangyan. But Cai Jing, he stood there without moving and easily took most of the benefits from Qin Siyuan. I thought about it, I still have to beat him. The day after tomorrow, when I go to court … "
He gave instructions one by one. At the end, he thought of something.
"… In addition, three days later, things will be settled. Add one more person to the young generals and officials I want to see. Ning Yi, Ning Liheng. Since he came out of the Prime Minister's Mansion, he has been more obedient recently. I heard that he has been sheltered in the Prince of Guangyang's Mansion. His business in the past has not been picked up yet. Recently, he has been called to the Wu Ruiying Camp. He has some connections with the Wu Ruiying Camp. I even heard rumors that he may be a couple with Lu Liang, Master Lu. Whether it is true or not, it is not a good feeling.
"When the Qin's Mansion fell from power, everyone gave it a shove. I protected him. He has a way of doing things. Don't beat him too much. I want to give him an official position in the Ministry of War. I want to give him a way out of this embarrassing situation. Otherwise, Commandery Prince of Guangyang will be too harsh on him and make him lose his drive." He said so and then sighed, "With this matter, the case of Qin Siyuan should come to an end. Now the Female Immortal is eyeing covetously, and it is urgent for the court to pull up. It is not the time to bring up the past. We have to put down the past and look forward. Du Chengxi, this is my idea. You go and arrange it. Now we are united. Qin Siyuan's crime of arbitrary and domineering will not happen again. "
Du Chengxi accepted the decree, and then the Emperor went to do other things.
The next day, in the Ning's Mansion, someone from the palace came to tell him that he was going to meet the Emperor, and also told him the etiquette to meet the Emperor and what he would encounter. Of course, it was inevitable to give him a warning.
"… Big cases in the capital often involve a lot of people. In the case of Qin Siyuan, you are all criminals. It is His Majesty who opened his mouth to let you go. Officer Ning, you are but a mere merchant. To be summoned by His Majesty, this is the good fortune you have accumulated over eighteen lifetimes. From now on, you must devoutly burn incense and pray to your ancestors. Most importantly, you must experience His Majesty's love and guidance for you. From now on, whenever you have to share the country's worries, you must do your best! Is His Majesty's face something that everyone can see just because they want to? It is the Emperor! It is the Emperor … "
The person from the palace educated Ning Yi vividly for half an hour. Ning Yi was also in fear and trepidation. He nodded repeatedly and spoke humbly. After the lecture, Tong Guan called him over and also gave him a general lecture. The meaning of the lecture was basically the same, but Tong Guan pointed out that His Majesty hoped that Qin Siyuan's crimes would end here. Qin Siyuan had to be aware of this and be grateful for Heaven's kindness in the future.
At this time, many major events related to the Yellow River defense line in the capital began to come to an end. This was a big move at the strategic level. Tong Guan was also accepting and digesting the power in his hands. For a small figure like Ning Yi to receive an audience, it was already a good attitude for him to call him over. After such a reprimand, he also sent Ning Yi away and no longer cared about him.
However, on this day, when Ning Yi passed through the corridors of the Prince's Mansion, he received a few looks of disdain and comments from others. Only when he met Shen Zhong did the latter come over with a smile. He cupped his fists and said a few words of praise, "I have long known that Liheng is not an ordinary person. To be able to be summoned by His Majesty is not an ordinary honor. It is a great event that can comfort our ancestors!"
"Of course, of course."
"I heard that someone in the Ministry of Justice is looking for trouble with you. After this, hmph, let's see what else they dare to do! Even the Qi family, although powerful, don't be afraid in the future! Brother, when you become rich in the future, don't forget me, hahaha … "Shen Zhong patted him on the shoulder and laughed.
"Yes, I originally wanted to find some people to help the Qi family." Ning Yi also laughed.
"Don't worry …"
Not long after, the carriage of Ning Yi and the others left the Prince's Mansion.
The sun was setting, but the huge Bianliang City was still bustling with people. Tie Tianying led the team through the city, looking for the possibility that Zong Feixiao's death was related to Ning Yi. The lights gradually lit up. Ning Yi sat in the courtyard of the Prince's Mansion, waiting for the sky to fade. The stars in the night sky spit out silver light, and the world became quiet. The wheel of time moved bit by bit. In this prosperous and peaceful world, it slowly but without hesitation pressed towards the future two days later.
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
