Yang Fan left the palace and rushed to the Shen residence. He thought that Shen Mu had just returned to the capital and would definitely be able to see him. However, he did not.
The Shen family told him that Eldest Young Lady Gongsun came looking for Ah Lang the moment he returned, causing Ah Lang to flee. Now, no one knew where he was hiding.
Yang Fan knew the details of this quarrelsome quarrelsome matter so he did not have any suspicions. He only left a message for the Shen family, telling them to wait for Shen Mu to return and tell him about his visit.
Yang Fan thought that Shen Mu would contact him after receiving the news. However, he did not receive any news from Shen Mu the next day. On the third day, Yang Fan visited again. The Shen family still said the same thing, "Ah Lang has not returned since that day."
Yang Fan immediately had doubts. If it was said that Gongsun Lanzhi came to pester Shen Mu, he would believe that Shen Mu had hidden away to avoid the limelight. Gongsun Lanzhi was unruly and unruly. However, Shen Mu had just returned to the capital. In order to avoid Gongsun Lanzhi, he did not return home for three days in a row. He did not visit his wife and children either. This was illogical.
"Shen Mu is deliberately avoiding me!"
This was the only conclusion that Yang Fan could come up with.
As for why Shen Mu did this, he had no idea. He could only make a judgment based on the pitiful amount of information. Shen Mu went to Longyou this time because it was the foundation of the Hidden Sect. There were many matters that required him to handle personally and he would definitely make contact with the Longxi Li Clan.
After he made contact with the Longxi Li Clan, his attitude towards him changed drastically after returning to the capital. What was the reason? Yang Fan could not figure it out. The only thing he could think of was the dispute between the Obvious and Hidden Sects in Hebei Province. Could it be that the situation there worsened?
Yang Fan asked Ren Wei to send people to Hebei Province to investigate again. At the same time, he asked the Gu brothers to look for Shen Mu's whereabouts. For the past few years, he had used the three Gu brothers as his team to build an armed force that was detached from the Succession Hall and completely under his command.
In this aspect, he was similar to Li Xian. He also valued his wife's maiden family. Therefore, from this point alone, Yang Fan did not dislike Li Xian's decision to put the people of Wei Clan in an important position. It didn't matter who you used, what was important was how you used them.
As long as one was crowned with the title of a relative of the emperor, it did not necessarily mean that one was incompetent and definitely a traitor. For example, when the Old Taitai watched a drama, if the female character was the Western Palace Concubine, then she must be a traitorous concubine. She must also have an old white-faced traitorous father-in-law. This was pure nonsense.
Whether one was a relative of the emperor or not was not the standard to judge whether one was loyal or not, good or evil, and whether one had talent or not. Emperor Wu of Han used Wei Qing and Huo Qubing, who were both relatives of the emperor. If you know how to read people, how to use them, how to drive them, how to tolerate them, how to subdue them, how to use them, how to use them, how to use them, how to use them, how to use them, how to use them, how to use them, how to use them, how to use them, how to use them better?
What was the outcome? Yang Fan had absolute trust in the Gu Clan. Of course, this trust was not blind. Other than the loyalty and moral character that the Gu Clan possessed, it was also because the benefits of the Gu Clan were now firmly tied to him. There was absolutely no capital to replace them.
The Succession Hall was not an armed group. Martial strength could play a negligible role in the Succession Hall. The Succession Hall's power was reflected in its economic and political role. The main ones that could play a major role were the many economic entities that belonged to the Succession Hall, as well as the spokespersons of the officialdom and the scholars that they cultivated.
To such an organization, martial strength could only play a very small supporting role. It was impossible for it to play a significant role in the Succession Hall or play a significant role outside. Once it left Yang Fan's support, it would immediately vanish. This guaranteed that it had to be loyal to Yang Fan.
Yang Fan wanted to find Shen Mu, but he didn't want his subordinates to be too simple and crude and cause misunderstandings in the Hidden Sect. In order to have a sense of propriety, he told his worries and analysis to the three Gu brothers. After the three Gu brothers understood, while they searched for Shen Mu's whereabouts, they also strengthened the security of the Yang residence.
To them, this was a matter of course. But in the eyes of observant people, this behavior would have a completely different interpretation.
Yang Fan didn't know that Shen Mu had launched an investigation on him once he returned to the capital city. What would Shen Mu think of his actions of searching for Shen Mu's whereabouts and strengthening the security of the residence?
Shen Mu was very rational and listed Xian Zong as one of the suspects based on the information he had. This wasn't because he didn't trust Yang Fan. Based on the clues he had, he could only list everyone who had the strength to be suspects.
In fact, not only did Shen Mu list Yang Fan as a suspect, but he also listed the Hidden Sect and the Longxi Li Clan as suspects. As long as they had the ability to set up this assassination, they would all be on his list of suspects. He had to eliminate them one by one.
Shen Mu didn't hide for the past three days because he was guarding against Yang Fan. Instead, he was guarding against the Hidden Sect themselves. He couldn't expose his whereabouts. If there was a problem with the Hidden Sect, then exposing his whereabouts would be a very dangerous matter for him. Hence, once he returned to the city, he immediately 'vanished.'
Using these three days, Shen Mu personally conducted an internal investigation of the Hidden Sect and confirmed that there were no problems with the Hidden Sect. Only then did he feel at ease and mobilized more manpower to investigate the Xian Zong, the Longxi Li Clan, and even the Guanlong Great Clans. Yang Fan's investigation of him, especially his actions of strengthening his own security, immediately attracted Shen Mu's attention.
If it was merely because of the dispute between the Xian Zong and Hidden Sect in the Hebei Province, Shen Mu believed that Yang Fan wouldn't harm him. But … what if it was as Lan Jinhai said, that as Yang Fan's authority grew, so did his ambitions?
After disappearing for three days, Shen Mu finally sent a message and asked Yang Fan to meet at the Furong Inn.
The Xian Sect's people also noticed the Hidden Sect's vigilance and vigilance towards the Xian Sect. Although both parties didn't display any obvious hostility, they were like two wild beasts with a keen sense of smell. Whenever one of them was vigilant or hostile towards the other, the other party would immediately sense it. Hence, both parties became more vigilant, and the hostility grew heavier.
This was something that couldn't be helped. Even for wise individuals like Yang Fan and Shen Mu, they could only rely on their subordinates' reports for a lot of information. Even if the intelligence agents didn't exaggerate things due to their own emotions, the intelligence agents could only make them be vigilant.
Hence, when Yang Fan went to the meeting, it was much grander than usual. He brought the Gu Clan's Eldest Brother, Ren Wei, and a few other skilled guards. At the same time, the Gu Clan's Third Brother was in charge of guarding the Yang Residence. The Gu Clan's Second Brother led a group of people disguised as different people and mixed into the Qu Chi wanderers to provide support.
Yang Fan had already grown up. He wasn't a naive youth who didn't care about evidence, didn't need rationality, and only relied on his hot-bloodedness to trust others unconditionally. Faced with a possible threat, with his current identity, it was impossible for him not to take precautions. Because of this, the misunderstanding deepened.
Shen Mu stood on the tall Furong Inn and listened to his subordinates' reports while looking at Yang Fan who was being escorted to the Furong Bridge. His eyes had a trace of deep sorrow. "If he doesn't have any ulterior motives, why is he so heavily guarded?"
However, he didn't reflect on himself. Wasn't he also surrounded by experts in the open and in the dark this time?
"Brother Shen."
"Erlang."
The two of them continued to address each other and smile. At their level, it was very easy for them to put on an impeccable 'human skin mask'. However, they could still see a trace of unfamiliarity in the depths of each other's eyes.
The sound of cicadas outside the window was loud and clear, making the inn seem even more lonely.
The two of them sat down behind the table. Yang Fan smiled at Shen Mu and teased, "Brother Shen has just returned to the capital and you've been hiding for three days. Is it just to avoid Miss Gongsun's obsession? Speaking of which, although Miss Gongsun is a little unruly, she is infatuated with Brother Shen. Miss Gongsun is as beautiful as the moon and has a high level of martial arts. In terms of family background, she is also from a first-class family. Why should Brother Shen let down the beauty's kindness? "
Shen Mu sighed and said, "Erlang has two beautiful wives and one beautiful concubine. Do you think that everyone in the world is like this? Erlang is still too young and naive.
If I want to take in a few concubines, naturally, the more the better. The status has been decided and there is an order of seniority. Naturally, there is no need to worry about trouble.
However, can a lady from the Gongsun family become a concubine? Once she becomes my wife, who is superior and who is junior, who is senior and who is junior, who is in charge and who is managing the finances, all these will become troublesome. There are thousands of people in the family and only one person is in charge.
At that time, a little carelessness will lead to conflict. Forget about Xue 'er, who will not and dare not compete with her. But what about Qiqi? Qiqi is the eldest daughter of Longyou's Li family. She is the eldest daughter of the Gongsun family. Both of them are like fire. How can my backyard be peaceful? "
Yang Fan said, "Both of them are deeply in love with Brother Shen. I believe you will be able to get along with them peacefully?"
Shen Mu looked up to the sky and laughed, "I believe? I don't think so. There are some things that can't be done just because of your wishful thinking. You are not someone who can tolerate others. You also want to think for your own children. There are also maids and old maids around you and your own family behind you. It is hard to not have any problems. "
Shen Mu's words were a test and a warning to Yang Fan. However, when Yang Fan heard the words "your own family behind you", he did not think that Shen Mu was pointing at him. Instead, he thought that Shen Mu was talking about his own difficulties. Yang Fan's eyes instantly narrowed. Shen Mu naturally saw this change in expression.
Shen Mu suddenly asked, "Erlang has two wives. Why can your family be harmonious? What is the secret behind it? Can you give me some pointers?"
Yang Fan said, "The reason behind it is not worth mentioning. Xiao Man and I depend on each other. We are brother and sister. Even though we have been separated for many years, our feelings have not changed. After we grew up, we finally met again. We are like siblings and husband and wife. She knows that I will never let her down and naturally does not need to scheme.
On the other hand, Ah Nu has encountered difficulties since young. Her childhood experience is similar to Xiao Man's. It can be said that they are in the same boat. Moreover, even though she is beautiful and talented, she was born a servant. Even though she looks unruly, she is actually different from the arrogance that is ingrained in the bones of the young ladies of aristocratic families.
When Yang Fan was framed by Lai Junchen and imprisoned, they even went through life and death together in order to save me from prison. They have a deep friendship with each other. Apart from that, they are both orphans and do not have any family behind them. Naturally, there will not be any disputes. The maids and old maids are also picky. Their own mistress is not that kind of person. How would they dare to have such thoughts? "
Shen Mu sighed, "That is true. Erlang is very fortunate. But my situation is completely different from yours. What can I do? "
Yang Fan frowned, "If that is the case, why did Brother Shen provoke these two ladies who are incompatible as water and fire?"
Shen Mu smiled bitterly, "If I did not provoke them, how would I know what kind of character they are?"
Yang Fan sighed silently, shook his head and did not say anything.
Shen Mu suddenly smiled, "Alright, let's not talk about this little family matter. Before going to Longyou, I have mentioned to you about the Zhuo Zhou incident. I wonder how is Erlang's investigation?"
Yang Fan said, "I was just about to mention this matter to Brother Shen. I have already ordered all my men to withdraw from Zhuo Zhou and will not clash with your men. However, my forceful withdrawal can only treat the symptoms and not the root cause. If we do not discuss a proper solution, I am afraid that there will be another dispute sooner or later. "
Shen Mu took a sip of wine and stared at him, "What do you mean?"
Yang Fan said, "Little Brother has carefully investigated. They have their own difficulties in having a conflict with Brother Shen's men. Merchants have always been selling at low prices and selling at high prices. Trade has and does not exist. They pursue profits from this. At that time, you and I were set up separately but did not think about these problems. Or rather, I did not expect that there would be such a big conflict in these areas. "
Shen Mu chuckled. Yang Fan sensitively asked, "What is Brother Shen laughing at?"
Shen Mu said, "I suddenly feel that perhaps when Young Master Jiang established the Succession Hall, the various arrangements that you made are the most suitable for its existence. There is only one sect leader and there is an orderly hierarchy. Naturally, there will be no trouble."
Yang Fan's eyes suddenly shrunk. In a deep voice, he said, "If it is for the purpose of 'continuing the line of succession', Young Master Jiang's arrangements are naturally not inappropriate. However, the current Succession Hall still exists for this purpose or should I say only for this purpose? "
Shen Mu did not answer. He did not need to answer. Both of them understood in their hearts that the original purpose of the 'Succession Hall' has long changed. This change did not even start from Shen Mu. In fact, Young Master Jiang, who used this pretense to establish the Succession Hall, originally had an ulterior motive.
However, this bitter fruit, because Young Master Jiang's motive has never been revealed, it is only now that the two of them have to bear this bitter fruit. At this moment, the two of them were speechless. Maybe at this moment, they both had a feeling that life was like the first time they met.
Shen Mu was silent for a long time. Then he raised his neck and gulped down a cup of wine. Then he slammed the cup heavily on the table. This affected the injury on his back and caused his expression to be in great pain as though that cup of wine was bitter.
Yang Fan said in a low voice, "We have to think of a way. I suspect that there are already people in the Xian Sect that are moving. I worry that we cannot control them …"
Shen Mu's gaze suddenly became sharp. He stared closely at Yang Fan and said, "What do you mean by cannot control them?"
Yang Fan thought for a moment and then said, "I cannot be sure. Maybe they will do something behind my back that I am not willing to do. When the situation cannot be changed, I can only act according to their wishes. They are familiar with this move because this is what we and the aristocratic families have always used to deal with the Imperial Court, is it not so? "
Shen Mu poured wine with his head lowered. Using this action, he concealed the hint of disdain that he could not disguise in his eyes. He thought that Yang Fan was setting up an ambush for the small town and was trying to shift the blame. When the two of them misunderstood each other and became even more wary of each other, what could they discuss?
In the end, Yang Fan could only bid farewell helplessly. He did not take with him a solution to the problem.
Shen Mu still sat cross-legged and looked coldly across from him. The food and wine on the table had not been touched. Yang Fan had not touched a drop of wine and had not moved a single chopstick.
The corner of Shen Mu's lips slowly curled. He finally did not need to disguise that disdain.
Yang Fan walked onto the Hibiscus Bridge and raised his head to look at the sky. The clouds rolled and gradually thickened as though a heavy rain was about to fall.
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