Cui Lin had just come out of Yang Fan's place to visit Shen Mu.
The storm in Yanzhou had affected all directions, and the seven great clans had suffered heavy losses.
The Li Tang Dynasty had been established in Guanzhong since its founding, so the power that the seven great clans had worked hard to develop was concentrated in Guanzhong. After Wu Zetian took power, she had moved the capital to Luoyang. But Chang 'an, as the secondary capital of the Zhou Dynasty and the capital of the Tang dynasty, had never been inferior to Luoyang in terms of political and economic strength.
Also, Wu Zetian had only established the country ten years ago. To support a representative who could truly be of use in officialdom, the investment period was usually longer than ten years. Therefore, the seven great clans' foundation in Luoyang was extremely shallow.
In addition, these ten years had been the most turbulent in politics. There had been endless killings and purges. Even the prime ministers found it hard to be comprehensive, much less the useless soldiers and crab generals who were on the wrong side. Under these circumstances, they could not develop their power in Luoyang. This was also the main reason why the seven great clans still chose Chang 'an as their main location.
In the end, the disaster in Yanzhou had spread to Dan Province, Feng Province, and all of Guanzhong had been shaken. The networks that the great clans had worked hard to develop in Guanzhong for many years were inevitably destroyed.
They placed the blame on Yang Fan. "If Yang Fan had not broken the rules and drawn the power of the officials into the conflict between the obvious and hidden sects, how could this have happened?"
Cui Lin had already grasped the attitudes of the various clan heads. When he saw Yang Fan again, he was not polite. He first listed the losses suffered by the great clans to Yang Fan, accompanied by harsh denunciations and condemnations. In the end, his anger had not yet dissipated, he concluded, "You, Yang Fan, cannot escape the blame for this matter. You must take responsibility!"
Yang Fan said with an innocent expression, "This matter has nothing to do with me. The officials of the Yanzhou government are extremely daring to swindle disaster relief, and this is not the first time. How can it be concealed? The Emperor somehow learned of the true situation there and sent people to investigate. This kind of matter cannot be concealed, so naturally it was found!
I have official duties and am only following orders to go to Yanzhou on official business. The main envoy is Zhang Changzong, and I, as the deputy envoy, am only following orders. Even if I don't go, the imperial court will send someone else, and the final result will still be the same, no different from now. Brother Cui, why do you want to impose this responsibility on me? "
Cui Lin was furious and said, "You dare to do it but don't dare to admit it? Even if you weren't the one behind this, you could at least inform us in advance, right? "
The corners of Yang Fan's lips curled up slightly as he mocked, "Why should I greet you? How do I know your people are there? Have you ever told me? As an official in the imperial court, do I have to report everything to you? Besides, those people have families, businesses, and reputations. Even if I tell you, as long as they are involved, do you think they can escape? "
Cui Lin's expression turned gloomy as his fair skin turned green. "Sect Master Yang, I'm only conveying the clan lords' dissatisfaction to you! The clan lords can support you to the highest heavens and can also step on you to hell. Please behave yourself! "
Yang Fan said indifferently, "If you remove me, will you be able to suppress the fighting spirit of the entire Xian Sect? If you remove me, will the Hidden Sect give up on attacking us? If you remove me, will the Emperor stop investigating this corruption case? If you remove me, will you let those of you who have official identities and are involved in this case be safe and sound? If you can, I will step aside! "
When Cui Lin heard this, he was instantly speechless. In reality, Yang Fan's recent series of forceful and effective actions had already won the hearts of the entire Xian Sect. How could he be easily replaced by the aristocratic families behind the scenes?
Many people in the Xian Sect might not be completely loyal to Yang Fan, but they were very supportive of him. Putting everything else aside, if Yang Fan was able to lead the Xian Sect to victory, not only would they be able to vent out their resentment for losing to the Hidden Sect previously, but their authority and benefits would also increase.
As for the old fellows in the Imperial Pivot Department who had recently been put in an important position, they fully supported Yang Fan and swore their loyalty to him. It was Yang Fan, who was also from a commoner clan, who put them in an important position. If the Sect Master was changed and someone from an aristocratic family took over, it was hard to guarantee that they wouldn't be thrown back into the cold palace.
These advisors who had no power and influence had now tasted the taste of power. It was a feeling that made them feel like they were walking on clouds. They wouldn't be willing to give up everything that was in their hands, so they could only stand on Yang Fan's side without reservation.
There was no need to consider the series of "can I" questions from Yang Fan. Just because of this reason, the aristocratic families couldn't act rashly against Yang Fan. The conflict between the two sides hadn't developed to the point where they would rather bring great losses to this enormous economic empire just to get rid of Yang Fan.
Therefore, Cui Lin could only give in.
After Yang Fan made a promise that as long as he let Shen Mu meet him and both sides reached a compromise, he would stop the war with Shen Mu and do his best to stop the situation from getting worse, so as to protect the forces of the aristocratic families that were in the eye of the storm, Cui Lin could only leave resentfully and go back to pressuring Shen Mu.
…
Cui Lin boarded the carriage and immediately left in a hurry. Yang Fan stood under the lintel of the door and looked at the carriage that was gradually getting further away. He raised his hand to touch his ear, and when he lowered it, he very naturally swung it forward. At the side of the road, a porter leading a donkey immediately tiptoed over.
Yang Fan already knew that Shen Mu had come to Luoyang, but he hadn't found out where he was staying. Now, he could use Cui Lin to find out where he was. If Cui Lin could facilitate the two of them to meet, that would be for the best. There were some things that he wanted to discuss with Shen Mu face to face. If Shen Mu avoided meeting him, finding out where he was would also make it easier for him to take action.
Yang Fan saw that the carriage had already disappeared into the alley and was about to turn around to return to the mansion. Just as he stepped over the threshold, he saw several servants rushing over. One of them was a guard that the "Succession Hall" had arranged in the mansion.
Yang Fan's house now had the protection of Gu Zhengzhang's family. Most of the people sent by the "Succession Hall" had been transferred to other uses, leaving a few people behind to guard the back residence. Yang Fan was puzzled and asked, "Why are you all panicking?"
A girl's voice shouted from behind, "Don't delay, hurry up! Invite all the famous doctors in Luoyang! "
The one who spoke was Third Sister. As soon as she saw Yang Fan standing at the door, Third Sister hurriedly squatted down to greet him. Yang Fan moved sideways to let the servants pass and asked her, "What happened?"
Third Sister hurriedly said, "Ah Lang, Second Niangzi's pregnancy is affected. She has some pain in her abdomen."
"What?"
As soon as Yang Fan heard this, his heart tightened and he immediately strode to the back residence. Limited by the medical standards of this era, a woman's pregnancy and childbirth was like going through the gates of hell, so a pregnant woman's illness was absolutely not something to be taken lightly.
Third Sister ran behind Yang Fan. Yang Fan hurriedly asked, "What happened? Everything was fine, how did the pregnancy get affected?"
Third Sister chased after her and gasped for breath as she said, "I … I don't know either. I only heard Miss Gu calling for help. When I got there, I found out that Second Mother's pregnancy was affected. I hurriedly sent someone to find a doctor …"
The two rushed to Anu's residence while talking to each other. Xiao Mang had already arrived first. She was a woman who had given birth to a child, so she had some experience. She quickly helped Anu onto the bed and asked her to lie on her side. She asked many questions nervously. A 'Nu lied on the bed and repeatedly explained to her that she was fine and there was no need to be so nervous.
Gu Zhuting stood by the bed with tears in her eyes. It was unknown whether it was because she was anxious or scared. Taomei and other maids and old maids were also standing next to her. The two children also came to join in the fun. Si Rong was holding a dog and Nianzu was holding a wooden duckling. They walked around in the crowd of adults.
Nianzu could see that everyone was nervous. He blinked his big eyes and kept asking, "Mother, what's wrong? Aunt, what's wrong? Gu Gu, what's wrong? Sister Tao, what's wrong? Nanny, what's wrong? Nanny … "Yang Nianzu shook his little head and asked one by one. He was like a chatterbox, but no one paid attention to him.
As soon as Yang Fan entered the door, he hurriedly asked, "A 'Nu, what's wrong with you?"
A 'Nu saw that his voice also changed. She was a little embarrassed and said, "Langjun, don't worry. I just accidentally affected the pregnancy and felt a little pain in my abdomen. I will be fine after lying down."
Nianzu was usually the eye of the family. So far, he was the only male in the next generation of the Yang family. He would be the pillar of the family in the future. But today, no one paid attention to him. Now that he finally saw his father, Yang Nianzu immediately poked his little head out from between the legs and asked loudly, "Father, what's wrong with aunt?"
Yang Fan said, "The little baby in aunt's belly is naughty and kicked aunt. Nianzu, be a good boy and play outside with sister. Don't disturb little brother. "
"Oh …"
Nianzu stared with his big black eyes and brought his precious wooden duckling in front of Yang Fan. He said, "This is for little brother to play with. He won't be naughty if you coax him."
Yang Fan laughed and took the duckling. He patted his head and said, "Okay, go out and play. Little brother is still young and afraid of noise!"
Nianzu agreed and took his sister's little hand and ran out of the door. He said proudly to Si Rong, "Sister, little brother is not sensible. He is not as good as me, right?"
Yang Fan saw that the room was full of people. He said, "Everyone go out. It's okay. I will stay here with my wife. If the doctor comes, ask him to come quickly."
The maids and old women replied and left. Gu Zhuting wanted to say something but hesitated. She bit her lips and left quietly. The room was quiet. Only Yang Fan, Xiaoman and A 'Nu were left in the room.
The child was now six months old. A 'Nu's abdomen was obviously bulging. Yang Fan carefully stroked her belly and asked, "Does it still hurt?"
A 'Nu said helplessly, "It's really okay. I just felt a little pain in my chest. It's embarrassing for everyone to be so careful."
Yang Fan said, "You, you have to be careful. You can't be careless. Why did it suddenly affect the pregnancy?"
A 'Nu rolled her eyes and said coquettishly, "Don't say it. Isn't it all your fault?"
Yang Fan was dumbfounded, he asked curiously, "You were choking, why are you blaming me?"
…
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