The spring wind did not care about the wind and moon, nor did the summer wind. It was just the damp, clear, or stuffy air that carried on endlessly rubbing itself. However, the people in the air would give rise to appropriate emotions because of the rubbing of heaven and earth.
"So what if it's clear? Do you think the Qing Emperor will believe your statement? " Haitang was wearing a light green robe with two large pockets sewn on it. Her hands were in the pockets as usual. She looked at Fan Xian and spoke with a smile.
Fan Xian tilted his head slightly. He knew what she meant. He wanted Eunuch Yao to send the scene in Jiangnan back to Jingdou and let everyone in court know that he had chosen the Third Prince. If it had been in the past, Fan Xian would certainly not have committed such a taboo by taking sides before the Emperor made his choice.
However, it was different now. The power in Fan Xian's hands was too great. He had to declare to the Emperor that he had no interest in that chair.
The problem was just as Haitang said. Why should the Emperor believe him? Just based on the Third Prince? After the Emperor passed away, if Fan Xian supported the Third Prince to take the throne, given the power in his hands and the background behind him, he could, at any time, make the Third Prince a mere figurehead, regent, or something like that.
"The Emperor is healthy and in the prime of his life," Fan Xian lowered his head and quietly said. Fan Xian lowered his head and quietly said, "The matters of the future are too far away. I can't always be a lonely official. Furthermore, he placed the Third Prince by my side, so I will follow his wishes. As for … what consequences will it cause?"
He narrowed his eyes and looked at the thin lake in front of him and the faint mist on the lake. In a quiet voice, he said, "I've been thinking about a problem for a long time."
Haitang yawned and covered her mouth. "What problem?"
"I also stood out this time because I wanted to put some pressure on the two brothers in the capital," Fan Xian said with a smile. The two brothers he spoke of were the Crown Prince and the Second Prince. "I really want to force them to do something desperate. Otherwise, if they keep dragging their feet, who knows how tall my mother-in-law is? Is she as tall as a building …"
He shook his head. "I just don't want to wait anymore."
Haitang's heart jumped slightly. She turned her face to look at him. "You really plan on laying your cards on the table …"
Fan Xian smiled and said, "I haven't finished speaking. I want to force the two brothers to do something desperate, but what about His Majesty? He had the third prince follow me to Jiangnan, so he must have thought that the situation would develop like this in the future … the third prince was also involved, and his attitude was so ambiguous. How could the Crown Prince feel good? Now that the Second Prince can't go up or down, he can't just let it go like this … Could it be that our Emperor also wants to force his own son to rebel? "
After clarifying his doubts, the chill in his heart eased a little, and he let out a sigh.
Haitang lowered her head and said, "Even if the imperial clan is heartless, in the end, he is still a father. Is there a need to toy with his own son like this?"
Fan Xian nodded. "That is also what I do not understand."
"Congratulations," Haitang suddenly said.
Fan Xian asked in surprise, "What is there to be happy about?"
"Since your thoughts are so similar to your country's emperor's, then in the coming year … naturally, you will win," Haitang said softly.
Fan Xian thought for a moment and then quietly said, "It looks like you have more confidence in my Emperor than I do in him."
"Because you are a southerner," Haitang said indifferently. "Because after you entered the capital, the Qing Emperor has always appeared somewhat quiet, so you have not experienced his terror. When he was still the Crown Prince, he led three expeditions to the North. With a remote Qing Kingdom, he split the mighty Wei Kingdom into pieces and beat all the other countries under heaven until they were as silent as cicadas in winter … such methods, such terror, if I stand in your position and think about it, naturally, I have great confidence in him. "
"The ruler of your country is a great ruler," Haitang very directly praised the foreign Emperor. Haitang directly praised the foreign emperor. "In these two years, the lion hasn't been sleeping. He's just narrowing his eyes to digest the food in his stomach. However, if someone really dares to try and touch his position, his eyes will open and he will mercilessly tear the enemy into countless pieces."
Fan Xian fell silent. "Actually … I understand. That is why I want to do this matter, not him. "
"When all is said and done, you are still a passionate person." Haitang gazed at him with a not-quite-there smile. "Although you often like to hide your benevolence under the guise of selfishness, you are still a passionate person. If the Qing Emperor finally acts in a rage, blood will flow like rivers. You do not want to see this situation, so you want to do it yourself … to suppress the destructive power of this matter to the minimum. "
Fan Xian lowered his head, tacitly agreeing with this statement. No matter how much hatred he had with the Eldest Princess of Xinyang, the Crown Prince, and the Second Prince, the Eldest Princess was, after all, Wan 'er's birth mother. That lovely Ye Ling' er had also become the Second Princess. Once the battle over the throne erupted, it would certainly bring disaster to the family. Fan Xian was a cold and emotionless person in many ways, but he did not want thousands of heads to hang on the walls of Jingdou and dirty blood to wet the walls.
The Second Prince, who was very similar to him, smiled so shyly. Could he still smile like that after becoming a human head?
If the Emperor and he won, what would happen to the Ye family? What would happen to Ye Ling 'er?
For Fan Xian, this was a problem. For the Emperor, this was not a problem. Thus, Fan Xian strongly hoped to be able to take the initiative in solving this problem, but …
Haitang quietly said, "You should also understand that you alone cannot solve this problem. Your enemies still have many powers that are beyond what you can handle. Against those people, the Qing Emperor has his own plans. He does not need you to do it for him. In the end, you are only the sharpest sword in his hand, and he is the hand holding the sword. "
Fan Xian knew she was talking about the Junshang Conference and nodded silently.
"There is also the empress dowager," Haitang said with a slight smile.
Fan Xian found a glimmer of sadness in the smile in her eyes. He couldn't resist muttering, "Both empresses are very troublesome."
It was clear that Haitang did not want to continue this unsolvable topic. Her gaze, intentionally or not, landed on the ancient sword at his waist.
"Wang Qinian sent it." Fan Xian met her gaze and explained. "I heard it was the sword of the last Wei Emperor."
Haitang's expression did not change. It was as if she had long known the origins of this sword. In a clear and cold voice, she said, "Be careful not to arouse too much discussion."
Fan Xian smiled. "Thank you for the reminder. I had originally thought that not many people would recognize it."
Haitang lowered her head. No one knew what she was thinking. A moment later, she faintly said, "It has only been 30 years since the destruction of the Wei Kingdom. Although Xiao En and Zhuang Mohan, the last spiritual symbols of the Wei Kingdom, have already passed away, it has not been that long. In this world, there are many people who remember the events of that time."
Fan Xian didn't know why the girl was acting so strangely. An absurd feeling welled up in his heart. Presently, the world could be said to be peaceful, and everywhere could be said to be prosperous. Who would have thought that just 20 years ago, the world was still a large battlefield? At that time, there were endless battles. Countless people died. One large country was destroyed, and two large countries were born. Blood flowed on the green hills, and the yellow waves piled up corpses. Among the hundreds of thousands of white bones, the important figures who now led the way of the world were born.
The two of them fell silent and stared at the Shou Lake in front of them in a daze.
This Shou Lake was not the Shou Lake of Baoyue Brothel in Jingdou. It was the lake behind Baoyue Brothel in Suzhou. Last month, Fan Sizhe had sent a letter to the people in Jiangnan to start digging the lake. He had used a number of laborers and forcefully doubled the size of the Shou Lake. Now, if one looked back from Baoyue Brothel, the scenery was even more beautiful than it was then.
However, Baoyue Brothel had been cut in half by that strike. At this time, they were still busy repairing it. Thus, Fan Xian and Haitang could only stand coldly by the lake and watch the mist on the surface of the lake gather and disperse, disperse and gather again. It was as impermanent as life and the world.
"Your brothel is repairing very slowly." Haitang seemed to have inadvertently mentioned this.
"I'm embarrassed to use your Northern Qi silver in front of you. It's too much." Fan Xian smiled and immediately explained, "There's no rush to repair the building. I've brought over some professionals from the capital to carefully examine the sword marks in the building."
The so-called professionals were the people from the Second and Third Bureaus. Presently, the broken Baoyue Brothel was Ye Liuyun's first crime scene. Fan Xian hoped to be able to dig out some of the Great Grandmaster's true methods of attack from the sword marks and aura for future use.
Haitang said, "I've gone to see."
"Oh?" Fan Xian's eyes lit up. He knew that this girl's insight and knowledge of martial arts were much higher than his. He thought that she must have discovered something.
"The eight pillars were cut down at the same time." Haitang recalled the fine marks in the building and couldn't resist sighing. "The other cracks were only caused by sword intent … if you and I wanted to cut down the pillars, we could barely do it, but that kind of control over power … who knows how many years and months it would take to reach that kind of realm?"
Fan Xian lowered his head and said, "In your opinion, for such a heaven-shaking strike, how many times can Ye Liuyun strike out?"
"Three," Haitang said straightforwardly.
"This is under normal circumstances. If that old man put his life on the line, no one knows what kind of miracle would happen."
It was indeed a miracle. For a human to be able to demonstrate a method like the might of heaven and earth.
…
…
"You're really not coming with me?" Fan Xian faced the surface of the lake and let out a deep breath.
"There has to be someone left in Suzhou," Haitang said with a slight smile. "Besides, you shamelessly had the Eighth Bureau publicize our private affairs. If we really went to Hangzhou, what would I do? Even if you're a shameless person, you have to understand me a little. "
It was a straightforward hidden bitterness. Although she said it with a smile, it was impossible for Fan Xian to resist.
He smiled slightly and said, "Then I'm leaving."
Haitang bowed slightly and said in a quiet voice, "I won't see you out."
In the early morning in Suzhou, the wind and fog above the lake welcomed the sunlight and quickly dispersed. The young man and woman did not say another word. They naturally parted and walked along the lakeside in different directions.
…
It did not take long to leave Suzhou. Fan Xian had originally prepared to live by West Lake in Hangzhou while he was in Jiangnan. However, because the Ming family matter was unexpectedly thorny and there were many more unexpected stories, he had stayed until now. Knowing that he was going to move to Hangzhou, his subordinates had long prepared everything. Even the girls in Hua Garden, under Sisi's lead, had made preparations to move.
Fan Xian did not return Hua Garden to the salt merchant. After all, Haitang still had to stay in Suzhou and keep an eye on the large amounts of silver in the palace treasury transport company and Zhaoshang money house. Thus, he had to give the girl a place to live. He had also carefully left behind a few average looking but efficient serving girls.
Naturally, Yang Jimei would not feel heartache for this garden. On the contrary, she was extremely happy.
At the farewell banquet, Yang Jimei eagerly sat at the lower end of the table. She didn't hear what the two high-ranking officials were saying. She only felt that her ancestors' graves were emitting green smoke. She was actually able to eat at the same table as the imperial envoy!
The meal did not take long. The Jiangnan governor, Xue Qing, the rarely seen inspector, the Suzhou Zhizhou who was currently being investigated by the Overwatch Council, and these officials all came to see Fan Xian off. However, because of the vicious situation in the bamboo shed that day with the dragon raising its head, none of the Jiangnan officials, big or small, dared to give any gifts.
However, Xue Qing did not avoid preparing expensive gifts. The weight of the gift list made Fan Xian involuntarily speechless.
After the banquet, Fan Xian and Xue Qing walked casually in the garden. Fan Xian smiled and said, "Sir, you spoil me like this … first, I can't afford it. Second, how can I properly lecture these Jiangnan Road officials in the future?"
His words carried a double meaning.
Xue Qing laughingly scolded, "It's not like it's for you. You have to take it even if you don't want to."
Fan Xian was puzzled.
Xue Qing said in a clear voice, "Half of it is for the young lady of the Lin family, no, it should be Lady Fan. It's her first time in Hangzhou, so she certainly didn't bring enough things with her. This is for her. "
He continued, "The other half is for my teacher. I have been busy with official business in Suzhou and have been unable to go personally to express my filial piety. I hope Sir Fan junior will help me bring this gift."
Fan Xian smiled. A few days ago, he had already informed Xue Qing of his upcoming trip to Wuzhou and had written it in a letter to the Emperor. Only now did he remember that no matter what, Xue Qing had to prepare a heavy gift.
Having thought this through, he didn't say anything more. In a quiet voice, Fan Xian said, "I will be in Hangzhou. If you have any orders, please send a letter."
"I wouldn't dare," Xue Qing smiled and said. "You are also the imperial envoy. I wouldn't dare to give orders, but there will always be trouble."
Fan Xian casually replied. He knew that Xue Qing had long hoped for him to leave Suzhou, so he didn't point it out.
Just as they were about to part, Xue Qing suddenly opened his mouth and asked, "Sir Fan junior, there is one thing I have not found the answer to."
"Sir, please speak," Fan Xian said seriously.
Xue Qing was silent for a moment and then said, "Sir, just how old are you this year?"
Given his status as the Jiangnan governor, he didn't use conventional greetings. Instead, he used the tone of an elder to ask. Fan Xian chuckled and said, "Nineteen."
Xue Qing paused slightly. On the contrary, it was the truth of the rumors that he didn't dare believe. He couldn't resist shaking his head and smiling bitterly, "Indeed, heroes come from the youth."
After the imperial envoy left the city, Hua Garden immediately became much quieter. Suzhou, which had long been under the powerful pressure of the Overwatch Council and Fan Xian, seemed to come alive in a day. After confirming that the black carriages from the Fan manor had left the city gates, the people of Suzhou began to spread the news. Hot tears filled their eyes. The treacherous official had finally left. Some people even began to set off firecrackers.
That night, the officials of Jiangnan Road, particularly the Suzhou government, also began to celebrate. They congratulated each other for not having been invited by the Overwatch Council to drink tea. As for the officials who had already fallen, no one gave them another glance.
…
…
Although Suzhou and Hangzhou were not far apart, it was impossible for Fan Xian to hear the firecrackers of the Suzhou people sending off the plague. Later, although the secret agents of the Overwatch Council had reported it, he had only dismissed it with a laugh.
The group of people stayed in the Peng family manor by West Lake in Hangzhou and returned to the time when they first arrived in Jiangnan. Fan Xian's butt hadn't even touched the ground when he asked, "Where is the madam?"
A subordinate reported, "There seems to be some obstruction. There's also Shazhou."
Fan Xian was slightly startled. A wave of unease rose in his heart. After thinking for a moment, he didn't say anything more. Leading the seven Tiger Guards, he rode toward Shazhou.
Dusk arrived in Shazhou. Because Fan Xian was worried about Wan'er, he gave up his usual carriage and rode directly. When he entered Shazhou, he felt as if his entire body was falling apart.
The faces of the subordinates and Tiger Guards behind him were deathly pale. They had almost collapsed from exhaustion on this day's journey.
A dozen fine horses broke through the silence of the night in Shazhou and came directly to a manor. This manor had once been Jiangnan Shui Han's branch in Shazhou. Now, it had long been taken over by the Overwatch Council. After some repairs, it had become Fan Xian's private residence in name.
Fan Xian flipped off his horse. Ignoring the greetings of his subordinates at the door, he directly charged into the courtyard.
Just as he was about to enter the stone steps into the inner residence, he saw a familiar person. It was the wife of the Teng family. Fan Xian furrowed his brows and asked, "What is it?"
"Young master?" A glimmer of joy flashed through the eyes of the wife of the Teng family. "Why are you here? The mistress is fine. She is just resting in the room. "
Fan Xian didn't believe her. Logically speaking, Wan'er should have arrived in Hangzhou today. She had probably been delayed because something had happened to her body. He hurriedly pushed open the door and entered. Like a gust of wind, he swept to the side of the bed. With a flip of his hand, the wind pushed the door shut tightly.
He gazed at the girl lying on the bed and the thread of exhaustion on that familiar and beautiful face. He couldn't resist feeling heartache and said, "Your body isn't good, so walk slower."
Lin Wan'er gazed at him with a smile and said, "Walk slower … so you'll have more time to be happy?"
Fan Xian smiled and said, "Where did you get all these witty words from?" As he spoke, his finger had already gently rested on his wife's jade-white wrist and began to feel her pulse.
What Fan Xian was most worried about was Wan'er's body. After all, she had been infected with a lung disease for a number of years. Although he had carefully taken care of her these two years and had the medicine teacher Fei Jie personally made, Wan'er's body was still weak. He was afraid she wouldn't be able to stand the cold on the road.
His finger gently rested on Wan'er's wrist. Fan Xian's expression gradually became serious, particularly the feeling of his hand. It made his heart jump slightly. How had Wan'er become so thin?
"You stopped taking the medicine?" Feeling the abnormality of the pulse, Fan Xian pulled back his finger like he had been electrocuted. He gazed at his wife in shock. His eyes were filled with concern and confusion.
Lin Wan'er slowly pulled back her hand and gently coughed. She gazed at Fan Xian and spoke calmly with a glimmer of determination and joy. "Yes, I stopped taking the medicine. Before Ruoruo left, she brought Master Ku He to the manor to sit for a while. Master Ku He said that Sir Fei's medicine was too powerful. If Wan'er wanted to have children, she had to stop taking the medicine. "
(To be continued, if you want to know what happened after, please log on to WWW. CMFU. com. More chapters. Support the author. Support original reading!)
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