The summer was bright and beautiful and did not deceive people. However, it was also true that the afternoon was stuffy and hot. All of Jingdou was enveloped in the summer heat, making people feel very uncomfortable. Often, the water they drank would seep out of their skin in less than an hour, carrying with it the remnants of the body, turning into a layer of greasy moisture that wrapped around their entire body. It made it difficult for people to breathe and uncomfortable all over.
In particular, the lower-class commoners who did hard labor carried large bags as they climbed the stairs on the lower reaches of the Liujing River. Their sweat had already soaked through their bodies and landed on the stone steps, turning into countless streaks of water. It was a rather shocking sight. The large trees by the pier stretched out their leaves, but they were unable to completely block out the sun in the sky. The cool breeze blowing from the river was also unable to brush away the heat. On the contrary, it carried a stifling feeling.
A black dog was lying under the shade of a tree next to the stone steps. It stretched out its scarlet tongue and panted heavily. At the same time, it looked at the laborers who were suffocating under the heavy burden of life with a slightly pitiful expression.
On the Liujing River, a plainly decorated boat was floating. The Second Prince slowly withdrew his sympathetic gaze from the shore. He turned around and smiled slightly. "Fan Xian is indeed a powerful person. Putting aside the silver the palace treasury transferred back, he bought so much food from Dongyi and Northern Qi beforehand. Presumably, he guessed that he would be busy repairing the dikes this year. Even if the summer flood is not an issue, the food supply in the South has not recovered. We will need disaster relief."
There were a number of merchant ships parked on the Liujing River. Hundreds of hard laborers were moving the food the Qing Kingdom bought onto the ships. They were then transported by water to the provinces in the South that had not been completely rebuilt after last year's disaster.
The cute girl beside the Second Prince blinked her bright eyes and smiled but didn't say anything.
The Second Prince chuckled and continued, "Are you wondering why I would say good things about Fan Xian? In reality, the reason is very simple. Fan Xian is indeed a person worthy of praise, particularly in the area of government affairs. Although he has never single-handedly controlled the affairs of a road or a department, he has a lot of heart. Perhaps you don't know, but I just found out that when his disciple, Yang Wanli, went to the Water Transport Governor's yamen, he secretly transferred a large sum of silver into the yamen's accounts. It's also because of this that the repair of the river's dikes went so smoothly this year. "
At this point, a hint of mockery appeared on the Second Prince's face. "If we let those departments in the court gather silver, the Ministry of Revenue and Ministry of Works will waste their time. Who knows how long it will take?"
He continued faintly and faintly said, "Thus, in order to govern the world, methods and techniques can all be nurtured. However, Fan Xian's mentality … is very rare. This was all the money he had painstakingly scraped from Jiangnan, and he was not stingy at all, throwing it all into the river transport. The one who was famous was Father Emperor, and the one who benefited was the common people of the world. What could you get? This Fan Xian … I can't see through him more and more. "
Today, the weather was hot, and the prince's manor in the capital was also hot and stuffy. Thus, the Second Prince brought his wife, who had been married for half a year, to Liujing River. On one hand, it was to relax, and on the other, it was to find a quiet place for the couple to talk. However, looking at the bustling scene on the pier from a distance, the Second Prince's heart couldn't help but be moved. He brought the topic to Fan Xian, who was far away from Jingdou.
"Fan Xian … who knows what kind of person he is? No one can see through him. " Ye Ling 'er smiled slightly. A complicated expression rose between her brows. Back then, this girl had been such a strange and cute little person. Now that she had married the Second Prince and become a royal concubine, she naturally had an additional air of nobility. She also appeared a bit more mature.
"Indeed, I can't see through him." A self-mocking smile rose to the Second Prince's face, which was somewhat similar to Fan Xian's. "How many people can see through the things he has done since coming to Jingdou from Danzhou?"
Thinking for a bit, he shook his head and smiled for some reason. Slowly holding Ye Ling 'er's hand, he walked to the back of the boat. Looking at the wide mirror-like surface of the upper reaches of Liujing River, it was as if he wanted to use the spiritual energy and openness of heaven and earth to relax his mind.
At the back of the boat, the servants of the manor saw this scene and tactfully moved far away, not daring to disturb the peace of the prince and wangfei. Everyone in the manor, and even in Jingdou, knew that after the Second Prince and Ye Ling 'er were married, their relationship was very good. Although there was still no news of wangfei's pregnancy, this young couple often stuck together. The Second Prince's appearance was handsome, and Ye Ling' er was a famous beauty in Jingdou. This couple was the envy of countless bystanders.
Ye Ling 'er leaned against the Second Prince's side and gently hugged his arm. Her eyes, clearer than the surface of the water, looked at the seagulls flying in the distance. Thinking of the man in the distance, her teacher, she couldn't resist the glimmer of a smile rising to the corners of her lips. "Everyone in Jingdou fears Fan Xian. They all think he is sinister and terrifying in his bones, which is why he did so many things and killed so many people. In my opinion, this guy is nothing more than an absurd person who loves to cause trouble."
The Second Prince also smiled. He knew that his wife had frequent contact with the Fan family before she married him. He also knew that his wife and Chen 'er called each other sisters. Their relationship was not ordinary. He also knew that his wife had always secretly called Fan Xian teacher. However, he would never suspect that there was anything between a man and a woman between Ye Ling' er and Fan Xian. Although Ye Ling 'er sometimes had a bit of a temper, she was a rare upright woman. If she did not like him, even an imperial edict would not allow her to marry him. However, when he occasionally heard Ye Ling' er mention Fan Xian in such a familiar tone, he still couldn't help but feel a glimmer of absurdity and a faint sourness.
"It's not as simple as fooling around and being absurd," the Second Prince said warmly. The Second Prince said warmly, "A few days ago, I heard that the Crown Prince's people made a book to see how many people Fan Xian had killed and how many people he had offended in these two years. In the end, they compiled a long list. It made our Crown Prince very happy."
Ye Ling 'er giggled. She wondered how her teacher had become like a demon. However, including the spring examination case and the First Bureau matter, Fan Xian had indeed offended most of the powers in court.
"Thus, no one can understand what exactly Fan Xian wants to do. Aunt is his real mother-in-law. Furthermore, Aunt has long shown goodwill, but he does not accept it. I don't need to say anything about me. Ever since he returned to the capital, I've been trying to make peace with him, but he has unusually valiantly chosen to knock me down. " The Second Prince laughed self-mockingly. "I admit that the Niulan Street matter was my fault, but in court, it is not uncommon for enemies to become friends."
Ye Ling 'er glanced at him and mumbled, "He is stubborn and holds grudges. How can he be so easy to convince?"
"But what good does this do him?" The Second Prince furrowed his brows. "He has offended so many people. In the future … I'm just saying, if father is no longer here and the new Emperor ascends the throne, he will certainly take back his power. Without the Overwatch Council in his hands, these powers of revenge will all fall on him. Who can protect him?"
"How do you know that the new Emperor will certainly take back his power?" Ye Ling 'er lowered her head. "I don't think the Crown Prince has much of a chance. The Third Prince is Fan Xian's student."
"The Third Prince is too young." The Second Prince sighed. "A person's growth process will always be interrupted by unexpected events. It was like that for me back then. When the Third Prince is a bit older, our father will naturally find some other way. If the Third Prince actually sits on that chair, do you think he will still be the Third Prince now? Will he allow Fan Xian to maintain his current power? "
"Us brothers are all not as good as father, so no matter who inherits the throne, the first thing we have to do is certainly to get rid of Fan Xian, this big tiger." The Second Prince smiled slightly. "This is inevitable. Given Fan Xian's intelligence, it is impossible for him not to think of this."
Ye Ling 'er glanced at him worriedly and quietly said, "You still haven't given up."
The Second Prince didn't continue this sentence. Slowly, he said, "Since Fan Xian understands this and knows that he has already offended most of the officials, what can he do? Unless he is prepared to walk a completely different path in the future, otherwise, he will never be able to escape the chaos of the future. "
"Which path?"
The Second Prince turned his head and smiled warmly. "He will sit on that chair himself."
…
…
What kind of position one was in, what kind of topic one was talking about. Although the content being talked about on the Liujing River boat was shocking, in reality, this kind of topic was often discussed in the various manors. Ye Ling'er was not afraid, on the contrary, she felt a bit tired of it. She smiled bitterly and said, "Based on my understanding of teacher, he would not do such a thing."
"Oh?" The Second Prince was very interested. "Why do you say that?"
"Fan Xian likes to travel the world. Don't you know?" Ye Ling'er smiled and said, "Everyone under heaven knows that he was sent to Jiangnan this time by the Emperor in disguise. He also doesn't want his past to cause too much of a stir in Jingdou. He wants to avoid the limelight, but … as far as I know, Fan Xian has not the slightest complaint about this exile. He goes in high spirits. To be able to have the opportunity to see the different ways and scenery of the world seems to be the greatest enjoyment for him."
It had to be said that Ye Ling 'er understood Fan Xian very well.
"Sit on that chair? Then it would be difficult for him to leave the Palace. Fan Xian would suffocate to death. "
The husband and wife laughed at the same time.
The Second Prince thought for a moment and then said, "But if he doesn't fight for this chair … will he be willing to let go in the future? Furthermore, even if he is willing to let go, will others let him go? "
"Is that chair really that good?" Ye Ling 'er furrowed her brows. "Besides … what right does Fan Xian have to fight for it?"
"Why?" The Second Prince smiled. "Because of father's incomparable trust in him, because of Director Chen, Prime Minister Lin, and Minister Fan's full support, because of the Overwatch Council in his left hand and the palace treasury in his right, and don't forget, he is also surnamed Li … honestly speaking, in the current situation, if there are no major twists in the future, if Fan Xian wants to take the throne after father passes, he is the one with the greatest chance."
Ye Ling 'er only heard the words "major twists" in these words. If what the man beside her said was true, then there must be many people preparing for this major twists.
The Second Prince continued, "Fan Xian's only blank right now is the support of the military. He has no chance to touch the Ye and Qin families, but don't forget, I don't know what's wrong with my dear Great Brother recently. He always puts on the appearance that Fan Xian is looking after his family."
Speaking of this, the Second Prince finally revealed a glimmer of resentment. Thinking about it, it made sense. He and the Great Prince had grown up together, and their relationship was very good. Who knew that once Fan Xian entered the capital, the Great Prince would stand on Fan Xian's side. If it were anyone else, they would probably feel uncomfortable.
"The most important wind vane is the Jiaozhou incident this time," the Second Prince said worriedly. The Second Prince said worriedly, "Although father trusted Fan Xian incomparably in the past, he has never had him touch any military affairs. This time, he has arranged for him to deal with the Jiaozhou Navy. I'm worried that father is preparing to let go in this area."
Ye Ling 'er slowly lowered her head and said a moment later, "After saying all this, in the end, you are still not satisfied in your heart."
After a moment of silence, the Second Prince slowly but firmly said, "I am indeed not satisfied … if other people can sit in that chair, why can't I sit in it? If I sit in that chair, I won't do worse than anyone else. If there wasn't an additional Fan Xian in this world, why would I be sighing so long on this ship? "
Another moment of silence.
"I admit, compared to Fan Xian, I am at a disadvantage in every aspect." A free and easy expression suddenly appeared on the Second Prince's face. "However, there are times when I am not satisfied. If father was willing to give the Overwatch Council to me and the palace treasury to me, would I really be worse than Fan Xian? I am indeed not satisfied. I have schemed for so many years, yet because of a brother who suddenly appeared, everything has become a bubble. I still want to fight. Even if I lose to him in the end, I want to accept my loss wholeheartedly. "
"Why bother?" Ye Ling 'er sighed and gazed at him.
The Second Prince's heart jumped. He found that ever since his wife had married into the manor, her original heartless and cute appearance had lessened greatly. Perhaps this was the price of marrying him. She always had to think about these scheming and scheming matters.
Ye Ling 'er quietly said, "I know that the Eldest Princess has recently been trying to get you and the Crown Prince to reconcile. I also know why this is … speaking of which, I have never liked the Eldest Princess, even though she is Chen' er's mother."
"My aunt is a very remarkable person," the Second Prince said carefully. The Second Prince chose his words carefully. "She did many things for the court, and … many times, she didn't do it for her own selfish reasons. Let's take this matter as an example. If she had only been thinking about future glory and wealth, she would not have chosen me and educated me. She could have stood on the side of the Eastern Palace. The Eastern Palace also needed her. "
"Then why did she choose you?" Ye Ling'er's lips curved in a mocking smile. "Isn't it because you're prettier than the Crown Prince?"
…
…
"Enough!" The Second Prince pursed his lips and growled. He never expected his wife to be so furious with the Eldest Princess.
Ye Ling 'er snorted coldly. "Isn't it? She incited you to fight with the Crown Prince. Now, she wants you to reconcile with the Crown Prince and fight Fan Xian and the Third Prince. What is the point of fighting back and forth? Even if she succeeds in the future and Fan Xian loses power, what will happen to you and the Crown Prince then? Who will take that chair? “
"That's a matter for the future. The Second Prince lowered his head and said slowly, "Aunt loves me. “
"A matter for the future?" Ye Ling'er was angry. She finally recovered the clear and bright appearance she had when she rode into Jingdou. Straightforwardly, she said, "She is only reveling in the process of this matter. As for who wins between you and the Crown Prince, in the end, you are just one of her puppets. Why do you need to get involved with them? It is a matter of course that the Crown Prince wants to inherit the throne. If Fan Xian wants to protect himself, that is also his business. As long as you don't pay attention to it, you can easily escape. “
Suddenly, Ye Ling'er seemed to feel that her words had been too hasty. She sighed and softened her voice. "Even if you don't think for others, you have to think for me and think of your mother in the Palace. Fan Xian once said, take a step back and the world will be wide open. Why not?"
It was Fan Xian again. The Second Prince heard these words and couldn't resist smiling. "Then why doesn't he retreat?"
"If he retreats, he will die. This is what you said." Ye Ling'er looked into his eyes without showing any weakness. "But if you retreat, who can do anything to you?"
"What can they do to me?" The Second Prince pressed his thin lips together and faintly said, "I've killed Fan Xian's people. Will he let me go in the future? If the Crown Prince takes the throne, will he let me go? The Third Prince … who knows what kind of person he will become in the future? "
Ye Ling'er was disappointed and silent.
"The Crown Prince is only a signboard we need right now." The Second Prince closed his eyes and sniffed the river wind blowing against his face. "Right now, we need his status in the Eastern Palace and grandmother's support."
Ye Ling'er knew that there were still many things he had not told her and could not tell her, but she still heard the sound of danger approaching from these words. She couldn't help but shiver in this hot summer. Quietly, she said, "The Crown Prince is not an idiot. How could he not guess what the Eldest Princess is thinking? How could he believe her? "
"This is what aunt needs to consider. How to close the crack in the past and how to make the Crown Prince and empress completely believe aunt's sincerity have nothing to do with me. I just need to wait," the Second Prince said quietly and slowly opened his eyes.
Gazing at the surface of the river, he said each word clearly, "Last year, I couldn't resist, so I gave Fan Xian a chance. Now, at least I've learned to be patient and not be impatient. After all, I am father's son. No matter how the situation changes, I will always have a small chance. "
Ye Ling'er gazed at him disappointedly and said, "I understand what you mean. You think the Eldest Princess will still choose you to succeed in the end, but … is it really interesting to be helped up there?"
"Never mind being helped up, even if I was led by someone, so what?" The Second Prince suddenly smiled. "Back then, father was also helped onto the throne by a woman. In the future, he still became an Emperor through the ages. As long as he sits on that chair, there will always be great things that can be done."
… … …
Because of the Jiaozhou incident, Chen Pingping, who had been living in retirement in Chen Garden, was finally chased back to Jingdou by the Emperor's three edicts. He returned to the square and dark building.
In the dark secret room of the Overwatch Council, Chen Pingping gently stroked the wool blanket on his knees and couldn't resist yawning. Using a slightly sharp voice, he said, "You have to disturb me over such a small matter."
Strangely, Fei Jie was not gathering herbs in the mountains. Instead, he was sitting by Chen Pingping's side. In a raspy voice, he said, "The most important thing is the problem in the Palace. Fan Xian has made such a ruckus again. Our Emperor likes him more and more, but the people in the Palace are more and more afraid of him … I'm afraid it will be brought forward."
"Is the Crown Prince an idiot?" Chen Pingping slowly asked. "Of course, he is indeed an idiot. Otherwise, how could he have gotten involved with that crazy woman?"
"The Eldest Princess may be crazy, but she still has her methods." Fei Jie rolled his strangely colored eyes and stared at Chen Pingping. "Besides, didn't you arrange this? To think that I worked so hard to concoct such a medicine. "
Chen Pingping sighed and said, "The Crown Prince is too timid. We have to help him."
"This is truly a crime worthy of exterminating the entire family." Fei Jie sighed. "I am a loner. You still have a large group of distant relatives back home."
Chen Pingping smiled mockingly and said, "You should be careful of Fan Xian coming back to the capital after the New Year to make trouble for you. He made a medicine for Chen girl, and it turned out to be an extinct medicine. Fan Xian will have no descendants. Watch how he will tear you apart."
Fei Jie angrily said, "It's good enough that he can cure his tuberculosis. What else does he want? Does he dare to deceive his teacher and destroy his ancestors? "
"That I don't know. In any case, his recent letters have been full of resentment. Furthermore … he keeps asking where you went," Chen Pingping said coldly.
In fact, Fei Jie had always felt guilty about this matter, so he had subconsciously avoided his most accomplished disciple. Hearing this, he couldn't help but stare blankly. After a while, he said: "Didn't he take in a servant girl? Besides, there is also Haitang … the saint girl's body shouldn't be too bad. It shouldn't be a problem for her to have a baby. "
"Haitang Duoduo … not a hen. Be careful not to let the people of Tianyi Dao know about this," Chen Pingping said with a slight smile.
Fei Jie couldn't be bothered to pay any more attention. Straightforwardly, he asked, "Concerning the Jiaozhou matter, what do you think?"
"What do I think?" Chen Pingping huffed coldly. "I gave him the Shadow, I gave him the Black Knights, I gave him the entire Overwatch Council … in the end, he made such crude and low-class work for me!"
"Good-For-Nothing." Chen Pingping couldn't resist shaking his head. "After Yan Bingyun was no longer by his side, Fan Xian became a good-for-nothing when it came to conspiracies. However, I really don't know if his luck is naturally better than others or if there is some other reason … the result of this matter is not bad."
(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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