The large bed in the back of the Fan manor was still soft. The pair of children were usually treated like little ancestors. At this moment, they were sleeping peacefully under the careful care of the nannies. No one would disturb the people in the main room. Fan Xian was indeed sleepy. He only said a few words to Wan 'er before he sank into the land of dreams. His feet were even soaked in hot water. Lin Wan 'er sighed and rose to put on an unlined robe. She began to continue her work.
Jingdou was peaceful in the night. Most people had already entered Hei Tian's hometown. Only the Emperor, who was unusually diligent, was still reading through the memorials sent from the seven roads and provinces. Although these memorials had already been read twice by the Hall of Governmental Affairs, the Emperor was used to scrutinizing everything under the heavens, so his workload was still great.
The light in the royal study did not tremble at all, but the door began to tremble. Eunuch Yao led another plain-looking eunuch into the royal study without asking for permission.
The Emperor raised his head and glanced at the two of them. He furrowed his brows and said, "What did you find?"
Eunuch Hong had died on Dong Mountain. Eunuch Hou had died during the Jingdou attack on the Palace. The internal court eunuchs were all under Eunuch Yao's control. Although the power of the internal court was not great, because of its special position, its power could not be underestimated. Other than the defense of the Palace, the most important responsibility of this department was the bridge through which the Emperor secretly controlled the Overwatch Council.
This was the Internal Affairs Bureau that had given the Overwatch Council headaches in the past.
However, because of Chen Pingping's existence, the internal court appeared rather humble in the eyes of the Overwatch Council and could not be of much use. Later, the Emperor had the Imperial Censorate begin to compete with the Overwatch Council. Thus, many people began to forget that the internal court had such a function.
Eunuch Yao didn't say anything. He accepted the two files from the plain-looking eunuch's hands and placed them on the table in front of the Emperor. The files were thin. There was certainly not much content inside. The Emperor scanned them lightly. His expression changed slightly before immediately returning to normal.
But it was this slight change that caused Eunuch Yao's heart to sink into ice. The Emperor's expression did not change even when the Eastern Mountain collapsed in front of him. Under the siege of two Great Grandmasters, he still talked and laughed without fear. Yet, because of this thin piece of paper, he was moved. It could be imagined that the content inside had a great impact on the Emperor's mind.
The contents of the paper had nothing to do with the assassination in the Floating Temple. Even if it was related, it was only the later part. What the internal court had been investigating these two years was the whereabouts of the city-guarding crossbows produced by the palace treasury's Third Workshop that winter.
Those city-guarding crossbows in the valley on the outskirts of Jingdou had almost caused Fan Xian to die a tragic death. Later, the Emperor and Fan Xian both found out that the attack was done by the Qin family, but these city guarding crossbows were numbered in the name of the Dingzhou army.
The Emperor withdrew his gaze from the file and was silent for a long time without saying a word. It was as if he also did not understand this matter. That day, Fan Xian had been assassinated in the outskirts of Jingdou. As a ruler and a father, it was difficult for him to suppress his anger. No matter how he investigated, he could not find anything specific. It was not until today, after the internal court's painstaking investigation, that they discovered that there was a shadow in a wheelchair behind the matter.
Other than being shocked, the Emperor did not understand. Even someone like him could not understand why that old dog would do such a thing.
Furthermore, it was clear that An Zhi did not know of this matter. Otherwise, he would not have gone through so many twists and turns to find a glorious and comfortable path of retreat for that old dog. The Emperor rubbed his slightly tense brows and coughed gently. Picking up another file, he glanced at it and asked, "Did that person from Northern Qi also go to Dongyi?"
"Yes." The plain-looking internal court investigator said respectfully, "The Duke of Danbo kidnapped the Northern Qi Emperor into his hut. Afterward, they met privately by the seaside. As for what exactly they talked about, we were unable to find out."
Fan Xian had not reported this matter to the Emperor. The Emperor looked at the paper and Fan Xian's every move in Dongyi recorded on it. His brows became slightly dark. A moment later, he said, "What else?"
"The knives that appeared in Qingzhou were indeed produced by the Third Workshop of the palace treasury, but they were trial models. They had not yet been distributed to the military, so they could not have come from the military." The plain-looking eunuch continued, "Three of those knives appeared. In the end, we only obtained one. Following the Emperor's orders, we sent this knife to Sir Fan junior to give him a reminder."
"Looking at it later, it should have been the person on the grasslands who took the other two knives. It looked like he was helping the Duke of Danbo hide something."
"Xia Mingji and the second young master of the Fan family's cross-border goods have long been watched. They are all daily necessities. These knives shouldn't have come from this channel."
Although Eunuch Yao was the head eunuch of the internal court in name, in reality, the internal court's investigations were directly answered to the Emperor. Thus, this was the first time he had heard of this seemingly vague but, in reality, shocking news. His face was slightly pale. He knew that if the Emperor truly believed the internal court's investigation report, Sir Fan junior would probably be in big trouble. The old man in the wheelchair would also not have many good days ahead of him.
Contrary to Eunuch Yao's expectations, the Emperor smiled coldly. "You want to sow discord between the Qing Kingdom and An Zhi with just three knives?"
After these words were said, Eunuch Yao and the plain-looking eunuch quietly met each other's eyes. They both saw the fear in each other's hearts. Everyone in the world knew that Sir Fan junior was the Emperor's illegitimate child, but no one in the world could say this truth in front of the Emperor. Yet, the Emperor had brought this matter to light in front of these two eunuchs.
"That little guy in Shangjing is very interesting." The Emperor smiled slightly. "Using a little bit of An Zhi's kindness, he actually thought of such a thing."
The eunuch swallowed and carefully said, "Your Majesty, should we continue investigating?"
"Continue investigating the matter of the attack in the valley. The matter of the Hanging Temple … can also be investigated." The Emperor closed his eyes tiredly. "Don't investigate An Zhi's side. In the future, if anything leads to him, let it go."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The Emperor closed his eyes and was silent for a long time. He didn't understand what role Chen Pingping had played behind his back. Suddenly, his heart jumped. He thought that perhaps Fan Xian's son knew about the role Chen Pingping played, which was why he was in such a hurry to take power by disguise.
He believed in Fan Xian's loyalty, just like everyone else in the world. From the perspectives of profit, morality, and nature, Fan Xian would not betray him. The Emperor had this confidence. Even if one day, his son learned of the story from many years ago, at most, he would only unleash a sorrowful anger at him and would not betray this country.
… …
The next day, there was rain in Jingdou. Fan Xian wore a black robe and walked through the rain. Behind him were the three members of the Qinian Unit and a group of Sixth Bureau swordsmen. Silently, they entered a small alley. After exiting the alley, they circled around and saw the narrow door of the manor.
Every time he came to the Yan manor, it seemed to be raining. Perhaps the heavens also knew that the father and son living in this manor were some of the most powerful spies in the world. In the style of darkness and light, they maintained a distance from secular society. He felt some sympathy for them.
Jing Chengzi Manor was still Jing Chengzi Manor. So many years had passed, but the Yan manor was still so low-key. The Emperor's rewards and the court's favor were all not displayed on the surface.
Fan Xian took off his wet raincoat at the door. Without waiting for an announcement, he walked directly toward the rear courtyard. Before long, he saw the large fake mountain that blocked his view of the rear courtyard.
The first time he had entered the Yan manor, Fan Xian had noticed this large fake mountain. Although the building did pay attention to the pattern of covering the door and concealing the view, this fake mountain was too big, too fake, too abrupt, and too ugly.
It was a ten-day break. Usually, Sir Yan junior, who was always busy, had a rare moment of leisure. He was playing checkers with his wife. He and Lady Shen had been married for some time, but there was still no news from her stomach. However, Yan Bingyun was not worried. Looking at the situation, the entire Yan manor was not worried.
Seeing Fan Xian's arrival, a glimmer of surprise flashed across Yan Bingyun's face. He knew that Fan Xian had returned to the capital last night, but he had always thought that given the commissioner's laziness, he would either be playing spring sleepy in his room or going to Prince Heqing's manor to compete in drinking with the Great Prince. He had not thought that he would come to his manor.
When Sir Yan junior was young in Jingdou and later in Shangjing in disguise, he was a famous scholar. He was skilled in the four arts. However, in front of Fan Xian, he did not want to display any of his talent or interest. He was like a block of ice, strictly maintaining the division of superiors and subordinates. It was very boring. Thus, Fan Xian did not want to engage in recreational activities outside of official business with him. Every time Fan Xian entered the Yan manor, it meant that something big was about to happen in the Overwatch Council.
"I'm in a good mood today," Fan Xian said with a smile.
Lady Shen curtsied hastily toward her husband's immediate superior and returned to the rear courtyard. Shen Zhong's daughter had always had the identity of a female fugitive from Northern Qi. A few years ago, she had lived in the Fan manor for a long time and had a good relationship with the women in the Fan manor. In front of Fan Xian, she always felt complicated emotions. Naturally, she did not know how to get along.
Although no one had ever said anything, Lady Shen knew that her father's death and the destruction of her family was not only because of the Northern Qi royal family's indulgence and Shang Shanhu's murderous intent. It also had a lot to do with the young leader of the Qing Overwatch Council.
Watching the woman's figure disappear into the room, Fan Xian's mood sank. He suddenly opened his mouth and said, "How is the matter I talked to you about last time? If you want, I can help her get rid of her identity as a fugitive from Northern Qi. "
Yan Bingyun stood up and stood in the corridor as if looking at the rain and thinking. A moment later, he said in a cold voice, "Don't think that no one in the world knows about the shady business between you and the Northern Qi people. In the past, it didn't matter, but what is the situation now? Once the two sides go to war, what you are doing is aiding the enemy. Instead of quickly washing yourself of it, you still want to use this relationship to gain some benefits. Don't think that just because your identity is special, no one will suspect you of treason. "
"Treason my ass," Fan Xian scolded laughingly. "Am I not also in a hurry to earn money? Besides, most of the money I don't have to spend myself. You've also seen the accounts sent to the Hangzhou Conference and the river works yamen in the past. "
"I don't understand this. In any case, you're giving this money to the court. Why do you have to make a detour in the middle? Most importantly, by avoiding taxes in the middle, the court gets even less money. "
"Fewer procedures means one less bad experience of being skinned alive by officialdom," Fan Xian said. "Furthermore, I like to control these things myself."
"The Palace must know about these things. The Emperor has been enduring silently. You know why. Don't go overboard." Yan Bingyun couldn't resist reminding him.
"The Eldest Princess can get it, but I can't?" Fan Xian said. "The monk can touch, so can I. Why did you change the topic again? Are you willing to do what I asked you earlier? If you are, then I have to quickly send a letter to Shangjing. "
"Her family is all dead. In any case, she won't return to Northern Qi. Why care about that?" Yan Bingyun shook his head.
"There will always be a day when one returns to one's homeland." Fan Xian smiled and patted his shoulder. "Find a quiet place. There are some important things I need to discuss with you."
Yan Bingyun's expression immediately became serious. "Let's do it here. No one in my manor would dare to eavesdrop on anything."
Fan Xian was silent for a moment and acknowledged the other's confidence. Yan Ruohai was a spy the Overwatch Council had placed in the military for decades. Yan Bingyun was also one of the most successful spies in the history of the Qing Kingdom. Such a father and son pair would certainly have sharp eyes and would not allow an unreliable person to remain in the manor.
"I am about to take over the position of Director," Fan Xian said quietly as he looked at the drizzle sliding down the corridor.
There was no expression of surprise on Yan Bingyun's face. Chen Pingping had long stopped looking at matters. There was no difference between Fan Xian and the Director. As for whether or not he would immediately take over the position of Commissioner, he did not care much about this matter. Since Fan Xian had spoken, after a moment of silence, he still said, "Congratulations."
Fan Xian lowered his head and quietly said, "That is why I need you to quickly draw up a plan. I want to be a true Director."
Yan Bingyun's gaze froze and he stared at him quietly. It was as if he wanted to discern the other party's true meaning from his words.
"Including your father, the bald head of the Seventh Bureau, and even the old servant by the old cripple's side, their control over the Council is far above what we can imagine." Fan Xian seemed to not feel his gaze and coldly said, "If I want to be a true Director, I have to let the old comrades rest completely. These people must be kept out of Council affairs."
"You mean to have Director Chen completely break away from the Overwatch Council so that even if he wanted to extend his hand, he wouldn't be able to?"
"That is exactly what I mean."
Even with Yan Bingyun's calmness, he couldn't help but feel boundless shock. He stared at Fan Xian in a daze, not knowing why he would suddenly have such a thought. A moment later, he smiled angrily and said, "You want me to deal with my own father."
"It's a metabolism." Fan Xian smiled. "It has nothing to do with dealing. It's just separation."
"I need a reason," Fan Xian said after a moment of silence.
Fan Xian was silent for a moment and then said, "I'll tell you a story, a story about the wind and snow in the valley."
After finishing the story, Fan Xian looked at Yan Bingyun.
"I don't understand." Yan Bingyun's expression was rather ugly. "The old Director cherished him so much. How could he do those things?"
"I also don't believe it." Fan Xian lowered his head in pain. "But, the Emperor seemed to have found something. If the Emperor truly believed this and the old cripple really wanted to kill me, what do you think the conclusion would be?"
"The Emperor once summoned you into the Palace. You are one of the seven gentlemen in his heart. Qin Heng is dead, but there are still six of you young people. Help me with this and have the Overwatch Council truly fall into my hands. "
…
…
Sitting in the carriage heading out of the city, Fan Xian began to smile proudly again. Last night, he had tricked the Emperor. Today, he had relied on his superb acting skills to trick Yan Bingyun. With this Overwatch Council official taking action, in addition to his conversation with Chen Pingping in a moment, presumably the matter he worried about the most would become a story that would never happen because of the Overwatch Council's complete reorganization.
Behind the attack in the valley was the shadow of the Overwatch Council. If Yan Ruohai had not reported to Chen Pingping and cooperated with the Qin family, it would have been impossible for the Qin family's private soldiers at Xiao Mountain and Qin Heng's concealment of the Jingdou Garrison to calculate the path of Fan Xian's carriages from Jiangnan, much less launch such a fierce attack.
If Chen Pingping wanted to kill Fan Xian, this alone was enough. Fan Xian had used this story to convince Yan Bingyun of his sincerity. He had also made Yan Bingyun believe that he had no intention of revenge. He only wanted to follow his old example of attacking the Second Prince and strike first, allowing the old Director to retire peacefully.
The reason he had to make such a detour was because of the matter of the Shadow and Ye Qingmei. Fan Xian would not tell anyone even if he was beaten to death. He could not tell Yan Bingyun. He could not even tell his wife.
"How many people in the world know that you once wanted to kill me?" Fan Xian sat in the quiet room in Chen Garden with a smile on his face. He listened to the babbling of a distant relative and looked at the elderly Chen Pingping beside him.
Chen Pingping's expression was calm. He glanced at him coldly and said, "In order to force me to leave Jingdou, you're willing to do so. That matter was done by Yan Ruohai. Will Yan Bingyun investigate?"
"I'm not hoping for him to investigate. I'm just hoping for you to quickly return home to find your first love." Fan Xian laughed loudly. "You should know that starting tomorrow, I will be the Director of the Overwatch Council. You are just a lonely old man who has retired early. What will you use to fight me?"
After these words were said, Fan Xian suddenly fell silent. He said heavily, "You promised me to let go at the beginning. You said you had thought it through, but you didn't, so I can only force you to leave."
"You bastard!" Chen Pingping coughed as he cursed. "I don't care about anything anymore, and you're still worried?"
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