After listening to Yang Ling's arrangements, Wu Jie couldn't help but look at Yang Ling in awe.
This Factory Supervisor, who had always been indecisive, had unexpectedly hardened his heart to be so ruthless. It looked like this reign of terror was unavoidable. As the head of the inner factory, other than advancing and retreating together with Yang Ling, he similarly had no other way out. Since he had been forced to the point of life and death, then … you die, I live!
Wu Jie solemnly cupped his hands and said, "Yes! This lowly official obeys. Tonight, the QING: Five Cities Warlords will lock the city to arrest the murderer. Although I can leave, I will still attract attention. Jinling is the capital of Shang, Dafu. He won't be able to hold out for too long. Tomorrow morning, this lowly official will think of a way to leave and immediately rush back to the capital to prepare. "
Yang Ling nodded and narrowed his eyes in thought. "The Emperor is young and impulsive. It won't be difficult to persuade him. Those officials don't dare to mobilize troops. The only ones they can use are the Factory Guards. To deal with them …"
Yang Ling smiled confidently. "With the intention to fight the unprepared, with the preparation to fight the unprepared, it will be easy to deal with them. As long as the Emperor agrees, he won't be accused of rebellion. I'm not afraid of making a big deal out of this. If we talk about difficulty, the difficulty is that the world cannot fall into chaos. If we can't quickly calm the situation after a thunderous move, then their counterattack will be enough to turn us from victors to prisoners. "Then their counterattack will be enough to turn us from victors to prisoners."
When Cheng Qiyun heard his plan, her cheeks flushed red. It was as if power struggle and killing made her extremely excited when she heard it.
She smiled at Yang Ling. "Daren, speaking of the human heart, Daren doesn't understand it as well as this lowly official. This lowly official was originally worried that it would be very difficult to exterminate the tens of thousands of Factory Guards in the capital. If they succeed first, the Emperor will be alone and won't offend the entire court for a few dead people. Since Daren has the means to deal with the Factory Guards, the court doesn't need to worry."
Cheng Qiyun's dark eyes showed a hint of mockery. "Those daren don't have parents, wives, and children? Don't they seek to be promoted? If you ask them to wave flags and shout, they are all loyal officials. If you ask them to sacrifice their lives for righteousness, there are far too few.
Since ancient times, it has been said that the winner is the king, while the loser is the thief. Don't be fooled by the fact that there are easily a hundred or two hundred people submitting memorials to the throne now. After the deed is done, even if Daren dismisses the three Grand Scholars, the number of people who are willing to protect them will not exceed thirty. This lowly officer dares to use my head as a guarantee. "
Yang Ling looked at her with a faint smile and said faintly, "Why would I want your head? If we lose, we'll all lose our heads. You've just entered the Inner Factory and you're already at a critical juncture. Don't you regret it? "
Cheng Qiyun said disapprovingly, "Riches are found in danger. We have a seventy percent chance of success, so what's there to regret? In fact, the success of this matter depended on two things. One was the Emperor, and the other was the guards. Daren, even if you can't persuade the Emperor alone, with the help of the eight tigers, the Emperor will have no choice but to nod his head. Didn't you say that the Emperor trusts the nine of you the most?
With His Majesty's approval, we will have to compete with the Factory Guards in terms of strength. Daren's method just now, this lowly official has carefully thought about it. As long as there are no mistakes, we will be able to take down the Dongchang Imperial Bodyguard in one night. "
She smiled and sighed, "What was Milord worried about at that time? The hundreds of officials in court? Their weapons are a mouth and a pen. Now lowly official understands what it means for a scholar to rebel for three years. "
Yang Ling looked at her comfortingly. He was no longer a small deputy of the Chicken Crow Inn. When he climbed to the peak of power, a considerable force would naturally form around him, a group of people that he could order around. This force would continue to grow with his power and influence.
What he was worried about was the officials in court. They had already formed a group of interests, just like Wu Jie, Yu Yong, and himself. Even if they didn't follow him, they might not be able to tolerate the other and could only follow him wholeheartedly.
Similarly, if the Six Ministries, Nine Ministers, and all the civil and military officials in court were of the same mind as the Three Chancellors and all piled up their burdens, who would manage the court? With the connections and prestige of the Three Scholars in court, if they insisted on opposing him, would there only be twenty or thirty people who would follow them to the end? He really didn't dare to believe Cheng Qiyun's words.
Cheng Qiyun saw that he was still worried about the court and couldn't help but say, "Milord, a year ago you were still a scholar at the Chicken Crow Inn. If I said that you had the talent to lead the internal affairs and assist the Emperor, would you believe it? To be the eunuch guarding Jiangnan, one must have the skill and ability. Milord transferred away two eunuchs who were originally squatting at the east end of the county and could see the west end of the county. Isn't the management just as good as Yuan Xiong and the others? It's not that there aren't capable people, but if you don't give them the chance, who knows what they are?
The Prince of Yan, Jing, has rarely ruled the world. He replaced the court officials, generals, ministers, and ministers that Hongwu the Great left for Jianwen Emperor with a mere advisor. Can't they govern the world? Milord, do you really believe that without the Three Scholars, the world will collapse? Desperate times call for desperate measures. If milord is still overcautious and has the heart of a woman, then why don't you immediately return to the capital, resign and return to your hometown? I believe that there won't be more than thirty officials who will be ruthless. I can also guarantee it with my head. "
That's right, Cheng Qiyun's words made his heart light up. Even if there were more people who opposed than what she said, the situation should not be too serious. Who had ever seen a change of power in the central government? Which mayor or county head would resign or rebel in anger? If the Prince of Yan, Jing, seized the country, those scholars could thicken their faces and continue to be his local officials. He himself would attack Dongchang and dismiss a few court officials. It's not like the foreign tribes have taken over. How many people would be willing to stand up and oppose him?
Yang Ling listened happily and couldn't help but laugh out loud. After laughing, he straightened his robe and stood up, saying, "Good! Since that's the case, the future of the internal affairs and my life, Yang Ling, will be in your hands! Old Man Wu and Old Cheng will act according to plan. Liu Qianhu, help me contact Mayor Shao tomorrow morning. I want to see him before I leave. Now go and rest. "
Watching the three of them leave the room, the smile on Yang Ling's face suddenly disappeared. He stood silently for a while before waving his hand to extinguish the candles on the table and slowly returning to his room.
Gao Wenxin was sitting at the head of the bed waiting for him. She could also see that something was wrong. Seeing Yang Ling come in with a heart full of worries, she timidly walked over to help him take off his official's robe like a gentle wife.
Acupuncture and massage. Gao Wenxin was gentler and more considerate than before, but she still didn't dare to speak. It wasn't until she was so tired that her breathing gradually became heavy that Yang Ling turned over and suddenly pulled her wrist. Gao Wenxin cried out softly and fell on the head of the bed.
She didn't know what Yang Ling's intention was. She couldn't help but feel embarrassed and scared. Her heart started to beat faster for no reason. Yang Ling turned over and sat up. He was silent for a moment before he said apologetically, "Wen Xin, I know your medical skills have always been treating illnesses and saving lives. It's hard for a girl like you to make an exception for me."
Gao Wenxin didn't know why he brought this up. She couldn't help but stutter, "Master, why … why do you say that? My people were saved by you … "Speaking to this point, she suddenly remembered that the first time they met was also on the bed. At that time, she was only wearing her undergarments. Her entire body was seen by him and she couldn't help blushing.
After pausing for a moment, she lowered her head and said in a low voice, "This servant doesn't know those great principles, and I don't want to know. I only know that master is … is the person that I value the most in my heart. For you … even if this servant has to climb a mountain of swords, dive into a sea of fire, or even go to the eighteen levels of hell after death, I am willing."
Yang Ling gently held her hand. Gao Wenxin's body trembled. Her pair of watery eyes looked up and looked at him affectionately. Yang Ling quietly said, "I know that you are the person that I absolutely trust, so … I want to give you a task!"
His eyes flickered as he continued, "After I left the capital, there were people who set up a trap in the capital to deal with me. Originally … there were still a portion of the civil and military officials in the capital who were on my side, so I originally wanted to keep the peace. But after Wang Qiong died, I had no way to argue or avoid it. Conflict with them was unavoidable."
Gao Wenxin's heart suddenly trembled, and her eyes were a little confused. "Master, do you want me to poison and kill people? God … so many officials … but … what do they have to do with me? When my father was beheaded, did anyone stand up for him? When I was sent to the Musical House, did anyone help me? If master wants to kill people, there must be a reason. He was forced to a dead end. "
Gao Wenxin fiercely gritted her teeth, held back her tears, and nodded hard. She stuck out her chest and said, "Master, don't worry. No matter what you want me to do, even if you want me to kill the emperor, I will not hesitate. If I can't escape … I will commit suicide by swallowing poison. I will never get you into trouble. "
Yang Ling was stunned. He looked at her for a long time and suddenly held her in his arms, holding her soft and round waist. Gao Wenxin could feel Yang Ling's heart. He hugged her so tightly, which was totally different from the first time he hugged her in the willow grove in Taihu Lake.
Gao Wenxin's heart was filled with sweetness. She thought in a daze, "For the person I love, even if I have to die, it's nothing. It's just that … I might not be able to hug him anymore. I really want him to hug me. I really want to call him my husband. What a pity …"
She was so excited that she also hugged Yang Ling. It took Yang Ling a long time to calm down. He put his mouth close to her ear and said, "If I let others do this, I am afraid they will be disappointed, so I can only let you do it. From tomorrow onwards, you have to help me keep an eye on Dai Lou Er. You are only a weak woman and won't make her suspicious. If she does anything strange, with your acupuncture skills, it will be easy to kill her. "
"What?" Gao Wenxin was shocked and left his arms. The person he wanted to kill was … her? Gao Wenxin was surprised and said, "Master, you … why do you want to kill her?"
Yang Ling nodded and said, "I don't have to kill her. I just want you to stay by her side and pay attention to her every move. Tomorrow, she will help me do something big. But she has just joined the inner factory and she is with a scoundrel like Gu Qinghe. I really don't know how sincere she is. If she has the slightest bit of disloyalty, it will ruin my plan.
If I leave this matter to the people of the Inner Faction, it will inevitably disappoint me. Besides … she really is a beauty. If I sincerely seduce her, those men … will not betray me because of her beauty. Only God knows. I can only trouble you. "
Gao Wenxin was delighted and said, "He … he is afraid that he will disappoint his subordinates if he leaves this matter to someone else. Isn't he afraid that I, as a servant, will disappoint him? In his heart, what kind of person does he think I am? "
Gao Wenxin glanced at him bashfully and gently nodded her head.
Yang Ling then said, "Wang Qiong has just died. If we leave now, it will make people suspicious. But if we don't leave, I won't be able to clear my name. Tomorrow morning, I will go to see Town Governor Shao in secret and then immediately return to the capital. My plan is … "
※ ※ ※
The imperial envoy was returning to the capital!
Even Eunuch Feng and Guard Guan, who came to see him off, had a strange expression on their faces. But Yang Ling couldn't care less. His face was calm. It was not because of the nonsense that was used to comfort himself, but because he knew that the news of Wang Qiong's assassination would immediately spread to the capital. It would be strange if those civil officials didn't immediately explode.
Originally, they didn't have a good impression of him. After he became the Factory Supervisor, he raided Mo Qinghe's house and wiped out Yuan Xiong's five thousand men and horses. What kind of impression would he give people? Although this matter would damage his reputation, Yang Ling's daring and ruthless image was also deeply rooted in people's hearts. Coupled with the old and new hatred with Wang Qiong, it would be strange if those people didn't explode.
So he had to hurry back to the capital as fast as possible. Otherwise, he was afraid that when he arrived in the capital, the imperial edict would arrive before he could do anything.
But to outsiders, it seemed like Yang Ling had nothing to fear, or perhaps he was so stupid that he didn't even think about the effect this matter would have on him. He bid farewell to Eunuch Feng and Guard Guan and leisurely returned to his official ship. The two ships leisurely sailed north … …
In the Changting Restaurant, the customers who had come to the teahouse in the morning were discussing about the assassination of Wang Qiong, the Minister of the Ministry of Rites. In the eyes of these ordinary people, it was clear that they cared more about the thrill and strangeness of the assassination of a high-ranking official of the imperial court. Even though a few scholars deliberately sighed and groaned, there was a hint of excitement between their brows as they recounted the legend.
In their eyes, a famous and loyal official was clearly not as beloved as a good county magistrate who was as clear as water and as bright as a mirror, able to bring practical meaning to his hometown and life. In truth, this wasn't strange. The common people understood the court through word of mouth, and what they passed on was naturally only anecdotes. How much could they understand about a meticulous old Daoist?
The scene of an upright official dying with injustice and the people weeping was probably the same as the Lotus Flower propaganda written by later generations. It was purely wishful thinking. Unless that upright official really walked on the fields and did many practical things.
The knife in Ma Lian 'er's hand became lighter as she listened to everyone's conversation. Her eyebrows slightly furrowed.
The QING Five Cities Warlords were well controlled, and the various officials in Nanjing were not fools. None of them spread yesterday's banquet for the common people to speculate. Therefore, these scholars only talked as if they had seen it with their own eyes about how the assassin's archery was like a god, how he fought one hundred enemies, and how he escaped from the hands of the QING Five Cities Warlords. They didn't say anything of value.
But when Ma Lian 'er thought of the old grudge between Wang Qiong and Yang Ling, she couldn't help thinking, "No matter why Wang Qiong died, I'm afraid those officials in the capital who like to make groundless accusations will make a big fuss again and make things difficult for brother Yang."
She bit her thin red lips and finally made up her mind. She put down the knife and grabbed her apron to wipe her hands. She called out, "Da Bo, I'm going out for a moment. Tell someone to look at the counter."
Inside, Ma Lian 'er was about to leave when she saw a man in short clothing at the door. At that time, most people were wearing gowns, short shirts and long pants, and carrying a pouch. Most of them were small merchants or horse peddlers. Ma Lian' er didn't pay attention. Unexpectedly, the man entered the room and looked around. Then he ran towards her and quietly said, "Miss Ma, to the west of the pavilion, Mr Yang in the pine forest wants to see you."
Ma Lian 'er was startled. She looked at the man but didn't recognize him. The man smiled slightly and said, "The gentleman is like the bright moon, I am the fog." Then he looked around, as if this inn was of a higher class and he didn't want to eat, and then he awkwardly retreated.
Ma Lian 'er was curious, "Why is Brother Yang acting so sneakily? Is it not convenient for him to see me now? In the pine forest … in the forest … "Her face was slightly hot. She wiped her hands hard and took off her blue dress before she silently flashed out of the inn.
She casually strolled around. Seeing no one was paying attention, Ma Lian 'er sped up and walked to the west side of the pavilion. She walked next to a cluster of short pine trees. She saw a dozen or so burly merchants dressed as horsemen sitting on the grass. Beside them, a dozen horses were tied under the trees and eating grass. Ma Lian 'er couldn't help but hesitate. Even though that person had said a secret that only she and Yang Ling knew, how could she not be afraid of suddenly seeing a group of men in a secret place?
At this time, someone in the forest called out, "Lian 'er, come here!"
This voice was very familiar. Ma Lian 'er cheerfully raised her head and saw Yang Ling standing in the forest calling for her. She couldn't help but be overjoyed. She hurriedly sprinted into the forest. Seeing Yang Ling's coarse clothing and short clothing, she couldn't help but smile intimately. "You … why are you dressed like this?"
A light flashed through her mind and she said in realization, "You … are returning to Jing?"
Yang Ling silently nodded and said, "Last time, I didn't tell you when I left. This time, no matter what, I have to see you first."
Ma Lian 'er's brow furrowed and she said worriedly, "Something major happened in Jing? Someone is plotting against you, is it? "
Yang Ling jumped in fright. He had originally wanted to explain, but he hadn't expected her to guess everything from his clothing. The worry in Ma Lian 'er's eyes deepened. She couldn't help but pull his hand and say in a trembling voice, "You … you actually disguised yourself. How important is this? … I … "
This matter concerned Yang Ling's safety. Her voice started to tremble slightly.
Yang Ling glanced at her. It was easy to speak with a smart and beautiful wife. He had originally wanted to hide some things so she wouldn't worry, but now he couldn't lie.
Yang Ling sighed and said straightforwardly, "There are officials in Jing who have been plotting against me for a long time. Yesterday, Wang Qiong was assassinated. This debt will be placed on my head. The situation can explode at any moment. The Inner Faction has just been established. If I don't return, the hearts of the people will be unsteady. Will the people be willing to work to the death? Also, other than me, there is no one else who can control the situation. So … ah, I originally promised you, but now I have to break my promise again. "
Ma Lian 'er said with a smile, "What's with all this chatter? If you want to leave, leave quickly. Speed is the most important thing in war. The more time we have, the more chance we have of victory. If you still linger, then it is Lian 'er harming you. "
Yang Ling happily nodded his head. He suddenly felt in his bosom. With a melodious jingle, he took out two black gold bracelets inlaid with blue diamonds. Then he grabbed Ma Lian 'er's bare hand and put the bracelets on for her.
The sunlight shone on her wrist, and the jet-black bracelet made her skin look like snow and frost. The row of blue diamonds sparkled brightly. Just the half-taken off green dress and her slender wrist had a kind of seductive beauty that could take one's soul away.
Ma Lian 'er bit her lip and treasured the bracelets. She suddenly turned and said, "Leave. Lian' er can't help you with the matters of the court, but I can't hold you back!" As she spoke, a string of tears even brighter than the diamonds flowed down her face.
In the Ming Dynasty, the wives of commoners were not allowed to wear bracelets and bracelets. Ma Lian 'er's father had been a low-ranking official to begin with, and now he was a commoner. Yang Ling had put two bracelets on her. Even though he hadn't given her a grand betrothal gift, this was already expressing his intentions and recognizing her as Yang Ling's wife. Her status was finally set. How could she not be happy?
Yang Ling stood there silently for a moment, then suddenly turned around and strode out of the forest. He leaped onto his horse. Seeing this, the knights released their reins and leaped onto their horses. In an instant, the horses neighed and galloped.
Yang Ling took a six-in-one hat from the side of the saddle and put it on his head. The brim of the hat was pressed low. His left hand held the reins and his right hand took off the whip. He turned back to look at the forest.
Inside the pine tree, dressed in a green dress, Ma Lian 'er had wiped away her tears. She smiled brightly at him and said, "My heart is not happy, I am willing to be my husband's horse whip.
Go in and out of my husband's arms, sit by my husband's knees.
I wish for Husband to be victorious and successful! Do not let lovesickness kill. "
Yang Ling's spirit rose. His eyes only looked deeply at Lian 'er before he turned his head and whipped his horse. He led the dozen or so riders to gallop away.
"If you want lovesickness to not kill, then Yang will kill lovesickness! Jing, I, Yang Ling, have returned! "
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