The Emperor was the ruler of the world. All the founding emperors of the past dynasties had spent their entire lives in the army and fought on the battlefield. Letting Zhengde experience the cruelty of the battlefield and understand the suffering of the people was more effective than reciting ten thousand words of the sage's teachings.
Yang Ling understood these principles. But when he thought about taking the Emperor to the frontier fortress and letting him quietly step on Mount Baishan, Yang Ling became more and more afraid as he thought about it. He had to take the Emperor to the frontier fortress and let him quietly set foot on Mount Baishan and meet with the leaders of the three Duoyan guards who were sometimes friends and sometimes enemies on the battlefield where the Ming army and the Tartars were fighting.
Just this matter alone was enough for the officials to risk their lives to impeach him. If the Tartars heard the news and attacked with a large number of troops, or if Hua Dang became disloyal and took Zhengde hostage, what should he do?
Emperor Zhengde was complacent. Suddenly he saw Yang Ling's pale face. He couldn't help but stop smiling and said to Yang Ling solemnly: "Yang …"
"I'm here!" Yang Ling responded with a bitter expression.
Zhengde said seriously: "People often say that I have the world, but is my world the world of the Forbidden City? What's wrong with going out to see the mountains and rivers? What's more, if I go to see Hua Dang now, I will do a great thing for Ming Destiny. My army will shed less blood and less people will die. My people will suffer less. As a king, shouldn't I go? "
He took a breath and said softly: "I know you are worried about my safety and worried that I will be attacked by the officials."
He laughed lightly and said with contempt, "Let them say what they want. They just want to treat me like a bird and keep me in a cage. I only need to pretend to be courteous to the wise scholars, listen to their sincere advice, and be at ease here as a clay sculpture or wooden body god. I will be the good Emperor in their eyes.
But I don't want to be such a king! Ming Destiny is my world, and I will do my duty as the Emperor! "
Yang Ling looked at Zheng De in a daze. Zheng De's youthful face had a rare look of seriousness. His eyes were bright as he looked at Yang Ling. "I remember when you first came to the capital, you told me many stories about the various kingdoms across the sea. None of the wise kings in those stories cowered in the palace when it was time for them to fulfill their responsibilities. They confidently told others that protecting their lives was their duty for the people. What kind of emperor do you want me to be?" Zheng De looked at Zheng De in a daze. Zheng De's youthful face had a rare look of seriousness.
Zhengde raised his handsome eyebrows and said to Yang Ling word by word, "I am the Son of Heaven. Now I am going to do something for Ming Destiny! You are my beloved subject, can you assist me in this matter? "
Yang Ling was excited. Who said that the little emperor in front of him was young and inexperienced? His eyes were only playful and playful. Did he really not seriously think about the responsibility of being a king? Or was it the depressing reality that forced him to indulge in all kinds of games to kill time?
Yang Ling did not speak. He took two steps back and for the first time, he was full of respect. He bowed deeply to Zhengde and said, "Your humble subject obeys Your Majesty. Your subject is willing to assist my Emperor to revive Ming Destiny and achieve an unprecedented hegemony!"
Zhengde excitedly held Yang Ling's arm and was about to speak when he suddenly heard a gurgling sound. Emperor Zhengde was startled and could not help but laugh. He said, "After talking with you, I forgot it was time to eat. Come, Subject Yang, accompany me to eat. My trip to Datong depends on you."
When Yang Ling accompanied the Crown Prince to study at the Spring Square, they often ate together. After Zhengde ascended to the throne, this was the first time he ate with the Emperor. It was a great honor and must be noted in the daily notes and court bulletins.
Yang Ling did not want to be ostentatious and was about to politely refuse when Zhengde raised his voice to the outside of the hall. "Servants, serve the meal. I want to eat with Subject Yang. Ask Jieyu and Bashful Flower to come as well."
Yang Ling hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, this is not appropriate. Although Jieyu and Bashful Flower are not concubines in the palace, they are people who serve Your Majesty. How can your subject …"
Zhengde did not care and waved his hand to stop him. He then excitedly talked about the way to leave the capital. While the two were talking, the little eunuchs in the imperial kitchen came in like an endless stream. The sumptuous royal dishes had been brought in and the two stopped talking.
At the corner of the hall was a big table decorated with coiled dragons and golden lacquer embroidery. The table was filled to the brim, with four brocade stools placed on all four sides. The little eunuch used his silver chopsticks to taste the wine and dishes one by one, then he tasted them one by one. He saluted Zheng De and quietly withdrew, leaving only the little eunuch standing at the side.
Jieyu and Bashful Flower floated into the hall like a flowing cloud. The fragrance of cosmetics immediately rushed into their nostrils. Zhengde asked the two beautiful women to use jade cups. He and Yang Ling sat opposite each other and used jue cups.
After one cup of jue cup, Yang Ling was already slightly drunk. He was worried about the Emperor leaving the capital after the New Year. Despite Zhengde's repeated persuasion, he did not dare to drink anymore. He only picked some refreshing dishes and took a few sips.
Zhengde was in high spirits. Halfway through his meal, he smiled and said to Yang Ling, "Yang, these two girls both know folk songs. Jieyu, Bashful Flower, sing a song for me to liven things up."
Jieyu pursed her small mouth and smiled. Her watery eyes glanced at Yang Ling. She picked up an ivory bell and gently knocked it on the jade bowl and the golden bell. Amidst the melodious sound, she sang a folk song. The tone was soft and charming. Zhengde shook his head and was very happy to hear it.
With great difficulty, the banquet was over. Yang Ling took advantage of the time when Zhengde was cleaning his hands with the golden bowl and whispered to him, "Your Majesty, you want to leave the Palace. It is a very important matter. Just now I thought about it carefully. It is impossible to get permission from the officials. It looks like I can only follow Your Majesty's idea and quietly leave the capital.
However, the civil and military officials may be able to hide it, but there must be someone in the capital to take charge. Therefore, the three scholars cannot be hidden. Grand Scholar Jiao is experienced and prudent. He is very considerate of Your Majesty's intention. I want to go and have a secret discussion with him. "
Zhengde chuckled and said, "All right, you go. This matter is my idea. Subject Yang was only forced by the Emperor to accompany the Emperor. No one will dare to do anything to you."
Although Ming Destiny had many shortcomings, at that time, it was still the most powerful country. When it came to war, its provisions and armaments were far superior to those of the surrounding small countries. However, it was often at a disadvantage in war. The biggest reason was that it emphasized culture and belittled military.
If it could not personally experience war, how could Zhengde achieve political and military achievements? After listening to Zhengde's heartfelt words, Yang Ling decided to disregard his personal gains and losses. He would accompany him even if he had to go through a mountain of daggers and a sea of flames. He listened to Zhengde taking all the responsibility on himself. He did not want the officials to say anything. With a grateful smile on his face, he cupped his hands and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your concern. I will take my leave."
Zhengde took a snow-white, smooth silk handkerchief and wiped his hands. Two beautiful women gracefully surrounded him. One on the left and the other on the right, they hugged his arms. Jieyu smiled and said, "Why is Your Majesty so happy today? Even your eyebrows and eyes are smiling. "
This was the first time in Zhengde's life that he could go far away. Moreover, it was the battlefield that he had been longing for. He could not contain his excitement. Moreover, Jieyu and Bashful Flower were both beautiful women. Jieyu was happy and sweet, which suited his taste.
He could not contain his excitement. He gently pinched Jieyu's soft cheeks and said with a smile, "Let me tell you, do not let anyone else know." Zhengde lowered his voice and whispered, "After the New Year, I will leave the capital for a tour in the north. Hahaha, the sea is wide and the sky is wide."
Jieyu and Bashful Flower were startled. Their eyes met. Bashful Flower's eyes were filled with uncontrollable joy. She also put on a sweet smile and pulled Zhengde's arm, rubbing against her full breasts. She said in a sweet voice, "Your Majesty, please tell me in detail. Can I accompany you?"
Zhengde quickly shook his head and said, "No, no. If I bring a woman, Yang will not allow it. I will not go and ask for trouble."
Bashful Flower stamped her feet and said, "Aiya, then tell me where you are going. Her Majesty does not like us. If you are not in the capital …" She already pretended to be tearing up.
Zhengde's heart softened. He quickly held her hand and smiled, "Don't worry, I will arrange for you to go to the Leopard Room. Just ask Liu Jin to take care of you. You want to know where I am going? Hehe, let's talk about it first. "
* * *
Jiao Fang was now ranked second among the three scholars. She was a high ranking official with a high status. She was no longer in the awkward situation where she was ostracized in the Ministry of Rites and Ministry of Personnel. With Yang Ling supporting her, her career was smooth sailing. She was beaming with joy every day.
Jiao Fang was in the hall, writing reports, arranging for the various departments to collect the soldiers' pay, prepare the laborers, transport the rations and weapons, compensate the injured soldiers, conscript doctors, and medicine. He was so busy that he couldn't take a break. Suddenly hearing that Yang Ling had come to visit, Jiao Fang hurriedly got off the bed and welcomed him with a face full of smiles.
Yang Ling was the Commander of the Emperor's Personal Guards and a third-rank general. The Inner Sanctum was a private office set up by the Emperor. It was not part of the Imperial Court and had no ranks. However, Yang Ling had the title of nobility and wore the four-clawed robe bestowed by the Emperor. His power was unparalleled.
Jiao Fang regarded herself as a member of Yang Ling's faction. When she saw this young man, she always addressed him respectfully as "Your Excellency" and humbly called him a disciple. Although he was in the Palace, he was still very respectful. He welcomed Yang Ling into the Library and personally served him fragrant tea. He smiled and said, "When did Your Excellency enter the Palace? These days, there are many reports waiting to be approved. I have not been to your residence to pay a visit. I was planning to bring my son to pay a visit during the New Year. "
Yang Ling smiled and said, "Jiao Weng, you don't have to be so courteous. There are some officials in the Imperial Court who use official duties to avenge personal grievances. The Yamen's decrees are not good. There is a war at the front and the matters at the back are not the least bit trivial. It has been hard on you."
Jiao Fang's old face turned red. He said with some emotion, "Thank you, Your Excellency, for your concern. Your Excellency, I am very grateful. When Liu Gong-gong found out about these matters, he flew into a rage. These past few days, he has ordered the hundred officials to return to the yamen immediately to manage the affairs. Two more days and it will be a little easier. "
Yang Ling nodded and sat down on the edge of the kang. He glanced at the eunuch serving at the door. Jiao Fang understood and said to the eunuch, "You may leave. There is no need for servants here."
When the thick velvet felt was piled up again, Jiao Fang leaned closer and asked in a soft voice, "Your Excellency, is there something important?"
Yang Ling nodded and said, "Hmm, there is indeed something important I want to discuss with you." Yang Ling told Jiao Fang about Zhengde's plan to go to Datong. When Jiao Fang heard this, he jumped up and anxiously shook his hands, saying, "Absolutely not. Your Excellency should dissuade His Majesty. In a battlefield, how can His Majesty easily take risks? This matter cannot be carried out, absolutely cannot be carried out."
Yang Ling quietly looked at him, waiting for him to slightly calm down before lightly saying, "His Majesty has made up his mind. I came to find Jiao Weng to discuss with you how to arrange for His Majesty to go to Datong and what to do in the capital. The matter of dissuasion can be abandoned."
Only then did Jiao Fang calm down. He sat back down at the table, twirling his beard with his white eyebrows tightly knitted. After a long time, he shook his head with a bitter expression and said, "The civil and military officials will not agree."
Yang Ling nodded and said, "Hmm, I have also thought of this. Therefore … His Majesty can only travel incognito."
He hesitated for a moment before saying, "His Majesty has to secretly meet with the leaders of the three Duoyan Guards. Even if there are no officials to dissuade him, he will still have to travel lightly.
However, although he will be traveling incognito, the number of people accompanying him will not be small. Therefore, I want to transfer the most elite forces of the Imperial Army, the Capital Barracks, the Palace Guards, and Dongchang to accompany His Majesty. There will be at least … five thousand people. All of them will disguise themselves as reinforcements at the border. This way, five thousand people will be insignificant. At the very least, it will not attract the attention of the local government and the enemy's secret agents. "
Yang Ling described the situation in detail again. After listening, Jiao Fang thought for a moment and said, "Will Your Excellency go with us?"
Yang Ling smiled bitterly and said, "If I do not guard by his side, how can I be at ease? I am afraid that he will not be able to eat or sleep. Naturally, I will stay by His Majesty's side. I will use the excuse that His Majesty is going to the border to inspect on behalf of His Majesty. "
Jiao Fang's expression immediately softened. After thinking for a moment, she said, "Then … this plan is feasible. However, to be cautious, when we arrive at Datong, we should secretly inform Datong's Inspector-General, Hu Zan. He is the highest military and political official of Datong. Although Yang Yiqing is currently leading the troops and Miao Kui is supervising the troops, he can mobilize at least twenty thousand troops. With him secretly watching over us, we will be absolutely safe."
Yang Ling thought for a moment and nodded. He said, "Very well. This matter cannot be concealed from the Grand Scholars of the Cabinet. At that time, His Majesty will first use the excuse of a slight illness as an excuse to delay for two days. I estimate that when we arrive at Xuan Fu, Jiao Weng will then inform Grand Scholars Li and Yang.
At that time, what is done cannot be undone. They can only help to cover it up. With the three of you guarding the capital, I can rest assured. As for the other officials … the three Grand Scholars of the Cabinet can inform the six ministries and nine ministers. The officials below them can inform that His Majesty's dragon body is not well and will not be promoted to court for the time being. "
Jiao Fang recalled how Li Dongyang and Yang Tinghe flew into a rage when they discovered that His Majesty had disappeared. He could not help feeling a headache. He sighed and said, "Very well. When the time comes, I will ask His Majesty to issue a secret decree. Otherwise, I will not be able to subdue these two Grand Scholars."
He thought for a moment and continued, "In addition, how should we arrange for the Imperial Storage Residence?"
Yang Ling stared at him. "Imperial Storage Residence Hunt? What Imperial Storage Residence Hunt? " Yang Ling was a little timid. He had only heard of the Qing Dynasty Emperor Mulan Autumn Hunt. When he left the capital to hunt, it was called Autumn Hunt. When he fled the capital, it was called Autumn Hunt. Why did the Ming Dynasty also have a Autumn Hunt?
Jiao Fang was also startled. He remembered that this Daren was only a Xiucai. Once he became a genius, he became a high ranking official. It was normal that he did not know much about the imperial court system. He smiled and said, "Imperial Storage Residence Hunt is a law that must be followed by the imperial court. Ming Dynasty has passed for almost a hundred years and the Emperor has not left the capital. This old system is rarely mentioned. No wonder Daren does not remember it."
Jiao Fang took a sip of tea and continued, "When the Emperor personally goes to war or inspects the world, he must appoint the Crown Prince to stay in the capital. If the Emperor does not have an heir or the Crown Prince is too young to manage the affairs of the country, then he can send his younger brother to supervise the country.
When Emperor Yingzong went on an expedition to the north, he sent his younger brother, Prince Cheng, to stay in the capital. The current Emperor does not have an heir or a brother of his own. The only way is to find a Crown Prince from among the vassal kings. Only after the Crown Prince is established can we talk about the Imperial Storage Residence. "
Yang Ling frowned. "His Majesty is in his prime. He is only sixteen years old. Is there a need to make such a big fuss about establishing a Crown Prince?"
Jiao Fang hurriedly explained, "Daren, this is a necessary rule. It is better to be prepared. Since the Emperor left the capital in secret, the establishment of the Crown Prince must also be done in secret. By that time, only the Six Ministries, the Nine Ministers, and the Three Scholars will know about this matter. Even the Crown Prince of the vassal king himself will not know about this matter. When the Emperor returns to the capital, he can revoke the decree. "
Hearing this, Yang Ling felt relieved. But the establishment of the Crown Prince was the Emperor's business. It seemed that Zhengde had to make the decision. Yang Ling was hesitating whether he should go back to the Palace of Heavenly Purity to see Zhengde. The eunuch outside said in a loud voice, "The Grand Scholar is discussing state affairs with Yang Ling and Sir Yang. Put the dossier down and come back later to get it."
Yang Ling raised his voice and asked, "What is it? Who sent the dossier? "
The eunuch outside replied respectfully, "Daren, the Minister of Revenue, Yan Song, said that he has a memorial to the Grand Scholar regarding the preparation of grain and fodder and the recruitment of laborers."
Yan Song was not an outsider. His official rank was low, so he rarely went to Yang Ling's house. But through his wife's diplomacy, he had always maintained a close relationship with the Yang Family.
Yang Ling had ordered Jiangnan, Hunan, and Shaanxi, three provinces, to try to plant new grain in one area, one county, and one province. Although the new grain seeds and the trained farmers had not yet been sent, he had already ordered the three provinces to survey the land, find out the situation of the local farming, prepare the farming tools, and persuade the tenant farmers. All of these things had been issued through the Ministry of Revenue.
Hangul was opposed to the idea of trying to plant new grain in one province before the trial. Although the Shaanxi Inspector-General was a private official appointed by Liu Jin, and he spared no effort in carrying out this order, Hangul treated the news negatively. Yan Song, a lowly Minister of Revenue, acted as a mediator and liaison. If it were not for him, Yang Ling would have to worry a lot more, and he would not be as relaxed as he was now.
In Yang Ling's mind, the idea that Yan Song was a treacherous official had gradually disappeared. Although this person was passionate about power, he was not lustful or greedy; he was simply a business fanatic. Yang Ling had a good impression of him and regarded him as a capable confidant. Hearing this, he said, "Let him in."
Yan Song came in with a pile of files and memorials in his arms. He glanced at Yang Ling, then bowed respectfully to Jiao Fang according to his rank, and then bowed to Yang Ling. He smiled modestly and said, "Your humble servant did not know that Your Excellency was discussing state affairs with the Grand Secretary, so it was rude of me to come. These files only report on the situation of collecting grain and fodder and laborers. The local authorities do not dare to be careless about the use of troops, nor do they dare to delay or deceive, so there is nothing important."
Yang Ling smiled and said, "It is enough for you to know this matter. If you really have any difficulties, feel free to look for Eunuch Liu. He is waving his big stick with vigor and is worried that there is no place for him to start. I will not get involved."
Hearing this, Jiao Fang and Yan Song both laughed. Yang Ling said with a smile, "Don't stand on ceremony. Take a seat. I have an important matter to discuss with Jiao Weng. You are not an outsider, so you should listen together."
Yan Song complied and sat down on the armchair under the kang. With a chuckle, he said, "When I was at the Hanlin Academy, I played with my pen all day, writing poems and essays. Ever since I entered the Ministry of Revenue, I have to deal with grain, money, and rice all day. I deeply feel that my talent and knowledge are shallow and my ability is lacking. If Daren really has something important to say, I can only prick up my ears and listen to the left and listen to the right."
Yang Ling pretended to be angry and said with a smile, "This matter is extremely important. I know that you are a strict and reliable person, which is why I want you to participate in the discussion. It is not enough if you just listen."
Yang Ling wanted to accompany Zhengde to Datong, but he could not put aside the trial of planting new grain. There were many important matters that he needed to tell this confidant of his. He did not intend to hide it from him, so he told him everything.
Yan Song had a faint smile on his face. When he heard that the Emperor was going out of the capital for an inspection, he did not show the slightest surprise. When he heard about Yang Ling and Jiao Fang's arrangements, he could not help but nod his head. It was only when he heard about the construction of the Crown Prince's residence that his thick eyebrows suddenly furrowed. After thinking for a while, he anxiously said, "This lowly official thinks … this matter is inappropriate."
Yang Ling and Jiao Fang looked at each other in surprise. Jiao Fang stroked her beard and said, "Hmm, what is Wei Zhong's opinion? There is no harm in telling us."
Yan Song hesitated for a moment before saying, "Lowly official thinks that when Your Majesty goes on an inspection to the north, the two daren already have a well-thought-out plan in their hearts. In their hearts, they do not think there is any danger. In that case, why should we follow the procedure of building the Crown Prince's residence?
In the past, Han's Liu Bang was besieged by the Xiongnu's four hundred thousand iron cavalry at Mount Baideng. But that time is different now. To the north and west of Datong, a large piece of land is in my Ming Destiny's hands. Although the Tatars are coming to attack, and the Duoyan Sanwei are not necessarily loyal, but my Ming Destiny's troops and horses are superior.
Your Majesty can go to Datong first, and then pass the news to the Duoyan Sanwei. During this period of time, you can deploy the troops and dispatch the generals, make proper arrangements, take advantage of the right time, the right place, and the right people. Whether it is the Tatars or the Duoyan Sanwei, there will be no gap to exploit. However, if we build the Crown Prince's residence, there will be a great crisis and future trouble. "
Yang Ling's countenance changed. "What do you mean?" He asked, "Tell me in detail."
Yan Song shifted his skinny bamboo pole-like body, licked his lips and said, "Daren, the danger is not outside, but inside. Think about it, when you are riding the palanquin outside, if there is danger and trouble, the bodyguards will naturally do their best to protect the Emperor. The imperial court is like a group of dragons without a head, the civil and military officials will certainly be united, hoping that the Emperor will return as soon as possible.
When the Emperor is not in the Palace, the civil and military officials may not necessarily be able to hide it. At most they will be worried that the people will be panic-stricken and pretend not to know. But if there is a Crown Prince … it is difficult to guarantee that there will not be people who have selfish and disloyal thoughts.
His Majesty has not been in the court for a year, his foundation is not yet stable, how can the six ministries and nine ministers all be loyal? If there are people who have the idea of supporting the Emperor and establishing a career, although His Majesty is not in danger, I am afraid there will be people who will leak the news to the Tatars. If His Majesty is besieged, then it will be even more … "
As soon as Yang Ling heard this, he understood. The position of Crown Prince has not been decided, the civil and military officials will certainly be loyal to the Emperor and will do their best to fight for his favour. If the position of Crown Prince has been decided, the Emperor will be in a dangerous situation where he can be replaced by someone else at any time. If he is really in danger, the civil and military officials will certainly have their own little schemes and quarrel with each other, which will ruin the important matter.
Moreover, after Zhengde succeeded the throne, there will be a change in the imperial court. First, half of the six ministries of ministers will be gone, and then two of the three Grand Scholars will be gone. The civil and military officials will be implicated in this. Some of the old officials have long been resentful of the Emperor, thinking that it is beneficial for the country to have a new ruler. They want to support a new ruler and make a contribution to the Emperor, but they are afraid that they will stand by and do nothing, or even hit the Emperor when he is in a trap.
In this way, to build a Crown Prince is to be unprepared and not necessarily have a disaster, but to be prepared will definitely have a big disaster. Jiao Fang has been in the officialdom for a long time and understood the subtlety of this.
Suddenly, Yang Ling slapped his thigh and said, "That's right. According to this, the discussion of building a Crown Prince will put the Emperor in danger. You are right. It is impossible to build a Crown Prince and guard the throne. I have not thought it through thoroughly."
Yan Song bowed and smiled lightly, "I dare not. The Emperor is a warrior. The reason why Your Excellency has this consideration is to ensure that the Emperor does not have to worry about the future. He can be like a fish in water and carry out the task calmly."
Jiao Fang twirled his beard and glanced at Yan Song, sighing softly, "Outside the Nine Frontier Fortress, it is extremely dangerous. I should be like you and think about it from many aspects. Hmm! The younger generation will surpass us in time, the younger generation will surpass us in time! "
※ ※ ※
Jiao Fang is familiar with the rules and regulations and Yan Song is experienced in the ways of the world. With these two capable people, one old and one young, who have the potential to be a traitor, as a reference, Yang Ling weighed the pros and cons and arranged for Zhengde to leave the capital incognito. They chatted until dusk before the three of them parted happily.
Yang Ling had a plan and happily left the palace. The servants carried the large sedan and Yang Ling entered the sedan. Wu Hanchao was sitting cross-legged and only let him pass when he saw him. Yang Ling went to the back seat and sat down. He said apologetically, "It has been hard on you, Hanchao. With your talent, you should be able to achieve great things. But now you have to be my bodyguard. Hehe, wait for a few more days. When the matter has died down, I will give you an official position."
Wu Hanchao smiled, "Your Excellency need not be so courteous. I have not fully recovered from my injuries and it is good to rest for a few more days. When I was on the mountain, I often meditated for a whole day and did not feel bored. "
As the two of them were chatting and laughing, the sedan left the ground and slowly went on the road.
Out of the road paved with green bricks, they turned into the bustling main street. Wu Hanchao turned his head to explain to Yang Ling about internal energy when he suddenly stopped talking. His lower body did not move but his entire upper body suddenly shifted half a foot. A sharp sword flashing with cold light pierced through the curtain of the sedan. The sword pierced empty air. The assassin also sensed it and with a swoosh, the long sword was pulled back.
At this time, there was chaos outside the sedan and there was a burst of noise. Wu Hanchao said in a low voice, "There really is an assassin!" As soon as he finished speaking, he grabbed the long sword beside the sedan and pounced out.
That sword made Yang Ling jump in fright. As the weapons clashed violently outside the sedan, the people on the main street screamed and made a mess. Following that, the sound of a delicate rebuke gradually faded away. He heard Wu Hanchao shout, "Protect Your Excellency." Then there was no more sound.
Yang Ling calmed himself down and slightly lifted the curtain of the sedan. He saw four Imperial Bodyguards nervously guarding the surroundings with sabers in their hands. It was close to the end of the year and there were many people buying goods for the New Year. Moreover, this was an extremely bustling street. People were still running around in panic. On the ground, there was a fat pig's head, there was a bundle of burning paper Buddhist shrines, the whole place was a mess.
Yang Ling lifted the curtain of the sedan and went out. He shouted, "Where is Brother Wu?"
One of the Imperial Bodyguards was holding a saber. He nervously looked at the fleeing people and said, "He went after the masked female assassin."
Yang Ling heaved a sigh and said, "Someone go. Tell the QING: Five Cities Warlords to quickly suppress the people on the ground. The more chaos there is, the more …" He had not finished speaking when from the corner of his eye, a swift shadow flashed past. The Imperial Bodyguard was kicked into the crowd. In midair, he spat out a mouthful of blood.
That shadow was very fast. The sword flashed like lightning. Another Imperial Bodyguard who had already sensed it had just twisted his body to hack with his saber when the sword landed on his shoulder. The sword struck his leg. The Imperial Bodyguard spun around and was smashed into the crowd. Yang Ling felt his waist tighten as he was lifted up by someone. A delicate rebuke was heard by his ear, "Cut off the retreat! The wind is tight! Everyone go to the mountain gate! "
Yang Ling's feet did not touch the ground. He was carried by that person into the crowd. After a few twists and turns, they entered an alley with no lanterns lit. The alley was not very long. In a flash, they rushed out of the alley. There was a horse carriage parked at the mouth of the alley. That person shook his arm and threw Yang Ling into the carriage. His body curled up and he also rushed into the carriage. He shouted, "Leave the city immediately!"
Yang Ling was thrown into the carriage. He was dazed and disoriented. He had just raised his head when someone rushed in and sat down next to him. Immediately, Yang Ling felt his collar tighten and he was lifted up by that person.
In a flurry, Yang Ling pressed down. His hand was plump and soft. He had just felt a full and sturdy thigh when his entire body was pushed backward. 'Bang!' he hit the roof of the carriage. A cold, incomparably sharp blade was pressed against his neck.
Yang Ling calmed himself down. He saw a lantern hanging in the middle of the carriage. Under the illumination of the lantern, he saw that the person had taken off the black veil covering her face. She was dressed in black and her skin was as white as snow. It set off a kind of untainted beauty.
That pretty face was elegant and refined, bright and beautiful. An incomparably glossy green jade hairpin was inserted horizontally in her glossy black hair. Under her curved willowy eyebrows, a pair of pretty eyes flickered with a sharp light, incomparably cold and fierce.
Yang Ling was startled. "Hong Niangzi Yang Chuhu?" he asked.
The delicate beauty in black was startled at first. Then she opened her mouth and smiled. Her curved face was faintly discernible as she said, "Turns out you already know my background. That's right, I am Cui Ying 'er! Factory Supervisor Daren, with your great ability, haven't you still fallen into my hands? "
She swept the blade of her dagger horizontally and pressed the ridge of the sword against Yang Ling's neck. She put on a straight face and coldly scolded in a low voice, "Where is my husband? Has he fallen into your evil hands? "
That sudden smile was like a silver vase breaking. In that instant, her smile was like the clouds breaking through the moon and the flowers fluttering their shadows. It was incomparably moving. In the blink of an eye, it was like a white colt stepping on the snow without hatred. On her cold and pretty face, there was only a pair of eyes filled with incomparable hatred, staring coldly at him.
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