The commoners who delivered food to the civil and military officials, the scholars and students of Hanlin Academy who blocked the way, the Imperial Bodyguard, the bailiffs from the Ministry of Punishments, and the officials who were surrounded in the middle were all looking in Yang Ling's direction.
In front of Yang Ling stood a strong and sturdy body that was as thick as a bear, almost completely covering him. Liu Bangchao stood in the middle of the scene with his big beard tied up. He first bowed in a circle and said in a loud voice, "My lords, my fellow countrymen …"
Fortunately, he was not standing on the Tianqiao in Beijing. Otherwise, the next sentence would have been, "Those who have money will support the Qian Feng, and those who have no money will support the Yang Family." Liu Bangchao puffed out his chest and puffed out his belly. Before he could say in an emotional voice that "Mr. Yang was a lucky man who had come back from the dead", the officials rushed forward and squeezed him to the side.
Liu Bangchao scratched his head and mumbled, "What are you all doing? Hey? Hey! Who is this? I just got home and changed into clean clothes. Who is so wicked as to rub oil on me? I say, my lord, it's fine if you push forward, but you should throw away the youtiao first. "
No one paid attention to him. Perhaps these officials had calmed down after returning home and would still be aloof and reserved when they saw Yang Ling the next day. But when they had been bullied and their self-esteem had been seriously damaged, and when their pillars of support, the three Grand Scholars, were actually unable to do anything, the sudden appearance of Yang Ling really made them go crazy with excitement.
They were not afraid of going to prison, but they were not willing to be humiliated by a eunuch. In their hearts, a eunuch? Was a eunuch even human? I can't punish you, but someone who can punish you has come. Heaven has eyes!
Among them, those who belonged to Yang Ling's faction rushed to the front. These people were naturally wild with joy. Even those who did not like Yang Ling also cheered and squeezed forward. There was no other reason. Even if they did not like Yang Ling and only saw him as a tool to attack Liu Jin, they were happy that he had appeared.
Among these officials, there were naturally many who had sided with Liu Jin for the sake of fame and fortune. They also knew that it was not convenient for Liu Jin to pardon them alone, so they did not have any resentment towards Liu Jin. At this time, seeing the officials welcoming Yang Ling, they could not help but feel anxious and fearful. "My backer is no longer the one and only towering tree in the court. Not only do the officials understand, even the common people are not stupid. Children sing nursery rhymes, 'Inside Liu Jin, outside Yang Ling, two high-ranking officials discuss who is male and who is female …'"
The current Emperor's swing had always hung on these two large trees. Liu Jin could not be offended, but Yang Ling could not be offended either. It looked like he had to be more and more careful on his path in the future.
Wu Hanchao was so anxious that his forehead was covered in sweat. If someone took advantage of the chaos to stab His Excellency, he would not know who did it. However, the people who squeezed over were all officials of the court. How could the officials who were able to attend court be of low rank? He could not force them away.
Yang Ling also did not expect the officials to have such a strong reaction. He hurriedly answered a few people correctly. Yang Ling raised his hands high and said in a clear voice, "Ladies and gentlemen, this official has only returned to the capital for less than two hours. To tell the truth, this official has not slept well these past few days and has not eaten a hot meal. When I heard that something had happened in the capital, I immediately rushed over. This official still needs to go see His Majesty and gentlemen …"
When he said this, he also felt apprehensive. When he heard the news, he hurried over. He did not know the specifics of what had happened and whether it was the Emperor who personally ordered the officials to be imprisoned. Although if he went to plead with the Emperor, he would definitely be able to get an amnesty order, but the Emperor had not issued an edict. If he made the decision to release the officials, it would be too immoral.
Just as he hesitated here, Li Dongyang, who was following at the back, had already seen it.
He, Yang Tinghe, and Jiao Fang wanted to go home, but they were unwilling. They wanted to save people, but they could not order Shi Wenyi. They could only follow behind without any face. With the hundreds of officials walking, it was not good for the three of them to sit in a sedan chair. He and Jiao Fang were both old. In the end, it was still Yang Tinghe who supported one in each hand. The three cabinet scholars saw that Hanlin Academy and the Imperial College students had come out to stop them, so they hid at the back and did not show themselves, hoping that these Confucian scholars would be of some use.
But Shi Wenyi did not have Liu Jin's order. Although he did not dare to brazenly hit them, he also did not dare to casually let them go. While they were in a deadlock, Yang Ling arrived. As soon as he saw Yang Ling's voice paused, Li Dongyang knew his chance had come. He immediately broke free from Yang Tinghe's hand and shouted loudly, "Mr. Yang, you have killed this old man. The Heaven has really opened its eyes!"
Who could not recognize the voice of the senior statesman Li Dongyang? The civil and military officials immediately quieted down. Old Master Qiao gave him a sidelong glance and thought, "Isn't this picking up on what I just said? Official Li, this is … Official Li can't be so worldly, right? How could he be more mushy than me? "
He saw Li Dongyang's face was beaming with joy. He did not look to the side. He threw himself over and grabbed Yang Ling's hand. It would be even better if he burst into tears right now. But he did not cry.
"Mr. Yang, this old man is extremely sorrowful after hearing the grievous news. These days, I have been lamenting that the Heaven is jealous of the talented and the country has lost its pillar. The Emperor is extremely sorrowful and his body is not at ease. These days, he has been listening to the affairs of the court. Mr. Yang should immediately tell the Emperor this good news, so that the Emperor will not be sad. "
"Ah? The Grand Secretary is right. I should immediately go to see the Emperor, but here … "
"Here? Oh, oh, my lords, my lords, please listen to this old man. "
Li Dongyang turned around and faced the officials. He said with a smile, "I understand. Mr. Yang has come back to life. All my colleagues are happy for Mr. Yang. This … First, seeing the Emperor is the most important thing. Second, Mr. Yang has been rushing all the way and is very tired. He needs a good rest tonight.
If you are concerned about Mr. Yang, you can have a chat with him tomorrow morning. You can also visit him. This is a busy street. The traffic is congested and it is inconvenient for pedestrians. It is also unsightly. Let's not waste Mr. Yang's time. Let's disperse. Ah, let's disperse! "
"Let's disperse" was not a problem. But "let's disperse" was highly debatable. Even if Li Dongyang did not deliberately emphasize his tone, everyone could hear it. Scholars were all crafty. Bookworm? No scholar who could become an official was a real bookworm.
The officials understood and immediately cupped their hands and said, "Mr. Yang has worked hard. We will meet again tomorrow. Goodbye, goodbye!"
"Marquis is going to see the Emperor? Aiya, in that case, I don't dare to waste Marquis's time. Please, please, I shall take my leave. "
There were even a few bootlickers who shouted, "Farewell Duke Wei ~ ~ ~" In the end, Duke Wei didn't move and they slipped away first.
"Ay, ay, ay …" Shi Wenyi looked around in panic; he realized that tonight was really the saying 'birds and beasts scatter'. The civil and military officials' uniforms were embroidered with either birds or beasts. This group of 'birds and beasts' immediately scattered. Who among those Brocade Guards did not know Supervisor Yang's fierceness? Especially since their ears and eyes were very sharp in the Palace, they had long heard about the Emperor's mourning for Yang daren. As long as Shi Wenyi did not say anything, they were happy to pretend they did not know anything, and watched helplessly as the civil and military officials fled without a trace.
Yang Tinghe stood at the side, coughing and waving his hands as though he was chasing away mosquitoes. He signaled his colleagues from Imperial College and Hanlin Academy to leave quickly. These people were all called over by him. He himself was from Hanlin Academy's Zhan Shi Fang and had once been a lecturer for the crown prince. Hanlin Academy could be said to be his territory. Now that most of the Imperial Censorate had fallen into Liu Jin's hands, only Hanlin Academy was left for him to control.
It seemed that Imperial College's dean and Hanlin Academy's dean were both short-sighted. The two big shots didn't see through Yang Tinghe's small actions. They hated Yang Tinghe so much that he walked over and shouted, "The civil and military officials have all left, what are you guys still doing here? If you still don't leave, I'll accuse you of gathering people to cause trouble! "
These people were actually waiting for his signal. Now that his signal was so clear that even pigs could understand it, why weren't they leaving? Instantly, like a tide, they came quickly and retreated even faster, dispersing on their own.
Shi Wenyi was speechless and stuttered to Li Dongyang with a long face, "Lord Li, this lowly official … I …"
Li Dongyang immediately interrupted, "Aiya, Lord Shi, I forgot something. Once the palace is closed, we can't even send a message in front of the Meridian Gate. However, you're an Imperial Bodyguard. The palace can't be opened but the Meridian Gate can be approached. It's a joyous occasion that Mr. Yang has survived. If you wait until tomorrow to let the emperor know, the emperor will definitely punish you heavily. Why aren't you accompanying Mr. Yang to report the good news to the emperor?"
Shi Wenyi's eyes lit up, "Oh, so you want me to push all the blame to Yang Ling? This idea isn't bad. " He immediately went over intimately and bowed with his hands in front, "Congratulations on Mr. Yang's safe return. This lowly official will accompany you to the Meridian Gate to report the good news to the emperor."
Yang Ling was still in a daze, "What do you mean disperse, disperse, making it seem like this bunch of people are waiting to welcome me. This old fox … Forget it, I'm here to save him anyway. If the emperor really blames me, I'll argue with him, Mr. Xiya (West Cliff, the nickname of Li Dongyang)."
Yang Ling also pretended to be confused, "Since that's the case, this official will go see the emperor first. Three scholars …" His gaze swept across the three people's faces and he deeply bowed with his hands in front of him.
Li Dongyang's eyes were filled with ease and joy. Yang Ling's political strategy was becoming more and more correct. Li Dongyang sincerely admired his various achievements in fighting against foreign invaders. The current him had a better impression of Yang Ling than when Yang Ling had just entered the capital, when he used a scheme to protect him in front of Empress Zhang. When he saw Yang Ling, he was sincerely happy.
Yang Tinghe was also more courteous than before, especially when Yang Ling recommended his son and was his son's teacher. And from the looks of it, that Liu Jin was a hundred times more domineering, a thousand times more hateful, and ten thousand times more deserving of death than Yang Ling. His impression of Yang Ling was even more favorable. "It's a pity that he and that fellow Yang Yiqing are good friends, otherwise … Ai!" Yang Tinghe sighed slightly and also bowed to him.
As for Jiao Fang, there was no need to say anything. Although it was just a glance, thousands of words were exchanged. This pair of friends who were despite the great difference in age only looked at each other and smiled. Yang Ling then turned around. As soon as he turned around, he let out a scream. This day, he had frightened many people, and this time, he was finally frightened by someone.
Wu Jie appeared out of nowhere and stood behind him like a ghost with tears in his eyes and a smile on his face. Yang Ling was stunned for a moment before he reacted and called out in surprise, "Old Wu!"
Wu Jie was dressed casually in a green robe. There were a few burly men in casual clothes standing next to him. They should be his men. Looking at his face, it was obvious that he was a little haggard and his eyes were bloodshot. These days, this big shot had been busy day and night for Yang Ling and was exhausted.
"Old Wu, it's been hard on you." Yang Ling held Wu Jie's old hand and said softly.
"Sir, it's been really hard on you. Congratulations on quelling the rebellion of the Pirates, Barbarians, and Barbarians with a snap of your fingers and returning with honor. Sir, please go and see His Majesty first. We are family, and we have plenty of time to spend together. "
"Alright!" Yang Ling patted Wu Jie's arm and said to Shi Wenyi, "Sir Shi, please."
※ ※ ※
A big play was being performed on the stage in the palace. This play should be the prototype of the later Peking Opera "Ganlu Temple". However, the most famous part of Ganlu Temple was the part where Old Master Qiao persuaded a thousand years old not to say the word 'kill'. Due to the influence of the fashion of Ming Destiny, the main character was Princess Sun Shangxiang of Wu Kingdom. Now, the play was about Princess Sun Shangxiang's maiden song when she heard that she was going to marry Uncle Liu Bei.
Originally, this part was about the maiden who heard that she was going to marry an uncle, who had a wife before. She was a little reluctant, but after being persuaded by Big Qiao, she thought about it alone in her boudoir and felt that Liu Bei was a hero of the present age. Her resentment turned to joy.
This part was originally Zhengde's specialty and was much better than the eunuchs who specialized in opera in the palace. However, although today, in order to make his sister happy, Zhengde reluctantly appeared on stage, but the joy that Sun Shangxiang should have was gone. Zhengde was dressed in red and his sleeves fluttered in the wind. He was dressed up in a festive manner, but from beginning to end, he sang in a sorrowful tone, as if Sun Shangxiang was very unwilling.
Princess Yongfu leaned against the chair with her brows slightly furrowed. Her beautiful face had a faint sadness. The eunuchs beside her kept clapping and cheering, but she only sighed softly. She lazily picked up a piece of pastry and took a small bite before putting it back on the plate in boredom.
Princess Yongchun ate a mouthful of food and her cheeks puffed up. She mumbled, "Sister, why aren't you eating? Didn't the imperial physician see that my head doesn't hurt or feel hot? Why don't I have an appetite?"
Empress Dowager Zhang, who was sitting on the main seat, also said with concern, "Your brother sang so hard to make you happy. Don't let His Majesty worry anymore. Eat a little."
Princess Yongfu lowered her eyes slightly and said, "Yes, Empress Dowager. This child is just tired and doesn't have an appetite. I'll be fine after a few days of rest."
She sighed softly and propped up her cheek with her hand, lost in thought, "Yang Ling was buried by the mountain. Who was so annoying to actually do this to him … I didn't feel anything before, but why did my heart suddenly feel so uncomfortable when I heard that he died so miserably … Yang Ling, Yang Ling, he … was actually crushed to death by rocks …"
Liu Jin said to the Empress Dowager in a fawning manner, "Empress Dowager, Her Highness the Eldest Princess doesn't like to eat these things. The Old Slave has the Imperial Kitchen immediately change a few things …"
Empress Dowager Zhang nodded slightly. Liu Jin took two steps back and straightened his back. He was about to call the eunuch over when the Head Steward of the Inner Palace and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ma Yongcheng, ran in in a panic. He knelt down in front of the stage and shouted, "Your Majesty, the Commander of the Inner Palace, Yang Ling, has returned to the capital!"
On the stage, Emperor Zhengde's features were stiff and he was singing a song with his fingers like a flower. He didn't hear it clearly at all. The Empress Dowager and Princess Yongfu didn't hear it clearly either. Only Princess Yongchun and Liu Jin heard it clearly.
The two of them instantly had a dumbfounded expression. Princess Yongchun's little mouth was open and she didn't even notice that half a cake had fallen out of her mouth. Liu Jin's mouth was twitching like he was about to have a stroke.
His body swayed a bit before he shot over and tightly grabbed Ma Yongcheng's collar. He said in disbelief, "What did you say? Who returned to the capital? "
Ma Yongcheng said with a crying face, "Liu gonggong, it's the Marquis of Wei Wu, the Commander of the Inner Palace, Sir Yang Ling, has returned to the capital. He … he didn't die!"
"Ah?" Liu Jin took two steps back. This time the Empress Dowager and Princess Yongfu also heard it clearly. The two of them stood up at the same time. The Empress Dowager said in shock, "What did you say? Say it again for aijia. You said … Yang Ling, Yang Qing didn't die? "
Princess Yongfu opened her mouth and then immediately closed it. But her small nose was moving and her chest was rapidly rising and falling. She was so excited that her face was red. Her pair of beautiful almond-shaped eyes were shining as she stared closely at Ma Yongcheng, afraid that she had misheard.
Zhengde saw that something seemed to have happened below the stage. He listlessly lowered his body and walked to the side of the stage. He said weakly, "What's the matter, Yongcheng?"
The gongs and drums were still playing behind him. Ma Yongcheng said it to him again, but Zhengde still didn't hear it clearly. Princess Yongchun got confirmation and immediately cheered. She turned around and hugged her sister. Yongfu's face also bloomed with a smile, like a flowing jade lily.
Empress Zhang glared at Yongchun and scolded, "You are a princess. How can you make such a big fuss?"
Zhengde heard the words' returned to the capital '. He impatiently waved his sleeves and the gongs and drums stopped. Zhengde asked again, "What's the matter? Who returned to the capital? "
Ma Yongcheng had just opened his mouth when Princess Yongchun rushed to say, "Brother, Yang Ling didn't die. He came back to the capital!"
"What?"
Ma Yongcheng had just smoothed out his collar from being pulled into a twist by Liu Jin when he was grabbed by Zhengde, who jumped off the stage. His' almond-shaped 'eyes widened as he said, "You said Yang Ling didn't die, didn't you? Didn't you say Yang didn't die? "
Ma Yongcheng hurriedly said, "Yes, yes, yes. Your Majesty, the palace is closed. Mr Yang can't enter. The Imperial Bodyguard, Shi daren, came to the palace gate to send a message. He said that Mr Yang has returned and is paying his respects to Your Majesty outside the Meridian Gate."
Zhengde let go of his hand, his face full of surprise. He swayed a bit as if he hadn't woken up. Suddenly, he puffed out his chest and laughed, "Haha, haha, ah ~ ~ ~ hahahaha …"
After Zhu Da, the 'Hua Dan', finished singing 'Old Student', he flung his sleeves and ran out of the Imperial Theater with a whooshing sound.
Princess Yongchun happily said, "Sister, let's go take a look. This Yang Ling is so interesting. He's much more fun than Brother's opera. Hee hee ~"
Princess Yongfu really wanted to run to the front palace even more than her, but she was older and knew the rules. She couldn't help but look at the Empress Dowager. Sure enough, the Empress Dowager's face stiffened and she scolded, "Don't mess around. You are dignified princesses. How can you run to the front palace in the middle of the night? Your sister's health isn't good. Hurry and accompany her back to rest. I still have to go see the Empress Dowager. If you want to know anything, just ask your brother tomorrow. "
Princess Yongchun pouted her lips. Seeing that her sister didn't dare say anything, she could only agree. She held Princess Yongfu's hand and bowed to the Empress Dowager before leaving.
Liu Jin was shocked and angry. Thousands of different feelings filled his heart, but he was someone who could calm down the more important things were. He could still catch up and bow to Princess Yongfu, "Your highness, do you want the Old Slave to prepare some snacks and have someone send them over?"
"No need. Ai, tell the Imperial Kitchen to prepare two bowls … … No, three bowls of rice and dried meat porridge. This princess and my sister want to eat supper."
"Sister, I'm pretty full … …"
"Eat even if you're full. Otherwise, you'll cry out to me in the middle of the night."
The two sisters flew away like two little bees.
Empress Dowager Zhang looked at their figures flying away and felt that something was wrong. Yongfu was her daughter after all and she had spent more time by her side than the Crown Prince. The relationship between the mother and daughter was very good, so if there was something wrong with her daughter, how could she detect it?
Seeing the changes that Yang Ling's resurrection brought to Princess Yongfu, Empress Dowager Zhang felt that something was wrong. Her daughter, could she be … …?
Empress Dowager Zhang's heart became uneasy. Yongfu lived deep in the palace, so she wasn't afraid that she would do anything to disgrace the royal family. But if what she was worried about was true, it wouldn't be a good thing.
Her daughter had grown up and would be sixteen in a few years. If it was in the commoners, she would already be married. Up until now, the only man that Yongfu had come into contact with was Yang Ling. That Yang Ling was someone that girls liked. She guessed … … No, it was time to find a husband for her to prevent this child from thinking too much.
"En, tomorrow I'll summon the two brothers into the palace to discuss it together. They are Yongfu's uncles, right?" Empress Dowager Zhang thought as she went to the Palace of Compassionate and Peaceful to visit the Empress Dowager.
※ ※ ※
Yang Ling stood far away from the Meridian Gate. Not to mention him, even if it was any of the royal family's relatives, they were not allowed to take a step near the palace during the time of the palace ban. Otherwise, they would be punished with treason.
Shi Wenyi was an Imperial Bodyguard in the palace and had a token to be on duty in the palace. Even so, he couldn't enter once the palace gates were locked. After sending the prisoners back, he could only rest for the night in the bridal chambers on the two sides of the palace walls. But he had the token to be on duty in the Forbidden Palace, so he could bypass the guards and come to the palace gates. He shouted through the crack in the door.
The news traveled all the way to the back palace. Because the Emperor was not asleep yet, Ma Yongcheng rushed to report it. With this kind of news, he didn't dare to bear the consequences of delaying it. Zhengde was dressed in red with a fluttering skirt. From the back palace to the front palace, he acted out a 'Hong Fu Running in the Night'.
He practiced martial arts and swordsmanship, so his stamina was very good. The four eunuchs behind him were so tired that they were out of breath. This kind of unceremonious scene was common among the eunuchs and palace maids in the back palace, but the guards in the front palace had only heard of it.
Along the way, the imperial bodyguards saw the four little eunuchs by the emperor's side chasing a tall red-clothed woman and repeatedly calling out, "Your Majesty, slow down." It was only when these people disappeared from their line of sight that they reacted.
Zhengde reached the palace gates and hurriedly shouted, "Quickly, open the gates!"
The general at the Meridian Gate came up and looked left and right. She looked a bit like Emperor Zhengde. The voice was also similar, but he didn't dare to make a mistake. The four eunuchs behind him chased up and shouted, "How … dare you, why aren't you kneeling down to greet the Emperor?"
Only then did the general at the Meridian Gate confirm that the woman dressed in red was Emperor Zhengde. This man could carry a woman in his arms, ride a horse, and break through the Meridian Gate. He even pointed his whip at the throne room. What other ridiculous things could he not do?
The general at the Meridian Gate hurriedly knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, your subject doesn't dare! The palace has already been sealed. There is no reason to open the palace gates in the middle of the night. "
Zhengde was enraged and shouted, "You dare to defy the imperial edict?"
The general at the Meridian Gate kowtowed and said, "Your Majesty, this is an ancestral rule. Once the forbidden palace is closed, no matter how big the matter is, the palace gates cannot be opened. Your subject opening the palace gates is a capital offense. Defying the imperial edict is also a capital offense. Your subject would rather receive Your Majesty's death than dare to defy the imperial edict and open the gates."
The deputy general at the side also knelt down, trembling with fear, and said, "Your Majesty, this is indeed the imperial family's rule. It cannot be changed. Your subject does not dare to defy the imperial edict, nor do you dare to defy the rules. Furthermore … after the key to the forbidden palace was locked, it was taken away by the Department of Rites. It will not be returned until the fifth hour."
Zhengde anxiously stamped his feet, but he wasn't an unreasonable person. Threatening was one thing, but these subjects strictly followed the rules. How could he really punish them? He rushed to the palace gates and knocked on the gates, shouting, "Minister Yang! Yang, is that you outside? "
His voice traveled clearly in the night. Shi Wenyi heard the emperor speak from outside and quickly raised his voice to reply, "Your Majesty, it's this subject Shi Wenyi."
Hearing this, Zhengde was startled and said, "Shi Wenyi? What are you doing outside the palace? Quickly call Minister Yang to come forward and answer. "
Shi Wenyi didn't dare to be negligent and quickly ran to the large square outside the Meridian Gate to announce the imperial edict to Yang Ling. Yang Ling followed him to the Meridian Gate, his heart also warm and extremely excited. He calmed himself down before banging on the palace gates and loudly said, "Your Majesty! This subject … Yang Ling greets Your Majesty. This subject didn't die, this subject has returned! "
"Minister Yang!" Zhengde tightly gripped the beast kiss copper ring on the door and happily called out, "Yang Ling! Zhen is happy, zhen is very happy. "
"Your Majesty …" Yang Ling didn't say anything more like 'this subject deserves to die, making Your Majesty worry for this subject'. Separated by a door, that was the Emperor of Ming Destiny, who was also his brother. They couldn't see each other, but they could feel the flow of feelings between each other. It had already surpassed the difference between ruler and subject, it was a kind of feeling that was connected by flesh and blood.
※ ※ ※
After sending off Empress Dowager Zhang, Liu Jin slowly straightened his back and his face suddenly darkened.
Ma Yongcheng hurriedly climbed up and pulled at his collar, saying nervously, "Liu Gonggong, this Yang Ling actually didn't die, what should we do?"
The corner of Liu Jin's eyes twitched slightly and he said in a low voice, "The palace is locked, I can't go out now, otherwise I can still discuss with Zhang Cai and Wen Mian. My mind is in a mess right now and I can't think of any good ideas. This Yang Ling is really a scourge, even if the mountain collapsed he wouldn't die, he actually came back. "
He put his hands behind his back and slowly paced a few steps, saying, "How hateful, if it wasn't for that anonymous letter this morning, the people arranged by my family would have said to hand over the West Factory and the Maritime yamen to me. At that time, what's done can't be undone. Even if he returns to the capital, can he still take it back? Now … En? That letter … Don't tell me it was his people who did it? "
Originally because the letter also had words attacking Yang Ling, Liu Jin's gaze had been fixed on the Qing Sect. Only now did he realize that he had most likely fallen into their trap.
The more Liu Jin thought about it, the angrier he got. He stamped his feet and said, "Damn it! This group of people has always been pretending to be grandsons, I have actually been fooled by them. Now it's too late, too late … However, most of the power in the capital has fallen into my hands. Heh heh, it won't be so easy to compete with me now.
Also, what civil and military achievements, what Duke of Wei, hmph hmph, all these honorary positions, posthumous titles, all have to be taken back. How can I let him take advantage of everything. "
"Yes, yes, yes." Ma Yongcheng had always been brooding over the fact that Yang Ling didn't give him face and exposed the matter of his female official bullying the princess and the son-in-law, forcing him to personally beat the female official to death. Ever since he completely submitted to Liu Jin, he followed him with all his heart.
He hurriedly nodded his head in agreement and followed behind Liu Jin. Just as they left the theater and saw Liu Jin's gloomy face, an idea suddenly came to his mind. He hurriedly called out, "Gong-gong, I have an idea to deal with Yang Ling, I don't know if it's feasible."
"Oh? Let's hear it. "Liu Jin stopped and turned back with interest.
"Gong-gong, he's not dead, this posthumous title definitely can't be given, but the title of Duke … I think, if he really is a Duke, it's a good thing."
"A good thing?" Liu Jin's eyes turned cold. He narrowed his eyes and looked at Ma Yongcheng. In a strange voice, he said, "How is it a good thing for him to be promoted? Tell me about it."
"Gong-gong, the status of a Duke has been raised, but can a Duke hold a position in the court? According to the rules of the court of Ming Destiny, which Duke can hold military power, control factories, guards, and tax? Not a single one. Two years ago, when the Duke who led the army to quell the rebellion returned to the capital, he also had to immediately hand over the military power. Meritorious officials and relatives of the emperor must be prevented from monopolizing power.
If Yang Ling really is a Duke, plus his yimei is about to become a Guifei …, Gong-gong, he's touched all the meritorious officials and relatives of the emperor. Would he dare to not let go of power? If Yang Ling really is a Duke, then he's a tiger with its teeth pulled out. Looking at the whole world, other than you, who else can the Emperor trust in? "
"That's right." Liu Jin suddenly saw the light. The more he thought about it, the more he felt it was reasonable.
The reason he was able to sit in this position wasn't just because he was lucky. There were eight personal eunuchs who served the Crown Prince. After the Crown Prince ascended to the throne, he was called the Eight Tigers. In reality, those eunuchs were just there to make up the numbers. Other than Zhang Yong, who could barely compete with him, the others were nothing.
He was the Emperor's servant, but those eunuchs were his servants. To be able to stand out among the servants, it was because he, Liu Jin, had a unique vision, quick reaction, and accurate control of the situation. After weighing the pros and cons in his mind, Liu Jin had already made up his mind: "As a Duke, I have to give up power. Yang Ling is not dead. As long as I push him to the position of Duke, then there will only be Duke Wei and not Yang Ling. This opponent is still as good as dead. The most powerful internal affairs is at my fingertips!"
Liu Jin's face was red with excitement. He said: "Good, let's do it this way. I'll go back and think about it. When Yang Ling returns to the capital, the officials will definitely reconsider his promotion. At that time, let all our people come out to protect him. Even if we have to bow our heads to the ground, we will protect Yang Ling and steadily become his Duke, hehehehe …"
※ ※ ※
There were four Imperial Guards in groups of two. They supported a tall pole with a string of lanterns hanging from the pole. It was erected under the palace walls. In front of the two strings of lanterns was a long ladder. Some of the thirty or so eunuchs were holding the ladder while others had their hands raised high. They were on tenterhooks, afraid that the people on top would fall.
This ladder was brought out by Ma Yongcheng after he opened the warehouse. It was usually used by the palace craftsmen to repair the palace walls. The ladder was very sturdy, but Liu Jin and Ma Yongcheng were still very nervous. They kept shouting: "The lanterns are raised a little closer. You guys stand below and hold on. If the Emperor loses a single hair, I'll skin you!"
As it turned out, Zhengde and Yang Ling had been shouting at each other through the palace doors. Zhengde wanted to see Yang Ling more and more. He couldn't even see his appearance through the doors. He felt very uneasy. If he didn't take a good look, he was afraid that he wouldn't be able to sleep well tonight.
But the General at the Meridian Gate was really kneeling there pretending to be dead. Looking at him, there was no hope for him to open the door. Good! Don't you have an ancestral rule that forbids opening the palace doors? Then can I climb the wall? How can this small matter trouble me, Zhu Houzhao?
Zhengde stamped his feet and said: "Someone, go, bring the ladder. Aren't the palace doors not allowed to open? Zhen wants to climb the wall to see Minister Yang. "
As soon as they heard this, the four eunuchs all knelt down. "Your Majesty, you must not. If Your Majesty climbs the wall and leaves the palace, we servants will be beaten to death."
"Who said zhen wants to leave the palace? Zhen will stand on the wall and look at Minister Yang. Quickly bring the ladder, … bring two, take one out and let Minister Yang climb the wall. "
Only then did the eunuchs' hearts calm down. Seeing that Zhengde was urging them, they quickly called for the General at the Meridian Gate and sent eight soldiers to help move the ladder. Outside, there were also soldiers helping to hold the ladder, but there were no lanterns. Yang Ling's practice of high-level martial arts had greatly increased his physique and agility. Even though he could not compare to someone who had been practicing martial arts since he was young in terms of fighting techniques, he was extremely fast when it came to climbing ladders. Hence, even though he was slower than Zheng De, he was the first to reach the palace wall.
Two strands of orange lanterns swayed slightly in the wind. Inside the palace walls, there was someone calling for Minister Yang, and his head also popped out.
First was a head of black hair, surrounded by clouds and fog, and then a beautiful person slowly rose up, like a red apricot coming out of the wall.
Tonight, Yang Ling was shocked again. No matter how good his willpower was, he almost slipped and fell down. Separated by the glazed roof of the palace wall, the red-clothed woman on the other side revealed a small part of her body. The two met face to face and were both startled. They said together: "Who are you?"
As soon as they spoke, their voices were recognized. Zhengde hurriedly shouted down: "Bring the lanterns closer, bring them closer." The two strands of red lanterns came closer. Zhengde took a closer look. The person on the other side was wearing an ordinary soldier's uniform, tattered and disheveled. His face was also black and white, but his facial features were still recognizable as Yang Ling. He couldn't help but cry out in joy. Grabbing his arm, he said excitedly: "It's really Minister Yang, it's really Minister Yang. You're still alive, hahahaha …"
When Yang Ling returned home, everyone wanted to talk to him. He also had to take care of someone who had fainted. When he woke up, he ate. As soon as he saw his son, he rushed back to the palace. He didn't change his clothes, didn't wash his hair, only wiped his face and hands. Little Sir Yang's pee had splashed on his hair, the dust and mud had flowed down his face. That's how he became like this.
Yang Ling had the experience of seeing Zhengde in women's clothing the last time. After a moment of surprise, he immediately recognized him. Everyone said that the Emperor was extremely grieved when he heard of his own death. But the Emperor was wearing a costume, as if he had just finished a big play. It seemed that something was not right. But Yang Ling had the misunderstanding of Gao Wenxin's' Minghun '. Seeing Zhengde's tearful eyes and the excitement and joy that came from his heart, there was not a trace of doubt in his heart. He also forgot himself and pulled Zhengde across the wide palace wall.
The first snow was thin and had long stopped. The wind blew the clouds away. A warm, jade-like, huge bright moon hung in the sky. It seemed as if it could be plucked with one's hand. The clear light quietly poured down on the earth like water, pouring down on the two brothers who were chatting on the top of the palace wall.
Wisps of thin clouds gently swept past, covering the moonlight.
Liu Jin looked up for a long time, then sniffed to clear his nose. He lowered his head and rubbed his sore neck. He yawned and asked: "What time is it?"
* * *
Logically speaking, the city's ban was not allowed to be opened. But the city defense troops belonged to Zhang Yong. Zhang Yong was Yang Ling's best friend, and Yang Ling was the Emperor's best friend. So in the middle of the night, the west city gate opened. More than ten fast horses galloped out and went straight to Gao Lao Village.
Yang Ling returned home with more than ten bodyguards. He saw that the lights were brightly lit. The family servants, including many maids and maids who were supposed to stay in the backyard, were all waiting in the front hall. When they saw them come in, they hurried to greet them. Some led the horses and some dusted them. Yang Ling threw the horses to his family and looked at the people who came to greet him. Except for Young-niang, Sister Yu, Sheridan, Tang Yixian and Gao Wenxin were not there. He asked: "Are they all asleep?"
"No, you didn't come back. They were all waiting for you in the hall. When they saw you come in, they hurried back to their rooms."
Yang Ling was startled at first, but immediately reacted. They were worried about him when he was not home. Now that he was home, they were afraid that it would affect his rest, so they hurried away.
Young-niang smiled gently and sighed: "The water is ready. Go back and take a bath to relieve your fatigue."
Yang Ling nodded. The two of them returned to the rear residence. In their courtyard, there was already a separate wooden room for bathing. This was the Emperor's bathroom in the Leopard Garden that Tang Yixian had seen. It was also a replica. The main feature was that there was a convection in the bath stove. The servants would boil water in the small room next to it. The water was neither hot nor cold, and could be maintained at a constant temperature. This prevented the servants from constantly bringing water into the room and having to adjust the water temperature.
A clean and soft robe had already been placed on the rack. The room was filled with hot air. Yang Ling jumped into the water and first soaked his hair. Then he laid down on the specially made stone water chair. His head rested on the towel, and his waist was stuck in the narrow area. He would not slide into the water, nor would he float because of this position. There were also two stone blocks on both sides of the water. It was designed to be used for napping.
His skin was itchy and a bit tight. But right now, Yang Ling could no longer calmly enjoy the two little maidservants rubbing his naked body. If ordinary women saw a naked man, they would be so ashamed and angry that they would want to kill someone.
Maidservants were also people and had the same sense of shame and ideas. Even though it was common for large families to have maidservants bathe them, Yang Ling never felt that no matter how high his position was, he could treat the maidservants as private property that he could kill or give away, and not as people.
Young-niang knew his temper. She placed a loofah bag by the side of the pool and gently said to him: "You soak for a while. I'll go see if the baby has woken up. I'll be right back."
"En." In front of his own wife, there was no need to say those mushy words of love. With one look and one action, he could quickly understand the other's thoughts, the other's happiness, anger, sorrow, and happiness.
Young-niang gently closed the door. Yang Ling let out a long sigh and washed his face with clean water. He closed his eyes and quietly thought: I have to have a good rest. The Emperor has given me a day off, so I'll sleep for a day. Regarding the arrest of the murderer in Sichuan, I'll send some foreigners to investigate according to my speculations. Hopefully … … it wasn't the doing of the heir of Shu.
Also, I don't know how Yun 'er is doing. The messengers I've sent should have arrived. Wen Xin, she's already my woman, but she hasn't married yet. If I say that I don't want her now, it won't just be pretentious. It would be strange if she doesn't want to die. Not to mention this young lady … … Ai! How could I not love her in my heart?
Liu Jin dared to be so domineering in court today, which meant that he had enough power in court. He wasn't someone that could be easily overthrown. Of course, the most important thing was that he had the Emperor's favor. Otherwise, unless he dared to rebel under the banner of 'purging the emperor's side', who could do anything to him? As for the movements of the officials, I have to observe them first and plan before making a move.
As long as my trust in the Emperor's heart doesn't decrease, then the plan I made in Sichuan 'Wangzhu Creek' can be implemented. Even if this plan can't defeat Liu Jin in one fell swoop, it can still destroy half of his power. But should I use it now or find a better time? If I have enough evidence first and then carry out the 'cutting wing', maybe I can bring him down in one fell swoop. Otherwise, if I don't kill him, I have to be careful of him coming back … … "
The soft and warm water rippled on his body. The relaxed and sleepy feeling also enveloped him. Yang Ling's eyelids were heavy as he yawned: "I'll think about it slowly. What I need the most right now is to sleep … …"
Han Youniang quietly entered the door. "Xiang … …" She only called out half a sentence before she stopped and held her breath. She tiptoed over. Yang Ling was snoring softly and had already fallen asleep.
Han Youniang was wearing a pair of slippers and her cute little feet were bare. Her sleeves were rolled up to reveal a part of her arm. It was obvious that she wanted to scrub her husband. She foolishly looked at Yang Ling's sweet sleeping face and reached out to stroke his stubble, but she was afraid that she would wake him up.
Seeing that Yang Ling's shoulders were exposed to the water, Han Youniang picked up a large towel and gently covered him. Then she sat down by the pool and propped her chin on her hands. She looked at her man without blinking and a faint smile appeared on her lips from time to time. It was unknown what she was thinking about … …
After a while, the little maid Yun'er tiptoed and opened the door to take a look. In the small wooden house, the master was sleeping soundly on the specially made big couch in the water. The madam was lying on the edge of the pool with her cheeks pillowed on the back of her hands. She slept sweetly. Yun'er wanted to wake the madam up, but thinking that it was not long before dawn, and the madam had not slept for the past few days, she also covered the madam with a thin blanket and then quietly retreated.
The warhorses in the front yard were led into the stables. These bodyguards who belonged to the four armies had to stay in the mansion first. Fortunately, the place was big enough and there was a big kang in the north. They only needed to squeeze the bedding. Even so, they were still busy for a long time.
Yun'er was the madam's personal maid. Her status in the mansion was not comparable to that of the other maidservants, so she had a strong sense of responsibility. Seeing that the front courtyard was still brightly lit, and that the master and the madame were still sleeping soundly, she summoned her two sisters to keep watch at the door of the hut, while she carried a lantern and hurried to the front courtyard.
※ ※ ※
The front yard was almost settled. Housekeeper Gao saw that the bodyguards had been arranged. He knew that these big men had an amazing appetite. They might not be able to get up in the morning. He had already ordered to cook porridge and steamed buns. He hurriedly asked people to send the porridge and steamed buns to each room.
After the busy work, he ordered the family to rest. Yun'er came with a lantern and looked around. She stepped forward and politely said, "Old housekeeper, is everything arranged?"
Housekeeper Gao thought that the madam was worried and asked her to come out to ask. He smiled and said, "Yes, everything is arranged. We are going to turn off the lights and sleep. Miss Yun'er has been taking care of the madam for the past few days and is very tired. Go back early and rest."
The little girl pursed her lips and smiled. She nodded and said, "Yes, old housekeeper, you should also rest early. I will go back to the backyard."
At this moment, Liu Bangchao came out grumbling. He had changed into another set of clothes. In his hands, he held the robe that was stained by some official's fried dough sticks and some general's soy milk. He said angrily, "So annoying. I only have these three sets of clothes. I haven't changed this set since I left the capital. It's so tattered that I can't wear it. It's not easy for me to change this set when I come back. I don't know if I can wash it or not."
Yun'er almost laughed when she heard that. "This silly big man only wore one set of clothes after leaving the capital for a few months. He still thinks that he is so clean. It's quite interesting."
She walked forward and snatched the clothes from Liu Bangchao who was looking for a wooden basin. She smiled and said, "Don't look for it. I will wash it for you."
"You? No, no, no. I can't do that. You are First Madam's servant. I am just a soldier. I don't dare to let you wash my clothes. "
"Okay, okay. You are a big man. Why are you so fussy? I said I will wash it for you. I like to wash it for you, okay? Go eat something and sleep. "
"Oh …" Liu Bangchao hesitantly took two steps back. Suddenly, he turned back, bit his thick lips, and said very seriously, "That … What, you … You like me, don't you? You can't like me. My mother said that in the future, when I find a wife, I will go back to accompany them. You are First Madam's servant. You are from the city. You can't go with me. "
"Ah?" Yun'er's jaw almost dropped. Her little face was like a piece of red cloth. She stared at Liu Bangchao and said angrily, "Who, who, who, who, who wants to marry you? No, no, no! Who likes you? "
The little girl was so embarrassed that she stuttered. The veins on her neck were popping out. Housekeeper Gao found it funny. He pursed his lips but didn't come over. How was he supposed to talk to this idiot? He might as well pretend he didn't see it. He didn't want Miss Yun to be embarrassed. The old housekeeper retreated under the eaves and slipped away a few times.
Liu Bangchao said bashfully, "My mother said you are not my wife, my sister, or my sister-in-law. What right do you have to wash my clothes for me? How can a woman wash a stranger's clothes? My mother said …"
"Get lost!" Miss Yun was so embarrassed that she didn't want to see anyone. She shoved the clothes into his hands and ran away while wiping her tears.
Liu Bangchao said innocently, "See, you are feeling guilty."
Wu Hanchao's eyes and ears were sharp. He heard the conversation between the two and came out of the room. The whole process fell into his eyes. Xiao Yun was Madam's servant. This brat didn't know that he had offended her. He was now Yang Ling's Imperial Bodyguard. In the future, he would have to visit the Yang House often.
Wu Hanchao hurriedly stopped Xiao Yun and said with a smile, "Miss, don't blame him. This brat … is actually an idiot. He has a big mouth but doesn't mean it. Miss, you don't have to lower yourself to his level. I will ask him to apologize to you."
Xiao Yun recognized him, and also knew that he was now a high-ranking official under Yang Ling. Madam had mentioned it when she read the old master's family letter, that position seemed to be similar to the prefectural magistrate. In front of this Master Wu, she did not dare to be impudent, and stood still as he said.
Wu Hanchao walked over and scolded Liu Bangchao. He heavily patted his shoulder and said, "Are you not going to apologize to the lady? Do you think you can spout nonsense like that? Go quickly! "
"I … What did I say wrong? Is there a need to do this?" Liu Bangchao muttered in his heart. He took three big steps and arrived in front of Miss Yun. He shoved the clothes into her hands and said in an aggrieved voice, "Alright, alright. Don't cry. I will wash it for you. Is that okay?"
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