After sleeping for less than two hours, Yang Ling woke up. The gentle massage of the hot water restored his strength very quickly. He wanted to gently scrub his body, but the slight sound of water still woke Young-niang up. She helped her husband wash his body and change into a soft robe. The two of them returned to the bedroom together. The old nanny was afraid that the master would be disturbed and wanted to carry the child out, but was stopped by Yang Ling.
The child slept very soundly. The husband and wife watched for a while before returning to the bed and lying down. They snuggled up together and whispered to each other. After being separated for so long, ever since Yang Ling came back, the two of them could only confide in each other now. However, the two of them were extremely tired. After chatting for a while, the energy from the bath had subsided. Young-niang rested her head on Yang Ling's chest while Yang Ling held Young-niang's waist and fell asleep again.
The two of them were awakened by the child's loud and clear voice. Unless Sir Yang ate and drank his fill and did not need to pee, if he felt the slightest discomfort and did not see anyone beside him, he would always cry loudly for a while.
The two of them hurriedly got up. With the help of the old nanny who heard the noise, Young-niang first cleaned the child's feces and urine, changed his clothes, and then fed him milk. Afterwards, she let the old nanny carry him to another room to play with the child. Seeing that the sky was bright, Young-niang hurriedly dressed up and said to Yang Ling, "Xianggong, are we still going to court today?"
Yang Ling lazily lay on the bed and said, "No, I'm going to have a good rest at home today. Some of my subordinates and good friends will also come to visit. Tomorrow, I will go to see His Majesty."
Hearing this, Young-niang was very happy. While combing her hair, she said with a smile, "Then let's get up and have some breakfast first. After that, we can have a good sleep in the study. If there are guests, just invite them in."
Yang Ling stretched and jumped up from the bed. Energized, he said, "Good, now that I'm home, my heart is much more at ease. Let's go eat first."
In the reception hall of the Yang Family, Sister Yu, Tang Yixian, and the others were already neatly dressed and sitting there, waiting for him. It could be seen that Sister Yu and Sheridan must have woken up very early. Their pretty appearances were meticulously dressed. Usually, Yang Ling did not see this kind of beauty in the fu.
After happily greeting them, Yang Ling suddenly felt that someone was missing. Looking around, Sister Yu had already understood and stood up. She said, "Master, I've tried to persuade you for a long time, but Wen Xin jiejie is too embarrassed to see you. Qie was just thinking about whether or not to have someone send food to her room."
Yang Ling had already heard Young-niang tell him about Wen Xin's ghost marriage. A young and beautiful girl who had deep feelings for you, knowing that you had died, had taken the initiative to visit and was willing to remain chaste for you for the rest of her life. She was even willing to be a concubine. Although Yang Ling did not approve of this kind of action, he was unspeakably moved.
When Yang Ling returned to the fu, he was very busy and did not have the time to talk to her in detail. Right now, Gao Wenxin's position was very awkward. She said she was married, but she did not do the wedding ceremony. She said she did not do it, but the bridal sedan was carried to the Yang Family's doorstep. It was not appropriate for her to go back to her own place, but it would be embarrassing to stay.
Yang Ling thought for a moment and stood up with a smile, "Don't you just want me to personally say something? You women, this heart … hehe, let's go, accompany me to fetch Miss Gao. From today onwards, Wen Xin is also a member of our Yang Family. The Yang Family must live in harmony and no one can be bullied. "
Sheridan daintily sat at the side and covered her mouth as she laughed, "Wen Xin jiejie has long been Laoye's woman. It should be said that from today onwards, she can be considered to have achieved the right result."
Yang Ling still did not know that she was referring to something else. He smiled and pinched her cheek, saying, "You are so picky with your mouth. Very good. After Laoye is done with his work, you and Young-niang will receive the family's punishment together."
Once he said this, Han Youniang and Sheridan's faces immediately reddened. Han Youniang now already knew what the Yang Family's punishment was. She pretended to roll up her sleeves and chattered, "Okay, let Sister Yu and Wen Xin jiejie go as well. Let's show our strength first. Each of them will be given forty slaps. If Big Brother's hands are numb, little sister will help you get a rolling pin."
Xue Li Mei turned around to tickle her, and the two of them laughed and played around. Yang Ling gave Sister Yu a look, and the two of them walked out of the reception hall.
Seeing him leave, Tang Yixian immediately jumped to Han Youniang's side and said excitedly, "Young-niang jiejie, what do you think? Is our idea good? He pretended to be dead to scare us, so we can teach him a lesson. It's not a big deal."
Han Youniang said awkwardly, "It's … … better not, husband's identity … … if we offend him, or if it's heard by others, it won't be good."
"How could that be? Big Brother's temper is very good and he doesn't have any official airs. The Emperor is still messing around all day. If the upper beam is not straight, the lower beam will be crooked. Just treat it as a big play. I really want to see him wearing a red veil." Tang Yixian said with a smile.
Sheridan also pulled on Han Youniang's sleeve and pleaded, "Jiejie, just agree. There is no one in our fu that is afraid of Laoye. But if you don't nod your head, no one will dare to mess around. This matter is so fun. He he, a big man Phoenix Coronet And Red Bridal Gown, it's rare to see one in a thousand years. He said it himself, so he can't blame anyone else."
The two of them pulled on Han Youniang's sleeves and acted coquettishly, saying softly and greedily, "Good jiejie, I beg you, just nod your head."
These two little beauties pretending to be enchanting, even women could not stand it. Han Youniang had goosebumps all over and quickly begged for mercy, "Alright, alright, I'm afraid you two little enchantresses. Don't go overboard."
When Tang Yixian and Tang Yixian saw that she agreed, they were instantly overjoyed. Sheridan sat there pinching her chin as she thought, while Tang Yixian was beaming with joy, a sinister smile on his face. Seeing this, Han Youniang secretly regretted it.
※ ※ ※
Yang Ling strode in front and walked out of the Reception Hall to the veranda. He suddenly stopped and looked at the many new houses and pavilions in his backyard. With his hands on his hips, he asked, "Uh … … Where does Wen Xin live?"
Sister Yu blindly followed and was always half a step away from him. Hearing this, she came over and said, "Qie will bring master over."
Yang Ling noticed that her restraint and etiquette seemed to have increased after he left the capital for a few months. Glaring at Yu Tangchun, he embraced her slender waist and caressed it with his palm, feeling the softness and warmth. He said with a smile, "Xianggong has been away from the capital for several months, your little waist has become a lot softer. My Yu 'er is a thousand loveliness and a hundred charms, you are even more feminine."
Sister Yu immediately blushed and said awkwardly, "Ah, my master, quickly let go. This is outside and the servants will see."
Yang Ling chuckled and let go. With a wave of his hand, he took the opportunity to pinch her round and perky buttocks. Compared to before, the perky buttocks were still not big but the buttocks were more plump and firm. She was just over sixteen but she was already a wife. In addition to living a good life, Sister Yu's figure and charm were indeed becoming more and more mature.
"You ah," Yang Ling ignored Sister Yu's struggle and took her little hand. As they walked, he said, "Don't gradually have misgivings as you grow older. Young-niang is not that old. With you accompanying me, I am really very happy. It is like living in heaven on earth.
Our family doesn't have so many rules. No matter how high I become, the one who remembers me is your husband. What husband, what husband, what master? I have to act for outsiders. Behind closed doors, I'm your husband, and you're my wife. Why do we have to talk about so many rules between husband and wife? Isn't it boring to live like that?
Young-niang's temperament is more reserved and introverted. There is no need to talk about Wen Xin. If you still feel that you should be cautious and always play your role as a concubine, sooner or later Cher will also become like this. Our backyard will be like a pot of warm water. Is there any meaning to it? "
"Yes, master." Yutang Chun was moved and involuntarily held Yang Ling's big hand tightly. She was indeed a little oversensitive. In the past, there was Young-niang who spoiled her, and there was a more lively Sheridan who took care of her. She was like a happy lark, unrestrained and not scheming.
But now Gao Wenxin was going to marry into the family. She was originally a lady from a respectable family and a dignified female medical officer. Moreover, the Yang Family relied on her skillful acupuncture treatment. Even Young-niang was grateful to her. She was treated as a co-wife and Yutang Chun did not have any complaints.
But she was worried that once such a lady married into the family, because of the different cultivation and education since childhood, she would not allow them to be impudent. The trusted subordinates and servants in the Yang House were all Miss Gao's people. Wouldn't they be obedient to her? Therefore, she restored the role that a concubine of a respectable family should have. She did not dare to be impudent in front of Yang Ling.
After listening to Yang Ling's words, her heart was warm and tears could not help but fill her eyes, "My husband, there is no other man in the world like him. He not only cherishes my appearance, but he really treats me, a lowly girl from a brothel, as his wife. If I can find such a husband, what else can I ask for in this life? Even if I, Yutang Chun, am smashed to pieces, it would be difficult to repay his deep friendship … "
Seeing her expression, Yang Ling could not help but sigh softly. He held her hand and said as they walked, "Yu'er, are you not reconciled that Wen Xin married after you, but can sit on the same level as Young-niang, so you have resentment in your heart …"
Sister Yu hurriedly waved her hand and said, "Master, it's not like that, it's not like that. I'm just worried that Sister Wen Xin is very strict and does not dare to be too impudent."
Yang Ling thought for a while and waved his hand, "I really did not know that there is such a thing as a co-wife. If I knew, why would there be a division of wives and concubines? How about this, you and Cher will also be co-wives. Hehe, we will sit side by side and eat fruits. No one will fight for it, no one will fight for it. Hai, in fact, there is no division of seniority in our family. Status … Ai! "
Yutang Chun was happy at first, but then her expression became gloomy. She faintly said, "Master, you cannot do this. How would Yu'er dare to be arrogant? Since ancient times, there is a saying, 'One wife, two co-wives, four side concubines'. This is three wives and four concubines. Now that the number of concubines is no longer limited, the number of co-wives is still limited. Although Master is a high-ranking official, at most you can only have one wife and two co-wives. If Sister Wen Xin and Madam are co-wives, no one will think too much. If a concubine is also promoted to co-wife, it will only add to the chaos. "
Yang Ling was curious. So this was the origin of having three wives and four concubines. He simply stopped and asked. Originally, the rich would at most have one wife and many concubines. Having two wives would normally be punished. However, after the new aristocratic class developed, they would often arrange marriages due to political needs, or the superior would bestow marriages to competent subordinates. Regardless of whether it was an arranged marriage or a bestow marriage, the woman would naturally be one's own family and could not be treated as a concubine. Furthermore, the targets of their arranged marriages or bestow marriages were mostly successful in their careers and were not unmarried young men. Thus, a new rule gradually came into being: co-wives.
However, commoners could not. Even if you were as rich as a country and had the money to take in ten thousand concubines, you could only have one main wife. This was called 'an ordinary man and an ordinary woman'. Of course, there were still differences among co-wives. The first wife was the main wife, the first wife. Their social status was equal to that of the husband. Whether it was in the family or outside, they enjoyed the same treatment in terms of clothing, carriage, and other etiquette. The co-wives were slightly inferior, but they did not have to bow to the main wife. Their family status was basically the same.
Sister Yu said it seriously. Yang Ling was dizzy listening to it. There was actually a limit to this thing. Wen Xin had married into the family, and there was only one co-wife left. Let Yutang Chun, Sheridan, and Ma Lian'er have a fair, just, and open competition, and he would be the judge? That's right, there was still an unmarried … co-wife Adni. In any case, she was also a baron and a friend of a foreign country. She had a great advantage in the competition.
Forget it! Yang Ling obediently dispelled this stupid idea. He laughed dryly and said, "In that case, unless I was split in half, there would only be enough co-wives. Hehe, don't mind this. Wen Xin is not a stubborn young lady from a big family. I was afraid that you would lead her crazy."
Yutang Chun glanced at him and couldn't help but smile, "I didn't even think about it. It was Master's idea. Forget it, let's not talk about it. Master's words … I don't know how happy I am after listening to them. Here, we have arrived at sister Wen Xin's room. Master should go in yourself. It's more convenient to talk about some things. Hehe. "
Gao Wenyi's bridal chamber was originally next to Yang Ling and Young-niang's courtyard. This was the first of a row of new buildings opened to the backyard. New building, bridal chamber, newlyweds …
The newlyweds were naturally a little bashful when they saw the groom. Although it was a ghost marriage, under the arrangements of the escaped Master Luo, this room was decorated with red flowers, dragons, phoenixes, and red candles. It was decorated exactly like the bridal chamber of the newlyweds. It was just that the outside was miserable yesterday, but the room was full of joy, which was a little strange.
After Yang Ling came back alive, Gao Wenxin busied herself for half the night. She removed all the wedding decorations in the room, but some traces could still be seen. Yang Ling was very free and easy outside. Once he entered the room, he looked at Gao Wenxin, who was now his wife, and didn't know what to say. The two of them stood face to face, secretly watching each other's small movements. They tried to figure out each other's thoughts, but neither of them knew how to start.
If one family cannot rule, how can one rule the world? I am a great general, a great duke, the head of the secret service, a person who can shake the world with a stomp of my foot. Why should I be afraid of a little girl like her? Yang Ling thought of this and took a deep breath. He raised his eyebrows and said, "Wen Xin!"
"Ah?" Gao Wenxin's body trembled. She hurriedly raised her head and hurriedly lowered her eyes. She was trembling with fear, but she was full of anticipation.
Yang Ling waved his hand firmly and said, "Let's go, it's time for breakfast."
Gao Wenxin's pretty face fell. After a while, she said bitterly, "I … I'll eat in the room. Hmm … I, I'll move … move back in the afternoon … "
Yang Ling thought for a while and nodded, "Hmm … it's good to move back first."
Hearing this, Gao Wenxin's face turned pale. She suddenly raised her head and met Yang Ling's crafty eyes, "Let's move back first. Are you really going to marry into the family according to the 'ghost marriage'?"
Yang Ling held her fragrant shoulder and gently said, "After surviving this disaster, my heart is gone. I cherish my life and my people even more. Wen Xin, I have just returned to the capital and there are still some important matters to attend to in the court. You don't have to worry. Three days later, I will take you as my wife and let you marry into your family. "
Gao Wenxin had been waiting for this sentence. Hearing it from Yang Ling's own mouth, Gao Wenxin was so happy that flowers bloomed in her heart. After a while, she blushed and spat, "Who … who's anxious?"
Yang Ling smiled and said, "It's me, your husband, who's anxious, okay? Haha. "
Hearing him call himself husband, Gao Wenxin's heart was filled with sweetness. At the same time, she was so embarrassed that she could not show her face. She pulled the corner of her clothes and curled it around her slender fingers, then pulled it apart. After a while, she raised her head and quickly glanced at Yang Ling. She timidly said, "Let's go."
Yang Ling was head over heels in love with her shy and timid demeanor. Hearing this, he could not help but ask, "Where are we going?"
"To eat. I suddenly feel … a little hungry."
* * *
There were many people who came to visit that day. The generals of the four armies, Xu Tai, Liu Hui, He Santan, Feng Luo, Peng Jizu, Lian Delu and the others came together to visit.
These people were rough and straightforward. When they saw Yang Ling, Peng Jizu and Lian Delu, one fat and one thin, hugged Yang Ling and burst into tears. Their voices were earth-shattering. Inside and outside of Yang House, there was a chorus of wailing.
Fortunately, they had come to cry two days ago. Everyone in Yang House had already seen their ability to cry. The maids and servants pretended not to see them and were calm and collected. Before these people left the main gate, Wu Jie led his trusted subordinates from the inner factory to visit them. These people's backbone had returned, and they were indescribably happy. The heads of the bureau, qianhu, and baihu sat in the living room of the front yard, chatting and laughing. Their laughter was so loud that it could be heard through the main gate.
In the afternoon, Dai Yi, Miao Kui, Zhang Yong and the others came one after another. These days, they had been very obedient to Yang Ling. In front of Liu Jin, they pretended to be deaf and dumb, meekly accepting the adversity. They gathered their energy and waited for the leader of their faction to return to the capital to compete with Liu Jin. When the news of Yang Ling's death spread, although they were not the most saddened, they were the most nervous and disappointed.
Now that they had met Yang Ling, the three of them acted as if they were complaining about Liu Jin's stupidity over the past few days. When they got to the point where they were angry, they couldn't help but let out a torrent of curses, causing the guards patrolling around the Yang Residence to be puzzled. Why was the Yang Residence crying one moment, laughing the next, and scolding the next?
But the strange thing was that no one from the court visited for a whole day. This was a bit unusual. Even if it was not convenient for others to visit openly, Jiao Fang clearly had the brand of the Yang faction. There was no reason for them to have any scruples. Yang Ling immediately sent someone to the capital to inquire about the news. The news was that the court meeting had not ended yet!
Yang Ling was shocked when he heard this. What had happened in the court? The Emperor of Zhengde never called for the afternoon court meeting. Not to mention the morning court meeting, the noon court meeting time had long passed. What happened that made the civil and military officials stay in the palace for a whole day?
At this time, the court meeting was still in the middle of an impassioned debate. The civil and military officials only ate a bowl of thin porridge at noon. The food in the palace was not easy to eat. Most of the time, the Emperor's rewards were to show his face. Thirty taels of silver and two bolts of silk. The gift was light but the meaning was heavy. When the Imperial Kitchen heard that the Emperor wanted to reward them with food, they would not be so generous as to actually serve them seven plates and eight bowls.
But the hundreds of officials were still arguing. Early in the morning, Zhengde happily came to court. There were people from the Hanlin Academy and the Imperial Censorate requesting that Yang Ling's title and bestowment be revoked. Many of the old and experienced officials felt that Yang Ling was still young. Even if he really had great merits, the title of a Marquis was enough to reward him. So they immediately stood up to support him. Liu Jin's faction had already received his signal and immediately came out to oppose it. Zhengde also felt that his words were like spilled water. There was no way to take them back. Besides, in his heart, Yang Ling's merits were enough to be called a Duke.
Liu Jin's faction was so enthusiastic about Yang Ling that it immediately aroused the vigilance of the three scholars. After a moment's thought, they guessed that this was a ploy to take control of the situation. They were ostensibly promoting him but secretly demoting him, stripping away Yang Ling's power. Right now, there was only one person in court who could contend with Liu Jin. Regardless of their goal, they needed Yang Ling to be in the position to prevent Liu Jin's family from monopolizing power. So the three of them immediately came out and unanimously agreed to revoke Yang Ling's title and remove him from the title of Duke.
However, at this time, Liu Jin controlled the Ministry of Appointments and held the power to promote and demote hundreds of officials. There were many officials who went with the flow and waded into muddy water. The main power of the Imperial Censorate was also in his hands. This was his mouthpiece. They quoted from many sources and seized on the Emperor's golden words. There was no reason for them to oppose the imperial edict.
In reality, their power was already the absolute majority in court. In addition, Emperor Zhengde also felt that stripping Yang Ling of the title of Duke was not justifiable. The three scholars and the Qing faction, who had already come to their senses, could not speak frankly to the Emperor about the severity of this matter. It was very difficult for them to withstand the attacks of this chief referee who blew the black whistle.
They could not directly say to the Emperor, "Your most trusted right-hand man has long been fighting openly and covertly. Liu Jin is a big bad person. He wants to take away Yang Ling's power and dominate the court." Fortunately, the three scholars objected together. Only then did they manage to resist the flattering words that Liu Jin sent to the Emperor and Yang Ling.
The debate continued until the afternoon without a conclusion. The little bit of joy that Zhengde had when he went to court happily had long been destroyed by the anger of these officials. Therefore, he unhappily announced that the court was adjourned and that it would be discussed the next day.
After the court meeting was adjourned, the three scholars gathered together for a brief discussion. They entrusted Jiao Fang, who was the closest to Yang Ling, to quickly find him and state the pros and cons of the matter. They asked him to immediately go to court the next morning and voluntarily resign all of his conferred titles.
He did not know what had happened to Yang Ling in the manor. The Jinluan Hall had not been adjourned and no one could find out any specific news before the court was adjourned. He was restless. In the end, he ordered someone to bring out a horse and was about to personally go to the city to inquire about the news when Jiao Fang's official sedan chair arrived in a hurry.
After listening to Jiao Fang's words, Yang Ling finally knew that such a big commotion in the capital today was because of him, Duke Wei. Yang Ling was not very interested in being a prince or a marquis. If it was not for the fact that he wanted to make a career in this era and use his own efforts to avoid the many tragedies of the future generations, he was not even willing to take this illustrious and prestigious position. Therefore, he only smiled faintly and readily agreed to the voluntary resignation of Duke Wei.
Only then did Jiao Fang let out a sigh of relief. If Yang Ling took the initiative to resign, it was likely that the Emperor would be able to agree. After all, the young Emperor was still young and could not see through the schemes and cunning of the officialdom. On the other hand, the people sent by Liu Jin only mentioned that Yang Ling should be conferred titles based on his merits and did not mention his current position and authority. These things, as long as Yang Ling fell into the trap and officially confirmed the title of Duke Wei, there was no need to worry that he would not hand them over.
Jiao Fang and Yang Ling had a secret discussion in the inner study room until the sun set. Then, they bade farewell and prepared to gather the people sent by Yang Ling to collectively build momentum during the morning court session tomorrow. They wanted to help Yang Ling to dismiss this bound Duke Wei.
After sending off Jiao Fang, Yang Ling returned to the study room and carefully thought about the whole matter again. Liu Jin's move was a rare good move. In front of the Emperor and the people of the world, he created a false impression of being selfless and intimate with Yang Ling to win the Emperor's favor. At the same time, he forced Yang Ling to hand over the authority in his hands step by step. With Liu Jin's current influence, as long as the authority was handed over, there was no reason that the authority would not fall into his hands.
The only thing that Liu Jin could insist on was that the Emperor's decree could not be easily revoked. Yang Ling's merits were enough to confer the title of Duke. Furthermore, he was certain that it was inconvenient for Yang Ling to directly point out to the Emperor that they flattered him to remove his authority and wanted him to suffer in silence.
However, it was fine if this plot could not be seen through. Since it was called a plot, it could not be pointed out. Once your intentions were seen through, it would be difficult to achieve the desired effect. The old officials in the imperial court had been in the officialdom for their entire lives. How could a few inexperienced eunuchs in the inner palace deal with them? Since this plot had been seen through, as long as Yang Ling took out a dignified reason to resign, what other tricks could he play?
Liu Jin was formidable. He was formidable because he could figure out the Emperor's thoughts. He was formidable because he had a close relationship with the Emperor. It was not because he had some powerful tricks in the officialdom. Otherwise, based on his power and connections, and the fact that he did not have an irreconcilable relationship with the conservative faction, how could the development of his power be limited to the current situation? However, his subordinates, Zhang Cai, Zhang Wenmian, and the others, were not to be trifled with. They would certainly expect that I would definitely resign. What other trump cards could they have?
The corners of Yang Ling's lips revealed a trace of a smile: I have a great schemer by my side. Unfortunately, she is not here. Otherwise, she would most likely be able to see through the plot that Liu Jin and the others wanted to use. Then, I would be able to grasp the pearl of wisdom and predict the enemy's moves. Right now, I can only take one step at a time. In any case, this battle will not end in one or two moves. I want to reduce Liu Jin's power, and Liu Jin also wants to reduce my power. There is still a long way to go.
At this time, Yang Ling saw that the sunlight was gradually fading. Just as he was about to call for someone to light a lamp, Yun'er ran in with her dripping wet hands. She was holding a pair of scissors in her hand. She bowed to Yang Ling and said: "Master, Steward Gao asked me to inform Master that someone has come to pay a visit. He said his name is Yang Shen. Master, do you want to see him?"
"Yang Shen? See! See! Ask him to come … … No, no, I will personally go receive him. " Yang Ling was overjoyed. He hurriedly stood up and walked out. He walked to the door and looked at Yun'er. He suddenly asked: "Are you washing clothes?"
"Yes, Master."
"En? Then why are you carrying a pair of scissors? "
"Oh … …" Yun'er laughed dryly: "My clothes are torn. I am cutting a piece of cloth to mend it."
Yang Ling's eyes widened. He curiously said: "Mend clothes while washing? Uh … … Alright, you can go and do your work. "
"Yes, Master!" Yun'er ran away like a wisp of smoke.
Yang Ling didn't have time to think about it. He hurriedly ran to the front hall. When he saw that the elegant and refined scholar was Yang Shen, Yang Ling laughed: "Yang Shen, it really is you. Haha, I didn't expect you to come so fast. I just arrived in the capital and didn't have time to recommend you to His Majesty."
Yang Shen smiled and bowed: "Haha, this little one left more than ten days earlier than daren. However, I only arrived in the capital yesterday. Just as I arrived, I heard that daren had met with a mishap. This little one was so shocked that I lost six of my seven souls. Just as my mind was wandering, I heard that daren had ridden back to the capital. Fortunately, it was a false alarm."
"Daren has just returned to the capital. There are many complicated matters to attend to. This little one originally wanted to disturb you two days later. However, after hearing a piece of news today, I had to come in advance."
"Oh?" Yang Ling's eyes flashed. He seemed to have noticed something and said: "Come, let's go to the inner study room and have a chat."
* * *
As soon as they entered the inner study room, Yang Ling stopped smiling and said seriously: "Brother Shen, are you here for the court discussion today about the dismissal of Duke Wei?"
"Haha, daren's foresight is miraculous. This little one is here for that."
Yang Ling laughed and said: "Please sit." He also sat behind the table. He ordered someone to serve tea and closed the door. Then he asked: "What does Brother Shen want to tell me?"
Yang Shen smiled and said, "It doesn't matter whether you become a Duke or not. Originally, it doesn't matter. What really matters is that those who want to push Daren up and those who want to pull Daren down, what are their intentions. Daren, don't you think so?"
Yang Ling smiled and said: "Haha, I will get straight to the point. You just treat me with sincerity. What you want to talk about is just Liu Jin, right?"
Yang Shen stood up and bowed deeply: "Yes! I would like to ask daren, what kind of person is Eunuch Liu? "
Tsk tsk, this tone … Yang Ling almost stood up and bowed as well. He answered seriously: "Dong Zhuo, known as the Han Prime Minister, is actually a traitor of the Han Dynasty."
Yang Ling thought for a moment and said slowly: "If you say he is a treacherous eunuch, he can be called a treacherous official. If you say he is a sycophant, he can also be called a treacherous official. His harm is not only in the palace."
Yang Shen looked straight at him and asked: "Can you eliminate the traitor for the country now?"
"I can't!"
"Looking at the entire court, only daren can contend with Liu Jin. I also know that daren and Liu Jin are like fire and water. I wonder when daren can kill Liu Jin in one blow?"
"… Weaken his power and strike his arrogance, I can do it. To completely eliminate this scourge is difficult! Unless Liu Jin loses the Emperor's favor, no one can eliminate him. But if he really loses the Emperor's favor, he is no longer a threat. Why do we need to eliminate him? "
"Daren and Liu Jin are afraid of each other. Even if there is a fight, there are victories and defeats. Their power will only rise and fall for a short period of time. As long as they hide under the Emperor's wings and fight in the court, it would not be strange for them to fight for decades. In the end, it is hard to predict who will win and who will lose.
Right now, daren's reputation and status are like the sun in the sky and you are the Emperor's most favored minister. But you cannot completely overthrow Liu Jin because you have the Emperor's favor. And as long as daren is here, you will always remind Liu Jin not to be domineering and lose the Emperor's favor. The Emperor's favor is Liu Jin's gold medal of immunity from death. Liu Jin is always by the Emperor's side. Other than himself, no one can destroy this Emperor's favor. "
Yang Ling's gaze deepened. He stared at him and said, "What brilliant plan do you have?"
Yang Shen slowly stood up and sat back at the table. He took a sip of tea and said, "Today, I heard my father talk about the court's discussion to strip daren of your title of Duke. And Liu Jin is trying to protect it. I felt that this is a good opportunity, so I rushed over. Daren, this trap of Liu Jin's, I feel that daren might as well step on it. Let him gain temporary benefits in exchange for the court's long-term benefits. "
"Oh? Tell me in detail. " Although Bashu's number one genius was still young and had no experience as an official, he had read all the books in the world and had extraordinary knowledge. Yang Ling was also interested.
Yang Shen spoke frankly with assurance, "If Liu Jin wants to use a conspiracy to usurp daren's power, it will be difficult! All of you are not one person. Those with high positions and power will certainly have many like-minded people by their side. Similarly, if daren wants to get rid of this scourge, Liu Jin, it will also be difficult. Because he is involved in many layers of relationships, and there is even the Emperor's layer.
In the imperial court, it was very difficult to defeat the other party with schemes and tricks. This was because in the imperial court, the factions of dissidents were very obvious. Your actions represented your position, and your every move represented your interests. The enemy could naturally determine your intentions from this.
Just like today, daren is not in court, but Liu Jin's conspiracy was still seen through by someone. Based on his interests, they deduced his purpose and did their best to stop him. When daren goes to court tomorrow and resolutely asks for his resignation, his conspiracy will fail. This game will be a draw. Liu Jin will not be injured, and daren will not be harmed.
For the conspiracy to succeed, unless the opponent does not see through it, it will be too late by the time he is enlightened. But daren and Liu Jin are not ordinary officials. You are the Emperor's most trusted people. If you want to bring down the opponent, no matter how much scheming you use, in the end, you still have to reveal the dagger. At this time, as long as the other party asks for help from the Emperor, they can reverse the situation. At the very least, they can preserve their strength and then wait for an opportunity to stage a comeback. I said that the court struggle could last for decades because of this reason. Sometimes one side is strong, sometimes the other side is weak. In the end, it will be difficult to distinguish who is the winner. "
Yang Ling's eyes narrowed slightly. He nodded and said, "Continue."
Yang Shen said, "What truly determines victory or defeat is only strength. The Five Hegemons of the Spring and Autumn Period, the Seven Heroes of the Warring States Period, and even the heroes of the past and present, which one of them did not rely on their tyrannical strength to force their opponents to bow their heads and do things according to their own rules? With daren and Liu Jin's strength, how can they be strong enough to completely defeat the other party? That is the Sacred Heart. Obtaining the Sacred Heart and losing the Sacred Heart, this is the greatest strength. "
Yang Ling chuckled and borrowed a phrase from Lu Xun. "That's right. Since ancient times, there has never been a person who accomplished great things through conspiracies. In the face of absolute strength, all plots and schemes will collapse at the first blow. Conspiracies can only assist strength, but they cannot replace strength.
My and Liu Jin's power has indeed reached the pinnacle of officials. Furthermore, we both have the Emperor's trust. To put it bluntly, our strength, the strength we want to use to defeat the other party, all comes from the supreme Emperor. In that case, how can we make the other party lose the Sacred Heart? "
Yang Shen smiled and said, "If daren had not come back from the dead yesterday, this morning's morning court session, Liu Jin would have done the first thing that would start to lose the Sacred Heart. He would have thrown all the civil and military officials in the court into prison. This has never happened since ancient times. Daren did not give him face, but also helped him escape a calamity. It could be said that Liu Jin lost the east wall, but gained the mulberry elm.
With daren's appearance, Liu Jin will have misgivings and will certainly restrain himself. It will be very difficult to find evidence that he has lost the Sacred Heart. If daren calmly accepted the position of Duke and removed his misgivings, Liu Jin will definitely revert to his old ways. He will go against the grain, be immoral, and lose his morals. Would he be able to hide this from the eyes and ears of the world?
Liu Jin is arrogant and domineering. Now that daren is present, he even knows how to buy people's hearts. If daren does not become a threat, then those people will become complete slaves. Are they willing? Now that daren is present, those people need Liu Jin to lead the opposition. At that time, Liu Jin will have sole power. Won't they be jealous? Murderous intent has arisen in the internal court!
Thinking that daren has died yesterday, Liu Jin has viewed the officials as dogs and acted even more fearlessly than the Emperor. What will it be like at that time? Murderous intent has arisen in the external court!
Liu Jin's administration is biased and has many inappropriate methods that have caused the people's resentment to boil. With sole power, he has gathered all the resentment in the world on one person. Murderous intent has arisen in the world! "
Yang Shen smiled slightly and said calmly, "The people gathered around Liu Jin are all fickle and profit-seeking people, but their eyes are 10 times sharper than Liu Jin's. When Liu Jin cannot be saved and has become the public enemy of the world, in order to avoid drawing fire to themselves, these people will have thoughts of getting rid of Liu Jin. Murderous intent has arisen in the surroundings!
Internal court, external court, world, murderous intent is everywhere. Unfavorable words will endlessly reach the Emperor's ears. At this time, daren will raise his arm and call, and the world will obey. The Emperor will slap the dragon table, and heads will fall to the ground. The situation has been decided! "
Yang Ling listened and sucked in a breath of cold air. "This kid, he looks like a good kid, but he is much more sinister than his father. He is too good at using people's hearts."
He didn't know that if he hadn't recruited Yang Shen to his side, a dozen years later, Yang Shen would shout the most resounding slogan in the history of the Ming Dynasty by the Jinshui Bridge, "The country has nurtured scholars for 150 years. Today is the day to die for righteousness!"
Just this sentence completely aroused the hot-bloodedness of scholars. On the spot, more than 200 officials from the capital followed him to the gates of the Imperial Palace to cause trouble for the Emperor. The person who used people's hearts was Director Yang Shen. This seemingly harmless kid was actually a dangerous person.
Yang Ling lowered his head and muttered to himself, "Yang Shen is building momentum. Power is like fire. Liu Jin is not a person who can grasp power well. Giving him more power is making him destroy his own power. It's just that if a general wants to take something, he must first take it, but it also cuts off his own way out. If Liu Jin is willing to listen to the advice of his aides and not play with fire and burn himself, won't I be making a fool of myself? "
Yang Shen saw his thoughts and said with a smile, "It doesn't matter if daren is a duke or a factory supervisor. What's important is that you don't lose your power. This power is composed of power, fame, influence, and trust. If daren takes the duke and gives up power, his fame, influence, and trust will be complete. As for power, how can the current dukes compare to daren?
When Ming Destiny first established the country, the nobles, nobles, officials, students, old friends, and subordinates were all over the world. How can you really have a salary but no power? Otherwise, Emperor Taizu wouldn't have … Cough cough, later generations will inherit the title from birth. All the officials in the world will take the imperial examination and have nothing to do with it. Of course, this power can't be talked about. But daren is different. Whether it is in the court or in the civil service, how many subordinates do you have? How much does the Emperor rely on daren? Who can replace him in the court? "
Yang Ling's mind flashed like lightning, "I originally kept a backup plan for myself for two years, but now it can be used. Yang Shen, that little brat, had a pretty good memory. However, I couldn't not even have the strength to turn the tables around. I had to immediately separate the various factions that were affiliated with the Internal Factory and then act according to the plan. Perhaps this really was the way to completely eradicate Liu Jin. As for taking sole power? Haha, I would rather have a beautiful wife and concubines, glory, splendor, and wealth. As long as the court is stable, do you think I want to continue to travel the world with the nickname of Zhantou Yang? "
Yang Ling thought of this and said with a smile, "Okay, then let's do it this way. Tomorrow morning, I will go to court, and as Liu Jin wishes, I will snatch the duke from the hands of the officials. As for being in the wilderness, after getting used to it, it won't be a big deal anymore."
"Being in the wilderness?"
"Yes, being in the wilderness, after being in the wilderness for so long, you will get used to it, hahahaha …"
※ ※ ※
Princess Yongfu was accompanying Princess Ningqing in the Tenth Prince's Residence, feeding the birds in the cages hanging under the porch. Princess Yongchun skipped over, saw Yongfu and said with a smile, "Sister, I just heard from Empress Mother something important about you, do you want to hear it?"
Princess Yongfu asked curiously, "What is it, tell me."
"You can say it, but … you have to give me that pair of Phoenix Tail Bracelets as thanks."
"Hey, threaten me, I won't listen." Princess Yongfu wrinkled her nose and deliberately said to annoy her.
"Hey, why are you so stingy? Okay, okay, I'll tell you, Empress Mother found two Imperial Uncles today to discuss how to find a husband for you. "Princess Yongchun put her hands behind her back and said with a smile.
"Ah? Find … a husband? "Princess Yongfu was at a loss for a while.
The palace maids and eunuchs at the side heard it and hurriedly surrounded to congratulate, "Congratulations, Your Highness Princess Royal, congratulations, Your Highness Princess Royal."
Princess Yongchun shooed them away like chasing chickens, "Go go go, go go, go where you want to cool off. The Empress Dowager just had this plan, it hasn't even taken shape yet, what is there to congratulate?"
Princess Ningqing faintly sighed and said, "So fast, now that you mention it, I just realized that Yongfu has really grown up into a young lady, ai!"
Princess Yongchun smiled and said, "What is there to sigh about, doesn't Imperial Aunt like us to accompany you the most? When Jiejie finds a husband, she will move into the Tenth Wangfu and live with Aunt every day. "
Princess Ningqing bitterly smiled and said, "Aunt likes you two, so I don't want you two to … I don't know if the Empress Dowager has found a suitable candidate. I hope she can find a powerful family for Yongfu, so she doesn't have to suffer from the filthy air of the female officials and eunuchs. Once she enters the Tenth Wangfu, she will be like a weaver girl waiting for a cowherd, like a sparrow in a cage …"
When she said this, she suddenly thought of a truly powerful family. Who would be willing to be related to the Imperial Family and let their son be a widower's son-in-law? Such a handsome and gentle child like Yongfu would have the same fate as her, being imprisoned in this deep palace courtyard, wasting her beauty. She couldn't help sighing sadly.
She wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes and suddenly realized that she shouldn't say these words in front of Yongfu. She quickly put on a smile and said, "When she grows up, she will have to marry and find a husband. Hehe, with the Empress Dowager in charge, Yongfu will definitely be able to find an ideal husband. The husband will sing along with the wife, and they will be incomparably loving. When she has a child in the future … Haha, you see, when Imperial Aunt is happy, she will go off topic … "
Princess Yongchun listened and beamed with joy. Her eyes lit up and she said, "Have a baby? My older sister's? Hehe, hehehe, this is too fun, hahaha … "
Princess Yongfu didn't pay attention to her silly smile. She noticed the melancholy on Ningqing's paternal aunt's face. At this time, she noticed that her paternal aunt was only thirty-five years old, only four years older than her mother. But her mother was so young that she looked like her older sister, but her paternal aunt … There were a few strands of hair on her temples that had inadvertently turned grey. There were also shallow wrinkles on her face.
She had never thought that there would be a day when she would marry and become a wife. In her princess fu, she would be free and carefree. Now that things had come to this, her heart was empty and flustered, "Imperial Mother wants to find me a husband? What will he look like? Will he be tall or short? Will he be fat or thin? What is his personality like? What is his temper like? I … I want to move into the Tenth Wangfu and live with these old princesses. I want to take care of the birds and cats every day? "
Princess Yongfu was in a daze. She didn't know what Princess Ningqing said to her. When she woke up, she noticed that Princess Yongchun was holding her hand. They were in the Imperial Garden. Yongchun was seriously exhorting her, "Older Sister, you must find a handsome husband and give birth to a handsome baby for me to play with. I'm so bored all day, so bored …"
Princess Yongfu's face turned red. She hit her in a rebuking manner and said, "You're talking nonsense again. If Imperial Mother hears you, she will have to scold you."
"Hey! It's Imperial Older Brother. Today, Imperial Older Brother has also come to stroll in the Imperial Garden. How rare! Imperial Older Brother, we're here. "Princess Yongchun stood on her tiptoes and called out.
Zhengde poked his head out from behind a rockery. When he saw them, he said with a smile, "Ah ha, so you're here!"
He came out in a flash, followed by Ma Yongcheng. He walked over and said, "We were just about to look for you. There's nothing to see at this time of year. Why did you come to the Imperial Garden? Xiuning, Imperial Mother looked for me today. She said it's time to find a husband for you. Hmm … Let me see. Tsk tsk, you've really grown into a young lady. It's time to find a husband. We were really careless. "
Princess Yongchun hurriedly said, "Imperial Older Brother, order the ministers to find a handsome husband for Imperial Older Sister and give birth to a handsome baby …"
Before she could finish, her mouth was covered by Yongfu. Her almond-shaped eyes glared at her fiercely.
Zhengde laughed and said, "The first condition is easy to handle. We can't order the second condition. Hmm … Our imperial sister will give birth to a good-looking baby even if we don't order it. "
Yongfu really couldn't do anything about this unreliable big brother. She was so embarrassed that she kept stomping her feet and said angrily, "Imperial Older Brother … What nonsense are you talking about?"
Yongchun's eyes turned and she suddenly said, "Imperial Older Brother, Elder Sister's matter is a big matter. Why don't … Let your most trusted Yang Ling pick a husband for Elder Sister? That guy will definitely do his best to help you."
"Yang Ling?" Yongfu's eyes went blank again. Zhengde said happily, "Wow, that's a good idea. For our wedding, Yang will be the Emperor's wedding envoy. Hehe, Imperial Sister's wedding will also be handled by him. Good! Good! Xiuning, are you willing? "
"I … I … I'm willing. I'll listen to Imperial Older Brother's arrangements."
"Willing? Why do I see that you're not willing? "
"Hmm … Right, Subject Yang is good at other things, but he's not good at being a wedding envoy. Look at the empress and two concubines he found for me, I'm still the one who found them. My Xian 'er … Right, why don't Imperial Sister find her own husband? Just like in the opera, throwing a silk ball to find a husband, hahaha … "
"Gulp!" Before Zhengde's smile faded, someone kneeled beside him. It was Ma Yongcheng with a face full of fear and trepidation, "You can't, Your Majesty. Princess Ming Destiny, how can she find her own husband and throw a silk ball to find a husband? It's not proper, it's against the ancestral rules, this is really …"
"You're really annoying!" Emperor Zhengde glared at him and said, "The Emperor is not anxious, but the eunuch is. Imperial Sister and I were just joking, why are you making such a big fuss? Throw a silk ball? If it hits a pockmark, wouldn't it be a big loss? Do you think I'm stupid? Scram! Send an order, order Yang Ling from the Outer Court, Bi Zhen from the Inner Court, and Marquis Of Shouning to be in charge of choosing a husband for Imperial Sister. Go, go, go … "
Ma Yongcheng hurriedly got up and ran away in a flash.
Zhengde chatted with Yongfu and Yongchun for a while longer, then looked up at the sky and said, "I have an appointment with an immortal today, I won't be staying in the palace. I'm leaving, Imperial Sister, you don't have to send me off."
Princess Yongfu stood up slowly, her mind in a mess, but she didn't know what to say.
Only Princess Yongchun was like a happy magpie, chattering beside her ear, "Sister, didn't Zhu Xiang 'er write a letter saying that Yang Ling sent people to put her under house arrest for a month and asked you to teach him a lesson? Him being the wedding envoy is a good opportunity, this time, we must teach him a lesson!"
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