"Exactly." Mo Cong waved his fan. Little Worm's fan pendant was vivid and lifelike, full of interest. He casually said as if he was just chatting, "You are the Thirteenth Prince's tutor, and Third Sister-in-law and the Thirteenth Prince have always been close, so Third Sister-in-law asked you to help Thirteenth Prince. Even for Thirteenth Highness's sake, you won't refuse. "
Liu Min was shocked. Jiang Ruan had helped him before, but because of his lack of manners, the two of them were even more distant than strangers. In this world, there was no such thing as helping someone without a reason. Liu Min had always been clear that Jiang Ruan must have had a reason for helping him. Then … was this the reason now?
He seemed to have thought of something and hurriedly asked, "Has Jinying Princess been found?"
"No." Mo Cong shook his head, "Thirteenth Highness is currently unable to get away. The situation outside is chaotic, and the entire court is not calm. This was what Third Sister-in-law had expected before the accident. She even predicted that something would happen to her. Before the accident, she had instructed me that if anything were to happen, I must come to Grand Tutor for help."
Liu Min's heart was filled with an indescribable feeling. Jiang Ruan trusted him so much? What he was about to do now must be very important. Jiang Ruan trusted him so much … Liu Min was a man of principle. Even though he was an official in the imperial court, he had never gone against his principles. Therefore, everyone in the court knew that he was the most upright. But Liu Min had known a long time ago that Jiang Ruan was not a good person. Some of her methods were even very sinister. What he was doing now was probably not something honorable and honorable.
But that hesitation only lasted for a short moment. Soon, Liu Min said, "Okay."
This time, it was Mo Cong's turn to be surprised. Today, he had been entrusted to find Liu Min. In fact, he was uncertain because everyone knew that Liu Min's temper in the court was the most stubborn. Even though he knew that Liu Min had an unusual affection for Jiang Ruan, Liu Min was not a person who would betray his principles because of personal feelings. Mo Cong had planned a long speech to persuade Liu Min. He did not expect Liu Min to agree so easily, which surprised him. Then he hesitated for a moment and asked with a smile, "Grand Tutor Liu, don't lie to me. Is your answer sincere?"
"I know what you're worried about." Liu Min looked at him and said, "I'm serious about this."
"Why?" Mo Cong also put away the playful expression on her face and said, "With your character, you won't agree so easily."
"I will repay your kindness," Liu Min said faintly.
Mo Cong looked at him thoughtfully. After a long time, he seemed to understand the meaning behind Liu Min's words. After a long time, he nodded and said, "Alright, I believe you. It's just that there are too many people in the palace. Tonight, I'll take you to see someone. " After saying this, Mo Cong patted Liu Min's shoulder comfortingly, turned around, and left without stopping. From an outsider's point of view, it looked like Mo Cong had run into the desolate Liu Min on the road, and had gone over to comfort him out of their friendship as schoolmates.
A long time after Mo Cong left, Liu Min looked at his palm in a daze. What could it be that she needed his help with? He knew of Jiang Ruan's abilities, and the current situation was disadvantageous to Jiang Ruan's side. Could she really turn the tide? And the hands she wanted to borrow were his own. As an incompetent scholar, could he really do it? Liu Min slowly clenched his fists, and the dazed look in his eyes gradually began to fade. His expression became more resolute. No matter what, he had to try.
…
That night, Liu Min changed into a brown coarse hemp robe. Usually, besides his official robes, he wore clothes that his mother had personally made. After all, they were more exquisite and presentable. Now that he was wearing a hemp robe, it was as if he had returned to the time when he was still a scholar from a poor family.
His heart was filled with emotions. Compared to other people, who had many pairs of eyes staring at them from outside the fu, Liu Min was extremely safe. Firstly, he was a Grand Tutor, and did not have any real power. Secondly, his temperament was obvious to all, and it was impossible for him to collude with anyone. Such a person was a loner, and there was nothing to be threatened about him. Liu Min went out on his own, and there was nothing worth following.
He arrived at a remote tavern. There was a back hall in the tavern, and on the second floor of the back hall, there was a single room. When he walked to the door, he saw Mo Cong waiting outside. His eyes brightened, and he said, "You've come. Alright, go in."
Liu Min did not know who was inside, and Mo Cong pushed him in. Mo Cong said, "Third brother, fourth brother, the person has arrived. I'll go out first." Then, he pulled on Liu Min's sleeve, and without waiting for Liu Min to say anything, he closed the door.
Liu Min then looked up at the person sitting in the room.
The room could not be considered spacious, but it was not small either. It looked like an ordinary guest room in a tavern. There was one person sitting at the table, and another person standing by the window. The person sitting in front of the table was dressed in a luxurious purple robe. He had a handsome face and looked somewhat familiar, but Liu Min could not recall where he had seen him before. When the person saw him looking over, he stood up and greeted Liu Min, "Grand Tutor Liu."
When he made this proper gesture, Liu Min remembered that this person was also a colleague in the court. His name was Qi Feng, and his rank was mediocre. He did not enter the palace for many years, and Liu Min did not see him often. Moreover, Qi Feng used to always have a small beard, which looked quite unique. Who knew that his beard had been cut, and Liu Min did not recognize him. He also returned the greeting, and said, "Qi daren." Then, he looked at the person in front of the window.
Liu Min was very familiar with this person. He was only wearing a black and gold brocade robe, and his posture was tall and straight. He was leaning against the window and playing with a dagger in his hand. His facial features were beautiful beyond compare. If it was not Xiao Shao, who else could it be?
Liu Min suddenly remembered some old things. He had also seen Xiao Shao before. When he first entered the court as an official, he had already heard all kinds of Xiao Shao's deeds from the mouths of the people. Naturally, he knew that this Jinying Wang fu was a house of rebels and traitors. Later, when he saw that Jiang Ruan and Xiao Shao had a dispute, he had tried to persuade Jiang Ruan, hoping that she would not throw herself into it. In fact, in the end, his words did not have any effect. Even at that time, it was already clear that the relationship between Jiang Ruan and Xiao Shao was not shallow. He was afraid that they had already known each other for a long time.
Regarding Xiao Shao, Liu Min had always had a complicated feeling. He knew that the Emperor trusted this person, but he had some doubts about this person. However, later, when he saw that Xiao Shao treated Jiang Ruan with sincerity and care, it seemed that those unreconciled feelings had slowly dissipated. But even so, in front of this young man, he still gave birth to a kind of embarrassment. It was the embarrassment of facing a winner.
Xiao Shao did not look at Liu Min. He concentrated on playing with the dagger in his hand, as if there was only one thing in front of him. But when he looked carefully, he felt that he was not looking at the dagger at all. There was nothing in his eyes.
Qi Feng coughed lightly and interrupted Liu Min's gaze. He smiled and said, "Grand Tutor Liu, please sit down."
Liu Min withdrew his thoughts. Seeing that Qi Feng did not mean to call Xiao Shao, he understood that this was just a conversation between the two of them. At least, it was not a face-to-face communication with Xiao Shao. He did not know why he was relieved. Then he sat down and looked up at the man in purple in front of him, "Did you ask me to come over?"
"Yes." Qi Feng smiled slightly. He picked up the teapot on the side and poured a cup of tea for Liu Min, "You don't have to be surprised. I think Mo Cong told you before that I asked Grand Tutor Liu to come over. To be honest, I have a request." After a pause, he continued, "And this matter was brought up by the third sister-in-law."
Liu Min's expression did not change, but she could not help but be surprised. She was not very familiar with Qi Feng, but she also knew that Qi Feng was as inconspicuous as his official position in the court. Such a person did not even have the power to affect the overall situation. Naturally, he would not enter the eyes of the people who were fighting for the throne. Who knew that Qi Feng's statement not only showed his relationship with Mo Cong and Jinying Wangfu, but also revealed a message. This Qi Feng was not a simple person.
Such a not simple person was in the court, but there was no movement for many years. He endured being a mediocre official. Was there any purpose in this? Liu Min was not a bookworm. She had heard some usurpation of power in the previous dynasty. She could not help but be a little surprised. Could it be … Did Xiao Shao want to establish himself as the King?
Jinying Wangfu had always been known as a rebel. If he established himself as the King, it would not be a disgrace to this reputation. But if this was really the case, Liu Min had already made up her mind. He would never help the evildoer and become an accomplice to usurp power.
Seeing that Liu Min's face was becoming more and more unsightly, Qi Feng seemed to have guessed what he was thinking. He smiled and said, "Grand Tutor Liu, do you know what the current situation is in the court?" Without waiting for Liu Min to speak, he said, "His Majesty passed away suddenly. The Empress Dowager is old. The country cannot be without a ruler for a day. The master of the world will one day sit on the throne. Now, there are only two princes, the Eighth Prince and the Thirteenth Prince. These two princes are equally matched. "
Liu Min said coldly, "What do you want to say?" The meaning of Qi Feng's words was clearly to discuss the issue of the Great Jin Dynasty's ruler. This was treason. Liu Min could almost conclude that what Qi Feng was going to say next must be related to the fight for the throne. Thinking of this, he glanced at Xiao Shao, who was leaning against the window. He could not help but feel anger rising in his heart. Xiao Shao thought like this, but he did not think about Jiang Ruan's position. For a beautiful woman to live in this world, it was easy to provoke trouble if she was not careful. At first, because of Xiao Shao, Jiang Ruan had the reputation of climbing up to a high branch. Now that Xiao Shao was doing this, did he want that woman to be denounced as a demoness who brought disaster to the country? Since he married someone else, why did he not take good care of her? Why did he ruin her?
Qi Feng smiled slightly and said, "I want to know Grand Tutor Liu's opinion. Between the Thirteenth Prince and the Eighth Prince, based on Grand Tutor Liu's vision, who is suitable to be the future Crown Prince of the Great Jin Dynasty?"
Liu Min said, "This matter is not up to me to comment." How could he be allowed to speak in the royal family's fight for the throne? What's more, Liu Min was now full of vigilance against Qi Feng. Every word that Qi Feng said, Liu Min had to carefully consider.
"Grand Tutor Liu is a straightforward person, but with Grand Tutor Liu's status and official position, it is not difficult to be a mediocre person. But in this world, as long as one is talented, who does not hope to achieve great things? As a subject, assisting the Emperor is his duty, and it is also a long-cherished wish of a lifetime. Has Grand Tutor Liu not thought of assisting the Emperor, accompanying the Emperor to see the country become more prosperous day by day, and doing more for the common people? "
Qi Feng's eloquence had never been bad, especially when it came to admonishing people's ideas. Liu Min was overflowing with talent. Although he was appreciated by the former Emperor, the position of Grand Tutor did not have any real power. He could not make decisions regarding the political affairs of the country. When Liu Min first entered the court as an official, it was to rely on his own strength to change the unfairness in his eyes. But now it seemed that he did not achieve his original intention. Qi Feng's words were not so much a promise, but a reminder. He was reminding: Never forget the four words, have you ever done it?
Liu Min said, "So what? Let nature take its course. Even if it is His Majesty's decision, it is not something that I can change alone. As for assisting the Emperor, no matter where I am, I will worry about the court. "
"Well said." Qi Feng laughed and said, "Since Grand Tutor Liu has such a mountain in his heart, naturally, you should have an idea. Who is the best person to control the world? Let me ask Grand Tutor Liu, after following Thirteenth Highness as Grand Tutor for so long, do you think Thirteenth Highness is worthy of the great responsibility of the world? "
Liu Min thought that Qi Feng's words were just to promote Xiao Shao. Now that he mentioned Xuan Pei, he was just waiting for him to say that he was young, and then he would mention Xiao Shao. In order not to let Qi Feng succeed, Liu Min immediately said, "Of course, Thirteenth Highness is a dragon among men. He is very clever and has a young demeanor. In the future, he will certainly have a promising future."
"Very good," Qi Feng exclaimed in admiration, "I did not expect Grand Tutor Liu to have the same thoughts as us. Third Brother, did you hear that? It's a small world, there are fated people everywhere." Qi Feng said to Xiao Shao.
Xiao Shao glanced at this side lightly and did not respond to Qi Feng's words. On the other hand, Liu Min was startled when he heard this. He did not expect Qi Feng to say this sentence. Shouldn't he mention Xiao Shao's matter next? Why did he suddenly say what he wanted to say? Liu Min showed a rare sluggish expression and asked suspiciously, "What?"
"As Grand Tutor Liu said," Qi Feng said with a smile, "I also think that between the two princes, Thirteenth Highness is better. Therefore, I have decided to seek refuge with Thirteenth Highness. I will not let him down in this life and only support him!"
This was somewhat beyond Liu Min's expectation. He did not know what to say and could only look at Qi Feng in a daze. Qi Feng suddenly changed his expression, "But now you and I both know that the Thirteenth Prince's position in the palace is really worrying. A few days ago, because of his personal maid's accusation, he was imprisoned. Even General Jiang was innocently implicated. Grand Tutor Liu is a smart person. Even if you don't believe others, you should believe in General Jiang's innocence. "
These words hit the bottom of Liu Min's heart. If it was Xuan Pei, he might not doubt it, but it was absolutely impossible for Jiang Xin Zhi to order people to murder the former emperor. When the Great Jin Dynasty sent troops to attack Tianjin, how Jiang Xin Zhi escaped from death and led the soldiers to fight bravely was obvious to everyone. This young general relied on his own blood and merits to climb up step by step. He fought with his own life. Liu Min was different from other scholars. He did not despise the vulgarity of the generals. Instead, he had a deep admiration for this kind of valiance that he could not achieve. In Liu Min's heart, Jiang Xin Zhi was an upright and brave general. It was impossible for such a righteous general to poison the former emperor. Obviously, someone wanted to drag Jiang Xin Zhi into the water.
The purpose of dragging Jiang Xin Zhi into the water was naturally to drag Xuan Pei into it. Who in the palace hated Xuan Pei the most? Besides Xuan Li, who else could it be? Naturally, Xuan Li was the mastermind behind the scenes. Because of this, Liu Min actually disliked Xuan Li's backstabbing actions. Moreover, he and Xuan Pei had a teacher-student relationship. Even if he did not come today, he would still be on Xuan Pei's side.
"I believe in General Jiang." Liu Min said. It was only one sentence, but it showed his attitude.
"The general's residence belongs to Third Sister-in-law's eldest brother. We naturally believe in him." Qi Feng smiled and said, "But now it seems that Grand Tutor Liu is also on His Highness's side. In other words, Grand Tutor Liu is the same as us."
When Liu Min heard this, he was completely clear. It turned out that the purpose of this group of people was not to push Xiao Shao up. There was only one person they supported, and that was Xuan Pei. Now that these people had come, he was very clear about what they were doing. They wanted to pull him into Xuan Pei's camp. Liu Min could not help but want to smile bitterly in his heart. What was the use of him expressing his position? What was the use of pulling him into this camp? One had to know that he was just a scholar without the strength to truss a chicken. He was a Grand Tutor without real power. Even if he personally went to Empress Dowager Yi De to plead for Xuan Pei, his words would have no weight. Therefore, he was useless. These people spent a lot of effort to pull him in. Wasn't it a waste of effort?
"I am indeed on His Highness's side," Liu Min said, "but no matter which side I stand on, it will be useless. It will not affect the final outcome, so you can only worry too much. If you expect me to change anything, I'm sorry." In the end, Liu Min could not help but look at Xiao Shao again. On the surface, these words were said to Qi Feng, but it was better to say that they were said to Xiao Shao. Qi Feng obviously listened to Xiao Shao. Today, Qi Feng's solicitation was actually Xiao Shao's intention. Liu Min felt a little awkward in his heart, but what he said was indeed the truth.
"No," Qi Feng said, "you are wrong. Grand Tutor Liu is really belittling himself. Not only are you not useless, on the contrary, you are very useful. Without you, I am afraid this matter will not be successful. If His Highness really controls the country in the future, without you, I am afraid it will be difficult to entrust the great cause. "
Hearing this, Liu Min could not help but show a trace of surprise. Qi Feng's words could not be said to not shock him, but he really could not think of what else he could do. He could not help but say to Qi Feng, "I am just a Grand Tutor …"
"Before being a Grand Tutor, you are first a scholar." Qi Feng said solemnly, "In this world, everything can be stopped, only the heart and words can be stopped. Before Grand Tutor Liu became a Grand Tutor, he was a scholar, a scholar who won the Zhuangyuan. At that time, an article attracted His Majesty's attention, and many scholars in the world regarded you as a role model. You are the benchmark in the hearts of the literati. Perhaps Grand Tutor Liu did not realize it himself. Perhaps the Grand Tutor is nothing in the imperial court, but in the hearts of the literati, you are more important than any Prime Minister, because you are their example. "
Liu Min was stunned. No one had ever said such words to him before. When he had studied so hard, he had only wanted to change his situation and change the situation of people like him in the world. But later on, when he had really studied and made a name for himself, he discovered that everything was not as simple as he had imagined. He could change his own life, but there were millions of people in the world. How could he be a savior? He could do nothing but be the teacher of an emperor. But this Qi Feng said that he was the benchmark in the hearts of scholars in the world? This … how could it be so ridiculous?
"Just like how a general worships Guan Gong, there is no Guan Gong in this world, so naturally they worship the most prestigious person in the court. Grand Tutor Liu, in this Great Jin dynasty, there have been many scholars who have won the Zhuangyuan, but none of them have been promoted as fast as you, and you came from a poor family, yet you were recognized by His Majesty. In your eyes, this may not be worthy of praise, but you should know that what you have, some people can't get in their lifetime. What you have is enough to make many people extremely envious. "
Liu Min did not speak, but his heart gradually began to agree with Qi Feng's words. Qi Feng smiled and suddenly stood up. He bowed respectfully to Liu Min, "Grand Tutor Liu, what I want you to do now can greatly change the situation of the country and save countless people. You want to use your own strength as a scholar to change this exquisite chess game. What you want to do is much greater than you think. Are you willing, you … Do you dare? "
Qi Feng's expression was solemn. Even Liu Min could feel Qi Feng's serious words. His heart could not help but sink slightly. Qi Feng actually bowed so respectfully. It seemed that this matter must be very important. And Qi Feng's words seemed to touch something in Liu Min's heart. When he was a teenager, he also looked forward to one day being full of energy and high spirits. His passion had been worn down day after day on the official road. Now that he had a chance to fulfill the dream of his youth, Liu Min felt a chill run down his spine, but the boiling hot blood beneath his skin was clamoring, almost pointing to an answer.
He slowly stood up and returned Qi Feng's salute. He whispered, "Naturally."
Xiao Shao did not know when he had turned around. His dagger had been put back into his sleeve. At this moment, he stood with his hands behind his back, quietly looking at Liu Min. Qi Feng slowly put his hand into his bosom and took out something. He handed it to Liu Min with both hands without saying anything. Liu Min was slightly startled. When he looked down, he was shocked. This thing, the feeling of tentacles …. He slowly opened the thing in his hand with a feeling of disbelief. His hands were still trembling. When he fully opened it and saw the full appearance of the thing in his hand, he could not help but cry out, "How can this be …"
He suddenly understood Qi Feng's meaning and why Qi Feng said that he had such great power. Indeed, this thing in other people's hands was not as useful as in his hands. But … how could it be? He looked at Qi Feng and the black-clothed youth standing behind Qi Feng in surprise and suspicion. Neither of them said anything. Qi Feng's eyes were full of trust, while Xiao Shao's expression was as indifferent as ever, as if nothing in the world could be reflected in his eyes.
"Grand Tutor Liu, thank you." Qi Feng said in a deep voice.
Liu Min finally came back to his senses after a long time. Finally, he could not help but ask, "This matter was arranged by her?"
This' her 'naturally referred to Princess Jin Ying. Both Xiao Shao and Qi Feng understood. Xiao Shao did not speak. Qi Feng smiled helplessly and said, "Yes."
Liu Min closed his eyes. She was really bold. It turned out that all of this was under her control. It seemed that now her life and death were unknown. It should be just a play. She should be safe, she was so smart … Liu Min breathed a sigh of relief. He did not know why, but at this moment, he did not feel deceived at all. He just sighed a little. This woman was so beautiful and had great wisdom in her heart. She quietly played with the whole country in the palm of her hand. It was a pity … Someone else had beaten them to it.
Liu Min put away the reverie in his heart. He raised the thing with both hands and nodded to Qi Feng, "I will do my best."
"Thank you." Qi Feng smiled slightly and looked out of the window, "It is not convenient to stay here for a long time. Grand Tutor Liu, please go back first. This thing will be left here for the time being. When the time is right, I will naturally hand it over personally. As for the rest of the matter, Grand Tutor Liu is a smart person and knows what to do. I will not interfere."
Liu Min nodded slightly again. Qi Feng knocked on the table. Mo Cong, who had been eavesdropping outside for a long time, immediately broke the door and looked at Liu Min with a smile, "It's okay. I will send Grand Tutor Liu downstairs and pick a few secret guards to protect Grand Tutor Liu's safety."
After Mo Cong and Liu Min left, Qi Feng sighed. The confident look on his face suddenly disappeared without a trace. Xiao Shao walked to the table and sat down. Qi Feng looked at him and said, "It's really hard to deal with this person. I was really afraid that he would not agree just now."
Even if he pretended to be calm, only Qi Feng himself knew how difficult it was to persuade a stubborn person. He did not expect Liu Min to agree so readily. Qi Feng was also a little surprised. If he did not believe in the character of this Grand Tutor, he would really doubt whether there was any conspiracy in it.
Xiao Shao looked down at the teacup in front of him and did not speak. Qi Feng looked at it and thought for a moment, then suddenly said, "Are you jealous? Are you jealous? Grand Tutor Liu is so straightforward today because of Third Sister-in-law. Why? Third Sister-in-law, are you not happy? "
Xiao Shao was a strong man. Anyone who saw his wife being remembered by a strange man would not feel good, especially a possessive man like Xiao Shao. After Qi Feng became serious, he could not help but have a mischievous thought. He wanted to tease Xiao Shao. Who let Xiao Shao always have a cold face? During this period of time, it was hard for him.
"You talk too much." Xiao Shao whispered.
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