Great Sui Storyteller

Chapter 604 603. Fish Take the Bait (Two in One)

"Crack!!"

"Get out! Get out of here!!"

"roll!!!"

East Palace.

With the sound of the teacup being broken, the maids and servants didn't dare to take a breath, and ran out of the Taoguang Hall with their heads down.

And it just so happened that at this moment, Hongying, who was dressed in palace attire and had three flame patterns between her eyebrows, was walking this way.

The maids and servants who went out immediately didn't dare to run around, and simply bowed their waists like shrimps, and stopped by the roadside, trembling.

"..."

Hongying frowned slightly, walked up to the shivering court lady and asked:
"What happened? Why did you run out if you didn't serve His Highness well in the hall?"

The court ladies are not afraid of Hongying.

On the contrary, in the East Palace, no matter the maids or the servants, they all sincerely believed that Hongying was their backbone.

Because since the Master in charge came to power, no more vicious things happened in the palace, no matter men or women.

Although the upper and lower classes still exist, the most important thing is that the rewards in everyone's hands have become richer.

During the holidays, even the lowest-ranking maids and servants can have an extra tael of hard-earned money. Those days are much more comfortable than the maids and servants in the palace.

But this is not the main thing.

The most important thing is that before the Dragon Boat Festival, when His Royal Highness the King of Yue was in a particularly good mood, he asked the servants for two favors. One is to allow the family members to pay homage. Then sneakily buy millet and burn it at the risk of being held accountable.

If you want to burn it, you can burn it openly. You only need to report in advance, and you can finish the burning in the courtyard where you live.

And the second is to allow every three months to write a letter for the family.

The letters will be sent to various places by the caravans of Pegasus City in person, as long as the detailed address and recipient are written clearly.

No longer just entering the palace gate, no matter life or death.

For parents and relatives, whether they are servants or court ladies, they are no longer those wandering and helpless people.

For the living, you can tell the news and send letters.

For the dead, they can also pay homage and mourn.

When the Lord in charge obtained these two decrees from His Royal Highness Yue King, and on the third day after the announcement, people from Pegasus City came to collect the letter in person. From then on, all the servants of the Eastern Palace who were willing to die, There is only the master in charge.

Because there are some things in this world that money cannot buy.

So, after hearing what the lord in charge said, several court ladies quickly replied:

"My lord, His Royal Highness seemed to be in a dull mood when he came down. The servants were all serving carefully, but His Highness still threw the cup and kicked us all out. But he didn't explain the reason..."

Just as the maid finished answering, two servants came over and said in a low voice:

"Your Majesty, the servant knows. Eunuch Li and Fan, who were serving in the previous court just now, waited on His Royal Highness and returned to Taoguang Palace. They told the servant that it was today... His Highness said that he would carry out the taxation of the River East, but he was caught again. Cui Shangshu was pushed back."

"Hedong tax?"

In an instant, a gleam flashed in Hongying's eyes.

Then nodded:
"Go down, let the people who come to serve in the afternoon come over, and you change it to the afternoon."

"Yes."

The court lady and the servant walked quickly, and Hongying also said to the girl with different pupils who was following her:
"Linglong, go to the storeroom and bring a box of Jiangzhen Xiangshen incense."

"Yes~ Aunt Hong."

I haven't seen you for a few months, and the clean and cute little girl answered and left quickly.

And Hongying walked into the Taoguang Hall step by step.

There was no worry or anything in his eyes.

Instead, it was peaceful.

These are already within the expectations of Mr. Shi Lang.

As early as that day, after I sent the news to Mr. Minister, the reply I got a few days later mentioned that the situation like today might happen.

Mr. Shi Lang thinks that Lu Shi and Cui Shi won't really fight.

That pool of dragon fire was at most just a test, to test the Cui family's attitude.And if the Cui family's attitude is tough, then it will definitely be built and closed.

To put it bluntly, at this time, the Lu family will never quarrel with the Cui family.

And things went as expected by Mr. Minister, Zuo Cheng Lu Chu was still confronting Cui Shi in court.But after a period of time, he suddenly gave in. First he pretended to be sick, and when he recovered, he went to the court for the first time, saying that the minister was incompetent and weak, and he might not be able to share the worries of His Highness.Therefore, Cui Zhongfang, Minister of the Ministry of Rites, was recommended to be responsible for recruiting refugees.

Officials from the Cui and Lu factions who had been fighting each other in the court hall every day, and even officials from the Wang and Wei families who had been watching coldly, also stepped down one after another, and elected the old man in his seventies to be responsible for recruiting refugees.

People who don't know see Lu Chu tired like this, and they may think that these people are eager for Master Cui's sudden death.

But in fact, everyone understands what's going on.

The same is true for King Yue.

Everyone understands that all of this is just "provocation" by King Yue.

Both the Lu family and the Cui family found an excuse to blend in with each other.

Thus, His Royal Highness, who was obviously a chess player, became the victim and the scapegoat.

And Yang You, who was ordered to guard Guanzhong, also suddenly sent a report, saying that there is not much rain in Guanzhong this year, and there may be a drought. Lu Chu suddenly volunteered to take charge of this matter.

It is tantamount to giving up the thing about Hedong completely.

Now, Cui Zhongfang became the only candidate in charge of Hedong.

And the Cui family seemed to be a little angry this time, and began to unite with the Wang, Wei and other families to check and balance the Yue King in the court.

In addition, the Daomen suddenly played, saying that the national teacher had already practiced the elixir, and got up and rushed to Jiangdu. Before leaving, he just begged His Highness King Yue to assign people as soon as possible, and build Yulonghuo as soon as possible to make alchemy for His Majesty.

Even the national teacher began to urge him. His Royal Highness the King of Yue is like a bird with its wings bound these days, and can only struggle in the mud pit of the court.

Once something is said, it ranges from opposition to serious criticism from the officials.

These officials held a group to restrain the king of Yue.

There is a faint feeling that he wants to take the King of Yue out of the picture.

Therefore, His Royal Highness the King of Yue had a hard time going through the morning court every day.

Losing your temper...is normal too.

It's just that I don't know... Will these situations be expected by Mr. Minister?
She couldn't figure it out.

But he did not forget the instructions he received a few days ago.

When she calmly walked to the entrance of the Taoguang Hall, she paused.

After taking a deep breath, the ancient well in his eyes turned into a hint of worry.

Stepping into the door, she looked at the boy slumped on the chair, she didn't say a word, but picked up the scattered pieces of water-stained porcelain cups, put them on the table beside her, and walked behind Yang Tong.

With a little cold hand, he pressed the boy's temple, and began to press gently.

The young man who was originally frowning, finally opened his brows slowly under the right pressure.

And Hongying looked at Linglong who walked in, and said in a low voice:
"Light the incense, and then retreat. Tell the servants, whoever makes a noise rashly, will be killed with a stick. The cicadas outside are too noisy, let them all catch them!"

"Yes, Aunt Hong."

Linglong responded respectfully, lit the incense and backed out.

Soon, a trace of leisurely fragrance wafted from the Taoguang Hall.

And Yang Tong didn't say a word from the beginning to the end.

As if asleep.

I don't know how long it took, but suddenly, he spoke:

"No one else can do it, Hongying, it's you who know how to be considerate and considerate."

Hearing this, Hongying's brows and eyes were full of tenderness:

"This is the only thing Hongying can do for His Highness. Hongying doesn't understand the affairs of those adults outside. But she doesn't want to see His Highness so worried, but also blames herself for being incompetent. Apart from helping His Highness relax, There is nothing else to do...Please forgive me, Your Highness."

"Ugh……"

Hearing this, Yang Tong let out a long sigh, opened his eyes, saw the tenderness in the eyes of the "big sister" above his head, and couldn't help but want to grab Hongying's hand.

But Hongying dodged directly.

"Your Highness, no."

She takes a step back:
"Your Highness doesn't have a concubine right now, it can't be like this."

"..."

The young man blushed... Finally he shook his head helplessly and rubbed his face.

When he opened his eyes again, a cup of fruity tea appeared in front of him.

After he picked it up and took a sip, feeling the sweet and sour taste in his mouth, he was suddenly taken aback...

"Huh?...This is?"

"Yesterday, Hongying specially brewed black plum tea for His Highness to extinguish the fire, and ordered someone to put it in the well overnight, and it was only brought out when His Highness went down to court."

While talking, she refilled the cup for Yang Tong, and said softly:

"There's only one pot in total, your Highness don't want to smash the cup."

"Uh……"

Instinctively, his eyes fell on the puddle of water on the ground.

He is full of pity:
"These servants are really real. If I said earlier that you made it up, would Gu still be willing to fall?"

After speaking, he looked at Hongying.

Sure enough, after seeing the shyness on her face when he was praised by him, he seemed to be in a better mood.

Leaning on the chair with the cup in hand, he shook his head:
"Without you, what will I do~"

"Is Your Highness feeling better?"

While asking, Hongying walked behind him, and began to gently hold his shoulders for him.

Yang Tong nodded, half-closed his eyes, and let out a long sigh while enjoying himself:
"Hey...these people want to restrict Gu now. What Gu mentioned today has been blocked by them again...Damn it!"

He was about to raise his hand holding the cup...but he immediately thought of something and let out a long sigh:
"Alas... a group of rebellious officials and thieves..."

"Your Highness be careful!"

"..."

Yang Tong was taken aback again...

Immediately, his face became more and more helpless.

"Just you and me..."

"That's not okay. His Highness will be the emperor of the Sui Dynasty in the future. He will be a wise king in every word and deed. How can he say such words? No matter what he thinks in his heart, he must show tolerance to outsiders, even if it is Hongying. , and you can't just say it!"

"...Okay, okay, let's not talk about it, let's go."

He shook his head helplessly:

"They are all good people, good officials, and lonely and good ministers, okay?"

Unexpectedly, Hongying suddenly said:
"A bunch of bastards."

"puff……"

Yang Tong didn't hold back for a moment, and suddenly laughed out loud.

Then the laughter turned into hearty laughter:

"Hahahahahaha..."

Obviously, Hongying didn't let him speak, but she cursed out what he most wanted to hear through her own mouth.

This laughter is refreshing and joyful.

In the end, it turned into a helpless shake of the head:
"You really grasp Gu's mind clearly..."

"Then Your Highness is not annoyed?"

"Well, don't worry."

The boy shook his head happily:
"With you, what's bothering you?"

As he said that, he seemed to remember something, and quickly rummaged through it.

Found a military report:
"Here, take a look, it was just delivered last night. People in the court don't know about it yet."

"This……"

"Okay, okay, the bastard is scolding, what are you afraid of. Let you watch, you just watch."

"……Yes."

Hongying nodded, unfolded the report and looked at it, a look of doubt appeared on her face:
"Why does Your Majesty... want General Chen Ling to leave Jiangdu? Guard? But why only 6000 people are needed for guard?"

"Don't underestimate these 6000 people. These are all Chen Ling's personal soldiers. The volume of military books from Baima Yicong that my grandfather got was given to him. His army of [-] good at archery is worth it." It is more than a thousand troops. And it is used as a surprise attack, it is definitely a one-hit winner!"

"Then His Majesty wants to..."

"Grandfather should be going to beat Du Fuwei."

Yang Tong shook his head casually:
"And if these 6000 people leave... the power alone in Luoyang may be weakened by those people again. But it doesn't matter, as long as Zhang Xutuo comes back, with him here, I have to see who dares to hold the knife solitary confrontation!"

Speaking of this, he was a little resentful, but the resentment immediately turned into helplessness:

"Let's just...be patient for a few more months."

"Well……"

Hearing this, Hongying seemed a little distressed, and when Yang Tong saw that he was hesitant to speak, he asked curiously:

"what happened?"

"……nothing."

"Why can't even Gu say anything?"

"..."

Seeing Hongying hesitated for a moment, she suddenly said:

"Your Highness, have you ever thought about going another way?"

"……Um?"

Yang Tong was taken aback for a moment:
"Another way?"

"good."

Hongying nodded:
"Actually, Hongying has always been puzzled. Why does His Highness have to confront the family?"

As soon as he said this, if it was someone else, Yang Tong would probably feel that this person had ulterior motives.But when Hongying said it, he was not surprised at all.

Hongying is caring, but she still doesn't have much talent for court affairs.

So he said:

"Because Gu must weaken them. This is the will of my grandfather, and it is also my grandfather's will... Hongying, don't look at your Pegasus City with a thousand-year foundation, but in the end, you are just merchants, understand? You They are not aristocratic families, so I don’t know how capable these aristocratic families are... Do you think that the change of dynasties is only due to the emperor’s incompetence?”

"Is not it?"

"Of course not."

Yang Tong shook his head:
"Perhaps there is a part of this reason, but more of it is because the family's ambition drives some people behind and supports some people... I can't tell you too much, but you only need to understand one thing. That is... the aristocratic family has the power to overthrow the imperial power. Therefore, we must weaken them, or even remove them, so that this country can sit safely."

"...Then why can't you turn the family into your own?"

Hongying looked a little puzzled.

And Yang Tong was immediately happy:

"What do you mean? In-laws?"

"Yes, in-laws."

Hongying nodded:
"Actually... Hongying has always been puzzled. Let's take the Cui family as an example. It is often said that women of the Cui family are one of the most noble bloodlines in the world. Your Highness has great ambitions. For the time being, Hongying still understands, but why does Your Majesty In the harem...you can't even find a woman from an aristocratic family?"

"Because marriage will only make them stronger."

Holding the teacup, Yang Tong shook his head:
"Do you think getting a wife is that simple? If it's really that simple, why doesn't Gu even want to touch your hand now?"

"Naturally, it is because His Highness does not have a regular wife, and Hongying comes from a humble background. If she is preconceived, it is not in harmony with etiquette, and it will damage His Highness's face."

"That's it. Why doesn't Gu marry a wife? Because he can't find a suitable candidate, you know? Who do you want to marry? Five surnames and seven families? Yuwen? Dugu? Yuwen's family, even immortals are not Yuwen's orthodox. Dugu's family Now lingering, the four surnames of Shandong? Since the grandfather, they have been restricted. Why did the grandfather elevate the Jiangnan gentry? It is also to suppress them. And why this time Jiangdu brought no one from the aristocratic family, and left them all to Gu? The reason That is to let Gu Lai bear it, and my grandfather will sweep back after pacifying Jiangnan, and then he will take down these aristocratic families in one go. So you call Gu marrying a family? Let alone whether your grandfather agrees or disagrees, who will you marry? Cui? Wei? Wang? Lu? "

"Uh……"

Hearing this, Hongying thought for a while and said:
"Your Highness, Hongying's original intention is...Your Highness can make a marriage contract first, or choose a most...suitable family."

"Like?"

"For example, the Li family."

"...The Li family? Guanlong Li family??"

Yang Tong was a little confused.

But Hongying nodded:
"Correct."

Then Yang Tong didn't need to continue to ask, she said:

"Your Highness, these days, Your Highness has asked me to read these military reports... Although Hongying dare not say that she fully understands the affairs of the previous court, at least, in Hongying's opinion, whether it is Cui, Lu, Wang, or Who, aren't they all choosing to restrain His Highness? But only Li Yuan and his family...are conscientiously guarding Shanxi for His Highness, and have never disobeyed His Highness...What's more, they are not above the court. They are not against His Highness Is it good?"

"..."

Yang Tong frowned all of a sudden.

After thinking about it, he nodded a little hesitantly:
"That's what I said... Compared with other aristocratic families, the Li family is quite out of touch. The only one who can come out is Li Yuan. But..."

Speaking of this, he was silent.

Finally shook his head:

"What you said is wrong. Grandpa doesn't even allow a woman from a family to enter the harem. If I say this, wouldn't it be the same as bowing to the family? This will definitely displease my grandfather, and I think in the future..."

Suddenly, he paused...

After swallowing the words that blurted out, he became more determined:

"No, you can't marry. Your method is not a solution. If you really open your mouth...Let's not talk about what kind of concubine the Li family can give Gu, just say that their current power is not as big as other families, and I'm afraid there is no help for Gu. How much. But..."

He took another sip of the sweet and sour tea, put his hands on the table and began to meditate.

But Hongying didn't speak anymore, instead she seemed to be patiently waiting for something.

"But you are right about one thing. Li Yuan...is also a family! Moreover, he listened to his grandfather very much. After his grandfather started to suppress the family, he was separated from the Li family alone. Otherwise, he would not have been honest for so many years. He guarded Honghua for his grandfather for so many years, but he never dared to ask for promotion... He is a smart man, knowing that he has no future with his family, and only with his grandfather can he survive... Yes... Yes... Why didn't I do it alone? Think about it."

His eyes seemed to light up completely, like a drowning man grabbing a life-saving straw:
"Li Yuan is the most obedient, and now he is also in Shanxi, and he is also the consolation ambassador of Shanxi Hedong appointed by his grandfather! Shanxi is the gathering place of aristocratic families, and he is now the largest official and general in Shanxi in name, as long as I can recruit him for my use , then the whole of Shanxi will be stained with the color of Gu! Li Yuan did not dare to betray his grandfather, so naturally he did not dare to betray Gu, and for so many years, the Li family in Guanlong did not give him any help, he dared not listen to Gu's words, but As long as it is used by an orphan, then the Li family may be isolated by other aristocratic families! But anyway, he is also an aristocratic family, and Cui and the others dare not really embarrass Li Yuan, otherwise they will offend the Li family... Has it become a family strife? And no matter how much the family squabbles, Li Yuan will never dare to betray his grandfather... Hahaha, old man!"

He seemed to have figured it out completely, and a trace of revenge-like pleasure suddenly appeared on his face:

"Do you want to check and balance Gu? Good! This time Gu is going to see who can have the last laugh! Hongying...momo!"

"Yes!"

Hearing his words, Hongying also seemed very happy, and immediately began to grind ink for him.

When the ink was finished, Yang Tong took the pen and was about to write the first character, but suddenly his hand froze...

"...Your Highness?"

Hongying was a little puzzled.

But Yang Tong suddenly frowned:

"No... If Gu really writes to him, at most, he will be like Zuo Cheng. He may be a lonely person on weekdays, but once he is involved in a family, I am afraid he will go out to work like Zuo Cheng. No effort... no... there is something that can make him obedient and satisfy him at the same time. But..."

He frowned more and more tightly:
"Is there anything that can move him...and make him obedient?"

He instinctively looked at Hongying.

after all……

This head was started by her.

And Hongying seemed a little stunned...

But after being stunned for a while, he thought about it and said:

"Your Highness, why don't you... test him first? For example, throw him a troublesome matter and see his attitude?"

"How can that work? Li Yuan is the soothing ambassador of Hedong in Shanxi. Of course, Gu must treat him with sincerity. How can he test... eh?"

Suddenly, he was taken aback again.

Then, a touch of ecstasy directly appeared on the face:

"Yeah...hahahahahahaha..."

He laughed wildly.

"Why didn't Gu think of it! Why didn't Gu think of it! Hahahahahaha... Trouble? Isn't there the biggest trouble in front of you?!"

"what is it?"

Hongying looked bewildered.

And Yang Tong was waiting for her words.

said directly:

"Hedong tax payment that I want to implement! It was originally used to restrict the Cui family. Didn't it be pushed back? ... It doesn't matter. Isn't he, the Shanxi Hedong consolation ambassador, able to do the collection of taxes? It was also within his power. Nei! Hahahahahahaha... Allowing him to collect taxes not only gives him greater rights, but also disgusts the family, hahahaha..."

Yang Tong laughed wildly, and asked Hongying:

"Got it? Got it?!"

"..."

Hongying's face was full of bewilderment.

Shaking his head.

nod:

"Hongying is dull..."

When she said this, she quietly let out a long sigh of relief.

call.

You are finally hooked.

(End of this chapter)