Delong

Chapter 121: Whale Slaying (13)

At this moment, Zhang Xing was shaken.

He was really shaken, shaken from the bottom of his heart, because this Zhongcheng showed him a path he had never imagined... Bizarre, shocking, but full of room for imagination.

Zhang Xing can almost imagine that once he nods his head and becomes the adoptive son of this important official of the royal family, he can easily overcome many invisible obstacles. He will be like a fish in water inside Jing'an Tower. As long as his qualifications and cultivation level are up, he can easily be replaced by a representative. Zhu Shou, who has entered the hall and entered the house, including the transfer to the army in the future, the general and the prime minister, is also like walking on the ground.

To put it bluntly, the identity of this sonless Zhongcheng's adopted son is just a ticket, a ticket that allows him to deserve his name... If he has no skills, he is just like Xue Liang, but he is a janitor. You can enter the hall and enter the room, and go straight to the government office.

And if that's the case, even the little private thoughts between Bai Yousi and the problem that everyone has been avoiding - the family background is very different.

But this is not the most rare.

The most rare, or the most direct and most exciting benefit to Zhang Xingxing is that as long as he nods his head, he can immediately touch the highest power of Wei.

Undoubtedly the highest power, because this grand master himself is the representative of the highest power in the empire. The identity and the characteristics of unrelated descendants majesticly cut off a part of the imperial power-you know, by now, everyone can see the temperament of that saint to some extent. Disobedience, but even such a lord is completely helpless in the face of this uncle.

The most extreme ambush with three hundred knives and axes is useless, or it is just a joke.

Then Zhang Xing can completely turn around and be the think tank of this Zhongcheng, and use this Zhongcheng to do some big things, from re-examining the land and clearing Fu, to suppressing the arrogant heart of that saint, and trying to take action from the highest power To dredge this regime that has been so tight on the fundamentals.

Even, Zhang Xing thought of it in an instant, if he did this directly, then the Zhong Cheng who talked about rules and loved order would probably disagree.But it doesn't matter, Zhang Sanlang can mobilize the other seven or eight adopted sons of Zhong Cheng to form a political force that cannot be ignored, and then manipulate power within Jing'antai, pushing Jing'antai, a powerful The bureaucracy went to grab power, expand itself, and then use this uncle to do things.

Standing up and fighting, as long as the fight reaches a certain level, it will be difficult for the emperor not to be a powerful minister... including being on the throne is not out of the question.

Zhang Xing has already figured out the specific process, stealing the Fulong seal, transferring and buying the masters of the Beiya, and then coming to seize Xuanwu City at night, going straight to Xiyuan, and feeding the saints... When things start, who is afraid of whom? ah?
In a word, as long as you agree to the other party, not only will you immediately have a big backer, you will no longer worry about safety issues, you will also have a great future to look forward to, and there will even be a path that is visible to the naked eye, allowing you to do what you want to do The path lies ahead.

At the same time, what are the consequences if you refuse?

It would be best to scold him, since he will not be promoted to Zhu Shou, and the future of the Jing'antai system will be ruined, right?Worst of all, he might not be able to slap him and send him to the bottom dark cell.

However, such a huge contrasting path is only in front of him, but Zhang Xing still can't say a clear word.

"Zhongcheng."

Bai Yousi's voice suddenly sounded from behind, and he knew it was rare to lose control of his emotions. "How can there be such a reason in the world, the dignified ruler openly snatches the talents in the pockets of his subordinates?"

"Why can't it be?" Cao Lin didn't move at all, and directly glanced at Bai Yousi who was not far away. "It depends on whether you love talents, Sisi? What can you give him with such talents? To put it bluntly, if Zhang Sanlang becomes my adopted son, next time I go to your house and see your father , maybe there will be a chair... Don't you think so?"

"I use Zhang Xing, not because of the Bai family's personal interests." Bai Yousi acted immediately. "I really regard him as a friend of the same class, and my father did have an invitation that day, but Zhang Sanlang rejected it immediately."

"If that's the case, what kind of words are talents in the pocket?" Cao Lin smiled, as if he was facing a little girl who was having a bad temper. "Actually, don't you still regard him as your private patrol inspector?"

In fact, I'm afraid it is true, Zhang Xing felt sad for a moment.

"It's because of the superficial theory of the time, so I have no choice but to speak like this." Bai Yousi was rather ashamed and indignant.

"Then let Zhang Sanlang take advantage of the old man's power to break through this superficial theory, and he will soar into the sky from then on." Cao Lin suddenly raised his other hand, his sleeves fluttered, and the copper bell rang, he was so shocked Tower of terror.

Zhang Xing was so shocked that he raised his head suddenly.

Even Bai Yousi couldn't open his mouth again.

It's not that Bai Yousi is afraid of this great master, but that she has already figured it out. This matter can only be decided by Zhang Xing... Moreover, after thinking up to this point, the female inspector has already made up her mind. If Zhang Xing She has her own plans, of course she has nothing to say, but if Zhang Sanlang is willing to continue to fulfill the contract and go forward with her again, even if it is only a decision today, it will only be a mere journey in the future, then she will have to risk her life , to ensure the safety of this person.

Under Sima Zheng, Zhu Shou, Hei Shou, Bai Shou, and Xun Qi, although they are just one person's personal future, and some things have nothing to do with them, but now that they are here, they can't trust Zhang Xing's talent, and they are willing to trust a Zhong Cheng. Eyes, how can you not care?

Therefore, everyone gathered their eyes early, but just like Uncle Cao, they only focused on Zhang Sanlang.

"Zhongcheng, I was shocked for a moment just now, and I was thinking about it again." After waiting for a while, Zhang Xing really spoke slowly.

"Of course." Cao Lin laughed. "With your intelligence, you must consider it, so have you considered it properly?"

"I have three questions, which is quite presumptuous." Zhang Xing's words seemed to be extremely sincere. "I also ask Zhongcheng to forgive this subordinate for being abrupt, and you must answer... so that you can make up your mind."

"No problem." Cao Lin smiled. "I checked the copy, and found out one of your strengths... that is, you plan and plan, but when you really have to make a decision, you are never procrastinating, and you are always straightforward... Today we are in this tower, don't say three There are thirty questions, and I can answer them right on the spot... let you make up your mind."

"First question, may I ask Zhongcheng, according to the rules, Zhongcheng has a call, and his majesty has a call. Is there any similarity... I mean, your majesty has a call. Those who serve are loyal, and those who do not serve are not. Zhongcheng here If you call me a son, you will naturally not mention it, but if you don't, according to the rules, is there anything wrong?" Zhang Xing asked earnestly. "I rejected Bai Gong's invitation before. At that time, I felt that there was nothing wrong with it, but I still don't know how Zhongcheng is here. After all, Zhongcheng is my official superior."

"No." Cao Lin was silent for a moment, but also took it seriously. "There are four supreme beings in the sky, but in this world, there is only a sage, and only a sage can be domineering. Although I am a relative of the emperor, in power, and your current superior, I can't be called loyal...in fact , This is what the late emperor often emphasized when he was in power. The state and county do not drive, and the black ribbon comes from the center, and the power is divided into governors and county guards, so that the state and county officials cannot be prestige. This is what I mean... I have a heart This is also the meaning of taking you out of Bai's pocket."

"Well, the second question, I would like to ask Zhongcheng, the close relatives of the royal family inherit the fate of Tianjing, and they are precious; Measuring Sheji...and Zhongcheng is a relative of the emperor, an important minister, and a great master, so I dare to ask Zhongcheng, which one is the foundation of Zhongcheng?" Zhang Xing continued to ask under pressure. "In other words, Zhong Cheng has always talked about rules, but he doesn't know what kind of rules are fundamentally speaking?"

"Good question!" Cao Lin thought for a long time this time, before slowly answering, "The family and the country are one, and the emperor's relatives and ministers are not contradictory. They all want to assist His Majesty and make the Great Wei Antai... This is what I want the most." Fundamental rules. As for the status of Grand Master, I did have some thoughts before, but as I got older, I just wanted to let Dawei Antai pass on to the world, and no longer demand personal benefits. Of course, I didn’t ignore it completely. It’s about pushing the boat with the tide and putting the family and the country first.”

Zhang Xing still looked dignified, and cupped his hands again: "The last question, if we want the Great Wei to have long-term stability, we must clean up the disasters. Dare to ask Zhong Cheng, which part of the Great Wei's troubles does Zhong Cheng himself think are the most serious? It's because the clans are constantly emerging, and they iterate on each other. , control the military and government? Or is it that there are many local tyrants, so that the Wei government is limited to the county? Is it because Dongyi has won twice, and the people are tired of fighting, and the chance of unification is gradually lost? Relying on the power of the supreme power, the Fire Cult makes the two counties in the north and the south difficult to name? Or is it that the Wu clan is separated by natural dangers, and it is difficult to control after all?"

Cao Lin pondered for a moment, his body remained motionless, but his expression became serious, and he asked back: "The first question, I know, you are afraid, and you are asking for your own safety; the second question I also understand, you are afraid of the Pearl Secret casting is for the future; what is this third question? Why are you asking?"

"For a little selfish ambition." Zhang Xing blurted out.

"Okay, okay, okay." Cao Lin already spread his hand, and then nodded heavily. "I know that this question is related to whether you can take over my hand and kneel down to call you father, but no matter whether we can get this question right, if you can ask about the situation in Wei, I have nothing to say... ...This is not selfishness, it is publicity."

Zhang Xing just quickly bowed his head slightly.

"The clan problem is indeed serious. The late emperor once said about it, and I think, first, most of the talents are still in the clan, and second, the clan is close to the royal family because of some things, and has meritorious service... ...So, this matter, it is best to be open and aboveboard, use the virtuous and the capable, remove the waste and remove the miscellaneous, and let nature take its course." At this point, Cao Lin couldn't help laughing. "They have a high status, so give them a place, and then those who are capable will go up, those who are mediocre will go, those who are obedient will prosper, and those who are rebellious will perish, that's all... When you don't know, if you have a seat, don't give them a seat. Better?"

Zhang Xing did not make a gesture.

"The tyrants are a big problem, especially in the old places of Dongqi and Southern Chen. It is a fact that there are many tyrants. The reason why the imperial court uses the Jing'an Taiwan patrol system is to suppress the tyrants." Cao Lin still spoke with certainty. "This point must be strictly grasped, and we must not slack off for a moment."

Zhang Xing nodded heavily.

"As for the Dongyi people, the Wu clan people, and the Northern Wilderness and Southern Ridge...are actually very important." Cao Lin sighed. "The Dongyi people are the last big obstacle to the unification of the world. The Northern Wilderness and the Southern Ridge are not only a matter of whether the Great Wei can rule properly, but also involve the attitude of the two supreme beings towards the Great Wei Dynasty...Which one is not important? Let me say, both It is a necessary matter. But there are priorities, and there are internal and external problems... To fight against the outside, you must first settle the inside, and you must lay out from the inside to the outside. Therefore, these five things, I have to arrange them in order, but it is a matter of suppressing the powerful First; the clan and Dongyi incident followed; the Northern Wilderness and Southern Ridge incident later... As for the Wu Clan, they must clean up the Northern Wilderness and communicate with the natural dangers, otherwise great things will be difficult to achieve, but they are placed last."

Zhang Xing nodded again and again, obviously showing a hint of relief.

"So, I'm done answering, how do you answer?" Cao Lin asked with a smile when he saw the other party's attitude.

"Forgive me for being rebellious, I dare not accept this great kindness." Zhang Xing bowed his head respectfully, bowed his head, and really did not procrastinate.

There was no sound in the tower again, Bai Yousi raised his head proudly, and stared at the front, but Zhang Xing could only lower his head to face each other, and then he could only see the purple robe in front of him fluttering slightly in the wind.

And a moment later, with a burst of copper bells ringing, the suffocating silence was broken, but there were only two simple words:

"Why?"

"Because Zhongcheng's first two answers were very lenient to his subordinates' mood, but the third answer, he really did not agree with it." Zhang Xing bowed his head and couldn't bear it.

Hearing this, not only Cao Lin, but also Bai Yousi, Sima Zheng, and Qin Bao all changed slightly.

"Then what is the third answer you think first?" After a while, Cao Lin put his hands behind his back and asked.

"Subordinates dare not say anything." Zhang Xing gave a strange reply.

Cao Lin wanted to sneer, but for some reason, he suddenly froze, and then stood silent for a long time.

At the same time, the copper bell rang instead.

That is, in the sound of the copper bell, Bai Yousi suddenly came to his senses, but he gritted his teeth without hesitation and stepped forward: "Zhongcheng, Zhang Sanlang is not rejecting you out of selfishness, but out of publicity. There are some things that even Zhongcheng cannot do for you." , and why do you want to force a young man in his 20s?"

Qin Bao and Zhou Xingfan hurriedly followed and saluted, Qian Tang was stunned for a moment, and then followed.

At this time, Cao Lin turned his head slowly, looked at Bai Yousi coldly, but remained silent.

Bai Yousi didn't care about it at all, but continued to answer: "He didn't dare to say it, but I gave up my future and life to say it... The order of the Zhongcheng is naturally very correct, but the saint is the one who decides, and the saint Good Quanxi Gong... The Nanya princes clearly have the same mind, but they can't even persuade them to build a big golden pillar. If they can't even persuade this kind of thing, who can persuade the saints to put the inside first and then the outside? Zhang Sanlang has a heart Dazhi, his ambition is to secure the world, if he can't do this, so what if he becomes Zhong Cheng's adopted son? It's just that Zhong Cheng has made money for nothing, and he has to bear the bad name of betraying me."

Cao Lin didn't say a word, but the Grand Master was one of heaven and man, instead he didn't shy away from expressing emotions. Everyone could see clearly that after Zhang Xing refused, he became obviously angry.

Instead, he suddenly realized something, and he was a little stagnant.

As for Bai Yousi's anger actually decreased a little after he came forward, but what he said later was obviously aggravated, so that the anger became even worse.

"Zhongcheng."

Seeing this, Sima Zheng stepped forward without hesitation. "I have only one thing to say... In any case, Zhang Baishou is a person who has served the country, and his thoughts and deeds are understandable. Is it possible that there is no reward for meritorious service, and instead he will be severely punished for this kind of thing? If so, what do you think of it?" Zhongcheng’s way of employing people?”

Zhang Changgong, who was wearing a mask, hesitated for a moment, but also stepped forward and cupped his hands.

The atmosphere froze again.

I don't know how long it took, but finally, from the perspective of Zhang Xing, whose chin was dripping with sweat, Cao Lin's purple robe stopped fluttering without wind, and the copper bell that rang from time to time also rang lightly, and then stopped suddenly down.

Then, Cao Lin's purple robe turned out of sight.

At this time, Zhang Xing finally heard the cold voice of the other party, but he was not calling himself: "Zhang Changgong!"

"The subordinate is here!" Zhang Changgong replied calmly.

"Why do you ask for love?" Cao Lin's voice was harsh. "Do you know him? Have you seen his ability? Or are you trying to sell someone?"

"Neither." Zhang Changgong answered cautiously. "It's my grandfather who once gave a small order, asking us to pay attention to a child of the Zhang family's western family in Hedong... that is, Zhang Xingyan, who was implicated in the rebellion and was forced to sell back then. Joined the army in Taiyuan, participated in the Second Expedition to Dongyi as one of the above five armies...Before I came to Jing’antai, I noticed Zhang Baishou who was in such a bag, and I dare not be suspicious.”

Cao Lin was slightly taken aback, and then his expression softened.

And the people around, from Bai Yousi to ordinary patrolling riders, were all surprised.

Only Zhang Xing couldn't figure it out... He had read the relevant documents in Jing'an Terrace, and knew that his body was called Zhang Xingyi, and he could match Du Meng... What the hell is Zhang Xingyan?

"Zhang Xing." Cao Lin suddenly shouted. "You are Zhang Xingyan, are you pretending to have amnesia on purpose?"

"No." Zhang Xing immediately raised his voice to answer. "I really lost my memory. Later, I checked the documents myself. It should also be a Northland wanderer whose original name is Zhang Xingyi, but it's just a name change...not from a famous family."

Cao Lin exhaled slightly after hearing this, and finally delivered the final verdict:
"Forget it this time, but don't come to the Black Tower in the future."

"Thank you Zhong Cheng for your generosity." Zhang Xing seemed relieved again.

"Don't thank me." Cao Lin sneered and began to look through the documents on his case.

"Yes, it's all thanks to the inspector and Sima Changjian." Zhang Xing corrected immediately.

"It's not just them." Cao Lin shook his head slightly. "I just said, the sons of the powerful family still want those who obey to prosper and those who rebel die, let alone a person of unknown background like you? The reason why they are willing to let you go is that these few people who work with you are willing to protect you." You; the other one is that from the beginning to the end, although you have crazy and paradoxical theories, you can always show your loyalty to Wei, and you have always been honest... Leaving aside the misunderstanding of Mrs. Zhang, a few questions , Of course you are the one who asks and I answer, why not you ask and answer by yourself? I have nothing to say about your self-expression. No matter who you follow or where you go in the future, don’t forget what is in your heart today. self-questioning."

"This is exactly what my subordinates intended." Zhang Xing raised his head suddenly, so that the sweat flicked and penetrated into the collar of his jacket.

"I'll give you a black ribbon, let's go!" Cao Lin waved his hand directly, and threw out a black ribbon and a document, but they landed on the opponent's hand impartially. "Don't come to this tower again in the future!"

Zhang Xing held the seal and ribbon document in his hand, and immediately responded: "Thank you Zhongcheng for your kindness! Zhang Xing will definitely remember Zhongcheng's magnanimity today!"

This is a big truth, but Cao Lin didn't answer at all.

On the other side, after saying a word, Zhang Sanlang tried his best to step back. After walking a few steps, he almost staggered, but suddenly felt his body lighten. When he looked back, he found that it was Bai Yousi who stretched out his hand to support his arm. So he completely relaxed, but it was almost as if he was being held by the female inspector.

Since the female inspector received the person, she did not hesitate, bowed her head with one hand and saluted, then turned away under the complicated gazes of Xue Liang and others.

Only Sima Zheng stepped forward to salute calmly, and talked about something with Cao Lin, so that the atmosphere was not too awkward.

A group of people left the Black Tower, ignoring the colleagues on the road at all, but went straight across the bridge to Jing'an Terrace, and came to the Tianjie Street where there was no traffic. Zhang Xingfang felt that he had come back to life, but he came to his senses again. , These people themselves were so nervous that they didn't bring the horse back.

"You guys are all gone." Bai Yousi looked around coldly. "Tomorrow I will send someone to find you..."

The patrolling cavalry dispersed immediately as if they had received an amnesty, Qian Tang hesitated for a moment, and left silently, only Qin Bao and Zhou Xingfan remained motionless for a moment.

But Zhang Xing took a breather and knew that Tianjie was not a place to talk, so Fu and Qin Bao and Xiao Zhou climbed over the wall and entered Chengfufang... It's ridiculous to say that after killing Zuo Youxian, Zhang Xingxiu has reached ten The Zhengmai was close to perfection, but unexpectedly failed to climb over the wall once, and only passed it the second time.

But no one laughed at him, who doesn't have weak legs?That's the grand master?

"Where are the Leopard and Huang Puma?"

When she came home, Yueniang poked her head out, her eyes swept over Bai Yousi, as if she hadn't heard of it, she just looked behind her. "Why did I lose my horse when I went out on an errand?"

"Close the door!" Zhang Xing was too lazy to say much. "Don't let anyone else in."

Yueniang shut up immediately, and immediately got out of the way, and when someone came in, she immediately closed the door, went into the kitchen again, and brought out tea and pastries.

But there was no one to eat or drink.

"Brother Zhang San...you are so courageous." Zhou Xingfan spoke first, wiping away his sweat.

Zhang Xing ignored it.

"Third brother." After a while, Qin Bao said. "Are you taking such a big risk just because Zhongcheng can't persuade the saint?"

"No." Zhang Xing took a breath, looked at Bai Yousi and spoke calmly. "Differences do not conspire with each other... You two should be clear about my thoughts. I always thought that the troubles of the Great Wei were never inside or outside, but the highest and the lowest... And as early as the last Jiangdong incident Well, I knew that Zhongcheng had everything in his eyes, but he didn't have the lowest, so he was reluctant to recognize him as a godfather at the beginning. As for the last "dare not to say", it was just deliberately using Nanya's dissatisfaction with the saint , use this as an inducement to make Zhong Cheng think that's all."

Qin Bao shook his head again and again: "That's the case. If a man can bend and stretch, so what if he saves his life first? Why should he face him face to face like this? Do you know that just now, if Zhong Cheng had a slight thought of going against the grain, with a slap, he would Nothing."

"This is the key." Zhang Xing smiled suddenly, still staring at Bai Yousi and said. "A man can bend and stretch, but I'm afraid that he will bend too much, and he won't be able to straighten his waist anymore... To put it bluntly, I still can't get over that hurdle in my heart, and I really don't want to bend again, and bend another person... This is the reason why I made up my mind in the end. "

"As expected." Bai Yousi sighed slightly. "I knew it... But no matter what, you are considerate to me today, and even if you will stretch out from me in the future, I will never forget the love you have today."

Qin Bao and Zhou Xingfan just lowered their heads and remained silent, while Yueniang couldn't help but open her eyes wide to look at Zhu Shou, a woman dressed as a man, as if she had received some inexplicable shock.

Zhang Xing nodded and said nothing more.

"Well said." At this moment, a voice suddenly came from above his head. "Zhang Baishou... No, Zhang Heishou, I have seen you many times, and I have been convinced many times... According to your wisdom, courage, benevolence and righteousness today, even if Zhongcheng personally cut off Zhu Shou's future, why worry about not being able to make great achievements in the future?"

Zhang Xing's face darkened immediately, and he went to see Bai Yousi again.

Bai Yousi sneered: "He just came here, and I only heard Qin Bao say that a man can bend and stretch."

Zhang Xing came down in relief, sighed again, but simply didn't say a word, just sat there in a daze, and didn't invite Sima Erlong to come down to his room for a cup of tea.

After all, Ande relied on the Heavenly Sword to cut off a long whale across the sea?However, even if he borrowed the Yitian Sword, he could only slay the long whale on the Huai River. If he wanted to slash the long whale in his heart like today, how could he not exhaust his mind?
PS: Good night everyone.

(End of this chapter)