Judge of the Lamp

Chapter 265 Snowy Night Assassin
Hujialou, one of the big restaurants in Wang'anjing.

The scale of Hujialou is comparable to that of Fenglelou, and the restaurant on the third floor can accommodate thousands of people.

But it can't be compared in terms of quality. Hu's House is a restaurant for the common people. No matter the dishes or the environment, it is much worse than Fengle House.

When it was time for dinner in the evening, in the hall on the first floor, the tables were crowded and people were crowded. A table of wine and food, with fish and meat, four or five people had enough to eat and drink, and it was only about a hundred Chinese.

In the hall today, there are a few special guests, but no one knows their identities.

One is Chen Shuncai, the other is Emperor Zhaoxing, and several servants are accompanying him.

Hearing about the prince's plot to assassinate him, the city has already been full of uproar, and Emperor Zhaoxing wants to come out to have a look.

Chen Shuncai didn't want him to come: "Your Majesty, the capital is not peaceful today, let's wait a few days..."

"When did you wait? Did you wait for that Nizi to make more achievements in battle, and then show off his might?"

Chen Shuncai didn't dare to stop him, and according to his instructions, he brought Emperor Zhaoxing to Hu's House in casual clothes, and ordered a table of wine and food.

The food in Hujialou was delicious, but Emperor Zhaoxing didn't move his chopsticks.

The waiter has tasted every dish, so there is no need to worry about it being poisonous, but Emperor Zhaoxing thinks the ingredients are poor, so he just doesn't move.

Sitting in a restaurant without moving a mouthful would easily arouse suspicion. Chen Shuncai was worried that someone would recognize the identity of the emperor, and even more worried that the emperor would hear the conversation of these commoners.

Rumors spread.

But somehow it changed.

Several artisans at the next table were discussing this matter.

"Have you heard that the crown prince won a big battle in the north and defeated all the provinces of Tunu?"

"I heard that the southern province called Tunu is bigger than our state. A few days ago, the second elder of the Liang family brought back a general Tunu. He took his head off and dedicated it to Lord Canglong. Our Daxuan men fought back!"

"You have to see who is fighting for it. The prince is really capable. This will be replaced by our high-ranking officials. Maybe we have to call him uncle, or grandpa!"

Everyone was chatting and laughing, and said that the common people talked about the emperor so arrogantly, no one cares?Isn't this disrespectful?
This is the tradition of Daxuan, including that of the former dynasties. As long as you don't scold in front of the emperor, you can say anything in private.

Of course, there are quite a few people who scolded face to face like Wang Yanyang.

Emperor Zhaoxing has proposed many times that this tradition should be changed, and the emperor must be punished for public discussion, serious crimes. Gongsun Wen also played for this many times, but they were all blocked by the cabinet.

Looking at these common people making fun of the high officials, Emperor Zhaoxing really wanted to sentence them to death. Fortunately, these people quickly talked about topics that Emperor Zhaoxing was interested in.

"Have you heard? The prince is still thinking about the throne while fighting in the north."

"I've also heard that Tai Bu's murder of a senior official's family has something to do with the crown prince!"

"Don't talk nonsense, can the prince do such a thing?"

"It's not unusual, you say, who doesn't want to be a high official?"

"That's him kissing Lao Tzu! Can you do this kind of thing?"

Emperor Zhaoxing had a somewhat satisfied expression, made an exception, picked up the wine glass, and took a sip.

This is the result he wants.

The prince was convicted of assassinating the king and killing his father.

Chen Shuncai kept staring at Emperor Zhaoxing.

If the conversation at the next table stopped here, or if Emperor Zhao Xing left contentedly, how wonderful the result would be.

But Emperor Zhaoxing didn't leave, and the conversation at the next table didn't stop either.

"Actually, it would be great if the crown prince can really do this. I'm looking forward to the crown prince becoming emperor. He must be much better than the current high officials."

"What you said is the same as if you didn't say it. A person is better than the current one!"

Emperor Zhaoxing almost crushed the wine glass!

"It's not right for you to say that. Our senior officials are also good people and have done some good things."

Emperor Zhaoxing's expression became a little calmer.

"Tell me what good things he did?"

"Just talking about the crown prince, the senior officials knew about it. They didn't blame the prince at all. They also said that they would give up the throne. They also discussed it with the second elder in the Canglong Hall. If the second elder didn't pull it, the senior officials would really be wronged." Give up the throne!"

"There are such things! Is he really willing?"

"The senior official said that he is tired and wants to live a quiet life for two years. When the crown prince returns from the expedition, he will give up the throne. This matter is settled!"

boom!
Emperor Zhaoxing slapped the table and left Hujialou, and Chen Shuncai quickly chased him out.

Before getting into the carriage, Emperor Zhaoxing suddenly grabbed Chen Shuncai by the hair and slapped him across the face.

Chen Shuncai looked aggrieved, and Emperor Zhaoxing put down the curtain viciously.

Emperor Zhaoxing went to several restaurants and tea houses one after another, and all he heard were similar rumors that he would voluntarily give way to the crown prince.

Back at Funing Palace, Emperor Zhaoxing was lying on the couch with empty eyes.

Chen Shuncai said from the side: "Your Majesty, depending on how you beat and punish, it will be the servants' fault after all."

Emperor Zhaoxing asked dumbly: "I heard that there is a big country outside the East China Sea, called the country of Wansheng. legal punishment."

Chen Shuncai said: "This is what Mr. Gongsun said, and he also said that he has been to the country of Wansheng."

"I only hate the injustice of fate, why don't I be king in the kingdom of all victories!"

"I heard that the country of Wansheng is very poor. The people have to work for a year, but they can barely get enough food and clothing. It's not like I declared..."

Emperor Zhaoxing said angrily: "Isn't enough food and clothing? Ordinary people, as long as they can live, what do they want? It's only because the people of Daxuan live too well that they are so vicious!"

Chen Shuncai didn't know how to comfort Emperor Zhaoxing.

Emperor Zhaoxing stood up and said, "Let Gongsun Wen write down the laws of the kingdom of Wansheng and show it to me. Only the laws of the kingdom of Wansheng can deter the evil of the people. The evil of the people is full of evil!"

The more Emperor Zhaoxing spoke, the angrier he became. Chen Shuncai massaged and kneaded again, trying to make the emperor calm down.

When the anger gradually subsided, Chen Shun asked cautiously: "The censors have already prepared the memorial, and the court meeting will be held the day after tomorrow. Do you want them to play?"

Emperor Zhaoxing waved his hand and said: "What else is there to do, and to attract those rebellious officials to make use of the problem, and then force me to abdicate? Let's leave this matter for now!"

Chen Shuncai said: "The matter of sending troops from Tuan and Xun states..."

Emperor Zhaoxing said: "The crown prince's crimes are not confirmed, but why do you issue an edict? Without an edict, how can the two prefectures of Tuanxun be willing to send troops? Rebellious ministers, all rebellious ministers!"

Emperor Zhaoxing became angry again: "I convicted the prince of resisting the decree, he forced me to abdicate, I convicted him of treason, he forced me to abdicate, I..."

In the middle of the sentence, Emperor Zhaoxing was stunned suddenly: "If you hit him with a punch, you won't dodge or evade, but you will punch back hard, stab him, and you won't run or hide. Who is this person?" ? How can there be such a person?

Liang Jixiong?
He has no such scheming!

Xu Zhiqiong is back? "

Emperor Zhaoxing looked at Chen Shuncai.

Chen Shuncai nodded and said, "Xu Zhiqiong came back with Elder Shengwei, and returned to Zhangdeng Yamen on the same day."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

Chen Shuncai said: "A thousand households from the fifth grade, this matter should not bother His Majesty."

"Excuse me? He has become the blade of my heart! He stabbed a knife in my heart!" Emperor Zhaoxing got up and smashed the porcelain vase on the table, "I guessed it was this guy, the sycophant among the sycophants, this traitor The traitor among thieves!"

Emperor Zhaoxing started to cough again, and Chen Shuncai hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, please calm down, this little thief is not worth your anger."

Emperor Zhaoxing gasped for a long time, and suddenly smiled: "I'm getting older, I have more worries, and I've always been soft-hearted, but this thief has been rampant so far, you take two subordinates, get rid of this little thief, and do it cleanly."

Chen Shuncai panicked, "Your Majesty, Xu Zhiqiong is blessed by the True God of White Tiger, if he is killed, he may bring disaster to Daxuan."

"Cause disaster for Daxuan? What's the harm?" Emperor Zhaoxing smiled contemptuously, "Without my Daxuan, what's the use of keeping it?"

"only……"

"It's fine to do things according to the order. Is it possible that you also want to be a courtier?"

Chen Shuncai didn't dare to disobey, so he quickly accepted his order.

"Sycophants and mobs, you deserve this disaster! I have worked so hard for Daxuan, why have you ever sincerely said a word of my kindness? You force me to abdicate, and I don't need to have any more scruples!"

Emperor Zhaoxing smiled ferociously: "The affairs of the two prefectures should not be taken care of. You should send a message to the Ministry of Officials to investigate the corruption of the prefects of the two prefectures."

Chen Shuncai was stunned: "If the Ministry of Officials is asked to investigate, I'm afraid it will alarm the two magistrates. The frontier officials have connections in the six departments."

"Surprise them?" Emperor Zhaoxing sneered, "But I want to scare them out of their wits. Knowing the wrath of the emperor, these courtiers can obey the emperor's orders."

……

On the thirteenth day of the winter month, when it was snowing heavily, Xu Zhiqiong was eating golden beans in Zhonglang's courtyard.

Feng Shaoqing's temper has become more and more irritable recently. Xia Hu was afraid that Xu Zhiqiong would cause trouble in the punishment department, so he simply sent Xu Zhiqiong's meritorious service to Zhonglang Hospital.

Xu Zhiqiong took a sip of the fragrant mash and swallowed a few golden beans. Seeing that there was still a big pot in front of him, he frowned: "How long will this be eaten?"

Xia Hu snorted and said: "After being a judge for many years, this is the first time I heard that someone thinks that they have too many meritorious deeds. If you don't want to eat, I will keep it for myself."

"If you stay, you will stay. Didn't I say that, if you have meritorious service, you should eat it first, and then you can talk about it after you have been promoted to the sixth rank."

"You said lightly, can I survive that test?"

No matter which Taoist sect, promotion is a life-and-death test. Xu Zhiqiong was protected by a Taoist leader, but he was also in a coma for a long time. Xia Hu didn't have an expert to take care of him, so he didn't dare to take risks easily.

"When I was promoted to the seventh rank, I almost lost my life. I heard that many comrades died on the sixth rank."

Xu Zhiqiong said with a smile: "You heard it wrong, those people didn't die because they were promoted to the sixth rank, but because of the sixth rank skills. It is indeed dangerous to learn the sixth rank skills."

Xia Hu still shook her head; "I don't have your share, so I'd better wait a little longer and consolidate my seventh-rank cultivation."

"Forget it, I'll ask Brother Qian to help you in the future, he must have some tricks."

Xu Zhiqiong rolled his eyes after eating a pot of golden beans.

Xia Hu came up to help him rub his chest, Xu Zhiqiong hugged Xia Hu in his arms: "My lady, don't leave tonight."

"That can't be done," Xia Hu pushed Xu Zhiqiong away, "Feng Shaoqing counts the number of people every two hours. The last time a pusher was late, he was almost beaten to death by Feng Shaoqing."

"This guy is really crazy!" Xu Zhiqiong frowned, "Lady, I can't wait any longer. I will take you to see Big Brother Qian tomorrow."

"Let's just wait. I've just been promoted to the seventh rank, so I have to wait until my cultivation is more stable." Xia Hu was really scared, "I have to go back, and I will send you meritorious service in a few days."

After Xia Hu left, Xu Zhiqiong felt very uneasy. Many people knew that the relationship between Xu Zhiqiong and Xia Hu was unusual. Feng Jingan hated Xu Zhiqiong, and sooner or later he would kill Xia Hu.

When you are promoted to an official, you have to be subject to the penalty department after all, and you still have to be promoted to Zhonglang as soon as possible.

However, Xia Hu's cultivation was indeed unstable, and it could be seen through the pupil of sin that the mist on her body was a little erratic.

Wait for ten and a half months, and then look at the situation, as long as Xia Hu's foundation is stable, even if she is kidnapped, she will have to be forced to upgrade to the sixth rank.

Xu Zhiqiong carried a lantern to watch the night, walked from Xiji to the south gate, and from the south gate to Yinggeyuan. He wanted to go to Yinggeyuan to enjoy the elegance, but when he was about to enter, he heard the sound of footsteps. .

In front of the gate of Yinggeyuan, there were people coming and going, and the sound of footsteps was no longer normal.

But this sound of footsteps was very special, almost exactly the same as Xu Zhiqiong's footsteps.

Someone is following me.

You can't go to Yinggeyuan now.

In this kind of place, Xu Zhiqiong would devote himself wholeheartedly to his practice, and it would be easy to be plotted against.

Xu Zhiqiong walked around Yinggeyuan, looking for a secluded place to see who was following him.

When he reached a deep alley, he suddenly heard footsteps approaching rapidly behind him.

He is an eunuch, and his cultivation base should be at the fifth rank.

It really is not as simple as tracking.

Xu Zhiqiong suddenly turned around, holding the lantern, and slashed at the eunuch behind him.

The eunuch dodged the lantern sideways, split his body into two, and attacked Xu Zhiqiong from left to right.

Illusion?

No, every move, every move is real, these are the two eunuchs.

The two of them were stacked together just now, their footsteps and movements were exactly the same, Xu Zhiqiong couldn't tell the difference for a moment.

Why is there such a monster?

Xu Zhiqiong's sixth-rank skills are useless against eunuchs. With sword skills alone, he can barely deal with a fifth-rank eunuch, but he has no chance of winning against two at the same time.

Xu Zhiqiong didn't care about fighting, he held Yilang's seal with one hand, and was about to go back to the Zhonglang Court, when an eunuch suddenly walked behind him and prepared to make a surprise attack.

I don't know when there was a truck in the alley. The eunuch didn't pay attention, and knocked over the truck. A pair of porcelain dolls fell to the ground and fell to pieces.

Seeing this truck, Xu Zhiqiong didn't plan to go back to Zhong Lang Yuan.

The old peddler lowered his head, picked up the broken pieces of porcelain on the ground, and said pitifully, "You have to pay me back."

A eunuch sneered and said, "Old man, you are out of luck."

He stretched out his fingers to touch the old man's chest, and suddenly felt a burst of coercion, the two eunuchs immediately lowered their heads, and Xu Zhiqiong also lowered their heads.

Holding the broken porcelain doll, the old peddler said in a trembling voice, "It's all worthwhile. If you don't lose money, you will have to lose your life!"

(End of this chapter)