Pingyang Fu of the Red Chamber

Chapter 499 Prince Teng is uneasy
The commander's tent in the capital camp,

The three people in the tent were still thinking about whether there were other things that had been overlooked in the past few days. Wang Ziteng was just about to leave for his house to rest. After hearing the report from the soldiers, the three of them felt uneasy. Come and do whatever you want. Although the order was given to their uncle, Wang Ren and Jia Lian couldn't help but feel a sudden, bad premonition.

Even Wang Ziteng was a little stunned. Before the two of them could speak, Wang Ziteng immediately stood up, put on his robe, and shouted,

"Come here, prepare your horses and go to Da Nei, quickly."

"Yes, Commander-in-Chief."

Following the order, there were sounds of soldiers preparing horses and the sounds of soldiers busy outside the big tent. Wang Ziteng had no time to talk to the two of them anymore, and only told them to keep an eye on the big camp and stay in the big camp to wait. Then he walked out of the big tent and rode away.

"Get on the horse and go!"

"Quick, keep up, drive."

"drive"

Listening to the sound of horse hooves gradually receding, Wang Ren and Jia Lian sat opposite each other. Looking at each other, they could see the uneasiness in each other's eyes. Especially Jia Lian, who felt a little uneasy. He always felt that something was going to happen. However, they had just discussed in the tent and decided to leave. Telling what he knew, he didn't find anything wrong. Could it be possible that the officers and soldiers of the Beijing camp would be used? How could it be possible? Jia Lian quickly threw away what was in his mind. The Beijing camp had not left the capital for more than ten years, let alone There was no mobilization. Even the suppression of bandits nearby was handed over to the government army. Apart from the big competition at the beginning of the new year, there was nothing else to do.

But then I thought about whether there were other things that I didn't know about. After staying in the military camp for a long time, no one was interested. Looking at the sows would make me angry, so Jia Lian couldn't bear it, so he took a leave of absence and returned to Rong. After all, I went back to the government these days, vented my anger to Wang Xifeng, and drank some flower wine. I didn't pay attention to other things. I just had something to do, and I thought my eldest brother should know something.

Seeing that his elder brother Wang Ren was silent there, he decided to carefully verify it and asked softly,

"Brother, you and your uncle were in the camp, and you really didn't find anything else, or hear any rumors, or even gossip."

Wang Ren was also stunned after hearing this. Why did he ask about himself instead? He just thought about it. After staying in the camp for so long, it was all trivial things, how could there be any rumors.

I wanted to ask Jia Lian, who had been staying in the capital, but I heard something, but before I opened my mouth, Jia Lian asked him first. Could it be that he was really from the camp? Thinking back on it, during this period, all the battalion commanders wanted to place their own people as leaders of the elite battalions. There were countless private talks and threats, but now these 2 people are in the hands of you and me. There is nothing else.

"Brother Lian, I have been staying in the military camp and haven't gone out anywhere. In the camp, all the generals are discussing is the ownership of the remaining [-] elite troops. I haven't heard of anything else. I still want to ask you. Is there something going on in the capital? Didn't you hear any news in the Duke's Mansion? Or when you went to the restaurant or brothel, you didn't hear that the patrons were talking about anything new."

When Jia Lian saw what his eldest brother Wang Ren said was serious, he began to wonder if he had missed any important news. When he returned to his house from the military camp, he and Wang Xifeng went crazy in the house for three days in a row, cough, and then rested for a few days. I ate, drank and had fun with Xue Pan and others, and went to a restaurant. I really didn’t hear anything strange in the restaurant. There were just a lot of people rushing to take the exam, and they were all discussing which ones Enke should take this year, or guessing the exam questions together. , it’s so boring, and what’s more, there’s the fire in Jingcang just mentioned. However, there are forbidden troops in the city, so there is no need for the Jingying camp. Is it still a matter of Enke? The Jingying camp is needed to maintain public order, but there are still five cities. Are you from the army? Looking at his elder brother's questioning eyes, Jia Lian had no choice but to say,
"Brother, apart from what I just said, the most important thing in Beijing is Enke. Whether it is a restaurant or a brothel, almost everyone is discussing Enke. This year, Enke was opened and the lifting of the There are many restrictions, and the number of scholars coming to Beijing to take the exam is the highest in the past. Do you think we need to go to the city to maintain law and order? Or maybe we are needed during the scientific exam!"

Listening to Jia Lian's guess, Wang Ren sat there and thought about it. After thinking about it, it was not impossible. During the imperial examination every year, the sergeants in charge of security were different, for fear of fraud, but the soldiers and horses of the five cities in the capital were all different. There are also many people in the department, they.
Wang Ren and Jia Lian seemed to have thought of going together. Where did they need people from the Beijing camp to go? No, there must be some place they had overlooked. Maybe it was not in the capital, so it could only be outside the city. Wang Ren asked again,

"Brother Lian, think again, besides these, what other little things have you overlooked?"

"This"

Jia Lian was speechless for a moment, thinking about those things. If he hadn't been called back to the camp by his uncle Wang Ziteng, he might have gone to Chunlou with Xue Pan to see the legendary Hu Ji and have fun. , taste the different taste.

The most important thing is to prepare to go to Yanchun Tower in the capital to see if I can see the candidates for oiran in Yanchun Tower. The whole capital has gone crazy. It is said that this year, the four major brothels in Dawu will hold a grand event for the election of oirans in the world at Yanchun Tower. He found a woman who was "the most beautiful in the world" and reported the matter to major academies in the world as a judge.

and,

Li Xiangjun and Chen Yuanyuan, the two candidates for the oiran in Yanchun Tower, are rumored to have mastered the astonishing dance, "Horse Treads on Flying Swallows." This is a legendary dance that has been lost for a long time. The miraculous skills spread in the capital attracted people. They have attracted the attention of many nobles and noble families, and Manchun Courtyard, which is as famous as Yanchun Tower, their candidates Ma Xianglan and Gu Qiubo have spent a lot of money to find the long-lost "Jinghong Dance" of the same level. "Now the two are working hard to practice their stunts and prepare to become a blockbuster.

Not to mention that the women from the other two major brothels in Jinling in the south of the Yangtze River have already entered the arena in the capital, shouting that if the dance of the world comes out of Jiangnan, they will crush the dancers in the capital.

The two major brothels worked hard in the south of the Yangtze River. They also found unparalleled skills in folk markets, academies, theaters and other places. It is said that even the "Nancy Clothes and Feather Dress Dance" of the Jiangnan literary style of the Chu State was learned by Liu Rulan and Dong Xiaowan of Yunliang Pavilion. , and the Wu Guo Jiangnan long-sleeved and easy-to-bend dance "Treading Song and Looking at Jiangnan" were also bought by Zheng Wumei and Kou Baimei of the Yuelai Pavilion with a lot of money. Now they are practicing hard and preparing to win the Oiran in one fell swoop. Won the title of "the most beautiful woman under the sky fire".

and,

At the same time, the six major academies of Dawu, namely Qinglian, Qiushui, Yunshan in the capital, and Bailu, Yiyong, and Yuelin in the south of the Yangtze River, also announced to the world that this year Enke That is, not long after the provincial examination, they jointly held a world poetry meeting in the capital, inviting all students from all over the world and those who were rushing to take the exam to attend.

A poetry recitation meeting was held at Yanchun Tower on the bank of Qinghu Lake to select the "best poem in the world". The dispute between the north and the south has always been intensifying. As the saying goes, there is no first in literature and no second in military. Naturally, it is in the capital and Jiangnan. It caused a huge commotion. When I think of these, how can I think of anything else?

Wang Ren watched Jia Lian remain silent for a long time, thinking that he was thinking about what he had just asked, so he did not bother him. After a long time, Jia Lian came back to his senses and saw that his elder brother Wang Ren was still staring at him in confusion. He was a little embarrassed but forgot about it. Get down to business,

Jia Lian also spoke up and mumbled a few words,

"Brother, what if Brother Lian has something to say? Could it be that it's not what we thought? The two of us thought wrong. Is there some blind bandit around the capital that has angered the imperial court and wants to send us there? To suppress the bandits, or rather there are still quite a lot of them, it is difficult for the government troops to move lightly, so this task falls on us, which makes it complicated for us brothers."

"Well! What you said is not impossible. If this is true, the Beijing camp is really required to send troops to encircle and suppress the enemy. This is the credit given to me. Brother Lian, if it is true, we two brothers will definitely have this credit. Let's exaggerate some military achievements. , the infantry lieutenants of you and me can move up. As long as we become generals, no matter how low the rank is, the elite of the Beijing camp can be legitimately taken down. By then, you and me It’s stable in the Beijing camp.”

A flash of light flashed in Wang Ren's eyes. Among the Beijing camp and the frontier army, it is an iron rule that one cannot be promoted to general without military merit. This is a rule issued by several old government officials. His uncle Wang Ziteng has not broken the old rule, so no matter how he plans military merit, it will be done. In recent years, the Beijing camp is generally not allowed to leave the capital without permission. Only if there are bandits near Zhongzhou can we send out troops to encircle and suppress them. However, no bandit with no eyesight comes to Zhongzhou's heavily guarded territory to rob homes. Even if there are, they have been raided by various places. The government army has been wiped out, so there is no military merit. Although there are many soldiers in the capital camp, there are really not that many generals. If there really is one this time, if my uncle works harder, the position of general will be easy to get. When we get there, From now on, the Wang family will have to rely on themselves.

Jia Lian was joking but didn't take it seriously, but when he heard his elder brother's analysis, he was moved and secretly thought that this plan was feasible. He immediately became energetic. If it could really be done, he would achieve military merit and become a general himself. The old lady and father in the house will definitely not treat her like before. Seeing that Wang Xifeng can still have such an attitude, she will definitely let her kneel down and serve him. She will have the prestige of a Jia family man. The more she thinks about it, the more feasible it is.

"What the eldest brother said is absolutely true. The opportunity is rare. When the time comes, the two of us brothers will take care of all the gangsters and robbers."

"Well, this matter must not be told to the outside world. Tonight, I will arrange for President Qian and others in my camp to take over another battalion. People from the elite battalion must be placed quickly."

"Yes, brother, let's go right away."

The two of them discussed it and hurriedly left the handsome tent. Their figures disappeared into the darkness, and everything was silent.

Then the fires lit up where their respective troops were stationed, and then a group of people vaguely went to the garrison of another battalion. Then the fire went out again and dimmed again.

And the palace, Ouchi,

Hall of Mental Cultivation,
At this time, in the imperial study room,

The ministers of the cabinet arrived here early. After paying homage to Emperor Wu, they stood on two sides, closing their eyes and concentrating, waiting for others to arrive. They seemed peaceful, but in fact they had their own plans in mind.

Dai Quan stood calmly on one side of the imperial table. After watching most of the people arriving, he winked at his godson Xiaoyunzi.

Xiao Yunzi immediately understood and quietly backed out at the door, then turned around and walked out of the hall, questioning the eunuch who was greeting him.
"Beijing Camp Jiedushi Wang Jieshuai and Luo Yunhou, why haven't they arrived yet?"

"Back to Eunuch Yun, Wang Jieshuai is already on his way here. Marquis Luo Yun has not found any trace yet. Today, the Marquis is investigating the case everywhere and has visited many places, so no one has been found for a while."

The eunuch on duty was also in a dilemma. He sent several groups of people but failed to find the Marquis, so he could only answer truthfully. Xiao Yunzi was furious and cursed in a low voice, "What, a bunch of trash, how do you do things?"

"Eunuch Yun calmed down. I sent a few more waves of people to look for him, but there is little hope. The Marquis must have arrived late."

Looking at the eunuch's wry smile, he knew that this person was not telling lies. He didn't know what to do for a while, but he couldn't tell his godfather in detail. He scratched his head and scratched his head anxiously.
"Quickly, send a few more people to look for him. Go to the Marquis' Mansion and the places where the Marquis often goes. Hurry!"

"Yes, Eunuch Yun."

The steward responded, then took the eunuch in charge and ran out again with a whoop.

at this time,

Wang Ziteng walked into the hall with a dusty look on his face. When he saw the visitor, Xiao Yunzi couldn't help but went over to greet him and said,
"Wang Jieshuai, have a safe journey."

"Well, it turns out to be Eunuch Yun. May I ask where your Majesty summoned you?"

Wang Ziteng took off his cloak before entering the palace and did not dare to stop all the way. After entering the palace, he also ran all the way into the Yangxin Hall. He was afraid that His Majesty would be impatient, so when he saw Eunuch Yun, he asked in a low voice,
"Wang Jieshuai, don't be anxious. His Majesty is waiting in the study room. All the ministers have just arrived here, so they came in with the servants."

Eunuch Yun turned around and led the prince into the imperial study. After entering the palace, he saw all the cabinet ministers waiting here. Emperor Wu was also sitting solemnly on the dragon couch, with a thoughtful look on his face.
See here.

Prince Teng lifted up his robe and hurriedly came forward to bow.
"Your Majesty, Wang Ziteng, has been summoned by His Majesty and has come from Anhu Camp. Long live my emperor."

The voice in the hall,

The Emperor Zhou Shihong, who was still thinking, was startled. After regaining consciousness, he looked down the hall and saw that it was Prince Teng who had arrived. He must have been in a hurry.

"Wang Aiqing is here, Pingshen."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Prince Teng thanked him, stood up consciously, stood at the head of the group, and stood with his hands down respectfully.

Emperor Wu Zhou Shihong raised his head and glanced around. When he saw that everyone was almost here, he asked,

"Dai Quan, who else has the future?"

Dai Quan was by his side and immediately replied,

"Back to Your Majesty, all the cabinet ministers, Wang Jieshuai, and Marquis Baoning have arrived. Only Marquis Luo Yun has not arrived yet."

Dai Quan had kept the people in the imperial study in mind long ago. He had already known who was coming and who was not. Today, he was also surprised as to why the always positive Marquis Luo Yun had not arrived yet.

When he heard that Marquis Luo Yun had not come yet, Emperor Wu was also a little puzzled. He also looked at the people in the hall and found that no one was indeed there. He asked further,
"What's going on? What happened to Marquis Luo Yun that delayed him?"

Upon hearing Emperor Wu's inquiry, Dai Quan immediately glanced at Xiao Yunzi, who was waiting at the door. When Xiao Yunzi saw his godfather looking over, his scalp went numb and there was wind at his feet. He walked quickly to the hall and knelt down.
"Back to Your Majesty, I sent several waves of people to look for Marquis Luo Yun. However, today Marquis Luo Yun accompanied Lord Shen to investigate the case. They patrolled several places and had many contacts, so there was no trace for a while, and Luo Yunhou has not been notified yet. Marquis Yun, so the Marquis has not yet come."

Looking at the answers of the young eunuchs in the hall, Emperor Wu felt a little relieved. These two people worked tirelessly to investigate the case, but it was difficult for them. He didn't know how the investigation was going. In this case, he said,

"Okay, please step back. Marquis Luo Yun is busy with court affairs, and it's hard work. Take it easy, and there is no need to waste time. I will discuss matters with you elders first."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Xiao Yunzi quickly thanked her and left, waiting in front of the door.

then,

Emperor Wu Zhou Shihong took out two secret letters and placed them on both sides of the table. He looked at the ministers and said,
"Tonight, I got two secret letters. The things in them surprised me. It is really something I didn't dare to think about. Do you ministers know what they are?"

Hearing His Majesty's question, all the ministers looked at their noses and mouths, and they were all silent. Even Wang Ziteng was confused as to what was going on. He also looked at the other ministers with their eyes. But they seemed to be in trance, saying nothing, which was a bit strange.

According to past practice, all memorials are first submitted to the cabinet for review, and then they discuss important matters with the Supervisor of Ceremonies, and finally they are sent to the imperial study for His Majesty to review, so there is no way that things are unknown. Besides, today , the elders of the pavilion are also a little too abnormal, it seems that there is some, yes, tacit understanding in it, it is really a bit strange.

These civil servants were too presumptuous, so they moved forward a few steps, approached Marquis Baoning, reached out and touched Kang Guichen lightly, and murmured in a low voice,

"What happened."

"Ahem, I don't know."

When Marquis Baoning heard Wang Ziteng's question, he carefully replied. He was also confused. He had been fussing about it in the middle of the night and was confused.

When they came, they specifically asked the eunuch in charge what the matter was, but they didn't know. This was a bit evil. Marquis Baoning also asked in a low voice.

"Then you heard anything outside the capital."

"I don't know either. I just got the news and rushed here."

Wang Ziteng shook his head secretly and sent the message over.

After the royal table,

Emperor Wu Zhou Shihong sneered in his heart. Since both Wang Ziteng and Marquis Baoning could see that there was something wrong with the civil official's appearance, let alone Zhou Shihong, it seemed that there was something really fishy. It was even said that one of them was involved in the so-called Fire Dragon Burning Cang in the capital. Or maybe several of them know what this is going to do.

Looking around again, he saw Wang Ziteng and Baoning Hou making "sneaky" tricks below. Zhou Shihong asked unceremoniously,

"Why, I'm not talking anymore. Let me tell you first. These two letters are about the land in the south of Jingnan. Wang Ziteng, tell me, do you know what they are about?"

(End of this chapter)