first minister

Chapter 251 Don't Hesitate Anymore
On the tenth day of February, there are still eight days before the beginning of spring.

In Changle Palace, Concubine De was leaning in front of a small table tiredly, holding the reply letter written by the old Patriarch of the Qin family in her hand, she read it again, seeing the firm tone in the words, she felt disappointed Put it on your lap.

The quarrel in the outer court yesterday also reached her ears, making the sadness on her face even more intense.

"Mother concubine!"

Dongfang Bai, king of Jiaodong County, walked in with short legs, frowning, with a serious look on his childish face, which seemed somewhat joyful.

"Mother, what should we do now?"

Concubine De gently embraced him, "Hey, it's time for you to go back to Tushan. Concubine Mother will definitely find a way to deal with Uncle's matter, so you don't have to worry about it."

Dongfang Bai raised his head and said seriously: "Mother Concubine, the gentlemen have said that filial piety is the foundation of human beings, let me think of a way with Mother Concubine these days, and rescue Uncle before going back."

Concubine De subconsciously reached out to rub Dongfang Bai's head, but he dodged it, so she patted him on the shoulder resentfully, "There is a concubine mother here, what you have to do now is to learn from the three gentlemen, don't let me down." Your uncle worked so hard to get you this opportunity that scholars all over the world are envious of. Do you know? Even if the concubine Mu concubine shamelessly goes to the Qin family to beg and threaten them, she will rescue your uncle."

"No, there are only eight days left. I can also study in the palace these days. I have to wait for my uncle to come out."

Concubine De sighed, and felt relieved by her son's warmth, so she didn't force herself, so she nodded.

"The flowers in the imperial garden are blooming well. Concubine Mu will take you for a walk, don't be bored in the palace all day."

As she spoke, she led Dongfang Bai and several court ladies to the imperial garden.

"Oh, Sister De Concubine is here! I haven't seen you for a few days, what is Sister busy with?"

As soon as he heard this coquettish tone, he knew that today was another encounter.

I just don't know if this is a reunion of enemies on a narrow road, or an ambush waiting for a rabbit.

Concubine De said calmly: "What can a woman be busy with, it's all about taking care of her husband and raising her children. Where's my sister?"

Concubine Shu, who has no husband to look after, and temporarily has no son to teach, was choked, and after a short pause, she chuckled and said, "Sister is really leisurely! Why do I hear outsiders say that my sister and brother recently met some Trouble?"

Concubine De was still neither happy nor angry, "I was busy with my husband and child, so I really didn't pay much attention to it. It seems that my sister is really free!"

Don't let me go, right? Concubine Shu was annoyed, and snorted coldly, "I heard that she helped you a lot, but I didn't expect my sister to be so cruel. Sure enough, ruthlessness and sex can make big things happen. Prince Jiaodong You have to study hard."

Concubine De frowned, but Dongfang Bai saluted respectfully, with a serious face, "Thank you Concubine Shu for your teaching, I will definitely pass on this teaching to Brother Linjiang when I return to Tushan in a few days."

Concubine Shu's expression froze, "Ahem, I was just kidding, don't pay attention to it. Sister, look, how smart you are, it's a pity, the prince will not take part in the scientific examination, otherwise the next sister's brother-in-law and the prince Participating in Chunwei at the same time will definitely become a good story for a generation!"

Concubine De took a deep breath: "Sister Concubine Shu, if you are really free, ten days later will be the death day of the Empress Dowager, and there are still dozens of scriptures that have not been copied."

Before she finished speaking, Concubine Shu had already turned around and left.

A sentence came from the fragrant spring breeze, "Sister, don't be too sad, sometimes life is fate in one's life, and you can't force it!"

Concubine De closed her eyes, and let out a long mouthful of stagnant qi in her chest.

Dongfang Bai gently shook Concubine Mu's hand, "Concubine Mu, we must rescue Uncle!"

Concubine De hummed, "Concubine Mu promised you that she would definitely rescue him before Chunxiu."
-
On February [-]th, there were seven days left before the opening of the Chunwei exam.

There are no secrets in Zhongjing City, especially for those scholars who claim to have entered the upper echelon of the empire, they are more willing to know about the changes and stories of the court.

Although when the news reached their ears, they didn't know how many hands it was, and most of them were beyond recognition, but it didn't hinder their enthusiasm for discussing politics.

When the concubine De concubine wrote a letter in person and was rejected by the Qin family, and Wei Yuanzhi, Wang Ruoshui and others who were regarded as the last fight of the concubine de concubine's family publicly appealed to them and were attacked by groups, and after they returned without success, it seemed that Xia Jingyun's spring palace The road has come to an end with incomparable certainty.

In the Sishui guild hall, a member smiled and said, "Xu Boyi, what do you say now?"

Xu Dapeng rolled his eyes at him, but didn't speak.

In the eyes of the other party, this gesture was like admitting cowardice on the spot, so the arrogance became even worse, "Oh, it's rare to see Brother Bo Yi's gesture. Didn't you still swear that Xia Gaoyang could participate in the spring? Why? Are you silent now?"

Xu Dapeng turned his head and looked at him, "You're still excited not to argue with an idiot like you, aren't you?"

He raised his voice, "What's good for you if Gao Yang can't participate in Chunwei, let you gloat so unabashedly? When Shi Zixian in Guangling Prefecture led people to trample the faces of our students from various states on the ground, why didn't you see them?" You are so powerful, why did you come out to show your strength and stand up for us? Who exposed the other party's conspiracy and saved our face? Forget it now?"

"I"

"What are you! You just think that if someone like Gao Yang who is sure to be able to go to high school doesn't take part, you will have another chance, right? With your dirty mind, don't take the exam as soon as possible. If you go, you won't be able to pass the exam. It would be embarrassing to die! Scholars in my generation are not competing for high school, how can you hope that others will not be able to pass the exam for your high school!"

"you"

"What me! Did I say something wrong? Now is not the time, why do you assert that Gao Yang can't participate? If he can participate, do you pick a pile of horse dung on the street and eat it in public, or take it off? Clothes, go out and run around the imperial street?"

"Vulgar! Vulgar! The dignified Juzi Guild Hall, how can you allow such vulgar words like yours, it is a disgrace to us scholars!"

"You are so ungrateful, do not want to help, and take pleasure in other's misfortunes. You are really embarrassing scholars!"

Xu Dapeng fired all his firepower, pointing at the opponent's vital points every sentence, causing the opponent to cover his face and shut himself up.

But when he finished cursing, he sat down angrily, and Zeng Jimin, who was sitting opposite him, said softly: "Bo Yi is so excited, it must be worrying in his heart."

Xu Dapeng sighed, showing the worries in his heart clearly on his face.
-
On February [-]th, there are still six days before the beginning of the spring.

"Master! No"

The steward of the Qin family ran into the mansion in a hurry, but finally remembered the scolding he had received before, and held back the words that came out of his mouth, "Master, something happened!"

The head of the Qin family took a sip, "I'm fine, what happened!"

The steward said: "Jingzhao Mansion sent people today to seal up several of our shops, saying that they received a report that there were hidden thieves and smuggled salt and iron!"

The head of the Qin family frowned, and immediately sat down, "It's just a few shops, it's okay."

As soon as the words were finished, another steward ran in, "Master! Just now, the Ministry of Etiquette called all the young masters from the direct line or side branches of the family who referenced this year, saying that they found that there was a problem with their reference qualifications, and they need to be checked again."

The Patriarch of the Qin Family's eyes turned hard, "Is this about to start playing dirty tricks? It is said that Concubine De is benevolent, is this the way of benevolence?"

He thought for a while, and when he was about to speak, the concierge ran in again, "Master, some servants from the household department have come, saying that they have received a report and are coming to investigate the hidden tenants of my Qin family for illegal activities!"

"What!" The face of the head of the Qin family changed suddenly. For the big family, who can avoid such things, especially for the rich Qin family, it is even more exaggerated. Let's fight at the gate of life!

The head of the Qin family gritted his teeth and said, "This is to force us to submit!"

He turned his head and looked at the butler beside him, "You should wait for the reception first, and try to delay it as much as possible."

After finishing speaking, he walked to the backyard and found the old Patriarch.

I never thought that the old Patriarch was not flustered after listening to it, but just put down the pen in his hand and said softly: "It seems that there is no other way."

"What trick? Who has no other trick?"

The old Patriarch shook his head, "Go and deal with it, don't resist, just procrastinate."

After nearly half a day of exhausting coping, in the evening, the Qin family sat wearily in the mansion, and several clan elders were invited to the hall to discuss the countermeasures together.

At this moment, they finally realized first-hand what it was like to be targeted by others with a piece of fat like the Qin family without power and protection.

"Master, Mr. Qin is here to visit."

???

After a moment of astonishment, the Patriarch of the Qin family nodded and said, "Please come in."

Soon, Qin Sichao, dressed in white and with a calm and gentle demeanor, walked into the mansion, and saluted the Patriarch of the Qin family with all manners of courtesy, "My nephew has met my uncle and all the elders."

Hearing this strange address, the Patriarch of the Qin family remembered what his father had said that day, so he could only smile and said: "Your nephew is free of courtesy, why are you here today?"

Qin Sichao smiled and said: "I heard that today the Ministry of Household Affairs, the Ministry of Rites, and the Jingzhao Mansion are all in trouble, so my nephew came here to ask if there is anything that the Prime Minister's Mansion can help with?"

The Patriarch of the Qin family frowned slightly, and an elder next to him said excitedly, "It would be great if the Xiangfu could help, the Qin family has no support in the palace now, it is like a child carrying money through the downtown, A pack of wolves are waiting around!"

Another clan elder also nodded slowly, "That's true. I didn't realize that all parties were at peace before, but now that the fighting has started, I don't know if I have no confidence in the court! Several small officials of the fifth and sixth ranks can Take care of me, my Qin family has never been humiliated like this!"

Seeing that the two clan elders had leaked all the details, the Patriarch of the Qin family also said helplessly: "What advice does my nephew have?"

Qin Sichao smiled and said: "There is an emergency method, and there is a once-and-for-all method. It depends on which method Uncle Shi and the elders want."

"What is the emergency method, and what is the once-and-for-all method?"

"The emergency rule is to send someone from the prime minister's office tomorrow to find a reason to stop these yamen's practice, but they may find another reason, or there may be people other than the Concubine De concubine coveting it, and they may be exhausted. In a hurry."

"What about the once-and-for-all method?"

"The way to do it once and for all is to merge the Xiangfu into the genealogy of the Longshou Qin family and become a member of the same family. In this way, the prestige of the Xiangfu can be used by the Qin family. Anyone who wants to deal with the Qin family must first pass the Xiangfu." This gate of the government."

The clan elders looked at each other, and one clan elder suddenly said: "In this way, the Qin family can gain full confidence, but what is the benefit to the Xiangfu?"

Qin Sichao sighed softly, "Everyone knows that my father started in humble beginnings. Both his parents died when he was young. Although he is now an extremely human minister, his body is like a duckweed. I don't know where his roots will be in a hundred years. But now the wealth and power are gone. It’s the end of the world, there is nothing else to think about, just want a fallen leaf to return to the root. In fact, the two sides are also taking what they need.”

"That's a very good remark!"

"The old man thinks it is feasible."

Seeing that these clan elders were about to turn against each other, the head of the Qin family hurriedly said: "Nephew, this matter is of great importance, have you ever reported it to your father?"

Qin Sichao smiled and said: "Although my father has not been informed about this matter, my father has already revealed his thoughts to me. If this matter can be done, he must be extremely happy."

The head of the Qin family nodded, "Look, you know what your father is thinking, so I have to tell my father too, don't I?"

Qin Sichao: .
The Patriarch of the Qin family didn't care too much, and said cheekily: "Well, I'll discuss it with my father first, and then the clan will discuss it together, and then we will confirm the clan, how about it?"

Qin Sichao nodded with a smile, "As long as Uncle Shi and the Qin family are not in a hurry, of course the Prime Minister is not in a hurry either."

"That's fine, let's talk about it today. Uncle Shi got a good thing in the past two days, please ask my nephew to bring it back for your father to taste."

After sending Qin Sichao away, the Patriarch of the Qin family put away his smile and looked at the elders, "Everyone should think about it first, weigh the pros and cons, and tomorrow afternoon, I will discuss it in the council hall."

Immediately, the Patriarch of the Qin family came to the backyard, found his father, and told the Xiangfu's proposal.

Old Patriarch Qin's eyes narrowed when he heard the words, did he recognize his ancestor and return to his clan?It's really nice to say, I'm afraid it will lead the wolf into the room, and then Li Daitao will become stiff, right?

At that time, relying on the name of the same family, they can swallow the Qin family openly, right?

Moreover, the attitudes of those clan elders are also very suspicious. Could it be that they want to fish in troubled waters and take advantage of it?
Or, even they have secretly communicated the song with the Qin family?
"Father, what should we choose now? There are already some signs of panic on the side of the concubine Defei, but I always feel that there is something wrong with the proposal from the prime minister's house. But if we don't agree, how can we stand up to such a big deal?" What about the pressure?"

While discussing, the butler came in a hurry and said mysteriously, "Master, we have guests."

The Patriarch of the Qin Family frowned, "I don't have time right now, so let the butler meet you."

"Master, he is from the East Palace."

In the room, a father and son looked at each other in horror.

Not long after, the head of the Qin family saw a middle-aged man in the main hall.

"The next crown prince, Zhan Shilu Hongyuan, has met the old master Qin, the head of the Qin family."

The head of the Qin family didn't even dare to be too polite, and after ordering someone to serve tea, he said directly: "I don't know why Mr. Lu came here?"

"Your Majesty has also heard about the assassination of the son of your family, and it is deeply painful. Now that the Qin family is resolute in resisting the power of power, His Majesty deeply admires it. Your Majesty and your family are also related by blood, so I would like to help. To comfort Young Master Qin's soul in heaven, and with the friendship of all in-laws."

The Patriarch of the Qin family was startled, what happened, did the Qin family suddenly become a favorite?Why are you rushing to help?
The old Patriarch Qin said: "His Royal Highness, the Qin family is grateful for your kindness, but the current situation is still manageable. If there is a need in the future, the Qin family will not hesitate to ask His Highness for help."

The prince, Zhan Shi, naturally knew that it was impossible for him to settle such a big matter with just a few words, so he took out a token from his pocket and said, "If necessary, you can send someone to enter the East Palace directly with this token." , His Highness will definitely help you."

Patriarch Qin reached out to take it, with a look of gratitude on his face, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness."

When the Patriarch of the Qin family sent the people away, he returned to the hall, and found that his father's face was ugly and scary, and quickly persuaded him: "Father, what's the matter? This is a good thing, we don't have to worry about not being able to deal with Concubine De The dog is in a hurry to jump over the wall! It's nothing more than a choice."

The old Patriarch Qin glanced at him and confirmed his previous opinion. This stupid son will definitely lose the family if he is sold.

He didn't speak, shook his head, and began to think about how to end this scene.

But sometimes, the world is so impermanent, you can choose to start, but often when and how to end, it is not up to you to decide.

How can this play be closed?
Until he fell asleep late at night, the old Patriarch Qin was still thinking about this problem.
-
On February [-]th, there are still five days before the beginning of the Spring Festival.

In the prison of Heibingtai, Xia Jingyun was still reading the book calmly, but his heart had already started to feel a little flustered.

Originally, after Feng Xiuyun informed him of Qin Li's decision and provided a lot of information to the Hou Mansion, he thought that his chances of winning were a little bit better, but when news came to him one after another, and the time was so short As the days passed, he was not a god after all, so it was impossible that he would not have the slightest ups and downs.

Troubled times are about to start, one step at a time, this is not a simple exam, it is for him to get a ticket to the troubled times card table.

Without this admission ticket, the capital he can rely on will be much smaller, and his room for maneuver will be much smaller, and even those who originally bet on themselves may change their minds, thus creating endless variables in vain.

There was a sound of footsteps outside the silent cell door.

Xia Jingyun put down his book and looked at the prison door. This time, it was Su Yuanshang who came instead of Feng Xiuyun.

The two looked at each other, and the almost equal solemnity between their brows was more than a thousand words.

Su Yuanshang pretended to be concerned about his body, and said some well-known news by the way.

And Xia Jingyun took his hand and drew two words on his palm.

【Lu Yi】

Su Yuanshang's expression became more and more solemn. According to the previous plan, Lu Yi's actions were Xia Jingyun's last backhand. They were used when he went to court again after his successful scientific examination. What exactly has Lu Yi found out now, if it is used in the current situation, not only may it not be effective, but it may scare the snake.

Xia Jingyun shook his head, indicating that he had no choice, and then drew another date on his palm.

[the day after tomorrow]

That is, three days before the start of the Spring Festival.

Su Yuanshang said softly: "Why not as soon as possible?"

Xia Jingyun pursed his lips, "I still want to wait."

Su Yuanshang nodded, did not question his decision, and told him a few gossips with hidden meaning, then got up and left.

Looking at Su Yuanshang's back, Xia Jingyun let out a long sigh, which lasted for a long time in the small cell.
-
On February [-]th, there are still four days before the beginning of Chunwei.

In Changle Palace, Concubine De stood by the window, looking at the bright moon outside the window, recalling the first meeting with Xia Jingyun in her mind.

It was also a day when a month was about to be full.

"When will the bright moon come? Ask the blue sky for wine. People have sorrows and joys, and the moon has cloudy and sunny waxes and wanes. This matter is difficult to complete in ancient times. I hope that people will live a long time and share the joys and joys of thousands of miles."

She slowly recited the poem Xia Jingyun gave him, and her eyes gradually became firm.

Isn't all the forbearance, obscurity, and mellowness all for better protecting the people you care about and making them live better?
What's the point of holding on to all this if you see the people you care about suffering catastrophe?
If a man does something and does not do something, what is the difference between a woman!
She picked up the wine glass in her hand and drank all the wine in the glass.

Tomorrow morning, she will personally plead with His Majesty to let her leave the palace and threaten the Qin family. As long as she does not let her go, she will never end with the Qin family!
-
Under the same night, the old head of the Qin family sat at the table, stopped his writing, put down his pen, and looked at the memorial that he had just written that agreed to Xia Jingyun's participation in Chunwei, his brows were full of tangles.

It can't be delayed any longer. If it continues to be delayed, there are only three days left, and there will be many variables.

And if it drags on, even if Xia Jingyun is released and successfully participates in the imperial examinations, he may also bear a grudge against him, and in the future he will use the same way to return to him, and he may not be able to bear it!

But the entanglement is, what will His Majesty think of him making such an inexplicable note at this time?What will the ministers think?What would the pack of wolves who were peeping at them think?
Will all the pretense and confusion I have done before be in vain?

At this moment, someone knocked on the door.

The old Patriarch hastily folded Zou and wanted to put it in the drawer, but after thinking about it, he put it in his arms and said, "Who is it?"

"Father, it's me."

"What's wrong?" Old Patriarch Qin walked over and opened the door.

"have a guest."

The old Patriarch frowned, "Who, it's so late, it's fine if you see yourself."

The Patriarch of the Qin family looked solemn, and spit out four words, "From the bamboo forest."

　More than 9000 words in two chapters.To be divided into chapters, it can be divided into four chapters.But we don't play with those falsehoods, just write to the end in one breath.

　　It's Friday, and by the way, I wish readers a happy weekend.

　　Big chapter to feast on!

　　or2
　　
　
(End of this chapter)