first minister

A piece of news, from grandson Wan Xuanming to son Wan Jingru, was finally delivered to Wan Wenbi's hands.

Wan Jingru stood aside, with a bit of joy on his face, "Father, with such a big mess happening now and dozens of lives lost, Marquis Jianning will definitely suffer, right? Our opportunity has come!"

Wan Wenbi looked at his son without any emotion or anger, "Then what do you think should be done?"

Wan Jing Julian pondered, "We should use this to show that Marquis Jianning caused such a big disaster, which shows that he acted impatiently. In order to prevent the popular uprising and the situation in Yuyan Prefecture from recurring, we should temporarily abolish his government and order him to return to the capital." . In this way, his prestige will be greatly reduced, and my father can suppress him."

Wan Wenbi glanced at him calmly when he heard this, "He is not in the capital, which is a good opportunity for me to show my talents. Why do I have to go to all the trouble to get him back to the capital? Do you think my life is too comfortable?"

Wan Jingru thought, hey, it's true, but then he hesitated and said, "But Uncle Hong's side?"

Wan Wenbi snorted lightly, a Hong family member doesn't matter, I don't care whether he dies or not.

Wan Jingru obviously figured this out quickly, so he said: "What my father means is that we should restrain Marquis Jianning's hands and feet, and at the same time provide a little help to the Hong family, so that they can fight to the death in Yuyan Prefecture. ?”

"If you can think of this level, you have made some progress."

Wan Wenbi looked at his son and nodded slightly, but then said: "However, my father has no intention of taking any action this time."

"Why?" Wan Jingru didn't understand.

Wan Wenbi sighed, "Humans, you will learn a lesson if you take a hard time. We made many jokes because of the delay in delivering the news in time. The recovery of Yuyan State is still close at hand, so we can no longer act rashly."

He sighed, "Just wait a little longer. If no updated news comes in two days, you can take action."

"Where's Master Yan?"

Wan Wenbi smiled faintly, "It can be regarded as a test for him by his father, to see if he can bear his temper and listen to me. If he is disobedient now, then he must be careful about certain things. . And if he is willing to charge into battle, and if it happens again and he is the one who is embarrassed, he will naturally be more honest."

"Father is wise!"

Although he said this, Wan Jingru still had some doubts in his heart. He felt that his father was getting old and timid after all, and had lost his spirit after being hit several times.

But the next day, Marquis Jianning was in Yuyanzhou City. With sufficient and irrefutable evidence, he used thunder to sweep away the Hong family and a group of wealthy families, win over the hearts of the remaining wealthy families, and completely control the situation in Yuyanzhou. After the news spread to the capital , his admiration for his father immediately reached the point of being extremely admirable.

Sure enough, ginger is still old and spicy, so this person needs to be patient.

But he doesn't know that his judgments are all based on the results after all. He has not established his own cognitive system, which will not be of much help to his future. Instead, he will fall into the misunderstanding of empiricism and dogmatism.

But it doesn't matter. Before his prime minister father died, almost all the troubles in the life of this prime minister were not troubles.

Compared to the Prime Minister and the Young Master, who had nothing to worry about when his father was alive, there is another group of people in Zhongjing City today who are full of worries.

On the outskirts of Zhongjing City, there is a manor that looks ordinary on the outside but luxurious on the inside.

The manor occupies a large area and the decoration and furnishings are extraordinary.

In the back garden, three men were sitting in a pavilion, with boiling water in the clay stove and tea and snacks on the table.

The three men, Yin Tianci, Lu Hongjing, and Wang Haozhi, were from the Yin family in Sixiang, the Lu family in Xifeng, and the Wang family in Jiuhe respectively.

And these three families are all among the best in the local area. Not to mention the Su family's transcendent status in Yunmeng Prefecture, but they are at least on the same level as the four major families of Xiao, Hu, Yu, and Ye in Longshou Prefecture.

Nowadays, because of the New Deal, powerful figures from the clan have been sent to Zhongjing City in person.

They were the main driving force behind the original Shilin crusade against Xia Jingyun.

The spring water brought back by specially sent people to the mountains outside the city was boiling on the stove, and the smoke rose, slowly gathering in the center of their eyebrows, lingering.

"Now that Marquis Jianning has won a great victory in Yuyan State, the new policy is probably inevitable."

"Indeed, according to the current situation, the Queen Mother and Her Majesty are willing to implement the New Deal, and there are many supportive voices in the court. The promotion in Yunmeng and Sixiang Prefecture is also going smoothly. Now we have the successful experience of Jianning Hou in Yuyan Prefecture. . When he returns to power, it will probably be the time when the New Deal will be fully implemented."

"But after looking at the fate of these high-ranking families in Yuyan Prefecture, whether they were directly annihilated due to the Dongfangping Rebellion, or whether they were uprooted or beaten by the Marquis of Jianning this time, let's think about it, this new policy is really Do we have to stop it?"

The implication of this statement is also very clear. Rather than resisting but losing the entire family in the end, it is better to be honest now and get some blood and flesh at most.

"Brother Zhong Ling, these words are different! Although this clearing of the father-in-law's land and inspecting the hidden houses has indeed shaken the foundation of our great clan, if the imperial court and Marquis Jianning stop here, we will forget about it, but do you think it is possible? ?”

"Of course! Farmers and people are the foundation of our big family. If it were just this time, we would just cut off a piece of flesh and be done with it. However, Marquis Jianning must have a backup plan. Judging from the current situation alone, There may be reforms in the administration of officials, assessments and eliminations, which will reduce the way for our children from the rich families to enter the court and become officials and the promotion levels; tax reforms, the gentry will most likely pay the grain as one, and our burden will inevitably increase greatly; all these are different. If it can be done, with one sword on the left and one on the right, if we and other great clansmen do nothing, what difference will it make to killing them?"

"But, after all available methods have been exhausted, is it possible that we still dare to rebel?"

"Rebellion? In today's world, who dares to mention those two words? I'm afraid Marquis Jianning also saw this, so he took advantage of this momentum to vigorously promote the New Deal."

"So, Ruzhi Naihe! Ruzhi Naihe!"

"Haha, the three heads of the big families are rich, noble, and even more outstanding. Why are they sighing like this?"

A chuckle made the three of them feel like they were struck by lightning.

They are surrounded by their trusted guards, and no one is allowed to come within ten feet. How could anyone touch it?

But when they saw that person's face clearly, they were even more stunned.

"You! You are still in Zhongjing!"

"How dare you!"

"Oh my dear mother! Something big has happened!"

The three people's different words all expressed the same shock.

Because, the person who suddenly appeared opposite them was the number one criminal wanted by the entire imperial court, the direct key criminal in the assassination of the late emperor, and the former leader of the Black Ice Platform, Xuan Hu!

Xuan Hu looked at the three of them and smiled: "You three have two choices. One is to summon your men immediately, capture me and give it to the court. The court will definitely give you a large reward. Second, Just listen to a few words from me, the imperial prisoner, and maybe I can solve this difficult problem for you."

The three of them looked at each other, excited but hesitant at the same time. After all, they were just three allies, and no one dared to express their thoughts easily.

And Xuanhu seemed to see the doubts of the three of them, and took the initiative to smile and said: "In that case, you three might as well just listen to me."

"The Yin family of Sixiang, the Lu family of Xifeng, and the Wang family of Jiuhe are all among the top families in the three states. But precisely because of your family's great business, you must be the most injured by the new policies of the imperial court. But just like the three As mentioned before, the real threat is still in the future. Marquis Jianning and the imperial court are determined to revive the Great Xiaxia, which will definitely be a nerve-wracking torment for you. After the New Deal, the three of you will The family may just be an ordinary wealthy family, and it may even be buried in the dust of history like those famous names in the past."

Yin Tianci said in a deep voice: "Your Excellency took the risk to come here, and you must not be talking nonsense!"

Lu Hongjing also said: "If you want to go back to Black Ice Platform, I can do it for you!"

Wang Haozhi said nothing, but looked at him with an unkind expression.

Xuanhu smiled calmly. Although he was defeated, the pitiful threats of these people who he would never look at the last time would not have any effect on him. "Under the new policy, you are destined to die. If you don't die, you will die." You have to be half-disabled. But you have no ability to stop this trend, so you can't help but feel helpless and painful like waiting for death. Am I right?"

Yin Tianci said in a cold voice: "Sir, please speak directly if you have something to say. Our patience is limited."

Seeing these three people pretending to be powerful, Xuanhu, who had dealt with top people such as Emperor Chongning, Gao Yi, and Prime Minister Qin, felt a burst of contempt in his heart, but now he needed their help and had no choice but to endure it. He opened his mouth and said: "Xia Jingyun is a genius. He has made many meritorious deeds and has enough prestige. In the court, there are elderly people like Wei Guogong, An Guogong, and Lu Guogong to help him, and central officials such as Wei Yuanzhi and Li Tianfeng have formed a party with him. Outside, there are Jiang Yuhu, Xia Yunfei has the support of military power and can be said to be powerful and arrogant, but."

Xuanhu's voice paused slightly and said slowly: "The real key to why you are completely unable to resist him is because behind Xia Jingyun are the emperor and the queen mother who have absolute trust and support for him. This has made it impossible for you to have many opportunities. There are no tricks to deal with courtiers."

Yin Tianci and Lu Hongjing nodded slightly, feeling quite convinced, but Wang Haozhi suddenly said, "Do you know what you are talking about! Don't drag us into this!"

Yin Tianci and Lu Hongjing were stunned for a moment, thought about it again, and then suddenly reacted to Wang Haozhi's question, with horrified expressions on their faces.

Xuanhu smiled faintly, "What does this matter have to do with you? I will do the work, you are just providing me with some hidden conveniences." He looked at the two of them, "If Dongfang Bai dies, except for Dongfang Tai , the late emperor no longer has an underage prince. Whether it is to promote the king's succession or to select someone from the remaining princes of the late emperor to inherit the throne, the close connection between Xia Jingyun and the imperial power will no longer exist. And once this happens, the New Deal will The pace will inevitably be delayed for a long time, and maybe it will be settled."

He tapped the table lightly, "No matter how the imperial power changes, the survival and growth of the family will be eternal. Am I right?"

When the three heard the words, they were silent and breathing heavily.

Xuanhu looked at them, "You don't need to take action, you just need to create some conveniences for me at the appropriate time. These things will be extremely hidden, and you will not be exposed to any risks even after the fact."

"Think carefully, everyone, except me, no one in the world will be willing to do this for you. And your last chance to struggle will no longer be available."

The three of them looked at each other, and Yin Tianci, the oldest, said, "What do you need us to do?"

A smile appeared on Xuanhu's lips, he lowered his voice and spoke slowly.

After some tea time, watching Xuanhu's figure disappear after a few ups and downs, the three of them looked at each other in unison again.

"Family is the greatest, we have done nothing wrong, right?"

"As long as it's true as he said, nothing we do crosses the line, let alone any treason, any crime, let alone any risks!"

"The most important thing is that if it succeeds, the family will be preserved. On the other hand, today's meeting is just that we learned the news that he is secretly planning to assassinate the emperor. It has nothing to do with us."

"There is nothing we can do. The court wants our lives. We are just trying to protect ourselves."

"Yes, let's do it this way. Only you and I can know about this matter. I suggest not even inform the clan until the dust settles."

"Yes, what comes true is what comes true. Just be sure to keep your mouth shut."
-

After leaving the manor, Xuan Hu did not return directly to his hiding place, but turned into a forest. When he came out again, he was a poor scribe with a sallow face and a gray beard.

He rode a bald donkey and slowly traveled from the eastern suburbs to the northern suburbs. On a riverside in the northern suburbs, he found a fish restaurant with a good business.

After choosing a table and sitting down, he ordered a fish. He asked the waiter if he would kill the fish for him, and he asked to follow him to see if he didn't feel confident.

The waiter had no choice but to take him there in person.

"See, these are all alive and kicking, killed and cooked right now!"

The waiter in the shop was speechless, but Xuanhu looked at the master who was skilled in killing fish and asked softly: "Master, I seem to have seen this fish-killing technique somewhere before. Where did you learn it?"

"What you said is right. If you kill a fish, what's the difference?"

The waiter in the shop spoke silently, but unexpectedly the fish-killing master looked at Xuanhu in surprise, "Expert!"

After saying that, he waved to the waiter and said, "Si baby, go ahead and let me have a few words with this gentleman."

After the waiter left with a shocked look on his face, the fish-killing master got back to work, "I was taught this skill by a herdsman, who said that the fish killed this way has no fishy smell."

Xuanhu nodded, "Can I meet that herdsman?"

The fish-killing master smiled and said, "That happened many years ago. Maybe the person would have died long ago."

Xuan Hu smiled and said: "Yes, where did you meet the herdsman? I also want to try my luck."

The fish-killing master turned his head and looked at him deeply, "There is a ferry on the river. You should ask the ferryman. We were together at the time. He should remember the place."

Xuanhu cupped his hands, thanked him and left.

Sitting at the table, I slowly finished a piece of fish, then took out a copper plate to pay the bill, and walked towards the ferry not far away.

When he arrived at the ferry, he met the boatman and exchanged a few more signals. Then he got on the boat. The boatman slowly pushed the boat to a secret house on the other side.

Xuanhu got off the boat and entered the house. There was no one in the house, but he didn't panic at all. He calmly sat down at the table in the house and said slowly: "Mr. Yuchi, I hope you can show up."

In the room, deep voices came from all directions, "Who are you, sir, and what are you doing?"

Xuanhu slowly took off his disguise and said, "I'm here, so of course it's a big deal."

After seeing Xuanhu reveal his true appearance, the room fell into a moment of dead silence.

Not long after, Yu Chihong, the three-star embroidery envoy of the Beiliang Embroidery Bureau and the head of the Southern Dynasty branch of the Embroidery Bureau, walked into the room. He looked at Xuanhu with a bit of shock on his face and said, "Aren't you afraid of us?" Kill you directly?"

Xuanhu smiled faintly, "Heibingtai has nothing to do with me anymore. Our interests are aligned now. How could Mr. Yuchi kill me?"

Yuchihong was silent for a moment, "What do you want from us?"

Xuan Hu smiled and said: "My big plan was shattered, half of my life's work was ruined, and my lifelong dream has no chance to be realized. I have tried other methods several times, but the back-ups I have left have been blocked one by one. I There is no place for me to stand in Daxia. Since they won't let me live, I want to do something big, and this requires your cooperation."

Yuchihong frowned, looking at this once their biggest enemy and the opponent that frightened them the most. Even though he was at home at the moment, he still felt a little uneasy. "We are the Embroidery Bureau, not your Black Ice Platform."

After finishing speaking, he added, "Oh yes, the Black Ice Platform is no longer yours."

The implication is that you are not worthy of discussing cooperation with us now.

After hearing this, Xuanhu smiled slightly and said, "I dare to come to you and make this request, so I must have the confidence. Mr. Yuchi's reply, does he look down upon you and himself?"

Yuchihong fell silent again after hearing this, and nodded, "What you said is true. I am being reckless. I wonder what you want to do?"

Xuan Hu softly uttered two words, "Assassin Emperor."

Yuchihong's expression changed suddenly. He looked at his colleague from the Southern Dynasties and didn't know whether to admire or despise him.

Xuanhu smiled confidently, "No matter what, this is always a great good thing for you, isn't it?"
-

The undercurrent of Zhongjing City is surging rapidly, but to Xia Jingyun who is far away in Swift State, it is an unpredictable distance that he has not yet had time to think about.

After pacifying the Hong family and subduing the other major clans, the entire city unified its direction and formed a joint force, and soon burst out with powerful vitality.

Although these wealthy families still did not risk everything to support the New Deal, for these people, it was good enough not to cause trouble. What's more, they made many substantial contributions to please Xia Jingyun, which made the implementation of the New Deal even more difficult. Becomes incredibly smooth.

After sorting out everything in the prefecture and city, Xia Jingyun was ready to lead people to inspect the counties, conduct research and summarize, and form experience that could be generalized.

Jiang Yuhu, who was busy teaching Guanyin to learn how to walk, did not stop him when he heard the news. He gave him a thousand soldiers and was immersed in the role of his daughter slave again.

Seeing him like that, Xia Jingyun couldn't help but think about how spoiled she would be when he actually gave birth to a daughter.

After settling in for a while, Xia Jingyun and Chen Fugui led the Qian Wudang Army out of the city.

As a result, as soon as they left the city, they met a team head-on.

When the leader of the other party saw Xia Jingyun, he got off his horse and said with a bit of excitement, "I have met the Marquis! Lord Marquis, I have sent you a distinguished guest on the orders of Marquis Xing'an and Marquis Lieyang!"

Xia Jingyun raised his eyebrows and got off his horse, "Who is it? Do you still need to send it here?"

The man smiled mysteriously, "Master Hou, wait a moment."

Then he walked to the carriage behind him and said, "Miss Yelu, we're here."

Hearing this title and seeing a prairie beauty getting out of the car, Xia Jingyun instantly felt as big as his head. (End of chapter)