first minister

After galloping for an unknown amount of time, it was getting late. They finally had no choice but to slowly slow down their horses and found a place for the horses to eat some grass and rest for a while.

Xia Jingyun slowly drank water. After regaining his consciousness, he forced himself to calm down slowly and straightened his thoughts with a solemn expression.

That short picture contains an extremely large amount of information.

According to the rules, what is shown in the picture is the situation within seven days.

In other words, if he doesn't interfere, this is what will happen within seven days.

The one who came to deliver the news was Jin Jiancheng who was stationed at Lieyang Pass, and Jiang Yuhu was accompanied by Guanyin, which meant that they were at Lieyang Pass.

Jiang Yuhu set off from Yuyanzhou City to rush back to Lieyang Pass, which took three days anyway.

Jiang Yuhu's face lost the look of dust and he put on his military uniform again. It seemed that he had taken a short rest after arriving at Lieyang Pass.

The sky is bright outside the window, which means it is daytime.

So, at least after the fourth day.

The time it takes for news to travel from Beijing to the border is one day or two at most.

Once such drastic changes occur in Zhongjing, whether it is the Bamboo Forest, the Ministry of War, or the Black Ice Platform, Lieyang Pass will be notified immediately.

In other words, when he glimpsed all that, it was at least two to three days before it actually happened.

The good news is that, at least at this time, there are no problems in Zhongjing City.

But the bad news is that he has already spent a day on the road, and there is only one or two days left for him.

Another most critical issue is that he knew that the enemy's method was to poison, and as the emperor and the queen mother, their diet must be strictly guarded, so it must be obtained by those close to them at convenient places. Chance.

For these people, no matter how tight the court's precautions are, they may not be able to prevent them.

"How far is it from Zhongjing?"

He asked softly, and Chen Fugui on the side said: "According to the normal journey, it will take three full days."

Xia Jingyun took a deep breath and said, "Let's go! Let's go! We must reach Zhongjing within two days."

"Son!"

"The horse died for another, and the wounded were left to recover! Now is not the time to worry about such trivial matters!"

"I mean your body."

Xia Jingyun, who was weak and sore, thought of the reality that he could not accept no matter what, and took a deep breath again. On his pale face, his eyes were as determined as iron, "I can't die!"

After a while, the team started off again.

In the dark night, with a decisive attitude, he moved forward at great speed.
-

Zhongjing City, Black Ice Platform.

Yanzhi, who was in charge of the Black Bingtai, held the report in his hand and frowned subconsciously.

The head of the Black Ice Platform on the side looked at this young woman who looked weak and beautiful, but in fact, in a short period of time, she had convinced everyone on the Black Ice Platform, and even became the object of admiration for countless young men on the Black Ice Platform, with a feeling in her heart. She looked a little worried and said, "Miss Rouge, what's the problem?"

Yanzhi slowly put down the paper in his hand and looked at him, "So, in the past three to five days, Heibingtai has apprehended a total of six traitors of Heibingtai who had been hiding secretly for a long time, and three spies who were used by the enemy? "

The boss is confused. Isn’t this a great achievement? Why do you still have such a questioning tone?

"Yes, Miss Rouge, these are the results of the hard work of the brothers!"

Yanzhi glanced at him, and of course she understood the admonishment and warning in his words, and said slowly: "Brothers should be rewarded for their hard work. Once rewarded, you can do it according to the rules, but to the chief, you are Heibingtai You’re an old man, don’t you think there’s something fishy about this matter?”

He expressed doubts to the chief, "Isn't this great? We have been chasing the evil thief Xuan Hu and the rest of the gang for many days, and finally we have seen the results. What's so strange?"

Yanzhi sighed, "That's why, think about it, we have been chasing Xuanhu and other gangs for many days. Except when we just took over the Black Ice Platform, we have identified many people through comparing confessions and reporting each other." Besides, can you get any income in the past few months?"

This person in charge was not just a mediocre person. He immediately understood what Rouge meant. He hesitated for a moment and said, "Miss Rouge, I understand your concerns, but this matter may be simply because we have been putting pressure on you for many days. These thieves were hiding in hiding, and finally they couldn't bear it, so they were caught by us in one fell swoop. This is also very reasonable!"

In the final analysis, when facing a leader with insufficient authority and insufficient control, subordinates will not necessarily succumb to the height gap caused by their position.

"It's reasonable! But as an intelligence officer, you should instinctively doubt everything!"

At this moment, a steady voice suddenly sounded outside the door.

He turned to look at the principal, and immediately assumed a posture that was countless times more respectful than before, "Mr. Wei Guo."

Mr. Zhao, the owner of the village, walked in with big steps and looked at Mr. Xiang, "This is the most basic and important ability for those of us who are in charge of espionage!"

"You tell me, there has been no results for several months, and now a lot of secret agents and spies have been suddenly captured in a month. Is it worth doubting? In the past few months, nothing was found, and now everyone seems to be suddenly open. It's done, it's done, do you think there's anything suspicious about it?"

Facing Yanzhi, Chief Xiang could still rely on his qualifications to make strong remarks, but facing a patriarch-like existence like Mr. Zhao, Chief Xiang didn’t dare to pretend at all, and said quickly: "Teach me a lesson from Mr. Wei Guo. It’s true, the official is superficial.”

Mr. Zhao looked at him with a trace of disappointment in his expression, "How many times have I told you that I don't need you to hold me up, and I don't want Black Ice Terrace to have such a superior atmosphere. If In that case, what if one day I am as ill-intentioned as that Xuan Hu? But I don’t want you to ignore basic facts and principles for your own interests and prestige! I only hope that you can uphold the principles that an espionage officer should have , Let the facts speak for themselves. If this cannot be done, how should we carry out the new internal inspection responsibilities that the imperial court has given you?"

Chief Xiang was so speechless that he broke into sweat, and he quickly became more humble and said, "I'm a stupid official and I'm talking nonsense. Please forgive me, Lord Wei."

The owner of the village, Zhao, waved his hand, with a hint of exhaustion and weariness in his tone, "Go ahead and call all the principals over to discuss the matter."

Soon, the current principals of Heibingtai arrived at the main hall. The old owner Zhao looked at them and told them his previous speculation.

Everyone did find it quite strange, and since this was the attitude of the superiors, they naturally agreed.

Mr. Zhao said solemnly: "You must not take these newly captured people lightly. They need to be interrogated strictly to see who instigated them and what the mystery is behind the scenes."

He scanned the audience with sharp eyes, "I can tell you clearly that the enemy throws out these secrets just to confuse us and even mislead us, so there must be something wrong with it, and there may even be a huge mystery hidden there. If It must be a great achievement to be able to detect it, and everything you are pursuing may be in this interrogation. If you want to be promoted to a higher position, then please put in all your efforts, I am waiting for your good news!"

Everyone had no doubts and readily agreed, got up and went down to work.

After everyone left, Mr. Zhao looked at Yanzhi and said, "Your judgment is correct. Study the file carefully and wait for the people below to reply!"

Yanzhi said: "Father, can we just wait?"

"Of course not." Mr. Zhao smiled, "The enemy hiding in the dark is like a poisonous snake. He has set up such a big game and abandoned so many chess pieces that may give him infinite help in the future. What is it for?" It’s a major event that can kill you with one blow. Then think about it, for today’s government, what kind of event can be considered a major event that kills you with one blow?”

Yanzhi pondered for a moment, looked at Mr. Zhao, and couldn't help but look serious, "The Queen Mother, Your Majesty, and..."

Mr. Zhao, the old owner of the village, sighed and took over her words, "And there is your husband."

Yan Zhi looked solemn and heard Old Manor Zhao slowly say: "In today's court situation, these three people can influence the whole body. Your Majesty is the foundation of all legal principles. Without Your Majesty, the current situation will not be the same." Like a mirror, it can be broken at the first glance without any foundation. Without the Queen Mother, your Majesty the young emperor comes to the throne, and without a reasonable and convincing regent and power, the situation will inevitably experience a traumatic shock. "

He looked at Yanzhi and said in a deep voice, "As for your husband, he is almost the centerpiece of the entire world. Because of his ability, and even more because of his age, he can be said to be the one who supports the Queen Mother and Her Majesty in their rule of the entire world. The real investment target of all forces is also the real cornerstone of maintaining the stability of the entire court. If he fails, the entire situation will quickly collapse."

"Other than that, no matter it is the Su family, the Qin family, King Cheng, Wan Xiang, or even anyone including me, they are just diseases of mustard moss and not worth mentioning. If something really happens, even if they are If they are killed, the impact can be easily eliminated from the overall perspective. Therefore, the safety of these three people is the top priority."

Seeing Yan Zhi's solemn face, Mr. Zhao showed the kindness and patience of teaching his daughter and said with a smile: "This is dangerous, but think about it, is this also a good thing?"

good thing?

Yanzhi was stunned for a moment, but soon understood that since these three people were so important, from the perspective of maintaining the overall situation of the court, wouldn't it be enough to maintain the safety of these three people?

Just like what the adoptive father said, if their target is the others, the impact of the others will be limited. As long as these three are protected, the overall situation will not collapse. At least Heibingtai's basic responsibilities can be fulfilled.

In this way, their limited power can be deployed in a targeted manner.

Rouge breathed a sigh of relief, but not long after, the confessions presented by the people below made her panic again after confirming her suspicions.

"Duke Wei, Miss Rouge, let's move! Finally someone can't bear the move anymore!"

"Say!" "They said, it was Xuanhu Big. In order to assassinate Jianning Hou, the big dog thief was doubtful in Zhongjing City, so they were thrown out of them, so that they were confusing us! They have sent people, they have sent people, they have sent people. Prepare to go on the road and arrange to attack and kill Marquis Jianning who returns to the capital."

Rouge's expression suddenly changed, and she started to panic.

Mr. Zhao, the owner of the village, who was sitting on the chair, his face darkened, "Did he really confess like this?"

The boss nodded, "Yes, they are also old people from our Black Ice Platform. They know our methods, and after a little exposure, they can no longer resist our attacks."

Mr. Zhao's hand slowly knocked on the armrest of the chair, "Are there any other confessions?"

The other party shook his head.

"Okay, I understand, go down and continue the interrogation."

As soon as the principal left, Yanzhi immediately said with a bit of anxiety, "Father."

Mr. Zhao shook his head slightly and said: "Don't panic, that boy has always cherished his life, and he has Chen Fugui accompanying him. Based on his relationship with Jiang Yuhu, if he returns to the capital, Jiang Yuhu will definitely send someone to accompany him."

He looked at Rouge, "If he was so easy to kill, someone would have done it long ago. Why wait until now?"

Having said this, Mr. Zhao stood up slowly and said, "I am now basically certain that their target is the Queen Mother or Your Majesty."

Rouge was stunned and didn't know where her adoptive father's confidence came from. However, no matter what, her adoptive father still had confidence. She immediately asked: "Then shall we inform Your Majesty and the Queen Mother immediately?"

Mr. Zhao nodded, "I'm going to the palace. Instruct everyone to take precautions in the past few days. If something happens, it must be in the past few days. Now that the rumor has spread, the other party will definitely not delay it for too long." .”

"Yes!"

After leaving the Black Ice Terrace, Mr. Zhao got on the carriage and slowly arrived in front of the palace gate.

After some briefing, I met De Fei and Dongfang Bai.

"It is rare for Duke Wei to enter the palace, but what is the important matter?"

"Your Majesty, Queen Mother, Heibingtai has captured several remnants of the traitor Xuanhu in the past few days. Some of these people confessed their plot to intercept and kill Marquis Jianning when he returned to the capital."

Concubine De and Dongfang Bai were both shocked, Concubine De immediately expressed her attitude, "Then Duke Wei is prepared, he should inform Marquis Jianning as soon as possible and send more manpower for defense!"

"Please rest assured, Queen Mother. The veteran will certainly not forget this and will inform Marquis Jianning to take precautions as soon as possible. Marquis Jianning still has military guards, so there should be no worries about his safety."

He paused, "However, the main purpose of the veteran entering the palace is to remind the Queen Mother and Her Majesty that the thief may be spreading suspicion and does not rule out the possibility of secretly plotting a treason. The Queen Mother and Your Majesty are requested to strengthen their defenses in the past few days and guard the palace. You can arrange more people on duty and patrol more, and don’t leave the palace unless necessary to prevent accidents.”

He said seriously: "Today, the power of the country is like the rising sun. As the Queen Mother and Her Majesty are destined by destiny, they shoulder the well-being and expectations of all people. We hope that everyone will be cautious."

Concubine De put away the subconscious panic in her heart and nodded solemnly, "Don't worry, Lord Wei, since this matter has happened, the Ai family and Your Majesty should treat it with caution. You should also take care of yourself. Since the thief has such evil thoughts, he may also do something to him." You do it cruelly."

Mr. Zhao, the owner of the village, bowed respectfully and said, "Thank you, Queen Mother, for your care. I will be careful."

Before leaving, Concubine De added, "This matter is a secret. Duke Wei asked his subordinates to be more cautious, so as not to make people panic."

Mr. Zhao Laozhuang bowed and said: "What the Queen Mother said is absolutely true. I will definitely comply with Yi's decree."

After the old village owner Zhao left, Concubine De successively summoned people such as Shang Zhicheng, the commander of the imperial army, and the new Jingzhao Yinxing Shigu. Some arrangements were made accordingly, and some changes quietly occurred in the palace and city.

In the palace city, the density and frequency of Forbidden Army patrols quietly increased. In order to prevent possible assassins from picking up the pattern, Shang Zhicheng, the commander of the Forbidden Army, even changed the patrol routes and shift times of the Forbidden Army.

Outside the palace and in the capital, at a scale that is difficult for ordinary people to detect, the patrol battalions have quietly increased the frequency of patrols, and the plainclothes spies from Heibingtai have also appeared more and more frequently.

These things cannot escape the eyes of those cows and horses who run around for a living all day long, but they cannot escape the eyes of these important officials in the city who are already dancing with the wind under the big tree of power. Nor can they escape the eyes of those who follow the waves in the sea of ​​power. The perception of floating fish and shrimps.

Meng Yong, an ordinary but extraordinary chamberlain in a palace city.

He is said to be ordinary because of his position, his appearance, and his ability. He is just an ordinary member of this huge group of servants.

But he is extraordinary because he was born in Changle Palace.

The Changle Palace where the Queen Mother lived.

Therefore, even though he is not even a principal at the moment, few people dare to be arrogant to him, and many people have already started to fawn over him in advance.

He was very satisfied with this kind of life, especially when he got his own yard in the city with the rewards from above and the respect of others, his satisfaction with life reached its peak for a short time.

However, when he walked out of the palace today and returned to his new courtyard, ready to enjoy a day's vacation, when he opened the door and saw a figure that often appeared in nightmares, all the happiness in his heart disappeared.

Xuan Hu smiled faintly and said, "Sit."

Meng Yong swallowed, but his feet did not move.

"If I were found in your house, do you think you would die?"

Meng Yong quickly closed the door, but still looked at him warily.

Xuanhu said leisurely: "There are officers and soldiers from the patrol camp not far outside, and the streets are full of spies from Heibingtai. Just open the door and run out and let them catch me. But don't forget, you guys A group of people were all sent to the palace by me. The shady past of each of you is in my hands. If something happens to me today, tomorrow those things will spread throughout Zhongjing. Do you want to bet with me?"

Meng Yong's eyes rolled from side to side, and he suddenly stepped forward quickly and knelt down respectfully, "This is the first one I've ever seen!"

Xuanhu smiled and said, "Don't be so nervous. It's not easy for you to survive till now. I just need you to help me do one thing. If this thing is done, you and I will forget each other in the world, and I will leave you a life." This windfall will be enough for you to have a good life and have enough food and clothing in the future."

Meng Yong naturally didn't believe these lies, but although he had no handle, he did have other handles in Xuanhu's hands, and he really couldn't afford the consequences, so he had no choice but to say: "Please tell me, sir. "

Xuanhu took out two small boxes from his arms, "These contain two pairs of special silver chopsticks, which are exactly the same as those used in the palace. All you need to do is place these two pairs of chopsticks in front of the Queen Mother and the Emperor. Let them eat with these two pairs of chopsticks in front of me."

Meng Yong's expression suddenly changed, he was horrified, and blurted out, "No!"

Xuanhu looked calm, as if Meng Yong's reaction had been expected by him, "Meng Yong, no matter how powerful Concubine De is now, she is still your master, and she will not share half of her glory with you. I am in charge of Black Ice Platform II For more than ten years, you are not the only pawn in the palace. Concubine De and Dongfang Bai are destined to die now, do you really want to die with her?"

Meng Yong felt as if his heartbeat skipped a beat. He did not doubt Xuanhu's ability, so he felt extremely panicked about the result.

Xuan Hu showed a devilish smile, like a devil tempting people to fall into the abyss, and said slowly: "Whether it is De Fei or Dongfang Bai, they have nothing to do with you. In this world, the only one you can rely on is you. Do your best. If you do this, you will have countless wealth and a comfortable old age, but if you don't agree, you will die immediately."

"At this moment, you only need to think about your own life. What nonsense does the general trend of the world have to do with you? For you, one end is a beautiful future and endless enjoyment, and the other end is death. Everything is vain. You He is a smart man, I think you should know what to choose."

Meng Yong swallowed, and suddenly his mind moved, thinking that he could agree temporarily, and then confess to the Queen Mother that although he had made mistakes before, but with such great achievements, he might still be promoted, and there would be hidden dangers by then. All gone.

As soon as he made up his mind, he was about to speak when Xuan Hu said with a half-smile: "Of course, you can also promise to stabilize me for the time being and then surrender to Concubine De. But as I said before, in this palace, I have a lot of For someone like you, they can definitely ensure that you die miserably at a moment when you are completely defenseless."

Meng Yong looked at the face in front of him, looked at the corners of his raised mouth, and felt as cold as falling into an ice cave.

He lowered his head and knelt on the ground weakly. He was silent for a long time and made up his mind.

Then, he raised his head, his expression suddenly becoming horrified.

The chair in front of me was empty, and Xuan Hu was nowhere to be seen.

Only a small box placed on the coffee table nearby showed that everything just now was not a dream.

He didn't even need to wait for his answer. This kind of confidence made Meng Yong feel completely powerless and slumped down.

Two lines of tears fell from the corners of her eyes, and she didn't know whether it was for the Queen Mother or for her own future.

Madam, I'm sorry. (End of chapter)