Sui Dynasty: I, Yang Guang, am both scrupulous and stable

Chapter 268 The person the emperor is afraid of
Yang Guang fell into deep thought after hearing this. Why did the Queen Mother suddenly ask Xiao Menglan to take care of the affairs of the Prince's East Palace?
This is inconsistent with etiquette and the system.

"Why did the queen let you go?"

"The Queen Mother only said that the Crown Princess can't get out of bed right now to raise a baby, and everything in the East Palace must be managed by someone. She has to be busy with the huge imperial city, so she asked me to help, and...and..."

"What else?"

"Let me keep an eye on Yun Zhaoxun and protect the Crown Princess."

Yang Guang frowned and thought deeply, first of all, he ruled out the possibility of Queen Dugu harming him. After all, whether it is historical records or his own personal experience, the probability of our mother harming herself is infinitely close to zero.

But to take care of the affairs of the East Palace, now that the princess is pregnant, if there is a problem, Yang Yong will definitely throw the blame on his head. It doesn't look like a good job.

After thinking about it for a long time, Yang Guang understood that Empress Dugu didn't want to care about the affairs of the East Palace at all, but the Crown Princess was bumped into by the little palace maid.

Of course, the errand is not a good one, but at the same time, it can also be a test for the queen to see Xiao Menglan's ability to manage internal affairs.

"I will go to the palace tomorrow to discuss this matter with my mother."

Toil all night.

Early on the next day, Yang Guang entered the palace first. After meeting with the emperor and discussing government affairs, he went to see Empress Dugu.

Queen Dugu asked someone to bring over the best cakes and fruits.

After a few sentences, Yang Guang brought the matter to the point: "Mother, do you want to assign Meng Lan to prepare for the New Year's Eve in the East Palace?"

Empress Dugu smiled and said, "I think Meng Lan misunderstood. I am talking about the Prince's Palace, not the East Palace."

"What difference does it make, mother?"

"Of course there is. I plan to let the Crown Princess leave the palace and return to the Prince's Mansion outside the palace to live there until she gives birth. Anyway, if the Crown Prince doesn't come back to celebrate the New Year, I won't be able to take care of her due to the numerous New Year affairs."

Only then did Yang Guang understand: "Oh~ I just said why did the Queen Mother let Meng Lan take charge of the affairs of the East Palace? This is against the rules."

"It's my fault that I didn't explain it clearly. It's easy to misunderstand. But I'm the kind of person who can't tell the rules."

"Yes, yes, I am worried too much. I will ask the soldiers to guard the Prince's Mansion."

"No, it's still the Imperial City Guards who are guarding it."

When Yang Guang heard the queen say this, he knew that the queen really thought about himself at all times.

Queen Dugu's face turned cold: "Before, the Crown Princess was hit by a young palace maid and almost lost her child. I was afraid that there would be another problem recently, so I took this step. I arranged for her to stay out of the palace temporarily, firstly for safety, and secondly for Mr. Sun's sake. You can keep an eye on me more."

Yang Guang understood that once Xiao Menglan was asked to take charge of the affairs of the Prince's Mansion, Xiao Menglan would have to take the initiative to invite Sun Simiao. There was still a little bit of Xiao Jiujiu hidden here, but he told Yang Guangming.

Yang Guang did not hesitate: "Don't worry, mother, the emperor's sister-in-law is pregnant with the emperor's brother's direct son and daughter. As long as the rules are not violated and etiquette is not violated, Meng Lan and I will do our best. I will tell Mr. Sun."

Seeing Yang Guang's clear statement, Queen Dugu felt happy in her heart and on her face.

Yang Guang asked again: "Queen Mother, do you think that the previous incident of the Crown Princess being bumped into was unusual?"

Queen Dugu, who had been cheerful just now, now looked serious and even showed murderous intent: "Ordinary? Who is an ordinary palace maid who would just take poison and commit suicide when she knew she was going to be caught?"

"Queen Mother, maybe we can find the person behind this."

"There is no evidence, and people are still investigating. The dignified East Palace can't even take care of this matter. What has happened to my own house."

Queen Dugu was very doubtful about the ability of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess to run the household. Coupled with the previous events, she hated the East Palace even more. If it weren't for the royal face, she would not even want to take care of it.

"Mother, you need your sons and ministers for this matter..."

"No, you don't have to do things that are easily talked about in the inner palace. I will do it myself."

Queen Dugu continued: "The Crown Prince's Palace will ask the Crown Princess to arrange for her to come from the Yuan Palace. All Meng Lan needs to do is to help with the New Year matters. This can be regarded as experience. Mr. Sun also said that the Crown Princess is now If you take good care of your baby, it won’t be a big problem.”

"Yes, I understand that my brother is fighting abroad, so as my younger brother, I should help him as much as possible."

Queen Dugu nodded with great satisfaction: "Also, Your Majesty will have a great time this New Year, so you have to help."

"My son, I will help you."

After figuring out the matter and taking over the matter for Xiao Menglan, Yang Guang went straight to Changlefang and called Li Yuan.

The two of them were walking together, and Yang Guang asked, "Cousin, what happened to the ministers in Daxing City recently?"

Li Yuan is now in charge of matters similar to Jin Yiwei. He does not have as much authority as Jin Yiwei, but he has relatively complete information.

Li Yuan said: "Your Highness, the city has been relatively peaceful recently and nothing major has happened."

"Where is Shu Guogong Liu Fang?"

Faced with Yang Guang's question about naming Daoxin, Li Yuan immediately ordered his men to sort out the recent itinerary and news about Shu Guogong Liu Fang.

He also said: "I have not received any news about anything wrong with Duke Shu recently. His Majesty ordered me to have a copy of the information updated every three days for all the Dukes of the Zhu Kingdom, including Duke Shu."

"Your duty is to be responsible for your father. If I want you to, show me. Is the person who ordered me to go out and get it reliable?"

"Unreliable."

Li Yuan said it very directly.

"Your Majesty ordered me to supervise me. Of course, Your Majesty will also send someone to supervise me in this position. I believe that Your Majesty knows every move I make. There is nothing to hide. If I hide it, I will be suspected."

"Then you are not afraid that my father will blame you for giving me this confidential information."

"Don't be afraid. I have always been very close to His Highness. This is something that everyone in Daxing City knows. If Your Majesty cares about it, you will definitely not use me, or you can warn me and explain it directly. If Your Majesty uses me and does not warn me, I will continue as usual. Things have gotten better.”

Yang Guang smiled in surprise: "What you are saying now sounds like Yang Xuangan."

"I used to think Brother Yang was a bit stupid, but now I feel more and more that Brother Yang is transparent."

The two of them looked at each other and smiled as they arrived at the auction. Changle Square was very busy now. It had just passed the afternoon and there was already an endless stream of people playing.

The busiest night in Changlefang is the real excitement. After all, this is the only area in Daxing City that does not have a curfew.

The highlight of the night was hung at the door of the auction venue. Yang Guang did not expect that it was the Seven-Star Sword.

Nanxi walked to the door and smiled warmly: "His Royal Highness King Jin."

"I haven't been here for a long time. Please take us for a walk inside." Nan Xi then led the two of them inside.

The interior of the current auction house is extremely high-end, and the corridors you walk through are filled with calligraphy and paintings by famous artists, all of which are valuable.

Walking into the elegant private room, you can see what's below from here, but it's hard to see what's below, focusing on privacy.

"Nan Xi, I have thought about what you said yesterday and have a good understanding with you. Where is that girl Qian Qian?"

Nan Xi looked troubled: "Your Highness, sister Qianqian went out early in the morning, probably to find Duke Shu."

"How often does she usually go out?"

"I don't always go out twice in three days, and sometimes once in ten days, because sister Qianqian is considered a good person now. She has a serious position as a singer in Changlefang, and Duke Shu Guo pays for it, and her mother only We already let her out, there is no reason to stop her. You are willing to pay the money."

Since Yang Guang was not here, he had to ask Nan Xi first: "Nan Xi, tell your cousin what you told me yesterday."

"Your Highness, this..."

"My cousin is one of our own, but it doesn't matter."

Nan Xi told Li Yuan what he had said to Yang Guang yesterday. Li Yuan was stunned after hearing the whole thing. If this news was carried out, it would be a serious crime of treason. Even just talking about it would be enough to kill someone.

Li Yuan immediately went out and called another confidant who had come with him: "Go and hurry up, why haven't the materials been delivered yet?"

"Cousin, don't worry, it's just what a singer said after being drunk. It's unknown how accurate it is."

Li Yuan looked solemn: "If this matter is indeed true, but I didn't get any information, I am extremely derelict in my duty."

The information was quickly sent over. Li Yuan searched for a long time in Shu Guogong's information. Except for the previous investigation of Duke Shu by Yang Guang, there was nothing wrong with his information. From the information alone, it seemed that Duke Shu except Women have no other hobbies besides private meetings.

Li Yuan became even more worried. Yang Guang comforted him and said: "It's always good for us to find out when things have some signs first. If there is a real problem, you won't be blinded and don't know anything. There's no need for you, cousin." Don’t worry, we can’t confirm the authenticity of the matter right now, so we need to check it from various aspects first.”

"Your Highness, what should I do?"

"Cousin, you have been in charge of Yingyang Guard for half a year. You have formed a team yourself. You should be able to send your confidants to secretly investigate people."

"Naturally, most of the Yingyang Guards are my confidants who have been promoted by me. Because their positions are secretive, many of them are kept secret."

Yang Guang nodded: "Now the names are known to the Duke of Shu, Liu Fang, the Duke of Xi, Liang Shiyan, and the Duke of Qi, Yu Wenxin. Send someone to keep an eye on the three of them first. If there is any change, it is impossible for such a big thing not to leak out. When the news comes, be on guard in advance, but don't alert the enemy. Cousin, you have always been prudent in your work, so I don't need to remind you anymore."

Li Yuan nodded heavily.

Yang Guang looked at Nan Xi again: "Nan Xi, wait until Miss Qian Qian comes back and ask her in a subtle way. Don't expose her. Just ask these questions like you were chatting before. Don't be too deliberate. It's better to ask some questions. Specific things, such as what they plan to do and when they will start the uprising."

"Slave, I understand. Qianqian has always loved drinking, but her drinking capacity is not good. It shouldn't be a big problem if I guide her to tell her something after drinking."

Yang Guang nodded: "Well, Liu Fang's matter still needs to be dealt with carefully. Although he and Liang Shiyan, the Duke of Nanguo, have been idle at home for a while, the skinny camel is bigger than the horse. If the two of them really want to cause trouble, it may be dangerous. , As for Qi Guo Gong Yu Wenxin, I will go to meet him personally."

"Your Highness, do you want to go in person?"

"Yu Wenxin is Yu Wenkai's elder brother. I heard that he is famous, proficient in the art of war, and manages the army well. This matter actually involves him. It's not a bad idea to go and see him at this time."

When Yang Jian was an official in the Northern Zhou Dynasty, he had a good relationship with Yu Wenxin. After becoming prime minister, he took more care of Yu Wenxin. Yuchi Jiong rebelled, and Yang Jian appointed Yu Wenxin as the general manager of the march, which shows his trust in him.

Yang Jian replaced Zhou, and one of the people who supported him was Yu Wenxin, and he personally made suggestions for him. He had great merit and was absolutely trusted.

However, such a capable and meritorious person was quickly removed from his actual official position after Yang Jian ascended the throne, and only had the title of Duke of the State.

It's not that his talents were not recognized by Yang Jian, but that he was recognized too much. Yang Jian felt that Yu Wenxin had no inklings and could organize an army. It should be said that after Yang Jian ascended the throne, he changed from the person Yang Jian trusted most to the person he trusted most. Became the most feared person.

Originally, when fighting the Turks, the emperor wanted Yu Wenxin to lead the troops, but Gao Xi persuaded him to do so, and in the end Gao Xi led the troops himself.

The emperor's fear is a huge crime.

Of course, he couldn't go there for no reason. Yang Guang went to visit Yu Wenkai first.

Yu Wenkai had just finished his work on the canal and had only rested at his house for two days. When he heard Yang Guang came to visit, he hurriedly greeted him.

"His Royal Highness, Prince Jin, how dare you bother me to pay a visit in person?"

"Yu Wenkai, why are we so divided after not seeing each other for a long time? Why are you and I so polite?"

Yu Wenkai smiled sheepishly: "Your Highness, you must never forget the proper etiquette."

"Won't you invite me to sit in the mansion?"

"Your Highness, please come quickly. Your Highness, please come quickly."

Yu Wenkai's courtyard is very simple. Because of the many rewards from the emperor, it is not small in size and is very elegantly decorated. Compared with the rich and colorful homes of dignitaries, it is much more bland.

Sitting in the hall, you can also see the gurgling water flowing under the hall through the glass.

"Yu Wenkai, your floor is very elegant."

"His Highness is laughing, but it's just a little thought. His Highness came to see me today for something."

"Of course there is something, and it's not one thing, but three things."

"Your Highness, please speak directly."

Yang Guang didn't beat around the bush and said: "The first thing is about the canal. The first section of the canal has been dug. I plan to hand over the dredging work to the yamen in various parts of the basin in sections, and also divide the canal tax revenue into a portion." Go out, so that they can supervise each other so that no one is watching and stealing."

Yu Wenkai nodded solemnly: "Desilting is the top priority for the canal in the future. Your Highness's move is very good."

"Secondly, since the first section of the canal is fine, I plan to let you inspect the second section of the canal, from Youzhou to Luoyang."

"Is Your Highness going to start construction so soon?"

"In the same way, first go and inspect the route. This matter will be left to you. Moreover, with the precedent of the first section of the canal, the states and counties that the canal flows through know that they can get a share of the canal tax revenue. The second section I plan to speed up the construction of the route by involving various states and counties in stages. Now you go and plan the route and the approximate cost. It will take half a year. I will give you a detailed explanation in half a year."

"Wei Chen understands."

"There is a third thing that I need your help with."

"Your Highness, please speak."

Yang Guang smiled slightly sheepishly: "It's like this. I have recently been in contact with Xiliang and Nanchen. I read a lot of military books and had some thoughts. I discussed it with Qinghe County Duke, but I found that I couldn't argue with him. When I came back this time, I thought that your brother Qi Guogong is a master in the art of war and is very good at using soldiers and horses, so I wanted to come and ask for advice."

(End of this chapter)