King of Song

Chapter 126 Rebellion
As night fell, the West Lake banquet continued.

Even though many officials and gentry had thought of leaving, King Yuhang seemed to be in high spirits and had no intention of leaving.

At this time, an officer from the state government office came in from the side door and whispered a few words in Su Shi's ear.

"Zizhan, what's the matter?" Zhao Zongyong had a ghost in his heart, so he was very concerned about his every move.

Su Shi smiled politely and said: "Report to the prince, I may have to say goodbye first!"

"Oh? Why should Zizhan be in a hurry? I haven't had a good time yet!" Zhao Zongyong seemed to be holding back, but in fact he already had a bad premonition in his heart, so he tried his words more.

Su Shi said: "Thank you, my lord, for your kindness, but... the guards found out that someone was smuggling private salt. This is a serious matter, and I must deal with it as soon as possible."

"Oh?" Zhao Zongyong and his son suddenly exploded in their hearts. If this is the case, doesn't it mean that Chen Qi has been exposed?How did that happen?Zhao Zongyong tried his best to pretend nothing had happened, but his expression was not so natural after all. For a money fan, this was a huge loss.

Zhao Zhongye was also shocked, and spent all his energy trying to calm himself down.Zhao Zhongshan's realm was much lower, his face turned blue and white, it was hard to hide it.

In fact, Zhao Zongyong's method was very stupid. He thought that a banquet could trap all the officials, and then reduce the attention of the outside world, so as to create opportunities for private salt shipments.

Can it really succeed?There must be a prerequisite for this, that is, the place and time of departure cannot be disclosed and must be kept absolutely confidential.However, judging from today's posture, it is likely that the news has leaked out, but it is a pity that they didn't notice it at all...

Su Shi saw this right, and directly stated that I was not refuting you for the sake of Yuhang County King, but that a major case had occurred.And tell you plainly, it's private salt.If they themselves are involved, they must be flustered, and they are prone to make mistakes in the panic. To some extent, they can play the role of knocking mountains and shaking tigers.

It seems that Zhao Zongyong and his son were involved, or were behind the scenes, but so far there is no direct evidence.Su Shi's actions in this way can be regarded as a small trick. Anyway, the place where the private salt was loaded has been monitored by them, and they are not worried about someone tipping off the news.

"Forgive me, my lord. I bear the emperor's order and the court trusts me. I dare not betray the king's kindness. Let me leave first!"

Although Su Shi can be regarded as half of the leading role today, but if someone brings out the emperor's favor, and if there is another one, who can stop it?Is there any reason to keep him?

Zhao Zongyong was uneasy in his heart, forced a smile and said: "Zizhan is loyal to the king and serves the country, that's very good, the state affairs are the most important, you go now!"

"Thank you, my lord!" Su Shi said goodbye immediately and left, exchanging a look with Lin Zhao before leaving, everything was under control.

Zheng Xie's expression was a little stagnant, did he really get lucky?Could it be true what they said yesterday?Could it be that someone really rebelled?It doesn't matter, I have already greeted the generals of the garrison, they will be on guard, and nothing will happen.

While Zheng Zhizhou was comforting himself, the painting of Shenwu General Zhao Shiju was finally completed. He couldn't help but glanced at Su Shi, and a smug smile appeared on the corner of his mouth.

"Brother Huang, the painting is finished!" Immediately, someone stepped forward and lifted the painting, and everyone saw a beautiful picture of a banquet in the West Lake vividly on the paper.The beauty of the West Lake and the joy of the people at the banquet are all painted vividly.

Zhao Zongyong smiled and said: "Shiju's painting skills are really outstanding." The majestic king of Yuhang County will be in a low mood, and even the words of praise suddenly decrease.

Lin Zhao has been staring at Zhao Shiju. Today they have a clear division of labor. Su Shi is responsible for solving the private salt problem, and he is responsible for guarding against Zhao Shiju.But so far, there is nothing unusual about this guy. What kind of medicine is sold in the gourd?
At this time, Zhao Zongyong and his son were in a state of disarray, they didn't want to wait any longer, they were completely different from before.Zhao Zongyong said: "Today can be regarded as having a good time, let's come here, everyone go back to rest earlier..."

But many times, it is not easy to want to leave, at least some people do everything possible to not want him to leave now.

A gleam of coldness appeared in Zhao Shiju's eyes, he snorted coldly, smiled without saying a word.

Just as the officials took their leave and were about to leave, the situation changed suddenly, and many black-clothed killers suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

The target was Zhao Zongyong and his son, Zheng Xie, Shen Kuo, Lin Zhao and other Hangzhou officials.

The sudden occurrence of such a situation at a good banquet was unexpected by many people, and the scene was extremely chaotic.

"Escort! Zhao Zhongye didn't expect such a situation to happen. He shouted in a hurry and hurried to protect his father. Zhao Zhongshan was also in a panic. All in all, the incident happened suddenly, and everyone was panicked and shouted continuously.

The King of Yuhang County and the Yamen of Hangzhou both had guards here, and they all jumped out to protect them immediately. Seeing that the situation was wrong, Lin Zhao hurriedly avoided under the pillars by the lake.

Who is the mastermind behind the scenes?

Lin Zhao was wondering that the two killers had already rushed forward, and they were coming towards him.Lin Zhao was shocked, and in a hurry, he grabbed the case in front of him and used it as a weapon to block the sword and avoid danger.

But it was obvious that the other party wanted his own life, and it was a painful attack. A wooden case was suddenly hacked to pieces.Lin Zhao was in a panic for a while, watching all directions and listening to all directions at the same time, thinking about where to escape.

At this moment, several state government officials flashed in front of them and quickly guarded Lin Zhao.The killer couldn't get close for a while, and Lin Zhao was standing in a safe place.

The situation of Zhizhou Zheng Xie was even more embarrassing. After finally seeing a few servants under his command, they kept shouting for help.However, these guards acted as if they didn't hear him, and they kept guarding Lin Zhao, even after the killer retreated temporarily.In desperation, Zheng Xie got under the table, like a turtle shrinking its head, not daring to lean out at all.

It was also at this time that Lin Zhao noticed that the guards in front of him were quite special, they were the ones above Leifeng last night.It seems that Su An is more intentional and has arranged several powerful guards.

Although the scene by the lake was chaotic, it was still within controllable range. Although there were casualties, the more important protagonists were all safe and sound.

The purpose of the killer also seemed suspicious!
After a while, the city of Hangzhou in the dark night suddenly burst into flames. The killers saw it from a distance, and it was like a signal, and they retreated instantly without a trace.

After the killer evacuated, Zhao Zongyong, Zheng Xie and others came out of their hiding places, all in a panic, asking each other about their concerns.

"Zheng Zhizhou, what's going on? How do you defend your state government office? Someone assassinated!" Zhao Zhongshan, Marquis of Fushui, came forward and cursed, Zheng Xie was a little dazed.However, the family is a relative of the emperor, what can you do if you react like this when you are frightened?

Zheng Xie said reassuringly: "I'm sorry, I surprised the prince and the two princes, but I don't know..."

While Zheng Zhizhou was speaking, he saw Lin Zhao running back and forth among the crowd, constantly poking around, as if he was anxiously looking for someone.

Lin Zhao was really anxious because he found that Zhao Shiju was missing.

The signs of intentional rebellion, the sudden assassination, the skyrocketing flames in the city of Hangzhou, these facts combined, what kind of consequences will it produce?
Lin Zhao suddenly broke out in a cold sweat, and was very worried...

"Zheng Zhizhou, can you make the garrison take precautions?" Lin Zhao hurried forward and asked Zheng Xie.

"Uh...Lin Zhao, you..."

Lin Zhao hurriedly said: "Zheng Zhizhou, there is a possibility that a rebellion has occurred, you should go back to the city and mobilize troops!"

"Could it be..." Zheng Xie also felt the same, the worrying thing still happened, but the arrangement has been made beforehand, so don't worry too much...

"Father, the direction of the fire seems to be our palace!" Zhao Zhongye looked up at the location of the soaring fire in Hangzhou City, and couldn't help being shocked.

Zhao Zongyong was also surprised, but what shocked him even more was what happened tonight.Chen Qi's whereabouts have already been exposed, and the private salt matter is overturned, and the hundreds of thousands of dollars of money will be wasted. The most important thing now is how to deal with the aftermath, and he must not let this matter implicate himself.

Lin Zhao's words also shocked him even more, rebellion?

This news is too shocking, there is actually someone rebelling on the ground in Hangzhou?There was even a rebellion, why didn't I notice it beforehand?Instead, it was Lin Zhao... No wonder Chen Qi's cargo was exposed. It seems that this Lin Zhao's ability and the clues he has learned are really many.

It seems that I was really careless, and somewhat underestimated this kid.Now there is no more control, rebellion is not necessarily a bad thing, you can take advantage of this opportunity to destroy all unfavorable evidence and shirk responsibility.Just who is rebelling?He is very curious about this fact now!Anyway, he is a member of the royal family. Although he is quite dissatisfied with some practices of the emperor's brother and nephew, he doesn't want anyone to shake his family...

Zhao Zhongye was more flexible than his father in this regard. Rebellion was a shocking case. Although there were no clues before, it was not without clues.There seems to be a clue to the murder case in Fangjia Village that has been bothering him all the time. In addition, tonight, his palace is full of flames, so many things can be explained clearly...

But who is it?Why target your own home?Zhao Zhongye fell into trouble again, and at the same time was even more secretly frightened.It's hard to say whether this incident is a good thing or a bad thing for my family?

What should be done now?Recover and reduce your own losses, and transition safely!But everything is in a mess, and there is no way to make it real.Especially now that the situation is so chaotic, the palace is going to be great, what can be done by the West Lake?Under the eyes of these many people, they are restricted and guarded to some extent, and their movements are bound to be greatly restricted.

Zhao Zongyong couldn't help but regret it very much, he was too self-righteous, so that now he could not lose money by stealing chickens, and the result was almost resigned to fate.Just about to leave, inquire about news, and make arrangements.

Zheng Xie stepped forward and said: "My lord, there is likely to be a rebellion in the city. I have mobilized troops and horses. The situation is not yet clear, and it may not be safe outside. The lord will stay here first, and I will protect it until it is safe." Afterwards, I will be escorted back to the residence!"

Zhao Zongyong had no way to refuse Zheng Xie's kindness. Before he could answer, Shen Kuo sent someone to protect Zhao Zongyong and his son.

Of course, it is protection in name, and it is completely understandable that it is surveillance.Su Shi has already sent people to catch the thieves. It is still unknown whether Zhao Zongyong and his son are involved, and whether they can find evidence to punish them.But at this moment, they cannot be given the opportunity to conceal their confessions and destroy their criminal evidence...

Zhao Zhongye asked strangely: "Zheng Zhizhou, who is rebelling?"

Zheng Xie hesitated for a moment and said, "Magistrate Li Feng of Yuhang County, General Shenwu Zhao Shiju may also be involved..."

Zhao Shiju?The gentle and refined Zhao Shiju?It's unbelievable.Zhao Zongyong was dumbfounded, and subconsciously searched around in the crowd, and Zhao Shiju, who was a master of painting and calligraphy just now, had disappeared.Could it be that this guy was the one who sent the killer just now?
Lin Zhao said anxiously: "Zheng Zhizhou, quickly send people to understand the situation in the city, stabilize the situation, and send people to hunt down Zhao Shiju and others..."

The boss in Zheng Xie's heart is not happy, I know the state dignifiedly, should I still use you to command?Don't even look at what official or product you are?No self-awareness at all.Hmph, I am determined to get the credit this time, and no one else can get involved.

When Zheng Zhizhou was proud of his brilliance, Wang Kai, the guard of the Hangzhou city gate, stumbled over, covered in blood and in a state of distress, which gave people a bad feeling.

"Master Zhizhou, it's not good..." Wang Kai cried out in tears before he entered, feeling extremely miserable.

"General Wang, what happened? How is the situation?" Seeing this, Zheng Xie felt very uneasy, and hurried forward to ask.

Wang Kai said: "There is a rebellion in the city. Some rebels have captured the city gate and set fire to the Prince's Mansion of Yuhang County. The situation is very critical..."

It really was the county prince's mansion, Zhao Zhongye was startled, a prince's mansion wouldn't be so distressing, but what is the purpose of the rebels doing this?Is it just to express dissatisfaction with the royal family?Show your determination to rebel?Presumably things are not that simple, what is so special about my palace?

Zheng Xie asked, "Who conspired against you? How is the situation?"

"The humble officer saw Li Feng, the magistrate of Yuhang County, and some generals and schools in the army also participated. We were caught off guard. The east and south gates have already fallen, and the north and west gates are in critical condition..."

Wang Kai's answer shocked everyone. If the city gate of Hangzhou is controlled by others, it means that the entire city will fall... Once the rebels occupy Hangzhou, it is self-evident how bad the impact will be...

Lin Zhao said angrily, "Why didn't you take precautions? Zheng Zhizhou mobilized troops and reminded you to pay more attention. Is it just a deaf ear to be vigilant?"

"Reminder from Zhizhou? Mobilize troops and horses? Be vigilant?" Wang Kai looked at Lin Zhao first, then at Zheng Xie, and shook his head slightly.

Lin Zhao stared at Zheng Xie in surprise and asked, "Zheng Zhizhou, are you really determined to go your own way and turn a deaf ear to the news of the rebellion?"
At this moment, the situation was critical, and Lin Zhao didn't care about Zheng Xie's so-called Zhizhou status and the relationship between superiors and inferiors.

"Didn't you receive my letter?" Zheng Xie was also a little anxious, and said eagerly: "Didn't I ask you to strengthen the defense at the city gate, mobilize troops, and strengthen patrols and defenses? Didn't you receive it at all?" information?"

Wang Kai was full of doubts, shook his head and said: "What letter, the last general really did not see it!"

"What?" Zheng Xie took a step back and almost sat down on the ground, with cold sweat running down his back.He still doesn't know exactly which link caused the problem, but if Wang Kai didn't receive the letter, it means that he didn't remind him or transfer him according to the procedure...

Then once something happens, the issue of responsibility.Coupled with his tough attitude towards Lin Zhao and others last night, I am afraid that this kid has long been dissatisfied with me. If he has so much resentment, he will definitely be impeached in front of the emperor at that time.How could Zheng Zhizhou not be in a hurry?

How can I do?In a panic, the dignified state's highest military and political officer turned out to be bewildered, with a dazed look on his face!
Seeing this, Lin Zhao said angrily: "What are you waiting for? The rebellion must be quelled as soon as possible. If not... we must at least control one city gate, report to the court, and wait for reinforcements to arrive... Once Hangzhou falls, the consequences will be disastrous. The Great Song Dynasty may be a disaster..."

Zheng Xie also reacted, realizing the seriousness of the problem, Wei Wei nodded and said: "That's right, it should be like this..."

"But what should we do?" Zheng Xie was a civil servant who knew almost nothing about military affairs. He had no choice but to panic and didn't know what to do!
"Why are you still hesitating? Wait a little longer, and the city of Hangzhou will fall!" Lin Zhao couldn't help being furious!
Shen Kuo's status as the visiting envoy of the Liangzhe Road played a huge role at this time, and he immediately said: "Zheng Zhizhou, the situation is critical, if you hesitate a little, the consequences will be disastrous. Live up to the favor of the official family..."

"But what should we do?" Zheng Xie didn't know military affairs on the one hand, and on the other hand, he lacked courage.

well!Lin Zhao couldn't stand it anymore, and said angrily, "General Wang, let's go and take back Ximen..."

This...Wang Kai hesitated, Zheng Xie also looked at Lin Zhao, his eyes were very strange!

But Lin Zhao didn't care at all, leaving behind a heavy back, and walked away with steady steps...

"Zheng Zhizhou, let Dongyang go, maybe he will bring surprises..."

Hearing Shen Kuo's words, Zheng Xie had already swallowed it back.That's right, let Lin Zhao go. It's good to be successful, and your guilt will be greatly reduced, and maybe you will be counted as a credit.If it fails, someone else will bear the main responsibility.In short, no loss, at this critical moment, the wishful thinking in Zheng Zhizhou's heart is still crackling.

"Okay then, just listen to Lin Zhao's mobilization, take back the city gate as soon as possible, and quell the rebellion!"

When Lin Zhao heard this, he shouted from a distance: "Lord Shen, protect the prince and all your lords!"

The implication could not be clearer, Lin Zhao strode forward, and the responsibility he will face is quite heavy.

(End of this chapter)