Man Tang Huacai

Chapter 377 Everyone is mortal

"Judge Yuan."

Just when Yuan Zai felt a little confused, Xian Yuhao came behind him and patted his shoulder, saying, "Someone wants to ask you a few words."

He looked in the direction pointed by Xian Yuhao and found a red-robed official standing in the darkness. He was Yang Guozhong's confidant and the young eunuch of the Shaofu, Yang Guanghui.

Yang Guanghui has neither fame nor family background. He was promoted from a minor official of the ninth rank to the fourth rank in a few years just by flattering Yang Guozhong. It is said that he will be promoted again soon.

This man has a sinister look and a thin stature. He does not even meet the basic requirements for being an official in the Tang Dynasty. He is also timid and has a fawning demeanor. The court officials have always had a bad impression of him. Although he was notorious, the higher his official position was, the more his atmosphere changed. In this age when "fighting cocks and horses are better than studying", many people praised him and called him "the holy hand holding the pot".

The so-called "holding the pot" refers to Yang Guozhong, the spitting pot. This remark had a serious derogatory meaning at first, but now many people are flocking to it and want to learn how to hold a pot from Yang Guanghui.

At this time, Yang Guanghui waved to Yuan Zai, as if inviting him to join in this decadent singing and dancing.

Although Yuan Zai was greedy for power, he was rich in talent and had always despised a villain like Yang Guanghui who was working hard. But when he thought about seeking an explanation for Wang Zhongsi's death, he hesitated for a moment and stepped forward.

"Young Master Yang, if my grandfather dies of illness, how can we punish the murderer severely?"

There are people in the court such as the eating envoy, the lychee envoy, and the wandering envoy. At first glance, the flower and bird envoy seems to be collecting flowers and birds for the saint.

After hearing the four words "I can look forward to your visit," Yuan Zai's expression finally changed, and he couldn't help but reveal a confident smile.

At that time, Wang Yunxiu left her natal family and went to Beijing with him to take the exam. There was a period of very poor years when she couldn't afford incense and ointment, so she would go to the wild to pick flowers and bathe in them. She always had a faint fragrance on her body. Today she was chasing and fighting, and she was sweating all over. The faint fragrance was mixed with the smell of blood.

"Let's do this. Your original part-time job, the salt and iron transshipment commission, and the Hedong Road transshipment commission remain unchanged. I will ask the Right Prime Minister to find some more part-time jobs for you." Yang Guanghui said, frowning and said: "I To tell you the truth, I will be staying in Beidu soon, and there will be many opportunities for you and me to interact with you."

After saying this, Yuan Zai showed his thoughts.

He is not Yang Qixuan, although he occasionally envies Xue Bai for having a confidante. But his situation was different. He had a deep love for Wang Yunxiu and his wife and shared joys and sorrows. He really never thought about attracting bees and butterflies and causing trouble to Wang Yunxiu.

"But I don't understand flowers and birds." Yuan Zai said.

After talking to Yang Guanghui, Yuan Zai thought that he had left Wang Yunxiu for too long, so he quickly turned back to find her. The strange thing is that she did not stay beside Wang Zhongsi's body and went to nowhere.

Yang Guanghui gradually began to appreciate him sincerely, and added: "Let me tell you another piece of news... the saint's flower and bird envoy has given a speech due to illness. This is a good job, so you should be more considerate."

This is what officialdom is like. Although he used to rely on Yang Guozhong, once there is a conflict of interest, he must "deal with the matter rather than the person."

Further away, it can be seen that Guo Qianli has climbed to a high place, his body is strong, and his armor glows golden in the moonlight.

As soon as he stepped forward, Yuan Zai made his attitude clear and said: "I know what the right prime minister means. It's just for the sake of the court's face, but being secretive is not the way to do it. The prosperity of the Tang Dynasty definitely did not come from hiding one's ears and stealing bells!"

"..."

But he, Yuan Zai, was not someone who sold himself off easily. He mused: "Compared to matters of punishment and reputation, what I am better at is wealth."

Yuan Zai waved his hands reservedly, refusing to accept his words.

"Do you have any evidence?" Yang Guanghui said: "If it was planned by someone else, then the other party's arrangement will obviously kill two birds with one stone. While getting rid of Wang Zhongsi, and at the same time blaming the incompetence of the right minister, it is more appropriate to calm the situation first and then investigate secretly. Collect evidence. It is precisely because the Right Prime Minister wanted to entrust you with this matter that he decided to keep you in Chang'an as a doctor in the Ministry of Punishment or as the Secretary of Dali to take charge of this matter."

"I understand what the right minister is thinking, but I have a better idea. Can Mr. Yang give it a try?"

"Young Master misunderstood. I didn't ask you to betray your husband. But you have to think about it. Wang Zhongsi died at the hands of Nanzhao people and Ge Luofeng is already dead. What's the point of pursuing this matter?"

What Yang Guozhong gave him was the most powerful official position he could obtain at this stage. If he misses this opportunity, he may not get it again in his life.

Yang Guanghui said again: "You are talented, and it is the right time for the Prime Minister to appoint someone. I am reluctant to let you go to the Eastern Capital. I want to keep you in the court and serve as the minister of ministers. Are you willing?"

In my ears, I heard Yang Guanghui sigh and then say: "Gongfu, have you ever thought about it, the Right Prime Minister has just ascended the throne and is not yet stable. If something goes wrong at this time and someone criticizes him, the situation in the court will be in turmoil again."

Yang Guanghui didn't expect that he would raise the price. He was stunned for a moment, but he was not annoyed. Instead, his face showed a look of admiration. He clapped his hands and said with a smile: "I admire such ambitious young people."

"My father-in-law died in an assassination, and the right prime minister wanted to calm the situation." Yuan Zai said, "But the prince should stand up for my father-in-law."

"You have to consider what the saint's attitude is towards your father-in-law. Do you have the patience to watch me make the situation worse?!"

"You are not good at women, so you are suitable for this position." Yang Guanghui said, "You have good vision and can control yourself. You will definitely shine in the position of flower and bird envoy and win the trust of saints. I will worship you in the future." Look forward to it."

"Flower and Bird Envoy?"

"Young people! Your Grandpa Guo has seen you!"

Later, he accentuated his tone and added a sentence with a hint of intimidation.

After saying that, he immediately looked back, looking for Xue Bai, intending to call Xue Bai over and put pressure on Yang Guozhong together. But in this moment, Xue Bai ran to nowhere.

At this time, he only felt that Yang Guozhong was ridiculous, and the only way to win people over was to seduce high-ranking officials and beautiful women.

Yuan Zai sometimes envied these brainless people. Unlike him, he had too many thoughts in his life and was burdened by them, never living a satisfied life.

Yuan Zai seemed a little tempted and hesitated.

"An Zhi is not someone else's design."

"My lord, you are so awesome." Yang Guanghui shook his head and said with a smile: "The flower and bird envoy is not picking flowers and birds. His job is to pick the beauties in the world. He doesn't care about family status, no matter how high or low he is. He only cares about appearance. Anyone who is beautiful, regardless of marriage. Whether it is or not, summon the saint into the palace to enjoy it."

"Oh?"

When I tried to inquire with Guan Chongsi again, I found that Guan Chongsi was not there either. Only a few injured Wang family guards were sitting next to the headless body, describing themselves as decadent.

Yuan Zai didn't want to hear this and was about to refute.

Guo Qianli shouted into the dark forest, his voice echoing in the valley.

Yuan Zai shook his head and said, "I'm not a womanizer and I'm not interested in this beauty."

He sniffed the lingering scent of Wang Yunxiu in the air and walked in one direction.

Yuan Zai put his hands on his hands, turned his back, looked up at the moon in the sky, and said lightly: "I am not Yang Qixuan."

After walking not too far, about thirty steps, there was a small col in front of us. After walking around the col, we saw the unusually tall figure of Guan Chongsi.

"Who?!" Guan Chongsi scolded, drawing his sword in his hand.

"It's me." Yuan Zai said quickly, "I'm here to find my wife."

A few steps away in the darkness, Wang Yunxiu walked out, came to Yuan Zai's side, and whispered: "I'm afraid I can't catch him, so take grandpa back."

"I have convinced Yang Guozhong that I will investigate this matter secretly and never let the culprit go."

"That coward is afraid of taking responsibility and wants to make a big deal out of a big deal." Wang Yunxiu said: "I was killed by people sent by An Lushan. Can you persuade him to track down An Lushan?"

"Is there any evidence?"

"There will be."

Yuan Zai pondered and whispered: "I trust your judgment, but Yang Guozhong has no courage in his actions, so he will not dare to attack An Lushan over this matter."

"Why? Aren't they political enemies?"

"My father-in-law died in an assassination. If Yang Guozhong shows up and comes forward rashly, he will only be bitten by An Lushan." Yuan Zai pondered: "We should go to the East Palace."

Wang Yunxiu was stunned for a moment.

"In the eyes of the officials in the court, they only have their own power, which is unreliable. If something really happens, only the friendship between the father-in-law and the prince can be relied upon." Yuan Zai sighed: "Let's ask the East Palace to come forward."

To him, it was the best idea. It was in line with Yang Guozhong's desire to protect himself and to instigate An Lushan and the prince. Although he was forcing Dong Gong to use friendship, he could also take the opportunity to contact the prince, leaving some favor and a way out; at the same time, he was satisfied. In order to help Wang Yunxiu get to the bottom of his wish. It can be said that it kills three birds with one stone.

However, when Wang Yunxiu heard this, she did not agree immediately as usual, but looked back slightly.

Yuan Zai was extremely keen and immediately turned to look at the dark place she had just walked out of, and said loudly: "Xue Lang, are you there? Come out."

Guan Chongsi was walking behind them. He scratched his head when he heard this, stepped forward to block Yuan Zai's sight with his huge body, and wanted to say something.

However, Yuan Zai was sure that Xue Bai was there. He took Wang Yunxiu's hand and said, "I can trust you. I know that this is not a private meeting. It must be about my father-in-law's affairs, and you should also trust me."

"It's not that I don't believe Yuan Lang, you are my husband-in-law."

While talking, Xue Bai walked out of the darkness, his footsteps rustling on the fallen leaves.

"Did the public servant just reach a tacit understanding with Yang Guanghui? Ren Yang Guozhong calmed the situation and asked the East Palace to come forward to advocate for the investigation of the case."

"I mean, Yang Guozhong is weak, so we have no choice but to ask the East Palace."

The results of these two sentences are the same, but the feelings they give people are completely different.

Xue Bai just hit Yuan Zai and said: "I am a villain and I made a mistake. I think the mastermind of Wang Jieshuai's assassination must be An Lushan, and the prisoner just now may be a witness."

"He may not confess. These murderers are completely pretending to be Nanzhao barbarians. If they rush to testify against An Lushan, the saint may not be happy." Yuan Zai first raised his concerns and then said: "But I can persuade the prince to come forward. When the time comes, Xue Lang can try interrogating the prisoner."

"it is good."

Xue Bai quickly accepted Yuan Zai's proposal.

On the way back, Yuan Zai thought about Xue Bai's attitude, but still had some doubts, so he asked Wang Yunxiu: "What did you and Xue Bai talk about?"

"He is ready to attack An Lushan. This is also my grandpa's...last wish."

Yuan Zai stopped and did not take Wang Yunxiu back to the headless body. He thoughtfully put the cloak on Wang Yunxiu. Although it is hot in summer, the mountains and forests are very cool at night.

Wang Yunxiu also looked unusually calm and said slowly: "When I was attacking the Khitan, I saw with my own eyes that Anlu Mountain supported its troops. This time he was seriously ill, and what worried him most was that if Hedong fell into the hands of Anlu Mountain, he must be careful Meet the saint."

Yuan Zai sighed: "We knew that the saint would not see him. I really regret taking him out of Chang'an City."

"Xue Lang said that Nanzhao could not have the strength and courage to send someone to assassinate Grandpa, only An Lushan." Wang Yunxiu said, "We have to prove this to the saint."

Yuan Zai could think of all this, so she didn't need to repeat it again. He then sighed: "The problem is how to prove it. Have you and Xue Bai talked about it in detail?"

"No."

Yuan Zai felt something was wrong. He and Yang Guanghui chatted for the same amount of time, and the content of the conversation was much more than that. He asked again: "You guys have been chatting for so long, but you haven't talked about how to do it specifically?"

Wang Yunxiu paused for a moment, raised her head, looked at him, and said, "Do you suspect that I have an affair with him?"

"No." Yuan Zai was very sure that this was impossible. Wang Yunxiu was not that kind of person, and he would not fall in love with someone when his grandfather died.

However, precisely because he was sure of this, he increasingly believed that there were still things hidden from him.

"Just trust me." Wang Yunxiu said, "I'm very upset. I don't want to stop. I'm afraid I will cry if I stop. Let's go and take Grandpa back."

Yuan Zai looked back at Guan Chongsi and thought of something. He went out of the city to meet Wang Zhongsi a while ago and stayed overnight in the posthouse, where he was made drunk by Guan Chongsi. Now that he thinks about it, he is very suspicious.

~~

Xue Bai returned to Huaqing Palace, met with Li Longji immediately, and reported what he saw and heard. He was a direct minister and always told the truth. Therefore, when Li Longji asked him his opinion on the matter, he clearly expressed his doubts about An Lushan.

Li Longji knew that they disliked each other and didn't take it seriously.

In today's court, the three forces of Dong Gong, Yang Guozhong, and An Lushan are incompatible with each other. The emperor probably knows this, but it doesn't matter. The three pillars are the most stable. Only a stable court can build a prosperous world.

"I only look at the evidence and don't make any wild guesses. I ask you, is that headless corpse really Ah Xun's?"

Xue Bai was talking eloquently, Weiyan was stunned for a moment, and then he murmured "Ah Xun" before he realized and replied: "It's Wang Jieshuai's."

Li Longji sighed slightly, waved his hand and said, "Go."

There was no card game today, so Xue Bai left Huaqing Palace and went all the way to Yang Yuyao's villa.

From a distance, a maid saw him and quickly turned around and ran inside, shouting: "The husband is back."

Since the fire broke out in Mrs. Guo's mansion in Chang'an, Yang Yuyao lived in Xue Bai's house, and her slaves also regarded Xue Bai as their master. In short, the sworn brother-sister relationship becomes deeper and deeper, and others don't know it and treat them as real siblings.

When Xue Bai was greeted at this time, Yang Yuyao said dissatisfiedly: "I wanted to give you a hard time, but it's better for you, you just disappeared for two days."

As she spoke, she suddenly noticed a hint of displeasure in Xue Bai's eyebrows, and asked coquettishly, "What's the matter? Are you angry that you are not allowed to stay with a group of us girls?"

"No." Xue Bai smiled and said, "Can Yao Niang be accommodating next time?"

Yang Yuyao knew that he was angry with others and had nothing to do with her. She said with concern: "You haven't slept all night, right? Your eyes are red. Even if I am willing to be accommodating, how can you be accommodating? Eat something quickly."

"There is one more thing." Xue Bai said: "There is an actor in Wang Zhongsi's house who was redeemed from the Jiaofang. She should be named Zhang Siniang, and she is his favorite concubine. Please ask Yao Niang to send someone to take her to Lishan Well, except Wang Yunxiu, don’t let anyone else know who sent the people.”

"Why?"

"Ask her if you have anything to say."

"Okay, I'll take care of it. After you eat, go to the hot spring to wash yourself in mud, and have a good sleep."

When Xue Bai dipped into the pool, he sighed comfortably.

He was very tired, but looking across the screen, he could see Yang Yuyao, Yan Yan, Qing Lan, Li Tengkong, Li Jilan and others talking and laughing on the other side. Through the gauze, he could faintly see their cool clothes and bare feet. Walk around the pool.

Due to this situation, he couldn't help but become energetic again, but at this time there were other things on his mind.

After taking a bath, I was about to go back to the house to sleep, but I heard the chirping on the other side of the screen, and they were talking softly.

"Go over, what are you afraid of?"

"Then I'll take you there..."

Xue Bai turned around and saw Yan Yan and Li Tengkong walking hand in hand.

"Hey, husband, I have agreed on something with Teng Kongzi."

"Huh? Oh, okay."

"Do you want to take a nap? I'll send you there, make some room, and come with us?"

The three of them walked along the corridor towards the house.

The scenery of Lishan Mountain is excellent, the weather is refreshing, the villa is just below the green mountains, bamboos and flowers are planted in the courtyard below the promenade, and the promenade is spotless. Xue Bai's feet were bare, and when they came out, they each put on a pair of wooden clogs. Because the floor outside was not as warm as the jade beside the hot spring, Yan Yan also wore a pair of girl socks, but Li Tengkong did not.

The feet on the clogs are like frost, and there are no girl socks on.

When Xue Bai lowered his head, he just saw her holding two active toes. He lost his mind for a moment, realized that he had lost his composure, turned his head, and pretended to be serious: "It's been a troubled year."

"It's obviously summer." Yan Yan pursed her lips and said with a smile, not giving him any face at all, "Taking space, you think so?"

"Yes." Li Tengkong added, "But it's almost autumn."

She could feel that Xue Bai was a little worried today, so she asked, "Did something happen?"

Xue Bai said: "Wang Zhongsi... is dead."

Yan Yan and Li Tengkong were both stunned, wondering about such a big thing. Xue Baicai had been eating and bathing calmly just now, unlike his usual behavior.

"You have a good relationship with him, right? They say you have been friends for years."

"It's a kind of sympathies."

Xue Bai thought of the time when he and Wang Zhongsi drank more than ten jars of wine and wrote "Broken Array" on the wall. He only said that at that time, he felt that they had a good relationship with each other.

But he gradually came to realize that Wang Zhongsi was a natural-born general who was rarely burdened by emotions such as loyalty and family affection. After reaching a certain level, he felt that it was difficult to get close to him. For example, the two of them went to Nanzhao together and had no personal relationship. So take it to the next level.

Perhaps as Li Linfu and Xue Bai said before, Wang Zhongsi has an indifferent temperament.

Especially after talking to Wang Yunxiu last night, Xue Bai was a little angry, angry at Wang Zhongsi's unwillingness to be accommodating, and even rushed to Huaqing Palace knowing that the saint would not meet.

However, with these thoughts in mind, Xue Bai still added: "In addition to having similar feelings of loyalty, we also have similar aspirations and hope for the good of the country."

"Then he died, are you sad?"

"It's okay, how should I put it, everyone is destined to die..."

~~

"What?! Brother, he is... so jealous of talents!"

In Shaoyang Courtyard, Li Heng learned the news of Wang Zhongsi's death and was heartbroken.

It was Yuan Zai who was responsible for reporting this matter. Even if the saint is still afraid of the prince, Wang Zhongsi has died, and he has to tell his sworn brother the news no matter what, and Yuan Zai is the most suitable candidate.

Yuan Zai himself knew this very well, and he planned based on this inevitable result.

He also planned his future very clearly. He could first seek refuge with Yang Guozhong, and then seek refuge with Li Heng. It would be difficult to stand on both sides of the aisle between these two incompatible forces, but he was confident that he could do it. Then, An Lushan is the enemy he must stand against.

"Your Highness, my condolences. My father-in-law has a soul in heaven. I don't want to see Your Highness lose his body because of his feelings."

"Your father-in-law and I are closer than brothers." Li Heng cried so hard that he couldn't help himself. After a long time, he raised his head and choked with sobs, "I grew up... following him... I grew up... Just call him 'brother'!"

"Your Highness."

"Tell me, how did brother leave?"

Yuan Zai looked gloomy and said: "The court claimed that he died of illness. But in fact, my father-in-law was assassinated."

When he heard the word "assassination", Li Heng's body froze for a moment. He covered his face with his hands in grief, as if he couldn't believe that a famous general who had just made great achievements and returned to the court would be assassinated immediately.

How did the imperial court protect such a hero with such great achievements?

After a while, Li Heng came out of his shock and asked in a hoarse voice: "Who? Who dares?"

"All the evidence now shows that the barbarians came from Nanzhao to avenge Ge Luofeng."

"absurd!"

The hoarse roar was like a saw, cutting through the veil in the court. Li Heng shook his head, showing his sober sensitivity that was intoxicated by the whole world, and murmured: "Yang Guozhong, An Lushan... who did it?"

Yuan Zai didn't dare to answer.

"Biso and cockfighting are far behind." Li Heng thought for a while and said.

He didn't say anything yet - Wang Zhongsi was killed according to the saint's will, just like when Li Linfu killed Wei Jian and Huangfu Weiming. If it were Li Linfu, he would naturally have a way to punish Wang Zhongsi this time instead of using this method.

Yuan Zai could tell that the prince was suspicious of Yang Guozhong.

And the reason why he came was to lead the disaster to Anlu Mountain. After all, for the time being, he had to rely on Yang Guozhong.

"Your Highness, I think that although Yang Guozhong is far inferior to Li Linfu, he definitely does not have the courage to kill my father-in-law."

"You mean?"

Yuan Zai pondered for a while and decided that he could convince the prince with just one sentence, and said: "Yang Guozhong is a mediocre person, so there is nothing to worry about. But Anlu Mountain looks like a pig or a dog, but in fact it is a tiger and wolf."

Li Heng understood immediately.

As he had previously analyzed with Zhang Ting, the sage hoped that the power of the court and the border town would be balanced. Now that Wang Zhongsi died, the balance was broken. Then, unless more border towns support Yang Guozhong, An Lushan's power can only be reduced.

This is the situation.

As for Li Heng, he must get rid of An Lushan. At that time, An Lushan's sentence "I am a barbarian and I don't know what the prince is" was already a declaration of war. This bastard would definitely raise an army to oppose him when he ascended the throne.

"Did Zahu assassinate my sworn brother?!"

"We think so." Yuan Zai said, "Anlushan has wanted to seize the governor of Hedong for a long time. He is afraid of his father-in-law's prestige in Hedong, so he is most likely to take action."

Li Heng pondered: "Fan Yang's military envoy Sun Xiaozhe couldn't stay in Chang'an after offering prisoners. They have the strength to do so."

"We got a prisoner, but Yang Guozhong was afraid that the news of the assassination would spread, and others would accuse him of being an incompetent prime minister, so he did not dare to interrogate him."

Yuan Zai said, thinking about Li Heng very considerately, and added: "But if His Highness comes forward, I'm afraid His Highness will get into trouble."

"It doesn't matter."

Li Heng knew that once his adopted brother died, there would be no room for him to be a coward. Even if it angers the saint, he can only do this. What's more, this is also a rare opportunity to win over the hearts of the soldiers.

"I must go to Lishan in person and ask my father to make the decision for my sworn brother, so that I can live up to my sworn brother's love for me and his contribution to the Tang Dynasty!"

Yuan Zai achieved his goal and said no more.

But he actually believed that it was almost impossible for Li Heng to overthrow An Lushan.

Looking back, Xue Bai's attitude on this matter was also very strange. He seemed a little too lazy to take care of it and let him come to see Li Heng.

Yuan Zai couldn't help but think that maybe Xue Bai and Wang Yunxiu had discussed some other solution?

So, when he left the palace, he rushed to Wang Zhongsi's house as soon as possible, wanting to ask his wife again.

After passing the cross street in the square, he dismounted, took the reins and turned into the alley, when he saw a carriage coming out of the side door.

Yuan Zai frowned, stepped forward and asked, "What is this?"

The servant of the Wang family who was walking in front responded quickly: "In response to my son-in-law, I asked the young men to send Alang's concubine away."

"This is the moment." Yuan Zai shook his head.

He continued walking, thinking that Wang Yunxiu was still so jealous...it wasn't right.

Yuan Zai came back to his senses, looked at the guards behind the carriage, and realized that someone was going to pick up Zhang Siniang for questioning.

(End of this chapter)