Do you know: I have a different surname: Wang, uncle Minglan.

Chapter 291 Convicting Wei Yuan on a false charge?
The news brought by Wang Anshi was very important, and Wei Yuan had to think deeply about it.

Why did the Liao Kingdom do something that only shot itself in the foot?
"How do you plan to investigate?" Wei Yuan asked Wang Anshi again.

The latter smiled bitterly and said, "It doesn't matter how we investigate. What matters is what kind of result we should give to the world."

Early September of the seventh year of Jiayou.

News came from the capital that Zhao Zhen had fainted again.

Everyone was speculating that the emperor was really dying.

At this point, medicine was of no use. If the famous doctor Wang Weiyi had not been invited to prolong his life with acupuncture, I'm afraid Zhao Zhen would have had a hard time holding on.

Including but not limited to the capital city, the sky of the entire Great Zhou seemed to be covered with a layer of haze, and the air around was so oppressive that it seemed impossible to breathe.

Jiangnan, Hangzhou, light rain.

Wei Yuan and Wang Anshi took a boat trip on West Lake.

The two men stood together, neither wearing raincoats nor allowing the guards to hold an umbrella for them, letting the fine, fresh rain splash on their faces.

Apart from the rower, there were only two of them on the boat.

The Tiger Guards were on martial law within a three-mile radius.

At this time, Wang Anshi was reading a letter written by the prince.

After reading it, he tore the letter into pieces, threw it into the lake, and said in a deep voice:

"The prince told you to take care of yourself and be careful when you visit Jiangnan."

At this point, his tone became heavier again, and he sighed.
"I don't know what's happening with the government."

Wei Yuan stood with his hands behind his back, looking into the distance, seemingly ignoring the rain that kept falling from the sky.

"The storm is coming. Write back to the prince. If there is any change in the capital, the Danglu Army and Xu Changzhi will obey the prince's orders at any time."

Wang Anshi nodded and said, "The Liao envoys will arrive in Hangzhou this afternoon. I wonder what kind of explanation they will give."

Wei Yuan frowned, "Since the emperor became seriously ill and I was dismissed from my post, assassinations like this have occurred. I'm afraid that the Liao Kingdom did this on purpose in order to provoke a war between the countries."

Wang Anshi stroked his beard and said, "Heroes think alike. Unfortunately, the emperor does not agree to send more troops to Daizhou."

At this moment, the two great bosses who could make the entire Zhou Dynasty tremble felt deeply helpless.

They know what might happen in the future and the potential threats, but they are powerless to do anything about it.

Under the emperor's autocracy, no one could bypass him and do something great that would benefit the country and the people.

"If I want to compare West Lake to Xi Shi, light makeup or heavy makeup will always be suitable. This poem by Su Shi is really well written."

"I heard that Fan Chunren transferred Su Shi to the capital again?"

Wei Yuan asked curiously.

Wang Anshi nodded and said, "The father of the Su Shi brothers has a very good relationship with Wen Zhenggong. For the sake of their father, our Prime Minister Fan had no choice but to transfer Su Shi to the capital."

Wei Yuan just nodded slightly without responding.

Wang Anshi continued, "Su Shi is good at writing articles and poems, but he has no talent for governing a country. If he were to become prime minister, I'm afraid some of Wen Zhenggong's policies would be overturned."

The Su family and the Fan family have a good relationship, but this does not mean that the two families have the same political ideas.

This is also a relatively unique scene in the politics of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

When it comes to policy, everyone in the court is a mortal enemy.

But when it comes to personal relationship, they are close friends.

Wei Yuan thinks there is nothing wrong with this.

"Su Shi is somewhat similar to Li Bai of the previous dynasty. He is also a brilliant writer. Just as you said, the country cannot be handed over to such a person."

Wei Yuan suddenly stretched himself and said earnestly, "How about I go to Daizhou after contacting the Liao envoy?"

They all suspected that the Liao Kingdom wanted to start a war.

In this case, Wei Yuan could go to Daizhou and make some arrangements in advance.

However, after careful consideration, Wang Anshi did not agree with Wei Yuan's idea.

"It would be great if you could go to Daizhou, but what would the government think if you went?"

"You have made a fortune in Daizhou. Some time ago, you submitted a petition asking the government to send more troops to Daizhou."

"So, you can't go."

Wei Yuan sighed, "If we let the Liao envoy who assisted you in handling the case announce a certain result, wouldn't it avoid the gossips of Liao and Xia countries?"

Wang Anshi frowned slightly, "I've thought about it, but how can I explain it to the people of my Great Zhou? The person who was assassinated was a marquis of our dynasty, but the Liao Kingdom has to announce the result of this case. Will the people not think it is a problem?"

The assassination of Wei Yuan had become well-known throughout the Great Zhou Dynasty due to the instigation of certain forces.

Some people speculated that Emperor Zhao Zhen wanted to kill him and deliberately framed the Liao Kingdom;
Some people said that the assassins were sent by the Xia Kingdom with the intention of provoking a war between the Zhou and Liao Kingdoms.

Some people also have doubts.
But no matter which possibility it is, it is undeniable that the matter has already caused a lot of controversy.

If not handled properly, it may cause speculation among the public.

Under normal circumstances, the imperial court would naturally not take it seriously.

But now, Zhao Zhen is no longer able to do it.

If he dies, and some people in the society use this incident to create trouble, what should we do?
"I was the one who was stabbed, and I was also the one who couldn't speak. It's really ridiculous."

If Wei Yuan randomly framed one of Liao and Xia, war might break out, but if he framed someone else, the people would either think it was impossible or think that he had something to hide.

As for a way to break the impasse, there is one, which is to let Wei Yuan return to his original position and continue to serve as the commander-in-chief of the Palace Front.

The crux of the problem is that Zhao Zhen wanted Wei Yuan to be grateful to the prince and did not want to re-employ Wei Yuan in his later years.

Of course, the facts and results of the case are not important. What is most important is that if the Liao Kingdom really wants to start a war, when do they plan to fight, how do they plan to fight, and to what extent do they plan to fight.

Wei Yuan and Wang Anshi knew nothing about this, and this was what worried them the most.

afternoon.

Wei Yuan and Wang Anshi met with the Liao envoy together.

When the latter saw Wei Yuan, he pretended to be sincere and said, "Marquis Wei, I, the Liao Dynasty, deeply apologize for your assassination. Although this matter has nothing to do with the Liao Dynasty, all the evidence points to the Liao Dynasty, and the Liao Dynasty cannot escape the blame."

Can't escape blame?

apologize?

Nothing to do with the Liao Dynasty?
Look, just one sentence made Wei Yuan feel that the victim was not himself, but the Liao Dynasty.

"I wonder who you in the Liao Kingdom thinks is the person who assassinated me?" Wei Yuan asked bluntly.

The Liao envoy shook his head and said, "I don't know, but I believe that your country's Shangshu Wang can investigate this matter thoroughly."

In short, I am not clear, I don’t know, and I am not responsible.

Wei Yuan was almost amused by him, "The thief is crying thief."

The Liao envoy frowned and said, "Although I can speak Zhou language, I know very little about your culture. Who is this thief?"

Wang Anshi pretended to cough and said, "It's not important. We have set up a banquet in the governor's mansion in Hangzhou. You have come from afar, so please come to the banquet first."

The seventh year of Jiayou, late September.

After Wang Anshi and the Liao envoys conducted a joint investigation, they finally came to a reasonable conclusion.

Certain overseas countries, dissatisfied with the policies set by Wei Yuan when he was in charge of southeastern shipping and the remnant Japanese pirates along the coast who wanted to retaliate against him, spent a huge amount of money to summon some Liao assassins, hoping to kill someone with a borrowed knife.

Although this conclusion is a bit far-fetched, it at least gives an explanation to the people of the Great Zhou.

However, in early October of the seventh year of Jiayou, the Liao envoy suddenly died in the official inn after several days of debauchery.

The precious sword stuck in the Liao envoy's chest was a Guandao made by the imperial guards.

Wei Yuan's Tiger Guards used this improved Guandao.

Except for the Liao envoy, more than ten Liao officials who accompanied him all died.

Subsequently, a rumor spread among the people that it was Wei Yuan who ordered the killing of the Liao envoy.

Wei Yuan did not immediately explain this groundless rumor.

The next day, it rained heavily.

Wang Anshi, wearing his official uniform and a straw raincoat, came to Wei Yuan in a hurry.

"Follow me back to Beijing, the world is going to be in chaos!"

He knew very well that the death of the Liao envoy had nothing to do with Wei Yuan. At this point, Wei Yuan finally understood what the killer moves of the Liao and Xia countries were.

It wasn't that he was assassinated.

Rather, once an investigation is to be carried out, according to the practices of various countries, the Liao envoy will definitely come.

By then, the Liao envoy died in the Great Zhou and would not be able to explain anything clearly.

Wei Yuan could not find any other reason for Liao and Xia to do this except that they wanted to start a war.

"Go back? How can I go back? The emperor has just issued an order not to allow me to return to the capital without an imperial decree."

Wei Yuan sat in the courtyard of the official inn, his tone slightly helpless.

Now that things have come to this, it’s too late to say or do anything.

"If you don't return to the capital, this matter will be even more unclear. As long as you return to the capital, even if the emperor is still in a coma and unable to handle state affairs, as long as the prince is here, we still have room to maneuver."

Wang Anshi said with a frown.

Wei Yuan shook his head and said, "If the Liao envoy wants to bring me, the murderer, to justice with this excuse, the officials in the court will not agree. It doesn't matter whether I go back or not."

Wang Anshi said sternly: "You think this matter is too simple! If you don't return to Beijing, your influence will not be in Beijing."

"If a war really breaks out, it would be fine if you win, but what if you lose? You will definitely die!"

Wei Yuan stood up slowly, "As long as I'm here, I won't lose."

Wang Anshi sighed and shook his head, tugging his arm and saying earnestly, "Let's go back to Beijing first!"

Wei Yuan said: "If I really follow you back to the capital, I will be dead!"

"The people in Jiangnan will say that I am fleeing because of my crime, and the censors in the capital will say that I am returning to Beijing against the will of the emperor."

"Minister Wang, at this moment, you are the one who should return to the capital. The prince needs you!"

Wang Anshi looked at him, opened his mouth, and didn't know what to do for a moment.

After a while, he flicked his sleeves and turned away.

Just as he was about to step out of the gate of the official post station, he turned back to look at Wei Yuan. After a long while, only two words came out of his mouth:
"Take care of yourself!"

As soon as Wang Anshi left, Wei Yuan felt a headache because of the Liao envoy. He simply sat in a sheltered place in the yard and slowly closed his eyes.

In the eyes of Chen Daniu and others, Wei Yuan was acting calm and composed.

But only he himself knew that his heart was in turmoil.

Everything seemed to be out of his control and became unpredictable.

It is also possible that from this moment on, the advantage of his identity as a time traveler will no longer exist.

The entire storyline and character lines of "Knowing" have been completely disrupted.

Could it be that the North's migration to the South is going to happen ahead of schedule?

"My Lord, what should we do?"

After a while, Lin Zhaoyuan came to Wei Yuan and asked.

The latter shook his head and said nothing.

At this time, doing nothing is the best option.

In early October of the seventh year of Jiayou, Wang Anshi rode as fast as he could to inform Crown Prince Zhao Xi of everything about the Liao envoy.

Zhao Xi immediately summoned all officials to discuss the matter.

Although everyone agreed that this was a frame-up by the Liao Kingdom, no matter what evidence was produced, it would be of no avail.

The Liao Kingdom obviously relied on Wei Yuan.

The officials argued for half a day before they came up with the idea of ​​sending an envoy to Liao.

However, the Liao envoy died in the south of the Yangtze River, in the territory of the Great Zhou.

At such a critical juncture, who dares to go?

If we send someone who is neither important nor insignificant, it will be easier for the Liao Kingdom to find evidence against us.

late October.

Yelu Hongji issued an imperial decree, announcing to the world that he would demand justice for the death of the Liao envoy.

At the same time, he ordered Da Zhou to hand over the murderer Wei Yuan in a "commanding" tone.

Otherwise, millions of lions of the Liao Kingdom will be ready for battle!

The conflict on the border is intensifying.

There were even small-scale hand-to-hand combats!

Early November.

In the imperial palace at the border of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

Zhao Xi summoned all officials to discuss the matter together.

Some officials began to speak out boldly.

"Your Highness, our Great Zhou has just been at peace for two years. Now the emperor is ill, so it is not appropriate to start a war at this time."

"Sacrificing one man to stop a war is a great virtue!"

"If we really go to war with the Liao Kingdom, I'm afraid that the Great Zhou will not be sure of victory. Besides, the emperor's health is indeed..."

"."

When the general heard these remarks, his lungs seemed to explode with anger.

"What do you mean? What do you mean by sacrificing one person to stop a war? It's a great good? Do you know who you want to harm?"

"Why don't you go to Liao to die?"

"The death of the Liao envoy has nothing to do with the Loyal and Brave Marquis. If you hand him over to the Liao Kingdom for this matter, aren't you afraid of chilling the hearts of the people of the world?"

"."

The officials who said they wanted to hand over Wei Yuan were either very old or very young.

They don't want to see war.

"If handing me over can stop the war, I will be willing to do it!"

"The killing of the Liao envoy really had nothing to do with the Marquis of Wei? What if it did?"

"This is too bizarre. Apart from the Tiger Guards around Marquis Wei, who else could have killed all those Liao envoys in one night?"

"Yeah, what if, maybe, it's related?"

"."

Above the court hall.

Both Wang Anshi and Fan Chunren frowned deeply after hearing these voices.

Regardless of whether it is related or not, even if it is related, Wei Yuan cannot be handed over!
Once it is handed over, it will probably instantly arouse public resentment.

At that time, if the emperor suddenly passes away, there will be chaos in the Great Zhou!

Zhao Xi, who was sitting next to the dragon throne, was extremely indignant after hearing those voices. Although he was young, his voice was deafening.

"I understand. You guys want to pin some unfounded charges on Master Wei, and ask him to talk back and calm the anger of the Liao Kingdom?"

"Humph!"

At this point, Zhao Xi changed the subject again.
"Open your eyes and take a look. Whether it was the assassination of Master Wei or the mysterious deaths of the Liao envoys in my Great Zhou territory, it was all done intentionally by the Liao Kingdom. They are determined to go south and take control of the Central Plains!"

"Let's not talk about it for now. Since the founding of the Great Zhou Dynasty, there has never been a case of sentencing an official to death on false charges. Even if there will be such a thing in the future, it will never happen under the reign of my father and me!"

"Doesn't the Liao Kingdom want an explanation? I will give them one!"

He glanced at the ministers and saw that some of them were trembling with fear. He could not help but snort again, and finally set his eyes on Wang Anshi.
"Master Wang, send someone to tell the Liao Kingdom that there is no need to resort to deception. If they want to fight, let them come. I will be waiting for them!"

Then, he looked at the crowd again.

"To use Master Wei's words, they want to cross the Great Wall with two broken swords and a few rotten horses? It's wishful thinking!"

"And you, don't think that I don't know. Some of you have been bribed by the Liao Kingdom. I'm telling you this."

"If the Central Plains is destroyed and the Shenzhou land sinks, the first to die will be you traitors!"

(End of this chapter)