Knife splashing

Chapter 691: Purple Palace Undercurrent
At three quarters past three in the morning, the Forbidden City was shrouded in the blue-gray color before dawn.

The night dew had not yet dissipated on the white marble steps outside the Fengtian Hall, and the hall was so quiet that one could hear the dripping sound of a copper kettle.

Rumble~
The fifth watch drum sounded, and guards holding spears pushed open the heavy vermilion lacquered palace door.

The ministers filed in according to their rank, all of them with gloomy looks under their black hats.

The rules of the court morning court were that all officials would gather outside the palace gate at Chou time, wearing official uniforms and holding "yapai".

After the bell rang in the Meridian Gate Tower, they lined up according to their rank, with civil officials on the left and military officials on the right, and walked across the Jinshui Bridge to the Fengtian Gate Square.

Afterwards, the eunuch from the Imperial Household Department held a whisk and led the emperor to the Fengtian Gate.

At that time, the bells and drums rang, and the palace guards waved their whips three times, the sound was like thunder, and everyone stood in silence. The officials of the Honglu Temple sang "enter the class", and officials above the fourth rank entered the palace, and those below the fifth rank stood on the square...

In short, the rules are strict.

If a report was to be made, it had to be "read aloud", and private or lengthy reports would be impeached by the censor.

If anyone behaved inappropriately, he would be impeached and fined the next day.

The ministers were already used to it, but the atmosphere today was a little weird.

Zheng Shi'an, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, tightly grasped the ivory tablet, his knuckles turned white and his forehead was covered with cold sweat.

He already knew that Left Vice Minister Zhou Mingyuan had died last night and his family was being interrogated.

Logically speaking, this person can be considered as his political enemy, and he has the upper hand over him.

Once this person died, he had hope of further progress.

However, Zheng Shian was full of anxiety at this moment.

The reason is very simple. The salt transport envoy Lin who also died last night was his cousin.

It was because of his prestige that she became a famous tigress in the capital, and even her husband, the salt transport agent, had to obey her.

Zheng Shian knew that the Lin family had made a lot of money over the years.

He also knew that the other party had close ties with the Cao Gang in private.

He even knew about the "Peach Banquet".

Lin had hinted some time ago that he wanted to recommend him to join the club, but he had not agreed because he was overly cautious.

The only chance of survival is to quickly stir up the water...

Thinking of this, he stepped forward with his tablet in hand and said loudly:

"I request that the nine clans of the Jinghai Gang of Jinmen be executed!"

This sound broke the silence and attracted everyone's attention.

Zheng Shian was indignant as he continued, "The Jinghai Gang colluded with the barbarians to cause chaos. I have conducted a thorough investigation these days and found that the Ministry of Revenue's report on the Tianjin customs duties last year had huge omissions. It was Minister Zhou who did it!"

Shit stirrup!
Many people frowned when they heard it.

Nowadays, there is a fierce fight between the Kaihai faction and the local faction in the court, but there are also many people who are willing to protect themselves.

Zheng Shian is one of them.

He seemed to be adding insult to injury to Minister Zhou, but in fact he was involving the affairs of Tianjin.

To put it bluntly, what happened in Tianjin was just an introduction.

Therefore, since it involves opening up the sea, it has become an excuse for the local faction to attack the faction that is open to the sea.

The Kaihai faction felt wronged as they had nothing to do with the Jinghai Gang.

The British royal family belonged to the founding nobles, and even if their entire family was executed, the Kai Hai Pai would just watch for fun.

Zheng Shian seemed to be talking about Minister Zhou, but in fact he had rekindled the flame.

The Kaihai faction was attacked and suppressed a while ago, so how could they dare to get involved in this?

Sure enough, someone immediately spoke up to refute.

"Master Zheng, are you going to emulate the cruel official Zhang Tang of the Eastern Han Dynasty?"

Xu Yannian, the Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, stepped out to question, the silver fish bag on his waist flashing a cold light as he moved.

"We have already investigated this matter and have dealt with all the people involved. Now we are talking about the 'Peach Banquet' demon rebellion. Don't use this matter to disturb the court!"

After that, he sneered and said, "If I remember correctly, the wife of the Salt Transport Commissioner, Mrs. Lin, is your relative..."

Zheng Shian's face suddenly turned grim when he heard this.

But before he could say anything, another imperial censor spoke up, "Why do you say that, Lord Xu? The evil people at the Peach Banquet are causing chaos in the capital, and Lord Zheng is also trying to eradicate the root of the evil. You are so anxious, are you involved?"

"Don't spit blood on me!"

Some fires, once started, are difficult to extinguish.

The contradictions between the localists and the overseas-oriented factions are difficult to reconcile.

Compared with the monster in the "Peach Banquet", they want to kill each other more.

Soon, there was an uproar in the court.

But those who spoke up were all subordinates, and the bosses on both sides chose to remain silent.

Also keeping silent were the nobles in the capital.

Because Yan Tieshan, the left commander-in-chief of the Fifth Army, was also there last night, he knew the seriousness of the situation and had secretly sounded the alarm.

Moreover, half of the people on the "Peach Banquet" list were nobles from the capital.

These nobles also have conflicts among themselves, but Yan Tieshan knows very well that they are now tied to the same rope. If the emperor takes advantage of this incident to make trouble, everyone will be in trouble in the end.

The quarrel between the overseas faction and the local faction was a good opportunity to divert their attention.

Then, a strange scene appeared in the court.

The middle-level officials quarreled fiercely and seemed to want to bite each other to death.

The big guys lowered their heads and remained silent, secretly looking at the emperor Xiao Qixuan above them.

From the moment he entered the palace, the emperor remained silent.

"quiet!"

Suddenly, a slightly hoarse and majestic voice came from above.

The person who spoke was a eunuch beside the emperor.

He has a hunched body and white hair, but has a pair of eagle eyes with a cold look, a deep red cinnabar mark between his eyebrows, and is wearing a dragon robe and holding a whisk. He stands beside the emperor like a shadow.

The sound was not loud, but it was clearly heard by everyone.

Upon seeing this, the ministers immediately stopped talking.

This old eunuch is Zhao Wujiu, the seal holder of the Imperial Household Department.

This person's status and position are extraordinary.

When Emperor Xiao Qixuan was young, the harem interfered in government affairs and the external relatives were in power. Even as the crown prince, he had to restrain himself and be cautious.

Zhao Wujiu was originally a descendant of an official. His entire family was murdered by important officials in the court. When he was young, he was rescued from a mass grave by Xiao Qixuan. After being castrated, he was given the surname "Zhao" and kept by Xiao Qixuan as a witness to identify his in-laws in the future.

But no one expected that Zhao Wujiu was so talented, and had awakened his supernatural powers and became a cultivator.

Xiao Qixuan gave him the secret treasures in the palace for him to practice. Later, he used military rebellion to seize the throne, fought in battles in the south and the north, and blocked attacks for the emperor time and time again. He was loyal and trusted. Now he is the head eunuch in the palace and is also in charge of the Supervisory Duwei Division.

When he was reorganizing the government, countless officials died at his hands.

Although he is old and has a cold temperament now, no one dares to underestimate him.

Boom boom boom!
On the dragon throne, there was the sound of a jade ring tapping on the armrest.

Emperor Xiao Qixuan's face was half hidden behind the nine-feathered crown's pearl beads. He held onto the nanmu armrests and glanced across the hall.

"Stop arguing, why don't you continue? I'm enjoying watching it..."

"Your Majesty's forgiveness!"

Many court officials bowed their heads, holding their tablets.

Everyone knows that no matter how fierce the fight between the Shanghai faction and the local faction is.

Right and wrong, success and failure, are just a word from the emperor.

Therefore, the bosses of both sides remained silent.

They had to find out the emperor's attitude before they could respond.

Finally, the emperor leaned forward, and the corners of his mouth seemed to curl up a little in the shadows:
"I have read Han Aiqing's "Petition to Investigate the Firearms Battalion of the Ministry of Works" three times, and I do think there are still loopholes in the Shenji Battalion outside the capital."

"It is my fault, Your Majesty, I beg you to punish me."

An official as tall and thin as a bamboo stepped out, his ten fingers holding the tablet were slender and covered with calluses.

This person is the Minister of Works, Han Mo.

When the new type of gunpowder first appeared, various forces colluded to leak it. The emperor was furious and threw the then Minister of Works into jail. Han Mo, who was then the Vice Minister of Works, was promoted to take over the position of Minister.

This person is from the Mohist School. His family has been the chief official of the Construction Department of the Ministry of Works for generations. His grandfather had participated in the construction of the imperial mausoleum of the Daxing Dynasty. He can be said to have a family tradition of learning. He never participated in the disputes between the Kaihai School and the local faction and was deeply trusted by the emperor.

Even so, doubts still arose in the hearts of the ministers. Such a big incident happened last night, why did the emperor bring up the Shenjiying for no reason?
As if not noticing everyone's gaze, Xiao Qixuan continued, "The Divine Machine Camp is of great importance. My dear minister, you have put all your energy into it. How can I blame you? Just do as you say and plug those loopholes."

"Also, Qiankun Academy is about to open, please confirm the list as soon as possible and hand it to me."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Han Mo had a blank expression on his face and took the order to return to the queue.

I see…

When the ministers saw this, they immediately understood.

Before the incident at Tianjin Wharf, the biggest vortex in the court was Qiankun Academy.

Everyone could see that the emperor attached great importance to this new academy and wanted to hold a special imperial examination to select talents.

The positions of officials in the Daxuan Dynasty were all filled with empty positions. If you remove one, another will appear.

Therefore, both the overseas and local factions tried their best to place people there.

They are very good at playing by the rules of the court.

Many times, the emperor knew the truth but still found it difficult to stop it.

To speak up suddenly at this time means that he wants to act arbitrarily and let the Ministry of Industry take full responsibility.

The meaning of the revelation is also very simple.

If anyone continues to be ungrateful, the matter of the "Peach Banquet" will not be a small matter.

Some people lowered their heads and said nothing, while others exchanged glances with each other.

It seems that the emperor attaches more importance to Qiankun Academy than they imagined.

I don't know what's so strange about this academy...

Seeing that the ministers stopped talking nonsense, Emperor Xiao Qixuan continued:

"Practice."

"Order the three judicial departments, the cabinet, and the clan affairs office to clarify the case of treason in the British royal palace within three days."

"The Xuan Priest and the Duwei Division must cooperate to capture all the demons in one fell swoop."

"The Imperial Astronomical Observatory has already decided on the new calendar. Let's set a date as soon as possible."

"I am tired, I will leave..."

…………

On Yongdingmen Street, where the morning mist had not yet dissipated, the tea stall owner was holding a copper kettle and whispering with the boy:
"I heard from the night watchman in the West City that there was a lantern with a human face floating in the firelight of the King of England's palace last night. I'm afraid it's a punishment from heaven!"

"Bah, bullshit punishment from heaven!"

The idle man next to him spat and said, "My second uncle is a groom in the Five Military Commandery. He said that all the masters have ghost babies in their stomachs."

Before he could finish his words, the sound of horse hooves could be heard in the street.

A team of Jinwu Guards rode past on horseback down the street, and everyone shut up.

No matter how curious one is, no one wants to be thrown into jail for spreading rumors and misleading the public.

Those who died were all officials and dignitaries in the capital, so they just applauded and cheered.

The Jinwu Guards rode past on their horses, and the crowds on both sides dodged before continuing to pour into the street.

Li Yan pressed down the brim of his hat, carried his linen bag, and joined the crowd.

Not long after, they arrived at the Qianmen granary.

"Young Master Li, please!"

The waiter had already received the news and respectfully invited him in.

Coming to the cellar again, Li Yan placed the bundle on the table and said, "Master Hu Xiang, you have lived up to my trust."

In the cellar, Hu Yuanyuan and Widow Wang had been waiting for a long time.

She didn't waste any words, just walked forward, untied the bundle, and opened the wooden box inside.

There was a human head placed in the wooden box and lime.

He was a man with disheveled hair and a beard, his face was ashen and his eyes were white.

"it's him?"

Looking at the head, Hu Yuanyuan couldn't help but speak.

Li Yan frowned slightly, "What, do you think I would lie to you?"

"Don't blame me, Young Master Li."

Hu Yuanyuan quickly explained: "I got my revenge. I was dazed for a moment and couldn't believe it."

The words sounded nice, but he still took out a fox-tail staff from his arms, pinched the magic formula, and waved it gently.

Then, his body trembled and his eyes gradually turned white.

Li Yan immediately smelled a scent, a mixture of incense and fox smell.

Long ago, memories come to mind.

This smell is exactly the same as the fox fairy that Widow Wang worshipped back then.

The difference is that he had not yet entered the door and could not tell the depth of it.

But now, one can sense that the aura of this fox fairy is powerful, not inferior to that of some secular gods in big temples.

Swish!
Hu Yuanyuan's originally bent body suddenly stood up straight.

She was very agile and quickly touched and sniffed the head of the Uleji man before nodding and saying, "Yes, it's the real owner."

After saying that, he turned around and squatted on the chair.

Widow Wang next to her quickly handed over a lit earthen pipe.

"Hu Yuanyuan" took a few puffs and then looked at Li Yan, "Boy, we meet again. I was wrong about you back then."

Li Yan glanced at him calmly, "It seems that the senior can speak human language."

Back then, this old fox pretended not to understand human language and spoke in the Shangfang dialect, which was translated by Widow Wang.

More importantly, he was simply treated as cannon fodder at the time.

If it weren't for the Daluo Dharmakaya, he would have died long ago.

"Tsk tsk, why are you so angry..."

"Hu Yuanyuan" took a few more puffs, her eyebrows shrunk into an eight shape, "This is how the world works. I am an old immortal hiding from my enemies, and I have a couple of burdens with me, so I naturally have to be careful. And I don't know if that cold and arrogant soldier is a test from Wuleji, so I can only push you out."

"But since you survived and are a Heavenly Official, I can't afford to offend you, so I will definitely compensate you."

As expected, even though he could speak human language, he could not escape the nature of a beast.

When he found out that he was not easy to deal with, he immediately offered conditions.

"no need."

Li Yan shook his head and said, "I was trying to survive at that time, but you gave me a chance to live. We owe each other nothing."

"But there is something I need your help with."

"You said."

Hu Yuanyuan took a few more puffs, narrowed her eyes, and looked alert.

Li Yan said in a deep voice: "Simple, there was a criminal who did something secretly last night and disappeared afterwards. I have heard of the reputation of the Tongtian Gua of Wuxian Hall for a long time, so I would like to ask for your help to find this person."

He left the palace last night and took people to search the entire capital.

Unfortunately, the other party was very vigilant and did not leave any information, so Wang Daoxuan suggested using the Tongtian Gua to search.

After all, this mysterious divination technique is quite famous.

Folk legend has it that fox spirits are good at helping people see things, and this is why.

"Can't see it."

"Hu Yuanyuan" shook her head directly. "The Tongtian Guaxu communicates with mountain gods and wild immortals from all directions. The capital is run by the court and is impenetrable. There are vulgar gods everywhere. If I, an old immortal, make any move, I'm afraid my life will be in danger."

Seeing Li Yan frowning, she changed the subject and said, "However, old immortal, I can provide a clue."

"Please advise."

Li Yan's face lit up with joy and he bowed quickly.

"Oh, you really have a dog-like face, you haven't changed at all..."

Hu Yuanyuan sneered and continued, "Do you remember the Night Wanderer that night?"

"I know where that thing is hidden..."

(End of this chapter)