Without money, what is the point of being a traitor?

Chapter 478 It turns out that the clown is you

At this moment, Xiao Yan even had the urge to overturn the table and leave.

But when Xiao Yan thought that as long as he left here, that bastard Pei Yuan would be able to sell him around unscrupulously, he really couldn't let it go.

In order to avoid facing such humiliation, he tried hard to refuse, but he did not expect that he would still have to face humiliation after refusing.

Xiao Yan clenched his teeth and his heart was bleeding.

But in order to protect his Gigi, he had to be strong.

Xiao Yan stood up almost fearlessly, but at this moment..., Xiao Yan was surprised to find that the Xia family father and son who had just sat down opposite him also stood up with a look of grief and indignation on their faces.

"?"

The anger in Xiao Yan's heart slowly disappeared, and then he looked at the Xia father and son with a suspicious look on his face.

Then the three of them looked at Pei Yuan, who showed no emotion, and then at each other, with interesting expressions on their faces.

——So the clown is you?
Pei Yuan coughed lightly and waved his hand, "Everyone, sit down."

After the three of them sat down, Pei Yuan tried to calm down.

What were you about to say?

"Ahem." Pei Yuan forced out two sounds, pointed at Xiao Yan, and said to Xia Ru, "You have seen the situation."

I wanted to say something. I felt that the atmosphere just now was a bit funny and it was not easy to raise the price.

Then he added, "You may not know much about the Xiao family. Eunuch Xiao is an old minister during the Tianshun period. He has served four emperors, and each emperor has trusted him."

"You should have all heard about Eunuch Zhang Yong. The position of the eunuch in charge of the Imperial Household Department is currently vacant, and Eunuch Xiao is the person most likely to fill this position."

Pei Yuan's introduction immediately made the Xia family father and son, who did not have much political status, respect the Xiao family.

Although they didn't know much about what was going on in the inner and outer courts, they still had a good idea of ​​how powerful the eunuch in charge of the Imperial Household Department was.

Xiao Yan had no idea what Pei Yuan was up to, so he just listened in silence.

After Pei Yuan finished speaking, he gave Xiao Yan a look. Xiao Yan was puzzled and began to pay attention to what Pei Yuan would say next.

Then Pei Yuan said, "Eunuch Xiao didn't want to do this originally. He has a promising future and is only one step away from becoming the Prime Minister. If he offends the Queen Mother because of helping the Queen, and ends up being exiled to Nanjing, it would be a loss."

"You have also seen that the Left Commander... came here with emotions."

The Xia family's father and son were just rejoicing over Xiao Jing's success, and felt that with Xiao Jing's help, the Xia family should be safe.

But when he heard Pei Yuan's words, he panicked.

Xia Ru did not dare to ask the "emotional" Xiao Yan for help, so he could only say to Pei Yuan earnestly, "Captain, you must help us with this matter. As long as we can get through this smoothly, I will not hesitate to give anything that our Xia family has."

Xiao Yan had recovered from his shock.

He now completely understood Pei Yuan's meaning.

The fact that Xiao Jing had angered the Queen Mother has currently only spread within a very small circle of people.

Because of Queen Xia, the father and son of the Xia family were under strict surveillance. Now they are completely in the dark about what is happening in the palace and have no idea at all.

As for the reason why Xiao Jing offended the Queen Mother.

——Who the hell knows what the reason is?!

The victim Xiao Jing himself is still confused.

In this case, Pei Yuan could naturally reverse the time sequence and causal logic, and change the story of "Xiao Jing had to leave the inner court because he offended the queen mother, and then, out of the speculative idea of ​​not wasting money, he used his power to assist Queen Xia" to "Xiao Jing had to leave the inner court because he offended the queen mother because he helped Queen Xia."

This operation has an absolutely amazing effect!
All of a sudden, Xiao Jing was transformed from a miserable loser into a generous and heroic loyal dog.

And not to mention that Queen Xia is unaware of the situation now, even if Queen Xia asked about it later, who else in the palace could explain it clearly?

No one could even tell whether Xiao Jing was suppressed by the Queen Mother because he helped Queen Xia.

Pei Yuan's operation almost perfectly avoided the previous hidden dangers and maximized the speculative profits.

When Xiao Yan thought about the hidden dangers of this matter, he couldn't help but want to break away from Pei Yuan and work alone.

The road is paved...

Xiao Yan took the opportunity to look at the Xia father and son.

When he saw the flattering smile of the Earl of Qingyang, he thought about how the queen's father had just been forced to stand up in embarrassment by Pei Yuan's words.

Then think about how sad, angry and helpless I was just now, but I had to get up.

Xiao Yan's vision gradually became clear.

There's nothing wrong with that. It's Captain Pei who deserves it.

This perfect way to break the impasse, which was beyond the reach of my uncle's experience and wisdom, was even just a prelude to Captain Pei's attempt to raise the price.

How can I compete with others for this?
Xiao Yan even thought with gloating that even if Pei Yuan extorted every penny from the Xia family, it was what the Xia family deserved.

Unexpectedly, Pei Yuan, who was sitting in the hall, glanced at Xia Ru nonchalantly, and the expression on his face gradually faded, "What do I need your things for?"

After hearing what Pei Yuan said, Xia Ru was stunned at first, then he thought of something and his face turned red inexplicably.

Xia Zhu, who was standing next to him, also had a look of grief, anger and humiliation on his face.

Xiao Yan felt a little strange, but he had already made his position clear. He pretended to be "emotional" without saying a word and stayed where he was.

Pei Yuan didn't say anything, and the expression on his face seemed particularly cold in the dim room.

After a long while, Xia Ru reluctantly said, "When I see the Queen later, I will tell her about Qian Hu's contribution today."

Xiao Yan felt a little puzzled. Wasn't it his duty to show off his achievements to the Queen?
Aren't they willing to take this risk just to make Queen Xia owe them a favor so that she can grow into a towering tree and provide shelter from the wind and rain?
What's so difficult about this matter?
Pei Yuan then showed a smile on his face and said nonchalantly, "Don't forget to speak well for me."

But that smile seemed particularly evil in Xia Ru's eyes.

Xia Ru secretly hated him, thinking that when her daughter regained favor or became the queen mother, she would tear this daring Qian Hu into pieces, but she managed a smile on her face, "It's my duty."

As for Pei Yuan, he was not as bold as Xia Ru thought.

Before, he deliberately mentioned that Queen Xia was pretty in front of Xia Zhu and used ambiguous hints to humiliate Xia Zhu, just to let the Xia family know that their trump card had no deterrent effect on Pei Yuan.

Later, Pei Yuan found that this card was quite useful. Whenever Queen Xia was mentioned, Xia Ru and Xia Zhu would become excited.

He deliberately took the opportunity to trample on Xia Ru's bottom line time and time again, in order to make Xia Ru get used to his control little by little.

Wait until one day, the Xia father and son's spirit is completely worn out by oneself, that will be the time to use the Xia father and son to influence Queen Xia.

After all, sending the child into the palace smoothly is not the final victory. If you want the child to grow up well, the first obstacle you face is the snatch of the Queen Mother Zhang.

Pei Yuan had already seen in "The Calabash Brothers" the terrible consequences that might occur if the child fell into the hands of Empress Dowager Zhang.

Have to prevent!

By then, Queen Xia, the legitimate mother, would be the most qualified and legitimate candidate to snatch the child. Seeing Xia Ru surrender, Pei Yuan did not continue to irritate him, but said, "You go back and wait for news. I will get Eunuch Xiao's people in touch with the Queen as soon as possible."

"By the way, do you and your son have any token of trust? It would also be helpful to inform the Queen that you are safe."

Xia Ru thought about it and asked Xia Zhu to untie a silk bag tied around his neck.

"There is a lucky charm inside, which the Queen had asked for for her child. Once the Queen saw this silk sac, she would understand what it meant."

After the Xia family father and son left, Xiao Yan couldn't help but say, "You are worthy of it."

Pei Yuan signaled Xiao Yan with his eyes.

This time, Xiao Yan had adjusted himself mentally, and he picked up the silk bag from the table of the Xia family father and son opposite him without any psychological barriers.

He also said, "I'll send it to my uncle right away."

Pei Yuan thought for a moment and said, "We have to put on a good show. It would be best if you let your uncle go to the Queen's place a few times to let people know Eunuch Xiao's loyalty."

Xiao Yan was still very concerned about Xiao Jing's matter, "Then what arrangements should be made for my uncle in the future?"

Pei Yuan was surprised. "Why should I care about this? Can't you just let your uncle go and ask His Majesty himself?"

"Although the emperor is unwilling to offend the queen mother for your uncle, if your uncle asks to be exiled, he should be happy to keep things quiet."

Xiao Yan felt sad and had some complaints about the emperor's indifference.

Thinking that Pei Yuan, a strong man, was right here, he simply asked again, "What do you think, Captain? Should Uncle go to Nanjing, or stay vigil for the late emperor?"

Pei Yuan remembered that this old man seemed to have lived to be over ninety years old.

If he stays in Beijing, it will inevitably have some impact on his party members.

If he were to be sent to Nanjing, Pei Yuan was afraid that Xiao Jing and Zhang Yong might go with him, which would delay his own affairs.

So he said, "Why go to those places? It would be better to try to become a garrison eunuch."

"Whether it's tea supervisor, silk supervisor, or salt and iron supervisor, they are all good positions to enjoy your old age."

Xiao Yan also agreed with this.

Whether going to the wake or going to Nanjing, it can be regarded as confinement, which is no match for the happiness of being a eunuch guarding the city.

You have real power, no one cares, and you can still get benefits.

After the plan was made, Xiao Yan left.

Pei Yuan thought about Zhang Yong's trip south, and after leaving the court, he asked the Jinyiwei guarding nearby, "Did General Song come over today?"

The Jinyiwei replied, "General Song usually sits in the West Factory, and only comes back every now and then to check on us. Do you want me to go to the West Factory to ask?"

Pei Yuan went to see Song Chunniang because he remembered what Song Chunniang said last time, that Zhang Rui had sent a large number of his trusted aides to the south to monitor tax collection, so he was short of manpower when arresting and confiscating Wu Ji, so he had to borrow people from the Western Factory.

Pei Yuan was somewhat interested in this news and wanted to ask for specific details.

As for the fact that the East Factory would send people south to collect taxes, after Pei Yuan tricked Zhang Rui, he had already sent someone to quickly notify the Hangzhou prefect Liu Zhishu.

After Liu Zhishu helped the wealthy people in Jiangnan to organize a group to attack the cotton market in Shandong, he had already gained a huge reputation in the south and became one of the locals.

This time, Liu Zhishu leaked the news of the East Factory's going south to monitor taxes in advance. In addition to regaining the trust of the southern gentry, it also allowed them to be fully prepared to deal with the East Factory's tax supervision.

If Pei Yuan's guess is correct, those Dongchang Ti cavalrymen who went south should have the same fate as in the previous times.

Who knows, before they can cross the river in time, they might be attacked by some thieves or evildoers.

Pei Yuan's purpose at that time was just to trick Zhang Rui, but he didn't expect that an unintentional move would give him a good opportunity.

Who is most worried about Zhang Yong coming back when he leaves Beijing this time?

It must be Zhang Rui!

Because this time it was Zhang Rui who caused Zhang Yong to step down.

Pei Yuan also deliberately let Song Chunniang put on a show in front of Zhang Rui, emphasizing the possibility that Zhang Yong would make a comeback.

Who is Zhang Rui? !
Pei Yuan remembered that Cheng Leixiang had mentioned that the reason why the former commander of Tianjin Guard was forced to commit suicide in the camp was because the two sides had a conflict when Zhang Rui was managing the imperial farm in Tianjin Guard.

How could such a ruthless character let go of such a hidden danger?

It would be best if Zhang Rui took action.

If Zhang Rui didn't take action, it wouldn't matter, because these suspicious points about this guy were enough to make him an excellent scapegoat.

As long as Zhishu remains there and can warn the southern nobles in time, the Dongchang Tiqi heading south will soon be ambushed and severely damaged and return north.

Pei Yuan expected the best time to launch the attack was when the Dongchang Ti cavalry who had headed south were returning.

What we need now is careful intelligence. First, we need to find out the date when Zhang Yong will go south. Second, we need to try our best to get the news about the Dongchang Tiqi who are going south.

If neither side is lucky enough, then the old friend the White Lotus Sect will have to take the blame with tears.

Pei Yuan thought for a moment and said, "Then let's send someone to notify General Song and ask her to go back to Zhihua Temple."

After Pei Yuan finished speaking, he returned to the court to deal with the accumulated official business of the past few days.

Looking at the piles of documents, Pei Yuan felt overwhelmed.

Pei Yuan simply flipped through it for a while and became more and more speechless.

In addition to his daily religious affairs, he also had many memorials transferred from the Ministry of Rites.

And many of them are related to offering auspiciousness.

Pei Yuan understood it immediately when he saw it. Mao Ji had tasted the sweetness.

I didn't expect that when I asked others to take the scapegoat, I would become the scapegoat too.

No, do I know you very well?
But in this era, offering auspicious gifts is still a very common thing.

Many nerds and scholars usually stay in their hometowns to study. Some of them have little experience and when they see something new, they shout excitedly and regard it as a good omen.

I'm so speechless.

Pei Yuan was unhappy, but he was too lazy to bother passing the buck.

If the Ministry of Rites doesn't understand, they might kick you back.

Pei Yuan didn't want the court and the local authorities to argue back and forth over such a trivial matter, so he simply declared "no substantial evidence" and left the cases there in a pile.

Pei Yuan felt that some of the people who exaggerated the auspicious signs might have ulterior motives, so he wrote comments based on his own judgment: "They are spreading rumors to confuse the public, and what they said is untrue."

Pei Yuan accidentally came across a book that said the auspicious sign of "Jiahe" was discovered in a certain place, saying that a plant had nine ears.

Pei Yuan became interested, took out the book, and prepared to arrange someone to check it as soon as possible.

(End of this chapter)