My enemies became my companions

Chapter 532: Apologize (Two in One)

One side of the screen is painted with the waterscape of Wuchang, with blue waves and lush green shades. A small boat is sailing downstream, traveling a thousand miles overnight.

The tea boiled and brought the Jade Toad in the bowl back to life. Su Hongtao lowered his head and blew air, then said slowly, "Master Chuxiang, there's no one here, why not have a sip of tea."

Behind the screen there is a layer of shadow.

"Lord Su, I don't believe you. Others can see far from a high place, but you people become more treacherous the higher you climb." Chu Yiyuan's voice was flat.

Su Hongtao was not angry. Han Xiu had been taken into custody and imprisoned. He only waited for Kou Jun to frame him and then kill him in the chaos. The turmoil in Wuchang Prefecture would finally be settled. He only needed to send the White Lotus away, and then he, Su Hongtao, would have saved the two thousand members of the Su family and his reputation before and after his death.

After working so hard for so long, Su Hongtao finally got to this day. He suddenly felt a lot lighter on his shoulders, and his tone was unusually calm: "The higher I climb, the more I understand that there are mountains higher than the other. The world is vast, and the mountains and rivers are endless. When a strong wind blows past my ears, I wish I could go with the wind, but when I look back, I realize that I am still here. What do you want to do?"

Chu Yiyuan did not answer, but he saw that the painting on this side of the screen was exactly the surging mountains and rivers.

After a long while, he said, "Master Su, there is no need to be so polite. Just speak directly if you have something to say."

Su Hongtao sighed and lost interest.

If a noble man like Han Xiu were here, he would surely be inspired and compose poems or lyrics to respond to him.

If he had not colluded with the White Lotus Sect, he would still have been a famous minister. A few years later, he would have entered the imperial court to make decisions on state affairs, plan strategies, govern the country and ensure the safety of the people. He was a famous official during his lifetime and was posthumously named Wen Zheng after his death...

Su Hongtao looked at the strong tea in the bowl, and the subtle ripples seemed to pass through many scenes.

He suppressed his anger and said, "I know nothing about the attack by the Magpie Pavilion. The Magpie Pavilion has the right to act at its own discretion, and I, the commander of the capital, cannot control it."

Chu Yiyuan said: "You are such a high-ranking official, and Huguang all listen to you. Can't you control them?"

"They are from the Heavenly Family. They are not my responsibility. This is a misunderstanding."

"All I know is that I nearly died."

"Master Chu Xiang, if I really wanted to kill you, I would have ordered people to do it long ago!" Su Hongtao shouted.

The tea room suddenly became quiet.

The two of them were separated by a screen and could not tell each other's expressions. Su Hongtao saw from the corner of his eye that Chu Yiyuan did not move and his face turned cold.

Han Xiu was already half dead and no longer had any constraints. Whether the White Lotus Sect could leave Huguang depended entirely on him. Su Hongtao was no longer as kind-hearted as before.

Su Hongtao said coldly:

"We are on the same boat, but we need to distinguish clearly who is the boatman and who is the passenger. If you doubt and refuse to listen to my explanation, you can just overturn this boat. I will die with you at the cost of my life."

As soon as he heard the words, Chu Yiyuan's face turned pale and blue, and his lips hummed. He wanted to refute, but didn't know where to start.

After a long while, he could only suppress his frustration and said, "Then Mr. Su...when can we leave?"

"Soon, I will arrange a boat as soon as possible. You can leave in as little as three days."

Although Su Hongtao's tone was unfriendly, his words still made Chu Yiyuan's eyes light up. They had been trapped in Wuchang Prefecture for too long, and they didn't know how many edicts the Holy Mother had issued to urge them. If they stayed away for any longer, they would not be able to join up with the main force.

"But you have to leave one person behind," Su Hongtao paused for a moment, "The governor was assassinated, Han Xiu was imprisoned, the fire dragon burned the warehouse... There have been many major events in Wuchang Prefecture recently, and someone has to take responsibility, and he has to be someone who can take the responsibility."

"Who? Give me a name!"

"Chen Yi."

Chu Yiyuan suddenly pushed open the screen and said, "Su Hongtao, what do you mean?"

Su Hongtao's tea shook. He had not expected Chu Yiyuan to react so strongly, but he could understand after thinking about it - Chen Yi must be extremely important to the White Lotus Sect.

We need to calm Chu Yiyuan down first, and wait until everyone is on board before taking action.

Su Hongtao's face softened and he forced a sympathetic smile: "Master Chu Xiang, I am doing my best to help you and myself. I am not the only official in Huguang. There are thousands of mouths to feed, not to mention Kou Jun who is on the same level as me. They cannot bear such a big responsibility and cannot take it. Even if you force it, Kou Jun will not agree. He will definitely interfere. He is not on the same boat with you. He will sell you out at any time if he has the chance."

Chu Yiyuan still had anger on his face, but his attitude was not the same as before. Then he heard: "Let's not beat around the bush. Chen Yi and I do have a little personal grudge. That night, an assassin was involved and he accidentally killed my worshiper Yin Yijian. Yin Yijian is a close friend of mine, but I don't blame him.

I say this openly because I am now walking the right path and standing firm, and there is no need for me to turn against you over such a small grudge.

Master Chu Xiang, I need him to take the blame, but only the blame. I swear to heaven that there is absolutely no danger to his life in this matter."

Chu Yiyuan hesitated and stood there.

Su Hongtao waved his hand slightly, took out a map from his sleeve and placed it on the table.

Chu Yiyuan looked at it intently, and heard a voice in his ear: "This is the location of the grain transport in various places at the junction of the two provinces. If Master Chu Xiang can present this map to Jiangxi, it will be as helpful as adding wings to the Holy Church..."

………….
"Is it time for you to leave?"

Chu Yiyuan responded, "Yes, Mr. Chen...Mr. Qin, thank you for taking care of me during this period of time."

Although the matter was briefly discussed with Su Hongtao, Chu Yiyuan still had doubts. He considered it for several times but could not speak. After all, no matter how he said it, it was a bit unkind.

Chen Yi suddenly said, "Master Xiang, I don't know when we will meet again. When can we have a drink?"

"Mr. Qin, you are too polite. It is not time to relax. Su Hongtao is... sweet-mouthed but treacherous. Nothing can be determined before he gets on board." Chu Yiyuan thought for a moment and said, "However, Su Hongtao doesn't dare to cause trouble now. He is eager for us to leave now. The time is set in three days."

"Lord Su is righteous." Chen Yi's voice was flat.

Chu Yiyuan pondered for a moment and asked, "Master Qin... do you have any personal grudge against him?"

Chen Yi, in turn, showed a puzzled expression and asked: "Personal grudge?"

Chu Yiyuan figured out something from this. During the assassination attempt on the governor that night, Chen Yi clearly killed Su Hongtao's priest. However, he asked in confusion. Perhaps in his heart he did not think that this was a personal grudge.

Chu Yiyuan laughed and said, "When I went to see Su Hongtao today, he accidentally mentioned something. That night, you might have accidentally killed his relatives and friends. Lord Su told me that he didn't care about it."

"I don't care either."

You definitely don’t care about the people you killed... Chu Yiyuan paused and swallowed back the words in his mouth.

However, Chen Yi's reaction was acceptable. People with great martial arts skills are often arrogant. Chu Yiyuan thought that talking about this matter would touch his weak spot.

After the trial, you can go a step further.

"People need to have dignity and trees need to have barks. After the death of the priest, we still have to give an explanation. Moreover, Huguang has been dealing with many affairs of all sizes recently and it is very unstable. Some things are difficult for Su Hongtao to handle by himself, so he needs the help of Master Qin. I know that Master Qin has some grudges, but..." Chu Yiyuan sighed and said, "We rely on him now, so we can only let Master Qin down..."

Unexpectedly, after these words were spoken, Chu Yiyuan saw that man lowered his eyes and looked thoughtful.

Although Chen Yi is wanted by the whole world, he does not seem to be moody, but a person who knows how to compromise and give in.

"It's possible..."

Chu Yiyuan thought about it and saw that Chen Yi seemed to be trying to ease the situation, so he whispered, "In that case, how about I set up a trap and let you make amends to him first?"

"it is good."

Chu Yiyuan subconsciously thought he had heard it wrong, and couldn't help but ask: "Really?"

As soon as the two words came out of his mouth, he wanted to slap himself. Why did he ask this question again? What if he changed his mind?

"real."

Chu Yiyuan was immediately overjoyed. He nodded calmly and said, "That's good. Young Master really understands things."

"As soon as possible."

"What about tomorrow?"

"Tonight."

"Tonight?"

"After hearing what you said, I feel very guilty," Chen Yi said sincerely, "I want to apologize to him tonight."

.........

The fish took the bait. Lanterns lit up one after another in the twilight, merging into an ocean. Su Hongtao saw from afar that the two of them were squeezing past like swimming fish.

After the two entered the restaurant, they were led to the private room by the waiter. Su Hongtao walked out of the door at the right time and bowed slightly.

"My humble home is honored." Su Hongtao said first.

"Sorry for bothering you." Chen Yi said.

Su Hongtao opened his eyes slightly, and this time he finally looked at him carefully, feeling impressed that they, who were not presentable enough, could sit at the same table with him tonight.

Although the banquet was urgent, Su Hongtao hesitated and still accepted it to show his sincerity. Only Ji Yuan hid in the dark.

Su Hongtao led the crowd behind the screen. There were already four cold and four hot dishes on the Eight Immortals table, with all kinds of colors, aromas and flavors. The mud seal on the wine jar was still wet, and the aroma was overflowing.

After all, he was inviting someone to die. Even death row prisoners had delicious last meals, not to mention that Su Hongtao was a man of great generosity.

"No treat, sorry." He personally picked up the celadon wine pot and poured wine for Chen Yi, "This Lihuabai is an old wine that has been stored in the cellar for twenty years. You two must try it."

Su Hongtao also poured himself a bowl and drank it all in one gulp, and Chen Yi followed suit.

He pretended to ask the two to sit down and exchanged a few polite words.

After a few words, Chen Yi said, "It seems that Lord Su already knows my identity. Tell me, what can I help you with?"

Su Hongtao was slightly stunned and subconsciously leaned back, prepared for Chen Yi's sudden attack, but he only saw Chen Yi with a confused look on his face, and realized that he was too wary.

Being too cautious can lead to mistakes and being seen through. Su Hongtao naturally picked up the wine pot and added more wine to Chen Yi. He said:
"It's just a few small things. Don't worry, don't rush. Let's talk slowly. We can talk after we eat."

Chen Yi nodded slightly, not being polite, and stood up to start eating. Chu Yiyuan also did the same, seeing that the two of them got along well.

After three rounds of wine, five flavors of food.

The rich aroma of wine wafted through the room. The three men all had tipsy faces, their voices were wilder than before, and they talked more freely to each other. Good wine, as long as one gets drunk, is enough to make two strangers talk about the difficulties of their lives.

The wine reflected the candlelight, and it looked like a layer of oil floating on it.

Chu Yiyuan took another big gulp of wine, then stood up and left the table, holding his stomach, and vomited to sober up.

Having said that, seeing that Chen Yi showed no signs of apologizing, Chu Yiyuan guessed that it was probably because he was too embarrassed to speak up because he was present.

Su Hongtao raised his cup towards Chen Yi and said in the familiar tone of an elder: "Mr. Qin, have you been to Wuchang these days? What do you think of the scenery?"

"It's very novel, very gentle, and the warm breeze makes the tourists intoxicated."

"Haha, it's not as grand as the capital, but during the Lantern Festival, the streets are full of lanterns, music and dancing, and Lord Jiaxuan's poem "Qingyu'an" is no better than this."

"Well, it's a pity that Huguang is in chaos and many people won't survive the Lantern Festival."

These words really spoiled the mood. Su Hongtao paused and suddenly felt a little strange. Is this something you can say?
Thinking that he had spoken out of turn after drinking, Su Hongtao laughed inwardly. The traitor was indeed a traitor. Now that he had fallen into the officialdom where a word was worth a thousand gold, he would probably have died many times.

"Alas, I lie in my office and hear the rustling of bamboos, thinking it is the sound of people's suffering."

"Yes, one day the government troops collected sea clothes, drove cattle and drove cars to eat beef."

"It's the Farmer's Poems by Yuan Cai. I never thought that you are so proficient in both poetry and calligraphy." Su Hongtao said in surprise.

"What my wife taught me is actually just a few sentences, and I only have this little bit of experience."

Su Hongtao swayed his wine, and as he got drunk, he chattered on, "Yuan Zhen and Yuan Weizhi had bad morals in their early years, and later they were suspected of clinging to powerful eunuchs. But so what? They punished lawlessness and criticized current ills, and were promoted to the position of Shangshu Zuocheng. They eventually became loyal and wise ministers in history books... Their names will be remembered in history and will live forever."

Chen Yi nodded slightly, "Anshan Gong also has a good reputation, even better than Yuan Zhen."

Su Hongtao drank it all in one gulp and sighed, "But when will I be like Yuan Zhen and serve as a minister in the emperor's court?"

"Not far."

"Is it really not far?" Su Hongtao's temperament was strong, as if he was going to go with the wind, enter the capital and ascend the emperor's hall.

"What I saw along the way in Huguang echoed a line in a poem."

Chen Yi laughed. This time it was his turn to pick up the celadon wine pot and pour wine for Su Hongtao. He said slowly:
"'Last year, this county town was invaded, and the people there all complained about their grievances. Now the county magistrate has been given a red sash, which is stained with the blood of the people.'"

Su Hongtao paused slightly.

I don't know why Chen Yi mentioned this inappropriate poem, but since a person is about to die, no matter how arrogant and rebellious his words are, Su Hongtao can tolerate it.

Su Hongtao laughed generously and said, "The ice is three feet thick, and it didn't freeze overnight. My lord, please don't blame me for not governing the people well."

"Well, then I'll apologize to Lord Su first."

The wine is full.
Su Hongtao raised the bowl and drank.

puff.

Su Hongtao felt a sharp pain in his abdomen and his eyes widened in disbelief. Hot liquid was flowing out of his stomach, but it was ice-cold inside.

He raised his head while trembling and met a calm face.

"I'm sorry, Master Su, I killed your relatives and friends."

With a clang, the wine bowl fell to the ground and shattered. Su Hongtao fell to the ground with the chair, and there was a dagger stabbed in his abdomen. In fear, he used all his strength to get up and run away.

Chen Yi grabbed his neck and pressed it down suddenly, holding the dagger in his hand, and there was another "puff" sound.

The blood dyed everything around red. Su Hongtao wanted to grab it in panic. He used his luck and struck out with a palm, but he couldn't catch up with Chen Yi's hand.

"Let me go...go away, go away!"

Chen Yi didn't discuss it with him and stabbed him again, "I'm sorry, I can't let go, this is to apologize to you."

Su Hongtao struggled with all his might, and every minute and every second seemed very slow.

Blood welled up in his throat and he spat out a hoarse voice: "It's me who should apologize, it's me who should apologize, I, I...I don't want to find you to take the blame, let me go, let me go..."

The man paused for a moment and said in surprise, "You want to use me as a scapegoat?"

Su Hongtao hesitated for a moment, and the next moment, the knife cut through the flesh again.

"I'm sorry, I killed people from the Su family and the Taoist master Zhenwu that you hired." Chen Yi said sincerely.

Su Hongtao supported himself and kicked his feet to leave. He was barely breathing, but he still wanted to stay alive.
"You, you saw the chaos in Huguang... I also saw it... I was dealing with the chaos... I could hear... the suffering of the people. I am an honest official, a good official, let me go... let me go..."

"I'm sorry, whether they are honest officials or corrupt officials, I want to kill them if they do evil."

Su Hongtao was trembling all over and had no strength to walk. He could only watch Chen Yi stabbing him.

puff.

"I'm sorry," Chen Yi said as he stabbed, "This cut is too deep."

puff.

"I'm sorry," Chen Yi stabbed again, "This one was too shallow."

puff,
"I'm sorry I hurt you with this knife."

"I'm sorry, the knife wasn't strong enough."

.........

The bloodshot eyes of Su Hongtao had turned purple, and he was looking at the empty ceiling, as if he was still awake.

The figure of that person disappeared from those eyes that never closed, bowed, and left a sentence,
"I'm sorry for killing you. I want to apologize to you."

(End of this chapter)