Lanting prelude
Chapter 7
Chapter 7
A group of black-armored knights and a single-shaft double-wheeled carriage walked slowly on the post road from Yique to Luozhou.
Yique County is about [-] miles away from Luoyang County, the seat of Luozhou, passing through the green and beautiful Yique Mountain.Here, the two mountains face each other, the Yi River flows, and it looks like a natural gate from a distance, hence the name "Yi Que".The world-famous Longmen Grottoes are carved on the cliffs on both sides of Yishui River.It was approaching March at this time, with green hills, clear waters, and verdant vegetation on both sides of the post road. If the murderous aura of those black-armored knights did not destroy the atmosphere, such a time and scenery could almost be called graceful and beautiful.
Different from the stern expressions of the other knights, Xiao Junmo rode his horse and walked beside the carriage at this moment, with a somewhat relaxed and relaxed expression on his face.
Despite the bandage, the wound on the right arm still hurts a little.However, this minor injury is commonplace for Xiao Junmo, and it is just one of the many "commemorations" since he joined the Xuanjia Guard.
The curtain on the window of the carriage was opened, and Biancai watched Longmen Mountain in the distance silently from the window.I saw a temple with red tiles and overhanging eaves hidden in the emerald green of the mountain, and the sound of bells and chimes could be faintly heard.
"Does the mage remember the life of a monk back then?" Xiao Junmo asked with a smile.
"It's better to be a monk if you don't practice goodness at home; if you can cultivate goodness at home, it's better than being a monk." Biancai said lightly, as if he was talking to himself, but also seemed to be answering.
"Master's words, I remember it comes from "Ten Living Piposha Lun". Is that right?" Xiao Junmo said casually.
Biancai was taken aback, and looked at him with some surprise: "Unexpectedly, at such a young age, General Xiao also has research on Buddhist scriptures."
"Not to mention research, I just read a few books." Xiao Junmo said, "Master quoted this sentence, do you want to say that although you live as a layman as Wu Tingxuan, your heart can not be polluted by the world of mortals? Sewage?"
Biancai glanced at him alertly: "What does the general want to say?"
"It's nothing." Xiao Junmo smiled, "I just have a question that I can't figure out."
"what is the problem?"
"The Buddha said in the "42 Chapters": "A person is tied to his wife's house, which is worse than a prison." He also said in the "Mind and Earth Contemplation Sutra": "Persecution at home is like a prison, and it is very difficult to get rid of it." I would like to ask the master , as a monk seeking liberation, why did you abandon the pure and comfortable life of a monk and put yourself into such a 'prison'? What kind of pressure forced you to make such a difficult choice?"
The debater chuckled: "General, don't describe me so tragically. I left the monastery and returned to vulgar life entirely out of my own will. I didn't feel any pressure, let alone a difficult choice."
"Master is not sincere when he said that." Xiao Junmo spoke sharply, but his face was still calm and calm, "During the 16 years of returning to vulgarity, you vowed not to write a single word. If I hadn't found you by order, It is entirely possible for you to seal your pen for life. For a person who loves Wang Xizhi's calligraphy, this is definitely a difficult decision. From this, I think that the reason why you grow your hair and return to vulgarity must also be related to Wang Xizhi's calligraphy. To be precise, It is related to "Lanting Preface."
"The general's associations are really far-fetched!" Biancai said with a smile, "Don't the general think it's a bit far-fetched for a reason that a person would completely change his life just for a single copybook?"
"It's not far-fetched, it can only be said to be extraordinary." Xiao Junmo also laughed, "Since the mage is willing to make such an extraordinary change in his life, it also proves that the "Lanting Preface" that is closely related to you , the secret behind it must also be extraordinary."
The corners of the debaters' eyes twitched slightly.
He had to admit that this young man's insight was much more terrifying than he had imagined.Talking to such a person, you may fall into the trap at any time and say things you shouldn't say.
Biancai gently lowered the curtain on the car window, closed his eyes and began to meditate.
Too much talk is bound to be lost.He decided not to say a word from this moment on.
Seeing Biancai suddenly shut up and cover the car windows tightly, Xiao Junmo smiled.
At this time, silence is actually a silent confession.The more he keeps the topic secret, the more it proves that this is a secret he wants to keep.Xiao Junmo can now basically conclude that Biancai has the "Lanting Preface" in his hands, or at least knows its whereabouts.He changed his face and hid for so many years in order to protect the secret of "Lanting Preface", and now Li Shimin spent a lot of manpower and material resources to find Biancai and "Lanting Preface", he must also want to obtain this secret.The question now is just: what is the secret? Where is "Lanting Preface" now?
Of course, this is not something Xiao Junmo should worry about.As long as he brings Biancai back to Chang'an, his mission will be completed, and the emperor will worry about the rest.
At no time, the sun had just passed the mid-heaven, and Xiao Junmo and his party came to Luozhou Mansion.
Xuanjiawei never had to notify the local government when handling cases, but once he wanted to take the local criminals away, he had to report to the prefecture and county level offices and go through relevant procedures. That's why Xiao Junmo and his party had to enter Luozhou.If not, according to Xiao Junmo's temperament, he doesn't want to have anything to do with the local government at all.
When he saw the gate of the mansion from a distance, Xiao Junmo was a little surprised, because Yang Bingjun, the governor of Luozhou, led a group of officials to stand at the gate to greet him in person.
Luozhou was Shangzhou in the Tang Dynasty, and the governor was a third-rank general. Both rank and position were much higher than that of the fifth-rank general. It's an exaggeration to go out to greet them in such a big battle.
What is Yang Bingjun's intention?
Xiao Junmo thought about it for a while, and immediately understood that this guy's seriousness must not only be aimed at his identity as a Xuanjiawei, but also at the person in the carriage behind him——Biancai.
Thinking of this, Xiao Junmo couldn't help but keep an eye on it.
As soon as Yang Bingjun saw Xiao Junmo, he greeted him with a smile on his face: "General Xiao, I heard that you had solved a major case early in the morning, so I ordered someone to hold a banquet, first to celebrate your achievements, and second to welcome you, but Why did the general come so late?"
"The shape of the dragon gate is victorious, and Yique is romantic. Xiao Mou was greedy for the scenery of spring and mountains all the way, so he walked slowly." Xiao Junmo dismounted and saluted. The county magistrate is the Ming government, and officials at other levels are usually commensurate with their positions, unlike later generations who often refer to officials as "adults".
Yang Bingjun laughed when he heard the words: "If the general likes this place, you might as well stay for a day or two, and I can do my best as a landlord."
"Thank you for your kindness!" Xiao Jun smiled silently, "Xiao really wants to stay, I'm afraid His Majesty will not agree."
Yang Bingjun laughed a few times: "The general is dedicated to his duties, which is admirable!"
The two exchanged pleasantries and walked into the mansion together.
The banquet was very sumptuous, Yang Bingjun persuaded him to drink frequently, but Xiao Junmo only drank a glass or two, and declined repeatedly on the grounds of his duty.After the banquet, the relevant clerks of the Luozhou government led Luo Biao to go through the formalities, while Yang Bingjun and Chang Shi Yao Xing invited Xiao Junmo to drink tea in the flower hall behind the main hall.
"General Xiao, I heard that after you captured Biancai early this morning, you didn't inquire about the whereabouts of "Lanting Preface", let alone search Erya's pawn shop. Why?" Yang Bingjun asked impatiently after only two sips of tea.
Finally see you!
Xiao Junmo sneered in his heart.Those grand welcomes and warm hospitality in front of the battle were all prepared for this moment, a typical routine of courtesy first and soldiers later.
This morning, when Xiao Junmo went to Yique County to go through the relevant procedures and bandage the wound, the magistrate of Yique County proposed to seize the Erya pawn shop. You can't touch Erya's pawn shop.The county magistrate of Yique didn't expect his reaction to be so strong, so he asked after a long time, "Why?"
"I am in charge of this case, you are not qualified to ask why!" Xiao Junmo said bluntly.
The county magistrate of Yique was angry, but he didn't dare to explode.Xiao Junmo didn't even look at him, and immediately took Biancai on the road.
At this moment, it was obvious that the county magistrate of Yique must have failed, so he secretly sent Kuai Mafei to report to Yang Bingjun.Because Biancai was riding in a carriage, Xiao Junmo and his party walked slowly, so they were driven ahead of them.
"Shijun Yang, there is a small fallacy in what you said just now, Xiao wants to correct it."
Yang Bingjun was taken aback: "False? What fallacy?"
"Master Biancai is a guest of the Holy Majesty, not an imperial court offender." Xiao Junmo said calmly, "So, we can't use the word 'capture', we can only say 'found'."
"That's what I said, but the reason why the Holy Majesty is looking for debaters is also to find the "Lanting Preface". General Xiao doesn't know about this, right?"
"Of course I know that."
"Since we know, why didn't we interrogate Biancai, and didn't search Erya's pawn shop?"
"Because I can be sure that "Lanting Preface" is not with Biancai, and of course it will not be hidden in Erya's pawn shop." Xiao Junmo said, "I believe that Biancai is not that stupid."
The latter sentence obviously contained a pun, and Yang Bingjun's expression changed instantly.
"General Xiao," said Yao Xing, the long history next to him, "please don't forget that you are talking to a dignified third-rank official, please watch your tone."
Xiao Junmo smiled when he heard the words: "Yes, for the case of Biancai, the Holy Majesty ordered me to handle it, not our third-rank official Yang Shijun, didn't he?"
Yao Xing choked and had no choice but to shut up resentfully.
Yang Bingjun suppressed his anger, and said again: "You said that "Lanting Preface" is definitely not in Erya's pawn shop, why are you so sure?"
"No reason, just rely on Xiao Mou's little experience in handling cases." Xiao Junmo still smiled.
Yang Bingjun sneered: "It's just a small fifth-rank general, and it's only been three years since he joined Xuanjiawei, how can he be so arrogant!"
"If Mr. Yang doesn't like Xiao, you can ask Yushi Tai to read one of Xiao's books, or you can directly hand over the secret notes to the Holy One. If it is not convenient for you to make this trip, Xiao is willing to do it for you. Anyway, I am Going back to court, by the way!"
"You!" Yang Bingjun finally took the case, with great authority, "Xiao Junmo, don't think that you are a Xuanjiawei! You have the right to submit secret notes to the Holy One, and I can do it anyway. Don't think that I dare not What can I do with you!"
"Yang Shijun calmed down." Xiao Junmo took a sip of tea, showing a meaningful smile, "coincidentally, speaking of secret music, Xiao has a copy with him now, Yang Shijun, do you want to see it? Who is the Mizuo related to?"
Yang Bingjun was slightly shocked: "What do you mean?"
Xiao Junmo smiled and took out a roll of silk books from his arms, and shook Yao Xing: "Yao Changshi, please."
Yao Xing looked surprised, and immediately came over to take the silk book and handed it to Yang Bingjun.Yang Bingjun sat down, knocked down the tea bowl on the table with a clatter, and spread the silk book on the table to read.
Xiao Junmo was still smiling, watching his face.
Looking at the silk script, Yang Bingjun's face was full of anger at first, then livid, and finally pale, and his whole body sank like a deflated skin.
Xiao Junmo's secret memorandum revealed that Yang Bingjun and the magistrates of Luoyang, Yique, Yanshi, Yangzhai, Mianchi, Sishui and other counties under his jurisdiction have robbed the gentry and common people under the guise of buying Wang Xizhi's calligraphy for the emperor over the years. The various crimes of extortion, extortion, and their bad record of corruption and bribery over the past few years are also clearly written in one stroke.It is conceivable that handing over such a secret memorial will surely make the emperor furious, and it will also cause an earthquake in Luozhou's officialdom, and Yang Bingjun, as the governor of a state and the chief official of the frontier, will bear the brunt of it, and there is no redemption for death!
This matter was done by Xiao Junmo when he played the role of the scholar "Zhou Lugui".At first, he just investigated "Wu Tingxuan" secretly, and when he heard some complaints from the people, he thought it would be better to beat a rabbit with grass, and check it out by the way.When he heard and witnessed all kinds of crimes committed by these officials against the people, he was very indignant, so he devoted himself to collecting a large amount of criminal evidence, and finally wrote this secret memorial.
"Yang Shijun," Xiao Junmo finally put away his smile and looked directly at Yang Bingjun, "If you insist on copying Erya's pawnshop, I have no choice but to add another sum to this secret memorial! How to do it, you see Do it."
Xiao Junmo prevented Yang Bingjun and others from confiscating the Erya pawn shop, first of all, of course, because he believed that Biancai would not hide "Lanting Preface" at home, and secondly, he wanted to prevent these corrupt officials from taking the opportunity to embezzle people's wealth, but more importantly, because he I always feel that I owe the Biancai family something in conscience, so I don't want them to be hurt again.Especially that woman named Chu Lisang, although he has only met him a few times, but for some reason, Xiao Junmo always misses her in his heart.
Yang Bingjun was depressed for a long time before he raised his head: "Xiao Junmo, how much money do you want, let's make a price."
Xiao Jun laughed loudly: "Yang Bingjun, are you insulting me, or yourself? Do you really think that everyone in the world can be bought with money?"
Yang Bingjun snorted coldly: "Don't sing high-profile things here! Being an official for thousands of miles is only for money. It has always been the same since ancient times. I don't believe that you, Xiao Junmo, are an exception!"
At this time, Luo Biao finished the formalities and just returned to the flower hall. When he saw that the atmosphere was not right, he quickly stood at the door and did not dare to come in.
Xiao Junmo sneered silently, stood up, and patted the dust on his body: "Captain Luo, everything is done?"
Luo Biao hurriedly said: "Go back to the general, everything is done."
Xiao Junmo walked up to Yang Bingjun, put away the silk book and put it in his arms: "Mr. Yang, thank you for your hospitality. If you return to Chang'an in the future, no matter what your status is, Xiao will definitely be your host! Farewell." Arching his hands, he strode out of the flower hall and walked away with Luo Biao.
Yang Bingjun stared at Xiao Junmo's retreating back with a pair of dead fish eyes, and suddenly overturned the case, which shocked Yao Xing who was stunned aside.
Yao Xing approached tremblingly: "Master, this kid doesn't eat oil, salt, soft and hard. You have to show him some color."
Yang Bingjun was thinking about something: "How many days will you be there, sir?"
"The carrier pigeon was released early this morning. I heard from Wei Zuoshi a while ago that Mr. Wei is currently active in the Bianzhou area. If he arrives in time, he will arrive in two days at most."
"Biancai is traveling in a carriage, so I can't go fast." Yang Bingjun thought for a while, "Xiao Junmo will arrive in Shanzhou in three days at the earliest, just out of our territory. If you arrive in time, sir, we will start in Shanzhou in three days' time , hand over the eloquence to Mr. Xiao Junmo, and I will kill Xiao Junmo with my own hands!"
"Yes, the matter is in Shanzhou, even if Biancai is robbed and Xiao Junmo is dead, we will not be responsible." Yao Xing echoed.
"Also, you must immediately gather capable personnel and go to Yique."
Yao Xing didn't react: "Go to Yique? What are you doing?"
"Is there even a question?!" Yang Bingjun gritted his teeth, "Go and copy Erya's pawnshop for me! Regardless of whether there is "Lanting Preface", all the treasures of calligraphy and painting will be confiscated!"
Yao Xing came to a sudden: "Yes, this subordinate will go now." After speaking, he turned to leave.
"Wait." Yang Bingjun's eyes were dark, and he ordered Yao Xing to come closer, and whispered something in his ear.
Yao Xing grinned: "Your Majesty is brilliant!"
Yang Bingjun grinned grimly.
The shadow of the sun is slanting to the west, and smoke is curling from the roofs of every house.
Since "Wu Tingxuan" was taken away early in the morning, the door of Erya's pawnshop has been closed, and many neighbors have been looking outside, but there is silence in the pawnshop, and no movement can be heard.
All day long, Chu Yingniang and Chu Lisang hid in their bedrooms, not knowing what they were thinking.Lu Xiu didn't respond to talking to this one, and didn't respond to talking to that one, so anxious that she didn't know what to do.At noon, Lu Xiu and a few servants arranged a lot of food and served it in the mistress and maiden's room. After all the good words, they didn't move their chopsticks in a daze.Now that it was time for dinner again, Lu Xiu didn't have the heart to cook any more, so he shut himself in the room and sulked.
Chu Lisang actually wanted to go to his mother to ask everything clearly, but he also felt that his mother should take the initiative to ask her to explain, so he didn't let go of his anger.Sitting bored in the room for a whole day, she couldn't bear it anymore at last. Just as she was about to find her mother, the door was suddenly pushed open, and Chu Yingniang walked in with a blank expression.
"Tell me, what do you want to know?" Chu Yingniang sat down on the embroidered couch and looked at her.
"Shouldn't you explain it to me?" Chu Lisang was still angry, "Since I was a child, you and my father have kept many things from me, shouldn't you explain them to me clearly?"
Chu Yingniang sighed: "Okay, let's start with your father. That Xiao Junmo was right. Your father was originally a monk, and his Dharma name was Biancai. He was not your biological father. Mother took you When you came to Yique with him, you were only four or five years old. If you were not sensible, your mother would let you call him father, and then so many years have passed. Sonny, although he is not your biological father, he has treated you all these years You are no worse than your own daughter, you know all this, right?"
Chu Lisang recalled a lot of past events today, and actually vaguely remembered that when she saw "father" for the first time when she was a child, he was still bald, and there seemed to be ring scars on his head. "Mother, although I was not born to my father, he is still my father and will always be!"
Chu Yingniang was relieved: "If you say that, Mom will feel relieved."
"Then tell me, who is my real father and where is he now?"
Chu Yingniang's eyes flickered for a moment: "Mother was in Jiangling when she was pregnant with you. At that time, there was a war there, and there was chaos. Your father...he didn't survive."
Chu Lisang was startled: "You mean, my biological father... died before I was born?"
Chu Yingniang nodded heavily.
"Then how did you meet my father, and why did you come here?"
"After mother left Jiangling, she went to Yuezhou to visit relatives. She didn't want her relatives to be separated. Mother was alone, with no relatives, and took you with her. Life was very difficult. At that time, Yongxin Temple where your father became a monk also It was dilapidated, he was forced to return to vulgarity, and then he got acquainted with my mother, and has been taking care of our mothers since then..."
"No! Dad is definitely not returning to vulgarity normally!" Chu Lisang looked directly at his mother.
Chu Yingniang was slightly startled: "Why do you say that?"
"If he returned to the vulgar normally, he would have his own identity as a vulgar. There is no need to pretend to be that Wu Tingxuan, right?"
"Wars were everywhere at that time, so how could the government take care of returning to vulgarity? Wu Tingxuan was your father's old friend when he was young. The two of them planned to start a business together, but Wu Tingxuan died of illness. Your father came here to commemorate him. Secondly, I don't have a lay household registration yet, so I just pretended to be his identity... What happened, that's how it is."
Chu Lisang looked at his mother suspiciously: "Even if these are true, but Dad obviously loves calligraphy, why did he swear to seal his pen? Didn't he just want to hide his true identity? But why didn't he dare to let others know that he is a debater? "
Chu Yingniang was taken aback, and her eyes dodged again: "This... This is your father's privacy, and mother doesn't know it very well. When he comes back in a few days, you can ask him again, if he wants to say something."
"Mother, you don't have to hide it anymore. It's obvious that the reason why Dad tried every means to hide his true identity is because of Wang Xizhi's "Lanting Preface", right?"
Chu Yingniang was startled, but she didn't know what to say, she obviously acquiesced.
"Mother, tell me, the current emperor, and that Xiao Junmo, why do they all think that Dad has the "Lanting Preface"?"
Chu Yingniang was thinking about the past, her eyes were a little distant, and she said slowly after a while: "Your father's shaved master, Zhi Yong, is the seventh grandson of Wang Xizhi, and the "Lanting Preface" was handed down to him back then. When your father was young I’ve seen it too, but afterward Yongxin Temple frequently encountered rebels, and the "Orchid Pavilion Preface" was lost during the war. The court didn't know the truth, so it believed that the "Orchid Pavilion Preface" was in your father's hands."
Chu Lisang kept staring at her mother, and knew intuitively that she was not telling the truth, but right now it was impossible to find out the truth, so she had to give up after thinking about it, and said, "Mother, how do you plan to rescue daddy? "
Chu Yingniang was startled: "Your father is in Xuanjiawei's hands now, how can we save him?"
Chu Lisang was in a hurry: "You have practiced martial arts since you were a child, Da Zhuang and the others also have kung fu, even my skills are not too bad, why can't you save me?!"
"Sang'er, listen to me. The emperor invited your father to the court just to inquire about the whereabouts of the "Lanting Preface". As long as your father tells the emperor the truth and says that the "Lanting Preface" is not in his hands, the emperor will not believe it. I can't do anything to your father, I will definitely let him back in the end..."
"Mother!" Chu Lisang suddenly said loudly, "But what if the emperor doesn't let him come back?"
Chu Yingniang hesitated for a moment, then shook her head: "No, the emperor has to be reasonable..."
"Mom, if you don't dare to go, let Da Zhuang and the others follow me, and I'll save you!"
"No!" Chu Yingniang said coldly, "None of you can go!"
Chu Lisang looked at his mother angrily, tears suddenly welled up and swirled in his eyes.
At this time, there was a loud noise outside, and then the door was pushed open, and Luxiu ran in in a panic: "Mistress, lady, it's not good! Xuanjiawei and the others... they are coming to raid the house." !"
Chu Yingniang and Chu Lisang were shocked at the same time and looked at each other in horror.
Li Shimin received Li Tai's report, knowing that Biancai had been found, and he would bring him back to Chang'an in a few days, he immediately ordered Zhao Dequan to give Li Taibo three thousand pieces and ten thousand coins.Li Tai hurriedly knelt down to thank him.Li Shimin's wishes were still unfinished, and he ordered Zhao Dequan's biography to order Cen's text to go to the hall.Li Tai was secretly delighted, knowing that this time he must be announcing the Wude Palace.
Sure enough, after Cen Wenwen arrived, Li Shimin ordered him to draw up an edict immediately, allowing King Wei to officially enter Wude Hall after the first day of March.Li Tai was ecstatic in his heart, and knelt down to thank him again.From Li Tai's point of view, the day after tomorrow is the first day of March. Once the deal is done, it will be even more difficult for princelings like Wei Zheng to dissuade him.
Hearing the emperor's decree, Cen Wenwen was a little surprised, but he didn't say much, and immediately took orders to go to Zhongshu Province to draft the decree.
On the same day, the edict was issued by Zhongshu Province and sent to Menxia Province.Changsun Wuji, who was then a servant at the time, was taken aback for a moment when he saw the edict, and then ordered Liu Ji, the servant of Huangmen, to affix the provincial seal of his family, and sent the edict to Shangshu Sheng.Fang Xuanling, who was then Shangshu Zuo Pushe, received the edict and was not surprised at all, and immediately promulgated the edict for implementation.Later, the six ministers of the imperial court, such as Hou Junji, Minister of Officials, Tang Jian, Minister of Civil Affairs, Li Daozong, Minister of Rites, Li Shiji, Minister of War, Du Chuke, Minister of Industry, etc., and the Forbidden Army, such as General Wei Chi Jingde, Marquis of Youwu, etc. They all got the news.
All of a sudden, the high-ranking officials and ministers of the Tang court all had different expressions and different thoughts.
On this day at the end of February in the 16th year of Zhenguan, this heavy news was like a stone thrown into a pool of spring water, suddenly causing ripples...
At the same time when the turmoil was suddenly rising, Wei Zheng was sitting in the elegant room on the second floor of Wangchuan Teahouse, sipping Mengding tea while quietly waiting for someone.
The familiar knock on the door sounded, and Wei Zheng knocked twice on the case as usual to show his response.
"Wangyan is ashamed." The knocker groaned outside the door, coughing a few times at the same time.
Listening to the voice, it was not Xiao Henian who came, but someone else.
Wei Zheng took a sip of the fragrant tea, and answered as usual: "Thanks for Jiegan, Linchuan."
The door was pushed open, and a thin man in his forties with a blue complexion came in, bowed and said, "I have met Mr. Linchuan." Wei is one of the guard generals closest to the emperor.At that time, Li Anyan, like Wei Zheng, was also Li Jiancheng's subordinate. After Li Jiancheng's defeat, he joined Li Shimin together.
Wei Zheng greeted him to take a seat, exchanged some pleasantries, and cut straight to the point: "Gather some people, the most capable ones, and set off today. The target is Biancai who was escorted by Xiao Junmo by Xuanjia Weilang. After the matter is completed, send Biancai farther away." The better, don't let anyone find him again!"
A few days ago, Wei Zheng confessed to Li Anyan and asked him to ask the emperor for leave, and he got permission.At this time, Li Anyan had roughly understood the content of the operation, and the only thing that made him worry was Xiao Junmo.
"Sir, if Xiao Junmo resists strongly, what should the subordinate do?"
Wei Zheng couldn't help pondering when he heard the words.To be honest, he also knew that Xiao Junmo was the biggest difficulty in this operation. It was really a dilemma to snatch the eloquence from him without hurting him.After a while, Wei Zhengcai said: "Try to distract him as much as possible, and don't confront him head-on."
Li Anyan hesitated slightly.Xuanjiawei are all thoughtful and kung fu masters, and Xiao Junmo is even more outstanding among them. How easy is it to achieve this?
Of course, this hesitation was only for a moment, and Li Anyan immediately said: "Yes, this subordinate obeys." As he spoke, he couldn't help coughing again.
Wei Zheng looked at him with concern: "Why, the old disease relapsed?"
Li Anyan smiled wryly: "It's a coincidence that I just took leave with Shengshang that day, and the old illness relapsed that night. It doesn't look like a 'sickness', it's a real illness."
Wei Zheng also smiled: "There really are such coincidences in the world." Immediately thinking about something, he said, "If you feel unwell, I can make other arrangements..."
Li Anyan hurriedly said: "No need sir, I have taken a few medicines in the past two days, and I am much better, I am fine."
Wei Zheng thought for a while, but said nothing, and then the two discussed some details of their actions.Before leaving, Li Anyan suddenly remembered something, and said: "Sir, when I came here just now, I heard rumors in the court that the Holy Majesty has officially issued an order to let King Wei enter the Wude Palace."
Wei Zheng remained silent, as if he had already expected this result.
Seeing that he didn't speak, Li Anyan got up to leave.Wei Zheng suddenly said: "An Yan, finally, I want to give you one more word."
Li Anyan looked at him.
"If Xiao Junmo strongly blocks it, he would rather give up than hurt him."
"My subordinate understands."
When Yao Xing led people to forcibly break into Erya's pawn shop, everyone was wearing black armor.
Chu Yingniang and Chu Lisang rushed to the front hall to confront them with Lvxiu, Da Zhuang and others with weapons in their hands.Yao Xing claimed that they were Xuanjiawei, and they were ordered by Xiao Junmo to seal up the pawnshop, and ordered Chu Yingniang and others to put down their weapons, otherwise they would all be arrested for resisting the government.Chu Lisang was furious, and said loudly why Xiao Junmo didn't dare to come.Yao Xing sneered, saying that General Xiao was busy with official duties, how could he have time to deal with such trivial matters.
When Chu Lisang heard this, he became angry immediately, and swung his sword to attack Yao Xing.
The two sides fought like this.
Chu Yingniang originally tried her best to control the situation, but once she used the sword, the matter could never be undone.In order to protect her daughter, she had to join the battle.
During the fight, someone knocked over a candlestick, and the flame lit several scrolls of calligraphy and paintings on the counter, and the fire spread rapidly.
Surprised and angry, Chu Lisang cut down an officer and tried to rush to the counter to put out the fire, but unexpectedly, he was entangled by three officers and soldiers.With one against three, she fought hard, and finally cut down two, but more officers and soldiers surrounded them.
Since Yang Bingjun was determined to win, he ordered Yao Xing to bring more than 30 people here, and all of them were not weak in martial arts.Although Chu Yingniang, Chu Lisang and others were superior in martial arts, they were helplessly outnumbered.After a short fight, three or four pawnbrokers were lying in a pool of blood, and Lu Xiu was cornered by two officers and soldiers, screaming loudly.
When Chu Lisang secretly learned martial arts, he also taught the green sleeves a little bit, which is more than enough for daily self-defense, but in this kind of life-and-death fight, it is difficult to save his life with that little skill.Seeing that the green sleeves were in danger, Chu Lisang shook the long sword in his hand, and danced a ball of sword flowers, forcing two officers and soldiers back, then rushed out from the gap, jumped again, and pierced the back of an officer and soldier with his sword , stabbed him across the face, and then kicked with his left foot, sending another officer and soldier flying out.
Fangcai Luxiu had been forced to squat in the corner of the wall, seeing that the danger was relieved, he finally burst into tears and threw himself into Chu Lisang's arms.Chu Lisang patted her on the back and was about to comfort her when she suddenly felt something strange in her back and turned around suddenly, only to see a big soldier chopping off her head with a big knife.
At this moment, it was too late to dodge, and the green sleeve let out another ear-piercing scream.
At the critical moment, a flash of sword light flashed quickly, the big officer and soldier shook slightly, and then his head and body separated instantly, the head fell to the side, and the tall body fell heavily on the ground.
When he fell down, Chu Lisang saw his mother Chu Yingniang withdrawing her sword in astonishment.
The sword just now cut off the officer's neck silently, at an unbelievably fast speed.
At this time, the fire had already ignited ragingly in the whole pawn shop, and thick smoke was everywhere.More than a dozen officers and soldiers died, and all the men in Erya's pawn shop had fallen, leaving only Da Zhuang who was still struggling to support himself.Yao Xing had already retreated outside the door of the pawn shop, yelling loudly, but he didn't dare to approach at all.Yique County sent another large group of reinforcements, and they all surrounded the outside to make noise.
Chu Lisang was furious, and was about to rush out with a sword, but was grabbed by Chu Yingniang.
"You and Luxiu go from the backyard, hurry up!" Chu Yingniang yelled, and cut down another officer and soldier.
Chu Lisang wanted to argue with his mother, but when he opened his mouth, he inhaled a big mouthful of thick smoke, coughing uncontrollably, with tears and snot running down his nose.Lu Xiu hurriedly dragged her to the back door.Chu Yingniang guarded behind them, resisting six or seven officers and soldiers, fighting and retreating.Da Zhuang's eyes became red, and after cutting down two officers and soldiers one after another, he also rushed to Chu Yingniang's side and defended against the enemy side by side with her.
The four quickly retreated to the door leading to the backyard.Lu Xiu hugged Chu Lisang desperately, and pulled her into the backyard.Chu Yingniang was about to ask Da Zhuang to retreat first, but Da Zhuang grabbed her arm and pushed her hard, pushing her through the doorway.
"Hurry up——" Da Zhuang roared, blocking the doorway with his whole body, resisting desperately with his last strength.His body was wounded in many places, and his robe was stained red with blood.
Chu Yingniang gave Da Zhuang a final look with tears in her eyes, and took Chu Lisang's hand: "Let's go!"
Chu Lisang still wanted to struggle, but was rushed away by his mother and Lu Xiu alone, and instantly disappeared into the night in the backyard.When they came out over the wall, Da Zhuang finally couldn't hold on anymore, three knives were stabbed into his body at the same time, and a mouthful of blood spurted out...
Dusk falls, and the wind whimpers in the wilderness.
Chu Yingniang, Chu Lisang, and Luxiu hugged each other and stood on a high hill, looking at the fire that soared into the sky in Yique City from afar.
All the famous calligraphy, paintings and antiques collected by Biancai in the past 16 years were buried in the sea of fire and destroyed.
Tears of grief and indignation wet the eyes of the three women.
A ray of hatred, together with distant flames, burned in their pupils.
Li Shimin officially ordered Li Tai to enter the Wude Hall on the first day of March. This happened to coincide with the false news that Li Tai sent to Liu Jie a few days ago, and the time was exactly the same, neither a day earlier nor a day later.Such a coincidental coincidence really made Li Tai and Du Chuke couldn't help laughing when they talked about it.
"Your Highness, guess what expression Liu Ji had on his face when he came to look for me during the day?"
At this moment, Du Chuke was talking to Li Tai in the study of Prince Wei's mansion.
Li Tai suppressed a smile: "What other expression could it be? It must be beyond words!"
"That's right!" Du Chuke slapped his thigh, "This guy is pretending to be calm, but I can tell at a glance, but he was so moved by His Highness in his heart, he wished he could take out his heart and let me bring it to him." Show it to Your Highness!"
Li Tai smiled: "What else did Liu Ji say?"
"It's still those old-fashioned rhetoric, I don't think it's worth listening to."
"Listen or not, I have to make up my mind," Li Tai cast a cold look, "It's not what you think."
Du Chuke's heart trembled slightly, and he hurriedly said: "Liu Ji said, His Highness must keep a low profile after entering the Wude Hall, and from now on, in front of the Holy One, whenever you mention the East Palace, you must say good things, and you can't say a single bad word. The prince is not good, so we have to defend the prince and intercede. In this way, the Holy Majesty will naturally value His Highness more and alienate the prince."
Li Tai couldn't help frowning when he heard this.
"Your Highness, Liu Ji's method is too conservative, even cowardly..."
"You are wrong. This method uses the weak to control the strong, and the soft to overcome the strong." Li Tai interrupted him lightly, "Husbands are the only ones who do not fight, so no one in the world can compete with him! Liu Jie's words are quite the essence of Lao Tzu's thinking. I don’t think it’s unacceptable.”
"Don't fight?" Du Chuke sneered, "Since ancient times, has anyone succeeded in seizing the heir with the technique of shrinking? Has anyone made their opponents bow down by relying on the word 'do not fight'? Your Highness, everyone says that you are the most like a saint. Which one is the most important?" Like, in the eyes of the subordinates, it is the air of a king who looks down on the world and who can give me nothing! If the Holy One didn't fight back then, I'm afraid he would be a pile of bones in a barren mound now."
"Shut up!" Li Tai shouted in a low voice, "A courtier should say such things?"
"Your Highness, forgive me." Du Chuke was not frightened, "This subordinate is just telling the truth."
"Let's not talk about this." Li Tai took a breath, "The inner ghost has already appeared, so tell me, what should we do?"
"Xiao Henian, bastard!" Du Chuke said bitterly, "I didn't expect him to be the prince and Wei Zheng's dog!"
"Speaking of which, there is something to be done quickly."
"Your Highness mean 'yellow dog'?"
Li Tai nodded: "Now it seems that the matter is very obvious. After being exposed, the 'yellow dog' must have been instigated by the crown prince and Wei Zheng to trick us. As a result, we almost regarded Liu Ji as the ghost. So , this dog can no longer be kept, it must be removed immediately."
"Don't worry, Your Highness, I will make her disappear tomorrow."
"Also, what do you think about Xiao Henian's stealing of Bian Cai's intelligence?"
"This matter is a bit strange." Du Chuke was thinking, "For the time being, regardless of what the crown prince and Wei Zheng have to do with this matter, the fact that Xiao Henian took the risk of stealing information about Biancai is enough to show that there must be some big secret hidden in Biancai. In other words, the Holy Majesty has spent all these years looking for debates and "Lanting Preface", it must not be as simple as simply liking Wang Xizhi's calligraphy."
"Biancai changed his appearance and hid in Yique for 16 years, which is extraordinary in itself, and this is exactly what puzzled me." Li Taidao, "In the past few years, I have used "Kuo Dizhi" to help my father secretly find Biancai, But I have never been able to figure out what is hidden behind Biancai and the "Lanting Preface", so that the father is so worried and determined to win."
Du Chuke suddenly thought of something: "I don't know if Your Highness still remembers the sensational case of exterminating the Lu family in the ninth year of Wude?"
"You mean Lu Shiheng?"
"Yes. I heard that on the day of the Xuanwumen incident, before he died, Lu Shiheng urgently asked to see the Holy Majesty, and the Holy Majesty also went to see him for the last time. According to my speculation, Lu Shiheng must have left some clues for the Holy Majesty, and this clue points to "Lanting Pavilion" Later, the murder case happened again, which made the matter even more weird, and the Holy Majesty began to collect Wang Xizhi’s copybooks extensively. From this, it can be seen that no matter what secrets are hidden in the “Orchid Pavilion Preface”, it all originated from this Lu Shiheng!”
"Do you know who else accompanied Father Huang to meet Lu Shiheng at that time?"
"As far as I know, there are four of them."
"Which four?"
"Fang Xuanling, Changsun Wuji, Yuchi Jingde and Hou Junji."
Li Tai thought about the names of these four people, thought for a while, and said after a while: "This matter will not be clear for a while, and we have to think about it in the long run. What needs to be considered right now is whether to use Xiao Henian to steal the information about the debate." One matter, report it to Father Emperor?"
Du Chuke thought for a while: "This subordinate thinks it's impossible."
"Why?"
"His Highness has been helping the sage find eloquent talents for the past few years. Has the sage ever revealed his real motives to you?" Du Chuke asked instead of answering.
"Not at all."
"Since there is not, it means that His Majesty does not want His Highness to intervene in this matter, at least not yet. If His Highness hastily reported Xiao Henian's matter, it will only make His Majesty alert and wary of His Highness, and it will not do His Highness any good."
"It makes sense." Li Tai thought it was true, but he thought of something, "But the problem is that Xiao Henian stole the information, and it is very likely that he also went for the "Lanting Preface". If he and Wei Zheng sent someone to rob the debate , the imperial court has no precautions, and no one is going to meet Xiao Junmo, isn't that dangerous?"
"Your Highness is very worried." Du Chuke thought for a while, "Then we can only send our people to meet him."
"Inappropriate." Li Tai immediately vetoed, "As you said just now, the Holy Majesty doesn't want me to intervene at the moment. If we send people to respond, it will inevitably mobilize people. The Holy Majesty will definitely suspect what news we have obtained in advance."
"Then there is only one way." Du Chuke approached Li Tai and whispered something.
"Just do it like this!" Li Tai slapped the desk, "You give orders immediately."
Just as Du Chuke was about to get up, he suddenly thought of something: "It's broken! This Xiao Junmo is Xiao Henian's son, could they have colluded long ago?"
"Impossible." Li Tai laughed, "If so, why did Xiao Henian come to me in the middle of the night to steal information?"
Du Chuke slapped his forehead: "That's right, I forgot about this one."
"Also, since we don't want to hand over Xiao Henian to Father, we can only deal with it ourselves." Li Tai thought, "Besides, Xiao Henian must know about the secret of "Lanting Preface". If we can pry his mouth open, we will know everything."
Du Chuke nodded, already understanding Li Tai's meaning.
(End of this chapter)
A group of black-armored knights and a single-shaft double-wheeled carriage walked slowly on the post road from Yique to Luozhou.
Yique County is about [-] miles away from Luoyang County, the seat of Luozhou, passing through the green and beautiful Yique Mountain.Here, the two mountains face each other, the Yi River flows, and it looks like a natural gate from a distance, hence the name "Yi Que".The world-famous Longmen Grottoes are carved on the cliffs on both sides of Yishui River.It was approaching March at this time, with green hills, clear waters, and verdant vegetation on both sides of the post road. If the murderous aura of those black-armored knights did not destroy the atmosphere, such a time and scenery could almost be called graceful and beautiful.
Different from the stern expressions of the other knights, Xiao Junmo rode his horse and walked beside the carriage at this moment, with a somewhat relaxed and relaxed expression on his face.
Despite the bandage, the wound on the right arm still hurts a little.However, this minor injury is commonplace for Xiao Junmo, and it is just one of the many "commemorations" since he joined the Xuanjia Guard.
The curtain on the window of the carriage was opened, and Biancai watched Longmen Mountain in the distance silently from the window.I saw a temple with red tiles and overhanging eaves hidden in the emerald green of the mountain, and the sound of bells and chimes could be faintly heard.
"Does the mage remember the life of a monk back then?" Xiao Junmo asked with a smile.
"It's better to be a monk if you don't practice goodness at home; if you can cultivate goodness at home, it's better than being a monk." Biancai said lightly, as if he was talking to himself, but also seemed to be answering.
"Master's words, I remember it comes from "Ten Living Piposha Lun". Is that right?" Xiao Junmo said casually.
Biancai was taken aback, and looked at him with some surprise: "Unexpectedly, at such a young age, General Xiao also has research on Buddhist scriptures."
"Not to mention research, I just read a few books." Xiao Junmo said, "Master quoted this sentence, do you want to say that although you live as a layman as Wu Tingxuan, your heart can not be polluted by the world of mortals? Sewage?"
Biancai glanced at him alertly: "What does the general want to say?"
"It's nothing." Xiao Junmo smiled, "I just have a question that I can't figure out."
"what is the problem?"
"The Buddha said in the "42 Chapters": "A person is tied to his wife's house, which is worse than a prison." He also said in the "Mind and Earth Contemplation Sutra": "Persecution at home is like a prison, and it is very difficult to get rid of it." I would like to ask the master , as a monk seeking liberation, why did you abandon the pure and comfortable life of a monk and put yourself into such a 'prison'? What kind of pressure forced you to make such a difficult choice?"
The debater chuckled: "General, don't describe me so tragically. I left the monastery and returned to vulgar life entirely out of my own will. I didn't feel any pressure, let alone a difficult choice."
"Master is not sincere when he said that." Xiao Junmo spoke sharply, but his face was still calm and calm, "During the 16 years of returning to vulgarity, you vowed not to write a single word. If I hadn't found you by order, It is entirely possible for you to seal your pen for life. For a person who loves Wang Xizhi's calligraphy, this is definitely a difficult decision. From this, I think that the reason why you grow your hair and return to vulgarity must also be related to Wang Xizhi's calligraphy. To be precise, It is related to "Lanting Preface."
"The general's associations are really far-fetched!" Biancai said with a smile, "Don't the general think it's a bit far-fetched for a reason that a person would completely change his life just for a single copybook?"
"It's not far-fetched, it can only be said to be extraordinary." Xiao Junmo also laughed, "Since the mage is willing to make such an extraordinary change in his life, it also proves that the "Lanting Preface" that is closely related to you , the secret behind it must also be extraordinary."
The corners of the debaters' eyes twitched slightly.
He had to admit that this young man's insight was much more terrifying than he had imagined.Talking to such a person, you may fall into the trap at any time and say things you shouldn't say.
Biancai gently lowered the curtain on the car window, closed his eyes and began to meditate.
Too much talk is bound to be lost.He decided not to say a word from this moment on.
Seeing Biancai suddenly shut up and cover the car windows tightly, Xiao Junmo smiled.
At this time, silence is actually a silent confession.The more he keeps the topic secret, the more it proves that this is a secret he wants to keep.Xiao Junmo can now basically conclude that Biancai has the "Lanting Preface" in his hands, or at least knows its whereabouts.He changed his face and hid for so many years in order to protect the secret of "Lanting Preface", and now Li Shimin spent a lot of manpower and material resources to find Biancai and "Lanting Preface", he must also want to obtain this secret.The question now is just: what is the secret? Where is "Lanting Preface" now?
Of course, this is not something Xiao Junmo should worry about.As long as he brings Biancai back to Chang'an, his mission will be completed, and the emperor will worry about the rest.
At no time, the sun had just passed the mid-heaven, and Xiao Junmo and his party came to Luozhou Mansion.
Xuanjiawei never had to notify the local government when handling cases, but once he wanted to take the local criminals away, he had to report to the prefecture and county level offices and go through relevant procedures. That's why Xiao Junmo and his party had to enter Luozhou.If not, according to Xiao Junmo's temperament, he doesn't want to have anything to do with the local government at all.
When he saw the gate of the mansion from a distance, Xiao Junmo was a little surprised, because Yang Bingjun, the governor of Luozhou, led a group of officials to stand at the gate to greet him in person.
Luozhou was Shangzhou in the Tang Dynasty, and the governor was a third-rank general. Both rank and position were much higher than that of the fifth-rank general. It's an exaggeration to go out to greet them in such a big battle.
What is Yang Bingjun's intention?
Xiao Junmo thought about it for a while, and immediately understood that this guy's seriousness must not only be aimed at his identity as a Xuanjiawei, but also at the person in the carriage behind him——Biancai.
Thinking of this, Xiao Junmo couldn't help but keep an eye on it.
As soon as Yang Bingjun saw Xiao Junmo, he greeted him with a smile on his face: "General Xiao, I heard that you had solved a major case early in the morning, so I ordered someone to hold a banquet, first to celebrate your achievements, and second to welcome you, but Why did the general come so late?"
"The shape of the dragon gate is victorious, and Yique is romantic. Xiao Mou was greedy for the scenery of spring and mountains all the way, so he walked slowly." Xiao Junmo dismounted and saluted. The county magistrate is the Ming government, and officials at other levels are usually commensurate with their positions, unlike later generations who often refer to officials as "adults".
Yang Bingjun laughed when he heard the words: "If the general likes this place, you might as well stay for a day or two, and I can do my best as a landlord."
"Thank you for your kindness!" Xiao Jun smiled silently, "Xiao really wants to stay, I'm afraid His Majesty will not agree."
Yang Bingjun laughed a few times: "The general is dedicated to his duties, which is admirable!"
The two exchanged pleasantries and walked into the mansion together.
The banquet was very sumptuous, Yang Bingjun persuaded him to drink frequently, but Xiao Junmo only drank a glass or two, and declined repeatedly on the grounds of his duty.After the banquet, the relevant clerks of the Luozhou government led Luo Biao to go through the formalities, while Yang Bingjun and Chang Shi Yao Xing invited Xiao Junmo to drink tea in the flower hall behind the main hall.
"General Xiao, I heard that after you captured Biancai early this morning, you didn't inquire about the whereabouts of "Lanting Preface", let alone search Erya's pawn shop. Why?" Yang Bingjun asked impatiently after only two sips of tea.
Finally see you!
Xiao Junmo sneered in his heart.Those grand welcomes and warm hospitality in front of the battle were all prepared for this moment, a typical routine of courtesy first and soldiers later.
This morning, when Xiao Junmo went to Yique County to go through the relevant procedures and bandage the wound, the magistrate of Yique County proposed to seize the Erya pawn shop. You can't touch Erya's pawn shop.The county magistrate of Yique didn't expect his reaction to be so strong, so he asked after a long time, "Why?"
"I am in charge of this case, you are not qualified to ask why!" Xiao Junmo said bluntly.
The county magistrate of Yique was angry, but he didn't dare to explode.Xiao Junmo didn't even look at him, and immediately took Biancai on the road.
At this moment, it was obvious that the county magistrate of Yique must have failed, so he secretly sent Kuai Mafei to report to Yang Bingjun.Because Biancai was riding in a carriage, Xiao Junmo and his party walked slowly, so they were driven ahead of them.
"Shijun Yang, there is a small fallacy in what you said just now, Xiao wants to correct it."
Yang Bingjun was taken aback: "False? What fallacy?"
"Master Biancai is a guest of the Holy Majesty, not an imperial court offender." Xiao Junmo said calmly, "So, we can't use the word 'capture', we can only say 'found'."
"That's what I said, but the reason why the Holy Majesty is looking for debaters is also to find the "Lanting Preface". General Xiao doesn't know about this, right?"
"Of course I know that."
"Since we know, why didn't we interrogate Biancai, and didn't search Erya's pawn shop?"
"Because I can be sure that "Lanting Preface" is not with Biancai, and of course it will not be hidden in Erya's pawn shop." Xiao Junmo said, "I believe that Biancai is not that stupid."
The latter sentence obviously contained a pun, and Yang Bingjun's expression changed instantly.
"General Xiao," said Yao Xing, the long history next to him, "please don't forget that you are talking to a dignified third-rank official, please watch your tone."
Xiao Junmo smiled when he heard the words: "Yes, for the case of Biancai, the Holy Majesty ordered me to handle it, not our third-rank official Yang Shijun, didn't he?"
Yao Xing choked and had no choice but to shut up resentfully.
Yang Bingjun suppressed his anger, and said again: "You said that "Lanting Preface" is definitely not in Erya's pawn shop, why are you so sure?"
"No reason, just rely on Xiao Mou's little experience in handling cases." Xiao Junmo still smiled.
Yang Bingjun sneered: "It's just a small fifth-rank general, and it's only been three years since he joined Xuanjiawei, how can he be so arrogant!"
"If Mr. Yang doesn't like Xiao, you can ask Yushi Tai to read one of Xiao's books, or you can directly hand over the secret notes to the Holy One. If it is not convenient for you to make this trip, Xiao is willing to do it for you. Anyway, I am Going back to court, by the way!"
"You!" Yang Bingjun finally took the case, with great authority, "Xiao Junmo, don't think that you are a Xuanjiawei! You have the right to submit secret notes to the Holy One, and I can do it anyway. Don't think that I dare not What can I do with you!"
"Yang Shijun calmed down." Xiao Junmo took a sip of tea, showing a meaningful smile, "coincidentally, speaking of secret music, Xiao has a copy with him now, Yang Shijun, do you want to see it? Who is the Mizuo related to?"
Yang Bingjun was slightly shocked: "What do you mean?"
Xiao Junmo smiled and took out a roll of silk books from his arms, and shook Yao Xing: "Yao Changshi, please."
Yao Xing looked surprised, and immediately came over to take the silk book and handed it to Yang Bingjun.Yang Bingjun sat down, knocked down the tea bowl on the table with a clatter, and spread the silk book on the table to read.
Xiao Junmo was still smiling, watching his face.
Looking at the silk script, Yang Bingjun's face was full of anger at first, then livid, and finally pale, and his whole body sank like a deflated skin.
Xiao Junmo's secret memorandum revealed that Yang Bingjun and the magistrates of Luoyang, Yique, Yanshi, Yangzhai, Mianchi, Sishui and other counties under his jurisdiction have robbed the gentry and common people under the guise of buying Wang Xizhi's calligraphy for the emperor over the years. The various crimes of extortion, extortion, and their bad record of corruption and bribery over the past few years are also clearly written in one stroke.It is conceivable that handing over such a secret memorial will surely make the emperor furious, and it will also cause an earthquake in Luozhou's officialdom, and Yang Bingjun, as the governor of a state and the chief official of the frontier, will bear the brunt of it, and there is no redemption for death!
This matter was done by Xiao Junmo when he played the role of the scholar "Zhou Lugui".At first, he just investigated "Wu Tingxuan" secretly, and when he heard some complaints from the people, he thought it would be better to beat a rabbit with grass, and check it out by the way.When he heard and witnessed all kinds of crimes committed by these officials against the people, he was very indignant, so he devoted himself to collecting a large amount of criminal evidence, and finally wrote this secret memorial.
"Yang Shijun," Xiao Junmo finally put away his smile and looked directly at Yang Bingjun, "If you insist on copying Erya's pawnshop, I have no choice but to add another sum to this secret memorial! How to do it, you see Do it."
Xiao Junmo prevented Yang Bingjun and others from confiscating the Erya pawn shop, first of all, of course, because he believed that Biancai would not hide "Lanting Preface" at home, and secondly, he wanted to prevent these corrupt officials from taking the opportunity to embezzle people's wealth, but more importantly, because he I always feel that I owe the Biancai family something in conscience, so I don't want them to be hurt again.Especially that woman named Chu Lisang, although he has only met him a few times, but for some reason, Xiao Junmo always misses her in his heart.
Yang Bingjun was depressed for a long time before he raised his head: "Xiao Junmo, how much money do you want, let's make a price."
Xiao Jun laughed loudly: "Yang Bingjun, are you insulting me, or yourself? Do you really think that everyone in the world can be bought with money?"
Yang Bingjun snorted coldly: "Don't sing high-profile things here! Being an official for thousands of miles is only for money. It has always been the same since ancient times. I don't believe that you, Xiao Junmo, are an exception!"
At this time, Luo Biao finished the formalities and just returned to the flower hall. When he saw that the atmosphere was not right, he quickly stood at the door and did not dare to come in.
Xiao Junmo sneered silently, stood up, and patted the dust on his body: "Captain Luo, everything is done?"
Luo Biao hurriedly said: "Go back to the general, everything is done."
Xiao Junmo walked up to Yang Bingjun, put away the silk book and put it in his arms: "Mr. Yang, thank you for your hospitality. If you return to Chang'an in the future, no matter what your status is, Xiao will definitely be your host! Farewell." Arching his hands, he strode out of the flower hall and walked away with Luo Biao.
Yang Bingjun stared at Xiao Junmo's retreating back with a pair of dead fish eyes, and suddenly overturned the case, which shocked Yao Xing who was stunned aside.
Yao Xing approached tremblingly: "Master, this kid doesn't eat oil, salt, soft and hard. You have to show him some color."
Yang Bingjun was thinking about something: "How many days will you be there, sir?"
"The carrier pigeon was released early this morning. I heard from Wei Zuoshi a while ago that Mr. Wei is currently active in the Bianzhou area. If he arrives in time, he will arrive in two days at most."
"Biancai is traveling in a carriage, so I can't go fast." Yang Bingjun thought for a while, "Xiao Junmo will arrive in Shanzhou in three days at the earliest, just out of our territory. If you arrive in time, sir, we will start in Shanzhou in three days' time , hand over the eloquence to Mr. Xiao Junmo, and I will kill Xiao Junmo with my own hands!"
"Yes, the matter is in Shanzhou, even if Biancai is robbed and Xiao Junmo is dead, we will not be responsible." Yao Xing echoed.
"Also, you must immediately gather capable personnel and go to Yique."
Yao Xing didn't react: "Go to Yique? What are you doing?"
"Is there even a question?!" Yang Bingjun gritted his teeth, "Go and copy Erya's pawnshop for me! Regardless of whether there is "Lanting Preface", all the treasures of calligraphy and painting will be confiscated!"
Yao Xing came to a sudden: "Yes, this subordinate will go now." After speaking, he turned to leave.
"Wait." Yang Bingjun's eyes were dark, and he ordered Yao Xing to come closer, and whispered something in his ear.
Yao Xing grinned: "Your Majesty is brilliant!"
Yang Bingjun grinned grimly.
The shadow of the sun is slanting to the west, and smoke is curling from the roofs of every house.
Since "Wu Tingxuan" was taken away early in the morning, the door of Erya's pawnshop has been closed, and many neighbors have been looking outside, but there is silence in the pawnshop, and no movement can be heard.
All day long, Chu Yingniang and Chu Lisang hid in their bedrooms, not knowing what they were thinking.Lu Xiu didn't respond to talking to this one, and didn't respond to talking to that one, so anxious that she didn't know what to do.At noon, Lu Xiu and a few servants arranged a lot of food and served it in the mistress and maiden's room. After all the good words, they didn't move their chopsticks in a daze.Now that it was time for dinner again, Lu Xiu didn't have the heart to cook any more, so he shut himself in the room and sulked.
Chu Lisang actually wanted to go to his mother to ask everything clearly, but he also felt that his mother should take the initiative to ask her to explain, so he didn't let go of his anger.Sitting bored in the room for a whole day, she couldn't bear it anymore at last. Just as she was about to find her mother, the door was suddenly pushed open, and Chu Yingniang walked in with a blank expression.
"Tell me, what do you want to know?" Chu Yingniang sat down on the embroidered couch and looked at her.
"Shouldn't you explain it to me?" Chu Lisang was still angry, "Since I was a child, you and my father have kept many things from me, shouldn't you explain them to me clearly?"
Chu Yingniang sighed: "Okay, let's start with your father. That Xiao Junmo was right. Your father was originally a monk, and his Dharma name was Biancai. He was not your biological father. Mother took you When you came to Yique with him, you were only four or five years old. If you were not sensible, your mother would let you call him father, and then so many years have passed. Sonny, although he is not your biological father, he has treated you all these years You are no worse than your own daughter, you know all this, right?"
Chu Lisang recalled a lot of past events today, and actually vaguely remembered that when she saw "father" for the first time when she was a child, he was still bald, and there seemed to be ring scars on his head. "Mother, although I was not born to my father, he is still my father and will always be!"
Chu Yingniang was relieved: "If you say that, Mom will feel relieved."
"Then tell me, who is my real father and where is he now?"
Chu Yingniang's eyes flickered for a moment: "Mother was in Jiangling when she was pregnant with you. At that time, there was a war there, and there was chaos. Your father...he didn't survive."
Chu Lisang was startled: "You mean, my biological father... died before I was born?"
Chu Yingniang nodded heavily.
"Then how did you meet my father, and why did you come here?"
"After mother left Jiangling, she went to Yuezhou to visit relatives. She didn't want her relatives to be separated. Mother was alone, with no relatives, and took you with her. Life was very difficult. At that time, Yongxin Temple where your father became a monk also It was dilapidated, he was forced to return to vulgarity, and then he got acquainted with my mother, and has been taking care of our mothers since then..."
"No! Dad is definitely not returning to vulgarity normally!" Chu Lisang looked directly at his mother.
Chu Yingniang was slightly startled: "Why do you say that?"
"If he returned to the vulgar normally, he would have his own identity as a vulgar. There is no need to pretend to be that Wu Tingxuan, right?"
"Wars were everywhere at that time, so how could the government take care of returning to vulgarity? Wu Tingxuan was your father's old friend when he was young. The two of them planned to start a business together, but Wu Tingxuan died of illness. Your father came here to commemorate him. Secondly, I don't have a lay household registration yet, so I just pretended to be his identity... What happened, that's how it is."
Chu Lisang looked at his mother suspiciously: "Even if these are true, but Dad obviously loves calligraphy, why did he swear to seal his pen? Didn't he just want to hide his true identity? But why didn't he dare to let others know that he is a debater? "
Chu Yingniang was taken aback, and her eyes dodged again: "This... This is your father's privacy, and mother doesn't know it very well. When he comes back in a few days, you can ask him again, if he wants to say something."
"Mother, you don't have to hide it anymore. It's obvious that the reason why Dad tried every means to hide his true identity is because of Wang Xizhi's "Lanting Preface", right?"
Chu Yingniang was startled, but she didn't know what to say, she obviously acquiesced.
"Mother, tell me, the current emperor, and that Xiao Junmo, why do they all think that Dad has the "Lanting Preface"?"
Chu Yingniang was thinking about the past, her eyes were a little distant, and she said slowly after a while: "Your father's shaved master, Zhi Yong, is the seventh grandson of Wang Xizhi, and the "Lanting Preface" was handed down to him back then. When your father was young I’ve seen it too, but afterward Yongxin Temple frequently encountered rebels, and the "Orchid Pavilion Preface" was lost during the war. The court didn't know the truth, so it believed that the "Orchid Pavilion Preface" was in your father's hands."
Chu Lisang kept staring at her mother, and knew intuitively that she was not telling the truth, but right now it was impossible to find out the truth, so she had to give up after thinking about it, and said, "Mother, how do you plan to rescue daddy? "
Chu Yingniang was startled: "Your father is in Xuanjiawei's hands now, how can we save him?"
Chu Lisang was in a hurry: "You have practiced martial arts since you were a child, Da Zhuang and the others also have kung fu, even my skills are not too bad, why can't you save me?!"
"Sang'er, listen to me. The emperor invited your father to the court just to inquire about the whereabouts of the "Lanting Preface". As long as your father tells the emperor the truth and says that the "Lanting Preface" is not in his hands, the emperor will not believe it. I can't do anything to your father, I will definitely let him back in the end..."
"Mother!" Chu Lisang suddenly said loudly, "But what if the emperor doesn't let him come back?"
Chu Yingniang hesitated for a moment, then shook her head: "No, the emperor has to be reasonable..."
"Mom, if you don't dare to go, let Da Zhuang and the others follow me, and I'll save you!"
"No!" Chu Yingniang said coldly, "None of you can go!"
Chu Lisang looked at his mother angrily, tears suddenly welled up and swirled in his eyes.
At this time, there was a loud noise outside, and then the door was pushed open, and Luxiu ran in in a panic: "Mistress, lady, it's not good! Xuanjiawei and the others... they are coming to raid the house." !"
Chu Yingniang and Chu Lisang were shocked at the same time and looked at each other in horror.
Li Shimin received Li Tai's report, knowing that Biancai had been found, and he would bring him back to Chang'an in a few days, he immediately ordered Zhao Dequan to give Li Taibo three thousand pieces and ten thousand coins.Li Tai hurriedly knelt down to thank him.Li Shimin's wishes were still unfinished, and he ordered Zhao Dequan's biography to order Cen's text to go to the hall.Li Tai was secretly delighted, knowing that this time he must be announcing the Wude Palace.
Sure enough, after Cen Wenwen arrived, Li Shimin ordered him to draw up an edict immediately, allowing King Wei to officially enter Wude Hall after the first day of March.Li Tai was ecstatic in his heart, and knelt down to thank him again.From Li Tai's point of view, the day after tomorrow is the first day of March. Once the deal is done, it will be even more difficult for princelings like Wei Zheng to dissuade him.
Hearing the emperor's decree, Cen Wenwen was a little surprised, but he didn't say much, and immediately took orders to go to Zhongshu Province to draft the decree.
On the same day, the edict was issued by Zhongshu Province and sent to Menxia Province.Changsun Wuji, who was then a servant at the time, was taken aback for a moment when he saw the edict, and then ordered Liu Ji, the servant of Huangmen, to affix the provincial seal of his family, and sent the edict to Shangshu Sheng.Fang Xuanling, who was then Shangshu Zuo Pushe, received the edict and was not surprised at all, and immediately promulgated the edict for implementation.Later, the six ministers of the imperial court, such as Hou Junji, Minister of Officials, Tang Jian, Minister of Civil Affairs, Li Daozong, Minister of Rites, Li Shiji, Minister of War, Du Chuke, Minister of Industry, etc., and the Forbidden Army, such as General Wei Chi Jingde, Marquis of Youwu, etc. They all got the news.
All of a sudden, the high-ranking officials and ministers of the Tang court all had different expressions and different thoughts.
On this day at the end of February in the 16th year of Zhenguan, this heavy news was like a stone thrown into a pool of spring water, suddenly causing ripples...
At the same time when the turmoil was suddenly rising, Wei Zheng was sitting in the elegant room on the second floor of Wangchuan Teahouse, sipping Mengding tea while quietly waiting for someone.
The familiar knock on the door sounded, and Wei Zheng knocked twice on the case as usual to show his response.
"Wangyan is ashamed." The knocker groaned outside the door, coughing a few times at the same time.
Listening to the voice, it was not Xiao Henian who came, but someone else.
Wei Zheng took a sip of the fragrant tea, and answered as usual: "Thanks for Jiegan, Linchuan."
The door was pushed open, and a thin man in his forties with a blue complexion came in, bowed and said, "I have met Mr. Linchuan." Wei is one of the guard generals closest to the emperor.At that time, Li Anyan, like Wei Zheng, was also Li Jiancheng's subordinate. After Li Jiancheng's defeat, he joined Li Shimin together.
Wei Zheng greeted him to take a seat, exchanged some pleasantries, and cut straight to the point: "Gather some people, the most capable ones, and set off today. The target is Biancai who was escorted by Xiao Junmo by Xuanjia Weilang. After the matter is completed, send Biancai farther away." The better, don't let anyone find him again!"
A few days ago, Wei Zheng confessed to Li Anyan and asked him to ask the emperor for leave, and he got permission.At this time, Li Anyan had roughly understood the content of the operation, and the only thing that made him worry was Xiao Junmo.
"Sir, if Xiao Junmo resists strongly, what should the subordinate do?"
Wei Zheng couldn't help pondering when he heard the words.To be honest, he also knew that Xiao Junmo was the biggest difficulty in this operation. It was really a dilemma to snatch the eloquence from him without hurting him.After a while, Wei Zhengcai said: "Try to distract him as much as possible, and don't confront him head-on."
Li Anyan hesitated slightly.Xuanjiawei are all thoughtful and kung fu masters, and Xiao Junmo is even more outstanding among them. How easy is it to achieve this?
Of course, this hesitation was only for a moment, and Li Anyan immediately said: "Yes, this subordinate obeys." As he spoke, he couldn't help coughing again.
Wei Zheng looked at him with concern: "Why, the old disease relapsed?"
Li Anyan smiled wryly: "It's a coincidence that I just took leave with Shengshang that day, and the old illness relapsed that night. It doesn't look like a 'sickness', it's a real illness."
Wei Zheng also smiled: "There really are such coincidences in the world." Immediately thinking about something, he said, "If you feel unwell, I can make other arrangements..."
Li Anyan hurriedly said: "No need sir, I have taken a few medicines in the past two days, and I am much better, I am fine."
Wei Zheng thought for a while, but said nothing, and then the two discussed some details of their actions.Before leaving, Li Anyan suddenly remembered something, and said: "Sir, when I came here just now, I heard rumors in the court that the Holy Majesty has officially issued an order to let King Wei enter the Wude Palace."
Wei Zheng remained silent, as if he had already expected this result.
Seeing that he didn't speak, Li Anyan got up to leave.Wei Zheng suddenly said: "An Yan, finally, I want to give you one more word."
Li Anyan looked at him.
"If Xiao Junmo strongly blocks it, he would rather give up than hurt him."
"My subordinate understands."
When Yao Xing led people to forcibly break into Erya's pawn shop, everyone was wearing black armor.
Chu Yingniang and Chu Lisang rushed to the front hall to confront them with Lvxiu, Da Zhuang and others with weapons in their hands.Yao Xing claimed that they were Xuanjiawei, and they were ordered by Xiao Junmo to seal up the pawnshop, and ordered Chu Yingniang and others to put down their weapons, otherwise they would all be arrested for resisting the government.Chu Lisang was furious, and said loudly why Xiao Junmo didn't dare to come.Yao Xing sneered, saying that General Xiao was busy with official duties, how could he have time to deal with such trivial matters.
When Chu Lisang heard this, he became angry immediately, and swung his sword to attack Yao Xing.
The two sides fought like this.
Chu Yingniang originally tried her best to control the situation, but once she used the sword, the matter could never be undone.In order to protect her daughter, she had to join the battle.
During the fight, someone knocked over a candlestick, and the flame lit several scrolls of calligraphy and paintings on the counter, and the fire spread rapidly.
Surprised and angry, Chu Lisang cut down an officer and tried to rush to the counter to put out the fire, but unexpectedly, he was entangled by three officers and soldiers.With one against three, she fought hard, and finally cut down two, but more officers and soldiers surrounded them.
Since Yang Bingjun was determined to win, he ordered Yao Xing to bring more than 30 people here, and all of them were not weak in martial arts.Although Chu Yingniang, Chu Lisang and others were superior in martial arts, they were helplessly outnumbered.After a short fight, three or four pawnbrokers were lying in a pool of blood, and Lu Xiu was cornered by two officers and soldiers, screaming loudly.
When Chu Lisang secretly learned martial arts, he also taught the green sleeves a little bit, which is more than enough for daily self-defense, but in this kind of life-and-death fight, it is difficult to save his life with that little skill.Seeing that the green sleeves were in danger, Chu Lisang shook the long sword in his hand, and danced a ball of sword flowers, forcing two officers and soldiers back, then rushed out from the gap, jumped again, and pierced the back of an officer and soldier with his sword , stabbed him across the face, and then kicked with his left foot, sending another officer and soldier flying out.
Fangcai Luxiu had been forced to squat in the corner of the wall, seeing that the danger was relieved, he finally burst into tears and threw himself into Chu Lisang's arms.Chu Lisang patted her on the back and was about to comfort her when she suddenly felt something strange in her back and turned around suddenly, only to see a big soldier chopping off her head with a big knife.
At this moment, it was too late to dodge, and the green sleeve let out another ear-piercing scream.
At the critical moment, a flash of sword light flashed quickly, the big officer and soldier shook slightly, and then his head and body separated instantly, the head fell to the side, and the tall body fell heavily on the ground.
When he fell down, Chu Lisang saw his mother Chu Yingniang withdrawing her sword in astonishment.
The sword just now cut off the officer's neck silently, at an unbelievably fast speed.
At this time, the fire had already ignited ragingly in the whole pawn shop, and thick smoke was everywhere.More than a dozen officers and soldiers died, and all the men in Erya's pawn shop had fallen, leaving only Da Zhuang who was still struggling to support himself.Yao Xing had already retreated outside the door of the pawn shop, yelling loudly, but he didn't dare to approach at all.Yique County sent another large group of reinforcements, and they all surrounded the outside to make noise.
Chu Lisang was furious, and was about to rush out with a sword, but was grabbed by Chu Yingniang.
"You and Luxiu go from the backyard, hurry up!" Chu Yingniang yelled, and cut down another officer and soldier.
Chu Lisang wanted to argue with his mother, but when he opened his mouth, he inhaled a big mouthful of thick smoke, coughing uncontrollably, with tears and snot running down his nose.Lu Xiu hurriedly dragged her to the back door.Chu Yingniang guarded behind them, resisting six or seven officers and soldiers, fighting and retreating.Da Zhuang's eyes became red, and after cutting down two officers and soldiers one after another, he also rushed to Chu Yingniang's side and defended against the enemy side by side with her.
The four quickly retreated to the door leading to the backyard.Lu Xiu hugged Chu Lisang desperately, and pulled her into the backyard.Chu Yingniang was about to ask Da Zhuang to retreat first, but Da Zhuang grabbed her arm and pushed her hard, pushing her through the doorway.
"Hurry up——" Da Zhuang roared, blocking the doorway with his whole body, resisting desperately with his last strength.His body was wounded in many places, and his robe was stained red with blood.
Chu Yingniang gave Da Zhuang a final look with tears in her eyes, and took Chu Lisang's hand: "Let's go!"
Chu Lisang still wanted to struggle, but was rushed away by his mother and Lu Xiu alone, and instantly disappeared into the night in the backyard.When they came out over the wall, Da Zhuang finally couldn't hold on anymore, three knives were stabbed into his body at the same time, and a mouthful of blood spurted out...
Dusk falls, and the wind whimpers in the wilderness.
Chu Yingniang, Chu Lisang, and Luxiu hugged each other and stood on a high hill, looking at the fire that soared into the sky in Yique City from afar.
All the famous calligraphy, paintings and antiques collected by Biancai in the past 16 years were buried in the sea of fire and destroyed.
Tears of grief and indignation wet the eyes of the three women.
A ray of hatred, together with distant flames, burned in their pupils.
Li Shimin officially ordered Li Tai to enter the Wude Hall on the first day of March. This happened to coincide with the false news that Li Tai sent to Liu Jie a few days ago, and the time was exactly the same, neither a day earlier nor a day later.Such a coincidental coincidence really made Li Tai and Du Chuke couldn't help laughing when they talked about it.
"Your Highness, guess what expression Liu Ji had on his face when he came to look for me during the day?"
At this moment, Du Chuke was talking to Li Tai in the study of Prince Wei's mansion.
Li Tai suppressed a smile: "What other expression could it be? It must be beyond words!"
"That's right!" Du Chuke slapped his thigh, "This guy is pretending to be calm, but I can tell at a glance, but he was so moved by His Highness in his heart, he wished he could take out his heart and let me bring it to him." Show it to Your Highness!"
Li Tai smiled: "What else did Liu Ji say?"
"It's still those old-fashioned rhetoric, I don't think it's worth listening to."
"Listen or not, I have to make up my mind," Li Tai cast a cold look, "It's not what you think."
Du Chuke's heart trembled slightly, and he hurriedly said: "Liu Ji said, His Highness must keep a low profile after entering the Wude Hall, and from now on, in front of the Holy One, whenever you mention the East Palace, you must say good things, and you can't say a single bad word. The prince is not good, so we have to defend the prince and intercede. In this way, the Holy Majesty will naturally value His Highness more and alienate the prince."
Li Tai couldn't help frowning when he heard this.
"Your Highness, Liu Ji's method is too conservative, even cowardly..."
"You are wrong. This method uses the weak to control the strong, and the soft to overcome the strong." Li Tai interrupted him lightly, "Husbands are the only ones who do not fight, so no one in the world can compete with him! Liu Jie's words are quite the essence of Lao Tzu's thinking. I don’t think it’s unacceptable.”
"Don't fight?" Du Chuke sneered, "Since ancient times, has anyone succeeded in seizing the heir with the technique of shrinking? Has anyone made their opponents bow down by relying on the word 'do not fight'? Your Highness, everyone says that you are the most like a saint. Which one is the most important?" Like, in the eyes of the subordinates, it is the air of a king who looks down on the world and who can give me nothing! If the Holy One didn't fight back then, I'm afraid he would be a pile of bones in a barren mound now."
"Shut up!" Li Tai shouted in a low voice, "A courtier should say such things?"
"Your Highness, forgive me." Du Chuke was not frightened, "This subordinate is just telling the truth."
"Let's not talk about this." Li Tai took a breath, "The inner ghost has already appeared, so tell me, what should we do?"
"Xiao Henian, bastard!" Du Chuke said bitterly, "I didn't expect him to be the prince and Wei Zheng's dog!"
"Speaking of which, there is something to be done quickly."
"Your Highness mean 'yellow dog'?"
Li Tai nodded: "Now it seems that the matter is very obvious. After being exposed, the 'yellow dog' must have been instigated by the crown prince and Wei Zheng to trick us. As a result, we almost regarded Liu Ji as the ghost. So , this dog can no longer be kept, it must be removed immediately."
"Don't worry, Your Highness, I will make her disappear tomorrow."
"Also, what do you think about Xiao Henian's stealing of Bian Cai's intelligence?"
"This matter is a bit strange." Du Chuke was thinking, "For the time being, regardless of what the crown prince and Wei Zheng have to do with this matter, the fact that Xiao Henian took the risk of stealing information about Biancai is enough to show that there must be some big secret hidden in Biancai. In other words, the Holy Majesty has spent all these years looking for debates and "Lanting Preface", it must not be as simple as simply liking Wang Xizhi's calligraphy."
"Biancai changed his appearance and hid in Yique for 16 years, which is extraordinary in itself, and this is exactly what puzzled me." Li Taidao, "In the past few years, I have used "Kuo Dizhi" to help my father secretly find Biancai, But I have never been able to figure out what is hidden behind Biancai and the "Lanting Preface", so that the father is so worried and determined to win."
Du Chuke suddenly thought of something: "I don't know if Your Highness still remembers the sensational case of exterminating the Lu family in the ninth year of Wude?"
"You mean Lu Shiheng?"
"Yes. I heard that on the day of the Xuanwumen incident, before he died, Lu Shiheng urgently asked to see the Holy Majesty, and the Holy Majesty also went to see him for the last time. According to my speculation, Lu Shiheng must have left some clues for the Holy Majesty, and this clue points to "Lanting Pavilion" Later, the murder case happened again, which made the matter even more weird, and the Holy Majesty began to collect Wang Xizhi’s copybooks extensively. From this, it can be seen that no matter what secrets are hidden in the “Orchid Pavilion Preface”, it all originated from this Lu Shiheng!”
"Do you know who else accompanied Father Huang to meet Lu Shiheng at that time?"
"As far as I know, there are four of them."
"Which four?"
"Fang Xuanling, Changsun Wuji, Yuchi Jingde and Hou Junji."
Li Tai thought about the names of these four people, thought for a while, and said after a while: "This matter will not be clear for a while, and we have to think about it in the long run. What needs to be considered right now is whether to use Xiao Henian to steal the information about the debate." One matter, report it to Father Emperor?"
Du Chuke thought for a while: "This subordinate thinks it's impossible."
"Why?"
"His Highness has been helping the sage find eloquent talents for the past few years. Has the sage ever revealed his real motives to you?" Du Chuke asked instead of answering.
"Not at all."
"Since there is not, it means that His Majesty does not want His Highness to intervene in this matter, at least not yet. If His Highness hastily reported Xiao Henian's matter, it will only make His Majesty alert and wary of His Highness, and it will not do His Highness any good."
"It makes sense." Li Tai thought it was true, but he thought of something, "But the problem is that Xiao Henian stole the information, and it is very likely that he also went for the "Lanting Preface". If he and Wei Zheng sent someone to rob the debate , the imperial court has no precautions, and no one is going to meet Xiao Junmo, isn't that dangerous?"
"Your Highness is very worried." Du Chuke thought for a while, "Then we can only send our people to meet him."
"Inappropriate." Li Tai immediately vetoed, "As you said just now, the Holy Majesty doesn't want me to intervene at the moment. If we send people to respond, it will inevitably mobilize people. The Holy Majesty will definitely suspect what news we have obtained in advance."
"Then there is only one way." Du Chuke approached Li Tai and whispered something.
"Just do it like this!" Li Tai slapped the desk, "You give orders immediately."
Just as Du Chuke was about to get up, he suddenly thought of something: "It's broken! This Xiao Junmo is Xiao Henian's son, could they have colluded long ago?"
"Impossible." Li Tai laughed, "If so, why did Xiao Henian come to me in the middle of the night to steal information?"
Du Chuke slapped his forehead: "That's right, I forgot about this one."
"Also, since we don't want to hand over Xiao Henian to Father, we can only deal with it ourselves." Li Tai thought, "Besides, Xiao Henian must know about the secret of "Lanting Preface". If we can pry his mouth open, we will know everything."
Du Chuke nodded, already understanding Li Tai's meaning.
(End of this chapter)
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