Sealing Sword

After Tang Zhiyang finished speaking the last word, Jing Wang Chuyan became furious and kicked over the sandalwood table in the study, smashing the pen, ink, paper and inkstone all over the floor, no one dared to say anything here.

"Chu Wanning, Chu Wanning, what a Chu Wanning!"

As soon as Princess Jing entered the door, a porcelain cup fell on her feet. She lowered her eyes and saw that it was the tea set that she had sketched out in the early years. The prince always liked it, but now it was abandoned like a shoe. I don’t know if she didn’t recognize it in a hurry. , or didn't think much about it at all.

The fingers holding the handkerchief tightly, Princess Jing breathed a sigh of relief: Fortunately, A Yao has been taken away by his master.

Chu Yan's lingering anger still persisted: "The princess is not in Yaoguang Pavilion to accompany guests, could it be that Chu Wanning said something?"

"Looking at Concubine Chen's face, in the name of the princess, the prince should still be called the emperor's sister, so be careful." Princess Jing carefully avoided the broken porcelain, walked to him and softly comforted him, and quickly suppressed Chu Yan's anger .

King Jing has a strong temper, but she only wears a gentle and steady shell. In contrast, this princess is too gentle, as peaceful as a pool surrounded by a rockery in the courtyard, even if she frowns, she is graceful like a spring breeze blowing across the water.

It's no wonder that King Jing didn't accept a side concubine even if he had only one son, and treated her wholeheartedly.

Seeing that Chu Yan suppressed her anger, the princess said: "The princess didn't say much, she just said, 'Bloodline inheritance is not easy, she and her son-in-law are no longer young, so you should be very careful with your children, not to mention that your majesty is old, and you should be very careful with your grandchildren." Pay more attention'."

As soon as this remark came out, the expression on the son-in-law Tang Zhiyang's face instantly became ugly.

Concubine Jing glanced at him, and said: "The plan of Datong Temple, let's take a long-term view. It is not a good thing for the Tang family or the concubine Chen to hurt the heirs and make trouble with the princess."

She stopped talking, put down the ginseng tea she had made by herself after finishing her sentence, and ordered the servant girl to quickly clean up the mess on the floor, and then she took people away without any delay.

After watching her leave, Chu Yan signaled Tang Zhiyin to close the door. There were two other people in the study besides them. One was a tall and heroic young man, and the other was a middle-aged man with a white face and long beard.

Lin Xiaowei, the chief of the secret guard of the palace, and Zheng Qiu, the servant of the Ministry of war.

The secret guards of the Ming army are all here, it can be seen that King Jing can't hold back anymore.

Zheng Qiu had the highest seniority among the four, so he sneered at Tang Zhiyang, and said unceremoniously: "The princess is so majestic, Zhiyang, you married a good wife!"

Since Chu Xun asked himself to pray for blessings early this morning, Chu Yan went back to the mansion to call for deployment, intending to use this opportunity to make some moves, even if he died, he would peel off his skin, no matter whether he was disabled or disfigured, he would lose the chance to become a treasure Trying to pour dirty water on the other princes, killing two birds with one stone.

However, Princess Yuning went to the imperial court to petition to accompany her, but this plan had to be shelved.

She is the only daughter of Concubine Tang Chen and Tang Zhiyang's wife, and she is still pregnant, if there is any mistake in their actions, it will be difficult to explain it later.

Even though Concubine Tang Chen has said more than once in recent years that Princess Yuning is divorced from her, she is still reluctant to part with this only biological flesh and blood, not to mention that her existence is also a big bargaining chip for Concubine Tang Chen's firm favor, and she will not be able to do so until the death of Emperor Chongzhao. Very offended.

"She did this to serve as a talisman for Chu Xun. For this reason, she threatened her uncle with herself and her child. When she came to the palace tonight, she also put us in front of the emperor. If something happens, the palace will not be able to escape." Chu Yan looked cold, "So, this time, not only can we not do anything, but we also have to protect people."

Zheng Qiu frowned and said, "How did Princess Yuning know that we were going to do something?"

Chu Yan looked at Captain Lin, and his voice turned cold: "Gu Xiao, where did you go today?"

As Chu Xun's master, and the least experienced in Prince Jing's mansion, he is indeed the most suspicious person.At the beginning, Chu Yan was willing to let him accept Chu Xun, but it was also because he wanted to put him next to Chu Xun as an eyeliner. However, the other party is not his confidant after all, so he should never be negligent in guarding against him.

"Reporting to the lord, the subordinates don't know." Lieutenant Lin lowered his head in fear, "He has excellent lightness skills, and he has hidden guards all over the city of Tianjing. The subordinates dare not follow too closely. They only know that he has not entered the palace today."

Chu Yan said coldly: "I handed over the power of the dark guard to you seven years ago, but it only took him three years to make you blind."

There was a chill behind Xiaowei Lin. He was the first to kill Gu Yaofang and keep Gu Xiao, because compared to the experienced and ruthless Gu Yaofang, a junior who had just come out of the rivers and lakes was obviously better to control and use.However, after three years of hard work, when Gu Xiao more than doubled the number of hidden guards in Prince Jing's Mansion, and spread the dark net all over the city of Tianjing under the eyes of the emperor, those contempt that was once turned into fear.

If the Lord of the Burial Soul Palace who lives far away in Mizong Ridge is an evil ghost in human skin, Gu Xiao is a demon tree that grows in the light but takes root in the dark, growing rapidly by relying on flesh and blood. , Up to now, everyone in the house is not afraid.

It took them three years to turn a wolf cub into a hungry wolf.

Lieutenant Lin wanted to cross the river and demolish the bridge more than once, but all his hands and feet had concerns, and if he didn't pay attention, the bottom would be exposed, and the trouble would be even worse, so he could only hook him with Gu's bullying in fear, like walking on thin ice.

Since it is not possible to kill and seize power for the time being, it can only be stabilized for the time being. Fortunately, at that time, there were few clues left, and Gu Xiao was watched under the eyes of King Jing, so it was difficult to obtain definite and useful information on this matter.

Thinking of this, he hurriedly said: "My lord, although Gu Xiao and Chu Xun have the names of mentors and apprentices, he and the son are more like mentors and apprentices. What's more, the matter of Datong Temple is a temporary idea, and he shouldn't know it in advance. , Naturally, there is no time to leak the information.”

"If it wasn't for him, how did the news get out?" While speaking, Zheng Qiu's eyes fell on Tang Zhiyang, and the unfinished meaning was clearly revealed.

Tang Zhiyang clenched his five fingers: "Master Zheng thinks it's my general calling for a thief?"

Without waiting for Zheng Qiu's sarcasm, Chu Yan said, "There is another possibility...Princess."

As soon as this remark came out, the faces of the three of them showed shock, Zheng Qiu murmured: "How could the princess..."

"After a while today, she sent someone to deliver a new fragrance to the concubine, and the servant girl reported that the princess was there at that time. The name of the incense is 'Tongning', and there is a hand-painted pattern of 'shougong' on the wooden box." Paused , Chu Yan picked up the ginseng tea and stroked the smooth wall of the cup, "I didn't think much about it until this tea..."

Lieutenant Lin asked in amazement, "Could it be that the tea is poisonous?"

"The princess won't be like this, but she is cautious, and she will remember that this king hates this smell the most." Chu Yan threw the tea cup on the table and splashed half of the rice paper, blurring the unfinished letter on it, "Ginseng is like life, even if there is a bitter future. Returning to the sweetness, after all, it will be a cup of white water... She is warning me, stop."

Zheng Qiu thought more: "Is this what the concubine wants, or what is meant by Mrs. Tang?"

Tang Zhiyang shook his head: "My father and the lord have long been in an alliance, how can there be any reason to turn against the water at this critical moment?"

"Women are always soft-hearted, especially when she has Ah Yao." Chu Yan said lightly, "Ah Yao is already 11 years old. If the king doesn't do anything, his life will always be rich and prosperous. The princess doesn't expect anything from him. This is enough for a great future, if this king fails, even this kind of life will be gone forever, she is willing to live and die with this king, but she is reluctant to share weal and woe with A Yao."

As the brother of Princess Jing, Tang Zhiyang immediately said in a cold voice: "A woman's opinion is that before a major event occurs, she will arouse others' ambition and destroy her own prestige!"

"The concubine's worry is not unreasonable. I don't blame her, but... I hate losing the most, so I won't lose." Chu Yan narrowed his eyes and looked at Captain Lin, "Three years, in your opinion , do you think Gu Xiao is still credible now?"

Lin Xiaowei said: "As long as he doesn't know the truth for a day, he is credible."

Chu Yan lightly pressed his forehead: "However, is there any paper in this world that can hold fire?"

He hesitated because he was reluctant to part with the benefits that Gu Xiao brought. After all, as a prince, countless people would watch his every move. Secret planning was very important, and it almost meant that the eyes and ears controlled the decision-making.

Lin Xiaowei has been in charge of the dark guard for seven years, and he can only barely fight against other forces. Until Gu Xiao came and spent three years reorganizing some of the descendants of Lve Ying from the past, and rearranged the deployment of the dark guard for training. Now the voice and appearance of the entire Tianjing City He was placed in front of Chu Yan and held between his palms by Gu Xiao.

Because of this, he will be jealous.

Gu Xiao can grow up like this, how long can Gu bully Fang be hidden from him?

Cut off your arms to prevent future troubles, or try to delay before deceiving?

Zheng Qiudao: "How many people besides the four of us know about Gu's bullying?"

Lieutenant Lin said: "At that time, all the dead soldiers who followed my subordinates to the Burial Soul Palace had become silent dead people. Afterwards, my subordinates also personally took people to burn Feiyun Peak. The mountain was full of life and now there is no grass. The only one who can still live knowing the truth is Palace Master Helian, but..."

Chu Yao frowned: "But what?"

"This time, my subordinates went to Mizong Ridge to contact Buried Soul Palace. Palace Master Helian sent someone, saying that the prince might be useful."

Tang Zhiyang asked, "Who?"

"One of his subordinates is said to have been ordered to guard the Weeping Blood Cave three years ago, and tortured Gu Xiao."

Chu Yan was startled for a moment, then laughed loudly: "Okay! Thank you Palace Master Helian on my behalf!"

Captain Lin said: "Palace Master Helian handed him over to his subordinates this time, and asked them to bring a word to the prince."

Just when Chu Yan was in a happy mood, he asked, "What did he say?"

Lieutenant Lin hesitated for a moment, then said: "Palace Master Helian said that his old injury has relapsed, and the people in Burial Soul Palace urgently need to be rectified, and Mizong Ridge is far away from the high road of Tianjing Mountain. This incident has more energy than energy, so we have to wait and see." On the day your lord gets his wish, I will kiss you in Tianjing and offer a toast and congratulations to you."

The smile on Chu Yan's face disappeared.

Zheng Qiu and Tang Zhiyang frowned. The cooperation between Prince Jing's Mansion and Burial Soul Palace has always been secretive and crucial. At this critical juncture, Burial Soul Palace is not advancing but retreating, which is not good news.

What does Helian Yu mean?

After a long while, Chu Yan asked inexplicably: "Palace Master's old injury has recurred, what kind of injury is it? Is there a serious problem now? Are you sure about it?"

Lieutenant Lin hesitated for a moment, and said: "This time, this subordinate entered Mizong Ridge because he was invited to the forbidden area of ​​the main peak as an exception. He saw Palace Master Helian practicing kung fu in the cold spring. His body... did have three sword wounds.

Tang Zhiyang was startled: "Sword injury?"

"Two are on the chest and back, both are very close to the mouth, and the other is on the shoulder, which can cut the neck and seal the throat... With my eyesight, I can confirm that this is an old injury, but The wound is difficult to heal, and it has broken down again recently."

Chu Yan finally revealed a look of shock: "Who can hurt him so far?"

Captain Lin said: "A dead man."

The other three people in the room finally felt relieved. Since they were dead, no matter how scary the other person was before he was alive, they are nothing to be afraid of now.

Chu Yan slowly sat down, and tapped his fingers on the table: "Since the palace master didn't refuse, that's all. With his great gift, this king can completely tie Gu Xiao to the warship, and you can rest assured about the dark net for now." ...Lin Chao, the honored guests from the north are coming, and you have to be prepared."

He spoke cryptically, Captain Lin immediately understood: "Yes!"

At this moment, there was a notification from a confidant outside the door: "My lord, Deputy Captain Gu is asking to see you."

When Cao Cao and Cao Cao arrived, the four people in the room looked at each other. Zheng Qiu left through the secret passage first because of his special status. Lieutenant Lin quickly recovered the machine, and Chu Yan said, "Let him in."

Gu Xiao stepped into the door with a whole body of dust, without looking or talking, he put his hand into his bosom and presented a thin page of paper, saying: "Tonight, I went down to stay in Zuichun Tower, and saw the servant of the Ministry of Rites I violated the rules and went to prostitutes, so I used some means to ask for something, please take a look at it."

There were only a few words on the paper, but Chu Yan's gaze stayed on it for a long time, and it took a while before he transferred it to Zheng Qiu, staring at Gu Xiao closely: "Is this serious?!"

"Your Majesty will establish the emperor's grandson in three days, and the imperial edict has been drawn up." Gu Xiaodao, "The decree has not yet been formally issued, but His Majesty has secretly ordered the Ministry of Rites to make preparations, which shows that the determination has been made."

Chu Yan's face was gloomy, and Tang Zhiyang said coldly: "Although we say that we will take a son and not a concubine, but if you have a grandson but not a son, your Majesty is not afraid of causing objections?"

"He can't trust us." Chu Yan sneered, "Even though the second emperor is silent now, he still has power, with the Situ family as the backing, and the resentment and resentment of Qin Gong's case, if the father chooses him, I'm afraid I can't even close my eyes... As for my younger brothers, except for the fifth child, they are useless, but unfortunately he is born with nine fingers, how can he be the emperor if his body is lacking?"

Gu Xiaodao: "Since this is the case, the prince should be the one everyone expects."

Chu Yan's face was even uglier, it was full of unwillingness and resentment, which was fleeting and returned to normal in a blink of an eye.

Tang Zhiyang said at the right time: "My lord, why don't we try again."

King Jing said, "Try what?"

"Try the opinions of the officials on this matter, and test your majesty's attitude towards your descendants." After a pause, Tang Zhiyang said in a deep voice, "The ten princes are outspoken, and if they learn about this, they will definitely not be silent... In this way, if If it succeeds, it will be difficult to disobey the will of all, if it fails, it will be difficult for Prince Duan to take care of himself alone, the muddier the water, the more beneficial it will be for the prince."

King Jing was startled, then laughed loudly: "Okay!"

Gu Xiao didn't say a word, and turned into a silent stone statue together with Lin Xiaowei. It's the right way to be a secret guard with few words, and when you should not speak, don't say a word.

When King Jing saw him, he suddenly said, "Lieutenant Lin, you went to the Southwest for more than a month, did you find any news about Burial Soul Palace?"

Lieutenant Lin immediately remembered what he had planned just now, and came up with the excuse he had already thought up: "Reporting to the lord, my subordinates were ordered to investigate who in the royal family colluded with the Palace of Burying Souls, ventured into Mizong Ridge, and accidentally found the former deputy Gu." One of the survivors of the matter has been escorted back to Wangfu secret..."

Lin Xiaowei didn't finish his sentence, because he looked at Gu Xiao, and his voice stopped abruptly.

The young man who was not as weak as the crown had a pale complexion and seemed too calm. He put one hand on the handle of Jinghong's knife and slowly rubbed it. His voice was colder than the cold autumn night: "Oh?"

He caught a glimpse of Gu Xiao's eyes.

The blade broke through the box with a cold light.