mountain and river oath

The next day, Zhao Jing went to King Yu's mansion to visit Zhao Chong with the best medicinal materials. He was walking outside the bedroom, and his attendants went to summon him. Zhao Jing saw Shu Zilan coming out of Zhao Chong's room, still wearing yesterday's clothes. He stayed in Zhao Chong's room at night and took care of Zhao Chong all night. Shu Zilan's expression was tired and his brows were slightly frowned.

"Mr. Shu, is my fifth brother feeling better?" Zhao Jing said.

"It's better, thank you His Highness for your help yesterday," Shu Zilan said.

"Young Master and Fifth Brother have such a good relationship," Zhao Jing said.

"We grew up together, so our relationship is naturally better than others," Shu Zilan said.

"Really?" Zhao Jing said thoughtfully, Shu Zilan didn't seem to hear it, her expression was calm,

"Your Highness, please come in," the attendant came out and said.

"Okay" Zhao Jing handed over the herbs in his hand to the attendants, and walked into the back room, the room was filled with a strong smell of herbs.

"Rong Qing" Zhao Chong called from the bed.

"Prince" Shu Zilan hurried over, sat on the edge of the bed, and carefully helped Zhao Chong up.

"Sixth Brother" Zhao Chong said when he saw Zhao Jing coming.

Zhao Jing walked over, and an attendant brought over a small stool. Zhao Jing sat on the stool and looked at Zhao Chong who was lying on the bed. Shu Zilan took a pillow from the side and put it behind Zhao Chong. Zhao Chong lay on the pillow , looking at Shu Zilan, with a relaxed and happy smile on his face, the two eyes met, and they smiled at each other. Needless to say, there is naturally a tacit intimacy that is difficult for others to match.

"Fifth brother, are you feeling better?" Zhao Jing said.

Zhao Chong looked away from Shu Zilan, looked at Zhao Jing and said, "It's much better, I'm sorry for my fourth and sixth brothers to visit."

"I'm an idle prince, I'm bored, come and see Fifth Brother," Zhao Jing said.

"On the contrary, I envy the sixth brother, who is relaxed and keeps away from right and wrong," Zhao Chong said with a smile.

"Fifth brother holds several jobs. He is busy on weekdays and has no leisure time. Now he can take this opportunity to take a rest," Zhao Jing said.

"Sixth brother doesn't understand, things in the court are complicated, and there is no time to relax, so where is there any time to rest?" Zhao Chong said.

Zhao Jing smiled awkwardly, feeling embarrassed.

"My lord, the medicine is ready," the maid came in and said.

"Bring it here," Shu Zilan said.

The maid carefully came over with a bowl of medicine, Shu Zilan took it, carefully blew on it, picked up the spoon, and fed it to Zhao Chong one by one.

Because King Yu was assassinated, the guards in the capital stepped up their vigilance. There was a sudden turmoil in the capital, and the people discussed in private. During the hunt, because the six princes took refuge in King Yu, the prince was so angry that he sent people to assassinate King Yu on purpose. People rumored that the prince He has no morals and cruel means, even his own brothers dare to do it, without a trace of benevolence.

From that day on, Zhao Jing neither visited Prince Yu's mansion nor went outside, and hid in the mansion with peace of mind, regardless of the wild rumors outside, reading and practicing sword every day.It’s just that the season has entered July, and for a few days, the weather is hot, the sun hangs high in the sky and scorches the earth, there is no breeze in the sky, and the air is dry, as if just lighting a firewood will burn the world , Walking on the road for a while, the sweat will soak the clothes, and some weak homeless beggars died due to the hot weather.

Zhao Jing stayed in the palace. There were ice cubes in the dormitory, but he still felt hot. He held the fan in his hand and fanned it vigorously. There was no trace of coolness, but he felt even hotter. The wind brought by the fan was full of heat. Li Rumei stood Standing beside Zhao Jing, watching him sweating on his forehead, the sweat kept flowing down, shaking a folding fan in his hand leisurely, Zhao Jing took the folding fan in Li Rumei's hand, and fanned it vigorously. Feeling hot, Zhao Jing handed the fan to Li Rumei and said, "Sir, why is it so hot today?"

Li Rumei looked at the hot weather, the leaves of the emerald willow branches turned yellow, and the branches hung down limply. He sighed slightly and said worriedly, "This is not a good sign."

"What's wrong?" Zhao Jing asked.

"It will rain heavily in two days. How many people will be displaced by this rain?" Li Ru frowned.

"Don't the court know?" Zhao Jing said.

"In today's imperial court, the nobles and powerful officials control the government. They only care about fighting for power and profit. Who cares about the lives of the people? Anyway, the rain won't rain on them," Li Ru said with eyebrows.

Zhao Jing was silent, looking at the scorching sky outside the window.

Sure enough, two days later, the sky was clear and cloudless. One moment the heat spread, and the next moment it suddenly covered the top with dark clouds, and the space between the sky and the earth was dark. The strong wind blew violently, and the dense branches were blown away by the strong wind. The leaves and branches were blown in the air by the strong wind, and the world was in chaos. Occasionally, the shrill screams of men and women were heard.

Zhao Jing sat in front of the mahogany table in the study, resting his chin on one hand, staring blankly at the black clouds gathering outside the window, and the strong wind sweeping past, kicking up dust all over the sky.

"Hey, it seems that the people are about to suffer a disaster." Sitting not far away, Li Rumei sighed.

The study room was dim, and the two of them didn't think of lighting candles, they just listened to the howling wind outside in a daze.

"Coax" a muffled thunder came from the top of the head, the torrential rain fell from the sky, the bean-sized raindrops were densely connected, and the distance and near were connected by the rain, the strong wind blew past, and a white mist was raised, drifting in the wind. After a while, a nest of rainwater gathered on the ground, gradually gathered into a trickle, and merged into a vast ocean, overflowing the street, the rainwater rushed into the homes of the people with a roaring momentum, and the only thing that could be heard was that the wall collapsed, and the women The mournful wailing of men and children resounded one after another in the rainy night.

"In this flood, I don't know how many roads were damaged, how many people's houses collapsed, and how many people were washed away by the flood in this rain, leaving corpses in the wilderness," Zhao Jing said in a deep voice while looking at the heavy rain outside the window.

"Yes." Li Ru said in a deep voice, his voice was sad and filled with deep sadness.

"Do you remember your parents, wife and children?" Zhao Jing said softly.

Li Rumei didn't answer, his gaze passed through the dark study room, and fell on an unknown distance, before he said, "Yes, 8 years ago, my hometown was hit by a flood, I was lucky enough to meet His Highness when I went out, and I was able to live on. It’s just that my parents, wife and children were crushed in the house because of the collapse of the house, and none of them survived.”

Zhao Jing looked at Li Rumei, his eyes were moist, "In these years, I have never forgotten them, not only them, but also those neighbors and villagers, in that heavy rain, more than 500 people died in the heavy rain, and tens of thousands were left homeless Gui, living on the streets, his father sells his sons and daughters just to survive, the peaceful and peaceful town has become a hell on earth in this heavy rain, only the sound of wailing can be heard everywhere, but the government has privately obtained relief money from the imperial court, turning a deaf ear to the suffering of the people, Playing songs every night, hugging prostitutes and drinking happily in the opera house." Li Rumei's tone was full of anger and hatred that could not be concealed.

Zhao Jing looked at Li Rumei, then turned his head to look out the window, the dark clouds had not yet dissipated, and the sound of heavy rain was still ringing, "The dead are gone, we all have to look forward," Zhao Jing said in a low voice.

"I can't forget, I want to fight for my breath while I'm alive, I want to follow Your Highness, change the ruling power of the Great Wei Dynasty, the nobles control the government, the court doesn't know the suffering of the people, only knows to indulge in pleasure, the dispirited spirit of family strife, and rebuild the Qingming politics in Emperor Wu's time Ethos, so that the living will no longer suffer such pain, no longer separate their wives and children, and no longer sell their children and daughters." Li Rumei looked at Zhao Jing with crazy heat on his face.

"During Emperor Wu's time, the court atmosphere was so clear, the officials were clean, the people were rich, the country was prosperous and powerful, and the barbarians were sincerely convinced. I only regret that I was not born in that era," said Zhao Jing.

"We can't go back to that era, but Li Rumei is willing to swear to follow His Highness to rebuild Emperor Wu's Qingming politics." Li Rumei looked at Zhao Jing firmly with moist eyes, and said firmly.

"Our ideal is still far away, and there are still many obstacles in the future. Right now is a challenge," said Zhao Jing.

"That's right, after the current flood, the imperial court will definitely sow disaster relief silver taels. This has become a piece of fat that everyone wants to divide. How much can it really be divided into the hands of the people?" Li Ru asked with eyebrows.

"We have to fight for it, so that the disaster relief money can be used on the common people." Zhao Jing looked at Li Ru and said with eyebrows.

"Nowadays, there are many rumors in the market that King Yu's assassination was done by the prince. Although the emperor doesn't believe it, the three of them became tigers. If there are too many people talking, it will affect the emperor's judgment to some extent. But this time the rumors are so fierce, the emperor Naturally, he would suspect that King Yu was involved. He doubted both the prince and King Yu. If His Royal Highness can ask King Yu to recommend His Highness to go to the disaster relief, I believe the Emperor will choose His Highness. After all, His Highness is the most suitable candidate. His Highness has no background. There is no power in the court, and the emperor is most assured of you, but His Highness has one of the most fatal flaws, that is, he has no experience in disaster relief," Li Ru said with eyebrows.

"I'll just bring an experienced person along," Zhao Jing said.

"Who?"

"Ministry Minister He Minzhi" Zhao Jing said.

"Wonderful" Li Rumei clapped his hands and said, "He Minzhi has always been known for his upright speeches. He is a rare honest person in the court. Many people don't like him, and he doesn't bother to curry favor with others, so he has been serving as the Minister of Industry for 10 years. He didn't get promoted in [-], but he has rich experience in water control." Li Rumei turned to frown and said, "But how can His Highness get the recommendation of King Yu?"

"I can find someone," Zhao Jing said with a slight smile.

"Why are you here?" Shu Zilan was reading a book under the lamp, and was surprised to see Zhao Jing, who was all wet, suddenly appear in her study.

"I need my son's help with something," Zhao Jing said.

"Could it be that you came late at night because of the flood in Rongyang?" Shu Zilan said.

Zhao Jing was surprised that Shu Zilan had figured out the purpose of his actions just by his actions. Her thoughts were so delicate that it was difficult for ordinary people to reach, and the rain had not stopped yet. Shu Zilan already knew that Rongyang was seriously affected by the disaster, which showed that she had great influence. Well-informed.

"My lord, please save these disaster victims," ​​Zhao Jing suddenly knelt down and said.

Shu Zilan was taken aback, and hurriedly helped Zhao Jing up. He felt that Zhao Jing was soaked all over. He lowered his voice and said, "Your Highness is soaked. I'll ask someone to bring a piece of clothing."

Zhao Jing nodded slightly and stood up.

After a while, an attendant knocked on the door and brought in a clean robe. Zhao Jing took it and took off his shirt. He turned around and saw Shu Zilan with her back on her back.

"I'm going out, you change your clothes, I'll come in and find you later." Shu Zilan walked out.

After Zhao Jing changed his clothes, Shu Zilan walked in, looked at Zhao Jing, and said, "I can't help Your Highness"

"Young Master, please listen to me. You must have known that Rongyang was the most severely affected by the heavy rain. The flood occurred at noon. People were eating at home, and the houses were washed away by the rain, killing many people, and many others were flooded. Those who were washed away, how many families were separated by this flood, parents lost their children, and the children became orphans and had no one to rely on. What's more, the flood flooded the fields, and the farmers' corn and rice were all submerged. They originally had to rely on Pay taxes on these grains, feed yourself, and wait for the harvest next autumn, and now the heavy rain has left farmers with no crops, how will they survive this year?" Zhao Jing said in a deep voice.

Shu Zilan was startled when he heard that the flood had just stopped, and he had just received a report that Rongyang was seriously affected by the disaster. Unexpectedly, Zhao Jing's report was more detailed. It seems that he has grasped the situation of Rongyang's disaster. How powerful is he? ?It seems that King Yu underestimated him.

"The matter of disaster relief in Rongyang, the emperor will arrange it himself, and there is nothing I can do," Shu Zilan said.

"Is the young master powerless or unwilling to make a move?" Zhao Jing asked.

Shu Zilan looked at Zhao Jing in silence.

"Excuse me, my lord, who will the emperor send to rescue the disaster this time? People from the prince? People from King Yu?" Zhao Jing asked. "My son belongs to King Yu, so I naturally hope that the emperor will send someone from King Yu, but if he is from King Yu, who will the emperor send? Qiao Xing? Although this person has the ability to control water, he is greedy. This time Let him go, how much relief money do you think can go to the hands of the common people, is it true that you want to watch tens of thousands of people in Rongyang displaced in the wilderness of bones? Let these innocent people become the victims of the fight between the crown prince and King Yu, how cruel you are?" Zhao Jing said.

"I" Shu Zilan understands that what Zhao Jing said is right, he can't justify it, but this is related to the battle for the throne, he must not be careless, one step is wrong, he must be careful to prevent any power from becoming bigger and threatening King Yu, What's more, Zhao Jing, he can't see clearly, he seems to be weak, but every time people feel unexpected, Shu Zilan instinctively knows that Zhao Jing is dangerous, he can't let Zhao Jing have the opportunity to develop power, always To suppress Zhao Jing's influence.

"My lord, are you worried?" Zhao Jing looked at Shu Zilan and said silently.

"Why should I recommend you to go to Rongyang for disaster relief?" Shu Zilan asked, "Aren't you like Qiao Xing? You won't embezzle disaster relief money?"

"Whether I am a young man or not, you can wait and see. Besides, I am the most suitable candidate for this disaster relief. This time, King Yu spread rumors, and the rumors were raging. The emperor began to doubt whether King Yu was involved behind this matter. At this time, King Yu had better restrain himself, so as not to pick up sesame seeds and lose watermelon, causing even greater suspicion on the emperor, and compared to those who use the crown prince, I think you would be more willing to let me go, wouldn't you?" Zhao Jing said.

"How did you know that the emperor began to doubt King Yu?" Shu Zilan looked at Zhao Jing vigilantly, how powerful this man is, and such secret things can be heard.

"Of course I have my channel, you might as well use your own power to investigate and find out if it's true or not," Zhao Jing said.

"You are not a simple prince, what is your purpose for coming to King Yu?" Shu Zilan looked at Zhao Jing and said.

"It's just for self-protection. I have power, but these powers are all shady activities. It's not as good as King Yu's response to all calls in the court, and one sentence decides the situation of the world," Zhao Jing said.

"Oh..." Shu Zilan was dubious, he still couldn't believe Zhao Jing.

"If you are worried, you can follow me. With you by my side, I don't dare to do anything. I believe King Yu will also feel relieved," Zhao Jing suggested.

"I will consider it" Shu Zilan said slowly.

"Okay, if the matter can be accomplished, I will thank you son on behalf of the people of Rongyang," Zhao Jing said.

"No, tomorrow I will recommend you to go to Rongyang for disaster relief like His Highness, I will go with you, who else do I need to follow?" Shu Zilan said.

"There aren't many people, bring He Minzhi, Minister of Industry," Zhao Jing said.

"Is it just him?" Shu Zilan asked in surprise, thinking that there would be many people.

"Hehe,,,,," Zhao Jing laughed, he liked Shu Zilan's occasional surprise very much.

"Let's go, if you stay for a long time, people will be suspicious," Shu Zilan said.

Zhao Jing knew that Shu Zilan was wary of him, so he withdrew wisely.

Zhao Jing retreated, and Shu Zilan hurried to Prince Yu's Mansion with her bodyguards.

Zhao Chong was discussing Rongyang disaster relief with his confidant Sun Yi in the study. Seeing Shu Zilan coming late at night, he hurriedly got up and said, "Rong Qing, are you wet? Cook a bowl of ginger soup."

"No need." Shu Zilan waved his hand to stop him. Zhao Chong understood that Shu Zilan must have something important to do when he came late at night. He waved away his attendants, looked at Shu Zilan and asked with concern, "What's wrong?"

"The emperor began to doubt the prince," Shu Zilan said.

"How did the news come?" Zhao Chong said with a serious expression.

"Zhao Jing said," Shu Zilan said

"How is it possible for him?" Zhao Chong asked in surprise.

"My lord, be careful about Zhao Jing, he is not simple, and there is a huge force behind him," Shu Zilan said solemnly.

Zhao Chong was silent for a long time, hesitating for a long time, "Is it reliable?"

"I think it's reliable. Our informant said cryptically that the emperor is starting to doubt you," Shu Zilan said.

Zhao Chong turned to look at Sun Yi, and Sun Yi's eyes fell on Shu Zilan, questioning with some doubts, Shu Zilan didn't like Sun Yi, seeing Sun Yi's gaze on him, he just felt disgusted.

"Zhao Jing came to look for you, why?" Sun Yi said.

Shu Zilan hated Sun Yi and was unwilling to talk to him.

"Rong Qing, why did he seek you?" Zhao Chong asked. He didn't understand why Shu Zilan and Sun Yi hated each other, but these two people were important people around him, and sometimes they were sandwiched between them, which made him feel Difficult.

"I hope the prince can recommend Zhao Jing to Rongyang for disaster relief in front of the emperor," Shu Zilan said.

"He" Zhao Chong said in surprise.

"How is this possible?" Sun Yi refused.

"Now the emperor is beginning to doubt the prince, the prince needs to avoid suspicion, but we can't let the prince's people go up, we can only let Zhao Jing go," Shu Zilan said.

"Let me think about it," Zhao Chong hesitated.

"We can't see clearly the forces behind Zhao Jing, how can we let him go to Rongyang for disaster relief at this time?" Sun Yi said dissatisfied.

"Who can we send? The prince's people?" Shu Zilan looked at Sun Yi and said,

"My lord, it is better to let Zhao Jing go than to let the crown prince go, we can only give it a go." Shu Zilan looked at Zhao Chongdao.

Zhao Chong paced back and forth without saying a word.

"My lord, we can't let Zhao Jing go, we can't let Zhao Jing have a chance to show himself," Sun Yi said.

"How can we stop someone like Zhao Jing?" Shu Zilan said dissatisfied.

"Zhao Jing is a dangerous person. Once he is sent to Rongyang to relieve disasters and fails, it will not be a big deal if he comes back. But if he succeeds, we are helping him accumulate power, which will become a serious problem in the future. , so we have to face the prince and Zhao Jing's two forces, and the situation is even more difficult," Sun Yi said.

"If we don't help him, the prince will probably be happy to help him," Shu Zilan said.

"Okay, you two stop talking," Zhao Chong said with a headache.

Shu Zilan didn't speak, but looked at Zhao Chong, with an inaudible grievance flashing in his eyes, Zhao Chong felt distressed, he thought for a while, and reluctantly said, "Forget it, we don't have any good candidates, so we will listen to Rong Qing and let Zhao Jing Go, but I want to send someone to follow him and keep an eye on him," said Zhao Chong.

"I'll go" Shu Zilan said.

"You?" Zhao Chong looked at Shu Zilan subconsciously wanting to refuse, he was reluctant to put Shu Zilan in a place where he could not see, "The capital cannot live without you, so go with someone else."

"We must always guard against Zhao Jing, this person can only be Mr. Shu," Sun Yi said suddenly, and the two agreed for the first time.

Zhao Chong looked at Shu Zilan suspiciously.Shu Zilan laughed, he understood why Zhao Chong was worried, "I'll go"

"Okay." Zhao Chong understood that this was the only way to go.