turmoil

Prince Liu Yanzhao is a handsome and noble young man, even in an ordinary moon white robe, he still looks as chic as the breeze and the moon.He leaned over to support Yang Fan, and patted him on the shoulder: "The great victory in northern Xinjiang is due to Yang Hou's contribution! Dingbianhou is indeed a pillar of my Great Yin, and I will thank you on behalf of the people of the world!"

The prince spoke generously and emotionally, but Yang Fan couldn't follow the pole. He followed the prince's voice and said a few perfunctory words. Seeing the young man's gaze shifting into the queue, he couldn't help being both amused and worried: " Don't worry, Your Highness, Mr. Zhang is safe and sound... he just suffered some trauma and was recuperating in the carriage along the way."

Only then did Liu Yanzhao heave a sigh of relief, patted Yang Fan's shoulder and said with a smile: "Okay, let's go to the palace with the solitary, the emperor is still waiting to see you."

This way into Beijing, both sides of the wide Qingshi street were already crowded with cheering people, vying to see the demeanor of the young general.Yang Fan listened absent-mindedly to the praise, but his heart was full of blood in the Zhongyonghou's mansion. He wanted to ask the prince several times to clarify, but he still couldn't find a suitable opportunity.

After such a delay, people have arrived at the gate of the palace.

The purple spring palace is locked in haze, and the century-old prosperity and peace are all condensed between the double eaves of the palace and the prosperity of Zhuyan.Today, Emperor Taiping has passed the Mandate of Heaven, and at first glance he looks like an old scholar who is full of poetry and wine.Seeing Yang Fan, he smiled all over his face, and his wrinkles and crevices were filled with the love of the elders.

"I counted the days, Yuanzhou should have arrived two days ago, I never thought that the road would be difficult, but I actually delayed until now," the old emperor said cheerfully, "Okay, the child who hugged my thigh and asked for candies back then Now that I can stand on my own, I can finally explain to Zi Ke under the Nine Springs."

"Zi Ke" is the word of Yang Shen, Marquis of Lao Ding Bian. Yang Shen and the current emperor grew up together to read together. Never mind how fearful he was when Lao Ding Bian Hou was alive. In front of the younger generation, always have the attitude of "brothers, friends and brothers respecting each other".

Yang Fan suddenly felt tired. In this deep palace, everyone was wearing more than one mask. At first glance, there were a lot of flowers, but the ghosts and monsters under the mask were invisible.

"For your Majesty's enquiry, I should have arrived long ago. It's just that I encountered an assassin on the way to the teacher, so I was delayed for two more days." Yang Fan rolled his eyes, and he had already thought of his words. He pulled up his sleeves halfway, revealing an inch-long The scar on his face was obviously left two days ago. Although he closed his mouth, the scar hadn't healed yet, and he looked a little creepy, "Look, Your Majesty, this is what the dog assassin did. The minister has not yet healed on the battlefield." You've been hurt so badly!"

When Emperor Taiping saw it, he was really furious: "Where did the assassin come from? How dare you assassinate my first-rank military lord of the Great Yin? How dare you! Where is the assassin? Is there anyone alive?"

"Two people were caught alive, but these assassins were so stubborn that they didn't make a sound no matter how hard they beat them." Yang Fan lightly blamed himself for the lynching interrogation, and showed aggrieved appearance, "I will tell you the truth, your Majesty, this time , I have suffered a lot, and I hope to stay in Jinxiu's prosperous village in peace and stability, and don't receive these thrilling errands——As for the commander's seal, please find someone you can trust to keep it."

Yang Fan had just returned from a great victory, no matter how hungry the old emperor was, he couldn't immediately accept his seal of command.However, Yang Fan's posture still satisfied the old emperor. He patted Marquis Dingbian on the shoulder and said with a smile, "What nonsense are you talking about? You are the only son of Marquis Dingbian, and you can still be a playboy in Beijing for the rest of your life? That's fine, that's it. I care about things myself, don't worry, I will give you an explanation about the assassin!"

Yang Fan followed the old emperor's words and said a few words of politeness, and the eunuch who was waiting outside the palace walked in quickly, bowed and said, "Your Majesty, Zhang Jingche who came back from northern Xinjiang is asking to see you."

Yang Fan was slightly shocked, barely resisting the urge to turn back, staring at the tip of his shoe with drooping eyes.

The old emperor said "pass", and after a while, Zhang Jingche walked in and prostrated himself on the ground according to the etiquette.The old emperor was not as kind to him as he was to Yang Fan. With his hands behind his back, he put on a majestic emperor: "You have been lurking in Beile for more than a year. You have worked hard. This time, Master Wang, you have contributed a lot."

Zhang Jingche lowered his head humbly, and pressed his forehead against the cold floor tiles: "Caomin owes their kindness to the Son of Heaven, and dare not take credit for it."

The old emperor nodded, and said again: "Since you are back, don't call yourself a grassroots man—Jin Yiwei has become more and more out of shape in the past two years. I appointed you as the Fu Tongzhi of Jin Yiwei North Town, and you can give the best of your talents."

Yang Fan frowned slightly, feeling vaguely inappropriate.

Jinyiwei is one of the twelve guards in Beijing. It was originally the emperor's guard of honor. In recent years, it has also served as a prison supervisor, commonly known as "small report".The private movements of civil and military officials, ranging from forming cliques for personal gain, to entertaining guests, were all reported to the old emperor's desk through Jin Yiwei.As time passed, Jin Yiwei's reputation in the court became worse and worse.

Zhang Jingche was dressed in white, if the old emperor really thought about him, he should be sent back to his hometown, and he should be admitted to the official position through the imperial examination.But his intention to put people in Jinyiwei is really intriguing.

Zhang Jingche didn't realize it, and kowtowed to thank: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness."

The old emperor hummed wearily, and said again: "Dingbian Hou was attacked by assassins on the way to his teacher. This is really unheard of! He arrested a few short-sighted people, and you take them to the imperial prison, and try to find out about them. The person behind the scenes!"

The assassin was originally captured by You Yunwei, and the confession that should be asked is almost complete. Zhang Jingche was thinking about finding a reason to hand it over, but Yang Fan had already paved the way for him.

Zhang Jingche glanced indistinctly, but only saw a touch of light blue robe.

I just heard the old emperor say calmly: "You guys came back just in time. The crown prince is old and has reached the age of marriage. A few days ago, he just appointed the lady of the official secretary's family, and we are going to get married in early March..."

What the old emperor said later, Yang Fan didn't take it to heart at all, he subconsciously turned his head, and saw Zhang Jingche kneeling on the spot expressionless, as if the person who was about to get married had nothing to do with him.

After such a slip, the old emperor's words have come to an end: "...you two are the pillars of the country, in the future, you will work together to support the East Palace, and serve the country loyally, understand?"

This is no different from a signal of "playing with the book, but kneeling without the book". Yang Fan understood it, kowtowed happily, got up and exited the hall.

Seeing Zhang Jingche retreating closely behind him, he deliberately took a step forward, when suddenly there was the sound of hurried footsteps beside him, an eunuch bowed forward, first saluted Yang Fan, and then turned to Zhang Jingche: "Mr. Zhao, please come with us.”

Yang Fan was taken aback, fearing that the queen might have heard some rumors, and sent someone to go over to question her.He really doesn't like the person surnamed Zhang, and he doesn't necessarily care about whether this person lives or dies, but Zhang Jingche has been lurking in Beile for more than a year. Not only did he send out key information, but he also got injured all over his body. Zhongliang" side.

The queen wants to deal with one or two "domestic pets", and Yang Fan absolutely agrees with both hands, but embarrassing "Zhongliang"... This is not appropriate.

Marquis Dingbian was planning to step forward to protect the newly released Zhang Tongzhi, but Zhang Jingche had already said, "Then please trouble your father-in-law to lead the way."

Yang Fan: "..."

Zhang Jingche turned his head and saw Hou Dingbian poking at the spot, he couldn't help but asked in surprise, "Is there anything else you can order, Master Hou?"

Yang Fan's expression was unpredictable for a moment, and he always had the illusion of "casting his pretty eyes to the blind".

Marquis Dingbian left the palace full of grievances, while Zhang Jingche entered Zhaoyang Palace with internal troubles. Turning the beaded curtain, he could smell the fragrant wind. : "Minister Zhang Jingche, please meet the empress."

The "Empress Empress" surnamed Wu, she was the concubine when she was in the current residence, she is also over [-] years old this year, she is said to be a very gentle and kind woman.However, no matter how amiable she is, she is the mother of a country aloft, and others can only prostrate on the ground, staring at the corner of her elegant skirt and answering.

"You've worked hard on this trip," Empress Wu said gently, "Looking at such a frail person, it doesn't matter that he traveled thousands of miles to the northern border, and he had to deal with those barbarians. He must have suffered a lot, right?"

Zhang Jingche had heard Empress Wu's name for a long time, but it was the first time to meet her face to face. He was not sure about the empress's intentions, so he said carefully, "Your empress speaks seriously. Serving the country is what you deserve. I don't think it's hard work."

Empress Wu smiled: "Why didn't you work hard? With your talent and learning, if you took the imperial examination seriously, you would probably have entered the Imperial Academy now... Sigh, if you didn't make a mistake back then, you wouldn't have to die for yourself. The family earns a future."

Zhang Jingche trembled slightly, the trembling veins stretched out on his forehead, he suppressed the boredom in his chest, and replied in the most humble tone: "I am a humble minister who violated the laws of the country and should have received punishment... Thanks to His Majesty's grace, His Highness will not abandon you, Xu Chen To commit crimes and make meritorious deeds, the minister must devote all his loyalty and wisdom to repay the grace of heaven."

Regardless of the sincerity of these words, at least the attitude here, Empress Wu was probably quite satisfied, and finally allowed him to stand up and answer.

After Zhang Jingche knelt down, the emperor knelt down and then the empress. There was already a gloomy look on his face, but he lowered his head, so he couldn't easily see it.The queen said slowly: "You are the one brought back by Zhao'er, and you have been by his side all these years. Ben Gong and Zhao'er have seen your talent. A Jin Yiwei fellow acquaintance, after all, you are still a talent..."

Zhang Jingche didn't like the response in these scenes, but he had to be patient and perfunctory and said: "Your Majesty, you are serious. A mere official, being able to serve as a co-instructor, is already an exceptional promotion. Why should I say so?"

Empress Wu sighed: "Having said that, I have discussed with the crown prince. You have worked so hard this time, and you need some extra kindness... You must know about the crown prince's wedding in early March?"

Zhang Jingche didn't understand what she meant by bringing this up, so he didn't dare to argue rashly, and just responded with "yes".

"Zhao'er is getting old, but she doesn't even have a favored concubine around her. It's always shameful," Empress Wu said leisurely, "It just so happens that there is a female official named Zhang next to me. It’s also thoughtful, and I gave Zhao’er a side concubine at the same time, which can be regarded as promising her a good future.”

No matter how deep the city was, Zhang Jingche couldn't suppress his astonishment. Regardless of the etiquette in the palace, Zhang Jingche raised his head suddenly, and his eyes happened to meet the graceful and peaceful eyes of Empress Wu.

"Why..." Empress Wu drawled her voice unhurriedly, "I'm so happy that I even forgot Xie En?"

Zhang Jingche closed his eyes, then opened them suddenly. He lifted his clothes, gritted his teeth and knelt on the ground: "I thank you for your kindness...but please take it back for the sake of my loyalty to the country!"

No matter how gentle and kind Empress Wu is, she is the mother of a country after all, she immediately frowned: "Why, you don't want to?"

Zhang Jingche said in a deep voice: "Jing Su's life experience is rough, and she can't bear the favor of the nobleman... I only have this family. I don't ask her to marry into the heavenly family. I only hope that she can find a wealthy and kind family. An ordinary life will be fine." .”

Empress Wu smiled gently, but her tone could not help but say: "This is what a child says... My son is a dragon and a phoenix. An ordinary girl has such a husband. It's too late to be happy. How can there be any reason to shirk and refuse? Besides, the heavenly family will reward you. If you say you want it, you want it, if you say you don’t want it, you don’t want it? This marriage is in the hands of my palace, and His Majesty has already approved it. If you shirk it, aren’t you resisting the order?”

Zhang Jingche raised his head suddenly, his calm and indifferent mask finally cracked, and he said word by word: "Your Majesty wants me to be loyal to the crown prince, and I agree; if you want me to sneak into the northern border, and help the Marquis Ding to expel the foreign captives, I also agree! The karma created by this humble official is the responsibility of this humble official, but Jing Su is innocent! There is only such an orphan left in the Zhang family, can the empress let her go?"

Empress Wu was silent for a moment, then sighed faintly: "Since she entered this Zhaoyang Palace, since you joined the East Palace, you have been in the game, how can you avoid it if you want?"

She raised her head and looked at Zhang Jingche calmly: "You are a rare talent. You assassinated Liu Yin, founded Youyun, hibernated Beile, and helped the community. You can't do it without great wisdom and courage... only a little bit of sincerity and loyalty are missing. You If you don’t pledge allegiance to any one person, even if you help my son today, it’s only due to the situation, so how can I know that you won’t abandon Zhao’er when the situation reverses in the future?”

Zhang Jingche gritted his teeth: "So... the empress wants Jing Su to marry the prince, and tie the minister to the prince's warship for the rest of his life?"

Empress Wu Shi Shi got up and looked at him condescendingly: "Zhao'er is the crown prince and the heir apparent of the country. Since you are a citizen of Great Yin, you should be loyal to him!"

Zhang Jingche chuckled lightly: "Since that's the case, why does your empress use Jing Su to coerce Yu Chen?"

Empress Wu suppressed her smile and narrowed her eyes slightly. The incomparably noble mother of a country and the humble minister of crimes stood and knelt, staring at each other, neither giving an inch.

After a long while, Empress Wu sighed softly: "Don't be afraid of power, don't admire wealth and honor, I'm not mistaken, you really are not an ordinary person..."

Zhang Jingche felt cold all over, and smiled stiffly: "Your Majesty is overrated."

"My own son, I know best," Empress Wu said sadly, "Zhao'er is clear and benevolent, has the style of a sage king, and there is no shortage of ministers capable of governing the world, but he is missing someone who can shield him from the open and hidden arrows." ... If it wasn't really helpless, I wouldn't want to make such a bad plan, now that the deal is done, I can only promise you, if Zhao'er gets her wish in the future, Jing Su will be second only to the empress!"

Zhang Jingsu closed his eyes, his thin chest trembled slightly.

"This is the royal family..." He thought with a sneer, "All living beings are like ants, and human life is just a chess piece that can be used or not. Will you care about the joys and sorrows of the chess pieces?"

If he was a native of the Great Yin, he might be very grateful for the "valuation" of the mother of a country, but unfortunately Zhang Jingche was not.

"Since the empress has made up her mind," he seemed to hold the edge of a knife in every word, "I can only thank God!"

Empress Wu stared fixedly at him, and after a while, her expression relaxed.

"Son, don't blame me," she murmured, "I am not only the mother of a country, but also the mother of a child. , I will definitely not treat your brother and sister badly."

Without saying a word, Zhang Jingche kowtowed to the ground, got up and walked out of Zhaoyang Palace.

It was midday at this time, and the glazed tiles were glaringly bright. Looking out from the gate of Zhaoyang Palace, one could see a corner of the East Palace flying.

Zhang Jingche was originally going to leave the palace, but somehow he stood still. At that moment, he couldn't suppress a thought that was almost resentful: "Does it mean that as long as he dies, I won't be treated as a pawn anymore?"