first minister

Just when Xia Jingyun was looking north, there was a huge team slowly driving out of the huge and majestic Liangdu.

Xue Yi, King Jing of the Northern Liang Dynasty, was sitting in a carriage heading south, followed by the emperor's brother's cronies, officials in the court, and accompanying guards.

The former prince, now the younger brother, looked confused. Recalling his experience in Liangdu these two days, he still felt a little dazed and worried.

Three days ago, after going through ups and downs in the wind and snow, he and Wang Ruoshui finally arrived in Liangdu with their guards.

As soon as he showed up, he was immediately taken to the palace by people from the embroidery bureau, and then a strange chamberlain came out and led him to Emperor Liang first.

Once, when he left, he met his father here. Now when he came again, the golden chair had changed its owner.

He was mentally prepared on the way here and saluted respectfully without hesitation, "My dear brother, I pay my respects to Your Majesty! Congratulations to Your Majesty for being able to ascend the throne and rule the world."

"Quickly flatten your body!"

Xue Rui smiled and spoke with a warm expression on his face, "There is no need for us to be so different from each other. Just call me Emperor Brother. Come and give me a seat!"

After King Jing sat down, Emperor Liang asked, "How is it? Has it been a hard journey?"

King Jing said quickly: "Serving the country is the duty of the royal family, so why bother?"

After saying that, he took out the peace agreement document that he had with him and handed it over, "This is the peace agreement finally reached with the Southern Dynasty. Please take a look at it, my brother."

The chamberlain on the side took it with both hands and handed it to Emperor Liang respectfully.

Emperor Liang slowly opened it and read it silently without any emotion or anger. "This condition is not good."

King Jing stood up immediately, "Brother Huang is right. This peace agreement is indeed not a good one, but it is the limit of what we can strive for. Moreover, the process of this peace negotiation is indeed tortuous."

Emperor Liang smiled and said seemingly casually: "Why? Many ministers in the court said that you have been wandering around Lieyang Pass for so long, but in the end you only reached an agreement with these conditions. It should be Asking questions is the way to go."

"They understand." King Jing subconsciously wanted to swear, but then he realized that this was a prelude to you, and quickly changed his words, "Brother Mingjian, there are indeed many ups and downs in this peace negotiation, and we have spent countless efforts on it. .”

Then, he talked about Yelvshi's cheering words for everyone when they set off from Huaishuo City, the overt and covert fights between them and the people of the Southern Dynasties, the unbearable verbal torture by the white clouds, and Xia Jingyun's story. In an arrogant manner, he talked about King Dingxi's endurance of humiliation, the secret plans hatched by King Dingxi and the late emperor, and the confusion caused by the sudden changes in Yuyan Prefecture. Finally, he talked about the envoy's panic again after the replacement of the emperor.

Hearing this joint that really interested him the most, Emperor Liang narrowed his eyes slightly and said calmly: "What was the reaction among the envoys at that time?"

King Jing sighed, "I didn't dare to deceive the emperor brother. When the news came, everyone in the mission was frightened, even my younger brother. But my younger brother recovered quickly. My younger brother has always been with me." There is no dispute in the world, and the emperor's brother succeeds to the throne, so it will not embarrass his ministers. However, people such as King Dingxi are a little more worried. They don't know how the situation in the court will change after the emperor takes over. But in such a panic , the people of the Southern Dynasty came to threaten, but King Dingxi kept his spirits up, looked coldly, and did not lose his majesty. Finally, through decades of experience and skill, the people of the Southern Dynasty finally reached a peace agreement with us. All of this happened I saw it with my own eyes, and I admire King Dingxi very much."

After hearing this, Emperor Liang chuckled and said, "As you said, this expedition can be regarded as a meritorious service, and King Dingxi has made the greatest contribution. Why didn't he come back and asked you to come instead?"

Although King Jing did not argue, he was not stupid either. He knew as soon as he heard that this was a key issue.

"Returning to the emperor brother, the apparent excuse is that although the peace agreement has been concluded, there are still [-] captives that need to be returned. Therefore, King Dingxi waited in Huaishuo City for his younger brother to report to the emperor brother, get permission, and then send the delivery conditions to Only then can he preside over the delivery and then turn around together."

A dangerous light flashed in Emperor Liang's eyes, "What's the truth behind it?"

King Jing sighed, "The truth is, King Dingxi is afraid."

"Oh?"

"Before King Dingxi left, he went to see his younger brother and confessed his feelings. He said that the Yelu family had received great favor from his father and had been favored for many years. However, as the emperor and his courtiers, he didn't know how his brother viewed him and the Yelu family. , so he was worried. He also said that although his father once had a secret explanation with him about the succession of the emperor, but now that the emperor's brother is in charge of the country, how you will treat him is a matter of two opinions. Therefore, he does not If he dares to return to the capital, he wants my brother to help him show his loyalty to the emperor."

Emperor Liang's heart moved slightly, "The late Emperor also told him about the replacement of the throne?"

"King Dingxi said so, but I don't know what he meant specifically."

King Jing raised his head and looked at Emperor Liang, "Brother, I would like to say something arrogant, but based on what I have seen in these days of getting along day and night, King Dingxi is worthy of being the pillar of the country. Although the Yelu family has been honored and favored over the years, they are rarely domineering. It would be a pity if talents like King Dingxi were wasted like this."

After hearing this, Emperor Liang smiled slightly and said, "I'm very happy that you can tell me this. Well, I'm sorry for calling you here just after you entered the capital. I've worked hard on you. Go back and have a good rest first. I will give you my own reward."

King Jing hurriedly said: "It is my duty to contribute to state affairs and share your Majesty's worries. Your Majesty is serious in your words."

"Look, we're separated again. Call me Emperor Brother!"

Emperor Liang smiled and watched King Jing walk out of the palace.

Afterwards, Emperor Liang called Wang Ruoshui in again, and after some questioning, he basically corroborated King Jing's words.

Emperor Liang was sitting in the palace, thinking about what these two people said, and felt a little hesitant.

Judging from the words of the two men, King Dingxi was loyal and capable.

But whether King Dingxi is loyal or treacherous, and whether he is worthy of trust or not, such a major decision cannot be proved by a few simple sentences.

Everything has to be based on real things.

For example, Yelv De, the eldest son of the Yelv family, still has not returned to Beijing.

How could he let go and trust the Yelu family?

On the other side, he was thinking, and King Jing also stepped out of the palace.

After everyone in Prince Jing's Mansion was in fear for many days, they finally waited for the backbone of the palace. After receiving the news, they naturally hurriedly came outside the palace to wait, and invited Prince Jing to the carriage.

Sitting on the carriage, King Jing opened the side curtain and looked around. It seemed that nothing happened in Liangdu, but he knew that things had changed.

Returning to the palace, looking at the familiar furnishings, a sense of stability and comfort arose spontaneously.

Only those who live under someone else's roof or who have returned from a long journey can understand the true meaning that a golden nest and a silver nest are not as good as one's own doghouse.

What's more, his palace is countless times more luxurious than a doghouse.

After taking a nice bath, King Jing put on comfortable clothes and came to the study.

Although I haven't returned for a long time, the study still looks as it did when I left, spotless.

He picked up a small booklet, which was Xia Jingyun's collection of poems and essays. He couldn't help but wanted to throw it away with a look of disgust on his face.

But then I felt that the poem was innocent, no matter what the author’s virtues were!

But after all, he had met Xia Jingyun, and when he looked at the words on the paper, he couldn't help but think of Xia Jingyun's peerless grace, of his aloofness as a hostile force, and of his own group's frustration and powerlessness in Lieyang Pass. Finally, I put down the book in fits of upset, ate something casually, and fell asleep randomly.

After a good night's sleep, the next morning, he was summoned again by Emperor Liang.

He took a carriage and went to the palace and met his royal brother.

"sit down."

Emperor Liang's attitude was slightly more upright than last night, and it seemed that he had not yet recovered from the court meeting just now, "Today's court meeting will go over the peace negotiations with all the ministers. Although everyone has their own opinions, But I still accept the result of this peace negotiation. We have no other bargaining chips at the moment. It would be great to be able to get back [-] Snow Dragon Riders first. Therefore, I have ordered the Ministry of Accounts to prepare, and we will follow the peace negotiation in two days. Conditions, go and make a deal with Nanchao."

In fact, what he said was slightly concealed. In the court, everyone had different opinions, but it was clearly a quarrel.

Fortunately, Xue Rui was not stupid. Especially that night, after receiving personal advice from the late emperor, he understood the Xue family's reliance even more.

Those who keep saying that King Dingxi has lost power and humiliated the country, and that such peace talks cannot be recognized, are those who have hidden evil intentions and hope that the Xue family's control over the court situation will weaken. After all, without these [-] snow dragon riders, the Xue family would be like a tiger without teeth. How many people would be afraid of them?

Therefore, with the support of King Zhennan, Emperor Liang overcame all objections and passed the peace agreement.

However, although the peace agreement was passed, Emperor Liang did not make up his mind about Yelvshi's attitude.

Therefore, he said with a smile: "Thank you for your hard work on this trip. I will consider the subsequent delivery matters again. Don't worry about rewards. I will never treat you badly."

When King Jing heard this, he understood that the imperial brother had not yet put down his guard against King Dingxi, but he had said everything he needed to say, and it would be a bit deliberate to force him to do anything for him, not to mention that he had the temperament of Xianyun Yehe. Having done this, he had a clear conscience, so he said no more, bowed and left.

After leaving the palace and getting on the carriage back home, he felt a little uncomfortable.

Although he had a clear conscience, he couldn't help but frown when he thought of Yelv Shi's original sincerity and hope. So he called the palace steward into the carriage and asked about the situation in the capital, especially the Yelu family, to divert his attention.

"My lord, these past few days in the capital have been turbulent. Although there have been no major changes in the Yuan family and the Pei family, the two families have obviously become much closer. I guess they plan to hold each other together for warmth at this time. Wanyan The Jia and Yelu families almost stayed behind closed doors, apparently waiting for the decision of their heads. Although the Murong family, dragons, tigers and leopards were all dead, as Murong Chui risked his life and stepped on the trend, the Murong family was about to fall. The momentum that reached the bottom suddenly skyrocketed. But I want to say the most powerful one."

Before they finished speaking, the two people in the car felt the carriage suddenly swing to the side, and King Jing's head hit the carriage wall off guard, making a muffled sound.

In the market outside the carriage, there was an instant commotion, and then the sound of horse hooves in front of them was heard in the distance, accompanied by loud and arrogant shouts.

Just when he was about to get angry, the steward sitting next to him quickly explained: "Your Majesty, please calm down. This is Yu Wenyun, the head of the Yuwen family. Now that he is in great power, Old Dong has no choice but to do so."

The coachman also hurriedly confessed outside the curtain. King Jing had an easy-going temperament. He did not get angry after the explanation. He opened the side curtain and looked at the group of more than ten knights, escorting a general in uniform, and his horse speed continued unabated. Rushing through the street market.

"Yu Wenyun was the first to conspire with His Majesty to seize the throne. In the coup that night, he mobilized private soldiers to enter the capital to stop the cowardly Xue Wei and almost died. He contributed a lot to His Majesty and took the greatest risk. Therefore, even if he is the same The Murong family, who were heroes back then, could only tolerate it for the time being and did not dare to attack him directly. These days, almost no one in Zhongjing dares to offend Yu Wenyun."

The consolation in his words was very obvious. King Jing watched them whizzing past and smiled lightly, "Don't worry, I am not that competitive in nature."

After saying that, he was about to lower the car curtain, but a sudden change occurred in front of him.

I saw two people suddenly rushing out from among the vendors on the roadside, one on the left and one on the right. Pointing their toes to the ground, they rose into the air, drew out their long swords from their crutches, and stabbed Yu Wenyun.

The guards beside Yu Wenyun were shocked. They immediately jumped off their horses. They had no time to draw their swords and directly bumped into the two assassins!

The assassin was in mid-air and had no way to avoid him, so he had to turn his sword and pierce the body of the guard.

But the two guards were so brave that they held the sword directly with their backhands, regardless of their lives, and prevented them from pulling it out.

And in just this moment, the swords of the other guards had already struck.

Just when everyone thought that the assassination was going to be in vain, another figure jumped out from the crowd, holding a slender sword, and stabbed Yu Wenyun who was still rushing forward to leave the place of right and wrong.

Yu Wenyun's expression finally changed suddenly, he stepped on the stirrup suddenly, and jumped up into the air, avoiding the killing sword.

But at this moment, from the window on the side, a bowstring sounded softly, and a cold and fast arrow suddenly appeared.

This arrow, like a life-threatening talisman, shot through the air toward Yuwen Yun, who was flying in the air and unable to avoid it.

This is the real killer.

In Yu Wenyun's pupils, the tip of the arrow flashed with cold light and expanded rapidly.

With no help, he could only watch the arrow piercing his body.

boom!

His body slumped to the ground.

"Homeowner!"

"General!"

Several horrified shouts sounded.

All this is just a matter of seconds.

From the appearance of the first assassin to the shooting of the arrow, the whole process only took a few breaths.

When Yu Wenyun fell to the ground after being hit by an arrow, the four assassins had disappeared into the crowd in unison.

King Jing was stunned. He didn't expect that Yu Wenyun, who was so domineering and arrogant that even a prince like him could only evade in a hurry, would be assassinated in the street.

What kind of situation is this, what kind of place is this, what kind of world is this!

In a daze, he felt the warm breath on his neck, turned his head slightly, and almost kissed the steward.

"My lord, are you dead?"

The steward was immersed in great shock and curiosity, still unaware of his transgression.

King Jing was really good-tempered. He leaned back slightly to avoid the big pie face that was so close. He sighed quietly, "Whether he's dead or not, I'm afraid there will be chaos in the capital."
-

However, King Jing still underestimated the intensity of the storm.

At the same time that Yu Wenyun was assassinated, Zhennan King Xue Zonghan was also ambushed on his way back to his hometown.

But the experience and caution of the older generation helped him. Xue Zonghan and his party only lost some of their guards. Although he himself was in danger, he didn't even have a single wound.

However, within one day, two of the three loyal supporters of the new Emperor of Daliang were assassinated at the same time. Although one's life or death was unknown and the other was unscathed, it cannot be considered that the assassins were successful, but what behind this represented something extremely important. It's intriguing.

In the palace, Emperor Liang looked angrily at Linghu Yan, the embroidered clothed man who was kneeling in front of him, "What do you do for food? Two important ministers were assassinated at the same time in this capital city! Where is the majesty of my Liang Dynasty? In Kyoto, Where is the stability?!”

Linghu Yan couldn't express his pain, and thought to himself: Shouldn't this damn thing be the responsibility of Kyoto Guard? Where does the embroidery bureau take care of this?

But now the person in charge of the Kyoto Guard is Murong Chui, who had accompanied His Majesty to the palace. Therefore, he could only speak with regret, "I am guilty. Please rest assured, Your Majesty. I will mobilize all the embroidery envoys of the Embroidery Bureau. Catch the murderer as soon as possible!"

Emperor Liang snorted coldly, "If you can't solve the case within seven days, just take off your hat and apologize!"

Linghu Yan didn't dare to bargain, so he had to agree.

When Linghu Yan retreated, Emperor Liang's eyes flashed with anger, but it was not towards Linghu Yan, but towards Murong Chui.

He is not stupid, of course he knows that the embroidery bureau is only at most [-]% at fault in this matter, and the real problem lies with Kyoto Guard.

Now among his three arms, King Zhennan is the backbone of the Xue family's imperial power, and the Yuwen family and the Murong family are the confidants of the upper class. If something happens to both the Yuwen family and King Zhennan, wouldn't the Murong family be the only one in the family?

At that time, he could only rely on the Murong family. How true was the throne?

The situation was such that he couldn't tolerate a little more suspicion.

Just when the suspicion in his heart was growing like weeds in spring, Linghu Yan, who had just left, returned in a hurry.

"Your Majesty, I just received the news that Yelu De, the eldest son of King Dingxi, has returned to Beijing." (End of this chapter)