first minister

On the carriage leaving the palace, Xia Jingyun closed his eyes. The fatigue seeping from the depths of his soul made him unwilling to even move his eyelids.

The Forbidden Army general who was driving the car himself held the reins conscientiously, not even daring to take a breath.

Just now, under his own eyes, Marquis Jianning first arrested the director of the Taiyuan Hospital, and then directly imprisoned the central prime minister Wan Xianggong and the censor Yan Xianggong, two absolutely important officials in the court. .

The most important thing is that this behavior is completely different from Jianning Hou's past style. He no longer strives to pursue evidence and morality that absolutely convinces the public, nor does he strive to construct any inferences and means that leave people speechless. Just eight words: I have the final say, if you don’t accept it, you will bite me.

Domineering and overbearing, but...

What a damn relief!

But now, after taking care of so many top figures, he still leaves the palace with unabated murderous intent, and he doesn't know who will be in trouble again.

Following the instructions of Marquis Jianning just now, he slowly parked the carriage in front of the door of Heibingtai. The man on duty from Heibingtai was about to step forward and angrily scolded who dared to park the car here, be careful. To throw myself into a trap, I saw a slender and beautiful hand sticking out from the side curtain, holding a shining gold medal.

Even if the lights were dim, the four characters "As if I were here in person" on the gold medal were still blinding to their eyes.

"Let Rouge come out."

Shortly after the report of rolling and crawling on the ground, Yanzhi, who was dressed in green clothes and had a graceful figure, walked out of the black ice platform and boarded the carriage.

"Sir!" Confirming the suspicion in his heart, Yanzhi's eyes showed unpretentious surprise, and he exclaimed in suppressed exclamation.

"Call me husband." Xia Jingyun said softly with a gentle smile on his face.

"Husband." Yanzhi replied in a low voice, and then immediately lowered his head and admitted his mistake, "Yanzhi is incompetent and failed to take care of my husband's worries. Please, husband."

Before she finished speaking, a finger sealed her lips, and Xia Jingyun's voice slowly sounded, "I'm very tired now, don't say such wrong and troublesome words."

Rouge raised her head and saw the fatigue in Xia Jingyun's expression. She immediately sat meekly aside, exposing her round and slender thighs, waiting for Xia Jingyun to lean on her legs as usual and let her help him relieve his fatigue.

Xia Jingyun shook his head, "You can't lie down. Once you lie down, I'm afraid you won't be able to get up for a while. You can bring a team of trustworthy people to follow, and follow me to kill a few people."

Hearing these bloody words, Rouge did not hesitate for a moment, immediately lifted the side curtain and ordered: "Ask all members of the Law Enforcement Department to dispatch and follow me on duty, immediately!"

After killing decisively, he lowered the curtain and her expression immediately softened. She knelt obediently behind Xia Jingyun and stretched out her hands to massage his temples, shoulders and neck.

Two flower buds are looming in the touch, brewing a hazy spring.

Xia Jingyun steeled himself, and while the carriage was slowly moving forward, he whispered: "Why don't you ask me who to kill?"

"As long as the young master and husband want to kill him, he must die. Yanzhi just needs to do it."

"What if I killed the wrong person?"

Yanzhi smiled softly without thinking, "How could the young master be wrong!"

Xia Jingyun sighed. At this moment, he understood Jiang Yuhu a little.
-

In the city, the royal residence.

The reason why it is not called Wangfu is because the name is too big, and even one of the most powerful families in Jiuhe Prefecture cannot suppress it.

However, although it is only called the Wang's Residence, as the facade and stronghold of the Jiuhe Wang Family in Zhongjing, the Wang's Residence is also full of carved beams and paintings, revealing the low-key luxury that has been slowly accumulated over generations.

Wang Haozhi, the second master of the Wang family in Jiuhe, the brother of the current head of the family, and the person in charge of everything in the Wang family's capital, is currently sitting in a room in the backyard, toasting with two other people.

Needless to say, the identities of the other two people are Yin Tianci from the Yin family in Sixiang and Lu Hongjing from the Lu family in Xifeng.

The so-called three core friendships are actually nothing compared to working together to do something big, especially something that is not allowed to be talked about with others.

After the original conspiracy, the three people were like wearing a pair of pants, and their relationship grew by leaps and bounds.

And after today's news that shocked the world came, they naturally gathered together.

At the same time, in order to get the news that reassured them as quickly as possible, they stayed directly in the city.

Yin Tianci smiled and said: "Xuanhu is really powerful. His Majesty is so closely guarded, yet he still found an opportunity and succeeded with one strike. He is worthy of being a top figure who has been in charge of the Black Ice Platform for more than 20 years."

Lu Hong nodded and said, "Yes, people like him who have protected His Majesty know best the situation of the guards around His Majesty, as well as the thoughts and flaws of these people. If he really risked his life for another life, Your Majesty would indeed It’s impossible to guard against it.”

Wang Haozhi is the calmest and most knowledgeable among the three. At this moment, he is not as optimistic as the two of them. He frowns tightly, "I am worried now, will your Majesty's situation be repeated?"

"Repeat? What repetition?" Yin Tianci waved his hands and smiled nonchalantly at first, and then said: "The news about Qingbei Tower has been finalized. His Majesty was hit by two strange poisons and another arrow, and was carried into the palace unconscious. There is no reason to be spared."

Lu Hongjing also smiled and said: "When Your Majesty dies, our family's plans will be realized. What's more, we have no flaws in what happened yesterday. Everything is completely justified and no one can doubt us. What a great kindness! Haha! "

Wang Haozhi shook his head slightly, "There is still a fatal flaw."

He looked at the two people who were tense for a moment and said slowly: "That's Xuanhu. He is the only one who knows the inside story. If he betrays us, we may be in catastrophe."

He sighed, wanting to say that this step was still too risky, but both of them agreed that day. As a person present, he might not even be safe if he didn't agree, and he also felt that it was somewhat successful. Hope, he also cooperated with the implementation of the plan.

"Brother Zhong Ling, it's okay if it was before. Now that the big thing has been accomplished and it's about to be completed, you are so worried about gains and losses. It's not what a wise person would do!"

"Yes, what benefit does Xuanhu have to confessing us to him? Can he still redeem his sins and avoid death? Since he is bound to die, with his hatred for the imperial court, how can he possibly confess us to help the imperial court? busy?"

"Of course! Now that he has successfully assassinated His Majesty, all he wants for the rest of his life is to die. Even in my opinion, if he was nailed to the wall with a bullet, he might have died long ago."

Hearing the two accomplices refute him in turn, Wang Haozhi could only nod his head, "I hope I'm worrying too much!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a person knocked on the door gently, "Second Master, Mr. Zhu wants to see you."

Wang Haozhi winked at the two of them, and then said: "Let him come in."

Soon, a middle-aged scribe walked in quickly, "Second Master, Master Yin, Master Lu."

Yin and Lu nodded slightly, and Wang Haozhi said, "But what's the latest situation?"

That kind of plan was so top secret that they didn't tell anyone. They just asked their subordinates to inquire about the situation in the court. This would not raise any suspicion. Top local wealthy families like them were supposed to keep an eye on the situation in the court at all times.

"Returning to the second master, the second master has just returned to his mansion from the palace and sent someone to send a message. Your Majesty is unconscious, and Marquis Jianning is not leaving, staying by the side. The treatment method set by the Taiyuan Hospital is to ampute the limbs to preserve his health. Life may not be possible after that. At the same time, because His Majesty is seriously ill, the Queen Mother is in a very sad mood and has miscarriage. Now she is suffering from dystocia and is undergoing emergency treatment."

When the three heard this, they almost couldn't help but cheer loudly.

Wang Haozhi tensed his face and pretended to have a solemn expression, "Is there more?"

"That's all for now."

"Okay, let's go down."

Wang Haozhi waved his hand, and when Mr. Zhu went down, he stepped forward to close the door, walked back to the table, and finally showed uncontrollable joy on his face, "You two, it's done!"

"Brother Zhong Ling, I am right! You are too worried about gains and losses!"

"Yes! The current situation is better than we expected! His Majesty is disabled, and even if he can be rescued, he will not be able to continue to be the emperor. The Queen Mother has a difficult childbirth, one corpse and two lives, the final foundation of the Jianning Marquis line If it collapses and a new king succeeds to the throne, the battles in the court will inevitably become more fierce, and the New Deal will inevitably end. In this way, we can watch it calmly, and even seize more power in the court!"

Wang Haozhi also smiled and raised his glass, "That's right, that's right, I'm worrying too much. Come on, you two, have a drink and congratulate the family!"

"Congratulations to the family!"

The two responded in unison and raised their glasses excitedly.

After an unknown amount of time, when the three of them were all red-faced after drinking, and Lu Hongjing even lay drunk on the table, a carriage slowly stopped in front of the Wang residence.

It was late at night, and the Wang residence was not a high-end gate in the capital. The porter who was keeping watch at night was sleeping soundly when he heard a sound of knocking on the door knocker.

"Who the hell is this? It's so late at night!"

He muttered impatiently, but he didn't dare to raise his voice. After all, there were many people in the capital whom the Wang family could not afford to offend, let alone a servant like him.

He yawned and walked to the door and asked through the door: "Who is it?"

"This is an urgent message from the palace. Please send it to your royal family."

The concierge, who had little experience, was frightened when he heard the word "palace". He quickly took off the bolt and opened the door. Seeing the Imperial Guards soldier in front of him, he hesitated and asked: "Where is your letter?"

"Here!" The soldier flashed the sword on his waist, kicked him over, and forced himself inside.

Behind him, dozens of members of the Forbidden Army and the Black Ice Platform Law Enforcement Department quickly poured into the mansion.

As for the rest of the people, except for the dozen or so elites who protected Xia Jingyun, they also spread out to surround the royal residence, making sure not to leak anyone.

Xia Jingyun listened silently to the sudden panic shouts and cries in the house, his expression calm.

Yanzhi explained in a warm voice: "Don't worry, husband, now everything in Taili has been beaten, and we will try our best to avoid bullying women and children."

Xia Jingyun shook his head, "Now that I have acted like this before I have obtained any evidence of the crimes of these families, do you think I am being a little domineering and domineering?" "The Qingbei Tower incident is full of strange things, and that's probably all. Several people from aristocratic families still think they have done something secretive. They have become so bold that it is most reasonable for my husband to be furious and not let any of them go unpunished."

Xia Jingyun gave a wry smile, leaned back slightly, and lay in his now increasingly broad mind.

Soon, the Forbidden Army general who was ordered to take charge of tonight's operation came to reply. Looking at the two drunkards and a man who was dragged like a dead dog, Xia Jingyun looked cold. Looking at their current appearance, he could even imagine them. The previous excitement and excitement.

In this case, he really deserves to be killed!

"Bring back Heibingtai, and the others will be taken to Jingzhao Mansion Prison!"

The carriage moved forward slowly, like a road of revenge with no end in sight.
-

Black Ice Terrace, the former master of Black Ice Terrace, Xuan Hu, was tied to the bed in the cell where Xia Jingyun once stayed, and a famous doctor in the city was carefully applying medicine to him.

He was very resistant to treatment, but his resistance was ineffective.

Survive or die, this is the short-term arrangement made by the furious owner Zhao for his fate.

He looked at the busy doctors, looked at Chief Xiang standing beside the bed as if facing a formidable enemy, looked at the heavy guards outside the door, smiled weakly and arrogantly and said: "Don't waste time on me, you stay here." Use your energy to save your emperor!"

"Do you know what kind of poison he was poisoned? I tell you that he was poisoned by two kinds of poisons. Do you think he will die of abdominal pain like strangulation, or will he die of ulcers all over his body?"

"He's going to die, who are you going to be loyal to? How pitiful, it's only been a while now, and the master is about to change again. I heard that that bullshit Marquis Jianning still wants you to perform supervisory duties in the name of petitions. It's a pity. , you don’t have that fate!”

"I know what you want to do, but all the humiliation and torture can't buy back the life of your dog emperor! And even if I die, my life's feats will be praised by future generations!"

The more he spoke, the more excited he became. His wound was so stretched that it bled, and he looked pale and fearless. The imperial doctor beside him was so angry that he subconsciously wanted to scold him, but he realized the situation and could only continue to apply medicine and bandage on him silently.

"Being praised by the world? Do you deserve it?"

Xia Jingyun said coldly and stepped into it.

When Xuan Hu saw his face clearly, his eyes immediately showed overwhelming hatred, but soon turned into ridicule and pride, "Isn't this the powerful Marquis Jianning? If he is not with you in the palace, his life is hanging by a thread. My little nephew, what are you doing here? Do you want me to give you the antidote? Haha?"

Seeing Xia Jingyun's arrival, the chief minister and the imperial doctor quickly retreated to a corner. The imperial doctor did not forget to add, "Master Marquis, this animal has a very strong foundation, and it has to be treated by a lower official. It won't die in a while. Don't worry, you can take care of it." "

Xia Jingyun nodded, and then said: "Look, just like you, just like you, with everyone shouting for beatings, will I ask you for the antidote? You are willing to give it, but I still think it's dirty!"

Xuanhu's rank is much higher than those ignorant fools. He was slightly startled when he heard this and was silent for a moment, "No way, Dongfang Bai will never survive!"

Xia Jingyun sneered, "Put him in a black robe, gag his mouth, put him in a wheelchair and follow me!"

Manager Xiang quickly dressed up Xuanhu himself, then pushed the wheelchair himself and followed Xia Jingyun's pace.

Soon, they came to another prison with a similar layout to this one.

Yan Songwen, who was shackled, was sitting in despair. When he saw Xia Jingyun, he quickly stood up, walked quickly to the cell door, knelt down without restraint and said, "Jianninghou, I was obsessed with it for a moment, but I still hope. Marquis Jianning, please forgive me. From now on, I hope that Marquis Jianning will follow his lead and never have any second thoughts!"

Xia Jingyun looked calm and noncommittal, and continued to walk forward.

"Marquis Jianning! I can also become an official to make way for you. I beg Marquis Jianning to spare my life!"

Hearing Yan Songwen's desperate plea for mercy gradually fade away behind him, Xuan Hu's expression suddenly became solemn.

Important officials like Yan Songwen were sent directly to the Black Ice Platform, but there was no major commotion in the court. Xia Jingyun still had time to come to him, but Yan Songwen actually chose to beg for mercy. Each of these incidents pointed to A fact: Dongfang Bai might really be fine.

Or, at least, there were no drastic upheavals and changes in the court structure.

But how is this possible!

Dongfang Bai clearly drank the medicine he administered, and was clearly hit by his own poisonous arrow. How could he be spared?

No, De Fei!

It must be Concubine De. Concubine De has a posthumous child in her belly. If it is a boy

That must be it!

He thought as if he had grasped a life-saving straw, and they arrived outside another cell.

Wan Wenbi, who was wearing prison clothes, disheveled beard and hair, and no longer looked like a prime minister, was also sitting in the prison. Watching Xia Jingyun arrive, he also got up and walked to the prison door, but his attitude was completely different from Yan Songwen.

"Xia Gaoyang! I am the Prime Minister of the current dynasty! You are just a minister of the Ministry of Household Affairs, how can you be so disrespectful and contrary to the principles of doing things! You are so rebellious. You treat His Majesty as nothing, the Queen Mother as nothing, and the rules of the court as nothing. , if you regard the laws of the imperial court as if they are nothing, you will be despised by all the people in the world, and you will be infamy in future generations! It is best for you to know your way back, so as not to make a big mistake."

Xia Jingyun hummed softly and stepped forward.

Wan Wenbi immediately shouted: "Xia Gaoyang, when you overthrew Dongfang Ming, you promised me to be prime minister for ten years, have you fulfilled it? You personally sent me to prison. This is breaking your promise and getting rich, this is making a fool of yourself, this is Infamy for eternity!”

Xia Jingyun turned to look at him and said calmly: "So what?"

Wan Wenbi's expression froze, and Xia Jingyun had already walked away.

Behind him, Xuanhu in the wheelchair was stunned.

Wan Wenbi is not important, but his identity is very important.

That is the honor of the prime minister, the crown of the central government, and the head of the civil servants!

Did Xia Jingyun really get such a person into the Black Ice Platform?

Is Xia Jingyun crazy?

Obviously not.

Then, the situation is equally obvious.

Dongfang Bai was fine, or at least not dead.

Otherwise, Xia Jingyun would never dare to act like this!

You should know that even His Majesty, who has been in charge of the world for more than 20 years and has great prestige like Emperor Chongning, still has to consider the influence of the government and the opposition when making some decisions, and his hands are tied. If there is a big change in the palace, , Xia Jingyun simply wants to establish his authority by killing people, which is absolutely impossible!

But now, Wan Wenbi and Yan Songwen have really entered the Black Ice Platform!

Thinking of this, he could not help but feel a little panicked at the moment when he thought that nothing would shake him anymore.

This panic reached its climax when he saw three drunkards lying on the ground.

He looked at Xia Jingyun's back, and there was only one thought left in his mind: He actually knows everything!

Xia Jingyun turned his head to look at him and threw the final blow.

"Do you know why I was able to rush back in time, finally save the Queen Mother and Her Majesty, and stabilize the situation in the court?"

Xuanhu raised his head in surprise, his eyes full of doubts.

"Thanks to you for finding the people from Beiliang, King Feige of Dingxi of Beiliang sent me a letter, so I knew about your conspiracy in advance."

Xuan Hu was dumbfounded on the spot as if he was struck by lightning.

He didn't expect that the link in his plan that was least likely to go wrong was actually the link that made him lose in the end.

Xiang Xiang stretched out his hand and pulled out the strip of cloth from his mouth. Xuanhu looked at Xia Jingyun and said dejectedly: "I lost, you won."

He looked desolate as a hero at the end of his life, "You want me to explain, right? Okay, I'm willing to tell everything, as long as you leave me intact."

Xia Jingyun snorted coldly when he heard this, "What are you thinking? I show you these today just to completely destroy everything about you! I won't let you die with your self-righteous pride and generosity."

His expression suddenly turned cold, "Still leaving your whole body? Your fate has been determined for a long time. Lingchi is your only destination!"

"Slowly wait for that day, go and die of torture! Not with the arrogance of a regicide, but with the image of a complete loser!"

"Your future will not be that of a great thief who brazenly assassinates the emperor, but that of a clown who plans to kill the king!"

After saying that, Xia Jingyun strode away.

Chief Xiang looked at Marquis Jianning's domineering attitude and engraved this scene firmly in his heart.

He stretched out his hand to lift Xuanhu up, only to find that the former leader, who once calculated everything, was trembling slightly.

Xia Jingyun walked out of the cell and came to the room where Yanzhi usually worked. He said softly: "Thank you for your hard work these days."

Yanzhi shook his head, "Yangzhi is not tired, it's just that I didn't do the things well before."

Xia Jingyun pretended to be angry and straightened his face, "I said I won't talk about this anymore, what? Do you want to take this opportunity to escape from so many things later?"

Yanzhi shook his head quickly, looking anxious. Xia Jingyun smiled and said, "What's in the past is in the past. Don't let things go wrong in the future."

Yanzhi hummed heavily, "Don't worry, husband, you should go and rest quickly! Don't exhaust yourself."

Now everyone could see that Xia Jingyun, who was extremely tired, nodded, "Well, it's almost okay now."

Before he finished speaking, a Forbidden Army general came in a hurry, "Marquis Jianning! Your Majesty is awake!" (End of Chapter)