Both inside and outside Longdu were silent in this world filled with ice.
The two watchmen walked tiredly through the streets of Longdu, banging their wooden clappers and shouting out the time.
In such an empty night, the sound carried through particularly distantly.
At this time, more than a dozen black figures appeared from the palace. They were all dressed in black and had masks on their faces. They disappeared into the surrounding darkness like ghosts.
Among them, there was a leader who looked a little fat. This person was naturally Dabao.
Although he was wearing a mask, his big face was too big, and the mask could only barely cover his eyes, but those dark eyes with a hint of sluttishness had long given him away.
When these more than ten people came out of the palace, they divided into two groups, one heading towards the residence of Prince Heshan, and the other heading towards the residence of Prince Tai.
These two people are the core members of tzing.[
Although they are both princes and do not have any real power in their hands, these two people are the prince's lackeys. Whenever the prince has any inconvenience, they will basically help him deal with it.
In Longdu, the officials who support the prince probably account for more than half of the people in Longdu.
Among them, the families that support the prince are headed by the Murong family, the Nangong family, and the Zhao family.
Having the support of the family is the reason why the prince is so arrogant.
The Murong family, the Nangong family, and the Zhao family are all aristocratic families that have been on the Dragon Soul Continent for thousands of years. Especially the Nangong family, which once established a three-hundred-year dynasty on the Dragon Soul Continent.
The world has been ups and downs. Although the Nangong family has lost its kingly appearance, his status in the Dragon Soul Continent needs to be questioned.
There is a saying that when you beat a dog, it all depends on the owner.
What Liu Xia had to do was to beat the prince's two dogs first. If the prince was angered, then the owner of the dog would definitely stand up and give him a good fight.
The more ferocious they fight here, the real enemies will relax their vigilance.
And this good show officially kicked off on this cold night.
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"Any way to govern a country must first enrich the people. If the people are rich, it is easier to govern, but if the people are poor, it is difficult to govern..."
In the early morning, the prince's residence was as peaceful as ever.
The servants are busy and cautious.
No one dared to raise his head and look around, and no one dared to say a word loudly.[
In the study room in the back garden of the Prince's Mansion, the Prince put his hands behind his back, faced outside, and recited aloud.
Behind him, in a dragon-patterned incense burner carved from blood jade, wisps of green smoke slowly rose, and the surrounding area was filled with an elegant fragrance.
The charcoal stove on one side was burning brightly. Although it was already early winter, the room was as warm as the sun.
There are many flowers in the room, and some orchids are growing happily, making the room look full of vitality and happiness.
The two maids lowered their heads and carefully watered the flowers and plants.
One of the maids accidentally raised her head shyly and looked at the prince's back, in a daze.
The other maid, who was slightly older, gave her a gentle kiss and then glared at her fiercely.
The maid hurriedly lowered her head, packed up her things, carefully walked back to the door, and then gently closed the door.
Three hundred and sixty-five days a year, Prince rr would memorize books for an hour in the morning.
This was one of the lessons assigned to him by his teacher, Nangong Weichen, the current court boss.
As a prince, how could he not be academic?
Especially when he has a wise and powerful father and a lot of covetous siblings.
For some reason, the prince stopped reciting and looked at a snowy plum tree outside in trance.
Although winter has arrived, that snowy plum blossom is blooming exceptionally beautifully.
Full of arrogance, don't bow your head like ice.
At this time, there was suddenly a rush of footsteps, and with a clang, the study door was opened.
The prince immediately frowned. Who in his mansion would dare to be so disrespectful?
"Your Highness, something happened."
At this time, an official in his early fifties, wearing a red court uniform, spoke anxiously behind him.
The prince turned around slowly, feeling slightly surprised.
Standing behind him was Du Qing, one of his staff.
The Prince's Mansion is different from other palaces. The Prince's Mansion is also called the East Palace. There is a small court here, but this small court only serves the prince.
Du Qing was one of the staff of the East Palace and served as Shao Zhanshi of Zhanshi Mansion, a fourth-grade official position.
Du Qingnai is one of the prince's confidants, he is experienced and resourceful, but the prince is a little surprised by the panic today.
"Master Du, when did you get so panicked?"
The prince asked slightly nervously.
"Back to Your Highness, Prince Heshan and Prince Tai were captured by Prince Weiyuan last night."
Du Qing said hurriedly.
"What?"
The prince's face changed, and when he was about to go to the case, a trace of anger appeared on his face.
This was Liu Xia's official declaration of war on him. In the first two times, he took the lead in attacking, while Liu Xia was in a defensive position. This incident showed that Liu Xia was going to fight back.
"This wild boy is quite courageous. Come and prepare a car. I would like to go and ask him personally what qualifications he has to arrest people."
Having said this, the prince angrily walked towards the gate, but as soon as he reached the gate, he stopped.
Several lessons taught him that impulse is the devil.
This is obviously Liu Xia's trap. If he goes to raise an army today to investigate, Liu Xia may be guilty of something.
At this moment, a housekeeper outside the door shouted: "Mr. Nangongge wants to see you."
"The Grand Master is here? Please come quickly."
When the prince heard this, he was overjoyed.
Nangong Weichen, like Mr. Xue Ge, was an important minister in the cabinet.
As one of the three princes, his position in the court was very important.
After a while, I saw Nangong Weichen, about sixty years old, wearing the court uniform of a first-class official, entering the room.
This Nangong Weichen is slightly thinner and has gray hair on his temples. He looks like he has been weathered.
However, his eyes were exceptionally sharp, as if he could understand the world and see through the ups and downs.
"Master!"
Immediately, the prince bowed deeply and stood solemnly to one side.
"Your Highness, why didn't I hear you reading?"
Grand Master Nangong came in, frowned and asked.
"Well, I just learned that Prince Weiyuan has captured Prince Heshan and Prince Tai, and is trying to resolve the matter separately."
The prince lowered his head and answered.
"Hey, Your Highness. I often remind you that you should not be surprised when things happen. The so-called Mount Tai is pressing in front of you, but your face will not change. The smallest thing will mess up your position. If you come and you ascend the throne,
Aren't you panicked when an enemy country invades?"
Nangong Weichen frowned and lectured.
"The Grand Master's lesson is correct, I have written it down."
The prince hurriedly bowed his waist and said, but his expression showed a bit of boredom.
"Okay, I asked you to memorize the homework for me."
After Nangong Weichen said this, he walked towards the Grand Master's chair, turned around and sat down.
"Grand Master, I feel that Prince Weiyuan has already taken action. If we don't fight back, we may be in trouble."
The prince said worriedly.
"It's just a prince from Weiyuan, what are you afraid of? He has no foundation in Longdu. Although he relies on His Majesty's favor, you are the crown prince of a country. In terms of background, he is far inferior to you. He is just an insignificant part of your long life.
It’s just a stumbling block.”
Nangong Weichen said with a bit of anger.
"But, but..."
"I know what you want to say! Tianwen level Yin Yang master, the saint's cultivation is right? So what? This is Longdu, not Jianghu. You are the prince, he is just a prince. How many times have I said this,
As a prince, the first thing you must learn is to have a city in your heart. As the king of a country, how can you reveal your fear to outsiders? If you are afraid, what will happen to your subjects?"
Nangong Weichen shook his head and said.
"This is what the Grand Master taught me."
When the prince saw Nangong Weichen's expression, he quickly lowered his head and did not dare to speak any more.
"Your Majesty's arrangement is a result of His Majesty's good intentions. The old minister told you a story before. In the northern grasslands, wolves were infested. When the local herdsmen saw that the wolves were encircling and killing them, they thought they could live a happy life. However, how many times did it happen?
Years later, the livestock had no natural enemies and became overly prosperous. As a result, the water and grass dried up. From then on, they became lonely. Do you understand the truth behind this? "
Nangong Weichen raised his head and asked.
The prince was stunned for a moment, then lowered his head quickly and said, "I understand."
"Well, it's good to understand. In Prince Weiyuan, he is your wolf pack. However, it seems that he is showing off his teeth and claws, but in fact, he is vulnerable. He has no ambition to become emperor, so he has no support from the family. Without support from the family
, there will be no popular support. If there is no popular support, you will be as stable as Mount Tai. Come and endorse it."
After Nangong Weichen finished speaking, he closed his eyes.
When the prince heard this, he felt like he was enlightened.
Prince Weiyuan really has nothing to fear.
"Any way to govern a country must first enrich the people. If the people are rich, it is easier to govern, but if the people are poor, it is difficult to govern..."
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"I said, there is no movement in the Prince's Mansion."
Dabao was chewing a piece of meat pie in his mouth, holding a steamed bun in his hand, staring at the roast chicken on the table, and muttered.
"How many days have you gone without eating?"
Liu Xia looked at Dabao's eating image and said with a helpless smile.
"I want to talk to you about business again."
Dabao said disdainfully.
"Those two guys, did they say anything?"
Liu Xia asked.
"Don't mention it anymore. It's been two days, and all the methods have been exhausted. In the end, the two princes are still refusing to speak. You said, even if they can't be beaten, how can they confess?"
Dabao said angrily.
Prince Heshan and Prince Tai are both nobles. Unless there is a decree from the clan government, Liu Xia really has no way to execute them at will.
Although the emperor gave him a decree to interrogate all officials, Liu Xia knew that these two princes had nothing to do with the affairs of Heifeng Village.
If they are punished, they will be exposed.
"It seems that this prince really doesn't take me seriously. Okay, let's be a little cruel. Since the dog owner doesn't say anything, then we'll just beat the owner."
Liu Xia smiled disdainfully.
"I'm going, aren't you going to capture the prince?"
Dabao asked in shock.
"Why arrest the prince? I don't want to rebel! Isn't there still a Nangong family? I heard that old man Nangong loves his grandson very much. You said, if we arrest his grandson, you say he is a bitch,
Will there be any action?"
Liu Xia said thoughtfully.
When Dabao heard this, his eyes suddenly lit up and he said: "This is reliable!"