After Youshi, the King of Yue was having dinner with his family. Butler Li suddenly hurried into the back hall and said anxiously: "Your Highness, it's bad, the army has entered the city!"
The King of Yue's face instantly darkened, he stood up, and left the back hall under the worried eyes of several female family members.
Coming to the study, the King of Yue said coldly: "What is going on? Which army has entered the city, the Zuo Wu Army or the Qianniu Guards?"
"It seems...all of them."
"like?"
The King of Yue's eyebrows jumped and he said: "You should know that I don't like to hear uncertain news the most."
The butler smiled bitterly and said: "Your Highness, the news was heard from the teahouse by a servant in our house who was out on business. I really can't confirm it."
The King of Yue was surprised: "Didn't this news come from Yuan Shutong?"
"no."
"Immediately send someone to the Governor's Mansion to see the situation, and then send someone to invite King Han and Yang Sijian over." The King of Yue said with a solemn face.
More than an hour later, King Han arrived. The expression on his face was very solemn. As soon as he entered the study, he asked: "My nephew, I heard that Wu Chengsi sent troops to the city. What does he want to do?"
The King of Yue shook his head: "I don't know."
"Don't know? How could you not know? Didn't Yuan Shutong write to tell you?"
The King of Yue said solemnly: "I have sent people to the Governor's Mansion to inquire about the situation. Let's wait."
Originally, the King of Yue had three intelligence systems, one with Yuan Shutong as the core, the other with teahouses and restaurants in the city, and the last one with Chen Shuozhen's Fire Phoenix Club in charge.
King Han's sources of intelligence were not as numerous as his own, and they mainly came from bad people.
However, both Chen Shuozhen and Yang Xuan accompanied Situ Xin to contact the pirates at sea. After all, in order for Wu Chengsi to die in the hands of pirates, the number of pirates could not be too small.
The news cannot be told at that time: Wu Chengsi led thousands of Zuowu guards to exterminate the pirates, but was wiped out by hundreds of pirates, and Wu Chengsi died at sea in the battle.
Let alone Wu Mei, not even Li Zhi would believe this kind of news.
Because of the departure of the two men, the sources of intelligence for the King of Han and the King of Yue were suddenly reduced.
After waiting for another half an hour, not only was there still no news from the governor's office, but Yang Sijian also didn't come over.
The King of Yue began to feel uneasy. At this moment, the housekeeper entered the study and said in a panic: "Your Highness, it's not good. Our people buried in the Navy Commander's Mansion have sent news that Yang Sijian has been arrested by Wu Chengsi!"
King Han slapped the table and said angrily: "Why did he arrest Yang Sijian at this time? Under what name did he arrest Yang Sijian?"
"I heard that Yang Sijian was accused of harboring He Lan Minzhi."
King Han's heart skipped a beat and he asked, "Has He Lan Minzhi fallen into Wu Chengsi's hands?"
"Yes, I heard that a captain in the Navy Commander's Office rebelled and dedicated both He Lan Minzhi and Li Duozuo to Wu Chengsi."
King Han was anxious and angry. When he saw King Yue saying nothing, he spread his hands and said, "What should we do now? Yang Sijian is also in trouble. Without his navy, all our plans will go to waste."
The King of Yue shook his head and said: "It's wrong, it's all wrong."
"What's wrong?"
"Do you still remember what I said when Zuo Wuwei came to Yangzhou?"
King Han said angrily: "You said so many things, how can I remember every word of it?"
The King of Yue took a deep breath and said: "I said at that time that Wu Chengsi came with great momentum. We should not fight him head-on. Instead, we should lie dormant and wait, focusing on the Taishan Plan."
King Han scratched his cheek and said: "Later, didn't we think that he knew about Taishan's plan, so we wanted to get rid of him?"
The King of Yue said slowly: "It has been so long now, and there is no news from Taishan Palace. This shows that Wu Chengsi does not know our plan at all."
"You mean we continue to hibernate?"
King Yue said: "With Yang Sijian being arrested, the plan to deal with Wu Chengsi can only be stopped. Do we have any other options?"
King Han rarely persisted and said: "In this case, we should immediately eliminate everyone related to the Taishan Project."
The King of Yue frowned and said, "Haven't the relevant persons been cleared out long ago?"
King Han said coldly: "No, there are still two alive."
"who?"
"Xu Yuanju and the woman from the Luo family."
The King of Yue said with a sullen face: "No, we can't kill them yet."
"Why not? Xu Yuanju has already presented the drawings, and the Luo family has agreed to transport the things into the palace. These two people are of no value anymore."
King Yue said: "Then let me ask you, what should I do if there is something wrong with the drawings submitted by Xu Yuanju?"
"This...can't be right?"
The King of Yue shook his head and said: "There can't be any omissions in our plan. It's better to wait until the organs in the palace are ready before taking action against Xu Yuanzhi."
King Han gave way: "Well, Xu Yuanju can keep it for now, and the Luo family woman can be killed, right?"
"No, I know Luo Tong, the head of the Luo family. He is very cautious. Before the dragon boat enters the palace, he will probably ask to see his daughter again."
King Han shouted: "Do you really plan to let him see your daughter then?"
"As long as it can make the plan go smoothly, it doesn't hurt to let him meet."
King Han was silent for a while and hummed: "In half a month, the dragon boat will enter the palace."
"Yes. When the time comes, you can do whatever you want to silence him, as long as you don't leave any traces and let Wu Chengsi seize the opportunity."
King Han smiled and said, "Aren't you still worried about the bad guys under my command?"
The King of Yue nodded, suddenly looked in the direction of the gate and said, "Since Wu Chengsi has taken action against Yang Sijian, I'm afraid he will not let Yuan Shutong go."
King Han snorted: "Why, do you still want to keep him?"
The King of Yue shook his head and was silent for a while, then suddenly said: "Don't you think it's strange? We were just about to attack Wu Chengsi when he struck first."
King Han was stunned for a moment and said, "Do you suspect that there are people of his around us?"
The King of Yue frowned and said: "Isn't it possible? Otherwise, why would his actions be one step faster than ours every time?"
King Han remained silent.
The King of Yue said again: "You should go back to the palace now and thoroughly investigate everyone in your palace. I am the same. We should try not to go out during this period. We must catch the details in the palace first."
King Han sighed.
If after what happened today, they all choose to hide in the mansion and not show their faces, in the eyes of others, they have already lost to Wu Chengsi.
…
Navy Commander's Mansion.
At the end of Xu Shi, the watery moonlight quietly shone in front of the window, and the mottled tree shadows swayed in the evening breeze.
Ordinary people would have already gone to bed by this time, but the heating pavilion in the backyard of the Governor's Mansion was still brightly lit, and sweet laughter could be heard from time to time.
Yang Sijian was sitting on a purple wood armchair, drinking tea leisurely while watching the ladies in front of him playing the game of throwing pots and archery.
There are two things in Yang Sijian's life that make him most proud. The first is his beloved Yang Zhuling.
Compared to his four sons, Yang Sijian loved his only daughter much more, almost to the point of being obedient.
Even Yang Zhuling's biological mother objected to the ridiculous matter of Yang Zhuling marrying He Lan Minzhi, but he finally agreed.
The second one is Yang Sijian’s wife Jiang.
This woman from a small family not only gave birth to two sons and a daughter for him, but she was also gentle and virtuous, and she had a good relationship with Yang Sijian's four concubines.
With the help of Mrs. Jiang, a virtuous wife, there was no infighting among other wealthy families in the back house of the Yang family, and the five ladies got along very harmoniously.
After dinner every day, the ladies and their daughter Yang Zhuling would play some small games in the Nuan Pavilion.
Yang Sijian also participates every time. This is almost the happiest time of his day.
"Master, why don't you come and throw one too?"
Nie, the youngest and most beautiful fifth lady, suddenly came to Yang Sijian, shook his arm and acted coquettishly.
Yang Sijian patted the fifth lady's tender lotus-like arm and said with a smile: "You guys go and play." After saying that, he glanced at Yang Zhuling who was sitting next to her.
The fifth lady then glanced at Yang Zhuling and saw that she had a straight face and frowned, and thought to herself: "Oh, this aunt has lost her temper again."
Although she was a wife, Mrs. Nie did not dare to offend Yang Zhuling at all, so she had to let go of Yang Sijian's arm and ran back to play with the other four ladies.
At this moment, Yang Zhuling suddenly tapped the table.
The laughter of the ladies suddenly stopped, and Yang Zhuling's mother, Mrs. Jiang, whispered: "Daughter, what's wrong with you?"
Yang Zhuling ignored her mother, stared at Yang Sijian and said, "Dad, when will my husband come back?"
Yang Sijian smiled and said: "My dear daughter, don't worry, he will be back in a few days."
"Tell me clearly, why does it take a few days for him to come back? Could it be that King Changping won't arrest him in a few days?"
"It's not that we won't catch him, it's that we can't catch him."
Yang Sijian glanced around and lowered his voice: "That King Changping doesn't have a few more days to live!"
Hearing that Wu Chengsi was about to die, Yang Zhuling was not only not surprised, but also showed a happy smile and said: "Then you must act quickly, I want to see my husband as soon as possible!"
Yang Sijian was about to speak, but at this moment, the door of Nuange was suddenly pushed open with force.
Yang Sijian's eldest son rushed in quickly and said with a panic look on his face: "Dad, something bad has happened. Officers and soldiers have entered our Governor's Mansion!"
Yang Zhuling snorted: "Brother, are you mistaken? Those yamen servants are all cowardly losers. How dare they come to our governor's mansion to act wild?"
Several other ladies were still smiling, completely unaware of the seriousness of the matter.
"It's not the government officials! It's the army! Zuo Wuwei's army!" the eldest son shouted.
A group of ladies suddenly lost their beauty. The fifth lady exclaimed, ran to Yang Sijian and said anxiously: "Master, what is... going on?"
Several other ladies also ran over and surrounded Yang Sijian. Except Jiang, everyone cried and shouted.
Yang Sijian said angrily: "Stop arguing! It's so annoying!"
"Dad, please think of a way!" Yang Zhuling said with tears in her eyes.
Because the King of Yue and the King of Han had been spreading rumors in Yangzhou City for a long time and slandering Zuo Wujun, these women who did not go out and only listened to outside news had long been brainwashed by the rumors.
In their minds, Zuo Wujun is an army composed of a group of ferocious villains, more cruel than bandits.
Yang Sijian thought for a while and said in a deep voice: "Wu Chengsi must have come well prepared. You should hurry up and pack your things, and then come to my study to gather. Let's escape first through a secret passage."
When the girls heard his calm voice, they immediately calmed down.
However, when Yang Sijian took his wife and daughter outside Nuange, they found that they were surrounded by a group of officers and soldiers.
The leader was a black-faced general, and a familiar face stood beside him.
"Qi Ming, you, you have taken refuge with Wu Chengsi?" Yang Sijian looked at the familiar face, furious.
Qi Ming said expressionlessly: "Yes."
The eldest lady Jiang suddenly rushed towards Qi Ming like a madman and shouted: "My master has been so kind to you, but you, the villain, have betrayed him. I, I will fight with you!"
Qi Ming's eyes turned cold, and he drew out his long knife with a swipe, about to slash at him.
Suddenly, a short sword blocked his sword. Qi Ming turned around and saw that it was Zhuge Nan who blocked him.
"These people have their own laws to deal with. How can they hurt people's lives at will?" Zhugenan glared.
Qi Ming snorted and returned the sword to its sheath.
Mrs. Jiang, who had just passed death, collapsed to the ground, shaking uncontrollably.
Yang Sijian said angrily: "You, Zuo Wuwei, broke into my official residence without any reason, and you also intend to harm my family. I must report to His Highness the Crown Prince and His Majesty, and demand an explanation from King Changping!"
Qi Ming said coldly: "Governor Yang, you don't have to take any chances. If He Lan Minzhi hadn't fallen into our hands, how could His Highness directly send us to raid your Governor's Mansion?"
Yang Sijian's face turned blue and white, and finally he let out a long sigh, while Yang Zhuling burst into tears.
In the past, whenever she cried loudly, Yang Sijian would whisper to comfort her. Only this time, Yang Sijian listened to her daughter's cries silently without saying a word.
Just when the sergeants were about to step forward to detain the female family members of the Yang family, suddenly, Hei Te Changzhi quickly picked up his bow and arrow and shot an arrow towards the dark eaves on the side.
There was a sound of "dang" in the darkness, and an old man in rich clothes fell from the eaves. It was Situ Hong.
As soon as he landed, Hei Te Changzhi shot another arrow. The arrow pierced the air with a loud sound. Situ Hong did not dare to be careless and hurriedly cut off the arrow with his ghost head knife.
However, as soon as he deflected this arrow, countless arrows came one after another. He hurriedly hid behind a pillar and remained motionless.
After this delay, the soldiers immediately surrounded him.
Although Situ Hong was highly skilled in martial arts, he was stabbed to death by random spears after only holding on for two cups of tea when faced with a heavily surrounded Zuo Wu Army sergeant.
The news that Zuo Wujun had entered the city quickly spread throughout the city. That night, all the major forces in Yangzhou spent the night in fear.
The next day, the Navy Commander's Mansion was raided, and the news that Yang Sijian's family was captured quickly spread throughout the city.
While the major forces in Yangzhou were secretly shocked, they also breathed a sigh of relief.
Among them, Yan Mingde is the most fortunate.
He had always felt that Wu Chengsi would deter the big and small forces in Yangzhou by killing chickens to scare monkeys.
The chicken that was killed was thought to be him, but Yang Sijian replaced him.
This actually makes sense. After all, Yang Sijian was too close to the King of Yue during this period, but he was different. He tactfully hid at home and did not interact with the King of Yue's palace.
This small choice determined the survival of the Yan family. While Yan Mingde was happy, he was also a little scared.
Early in the morning, Yan Mingde ran outside his house in person, waiting for the latest news in the city. At this critical moment, news was more precious than gold and silver.
Not long after, the housekeeper and the nursing home leader who had gone out to inquire about the news came back.
The butler cupped his hands and said, "Sir, I went to the government to inquire. I heard that Governor Yuan was ill. There are rumors that someone from the Yue Prince's Palace sent someone to poison him."
Yan Mingde was surprised and asked: "Is it because of this reason that King Changping suddenly attacked Yang Sijian?"
The steward replied: "Many people in the city also say so."
Yan Mingde frowned and thought for a moment, then turned to look at the leader of the nursing home and said, "How is your inquiry over there?"
The leader of the nursing home said: "I heard that there is no movement at the Yue Prince's Mansion and the Han Prince's Mansion, and the people in the two mansions rarely go out."
Yan Mingde nodded silently, wondering whether King Yue was showing weakness or whether he was really overwhelmed by King Changping.
But no matter what, he didn't intend to get involved in the fight between the two parties again. During the frightening days before, once was enough.
However, he soon discovered that he was still too naive.
One afternoon three days later, Yan Mingde was teaching his second son in the study.
Among his three sons, only this son gave him the least peace of mind. He always liked to take advantage of the family's power and do mischief outside.
This time, because of jealousy, he hung a poor scholar in the woods outside the city for a whole day, almost killing him.
"You're a scoundrel, you just do all sorts of random things on weekdays, but now at this pass, why do you dare to do so?" Yan Mingde's face turned red with anger.
The second son groaned and said: "That boy is ignorant of life and death. He insists on snatching women from me and doesn't look in the mirror to see how poor he is. He is really a toad who wants to eat swan meat."
"You still dare to talk back, do you know what time it is now, sooner or later our family will be destroyed in your hands!"
The second son said impatiently: "Dad, you have said this a dozen times, but our family has not always been well."
Yan Mingde's face turned livid with anger. At this moment, the housekeeper entered the study and said, "Sir, the head of the Luo family has asked for an audience. I have already led him into the side hall to wait."
Yan Mingde pointed at his second son and said, "Reflect on it in the study." After saying that, he left the study.
In the lobby, Yan Mingde met Luo Tong, the head of the Luo family.
The Luo family is one of the three major ship merchants in Yangzhou. The wealth of the family in the mansion is not inferior to that of the Yan family. However, the Luo family is a business family after all, and its status is far inferior to that of the Yan family.
Originally, as Yan Mingde, he would not make friends with a businessman like Luo Tong.
But one time, he unexpectedly learned that Luo Tong had a cousin who was a supervisory censor in Chang'an City.
From then on, Yan Mingde took the initiative to make friends with Luo Tong, and the two soon developed a good friendship.
It was Luo Tong who led the way, and Yan Mingde met Xu Yuanju, the chief historian.
Later, Yan Mingde was ordered by the King of Yue to pretend to be close to Xu Yuanju.
Although Yan Mingde was hesitant at the time, he felt that this was a good opportunity to attach himself to the king of Yue, so he enthusiastically agreed.
This move not only deceived Xu Yuanju, but also deceived Luo Tong.
Yan Mingde didn't even know when Luo Tong was released. When he came to the lobby, he forced a smile and said: "Brother Luo, I couldn't help what happened before. I hope you won't take offense."
Luo Tong stared at Yan Mingde for a moment and suddenly gave him a big salute.
Yan Mingde hurriedly said: "Brother Luo, what are you doing?"
Luo Tong gritted his teeth and said, "Brother Yan, I would like to ask you to help me deliver a message to His Highness the King of Yue."
Yan Mingde's face changed greatly: "Brother Luo, if you have something to tell His Highness the King of Yue, just go to his house. Why did you come to me?"
Luo Tong shook his head and said, "I can't go to Prince Yue's Mansion."
Yan Mingde said angrily: "Even if you can't go to Prince Yue's Mansion, you can still find someone else to send the message. Why did you come to me?"
Luo Tong looked at Yan Mingde with strange eyes and said, "Brother Yan, why do you need to pretend to be confused with me?"
Yan Mingde said angrily: "Who is pretending to be confused with you? To tell you the truth, our Yan Mansion has nothing to do with Prince Yue's Mansion now!"
Luo Tong said nothing and glanced left and right. Yan Mingde hurriedly waved his hand and dismissed the servants.
Luo Tong then said: "Brother Yan, you don't have to pretend anymore. Now most of the forces in Yangzhou City have turned to King Changping. Only you are still loyal to King Yue."
After a pause, he said: "On this point, I still admire you."
Yan Mingde only felt that someone was beating a gong and drum hard in his head, and there was a "buzzing" sound in his head.
He stood up suddenly and said word by word: "Who said that I am loyal to the King of Yue!"
Seeing that his eyes were red and his face was ashen, Luo Tong frowned and said, "That's what everyone said."
Yan Mingde almost lost control of his emotions. He grabbed Luo Tong's collar and asked anxiously: "Why do they say that? Is there any reason?"
Luo Tong was startled and said: "The people in the city all said this, saying that the other seven of the eight major families no longer have contact with the Yue Prince's Mansion, and only the Yan family is still loyal to the Yue Prince."
"Many people even praised you for this." Luo Tong added.
Yan Mingde was almost furious. He had not had any contact with Prince Yue's Mansion in the past few days. Someone must be spreading rumors behind his back to harm him!
What bastard has such a hatred for him?
Luo Tong took a deep breath and said: "Brother Yan, please help me tell the King of Yue that I hope to see my daughter again!"
Yan Mingde's eyes were about to burst into flames, and he roared: "What nonsense are you talking about to me? Our Yan Mansion has nothing to do with Prince Yue's Mansion. Get out of here, get out now!"
Luo Tong said anxiously: "Brother Yan, I won't argue with you about what happened back then, but my daughter is now in the hands of the King of Yue, and I must ensure that she is still alive."
Yan Mingde wanted to cover his ears. He didn't want to hear a word of this kind of thing, and he didn't want to get involved in anything involving King Yue or King Changping.
"Get out!" he roared.
Luo Tong left. Before leaving, he even knelt on the ground and cried, begging Yan Mingde to let him see his daughter.
Yan Mingde wanted to cry more than he did. Whenever he thought about those rumors reaching Wu Chengsi's ears, his heart felt like it was being clenched.
He must go to see Wu Chengsi immediately and explain clearly to him.
However, as soon as he left the house, he saw a group of officers and soldiers running towards him, led by a young man under twenty years old.
"Are you from the Yan family?" the young man asked.
"Yes, I wonder what the purpose of this military master is here?" Yan Mingde said cautiously.
The young man looked him up and down and said, "Are you Yan Mingde?"
"Yes, it is."
The young man smiled slightly and said: "That's easy. My name is Zhuge Nan. On the order of His Royal Highness Prince Changping, I will take you to the Governor's Mansion for questioning. You can come with me."
Yan Mingde smiled bitterly and said: "To be honest, I am also planning to go to the Governor's Mansion to meet the prince."
"Great, without further ado, let's set off quickly."
When we arrived at the Dudu Mansion, it was already dusk and the sky was gray, just like Yan Mingde's mood at the moment.
Yan Mingde was taken to the lobby of the Governor's Mansion. In addition to Wu Chengsi, there was also a young woman in the hall. There was no sparkle in the woman's eyes and she was actually blind.
"Caomin Yan Mingde pays homage to the Governor." Yan Mingde bowed respectfully.
"Master Yan, do you know who the girl sitting in front of you is?"
Wu Chengsi's face was heavy and his voice was full of majesty, which gave Yan Mingde a bad feeling.
"I don't know."
"She is Xu Wenqing, the daughter of Xu Yuanju who was framed by you." Wu Chengsi said coldly.
Yan Mingde was frightened and said anxiously: "Your Highness, you said at Mingde Temple a few days ago that you will no longer pursue the past matters!"
"Yes, a few days ago, I, on the orders of the Queen, commended you at Mingde Temple. However, as you colluded with the King of Yue to frame Xu Changshi, I cannot spare you lightly."
Yan Mingde felt as if someone had punched him in the heart.
He finally understood that Wu Chengsi's beautiful words were just to stabilize the forces of all parties.
Now that he took control of Yangzhou, he immediately began to settle accounts after the fall.
"Recently there are rumors in the city that I am still loyal to His Royal Highness the King of Yue. These words..."
"I spread these rumors." Zhugenan said with a smile.
Yan Mingde turned pale and said: "I should have thought that you deliberately spread rumors just to find a reason to attack me, so that others would not say that you are a person who burns bridges."
Wu Chengsi said coldly: "Yan Mingde, don't make a mistake. I have never wanted to win over your eight major families, let alone burn bridges."
"Then why did you come to Mingde Temple to commend me on behalf of the Queen?" Yan Mingde shouted.
Zhuge Nan hummed: "His Royal Highness invites you to Mingde Temple, mainly to transfer King Yue out of the palace and rescue Miss Xu, so you can stop being sentimental there."
Yan Mingde was stunned and speechless.
Wu Chengsi said: "Yan Mingde, I ask you, do you know where the King of Yue imprisoned Xu Changshi?"
Yan Mingde shook his head.
"I have guessed that you don't know, so whatever, now I am taking you into custody for falsely accusing a court official. Prime Minister Zhuge, please inform the governor's office to take him away."
Yan Mingde suddenly said: "Your Highness, I have not confessed my guilt!"
Wu Chengsi said coldly: "You'd better understand the situation. Do you think it's difficult to investigate the things you did? If you resist to the end, not only will you not be able to escape the original guilt, but you will also add new crimes."
Yan Mingde's eyes suddenly cast a shadow, and he gritted his teeth and said: "The common people have not broken any laws. I don't understand what you are talking about!"
Zhuge Nan sneered and said: "That's great. If you continue to be tough, when the truth is found out, not only will you be held accountable, but your family will also be implicated by you!"
Yan Mingde lowered his head and said nothing. He knew that Xu Yuanju was in the hands of the King of Yue and might be dead.
As long as he dies, it will be a death without evidence. This is his only hope.
Zhuge Nan took Yan Mingde away.
Wu Chengsi slowly came to Xu Wenqing's side. He originally wanted to make Xu Wenqing feel better by punishing Yan Mingde.
However, it can be seen from Xu Wenqing's silence that she doesn't care what happens to Yan Mingde. The only way to restore the smile on her face is to rescue Xu Yuanju.
"Miss Xu, I want to send you to Chang'an. My wife is good at medicine. Maybe she can cure your eyes."
Xu Wenqing's slender eyebrows twitched, and after a while, he said: "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness, but I... I want to wait until dad is rescued before going to Chang'an City, is that okay?"
Wu Chengsi sighed and could only agree to her.
In order to find out Xu Yuanju's whereabouts, he had sent several groups of soldiers to inquire along every road to Chang'an, but still no news came.
According to his guess, Xu Yuanju was probably taken somewhere and imprisoned as soon as he left Yangzhou. The King of Yue would never let Xu Yuanju stay too far away from him.
…
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