Wei Yao walked up the ancient road, and the dilapidated palace gate appeared in front of him. There were overgrown weeds on both sides, and countless upside-down branches intertwined together, almost covering the road to the palace gate. He stepped over carefully and pushed the door open.
"West Tower?" Wei Yao looked at the people inside the door in shock, "Did you invite me to come here?"
Xilou bowed and saluted: "I have brought wine and meat to my humble position, but I still ask the prince to show my face."
Only then did Wei Yao notice the wine bottle in his hand, and couldn't help but wonder: "Since we want to have a drink, why not go to the academy?"
The spring breeze in the West Tower smiled and said: "There is no new idea in drinking in the academy. This is the old palace of the Chu State. Usually many literati come here to recite poems and compose poems. Today, I dare to invite the prince to have a gathering. Is it okay?"
Wei Yao poked his head inside and looked inside. The other palace was cold, and weeds were growing everywhere, covering almost the entire place. The sound of wind raged through the corridors, leaving behind howling sounds like ghosts and wolves. He couldn't help shuddering, feeling
This place is not suitable for reciting poems and writing poems at all. I don’t know what kind of medicine those literati have taken wrongly, and they have such a hobby. Just as I was about to turn around and leave, I heard the sound of the piano coming from inside, and I became curious again. Looking at the west building
Having taken the bait, he struck the iron while it was hot: "There are many novel things in the palace. I believe the prince is interested."
After saying this, Wei Yao really took it to heart.
The two walked to the end of the corridor, turned a corner, and looked up to see a bright red cloud connecting the sky and the earth in the distance. Among the flying flowers, there were several simple and elegant houses scattered one after another, with blue bricks and black tiles, which looked like a fairyland.
gas.
Wei Yao was immediately dumbfounded: "I didn't know there was such a good place in Ruoshui!"
"Your Majesty, we are here."
Wei Yao looked at the warm and bright Nuan Pavilion he was pointing at. There seemed to be a figure in front of the flashing halo. He was suddenly frightened. He pointed at the figure and said in a panic: "There is a person there!"
Xilou gently pressed his shoulders: "Don't be afraid, Your Majesty, it's Zuo Qing."
"He's here too?"
Wei Yao suddenly reacted. If it was Shan Xilou alone, he might have really had a good time drinking and talking, but Zuo Qing was also here, so the matter was not simple.
"When you invited me here, I'm afraid it's not just about drinking and eating meat. What do you want to do?"
Xilou did not answer immediately. He silently went over to open the door and said, "Your Highness, do you want to know? There is an answer inside."
King Yao was undecided. On the one hand, he was worried that they had other plots, but on the other hand, he felt that he could not just retreat like this, as he would appear to be too timid and cowardly.
Gritting his teeth, he collapsed and went in.
Zuo Qing has already made tea. There is a low table, three cushions, and a charcoal stove. In the exquisite and small incense burner, a black incense stick is swirling out purple smoke, exuding a calming fragrance.
.The room is fully equipped and it seems like someone has always lived in it.
Wei Yao was young and vigorous. Although he was afraid just now, once he was in a weak position, he became stronger. He puffed up his chest and said confidently, "Didn't you say good wine and good meat? Why only one pot of tea? Could it be that it was because of watching
I am young and feel that I am easy to deceive, huh, if I get angry, I will even be afraid of myself!"
Zuo Qing was amused by his appearance and smiled slightly: "My lord, why should you be anxious? Please take a seat first."
Wei Yao snorted and sat down heavily.
Xilou carried two bottles of wine and a plate of meat, poured a glass and pushed it in front of him.
Wei Yao was not interested: "What do you want to say? Say it quickly. I have no interest in beating around the bush with you!"
"I know that the prince is impatient, but this matter must be dealt with slowly."
"Is it about Mo Fei?" Wei Yao guessed randomly. After seeing Zuo Qing's indifferent expression, he guessed again: "About the academy?"
"Since the prince is impatient, I will explain it to you in detail." Xilou raised his eyebrows, took out his fan, and tapped it gently in the palm of his hand, "The prince has suffered many setbacks in the court recently. I believe you also know the reason. Don't you want to let yourself go?"
Is the road clear?"
Wei Yao looked at him doubtfully, then looked at Zuo Qing. He didn't figure it out until finally, and jumped up suddenly, "You want to harm the prince!" Wei Yao hurriedly backed away, almost tripping over the table, pointing at the two of them and yelling:
"I thought you were loyal ministers, but it turns out that your goal is not Mo Fei, but the prince! Your appetite is too big, you bunch of lackeys from the fly camp, I will kill you!"
Zuo Qing looked up at him, neither smiling nor angry: "Have you scolded enough?"
Wei Yao wanted to touch the weapon at his waist, but there was nothing in his hand, but it did not affect his momentum and anger at all. He kicked away the cushion, pulled out the dagger inserted in the flesh, and in the blink of an eye it had stabbed the tip of Zuo Qing's nose.
Just a finger away, a fan happened to be holding it up. He glared at Xilou, "Get out of here! I'll deal with you after I kill the mastermind behind it!"
Xilou raised the corner of his mouth, and with just a slight lift of his hand, his dagger was wiped out, "Please wake up! Don't be fooled by the prince's disguise. The prince has a bad nature and is incompetent. He is definitely not a candidate for the emperor. If
Once he sits on the throne, what will Rongguo look like in the future?"
Wei Yao finally calmed down, but still raised his chin stubbornly, "So what? He is the crown prince of the Rong Kingdom. If you dare to hurt him, I will never give up!"
"Is it possible that you are willing to watch Rong Guo become the next Chu State?"
Wei Yao naturally knew that the prince was a man. He had been fighting openly and secretly with Mo Fei for many years to consolidate his power, and he had harmed many people. Although everyone did not say anything about those dirty things, they were all aware of them. He was suddenly discouraged, with eyes in his eyes.
Faintly wrapped in a bag of tears.
"I know, but he is my brother and Wei Zhen is dead. I can't lose my family again!"
Xilou's heart felt like tearing pain, and the past that had been sealed for more than ten years was struggling to get out of that gap. Little by little, springs came to his heart! He murmured Wei Zhen's name in a low voice, feeling that for the first time
, this long-dusted identity is so close to me.
Wei Yao couldn't help but wonder, he was just talking about someone else, why was he excited? Carefully approaching, Zuo Qing raised his eyes and looked at Wei Yao. He wanted to stop him, but after a second thought, he retracted his hand and watched calmly.
At this time, Xilou suddenly raised his eyes and stared directly at Wei Yao, who was about to come over. He was so frightened that he fell to the ground.
"Do you remember Wei Zhen?" Xilou asked him.
Wei Yao did not hesitate: "Of course I remember!"
"I thought you forgot. I thought no one would remember except me."
King Yao got up excitedly: "Do you know him?"
Xilou smiled bitterly, supported his body with one hand, swayed, walked towards him with heavy steps, put one hand into his sleeves, and spread out a broken hairpin in the palm of his hand. He looked at the broken hairpin with a sad expression, and tears instantly slipped from his cheeks.
Down.
"Chai? This is not the phoenix in the harem...Feng Chai!" Wei Yao was shocked. What made him even more puzzled was why there was such a thing in the west building.
At this time, Zuo Qing said: "Wei Zhen has been dead for ten years. Everyone thinks that he and his empress Yu died in an accident, but the world doesn't know why this fire happened for no reason."
"What do you mean?"
Zuo Qing explained: "Back then, Empress Yu remarried to Your Majesty, but she still exchanged letters with Crown Prince Yan. After His Majesty learned the news, he put pressure on the Yan State overtly and covertly. After Empress Yu learned about this, she was disheartened by Your Majesty, so she
Together with Prince Zheng, he supported Wei Zhen. At that time, His Majesty was away on an expedition, and all the affairs of the court were handled by Prince Zheng and Mo Fei. Although Mo Fei secretly obstructed him, the court at that time was still relatively clear-minded, and most of them knew what was good and what was bad.
, naturally willing to stand on Wei Zhen's side, so within half a year, the forces in the court had almost tilted towards Wei Zhen. When His Majesty returned in triumph, he had to accept the advice of the ministers and make the young Wei Zhen the crown prince of Rongguo. However,
Emperors have always had a common problem, that is, they hate being controlled by their ministers and concubines. Since then, His Majesty has neglected the princes and queens and taken back their rights. Once Empress Yu was in power, His Majesty tried every means to torture her, and finally she
Unable to bear the heavy pressure, he decided to escape from the palace with Wei Zhen, but he did not expect that he would be so cold-blooded and kill them, mother and son. Fortunately, Prince Zheng was on guard. That night, there was a fire in the Queen's palace, and it was Prince Zheng's trusted aide who rescued them from the flames.
, fled all the way to the outside of Ruoshui City, but still could not escape the pursuit of the dead soldiers, and in the end, the queen died under random arrows."
Wei Yao asked nervously: "What about Wei Zhen?"
Xilou stood up slowly and met his eyes.
Everything is completely clear.
Wei Yao backed away repeatedly, unable to believe what he heard and saw, but Zuo Qing's hint was already very clear, and he could no longer doubt it.
"You are Wei Zhen...you are not Xilou, you are...Wei Zhen!"
Wei Yao couldn't accept that Wei Zhen, who had been dead for ten years, was standing in front of him. It was like a dream! Until Wei Zhen held his face and called him dotingly like he did ten years ago...
"Yao!"
Wei Yao's emotions that he had been holding back for a long time finally collapsed at this moment. He hugged him and burst into tears, crying and howling: "Aren't you dead? Why are you still alive? Why don't you come to me? Brother Wei Zhen
, why don’t you come and recognize me!”
"He is dead. The former Wei Zhen and his mother were burned to death in the fire, but now I, with the souls of my brother and my mother, have come to take revenge."
"Prince Yan, is he really dead?"
Xilou raised his head, his sore cheeks twitching slightly, and tears welling up in his eyes, "My brother died after Mo Fei chased him. I am similar to him. With a little disguise, I can easily deceive everyone. Wei Yao, I
Among my brothers, there is no one I can trust except you. Are you willing to help me avenge my mother and those who were innocently killed?"
"Revenge...you want to take revenge on your father!" Wei Yao pushed him away in horror, "But he is our father!"
"He is not!" Xilou said angrily: "He is the enemy who killed my dearest relatives and the hypocrite who caused me to live in the world for ten years! Wei Yao, think carefully, he is no longer our father, Mo Fei
How many loyal ministers have been harmed and how many people are in dire straits, and it’s not all his fault! Are you still stubborn?"
"But...but I, I don't dare and I can't."
Xilou grabbed his arm and said to him: "You were so brave before, but why are you so timid now? One day, you have to fight for yourself. Today I only hope that you can fight for me, and
All innocent people, stand up for once."
"If I help you, what do you want to do? Kill the father or the prince? Do you know that this will put Rong Guo into crisis again?"
"With Zuo Qing here, everything can be done without bloodshed."
Wei Yao looked at Zuo Qing, and after seeing his cold but confident eyes, he finally felt confident, "I can help you, but there is one thing, you cannot touch the prince and father."
Xilou nodded: "What I want is justice!"
Under the guidance of Zuo Qing, and the secret encouragement of ministers such as Changsun Wuzheng, the conflict between the prince and King Yao was maximized, and the smell of gunpowder in the court almost reached its peak.
The prince finally became deeply hostile to his brother.
However, even so, the prince still did not take action against King Yao, but became even more unyielding in the argument, showing the authority of a master of the East Palace.
Regarding the tit-for-tat confrontation between the two brothers, Emperor Rong always just smiled and passed it off. It seemed that the discord between the brothers was nothing to him. This made Xilou troubled for many days, but Zuo Qing had a guess about it. The prince has not been there since
Without the obstruction of Mo Fei, he was at home in the court, and his behavior became more and more undisguised. The appearance of King Yao was an excellent weapon to calm him down. Of course, Emperor Rong was happy from ear to ear.
.Moreover, the two forces pulling each other back is also a kind of balance. At least for Emperor Rong, at least his throne will become more and more stable.
Of course, such a result was not what Zuo Qing expected. What he wanted was for Emperor Rong to be disappointed with the prince. The more disappointed, the better!
So on that day, Zuo Qing wrote a letter and handed it to Fu Yan.
The next night, after the patrol in the East Palace was replaced, some guards stopped the soldiers who were about to go back to rest, pretending to be the prince's order, and ordered them to continue patrolling outside the emperor's palace. In this way, a team of twenty guards with swords,
Yan Ling suddenly appeared outside the emperor's palace and bumped into Xuanting who was on patrol. Yan Ling immediately drew his sword and surrounded the crowd. Before he could explain, he tied up the leader and carried him into the palace.
Emperor Rong's palace has two rooms, an inner one and an inner one. After passing through the partition door, Yan Ling stopped and reported his identity inside. Only then did the eunuch Wang Zhong come to open the door. Yan Ling was about to go in when he saw a familiar figure standing there.
Beside Rong Emperor, he was lighting up the lamp...
Jinyun City!
Yan Ling then remembered that the prince had taken Jinyun City into the palace. At first, he really thought it was to contribute to Yixiantian. But now it seems that the prince may have other plans!
Jin Yuncheng noticed Yan Ling and immediately put down the golden scissors in his hand with a flushed face. After saluting him, he consciously retreated.
Emperor Rong, who was sitting on the edge of the bed with his eyes closed and concentrating, heard the noise and opened his eyes. He immediately recognized that the guard was from the East Palace. He asked doubtfully: "You are not guarding the East Palace, so why did you come to my palace?"
The man trembled and replied: "Yes... His Highness the Crown Prince gave the order, saying that the villain should come here to continue patrolling and protect His Majesty."
"Absurd!" Emperor Rong kicked him over and said angrily: "I have someone to protect me, why would the prince send someone to protect me?"
Emperor Rong seemed to realize something and asked him again: "You said the prince asked you to come here, but do you have the prince's token? Who gave you the order, the prince or someone else?"
"Yes...it's the Royal Guards. That token is indeed the property of His Highness the Crown Prince. I've seen it several times and I won't admit it!"
Emperor Rong stood up slowly, walked to him, bent down and confirmed again: "Are you sure it's the crown prince's token? You read it correctly?"
The guard nodded vigorously and was too frightened to speak.
Yan Ling found it strange that the East Palace had its own Imperial Guards, which were never confused with the Imperial Guards outside the East Palace, let alone left the East Palace to patrol the emperor's palace. There must be something fishy involved. But Yan Ling made these speculations
Dare not say.
Emperor Rong took a long breath, shook his head and sighed: "The prince is young and vigorous after all, I am too indulgent!"
Yan Ling was even more convinced that there must be someone behind this. What that person wanted was the prince's life. Apart from King Yao, there was no suspicious person at the moment. But obviously King Yao would not do this.
I'm afraid the only one who can do this is the one in the academy.
Regarding this unexpected incident, Emperor Rong finally chose to suppress it, but Yan Ling saw disappointment in his eyes, which was a complete disappointment for the prince.
The next day, Wei Zixu hurriedly found Zuo Qing and began to complain to him before he drank tea. After listening to his remarks, Zuo Qing smiled calmly: "The situation in the court has changed.
There is no long-term position. Ministers are the best at observing words and deeds. The reason for everything still lies with His Majesty."
Wei Zixu asked him solemnly: "Sir, do you have any countermeasures?"
"King Yao's wings are getting fuller and fuller, and those opinions raised are indeed of great benefit to Rong Guo. Your Majesty naturally has a special regard for this youngest son. Your Majesty is still healthy. I am afraid that as time goes by, your Majesty will have other ideas."
After listening to Zuo Qing's words, Wei Zixu felt as if he was facing a formidable enemy, and his hand holding the teacup couldn't help but tremble.
"Sir, do you think your father will establish another prince?"
Zuo Qing smiled slightly: "Your Highness is serious. I am just making a personal judgment based on the current situation. It does not represent His Majesty's thoughts. It's just that... some things are safer than killing them in their infancy."
Wei Zixu slowly picked up the teacup and brought it close to his lips. His expression suddenly changed. He put down the teacup heavily and stared at the man opposite him. He said, "Sir, I am grateful for your advice, but I am Wei Yao."
My brother, sir, you shouldn’t say these things!”
In Zuo Qing's heart, Wei Zixu is just a ruthless and unjust person who will do anything for power. Unexpectedly, there is still some brotherhood. But this friendship must be forced by Zuo Qing.
Break it into pieces and turn him into hatred!
Zuo Qing cupped his hands and said: "Your Highness values affection and righteousness, which is admirable. In this case, I cannot say more. Please take care of yourself in the future."
Wei Zixu heard the implication and immediately reached out to hold him down: "Sir, do you think I am too soft-hearted?"
"Mo Fei still can't shake your position, and King Yao certainly can't either, but the ministers following him can!"
"You mean Fang Chao saves them?"
"Rong Guo always attaches great importance to the opinions of civil servants. Once King Yao wins the hearts and minds of those civil servants, with their words and skills, they may really sway His Majesty. If His Highness wants to take action by then, it will be too late!"
"I have been in charge of the East Palace for several years. Although I have been sharing government affairs with my father, I rarely care about it in private. During these days, Wei Yao has been in the limelight. My father has called him to dinner many times. I have been here for several years.
How could I ever be treated like this!"
"King Yao is the youngest, but he is very capable. It is very reasonable for His Majesty and the ministers to treat him differently. Because of this, Your Highness has changed his vigilance! Throughout the history of dynasties, how many of them have been able to fight without a single blow? How many of them were able to board the board smoothly?
How many are there in the imperial throne?"
Once people are at a disadvantage, they tend to panic, and once they panic, they are easily influenced by outside voices. At this time, Wei Zixu had completely forgotten about brotherhood. His mind was filled with crises and could no longer tolerate other thoughts.
.
Wei Zixu stood up excitedly and said: "Sir, what you are reminding me is that I should not be content with the status quo. Then... what should I do? Please give me your advice, sir!"
"King Yao has not yet married. If there are rumors that his life is corrupt, those ministers will probably avoid him."
"You want me to stuff some women into his house?"
"It all depends on His Highness's idea of how to do it, as long as the result is useful."
Wei Zixu was as happy as if he had found the other side, and he quickly handed over his hands and thanked him.
The tea on the table was cold, so Zuo Qing boiled a new pot and put new tea leaves in it.
"I heard that His Highness invited Jinyun City to enter the palace. Why do I think His Highness has other plans for Jinyun City?" Zuo Qing made tea while testing.
Unexpectedly, Zuo Qing would mention Jinyun City, and Wei Zixu did not hide it, so he said truthfully: "Jinyun City is stunningly beautiful and talented. At first, I really just wanted to recruit her to serve in Yixiantian.
But later, the emperor took a fancy to her, so I took advantage of the situation and gave her to him as a gift. However, she is from the East Palace. After all, she has to work for the original owner. She is now very favored by the emperor.
I heard a lot of news, and I have to report it to the East Palace."
"Your Highness makes the best use of everything, I really admire you!" Zuo Qing agreed and then asked: "However, Jinyun City has always been noble, but it can be managed by the prince and is willing to be your eyes and ears by your majesty's side.
It can't be...what leverage does she have in your hands?"
When Wei Zixu heard this, he couldn't help but laugh and said: "Sir, what a clever plan! Yes, Jinyun City has a sister, who is the top leader of Yunlai Pavilion, Mo Xuan! With this weakness, I am not afraid that she will not listen to me!"
Zuo Qing understood this and couldn't help but feel some sympathy for her. She finally got rid of Mo Fei, but now she is under the control of the prince again. What a bumpy fate.
After bidding farewell to the prince, Zuo Qing was about to close his eyes and rest for a while when he suddenly realized something...
Jinyun City is extremely smart, knowing that the prince is not a good person, but agreed to his solicitation. Even if the prince was sincere at the time, there is no guarantee that he will have evil intentions in the future, and Jinyun City cannot be unaware of it. The only explanation is... she is
Deliberately! From this point of view, it was not Emperor Rong who fell in love with her. She should have taken the initiative to confuse Emperor Rong. The reason she could think of was that she was disturbing Rong's palace for the person on the throne of Chu State, her only brother.
It would be better if Emperor Rong was killed. The prince is incompetent and will inherit the throne in the future, which will surely drag down Rong State further and further. Then Chu State will have the opportunity to shed blood and shame!
Zuo Qing smiled helplessly. Although Jinyuncheng was smart, he didn't know that Wei Zixu would not be the one to inherit the throne in the future.
Yansheng came in and saw the tea on the table without moving at all, so he asked the host: "Sir, what did you say to him again, so that he left without even drinking the tea?"
Zuo Qing stood up, walked to the door, stretched, and said, "Just wait and see, within half a month, the prince will definitely jump over the wall."
Yansheng was cleaning the tea sets. After hearing this, he just shook his head. There was obviously no need for the adults to stay, and he was still busy with matters in the west building. He didn't know what kind of trouble it would cause.