Su Yan specially brought a pile of letters to go to the West Building to discuss. When he entered Wan Chao's room, he found that no one was there. At this time, the chief came out of the back room, bowed to Su Yan, and then handed her a letter.
"Your Excellency went to Yan State overnight and it will take a long time to come back. I can only ask you for the rest."
After Su Yan opened the letter and read it, he felt completely cold. Without the Xilou charge to lead the charge, how could this plan have been possible, let alone whether it would have been possible, and how would he have dealt with Tan Cen's insidious and suspicious fox?
Thinking of this, he hurriedly threw away the letter and went to Zuo Qing for help.
The Zen Jingyuan still looks like a paradise forest, with peach blossoms in full bloom in March and fallen flowers in the yard. Zuo Qing seemed to have expected Su Yan to come, and was already waiting outside the Xinghan Pavilion. When Su Yan had enough breath, he
Cai slowly said: "The eldest son of the Yan Kingdom killed someone. After the Dongchuang incident happened, he blamed others. The King of Yan was furious and threw him into prison. It's a pity that he was originally going to be named the crown prince, but now only Xilou can do it."
It’s time to take on this great responsibility.”
Su Yan calmed down at this time and looked at Zuo Qing calmly. There was no guilt in his eyes at all, as if these things really had nothing to do with him. In the past, he could still do something for the people when dealing with Mo Fei.
There was a reason for the harm, but now he has even intervened in the affairs of Yan State. What is his purpose?
"What do you want to say?" Zuo Qing asked her.
"Just because you and Xilou are planning something big and for the people, I'm worried that I'm not helping. But when we competed to recruit brides, I vaguely realized that your purpose is more than that, but I still
I didn't come to ask you. Now I want to ask clearly, if Xilou becomes the crown prince, what do you want to use him for?!"
"What to do?" Zuo Qing saw the disgust in Su Yan's eyes, and the hands in his sleeves gradually tightened. After a long time, his voice sounded faintly again, "Having a family has been around since ancient times. Becoming the prince is what Xilou has always wanted to do. I just want to
We just cooperated with him and helped each other. Now that he has achieved what he wanted, he will naturally use his power to help me again. When everything calms down, I will retire with success."
Su Yan frowned slightly: "I don't believe it!"
"Whether you believe it or not, this is what you see. Otherwise, do you think I can make any shocking waves?"
Su Yan took another step back, looked at him, and said coolly: "Aren't you seeking a position?"
Zuo Qing was horrified and subconsciously wanted to grab her shoulder. Then he realized that he had lost his composure. He took two panicked steps to the side and avoided looking at her: "To put it lightly, I can still use some tricks to deal with Mo Fei.
But the majestic emperor has hundreds of thousands of forbidden troops, how can he just seek the throne?"
"Really?"
Zuo Qing looked back, calm as usual, "I have no reason to seek the throne, so who can I seek the throne for, King Yao?" He smiled disdainfully, "King Yao has no interest in government affairs. Even if I want to make plans for him, he won't.
promise."
King Yao was indeed such a person, and making him a prince was no different from being imprisoned. If he was a prince, it was even more nonsense. It seemed impossible to seek the throne.
This is the truth, but Su Yan still doesn't believe it. They spent a lot of time to do these tricks, how could they stop at Shangshu Ling!
But Zuo Qing refused to admit it, so what could she do to him?
"Since you're here, let's have breakfast before going back." Zuo Qing said.
"Breakfast? If you don't tell me, you haven't felt it yet. Just tell me, you are really hungry." Su Yan touched his belly and said, "It has been a while since I came to Ruoshui, and this is the first time I have breakfast in Zen Jingyuan. You have to take it seriously.
Prepare it for me, I’m afraid I’ll be very busy these days!”
As he spoke, he looked inside the room with a smile.
Zuo Qing found it difficult to digest Su Yan's earth-shaking change. Yansheng happened to come back and ordered him to go to the kitchen to prepare. Su Yan looked at Yansheng's face and couldn't help but become wary. Yansheng said with a smile on his face: "Mr. Su, it's been a long time."
I’m not here, but since I’m here, dinner should be served here too!”
How could Su Yan not hear what he was thinking, he just smiled lightly, and Zuo Qing understood and asked him to go outside to dry the books.
The doors and windows of Xinghan Pavilion were half-opened, and warm wind came in and fell on Su Yan's cheeks. His hair was blown up, and he felt that his face was itching unbearably. He was about to reach out, but his fingers already parted the hair and gently put it in his ears.
Finally, she was slightly shocked, but she was speechless.
The room was surprisingly quiet, with only the gentle sound of wind and the dull sound of swallowing.
Zuo Qing came to his senses and hurriedly retracted his hand, as if nothing had happened, but Su Yan could not act as if nothing had happened.
They obviously like each other, but why do they always dodge them? If they push her away, why do they keep provoking her again and again? Is he unable to let go? Or is he unwilling to do so?
She put down the bowl forcefully and stood up angrily. Looking at the timid man in front of her, she wanted to scold him, but when the words came to her lips, she finally couldn't bear to say them out.
The warm spring sun is shining brightly, but here is a dead silence, just like Zuo Qing's heart, not a single ray of light can shine through.
Three days later, with less than two quarters to go until Hai hour, red lights were hung high on the long street, and the restaurants and teahouses on both sides of the road were at their busiest time. The crowds were surging, and the aroma of wine drifted from the streets to the end.
A carriage slowly passed through the crowd and drove towards the small Xishan courtyard outside the city. Su Yan opened the curtain and looked at the scenery outside the city. For some reason, he suddenly felt a little sad. He stretched out a hand and lowered the curtain for her.
.
"I don't think there is a good man in Ruoshui," Yan Zhen's face turned livid, "Sister, it's better to kick Xilou away as soon as possible. In the future, I will be your husband!"
After Su Yan left Chanjing Courtyard three days ago, Zuo Qing informed him of the plan. Yan Zhen was angry and worried about Su Yan's safety, so he immediately dropped his studies and went straight to Lanshan Courtyard.
"Xilou is very good. At least he only has eyes for me." Su Yan said lightly.
"If he was good, he wouldn't have won the competition to find a bride. If he was good, he wouldn't have run away at such a critical moment. I think in his heart, my sister is not as good as his heir apparent!" Yan Zhen clenched his fists tightly.
, gnashing his teeth with hatred.
Su Yan thought helplessly: Perhaps, no man would really give up the power and position within his reach for a woman. He was just one of thousands of unlucky women.
Yan Zhen suddenly remembered something, took out a short blade from his sleeve, and hid it in Su Yan's sleeve. Still worried, he took off the silver needle bag and pinned it on her waist, and finally took off the hairpin.
, inserted into Su Yan’s bun.
Su Yan felt warm in his heart, held his hand and said, "Don't worry, I'll be fine if I'm so smart, not to mention you're protecting me secretly, I'm sure to get some information from Tan Cen on this trip!"
Yan Zhen was even more worried: "I'm still disguised as Yu Chengfeng, I'm not worried if you go in alone!"
"Shopkeeper Luo has met Xilou twice. Xilou's tone and form have left traces in his eyes. If you go, won't you miss the mark? I'd better go alone."
Yan Zhen couldn't defeat her, so he could only protect her secretly. When the carriage arrived a mile away from the small courtyard, Yan Zhen jumped off the carriage, hid in the bushes as tall as one person on the roadside, and quietly rolled into the small courtyard.
.
Not long after, the carriage stopped, and as soon as Su Yan got out of the car, the courtyard door opened with a bang, and a servant carrying a lantern came out. After bowing for a long time, he led Su Yan inside.
The journey was winding and winding, passing through two moon gates, before reaching the end. The servant knocked on the door, and the voice of a middle-aged man inside answered. The servant opened the door for her and immediately left.
There is no light in the house, and through the light from the corridor, you can vaguely see that the furnishings in the house are very simple. There is a low table in the center with only two tables. On the table are several plates of dried fruits or dried meats, and a pot of boiling water.
The man was sitting on one of the sofas. His face could not be seen clearly. He could only hear a low and hoarse voice saying: "Why did the girl come to the appointment alone? Where is General Yu?"
Su Yan was not sure whether he was Tan Cen, so he could only salute and apologize: "The general could have kept the appointment, but yesterday he suddenly received news from the border town, so he had to go back to deal with it. The slave girl is the most trustworthy person around the general, so
It's the same thing if a slave takes his place."
The etiquette is thoughtful, the conversation is appropriate, and the momentum is not lost.
Hearing the man's hum, Su Yan breathed a sigh of relief and walked in and took a seat: "The general has told me that I must negotiate the deal with you, and the subsequent details will be discussed in detail by the two of you."
When the man didn't respond, he brought a teapot and filled it for her. A thought suddenly flashed through Su Yan's mind: He was testing himself.
Calm your mind, take the cup of tea, and drink it slowly.
The more this happens, the more calm you must be. You must be able to remain calm even if the mountain collapses. At least the other party will not doubt your identity.
"How long has the girl been with the general?" The man's voice sounded again.
"Only three years." Su Yan put down the cup with a smile on his face. He couldn't make too big an expression because he had changed his appearance.
"Three years to become the most trusted person around him?"
"To be honest with you, my lord, I once saved the general's life on the battlefield, and it was nothing more than life and death." Su Yan couldn't see his expression clearly, but she could feel that the man seemed to resonate with her words. Sure enough, he sighed.
Angry, he said: "I run the dark market in Ruoshui and have come into contact with too many people. Some of them want to get a share of the pie. They are all from Kyoto's aristocratic families or merchants. I have never met a warrior like a general."
He chuckled softly, moved his body, and moved closer to Su Yan, but still couldn't see his face clearly. "General, you have made great achievements on the battlefield, why are you suddenly interested in business?"
Su Yan stretched out his hand, held the teacup, and slowly rolled it in his hand: "The war was too dangerous, the general almost died once. I don't want to be buried in horse leather in the future. Not to mention not being able to enjoy wealth, the world will not remember such a great figure as my general.
The world will only remember the singer's illustrious military exploits, and the unparalleled handsome young man, General Zhan Shenyan!" Although she spoke lightly, there was dissatisfaction everywhere in her words.
The man smiled coldly, "Yan Zhen is really powerful. If it weren't for him, Rong Guo wouldn't be so peaceful today. It's a pity that he left his prime early and went to the academy stupidly. It's really stupid."
As soon as he finished speaking, there was a sudden gust of wind outside the door, shaking the doors and windows, but the moment passed. Taking advantage of this evil wind, Su Yan asked directly: "Why don't you hold the lamp, sir? Is it because you are afraid that the slaves will remember your appearance?" Opposite me?
After falling into silence, Su Yan added: "Since we are talking about business, we must treat each other with sincerity. Your Excellency has asked me so many questions, so it's time to stop talking."
The man didn't expect that a mere slave could be so bold. He was about to have an attack. He seemed to have some scruples, so he held it back, but he could hear his breathing being extremely heavy and rapid.
"My lord, there is no need to be angry. I was once a refugee and can't speak. My etiquette was taught by the general. Please forgive me for any offence. However, since your lord can invite me, I must be interested, and my general is very knowledgeable."
Sincerely, if we can cooperate, the general will not let you down."
The man stood up and lit the candle, and the room gradually became brighter. Su Yan finally saw his face clearly. Xilou once showed her a portrait of Tan Cen. Although he was middle-aged, he was still handsome, with thick eyebrows, a high nose, and unusual eyes.
It was deep, but the man in front of him was very different from the one in the painting, and there was a long and thin scar on his forehead. Su Yan did not dare to pay attention to his face for too long, but he had doubts about this man's identity.
The man pushed the candle between the two of them, so that each other could see clearly.
"I didn't hold the lamp just now, so I couldn't see clearly. Now under the candlelight, I realized that the girl is so handsome, and she doesn't look like a refugee." The man said with a joking tone in his tone.
Su Yan pretended to be shy and responded softly: "The general also said that the slave has a lovely appearance, so it is best to stay with him, otherwise he will be blind."
The man frowned slightly, these vulgar words really sounded like those of a martial artist. At this time, he had relaxed his guard a little and said to her: "We can cooperate, but I don't know, who are the colleagues the general knows in the border town, and do you know Mr. Xu?"
"
Mr. Xu? Among the letters taken from Changsun Xun's room, there is a name of Xu Ji. There is not much inscription. I only know that this person is Yu Chengfeng's subordinate in the army. He has helped him a lot and he is very trustworthy. There is a letter in it.
, was the content of Yu Chengfeng's polite rejection of Chang Sun Xun's invitation. The letter mentioned that he lost his way during an enemy smoke raid and was chopped down in the leg by the enemy. Fortunately, with him by his side, he was able to avert the danger. Because he injured his leg
I can't come to Beijing for an appointment because of my strong tendons.
Su Yan raised his hand and pressed the hairpin gently, and said: "The general has many colleagues, and I have seen some of my servants. The Master Xu you are talking about should be Xu Ji's pioneer. My general trusts him very much. He is indispensable for charging on the battlefield."
"His assistance, but the slaves usually serve the generals and don't know much about him." Su Yan flipped through the envelopes in his mind quickly and caught another man named Yang Baolang. He decided to take a preemptive strike, "I know a Yang Baolang."
Lieutenant general, this person is really incompatible with my general. Every time my general visits the Red Mansion, he has to expose him. He enjoys it and even hates it...
That’s pretty much it. These things that only people around Yu Chengfeng know are enough to make him believe it. I can’t help but be grateful to this talkative General Yu for devoting his private life to helping others!
There was a subtle change in the man's face. He stood up slowly, turned around and walked out. Before Su Yan could ask any questions, he saw a man walking out of the back room with a straight figure and picturesque features. This was Tan Cen himself!
Su Yan hurriedly stood up and bowed: "I wonder what I call this lord?"
Tan Cen looked at her first, then sat down in the man's seat and said, "Tan works in the Ministry of Personnel. Miss, please take a seat."
Su Yan sat back calmly and looked at him. He behaved very politely and drank tea slowly. He seemed to come from a scholarly family.
"I asked Shouping to test the girl. It's just a traditional rule of the dark market. Don't mind, girl." He also spoke very elegantly and smiled slightly, like a spring breeze.
Su Yan diligently made tea for him and said respectfully: "Your Excellency has a distinguished status and should act with caution. How can I mind?"
Tan Cen raised his eyes to look at her and smiled knowingly, "The girl is generous and decent in conversation. No wonder General Yu values her so much." He drank the tea and said, "Since the general has entrusted you to negotiate with me, I must have something to explain."
Only then did Su Yan get to the point: "Although the border town area is not as good as Kyoto, trade is more convenient than Kyoto because of its reliance on the Chu State. Over the years, merchants have gathered, and many shops, teahouses, and wine shops have been added. It can be said that it is prosperous. Currently, the dark market is trapped in
Although the business in Ruoshui City is good, it has an end. If it can be extended to the border city area, there will be no limit!"
"Then tell me, how to extend it?" A smile appeared on his eyebrows.
"There are many troops stationed in the border town, and there is naturally a lot of demand for women. As long as you can find them, the general will accept them. Of course, we will arrange the escorts. We just need you to reduce the original price.
Go get some.”
In the past, trading in the dark market was extremely easy, but recently there have been changes in the capital and officials have been investigated one after another. Now I can only be careful and restrain my trading. If this continues, I don't know when Zhang will have to be closed down.
, Yu Chengfeng can help him. If he can cooperate and let him taste the benefits, he will move the dark market to the border town. With Yu Chengfeng's protection there, many things will be easily solved. Even if one day Mr. Mo really
Even if he steps down, it won't have much impact on him.
Thinking of this, the smile became stronger: "The price is naturally easy to negotiate, but if I cooperate with the general, the business in the capital will be affected. Give me two days, and I will send someone to inform you, girl."
"Master, don't you dare?"
Tan Cen's smile paused, but returned to normal in an instant: "If a girl can serve at the general's side, she certainly has extraordinary courage, but as an official of the imperial court, I must be cautious."
Su Yan nodded slightly in agreement: "Your Excellency has thought carefully, but this servant is rude. In this case, your Excellency, I will consider it for two more days. If you sincerely cooperate, send someone to the inn at the end of South Street in the downtown area to inform your servant. My general said
Well, if it can be done, this first order will require twenty women who have not left the government. There are no requirements, as long as they have a clean background."
"Don't worry, girl, I will let you know whether the inn at the end of downtown South Street is successful or not."
After leaving the yard, Su Yan breathed a sigh of relief. She wasn't sure whether the conversation just now was flawless or whether Tan Cen was suspicious, but since he said he would reply in two days, he must have believed it. However, the money of these twenty women... thought of this
, hurriedly climbed into the carriage and went to ask Zuo Qing for money.
During the bumpy ride, Yan Zhen sat in a corner, his face cold and smelly.
"What are you doing with a cold face?" Su Yan tugged on his sleeve and said, "I'm fine, don't worry."
Yan Zhen's mouth twitched obviously: "Don't be narcissistic. I'm so angry. That stinky man dared to call me stupid. If I hadn't been lying under the roof and couldn't get out, I would have cut him into pieces and exposed him to the city.
No!"
Su Yan laughed and said, "Don't expose people to the public at all times." She patted his face comfortingly, "He's just a vulgar person, why bother getting angry with him! Okay, okay, let's not say angry words.
At this critical moment, we should discuss how to proceed to the next step."
"Next step?" Yan Zhen was confused, "You've been in there for so long, haven't you got the evidence yet?!"
Su Yan was already uneasy, but when he mentioned it again, he became even more depressed, "The other party was cautious. I had already fallen into his trap as soon as I entered. If I hadn't been smart and smart, I would have exposed my flaw. What evidence would there be? I have obtained him now."
Trust me, wait two more days, we will see the result in two days!”
Yan Zhen burst out laughing and pushed her gently, "Are you smart and smart? You are so shameless!"
Su Yan glared at him, gritted his teeth and said: "Fifty steps, a hundred steps, a smile, give in, give in!"