Ruoshui is extremely quiet under the darkness of night. Occasionally, a few drunkards pass by, staggering towards the depths of the alley. The long street runs from north to south. Under the stone archway in the north, and further west along the stone road, there are official residences.
The green bricks and green tiles, the high-walled courtyard, and the well-proportioned pavilions and pavilions under the huge canopy of trees give people a simple and solemn sense of oppression.
A carriage stopped outside the red lacquered gate. The servant inside the gate did not move when he saw it. He still stayed where he was, just complaining to the fat servant beside him that another unknown person had visited. The carriage came down and a man in a cloak came down.
, the man whose face could not be seen clearly. As soon as the man landed, the groom drove away immediately.
The servant observed the man carefully and suddenly opened his mouth in surprise. The fat servant asked him what was wrong. He didn't say anything. He just told the fat servant to watch the door and go in to report.
The man did not go up the steps, but stayed at the bottom of the steps, waiting quietly. After a while, the servant came out, jumped down the steps, and held his hand towards the man.
"My lord has invited me."
"Thank you."
The servant led him into the front yard and then left. Then a middle-aged man came up and continued to lead him to the back yard.
"Sir, have you come all the way? Has anyone noticed?"
"Not yet."
"Did you notice anything unusual when you arrived?"
"Butler, don't worry. Since I decided to come, I won't have any worries."
The housekeeper stopped and looked back at him, with a sharp look in his eyes, but he didn't say anything. He just smiled happily and said no more.
The housekeeper led him to a separate courtyard, and after entering two doors, he found Changsun Wuzheng's study. After the housekeeper informed him, he withdrew.
As far as the eyes can see, there are not many lanterns hanging, and it is relatively dark everywhere, but you can clearly see that the layout here is a bit crude. But walking further inside, there is a different world, whether it is the vermilion lacquer pillars in the winding corridor, or the cascading stone mountains in the courtyard, or
It is a fairyland-like curtain of clouds and mist that stretches to the west on the stone mountain, which all reveals the meticulousness of the owner here. In addition to the meticulousness, the wood used for the red painted pillars is high-quality cypress. Although it is produced locally, its value is not
It’s not high, but the pillars are intricately carved and natural, and it doesn’t look like they were made by ordinary people. From the screen wall to the courtyard, there are a total of thirty-six red lacquer pillars, and each pillar is carved very differently. There are apes jumping in the mountains.
There are immortals flying with swords, and there are people with fireworks in the mortal world. This scene complements the curtain of clouds and mist above the stone mountain. When a man is in it, he can see the carved beams and painted buildings in the clouds and mist, a fairyland-like existence.
This is not just 'meticulous'.
Withdrawing from the wonderland, he knocked on the door of the study. The door was only lightly closed and opened with a little force. What came into view was an extremely spacious room with two rooms, inside and outside, separated by screens.
The house was still bright with the lights on. A row of windows were open, and the bamboo leaves outside the windows carried the moonlight and lay low next to the bookcase in front of Changsun Wuzheng.
The man walked in slowly and saluted the figure behind the screen: "Zuo Qing, Deputy Director of Qishan Academy, pays homage to Lord Changsun."
Zuo Qing originally thought that Changsun Wuzheng would turn him away because he was the adopted son of Mo Fei, but he did not expect that he would step into Changsun's mansion so smoothly. He couldn't help but have a strong feeling for Changsun Wuzheng, who had always maintained a neutral attitude in the officialdom.
interest.
"I have never had any contact with you, the boss. I don't know why you are visiting me all night long."
"Your Majesty, your words are serious. I am here to give you a gift."
"Giving gifts?" Changsun Wuzheng couldn't help but laugh: "I have seen many gift-giving people, but I have never seen anyone who comes to give gifts in the middle of the night. If you come later, I will prepare to go to the morning court!"
Changsun Wuzheng looked at the young man behind the screen with some amusement. This Mo Fei's most proud disciple, the adopted son who was closer than his own son, seemed to have another purpose at this time.
"There are too many people coming and going outside Mr. Changsun's residence. If you come during the day, I'm afraid it will attract attention and cause unnecessary trouble. I have no choice but to come late at night. Please forgive me."
Changsun Wuzheng opened the screen and motioned for him to come in. After entering the inner room, Zuo Qing discovered that there was a low table next to the desk and a pot of water hot on the stove. Changsun Wuzheng made tea in an orderly manner before joining Zuo Qing.
Sit down at the low table.
Zuo Qing picked up the tea cup, a hint of appreciation appeared on his lips, "My lord is not only meticulous about political affairs, but also very particular about tea."
"It's just an idle pastime, not worth mentioning." He seemed to have thought of something, and the smile in the corners of his eyes grew stronger, "That Mr. Su is also quite accomplished in the tea ceremony. You must be good friends with Mr. Su.
I also know something about tea.”
Zuo Qingqian smiled and said: "That's ridiculous. How can I compare to Mr. Su's proficiency... However, I have done some research on the weapons that have disappeared for many years."
Changsun Wuzheng looked surprised: "Weapon?"
Zuo Qing put the teacup back on the table, "I heard that your Excellency has been collecting ancient books on weapons. Unfortunately, there is an orphan copy here. I wonder if you have seen it." As he said this, he took out a bamboo slip from his sleeve and carefully put the bamboo slip on it.
The silk ribbon on the top was untied and laid flat on the table. The bamboo pieces were dark yellow and the edges were worn to varying degrees. But Changsun Wuzheng's eyes lit up. He could clearly see that the three words "Weapon Manual" were branded on the table.
At the beginning of the volume, he suddenly stood up.
Zuo Qing pushed the bamboo slip in front of him and said calmly: "The gifts given by humble officials must not be exposed to the sun. Otherwise, it will cause chaos in the world and shake up the countries. That is the sin of humble officials."
"I heard that the weapon manual has been destroyed long ago. Even if it can be found, this... shouldn't be the complete copy, right?" He was dubious.
"Your Majesty's eyes are indeed sharp. To be honest with you, there is only one volume of the weapon manual. When it was wandering in the rivers and lakes, it was divided into two parts, each of which was badly damaged. A master restored half of it. Later it fell into my hands and I have kept it forever.
The remaining half was obtained recently, and the volume is in pieces. Although it is almost restored, it will take some time. Don’t worry, sir, I will personally deliver the rest someday."
Changsun Wuzheng endured the ecstasy and sat down again, carefully touching the writing on the bamboo piece. He couldn't help but sigh: "I didn't expect it, I really didn't expect it. I tried every means to search for the weapon manual, and missed it several times. I finally found it last year."
, it’s still a step too late, I didn’t expect to be here with you!”
"This is all destined, and in the end it will be yours."
Changsun Wuzheng laughed loudly. Compared with just now, the two of them were much closer: "Let's not beat around the bush anymore. What do you want to exchange for? Although my Hanyuan is poor, there are still some good things."
"This is just a gift for the official to visit. It's fine if you like it." Zuo Qing's dark brown pupils were like ink-colored night curtains, floating with uncertain clouds. His soft voice sounded again: "Although the official is just a palmer, it's fine."
I did not have the opportunity to enter the palace, but I heard that your Excellency has always been neutral in the court, but the officials in the court are divided into two factions, one is Prince Zheng, and the other is Prime Minister Mo. Your Excellency is in the middle of the attack between the two factions.
, the situation is not very optimistic. In the past, there was a marriage relationship between the prime minister and the eldest grandson family, and he was more or less polite. But now the situation has changed, and Prince Zheng has no intention to participate in the struggle. If it were not for the officials under him who refused to give up, I am afraid that
The idle clouds and wild cranes have long since gone away. I must be worried, but you can only lament that the situation cannot be improved."
Changsun Wuzheng's eyebrows jumped, and his heart was almost clear, "What do you mean..."
"The road to officialdom is long and full of dangers. I intend to form an alliance with you and plan for the future together."
"You are Mo Fei's adopted son."
"Foster son? Ge Yiyan is still seeking personal gain, let alone me, a person picked up halfway. Compared with the future, I have a good idea of which one is more important."
"If you, the adopted son of Mo Fei, don't do what you do, you have to turn your elbows outward. Although my eldest grandson, Wu Zheng, is the Minister of the Ministry of Punishments, I don't fight for power and position, and I don't attach myself to the master. What good can you gain from an alliance with me?"
Zuo Qing cupped his hands and said: "I'm sorry for the offence. In the past ten years, the situation in the DPRK and China has been very complicated. If you make a mistake, you will be in jail. But this is just a personal safety hazard. In the worst case,
, that is, the court is in chaos, the powerful ministers are in power, and the country's government is in danger! Who is responsible for this disadvantage? Your Excellency understands in your heart. Now that the celestial phenomena are changing, and there are signs of great turmoil in the six countries, if you don't follow God's will at this time, bring order to the chaos.
, when will we wait?”
"As expected!" Changsun Wuzheng finally understood his true intention, and couldn't hide his excitement, "Who are you seeking power for, the prince, or someone else?!"
Zuo Qing stared at Changsun Wuzheng's face and said word by word: "Sir, don't you want to correct the path?"
"Justice?" Changsun Wuzheng thought his words were extremely funny, "Emperor Lin has been in business for many years and has a strong military force. He has already been eyeing the Central Plains and is in danger of launching an army at any time. And the King of Zhao who just succeeded to the throne is young and energetic. He
Unlike the old King Zhao, he will not be willing to surrender to his subordinates all the time. He is very likely to take the opportunity to form an alliance and attack in groups. If the Qingmo Party is involved at this time, it may shake the foundation of the country and give the enemy a chance to attack.
Take advantage of this opportunity! Between the country and a few treacherous ministers, how do you think His Majesty will choose? Justice, you say? It's not that easy!"
"Your Majesty, you are too worried. Only by having strong roots and strong branches can you strengthen the national power and then fight against foreign enemies. If you blindly defend the country and neglect to govern the country, this great country will be nothing more than an empty body. Once the war breaks out among the six countries, domestic worries and foreign troubles will
I’m afraid it can’t be saved.”
"I know that, but if you do this, it is very likely to cause political chaos..." He looked at Zuo Qing worriedly, "You should know the power of the Mexican Party. Once they attack it, the number of people involved will be huge.
Aren’t you worried about the scope involved and the consequences?”
Zuo Qing smiled disdainfully.
Changsun Wuzheng was stunned, but he understood in an instant, and his voice trembled a lot: "In the past period, officials have been dismissed frequently..." He asked him tentatively, and when he saw that he did not deny it, he stood up excitedly, "
It turns out it’s really you! If it weren’t for what you said just now, I would never have thought that Mo Fei’s adopted son would be a loyal and loyal man who works hard and endures hardships!”
Zuo Qing stood up slowly, bent down and saluted: "Sir, it is difficult to build a country. This is the time for Rong Guo to change, and it is also your chance to shine through the ages!"
Changsun Wuzheng became confused again: "As I said just now, I have no interest in fighting for power and there is no chance of turning around. Why...why are you looking for me?"
"It's not a humble job that needs you, it's another person."
Changsun Wuzheng clenched his fists nervously, feeling that the answer was right in front of him.
"who?!"
"A person who can completely change the country of Rong," Zuo Qing's eyes were like a scorching sword light, firmly fixed in Changsun Wuzheng's pupils, and he said those two words loudly.
"Wei Zhen!"
Changsun Wuzheng's shoulders suddenly shook, he staggered a few steps, and in panic, he held on to the tea table to stabilize himself.
Everyone believed that the former prince had completely died outside the pass a few months ago and disappeared completely in the Six Kingdoms. Changsun Wuzheng never expected that he was still alive, let alone that Zuo Qing was seeking a throne for him! What followed one after another
But there is endless worry.
"I have thought that the prince may not be dead, and I have also thought that the fire ten years ago was not simple, but no one dared to delve into it, for fear that if he did, he would be annihilated... But I always vaguely feel that there is always a
Someday, someone will stand up and vindicate that incident!"
"You're right about your humble position. Among so many officials, only your Excellency cares about the past ten years ago and will avenge Empress Yu! Then, Your Majesty, are you willing to be used by the Crown Prince to overthrow the powerful ministers and support the Crown Prince to return to Fusang Palace?"
"What do you need me to do?!"
"When the time comes, I will help you sit on the throne of prime minister. Then I will go to Changle Hall with hundreds of officials to ask for orders to re-investigate the cause of the fire in Fusang Hall, welcome the prince, and offer sacrifices to Queen Yu!"
"What is timing?"
Zuo Qing's gaze slowly moved toward the window, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of hope: "Mo Fei will never turn around again."
"Then...where is the current prince?"
"If you are incapable of doing the job, why keep him?"
Changsun Wuzheng hesitated in his heart. It wasn't that he didn't believe in Zuo Qing's ability, but he was worried that if he participated, it would involve the family and the power grab. In the future, Wei Zhen would become Emperor Rong, and the Changsun family would want to withdraw calmly.
Rong Guo, it is almost impossible.
Zuo Qing saw his worries and immediately said: "I know that you are a righteous minister who serves the country and the people selflessly. Don't worry, sir. I am by no means a helper of Zhou's abuse, let alone a person who forgets the fish. Your Excellency, today
If you can give up the opportunity of life and join forces with me, I will definitely let you see a country without war and bullying, and I will definitely do my best to protect the eldest grandson family."
Changsun Wuzheng looked at the person in front of him, feeling uneasy and helpless. However, Empress Yu...
His mind couldn't help but go back to that time more than ten years ago, under the locust tree, the queen with only Yanwangshan in her eyes, and he remembered that dance for half his life.
Everyone fell in love with her because of Princess Yan's stunning dancing skills and stunning appearance. Even Emperor Rong devoted all his military power to her and conquered three cities as a bargaining chip to seize his wife from King Yan.
Such a perfect woman died miserably.
Zuo Qing waited patiently for his reply and was not in a hurry to rush him. He knew in his heart that Changsun Wuzheng would definitely agree, even if it was not for the weapons manual, he would definitely do it for the sake of Empress Yu.
Changsun Wuzheng gradually clenched his fists and said word by word: "I will try my best to help you eradicate Mo Fei!"
Zuo Qing lowered his eyes and looked at the swirling tea soup in the teacup. He could vaguely see spots of light on the window, like this unpredictable and ever-changing Ruoshui.
When leaving Changsun's Mansion, Zuo Qing informed Su Yan of the current planning process. It went very smoothly and received strong support from Changsun Wuzheng, who promised to select a few strangers from the Ministry of Justice to provide protection for Su Yan.