Outside the room, Huang Kuijia was kneeling there, seemingly having received his punishment.
In the study, Guo Baiyi and Xu Wenruo were sitting side by side, while Xiao Yuanche was pacing in the room, his eyes cold and solemn, and his face gloomy.
After a long while, Xiao Yuanche said: "Let's discuss it."
Guo Baiyi thought for a moment and then said: "This matter is not simple. From the surface, Shan Ruo seems to be the work of the Two Immortals Sect. The female young master was tricked by them and instigated by Aunt Yu beside her.
I accidentally met Su Ling at the Two Immortals Temple. This is the first point of doubt! Why is Su Ling at the Two Immortals Temple? Is it a coincidence or intentional? Furthermore, although the Taoist priests at the Two Immortals Temple have a large number of followers,
But I have never heard of them doing anything detrimental to Sikong. Why did they assassinate the female young master in the audience this time? Are they not afraid of making us thunderous and angry? This is the second point of doubt!"
Xiao Yuanche nodded, turned to look at Xu Wenruo and said, "Wenruo, what do you think?"
Xu Wenruo was mature and prudent, and when Xiao Yuanche asked him, he said: "Since the beginning of Qingyu's army in the Jin Dynasty, Taoist divine powers have appeared from time to time to confuse the people and fool all living beings. It was only because of the suppression of the imperial court that it did not take shape. However, Qingyu
Although the army is gone, there are still remnants of the Qingyan Army, which is entrenched in the Qingyan Mountain area of Jeju. Its leader Zhang Heishan was the commander-in-chief of the Qingyan Army at that time. In recent years, there are 40,000 to 50,000 soldiers, and there is a faint trend that the tail will not be lost. But these two
The Immortal Sect is a Shinto that suddenly emerged in the past two years. As far as I know, the temple of these two Immortal Sects is the Two Immortals Temple in Longtai Xishan. The owner of the temple is called Xuan Chan, and he only does some charity and medicine on weekdays.
Seeing that there is something illegal, the number of believers in the capital has increased sharply in recent times, and many distinguished ministers in the court also have their followers."
Xiao Yuanche nodded and said: "I have heard a little bit about this matter, but it's not like today's sages like to practice Taoism and Huang Lao's technique..."
Xu Wenruo's expression darkened, and then he continued: "The Two Immortals Sect is so bold, and it is completely different from what they did before. It is indeed strange. It's just that I accidentally learned a few days ago that south of Jingjiang River, there is a man named Qian Zhongmou, the Marquis of Jingnan.
There is a dojo called Liangxianwu. The immortal master of Liangxianwu, Ceci Xianshi, is said to be a man of great virtue and great ability to discern the secrets of heaven. In the whole Jiangnan, even the King of Jingnan has great faith in him. I don’t know these two things.
Is there any involvement between the Immortal Sect and Liangxianwu?"
Guo Baiyi glanced at Xu Wenruo thoughtfully, and felt like a bright mirror in his heart. He knew why Xu Wenruo threw Liangxianwu out. Maybe Liangxianwu was related to the Liangxian Sect, but even so, he also understood that Xu Wenruo
The implication is to divert the target and excuse the Jin Emperor.
Xu Wenruo added: "The current Holy Master is indeed very fond of Huang Lao, but we all know that the Holy Master always goes to Chengtian Temple, and I have never heard of any Liangxian Sect... That Master Yuji of Chengtian Temple and
Sikong also has many contacts..."
Having said this, Xu Wenruo said no more.
Xiao Yuanche stopped and thought for a long time, and then said: "What Wen Ruo said is true... I will go to see the Holy Master with Wen Ruo some day to discuss Huang Lao's technique."
Xiao Yuanche's words were calm and gentle, but in Xu Wenruo's ears, every word sounded extremely important.
Xu Wenruo stood up silently, cupped his hands towards Xiao Yuanche and said: "Huang Lao's art is inherently useless, the Holy One is obsessed with this way... Sikong..."
Xiao Yuanche then said calmly: "The emperor has set an example. As Sikong of the Great Jin Dynasty, I should follow his example."
Xu Wenruo's face relaxed slightly and he nodded.
But at this moment, Guo Baiyi said: "What's the explanation for those ten ghost-faced men? Longtai Zhuque Street! Under the emperor's feet, they actually intercepted and killed them in the street. I'm afraid the Two Immortals Sect doesn't have this strength!"
After saying that, he looked at Xu Wenruo calmly.
"Sikong..." Xu Wenruo sighed secretly in his heart and spoke again.
Xiao Yuanche waved his hand and said: "Those ten ghost-faced men act ruthlessly and wear masks. Presumably they don't want people to know their identities. This is just a tactic to throw dirty water!"
Xu Wenruo sighed secretly and swallowed his words.
Guo Baiyi nodded and said: "As my lord said, I also think this is a ghost-faced man with unknown origins, but I can conclude that he is definitely not a member of the Two Immortals Sect, but he must be connected with the Two Immortals Sect!"
Xiao Yuanche nodded and said with appreciation: "What has Kong Hechen been doing recently?"
Guo Baiyi knew in his heart that Xiao Yuanche had excluded the emperor, so he said: "Except for going to court, the rest of the time we will close the door to thank guests."
Xiao Yuanche said no more, turned towards the outside of the study and said: "Come in!"
Huang Kuijia felt as if he had been granted amnesty, and then he walked in sarcastically.
Xiao Yuanche glanced at him and said, "You idiot, you won't even leave me a single person alive! Why don't you go and have a look at those ten corpses with your men to see if there are any clues!"
Huang Kuijia chuckled and left.
Xiao Yuanche then asked again: "How is that girl Jingshu?"
Guo Baiyi hurriedly said: "Young Master, you are tired. You should sleep with the maid at this moment."
Xiao Yuanche nodded and said: "I'm used to it. Tell her to wait in the room, and let Jingshu leave the house in the middle of the night, and she won't have to live anymore!"
Guo Baiyi nodded in agreement.
Xiao Yuanche asked again: "How is Su Ling's injury?"
Guo Baiyi said: "It's not serious, I almost lost my life...I'm afraid I have to lie in bed and rest for ten months."
Xiao Yuanche nodded and said: "Fortunately, if something happens to Su Ling, I will personally lead the Heavenly Guards to destroy those two immortal sects!"
As soon as he said these words, Guo Baiyi and Xu Wenruo both looked stern. They never expected that the dignified Sikong would speak like this.
Xu Wenruo hurriedly cupped his hands and said: "Sikong calm down, I regret that the Heavenly Guard cannot move lightly..."
Xu Wenruo and Guo Baiyi looked at each other and remained silent.
For a moment Guo Baiyi seemed to ask: "What about this matter..."
Xiao Yuanche blurted out: "Check! Tell Boning clearly, let's get to the bottom of it, whether it's the Two Immortals Sect...or..."
Xiao Yuanche glanced at Xu Wenruo and said: "It's still Qingliu's group..."
Guo Baiyi nodded.
Xu Wenruo felt bitter in his heart, but remained calm on the surface.
Xiao Yuanche then waved his hand and said: "I'm tired after a long night of hard work. You go ahead!"
Xu Wenruo then said again: "The young master's close friend, Aunt Yu, has died in Liangxian Temple..."
Xiao Yuanche said coldly: "Kill everyone including your family and everyone, no one is left alive!"
Xu Wenruo was stunned on the spot, speechless.
Guo Baiyi tugged on his sleeve, and Xu Wenruo bowed his hands and walked out of the study.
............
The two of them left Sikong Mansion side by side.
Xu Wenruo then said to Guo Baiyi: "You, you, this matter involves so many things, why do you still add fuel to the fire!"
Guo Baiyi glanced sideways at Xu Wenruo and said: "Old Xu, do you think I don't know what you are thinking? You secretly protected the emperor, and Sikong is already not satisfied. If you say more, aren't you afraid that Sikong will be angry?"
Xu Wenruo sighed and said, "What can I do in this situation?"
Guo Baiyi said lightly: "You shouldn't blame me. If I don't lead Sikong in the direction of Qingliu, do you think that according to Sikong's nature, the emperor will... Furthermore, do you really think that Sikong does not doubt Qingliu?"
Xu Wenruo looked solemn and said: "I'm ready to sacrifice wine..."
Guo Baiyi waved his hand and said: "Brother Wen Ruo is so talented that I am not as good as me. Do you really think that the current saints don't have..."
Xu Wenruo hurriedly intercepted the conversation and said: "Be careful what you say in white clothes!"
Guo Baiyi smiled and said: "Wen Ruo, Wen Ruo, I know your thoughts, and Sikong also knows. But don't forget, the emperor is the emperor, and Sikong is the lord!"
Xu Wenruo was shocked, and then he raised his hand to Guo Baiyi.
The two talked for a while, and Xu Wenruo said again: "Who is that Su Ling? I have always heard Sikong talk about it these days."
Guo Baiyi said meaningfully: "If you are curious, why don't we go together that day and meet him for a while? This Su Ling is by no means an ordinary person. Given time, he will definitely not be inferior to you and me!"
Xu Wenruo's expression became more solemn, and he sighed for a while before saying goodbye.
Guo Baiyi looked at Xu Wenruo's leaving figure.
His steps were slightly staggering.
Guo Baiyi raised his head and looked at the sky. The white clouds were changing like wild dogs.
He couldn't help but shook his head and sighed.
............
At night, it rained heavily yesterday, but today the moon is in the sky, and there are few stars and light clouds.
In Xiao Yuanche's study, the lamps are brilliant.
Xiao Yuanche sits in the middle, and Xiao Jianshu sits alone on the left, with an expressionless face.
On the right, Xiao Sishu and Xiao Cangshu are sitting together.
Xiao Yuanche held a book in his hand and flipped through it casually a few times. Then he looked up at his three sons and said, "Let's talk. Each of you can express your opinions and say what's in your mind, right or wrong."
It’s nothing.”
Xiao Jianshu spoke first, with a bit of coldness and solemnity in his eyes: "Father, I think this matter is a joint effort between Shinto and Qingliu. Fortunately, sister Jingshu is safe and sound..."
Xiao Yuanche glanced at Xiao Jianshu and said, "Then what do you think we should do?"
"Destroy the Two Immortals Temple, make the emperor strictly prohibit private preaching without purpose, and also put the power of restraining the Taoist sect in the hands of our Sikong Mansion." Xiao Jianshu said word by word.
"As for Qingliu..." Xiao Jianshu said with a cold look on his face: "They are an eyesore, and they were disobedient to my father, so I just used this excuse to kill them all!"
Xiao Yuanche seemed to smile and said lightly: "Kill? Kill even Kong Hechen and Yang Wenxian?"
"Eradicate all evil!"
Xiao Yuanche was noncommittal and turned to ask his third son Xiao Sishu, "What did you say?"
Xiao Sixu was a little submissive. Seeing his father asking him, he stood up and replied: "What the second brother said is reasonable...it's just..."
Xiao Yuanche was a little surprised and said: "Just how?"
Xiao Sishu mustered up the courage and said: "Killing is always ominous... Yang Shuzu, the eldest son of Yang Wenxian, has always been talented and famous, and he is good at writing and poetry. I have never known him to have such means.
He has no intention of disobeying his father, and is obsessed with writing and learning all day long. If you kill him... you should keep such talents..."
Xiao Yuanche snorted and said: "You think about me, are you killing me? But you are recruiting talents for me all the time..."
Xiao Sishu hurriedly held up her hands and wanted to speak again, but Xiao Yuanche waved his hands.
Xiao Jianshu glanced at Xiao Sishu calmly, with a sneer flashing at the corner of his mouth.
Xiao Yuanche turned to look at the youngest Xiao Cangshu and said, "Can Cangshuer be insightful?"
Xiao Cangshu pondered for a moment, then stood up and said loudly: "Father, from what I have seen, what the second brother said was too brutal, and what the third brother said was too kind."
Xiao Yuanche was quite satisfied, but his face said lightly: "Then what do you mean?"
Xiao Cangshu said: "This matter seems complicated. In fact, if we analyze it carefully, there are only four forces behind it that can do such a thing."
Xiao Yuanche nodded and cast an encouraging look at Xiao Cangshu.
"The first one is Bohai Marquis Shen Jizhou in the north. Now we are constantly in conflict with him. The reason for not starting a war is that both sides are waiting for the opportunity. We cannot rule out the possibility that Shen Jizhou's demons will do such a shameful thing. However, Shen Jizhou is far away in the Bohai Sea and has no intention of getting involved in Kyoto. No matter how capable the Spies are, I am afraid they will not be able to ambush and kill people in the street unless Kyoto has an internal agent."
Xiao Cangshu talked eloquently.
Xiao Yuanche nodded and said: "Continue."
Xiao Cangshu said again: "The second one is the Two Immortals Sect. This is also a definite matter. My sister is in danger because of the Two Immortals Sect. Even the Liangxianwu far away in the south of the Yangtze River. Instruction."
Xiao Cangshu added without thinking: "The third one is Qingliu, but Qingliu is also divided into factions. Those ten ghost-faced men can ambush Suzaku Street, Qingliu must secretly help them, otherwise with those ten charlatan killers, it is really impossible It’s hard to reach the sky.”
After saying this, Xiao Canshu glanced at his father Xiao Yuanche, seeming hesitant.
Suddenly seeing Xiao Yuanche's encouraging gaze, Xiao Cangshu was shocked and said: "The fourth day is today..."
Xiao Yuanche intercepted the conversation and said: "Your analysis is not satisfactory, so what do you think should be done?"
Xiao Cangshu thought for a moment and then said: "First, no matter whether Shen Jizhou was involved in this matter or not, we should take the opportunity to secretly point him in the court and let the emperor find an excuse for his father to send an angel to Bohai to face him. He should be blamed and spread public opinion to make him falsely accused of being a secret killer. This would dampen his spirit and damage his so-called upright reputation. At the same time, he ordered the Shadow Division to hunt down monsters everywhere. Secretary, let them be in panic all day long. It is best to let their intelligence be confused. Also, internally, we must strictly order Uncle Boning to thoroughly investigate our own team, but we must be loose on the outside and tight on the inside. Maybe we can catch a few The big fish are coming out.”
Xiao Cangshu took a sip of water and said: "The two of them, with the Royal Imperial Army as the main force and the Imperial Guard as the supplement, destroyed the Two Immortals Sect Taoist Temple in the West Mountain of Longtai and destroyed the Two Immortals Temple. And the emperor informed the people of the world that Taoism is harmful but useless. At the same time, Let the emperor give a decree to Jingnan Marquis Qian Zhongmou, and reprimand him for his crime of neglect and indulging Liangxianwu, the place under his jurisdiction, to deceive the world. This will also make Qian Zhongmou understand who owns this world."
"Third, Qingliu must not be punished, nor can he let it go. If the punishment is light, those Qingliu will not be punished, and they will still go their own way. If the punishment is severe, I am afraid that they will work together. My father is Sikong of the Great Jin Dynasty, so he will not be able to avoid it. It has become a target in public opinion. If left unchecked, those centrists who are waiting and watching will probably make some changes. I hope that Yang Wenxian, Kong Hechen and others should not be touched. The emperor will find an excuse to turn their officials into officials. If you remove all the senior officials and then slowly bring them back in force, this can be considered a warning and a combination of kindness and power."
Xiao Cang spoke with ease and his voice was steady.
Xiao Sishu sat there dumbly, while Xiao Jianshu stared at his third brother with burning eyes.
Xiao Cangshu said again: "This is the fourth one... After all, the emperor... I can't say more. I think my father has already taken care of it."
Xiao Yuanche secretly praised Xiao Cangshu's strategy in his heart. He thought that Xiao Cangshu was only thirteen or fourteen years old, but he was so clever. It was really a blessing from God to the Xiao family.
However, his words were not salty and he said calmly: "You three, you talk a lot, but you have nothing practical, you are all short-sighted! Go back and study hard! Get out of here!"
The three of them stood up at the same time, saluted, and walked outside.
Xiao Yuanche suddenly rushed outside and said: "Wei Changan..."
"The old slave is here!"
Wei Da's attendant came in in response.
Xiao Yuanche said in a deep voice: "A few days ago, when I entered the palace, the Holy One saw the cold autumn weather. Where was the mink fur he gave me?"
Wei Changan said hurriedly: "It's in Sikong's inner room."
Xiao Yuanche nodded and said softly, "Go get it for me and put it on Cang Shu. The night is cold and windy, and he is so young that even dressing is a worry!"
Wei Changan's mind was greatly shaken, he responded calmly, and slowly retreated.
Xiao Cangshu said with an embarrassed look: "The child has made his father worried."
Xiao Sishu was fine, but Xiao Jianshu secretly looked at Xiao Cangshu, with a playful look in his eyes.
While waiting, Xiao Yuanche suddenly turned to Xiao Jianshu and said, "Jianshu, how many years have you been serving as a Yueqi school captain?"
Xiao Jianshu's heart trembled, and he said seriously: "It's been three years..."
Xiao Yuanche thought for a while and then said: "Recommend a suitable person and come back to me tomorrow to take your place."
Xiao Jianshu felt sad in his heart, but still said calmly: "I will start this matter when I get back."
Xiao Yuanche nodded and said: "Tomorrow you will take office as Wu Guan Zhonglang General, and use your mansion to run the government. It has been three years, and it is time to move the place."
Xiao Jianshu's heart was filled with mixed emotions, full of sorrow and joy. He suddenly knelt on the ground and bowed prostrate, "My son, thank you father!"
............
Xiao Jianshu's residence.
Xiao Jianshu is already twenty-seven this year. He already has his own mansion, a wife and a concubine.
It is now late at night, the mansion is dark, and the people in the mansion are already asleep.
In Xiao Jianshu's study, the candles are still lit.
Bronze candlestick, the red candle is peeling off, the flame is beating.
Xiao Jianshu held the pen in his hand and wrote something on a roll of paper.
He just wrote a few names, thought carefully for a moment, stopped, and suddenly crossed out all these names with a stroke of his pen without hesitation.
With a rather depressed look on his face, he threw the pen on the inkstone with a "bang" sound.
Dots of black ink splattered out and onto the paper, making the snow-white paper a bit ugly.
In the mottled candlelight, a dignified and beautiful woman walked out from the shadows in the back.
Yu held a mink fur in her hand. Under the candlelight, her figure was graceful and plump.
The beautiful woman had long black hair spread down her back. She was wearing a bright red flowered dress and looked like a beauty in the world.
It is solemn and has a mature charm.
She came to Xiao Jianshu's side, put the mink fur on his body, lightly opened her red lips and said: "Husband, it's cold, so I'll put some clothes on you to avoid catching a cold."
When Xiao Jianshu saw that it was a mink fur, he couldn't help feeling a little angry. He tore it off and threw the mink fur aside, saying angrily: "Dark fur! Another mink fur!"
The beautiful woman was not afraid of him. She stretched out her jade finger and tapped his forehead lightly, and said coquettishly: "Who are you angry with? You are like a child? When did this mink fur offend you? Not happy?"
Xiao Jianshu then felt a little apologetic and pulled up the beautiful woman who was about to pick up the mink fur.
The beautiful woman let out a cry and fell into Xiao Jianshu's arms. Then she smiled sweetly and said, "I didn't get angry at me just now..."
Xiao Jianshu smiled and said: "I am not blaming you...you don't know that today my father gave the fourth saint the mink fur gifted by him...I am very angry."
Hearing this, the beautiful woman escaped from Xiao Jianshu's arms and took the mink fur. Yingying smiled sweetly and said, "That's true. I found some scissors here and cut off the mink fur one by one."
Xiao Jianshu hurriedly took the mink fur and put it on his body. Then he smiled tenderly and said, "Ah Niao is just joking. Why should I cut such a good mink fur?"
As he spoke, he held this beautiful woman in his arms again.
It turns out that this beautiful woman is Xiao Jianshu's first wife, Dugu Niao Niao.
Dugu Niao Niao was from a former aristocratic family, and she was born with a natural charm that would captivate the country. But just now, Ji Yan had already had princes and nobles coming to propose marriage. However, this Dugu Niao Niao was quite independent-minded, and she didn't like any of them.
However, he fell in love with Xiao Jianshu, who had no official position at that time, and married into the Xiao family just after he was fourteen years old.
After she married Xiao Jianshu, she even gained Xiao Jianshu's special favor. The husband and wife were loving and harmonious.
However, three years have passed, and there is still a boy and a girl.
A year ago, by chance, Xiao Jianshu took another concubine, named Luo Mi.
Even so, Dugu Niao Niao's position in Xiao Jianshu's heart is still irreplaceable.
But Dugu Niaoniao was from a family background, and treated Luo Mi in a moderate manner. The two ladies got along well with each other and never became jealous. Xiao Jianshu had a happy family, so he was content.
A few months ago, Luo Mi gave birth to a baby, and Dugu Niao Niao was even more happy. He often held the baby and played with it, treating it as his own.
She acted like a mother in this way. She was even more favored by Xiao Jianshu.
The two were affectionate for a while, and Xiao Jian Shufang asked, "Is Zhong'er crying?"
Dugu covered his mouth and chuckled: "It seems that Zhong'er and I are quite attached to each other. He was crying just now. Sister Mi had no choice but to carry her into my room and eat the nanny next to me. After a few mouthfuls of milk, I fell asleep, and Sister Mi took her back."
Xiao Jianshu heard the words and said softly: "Thank you for your hard work, Niao..."
Dugu shook his head softly and said, "What's the hard work on me? It's my husband who's working hard. Just now I saw what my husband was writing, and it seemed to be quite confusing, so he crossed it out again."
Xiao Jianshu then sighed and said, "Well, there is an important matter. I am hesitant and can't make up my mind."
Dugu curled up with a smile and said, "Look at how anxious your husband is...Have you forgotten Mr. Wen?"
Xiao Jianshu's eyes suddenly lit up and he said repeatedly: "That's right! Ah Niao reminded me!"
After saying that, he said towards the door: "Go and ask Mr. Wen to come!"
Someone answered the call outside and hurried away.
About a moment later, someone outside the study loudly said: "Wen Chuyi pays homage to the second young master!"
Dugu Niao jumped down from Xiao Jianshu's arms and said with a soft smile: "My husband is discussing something with Mr. Wen. It's inconvenient for me to be here, so I'll go back to my room first."
Xiao Jianshu nodded and said softly: "I will go look for Ah Niao after this matter is over."
After leading Dugu away, Xiao Jianshu said loudly: "Mr. Wen, please come in quickly!"
The study door opened gently.
A scribe wearing a coarse black shirt walked in slowly.