The candle lamp was lit, and the dark room was slightly lit.
Under the weak candlelight, various torture instruments were placed randomly in the room. Many of the torture instruments were still covered with flesh and blood. The smell of blood hit your nose, and the faint sound of screams came from your ears, making this place...
As scary as hell.
The man, who was covered in blood and could no longer see his appearance, was chained to a wooden frame. His breath was extremely weak, as if he was going to die at any moment.
Zhong Zi tied up his belt and puffed out his round and plump belly. Surrounded by a group of embroiderers, he walked slowly into the cell.
Looking at the man who had lost his human shape on the wooden frame, Zhong Zizuo's eyes suddenly opened with a look of shock, he walked forward quickly and said:
"Master Zhang, why have you become like this?"
Having said this, Zhong Zizuo turned his head suddenly, looked at his men and shouted angrily:
"You bastards, Mr. Zhang was my former boss. How dare you be so rude? Seriously..."
Before he finished speaking, he heard a faint sound of breathing.
The third-grade embroidered clothes that were locked on the wooden frame made Zhang Xiansheng raise his head with all his strength, looked at Zhong Zizuo bitterly, and said in a weak voice:
"Damn fat man, how dare they do this to me without your order?"
When Zhong Zizuo heard someone scolding him for being fat, his face froze, and the words he pretended to scold were stuck in his throat. But when he turned around, he saw a smile on his face and said warmly:
"Master Zhang, what are you talking about? My conscience, I have been out for the past two days, busy arresting Yun Guo's spies. I really don't know what is going on in the prison... It's all because my subordinates are eager to perform meritorious deeds and make their own decisions!
"
Having said this, Zhong Zizuo laughed and continued:
"Master Zhang, you are my former boss, and I really don't want you to suffer like this. But the evidence is conclusive that Xiu Yi made Shen Rusheng a collaborator. The closing letter of the case has been reported to His Highness the Crown Prince. After he confessed, he also bit you out. I will take you
You have no choice but to come back..."
"As long as you confess the spies of Yun State that you know, I guarantee with my personality, Zhong Zizuo, that I will definitely personally request an order from His Highness the Crown Prince and try my best to absolve you of your guilt!"
Zhang Xiansheng took a few breaths, stared at Zhong Zizuo with his eyes through his messy hair, and said in a hateful voice:
"I am your Majesty's personal embroiderer. I only obey the orders of the Chief Supervisor. I am loyal and loyal, and I will never commit any treason! You villain, you just want to have the power of the embroiderer, so you use the authority of His Highness the Crown Prince to frame you.
Colleague...if the palace eunuch finds out, he will definitely kill you without a place to bury you!"
After hearing this, Zhong Zizhuo's gentle expression gradually faded away. He glanced at Zhang Xiansheng gloomily, then suddenly showed a sneer on his face, shook his head and said:
"Did Mr. Zhang not think that Eunuch Sixi in the palace could save you at this time? To tell you the truth, His Majesty is about to have a great success, and all the rights of the embroiderer have been handed over to His Highness the Crown Prince. The East Palace had previously issued a decree, Feng
Master Chu Feng has newly been promoted to the first rank of embroidery envoys and has assumed great power. Eunuch Sixi is a man of talent. In order to avoid suspicion, he handed over all the embroidery envoys in his hands without saying a word and concentrates on taking care of His Majesty without asking anything outside the palace!
"
Having said this, Zhong Zizuo raised his head slightly, with a proud smile on his face, and said arrogantly:
"So before Mr. Feng returns to the capital from Nanjiang City, I, Zhong Zizuo, have the final say on the embroidery envoy in Jinling City. I said Mr. Zhang colluded with Yun Guo's spies, and you colluded with Yun Guo's spies!"
Zhang Xiansheng looked at Zhong Zizuo in front of him, and a trace of panic flashed in his eyes, but he still insisted on scolding:
"Zhong Zizuo, you are so brave!"
When Zhong Zizuo heard this, he felt emotional and sighed slightly:
"Master Zhang is right...compared to back then, I am so brave now! I advise you to hand over the list of people who personally embroidered clothes, and I can give you a good time!"
At this time, Zhong Zizuo was no longer too lazy to use Yun Guo's spies as an excuse, but directly asked Zhang Xiansheng for the list of people who had personally embroidered clothes.
Zhang Xiansheng was taken into custody because he was a third-grade embroidery envoy and controlled all the embroidery envoys' spies in the nine counties in the south of the Yangtze River. In order for the Yun Kingdom to send troops in the next step, Niangan Department had to find a way to place its own manpower at this position.
to ensure access to information.
As for the person who personally pointed the embroidered clothes, it was Zhang Xiansheng's identity that was revealed in order to protect himself and threaten Zhong Zizuo after he was captured.
Personally referring to the embroidered clothes, they were the group of embroidered clothes envoys that Emperor Xia had always held in his hands, but Yu Yingyao had not grasped until her death. These people's identities were secret, and they had been hidden among the embroidered clothes envoys, and they were loyal to the royal family of the Xia Kingdom.
dedicated.
Knowing the existence of this group of people is an unexpected gain!
After Zhong Zizuo reported it, he immediately received an order from Ju Meng to take advantage of the transfer of imperial power in the Xia Kingdom to find the list of these people who personally embroidered clothes in the name of purging the spies of the Yun Kingdom.
After all, the existence of this group of people is the biggest obstacle to the implementation of the plan of dove occupying the magpie's nest and Li Daitao being stuck at the stick!
This was the reason why Zhong Zizuo took the time to come to see Zhang Xiansheng in person.
At this time, Zhang Xiansheng's heart sank when he saw Zhong Zizuo being so confident and asking for the name list of embroidered clothes. He suddenly looked at the embroidered clothes artist behind him and gritted his teeth:
"It is impossible to deceive superiors and subordinates, frame colleagues, just to fight for power and gain. Such rebellious behavior cannot be kept secret forever! As long as you still have a trace of loyalty to His Majesty and His Royal Highness in your hearts, inform the palace of this matter.
!”
At this time, Zhang Xiansheng used Zhong Zizuo's actions as an excuse to fight for power and gain.
Yes, after all, no matter how hard he thought about it, he would never have imagined that Zhong Zizuo, the high-ranking and powerful embroidery envoy, would actually be someone from Yun Guo's Sticky Branch...
When Zhong Zizuo heard Zhang Xiansheng talking about the word "loyalty" to the group of guards behind him who were wearing embroidered clothes and leading Xia Guo's salary, he wanted to laugh inexplicably.
As for the guards at the sticky pole who were dressed in embroidered clothes, their expressions were naturally calm at this time, as if they had not heard anything.
Zhang Xiansheng never expected that this embroidered messenger, who had been a member of the Xia Emperor's personal army, would be willing to take such a big risk and follow Zhong Zizuo in rebellion, and his heart was even more chilling.
After a moment of silence, a look of perseverance flashed in his eyes, and he gritted his teeth and said:
"I know that most of you didn't know about Zhong Zizuo's evil deeds before and accidentally boarded the pirate ship. So even if you have loyalty in your heart, you don't dare to show it at all. But Zhong Zizuo is ruthless, even if you are his confidants
, but in order to conceal the crime, he will definitely not let you go in the future!"
"I don't want to leave the Heavenly Prison alive. As long as you can secretly report it to the palace, you will definitely be able to atone for your sins! I, the embroiderer, are loyal and loyal, and the sun and the moon can shine brightly. We must not let such a traitor steal the power and deceive Heaven!"
Zhang Xiansheng was determined to die at this time. Although he had the hidden intention of instigating mutual suspicion between Zhong Zizuo and his subordinates, he did come from his sincerity. His words were sincere and full of determination. He was full of loyalty and passion, which made people moved.
Hearing this, Zhong Zizuo narrowed his eyes slightly.
Although at this time, Xia Kingdom's Tianlao was completely controlled by the guards from the Sticky Branch who had infiltrated the Embroidered Clothes Envoy. However, there were hundreds of guards on the Tianlao, and it was impossible to replace them all with the people from the Sticky Branch.
If one or two of these people listen to Zhang Xiansheng's words, I'm afraid it will be a troublesome thing!
Thinking of this, Zhong Zizuo's eyes narrowed, he looked at Zhang Xiansheng and narrowed his eyes slightly.
And at this moment, outside the prison, someone hurriedly walked in, bowed his hands to Zhong Zi, and said urgently:
"My lord, someone from the palace came to convey the decree and summoned all the ministers to the palace, and your lord is among them!"
When Zhong Zizuo heard this, his eyes suddenly opened.
It was almost evening at this time, and there were no urgent military reports from the southwest or northern Xinjiang. It was not like summoning ministers to discuss matters. Furthermore, considering that the current Emperor Xia had been bedridden for several days, and his death was not far away...
At this time, I am afraid that this is the only thing that will cause someone from the palace to urgently summon the ministers to see him!
Thinking of this, Zhong Zizhao no longer cared about Zhang Xiansheng, turned to leave, and warned:
"Send someone quickly and report to the capital!"
Zhang Xiansheng, who was locked on the torture frame, suddenly heard this sentence, raised his head suddenly, and said with a shocked face:
"Report to whom?"
Now that Emperor Xia is about to die, Zhong Zizuo still has to report it to the capital?
But in an instant, Zhang Xiansheng figured out the key, his eyes widened, and he said in surprise and anger:
"You, Zhong Zizuo, are the spies of the Yun Kingdom?"
Hearing this, Zhong Zizuo turned his head slightly, his brows filled with coldness and cruelty, and said indifferently:
"This man has a deep scheming, sharp words, and is good at bewitching. Just in case, we killed him directly, pretending to be tortured, and gritted his teeth and committed suicide. Anyway, he is not the only one who was captured by us who was born in Xiuyi, the envoy!"
The guard at the sticking pole dressed as an embroiderer on the side heard this and said with some hesitation on his face:
"Sir, after all, he was a high-level embroiderer. He died directly in the sky prison. I'm afraid it will arouse suspicion..."
Now, by taking advantage of the opportunity of purging the "Yun Kingdom Secret Agent", Sticky Stick Department has secretly extended its tentacles to all the Xiuyi Envoys. Even the Xiuyi Envoys who are responsible for checking the case files have been arranged by Sticky Stick Department to be themselves.
of human hands.
Nowadays, when the imperial power is handed over, Yu Zhaoling personally cleans the court, and Jinling City of Xia Kingdom is in chaos, the grievances of these high-level embroidery envoys will not be discovered at all.
Instead of doing this, why not follow the normal process as before and avoid being suspected?
When Zhong Zizuo heard this, he shook his head firmly and said:
"Emperor Xia was seriously ill, Yu Yingyao died, and the whole family of King Yu Zhaoli of Jin hanged themselves, leaving only one grandson... The current King of Qi, Yu Zhaoling, is so violent that he tortured to death several "Yun Guo spies" with solid evidence.
I won’t care!”
It would be terrible if Zhang Xiansheng's words spread accidentally and attracted the attention of interested people!
For everything that Yao Guangxiao had planned so hard, for the layout that had been planned for more than half a year at Sticking Point, which cost countless manpower and financial resources, and for his own life, Zhong Zizuo would rather take this risk than hesitate at this time!
Upon hearing this, all the guards at the stick-stick area immediately clasped their fists in response.
Zhang Xiansheng, whose mind was in chaos, finally came to his senses. He looked at the "Embroidered Clothes Envoys" in front of him and said in horror:
"Are you all from the Yun Kingdom? You, Zhong Zizuo, were promoted from a humble position by His Highness the Crown Prince and received great favor from His Highness, yet you actually became a lackey of the Yun Kingdom..."
Before he finished speaking, two guards from the sticking pole stepped forward indifferently.
"Uh-huh...uh-huh..."
Regardless of how shocked and angry Zhang Xiansheng was before he died, Zhong Zizuo, surrounded by guards dressed as embroiderers, walked quickly through the prison passage.
On both sides of the prison passage, the sounds of screams, curses, and screams of collapse could be heard clearly.
Just when Zhong Zizuo was about to walk out of the prison, he suddenly paused and turned around slightly.
The dark and deep prison is like a bottomless pit. Although it cannot be seen clearly, it exudes a frightening and terrifying blood.
Zhong Zizuo raised the corners of his mouth, closed his eyes slightly, and took a deep breath.
This is the power you have...
It’s really mesmerizing!
After a while, Zhong Zizuo turned around and continued to leave, heading towards the Xia Kingdom's palace.
-------------------
At this time, the Xia Kingdom's palace was in the palace.
Emperor Xia was leaning on the bed, his cheeks were sunken, and his whole body was so thin that only bones were left. But compared to his previous appearance, which was as breathless and lifeless as before, his face now has a bit more energy, and he can stand in front of him.
With the help of the palace attendant, he sat up.
However, at this time, whether it was the prince Yu Zhaoling who was kneeling in front of the bed to serve him, or the imperial doctor who bowed his head and said nothing, or the clan nobles, civil and military ministers, and palace people who hurriedly came to kneel down in the palace, they all felt in their hearts.
It is clear that this is just a flashback!
Emperor Xia was obviously aware of his situation, so he issued an order to summon all his ministers to the palace for an audience.
Seeing the sad expression in front of him, the change in his aura, the gloomy demeanor of the Crown Prince Yu Zhaoling, who was completely different from the previous one, Emperor Xia couldn't help but feel in a trance.
Vaguely, Emperor Xia seemed to see his old self in Yu Zhaoling.
It's so similar. Whether it's his temper before he ascended the throne or his viciousness and depth when he ascended the throne, they are exactly the same as his own. After asking himself, he chose Yu Zhaoling as his successor. This may not be the reason in his heart...
Thinking of this, Emperor Xia suddenly sighed and said softly:
"Ling'er, I pushed you to this position, but you are dissatisfied in your heart?"
Yu Zhaoling lowered his head and did not reply. But the sinister aura emanating from his body answered the question on his behalf.
If he were asked to choose again now, I am afraid that Yu Zhaoling would rather choose His Highness Prince Qi, who supports each other with his third brother and has a sister who can love him, instead of the current Crown Prince of the East Palace...
When Emperor Xia saw this, he also showed a trace of apology in his eyebrows and said:
"I'm sorry...but if you don't go through this experience and harden your heart and become cold, you will eventually be hurt by that cold and incomparable throne!"
After hearing Emperor Xia's words, Yu Zhaoling finally had some reaction and raised his head slightly, but still just pursed his lips and said nothing.
Emperor Xia couldn't help but take a breath, his brows suddenly became serious, he changed the topic and said:
"Those teams you have in the southwest are all left to you intentionally by me and can be used! The Chao Zhongwen Military Cleanup has removed 70% to 80% of them, but it has made room for your people. You can use them as you wish!"
"Among the remaining people in the court, Situ Meichong has high prestige in the court and can help you stabilize the court situation. Your imperial uncle, Zong Zheng Yu Qifeng, may have a soft temper, but he is a leader in the clan and cannot be difficult to control.
His temperament! Guang Luxun Dong Wei, Wei Wei Yuan Feizhang are my die-hard loyalists, but the first thing you have to do is to replace these two positions with your die-hard loyalties. Ting Wei, Shaofu
Ling Ye is all my people, you can use them with confidence..."
At this time, Emperor Xia rambled on, describing in detail the loyal loyalists he had cultivated over the years, their character, abilities, and positions.
His words were calm and ordinary, but many complicated emotions came to Yu Zhaoling's heart one by one. For a moment, his eyes were red, his face was filled with sadness, and his whole body was trembling uncontrollably.
There is a limit to reflecting on the light. After explaining the affairs of the court, Emperor Xia's breath became extremely weak at this time, but he still kept his spirits up and continued:
"Feng Chu is also one of my people, very capable. You can use him to take charge of the embroidery envoy. If you have any grudges, you might as well change him to someone you trust in the future! There is also Sixi, he has been serving me for many years, although he is not obvious
Mountains and dew, but his cultivation has reached the realm of land gods. With him by your side, you don’t need to worry about assassination..."
Si Xi, an old eunuch on the side, silently came to Yu Zhaoling, leaned towards him, and paid homage to him.
Yu Zhaoling's lips trembled, and his voice was hoarse and low:
"Father, it's better to rest first."
Emperor Xia nodded with great effort and let Yu Zhaoling help him lie down.
The decaying aura lingered on Emperor Xia's face again. Obviously, his time had come.
Emperor Xia glanced at Yu Zhaoling again with eyes full of complex emotions. Nostalgia, regret, unwillingness, guilt... many emotions that were difficult to describe one by one were filled in it.
"Now, although the Yun Kingdom is at its peak, the partisanship between the DPRK and China and the atmosphere of decadence and decadence have all been swept away. I, I believe, I believe in you..."
The words became weaker and weaker, until finally they were inaudible.
Yu Zhaoling closed his eyes, silently wiped away the tears from the corners of his eyes, stood up, and said in a trembling voice to everyone in the hall:
"Emperor Daxing, Long Yu Bintian..."
Suddenly, there was a cry of pain in the palace.
In front of the palace gate, just as Zhong Zizhuo got off his horse, he heard the sound of golden bells ringing suddenly from the drum tower of the palace. In the palace, the sound of crying suddenly sounded.
In the sky above Jinling City, dark clouds gathered in an instant, and a hazy drizzle began to drop, falling on Zhong Zizuo's robe.
At this time, Zhong Zi paused, his face slightly absent-minded, and murmured to himself.
"Emperor Xia passed away..."
The Xia Emperor, who had been in charge of the Xia court for decades and had accumulated great authority, passed away.
At this time, in the line of sight that is difficult for ordinary people to see, above Jinling City, a black dragon with a slightly sluggish momentum was circling and flying, constantly making bursts of wailing sounds.
Most of the wounds that Liu Bowen had cut with his own hands had healed, but on the remaining wounds, there were still traces of the Xia Kingdom's luck, which kept leaving the dragon body and scattered throughout the Xia Kingdom...
－－－－－－Digression－－－－－
It feels good to write standing up. Finally I don’t have to write for a while, I can lie down and rest for a while, and I have typed a thousand more words...