Fang Zheng was once again kicked out of the royal study by the furious emperor. He couldn't remember how many times he had been kicked out. It seemed that this prospective father-in-law was not easy to deal with.
After leaving the palace, Fang Zheng did not go back to the palace, but went directly to the temporary residence of the shadow subordinates in the west of the city. Preparatory work for the secret service was imminent, and the emperor was urging him to do so. The usually lazy young master Fang was out of character. For the first time, he started to do things seriously. He had many things to discuss with Wen Sen and dozens of old brothers. After all, he had no experience in this kind of thing, and his subordinates were the backbone of the shadow agency in the future. Fang Zheng had no idea at all. He doesn't have any official pretensions, so he doesn't mind if we all discuss things together, so that we can check for omissions and avoid getting scolded by the emperor.
Inside Pan Shangshu's mansion.
It was already dark, and there were several oil lamps lit in the spacious study room. The large lights swayed brightly or dimly in the slightest breeze.
Pan Shangshu sat steadily on the Taishi chair, his back as straight as usual, and his expression as calm as usual. However, the gray hair between his temples and the orange peel-like wrinkles on his face revealed that he was in charge of the imperial court. After decades in the palace, the powerful ministers have become old. No matter how great the power, no matter how much money, when you get old, what will you leave behind? After all, it is still a handful of loess, and you can take nothing away.
It's a pity that Pan Shangshu can't see it, or that he deliberately refuses to think about this issue. How many people in this world can see through power and profit? From the Nine-Five Supreme Being to the farmer and woodcutter in the mountains, who is not struggling in their lifetime? Chasing these two things?
Therefore, even though Pan Shangshu is nearly seventy years old and has great power, already below one person and above tens of thousands of people, he still can't let go. The older a person gets, the more afraid he becomes. He is afraid of losing the glory of being able to respond to a hundred people's calls. He is afraid of Pan. This huge family declined after his death and lost its former glory. He was even more afraid that the emperor's cold gaze when he looked at him was like a cold arrow, piercing his heart...
Lin Qingshan sat silently across from Pan Shangshu, looking at the old man. Somehow, he felt a bit of pity in his heart. It's strange that the people in the court can cover the sky with one hand and deal decisively with political opponents. All civil and military officials want to The Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, the Crown Prince and the Grand Master, who admires his breath, does he need mercy?
With his eyes closed, Pan Shangshu seemed to be taking a nap. After a while, he suddenly spoke, his voice hoarse and dry: "Are you sure?"
Lin Qingshan said respectfully: "It's confirmed, and the Emperor has left this matter to Fang Zheng, and now Fang Zheng is quietly developing."
When Pan Shangshu heard Fang Zheng's name, his old face couldn't help flashing with anger, and he snorted: "How can that young, yellow-mouthed child be so deeply favored by the saint?"
Lin Qingshan smiled faintly and did not answer Pan Shangshu's words. He was just an aide. From the first day when Pan Shangshu took him in after he failed in the scientific examination, he knew his identity deeply. As an aide, he could He could provide information to the boss and make suggestions to the boss, but he could not respond to the boss's resentment and complaints against the emperor.
With a deep sigh, Pan Shangshu said sadly: "Your Majesty is going to deal with me now! If a minister is not tolerated by your Majesty, how can I stand in the court and establish my prestige among all the officials? That's all, that's all, I'm going to resign. …”
Seemingly seeing through Pan Shangshu's behavior, Lin Qingshan smiled faintly and said: "Why did the boss say that he would retire? Regardless of the fact that the boss is the prince's teacher, if the prince becomes a great treasure in the future, who in the court would dare to compete with the boss? ?Speaking of the power that Mr. Lao has painstakingly cultivated over the years, do you have the heart to give up? If Mr. Lao retires, who will your disciples and former officials throughout the Chinese dynasty rely on? Sir, please think twice!"
Pan Shangshu took a deep look at Lin Qingshan, then closed his eyes, and smiled happily: "There are many literati in the world, but Qingshan is the only one who knows me, haha."...
Lin Qingshan hurriedly bowed and said: "My disciples are not talented, but I am willing to relieve my worries."
Pan Shangshu smiled and said: "How can Qingshan teach me?"
Lin Qingshan's eyelids twitched and he said hurriedly: "I don't dare. I think that the boss's worries are just because of the unpredictable power of God and being disliked by the king. And what the king doesn't like is, firstly, party struggle, and secondly, the boss has too much power.
It’s important, but these two things are the basis for the Lord to stand in the court and give orders to the officials, and it is impossible to give them up. As a result, the conflict between the Lord and the Emperor has become a dead end and cannot be solved."
Pan Shangshu was noncommittal and said with a slight smile: "Well, go on, don't worry."
Lin Qingshan looked at Pan Shangshu's face, but for a moment he couldn't figure out whether he was encouraging him or whether he didn't take his words seriously at all. After thinking about it, Lin Qingshan gritted his teeth and said what he wanted to say.
came out, but the voice was much lower.
"...Since it has become an insoluble deadlock, my disciples believe that there is no need to resolve it."
Pan Shangshu's eyelids twitched when he heard this, and he suddenly opened his eyes. A few frightening cold gleams suddenly flashed in his turbid eyes, and then disappeared immediately, returning to his turbid appearance.
With a faint smile, Pan Shangshu said calmly: "What does Qingshan mean by this?" There was a bit of eerie chill in his tone.
Lin Qingshan saw Pan Shangshu's reaction and was horrified himself. His face turned pale and layers of cold sweat broke out on his forehead. Following Pan Shangshu for many years, he certainly knew what Pan Shangshu was like. What he said today was really true.
It is a treacherous act. If Pan Shangshu has not made up his mind yet, or is hesitant, then Lin Qingshan will definitely not see the sun tomorrow. With Pan Shangshu's character, he will not leave a trouble in his heart if he has a rebellious intention.
Implicate yourself in your surroundings.
However, high risks often also mean high rewards. Lin Qingshan understood better that if his words reached Pan Shangshu's heart, it would not be impossible for him to become a marquis and prime minister in the future and achieve unlimited glory.
This is a huge gamble with life as the stake. If he wins, he will most likely be a high-ranking official with a generous salary, return to his hometown with honor, wipe away the shame of being ridiculed and ridiculed by his hometown people when he was defeated, and then become a wife and son, and become the envy of everyone.
the gentry class.
If he loses, he will completely disappear from this world. No one knows where this middle-aged man who often visited Shangshu Mansion has gone. A few years later, his name will be gradually forgotten by people, as if the world has never
This person has never appeared.
Although the scholar was weak, he was three points more ruthless than the martial artist. Almost in the blink of an eye, Lin Qingshan gritted his teeth and made a decision.
"My lord, my lord, these words may sound treasonous, but they are indeed my thoughts... The emperor is old, but he still refuses to give up the throne to the prince. This shows that the emperor is not satisfied with the prince.
, and even...it is unknown that the emperor has the intention to change the reserve..."
Lin Qingshan raised his head and looked at Pan Shangshu's calm face, and continued: "So, I think that the status of His Highness the Crown Prince is not very strong now, and the boss is in a high position and has too much power. Regardless of whether the emperor has the intention to change the throne, he must
We can no longer tolerate the old man. No emperor likes to see ministers holding more than half of the power in the world. This is a provocation to the supreme imperial power!"
Upon hearing this, Pan Shangshu's old orange-peel face finally twitched a few times.
Lin Qingshan was very satisfied with Pan Shangshu's reaction and continued: "Please forgive me for speaking frankly, no matter whether I say goodbye or not, the emperor will definitely not let you go. Your disciples and old officials are all over the world, and this is the capital of the entire Hua Dynasty.
What I know is that in the eyes of the people, this is because you are a highly respected person, but in the eyes of the emperor, your power and prestige have rivaled the imperial power. How could the emperor allow you to resign and leave Beijing and spend your old age in peace and ease?
?Isn’t this letting the tiger go back to the mountain?”….
Pan Shangshu's expression finally changed, and the expression on his pale face changed from fear to unwillingness and then to ferociousness. Under the bright lights of Douda, it looked extremely terrifying.
Lin Qingshan was frightened and did not dare to say another word, but he felt relieved. It seemed that Pan Shangshu was persuaded by him.
Pan Shangshu didn't know these truths, but he was in a high position and had been unable to help himself for many years. His desire and pursuit of power, the reliance of his disciples and former officials on him, and the emperor's trust in him forced him to reach the peak step by step.
, there are many things he doesn’t want to do, but naturally someone will help him do it well, and then it will be placed on him. Over time, it will form the current situation of riding a tiger and being unable to get off.
How long ago, had I become a poisonous thorn in the emperor's heart? The memories of the time when the emperor and his ministers were harmonious and happy still linger in Pan Shangshu's mind. Times have changed, and even today, the emperor wants to get rid of him and then quickly. Things in the world are unpredictable.
Why?
After calming down, Pan Shangshu suddenly asked: "Fang Zheng is planning a shadow agency. What does His Highness have to say?"
Lin Qingshan said respectfully: "When I went down to meet His Highness the Crown Prince, the Crown Prince only said one sentence: 'Anything my father does must have his own reasons, and I fully agree with it.' Then he sent the disciple back."
Pan Shangshu sneered, then looked at Lin Qingshan and said solemnly: "What about you? What do you think?"
Lin Qingshan said without hesitation: "My lord, Fang Zheng has established a shadow agency. This is the first step for the emperor to attack you. My lord, you must not ignore it!"
Pan Shangshu looked at Lin Qingshan with a half-smile and said: "You have told me so much, what do you really want to express?"
Lin Qingshan murmured, not daring to say anything. Then, as if he had made some determination, Lin Qingshan raised his head, looked directly into Pan Shangshu's eyes calmly, and said softly: "In this situation now,
, the disciples thought that since the power of heaven is unpredictable, with the boss’ ability, there is no other way than... to change the sky!"
Another day! Pan Shangshu was shocked, his face changed drastically, and he said sternly: "Do you know what you are talking about?".
Lin Qingshan nodded, "I know, Sir, do you have any other choice? If you are willing to kill me at your neck, then I am willing to die with you!"
Who is willing to stick out his neck and let someone chop him down? How could a powerful official who has been in power for decades and is accustomed to the scenery at the top of the ivory tower be willing to be executed by the emperor with just one word?
Pan Shangshu sat in a chair in despair, staring blankly at the big oil lamp on the desk, saying nothing for a long time.
"My lord, if you continue to break the rules, you will be disturbed. It's time for you to make a decision. Put the prince on the throne. Who will dare to argue with you in the future? If you are not at ease with the prince, you can even...
…replace it.”
Pan Shangshu's eyelids jumped again when he heard this, and his breathing suddenly became heavy.
Lin Qingshan's voice was very low, almost inaudible, as elusive as mist: "Sir, the picturesque and beautiful country does not necessarily have to be named Zhou, it can also be named Pan."
Pan Shangshu's old face kept twitching, his turbid old eyes were covered with bloodshot eyes, radiating greedy and excited light, and his breathing was as heavy as a cow's panting, mixed with the dull phlegm sound in the old man's chest, like a dying breath.
.
The co-lord of the world, the ninth-five-year-old, wearing a yellow robe... Pan Shangshu has had such a beautiful dream thousands of times. Every time he wakes up from the dream, he can only wear the official uniform of a minister and hold a scepter in his hand.
Ban, who was yawning nonstop, sat in an official sedan and came to the Jinluan Palace to pay his respects in the morning. He kowtowed nine times to an emperor who he believed was not qualified or capable of sitting on the dragon throne.
Why can't I be the one sitting on top? Why can't I say the words "Everyone loves you"? If I were the emperor, I would do better than him, and the country would never be as troubled at home and abroad as it is now.
, the land is devastated, and under my leadership, the people of the world will have ample food and clothing, and prosperous ethics and education. In my hands, the country will become strong and prosperous, powerful in the world, and all nations will come to court!….
Pan Shangshu's eyes gradually turned frighteningly red. Yes, I have the ability to win. There are many disciples and former officials of mine all over the world, and there are also many middle- and high-level generals who are loyal to me in the army. As long as I ascend to the top and shout, everyone in the Jinluan Palace will be conquered.
The dragon chair is no longer far away from me. Since the emperor has murderous intent on me, the only way out is to kill the fish or kill the net.
I have devoted my life's energy and wisdom to this country. Now that I am old, the emperor wants to kill the donkey. How can I be willing to stick out my neck and take that knife? I have supported this country! Why can't I
Do I have a share? What’s more, my chances of winning are not small. Maybe at this moment, if you seize the opportunity, the country will change!
Lin Qingshan smiled, very happily. Pan Shangshu's desire hidden in his heart was successfully aroused by him, like a blowout, unstoppable. This also means that if something big comes true, someone like him, Lin, will be the one to do it.
The most outstanding figure in the founding of the country was given the title of wife and son, and enjoyed the holy family forever. From now on, he, Lin Qingshan, was no longer the failed scholar!
Pan Shangshu's eyes changed from fear and shrinkage, to hesitation, and gradually, finally became firm.
"Is it possible to ask the importance of the tripod?" Pan Shangshu suddenly smiled: "It is possible to ask the importance of the tripod!"
With a sigh, Pan Shangshu said leisurely: "That's all..."
Then Pan Shangshu stood up, pondered for a moment, and said in a low voice: "Haste makes waste, this matter should be dealt with slowly. Go and test the intentions of the officials under me. Remember, don't leak any information. Just
You can test it, but you can’t say it clearly! This matter is related to your family and life, so we must not be hasty!"
Lin Qingshan's eyes flashed with excitement, but his tone remained calm as he said: "Don't worry."
Pan Shangshu stroked his beard and said: "During these days, I will visit several military generals. Whether it succeeds or not depends on God's will..."
Lin Qingshan couldn't help but ask: "... Sir, is the prince's side..."
Pan Shangshu smiled: "Since His Highness the Crown Prince fully supports his father, let him continue to support him. Everyone has his own ambitions."
Lin Qingshan obeyed the order solemnly and was about to turn around and leave.
"Wait a minute! Send someone to tell Xiao Huaiyuan, asking him to watch the prince's every move carefully and tell me at any time."
"yes."
Lin Qingshan retreated, and Pan Shangshu sat blankly in the study, staring fixedly at a painting hanging on the wall. It was a picture of proud bamboo that was painted by the emperor himself and presented to him after the painting was completed.
The green and tall bamboos in the picture stand proudly and unyieldingly in the bleak cold wind.
Pan Shangshu stared at the painting in trance, his eyes filled with muddy old tears, and then rolled down, and he murmured: "The bamboo has no intention, why are there so many branches? Your Majesty, Your Majesty... I want to be a loyal minister.
Ah, you are the one who forced me to be a loyal minister..."
A gust of night wind blew by, and the oil lamp on the table swayed a few times, making Pan Shangshu's figure grow longer and shorter. Pan Shangshu suddenly shivered for no reason...
At the same time, Young Master Fang Zheng, who was chatting and exchanging feelings with his shadow subordinates in West City, also shivered.
Looking at the sky inexplicably, Fang Zheng stroked his arms covered with goosebumps and murmured: "Holy shit! It's autumn, it's time to eat crabs..."