Dafeng Night Watchman

Chapter 422: Chapter 422 Xu Qian'an: Erlang, Big Brother will teach you how to raise fish

The first time my adoptive father proposed to fight the Wushen Cult was when Xu Qi'an died in Yunzhou.

Nangong Qianrou guessed that my adoptive father was both sad about the loss of his trusted confidant and felt that the Wushen Cult had grown too fast and needed to be suppressed.

Later, Xu Qi'an returned to Beijing and was resurrected. The Wushen Cult had always been law-abiding. In this case, there was no need to start a war.

For the Wushen Cult, we only need to suppress it.

But my adoptive father meant to start a large-scale national war.

"Adoptive father, is it too radical?" Nangong Qianrou said bluntly.

Now that Dafeng is weak, a large-scale national war that takes several years is an unbearable burden.

"Yang Yan sent back an urgent report from the north that the Wushen Cult attacked the northern demons and barbarians. Zhu Jiu was unable to support the situation alone, so he withdrew from his original territory, led the demons and barbarians to join forces, and prepared to retreat to the northwest."

Wei Yuan lowered his head to study the geomancy map, and said calmly: "Although the plan of the King of Huai failed, the Wushen Cult's goal was achieved. The death of either Zhu Jiu or Jili Zhigu would make the northern demons and barbarians fall into unprecedented weakness.

"But Chuzhou also suffered a heavy blow, losing a third-rank official, unable to march north, and the Wushen Cult got a free advantage."

Nangong Qianrou was shocked and suddenly realized: "So, my godfather doesn't care about the affairs of the court, because His Majesty is very likely to send you to the north? "

At the same time, he speculated in his heart that His Majesty's suppression of Wang Shoufu at this time seemed to be unbalanced at first glance, but in fact it was precisely the way to balance.

Without Wei Yuan in the court, wouldn't Wang Shoufu be the only one in power?

"Even if my adoptive father's focus is not on the court, it is still a long way to go. Why not take advantage of the crisis of the Wang Party to gain benefits, so that there will be no worries in the future expedition."

Nangong Qianrou put forward her own opinion.

Wei Yuan smiled and said, "Do you think it is better for the Wang Party to fall or not?"

Nangong Qianrou said without hesitation, "It is best if it falls."

Wei Yuan nodded, "Yes, it is best if it falls, and it is also good if it does not fall. If the war had not started, I would have added insult to injury. Once Wang Zhenwen falls, I will have at least five years to do things. Your Majesty wants to support a new party to be my enemy, which is not something that can be done overnight.

"Under the current situation, there are also advantages for Wang's party to remain intact. Wang Zhenwen and I have fought for so many years, and we know each other well. It is better to have a familiar opponent in the court than an unfamiliar passerby."

At this time, the clerk came to report and said respectfully: "Duke Wei, Qian Qingshu, the Grand Secretary of Wuying Palace, wants to see you."

Qian Qingshu is Wang Zhenwen's confidant... Nangong Qianrou looked at Wei Yuan.

Wei Yuan waved his hand: "No, let him go back."

The clerk bowed: "Yes."

"Adoptive father?" Nangong Qianrou thought, did the adoptive father finally choose to watch coldly.

"It would be meaningless if I took action."

Wei Yuan smiled and said: "This favor should be left to the right person."

Nangong Qianrou didn't understand, but didn't ask. After so many years of getting along, he was used to the language style of his adoptive father.

"You go out first." Wei Yuan suddenly said.

After Nangong Qianrou left, he took out a few envelopes, picked up a pen, and wrote.

...

Imperial Palace, Jingxiu Palace.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was eating iced plums, with a basin of ice cubes at his feet, enjoying the cool breeze fanned by the palace maids, but his expression was not relaxed at all, and he said:

"I advised Wang Shoufu that day not to compete with my father and not to follow Wei Yuan, but he refused to listen. Now my father wants to punish him."

The Crown Prince and Wang Shoufu did not have much intersection, but there were many people in Wang's party who were unwavering members of the Crown Prince's party.

If Wang Zhenwen fell, these people would also be implicated, which would weaken the Crown Prince's influence in the court in disguise.

Concubine Chen and Lin'an were listening, both a little worried. Since the years of the imperial examination, the position of the Crown Prince has been swaying from side to side, and he has never been able to sit still.

Concubine Chen frowned and said, "What is Wei Yuan's attitude?"

The prince said in a deep voice, "Qian Qingshu, the Grand Secretary of Wuying Palace, went to visit Wei Yuan this morning, but he didn't see him."

Concubine Chen was worried: "Wei Yuan and Prime Minister Wang are political enemies, I'm afraid they are just waiting to add insult to injury."

The prince looked at his sister and said, "Lin'an, isn't Xu Qi'an your confidant? He is someone Wei Yuan relies on. Why don't you try to break through from him?"

Lin'an sat on the soft couch, her bright red long skirt was complicated and gorgeous, she wore a golden hair crown, her round oval face had beautiful lines, and her peach blossom eyes were charming and watery.

In silence, she was like an exquisite and flawless jade beauty.

"He hasn't come to see me for a long time..."

Lin'an said in a low voice with a gloomy face.

After the Chuzhou massacre, more than half a month had passed, and Xu Ningyan had never looked for her. Lin'an didn't say it, but she was sensitive in her heart and always felt that Xu Ningyan completely hated the royal family because of that incident.

He also hated her, so he deliberately distanced himself from her.

When Lin'an thought of their happy times in the past, she felt a wave of pain in her heart.

"This is simple. You can quietly send someone to Xu's house to deliver a letter and ask him to meet. If he agrees, it means that his mind is still here with you." The prince smiled and suggested.

Concubine Chen added: "Remember to keep it secret. Let the servants of Lin'an House do it, and don't send the palace guards. Don't let your father know that you have any contact with Xu Qian'an."

Lin'an nodded his head vigorously, with an expression of uneasiness and expectation on his face: "I'll ask someone to do it right away."

...

At lunch, Yuan Xiong, the Left Censor-in-Chief, and Qin Yuandao, the Minister of War, entered a restaurant in the inner city.

There were also several officials from the same camp.

There is an hour break for lunch. The dining hall of the capital government is notoriously unpalatable. It is not so bland, but forget about the big fish and meat.

Except for the lower-level officials who eat in the dining hall, the senior officials all go to the restaurant.

Yuan Xiong raised his teacup and smiled, "First, congratulations to Minister Qin, you have a chance to enter the cabinet."

Qin Yuandao raised his cup in response, saying, "It is just around the corner for Mr. Yuan to occupy the Censorate alone. When the time comes, don't forget to take care of us."

The Censorate has great power and is responsible for supervising all officials. Yuan Xiong has always wanted to take charge of the Censorate alone and kick out Wei Yuan's followers.

Qin Yuandao, because he has no hope of becoming the Minister of War, wants to find another way to enter the cabinet.

The two of them jointly planned the imperial examination fraud case, which ended in failure, and now they are making a comeback. Unlike the last time, His Majesty was watching from the sidelines, but this time he is supporting them strongly behind the scenes.

"Even if Wang Zhenwen doesn't fall this time, he will be seriously injured. He has controlled the cabinet for many years, and he was previously relied on to check Wei Yuan. Now, His Majesty intends to let Wei Yuan serve as the general of Chuzhou and go far away to Chuzhou, so Wang Zhenwen has to move."

"And I heard that Qian Qingshu visited Wei Yuan this morning and was turned away."

"If it weren't for that little bastard surnamed Xu last time, our position would have been moved long ago." Qin Yuan said with gritted teeth.

An official raised his glass and smiled, "Minister Qin, there is no need to be angry. Xu Qi'an can't protect himself. He offended His Majesty and will be liquidated sooner or later. First hit the big one, then deal with the small one. He is not far from death."

"Drink, drink."

They toasted each other and talked and laughed.

...

"Da Lang, someone outside sent you a letter."

In the front hall, the doorman Lao Zhang presented a secret letter.

Xu Qi'an, who was kicking Xu Lingyin up and down like a shuttlecock, put down his youngest sister, reached out to take the letter, and asked, "Who sent the letter?"

The doorman Lao Zhang shook his head: "The person is outside, and he didn't say who he sent it for. He also said he was waiting for your reply."

"Brother, keep playing!"

Xu Lingyin enjoyed the feeling of flying, and she was no longer willing to be a stupid child living on the ground.

She hugged Xu Qi'an's legs like an octopus and refused to let go.

Xu Qi'an kicked, but didn't kick her away. He thought that this stupid child was getting stronger and stronger.

"Taiping!"

He shouted.

There was a whistling sound, and the Taiping sword flew out of the room, with the sword and sheath, hanging in front of Xu Qi'an.

Xu Lingyin was stunned, holding her little face up, looking stupid.

Xu Qian'an picked her up and let her ride on the Taiping Sword like a witch riding a magic broom, then patted Xu Lingyin's little butt and said loudly:

"Go, magical girl Xiao Douding!"

The Taiping Sword took her out of the front hall, and Xiao Douding's heartless laughter came from the air.

Xu Qian'an unfolded the letter, which was sent by Lin'an. It described the situation of the court dispute in recent days and tactfully asked if he could go to find out what Wei Yuan was thinking.

This was not like Lin'an's style. Was it Concubine Chen or the prince who instigated it... I remember Duke Wei said that there were many supporters of the prince in the royal party. Speaking of which, after beheading the two dukes, I have not visited Lin'an.

Alas, it was mainly because there were too many things, one after another, and I neglected her...

Lin'an is different from Huaiqing. Huaiqing does not need to be coaxed, but Lin'an is a girl who really wants to be with him.

"Tell him to tell the master that I know."

Xu Qian'an sent away the doorman Lao Zhang and sat at the round table. He couldn't help but recall what Wei Yuan said this morning:

I won't take care of this matter.

Yesterday, Xu Erlang returned home after his duty. He told him about the court. Xu Qian'an kept a watchful eye and went to the night watchman's office to find Wei Yuan to find out. Only then did he know that this was not an ordinary fight.

Emperor Yuan Jing wanted to move against Wang Shoufu.

"It's actually an opportunity for me. Although Erlang and Miss Wang flirted, they didn't enter Wang Shoufu's sight. Moreover, with his identity as a student of Yunlu Academy and because of me, it would be difficult for him to make further progress in the officialdom unless he joined Wang Shoufu.

"But Wang Shoufu was born in the Imperial College and was naturally resistant to students of Yunlu Academy. Now, isn't it an opportunity? I have evidence of corruption and abuse of power by many officials and Duke Cao. These political bargaining chips were originally intended to be given to Duke Wei and Erlang.

"Isn't it a good opportunity to use my skills now? Moreover, if I can gain the favor of Prime Minister Wang, it will be very helpful for me to investigate Emperor Yuan Jing. I just want to go to the file library of the Ministry of Personnel to check the files.

"I have confessed the secret letter of Cao Guogong to Duke Wei, and he said that he doesn't care about it. The hint is obvious. Duke Wei seems to be more negative about the affairs of the court recently? What is he planning?"

Xu Erlang returned to the mansion for dinner with a frustrated look on his face. As soon as he passed through the front yard, he saw his youngest sister riding on a knife, circling and flying in the small yard, laughing like a pig.

Mother and Lingyue watched worriedly from below, screaming from time to time, saying repeatedly: Be careful, be careful!

Aunt said angrily: "Xu Ningyan, get your broken knife down quickly. If Lingyin falls and gets hurt, I will teach you a lesson."

Aunt pinched her waist, stood in the yard, and shouted towards the front hall.

"Mom, why is the knife flying? "Xu Lingyue was a little surprised and a little scared.

"Who knows? It must be your elder brother's magic." Aunt said.

The mother and daughter had seen Li Miaozhen flying high on a flying sword, and thought it was no big deal, but when Xu Erlang saw this scene, he was stunned and stunned.

"Unparalleled, peerless magic weapon..." Xu Erlang murmured.

At this time, Xu Qian'an walked out of the front hall and called out, "Taiping, come down."

The Taiping sword lowered its altitude and hovered motionless. Aunt immediately snatched her precious daughter and spat, "What a broken sword. " n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

After saying that, she saw Xu Xinnian take two steps at a time and stop in front of the Taiping sword. He stretched out his hand with his eyes wide open, as if he wanted to hold the sword, but he didn't dare. He was extremely excited.

As a scholar from the orthodox Confucian system, Xu Erlang naturally knew the peerless magic weapon.

Seeing her son's attitude, the aunt asked suspiciously: "Erlang, what's wrong with this sword?"

Xu Erlang murmured: "This sword is rare and priceless. No, it is a priceless treasure."

Priceless treasure?! The aunt's heart was pounding. She looked at the Taiping sword in surprise and asked tentatively: "How much silver is it worth?"

Aunt needs a specific number to measure its value.

"Let's put it this way. If big brother takes it to exchange for a title, he can at least get an earl, or even a marquis."

Marquis is second only to duke, and duke is almost the pinnacle of the opposite sex title in Dafeng.

Aunt opened her mouth and looked at the Taiping sword again, just like looking at her own son, no, more passionate than her own son.

"I want to play more." Xu Lingyin climbed the Taiping sword.

"Go, you dead child, such a precious thing, if you break it, I will beat you to death." Aunt slapped the little kid away.

Xu Qian'an looked at this scene with a smile and shouted, "Erlang, come in, I have something to tell you."

Xu Erlang entered the front hall and sat on the table. Then, his eyes were attracted by a stack of secret letters on the table. They were not secret letters sent by Lin'an, but secret letters found in Cao Guogong's private residence.

"I already know what happened to Wang Shoufu. Erlang, if you have the ability to help him through this difficult time, will you lend a hand or just stand by and watch?"

Hearing this, Xu Xinnian frowned slightly and said frankly: "I am worried about Simu, but I don't have much feeling or anxiety about what happened to Wang Shoufu. If it weren't for Simu, I would probably be drinking with my elder brother now."

Dafeng's good son-in-law... Xu Qian'an complained in his heart and smiled: "But if you can help, I believe Wang Shoufu will be willing to accept you, at least, he won't resist you."

As he said that, he pointed to the secret letter on the table.

With doubts, Xu Erlang opened the secret letter and read it one by one. His pupils shrank slightly at first, showing shock, then excitement, and his hands trembled slightly.

If these secret letters fall into the hands of capable people, they will become a weapon in their hands. Then, I don't know how many Beijing officials will be convicted for this, and the entire Beijing officialdom will usher in a major earthquake.

Of course, there is another possibility, that is, all these secret letters will be destroyed, because there are too many people involved.

"I can only give you a small part of these secret letters. We need to select a few people who are useful to Wang Shoufu." Xu Qian'an laid out the secret letters one by one.

The so-called useful people cannot be Wang's party or Yuan Xiong's class. The latter has the support of the emperor, and these secret letters cannot have a fatal effect on them, at least in the current situation, they cannot be killed in one blow.

Soon, the two brothers picked out eight people. They are both powerful and powerful, but not the former two.

"After the duty, you go to the Wang Mansion and hand these secret letters to Wang Shoufu in person. Remember, you must first go to Miss Wang and let her introduce you."

The eldest brother meant that I should hint to Wang Shoufu about my relationship with Simu... Xu Xinnian said "hmm", and just as he put the secret letter in his pocket, he saw the eldest brother lifting his sleeves.

"What is the eldest brother going to do?"

"Beat you!"

Bang!

Xu Erlang was hit on the handsome face and fell down screaming. Xu Dalang rode on him and hit him left and right.

"Brother, don't hit me in the face..." Xu Erlang screamed.

"If you don't hit me in the face, how can you show your sacrifice and move Miss Wang? You are willing to turn against your brother to save your father-in-law."

"Isn't this a bit despicable?"

"This is not despicable, this is a routine. Come on, get ready, and I'll hit you a few more times."

....

Jingxiu Palace.

The news came back from Lin'an Prefecture very quickly. There was no reply, only one sentence: I know.

The prince glanced at Lin'an, touched his nose, and sighed: "It seems that I can't count on it. It's true. Now that I'm not an official, I know that I have angered my father, so I'm too lazy to manage the relationship between us brothers and sisters."

Lin'an's eyes turned red when he heard what he said.

Concubine Chen frowned and scolded: "Say less, it's normal that he doesn't help. If Wei Yuan relies on him, will he listen to him?"

The prince said helplessly: "I know, but his attitude is unpleasant."

Lin'an pursed his lips and said sullenly: "I'm going back to Shaoyin Palace."

...

Wang Mansion.

In the inner hall, the atmosphere was a bit solemn.

Wang Simu sat beside Mrs. Wang, talking softly, trying to ease her mother's anxiety.

The eldest son of the Wang family, who worked in the Ministry of Revenue, drank tea without saying a word, and the second son of the Wang family, who was engaged in business, was impatient and walked around in the hall.

"Brother, I heard from a familiar friend that His Majesty wants to kill our Wang family this time?" The second son of the Wang family said hurriedly as he walked.

Mrs. Wang's eyes were more worried, and she looked at her eldest son with a look of verification.

The eldest son Wang put down his teacup and said in a steady voice: "There are some troubles. Yuan Xiong and Qin Yuandao listed a lot of evidence, and the most troublesome one is the embezzlement of military pay.

"Remember the former Minister of the Ministry of Revenue Zhou Xianping? He is my father's man and he did embezzle military pay. When the house was searched, there were only a few thousand taels of silver in the Zhou Mansion. Where did the silver go? They all said it was in our Wang family."

"It's just nonsense." The second son Wang gritted his teeth in anger.

The eldest son Wang pinched his eyebrows and sighed a little tiredly:

"Before, my father was in the emperor's heart, so there was no problem. During the Chuzhou massacre, my father offended His Majesty too much. This is the crux of the problem."

Mrs. Wang said worriedly: "What should I do, what should I do. "

Wang Simu hurriedly comforted her mother, then frowned and said:

"You two should talk less. If you can't come up with a solution, don't complain here. What else can you do except add to your mother's worries?"

She continued to comfort her mother and said softly: "Dad has been the Prime Minister for more than ten years. He has seen all kinds of storms and waves. He knows what's going on. Isn't he discussing it with the uncles in the study?"

The eldest son Wang glanced at his sister and shook his head. There had been crises before, but they had never been as dangerous as this time. Fighting political enemies is the same as fighting His Majesty?

As he was talking, the housekeeper hurried to report, glanced at everyone in the hall, and looked at Wang Simu: "Miss, Lord Xu is outside and wants to see you."

The second brother Wang sneered: "What time is it? You still have time to talk about love? "

Mrs. Wang and Mr. Wang frowned.

They knew that Xu Erlang was close to their daughter. Wang Simu had a strong personality and was very smart. No one in the family could control her except Wang Zhenwen.

So they turned a blind eye and let her go.

But now the Wang family was in crisis, and Xu Erlang still came frequently, which made people feel disgusted.

Wang Simu glanced at her second brother, stood up and said, "Take him to the outer hall."

She patted the back of her mother's hand, left directly, passed through the inner courtyard, walked through the winding corridor, and Miss Wang met Xu Erlang in the reception room.

He sat on the chair, covered his face with his sleeves, and dodged.

"What's wrong with Erlang?" Wang Simu looked around for a while, but he dodged her.

"It's okay..."

Xu Erlang said, "I'm here to give you something. "

As he said that, he pointed to the coffee table with his other hand, and Wang Simu found a pile of letters on the coffee table.

With curiosity, Wang Simu unfolded the letters and took a few glances. Her delicate body trembled, and her beautiful big eyes were filled with shock.

"Where did Erlang get these secret letters?" She opened her mouth slightly, her face pale.

"From my eldest brother." Xu Erlang replied.

From Xu Qian'an? He is Wei Yuan's confidant, how could he help my father... Wang Simu's eyes turned, and then she looked at Xu Erlang's evasive look.

Her heart sank suddenly, and she pulled his sleeves away.

"Ah..."

Wang Simu screamed.

Xu Erlang's cheeks were swollen, his nose was bruised, and his lips were broken. He looked like he had been beaten.

"Did your eldest brother beat you? Because, because of these secret letters?" Wang Simu's lips trembled.

"I fell by myself. "Xu Erlang denied it flatly.

Wang Simu's tears flowed out, pattering, like pearls falling from a string.

"He, he beat you like this..." Miss Wang burst into tears.

Big brother's routine really works...Xu Erlang sighed in his heart, and explained: "I really fell down by myself."

He didn't waste time and said: "These secret letters were given by big brother, but he has conditions, I need to tell the Prime Minister in person."

Wang Simu took out a brocade handkerchief from her sleeve, wiped away her tears carefully, and looked at Xu Erlang with eyes full of love.

She nodded: "I'll take you there now. "

.....

In the spacious study, sandalwood incense was floating in the air. Wang Shoufu held a cup of tea and frowned in silence.

Qian Qingshu, the Grand Secretary of Wuying Palace, Chen Qi, the Grand Secretary of Jianji Palace, and Sun Shangshu, the Minister of Justice, and other confidants gathered together with solemn expressions.

"From what your majesty means, it will be our turn in a few days?" Qian Qingshu said in a deep voice.

Chen Qi, the Grand Secretary of Jianji Palace, was irritable and slammed the table and cursed: "The Chuzhou massacre was originally the result of the Huai King's cruelty. How can it be tolerated? The worst that can happen is that I will retire."

The Minister of Personnel snorted coldly: "If you retire, wouldn't it be exactly what Qin wants?"

Wang Shoufu sat in the main seat, tasting the fragrant tea and listening to his colleagues quarreling silently. The old man has been ups and downs in the officialdom for half his life, and he has never been angry.

Seeing that the quarrel subsided, Wang Shoufu asked: "What is Wei Yuan's attitude?"

"I was turned away. "Qian Qingshu's face was gloomy.

"Not surprising." Wang Shoufu nodded: "Your Majesty still wants to use him, Wei Yuan's role is much stronger than ours."

The Minister of Personnel sneered: "Your Majesty will tolerate his dominance?"

Wang Shoufu took a sip of tea and said in a steady tone: "Many years ago, I felt that he was tired of fighting in the court, and he wanted to take charge of the army again. If I am not mistaken, the death of King Huai is his contribution.

"Sun Shangshu, you are in charge of the Ministry of Justice, you must keep a close watch, and you can't let the Dali Temple and the Censorate convict the crime."

Sun Shangshu of the Ministry of Justice nodded.

"Xu Shangshu, I know you support the prince and support the prince. It's a good opportunity to contact other princelings."

The Minister of Personnel nodded.

Then, Wang Shoufu said calmly, looking around at everyone: "There is nothing wrong with retiring. It is better to retire bravely than to end up in misery. Moreover, you can be reinstated after retirement. A gentleman should learn to seek benefits and avoid harm, and retreat when necessary."

At this time, there was a knock on the door, and Wang Simu's soft and pleasant voice sounded: "Dad, your daughter wants to see you for something."