Ever since Gou Liang revealed the correct eating posture of sea fish, the old man no longer mentioned that he wanted to occupy the whole tank of fish, but just appeared in front of Gou Liang with three meals a day on time, pretending to be a coincidence, reminding him that he should "be filial".
The building boat slowly went south, and time passed rapidly with the receding sea water.
August twenty-second.
Shangjing, the imperial palace.
The lamps were already lit in the imperial study room, and the emperor was seeing General Zhen Guo's memorial—today is Zhang Tiantouqi. General Zhang cried bitterly on the memorial and begged the emperor to uphold justice for the Zhang family, which is really a bit unlucky. He frowned, and the personal eunuch didn't dare to disturb him, and waited until the emperor put down the memorial to remind him that it was time for dinner.
The emperor did not ask him to deliver the meal but asked, "Is Liu Buyu still outside the palace?"
The chief eunuch hurriedly said: "Reporting to Your Majesty, Lord Jianzheng is still kneeling outside the hall... He has been kneeling for a day and a night, and the food sent by the old slave has not been touched, and the water has not been touched. Your Majesty, please see... Do you send someone to prison?" Your Excellency is going out of the palace?"
Liu Jianzheng is older than Emperor Wu, so if this goes on like this, he might die.
The emperor's face darkened instantly.
When Zhong Yue said that there would be an earthquake in Yandi, he was very upset.
It is very ominous for the earth dragon to stand up, and it often means that the monarch is incompetent. If the disaster is more serious, the emperor needs to sacrifice to heaven to report his crimes, and the mansion will report his crimes to reassure the people.
The emperor thinks that he is diligent in governing and loving the people, but he still can't afford the word "faint emperor". How can he endure such an ominous omen
But he didn't dare to underestimate the prophecy from Zhong's family in Tianji Mountain, so he rushed to Yandi immediately with the prince and the deputy supervisor of Qin Tianjian with the military amulet, dispatching troops as soon as possible to evacuate the people in Xingtang County.
But who would have thought that as soon as the imperial decree was issued, the supervisor of the Qin Tianjian would go up and play that the earthquake in Yandi was not as light as Zhong Yue predicted, and even bluntly said: "I have received a warning from the sky. This time, the disaster in Yandi may spread for thousands of miles. From Xing to Tang, the five prefectures of Yandi will be affected. Moreover, the power of the earth dragon is very strong, and there will still be tremors in the next few days."
Looking at the history books, it is not to say that there has never been an earthquake disaster of this magnitude in the four hundred years since the founding of Daliang, and it has never been seen in the hundreds of years.
What Qin Tianjian heard in Emperor Wu's ears was no less than saying that he was worse than the last cruel and stupid dog emperor of the previous dynasty. How could he listen? It was kindness to not drag Jianzheng Liu out and behead him on the spot.
Unexpectedly, Liu Jianzheng was stubborn, and after repeated remonstrances to no avail, he knelt outside the imperial study, acting like the emperor would not give up if he didn't approve.
The emperor did not want to see him from the bottom of his heart, let alone believe what he said.
His dislike for Liu Jianzheng is a problem left over from history, and the fact that he studied under Zhong Guoshi is enough to make him upset.
And after the life experience of the former prince was revealed, the emperor was more or less aware of the secrets of the Zhong family's affairs back then, and knew in his heart that he was deceived by the villain and pushed the loyal Zhong family to a dead end. As a result, the emperor was even more reluctant to see this proud disciple of the former national teacher—every time he saw him, it was really not a pleasant thing to remind the emperor of the fact that he wanted to be a father and his negligence in the Zhong family case.
Furthermore, it wasn't that he looked down on Liu Jianzheng, but that his alarmist words were completely unconvincing.
The origin of Daliang's lineage of national teachers is well known, the first national teacher was a descendant of the Zhong family in Tianji Mountain, even if he himself was talented, how could his family traditions compare to the descendants of Tianji Mountain's direct descendants? What's more, Liu Buyu is only a disciple with a foreign surname!
Zhong Yue didn't even figure it out, but Liu Jianzheng made a fuss about it, so it's obvious that he was looking for him with ulterior motives to make him unhappy!
The emperor even wondered if Liu Jian also knew the hidden truth behind the Zhong family's extermination and did it on purpose. Later, seeing that he was really remonstrating with his life, he dispelled his doubts.
But even so, the emperor had no intention of accepting the remonstrance.
He took a sip of tea, and was instructing his personal eunuchs to take the obtrusive Jian Liu out of the palace, when a person hurried into the palace to report: "Your Majesty, send a message urgently within eight hundred miles—His Royal Highness is in Xindu I was assassinated in the territory and was seriously injured, please return to Beijing!"
"what?!"
The emperor was shocked, "How is the prince's injury?"
The visitor replied: "The imperial guards are desperately escorting them. His Royal Highness is not injured at all, but his leg is broken and he needs to recuperate."
The emperor breathed a sigh of relief.
Although he doesn't like the second son, he is his own after all, not to mention that he has limited liking for Wang An, and he has no intention of surrendering the country. It's just that he wants to test the hearts of the two sons and is unwilling to admit his old age and let go of power. It's not that one of them should lose his life.
The emperor ordered people to welcome His Royal Highness the Crown Prince back to Beijing, and wrote Zhongshu overnight to ask An Wang to go to Yandi to preside over the disaster relief.
At the same time, Xindu was in the city.
Li Yan, who pretended to be seriously injured, still hesitated: "Chonghui, is it really dangerous to go here?"
When the group of them passed through Xindu, Zhong Yue suddenly predicted that Li Yan's going here was a bad omen, and he didn't want him to take risks, so he directed and acted out the scene of being assassinated.
Trapped in the East Palace for only a few days, Li Yan's patience has been severely worn out. At this time, his tone is full of annoyance - if he is still the prince who was bullied by the prince in the past, he will not be like this Impatience, the real torture is to fall after ascending.
In his heart, he was unwilling to give up this opportunity to regain strength, not to mention that disaster relief is a win-win achievement for both fame and fame, and he was unwilling to hand it over to King An.
Zhong Yue is not sure about this hexagram.
A few days ago, spying on the earthquake and heavenly secrets had taken a toll on his body. Although it was not apparent on the surface, he would no longer be able to perform divination in a short period of time.
It's just that the closer he got to Yandi, the more uneasy Zhong Yue felt.
The intuition of the Zhong family is often a harbinger of life and death. He pinched his fingers and found that the source of this anxiety came from Li Yan—if he went deeper, Li Yan might be in danger of his life.
This conclusion made Zhong Yue decisively suspend his plan to go to Yandi for disaster relief with Li Yan.
Zhong Yue did not reveal the real condition of his body to Li Yan, but at this moment his face still had an arrogant look on his face, and he said confidently: "When did I ever miscalculate? Yanlang, nothing is as important as life, let alone after the earthquake The land of Yan must be in chaos, and then you have to do something to King An, isn't it easy?"
Only then did Li Yan feel relieved.
No way, Zhong Yue still has some real skills.
If Li Yan went to Yandi this trip, there would indeed be a bloody disaster, and it was either a natural disaster or a man-made disaster.
Gou Liang originally planned to take this opportunity to ask for some interest from Li Yan, to use up the negative soul power of the original owner, and even planned to let the dog shadow kill him... Unfortunately, he had to give up now. But it doesn't matter, King An is about to leave Beijing, after this round, he has his own way to make Li Yan and Zhong Yue regret.
The time is getting closer and closer to the disaster day predicted by Gou Liang.
Because it was four or five days away from the next Guandu, in order to receive information more conveniently, Lou Chuan had already stayed at Donglai Ferry for two days and stopped moving forward.
On the twenty-third day, it was night.
Tonight the moonlight is dim, and the galaxy is competing for glory. The mysteries hidden in the sea of stars are running, Gou Liang looked up at the starry sky, if the contents of the astrology were not so shocking, he might be indulging in such beautiful scenery.
Zhong Quan stepped forward and put a tiger-skin blanket on his knees, tested his hands, felt cold to the touch, and quickly persuaded in a low voice: "Master, go inside and rest."
Gou Liang shook his head, and suddenly said: "The person I was waiting for is coming soon."
Zhong Quan was puzzled, but soon broke Yong Ye's hasty horn sound for warning and asking for help, and answered his questions.
An official ship approached the ferry very quickly, and there was the sound of weapons clashing on board, and soon the watchman on the upstairs ship came to ask: "Master, an official ship was robbed ahead, but I don't know why the guards here No action. Wonder if we want to intervene?"
"Not in a hurry."
Gou Liang smiled, "In a quarter of an hour, Zhong Quan, you personally lead someone to rescue, and you must save one life for me."
He whispered a few words to Zhong Quan, and the latter nodded knowingly: "This subordinate obeys orders, and will definitely live up to the master's entrustment."
The speed of the fleeing official ship was getting slower and slower, and the sound of the horn also stopped—the man who played the horn fell into the sea with death or injury like most of the people on board.
There were only a dozen or so people on board still fighting the pirates desperately. Those who were protected behind the human wall looked pale as the human wall became thinner and thinner.
"Brother, don't go!"
Wang Li's obstruction made Wang Haiyi hesitate for a moment, but the light of the knife that stabbed his eyes soon made him have no choice but to raise the knife to defend himself. Li Xi picked up two knives from the ground, and handed one of them to Wang Li for self-defense. She swung the knife and watched the approaching gangster vigilantly and heavily. The heavy knife made Wang Li's hands tremble and his whole body trembled.
More and more people died, and the scorching blood splattered on her face had already made her numb. Wang Li couldn't tell whether it was the roar of the sea wind or the screams of the guards being killed.
Li Xi beside him was also involved in the battle. He was powerless and slashed wildly with his knife. He was quickly lost and injured.
shall we all die here tonight...
Just when Wang Li was in despair, a group of people descended from the sky—
In her eyes, she only saw a handsome and stalwart man standing not far in front of her. Wherever the sword was directed, all the bandits were killed. When she was embraced by her blood-soaked brother, she realized that at some point, all the pirates had retreated.
"Wang Haiyi of Yongning Mansion, thank you sir for saving your life!"
After the wound was bandaged, Wang Haiyi and others came to thank Gou Liang.
"Tanhualang doesn't need to be polite, it's just a coincidence. Since we meet here, how can we stand by and watch?"
Gou Liang raised his hand and invited them to sit down.
Wang Haiyi was a little surprised: "Mister, do you recognize me?"
Gou Liang just smiled and said nothing.
Wang Haiyi is a Tanhua of Jinke, who was originally incorporated into the Imperial Academy like Zhuangyuanlang. Later, through the mediation of his family, he won a foreign official position in Yangzhou. The job was a good job, and he returned to Beijing after three or five years. Who would have thought that it would be a bad start, but would be attacked by pirates here and almost die.
On the entire official ship, except for Wang Haiyi brother and sister and Li Xi's master and servant, no one survived, which shows the rampant gangsters.
He was also very puzzled why after the horn was sounded, no one came to help Guandu's defenders, and they have not responded at all until now, but luckily there was Gou Liang to help, otherwise they would all be dead in the sea tonight.
As soon as Wang Hai briefly explained what happened to him, he said, "This is sister She. Li'er, come and thank you benefactor! The kindness of saving life should be repaid by the spring, and you need to keep it in your heart."
Wang Li is his direct sister, who has a perverse personality and has always been mischievous. This time, it was a woman disguised as a man who secretly followed him to the south of the Yangtze River. When Wang Hai found out, the official ship had already entered the sea, so she had no choice but to let her go. She is the only daughter in the family, if it is lost this time, Wang Hai will have no face to face his parents, so his gratitude to Gou Liang is really from the bottom of his heart.
Wang Li rushed forward, but after saluting, she looked up at Zhong Quan behind Gou Liang, lowered her head with blushing cheeks, and said delicately, "Thank you, benefactor."
The smile in Gou Liang's eyes paused.
As for Li Xi, Wang Haiyi introduced him in this way: "This is my old friend. His surname is Yu and his name is Xiu. He is from the capital. This time, he is also going south to find his relatives. I cannot thank you in person because of my deafness. Please Don't be surprised, sir."
Gou Liang glanced at Li Xi, who respectfully stood up and bowed three times.
Gou Liang accepted his gift calmly.
After letting them go at their own pace, Zhong Quan asked in a low voice: "Master, what are your plans for the future?"
As soon as Wang Hai was new to the world, he felt that it was luck rather than strength for Li Xi's master and servant to save their lives, and the Guandu guards turned a blind eye to their calls for help, precisely because of the "little dumb" beside him.
He is the person Gou Liang is waiting for here—little marquis Li Xi, the grandson of the former prince who was usurped by Emperor Wu.
His biological father was the eldest son who was bewitched by the Gao family and almost strangled the fake prince to death.
Originally, Emperor Wu, out of benevolence and righteousness, took great care of him and rewarded him, but after the attempted murder that harmed Zhong's family, he completely tore his face. Although Emperor Wu still granted him the title of Lin County King after he became an adult, he only left him with one identity.
Not to mention being involved in government affairs, Prince Lin's Mansion is even so poor that it cannot make ends meet, so it has no sense of existence among the royal family. Because of this, King Lin died in depression, and passed away very early, leaving only a small son, who was later deposed by the emperor according to the ancestral system to be named Marquis.
This person is Li Xi.
Although he is only thirteen years old, he is precociously intelligent and ambitious. This trip to the south is to subdue the influence left by his grandfather, the crown prince who is one step away from the throne.
Emperor Wu has always wanted to cut grass and roots, even though Li Xi became "dumb" due to an illness when he was very young, he did not give up this idea, but because Li Xi'an kept his own place, he had no chance.
This time it was in his favor - Li Xi acted covertly but still did not escape his eyes, that's why this night's banditry happened.
Gou Liang touched his lips and said with a smile: "Let's see. If he is what I want, it would be a good thing to return the throne to the original owner, wouldn't it?"
And Li Xi was much smarter than Gou Liang imagined, so he came to meet him early the next morning.
Li Xi made a deep bow, and said, "Thank you for saving my life last night, sir, please pay respects."
Gou Liang put down his hands and said with a light smile, "I vaguely remember that Tan Hualang said you were dumb last night, why did you heal after a night without medicine?"
Li Xi smiled wryly, and said, "Mr. Zhong, wise people don't speak dark words."
Gou Liang was really surprised now, "You recognize me?"
Li Xidao: "Last night, Xi felt a little suspicious in her heart. Today, she saw the Lin family's business in Yangzhou on the building boat, so she dared to recognize her husband."
"Oh, tell me why?" Gou Liang looked at him with interest.
"Sir, don't you realize that my appearance is somewhat similar to yours? My grandmother is the great-great-great-granddaughter of the National Teacher, and she has the blood of the Zhong family. After I was born, my grandmother once said that I look like you, sir." They are somewhat similar when they were young. And the Hou Mansion also had the secret support of the Yangzhou Lin Mansion, so that Xiping can grow up and not be troubled by yellow and white things."
Li Xi said: "To tell you the truth, sir, this trip to Yangzhou not only wants to protect my grandfather's foundation, but also wants to ask the Lin family for help."
"No one in the world knows that Zhong's family in Shangjing has been extinct more than ten years ago. Based on this alone, how can you conclude that I am Zhong Gu?" Gou Liang looked at him with a half-smile. When I was in the palace, you, or your grandmother, guessed who I was, didn't you?"
Li Xi hurriedly said: "Please don't blame me, sir. When my husband died, the Hou's family wanted to help but had little power, and my grandmother was ill... Fortunately, my husband is lucky."
Gou Liang said: "It's very rare for you to have this kind of heart. But, you came to see me today, shouldn't you come to marry me to tell stories?"
Li Xi blushed, "Sir, forgive me. Unfortunately, if my whereabouts are exposed this time, I may be killed. I am here to ask for protection from you."
"That's all?"
Gou Liang asked.
Li Xi paused, not sure if there was any other deep meaning in his words, hesitating a few times, but still respectfully said: "Saving my life has already put Mr. in a difficult position, but I am very grateful, and I dare not ask for it."
Gou Liang smiled, "I'll help you out of your grandmother's sake, just because the Zhong family apologized for being helpless when she asked for help. After that, the Zhong family owes nothing to her, do you understand?"
Li Xi's expression changed, but she still complied.
When it was nearly noon, the wind and cloud fusion.
The wind and waves on the sea today are more violent than usual. When the buildings and boats are in turmoil, the land in Xingtang County, far away in Yandi, cracks and landslides, and disasters suddenly occur!
royal palace.
Emperor Wu, who was reviewing the memorial, shook violently, and the red pen scratched a line on the memorial. The red color was shocking, and he stood up suddenly. The personal eunuch was shocked, and quickly supported him: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty..."
Emperor Wu grabbed him: "What time is it?"
"It's not the right time." The eunuch said with a pale face: "Two quarters of an hour have passed since the time calculated by Qin Tianjian for the earth dragon to turn around."
The time that Zhong Yue predicted was not right, but the earthquake that happened far away in Yandi could be felt in Shangjing, so how could it happen just now? And the facts coincide exactly with Qin Tianjian's "alarmist talk"!
A layer of cold sweat broke out on Emperor Wu's forehead, and he lost his voice and said: "Quickly, go and order someone to bring Liu Buyu into the palace! Wait, order the courtiers above the second rank to enter the palace quickly, there must be no mistakes!"
East Palace.
Li Yan and Zhong Yue's expressions changed drastically.
"This, what's going on?!"
Li Yan shouted.
Zhong Yue's face was pale, he didn't expect that the hexagrams he had worked so hard to divination could not compare to Qin Tianjian's calculations, so he immediately took off the horoscope tied around his waist and began to force divination, but soon his lips were bloody.
"Zhong Yue, you—Chong Hui?!"
A mouthful of blood spewed out from Zhong Yue's mouth and landed on Li Yan's face. The latter hurriedly caught Zhong Yue who was fainting, the expression on his face was frozen in anger and panic.