Langtao froze. He thought that he would choose Wuzhou for negotiations. No matter how shameless Fan Xian was, he would always be concerned about the face of the Lin family. Who would have thought that the former Prime Minister of Nanqing would be as shameless as his son-in-law? , and... the skin is so thick.
Is there still a king's law? Is there any reason
"This is a moral issue." Langtao stood up and said to himself in his heart, not wanting to talk about Fan Xian again, cupped his hands, and left.
The restaurant returned to calm, Fan Xian heaved a sigh of relief, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and sat down on the table again. He didn't feel nervous. As for the people from Northern Qi, they didn't make him feel troublesome. Anyway, he knew Haitang well. Even if he couldn't figure out the woman's temper, even if she left Suzhou temporarily, she would always There will be a day of goodbye. The so-called rivers and lakes are far away, but there is always a season of saliva.
What really made Fan Xian nervous was actually what Langtao had secretly cursed earlier - after all, this is Wuzhou, the hometown of Lord Lin, and in this city, he was discussing with guests from far away about his relationship with another woman. , What would Wan'er think of this? Where is Xiangye Lin's face? How do you explain yourself to your family
So he has been avoiding Langtao, and part of the reason is based on this consideration.
And the reason why he came today was because Lin Ruofu had a very open and honest conversation with him, that's how he was thick-skinned and shameless enough to discuss these things with Langtao.
…
…
Everyone in the Northern Qi Dynasty took the broken sword that was twisted into a twist, got into the carriage and headed south. As for what would happen in Suzhou, Fan Xian no longer wanted to take care of it, and he had no ability to take care of it. He just waited for Deng Ziyue Just pass some news back. He stood by the fence of the restaurant, looking at the pedestrians, staring at the angry Miss Wei, a wry smile appeared on the corner of his lips—he couldn't convince Haitang, and neither could Langtao, but he didn't know Ku Whether He will come forward, Dodo is just a noble person who is willing to control his own life, which is very special.
Immediately thinking about what happened in Wuzhou City, Fan Xian couldn't help feeling a little guilty. Naturally, it was for Wan'er. After thinking about it, he couldn't find a good way to do it. Only then did he gradually feel Zhang Wuji's pain and happiness back then. . It's just that he knows that he is not as hypocritical as Zhang Jiaozhu, but he is more shameless than Zhang Jiaozhu.
He shook his head, opened his front, let the wind outside the restaurant enter his clothes, and refreshed his mind, then followed the footsteps of those guests from afar and went downstairs.
※※※
Although he didn't come to Wuzhou with much fanfare, but after living in the Lin family's mansion for so many days, the news has already spread outside. The magistrate of Wuzhou has already prepared generous gifts to pay a visit, and the people in the market also guessed that the son-in-law was on vacation in Wuzhou.
But when Fan Xian's carriage was driving on the street, no one came to disturb him, and no citizen would shout about it. The people in Wuzhou just saw the carriage, bowed slightly, and saluted silently.
This kind of respect with a sense of distance but from the heart made Fan Xian very happy, and it was also clear from this incident what kind of status and prestige his father-in-law had in Wuzhou City.
It's just that he didn't expect that Wuzhou people's respect for him was not only because of Mr. Lin, but also because of Mr. Fan's own reputation. Wuzhou people were very proud of this uncle.
When the carriage returned to the large and terrifying manor of Lin's House, Fan Xian walked quickly to the back hall. The first sentence of the old man who was playing with the emerald green snuff bottle was: "Those who do great things must have a thick face and a dark heart."
Fan Xian was silent, found a chair and sat down, and softly retorted: "It has nothing to do with those things."
This old man playing with the snuff bottle is naturally Lin Ruofu, the former prime minister who returned home for retirement. In a year, this former Qing country's leading figure has turned into a good man in the country, with soft hair. She was combed, wearing a very comfortable unlined garment, and a pair of half shoes without heels on her feet.
It's just that Lin Ruofu's sunken eye sockets were full of fatigue and boredom, perhaps because he had escaped from the intrigue in the court, such indifferent self-cultivation made his spirit not as good as before.
Listening to Fan Xian's subconscious rebuttal, Lin Ruofu couldn't help smiling and criticizing: "Could it be that you think this is really just an affair between children?"
Fan Xian was silent for a while and said, "I don't think... there is much difference in essence."
Lin Ruofu stopped stroking the snuff bottle, looked at him and said, "Really? But when this matter develops, it's not just that simple... If that woman didn't have the status of a Beiqi saint, didn't have a relationship with Beiqi The relationship between the royal family, children's affairs? Do you think the old man will allow you to marry for less than two years, and then think about these extravagances? Your Majesty will acquiesce to you?"
Fan Xian understands this truth. If it wasn't for the benefits that marrying Haitang would bring to him and the people behind him, no one would stand by him, especially from Lin Ruofu's standpoint, he never offered advice on how to find a concubine for his son-in-law reason.
"Old man..." Fan Xian said with a wry smile, "It's you who made me tremble, and it's you who criticizes me now, what can I do?"
Hearing this, Lin Ruofu couldn't help laughing, and said: "What you said last night was very to my liking... I don't care about your relationship with that woman, as long as you stand more firmly in the court, My Lin family will be more stable."
Fan Xian nodded. With Haitang as a big help from the outside world, his position in Nanqing would be much more stable. It's just that he is indeed a cold and ruthless person in some respects, but he still retains certain concepts from his previous life, subconsciously he doesn't want to link his private affairs with politics.
What's more, Haitang might not be willing to marry her.
As if guessing what Fan Xian was thinking, Lin Ruofu smiled and said, "Actually, you and I both understand the development of this matter. It doesn't matter whether she marries into your Fan family or not...as long as she doesn't marry someone else."
Fan Xian nodded again, admitting that the old fox's thinking was the same as his own.
"I'll go and see Wan'er and Dabao." He stood up and saluted the old man respectfully.
Lin Ruofu thought for a while, then said softly, "You don't have to worry about Wan'er. Although she was not with me since she was a child, she grew up in the palace after all, so she will naturally understand the reason."
Fan Xian smiled wryly and was speechless, thinking that the old man was honest and ruthless, but on second thought, didn't Lin Ruofu give birth to a daughter with the eldest princess back then, which led to his later success? Thinking about it this way, I understand.
The things of the previous generation are indeed more bastard than myself.
He thought for a while and insisted, "I'm just going to see Wan'er."
"It's the first time she and Dabao have returned to Wuzhou. The brothers and sisters-in-law of the clan have enshrined the two of them in the sky. They should be playing in Yidong at this time." Lin Ruofu looked at his son-in-law with a half-smile, "What kind of house is there?" I have to explain the internal affairs, let's leave it to night."
Fan Xian scratched his head angrily.
"Do you know why I agreed to betroth Wan'er to you?"
Although Fan Xian guessed a little, he still continued to shake his swollen head.
Lin Ruofu slowly put the snuff bottle on the table, and said: "Your Majesty intended to point Wan'er to you. It was in February of the first year of Qingli. At that time, Chen Pingping objected and strongly opposed it. Something strange."
Fan Xian thought, what does Chen Pingping's objection have to do with your objection
Lin Ruofu answered his question: "Among the civil and military forces of the Manchu dynasty, there are only three people I fear."
"Which three people?"
"One for your father, one for old cripple Chen, and the old man of the Qin family."
Fan Xian took a closer look at Chen Pingping, who is in charge of the Overwatch Council. Apart from the prime minister, it can be said that the person with the most power in the hands of the officials of the Manchu Dynasty, and the power in the dark in his hands is extremely strong, which was naturally feared by Lin Ruofu back then. And although the old man of the Qin family is old and rarely goes to court, after all, he is the official envoy of the Privy Council, he is the number one figure in the army, a super high-ranking officer, and his disciples are all over the army, so naturally he also got Lin Ruofu's support. Pay attention to.
It's just that my old man... He was just a servant of the household department back then, why did Lin Ruofu value him so much
Lin Ruofu didn't explain the question in his eyes, and continued to say softly: "Among the three, I admire Chen Pingping's vision the most, so when he strongly opposed your marriage with Miss Chen... and at the time, it seemed that There's no obvious harm to either side... So I know he must know something I don't know... So... "
The old man smiled and said, "I also object."
Knowing that Wan'er and her uncle were out to play, Fan Xian understood that the work of supporting the grape trellis could only be done at night. Listening to the old man's words at this time, he knew that this was a matter of discussing government affairs, so he simply sat down and seriously Listening, when I heard this, I couldn't help asking curiously: "Then why did you agree later?"
"I told you... Maybe you have forgotten." Lin Ruofu couldn't help showing a trace of vicissitudes in his smile, "Gong'er has gone, and there are only two people under my knees, Dabao and Chen girl, and His Majesty has already revealed that he let me go. The idea of resigning... I have been in the court for several years. The name of adulterer is not for nothing. , who will protect them? Who will protect my great treasure?"
Lin Ruofu stared into his eyes and said, "The day you gave me the snuff bottle, I decided that you could do all this, so I agreed."
The exquisite snuff bottle made of emeralds was quietly placed on the wooden table beside Lin Ruofu.
After a moment of silence, Fan Xian said calmly and sincerely, "Don't worry, as long as I live, I won't let Wan'er be wronged or make Dabao unhappy."
Lin Ruofu nodded in relief, then sighed: "After your life experience came out... I found out that you are Miss Ye's son, so what else should I worry about?"
This gradually led the topic to the direction Fan Xian needed, the direction that he could not tell or ask people.
"I don't have any capable people in court and Chinese officials, except Ren Shao'an." Fan Xian said with a wry smile: "On the bright side, I can beat the second prince to death, but if that day really comes in the future, the court will Argue...I have no one to speak for me."
Lin Ruofu obviously knew what he meant, but he didn't point it out clearly. Instead, he said with a smile: "Old Shu Xiaohu, the two most powerful scholars in the Zhongshu sect admire you very much...Aren't you satisfied?"
Fan Xian shook his head and said, "Appreciation is not something to eat. When it's time to stand in line, who can trust anyone?"
Lin Ruofu stared into Fan Xian's eyes and asked, "Do you need someone you can trust?"
Fan Xian didn't deny this, he chuckled, like a greedy little bird with its mouth open, drooling, waiting for its elders to feed it.
Seeing his expression, Lin Ruofu couldn't help laughing. Immediately, his smile was suppressed, and he said calmly, "I won't give it to you."
…
…
Fan Xian was greatly surprised by this answer, but he knew in his heart that since Lin Ruofu put his entire clan into his carriage, he must give him some help so that the horse would not let the horse run or eat Grass, today's answer like this naturally has his reasons.
Sure enough, Lin Ruofu said gently: "Aren't you weird? Since the old man left the capital, there has been a bit of chaos in the Chinese official faction. Those who voted for the Second Prince and Yun Rui voted for it, those who voted for the East Palace voted for it, and stood honestly in the middle." There are a lot of books under the door…”
Fan Xian frowned slightly. Naturally, he had discovered this phenomenon a long time ago. The strange thing is that...
"The strange thing is, why didn't anyone take the initiative to vote for you?" Lin Ruofu looked at him with a smile that was not a smile, "You are already famous among scholars in the world, and with the gift of Zhuang Mohan, although you are a little younger, you open the door openly It is not impossible to be a leader of scholars... Why? Why did the civil officials of the Manchu Dynasty not take the initiative to serve you, except Shaoan, a colleague from Honglu Temple who was the first to show up the team? It has been more than a year , there is no civil official who will come to your door... Until now, except for your four students who are living in various counties and states, you have not developed any power at all."
This was Fan Xian's great doubt and headache. At first he thought it was the emperor's check and balance technique, but later he found that the emperor of the Qing Dynasty was still focusing on his army, and he didn't care much about himself and civil servants. Therefore, I have always been a little confused... It seems that there is a hand in the dark, which has been hindering my progress in that area.
He looked up in astonishment, staring at his father-in-law: "Why?"
Today, Fan Xian naturally understands that the reason for this is that the father-in-law in Wuzhou is using his remaining influence to prevent his former disciples from getting too close to him.
"The tree is beautiful in the forest, and the wind will destroy it." Lin Ruofu liked his son-in-law's cleverness, and said gently: "What's more, your tree has grown too tall, even taller than those real princes... Yes, this one The matter was arranged by me. Those who are useful to you, I will not let you use them for the time being, so as not to attract discussions in the palace... As for when I will give them to you... "
The old man sighed: "At the beginning, I stood too high, so I had no choice but to back down. How could I have the heart to let Wan'er's husband make the same mistakes?"
"When the new emperor ascends the throne, I will give you those people."
Lin Ruofu finally said this.
Fan Xian was silent, but he smelled an ominous smell. Only those who are the new emperor can give it to me... This shows from another aspect that facing the unfathomable Emperor, Lin Ruofu subconsciously couldn't give birth. A little adventurous.
Lin Ruofu's secret influence on the government still exists, so he has to avoid suspicion and convince the emperor that he is really living in Wuzhou for the elderly.
This is a strange circle of contradictions and sadness, and the biggest loss is that Fan Xian can't get those help.
"I'm afraid it's too late." Now that the two parties have spoken, Fan Xian no longer hides anything, "The power of the crown prince and the second child is basically in the court. If they succeed in the future... I think, I'm not having a good time."
Lin Ruofu said: "You... you should be more direct."
"Okay." Fan Xian said directly, "I will not allow the crown prince or the second child to sit in that chair."
Lin Ruofu smiled and said: "So this is your problem... You don't need those powers, the prince and the second child are no longer your opponents, why should you bother with these? You have done well in the past year, but the biggest problem is... you It's the wrong direction to fight."
Fan Xian was surprised.
Lin Ruofu didn't know if he was thinking of something from many years ago, the gaze in his eye sockets became more profound, and he said slowly: "Under the current situation, there is only one enemy for you... and that is Yun Rui."
…
…
Fan Xian was startled at first, but soon felt disapproval in his heart. He has seen the method of the eldest princess before, and the schemes are as seamless as embroidery, but it is a pity that he is facing himself as the head of the Overwatch Council, and he has Chen Pingping and Yan Bingyun, the old and the young, to help him. The princess's best weapon is of no use to herself.
As for strength, Xinyang once sent assassins to Cangshan to assassinate Fan Xian, but he was disgraced.
So after thinking about it, Fan Xian didn't think there was anything scary about the eldest princess. The rumors in the world might be a bit exaggerated. Facing Lin Ruofu's serious expression, he couldn't help shaking his head.
Lin Ruofu said, "Did you forget the Junshan meeting?"
"Junshan Society?" Fan Xian lowered his head slowly, "There is only one Ye Liuyun, and it cannot change the general trend."
"There is only one Ye Liuyun." Lin Ruofu looked at Fan Xian with a strange look, and said, "There is only one Sigu Sword, and there is only one Yan Xiaoyi. I... only have one, too."
"But Junshan Society, there may be countless."
…
…
Fan Xian understood what this meant, and looked at his father-in-law in shock, his lips were a little dry: "You... are also from the Junshan Society? And Sigu Sword?"
"What is the Junshan Society?" Lin Ruofu said with a smile, "Maybe no one can explain it clearly, and Yunrui herself can't tell... What I can explain is that the Junshan Society is just a very loose organization. The small tea group may also be the mastermind behind the destruction of tens of thousands of lives and the destruction of the country."
Fan Xian wanted to ask something, but Lin Ruofu stopped him with a wave.
"Junshan Society is just a way for some of the taller people in this world to communicate with each other." The last Prime Minister of the Daqing Dynasty slowly told the secrets of this world, "We are not the king of a country, but we just happen to hold Some great power or strength... However, there are many things that are always inconvenient for us to do, so we will ask friends for help through the channel of Junshan Club, and when friends are in trouble, we will also help. "
"It's very equal, isn't it?"
"Junshan Club is just a sorority meeting among friends."
"Junshanhui does not have a strict and complete organizational form, no definite goals, and no unanimous desire to achieve."
Lin Ruofu finally concluded: "So in terms of lethality in a pure sense, Junshan will not be powerful because of its looseness, at least... not as easy to use as the Overwatch Council under the hands of the old cripple."
Fan Xian was a little puzzled. If that was the case, why did the father-in-law have to be vigilant against the eldest princess' Junshan Society
Lin Ruofu smiled and said, "Chen Pingping was pushing Yunrui in the end, and you seem to be pushing... Am I right?"
Fan Xian had to admire the other party's political sense and nodded.
"But you and the old cripple seem to have made a mistake." Lin Ruofu said softly: "You always think that by forcing the eldest princess and the second son Donggong to jump up, and forcing them to the opposite side of His Majesty the Emperor, you can easily obtain Victory in the whole battle."
"Isn't it?" Fan Xian frowned. Qing is the most powerful country in the world. Although the emperor of Qing has been silent for more than ten years, the history of that year has already proved that the methods of the emperor of Qing are absolutely beyond the control of anyone. I can resist it.
"Because you underestimated Yunrui and Junshanhui... If this situation is allowed to go on and she really goes crazy... who knows what the consequences will be?"
Lin Ruofu was talking with a smile, talking about the one who had been entangled with him for many years and gave birth to him a lovely daughter...His Royal Highness the Eldest Princess.
"Isn't Junshan very loose? How can it be compared with a powerful national power?"
"Junshan Club is like a ball, bouncing around in the room, but if someone wants to press it down, the force of the rebound will be concentrated." Lin Ruofu said with a trace of worry on his face: "Especially this one Over the past few years, Yunrui seems to have no way out after being woven by you and the old cripple skillfully... If at this time, Junshan will suddenly find an extremely powerful opponent, the looseness will become tighter, and the hidden power will also be lost. will burst out."
"It's the same with people... When you find a long-awaited goal, any risk is worth taking."
Hearing these words, Fan Xian felt a chill in his heart. Although he had created and hoped for this situation, he was still taken aback by the old man's words.
If besides Ye Liuyun, the Junshan Club also had contact with Dongyi City and had a lot of support, then the strength of the other party had already surpassed the limit of the national border, surpassed the world, and was qualified to turn the loose fraternity into A powder keg of…
In this whole world, of course only the Emperor Qing has this qualification.
…
…
"Could it be possible that Si Gu Jian will also make a move?" Fan Xian couldn't help but shook his head.
Lin Ruofu looked at him with a smile: "If Yunrui wasn't crazy, she wouldn't make such an arrangement, but if she was really pressed by His Majesty and you guys... who can say for sure? Your Majesty's safety is related to the general trend of the world... If he dies, there are too many people who can benefit."
The former Prime Minister said seriously: "Except for you and me, the subjects of Daqing."
If Emperor Qing died, Northern Qi would be the happiest, Dongyi City would also set off firecrackers, and Qing would soon face endless disasters.
Lin Ruofu finally said: "For such a great goal, the enemies of the Qing Kingdom will unite... You mentioned Sigu Jian earlier, why didn't you talk about Kuhe?"
Fan Xian's mouth was bitter, and he didn't want to answer the words.
Lin Ruofu sneered and said, "Junshanhui? Not from Junshanhui... If you want, you can join at any time. Yunrui is in the middle to contact you. This is what she is best at."
Fan Xian understood this. The eldest princess and the Queen Mother of Northern Qi have a very good personal relationship, and she has always been in trouble with Dongyi City. He couldn't help but said with a wry smile, "We all come from all corners of the country, and we all work for a common goal... eh?"
He suddenly frowned and said: "We can guess, and His Majesty must also be able to think, why didn't he act first?"
…
…
The room was quiet for a long time before Lin Ruofu said gently, "What I said earlier was about Yun Rui. Although she is crazy, I have known her for twenty years, so I can naturally guess what she will do."
"But Your Majesty..." Lin Ruofu couldn't help showing a hint of admiration: "Although he has betrayed me, I must say that no one knows what he is thinking in his heart. Maybe...he is waiting for that day."
"Perhaps, he is arrogant to the point of a brain damage." Fan Xian thought without knowing what to say.
"Then what should I do?"
Lin Ruofu said softly: "Didn't you intend to be a spectator at first? It's just that if the matter gets to a certain extent, whether you like it or not, you will eventually have to act on stage. But at the moment, no matter from which angle you start, you must stand firmly On His Majesty's side."
Fan Xian thought this was nonsense, even if he wanted to stand on the side of his mother-in-law, but he was scared by your father-in-law, how could he have the guts to play with a lunatic.