In the Weiyang Palace, Jiang Yuan, the empress of Zhaoyi, sat in front of the mirror, and let the palace eunuchs dress her up.
The palace maid who wore her hair was relatively young, looked at the delicate face reflected in the mirror, and said with a smile: "It is said that the dancer who performed the dance last night was beautiful, but according to the servant girl, it is you who are more beautiful, Niangniang. Let Your Majesty be unable to look away!"
Jiang Yuan couldn't help laughing, and said angrily, "What nonsense are you talking about early in the morning?"
"What nonsense is this slave maid talking about? The landslide was so dangerous last night, but Your Majesty has always kept the Empress in his arms. I'm afraid I don't even dare to think about pampering other concubines." Xiao Gong E said with a clever smile: "What's more, Your Majesty, wait, don't you think? Do you want to come to accompany you again?"
"It's just you being smart." Jiang Yuan glanced at her and smiled even deeper, "Go and fetch the Bu Yao given by His Majesty on my birthday."
"Yes." Xiao Gong'e put down the comb, turned around and went out to get the box.
The other Gong E who was silent next to her suddenly stopped serving the powder, stepped forward, and secretly handed Jiang Yuan a note from her sleeve.
Jiang Yuan was stunned for a moment, and unfolded the note, her smile suddenly froze on her face, she raised her head suddenly, her expression changed, and a simple and clear sentence fell on the narrow thin paper, which was crumpled to death Dead in the palm of your hand.
At this time, Xiao Gong'e took the box and came back to open it, and asked with a smile: "Niangniang, this servant will put it on for you?"
"No," Jiang Yuan seemed to be awakened, and hurriedly said, "Go and tell His Majesty not to come... Yes, tell him not to come, just say I'm sick and resting, no one is there!"
That little Gong E looked at her in surprise, but didn't dare to ask any more questions, and she was about to quit in response.
"Wait, you stop!" Jiang Yuan called out to her again, Xiao Gong E stopped and looked over, only to see Empress Zhaoyi's back trembling, then she took a deep breath and calmed down. Shen Sheng said: "Don't go, come back."
Xiao Gong E was bewildered and walked back to her side.
Jiang Yuan looked at herself in the mirror, smiled slowly, a few traces of sadness flashed in her eyes, and she instructed: "Put the Bu Yao on for me, change your clothes, and prepare the wine and food, Your Majesty."
Li Yanzhen arrived in a short time, and when she entered the hall, Jiang Yuan's eyes lit up and she said with a smile, "Concubine Ai is so dressed up, what's so good about it?"
Jiang Yuan raised her hand to let the palace elves back down, and smiled at Li Yanzhen: "Isn't it the greatest good thing for Your Majesty to come?"
"Okay." Li Yanzhen smiled, and turned around and ordered the eunuch attendants to retire. There were only the two of them left in the hall. He took Jiang Yuan's hand and sat down, glanced at the table full of delicacies, and couldn't help but look at her again, "It really is Are you okay to say?"
Jiang Yuan was silent for a moment, "Your Majesty wants to ask this question, but you have something to say." She looked at Li Yanzhen, "Last night, when the situation was extremely dangerous, His Majesty pulled me into his arms. What were you thinking then?"
Li Yanzhen couldn't help laughing, "Why do you want to ask this?"
"... suddenly a little curious."
Li Yanzhen shook her head, "I didn't think about anything at the time. As Concubine Ai said, the situation is dangerous and I can't afford to think too much. You are by my side, how can I put you in danger?"
This time Jiang Yuan was silent for a long time before she spoke softly: "In retrospect, it has been almost a year since the concubine entered the palace, Your Majesty, you have always been very kind to the concubine, you trust me, the concubine... I really don't know how to repay... "
Li Yanzhen laughed out loud when she heard the words, "Concubine Ai is talking nonsense, just stay by my side, how do you plan to repay?"
Although she is the honorable person of the Ninety-five Five, Li Yanzhen was not long after the weak crown, her eyes were delicate and weak, and her smile showed a little bit of youthful air, clear and transparent. Jiang Yuan was a little absent-minded, and her sourness poured out into tears, she hurriedly lowered her head, calmed herself, raised her eyes and smiled again, holding the jug and pouring a glass of wine, "Then use this glass of wine for Show your concubine's wishes, and may you be able to accompany Your Majesty forever."
Li Yanzhen glanced at the clear wine in the cup, then glanced at Jiang Yuan a little strangely, smiled at the end, and drank the glass. She didn't see Jiang Yuan lowered her eyes. Tears fell and wet the embroidered gold sleeves, fading away a little dull color.
There are still government affairs waiting to be dealt with. Li Yanzhen didn't stay for a long time. Jiang Yuan sent him out of the temple. She watched Yu Nian disappear from sight a little bit from a distance. He laughed and choked out, took out the porcelain bottle from his sleeve and opened it, raised his head and swallowed all the pills, his eyes were much gentler and lighter, "I'll go down one step earlier than you, I hope I can become a sister and brother with you in the next life, and I will owe you a lot. All yours will be returned to you, and I will take good care of you for a lifetime..."
Jiang Yuan leaned over and kowtowed slowly into the distance, her forehead was on the ground, so quiet that there was no more sound, blood dripped on the bluestone ground along the corner of her lips, bright red.
There was a violent coughing sound from the imperial carriage on the palace road, and the cough was heart-rending. The attendant hurriedly opened the curtain and saw the blood on the embroidered blanket spreading out from the beach. Li Yanzhen closed his eyes and collapsed. Away, his face was pale and unconscious.
Today was Shumu, but officials in important positions in Chang'an City received an urgent order at the same time, ordering them to secretly enter the palace and hold a court meeting.
The court meeting is different from the court meeting. It is co-chaired by the Taiwei and the imperial censor. Only important members of the court can participate. The discussions have always been the most important state affairs. After reaching an agreement at the court meeting, the results will be presented. In front of the imperial court, it will be handed over to the emperor for the final ruling. The announcement of the court meeting came suddenly and urgently. The officials did not dare to neglect, they quickly put on their official robes and rushed to the imperial city. When they entered the palace, they realized that the situation was more serious than they had imagined.
Taiwei Chu sat on the left, and kept playing with the folding fan in his hand, without looking up at anyone, while Master Su sat on the right holding a cup of tea, but he didn't speak for a long time. The Shangshu Shilang Yushi Zhongcheng and the others who were present looked at each other in dismay, and did not dare to make a sound, so they had to wait uncomfortably.
Finally, Su Shiyu raised his hand, all the palace maids retreated and closed the door of the palace, he stood up, glanced over and said, "I hurriedly called you here, because the situation is urgent, you must be prepared. But please allow me to say one more word, not a word or a word of what happened in the temple today should be leaked to the outside world."
The ministers agreed in unison.
Su Shiyu paused for a moment and glanced at Chu Mingyun, who was still opening the sandalwood fan fold and fold, in a nonchalant manner, without any intention to speak. Su Shiyu retracted his gaze, sighed and continued: "His Majesty was poisoned in the palace just now, and has fallen into a coma. Although the imperial physician is trying his best to heal, the situation is not optimistic."
Even if there was an ominous premonition, everyone didn't expect this kind of news, and immediately exploded the pot. The Minister of Punishment Lu Shi's reaction was particularly intense, and he asked anxiously: "I was poisoned in the palace?! Dare to be so presumptuous, have you caught the murderer?"
Others echoed: "Last night, there was an accident in the palace, and today, His Majesty encountered an accident in the palace. Master Su, such a brazen and daring person must be severely punished! Haven't we been able to trace the whereabouts of the murderer yet?"
"Everyone calm down," Su Shiyu said. "The Imperial Guard will be responsible for finding out the cause of the arrest of the real murderer. Our top priority is how to deal with this change. Your Majesty is afraid that he will not be able to visit the court these days. How can we avoid the instability of the court? Let those who are interested in taking advantage of the gap, do you have any ideas?"
Everyone looked at each other and couldn't make up their minds. After all, they had just learned the news, and most of them were still confused. The Censor Zhongcheng, who was standing nearer, opened his mouth first: "I wonder what are your plans, sir?"
Su Shiyu met the gazes of everyone looking at him, and said in a low voice, "From what I see, the news of His Majesty's coma should be concealed. Above, try to be the same as usual, so as to avoid turbulence in the hearts of the people. If you can confuse the enemy, so that they don’t dare to act rashly, it is best, if there is any change, I hope you all act cautiously, and don’t make decisions arbitrarily.”
"I agree with Master Su's idea." Lu Shi nodded directly.
The imperial censor also said: "Xiaguan has no objection."
The Soviet Party officials expressed their attitudes one after another, all of which were supportive. The people in the Chu Party tacitly glanced at each other and said nothing. Sure enough, a voice sounded slowly:
"I don't think it's right."
Su Shiyu's eyes narrowed slightly, and he turned to look at Chu Mingyun. The other party was still playing with his fan, his eyelashes were lowered, and he couldn't see his expression.
"It's not right anywhere." Chu Mingyun chuckled without emotion, "Master Su quickly blocked the news in the palace, but the person who instructed Jiang Zhaoyi to attack wouldn't know what happened, you still have to wait for you to inform ?"
"What do you think Master Chu thinks?"
"Since it started, it must be a plot. I think this is the precursor to the riot. We should immediately send 50,000 elite soldiers into the capital from outside to prepare the military supplies so that we can deal with it in time."
"Fifty thousand elite soldiers?!" Someone whispered.
Chu Mingyun didn't raise his eyes, and asked Zheng Ran, Minister of War, "How do you feel about Master Zheng?"
"Xiaguan thinks what Mr. Chu said is very true." Zheng Ran replied in response: "The other party's wolf ambitions can be seen from the events of the past two days. It is obvious and must be guarded!"
"Master Zheng always agrees with Master Chu, his opinion is probably not enough to convince people." Lu Shi sneered.
Xu Yin, the minister of the Ministry of War, also sneered: "Lord Lu's words are strange, the opinions of our Ministry of War are not enough to be trusted, could it be that your opinion of the Ministry of Punishment is credible?" Haven't spoken yet, what is the Su Party's Lord Lu in such a hurry to say?"
"you-"
"Are you guys going to quarrel at the court meeting?" Su Shiyu said lightly.
"...I'm sorry." Lu Shi returned to his original position. Xu Yin smiled at Su Shiyu without changing his face, but closed his mouth.
The atmosphere was a little condensed for a while, Su Shiyu looked at Chu Mingyun and sighed lightly, "Even if it is as expected by Lord Chu, but the other party has not yet acted, and the servants lead troops into the city without authorization, I am afraid that they will be suspected first, but instead give the other party an excuse. Interesting."
Chu Mingyun smiled lowly, "Is Mr. Su afraid of falling into the truth, or is he afraid that someone in the DPRK has too much military power?"
The meaning of these words could not have been more obvious, and the hearts of the courtiers present were all tight, and the hall was completely quiet.
Su Shiyu was silent for a moment, then said in a slow tone: "In the end, we can't achieve our goals. It's better to make a compromise. You and I each take a step back..."
"I didn't take a step back." Chu Mingyun interrupted him, "I didn't say these 50,000 elite soldiers casually, none of them could be missing. And how does Master Su want to compromise? If you want to pretend that nothing happens, there is no reason to transfer troops. After entering the capital, who will feel the stability of the DPRK and China after the troops are transferred to the capital, I just ask you if you agree or not?"
Su Shiyu's eyes narrowed and he remained silent.
Suddenly, there was a soft sound, Chu Mingyun closed the sandalwood fan, and finally raised his eyes to look at Su Shiyu, his eyes as deep as the sea. He stood up, ignoring the gazes of all the ministers in the hall, and walked slowly towards Su Shiyu.
Su Shiyu frowned slightly and stood still. Chu Mingyun stopped in front of him, leaned slightly closer to his ear, sighed lightly, and the warm breath seemed to follow the voice: "You look like this, it's really a little awkward. cute."
Su Shiyu was startled, Chu Mingyun glanced at him again, then turned around and walked out.
Others couldn't hear the whispers, they just watched Chu Mingyun leave, but Xu Yin became anxious and hurriedly said, "Master Chu, why are you leaving? The result has not been decided yet!"
Chu Mingyun stepped out of the hall door without looking back, "I will not change my mind, there is nothing to discuss."
They looked at Su Shiyu again in unison, Su Shiyu came back to his senses and sighed helplessly.
As soon as Fang returned to the mansion, Su Bai greeted him and lowered his voice: "Young Master, the Linglong girl you brought back went to the study while you were away, and her subordinates have long since packed up as you ordered. What she saw It's all fake documents, and as you expected, she was secretly communicating with people."
Su Shiyu nodded, "Continue to check along this line, be careful not to be discovered."
"I know, it's all hidden!"
Su Shiyu laughed and looked at him, "What about the things you were asked to prepare?"
"Okay." Su Bai handed over a small box of incense wood.
After Su Bai replied, he withdrew consciously. He returned to the study, and after a while, there was a soft knock on the door. The girl in the white shirt walked in with a tray in hand. Some dared not look at him, but lowered her head and smiled shyly. ,"grown ups."
Su Shiyu put down his pen and smiled softly, "Are you still used to living here?"
Linglong nodded, "Very good." She stepped forward, "I originally wanted to see the lord early in the morning, but the lord, you left in a hurry..."
"Do you like white clothes?" Su Shiyu asked suddenly, Linglong was slightly taken aback, and looked at him for unknown reasons. Su Shiyu understood and smiled: "You don't have to go out of your way to cater to your preferences."
There was something in these words, Linglong was stunned for a moment, and was about to say something, but he heard him say warmly, "Don't move."
Linglong froze, watching Su Shiyu open the delicate wooden box at hand, and took out a silver hairpin inlaid with red jade, the color of jade was lustrous. Su Shiyu approached a little and seemed to be thinking about it. Linglong didn't dare to look up at his expression. All he could see was the lacquer of Rubai embroidered with silver. He smelled the breath of soothing fragrance at the nose, and his body stiffened even more, "Sir..."
The cool touch slipped into her hair, she saw Su Shiyu back away, looked at herself and said, "It's just right, it should match you more than white."
Linglong blushed slightly, "Thank you sir." After speaking, she couldn't help but lowered her head again, only to see that the tray in her hand had not been put down, and hurriedly said: "By the way, I made some snacks, sir, would you like to taste it? ?"
"Sorry, I'm not eating in the study..." Su Shiyu suddenly remembered something in the middle of the sentence, and couldn't help shaking his head and laughing, "Forget it, I made an exception long ago, let it go."
Linglong Yiyan put down the dim sum, looked at him carefully, and couldn't help asking, "Did your lord think of anyone?"
"I really thought of a person." Su Shiyu said.
"Your lord smiles so beautifully, it's not the same as before." Linglong bit her lower lip and joked, "Could it be that you are thinking of your sweetheart?"
Su Shiyu paused slightly when he heard the words, then smiled, "Yes."
Linglong didn't expect to get such an answer, she paused for a while, her eyelashes trembled, she seemed a little disappointed, and she whispered, "It's such a blessing to be the sweetheart of an adult, she must also be a gentle beauty."
"Beauty is extremely beautiful, as for gentleness..." Su Shiyu was silent for a long time, and when he spoke again, there was an indescribable subtlety in his tone, "... I don't have anything to do with him."
The unpretentious Chu Mingyun was leaning back on the chair, looking at Censor Zhongcheng blankly.
Because Chu Mingyun left without authorization, Tingyi had no choice but to let it go. Censor Zhongcheng was dissatisfied with him, but after all, he came under the order of Su Shiyu, so he said in a business-like manner: "Xiaguan has been ordered to convey it, and after careful consideration, our adults agreed to Lord Chu. There are only two conditions, and I hope you will agree." He paused, and seeing that Chu Mingyun was silent, he continued: "First, in any case, please keep your Majesty's coma a secret; Second, it is up to you to decide the selection of 50,000 elite soldiers to appoint generals, and others will not interfere, but they are not allowed to settle in Chang'an City. How does Master Chu feel?"
Chu Mingyun looked back indifferently, "Yes."
Unexpectedly refreshing, Censor Zhongcheng was surprised, but just because he couldn't ask for it, he didn't need to talk to him, so he just said goodbye and left. As soon as the Censor Zhongcheng left, Qin Zhao pushed the door and entered.
"Senior brother, we have expanded the scope of the search of commercial goods entering and leaving Beijing to six months, but still no gunpowder has been found. After Yue Yuxuan took office as Minister of the Ministry of Works, he even put an end to water smuggling. There is no abnormality."
"Can't find it?" Chu Mingyun frowned slightly, and suddenly pondered, "Gunpowder, smugglers, ministers of the Ministry of Industry... Tan Jing?"
"Tan Jing? The former Minister of Works who was executed long ago?" Qin Zhao asked.
"Oh, I was negligent," Chu Mingyun put one hand on his chin. "Go check it out. What happened to the gunpowder in the warehouse that Tan Jing shipped in?"
"Yes." Qin Zhao responded, and raised his eyes to see his brother looking down indifferently and thinking about something. He remembered that he had just heard the words of Yu Shi Zhongcheng outside the door, and clearly got the desired result, but Chu Mingyun was not happy at all. mean. Qin Zhao thought about it for a while, and couldn't help but speak bluntly: "Su Shiyu just got a beauty, he will definitely be with the mansion, so he won't come over in person for political affairs, maybe in a short while, there will be more people in the Su family. little boy…”
Chu Mingyun raised his eyes and stared at him, Qin Zhao swallowed the words behind him with a paralyzed face.
After a moment of silence, Chu Mingyun smiled in a low voice, "I'm not worried about that. With Shiyu's stone head, even if the dancer is naked and standing in front of him, he won't think much about it."
"I'm afraid it will be the same if you stand naked in front of him." Qin Zhao couldn't help splashing cold water again.
"That's not necessarily true," Chu Mingyun tilted his head slightly and thought about it, "He will think that I am really sick."