If there is anything that travels the fastest in the capital, it is the grapevine. On the 16th day of the first lunar month, when the court opened, most of the courtiers had already heard some news, and all of them were nervously waiting for something to happen. A specific edict was issued, but some necessary ceremonies were held according to the ritual system. Even the emperor's face was as usual, and there was nothing unusual at all. But when everyone passed day after day and thought that the news was inaccurate or that something changed, all of them suddenly came again.
On the 20th day of the first month, the emperor ordered to seal all the powers of Xuanjing Division, and all the officials of the division were suspended.
On the 23rd of the first lunar month, the imperial court ordered Xiao Jinghuan to be demoted from Prince Qizhu to Shuangzhu on the grounds of embarrassment and lack of morality, and he retired to the palace for three months. Seven were exiled.
On the twenty-seventh day of the first lunar month, Concubine Jin Jing was named Concubine Jing, and she was given a golden seal on the paper table.
Although none of the imperial decrees directly involved King Jing, anyone with eyes could see that Xiao Jingyan is now the highest-ranking prince among all the princes. When the stooped Emperor Liang walked past the queue of courtiers, the future seemed to be very clear.
However, many courtiers who have long been tired of party disputes are fortunate that King Jing, who is close to the throne of the East Palace, has not changed much in terms of temperament except for the great progress in political affairs. He is still as upright, tough, and inflexible as before. Regarding King Yu and his henchmen who seemed to be his opponents, King Jing's attitude could almost be said to be cold and arrogant to the point of disdain. But the more he is like this, the more relaxed it is. Because there is no need to speculate, just look at the respect and appreciation he has given to Zhongshu Ling Liu Cheng, Shen Zhui, Cai Quan and others, and then you can be sure what type of minister the prince likes. As a result, the atmosphere of the court has also changed a little without noticing it.
"Xiaoshu, King Jing is talking about you in front of His Majesty today." Meng Zhi sat in the small study hall outside Mei Changsu's bedroom and said earnestly, "Although the situation is good now, should he also avoid suspicion? Huh?" "Did he bring it up?"
"Not really. At that time, His Majesty had just read Xia Jiang's document. It said that you were an old friend of King Qi, so His Majesty asked King Jing if he believed it. What do you think King Jing would answer?"
Mei Changsu shook his head.
"He answered too boldly," Meng Zhi sighed, "he said, if Mr. Su is an old friend of King Qi, why wouldn't I know him? Listen, it really made me sweat, but it turned out okay. Although he confessed so frankly about the close relationship between himself and King Qi, His Majesty was not annoyed, but said with a big laugh. Xia Jiang must have been forced, and his clinging became less and less standard. Mei Changsu and King Qi. How could it be related?"
Mei Changsu nodded slowly and said, "Actually, King Jing's answer is right. His Majesty can't be more clear about the brotherhood between him and King Qi. If you don't admit it, is there any reason to hide it? Jing? The situation between King Qi now and King Qi is completely different, and His Majesty can hold it firmly in his heart, and he is not afraid of anything, but the more he hides it, the more like a ghost in his heart.
"That's true," Meng Zhi agreed, "then King Jing talked about you along the way, saying that it was only because you accepted the three children who defeated Bailiqi as his personal soldiers, that there was something As a result, he was really sorry that he had caused you innocent suffering this time. That's why His Majesty took this Ruyi and ordered me to send it to comfort you."
Mei Changsu looked at the green jade Ruyi that was placed on several cases, smiled lightly, and didn't care.
"Do you think it's nothing?" Meng Zhi saw what he meant and got closer, "but their conversation isn't over yet."
"Oh? What else did King Jing say?"
"Your Majesty said it first. Your Majesty asked him, I heard that Mei Changsu was actually the advisor of King Yu, do you know?" Meng Zhi repeated the original words line by line, "King Jing replied, I don't know what King Yu thought. But I don't think Mr. Su has such intentions. I have had a deep conversation with him, and this man's knowledge is unfathomable and admirable. If he only treats him as a counselor, I'm afraid it will be hard to use."
Hearing this, Mei Changsu's expression gradually became serious, and he frowned slightly.
"Your Majesty then said with a smile, Mei Changsu is indeed a talented person, I originally intended to let you get close to him more, but I was afraid that you would reject him from serving as King Yu. Since you also have respect for him, this time there is another If you have this opportunity, then you should go to his mansion to visit. This person is very knowledgeable, and he is very knowledgeable about current affairs. You have been away from the court for ten years, and I want you to benefit faster." Meng. When Zhi said this, he raised his thick eyebrows, "Prince Jing only had to accept these orders from His Majesty, but he responded next, which really surprised me."
"Did he reject it?" Mei Changsu also showed surprise.
"That's not true," Meng Zhi rubbed the muscles of his cheeks with his hands and relaxed. "Besides me, there were two other people present at the time. Guess who?"
"Who?"
"Shen Zhui, the Minister of the Ministry of Housing, and Cai Quan, the Minister of Punishment, they are here to report the closure of the private artillery workshop."
"Is King Jing's answer related to the two of them?"
Meng Zhi patted his thigh, "Exactly! King Jing looked back at Shen Zhui and Cai Quan at the time, and said that it would be beneficial to talk more with learned people, not only me, but also the courtiers should not rest on their laurels. Since we are going, Shen Qing and Cai Qing should also go together. Everyone is young and talented, and it will be beneficial to learn more. Your Majesty laughed when he heard that, saying that you are a stupid child, and you still don't understand what I asked you to ask Mei Changsu. The two of them also called, isn't it purely a conversational study? Forget it, it's up to you."
Mei Changsu got up slowly, and thoughtfully walked a few steps in the room, the expression on his face changed. Meng Zhi felt uneasy, and hurriedly asked, "Is there anything wrong with King Jing doing this?"
"No... It's nothing... I understand Jingyan's kindness," Mei Changsu sighed, "but he doesn't need to bother so much..."
"Good, good intentions" Shen Zhui and Cai Quan are the pillars that King Jing will rely on. He brought these people to see me, just to prepare a path for my future," Mei Changsu slowly looked around and said in a low voice, "There will be no trace of what happened here. Just like that secret passage, once it is no longer used, it will disappear without a trace. Even if King Jing succeeds in his great cause in the future, I have nothing to take credit for. Jingyan is a very affectionate person. He doesn't want to hurt me in the future, so he is so eager to seize the opportunity to let his important ministers get to know me. Probably in the future, besides Shen and Cai, he will find a way to bring more people to come..."
"Okay, okay!" Meng Zhi patted the table happily, "This is King Jing! It's not worth your efforts to exhaust him for him."
Mei Changsu narrowed his eyes and shook his head slowly, "I have exhausted all my efforts, not just for King Jing. We have a common goal. He doesn't need to feel that he owes me anything."
"You can't say that. You have done so many things for King Jing, and he should not be wrong. You don't want him to be so cold that he completely ignores you, right?"
Mei Changsu couldn't help but smile. He returned to his seat, nodded and said, "That's true. The more people have expectations, the more contradictions will become. Jingyan has this intention, so he naturally takes it. But now that the storm is uncertain, I still have to find a chance to persuade him not to be impatient. , such a small matter as how to arrange me, it can be slowed down."
Meng Zhi took a deep look at him, some words just came to his lips and he swallowed them back. The so-called fan of the authorities, the wise and perceptive Mei Changsu didn't realize at all at this moment that what he just said didn't look like a strategist at all, at least, not like a regular strategist whose goal is to make achievements and gain fame and fortune.
However, the commander-in-chief of the Imperial Guard, who noticed this, didn't seem to want to remind him at all.
About two days later, King Jing really brought Shen Zhui and Cai Quan to visit. Mei Changsu's body had basically recovered, and wrapped in thick white fur, he received the distinguished guests in the warm front hall surrounded by the fire. As a result, within a quarter of an hour, the guests were all so hot that they took off their big clothes.
Before they came, Shen Zhui and Cai Quan still had a bit of disgust and resistance to this talented unicorn who was specially selected to recuperate in the capital, but when they actually met, they were surprised that he was actually sick. But when King Jing opened up the topic, and after a few people talked more and more deeply, the prejudice disappeared without a trace.
In fact, most of the talents that King Jing now relies on are recommended to him by Mei Changsu, so Mei Changsu knows and appreciates Shen Zhui and Cai Quan very well. On the premise of the same philosophy, the more minor points of view he has. The difference between the two became more speculative, especially Cai Quan. When he talked about it later, he actually talked about revising the specific clauses of the criminal law.
In this way, from early morning to noon, Li Gang arranged the drinks and dishes, the guests sat at the table without any hesitation, and continued chatting after the meal, until the sky was getting dark, King Jing couldn't help reminding: "Mr. Su is not healthy. Well, this is too tiring, he lives here and won't leave, let's ask again another day."
The two ministers raised their heads in a daze, only to realize that the sun was moving westward, and hurriedly got up to apologize. Mei Changsu said with a smile: "These two young adults and young talents, it is rare for Su to get close to each other. It's really pleasant to talk so freely today, so why bother talking about politeness?"
Cai Quan's temperament is more straightforward. Since he has recognized Mei Changsu's talent and learning, some words are extraordinarily direct, "Mr. Su has the talent of a national scholar, and I am deeply admired. It is just that talent and virtue need to be matched to match the way of a saint. .In today's world, the world thinks about governance, and I hope you can cherish it well, and don't go astray."
Mei Changsu understood what he meant, glanced at Prince Jing, smiled and said nothing. Shen Zhui saw King Jing standing aside to watch, but he didn't take advantage of the situation to make two declarations of emphasizing talents, so the emperor was not in a hurry for the eunuch, and hurriedly interjected: "Sir, such a smart person, of course his vision. It should also be unique, now who can revive the declining situation of the dynasty, and who can make profits for the people of Jiangshan, presumably Mr.
"Yes," Mei Changsu couldn't help smiling, "Su has been in the Imperial Capital for more than a year, and he has seen what he should see clearly. Please rest assured, two adults."
Everyone is a smart person. It is a pleasure for the host and guest to come here. Shen Zhui and Cai Quan leave with great satisfaction. As soon as they leave the house, they grab King Jing and make a suggestion that he must catch Mei Changsu, a talented person. . This result was what Xiao Jingyan wanted, and he didn't need to pretend, he readily agreed.