In addition, under such circumstances, the people who went to the northern border to escort the "spies" back also arrived at the imperial city. Logically, they should not have arrived so late, but there were some problems on the way, and two people from Kaiping Guards even died. Everything went smoothly in the northern border, but they were chased and intercepted on the road. This situation is somewhat worthy of deep thought.
Kaiping Guard did not do things in a high-profile manner - they were discovered by accident; or the spies hidden in Qi Dynasty were so powerful that they could easily know about Kaiping Guard's secret actions; another possibility was that the number of spies in the northern border was far more than imagined, and the captured people could not be rescued during their detention, but people outside had been keeping an eye on the situation in the prison, and when this was brought up, they knew about it; and the last possibility was that there was a problem within Qi Dynasty itself.
Only two people were escorted back, and their injuries were quite serious. In fact, a total of five people were arrested, and the other three died on the way. So the other party did not actually want to save people, but to silence them.
When Northern Xinjiang was capturing people before, three of the other party died. It is hard to say how many spies there are actually, but even with these known numbers, it is still an infuriating situation.
Wei Tingyu spent three full days and nights on the interrogation. Even though some things had been revealed by the seriously injured people on the first day, he continued the interrogation without blinking an eye, digging and confirming bit by bit over and over again, until he could dig out nothing more and made sure that what they said was the truth - of course, the truth may not be the truth. As a spy, the less he knew about his master's affairs, the better. If he mixed up some things and got caught, it would not matter. He might even help the enemy. Therefore, he had to judge the accuracy of the information himself.
Wei Tingyu sorted out all the information and presented it to Emperor Xuanren.
Emperor Xuanren's expression was naturally not very good, especially according to Wei Tingyu's analysis, the country that was involved in this matter was not just an enemy country. Although this person was caught in the Northern Frontier, in fact, the Northern Frontier should have the least loopholes. They went around in such a big circle, and I'm afraid they have other intentions.
Wei Tingyu really wanted to trap Prince Dingbei, but he didn't do it in the end. It can even be said that when he was writing the memorial, he didn't have any thoughts in this regard. Although he was jealous, he would not put personal interests above public interests when it came to serious matters. Putting aside other aspects, Prince Dingbei's achievements to Qi Chao were indelible, enough to be recorded in history and admired by future generations.
Wei Tingyu thought that although he was not a very noble person, he still had some national interests.
"Your Majesty, think about it from another perspective. The fact that so many people are trying every possible means to steal information from Qi Dynasty does not prove that Qi Dynasty is strong. They are using such means because they are afraid."
Emperor Xuanren suddenly laughed, "Wei Qing's statement is quite self-consoling."
"That's just the fact. Those methods are just trifles after all. A tiger is a tiger. Can some little creatures that love to jump around do anything to a tiger just because they understand it? However, the majesty of Qi Chao cannot be violated. Since you dare to stretch your hand so far, you must be prepared to be chopped off."
"That being said, however, nothing should be taken lightly. If something goes wrong in a small matter, it will not be beautiful."
"Your Majesty is right. I will keep it in mind."
Emperor Xuanren nodded, "This matter must be investigated to the end. Wei Qing will have to work harder." He took a sip of tea, suppressed his anger, put down the teacup, and looked at Wei Tingyu, a handsome man as beautiful as the moon, with outstanding talent and unparalleled ability. In some ways, he was very similar to his eldest son. However, God is jealous of talents. On the one hand, he cherishes talents, and on the other hand, he loves his wife and his family. Every time Emperor Xuanren saw him, he couldn't help but feel a little soft-hearted. "How is Wei Qing's health? If things can't be done, don't try to force it."
"Your Majesty, I am in good health and nothing serious is wrong with me. Thank you for your concern."
This was not the first time Emperor Xuanren asked such a question, and it was not the first time Wei Tingyu answered it. The answers were almost the same every time.
Emperor Xuanren was helpless, but he was somewhat curious about Wei Tingyu's request. Even so, a minister seemed to be so loyal to him because of personal matters and requests, and Emperor Xuanren had no complaints. To be honest, how many civil and military officials in the court were truly selfless? So there was really nothing to worry about. On the contrary, it was because of requests that such people were used with confidence. If you really meet someone who talks about great benevolence and righteousness and seems to be flawless in doing things, you should be careful and vigilant.
Wei Tingyu had never mentioned it, and Emperor Xuanren had never asked about it before, but now, he was inexplicably curious.
The emperor had asked this, so it was not easy for the minister to continue hiding it. Therefore, Wei Tingyu was silent for a moment, and then slowly said, "Your Majesty, you should know something about my family. When I was young, I mostly lived outside. Because I was born prematurely, my health was not good. I had many disasters while growing up. Later, in order to let me rest in peace, my mother simply arranged for someone else to take my place. If you count carefully, I have actually lived outside for ten years.
When I was eleven years old, for some reasons, I married a girl who was three years younger than me. She was a very good girl. We accompanied each other for many years and grew up together. Those were the most carefree and relaxing years. If it weren't for her, I don't know what I would be like now. Would I be full of hatred, cynical, or gloomy and cowardly
However, she never knew my identity. Maybe she had some guesses, but she was considerate and never asked. She was actually a very simple person, and she didn't have many things in her mind. Because I didn't want her to be exposed to those dirty things, I didn't mention it on my own initiative.
Days like that make people greedy. If they could go on forever, it would be nice. However, the passing of my grandfather made my mother's situation at home more and more difficult. Moreover, the things I hid outside seemed to be discovered. I had no power at that time and was unable to protect her. I didn't know what the result would be after I came back, so I chose to fake my death and get away. If the subsequent matters were dealt with, I would go to take her back and apologize. If anything happened to me, she would really think I was dead.
Things that happened later were not as difficult as expected, but it was fate that made it not so perfect.
I am a dying man, so naturally I cannot face her again.
However, she probably felt that my death was strange, and based on that little guess, she stubbornly entered the imperial city, wandering alone for the past few years," Wei Tingyu lowered his head, suppressing some agitated emotions, "So, what I ask is that after my death, the emperor can protect her a little, not too much, just to prevent her from being bullied."
Emperor Xuanren was silent for a moment. What he was thinking was unknown to others. "I thought Wei Qing was aloof and not interested in women before, but it turns out that Wei Qing is a passionate man."
"But I feel that it is my fortune to have met her, and it is too deep for me to accept other women."
After all, he was just in love with a woman. She was a clean person. Even if it was a love affair, it didn't interfere with his work. What else can you say? It's better than the mess in the backyard, where things happen every now and then and become the topic of gossip for others. "What Wei Qing asked for is just a trivial matter. I agree."
Wei Tingyu smiled faintly, "Thank you, Your Majesty." But in his heart he thought, if things continued, her Xuan'er probably wouldn't need the emperor's protection anymore, and there should be many people willing to protect her and help her solve her problems.
What he did seemed a little redundant, but Wei Tingyu would still continue.
In the name of doing business, Wei Tingyu acted in favoritism and targeted all parties who might cause harm to Xiaocao. Naturally, no one would suspect anything, so what he did could be said to be "aboveboard".
In fact, this kind of surveillance was not useless. At least, some things were discovered inadvertently, and then naturally presented to Emperor Xuanren. Emperor Xuanren even increased the number of large and small courts, picked them out one by one, and dealt with them one by one without any mercy.
The former court and the harem were all a bit nervous, and everyone was trembling with fear. What was even more infuriating was that they didn't know who had exposed these things? Some people's eyes subconsciously looked at the Supervisory Council, especially the annoying old man Xia Duyushi. After all, when these things came out, he also advocated severe punishment.
If you think about it carefully, it seems unlikely. It is true that the Supervisory Office supervises all officials, but what they can supervise are only things that happen on the surface. Things that happen behind the scenes have always been kept secret and cautious. Some things have been done long ago. It doesn't make sense that they would be discovered by the people from the Supervisory Office at once, right
They couldn't find the reason, as if a pair of eyes were watching them in the dark. They all held their tails between their legs, and some of the claws that were stretched out secretly were carefully retracted. The atmosphere in the entire imperial city seemed to be solemn.
Naturally, no one would stare at the grass out of boredom anymore.
Wei Tingyu kept his achievements and fame hidden, and as for those who were harmed by him, it can be said that he did not feel the slightest bit of guilt.
Of course, just because there are no more people eyeing Xiaocao because of Prince Duan doesn’t mean that there are no more people paying attention to Xiaocao.
On the day of Zhen Muyao's wedding, the oath that Xiaocao asked Jianshu to swear was also widely circulated. Many people would scold her for being ignorant and saying that she had learned nothing about the Three Obediences and Four Virtues. Similarly, it also won the hearts of many women. Those who were not married could not help but look forward to it, while married women would occasionally dream to relieve themselves. Whether they would feel more uncomfortable after waking up from the dream was another matter.
After all, the oath sounded too much like a wedding vow, so it was hard for Li Ruoshui and Concubine Kou not to pay attention.
Therefore, on the day when Princess Dingbei was buried after seven days of coffin keeping, Xiaocao "met" Li Ruoshui and Concubine Kou one after another.
In fact, after saying those words that day, Xiaocao knew that these two would come to her house. Unexpectedly, both of them were very patient and knew it would not be a good idea to come to her specially, so they looked for this legitimate opportunity.
When Wen Renying "met" Li Ruoshui, she was beside Ye Xiaocao. Li Ruoshui still had those affectionate eyes with a hint of tears in them, and she looked delicate and frail, like a willow swaying in the wind. She looked quite pitiful, but Xiaocao was disgusted by her.
Although there was no obvious displeasure on Xiaocao's face, the coldness in her expression was clear.
"Don't you like me, girl? It seems that I have no connection with you." Li Ruoshui said this with a hint of sadness in his voice, as if he was explaining why he was not liked by others.
Before Xiaocao could speak, Wen Renying laughed first, "Miss Li probably knows that my fourth sister is a medical student. Apart from other things, she is proficient in the three methods of observation, auscultation, questioning and palpation. She can naturally tell a person's physical condition at a glance. As a doctor, my fourth sister hopes that everyone is in good health. If someone ruins their health, she will naturally be unhappy."
What this means is that you are obviously in good health, so why are you pretending? People have already seen through you.
Li Ruoshui's body stiffened. She had never thought of this before. She cursed in her heart, "Is Chinese medicine really that magical? In more than three years, she has never encountered such a situation. In fact, has someone already seen it, but just didn't say it, and secretly laughed at her? Thinking of this possibility, Li Ruoshui felt a little uncomfortable.
Looking at the grass, although he tried to restrain and concentrate his eyes, he still revealed a trace of emotion.
When she first saw Xiaocao, she disliked him very much. It seemed that she was right to dislike him. He was simply against her. He had exposed her disguise and damaged her perfect image. Naturally, she felt even more unhappy.
However, Li Ruoshui did not forget her purpose today. Although the oath sounded like a wedding vow, who could guarantee that there were no "ancients" who had such thoughts? Therefore, she needed to confirm it.
Xiaocao didn't mind being known by Li Ruoshui and Concubine Kou, but it would be better not to be exposed if possible. Who knows what these two people are thinking? In order to reduce trouble, when Li Ruoshui was testing her, Xiaocao easily avoided her. After all, compared to Li Ruoshui and Concubine Kou, who were "latecomers", she was definitely a "native".
She was just a little different from ordinary people when she was a child, but her adoptive father never paid attention to these things. She would occasionally say "shocking words" in front of Tingyu. Perhaps it was because of the filter, or because of her previous growth, he never doubted anything. He always listened to her with a smile, and then told her that she could tell him whatever she wanted to say in the future, and that she should not be so reckless outside. After that, he liked to touch her head.
Unconsciously, she was thinking in the wrong direction again. In the past, when Xiaocao was alone, this situation never happened. It was always those inexplicably strange people who brought back her memories, especially that person, Prince Wei...
So, Li Ruoshui tried for a long time, but to no avail.