Emperor Que Shaohua

Chapter 159

Luo Pingyuan's energy is almost entirely devoted to finding the antidote, and he has no time or mood to take care of other things. However, official duties can be handed over to his subordinates. Before leaving Jiangnan, there are still some things that require him to come forward in person, such as meeting with the governor of Jiangsu and Zhejiang, representing the court to the The prefects of Jinling and Yuhang expressed their intention to appease and try their best. Another example is to meet Zhuang Shijing.

The last thing was not in Luo Pingyuan's plan.Regarding Zhuang Shijing, his feelings are very complicated, and he even thought that if he hadn't received a report from this person, he would not have broken into Tianyuan, so maybe Qingluan is still alive, and the emperor's brother is not in critical condition.

But he also understands that this is to vent his anger, and he is the one who made the mistake. From the perspective of Qingzhang Tianmu, Zhuang Shijing went in and out of the aristocratic family in white clothes, lobbying the Shao family in Jinling, and exposing the Min family in Yuhang, which played an important role.He originally planned to play the role of the Ming emperor after returning to Beijing, and grant him a half-job. Recently, the other party posted twice asking for an interview, expressing that he had to meet His Royal Highness Chen Wu for important matters. After consideration, he reluctantly agreed.

Zhuang Shijing came to the posthouse in a cocoon silk gown, with three long beards fluttering, looking refreshed, quite a celebrity.

Luo Pingyuan was quite polite to him, and summoned him in the study with bright and clean windows, signaling that there is no need to be formal, Zhuang Shijing bowed his hands respectfully, and thanked King Ning for his seat.

"I heard that Mr. is from Huizhou, and he hasn't returned for many years. Is the family safe?" Luo Pingyuan asked, and because the other party received the prince's courtesy in the East Palace in the past, he also called him "Sir".

"His Royal Highness Meng asked me, my ancestral home is Huangshan Mountain in Huizhou. Now Qingzhang's farmland is doing well, and I will return to my hometown soon to take care of my parents." Zhuang Shijing bowed slightly, and replied calmly, "Your Highness is very elegant and good at ancient ink. The ink-making family is in charge of the school, and has a lot of knowledge in famous ink. When I was young, I also liked it. When I had nothing to do, I compiled and revised my father's many years of handwriting and praised it as a book." Then, he took out a volume of books from his side, "Zhuang It’s hard to compare with others’ works, but the content contained mostly is the actual record of seeing and hearing, but it’s also detailed and interesting, it’s not general talk, I hope His Highness Nengbo can have a laugh.”

The attendant stepped forward to take it, Luo Pingyuan held it in his hand, and saw five characters written in seal script on the cover: Huizhou Baomo Reward.

Hui ink has been passed down for a long time and is well-known in the world. He flipped through it casually, but saw that the printing, paper, and binding were all quite exquisite, and the inner pages were slightly yellowed.Sure enough, it records all kinds of anecdotes about ink-making families, skill inheritance, and famous inks over the past few decades. It is accompanied by hand-painted graphics and feelings, and is annotated in lower case. The textual research is meticulous. Very elegant and talented.

Last year, Emperor Tianyi gave a small box of ink ingots, and he ordered people to send them to Cuiping Mountain to honor his master. Because Master Hanshan liked it very much in his reply, he has paid more attention to collecting ancient ink since then.However, now, where is he in the mood to discuss Hui ink, he turned it over and put it on the desk, and said lightly: "The Qingzhang of the two governments was completed on schedule, and Mr. Zhuang has contributed a lot. Since the master planned the Shaoan tax for the second emperor brother, why are you willing to go against it now?"

This question is extremely acute. The Shaoan tax aims to increase taxes and is also a sharp weapon to attack the King of Yun. However, Qingzhang’s land is intended to return the land to the people and reduce the burden on the people. The two are quite different.

"At this time, at that time." Zhuang Shijing had expected it a long time ago, and did not evade the sharpness of his words, sighing, "Since ancient times, the king and the defeater, as a counselor, I have to do my best to plan for the prince. Blindly caring about your own reputation? The Shaoan tax is levied for a while, and it will naturally be canceled when the war subsides. If the East Palace is unstable and the Xiao Wall is built in chaos, is it not a disaster for the world?"

He paused for a while: "However, it is one thing to fight openly and covertly, but it is another thing to collude with the enemy and betray the country. I heard that the prince colluded with foreigners and ignored the country for his own selfishness. Although Zhuang is not talented, he is not willing to continue to help him Thanks to His Royal Highness King Jing for some help, I will return to Jiangnan, reminisce about past mistakes, and take care of the national economy and the people's livelihood."

Luo Pingyuan listened to his plausible words, but he could justify himself, and when he mentioned King Jing, his expression turned pale for a moment.

Zhuang Shijing continued: "Although I have left the East Palace, I have served in the Prince's mansion for four years. I think I am not innocent, so I dare not take credit for my small contribution. Your Highness can let the past go, allow me to retire wholeheartedly, and return to my hometown for a while. In the days of idle clouds and wild cranes, Zhuang is extremely grateful."

Luo Pingyuan nodded slightly when he said these words very calmly, thinking that a real villain is always better than a hypocrite, so he said: "Mr. Zhuang is a Jinshi, if you don't want to be an official in the court, you can go back to Huizhou and live for a few years. , it is also good to serve Gaotang." The implication is that I will not pursue the past after I promise.

He already hated the prince deeply, and when the time is ripe, he will definitely liquidate it completely, and may not let the important staff of the East Palace go, but Zhuang Shijing escaped and returned to Jiangnan under the guidance of King Jing. The mind is unavoidably gentle and lenient.Judging from the ability shown by this person, after a few years, it might not be impossible to use him to do some practical things for the court.

"Thank you, Your Highness Fifth!" Zhuang Shijing judged the cause by his appearance, why didn't he understand what he meant, he was relieved, and quickly got up to salute.In his eyes, no matter how talented King Ning is, he is still young and pure-minded, unaware that his fate has been dangling on the edge of a cliff just now.

Luo Pingyuan thought that the other party's purpose of asking for an audience had been achieved, and was about to pick up the teacup, but Zhuang Shijing changed his words, and said with a solemn voice: "I know that His Highness the Fifth Highness is from a famous family and has an upright personality. I think I don't like this kind of manipulative plotter." Deceitful counselor. However, since ancient times, all those who have achieved great things are not only masters of conspiracy, but also good at using conspiracy. For example, if we deal with aristocratic families this time, if we only rely on a paper decree, it will be entangled for a long time, and the loss will be severe. Injured the vitality of the country, but with the use of dark means and the coercion of His Highness, he was able to defeat others without a fight. Zhuang saw that His Highness was sincere in doing things and had lofty aspirations. Before parting, he boldly offered a word of advice. I don't know if it should be said or not? "

"Mr. Zhuang has something to say, you might as well speak up." Luo Pingyuan said.

Zhuang Shijing smiled slightly, but didn't speak, just looked left and right.

Luo Pingyuan was a little curious when he saw that he was acting like this, so he waved his hand and told the attendants next to him to step back.

"His Highness has been highly valued by His Majesty since he returned to Beijing and was granted the title. He was not only taught by Jing Yuwei, but also entrusted with many important tasks." The scene has made extraordinary achievements repeatedly, and it is no less than His Highness King Yun. According to this trend, the future must be great and limitless." Speaking of this, his eyes were burning, "However, His Highness has been acting uncharacteristically recently. He acted impetuously and aggressively. It wasn't Zhuang's scaremongering, if His Highness can't calm down in time, it's a trivial matter to be caught by others, and if things go on like this, he might harm himself, and it's not impossible to wipe the foundation of the past!"

Luo Pingyuan frowned, he didn't expect Zhuang Shijing to remonstrate with him in a serious manner as soon as he came up, with the intention of pointing out the country, although it was not alarmist, but it was not rude.

"I seldom go out recently, and I haven't made friends with foreign officials. I don't know what Mr. Zhuang thinks is wrong?" He asked lightly.

"His Royal Highness is ordered to sit in Hangzhou and stay behind closed doors all day long. It's not a big problem to deny the magistrate the gentry an opportunity to see him. That dry man lives so comfortably in the Suzhou-Hangzhou Paradise that he urgently needs to be beaten." Zhuang Shijing took it easy. Slowly replied, "However, I heard that His Highness used the Jingyu Guards to offer rewards everywhere in order to help Langhuan to seek medicinal materials. The news was widely circulated, so this move was somewhat reckless; a few days ago, it was stated in the residence newspaper An order was issued to summon His Highness to return to Beijing as soon as possible, but Fifth Highness resisted the order and refused to comply, claiming that the return date was postponed due to illness. The combination of the two is not only inappropriate, but also taboo, Zhuang has to worry about His Highness!"

Seeing that he was not shy, Luo Pingyuan raised his eyebrows unconsciously: "This is what the master wants to teach me? How to find medicine for my brother, and whether to return to Beijing during the Mid-Autumn Festival are family matters. Mr. Zhuang is about to retire, so don't worry about it." .”

"Is there any private matter in the Tian family? It is precisely because he is about to retire that Zhuang can put aside his scruples and tell his humble opinion." Zhuang Shijing just ignored his insinuation, "I saw the expression of His Royal Highness in the past According to people, now, he has gloomy eyebrows and a lackluster face. He thinks that he has a deep relationship with the eldest prince. However, everything must be done according to the trend. His Highness is doing his best for King Jing, but it is not appropriate to hurt his tendons. Bone-breaking, too demanding."

Luo Pingyuan's heart gradually became displeased, but his face remained calm, and he still said lightly: "Although the Tian family has no personal affairs, there is love between the closest relatives, otherwise why should we set an example for all people? The three emperors were captured, and the four emperors Brother knew the danger and still went to Suining to rescue him, but I just used the Jingyu Guards to offer a reward, and it became a demand, what is the reason for this?"

"The Fourth Highness went to the border in person, not only taking into account the overall situation of Yu and Zhou, but also fulfilling the brotherhood. More importantly, this trip followed the imperial decree, the name is justified, and no one can criticize it." Zhuang Shijing stroked his long beard, meaning He said deeply, "The situation your Highness is facing is completely different. Langhuan is independent of the imperial court. The emperor can take back the military power of the generals in a moment of thought, but he can't stop Langhuan from following the orders of the suzerain. As the saying goes, how can others be tolerated by the side of the couch Sleeping soundly, His Majesty is extremely talented and has a special status, so he is tabooed by the world today. He cannot tolerate it or get rid of it. He wants to use it but is afraid of it. The reason why His Majesty treats His Majesty the Fifth Highness differently and cultivates him carefully is one of the reasons. The background of His Highness Hanshan's disciple wanted to use it to constrain Langhuan. Now that Prince Jing is seriously ill, His Majesty is naturally more wary of Langhuan. At this time, His Highness Fifth Highness will not cater to the Holy Will, and will not stay out of the matter, but instead wants to reward him with great rewards. How can His Majesty be satisfied with prolonging the life of King Jing? Long live the urgent call back to Beijing is out of love, and he doesn't want His Highness to be emotional and get caught up in it, and His Highness the Fifth Highness refuses to return, but how does His Majesty feel?"

As he said that, he couldn't help sighing: "Once the holy family is lost, it is difficult to get back. I have been helping the crown prince for a long time, and I can't be more clear about it. If your highness continues to disobey the holy will, will you not be afraid of ruining your bright future? You must know that being with you is like being with you." Tiger, the gains and losses of power are like the clouds, like hell. If His Majesty can hand over Jing Yuwei to His Highness, he can also delegate a will to others. If His Highness insists on going his own way, let alone whether it can help King Jing, There is still a prince in the East Palace!"

Luo Pingyuan pondered: "In my master's opinion, what should I do now?" This statement is clear and reasonable, and it is well-structured, and it analyzes the situation very clearly. He is no longer the ignorance he was when he first entered the court, and he is not unprepared for the consequences mentioned by Zhuang Shijing.

"In my humble opinion, His Highness the Fifth Highness should leave for Beijing immediately. Even if you don't have time to return before the festival, you should act as if you are going home as soon as you recover from your illness, and you don't dare to delay and neglect for a moment." Zhuang Shijing said after deliberation, "In addition, Your Highness Shengshi, it is best to take the initiative to resign Jing Yuwei, as long as you are sincere, your Majesty may not really blame the deprivation, but it will dispel your anger and not leave any knots in your heart."

Luo Pingyuan paused for a moment, he asked how to do it, but he wanted to test Zhuang Shijing's depth and reality, see that he dared to talk about tactics when they first met, and try to figure out what the emperor's mind is.Now it seems that this counselor is really offering advice for himself.

He is indeed considering resigning from Jingyu Guard after returning to Beijing. Although he is a little bit reluctant, but with Emperor Tianyi's character, letting himself be in charge is an expedient measure for checks and balances, and he will not allow power to stay in the hands of a prince for a long time. Instead of falling in love with the stack, why not take the initiative to hand it back like King Xueyun.

But when it comes to returning immediately, it is difficult to do.What he values ​​most now is time, and the limited days left to search for the antidote, and every morning and evening when he can see the emperor's brother, are all precious, and it takes thirty or forty days to say goodbye without saying anything.Thinking of this, I suddenly feel depressed, thinking about going back to the Bai family courtyard as soon as possible, and I am not in the mood to listen to any more conspiracy and conspiracy, the emperor's heart.

"I still can't leave for a while, and I need to delay my trip a few days before I set off with Brother Dahuang." His tone softened a little, "Thanks for your kind reminder, sir, I will be careful."

Zhuang Shijing was very satisfied with the effect of the advice, the crown prince lost power, it was a fluke for him to escape unscathed, it is definitely not suitable to be an official in a short period of time, and joining other princes' sects would make his reputation worse and be despised by scholars all over the world.But in his early forties, he is still full of ambitions. He is conceited in his strategy, and he is really unwilling to retire to Linquan.According to the deduction of the situation in the past few days, King Jing's body is highly poisonous and there is no cure for it. He will definitely not let the prince go before the deadline. The possibility of the two competing for the crown is very small.Among the remaining princes, King An is impetuous and mean, hard to be popular, King Yun is cold and arrogant, unreasonable, only Luo Pingyuan has a serious personality and is not lacking in resilience, who is the most suitable to inherit the great rule.Zhuang Shijing went to great lengths to seek to see King Ning, just to impress the Fifth Prince so that he could come out again when the time is right in the future.

Although it is appropriate to say goodbye at this time, it seems that the impact is not enough, and it is difficult to guarantee that it will be forgotten in a short time.Seeing Luo Pingyuan's gentle demeanor, he decided to take a gamble.

"Your Highness Fifth, I still have a preposterous statement," he stood up and bowed his head, "I shouldn't have said it, but for Yu Zhou's great cause of rejuvenation, I have to say it. I don't want to spread this word to everyone, but I hope His Highness will not get angry after hearing it." !"

The author's words:

This chapter is getting longer and longer, so I have to split it into two paragraphs, and try to paste it later~~