Three moments have passed since Xu Shi, and Chang'an City, which was originally lifeless, seemed even quieter now.
In the Chang Mansion, Chang Zhishan, who had always gone to bed early since he was suspended, found that the lights in the room were still on. Chang Zhishan's shaking figure looked a little lonely under the bright light. He raised his head and seemed to be thinking about something.
After a long time, I saw from the shadow on the window that his chest lifted and relaxed, as if he took a long sigh, and then shook his head and folded a piece of paper in his hand, as if he had a headache due to the content in the paper.
Chang Zhishan's figure suddenly elongated, and it was not difficult to see that he had walked to the oil lamp at this time. He took off the lampshade, raised his hand and hung the folded paper over the wick, intending to burn it. The corner of the paper shadow gradually approached the lamp flame, but Chang Zhishan's arm stopped, unwilling to let the hot flames swallow the dry paper.
This is a letter, an unsigned letter. Not only is the name unsigned, but even the words on the letter are crooked - it is obvious that the person who wrote the letter wrote this letter with his left hand, and he did not want to Make his notes known. It was such a letter that made Chang Zhishan hesitate.
How magical is the content in the letter? Can General Chang, who is used to seeing the wind and clouds and has experienced storms, be so entangled?
A gust of wind blew by, and the flames flashed. Whether it was because he was burned by the hot flames or because he really couldn't bear to let the letter be burned, Chang Zhishan subconsciously twitched his raised hand.
What exactly is the content of the letter? Why does Chang Zhishan wander so repeatedly?
Chang Zhishan's thick fingers held the letter, and the whole scene was frozen here. Just when he was about to open the letter again and read it again, trying to find any clues, suddenly the butler's voice came from outside the door——
"General, I have a guest to see you——"
Chang Zhishan quickly put the letter into his arms, and then said with some doubts and vigilance: "It's late at night, and there is absolutely no good thing going on, so I said I'm going to rest."
"General, Mr. Yin is here, you..."
The butler hesitated to speak. After all, he was just a servant, even though Mr. Yin repeatedly emphasized that this matter was important.
There was a brief silence in the room. Chang Zhishan seemed a little surprised by Prime Minister Yin's sudden visit, and was a little at a loss for a moment. But even if there are some accidents, what else can this old man do for visiting here at this moment? Chang Zhishan raised his hand and touched the place where the letter had been hidden in his heart. He couldn't help but wonder, could it be...
'squeak--'
The door was opened, and Chang Zhishan was seen in formal attire. How could he possibly have any intention of resting?
"Where is Mr. Yin now?" Chang Zhishan's voice regained its former majesty.
"In the guest room now."
"No one in the house knows?"
"No one knows."
"He... came alone?"
"Yes, Lord Yin was wearing a black robe and visited the house alone. Seeing that Lord Yin acted in a low-key manner, I did not alert anyone else in the house and only took Lord Yin to the guest room to wait." The butler added with a bow.
Chang Zhishan nodded after hearing this, feeling very satisfied with the old housekeeper's response.
Nowadays, the whole of Chang'an is in great crisis and everyone is in danger. Even he, who is well versed in the battles in the court, cannot see it all clearly like flowers in a fog. Especially the letter in his arms gave him a deep feeling of "no one can be trusted" - there were many people in the house with mixed opinions, and no one could guarantee that these people were loyal. Therefore, Yin Jingting suddenly came to visit at this time, and he really did not want to alarm the mansion.
After thinking again and again, Chang Zhishan seemed to have made a lot of determination and raised his head slightly towards the old housekeeper. The old housekeeper understood and made an invitation gesture, indicating Chang Zhishan to follow him.
...
Yin Jingting was sitting in the guest room. At this time, he was still wearing a black robe, and he didn't even take off the clothes and hat on his head. Tonight he ran out of his house secretly, without even telling his youngest son, but only left a note on the bed. Yin's Mansion was not too far from Chang's Mansion, but he was an old man over sixty years old after all. He actually had to rest twice before walking the short distance of several hundred feet. Entering the Chang'an Mansion was also through the back door. At this moment, the air in Chang'an was filled with an atmosphere of tension. Eyes and secret agents from all walks of life were staring at this precarious imperial city. Although he is a veteran, he still walks on thin ice, fearing that a mistake will attract the attention of the opposite party.
A stick of incense passed, and there was no reply from Chang Mansion. Yin Jingting, as calm as he was, was also a little anxious at this moment.
Today, Yin Jingting came to visit unexpectedly, naturally because of the siege of Tai Chi Palace. In the past two days, he could still sit at home, because this incident happened suddenly, and before he could see the whole thing clearly, all he could do was wait. As the situation developed, he discovered that the siege was not an accident, but a well-planned rebellion, and it was getting worse——
The imperial guards came out of the palace in large numbers, the city gates were tightly closed, the officials who supported the new laws were all killed, and the Jingzhao Mansion stood still... The rebels implemented these step by step in an orderly manner, fearing that the next step would be to directly Break into the palace gate and hold the emperor hostage to order the world!
Yin Jingting was restless. He knew what would happen next, but it was still not enough to drive him to take the risk and come to Changfu for help. Until today, someone suddenly threw a stone in. There was a letter tied to the stone. He picked up the stone, untied the tether and read the contents of the letter carefully, and couldn't help but look shocked.
The rebels are about to launch a final onslaught! Not only do you have to rush to the palace, but you also have to... you have to...
Yin Jingting was panicked. He didn't expect these gangsters to be so bold and dare to do such arrogant things! He was anxious in his heart, but when he looked around, he found that no one was trustworthy.
At this time when there was nothing he could do, the only person who flashed in Yin Jingting's mind was General Chang. So after nightfall, he quietly slipped out of the house and went to Chang's house alone.
Just when Yin Jingting got up and wanted to secretly open the door to see what was going on outside, the door was suddenly pushed open, and the figure of the old housekeeper appeared in front of him again. The old housekeeper held a lantern and bowed, saying hello to him respectfully. Then he invited the majestic figure behind him in front of him.
"Prime Minister Yin is here late at night, what's the point of your visit?" Chang Zhishan asked politely, clasping his hands after the old housekeeper closed the door again.
"The situation is urgent, so I'll get straight to the point." Yin Jingting changed from his usual gentle manner and put aside any pleasantries at this time. He said eagerly: "Tomorrow at Mao hour, the rebellious party will destroy the palace, punish the emperor and his ministers, and support the emperor. I hope General Chang... will drive out the traitorous party and the Qin King will put an end to the chaos!"
Chang Zhishan's body shook slightly, and his eyes were full of surprise. He looked at Yin Jingting's serious and anxious expression, and asked tentatively: "Why did Prime Minister Yin say this?"
Yin Jingting took out a piece of letter paper from his sleeve and handed it to Chang Zhishan. Although the letter paper had been smoothed out again, the wrinkles were still clearly visible.
Chang Zhishan looked at the piece of paper from a distance and couldn't help but feel suspicious. When he saw the letter paper and the writing on it clearly, he was greatly surprised. He quickly took the letter from Yin Jingting and started reading it by the light.
'Tomorrow at Mao hour, when the sun rises, the rebellious party breaks into the Tai Chi Palace. Wenjun, his ministers, and the emperor are in danger! '
In just a few words, everything about tomorrow was briefly described clearly. The tone in the letter was eager and affirmative. No wonder Yin Jingting was like this.
"General Chang, we can't wait any longer——"
Chang Zhishan lowered his head and half turned around. He was lost in thought again. These two letters - one to Prime Minister Yin and one to him - were too strange!
"General Chang!" Yin Jingting reminded him again, his tone already showing some anxiety.
"Master Yin, is this letter... trustworthy?"
Yin Jingting was stunned. Looking at Chang Zhishan's solemn expression, he knew that he was not joking or trying to evade.
"this......"
"Today, all twenty-four imperial officials died at the gate of Chengtian Gate. The twenty-four officials and their families, a total of nearly three hundred people, suffered this tragedy. What is the intention of someone anonymously sending a letter this time? If someone wants to take advantage of this matter to We are implicated in this, and the consequences..."
Seeing that Yin Jingting's eagerness was not pretending, Chang Zhishan took out the letter from his arms and handed it all to Yin Jingting.
Yin Jingting looked at the letter handed over by Chang Zhishan in confusion, then raised his head and stared at Chang Zhishan. After seeing Chang Zhishan nodded to him, he accepted the letter. When he opened it, the look of shock on his face was evident——
The letter Chang Zhishan handed over was exactly the same as the one he received today! No matter it’s the material of the letter paper or the content or handwriting in the letter.
"This...this..." Yin Jingting held a letter in each hand, and his head couldn't help but feel confused.
Chang Zhishan looked at Yin Jingting's confused look and sighed softly.
Just now, Chang Zhishan was repeatedly entangled. It was because of this letter that Wang Yanqing and his cronies were running rampant inside and outside the court. Apart from him and Yin Jingting, Gongsun Cuo was probably the only one who could face the Wang family without being humble or overbearing. But now that Chang'an City is sealed, even if the Shence Battalion has 10,000 elite soldiers, the distant water cannot save the nearby fire.
In this case, who would stand opposite the Wang family? And can he tell the rebellious party's detailed plan with such certainty?
These two points make Chang Zhishan arrive full of doubts. The person who wrote the letter must have chosen him and Yin Jingting, and he must have known the general relationship between the ministers in the court. The person who wrote the letter must have hoped that he and Yin Jingting could take action to prevent the rebellion. But even if this person's superficial purpose is obvious, what is his deeper intention? Does he hope to protect the safety of the Holy Saint, or does he hope that the Wang family's plan will fail, or... or does he want to lure out the Wang family's last and biggest enemy in order to take advantage of this chaos and inflict heavy damage on him?
Yin Jingting looked at Chang Zhishan's increasingly frowning brows. He sat slumped in a chair and said: "I am also worried about General Chang's worries. I have no choice but to wait for you. Now that the Holy One is in danger, I still hope that General Chang will take care of me." The overall situation is the most important thing..."
Chang Zhishan did not answer the question. He shook his head helplessly. "The overall situation is the most important thing" is simple to say, but now the enemy is so powerful. The situation in Chang'an City is full of fog. After so many years in the government, except for Wang Yanqing and Gongsun Besides making mistakes, how many people want to get rid of themselves and then be happy? What's more, the cards in his hand have almost been taken away at this time. Even if he has the intention, the powerlessness he feels at this time is probably even greater.
"General Chang, I have a question for you. Please answer truthfully." Yin Jingting suddenly stood up and bowed his head respectfully. You can see the sincerity in his heart at this time.
"Prime Minister Yin said it's okay! Why bother to defeat the general like this?" Chang Zhishan quickly stepped forward to help Yin Jingting.
"Now that the rebels are rebelling against the party, I would like to ask if General Chang has any back-up plan to deal with it?"
"This..." Looking at Yin Jingting's eager eyes, Chang Zhishan felt a little ashamed, because he was afraid that what he said would deeply disappoint the old man.
After thinking twice, Chang Zhishan chose to remain silent, then closed his eyes and shook his head in response.
Yin Jingting's disappointed sigh reached his ears, and Chang Zhishan couldn't bear to open his eyes and face it.
"Then..." But Yin Jingting still refused to give up and tried to remind Chang Zhishan that there were other ways to fight for it. He continued: "Then General Xu... Where is Old General Xu..."
Thinking of his in-laws, Chang Zhishan couldn't help but laugh at himself and said, "Xu Younian's old mother passed away a few months ago, and now he is still in his hometown of Dingyou."
Yin Jingting was startled, then he hesitated for a moment, but after a moment he still chose to say the name: "General Gongsun—General Gongsun's Shence Camp..."
Chang Zhishan still shook his head and said: "The city gate is firmly controlled by the Twelve Guards of the Forbidden Army. He...can't get in..."
"this..."
The room fell into silence once again, but this time, the silence was tinged with despair.
Yin Jingting was extremely anxious in his heart. As a minister of Tuogu and the leader of fate, he had never forgotten the deep expectations that Emperor Tang had for him before he left. The implementation of the new laws this time also had his nod. Now that the emperor was in danger, he was naturally very anxious. Moreover, if those rebellious parties are really allowed to rush in, not only will his hard-earned reputation be burned down, but the entire New Tang Dynasty will probably enter a situation where powerful ministers control the government in the next few decades. I wish I could see it, otherwise he wouldn't stand in Chang's mansion and come to ask for help.
After a brief ideological struggle, Yin Jingting seemed to have made a strong determination. Facing Chang Zhishan, who was still squinting at the window sill, he said slightly begging: "General Chang has a high prestige in the army. At this time of national crisis, At this time, can General Chang...can he rise up and speak out to turn the tide? I...I beg you!"
After saying that, Yin Jingting's trembling body was about to kneel down straight!
Chang Zhishan was shocked when he saw this. Fortunately, he had quick eyesight and quick hands, and he rushed forward to support Yin Jingting's body.
"Xiang Yin, why are you doing this? This - this - this is going to shorten the life of the last general!"
Yin Jingting is old, but Chang Zhishan is still in his prime. With Chang Zhishan's support, Yin Jingting can still kneel down.
Chang Zhishan helped Yin Jingting sit down on the chair, and then handed the tea cup next to Yin Jingting in front of Yin Jingting. After he took the tea cup, Chang Zhishan moved away with confidence.
"Yin Xiangchi is very loyal, and the general feels the same, but now the general has no... no soldiers to call upon, even if there is still some friendship between his colleagues in the past, but... now General Gongsun has great power, and they ..."
'Jingle--'
Yin Jingting's hand holding the tea cup was paralyzed on his legs, and his lonely and lonely expression was extremely touching.
"Is...is there really nothing we can do?"
"Alas -" Chang Zhishan shook his head. He couldn't bear to look at Yin Jingting at this moment.
Silence is still silence, desperate silence.
The two ministers of the DPRK and China were in the same room at this time, each looking in one direction, unwilling to speak again for a long time.
Late Emperor, I am ashamed of my high hopes for you!
Yin Jingting was bursting with tears at this moment, and there was a hint of determination in his heart. Although today's situation cannot be said to be caused by him, without his acquiescence and secret support, how could these rebellious nobles be allowed to gather in Chang'an? If an irreversible disaster does occur, he will naturally be held to blame.
Thinking of this, Yin Jingting's expression became firmer, and the disappointed and lonely expression just now was swept away.
"Since General Chang has made his own decision on this matter, I won't say any more." Yin Jingting put the tea cup aside. He stood up and walked to the door. There was no longer the pleading and despair in his voice, but was replaced by determination and determination. Fearless.
"Xiang Yin... What are you..." Sensing the change in the old man's tone, Chang Zhishan became a little worried.
"Eating the emperor's salary is the first thing to do to be loyal to the emperor. If the emperor is in trouble, we, the ministers, will naturally come to the rescue for the emperor." Yin Jingting opened the door without looking back and said to the gray starry night sky: "Tomorrow At this time, I will go to Tai Chi Palace! Even if I risk my life! I will scold those rebellious ministers and traitors... I will also scold those rebellious ministers and traitors bloody! General Chang... take leave——"
After saying that, without waiting for Chang Zhishan to stand up and persuade him to stay, he walked towards the door with vigorous steps. Chang Zhishan, who was left with a complicated look on his face, stood at the door with one hand raised, watching helplessly as Yin Jingting's back disappeared into the night.
...
Late at night, Chang Zhishan still couldn't sleep.
He stood by the bed with his hands folded, looking at the bright moon that appeared and disappeared in the sky. The old figure of Yin Jingting just now kept appearing in front of his eyes. Then, the figures of Emperor Tang and the woman replaced Yin Jingting and appeared in front of him.
He is old. He has been away from the center of power for more than three years. In his heart, he really doesn't want to get involved in this kind of thing that will accidentally involve him. He spent three years to keep his mind pure. Now grandson You are already four years old, which is the most fun and interesting age. Wouldn’t it be nice to spend your old age peacefully and enjoy family happiness?
"well--"
Another long sigh.
The tree wants to be still but the wind is not stopping. At this moment, the "strong wind" is coming. How can he... be content with this?
