"It's a great blessing that Mr. Lian can think of the people under his rule. I hope that in the future, Mr. Lian will be more devoted to public service and self-denial, so as to benefit the whole country." Xiao Luolan tried his best to praise.
This Lord Lian has a really bad reputation outside. I don’t know if his words will make him feel that he is being sarcastic. It would be great if Lord Lian could really listen to it and become a good official. Xiao Luolan thought.
"I obey the order," Lian Shiqing said with a smile.
This was the first time Xiao Luolan heard this. In the past, most words were spoken in Chinese characters, so she couldn't help but look at Lord Lian a few more times.
"The humble position will always be behind you, and I will obey your orders." Lian Shiqing still stood at the steps where the general's wife went downstairs, not taking more than half a step, and spoke softly.
Why does it look like bad guys are plotting? Xiao Luolan always felt weird looking at Lord Lian's unjust face.
Chapter 175
"Plop!"
There was a hard sound of kneeling down, and Xiao Luolan never expected that what he saw when he came in would be like this. Qi Shilang was kneeling on the ground, with his head hanging down, his hands raised upward, presenting a bright yellow imperial edict, kneeling so It was neat and tidy, making Zhou Xu, who was sitting at the front seat drinking tea, slightly raise his eyelids.
He put down the tea cup, first asked his wife to sit next to him, and then said: "As an angel, why did Minister Qi suddenly give me such a great gift?"
Having said that, Zhou Xu was too lazy to move, let alone help the angel up.
Qi Nanhua raised the imperial edict high so that Zhou Youzhou could take it down by raising his hand, and said seriously: "The general's words are serious, you are stationed at the border, and your hard work has made great achievements. All people in the world will remember it in their hearts. The same is true for Qi. There are many vegetarians in the imperial court. , are stupid and incompetent, the general has a deep heart, why should we engage in verbal disputes with them."
"The angel accidentally fell into the water and died. Now the issue of promulgating the imperial edict has fallen into my hands. I finally got to see the general. Even tears and kowtows cannot express Qi's admiration for the general." Qi Nanhua said, unable to suppress his sobs at the end.
Xiao Luolan felt numb when she heard this. She was sitting next to Sect Master Zhou. At this moment, she had the urge to lift up her veil and look at the handsome Qi Shilang. Do all literati know how to say this?
Lian Shiqing folded his sleeves and stood silently beside the general's wife, thinking to himself that if Qi Shilang wanted to escape unharmed, he would need to come up with something practical instead of just telling lies.
Zhou Xu looked at Qi Shilang in a joking manner, but he did not accept the order. Song Deyu, an old friend in the army, did not show up at Feixian Tower. From this, he learned that Qi Shilang did this behind Song Deyu's back. He didn't want Song Deyu, who came from the same trip, to know that there was obvious resentment and distrust between the two.
I am afraid that Song Deyu is also responsible for monitoring Peng Hui or Qi Nanhua. Although he himself has not accepted such a task, with Song Deyu's loyal and patriotic mind, he will answer the emperor's question truthfully.
In this way, Qi Nanhua must be on guard against Song Deyu.
"Why don't you see General Song? After all, he and I are old acquaintances." Zhou Xu said with a smile.
"General Song went to the Prince's Mansion to ask for the angel's body. He wanted to transport the angel back." Qi Nanhua felt a sudden shock in his heart. He had deliberately transferred Song Deyu to let Song Deyu gnaw on the difficult bone of Prince Bao.
"General Song is affectionate and righteous, Angel Quanxia will be pleased if you know it." Zhou Xudao, he didn't believe that Song Deyu could get a finger of Peng Hui from Prince Bao. Maybe the body had been fed into the belly of the beast by Prince Bao.
Qi Nanhua echoed: "Yes, General Song is really a good man." Seeing that Zhou Youzhou never had any intention of taking the imperial edict, he gritted his teeth and said: "I respect the general, but now there are many people in the court, and the general is far away In Youzhou, it is easy to be criticized by traitors, and there are only a few people who are willing to speak out for the general. If someone wants to be the general's mouth, tongue and ears in the court, he hopes that the general will succeed."
This is a normal thing now. Most of the important ministers in the imperial court have the shadow of Jiedushi behind them. Those vassal towns with heavy troops are still influencing the imperial court in their own way, even if they are far away from the center.
It's no wonder that the Holy Emperor's favor with eunuchs has become more and more popular in recent years.
Lian Shiqing, who was listening on one side, didn't seem to hear this sentence. A smart person should know when to act stupid.
Xiao Luolan slowed down his breathing when he heard this. Is this considered treason by Minister Qi? Although she did not have the thoughts of ancient people, but now that the room was silent, she actually felt an inexplicable sense of nervousness. Do you want to accept it? Qi Shilang can betray the Holy Emperor, and naturally he can also betray Clan Leader Zhou.
On the contrary, Song Deyu, who had parted ways with Sect Leader Zhou, seemed more trustworthy, but Xiao Luolan could now see that sometimes good character was of no use if he was not from the same group.
General Song is naturally good, but he is on the Holy Sage's side.
Xiao Luolan couldn't help but look at Sect Master Zhou and accepted the imperial edict. The mission of Qi Shilang was completed.
But what if he doesn't keep his word after arriving in Chang'an?
Qi Nanhua, who bowed his head, was sweating on his palms, feeling that the imperial edict in his hand weighed a thousand pounds.
Until a big palm gently patted his shoulder, Qi Nanhua's legs weakened for half a minute, and he was filled with fear.
"Things with clairvoyance and ears that follow the wind will always know something that others cannot know. Does Qi Shilang know that?" Zhou Xu leaned over and looked at the pale Shilang Qi.
Qi Nanhua swallowed, his back was soaked with cold sweat. He had a hunch that this was his only chance to show his usefulness.
General news is definitely not enough. With so many people in the court, there is no guarantee that someone has already found Zhou Youzhou as a backer in advance. In other words, his speculation is normal. When he thinks that Zhou Youzhou has a secret hand in the court, Qi Nanhua's chill becomes cold. Coming out from the bottom of my heart.
After a while, Qi Nanhua's voice sounded.
"When I came here, I learned from Kong Shuna, the envoy of Zhihui, that Chen Bo, the military envoy of Xichuan, together with several generals from Shu, came together to express their gratitude to the emperor. He said that the Duke of Wei was loyal to the country and could be the general marshal of the world's soldiers and horses. At that time, Kong Shudu didn't dare to submit a copy of the memorial, so he suppressed it for a whole day."
Zhou Xu straightened up when he heard this.
Shuzhong has always been the back garden of Chang'an. During wars, it is not uncommon in history for those who abandoned Chang'an to flee to Shuzhong to avoid trouble. Now Shuzhong is controlled by Chen Bo. If what Qi Nanhua said is true, then It means that Chen Bo is from Wei Yanshan, and Chang'an's retreat has been surrounded by Wei Yanshan.
"I know." When Zhou Xu heard the news, he finally focused on the imperial edict. He picked it up and took a casual look. The preface was still the same old commendation, and the title of King of Zhenbei was just like that. Zhou Xu really didn't like her. The wife's title was Mrs. Huarong. After that, she talked a lot of nonsense. Zhou Xu read it in a few seconds and put it down.
"General, your residence in Chang'an has been renovated into Zhenbei Palace. The Ministry of Internal Affairs is renovating your residence, and all the utensils in the residence have also been replaced. When I return to Chang'an, I will always pay attention to the renovation of your residence, General." Qi Nanhua finally relaxed. He took a deep breath and expressed his loyalty to Zhou Youzhou.
"Not only that, I will also join forces with several imperial officials to impeach the Xicheng Jiedushi for his disobedient remarks and the Taiyuan Jiedushi's wild ambitions."
After being in the officialdom for a long time, Qi Nanhua knew how to speak between two rivals. Taiyuan Jiedushi wanted this position, so Zhou Youzhou did not want Taiyuan Jiedushi to get his wish under any circumstances. It was best to let Zhou Youzhou get it, or People from Zhou Youzhou faction got it.
"No." Zhou Xu ordered in a low voice: "When you go back to present the memorial, you must secretly support Xicheng Jiedushi and do your best to let the Holy Emperor see your voice."
Qi Nanhua was startled.
"Then find the right moment and let people ask the Holy One accidentally, is the world in good shape? Is it in Wei?"
Qi Nanhua looked at Zhou Youzhou and shuddered involuntarily: "Xia, the official knows." The fire is fueled, the flowers are blooming...things must turn against each other!
At the critical moment of life and death, Qi Nanhua only cared about his own life. He did not dare to glance at the mistress of Youzhou who was rumored to be the most beautiful in Youzhou, and retreated in a cold sweat.
The room was extremely quiet.
"The general's plan is brilliant!" Lian Shiqing said with a smile on his face, sincerely convinced: "Mrs. Wei is the late emperor's youngest daughter, Princess Huayin. Her son also has the blood of the imperial family. He is favored by the holy uncle and was given the title of "Mrs. Wei" at birth. King Chu Ling."
"If possible, does Mrs. Wei want to be the Duke's wife or the queen, and does the young King Chuling want to be a minister or the prince."
The important thing is, does Taiyuan Jiedushi want to be the emperor?
It was obvious, he thought.
Xiao Luolan looked at Sect Leader Zhou, feeling faintly frightened.
Zhou Xu waved to Lian Shiqing to leave, and then he comfortably burned the imperial edict on the candle. It was indecent to come and go. The Holy Father had given him such a great gift, and he had to return the favor.
The imperial edict burned quickly, and Xiao Luolan didn't notice that only half of it was left.
"Madam, please stay away to avoid choking others," Zhou Xu said.
As soon as Xiao Luolan stood up, he was pulled to his side by Sect Master Zhou. Zhou Xu asked his wife to sit on his lap, holding her waist, and then blew the ashes, turning the imperial edict into a pile of ashes. When he turned around Noticing that Madam was looking at him, Zhou Xu raised his eyebrows and said, "Why is Madam looking at me like this?"
Xiao Luolan was caught, so she asked a little embarrassedly: "Zhou Lang, how did you come up with that plan just now?" In fact, she was still confused and confused, feeling that her brain was not thinking fast enough, but Admitting that you are not smart will inevitably lead to frustration.
Zhou Xu pondered for a moment, touched his chin, and doubted himself: "Perhaps practice makes perfect? Do you already know it in your mind?" He has done too many bad things, and he thinks of them as soon as he closes his eyes. If he says what he thinks, he really doesn't know, that's it anyway. I got it.
Xiao Luolan was dubious, he could think of it so easily.
She couldn't help but ask: "What if the Holy Emperor really makes Taiyuan Jiedu the marshal of the world's soldiers and horses?"
"No." Zhou Xu smiled and said, "Wei Yanshan is from the Haoying family in Taiyuan. Everyone else is Princess Shang. The princess married the consort at a low age, but she is the only one who married high into the Wei family of Taiyuan."
"Before she married Wei Yanshan, Wei Yanshan was already the head of the Wei family. He was granted the title of Duke of Wei and the military envoy of Taiyuan. After they got married, he became the military envoy and minister of the Order of Taiyuan and ascended the throne. When he returned to Taiyuan, he still received the title of Pingzhang. He holds the post of chief minister, plus the general of the auxiliary country in charge of the Shenwu Army. Most of the civil and military officials in the dynasty are his people, and his power is overwhelming."
"If he is allowed to command the world's soldiers and horses again, he will be a great marshal."
"Then it would be better for Your Majesty to abdicate and make way for the wiser."
"Perhaps, even Princess Huayin thinks so. Of course, maybe she doesn't think so, but does it matter what she thinks?" Zhou Xu's smile did not change, and his words seemed to have insight into everyone's hearts, which was a bit creepy: " As long as the Holy One thinks she has any alien intentions, it doesn't matter if she doesn't."
How could the Holy Master not have a taste of the estrangement and suspicion between relatives? Zhou Xu smiled happily.
Xiao Luolan slowly calmed down her fright, and suddenly thought about how this person was so easily deceived by her in the first place.
Could it be that sex makes one unconscious?
Xiao Luolan quickly stopped thinking, Sect Master Zhou didn't look like this kind of person.
Chapter 176
The twentieth day of the first lunar month is sunny.
Xiao Luolan took her daughter, Qinghe and the others to Dou Dalang's newly purchased wedding house in Gaoxinfang, which was not far from Mr. Lian's private residence. The people living in this area were all high-ranking officials and nobles in Langge, and the prices were not cheap, but The environment is indeed very good, and it is also close to the Jiedu government office where I work. Judge Xu's family lives on the street in front of him. Judge Xu has been in Langge officialdom for many years and is a confidant of the Zhou clan leader. Dou Dalang has now become a rising star, so There was an endless stream of guests in the front hall.
Even in the backyard, you can hear the lively sounds in front of you, but in the afternoon, red lanterns with the character "囍" are lit everywhere in Dou's house, making it even more festive.
Mrs. Wu rushed to the backyard with a few maids. Before she even got there, she was already full of gratitude and closeness to Mrs. Xiao. Before leaving, she asked Mrs. Xiao to take care of her husband a little if she had time, but she She never expected that in just half a year, her eldest son would be promoted to a senior position and marry his mentor's daughter. This made Mrs. Wu not know what to say to express her gratitude to Mrs. Xiao.
Arriving at the small pavilion in the backyard, Mrs. Wu straightened her clothes and regained her excitement.
On one side of the maid's curtain, you can see Mrs. Xiao's beautiful face, which is unparalleled in beauty, with a plump figure. When she looks at the spring water with her long eyes, she is elegant and calm, and her gentleness is heart-breaking. Mrs. Xiao is so graceful and graceful, even more so. There was a jade-like young man who was as bright as the breeze and the moon. The two of them were sitting on the left and right of Mrs. Xiao. With the three of them together, the scenery in the small pavilion became a bit brighter, making it feel dazzling.
"Qiniang, congratulations." Xiao Luolan smiled when she saw Wu, whom she hadn't seen for a long time, stood up and said, holding her hand and sitting down, and the four of them gathered around the tea table.
We haven’t seen each other for more than half a year, and Mrs. Wu is really a little cautious at the moment, especially when facing such a fairy figure again, there is always imitation and envy in her heart. Although Mrs. Xiao is as gentle and easy-going as ever, thinking about Mrs. Xiao’s current status After all, she was still a little scared in her heart and did not dare to talk casually. She took advantage of the situation and sat down at Mrs. Xiao's elbow and said with a smile: "Sheng Ming can get married, which finally solves my worries. To tell you the truth, I am very happy these days. I didn't even sleep well, and even laughed in my sleep when I learned that Madam, you were coming to attend the evening ceremony. You have to stay a little longer this time."
Xiao Luolan happily curled her lips and said, "Okay." She looked at her daughter and Qinghe, mainly to introduce Qinghe: "Qinghe, this is Aunt Wu, Qiniang, his name is Qinghe, and he is my nephew."
"Hello Aunt Wu." Xiao Qinghe said hello with an upright posture.
Wu was flattered. She had heard about the reputation of the Xiao family in Qinghe, especially since her natal family was in the south of the Yangtze River, with a strong literati atmosphere and frequent celebrities. She was even more familiar with the Xiao family in Qinghe. Before that, she had thought that Mrs. Xiao belonged to a high-ranking family. The lady, after knowing that she was Mrs. Xiao, regarded her as a fairy. Now that the Xiao family's Yulang called her Aunt Wu for Mrs. Xiao's sake, she could not accept it with peace of mind, and said quickly: "Good boy, the first When we met once, Aunt Wu had nothing to give you. Qinchuan is famous for its harp, and I happened to have a pair of twin harps in my hands. The wood of the body and the strings are all from the same source, so they are just a gift for you and Mrs. Xiao."
Does she have it too? Xiao Qingxue's heart turned into a bitter melon. She could only play a little piano, so it would be a waste for her.
"No need, Qiniang." Xiao Luolan thought about it and knew that these twin harps must be rare. Her daughter is not good at harp, so Qinghe already has a famous harp Jiaowei in her room.
Wu's face was a little red, and she was so anxious that she said: "It's rare for the young lady and Qinghe to come to me. Today is the big man's big day. As an elder, I should give some gifts to the two younger generations." For fear of Xiao, The lady refused.
Xiao Luolan patted Qiniang's hand and told her not to worry, and said warmly: "That's right, but I think it's better to give the twin pianos to your elder husband and bride. It can also express Qiniang's best wishes to the newlyweds. , Wouldn’t it be better if the harp and harp played harmoniously between their husband and wife?”
Wu's heart gradually calmed down. After listening to what Mrs. Xiao said, she felt that the words had touched her heart, but she couldn't wipe it off on her face. She thought about what other valuable things there were in the warehouse that could be given away. People with a poor family like theirs would not be able to compare with them after all. Aristocratic families are tired of being collected by aristocratic families.
"Qinghe and Qingxue both like drinking tea as much as I do. If Qiniang has other tea sets, you can give them to them." Xiao Luolan's voice was always gentle and slow, and her smile was warm.
"Of course there are tea sets. I have collected many tea sets of all kinds. You two must not be polite to Aunt Wu this time. Just take whatever tea sets you like." Mrs. Wu said with a smile.
"Thank you Aunt Wu." Xiao Qinghe said seriously.
"Then I'm welcome." Xiao Qingxue has always had a good impression of Mrs. Dou and thanked her: "Thank you, Aunt Wu."
"Qiao Xin, you take the young lady and the young man from Qinghe to the west room." Wu took advantage of the heat to hit the railroad.
Xiao Qingxue took her shy cousin's hand and left with Qiao Xin.
The two talked for a while in the pavilion.
