Early the next morning, Chen Deng, the official of the Sili Mansion, was ordered by Chen Chong, the captain of the Sili Mansion, to lead a crowd to surround Situ's Mansion. He arrested all of Situ Fuwan and imprisoned them on the grounds that he was suspected of conspiring with Jianping General Dong Cheng to rebel. There was a great earthquake in Xijing, and as many officials came to plead for mercy as there were crucian carp crossing the river. Among them were not only old men from several dynasties like Shen Tupan and Han Rong, but also Tao Qiuhong, Kong Rong, Sun Yan and others who had been with the Ba family for many years. The old people also came to ask for help at this time.
These people all advised: After all, Fu Wan is a noble of the three princes and a relative of the country. No matter what the differences between the two sides are, the overall situation should be taken into account at this time to prevent chaos in the court. Chen Chong had anticipated this and promised them that no torture would be used in this interrogation and no human life would be harmed. Even if they were found guilty, the matter would be postponed until later in the year.
After coaxing everyone back, Chen Chong couldn't help but feel awe-struck. He originally thought that since he had been in power in Guanzhong for many years, the people's livelihood was peaceful, the state was rich, and his political achievements were not outstanding, he should be able to win over people's hearts and calm their opinions. Who would have thought that the emperor was just sitting in the palace, reading and having fun, but he still had such an influence. It can be seen that the idea of loyalty and filial piety is the highest virtue in the human heart. Even if Xuande is a clan member, it is difficult to eliminate it. He thought, no wonder the Tian family replaced Qi [1] back then. It was clear that the Tian family was already in a high position, but it still took a hundred years of hard work.
Fortunately, Chen Deng's interrogation of Situ Mansion was quite fruitful. In just two days, the government officials found more than 20 plotting letters from Fu Wan's mansion, all of which were addressed to ministers of the DPRK and China.
Chen Chong took it to look at it and saw the letter saying: Sili Mansion and Ba Mansion acted unethically and peeped at the artifact, which brought disaster upon themselves. The emperor was the late emperor Zhengshuo, but he was not allowed to rule personally. It was Tianshi's mercy that led to Liu Bei's defeat. The so-called time for loyal ministers to be loyal and for people with lofty ideals to work hard has come.
Also attached to the letter were some disasters caused by the two governments. Some people have some truth, saying that the new policies of the Sili Mansion are based on the old wisdom of the Han Dynasty, which is to compete with the people for profit and to drain the lake. The officials under his government were arrogant and tyrannical, waiting for opportunities to abuse the people and harm the people. They were quite like their father Yan Yiyi. But some made absurd remarks, talking about the visions of heaven and earth, and criticizing Chen Chong and Liu Bei for their immorality. Among them, Chen Chong was criticized the most for being unfaithful and unfilial and not mourning for his grandfather Chen Shi.
However, at this point in the interrogation, a problem also emerged. Although Chen Deng interrogated a large number of his accomplices, the plots they mentioned were all about how to stabilize the situation after the incident was completed, and they did not know how to start an incident. This shows that there are other people behind the plot. In order to uncover the secret, Chen Deng simply ignored Chen Chong's instructions and gave Fu Wan severe punishment.
"Above Heaven"
After being flogged for more than a hundred times and then using a branding iron, the fifty-year-old man was beaten until his skin was charred and his flesh was rotten. Finally, he could no longer bear it and confessed to the elder Shi Muqian. The chief minister, Mu Qian, was even more weak-minded. He directly confessed the culprit Dong Zhao before being executed. The truth finally came to light, and Chen Chong suddenly realized that it was him who was the allusion to Princess Wannian.
But it was too late. The day before Fu Wan was arrested, Dong Zhao asked for leave from the palace to take a rest, citing physical discomfort, and now he had already escaped from the city. When Chen Deng brought people to the door, there was only one empty room left, and a pile of ashes remained in the brazier, which was obviously confidential documents that were burned before leaving. The plot is still unknown.
After Yao Gong heard about it, he immediately came to Chen Chong to plead guilty, saying that he didn't know the person he knew. Chen Chong comforted him and said, "Is this Mr. Yao's fault? Not to mention Mr. Yao, I have talked with him several times and I appreciate him very much. It's a pity that such a talented person is not thinking in the right way." Even so, Chen Chong couldn't help but be secretly vigilant. The fear of the human heart is beyond our ability to predict.
However, the impact of Dong Zhao's escape is difficult to estimate. Although sea arrest documents have been issued to all counties in Guanzhong, the atmosphere inside and outside the government was gloomy and gloomy. After all, Dong Zhao had been in charge of the government for many years and had extensive contacts with Cao. Except for a few people, the officials in the government were afraid of being implicated, and he himself could not escape the implication. Therefore, Chen Chong ordered Chen Deng to put the matter aside for the time being, and then concentrate on the next war on the grounds that the mastermind fled and it would be difficult to cause chaos.
Xu Huang had already come to report that he had arrived at Fengling Ferry, occupied Taolinsai, and then stationed in Hu County. Upon seeing this, Dong Cheng withdrew his troops to the area between Caoyangting and Maojin, which was less than 70 miles apart. Now that all the key points are taken advantage of by the enemy, and the troops are strong, a frontal attack may have little effect. Therefore, he planned to use a dangerous strategy, abandoning his baggage, leaving a small group to guard Taolinsai, and the majority to cross the Yellow River. He bypassed Maojin, went deep into Lianchi and Xin'an, contacted the Kwantung defenders, and launched a surprise attack on Hangu Pass.
Chen Chong was shocked when he saw Xu Huang using this dangerous plan, but then he felt relieved. He thought that only a rebel like Xu Huang, who had been fighting for many years, could come up with such a dangerous plan. So he wrote back and said: "If you are really sure, you can do your best. The life and death of the country is entrusted to you. Please remember it."
The Hongnong plan has been decided, and Chen Chong no longer worries about it. What worries him the most now is the trends in Yizhou. If Nanyang is said to be the best county in the world, then Yizhou can be called the best state in the world. Its wealth is the same as that of Hebei, and most of its territory is peaceful. If Liu Yan were to overthrow his country, he would probably have no less than a hundred thousand men. If he wanted to counterattack, the best strategy would be to defend the enemy in dangerous passages. Taking this into account, Chen Chong began to allocate weapons and grain and transport them to Chencang and Yi County.
It was already the third day of winter, and the bright sky did not last long, and in a blink of an eye the clouds cleared away. In the evening, as expected, graupel snow slowly began to scatter in the sky. There was almost no wind, but you could still feel the slightest bit of cold air drifting from the courtyard.
When Li Yi saw this, he urged someone to bring Chen Chong a brazier. Chen Chongzheng and Yu Fan were comparing the accounts of Chang'an that month. Because of the hailstorm and storm that month, Yu Fan specially wrote a letter requesting for extra expenses to build another private shed. But now that we are in the middle of a war, expenses are inevitably a bit tight. Chen Chong was very concerned about the livelihood of the people, so he considered it again and again. When everyone had already retired, he still discussed the matter with Yu Fan.
At the end of the day, it was already half dark. Chen Chong saw that it was getting late and was about to go back to the house for dinner. Suddenly Yang Xiu walked in and saluted Chen Chong. Chen Chong saw the awkward expression on Yang Xiu's face and couldn't help but laugh and said: "What, Dezu has something to say? It's really rare, but it doesn't matter."
Yang Xiu hesitated for a moment and said: "Your Majesty, my lord has something to discuss with you. However, I have recently contracted a cold and cannot come to visit. So I would like to invite you to meet me. I don't know if you have time."
Chen Chong laughed when he heard this and said: "Most of the things in the world depend on the subordinates, but few depend on the superiors. How can I have no time? Wen Xianggong is called, so go ahead. But Dezu must remember to take care of a few people's meals."
After that, he put on an indigo jacket, spoke to his wife in the house, and then prepared to go out. When Tian Zhao and Wu Yu saw Chen rushing out, they quickly called ten armored guards and called a carriage. The two of them got into the car together with Chen Chong and Yang Xiu, and the guards followed on horseback.
On the way, Chen Chong asked Yang Xiudao: "How is Mr. Wen's condition?"
Yang Xiu said: "I can still eat, but I've been having dizziness and difficulty seeing things these past few days."
Chen Chong asked again: "What are we talking about? Can Dezu tell me first?"
Yang Xiu hesitated for a moment and said, "My lord, it's about my marriage."
Chen Chong suddenly understood that Yang Biao and Cai Yong were good friends, and they must also know about Dong Bai's affairs, and inviting him to the banquet was probably to propose a marriage for their son. After going to Cai Yong's house last time, Chen Chong spread the news and wanted to find a good family for Cai Zhi (pseudonym of Dong Bai). But then the news of Liu Bei's defeat came, and people were panicked, so the marriage was not discussed. Unexpectedly, someone came to the door at this time.
Chen Chong turned to look at Yang Xiu, imagining the scene of him and Dong Bai standing together, and he was actually quite satisfied. Over the years, although Yang Xiu has been arrogant, he is as beautiful as a jade tree in a tall forest. He is also shrewd and neat in doing things. He often wins people's hearts and is an excellent candidate. Thinking of Yang Biao's usually reclusive style, he decided to have a good talk with Yang Biao.
Yang Biao's mansion is located in Huayang Street. Huayang Street is usually bustling, but when Chen Chong arrived, it was already dark. When he approached Xu, there were only a few people around and no sound. Chen Chong and Yang Xiu got out of the car, and under the guidance of Cangtou in the mansion, they led everyone into the mansion.
Yang Mansion actually occupies a large area. When you enter, you will see a small pond with a radius of six feet, and dozens of willow trees planted around it. Behind the willows, you can see a main room that is more than eight feet long, and there are several side rooms built around it. However, what surprised Chen Chong was that there were only two or three rooms in the mansion with lights on. Yang Xiu saw his doubts and explained: "The country has been in a state of unrest recently, and many of the old people at home have gone back."
Chen Chong nodded slightly and led his followers forward. Ten steps forward, when he reached the small pond, Chen Chong saw a few yellow leaves on the willow branches, which reminded him of the still green willow forests on both sides of the Weishui River when he parted with Liu Bei. He couldn't help but stop and touch the dry skin of the willow trees. , and asked Yang Xiudao: "The willow tree in Guanzhong is Yiyi, but I don't know how old it is?"
Yang Xiu said: "My lord planted it in the mansion when he followed Dong Zhuo to the west. It has been almost ten years."
Ten years later, Chen Chong remembered that at that time he was still in Bingzhou, leading an army with Liu Bei to fight against Yu Fuluo. He patted the willow trunk and felt that time seemed to pass by for a moment. He naturally said with emotion: "A tree is like this, how can a person be embarrassed?"
He lowered his head to look at the water, and suddenly saw that the muddy ground beside the pool was quite messy, as if many people had stepped on it. When he raised his head and looked around, he could only see a weak candlelight in the hall door not far away, and the surroundings were silent and dark.
He suddenly turned to look at Yang Xiu, and saw Yang Xiu's eyes changing back and forth like clouds, but he could not hide the murderous intent in his eyes.
At this time, an untimely gust of wind blew from outside the door, making a high-pitched whistling sound. Chen Chong heard that it was the sound of the door being partially opened and the cold wind pouring into the room. Why are unoccupied rooms half-open? He understood the reason in an instant: there must be a bowman aiming secretly behind him!
Chen Chong didn't have time to think about it further and whispered directly to Tian Zhao and others: "Let's go!" He turned around and left.
As soon as Yang Xiu heard the word "go", he knew that the arrangement had been seen through. He abandoned everyone and immediately ran into the house, and then shouted loudly: "Quickly, seal the door! Fire arrows!"
The sound of countless arrows flying through the air suddenly resounded in the air.
[1] The Tian family replaced Qi: refers to the incident in the early Warring States Period in China when the descendants of the Chen family named Tian replaced the Qi family named Jiang and became the Marquis of Qi (King Wei of Qi was first called the King of Qi). From the beginning of Tian Qi's appointment as the Prime Minister of Qi in 495 BC to the end of Tian He officially becoming the Marquis of Qi in 386 BC, it took the Tian family nearly a hundred years and nearly five generations to finally usurp the throne.
