"Pretending to make false predictions, constructing the Eastern Palace, and criticizing Chengyu!"
Du Wulang was stunned when the sound of shouting and cursing reached his ears.
In less than five months from late winter to early March, he did not expect that he would be involved in another major rebellion so soon.
Everything was so ridiculous that he even doubted that he was really a traitor.
Yuan Jie was also stunned.
He made countless predictions, such as Chun Wei's leak, no one in commoner's school, Li Linfu's blockade of Shengting... He analyzed everything and thought that Ge Nu really had no talent.
If you fight head-on, you will definitely win.
However, Li Linfu ignored all his methods and directly suppressed him for the crime of treason, catching Yuan Jie off guard.
It felt like someone was arranging their troops hard and planning to defeat a loser who was commanding a large army through military tactics, but the other party directly dug a river and allowed the flood to flood the battlefield.
"you……"
Yuan Jie wanted to speak, but Jin Wuwei held him down hard.
He struggled twice and was immediately elbowed in the abdomen.
"Cishan! You dare to ask for tribute from the countryside?"
Du Fu tried to save Yuan Jie, but was kicked to the ground.
The Jinwu guards followed with two more kicks and yelled: "Rural tribute? It has nothing to do with the imperial examination. Your crime is to associate with the traitor Li Shizhi!"
"Stop fighting!" Xue Bai stopped in a deep voice and said, "It's up to you to go as long as you can afford the consequences."
"Hahaha, this little kid is still young, and he's trying to scare some of his brothers? Take him away!"
Everyone was escorted out of the small villa and saw that Li Shi's house was completely surrounded.
Not far away, Jin Wuwei was still shouting.
"Li Shizhi used the imperial examination to plot evil! It has nothing to do with Shengtu Xianggong. Disperse as soon as possible. Don't make any mistakes!"
"..."
Everything seemed to be calming down.
Some of the originally furious rebels calmed down and began to disperse, not daring to get involved in the major rebellion.
~~
With the sound of shackles, Xue Bai was escorted through the imperial city. When he looked up at the bottom of the steps, he saw three solemn golden characters of "Dali Temple".
Red wooden doors were opened one after another, and through the long corridor, the front was getting darker and darker.
Finally, he entered the cell... This was something Xue Bai tried his best to avoid.
He resisted going to jail from the bottom of his heart, and could even say that it was the most annoying thing in his life.
But as the iron chain on the wooden gate was opened, he was still pushed in.
Three people were already squatting in the cell, leaning feebly in the corner and looking at the five of them.
The stench of feces and urine that had been drowned for a long time hit my face. Under the dim light of the torch, the thatch on the ground was dirty and black. It was covered with dirt and blood stains left by the prisoners, attracting insects to crawl around.
Still that kind of squirming insect...
Du Wulang sat down and sighed: "Oh, it's back again."
"You came before?"
Yuan Jie, Du Fu, and Huangfu Ran were all imprisoned for the first time. They didn't react for a while and looked around, with some novelty in their anger.
"Is this the Dali Prison where murderous intent is so strong that birds dare not inhabit it?"
"I was in Jingzhao Mansion Prison before, which is similar to here." Du Wulang said, "You are sitting down, what are you doing standing there?"
Huangfu Ran was still observing, but was touched by Xue Bai.
He turned around and followed Xue Bai's gaze, and saw a prisoner in the cell raising his head and looking this way. So I immediately understood what Xue Bai meant.
"Don't worry." Xue Bai said: "Someone will rescue us."
"who?"
Xue Bai did not answer directly, but simply said: "You will know when you go out."
~~
In the evening, Luo Xishi left the imperial city and arrived at the Youxiang Mansion in Pingkangfang.
"Right Prime Minister, the arrangements have been made."
After bowing to Li Linfu behind the screen, Luo Xishi said: "With the case of Li Shi, not only the leader of the troublemaker was detained, but also Xue Bai."
He was a little worried that Mrs. Guo Guo would be angry. After all, Ji Wen had learned from the past. Fortunately, this time Xue Bai was involved in the crime of treason. As long as there was evidence, Mrs. Guo Guo could not say anything in front of the saint.
To put it simply, when dealing with someone with a backer like Xue Bai, you have to follow the rules and punish him with as much crime as there is evidence. It's not as simple as dealing with ordinary people.
"For the Chunwei incident to have such a big reaction, someone must be behind the scenes." Luo Xishi said: "Xue Bai contacted everywhere and took the lead in this matter. It must be related to Li Yingyu's party. The lower official is already here There is an informant in his cell, which may be able to find out who was behind it."
"You are smarter than Jiwen."
"Yes." Luo Xishi took a step forward and said: "Right Prime Minister, I have learned that Xue Bai and Huangfu Ran said that someone will rescue them."
"who?"
"I will keep a close eye on you and give the right minister a satisfactory answer as soon as possible."
Li Linfu responded casually and said, "I knew it was difficult for you. Shihu is so stupid that he brought Zhuzi to see Third Aunt Yang."
Soon, someone led Yang Zhao in.
Yang Zhao is no longer in the Youxiao Guard and has moved to serve as the censor. Like Luo Xishi, he is responsible for eliminating dissidents in the Youxiang Mansion.
Although he aspires to be in the Ministry of Household Affairs and is seeking an official position in the Ministry of Household Affairs, he is also very good at eliminating dissidents. Recently, he has been working extra hard to please Li Linfu.
As soon as he came in, Yang Zhao said: "Right Prime Minister, Yang Zhao has fulfilled his mission."
Luo Xishi looked sideways and saw some blood stains on the hem of Yang Zhao's official robe. He immediately felt shocked and secretly thought that he could not fall behind. How can a pair of pincers be compared to a pot of saliva?
The instructions they received recently were very simple, "There are many wretched people in the grassland, and they may leak the country's secrets." Unexpectedly, Yang Zhao was able to deal with these wretched people in the grassland so quickly.
After discussing for a while, the two of them exited the Right Prime Minister's Mansion at the same time.
"Yang Yushi." Luo Xishi reminded with a smile: "Do you know that you did something wrong?"
"oh?"
Yang Zhao turned around and asked with a smile: "What did I do wrong?"
Luo Xishi said bluntly: "Why do you want to introduce Xue Bai to see Mrs. Guo Guo?"
Yang Zhao was stunned for a moment, and secretly scolded Luo Qian for being nosy.
Xue Bai was also the Prime Minister at that time, how could he be blamed?
But this was a topic that was brought up only after meeting the right minister. Yang Zhao did not dare to neglect and asked: "How can Yushi Luo teach me?"
"Since it's you who caused the trouble, it's up to you to solve it."
Yang Zhao sighed slightly, knowing that he was going to separate Xue Bai and Mrs. Guo Guo.
The solution is simple, just find some beautiful men and send them over.
After leaving the Right Prime Minister's Mansion, his recently conquered confidant Yang Guanghui ran up to him, bowed and saluted, "Uncle."
Yang Zhao pulled Yang Guanghui's collar, walked far enough away from the Jinwu Guards at the door, and asked in a low voice: "Have you found the blood sample?"
"The official searched the boy's body... but couldn't find it." Yang Guanghui stammered: "However, Zhang Tongru reported it and said that it was probably taken away by Du Qi."
"Du Qi?" Yang Zhao frowned and said thoughtfully: "Is that kid in Dali Temple prison with Xue Bai at this time?"
"yes."
"First, let's find some beautiful boys. Those who are interesting should preferably be able to write poems."
Yang Guanghui was stunned for a moment, then hurriedly responded.
~~
The imperial city, the province under the door.
Yan Zhenqing waited for a long time before being introduced to Fang Guan's public apartment.
Ge Shizhong is a high-ranking official of the fifth rank. He holds important positions under his sect, and is responsible for daily state affairs. He is responsible for making memorials to hundreds of ministers, and is subject to his review, approval, and rejection of imperial edicts. He has great power. You can also go in and out of the palace and often serve the emperor.
Therefore, it is said that Fang Guan has reached the last few steps on the road to prime minister, and he is accompanied by the emperor's grandson, King Guangping, who is not as jealous of the saints as his subordinates in the East Palace.
When they met this time, Fang Guan was wearing a crimson official robe and a goldfish bag. He had a straight face and was much more dignified than last time.
"At this time of year, Qing ministers should not come to see me!"
"Why?"
"Can't you see? Ge Nu wants to lead the fire to the East Palace again."
Yan Zhenqing picked up a verdict document with both hands and handed it to Fang Guan's desk.
"What is it?" Fang Guan asked calmly without looking.
"Someone died in Gongyuan, and this is my verdict. The county magistrate refused to accept it, and the capital also refused to accept it, so we had to send it to Menxia Province for Fang Gong to see."
"Because the Chang'an County government still can't control Gongyuan! Yan Qingchen, it's enough for you to do your job well."
"In the past, I could tolerate it." Yan Zhenqing said: "There are many things that the East Palace should not come forward for, but this time Ge Nu has gone too far. Recruiting materials is the foundation of the country. Emperor Taizong once said, 'All the heroes in the world are in my hands.' The emperor does not Visiting the scientific examination in person has never happened since the founding of the country! Now that Genu is in control of the examination hall, if the criticizing ministers are speechless and the remonstrance drums are hung high, and the whole court is as purple as a horse standing without saying a word, the foundation of the country will be completely destroyed!"
"Qingchen..."
"Fang Gong, this matter is far more terrifying than you expected! Everything is tolerable, but this matter cannot be tolerated. The talented people in the dynasty were all squeezed out and suppressed, and all the talented people could not enter the officialdom, just like a big tree Without roots and rivers without sources, the heroes of the world will only flow to other places, and the overthrow of the country is just around the corner!"
"Bang!"
Fang Guan was furious, slapped the table and yelled: "Yan Zhenqing! Don't be alarmist!"
"At this time, no one except Dong Palace can help protect these moves..."
"If Donggong doesn't take action, it's the best protection for them!"
"But who protects their hearts? If no one of the Gong Gong princes comes forward, who can make up for the disappointment of these talents to the court? The prince of the country, if you don't stand up at this time, how can the clan's prestige be sustained?"
Fang Guan raised his hand and wanted to take another shot.
In the end, his hand gently placed on Yan Zhenqing's verdict and put it away.
"Did you know that once the East Palace intervenes, all of us will be demoted."
"Sit back and wait for death, and the result will be the same."
"You are not suitable to be appointed as Chang'an County Lieutenant. I plan to seek promotion for you again. This time it will be a post outside."
Yan Zhenqing was stunned, raised his head, and his lips trembled.
He refused.
There was a lot to say, but I couldn't say it.
He wanted to ask Fang Guan whether there was something wrong with him and he was not suitable to be the captain of Chang'an County, or was there something wrong with him in the prosperous age of the Tang Dynasty? !
…
Yanzhai.
There are not many candlesticks in the hall, only six. The positions are carefully arranged and look quite warm.
Wei Yunzheng and Yan Yan were chatting and laughing under the candlelight, while their young second son had fallen asleep.
"Grandpa is back."
Yan Yan's complexion improved a lot. She stood up and bowed Yingying, looking particularly well-behaved.
"The master came here today and gave my daughter a Ganoderma lucidum pill. Can I give her a pair of pills with my grandfather's name next time?"
Yan Zhenqing couldn't help but smile while stroking his beard, feeling much better.
He sat down in the hall, chatted with his family, and asked Yan Yan to go to bed early.
Only the husband and wife were left and turned back to the main room. Wei Yun whispered: "Lang Jun, Mrs. Liu has also been here today. After the results were released, Xue Bai disappeared."
Yan Zhenqing had expected it and sighed: "Li Shizhi has been investigated."
"What? If we didn't investigate the Chunwei case, how could we investigate the left prime minister again?"
"He has been out of office for more than half a year, and you are still calling him 'left prime minister'. This is a crime."
Wei Yun muttered in a low voice: "I don't even know who the current left prime minister is..."
Yan Zhenqing's eyes became more and more worried, knowing that Xue Bai must have been implicated by Li Shizhi.
This shameless boy just saved his daughter and stood idly by while it was unreasonable. But what could a mere county captain do about such a thing?
"Mother Xian, please go to Xue's house in person tomorrow and remind Lady Liu to ask Mrs. Guo Guo to save her son as soon as possible."
Yan Zhenqing is not a pedantic person. After all, he was forced to give the Xue family an idea...
~~
Mrs. Guo's Mansion.
Mingzhu walked around the screen, walked to the lobby, and glanced at Yang Zhao lightly.
"Girl, this is specially found for you."
Yang Zhao quickly bent down, smiled apologetically and handed over an extremely delicate gold hairpin.
"Look at the craftsmanship of this golden butterfly. The wings are thinner than paper. The leaves are carved from a single piece of turquoise...it's priceless!"
"I don't know which poor woman you got it from, but my life is thinner than paper and I can't bear it."
Hearing these words, Yang Zhao's heart trembled, he bent down even lower, raised his hand and slapped himself, crying: "I'm sorry for you, I fell in love as soon as I saw you, I... "
"Stop talking." Mingzhu couldn't see his behavior and said: "You were promoted to the imperial censor at the beginning of the year, and now you want an official position. Mrs. Guo Guo can't help you. Go back."
"Yes, yes, I'm not here to seek an official position this time, I'm here to give you a gift... and I'd like to ask the girl to take a look."
Yang Zhao turned sideways, revealing a row of beautiful young people.
All of them have beautiful faces and handsome faces. What's rare is that they have different temperaments. Some are elegant, some are handsome, and some are delicate.
"I spent a lot of effort to find it. Why don't you ask Mrs. Guo Guo to come out and take a look?"
"Wait."
Mingzhu didn't dare to make the decision without authorization and finally returned to the back hall.
After a while, Yang Yuyao came over, looked at the row of beautiful young people from left to right, and said leisurely: "They are really beautiful and delicious. Please sign up."
Yang Zhao turned around and reminded: "Sign up."
"I have met... I have met Mrs. Guo Guo. My slave is Xiao Chenghuan from Yangzhou. She is good at playing chess, calligraphy and painting."
"I am Xue...Xue Xue Taibai?"
"Pfft."
Yang Yuyao suddenly laughed, covered her mouth with a fan and asked, "Who taught you this name?"
Xue Taibai was so frightened that he knelt down and said, "Yes...yes...my name is Xu Taibai..."
"Okay, okay." Yang Yuyao waved her fan, "It seems that my cousin heard that Xue Bai was imprisoned in Dali Temple, so he specially found these handsome men to make me happy."
Yang Zhao smiled and said: "Yes, Xue Bai is involved in a relatively big case this time, and I can't do anything about it, so I have to make this move..."
"Well, it's really a big case." Yang Yuyao was still laughing, "By the way, you heard that he wrote a poem the day before yesterday."
"When it comes to poetry, these young people know it too..." Yang Zhao was halfway through his words when he saw that Yang Yuyao wanted to read Xue Bai's poem first, so he had to pretend to be attentive.
It was rare that Yang Yuyao could memorize a poem this time and chant it softly.
"Thousands of houses are like a chess game, and twelve streets are like vegetable beds."
"Looking far into the morning fire, there is a star with five doors to the west."
Yang Zhao was stunned when he heard this.
He originally thought it was amazing, but now he couldn't understand whether the poem was good or bad, but he could tell that it was just a poem about Chang'an City.
“I wonder what’s so special about this poem?”
"It's nothing special." Yang Yuyao smiled more and more, and said leisurely: "It's just that Xue Bai was inspired by seeing Chang'an on the Danfeng Gate Tower. By the way, do you know the name of this poem?"
"I...don't know."
"The title of this poem is not easy to remember." Yang Yuyao thought for a while and said, "It seems to be "Fenghe Shengzhi Forbidden Garden served the saint all night long playing dominoes and then the Daming Palace tower watched the lanterns and responded to it," right?"
Yang Zhao didn't hear it clearly at first, and it took him a while to figure it out.
"Bone...domino?"
When he realized what he was doing, he was stunned.
"My cousin's gift is too heavy, take it back."
Yang Yuyao waved her hand proudly and took the pearl back to the backyard.
The more she thought about her performance just now, the more satisfied she felt, and she couldn't help but say: "My pearl, I recently discovered that only that kind of... that kind of, um, very smart man can catch my eye..."
