That night, Cui Youfu didn't sleep well, and his eyes were swollen when he woke up the next day.
When he went to Wannian County Yamen, he was still thinking about yesterday's case. When he passed through the square gate, he saw Xue Bai sitting in front of a bun stall. This was the third time the two met here in recent days.
"Xue Lang is waiting for me?"
"No, I live nearby and came out to eat."
"You'll be late for the office."
"Yes." Xue Bai ate his buns calmly, "It's really inconvenient to live in Xuanyangfang but work in Chang'an County."
Cui Youfu was fed up with him selling things off all day long. He didn't bother to ask any more questions and went straight to the county government office.
There are cases that cannot be investigated. He, the Wannian Lieutenant, is nothing more than a descendant of a well-known family with only a few qualifications, so it is easy for people to look down upon him.
However, not long after he sat down, a clerk came over and asked him to come to the palace and reminded him.
"The Ministry of Punishment sent someone to ask about yesterday's case."
Cui Youfu had a thought in his mind, secretly thinking that Xue Bai had really guessed it right, and someone was really adding fuel to the fire. Since he was from the Ministry of Punishment, he must be from the Right Prime Minister's Office, hoping that the case can be investigated.
In the order, Feng Yongzhi was scolded bloody, which showed the difficulty of Fuguo County Magistrate. But when he saw Cui Youfu coming, Feng Yongzhi immediately regained his composure, waved his hand and said: "Check, Ren Haichuan's The murder case must be investigated.”
"Here."
Cui Youfu immediately wanted to chat with Xue Bai, who was eating breakfast outside the county government office, and rushed outside. I happened to see Xue Baizheng paying for the buns and preparing to leave.
He stepped forward and asked, "Xue Lang isn't going to Chang'an County Yamen yet?"
"Here we go."
"If Mr. Xue has something to say to me, you can do it now."
With that said, Cui Youfu came closer and said in a low voice: "I believe you."
"No."
Xue Bai responded with a smile and looked at the other end of the long street from the corner of his eye. His people were already secretly following the official from the Ministry of Justice who had just left.
He did not come for Cui Youfu, but because he suspected that someone was using them to investigate the case. He wanted to find out the other party. If it is said that "the mantis stalks the cicada, the oriole follows behind", there is not much difference between his oriole and Cui Youfu's cicada. Said.
"Xue Lang should know a lot, right?"
"You will find out if you go and investigate." Xue Bai said: "Someone must deliberately reveal clues to you, and the clue should point to Wang He."
"Why?"
"Check it yourself."
"Can't you just tell me everything you know?"
Xue Bai smiled, waved and left without answering.
He seemed to be in no hurry to go to Chang'an County Government and headed north.
Even though Cui Youfu had the demeanor of a famous family, he was very annoyed at this time. He gritted his teeth and secretly made up his mind to find out the truth and know more than Xue Bai.
On the long street, a few men wandering around looked furtively in their direction.
Finally, one of the men turned around the alley, left Xuanyangfang, and arrived near Anshangmen of the Imperial City. He said to the other man: "The two county captains from Chang'an and Wannian have met. It's time to investigate the case together."
~~
Da Xi Yingying didn't sleep well last night. She was looking at the dark circles on her face in front of the bronze mirror. Her fingers were stained with makeup and powder, and she asked, "Have you all followed?"
"Yes, it was Xiao Yinzhi, the Minister of Punishment, who put pressure on Wannian County; the spies who secretly watched the Wannian County government office and finally reported the news to the Yushitai."
"Yushitai?"
This result was completely beyond Da Xi Yingying's expectation. She couldn't help but stop her movements and murmured: "Wang Fei was afraid of being found out, so he sent people to keep an eye on the progress. Is it possible that we followed the wrong person?"
No one could answer her question. She thought for a while and couldn't figure it out, so she asked: "Where is Mr. Lang? I have to go see him."
"Mr. Lang went to Xingqing Palace to present treasures."
~~
Xingqing Palace.
Xue Bai has never met Li Longji alone. In the past, he was not qualified. He was always summoned to the palace or accompanied by Yang Yuyao.
But now he was considered a Beijing official, so he decided to give it a try to prevent Li Longji from thinking that he relied on the Yang sisters for everything.
He didn't know what the process was. It was against the rules for an eighth-grade official to ask for an interview with the Holy Master. He didn't even know whether Li Longji was asleep or awake. In short, he went to Chuyang Gate to submit himself.
"Xue Bai, the captain of Chang'an County, has something new that he wants to dedicate to the saint."
Without waiting for a word to be said, the faces of the imperial guards guarding the palace showed uncontrollable smiles.
"Who doesn't know Xue Lang? I won't read if I tell you. I'll wait here and I'll make an exception for you."
"Thank you very much. What do you call the generals?"
"He's not a general, he's just an errand..."
These forbidden troops usually shout "retreat" when they see anyone, but after chatting with them, you will find that most of them are silly children from the noble family. Some are more flamboyant, some are shy, and there is no killing under the shining golden armor. Defeat the energy.
Not long after, it was Wu Huaishi who came to see Xue Bai in person.
"The saint is discussing state affairs in the small court meeting. I really can't see you." Wu Huaishi said sincerely: "It's true. When my uncle comes out later, Xue Lang will know. But if you trust me, if you want to present any novelty items, I can do it for you." You pass it on, and the saint will express his merits for Xue Lang as soon as he is free."
"good."
Xue Bai was not worried that he would cause trouble in this kind of thing. He directly handed over the box in his hand and said: "It's just some simple tricks. The rules are all written down. A saint can understand them at a glance."
Wu Huaishi was stunned for a moment, with a touch of emotion on his face, and said with a smile: "Xue Lang actually believes in me so much."
"Why don't I trust General Wu?"
"Yes, I was afraid that Mr. Xue would blame me for what happened to Lu Linghao. I am a disciple of General Gao, and we are actually the same family as Mr. Xue." Wu Huaashi took the box, stroked it twice, and said, "This is Xue Lang Lang should share the credit with me, and if you have anything to do from now on, just talk to me."
"I also handle official business in Yanshi. General Wu does not worry about personal matters and is open-minded and admirable."
The two are willing to show goodwill to each other and speak kind words to each other.
Not long after, Yang Guozhong came out under the leadership of several eunuchs, and walking side by side was an old Taoist priest.
There are many Taoist priests in Chang'an City who are immortal and elegant, but this old Taoist priest is thin and unattractive, with only a pair of extremely bright eyes that can see through everything in the world.
After leaving the palace gate, Yang Guozhong first invited the old man to get on the carriage and walked towards Xue Bai.
"Why is Abai here?"
"Last time at the Royal Banquet at Huae Tower, my brother offered a pipa, but I didn't offer anything. Today I have to come and make up for it."
"Hahaha." Yang Guozhong smiled heartily and patted Xue Bai's shoulder affectionately, "If you had told me earlier, why would it be difficult for me to bring you a share when I offer treasures to saints in the future?"
There should have been a dispute between the two about the political legacy left behind by Yang Guo after his death. However, Xue Bai returned to Chang'an these days and was delayed on Wei Hui's case, but he never had the opportunity to have a good talk with Yang Guozhong. I took this opportunity to test out a few words.
"I heard that brother recommended Yang Guanghui as the salt and iron envoy judge?"
"Yes." Yang Guozhong said, "You also know that Yuan Zai is short-sighted and greedy, and he was demoted because of his own fault. The salt industry is a big business of the Yang family, so I let Yang Guanghui handle it. What do you think?"
Thinking that Xue Bai had originally raised the issue of salt, he finally asked casually.
Xue Bai said: "I don't think it's appropriate. Although Yuan Zai is ambitious, he has real talent; Yang Guanghui is far more greedy and despicable than Yuan Zai, but he has no talent. Why bother using him to ruin the official reputation?"
"I see. It's a pity that you didn't come back early, otherwise I would have asked you first." Yang Guozhong laughed, "The matter has been settled, there is nothing we can do."
"It doesn't matter, brother, can you discuss with me first about the appointment of officials in Yanyan?"
"good!"
Yang Guozhong readily agreed and turned to leave, but he couldn't help turning around and said with a smile: "I'll give you a few more words of wealth. Your promotion is not slow. Lieutenant Chixian, but did you know that I will change my purple robe soon? You can still listen to my advice on my official career."
As he spoke, he pointed to Xue Bai's official robe, and then to himself.
"When it comes to getting promoted, sincerity will lead to success. You must first think about getting promoted and do everything for promotion. When you were in Yanshi County, your efforts were not in the right place. Now that you have returned to Chang'an, you should think more clearly about how to make meritorious deeds. If you still don’t understand anything after making meritorious service, come to me, there is a place for you in the Yang family.”
"I understand what brother said."
Yang Guozhong smiled proudly, waved his hand, got on his horse, and led the carriage away.
Xue Bai then went to Chang'an County Yamen.
As soon as they arrived at the Yamen, a servant came over and whispered: "Mr. Lang, Madam Daxi has news that she wants to pass on to you."
Xue Bai took the message, glanced at it, and showed no reaction. He put the note away and said, "Ask her to meet me at Du's house in the evening."
"Here."
Xue Bai went to Lingshi to see Jia Jilin and asked, "May I ask the county magistrate, has the Wannian County Government found out the murderer of Ren Haichuan?"
"How do you know?"
"It's a guess." Xue Bai said, "The situation has gradually become clearer. Whether we want to investigate this case or not, it will come to light."
Jia Jilin was silent and said: "Cui Youfu found a clue today in Xinchangguan. Someone saw the murderer of Ren Haichuan. Wannian County is looking for him, and the arrest documents have been delivered."
Xue Bai glanced at the sea arrest document and asked, "Should the county magistrate know who this person is?"
There was no one else in the room. Jia Jilin closed his eyes tiredly, rubbed his forehead, and sighed: "This is Wang Wen's song."
"Wang Weng sent people to kill Ren Haichuan. What will be the consequences of this?"
"What will be the consequences? I don't know." Jia Jilin said, "It's really disturbing..."
~~
In the evening, Du Zhai.
Xue Bai and Du Wulang sat down in the back garden and looked a little strange as they watched Da Xi Yingying, dressed as a maid, carrying a tray.
She doesn't suit this look, and her aura doesn't match.
"The context of this case has emerged. Li Linfu set up a bureau to deal with Wang He." Da Xi Yingying said, "Li Linfu instigated Wei Hui and Ren Haichuan to approach Wang Weng in order to get Wang He's handle. Wang He saw through this matter. , so Wei Hui and Ren Haichuan were killed, and Li Linfu deliberately caused the case again."
"So that's it." Du Wulang said, "It's very clear when you see it this way."
Xue Bai shook his head and said, "You sent people to follow me. Did the people who were watching Cui Youfu and me arrive at the Yushitai?"
"Yes, it's Wang Fei who sent someone..."
"It's not him." Xue Bai said slowly: "If my guess is correct, the person behind this should be Yang Guozhong, the censor."
"Why?"
"The whole thing is not Ge Nu's style." Xue Bai carefully considered his words and finally commented: "It's too subpar."
Du Wulang couldn't help but ask: "Is Brother Nu very good? When he framed my grandpa..."
"Ge Nu was not trying to frame your grandpa. At that time, his target was Li Heng. He only borrowed a piece of paper from Liu Ji and made Dong Gong break his own arm. In contrast, in this case of Wei Hui, too much was done, and... It’s more like Yang Guozhong’s style.”
"What style?"
Da Xi Yingying said: "Present treasures. Initially, when Ren Haichuan approached Wang Weang, he wanted to offer some longevity elixirs to the saint, and hang a medicine bag on his crotch to make his words harden."
She didn't shy away from it in front of the two teenagers, and Du Wulang lowered his head shyly.
"Yes, aside from the bells and whistles, such a vulgar core must be the work of Yang Guozhong. He may be more eager to get rid of Wang Fei than Li Linfu."
Xue Bai said, recalling today's conversation with Yang Guozhong, he could feel the feeling of wanting to rise to the top.
But when Yang Guozhong was at the point where he wanted to go one step further, he had to get rid of Wang Zhi. It should be noted that Wang Zhi held more than 20 positions, including peace, transportation, criminal law, and legislation, but he was still Jing Zhaoyin.
How to make meritorious service? What's the shortcoming after meritorious deeds? This saying of ten thousand dollars makes it very clear that if the Wei Hui case is discovered, there will be merit and failure.
However, after getting rid of Wang Fei, will Yang Guozhong really share the credit with Xue Bai?
I'm afraid I want to get rid of him all together.
The Wei Hui case was not discovered by Xue Bai at all. It emerged bit by bit on its own. If Xue Bai initially concluded that Wei Hui committed suicide. Once the incident happens, he will definitely be accused of being an accomplice.
"I still have a doubt." Da Xi Yingying said thoughtfully, "It's just killing Ren Haichuan and Wei Hui. It's not a serious crime. How can we defeat Wang He?"
This is what Xue Bai wants to confirm from Jia Jilin.
Li Longji's favor towards Wang Fei far exceeded many people's expectations. Even Li Linfu may not be able to collect countless private funds for Li Longji like Wang Zhi. This is where Wang Zhun's confidence lies. What does it mean to shoot off a consort's hosta with a slingshot? So what if the other party praises and kills him? The holy members of the Wang family simply ignore any means of criticism.
There is only one crime.
"rebellion."
Xue Bai already had the answer in his heart. Even if he didn't get confirmation, he still uttered these two words with confidence.
"Only a serious crime of treason can shake Wang Fei, be worthy of Yang Guozhong's calculations, and be able to get rid of me too."
"Ah?" Du Wulang was not surprised, but muttered helplessly: "This year, too many people have rebelled, haven't they?"
As he spoke, he bent his fingers and counted, not knowing what he was counting, until he had counted all ten fingers.
Xue Bai didn't say anything, and sat quietly watching the movements of Du Wulang's hands, as if he saw the cruel and selfish power struggle of the Tang Dynasty at the snap of his fingers.
Every finger bends down, just like an important official who holds several governors or dozens of official posts falls.
After a while, Du Wulang felt that the atmosphere was unusually quiet. He raised his head and was surprised that they were all watching him count. He said in astonishment: "Look at what I am doing?"
"nothing."
"Well, Yang Guozhong has also become more advanced and can scheme with people. Now that you see it, what should we do?"
Xue Bai thought for a while, his eyes suddenly became more open-minded, and said: "I will write a letter and give it to your second sister."
~~
A few days later, the fishing documents were still posted on the notice wall of Changshoufang.
Xue Bai would take a look every time he passed by. He knew who was pictured in the Haidu document, but as a Chang'an county lieutenant, he made no comment.
He began to wonder about a question in his mind. He had been back to Chang'an for a while, but Li Linfu didn't invite him to meet and talk and reach a consensus this time.
Maybe he saw that Yang Guozhong was so capable and had already planned to frame Wang Zhi, so he ignored him, or regarded him as a dead person?
Thinking about this, Xue Bai began to feel that the power struggle in Chang'an City was forming a new storm, and he was obviously caught in it.
"Xue Lang."
A ninth-grade official stood in front of Wei Xie. When he saw Xue Bai, he laughed and said, "I have been waiting here for Xue Lang for a long time. Jing Yin would like to invite you to come over and chat for a few words."
Xue Bai asked: "Is it appropriate for Jing Yin to see me at this time?"
"Seeing or not seeing, I'm afraid the difference won't be too big."
"good."
Xue Bai indeed planned to meet Wang Fei. Compared with meeting in secret, such an open and honest official meeting would be better.
Jingzhao Mansion is in Guangdefang, not far away. The two of them walked there. On the way, Xue Bai asked: "When I returned to Chang'an, why did everyone call me 'Xue Lang' instead of 'Xue County Lieutenant'?"
"I feel that Xue Lang is talented and should not be just a county lieutenant. He will be promoted soon."
"I'd like to lend you some good words."
Xue Bai used to come to Jingzhao Mansion often, but in the past he was mostly arrested. This was the first time he came to the government as an official.
In just over three years, Jing Zhaoyin changed from Han Chaozong and Xiao Jiong to Wang Xian. This time when he came, he could feel that the atmosphere in the government office was much more serious than before. But Wang Zhi only served as Jing Zhaoyin concurrently and did not even come to the Yamen often.
The official residence is very luxuriously decorated, and even the corridor is covered with thick carpets.
"Jingyin, Xue Lang is here."
Wang Zhizheng was standing in front of the window with his hands behind his hands. He turned around and waved his hand to signal others to step aside. He wanted to chat with Xue Bai alone.
"My men don't know how to do things."
The first thing he said when he opened his mouth was to point to the carpet in the corridor and said: "There is no sound when you walk. If someone comes to eavesdrop, you won't notice."
Xue Bai said: "Fortunately, Jingyin and I didn't say anything shameful."
Wang Zhi was usually very busy and did not mince words when speaking. He went straight to the point: "You have made great achievements in Yanshi. You found out that Gao Chong and Gao Shang brothers of the Anlushan sect were shaking the eastern capital and plotting against evil. It is a pity that the court did not pay attention to it."
"Yes, An Lushan is going to rebel, and the Gao brothers have all the evidence, but the saint doesn't seem to believe it?"
"Because the right prime minister is protecting him, and the right prime minister is counting on An Lushan to help him prevent the crown prince from ascending the throne. I am willing to prove this in front of the saint, but I need your cooperation. Do you have the guts to be an enemy of An Lushan?"
Xue Bai had little contact with Wang Fei before, so he looked at him carefully.
Wang Fei was considered thin among officials of the Tang Dynasty. The purple official robe was a little too big, and it made him even thinner. Compared with his fierce reputation, he was obviously not as well-known as he was in person.
But this may be the reason why Li Linfu has always been able to accommodate Wang Fei. His figure does not have the tallness and majesty of the prime minister.
But Wang Fei's eyes are full of sincerity, which is very touching.
"How about you and I join forces to get rid of An Lushan, ask Li Linfu to step down as prime minister, and I will ensure your future is smooth sailing?" Seeing Xue Bai not answering, Wang Xian asked again.
"I really want to agree." Xue Bai said: "But the premise is...can Wang Jingyin be able to protect himself?"
"The saint believes in me." Wang Zhi said with a straight face: "You can absolutely rest assured of the saint's trust in me."
"In that case, why did you kill Wei Hui and Ren Haichuan?"
"They deserve to be killed."
"Do they have evidence of rebellion by you or Wang Weld?"
"It's just a frame-up."
Xue Bai said: "If it was really framed, we wouldn't be talking here today. Although Yang Guozhong's setup is rough, he only dares to be so confident after getting real evidence. Probably after the Lishan assassination case, Yang Guozhong was suspicious of you, so he sent Wei Hui, who had a grudge against Wang Zhun, and Ren Haichuan, a swindling Taoist priest, to approach Wang Weld. What did they really discover?"
"False." Wang Xie became more and more displeased with Xue Bai's attitude, "Li Linfu was suspicious of me and Yang Guozhong regarded me as a stumbling block. They both wanted to harm me. My brother is easy to bully, so they deliberately brought Ren Haichuan close to him. Treat you After finding out the truth about An Lushan's rebellion, they became even more frantic. They would rather protect the traitor than get rid of me. But do you know? I can't do anything, and your situation is dangerous. "
"Yeah?"
"You have completely offended them by getting rid of the Gao brothers and proving An Lushan. They first framed me to clear my name, and the next step is to deal with you."
As he spoke, Wang Zhi slowed down his speech, thinking that he had spoken too much and that his desire to persuade Xue Bai was too obvious.
But when he turned around, Xue Bai's expression was still calm. If he didn't have enough persuasion, it would be difficult to win his full help.
"You offended the prince, and then Li Linfu. You reported An Lushan's treachery, and you were not good with Zhang Quyi." Wang Xian said derogatoryly, "Now that Yang Wei is dead, it is inevitable that you and Yang Guozhong will turn against each other. Looking at the court, important ministers They all regard you as their enemy, and I am the only one who can help you.”
Xue Bai said: "Then, what does Jingyin want me to do?"
Wang Fei was silent for a moment.
He had just said that he could help Xue Bai, but when he heard this question immediately, he felt a little ridiculed. But with his character, he would never be unable to speak because of this.
"Next, they must criticize me, and you must speak truthfully in front of the saints. Wei Hui's case is obviously a frame-up; you must contact the imperial concubine, Chen Xilie, and use the newspaper to support me; I know you have more security on your hands. Give me the evidence of Lushan's treachery and I will report An Lushan to the saint..."
Xue Bai does have evidence.
For example, when Gao Shang went to see Aunt Gongsun, he brought a token of Qianniu Guard Cao Canjun and Liu Luogu; for example, there were some iron tools in Yanshi; for example, some records left by Gao Chong.
He thought for a while and said slowly: "There is a token, but it can't prove anything."
"Give it to me," Wang Zhi said, "I'll check it out. There's nothing that the Yushitai can't check."
"Okay, I'll send someone to Jingyin's house at night."
Wang Fei breathed a sigh of relief.
He is obviously a serious person and busy with official duties, but at this time he is willing to spend time with Xue Bai to chat more topics.
"The Chang'an County Lieutenant is not a position where you can display your talents. It's just to add qualifications. If you want to be promoted in the next step, the Yushitai is the best choice. After being appointed to the seventh rank as the Yushi, and then moving to the sixth rank, the red robe will not be Far……"
Xue Bai had been observing Wang Fei and noticed that he was always frowning.
"Raja."
"What's the matter?"
"Is your brother planning with Ren Haichuan... to poison the saint?"
Wang Fei's expression suddenly changed, and he subconsciously turned his head to look at the corridor outside the house, fearing that someone would come over unknowingly.
~~
At the same time, Cui Youfu was leading a group of Wannian County officers to surround a small courtyard in Jing'anfang.
"Are you sure this is where it is?"
"I saw with my own eyes that the man who was sent in was exactly the same as the man on the sea arrest document."
Cui Youfu then leaned over and asked in a low voice at the closest distance to the untouchables: "Who asked you to report the crime?"
"The villain really saw him go in."
There was a "bang" sound, and the guards had already knocked on the door and rushed in, shouting loudly.
"Take it!"
"County Lieutenant, the person is dead!"
Cui Youfu strode into the small courtyard and saw a coffin on a cart. The arrested Wang family guard was lying in it. Apparently, he had just been silenced and was about to be sent out of the city for burial.
"You haven't run far yet, let me chase you!"
"Chase!"
Cui Youfu knew that the case was about to be solved, but he felt like he was being manipulated.
I can make meritorious deeds and be promoted, but I just feel uncomfortable...
~~
Luoyang, Daodefang, Dufu.
Du Jin received a letter delivered by express delivery. When he opened it, he found that it was full of strange symbols.
She then quickly returned to her boudoir, locked the door, took out a book from under the pillow, and wrote it again according to the contents of the letter.
Xue Bai's words were plain, as if he were talking to her face to face. When she saw it later, she couldn't help but smile knowingly.
"What I see in Chang'an this time seems to be more smoky than before. In the prosperous days of Tianbao, major rebellion cases have been going on year after year. It must be that Wang Xian will plot rebellion soon, and it may be difficult to stop it. However, if there is a 'Rebel of An Lushan' secretly When he entered the capital, he started an incident with the king, and the whole court and the public were shocked."
~~
It was that night that Xue Bai handed Liu Luogu's token to Wang Xi...
(End of chapter)
