Inside the palace.
Cao Zhengchun carried the little yellow cat on his shoulder, and Shi Shiran walked out of Concubine Sun's palace in a good mood.
Recently, she has made a breakthrough in her cultivation. She can now use the spiritual perspective to see places that ordinary people cannot see with their naked eyes. The concubine Sun Guifei is pregnant with the dragon child.
very nice.
For a family, children are hope. Especially the royal family, there are thousands of people around them, and they also have their own family children.
If the emperor does not have a dragon son, they should worry about whether their family will still be there a hundred years from now and whether their glory can continue.
Of course, as the day approaches, there are various surprises in and outside the palace from time to time, and some people can't help but send people directly to explore the palace.
Fortunately, his martial arts skills were passable and he was relatively idle. He was basically paying attention to various emergencies all day long.
Those who have come so far have been sent to Eunuch Liu to receive the highest level of hospitality in the East Factory. Although all those who have come are dead soldiers, there are still a few who cannot bear the torture.
No, Dongchang's reputation has increased greatly in recent days. Several cabinet bachelors have been arrested in succession, and celebrities such as Liu Jian and Xie Qian have been investigated and dealt with by the elders of the two dynasties.
As his power became increasingly arrogant, Governor Liu found fault with the officials for their minor faults, sent out lieutenants and spies from far and near, and did not allow others to rescue and intercede. He even specialized in power and sent trusted eunuchs to guard various frontier fortresses.
It can be said that Dongchang has become a sharp knife hanging over the heads of the gentry in the world, a guillotine that can fall at any time.
"Father!" Pi Xiaotian came over to bow and greeted him.
Outside the palace, Dongchang might be powerful, but inside the palace, his adopted father was the most feared and awe-inspiring person among all the eunuchs and chamberlains. No matter where you are, no matter what you do, no matter what time, he seems to be there.
[Mr. Cao, he is watching you! 】This sentence seems to have become the inner demon of everyone in the palace.
"What's the matter?" Cao Zhengchun said with a smile.
Eunuch Cao thought that he had always been a polite and friendly old man.
"Reporting to my adoptive father, the god's sweetheart, girl Su Xin, has recovered as before after taking the second natural cardamom. In recent days, Hulong Villa has hardly any response to Eunuch Liu's persecution of officials.
There are even rumors that Shenhou is obsessed with the prisoner's woman and cannot extricate himself.
Since then, hundreds of officials have been leaderless, and there are even official censors writing to the imperial censor, asking your majesty to make Eunuch Liu nine thousand years old! "Pi Xiaotian said quickly.
Looking at Dongchang's momentum today, it is almost dominating the world, and everyone is talking about it.
Cao Zhengchun didn't take it seriously, but smiled and said: "This man, things are unpredictable. Sometimes he obviously wins, but actually loses. Some people, even though they obviously lose, will be the one who laughs last."
Pi Xiaotian didn't understand, but he had made a lot of money as a stall these days and was in a good mood.
"In addition, a major event happened in the Jianghu. The No. 1 Dizi of Hulong Villa, Guihai Yida, learned some evil sword skills from somewhere. He went crazy and went on a killing spree in the Jianghu, killing three famous martial arts figures in a row: Qilin Zi, Jian Jingfeng, and Master Jie.
The righteous sect headed by Shaolin has issued a "martial arts pursuit order", and it must be killed with one knife as soon as possible!
Later, Shaolin took this opportunity to attack, saying that the No. 1 secret agent of Hulong Villa could not be a murderer, and asked Shenhou to deal with it impartially.
The Shenhou only replied: Jianghu is a matter of Jianghu.
As a result, the huge Hulong Villa is now only supported by Tiedan Shenhou, and it is estimated that it will be destroyed. "
Pi Xiaotian said with a smile.
In the past, when I fought with Hulong Villa, I was defeated every time, but since I recognized my ancestor, everything seems to have become different and comfortable.
After hearing this, Cao Zhengchun looked serious. Not only was there no joy at all, but he felt very cold in his heart.
Zhu ignored this and was too cruel.
This is a true hero, chatting and laughing, watching everyone risk their lives, even if that person is the adopted son and daughter he has raised and trained for more than 20 years, he doesn't care.
"Xiaotian, listen to me. If you don't want to die suddenly, please retreat. Go back to the palace and take an idle position. With our ancestors protecting you, we can still live a good life."
After pondering for a while, Cao Zhengchun, kind-hearted and peaceful, persuaded his adopted son.
Pi Xiaotian was surprised.
Now that Dongchang is at its peak, a big stall like his can collect as many gold and silver treasures as he wants every day. When Hulong Villa falls in some time, all civil and military officials will tremble under his butcher knife.
Then won’t the real good days come?
Retreating at this time is because you don’t have enough time to be rich and powerful, or you don’t feel comfortable being flattered by others. Isn’t it a bad idea?
After a moment of silence, Pi Xiaotian wondered: "Father, let me think about it."
Cao Zhengchun waved his hand: "Go down."
"yes!"
After saying goodbye to his adopted son, Cao Zhengchun didn't feel much emotion. He walked slowly towards his small courtyard with his hands behind his back.
The palace is luxurious, with mottled light and shadow illuminated by the setting sun.
The wind makes the sunset seem to be flowing, and the sky set against the fluttering clouds is higher and bluer.
After a while, he gradually arrived at the entrance of the small courtyard. Cao Zhengchun looked at the middle hall of his house. Dinner was already being served in a lively manner, with a smile on his rosy face unconsciously.
Today, he is no longer the same as before. Every time he goes home, there is always a little ancestor watching over his home. Among these thousands of lights, there is always one light that is lit for him.
very nice.
"Meow meow~"
[The holy fire is shining! Holy Light Yaoyao! All my disciples! Meow meow meow meow! 】
Come, everyone, follow me, get excited, play music, and dance!
Cao Zhengchun:? ? ?
…
Ministry of Punishments, Files Department, and Documents Library.
This library stores all the files of the Ministry of Justice in the 20 years before the third year of Zhengde, including more than 13,452 closed and unclosed files, large and small.
Such important archives are naturally closely guarded and well protected. There are professionals patrolling up and down every day, for fear of any accidents happening to this case.
You know, these sects involve many big figures in the current dynasty, and maybe one of the top bosses will come over to check on them on a whim.
When it comes to important times, it will be their duty to keep it well, and it will be a grave sin if they do not.
Ruan Li is on duty today. As usual, he is sitting at the table in the eucalyptus library, lighting an oil lamp, and reading the interesting eucalyptus in his hand with relish.
He likes to see those so-called big shots suffering under the law.
As for document management, he didn't care. The guards outside are so tight, those who can't get in can't get in, and those who can get in can't be beaten.
If you want to be a good official in the Ming Dynasty, the most important things are three things: get used to it, be open to it, and not see it!
"Whoosh~" A black shadow flashed past.
Ruan Li turned a deaf ear.
"Winter~" The visitor was looking for information and pushed it to a shelf.
The warehouse fell silent.
Ruan Li had no choice but to stand up, holding an oil lamp, and stepped forward and shouted: "Who is it? What's going on?"
Suddenly, a dark figure appeared in front of him. With a slight knock, Ruan Li rolled his eyes and fell to the ground.
After a while, the shadow finally found the dozens of needed information, nodded with satisfaction, and then drifted away.
After a while, Ruan Li changed his position, curled up together, and fell asleep.
On the second day, the entire punishment department suddenly became lively.
Last night, a gangster broke into the eucalyptus warehouse at night, knocked out the guard, and finally destroyed thousands of eucalyptus documents. It was a heinous crime. The Ministry of Punishment immediately issued a document and a nationwide search was launched.
Everyone in the Criminal Department had grief, anger and pain on their faces. Officials, big and small, could not help but grinning, holding their stomachs, and crying in pain.
"Hahaha~"
Some people can only go to places where ordinary people hate and despise them, such as Jiaofangsi and Baihualou, and drink to drown their sorrows. How miserable is it that a dignified man from the Sixth Department can get to such an extent?
Within a few days, the cabinet understood the sufferings of the entire criminal department and personally issued a commendation report. Although the Ministry of Justice lost many cases this time, it had a correct attitude in admitting its mistakes and saved most of them.
Moreover, after the incident occurred, it was managed by the Skull Library: Mr. Ruan Li, with his excellent memory, wrote out more than a dozen copies of the sect, which was a great achievement for his hard work.
It is said that in order to recall the details of the Eucalyptus Sect, Mr. Ruan needed to drink a full twelve taels of wine every day, and he had to have three young girls massage his head to relieve his fatigue and the sequelae left by the assassin's knocking him unconscious.
His character and morality are truly as high as the mountains and as high as the mountains. All officials must learn from it.
Of course, such a big event did not cause any waves in the capital.
Ordinary people are already very tired just from living.
…
Hulong Villa.
"Master Li is here at Hulong Villa. Do you have any advice?" Zhu Wulan said respectfully.
Taishi Li stroked his beard: "At my age, I have been the Crown Prince and Tutor for three dynasties, so I shouldn't meddle in other people's business. But I also regard Lord Marquis as my disciple, and I have something to say today.
If there are any shortcomings, please forgive me. "
Zhu Wuwu smiled and said: "Grand Master, you are my first teacher. If you have anything to say, just say it directly without being polite."
"Haha~" Taishi Li was extremely pleased: "I have a nephew who became a monk in the Shaolin Temple of Songshan Mountain. His name is Mortal. I'm afraid the prince knows him."
Zhu Wuwu nodded: "After passing away, Liao Fan became the abbot of Shaolin. He came to my Dragon Protection Villa to find me before."
"Oh, in order to protect the holy land of Buddhism, the treasure of the Chinese spirit, Riaofan fought with evil spirits and was wounded by a knife. Do you know?" Taishi Li continued to ask.
"I know, but it's all about the Jianghu. This is the rule of the Ming Dynasty, and it's not convenient for me to deal with it!" Zhu Wulan said calmly.
This old guy came with bad intentions, so he naturally didn't need to give him a good look.
Taishi Li said solemnly: "I'm here to inform the prince that if the master of the village is hiding the target of the martial arts killing order, if it is not resolved, it will definitely lead to a catastrophe!"
"Who issued the fatwa?"
"He is the head of the eight sects. They have made an alliance with the sky and must capture Gui Hai and bring him to his death. This man is cruel and cruel. He is not worthy to be the No. 1 secret agent of Hulong Villa, nor is he worthy to be responsible. A fifth-grade imperial guard with a sword.
And if Na Dongchang reports this matter to His Majesty, why would you, Hulong Villa, place a thug next to His Majesty and conspire to assassinate him?
Although Guihai Yida was the adopted son of Mr. Hou and was raised and educated from an early age, there is a famous saying in ancient times that righteousness must destroy relatives.
As an important official of the imperial court, the prince should make a decisive decision to calm the resentment of the martial arts community. " Taishi Li advised earnestly and sincerely.
"Thank you, Grand Master, for your concern. I will proceed with caution."
"Then I can rest assured! Hahaha~"
Zhu Wuwu stood at the door of the main hall, standing with his hands behind his hands, quietly looking down at the huge stone carving in the center of Hulong Villa. It was a four-clawed stone dragon that was more than ten feet long, and it was domineering.
"Father, those people have gone too far. They actually want to force you to hand over a knife?" Shangguan Haitang said angrily.
"Huh, chivalry breaks the law with force. When a person masters power that he cannot control, he will naturally do some stupid things.
The eight masters are like this, and so is the sword. "Zhu Wuyi said coldly.
Shangguan Haitang was shocked: "Father, Yi Dao was just to avenge his father's murder. Moreover, the Shaolin leader had already publicly told his disciples that his death had nothing to do with Yi Dao.
But he didn't expect that 'host Liao Fan' would insist on causing trouble for him, and even entangled the masters. As a result, after a huge defeat, he shamelessly issued a fatwa. "
Zhu Wu turned around and gave her a cold look.
Haitang's expression froze. Ever since she was a child, she had never seen her adoptive father's eyes look like this, cold and heartless.
"Hide Yidao and don't come out, otherwise no one can save him."
"yes!"
After waiting for a while, Shangguan Haitang was entangled in his heart, and finally couldn't help but ask: "Father, why do we spend so much money to erase the past of Cao gelding?
Is this fair to those he has hurt? "
"Fair?" Zhu Wuwu smiled and said: "Do you think this world is fair? Often when people shout these two words the loudest, what is most lacking in this world is fairness.
And do you know why everyone is crazy about chasing power and status? "
Shangguan Haitang thought for a while: "My adoptive father told me that rules are for ordinary people, not those in power who create the rules. They even have the right to finally interpret the rules."
Zhu Wulan sighed: "Yes, power and power, these two test human nature all the time.
And as it happens, I failed.
Cao Zhengchun has news about the third day of fragrant cardamom. For Su Xin, I will do anything, including tarnishing everything I once believed in. "
Shangguan Haitang hesitated: "Father, the other criminal sects, even if we don't move, Dongchang still has the strength.
What I don't understand is why you want to destroy all the eucalyptus sects in our Hulong Villa.
With our level of confidentiality, even if it is not destroyed, how could Old Gou Cao know? "
"You underestimated this opponent who can fight with me for twenty years! He knows far more than you think. For the sake of Su Xin, I will not tolerate any mistakes!" Zhu Wuwu frowned.
So far, he has never been able to figure out how Cao Zhengchun found out the secret rooms installed in the palace. In some secret rooms, he even lurked for more than ten years and never touched them.
And only he knows the names of those people.
Unbelievable!
"Okay, let's go down and give him some comfort!" Zhu Wulan said impatiently.
This foster daughter has been taking too much care lately.
"Yes!" Shangguan Haitang took a deep look at his adoptive father and resigned helplessly.
Ever since girl Su Xin woke up, her adoptive father suddenly made her feel very strange. He was even completely different from the loyal and courageous iron lord she once knew.
Every move he makes seems to be full of purpose, even... a little scary!
"What, is there anything else?"
"Haitang resigned."
…
"Chirp~"
for a long time.
Zhu Wuwen turned around and stared at the lark standing on the branch. It had a clear voice and was small and cute.
So how did Cao Zhengchun know clearly about Hulong Villa?
The Shenhou was puzzled, and even suddenly had a ridiculous idea in his heart: It couldn't be that this little bird was spying on him, right?
Impossible, absolutely impossible!
…
