"Master, there is someone from the state!" While Yuan Ke and Zhang Hong were discussing the conspiracy with great enthusiasm, a confidant reported from outside the door.
Hearing this, Yuan Ke stopped from the active discussion. It was obvious that he still had something to say, and he ordered with some confusion: "Please come quickly!"
Before long, a lean man with a dark complexion walked in, his steps hurried and his face anxious. As soon as he entered, he first heard Yuan Ke's hearty laughter: "Brothers Mashan, you are here. What's going on in the state?" What happened?"
The visitor's name was Mashan, and he was one of the relocated households. He was originally a scoundrel in Zhoucheng. Later, he imitated the heroes of Yanzhou and visited Yuanjiazhuang to eat and drink, and established a relationship. Moreover, with Yuan Ke's support, he did some sheep trading, and at the same time helped him get information, helped Zhizhou solve some problems, and acted as a liaison.
Yuan Ke greeted him with a smile, but Ma Shan couldn't smile at all. I don't know if it was due to the exhaustion of the journey or because he was nervous and had sweat on his forehead. Ignoring the small talk, he immediately said directly: "Brother Yuan, something has happened!"
Yuan Ke was shocked when he heard this, the smile on his face disappeared, he frowned and stretched out his hand to comfort: "Don't be anxious, speak slowly!"
"Liu Zhizhou has been arrested!" Mashan revealed a major event that shocked Yanzhou.
Yuan Ke had a look of astonishment on his face. He was stunned for a moment before he realized what was happening. He asked in shock, "What's going on?"
Mashan took a deep breath and reported the news like he was pouring beans: "An hour ago, a group of soldiers from the Wude camp suddenly arrived in Zhoucheng. Soon the news came out that Liu Zhizhou was arrested by people from the Wude Division. ! Shortly thereafter, the state government was sealed off, and no more news came out. I felt something was wrong about this matter, so I came to report it immediately!"
"Wude Si!" These three words made Yuan Ke a little frightened. He suppressed the ripples in his heart, forced himself to steady himself, and said to Ma Shan: "Brother Ma is so righteous, Yuan must be very grateful!"
However, Mashan shook his head, looked at Yuan Ke, and said worriedly: "Brother Yuan said this out of context, how can I thank you? It's just that the state government has suffered such drastic changes. Where will we people go? Brother Yuan needs to think more about it." !」
There was no reason why Mashan was not anxious. Zhizhou Liu Fang was the biggest protective umbrella for them. If the protective umbrella leaked, and there was a heavy downpour, how could they, who were wandering in the dark and gray area, not be hit in the face.
In the past, every time the imperial court took down a corrupt official, it was inevitable to clean up the implicated officials. He did not think that people like him were special and could escape. What's more, this time, Wudesi took action. Over the past year or so, Wudesi has been making frequent moves in the northwest region, but it has been very rampant.
Yuan Ke knows his own affairs, and all his plans are based in the dark, where he carries out conspiracies. Although there are times of adventure, he always keeps himself in a relatively safe situation.
But the sudden bad news really frightened him. The danger was approaching unknowingly. At this moment, Yuan Ke suddenly felt a little cold on his neck.
"What Brother Ma said is true. The current situation is unpredictable. We can't get into trouble. How to deal with it? Let me think about it. Let me think about it." Yuan Ke's brows were almost twisted into twists and he spoke comfortingly, as if * **.
The dog-headed military advisor Zhang Hong on the side also recovered from his shock, with a worried expression on his face, and pointed out keenly: "Brother Ma, you said that Wude Division arrested Liu Zhizhou, how dare these lackeys and minions be so bold, even a dignified Zhizhou can say Just catch me?"
Without waiting for Mashan to answer, Yuan Ke explained with a gloomy face: "Mr. Zhang was away before and didn't know anything about it. In the past few months, Wu Desi has been attacking all over the northwest. In the name of officialdom, he has attacked various places in the northwest. The Dao government officials were cleaned up. Dozens of state officials in Guannai, Longyou, and Hexi were arrested, and the homes of hundreds of powerful county officials were ransacked.
Within a few months, the government and the people were wailing in agony and the wind was trembling. In the northwest four roads, Yulin is alone. I thought that the situation was unstable due to the imperial court's consideration of the party's changes. But now it seems that it was just a moment in the night. This action will attack our Yanzhou."
Zhang Hong took a deep breath and just digested the news, he couldn't help but be confused: "It's just that the imperial court clarified the administration of officials. The Ministry of Personnel and the Metropolitan Procuratorate have always been the main ones, and everything was done in accordance with the law and regulations. This made the Wude Division dispatched to directly arrest the state capital. Official, isn't it a bit sensational? In this way, aren't you afraid of the world's criticism? Also, Zhizhou is Wang Shijun's disciple and former official, Wude Si has no fear at all? "
The Wang Shijun in Zhang Hong's mouth refers to Wang You, who was the northwest transit envoy at that time. This gentleman can be said to be another leader in the northwest officialdom after Lu Duoxun. Both Guannai and Yulin served as chief ministers. Made. When the former political affairs hall added a prime minister, Wang You was also among the candidates to be considered. However, the competitors were somewhat strong, and Emperor Liu believed that Wang You would be more useful if he stayed in the northwest, so he was defeated.
Liu Fang, the magistrate of Yanzhou, was promoted by Wang You himself. With such a strong backing, Liu Fang, the magistrate of Yanzhou, was naturally very stable. But even so, the people from the Wude Division took it as they said. How could this not make Xiao Xiao, who is under the wings of Yuan Ke, feel nervous?
Obviously, as a scholar, Zhang Hong still knew something about some of the imperial system. When Yuan Ke heard what he said, he couldn't help but smile bitterly and said: "Wude Si has always been rampant in his actions, but such behavior that goes beyond the law to control chaos is rare. This time it is so rare and so unscrupulous, which makes it even more terrifying."
"That's what the owner means!" Zhang Hong's face changed slightly and he couldn't help but cup his hands toward the southeast.
Yuan Ke sighed: "With the arrogance of Wude Si, without the approval of the Emperor of Tokyo, I am afraid he would not dare to risk the disapproval of the world."
After saying that, Yuan Ke shook his head and said: "Okay, Tokyo is too far away from us. The current plan is how to deal with the changes in Yanzhou. There are no eggs left behind when the nest is overturned. If there is no state to protect us, if we people Without preparation, I am afraid that I will inevitably end up like those powerful men in the northwest who ransacked their homes and were exiled, with all their wealth scattered!"
Ma Shan, who was standing by, nodded repeatedly when he heard this, and hurriedly said: "Brother Yuan is absolutely right! For the current plan, we should seek self-protection! Does Brother Yuan have any good strategies?"
Yuan Ke lowered his head, pondered for a long time, took a deep breath, looked at Mashan, and said: "The situation in the city is still unclear now. We cannot be disorganized. We still need to wait for further news and follow the trend. Therefore, we need to find out clearly. The situation of Zhoucheng and Zhizhou is the most important thing right now. Brother Ma, I wonder if you would like to return to Zhoucheng?"
Of course, Ma Shan understood what Yuan Ke meant, but when he escaped from the city, he had the intention of taking refuge. However, Yuan Ke had to give him some face. In addition, he left in a hurry and the city was not cleaned up. At least a large number of belongings were still there.
After hesitating for a moment, Mashan gritted his teeth, cupped his hands and said, "I have been greatly favored by Brother Yuan, and since I have been entrusted with you, I dare not disobey you. I will return to the city to find out the news for Brother Yuan!"
"Be careful!" Yuan Ke showed a forced smile.
"Farewell!" Ma Shan handed over his hand, turned around and left in a hurry.
After he left, Yuan Ke's face darkened again. He turned around and sat down, picking up the tea cup, but his hands were shaking subconsciously.
Seeing this, Zhang Hong hesitated and said: "Master, I'm afraid this Mashan is not trustworthy!"
Yuan Ke nodded, but did not speak. He was silent for a long time, and then he raised his eyes and looked at Zhang Hong: "Mr. Zhang, how do you think we can break the situation for the current plan?"
Zhang Hong was actually a little panicked in his heart. People like them, hiding in the dark, could still make trouble and point the country unscrupulously. Once they had nothing to hide, they would be at a loss as to what to do.
After taking a few steps and trying to stabilize his mind, Zhang Hong said: "When Zhizhou is in trouble, there must be something involved. With the sense of smell of Wude Secretary's minions, we will find the owner of the village sooner or later. Once things develop like this, our situation will definitely be dangerous. Yuanjiazhuang is here. , there are too many things to teach people. Master, the situation is extremely critical now, please make a decision quickly!"
"What do you mean, Mr. Zhang?" Yuan Ke raised his eyes with questioning eyes.
Zhang Hong gritted his teeth: "Why don't we start an attack immediately!"
After saying this, Yuan Ke was a little surprised. Previously, Zhang Hong had always been conservative on such matters, full of doubts and worries, which was quite disappointing.
But at this moment, Yuan Ke was so decisive that he was a little surprised. He observed Zhang Hong carefully and found that he was serious. However, Yuan Ke himself hesitated.
He stood up and wandered in the study, looking hesitant. Zhang Hong looked at him, silently, waiting for his decision. In the end, Yuan Ke did not agree and said: "No, we are not ready yet. If we launch it rashly, we are afraid of failure and death!"
Hearing this, Zhang Hong couldn't help but be disappointed and sighed: "But how can we avoid the current crisis?"
Yuan Ke hesitated for a moment: "I'll take my brothers and go out to hide first. It's best if we can survive this storm smoothly. If not, we'll do something about it."
