Come on, Your Highness

Lion Alley, Duke Wei's Mansion

Several carriages stopped at the door, and the concierge was startled when he received the name card, and trotted in to call for someone.

After a while, the butler came out with people, and respectfully faced the largest carriageway among them: "Grandma, aunt, grandma."

The curtain of the carriage was lifted, and an old lady and a maid helped an old lady to get off the carriage.

In the other several carriages, a woman dressed as a lady, a young master and a young lady came down, followed by servants and servant girls, curiously looking at the door plaque of Duke Wei's mansion.

"I haven't returned for more than ten years, and the Duke's Mansion is still the same." The old lady said.

At this moment, a surprise call came from the door.

"Grandmother."

He Mingrui walked out of the gate, walked over quickly when he saw her, and saluted.

"It's Mingrui." The old lady smiled.

"It's the grandnephew." He Mingrui then greeted the lady, "Auntie."

After that, there are greetings between cousins ​​and cousins.

"Grandmother, it's cold outside, hurry up and go in." He Mingrui said, stepping aside to open the door.

A group of people walked in, and when they reached the hanging flower gate in the backyard, the eldest lady hurried over with someone, and when she saw them, she smiled and said: "Two days ago, I heard from the Duke that my aunt is coming, and my niece and daughter-in-law are planning to send someone to the city gate to have a look." Look, I didn't expect my aunt to come."

Mrs. Lin saw Da Furen's eyes move slightly, and smiled: "Shufang, you haven't changed after all these years, and you look much more energetic."

The eldest lady joked with a smile: "Aunt is not the same, standing with younger siblings is like two sisters."

Mrs. Lin cast an angry look at her: "You are the only one who can talk."

"My aunt came here all the way, she must be tired, let's not stand in the wind and greet, go to Hesongyuan first, the old lady is waiting."

As the lady spoke, she made a gesture of invitation, and then graciously led the way.

No matter what, the old lady has the highest status among the female family members of the Duke's Mansion, so she should go to Hesongyuan.

Don't look at the outside of Wei Guogong's mansion has not changed, but the people inside have changed a lot.

When I came last time, it was the second lady who greeted and entertained, and the eldest lady took He Lingshan out to meet people, just like a wallpaper, the mother and daughter didn't talk much.

But now she is looking at the back of the eldest lady, surrounded by women and maids, she looks like the head of the house, smiling happily, vaguely seems to have returned to the time when Mrs. Xiantou was still there more than 20 years ago.

She couldn't help but glanced at each other with her daughter-in-law, feeling slightly strange and heavy in her heart.

Tsurumongin Main House

Seeing Mrs. Lin, Mrs. Guo immediately stood up from the couch, and the two half-white-haired old women went up to them and looked at each other, their eyes blushing.

"Sister-in-law, I thought I would never see you again in this life." Mrs. Lin said.

Mrs. Guo supported her hand and sighed: "Oh, that's right. It's not easy for us women in this world. I can't help myself wherever I go. I will be satisfied if I can see you again."

Mrs. Lin nodded, looked at the old lady and said with emotion: "Sister-in-law looks haggard."

Mrs. Guogong smiled, with a bit of bitterness in her smile: "Too many things have happened in the past few years, it really makes people exhausted physically and mentally."

What this refers to, Mrs. Lin has some doubts, but this is not good news for her.

The second lady looked at her and couldn't help leaning forward: "Mother, aunt, sit down and have a rest quickly, let a few younger ones come over to pay respects, last time I saw you, they were still a little bit old, maybe aunt won't recognize it anymore?"

Mrs. Lin said with a smile: "Then you guessed wrong. I recognized Ming Rui at a glance. It's the same as when I was a child, but more handsome and polite. Just looking at it makes people feel happy."

As she spoke, the nurse beside her handed over an exquisite box, and she waved to He Mingrui, "Good boy, come here."

"Grandmother." He Mingrui took a step forward.

"This looks really good. It's strange that the emperor will invite you to be the son-in-law." She took out a pair of jade pendants from the box. They were two carp. The scales were clearly carved and the white jade was so moist. precious jade.

Mrs. Guo said: "It's a coincidence that you came here. Next month will be a good day for Mingrui. It's just a good time to have a glass of wedding wine."

He Mingrui held it in his hand and closed it, the two carps were connected end to end, the fit was just perfect, but it was a pair of mandarin ducks, so he was pleasantly surprised: "Thank you, aunt, the princess will definitely like it when she sees it."

Mrs. Lin nodded with a smile: "It should be happy."

Then, Sister He Lingyun and the brothers and sisters of the Lin family came to greet them one by one.

Young Master Lin is one year younger than He Mingrui, and is the only son of Lin Cenyan, the governor of Liaozhou. His brows are full of arrogance, but he is still tinged with melancholy.

After meeting the He family brothers and sisters, he directly asked, "Isn't there a cousin Xi Chao?"

The atmosphere suddenly froze.

I heard the eldest lady say: "He is a bachelor from the fifth grade servant, and he went to the Imperial Academy early in the morning."

"There is a distinguished guest at home, sister-in-law, you should also send someone to inform that the Imperial Academy is free, so it doesn't matter." The second lady said softly.

The eldest lady glanced at her, and said in a calm tone, "I've already gone."

After exchanging pleasantries, the maid at the door came to report: "Old madam, the third madam is here."

As soon as these words came out, the Lin family couldn't help showing surprise.

The eldest lady explained: "A few days ago, the Duke of the country has made the decision to straighten it up."

Mrs. Lin nodded lightly after hearing this: "So that's the case." Her eyes became a little more serious.

He Xi got off the carriage and walked into Xie's residence. The butler led him all the way into Mr. Xie Ge's study.

Hearing the sound of pushing the door, Xie Ge said: "Come here, sit down."

"I've met the teacher." He Xichao saluted, and then sat down on the chair next to him.

The old servant brought tea, put it on the high table next to He Xichao, changed another cup for Xie Ge, then stepped back and closed the door.

"The trip to Jiangzhou this time is a victory in a dangerous situation. I was really worried when I heard it in Beijing. Fortunately, nothing happened." Mr. Xie Ge raised his head and said, "But it was a misfortune...fortunate... ...what happened to your face!"

Old Xie Ge saw He Xichao's clear palm print that took up half of his face, he couldn't help frowning, and asked with a downcast face, "Who hit it?"

He Xichao slightly turned his face to the side and lowered his face, with a slightly uncomfortable expression, and said in a low voice, "Don't ask me any more."

This appearance of being wronged but unable to bear to say it made Mr. Xie Ge immediately think of today's court affairs, and suddenly a sullen anger rose from the bottom of his heart. He sneered: "The older you are, the more confused you are! No wonder the future generations Nothing promising! With just this little vision and mind, hmph, this life is coming to an end!"

He Xichao really wanted to agree, but he still maintained his youthful self-esteem and didn't want to talk about it, so he changed the subject: "Teacher, you asked me to come here because of the senior brother's impeachment papers and list, right?"

"Yes and no, now the emperor ordered the three divisions to interrogate, and he is determined to deal with it strictly, so there is nothing to say. It's just..." Mr. Xie Ge couldn't control his eyes and kept looking at He Xichao's face. In the end, he put After putting aside the business, I couldn't help saying, "Come here, let the old man have a look."

"It's all right now." He Xichao was a little reluctant.

"If I tell you to come here, come here, and I still want the old man to go there?"

Old Xie Ge stared, He Xichao had no choice but to move over slowly, walked around the table, stood at an arm's length away, and kept his swollen face away from Old Xie Ge, looking extremely stubborn.

The latter stood up straight away, held his face and looked at him closely.

From a distance, there was a red mark on the palm, but from a closer look, it was a bit severely swollen, He Xichao's face was pale, and the young man's skin was tender, which was even more shocking.

"That old man really did something!" Xie Ge scolded.

He also has grandsons, even great-grandchildren, Xie Er Xie San no matter how out of tune, no matter how much he was angry, he never hit hard.

He just couldn't figure out that Wei Guogong was so ruthless, and He Xichao didn't do anything wrong when he came to truth.

"Come here." Old Xie Ge called out.

"Master?"

"Go get a doctor."

"It's not that serious..." He Xichao muttered, "What a shame!"

"You haven't lost your face in the Hanlin Academy? The old man looks a little serious. If you leave something in the future, wouldn't it be a pity to have a good face?" Xie Ge said and patted his head, " Where did your cleverness go? Don’t you know how to hide?”

"There is only such a big space in the carriage. I have no place to hide after that slap, and if I didn't hide, I closed the ancestral hall for one night. If I hide, I have to be punished by family law?"

After He Xichao finished speaking, Mr. Xie Ge said in disbelief: "What, you are still locked up in the ancestral hall?"

He Xichao nodded slightly.

Old Xie Ge's chest was heaving, and at this age, nothing could anger him. Now Wei Guogong successfully beat his little apprentice.

However, when he was extremely angry, his rationality returned. Based on his understanding of He Xichao, this little fox has never suffered a disadvantage. Even if Wei Guogong suppressed him with filial piety, it would be impossible for him to suffer such a big grievance and swallow it in his stomach.

Finally, he asked in a deep voice, "Xi Chao, what are you planning?"

"I want to leave the Duke's Mansion and establish my own family."

As soon as these words came out, Mr. Xie Ge suddenly realized that he looked deeply at the young man in front of him.

Most people don't understand right from wrong until they are in their forties, and they really know what they want, but this child has never lost, and every step he takes has his intentions.

Regardless of whether he agrees with this decision or not, his mind is amazing.

Xie Ge pointed to the chair for him to sit down, and said, "I'm afraid it's not that easy to stand on your own."

He Xichao nodded: "Let's just talk to the teacher first, what happens depends on the development of the situation. After all, I owe the He family, so no matter how my grandfather treats me, I will accept it. In the future... Let's talk about the future .”

In this era, the concept of family and clan is very strong, and the interests of the family are sometimes even higher than the imperial power. As Wei Guogong asked, it is not surprising, and even understandable.

He Xichao mercilessly refused, without even reminding him, no wonder Wei Guogong became angry because he was really inhumane, like a family traitor, his blood was cold.

He Xichao wanted to leave the He family, but Mr. Xie Ge didn't really agree or disagree. He didn't like Wei Guogong's behavior and felt that it was a pity that He Xichao came from such a family, but he vaguely felt that his plan to establish his own family was a bit too cold.

He pondered for a moment and said: "I'm afraid this will damage your reputation. Xi Dynasty, you have to think about it. Even if you don't get expelled, leaving the family like this will cause people to criticize you. If you follow the King of England all the way to the top, it's worth it. , but once it falls, there will be far more people who fall into trouble than give charcoal in the snow."

Having said that, he couldn't help but add another sentence: "This old man also watched the emperor grow up, but he didn't dare to be unreserved. Accompanying the emperor is like accompanying a tiger. You should understand this truth."

He Xichao smiled and said: "Teacher, don't worry, if this day comes, I will be the one to blame, no one else is to blame. But in the same way, if you want to go further, you must leave the shackles of the family."

Mr. Xie Ge nodded and sighed: "Your ideas are always the most correct. I have never seen you write me a letter when something like this happened in Jiangzhou."

"The teacher is angry?"

Xie Ge shook his head: "I'm not too angry, but I'm a little bit disappointed."

He Xichao quickly explained: "It's not that the student deliberately avoids suspicion. There is really no chance to send it out. When it is possible to send it, the danger has passed, and there is no need to make extra troubles. Later, the senior brother came here as an imperial envoy, so I can't bother you even more."

Xie Ge snorted: "You are always right."

He Xichao offered tea to Mr. Xie Ge flatteringly, and said: "Actually, if the teacher doesn't come to call me today, the students will come to you. The emperor ordered the three divisions to meet, and it was strict and sudden. The courtiers must be panicked. Because of the large number of people, the ranks are not high. It's not small, there will be many people running outside to beg for mercy, and the threshold of Prince Ying's Mansion must be broken first."

"It's good that you know, the two princes have already taken the court officials to the British Palace."

"Then they must return without success, His Highness will not see anyone." He Xichao said.

"So, you're here to find news from this old man?"

He Xichao smiled sheepishly, as a tacit consent.

"Xi Chao, although this is a good thing, but what Prince Li said is right, he is afraid that the offenders will grab others, and eventually the entire court will be snowballed, and everyone will be imprisoned, and it will be difficult to end."

This is what Xie Ge wants to say to He Xichao today.

He Xichao tilted his face slightly, his eyes were deep, and he said: "Teacher, the long river of history will never stand still because of one person or a group of people. Whether it's me, Your Highness, or the Emperor... It's not infinite. replaceable."

"You are presumptuous." Xie Ge Lao warned.

"Just tell the truth in front of you." He Xichao smiled slightly, "Looking through the history books, you will find that every time the corrupt officials were dealt with in the past dynasties, blood flowed into rivers and their heads fell off in batches. After killing, naturally There will be fresh blood quickly added in, the turmoil will be settled after a few months, and the government will be clear for a while. Speaking of taking this opportunity to make a move, it is not a bad thing for Daqi. The emperor has been in power for many years and has great power in his hands. Don't be afraid of this turmoil!"

"Aren't you afraid, not now." Xie Ge looked at He Xichao and said.

"Why?"

"If I did this three or five years ago, I would definitely support it, but unfortunately now..." Mr. Xie Ge was a little hesitant when he said this, and finally revealed the news, "Xi Chao, the border is not stable, and the King of Zhenbei is old, I am afraid it has already passed away. The Huns in the north who are ready to move can no longer be restrained, if the court is in turmoil, the consequences will be unpredictable."

He Xi showed surprise on his face: "I didn't hear the news!"

"Northern direction came to ask questions for the emperor himself, without going through the cabinet, but the court ministers have their own sources of information, it's just a matter of time." Seeing that He Xichao was thinking about holding a teacup, Mr. Xie Ge said, "Don't look at the emperor's thunderous anger. , looking like a thorough investigation to the end, but once the situation is out of control, he will try his best to stabilize it and let it go lightly. At that time, you and His Highness will fall short, and it will be difficult to act in the future."

He Xichao nodded: "Student understands, then let's settle this matter as soon as possible."

"How to end it?"

"Please order the emperor to close the case within three days."

Xie Ge frowned and pondered: "I'm afraid it's too late?"

"In time, for these 48 people, the evidence of their crimes is conclusive and incontrovertible. Just follow this to kill them, exile them, and skip such a troublesome matter as the tribunal interrogation."

"That's a way." Xie Ge said and looked at He Xichao, "Could it be that's what you planned in the first place?"

He Xi bent his lips and nodded: "Yes, the officials are so restless, His Highness is sitting firmly in the position of the crown prince, and he doesn't know much about the officials. It seems self-defeating to poke such a big hole. gone."

Old Xie Ge sighed: "It seems that the old man is just worrying for nothing, because he is afraid that you will be arrogant."

"Thank you for your concern, teacher. At that time, the students will naturally have to discuss it with you. Now His Highness just wants to settle the matter of Jiangzhou completely, and one case should be closed, so there is no need to involve other things. This is a short time , the scope of influence will not be very large, and it should be safe."

Seeing He Xichao's determined appearance, Elder Xie Ge couldn't help asking: "The case will be closed in three days, who will present it to the emperor?"

He Xichao then stood up and bowed to Mr. Xie Ge: "Please ask Teacher to be troubled."

Mr. Xie Ge is the best candidate, after all, the King of England thanked guests behind closed doors and left everything alone.

But Mr. Xie Ge looked at the slap marks on He Xichao's face and suddenly said: "Duke Wei should know that you have been to my place, right?"

He Xichao lowered his eyes and said nothing, it was a tacit agreement.

"Master, the doctor is here." The old servant at the door reported softly.

Xie Ge originally wanted to say something, but in the end he decided to forget it: "Look at your face first, and let the doctor come in."

The author has something to say: Yao: Everyone should remember that Xi Chao has always wanted to establish a family of her own.