Come on, Your Highness

"Are you not afraid that I will turn around and betray you and present it to the emperor?"

Officials have official ways, they can refuse to agree, they can go back on their promises, but they can't betray them. This is the unspoken rule of officialdom, and it is also the premise of a huge relationship network between officials and officials.

Breaking promises, this is the most taboo thing!

It means that this person acts without principles, and will break this taboo for himself at any time, disturbing the peace of the officialdom.

No one can guarantee that he will have no stains in his life. As long as the handle falls into his hands, even if he surrenders, he will always worry about being sacrificed by him.

An unsheathed sharp weapon threatens anyone, and it will surely become the target of public criticism.

Being an enemy of the world is what he said.

"You can go back on your word, but you won't." This is why Li Shangshu is so confident that He Xichao will not betray him.

He believed that He Xichao was a smart person, knew how to protect himself, and would not risk the world's disgrace.

But in the end, he lost his sight.

Everyone had unbelievable expressions on their faces, looking at He Xichao like a madman.

Even Mr. Xie Ge and Wei Guogong, who had known for a long time that He Xichao would send the gift list to the emperor, were also shocked by his next move.

Together with Emperor Tiangan, his face showed consternation, and even the contract in his hand didn't seem so important.

In the silent hall, the air seemed to be stagnant.

Only the young man in the hall stood calmly, as if he had been prepared.

"Please look into it, Your Majesty." He raised his hand in salute, his voice was as cold and calm as his face.

That contract is the most powerful evidence, and Li Shangshu can't argue with it.

"Brother is really good at it." Xiao Yi gave Xiao Hong a thumbs up in admiration, "This is still his maternal grandfather, killing relatives righteously, amazing!"

He Xichao is the prince's guest, he promotes border trade and prohibits smuggling, which is naturally Xiao Hong's intention.

The position of Hubu Shangshu is so important. If he opposes or even obstructs it, the matter will naturally not go so smoothly.

It's just that he didn't expect that He Xichao could do such a thing for Xiao Hong, completely disregarding the in-laws on both sides, and completely became a lonely minister. This is dedicating his whole body and mind to Xiao Hong, the true loyalty is unmatched!

However, Xiao Hong, like everyone else, did not know about this in advance!

He Xichao lied to him.

If he knew, how could he be willing?

Xiao Hong clenched his fists tightly and looked at the young man in the hall without blinking.

But the latter just smiled lightly.

"If I fail him, I shall die by a thousand swords." Xiao Hong said in a low voice, then suddenly turned around and said to Emperor Tiangan, "Father, Li Xun guards himself and steals, corrupts, and bullies the emperor." No thanks, now that the evidence of the crime is conclusive, please deal with it according to the laws of the country!"

"Father, please be merciful!" However, as soon as he finished speaking, Xiao Ming knelt down. No matter what, it was his father-in-law after all. One life!"

"The prince breaks the law and commits the same crime as the common people. Second brother, if you do this, where is the law of the country? Is it possible that the emperor's relatives will be able to show mercy outside the law?" Xiao Hong looked at Xiao Ming coldly.

Xiao Ming's heart was burning with anger when he heard this, if He Xichao didn't want to, he would just refuse on the spot, but he dug such a big hole for the Li family, he wished he could kill this person.

"Brother's knife is really sharp, and his relatives don't recognize him. If you really want to convict Mr. Li, why use such a treacherous method, just impeach him and let the Ministry of Criminal Investigation investigate."

Xiao Hong narrowed his eyes, grim and secretly angry, "You don't have to gossip about him, gossip about others, Li Xun has done such unreasonable things, and still cares about how to expose them? He dared to bribe directly, it is really audacious and reckless , It can be seen that Tianwei, the law of the country, is not considered at all! Who gave him the power, you?"

"If you want to commit a crime, there is no excuse!" Xiao Ming was so shocked that he repeatedly cried out for grievances, "Father, my son and minister don't know about it at all, it's just a relationship between family and love, I really can't bear it."

"Family relationship? Second brother, your family relationship is above the law of the country?" Xiao Hong clapped his hands in a row, "Amazing, even Gu dare not say that!"

"No, Royal Father, this son-in-law didn't mean that..."

"What does that mean?"

In terms of words, Xiao Ming will never be able to compare with Xiao Hong who stands on the moral high ground.

The latter's pressing step by step made him panic immediately.

At this time, Li Shangshu suddenly heard Li Shangshu prostrate and cry bitterly: "Your Majesty, the criminal minister has a negative reputation, and the national law cannot tolerate it. Please deal with the criminal minister according to the law to warn the world. Temporarily flustered and emotional, please Haihan, there is no need to affect your brotherhood because of the guilty minister, the minister is guilty! Please convict the prince!"

Li Xun was about the same age as Wei Guogong, with gray hair. He was crying so bitterly, which made people feel unbearable for a while.

And when He Xichao made a move, anyone with a discerning eye could see what was going on. Compared with him, the latter's heart of stone was terrifying.

At this time, Wang Ge said: "Your Majesty, the evidence of Li Xun's corruption is solid and unforgivable. However, after all these years of hard work, he has made great achievements. Although he tried to interfere with border smuggling, he has been exposed by Mr. He after all, and it is too late to commit crimes."

When Xiao Hong heard it, he immediately said angrily: "Old Wang Ge, what do you mean by this, is this still called innocent?"

"His Royal Highness, please calm down. He Xichao is your official. In fact, doing so seems to be a temptation, isn't it?"

lure?

Xiao Hong was irritated by his ability to turn black and white: "Old Wang Ge, what evidence do you have to prove the temptation?"

Wang Ge smiled: "It's just a guess, after all, he is a grandson, who would have thought of it?"

"Then why don't you give a demonstration and open Gu's horizons? It's not just a matter of talking up and down. Otherwise, Mr. Wang Ge, Gu can suspect that you are also involved, otherwise why should Li Xun be exonerated?"

Old Wang Ge's face darkened: "His Royal Highness, you can't just be accused of crimes!"

"Didn't I learn this from you?" In terms of quarrels, Xiao Hong has never lost.

"Your Majesty, this old minister has been wronged..." Old Wang Ge knelt down.

Xiao Hong sneered: "Oh, this trick again..."

"Okay, don't quarrel anymore!" Emperor Tiangan suddenly waved his sleeves, interrupting all the quarrels, "If you continue to quarrel, will the civil and military of the Manchu Dynasty stay out of it? He Xichao."

"The minister is here."

Emperor Tiangan asked, "How do you think you should be convicted?"

"Depend on the Holy Judgment."

Emperor Tiangan nodded, then suddenly turned to Xiao Hong: "Where is the prince?"

Xiao Hong turned his head and glanced at He Xichao, who lowered his eyes and didn't look at him.

"Hiro?"

"Father decides." Xiao Hong replied.

"Okay, how about all the lovers?"

"The emperor is wise and mighty." All the ministers said in unison.

Emperor Tiangan looked at Li Shangshu, let out a deep breath, slapped the armrest heavily, and shouted angrily: "Li Xun, you really let me down!"

"The guilty minister deserves death!" Li Shangshu lay down tightly on the ground, trembling all over.

"You are indeed worthy of death." Emperor Tiangan said in a dangerous and cold tone, "knowing the law and breaking the law, deceiving the king and ignoring him, it is not an exaggeration to copy and kill the whole family!"

When Li Xun heard this, he was shocked and begged for mercy repeatedly: "The emperor is merciful. I know that I have committed a serious crime. For the sake of the old minister who has been with me for many years, I will spare my family and save face for the princess!"

"Father..." Xiao Ming panicked, but before he could finish his intercession, Emperor Tiangan raised his hand to stop him, looked at Li Xun and said, "However, it's because of your hard work these years." Your Majesty, I will spare you the death penalty."

Now Xiao Hong raised his head and said in disbelief: "Father!"

And Emperor Tiangan looked at him coldly: "Isn't it all up to me?"

Xiao Hong was immediately speechless.

Xiao Ming had a joyful expression on his face.

Emperor Tiangan ignored them, and continued: "It's just that capital crimes can be avoided, but living crimes cannot be escaped. I will go to Li Xun's household department to be the Minister of the Household Department. I will be responsible for [-] crimes, so I will serve as an example!"

It's only eighty years old, and I've gone to an official position. Is this the end?

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness." Li Xun kowtowed heavily, tears streaming down his face.

The guards came up, ready to drag him away.

Xiao Hong was not satisfied with this result at all, and he didn't care about anything. Just as he was about to go out, Xiao Ming shouted, "Brother, are you dissatisfied with the imperial father's will?"

All eyes were attracted for a moment.

Even Emperor Tiangan's eyes fell on him, under the majesty of the emperor, Xiao Hong couldn't step out.

He glanced back at He Xichao, who was also looking at him and shook his head slightly.

Xiao Hong gritted his teeth, and finally said: "What the third brother is talking about, the father is naturally wise and powerful, who dares to object."

Li Xun was immediately detained.

He has already removed his official hat, his hair is a little messy, and he escaped from death, looking very embarrassed.

When passing by He Xichao, he suddenly whispered: "The old man is waiting for your end."

He Xi moved his eyelids slightly, but bent the corners of his lips: "It's eighty old, let's talk after we survive."

The Great Court Meeting on the last day before this year came to an end after Hubu Shangshu pleaded guilty.

When He Xichao walked out of the hall, the ministers beside him passed by, all three feet away from him, looking at him with fear.

He didn't care, and walked forward slowly with his arms folded.

"Xi Chao!"

Xiao Hong chased him out and grabbed his hand.

He Xichao stopped, raised his eyes, and looked at him calmly.

"Why do you..." Xiao Hongben had a lot to ask, but at this moment, he suddenly couldn't ask.

Why else, isn't it for him?

He Xichao smiled slightly, and raised his held hand: "Are we going to talk here?"

At this moment, a young eunuch hurried over and saluted Xiao Hong: "Your Highness, the Emperor ordered Mr. He to have an audience."

"What about lonely?"

The little eunuch replied: "The emperor did not announce the crown prince."

"Then go alone."

"This……"

"Don't be embarrassing, Your Highness, let's go home." He Xichao said.

"But……"

He Xichao comforted: "It's okay, nothing will happen." He said to the little eunuch, "Please Eunuch lead the way."

So Xiao Hong stood where he was, watching them go away with a frown.

Suddenly He Xichao turned his head, smiled brightly at him, opened his mouth and said silently: "Xiao Hong, I give you my life."

Qingzheng Hall,

He Xichao knelt down and saluted.

"Flat body."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." He Xichao stood up, lowered his eyes and waited for the emperor to speak.

But Emperor Tiangan came down from the front of the hall, and walked around him with his hands behind his back, as if he was looking at the boy again.

"He Xichao, you really surprised me!" The emperor looked at him in amazement, "In the past, the He family was expelled, and later, the Li family was impeached. You are probably the No. 1 in ancient times."

This is not considered a compliment, He Xichao said: "Back to the emperor, I just did what I was supposed to do."

"It's a good job, does Hong'er know about it?"

"I don't know."

"Why didn't you tell him, I was astonished and moved by his appearance, and couldn't be more impressed." Emperor Tiangan looked at He Xichao with a smile that was not a smile, and his tone could not tell whether he was happy or unhappy.

He Xichao cupped his hands and said: "Your Majesty, please forgive me for the crime of disrespect."

"You said."

"The relationship between the minister and the prince... is always like a thorn in your heart. You are worried that the minister will rely on His Highness's feelings for the minister to seek power, profit, seek personal gain, and endanger Daqi. Even if the minister promises to stand upright, you will not Xin, this is helpless and understandable. But I have thought that even if you transfer me away from the capital and be far away from His Highness, as long as His Highness still misses you, as long as you still have the slightest old love, you will always return to Beijing, and you will still be able to harm Your Highness. Influence, this Daqi Jiangshan belongs to His Highness if there is no accident, you will still be worried."

"So what, shouldn't it be?" Emperor Tiangan asked with a sneer.

He Xichao bowed his head and said respectfully: "I don't dare, but I once said that what I have learned all my life, I am full of talent is to display my ambitions. Whether it is border trade or tax reform, I want to do my best for the world and for the people of Li. , I want to be famous in history, but I am not willing to be unknown because of avoiding suspicion, stay away from the court, spend my life in mediocrity, and even... die unexpectedly."

When Emperor Tiangan heard the last sentence, he narrowed his eyes and looked at him dangerously.

However, He Xichao suddenly raised his head at this moment, looked straight at the emperor, and knelt down on his knees: "Your Majesty, after much deliberation, there is only one way, and that is to become a lonely minister, tied to His Royal Highness the crown prince with all his honor and disgrace. And death is decided by him. I swear not to marry a wife, not to have children, not to be bound by relatives, not to be attached by clansmen, if I break my promise, I will be struck by lightning, and I will not die well... May I ask the emperor if it will be fulfilled?"

After he finished speaking sonorously, he kowtowed heavily again.

Sincere and decisive!

But Emperor Tiangan was shocked in place by his words.

"What did you say?" He felt that he had heard it wrong, so he repeated it again, "No wife, no children?"

"Yes, there is one more thing that can be added, no concubines and maidservants, no blood to keep." He Xi said loudly.

"What a lonely minister!" Emperor Tiangan looked at him deeply. To be honest, no minister had ever dared to make such an oath, so decisive, he had to ask, "Is it worth it?"

"Whether it's worth it or not, I have already made a decision in my heart. In my whole life, I finally met a wise king, so I should cherish it."

When Emperor Tiangan heard this, he couldn't say anything to refute for a while.

Today, he was surprised by this 16-year-old boy too many times, as if he had never known He Xichao.

In ruling the world for twenty years, Emperor Tiangan has seen all kinds of courtiers, and asked himself countless experiences.

But only He Xichao, he couldn't understand.

There is only one person who can talk about fame and wealth so impartially.

Emperor Tiangan knew very well that, just as He Xichao said, he would not want Xiao Hong to use it again, and he would definitely deal with He Xichao before entrusting Jiangshan to Jiangshan.

However, this person was like a weed, full of vigor, grasping the gap and desperately struggling upwards, completely changing his mind.

No one can do this for Xiao Hong like He Xichao.

Feared by the civil and military courts of the court, those who have no relatives and no roots, no matter how high they climb and how powerful they hold, their final life and death are at the sovereign's whim.

Emperor Tiangan let out a deep breath, he was upset, and suddenly he didn't know what to do with He Xichao.He paced around the hall for a few times, and finally said: "You are still young, not as good as a weak crown, and so is Hong'er, with the imperial power in hand, what will become of Hong'er in the future, I can't tell, you put your wealth and life on your shoulders, Are you not afraid that he will disappoint you?"

This is the heartfelt words of the emperor.

However, He Xichao smiled, his brows and eyes were frowned, and his eyes were full of trust and hope: "To tell you the truth, my humble minister is early-witted. Even if Your Highness is three years older than my minister, he is quite naive to my humble minister. The minister has been by his side for ten years, guiding him with every word and deed, and he has become His Highness today. If this is the case, and he ended up with an unhappy ending, then the minister has lost the bet and is only to blame."

He Xichao was able to do this, if he said that he no longer had that affection for Xiao Hong, Emperor Tiangan would not believe it.

But even if there is still, so what?

"I hope you get what you want." Emperor Tiangan sighed.

In some cases, just click on it.

He Xichao smiled: "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Emperor Tiangan waved his hand and said, "Get up, are you convinced by my treatment of Li Xun today?"

He Xichao said: "Your Majesty, I just want to change the Minister of the Household Department to another person, and I have nothing else to ask for."

"Oh? Then as you expected, this position is already vacant. Who do you want to replace?"

He Xichao shook his head and said: "Going back to the emperor, there is no one to choose. The minister of the household department is in charge of the taxation of the world, and the development of border trade cannot be done without him. After all, smuggling must be banned, and there cannot be any accommodation, otherwise the success will be in vain. I hope that the next minister of the household department will not be involved , can act impartially, and cooperate with Weichen to carry out border trade."

Emperor Tiangan nodded slightly when he heard this, but after thinking about it, he asked again: "Li Xun is right about one thing. Part of the border army's salary comes from smuggling checkpoints. If it is banned completely, how should the army's salary be resolved?"

He Xichao said: "If the emperor trusts the humble minister, he will entrust this matter to the minister."

Emperor Tiangan was surprised: "Can you solve it?"

He Xichao said humbly: "Master Li mentioned it yesterday, and I have been thinking about it, and now I have a clue."

Emperor Tiangan's sharp eyes pierced directly, as if he was examining the truth of what he said.

It's not that Emperor Tiangan didn't think about solving the issue of military pay, it's because the amount of pay is huge, and the money in the treasury is hard to support, and it can't be moved at all.

But He Xichao actually said that he has a clue?

"The minister will find a way to raise funds, whether it is true or not, please wait and see." Under the suspicious gaze of the emperor, He Xichao said softly but firmly without changing his expression or blinking his eyes.

Emperor Tiangan looked at him fixedly: "If this is the case, you will not only be a lonely minister, but also a capable minister in governing the world, which is the blessing of Daqi."

This evaluation is really high, He Xi raised her lips, bowed and cupped her hands and said: "I will definitely live up to the emperor's expectations."

"Go."

"Wei Chen retire."

Emperor Tiangan looked at He Xichao's leaving back, and suddenly said: "It's no wonder Hong'er is in love with him."

No matter how satisfied he is with his son, compared to He Xichao, Xiao Hong's methods are indeed a little naive.

In one day, the emperor's attitude completely changed.

The author has something to say: Yao: What if Xiaohong fails you, cherish the dynasty?

He Xichao: There is a kind of death together.