diseased bone

Zhongyang City, Wei's mansion, the secret room under the enshrinement hall.

Qi Lang lightly blew out the candle at hand, lowered his eyebrows and said pleasantly, "What's the matter?"

"I have secretly recalled all the borrowed soldiers to Zhongyang. Everything is ready, and I only owe Chunzhoutai a gust of wind." Wei Shuqing put down the teacup in his hand, and smiled happily, "Recently, there have been changes in the court and China. The voices are raging—Prince Xie has already started to build momentum for the reform, and if there is no accident, the reform regulations will be officially promulgated at Chunzhou Terrace during the Shuanghua Festival of the Shangyuan Festival this year."

The Shangyuan Festival is the biggest festival of the year, with various sacrificial ceremonies - many years ago, the very famous Mingde Prince promulgated the first law code of the Great Indian Dynasty on the Shangyuan Festival. , Encouraging farming and mulberry, promoting money and goods, and taxation laws have almost drastically changed the lives of the people, and greatly enhanced the previously crumbling national power in just a hundred years, and thus established the foundation of the Feng Dynasty.

Therefore, on the Shangyuan Festival every year, Kongming is burned in Zhongyang City, river lanterns are released, streets and alleys are decorated with lanterns of various colors, and a grand Shuanghua Sacrifice Ceremony is held on Central Xuanle Avenue to mourn Prince Mingde.

The Shuanghua Sacrifice is a sacrificial ceremony that has been handed down from Prince Mingde. When Prince Mingde succeeded him as emperor, he married Princess Shuanghua of Suzhou, and the emperor and queen loved each other deeply.

It's just that Princess Shuanghua became seriously ill after only ten years as the queen. She died of illness on the Lantern Festival, the day when he accomplished his life's work, which aroused Prince Mingde's lifelong thoughts, so he created the Shuanghua Festival to commemorate his beloved wife.

People in the world often explain that Prince De "sorrows also go to the Yuan Dynasty, and joy also goes to the Yuan Dynasty". The sacrifice later evolved into a grand ceremony for a happy marriage and a prosperous country.

Whenever there is a change in legal provisions or the promulgation of emerging policies, it will be made public at the sacrificial ceremony, which can be described as the well-deserved first grand ceremony of the year in Dayin.

"Mr. Wei is sure that the nobles of Zhongyang won't defect temporarily?" Qi Lang was still worried, and asked, "Except for those implemented by the army, none of Prince Xie's reform regulations have been leaked out. The gate valve is beneficial..."

"Don't worry, no matter how beneficial it is, it's just a superficial phenomenon," Wei Shuqing replied confidently, "I have met with several people in power in the big family, and I have explained the cause and effect clearly. These old things are like human beings. There is no reason why you don't understand. The prince's rest reform is for equal rights, equal rights will inevitably cut down the feudal clan, and cutting the feudal clan will certainly affect their accumulated interests over the years, how can there be insurance for cooperation with us?"

Only then did Qi Lang relax slightly: "Duke Wei is brilliant..."

"However, there is one thing that surprised me," Wei Shuqing said with a frown as if he suddenly remembered something, "Does my nephew know anything about martial arts? Lihentianwai, Dongnanping King has a killer all over the world under his name." organize……"

"Duke Wei is talking about Ye Mayfly?" Qi Lang said, "Of course I have heard of it. Ye Mayfly is as famous as Beijiang Hulan Your Excellency Twin Life Hall, taking people's money and taking lives for others. For many years, they have almost never missed it."

"Exactly," Wei Shuqing raised his hand and brushed his gray hair, "A few days ago, I sent someone to secretly contact Ye Mayfly, hoping that they could help me take the life of the crown prince or the emperor, but guess what? Someone paid a lot of money long ago to buy Prince Xie's life."

Qi Lang stood up suddenly, his tone a little stiff: "What?"

"Nephew, why are you so excited?" Wei Shuqing gave him a meaningful look, and said slowly, "I don't know who it is, but the night mayfly said that they will do things for that person, and they don't care about the number of people in the city... It seems that it's not just us, someone wants his life more than us."

"Who could it be?" Qi Lang pondered, "The one who doesn't even care about the number of all-powerful cities must be a big shot... Prince Xie has formed a lot of good friends over the years, rarely has enemies, and only has the same thoughts as us Talent will make a move—"

"Nephew, why should you care about these things?" Wei Shuqing picked up the cup in his hand again, with a hint of warning in his tone, "It is of course a good thing that someone helps us take his life. If Feng Xie dies, then There is no need to take advantage of reforms, Jin Chanzi has already rebelled, and the defense of the imperial city is extremely weak... as long as we kill the emperor, we can easily..."

"I... I'm just worried," Qi Lang concealed, and sat down again, "We originally planned to spare the prince's life and force him to be used as our puppet. The Feng Dynasty lasted for a hundred years. If you change your name and surname overnight, you may cause dissatisfaction in the world, so you have to have him."

"It's a trivial matter," Wei Shuqing said with a nonchalant smile, "Feng Xie died, it would be better for us, and it would also save us from worrying about his refusal to cooperate - didn't he have a younger brother, the second prince Shuo has always had a temper Soft, it looks easier to handle than him, and it's not bad to use him as a puppet."

Qi Lang swallowed hard: "Wei Gong is right..."

He tidied up his confused thoughts, and reluctantly said: "Last time, I mentioned the matter of Chu Shao to Wei Gong. Chu Jiang died of illness, and His Majesty intends to continue to promote him. I heard that the decree has been drafted, and it is only a matter of promulgating it to the world." How can we choose this general who has just returned to the court from Prince Xie? After the death of Chu Jiang, Chu Shao’s reputation has risen. This person cannot be killed directly, otherwise it may cause chaos in the Xuanjian camp..."

Wei Shuqing smiled confidently, and said vaguely: "If this is the case, it will be a good thing for us..."

Qi Lang stared at his expression, but didn't see anything.

The two began to conspire after the Baiyu Ruyi case, and it was only then that Qi Lang learned that such a secret passage had been built in the Qi's mansion, which firmly tied the two families together. mentioned.

After Bai Yuruyi's case, he was devastated, but it was Wei Shuqing who took the initiative to find him.If it wasn't so, he wouldn't have been able to see that the old man, who usually lowered his eyebrows in front of the emperor and only knew how to ask immortals, had made such a plan in private, and all his plans were well planned, as if...he had already done this for this matter. Planning for many, many years.

It's just...he doesn't know the opponent's layout, or even where the mysterious army that the opponent transferred back to Zhongyang came from. This feeling is very uncomfortable.

"Since Wei Gong is concerned, I won't say anything else." Qi Lang calmed down, and said, "By the way, Wei Gong just said that he has met with the powerful people of Zhongyang's important families, so I don't know if there are any of these aristocratic families. Is there a Zhou family?"

"Of course not." Wei Shuqing's face turned cold in an instant, "After Sheng Qian's death, the Zhou family was ruled by several heirs in turn, and these people completely inherited Sheng Qian's temper. For a gentleman, it is very difficult to speak..."

"This is also my worry." Qi Lang lowered his eyes, "It is right not to inform them about this matter. If they are informed, they will definitely report it to Crown Prince Xie... The Zhou family seems to never care about the interests of their own family. Like, but it is the third largest family in Zhongyang after all, in case..."

"No chance," Wei Shuqing replied coldly, with a wolf-like insidious gleam in his eyes, "If they really don't know good from bad, they will kill the mess quickly... Zhou Shengqian didn't deal with me when he was alive, Now that he has passed away, how can it be possible for those young brats of the Zhou family to find their way out of the sky?"

"Wei Gong's plan is my plan." Qi Lang bowed to him respectfully and said with a low smile.

Wei Shuqing returned to his previous half-smile expression, he supported Qi Lang's arm, and smiled half-truthfully, "It's very good that my nephew said so, and I also hope that my nephew can do it in time." Always know what to do.”

Qi Lang raised his head to look at him, showing a smile that was also half-true and half-fake: "Don't worry, Duke Wei."

The reform in Zhanlu's army had begun to bear fruit, and Chu Shao did not dare to take it lightly, patrolling the camp day and night.Feng Xie wanted to go to the Xuanjian camp again on Chu Shao's birthday on the first day of December, but after receiving his letter, he said that he was busy with exercises these days and really couldn't spare any extra time.

After entering the Prince's Mansion from Chu Shao, on the first day of December every year, no matter how busy the two of them are, they would always eat a bowl of longevity noodles together, and sincerely wish each other a long life and peace in everything.

But now-

Feng Xie didn't want to distract him, so he only went there sporadically a few times throughout December, and the two of them didn't meet much. The last time, Chu Shao even said that he would watch the New Year with the soldiers this year.

It is a good thing that Dayin has such a coach, but Feng Xie had no reason to stop him, so he let him go.What's more, he himself was devastated by secret preparations for the next year's reform, and he didn't even go back to the Prince's Mansion on New Year's Eve. He only found a place to discuss with Sang Zhe and Zhou Yunchuan in Zuiyue Tower, and sat there from afternoon to evening.

Every New Year's Eve, Zhongyang lights up the city with fireworks, and the sound explodes one after another in his ears, giving him an illusion of prosperity.

"His Royal Highness, is there something on your mind?" Zhou Yunchuan poured him a glass of wine and asked with a smile.

Feng Xie sighed, took the wine glass in his hand, and replied: "How could it not be, it will be New Year's Eve in a flash, and there will be many things next year. There has been no news from the army for a long time, and I don't know how it is now..."

"His Royal Highness is worried about General Chu?" Zhou Yunchuan said with a smile, "General Chu has a good command of the army, but in just a few months, the name of the Zhanlu Army has become extremely resounding, and he must be worried about marching and fighting. After a lot of effort, what is His Royal Highness worried about?"

"It's only a half-year-old child. It used to be better with the old general Chu watching from the side. Now that I know I'm going to be promoted, I'm so proud of it—the water will overflow. How can I not worry?" Feng Xie frowned, rather He said worriedly, "I don't know if he listened to what I said, but he must guard against arrogance and impetuosity, and he must not be arrogant. His temper, I don't know what to do this time..."

"The relationship between His Royal Highness and General Xiao Chu is really good." Sang Zhe sat aside and joked, "My mother used to be a servant in the Prince's Mansion, and she often heard her talking about you two, His Royal Highness and Second Prince Shuo The relationship is not so good, and the major general is closer than a brother."

"Xieyi and I have not been together since childhood, and we rarely meet each other, talk less, and don't understand much," Feng Xie said helplessly, "Ah Shao has been together day and night for a few years, so it is inevitable that he will become closer. He loves talking and making trouble since he was a child , very annoying."

"This isn't annoying, it's clearly flattering..." Zhou Yunchuan rubbed his chin with great interest, "I haven't met General Xiao Chu yet, His Royal Highness said so, it's really worth getting to know figure."

"Why are you so likable? Yun Chuan never speaks out of tune," Feng Xie coughed twice with a smile, and changed the subject, "By the way, is there any new news from the aristocratic family recently?"

"It's nothing special. Since Qi Lang lifted his confinement, he has been less concerned with family affairs. Wei Shuqing is still the same. Apart from inviting immortal masters to play chess every day, he lives a leisurely life. There are three sons of the Zhou family here, so don't worry about it." Sang Zhe replied, "Wei Qiange has restrained himself a lot since he came back from Zhanlu Barracks, but the Major General is not in Zhongyang, so I don't think he will be honest for long."

"Well, the aristocratic family is extremely restrained now. Qi Lang has shown his strength from a forward. He finally got rid of the restraint this year, and he knows how to protect himself." Feng Xie listened carefully, and then sighed, "Speaking of...he is also a character , It's a pity that I was born in the Qi family, and I'm the eldest son, so I just want to be safe all my life."

"His Royal Highness, I heard that you have a very close personal relationship with Qi Lang?" Zhou Yunchuan frowned and asked, "I have been in contact with him a few times before, and I always feel that this person is not as kind as he seems. Are you really willing to do so? ?”

"It's not a matter of personal friendship. He is kind to me, so he can be regarded as my half confidant." Feng Xie stared at the wine glass in his hand, a little dazed, "I had a good relationship with him before the Qi's Baiyu Ruyi case. When we were gathering outside, I was assassinated for no reason, and he blocked the knife for me. Qi Lang and I have quite the same political views, if he was not born in the Qi family, he would definitely be a famous person in history... What a pity."

"No wonder Qi Lang respects you so much." Sang Zhe said.

Feng Xie gave a soft "hmm": "I went to see him after he was grounded in the Baiyu Ruyi case, and asked him to let go of everything and keep himself safe for the rest of his life. He also listened to my words, and now, in order to avoid suspicion, even matters within the Qi clan Don't worry about it anymore, Yun Chuan can rest assured."

Zhou Yunchuan nodded, and continued: "Lange is watching over Xiye. If General Xiao Chu goes wrong, I can send someone there at any time. Your Highness the Crown Prince can rest assured. I will continue to watch the Northwest battlefield. What's the matter? I will send you a letter."

"The Eight Departments of Internal and External Affairs are now operating normally. The new Minister of Foreign Affairs is impartial and hates evil. I think he is someone who can be used by us." Sang Zhe poured himself a glass of wine and said, "The reform decree and Yun Chuan and I have already Make corrections repeatedly, and only wait for the Northwest War to be peaceful before proceeding to implement it."

"Very good." Feng Xie praised, and just about to continue, Qin Mu opened the door and came in, leaned close to his ear and whispered something.

Feng Xie put down the wine glass in his hand, his eyebrows frowned slightly, and then relaxed again: "Sang Zhe, Yun Chuan, I have some important matters to attend to, so I won't continue drinking with you two. If you two have something to ask I, just go to Qin Mu anytime."

"His Royal Highness has something important to do, so hurry up," Zhou Yunchuan said with a smile, "It's the reunion day on New Year's Eve, and my brothers are too busy to pay respects to me. I'm a loner, so I can only continue to drink here Yes. Master Sang, are you interested in accompanying me?"

Sang Zhe thought for a while, then smiled and said, "My mother has prepared a New Year's Eve dinner in the mansion. If Yunchuan is interested, please go to the mansion to have a drink."

"Let's go, let's go," Zhou Yunchuan was overjoyed, put his hand on Sang Zhe's shoulder, then turned to Feng Xie and said, "Your Highness, don't worry too much about political affairs, go to the palace to spend more time with His Majesty, it's okay to spend one day less busy."

"Father will not hold a family banquet today, but he told me to enter the palace at night, and I will leave later," Feng Xie said helplessly, "You two should not blow the wind after drinking, and there are a lot of political affairs after New Year's Eve, so you should also pay attention to your health." good."

After saying goodbye to Sang Zhe and Zhou Yunchuan, Feng Xie, wearing a scarlet hood, walked around with Qin Mu to the back door of a brothel in Rongyinfang, which was also secretly set up by Zhou Yunchuan for him to spy on news.

He walked through the hidden corridors in the building until he reached the room at the end of the third floor before stopping and sighed deeply.

The people in the room seemed to be aware of his arrival, and smiled and ordered, "Go down."Immediately, there were a few boys and girls who were not too old to see coming out, all dressed coolly without exception, and some of them even gave Feng Xie a wink when they passed by Feng Xie's side.

"A Mu, you go to the door and guard." Feng Xie said to Qin Mu in a low voice, Qin Mu bowed his head and answered yes, after he closed the door for the two of them, Feng Xie walked a few steps and took off his hood Next, sit down.

The person on the opposite side got up and was about to salute him, Feng Xie held the other person's arm, only heard his lazy voice: "His Royal Highness, Lang is polite."