Bastard's Counterattack [Rebirth]

"Damn the humble job." Zhuo Kai waited quietly, his jaw tensed.

How can I sit idly by and ignore you when you attract Xiao Wuhun to stay away?Emperor Chengtian didn't say a word, with a cold face, he put down the ginseng tea and picked up the beads, twisting them one by one, sometimes fast and sometimes slow, pinching the nanmu beads hard to calm his mind.

The recent bad luck ah, yesterday and today are punished to kneel!Rong Youtang sighed silently, gritted his teeth forbearance, the bruises and redness on his knees hadn't faded yet, and now he was kneeling again, the sharp and stinging pain was unbearable, but Yuqian couldn't lose his dignity, he could only endure it.

After a long time, the movements of Emperor Chengtian twirling the Buddha beads tended to be gentle, completely calm, and he said unhurriedly: "Zhuo Kai."

"I'm humble."

Rong Youtang suddenly held his heart high, and listened with bated breath:

"I forgave you in the case of flooding in the Qiyuan Hall last time; I should have issued a decree to thoroughly investigate and punish King Qing's injury this time, but considering your father's loyalty and hard work for half his life, I can't bear his old age and helplessness, so I forgive you." This is the last time. But the death penalty can be avoided, and punishment is necessary, come here!"

"Humble position." The imperial guard stepped forward in response.

Emperor Chengtian slammed down the Buddhist beads, and sternly ordered: "Zhuo Kai is negligent and incompetent, dismissed and punished fifty times!"

After finally being promoted to colonel, he was dismissed again... Rong Youtang sighed secretly, feeling very sympathetic.

"Humble post, grassroots, thank Your Majesty for your grace and forgiveness." Zhuo Kai kowtowed tremblingly, his eyes were red, and his heart felt like a knife was twisted.

Emperor Chengtian looked away, and waved his hands in disgust: "Pull him out."

"Yes!"

"The grassroots retire." Zhuo Kai narrowly escaped death, and was obediently dragged away by his old colleagues who were also the inner court guards. He never begged for mercy from the beginning to the end.

So, only Rong Youtang was left kneeling.

Fortunately, Emperor Chengtian's anger had almost dissipated, and he faintly said tiredly: "Let's calm down."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Rong Youtang stood up slowly. He only slept for more than two hours last night. The carriage was too slow when he returned to the city, so he changed to riding a horse and was almost frozen. Putting on the official robe and facing up, his chest was pressed against his back with hunger, his eyes turned black, his legs were limp, and he trembled uncontrollably.

Emperor Chengtian glanced around a few times, and asked lightly, "Are your legs weak from fright?"

Rong Youtang's lips turned pale, and he shook his head in embarrassment.

"Then why are you trembling?" Emperor Chengtian angrily changed his sitting position, and then came to his senses: "Hungry?"

Rong Youtang was so hungry that he panicked, and he simply said frankly: "Your Majesty is wise. This is the first time for me to participate in the morning court. I was so excited that I didn't dare to eat or drink."

Hmph, brat.

Emperor Chengtian had rich experience in going to court, and believed that the other party was really hungry, so he casually taught: "Going to court certainly requires solemnity, but it is okay to have a little stomach. If you are dizzy from hunger, how can you participate in government affairs?"

"Your Majesty's teaching is correct, I understand." Rong Youtang shouted in his heart while being respectful: Why don't you let me go?

"You went out of the city to visit Prince Qing last night, did you witness it yourself? How is he injured?" Emperor Chengtian asked majesticly.This is also his original intention to keep Rong Youtang, but the key is to take advantage of the trend to question and beat.

After hearing the words, Rong Youtang compared his calf, and told the truth: "Return to Your Majesty: His Highness Prince Qing was injured on the inner side of the calf of the left leg, the wound was deep and long, about half an inch deep, and more than three inches long, bleeding profusely. Fortunately, the doctor bandaged him in time to stop the bleeding, prescribed decoction and took good care of him, and he will definitely recover.”

Ugh……

Emperor Chengtian lowered his eyes, concentrating on imagining a wound like that on his son's leg, sighed silently, nodded calmly, and said slowly: "Last night, it snowed heavily and the wind was biting to the bone. If you can go out of the city to explore, you still have a conscience. You will go today." Visiting?"

Test me again!

Rong Youtang's spirit shivered, and he replied cautiously: "Although I really want to go, Mr. Qiao from the Imperial Academy has sent an errand for me, and I need to deal with official business urgently. I guess I will have to wait until I take a rest before I can greet His Highness."

"It's good that you understand." Emperor Chengtian's attitude was relaxed, and he sternly taught: "I have entrusted you with a heavy responsibility, you should do it yourself, and don't indulge in personal affairs, otherwise Zhuo Kai will be a lesson for the past!"

"Yes."

"Go down."

"My minister resigns." Rong Youtang narrowly passed the test once again as if he had received an amnesty, and left Qianming Palace with his limp legs dragging his limp legs.

Emperor Chengtian lay down tired, sighed, closed his eyes, and placed the Buddhist beads on his abdomen.

"Your Majesty, please have a medicated meal." Li Deying respectfully invited.

Emperor Chengtian shook his head.

"How do you feel? Do you need an imperial doctor?" Li Deying asked worriedly.

"No need."

Only then did Li Deying report: "Your Majesty, about two quarters of an hour ago, His Royal Highness King Rui came down to invite Sheng An, and this old slave dared to persuade His Highness to go back."

"Oh?" Emperor Chengtian frowned unhappily, but after thinking about it, he didn't get angry, and sighed with relief: "Chen'er has always been polite and sensible, and his health has just improved, so I come to say hello every day. I can see clearly, then The child is not hypocritical, he is filial piety from the heart."

"Your Majesty is wise, you teach well, His Highness King Rui is naturally filial." Li Deying flattered him familiarly.

Emperor Chengtian finally smiled happily, but the smile disappeared in an instant, and he said with hatred: "If Lao Qi can be three-pointed like his brothers, I will be satisfied!"

"Your Majesty, please don't worry too much. His Royal Highness has returned to the residence to reflect, and he must be able to comprehend your generosity and love."

"Sometimes, I really—" Emperor Chengtian reluctantly stopped, annoyed, and sighed with a headache: "Forget it, Zhuo Kai can't be killed, let him stay in Beiying, with Yong'er as the restraint, Xiao Wu dare not do whatever he wants, An older brother should teach a younger brother."

Li Deying lowered his eyebrows and listened respectfully, but he didn't agree or answer, knowing that the emperor was just talking to himself in private and didn't need anyone to plan together.

Evening Zhuo Mansion Main Hall

"My lord Rong volunteered to save me, I am so grateful!" Zhuo Zhiyang stood up and solemnly clasped his fists.

"Now Kai'er is the only one in the family. If he has something good or bad, who can we old couple rely on in the future?" Mrs. Zhuo, with gray temples, had her eyes swollen from crying and her voice was hoarse.

Rong Youtang hastily put down the teacup, quickly helped the Patriarch of Zhuo's family, and said in relief: "Old Zhuo, Mrs. Zhuo, please get up quickly, you two are really in trouble! Brother Kai and I met in Beiying, and we were friends for a while." , How can I just ignore my death? It's a pity that I am incompetent, and I can't help much."

"Master Rong is too modest. The dog has already told the story in detail. How can this old man not understand the danger? Thanks to your mediation, my son survived." Zhuo Zhiyang was very grateful. His eldest son Zhuo Ke, because he offended the eldest princess, He was severely punished and sent back to his hometown, and he was banned from being an official for life; the second son was motivated and diligent, but was entangled by the scoundrels of the seventh prince, his official career was bumpy, and he almost died today.All kinds of misfortunes successively hit the old man physically and mentally exhausted, weakened and panicked.

"Where is it? It's actually His Majesty's kindness. In front of seniors, how can I be considered an 'adult'? If you don't mind, please call me by name." Rong Youtang smiled kindly, subtly reminding the other party to pay attention to his attitude.

Zhuo Zhiyang was stunned, tried his best to suppress his resentment and resentment, succumbed to the majesty of the emperor, his face was livid, and tremblingly said: "You are right, Kai Er should indeed thank His Majesty for his kindness and forgiveness."

Mrs. Zhuo hated the Seventh Prince to the bone, and was extremely aggrieved. She had no choice but to swallow her anger.She cordially took Rong Youtang's hand, forced a smile and said, "Since that's the case, how about I call you 'Youtang'?"

"Excellent, the old lady is very polite."

"Youtang, it's hard for you to come to visit as soon as you're on duty. I really don't know how to thank you." Mrs. Zhuo thought of the cruelty of the world in the middle of her family, and felt sad from it. She couldn't help crying.

"The distinguished guest is here, don't cry, it's outrageous." Zhuo Zhiyang dissuaded his wife.

"Keep the green hills here, please think about it and take care of your health." Rong Youtang tried to comfort her, and asked worriedly, "How is brother Kai?"

"Fifty sticks, the skin is torn apart, it's killing me!" Mrs. Zhuo complained angrily.

"Ignorant lady, don't talk nonsense!" Zhuo Zhiyang's face changed suddenly, and he admonished solemnly: "We Kai'er made a mistake, so what's the penalty of fifty boards? He should be beaten!"

"I—" Mrs. Zhuo shut up, her chest hurting from choking,

Rong Youtang lowered his head quietly, pretending not to notice anything.

"Youtang, this old man will take you to see Kai'er." Zhuo Zhiyang felt dizzy, and simply pulled Rong Youtang away, letting his wife cry as much as she wanted.

after a while

As soon as Rong Youtang stepped on the threshold, he heard Zhuo Kai explain weakly:

"...was present at the time of the incident, so he is destined to be involved. Although I believe His Highness King Qing will help explain the truth, he has already pleaded with His Majesty for me because of His Highness Seventh and Eighth Highness, so how can His Highness be misunderstood and protected by His Majesty?" Outsiders? That's absolutely impossible."

"His Highness is very angry that you took advantage of Xiu Mu to enter the palace to plead guilty and make claims without authorization," Guo Da said in a deep voice.The Seventh Prince's troubles caused King Qing to be injured, and the accident caused Long Yan to be furious.

"General, calm down, I really don't have the face to embarrass Your Highness anymore. When the incident happened, I was indeed impulsive and disrespectful, and angered His Highness Seven. One person does one thing and one person is responsible. You must not leave the mess to Your Highness to clean up." Zhuo Kai lay on his stomach, his face pale. , his forehead was covered with cold sweat, and there was a strong smell of blood mixed with Jinchuang medicine from the bed.

"Oh!" Guo Da sighed heavily, helpless.

"Brother Kai, cheer up, His Majesty did not let you leave Beiying." Rong Youtang comforted him in a timely manner, speaking bluntly.

"Brother Rong is here?" Guo Da turned his head in surprise.

"I pay my respects to General Guo." Due to the presence of Zhuo's father and son, Rong Youtang saluted respectfully.

"There is no need to be polite." Guo Da raised his hand to help.

Zhuo Kai's eyes lit up, he struggled to prop up his upper body on his elbows, and said excitedly: "Xiaotang, I entered the palace today to plead guilty, I didn't want to go home alive, thanks to your pleading, there is no way to repay my life-saving grace, if it is useful in the future When it's time to go, please open your mouth!"

"What did Brother Kai say? It's so strange, besides, I'm just worrying next to you. Lie down quickly." Rong Youtang hurriedly stepped forward and pushed the injured person down.

"Brother, you are so righteous! At that time, you could have stayed out of the matter, but you took the risk to help me." Zhuo Kai was extremely grateful.

"I regard Brother Kai as a friend, so don't say polite words in the future." Rong Youtang said sincerely.

Zhuo Zhiyang took the round stool brought by the servant and greeted him, "Youtang, sit down and chat."

"Please sit down, I'll just stand." Rong Youtang waved his hand.

Guo Da was the most honorable person present, and he urged heartily: "Move another chair, and Zhuo Lao will sit too."

"Yes."

The four of them faced each other and chatted for about a quarter of an hour. Guo Da stood up and said, "Zhuo Kai, rest assured that you are recovering from your injuries. Your Highness told you to return to the camp to work after you recover."

"Is that true?" Zhuo Kai blurted out, his eyes wide open, and he stood up on his elbows desperately.

"You child, there are no rules! How can the general be a joke?" Zhuo Zhiyang nervously reprimanded his son, also beaming with joy, and bowed deeply to Guo Da: "The old man has no way to teach his son, causing great trouble to His Highness and the general." gone."

"Mr. Zhuo, please, we all know the truth, but it's not appropriate to publicize it." Guo Da helped Zhuo Zhiyang, and encouraged Zhuo Kai with earnestness: "A man, no matter how difficult it is, just grit your teeth and get through it. Don't let your Highness down. The heart of cultivation. If you resign, just resign, and work hard to earn in the future!"

When I was a guard, I was dismissed from my post, and my face was disgraced; I was just promoted to a lieutenant in Beiying, but I was dismissed by the staff... Fortunately, His Royal Highness King Qing did not despise me.

With tears dripping on the pillow, Zhuo Kai kowtowed on his stomach, gritted his teeth and said, "I obey!"

"Your Highness, the General, and Lord Rong's great kindness and virtue will never be forgotten by the little old family." Zhuo Zhiyang knelt tremblingly, was supported by Guo Da and Rong Youtang from left to right, and he left after a while.

When Rong Youtang returned home, it was already dark, he was preoccupied, he ate, bathed and washed quickly, spread paper and rubbed ink.

"Tang'er, how about practicing calligraphy?" Rong Kaiji asked kindly.

Rong Youtang shook his head: "No, I'm going to write a memorial."

Father Rong asked enthusiastically, "Are you ready for the memorial now?"

"Yeah." Rong Youtang raised his head, carefully looked at the fine lines around his adoptive father's eyes, and his gray hair, and then recalled the sad and sad elders of the Zhuo family.

"Then write quickly, finish writing early and rest early, don't work too late and burn your eyes." Father Rong urged with concern, carefully made the mattress, and found out the clothes and pants that his son would wear tomorrow morning.

"Understood." Rong Youtang took a deep breath, steadily picked up the pen and dipped in the ink, and wrote quickly at the desk, explaining the thoughts that he had considered for a long time one by one.

Two days later, he rested and took a bath, just in time for the three-day deadline set by King Qing.

Rong Youtang stepped into the threshold anxiously, with the written memorial tucked in his sleeve.

Zhao Zeyong was half lying and half sitting, with a kang table on the bed, and the table was covered with pens, inks, papers, inkstones and official documents. He greeted Rong Youtang with his eyes, and asked in surprise, "Why are you here so early?"

"I couldn't sleep, so I rushed to the gate of the city and waited for the door to open." Rong Youtang answered honestly.

Zhao Zeyong was very happy when he heard it, and he was in a good mood. He smiled and said, "What's the hurry? The king is waiting here. Have you eaten breakfast yet?"

Rong Youtang nodded, his palms were sweaty, he squeezed the memorial in his sleeve tightly, and planned to stay in Beiying for two days to discuss in detail.

"Take off your cloak quickly, come up and drink tea to warm yourself up." Zhao Zeyong patted the warm kang bed.

"Okay." Rong Youtang took off his cloak as he said, shaking the snow, and the memorial made a vague outline in the sleeve.King Qing was vigilant and meticulous by nature. He looked at the moment and asked curiously, "What's in your sleeve?"

Rong Youtang was caught off guard, and was extremely nervous for an instant, subconsciously stuffing the memorial into the depths of his sleeve!

"What are you panicking about?" Zhao Zeyong was puzzled, and whispered, "Take it out and have a look."

Rong Youtang covered his sleeves, his mind was in turmoil, he stared blankly at King Qing, he was so bewildered.

After staring at each other for a while, Zhao Zeyong frowned, his smile gradually faded, and he spread his palms and said solemnly: "Bring it!"