The emperor is embarrassed

Wang Rui'an and Zheng Yuan returned to the imperial capital.

Ming Zhan put his public affairs before his private affairs, and asked, "Is Du Ruo the Lord safe and sound?"

Although he had heard that the imperial capital was safe and the emperor was safe, Wang Rui'an was still worried if he didn't see it with his own eyes.Now that he has seen a king whom he misses day and night, a loyal king, Wang Rui'an was about to express his loyal minister's speech, but unexpectedly, the king ignored the throbbing in the heart of Mr. Wang, and opened his mouth to ask Lord Du Ruo what, what, what? of.

Even if you ask Tianjin Port, it is better than caring about Lord Du Ruo like this!The corners of Wang Rui'an's lips twitched. Although he was dissatisfied, he didn't want to find fault just after he came back, so he said, "Master Du Ruo's auspicious people have their own talents, and with the full help of Du Ruo's ministers and ministers, the master of Du Ruo was rescued safely. And destroy the pirate Li Fang in one fell swoop."

Hearing that Ruan Hongfei was safe, Ming Zhan let go of his old heart. He straightened his description and asked, "How is Tianjin Port? After the Tatars left, has the construction started? Is the project going smoothly? Did you cut corners in terms of quality? "

When the king asked about the business, Wang Rui'an and Zheng Yuan busily gathered their energy and reported it carefully.After all, in their view, the engineering inspection of Tianjin Port is the main purpose of their trip.As for Du Ruo's matter, it was just incidental.

Zheng Yuan is an engineering expert, and Zheng Yuan explained these things to Ming Zhan.

After asking about Tianjin Port for a long time, Ming Zhan asked dozens of villages and counties in Zhili that were damaged. The Tatars encircled the imperial capital through Zhili. However, several large state capitals were safe, and the Tatars came and left quickly. Although there were losses, they were still within the range that the court could afford.

After asking these questions, Ming Zhan turned the corner and asked about the detailed process of rescuing Ruan Hongfei.Zheng Yuan was a direct participant. When Ming Zhan heard that Zheng Yuan had pretended to be Ruan Hongfei, thus allowing Ruan Hongfei to get away first, he smiled and praised, "Although you are a civil servant, you are very courageous."

Zheng Yuan hurriedly said modestly, "Your Majesty has an order to order the ministers to do their best to assist in the rescue of Lord Du Ruo. Naturally, the ministers will not spare themselves."

Ming Zhan asked again, why didn't Ruan Hongfei come back with them when they came back?

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Wang Rui'an enshrined Ruan Hongfei's letter, and said, "Regarding the collection of Li Fang's remnants, the Lord Du will still need to do it himself. However, your Majesty, don't worry, Lord Du is already safe. When Du Ruo's affairs are slowed down, Lord Du will definitely come to the capital to see you and thank you."

Thank you bird, Ming Zhan shook his head and sighed, "You are really honest. He asked you to come back, and you will come back. Why are you so obedient?"

Wang and Zheng didn't understand why the emperor sighed for a while. Ming Zhan had already said, "Think about it, although Li Fang died at sea, but he has been on the sea for many years, burning, killing and looting in the south of the Yangtze River. Stolen money and stolen goods? Where is his lair? Although you don’t know, Lord Du knows. Those things that Li Fang robbed are the people’s anointing of our Jiangnan people.”

At this point, Ming Zhan's heart ached, he patted the table with his fingers and said, "You two have been fooled and you don't know. Why didn't you go with Du Guozhu? When you rescued Du Guozhu, Zheng Yuan, you You risked your life! At that time, you asked Du Guozhu to help you collect the stolen goods that Li Fang robbed, how could Du Guozhu, a sensible person, refuse?"

The two of them are stupid and have no heart at all, so they were fooled back by that big liar.

Wang Rui'an and Zheng Yuan were tongue-tied, Ming Zhan glanced at them, and said discouragedly, "Forget it, the matter has come to an end, it's useless to talk too much, since Lord Du is safe, and you are all doing your best for Tianjin Port, I understand."

Wang Rui'an tentatively suggested, "Your Majesty, we have the grace to save the Lord Du, if we are with the Lord Du..."

Ming Zhan raised his hand and stopped Wang Rui'an's words, "You don't come here. When Lord Du comes to the imperial capital in the future, I will ask him if he copied Li Fang's hometown. Is he stupid? He can tell me the truth. Forget it, you didn't go together , The things are in other people's pockets, and they can't be taken out no matter what. In the future, when you do things, you have to be careful."

Wang Rui'an and Zheng Yuan thought it was a great achievement, but unexpectedly, His Majesty blamed them for not sharing the spoils. This is true, true... It's not that Wang and Zheng are not alert, the key is that they did not regard Li Fang's property as their own at all. Awareness of court stuff.

This, this is entirely an error caused by their thinking circuit not being on the same channel as His Majesty the Emperor.

Now that Li Fang was dead, thinking of Liu Ying, Ming Zhan asked, "Zheng Yuan, since Liu Ying has helped you a lot, what happened to him?"

Zheng Yuan is not familiar with Liu Ying, but after a short time of contact, he also understands Liu Ying's position in Li Fang's gang, and replied, "When I left, I saw Liu Ying following Du Ruowang, and it seems that I have acquainted with Du Ruowang. cooked."

Ming Zhan's eyes lit up, "So Liu Ying is with King Du Ruo?"

"Nine times out of ten."

Ming Zhan suddenly laughed out loud, danced his hands and feet, and praised, "Little Shadow is really smart, that's all right, all right, you all step back." Fortunately, there is someone who understands, so I won't lose too much.As long as Liu Ying helps out, Ming Zhan will have a way to get a fortune from Ruan Hongfei for Li Fang's family.

Wang Rui'an didn't know who Liu Ying was, but Zheng Yuan was a little familiar with her. Liu Ying's status beside Li Fang was... not very honorable.But it cannot be denied that Liu Ying played a key role in the rescue of Du Ruowang.Now hearing His Majesty's tone, it seems that he recognizes Liu Ying.Zheng Yuan's heart trembled: Could it be that Liu Ying is His Majesty's man?

That is to say, His Majesty has long controlled Liu Fang's actions?

Your Majesty has a way to insert pirates far away at sea?So what about the courtiers in the court?

Thinking of this, Zheng Yuan didn't dare to think about it anymore, his back was wet with sweat unconsciously.Ming Zhan was in a good mood, rewarded them with a holiday, and ordered them to retire.Zheng Yuan hurriedly followed Wang Rui'an to salute respectfully and exited the Xuande Hall.

Ruan Hongfei didn't go back to the imperial capital directly with Zheng Yuan Wang Rui'an. Indeed, as Ming Zhan thought, he was in a hurry to copy Li Fang's lair, and someone was willing to lead the way—Liu Ying.

Ruan Hongfei and Liu Ying have become friends these days, and the two have a very happy chat.

Another member of Ruan Hongfei's subordinate——Tianquan, has a lot of eyes, and said to Ruan Hongfei in private, "Sir, Liu Ying is the emperor's secret agent after all, let him give him a hand. If the emperor asks for a share in the future, ask us for Li Fang's family property." , what should I do?"

Tianquan said, "According to me, we can still copy Liu Ying's lair even if we don't use him."

"There is no Liu Ying in the three caves of the cunning rabbit, so I'm afraid it won't be copied cleanly."

Afterwards, Tianshu pulled Tianquan and sighed straight away, "I said, why are you so honest. Mister used Liu Ying to prepare for the emperor to blackmail you. Think about it, this time the emperor was beaten to the door of the house, no I know how much money I will lose. Seeing that we have made a lot of money, don't you feel envious."

Tianquan stared at him and said, "How can you be an emperor like this. Our Du Ruoguo has nothing to do with the Celestial Dynasty, but the husband and the emperor are together, why don't you see him give us something, but the little emperor is just a trap we."

"Idiot, idiot." Tianshu shook his head, "Since the formal establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, we have bought five times more things from Jiangnan than before. Even Li Fang and the others are counting on us to make a living. The money earned has gone to sea. What's the matter of extorting the emperor. Now the emperor is short of money. Let's let the husband take three melons and two dates as favors. There will be many benefits in the future. The face is bright, and the inside is not bad. It's on."

Tianquan stopped talking.

This time, Liu Ying was really right, because Li Fang's lair had obviously been ransacked.Of course, this also reduces the difficulty of their landing, but the good things on the surface are gone.

Ruan Hongfei glanced at the ruined walls, "It seems that Jingming is one step ahead."

He copied Feng Jingming's nest, and Feng Jingming copied Li Fang's nest, so it was considered blood back.

Thanks to an insider like Liu Ying, Ruan Hongfei robbed a lot of jewels and gold from the underground palace built by Li Fang, and Tianshu and others directed his men to move them back to the ship.

Liu Ying asked puzzledly, "Could it be that the master has calculated that the king will attack Li Fang?" Otherwise, how could he come to copy Li Fang's house first.

Ruan Hongfei smiled slightly, "He deliberately provoked Li Fang, in order to let me do something to Li Fang. He took advantage of it."

Thinking of the news that Li Fang heard, Liu Ying said softly, "Master, you really..."

"what?"

"It's nothing." Liu Ying stopped talking, and said, "My lord, the emperor sent me to Li Fang's side, and my lord saw it too. Without me, my lord might not have found these things so quickly. Why? Said, there should be a part of the imperial court." Although Liu Ying has a heart of admiration for Ruan Hongfei, but Liu Ying's experience and his own temperament determine that no matter how much he admires, it is impossible for him to be fascinated by Ruan Hongfei.The reason why he didn't go back to the imperial capital with Wang and Zheng was naturally because he held back his desire to contribute to the imperial court again.

"Naturally." Ruan Hongfei is not a stingy person, and according to his estimate, Ming Xiaopang is almost dying of poverty and urgently needs help.

Liu Ying asked again, "Since the young master provoked the king to turn against Li Fang, if he hadn't believed in Li Fang's defeat, he would not have taken the first step to copy Li Fang's house. However, with the young master's heart, it is natural to think of the current king After Li Fang is eliminated, he should come to Li Fang's territory. However, why is there no arrangement here? Does it make people suspicious?"

"There's nothing suspicious. Jingming has already suffered a big defeat. He doesn't have that many people to arrange anything." Ruan Hongfei glanced at Liu Ying, "Do you have any plans?"

Liu Ying's face was calm and clear, "Li Fang is dead, his power has been wiped out, and I have fulfilled my mission. I want to go back to the imperial capital, so that I can honor my parents."

"That's true." Thinking of Liu Ying's ups and downs in the past few years, Ruan Hongfei didn't say much.

Fuzhou, Zhao Mansion.

Zhao Qingyi was dressed in plain white, sitting in the study, listening to her uncle's lobbying.

"Well, I think my Zhao family has been passed down for eighteen generations since Duke Wen Yi. Unexpectedly, the imperial court has no idea what is right and wrong, and blindly suppresses my Zhao family." Zhao Rubai sighed, "Qingyi, now that your reputation has been dismissed, What are your plans?"

Zhao Qingyi described it as haggard, but her expression was still clear, and said calmly, "Nowadays, there are frequent wars outside the city. I would rather be a dog of peace than a troubled world. Even if I have plans, I will talk about it later. Uncle is here today. If you have something to say, you can speak directly .”

Zhao Rubai first persuaded Zhao Qingyi with good words, "Your father's seven-year-old has also passed, Qingyi, you are the eldest son of the family, and this family has to count on you anyway, so don't be too sad."

"I'm fine, uncle don't have to worry about me."

Zhao Rubai wanted to open his mouth, but he seemed to find it difficult to speak, he gritted his teeth after a while, and said in a deep voice, "Oh, even if I don't say this now, the elders of the clan will come and tell you. Rather than that, let me tell you. Qingyi, don't worry too much." Let Zhao Qingyi be mentally prepared first.

"Is it about the position of patriarch?" Zhao Qingyi asked.

When Zhao Rubai saw Zhao Qingyi directly pointing out the words, a look of embarrassment appeared on his face, and he regained a look of pity and pity, and his well-maintained palm fell on Zhao Qingyi's shoulder, and he patted, "You Know everything?"

Zhao Qingyi nodded, "I heard."

Zhao Qingyi's branch is the head of the clan, Zhao Qingyi's father Zhao Rusong used to be the head of the clan, now that Zhao Rusong is dead, it is logical that the eldest son Zhao Qingyi takes over.In the past, the Zhao family also had this kind of concept, and since Zhao Qingyi won the second place in the list, there is almost no suspense about the position of the next patriarch.However, no one expected that Zhao Qingyi and his son had accidents one after another, and in an instant, the power of the direct branch collapsed in an instant, how could it not make people feel different?

What's more, there is still Zhao Qingyi's mother's life lawsuit involving Shen Zhuoyan's mother, and the trial has not yet started.

Regardless of whether the lawsuit is won or lost, anyway, damage to the reputation is certain.

These days, people need face and trees need bark.

Especially for a long-standing family, reputation is more important than life.

Ever since Zhao Qingyi returned to Fuzhou City after holding the coffin, the Zhao family had a new idea about the position of patriarch.The real formation of this idea was after Zhao Qingyi sued Lin Yongshang for failing in his life experience and was deprived of fame.

In the past six months, Zhao Qingyi suffered an unparalleled blow.

He plummeted from being the second place envied by everyone, and he was accused by thousands of people of treason for deceiving his master and destroying his ancestors.

It has to be said that Zhao Qingyi is not crazy, not stupid, she didn't hang herself like his father, and she can still maintain such a clear mind and thinking, it has to be said that it is a miracle, Zhao Qingyi's psychological quality is indeed good.

Zhao Qingyi saw that Zhao Rubai came here solely for the affairs of the clan leader, so she didn't care about it, and said softly, "Now my mother is not in good health, and my siblings are still young and need to be taught, and I don't have time to manage clan affairs. Uncle can go The clan and the clan elders said that my talents are limited, so I voluntarily gave up the position of patriarch. As for the sacrificial fields and other properties, after my mother sorts them out, they will naturally be enshrined in the clan."

Zhao Qingyi was so happy, it was beyond Zhao Rubai's expectation.

Of course, this is for the best.

Otherwise, it would be bad for anyone if you tear your face apart for the position of patriarch.

Seeing that Zhao Qingyi knew current affairs, Zhao Rubai comforted Zhao Qingyi a few more words, and then left.

After sending away the uncle who took advantage of the fire, Zhao Qingyi turned and went to Mrs. Zhao's room.

Mrs. Zhao is ill.

Ji's death, her husband's death, and Fan's lawsuit, these three blows came one after another, and the family's reputation plummeted, not to mention Mrs. Zhao's reputation outside.

If Mrs. Zhao gave up going out, she wished she could die together with her husband.

However, people are greedy for life and hate death.

Despite this thought, Zhao Qingyi served soup and medicine in front of the bed every day, several young children took turns to take care of the sick, and when Mrs. Zhao saw the children, she extinguished most of her desire to die.

In the past, Zhao Qingyi was single-minded in her studies, and she didn't know much about common things. Mrs. Zhao got used to her mind, so she pulled herself together and asked her son, "What did your uncle do here?"

"It's nothing, uncle said that people in the clan are dissatisfied with me being the head of the clan." Zhao Qingyi took the medicine and blew on it carefully, and said in a warm voice, "I also agreed."

Mrs. Zhao felt disheartened for a while, and gritted her teeth unwillingly and pounded on the bed, "How can you accept it? Qingyi, this patriarch should belong to our family?"

Zhao Qingyi put a spoonful of medicine into her mother's lips, and said in a warm voice, "It's just taking care of hundreds of hectares of sacrifice land, and it's nothing. Mother, with the current state of the family, I'm really not suitable to be the patriarch anymore."

"How can it be a simple matter of offering a hundred hectares of land?" Mrs. Zhao took the medicine bowl from her son, frowned, and said softly, "As the patriarch, I will respect you for everything in the clan. Sigh , since there are more icing on the cake, and less charcoal in the snow."

Mrs. Zhao shook her head and sighed again and again, "Qingyi, your thinking is too simple. This is not a matter of sacrificing a hundred hectares of land."

"What's the matter?" Zhao Qingyi asked.

The sunlight outside the window was dim, falling on Mrs. Zhao's old face, revealing an indelible decadence, a silver flat on her head lying quietly between the gray hair.Mrs. Zhao shook her head again, but did not answer.

Ruan Hongfei was startled when he saw Ming Zhan. Originally, Ming Zhan's face was white and chubby like a small gnocchi. It's only been half a month. How could he become so thin?

The round double chin was gone, replaced by a pointed chin shell.There is less flesh on the face, and the big eyes are set off, which makes people feel pitiful at a glance.If it wasn't for the fact that Ming Zhan was gnawing on a leek omelet with both hands, Ruan Hongfei would almost die of distress.

Seeing Ruan Hongfei, the omelette in Ming Zhan's hand trembled twice, and fell off the plate with a few slivers of green leeks and bright yellow egg pieces.

Ming Zhan blinked, jumped up with a wow, rushed over like a small cannonball, kicked his legs on the ground, and the whole person jumped out, hooked Ruan Hongfei's neck with his arms, and his legs jumped up to his waist to close and hook, Wow yelled, "Big liar, you still know how to come back!"

While screaming strangely, he lowered his head and gnawed two mouthfuls between Ruan Hongfei's neck.

For Ming Zhan's enthusiasm, Ruan Hongfei almost smiled, but just as he raised the corners of his lips, the smell of chives rushed to the sky, almost making Ruan Hongfei faint.The thought of Ming Zhan in Ruan Hongfei's head turned into a sentence, "Fat, why are you eating these stinky things again. Didn't they say that you are not allowed to eat?"

"Chives are aphrodisiacs, and I'm planning for you to come back and take care of you." Ming Zhan found Ruan Hongfei's mouth and kissed it, and his tongue went in to stir it. Ruan Hongfei really couldn't stand the smell of leeks in Ming Zhan's mouth. He pinched the soft skin on the back of Ming Zhan's neck and pulled him away, "Go and wash my mouth quickly, otherwise you don't even want to touch me."

"Smelly bug! Stinky bug!" Ming Zhan rushed to hug Ruan Hongfei angrily.

Ruan Hongfei had already ordered, "He Yu, bring your majesty's toothbrush and tooth powder."