The Blood Crown

As soon as the news of Han Zhaoxing's drop in gold came back to Beijing, the ruling and opposition parties were outraged, and it was reported that Xie Zhongren passed out on the spot.

Yan Sikong hurriedly went to visit Xie Zhongren and brought a good tonic.

Xie Zhongren seemed to be fine, but he was shocked and angry, and scolded Han Zhaoxing tremblingly.

Yan Sikong watched from the side, feeling very happy in his heart.

After scolding, he wailed again: "This evil animal killed our family!"

Yan Sikong comforted: "Elder-in-law, don't be impatient, your body is important."

"He should have died in Liaodong, but he actually surrendered, surrendered gold, this... this beast..." Xie Zhongren beat his chest hard.

The little inner prisoner hurried to pull, sobbing and saying, "Father-in-law protects your body".

Xie Zhongren held Yan Sikong back: "Sikong, has Your Majesty summoned you?"

"Not yet, His Majesty probably just got the news."

Xie Zhongren wiped away tears, and regained his cunning face: "Our family can't be dragged down by this bastard, tell me, what should we do now?"

Yan Sikong also looked helpless, he sighed deeply: "My father-in-law is very kind to this junior, and this junior is only thinking of my father-in-law, and I dare not lie to him, but my honest words are harsh, I am afraid that my father-in-law will listen..."

"What time is it, if you have any idea, just tell me!"

Yan Sikong cupped his hands slightly, and said: "Eunuch, Han Zhaoxing was recommended by you and is your nephew. Now that he is defeated and surrendered, not only the ministers are dissatisfied with you, but even His Majesty will take his anger on you, Eunuch." ..."

"Nonsense, you still need to talk about this!" Xie Zhongren was so angry that he beat the case.

"Eunuch, calm down." Yan Sikong said calmly, "according to the younger generation, father-in-law must show weakness now, and the ministers can ignore it, but as long as you can lower your majesty's anger, the big incident can be reduced to a small one."

Xie Zhongren nodded: "Our family also thinks so, tell me, what should I do?"

Yan Si idly rolled his eyeballs, seemingly hesitating to speak.

"Oh, tell me."

Yan Sikong reluctantly said: "To surrender to the enemy and betray the country is a serious crime to punish the nine clans. Now Han Zhaoxing still has his mother, daughter, daughter-in-law and descendants, as well as many relatives and servants in his hometown in Xiangyang.

Xie Zhongren's complexion changed suddenly, and a pair of gray eyes stared straight ahead with a cold gaze.

Yan Sikong knew that Xie Zhongren had planned this in his heart long ago, but it was his relative after all, he couldn't say it himself, he had to be "advised" by outsiders, and finally made a gesture of compulsion.

Sure enough, Xie Zhongren shook his head: "After all, she is the younger sister of a compatriot in our family, no, no..."

"Elder-in-law." Yan Sikong persuaded, "Even Han Zhaoxing turned to the enemy regardless of his family's life. He gave up more than a hundred mouths in the Han family for himself and his three sons. What kind of family relationship do you care about for him?"

"But……"

"Even if the father-in-law does nothing, they are dead. If the father-in-law shows an indignant appearance, destroys selfishness impartially, and then apologizes to His Majesty, His Majesty will definitely not bear it because of the fact that the father-in-law has served for many years."

Xie Zhongren frowned with two sharp eyebrows, very hesitant.

Yan Sikong persuaded earnestly: "Eunuch is so emphatic about love and righteousness, can you think of where Han Zhaoxing will put him in order to save his life and continue the incense?"

Xie Zhongren looked angry.

"My father-in-law pretended to be sick and thanked you a lot in front of His Majesty. I and other juniors will also plead for my father-in-law. It is important to get through this catastrophe first."

Xie Zhongren's confidant eunuch also persuaded: "Eunuch, what the son-in-law said is right, it was Han Zhaoxing who was unrighteous first, besides, he himself killed more than a hundred members of his family, and he was also involved Added father-in-law, father-in-law, what kind of benevolence do you say to such a villain who kills a thousand swords."

Xie Zhongren sighed: "Our family doesn't want to be that ruthless person, but Han Zhaoxing forced me..."

"It's good for the father-in-law to figure it out." Yan Sikong comforted him, "I will go to the palace today to face the saint, and I will first intercede for the father-in-law. Your Majesty, the Yihan family, give an account to the people of the world."

Xie Zhongren held his fingers as old as dead branches, and said fiercely: "Okay!"

Yan Sikong secretly revealed a smile.

-

After visiting Xie Zhongren, Yan Sikong entered the palace without stopping, he didn't dare to delay for a moment, because this was the opportunity he had been waiting for for many years.

Xie Zhongren, a traitor with deep roots and poisons in the world, has stood for 30 years, killed Yan Zilian, killed Feng Jianping, and made eunuchs spread all over the government and the public. The opportunity finally came, and if he escaped with a little carelessness, this old thief might die.

After entering the palace, Emperor Zhaowu was furious, the maids and eunuchs knelt down on the ground, and Concubine Wen Gui whispered to him, not daring to get too close.

The inner supervisor notified Yan Sikong to ask for an interview, and Emperor Zhaowu immediately sent him in.

Yan Sikong ignored the mess and knelt down on the ground, "I have seen..."

"No." Emperor Zhaowu waved his hand, his fat body trembled violently, his complexion turned white and red, startled and angry.

Yan Sikong raised his head and sighed: "Your Majesty, calm down, your majesty's dragon body is the foundation of the country."

"The foundation of the country, what is the foundation of the country?" Emperor Zhaowu pointed to Yan Sikong, you just talked about the sutra feast last month, you, you repeat it for me. "

Yan Sikong looked embarrassed and glanced at Yu Ji, who shook his head helplessly.

Emperor Zhaowu grabbed a shallow bottle full of flowers and smashed it on the ground: "Say it!"

"'The root of the country is... only the ears of the land'."

"Han Zhaoxing, that bastard, is about to sell my Liaodong land to the gold thieves!" Emperor Zhaowu was so angry that he couldn't speak clearly, "Once the gate of Liaodong is opened, there will be no danger in the north, and the gold thieves will drive straight in, so... just You've reached the capital!" At the end, his tone was full of fear.

"Your Majesty, rest your anger, Your Majesty, rest your anger."

"Calm your anger? How can I calm my anger?" Emperor Zhaowu collapsed tremblingly in his chair, "Eastern Liaodong is already in jeopardy, and there is another traitor who has sealed off the country and started an uprising in Shu. He has taken seven cities without a single defeat. This is God's will." Death to me Dasheng."

Concubine Wen Gui knelt at his feet, sobbing softly.

Yan Sikong respectfully said: "Your Majesty, being anxious right now will not help, and I am afraid that I will hurt my body. I have entered the palace today to relieve Your Majesty's worries."

Emperor Zhaowu looked at Yan Sikong and sighed: "Sikong, you understand my thoughts best, and I know you must have a good plan. If you don't come, I will summon you."

"Your Majesty's trust in the minister will never be repaid by the minister."

Emperor Zhaowu leaned on the chair and wanted to get up, the eunuch at the side quickly stepped forward to help him, he said: "Come in and say." He thought of something, and said to Concubine Wen Gui at his feet, "My concubine, go back to the palace to rest." His tone was a little uncomfortable resistance.

Concubine Wen Gui wiped her tears and said affectionately: "The concubine is most worried about your majesty's health, so please take care of your majesty."

"Well, let's go back first."

Concubine Wen Gui was young and beautiful in her early years, and she could charm people's hearts. She was favored by Emperor Zhaowu. It's not as good as it was back then.

Several people moved into the inner courtyard of the palace, Emperor Zhaowu was helped into the chair, Xu was angry, he was out of breath after walking this distance.

Yan Sikong said: "Your Majesty, the situation in Liaodong cannot be delayed. We must send capable generals to the front line immediately. If it is too late, it will be too late."

"That's exactly what I mean." Emperor Zhaowu touched his forehead, and Yu Ji immediately came over to rub it for him, "What do you think, how about sending General Zhao?"

Yan Sikong smiled wryly: "At present, only General Zhao can stabilize the situation and stabilize the hearts of the people."

Emperor Zhaowu shook his head: "I really regret that I didn't listen to the advice of the ministers to change the commander. If I had changed to General Zhao earlier, why this defeat? It's all..." He suddenly said angrily, "It's all Xie Zhongren. That old guy, he keeps recommending Han Zhaoxing, his good nephew, to me!"

"Your Majesty, you don't have to blame yourself. Although Governor Han had some defeats, he also used a small city to retreat from the army of the Jin Kingdom. The victory or defeat is unpredictable, but this traitor turned to the enemy after the defeat. He really deserves to be hacked!" Yan Sikong said indignantly.

"Yes, cut to pieces!" Emperor Zhaowu said sternly, "I have decreed to investigate his home, and this crime should... be punished by the three clans!"

"Your Majesty, the old man of the Han family can't run away. The most urgent thing is to order General Zhao to go to Liaodong immediately. There should be no delay for a day or an hour."

Emperor Zhaowu nodded: "You, you are right, Yu Ji."

"The old slave is here."

"Immediately issue an order to order Zhao Fuyi to be the governor of Liaodong, and lead [-] garrison troops to rush to the front line."

"Yes." Yu Ji bowed and backed out.

Emperor Zhaowu was stunned, and then asked Yan Sikong: "But General Zhao is gone, who will lead the garrison?"

"Is there anyone in your Majesty's mind?"

Emperor Zhaowu hesitated.

Yan Sikong knew that he had thought of Zhu Lanting in his heart, but Concubine Wen Gui's younger brother also served in the garrison, he said: "Your Majesty, Commander Zhu, as the commander of the imperial guards, has devoted himself to his duties and guarded the safety of the palace for many years. He is still His Majesty's nephew, so he is the perfect candidate."

"This...let me think about it."

Yan Sikong did not continue to persuade, because he knew that the new commander of the garrison, the ministers must participate in the deliberations, because Han Zhaoxing was defeated and defected to the enemy, and the eunuchs were too busy to take care of themselves at this time. Pass Zhu Lanting.

Emperor Zhaowu picked up the silk handkerchief, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and looked physically and mentally exhausted: "Sikong, if Dasheng Jiangshan falls to my hands, I...how can I have the face to meet my ancestors."

Yan Sikong hurriedly said: "Your Majesty is serious. Although there are internal and external troubles at this time, our treasury is abundant, food and grass are well prepared, our soldiers are strong and horses are strong, and the mere barbarians and rebels cannot shake the foundation of our Dasheng."

"I..." Emperor Zhaowu seemed to be having trouble opening his mouth, but he looked at Yan Sikong and said in a low voice, "I'm afraid."

Yan Sikong comforted: "Your Majesty, there is no need to panic. I swear to live and die with the country. In fact, I think that the biggest crisis right now is not necessarily in Liaodong and Shu, but in this court."

"Oh?" Emperor Zhaowu frowned.

Yan Sikong sighed: "Before I came to see His Majesty, I heard that Eunuch Xie fell ill, so I went to visit him."

Mentioning Xie Zhongren, Emperor Zhaowu showed disgust and anger on his face: "Xie Zhongren... I have a lot of favors for him, and I want soldiers and horses and military expenses. I am satisfied, but he recommends such an evil animal." Be the coach of Liaodong!"

"What I mean is exactly this matter." Yan Sikong shook his head helplessly, "I think this is the biggest crisis in front of us. At the time of employing people, Han Zhaoxing surrendered to the enemy, which aroused the wrath of the civil and military forces of the Manchu Dynasty. How can we appease people's hearts?" , so that everyone can work together to secure the internal and external, Your Majesty, this is the most important thing."

Emperor Zhaowu woke up like a dream, stared blankly at Yan Sikong for a long time, and then said: "Xie Zhongren...how is your illness?"

Yan Sikong heard the implication of the words, Xie Zhongren was already in his seventies, if he died of this illness, without him doing anything, it would be considered to relieve the anger of the officials.

He knew that Emperor Zhaowu still cared about the relationship between master and servant to Xie Zhongren, after all, Emperor Zhaowu succeeded to the throne at an early age, and Xie Zhongren had served him for nearly forty years.

Yan Sikong looked embarrassed, hesitating and not speaking.

"What? You're dying?" Emperor Zhaowu widened his eyes.

Yan Sikong shook his head, and said in embarrassment: "I dare not lie to Your Majesty, according to what I have seen, I am afraid..."

"Afraid of what?"

"I'm afraid it's just pretending."

"You bastard!" Emperor Zhaowu patted the armrest, "How dare he pretend to be sick?"

Yan Sikong hurriedly knelt down: "Your Majesty calm down, I dare not confirm, if Eunuch Xie is really ill, I will wrong him, but I am loyal to Your Majesty, so I will tell you something and dare not hide it."

"I sent Yu Ji to take a look."

"No, Your Majesty, even if Eunuch Yu went to see it, he would think that he was faking it, so there is nothing wrong with him."

"How about that?"

"When I met Eunuch Xie, Eunuch Xie scolded Han Zhaoxing severely, saying that he wanted to destroy his relatives righteously, and implored His Majesty to punish Han's family to thank the world. I guessed that Eunuch Xie will come to His Majesty sooner or later, and His Majesty can personally test it out at that time."

Emperor Zhaowu snorted coldly: "He is an afterthought, even if he doesn't come, none of the Han family can escape."

"What Your Majesty said is just..." Yan Sikong hesitated to speak.

"Stop stuttering." Emperor Zhaowu said anxiously, "Tell me what you have."

"If, according to His Majesty's words, the three clans of the Han family are to be punished, then Eunuch Xie...is also among the three clans."

Emperor Zhaowu's face changed slightly, he lowered his head, thinking about something.

Yan Sikong persuaded: "I know that Your Majesty cares about Eunuch Xie's service for many years, but Your Majesty should also understand that Eunuch Xie is the root of all the ministers' anger."

Emperor Zhaowu gritted his teeth: "This old thing really makes my teeth itch with hatred, but if I want to kill him, I will..."

"Your Majesty, what if Eunuch Xie is pretending to be sick? That is a crime of deceiving the emperor."

Emperor Zhaowu still hesitated.

Yan Sikong bowed again: "Your Majesty, Eunuch Xie treats me well, and I also respect him very much, but I am Your Majesty's minister, and I married His Majesty's princess. I will be loyal to you with all my heart and soul." Your Majesty, I can't disregard my Dasheng's safety because of personal friendship, I advise Your Majesty to make a decision."

Emperor Zhaowu blinked his eyes, and said cruelly: "If... If he is really pretending to be sick to lie to me, I will never forgive him lightly."

Yan Sikong said in a low voice: "I have a plan, I can try it out."