All your life is gentle

Zi Zhou stared blankly at Zi Shi: "Brother, how could this be? How could this be..." Tears streamed down his face, "Why... could this be?"

An unforgivable case of treason and treason.

An unjust case that beheaded the whole family and punished the three clans.

A wrongful case that has been vindicated.

It made people wish they could turn the world upside down, but they could only look at each other with tearful eyes and asked desolately.

Regarding the case of the mighty general Xie Sheng, Zi Shi did not hear it from his father, but from his master.When Wang Yuanzhi mentioned this matter, he only said: "General Xie has always been strict in governing the army, and there is no way to know that villain made false accusations with anger. He started border trade privately and spent all his money on armaments, so he suspected that he was going to rebel——Xie Zhongliang from generation to generation, his whole family is in Bianyang, what kind of rebellion did he create?" When he said this, Jin Xia was having a lively fight with Xi Rong, so Wang Yuanzhi dared to complain so boldly and brought up a lot of past events .

Thinking back and forth on the way to escape, Zi Shi had already figured it out.Therefore, Bubi Zizhou suddenly learned that this matter had actually been suppressed in his heart for several years.The only surprise was the news that General Xie Sheng had been rehabilitated.Patting the back of his brother's hand lightly: "After all, it's not sure yet. If you continue to be sad like this, Zi Gui will definitely notice it. You should think about it, do you want to tell her now?"

After hearing what his elder brother said, Zi Zhou calmed down slowly.Such a possibility about life experience is not without psychological preparation.It's just that the matter itself is too unjust, tragic and helpless, even for outsiders who have nothing to do with it, they can't bear to face it, let alone blood relatives connected by blood?The mood stabilized, but the tearing pain that penetrated into the muscles and bones continued, and there was nowhere to vent the resentment.

But—should I tell my sister now?

I heard the eldest brother say again: "Anyway, it's good to be rehabilitated. It's a pity that we didn't find out after so many years..." He sighed deeply.

It was only then that Zizhou realized how embarrassing and worrying he was for his eldest brother that he insisted on taking the autumn exam and becoming an official in the court.Before the sadness subsides, guilt surges up again: "Brother, I'm sorry..."

"Stupid boy..." Zi Shi wanted to laugh but didn't, his eyes turned into red circles, "It's just luck that this thing... just happened to hit your hand. It can be seen that there is a will in the dark... "

But I couldn't help thinking: The whole incident involved a lot of military generals when the crime happened, and so many high-ranking officials were brought down when the case was rehabilitated. They were all people who were not close to the foreign relatives group.Especially this time, the redress not only greatly weakened the power of Yushitai, but also damaged the secretary and deputy prime minister Zhu Gaoxuan and the left minister Xu Minzhi.As a representative of the courtiers, Zhu Gaoxuan squeezed into the Secretary's Office, and he didn't know how hard he had spent, all his previous achievements were wasted... As for Xu Minzhi, although he was harsh, he was upright and bold, and it was said that even the emperor was afraid of him... Behind, there is an invisible hand turning the rain and clouds...

Don't mention these words yet.Looking at Zi Zhou: "Do you want to try to confirm it? I heard that Qingyuanhou's Mansion is in the west of "Enzefang". It's not too far from here."

Zizhou interface: "I also heard that the eldest lady of the Marquis Han's mansion is the wife of the young master of the Marquis Zhending's mansion and Lifang Sining, and the second lady is the concubine Chi in the palace—Brother, what do you think... Should we recognize this relative?"

Zi Shi asked back, "What do you think?"

"I'll try to find out." Zi Zhou took his hand out of his elder brother's palm and lightly clenched his fist.Packing up the anger and sorrow in the bottom of my heart, I looked at Zi Shi with a determined and responsible attitude, "I'll talk to Zi Gui after I've inquired about it. Brother, don't care if we... I will always be the younger brother and sister of the elder brother." After a pause, he raised his eyebrows, "I, Li Zi Zhou, is the number one scholar, so I don't need to climb the dragon and become the phoenix."

Zi Shi applauded him: "You are very ambitious!"

Zi Gui came in and saw Zi Zhou Hong baring his teeth with eyes full of suspicion, "I thought you were being scolded at the Yamen today, but it doesn't look like it."

"He spilled tea on my hand, I'm ashamed." Zi Shi answered casually.

"Brother is burned?! Let me see!"

Change the subject smoothly.

On the sixth day of August, just after dinner, Yin Fuwen came.

Since Boss Yin let go of his psychological burden, his legs and feet have become more diligent and thick-skinned.

Zi Shi feels at ease and enjoys being courteous.

First, he handed over a lot of things for the Mid-Autumn Festival to Yin Gui, and ordered Miss Cheng to have a look. Boss Yin turned around and went to the study with the young master to talk.

Zi Shi laughed and said, "The big boss is so anti-client, does he really regard our No. [-] family as his own?"

"Don't you dare. The three young masters and ladies are all gods and first-class characters, and some mundane affairs should be taken care of by ordinary people like me."

Zi Shi laughed: "I don't know what plan you, an ordinary person, have in my fairy mansion today?"

Yin Fuwen said seriously: "Zi Shi, Yin came here today, and it seems that he has something to ask for."

"I just made a set of tributes for you. Boss Yin won an award from the court. Are you greedy so soon?"

Ten volumes of "Poetry and Lihui Yao" were presented, and the Ministry of Rites rewarded Yin Fuwen with the title of "special scholar".The so-called "Special Scholars", that is, "Special Scholars", is an honorary title awarded by the imperial court to those scholars who have no fame but are extremely famous or have made other contributions.The bookstore business run by the Yin family, of course, the children focus on reading.Yin Fuwen failed in many trials, so he devoted himself to taking care of the family business.Although it is now possible to enter the ranks of "scholars" by finding another way, after all, it is no longer a commoner, and it can be regarded as a glorious lintel, but a long-cherished wish has been fulfilled.

Yin Fuwen didn't accept Zishi's joke, sighed, with a worried and pleading look on his face: "Zishi, I have been tired of you for so long, I really can't open my mouth...but...you have to help me make up my mind about this matter. ——" lowered his voice, "this afternoon, an inspector from Lifang Division quietly came to Fuwentang, and there was an order from the Long Live God—"

Zi Shi paused: "Go in and talk."

The two entered the study, ordered the servants not to disturb them, and asked Zizhou and Zigui to stroll around in the front yard. After watching, Yin Fuwen explained the reason in detail.

It is said that the Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival is approaching, and His Majesty the Emperor has a sudden mood, and he is going to inscribe a few unique and good words on the octagonal revolving lantern at the top of Tiantai Dengshan.Director An tactfully reminded: I am afraid that this lamp will be seen by everyone in Xijing, and it must fully display the splendid pen written in the chest of the Holy One.Zhao Ju was originally full of thoughts of "Crystal curtains move mandarin ducks and quilts", "Scented cheeks and snowy eyebrows are green", but now he feels that it is not appropriate, so he rewrites "All surnames are celebrating together", "The quilt is universally peaceful and eternal".Having a headache, he dropped the pen: "Call Chen Mengjue and let him write for me."

Mr. Chen Mengjue, Chen Ge, is the most respected gentleman and bachelor of the Hanlin Academy.

At that time, Mr. Chen Ge was studying "Poetry and Lihui Yao" presented by "Fuwentang".Looking at the most intimate place, the imperial decree has arrived and I have to go, so I put the book in my hand by the way.The emperor took the decree, studied the pen and ink, and was determined to write literary talent and style, but the book in his sleeve was a bit in the way, so he asked the emperor to take it out.Zhao Ju heard that it was a volume of "Poetry and Lihui Yao", but he lacked interest.Unexpectedly, at a glance, the stitching was not visible on the spine of the book. Curious, I wanted to come over and take a closer look.

Taking a closer look, this book not only has flexible and white paper, but also has clear and beautiful printing, and the binding is extremely exquisite.After the perforation and stitching were pasted and mounted, it was coated with dark blue and dark pattern Shu brocade to cover up all the traces of binding.The title of the book is actually embroidered with silver silk thread. The characters are round and correct, showing everyone's demeanor without any craftsmanship.Open it, and there are two pages of illustrations on the front: one is "Sage Lectures" and the other is "Disciples Greetings".The lines are delicate and refreshing, and the image is lifelike, which is rare even in picture albums.The whole book is beautiful and elegant in the hand, which immediately makes people feel tasteful and classy.

"This book...is even better than the rare editions engraved by the "Jixian Pavilion" in the past." Zhao Ju played with it in his hand, and asked Chen Mengjue, "Which bookstore has such a level?"

Knowing that it was a tribute sent by "Fuwentang", Zhao Ju looked at the first-class bound "Poetry and Lihui Yao" with excellent pictures and texts in his hand, and suddenly had an idea.It's better to act immediately, and the next day, I called Fu Chuqing, the inspector of Li Fang Si who was the most caring, and told him to go to "Fu Wen Tang" to pass on my oral instructions.

"Cough! Master Fu, take out the collections in the palace, such as "Glorious Calendar of the Kingdom", "Secret History of Yiqing", "Spring Scenery in Xiulin"... such a large pile, cough, this, the erotic album, and say Long Live I think these editions are crudely engraved and not high-quality, so I want "Fuwentang" to re-engrav them all. If you like it, there will be a big reward..."

As Yin Fuwen said, he blushed and peeped at Zi Shi's expression.Seeing surprise and amused expression on his face, he showed no sign of embarrassment, and he spoke smoothly: "You know I have never been in this business, and if this spreads, there is no need to hang up the signboard of "Fuwentang" The old Qian who is an engraver and engraver has worked in the Yin family all his life, and he is the most decent. I want to mention this to him, he can use a knife to cut off my head for my deceased father... Sigh! What should I do..."

After hearing this, Zi Shi was stunned for a while, unable to laugh or cry.In the end, he looked at Yin Fuwen with a half-smile and said, "I said——brother, what's the name of this at your stall? I told you earlier that the profits are in your hands, and you can get the best benefits. Don't waste your reputation. You see, the reputation has come. Are you in trouble too?"

"Yes, yes, I wish I had listened to you earlier." Boss Yin nodded his head.He sighed again: "But, Zi Shi, how many people in the world are as delicate and transparent as you? It's not that I don't understand what you're saying. But the world is bustling with people chasing fame and fortune, and they can't help themselves. You tell him to calm down, tell him to let go—who can bear it?"

"That's the truth.—What now? Are you going to violate the order?"

"Carving a few erotic books is just a loss of face. If you violate the order, you will lose your head immediately. I am a businessman. Although I am a businessman, do I have to "death festival"? My son has just entered elementary school... The problem now is not I will not, but "Fuwentang" has always been based on text, supplemented by pictures, and the erotic palaces are all five-color overprints. Come to your place for advice..."

Zi Shi pondered: "The only thing we can do is to borrow chickens to lay eggs. Which one is the best in engraving and color printing?"

"It's Zheng's "Lvyunxuan"."

"It's better to spend some money and ask them to do it according to His Majesty's wishes."

"It's not that I haven't thought about it. Most of them won't agree to marrying someone else. If they hide it deliberately, they will be suspected of deceiving the emperor. If it is leaked..."

Zi Shi thought about it: "What if the two companies cooperate?"

"how do I say this?"

"I heard that His Majesty the emperor likes romantic words the most. Although he is fond of lewdness, he is not a layman. You might as well bring some from the palace, as well as a selection of popular albums. "Lvyunxuan" depicts , "Fuwentang" with poems, make a set of pictures and texts that complement each other, novel and gorgeous "Floral Calendar" and send it up. If there is a reward, the two families will share it equally..."

Yin Fuwen hurriedly said: "Don't talk about splitting evenly, [-]% is also possible. It's just that I have to ask Mr. Fu for instructions."

"I think you might as well tell him the truth. People in the officialdom want to deal with the job, and they don't care about who does the job. As long as the final product is good, he will decide in front of the emperor." .”

"It's reasonable and reasonable." Yin Fuwen showed joy, "The combination of pictures and texts complement each other, novel and gorgeous-this move is good, this move is good!" Looking at the opposite person with pleading face: "Zi Shi—"

"Okay, boss, you don't have to pretend to be pitiful with me. You're just deceiving me to be kind and soft-hearted..."

"For the sake of my infatuation these years, you can bear to see Yin lose his wealth and life? Maybe there will be more than 100 people in "Fuwentang"..."

This person used to be a hypocrite, but now he is a complete scoundrel.On the contrary, Zi Shi sincerely regards him as a friend and gets along easily.He patted the table and said, "You're ashamed to ask me to do this shameless business for you..." Just halfway through the sentence, he suddenly felt that the words were full of ambiguities, and he thumped the table and laughed.

He was angry and happy here, shaking Boss Yin so much that he lost his soul.After finally chasing back and locking it one by one, he sighed secretly: Li Zishi, Li Zishi, you have forced me, Yin Fuwen, to become a saint... I lowered my head to avoid his smile, and just saw the back of my hand flushed, and asked in surprise: "This is a burnt wound!" ?how did you make it?"

"I accidentally spilled the tea two days ago. It's ready."

"I have the "Qingxin dew" from "Renhetang", which is the most effective for treating burns. I asked Yin Xing to bring it over."

"There is no bubble or broken skin, so where is the use of "Qingxinlu"? You might as well send those "Xiang Lian Ji" and "Hua Jian Ci" as soon as possible, and add what I have on hand, so that I can extract the poems. With the painting." Zi Shi said, thinking: I owe you a debt of favor, and this time, I finally have to pay back the principal with interest.

On the way home, Yin Fuwen thought of Zishi stretching out his right hand, like peach petals sprinkled on a white jade bottle—it was this hand that wanted to copy "Xianglianji" and "Huajianci" for him, and his heart was itchy... ...I can't figure it out anyway, why did I become a saint in the end?

Ever since he learned the secret of his life experience, Zizhou took time out every day to read the documents related to the case of the mighty general in the Shouzang Division.The sympathetic pain gradually settled, but I couldn't help but want to find even a trace of a smile between the lines.Unexpectedly, if you don't look at it, you will be fine. After thinking about it carefully, the more you look at it, the more frightened you become.From the reporting by the subordinates, the evidence collection at the Yushitai, the final verdict, to the old thoughts seven years later, the obituary appeared, and the case was reversed... In the eyes of the people at the time, they only felt that the situation was right, and it should be so.However, looking back and forth now, the antecedent may have been planted by accident, or it may have been created intentionally, and the consequence was clearly driven by someone behind the scenes.

One day, he cautiously asked Cai Lao: "General Xie Sheng, what kind of person is he?"

"General Xie has been stationed at the border all year round, and the number of times we meet is very few. The old man only remembers the military generals of the Manchu Dynasty, and he is the most general-looking. The so-called magnificent weapon is suitable for him. He has lost his wife and lived in widowhood for many years. Unexpectedly, there will be a year-end love with the young girl of Marquis Han." Speaking of gossip, the old man also became excited, "At that time, General Xie was not confused, and the third lady of the Han family was in her twenties and eighth. Met by chance at a meeting, fell in love at first sight..."

Zizhou listened to these past events sadly and happily, afraid of missing any details.I thought to myself: When it is confirmed that it is correct, I will tell my sister about them bit by bit.

"There have been people in the Xie family who have served as generals in the army for generations, and General Xie Sheng has the most prestigious reputation. If he hadn't been upright and unwilling to be perfunctory, he should have been promoted to a noble and marquis long ago..."

Zizhou understood: the crux of the matter is the words "refusing to perfunctory".

As soon as I got home, I couldn't wait to tell my elder brother the results of my thoughts these days.As he talked, his eyes were red and his forehead was blue veined: "Brother, I have thought about it, from the beginning to the end of this matter - I'm afraid... it's a, it's a trap..." The word "trap" came out, and the teeth almost fell into place. Crushed.

Zi Shi sighed, took his younger brother's hand and comforted him gently, "You finally figured it out. These days, my elder brother hopes that you can't see it, but also hopes that you can see it." After a pause, his tone became more serious, " Zizhou, you can continue to pay attention to your life experience. But let's put this case aside and don't pursue it any further."

Zizhou looked at his eldest brother, his voice trembling uncontrollably: "If, from the very beginning, this case was deliberately framed..."

Zi Shi turned his face sideways, as if he couldn't bear to face his younger brother, but his words became more and more ruthless: "Zi Zhou, your guess is not unreasonable. This matter may be an excuse; maybe it was deliberately framed from the beginning. .However, the person who directly started the action has passed away, and the person who was wronged has also been exposed. Even if it is clear at a glance who is behind the scenes, there is no evidence.——I only ask you: What do you want now? for?"

"Brother! I..." Zi Zhou wanted to say "I want revenge".However, when the words came to his lips, a sense of helplessness and even absurd desolation suddenly surged in his heart.revenge?Even the hatred itself cannot be confirmed, so how can we report it?

"This person just took advantage of this case to sweep the court, hundreds of heads fell to the ground, and dealt a fatal blow to his opponent. It was still restrained in the past, and he was operating secretly - it shows his scheming. Now he is in the top position" "Teacher", no matter how unscrupulous, if he finds out that someone has turned over the old account, you and I will be fine, maybe take this opportunity to involve many innocent people in the funeral... You have to understand, this is really a lawsuit that cannot be afforded. I am sorry. Since the imperial court has issued an edict to rehabilitate, we can only thank the Lord Long En with tears of gratitude..."

"But……"

"Think about it—if you pursue it to the end, so what?"

so what?

"Over the years, the emperor has made it clear that he doesn't care about government affairs. In the current situation of internal and external troubles, even if this person is a treacherous and evil person who will never be pardoned, but who else can stop him except him? Let's assume, suppose he really falls That's it—" Zi Shi smiled wryly, "This possibility is nothing short of a dream. It's just a hypothetical. If this person suddenly collapses, who can you count on to clean up the mess? The disgruntled right minister? Or General Dingyuan who is far ahead? They I'm afraid I'm not as good as this person..."

Zi Zhou felt confused for a while.A few words from the eldest brother, whether personal grievances or family tragedies, are suddenly placed in the context of the country's critical survival and become local issues that should be weighed rationally.And he, who understands righteousness, is just able to accept this explanation.

Suddenly extremely angry.A thought that had been twirling in the bottom of my heart for an unknown amount of time suddenly became clear.He heard his own voice low but clear: "In the end, if you have to blame, you can only blame the emperor. If it wasn't for him not being too emperor-like..." When he realized what he had said, he immediately shut up and froze.After a while, he slowly clenched his fists, as if to convince himself: "That person...really...doesn't look like an emperor."

Zi Shi patted his younger brother on the shoulder: "What do you think the emperor should look like? Have you read so many history books in vain? In the 17th year of Jianning, Emperor Renxiao changed the current emperor to be the prince. He was only five years old at that time. Two years later, Renxiao The emperor passed away, and the seven-year-old crown prince ascended the throne, supported by his uncle Zhen Dinghou -- well, he may not have been born like this, maybe it's just because he didn't have a choice."

Zi Zhou felt bitter in his heart.As the eldest brother said, the imperial court is already dying of illness, and I don't know how to start to save him.In other words, until now, no one dared to save her.

I only heard the eldest brother continue: "Look, more troublesome things are yet to come. The emperor was thirty and seven years old, and although there were many harems, he had no heirs. The kings of the past have almost withered over the years... sooner or later It's a big wave."

"Brother!" Zi Zhou looked forward according to his prediction, and was suddenly startled, "Do you think he...would..."

Zi Shi shook his head: "The Zhao family has been deeply rooted in the hearts of the people for more than two hundred years. With his status, it is not a bad idea to rely on Tianwei's self-respect. If he replaces him, he may immediately mutiny the whole country. The most urgent task now is to deal with Xi Rong who is pressing every step of the way. If he is short-sighted If you do that, you’re really digging your own grave." With a deep sigh, "In short, Zizhou, we don't have the ability to clarify this pool of muddy water, so we can't start to stir it up, otherwise it will only become more and more muddy, and it will become uncontrollable. "

From this day on, the young Si Wenlang was often alone in a daze, not saying a word for a long time.