This shadow guard, you are enlightened

The emperor's banquet for ministers is also regarded as a means of winning people's hearts. Ran Ying's successive monarchs have used food to cultivate their confidants.

Every year during important festivals, the Hall of Preserving Harmony will hold banquets. Therefore, although Xing Chenmu used the name of the good news to feast the officials, although it came a little suddenly, the officials did not find it strange.

On that day, officials of the fifth rank and above entered the Palace of Preserving Harmony one after another, but unexpectedly discovered that compared with the previous banquets, there was obviously a change in the seat arrangement this time, and that was the seat next to the main seat. It seems that there is an extra seat.

There was about an hour before the emperor was seated, and the official standing beside the Minister of Rites couldn't help asking in a low voice: "Lord Zhu, which lord is the Holy Majesty wanting to reward?"

"The Holy Majesty has not talked about this matter with the lower officials." Although the purpose of hosting this banquet was to celebrate the victory, the Zhenbei General Wei Yan did not return. Who is the seat next to the Holy Majesty? He stroked his beard, but he didn't understand it at all.

During the waiting period, almost all the officials looked at the seat without a trace, guessing in their hearts which minister was so favored by the Holy One, but when Xing Chenmu entered the hall and all the officials saluted and took their seats, the seat was still vacant.

Xing Chenmu raised his head and called out, "Zhuo Ying."

Under the eyes of everyone, a black figure jumped down and stood respectfully aside, waiting for orders.

Most of the shadow guards are in the dark, and even important officials of the imperial court rarely have the opportunity to come into contact with them, but the silver half-mask alone is familiar to everyone in the court.

Xing Chenmu glanced at everyone present, and finally turned to Zhuo Ying, and said simply: "Sit."

Now not only the officials in the room, but even Zhuo Ying himself was completely unresponsive and froze in place.

Minister of Rites was the first to stand up to object: "My lord, Lord Zhuo is a secret guard. Since ancient times, there has never been a precedent for a shadow guard to participate in a grand banquet."

Xing Chenmu raised his eyebrows, and asked back: "Zhu Qibo, do you think my talents and learning abilities are not comparable to those of my ancestors?"

Zhu Qibo was startled by this question without beginning or end, and immediately knelt down to plead guilty: "Your official made a slip of the tongue, the sage is wise and mighty, and the blue comes out of the blue."

Xing Chenmu sneered: "If it weren't for that, why wouldn't I be able to do something that has no precedent in the court?"

"This..." Zhu Qibo was at a loss for words when asked, and dared not say any more.

Seeing the rest of the people looking at each other, Xing Chenmu seemed to want to speak but dared not speak, so he simply said, "Xuzhou."

"My subordinate is here." The Minister of the Ministry of War did not really want to participate in this matter, but he had no choice but to stand up and salute.

"Since you are in the military, why don't you share your views on this matter."

Xu Zhou groaned secretly in his heart, who didn't know that the Shadow Guard Army was the emperor's personal guard, and was not under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of War, so how could the Ministry of War have the right to say anything about the Shadow Guard Army.

He thought so, and then said the same: "Hui Sheng, according to the Ran Ying military system, the Shadow Guards are only appointed, dismissed and transferred by you alone, and the lower officials really have no right to participate, and dare not make a statement."

"Everyone in the court knows that I have the final say on the matter of the Shadow Guards. Why are you all unwilling now that I just want to give you a seat?"

"The lower officials dare not." The officials below said in unison.

At the beginning of Xing Chenmu's ascension to the throne, he seldom acted so strong in the court, and the important ministers once felt that he was not as decisive and majestic as the previous emperor, but in recent times, no matter how strong the opposition from the courtiers was, he insisted on doing it .

Everyone also gradually saw his intention to show his prestige, for fear of being killed as an example to monkeys, they dared not speak more.

It's just that the Minister of Rites was still kneeling, and Xing Chenmu didn't intend to let him get up, so he said again: "Ning Yuan, what do you think?"

Ning Yuan got up and cupped his hands: "Lord Zhuo is a first-rank military officer. Among the military officers, except for General Wei who can stand by his side, we are all under him. From this point of view, I feel that Master Zhuo should be a non-voting attendant." .”

"It's rare that Lord Ning sees the same thing as me. I think that although the Shadow Guards are always in the dark, they are also important members of the imperial court and should not be despised because of this." Xing Chenmu paused, pointing out, "More What's more, some people have been acting secretly recently, disturbing the peace inside and outside Ran Ying, so I naturally need to take more precautions. As the leader of the Shadow Guard, Zhuo Qing is my confidant, and I need him to be by my side all the time, to give Xi is not too much, Ning Aiqing, what do you think?"

Xing Chenmu asked like this, but his eyes left Ning Yuan and turned to Chen Si.

Chen Si and Ning Yuan's hearts tightened at the same time, and they finally knew what Xing Chenmu wanted today.

# # #

After Xing Chenmu finished what he wanted to say, he said to Zhuo Ying again: "Zhuo Qing still not sitting down? Can I help you?"

"Thank you, my lord, for your kindness." Zhuo Ying then saluted, and sat in Xing Chenmu's second seat under the watchful eyes of everyone.

After he sat down, Xing Chenmu asked Zhu Qibo to stand up and go back to his seat, ordering the banquet to open.

Xing Chenmu asked Yan Qing to take the altar of peach blossom wine that Xing Chenxiu had given him, and serve him and Zhuo Yingman.

In front of all the officials, Zhuo Ying didn't dare to shirk, but she still turned her head and whispered: "My lord, this subordinate is on duty..."

"It's okay, Zhuo Qing is not the only one in the Shadow Guards, it's rare that I'm interested today, so why don't you drink a few drinks with me." Xing Chenmu stroked the rim of the cup with his fingers, and said, "Besides, I spared you on my birthday, You promised to drink this peach blossom wine with me."

Although the conversation between the two was quiet, some officials had already noticed their movements. During the interval between pouring wine, Zhuo Ying peeked at this side, Zhuo Ying didn't dare to shirk any more, and nodded slightly with a frown.

Seeing that he answered, Xing Chenmu hooked his lips, raised his wine glass the next moment, and said in a loud voice: "The Zhenbei army's victory over the enemy is a great joy for me. Today, I would like to offer you a glass first. For me, Ran Ying, the weather will be smooth in the future, and the country will be prosperous and the people will be safe."

After finishing his speech, Xing Chenmu raised his glass and drank all the wine in his glass. The officials present stood up and congratulated in unison: "May the weather and weather be good for Ranying, and the country will be peaceful and the people will be safe."

Everyone drank the wine in their glasses, but saw Xing Chenmu raise his glass again, and said to the people behind him: "Bring wine to General Wei, and I want to toast Wei Qing alone. Wei Qing teaches his children well, and General Zhenbei is brave and martial, which is the most important thing in the country." device."

"I don't dare to be a humble minister." Wei Lin was a little flattered, and immediately stood up and responded, "Defending the safety of our country is the duty of ministers and others, and I dare not take credit for it."

Xing Chenmu showed a look of approval: "Wei Qing is being modest, I will order the division of the Zhenbei Army to return to the court tomorrow, and when Wei Yan arrives in Luancheng, I will hold a celebration banquet to welcome him."

Wei Lin immediately knelt down to thank him.

These words fell into the ears of Chen Si and Ning Yuan, but they had a completely different meaning, and the two were so excited that they could hardly sit still.

Wei Yan is going to lead his army back to Luancheng?This means that the Jinwei Army that was originally sent to support will also return together. The sudden defeat of Cangchuan had already caught them by surprise. If the two armies returned to Luan City, they would have no chance to turn around. .

Chen Si only hated himself for being so secretive, he never imagined that the Cangchuan Army would be so vulnerable.

And he never thought that his nephew, who was already a good-for-nothing, would suddenly appear in the Zhenbei Army. All this was obviously arranged by Xing Chenmu, and he didn't know what method he used to cure Xing Chenxiu's illness. Careless, underestimating the ability of this little emperor.

Xing Chenmu raised his eyes and glanced at the people with different thoughts in the center of the court. When the dance and music started, he frequently toasted and drank alone, as if he was really appreciating the singing and dancing that added to the fun.

Zhuo Ying saw him pouring one cup after another into his mouth, and quickly drank the pot, and finally couldn't help but stop him: "Your Majesty, drinking alcohol is harmful to your health, please drink less."

"It's okay, this wine is fragrant and mellow, I'm afraid Brother Wang has treasured it for a long time, now that it's cheaper for me, how can I waste Brother Wang's heart." Xing Chenmu shook the wine glass in his hand, "Zhuo Qing, please have another drink with me."

Zhuo Ying was already incapable of drinking, when Xing Chenmu toasted to the ministers just now, the cup was stuffy, and it was so hot that he choked his throat, he used his internal force to force out the alcohol, and it took a long time to finally get rid of the dizziness, but now When Xing Chenmu said this, he couldn't refuse, so he raised his glass to persuade: "This subordinate has drank this glass of wine with the Holy Majesty, can the Holy Majesty stop drinking?"

Xing Chenmu tilted his head slightly, as if he was thinking about whether the deal was a good deal, and after a while he discussed, "I want you to have a drink with me."

"Okay." Seeing that Xing Chenmu seemed really drunk, Zhuo Ying became more and more worried, and didn't care whether he could drink, so he got up and poured the wine into his mouth. He almost never drank, and he couldn't taste Xing Chen. The mellowness that Mu said made his spleen and stomach burn like a fire, "This subordinate will drink two cups with His Majesty, and His Majesty will only drink one cup."

After finishing speaking, he signaled Yan Qing to pour himself some wine, and taking advantage of Xing Chenmu's reaction after drinking, which was not as good as before, he raised his glass and drank the wine in the glass again.

Xing Chenmu seemed to be happy to see it, and after taking a drink, he boasted: "Zhuo Qing is a good drinker."

Zhuo Ying could only suppress the rising enthusiasm and smile wryly in her heart.

Xing Chenmu put down his wine glass, and after sitting for a while, he said to Zhuo Ying: "Sitting here without drinking seems boring, how about Zhuo Qing going out for a walk with me?"

"But...the banquet is not over yet, wouldn't it be inappropriate to leave at this time?" Zhuo Ying shook her dizzy head, trying to maintain her rationality.

"Just pretend I'm drunk, you and Yan Qing will help me out."

Xing Chenmu lay down on the table as he said that, because everyone saw him drinking a lot of wine just now, they didn't think it was strange, they just got up and saluted when Yan Qing and Zhuo Ying helped him to leave.

At this time, Xing Chenmu was almost half of his body on Zhuo Ying's body. Although he closed his eyes, he quickly noticed that Zhuo Ying's footsteps were a little unstable, and the other party was supporting his body.

He had never seen Zhuo Ying drink before, and he vaguely knew that the other party was not able to drink well, but he never expected that he would not be able to last even three drinks, and he felt a little regretful in his heart.

After leaving the Hall of Preserving Harmony, the positions of the two were immediately reversed. Xing Chenmu put his hand on Zhuo Ying's waist and blamed himself slightly: "Is it uncomfortable? It's my fault, I shouldn't have given you alcohol."

Naturally, Xing Chenmu was not drunk, and he made Zhuo Ying drink alcohol just now with an excuse, which was a bit of coaxing, but he just wanted Zhuo Ying to get a little drunk, slightly affecting his sanity and judgment, not really wanting him to be drunk and uncomfortable.

It didn't know when it started to rain heavily outside the hall. The two stood under the eaves and waited for the palace man to open the umbrella. Xing Chenmu waved away Yan Qing and others who came forward to help, and supported Zhuo Ying into the dragon chariot alone.

Zhuo Ying was just dizzy, not unconscious from drunk, immediately said after regaining consciousness: "My lord, my subordinate is fine, this dragon chariot, my subordinate must absolutely not sit on it."

Xing Chenmu pressed his shoulder to stop him from moving: "Except for the shadow guard, he is my confidant who has been serving me all the time, no one will say anything about it."

"That can't be..."

"You can't blow the wind when you're drunk, not to mention it's still raining outside. Originally, I wanted to walk with you in this palace, but it doesn't seem appropriate. Let's go back to Chengyang Palace." Xing Chenmu said to the strict Qing ordered: "Get up and drive to Chengyang Palace, and then order someone to prepare a bowl of hangover soup."

Yan Qing didn't dare to look into the dragon chariot at all, she lowered her head and replied, "Yes."

Xing Chenmu insisted not to let Zhuo Ying go out, so he could only go back with Xing Chenmu in the dragon chariot. On the way, he forced some alcohol out of his body, and he was almost fine after reaching the Chengyang Palace.

The hangover soup was quickly prepared at the other end of the imperial dining room, and Xing Chenmu let Zhuo Ying drink a bowl, but he just watched from the sidelines.

"Won't His Majesty drink?"

"That little wine is not enough to make me drunk." Xing Chenmu shook his head with a smile, as if he was a little helpless with his drinking capacity.

Zhuo Ying felt even more ashamed when she heard the words, the blush that had just faded from her face crept up to her ears again.

However, Xing Chenmu didn't notice him, and when Yan Qing led the rest of the people to retreat, Xing Chenmu walked to the window and looked at the raindrops falling from the sky, hesitating for a moment.

Zhuo Ying himself calmed down for a while, and when the hangover soup started to take effect, he walked up to Xing Chenmu's side: "My lord, I don't know if I should say something or not."

"That's all you have to say. Do you still need to worry about it here?" Xing Chenmu replied absent-mindedly.

"The Holy Majesty is in the hall today, so I really shouldn't provoke Ning Yuan and others." Zhuo Ying pursed her lips, as if trying to think about her words, and continued after a while, "Since Ning Yuan intends to rebel, he must hide his soldiers and horses in the Guan Weijun. The subordinates have sent people to investigate before, but the other party is really cautious, the shadow guards are full of faces, and there is no news from the Guan Weijun, and now we don't know how many soldiers they have, so we should be careful."

"If they are provoked by me, they won't be able to stand it anymore. I'm afraid they won't be able to wait until now. They should send troops to the imperial city when the father dies." Xing Chenmu responded lightly, with his back facing Zhuo Ying, Zhuo Ying couldn't see his expression clearly.

"The subordinates know that the Holy Spirit has his own considerations, but right now the Imperial Guards in the palace are short of manpower, and the death of the Empress Dowager does not know whether it will arouse Ning Yuan's suspicion. In short, it is better to be careful."

"I will pay more attention in the future."

Zhuo Ying was more vigilant than Xing Chenmu thought, Xing Chenmu closed his eyes, knowing in his heart that this might be his last chance, if it drags on, things will only get more and more difficult.

After making up his mind, Xing Chenmu suddenly asked: "Zhuo Ying, if one day I am no longer the emperor, but just an ordinary citizen, are you still willing to follow me?"

"The commander of the shadow guard will only follow one monarch in his life. Unless his subordinates die in battle, how can they let the villain succeed."

Zhuo Ying only thought that Xing Chenmu was talking about treason, and felt that the situation Xing Chenmu said would not happen. If he was alive, no matter what, he would not let the rebels get close to Xing Chenmu. follow.

Xing Chenmu knew that Zhuo Ying had misunderstood, but this answer also confirmed what he thought before, which was what he was least willing to see.

"I mean, if it's not because of rebels, but one day, I don't want to be the emperor anymore, are you willing to leave with me?"

"Your Majesty..." Zhuo Ying was taken aback. Although there was a precedent for the emperor to abdicate voluntarily in the previous dynasty, he never thought that Xing Chenmu would also have this idea. If you want to ask him if he is willing, it is natural Willing, as early as many years ago, what made him willing to devote himself wholeheartedly was no longer that noble status, but the person in front of him.

Seeing Zhuo Ying's unbelievable expression, Xing Chenmu said again: "Don't worry, I just..."

As if afraid of his misunderstanding, Zhuo Ying interrupted him rudely for the first time in his life, and said: "If the subordinate is willing, the subordinate will be wherever the Holy One is."

Xing Chenmu smiled, and didn't answer his words, but continued to say what he wanted to say: "I'll just say it casually, you don't need to be too nervous."

Zhuo Ying frowned, Xing Chenmu obviously didn't seem like someone who would say such things casually.

Xu Shi saw that he obviously didn't believe him, so Xing Chenmu said again: "Really, I just want to know what else I can have apart from this identity. In fact, I have been thinking a long time ago, whether I am destined to be born in the womb or not." Likeable."

"At the beginning, my mother was pregnant with me, because she was pregnant out of wedlock, and she didn't want to tell who the father of the child was. She was almost drowned by the village elders, and even her grandfather was beaten because she was not good at teaching her daughter. Later, the mother, Empress Mengxian, Chen's great kindness has entered the palace, if I were a princess, my mother's life would not be so difficult, but I am a prince, with a eldest prince who lives in the first line, my mother's family is very powerful, and I have to be protected by the queen mother My second and third princes, my father didn't wait to see me much, and let my mother and queen make other concubines jealous. How can you really believe in me?"

Zhuo Ying couldn't hear Xing Chenmu belittle himself so seriously, and said seriously: "But the Queen Mother really loves the Holy Majesty, the first emperor's biography is in your place, and I think it also recognized your ability. As for the courtiers, not all ministers have different ideas, such as the Wei family. Loyal to you, and Prince Yongan..."

And I......

Zhuo Ying didn't say the last few words, but silently added in her heart.

Xing Chenmu looked at Zhuo Ying and squinted his eyes, as if recalling something from a long time ago. After a long while, he said, "The Queen Mother is my biological mother, so she really loves me, but you know, when the mother found out that she was only young When the three-year-old Zhen was able to read and write, what she felt was not surprise, but fear. She was afraid that I would stand in the way of the eldest brother, and that she would lose the only sister in the palace who treated her sincerely. And the Holy One... ...If it wasn't for the great king to pretend to be sick, how could the throne fall to my head."

"As for the Wei family, Zhuo Qing may not know that when my father established me as the crown prince, the first person who took the lead to stand up against him was General Wei Lin. The Wei family is loyal, but the one who is loyal is never me, but Ran Ying. .Brother Dahuang was able to dance swords at the age of four, use a bow at the age of five, and walk through Yang with a hundred steps at the age of six. He showed his skills in the autumn hunting that year, and was awarded a horn bow by his father. In the hearts of military generals, he is a rare warrior in decades In the hearts of civil servants, his literary talent and knowledge are not inferior to other princes, and in the hearts of the Wei family and even the ministers headed by the teacher, he is the best candidate for the throne."

It is precisely because of the support of the Wei family for Xing Chenxiu back then, at the beginning of Xing Chenmu's plan, they decided to let Xing Chenxiu go to the northern border. The Wei family is loyal to the court and appreciates capable people. With his identity exposed, Wei Yan wouldn't make things too difficult for him.

"What about Prince Yong'an, could it be that the prince is also lying to you?"

When Xing Chenmu was established as the crown prince, Zhuo Ying was only training in the shadow guard reserve army, so naturally he had no way of understanding these things. Now that Xing Chenmu is talking about it, he realizes how lonely the other party is all this way.

"Brother Wang treats me sincerely." Xing Chenmu thought about the situation when he was sticking to Xing Chenxiu like a piece of sugar cake when he was young, and finally smiled a little, but soon the smile disappeared into his deep eyes in the eyes.

It is precisely because Xing Chenxiu has always treated him sincerely that he must strengthen himself as soon as possible, so that Xing Chenxiu no longer needs to use his illness to plan and pave the way for him. From now on, he will protect Xing Chenxiu, and... ..his loved ones.

The rain outside was getting heavier, accompanied by the unique summer thunder, disturbing people, Zhuo Ying looked serious, and was trying to think of how to comfort Xing Chenmu, when suddenly, he felt something warm on his back.

"I never have much, but fortunately, I have you now." With a slight smell of wine on the side of her neck, before Zhuo Ying could react, the whole person was embraced by Xing Chenmu, who was so familiar However, with a deep and deep voice, he asked earnestly in his ear, "A Ying, how good it is to be my queen."

Another thunder fell from outside, making a loud "boom", Zhuo Ying seemed to be struck by that lightning, and her mind went blank.

In a trance, he even felt that there was a barrier between himself and everything around him, and Xing Chenmu on the other side of the barrier was illusory, an illusion caused by his deep obsession.

Seeing him like this, Xing Chenmu didn't rush him to answer, but just hugged him quietly, enjoying the intimacy of this moment.

I don't know how long it has passed, Zhuo Ying suddenly came back to his senses, and the first thing he did was to get out of Xing Chenmu's arms. He looked at Xing Chenmu's eyes full of guard, and said in a trembling voice: "Holy...you are drunk gone."

In some moments when the two of them got along in the past, Zhuo Ying also had such a guess in his mind, but maybe it was his responsibility not to allow such a guess to come true, so every time such a thought popped up in his mind, he would be ruthless. Press it back hard.

He was the one whom Xing Chenmu had kept on top of his heart all along, so the always gentle queen mother was furious, so Xing Chenmu kept procrastinating, refused to get married, and could not disclose his identity to the public.

If people knew about this situation, it would not only be a rebellious party that could justifiably use this to send troops, I am afraid that the loyal ministers would be the first to die in the court.

If you ask Zhuo Ying whether she is happy to know Xing Chenmu's intentions, she is naturally happy, or in other words, ecstatic.

In this world, there is nothing more beautiful than being in love with each other.

But he didn't even have time to think about why Xing Chenmu fell in love with him, and when did he fall in love with him.

All he could think about was that this person was the current sage, a wise king who would live forever, and also the master he had sworn to protect all his life.

He didn't dare, and couldn't, personally destroy Xing Chenmu's reputation.

Xing Chenmu was not surprised by Zhuo Ying's reaction, but he still smiled and said: "No, you know very well that I am not drunk."

"My lord, you can't, you can't do this."

"Why not? As the emperor of a country, don't I even have the right to choose the person I love?" Xing Chenmu raised his hand and took off half of his face, and said softly, "I don't want to force you, and I don't force you to immediately Answer, you can think about it for a while before making a decision, and until then..."

Xing Chenmu turned around and walked to the low cabinet, took out a letter that he had already prepared, and handed it to him: "Send this secret letter to the Zhenbei military camp for me, and hand it over to Brother Wang. This matter is of great importance. Apart from you, I don't worry about anyone else, as for the matter of setting up a queen, I will give me an answer after you return from the northern border."

Zhuo Ying breathed a sigh of relief, and asked, "When does the Holy Majesty want your subordinates to leave?"

Xing Chenmu looked at Zhuo Ying, no longer trying to hide the affection in his eyes: "Let's do it tonight, the sooner the better."

With just one look, Zhuo Ying felt a little overwhelmed, afraid that she would lose her sanity if she was not careful, and just wanted to indulge in this tenderness.

"Your subordinate, let's do it!" In the end, he almost ran away, but he was stopped by Xing Chenmu before he stepped out of the palace gate.

"What other orders does the Holy One have?"

"You haven't put on the mask yet." Xing Chenmu raised his hand helplessly, holding the half mask that Zhuo Ying had just removed.

When Zhuo Ying didn't wear this half face, he always showed a cuteness that didn't match his personality and age. Xing Chenmu liked it so much that he couldn't help but put his palm on his cheek that seemed to be able to pinch water, and confessed: "It's still raining outside, I have someone prepare oil coats, hats, and some necessary dry food and luggage for you, and they have been secretly sent to Mingying Palace. Wearing half of the mask outside the palace is too conspicuous, so you should cover your face with a black cloth for the time being. "

Zhuo Ying's thoughts were confused now, if it wasn't for Xing Chenmu's reminder, he would have rushed out like this, but he just paused when he heard that, took the half of the face and saluted, not daring to stay for a long time.

The little eunuch guarding outside handed him the umbrella, and he hurriedly left after thanking him.

Xing Chenmu kept guarding by the window, watching the figure disappear into the rain, he smiled wryly, wondering if it was right for him to deceive people away in such a way.

It's just that if there is another chance to do it again, he will still choose this way.

He also hesitated whether he should express his heart to the other party so early, he knew that it would be a torment for both him and Zhuo Ying.

But if this matter hadn't interfered with Zhuo Ying's judgment, he thought, Zhuo Ying would never have left his side at such a dangerous time anyway.

What's more, he would also be worried, if... an accident happened, then there would be no chance for Zhuo Ying to know his intentions.

No matter how thorough the plan is, it cannot be guaranteed to be foolproof. Xing Chenmu doesn't want to leave any regrets.

On the other side, because Xing Chenmu said that the sooner the better, Zhuo Ying put on the oil coat, found the horse that Xing Chenmu had arranged for him, and left Luan City overnight.

Although it was already summer, the wind in the rainy suburbs still carried a bit of chill. Zhuo Ying stayed up all night, and when he arrived at a post station in the afternoon of the next day, his thoughts gradually calmed down.

Looking back and thinking about everything that happened last night, deep anxiety rose in his heart.

Xing Chenmu had just put pressure on Ning Yuan and Chen Si last night. The Jinwei army sent to support the northern border has not yet returned. Except for Ning Jie and the maid Xiaoying in the palace, it is not known how many opponents are there. He should stay close to each other. Stay by Xing Chenmu's side.

No matter how important it is, Xing Chenmu's safety is more important than Xing Chenmu's safety. He just sent a secret letter, and he can choose a trusted shadow guard to carry out this order for him.

But Xing Chenmu said that this secret letter is of great importance, if he turns back immediately, it will take almost a day to return to the imperial city without eating or drinking, so it will be considered as a waste of nearly two days.

Zhuo Ying changed horses at the station, hesitated for a long time, but still gritted his teeth and chose to continue to carry out the order Xing Chenmu gave him.

He naturally did not expect that in the near future, he would regret leaving the palace impulsively, but he was extremely fortunate that he did not choose to return when he was in this inn.

# # #

The longer he left the imperial city, the more uneasy Zhuo Ying felt in his heart. This uneasiness quickly overshadowed his thoughts about the matter after the confrontation, making him unable to think about anything other than hurrying on his way every day.

Along the way, he only slept for an hour or two every day and continued on the road. In this way, it took him a full ten days to reach the Zhenbei military camp.

The Zhenbei Army garrison is heavily guarded, but Zhuo Ying did not take out the shadow guard badge, but said to the pair of guards on patrol: "I'm here to find Prince Yong'an, please pass this on to the military master."

When the Holy Majesty asked him to send the secret letter, he said that the matter was of great importance, and there were many people in the army. If a big inner shadow guard suddenly appeared to deliver the letter, it would always attract people's attention.

Zhuo Ying was wearing black clothes and a black hat, and covered his face. The other party couldn't confirm his identity. A group of dozens of guards fired their weapons at the same time: "Who are you? You don't even want to reveal your identity. How can Prince Yongan be?" You can see it when you say it."

King Yong'an is extremely alert, and the Holy One specially recommended him to King Yong'an, Zhuo Ying thought for a while and said to the man: "My surname is Zhuo, as long as you tell the prince so, he will naturally know my identity."

The soldiers of the Zhenbei Army were dubious, but seeing his calm face, clearly wielding a sword but showing no killing intent, they also let go of their guard and found someone to inform Xing Chenxiu.

The man came back very quickly, obviously Xing Chenxiu had specifically explained that Zhuo Ying was respectfully invited into the camp, and after a short walk, he saw the main tent where Xing Chenxiu was.

The guard who led him gave an announcement, and when there was a response from inside, Zhuo Ying said to the guard who was about to lead him in: "You stay here."

He spoke very naturally, with a bit of calm and prestige, which is the usual tone of the leader of the army. The man subconsciously responded, and when he recovered, he had already opened the curtain and entered.

Xing Chenxiu sat on the main seat, and behind him stood a slightly burly man in battle armor. Zhuo Ying guessed that it was Wei Yan, General Zhenbei. Since Xing Chenxiu knew that it was him, and there were other people present, Zhuo Ying He just knelt down on one knee and saluted: "I have seen Prince Yong'an."

"Master Zhuo, please." Xing Chenxiu recognized Zhuo Ying's voice. He knew the rules of the Shadow Guards. It was an exception for Xing Chenmu to let Zhuo Ying take off his mask in front of him. Now that Wei Yan is present, he did not let the other party take it off. Confirming his identity with a mask, he stood up and asked, "Master Zhuo has brought the will of the Holy One?"

"Yes." After Zhuo Ying finished speaking, she didn't immediately take out the letter that the Holy Majesty asked him to bring, but looked at Wei Yan who was hesitant to speak.

"This King, General Xinwei, is like the Holy Lord Xinzhuo."

Zhuo Ying was stunned for a moment, remembering Xing Chenmu's evaluation of the Wei family and Wei Yan, no longer hesitated, and presented the letter to Xing Chenxiu.

Xing Chenxiu lifted the wax seal, took out the letter paper to check, but after a few glances, the color faded from his face, Zhuo Ying saw him like this, and his heart also raised up, and was about to ask a question, when he saw Xing Chenxiu raised his head, Looking at him, he said word by word: "Master Zhuo, do you know the contents of the letter?"

"This subordinate doesn't know." Zhuo Ying suppressed the uneasiness in her heart and answered truthfully.

Xing Chenxiu also guessed that he must not know, held the letter in front of his eyes, and said in a hoarse voice: "I want to know, what excuse did the Holy Majesty use to make Lord Zhuo want to leave the palace at this time."

There were hundreds of words scattered on the letter paper, and he could recognize every single word. It was undoubtedly written by the Holy Majesty, but the combination made him feel strange.

In the letter, the Holy Majesty wrote three things: First, he got the news that Chen Sihuo and Ning Yuan, the commander of the Guanwei Army responsible for guarding the city of Luan, were already preparing troops and would soon invade the imperial city. , for the Jinwei Army in the imperial city, it will be a hard battle.

Second, Xing Chenxiu revealed his identity at this time, just as he wanted.The Wei family has been loyal to the country for several generations, and the Zhenbei army is brave and good at fighting. It is currently the largest army in Ran Ying. If the imperial city is breached, as the emperor, he will not be able to survive the disaster.At that time, he hoped that Xing Chen would practice the Tiger Talisman and lead the Zhenbei Army back to the city, strangle the rebels and inherit the throne.

Third, he forced Zhuo Ying to leave the imperial city to deliver the letter for him. After his death, he asked Xing Chenxiu to let Zhuo Ying survive, so that Zhuo Ying could stay away from the imperial city or continue to serve as the commander of the shadow guards. Xing Chenxiu was able to protect Zhuo Ying comprehensively for him.

A burst of dizziness came, Zhuo Ying supported the desks on the side, tried to stabilize his figure, opened his red eyes after a long while, did not answer Xing Chenxiu's question, but knelt down again: "I beg the prince to bring the soldiers back immediately. Luancheng, if the sage... I beg the prince to deal with his subordinates according to the laws of the country."

According to the national law, if the leader of the shadow guard fails to protect the monarch, he will be quartered by five horses, and his body will not be buried, but must be exposed to the hunting grounds to be eaten by wild animals.

Xing Chenxiu sighed, and said calmly: "Lord Zhuo, get up first, it's not the time to say this yet. Besides, I think you understand better than anyone else why the Holy Majesty wants to protect you."

Zhuo Ying naturally understood, if the Holy Majesty's sudden confession of heart in the Chengyang Hall made him a little dazed, then now, in this military camp thousands of miles away from the imperial city, he really felt the deep affection .

Zhuo Ying thought, how cruel Xing Chenmu is, while saying that he would not force him to make a decision, but at the same time, he tore his heart open in the most cruel way, revealing the bloody inside, and let him understand, in the deepest part of his heart, what That's what he cares about the most.

Compared with the approval of the officials, compared with the judgment of later generations, he wants his sage to be safe and live a long life.

The author has something to say: ——to be serious——

Take care of the baby who has never read Wang Ye’s article, so this chapter has hundreds of words and the content of the previous article is repeated, everyone leave a message under this chapter, I will send you a small red envelope (this is always valid)

——Finish the business——

The next chapter will be written from Xing Chenmu’s perspective, don’t meddle in the text, my dears, for the author who is useless in the plot, it’s really one of the few plots in the full text, stick with it, it’ll be sweet and spicy soon~~