Chapter 327: Fifty-seven, Gifting a Knife

Fifty-seven, Gifting a Knife

Prince of Wei's residence, study.

Wei Jisi was silent for a while, then suddenly said:

"There are physiognomists in the palace who say that Wang Lixian looks like Taizong. In my opinion, his personality is most like Gao Zong, even the fear of his wife and love for his daughter are exactly the same."

The Great Zhou Prince of Wei sighed.

Boss Li asked cautiously:

"Does the Prince mean that if the Saint insists, and the situation is unavoidable, this family is not impossible to return to Luoyang, and compared to the Prince of Xiang's side, they are more worth winning over?"

Wei Jisi didn't even look at him, his eyelids drooping as he asked:

"Have you seen the youngest daughter of Wang Lixian's family?"

"I followed the Sixth Young Master and had the honor of seeing the true face of this little Princess, although separated by a thin veil."

Wei Jisi asked indifferently: "How is her appearance?"

"Not yet eighteen, with an immortal appearance."

Boss Li replied decisively, and his eyes showed memories, sighing:

"Although separated by a thin veil, the Sixth Young Master couldn't take his eyes off her the first time he saw her from afar, and after that, he was somewhat unable to eat or sleep, constantly thinking of the beauty.

"Even Mr. Qiu couldn't help but lecture him a few times."

"The Sixth Young Master has always been uninterested in women."

Wei Jisi showed a novel expression on his face, and said with great interest:

"There is actually a little girl who makes him unable to take his eyes off her, and it's in the backwater."

"After all, heroes have a hard time passing the beauty's pass."

Boss Li smiled flatteringly:

"Moreover, it is the bloodline of Gao Zong and the Empress. This family has an extraordinary appearance, and that little Princess is particularly outstanding."

Wei Jisi nodded and pondered:

"That day, the portrait of Wang Lixian's youngest daughter made by the court painter was sent back to the capital. When the Aunt was admiring it in the palace, I was busy and not in the palace, so I didn't see it.

"But I heard from the Prince's younger brother that Wang Lixian's youngest daughter looks like the Aunt.

"And after this incident, the so-called plum blossom makeup began to become popular in the Luoyang palace. Female officials, female historians, and noble ladies all competed to dot plum blossoms on their foreheads. I heard that this makeup style flowed out from this painting.

"I guess the Aunt must have been fond of the painting scroll afterwards, and the palace people around her guessed her intentions, so they followed suit."

After pausing and thinking for a while, Wei Jisi said slowly:

"It seems that Wang Lixian's youngest daughter really looks like the Aunt when she was young, so the Aunt would be happy to see this little granddaughter she had never met.

"Heh, the last one like this to receive imperial favor was Princess Changle, right? Is another imperial granddaughter coming?"

Boss Li was thoughtful: "Does the Prince mean..."

Wei Jisi smiled coldly:

"Who said that returning to Luoyang must be the whole family returning together? Why do we need so many people? Coming back to ride on the heads of our Wei clan?

"A group is returning, and one is also returning."

Boss Li was silent.

Wei Jisi waved his hand:

"You return to Jiang Nan, tell Lan Changhao and Wang Lengran, before the Censor-in-Chief investigates, wipe your butts clean, don't show your tails, and don't bother me again."

"Yes, Prince." Boss Li lowered his head: "Jiangzhou Cishi Wang and Senior Secretary Lan are deeply grateful for the Prince's help and are willing to go through fire and water."

Wei Jisi's expression remained unchanged:

"Especially Wang Lengran, I heard that three hundred of these mutinous garrison soldiers are from the Jiangzhou Folded-Rush Garrison,

"When the Censor-in-Chief comes to appease them and they lay down their weapons to return home, you tell Jiangzhou Cishi Wang to think carefully about how to deal with it."

Boss Li was stunned: "Isn't it said to appease them to return home? How to deal with it? Does the Prince want Jiangzhou Cishi Wang to find an excuse to drive these garrison soldiers away from the Folded-Rush Garrison?"

Wei Jisi didn't speak, his drooping eyes staring steadily at the Persian merchant lying on the floor in front of the table who didn't understand the rules of the game.

Meeting his cold eyes, Boss Li suddenly shivered.

He suddenly understood something.

Only then did Wei Jisi sigh:

"Today in the imperial court, Di Fuzi asked me and Sixing how to prevent micro-gradualism.

"How to prevent micro-gradualism? Just right, let the Master and the whole world see the consequences of hindering the Heavenly Pivot and the statue construction."

Boss Li nodded repeatedly: "Yes, Prince."

Wei Jisi waved his hand, signaling him to retreat.

Before Boss Li left, his expression was hesitant, and he turned back and whispered:

"By the way, Prince, I have an idea.

"This time the Prince and the Prince of Liang interceded, besides helping Jiangzhou Cishi Wang and Senior Secretary Lan clear their names, they also helped Zhu Lingxu, the Jiangzhou Cishi of Hongzhou.

"More than half of the mutinous garrison soldiers this time are soldiers of the Hongzhou Folded-Rush Garrison.

"If it weren't for the reflected glory, Zhu Lingxu, as the highest military official of the Hongzhou military garrison, would definitely be severely punished and suspended."

"Zhu Lingxu?" Wei Jisi touched his chin: "I remember he was a person of the Prince of Teng in Hongzhou."

"He was a staff member supported by the old Prince of Teng, and now he is close to the new Prince of Teng Li Lou..."

Boss Li was like a family treasure, explaining:

"The Prince of Teng is surnamed Li, not of the Taizong line, and is one of the few Li clan vassal kings who have not been too involved. But his attitude toward our Wei clan is indeed quite cold."

The Persian merchant changed the subject:

"However, Zhu Lingxu has a shortcoming: he is greedy for money and lustful. When Lan Changhao was trying to extend the Guizhou garrison soldiers for one year, he went to Hongzhou in person and gave gifts to Zhu Lingxu.

"As for what happened later, the Prince also knows, this person accepted the things, and it went smoothly."

Wei Jisi showed an interested expression, "What do you mean."

"This time, the Prince of Teng's residence far away in Jiang Nan can't help him. The Prince is still powerful, doing it smoothly, and Zhu Lingxu can be considered to be under the Prince's glorious protection."

Boss Li rubbed his hands: "I'll go by the way, and it won't delay anything, to see if he appreciates the favor."

"Good idea."

Ouyang Rong was at the Xunyang Ferry at sunset when he received Hu Fu, the special envoy sent in a hurry from the Divine Capital Luoyang.

The Emperor's private envoy is called a Middle Envoy.

That is, an envoy sent from the palace, usually filled by a eunuch.

In the Jiang Nan of May, the plums are yellow.

The temperature had long since risen, and it was even a bit humid in the plum rain season. Ouyang Rong had already changed into a thin, moon-white soap robe added by his little Xiao Shimei.

Having waited for a long time, he walked up and was stunned when he saw this middle-aged man with a thick beard walking off the deck.

"Middle Envoy Hu?" Ouyang Rong tried to greet him.

"Senior Secretary Ouyang."

The middle-aged man with a thick beard in front of him nodded, his expression serious, his voice majestic, and his tone polite.

Only then did he see that he was wearing a scarlet round-collared narrow-sleeved robe, wearing a turban, and his face was fair and slightly fat, but he didn't have an Adam's apple...

Ouyang Rong's gaze moved away from the thick beard of this Middle Envoy without a trace.

Staring at it was a bit impolite.

Hu Fu didn't seem to notice someone's extra look and cupped his hands:

"Senior Secretary Ouyang has been waiting for a long time. I encountered some wind and waves on the way, so I didn't arrive on time."

Hearing this self-reference of "Zajia" (a humble term for eunuchs), Ouyang Rong confirmed in his heart that this person should be a eunuch without a doubt.

It's just that he was so majestic and rough, which was something he hadn't expected.

However, thinking about the abundant martial spirit of the Great Gan since its founding, where even those who destroyed small countries alone couldn't rank among the famous generals, Ouyang Rong felt that it was quite normal for a eunuch to look like this.

Not to mention that the Middle Envoy sent by the Empress this time had a heavy responsibility, so naturally, she had to choose someone wise, brave, and reliable.

"The Saint and the public ministers discussed and issued the imperial edict on the matter. Senior Secretary Ouyang should have received it, right?"

"A step earlier than Middle Envoy Hu, the Jiangzhou Hall received it this afternoon."

"Hey, it seems my speed of rushing isn't slow, almost catching up with the urgent imperial edict."

Hu Fu laughed mockingly.

Ouyang Rong stood still, silent with his hands in his sleeves.

This evening, there were quite rare fire clouds.

Large patches of crimson evening glow pressed down on the heads of the two people standing on the pier.

Ouyang Rong didn't answer, and the atmosphere between the two became silent.

Their gazes were subconsciously attracted by the sunset scene, and they turned their heads together to look at the crimson, sparkling river surface and the large patches of fire clouds that looked quite demonic.

Actually, there was no need for the imperial edict notification in the afternoon. Ouyang Rong had learned of the general content of a certain decision-making meeting after the morning court two days ago.

This news first came from a trusted confidant of the Prince of Xiang's residence named "Guo Yu,"

who had been continuously sending reliable news from the imperial court of Luoyang to the Xunyang Prince's residence.

In addition, the teacher's reply letter was also passed to Ouyang Rong the evening before last through the Xie clan channel of the little Xiao Shimei.

The two confirmed each other, and Ouyang Rong learned of an imperial edict of the Great Zhou Emperor that made him silent until today:

Announcing the pardon of all crimes of the mutinous garrison soldiers,

and simultaneously sending Middle Envoy Hu Fu to the Jiang Nan Circuit to appease the garrison soldiers returning north,

promising to send them back to Hongzhou and Jiangzhou, and ordering officials along the way not to block them.

In addition, it also ordered the garrison soldiers returning north to lay down their weapons immediately, return home with peace of mind, and not cause any more conflicts.

This set of handling was considered standard, and the reaction was quite fast.

At least it was much better than the worst guess Ouyang Rong had made in his heart.

It's just that the imperial edict didn't mention a word about how to deal with Lan Changhao, Wang Lengran, Zhu Lingxu, and others.

Just like the evening before last when Ouyang Rong put down the teacher's letter and said to the little Xiao Shimei who was frowning and puzzled.

Sometimes, ignoring and not mentioning is a definite statement.

Ouyang Rong withdrew his gaze from the demonic fire clouds first: "Middle Envoy Hu has a heavy responsibility, and this trip is arduous."

Hu Fu nodded slightly:

"I don't know what the situation is with the mutinous garrison soldiers. I will bring the pardon edict first. Thinking that knowing the Saint's great grace, they should be satisfied."

Ouyang Rong nodded, turned sideways and gestured: "The official residence has been prepared. Middle Envoy Hu has been rushing for a day, so rest early."

He paused, as if remembering something, and added an explanation:

"Jiangzhou Cishi Wang has been unwell recently and cannot get out of bed, so he was rude and didn't come to welcome the Middle Envoy today. He entrusted this official to apologize on his behalf."

Hu Fu nodded and cupped his hands:

"Good, thank you, Senior Secretary Ouyang. The matter is urgent, the imperial order is important, I will leave tomorrow morning."

He took the guards and palace people who were following him and walked toward the carriage waiting on the street ahead.

Ouyang Rong turned his head, glanced at Hu Fu's back, and followed with his hands in his sleeves.

This imperial private envoy didn't mention the matter of Wang Lengran and others at all after arriving. It was very clear that this was indeed not within the scope of his duties for this trip south.

It was indeed just passing through Jiangzhou at the moment.

I believe that after passing through Hongzhou later, this Middle Envoy Hu would also just be passing through.

Wang Lengran, Zhu Lingxu, and Lan Changhao, who caused trouble in Guizhou and was shrinking, were all fine.

Ouyang Rong pursed his lips.

Before boarding the carriage, this middle-aged eunuch Middle Envoy with a thick beard suddenly turned his head and said to the Senior Secretary Ouyang, who was riding on a jujube-red rouge horse:

"I heard that Senior Secretary Ouyang is deeply favored by the Xunyang Prince and has been entrusted with the construction of the Buddha statue. Seeing you today, you are indeed a young talent. No wonder the Xunyang Prince trusts you."

Ouyang Rong was stunned for a moment and cupped his hands: "Middle Envoy is too kind."

He paused, keenly sensing something, lowered his eyes and asked:

"The Xunyang Prince misses the Saint, and has been unable to drink tea, eat, or sleep at night recently. Since Middle Envoy Hu came from the Luoyang palace, you should have seen the Saint's face. Why don't you talk to the Xunyang Prince?"

From the perspective of Ouyang Rong riding on Dongmei.

Behind Hu Fu, the fire clouds in the sky had followed a setting sun and dived into the pitch-black horizon,

leaving only a halo of afterglow that dyed the edge of the horizon a crimson line.

His face with a thick beard in the dim light seemed to have no expression. In front of the palace people who were looking sideways, he shook his head and said indifferently:

"Forget it, my duties are busy, and I have to rush tomorrow. When I return, I will visit the Prince on behalf of the Saint. Senior Secretary, goodbye."

The carriage carrying the Luoyang Middle Envoy and palace people drove away slowly.

Ouyang Rong raised his eyebrows slightly, watched the convoy leave, turned his head after a while, and returned to the Huaiye Lane residence.

That night.

Ouyang Rong, in a hidden black suit, rushed to the Xunyang Prince's residence.

In the study of Juxian Garden, without waiting for everyone to greet each other, he directly brought up the matter of Hu Fu and asked:

"When Uncle was in the Eastern Palace, did you know this person?"

Ouyang Rong's expression was a bit worried.

Don't tell me he's like Miao Zhen, someone he had a grudge with.

Wang Lixian tried hard to think, shook his head, and asked in confusion: "No, why does Tanlang ask this?"

Ouyang Rong wanted to speak, but Wei Mei suddenly said: "The words of a eunuch, Shunbo might know."

Everyone was stunned. A short while later, Eldest Brother Li called the old housekeeper Shunbo.

This old eunuch who had left the palace for many years heard Ouyang Rong's inquiry and sighed:

"I didn't expect Little Hu Zi to be so promising now."

"Little Hu Zi?" That thick-bearded face flashed in front of him, and Ouyang Rong's mouth twitched: "Shunbo is very familiar?"

"Can be considered a godson of Zajia."

Shunbo's old face was a bit embarrassed:

"I thought that since the Prince and Zajia lost power, this godson should have been squeezed out and couldn't stay. I really didn't expect it." 【327-

"I thought that since His Highness and the eunuchs lost power, this adopted son would be squeezed out and unable to stay. I really didn't expect it."

Ouyang Rong and the others looked at each other.

The night plot ended, and upon returning to the residence, Ouyang Rong paced in his room, touched his chin, and muttered:

"With this old friendship, it shouldn't be malicious, right? The hint in the evening was also because of this connection? Wanting to attract my attention, could there be some intelligence to tell..."

After pondering all night, early the next morning, Ouyang Rong went on time to send the ship of this private envoy of the Son of Heaven away.

At Xunyang Ferry, an official ship was docked, and Ouyang Rong personally sent Hu the envoy onto the ship.

The ship had not yet set sail, and the two stood on the deck blowing in the wind, with the palace servants at a distance.

Ouyang Rong took the opportunity to say:

"His Highness the Xunyang Prince says he looks forward to Envoy Hu's smooth return, and at that time, he will join Prince Wang and this official to welcome you at the pier."

Hu the envoy took an extra look at Ouyang Rong, his serious expression unchanged: "The Xunyang Prince is too kind, Senior Secretary Ouyang is too polite."

Ouyang Rong looked at this cautious eunuch and smiled at him.

Hu the envoy suddenly said: "Then the Xunyang Prince and the Senior Secretary must wait well in the city for me to return."

Ouyang Rong nodded: "That is of course."

Hu the envoy said again: "I hope that next time I return, the Xunyang Prince and the Senior Secretary will still be waiting for me in Xunyang City."

Ouyang Rong felt a slight jolt in his heart. This wasn't just one sentence, why repeat it twice?

Without waiting for him to probe further, Hu the envoy patted his sleeve, turned, and left: "The ship is about to set sail, Senior Secretary, we will meet again."

"Good."

Ouyang Rong hesitated for a moment, took a short saber from his waist that he had specially brought out this morning, and handed it to Hu the envoy:

"A small token of my heart, I hope the envoy will accept it. The envoy is going to pardon the garrison soldiers and will deal with them. There are some soldiers from the Jiangzhou Zhechong Prefecture among these returning soldiers, which the envoy must know."

He said to the bearded eunuch envoy whose face looked curious:

"If you meet them, the envoy can show this saber and say it was gifted by General Qin. It should be able to bring you closer and facilitate the envoy's persuasion."

Hu the envoy nodded, took it casually, put it away naturally, arched his hands, and said indifferently:

"Many thanks to the Senior Secretary for the saber."

A moment later, the ship set sail, and the person left.

(End of chapter)