The minister's heart has changed
Chapter 34: The Minister's Heart Changes
"Are you crazy?"
Liang Yanxiu was frightened by his two words and lowered his voice to ask, "Is it because of the concubine in your backyard? Because of the Geshuer incident?"
"None of her business."
The more he said this, the more Liang Yanxiu became suspicious and stared at him, saying, "Something's wrong with you."
Peng Zuoyao calmly poured tea and explained, "She is only part of the reason. Prince Zhen is brainless and the crown prince is conceited. Are there any other princes in the entire Jiang family?"
"You are a minister, your name is not right and your words are not in order. What do you want to do?"
"The Crown Prince can be deposed before he even ascends the throne. Prince Zhen is ready to make a move. I have been entrusted with this important task. The two princes are fighting, and the capital is in chaos. Therefore, I have been ordered by Heaven to hold the secret decree and raise an army to rescue the emperor."
Liang Yanxiu sighed repeatedly, thinking along with his words, "If this really succeeds, what will happen next? Under what pretext will you take that position? Xi Shan, you are plotting to usurp the throne. If this fails, all nine generations of your clan will be executed."
"I didn't say I'd sit there. I can be a regent, too. The Jiang family has many branches, so finding an adopted child wouldn't be easy."
He didn't say yes or no, so Peng Zuogong kept asking, "Are you on the side of the Eastern Palace? On a separate note, if Jiang Tongzhou succeeds to the throne, what should we, as ministers, do?"
Liang Yanxiu has been in officialdom for more than ten years. Now that the emperor is getting older and more incompetent, he can see clearly the shortcomings of the royal successors.
"His Highness Qingci has been in a high position for too long. He has not been able to pay attention to some of the people's sentiments and investigations. His Highness Prince Zhen, the concubine, is not a cause for concern. But Xishan, these are all changes in the royal family. As a minister, I should not interfere."
"Let me ask you, if I hadn't said this, who would you be on? Forget neutrality. Neither of these two can tolerate any injustice."
Liang Yanxiu remained silent. Neither of them was the wise ruler he envisioned. He evaded the question, saying, "As a subject, I dare not comment on the affairs of the imperial family."
Peng Zuoyan could tell that he had been wavering for a long time, and he felt more confident.
"In that case, Lin Sheng, do you dare to change the court with me?"
The small cup was filled with ice cubes, and dense water droplets overflowed from the outer wall. Peng Zuoyan removed the partition, picked up the ice cubes and put them into the wine glass, pushing it towards him while saying, "Lin Sheng, the cold wine is pleasant, please do me a favor."
"...What preparations have you made?"
Peng Zuoyan instantly came up with an idea. He pushed aside the teacup in front of him and said excitedly, "I have already discussed it with the Li family. Money is not a problem, but we need to take our time with the soldiers. Within a year, I want Ziwei to change its owner."
"Humph, I never thought you were so ambitious before."
"Lin Sheng, my heart was forced out by others. Maybe I just don't obey discipline. I'm not doing this for the people. I believe in myself. Who doesn't like power? The Jiang family sits in high positions without talent or ability. I don't accept it. The master of the world naturally belongs to the capable."
Liang Yanxiu thought more and asked carefully, "Xishan, governing a country is no joke. I don't look down on you as a frontier general. If this really happens, how will the decision be made?"
"Aren't you and a few other ministers here? I'm responsible for slaughtering all those who oppose me. You should attend court. Only when you govern well can I use your influence to show off my power."
Liang Yanxiu snorted slightly, feeling a little dissatisfied despite being convinced by him. "Why are you asking me when you've already thought it through?"
"Hey, isn't this just to give you a heads-up? You're acting out a scene with me. Whether I win or lose, you're fine. After all, it was me who dragged you into this. There's no reason for me to let you bear the consequences if I lose."
Liang Yanxiu looked at him for a long time with complicated eyes, and then he came to his senses and said, "You did it on purpose, didn't you? You are so insidious and cunning."
Knowing that he agreed, Peng Zuoyan laughed and poured tea for him with both hands.
"Drinking alcohol is harmful to your health. Lin Sheng, drink some tea to moisten your throat."
After a few cups of tea, the two chatted about the past. "Lin Sheng, you are so kind. You are worthy of growing up together."
"You've said too much. I only grew up with you until you were eleven, but we don't have a close relationship."
Peng Zuoyang suddenly became serious and raised his glass in a toast, saying, "No matter what, I will never forget Lin Sheng's kindness."
"Xishan, with me here, I guarantee you a 90% chance of winning." Liang Yanxiu accepted his respect, but did not brag anymore.
Peng Zuogong smiled and complimented the Shangshu Sheng, who had a family background and the wisdom to navigate the ups and downs of officialdom, saying, "Lin Sheng's wisdom is beyond my reach."
"Humph, who is as brave as you?"
Peng Zuo-dang was sent by Jiang Tongzhou to kill the bandits. A few small soldiers and crab generals took advantage of the chaos to escape, and Peng Zuo-dang led his men to chase them.
"General, please do not pursue the desperate enemy. The people in the camp still need your comfort and care."
Peng Zuoyao felt annoyed at being contradicted. He slapped him back and said arrogantly, "It is His Royal Highness Prince Zhen's order to eliminate the bandits. Of course, I must do it myself. If I do it well, it will affect His Royal Highness's reputation. How dare you stop me?"
"Did he really say that?"
"Yes, Your Highness." The staff member bent down, watching the excitement, and said, "You didn't see the darkened face of County Magistrate Chu, but General Peng is rushing forward under your banner. Isn't that inappropriate?"
"Hey, I didn't expect Peng Zuoyuan to be so devoted to me. It's normal for him to want to show off after he's hooked up with me. Forget it, let him be high-profile for a while."
Although Peng Zuo-yang behaved inappropriately, King Zhen was happy and sent him to suppress the bandits. Jiang Tongzhou only mentioned it to the emperor and actually won him over.
What made Jiang Tongzhou even more ecstatic was that the prince was captured for assassinating the saint and was imprisoned in a heavy prison.
He Fang came to discuss the matter on behalf of Liang Linsheng, and his words were filled with regret: "After so many years of playing chess, it has become a discarded piece."
"If you need it, use it. If you don't need it now, when will you use it? Will you wait until the Eastern Palace is deposed and then enter the Yuanfang to kill your father and brother?"
"Uh." He Fang was confused by the bluntness of his words and didn't know how to respond for a moment.
Peng Zuoyuan bent one leg and poured a cup of tea. He pushed over and asked, "What does Lin Sheng mean?"
He Fang took it with both hands and replied, "The Minister of State feels that there is no need for further action now. There is no need for us to incite them. They will naturally become restless."
"Yes, that's right." Peng Zuoyuan asked again, "What is the Liang family's attitude?"
Liang Yanxiu kept it a secret and only revealed a few words to his grandfather who had one foot halfway into the coffin.
"The old man cannot accept it for the time being, and the Minister of Justice is trying to mediate. But don't worry, the old man holds the lives of the Qing family in his hands and will not speak carelessly."
Thinking of the stubborn and upright character of the old man of the Liang family, Peng Zuoyan sighed. Having few people in the family also has its advantages. If something goes wrong one day, even if everyone gets beheaded, they can still be reincarnated together.
Peng Zuoyuan has been going in and out of Prince Zhen's mansion every day these days. It's not just that he's stupid, but he's also taking a high-profile stance after gaining power.
At this time in the study, they were discussing whether to enter the palace and force the throne.
Peng Zuoyang pricked up his ears when he heard this, and his heart was shocked. Jiang Tongzhou was very ambitious. He dared to imagine the future before the emperor and the crown prince died.
"Your Highness, I believe this is not the right time to start a rebellion. The Crown Prince's faction still has some remnants. If we wait for the right opportunity, our chances of success will be greater."
The staff standing by showed dissatisfaction and accused him, "General Peng, His Highness is in a good position right now, why are you saying such demoralizing words?"
"Xishan, you have been too cautious. There is no need to say more. I have already decided that what my brother cannot do, I can certainly do."
Jiang Tongzhou walked over, patted him on the shoulder, and said directly: "Xishan, you are brave and resourceful, and I trust you the most. Take this secret letter from the palace and go to the two provinces of Guannei and Hedong to find the governors of the respective provinces. When the time is right, you will lead the troops to help."
"Your Highness values me so highly that I will not refuse even if my life is short!"
Jiang Tongzhou stood a step away from him, examining his seemingly sincere face and said kindly, "Xishan, this journey is unpredictable. I will take care of your household for you and ensure you have nothing to worry about. I am also relieved to have Jiang Chi accompanying you."
Holding the token and the unsigned secret letter in his palm, Peng Zuoyuan bowed and requested, "Your Highness, please allow me to go back and prepare and say goodbye to my family."
"That's fine, but I'm not sure whether Xishan will let me take care of your father or your wife."
Peng Zuoyang packed up and said goodbye. A murderous look flashed across his eyes as he turned around. "Naive Jiang Jinlang, you have no money and no one, yet you want to be the emperor? You're dreaming."
"Xishan."
Peng Zuoyao turned around and asked respectfully, "Your Highness, do you have any further instructions?"
"You and I have been king and subject for a long time. If you return successfully, you will be a great contributor to this palace. I will reward you with the rank of General of the Left and Right Guards, and General of the Northern and Southern Yamen Forbidden Army. I will also give you more titles."
Peng Zuogong also smiled, mustering up his energy and saying, "Your Highness's order and your grace are something I will never forget. I will definitely return to repay your kindness."
Jiang Tongzhou waved his hand with a smile. Peng Zuoyuan had a gambler's mentality, so he felt more at ease using him. Besides, there were hostages in the Peng Mansion.
The palace steward waited until they finished their discussion before coming in to report, "Your Highness, something happened at the Peng family."
"What's wrong?"
"General Peng Zhonglang's concubine is dying. They say she has been suffering from depression and illness that has accumulated over the years."
Jiang Tongzhou didn't care much and ordered, "She's just a concubine who was given away. Focus on Peng Xun and Cui Luan."
With Jiang Chi secretly monitoring him from the front and controlling his father and wife from the back, Jiang Tongzhou was confident that Peng Zuoyang would not betray him.
"My dear, is my aunt seriously ill again?"
As soon as Peng Zuoyuan returned home, he heard the news reported by Siyuanyuan.
Going straight to Yi Huan, Peng Zuoyan came in, smelling the bitter smell of traditional Chinese medicine filling the room. From outside the room, he whispered, "What did the doctor say?"
Yun Hu had been personally taking care of Yi Huan since she fell ill. He replied, "The doctor said that my aunt's life is over. Surprisingly, there are only two days left to live. Young Master, please go and see my aunt."
"You go down first."
Yi Huan's fate would naturally end in the next few days. The pills he personally prescribed were as effective as expected.
Peng Zuoyan sat on the edge of the bed and held her hand with heartache. The medicine was so strong that her body suddenly collapsed in just one month, and her breathing became extremely weak.
"Ah Huan, I'm here to see you."
Yi Huan opened his eyes from his slumber and said happily, "I'm dying. You can't force me anymore."
Peng Zuoyan didn't want her to be unhappy after experiencing death, so he asked, "What wish do you have? I will fulfill it for you."
"Can you come closer and hug me?"
What? Peng Zuoyan thought he had misheard for a moment and excitedly stretched out his hands to hug her. The next second, the tip of the hairpin pierced his palm, strangling his joy.
Yi Huan lay back on the bed, coughing non-stop.
Peng Zuoyan threw the hairpin away, took out a handkerchief with a stern face and wrapped it around his bleeding palm. His body was hurt and his tone was also hurt as he said, "Ah Huan, do you hate me so much that you want me to die?"
"Pretending! I don't just want you dead, I want you to be unable to reincarnate. It's a pity that I'm dying and won't be able to see your retribution."
Yi Huan leaned back weakly on the cushion, his pale face due to illness flushed with excitement, and his thin face made his angry and helpless eyes more prominent.
Peng Zuoyan didn't want to see her dying, so he shouted excitedly, "Then you'll live and continue to fight me, Yi Huan. Aren't you very tenacious? You'll die from a cold, you coward."
"Oh."
Yi Huan calmly watched him go crazy, no longer looking at him, and calmly accepted this short and unfree life. She could not return to the modern world, and it was not bad to be a ghost after death.
"It must be God's will that I be freed."
Even though he knew it was fake, her determination to leave still hurt Peng Zuoyan. Regardless of whether Jiang Tongzhou wanted to keep the hostage or not, this time, Peng Zuoyan could not abandon Yi Huan again.
No matter how blind the spears and grass are, they will live and die together.
Yi Huan felt the vitality draining from his body. He raised his right hand curiously, but was unable to let it fall.
So this is what death feels like. Your body doesn’t hurt, but your heart aches as if you’re dying.
Yi Huan forced herself to think about relaxing and happy things. As she thought about it, she felt less uncomfortable. The only remaining bit of consciousness told her that this was not a psychological effect, but the time had come.
Peng Zuoyan leaned over and hugged her, constantly stroking her loose hair. The effect of the medicine was too real, like a nightmare.
"Ahuan, you won't die. I will take you away."
In the square courtyard, Peng Zuoyan silently poured two cups of tea. Looking at the lit main house, contrasting it with the dark, unlit room under the tree, he felt lonely in his heart.
Peng Zuoyan spilled the cup of tea in front of him onto the ground, and said to himself over and over again: This is fake, the medicine can't be wrong.
"My dear, my aunt is gone."
He slammed the teacup to the ground and pointed at the frightened maidservant who was kneeling on the ground, shouting, "Didn't I tell you that she was my wife? Who gave you the guts to call her aunt?"
"Please calm down, my dear. I made a mistake. Sister Yunhu asked me to invite you over. The mistress just left."
In the chilling silence, the servant who served Peng Xun came over, bowed, and said, "Master, once you have taken care of things here, I would like you to come over."
Peng Zuoyan suppressed his anger, waved his hand and said decisively: "Sell it."
Peng Xun was the only one in the room. Seeing him coming, he stood up from the chess table and sat on the couch, asking directly, "Why don't you tell me what you and that kid from the Liang family want to do?"
"I didn't mean to hide it from you. Jiang Jiade doesn't deserve the position. I want to sit in that position."
Peng Xun sighed, "When a son of an emperor covets that position, it's called usurping the throne. You're not doing it right, it's rebellion."
"So what?" Peng Zuoyuan poured himself a drink and said something treasonous in a calm tone: "If the king doesn't act like a king, I don't want to act like a minister. We are not wise leaders, and if we really ascend to that position, I won't be loyal enough."
"So you never intended to live a peaceful life as a minister from the moment you came to Beijing?
"I only had a hint of it when Dexin went to announce the decree. I only made up my mind recently."
If someone had told Peng Xun that he was helping others to rebel, he would have scolded that person harshly. But now he is old and no longer needs to pursue a future. He only has his children left.
Peng Xun breathed a sigh of relief. Even if it meant sacrificing his reputation, he still had to help his son. "Even though I'm retired, I still have reliable people in the government office..."
"I understand your father's good intentions, but I can't use them. I'll get what I want myself. Just take care of yourself. Jiang Tongzhou wants to keep you hostage. I've already let Yi Huan fake his own death to escape. You should also leave, and I'll leave a replacement here."
Peng Zuoyuan had already thought of a retreat for the people in the mansion, but he didn't expect Peng Xun to refuse.
"I can stay here."
Peng Zuoyan disagreed and advised, "I'm confident I can take you all away. There's no need for you to take the risk alone."
"Xishan, people often say that moving brings life, but I've been guarding this house my whole life, and I don't want to leave it when I leave."
The old man's obsession is to have one wife and one concubine. As a son, I know this, but I just don't understand it.
"Take their tablets and go together."
Peng Xun smiled and shook his head, saying sincerely, "Xishan, I'm reluctant to let you go. Even if I die here, I won't regret it. You should leave now. If you really fail, your mother, Jinjin, and Ah Peng will be terrified."
Peng Zuoyuan remained silent for a long time. Peng Xun waited for him to slowly come to his senses and looked at him with gentle eyes.
"good."
Peng Zuoyao stood up and knelt on the ground, kowtowed three times, and said with a cupped hand, "You have sacrificed so much for me. I am ashamed and grateful. You stay here. If Jiang Tongzhou dares to touch you, I will chop down the Jiang family one by one. I will offer you the heads of the Jiang family and personally send them off."
Peng Xun patted his head and said, "It's autumn, the ground is cold, get up."
"These are two family tree books. I have been removed from the family tree. If anything happens to me, my father and the Peng family will be safe."
Peng Xun took it, casually pressing it under his hand, and said with emotion: "You have always been opinionated since you were a child. I didn't expect that you would become even more opinionated as you grew up. When you were young, did you blame me for treating you and your son poorly?"
He had resented it when he was young, but later Hu died and Peng Zuoyuan moved away from the Peng family, and his feelings for her faded. But since he didn't care, he stopped resenting her.
"I used to complain, but not anymore."
"You must also despise me for being so indecisive, right?"
Peng Zuoyao stood up and sat down, smoothing the wrinkles on his robe and saying, "You have your reasons."
From these four words, Peng Xun knew that he was still resentful, and that the relationship between father and son was ultimately hurt.
"You, you, I've failed as a father. I feel guilty towards you. I've failed everyone in my life. You, Ah Zhi, Jin Jin, Ah Peng. I should have had two healthy sons in my life."
Peng Zuoyan never liked him always bringing up the past. "There's no point in bringing up the past. You should forgive your mother. I have no right to forgive you on her behalf."
"Alas, it's my fault for not being able to let go, and I hurt them both in vain. You are the only one left in the Peng family, and I only have you as my child. Xishan, be safe and sound. Ah."
Peng Xun knew that after this farewell, it was hard to say whether he would be able to see him again alive. He also felt sorry for the boy who had matured at a young age, had been working outside since he was a child, and now he was not convinced and dared to go against the will of heaven.
How can going out to fight be without danger? Even going out to the streets is dangerous, and I can't predict it. Peng Zuoyan really wanted to refute his caring words.
But when he saw his wrinkled eyelids and his tear-filled eyes filled with love and guilt, Peng Zuoyan choked again and answered him with a different answer.
"Well, I'll try my best."
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