Chapter 127 Chapter 127
The moment I saw Cao Da.
Fear seized Liu Xie's mind and for a moment he was so terrified that he couldn't make a sound. When he came to his senses and wanted to shout for help, his mouth had been covered by Cao Da.
The "humming" sound between the fingers was not loud enough for people outside to hear.
"My good majesty, please don't move rashly. If you turn around and hurt your precious body, it will be bad."
“…Mmmmm.”
Liu Xie is still struggling.
But it was of no use, he had already been taken into the secret room by Cao Da.
After entering the secret room, Cao Da closed it and then released the person.
"What do you want to do?"
Liu Xie looked at Cao Da with horror on his face and was still trying to get out.
He never thought that Cao Da, who had disappeared for half a year, would appear in his secret room.
How did he get here?
How did he know about this secret room?
With so many people inside and outside, how did he get in here? Liu Xie couldn't figure it out.
"Your Majesty, are you wondering how I ended up here?" Cao Da seemed to be able to see through his thoughts.
Seeing Liu Xie's face turned pale.
Cao Da laughed without waiting for anyone to respond.
He knew that Liu Xie would not let other people in when he was paying tribute to his biological mother, so he smiled nonchalantly and even showed his kindness to others. How on earth did he appear here?
This was also the reason why he later established a secret passage in the Imperial Household Department.
Only the emperors knew that there was a secret passage in the Imperial Palace. This secret passage was to help the royal family escape in case of any incident.
However, the previous emperor's death was unclear, and Liu Xie was not the originally designated crown prince.
Naturally, he wouldn't know this secret passage.
It was only when Cao Da pressed one of the door panels that Liu Xie realized that there was a secret passage behind the secret room!
He widened his eyes in disbelief.
It was by chance that he discovered this secret room, but he never discovered the secret behind it.
If he knew this, he would definitely seal this secret room!
It's too late to regret now.
Liu Xie racked his brains to think of how to escape from Cao Da, and he couldn't help but regret in his heart that he shouldn't have come in alone!
If there was just one more person, he wouldn't be in this situation now.
"Your Majesty, there is no need to be so afraid. I will not harm you." Cao Da's sharp and deliberately gentle voice echoed in the secret room.
Liu Xie also noticed it.
If Cao Da really wanted to harm him, he would have done it just now.
"What do you want to do with me?"
Although he was afraid of Cao Da, he still tried his best to calm himself down.
Cao Da didn't speak immediately, but looked at him carefully first.
"Your Majesty, I haven't seen you for half a year. You seem to have changed a lot. It must feel good to have the power, right?" Cao Da said with a smile.
Liu Xie didn't know what he wanted to do, and was afraid of angering him, so he pursed his lips and said nothing.
Cao Da didn't mind it either, but changed the subject and suddenly asked him, "Your Majesty trusts Prince Nan'an very much, right?"
Liu Xie frowned.
He didn't know what Cao Da was going to do, but when he heard him talk about his cousin, he admitted without hesitation: "Of course!"
"Then your majesty, do you know what Prince Nannan did behind your back?" Cao Da asked, still looking at him with a smile.
Liu Xie is not someone who can be provoked by just a few words.
"What exactly do you want to say?" He didn't even respond, but just looked at Cao Da and asked again.
He really couldn't figure out what Cao Da was going to do.
Seeing him like this, Cao Da didn't care and just said to him, "Your Majesty trusts Prince Nan'an so much, but do you know why he didn't tell you even though he knew Prince Xin's son was still alive?"
"What did you say?"
Liu Xie frowned as he looked at him: "Prince Xin's son? You mean Zhao'er? How could he still be alive?"
Everyone in the court and the country knew how Zhao'er died.
He even went to his funeral.
He thought Cao Da was crazy, so he simply stopped talking and continued to look for an opportunity, thinking about how to escape safely without angering anyone and then catch Cao Da.
"Your Majesty, do you think I need to lie to you like this? Liu Zhao is in Liaoning. Not only Prince Nan'an knows about this, but Princess Jiashun has also known about it for a long time."
"Not only that, it was your good uncle and Marquis Wu'an who made it possible for Liu Zhao to leave the capital. Liu Zhao has been staying in Liaodong all these years and has been protected by Marquis Wu'an."
"impossible!"
Liu Xie refutes without thinking.
Cao Da looked at him and said, "These things can be discovered if you investigate carefully. Why should I deceive Your Majesty?"
Liu Xie was silent.
Yes, there is no need for Cao Da to make up such a thing.
It is impossible for people to really come back to life.
But Zhao'er was alive, which was a good thing. Why didn't his cousin tell him? Liu Xie couldn't understand.
"Your Majesty, why do you think the Prince of Nan'an didn't tell you?" Cao Da's voice followed him like a shadow.
Liu Xie looked at him and frowned, "My cousin must have his reasons for doing this!"
"It's really a touching brotherhood."
Cao Da applauded and shook his head, saying, "It's a pity that your majesty trusts Prince Nan'an so much, but Prince Nan'an refused to tell you even such news. Isn't Liu Zhao your brother? Or is Prince Nan'an afraid that you will hurt him? Or has Prince Nan'an already had other ideas?"
Liu Xie's face changed color after hearing his every word.
He couldn't control himself and shouted, "What nonsense are you talking about!"
Cao Da looked at him and smiled: "Then what are you afraid of now, Your Majesty?"
Liu Xie tried to retort that he was not afraid, but he clearly felt his arms trembling.
His face changed slightly, and he tried to hold his arms, trying to suppress his emotion, but when he saw Cao Da looking at him with a half-smile on his face, Liu Xie knew that it was futile.
Cao Da had indeed hit the nail on the head for him.
Liu Xie pursed her lips tightly, not intending to continue discussing this topic with others.
"You're here just to tell me this?" He didn't want to be led by Cao Da anymore.
Cao Da looked at him with some surprise.
But it was just a glance, and he looked at him and smiled again: "Of course not, I am here to discuss business with Your Majesty."
"What are you selling?"
Liu Xie still looked at him warily.
"Your Majesty, there is no need to be so wary of me. If I wanted to harm Your Majesty, I would not have waited until now." Cao Da said, and suddenly changed the subject, "In fact, among so many people, Your Majesty does not have to worry about me the least--"
"After all, compared to others, my selfishness is the smallest."
He was not being sincere.
"The one in Shoukang Palace is thinking about the Xiao family and wants a child with the blood of the Xiao family. Your cousin has other options, but I have nothing. I can be your most loyal assistant."
"And I will continue to obey you like a puppet?" Liu Xie interrupted Cao Da with a sneaker.
Cao Da's smile froze, but he quickly calmed down and said, "I know your majesty doesn't trust me now, but I am willing to contribute all my abilities to pave the way for you so that you will no longer be controlled by others."
As Cao Da spoke, he took out a booklet and handed it to him before the other person could speak.
Liu Xie didn't know what it was and didn't want to take it.
Cao Da still bent his body, but raised his eyes a little bit and looked at him: "Your Majesty, don't you want to know how I have made them serve me for so many years?"
When Liu Xie heard this, he was moved.
He was hesitant in his heart, but finally couldn't help himself, reached out to the person and took the booklet.
"This..."
Liu Xie looked at what was written in the booklet, and his eyes widened a little.
All the people recorded in this booklet are officials of Daxia.
Not only those from the capital, but also those from other places, officials of all ranks, except for a few, almost everyone has something recorded in it.
Liu Xie knew it all along.
Relying on the eunuchs and Jinyiwei under his control, Cao Da did whatever he wanted and mastered the secrets of many people.
But I didn't expect that there would be so many people involved.
The more he looked, the more frightened he became.
I finally understood why no one dared to disobey Cao Da in all these years.
"In this world, except for a few saints, almost everyone has something against them. Some of these things are created by themselves, and some are brought by their family members."
"As long as you master this booklet, all those people can be used by you."
Cao Da looked at Liu Xie and said, "They are scattered in various departments and places, and many of them are even in high positions. As long as you control them, Your Majesty does not need to worry about who will replace you in the future? Why do you have to do everything but listen to others?"
"You are the emperor of the Xia Dynasty, the supreme ruler of the Nine Warriors. You should have supreme power, not be a puppet who can only obey the orders of others."
Cao Dashi is really good at controlling people's hearts.
Liu Xie was indeed persuaded by him. He had been controlled by others for too long and had been a puppet since he was ten years old. Even though he had regained power now, he still could not do whatever he wanted.
Not only should we take care of our mother, but also our teachers and grandsons.
Each of them thought that he was young and had to make decisions for him.
He didn't even dare to worship his biological mother openly and honestly. He could only worship her cautiously alone like this.
if……
If he could master these people's secrets and make them work for him, then he would never have to listen to them again, right?
Liu Xie's heart began to beat fast because of this thought.
But he hasn't lost his rationality yet.
Cao Da would definitely not be so kind.
"What do you want?" he asked, holding the booklet.
Cao Da saw his movements and knew that he was moved. He lowered his head, hiding the smile in his eyes, and said, "I've been running around for the past six months, and I just want to live an upright life in the future."
"I hope that Your Majesty can grant me a fiefdom so that I can live out my days in peace."
Liu Xie frowned.
"My cousin won't agree to that."
Cao Da disagreed, "Your Majesty, if you say that, you are still immature. You are the emperor, and everyone in the world should kneel before you. I know that you and Prince Nan'an have a deep brotherly love, but is Prince Nan'an really that good? If he is really that good, why didn't he tell you about Liu Zhao?"
"What on earth does he want to do? Behind Liu Zhao is Xu Pingyi and the 300,000-strong Liaodong army... If Xu Pingyi wants to rebel, no one can stop him."
Liu Xie's face turned pale again because of his words.
He hastily said, "It's impossible. Marquis Wu'an would never do that... and my cousin would never help them deal with me!"
Cao Da looked at him and sneered, "Naturally, the Prince of Nan'an will not help outsiders, but Your Majesty, don't forget that Liu Zhao is also his cousin. In fact, his relationship with Liu Zhao was even better than his relationship with you."
Liu Xie couldn't help but recall the past because of Cao Da's words.
Yes, Zhao'er is Uncle Xin's only child, and Uncle Xin is my father's only brother. Not to mention his cousin, even my father likes Zhao'er very much...
Therefore, everyone likes Zhaoer.
Zhao'er is innocent and naive, and has the open-mindedness of Uncle Xin Wang. Compared with the timid and cowardly him when he was a child, he is indeed more likable.
My cousin really likes Zhao'er and wants to be better than him...
Once this thought started, it was impossible to control it.
The more Liu Xie thought about it, the paler his face became.
The booklet in his hand was suddenly taken away by Cao Da.
Liu Xie watched helplessly as Cao Da took the book away. His face changed slightly, and he reached out to take it back, but he restrained himself from taking it...
"After the New Year, I will have people spread the news that Liu Zhao is still alive in the city. Then your majesty can see what Prince Nan'an does."
"As for this booklet, I will hand it over to Your Majesty along with the rest of the evidence once the matter is accomplished."
"Your Majesty, in this world, you are the only one who is most reliable."
"Whether you will be controlled by others for the rest of your life or decide for yourself in the future, it all depends on you." Cao Da said, glancing at the Buddhist quilt and tablet beside him, "Do you want Wang Taipin to stay in a place like this for the rest of her life?"
"She is your biological mother. If we talk about merit, she should be respected by everyone, not the one in Shoukang Palace."
Cao Da knew him too well.
He knows his soft spots and the pain deep inside.
Seeing Liu Xie's eyelashes trembling slightly, he said nothing more, put away the booklet and prepared to leave.
"I will not bother your Majesty again for the time being. If your Majesty wants to find me, just leave a note for me in the secret room."
After Cao Da finished speaking, he turned and walked towards the secret passage.
Before leaving, he suddenly turned around and smiled at Liu Xie behind him, "Your Majesty, if you want to seal this secret room, that's fine, but you will be controlled by others for the rest of your life."
"You and your biological mother will never be able to make a breakthrough in your life."
"I heard that Marquis Wu'an took great care of your cousin, and taught him everything from civil and military skills to riding and archery."
"Prince Xin was very popular at that time."
"If the government and the public knew that there was such an outstanding member of the royal family, what do you think others would think?"
Seeing Liu Xie's face turning paler and paler, Cao Da left with satisfaction.
Liu Xie watched him leave, and then watched the secret passage close again before his eyes. Soon, he was the only one left in the secret room again.
As if his body was hollow, Liu Xie sat on the ground with his back against the wall.
He stared at the tablet for a long while, then silently leaned against the wall, stood up and left.
The little nobleman has been waiting outside.
Seeing him come out, he immediately went to greet him.
"His Majesty."
After the little noble came over, he saw that something was wrong with Liu Xie. He knew the secret room inside and what was inside.
In fact, he had seen His Majesty like this many times over the years.
Therefore, he did not dare to ask more questions. He just thought that His Majesty was sad about Concubine Wang again, and silently helped the person walk out.
"Little noble..."
"The servant is here."
But after he agreed, the young nobleman didn't hear His Majesty speak for a long time, so he turned his head and asked in a low voice: "Your Majesty, what do you want?"
Liu Xie hesitated and said nothing.
Just as the young noble was about to ask him another question, Liu Xie suddenly shook his head and said, "...Nothing, just a little tired."
In the end, Liu Xie did not tell anyone what had just happened with Cao Da.
Except for Liu Xie, no one knew that Cao Da had appeared in the capital again and even went directly to the palace.
No one knew that there was such a secret passage in the Huangji Palace.
Xie Qingya also didn't know that Liu Xie already knew about Liu Zhao's affairs.
After leaving the palace that day, it was New Year's Eve a few days later. All officials were on vacation, so Xie Qingya naturally did not need to go to court.
A good year.
This is also the first time that Xu Duanyi and Xie Qingya celebrate the New Year together after many years.
Years later, Xu Duanyi went to the palace to stay with Empress Dowager Zhaoyu for a few days as she had promised.
Afterwards, she and Xie Qingya took Changning and Ping'an to burn incense and greet the elders of the two families.
After the Lantern Festival.
The vacation for all officials was completely over.
On the first day after the holiday, we have to attend the morning court.
However, because it was the first day after the New Year, they were given some extra time and did not have to enter the palace before dawn.
Xie Qingya had been sleeping too much for a year and now he was reluctant to get up early.
Xu Duanyi called him several times, but not only did he refuse to get up, he also hugged her in his arms and told her to stop talking.
"I can keep silent and lie with you all the time, but are you really not going to attend the morning court?" Xu Duanyi said with a smile.
Xie Qingya refused to even open his eyes. He closed his eyes, hugged her and said vaguely: "Let him take sick leave later."
"Then teacher, I will come to the palace to visit you again later."
The teacher Xu Duanyi was talking about was naturally her and Xie Qingya's common teacher, Qu Boyuan.
Xie Qingya still has a fresh memory of this name.
He had used this excuse to avoid attending the morning court several times before, and the old man began to believe it was true, so he came to the palace to see him after the morning court, and then -
Then I saw Xie Qingya, who looked like nothing had happened.
He dares to scold anyone.
Not only did she scold Xie Qingya harshly, she also blamed Xu Duanyi, thinking that she had not fulfilled her duties as a wife.
When Xie Qingya thought about this, he started to have a headache.
My mind has also become much clearer.
He couldn't sleep, and he didn't want to get up either. He closed his eyes, his face full of pain: "Why is the old man so idle?"
"The teacher still cares about you."
Xu Duanyi said this and refused to let people continue to be lazy.
She sat up first, and then stretched out her hand to Xie Qingya: "Okay, get up, I'll sleep with you next time you take a rest."
Xie Qingya pouted and looked at her: "You say that every time."
Having said that.
In the end, Xie Qingya did not continue lying there. He held Xu Duanyi's hand and got up. However, after getting up, he was unwilling to get out of bed immediately. Instead, he hugged her tenderly for a long time. There was really no time to waste, so he could only get up reluctantly.
"You go back to sleep."
Xie Qingya didn't let Xu Duanyi get up.
But Xu Duanyi couldn't sleep anymore. Just as he was about to talk to someone, a hurried voice suddenly came from outside: "Master, Prince, something happened!"
Xu Duanyi and Xie Qingya looked at each other at the same time.
Xie Qingya put on his clothes immediately.
Xu Duanyi also put on a coat and called someone in.
After the door opened, Xu Duanyi saw Bixi hurried in. After many years of being master and servant, it was the first time that Xu Duanyi saw such an anxious look on her face.
"What's going on?"
Xu Duanyi's heart sank and he began to feel nervous.
Although she was anxious, Bixi still followed the rules. After entering, she greeted the two people first, and then reported: "It is said outside that Prince Xin is still alive, and also said..."
"What?" Xie Qingya asked in a deep voice.
Bixi glanced at the two of them before replying, "They say he is in Liaodong and is being taken care of by the Marquis."
…
This morning, everyone was discussing this matter. Some believed the news, while others thought it was ridiculous.
Since it involves the royal family, the ministers naturally have a lot of discussions.
One of them directly pointed out Xie Qingya by name and asked, "Prince Nan'an, I heard that you accompanied the princess to Liaodong last June. I would like to ask, is the rumor among the people true or false?"
After he asked this question.
Almost all the civil and military officials in the court turned their attention to Xie Qingya.
Although Xie Qingya was a third-rank official, he still held the title of King of Nan'an. After Liu Xie came to power, his position was moved from the middle to the first row.
Xie Qingya could feel the gazes of the crowd, and could also see the gaze of the emperor on the throne.
He clenched his hands into fists under his official uniform.
He has always been eloquent, but now he didn't know what to say.
After learning about this from the palace, he wondered all the way who spread the news.
Only a few people know that Zhao'er is still alive.
Of course, it is impossible for the father-in-law to say that the people under his command must have been carefully selected by the father-in-law and are trustworthy.
Not to mention him and Duanyi's people.
However, it is actually meaningless to investigate all this now. Even if he refutes it now, as long as someone really wants to investigate this matter, he will be discovered unless Zhao'er leaves Liaoning immediately and escapes without a trace.
No……
It would be useless even if he left.
All under heaven belongs to the king. With a face like that, how could he escape the numerous checkpoints?
"Why doesn't Prince Nan'an speak?"
Seeing that he was hesitant to speak, the man could not help but continue asking.
Xie Qingya did not notice at this moment that Liu Xiemianliu was looking at him with a look of sorrow. He first answered the man's question in a deep voice: "I am thinking."
"Thinking about what?"
The man subconsciously followed his words and answered.
"Think about this matter, who spread it, and what they want to do." Before anyone could answer, Xie Qingya took the initiative to bow to Liu Xie and said, "Your Majesty, I suggest that you send people to Liaodong immediately to investigate this matter. If this is true, then bring Prince Xin back to the capital and return his title."
As soon as he said this, many people followed suit.
However, there were also a few who said, "If this is true, I don't understand why Prince Xin is still alive and lingering in Liaodong."
"And Marquis Wu'an, he——"
"He what?"
Xie Qingya interrupted him.
As he spoke, he turned his head and looked behind him, staring at the official and continued, "Marquis Wu'an has been guarding the border for decades, serving the country and the people. He has never been greedy for credit, nor has he ever complained of being tired."
"For so many years, he has been unable to return home and has been forced to stay alone in a cold and bitter place like Liaodong. Now that a rumor has just emerged, Lord Liao is beginning to speculate on Marquis Wu'an's intentions?"
"Why, do you think that Marquis Wu'an will rebel?"
The adult who was speaking did not expect Xie Qingya to say these two words so bluntly, and he was now unable to say what he originally wanted to say.
Especially when Xie Qingya looked at him like this, his scalp went numb and he could only retort: "I didn't say that!"
"You can't say that, but you have to think that way." Xie Qingya still looked at him and said calmly, "Since the time of the previous emperor, Marquis Wu'an has been stationed in Liaodong and has made outstanding contributions. Even if Prince Xin is really with him, what does it mean?"
"Lord Liao, please don't make wild guesses, as this will only discourage these veterans who have made outstanding contributions."
After Xie Qingya said this, even the officials who wanted to speak on the matter earlier did not dare to say anything more.
Lord Liao's face flushed, but he didn't dare to say anything more.
When Xie Qingya saw that they had stopped talking, he turned around and faced the emperor.
"What do you think, Your Majesty?"
Liu Xie looked at him, and it took him a while to find his voice again: "...Just do as the King of Nan'an said."
This matter is settled.
Liu Xie issued an edict and specifically called someone from the Ministry of Rites to go to Liaoning in person to bring back Liu Zhao.
Then the morning court ended.
Without Liu Xie saying much, Xie Qingya took the initiative to stay.
Before Mei Xuezheng left, he glanced at Xie Qingya, but was unable to stay.
He has now been assigned to the Ministry of Revenue.
After Xiao Yuanfu resigned from the Ministry of Revenue, the position of Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue became vacant. The first thing Liu Xie did after taking power was to let Mei Xuezheng go to the Ministry of Revenue.
At this time, he looked at Xie Qingya with worry.
Xie Qingya shook his head at him, and when he saw the emperor enter the inner hall, he followed him in silence.
"My Lord."
The young noble was guarding outside the palace. When he saw him coming, he hurriedly greeted him.
Xie Qingya nodded to him and went in first.
The little nobleman looked worried.
Liu Xie stood with his back to Xie Qingya. When he heard footsteps behind him, he clenched his fists and then unclenched them.
"Cousin, did you know that Zhao'er was still alive?" Liu Xie turned around and looked at Xie Qingya and asked.
Xie Qingya looked at him in silence for a moment, but in the end he did not hide the truth from him.
"Yes," Xie Qingya hurriedly said to others, fearing that people might misunderstand him, "but I only found out about this the last time I went back."
He explained the situation to others.
"Zhao'er doesn't want to return to the capital, and I'm afraid his presence will cause a stir, so I didn't tell you."
"Aren't you worried that I might get him into trouble?"
Liu Xie had just finished speaking when he saw his cousin looking at him with surprise in his eyes: "What did you say? Why do you think so?"
Liu Xie knew that his question was wrong, but he was really angry just now.
Although I had already known about this from Cao Da in advance.
But his cousin's previous behavior really made him sad.
But seeing his cousin so shocked, he suddenly felt a little sorry for his cousin. He lowered his head and his voice became lower: "...I am guilty."
Xie Qingya naturally wouldn't blame him, he just looked at him and sighed.
He walked over and wanted to pat him on the shoulder, but Liu Xie avoided him.
This is the first time.
Not only Xie Qingya, but Liu Xie was also stunned.
"Cousin, I..."
He looked at Xie Qingya nervously, wanting to say that he didn't mean it.
Xie Qingya was indeed distracted, but he did not blame him. Seeing Liu Xie's nervous face, he did not hold a grudge and patted his shoulder again: "Don't worry about Zhao'er, he will not be a threat to you. When he comes back, give him the fief of Uncle Xin Wang and let him stay in the fiefdom in the future. He is not allowed to come to the capital for the rest of his life."
Liu Xie looked at him and said okay.
After this incident, the atmosphere between the two brothers did change a little.
Xie Qingya did not stay any longer. He just told people not to worry and left. Before leaving, he reminded the young nobleman to take good care of His Majesty.
Then he returned to the palace first.
Xu Duanyi has been waiting for him to come back.
After hearing such news in the morning, Xu Duanyi was naturally worried because it was obvious that someone was deliberately causing trouble.
When she heard Shi Yu say "The prince is back", she couldn't help but get up and go out to greet him.
Xie Qingya also knew that she was worried about this.
Therefore, after leaving the palace, he did not even go to the government office, but returned immediately.
Looking at her worried expression at this moment.
Xie Qingya reached out and held her arm, saying to her, "Let's talk inside."
Afterwards, Bi Xi and others served tea, and Xie Qingya told Xu Duanyi what happened in the morning court.
"Let Zhao'er come back?"
Xu Duanyi closed his eyes and was somewhat speechless at this answer.
Xie Qingya also knew that this was not the best solution, but under the current circumstances, there was no better way.
"This person dared to spread such news, he must have known about it."
"If we keep it a secret now and someone finds Zhao'er, it will be even more dangerous."
Xie Qingya sighed: "Zhao'er can't stay away from people for the rest of his life. His face is the biggest danger."
Xu Duanyi also knew.
"Then I'll write a letter to my father now!" she said and prepared to write the letter.
Xie Qingya did not stop him.
This book is exclusively compiled for you by the LK team. While Xu Duanyi was writing the letter, Xie Qingya was sitting and thinking about what happened today.
After Xu Duanyi finished writing the letter and turned around, he still had that pensive expression on his face.
"What are you thinking about?" she asked Xie Qingya.
Xie Qingya replied: "I wonder who spread this news." He looked at Xu Duanyi.
Xu Duanyi looked him in the eye and asked in tacit understanding, "Do you think it was Cao Da?"
Xie Qingya did not deny it. He said, "He has not appeared to stir up trouble. I feel something is wrong. The Liao Xin who spoke today was his man in the past."
Xu Duanyi actually thought it was him.
But there was no movement from my cousin, which showed that Cao Da had not returned to the house yet.
I don’t know where he is now.
I saw Qingya frowning the whole time, like a mountain peak.
Xu Duanyi walked over, gently smoothed his forehead with his fingertips, and said, "If the enemy comes, we will stop him with soldiers and if the water comes, we will block it with earth. No matter what he wants to do, as long as we don't make trouble ourselves, he can't help us."
Compared to Cao Da.
In fact, she is more worried about His Majesty.
"Your Majesty, are you okay now that you know about this?" she asked Xie Qingya.
Xie Qingya thought of the previous conversation in the Huangji Palace and was silent for a moment, but he didn't want to make Duan Yi worry.
I also understand why Ah Xie is like this today.
"He was a little shocked, but he didn't say anything. After all, they were brothers who grew up together. He was naturally happy that Zhao'er was alive."
After saying that, before Xu Duanyi could think more, Xie Qingya raised his hands and hugged her on his legs, comforting her softly: "Don't be afraid, everything will be fine."
Xu Duanyi lowered his eyes and looked at him, then answered softly, "Yeah."
The troops heading to Liaodong set out soon, and the letter Xu Duanyi wrote to Xu Pingyi was sent out by someone on horseback one day earlier.
But Liu Zhao had not yet been brought back to the capital.
War reports came from Jizhou first. The Tatars, who had been silent for many years, began to invade the border again.
Unfortunately, the commander of the Jizhou Camp, Lou Gaohan, was injured some time ago and is now bedridden and unable to take command.
Although there are two deputy generals in the Jizhou camp, a commander is still needed to lead the camp.
After discussing this matter at the morning court today.
Liu Zhao also kept Xie Qingya and a group of old ministers to discuss the matter.
On his way to court today, Xie Qingya felt his eyelids twitching. He then heard the Minister of War talking about the war and the list of generals who could go. Suddenly, he changed the subject and said in his direction, "I suggest that the Prince of Nan'an lead the army!"
As soon as these words were spoken, the court, which had been full of discussion, suddenly became quiet.
Everyone's eyes turned to Xie Qingya at the same time.
Xie Qingya was originally still pressing his eyelids. After hearing these words, he finally understood why his eyelids were twitching so violently today.
He casually put his hand away and looked at the Minister of War with a raised eyebrow.
But Xie Qingya only took a glance and then looked away. Just as he was about to speak, Qu Boyuan, who was standing on the other side, frowned and said, "How can he go? The position of commander-in-chief requires experience the most. He hasn't fought in a war for many years. His age and qualifications are not suitable."
Although Shen Fu didn't say anything, he frowned.
Obviously I don't agree.
"Who said the King of Nan'an has no experience?"
Chen Ke, the assistant minister of the Ministry of War, retorted, "When the fourteenth Prince of Nan'an went on the expedition, he had the most dealings with the Tartars."
"The most important thing is that the people in the Jizhou camp respect and recognize him. In the current situation, age and qualifications are secondary. The most important thing is suitability. Prince Nan'an is the most suitable one to go on the expedition."
After the Minister of War finished speaking, he turned to Liu Xie and asked, "What do you think, Your Majesty?"
Liu Xie was being stared at by everyone and felt like he was sitting on pins and needles for a moment.
Since that day, Cao Da has never contacted him again, but for some reason, he always feels that he has something to do with this matter.
I was afraid that something might happen if my cousin went.
Without thinking, Liu Xie immediately said, "Prince Nan'an cannot go."
Seeing the Minister of War and others frowning, Liu Xie felt that what he said was a bit too absolute.
This is not something a wise monarch should say.
He immediately slowed down his tone and continued, "Master Qu is right. The Prince of Nan'an hasn't been on the battlefield for a long time. It would be better to send a more experienced veteran."
"Your Majesty, if there is a suitable candidate, why would I suggest that Prince Nan'an go to the battlefield?" The Vice Minister of War said, and began to list the people who could go to the battlefield.
Those who have experience are older.
Or they are all young generals.
Otherwise, they are all staying in their own camps and cannot leave.
After he listed these things, everyone fell silent.
There is really no one left.
Seeing them like this, Liu Xie felt a little depressed. When he was about to say something, Xie Qingya suddenly said, "I'll go."
Liu Xie couldn't control himself for a moment.
He looked at Xie Qingya and shouted, "King of Nan'an!"
Xie Qingya looked towards Liu Xie.
In fact, the two brothers had not seen each other for some time. The incident with Zhao'er that day left some gap between them.
But at this moment.
Seeing the worry that could not be concealed on the young emperor's face, Xie Qingya couldn't help but feel comforted.
He gave the emperor a soothing smile, indicating that he was fine.
Then he looked at the Minister of War and said with a smile, "Master Chen is right. At this time, it is better for me to go than to send someone whose background is unknown and who needs to be adjusted."
"At least I am familiar with Jizhou Camp."
"Don't be so stubborn." Qu Boyuan frowned and stared at him and reminded him.
Xie Qingya naturally knew that they were worried that something might happen to him, but he also knew in his heart that no matter whether this trip was a deliberate trap set up for him or not, the hostility was real.
It is true that the Tartars invaded Daxia.
No matter what, the important thing to do is to drive these people out of Daxia first.
He couldn't let them break through the Jizhou camp's defense line.
That was the defense line built by his father, and it was the place where his father and brother fought all their lives. He could not let the Tartars enter that defense line!
Disturbing the safety of the people on the border of Daxia.
The most important thing is——
It is indeed time for him to go to Jizhou and meet their commander.
Some things should have ended long ago.
Xie Qingya had made up his mind, and he knelt down in the direction of Liu Xie and said, "Your Majesty, I request your permission to lead the army to the battle!"
With so many people around, Liu Xie, as the emperor, naturally could not say anything to refute.
Even if you are unwilling, you have no choice but to agree.
But as soon as the other ministers left, he could no longer sit still and immediately got down from the throne.
"Why would you agree, cousin? What if something happens to you?" Liu Xie looked at Xie Qingya with a worried look on his face.
He was not pretending or putting on a show, he was really worried about his cousin.
Regardless of Zhao'er's affairs, no matter why his cousin kept it a secret from him, his care for him over the years was real.
Naturally he was worried.
With Cao Da watching closely, my cousin left like this.
He doesn't know.
What exactly is waiting for my cousin?
He was afraid that the tragedy that happened to his uncle and cousin would happen again.
Xie Qingya looked at the worry that could not be hidden on his face, and his heart softened again. He still smiled and said to him: "Don't you believe me?"
Before Liu Xie could say anything, he continued, "Don't worry. When I was fourteen, I could have taken the head of their commander. They are just a bunch of bastards that we beat and crushed. Don't worry."
"But--"
Liu Xie looked at him, still worried.
He didn't dare tell Cao Da about what he had seen. After racking his brains, he finally came up with an idea.
"Didn't you say there was a problem with someone in Jizhou Camp? What if he goes after you again?"
When Xie Qingya heard him say this, his expression was obviously silent for a moment.
But it was only for a moment.
He smiled again: "That's why I should go. Otherwise, if it were someone else, we would be clueless and fall into the trap of the other party."
"cousin……"
Liu Xie was still worried and frowned.
I even wanted to tell others about Cao Da several times, but when the words came to my lips, I couldn't say them.
He was afraid that his cousin would blame him, and even more afraid that his cousin would be disappointed in him.
Xie Qingya didn't know the inside story, so he smiled and comforted him, "Okay, don't worry, I'll be careful."
This book is compiled exclusively for you by the LK team "But you——"
He suddenly changed the subject: "While I'm away, if you have anything to discuss, please consult with Master Mei and the others. No matter where you go, remember to bring more people with you."
"Don't do it on your own."
Cao Da never showed up, and Xie Qingya was still a little worried.
He always felt that Caoda couldn't be so peaceful.
Especially the two incidents that happened recently, without exception, were almost all directed at him, which made him feel even more that Cao Da was doing something behind the scenes.
Only Liao Xin's situation is excusable, as he was originally Cao Da's man.
But why did Chen Ke do this?
I knew Cao Da had been in the imperial court for a long time, but how many of his followers were there in the court? Even Xie Qingya didn't know.
Seeing that his cousin was still worried about him even at this time, Liu Xie couldn't help but feel tears in his eyes.
"cousin……"
His voice became hoarse.
Xie Qingya smiled and patted his shoulder gently again. This time, Liu Xie did not avoid him like he did last time.
"I have to arrange other things, so I'll leave first." Xie Qingya said to him.
Liu Xie looked at him, tears welling up in his eyes, unable to speak.
Xie Qingya said goodbye to everyone and left first.
When he turned around, Xie Qingya's smile gradually faded away.
I must go to Jizhou.
But he was still worried in the capital.
Xie Qingya decided to meet Mei Xuezheng and Xiao Yuanxing before leaving.
And Zhao Zhao...
If she knew that he was going to the war, especially to Jizhou to take over Lou Gaohan's shift, she probably wouldn't feel at ease.
Think of Zhao Zhao.
Xie Qingya couldn't help but sigh again.
Liu Xie watched Xie Qingya leave, and subconsciously chased after him for a few steps, but in the end he gritted his teeth, stopped, and turned around to walk towards the inner hall.
The little noble wanted to follow.
Liu Xie called him and asked him to stay outside.
The little nobleman was puzzled.
But he thought there would be nothing inside the inner hall, so he had no opinion and stayed outside.
The young noble didn't know that after Liu Xie entered the inner hall, he opened the secret room with great momentum. He was filled with anger and wanted to interrogate Cao Da to find out whether he had done this.
What on earth does he want to do!
But there was no one in the secret room.
Liu Xie still had a sullen look on his face. He wanted to open the secret passage, and his hand was ready to press it, but he suddenly began to hesitate.
He was a little scared...
He was afraid that there might be dangers in that secret passage that he could not bear.
After struggling for a long time, Liu Xie finally let go of his hand and did not really press it down.
Even if it was really done by Cao Da, what could he do?
Even if he found him and questioned him, what could he do? Kill him?
The thought of killing Cao Da appeared in Liu Xie's mind, causing him to pause slightly.
This was the first time he had the intention to kill someone.
Now, it is not impossible for him to kill Cao Da.
He had earlier instructed Long Yi to stay in the inner hall.
Just in case of emergency.
Long Yi is his aunt, or you could say, the person left to him by his father.
My father passed away suddenly at that time, without leaving any instructions.
However, due to changing circumstances, he was forced into this position, and his aunt then handed him a token that could be used to dispatch the Yulin Army.
The Yulin Army is exclusively for the emperor.
This is also a troop that can be completely dispatched by him.
But Long Yi is just an inconspicuous member of Yu Lin's army. Why did Liu Xie find him? It was because Long Yi always stood in front of Cao Da when he was disrespectful to him several times.
Afterwards, Cao Da took advantage of the situation and wanted to get rid of Long Yi. For the first time, he used his identity to rescue the person and kept him by his side.
Long Yi is the person in Yu Lin's army whom he trusts the most.
There were some things he never dared to let others know.
He had no idea whether anyone in the Yulin Army that his aunt had given him would go against his wishes and secretly tell his cousin something.
He didn't want his cousin to know.
He met with Cao Da privately, but didn't tell him.
He also didn't know whether there were any Cao Da's men in the Yulin Army.
Cao Da's hand stretched too far, and he had to be cautious.
Therefore, when Cao Da appeared, he only secretly called Long Yi and told him about this matter.
Then he secretly left the person in the inner hall to ensure his own safety.
Even the little nobleman didn't know about this.
With Long Yi around, Liu Xie no longer has to worry about being threatened by Cao Da again when he shows up.
He could even pretend to be scared, fool Cao Da, and then take the opportunity to kill him.
As long as Cao Da dies, he will no longer be a threat.
But thinking of the booklet in Cao Da's hand and the evidence he mentioned... Liu Xie's expression did not change, but his face was illuminated by the light outside the inner hall, half dark and half bright.
That booklet is so important.
As long as he had that booklet, he no longer had to worry about the Xiao family or be afraid of his mother.
He can then really sit firmly in this position and make those people work for him.
The scale in Liu Xie's heart was tilting up and down at this moment.
Since his cousin had promised him, he would not put himself in danger...
He will remind him again later.
Nothing will happen to him.
As for Cao Da——
When he gets his hands on those things, he will kill him!
In the end, Liu Xie did not leave a note for Cao Da. He came in angrily and left silently. He only instructed Long Yi, who stayed in the hall, to keep an eye on the movements in the secret room at all times.
…
Night.
After a day's travel, Xie Qingya returned to his mansion.
It was not yet time for dinner, and Ping'an and Changning had not arrived yet. Xie Qingya looked at Xu Duanyi and sent Bixi and others away first, but he didn't know how to bring this up to her.
Xu Duanyi learned about the Tartar invasion at noon.
Her eyelids twitched for a long time this afternoon, and she always felt that something bad was going to happen.
Looking at Qingya's expression when he looked at her, Xu Duanyi suddenly knew what the bad thing was.
The smile on her face faded a little bit, but she still looked at him and asked softly, "Are you going to the battle?"
The two of them are really too familiar with each other.
With just one look or one gesture, you can know what the other person is thinking and what he or she wants to do.
This book is exclusively compiled for you by the LK team. Xie Qingya was not surprised that Xu Duanyi guessed what he had not said yet. He looked at him and nodded lightly.
He walked over and held her somewhat cold hand.
Xie Qingya led his people to sit on the bed in the inner room.
No secrets.
Xie Qingya poured her a cup of Eight Treasures Tea and then told her what happened after the morning court session.
Xu Duanyi frowned after hearing this: "How could he be injured suddenly without any reason? And how could Minister Chen..."
The words are not finished yet.
Xu Duanyi saw the expression on Xie Qingya's face when he looked at her, and she guessed it first. She looked at Xie Qingya and asked in a low voice: "Do you think it was Cao Da who did it?"
The incident with Zhao'er before.
Qingya told her that Liao Xin was Cao Da's man.
During this period, there was still no sign of Cao Da, either in the palace or in the house. There were also people watching Liao Xin, but they didn't see anything wrong.
I didn't expect this Chen Ke…
Xu Duanyi frowned and said, "I remember that he was promoted by my uncle. Logically, he shouldn't be the one."
"When Chen Ke said that today, I was also surprised."
During this period, Xiao Changbao was ill at home, and all affairs of the Ministry of War were handled exclusively by Chen Ke.
As Xie Qingya spoke, he gently smoothed the wrinkles between Xu Duanyi's brows: "If that's true, then Cao Da's hands have really been stretched far enough over the years."
"But whether it is——"
Xie Qingya looked at her, and suddenly changed the subject, his voice gradually becoming lower: "Zhao Zhao, I must go on this trip."
Xu Duanyi looked at him and remained silent.
If she was talking about selfish reasons, she definitely didn't want him to go. Not to mention the danger of the battlefield, Cao Da was hiding somewhere, and Lou Gaohan was not sure if she was really sick...
She was worried about going over to Qingya.
But she also knew that her Qingya was never a coward hiding behind others.
He is braver than anyone else.
Even if he knew there were swords and sabers ahead, he would still wade through the mountains of swords and seas of fire and move forward.
What's more, that was Jizhou.
He couldn't just sit there and watch something happen in Jizhou.
She also didn't want to see him looking regretful.
"When are we leaving?" In the end, she just looked at Xie Qingya and asked this question.
Xie Qingya was surprised that she accepted it so quickly. He originally wanted to comfort her.
"...Early tomorrow morning." He looked at Xu Duanyi and said.
If he had not just received the news today and needed to dispatch troops and generals and make adjustments before leaving, he would probably have set off today.
Xu Duanyi was also the daughter of a military commander, so she naturally knew that there was no time to waste before the enemy's attack.
When war really comes.
I don't care whether it's New Year or a festival, or any other day.
It's time to set off.
Therefore, even though she was reluctant, Xu Duanyi still didn't say much. She just said, "I'll go prepare something for you."
As she spoke, she stood up and planned to call someone to prepare.
But he hasn't taken a single step forward.
Xie Qingya hugged her waist from behind and she fell into his arms.
Xie Qingya's tall figure held her tightly in his arms, his head buried in her shoulders.
"Xu Duanyi, I'll be fine." He promised her in a hoarse voice.
Hearing this, Xu Duanyi also put her hand on top of the hand he had placed on her waist.
Hearing this.
She also hummed softly in a hoarse voice.
She didn't say anything reluctant, but assured everyone: "You don't have to worry about us. I will take good care of Changning and Ping'an. All three of us will be fine."
There was no sound behind me.
Xie Qingya just kept rubbing her neck with his face, full of reluctance.
"Qingya."
Xu Duanyi called him.
A muffled "hmm" sound came from my ear.
Xu Duanyi still held his hand and whispered to him, "I only have one request, don't get into trouble, and come back the same way you left."
"……good."
As Xie Qingya spoke, he rested his forehead on Xu Duanyi's shoulder.
The news that Xie Qingya was going to go to war quickly spread throughout the palace.
Changning and Ping'an were of course very reluctant to let him go, but they had often experienced such things in their early years and were used to it. They were just afraid that Xie Qingya would get into trouble like their father and brother, so they gave him instructions and asked him to promise many things.
They didn't know what was happening in the Jizhou camp.
If I knew, I would not be so accepting.
Aunt Deng and Butler Sun also came forward in turn and talked a lot with Xie Qingya.
Lingji Changfeng went with Xie Qingya this time.
They already had merits.
Originally, he should have been granted the official position before the war.
But the Battle of Nagano ended ungracefully, and even if we won the battle later, it would only offset our merits and demerits.
After the truth of the Battle of Nagano came to light, the imperial court wanted to reinstate them, but they ultimately refused.
However, before leaving, Xie Qingya still left a lot of people for Xu Duanyi.
It was only at this time that Xu Duanyi found out that when they first met on Changjie, the "close friend" Furong who was beside him was actually a secret guard of the Nan'an Palace.
Now the truth is out.
Naturally, she no longer needed to stay outside and could come back.
Xu Duanyi sent people to Changning's side to take care of her safety.
The day of the expedition.
Although it is still winter, the sky is clear and the weather is nice, and it looks like a good day.
The battle flags fluttered in the air.
Liu Xie personally came out of the palace to see him off, and before leaving, he gave Xie Qingya many uneasy instructions.
Then, Xie Qingya, wearing the old armor, turned around and looked in the direction of Xu Duanyi under the gaze of everyone.
He is still the same as he was when he was young, without any scruples.
In full view of everyone, he rode his horse towards Xu Duanyi again.
Xu Duanyi looked at him coming, as surprised as he was that year.
But that year, except Xie Qingya, no one knew that she also went to Changjie to see him off, nor did anyone know that the person Xie Qingya met when he rode his horse was her.
And now, everyone knows.
No one spoke, everyone was looking at them.
Seeing him getting closer to her, Xu Duanyi changed from being surprised at first to being calm and composed.
"The amulet. I always carry it with me."
"I won't forget what I promised you. I'll come back the same way I left."
Xie Qingya did not dismount, but bent over on horseback to talk to Xu Duanyi, just as he did in the past.
There are so many people around.
But he only had eyes for her.
When he first went to the battlefield, he searched the crowd for a long time and finally found Xu Duanyi.
She stayed where almost no one would notice her.
He saw her at a glance.
Then he came towards her happily and carefree.
And now, she was standing in the most eye-catching place in the crowd, and he didn't have to worry about others noticing her.
"Xu Duanyi, wait for me to come back."
At the very end, Xie Qingya and Xu Duanyi exactly said the same words as they did before they left.
The wind blew up Xu Duanyi's hair.
A few strands of black hair fluttered onto the back of Xie Qingya's hand.
The only regret Xie Qingya felt was that he couldn't kiss her again before leaving.
"Leave."
Full of reluctance, he gently twirled the black hair between his fingertips, and then, under Xu Duanyi's reluctant gaze, he gritted his teeth and rode away.
The army is traveling.
Xu Duanyi watched Xie Qingya leave and involuntarily took two steps forward.
Then she suppressed her emotions and stopped.
soon.
The team led by Xie Qingya disappeared from their sight.
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