Chapter 343 Gift of a Knife
The study of the Prince of Wei's residence.
Wei Jisi was silent for a moment, then suddenly said:
“A fortune teller in the palace said that Li Xian resembled Emperor Taizong. But in my opinion, his personality is most like Emperor Gaozong's, even his henpecked daughter is exactly the same.”
King Wei of the Great Zhou Dynasty sighed.
Boss Li asked cautiously:
"Does Your Highness mean that if the Emperor insists and the situation is unavoidable, this family could return to Luoyang, and we might be able to persuade the Prince of Xiang to do so?"
Wei Jisi didn't even look at him, didn't answer, and asked with his eyelids lowered:
"Have you seen that young girl from the Li Xian family?"
"I have been following the Sixth Young Master and have had the honor of seeing the true face of this little princess, though it was through a thin veil."
Wei Jisi asked calmly, "What do you look like?"
"Not yet eighteen, yet possessing an ethereal beauty."
Boss Li replied decisively, then his eyes flashed with reminiscence, and he sighed:
"Although there was a thin veil between them, when the Sixth Prince first saw her from afar, he couldn't take his eyes off her. Afterwards, he was so engrossed in talking about her that he forgot to eat and sleep."
Even Mr. Qiu couldn't help but scold him a few times.
"Hasn't Liu Lang always been uninterested in women?"
Wei Jisi's face showed a look of novelty, and he said with great interest:
"There was a young woman who he couldn't take his eyes off, and she lived in a remote, impoverished area."
"After all, even heroes can't resist the charms of a beautiful woman."
Boss Li was obsequious and tried to please:
"Moreover, they are the bloodline of Emperor Gaozong and the Empress. The whole family is exceptionally handsome, and the little princess is particularly outstanding."
Wei Jisi nodded and pondered for a moment:
"That day, the portrait of the young girl Li Xian painted by the court painter was sent back to the capital. When my aunt was viewing it in the palace, I was away on business and did not see it."
"However, I heard from my brother that the youngest daughter of the king looks very much like her aunt."
"Moreover, after this incident, the so-called plum blossom makeup became popular in the Luoyang palace. Female officials, scribes, noble ladies and young women all vied to adorn their foreheads with plum blossom marks. It is said that this makeup style originated from this painting."
"I suspect that my aunt became quite fond of the painting afterward, and the palace servants, trying to guess my intentions, followed suit."
After pausing to think for a moment, Wei Jisi slowly said:
"It seems that the youngest daughter of the Li family does indeed resemble her aunt when she was young, which is why her aunt was so delighted with this little granddaughter she had never met before."
"Ha, the last one to receive such imperial favor was Princess Chang Le. Is another granddaughter of the emperor coming along?"
Boss Li seemed to be deep in thought: "Your Highness means..."
Wei Jisi gave a cold laugh:
"Who said that returning to Luoyang requires the whole family to come back together? What's the point of having so many people? Are they coming back to ride on the heads of our Wei family?"
"Whether you go back in a group or just one person, it's still going back."
Boss Li remained silent, trembling with fear.
Wei Jisi waved his hand:
"When you return to Jiangnan, tell Lan Changhao and Wang Lengran to clean up their mess before the Censor-in-Chief investigates, and not to cause me any more trouble."
"Yes, Your Highness." Boss Li bowed his head: "Prefect Wang and Chief Secretary Lan are extremely grateful for Your Highness's help, and would do anything for you."
Wei Jisi's expression remained unchanged:
"Especially Wang Lengran's side, I heard that three hundred of these mutinous soldiers are from the Jiangzhou Garrison Command."
"When the time comes, after being appeased by the envoy, you will lay down your weapons and return home. Tell Wang Lengran to think carefully about how to handle this."
Boss Li was taken aback: "Wasn't it supposed to be to appease them and send them back to their hometowns? What do you mean by how to deal with it? Does His Highness want Governor Wang to find a pretext to drive these garrison soldiers away from the Zhechong Prefecture?"
Wei Jisi remained silent, his eyes lowered, fixed on the Persian merchant who was lying prone on the floor in front of the table, unaware of the rules of the game.
When he met his cold gaze, Boss Li suddenly shivered.
Suddenly I understood something.
Wei Jisi sighed and said:
"Today, before the Emperor, Master Di asked me and Si Xing how to nip problems in the bud."
"How can we nip this in the bud? Perfect, let the Master and the whole world see the consequences of obstructing the Heavenly Pivot and the creation of the image."
Boss Li nodded hurriedly: "Yes, Your Highness."
Wei Jisi waved his hand, indicating that he was leaving.
Before leaving, Boss Li hesitated, then turned back and whispered:
"By the way, Your Highness, I have an idea."
"This time, the prince pleaded on behalf of Prince Liang, which not only helped Governor Wang and Chief Secretary Lan clear their names, but also helped Governor Zhu Lingxu of Hongzhou."
"Most of the garrison soldiers who mutinied this time were officers and soldiers from the Hongzhou Garrison."
"If it weren't for the fact that he benefited from this, Zhu Lingxu, as the highest-ranking official in the Hongzhou military government, would definitely have been severely punished and suspended from his post."
“Zhu Lingxu?” Wei Jisi stroked his chin. “I remember he was a man of the Prince of Teng in Hongzhou.”
"He was someone supported by the old Prince Teng. He was a man of considerable military talent and rose to prominence through military achievements. However, he was very close to the Prince Teng's mansion."
Mr. Li explained as if reciting a familiar story:
“The Prince of Teng’s surname is Li, and he does not belong to the lineage of Emperor Taizong. He is one of the few princes of the Li clan who have not been greatly affected in recent years. However, his attitude towards our Wei clan is indeed rather cold.”
The Persian merchant then changed the subject:
"However, Zhu Lingxu has a flaw: he is greedy for money and lustful. Back then, Lan Changhao traveled around to Hongzhou to give gifts to Zhu Lingxu in order to extend the garrison of Guizhou for a year.
"As Your Highness knows, the man accepted the gifts and things went smoothly."
Wei Jisi showed an interested expression, "What do you mean?"
"In this matter, the Prince Teng's Mansion in Jiangnan could not help him. It was the Prince who was truly capable, doing it on a whim. Zhu Lingxu can be said to have been protected by the Prince's glorious protection."
Boss Li rubbed his hands together: "I'll just go by on my way, it won't take up much time. Let's see if he appreciates it."
"That's a good idea."
...
Ouyang Rong received the imperial envoy Hu Fu, who had rushed from Luoyang, the capital, at the Xunyang ferry crossing at sunset.
A private envoy sent by the emperor is called a "central envoy".
Envoys sent from the palace were usually eunuchs.
In May, the plums in Jiangnan turn yellow.
The temperature had already risen, even becoming somewhat humid and hot like during the plum rain season. Ouyang Rong had already changed into a thin, moon-white robe that his junior sister had chosen and added for him.
Having waited for a long time, he stepped forward and paused slightly when he saw the middle-aged man with a thick beard walking down the deck.
"Envoy Hu?" Ouyang Rong tried to greet him.
“Prefect Ouyang”.
The middle-aged man with a thick beard in front of him nodded, his expression serious, his voice deep and resonant, and his tone polite.
He was dressed in a crimson, round-necked, narrow-sleeved robe, with a turban on his head. His face was fair and slightly plump, but he didn't appear to have an Adam's apple...
Ouyang Rong subtly shifted his gaze away from the envoy's thick beard.
Staring at someone for so long is a bit impolite.
Khufu, seemingly unaware of the man's prolonged gaze, clasped his hands and said:
"I've kept you waiting, Chief Secretary Ouyang. I encountered some trouble on the way, so I didn't arrive on time."
Upon hearing the self-designation "eclectic," Ouyang Rong was certain that this person was undoubtedly a eunuch.
He hadn't expected him to look so rugged and muscular.
However, after thinking about the abundant martial virtue of the generals who had single-handedly conquered small countries since the founding of the Great Gan Kingdom and were not even ranked among the famous generals, Ouyang Rong felt that it was quite normal for a eunuch to look like this.
Moreover, the envoy sent by Her Majesty the Empress this time has a great responsibility, so it is natural to choose a wise, brave and reliable person.
"Surely Chief Secretary Ouyang has received the imperial edict on matters discussed and issued by the Sage and the officials?"
"It arrived at the Jiangzhou government office this afternoon, a step ahead of Ambassador Hu."
"Hey, it seems I'm not slow at all, almost as fast as an imperial edict."
Khufu gave a mocking laugh.
Ouyang Rong stood still, while Long Xiu remained silent.
This evening, a rather rare sight of fiery clouds appeared.
A vast expanse of crimson sunset hung over the two people standing on the dock.
Ouyang Rong didn't respond, and the atmosphere between the two became quiet.
Their gazes were unconsciously drawn to the sunset, and they all turned their heads to look at the crimson, shimmering river and the eerie expanse of fiery clouds.
In fact, even without the imperial edict announcing the proceedings that afternoon, Ouyang Rong had already learned the general content of the imperial meeting following the caning two days prior.
There was also a compromise solution that Her Majesty the Queen adopted and issued an edict.
This news first came from a trusted confidant of the Prince Xiang's household named "Guo Yu".
This person consistently provided the Xunyang Prince's Mansion with reliable information from the Luoyang court.
In addition, the teacher's reply was also delivered to Ouyang Rong through his junior sister's Xie family connections the evening before last.
The two corroborated each other, and Ouyang Rong learned of a decree from the Great Zhou Emperor that had kept him silent until this day:
The mutineers were granted a pardon for all their crimes.
At the same time, he dispatched the imperial envoy Hu Fu to the Jiangnan Circuit to comfort the soldiers returning north to their garrisons.
He agreed to return Hongzhou and Jiangzhou and ordered officials along the way not to obstruct them.
In addition, the soldiers sent north were ordered to lay down their weapons immediately, return home peacefully, and avoid further conflict.
This approach was fairly standard and the response was quite quick.
It was at least much better than the worst guess Ouyang Rong had ever made.
However, the imperial decree made no mention of how Lan Changhao, Wang Lengran, Zhu Lingxu, and others would be dealt with.
Just like what Ouyang Rong said to his junior sister, who was frowning and puzzled, after putting down the teacher's letter the other evening.
Sometimes, ignoring it is a clear statement.
Ouyang Rong was the first to turn his gaze away from the eerie fiery clouds: "Envoy Hu is carrying a heavy responsibility, and this journey will be arduous."
Khufu nodded slightly:
"I don't know what the situation is with the mutinous soldiers. I'll take the pardon to them first. They should be satisfied to hear of the Emperor's great grace."
Ouyang Rong nodded and gestured to the side: "The official residence is ready. Envoy Hu has been traveling all day, so please get some rest."
He paused, as if remembering something, and added an explanation:
"Prefect Wang has been unwell recently and unable to get out of bed, so he was impolite in failing to greet the imperial envoy today. He asked me to convey his apologies."
Khufu nodded and clasped his hands in greeting:
"Alright, thank you for your hard work, Chief Secretary Ouyang. The matter is urgent, and the imperial order is of utmost importance. I will leave tomorrow morning."
He walked with his guards and palace attendants toward the carriage waiting on the street ahead.
Ouyang Rong turned his head, glanced at Hu Fu's back, and silently followed behind, his hands tucked into his sleeves.
When this private envoy of the emperor arrived, he made no mention of Wang Lengran and the others, which was obviously because it was not within the scope of his duties on this trip south.
We are just passing through Jiangzhou right now.
It is believed that when Hu Zhongshi passed through Hongzhou, he was merely passing through.
Wang Lengran, Zhu Lingxu, and Lan Changhao, who had caused trouble and was hiding in Guizhou, were all unharmed.
Ouyang Rong pursed his lips.
Before boarding the carriage, the bearded eunuch suddenly turned around and said to the young chief secretary who was mounting his chestnut horse:
"I've heard that Chief Secretary Ouyang is highly favored by the Prince of Xunyang, who entrusted him with the entire task of creating the statue. Seeing him today, I can see that he is indeed a young and outstanding talent. No wonder His Highness the Prince of Xunyang trusts him."
Ouyang Rong was slightly taken aback, then clasped his hands in a fist and said, "You flatter me, Your Excellency."
He paused, then, sensing something, lowered his eyes and asked:
“His Highness Prince Xunyang is missing His Majesty. Lately, he has been unable to eat or drink and has been unable to sleep at night. Since Envoy Hu has come from the Luoyang Palace, he should have met His Majesty in person. Why not speak with Prince Xunyang?”
From Ouyang Rong's perspective, riding on Dongmei.
Behind Khufu, the fiery clouds on the horizon had already disappeared below the dark horizon along with the setting sun.
The last rays of the setting sun painted the edge of the horizon a crimson line.
His bearded face, obscured by the dim light, remained expressionless. Before the surrounding crowd of staring palace servants, he shook his head and said calmly:
"Never mind, I am busy with my duties and have to travel tomorrow. I will visit His Highness on His Majesty's behalf when I return. Farewell, Chief Secretary."
The carriage carrying the imperial envoy from Luoyang and the palace attendants slowly drove away.
Ouyang Rong raised an eyebrow slightly, watched the convoy leave, and after a moment turned back to return to his residence in Huaiye Lane.
That night.
Ouyang Rong, dressed in concealing black, rushed to the Xunyang Prince's Mansion.
Inside the study of Juxian Garden, before anyone could exchange pleasantries, he directly brought up the matter of Khufu and asked:
"Did you know this person when you were in the Crown Prince's palace, Uncle?"
Ouyang Rong looked somewhat worried.
Could it be that he, like Miaozhen, had a past feud?
Li Xian pondered for a moment, then shook his head, puzzled, and asked, "I don't know him. Why is Tanlang asking this?"
Before Ouyang Rong could speak, Wei Mei suddenly said, "Shunbo might know a eunuch."
Everyone was taken aback. After a short while, Li Dalang summoned the old steward, Shunbo.
After hearing Ouyang Rong's inquiry, the old eunuch, who had been away from the palace for many years, sighed with emotion:
"I never imagined that the guy with the mustache would become so successful."
"A mustache?" The bearded face flashed before his eyes, and Ouyang Rong's lips twitched. "You know Uncle Shun very well?"
"He can be considered one of the adopted sons of the miscellaneous family."
Uncle Shun looked a little embarrassed and said:
"I thought that with His Highness and I losing power, this adopted son would be ostracized and unable to stay. I never expected this."
Ouyang Rong and the others looked at each other in bewilderment.
After the night's plot ended, Ouyang Rong returned to the mansion. He paced back and forth in his room, stroking his chin and muttering to himself:
"Given this past relationship, it shouldn't be malicious, right? Was the hint this evening also because of this connection? Trying to get my attention, do you have some information to share..."
After pondering all night, Ouyang Rong went to the emperor's private envoy's ship early the next morning to see him off.
At Xunyang Ferry, an official boat was moored, and Ouyang Rong personally escorted Hu Fu onto the boat.
The ship had not yet set sail, and the two stood on the deck enjoying the breeze, while the palace servants around them kept a distance.
Ouyang Rong seized the opportunity and said:
"His Highness Prince Xunyang said he looks forward to the safe return of Envoy Hu, and that he, Governor Wang, and I will greet him at the dock."
Hu Fu glanced at Ouyang Rong, his serious expression unchanged: "Your Highness Xunyang is too kind, Chief Secretary Ouyang is too polite."
Ouyang Rong glanced at the cautious and prudent eunuch and smiled at him.
Hu Fu suddenly said, "Then the Prince of Xunyang and the Chief Secretary must wait for me to return in the city."
Ouyang Rong nodded: "Of course."
Hu Fu added, "I hope that when I return next time, the Prince of Xunyang and the Chief Secretary will still be waiting for me in Xunyang City."
Ouyang Rong was slightly taken aback. Wasn't this just one sentence? Why was it repeated twice?
Before he could probe further, Khufu patted his sleeves, turned and left: "The ship is about to depart. Farewell, Chief Secretary."
"good."
Ouyang Rong hesitated for a moment, then took a short knife from his waist that he had brought with him earlier that morning and handed it to Hu Fu:
"This is a small token of my appreciation. I hope you will accept it, Your Excellency. Your Excellency is going to pardon the soldiers on their way and will be dealing with them. Among these soldiers returning north are some officers and soldiers from Jiangzhou Zhechong Prefecture. I'm sure you know that."
He addressed the bearded eunuch, whose face showed curiosity, and said:
"If you encounter this, the envoy can show the knife and say it was a gift from General Qin. This should help to build a closer relationship and make it easier for the envoy to persuade him."
Khufu nodded, casually accepted it, put it away calmly, and said with a cupped hand:
"Thank you for the sword, Chief Secretary."
A moment later, the boat set sail and the people left.
The next chapter will be in the morning, brothers, get some sleep!
(End of this chapter)
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