With the crowing of a rooster, the night gradually receded, and the morning sun slowly rose from the horizon, welcoming the first drops of dew in the morning...
The stewards of Xie's house, who had been busy all night, sat in the study, tired and dozing off. The messy scene and the sound of snoring did not stop them from falling asleep. When Xie Yingping returned to the study, everyone was still sitting on the stools or slumped over the table, sound asleep...
"Come here, prepare toiletries and breakfast for the stewards!" Seeing that everyone had been busy all night because of the Xie family's affairs, Xie Yingping naturally would not treat them unfairly, so she called the maid beside her and gave her instructions!
"Yes! Clan leader!" The maid heard the snoring sounds coming from the study, and immediately bowed to Xie Yingping, then turned and left!
"Clan leader..." A steward standing near the door vaguely heard Xie Yingping's voice, and half-closed his eyes to look outside the door which was already lit. Sure enough, he saw Xie Yingping walking in with a slightly gloomy expression. The steward immediately raised his hands and wiped his face randomly, while his feet kept lifting the other people around him. In the blink of an eye, everyone was awakened, patted their cheeks, and looked at Xie Yingping who was already sitting behind the desk with energy!
"Thank you all for your hard work!" Looking at these managers who followed her all the way, Xie Yingping had regained her former calmness and composure after a night of deep thought and calming down. The most important thing now was to stabilize the people around her, and then fight the enemy together!
"It's not hard! The Xie family is our employer, how can it be hard?" Seeing Xie Yingping's normal tone at this time, everyone finally let go of their worries, and believed that Xie Yingping would not let them down!
Xie Yingping raised her hand and motioned for everyone to sit down before speaking, "The Xie family has been framed, and we've been caught off guard! This has already happened, and since we're powerless to change it, we can only accept the challenges they've posed!"
"We will follow the clan leader's instructions!" All the stewards spoke in unison after hearing Xie Yingping's words!
Since they discussed it all night long last night and still couldn't come up with a specific method, they naturally wanted to hear what Xie Yingping had to say!
Moreover, the Xie family was just caught off guard this time, and this does not negate Xie Yingping's ability. If Xie Yingping was really angered, even if both sides suffered losses, I am afraid that the other party would not be allowed to be arrogant!
Seeing everyone so united, Xie Yingping nodded calmly, then slowly said, "Han Shaomian has already sent people to guard all the exits of the Xie residence, prohibiting the Xie family from entering or leaving! I believe that what happened last night has spread throughout Youzhou by now, and the other branches of the Xie family will definitely hear about it. The most important thing you have to do now is to stabilize the branches of the Xie family to prevent them from turning against you at this time! As for the elders in the main house, leave them to me. I believe they also understand in their hearts that if the Xie family is gone, they will only be able to beg on the streets, and they will not do anything excessive at this juncture!"
Having said that, Xie Yingping knew in her heart that those elders were the most snobbish. If she had not made the Xie family's business prosperous over the years, they would not have handed the Xie family over to her young self!
Now that such a big thing has happened, the first thing to guard against is the internal strife within the Xie family. Only by isolating the Xie family's side branches from the elders in the main house and preventing them from having any contact, can he concentrate on dealing with Han Shaomian and others. Xie Yingping doesn't want to see that when the Xie family encounters difficulties, he has to be busy dealing with internal struggles!
The managers listened attentively to Xie Yingping's instructions, nodded involuntarily, and exchanged glances with each other. Naturally, they understood Xie Yingping's intentions!
Now that the Xie family is facing a life-or-death situation, they naturally cannot allow themselves to fall apart. Otherwise, wouldn't the enemy be able to easily disintegrate the Xie family?
Seeing that everyone agreed with her decision and raised no objections, Xie Yingping paused for a moment and then continued, "You guys have to do this yourself. You must make them believe that the Xie family has the power to fight against external enemies and is capable of overcoming this difficulty. If they switch sides now, don't blame me for being ruthless! These side branches depend on the Xie family for their survival. Even if they switch sides and suppress the Xie family now, others who take over in the future may not treat them well! And who would treat someone who kills even their own relatives well? It's up to you to analyze the interests involved! If there is anyone who is not afraid of death, I will get him out of the Xie family before I deal with others! The second point is the jade mine. Hand over the important account books you have to me immediately. We are all in the same boat now. If the boat capsizes, it will not benefit anyone! If Han Shaomian asks you something, I believe you all know that there are some things you can say and some things you can't say!"
"Clan leader, don't worry! We grew up in the Xie family, how could we do anything to let the Xie family down! What's more, if we sell out our masters for fame and fortune, we won't have a place to stand in Youzhou in the future!" Manager Mo spoke first, his face full of passion!
As soon as these words came out, the others echoed them. Even if Xie Yingping hadn't reminded them, they already knew what was going on! Although the Xie family was the most powerful in Youzhou, it also aroused the envy and jealousy of all merchants. Now that the Xie family was in trouble, the merchants were the most happy. Even if they wanted to withdraw from the Xie family at this time, they would probably not agree!
"In that case, I'll have to trouble you all with these two things!" Xie Yingping took the account book at hand and checked it one by one. If Han Shaomian took this opportunity to take back the jade mine, then she must know clearly how much the Xie family lost. Looking at the contents of the account, Xie Yingping said lightly, "Manager Mo, stay, everyone else go and get busy!"
After Xie Yingping finished giving the instructions, everyone except Manager Mo walked out of the study in an orderly manner. Everyone had a solemn expression on their face, which formed a sharp contrast with the morning sun outside!
At this time, the Xie residence was also shrouded in a shadow because of what happened last night. Even though the servants and maids were working as usual, they felt an indescribable depression in their hearts, and it seemed that the situation above their heads had changed!
"Clan leader!" Seeing that Xie Yingping left him alone, Butler Mo walked to the door and closed the wooden door of the study. Then he came to Xie Yingping's desk and stood quietly waiting for Xie Yingping's orders!
"Right now, the outskirts of the Xie family are all being watched by Han Shaomian's men, and I can't go out! But according to my guess, the other party will definitely take this opportunity to start from the Youzhou Chamber of Commerce! You go to the Chamber of Commerce quickly and make sure to find out who is behind this incident! Besides, with you here, I believe those merchants will not dare to openly oppose the Xie family! Now, we not only have to compete for time with the other party, but also delay time!" At least we have to wait for Chu Pei to come back from Nanxun, otherwise, when Han Shaomian submits a memorial to Kyoto, everything will be too late!
Manager Mo is the most senior person in the Xie family. Now seeing Xie Yingping explaining the matter to him with a serious expression, he knows that if the Xie family fails here, the consequences will be beyond everyone's imagination!
His heart tightened instantly, but Manager Mo nodded cautiously and turned away without saying a word...
At this time, the Youzhou Posthouse was also bustling with activity...
Han Shaomian barely slept after a night of dispatching troops and deploying generals. Just as he was finishing breakfast with the other three, he received a report from the guards, "Sir, a number of merchants have gathered outside the Youzhou government office. They all want to sue the Xie family and ask the government to redress their grievances!"
"It seems that the Xie family is very unpopular in Youzhou! As soon as something happened, everyone rushed to add insult to injury. If Chu Pei was still in charge of the situation today, I am afraid that even if the Xie family deliberately made a mistake in the goods, these merchants would have no choice but to swallow this bitterness! What's more, they took the matter to the government office for a matter that could be solved by either compensation or re-delivery. It can be seen that although the Xie family has been prosperous in recent years, it has also attracted a lot of resentment, and others don't want to give them any chance to explain!" Xiahou Qin picked up a piece of cake with bamboo chopsticks and took a bite, and spoke with a rosy face!
Meanwhile, Rong Yunhe had already put down his bowl and chopsticks. He looked up at the sky outside and saw that it was already the morning hour. He stood up and said, "I'll go to the Chamber of Commerce now. I'm sure there are quite a few merchants gathered there!"
Hearing this, Han Shaomian immediately put down his bowl and chopsticks and wanted to send a few people to protect Rong Yunhe, but he stopped him. "No need to go to such trouble! If the Xie family sees us, I'm afraid they will take advantage of the opportunity to turn the tables. Then I'm afraid we will be at a disadvantage! I'm going there today just to gather information and won't show up rashly! So as not to cause unnecessary panic among others!"
With Xie Yingping's intelligence, I'm afraid she has already thought of the Rong family!
But all this is just speculation for Xie Yingping. As long as Rong Yunhe does not show up, he will have no evidence. Rong Yunhe will not give the Xie family any chance to turn things around before taking over the jade mine. Therefore, all actions will be carried out after careful consideration, so as not to alert the enemy and put himself in a passive position!
But Han Shaomian was still a little worried, his eyes flashing with worry under his furrowed brows, and Xiahou Qin's hand patted his shoulder, and Xiahou Qin's assurance slowly rang in his ears, "Don't worry! Xie Yingping is staying in Xie's house now and can't go out. Even if she goes to the Chamber of Commerce, it will only be his subordinates! Besides, Yun He has never appeared in Youzhou, and now his silver hair has been dyed black. I believe that there are very few people in Youzhou who can recognize him! I will send guards to follow him in secret, you should go to the government office to try the case!"
Seeing Xiahou Qin's assurance, Han Shaomian saw Rong Yunhe nodding at him, then he put aside his worries, stood up, and walked out of the Youzhou Posthouse with the guards!
However, Han Shaomian was about to mount his horse when he heard the sound of horse hooves in the distance. He looked closely and saw Lu Xin's deputy general riding towards him with a look of accusation on his face!
With a gust of wind, the deputy general stopped his horse three steps away from Han Shaomian. He then looked down at Han Shaomian from above and asked in a stern tone, "Minister Han, what is going on? Such a big thing happened in Youzhou, why didn't you send someone to report it to me?"
The horse's hooves lightly stepped on the ground, raising a cloud of dust, but Han Shaomian's expression did not change because of the opponent's dominance. He was seen stepping on the stirrups and mounting the horse with a normal expression. His handsome posture immediately showed his good upbringing. There was no anger on his handsome face, but his voice was extremely calm. "General, you only need to do what General Hu Wei ordered! I will handle all matters of Youzhou impartially! If the general asks further, I am afraid it will be suspected of exceeding my authority! General Hu Wei did not say much after hearing the imperial edict. Does the general think that he is superior to General Hu Wei and can disobey the order?"
These words without any confrontation made the deputy general's face change immediately. He really didn't think carefully about the problem that Han Shaomian just mentioned!
It was just because he received a report from the guards in the early morning, saying that Han Shaomian had sealed off dozens of jade mines of the Xie family overnight. Thinking that all the silver would go into Han Shaomian's mouth, he became anxious and hurried here without thinking about the other problems involved in this matter!
Hearing Han Shaomian's words at this time, he was immediately in a dilemma!
If I strictly follow the imperial edict, then what is the point of me staying in Youzhou for such a long time?
But if I insist on competing with Han Shaomian, who knows how Han Shaomian will describe me in the memorial!
For a moment, the deputy general was conflicted. He felt that Han Shaomian was becoming more and more powerful and was able to refute him speechless!
"If the general has nothing else to do, please go back! Protecting Youzhou is the general's current responsibility!" After he finished speaking, Han Shaomian tightened the reins and prepared to leave!
The deputy general raised his head extremely quickly, tapped his horse's body with the whip in his hand, and blocked the way in front of Han Shaomian. Looking at the empty back of Han Shaomian, he said with a calculating look on his face, "Last night, Lord Han sealed thirty jade mines. I believe that all the guards and servants under his command were sent to guard the jade mines. Although I don't have many guards, I can lend some to Lord Han to ensure that he can find useful people!"
Little did he know that his words would cause Han Shaomian's expression to suddenly turn cold. In an instant, he righteously and coldly accused him, "General, what are you talking about? Is there anything more important than protecting the people of Youzhou? Besides, you and I each have our own responsibilities. The general is only responsible for defending Youzhou, and I am responsible for handling Youzhou's affairs. How can you be so willful and reckless as to arbitrarily mobilize soldiers who should be guarding the city gates to guard the jade mine? If the emperor hears about this, who will punish the general or me?"
How could the deputy general have expected Han Shaomian's expression to change so suddenly? He had been calm just a moment ago, but he became so aggressive because of his words. Especially since Han Shaomian was only eighteen years old, and he actually disrespected his elders and scolded him in front of the guards. For a moment, the deputy general lost face and his expression became extremely ugly. After a while, he said gloomily, "I mean well. Isn't your reaction a bit too much? This jade mine originally belongs to Youzhou. It's not wrong for me to send people to guard it. Lord Han is obstructing me like this. Is there any selfish motive? The King of Chu and the general are not in Youzhou now, and Lord Chu has just recovered from a serious illness and cannot take charge of Youzhou affairs. As a new noble in the court, it is understandable that Lord Han wants to use this opportunity to establish his prestige! But how can personal honor and disgrace be compared with the loss of the court? If someone with ulterior motives takes advantage of this opportunity to steal the jade mine, who will be held responsible?"
Han Shaomian originally thought that the deputy general was angry because he had sealed the jade mine without telling him. Now, after hearing his words, all the doubts in his mind were resolved. He was afraid that the deputy general was not worried about the jade mine being stolen, but that his own interests would be damaged because of General Hu Wei!
This also made Han Shaomian understand. No wonder Lu Xin controlled the trade port between Youzhou and Nanxun after entering Youzhou. If he set up checkpoints at the trade port to collect silver, it would also bring in a considerable income! Moreover, among the four classes of scholars, farmers, merchants and artisans, merchants have always been at the bottom of the list and paid the heaviest taxes. Even if the emperor asked about this, Lu Xin would easily find an excuse. When the taxes increased, they could easily pocket the money and there would be no way to investigate!
No wonder Lu Xin left his deputy general behind before going to Nanxun. It turned out that he was worried that the financial power of Youzhou would fall into the hands of others, so he left his confidants to keep an eye on it, and would come out to stop it as long as there was any disturbance!
Judging from the deputy general's current attitude, he is blocking their path to wealth!
In response to the deputy general's questioning, Han Shaomian fell into a long silence. Although the deputy general looked tough, he was still a little worried in his heart. Now Han Shaomian was in control of all the major events in Youzhou. If he insisted on not allowing himself to participate, he would not let himself succeed either openly or secretly. What's more, with today's reminder, Han Shaomian would be doubly vigilant. By then, it would be too late to take action. For a moment, the deputy general seemed to regret his impulsiveness. Why bother to be so serious with this young man? Fortunately, Han Shaomian did not have many people he could mobilize, and the entrances and exits of Youzhou were guarded by his own people. If he acted privately, who would suspect him?
Thinking of this, the deputy general was trying to find another excuse, but unexpectedly, Han Shaomian spoke first, "General, you have truly thought it through! In that case, I will withdraw half of the troops, and you will fill in the remaining number. This will also prevent anyone from making unfounded excuses in front of His Majesty in the future!"
After he finished speaking, Han Shaomian ignored him and whipped the horse's back vigorously with the whip in his hand, raising a cloud of dust and rushing out like an arrow...
"Damn it!" How could the deputy general have expected Han Shaomian to do such a thing? Not only did he gain nothing, but he also helped others work for nothing. He was afraid that he would have a hard time explaining to the general!
"Sir, what should we do now?" The guard beside the deputy general saw his superior showing an annoyed expression, and then frowned and looked at Han Shaomian's gradually shrinking back, and asked the deputy general with a hint of temptation!
"Quickly send someone to Nanxun to report this to the general. Everything awaits the general's orders!" The adjutant immediately turned his horse around and, while instructing the guards around him, rushed towards the tower...
"Si'er, let's go too!" Now that Xiahou Qin and Nie Huaiyuan have both appeared in Youzhou, Rong Yunhe naturally cannot go with them, so he called Si'er over, and the two of them went out from the side door of the inn, rode on the horses that had been prepared long ago, and headed towards the Youzhou Chamber of Commerce!
"Si'er, have you found out everything?" After coming out of the alley outside the Youzhou Posthouse, Rong Yunhe did not rush to the Chamber of Commerce. Instead, he took Si'er and walked slowly in the market of Youzhou, observing the expressions and reactions of the people of Youzhou with his sharp eyes!
"Young Master, I've found out everything! The Chamber of Commerce is not far from the market! It was organized by the Xie family with money raised, and it was also approved by the Youzhou government, so it is quite famous in Youzhou! However, because the Xie family paid the most money, and Youzhou is managed by Lord Chu, the Xie family usually has the final say in the Chamber of Commerce!" Hearing Rong Yunhe's question, Si'er immediately put away his curious gaze and spoke seriously!
Rong Yunhe listened to Si'er's report calmly, while the hand holding the reins gently pulled the rope, speeding up the pace...
After walking for less than an incense stick of time, the two arrived at the door of the Chamber of Commerce. A half-old house suddenly appeared in front of them. However, the servant who was originally guarding the door was sent out to do something because of a big event that happened in Youzhou!
The two men dismounted from their horses. Rong Yunhe waited for Si'er to tie the reins before heading into the house. However, before he even reached the front hall, he heard waves of condemnation coming from inside...
"The Xie family is really too domineering. So many things happened overnight! If this continues, won't the Youzhou business world be a pool of filth stirred up by them? How can everyone make a living?" An angry voice came from the front hall!
"Boss Zhu, you still have the mood to vent your dissatisfaction here? Don't you think about it? The Xie family's jade mine has been closed by the government. How are we going to make a living in the future? Does the government plan to mine the jade by itself, or hand it over to someone else to manage? Does the Xie family still have a chance to turn things around? The delivery time we promised has arrived, but we haven't delivered the goods. How are we going to explain to the buyer? Have you ever thought about these?" Another calmer voice, but still unable to conceal its anxiety, refuted and questioned at this time!
"Boss Yang, it's not that I don't care about these issues! It's just that the Xie family is now under house arrest by the newly appointed Lord Han. Let alone finding out any information, we can't even see the head of the Xie family. What do you think we should do about this? Do you still expect us to command our own servants to go to the jade mine and snatch the jade from the government guards and yamen runners? You don't want your life, but I do!" Boss Zhu's voice sounded again, and his tone was so urgent that he must have been furious!
"Boss Zhu, what are you talking about? Are you the only Zhu family that makes a living from jade? Among all the families present here, which one is not bigger than yours? We haven't even gotten angry yet, but you are cursing at us? Do you want to make Han Shaomian a laughing stock of Youzhou?" Boss Yang was also angry because he didn't expect that his reminder would be met with insults from the other party. He immediately slammed the table and shouted even louder!
"Yang..."
"Alright! Don't you think Youzhou is in chaos enough right now?" At this time, an old voice interrupted the quarrel between the two people. "You two are both right! It's just that Han Shaomian is from Kyoto, and we know very little about him. In addition, Lord Chu is still recuperating. If we make a fuss on our own, it will surely not help! I called everyone here today to ask you what you think about this matter. It is true that the Xie family made a mistake when delivering the goods yesterday, and many of you reported it to the authorities because of your anger. But you didn't expect that your actions might cut off your own financial resources! Do you want to continue to tangle with the Xie family or accept their compensation? Tell us your opinions!"
Rong Yunhe led Si'er, avoiding the servants and maids in the courtyard, to the back door of the front hall. He stood quietly outside the wall and listened carefully to the old man's voice, his brows slowly furrowed...
"Uncle Li, what do you mean? You are the most powerful jade merchant in Youzhou City besides the Xie family, but I hear you want to settle the matter privately with the Xie family?" Boss Zhu spoke again, and his words were agreed by the vast majority of people in the front hall. Everyone was puzzled. If the Xie family fell, the Li family might dominate, but they didn't expect that the head of the Li family would speak for the Xie family at this time!
"Uncle Li, we have been suppressed by the Xie family for a long time! The jades sold by the Xie family, whether they are top-grade or inferior, are much more expensive than those sold outside. Can you swallow this? Do you plan to be trampled under the feet of the Xie family for the rest of your life?" Boss Yang, who had just been arguing with Boss Zhu, now joined Boss Zhu in attacking Boss Li!
For a moment, everyone started talking at once, all puzzled by Boss Li's actions!
"You guys are just looking at the immediate benefits! To be honest with you, Steward Mo from the Xie family did come to talk to me about this matter just now! At first, I had the same idea as you, but Steward Mo analyzed that this matter happened so suddenly and so strangely, don't you have any doubts? We have been doing business for so many years, and I won't tell you about the tricks we use in secret, you all know it in your hearts! Aren't you afraid that this is a trap set by merchants from outside Youzhou to swallow up all the jade mines? You are happy now because you have destroyed the Xie family, but we don't have the strength of the Xie family to take on the jade mines in Youzhou. I'm afraid the cheap ones will also be outsiders! By then, we will still be dependent on others, and I'm afraid it will be worse than the current situation!" Boss Li was a worldly-wise man. He analyzed the current situation to everyone in a clear and logical manner, explained all the pros and cons thoroughly, and did not shy away from saying that someone from the Xie family came to act as a lobbyist!
Upon hearing this analysis, everyone panicked. They were busy celebrating the downfall of the Xie family and had never imagined the deeper meaning behind it. Now that they were enlightened, they all suddenly understood and turned to Boss Li, who was sitting at the head seat, for help with panicked expressions...
When Si'er outside the door heard their analysis, he became so angry that his face turned red. He was about to rush into the front hall but was stopped by Rong Yunhe!
Rong Yunhe just shook his head at him calmly, then pulled Si'er, who was full of indignation, out of the house!
"Young Master, why didn't you go in and explain things clearly? What if these businessmen decide to settle the matter privately with the Xie family? Wouldn't everything we have done be in vain?" After helping Rong Yunhe onto the horse, Si'er finally got on the horse, but his face was still full of anger!
Rong Yunhe smiled calmly and said calmly, "The cause has already been started. How can they just say no? Even if they agree to a private settlement with the Xie family, the government will still take back the mining rights of the jade mine! The Xie family has been severely damaged by this incident and no longer has the strength to compete! And those individual investors are only capable of mining medium-sized jade mines! In this regard, the Rong family is a sure winner!"
However, this trip today made Rong Yunhe realize that Xie Yingping did have some skills!
Even though he was placed under house arrest by Han Shaomian, he was still able to persuade these merchants by this method of getting along with them. In addition, Chu Pei is now sober. If he were to take away the power from Han Shaomian, I am afraid that everything will change!
It seems that they really need to speed up their pace...
The horse's legs suddenly clamped around its belly, and the horse, alerted by its owner, instantly broke into a run...
"Young Master, where are you going?" Seeing that it was not the direction back to Youzhou Posthouse, Si'er asked worriedly!
"Go to the government office!" Rong Yunhe spoke calmly, his whip already waving...
Rumors have long been flying around Youzhou, but the Chu Mansion remains peaceful and calm because Chu Pei has just recovered from a serious illness!
However, compared to the quietness of other courtyards, sounds of quarreling were heard from Chu Pei's inner room!
"Master, why do you have to go in person? You haven't recovered yet, why don't you let me go to Nanxun for you?" The housekeeper tried to persuade Chu Pei, who was ready to go, with anxiety evident on his face!
Seeing the inexplicable worry in the housekeeper's eyes, Chu Pei said calmly, "No need, just take care of the affairs of the mansion! I will only be gone for a day or two, you don't have to worry!"
After he finished speaking, Chu Pei put on a cloak, and hid daggers of different lengths in his sleeves and boots for self-defense!
"But no one has taken care of you along the way. What if you fall ill again?" The butler still did not give up. Seeing that Chu Pei was already dressed, he was extremely anxious and just hoped that the other party would listen to him!
"Get out!" But Chu Pei didn't give him any chance. The guards beside him heard Chu Pei's order and immediately carried the butler out of the inner room!
Chu Pei turned on the slightly raised switch on the inside of the bed, and a crack immediately appeared on the ground behind the bed. As the crack slowly opened, an extremely dark staircase appeared in front of them!
Several guards beside him immediately lit the torches they had prepared and escorted Chu Pei step by step into the dim secret passage...
There was no one around in the middle of the night, and Prime Minister Wan was sitting alone in the study. Although he had said those words to Xi Lin that day, and believed that Xi Lin would tell Chu Feiyang, he was now under house arrest in the Prime Minister's Mansion by Nan Yijun, which prevented him from going to the inn to see the King of Chu in person. Now that several days had passed, he didn't know what Chu Feiyang's plans were.
However, the recent tranquility made him feel extremely uneasy. He felt that this tranquility was very strange and a little weird, which made him wonder, could it be that Chu Feiyang really didn't care about his own and Chu Nanshan's reputation?
Just as he was thinking, there was a light knocking sound behind the bookcase, which made Prime Minister Wan's heart tremble. A bad premonition suddenly hit him. But before he could make any move, he saw that the bookcase that was originally close to the wall had automatically swung open, and Chu Pei, wearing a black cloak, walked out with a torch in hand...
"You..." Looking at Chu Pei who suddenly appeared, Prime Minister Wan was shocked in his heart and his face was full of surprise!
This secret passage was originally intended for use in times of escape, but Chu Pei actually activated it without his consent, which made Prime Minister Wan feel a little unhappy!
And now that Chu Pei was standing right in front of him alive, Prime Minister Wan knew that something might have happened in Youzhou, and for a moment he didn't know how to start!
"We haven't seen each other for many years! Prime Minister Wan, are you in good health?" Compared to Prime Minister Wan's shock and astonishment, Chu Pei was much calmer and composed. He walked out of the secret passage with a faint smile on his face, and looked at Prime Minister Wan who stood up from the stool. Although he had lived a life of luxury for so many years, wrinkles had appeared between Prime Minister Wan's brows as he was busy fighting with Nan Yijun. The traces of time were deeply imprinted on his face. Although he was elegant, he also looked vicissitudes of life!
Prime Minister Wan listened to Chu Pei's first words with fear. Seeing that his tone was normal, his heart gradually relaxed. With a faint smile, he replied, "Yes, it's been many years! I didn't expect to see you under such circumstances! Did something happen in Youzhou?"
As he spoke, Prime Minister Wan looked past Chu Pei and behind him, only to find that there was no one behind Chu Pei. He breathed a sigh of relief, but then his gaze gathered again. He then retracted his gaze and stared at Chu Pei who was slowly walking in with a hint of curiosity!
Chu Pei, noticing Prime Minister Wan's nervousness and discomfort, kept it to himself. He continued calmly, "It's just a small matter. I heard that the King of Chu is in Nanxun, and after hearing about what's happening there, I'm a little worried! What's the current situation?"
Prime Minister Wan also watched Chu Pei's expression. Seeing that he seemed genuinely worried about Nanxun's situation, he thought of the things that happened between them and temporarily put aside his worries. He talked about something that resonated with them. "I was imprisoned in the Prime Minister's residence by Nan Yijun! All this is thanks to that Princess Chu! I never thought that Lord Chu's son would be such a powerful figure, and his daughter-in-law is no less powerful! This Prime Minister and Princess Nanlan both fell into the hands of these two! Now that only the Crown Prince is left in the palace, and Nan Yijun controls the government of Nanxun, I'm afraid it's only a matter of time before Nanxun changes hands! I'm afraid the agreement we just saw is also a waste of time!"
As he spoke, Prime Minister Wan couldn't help but deliberately lament with a sorrowful look on his face, as if he was extremely heartbroken about the agreement being strangled!
Although Chu Pei saw that Prime Minister Wan was deliberately exaggerating his personal emotions in order to arouse his negative emotions!
But he was carefully analyzing the news he had just heard!
He and Prime Minister Wan had already reached an agreement. If this agreement could not be implemented, Prime Minister Wan would also be affected. Therefore, what he just said was true, and there was no need to deceive himself at this time!
However, nowadays, apart from the sickly Emperor Feng Jing, there is only the young Nan Hongye left in the palace. If these two want to fight against Nan Yijun who is in his prime, I am afraid they are a bit overestimating their own abilities!
And Nan Yijun is the biggest obstacle to their plan!
Chu Pei frowned at this thought and spoke with a hint of reproach, "You knew this matter was related to the vital interests of both parties, so why didn't you stop Nan Lan? Now that such a disaster has happened, even if you help Nan Hongye ascend the throne, Nan Xun will still be forced to submit to Xi Chu. In this way, everything in Nan Xun will be controlled by Xi Chu. What good will that do me?"
Thinking of Nan Lan's actions of disregarding the overall situation in order to take the position of Princess Chu, Chu Pei suddenly felt a surge of anger in his heart!
"Things have come to this point, and Nan Lan is dead. What's the point of us getting angry? Besides, Lord Chu didn't come here today to complain to me, right?" Seeing Chu Pei put all the blame on Nan Lan, Prime Minister Wan felt unhappy, but because of their relationship, he had to suppress his anger, changed the subject, and asked Chu Pei why he came!
Seeing Prime Minister Wan's question, Chu Pei remembered the poison in his body and frowned. "At that time, Lu Xin and the guard Nanxun had an argument. I went to stop them, but I was shot by a poisoned arrow! I want to know, who shot that poisoned arrow?"
During the two days of being awake, Chu Pei thought about many things and possibilities!
What made him most suspicious was the poisonous arrow that hit him at that time!
If he believed that the poison arrow had hit him at first, it was because it was a dark and windy night and he couldn't see clearly and accidentally shot him!
But judging from the series of flattering actions Nan Xun showed after Chu Feiyang came to Youzhou, it seemed that he had been calculated by Prime Minister Wan and others!
After all, Chu Feiyang is indeed much stronger than herself. It is no wonder that Nan Lan wants to get rid of Yun Qianmeng and occupy the throne of Princess Chu alone!
I'm afraid that Prime Minister Wan and others have already taken a fancy to Chu Feiyang's strength, so they designed to shoot himself with a poisonous arrow, making him fall into a coma, and take the opportunity to win over Chu Feiyang!
But they left themselves a way out. If the plan to win over Chu Feiyang fails, they can still save themselves and continue the previous agreement between the two parties!
It has to be said that Chu Pei lived for most of his life, but was still plotted against by Prime Minister Wan and almost became someone else's useless pawn!
Thinking of this, a chill spread all over Chu Pei's body. He stared at Prime Minister Wan, who had a rather ugly expression, with a sneer on his face, and got the answer he wanted from his expression!
Prime Minister Wan never expected that Chu Pei had guessed the truth of the matter, but if the situation in Nanxun had not been tense, they would not have taken such an action. However, seeing the sinister look in Chu Pei's eyes, Prime Minister Wan lowered his eyes!
"What? You have nothing to say? Don't forget, if something happens to me, you will also not have a good ending, including..." Chu Pei did not finish the rest of the words.
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