Chapter 296: Breaking through Songjiazhuang
Capital city, imperial palace.
There was no morning court today, and Xu Zhenguan rarely took a break from sleeping. When he woke up from his bedroom, it was already bright outside.
While having breakfast, the empress clearly felt the strong autumn atmosphere, and even the imperial garden looked a little withered.
"call--"
The wind blew, and a scarlet maple leaf fell from the garden. It was caught by the slender white hand of the empress. She closed her five fingers and slowly held it in her palm.
"The maple leaves are bright red. I remember that there are the most maple trees in Linfeng Taicang. The scenery is the best in late autumn. If you want to enjoy chrysanthemums, you have to go further south, to the border of the Huai River. Well, I wonder how the preparations for the opening of the market there are going."
Xu Zhenguan spoke softly. Even though the sun was already high in the sky, the warmth of summer was gone.
Behind the empress, Mo Chou, dressed as a neutral female official, had just arrived and said:
"The Governor of the Grand Canal is watching over there, and Your Majesty has discussed this with the Princess. I think if the Princess returns to the Huai River Road and reports to the Prince, it might sway his stance."
According to Dayu’s new policy, the location for “opening the market” was chosen to be in Linfeng, on the bank of the Huai River.
Linfeng Road is close to the capital, and the imperial court has stronger control.
The Huai River has a strong business culture and is the central part of the river. Choosing this place was the result of careful consideration.
Xu Zhenguan was not optimistic and just sighed:
"Out of reach, out of reach... Taizu's Diary once said that the power of the emperor is actually very small. Even if the cultivation is powerful, the emperor's authority is still only within ten steps of the body. If he goes beyond that, he has to rely on others to do anything..."
As she spoke, she shook her head and took the initiative to change the subject:
"Jun Ling is returning from this trip. Now that I think about it, I'm afraid he and Zhao Duan will be delayed in Taicang."
What you want to talk about is this topic... Mo Chou muttered in her heart, helplessly saying:
"According to the date, Lord Zhao and his men should be arriving soon."
She did not go into the topic of the princess.
Xu Junling joined the imperial envoy team midway, and the officials in Taicang were unaware of it, but the shadow guards affiliated with the offerings had already passed the information back.
Well... this is the information that Zhao Duan took the initiative to send back.
However, although this was a good opportunity to attack her love rival, Mo Chou knew better that for a minister, it was a taboo to criticize the royal family.
In his words, he deliberately only mentioned Zhao Duan.
"Taicang... I always feel that this matter is not small. Zhao Qing crossed the river alone, and I am afraid that he will be targeted by local officials such as Gao Lian, but I don't know how he is progressing." Xu Zhenguan looked worried.
Mo Chou pinched her nose and said:
"Given Lord Zhao's intelligence and skill, I believe he will be able to return to the capital in triumph in a few days."
"I hope so."
Xu Zhenguan's mouth curled up slowly, and he turned his head and glanced at her:
"What do you want to report?"
Mo Chou took out two letters from her sleeve and handed them over:
"A secret report from the Shadow Guard about Mr. Zhengyang. It's said that Prince Mu personally visited Mr. Zhengyang on the mountain a few days ago and had a long conversation with him.
After leaving, according to the legends of Mr. Zhengyang's disciples, he seemed to be planning to leave Yunfu. There were also rumors that he was considering coming to Beijing to give lectures, but I don't know if this is true or not."
Go to Beijing to give lectures?
Xu Zhenguan frowned slowly, but did not express his opinion:
"What about the other one?"
Mo Chou said:
"Another piece of news is that the current female head of the Xiao family in Donghu has been quietly operating and is quite interested in the new market opening. She may join the game and may come to Beijing soon."
The widow of the Xiao family?
Xu Zhenguan was quite interested. After a moment's thought, he smiled and said:
"You can spread this news. I'm curious, Uncle Huai'an, will you be anxious when you find out?"
"Yes." Mo Chou accepted the order and prepared to retreat.
"By the way," the empress added softly:
"I want the Shadow Guards to investigate the recent movements of the Fashen Sect and other forces in the martial arts world. If there are any unusual movements, Zhao Duan will be prepared."
Mo Chou was startled: "Your Majesty is worried..."
Xu Zhenguan waved his white gauze-like sleeves lightly, and the maple leaves in the entire garden rippled like a sea of fire:
"It's better to be cautious. Zhuang Xiaocheng is not someone who will admit defeat easily."
…
…
"Dayu's number one hermit?"
Inside Songjiazhuang.
Zhao Duan was stunned for a moment, and then he suddenly remembered that when he first entered Xiuwenguan, Mochou personally sent him there.
On the way, the female prime minister mentioned that the Xiuwenguan wanted to invite a powerful person, but failed.
At that time, Big Ice Tuozi didn't explain, but now I think it must be Mr. Zhengyang.
"I've heard of him, but he shouldn't be a figure in officialdom," he asked curiously.
Xu Junling said with a smile, "You don't know things either."
“Since he is said to be a hermit, he is naturally not in official circles.
This person has a great reputation in the literary world... Well, since you are not involved in the literary world, it is understandable that you don't know him.
In short, Mr. Zhengyang was a man of great talent. He guarded tombs in Daoshan, Yunfu, and interpreted the classics of sages for thirty years. His analysis of the principles of sages was unmatched in the world. Even Master Dong felt inferior to him. He even cited his annotations for the answers to the imperial examinations.
Therefore, although people did not go down the mountain, there was an endless stream of scholars going there to pay homage and study.
Since this Song Juren calls himself a disciple, he has a master among the scholars. Coupled with his Juren status, it is not surprising that he can support a small family in the local area.
Learned...
So, he is the big V and opinion leader of the Dayu Dynasty... Zhao Duan nodded.
Xu Junling smiled and said:
"You've come knocking on his door like this, and I'm afraid this Zhengyang disciple will be displeased. Aren't you afraid that he won't cooperate?"
Zhao Duan grinned:
"If he dares not give me what I want, I will beat him until he gives it to me."
At this time, a large group of people swarmed out of the village in front, and they seemed to be guards protecting the village.
They were all big and strong, holding swords in their hands and with murderous looks on their faces.
It seemed as if what the princess had predicted came true. Songjiazhuang really had a group of martial artists as guards.
The leader of the group was unexpectedly thin, a middle-aged man wearing only a green short-sleeved shirt.
There was a sword hanging at his waist, and his eyebrows were thick and black. When he walked, he had an invisible aura, which was drawn by the energy of his whole body.
"Hey, there are still 'experts'." Zhao Duan said with a smile.
"Thank you, Master... Master... for saving me..."
On the ground, the muscular young man was standing on one foot in the mud, with his head tilted, unable to move.
Eyes filled with tears cannot see people clearly.
But when he heard the noise, he mustered up the courage and shouted for help.
"Xiaowu!"
The middle-aged coach who was once somewhat famous in the martial arts world had a gloomy face and his eyes were blazing with fire.
But after catching a glimpse of this group of people, his martial arts instinct made him vaguely aware of the danger.
However, thinking of the talented players behind him, Coach Xie felt a little more at ease.
He waved his hand and everyone stopped, but the sound of swords being drawn continued.
"Sir, may I ask your name? Why are you forcing your way into Songjia Manor? Why are you beating up our men?"
Coach Xie had a blank expression on his face. He held the hilt of the sword with one hand, stared at Zhao Duan, and asked coldly.
For a moment, the situation was tense.
It seems that if there is a disagreement, everyone will attack.
Zhao Duan turned a deaf ear and was too lazy to answer.
He just glanced at the dozens of angry faces in front of him.
He yawned lightly, glanced at the princess's guard beside him with displeasure, and said lightly:
"What are you still standing there for? Are you waiting for me to do it myself?"
Lu Qingfeng, the man with the knife, and the swordsman were slightly stunned.
Then, the latter two laughed sinisterly at the same time and flew out.
(End of this chapter)
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