Chapter 12 Chapter 12 The Truth

Bingzhou Metropolitan Government. The night was dark, and Chen Songtao was fidgeting in the main hall of the Governor's Mansion.One of his subordinates rushed in and reported to him: "Master Chen, Di Renjie has been shutting himself out since returning home yesterday, and there has been no movement all day today." "Yes. Did Li Yuanfang and Han Bin find it?" "Not yet... still haven't found it." "Trash! What a rubbish!" Chen Songtao was furious, thinking about it and suppressing his anger, he said: "The situation is wrong, Di Renjie is too quiet here, this old fox will never let it go and submit. He must be trying his best to find a way now , Find a countermeasure."

"But my lord, he doesn't have a single soldier in his hands, so what can he think of?" "It's hard to say, it's hard to say." Chen Songtao's face was very gloomy: "I have a bad feeling that something big is going to happen. It's too quiet, too quiet..." After a while of silence, he raised his head and said to the subordinate: "Go to Miss Chengnan's house and accompany her to visit Di Jinghui in prison." "Yes." Just as the subordinate promised to leave, Chen Songtao stopped him again: "Tell the lady, let her speak up if she has something to say, I'm afraid there will be no chance in the future." The subordinate went out, and Chen Songtao looked at his face. Looking back, he sighed heavily.

Suddenly, the subordinate who had just left the house ran back, accompanied by a family member from Di Jinghui's mansion. Both of them changed their expressions drastically, and rushed straight into the main hall staggeringly, shouting: "Master Chen, Mr. Chen My lord, it’s not good! It’s not good!” Chen Songtao hurriedly greeted him, and shouted sharply: "What's the matter? Why are you so flustered?!" The family fell to their knees in front of Chen Songtao with a plop, with tears and snot all over their faces, and shouted hoarsely: "Master! We, our lady, she, she committed suicide by taking poison!"

"What?!" Chen Songtao took a few steps back, and his subordinates quickly jumped over to help him, so he didn't fall down on the ground. After finally regaining his composure, Chen Songtao asked in a trembling voice: "Miss, she, she..." The family shook their heads and cried, "Master, you, you go and see." Chen Songtao knew it in his heart, and immediately burst into tears, he was about to go out trembling, but his legs and feet were limp, and he was almost half paralyzed on his subordinate, who dragged and dragged him out of the door. After more than half an hour, Chen Songtao was escorted to Chen Qiuyue's bedroom. He called Chen Qiuyue's name all the way, and staggered to the bed.Chen Qiuyue lay quietly on the bed, with a serene expression on her paper-white face. The sadness that had been covering her face all these years disappeared at this moment, only endless plainness, and eternal loneliness was depicted on her final appearance.Beside her, the elderly parents were distraught, and a couple of children were crying and crying, but they could no longer wake up her long-withered flower of life. Chen Qiuyue was finally relieved.

"Qiuyue, Qiuyue. Why are you so stupid, so stupid..." Chen Songtao burst into tears, and he subconsciously went to shake his daughter's hand, only to find something tightly held in her hand. The jade pendant, Chen Songtao recognized this jade pendant at a glance. It was a token of love given to Chen Qiuyue by Di Jinghui when he came to the Chen family to ask for marriage. Today, Chen Qiuyue is holding on to this jade pendant tightly. In her heart, only in this way can she keep the heart of her beloved husband by her side forever, so she doesn't have to worry about him leaving.Chen Songtao's hands shook violently, the jade pendant fell from his hand, and immediately shattered into two halves when it fell to the ground. Chen Songtao stared at the broken jade on the ground, and said through gritted teeth: "Di Jinghui! Qiuyue died because of you, you will die." Go with her!"

Metropolitan Governor's Mansion, Prison Room. Chen Songtao led a group of people straight into the cell where Di Jinghui was being held. The guards were caught off guard and were so frightened that they couldn't open the chain, so they twisted the lock for a long time with shaking hands.Chen Songtao got impatient with the wait, stepped forward and slapped the jailer to the ground, twisted the lock, stepped into the cell, and yelled at the man curled up on the haystack in the corner: "Di Jinghui! The time of your death!" Arrived!" The man's body trembled, as if he had just been awakened from a sound sleep, he sat up slowly, with his head down, unable to see his face clearly.Chen Songtao sneered: "Of course, I won't let you die so easily, that would be too cheap for you! I will torture you a little bit, and make you pay for the pain I have brought to Qiuyue for so many years!" As he said, he He waved to the soldiers around him, and the two soldiers rushed over to catch the man on the haystack, but saw a flash of silver light, and the two soldiers fell to the ground at the same time, before Chen Songtao could clearly see what happened, he immediately The sword with the shining cold light was on his neck. Chen Songtao was terrified, but he couldn't turn his head to look. He only felt that his shoulder was pinched in severe pain, and he couldn't even move.He was sweating profusely, and squeezed out a few words from his throat: "You, you are definitely not Di Jinghui. Who are you?!"

A calm voice came from the back of his head: "Li Yuanfang." Chen Songtao was stunned, and managed to utter a sentence: "You! Why is it you! Where is Di Jinghui?!" Li Yuanfang replied with a relaxed tone: "Frankly speaking, I don't know either. However, I advise you not to care about others at this moment, but to care more about yourself." "What are you going to do?!" Li Yuanfang smiled: "I haven't thought about how to get out since I came in. Now that you're here, I can go out." Chen Songtao yelled sternly: "Li Yuanfang, do you know what crime should be for hijacking an imperial official?! Do you want to defy the law by yourself?!"

"That's right, I just want to try." Li Yuanfang pushed Chen Songtao forward. Just as Chen Songtao was about to struggle, he felt a slight chill on his neck, and immediately there was a bloody mouth, with blood oozing out. Chen Songtao was in pain He took a deep breath, and moved forward involuntarily following Li Yuanfang's pushing and shoving, his mouth still firm: "Li Yuanfang! This Governor's Mansion is heavily guarded, as long as I give an order, Er Wanjian can be shot." Chuanxin, I advise you not to think about getting out by yourself!" Li Yuanfang ignored him, and with more strength in his hands, Chen Songtao couldn't help but move out of the cell, and the few things he brought The soldiers looked at each other, staring at the two nervously, but they had no choice but to retreat slowly outside the cell.Chen Songtao rolled his eyes, winked desperately at the soldiers, and cursed at the soldiers: "Li Yuanfang, you are a fool! Idiot! Di Renjie knew that you would die if you came, but he sent you to die just to save his son. You are still working hard for him!"

"Shut up!" Li Yuanfang tightened his hand again, and Chen Songtao felt a sharp pain in his shoulder, and he couldn't make a sound.Among those soldiers, the one closest to the door took the opportunity to sneak out of the door without making a sound, and was about to run away, when Shen Huai arrived with a few soldiers.When the soldier saw Shen Huai, he thought he was coming for a savior, and immediately shouted: "General Shen! General Shen! Save Master Chen quickly! Li, Li Yuanfang kidnapped Master Chen!" "What?!" Shen Huai's expression froze, and he gently raised his hand, and the pawn was taken down by his own soldiers. The man was still in a daze, and he still yelled: "General Shen! You, you made a mistake, right? ?! It was Li Yuanfang who hijacked Mr. Chang Shi. If you don’t save him, what are you going to do with me?” Shen Huai sneered and said, “You are the one who took it!” As he spoke, he led the people straight to the gate of the cell, and was about to meet him. When Li Yuanfang escorted Chen Songtao to the door, Shen Huai yelled: "Brother Yuanfang! I'll help you!" The people he led rushed over, and the soldiers under Chen Songtao were completely dizzy, and they moved away without any resistance. It's easy to catch.

"Shen Huai! Why are you making trouble too?!" Seeing this scene, Chen Songtao stomped his feet desperately and screamed.Li Yuanfang slashed at his head, Chen Songtao immediately collapsed to the ground.Seeing this, Shen Huai hurried forward and said, "Brother Yuanfang, keep someone under your command." Li Yuanfang smiled at him: "Don't worry, he's too noisy. I just asked him to be quiet. Why are you here?" Shen Huai also smiled, and while signaling to his subordinates to tie Chen Songtao up with ropes, he said, "Brother Yuanfang, Master Di and the others have gone to the main hall. I wanted to go there to block Chen Songtao, but I came to the cell to look for you. Unexpectedly You have captured Chen Songtao first..." Before he finished speaking, Zhang Changzong, Wu Zhifei and Di Renjie led the imperial guards from the brigade and rushed over.

Shen Huai hurriedly stepped forward to salute with fists in his hands: "Report to the Imperial Envoy, Lord Di, and Lord Wu, that the final general was ordered to come here to rescue General Li, but as soon as he came, he saw that General Li had captured Chen Songtao. Now that Chen Songtao is here, Please decide, my lords." Zhang Changzong looked at Chen Songtao who was tied into a ball, then at Li Yuanfang, and hummed, "Li Yuanfang, why don't you kneel when you see this imperial envoy?" Li Yuanfang didn't even look at him, just stood silently with her head bowed.Zhang Changzong was about to attack, when suddenly there were shouts of killing from far away from the Dudu's Mansion, Wu Zhifei and Shen Huai heard it, and suddenly said in surprise: "No! This is the people of Zhechong Mansion, Zheng Chang must have got the news , come to besiege the Governor’s Mansion!” Zhang Changzong’s face turned pale with fright, and he said tremblingly, “Di, Di Renjie, it’s all your good idea! What should we do now? Not someone else's opponent!" Since Di Renjie came to the cell, his gaze had been fixed on Li Yuanfang, and only then did he look at Zhang Changzong with disdain, and said calmly, "Master Imperial Envoy, don't forget that you are the one who bears the Holy Majesty!" The entrusted imperial envoy, your word is the king's order! A small captain Zhechong is nothing, he Zheng Chang is already rebelling against the sky at this moment, the imperial envoy must show his majesty, establish the emperor's order, command everyone to quell the rebellion, and save Bingzhou from the fire , how can you say such a shameful thing!" Zhang Changzong was blushing at what he said, but he couldn't hide his panic, and said incoherently: "Anyone can say big things, but what should we do now? Say it!" Di Renjie said loudly: "Master Wu, General Shen, how many guards are there in the Dudu Mansion?" Shen Huai said: "There are about a hundred people guarding the Dudu's mansion every day." "Okay, General Shen, you immediately recruit these guards with the order of the imperial envoy, and tell them that Chen Songtao and Zheng Chang intend to rebel, and their crimes are heinous. The Metropolitan Governor's Mansion, defending the imperial envoy, you can let the past go and lose the crime." "Yes!" Shen Huai agreed, and led a few soldiers to the front yard in a hurry.Di Renjie looked at the imperial guards, and then said to Zhang Changzong: "Please send another fifty soldiers to help General Shen, and leave fifty soldiers here to guard the inner courtyard." Zhang Changzong hesitated, but Di Renjie said in a more serious tone: "Master Imperial Envoy, if the rebels break through the outer courtyard, it will be useless to keep more people here!" Then Zhang Changzong nodded fiercely and said: "Forget it! Di Renjie, if there is an imperial envoy today Mishap, you, you don't even want to live!" Di Renjie smiled slightly: "Please rest assured, the imperial envoy, the old minister still doesn't want to die." Li Yuanfang, who had been standing silently by the side, suddenly stepped out, and Di Renjie hurriedly called: "Yuan Fang, where are you going?" Li Yuanfang said without looking back: "I'll deal with those people outside!" Di Renjie opened his mouth He wanted to speak, but swallowed it back, just staring at Li Yuanfang's back in a daze.Zhang Changzong said angrily, "What's going on here? Mr. Di Ge, why did Li Yuanfang act without authorization? Does he still see me as an imperial envoy?" Di Renjie sneered and said, "Does the Imperial Envoy want the veteran to call Li Yuanfang back?" Zhang Changzong was at a loss for words, and could only choke out the word "You!", his face turned red and turned white. In front of the Dudu's Mansion, Shen Huai and Zheng Chang's men started a scuffle.Zheng Chang led the soldiers to rush in, while Shen Huai led the imperial guards and the guards of the governor's mansion to stand firm. Hundreds of people fought together in front of the gate of the mansion, only to see swords colliding and flesh and blood flying. These people are like brothers on weekdays The same robe, tonight is really fratricidal, brother to brother, in front of the dark night, under the silvery moonlight, the ground is red in the blink of an eye, what a tragic and tragic scene.Shen Huai took the lead and rushed to the forefront. Where the sword was shining, the enemy soldiers fell to the ground one after another. He opened a bloody path and went straight to Zheng Chang.He and Zheng Chang were originally colleagues, but in private they were masters of each other. Usually they were at odds with each other and were on guard against each other, and today they were even more jealous when they met each other.When Zheng Chang saw Shen Huai coming, he didn't fight in person. Relying on his large number of soldiers, he commanded soldiers to surround him one after another. Shen Huai couldn't get into the dense human formation for a while.In the midst of anxiety, Shen Huai suddenly felt a gust of wind blowing up around him. He fought with Li Yuanfang a few times, Shen Huai could already distinguish the unique speed and momentum, and knew that it was him who had arrived, and suddenly felt his courage doubled.Sure enough, You Lan swept down blood and rain all the way, Li Yuanfang killed Shen Huai in an instant, Shen Huai was overjoyed, and shouted at him: "Brother Yuanfang, you are here!" Li Yuanfang shouted loudly: "Capture the thief, capture the king, Who is the main general?" Shen Huai raised his sword and pointed at Zheng Chang: "It's him!" Li Yuanfang said: "I know!" With a horizontal stroke of the sword, he rubbed his steps to gather momentum, and his whole body flew straight into Zheng Chang's body like a flying arrow In the human formation in front of him, You Lan flew left and right, like chopping melons and vegetables, a river of blood suddenly appeared behind him.Zheng Chang had never seen such a formation before, and knew that this evil figure was coming towards him. All the soldiers in front of him had fallen to the ground, and he quickly turned his horse's head to run. But he couldn't yell anymore, Li Yuanfang's head was already in his hand.Li Yuanfang raised Zheng Chang's head high, and shouted towards the crowd in the fierce battle: "Zheng Chang is a traitor! Don't die for him again! Those who put down their weapons will not die!" His voice was still hoarse, and his face was pale. , but his expression is proud, imposing, independent of the two teams, really like a majestic god of war.Although Shen Huai had fought side by side with Li Yuanfang, it was the first time he saw him like this, and he was so shocked that his heart was throbbing and his blood was boiling, and he couldn't help admiring from the bottom of his heart.Zheng Chang's soldiers all looked at each other in blank dismay, and unconsciously put down the swords in their hands while hesitating. They didn't want to be enemies with their comrades, and they were even more afraid of being accused of rebellion. Now that the main general has been killed, surrender is the best No one wants to seek death. Seeing this scene, Shen Huai immediately came to Li Yuanfang's side and shouted loudly: "Brothers, Chen Songtao and Zheng Chang intend to rebel, and the imperial envoy sent by the emperor has ordered his two People will investigate and deal with it. Now Chen Songtao will be tied up, and Zheng Chang will be the leader. I, Shen Huai, promise that as long as the brothers abandon the dark and turn to the bright, the imperial envoy will definitely let everyone go, and those who have meritorious deeds will be rewarded!" After saying these words, no one hesitated, and everyone Shouting in unison: "We are willing to listen to General Shen's orders!", a bloody and tragic battle ended. In front of the main hall of the Governor's Mansion, Di Renjie and the others stretched their necks waiting for the news of the battle, only to hear the chaos outside and then quiet down, then Shen Huai ran in blood red, clasped fists to everyone excitedly, and said loudly: "My lords! Zheng Chang gave the leadership, the rebels surrendered! We have won!" "Great!" Zhang Changzong beamed with joy.Wu Zhifei nodded and said: "General Li and General Shen have worked hard!" Di Renjie looked intently at Li Yuanfang, who was following Shen Huai, and saw that he was acting as usual, and that Di Jinghui's brocade robe on his body was only spattered with not much blood. , Only then did he breathe a sigh of relief, thousands of words filled his heart, and he didn't know where to start. He was hesitating, only to hear Zhang Changzong sneeringly said: "Li Yuanfang, you killed the general of the court without the order of the imperial envoy. But a great sin!" When Di Renjie heard this, he was so angry that his chest rolled with anger. He knew that Zhang Changzong resented Li Yuanfang for his contempt for him, and deliberately found fault. He was about to teach Zhang Changzong a few words, when Li Yuanfang replied flatly: "So you don't want him to die. Say it earlier. Then you put his head back." He still held Zheng Chang's head in his right hand, and at this moment he raised his hand and shook it, and a bloody head flew straight towards Zhang Changzong's body.Zhang Changzong was terrified, stepped back a few steps, stumbled and sat on the ground.Zheng Chang's head just fell into his arms. Zhang Changzongjun's face was pale, and he shook the head to the ground with his hands. Wu Zhifei hurried up to help him up, muttering: "Master Imperial Envoy, are you okay?" General Li, you are making a good joke..." Shen Huai suppressed a smile, picked up the head and handed it to the soldiers beside him. Zhang Changzong was quite frightened and couldn't speak for a moment. Li Yuanfang turned around and came to Di Renjie as if he didn't see anything. He lowered his head and asked, "My lord, did Shen Huai bring you my words?" Di Renjie was stunned, and then remembered the four words Shen Huai said to himself in Henying Villa, and hurriedly said: "'Midnight Weeping', is that the sentence? Yuan Fang, Shen Huai told me." Li Yuanfang whispered: "You know what I mean." "Of course." Di Renjie said: "'Midnight weeping', Yuan Fang, you are implying to me that you hid Han Bin in the cave of Lanyu Temple, right? You and I heard the cry of the child when we spent the night there .” "Then have you been to Sapphire Temple?" "Me? Not yet..." Di Renjie replied, feeling more and more confused. Li Yuanfang just kept his head down, but still couldn't see his expression. Di Renjie guessed that he must be worried about Han Bin, so he said softly: "Yuanfang, It was a good idea for you to hide Han Bin there, I thought he would be safe, so I came here first, Chen Songtao is the main criminal, the most important thing is to capture him, besides, I am also worried about you..." Li Yuanfang interrupted Di Renjie: "My lord, now that the rebellion has been decided, please... follow me to Lanyu to see Han Bin immediately." Di Renjie's heart sank. It's the tone of command.Di Renjie thought for a while, nodded and said, "Okay, Yuan Fang, I'll let you go." As soon as the words fell, Zhang Changzong said loudly in front of the main hall: "The rebel army has just been established, and this imperial envoy will immediately go to the hall to ask questions! Di Ge Old man, why are you still muttering there? Someone, bring Chen Songtao and Di Jinghui!" Di Renjie hesitated for a while, Li Yuanfang suddenly raised his head towards him, frowned, and said softly: "My lord, go to the trial. Don't delay the business. I'll go to Lanyu Temple and bring Han Bin here." Di Renjie felt more and more His expression is not right, although he doesn't know where he is, but he can clearly hear the anxiety in his voice, what's wrong with him?Di Renjie thought nervously, and said in a low voice, "Yuan Fang, don't worry, wait for me for a while." Li Yuanfang lowered his head again. Di Renjie came to Zhang Changzong, bowed slightly and said, "Master Imperial Envoy, there is still one key witness in the Lanyuguan case who has not yet arrived, that is the aforementioned child Han Bin who escaped from Lanyuguan. The old minister asks the imperial envoy to wait a moment." Wait for a while, and it won't be too late to try the case after the old minister goes to bring the child." Zhang Changzong said: "You can send someone to go, why should old man Di Ge go there in person?" "This child is very important. Don't worry about other people going to the old minister. It must be the old minister and Li Yuanfang who go together." "It's inexplicable!" Zhang Changzong said angrily, "What is Li Yuanfang doing?! From the beginning, he was very disrespectful to this imperial envoy, and now he is acting so strangely, Mr. Di Ge, you are too conniving with him. No, this imperial envoy is about to leave now." Trial case, Mr. Di Ge, you can go if you want, please go!" Di Renjie's face changed, he suppressed his anger, and said in a deep voice: "My lord, without Li Yuanfang capturing Chen Songtao and killing Zheng Chang, I don't know if you can sit here safely at this moment. Why is he acting weird? The old minister thinks that your behavior is very strange. The old minister wants to remind you that the case of Henying Villa has not yet been concluded. Why did Feng Danqing kill Fan Qixin? The few words she said before she died, and the imperial commissioner killed Feng Danqing His actions are really suspicious." Zhang Changzong shouted: "Di Renjie! You want to threaten me?!" Di Renjie's eyes were shining brightly, and he roared sharply: "The old minister just wants to ask the imperial envoy not to push people too much!" Zhang Changzong was used to Di Renjie's loyal, humble, and unembarrassing attitude when he was around Emperor Wu. Seeing him so angry now, he was already guilty, and he was really frightened.Seeing that his face was cloudy, Wu Zhifei hurried forward and said, "Master Imperial Envoy, since Han Bin is the key witness, the trial should be held after Han Bin's arrival. It's dark now, please invite Your Excellency Imperial Envoy to stay in the Metropolitan Governor's Mansion Rest in peace, the case will be tried again tomorrow morning. General Shen, please immediately arrange the defense of the Metropolitan Governor's Mansion to ensure the safety of the imperial envoy!" Shen Huai agreed, and Di Renjie turned around and walked quickly to Li Yuanfang, and said with a smile, "Yuan Fang, let's go." Li Yuanfang gave a soft "Yes", and took the lead to go out. Shen Huai caught up and quietly said beside Di Renjie. : "Lord Di, I will send you thirty reliable soldiers to keep you safe all the way." "Okay, thank you, General Shen." On the outskirts of Bingzhou, Lanyu Temple. "It turns out that this is the Lanyu Temple." A soldier couldn't help sighing as he walked in through the cracks and came to the open space in front of the hot spring pool.There was still silence all around, and accompanied by the sound of hot spring and waterfall, this exclamation reverberated and clearly reached the ears of Di Renjie and Li Yuanfang, who were walking at the front of the line.The two stopped at the same time, raised their heads and looked around, the moon suddenly shone brightly, only reflecting the coldness of the ground, as if a layer of frost had formed on the ground, on the edge of the morning mist, a few lone stars, on the edge of the cliff A bleak light shone on it. Li Yuanfang called urgently: "My lord, come quickly." He opened the door first and walked into Han Rui and Han Bin's hut, removed the wooden couch, raised the torch, carefully inspected the cover covering the entrance of the cave, and pulled it out from the gap. A thin blade of grass emerged, and a smile appeared on his haggard face: "No one has ever been here." When Di Renjie walked over, Li Yuanfang had already lifted the cover, stepped aside, and said softly, "My lord, you can go in by yourself. I I told Han Bin, and he will tell you everything." Di Renjie turned his head suspiciously, and asked softly, "Yuan Fang? What? Aren't you going in with me?" Li Yuanfang shook his head, still smiling He said in a low voice: "My lord, I will guard here. After you have finished talking with Han Bin, bring him out. I will wait for you." Then, he stretched out his hand to support Di Renjie's arm, and carefully helped him to step on the ground. After entering the stone steps in the cave, he passed the torch in his hand to Di Renjie.Watching Di Renjie slowly climb up the steps with a torch until he disappeared into the dark cave, Li Yuanfang sat down slowly beside the cave. Watching the hole, waiting. When Han Bin's little head popped out of the hole and rushed towards him screaming, Li Yuanfang woke up like a dream, and quickly reached out to hug him. Once Han Bin got into his arms, he refused to let go, screaming over and over again. "Brother, brother." Di Renjie came out of the cave right after him, but his face sank, seeing Han Bin clinging to Li Yuanfang and acting coquettishly, he leaned over to pull Han Bin, and said, "Come on, good boy. Grandpa Di has something very important to say, get out of the way first." Han Bin obediently let go of his hand and stepped aside.Di Renjie walked quickly towards the door, and said in a low voice: "Yuan Fang, let's go to the hot spring pool." Li Yuanfang followed Di Renjie with his head down without saying a word, and the two came to the hot spring pool side by side. Facing the hot spring waterfall, he took a deep breath and said, "Han Bin has already told me everything... This kid is very careful. He counted the number of pills on his body. He told me just now that there are so few pills. Take one." Di Renjie turned around and said word by word: "Yuanfang, if the pill is still on you, give it to me." At this point, he no longer had the courage to look Li Yuanfang directly in the eyes, and Gao Looking up, he slowly stretched out his trembling right hand, and then felt that his hand was tightly held, and after only one hold, a small ball was touched in the palm of his hand, and Di Renjie's mind was already It was blank, and the upturned face was full of old tears in an instant.Through the blurred eyes of tears, he saw a few strands of golden thread breaking through the mist from the top of the cliff hanging down the waterfall. The mortal world, the last fight that knows the ending.After several struggles, finally, the long night turned white, the universe merged, and a new day came. Di Renjie let go of his clenched right fist, allowing the small brown pill to slip from his palm and sink into the deep pool without a sound.A decision that could not be made after tossing and turning for a long time finally became firm in his heart.There was no one around him, and Li Yuanfang had already left. Di Renjie slowly wiped away the tears from the corners of his eyes, and walked towards the small alchemy room. he.Di Renjie knelt down, patted the child's head lovingly, and said, "Bin'er, good boy, hurry up, go find your brother and stay with him." Han Bin agreed, and hurried to the cliff. It was very clear that after Li Yuanfang left Di Renjie, he went out of the crack.Han Bin ran out of the gap. Sure enough, Li Yuanfang was sitting on a rock not far away. Han Bin ran to his side in a few steps. Seeing Li Yuanfang rubbing his eyes, Han Bin took his hand, full of hands Sweat, Han Bin was a little nervous, and hurriedly asked: "Brother, what's the matter with you?" Li Yuanfang shook his head and said, "It's nothing, the sweat is streaming into his eyes, and it's a little rough." He forced a smile, and he said: "Bin'er, Have you counted those pills?" Han Bin was a little confused: "No, I've never counted them, what are you doing counting them..." "Oh." Li Yuanfang rubbed his eyes again, but his eyes were still getting blurry and dark, and he couldn't see anything clearly. In the pain, he could only vaguely hear Han Bin saying : "Brother, are you uncomfortable? Come on, lean on me, lean on me." Luoyang, outside the palace city, in front of Tianjin Bridge. As soon as Di Renjie got off the carriage, someone called in his ear: "Old Di Ge, you are safe here." When Di Renjie raised his head, Prime Minister Li Dan stood in front of him with a smile, watching him earnestly.Di Renjie rushed forward and called out: "Your Majesty." Just as he was about to bow to salute, Li Dan took a step forward to hold him, and said in a trembling voice, "Old Man Ge, I haven't seen you for more than a month, why are you so emaciated?" Said, sighed deeply. Di Renjie smiled lightly: "Old people are like autumn leaves in the wind. Every day is worse." Li Dan shook his head quickly: "Ge Lao's words are too sad. For the sake of Da Zhou, Ge Lao must cherish it." Di Renjie Said: "Don't worry, my lord, the old minister is very good. Is your lord also here to see His Majesty?" "Yes. Mr. Di Ge, let's walk together and talk while walking." "My lord please." Li Dan and Di Renjie walked into Yingtian Gate side by side, Li Dan said in a low voice: "I have read the letters from elder Ge, what happened in Bingzhou is really amazing." Di Renjie nodded: "The old minister heard that the Holy Majesty ordered the prince to interrogate Chen Songtao himself. I don't know what's going on?" Li Dan said: "Although Chen Songtao is treacherous, vicious and scheming, he turned out to be a cowardly, greedy and fearful person. He has now dealt with the crime of plotting rebellion with the King of Wei five years ago, murdering him a year ago. General Wang Guizong confessed to his crimes, as well as his crimes in Lanyuguan. The king entered the palace today to present the details of the case to the emperor." Di Renjie pondered and said: "The king of Wei has passed away. The old minister expected that the emperor would not pursue the matter any further. With Chen Songtao taking full responsibility for the crime, these cases are also settled." Li Dan nodded: "Well, once this case is settled, the forces of Chen Songtao and Zheng Chang in Bingzhou also collapsed, and this king can finally take charge of the military affairs of Bingzhou. This king enters the palace today, and I want to ask the emperor to allow me to go there soon." Bingzhou patrols and rectifies all military and political affairs in Bingzhou." Di Renjie said: "My lord is right. With my lord here, I believe that Bingzhou will definitely have a new look." Li Dan said in a low voice: "Ge Lao's third son was detained in Dali Temple for another trial. This king has already taken care of Dali Temple Minister, and Di Gongzi did not suffer." Di Renjie tremblingly said: "Thank you, my lord, for your care." Li Dan said again: "The circumstances of Mr. Di's involvement in the case have also been heard very clearly. I have read the memorial of Dali Temple Minister. Mr. Di's crime is not fatal. This king will implore the Holy Majesty to be lenient as appropriate. Please rest assured." Di Renjie thanked again, his voice choked with sobs. Before they knew it, the two of them had arrived in front of the imperial study, and a female official in scarlet clothes came up to her and said, "Prince Xiang, please come in, please wait here first." When Li Dan entered the imperial study, Di Renjie stood in front of the porch and waited silently, feeling pure in his heart.After waiting for more than half an hour, Li Dan came out, nodded to Di Renjie with a smile, and walked outside.The female officer in scarlet clothes led Di Renjie into the imperial study and announced in a low voice: "Your Majesty, Di Ge is old." Before the writing desk, Wu Zetian turned around slowly, watched Di Renjie walking steadily in front of him with a complicated expression, seeing Di Renjie chanted the Holy Ann, lifted the hem of his robe and was about to kneel down, Wu Zetian hurriedly reached out to help him, and said in a deep voice: "Huh? Ying, I have said it many times, you will be exempted from kneeling when you see me, and your whole body hurts when you kneel down. Come here, show the old man a seat." When Di Renjie sat down, Wu Zetian looked him up and down, and after a long time, he nodded and said: "I know everything about it. Huaiying, you have been wronged." Di Renjie trembled all over, stood up respectfully, and only called out: "Your Majesty." Then he couldn't continue.There was silence in the imperial study room, the two monarchs and ministers looked at each other silently, with thousands of thoughts churning in their hearts.After a while, Wu Zetian regained his excitement and raised his hand to Di Renjie. Seeing Di Renjie sit down again, he slowly opened his mouth and said, "Huaiying, now you know why I suddenly sent you back to your hometown." Di Renjie bowed his head and replied: "Your Majesty, I don't want to speculate on the Holy Will." Wu Zetian was stunned for a moment, then smiled and said, "You. You have resentment." "The old minister dare not." Di Renjie was about to get up again, but Wu Zetian raised his hand and held him down.Wu Zetian shook his head with a smile and said: "Huaiying, even if you have resentment, I will never blame you. It is human nature. I hope that after this catastrophe, not only will the harmony between you and my monarch and ministers not be lost, but on the contrary Can add a rare trust, Huaiying, can you help me realize this wish?" "Your Majesty!" Di Renjie said in a trembling voice, "Your Majesty's deep friendship truly makes me ashamed, minister, minister..." He finally couldn't help sobbing. Wu Zetian stared blankly at him, couldn't help but sighed deeply, and said, "Huaiying, do you know that when I received a secret report that your son Di Jinghui was involved in the case five years ago, and Your in-law Chen Songtao is covering the sky in Bingzhou again and doing all kinds of suspicious things. I really can't imagine what connection you have with Huaiying. Songtao Alliance, doing this is against your consistent position, but it involves your son, and I am worried that you will be restrained, restrained, and do things that are against you. Everything in the state is too The past is complicated and confusing, and the inextricable ties are confusing. After a lot of consideration, I decided to let you go back to your hometown, and also to give you a chance to sort out and deal with all this in person." Speaking of this, Wu Zetian has a lot of love for Di Renjie. With a deep smile: "Huaiying, I think you should let you handle your family affairs by yourself." Di Renjie smiled bitterly and said: "The old minister understands that His Majesty did this to show consideration for the old minister." Wu Zetian nodded: "Huaiying, you didn't disappoint me. Wu Zhifei and Shen Huai did a good job, and now the matter finally has a satisfactory ending. As for how to deal with Di Jinghui, I already have my mind on it , Huaiying, you can rest assured that... you yourself should end your official career and return to the temple. I can't live without you for a while." Di Renjie still smiled wryly, and only said in a low voice: "Long live the grace of heaven is great, and I will never repay my death. I obey the order." Wu Zetian pondered for a long time, and then said: "Huaiying, apart from investigating the case of Chen Songtao, I will let you You went to Bingzhou for another reason." Di Renjie nodded and said, "Hate Ying Villa." "Well. This is the Hate Ying Villa. I have read Zhang Changzong's memorial, but there are still some doubts that cannot be explained clearly. I think, Huaiying, you will definitely bring me a clear answer." Di Renjie said indifferently: "How can a veteran comment on the investigation results of the imperial envoy?" Wu Zetian frowned: "Huaiying! I know that you and Zhang Changzong have always had some rifts, but I have always been right with things and wrong people between you, and you should be very clear about this." Seeing Di Renjie bowed his head and said nothing, Wu Zetian said: "You look like this again because of that Li Yuanfang." Di Renjie leaned forward and said: "Your Majesty, Chen Songtao and Zheng Chang rebelled against Fuding, and the imperial envoy detained Li Yuanfang for acting without authorization. The veteran returned to Shendu all the way from Bingzhou, and he never saw Yuanfang again. Li Yuanfang made great contributions to cracking the Lanyuguan case and quelling the rebellion of Chen Songtao and Zheng Chang, and he was seriously injured, but he was treated like this by the imperial envoy, and the old minister really couldn't help it..." Di Renjie's voice trembled. Wu Zetian comforted: "Huaiying, I know all about these situations. Li Yuanfang has made great contributions in solving the case and quelling the chaos, but it is also true that he acted recklessly without imperial envoys. If he is not punished, he may damage the emperor's prestige. Although he is under guard now In fact, the official station did not feel sorry for him. That child is Han from Lanyu Temple..." "Han Bin." "Yes, that Han Bin has been with him all the time." Di Renjie said earnestly: "Your Majesty, the veteran also knows that Li Yuanfang's service is arrogant and is becoming more and more difficult to control, but after all, he has been with the veteran for ten years.很有情谊的。他如今到了这个地步，老臣……想去看看他。”武则天仔细观察着狄仁杰的表情，道“嗯，不急，待事情了结，狄景辉和李元芳你都可以见到。” 沉默了一会儿，武则天道：“怀英，恨英山庄的案子，朕总觉得张昌宗的奏陈没有讲述地很清楚，朕想听你把这案子的前因后果详详细细说一说。” 狄仁杰毕恭毕敬地回答：“陛下，老臣定当知无不言。只是在老臣讲述之前，请陛下一定要回答老臣的一个问题。” “好，你问吧。” “老臣想知道，陛下想让张昌宗从恨英山庄取到什么？” 武则天神色一凛，沉吟半晌，才长叹一声道：“怀英啊，你还记得你离开神都之前，你我君臣的一番对话吗？” “陛下指的是？” “朕记得当时你对朕说：'生老病死是天数，至尊荣威乃人力，以人力敌天数，实为不智。'” 狄仁杰一惊：“陛下，难道你是想从恨英山庄得到……” 武则天摇了摇头：“怀英，朕已从恨英山庄得到了一个教训，你就不要再追问了。” 狄仁杰深揖到地：“是，陛下！” “朕已回答了你的问题，怀英，你是不是可以说了？” 狄仁杰长吁口气，慢慢地讲述了起来：“陛下，范其信这个异人的生平，老臣就不再一一细述，想必陛下已经了解得十分清楚。范其信长期和异域人士交往甚密，若干年前曾结识一个大食来的商团，与其中的一位女子有了一段孽缘，并生下了一个女儿。这个女儿就是陆嫣然。范其信不愿此事为他人所知，便以收养孤儿的名义将陆嫣然抚养长大，收为女徒弟。陆嫣然与狄景辉交好，共同协助范其信培植异域药材，研究具有特殊功效的药物。恨英山庄特殊的环境，也十分适合培育需要特别温度条件的草木。老臣在那里曾见到一种妖异的红花，名唤米囊花，便是来自大食的花种，经由这种花，可以提炼出大食奇药'底也迦'。据老臣推测，这种花也是陆嫣然的母亲带给范其信的。后来，范其信自己又以米囊花为原料，制作出了一种药物，那就是狄景辉和陆嫣然在蓝玉观中给道众服食的怪药。而蓝玉观的山洞其实就是范其信本人的山中修炼之所。” “原来是这样。但朕听说这种怪药的效用很可怕？” “是的，怪药引起了蓝玉观道众的死亡，而范其信也没有解救的良方，这件事情被陈松涛的手下范泰所查，才引发了在蓝玉观的一系列事件。” “嗯，这个朕已经了解了。那么，冯丹青又是怎么杀死的范其信呢？” “请陛下容老臣一一道来。陈松涛一直觊觎恨英山庄的奇珍药材而不可得，便派了范泰潜入恨英山庄，但范泰不懂医术药理，阴潜数年所得不多。三年前，冯丹青怀着差不多的目的来到恨英山庄，凭借着她的美貌和妖媚俘获了范其信，成了恨英山庄的女主人，她也确实从范其信那里取得了一些奇药的配方。然而范其信并不真正信任她，这从冯丹青对蓝玉观一无所知中就可以看出来。一个多月前，冯丹青由于被范其信要挟，万般无奈之下毒杀了范其信，本想假托得道升仙之说来瞒天过海，但她的罪行被范泰目睹，范泰与陈松涛共谋，指使山庄的园丁范贵去报官，目的是为了不让冯丹青轻而易举地逃脱罪责，从而抓住冯丹青的把柄，伺机他谋。恰恰此时，老臣送名帖到恨英山庄，冯丹青惊慌之下，只得找范泰帮忙，范泰便引导她定下了一条嫁祸狄景辉的毒计，用一无名老者的尸首来替换范其信的尸体，这样做既给陈松涛陷害狄景辉的计划加多了一层手段，又能将冯丹青完全掌控在他们手中，与此同时，陈松涛故意委托老臣查察范其信的死因，此计不可谓不巧，不可谓不毒啊。” 武则天微笑道：“嗯，只可惜他们碰上的是狄怀英。” “陛下，天理昭昭疏而不漏，多行不义必自毙。作恶多端总归是要付出代价的。” “说的好啊。怀英，朕还有最后一个问题。” “是，陛下请问。” 武则天的眼中闪烁着皎皎的光华，她盯牢狄仁杰，一字一句地问：“冯丹青为什么一定要杀死范其信？范其信要挟她的事情是不是与张昌宗有关系？” 狄仁杰沉默了许久，方才抬头道：“陛下，您想听实话还是假话？” 武则天淡淡一笑：“怀英，你想怎么说就怎么说，朕要的只是一个答案。等你回答了这个问题，你我就可以静下心来，好好商量处置狄景辉和李元芳的办法了。” 在一片肃然的静默中，武则天与狄仁杰深深对视，心中都明白，他们各自最最关心的人的命运，就要被决定了。 洛阳，大理寺。 狄景辉一身囚衣端坐在监房中，目视前方，看着自己的老父亲缓缓走来，当狄仁杰迈进监房的时候，他站起身来，叫了声“爹”，便双膝跪倒在狄仁杰的面前。 狄仁杰犹豫了一下，伸出双手，轻轻扶住儿子的肩膀，慈爱地端详着狄景辉仰起的脸，含笑道：“瘦了些，气色倒还不差。”说着，他拉起狄景辉，两人在监房的长凳上面对面坐下。 捏了捏狄景辉身上的囚服，狄仁杰轻声问：“这衣裳够不够？晚上睡觉冷不冷？”狄景辉忙道：“够，够。爹，我不冷……”看到狄仁杰朝自己关切地点着头，狄景辉突然间面红耳赤、满脸羞愧地低下头，嚅嗫了很久，才极低声地说出一句：“爹，儿子让您操心了。对不起。”狄仁杰摇头微笑：“你们兄弟三人，从小就是你最让我操心，没想直到今天还是如此。明早你这一出发，我便更要牵肠挂肚了。” 狄景辉又叫了声：“爹”，便沉默了。过了一会儿，才道：“爹，儿子要去服流刑的那个地方，您了解吗？我以前从来没有听说过。” 狄仁杰点头道：“嗯，那里叫伊柏泰，是个名不见经传的小地方，面朝大漠，背靠金山，正处于突厥与大周交界的地方，可是个极偏远荒僻之地。你要做好吃苦的准备了。”顿了顿，他看着狄景辉含笑道：“你啊，从小到大一直都是养尊处优的，如今去吃点苦头，也好。” 狄景辉苦笑：“儿子这是罪有应得，吃多少苦头都是活该。” 狄仁杰看着狄景辉的苦相，意味深长地道：“话虽这么说，有元芳同你一起去，我倒也不甚担忧。” 狄景辉大吃一惊：“什么？李元芳同我一起去？为什么？他，他不当您的卫队长了？” 狄仁杰轻轻叹了口气：“元芳得罪了张昌宗，皇帝已将他贬为折冲校尉，派赴沙陀州都督府戍边。伊柏泰就在沙陀州都督府治下，因此正好将你一路押解赴流。” 狄景辉还是很困惑：“可是爹，您不是已经结束致仕了吗？那谁来当您的卫士长？” 狄仁杰道：“皇上已经给我任命了一位新的卫队长，你也认识，就是沈槐沈将军。” 狄景辉皱眉道：“怎么会这样？爹，您为什么不帮李元芳说说话？这样对待他，也太不公平了。” 狄仁杰点头微笑：“景辉，怎么？你也开始替元芳鸣不平了？” 狄景辉嘟囔道：“爹，我只是觉得您这样做会让人寒心的。” 狄仁杰叹道：“别人的看法我不会在意。而元芳的看法嘛，景辉啊，从明天开始，你就要同元芳朝夕相处了，对此事的看法，你有足够的时间可以亲自和他谈。” 狄景辉低下头不吱声了。狄仁杰默默地看了他很久，方才轻轻拍了拍他的肩，站起身来，道：“景辉，我这便回去了。明天就不去送你们了，前路多艰，你要多多珍重……常常来信，让我知晓你好不好。”说完，他转身便朝外走。 狄景辉从长凳上跳起来，呆呆地看着父亲的背影，紧走几步，哽咽道：“爹，你多保重。”狄仁杰脚步骤停，却没有回头，终于还是稳步离开监房而去。 回狄府的路上，狄仁杰掀开车帘，探头问狄春：“狄春啊，吏部的馆驿是在永太坊里吧？”狄春应了声“是”，接着嘟囔了一句：“老爷，今天从出府门到现在，这句话您都问了有十多遍了。您要想去看李将军，咱们这就过去吧。” 狄仁杰嗔道：“你这小厮，多嘴的很。” “哦，小的说错了，咱们这就回府。” “嗳，谁说要回府了，当然要去永太坊啊。” “是！”狄春又气又笑地应着，刚调转车头，狄仁杰突然叫道：“狄春，我让你给元芳准备的衣物呢？可曾带在车上？” 狄春道：“老爷，您压根没说过今天要去看李将军啊，小的怎么会带。” “你啊，一点长进没有，始终不会办事！还不快回府，先取了东西再去。” “是！”狄春无奈地答应一声，赶紧催马车快行。马车跑进尚贤坊，刚停在狄府门口，狄仁杰便忙忙地下车，狄春突然在他耳边轻声道：“老爷，您快看，那是谁来了。” 狄仁杰展眼一望，李元芳站在狄府门口，正在向这里张望，看见狄仁杰，他快步上前，微笑着抱拳道：“大人。”刹那间，狄仁杰只觉得旧日再现，此刻只是他们无数次分离后的又一次寻常重聚，一切仿佛都没有发生过任何变化。 “狄爷爷好！”是孩子清脆的叫声，狄仁杰低头一瞧，韩斌从头到脚簇新的衣服鞋袜，打扮地干净整齐，站在李元芳身边，一双圆溜溜的眼睛机灵地眨动着。 狄仁杰不由地笑起来：“噢，原来是斌儿啊。今天怎的这么好看啊？谁给你买的新衣裳？” 韩斌不说话，只笑着抬头瞧瞧李元芳。狄仁杰被他的聪明模样引得忍不住伸出手，慈爱地摸了摸他的脑袋，边含笑对李元芳道：“元芳啊，我正想去馆驿看你，不想你倒先来了。” 李元芳点点头：“嗯，此前一直都出不来。昨天圣旨来过以后，这才允许我们外出。” “好，好啊。来，快进去说话。”狄仁杰轻轻拍了拍李元芳的胳膊，一边领着他和韩斌往里走，一边仔细打量着他，真的看不出什么变化，除了略显憔悴之外，他一如往昔的温文有礼、英挺自然。 来到书房，狄仁杰道了声：“元芳，坐。”他们分别落座，不约而同地相视一笑，一时间，谁都不愿开口说话，只是默默地坐着。韩斌依偎在李元芳的身旁，好奇地一会儿看看这个，一会儿瞧瞧那个。狄仁杰看着他的样子，忍俊不禁，便逗他道：“斌儿啊，你老是叫我狄爷爷，一点儿都不亲热。这都要过年了，是不是也该改个口？” “啊？”韩斌想了想，试探地看看李元芳，又转过头，对着狄仁杰轻声道：“嗯，那，那，我叫您爷爷？” 狄仁杰朗声大笑起来，连连摇头：“不行，不行。”韩斌被他笑得莫名其妙，傻乎乎地问：“为什么不行？”狄仁杰笑得眼睛眯成了一条缝：“本来呢，你的年纪和我那几个孙儿也差不太多，叫爷爷不错。可是你已经叫了元芳哥哥，便不能再叫我爷爷，否则这辈分可就乱套啦。”韩斌一脸困惑，求助地看看李元芳，李元芳却只朝他微笑，一句话也不说。 狄仁杰招呼道：“来，斌儿，到我这儿来。”韩斌犹犹豫豫地来到狄仁杰的身边，狄仁杰慈祥地搂住他的肩膀，轻声道：“你这小孩儿啊，占了大便宜咯。这样吧，以后你便跟着元芳，叫我大人吧。” “大、大人？”韩斌叫了一声，苦起小脸，觉得这个称呼十分别扭，噘起嘴道：“这有什么亲热的？一点儿都不好听。” “哦？哈哈，”狄仁杰轻拍了下他的脑袋：“你呀，你以后就会懂的。” “哦。”韩斌不太自在地答应了一声。狄仁杰瞧瞧他，突然想起件事，对李元芳道：“元芳啊，把我那书柜最上面的木匣子取过来。” “是。”李元芳拿来木匣子，放在几上。 狄仁杰打开木匣，取出一条金链。李元芳和韩斌见着这金链，都有些发愣。狄仁杰轻轻揽过韩斌，将金链递到他的手中，道：“斌儿，这条金链子，是我从你死去的哥哥身上取下来的。”韩斌低着头，小声说：“这是嫣然姐姐送给我哥哥的，他到死都戴在身上。”狄仁杰微微颌首：“现在我就把这个条金链交给你，你带着它，便是你那死去的哥哥和嫣然姐姐都陪在你身边了。”说着，他举起那金链子，替韩斌戴到脖子上。 沉默了一会儿，狄仁杰扭头看看李元芳，微笑道：“元芳啊，明天就要启程，我已让狄春替你收拾好了衣物，回馆驿的时候，让狄春送你们过去，把东西都带上。” 李元芳欠身道：“大人，又让您费心了。” 狄仁杰摇摇头：“这寒冬腊月的，要去那么远的地方，一路会很辛苦。我本想说服皇帝，让你们等开春再走，可是……唉，元芳，你的身体怎么样了？那些伤……” 李元芳道：“大人，您不用担心，我已经全好了。”狄仁杰刚想开口，怀里的韩斌突然嘟囔了一句：“又骗人。” “哦？”狄仁杰皱起眉头，问：“斌儿，你哥哥说谎了？”韩斌张了张嘴，瞥见李元芳正瞪着自己，便也恶狠狠地回瞪他了一眼，但还是抿起嘴唇，不敢再说话了。李元芳却仿佛终于下定了决心，正色对狄仁杰道：“大人，元芳今天来，一来是向您辞行，二来也是想求您件事。” “哦？你说，什么事？” “大人，元芳此行要去什么样的地方，您很清楚。如果一路上带这个孩子在身边，想必照顾不过来。再说，我也不愿意让他这小小年纪，就去那样荒僻艰苦的地方。大人，元芳想求您收留斌儿，将他带在身边管教，让他今后有个好的前途。” “这……”狄仁杰尚在沉吟，韩斌却一下从他怀里挣开，跑回到李元芳的身边，一把抱住李元芳，跺着脚叫：“哥哥，哥哥，你干什么呀？！你不要我了吗？”李元芳按住他的小手，轻声道：“斌儿，你要听话。跟着大人你可以学……”他一句话还没说完，韩斌已经急得迸出了眼泪，脸涨得通红，拼命嚷起来：“我不要！我谁也不跟，我就要和你在一起！哥哥，我不瞎说话了，我什么都听你的，不要赶我走啊！”他把脑袋埋到李元芳的怀里，死死揪着他的衣服，再也不肯松手。李元芳束手无策地瞧瞧狄仁杰，嘴里嘟囔着：“大人，您看，我真是管不了他，我……” 狄仁杰默默地看着这一大一小两个闹成一团，眼睛里面突然闪出星星泪光，他叹了口气，轻声道：“元芳啊，我倒有个主意。斌儿，你也别着急，听大人说。”韩斌抹了把眼泪，站直了身子。狄仁杰道：“元芳，今天你就把斌儿留在我府中，让他在我这里住一个晚上，熟悉一下环境。假如他喜欢上了这儿，那就留下来，假如他还是愿意跟你走，明天你出发的时候，我会让狄春把他送过去。你看如何？” 李元芳愣了愣，低声道：“这样甚好。大人，那就这么办吧。”他看韩斌倒也安静了下来，便抬头对狄仁杰道：“大人，那我就走了。” 狄仁杰点头：“好。” 李元芳站起身，来到狄仁杰的面前，微笑着抱拳道：“大人，我走了。您多保重。”狄仁杰也微笑着点点头，并不说话。李元芳又看了看韩斌，便转身迈步走出书房，狄仁杰默默注视着他的背影，伸手将韩斌拉入怀中，轻声道：“斌儿，来。我带你去你哥哥的屋子，咱们在那里说话。” 皇宫，御书房。 沈槐垂首跪在武则天的面前，许久，才听到武则天的声音：“沈槐，你的差使办得很不错。” 沈槐深深地磕了个头：“微臣为圣上效力，万死不辞。” “嗯，朕已将你酌升为千牛卫中郎将，接替李元芳担任狄阁老的护卫队长。” “微臣领旨谢恩，陛下万岁万万岁！” 武则天冷冷地看着沈槐，突然沉声道：“沈槐，你知道李元芳为什么会落到今天的地步吗？” 沈槐浑身一震，紧张地思索着，终于低声答道：“李元芳的心中只有狄阁老，没有圣上。” 武则天满意地点头：“你很懂事。狄阁老是国之栋梁，从今后你便要竭尽全力辅助他，保护他，我希望你会做得比李元芳好。” 沈槐又一叩首：“微臣谨遵圣命。” "Okay, let's go." 沈槐退出御书房，武则天紧皱眉头思索着。突然，身边响起怯怯的唤声：“陛下，您要见我？” 武则天没有抬头，软软地靠坐到龙椅之上，疲惫地说：“六郎啊，你来了。”张昌宗应了一声，局促地站在她的面前，神情十分紧张。 武则天闭起眼睛，张昌宗迟疑着来到她的身边，轻声道：“陛下，您累了吗？六郎替您解解乏？” 武则天微微点头，张昌宗伸出手，小心翼翼地替她揉起了太阳穴，揉了好一会儿，武则天睁开眼睛，仔细地端详着他，轻轻拿住他的手，道：“六郎啊，在朕的眼里，你就是个小孩子啊。小孩子犯了错，朕是舍不得责备的，你知道吗？” “陛下！”张昌宗哽咽着，情不自禁地跪倒在武则天的面前。武则天定定地看着他，深深地叹了口气，将他颤抖的身体揽入怀中。