Chapter 16 The sixteenth round

The night was dark. The car body shook slightly, Ji Ying looked at her for a long time, finally, with a light sigh, she came over and wiped her tears in person. Jiang Chenyu remained motionless. Tears were stained on the white scarf, and it soon spread away. Ji Ying helped her wipe away the tears bit by bit, with gentle movements and focused expression, as if she was wiping a rare piece of porcelain. So her tears miraculously stopped. Ji Ying smiled at her. Jiang Chenyu gripped the cloak tightly, lowered his eyes because he couldn't bear it, but because he couldn't bear to miss seeing him, he forced himself to lift it up, like this drooping and turning, turning over and over again, the spring water is messed up, how to rest?

Fortunately, at this time, Shiso, who was unconscious, groaned vaguely because of the pain.Jiang Chenyu's expression froze, everything that had disappeared had returned to her consciousness, and only then did she remember where she was and what happened. She stretched out her hand to lift the curtain, and found that there was a very secluded alley outside, and it became narrower and narrower. She didn't know where it led, so she couldn't help asking: "Where are we going now?" Ji Ying cast a desperate glance at her teacher, "Go to the place where I can save him."

Jiang Chenyu felt relieved, but doubts arose in his mind: Why did the young master appear in Cheng Guo at this time?Why was his carriage unimpeded along the way without Cheng Jun blocking it?Is the series of things that happened these days related to him, and if so, how much is the relationship? I really want to ask, but... I can't ask. Facing Ji Ying, she became a cowardly coward. She actually knew some things vaguely, but she didn't have the courage to face them, so she could only escape by deceiving herself. The faint scent of bergamot lingers on the cloak, and she thinks: I'm so stupid... I'm a fool.Because, just sharing a car like this can satisfy me enough to give up everything—including myself.

The carriage stopped suddenly, and the coachman whispered: "My lord, we're here." Ji Ying let out a "hmm", stretched out her hand to open the door, walked out, and then turned around to help each other.Jiang Chenyu pursed her lower lip, not without disappointment in her heart, she was willing to give up everything just to ride with him, however, such an opportunity was pitifully short. She handed Ji Ying her hand tremblingly, and got out of the car. A small red door in front of him should be the back door of a certain house. The coachman knocked on the door, three long and one short, and not long after, the door opened with a "squeak".

Ji Ying led Jiang Chenyu in, only then did she realize that the charioteer with extraordinary skills was Zhu Long, but the person who answered the door did not recognize him. After walking around for a long time with the unknown doorman, he entered a small room.The room was dimly lit, with the only light coming from a chair in the center of the room, with a lamp on it, and no other lighting. Moreover, three screens were stretched out in the shape of a Chinese character "pin" between the entrance and the chairs, and some people could be vaguely seen sitting behind the other two screens, but in such a dim scene, it was completely unrecognizable.

Ji Ying led Jiang Chenyu to sit behind one of the screens.Jiang Chenyu has learned not to be surprised after these months of experience, so although he was full of doubts, he didn't ask a word, and sat quietly on the chair. Then, the lights went out. In the darkness, a voice sounded long and leisurely, with three points of jokes, three points of laziness and three points of laughter: "Why don't we draw lots?" Jiang Chenyu's heart was shocked - ah!She recognized it, it was He Yi's voice! Another voice laughed and said, "I haven't seen you for many years, and you are still playing around like this."

This voice was very strange, a little rusty, but it was not unpleasant, and it also carried a natural nobleness, it seemed that it was a person who was used to giving orders. He Yi continued: "How can it compare to you? If the world knows your real purpose of coming to Cheng country this time, I'm afraid they will vomit blood." "It's easy to say. At most, I'm just playing with things and losing my mind. Although it's not a glorious thing, it's better than someone being hunted down and hiding on the enemy's ship like a drenched chicken." "Alas, I turned dangers into disasters without chaos, which just shows that I am more intelligent than human beings, and people will love and respect me even more when they know about it. To celebrate birthdays in the name of doing unspeakable things is to truly disappoint the people..."

Jiang Chenyu faintly guessed that the other person might be Yan Wang Zhanghua, he and He Yi really met each other, bright for a while, praised each other on weekdays, but confronted each other when they met.However, from another point of view, the two kings have a very good personal relationship, they even know exactly what happened to each other, and they can joke around so casually. In contrast—— Her gaze couldn't help but flicked towards Ji Ying beside him, his profile was outlined by the faint light, the bridge of his nose was straight and his lips were distinct, his eyebrows and eyelashes were clear and picturesque, he was so beautiful.

And so so... lonely. Will he joke with people?Will it be ridiculed without malice?Will he be teased emotionally?Maybe there used to be, the sister who put chess pieces in the green ball and caused him to break two teeth, but unfortunately, she got married five years ago; and the woman who sent him to command him to cherish so much but ended up in pain, But it is also the past... Young Master... Young Master... Her... Young Master... Jiang Chenyu's eyes became moist again, and she quickly turned her face away, blinking away the moisture, so as not to lose her composure again.And at this moment, Ji Ying said, "Let's talk about something serious."

The bickering outside stopped, and after a moment of silence, He Yi said with a smile: "Look, you and I are busy reminiscing about the old days, but Qi Aohou was left out in the cold, he's jealous." Responding to him was Zhanghua's even more unscrupulous laughter. Jiang Chenyu frowned, this joke was not funny at all, it was clearly aimed at Ji Ying on purpose, what did He Yi want to do?She was a little angry, and couldn't help but turned back to look at Ji Ying worriedly. However, Ji Ying's expression was the same as before, without any sign of embarrassment, and he said calmly: "Within ten years, Guangdu, Hankou, etc. The five ports of Yiguo, Binyang, Hanqu, and Luozhou are fully open, and Yiguo is allowed to set up a shipping company in these five ports, and the tax rate for all transactions will be reduced by another 70%."

He Yi's laughter disappeared. Then, it was Ji Ying's turn to smile: "Is this condition more in line with His Majesty Yi Wang's intentions than the 30 million taels of interest offered by the Third Prince Cheng every year?" Jiang Chenyu was slightly surprised—Yi Fei and He Yi really had a secret negotiation. It seems that Yi Fei exchanged a huge profit of 30 million taels a year for Yi Guo's support. That's why Lin Su sent troops to block Hua Bin so anxiously. street. He Yi was silent for a long time before he said lightly: "How can you guess what's on my mind?" The corners of Ji Ying's lips are lightly raised. From Jiang Chenyu's perspective, one can see the crystal light refracted in his eyes. It is the confidence and calmness revealed by his confidence: "I don't need to know His Majesty's thoughts, just It's just an offer." "When will you not only be the Emperor Ye of the Bi Kingdom, but also the Cheng Kingdom?" Jiang Chenyu frowned again - this sentence is too ironic!If it is spread, the world will be in chaos, and Zhao Yin will never pass that pass.Why did He Yi harm the young master like this?So I was annoyed again. Ji Ying replied in a calmer voice than him: "Since King Cheng became my guest." As soon as this remark came out, there was a gasp in the room, and Jiang Chenyu was so surprised that he almost didn't stand up—wasn't Ming Gong taken away by Yi Fei?How did it fall into the hands of the young master?Could it be that…… Could it be that…… An answer surfaced so belatedly—— The real owner of Jiang Wanyi is not Zhao Yin, but... Ji Ying. Countless pictures came to mind following that answer. Xihe's sudden vomiting of blood, the helplessness of the imperial physicians, the folk genius doctor was introduced into the palace, and Jiang Wanyi was recommended by the court as the ambassador to the journey... The scenes were clearly events that I had seen and experienced with my own eyes, why did I not think of them until now? Jiang Chenyu tremblingly turned his gaze to Ji Ying. Ji Ying's white clothes exuded a soft brilliance in the gloom. He looked so extraordinary and unworldly, and she couldn't be more human. And she really liked him too much... …I like to think that all wisdom stagnates in front of this person. Obviously it is easy to think of it, but I have never thought about it... The corners of the lips suddenly felt a little bitter, and it was hard to tell the difference between joy and sorrow. It was no accident that Ji Ying appeared here, considering everything that happened these days, and adding that he controlled Ming Gong, it can be seen that he must be doing something in Cheng Guo.So, what is his intention?Annex Cheng country?impossible.Civil strife may be effective for a while, but to change the dynasty, it is not enough to get the Yuxi throne overnight.Even if he used thaumaturgy to successfully seize the palace tonight, but the news will be spread tomorrow, how can the people of Cheng Guo let it go?At that time, the overlords of all parties will rise up, and the banner of saving the country and defending the Lord will be as high-sounding as possible... No, no, no, Ji Ying will never do such a labor-intensive and fruitless task. So... support the puppet? Jiang Chenyu's heart moved slightly, like a ray of light penetrating the darkness, illuminating all the complicated and distorted scenes one by one. She was having an epiphany here, while He Yi on the other side finally spoke again after a long silence: "As expected... it's you." His words are extremely cryptic and have multiple meanings. But Ji Ying seemed to understand, and smiled lightly: "Why can't it be me?" "I've been wondering, Zhao Yin is young and frivolous, ambitious, and just quelled the internal troubles, it's the time when his ambition is at its peak, even when I pass by Bi country occasionally, I have to come to assassinate, how can I treat such a big piece of fat in Cheng country? But he was so negligent, and just sent a no-roots Marquis and a butcher-born general to go casually... As expected, there is another hidden game." He Yi sighed softly when he said this, "I originally thought that Dark Chess is Miss Yu, because she is too smart and mysterious." Hearing him mentioning herself, Jiang Chenyu bit her lower lip, blushing for some reason. "And no matter how you look at it, it's true: Jiang Wanyi was trapped in Cheng Gong, and she rushed to rescue him; the third prince Cheng posted a post, but she was the only one invited; as Jiang Wanyi's junior sister, she couldn't understand. Medical skills; as a drug girl, everyone must obey her orders; as an envoy, she even has two first-class secret guards... Her status is beyond doubt, very noble and very important." Jiang Chenyu's face turned even redder, but it was not because of shyness, but because of shame. She was still too immature after all. He thought that he had considered everything carefully, thought that everything was under control, but in the eyes of others, there were flaws everywhere... And sending such a flawed self to Chengguo, I am afraid, was Zhao Yin—or, Ji Ying's. real purpose. In this way, everyone's attention is focused on her, watching how she tosses, while neglecting some things hidden deeper. Jiang Chenyu's hand was silently clenched in his sleeve, originally it was difficult to distinguish between joy and sorrow, but at this moment, everything turned into sadness.Sad about my own shallowness, my own cleverness, and... the ruthlessness of those behind me. At the corner of the street just now, if Ji Ying hadn't arrived, he would really have become a wronged soul with that saber strike.Thinking about it now, I still shudder. No matter what the purpose of the person who pushed her into this situation, there is one thing that is beyond doubt - in his heart, she Jiang Chenyu is not as important as a civil strife in the enemy country. So... If, if such a decision was not made by Zhao Yin, but by Ji Ying, how could she be embarrassed? Jiang Chenyu hung her head, her fingers kept shaking, her nose seemed to be blocked by something, and she could no longer breathe air. She thought she was going to pass out, she was going to pass out soon, it was so uncomfortable, so uncomfortable, so uncomfortable... A hand suddenly reached out and pressed on her hand through the sleeve. Strange to say, her hands miraculously stopped shaking. Jiang Chenyu raised her eyes and looked up along that hand. In the faint light, Ji Ying's eyes were like stars, reflecting her, shining on her, firm, caring, and warm. Then the disappeared air rushed back into the nasal cavity, fresh, cool, but...life-saving. She suddenly plucked up her courage, and stretched out her other hand, so that the two hands were brought together, and she gently but truly held Ji Ying's hand in her hand. Actually, this is not the first physical contact between her and Ji Ying. She had hugged him once too, clinging to him as ruthlessly and desperately as a dying person clings to a driftwood. That time it felt extremely wet and cold.She clearly remembered how cold she was. But this time, it was so warm. So so warm. She held his hand, feeling the warmth flowing from his hand, and then she became warmer. Young Master... Young Master, do you know that just doubting you, this huge pain is enough to kill me! So, I don't doubt you. Absolutely not! He Yi's analysis is still going on: "However, there are too many unreasonable things about her and too many puzzles, so I was the first to exclude her. Perhaps for many people, it depends on the overall situation. But for me, I only pay attention to people. I have seen Miss Yu's people, and I am sure that she may be related to certain things, but it is definitely not the key to affect Cheng Guo." Speaking of this, He Yi There was a little more smile in her voice, so she sounded more relaxed, "Because, she is too kind. A person who would rather destroy his own king's plan and let the emperor of another country go, then No matter how smart she is, she is absolutely unreliable to those in power. Today she will disobey orders for two hundred lives, and tomorrow she will betray again for two thousand or twenty thousand lives. So Miss Yu is not." Ji Ying listened quietly, letting Jiang Chenyu hold her hand without saying a word. Zhanghua, on the other hand, also let out a chuckle suddenly, and said leisurely: "By the way, she plays the piano too well. A person who can play such an ethereal and compassionate piano sound cannot control blood, filth and darkness." political." Jiang Chenyu was ashamed again. He Yi continued: "So, I thought, if Miss Yu is not, then who is the real envoy of Bi Kingdom this time? A Pan Fang who can only drink all day long and can't speak three words with others? Or Jiang Wanyi, who has excellent medical skills and is easy-going and gentle? I don’t think anyone looks like them. I thought they were neither, but now that I think about it, they are both.” There was a sudden pause in the voice, and the tone turned into emotion, "It turns out that those two people are your disciples, and on the surface they traveled in the name of Zhao Yin, but in fact, the one who really explained to them is you...Ji Ying, Ji Ying, it's really shocking that you are so careful and careful. It's amazing..." Ji Ying was half satirized and half praised, but she still didn't feel complacent, her black pupils were deep and bottomless. He Yi sighed: "For a talent like you, with such a means, there is nothing you can't do in the world, and the conditions you offer are really attractive, I have no reason to refuse. It's a pity..." "What a pity?" In the darkness, He Yi's words spit out at an unusually slow speed, every word with a smile, but piercing like needles: "It's a pity, I'm jealous." A smile flashed across Jiang Chenyu's eyes, if the atmosphere around her was not too serious and her mood was too chaotic, she might have burst out laughing on the spot—this Emperor Yue, was acting unexpectedly capricious again... He Yi tutted his tongue and said: "I'm really jealous, and when I'm jealous, I don't want to think about which side has better conditions and more profits. What's more, even a businessman must be honest. Since I have already promised Yi No, on the premise that the other party has not breached the contract, there is absolutely no reason to go back on it. So——sorry, Qi Aohou. Let you go to waste." The voice was like pearls slipping through the brocade, smooth and smooth. It can be seen how vivid the expression on He Yi's face would be when he said this. Although he was annoyed that he deliberately opposed Ji Ying, Jiang Chenyu's mood suddenly relaxed. It seems that this heavy moment, when the truth came to light and all mysteries were solved, became no longer dark and difficult because of this person's unreasonable playing of cards and casual attitude of the game. Emperor Yue... the word Yue is really wonderful... Ji Ying remained silent. Zhang Hua coughed a few times before saying, "It seems that I also have a position of jealousy. Because I once said that only He Yi can compare with me in today's world, and now even He Yi has begun to be jealous of someone. , This trip to Chengguo was really rewarding." He Yi smiled and said: "Hey, don't you just follow me in everything, okay?" "Nonsense, when did I learn from you?" "Aren't you saying no? Back then, I praised Yueling's monkey wine as the best, so you just sent people there to catch monkeys and make wine for you..." "You have the nerve to say that? In order to catch that monkey, I spent a lot of time and effort, and even secretly sent someone to hide it from the eyes and ears of the Taifu and other ministers. Who would have thought that after I catch it, I won't be able to make wine at all!" "Monkeys only grow in the mountains. If you catch them in the palace and send people to watch them every day, they are afraid of dying. It's no wonder they grow!" The two of them argued with each other sentence by sentence. Jiang Chenyu was clear in his heart, the two of them deliberately changed the subject to embarrass Ji Ying, let him make all kinds of calculations, and failed at the most critical point.In fact, such an approach is not terrible. If it is someone else, it will be a dead game at this point.So... how will the young master take the next step? Ji Ying took a breath and spoke, her voice didn't increase, but she suppressed their voices all of a sudden: "Why didn't King Yan listen to my conditions first?" Zhang Hua stopped bickering with He Yi, and said with a smile: "Conditions? I don't think so. Even if you give me the entire Cheng Kingdom, I'm not interested. I, Da Yan, have a vast land, rich resources, everything, strong soldiers, and self-sufficiency. What's the use of an isolated island across the sea, barren land, and full of thugs and mobs?" Jiang Chenyu's heart was shocked - good, good... What a King Yan! How rampant these words are! How heroic! When they were young, Master Bi once said to them in class: Only those who have nothing at home will covet other people's homes.If you have everything you need in your home, enjoy it endlessly, and everything is better than other homes, how can you rob other people's things? Throughout history, the Yan Kingdom is the oldest and the most peaceful.Although it is a big country, it has never taken the initiative to go to war. It has always only fought back fiercely when other countries attacked it.Among the four countries, the national style of Yan is the most enlightened, treating foreigners with courtesy and treating them equally.Take the matter of asking for directions as an example, Master Bi once made up such a joke—— A person lost his way, so he went to ask for directions. One drew his sword and said, "If you beat me, I will tell you." This person is Cheng Ren. One smiled and said, "Give me the money, and I'll tell you." This person is pleasant. One bowed very politely, apologized for not knowing the way, but turned and went there on his own. This person is Biren. A person not only tells you in detail, but also takes you to that place himself. This person is from Yan. Master Bi finally said with emotion: "Cheng people are vulgar but martial; Although, he just took a typical example and cannot generalize, but he also explained the essence of the four countries to a certain extent. Now, when I heard with my own ears that the king of that great and powerful country said such words in such an understatement, I was shocked for a moment, and my heart was filled with pride—— This is the real power! Don't be greedy because you have everything. Being unselfish is because of self-improvement. In contrast, whether it is Cheng Guo or Bi Country, they are all living so... tired. Jiang Chenyu couldn't help letting out a long sigh from the bottom of her heart. Then I heard Ji Ying say in his voice as warm as water and as elegant as snow: "What if the condition I put forward is not the country?" Zhang Hua casually smiled and said, "Isn't it a country? What is that?" Ji Ying said slowly, "Well, others, such as some... living things?" Zhang Hua's laughter disappeared. Ji Ying turned her eyes and looked outside the door: "What are you waiting for?" The small door was pushed open with a "squeak", and bright light came in immediately, and a person appeared with it. Holding a box in his hand, the man walked in slowly, his figure was outlined by the moonlight, thin and small. Some chairs were knocked over, some people gasped in surprise, some people let out an "ah" and were quickly held back... In such a chaotic moment, Zhang Hua's voice sounded hesitantly and never came back. The previous composure. "Xue...cai?" Jiang Chenyu was stunned for a while, and then, deep pity rose in his heart. The memory uncovered when he fell into a coma not long ago overlapped and intertwined with the real person who appeared at this moment, and the contrast was sharp: the young man standing in the hall was a little taller than when I met him in the Qiaohou Mansion before entering the palace, but he looked even taller. Thin, wearing a light brown linen robe, his long hair tied loosely behind his waist with a hemp rope.Although the outline of the eyebrows has not changed much, it has long since lost the brilliance of the past. Xue Cai... The pearl that was forcibly kept in the world because of her private wish. Now, covered in dust and dust, sharpened, and radiant. Thinking of this, Jiang Chenyu felt extremely guilty, subconsciously clenched Ji Ying's hand, and Ji Ying cast a glance at her thoughtfully. In the hall, Xue Cai had already walked in front of Zhanghua's screen, stood still, lifted his robe, bent his knees, and knelt down: "Xue Cai of Bi Kingdom, I pay my respects to His Majesty the King of Yan." Behind the screen, Zhang Hua was speechless for a long time. On the other hand, another voice "hummed" and said: "So he is Xue Cai. When I heard it before, I thought he was such a great person. I didn't expect that when I saw him today, I was really disappointed..." "Ruyi, shut up!" Jixiang gasped. "Why should I shut up? I'm not wrong! Look at him, he is dry and withered, as thin as a skeleton ghost, what pearls and jade dew, what Zhilan Yushu, what Yushu Qiongzhi, what beautiful appearance , What is the quality of Qionglin jade, what is good gold and beautiful jade... Bah, it is obviously not related to any of them!" Jixiang was stunned and said, "Wow, Ruyi, you didn't make a mistake when you said the idiom for the first time, and you said so many in one breath..." "Hmph, I remember all of this! I remember how His Majesty praised him on weekdays." Ruyi said, and rushed around the screen to Xue Cai, looking down at him with her chin condescendingly, her face full of contempt and disdain. provocative. Xue Cai looked back at him calmly. Ruyi snorted and said, "What? Are you not convinced by what I said?" Xue Cai didn't even move her eyebrows, but said two words from her lips lightly: "Short." Ruyi suddenly jumped up as if struck by lightning: "What? What are you talking about? Short, short, short? You actually called me short, short, short? Ming, Ming, obviously you are shorter than me ah ah ah ah Ah..." He said furiously. Behind the screen, Jixiang made a "puchi" and couldn't help laughing. Zhang Hua suddenly coughed. The voice was very soft, but Jixiang immediately covered his mouth, not daring to laugh anymore. Then, Zhang Hua said: "Ruyi, step back." Ruyi pursed her mouth and went back unwillingly, still muttering in her mouth: "What, why does a person who is shorter than me dare to laugh at my height so arrogantly, I hate..." There was a moment of silence in the room. When Zhang Hua spoke again, the slight smile in his voice disappeared, and he became serious: "Bing Li." As soon as these two words were called out, not only Xue Cai who was kneeling in the hall, but even Jiang Chenyu who was sitting upright was shocked—how many times have you been so stunning, so beautiful, and so romantic, because of these two words?Prosperous because of these two characters?And because of these two words, it finally became a heavy shackle... She couldn't help thinking: what is Xue Cai thinking now?What would he think when he was wearing rough clothes and kneeling in front of King Yan who praised him, admired him, and favored him as a servant?Is it sad?Is humiliation?Is it clenching the bullet and pretending to be strong?or something else? ——What would happen if you replaced yourself in such a scene? It's so sad... In such a scene, another person's situation actually made her so sad. Son... you…… too cruel. Why did Xue Cai come out to face King Yan so abruptly?Not even a sliver of generous mercy?Why should his arrogance be smashed so cleanly and thoroughly?Even though you might be doing it for his own good, but— It hurts so much... Such bloody pain, even a bystander like her can't bear it, let alone a child?A child who is only seven years old this year? Her eyes were moist again. Compared to Jiang Chenyu's worry, Xue Cai seemed much calmer, he just slightly raised his eyes, looked at the screen, and replied: "Yes." Zhanghua said: "Bingli, if I gave you nine points back then, how much do you think you are now?" Jiang Chenyu frowned, what King Yan said was quite mysterious. In the ear, Xue Cai asked without answering: "Back then, why did His Majesty give me nine points?" "You are a young man who is talented, talented, literary and elegant, and has a sense of speech and deeds. This is three points; The calmness and arrogance that are far behind, this is also three points." Xue Cai suddenly smiled. His palm-sized face, plain white face, and jet-black eyes originally looked like a pool of dead ink, but now with a smile, it spreads like ink. The extremely flexible silhouette. "That's how it is. Now that I have lost all my talent, my appearance, and my arrogance, I have lost all nine points. Therefore, to His Majesty, I am worthless and worthless, right?" Zhanghua didn't speak, but Ruyi snorted coldly: "Of course." Xue Cai continued to laugh: "So, Your Majesty will never trade Cheng Guo for me?" Ruyi jumped up again, stomped her feet and said, "Dream, dream, dream! It's impossible to think about it! Hey, let me tell you why you are so thick-skinned, how can anyone want to sell yourself so eagerly..." Before he could finish his words, Xue Cai raised his eyebrows, and said leisurely, "However, why does Your Majesty believe that the living thing my master mentioned is... me?" Ruyi was stunned, and was stunned for a moment: "What did you say?" Xue Cai stood up on her own, walked a few steps forward, raised the box that she had been holding in her hand over her head, and said respectfully: "My master is willing to exchange the things in the box for a promise from King Yan." Ruyi walked out resentfully, took the box, and stared at him a few more times: "You don't want to play tricks, what's in this box? Let me take a look..." He opened the lid while talking. Looking at it from Jiang Chenyu's point of view, he just couldn't see the contents of the box, but Ruyi's expression suddenly became extremely frightened, and then showed ecstasy, and rushed back behind the screen with the box in his hand and said, "Your Majesty, Look! Oh my god, it's true! Ahhh, it's true!" Jiang Chenyu couldn't help looking at Ji Ying curiously, sensing her gaze, Ji Ying smiled at her, but did not explain further. So she can only continue to wait and see. There were chattering discussions behind the screen of King Yan, but if you listen carefully, you can only vaguely catch a few words like "unique", "absolutely rare treasure", "Oh, I really found it!" " Such words. Reminiscent of what He Yi said before, it seems that the reason why King Yan came to Cheng Guo was to find something, but Ji Ying found this item first, and now Xue Cai presented it as a bargaining chip. Under Jiang Chenyu's guess, Zhang Hua sighed for a long time, and said in a low voice: "That's all." Ji Ying smiled and said, "His Majesty King Yan agrees?" "Ok." Although it was a very simple word, Jiang Chenyu felt that Ji Ying's hand trembled slightly, and then let go.It turns out that no matter how confident you are, you will eventually be nervous. Son, you will be nervous too. For some reason, this discovery made her feel a little happy.Because outsiders see Ji Ying is so perfect, but only she has seen his unknown appearance. Two years ago, she saw him sad, so that time, she fell in love with him. Two years later, she saw him nervous, so she fell in love again. I really want to capture these invisible him with my eyes, and imprint them in my memory, like portraits drawn with pen and ink, one by one, bound into a book. Even if there is no ending, but when the time passes by and when she is old, it will be a very happy and happy thing to dig out from the depths of her memory and open the booklet page by page, right? Bit by bit, I want to remember. Even if there is suspicion, pain, complaints, and disappointment, I am not willing to forget it. Ji Ying Yu her——is such a kind of existence. Jiang Chenyu lowered his head, and couldn't help but clenched his hand slightly. Ji Ying said, "Your Majesty hasn't heard what promise I'm asking for." Zhang Hua said: "I promise you not to intervene in Cheng Guo's civil strife, and to be an outsider completely and thoroughly—isn't that enough?" Ji Ying smiled and said, "Not enough." His voice is lower than ordinary people, different from Zhanghua's hoarseness, his voice is clear and moist, like the bright wind, clear jade, soft silk thread, with an indescribable softness, utterable words, But it seemed decisive and undeniable. Therefore, when he said the word "not enough" with a smile that seemed to be understated, Jiang Chenyu felt that the atmosphere in the room suddenly changed. The tit-for-tat confrontation, which was not too tense, suddenly became aggravated because of these two words. Zhang Hua was really displeased: "I don't like to bargain with others." "It's an honor. I'm the same as Your Majesty on this point. I don't like bargaining. I really don't like it." Ji Ying said leisurely. What responded to him was He Yi's intentional hahaha three dry laughs. Ji Ying ignored He Yi's teasing, and continued: "Actually, my condition is very simple - I just ask the two of you to issue an order and support one person. It's not much different from standing on the sidelines, just talking about it." Zhang Hua's voice became deeper and deeper: "The reason why I promised you just now is not really because of the gift you gave me." "I know." Ji Ying said with a smile, "It's a mere courtesy, only King Bo Yan smiled." "The reason why I agreed to you is because of three reasons. First, my trip is private, but you can find out my real purpose, which means that you have planted an eyeliner beside me, and it is a very important eyeliner. " When Zhanghua said this, he paused for a while, and Ruyi intuitively shouted: "It's not me!" Zhang Hua hummed lightly. Ruyi opened her eyes wide, waved her hands and said, "It's not me, it's not me, it's really not me!" Zhang Hua lowered his face and said lightly, "Shut up." Ruyi quickly covered her mouth with both hands, opened her big black eyes, and shook her head sincerely, expressing that she would not speak anymore. Zhang Hua's eyes softened a little, and he continued: "As for who that eyeliner is, I don't want to pursue it now; the second reason is that it took me ten years to find such a thing, and I don't know how much manpower and financial resources were spent during this period. You were able to get it one step ahead of me, I admire you from the bottom of my heart.” Ji Ying said, "I just hit the right time." "Luck is also a kind of strength. Therefore, my intuition tells me that it is best not to be your enemy. And the third point is also the most important point - I have to say that you have chosen the best giver." Zhang Hua Speaking of this, he smiled wryly, and said sadly, "You clearly know that I can't bear to refuse Xue Cai's request. What's more... it's a... Xiao, Xue, Cai." Jiang Chenyu pursed the corners of her lips, even though the words sounded ambiguous to others, she felt that she could understand King Yan.Because she has the same feelings as him - such a thin Xue Cai, who is no longer beautiful, is really sad.It was so sad that it would be a great sin to refuse his request again. And Zhang Hua obviously liked him more than she did. Xue Cai stood on the spot, with his hands behind his back and his head bowed, with a standard servant posture, his messy bangs hanging down, covering his eyes, so he couldn't see the expression on his face at the moment.I don't know how he, the person involved, felt after hearing such heartfelt words? Ji Ying glanced at him, with a pensive look in his eyes again, and then suddenly asked: "Xiao Cai, are you willing to go with King Yan?" Xue Cai stood for a long time before slowly raising his head, his eyes became darker and darker. Ji Ying said: "As long as you are willing, I will let you go." Although he said these words easily, Jiang Chenyu's heart skipped a beat—Xue Cai was different from other slaves, he was a pawn deliberately arranged by Zhao Yin for the son, in order to restrict both parties.If Ji Ying is too kind to him, Zhao Yin will be suspicious, let alone release him?Zhanghua loves Xue Cai so much, coupled with Xue Cai's own talent, he will become a great weapon in the future, and once he goes to the country of Yan to become a marquis and pay homage to the prime minister, he will undoubtedly slap Zhao Yin severely in front of the world However, if he is more ruthless and attacks the country of Bi, no matter who wins or loses, a catastrophe is inevitable. Why did the son make such a decision that he would rather offend the emperor than let the tiger go back to the mountain?Why? In her series of horrified guesses, Xue Cai opened his mouth and said, "No." As soon as this word came out, the dust settled. Before Ji Ying could speak, Zhang Hua asked, "Why?" Xue Cai turned to the screen, raised her eyebrows, and smiled: "Because there is a dwarf I hate next to Your Majesty." “什么——”毫无意外的，如意再次爆怒，“圣上，他、他、他、他故意的！他是故意拿我当借口的啊，我、我、我、我明明比他高啊啊啊啊……” 姜沉鱼忍不住莞尔，薛采这个借口，找得好可爱，谁都知道是借口，但谁都没办法反驳。 “而且，”薛采一笑过后，恢复正色道，“对于奴仆而言，一位出尔反尔的主人，远比少恩寡宠的主人更难伺候。” 彰华的声音沉了下去：“你说什么？” “先前，我家主人问：陛下同意了？陛下回了一个嗯字。也就是说，陛下已经明确表示了，会同意我家主人的要求——任何要求。但是，当后来听闻我家主人要求的不仅仅是置身事外，还有声援某人时，陛下就开始迟疑，甚至顾左右而言他……”薛采说到这里，又笑了笑，“睹微知著。虽然我家主人是得寸进尺了些，但君无戏言，两相对比，孰去孰从，很容易得出答案吧？” 他这一番话，无疑说得大胆之极，也危险之极。无论如何，对方可是燕王，四国之首的燕国的帝王。而他，却当着他的面，指责对方不守信用。 果然，如意立刻护主心切地吼道：“大胆薛采！竟敢这样污蔑我家圣上！顶撞天威可是死罪！来人，将他给我拿下！” 房间里静悄悄的，没有人说话，更没有人动作。 如意提高声音：“来人——” 依旧一片静谧。 如意跺脚，转向彰华，委屈道：“圣上……” 回应他的，却是彰华眉头微皱的沉默，以及半垂的眼睛里，一闪而过的情绪，像是——痛苦？ 他心头大震，豁然间，明白了一些事情——他的圣上，对薛采，怀有非常异样的感情，因此，无论薛采对他说了什么，做了什么，都不会对薛采发脾气。 在知晓了这一点后，忽然间，身体也就失去了所有的冲动与怒气，变得非常疲惫，不想再说话。 于是他后退一步，低下了头。 吉祥悄悄地朝他挪近几步，然后默默地拍了拍他的肩膀。 更长的一段静谧之后，彰华抬起一只手，揉了下自己的眉心，然后低低地笑了起来，边笑边叹道：“好！好一个淇奥侯！”他不夸薛采胆识过人，却夸起姬婴，气氛不但没有轻松，反而显得更加诡异。 姬婴则依旧没什么表情。 “说吧，你要我声援谁？” “且慢——”这一次，出声阻挠的，是赫奕。 只听赫奕笑道：“淇奥侯果然了得，不但运筹帷幄雄才大略，连降奴术都高人一筹，这么一个恃才傲物天下皆知的小冰璃，都被你调教得服服帖帖，连自由都放弃了，还帮着你反过头去咬自己的恩人，有趣啊有趣。” 他虽然说得刻薄，但却是事实。当日若非有燕王写信给昭尹，薛采肯定救不下来。而今日薛采却不但不感念彰华的恩情，反而帮着姬婴逼他，想来彰华是真的挺寒心的。 姬婴还没说话，薛采已淡淡道：“救命之恩，没齿难忘。然现在事关社稷，关系到四国的所有利益，关系到天下百姓的安危，薛采不敢以私人之情偏天下之势，同样，宜王陛下可以嘲笑我，但却不可以嘲笑时事。” 赫奕呆了一下，冷笑道：“好，好一个心系天下的小薛采。真是颇得你主之风，什么龌龊事都套上'社稷'二字，就都显得大义凛然了。” 薛采不卑不亢地继续道：“两位陛下既然肯来至此处，说明你们已经有了与我方谈判的心理准备，我方开出条件，你们裹足不前，更反过来嘲笑我方虚伪龌龊——试问，在这场内乱爆发前，两位又做了什么？一位以贺寿为名行私谋之事；一位则与程三皇子做了暗中交易——两位分明都已经预见了这场大乱，一个袖手旁观，一个推波助澜。袖手旁观者并非不重利益，而是利益不多看不上眼；推波助澜者，都是趁火打劫，又何须说什么商人要守诚信这样的话语？究竟是谁更虚伪？” 一番话，说得是毫无停顿，流畅无比，句句掷地有声。 一时间，室内静谧，众人皆无言。 姜沉鱼不禁想到，难怪当年昭尹会派薛采出使燕国，本以为他只不过是人小鬼大，而今方知，口才也是一等一的好。但他如今在这种关键时刻挺身而出舌战双雄，词多冒犯，难道就不怕两位皇帝真的发起火来将他治罪？他有什么样的依持？又是什么样的目的？为什么要这样帮璧国争取利益？为什么要听从姬婴的话？ “既然都是利益，就没什么不可以摆上来谈的。燕王虽然看不上荒岛小国，但就不想知道程国秘不外传的锻造冶铁术？燕之所以为泱泱大国，除了人才济济之外，更因为虚心接纳众集所长，可以自强自给，但绝对不是刚愎自大；而宜国的商贩之所以能遍布天下，有阳光的地方就有宜国的商铺，难道不是一点一滴权衡得失地争取来的？如今你在此放弃了七成降率，他日，你也许就会放弃更多。筑谭积水，连续千日；决堤山洪，却是一泻万里。宜王陛下真的不在乎？”薛采说到这里，忽然沉默了，脸上的表情变得阴晴不定，半晌，才再度抬眼道，“程国的这场夺嫡之乱，于我们三方而言，不过是一念之间，但于程国的百姓而言，很可能就是妻离子散、国破家亡……帝王之威，不是体现在'一语灭天下'，而是'一言救苍生'。” 姜沉鱼细细咀嚼着这最后一句话，不禁有些痴了。 诚然，要想杀一个人，对帝王而言实在是太容易了，他们动动嘴皮，就可判人生死，灭人九族。然而，那样的威严是强大的，却也是可怕的。比起毁灭，人们更敬仰“宽恕”。 今日，此刻，在这个暗室之中，他们谈判的结果将直接导致程国的将来。他们无情些，帝都就一场血雨；他们仁慈些，则有丽日晴天。 这样的关键时刻，个人的恩怨、喜好、私念，的确是要摒弃得彻彻底底，才能做出最正确的抉择——薛采，没有错。 姜沉鱼将目光转向姬婴——公子，也没有错。 得出这个结论后，她的心一下子就变得平静了，原先的浮躁不安猜疑，通通烟消云散。 而赫奕，显然也被这番话说服了，沉吟许久后，道：“你们想怎么做？” “很简单。”这回，终于轮到姬婴说话，“快刀斩乱麻。” “怎么个斩法？” “齐三国之力，迅速扶植程国一位王孙成为下一任程王，处死叛党，平定内乱。”姬婴的语调并没有加快，依旧如平时一般从容，然而，随着这样一句话，室内的气氛更肃穆了几分。 彰华问道：“你想扶植谁？” 赫奕轻哼道：“肯定不是颐非了，否则他何须如此大费周章。” 彰华缓缓道：“颐非的确是个人物，表面看似荒诞不稽，但胸怀大志，可惜，聪明得过了头，也任性得过了头。以他的实力，本无需装疯卖傻，但他却偏要，或者说嗜爱特立独行。这样的人，可以是最好的名士，但却绝对不能当帝王。帝王，必须要舍得，舍得放弃自己的一部分特征。不中庸，无以成表率。所以，如果让他当上程王，程国将来民风如何，难以想像。” 赫奕道：“那涵祁更不行！就他那种好战的性子，当上程王后，活脱脱是又一个铭弓，到时候频频开战，不是给我们添麻烦么？” 彰华道：“不错，涵祁是万万不行的。” 赫奕道：“那么只剩下了麟素。他虽然为人庸碌懦弱了些，再加上身体不好，当了皇帝后，虽然对子民无益，但也不至于变成祸害。也罢，就选他吧，咱们也都省心些，太太平平地过上十年。” 姬婴微微一笑，忽然插话：“不。” 此言一出，又令得人人一惊。 赫奕强忍怒气道：“你究竟想怎么样？” “麟素是万万选不得的。” “为什么？”赫奕和彰华同时问道。 “因为他很快就要死了。”清冷的语音绽放在空气中，却宛若一道惊雷劈落，震得天崩地裂。 然而，说这句话的人，却不是姬婴。 只听一阵格格声从大厅中央的那把椅子上传出来，灯光慢慢地上升——其实，不是灯光上升，而是椅子在上升，连同着椅上的灯也越来越高，灯一高了，照着的地方也就越大，室内也就越来越明亮。 原来，椅子所摆放的地方是个设计精巧的机关，此刻露出了一个直径三尺的圆柱，圆柱上有一道门，而刚才那句话就是从这门内传出的。 姜沉鱼万万没想到，厅内还有另一个人，而且，一直藏在椅子下面。 姬婴缓缓道：“不错，我请两位陛下下旨声援支持其成为程王的人，就是——你还不出来？” “吱呀”一声，圆柱上的门开了。 一个人慢慢地走了出来。 鸦般的长发无风自荡，像丝缎一样披在身上，她伸出手来那么轻轻一挽，露出明洁的脸庞——那是尘埃，都为之自惭形秽的美丽。 而这一回，轮到姜沉鱼出声打破了一室寂静：“颐……殊公主？”