Chapter 12 Chapter 12 Retiring

When Han Xiao saw Di Qing mentioning the murderer, he also froze, and hurriedly asked, "General Di, who is the murderer?" In the past, every time there was news, Di Qing would discuss with Han Xiao.Over the years, although Han Xiao is a subordinate, he has helped Di Qing a lot. Di Qing has long regarded Han Xiao as a brother. Han Xiao knows many secrets and even many things about Shambhala. But this time Di Qing surprisingly did not answer. He finally recovered his composure after listening to Han Xiao's question, put the letter on the table, sat down slowly and said, "Han Xiao, I want to be quiet. At dawn, I will Talk to you some more."

Han Xiao was a little uneasy, but still respected Di Qing's decision, and led the little beggar out.Han Xiao was careful, and asked the little beggar who sent the letter.But the little beggar was also ignorant, saying that the messenger's appearance was nothing more than a nose and two eyes, and there was nothing special about it. Han Xiao didn't know whether the little beggar was really stupid or just pretending to be stupid. After letting the little beggar leave, he found someone to follow the beggar. After a few hours, his subordinates wrote back, saying that there was nothing suspicious about the beggar.Han Xiao was greatly disappointed, and he really wanted to know what the letter in Di Qing's hand was about.

If the murderer is really known in that letter, it is really questionable who the sender is.Han Xiao couldn't figure it out after much deliberation. Guo Kui went to the palace during the day, and when it was dawn, he still hadn't turned around. Han Xiao was very worried.Seeing that the sky was already white, I finally couldn't bear to see Di Qing again. The moment he saw Di Qing again, Han Xiao suddenly felt sad, but this night, he felt that Di Qing's temples seemed to have more gray hair. Di Qing looked very haggard. When Han Xiao came in, he didn't look up. He just looked at the letter on the table and stayed up all night.

Han Xiao took some water and dry food and handed them over, "General Di, you can eat something." Only he still remembered that Di Qing hadn't eaten for two nights and one day. Di Qing looked up at Han Xiao, and suddenly asked a nonsensical question, "What would you do if someone you trusted lied to you?" Han Xiao was taken aback, but said with a clear conscience: "I want to know whether he did it on purpose or not." He was thinking, "What does General Di mean by this sentence?" Di Qing murmured: "Could he be unintentional? If it's true, I'm afraid he had decided to lie to me many years ago. But I don't understand, why did he do that?"

Standing up with some difficulty, Di Qing said: "The letter is on the table, you can read it if you want. But you have to promise me one condition..." Di Qing looked at Han with bloodshot eyes and said with a smile: "You read this After sealing the letter, burn it, and don't mention it to anyone in the future. I'll go see someone." After saying that, he walked out of the Yang Mansion. Han Xiao looked at the letter, worried and curious in his heart, finally couldn't help stretching out his hand, picked up the letter, just glanced at it, and his expression changed drastically!

Di Qing has left the Guo residence. At this time, the red sun had not yet risen, the dew washed the ancient city, and the Kaifeng mansion was shrouded in light mist, making it hazy everywhere. Di Qing let out a long sigh, and walked in one direction.He walked faster and faster, and not long after, he had arrived in front of the Eighth Prince's mansion. Standing in front of the palace gate, Di Qing had a complex expression, but still firmly patted the door knocker a few times.After waiting for a while, housekeeper Zhao opened the courtyard door, saw that it was Di Qing, and stepped aside without saying much.Zhao Guan's family has long been used to silence, and Di Qing has also been used to this kind of treatment, so he went straight to the living room.

It was still early, and at some point, the Eighth Prince had already started drinking tea in the hall.The fragrance of tea is overflowing. Seeing Di Qing coming, the Eighth Prince seemed a little surprised, stood up instantly, and said anxiously: "Di Qing, I was just going to find you." Di Qing stared at the Eighth Prince for a long time, then said: "I also have some troubles, and I need the Eighth Prince to solve them for me." The Eighth Prince was slightly stunned, feeling that Di Qing's address seemed a bit dignified, and sighed: "Although this matter is tricky, I am your uncle after all, and I have a relationship with Yushang. I will definitely do my best to help you. Nephew "Sit down first, let's discuss it before making a decision."

Di Qing sat down opposite the table and glanced at the table.The Eighth Prince said: "Do you want tea?" Seeing Di Qing shaking his head, the Eighth Prince frowned and said, "I know you probably don't have the heart to drink tea now, Di Qing, you've got into big trouble this time. I heard you broke into Xia The embassy, ​​openly confronted Wang Zhongcheng, and injured Wen Yanbo." Di Qing frowned, "Did I hurt Wen Yanbo?" The Eighth Prince said: "Yes, when Wen Yanbo came out to persuade you to put down the knife, you pushed him, and I heard that he fell hard. Wen Yanbo is a censor, you can make everyone in the Yushitai stand Offended. Sigh... If it was okay the day before yesterday, but after a day, you will be terrible."

Di Qing said indifferently: "Why do you say that?" He didn't seem to take these things to heart at all. The Eighth Prince didn't notice Di Qing's strangeness, and said with a concerned expression: "Di Qing, you probably don't know that since the implementation of the new law of the Holy One, Fan Zhongyan has been used more than Lu Yijian's aspect. Fan Zhongyan was reluctant to leave Xia Song in the two mansions, and read a copy of Xia Song. Not wanting to be seen through by the admonition court, Ouyang Xiu immediately wrote a letter, thinking that most of the imperial officials were not talented, and pointed the finger at Wang Gong Chen. Ouyang Xiu is a member of Fan Zhongyan. When he published this book, Yushitai was very angry, thinking that Fan Zhongyan was going to attack Yushitai. He heard that he would join forces to rectify the remonstrance court and oppose the new law..."

Di Qing listened leisurely, as if it had nothing to do with him.In fact, he was very disgusted with the court's power struggle and intrigue, but he preferred the simplicity of the Northwest. The Eighth Prince said again: "You can also be regarded as Fan Zhongyan's person. Yu Shitai knew that Fan Zhongyan could not be defeated for the time being, so he intended to attack you. I heard that yesterday, Wang Gongchen, Wen Yanbo and Liang Jian successively wrote letters to Yu Shitai , the content of the impeachment is all related to you. Probably obstructing the peace talks, trespassing on the Xia embassy, ​​committing crimes, and beating civil servants. Some people even said that it was you who instigated and incited the people in the capital to rebel intentionally when they came to the Xia embassy! This is troublesome! It's big."

The Eighth Prince rubbed his hands again and again, looking anxious, suddenly found that Di Qing was still very calm, couldn't help but said: "Nephew, why are you not worried at all?" Di Qing looked into the eyes of the Eighth Prince and said, "Since the Empress Dowager came to power, in order to avoid suspicion, you have often lived in seclusion in the mansion. After the Son of Heaven took power, the Eighth Prince has always been like this, right?" The Eighth Prince frowned, as if he didn't understand why Di Qing brought up this matter when the fire was imminent. Di Qing said: "Although the Eighth Prince has been living in seclusion in the mansion, he seems to know more about the affairs of the court than many people. This matter is a bit strange." The Eighth Prince had a strange look on his face, took a sip of tea and said, "Of course this king is doing it for you, so I have been inquiring about this information in many ways." "Really?" Di Qing's eyes were burning, and suddenly there was grief and indignation, and he said each word: "Then you killed Yang Nian'en, was it because of me?" With the sound of "clang", the Eighth Prince shook his hand, and the teacup fell on the table and broke into pieces. The tea flowed wantonly, even onto the clean clothes of the Eighth Prince. The Eighth Prince didn't pay attention, but looked at Di Qing in amazement and said, "What did you say?" Di Qing said coldly: "I know you heard it very clearly. You sent someone to kill Yang Nian'en, and then lured Guo Kui to go to the embassy of Xia Guo. You know my character, and you also know that I will go to save you when I know this. Guo Kui, in this way, it will be difficult for Song Xia to negotiate peace. Up to now, you still pretend to help me, but I am really afraid, how will you help me?" The Eighth Prince listened quietly, and suddenly said: "It's over? Don't you think it's funny?" Di Qing looked pale, and said slowly: "I don't think it's funny at all. I've been wondering why Feiying knew about Yushang, and why did Wang know that I had five dragons on me when I returned to Beijing? Want to search my package? You sent someone to tell them that, didn't you?" The Eighth Prince said: "I am definitely not the only one who knows that you have five dragons on your body." Di Qing asked back: "How many people know that I have five dragons on my body, but when I mentioned Wang Ze and Feiying, you were not surprised at all. I never told you about these two people, you How did you know these things? Is it because you have been in touch with them all the time?" The Eighth Prince's complexion suddenly changed, with a gloomy look in his eyes.He has nothing to say. Di Qing smiled, his smile was full of bitterness, and he murmured: "When I knew you were the murderer, it was really hard to believe this fact, but I thought about it all night, and finally figured out a lot of things. You have always wanted to Those who went to Shambhala, you started looking for Shambhala before Yushang was seriously injured. You refused to tell me the details of the person surnamed Cao, because you were afraid that I would find something about you from the person surnamed Cao. " The Eighth Prince wanted to serve tea, only to find that the teacup was broken, and said hoarsely, "Is there something I'm afraid you will know?" "You are afraid that I know that your real intention is not to save Yushang, but to hope that Shambhala will help you usurp the throne. You are afraid that others will know that you have been in contact with bandits. Back then, I went to find a businessman with the surname of Li in Shambhala with someone surnamed Cao. , that is, the Lingnan Bandit Li Nantian, isn't it you who sent him?" The Eighth Prince's expression changed again, and his body trembled uncontrollably.Di Qing knew far more than he imagined. Di Qing said: "Back then, Zhao Yunsheng had a grudge about depriving the crown prince of the East Palace, so he colluded with the Xia people to cause chaos and was put down by the emperor. In fact, you are the same as him, and you have a grudge against not being able to inherit the throne. But you are obviously more serious. It is even more secretive. You are afraid that the queen mother will see your ambition, so you have been avoiding disasters, and when the queen mother dies, you can't wait to jump out and criticize the queen mother, hoping to win the favor of the emperor and gain power... But as far as I know You know, the Son of Heaven did not use you highly, but on the contrary alienated you a little bit, you held a grudge, and began to collude with the gang of thieves, looking for Shambhala, hoping that Shambhala can satisfy your ambition to become emperor." After saying this in one breath, Di Qing's helpless eyes suddenly became angry, "But I don't blame you for doing these things, but why did you have to kill Yang Nian'en?" The Eighth Prince's face changed rapidly, and he forced himself to say: "Di Qing, you are talking nonsense. What you think is totally wrong, and I have never killed Yang Nian'en. It is true that I have connections with Feiying and the others, but I want to use them to find Xiang Come and rescue Yushang, Bala." Speaking of this, the Eighth Prince had tears in his eyes, and said sadly: "But I really never thought that you would doubt me. Yu Chang believed you wrong..." Di Qing suddenly got up, and angrily slapped the table and said: "You lied! You still lie to me now? You killed Yang Nian'en and Xiaoyue, because you realized that they knew a secret of you. Xiaoyue came to me at the beginning, what did you say? "No, I have to tell Di Qing, put..." I always thought she wanted me to do something, but what she said was not about, but eight, the eight of your eighth prince! What she wants to say has something to do with you , has something to do with your secret!" The Eighth Prince was shocked and said in a low voice, "What secret do I have?" Di Qing's eyes spit fire, and he clenched his fists tightly and said, "Because Yang Nian'en and the others know that you are not Yu Chang's father at all!" As soon as these words came out, the hall was frozen like ice.In Di Qing's anger, mixed with the sadness of being deceived, it turns out...he never helped Yushang find his biological father. When he learned this from the letter, he just felt sorry for Yushang. The Eighth Prince's face was pale, and there was sweat on his forehead, flowing from his nose to the corners of his mouth, astringent and sore. After a long time, the Eighth Prince said: "You... what did you say?" His voice was hoarse, his voice was like crying, "Impossible... Impossible." He didn't know whether it was the impossible that Di Qing said, or the It is impossible for anyone to know this secret again. Huo Ran stood up, and the Eighth Prince said urgently: "Di Qing, if I wasn't Yu Chang's father, how could I have turned against the Queen Mother because of this in front of Huangyi's gate? If I wasn't Yu Chang's father, why did I go around so much afterwards?" Di Qing sneered and said, "You conspired with Zhao Yunsheng to rebel, but in fact you have always played the role of two sides. If Zhao Yunsheng's change in Huangyimen was successful, you would have credit for it, but at that time you saw Zhao Yunsheng's failure." , eager to get rid of the crime, so I used Yu Chang's identity to cover up your crime, pretending to be unavoidable. Zhao Yuanyan, what else do you have to say so far?" The Eighth Prince took a step back, shook his head and said, "Impossible, impossible... You can't know." Di Qing said coldly: "Xiaoyue loves Wujiu, after knowing that you are not Yushang's biological father, I was afraid that you would harm me, so I came to tell me the truth because of Yushang, but when you found out, you sent someone to kill Xiaoyue and Yushang." There were thirteen members of the Yang family, and then pointed the finger at Xia Envoy. Zhao Yuanyan, you lied to me, and I can forgive you. But you sent people to kill Xiaoyue and so many members of the Yang family, how do you ask me to forgive you? " The Eighth Prince was in a daze, as if he didn't hear what Di Qing said, his eyes suddenly showed deep fear, and he asked in a trembling voice: "Di Qing, you can't possibly know these things, who told you these things?" Di Qing actually wanted to know who wrote the letter. The content of that letter was simple and clear, it only said, "Zhao Yuanyan conspired to rebel, he should be the real culprit who killed Yang Nianen, he is not the father of Yang Yushang!" It was these simple words that struck Di Qing like a thunderbolt. When Di Qing first saw the contents of the letter, he didn't believe it at all.But those three sentences drew out too much of his thoughts, and many conclusions drawn from these three sentences are logical. If it wasn't for the reminder in the letter, Di Qing would never have thought that it was Zhao Yuanyan who did it.But he didn't dare to believe this answer. He came to the palace this time to verify his own deduction. Now it is clear that he was right.Although he guessed the truth and discovered the truth, he didn't feel any joy in his heart. Who exactly wrote that letter, and what was the purpose of that person sending the letter to Di Qing? Thinking of this, Di Qing just said: "It doesn't matter who told me, but you only need to know that the Skynet is extensive and not leaking. Zhao Yuanyan, there are two ways for you right now. One way is that you hand over the murderer. Just now On the table, there is a circle of water marks, which are the marks left by the teacup. Although you took the tea cup away, you forgot to wipe off the water marks. I know that the one who is still in touch with you is Li Nantian!" Only then did the Eighth Prince realize why Di Qing took a serious look at the table just now.His whole body was trembling, his teeth were chattering, and he murmured: "The second way, of course, is for you to tell the truth to the Holy One, do you think he will believe you?" Di Qing snorted coldly, "Even if the Holy Majesty doesn't believe me, but I told the Holy Majesty these things, do you still dare to stay in the capital?" The Eighth Prince sat slowly on the chair, stared blankly for a while, and suddenly laughed loudly, he leaned back and forth as he laughed, and the laughter was full of weirdness and madness. Di Qing has been staring at the actions of the Eighth Prince. Although he is not afraid of the Eighth Prince's resistance, but seeing him laughing like this, he can't help but feel palpitations: "What are you laughing at?" The Eighth Prince still laughed unscrupulously, and it took a long time before he stopped laughing and said, "I understand. I finally understand." Di Qing couldn't figure it out, and asked in confusion, "What do you understand?" The Eighth Prince looked at Di Qing, and said after a while: "Di Qing, no matter what, I have testified for you back then... No matter what, I will keep Yu Chang's lifeline for you..." Di Qing recalled the past with a lot of emotion, "But these things are not an excuse for you to kill people. Some things, if you do something wrong, even kindness can't make up for it!" The Eighth Prince became more and more calm, and said with a smile: "I never expected you to ignore this matter, but if you still think that I have done something for Yushang, can you give me a day?" One day later, I will give you an explanation!" He tried his best to sit up straight, with a solemn expression on his face, as if he had made a decision. Di Qing looked at the Eighth Prince for a long time, nodded and said, "Okay, then I'll wait for you." Then he turned and left.He is not afraid that the Eighth Prince will play tricks, he knows that this kind of thing has left the Eighth Prince with no choice. But he was not aggressive after all. The Eighth Prince lied to him about many things, but after all, the Eighth Prince did one thing that Di Qing was grateful for.This alone has prevented Di Qing from killing them all. After returning to the Guo Mansion, Han Xiao greeted him, and said in a low voice, "General Di, Yan Shiliang has been waiting for you. Your Majesty invites you into the palace." Di Qing was not surprised, and went straight to the mansion to see Yan Shiliang.When Yan Shiliang saw Di Qing, there was no expression on his face, he just said: "Di Qing, I have a book for you from the Yushitai, and the sage invited you into the palace to explain." Di Qing had expected today, and immediately entered the palace with Yan Shiliang and went straight to Wende Hall.When Di Qing arrived in front of the hall, he was slightly surprised. Although there were no officials in the hall, there were also many important officials. The officials were divided into two factions, Fan Zhongyan, Ouyang Xiu and others looked solemn and frowned.Wang Gongchen and Wen Yanbo stood opposite Fan Zhongyan, and Wang Gongchen was making a generous speech. When Di Qing arrived outside the hall, he only heard Wang Gongchen say: "Zhang Kang, Teng Zijing, Zhong Shiheng, and Di Qing are four people who hold important positions in the Northwest. Worrying!" Di Qing frowned, realizing that Wang Gongchen was talking about the envoy's money.He had heard the Eighth Prince talk about this question.But he didn't expect that this question would involve many people. Teng Zijing used to be the deputy pacifier of Jingyuan Road, and Zhang Kang was originally deployed in Jingyuan Road. When they were in the northwest, both of them had official positions above Di Qing.However, both Teng and Zhang are civil servants who don't know how to use troops, so they let Di Qing do what they want to do, and they both try their best to help Di Qing. After all the investigation, I didn't want this to become an excuse for being involved. Di Qing walked into the hall slowly, and seeing Fan Zhongyan's face also had a rare look of anger, he thought to himself that everything was started by me, Di Qing, so it would be better for me, Di Qing, to settle the matter.Just when he was about to speak, Ouyang Xiu came out and said: "I have sent troops from the northwest, and there are countless soldiers who go to the frontier, but only Di Qing and Zhong Shiheng are worthy of great use! Di Qing is unparalleled in loyalty and bravery. The world can see that he has one heart Fighting, even if there is a misuse of the minister's money, it is definitely not intentional. I think that extraordinary people should not be viewed with the eyes of ordinary people, and I ask the Holy One to see clearly, so as not to involve this matter too much and cause uneasiness among the soldiers on the frontier." Di Qing didn't expect that Ouyang Xiu had nothing to do with him and would speak up for him, so he couldn't help but feel grateful. It turned out that before Di Qing came, everyone had been arguing and arguing for a long time. Although Wang Gongchen was in charge of prosecuting officials at Yushitai, and he was in charge of rectifying the rules and regulations, but he himself was not forgiving, and it could be said that he had to compare pennies and pennies.He took part in Xia Song's book, relying on his merits, thinking that Fan Zhongyan would appreciate him because of this, but he didn't want Ouyang Xiu to write a letter saying that Yushitai was not a talent, this suddenly annoyed Wang Gongchen, just as Zheng Jian's investigation of the Northwest turned around, The envoy of Jingyuan Road had too much money, and it was hard to say where to go. Wang Gongchen immediately launched an attack, thinking that you, Fan Zhongyan, were going to attack our Yushitai, so I will use your cronies as the knife. Di Qing and Fan Zhongyan cooperated tacitly in the northwest, Zhong Shiheng was someone whom Fan Zhongyan admired, Teng Zijing was an old friend of Fan Zhongyan, and Zhang Kang and Fan Zhongyan had a close personal relationship.When Wang Gongchen launched an attack, he was about to wipe out Fan Zhongyan's cronies in the northwest. Just now, Fan Zhongyan tried his best to protect Teng Zijing, but Wang Gongchen threatened to resign. Zhao Zhen was very displeased. Ouyang Xiu knew that this matter was caused by him, and thought to himself that Di Qing suffered an innocent disaster. Dao can guarantee one by one, and say something nice for Di Qing. Wen Yanbo said: "An extraordinary person must abide by the law to show the world. If everyone relies on military merits and thinks that they can be exempted from responsibility, where is the law?" He still has a heart for Di Qing's push.Thinking that the civil servants of the Song Dynasty have always been aloof, it is a shame in this life that a general dared to beat him openly. Fan Zhongyan frowned, thinking that these people were attacking for the sake of attacking, which was unreasonable.Fan Zhongyan knew the reason why Zhao Zhen was dissatisfied with Teng Zijing. Back then, Zhao Zhen's new policy broke away from the shackles of the queen mother, indulged in pornography, and ignored the government.And Teng Zijing wrote a letter directly denouncing Zhao Zhen for "living in the deep palace every day, lingering on wild banquets".If Zhao Zhen doesn't remember this incident, it's a lie.Just now, he tried to protect Teng Zijing, which had caused Zhao Zhen's dissatisfaction. At this moment, Zhao Zhen could no longer look at the problem with the aggressive eyes at the beginning, and he was afraid that he would make too many arguments... Although he knew that Zhao Zhen's words had begun to change in his mind, Fan Zhongyan still didn't want Di Qing to be implicated innocently, so he stepped forward to distinguish, but Zhao Zhen turned to Di Qing and said, "Di Qing, they said you embezzled the minister's money, what's your excuse? Woolen cloth?" The officials were startled, not expecting Zhao Zhen to ask such a question.Now that Di Qing is in a place of suspicion, the more Fan Zhongyan and others want to protect Di Qing, the more Wang Gongchen and others want to step Di Qing down.Now that Zhang Kang and Teng Zijing have eight points of conclusions, they are undoubtedly demoted. Wen Yanbo and others are about to start stating Di Qing's crimes. Why did Zhao Zhen ask Di Qing instead? In the eyes of Wang Gongchen and others, there is no room for Di Qing to speak here. Di Qing's eyes slowly passed over the faces of Fan Zhongyan and the others, and all he saw were passionate and angry. He thought that a person as peaceful as Fan Gong was so stubborn and fierce when he argued.Fan Gong has not changed, and Fan Zhongyan, who was born silently back then, has not changed. But he, Di Qing, has changed.He, Di Qing, was a little disheartened. Looking over the faces of Wang Gongchen and other censor officials, they only saw hatred and disdain.Di Qing thought to himself, "Could it be that I, Di Qing, have been in the army for many years, but I am so disgusted by them?" Taking a step forward, kneeling down, Di Qing said indifferently: "Your Majesty, I don't want to judge myself if I'm guilty or not. The crime of embezzling the Minister's money is better to be blamed on my head. Since there is no war in the world, please... sue me Township!"