Chapter 8 second quarter

Hearing Man Chong's words, Xun Yu didn't show any surprise, but silently waved his sleeves to make the surrounding attendants stand away.Man Chong didn't hesitate, and directly cut to the topic: "If this little eunuch was burned alive, he must have been forced by the thick smoke before he died, gasping for breath, and the mouth of the corpse should be open. What's more, his limbs are spread out, which is similar to It is very different for a living person who is burned to death with his limbs curled up. There is only one possibility: the dead were placed in the chamber after death."

Xun Yu stroked his beard slowly: "Bo Ning, you are really observant." "I tried it myself." Man Chong replied lightly, knowing that Xun Yu didn't like this topic, he quickly returned to the topic: "I also checked the crotch of the deceased just now, and I didn't touch anything, it was cut clean Jing—actually, according to the rules of the palace, eunuchs only need to remove Yang Feng, but they don’t have to cut off the two kidney sacs as well.” Hearing this, Xun Yu was finally moved. "The deceased was definitely not Tang Ji's attendant, but another person, someone we should be very familiar with. That's why His Majesty lit a fire in the bedroom to destroy the body and traces - although I don't know who this person is, I don't know what His Majesty's intention is to get him into the palace and kill him." Man Chong pondered for a while before continuing, "...In short, there must be something hidden behind this fire."

Xun Yu frowned slightly, Man Chong's words were correct, and he himself had similar doubts, but he didn't like the feeling of treating the emperor as an opponent.As Cao Gong's most trusted staff member and imperial minister's order, he has always been troubled by this contradiction. "I need to see His Majesty, and apologize for the fire in the forbidden area." Man Chong said. Xun Yu glanced at him and knew that this guy's purpose was definitely not like that.His shoulders sank slightly, and he sighed: "Okay, you follow me, don't talk nonsense."

According to the ritual system, Man Chong is only a county magistrate with a rank of a thousand stones. Without an edict, he cannot have an audience with the emperor alone.It must be led by an official of the level of Shang Shuling to be justified.Even in Xudu, where the Han Dynasty was in decline, these rules were still strictly enforced, like the last veil of the royal family to maintain its dignity. The two of them bid farewell to Zhong Ji and walked towards Shangshutai.Along the way, they saw many court officials were blocked by the guards far away, but they did not dare to leave. They stood in place one by one, whispering to each other.The news of the fire in the forbidden center had spread throughout the city, and these officials rushed to Miyagi in panic to express their true or false loyalty.

The only ones who passed through the security line of the Imperial Guard were a middle-aged man in a Ge robe and a woman with a pot belly.The middle-aged man supported the woman, and was walking anxiously and slowly through the square in front of the hall. "General Dong." Xun Yu walked a few steps quickly, and chased after him.The one who came was Dong Cheng, the chariot and cavalry general. After Yang Biao, he seemed to have become the leader of Luoyang's old ministers, at least in name, he was no different from Cao Cao.His daughter Dong Guiren was pregnant with the dragon species a few months ago, but the imperial city was too narrow, so she was taken home to wait for delivery.They didn't hear the news that the palace was on fire until the morning, and rushed over immediately regardless of Concubine Dong's pregnancy.

Hearing Xun Yu's call, Dong Cheng turned his head and showed a measured smile, which not only expressed goodwill, but also did not dilute his concern for the emperor's safety.Xun Yu frowned when he saw Concubine Dong covering her belly with one hand and supporting her father with the other, "Concubine Dong is pregnant with Liujia, why is she so tired?" Dong Cheng supported his daughter's right arm, and said calmly: "Without the skin, the hair will be attached. Your Majesty's safety is far more important than the little girl. We, the courtiers, should not lose sight of the big." Dong Cheng Cheng always spoke in a positive manner, and Xun Yu didn't bother with him. He said with a smile, "Your Majesty was fine last night, and now he is resting at Shangshutai. General Dong might as well go with us. I'll ask them to take a sedan chair." Come to Concubine Dong, so as not to move the fetus."

"Where's Lieutenant Zhong? Where is he?" Concubine Dong's voice was sharp. Her face was a little swollen due to her pregnancy, showing a bit of meanness. "For no reason, why is there a fire in the bedroom? Is there a traitor who wants to harm His Majesty?" How can one be so unscrupulous in the imperial city, like a father, like a daughter, Xun Yu thought to himself, but persuaded him: "Concubine Dong is overly concerned, Fu Hou said that it was just the medicine stove accidentally igniting the fire, and there is no other reason." Concubine Dong snorted coldly when she heard Fu Hou's name: "Tell Zhong Ji and them to investigate carefully to see if it's true. The palace of the dignified emperor was burned to ashes. If this spread, wouldn't it spread the word to the world?" Someone ridiculed your lord?"

She buckled Cao Cao in every sentence, bossing her around.Dong Cheng probably felt that what his daughter said was a bit too much, so he squeezed her arm, and Concubine Dong shut her mouth indignantly. Dong Cheng glanced over Xun Yu's shoulder and saw Man Chong standing behind him, his eyelids twitched: "Man Boning, so you are here too." Facing Dong Cheng's rudeness, Man Chong just humbly He bowed and remained silent. He was not interested in flirting with this father and daughter. In fact, Dong Cheng was quite afraid of Man Chong's power in Xu Du's dark place, but the difference in rank between Cheqi General and Xu Ling gave him a condescending sense of superiority.This made him feel a very contradictory feeling every time he saw Man Chong, like seeing a stone on the side of the road, which can be easily stepped on, but it will inevitably hurt his feet.

The two looked at each other tacitly and said nothing more.Soon, two Huangmen came carrying a sedan chair and helped Concubine Dong into the sedan chair.Xun Yu and Dong Cheng followed the sedan chair all the way to Shangshutai, and Man Chong followed behind silently. Inside the Shangshutai, the high-quality fine charcoal was burning fiercely in the stove, and the room was full of warmth.The emperor Liu Xie was lying on the couch, covered with a thick brocade quilt, and stood behind him, with slight fatigue in the corners of his eyes. As soon as Concubine Dong entered the door, she lifted the corner of her skirt, quickened her pace and walked to the bedside, weeping, "Your Majesty! You, you..." But in the middle of her speech, her steps suddenly stopped, her eyes stared straight at you. Staring at the emperor on the bed, a few traces of doubt emerged.

Liu Xie was flustered for a while. Concubine Dong was the person who slept with the real Liu Xie on a skin-to-skin basis, and it was not easy to hide it from her.Fu Shou told him last night that Concubine Dong would be the most troublesome test for him.If she finds out that the emperor has changed hands, and shouts out in full view, it will be a catastrophe for the Han Dynasty. Concubine Dong's crescent eyebrows frowned slightly, her head tilted slightly, and she also fell into confusion.The man in front of him was undoubtedly his husband, the emperor of the Han family, but something was wrong.She stroked her round belly, as if she wanted to see some clues from the blood in her belly.

Maybe she only needs to take one more step forward, and she can completely destroy the entire Han Dynasty. Suddenly, without warning, Liu Xie coughed violently, startling everyone in the room.Fu Shou next to him quickly handed him a cup of hot tea and let him take a sip.Liu Xie moistened her throat, and laughed in a very hoarse voice: "Young Master, you are here." When Concubine Dong heard the emperor calling her private name in her boudoir, she showed a little liking, and her doubts were a little less.She took a step forward, trying to take a closer look: "Your Majesty, why is your face..." Just as Liu Xie was about to answer, he coughed suddenly.This time it was more severe than before, coughing until his face turned pale, he had to cover his mouth and nose with a brocade handkerchief.Concubine Dong stopped in her tracks, leaned back and pressed Liu Xie's chest, while fondling it, she blamed Concubine Dong: "Your Majesty felt the wind and cold last night, so don't talk too much." Concubine Dong raised her eyebrows when she heard this, and said loudly: "You don't take good care of Your Majesty, so don't fall on me!" She had a big belly and her hands on her hips, looking extravagant.Fuhou smiled slightly and said, "Sister, you have misunderstood. I was only concerned about Your Majesty's dragon body, but I didn't think about anything else." Concubine Dong couldn't help being furious at this sentence, "Why worry about Your Majesty! Even the sleeping hall was burned to ashes, it's really good to worry about. I think you are like that Cao Cao, thinking that Your Majesty lived too long!" When Concubine Dong said these words, everyone in Shangshutai looked at each other and smiled wryly.She was dedicated to the emperor by Dong Cheng when he was in Luoyang, and she was always outspoken. If it wasn't for the fact that the Han family had been displaced for the past few years and had no time to care for others, this kind of woman would have been eliminated in the palace fights long ago. Liu Xie secretly admired Fu Shou's light words, and successfully diverted the attention of Concubine Dong and others, and stopped entangled in the matter of identity.He breathed a sigh of relief, before he wiped off the cold sweat on his forehead, he suddenly felt that there was another line of sight watching him in the room.This line of sight is cold and sharp, making people frightened. It was a person following Xun Yu. Although he lowered his head respectfully, Liu Xie knew that he must have quietly raised his head to look at him just now.Just a light glance, already made Liu Xie's back feel cold. At this time, Fuhou stood up and said coldly to Dong Cheng: "General Dong, this is how you taught your daughter the way of courtship? Now that the dragon is born, you are so domineering. How can you get it in the future?" Dong Cheng yelled at his daughter with a livid face, and Concubine Dong pursed her lips in aggrieved manner, without even asking Liu Xie, she twisted her body and went straight out of the Shangshutai.Dong Cheng didn't care to go after her, turned around and kowtowed: "The minister is incapable of discipline, please punish me." Liu Xie said: "Forget it, the young master is pregnant, so it is inevitable that he is a little restless. Find a few maidservants to follow her, don't What's the problem?" After explaining this, he paused for a moment, and smiled at the others, "It's the Qing family who came to see you so early, which shows loyalty and diligence." Xun Yu and Man Chong hurriedly kowtowed to the ground, and together with Dong Cheng said: "Your Majesty was frightened, it's really my fault, I'm here to apologize." Liu Xie waved his hand generously: "The loss of the bedroom has nothing to do with personnel. Maybe the heavens are warning, so there is such a sign. Maybe I need to punish myself." The courtiers below were all relieved. The emperor attributed this incident to an accident, so many things can be done easily.Liu Xie spoke very slowly, trying to figure out how the real Liu Xie would speak.He pretended to be coughing just now to cover up his voice, and since he was still recovering from a serious illness, he spoke slowly, no one would doubt it.These words were all discussed with Fu Hou, and there was no flaw for a while. At this time, Dong Chengdao: "Your Majesty, the Forbidden Palace is the place where the Emperor Yan lives. You must not be careless. I think that this matter should be thoroughly investigated, so as to punish the past and avoid the future." Xun Yu, who was kneeling next to him, glanced at him, thinking Suddenly there is a warning sign.The emperor has already made up his mind about this matter, but the head of the country has grown branches and vines, and he doesn't know what his intention is. Hearing Dong Cheng's words, Liu Xie's heart also jumped. How could the secrets after the fire in the bedroom stand up to thorough investigation.He glanced at Fu Hou, Fu Hou remained calm, but tapped his shoulder slightly with his right hand.Liu Xie felt less settled, and said, "Why did Dong Qing's family make such a statement?" Dong Chengdao: "The burning of the dormitory hall is no small matter. We should choose the second and third important officials of the court, inspect the palace ban, and rectify the guards, so as to prevent future troubles." Xun Yu thought to himself, Dong Cheng wanted to take advantage of the fire to attack the guard system of the entire imperial city.But the imperial guards have always been in the hands of Luo Yang's old minister. Didn't he hurt his thigh by doing this?Thinking of this, Xun Yu couldn't help but take another look at Dong Cheng. This relative at the court had a loyal face, and there was nothing unusual about him. "I don't know if General Dong has an opinion?" Xun Yu was not in a hurry to express his attitude, but retreated as an advance, wanting to see what Dong Cheng was thinking. Dong Cheng pondered for a while, and replied: "Taichang Xu Wei, Yushi Zhongcheng Dong Fen, Guanglu Xun Hengfan are all top choices." Hearing these three names, Xun Yu and Fu Shou twitched their mouths in unison. Taichang is in charge of the court rituals of the ancestral temple, the censor Zhongcheng is in charge of checking and correcting the omissions of all officials, and Guang Luxun is in charge of the guards of the palace city. It is beyond reproach to choose these three officials to rectify the imperial city.But in the eyes of those who are familiar with the inside story, there is a lot of deep meaning in it: Dong Fen and Heng Fan are both old men of the Luoyang family, so it goes without saying; Half please and half fight to get Shouchun.After Yuan Shu was defeated and died, this old minister was willing to take a strange risk, and actually got the Jade Seal of Chuanguo, and sent it back to Xudu after thousands of miles. After the seal was taken away by Sun Jian in Luoyang, it finally returned to the Han Dynasty In his hands, it was a major event that caused a sensation in the world.Whether Cao Cao or Liu Xie, both have a bright face. Therefore, Xu Qi had a good relationship between the Cao family and the Han Dynasty.With him there, it can dilute the color of the Luoyang family, making the Cao family irreproachable, and at the same time fully ensure the influence of the Han Dynasty. It has to be said that the chess move of inviting Xu Qiu was quite brilliant.Xun Yu couldn't help but think that the head of the state must have drawn up the belly draft before he set off.Last night it became popular, but this morning he threw out such a list, and the quick response was really intriguing. Liu Xie didn't know the twists and turns, and he couldn't remind him face to face, so he had to pretend to be contemplative, for fear of making a mistake.At this time, Dong Cheng turned his head to look at Man Chong, and said with a smile: "There is an ancient saying: Miyagi and Guoye, if there is no peace on the outside, there will be restlessness on the inside. In my opinion, we might as well invite Bo Ning to join in and sort out the inside and outside of Xudu. Once again, this is the safest strategy." Xun Yu sighed when he heard the words, and went around in a circle. Now that he finally saw him, his intentions were still here. Compared with the previous three ministers, Man Chong's rank is too far behind, and the four of them agree, he must be in the lower position.In this way, apart from the imperial guards of Miyagi, even the guards of Xudu will be included in the rectification, and Luo Yang's family can reach into Xudu Ling and make some articles based on it. Faced with Dong Cheng's "good intentions" invitation, Man Chong did not change his face, and calmly said: "Your Majesty's holy will." He kicked the ball to Liu Xie calmly, and Liu Xie was a little embarrassed, so he asked: "Mr. What do you think about this?" Xun Yu said: "There is nothing wrong with General Dong's words. It's just that this is a big matter and we need to be cautious. It's better to wait for Cao Sikong to come back before making a decision." Enough is enough for you. Since Emperor Han stayed in Xuchang, all the powers and government orders have been taken out of Duke Cao's shogunate, and the court has been almost emptied.The former ministers of Luoyang's family had no choice but to regard the court position as the only bargaining chip in their hands, and were keen to fight for everything.Maybe they are all the center of the Cao family, and they are monolithic from top to bottom. Do they really think that a few false titles in the court can stand against Duke Cao?Xun Yu has been trying to prevent these "smart" loyal ministers from doing stupid things, but they still don't understand. Facing the dispute between the two ministers, Liu Xie didn't know how to answer properly, so he had to quietly look behind him.Fu Hou shook his head, Liu Xie didn't know whether she meant not to agree or not to refuse, so he couldn't help showing hesitation.Dong Cheng said again: "Cao Sikong is far away in Guandu, and he is entangled in military affairs. Isn't Master Xun appointed for all the affairs of the court, so how can he have any worries?" There was a bit of sarcasm in these words, and when Xun Yu heard this, there were a few pity-like wry smiles on his brows.Although Dong Cheng's proposal was absurd, it had a high-sounding excuse, and it was not easy to dismiss it immediately. Liu Xie thought to himself, since Dong Cheng is an old minister of Luoyang and his father-in-law, he naturally has to help his own people, so he said, "If that's the case, then let's do as General Dong wants. Xun Lingjun, please work harder." Dong Cheng was overjoyed and quickly knelt down to thank him.Xun Yu was named by the emperor, so he had to kneel down and obey the order.Liu Xie wanted to encourage Man Chong behind Xun Yu, but when he saw his cold face, he dismissed the idea. After the goal was achieved, Dong Cheng was quite proud, he turned his neck a few times, as if he had just won a battle.Fu Hou flicked the back of Liu Xie's chair lightly, Liu Xie suddenly remembered her previous advice, and coughed a few times: "General Dong, don't disappoint my entrustment to you." This ordinary sentence had a wonderful reaction on Dong Cheng.He replied loudly: "I will be a powder body to repay Your Majesty's grace." The whole person put his hands on the ground, like a crouching tiger, and his whole body was full of enthusiasm. Liu Xie wondered if General Dong's words were too strong, or they were talking about different things at all.Man Chong looked at Dong Cheng from behind with interest, and the same thoughts as Liu Xie flashed in his mind. After a few more pleasantries between the monarch and his subjects, the meeting ended.After these courtiers left the Shangshutai, they put down the bead curtain and said to Liu Xie, "Your Majesty, you made a mistake. You shouldn't have expressed your support for General Dong so quickly just now." Liu Xie was a little puzzled: "Dong Cheng is a loyal minister, Xun Yu and Man Chong are treacherous ministers. I should help good people and not bad people, shouldn't I?" Fu Hou shook his head: "The affairs of the court are far from being settled by loyalty and treachery. Distinguish. The attitude of the Son of Heaven should not be revealed easily. Otherwise, many things will be judged in the eyes of caring people." "Could it be that there is something hidden behind what I said to General Dong?" Liu Xie asked. "You will know." Fu Hou replied, and then looked around, "but... now is not the time to talk about this." Liu Xie was a little displeased: "Since I am the emperor, is there anything else that should be concealed?" Fuhou bent down attentively, tucked the quilt for the emperor, and then patted his cheek, as if to deal with it The mother of a naughty boy said softly, "That's a spell, a spell that can throw the whole of Xuchang into chaos." After Dong Cheng left Shangshutai, Concubine Dong was already waiting for him at the door.The two of them bid farewell to Xun Yu and Man Chong, and boarded the carriage.Before Dong Chenglin boarded the carriage, he said to his confidants who were following the carriage: "Go invite Captain Zhong and General Wang, I celebrate my birthday today, please invite them to visit the residence." The confidant took the order and left.Concubine Dong who was in the same car asked curiously: "Father, isn't your birthday in August?" Dong Cheng glanced at his daughter, smiled slightly, but did not comment.Concubine Dong suddenly remembered something: "By the way, His Majesty feels very strange today." "Oh? Is it because you are sick?" Dong Cheng replied casually.Concubine Dong frowned and thought about it, but still couldn't find a suitable word to describe it: "No, it's like...a different person." "You must have been dizzy with Fushou's anger, so don't be so jealous in the future." Dong Cheng smiled and touched his daughter's head. Concubine Dong curled her lips and turned her face away stubbornly.Dong Cheng's smile quickly subsided, he lightly stroked the brass ring of his belt, his eyes became determined. Watching Dong Cheng's carriage leave the imperial city, Xun Yu withdrew his gaze: "Bo Ning, what do you think?" Man Chong slightly tilted his head, like a snake just waking up from hibernation: "No new harvest, just an accidental confirmation made a guess." Xun Yu didn't ask him what the conjecture was, but just put his hands behind his back, looked straight ahead, and said worriedly: "This matter must be resolved as soon as possible. Cao Sikong is in a tense situation at the front, so there must be no chaos in the rear." Chong bowed respectfully, and replied: "I have already given instructions before Jijiu left, so you don't need to worry about it." Xun Yu frowned.This name made him feel at ease, but also a little uneasy.Although that person is not in Xudu now, that powerful influence still exists. "What did he say?" Xun Yu asked. "Maybe all need a big mess."