Chapter 42 third quarter

At about the same time, Tang Ji stepped into Sikong Mansion.She was carrying a basket of chicken tongue incense and wormwood in her hand, and she came to visit Fuhou in name.The guards in charge of guarding the emperor checked her briefly and let her go.She walked through several corridors and met Yang Xiu head-on. For the time being, Yang Xiu was acting as Su Wei's job, which created convenient conditions for him to get close to the emperor.Except for not being able to enter the dormitory of the emperor and empress and the residence of the Cao family, the Sikong Mansion is free to move about.Seeing Tang Ji, he winked and reached out to pick up her rattan basket.

"Your Majesty is receiving guests, so you can't go in for the time being." Yang Xiu said in a low voice, while rummaging through the basket with his hands, pretending to check. Tang Ji nodded knowingly, and said in a low voice, "I've figured it out. The five portraits were brought back by Deng Zhan from Wen County." Yang Xiu's expression changed suddenly, and his hands froze. Guo Jia took advantage of Dong Cheng's being robbed and hit several birds with a light stone, which made Yang Xiu very embarrassed.It never occurred to him that Guo Jia would have someone behind him—Liu Xie had been living in Wen County before becoming emperor.At this time, Guo Jia actually sent someone to Wen County to take a portrait. There is no doubt that he must have suspected the emperor's origin, and he may have even figured out the ins and outs.

Tang Ji asked eagerly: "Dezu, what should we do?" If Guo Jia were to know the true identity of the emperor, the Han Dynasty would face a catastrophe.At the thought of this, she panicked. "Let me think about it..." Yang Xiu put down the rattan basket, closed his eyes, and squeezed his temples with slightly trembling fingers, trying to calm himself down.He had to admit that Guo Jia was a formidable opponent. He had only returned to Xudu for a few days, and with a few understated arrangements, they were almost cornered. He was trembling all over, but it wasn't because of fear or nervousness, but because of excitement, just like a gambler's senses are in a state of extreme excitement when facing a huge bet that is about to open and an extremely clever opponent.The more difficult Guo Jia is to deal with, the stronger the excitement, the more valuable it is to defeat.

"No...Guo Jia probably doesn't know yet." Yang Xiu slowly opened his eyes with a very firm tone. Tang Ji asked: "How do you know?" "A person like him, once he grasps the advantage, he will attack as quickly as possible, defeating the enemy in a flash, without allowing any respite. If Guo Jia already knew the identity of the emperor, you and I are already in jail, how can we still Will speak calmly here." Yang Xiu's tone was slightly bitter.When he saw Guo Jia just now, he was taught a little by the latter as a victor.It can be seen from this that Guo Jia just regarded him as a small character eager to get ahead, and beat him casually, but did not regard him as a close enemy.This was a blow to Yang Xiu's self-esteem, and it also proved that Guo Jia really didn't know the emperor's cards.

"Then why did he send people to Wen County?" "No matter how smart Guo Jia is, it is impossible for him to guess the identity of the emperor. He must have doubts about the disfigured corpse of 'Yang Ping' and thought that someone was trying to cover up something, so he sent Deng Zhan to Wen County to investigate , is only aimed at Yang Ping or Yang Jun, and has nothing to do with the Son of Heaven." Yang Xiu put himself into Guo Jia's way of thinking, and suddenly became enlightened, and his thinking became clearer and clearer. "Isn't it just as dangerous for us?" Tang Ji asked back.Yang Ping is Liu Xie, and Guo Jia will immediately understand the relationship between the two as soon as he sees the portrait.

"This is the strange thing. My father told me that Guo Jia has seen the content of the portrait. However, he still hasn't moved. Either the portrait was not realistic enough and he couldn't recognize it; or he still There is a bigger conspiracy, but I forbear it—there is also a possibility that someone in Wen County saw through Guo Jia’s intentions and tried to repackage or forge the portrait.” When Yang Xiu said this, he shook his head involuntarily. The last possibility was really too low.Guo Jia's methods are meticulous and will not ignore these factors.Now there are five portraits in total, and the descriptions are from the descriptions of five different people.They are independent of each other, and even if one of them is fake, it can be identified quickly.Unless everyone in Wen County who had met Yang Ping colluded in advance, Guo Jia's arrangement could not be broken.

"It would be great if I could see the portrait with my own eyes. Will Sun Li have a chance to get it?" Tang Ji gave a negative answer.Sun Li is just a school lieutenant, he will definitely not have access to this level of secrets.What's more, he revealed the information to Tang Ji only out of guilt, and it is impossible to expect him to betray the Cao family. Yang Xiu thought for a moment, put the rattan basket back into Tang Ji's hands, and said with a smile: "The bet has been placed, and the dice have been thrown out. In any case, we can't leave the table." excited.

What is worrying is that their perfect plan of stealing the sky and changing the sun is now in jeopardy.Wen County has already attracted Guo Jia's attention, and the first level of protection of this plan has cracked - although this has not endangered the emperor himself, if Guo Jia is allowed to investigate, sooner or later the entire Han Dynasty will be exposed, and it must be done as soon as possible Come up with a countermeasure. What's exciting is that Yang Xiu still prefers the thrill of making amends to a rainy day rather than planning for a rainy day.He rubbed his hands together, and let Tang Ji go to report to the emperor quickly.

"Dezu, you can't take it lightly. It's up to you to make up your mind." Tang Ji said anxiously.Yang Xiu is their core, whether it is planning or implementing it in the middle, nothing can be done without him. Yang Xiu pointed to the corridor behind him: "Of course I won't stand by and watch, but it's not me who makes the decision, but over there." "Emperor? Can he do it?" Tang Ji frowned disapprovingly.After that forced palace, she had a deep understanding of "Liu Xie"'s cowardice, and she didn't expect him to do much, as long as she obediently played the role of emperor, it was enough.

Yang Xiu saw Tang Ji's disdain, and he said with a trace of mystery: "The emperor has awakened, and many things will become more interesting. You'd better get rid of your prejudices as soon as possible, otherwise you will not be able to catch up with him." Tang Ji stared at Yang Xiu suspiciously, as if he was telling a big joke.Knowing that she didn't believe it, Yang Xiu didn't explain much, and only asked her to go to see His Majesty immediately. "Isn't the emperor receiving guests?" "That guest has a lot to do with this matter." Yang Xiu replied.

Soon Tang Ji understood why Yang Xiu said that.When she stepped into the dormitory, she saw a man kneeling at the head of the emperor. He was a one-armed man with a pale and tired face. He was the one who brought Liu Ping out of Luoyang and brought him up with one hand; he was the one who willingly cut off his own arm and sent Yang Ping to Xudu quietly.This is the most critical and initial link in the Han Emperor's plan: Yang Jun. This pair of former father and son, now monarch and minister looked at each other at this moment, and they were both a little embarrassed. Since Liu Xie came to Xudu, one thing happened after another, and he had no time to look around, but he always wanted to see his "father".Yang Jun didn't raise Liu Xie for a long time, most of the time he was fostered by Sima's family, and he behaved quite indifferently.Now Liu Xie understood that Yang Jun was deliberately keeping a distance, probably at that time he had a premonition that "Yang Ping" would give up this identity and become another person sooner or later. Before Tang Ji came in, the conversation between the two of them was not going smoothly.This is the Sikong Mansion, with many eyes and ears, Liu Xie is not sure how to treat his former father, Yang Jun is obviously not used to the current emperor, and the conversation often falls into a cold silence.Fortunately, Fu Shou occasionally said a few gossips, which kept the situation lukewarm. When they saw Tang Ji coming in, they all breathed a sigh of relief.Fu Shou went up to meet him and introduced Yang Jun to Tang Ji.Although Yang Jun and Tang Ji were accomplices, they had never met each other. Now that they were all on the same boat, they had to exchange a few words with each other. Strictly speaking, it is against etiquette for ministers, empresses, and concubines to meet in the same room.However, in extraordinary times, there are extraordinary rules, and the Han Dynasty is in decline, so these etiquettes are not so particular.If Zhang Yu was by his side, he might still chatter a few words, but now Leng Shouguang is accompanying him, he has always been taciturn and did not express any objection. Tang Jifu said a few words in Fushou's ear, and Fushou's complexion changed drastically. Soon Liu Xie and Yang Jun also understood the current situation.Fu Shou winked, and Leng Shouguang walked to the door of the dormitory and stood still, in case someone eavesdropped.Then Fu Shou asked Yang Jun, "Master Yang, Wen County is the hometown of your friend Sima Fang. From your point of view, what is he like?" Fushou's subtext is whether it is possible for Sima Fang to fall to the Cao family.Yang Jun denied it outright: "Jianggong is upright and fair, and he is loyal to the Han family. Back then, when I sent Ping'er...uh, His Majesty fostered him in his family, and I also liked Jiangong's stability." "I heard that Lord Sima recommended Cao Cao as a lieutenant when he served as the right minister of Shangshu in Luoyang in the past, and he was kind enough to recommend him. Between the Han Dynasty and the Cao family, how will the Sima family choose?" Fu Shou's words were sharp and bitter.She has followed the emperor for many years, and she is full of distrust for the big families all over the place.Most of them lacked loyalty to the imperial court, and would only hide in the Wubao and calculate their own family's interests, and fall to the side with real power at any time—no matter who it was. Regarding Fushou's attitude, Yang Jun had nothing to say for a while.Sima Fang and him are close friends, and they also care about Yang Ping, but this old friend has never clearly expressed his political attitude.The Sima family hibernates in Wen County, and does not communicate too much with the outside world. It is clear that they must see the situation clearly and act at the right time. What's more, if Guo Jia has doubts about Yang Ping's death and goes to investigate Wen County, it means that Yang Jun himself is also under suspicion, and he may not be able to get everything, let alone be a guarantor for others. At this time Liu Xie suddenly said: "I think the Sima family needn't worry." "That's because they don't know your real identity, Your Majesty." Fu Shou retorted unceremoniously, "The Sima family loves Yang Ping, not Liu Xie! If they knew that you were the current emperor, would they be willing to fight for you and Cao Cao?" against?" Liu Xie raised his head suddenly, with fiery eyes: "Yes. I am as close as brothers to the young masters of the Sima family, and they will fight against the world for me." Fu Shou didn't know where Liu Xie's self-confidence came from. She didn't want to argue, so she took a step back and said, "Let's say you are right, Your Majesty. But Sima's family is far away in Wen County, so I don't know Xu Du's inside story. Guo Jia this time Send Deng Zhan to paint the portrait of Yang Ping, they have no reason to lie, the situation is still not good for us." "Others may not be able to detect it, but Zhong Da - the second son of the Sima family - will definitely be able to detect the strangeness and make the best response." "He doesn't even know your life or death, how can he help you?" "You don't know Zhongda, he is a smart and willful guy." Speaking of this, Liu Xie unexpectedly showed a smile on his lips, as if he had returned to the carefree time in Hanoi.He patted his knees: "I think, Guo Jia got the portrait but didn't do anything. This must have something to do with Zhong Da." "What do you think?" Tang Ji couldn't help but sarcastically.Liu Xie didn't think he was disobedient, and he stood up from his seat: "I will handle the portraits myself, so you can rest assured." Tang Ji was swept by his eyes, and her heart froze. When did he start to have a faint emperor's prestige on his body.Could this be the awakening Yang Xiu was talking about? Fu Shou asked with some concern: "What are you going to do, Your Majesty?" Liu Xie replied: "In a few days, I will go to Shangshutai, and I will find out when the time comes." Fu Shou felt that this was not in keeping with the etiquette, and just about to dissuade him, he suddenly saw Liu Xie's confident eyes, and he understood it all at once. Ordinarily, with the respect of the emperor, if you want to find a courtier to discuss matters, it is right to call him into the palace, and you don't have to condescend to go to the stage.But the wonderful thing is that Shangshutai is located outside the Forbidden City and within the palace city, and belongs to the Central Dynasty.Although the Son of Heaven temporarily lived in the Sikong Mansion, if he went to the Shangshutai next to the ruins of the Forbidden Palace, it would not be regarded as leaving the palace in theory, and no one could criticize him. It was only then that Fu Shou discovered that Liu Xie had not only integrated into the role of "emperor", but had even begun to learn to use official rules to achieve his own goals - this subtle but crucial change seemed to be the result of his hearing about Wen County The matter of Sima's family began after that. At this time, Yang Jun persuaded with concern: "Your Majesty's move is very inappropriate. Now Guo Jia is only suspicious of Wen County and his ministers. If Your Majesty does not invite him to go, wouldn't he take the initiative to admit that he is involved in it?" Liu Xie smiled and waved his hands: "Don't worry. I'm going to Shangshutai to discuss other matters with them. Xun Lingjun and the others don't worry about him." Yang Jun didn't know what the emperor said, so he turned his inquiring eyes to Fushou.Fu Shou hesitated for a moment, and said: "Your Majesty proposes that he wants to conquer Guandu himself." Yang Jun was shocked for a moment, isn't this just a joke? "Your Majesty's proposal will definitely make people suspect that the Han family wants to cross the river to join Yuan, and it will increase Cao's suspicion for nothing. You...should not be so reckless." Yang Jun wanted to reprimand him, but suddenly remembered that they were not father and son, so he had to Forcibly change the tone. Fu Shou smiled bitterly. In fact, she didn't know about Yu Jia's personal conquest until Liu Xie asked Xun Yu.Her reaction at the time was similar to that of Yang Jun, she strongly opposed it.However, after Yang Xiu heard the proposal, he greatly appreciated it, thinking it was quite interesting and worth a try.Fu Shou reluctantly agreed to give it a try. Fu Shou said: "Your Majesty Yang, don't be so nervous. This matter is nothing more than a gesture of goodwill to Mrs. Cao. How could Mrs. Cao agree? Your Majesty will not really go to Guandu." "Is it just a gesture? That's okay, that's okay..." Yang Jun knew that the current strategy of the Han Dynasty was to hide his strength and bide his time, so he could only sigh and get up to leave. In fact, from the moment Yang Jun sent Yang Ping to Xudu, his mission has been completed.How the Han Dynasty survived was supported by Yang Xiu and other talents. He Yang Jun should be completely separated from "Yang Ping" and should not be involved in any way, so as not to be too much associated with others.Seeing you today is already a risky move. Thinking of this, Yang Jun supported the ground with his only arm, trying to stand up.Suddenly Liu Xie walked over quickly, took Yang Jun's arm, and slowly helped him up.Yang Jun was taken aback, and quickly wanted to avoid it.But Liu Xie lowered his voice and whispered in his ear: "Father, let Hutou give you a ride." Yang Jun was startled when he heard the words, and turned his head to stare at Liu Xie, looking at each other for a while.Tiger head is Yang Ping's nickname, and Yang Jun often called him that when he was a child.Hearing this familiar address, Yang Jun's stern expression finally relaxed, his shoulders drooped, and he let his son help him, and walked towards the door. At this moment, there are no monarchs and ministers, only father and son.This pair of father and son had never walked so close and so cordial.Only then did Liu Xie realize that his love for Yang Jun, the "father", was no less than his love for Sima and his son.It's a pity that because of various estrangements, he had never had a serious communication with his father before, so the time left for them to understand each other was only a few short steps. The two walked slowly to the door in silence.Liu Xie reluctantly let go of his arm, Yang Jun stepped out of the threshold, turned around and knelt down on the ground, thanking God for his grace.This is the Sikong Mansion, Cao's eyes and ears are everywhere, if one sees today's emperor personally sending Yang Jun out with a junior gift, it will cause a big mess. Both of them knew in their hearts that the relationship between father and son was over. "I'm going to fight and exercise my muscles." Liu Xie deliberately raised his voice and ordered Leng Shouguang to fetch his outer robe. He wanted to walk a little longer with his father. Looking at his back, Fu Shou suddenly realized: A few days ago, this fake Liu Xie was cowardly and naively trying to escape, but now he seems to be almost unable to keep up with him.