Chapter 14 Chapter Fourteen

After thinking all night, Shi Hengzhi finally made a bold decision. Therefore, Hu Hanxie, who had just left Yanmen Pass, already knew that Zhao Jun had been conferred the title of Concubine Ming, and moved to Jianzhang Palace connected to Weiyang Palace by a wooden bridge.The canonization ceremony is scheduled to be held after Princess Ninghu and Hu Hanxie become a gift. The letter was arranged in advance by Hu Litu, and it was sent by "Hu Jia" who had been doing business in China for many years and was proficient in Chinese.At the same time, there is Shi Hengzhi's oral letter. He can only write to Hu Hanxie, and Hu Hanxie cannot write to him. Obviously, this is to keep it secret to avoid disaster.

"What should I do?" Hu Hanxie asked Mao Yanshou for advice. "It depends on Shan Yu's intentions." Mao Yanshou replied, "I have already said that once he is out of the tiger's mouth, Shan Yu will be ruthless." "Yes!" Hu Hanxie turned pale, and raised his sword, "I've had enough of my anger. I have to send troops to settle accounts with Shi Xian!" "Chan Yu, Shan Yu," Hu Litu was more sensible, and hurriedly dissuaded: "Don't be angry, don't be angry." "Hmph! You have a lot of energy." Start here.Hu Hanxie vented his anger on Hu Litu and complained a lot, but Hu Litu accepted it without saying a word.Mao Yanshou rarely had to be a peacemaker to persuade him.By the way, he also echoed Hu Hanxie, scolding the emperor and Shi Gandang.Hulitu was quite disgusted, but he didn't say anything.

It wasn't until Hu Hanxie's anger had subsided and he was alone again that he persuaded him politely: "Shan Yu, Lao Mao has ulterior motives, and he is afraid that the world will not be chaotic. If Shan Yu mobilizes everyone to avenge Lao Mao's personal revenge, then it is not too bad. ?" "Well, well, you are right to say that. But the matter is not over, so let's just let it go?" "No! What I mean is that you don't need to send troops right away, you might as well give the ceremony first and then send troops." Hu Litu said, "Write a letter to Shi Zhongshu first, and if there is no satisfactory answer, then make sense."

Hu Hanxie pondered for a while, then nodded and half agreed: "Okay, write the letter first, and send troops later." It's inconvenient for Hu Litu to argue, anyway, whatever the situation is, it's always good to put the matter down first. Therefore, Hu Litu personally wrote a letter to Shi Xian in the name of Hu Hanxie.Take care of Hu Jia, return to Chang'an, find Zhongshufu, leave the letter and leave. This letter brought great worries to Shi Xian, and he was almost restless! The most urgent task is to find out where is the leak?And the first person to look for is Shi Hengzhi.Because the most likely loophole is in the court.

"I'll show you something." Shi Xian refused to obey, and handed Hu Hanxie's letter over. Shi Hengzhi saw half of it, and knew that he had done a very unscrupulous and troublesome thing.But at this moment, he could only remain calm, and after reading the letter, he pretended to be surprised and said, "This Hu Hanxie is really powerful! How did he know the inside story?" "So," Shi Xian said coldly, "I want to ask you!" "ask me?" "If I don't ask who are you asking? This time it must not be Mao Yanshou, right? The canonization of Concubine Ming happened after Mao Yanshou and Hu Hanxie left."

"But, Mr. Xiang, this matter is rumored all over the capital." "That's right! However, Concubine Ming is Wang Zhaojun, only people in Ye Ting know." "Yeting is more than just Shi Heng." This tit-for-tat answer is certainly sharp.But there is a huge typo.It is virtually admitted that the secret was leaked by Ye Tingzhong.What a role Shi Xian is, he grasped the loophole in his words and did not relax at all. "The fault lies in Ye Ting, and you are the head of Ye Ting. Now I will fall on you to find out who leaked the news!" After finishing speaking, Shi Xian turned around and left.

Having said that, what to do if you find out?This Hu Hanxie, Shi Xian sighed in his heart: He is really the devil I hit! On the morning of the third day, Shi Hengzhi came back to Shi Xian and found out the result, but the result was astonishing——Shi Hengzhi said that Zhao Mei, who leaked the secret, committed suicide in fear of crime! "There is such a thing!" Shi Xian was stunned for a while: "How did it leak?" "The details can no longer be investigated." Shi Hengzhi replied calmly: "I was ordered by the Prime Minister the day before yesterday, and I immediately sent Grandma Fu to secretly investigate. Zhao Mei probably noticed it, and suddenly looked uneasy. At dawn today, I suddenly reported Zhao Mei was poisoned, and by the time I arrived, it was impossible to save her. It is said that before she died, she revealed to others that she had done one wrong thing, that is, she said one more sentence. Tell someone who doesn't care."

"Who is this irrelevant person?" "I don't know." Shi Hengzhi replied, "The secret was revealed by Zhao Mei, so there is no doubt about it!" Shi Xian thought about it carefully, and felt that there was no doubt.Then he asked, "How did she know that she was investigating this matter?" "That must be Grandma Fu's carelessness. She guessed it from her expression." "I guessed it. How did Zhao Mei know that she said this too much, and there would be such serious consequences, so that she committed suicide in fear of crime?"

"That!" Shi Hengzhi changed his mind very quickly, and immediately found an explanation: "The four of their sisters are all spiritual and intelligent, and they are extremely smart. The master went to Ye Court to investigate, and then tracked down the person who leaked the secret. I knew it was a big disaster." "That's a little too clever." Shi Xian asked again: "How did she die?" "Death by taking poison." Shi Xian changed his face, "How can there be poison in the court?" He lowered his face and asked, "In case something big treason happens, how many heads do you have?"

This move was Shi Hengzhi's negligence, but it was helpless, he could only plead guilty in fear. "Based on this alone, you can't do this court order!" Shi Xian made a decisive decision: "Dismiss from office and listen to investigation!" As a result, Shi Hengzhi couldn't even go back to Yeting, and was immediately handed over to Tingwei's Yamen for temporary custody.The duties of Ye Tingling will be delegated separately.Shi Hengzhi didn't expect Shi Xian to treat him so harshly, and he was filled with resentment, but he had no choice but to make up his mind in secret. When Ye Ting found the poison, the crime of negligence could be borne, and the crime of leaking secrets should all be pushed on Zhao Mei.

Unexpectedly, one of Shi Heng lost his power, and the situation in Yeting suddenly changed.Usually afraid of his insidiousness and meanness, he can only tolerate all anger, and dare not even say a word.At this moment, there is no need to act like a chilling cicada, so it doesn't matter if you say it. First of all, Granny Fu revealed a secret, saying that Zhao Mei had inadvertently caught Shi Hengzhi and Hu Jia talking in secret.When Shi Xian arrived in Yeting, Shi Hengzhi was afraid that Zhao Mei would expose his privacy, so he killed him.This word reached Lin Cai's ears, and of course she was concerned, so she asked Granny Fu in private to inquire about it. "I don't know." Granny Fu denied it. "Grandma Fu," Lin Cai said earnestly, "You have treated our sisters well. You know how our sisters treat you. You must have heard about this before, right? Why don't you tell me about it!" "Miss Lin, I have nothing to tell you. If this matter is investigated seriously, someone's head will fall. I don't want to say I don't know, but I can't if I know," Granny Fu said emphatically, "I must never tell you. !" Lin Cai is very proficient in human affairs and sophistication, so he read her words and deciphered the meaning behind her words.In fact, she has already admitted that there is such a thing, but she doesn't want to get involved, so she just refuses to say it. "Thank you, Granny Fu." Lin Cai assured her, "No matter what. I won't say your name." "What do you want? Miss Lin," asked Granny Fu, "You want to tell Concubine Ming these rumors?" "Yes." Lin Cai admitted frankly. Granny Fu's face was heavy, and she rested for a while before she said: "Paper can't hold fire, the palace will know eventually. If it involves me, Miss Lin, please ask Concubine Ming for me first, I won't do it in advance. Knowing this, I won't have the slightest intention of harming Miss Zhao." Why did she make such a confession?Lin Cai couldn't help being surprised.But when she asked more questions, Grandma Fu pretended to be deaf and dumb, pushing her away.Lin Cai had no choice but to make a request. "Grandma Fu, please deliver a letter to Jianzhang Palace for me." "This is inconvenient for me. Unless, Miss Lin, you explain it to the new Ye Tingling. He agrees, and I will definitely go for you." If it's such a trouble, it's better to go to the palace by yourself.At that time, he requested the Acting Ye Ting Ling to send her to Jianzhang Palace.This was something that was originally prohibited by the regulations, but just to know that she had the support of the concubine Ming, she made an exception and granted it.It's just that it's too late for that day, so I left Ye Ting early the next morning and didn't return until late at night.Therefore, Zhaojun basically knew about Shi Hengzhi's secret and the turmoil he caused. "You said that Shi Hengzhi was incompetent, and Zhao Mei committed suicide by taking poison. Shi Hengzhi was not without responsibility, so he was dismissed and handed over to the Ting Wei Yamen for investigation. How is it doing now?" "The minister is stepping up investigation." "I'm asking you about the results of the survey!" The emperor raised his voice, looking very impatient. "Yes!" An apprehensive Shi Xian replied, "There will be results within a day or two." "Hmph!" The emperor sneered: "I know! Do you want to hear it?" Shi Xian was shocked and amazed, why did the emperor know the result?Maybe just listened to nonsense gossip.Then he played calmly: "I beg the emperor to give you an order." "Zhao Mei was poisoned by Shi Heng, in order to silence her. Do you know why Shi Hengzhi wanted to silence her?" This is quite similar, Shi Xian replied very cautiously: "I am stupid, please make it clear to the emperor!" "Shi Hengzhi was dealing with a Hu Jia, and Zhao Mei bumped into him. He also said that you went to Yeting to inquire, so Shi Hengzhi must kill Zhao Mei. Shi Xian," the emperor asked in a more emphatic tone, "is it true? What's going on? What are you going to investigate? So much so that Shi Heng is forced to do this! You should understand it very well, right?" Shi Xian was dumbfounded by these words.Because it is combined with what he knows, and the talismans match, everything is like observing the fire, it is completely clear! At this point, I can no longer hide it.He bowed his head and said in a pleading tone: "Shi Heng's crime deserves ten thousand deaths, and I can't escape the blame for my negligence. Now that I heard the emperor's order, I know that Shi Hengzhi really colluded with Hu Hanxie, and A great secret has been leaked." The emperor was horrified, leaned forward, and asked hastily, "What is it?" "Hu Hanxie already knows that the original Princess Ninghu has been named Concubine Ming." "There is such a big event!" The emperor was taken aback: "How do you know that he already knows this secret?" "A few days ago, someone sent to Jian Chen's house, that is, Hu Hanxie's letter, which was true, and there were threatening words." "How did he say?" "A barbarian who has not been transformed by a king is not worth talking about. Please don't question the emperor." It is conceivable that the threats are hard to hear.The emperor was very angry, his heart was ups and downs, and he couldn't calm down for a long time.But although the emperor was too angry to speak, Shi Xian couldn't keep silent.Even if you can't come up with a solution for a while, at least you should have a few words of comfort. Thinking about it this way, he first bit the bullet and said: "The emperor please release Ruihuai, things will be smooth if things are slowed down, Rong Chen will figure it out slowly, there must be a way." Hearing this, the emperor was furious again!I have repeatedly said that there is a way, but it has not been properly resolved so far, but it has become more and more rigid.There is also Mao Yanshou, who caught him and then let him go, which is even more disgusting.Thinking of this, I really want to reprimand Shi Xian.But then I asked myself, except for Shi Xian, who else could do this?Unless you go to war, it is still necessary for Shi Xian to dispatch troops and generals.Since this is the case, it is better to be smarter, increase his responsibilities, and let him do his best. So the emperor asked: "You said there must be a way, but what is the way?" Shi Xian is at a loss, so what can he do?However, at this time, I have to grab a sentence or two to prevaricate. "It's nothing more than that," he thought, and replied, "Move with emotion and face with prestige. If you use both soft and hard, you will definitely give in before stopping." "Okay!" The emperor appreciated his words, but he had to ask carefully: "How to move with emotion?" This is an exam with questions, and the questions are not difficult. Shi Xian thought about it for a while and replied: "The Heavenly Dynasty has kindness to Hu Hanxie. His confidant Hu Litu spoke from the sidelines, and Hu Hanxie may not be unaware of it." "What if you don't listen?" "Then it's time to show prestige! I invite Chen Tang to come to the capital, give him the title of general at the border, lead a strong army, and be able to hunt Beibi. Hu Hanxie can't help being vigilant!" "Okay!" The emperor readily agreed: "I will call Chen Tang today. I think it will be more effective to use two-pronged approach, on the one hand, to move with emotion, and on the other hand, to face him with force, and to help each other with leniency and fierceness." "Yes!" Shi Xian took the opportunity to compliment him, and said with a pause, "I am as wise as the heavens, and I am absolutely inferior to you." "Also," the emperor asked, "where's Mao Yanshou?" "This can be brought back when sending off relatives, and it will be punished in the Ming Dynasty." "This time," the emperor said with a frown, "I think it's probably him who is playing tricks." "Qizou the emperor, Princess Ninghu changed her title to Concubine Ming, this is something after Mao Yanshou left, it seems to have nothing to do with him." "How can you be sure that it has nothing to do with him? Maybe he's the one trying to instigate it." This is of course very possible, but Shi Xian is unwilling to admit it.Because as soon as he admits it, he will be questioned. Knowing that Mao Yanshou is unreliable, why allow him to follow Hu Hanxie?So Shi Xian replied vaguely: "Please forgive me, everything will be in order, and everything will come to light." Although the emperor appeared calm and Shi Xian was anxious in his heart, but remained calm on the surface, there were many things that could not be hidden, such as Shi Heng's imprisonment and Zhao Mei's untimely death.So rumors spread everywhere, getting worse day by day.There are also some real secrets mixed in it, such as the secret summoning of Chen Tang, and the selection of soldiers in the forbidden army who are accustomed to the severe cold in the north, etc., together with the malicious exaggeration of some eunuchs and court ladies with ulterior motives, it was quickly woven into a set of sounds. The frightening "story" said that the emperor was bewitched by the concubine Ming and wanted to show off his prowess and charm the beauties.Decided to lead the six armies in person, and made an expedition to Mobei, with the famous general Chen Tang as the vanguard.Concubine Ming told Zhao Mei the news. Zhao Mei accidentally told Shi Hengzhi, but Shi Hengzhi leaked it to foreign countries. The emperor knew about it and was furious. As a result, Shi Hengzhi was arrested and imprisoned. committed suicide. Nine out of ten people believed in this bizarre "story" and told it to Cishou Palace. The old empress was greatly astonished, she immediately questioned and found out part of the truth, and then summoned the empress to question her . "You are the empress, you are in charge of the sixth palace, and you are the head of the family. For a while, the court has been full of smog. Some people were poisoned, but they were still murdered! It was also said that Shi Hengzhi had liaison with foreign countries, was arrested and imprisoned, and is currently being interrogated. Inside, it's so untidy, queen, don't you feel ashamed?" This last sentence is a heavy reproach.The empress lowered her head in shame, and said aggrievedly: "The concubine's death penalty!" The queen mother felt that she was going too far, she slowed down her face and asked, "Could it be that you don't know about these situations?" "Naturally." "Now that you know it, why don't you try to rectify it?" "Concubines have the difficulties of concubines." The queen replied hesitantly: "If we want to talk about rectification, we can only ask the emperor to issue a decree. Helpless—" "Why don't you go on? What's the point of helplessness?" The Queen Mother's voice was severe again: "Just say it!" "The concubine hasn't seen the emperor for five days." "You mean, the emperor hasn't arrived at the central palace for five days?" "Yes!" The queen replied: "Only when the emperor comes to pay his respects to the queen mother, can we see the shadow. When the concubines want to find a chance to speak to the emperor, the emperor has already left." "So, where are you these days?" "Jianzhang Palace." "Jianzhang Palace?" The Empress Dowager thought for a while and finally understood.His face immediately became serious: "No wonder there is that rumor!" The queen was speechless, and the queen mother did not continue.Obviously, it was wrong to blame the queen, but who was to blame?Is it the emperor or Zhaojun?The Empress Dowager couldn't help being confused, she just sighed.