The next morning.

Dongcheng, Yongrenfang, in a quiet and remote alley.

An ordinary carriage drove in slowly, and a moment later a man came on horseback.

The car curtain opened, revealing the calm and dignified face of Luo Ting, the right-hand governor of Dongfu. He looked up at Gu Liang, who had bloodshot eyes, and sighed softly: "You haven't slept all night?"

Gu Liang let go of the reins, but his horse seemed to be still in place. He said indifferently: "It happens occasionally, and it's not a big deal. Your Majesty is going to observe the Yanping hunting ceremony, and there are only twenty-three days left. Everything can be arranged."

It needs to be readjusted, which will naturally take some energy."

Luo Ting nodded slightly and changed the topic: "What is the war situation in Northern Xinjiang? Is Pei Yue in danger?"

Gu Liang chuckled and said, "You care about him more than me, Taishan."

Luo Ting automatically ignored his joke and said calmly: "The barbarians are brave and have internal help. Pei Yue's trip may not go smoothly."

Gu Liang asked with a smile: "The civil and military affairs of the country and the dynasty have always not interfered with each other. How could you be so clear about it? Is it possible that there is an informant of yours in the Xifu?"

Luo Ting said: "If there is no internal response, how could Ge Shuyi fall into the trap? How could Jiuli Pass be lost? Although I am not good at military affairs, I will not ignore these strange things. Your Majesty did not say anything, and all the princes in the court pretended that nothing happened.

, it’s really ridiculous.”

The two had known each other for decades and knew each other's personalities very well. Gu Liang was not surprised that Luo Ting was as jealous as before, but he didn't expect that he could suppress the anger in his chest, so he asked curiously: "What about you?

Why not bring it up during the court meeting?"

Luo Ting stared into his eyes and said seriously: "I should ask you these questions."

Gu Liang remained silent.

Luo Ting continued: "Even I can see that there is something wrong with it. How can you not know that you have been on the battlefield for half your life? To be fair, you are a right-wing military aircraft in the Xifu. In the past six months, Wang Pingzhang has gradually handed over power, and there is no one in the Xifu.

capable of constraining

You, this kind of thing should be investigated clearly. In terms of selfishness, Pei Yue is your son-in-law. Even if it is just for the sake of the child Gu Zhen, you should find out those black sheep, at least not let Pei Yue encounter the conspiracy from behind.

"

Gu Liang said with deep meaning: "Since you have already mentioned that His Majesty is silent, how can you not understand the reason? As for Pei Yue's safety, he is no longer the weakling in the eyes of you and me, but a man with many experiences.

A handsome man who has repeatedly accomplished extraordinary feats in battles, even if the barbarians have help from the evil forces in the frontier army, they are still no match for that boy."

Luo Ting suddenly said in a deep voice: "This is not a reason for you to sit idly by!"

Although the tone is soft, there is a bit of sternness.

Gu Liang was unmoved and replied calmly: "I just acted in accordance with the holy will."

Luo Ting was silent for a long time, and said quietly: "There is no need to lie between you and me. When Emperor Zhongzong implicated the Gu family, I know you have hatred in your heart, but this has nothing to do with His Majesty. How has Your Majesty treated you over the years? I am loyal and loyal.

You are the first-class prince of the country, and you will soon become the leader of the army. Who is not envious? Doesn’t your majesty know the grudges between Zhongzong and the Gu family? Even so, he has never doubted you, and still treats you.

You reuse it in every possible way."

An extremely complicated smile appeared on Gu Liang's face, and he said slowly: "Your Majesty has actually been guarding against me."

Luo Ting looked at him puzzled.

Gu Liang breathed a sigh of relief and said in a low tone: "You said that Wang Pingzhang gradually handed over power, but major military affairs were still decided by him. At least half of the seventy-three commanders in the army were promoted by him. You said that His Majesty is responsible for

I have no suspicion, but Wei Xiao is the only one of my confidants left in the southern camp, and when he went to Huanqiu Altar to pray for rain to induce Liu Zan to rebel, he only left me in the capital."

He paused for a moment and then said in a waning tone: "I am not Pei Yue's child, and I will not have unrealistic illusions about His Majesty. Kings and widows are like this since ancient times. But you don't have to worry, the four members of the Gu family

The blood of more than a hundred men in my generation will be spilled on the battlefield, and I will never become a rebel who kills the king and plots rebellion. Although I, Gu Liang, wish to destroy Zhongzong’s imperial mausoleum, I will not bring shame to the ancestors of all generations."

Luo Ting frowned and said, "So you just watched."

Gu Liang shook his head slightly and said: "Pei Yue entrusted Beiying and a large family to me before leaving. Do you know what this means?"

Luo Ting said: "There can be no chaos in Kyoto."

Gu Liang raised his eyebrows and said: "The Yanping hunting meeting is scheduled for May 29th. There are still twenty-three days from now. Maybe His Majesty will change his mind, maybe Wang Pingzhang will bow his head. Everything is unknown. Since I agreed to Pei

If His Majesty insists on leaving the capital, do you think I have any reason to dissuade him?"

Summer has arrived, and the wind passing through the alleys carries a bit of restlessness.

Luo Ting sighed softly and changed the subject: "Brother, I asked Xu Shou. The response from the Fifth Army Commander's Mansion is as usual, and there are no unusual movements in the Beijing army battalions."

Gu Liang nodded and said solemnly: "That's fine. If Wang Pingzhang is willing to bow his head, His Majesty may not necessarily kill them all, but the generals in the army will definitely change their blood, and your Dongfu will also need to persuade him."

Luo Ting agreed, and then left with a solemn expression.

Gu Liang stopped where he was, watching the carriage drive slowly, and a feeling of melancholy gradually emerged in his heart.

…

Qinzhou became the capital.

The effects of last year's drought have gradually receded, and this majestic city has regained its former bustle and vitality. Especially with the arrival of Xiangyun Hao and several large merchants, Chengjing has become even more prosperous.

In a private house in the east of the city, Shen Danmo looked at the middle-aged man in ordinary clothes opposite and said with a smile: "Sir, I'm here to say goodbye to you."

Mr. Xi calmly poured the tea and handed it over, saying warmly: "I thought telling you what Xiangyun is doing now would make you change your mind and stay."

Shen Danmo stood up and took the tea cup, and said softly: "Pei Yue impressed me. In time, Xiangyun Hao will definitely become the cornerstone of Daliang, especially under the control of Mr., those extravagant things continued to flow into the Southern Dynasty, in exchange for a large amount of gold, silver and

Food. All the gentry and nobles of the Southern Dynasty were tied to Pei Yue's boat without making a move. When they reacted, they couldn't even jump out."

Mr. Xi sighed with emotion: "Brother Shen still underestimated you after all."

Shen Danmo shook his head and said: "Dad is not looking down on me. He has his own difficulties. After all, Taishitai Pavilion is different from other places. My husband and my father have worked together for many years, and we have a close relationship. I only regret that I did not become my teacher earlier.

Let Pei Yue get there first."

Mr. Xi smiled slightly, and then reminded: "Miss Shen, I have thought about it again and again, and still want to persuade you to stay in Chengjing. Although there are storms in Kyoto, Brother Shen's methods will not cause you to be plotted. If you appear in the capital,

, one may become a bargaining chip for others to blackmail Brother Shen, and the other will also distract Brother Shen."

Shen Danmo looked down at the ripples in the cup and said softly: "Sir, do you know that I once wanted to imitate Princess Qiyang?"

Mr. Xi looked at her gently.

Shen Danmo continued: "I am very envious of Pei Yue's rise to the top, not because he is greedy for false fame, but because he can do things according to his own ideas, whether leading troops to fight or planning business. At that time, I often wondered why I was born a girl.

?Even if your status is valuable in the eyes of ordinary people, you are just a bird trapped in a cage. In the past two days, I learned about the situation of Xiangyun from my husband. In fact, I also want to stay and help him. I believe that I can do a good job.

, at least not worse than Chen Xizhi."

She raised the corners of her mouth, showing a bit of agility.

Mr. Xi asked again: "Why don't you want to stay?"

Shen Danmo said: "It's just one moment and the other. If dad wants to avenge his brother, he will definitely stand on the opposite side of the one in the palace. Otherwise, with his status and authority, there is no need to send the family members out of Kyoto. I once thought that my heart was incomparable. The sky is high, but when it came time to make a decision, I realized that what I wanted most was not to have power, but to have all the people I care about live well."

In fact, Mr. Xi already knew her purpose. Recalling the time when he and Shen Moyun worked together under Pei Zhen, his eyes became warm and he said slowly: "There is no conflict between the two. Miss Shen, Even if you don't come this time, I will go there for you."

Shen Danmo's heart trembled, and he said with a slight embarrassment: "Sir, I... I have never thought of it this way. Pei Yue asked you to take charge of the southern border. It can be seen that things here are extremely important. I just want to borrow some people from sir. Then turn north and rush to Kyoto."

If Pei Yue had seen her panicked expression at the moment, his jaw might have dropped.

Mr. Xi smiled and said: "The Xiangyun is on the right track, and my temporary absence will not have any impact. I went to Kyoto this time, partly because I was worried about Pei Yue. This kid is too thoughtful and too sincere, and it is inevitable that he will be betrayed by others. Take advantage of both. When you arrived, I also received news from the capital. The situation was more complicated than I had previously imagined."

Shen Danmo said nervously: "Dad, he..."

Mr. Xi shook his head and said: "Don't worry too much. It's just a conspiracy by all parties at the moment and it won't explode suddenly. In addition to your father, I have a few old friends in the capital. I have to go and see them before I can rest assured."

Shen Danmo breathed a sigh of relief, then stood up and saluted, "Thank you, sir."

Mr. Xi nodded and said: "No need to be polite. By the way, you stay in Chengjing and help me do something."

Shen Danmo said respectfully: "Sir, please give me your instructions."

Mr. Xi said calmly: "It's not a big deal. A distinguished guest will be coming from the south in a while. Please entertain him for me."

After listening to his simple description, a strange expression appeared on Shen Danmo's face, and he secretly felt cruel in his heart: That guy Pei Yue is really... Why didn't you see that he was such a merciful person before?

Then she saw Mr. Xi's gentle smile, couldn't help but feel her cheeks getting hot, and quickly changed the subject.

…

Countless carriages and horses leave Chengjing every day, which is a common sight for the people in the city.

Mr. Xi, dressed in a green shirt, hid himself in the carriage of the Xiangyun caravan and quietly headed north.
Chapter completed!