Chapter 1241 Restless Thoughts (4)

June 1st, morning, Si hour (9-11 AM).

The bustling market on the west side of the city, near the city walls. Pu Xingui and Qian Dingzhong took their seats in the teahouse, and Cao Jinlong, in disguise, joined them.

Pu Xingui poured tea.

"Have you heard about what happened yesterday?"

"If it's about the assassination, I was near the academy at the time... running around in a panic..."

"Two masters, one went to the academy, one went to the princess's residence, and they attacked at the same time, and they still had the confidence to escape. Brother Cao, you know how high your skill has to be to be sure?"

"...My brothers... are not so sure." Cao Jinlong shook his head. "If the plan is proper, and the attack is sudden, they might be able to retreat completely, but that Master Tunyun attacked Li Pin in the Military Academy a few days ago, and since then, manpower has been added on both sides... it's difficult. Brother Qian, are you confident?"

Among the three in the teahouse, Pu Xingui was at most a descendant of a large family, learning some martial arts only to strengthen his body, and he was nothing special in the underworld; Grandmaster Cao Jinlong is now admired by all, but his martial arts are actually not particularly outstanding; "Wenhou Sword" Qian Dingzhong and Xu Nanjiang, who had not yet arrived in Fuzhou, were the strongest fighters in this group. When Cao Jinlong asked, Qian Dingzhong slowly drank tea, then slowly shook his head.

"...Only 50% confidence. To be honest, if there is an inside man, the confidence may be improved, but it is only suitable for a sudden attack, using thunderous methods, killing and running. Unlike Chen Shuangran, relying on that Master Tunyun, she made two shots, both only to test... I'm afraid it would be the same even if Brother Xu came..."

Cao Jinlong and Pu Xingui were silent for a moment, took a sip of tea, and Pu Xingui said, "Brother Cao, what do you think of the person who went to the academy to assassinate, is it that Monk Tunyun?"

Cao Jinlong shook his head, "No."

"'Sea Tiger' Niu Yunqiu?"

"Also, no." Speaking of this person, Cao Jinlong shook his head again, and smiled, "'Sea Tiger' Niu Yunqiu has been gaining momentum in the past year, but I have an old relationship with him. He is actually just a bully who fears the strong. He doesn't have the courage or the ability."

"In other words, Xiao Heipi has at least one master comparable to that Master Tunyun." Pu Xingui frowned, pouring tea for the two, "In addition, when the incident happened, she also sent that 'Iron Fist' Ni Po to beat people at the Feiyun Escort Agency... Where did she recruit so many masters? Brother Cao, in the past year, we haven't been looking for people outside..."

"Brother Pu means..."

"In Fujian, the wealthiest families are nothing more than the ones above... The promises of these families have been obtained by both the Pu family and the Chen family, so they wouldn't abandon me and help Chen Shuangran alone... Xiao Heipi has someone outside, and it should be someone with a big background..."

"Where did she get it from..."

"Brother Qian and I discussed it last night, and then asked around. There are a few rumors in private that during the period when the Pu family and the Chen family suffered, Xiao Heipi actually... went to Jiangnan to avoid disaster."

Pu Xingui took a sip of tea after saying this, and Cao Jinlong thought about it.

"...Brother Pu is referring to... the Fair Party intervening."

"I know the possibility of this is small. Last year, He Wen went crazy, making all parties uneasy. Which of the great kings of the Fair Party isn't overwhelmed? Even the infamous King Yama died shortly after the incident. To this day, the situation in Jiangnan is still fragmented... But apart from that, I can't think of anyone else who can invite Master Tunyun to help Xiao Heipi... She is young, and her appearance is good, but not the best, and she hasn't learned any kung fu in brothels, so we can't say she seduced this master... Master Tunyun has a reputation, and with his current skills, what kind of woman hasn't he seen..."

"If it is the Fair Party, it is not impossible..." Cao Jinlong thought for a while, "The chaos in Jiangnan last year was an accident for King Yama, King Pingdeng, and others. Only He Wen was determined to do things from the beginning. If we really want to talk about planning... maybe it was him?"

"That's a bit scary. That King Ping committed unauthorized wars, fighting four at once." Qian Dingzhong said, "Even so, he's still thinking about attacking Fujian?"

"Firstly, it can be said to be preparing for a rainy day. It is not strange for such big figures to be doing their own things, and making chess moves in advance... Secondly, He Wen himself is a madman and cannot be judged by common sense... The Fair Party's situation was great, and everyone thought he was holding a meeting in Jiangning to win over all parties, and no one really said they wanted to oppose him, but he overturned the table as soon as he said so. In the past, I also heard that this person had a deep hatred for the Wu Dynasty. Two years ago, the situation in Jiangnan was not good, and the Fair Party was also having a hard time. After the little emperor hid in Fuzhou, he sent people there several times to help and make peace, but he was directly beaten back. If Chen Shuangran really found him... he wouldn't be unable to do some things..."

In the morning, the market was crowded and noisy. The three drank tea while discussing the possibilities in low voices. After a while, Cao Jinlong asked, "Brother Pu, what exactly do you want..."

"I'm thinking that our horizons in the past were indeed narrow." Pu Xingui sighed, holding the teacup, "In the past, we relied on the heavy mountains of Fujian, isolated from the world, thinking that what we saw before our eyes were the great events of the world, but in the final analysis, compared

to Fujian, there is Jiangnan, and outside Jiangnan, there is the Central Plains, such a large world. We few who are brave and fierce in Fujian, encountered this Master Tunyun from outside, only to realize that we are frogs in a well..."

"...Xiao Heipi is one step ahead of me, and also gave me a good lesson. Brother Cao, in the past, I just thought she was out of her mind, and occasionally had some whimsical ideas. This time, the idea of ​​each family was to cooperate with her well. But now that I know there are other figures behind her, I will cooperate, but I also have to make a name for myself, so that this person can see me..."

Cao Jinlong nodded, "Brother Pu, do you also want to contact the person behind her?"

Pu Xingui smiled, "He supports Xiao Heipi now, it doesn't matter. Being able to bring out a figure like Master Tunyun, this person must have strength and must have plans. I don't care if Xiao Heipi used a beauty trap or did something else. Big figures do things to achieve success. In Fujian, Xiao Heipi occupies a young age and is easy to control, but in the final analysis, the affairs of adults must be done by adults. My Pu family has been in business for many years, and has countless relationships in Fujian, and now I have the assistance of Alliance Leader Cao. Don't worry, as long as I can talk to the person behind him, I will have the confidence to let him choose me instead..."

"And before that... we can't shrink back anymore... we have to make a name for ourselves..."

In the past one or two years, due to the suppression of the imperial court, many large families collapsed, and many family members either fled to distant places or rebelled. During this period, Pu Xingui and Chen Shuangran were able to become symbols of resistance, and it was not just a matter of luck. Just the heavy pressure of being labeled as prisoners by the imperial court and wanted everywhere, how could ordinary people bear it?

At this time, Pu Xingui's analysis was clear and logical, and there was also a sense of self-confidence. Cao Jinlong and Qian Dingzhong listened carefully, nodding occasionally. After a while, a follower came up and quietly told Pu Xingui a piece of information.

Cao Jinlong wanted to avoid it, but Pu Xingui smiled.

"It's not a big deal. Yu Hezhang came in a hurry, saying he has something to discuss." He smiled and told Cao Jinlong about the fight that happened at the Feiyun Escort Agency yesterday, "...Xiao Heipi rushed over for safety, Yu Hezhang and the others were caught off guard and lost face. I think they can't swallow this breath and want to get their face back. Alliance Leader Cao, you see, this is both a bad thing and a good thing. If it weren't for this breath, how could he be so busy... The people below also want to do things, so why worry about not accomplishing great things..."

Cao Jinlong also laughed, "Young Master Pu is good at managing his subordinates, Cao admires him."

...

At the same time, on the other side of the city, in front of the Princess Residence.

Huang Shengyuan got off the carriage and saw many familiar faces in the crowd.

In the past two months, undercurrents have been surging in Fuzhou, and it is definitely not peaceful, but on the official level, the most eye-catching thing recently is the emperor's matter of accepting concubines.

According to the news spread outside, this time the emperor's acceptance of concubines will have about three to four places, one of which has already been internally determined to be given to a high-ranking official in the officialdom, and the remaining two to three will be selected from gentry, merchants, craftsmen, and even ordinary families from all over the country based on their outstanding character – of course, that's what they say, but in reality, the saying "the highest bidder wins" has already spread.

Of course, this so-called highest bid does not only refer to money. In fact, it also includes how much help each family can bring to the imperial family.

In the two or three years since the imperial family moved into Fujian, they have actually wooed the middle and upper-class gentry of Fujian in several rounds. This time, the emperor's selection of concubines is a very special bargaining chip, but not many of the top families in Fujian are participating. It is some of the middle-level gentry and wealthy businessmen from all over Fujian who are really flocking to it. They have some influence and accumulation in various parts of Fujian, but they cannot be considered deeply rooted noble families. This time, the selection of concubines is undoubtedly a bet that may lead to a meteoric rise.

Of course, if they really select a concubine to enter the palace, such a family will in fact be bound to the imperial family whose future is uncertain at this time.

And under the name of this selection of concubines, the big households from all over the country can be said to have entered Fuzhou in a big way. For example, a family travels across mountains and rivers to come, the servants must be brought, and the bodyguards must be there. All kinds of underworld people have taken this opportunity to gather together. As one of the managers of the Huang family in Putian, Huang Shengyuan can see at a glance several local leading figures in the crowd who have come purely for "big events." They are holding the banner of participating in the election, and have brought a group of masters over, in fact, to respond to the chaos that bandit leaders such as Chen Shuangran may cause.

Of course, since they say they are selecting concubines, they will have to attend the banquet set up by the Princess Residence for everyone this time.

As for more people, they have no loyalty to the Wu Dynasty. If the women in their family are selected as concubines, then they will rise to the sky in one step, and if they are not selected, the people they bring may become participants in this chaos.

Near noon, forty-three representatives from each family were led by the stewards of the Princess Residence, and walked into the residence one after another. Huang Shengyuan pretended to be enthusiastic and greeted some unfamiliar people in the crowd, while familiar ones ignored each other. Even though they had no loyalty to the Wu Dynasty's royal family, Huang Shengyuan still felt some excitement after entering the gate of the Princess Residence.

There were even more people in the

crowd with faces full of flattery, repeatedly saying words like "bringing glory to ancestors" and "ancestors bless".

In any case, the majesty of the royal family had been very distant to the mountain people in various parts of Fuzhou. If Jiangnan had not fallen, they would never have had any contact with the royal family in their lives, let alone meet the current emperor's own sister after a while.

When Zhou Pei appeared in a graceful long dress, everyone knelt on the ground with a crash. Even though he had rehearsed several times before, Huang Shengyuan, in the crowd, still carefully adjusted his kneeling posture, wondering if he was not kneeling standardly enough.

His mentality was extremely complicated.

On the one hand, he already had the idea of ​​rebellion in his heart – at least he hoped that this Wu Dynasty royal family would collapse – but on the other hand, he would indeed be intimidated by this majesty.

The eldest princess looked quite young at first glance, but she treated everyone with gentle and appropriate words. Just a simple round of greetings made everyone get up and enter the banquet that had been prepared in the hall. Several high-ranking officials from the court were also present at the banquet. Zhou Pei gave a speech, saying a lot of words of concern and wooing.

For a long time, the imperial court's wooing of all parties was not just one or two rounds. The silly ones had already dedicated their family assets in the previous rounds, and some had lost all their family assets in the subsequent confrontations. Now, eating at the same table with the eldest princess does make people feel honored, but in essence, there is not much progress that can be made. The people who come here now want power, want official positions, and absolutely not a few words of instigation and boring pie in the sky. In the many past dealings, everyone has also understood the attitude of the imperial court: today's emperor, in any case, is unwilling to arbitrarily allocate power to a group of gentry.

But Huang Shengyuan only hoped that this would pass as usual.

Of course, when he heard the eldest princess speaking in a gentle tone with a Jiangnan accent above, and saw the beautiful and dignified smile on her oval face, Huang Shengyuan couldn't help but indulge in some fantasies.

Although she is over thirty years old, the eldest princess, who is now with status, status, and means, is still widowed. Sometimes, when talking to some big family figures in private, some people jokingly say that if they can take advantage of the fact that this eldest princess lacks a man and rise to the sky in one step, it would not be a wonderful thing. In the past, Huang Shengyuan and some people who had never seen the appearance of the eldest princess would scoff at it, saying that everyone was a man who wanted to do great things, and who hadn't seen a woman... But after seeing her today, he thought that if there was this opportunity... he could indeed...

Not long after, Zhou Pei finished her speech and sat down at the table. A moment later, someone rushed in and said something to Zhou Pei, and Zhou Pei stood up again.

Huang Shengyuan felt something was wrong.

After a while, the emperor came.

...

The hall was filled with kneeling people again.

After Emperor Junwu arrived, he said a few words to Zhou Pei, and then told the kneeling people to rise.

According to the routine that had been discussed, he picked up the wine glass and said a few witty words first.

"...Speaking of today's matter, I originally shouldn't have come, because saying it out sounds a little bad, making me, the emperor... look very impatient. Because my imperial sister summoned everyone, originally saying that it was to marry me, among you, there may be my future in-laws, or which one of you will be my brother-in-law in the future. The matter has not been decided yet, and it is not appropriate for me to personally participate in this kind of thing..."

"...But after thinking about it, I finally came. Because my personal affairs are small, and the affairs of the world are big. The people who have come this time are the backbone of my Wu Dynasty. I want to meet you and listen to your words, and I don't want to wait until the selection of relatives is over and see a few of you. That would be putting the cart before the horse, a mistake."

"...On the other hand, in the past period of time, my imperial sister has cared about me and presided over this matter of selecting concubines, but recently, it has been a bit noisy, and I believe you have heard a little bit. Some people talk about this selection of concubines, saying that we are selling official positions and conferring titles. Why do they have such thoughts? I have also seen it..."

He paused here, and the expressions on the faces of many people in the seats below suddenly changed. This time's acceptance of concubines was the Princess Residence's release of the saying of buying and selling, and it was also the people from the court who came forward to discuss some conditions with all parties. But the emperor's remarks were obviously a little wrong.

"The requirements you all put forward are actually very similar."

Emperor Junwu's eyes swept over everyone, and he slowly said these words. After a moment, the smile was still on his face.

"You all want to give your children official positions, and you want to be able to do something in the local area. In the eyes of outsiders, this is selling official positions and conferring titles, but in my eyes, this is a good thing. If you don't even have these ideas, then I really don't know what to talk to you about."

Emperor Junwu smiled even more clearly.

"I think, what are you thinking in your hearts? Since I came to Fujian three years ago, I have asked many people, asked many officials, gentry, merchants, and asked famous scholars from all over the country. I realized that what you are thinking is actually similar... Fujian has many mountains and ridges, and typhoons are common by the sea, so the environment is harsh. Therefore, all parties protect themselves, and there are many clans and local elders. What you are thinking is nothing more than

how your clan can prosper generation after generation, and be able to live well, including a few days ago, when my imperial sister entered the palace and handed me this booklet..."

Emperor Junwu reached out and took out a small notebook from his arms. Obviously, the details of the discussions between each family and the Princess Residence were recorded above. He said, "What I see from above is actually everyone's earnest expectations and loyal hearts."

"Is this a bad thing? No, this is a good thing. And it is also because of these loyal hearts above that I feel that I must come and talk to you about this matter. Because one person's marriage is a small matter, and everyone's expectations are actually... a big deal."

The move is out...

Below the banquet, Huang Shengyuan, who had been in awe of the royal power, narrowed his eyes slightly at this moment.

The direction of the conversation is wrong. He realized that this banquet might not be an ordinary one.

The little emperor wants to break the situation...

(End of this chapter)