"I want to ask, Liheng, what exactly do you want to do?"

Chen Zhouhai's voice echoed in the restaurant room. Ning Yi, with his hands clasped together and a smile unchanged, only slightly narrowed his eyes. Search: \(、Complete、Book、God、Station、) to read high-quality literature for free.

Someone who can work alongside Qin Siyuan is different in mindset from the average person. The fact that he can ask this question so earnestly here naturally holds a different significance than before. Ning Yi was silent for a moment, only looking at him, "What else can I do?"

"After Teacher was imprisoned, Liheng originally wanted to withdraw, but later discovered there was a problem and decided not to leave. I can't guess what the problem is." Chen Zhouhai turned his teacup around. "I haven't known Liheng for long, but I have some understanding of his methods. You saw things were not going well and defected to Tong Guan. If it were only for survival, I wouldn't be saying these words today."

He had his own thoughts, but even if he didn't, Chen Zhouhai was never one to wear his heart on his sleeve. His voice was not loud, and Ning Yi's tone was also calm, "Things have reached this point, the Prime Minister's power is exhausted, I'm just a small merchant, and the Zhuji business has been shaken up quite a bit. If it's not for survival, what else could it be?"

"I don't know, but Liheng doesn't need to belittle himself. After Teacher left, if there's anything that's been preserved, it's you, Liheng."

"Most of it has been handed over to Prince Guangyang."

"That was also your choice, Liheng." Chen Zhouhai sighed. "Teacher devoted his life to the country and its people. Since he left, although the tree has fallen and the monkeys scattered, he still left behind some goodwill. In the past few days, I heard that the Chief Constable of the Ministry of Justice, Zong Feixiao, has disappeared. Another Chief Constable, Tie Tianying, suspects you were behind it. He contacted Cheng Wenhou, the staff of the Qi family, wanting the Qi family to come forward and take the lead in this matter. Cheng Wenhou has a very good relationship with the great scholar Mao Su. Mao Su heard about this and came to tell me."

Ning Yi was silent for a moment, "Did Brother Chen come to warn me about this?"

Chen Zhouhai was noncommittal, "I know Liheng's abilities, and now you have Prince Guangyang to look after you, so the problem shouldn't be too big. I have a duty to inform Ning Heng of these things, but I'm not too worried." As he spoke, he looked out the window. "What I fear is what you are doing now, Liheng."

The room fell silent, and then Chen Zhouhai's voice sounded low and slow.

"Since Teacher's incident, you've hidden everything behind the scenes, changing from leaving to not leaving. The movements behind Zhuji are unclear, but they haven't stopped. You handed over the evidence Teacher left behind to Prince Guangyang. He may only think you want to use a borrowed knife to kill, and he's also wary, but I feel that's not necessarily the case."

"Some things are open plots. The movements have been given to the Prince. Even if he's wary, he can't help but use them."

Chen Zhouhai shook his head, "If that's all it was, I could understand it clearly. But you, Liheng, have never been such a petty person. You stayed in the capital. Even if you want to avenge Teacher, you wouldn't just use such means. Looking at your past actions, I know you're planning something big."

He paused slightly, "Zong Feixiao wasn't killed by you. A small Chief Constable isn't worth your attention. Even if you really wanted to move against him, you wouldn't choose him as the first. I suspect you want to move against the Qi family, the Great Brightness Sect, but perhaps it's not just that." Chen Zhouhai raised his head and looked at him. "What exactly are you thinking?"

Ning Yi looked at him for a moment and answered sincerely, "Just self-preservation."

Chen Zhouhai's expression remained unchanged.

Ning Yi said, "I originally just wanted to leave, but then I suddenly realized that all the land under heaven belongs to the Emperor, and all the people on the land are subjects of the Emperor. We are still in the capital, and people like Tie Tianying are already plotting against me. I have countless enemies in the Green Forest and among the aristocratic families, and how many are secretly harboring intentions but haven't made a move? Imagine if I go back to Jiangning, Princess Chengguo's mansion will temporarily protect me, but Kang Xian is already old, how long can he protect me? When the time comes, Tie Tianying and Zong Feixiao will still come knocking. If I want to protect myself, then I still have to find a high branch to climb. Therefore, when Prince Tong came to pay respects to Prime Minister Qin that day, I took the opportunity to hand over the things. At that time, I still had a choice, which can be considered a contribution."

"Sometimes when you get on the stage, the problem is getting off." Ning Yi slowly leaned back in his chair, putting his clasped hands down. "I handed over the things to Prince Guangyang. He will always owe me a favor. And he's from the military system. These people are the least reasonable. If others want to move against me, being under someone else's banner, the methods are very different. But if I join this side, the conflicts with them will be the least. After staying in Prince Guangyang's mansion for a while, if I'm humble and obedient, the Prince will naturally think I'm just so-so. When his attention is no longer on me, I, a businessman, can also withdraw to the south, at most sending a few carts of gifts every year for the Prince's birthday. In this way, everyone gets what they need. I can also take the opportunity to get out of the situation."

His tone was calm, and what he said was reasonable. In fact, Wenren Bu'er was a few years older than Ning Yi. He experienced this and was disheartened, leaving the capital. Ning Yi's attitude at this time was not surprising. Chen Zhouhai shook his head, "If that's really the case, I have nothing to say, but I don't believe it in my heart. Brother Ning..."

He opened his mouth,

and then said, "Teacher's lifelong wish was only for this country and its people. His methods were different from mine, but he was upright in his character and actions. The Jurchens' southward invasion this time has shattered the fantasies in many people's hearts. Since returning from Taiyuan, I knew that they would definitely invade south again. Now in the capital, Liheng, if you are really disheartened and want to leave, that's nothing. If you really remember the Zong Feixiao incident and want to kill a few constables from the Ministry of Justice to vent your anger, that's just a small matter. But if you're going further up..."

"...The Qi family, the Great Brightness Sect, Tong Guan, Cai Jing, Wang Fu, Li Bangyan, Liang Shicheng... these people, one move affects the whole body. I've seen your actions, Liheng, the scheming to destroy Liangshan, the disaster relief game with the aristocratic families, and the difficulties of Xiacun later, you've overcome them all. Others may underestimate you, but I won't. I can't do these things, and I can't imagine how you'll do them, but if... you want to move at this level, whether you succeed or fail, what crime have the people of the world committed?"

Chen Zhouhai's previous schemes were extreme, and his methods were mostly focused on scheming. At this time, he said these words, which surprised Ning Yi. He smiled slightly, "I originally thought that Brother Chen was a radical and informal person..."

"Chen's谋略 has always been a bit extreme, but this is one time, and that was another. When I was first in the Prime Minister's mansion, the results of my actions were the most important thing, and the means were secondary. Now, Chen only hopes that when the Jurchens invade south, the people of this city can have a good place to go."

Ning Yi fell silent, and after a moment, leaned back in his chair and said, "Although Duke Qin has passed away, most of his disciples have inherited his beliefs..."

"However, you, Liheng, have different beliefs from my teacher. You are truly different, therefore, you can always do extraordinary things." Chen Zhouhai looked at him and said, "Actually, the flame is passed on when the firewood is exhausted. After my teacher left, we can't bear his burden. If you, Liheng, can take it on, that would be excellent. If what you do is to prevent the disaster when the Jurchens invade south in the future, then my worries today are unnecessary."

"I promised to pass on Prime Minister Qin's books, as for his career... Brother Chen, neither of us is valued now, and we can't do anything."

"Some things are not something that can be left undone just because they can't be done. I came out of Taiyuan and have seen what suffering is like. Whether it's me or Liheng, as long as we want to do something, we can always find a way to do it."

Ning Yi nodded. Chen Zhouhai's words were calm and frank. Although his previous schemes were extreme, after Qin Siyuan left, Wenren Bu'er left the capital disheartened, but he still stayed in the capital. When he heard that someone wanted to move against Ning Yi, he came to warn him. This man, who had survived countless dangers in Taiyuan and whose teacher's sect had undergone great changes in the capital, had left behind only a heart for the country and its people after shedding his background and extremism. Ning Yi acted differently from Qin Siyuan, but he always respected that old man, and he couldn't help but admire the Chen Zhouhai in front of him.

The essence of Confucianism, they have finally retained it.

He just nodded, without answering the other party's words, and looked out the window. It was noon, and the bright sunlight shone on the lush trees, with birds coming and going. It had been twenty days since Qin Siyuan's death.

"There's something I've always forgotten to tell Prime Minister Qin."

In that silent atmosphere, Ning Yi spoke these words.

"A few years ago, because of Fang Qi Fo's matter, I had feuds with the Ministry of Justice and the Great Brightness Sect in the south. At that time, the person in charge of the Secret Investigation Department in the Chongping County area was called Hao Jinhan. He cooperated with my actions in that operation. After I left, Lin Echan found him, and Hao Jinhan's family was killed. After the news came, Prime Minister Qin had the news sealed up so that I wouldn't see it."

He paused, "This time, Prime Minister Qin was charged with a crime, and I found this information when I was sorting out old materials. At that time, he was in prison, and later he was convicted and exiled. Every time we met, I was caught up in many major events, and I always forgot to say it. The last time I sent him off outside the city, I had a pile of various troublesome matters at hand. When I looked back, I remembered this matter, but I forgot to open my mouth. At that time, I thought that after the matters in my hands were settled, I would find an opportunity to say hello."

"However, when I saw him again, I saw him on that hilltop. There was no chance to say it."

He fell silent again here, and after a while, "Brother Chen, we act differently. You're right, that's because you're for righteousness, and I'm for recognition. As for those things you said today, taking revenge on the Qi family and Grand Tutor Cai... it's too troublesome."

He paused and said, "Too troublesome... I won't do that."

The two sat opposite each other for a while and ate something. Soon after, Chen Zhouhai also bid farewell and left. When he left, Chen Zhouhai said, "If you really want to do something, you can look for me."

Ning Yi just nodded.

In the following days, the capital was still lively. When Qin Siyuan was there, although the two left and right prime ministers were not the most powerful ministers in the court, the overall strategy of the country was relatively clear under the premise of the Northern Expedition and the recovery of the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun. After Qin Siyuan was dismissed, although it had only been twenty days, the faction of the left prime minister had already begun to decline. People with ambition and a sense of urgency began to compete for the position of prime minister. For the current national policy of building the Yellow River defense line, Tong Guan's faction began to actively advance, opposing Li Bangyan and others in the court. Although Cai Jing was low-key, his inner strength, with disciples all over the world, was difficult to shake just by being there. On the other hand, due to the losses in the battle with the Jurchens, the momentum of the pro-peace faction, such as Tang Ke, also rose. Various merchants and interested parties hoped that the Wu Dynasty could stop the conflict with the Jurchens and open up border trade as soon as possible, so that everyone could happily make money.

Anyway, wasn't the relationship between the Wu Dynasty and the Liao Kingdom the same in the beginning?

As a result, the court seemed to be standing with many lords, and Zhou Zhe was planning to maintain stability in it. When he realized that Tong Guan was about to attack the Wu Rui Army, he sent several generals over. Compared to Tong Guan's actions, Zhou Zhe's current pace was much more friendly. These generals went over, only saying that they were learning, and also avoiding unfair things in the army, acting as supervisors. In reality, they were equivalent to winning over and showing goodwill.

In any play, there are always black faces and white faces. In the beginning, he was too good to the Changsheng Army, so no one dared to play the black face. Now that Tong Guan was playing the black face, he could naturally come out as the Emperor to play the white face. The military strength of the Wu Rui Army had been formed, and the important thing was to let them directly transfer their loyalty to the Emperor. If necessary, he didn't mind building this army into an Imperial Guard.

Whether it was ascending the stage or falling from the stage, everything seemed to be in an uproar. Ning Yi was dragged to the Wu Rui Army twice again. He was still low-key in the Prince's mansion, and he usually lived a secluded life, keeping a low profile. The soldiers in the Wu Rui Army discussed it privately, and they began to despise Ning Yi. Only in the most hidden depths of the Wu Rui Army, someone was saying some inflammatory words.

"...These are all methods of the officialdom! You've seen it, first the Right Prime Minister, then General Qin Shaoqian, and after General Qin left, Old He was also moved, and Mr. Ning as well. Why was he dragged here! Is it to suppress the formation? No, this is to splash dung on him, to smear him! What are they doing now! Yellow River defense line? Don't you all understand? As long as there is large-scale construction, money will come! Why are they so enthusiastic, you say they are not afraid of the Jurchens invading south, hey, they are afraid, they are concerned... they are just making a little power and making a little money while doing things—"

These words were suppressed at the bottom of the wind. And the capital became more and more prosperous. This battle with the Jurchens was extremely tragic, but as long as they survived, there was always a chance to turn the tables. During this time, not only merchants came from all over the country, but also scholars from all walks of life, and the waves of enthusiasm for saving the country became more and more intense. In brothels, taverns, and tea houses, scholars were often seen gathering together to discuss strategies for saving the country.

This atmosphere also led to the prosperity of many folk sects. The most famous was the recently arrived Celestial Master Guo Jing in Bianliang, who was said to be able to move mountains and seas, and scatter beans to form soldiers. Some people were skeptical about this, but the public was very enthusiastic, and many high-ranking officials in the court had already met him. Some people said: If the Jurchens come, with Celestial Master Guo, just open the city gate and release the Six Jia Divine Soldiers, then... most people talked about it with relish and啧啧不已. At that time, everyone only needs to watch on the city wall how the Six Jia Divine Soldiers harvest the Jurchens.

Every time this happened, many people remembered the tragic situation of defending the city again, secretly wiping their tears. If the Celestial Master had come earlier and not allowed the treacherous minister to defend the city, how could their own husbands and sons have died tragically on the city. But in the discussion, some people said that since the treacherous minister was in power, then even if the Celestial Master came, he would inevitably be suppressed. Everyone thought about it, and it was quite possible.

In early June, the city wall near the new Suanzao Gate had already been completed. Zhou Zhe left the palace and walked around near the city gate. He saw the scene of people entering and leaving the city like a woven fabric in the restaurant, and he was quite gratified.

"Everything is waiting to be rebuilt. My Wu Dynasty people have not been defeated by this suffering after all. Now, as far as I can see, it is even more prosperous. This is a sign of national revival after many disasters!"

He pointed to the caravan that was entering the city below and said this to Du Chengxi. Seeing that the caravan members were mostly armed, he nodded again and said, "After the great disaster, the road is not peaceful, so the martial spirit is flourishing. This is not a bad thing right now. How to suppress and guide it needs to be well-grasped. After we go back, we need to issue a charter as soon as possible."

He then spoke briefly with Du Chengxi about some things. Recently, the people in charge of the Yellow River defense line had been fighting over it for a while. He didn't want the storm to expand again, so he would make a decision in the next few days. This was a major strategy for defending against the Jurchens, and it was also a major redistribution of power in the court after Qin Siyuan left. It was an opportunity for him to regain control of the balance core. He had already thought deeply and had a plan in mind. Most of the things he could say to Du Chengxi at this time were things that could be leaked out.

Du Chengxi hinted these things outwards, and others knew that it was a plan, so they didn't dare to say more.

"After Qin Siyuan died,朕才 knew how much stuff he was hiding from me. That's how power ministers are. If you want to use him to do things, he will eventually bite you back. But朕 thought about it, and the way of balance cannot be messed up. Cai Jing, Tong Guan and these people, should support the beams for朕. Using them as pillars, the real work must be done by朕!"

After he finished saying these things, he thought about some things in his heart again. Looking at the city gate over there, what came to his mind was the scene of a woman performing for the wounded soldiers on a wooden platform. He tried to remove this picture from his mind and thought about some things again. On the way back to the palace, he instructed Du Chengxi on many political affairs that followed.

"...The matter will be settled in the next few days. In the imperial edict, many things need to be clearly grasped. Once the imperial edict is issued, the court will have to enter the right track. Regarding Tong Guan and Li Bangyan,朕 don't want to beat them down too much. On the other hand, it's Cai Jing. He stands there and easily took up most of the benefits that Qin Siyuan had previously. After thinking about it,朕 finally have to beat him down a bit. Go to court the day after tomorrow..."

He instructed one by one like this, and when he came to the end, he remembered one thing.

"...Also, three days later, when things are settled, add one person to the young generals and officials朕 want to see. Ning Yi Ning Liheng, he came out of the Prime Minister's mansion, and he has been much more well-behaved recently. I heard that he is under the protection of Prince Guangyang's mansion. His past business has not been picked up until now. Recently, he is often called to the Wu Rui Army. He has some relationship with the Wu Rui Army.朕 even heard rumors that he and Chief Lu of Lüliang may be lovers. Whether it is true or false, this is not good, making people lose face."

"At the beginning when Qin's mansion fell, everyone pushed the wall down.朕 protected him. He is very good at doing things. Don't beat him down too much.朕 want to give him a clerical position in the Ministry of War, to give him a step down, and also to avoid Prince Guangyang's overuse of people, which will beat down his edge." He said this, and then sighed: "With this matter, the case of Qin Siyuan should come to an end. Now that the Jurchens are watching covetously, and the court needs to be revitalized urgently, it is not the time to turn over old accounts, and everyone must put down the past and look forward. Du Chengxi, this is朕's intention, you go and arrange it. Now, working together, the crime of Qin Siyuan's arbitrary arrogance should no longer be."

Du Chengxi took the decree, and the emperor then went to do other things.

The next day, Ning's mansion, people from the palace came and informed him that he would go to court to see the Emperor, and by the way informed him of the etiquette for seeing His Majesty, and the things he would probably encounter. Of course, there was also a bit of a beating.

"...The major cases in the capital often involve a wide range of people. In the case of the criminal minister Qin Siyuan, you are all sinners. It was His Majesty who opened his mouth to treat you with leniency. Ning Yuanwai, you are just a mere merchant, and you are blessed to be summoned by His Majesty. This is the blessing you have cultivated for eighteen lifetimes. From now on, you must burn incense piously and worship your ancestors. The most important thing is that you must understand His Majesty's love and promotion for you. From now on, whenever there is something to share the worries of the country, you must strive to be in the front! His Majesty's face, is that something everyone can see if they want to? That is the Emperor! It is the Nine-Five Supreme..."

The palace person vividly educated Ning Yi for half an hour, and Ning Yi was also诚惶诚恐, repeatedly nodding, and his words were humble. After this education, Tong Guan summoned him and also gave him a general education. The meaning was basically the same, but Tong Guan pointed it out. His Majesty hopes that Qin Siyuan's crimes will end here. You must be aware of it and admire the grace of Heaven from now on.

At this time, many major events related to the Yellow River defense line in the capital began to fall. This was a strategic-level major movement, and Tong Guan was also accepting and digesting the power in his hands. For the reception that a small person like Ning Yi was going to receive, it was already a good attitude for him to call him over and say a word. After scolding like this, he sent Ning Yi away and didn't care much anymore.

But this day, when Ning Yi passed through the corridors of the Prince's mansion, he received several glares and discussions from others. Only when he met Shen Chong, the other party smiled and cupped his hands and said a few good words: "I knew early on that Liheng was not something in a pool. Being able to be summoned by His Majesty, this is not an ordinary honor, it is a major event that can comfort the ancestors!"

"That is, that is."

"I heard that someone in the Ministry of Justice is looking for trouble with you. After this matter, hehe, I want to see what else they dare to do! Even that Qi family, although powerful, there is no need to be afraid in the future! Brother, don't forget your brother when you become rich in the future, hahahaha..." Shen Chong patted him on the shoulder and laughed.

"Yes, originally I wanted to find some people to help the Qi family intercede." Ning Yi also laughed.

"Rest assured, rest assured..."

Not long after, Ning Yi and the others' carriage left the Prince's mansion.

The sun was gradually setting, and the prosperity of the large Bianliang city had not diminished. The bustling crowd was still traveling through the city. Tie Tianying led the team through the city, looking for the possibility that Zong Feixiao's death was related to Ning Yi. Spots of lights gradually lit up. Ning Yi sat in the courtyard of the mansion, waiting for the sky to fade and the stars to reveal dots of silver brilliance in the night sky, which calmed the world down. The wheel of time moved little by little, pressing towards the future two days later in this prosperous and peaceful atmosphere, slowly but without hesitation.

Two days passed in the blink of an eye.