Chapter 1 Old Five?

"Old Five?"

"My lord, it's the one who builds Gundams."

"Yeah, I know which one it is. My question is, why was he assassinated?"

A carpenter prince,

Who recently picked up the skill of repairing river embankments in the past year,

A proper technical prince,

Which, like a technical bureaucrat, from another perspective, is... harmless.

Although Zheng Fan heard some implied meanings from the Fifth Prince's words by Wangjiang River last time, and Zheng Fan reciprocated by symbolically sending him some New Year gifts, it was nothing more than that prince's instinctive operation and Zheng Fan's equivalent instinctive operation as a warlord.

In terms of power,

In the Dayan court,

The Crown Prince Party and the Sixth Master Party are fighting fiercely. If it weren't for the fact that the Yan Emperor was still there, suppressing them with his absolute prestige, making the top group of bigwigs and senior officials dare not enter the fray, the Yan court might already be in a state of "tragic infighting;"

But what does this have to do with Old Five?

Old Five's maternal family has no presence, and he has no power in the court.

Even if it ends up in an extreme situation,

For example, when Huang Taiji of the Later Jin died, Dorgon and Haoge fought for the throne, and finally each took a step back to let Fulin sit in that position;

In other words, if the Crown Prince and Old Six passively or actively give way, then it should be Little Seven who sits in that position.

Young age, with a young master and an uncertain country, is convenient for the development and activity of powerful officials and other forces.

Fifth Prince,

No power plus no age advantage,

No matter how you look at it, he is very marginalized and transparent.

To put it bluntly, even if he is to be assassinated, he has to get a number and wait in line.

"Could it be... that His Majesty wants to use this as an excuse to start another war?"

Marquis Zheng guessed while stroking his chin.

After all, His Majesty has a precedent;

The Third Prince has already gone from admiring snow in the lake pavilion to admiring the moon on the Naihe Bridge (Bridge of Helplessness in the Underworld).

Si Niang said, "If we really want to start a war and sacrifice a prince to find an excuse, then that's a bit too expensive."

Zheng Fan held out his fingers and calculated,

Saying;

"It's okay, we have enough sons to spare."

After saying that,

Zheng Fan and Si Niang both laughed.

In fact, they all knew that this was unlikely to be the Yan Emperor's doing. The same trick, used once last time, wouldn't be worth it to use again this time.

The death of the Third Prince last time aroused public resentment, and finally successfully promoted the war against Chu;

Now, people's livelihood is declining, and the following spring and summer will be even more difficult. It is unrealistic to try to imitate the same trick again.

"Oh, right, I forgot to ask the most important thing, is he dead?"

"No, seriously injured and unconscious, may die at any time, because the weapon was poisoned."

"Not dead, huh."

Zheng Fan leaned back slightly, tapping his fingers lightly on the back of his hand,

"If he's not dead... let's send someone to express our condolences. If he dies midway, we can just make it to the funeral."

Just then,

Xiao Yibo walked in, holding an official letter in his hand.

"Lord Marquis, an official letter from the Prince Ding's residence."

Si Niang took it, opened it directly, and turned to Zheng Fan and said:

"Sun Youdao should have sent someone to inform us as soon as he got the news. This official letter from the Prince Ding's residence should have been sent to us after they discussed it;

Moreover,

The meaning of this official letter

Is very interesting."

"How interesting is it?"

"It actually requests you, my lord, to come to Yingdu to take charge of the overall situation."

Hearing this, Zheng Fan felt like he had misheard, and said, "Huh?"

"It doesn't seem like polite talk. It means letting you go there to preside over the situation. Maybe what happened in Yingdu is not just a simple assassination of the Fifth Prince."

Because Zheng Fan is a marquis with military merits,

Not some noble from the imperial family,

If he was a noble from the imperial family, such as the marquis who delivered the imperial decree to him last time, he would just be a mascot that could be placed anywhere.

But someone like Zheng Fan has already reached a level where every move has extremely profound political implications.

Just like when Li Liangting entered Yanjing a few years ago, what a shock it was?

Furthermore, since the Prince of Jingnan exterminated his entire family, has he ever returned to the capital?

Although Zheng Fan's influence is definitely not as great as the previous two, he has reached the point where he should be paid attention to. Even though there has never been an explicit decree telling you not to leave your fiefdom easily, you should have this political understanding in your heart.

From another perspective,

He, Zheng Fan, can disregard the rules and not abide by them so strictly,

But how could the gang of officials in Yingdu who were originally from the Cheng Kingdom faction and now from the Yan Kingdom faction not be clear about this?

But even so,

Prince Ding still sent him an official letter requesting him to come to Yingdu to preside over the situation,

Which means,

That the matter is far more serious than the assassination of a Fifth Prince.

Zheng Fan beckoned, and a maid beside him brought a hot towel. Zheng Fan wiped his mouth and said:

"Actually, I can refuse, because without an imperial decree, it is inconvenient for me to go out casually after being enfeoffed as a marquis. If I continue to act so recklessly, it will inevitably arouse suspicion from those above.

Although Lao Tian is standing in front, it is impossible to resist if the big shots in the court, or the Yan Emperor, want to cut off some of my power or suppress me."

The current policy of the Marquis Pingxi's mansion is very simple: diligently cultivate the land and develop silently.

To put it more bluntly,

Before the Yan Emperor passes away, it's best not to jump around too much. After the Yan Emperor passes away, the departure of a generation of heroes will inevitably lead to power fluctuations in the central and local governments. At that time, the local forces will obviously be able to move their necks more flexibly.

This is why the monarchs who established fiefdoms felt that establishing fiefdoms was not a big deal, but their descendants suffered when they tried to weaken them. In your hands, these vassal kings or vassal towns naturally dare not jump around, and are extremely well-behaved, but your children and grandchildren do not have the prestige to continue holding the reins.

Lao Tian didn't teach these principles, but Zheng Fan understood them, and the blind man Si Niang and the others also understood them.

After all, now that he has been enfeoffed as a marquis, the political impact is different. It's not a big problem if you secretly do warhorse business with the Chu people, but if you are not sensible on the surface, and those above add some shackles to you, reduce your power, or mix in some sand, you can only passively accept it.

"Then does my lord mean to refuse? And wait for the imperial decree?"

Zheng Fan shook his head and said:

"Our current territory is the land of Jinyang, but in reality, our sphere of influence, if we don't count the Snow Plains and Shanggu County, is actually far less than the entire Jinyang. At least, the area around Yupang City is not under our control, and the Wangjiang line is still far from our actual control range.

Since Yingdu is now inviting me, it is actually a good opportunity to strengthen Marquis Pingxi's influence on Jinyang, and even the entire Three Jins region.

Last time, I led troops into Yingdu City by using Lao Tian's influence. This time, I'm going under the banner of our own Marquis Pingxi's mansion. This can send a message to the outside world, that is, not only Jinyang, but also Yingdu, we can have a say.

If we say it for a long time, our influence will gradually be able to get involved. In addition to the Sun family, we can continue to support a group of forces that are pro-us.

Our place is a place of contention. In fact, going north to the Snow Plains and south to the Chu Kingdom is not a big problem as long as there are enough troops and supplies. However, the biggest problem is that our westward route is actually the most blocked.

Whether or not to rebel is another matter, we mainly want to be unimpeded.

From another perspective,

If I refuse this time and don't go, or wait for the imperial decree in peace, it is equivalent to showing our Marquis's attitude to the outside world, that is, I only care about my three cities, and only take care of my own one-third of an acre of land.

This is actually limiting myself, no, to be precise, castrating my future development and expansion of influence."

"So, my lord is still planning to go?"

"Overall, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages, so let's go."

After a pause,

Zheng Fan added;

"Isn't Lao Tian still there? The sky won't fall."

……

"Madam, the princess served the lord last night."

The maid whispered to Liu Ruqing, who was sitting in front of the dressing table.

"Huh?"

Liu Ruqing was a little surprised, then reached out and gently pinched the maid's cheek,

"You little vixen, what are you doing running here early in the morning to talk about this? Are you having spring fever and taken a fancy to one of the guards in the mansion?"

When Liu Ruqing was sent to Xuehaiguan by the Fan family, she was actually accompanied by a group of maids and servants, but none of them were able to enter the mansion.

The former Earl's Mansion, now the Marquis Pingxi's Mansion, although there are not many women in the backyard, and it is relatively deserted, it also means absolute cleanliness.

The Devil Kings are unwilling for their place to be mixed with sand, so they will naturally conduct extremely strict political reviews.

Therefore, this big maid that Liu Ruqing is using now actually followed her all the way from Hutou City in the early years, and her background is trustworthy.

However, since she is Liu Ruqing's maid, she will naturally consider Liu Ruqing's situation. She is also clear that since her mistress entered the mansion, the Marquis has never favored her, so she is also anxious.

Born in the Yan Kingdom, born in Beifeng County,

She doesn't think being a widow is a shortcoming,

The folk customs in the Yan region are originally extroverted, not as etiquette-oriented as Qian Chu;

Moreover, her mistress is so beautiful!

She also knows that it is best for a woman in the backyard to have a child to rely on, which is the foundation of her life, but the Marquis just doesn't come to sleep with her, so how can she get pregnant?

Therefore, she has also been staring at the princess's courtyard, and has a good relationship with several maids around the princess, deliberately probing for some news;

Coincidentally, the maids on the princess's side also have the same idea as her, so both sides are probing each other.

"Madam, the princess has been favored, so the next one should be you, right?"

"Little vixen, shut up quickly. In the early morning, aren't you afraid that the wind will blow and flash your tongue."

"This servant is just here to remind madam to be prepared. Maybe the Marquis will come tonight."

After saying that, the maid made a face and ran out immediately.

Liu Ruqing continued to sit in front of the dressing table, a little dazed.

Before entering the mansion, she actually had a lot of curiosity about the life here, and had a lot of guesses. In fact, life is extremely easy, not only in terms of life, but also spiritually.

She doesn't know what it feels like to like someone. To be precise, although "like" is only two words, it has already encompassed everything.

She actually wants to serve him, make him happy, make him joyful, and even, she is willing to bear him a child, to be named with his surname.

A man like him,

Should have many children.

Previously, although he only touched her here and there, and his teasing intentions were extremely obvious, he never actually entered the lane;

At first, she was still wondering if he thought she was dirty, but later she learned that the princess had not been broken either, so she was relieved.

She can't see through his feelings for Mr. Feng, but intuitively, they must be extremely good.

While Liu Ruqing was thinking about her thoughts,

The maid who had run out earlier ran back again,

Lowering her voice and exclaiming;

"Madam, madam, the Marquis is here, the Marquis is here!"

"Ah!"

……

Marquis Zheng had breakfast, chatted about some things, and then had the blind man come over specifically for a brief meeting. In the end, they came up with a plan.

Go, he must go;

But it is impossible to ride on a Pixiu (mythical wild animal) with a Sword Saint like before. First of all, he must have a honor guard.

Fortunately, the "flying fish robes" and "embroidered spring knives" are all ready. These will be the main honor guard, and the outer perimeter will be equipped with 800 cavalry to support the front and rear, which is enough.

At the same time,

The two westernmost military towns, namely Gongsun Zhi's and Gong Wang's troops, must first receive military orders from the Marquis Pingxi's Mansion in Fengxin City. The troops can be appropriately mobilized. First, it is to cooperate with the Yingdu direction, and second, even if there is no purpose to the mobilization, you have to mobilize a little to make a show, to give the outside world the impression that Marquis Zheng has a strong control over the troops in Jinyang.

When Li Liangting entered Yanjing in those years, half of the 300,000 Zhenbei troops were directly transferred from the west to the east. Although it was later proved to be acting in concert with the Yan Emperor, in fact, this was already part of the meaning.

To put it bluntly, Marquis Zheng is a sixth-rank martial artist. Taken out alone, he is actually nothing. What can really hold up the cards are the soldiers who are loyal to you.

Moreover, this is not going to war. Although he has to receive some information about the specific events in Yingdu later, you have to be calm and composed. This is to maintain your own position and influence, and at the same time, to minimize the suspicion from above.

Although the family knows that they can overturn the table at any time, and at worst, go back and open an inn;

But you have to let those above and those below believe that you, Marquis Pingxi, are willing to play with everyone under these rules.

Preparing one thing after another will take at least a day.

Therefore,

Marquis Zheng has another day off.

The princess hasn't woken up yet,

Si Niang went to take care of the honor guard,

So Marquis Zheng naturally walked into the courtyard where Liu Ruqing lived.

Liu Ruqing did not deliberately dress up, but appeared in front of Marquis Zheng in a pose of pure lotus.

In fact, there are very few silly and sweet beautiful women.

She knows when she is beautiful, and she also knows how to maximize her charm.

Back in the Fan Mansion, she and Fan Zhengwen were on an equal footing, and it was appropriate for Liu Ruqing to call him uncle;

But after entering the mansion, she didn't change her address. She still calls him Marquis in front of outsiders, and still calls him uncle when they are alone, just because she also knows that she likes this a bit.

However, this is not considered deep scheming, after all, she is thirsty to please him.

That kind of silly and sweet style,

Is not absent,

Like Hu Bamei,

San'er likes it,

But Marquis Zheng really doesn't appreciate that kind of tune.

Liu Ruqing bowed slightly to Zheng Fan,

"Marquis."

"Have you had breakfast yet?"

"I've had it."

"That's good, wear more clothes, it's cold outside."

Zheng Fan stepped forward and hugged Liu Ruqing very naturally.

At the same time,

The maids in the courtyard immediately retreated knowingly. In the Marquis Mansion, it is impossible to survive without this kind of insight.

Hugging Liu Ruqing into the house,

Marquis Zheng sat down on the reclining chair,

Reaching out and pulling gently,

Liu Ruqing, who already knew how to cooperate, naturally fell into Marquis Zheng's arms.

On one side,

Marquis Zheng finally took the princess,

He, who has never liked to open a harem or love harem themes, is really getting a taste of it, and according to the order, there is already no restraint;

On the other side,

The fact that the maids reported early that the princess served him also stimulated Liu Ruqing. Although she said she didn't care, she actually had some ideas in her heart.

It's not elegant to say "birds of a feather flock together";

It's too fake to say "mutual affection";

Just consider that both sides feel that it can come naturally.

Liu Ruqing's plump body moved gently on Marquis Zheng's body,

Raising her head,

She gently blew a breath by Marquis Zheng's ear,

Warm,

With a little moisture,

With love, gently, slowly,

"Uncle~~~~"

What is the sound of nature like,

Marquis Zheng has never heard it,

But this sound has already hooked his soul to the clouds.

Perhaps it is really the time,

Perhaps without any worries, the thunder can freely move the earth fire,

Perhaps the wind and clouds have reached some kind of tacit understanding at this moment;

Liu Ruqing brought her red lips to Marquis Zheng's ear,

In the boldest way since entering the mansion,

In fact,

Marquis Zheng just came to take a walk in the morning,

In fact,

Marquis Zheng originally planned to take Tian Tian for a horse ride after he wakes up from his sleep,

In fact,

Marquis Zheng should take some time to look at the specifications of the honor guard,

In fact,

There were many things that could be done,

In fact,

He shouldn't do some things at this time,

But,

At this moment,

All the "in fact"s can go to hell.

Marquis Zheng got up,

Picked her up,

Walked to the bed,

For a time,

In the bedroom,

Winter hasn't gone, spring has arrived,

……

By noon,

Marquis Zheng came out of the courtyard,

This time is usually when he practices his knife every day.

Marquis Zheng walked to the weapon rack,

Drew his knife,

Swung it,

Then pointed the blade down and supported the ground,

And knelt on one knee on the ground.

From the thigh, to the hip, to the waist,

The parts that should have coordinated to exert force when dancing the knife collectively went sour and went on strike in an instant;

Marquis Zheng, who was kneeling on one knee on the ground,

Even though he had galloped on the battlefield, even though he had raided thousands of miles, even though he had gone deep alone, even though he had stained his battle robes with blood,

At this time,

He finally deeply understood the profound meaning of soft as silk,

In the past, when facing the siege of the vast wilderness at the head of Xuehai Pass, he had never experienced this kind of "powerlessness" as he does now;

Supporting himself with the knife,

When he wanted to get up,

He couldn't help but gasp in a breath of cold air:

"Hiss..."