Clear and Muddy Loss of Love

Chapter 291

The public tasted the wrath of the emperor

The fourth year of Chengqi · February.

An explosive news flew out of the imperial palace from the beginning of the inner court and spread throughout the streets and alleys of the capital.

Empress Nangong Zhenzhen was furious at the court for some reason, and imprisoned five of the six ministries, namely: the Ministry of Households, the Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of Officials, the Ministry of Punishment, and the Ministry of Works, into Dali Temple for interrogation. dungeon...

You must know that the six books of Zhongshu are the central organization of the imperial court, and they are the most important link between the past and the future. If the imperial court wants to run the six books, one of them is indispensable. Shiqing Shilu.

The dismissal of five ministers in one dynasty is simply a decision that has been heard for a long time.

Doing this: it is tantamount to a flying tiger breaking its wings, a hero killing a horse and breaking a magic soldier...

Although the news spread like wildfire, no one in the public knew why...

Not only the ruling and opposition parties were shocked, but even the people in the capital were panicked.

I heard that as soon as the edict came out, all the civil and military officials spontaneously came to the imperial study room and begged for a bloody letter, hoping that the Holy Majesty would be lenient and pardon the five adults.

But Her Majesty the Empress seemed to be really touched by Ni Lin, no matter how the officials begged and cried, even if it was hysterical pleading, she would not be moved.

Those people who didn't know what to do, were dumbfounded when they heard that Her Majesty the Empress, who has always been kind-hearted, turned out to be extremely decisive this time... Some even secretly speculated that the change in Her Majesty's temperament was due to the magic spell.

The beginning and end of the matter...in fact, it was all due to a commonplace matter.

A few days ago, the Minister of the Household Department played in court again, asking the empress to choose an auspicious day to marry the new emperor's husband, to reflect the will of heaven engraved on the stone, and to calm the peace of the world.

This matter has been brought up by the Minister of the Ministry of Households and the officials no less than ten times. At most, Her Majesty the Empress was only angry and dismissed the court. Why was she furious this time?

It turned out that the five ministers seemed to have come prepared this time. Not only did they unite with all the officials to ask the empress to give an answer as soon as possible, what's more: the minister of rites also took out three scrolls, which most likely depict " The three folk men of the age of "Dragon", "requested" the empress Nangong Zhenzhen to choose one of them, and bring them to the capital, and ask Guan Tiansi to look at them and then choose an auspicious day for the wedding.

Nangong Jingnv sat on a high seat, looking at a group of courtiers kneeling in the dark, at this moment Nangong Jingnv seemed to have an epiphany, and she suddenly understood a truth: all along, her "kindness" seems to have no In exchange for courtiers equal respect.

These humerus veterans of the imperial court...Although they are loyal to the imperial court and recognize themselves as the empress, they regard their "kindness" as a bargaining chip to blackmail the emperor, and trample on their own bottom line time and time again, without fear.

After thinking this through, Nangong Jingnv laughed silently. She suddenly understood why Qi Yan had chosen to disguise herself as a man for so many years. What about ordinary people?

Even though this was a conjecture that was a bit embarrassing, Nangong Jingnv finally saw clearly: Although these courtiers and these men were kneeling in front of her, they always looked down on her, the empress, in their bones...

Nangong Jingnv glanced lightly, and finally set her eyes on Qin De, Shangshu of the Ministry of War. Nangong Jingnv remembered: Qin De was Qi Yan's disciple, and it was because of Qi Yan's several recommendations that she gradually recognized Qin De De mentioned this position.

Nangong Jingnu: "Military Department."

Qin De: "The minister is here."

Nangong Jingnv asked calmly: "What about you? Do you think the same as them?"

Qin De lowered his head so much that it was almost pressed against the cold floor tiles. This question from His Majesty the Empress seemed ordinary, but it was actually quite mysterious.

Things have evolved to this point, even though the Hubu Shangshu is loyal, but inadvertently turned it into a dispute between the monarchy and the ministerial power.

Qi Yan's early teachings flooded into Qin De's mind: Qi Yan told him that even if he is an extremely powerful minister, he must not forget his identity, and he must always remember all the glory of being a courtier. All come from the grace of the emperor, don't forget the origin.

What Qi Yan said at the beginning was just to make Qin De loyal to Nangong Jingnv who was at a disadvantage at that time, but Qin De kept these words deeply in his heart, even if Qin De knew... His words may offend most of the courtiers, but he still gritted his teeth and said: "I only know how to be loyal to the emperor and serve the country, and dare not have my own ideas."

Nangong Jingnv did not express her position, but asked the same question of the other five ministers, but their answers were the same as Nangong Jingnv thought, full of the "arrogance" of a macho, in short, it fully embodies the contempt for women.

Talking about the family, the country and the society all the time is just forcing myself, a "female generation", to follow their decision.

Nangong Jingnv silently listened to the statements of the other five ministers, and sneered: "You all are so sincere, do you want to be loyal to the emperor to the end?"

Everyone: "Your Majesty is wise."

Nangong Jingnu: "Okay, have you heard the saying, 'The king wants the minister to die, but the minister has to die?' Where is the general in front of the palace?"

The general in front of the hall: "The last general is here!"

Nangong Jingnu: "Remove the official hats of the five ministers from the Ministry of Household Affairs, the Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of Officials, the Ministry of Punishment, and the Ministry of Industry, and escort them to the prison in Dali Temple!"

This time, everyone was dumbfounded...

Including the nearly seventy-year-old Hubu Shangshu, who knelt on the ground blankly, unable to believe his ears...

The other four ministers were also dumbfounded. Looking at the empress and then the minister of household affairs, they were at a loss.

The reason why these people dare to blatantly persecute the Empress time and time again is that on the one hand, they firmly believe that what they do is beneficial to the imperial court and the country. No matter how outrageous one's behavior is, as long as one is loyal and righteous, His Majesty the Empress will not do anything to them.

Back in the day, the Minister of the Household Department strongly opposed the empress's ascension to the throne, and in order to express his "determination", he did not hesitate to resign after the empress ascended the throne. What happened in the end?Didn't the Empress personally write the Wanyan Letter and persuade the Minister of the Household Department to return to the court?

Although this incident was praised by the ruling and opposition parties back then, and all the subjects praised the empress for her kindness, it also exposed a fact: the empress's wrist was too soft.

If it were another prince, not only would he not be able to retain the Minister of the Household Department, but he would be punished for his crimes...

It was this little incident that made them feel more confident. Under the guise of "sheji", they kept forcing the empress to submit. Fortunately, although Nangong Jingnv was young, it was not too late to wake up.

Hubu Shangshu didn't come back to his senses until the guard took off his official hat, his old face was green and white, and he shouted: "Your Majesty... why is this, Your Majesty?"

Nangong Jingnv looked at the Hubu Shangshu calmly, and said indifferently: "No reason."

Minister of the Household Department: "Your Majesty, the veterans are loyal and dedicated to the country. How can Your Majesty treat loyal courtiers like this? If it spreads, isn't it afraid of chilling the hearts of scholars all over the world? Your Majesty, Your Majesty!"

Nangong Jingnv hooked the corners of her lips, and thought to herself: The loyalty may be true, but the behavior of these people is no different from "forcing a good man into prostitution". It is only because this sentence also belittles herself that Nangong Jingnv refrained from opening her mouth .

The other people in the court returned to their senses, kowtowed and shouted: "Your Majesty, please calm down. The adults are loyal. Your Majesty, please calm down."

One word from you, one word from me, the courtroom instantly became as chaotic as a vegetable market, and the team of guards were a little hesitant when they saw that the officials had such strong opinions.

Nangong Jingnv stood up suddenly, picked up the imperial pen holder and smashed it down with a crisp sound, the pen holder fell apart, and the brushes scattered all over the ground, but Nangong Jingnv was still not relieved, and smashed all the things within reach on the imperial case After going down, with the continuous sound of impact, the court hall finally restored its original solemnity and solemnity.

Nangong Jingnv's chest heaved violently, her pretty face changed color with anger, and the bead string on her head made a "cracking" sound.

Looking at the entire court hall, except for Nangong Jingnv who stands tall, all the courtiers, guards, and servants knelt on the ground in silence.

Nangong Jingnv vented a bit, and the haze in her heart dissipated a lot. She sat down on the dragon seat again, and took a deep breath: "Anyone who resists the decree, regardless of status or merit, will be killed in court."

With the final word, the dust settled.

……

Withdrew from court, Nangong Jingnv came to the imperial study room alone, and sat down on the chair after turning back left and right, as if all the strength in her body had been exhausted, Nangong Jingnv raised her trembling hand and took off the emperor's crown, long sighed.

She is also reflecting on whether she has gone too far in today's matter?Haven't you also endured it all this time?Why can't I bear it today?

Maybe it was because she sent Qi Yan to the most dangerous place, and she was worried every day. When the Minister of Rites came out with three portraits, Nangong Jingnv suddenly felt that she was very sorry for Qi Yan, a kind of being forced by outsiders. The feeling of betraying her beloved instantly filled her heart, and she couldn't bear it anymore.

Nangong Jingnu closed her eyes tiredly, imagining what would happen if her father was the one who faced these things today?

Thinking about it, Nangong Jingnu smiled wryly, and murmured: "Father, my daughter is not filial, I'm afraid I won't be able to inherit your legacy and become a 'benevolent monarch'."

Nangong Jingnv was already smart and smart, but she was spoiled by Nangong Rang since she was a child, she had a kind heart and never did evil to others.

After four years of ascending the throne, Nangong Jingnv gradually realized the way of being a king that belongs to women.

It is impossible to be too kind to these courtiers. Even if they are loyal to the court and the country, just because they are women, they will not be respected in the true sense of these men.Kindness and generosity can only be exchanged for a moment of gratitude, and then endless ignorance of the depth!

It is true that if you can bear it and follow the advice of these courtiers, you can also keep the world peaceful...

However, if these are exchanged with one's own freedom and heart, is it really worth it?

Can I really obey the courtiers, marry a man, and give birth to the next generation of crown prince?

Thinking of this, Nangong Jingnv refused even her soul. In this life, her heart and body can only belong to one person forever.

Without the "assistants" of these courtiers, would he be able to become a good emperor?

Nangong Jingnv asked herself, maybe she will be ten times or a hundred times more tired than she is now, and she will have to re-promote her confidant courtiers, but as long as she gets through it, everything will be fine.

Didn't he make up his mind that this time he will be the one who supports Qi Yan?How can you back down?

The merits and demerits will be judged by future generations, even if I am defined as a female tyrant a hundred years later, so what?

As long as the world is guarded, everyone can have enough food and clothing, the world will be peaceful and there will be no more wars, and the country of Wei can continue... Isn't this what I want with a clear conscience?

After thinking this through, Nangong Jingnv felt quite relieved. Although there were dense beads of sweat on her forehead, she felt happy in her heart.

The servant: "Your Majesty."

Nangong Jingnu: "Come in."

The inner servant entered the imperial study from the corner gate, trotted all the way to the imperial case and knelt down: "Your Majesty Qizuo, those adults in the court...the servants of the fifth department, the servants...and other adults, what do you think? There are dozens of people kneeling outside the Imperial Study Room."

Nangong Jingnv casually took the book next to the case, flipped through a book she hadn't finished reading, and asked after reading three lines, "Why are you kneeling?"

The servant was stunned for a moment, and thought: Isn't your Majesty pretending to be confused while pretending to understand?

But he still replied truthfully: "These adults, beg Your Majesty to be lenient and forgive the five Shangshu adults."

After a long while, Nangong Jingnv replied lightly: "Oh, then let them kneel down, and go back when they are tired."

Waiter: "Yes."

Nangong Jingnv kept reading until dark. Before she left, she called a servant and asked, "Are those people outside still kneeling?"

The servant: "Return to Your Majesty, yes."

Nangong Jingnu chuckled: "Decree, there is no need to drive them away under the curfew of the palace tonight."

Waiter: "Yes."

Nangong Jingnu went back to the bedroom alone. When the drums of the inner court curfew sounded, the adults helped each other get up and prepared to leave, but the inner servant suddenly rushed out and stood in front of the crowd and said loudly: "His Majesty has ordered the curfew tonight. Don't avoid you, you adults can stay in the inner court."

At this moment, the courtiers were dumbfounded again. Some people could not stand it after kneeling for such an afternoon, but His Majesty didn’t come forward and felt that he couldn’t get off the stage. After a curfew, he could just leave in a grand manner. As a result, His Majesty went down to issue an order that they could Leave?Does this mean to make them kneel all night?

Several leading adults looked at each other in blank dismay. There were also loyal followers of the five ministers among them. In order to let their superiors see their "loyalty" after they came out, they gritted their teeth and knelt down again...

However, the empress, who has always been kind-hearted, didn't make any further orders. Nangong Jingnv came to Tangquan Hall to take a beautiful bath, dispelling the fatigue around her body, and then fell asleep peacefully.

Woke up the next day refreshed, and those ministers heard about midnight, several of them passed out from exhaustion, and were carried to the imperial hospital by the servants, and they didn't even come to the morning court.

On the other hand, Gong Yanghuai personally wrote a letter to Youzhou according to Qi Yan's strategy, and indeed borrowed 20 shi of grain and grass.

One stone of rice can feed a soldier for about three months, and 20 stone is just enough for the 20 troops in Linjiang City to last for three months. With the previous reserve in the city, the army in Linjiang City can at least confront the grassland people until Xia Tian, ​​it seems that the victory has been decided...

Gongyang Huaixing came to Qi Yan's tent in a hurry, but when he entered, he smelled a smell of traditional Chinese medicine. Gongyang Huai frowned: "Tie Zhu, are you sick?"

Just as Gu Ruolan was about to answer, she caught a glimpse of Qi Yan's face from the corner of her eye, stopped talking, and just gave a blessing to Gongyang Huai before retreating.

Qi Yan was sitting on the bed, covered with a quilt, and a thick layer of blanket was pressed on the quilt, the door curtain was opened, and a gust of cold wind came in, forcing Qi Yan to cough a few more times, tugging Quilt: "What about the food and grass?"

Gong Yanghuai sat down on Qi Yan's bed without hesitation, and beamed with joy: "Tie Zhu, you are so good at knowing things, Youzhou borrowed us 20 shi of food and grass, enough to support the army for another three months! "

Qi Yan lowered his eyes to calculate, and said in a low voice: "The foundation of Youzhou is really deep, so much food and grass can be mobilized with just a wave of hand, and this amount is... just right." More than just right?It was just calculated, it seems that Youzhou still has a grasp of the military situation in Linjiang City.

Gong Yanghuai: "You mean...there are spies from Youzhou in the army?"

Qi Yan: "Don't dare to speak nonsense about this matter. Youzhou has the right to know about the military order of the imperial court, and you can figure it out with a little careful calculation. It's good to let Youzhou know our details, in case there is another change in Youzhou The other side will also rush to help in time, so this battle, ahem..."

Gong Yanghuai: "Is your body okay? Why do you keep coughing?"

Qi Yan: "It's an old problem, don't worry about it. Has General Han told you anything?"

After hearing this, Gong Yanghuai let out a long sigh: "Linjiang City is too far to the north, and the other neighboring states and counties are at least a hundred miles away, and the only way to the south has been blocked again, but the spies sent these days The report said: It seems that more than a dozen cities in the south have fallen one after another, but the spies also said; the strange thing is that when he went in to see, there were no soldiers or people in the city, and every house was closed and desolate. As for Han Mowen over there... You also know that he issued a military order, found me after the food and grass arrived yesterday, and said that he wanted to go to war, but I suppressed him."

Qi Yan's heart skipped a beat, and he asked, "Where is the imperial court? Is there an imperial edict?"

Gong Yanghuai: "No, maybe there is... But maybe it was intercepted by the enemy."

Qi Yan: "I don't think so. The imperial court probably already knew about the fall of Luoshui County and Jiaozhou, so if there is an imperial decree, the herald will report it to us through the frozen Luochuan from other places. So... there is only one possibility."

Gong Yanghuai: "What is it?"

Qi Yan: "Even if the city falls and the people of the grassland do not take it, there is absolutely no reason why it will be empty. The people will relocate, even if some people flee, there will always be old and weak women and children who are unwilling to leave and be left behind in the city. There is not even one person, there is only one possibility, the imperial court issued an edict to relocate the people in the neighboring state capital."

Gong Yanghuai: "This..."

Qi Yan: "Baishi, do you know what this means?" As he said that, the image of Nangong Jingnv flashed in Qi Yan's heart. How could Qi Yan not know Nangong Jingnv's intentions? It's such a big decision.

Gong Yanghuai: "Holy will is unpredictable, even if I guess something, I dare not speak nonsense..."

Qi Yan smiled slightly: "You are quite tactful. Since you don't want to say it, let me say it. Your Majesty did this to relieve the pressure on Linjiang City. The adjacent counties are empty, so we can You don’t need to divide your troops to rescue them, you just need to focus on defending the city wholeheartedly.”

Gong Yanghuai: "What about Han Yun?"

Qi Yan: "If it's possible, it's okay for you to give him some information. This battle doesn't have to be won, and it may be more in line with His Majesty's wishes to waste it."

Gong Yanghuai glanced at Qi Yan, and said with emotion in his heart: This is not His Majesty's thoughts, it is clearly yours, or it may be His Majesty's indulgence in your thoughts...

Gong Yanghuai is a native of the Wei country, and has no feelings for grassland people, but he respects Qi Yan, and has seen Qi Yan's weight in His Majesty's heart, so as long as he can win, he doesn't care whether he wins or loses, it's just... …

Gong Yanghuai sighed, seeing Qi Yan looking at him, he explained to himself: "Hey, I suffered a big defeat, and I'm not reconciled to it."

Qi Yan: "The one who defeated you was not someone else, but the former princess. You lost to her, so don't take revenge on the wrong person."

Gong Yanghuai: "I see, don't get angry, it's bad for your health. You know I'm not Lu Quan and Ding Yi, and I won't kill the grassland people even for your sake. What is the next step?"

Qi Yan coughed against his lips for a while, panting and replied: "I'll give you a portrait later, you find a way... find out which city a prairie man named Gu Qi Bayin is stationed in. Once you find him...you don't have to worry about the next step."