Chapter 435 Zhao Duan "Resurrection"
Chapter 435 Zhao Duan "Resurrection" (5k)
The study was filled with a strange atmosphere.
Zhao Duan was a little reserved and surprised as he felt Zhenbao's hand guiding his own and holding the brush to draw lines on the paper.
However, his mind was not on painting at all, but on feeling the strange touch and feeling happy.
Although this was not the first time that the king and his minister had "held hands", the nature of this time was very different from the previous times.
The most notable point is that...
"She's so proactive..."
"No, shouldn't a normal script have a man teaching a woman how to paint and taking advantage of her? Oh no, I think I got the heroine's script... Oh, the other party is the empress, then it's okay..."
Zhao Duan's mind was in a mess of thoughts. His usual cleverness and slickness were gone at this moment. He became a little clumsy.
And from a perspective that he couldn't see, Xu Zhenguan's fair face was also slightly hot.
She was also a little surprised at her actions today, but perhaps it was the "disclosure" of a certain identity at the banquet that made her think that she should try to move forward and take the initiative to advance the relationship.
Well, the emperor, who had never been in a relationship before, didn’t know what to do, but she felt that she had to take the initiative.
Well, as a queen, I like to be on it - I just mean painting.
Each person had their own thoughts, and the only thing in common was that neither of them put their thoughts into the painting itself. Fortunately, with the support of the empress's skills, even if one had complicated thoughts and the other was distracted, the "self-portrait" finally sketched on the paper still had a good charm.
"Okay, that's enough."
Xu Zhenguan let out a light breath, withdrew his hand, felt the sweet sweat oozing from his neck, and said somewhat awkwardly.
"Oh, oh." Zhao Duan then put down the brush and stood up carefully.
"How about this painting?" Xu Zhenguan raised the corner of his mouth and raised his chin, indicating that he wanted to comment on this self-portrait.
There is a sense of showing off.
Zhao Duan was confused and nodded:
"This painting is so white... No, Your Majesty is so vivid... No, this painting is so vivid, as if it has come alive, lifelike, yes, lifelike!"
"..." Xu Zhenguan rolled his eyes in mock anger, not bothering to correct his words, and stood up and said:
"Okay, it's getting late. I'll take Zhuang Xiaocheng and leave first. I'll also help you cover up the news of your return to the city. If anything happens, have someone contact you through the White Horse Prison. There are also experts from the Imperial Palace near your home."
He added: "I'll leave this painting for you to ponder."
Zhao Duan walked over respectfully, held up the drawing paper with both hands, and said seriously:
"I will have my servants frame it and hang it in my room to study it day and night."
Xu Zhenguan said "yeah", very satisfied with his attitude, picked up the box containing the tutor's gift from the ground, took two steps, and suddenly felt something was wrong. He turned his head and glanced at him, warning him:
"You are only allowed to speculate on it, and you cannot use it for any other purpose."
"Ah?" Zhao Duan held the scroll, looking confused.
The empress's face was already slightly flushed, and she seemed to have remembered something. She walked out of the study with the box in her hand, and returned to the palace using magic.
Tsk tsk, it seems Zhenbao is not as naive as imagined... That's right, people in ancient times got married in their teens, and she is almost 30... Those who understand will understand... Zhao Duan was amazed, feeling that the cold fairy had suddenly become down-to-earth.
Shaking his head and carefully putting away the portrait, Zhao Duan walked out of the study and stood in the corridor waiting for a while.
Seeing Gongshu Tianyuan approaching from a distance, holding a "recording scroll" in his hand, he threw it to him like a hot potato:
"I'll give you what you want. Tsk... I was scared to death when His Majesty looked at me just now. It's a pity that halfway through the recording, His Majesty used his cultivation to 'block' the room. By the way, what did you and His Majesty do after you interrogated Zhuang Xiaocheng? Why did you take so long to come out?"
The fat little priest's eyes flickered around his waist, and he gave him a look that all men could understand, and mouthed:
"A short absence makes the heart grow fonder?"
Zhao Duan frowned, thinking to himself, you really think highly of me. With Zhenbao's personality, she would probably only take that step on the wedding day, in the bridal chamber...
"Brother Gongshu, what are you thinking about? Zhuang Xiaocheng is still in the house. Your Majesty is discussing the situation of the rebels with me, and it is inconvenient for it to be leaked."
Zhao Duan was full of righteousness and looked down on Gongshu Tianyuan, saying that he was too dirty and was ashamed to be associated with him.
Then he coughed lightly:
"Okay, I have discussed it with His Majesty. From now on, everyone will stay at my house temporarily. When Prefect Luan arrives in Beijing, I will personally send Old Dog Zhuang off."
……
……
Due to deliberate concealment, few people knew about Zhao Duan's return, let alone that the "dead" Zhuang Xiaocheng had been secretly imprisoned in the imperial palace.
In the next few days, Xu Zhenguan followed the strategy proposed by Zhao Duan, almost looking for trouble to attack and weaken the Li Party.
The Li Party, which had been irritated by the "New Deal" and was like a hedgehog with its hair standing on end, tacitly did not resist the empress's move.
Without even a symbolic resistance, certain benefits were thrown out - this was completely consistent with what Zhao Duan had speculated.
Prime Minister's Mansion, in the courtyard.
"Little Elder" Li Yinglong stood under the eaves and carefully reported to Li Yanfu, who was wrapped in a cotton coat, holding an arrow in the chilly spring breeze, and practicing "tossing a pot":
"...Father, according to your instructions, everyone below is patient and allows His Majesty to vent his anger."
"That's right," Li Yanfu, who was wrapped in a loose red robe, with a white jade pendant tied around his chest and white hair hanging down from his temples, clapped his hands and said after seeing the arrow hit the copper pot:
"Your Majesty is angry now. In his eyes, if it weren't for her father's pressure, Zhao Duan wouldn't have had to go to Binhai and die. If she were an ordinary woman, she wouldn't know how to retaliate fiercely when faced with the murder of her husband.
But your majesty is your majesty after all, and Zhao Duan is not the emperor's husband who will come to pick up the bride. Your majesty needs to be angry, but not too much. If a woman is angry, if she provokes him, she may become a victim of his anger. "
Li Yinglong smiled and said:
"Father is right. The people below also understand this principle and are very well behaved."
He was in a good mood, or rather, the entire Li Party was in a good mood recently.
With the help of the Kuangfu Society, they eliminated the arch enemy Zhao Duan, which not only vented their anger but also calmed the pent-up emotions within the party.
Li Yinglong said:
"However, at this juncture, regarding the new policy officials, especially the position that the Governor of the Grand Canal Transport wants, we still..."
Li Yanfu glanced at him coldly:
"Don't interfere. The appointment and removal of new government officials is under the watchful eyes of countless people from top to bottom. The rest of the place is fine, but Jiancheng Road is too dangerous. We can't touch it. Do you understand?"
Li Yinglong nodded reluctantly: "Got it."
"Yes," Li Yanfu nodded with satisfaction, picked up another arrow and said:
"It's time for the rebels escorted by Luan Cheng to enter the city. Once Your Majesty kills these rebels and vents his anger, this disaster will be over. It's not easy to move around in winter, so wait until the spring breeze blows before moving around."
……
Silent Lighting Temple.
In the lonely little courtyard, beside the lotus pond, Prajna Bodhisattva stood quietly holding a jade bottle.
With a pair of almost transparent eyes, he stared at the gradually melting ice in the pond and the fish swimming below, and said:
"How come you have the time to come here?"
By the pond, the monk Bianji, dressed in white and with red lips and white teeth, smiled calmly and said:
"Given the Bodhisattva's current status in the Shenlong Temple, isn't it natural for him to inform you of any matters, big or small, in the temple?"
After the self-defense sutra, Zhao Duan's sudden enlightenment of Buddhism attracted the arrival of the "Buddha", and the trend of Zen suddenly began to blow in Shenlong Temple.
With Prajna Bodhisattva as the representative, it was easy for the disciples of Master Maha Jing to come and seek refuge.
Nowadays, in Shenlong Temple, Abbot Xuanyin is still the most powerful one, followed by Prajna and Nagarjuna Bodhisattvas, each leading a force.
It's a bit like the "Three Kingdoms" story.
Although Prajna was elected as the leader, he still had little interest in factional struggles and continued to live in Jizhao Temple.
"Oh, if you have anything to say, just tell me."
The graceful and voluptuous figure of Prajna Bodhisattva was reflected on the water, and her voice was lazy and low.
She has been like this since she received the news of Zhao Duan's death.
Bian Ji said: "There is news from the temple in the east that people from Qingshan Mountain in the East Sea have been sent to deliver a declaration of war for next year to the court."
Prajna became slightly interested, turned her head and stared at him with her beautiful eyes, and said suddenly:
"Declaration of war? Yes, I almost forgot... In the past, the founder of the Yu Kingdom imitated the Buddhist and Taoist magic battles and established a tradition of fighting with the Qingshan martial arts tradition, just after the Buddhist and Taoist magic battles."
Bian Ji smiled and said:
"To be precise, it will be in the early spring of next year. According to tradition, both parties must issue a challenge within a year before the duel.
The last time there was a battle, it was the royal priest Hai Chunlin who replaced the royal family members at that time and went to Qingshan to keep the appointment and barely managed it.
But this time, Wu Xiankui will not be happy to be fooled again. This time, the emperor in the palace can't escape. "
Prajna's brows were lazy: "You seem very happy."
Bian Ji smiled and said:
"Why can't we Buddhists be happy to have a chance to watch the royal family's excitement? Or is it that Prajna Bodhisattva still feels sorry for Zhao Duan? Because he helped you in the debate? Or does the Bodhisattva really like this furnace tripod?"
Prajna's brows suddenly turned cold: "Get lost."
"boom!!"
A burst of magical power exploded in the silent courtyard, and columns of water rose from the pond, scaring away the fish.
Bian Ji took several steps back, his face flushed, and the monk's robe covering his body was torn into pieces.
Anger flashed across his face, but he quickly suppressed it and smiled:
"I will no longer disturb the Bodhisattva's rest."
He turned and left the courtyard, waving his sleeves and slowly walked towards the gate of Jizhao Temple.
Halfway through the walk, he paused and raised his eyebrows slightly:
"Grand Princess Yunyang?"
Princess Yunyang, who was basking in the sun in the courtyard wearing a monk's robe that she had modified with scissors because the weather was getting warmer, stood in front of him and stared at the monk with red lips and white teeth. She smiled and said, "I feel lonely here because there is no one to talk to. I also have many questions in studying Buddhism. It's been a long time since you came here. Would you be willing to teach me a little?"
Studying Buddhism?
Bianji's brows relaxed slightly as he looked at Yunyang, who was dressed as a nun. Suddenly, the image of Prajna Bodhisattva emerged in his mind, and the images of the two women slowly overlapped:
"This……"
Yunyang smiled and pulled his sleeve, walking towards the meditation room:
"I'm just asking for advice on Buddhism. I don't think Master Bianji will refuse."
"……All right."
……
……
"Wow--"
When the spring breeze melted the ice on the river, the earth thawed, and the rivers began to ripple, the official ship escorting the rebels finally slowly arrived at the capital's dock.
on the deck.
The prefect Luan Cheng stood with his hands behind his back, and looked at the city gate with General Yuanji, who was wearing armor and carrying a war hammer, and breathed a sigh of relief at the same time:
"finally reached."
Governor Luan smiled at Yuanji and said:
"You will get off the boat later. According to the rules, troops from other places cannot be transferred and cannot enter the city. I hope the military officers from the Beijing camp will come to lead you to the Beijing camp for settlement. I will lead the prisoners into the city. So I have to say goodbye to the general for now."
Yuanji, who looked like a meat mountain, was full of worry:
"Once the prefect enters the city, I'm afraid he will face the wrath of His Majesty. I..."
No... you don't know the truth at all. Lord Zhao should have entered the city by now. Well, I hope nothing unexpected happened... Prefect Luan smiled and didn't explain.
Yuanji was immediately impressed.
Lang Eighteen, who also walked onto the deck, silently held his wine gourd, drank it down with his head tilted back, wiped the corners of his mouth, and let the spring breeze caress his face, feeling a little bored.
When the group got off the boat, they were met by people from the Beijing camp.
Yuanji and other local troops were led away, while the rebels on the boat were loaded onto carts by the imperial guards of the Beijing camp who were waiting there, and taken into the city together with Prefect Luan.
Inside the prison van, Lin Yuebai silently looked at the growing city, becoming thinner and haggard.
Kou Qichi's lips trembled in the same prison car:
"Sister, we are going to die soon, right?"
Lin Yuebai smiled bitterly, hugged his brother who had a different surname but whose blood was thicker than water, and said with relief:
"I'll probably have to torture you. During the interrogation, you don't have to bear it. Just tell me whatever I ask."
Seeing her brother's refusal to give in, she shook her head bitterly:
"Don't worry, the Grand Master is dead, and the information we have obtained is worthless. If you suffer less, you will have the strength to walk the road to the underworld."
In the prison van, many members of the support society were either afraid, relieved, numb, or dismissive.
There were many different reactions, but everyone knew that they had absolutely no chance of survival.
——Just because that thief Zhao was dead, the imperial court would certainly kill them all to vent the anger of the false emperor.
What happened next was not beyond everyone's expectations. The prisoners were escorted into the imperial prison by the imperial guards.
Luan Chengze bathed, changed his clothes, and went to the palace in person, but was stopped. He was told by the people in the palace that the emperor wanted him to enter the palace for the court meeting the next morning.
Luan Cheng thought about it and agreed happily.
That night, the news that the rebel prisoners were escorted to Beijing caused a sensation in the entire capital. The last time such a large number of rebels were arrested was after the Xuanmen coup.
At the same time, the so-called coffins in the convoy containing the "body parts" of Zhao Duan, Zhuang Xiaocheng and others were also sent to different places.
The most popular thing among them was undoubtedly the coffin of "Shao Bao Zhao", which was sent to the Zhao Mansion. Many people tried to go there to pay their respects, but were stopped by the doorman.
"The mistress of the family is in extreme grief, so we will not be seeing guests in the house today. I hope you can understand." Zhao Bo, dressed in mourning, explained to the guests.
Everyone expressed their understanding and left.
Just across the wall, Zhao Duan sat in the courtyard, eating rare fruits stored in the cellar while waving his hand with a gloomy face:
"Carry the coffin to the woodshed and chop it up for firewood."
Eugene Hua and her daughter, who were wearing mourning clothes, looked at each other, wanting to laugh but feeling it was inappropriate.
"Brother, how long will this drama last? Now that the coffins have been returned, if we don't make a big fuss about it, it will arouse suspicion," Zhao Pan asked cautiously.
Eugene Flower also pricked up her ears.
"And our coffins..." Haitang and Zhang Han also walked over quietly.
Zhao Duan took a bite of the apple and said with a smile:
"Okay, let's not perform until tomorrow when we go to court. How about that?"
He threw the core of the apple to the Pekingese, stretched himself, and rubbed his face:
"The show is almost over now. It's time for us... to 'revive'."
……
Silent all night.
The next morning, all the ministers arrived at the Meridian Gate early, ready to attend court.
However, the protagonist today is not Li Yanfu, Yuan Li and other important officials, but Luan Cheng, a fifth-rank prefect in the crowd.
Countless eyes were focused on him, and the ministers were whispering to each other. Some expressed sympathy, while others laughed at him.
But the only thing in common was that no one took the initiative to talk to him.
Everyone knew that this capable local prefect would not be able to leave the palace safely today.
I'm afraid this official robe will be stripped off.
The fact that the headquarters of the rebel party was hidden under his rule was a huge dereliction of duty. The most crucial thing was that Zhao Shaobao was dead.
The credit for capturing the rebels undoubtedly belongs to the deceased Zhao Duan.
Then the blame for Zhao Duan's death can only fall on Luan Cheng, who is still alive.
"Unfortunately, I don't know if Magistrate Luan can escape the death penalty..."
"Alas, even if the death penalty is spared, I am sure I cannot escape the punishment of exile..."
Whisper.
Only Luan Cheng stood in the wind, expressionless.
at last.
With the ringing of bells.
The ministers entered the palace.
After a prelude between the emperor and his ministers, the empress, sitting on the dragon throne, looked down at the ministers in the palace:
"Luan Cheng, the prefect of Binhai Road, comes forward to answer."
Luan Cheng stepped out of the crowd, walked to the front respectfully, took out the memorial from his sleeve, held it up with both hands, and began to narrate the process loudly.
The content of the story was almost the same as the beginning of the secret letter a few days ago, and the end also added a part about the successful escort of prisoners to Beijing.
But some people were surprised to find that Luan Cheng’s report skipped the core paragraph about Zhao Duan and Zhuang Xiaocheng dying together.
Something is wrong!
has a problem!
There were no fools among the officials in the court. They all realized that something was wrong and didn't understand what had happened.
"Very good," Xu Zhenguan nodded slightly on the dragon throne. There was no anger or blame in his tone, but rather a bit of appreciation.
Immediately, without waiting for the ministers to react, the empress said calmly:
"Mr. Luan has made great contributions in assisting Shao Bao Zhao in capturing the thieves. It just so happens that the position of Provincial Surveillance Commissioner of Binhai Road is vacant. Mr. Luan, are you interested in taking on this important task?"
A promotion? Shouldn't he be beheaded or exiled? Why was he not blamed for such a serious crime, but given a promotion and reward?
The ministers were confused.
Luan Cheng was overjoyed: "I... am willing to die for your majesty! But I dare not take credit for it. The credit for capturing the thief this time belongs to Zhao Shaobao, and I only contributed a tiny part..."
The empress was quite satisfied with his attitude. Seeing that the ministers were already in a commotion, she raised her lips slightly and said, "My dear minister, what you said makes sense. In that case, I will summon Shao Bao Zhao to see you!"
boom!
It was like a depth charge dropping, and all the officials in the palace were stunned. Almost at the same time as the empress finished speaking, the guards guarding the door had already opened the palace door.
“Zazaza—”
As the heavy door opened, spring light shone into the hall from outside. Several figures stood outside the hall, and the one leading them was very familiar to all the officials in the court.
Zhao Duan, wearing the official robes of the Grand Tutor, stepped over the threshold, his boots stepping on the spotless Golden Palace.
He glanced at the dull faces and smiled slightly:
"Your Majesty, I am Zhao Duan!"
A silence.
(End of this chapter)