Chen Chu came back from the south, with two important things to discuss with the dignitaries of the current dynasty! The first is about the commercial power of spices into the Song Dynasty, and he has to curry favor with Chen Zhenghui in this matter; The second is that three countries in Nanyang have requested attachment at the same time, which can be regarded as his contribution to the Han Dynasty. So he didn't go home after he entered Beijing, but went directly to the Prime Minister's Mansion first.

And just when he entered the city, two earth-shattering events also spread in the capital!

The first thing is that the Han Emperor Zheyan Chong died!

Although the imperial court has not yet officially mourned, the representatives of the people in Jingyuan have already been informed. Zhe Yanchong has been sick in the deep palace for the past two years, and no one can see him. He will die suddenly, both unexpectedly and unexpectedly. Although his authority has weakened in the past two or three years compared to before his illness, there are still some people, especially those who are relatively simple in the military and veterans, feel as if the sky has collapsed! And pragmatic people are all speculating: the emperor is dead, and the two princes are not there, what will happen to the throne next?

When Chen Chu heard the news, his first reaction was the same. However, he thought that with the authority that Yang Yingqi had established in the past two years, the Han should not be chaotic. As for whether Yang Yingqi wants to be Zhou Gong or Zhao Kuangyin in the future, Chen Chu feels that it doesn't matter - he even looks forward to the latter becoming a reality, because his relationship with Yang Yingqi is quite good. However, when a mercenary businessman like him heard the second big thing, he turned from astonishment to shock, from shock to worry, from worry to fear!

The second major event is: the ruling Yang Yingqi is crazy!

"Did you hear that?"

"What did you hear?"

"I heard that when the emperor died, Yang Zhizhi was so stimulated that he went crazy on the spot!"

"What! You're not kidding! ”

"It's true! I heard that he ran all the way out of the palace, and shouted all the way: 'I'm going to hug him!' I'm going to cuddle it! ’”

"Who is he going to hug?"

"I don't know, some people say it's not a hug, it's a leak. Others say it's a building...... In short, everyone can't understand that sentence. ”

"Don't brag about it, how ridiculous it sounds!"

"What ridiculous! Not only did he shout all the way, but he also asked people all over the street. ”

"Asking people?"

"Yes! He was talking to people all over the street, old people, children, vendors, diners, anyway, when he saw people, he went up and asked a few questions. ”

"Ask what?"

"I heard that the question asked is strange, it's like trying to tease people and figure out something...... He even talks to dogs! At first, everyone didn't know that he was in power, but when they saw him with a large team of guards behind him, they knew that something was wrong, and now everyone dared not go out on the street. I heard that he couldn't find anyone to talk to, so he yelled at the guards in the street, and then searched around some walls and corners, as if he was looking for something, you say, is he looking for treasure? ”

"Hey! Sling the bull! Now the whole Han is his, and the so-called rich all over the world - where else does he need any treasures! ”

Rumors arose on these two events full of imagination, if the death of Zhi Yanchong made people feel depressed, and they felt that the Han might change the sky, then Yang Yingqi's "madness" made people feel surprised, the simpler ones were worried that the big man was going to be chaotic, and the more complex ones were wondering if this was a high-level struggle, or even whether the move to govern was pretended.

Chen Chu thought that Yang Yingqi was pretending, and he couldn't figure out what Yang Yingqi meant by the phrase "I want to pass", so he felt that this must be a smoke bomb, a smoke bomb that the old Qilin wanted to lead people into a fork in the road. However, Chen Chu was a little unsure, he felt that with Yang Yingqi's authority at this moment, he didn't need to play tricks, even if Zhi Yan Chong died, even if he wanted to ascend to the pole himself, he could achieve it through a more serious way, and he didn't need to do such a small action that he didn't know.

"Could it be that some other higher-ups are putting pressure on him, so he wants to play crazy?" But Chen Chu couldn't think of anyone else who could give Yang Yingqi such pressure now, and would give Yang Yingqi such pressure! If it was before, Orihiko Chong would have had this ability and ability, but now Orihiko Chong is also dead.

"Is he really crazy?"

When he met Chen Zhenghui, Chen Chu did not forget to inquire about Chen Zhenghui's attitude while discussing the commercial rights of spices into the Song Dynasty, to confirm whether this matter was true or false.

Judging from Chen Zhenghui's occasionally trance-like mental state, Chen Chu guessed that this matter was true, and he felt that Chen Zhenghui was greatly affected by this incident, but after all, Chen Zhenghui has been a central minister for many years, one of the representatives of the real power faction of the Central Plains Shilin, and one of the candidates for the Han government, so he did not show his true intentions in the face of Chen Chu's spying, but only advised Chen Chu not to think too much, saying that "no matter what happens, people with lofty ideals in the Han Dynasty will not let some people take advantage of it"!

"Won't some people take advantage of it?" Chen Chu thought: "That is indeed an opportunity!" ”

He knows that Chen Zhenghui is one of the core personnel of Yang Yingqi Group, so the opportunity in Chen Zhenghui's mouth is also the opportunity for Yang Yingqi! After hearing this, Chen Chu was sure: Yang Yingqi did have an accident!

However, Chen Chu was still unsure what happened to Yang Yingqi, so he didn't dare to mess around, and when he saw Deng Su, he didn't mention this matter to him in a flash. But he didn't mention it, but Deng Su did.

After asking about the situation of the three Nanyang countries to be attached, Deng Su suddenly asked Chen Chu what he had seen and heard along the way, and the core question was whether the situation in various places was "stable" along the way.

"Well, it's stable." Chen Chu described what he saw and heard during the trip, and finally came to a conclusion: "It is a peaceful world that I have never seen since I was sensible!" ”

"Well, that's good." Deng Su said: "Although there has been a lot of turmoil in the capital recently, today's peace is indeed the only one I have seen in my life. This kind of stability is hard to come by, so no matter what happens, we must try to maintain it! ”

It was not surprising that Deng Su would say such a thing, Chen Chu knew that Deng Su made his fortune by entering the Han Dynasty and attaching himself to Cao Guangbi as a scholar of the Great Song Dynasty, and he was also one of the fundamental forces of the Han regime, and the stability of the country was the biggest appeal of his faction!

When he came out of the Prime Minister's Mansion, it was already dark, and Chen Chu did not go to the outer room to rest for one night as usual, but went home directly to see his father. After he entered the door, he was going to greet Chen Xian, but Chen Xian was neither in the study nor in the bedroom, and the housekeeper told him that a distinguished guest had just left, and the master personally sent the distinguished guest out.

"Nonsense!" Chen Chu said: "I just entered the door, why didn't I see it!" ”

"It's the back door, young master."

Chen Chu was stunned, so he waited in the study, and soon Chen Xian walked in with a cane, and scolded when he entered the door: "Why don't you go home first and go to the Prime Minister's Mansion!" Don't look at what it's like now! ”

Chen Chu hurriedly said: "I didn't know that such a big event would happen in Beijing, the child only heard about it from his father's old official after the Prime Minister's Mansion hung up the card, and he regretted it at that time." ”

"Humph!" Chen Xiandao: "I think you think you have gained a lot of money and made a great contribution, and you think that I am an old man!" It's not worth asking! ”

Chen Chu said in fear: "Daddy, what are you talking about!" Yes, the child is Meng Lang this time, and he will be more cautious in the future. Seeing that Chen Xian nodded silently, he didn't seem to be angry but just worried about himself, so he asked, "Daddy, what did the child do wrong?" ”

"Nope." Chen Xiandao: "But now is an eventful season, from today onwards, except for buying vegetables and rice, no one is allowed to go out of the house!" ”

Chen Chu was noncommittal and asked, "I don't know who the distinguished guest came just now." ”

Chen Xian squinted his old eyes and swept his son, and said with a smile: "It's Han Fang." ”

"Han Fang!" Chen Chu exclaimed: "What is he here to do!" Don't...... Could he have had something to do? ”

Chen Xian said with a smile: "Now that the emperor is dead and ruling is crazy, he just has a plan, what's so strange." ”

Chen Chu sneered: "But he is already an outdated person, what else can he plot!" I think it's hopeless to be rich and rich, and it's worth it! ”

"No, no." Chen Xiandao: "He is a smart man and knows that his power has been dismantled, so this time he does not plan to subvert the world, but is ready to climb up the bamboo pole and recover a little vitality first." ”

Chen Chu sighed and asked, "Is he trying to follow our bamboo pole?" ”

Chen Xian smiled: "How is that possible! The situation of our Chen family is naturally much better than his, and he also needs our help, but when it comes to attachment, it is not enough - I am already in the wilderness now! It's worse than him. ”

Chen Chu asked, "Then which bamboo pole is he going to climb?" ”

Chen Xiandao: "Of course, it is the bamboo pole that can stabilize the situation. ”

Chen Chu couldn't help but be surprised: "He also wants to be stable?" ”

"Of course." Chen Xiandao: "Now in the capital, most of the queens don't want to be chaotic, Cao Er's old school people want to be stable, Yang Qi's people must also be stable, with the character of the three generals, most of them must also be stable, the general speaker is not bold enough, most of them dare not go against the wind and waves, since everyone wants to be stable, then whoever wants chaos will become the target of public criticism!" Han Fang is a smart man, he knows how to win and get cheap, and of course he will fall to the side that can stabilize the situation the most. ”

Chen Chu said: "Then he came to find his father, is it ......?"

Before the father and son could finish their words, the housekeeper had already hurriedly reported that the three generals had come to summon him as a ruling and wanted Chen Xian to enter the palace quickly.

The father and son of the Chen family glanced at each other, and Chen Xian said to the housekeeper: "You go and prepare the sedan chair, and I will come immediately." Waiting for the housekeeper to go out, he said hey: "Han Fang is very accurate!" Chen Chu asked, "What?" Chen Xian said: "He said that if Yang Qi is really crazy, most of us will also be summoned." That's his chance to make a comeback, and he hopes that I can say a few words for him if I have the chance. ”

Chen Chu asked, "Then Daddy, didn't you promise him?" ”

Chen Xian smiled: "It's a promise." Don't forget, although Han Fang's forces are scattered, they still have strength after all. Gyeonggi may become the power of chaos, more than half of which is in his hands, and this is his capital! So ......"

Chen Chu said: "So he can not only use these forces to make trouble, but also give up making trouble as a condition to rise to the top again." ”

Chen Xian smiled: "Not bad, not bad. Yang Qi tried his best to suppress Han Fang, but the three generals had already shown their intention to appease. Last time, he nominated Han Fang as a candidate for governance, although Han Fang didn't get a single vote in the end, but after all, Han Fang saw a little hope. Han Fang is also a scholar, not Xiao Liu, as long as there is still a little hope of peace and prosperity, he will not take risks. ”

While speaking, the housekeeper came in again and told him that the sedan chair had been prepared, Chen Xian did not dare to stay, and immediately set off to enter the palace. This is an extraordinary period, and everyone doesn't salute one by one when they meet, Chen Xian just made a group salute, and everyone returned the salute together. He didn't look at him much when he walked by Han Fang, and Han Fang didn't say anything, as if the two hadn't seen each other for many days.

At this time, the queen and princess were not present, Yang Qi was absent, and Ouyang Shi was the first to discuss the position of the court, and Yang Kaiyuan was the first to govern the order of governance. At this time, everyone didn't know if Zhi Yanchong had an edict, but even if there was no edict, according to what Zhi Yanchong promised before his illness, as long as Yang Kaiyuan, Ouyang Shi, Yang Pu, and Liu Qi reached an agreement, they could exercise the power of the emperor.

After Chen Xian arrived, he wanted to be at the bottom of the crowd, but Yang Kaiyuan asked him to sit under the four rulers and rank first among the ministers, Chen Xian hurriedly said: "The old man is in the wild village, how can he live above the sages of the court?" ”

Yang Kaiyuan said: "Inviting you here today is a major matter for the country, not to mention the current position, Chen Lao is the former prime minister, so he should occupy this seat." Chen Xian sat down with a confession, and Chen Zhenghui was opposite him, and Han Fang was the first to start.

Seeing that everyone had already sat down, Yang Kaiyuan said: "Your Majesty died, and Yang Zheng had an accident again, everyone knows these two things, right?" ”

Han Fang cried with a headache, calling out to His Majesty, wailing and falling to the ground, Yang Kaiyuan, Ouyang Shi, Yang Pu, Liu Qi and others also had to cry, after a while, the crying gradually stopped, Chen Xiancai said: "Your Majesty has died, and the old man has heard about it, as for the matter of governance, the old man does not know the truth or the truth." ”

Ouyang Shi sighed: "When the eldest brother died, the seventh brother was next to him, probably because he was so injured that he went insane. Naturally, we hope that he will come to his senses as soon as possible, but now that the times are very high, we have to plan for a rainy day! ”

Chen Zhenghui asked, "What is the proposal of the Speaker?" ”

Ouyang Shi said: "What I mean is to convene the Jingyuan National Conference, first, to solemnly announce the death of the eldest brother, and secondly, to discuss with everyone what to do in the world after the death of the eldest brother." ”

Chen Zhenghui nodded and said, "Yes." ”

Ouyang Shi said again: "But the dragon is not headless, before that, you have to recommend someone first." In case Lao Qi is not sober when the Yuan National Assembly is held, then this person will have to temporarily act as the head of the ruling power to stabilize the situation! ”

Chen Zhenghui lowered his head and asked: "The Seventh General is only saying some inexplicable things at present, and there are no other symptoms, I think it is just a temporary abnormality, and it will be fine after a while." ”

"That's what I thought too." Ouyang Shi said: "So as long as Lao Qi returns to normal, I will continue to support him as the head of the government." Now this person is just being promoted, just in case. ”

Deng Su said: "What the Speaker General said is reasonable, but I don't know who the Speaker thinks should temporarily replace the head of the ruling power?" ”

"That's why I've invited you here today." Ouyang Shi said: "It stands to reason that such important matters must be discussed by the Yuan National Assembly, but there are many differences in public opinion, and disputes are likely to arise, so the third brother and I invite you here, hoping that we can reach a consensus first." As for the candidates, we will invite everyone to discuss them in groups. ”

Yang Pu and Liu Qi are both in power and can be regarded as candidates, but they are not far from the ministers in terms of seniority and preciousness, so everyone understands in their hearts that the head of the ruling party is actually selected from Yang San and Ou Si. After Ouyang Shi finished speaking, the four consuls didn't speak, everyone looked at Chen Xian together, who knew that he didn't open his mouth, but Han Fang came out first, and didn't say much, he saluted in the direction of Zheyan Chong's dormitory, and said concisely: "Minister, Han Fang, promote the third general Yang Kaiyuan." With that, he returned to his seat.

Chen Xian stroked his beard, nodded, and also said: "The three generals are both civil and military, and they have won the hearts of the military and the people, and they are upright and peaceful in handling things, and they are very recommended by Lord Han!" ”

Deng Su looked at Chen Zhenghui, Chen Zhenghui pondered for a moment, and also said: "Chen Zhenghui also thinks that during the illness of the seven generals, it is appropriate to take the three generals as the leader. ”

Deng Su then followed: "What you have said is very true. Deng Su seconded. ”

Everyone came out one by one, and none of the more than 20 people objected, and finally Yang Pu and Liu Qi also agreed, and Ouyang Shixi said: "Third brother, it seems that you are what everyone wants." ”

Yang Kaiyuan did not shirk, nor was he happy, he stood up and said: "Although Yang Kaiyuan is mediocre, but now the country is in an extraordinary time, the Han is in extraordinary changes, and the void of the head of the world is not an auspicious omen. ”

Hearing this, everyone hurriedly got up and saluted, and after Yang Kaiyuan received this salute, he said: "As far as the current matter is concerned, officials of all sizes are still in their positions and work as usual; Extraordinary matters are decided by the deliberations of the consuls; The statutes laid down by the seven generals will not be changed. As far as the future is concerned, if the Seven Generals return to normal spirits, he will still be the head of the government; If the crown prince returns, then we should help the prince to ascend the throne! During this period, the charter cannot be chaotic, the situation cannot be chaotic, and whoever is chaotic is a thief in the world! Yang Kaiyuan swears to you here, and is willing to spend the difficulties with you. ”

The ministers said together: "I am willing to work with the ruling government to tide over the difficulties together." ”

After the meeting ended, Yang Kaiyuan led Ouyang Shi, Yang Pu, and Liu Qi into the palace to explain the situation to Yan Hu, and Yan Hu was also pleased.

At this time, Zhi Yanchong's funeral was still to be dealt with, and Yang Yingqi's situation was still difficult to say, but with Yang Kaiyuan coming forward to temporarily take regent, all forces were also satisfied. After the ministers dispersed, they each informed their subordinates and protégés, and the Beijing teacher was safe.

The affairs of the Prime Minister's Mansion were handled by the Prime Minister, Ouyang Shi was responsible for the funeral, and the major matter of signing a peace treaty with the Southern Song Dynasty was put on the agenda by Yang Kaiyuan. On this day, Yang Kaiyuan was about to summon the Song envoy, when suddenly Zhe Yaqi sent someone to report in a hurry, asking Yang Kaiyuan to hurry into the palace!

Yang Kaiyuan asked what was going on, and the messenger sent by Zhe Yaqi said, "Yesterday, the queen sent someone to bring the seven generals into the palace and personally tell and persuade them. The Seventh General had been much quieter, but today he saw that the sky was full of dark clouds, and it seemed that a thunderstorm was coming, and suddenly it happened again, saying that he had already thought of a way to get out. We didn't understand where he was going, but he had already crawled to the lightning rod at the highest point in the palace, saying that as long as he let the lightning strike, he would definitely be able to cross back. We couldn't hold it and couldn't persuade it, so the queen and the princess hurried into the palace to help. ”

Yang Kaiyuan was shocked, he threw away the matter at hand and rushed to the palace, and met Ouyang Shi outside the palace gate, and he also came for this matter, when the two met, Ouyang Shi couldn't help complaining, and shouted: "Old Seven is too crazy this time!" The lightning rod was used to protect against lightning, but he climbed up to make the lightning split! ”

The two were about to enter the palace, when suddenly a hurried horse arrived and sent an urgent secret to Yang Kaiyuan, Yang Kaiyuan opened the seal and read it while walking, only glanced at it, and almost fell under his feet, Ouyang Shi hurriedly supported him and asked, "What's wrong?" ”

Yang Kaiyuan waved his hand to keep his entourage farther away, and then said in a low voice: "The Great Song Dynasty and Hanzhong guards have come to attach it." ”

Ouyang Shi was shocked and said, "What! This ......"

Yang Kaiyuan said: "I don't know if this is Lao Qi's plan, you go into the palace and ask him, and I will go to the privy council first." ”

The two acted separately, when Ouyang Shi entered the palace, Yan Hu had already sent someone to watch Yang Yingqi, she saw Ouyang Shi and sighed at the right time, and said, "You quickly persuade him, don't go crazy like this!" ”

Ouyang Shi stepped forward and glanced at Yang Yingqi twice, Yang Yingqi saw it, and said with a smile: "Fourth brother, what are you looking at, are you like everyone else, do you think I'm crazy?" ”

Ouyang Shi was confused and said, "I listen to you and look at your eyes, I really don't look crazy, but what you do is a madman!" ”

Yang Yingqi said with a smile: "You are in a daze, and you can't understand it, but you treat me, a person who understands it thoroughly, as a madman, it's funny to think about it." But forget it, you won't understand. ”

Ouyang Shi smiled bitterly twice, and said to Wan Yanhu: "Sister-in-law, I have something to say to him alone." ”

After Yan Hu agreed, he took everyone out, and when there was no one around, Ouyang Shi asked: "Old Seven, let me ask you, what's going on in Hanzhong?" Is it your fault? ”

Yang Yingqi smiled: "That? It doesn't matter anymore. Anyway, as long as I go out and reload, everything will start again. Fourth brother, where do you want to start? From Death Valley? Well, it's too early. It's best when our brothers are still happy but have a successful career. Well, just the night I got married to Tangerine. Alas, I don't know if this game has an archive, I hope there is. ”

Ouyang Shi was dumbfounded when he heard this, shook his head again and again, and said unhappily: "Old Seven, don't play with me!" You say, what arrangements have you made for the affairs of Hanzhong? Alas, I don't think you're crazy! If this is your game, it's better for you to finish it! ”

Yang Yingqi looked at Ouyang Shi with some pity and sighed, "Fourth brother, you still don't understand. What you think is important, is not important. The really important things are out there. ”

"Outside?"

"Well, outside the game." Yang Yingqi said: "But it doesn't matter if you don't understand, anyway, after I load it, you won't remember." ”

Ouyang Shi was so angry with him that he almost burst into smoke, and said angrily: "Game! Game! Ok, good, good! You you! I don't care about you anymore! After speaking, he brushed his sleeves and went out, and after Yan Hu asked how it was outside the door, Ouyang Shi said angrily: "He's still like that!" No matter how you say it, you can't open your mind! Sister-in-law, I see you don't pay attention to him! Watch him and don't let him have an accident! The big man is missing him in this sky, and I and the third child are on top! ”

After he walked out of the palace gate, he suddenly turned back with some concern, and there were two of his brothers in the palace gate, one dead and the other crazy. There was only one other brother left outside the palace gate, and the way forward would probably be for him and Yang Kaiyuan to support each other.

Ouyang Shi turned around, carrying the closed palace door on his back, and suddenly the words that Yang Yingqi had just said flashed in his mind, and said in his heart: "Game...... Game...... Is this really a game? If it's a game, how many people are actually playing it? Hum! If it's the game of the seventh, then what are the other people, what is the third, and what am I? ”

Thinking of this, he suddenly patted his head and said with a smile: "What do I think these things for!" Don't be fooled by the old seven! He shook his head while laughing, got into the sedan chair, and went straight to the Privy Council to see Yang Kaiyuan.

The top of the sedan chair suddenly crackled, and it seemed to start raining. Ouyang Shi opened the corner of the sedan curtain and looked at the sky, and after a moment, he closed the sedan curtain.

Under the dark clouds, the walls of the palace divide the world into two parts, inside and outside, and there is a man within the walls who thinks he has seen everything about this world, but the never-ending struggle of this world continues outside the walls.