After the emperor left, Prime Minister Han Cheng walked up to Qing Mu and said in a low voice: "Qing Mu, trouble comes from the mouth, I really sweat for you!" ”

Qing Mu nodded silently when she heard the old prime minister's reminder, and pursed her lips and smiled. After the left and right prime ministers and the envoys of King Rui left, Qing Mu and the crown prince came to the emperor's Qianning Palace under the guidance of Gonggong De.

"Qi'er, Qingmu, come and sit!"

As soon as Qing Mu and Mu Qi sat down, the emperor asked: "Qing Mu, your sonorous speech today shocked my uncle!" ”

"Uncle, Qing Mu has always been open-mouthed, if he is wrong, I hope the emperor's uncle will not be blamed!" After Qing Mu was reminded by the old prime minister, he regretted his reckless behavior just now, and said apologetically.

"Father, don't blame Qingmu, she just said what she wanted to say." Mu Qi laughed.

"I didn't mean to blame Qingmu, on the contrary, she really said my heart, as if the blood was connected and said my heart from the bottom of my heart! By the way, Qi'er, I see that you didn't say anything today? Don't you have your own opinion on the matter? ”

The emperor shook his head and stated lightly,

"Qi'er's opinion is basically the same as that of Qing Mu, and Bo Lian has been building a dynasty for decades, and of course he cannot tolerate arbitrarily challenging the authority of the imperial court. What's more, Luo Xiulan is the culprit who poisoned Qing Mu! Muzi said.

"I consider two things: in the Gong, no foreign or native surname is allowed to challenge the rights of the imperial court; In private, people with foreign surnames are bullied to my head, how can I tolerate it! ”

Therefore, I strongly agree with Qing Mu's opinion, but how to deal with it still needs to be considered, and try not to force the anti-Rui king. The emperor looked at the two and said.

Qing Mu leaned into Mu Qi's ear and whispered: "Mu Qi, you and your uncle said that if you send troops this time, don't use a single soldier from the General's Mansion. The General's Mansion is involved, no matter how you say it, you have to avoid it! ”

In any case, Luo Xiulan is still in the General's Mansion after all, if it is embarrassing for the two not to see each other, it will be difficult for either party to accept it in the future!

Mu Qi nodded slowly and said in a low voice: "Qingmu, don't worry, I will deal with it!" ”

The emperor looked at the two who were whispering in a low voice, and asked with a smile: "Qingmu, Qi'er, what are you whispering, can you let me listen to it too?" ”

Qing Mu was taken aback, oh, and said, "It's nothing, let Mu Qi talk to his uncle." ”

"Muzie? Oops, it's so kind! The emperor quipped.

Qing Mu's face flushed, he snorted, and said angrily: "Uncle...... If you talk nonsense again, Qingmu will leave! ”

"Good, good! I don't say it! I don't say it! ”

Qing Mu turned around and wanted to leave, but was gently pulled by Mu Qi. Mu Qi pursed his lips and smiled, and said in a low voice: "We will leave in a while, and explain it to my father first!" ”

Qing Mu nodded slowly, the blush had not yet dissipated, and Mu Qi pulled her to sit down. At this moment, a report came from outside the hall: "Lord Cheng of the Right Prime Minister asks to see you!" ”

Mu Qi was stunned and looked up at the emperor. He didn't smile, and said loudly, "Come in!" ”

"The old minister has a lot of disobedience in the court, and I hope the emperor will forgive his sins!" As soon as Cheng Guangtai entered the door, he knelt on the ground for a moment and pleaded guilty to the emperor.

The emperor was very calm, glanced at Cheng Guangtai, who was kneeling, smiled faintly, and said, "Don't be afraid, I don't mind!" ”

"Emperor Xie!" After Cheng Guangtai finished speaking, he pondered for a moment, and then said: "Your Majesty, what the old minister said is for the sake of the current situation, and I hope the emperor can understand!" ”

"Master Cheng, do you have any advice?" The emperor looked at Cheng Guangtai under the hall and asked again.

"Your Majesty, what the old minister said in the court is just a delaying strategy, first appease King Rui and then make plans, so as not to make any mistakes!"

"National affairs, you should be cautious, if everyone is as reckless as Miss Qingmu, wouldn't the court be in chaos, and the country will not be a country?" Cheng Guangtai continued to state.

"Humph! I can't see this girl here, and I dare to talk nonsense in front of my uncle! Qing Mu shouted angrily.

Mu Qi's heart tightened, and he shook Qing Mu's hand hard, it turned out that when Cheng Guangtai came in just now, the emperor asked the two to avoid behind the screen for the time being.

Qing Mu suddenly shouted loudly, and Cheng Guangtai was also surprised, looking at the hazy screen in front of him, and stayed in place.

"Master Cheng, I am thinking far-reaching, and I fully understand. However, there are fewer and fewer people who dare to speak out like Qing Mu in the imperial court. The emperor said lightly.

Mu Qi came back to his senses in a moment, it was already exposed, and there was no point in avoiding it, holding Qing Mu's hand, gently putting his left hand on his mouth, signaling her not to talk nonsense, and the two walked out and sat on the seat just now.

"Yes, yes! What the emperor said is! It's all to blame for the old minister's silence! Cheng Guangtai said, turned to Mu Qi and Qing Mu, walked over, and said with a smile: "Miss Qing Mu, blame the old minister for talking too much, I hope you don't remember the villain, don't mind!" ”

Qing Mu looked at Cheng Guangtai, snorted, and didn't speak again, Mu Qi was also a little angry in his heart, so he said, "I wonder if Master Cheng is still okay?" ”

The emperor glanced at the three of them and said loudly: "Forget it, as an official in the same dynasty, it is inevitable that there will be some small frictions, I will be a peacemaker today, so don't worry about it!" I have always been Mingqing, in fact, the matter of King Rui has reached the point where it must be solved! ”

Qing Mu was a little confused, glanced up at the emperor, and asked, "Your Majesty, have you made up your mind?" ”

"Hmmm! Master Cheng! The emperor shouted.

Cheng Guangtai stepped forward and said with a smile: "Miss Qingmu is dedicated to the country, which is really admired by the old minister!" Admiration! ”

"Where! Where! Mr. Cheng won the prize! I still have to ask Master Cheng for more advice! Qing Mu said coldly.

The emperor smiled and said, "Okay! It's all united, Lord Cheng! In the future, Qingmu will participate in political affairs in your ministry, you need a lot of advice! ”

Master Cheng clasped his hands into fists and said, "Although the emperor can rest assured, Miss Qingmu is young and promising, and her future is limitless!" ”

"Uncle, are you going to let me go to the Ministry of Officials?" Qing Mu asked suspiciously.

The emperor nodded and said, "Qing Mu, seeing that you are so capable, it seems that you have seen the shadow of my past, if you don't make good use of such talents, wouldn't it be a big loss for me to Bo Lianguo?" ”

"But uncle, Qing Muyi has no rank, and the second has no official rank, so I'm afraid it will be difficult to convince the public." Qing Mu said worriedly.

The emperor shook his head and said with a smile: "Yes, from now on, you will be at the disposal of Lord Cheng!" ”

"Uncle Emperor, Qing Mucai is shallow in learning, but I am afraid that it will be difficult to compete." Qing Mu replied modestly.

"Hey! Follow Master Cheng to increase your knowledge! As for the grade, I will appoint you as the right waiter, from the third grade! The emperor said silently.

"Congratulations to Miss Qingmu, oh no, it's the Qing Lady!" Cheng Guangtai Road.

"Yes! Thank you, Your Majesty! Qing Mu glanced at Mu Qi, his face was calm, as if nothing had happened.

Master Cheng pondered for a moment, and then said: "According to what the old minister sees, it should not be a problem to accept King Rui's suggestion first, and then make preparations, and delay it for a year and a half. But at the same time, be ready to fight at any time, just in case! ”

"What Master Cheng said is very true! However, Qi'er felt that if he sent troops to quell the rebellion, it was best not to use the General's Mansion! Mu Qi looked at Qing Mu and said lightly.

"Qi'er, what do you mean by this? If the General's Mansion does not participate, then who can lead the troops to quell the rebellion! The emperor asked with some confusion.

"First of all, Luo Xiulan, the daughter of King Rui, is the concubine of General Xiao, which will make him very embarrassed, and secondly, if it is unfortunate that King Rui dies at the hands of the old general."

"And Luo Xiulan still lives in the General's Mansion, it will be very embarrassing to meet in the future, it is inevitable that with Luo Xiulan's character, she will not have a heart of revenge." Muzi analyzed.

Master Cheng nodded slowly and said, "The prince's concern is not unreasonable, since Old General Xiao can't interfere, the old minister has a suitable candidate." ”

Qing Mu was curious, and asked urgently: "I don't know who Master Cheng is referring to?" ”

"It is the emperor's royal brother, Lord Luo Jiangyue, Lord Luo is in charge of the military department, and there is Luo Yuzhao, who is not allowed to have eyebrows, I believe it will live up to expectations!" Cheng Guangtai analyzed leisurely.

The emperor nodded slowly, glanced at Mu Qi, and said, "This method is very good, I think it is feasible!" ”

"In half a month, it will be the seventieth birthday of King Rui, and the old minister feels that he can use the name of birthday to appease King Rui first, and the court will work hard to prepare for war in secret!" Master Cheng said again.

"Good! That's it! I will draw up a secret decree and tell the imperial brother to prepare everything, and when the soldiers and horses around Taiyuan Mansion are completely replaced, I will capture King Rui and others in one fell swoop! The emperor said loudly.

Qing Mu nodded affirmatively and said, "That's very good!" It not only avoids the direct conflict with Luo Xiulan, but also uproots the traitor! ”

"That's it! Go down and prepare, Qing Mu, tomorrow you will go to Lord Cheng's Ministry to report, and learn more from him to govern the government! In the future, Qi'er will rely on you to assist a lot! The emperor said with a smile.

When Qing Mu heard what the emperor said, his face turned red again, and his voice was as low as a whisper, and he said, "I know!" Uncle! ”

Mu Qi stepped forward and bowed slightly, and said, "Father, the son and the minister are retired!" ”

The emperor waved his hand lightly, signaling them all to retreat, Qing Mu remembered the queen's matter, and was about to explain it to the emperor, but was pulled out of Qianning Palace by Mu Qi.

Qing Mu was full of doubts, followed behind Mu Qi, and asked in a low voice, "Mu Qi, why don't you let me ask about the queen!" ”

"Now that my father's heart disease has been removed, I am happy, and you will disobey your father when you ask this. Today is already quite dangerous, do you still want to put yourself in this dangerous situation? Muzi asked in a low voice.

"If you don't ask, don't ask! It's just that I'm curious, no matter how I look at this queen, it's a little unusual, I think my mother and uncle have been together for so many years, and they can't compare to this woman! ”

"In just half a year, the harem has undergone earth-shaking changes, Mu Qi, don't you doubt it?" Qing Mu asked as if he was a little angry.

Mu Qi nodded slightly and said, "Let's go, Master has already reminded me of this before, and I know it in my heart." However, now is not the best time, so don't let the small be lost! ”

Qing Mu snorted, left Mu Qi's side, and walked straight to the east gate, Mu Qi was stunned and quickly chased after him.

After the two parted ways with Lord Cheng from the palace, Mu Qi has been accompanying Qing Mu back to the General's Mansion, and along the way, Qing Mu has a lot of things in his heart that he can't think about, and he doesn't bother to talk to him.

Back at the General's Mansion, it was already early afternoon, as soon as I entered the door, I saw Xiao Cui and Wu Bin laughing and playing, I hadn't seen them for a few days, I didn't expect the two of them to be so familiar, maybe because they were the same age!

Qing Mu invited Mu Qi to lunch at the General's Palace. After that, Mu Qi said goodbye and left the General's Mansion, and Qing Mu went to Prime Minister Zuo's Mansion alone without stopping.

As soon as Qing Mu walked into the Prime Minister's Mansion, Prime Minister Han Cheng smiled and said, "Qing Mu, you are here!" ”

"Uncle! Thank you! Fortunately, you reminded Qing Mu that if you didn't completely offend this Lord Cheng today, I am afraid that the emperor's uncle would not be able to step down! Qing Mu said gratefully.

Prime Minister Han Cheng smiled slightly, and said: "Learning to protect yourself is the way to be an official, and accompanying the king is like accompanying the tiger, this sentence has been trained since ancient times!" ”

"Uncle doesn't know, it's contrary to Qing Mu's nature to deal with people, Qing Mu just wants to do something for the people in a down-to-earth manner, worthy of the court, and worthy of the people!"

"However, now Qing Mu spends all day thinking about the intentions of the emperor and the lords, and intriguing with the vassal kings and magnates, which really makes Qing Mu exhausted." Qing Mu shook his head and said helplessly.

"It is worthy of the imperial court, and it is worthy of the people of Li, how easy is it to talk about? You have a long road ahead in the future, so let's take a closer look. Prime Minister Han said lightly.

Qing Mu continued: "Now that Qing Mu has been sent by the emperor to the ministry, facing this Lord Cheng every day, I don't know what my uncle's intentions are? Lord Cheng, the right prime minister, is treacherous and cunning, and Qing Mu is afraid that he will not be able to deal with him. ”

Prime Minister Han pondered for a moment, and slowly analyzed: "Whether Cheng Guangtai is selfish or not, let's not mention it first." This time, the emperor arranged for you to be under his hands, and that was only for the sake of King Rui, as long as this matter is done, there may be another dispatch in the future. ”

"Hmmm! Thank you Uncle! Communicate with you, so that Qing Mu Mao suddenly. Qing Mu said with a smile.

"The good niece is really teachable, okay, it's not too early, let's go home quickly." Prime Minister Han touched his chin and said with a smile.

"Good! Uncle, rest early, too! Come and see you whenever you have time! Qing Mu replied.

After Qing Mu came out of the Prime Minister's Mansion, he soon returned to the General's Mansion. It was still early, so he took Xiao Cui to the maple forest in Xishan to practice the sword for a while, and the two of them took a leisurely stroll to visit the maple leaf forest.

It's June, and it's getting hot. Xiao Cui said with some complaints: "County Lord, this big sun, how did you think of practicing swords?" Isn't every morning class at the dawn of the morning? ”

"Humph! You! It's all spoiled by the lord of this county! I can't stand this bit of suffering! Today's morning class was delayed because I was summoned by my uncle, and now I just make up for it. Qing Mu glanced at Xiao Cui and said solemnly.

Xiao Cui sighed, covered her mouth with her hand, and said hesitantly: "No...... No, Xiao Cui is worried about the county lord! It's not that Xiaocui is unwilling to endure hardships! ”

"Got it, you have a point, let's go." Qing Mu gently patted Xiao Cui's shoulder, took her hand, and slowly walked on the way back.

It didn't take long for the two to return to the General's Mansion.

It was Mu, Qing Mu sat in front of the incense case, looking at the candlelight in a daze, and didn't move for a long time.

Xiaocui had been accompanying Qing Mu in Yayuan, watching her stay in a daze, she walked to her side and asked, "County Lord, what's wrong with you?" It's already dark, why don't you sleep yet! ”

Qing Mu sighed and didn't speak, Xiao Cui asked again, "Are you still worried about the affairs of the court?" ”

"A companion is like a tiger, and these ministers who are eyeing each other, if they are not careful, they will cause trouble."

"Prime Minister Han Cheng doesn't care about political affairs now, but now I am being sent by the emperor to the ministry, what is the road ahead, and how many thorns are waiting for me, I still have no way of knowing." Qing Mu whispered in frustration.

Xiao Cui hugged Qingmu, patted her shoulder gently, and comforted: "County Lord, don't worry!" Cui has always been by your side and will never leave you! ”

Qing Mu nodded slowly and said, "Let's rest, don't go back to Jinmu, stay with me." ”

"Okay, County Lord!" Xiao Cui replied.

The Yunwang Mansion is in summer one after another, as if it has entered a hot summer day in one Mu, and the torrential rain of Lianmu has completely washed away the dust of Los Angeles! The next day, in the Yunwang Mansion, Mu Lianyuan was in the pavilion, drinking tea, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the garden in the rainstorm.

Wang Lin rushed into the pavilion in the face of the torrential rain, and recklessly ran to the side of the Cloud King.

Mu Lianyuan looked at him, seemed to be a little angry, and said loudly: "Xiao Lin, what's the matter, how can you be in such a hurry?" ”

"Lord Wang! Do you know, recently, Qingmu that ghost girl actually sent the emperor to the ministry, and she was on an errand under the right prime minister Cheng Guangtai, and the official rank was the right servant from the Sanpin ministry! Wang Lin said strangely.

"Oh? There is such a thing! It's fresh, the maid of the ministry, it's really a strange story through the ages! But this girl is really talented, and this king has to be convinced! Mu Lianyuan said.

"It's just that I admire this woman, I'm afraid that she can't be used by us! If she helps, why worry about not being able to do anything! Wang Lin sighed and said lightly.

"That's it! It can't be used by me, and it's such a strong enemy, so I have to guard against it. How's it going, how did you check it? After Mu Lianyuan finished speaking, he asked anxiously.

"What?" Wang Lin was a little puzzled, looked up at King Yun, and wiped the rain on his body with his sleeve.

Mu Lianyuan glanced at Wang Lin and said angrily: "This king asked you to check the prince's affairs!" ”

"Oh! Check it out! Ten years ago, the prince had already worshiped Mr. Crane as his teacher, but no one knew about it in the rivers and lakes. ”

"On this day, the prince went to the General's Mansion, and the eyeliner I stationed in the General's Mansion came back to report, he has recognized Qing Mu and has identified himself, and now this is no secret!" Wang Lin looked at King Yun and replied lightly.

"Then you didn't tell this king until now, why did you go earlier!" Mu Lianyuan was a little angry and said loudly.

"It's not! Lord Wang, it's just that I haven't thought of any way to deal with them now, it seems that the prince's martial arts are by no means simple, I'm afraid it's not easy to deal with! Wang Lin said worriedly.

"Of course this king knows! With the king's martial arts today, I'm afraid it will be difficult to compete with it, that day, if it wasn't for the prince deliberately hiding his martial arts, I'm afraid this king would have been defeated in his hands! Mu Lianyuan said lightly.

"One more thing!" Wang Lin thought for a moment and said again.

"What?" Mu Lianyuan looked at Wang Lin and asked suspiciously.

"There is news from the palace that the emperor has issued a secret decree, so that Lord Luo Jiangyue will be ready to send troops to quell the rebellion at any time!" Wang Lin said leisurely.

"It seems that my father has made up his mind to deal with this King Rui! He's really, when is it not good, he has to do this one! Mu Qi said angrily.

"However, now we may have an opportunity to win over Qingmu." Wang Lin's eyes rolled and he said with a smile.

"How?" Mu Lianyuan was a little confused.

"Lord Luo has a daughter named Luo Yuzhao, who likes the prince very much. And Luo Yuzhao likes to dance with knives and guns since he was a child, and his kung fu is also quite good, the prince can hint that he has made great achievements with his father, and he can ask the emperor for marriage in front of the emperor. ”

See what the prince does! If this can be done, wouldn't the prince have more chances of winning against this Qingmu girl? Wang Lin analyzed with a smile.

"It makes sense, just do it! I have time to arrange that this king will meet this Luo Yuzhao alone, this royal sister, this is the first time that this king has contacted, I hope he can understand that this king has to work hard. Mu Lianyuan said.

"Lord Wang, don't worry! I'll arrange this. Wang Lin said affirmatively.

On the day of King Yi's Mansion, Qing Mu got up early and practiced swords in the bamboo forest of Xishan for more than two hours, and then returned to King Yi's Mansion. According to the emperor's will, go to the ministry to report.

What kind of institution is the Ministry of Officials, Qing Mu is clear, Bo Lianguo follows the old system of the previous dynasty, divided into three provinces and six departments. And the Ministry of Officials is the head of the province, Cheng Guangtai, as the assistant of the Zaifu, and concurrently serves as the secretary of the Ministry of Officials.

On the basis of the previous dynasty, Bo Lianguo reformed the structure of the Ministry of Officials, and set up the Department of Officials, the Department of Seals, and the Department of Examination and Merit, which were in charge of the appointment and dismissal of officials under heaven, examinations, promotions, honors, and assignments.

It can be said that the rise and fall of the officials is related to the lifeblood of the Bolian State.

Therefore, the emperor sent Qing Mu here, and he also had some other intentions, first, to check and balance Cheng Guangtai's power, and not to be so presumptuous; Second, let Qing Mu get familiar with the system of the imperial court as soon as possible, and also lay a good foundation for better service to the country in the future.

Third, the emperor saw early on that Mu Qi was interested in Qing Mu, and now the relationship between the two is very unusual.