Wang Shichong put away his smile, put on a loyal expression, and said loudly: "Your Majesty Shengming, Weichen didn't say these words when Chu Guogong was alive in order to be loyal to His Majesty, and now that Chu Guogong is gone, Weichen said these words for the sake of loyalty to His Majesty!" ”

Yang Guang's brows furrowed: "Wang Shichong, I remind you again, in front of me, to tell the truth, your beautiful rhetoric and duplicity are better put away." What did you mean by that? I don't understand. Be clear. ”

Wang Shichong said with a straight face: "When the Duke of Chu was alive, from the first emperor to His Majesty, he was an important minister in the court, because the Duke of Chu had the merit of supporting His Majesty, and helped to fight Gao Xi during the first dynasty, so the power leaned towards the government and the opposition, and the power was extremely powerful, because he was a meritorious hero, a veteran, and a great contribution to the first emperor and His Majesty, so the first emperor and His Majesty were all in accordance with their requirements out of respect for the consideration of the meritorious heroes, and even knew that there were many Chu Guogong's dictatorships and did not do it right, and they also turned a blind eye. ”

"For example, with the humble background of Weichen, and there is no obvious great merit to the imperial court, it stands to reason that he will not be able to climb the history of a state assassination in any case, and this kind of Cheng dù wearing a purple robe, but a recommendation from the Duke of Chu Guo, let His Majesty Xià approve, although this move is beneficial to the minister himself, but it is actually not conducive to the court, but the Duke of Chu has a high position, and Weichen was recommended by him at that time, and he was an official in Yuanfang County, and he could only do his best to govern Yingzhou for the imperial court, so as to repay the favor of the monarch, and he was also worthy of the recommendation of the Duke of Chu."

The corners of Yang Guang's mouth hooked: "Wang Aiqing, you are really a smart person, you can tell who gave your official, this is a good thing." Just anyway. The Duke of Chu recommended you. Without his recommendation, you can only be an outsider in the military department now, at most a fourth-grade waiter, and you won't wear this purple robe. Now that someone has just died, you say that he is not in front of me, so you don't worry about what I think of you as a person? ”

The corners of Wang Shichong's mouth hooked: "When Weichen switched from the door of Gao Xi Gao to the Duke of Chu, how did His Majesty think of Weichen at that time?" Weichen dared to speculate, but I am afraid that it is no different from today. ”

Yang Guang was stunned for a moment, and then laughed: "Wang Shichong." Dare to talk to me like this, I'm afraid you're the only one in the world now, and if you say such a rebellious remark, aren't you afraid that I will let your head and this restless tongue move with a real order? ”

Wang Shichong also smiled slightly: "If Weichen wants to say loyalty, it is no worse than anyone else, but Weichen is only loyal to the Supreme, loyal to Dasui, and Gao Xi is good." Chu Guogong is also a good person, although he has the grace of recommending Weichen. But once their actions are not tolerated by His Majesty and the country, then Weichen will naturally stand firmly on His Majesty's side and stand on the side of the court. ”

Yang Guang's smile gradually retracted: "If you really have a loyal heart, why didn't you advise the Duke of Chu when he was alive, or stood on the side of the emperor and me at that time?" ”

Wang Shichong replied calmly: "Because the Duke of Chu at that time, although he was domineering, although he was in power, but he was not disobedient, he did crack down on political opponents cruelly, and most of the people he recommended were his relatives or old ones, but he was still loyal to the Great Sui and His Majesty, which can be seen from the last time he quelled Yang Liang's rebellion, if the Duke of Chu really had two hearts, when he had troops in hand, he could make a mess, and Weichen was also monitored by His Majesty's secret order at that time. I still dare to guarantee this with the head of the item, and there is absolutely no lie. ”

Yang Guang said coldly: "Wang Shichong, you just said it clearly and clearly, Yang Su is autocratic, and he wants to be all the people of his Yang family above the court, and the important ministers and generals in the court are all recommended by him, this kind of behavior is still called loyalty to my Great Sui?" ”

Wang Shichong shook his head: "At least among the people recommended by the Duke of Chu, people like Weichen are only loyal to His Majesty and the country, and will not read his private kindness of the Duke of Chu and stand on his side, so for Weichen, this official position is recommended by the Duke of Chu, but in the final analysis, it is still given by His Majesty. ”

Yang Guang nodded with satisfaction: "Well, Wang Aiqing, I sound quite happy about what you said, but you just said that Yang Su's practices will be corrected and modified after his death, and it is also a matter of loyalty to me, what do you mean by this?" ”

A hint of cunning flashed in Wang Shichong's eyes: "The Duke of Chu has recommended too many people over the years, especially the relatives of the Yang family, several of his sons and brothers, from brothers, clansmen, all of them are high-ranking officials, and people like Weichen who have been recommended by him are even more numerous, the number of officials in the imperial court is limited, and he recommends one of his own, which means that there is one less person available to His Majesty." And now there are many vicious rumors outside, saying that the death of the Duke of Chu is the will of His Majesty. ”

Yang Guang said sharply: "Where did this rumor spread? I'm going to break the body of the man who created this rumor! ”

Wang Shichong hurriedly kowtowed to the ground: "Your Majesty is angry, it's all because Weichen lost his words for a while, and he angered His Majesty, capital crime, capital crime!" ”

Yang Guang's heart was still empty, he really didn't expect that the matter of letting Zhang Heng hack Yang Su spread so quickly, wiped the sweat on his face, and calmed down: "Wang Aiqing, calm down, you help me check carefully, how did this rumor come about!" ”

Wang Shichong was happy in his heart, he could always get up this time, his legs and feet were a little numb, and when he came together, he was still a little unstable, and he shook for a while before he could stand still.

Wang Shichong replied: "Your Majesty, this rumor has also been checked, the source is impossible to find, now in the various squares inside and outside the Eastern Capital, restaurants, streets, and streets, all spread with noses and eyes, even if Your Majesty decrees that the rumors continue to spread, I am afraid that it will be useless, and I will not make any response, and Weichen thinks it is the best policy." ”

Yang Guang sighed: "It's all my fault that I sealed Yang Su as a Duke of Chu, I originally wanted him to be a little more conscious after he was transferred, quit the court, and no longer interfere in the affairs of the court, especially in personnel matters." But I didn't expect Chu Guogong to really go like this. I regret that I shouldn't have listened to Zhang Heng's words. To Yang Sujin, the Duke of Chu, alas. ”

Wang Shichong sneered in his heart: When have you been still acting like this with Lao Tzu, do you think Lao Tzu is your father? But he still made a sad expression on his face: "Your Majesty's heavenly grace is vast, how can those ordinary people speculate, those boring rumors, just let it go, after a long time, it will naturally disappear." However, what Weichen wants to advise His Majesty is the placement of the sons of the Duke of Chu. ”

Yang Guang's brows furrowed: "Wang Aiqing, I came to you today, in fact, I also want to discuss this matter with you, you are resourceful, and you are the person recommended by the Duke of Chu, so you must be very familiar with the sons of the Yang family." ”

Wang Shichong sighed: "Your Majesty, I'm afraid I'm going to disappoint you, although the Duke of Chu recommended Weichen, it was entirely because Weichen was seeking an official back then." bribed a large amount of gold and silver treasures to the Duke of Chu before he could say a few good words for Weichen in front of His Majesty. I implore His Majesty to punish the crime of bribery. ”

Yang Guang sneered in his heart, but a surprised expression appeared on his face: "What, you actually bribed the Duke of Chu to get the office?" How is this possible? With your Wang Shichong's ability, shouldn't you be recommended? ”

Wang Shichong gritted his teeth: "This matter has been hidden in Weichen's heart for many years, every time I think of it, I hate it, I know that I know the law and break the law, I have a negative grace, and I am afraid that one day the East Window incident will happen, not only will my official position be lost, but even my life will be difficult to preserve." Today, in front of the Supreme, Weichen will also let it go, and he must explain this matter to His Majesty, and then ask His Majesty to rule the crime of Weichen with the rule of law. ”

Yang Guang said expressionlessly: "You say, I listen." ”

Wang Shichong sighed softly: "Your Majesty should know that after Weichen first joined the army, he was put into the door of Gao Xi, the left servant of the former Shangshu, relying on his promotion and protection all the way, and the official to the Wupin Soldier Department Wailang, it stands to reason that for Weichen, the son of a businessman who is not from a family and has no background, Gao Xi has enough care for Weichen, and it is reasonable for Weichen to know how to repay it." ”

"But when Wechen found out that Gao Xi was against the emperor and His Majesty in the matter of Yi Chu, knowing that the king of Fangling was not successful, he insisted on speaking for him, so as to anger the first emperor and the first queen, Wechen said that Wechen should be loyal to the country, is the supreme, not a minister, so Wechen did not hesitate to change the court, and instead found an opportunity to serve His Majesty, and in the process of inheriting the unification of His Majesty, he made a little meager effort, which is also known to His Majesty."

As soon as Yang Guang heard the words inheriting the unification, his eyelids jumped, and the corners of his lips unconsciously hooked, and he said lightly: "Wang Aiqing's efforts at that time were not small, and I also remember the contributions you made to me at that time. ”

Wang Shichong pretended to be excited and shed tears in both lines, shouted "Your Majesty", and knelt down again, bursting into tears: "Thunder and rain and dew, all of them are the grace of heaven, and Weichen has received such a great favor from His Majesty, although he has no regrets in death." It's just that His Majesty, you can also imagine that Weichen is from Gao Xi to the Duke of Chu, this move is tantamount to betrayal, not to mention that the generals of Guan Long and the ministers of the court look down on Weichen, that is, the Duke of Chu himself, and only use some of Wechen's means, but he has been guarding against Wechen, especially his sons, in their eyes, Wechen is a three-surnamed slave, headed by Yang Xuangan, who repeatedly beat and scolded Wechen in public, and you saw it with your own eyes when you conquered the Turks last time. ”

Yang Guang laughed: "Wang Aiqing was really wronged, you were beaten badly enough that time, even I couldn't bear to see it, but I was not the commander at that time, and I couldn't control these domineering generals in the army, you don't have to remember me." ”

Wang Shichong hurriedly said: "How dare Weichen! It's just that Yang Su's father and son's attitude towards Weichen has always been like this, after pacifying the Turks, Weichen could have been promoted according to merit, but Yang Su deliberately concealed Weichen's merits, and said that Weichen's practice has a dry heaven and is not suitable for promotion, and finally only rewarded Weichen with dozens of silk silks, Your Majesty, you know that Weichen has some family background, and he went out to fight for fame and progress, so that Weichen's heart is really cold. But at that time, Yang Su was autocratic, and Weichen also knew that the emperor could not save Yang Su's face for the sake of just a micro-minister, so he could only think of other ways. ”

Yang Guang nodded: "The other way you said is to bribe?" ”

Wang Shichong sighed: "Your Majesty doesn't know anything, when Yang Su was in power. Most of the officials recommended were bribes. There was a long queue in front of his house every day. The officials who were waiting to see Yang Su were all ready with various gifts and money tickets to ask him for officials. Weichen gritted his teeth later, and he could only take this road, spending about 10 million yuan to buy some precious treasures and dedicate them to Yang Su, so he promised to give Weichen a chance in the future. ”

Yang Guang smiled slightly: "Wang Aiqing is really generous." It's 10 million money, I'm afraid that you don't have so much in your life, but it looks like your money has been wasted, as far as I know, Yang Su didn't recommend you as an official to the officials afterwards. ”

Wang Shichong gritted his teeth: "Weichen knows that most of this money has gone and never returned, but if I don't give this money, I'm afraid that Yang Su will take the initiative to find me and attack me, and all of Wechen's money will be lost and his life will be gone." What's the use of asking for money? So Weichen has been living in fear until after His Majesty ascended the throne. Yang Su suddenly changed his attitude towards Weichen, and asked Weichen to join him in the army to quell the rebellion, and afterwards he promoted Weichen to be the assassin of Yingzhou, hmph, isn't it because he knows that His Majesty is a talented person, and it is unlikely that he will be used to him like the previous emperor, so he began to buy people's hearts. ”

Yang Guang nodded: "Wang Aiqing, you confessed to me today, according to the law, your crime of bribery is confirmed, and 10 million yuan is also a huge amount, at least you should be dismissed as an official and handed over to Dali Temple for punishment, but for the sake of you taking the initiative to confess and not following Yang Su to do evil, I will pardon you this time, if there is anything that violates the law of the country in the future, you will not be forgiven!" ”

Wang Shichong hurriedly squeezed out two more tears, bowed his head, knocked his head on the floor tiles and made a "knock" sound, and kept saying: "Thank you Majesty xià Longen, Xie Majesty xià Longen." ”

Yang Guang waved his hand: "Okay, Wang Aiqing, you still go on, based on what you see, how should I deal with this Yang Su after his death?" ”

Wang Shichong smiled slightly: "Your Majesty Shengming, in fact, Yang Su is already a tree and scattered, don't be afraid, Yang Su's brothers and nephews in the past, all over the court, but most of them are honored officials, or they are released as assassins, and there are not many officials in the court, just like Weichen is recommended and released, His Majesty can be transferred back as long as he has an edict, if His Majesty feels that such a recall is too much at one time, he can also be recalled in batches, or send some inspectors to the imperial history, and disperse the counties for assessment, The vast majority of these people have obtained official positions through bribery, and if they want to recover the cost of bribery, they must also be wantonly looting in office, and those problems can be investigated at a time, and any one of them is enough to dismiss their officials. ”

Yang Guang smiled and nodded: "Wang Aiqing's method is clever, since you used to be a capable general under Yang Su, you should be clear about who he recommended." ”

Wang Shichong secretly scolded Yang Guang in his heart, it seems that he wants to hand over this offending matter to himself, those middle and lower levels of the Shandong Shi clan and the Guanlong group, relying on Yang Su's way to climb to the post of local assassins, if they are impeached after their own inspection, they will definitely complain about them, and it will be very detrimental to their own troubles in the future.

Wang Shichong thought of this, his eyes rolled, and he suddenly thought about it: "Supreme, it's not that Weichen doesn't want to help the Supreme share his worries, but when Weichen was under Yang Su, even his official position was obtained by bribing him, and every day he only saw a long queue of people who came to ask for officials outside Yang Su's mansion, but I don't know anything about who exactly made a deal with him, with all due respect to Weichen, Weichen didn't know who Yang Su recommended, and which people were recommended by Yang Su after receiving money. ”

A trace of disappointment flashed on Yang Guang's face, and he said: "I have a roster of all the officials recommended by Yang Su since he became the left servant of Shangshu, or I will copy a copy of this roster to you, and Wang Aiqing will help me to verify the illegal acts of these people one by one, how about it?" ”

The corners of Wang Shichong's mouth hooked, his thoughts began to become coherent, he raised his head and said: "Back to Your Majesty, among the people recommended by Yang Su to the emperor and His Majesty, not all of them are people who bribe and go through the back door, after all, he is also the country's chief assistant, and he has also recommended a lot of useful talents, such as Liu Fang of Zhenglinyi, who is a general, and he is far away in Guazhou, and he has no money, it is unlikely that he will be bribed and get the position of general of Zhengnan, if he indiscriminately dismisses all the people recommended by Yang Su at once, I'm afraid that it will arouse public anger and cause the centrifugation of the ministers, and I am afraid that there will be a lot fewer people who will sincerely serve His Majesty in the future. ”

Yang Guang's brows furrowed slightly: "So, those people recommended by Yang Su, I can't move?" Hmph, after he Yang Su died, his comrades still continue to hold a large number of official positions, and now that the rumors have spread, these people may have a grudge against me, or they are afraid, maybe they are starting to conspire now, plotting against me, do they have to wait for them to rebel before I can start? ”

Wang Shichong smiled slightly and said: "Don't worry, Weichen has a good way to solve His Majesty's worries, which can not only relieve the power left by Yang Su, but also make people not have resentment against His Majesty." ”

Yang Guang's heart moved, and he hurriedly said: "Wang Aiqing has some clever plans, but it doesn't hurt to say it!" ”

Wang Shichong glanced at the eunuch beside Yang Guang who had been recording the daily life record, and then glanced at the guards around him who were five steps and one post, and wanted to say goodbye.

Yang Guang pondered for a moment and said, "You all retreat." The eunuch and more than a dozen guards all saluted and retreated, only three heavily armed guards, these people ignored Yang Guang's words, and the three pairs of eyes stared coldly at Wang Shichong, but they did not move.

Yang Guang said with a smile: "These three guards are deaf and mute, and they can't hear a word of what we say, Wang Aiqing can rest assured, and there is no need to worry that the things discussed by you and my monarchs and ministers will be spread out." ”

Wang Shichong secretly scolded this Yang Guang in his heart for being cunning, and he actually thought of the trick of having a deaf and dumb guard, it seems that this person has done too many bad things, and he is afraid in his heart, no matter when he is around, he can't be without guards. But his face was as bright as the sun: "Your Majesty's Sacred Heart is exquisite, and Weichen is impressed." As for the strategy that Wei Chen said, it happened to be related to an incident that happened in the eastern capital a few days ago. That is, after Yang Xuangan returned to the Duke of Chu, he not only inherited Yang Su's title as the Duke of Chu and the position of the head of the Yang family, but also decided on the spot to cancel the marriage contract with the Li family, the Duke of Tang, and drove Li Yuan's daughter out of the house on the spot. ”

These things had already been reported to Yang Guang, but Yang Guang still wanted to hear Wang Shichong's analysis of this matter, so he pretended to be surprised and said "oh": "There is such a thing?" Did Yang Xuangan give up this marriage contract because he had to mourn for his father? ”

Wang Shichong shook his head: "As Wei Chen sees, it doesn't seem to be the case, if it's just because of his father's funeral, the marriage date can be postponed, and the marriage contract will not be canceled directly, the minister heard a saying that the marriage between the Li and Yang families was originally a self-preservation move for the Guan Long family, but when Yang Su received the appointment of the Duke of Chu, in order to protect himself, he figured out that the girl of the Li family asked Tang Guogong to contact the Guan Long family and intercede for Yang Su collectively. ”

Yang Guang said: "What do they want to do? Didn't I order Yang Su to be killed, Yang Su himself died of illness, can I still blame it? Be all abroad! Wang Aiqing, you must know that when Yang Su was sick, I sent the imperial doctor to diagnose his illness and take medicine every day. ”

Wang Shichong smiled slightly: "It's all slander by some traitors with ulterior motives, the Supreme doesn't have to take it to heart, but Yang Su seemed to have believed that His Majesty had the intention of getting rid of him at that time, so he asked Li Yuan for help, but Li Yuan ignored him, after Yang Su died, Yang Xuan didn't dare to have any resentment against His Majesty, but he sprinkled this anger on Li Yuan, and the divorce was probably a revenge." ”

Yang Guang sneered: "Even if he has a grudge against me, what can he do, and dare to rebel?" ”

Wang Shichong smiled and shook his head: "He naturally doesn't have the courage to do this, but Yang Suzhuzi, because of this matter, he will definitely be dissatisfied with His Majesty, Weichen thinks that at this time, you can use what you want to do just now to try Yang's loyalty." ”

A trace of excitement and expectation flashed in Yang Guang's eyes: "What does Wang Aiqing mean?" ”

Wang Shichong's eyes flashed: "Let Yang Xuangan's good brother Li Mi be the imperial historian and come to inspect those officials recommended by Yang Su." (To be continued......)