Sure enough, as Zuo Zongtang expected, there was an undercurrent surging in Tianjing City these days, and an ominous aura enveloped the inside and outside, and even the sky did not get cooler, but became more stuffy and restless.

On this day, Hu Yihuang, the king of Yu, was sitting in the mansion, and suddenly someone reported: "The king of the east has a decree, please ask the king of Yu to come over the palace to discuss matters." Hu Yihuang was shocked, since he threw himself into the Heavenly King, he has always been worried about the East Window incident being retaliated against by the East King, although it has been calm since then, but the more this is the case, the more Hu Yihuang feels anxious. Now that the Wing King and the North King have also returned to Tianjing, they are immediately closely monitored by the people in the East Palace, and even his Yu Wangfu is a lot of light and dark sentinels. Hu Yihuang has always been cautious, for fear of being seen by the king of the east, at this time suddenly heard that the king of the east summoned him, and his heart was naturally frightened, but the blessing is not a curse, it is a disaster that cannot be avoided, thinking of this, he had to change his court clothes, rode a horse to the east mansion, and waited for the decree in the palace.

After a while, a female Chengxuan came in and said, "Nine thousand years old, please ask King Yu to come to Wangyun Tower to meet you." Hu Yihuang listened and was deeply puzzled. It turned out that this Wangyun Tower belonged to the inner garden, which was a forbidden area in the East Mansion, and the foreign ministers were not allowed to enter. Why did the king of the east summon there? With a nervous mood, he followed the female Chengxuan to the bottom of Wangyun Tower.

Hou Qianfang, the Shangshu of the East Palace, was waiting here. As soon as he saw Hu Yihuang, he hurriedly stepped forward to give a salute: "Humble duty to welcome the king to a thousand years old." Hu Yihuang helped him up and said, "Hou Shangshu is exempt from courtesy, and he can't afford it." Hu Yihuang knows very well that Hou Qianfang is a celebrity in Yang Xiuqing's eyes, the eyes and ears of the East King, and the famous "Luocha" leader.

"Please King Yu go upstairs, nine thousand years old is waiting for you!" Hou Qianfang said. Leading the way in front of the head, Hu Yihuang followed him into the Wangyun Tower.

It was the first time he had come here, but he saw a mahogany floor under his feet, covered with a Western carpet more than an inch thick, with gold thread and flowers, embroidered with landscape scenery, and yellow satin on the walls, embroidered with the pattern of Nine Dragons playing in the water. Overhead is a carved ceiling depicting the sun, moon and stars. Every five steps, an octagonal gold glass lamp hangs. Thousands of doors, twists and turns, mysterious and solemn, everywhere is shining with jewels, as if in a palatial labyrinth. A pair of fairy-like female officials. Silently stand with his hands on both sides, if not for the movement of his eyes. Almost indistinguishable from a dead man.

Hu Yihuang followed Hou Qianfang. Passing through a large hall, I began to ascend the stairs. They tread on a bouncy carpet and follow carved mahogany handrails as they spiraled up to the fifth floor.

"King Yu has arrived—" The female officers on duty paged one after another. The voice is mellow and pleasant. Hu Yihuang stopped at the door of the hall, shook his robe, and waited for the meeting. Hou Qianfang went in first to ask for instructions, and then walked out and waved his hand to King Yu. Hu Yihuang walked into the hall. But see that this is a hexagonal building, light blue curtains, blocking the abundant sunlight. The throne is placed on the south side and the back to the north, and four gold-sprinkled screens are blocked behind it. This throne, which can be leaned, reclined, and turned at will, was specially offered by the King of the West, and is said to have been made by a few Englishmen. According to the King of the West, this thing is worth 10,000 gold and is a treasure of a great country. In the hall, there are Chinese and Western dual-purpose equipment, reliefs, tapestries, statues, sofas, swivel chairs, tables of eight immortals, ebony stools, cinnabar bottles, gold and silver utensils, ceramic paintings, celebrity calligraphy and paintings, and a dazzling array of flowers. On the ceiling, there is a lotus lamp with gilt crystal inlaid treasure, which has a unique shape and is luxurious. Even in the Qing Palace, it is difficult to have such treasures. The most striking thing is that the Western bell placed at the door: it is two feet high, similar to an ancient Roman church; several nude female angels, holding a bell dial; twelve Arabic numerals, all composed of red and green stones; The red gold bell is as bright as a mirror, swinging back and forth. Hu Yihuang was dazzled and dizzy. I thought to myself: There is such a magnificent hall in the world!

At this moment, Yang Xiuqing was sitting on the throne. He was wearing a crown of double dragons and single phoenix pearls, wearing a big yellow soft satin dragon robe, and the eye disease in his left eye still made his eyes half-open and half-closed, revealing a cold breath, but the king of the east was full of spring breeze and was smiling at Hu Yihuang.

King Yu didn't dare to slack off, walked a few steps, knelt in front of Yang Xiuqing, and said: "Nine thousand years old, humble Hu Yihuang knocks to see a thousand years old, a thousand years old!" ”

"Flat!" Yang Xiuqing stretched out his hand and said, "Give me a seat!" Hou Qianfang hurriedly helped Hu Yihuang up and let him sit on the Taishi chair on the side.

Hu Yihuang arched his hand and said: "I don't know what instructions the nine thousand years old summoned him to his humble position?" Yang Xiuqing was slightly amused and said, "It's okay, I'll talk to you casually." Come on, pour me and my old man a glass of wine first. "Yes!"

Hou Qianfang took two carved crystal cups, poured them full of wine, and brought them to the East King on a silver plate. Yang Xiuqing said: "This is the etiquette of foreign brothers, give a glass of wine when you meet." This is the English wine presented by the King of the West, and it is very delicious. Let's have a toast first. With that, he picked up his glass and drank it all.

Hu Yihuang also picked up his wine glass: "Thank you for the reward of nine thousand years old." "I drank the wine too.

"How's it going, does it taste good?"

"It's really sweet and has another flavor."

"Come on, fill it up again!"

"No, no, no, one cup is enough."

Yang Xiuqing smiled: "My buddy, what's polite!" Qianfang, send someone in a while, and send two boxes to King Yu. "Yes, let's go." Hu Yihuang thanked him repeatedly, but Yang Xiuqing did not allow it, so he had to go with him.

After Hou Qianfang left, there were only two people left in the hall, King Dong and King Yu. Yang Xiuqing walked down from the throne, sat next to Hu Yihuang, and asked, "I heard that you are sick, but your complexion is not ugly." ”

Hu Yihuang's heart was shocked, and he hurriedly said: "I have numbness in my limbs, so my diet has not decreased. ”

Yang Xiuqing patted Hu Yihuang on the shoulder and said kindly, "Why didn't you tell me earlier?" I have the best Muscle Relaxation and Blood Activating Pill here, take it to keep you well. "Thank you for the grace of nine thousand years old." Yang Xiuqing said again: "Don't be polite to me, okay?" This is not the ascension of the palace, why do you chew words! ”

Hu Yihuang listened to it, and couldn't help but think of the past, a few years ago, when he was still in the Jintian regimental camp, Yang Xiuqing was this kind of character. He is hearty, bold, informal, talking and laughing, and sometimes witty, with each other. Casual meals, meals are eaten, and beds are bedded. Since Yong'an was crowned king, a high wall has been built between brothers, their movements are restricted, their speech is restricted, and the relationship between people has become hypocritical and weak. Especially after the establishment of the capital Tianjing, this wall has become higher and higher, and the relationship between people has evolved from hypocrisy to coldness. Today. The king of the east suddenly went against the norm, and his words and actions returned to his former appearance, which surprised him deeply.

They chatted for a while, and Yang Xiuqing suddenly asked, "What do you think of Wei Zheng?" Hu Yihuang listened, and didn't know how to answer. Yang Xiuqing smiled. He said, "You said! Talk about the past and the present, say whatever you want! ”

Hu Yihuang said: "Wei Zheng is the great political family of the Tang Dynasty. It is listed in the ancient 'Legend of the Virtuous'. The first crown prince Li Jiancheng. Later Tang Taizong Li Shimin. He dared to speak out and admonish the Lord, without favoritism. Tang Dazong compared him to a mirror, and he was really a rare loyal minister. ”

Yang Xiuqing said: "Legend has it that Li Jiancheng trusts him very much, and the two are like brothers and sisters, and they are intimate. Wei Zheng once advocated killing Li Shimin in front of Li Jiancheng. Fight for the throne. This shows how close their monarchs and ministers are. But later, Wei Zheng went back on his word and ensured Li Shimin to recognize the enemy as his father. People like that. Is it still worthy of good looks? ”

Hu Yihuang said: "You can't say that. Li Jiancheng is unlearned, unskilled, and self-serving, and is not worthy of being a monarch at all. Wei Zheng is clear about this. However, he did not abandon him because of this. In line with the belief that loyal ministers do not care about the two masters, he did his best to work for Li Jian, similar to Zhuge Liang to protect Adou. This is very valuable. After the Xuanwumen Incident, Wei Zheng was captured and wanted to die, but he met Li Shimin, who was as wide as the sea and thirsty for talent. Wei Zheng felt the grace of the King of Qin, and he was the new master. He did not betray Li Jiancheng, how can he say that he recognizes the enemy as his father? According to the humble position, this is called the person who knows the times as Junjie, and Wei Zheng is really Junjie! ”

"Well said! Great! Yang Xiuqing couldn't stop laughing, and the glass window shook "whoosh". He took Hu Yihuang's hand and said, "I hope you are also Wei Zheng, a handsome man who knows the times!" Hu Yihuang was taken aback when he heard this, and in an instant, his eyes widened and he looked at Yang Xiuqing intently. Yang Xiuqing was still laughing, but she smiled extremely unnaturally, and her face was faintly murderous. The sharp eyes stared at Hu Yihuang.

At this time, there was a commotion outside the hall. Hou Qianfang hurriedly walked over and reported to the king of the east: "Dongfu Wenwu asks to see nine thousand years old. "What's the matter?" Yang Xiuqing asked. "You'll know when the time comes." After speaking, he waved outside, and saw Li Wende, Xiao Chengshun, the Shangshu of the East Palace, Chao Jianzhong, Liu Chun, A Xian, Yang Shuijiao, Ouyang Chun, etc., the female official leaders, more than 200 men and women, civil and military, lined up. One by one, they were dressed in court clothes, neat and strict, facing the north, and stood with their hands down.

Hou Qianfang stood in front of the right side of the team and sang loudly: "Please upgrade the East King to the throne at the age of 9,000!" Yang Xiuqing returned to the throne and sat down. Hou Qianfang said again: "Everyone recite the eulogy with me. I'll say a sentence, and you can say it. After speaking, he opened the long tone and read: "Heaven will be a great responsibility, only I am the king of the east." "Heaven will be a great responsibility, only I am the king of the east." The crowd repeated.

Hu Yihuang didn't dare to disobey, standing behind Hou Qianfang, and also read it. Hou Qianfang then read: "Heaven will be a great responsibility, only I am the king of the east." Ping Demon builds the country and caresses the eight directions. Gong covers the sun and the moon, Debu Jiujiang. Blessed to all the people, the world is well. Thousands of generations, longevity without borders. When he inherited the unification, he became the emperor. The four seas return to the heart, both by Yongchang. "After singing, bow down first. The crowd fell to their knees and shouted, "Hurray, hooray, hooray!" Yang Xiuqing sat upright and accepted everyone's worship.

At this moment, Hu Yihuang understands: this is his planned, step-by-step, and long-planned usurpation action! Now, even he has been trapped in it and has become a usurper, wanting to separate himself from the king, this is the purpose of Yang Xiuqing to find himself. He was angry and hateful, and secretly scolded: Yang Xiuqing, Yang Xiuqing, your methods are too vicious. However, on the surface, he didn't dare to reveal it.

After worshipping, Yang Xiuqing retreated from the crowd, grabbed Hu Yihuang and said, "Old partner, what do you mean?" Hu Yihuang bowed and said, "The minister's sense is to serve long live!" Yang Xiuqing laughed and said: "Hahahaha, this is like Wei Zheng!" However, such a major matter must be decided by the Heavenly Father and Heavenly Brother, and no one can discuss it in vain. My brother sincerely supports me as the emperor, and I will get it if I know it. He turned his face and instructed Hou Qianfang: "Prepare ten boxes of Muscle Relief and Blood Activating Pill for King Yu." Then send the two girls Chunxin and Chunrui to Yuwang's Mansion. Sue them, from today on, they are the concubines of King Yu. "Yes!"

Hu Yihuang waved his hand and refused: "No, no." I don't take a concubine, please take back your life at the age of 9,000. Yang Xiuqing sneered: "Anything can be an exception." What is it to marry two little wives? Don't forget, this is an edict! ”

Hou Qianfang hurriedly said: "It's not just an edict, this is a holy decree!" Hu Yihuang was forced to be helpless, and without waiting for Hou Qianfang to finish speaking, he hurriedly knelt down and saluted: "Thank you for your favor." Dongwang said: "That's right, hahahaha!" Hu Yihuang kowtowed to Yang Xiuqing three more times before leaving and returning home.

In the evening, Hou Qianfang finished the matter and went to Wangyun Tower to hand over the order. Yang Xiuqing asked: "Have you sent both people and medicine?" "Long live the return, it's all sent!" "What do you think of today's scene?" "It's wonderful. Wonderful! Hou Qianfang applauded, "Long live the Lord used a little trick and pulled him over, and now that the wood is complete, are you afraid that he will regret it?" As soon as he hit him, he entered the East Palace. Even if you jump into the Yellow River, you can't wash it. Yang Xiuqing said: "Having said that, you can't be negligent. The heart is separated from the belly. I don't know how to do things. He will also be closely monitored. Just in case. "Yes!"

Let's talk about King Yu again. When he returned to the house, as if he was seriously ill, he threw himself into bed, closed his eyes, and remembered what had just happened. He knew that Yang Xiuqing would be in trouble when the second king of the northern wing returned to Beijing, but he didn't expect it. It could have come so suddenly! Now, the king of the east may sing "White Palace" to force the king of heaven to abdicate; Maybe use violent means to kill the king. It can be seen that a large-scale massacre is inevitable.

At this moment, Hu Yihuang seemed to see the bloody slaughter scene, and he was so frightened that he broke out in a cold sweat, and his heart was "pounding". He thought that the king of heaven was still in the dark at this moment, and the civil and military forces of the Manchu Dynasty were also ignorant, hmph, I want to risk my life to tell the king of heaven and let the king of heaven do it early. Having made up his mind, Hu Yihuang jumped up and shouted outside: "Someone!" ”

An attendant walked in. Hu Yihuang originally wanted him to take a horse and go directly to the Heavenly King's Mansion. But when I thought, no, I'm definitely being watched. The slightest mistake can mess things up. So, he changed his mind and said to his attendants: "The king of the east has rewarded my beauty, where is it now?" "If you go back to Chitose, it has been arranged in the Peach Blossom Pavilion." "Pass my word, let me see the princess, and then go to the Peach Blossom Pavilion. Now, let them prepare for bedtime. "Yes." The squire retreated. Hu Yihuang tidied up his clothes and walked straight to the princess's bedroom.

The next day, news came out from the palace of King Yu, saying that King Yu and the princess had a fight. The princess turned her back on her back and almost died. King Yu also dropped his most beloved jade inkstone, beat and scolded people. The reason is that King Yu has newly accepted Chunxin and Chunrui. King Yu planned to sleep in the new house, but the princess resolutely refused to allow it, so she fought. At sunrise, people saw Princess Yu with her hair scattered, her face full of tears, and she went to the Tianwang Mansion in a four-person sedan chair to complain.

Two days later, Hong Xiuquan had just gotten up, when suddenly a female official ran in and played: "Heavenly Father has descended to earth, please go and serve the Heavenly King." Hong Xiuquan was prepared early, hurriedly changed his clothes, took the shoulder, and trotted to Dongfu.

The Dongfu was solemn, the bell was deafening, and the civil and military officials in Beijing knelt down in a courtyard from the two kings of the north wing. Yang Xiuqing was lying on the throne, her eyes closed, her face pale, and unconscious.

Hu Yihuang, the king of Yu, Hou Qianfang, the Shangshu of the East Palace, Meng Deen, the prime minister of Chunguanzheng, and Chen Chengrong, the Marquis of Xingguo, were all waiting beside him. Hong Xiuquan knelt in front of Yang Xiuqing and shouted, "Boy Xiuquan greets Heavenly Father." ”

Yang Xiuqing trembled, turned over and sat up, his eyes were like electricity, his voice was like a bell, and he said, "Is the kid Xiuquan here?" ”

Hong Xiuquan knelt forward and climbed a step, kowtowed, and said, "Heavenly Father is above, and the little son Xiuquan is here, waiting for Heavenly Father's instructions." ”

"Heavenly Father" said, "For the Father, nothing will come, and nothing will come if there is no great matter." Let me ask you, does your fourth brother have a lot of credit? ”

Hong Xiuquan said: "The East King has the greatest credit. ”

"Heavenly Father" said: "Heaven will be a great responsibility, only Xiuqing also!" Grove to the king of the east, overkill. You should give him the Zen position, and let Xiuqing rule the kingdom of heaven. ”

Hong Xiuquan hated it in his heart, but he hurriedly said, "My son must obey the instructions of his father. ”

The "Heavenly Father" then said, "Long live the king of the east, what should the prince of the east do?" ”

Hong Xiuquan had no choice but to bite the bullet and say: "Naturally, long live, long live for generations." ”

"Heavenly Father" nodded and said with satisfaction: "This is like my son, sincere and filial." Remember, for the same kingdom of heaven to support the country, those who can work more must take the lead. The affairs of the world are determined by heaven, and they should be observed without delay. Thank you for this, and return to heaven for the Father! ”

Yang Xiuqing trembled again, turned over and fell to the ground, everyone saw it, and hurriedly helped him up, paused for a while, and then "woke up".

Yang Xiuqing rubbed her eyes, saw Hong Xiuquan at a glance, and hurriedly bowed down: "Please sit on the top of the second brother!" ”

Hong Xiuquan stood up and said with a smile on his face quietly: "Congratulations to the fourth brother, congratulations to the fourth brother, soon you will be the long live of the kingdom of heaven." ”

Yang Xiuqing said: "When Heavenly Father said to me, my brother felt very sudden. He has repeatedly refused, but his Heavenly Father will not allow it. ”

Hong Xiuquan said: "Heavenly Father's arrangement is holy. As the saying goes: 'Those who are virtuous live in it, and those who are not virtuous are lost.' 'The fourth brother is worthy of heaven and earth, and the younger brother is beyond his reach. Heavenly Father's instructions are exactly what I want. He laughed.

After the two returned to their seats, Yang Xiuqing said again: "May I ask the second brother, when are you going to take the Zen position?" Hong Xiuquan was furious in his heart, but he still smiled and said: "This is an extremely important matter, and a grand Zen ceremony should be held." There are many things that have to be prepared, and we can't rush them. I want to set it until the 17th of next month, on the day of your birthday, what do you think? The king said, "That's very good." ”

After the discussion was over, Hong Xiuquan got up and returned to the house, and Yang Xiuqing sent it to Jinlong City before turning around and coming back. Yang Xiuqing climbed the Wangyun Tower, lay down on the sofa, and couldn't help laughing, he didn't expect that things would go so smoothly, every step he took, he could step on the idea, and now he is forced to seal Long live, no one below the Manchu Dynasty's Wenwu North King and Wing King dare to say, in the near future, no, in the next month, it will be Long Live the Emperor. When he became a long live and received the soldiers and horses of the two kings of the northern wing, can the next king of the west fight against the kingdom of heaven alone? The more he thought about it, the more comfortable he became, and he was about to go crazy with joy, and Wangyun Tower was full of Yang Xiuqing's arrogant laughter for a while. (To be continued......)