In the sky above Kaifeng City, it has been gloomy and a little scary these days, and gusts of wind have blown from time to time, and everyone has a sense of foreboding in their hearts.

In the court of the Great Zhou Dynasty, Chai Rong looked at the ministers in the palace and asked: "Back then, in order to be the emperor, Shi Jingjiao ignored thousands of living beings and ceded the sixteen states of Yanyun to the Liao State. Since the Central Plains lost the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun, there is no Great Wall to defend against foreign enemies, which has caused our Great Zhou to be repeatedly destroyed. Although I recovered Shuozhou, most of the territory of the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun was still under the control of the Liao State. I can't bear to ignore the life and death of the people, and I will completely recover the sixteen states of Yanyun and rule the people peacefully! How do you think I should recover the sixteen states of Yanyun and realize my long-cherished wish of unifying the Central Plains? ”

The ministers in the palace looked at each other, not knowing how to respond. At this time, Zhao Kuangyin took the lead and said: "Your Majesty, it is better to let Weichen lead 100,000 elite soldiers, and he can attack it in a few days, so that he can dominate the world for the saint as soon as possible!" ”

Chai Rong saw that it was Zhao Kuangyin who spoke, and thought, "Zhao Kuangyin, if you really send troops for the imperial court, I believe you have this talent." If you want to use this to support the army and stand on your own, won't I return to the mountains and reap the consequences? So he said: "Zhao Aiqing, I can't do without a virtuous minister like you to assist the government, and you will never bring troops to go personally." ”

Zhao Kuangyin said secretly, "Chai Rong, you are really wary of me, if I can't personally send troops this time, then I will replace it, I don't know what year and month it will take." He had no choice but to say: "Your Majesty, now in addition to the micro ministers in the court, only Hualong can lead the troops to ensure that nothing goes wrong, but now that he is guarding Huainan to resist the Southern Tang Dynasty, how can he leave easily." It's more appropriate to let Weichen go. ”

When Chai Rong was in a dilemma, one of the Wenchen walked out and said, "Your Majesty, according to Weichen, it is not appropriate to send troops at this time. ”

Chai Rong saw that it was Liu Baoen, who he relied on the most, who spoke, and hurriedly asked: "Liu Aiqing, you said that it is not appropriate to send troops at this time, what is the reason?" ”

Liu Baoen said: "Your Majesty, the time for us to defeat the Southern Tang Dynasty is still short, and although Lord Murong is guarding Huainan at this time, it may not be impregnable. If Your Majesty sends troops to Youzhou again at this time, it will definitely cause the treasury to be tightened, and the court will be in turmoil. ”

Zhao Kuangyin's face changed slightly, "Lord Liu, you said that there are people with ill intentions in the court, please speak clearly." How can we, as courtiers, know that there are traitors around Your Majesty, but we don't commit adultery for Your Majesty? ”

Liu Baoen shook his head, "The clear is self-purifying, and the turbid is self-turbid, I believe that Your Majesty Shengming will be able to distinguish between loyalty and treachery, so I don't need to say it, it hurts the peace of the Manchu Dynasty." ”

Zhao Kuangyin wanted to say something more, but suddenly saw Chai Rong on the dragon chair coughing, and actually spit out several mouthfuls of blood, almost fainting, and the court was suddenly in chaos. He smiled secretly in his heart, "Chai Rong, Chai Rong, it seems that my elixir has worked, and you will definitely not live for seven days." As soon as you die, the world will be mine! ”

When the ministers saw that the emperor had fainted, they all shouted to pass on the imperial doctor, and there was a lot of discussion in the palace. Chai Rong was helped back to the palace by his cronies and eunuchs, and everyone dispersed.

Zhao Kuangyin went back to the house and entered the study, laughed a few times, picked up the pen in his hand, and quickly wrote four letters, asking his subordinates to send them out quickly and send them everywhere, just waiting for a reply.

The first to receive the letter was Shi Shouxin, the commander of the palace, he had always had a good relationship with Zhao Kuangyin, and he immediately came to Zhao Kuangyin's mansion after receiving the letter.

Zhao Kuangyin personally greeted Shi Shouxin in front of the door, and the two arrived at Yiyuanxuan one after the other, and the guests and hosts sat down.

"Brother Yuen Long, I don't know why I brought my little brother here?" Shi Shouxin asked.

Zhao Kuangyin lowered his voice and said: "Brother Shi, the time has come for us to become a big thing, today Chai Rong vomited blood in the court, think about it, brother, you should also see it." I think he's not long on his life, and it's time for us to do it. ”

Shi Shouxin nodded, "What Brother Yuen Long said is that I have long had the heart to support Brother Yuen Long as the emperor, but that Chai Rong is young and promising, and it is difficult to deal with." Fortunately, I finally had a chance. How to act next, please also ask Yuen Long brother to make it clear. ”

Zhao Kuangyin smiled and said proudly: "It's not difficult to do, as long as the brother secretly sends someone to spread the news in the court, it creates the false appearance that the Liao State is about to send troops to commit it." The new emperor has not yet passed through the world, and he will not distinguish between truth and falsehood, and will definitely be sent as a brother to command the army. At that time, as long as the brothers open the gates of the city, we will be united inside and out, and it will be a great thing! ”

Shi Shouxin nodded, hugged his fists and said: "This matter will be handed over to me, and I will definitely live up to the trust of Brother Yuen Long!" ”

Zhao Kuangyin patted Shi Shouxin's shoulder, "Good brother, when I complete the big thing, you will be the head of the founding heroes, and I will appoint you as the deputy commander of the Ma Bu Army, and also the envoy of the German Army." ”

Shi Shouxin was overjoyed, "Thank you, Brother Yuen Long, I'll go and prepare!" He laughed and walked away.

Zhao Kuangyin was very happy to see that Shi Shouxin agreed so happily, and found his younger brother Zhao Guangyi to show his determination to achieve great things, and Zhao Guangyi also agreed very much.

As soon as the two finished speaking, Liu Baoen arrived in front of Zhao Kuangyin's mansion. Zhao Kuangyin personally greeted him again, and with some politeness, he let Liu Baoen into Yiyuan Xuan.

"Lord Liu, we have some misunderstandings in the court today, please forgive me!" Zhao Kuangyin smiled and gave a salute.

Liu Baoen had a bad impression of Zhao Kuangyin, but sitting in this Yiyuan Xuan, he couldn't help but think of the fact that he first came to Kaifeng and failed in the imperial examination. At that time, it was Zhao Kuangyin who tried his best to protect himself, which led to his current glory and wealth, and seeing him treat himself so politely, he couldn't help but be moved.

"Lord Zhao, if there is something inappropriate in my words today, I hope to bear with me." Liu Baoen said and returned the salute.

Zhao Kuangyin hurriedly supported Liu Baoen and sighed: "Hey! Lord Liu, I have something I want to tell you, but I don't know how to speak. ”

Liu Baoen was accustomed to seeing Zhao Kuangyin on weekdays, how could he ever see him so worried, and asked: "Lord Zhao, I don't know what you have to tell me, please make it clear, I can also share my worries for Lord Zhao." ”

"Lord Liu, you must have heard about the little girl." Zhao Kuangyin sighed and continued: "I originally thought that Hualong could be worthy of the little girl's life, but a few days ago I learned that he has something to do with the evil ways of the rivers and lakes, and I am afraid that it will be difficult to trust each other anymore. And although Murong Yanyun is the leader of the martial arts alliance, after all, he has an enmity with my Zhao family, and he can't be trusted. In my opinion, the only person in this world who is truly worthy of trust is Lord Liu. I'm afraid that Lord Liu will not be willing, so I am worried! ”

Where could Liu Baoen expect that Zhao Kuangyin would marry his daughter to him, and hurriedly said: "Lord Zhao, I heard that Ling Qianjin is extremely talented, and she has the appearance of captivating the country and the city, she is indeed a rare good girl, but she is in the blessing and can't agree to this family business." ”

When Zhao Kuangyin heard Liu Baoen say the first half of the sentence, he secretly rejoiced in his heart, if Liu Baoen could also stand on his side, it would be easier to achieve great things! But when he heard the end, his heart couldn't help but sink.

"Lord Liu, I heard your words and praised the little girl, but I didn't agree to this marriage, I don't know why, could it be that Lord Liu has already married someone else?" Zhao Kuangyin asked suspiciously.

Liu Baoen nodded and took out half of the jade pendant from his arms, "Lord Zhao, my father betrothed me before I was born, and I don't want to go against my father's wishes, so although I like Miss Zhao, I can never agree." ”

Zhao Kuangyin saw that Liu Baoen was very sincere, so he had to sigh, "It seems that God is like this, it's a pity not to let me have a virtuous son-in-law like Lord Liu!" ”

Liu Baoen said: "Lord Zhao, Miss Zhao is a rare strange woman in the world, it should not be difficult to find a better husband than me, please Lord Zhao be relieved." ”

Zhao Kuangyin pondered for a long time, and then said: "Lord Liu, today Your Majesty vomited blood in the court, and his condition seems to be not light, I am afraid that he will die soon, I don't know what Lord Liu thinks?" ”

Liu Baoen said: "Since I am a courtier of the Great Zhou, I will do my best." If Your Majesty is a hundred years later, I am the new emperor, how dare I do what he thinks. ”

Zhao Kuangyin asked: "Once the emperor dies, the situation in the Great Zhou will be unstable, border disputes, civil strife in the DPRK and China, if there are capable people in the court who set themselves up as emperors and save the Great Zhou, then Lord Liu is willing to help?" ”

Liu Baoen said righteously: "Lord Zhao, you and I are courtiers, we should only think about how to share the worries of Your Majesty and ask for the lives of the people, how can we talk about such a rebellious thing here!" If there is really a traitor and villain in the DPRK who usurps power and seizes the throne, then he is not worthy of my support at all! At this time, Liu Baoen had fully understood Zhao Kuangyin's meaning, snorted coldly as he spoke, and walked away.

Zhao Kuangyin was furious in his heart, "Liu Baoen! If it weren't for me, you'd be just a loser now, and now I need your help, and it's ungrateful for you not to help me, and you dare to humiliate me here. Wait, I'll let the veil on your head be ruined! ”

Not long after Liu Baoen left, Zhao Pu came to Zhao Kuangyin's mansion again. The two knew each other very well, so they omitted politeness and did not go to Yiyuanxuan, but arranged to meet in the study.

Zhao Kuangyin said, "Zeping, the medicine you gave me a few days ago has worked, Chai Rong has seen blood in the court today, and he can't live for a few days, what do you think should be next?" ”

Zhao Pu smiled, "Chai Rong will die in seven days." After his death, Chai Zongxun must succeed to the throne, Fan quality is the phase, Zongxun is young, Fan quality is pedantic, we can do great things! Now you only need to find Shi Shouxin, Liu Baoen, and Murong Yanzhao to discuss together, and you can have a plan to deal with it. ”

Zhao Kuangyin shook his head, "Zeping, I have now found Shi Shouxin and Liu Baoen." Shi Shouxin was extremely in favor. And Liu Baoen strongly objected, and also pointed out that Sang scolded Huai and humiliated me, which is extremely hateful! ”

Zhao Pu said: "Brother Yuen Long doesn't have to worry, as long as Shi Shouxin agrees, this matter will be easy to handle." As for Liu Baoen, let him leave the court as soon as possible, I think I will send him to Luoyang City to be a Luoyang duke, there is no real power available, it will not be a problem! ”

Zhao Kuangyin was a little dissatisfied and said: "It's really cheap, this kid, if I become the Duke of Luoyang and climb on top of you and me, I am really unwilling!" It's better to ......."

Zhao Pu sneered: "Now that the flood in Luoyang, if he is not properly managed, it is enough to be dealt with for dereliction of duty." If he handles it properly, then why is it difficult for us to use the forces of the faction to assassinate him? ”

Zhao Kuangyin heard Zhao Pu say this, and said with great joy: "Zeping's words are exactly what I want!" I will go to the DPRK tomorrow to report, thinking that Chai Rong will die, it will be difficult to refute my face! ”

Zhao Pudao: "What Brother Yuen Long said is very true, as soon as Chai Rong dies and Liu Baoen is not in the court, Da Zhou is our world!" ”

Zhao Kuangyin's smile froze a little, "Zeping, you and I have to have a reason to obey the public, if the people are not convinced, what should we do?" If they also think that we are villains and lose the hearts of the people, what should we do? ”

Zhao Pu shook his head, "Brother Yuen Long, don't worry, isn't it just a matter of reducing some forced labor and paying taxes, I should handle it for Brother Yuen Long." ”

Zhao Kuangyin hesitated a little, only nodded slightly, and his expression was a little difficult to decide.

Zhao Pu saw that Zhao Kuangyin was suddenly about to change his hexagram, and thought, "Brother Yuen Long must have listened to Liu Baoen's words, and hesitated in his heart, if Miss is here, he will definitely be able to make up his mind." However, Miss and I have a disagreement, and it seems that I can only make a deal with her with half of "Hundred Flower Hands". ”

A few days later, Murong Yanzhao secretly came to Zhao Kuangyin's mansion.

The two of them sat down in Yiyuan Xuan, and Zhao Kuangyin personally brought a cup of tea and said, "Brother Hualong, I have something to thank you." ”

Murong Yanzhao asked, "I don't know what's going on?" ”

Zhao Kuangyin stood up and said lightly: "You have been looking for me for so long to kill my father's enemy, and it is really difficult for you, you can rest from now on." ”

He said it very lightly, but Murong Yanzhao's heart was like thunder, he knew that this was something that would happen sooner or later, but he didn't expect Zhao Kuangyin to know it so quickly. He had never blinked from birth to death, and at this time he couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat, and his whole body trembled slightly.

"I killed his father, it seems that Mo said that he would marry Chanxue as his wife, but I am afraid that it will be difficult to survive today." Murong Yanzhao thought about it and knelt down for Zhao Kuangyin, "Lord Zhao, you don't need to say any more, what you want to do with me, I admit it!" ”

Zhao Kuangyin laughed, "Hualong, come quickly." Saying that, he picked up Murong Yanzhao and said: "Hualong, when is the time for revenge, it stands to reason that I should kill you to avenge my father, but I know that you were ordered by your father Murong Zhang to do this, and I don't want to embarrass you, but this family matter will be stopped." I will soon sit on the throne, you have to defend Huainan for me, and you can't let the Southern Tang Dynasty hinder my big affairs, that is. ”

Murong Yanzhao saw that Zhao Kuangyin let himself go so easily, and he was very moved in his heart, and hugged his fists and said: "Lord Zhao, I, Murong Yanzhao, will work hard for you wholeheartedly from now on, and repay the great kindness!" ”

Zhao Kuangyin nodded, "Hualong, I can have a general like you, it is also a blessing in my life, you and I don't want to be angry because of this matter in the future." ”

Murong Yanzhao said: "Lord Zhao has praised it falsely, I will go back to Huainan to defend against it, and I will never let Nantang Xiao'er come to disturb the good things of adults!" ”

Zhao Kuangyin said with a smile: "Hualong, I'm relieved to have you, let's go back." ”

"Yes!" Murong Yanzhao answered, turned around and left.

Murong Yanzhao seemed calm on the surface, but in fact, he was shocked into a cold sweat! He knew Zhao Kuangyin's ruthless character, and not killing himself meant that he already had a strategy to restrain himself, and Murong Yanzhao, who had always been calm and confident, couldn't help frowning and worried.

Zhao Chanxue was taking care of Murong Yanyun in the middle of the view, and at this time, someone also sent her a letter. She had no intention of avoiding Murong Yanyun, so she opened the letter casually, and before she could finish reading it, her face changed, and she sighed.

"Cher, what's wrong?" Murong Yanyun saw Zhao Chanxue's expression was different, and hurriedly asked.

"Brother Murong, my father misses me and is sick with worries, and now he is seriously ill and wants me to go back. But you also need someone to take care of you, so what can you do? Zhao Chan said.

"Xue'er, although I have a grudge against your father, but as a daughter, now that he is sick, I will not stop you from going back to take care of him. My injuries have healed a lot, you don't have to worry, just be careful along the way. Murong Yanyun said softly.

Zhao Chanxue couldn't help but be moved in her heart, "Brother Murong, I'll come back as soon as my father gets better, and we will go to Forgotten Dust Island together to fulfill the previous agreement." ”

Murong Yanyun nodded, "Okay, Xue'er, I'll wait for you to come back." ”

Zhao Chanxue looked at Murong Yanyun affectionately for a long time, kissed Murong Yanyun's lips lightly, and then turned around and walked out of the house. She said goodbye to her brothers and sisters again, and rode her horse to Kaifeng.

When she arrived in Kaifeng, she went straight back to the mansion, and without saying a word, she ran to Zhao Kuangyin's room, "Father, how are you?" I am back! ”

Zhao Kuangyin saw that his daughter was back, and smiled, "My father is strong in martial arts and often takes supplements, how can he be sick?" But my father really misses you, and if I don't say I'm sick, you won't come back. ”

Zhao Chanxue snorted, "Father, do you know how worried I am about you along the way, I can't even sleep well, it turns out that you lied to me!" ”

Zhao Kuangyin said: "Xue'er, you accompany me to the city to stand for a stop, I have something to say to you." Zhao Chanxue was helpless, "Okay, but I've been in the dust all the way, so I have to freshen up before I can see people." ”

Zhao Chanxue said and walked out, bumping into Zhao Pu head-on, she turned around and wanted to leave, but Zhao Pu said, "Miss, can you take a step to speak?" I have something to tell you. ”

"Zhao Pu, what good can you do, but you want to harm Brother Murong?" Zhao Chanxue asked angrily.

Zhao Pu shook his head, "No, no, no, I want to talk to Miss about "Hundred Flower Hands". ”

Zhao Chanxue asked Zhao Pu for "Hundred Flowers Hand" many times, but he repeatedly excused himself and refused. Today, he took the initiative to mention this matter, and he couldn't help but be a little surprised, so he followed him to a gazebo in the back garden.

"Zhao Pu, if you want to give me the book quickly, I don't have time to accompany you." Zhao Chanxue saw that Zhao Pu hadn't spoken for a long time, and said a little angrily.

Zhao Pu smiled slightly, "Miss, it was because of a misunderstanding between me and Wen Ying that we had some unpleasantness, don't listen to others." As for this martial art...... The young lady wants me to give it to herself, but there is a matter of asking for it, and if the young lady agrees, I will give the book to the young lady at once. ”

Zhao Chanxue asked, "What is the matter, you come and hear it." ”

Zhao Pu said slowly: "Miss must not know much about the affairs of the DPRK and China." His Majesty has not long passed away, and the crown prince Chai Zongxun is too young and incompetent to take on the great cause of the country, and will not be able to inherit the throne for a long time. Today, most of the civil and military forces of the Manchu Dynasty covet the throne, and if the emperor ascends the throne, the people will definitely suffer. For example, today only your father can be the master, but Lord Zhao is hesitant, so I want to ask Miss to help your father make this decision, don't hesitate and let the throne fall into the hands of others! ”

Zhao Chanxue shook her head, "I don't understand you guys doing these things, who is the emperor and what does it have to do with me, I'd better accompany my father to the city to watch the scenery." ”

"Miss, if you don't understand this matter, then don't talk about it, just talk about your marriage, Miss." Zhao Pu said with a smile.

Zhao Chanxue snorted coldly, "Zhao Pu, what does my marriage have to do with you, is it possible that my father will marry me to you?" ”

Zhao Pu shook his head, "Miss is really joking. But what I want to tell Miss is that your father personally told me that he had canceled your engagement with Murong Yanzhao. ”

Zhao Chanxue heard that her father had already repented of her affair with Murong Yanzhao, and said: "Thanks to Brother Murong knocking down his mask and letting everyone know his true face, my father withdrew from this marriage." But that's what I'm expecting, and what do you have to say? ”

Zhao Pu said: "Miss, you only know one thing but you don't know the other, although your father withdrew from your relationship with Murong Yanzhao, he married you to Lord Liu Baoen." ”

Zhao Chanxue said angrily: "Why is my father like this, don't you know that I am not married to Brother Murong?" ”

Zhao Pu nodded, "I knew Miss's mind on the edge of the cliff that day, I told your father many times, but he insisted on it, and I couldn't help it." Then Zhao Pu smiled mysteriously, "However, I have a plan to ensure that Miss Liu will not marry Master Liu, but whether it succeeds or not, it depends on Miss." ”

Zhao Chanxue asked, "What can you do, if I can do it, I must give it a try." ”

Zhao Pu said: "That is, Miss wants to please your father, according to his temperament, it may not be difficult for you to ask for anything." ”

Zhao Chanxue sighed: "Please your father? My father and I have a deep estrangement because of this marriage, how can I make him like me as before, I'm afraid it's impossible. ”

Zhao Pu shook his head, "Miss, this matter is not difficult. You are his only daughter, and the tiger poison does not eat children, not to mention that your father has always loved you very much. At present, the court is in turmoil, and Miss Dao is also clear about the victors, princes, and losers, Miss Kou, and now that your father has the idea of starting an incident, he is begging Miss to persuade your father, don't let him change his mind halfway. When he sits on the throne, he will definitely remember that it was Miss who made him make up his mind, and he will love Miss even more, so why is it difficult for Miss to ask for this matter again? It's just that Miss should never mention her relationship with Lord Liu. ”

Zhao Chanxue hesitated: "Zhao Pu, what you said is true?" ”

"It's true, I don't dare to deceive Miss." Zhao Pu said.

Zhao Chanxue made up her mind and said, "Okay, in order to be with Brother Murong, I will believe you once." If you dare to lie to me, you will let Brother Murong clean you up! ”

Zhao Pu smiled and took out half of "Hundred Flowers Hand" from his arms, "Miss, then this book will be handed over to you." I hope that Miss will be invincible in the world in the future, and it will be good to end my heart for many years. ”

Zhao Chanxue took the book, took out half of herself from her arms, and saw that the two books could really be put together, and couldn't help but be overjoyed, "Zhao Pu, you have also done a good deed, I will let my father take care of you." ”

Zhao Pu arched his hand, "Thank you, Miss!" He said and went back to Zhao Kuangyin's room.

Zhao Chanxue had no intention of listening to the two of them, and waited until Zhao Pu came out before going out with her father. The father and daughter arrived at the head of Kaifeng City, and the soldiers defending the city saluted Zhao Kuangyin. Zhao Kuangyin asked them to go down to rest, and took Zhao Chanxue to look outside the city.

"Chanxue, my father also brought you here when you were a child, and my father asked you at that time, what did you see in the city, I remember you said that you saw home, do you remember?" Zhao Kuangyin said gently.

"I remember that my father was a minor official and used to come to the city with me. I always see the humble home in the city, and it was the happiest time of my life. Zhao Chanxue said slowly.

"Chanxue, tell me, now you look at it again, what do you see?" Zhao Kuangyin asked.

"Home." Zhao Chanxue said.

Zhao Kuangyin was a little puzzled, "Chanxue, how can there be our home outside the city?" ”

Zhao Chanxue explained: "Because I know that Your Majesty will die soon, and my father is the master who can lead the people in troubled times. Therefore, I believe that in the near future, my father will be able to save the people from fire and water, love the people like a son, and the whole world will be our home, so I said that I saw home. ”

"This is what Zeping told you?" Zhao Kuangyin asked.

Zhao Chanxue shook her head, "Zhao Pu only told me that His Majesty will die soon, and as for the rest, it is completely my daughter's heartfelt truth." ”

Zhao Kuangyin smiled, he looked into the distance, and waved his big hand, "Chanxue, since you think so too, I promise you, no matter where you stand in the future, as far as the eye can see, it will be our home!" ”