Cao Jixiang stroked his palm and said: "This plan is very good, so there will be a labor envoy." ”

The Warat envoy glanced at Cao Jixiang with strange eyes, and said, "Father-in-law Cao, don't you ask why you raised this matter to Gonggong Cao?" ”

Cao Jixiang shook his head and said blankly, "Could it be that the envoy has something else?" ”

The messenger of Navarat said very slyly: "Naturally, our Warat army will go south and rescue Shi Heng for you in vain?" ”

Cao Jixiang heard what the messenger said, and knew that things were far from being so simple, so he sat down in his chair again, listened attentively, and asked, "What else does the envoy want?" You might as well say it all at once, so as not to worry about Cao, isn't it? ”

Li Changqing, the envoy of Nawara, smiled, glanced at Cao Jixiang and said, "The matter is actually very simple, that is, after General Shi Hengshi was released, Gonggong Cao persuaded General Shi to join us as well. ”

"No, never." Cao Jixiang subconsciously said: "How could General Shi do the act of collaborating with the enemy and treason? ”

"Treason? Does Gonggong Cao think that being with us is treason? So now that Gonggong Cao has already boarded our thief ship, he can't escape even if he wants to. Could it be that Gonggong Cao doesn't do things for us now, but also works for the dog emperor of the Ming Dynasty? Could it be that the dog emperor of the Ming Dynasty can give you the title of king and marquis? Can it give you fame and fortune? ”

The envoy's rhetorical question made Cao Jixiang speechless for a while.

In fact, at this moment, he also understood that since he had already boarded the thief ship of Warat, it might not be so easy to escape. It's just that he can't help but think of himself as a person from the Ming Dynasty, and thinks that things will start from the perspective of the Ming Dynasty.

Hearing Li Changqing's question, he suddenly calmed down and said in his heart: "Yes, if the emperor knows that I am doing things for Wara, he will definitely not let me go, in this case, what else is there to be afraid of." If I can help Warat to go south and annex the Ming Dynasty, then I will be crowned a king and a marquis, and I will be majestic now, not to mention tens of millions. ”

Thinking of this, he clenched his fists and said to Li Changqing, the messenger of Warat, and said, "Okay, since the envoy said so, Cao will believe you once." ”

"Okay, then we'll have it, and I'll go back and inform the king to go south. And Cao Jixiang and Cao Gonggong, you took the opportunity to persuade the emperor to release Shi Heng, and after General Shi was released, the heavy responsibility of persuading General Shi fell on Cao Gonggong. ”

Cao Jixiang patted his chest confidently and said, "Don't worry, this dare will definitely be done." ”

He thought to himself: At this time, Shi Heng must have been locked up in the prison for so long because of Princess Ning Xin's affairs, and he must have some resentment in his heart. If he had taken the opportunity to persuade him to take refuge in Warat, it would have been impossible.

After sending Li Changqing away, Cao Jixiang planned in his heart what he should do next.

He thought about it for a long, long time, and the more he thought about it, the happier he became, and he fell asleep involuntarily when he thought about it.

Sure enough, within a few days, a battle report came from the imperial court, saying that the Wara army suddenly gathered at the border between Daming and Wara, and it seemed that there was a sense of waving the army to the south.

After Zhu Qizhen received the battle report, he was shocked, and Cao Jixiang took the opportunity to say to him above the court: "Your Majesty, the reason why the Wara army is moving south is nothing more than because General Shi Hengshi was locked up by you. Now except for General Shi, there is no one in the DPRK and China who can take this responsibility and lead the troops to fight. If the emperor doesn't release General Shi quickly, I'm afraid the consequences will be unimaginable. ”

Zhu Qizhen was so frightened by Cao Jixiang, and he had already been frightened by the six gods.

He had been imprisoned in Warat, and he knew what it was like to be in exile in a foreign country, and he didn't want to be an army of the dead. Thinking of this, he ordered someone to release Shi Heng.

Peng Shi stood up and said, "Your Majesty, by all means, General Shi is committing a big crime, how can it be said that he will let it go." If General Shi is released now, how can the emperor give an explanation to the people of the world? ”

Peng Shi's words were like a hammer hammer in Zhu Qizhen's heart.

"Yes, if Princess Ning Xin's death didn't punish Shi Heng this time, wouldn't Shi Heng be more and more arrogant in the future, and no one would be able to control him. What's the use of being an emperor yourself? ”

Thinking of this, he hesitated again.

Cao Jixiang took two steps forward and said solemnly to the emperor: "Your Majesty, if you don't release General Shi now, when the Wara army will drive straight into the capital and attack the capital, there will be no more way." Although General Shi committed a serious crime, the emperor always had to give him a chance to make meritorious contributions. People are not saints, practice is not faulty? If you make a mistake, you can't change it? ”

Before Zhu Qizhen had time to say anything, Shi Biao of Cao Jixiang and his party also said on the side: "Your Majesty, Gonggong Cao is right. If the emperor didn't release General Shi, no one in the entire Ming Dynasty would be able to control the Wara army. When the time comes, if you really attack the capital, there will be no more way. ”

Cao Jixiang and Shi Biao's words were quite thrilling in Zhu Qizhen's heart. He said in his heart: "The matter has come to this, there is really no way but to release Shi Heng." If Warat's army really attacked the capital again, and he was captured to the north again, he would be humiliated by then, and he didn't know if he would have the life to come back, let alone be the emperor. ”

Thinking of this, he vaguely had the intention of letting Shi Heng go.

Because when Shi Heng was arrested, he had consulted with Jian Huaizhen. Therefore, he did not make a decision on his own, but just waved his hand and said: "The matter is not a foregone conclusion, Rong Zhen will go back and think about it, and if he has a decision, he will discuss it with the ministers." I'm a little tired today, so let's quit. ”

So, Zhu Qizhen returned to the Qianqing Palace.

After returning to the Qianqing Palace, the more he thought about it, the more his heart jumped, although the death of Princess Ning Xin made him sad and indignant, but at this moment, the grief and indignation had passed. Coupled with the pressure of the Warat army, it made him feel like he was carrying a big burden in his heart.

The more he thought about it, the more frightened he felt, and the more he thought about it, the more terrified he felt.

At this time, Sun Xiangyong came with breakfast, and he said to Sun Xiangyong: "Grandpa Sun, you should immediately go to Wan'an Palace to invite the eldest princess over, and say that I have something to do with her." ”

Sun Xiangyong saw Zhu Qizhen's solemn expression, did not dare to slack off, and hurriedly walked towards Wan'an Palace.

He had just walked to the gate of Wan'an Palace, but saw Jian Huaizhen about to go out.

It turned out that Jian Huaizhen had already heard the discussion of the ministers above the court, and she was about to go to Zhu Qizhen to explain this matter clearly, but she didn't expect Zhu Qizhen to let Sun Xiangyong come to invite her.

So, Jian Huaizhen and Sun Xiangyong came to the Qianqing Palace together.

When Zhu Qizhen saw Jian Huaizhen, he only felt ashamed, so he hurriedly stood up and went to greet her in person.

"Princess, you're here."

Jian Huaizhen nodded slightly and said, "I've seen the emperor." ”

Zhu Qizhen said: "The eldest princess is the elder of her grandson, so why should she be courteous to me. ”

The two men walked to the side and sat down as they spoke.

Zhu Qizhen sighed and said to Jian Huaizhen: "The eldest princess, I ordered me to arrest Shi Heng a few days ago, and I am afraid that I have to release him again today." ”

Jian Huaizhen already knew the beginning and end of the matter, so he said quietly: "Could it be that the emperor is really willing to let Shi Heng go?" ”

Zhu Qizhen clenched his hand into a fist, hit it heavily on the table, and said with a sad and angry face: "If you don't let it go, what can you do?" Now looking at the government and the opposition, except for Shi Heng, there is indeed no one who can resist the Warat army. Thinking back to the past, Lord Yu Qian Yu did have this ability, but I mistakenly believed the slander and killed him. Now that I am being held hostage by Shi Heng, I no longer have any way to think of it. ”

Jian Huaizhen shook his head and said, "Your Majesty, don't be so pessimistic. If there are many good ministers and fierce generals today, why worry about not finding anyone to attack the Warat army? What's more, the Warat army is only assembled at the border between Daming and Warat, and it is still two to say whether to wave the army to the south or not, why should the emperor mess up his own position first. ”

Zhu Qizhen's face was full of despair, he shook his head, with a painful look in his eyes, and said to Jian Huaizhen: "The eldest princess, I was once imprisoned in Warat for ten years, and I suffered a lot in Warat. Looking back on those hard days, I feel unbearable, and I really don't want to live like this again. So I've made up my mind to release Shi Heng. ”

Seeing that Zhu Qizhen had compromised so easily, Jian Huaizhen couldn't help but sigh secretly in his heart, and still persuaded Zhu Qizhen: "Your Majesty, you are the dignified son of a country, how can you compromise so easily?" Why don't you think about it again and see if there is anyone who can replace Shi Heng? Shi Heng is a fierce general, and he may not be able to play a big role. ”

Zhu Qizhen couldn't listen to Jian Huaizhen's advice at this moment, he waved his hand and said, "Eldest Princess, you don't have to say anything at this moment, I already have a plan in my heart." Shi Heng guarded the border, and there had indeed been no war on the border in the past six months. Now that Shi Heng has just been imprisoned, such a thing has happened, it seems that this matter of guarding the border is none other than Shi Heng! Although Shi Heng is so happy about his achievements, he is violent and wanton, and he also forced my Princess Ning Xin to death, but no one is at fault, and I want to give him a chance to make meritorious contributions. ”

Jian Huaizhen was very angry in her heart, seeing that Zhu Qizhen said this, but there was no way, she had no choice but to sigh and say: "Since the emperor already has a plan in his heart, why call the palace over." ”

Zhu Qizhen looked at Jian Huaizhen and said apologetically: "Princess, the reason why I invited you here is just because I feel sorry for you for this matter, and I ask the eldest princess not to blame me." ”

Jian Huaizhen saw that Zhu Qizhen's face showed a look of cringe, which showed that she was really afraid of the previous days in Wara, and she could also understand Zhu Qizhen's feelings. Therefore, he took two steps forward and said to Zhu Qizhen: "Your Majesty, since you have decided the matter, it is not easy for the palace to say anything, so do what the emperor says." ”

After Jian Huaizhen finished talking with Zhu Qizhen, she returned to Wan'an Palace, and the more she thought about it along the way, the more angry she became. Thinking of Shi Heng's arrogant and authoritarian face, he felt angry and didn't fight anywhere.

She walked to the Wan'an Palace, greeted her with a smile, and asked with a smile: "Princess, why are you so angry today?" But who annoyed you? Is the emperor ignorant? ”

Jian Huaizhen let out a long sigh and said, "Your Majesty, if you are not sensible, it is fine, but you are too sensible, and you will inevitably be afraid to do things." ”

Scattered "oh" and asked, "What's wrong?" ”

Jian Huaizhen told Scatter the content of the conversation between Fang Cai and Zhu Qizhen.

After listening to it, he was also full of indignation.

She was rescued from the sea of suffering by Jian Huaizhen, and she has always empathized with Jian Huaizhen's grief, felt Jian Huaizhen's sorrow, thought about what Jian Huaizhen thought, was anxious about what Jian Huaizhen was anxious about, and was loyal to Jian Huaizhen.

She said to Jian Huaizhen: "Eldest Princess, isn't there anything this Shi Heng can do to deal with him and let him get away with it?" Princess Ning Xin's slave maid has also seen it, such a beautiful woman, very sensible, and very filial. Princess, did you just watch her being killed by Shi Heng? ”

The scattered words fell on Jian Huaizhen's heart, making Jian Huaizhen's expression very painful.

"Alas!" She sighed and said: "How can it be that Ning Xin is alone, how could Yu Qian not die in the past among the three traitors Xu Youzhen, Shi Heng and Cao Jixiang, as well as my sister Bai Qingqing." Bai Qingqing has been with me in Jiangnan for more than 20 years, and it was also because Shi Heng and others died of Yu Qian, and she died in martyrdom. Whenever I think about it, my heart is like a knife. ”

When Jian Huaizhen said this, tears overflowed in her eyes, which showed that she and Bai Qingqing had a deep relationship.

Scattered hurriedly took out the handscroll and handed it to Jian Huaizhen.

Jian Huaizhen wiped her tears and said: "This palace is the eldest princess of the Ming Dynasty, after four dynasties, I don't believe that there is no way to rectify this Shi Heng." ”

As she spoke, she went to the dormitory and took out the golden jade staff.

Ling Luo had never seen Jian Huaizhen so angry, and he had never seen Jian Huaizhen use a golden jade staff, so he hurriedly asked: "The eldest princess, why did you take out the golden jade staff given by the emperor, do you think——"

Jian Huaizhen nodded firmly, and said: "Yes, this golden jade staff can beat the unconscious king, the traitorous minister, and the concubines of the six palaces." This Shi Heng is just a courtier, so I don't believe I can't cure him. ”

After speaking, Jian Huaizhen took the golden jade staff and went out of the palace.

Scattered is afraid that something big will happen, and he also follows behind.

After Jian Huaizhen left the palace, someone immediately reported the news to Zhu Qizhen, saying that he saw Jian Huaizhen holding a golden and jade staff and rushed out of the palace angrily, as if he was heading in the direction of the edict.

Zhu Qizhen asked, thinking: Could it be that the eldest princess wants to deal with Shi Heng, and he felt cold sweat when he thought of this. If Jian Huaizhen is not good for Shi Heng, won't there be no generals who can lead troops to Jingbian at that time?

Despite thinking so, Zhu Qizhen had no choice, who let Jian Huaizhen hold the golden and jade staff in his hand that knocked unconscious and beat traitorous ministers? If he tried to stop it, Jian Huaizhen would be able to beat himself.

Thinking of this, Zhu Qizhen sat heavily on the chair, unable to speak for a long time.

After Jian Huaizhen left the palace, he really walked in the direction of the Imperial Prison.

The Imperial Prison is located in the southwest corner of the imperial city and is very remote. It was very cold and damp in the prison, and when you walked in, you could see the wails and wails of the prisoners everywhere. Jian Huaizhen had never been to this kind of place, and after coming in, he only felt creepy, and cold sweat overflowed all over his body.

Despite this, Jian Huaizhen was not afraid at all, she grabbed a brocade guard and asked, "Where is General Shi Hengshi being held?" ”

The brocade guard didn't know Jian Huaizhen, and saw an elderly woman rushing in angrily with a golden jade staff, the woman was dressed extraordinary, and her temperament and appearance were all superior.

He didn't know who Jian Huaizhen was, but when she was the wife of a court official, he asked, "Madam, you didn't come to this place." This is a prison, so please go back. ”

As soon as the brocade guard's words fell, he had already caught up.

Zero Luo glanced at the brocade guard and said, "Bold, you don't even know the eldest princess, and you are still talking nonsense here about what is the name of Mrs." ”

When Jin Yiwei heard this, the woman in front of him turned out to be the eldest princess of the Ming Dynasty, and he had heard a lot about Jian Huaizhen's deeds, and knew that Jian Huaizhen had done a lot of earth-shattering things in the Yongle Dynasty. In the Xuande Dynasty, Emperor Xuanzong purged traitors, was clear and upright, and was a person whom Emperor Xuanzong admired very much. By the time Emperor Jing arrived, Jian Huaizhen had already lived in seclusion in the south of the Yangtze River. In the Tianshun Dynasty, Jian Huaizhen returned to the capital to help Zhu Qizhen take care of the affairs of the palace.

When the brocade guard saw that the person he had offended was actually the eldest princess, he quickly knelt down, and said: "It's the villain who is bold, he doesn't know the eldest princess, he dared to offend the eldest princess, and asked the eldest princess to forgive him." ”

Jian Huaizhen waved his hand and said, "That's it, those who don't know are not guilty, you get up." I asked you where Shi Heng was being held, and you took me there immediately. ”

Seeing that Jian Huaizhen's face was full of murderous anger, it didn't seem to be a good thing, so he didn't dare to say more, and took Jian Huaizhen all the way to the cell where Shi Heng was being held.

As the two men walked along the path between their cells, they were approached by people on either side, and the prisoners did not know how long they had been in prison. Everyone's hair was disheveled, and their clothes were dirty and tattered.

When the people on both sides saw a woman coming in, they stretched out their hands one after another, shouting and crying loudly, and everyone had anything to say.

For a while, Jian Huaizhen and Zero Luo felt as if they had reached the eighteenth layer of hell, especially if Zero Luo was not walking on the rivers and lakes, where had she seen this kind of formation, she suddenly trembled with fright, and held Jian Huaizhen's hand tightly and did not dare to move, did not dare to take one more step, lest she accidentally be pulled into her clothes by those people.

Jin Yiwei saw that Jian Huaizhen was walking in such a formation, and he was not afraid, and he couldn't help but feel a little admiration in his heart.

Where can Jian Huaizhen care about fear at this moment, she remembered that Yu Qian had been locked up in such a prison cell, in such an environment, and the suffering he suffered was naturally not a problem, and her heart seemed to be burning.

Jian Huaizhen was the most calm in his life, and he had never been so angry at this moment.