Bustling

Fang Qingchen gently put down the file and said to Zhao Wangchen: "Forget Chen, you pay careful attention to Lingyun's dynamics for me. They will hide many things from me, but they will definitely not hide them from you, but I am afraid that they will have to fight for your cooperation. If they really want to do something in secret, you must send me a message in advance. ”

Zhao Wangchen replied in a low voice: "Yes." ”

After a while, he asked with a little apprehension, "Master, you have already made your intentions known, will they still disobey you?" After all, they're all your subordinates......"

Fang Qingchen sneered and didn't bother to answer. What about subordinates? They know that his boss can't bear to slaughter everyone, so his boss just refuses to move, they have no fear, won't they think about pushing hard.

And Zhao Wangchen is really the only person who can not be suspected by those guys, participate in their decision-making, and can do his best to communicate with him.

Because only Fang Qingchen understands that among the so-called Fang people, Zhao Wangchen is afraid that he is the only one who will definitely not want him to be the emperor.

Zhao Wangchen hesitated for a while, but he still couldn't help it, and asked again: "Master thinks they will launch it in the near future?" ”

Fang Qingchen finally couldn't help but sigh, stretched out his hand and rubbed his forehead: "They should know that this matter is in a hurry, so they should wait for a year or two and take their time." I'm afraid that some people will be confused for a while, can't wait, and act recklessly, so if I have any strategic arrangements, I can't do anything about them. ”

He waved his hand and asked Zhao Wangchen to leave, and then lowered his head to look at the file on the case that recorded the emperor's words and deeds, and his eyes gradually deepened.

――――――――――

The next day. The sun rose from the west again, and Fang Qingchen was very diligent, and the court listened to the government.

The civil and military forces of the Manchu Dynasty were overjoyed, and even Chu Xirong, the emperor, expressed enough respect and excitement for his appearance. As for the will of the first rank of the duke, thinking that Zhuo Lingyun and they had already communicated with the emperor enough, and no one came out to talk about it.

Actually, everyone agreed. Fang Qingchen suddenly listened to the government so actively, he must be preparing for a change in the future. Who would believe that he was actually just afraid that if he was not there, who would come up with some decree behind his back that would give him a headache, so he had to go up to the court to keep an eye on it.

After retiring from the court, he went to the palace again and asked to see the emperor.

He wants to enter the palace, who dares to stop him. Come to see the Emperor. Wearing the white casual clothes he often wears, it is not in accordance with the rules, but who dares to say that he is. In this compartment, he was like entering a no-man's land, and came straight into the palace gate, and the clever eunuch in the compartment hurriedly hurried a few steps forward to report to Chu Xirong. Pity this little emperor, since he entered Beijing, it is the first time that he has met the light dust above and entered the palace alone to ask to see him. Jump up and go out. He was afraid that he would slack Fang Qingchen if he walked slowly, and he was afraid that his current light outfit would not be respectful enough, so he ran away. while asking the eunuchs around him to help him dress up. It is rare to have such a difficult and complex action, and he actually completed it without any mistakes in the end.

By the time he ran to catch his breath and meet the light dust above, he was already dressed in a more solemn and solemn formal attire.

Fang Qingchen watched the young man trying to control his breathing, suppressing his nervousness. cautious, even if it is a hard-hearted heart, it is a little pitiful after all. He stepped forward and gave a salute. Greet him with a smile.

Chu Xirong was a little at a loss, he wanted to get out of the way, but he didn't dare to let go, so he was stunned for a moment before he asked nervously: "Fang Hou entered the palace, but what is the important matter." ”

"It's nothing serious, the minister just wants to come to greet the emperor and gossip."

Chu Xirong looked at Fang Qingchen a little dumbfounded. It's been two years since I went to Beijing, and you haven't come to greet me once. Yesterday I was just going to seal you as a first-class public and confess your heart, and you came to gossip with me today, what will this gossip be?

Fang Qingchen didn't pay attention to what he was thinking, and just smiled: "The minister hasn't entered the palace for a few days, and the emperor is willing to enjoy this imperial garden with the minister." ”

Chu Xirong dared to say that he didn't want to, so he just nodded and walked with him in the imperial garden. Pity him for his conscious identity, he didn't dare to walk in front of Fang Qingchen, nor did he fall behind Fang Qingchen, so he had to pay careful attention at all times and walk side by side with Fang Qingchen.

The palace maids and eunuchs in the four places have long been hiding far away. Fang Qingchen leisurely asked about the little emperor's diet, daily life, and trivial matters, and asked a few words about his studies.

Chu Xirong's studies are really nothing to see. Before he became the emperor, no one taught him, and after he became the emperor, the courtiers did not really arrange for him to have any masters with good learning and virtue to teach, and he did not dare to really work hard to learn. Therefore, when Fang Qingchen asked him like this at this time, his face couldn't help but be a little red.

Fang Qingchen didn't ask, he changed the topic lightly, and went to talk about all kinds of gossip, the news of the past dynasties, folk customs, heaven and earth, there are no surprises. Hearing this, the young man who had always lived a lonely life in the palace involuntarily gradually relaxed his tense nerves, and his expression gradually became happy.

Fang Qingchen just dragged the emperor to chat aimlessly with him in the palace for more than an hour before he left.

For half a month, Fang Qingchen was unusual, and went to court every day. It's a pity that he hasn't worked so hard for many years, and he must bow to everything. After going to court every day, and then dealing with the important government affairs of the day with several directors of the government affairs hall, he would go into the palace from time to time to chat with the little emperor and contact his feelings.

Marquis Fang suddenly became diligent and easy to explain, but suddenly the relationship with the emperor was so close, and every time he just chatted lightly about some anecdotes, between the words, there were some teachings and protections, but they were not strong, which was inexplicable, causing all kinds of unbelievable speculations among everyone.

However, the first one couldn't bear it, and finally asked the place of mouth, it was not those old departments who were closer to Fang Qingchen, but the young emperor.

"Fang Hou, you...... You have been entering the palace so frequently recently, what is it...... Why? When the young man plucked up the courage to ask, his tone couldn't help but be a little apprehensive.

Fang Qingchen smiled slightly: "I guessed that the emperor should almost ask, but I don't know what the emperor thinks, what am I for?" ”

Chu Xirong looked at him with wide eyes: "Although Fang Hou is just chatting with me every day. But inadvertently, when I talk about the stories of the past dynasties and the livelihood of the people, I think I have the intention to teach me the way to be a king, but ......"

His eyes were slightly gloomy: "Why, Fang Hou is not focusing on the gains and losses of the British lord and the Ming monarch's geography and politics, and the faint monarch and the mediocre lord."

It's overseas, because the monarch doesn't control the supreme power. All the waves have not affected the royal family, and the royal family has been passed down from generation to generation, and it has not changed the surname for 2,000 years. On the contrary, those in the history books, for more than ten or twenty years, did not go to court and did not govern. However, there is no example of vacillation in the operation and management of officials in the country, which has been structured maturely. On the contrary, in those distant countries that I have never heard of, the power of the monarch is checked and balanced, and the power of the country is growing day by day......"

The young man's eyes became more and more sad: "Fang Hou, you use a joking tone to casually tell these stories with me. Finally...... What is the meaning? ”

Fang Qingchen asked lightly: "Since Your Majesty has noticed all this, will you still not understand my mind?" ”

The little emperor lowered his head: "I didn't think about it, and I didn't need Fang Hou to bother to explain." I was thinking......"

Fang Qingchen noticed that he didn't use "I" to refer to himself. Shook his head with a smile: "Your Majesty, if I bother to talk to you about this, you should know that I don't have any thoughts that I shouldn't have." I came to the palace just to try to be close enough to His Majesty. This gives a message to all parties. Let them respect His Majesty a little more. Naturally, I also hope to enlighten Your Majesty so that His Majesty's mind is not too depressed......"

Chu Xirong looked at Fang Qingchen in a daze. His gaze gradually became a little hot: "If Fang Hou really has no intention of this, then ......"

Fang Qingchen frowned slightly, and interrupted him again: "In the future, I will withdraw from the court little by little to minimize the impact on the government." The major affairs of the state should be decided between His Majesty and your future ministers. It's just that Your Majesty must learn to trust your courtiers, and you must also know how to control the balance. As long as the monarch does not make a big mistake, the throne will not be easily shaken, and as long as Your Majesty does not live up to your subjects, then I can guarantee that no one will be allowed to fail Your Majesty. ”

The little emperor looked at Fang Qingchen blankly, gritted his teeth, and firmly continued the topic of his interruption: "Since Fang Hou has nothing else to think about, since Fang Hou is willing to continue to protect me, the royal family, and the Chu State, then, why can't we do it more thoroughly?" In today's troubled times, isn't it more necessary for the British Lord to calm the world and create an immortal cause? What Chu needs most now, isn't it ......"

Fang Qingchen's face was slightly gloomy: "Great emperor, there are still a few fewer in this world." The more heroic and heroic he is, the more he takes pleasure in encroaching on other people's land, and he talks about saving the suffering people in the world, but he is not for the ambition of being a lone husband in his bones. Although there are many forces in the current Chu State, a balance has been reached. There are various countries around them, and even if these princes want to fight for power and profit, they do not dare to provoke infighting casually. Now the Dichu State is not the time when a strong emperor is needed. There is a court that everyone recognizes to represent righteousness, and with me temporarily calming down, there is nothing to worry about. The emperor should not think too far. ”

He was in a bad mood, and his tone was not good. Since he thought that he had already made it clear what he wanted to express, whether the emperor could listen to it or not, he didn't bother to bother with it anymore. turned around and was about to leave, but he heard the extremely low voice of the young man behind him: "The deep affection between Fang Hou and the Emperor Taishang has always been a good story of the Chu State. Over the years, although I am not very sensible, I have always admired Fang Hou and envied the Emperor. I...... I...... Originally, I didn't have any ideas, but Fang Hou always came to see me these days, trying his best to explain me and teach me...... I don't understand, since Fang Hou doesn't want the throne, and he doesn't allow people from other places to want it, why doesn't he want to do more for the royal family? I was just...... I just want to give it a try, to re-enact a good story of the acquaintance of the monarch and the minister, and to re-...... it."

The young man was so excited that he couldn't speak clearly. Fang Qingchen stiffly turned his back to him, but only smiled coldly in his heart.

Affectionate and generous, a good story of the Chu State?

After betraying and hurting each other like that, people still think it's a good story.

They saw the madness of the Emperor Taishang's regret and guilt, and saw Fang Qingchen do everything for the country after he reappeared in the world, so they beautified everything self-righteously, and no one looked at the filth and filth in their bones anymore.

He sighed softly: "Your Majesty, I am tired. I don't have the strength anymore. Who to know, who to get along, who to work for, for whom...... Treat each other with heart. ”

The young man looked at him and tried to make a final effort in a panic: "But, Fang Hou, what am I not as good as the Emperor?" I was as young as he was, and I needed the same teaching and help. I...... I'm stronger than him. is more sensible than him, you see, these years, so difficult, I also came. Although I don't know much, I am definitely not stupid, as long as I have a good teacher, I must be the best student. Fang Hou ...... I will believe in you, I will not fail you, I will ......"

"Do you really know, what you're going to do?" Fang Qingchen turned around, with a surprisingly gentle smile, looking at this young man, thinking in a trance that many years ago, in this imperial garden. The other one who pulled him and refused to let go, and the person in front of him, there were three or four similar young men between his eyebrows.

"If I help you become the true Supreme. So let me tell you what you're going to do. ”

He looked at the little emperor, but his eyes clearly passed through him, looking at the other person at the end of time and space: "At first, you will be happy. Very happy, very fond of it, very trusting of me. You will agree to my requests. You will have my wishes fulfilled, and then, year after year, you get used to the supreme power, and you will begin to fear loss, fear of being overthrown. Because what you have is too good, too beautiful, and too precious, your worries will torment you day and night. You began to guard against everyone in a high position around you, and naturally there must be me among them. Any unintentional words of others, the slightest unintentional expression, you will ponder and analyze wildly, and your pillow people, your children, and all your closest relatives and trusted people will become your enemies, and you ......"

The young man's face turned pale by Fang Qingchen's curse-like words, and he shook his head frantically: "I won't, I won't......"

Fang Qingchen chuckled: "This is due to the status of the monarch, no one can really get rid of such a fate." It's just a matter of seeing who is more rational and can control such suspicions better and not go crazy. Even the wisest of monarchs have been suspicious of their ministers, and even unjustly treated their ministers and relatives. ”

He sighed lightly, stretched out his hand, and patted the little emperor on the shoulder: "Let yourself go, and let me go." There is no that

Power is not necessarily unfortunate for you. That supreme position is really the palace with nine outs, which is more noble and comfortable than seven in and seven out. Silk satin is not always closer and warmer than cotton linen. Bright yellow utensils are really more pleasing to the eye than other colors. Once you sit in that position, you will unconsciously care about a lot of things and guard against a lot of things. Those from food, clothing, housing and transportation, to the court's response, respect and humility, all kinds of cumbersome rules, restrict not only them, but also you. That's actually very tiring......"

He shook his head: "Like now, you can still keep your soft heart and be a flesh and blood person." You can also dare to love, dare to hate, and dare to have some ordinary people's happiness. Because the power is not big enough, you don't have to be so frightened, all the grass and trees, and always vigilant and wide-eyed, for fear that others will come to rob you. Because the power is not big enough, it is not worth sacrificing your marriage, your life. You can try to find the woman you like, and you can love your children with confidence, instead of treating every infant prince as a potential rival. You can trust your brothers, your relatives, without worrying about fratricide and flesh and blood. Believe me, the frustration in front of you, looking back in a few years, may be a kind of luck. ”

The young man looked at him in a daze, only to feel that his heart was empty, disappointed and lost, and finally said gloomily: "I don't believe it, Fang Hou, I don't believe it...... How could a weak emperor like me be a lucky man? Since you don't want all this, why don't you want to help me help me, I might as well be an ordinary person when I am an emperor like this......"

Fang Qingchen's eyes lit up, and he reprimanded: "It's better to be an emperor than an ordinary person?" Do you really know what kind of life ordinary people live? Do you know that the men and women of the peasant family, who are only thirty years old, and grind like old men in the twilight? Do you know that ordinary people, who work hard all their lives, get only the most meager food and clothing? And you, dressed in fine clothes and food, hugging each other in front and back. Your kin, family, and even the old servants, now have official positions and courtesy. You can directly participate in the government affairs of the imperial court, although everyone does not follow you in everything, but they will not ignore it. Even a feudal town like Zhuo Lingyun, which has tens of thousands of elite soldiers and thousands of miles of rivers and mountains, will bow his head to you. The last time you cultivated the ceremony, you suddenly had a whim, you want to plough for a while, and you are so tired that civil and military officials have to work hard to farm the land, but even if the authority is as noble as Qin Xufei, and he is willing to make a fool of himself, he has never refuted you with half a word. On such days, do you really feel that life is worse than death, and you can't bear it? ”

The little emperor bowed his head and was silent.

He is now comfortable and honorable, compared to the war and helpless, I really don't know how many times better, he doesn't know, when the capital is in turmoil, countless clans died tragically, he doesn't know, when the country is in chaos, how many phoenix sons and dragon grandchildren, in exile starvation to death. How could he not know that ordinary people have dreamed of having one-tenth or even one percent of his honor and wealth all their lives.

What kind of emperor is tasteless, if he really wants him to live the life of an ordinary person now, he is afraid that after three days, he will starve to death.

Fang Qingchen sighed lightly: "Look...... The human heart is never satisfied. If one day, you are in power, you don't feel better than you are now. ”

He turned, and finally stopped staying, and drifted away.

The little emperor looked at his figure in a daze, and suddenly shouted: "What point am I not as good as the emperor!" ”

"You're not inferior to him, you're much better than him. It's just that you're late. And I'm tired. ”

This time, Fang Qingchen didn't look back, didn't stop, replied indifferently, and was already far away in a blink of an eye.

The little emperor was stunned and looked at his figure gradually moving away, and suddenly felt a sadness and pain in his heart, and his eyes were sour, and he actually fell into tears.

Fang Hou, why don't you believe me.

I won't fail you, I won't suspect you, I won't jealous you, I won't hurt you! As long as you can help me, as long as you treat me, you can be as good as you are to the emperor......

You said that those history books, those stories, those emperors, those power suspicions, and the suspicion of monarchs and ministers, I believe that they are all true.

However, I know that even if I change in the future, I will never fail you.

Fang Hou, you never knew what kind of legend you were in the hearts of the Chu people, you never knew how envious and yearning all the young people of the royal family were, the story of you and the emperor's ministers knowing each other.

Everything you have done for him and for the state of Chu......

Fang Hou, I just want to be another confidant of yours, another monarch worthy of your trust and dedication. I wouldn't be as stupid, crazy, or ignorant as he was. I've seen the world outside the palace, I've been a real puppet, I don't take the most precious things for granted, I know what is the most cherished and worth protecting......

But why don't you believe me?

Fang Hou, why, you refuse to take away everything from me, you are still willing to teach me, protect me, and relieve me, but you are no longer willing to help me with all your might.

The young man looked ahead in a daze, although the flowing figure in white was no longer to be found.

Fang Hou, are you ...... Are you really seriously injured by the emperor? Are you, have been able to trust anyone, are you...... Isn't it...... Always hating him......"

Fang Qingchen, who had already gone far away, couldn't hear his heart. Even if he heard it, he still wouldn't stop, wouldn't turn his head, wouldn't stretch out his hand to another boy who was staring at him with expectant eyes.

Fang Qingchen's heart, many years ago, was no longer in his chest.

The palace is heavily forbidden, and there is a palace gate, and there is another. Fang Qingchen raised his feet and stepped over another threshold, but saw a eunuch in front of him, sweating profusely, running over, seeing him from a distance, he knelt down with a thud, gasping and shouting loudly: "Fang Hou, the emperor is ......."