The two gatekeepers glanced at each other.

One of the soldiers said to Wang Liang, "Your Excellency, please wait a moment, I will go in and report to the Prime Minister." ”

With that, he hurriedly turned and left.

Xi Yu sat in the study, and after hearing the soldier's report, he couldn't help but feel a trace of doubt in his heart.

He thought to himself, "Why did the county magistrate suddenly ask to see me?" If there is really something important, it should be found that Guan Yu should go to the assassin first. Wouldn't it be a petition to come to me so directly? ”

He frowned, pondering why.

However, Xi Yu felt that Wang Liang must have something important when he came this time.

He weighed it again and again, and finally decided to meet Wang Liang and figure out what happened.

At this time, the atmosphere in the study seemed a little solemn.

Xi Yu's heart was full of doubts and curiosity.

He stood up and straightened his shirt.

After Wang Liang saw Xi Yu, he hurriedly bowed and saluted.

"The lower official meets the Prime Minister."

Xi Yu smiled and waved his hand, and said, "No need to be polite, it's okay to say anything." ”

Wang Liang took a deep breath and told Jia Xu about the murder.

After hearing this, Xi Yu's face changed drastically, and his eyes widened in disbelief.

Wang Liang looked at Xi Yu with an embarrassed expression.

"Prime Minister, the lower officials don't know what to do, and I hope that the adults will give me advice." There was helplessness and confusion in his voice.

At this time, the atmosphere in the room became extremely solemn, as if an invisible pressure was enveloping it.

Xi Yu frowned and fell into deep thought.

There was a hint of anxiety in his voice.

"Is this serious?"

So, Wang Liang told Dong Gaoda's report in detail.

Xi Yu's brows furrowed even deeper, and he listened quietly, but his heart was like a magnificent sea, with thousands of thoughts.

He really couldn't figure out why Jia Xu would act like this.

Wang Liang looked at Xi Yu, his eyes full of confusion and worry.

Xi Yu took a deep breath and froze, his voice firm and steady.

"If Jia Xu is really like this, I will not tolerate it."

There was a glint of justice in his gaze.

Time seemed to freeze at this moment.

Xi Yu knew that the top priority was to find Jia Xu and question him face to face.

He raised his head, looked out sharply, and gave an order: "Come quickly, invite Jia Xu." ”

Jia Xu sat alone at home, his gaze wandering, as if he was recalling something.

The room was silent, save for the sound of his breathing and the occasional sigh.

Last night, Jia Xu came to Zhuge Liang's home with many precious gifts with heavy steps.

Zhuge Liang looked at his frowning and worried look, and asked with concern, "Jia Xu, why are you so worried?" ”

Jia Xu bit his lip and said with difficulty: "I...... I killed someone. ”

There was a tremor in his voice, as if the words had exhausted all his strength.

Zhuge Liang's eyes widened, and his face was full of astonishment and doubt.

"Why? What the hell is going on? Zhuge Liang's voice carried a hint of eagerness.

Jia Xu lowered his head and silently recounted what happened.

He knew that Xi Yu would know all this sooner or later, and he could only hope that Zhuge Liang would intercede for him when the time came.

After Zhuge Liang listened, his brows furrowed tightly.

He was silent for a moment, and then said slowly: "Jia Xu, you are really in trouble. ”

A hint of despair flashed in Jia Xu's eyes.

"I know, but I'm just forced to do it. I also hope that Mr. Zhuge can say a few kind words for me in front of Xi Yu when the time comes. ”

Zhuge Liang stared at Jia Xu and thought to himself in his heart.

After a while, he sighed deeply: "That's it, I'll do my best." ”

The soldiers sent by Xi Yu came to Jia Xu's house.

"Mr. Jia, please come with us, the prime minister is invited."

Jia Xu looked at them, his heart sank, and his face showed a look of consternation.

He secretly sighed to himself, what should have come has come after all.

Jia Xu took a deep breath, calmed down, and then reluctantly followed the soldier to Xi Yu's home.

And Wang Liang had already been sent away by Xi Yu.

When he came to Xi Yu's house, Jia Xu's mood became heavier and heavier.

He walked into the room with a hard head.

Xi Yu sat on the chair and looked at Jia Xu with cold eyes.

Jia Xu pretended to be calm and asked, "I don't know what the Prime Minister is looking for me?" ”

Xi Yu sneered.

"Isn't it clear what you have done to lack virtue?"

Jia Xu's face turned pale, and he knew that he could no longer escape.

He got down on his knees, bowed his head and said, "I...... After drinking at the inn a few days ago, I had an argument with the shopkeeper, and on impulse, I killed him by mistake. ”

Xi Yu listened to Jia Xu's narration quietly, frowning.

Jia Xu raised his head and looked at Xi Yu with guilt on his face.

"I know that I have made a big mistake, and I beg the Prime Minister to forgive me." There was a hint of pleading in his voice.

There was a hint of doubt in Xi Yu's voice.

"Why did you change your temperament so much?" His gaze was fixed on Jia Xu.

Jia Xu raised his head, a trace of pain flashing in his eyes.

"My lord, I don't think you're as fond of me as you used to be. You will tell Zhao Yun and Zhou Yu about everything, but you will no longer share it with me. I feel sad in my heart to lose my mind when I get drunk. ”

Xi Yu listened to Jia Xu's words, and his heart couldn't help but be shocked.

He didn't expect Jia Xu to make a mistake for such a reason.

Xi Yu's face became serious.

"Are you jealous? I really didn't expect you to be such a person. But in any case, if you violate the law of the land, you must be punished by the law of the land. ”

Jia Xu's face became even paler.

He knew that his actions had broken the law, and Xi Yu's decision was irrevocable.

Xi Yu stood up and looked at Jia Xu with a firm look in his eyes.

"I decided to put you in the county jail first, and then beheaded." There was an unmistakable determination in his voice.

After speaking, Xi Yu turned his head and gave an order to the soldiers.

"Hurry up and call Wang Liang and ask him to bring the servants as well."

The soldier took the order, and the room fell silent.

Jia Xu watched Xi Yu quietly, knowing in his heart that he was doing this to show others and show his selflessness.

He knew that the purpose of Xi Yu was to let people know that even if his own people committed crimes, they would also be punished by the laws of the country.

Jia Xu couldn't help but feel a sense of helplessness and sadness in his heart, he originally thought that he had a special status in Xi Yu's heart, but now it seems that Xi Yu values justice and law more.

"My lord, I understand your decision." There was a hint of bitterness in Jia Xu's voice.

Xi Yu glanced at him, and a trace of complicated emotion flashed in his eyes.

But his tone remained firm.

"This is the law of the land, and no one can make exceptions."

At this moment, Zhuge Liang held a feather fan and flew over.

His presence broke the deadlock.

"Zhuge Liang, is there something wrong with you"?

"Prime Minister, my subordinates are here to intercede for Mr. Jia."

Seeing this, Xi Yu sneered.

"Okay, Jia Xu, you have already arranged for Zhuge Liang to intercede for you." There was a hint of anger and disappointment in his eyes.

Zhuge Liang smiled slightly, and did not deny Xi Yu's accusation.

He said softly: "Although Jia Xu is at fault, it is really difficult to count the things that are drunk and disorderly. Besides, he has made a lot of contributions to you, and can be described as your right-hand man. Besides, the shopkeeper was just a small person. Therefore, I implore you to open the net. ”

Xi Yu listened to Zhuge Liang's words, and his brows furrowed slightly.

Xi Yu looked at Zhuge Liang with firm eyes, and said solemnly: "Human life is a matter of heaven, in my eyes, there is no difference between small people and big people. Although Jia Xu has made contributions, he must be punished by law if he commits a crime. If everyone uses contribution as an excuse to commit crimes, then how can there be national law? If you plead again, even you will be questioned! ”

Zhuge Liang listened to Xi Yu's words, and a trace of guilt appeared on his face.

"Zhuge Liang, go to the guest room of the East Wing to find your brother Zhuge Jin to catch up, this matter has nothing to do with yourself."

When Zhuge Liang learned that his brother Zhuge Jin had arrived and was waiting in the guest room, his mood suddenly became excited.

"What? My brother has arrived"?

He couldn't wait to walk in the direction of the guest room, his steps light and quick.

However, before leaving, he couldn't help but glance back at Jia Xu.

His eyes were full of apology and helplessness, as if to say, "I've tried my best, but there's nothing I can do." ”

Jia Xu looked at the back of Zhuge Liang leaving, and his heart was mixed.

He knew that he had made a big mistake this time, and he also understood that Xi Yu's decision was irreversible.

In Jiangnan, the soldiers sent by Xi Yu arrived at Sun Ce's place like birds.

After Sun Ce got the news that his mother had arrived in Youzhou safely, a boulder in his heart finally landed.

He let out a long sigh of relief.

Although my mother experienced many dangers on the way, as long as she was safe in the end, it was the greatest blessing.

Sun Ce immediately ordered someone to treat the soldier who delivered the news to express his gratitude.

Sun Ce came to his mother's room alone, stood quietly in front of the Buddha statue, and prayed sincerely.

He whispered, "Thanks to the gods, my mother is safe." ”

He believes that his mother's safe return must be the result of her daily prayer to God and Buddha.

The room was filled with a faint smell of sandalwood, and the sunlight shone softly on Sun Ce's body through the window.

Zhuge Liang hurriedly came to Zhuge Jin's guest room, pushed open the door, and a smell of books came to his face.

I saw Zhuge Jin sitting quietly by the window, concentrating on reading the book in his hand.

The rooms are filled with a variety of books, and there are several calligraphy and paintings hanging on the walls, adding a bit of elegance.

Zhuge Jin heard the knock on the door and raised his head, with a look of joy in his eyes.

He walked briskly to the door, and the two brothers hugged each other tightly.

"Brother, long time no see!" Zhuge Liang said excitedly.

"Yes, brother, you're finally here." Zhuge Jin's eyes flashed with tears.

The two walked into the room, sat down in chairs, and began to talk.

The sun outside the window shone on them, warm and peaceful.

Wang Liang returned to the county government with a gloomy face, and several clever officials saw this and hurriedly came to his side.

"Your Excellency, you seem to have something on your mind." A servant spoke cautiously.

Wang Liang sighed slightly and did not answer.

Another official continued: "My lord, you better leave Jia Xu's case alone. Offending the prime minister casually is not a joke. No matter how good the prime minister is, he also has his own selfishness. ”

Wang Liang's brows furrowed even tighter, and the worry in his heart became heavier and heavier.

Just as Wang Liang was pondering, a playful soldier hurried over and conveyed the order.

"Lord Wang, the Prime Minister ordered you to lead the officials to the theater to arrest Jia Xu."

Wang Liang's mood was like a cloud opening to see the sun, and he suddenly became relaxed and happy.

A bright smile spread across his face, as if the burden on his heart had dissipated in an instant.

He led the two officials and walked towards the theater with firm steps.

Along the way, the two officials whispered as if they had exploded.

"Isn't there any ulterior motive for the prime minister to do this? Will he really obediently hand over Jia Xu? A servant asked suspiciously.

"Maybe, he's trying to find an excuse to excuse Jia Xu, right? Asking us to arrest people may be just for show. The other official chimed in, worry written across his face.

When Wang Liang heard their conversation, he couldn't help frowning, and interrupted: "Don't think of people so badly, don't use the heart of a villain to spend the belly of a gentleman!" ”

On the streets, people come and go, traffic is busy, and the noise comes and goes.

Theater.

A trace of doubt suddenly appeared in Xi Yu's heart.

He began to ponder Zhuge Liang's intercession for Jia Xu.

The first two reasons were quite reasonable, but when he heard Zhuge Liang say that just because the shopkeeper was a humble little person, even if Jia Xu killed him, he should not be questioned, Xi Yu's brows furrowed tightly.

"How could Zhuge Liang say such stupid things? Didn't he know that such remarks would make me very angry? ”

Xi Yu thought secretly in his heart.

"He should know that I have always valued fairness and justice, and I will never neglect a person's life because of his low status."

However, Xi Yu's thoughts suddenly brightened.

He realized that Zhuge Liang might have said this on purpose.

He's testing his own boundaries, or trying to provoke an emotional response.

Xi Yu's eyes sharpened.

He began to re-examine the ins and outs of this matter, thinking about Zhuge Liang's true intention in doing so.

A wave of consternation swelled up in Xi Yu's heart, and he instantly understood Zhuge Liang's intentions.

As Zhuge Liang's words echoed in his ears, Xi Yu realized that his killing intent towards Jia Xu had been further stimulated.

"I see, the more Zhuge Liang said this, the more I wanted to kill Jia Xu. Is he looking forward to Jia Xu's death? ”

Xi Yu thought to himself.

"Zhuge Liang is very intelligent, and Jia Xu is also very resourceful. Perhaps, it is precisely because of this that Zhuge Liang has a grudge against Jia Xu. ”

Xi Yu's eyes flashed with alertness and doubt.

He began to scrutinize the situation in front of him.

He felt a thoughtful chill rise up his spine, as if he had been caught in an elaborate conspiracy.

A complex emotion surged in Xi Yu's heart, and he couldn't help but feel deep pity for Jia Xu.

"Jia Xu is so pitiful, how could he naively think that Zhuge Liang would sincerely intercede for him?"

Xi Yu sighed secretly.

He obviously didn't realize how much Zhuge Liang hated him. At this point, Jia Xu's wisdom seems to be slightly inferior. ”

Xi Yu's eyes revealed a trace of helplessness and regret.

Wang Liang and the two officials stepped into the door of the theater with excitement and honor.

The servants walked briskly and had an irrepressible smile on their faces, because they never imagined that one day they would be able to come into contact with Xi Yu so closely.

They saw that the courtyard of the opera was elegant and peaceful, with green trees and flowers.

The path is paved with stone slabs and lined with manicured flowers and plants, giving off a refreshing fragrance.

They soon came to Xi Yu's study.

The door of the study was open, and Jia Xu was still kneeling there, his head bowed, motionless.

Wang Liang and the two officials respectfully saluted Xi Yu.

Xi Yu sat on the Taishi chair in the study, and his serious expression made people shudder.

Xi Yu looked at Wang Liang and said, "This official has already interrogated Jia Xu, and he has confessed to the crime he committed. You take him to prison now, and you must try him carefully, and after you have found out all the details, you can be beheaded. ”

Wang Liang replied respectfully: "Yes, Prime Minister." The subordinates will definitely handle it impartially. ”

After speaking, Wang Liang and the two officials withdrew from the study with Jia Xu.

The sound of their footsteps echoed through the hallway, as if to herald a tragedy.

The prison was dark and damp.

Eventually, Jia Xu was locked up in a cramped cell, his face filled with despair and remorse.

Jia Xu's heart swelled with a burst of remorse and self-blame.

He began to reflect on his impulsive actions and regretted them.

"How could I be so impulsive?" Jia Xu muttered to himself, "It's all my cranky thinking that triggered this series of things." ”

His brow furrowed, and his eyes revealed deep chagrin.

However, when he remembered Zhuge Liang's plea for himself, he couldn't help but be stunned in his heart.

Gradually, he began to realize Zhuge Liang's true intentions.

"Could it be that Zhuge Liang wants me to die?" This thought exploded in Jia Xu's mind like a thunderbolt.

His face instantly became extremely distorted.

He recalled the past confrontation with Zhuge Liang, and those seemingly unintentional words and actions were full of deep meaning in his eyes at this moment.

Jia Xu felt a chill rise up his spine, and he realized that he might have been toyed with by Zhuge Liang all along.

"What a cunning Zhuge Liang!" Jia Xu gritted his teeth and thought, "He is so deeply hidden, I didn't even notice it." His heart was filled with anger and disappointment at being betrayed.

Jia Xu's mind became more and more confused, and he fell into deep self-doubt and pain.

And on the street, there are many people talking about Jia Xu.

"We saw with our own eyes that Jia Xu had been taken away by the officials, and he was taken away from the Prime Minister's Mansion."

"That's right, this shows a problem, the prime minister already knows about this matter, the prime minister upholds the law, and he will deal with the problem fairly."

"This also shows that the prime minister is righteous and kills his relatives."

In an inn, there were a lot of people talking about it.

And in one of the corners of the guests, there was a man dressed in gray.

There was a chilling aura all over his body.

The point is that he is still wearing a straw hat and has his head down, so that no one can see his face clearly at all.

Hearing the conversation between those people, he paid special attention. (End of chapter)