Zhao Rang and Qingqing ran around the palace like headless flies.

Neither of them had ever been to Ouchi, but they felt that it was a large and complicated place.

There are not only wide roads connecting each hall and pavilion, but also more than three alleys communicating with each other. It seems to be cut apart and independent of each other, but in fact it is integrated, like a huge labyrinth, and even if you are not careful, you will go back and collide with the pursuers behind you head-to-head!

Every inch of land is full of royal majesty, making Zhao Rang and Qingqing more and more they wander, the faster their heartbeats become!

Fortunately, Zhao Rang and Qingqing always raised their luck, and their bodies were drumming, like cats walking at night, trying not to make any noise, and passed through the verandahs of the palace gates.

There was always a looming fire ahead, as if to point the way.

The two of them didn't know where it was, and in a hurry, they could only rely on instinct to move closer to the lamplight.

When I got closer, I saw that the lamp was a unique palace, with glazed tiles on the outside, which looked brilliant against the backdrop of the lights that could not be extinguished, but it did not fall into the red dust and world, and it was really like the true face of the heavenly court.

"This is the glazed pavilion dedicated to the tablets of the first emperors of the past dynasties!"

Qingqing is still more knowledgeable than Zhao Rang.

Although she has never entered Ouchi, she has recorded it openly and secretly in the Investigation Division.

This is an act of transgression, but the status of the General Building of the Investigation Division in the northern border of Dawei is transcendent, even the five princes who have military power and great military achievements do not dare to offend rashly, so no one dares to make a fuss about this matter.

In addition, the five floors of the main building of the Investigation Department perform their duties, and the files that record these are all stored in the most secret case room on the fifth floor.

"Enshrine the Tablet of the First Emperor......"

Zhao Rang repeated to himself.

"Doesn't this mean that this glazed pavilion is only guarded by eunuchs from the inner palace, and there is no one inside?"

Qingqing was shocked when she heard this:

"What do you want to do?"

Zhao Rang smiled and said:

"What else can you do! I can't tell the difference between the front road, and I can't go back to the back road, so I can only go in first to dodge! ”

Qingqing hurriedly grabbed Zhao Rang and said:

"Let's break into the Forbidden Palace at night, it's already a crime to play with death. disturbed the peace of the emperor, and ranked first among the top ten disrespectful! ”

Zhao Rang looked at Qingqing with a strange expression when he heard this.

I thought that this girl could not even want the reputation of the girl's family for the sake of the investigation department and Dawei, and committed herself to the Ivy Garden. How did it come to such a critical juncture, but I couldn't afford to put it down, and my mind was full of pedancy!

"Your brain stinks in the Investigation Division, I don't! Everyone is dead, what else? Again...... One crime, if you are caught, it is to rob the family and exterminate the family, and two crimes are not the same? Everyone has a head and a family, and his emperor can still kill me twice? ”

As a child of a family, Zhao Rang didn't take imperial power seriously. As for what Qingqing said just now, he didn't know any of them......

Fortunately, Qingqing is not a complete iron pimple, and what Zhao Rang said is not rough.

Anyway, it's already a capital crime, so what if you add one more?

On the contrary, if you can really avoid the pursuers and find a chance to escape, that is a clean and thorough solution.

Qingqing didn't say more, she knew that time was tight at the moment, and she couldn't afford to hesitate any longer.

Like ghosts, the two of them quietly approached the glazed pavilion.

The door of the glazed pavilion is closed, and the stone lions on both sides are solemn and mysterious, guarding everything here.

Zhao Rang and Qingqing glanced at each other, and they both saw a trace of determination in each other's eyes.

Zhao Rang took a deep breath and stretched out his hand to gently push open the door of the Liuli Pavilion.

The sound of the doorway spinning was particularly harsh in the silence of the night.

There was silence in the Glass Pavilion, only the faint lights were beating, leading the way for these two uninvited guests.

The two of them cautiously stepped into the Liuli Pavilion, for fear of disturbing the peace here.

The furnishings in the pavilion are simple and solemn, and the incense table enshrines the tablets of the emperors of the past dynasties, and each tablet represents a period of former glory.

Qingqing couldn't help but sigh softly:

"If these emperors knew that their tablets were disturbed by our two thieves, I am afraid they would be so angry that they jumped out of the coffin!"

Zhao Rang pouted disapprenantly:

"People are dead, how can there be so much exquisiteness. Besides, we were forced to borrow a place to hide. ”

Qingqing glanced at him, but he didn't say anything more.

The two walked around the incense case and found that there was no other place to hide in the glazed pavilion except for these tablets and the incense case.

Qingqing couldn't help but be a little anxious:

"How's that for good? Difficult"

Zhao Rang's eyes suddenly lit up, and he pointed to the back of the incense case and said:

"Look there!"

Zhao Rang and Qingqing pressed against the wall and cautiously walked into the secret room behind the half-open door.

It was pitch black in the chamber, with only a glimmer of light filtering through the crack in the door, barely making it possible to see the surroundings.

Zhao Rang reached out and groped around the wall, trying to find something to lean on.

The finger touched the cold stone wall, and it went all the way up the stone wall, and finally came to rest on a raised stone block.

He was overjoyed, and pressed down the stone, only to hear a soft "click", and one side of the wall in the chamber slowly moved, revealing a narrow passage.

Qingqing looked at all this in surprise, but she didn't expect that there was a cave in this secret room.

Zhao Rang beckoned to her and motioned for her to follow.

The two of them followed the passage all the way, and soon came to a more secluded place.

It was a small stone chamber with room for only two or three people to hide.

There is a stone table and two stone benches in the stone room, and nothing else.

For Zhao Rang and Qingqing at this moment, this is enough.

I don't know how long it took, but there was finally a chaotic sound of footsteps and shouts outside, apparently the pursuers had already chased here.

Zhao Rang and Qingqing both held their breath, for fear of being discovered by people outside. The sound of their heartbeats was particularly clear and powerful in the silence of the chamber.

Fortunately, the pursuers did not stay in the Liuli Pavilion for too long.

They didn't break in, but simply searched the perimeter, found nothing out of the ordinary, and left.

Listening to the footsteps outside gradually disappearing, Zhao Rang and Qingqing breathed a sigh of relief.

"What's next?"

Qingqing looked at Zhao Rang and asked.

"You can't just hide here all the time, can you?"

Zhao Rang thought for a while and said:

"There must be people searching outside now, and we have to wait until dawn to find a way to leave."

The night finally began to tear apart.

A ray of sunlight as thin as a ribbon of sunlight sprinkled from the clouds, skillfully through the cracks in the stone chamber, mottled on the faces of Zhao Rang and Qingqing.

This subtle warmth is like hope in the morning light.

The two followed the same path and quietly returned to the Liuli Pavilion from the secret passage.

Zhao Rang took a deep breath, used his strength, and gently pushed the door open.

Outside the door, the world seemed to be quiet again, except for the gentle murmur of the morning breeze.

The two quickly turned into the deep backyard of a palace on the side.

It's so quiet that it seems to be isolated from the rest of the world, except for the occasional rustle of the wind passing through the treetops.

Zhao Rang glanced around, and finally froze on a quaint pavilion.

He gently pulled Qingqing's sleeve, and the two of them quickly climbed to the top of the pavilion like civets.

Zhao Rang and Qingqing, who were startled by a whistle, tightened their hearts, jumped off the top of the pavilion in an instant, and lightly hid in the dense flowers.

Several guards hurried past their hiding place, and the sound of iron armor colliding was particularly harsh in the early morning air.

When the guards were gone, Zhao Rang and Qingqing dared to poke their heads out.

It's a pity that their luck doesn't always seem to be so good...... When the two finally came to the city wall, the towering wall was like an impassable mountain, stretching in front of them.

Zhao Rang looked up, and couldn't help but feel a chill in his heart.

The walls were far higher than they could reach.

At this moment of despair, Qingqing found an old locust tree by the city wall.

Halfway up the climb, Zhao Rang used the treetops to borrow his strength to maximize the strength of his whole body, and then jumped out violently and rushed towards the top of the high city wall.

But the walls were far higher than they could have imagined...... At the moment when they were about to fall, Zhao Rang suddenly stretched out his arm, firmly grasped a prominent stone brick on the city wall, pulled hard, and his whole body turned up with the help of force, and finally landed firmly on the city wall.

With the help of Zhao Rang's pull, Qingqing also successfully jumped onto the city wall.

As soon as he gained a foothold, the noise below came like a tidal wave.

A motorcade of wagons quickly approached, enclosing the area beneath the city walls, with the mark of the Investigation Division hanging on it.

"Quick! Get in! ”

Zhao Rang said to Qingqing.

Without time to hesitate, he quickly jumped off the wall and landed lightly on the nearest carriage.

But as soon as they entered the carriage, they immediately smelled a pungent smell of gunpowder!

Zhao Rang took a closer look, only to see that the carriage was full of thunder and fire bombs!

The five dead men were staring at them coldly, their torches glaring in the dimly lit carriage.

"You'd better not have any thoughts of resisting."

A dead man said coldly.

"As long as you dare to move, we will immediately ignite these thunder bombs, and everyone will die together!"

Zhao Rang and Qingqing didn't expect that they would fall into such a dangerous situation...... Forced by the situation, he could only remain motionless.

The carriage galloped through the palace gates in the morning light, and finally came to a stop outside a secluded back door.

This is the residence of the Three Princes.

Zhao Rang and Qingqing were shocked, they didn't expect these dead soldiers to bring them here!

They were escorted by the dead into the deep and solemn mansion.

Every step is like stepping on the tip of a knife, full of fear of the unknown.

This mansion is like a huge demon cave, devouring their courage and hope.

Zhao Rang and Qingqing were taken into a spacious hall.

The furnishings here are luxurious, but there is an air of solemnity.

In the center of the hall, there is a huge Taishi chair.

On the chair sat a middle-aged man dressed in brocade clothes, his eyes were as sharp as an eagle's falcon, staring at Zhao Rang and Qingqing tightly.

"What a skill, I was able to escape from the Great Inner Forbidden Palace."

The third prince said with a smile, looking extremely kind, like an ordinary big brother next door.

Zhao Rang was no longer surprised by such a look and words, and was even a little tired of coping......

"Isn't this thanks to His Royal Highness the Third Prince!"

The third prince smiled, and he didn't care about Zhao Rang's attitude. Instead, he waved his hand and asked the maids on the left and right to bring two chairs, and invited Zhao Rang and Qingqing to sit down.

A small table was also placed between them, and the oolong tea with twice the aroma was brewed.

"Zhao Gongzi, we are not considered to be a living person. When the fifth brother went to your house to practice knives, I sent him. ”

The fifth brother in the mouth of the third prince is the fifth prince who has military power and outstanding military achievements.

He and the third prince are compatriots of the same mother, and the age difference is only two years, and the relationship is very good.

But after he took over the military power, he gradually became estranged from his own brother who was the same father and mother, and even above the court, there was a bit of-for-tat.

The Zhao family, where Zhao Rang is located, cultivates martial arts and swords, and is closer to the five princes.

At present, since the third prince wants to get into the relationship, it is the fact that the fifth prince practiced the knife back then, which only makes him a little unable to see through what he wants to do.

The third prince smiled slightly, took a sip of oolong tea, the aroma echoed in his mouth, but his eyes were as sharp as an eagle's falcon, looking directly at Zhao Rang.

"Zhao Gongzi, you are a smart person, you should know my current situation."

He spoke slowly, with an unmistakable majesty in his voice.

"The fifth brother holds military power in his hands, has great military achievements, and is deeply favored by his father. And I, with only a group of talkative civil officials around me, are weak and difficult to compete with. ”

Zhao Rang's heart moved, and he naturally understood the meaning of the words of the third prince.

The great national policy is to establish the virtuous but not to grow up, and the battle for succession has always been cruel and fierce.

Although the third prince is the elder brother, without strong support, it is undoubtedly difficult to ascend to the throne.

"Your Royal Highness the Third Prince, what do you mean ......"

Zhao Rang asked tentatively.

"I need the support of the Simon family."

The third prince said bluntly.

"The Simon family has been in business for generations, with countless wealth and connections. If I can get their full support, I will have the capital to compete with my fifth brother. ”

Zhao Rang was silent for a moment, but there were turbulent waves in his heart.

He naturally knew the strength and influence of the Simon family, but he also knew that it would not be easy to convince them to support the three princes.

What's more, although he and Ximen Dazhuang are close friends, how much role can friendship play in such a major event?

"His Royal Highness the Third Prince, I'm afraid I can't do anything about the affairs of the Ximen family."

Zhao Rang said with a wry smile.

"Although I am friends with Simon Dazhuang, I am afraid that he will not listen to me in such a major matter."

"I know."

The third prince said with a smile.

"So I didn't ask you to convince the Simon family, but I wanted you to help me pass on a message."

"Passing the word?"

Zhao Rang was stunned for a moment, and looked at the third prince with some confusion.

"Yes, pass the word."

The third prince nodded, and his expression became solemn.

"Tell Simon Da Zhuang, and say that I am willing to make a deal with him."

"What deal?"

Zhao Rang asked curiously.

"Didn't the Simon family always want the right to transport the three northern states?"

The third prince said slowly.

"As long as they are willing to support me, after I ascend the throne, I will hand over the power of Cao Yun in the three northern states to them."

Zhao Rang's heart moved, this is a great temptation.

The three northern states are located on the northern border of Dawei and border with the Western Regions, which is an important defense line of Dawei.

The power of Cao Yun controls the economic lifeline of the three northern states, and has always been strictly controlled by the imperial court.

Although the Ximen family is rich, they have not been able to get their hands on the transportation rights of the three northern states, which is undoubtedly a big regret for them.

Now that the third prince is willing to come up with such a bargaining chip to trade with the Simon family, it can be seen that his determination is great!

"Your Royal Highness the Third Prince, this deal is indeed very tempting."

Zhao Rang said after pondering for a moment.

"But whether the Simon family is willing to accept it or not, is not up to me."

"I understand."

The third prince nodded and said.

"You just need to bring my words, and leave the rest to Simon Dazhuang to consider."

Zhao Rang took a deep breath and nodded solemnly.

"His Royal Highness the Third Prince, I will bring your words."

The third prince smiled slightly, and did not seem surprised by Zhao Rang's reply.

"Very good, Zhao Gongzi, I believe you will make a wise choice."

He paused, then continued:

"As for you and the Qingqing girl's trespass in the Forbidden Palace, I will also cover up the past for you. After all, you are also out of the righteousness of your family and country, and you will make a small mistake in a hurry! ”

Trespassing on the forbidden palace is a big crime, and if someone makes a fuss, even the Investigation Department will be unable to protect them.

And now, with the words of the three princes, they can at least not worry about this problem for the time being.

"Thank you, Your Royal Highness the Third Prince."

Zhao Rang arched his hand and said.

"Don't thank me, I'm selfish too."

The third prince said lightly.

"Zhao Gongzi, you should also understand what I mean."

Zhao Rang's heart moved, and he naturally understood the meaning of the words of the third prince.

Although the three princes promised to cover up the trespass on the forbidden palace for them, there were also conditions.

It's a deal, and it's a bet.

The bet is on the future fate of the Zhao family and whether the three princes can succeed in winning the heir.

Zhao Rang was silent for a moment.

He knew what this decision meant for the Zhao family.

Once the three princes are chosen, it is equivalent to being the enemy of the five princes.

The five princes held military power and made great achievements, and were deeply favored by the emperor. But his character is too high-flying and domineering, and he offends too many people, and sooner or later he will encounter misfortune.

And the relationship between the Zhao family and the five princes has always been very delicate.

Although the fifth prince was quite polite to the Zhao family, Zhao Rang clearly knew that it was only because the strength and influence of the Zhao family were not enough to make him jealous.

Once the Zhao family chooses the three princes, the five princes will definitely deal with them mercilessly. At that time, whether the Zhao family can withstand the wrath of the five princes will become an unknown.

It's a dilemma, and there are risks in either side.

"Your Royal Highness, Third Prince, I will bring your words back to my family."

Zhao Rang finally said.

"I believe that the Zhao family will make the most correct decision."

These families, all of whom are smart people, must be able to understand the stakes.

"Zhao Gongzi, then I'll wait for good news!"

The third prince stood up as he spoke, walked up to Zhao Rang and Qingqing, patted him on the shoulder very generously, and then pointed to the ground and said:

"Don't worry, as long as the Zhao family is on this side, I guarantee that you will be fine, and in the future, there will only be two families in the entire northern border!"