Yuan Mingkong smiled and said:

"Brother Simon, I naturally know your courage, but this game is not a game that can be decided by brute force alone."

As he spoke, he shook his head slightly, as if he was sighing for something.

Ximen Dazhuang touched his head and smiled innocently:

"Hehe, I'm good at fighting, but I can't turn around these twists and turns. However, with you here, I am not afraid. ”

Zhao Rang chuckled and patted Ximen Da Zhuang's shoulder, looking relaxed: "

Rest assured, with us, we will not let you suffer. This game, although complicated, is not unprepared. ”

Yuan Mingkong looked at the two, and a warm current surged in his heart.

With such a friend by his side, he has infinite courage and confidence.

He picked up the teacup on the table, replaced the wine with tea, and said solemnly:

"Come, the three of us will drink this cup with tea instead of wine. May we work together to tide over this difficult time. ”

Zhao Rang and Ximen Dazhuang also picked up the teacups, and the three of them touched them lightly, and then drank them all.

The aroma of tea reverberates in the mouth, with a fresh breath that goes straight to the heart.

At this moment, their hearts seemed to be more closely connected, forming an indestructible force.

Putting down the teacup, Yuan Mingkong said:

"Alright, let's get down to business. Brother Zhao, do you have any plans about the ownership of these six jade pendants? ”

Zhao Rang pondered slightly, and then said:

"Your Highness, I already have a preliminary idea of this matter. However, before I do that, I would like to know about the situation of the other families and the intentions of His Highness. ”

Yuan Mingkong nodded and said:

"It's nature. I will ask Wei Shihan to sort out the relevant information for you. As for the intention of my heart......"

He paused, looking out the window with a far-reaching gaze.

"I hope that these six jade pendants can fall into the hands of those really influential and powerful families or forces."

Yuan Mingkong finally spoke, and his voice revealed a firmness and determination.

"These families or forces must be loyal to the royal family and have the ability to support the royal family at critical moments."

He turned his head, looked at Zhao Rang and Ximen Dazhuang, and continued:

"Of course, the ownership of these six jade pendants cannot be completely decided by us. After all, this is a game, and all forces will make moves. What we need to do is to adapt to the situation and make the situation move in our favor. ”

After Zhao Rang heard this, a look of appreciation flashed in his eyes.

He nodded and said:

"What Your Highness said is very true. Only by letting these six jade pendants fall into the hands of the right people can they play their greatest role. And how to do this, we need to plan carefully and cleverly layout. ”

Although Ximen Dazhuang didn't seem to understand it, he also felt the tension and excitement of this game.

clenched his fists and said with a firm face:

"Rest assured, whatever needs me to do, I will do my best to get it done."

Yuan Mingkong nodded with satisfaction and said:

"That's very good. Brother Zhao, it's getting late today, so go back and rest first. Early tomorrow morning, I will ask Wei Shihan to deliver the information to you. ”

As the night darkens, the lights of the palace are gradually extinguished. But the flames in the hearts of Yuan Mingkong, Zhao Rang and Ximen Dazhuang became more and more vigorous.

On the second day, the morning sunlight gently pours into the house like golden threads through the cracks in the curtains, rendering the calm air into a warm golden yellow.

Zhao Rang and Ximen Dazhuang had already gotten up, and after some washing, they sat quietly at the table, waiting for Wei Shihan's arrival.

In the teacups on the table, a faint white mist rises from the hot tea, which complements the sunlight outside the window, creating a peaceful and mysterious atmosphere.

Zhao Rang's eyes were as deep as the sea, thinking about the coming storm.

Simon Dazhuang, on the other hand, seemed to be a little restless, rubbing the edge of the teacup from time to time, as if trying to calm his inner anxiety in this way.

Finally, there was a long-awaited knock at the door.

Zhao Rang got up to open the door, only to see Wei Shihan standing outside the door, holding a delicate wooden box in her hand, and the sun sprinkled on her body, as if she was draped in a layer of golden veil.

"Zhao Gongzi, Ximen Gongzi, I've been waiting for a long time."

Wei Shihan's voice is crisp and pleasant, like a birdsong in the morning,

"This is the information that His Highness asked me to hand over to the two of you."

Zhao Rang took the wooden box and opened it carefully, and a faint scent of ink came to his nose.

I saw a fine scroll of silk and some scattered notes lying inside, on which dense handwriting recorded the secrets of the major families and the strategies of the royal family.

Zhao Rang's eyes shuttled between the lines, carefully studying word by word, as if he wanted to engrave every detail into his heart.

Although Ximen Dazhuang was not very sensitive to words, he was also infected by Zhao Rang's concentration, and sat quietly on the sidelines, occasionally glancing at the content on the silk silk, but he could not fully understand the deep meaning.

Wei Shihan's gaze wandered between Zhao Rang and Ximen Dazhuang.

She knows the importance of this game, and she also understands the weight of the burden on Zhao Rang's shoulders.

Time passed slowly and nervously, and the sunlight outside the window gradually became blazing.

After reading all the information, Zhao Rang let out a long breath, as if he wanted to expel all the pressure and anxiety from his body with this breath.

"I already have a preliminary plan."

He said slowly.

"What we have to do next is what His Royal Highness the Seventh Prince said yesterday: take advantage of the situation and push the boat along the river."

Simon Dazhuang put down the teacup and came over and asked:

"What do you mean?"

Zhao Rang smiled and explained:

This means that a specific plan of action should be formulated based on intelligence and the movements of various forces. After all, we are not just as simple as giving away six jade pendants, but more importantly, we must balance the interests of all parties and resolve potential contradictions through this game. ”

Simon nodded as if he didn't understand:

"Oh...... So what does that mean? ”

"It means that we have to play chess, one step and three moves, or even ten moves."

Zhao Rang patiently explained.

"This is not only a game about jade pendants, but also a contest about people's hearts, power and interests."

Simon Dazhuang touched his head and said with some distress:

"Hey...... These...... I really don't understand. But what you say, I'll do! ”

At this time, Wei Shihan also interjected:

"Young Master Zhao, His Royal Highness attaches great importance to this game. He wants you to come up with a perfect plan to give the royal family the initiative in this game. ”

Zhao Rang nodded, and said:

"First of all, we need to determine which families or forces are truly influential, powerful, and loyal to the royal family. Then, we have to use various means to let these six jade pendants finally fall into their hands. ”?

"It sounds like a no-brainer."

Simon Da Zhuang said disapprerovingly.

Zhao Rang said with a smile:

"It's easy to say, but it's hard to do. Because in this game, we have to face not only other families and forces, but also competition and strife within the royal family. ”

Speaking of this, a gleam flashed in Zhao Rang's eyes:

"To succeed, we need to do three things: first, we need to have accurate intelligence and judgment; Second, it is necessary to have flexible strategies and means; The third and most important point is to have absolute strength and determination! ”

Ximen Dazhuang and Wei Shihan both fell into deep thought after hearing this, they knew that every point that Zhao Rang said was not easy to do.

"First of all, intelligence is our eyes and ears."

Zhao Rang continued.

"We have to understand the movements of each family, their strengths, their alliances, and even their weaknesses. Only in this way can we get ahead of the curve in this game. ”

Although Ximen Dazhuang didn't understand these complicated strategies, he knew that Zhao Rang's words must be right.

Wei Shihan carefully recorded every point of Zhao Rang.

"Secondly, strategies and means."

Zhao Rang's fingers lightly tapped the tabletop, as if beating an invisible war drum,

"We want to be like water, able to adapt to any shape of container. In this game, we may need alliances, we may need confrontation, we may even need sacrifice. But whatever means we take, there is only one goal, and that is to ensure that the jade pendant falls into the hands of a family loyal to the royal family. ”

"Finally, strength and determination."

Zhao Rang's voice suddenly raised a few points.

"We can't afford to hesitate and be weak, we have to show what we're capable of. Let all our opponents know that we are not easy to match. At the same time, no matter what difficulties we encounter, we must not waver in the slightest! ”

Coincidentally, when Wei Shihan left the courtyard, he ran into Qingqing walking in.

Pretty girls can either be great friends, or they are naturally hostile to each other.

Qingqing Tie blushed, walked up to Zhao Rang, unceremoniously took the tea that Zhao Rang had not drunk, and drank most of it in one go, as if he was swearing an inexplicable sovereignty.

"I remember you didn't like tea."

Zhao Rang said.

"Of course you don't know that I love tea, where do I have the opportunity to drink tea?"

Qingqing put the teacup on the table, and there were two more cracks on the teacup.

This set of tea sets was brought by Ximen Da Zhuang, produced in the official kiln of the previous dynasty, and each piece can be called a treasure in porcelain.

This set of tea sets is made of the most precious porcelain clay and unique glaze of the previous dynasty, and is carefully polished through multiple processes. Its glaze is smooth as a mirror, the color is warm and moist as jade, the feel is delicate and silky, and every detail is handled just right, whether it is the shape or the pattern, it is full of dignity and elegance.

Even people like Ximen Dazhuang, who never feel sorry for things, twitched the corners of his mouth.

But he also knew Qingqing's mood at this time, so he could only sigh helplessly.

"I kind of like this cup......"

Zhao Rang said regretfully.

Qingqing sneered and said:

"Hehe, what's not to like about you? See one like one! ”

Zhao Rang was a little angry after being blocked.

raised his head and stared at Qingqing, and asked word by word:

"Is there anything wrong with you?"

Qingqing was taken aback by Zhao Rang's sudden change in tone.

As soon as he opened his mouth, before he could say anything, he heard Zhao Rang continue:

"Get out if you're fine! In addition, this cup is 3,000 taels each, if you don't pay for it, I'll go to check the head office of the department to ask for an account! ”

Qingqing was stunned by Zhao Rang's words, she didn't expect Zhao Rang to speak to her so decisively.

At this moment, Zhao Rang was like an iceberg, exuding a cold aura that made her shiver involuntarily.

She was indeed in trouble, but she found herself speechless, and she didn't know why she suddenly became so out of shape, let alone why she said those words.

She just felt a nameless anger burning in her heart, and she couldn't control herself.

Taking a deep breath, Qingqing tried to calm her emotions. She knew that she couldn't continue to make trouble here, and now that this mood was not suitable for any more serious things, she turned around and prepared to leave.

"Wait, settle the bill and go."

Qingqing's footsteps paused, she turned her head and looked at Zhao Rang in disbelief.

She didn't expect that Zhao Rang would really bother with her for a cup.

"You...... Do you really want me to pay for it? ”

"Of course."

Zhao Rang's tone was still cold.

Qingqing gritted her teeth, took out three silver tickets from her arms, and threw them on the table.

"This is three thousand taels, you take it!"

After speaking, she left the room without looking back, leaving only Zhao Rang and Ximen Dazhuang looking at each other.

Ximen Dazhuang looked at the silver ticket on the table and the teacup that had been broken, and then looked at Zhao Rang, not knowing what to say.

Zhao Rang took a deep breath and closed his eyes, as if he was calming his emotions.

After a long while, he slowly opened his eyes, looked at the silver ticket on the table, and sighed softly.

"Brother Jean, you ......"

Ximen Dazhuang just wanted to speak, but was interrupted by Zhao Rang.

"I'm fine."

Zhao Rang shook his head and put away the silver ticket.

"It's just a little emotional."

He paused, then continued:

"In this world, there are some things that we can't control. Such as people's hearts, such as feelings. But there are some things that we must insist on. Such as principles, such as the bottom line. ”

Ximen Dazhuang nodded as if he didn't understand, although he didn't fully understand Zhao Rang's words, but he knew that Zhao Rang must have his own thoughts and plans.

At this moment, there was another knock on the door, but it was Qingqing who went and returned.

"What are you doing again?"

Zhao Rang's tone was still cold, as if he was not surprised by Qingqing's departure and return.

Qingqing stood at the door, biting her lip, as if she was a little embarrassed.

But in the end, she still spoke:

"I just ...... There was a bit of a gaffe. I'm sorry. ”

Her voice was low, but every word was audible.

Zhao Rang looked at Qingqing, and a complicated light flashed in his eyes.

He didn't expect Qingqing to come back to apologize, and he didn't expect her to be so low-voiced.

You know, when did Qingqing bow her head to others?

But at this moment, she is like a child who has done something wrong, standing at the door, waiting for the adult's forgiveness.

The anger in Zhao Rang's heart had long since dissipated, replaced by an inexplicable tenderness.

He sighed and whispered:

"Why do you have to do that? I know you didn't mean to. ”

A gleam of gratitude flashed in Qingqing's eyes, and she walked quickly in front of Zhao Rang and whispered:

"I know I'm causing you trouble."

Zhao Rang looked at Qingqing, shook his head and said:

"You're not bothering me. It's just that...... I hope you can understand that there are some things that we can't just do. ”

Qingqing nodded and said:

"I understand...... It's just that I somehow couldn't control my emotions just now. ”

Zhao Rang looked at Qingqing, and an inexplicable impulse surged in his heart.

He reached out and gently shook Qingqing's hand.

"Qingqing, we are friends who have experienced life and death together. I hope there will be more trust and understanding between us. ”

Qingqing was taken aback by Zhao Rang's sudden move, but then a flush appeared on her face.

She lowered her head, not daring to look at Zhao Rang's eyes, but said softly:

"I ...... I hope so, too. ”

Zhao Rang smiled slightly and let go of Qingqing's hand.

"Okay, now that you've lost your money and apologized, let's get down to business. You just came to me, is there something wrong? ”

Qingqing then remembered the purpose of her coming to Zhao Rang, and she quickly took out a note from her arms and handed it to Zhao Rang.

"This is what the landlord asked me to hand over to you."

Zhao Rang took the note, unfolded it, and saw several names and some short descriptions written on it.

He glanced at it, and he already had a plan in mind.

"This is Zhang Zong's opinion and evaluation of the major families who have arrived in the imperial city and are waiting to participate in the Spring Festival Night Banquet?"

Qingqing nodded and said:

"Yes. Zhang said that although these families seem to be infinitely beautiful on the surface, they actually have their own hidden dangers and weaknesses. Although His Royal Highness the Seventh Prince has his own channels, he is definitely not as good as the background of the Investigation Division's painstaking management for many years. ”

Zhao Rang nodded, folded the paper in his hand carefully, and put it on the silver ticket that Qingqing threw on the table just now.

"Thank you for me, Lord Zhang."

He didn't wonder how the Investigation Division knew.

In the entire northern territory, especially in the Imperial City, even in the Forbidden Palace, don't think that there is anything to hide from the eyes and ears of the Investigation Division.

It's just that just now, Zhao Rang had to ask Qingqing to compensate for the teacup.

At the moment when the silver ticket fell on the table, Zhao Rang felt that the "qi" in and around the courtyard was a little lighter.

Either a pair of eyes are gone, or a pair of brighter eyes are coming!