Prime Minister Li Shenglin's mansion is no less magnificent and solemn than the imperial palace.

The towering vermilion gates are engraved with delicate patterns, the pavilions and pavilions in the palace are scattered, and the corridors are twists and turns, each revealing unparalleled dignity and power.

At this moment, Li Shenglin was sitting next to a delicate small table in the side hall, holding a jade pendant that had just been sent in his hand.

"What trick is this Zhao Rang playing?"

He whispered to himself, his voice echoing through the study, and it was very clear.

The door of the side hall was gently pushed open, and a middle-aged man in green clothes walked in.

His steps were light, as if he had not even been disturbed by the dust on the ground.

This person is Li Shenglin's cronies, and he is also his think tank-Mo Yuanming.

Mo Yuanming was born in a family of cloth clothes in a remote town. He is gifted, has shown extraordinary intelligence since he was a child, has read many books in the world, and his understanding of the art of war and history has reached the pinnacle.

However, his poor family could not support him to continue his studies, so in order to pursue that boundless knowledge, he resolutely left home and embarked on a long road to find his own opportunities.

One day, Mo Yuanming met a fallen official in the rivers and lakes. He came to the rescue, never thinking that this official would have an indissoluble bond with Li Shenglin.

In order to thank him for saving his life, the official introduced Mo Yuanming to Li Shenglin's disciples.

Li Shenglin is an important minister in the court, he saw that Mo Yuan was bright and magnificent, and his wisdom was like the sea, so he accepted him as a diner, and in the future, he was entrusted with important tasks and became his indispensable think tank.

In Li Shenglin's mansion, Mo Yuanming was like a fish in water, and his intelligence was fully developed.

He gave advice to Li Shenglin, strategized and won thousands of miles away.

Whenever the government was turbulent, he always pointed out the direction for Li Shenglin and resolved the crisis with a cool mind and keen insight, so his reputation was in full swing in the court, and he was known as "the first think tank of the Li Mansion".

"My lord, you summoned you late at night, I don't know what is important?"

Mo Yuanming's voice was calm and gentle, but there was a hint of curiosity in his eyes.

Li Shenglin handed the jade pendant in his hand to Mo Yuanming, and said lightly:

"This is sent by Zhao Rang, what do you think?"

There was a hint of depth in his gaze.

Mo Yuanming took the jade pendant and looked at it carefully.

He found that this jade pendant was not an ordinary thing, and it was carved with intricate moire patterns and dragon and phoenix patterns, implying great power and status:

"This jade pendant is not trivial, Zhao Rang's move is probably not a simple gesture of goodwill. He's reminding us that he already knows our plans, and he's testing our reaction. ”

Li Shenglin nodded, his eyes showing appreciation:

"Your opinion agrees with mine. Zhao Rang, this kid is really not easy to match, he is telling us that he has noticed our movements, and he has a plan to deal with it. ”

After a pause, he continued:

"We have to be careful not to let him disrupt our plans."

Mo Yuanming pondered for a moment, then asked:

"My lord, how do we respond?"

Li Shenglin stood up, walked to the window, looked at the night outside and said:

"Now that Zhao Rang already knows our plan, we can't hide it anymore. We need to step up the pace of action and make sure everything is ready before the Spring Festival Feast. ”

Mo Yuanming bowed slightly and said:

"Your Excellency is wise. But does Zhao's move mean he already has allies? ”

Li Shenglin turned around and looked directly at Mo Yuanming:

"Yuanming, you and I have worked together for many years, and you should know that every step of this power game is crucial. Zhao Rang's hand is undoubtedly telling us that he is not as simple as we imagined, and we must find out the forces behind him one by one! ”

Mo Yuanming nodded, and there was a hint of solemnity in his eyes:

"My lord Zhao Rang's move is undoubtedly showing us his strength. The fact that he was able to learn of our plans so quickly is indicative of the breadth of his intelligence network. And he dares to show us this openly, proving that he is confident enough or that he already has a complete backhand. ”

His analysis of Zhao Rang was in-depth and accurate, and he seemed to have seen through the other party's heart.

Li Shenglin pondered for a moment and then said slowly:

"Do you remember why we laid out this game in the first place? The struggle for the throne has always been brutal. We can't let any accidents disrupt our plans, and although Zhao Rang's appearance was unexpected to us, it was also reasonable. His presence may be a pawn in our plans. ”

Mo Yuanming smiled slightly, with a bit of confidence in his smile:

"My lord, although Zhao Rang is smart, he is young after all. He probably didn't realize how complex this game could be, far more than he could have imagined. We can use his self-confidence and make him a sword in our hands. ”

Li Shenglin's heart was touched by Mo Yuanming's words:

"Yuanming, what are your plans?"

Mo Yuanming walked to the desk, picked up a pen, and sketched a complex network diagram on paper.

His voice was low and powerful, and he began to explain his plan in detail to Li Shenglin:

"Your Excellency, first of all, we need to identify Zhao Rang's allies. This jade pendant can be seen as a signal that Zhao Rang is telling us that he is not alone. On the network diagram, we can assume that Zhao Rang's allies may be any powerful figure such as the Seven Princes, the Investigation Division, or the generals. ”

As he spoke, Yuan Ming marked a few nodes on the network map, representing Zhao Rang's possible allies.

Li Shenglin nodded, his eyes revealing a hint of approval: "Go on." ”

He was very satisfied with Mo Yuanming's analysis.

"Secondly, we need to strengthen our internal defenses before the Spring Festival Feast."

Mo Yuanming marked several key points on the network diagram.

'Here and here are our weak points and we need to strengthen our defence. At the same time, we have to be prepared for a possible assassination or coup d'état, which I will personally arrange to ensure that every link is tight. ”

Li Shenglin pondered for a moment, and then said slowly:

"Yuanming, you have thought it through. But we also need to be aware that Zhao Rang may use this opportunity to test our reactions, and never let him see our nervousness. ”

Mo Yuanming said with confidence:

"Your Excellency, that's exactly what I'm going to say next. We can use Zhao Rang's actions to confuse him, such as ...... We can deliberately create some chaos at the night banquet to make Zhao Rang and his allies mistakenly believe that there is a split or a hole in us. This way they may take the opportunity to take action and expose their true intentions. ”

"Of course, this chaos has to be orchestrated by us, and we can't let the situation get out of hand. We can arrange some of our people at the dinner party and play a key role in the chaos, but at the same time they will follow our command and make sure everything is under our control. ”

Li Shenglin listened to Mo Yuanming's plan, and Lao Cheng said solemnly:

"Your plan can not only confuse Zhao Rang and the Seventh Prince, but also protect the emperor, it is really a double win! But how do you make sure that this chaos works for us instead of letting it spiral out of control? ”

He was full of anticipation for Mo Yuanming's plan, but at the same time, he was worried about the possible risks.

Mo Yuanming smiled slightly, and his smile revealed a hint of cunning and confidence:

"My lord, chaos is necessary, but the key is how we control it. We can secretly set everything up before the dinner to make sure everything goes according to our plan. At the same time, we will also arrange some shrewd details to observe the movements of Zhao Rang and the Seven Princes in the chaos and report to us in a timely manner, so that we can grasp the changes in the situation at any time and make corresponding adjustments. ”

Li Shenglin listened to Mo Yuanming's explanation, and finally put his mind at ease:

"It's a brilliant plan!"

Li Shenglin stood up, walked to the window, looked at the night outside, calmed down, and said:

"Yuanming, you know, I've always had a dream. That is to make the country stronger, to sweep away the rebellion in the south as soon as possible, and to reunite the great power. But to do that, you need to sit in that position. ”

"I know, sir."

Mo Yuanming responded softly, he walked to Li Shenglin's side, and also looked at the night outside the window.

"Your dreams are also my dreams. The country needs a wise monarch to lead it to glory. And you're the right person. ”

Li Shenglin turned his head to look at Mo Yuanming, his eyes were full of determination:

"With you by my side, I feel more confident. We have to win, not just for our own sake, but for the future of this country. ”

Mo Yuanming nodded, and a firm expression appeared on his face:

"My lord, I will do my best to help you ascend to the throne!"

Mo Yuanming left Li Shenglin's mansion.

The night was like ink, and the cold wind was howling.

But the wise man's steps were unusually firm, and there was an invisible force in his heart that supported him.

He knew that he had an extremely important mission, and every step was like walking on the tip of a knife, and the slightest mistake would lead to a catastrophe from which he could never recover.

But his eyes revealed a firmness and resoluteness, as if he had already put life and death aside.

Mo Yuanming came to the Nangong family's mansion in the imperial city.

Knocked lightly on the door of Nangong's house, the door slowly opened, and a guard dressed in black came into view.

Seeing that it was Mo Yuanming, the guard asked respectfully:

"Mr. Mo, I came to visit late at night, I don't know what is important?"

Mo Yuanming smiled slightly, and said calmly:

"Please report it, just say that I have something important to ask to see the head of the Nangong family."

His voice was calm and powerful, with an irresistible gravitational pull.

The guard nodded, turned and walked into the house.

After a while, he came back and said to Mo Yuanming:

"Mr. Mo, the head of the family is invited."

With that, he turned sideways and made way for a passage.

Mo Yuanming followed him into Nangong's house, walked through the courtyard, and came to a quiet study.

Seeing Mo Yuanming come in, Nangong Jian put down the book in his hand, a smile appeared on his face, and said:

"Mr. Mo, if you come to visit late at night, there must be something important. I don't know what to say? ”

Mo Yuanming didn't talk nonsense, and went straight to the point:

"Nangong family master, I can't hide it, I came here this time for Lord Li Shenglin's affairs."

He took a deep breath and continued:

"Lord Li intends to take action at the Spring Festival Night Banquet, but this matter is very important and needs the support of the head of the Nangong family."

Nangong Jian did not answer immediately, but fell into deep thought.

He knew better than anyone else the situation in the DPRK and China, and he had long been aware of Li Shenglin's ambitions.

But at this juncture, any move can lead to a huge change.

Mo Yuan saw that Nangong Jian was silent, and he was also apprehensive in his heart.

Your next words will determine the success or failure of the whole plan.

"Nangong family master, you should know that the emperor is very old today, and the princes have not yet been able to take charge on their own. The forces in the DPRK and China are intricately intertwined, and the major factions are secretly wrestling. Master Li has always been loyal and has made great efforts for the prosperity of Dawei. I think that only by letting capable people sit on the throne can we lead Dawei to a more brilliant future. ”

As soon as he finished speaking, there was silence in the study.

Nangong Jian frowned, as if he was weighing the pros and cons.

Mo Yuan knew that he had to give a sufficient reason to convince the head of the first family of the rivers and lakes.

"Master Nangong, you also know that Master Li is not a person without a target. Since he intends to take action at the Spring Festival Night Banquet, he must have had a careful plan and all preparations. And if you, as the Banner of the Green Forest, can support Lord Li's plan, then the chances of success will be greatly increased. Once successful, Master Li will control the power of the court, and in the rivers and lakes, it will definitely be the Nangong family! ”

Nangong Jian fell into deep thought after listening to Mo Yuanming's words.

He knew that what Mo Yuanming said was the truth, but he also knew how risky this matter was.

Once he fails, not only will Li Shenglin be ruined and beheaded, but even the Nangong family may be implicated and suffer a catastrophe.

But on the contrary, if it succeeds, then the Nangong family will become one of the most prominent families in the court, and it can even influence the pattern of the entire world.

This was a decision to gamble on the fate of the family, and Nangong Jian had to think about it carefully.

He raised his head and looked at Mo Yuanming, and said slowly:

"Mr. Mo, I understand what you said. But this matter is related to the future and fate of the Nangong family, and I can't answer you so quickly. ”

Mo Yuanming nodded in understanding:

"It's nature. Nangong family master, you can think about it slowly. But time waits for no one, and the Spring Festival Banquet is coming, so we must make a decision as soon as possible. ”

The words have come to this, and the next thing can only be seen how Nangong Jian chooses.

Nangong Jian took a deep breath, his eyes became sharp, and he said in a deep voice:

"Mr. Mo, can you tell me what Li Shenglin relied on to dare to be so confident in this power game?"

Mo Yuanming met Nangong Jian's gaze without flinching, and he said lightly:

"The head of the Nangong family, Lord Li relies not only on his power in the court, but also on his loyalty and responsibility to Dawei and all Dawei's subjects. You also know that only true heroes can lead Dawei to glory. And you, as the head of the first family in the rivers and lakes, can't you fail to see this? ”

Nangong Jian frowned slightly, thinking about Mo Yuanming's words.

"Mr. Mo, what you said really touched my heart. However, you also know that people in the rivers and lakes pay attention to righteousness and trust. Li Shenglin may be a hero in the DPRK, but in the rivers and lakes, he may not be able to be recognized by everyone. How can I trust him? ”

Mo Yuanming smiled slightly, he seemed to have expected Nangong Jian to ask such a question, and said calmly:

"Nangong family master, trust is built on common goals and interests. Master Li is well aware of the rules in the rivers and lakes, and he also understands that only by working hand in hand with the heroes and heroes in the rivers and lakes can his vision be realized. Isn't it enough that he is willing to ally with the Nangong family and fight together for the future of the two families and Dawei? ”

Nangong Jian listened to Mo Yuanming's words, and a glimmer of light flashed in his eyes again.

If you are in a hurry, think slowly.

This was told to him by the previous head of the Nangong family, that is, Nangong Jian's father.

Although Mo Yuanming's words were beautiful, Nangong Jian knew that trust was not easy to establish.

Although the rivers and lakes are completely different from the courts, the rules and principles in them are the same.

Righteousness and trust are the cornerstones of the rivers and lakes, and above the court, these are equally important.

However, what Mo Yuanming said is not unreasonable. Li Shenglin's responsibility is indeed admirable. He is willing to work hand in hand with the heroes and heroes in the rivers and lakes to fight for the future of the two families and Dawei, and this attractive condition makes Nangong Jian see a new possibility.

At this juncture, Nangong Jian can choose to trust Li Shenglin and become an ally with him to meet the challenges of the future together. You can also choose to stay on the sidelines and wait for a better time.

But no matter what, he must make a decision as soon as possible, because time waits for no one, and the Spring Festival Banquet is coming.

Mo Yuanming coughed lightly and broke the silence:

"The head of the Nangong family, in fact, in addition to discussing major matters, I also want to ask the head of the family about some things about the people in the rivers and lakes."

Nangong Jian raised his eyebrows, and looked at Mo Yuanming with some surprise:

"Oh? Mr. Mo is also interested in people in the rivers and lakes? ”

"Hehe, the head of the Nangong family laughed. Although he is in the court, he has always admired the heroes and heroes in the rivers and lakes. For example...... The Zhao Rang from the Zhao family. ”

Mo Yuanming said with a smile, as if talking about an inconsequential topic.

Nangong Jian became vigilant in an instant, he stared at Mo Yuanming's eyes tightly, trying to see something from them:

"Mr. Mo mentioned the Zhao family and Zhao Rang, I don't know what he meant?"

Mo Yuanming pretended to be surprised and said:

"It seems that I brought a misunderstanding to the head of the Nangong family...... I don't have any other intentions, but recently I have heard some rumors about the Zhao family and Zhao Rang in the DPRK, saying how he has great powers and can influence the situation in the rivers and lakes. I was curious, so I wanted to ask the head of the Nangong family for verification. ”

Nangong Jian sneered in his heart.

He naturally wouldn't easily believe Mo Yuanming's words, but he also deliberately relaxed his vigilance and said lightly:

"Mr. Mo has also heard of Zhao Rang's name? I don't know where you heard it? ”

"Anyway, I know that the Zhao family and Zhao Rang have a transcendent status in the rivers and lakes, and I have also heard that he seems to have close contacts with some ministers and princes of the court."

Mo Yuanming pretended to be mysterious and said.

Nangong Jian secretly scolded Mo Yuanming for being cunning in his heart.

He was deliberately leading the topic to himself to test himself, so he saw the trick and said with a smile:

"I do know something about Zhao Rang, but it's all hearsay and I can't believe it."

"The head of the Nangong family is humble. Who doesn't know that the Nangong family has many eyes and ears in the rivers and lakes and is well-informed? If even the head of the Nangong family said that he didn't know, then I'm afraid no one really knew. ”

Mo Yuanming complimented.

Nangong Jian knew that Mo Yuanming was deliberately killing him, so he quickly changed the topic:

"Mr. Mo has won the prize. But then again, let's get back to the previous topic. Regarding the matter of Lord Li Shenglin, I still need to think about it. ”

Seeing that Nangong Jian didn't want to talk more about the Zhao family and Zhao Rang, Mo Yuan didn't force it, and said with a smile:

"It's easy to say, it's easy to say. The head of the Nangong family thought about it slowly, not in a hurry. There's still something to do, so I won't bother much. ”

After speaking, he stood up, arched his hand to Nangong Jian, turned around and walked out of the study.

Nangong Jian looked at Mo Yuanming's departing back and called in a low voice: "Old North."

And after Mo Yuanming walked out of Nangong's house, the corners of his mouth also hooked up a smug smile.

He deliberately mentioned the Zhao family and Zhao Rang in front of Nangong Jian, just to arouse his suspicion and vigilance.

As long as Nangong Jian starts targeting the Zhao family and Zhao Rang, then Zhao Rang may not even have the qualifications to be a chess piece.