Fifty thousand taels!

This number was like a thunderbolt, exploding over the banquet hall, shocking everyone.

Simon Dazhuang's words fell, and the entire banquet hall fell into a dead silence.

Everyone's eyes widened and they looked at Simon in disbelief, as if they were looking at a madman.

Fifty thousand taels of silver, what kind of astronomical amount is this?

Even if the entire treasury of the DPRK were emptied, it might not be possible to come up with so much silver.

Simon stood there with a calm expression, as if he had only uttered an insignificant number.

This move is not only to help himself clear his grievances, but also to stabilize the situation on the field.

With these 50,000,000 taels of silver as a bounty, those who were originally ready to move will inevitably be tempted and try to find clues, thus diverting their attention and buying precious time for themselves.

Thinking of this, Zhao Rang nodded at Ximen Da Zhuang, and said gratefully:

"Brother, thank you!"

Simon Dazhuang laughed, waved his hand and said:

"Brother Rang, what are you talking about! I can't leave your business alone! ”

With that, he turned and returned to his seat, leaving behind a shocked crowd.

The reward of 50,000 taels of silver made the atmosphere of the entire banquet hall instantly become weird.

Those who were originally dissatisfied with Zhao Rang and Yuan Mingkong had already begun to think about how to get this huge bounty at this moment.

After all, 50,000 taels of silver is enough for them to become a huge fortune in the court overnight, and from then on, they will never have to look at other people's faces to act.

And Li Shenglin and the others sat there with gloomy faces, and their teeth itched with hatred in their hearts.

They didn't expect that Ximen Dazhuang would suddenly stand up for Zhao Rang to relieve the siege, and they didn't expect that he would offer 50,000 taels of silver as a reward.

In this way, their plans were completely disrupted.

They originally wanted to take the opportunity to suppress Yuan Mingkong and Zhao Rang, but at this moment they became a laughing stock in the eyes of everyone.

Yuan Mingkong also took the opportunity to stand up and said loudly:

"Ladies and gentlemen, today's matter, this prince will definitely give you a satisfactory explanation. Now, please be calm and continue to enjoy the feast. ”

After speaking, he waved his hand, and the forbidden soldiers and imperial doctors immediately took action, began to treat the poisoned guests in an orderly manner, and blocked the entrance and exit of the banquet hall, strictly prohibiting anyone from entering or leaving.

A Spring Festival night banquet that was supposed to be full of laughter and laughter became weird and tense like this.

Who can find out the truth?

Who will be able to get this huge bounty?

As the night deepened, the lights in the banquet hall grew brighter and brighter.

There was an indescribable shadow over everyone's face, as if to hint at the inconsistencies behind the contest.

Zhao Rang sat on the seat, his face as calm as water. His gaze swept over the faces of everyone in the audience, but his heart was rapidly analyzing the ins and outs of the whole thing.

The identities of the poisoned guests varied, but without exception they all held tokens that were exactly the same as the jade pendants they had given them. This is obviously a conspiracy orchestrated by someone, the purpose of which is to involve himself and Yuan Mingkong.

And the person who can come up with so many tokens that are exactly the same as the jade pendant he gave must be either rich or expensive, and he is inextricably linked with himself.

A forbidden soldier hurriedly walked over and whispered a few words in Yuan Mingkong's ear.

Yuan Mingkong raised his eyebrows when he heard this, and then nodded, indicating that he knew. He turned to look at Zhao Rang and said in a low voice:

"Brother Zhao, there is a clue."

When Zhao Rang heard this, his spirits perked up, and he hurriedly asked:

"Your Highness, what clues?"

"The jade pendants held by those poisoned guests were engraved with a tiny mark."

Yuan Mingkong said, took out a jade pendant from his sleeve, and handed it to Zhao Rang.

"Look at this."

Zhao Rang took the jade pendant and took a closer look, and sure enough, he found that there was a tiny pattern engraved on the back of the jade pendant.

This pattern is very hidden and difficult to spot without looking closely.

"It's ......"

Zhao Rang frowned slightly and looked at this pattern.

"Is this the clue?"

"Not bad."

Yuan Mingkong nodded.

"This pattern is a unique mark of the Imperial Palace's inner library. Only jade produced in the Imperial Palace's inner treasury will have this mark on it. ”

Zhao Rang's heart moved when he heard this, he looked up at Yuan Mingkong and said:

"So, these jade pendants are all flowing out of the palace's inner treasury?"

"Exactly."

Yuan Mingkong nodded affirmatively.

"And I've found one more thing."

"What's the matter?" Zhao Rang hurriedly asked.

"These jade pendants were made three months ago."

Yuan Mingkong said this, and paused before continuing:

"At that time, it was the beginning of my father's illness."

"Three-month ......"

Zhao Rang was shocked.

"Do you mean ......?"

Yuan Mingkong nodded and didn't speak, but his eyes already said it all.

Half a year ago, when the emperor was seriously ill, the power of the court and the central government fell into the hands of Li Shenglin and others.

They could have taken the opportunity to take out these jade pendants from the palace treasury and secretly distribute them to those small guests to use as a frame.

Thinking of this, Zhao Rang couldn't help but feel a chill.

He didn't expect Li Shenglin and the others to be so frustrated, and in order to frame himself and Yuan Mingkong, they would not hesitate to sacrifice the lives of so many innocent people.

"What does Your Highness want to do?"

Zhao Rang took a deep breath and asked.

A cold light flashed in Yuan Mingkong's eyes:

"I can't tell you what to do for a while, after all, he has a great identity. But I'll make them pay their due! ”

The people around Li Shenglin suddenly pointed the finger at the son of the Tang family in Shu, Nandi, and this move was like thunder on the ground, which instantly caused an uproar in the banquet hall.

"The Tang family?"

Yuan Mingkong naturally knew the name of the Tang family in Shuzhong in the south, which was a family that walked the rivers and lakes with poisonous skills and hidden weapons, and the relationship with the court and China has always been very delicate.

He looked at Tang Yun and Tang Zhong, the two sons in the field, and saw that they were sitting there with their faces on their faces at the moment, and the crowd around them had subconsciously kept a certain distance from them.

"Everyone!"

A person beside Li Shenglin suddenly stood up and said loudly:

"Today's events are clearly deliberate. And among the people present, the one who is most likely to do such a thing is the Tang family in Nandi Shu! ”

As soon as his voice fell, a whisper suddenly sounded in the audience.

Everyone turned their eyes to Tang Yun and Tang Zhong, their eyes full of suspicion and hostility.

Seeing this, Tang Yun and Tang Zong immediately felt a burst of anger and helplessness.

They obviously had nothing to do with this matter, but they were involved in this turmoil for no reason.

Tang Yun stood up and argued:

"Although our Tang family walks the rivers and lakes with poisonous skills and secret weapons, we have always acted openly and fairly, and have never done such a thing that hurts the heavens and reason. Today's events have nothing to do with our Tang family! ”

However, his justification was not accepted by everyone.

Most of the people present were powerful people in the DPRK and China or people from the rivers and lakes, and they had "heard a little" about the reputation of the Tang family.

In their opinion, since the Tang family is famous for its poisonous skills, this poisonous banquet must be inseparable from the Tang family.

As soon as Tang Yun's words fell, a burly man with a gloomy face suddenly stood up.

This person is also one of Li Shenglin's henchmen.

He glanced at Tang Yun, and the corners of his mouth hooked up with a sneer:

"Tang Gongzi, you said it lightly. But everyone present knows that your Tang family is good at using drugs, and today's incident is not what your Tang family did, who else can there be? ”

There was an aggressive momentum in his voice, as if he was about to force Tang Yun into a desperate situation.

Tang Yun frowned slightly, and was about to open his mouth again to defend himself.

However, at this moment, a figure suddenly burst out from his side and rushed straight towards the yin owl man.

But it's Tang Zong!

Tang Zong has a fiery personality, how can he endure such insults.

He was like the wind, and in the blink of an eye, he came to the yin owl man and slammed his fist into his face.

Tang Zong's sudden attack caught everyone off guard.

The yin owl man's face also changed greatly, he didn't expect Tang Zong to dare to make a move in the palace.

He quickly backed away and waved his hand to parry.

"Bang!"

A muffled sound came, and the fists of the two slammed together, and the surrounding tables and chairs were instantly shattered.

"Quick, the forbidden army still doesn't kill the rebel?!"

The gloomy man shouted angrily.

While his body retreated, he pulled out a soft sword from his waist, and the sword light flickered, stabbing straight into Tang Zong's throat.

Tang jumped to the side and dodged the fatal blow.

A cold light flashed in his eyes, and a few more hidden weapons appeared in his hand at some point, and with a flick of his wrist, the hidden weapons shot towards the yin owl man like a torrential rain.

The yin owl man swung his sword to block, but there were still a few hidden weapons that pierced his clothes, leaving several bloody holes in his body.

"Ahh

He screamed, and the whole person flew out like a broken kite, and fell heavily to the ground.

"You dare to commit murder and hurt people in the palace, what a boldness!"

Seeing this, Li Shenglin's face suddenly changed greatly.

He didn't expect Tang Zong to dare to beat people on his turf.

What made him even more frightened was that the yin owl man had fallen to the ground at this moment, convulsing all over, and he saw that he was no longer alive.

The secret weapons of the Tang family are all fed with poison, and when they see the blood sealing their throats, there is never an antidote.

Li Shenglin stood up, pointed at Tang Zong and shouted:

"Take down this madman for me! If you dare to hurt someone in the palace, you should be punished! ”

With his order, the forbidden troops who were originally standing on the side drew their swords and surrounded Tang Zong.

Seeing this, Tang Yun hurriedly stepped forward, blocked in front of Tang Zong, and explained anxiously:

"Everyone, listen to me. My two brothers are also one of the victims, and today's incident really has nothing to do with our Tang family. Please also be aware of the situation and give us justice. ”

But his explanation was not understood by the public.

The Tang family is good at using drugs, so Tang Zong's murder and injury are also regarded as deserved.

Li Shenglin would not let go of this opportunity, he sneered and said:

"Tang Yun, you don't have to quibble. Your two brothers committed murder and wounding in the forbidden palace, the evidence is conclusive! ”

After speaking, he waved his hand again, and those forbidden troops pounced on Tang Yun and Tang Zong like wolves.

"Wait!"

At this moment, a clear voice suddenly sounded.

But it was Zhao Rang who stood up.

He looked at Li Shenglin with a torch in his eyes and said:

"Master Li, the truth of this matter has not yet been ascertained, so you are in a hurry to take people, it is a bit too hasty, right?"

Li Shenglin frowned, and a hint of gloom flashed in his eyes when he looked at Zhao Rang.

Zhao Rang stood up to speak for the Tang family, undoubtedly challenging his authority.

"Zhao Rang, you don't want to mess around here."

Li Shenglin said coldly.

"This Tang Zong is murderous and hurtful in my palace, if you dare to obstruct it again, don't blame me for taking it down with you!"

There was a threat and murderous intent in his voice, which made everyone present feel a chill.

But Zhao Rang was not afraid of him, and said calmly:

"Lord Li is so powerful! It's just that this Tang Indulgence hurts people seems to have another hidden meaning. However, it was obviously this man who insulted the Tang family first, and Tang Zong only hurt people. What is the sin of self-defense? What's more, this man is your subordinate, but he has a soft sword in the palace, what does this mean? Isn't it trying to do wrong? ”

Zhao Rang pointed out the doubts in a few words, which made Li Shenglin speechless for a while.

Zhao Rang found the point of counterattack so quickly, which caught him a little off guard.

"You...... You don't want to spew blood! ”

Li Shenglin said angrily.

"This person is the guard of my palace, and he brought a sword into the palace to protect my safety. When did he insult the Tang family? It is clear that Tang Zong has bad intentions and deliberately hurts people! ”

"Oh? Is it? ”

Zhao Rang asked rhetorically.

But everyone present can testify that this yin owl man did not speak disrespectfully. As for whether he is your bodyguard and whether it is in accordance with the rules and carrying a sword, I think it is better to decide with the three highnesses seated! ”

After speaking, he turned to look at Yuan Mingkong and said:

"What does Your Highness think?"

Yuan Mingkong had regained his composure at this moment, he glanced at Li Shenglin lightly and said:

"What Brother Zhao said is extremely true, this matter really needs to find out the causal truth before and after making a decision."

After saying that, he waved his hand, and immediately a forbidden army stepped forward to carry the man's body down, and at the same time, the imperial doctor stepped forward to examine the wound.

Li Shenglin was already riding a tiger at the moment, he didn't expect things to develop to this point.

Although he was extremely angry in his heart, he was helpless and could only watch the forbidden army and the imperial doctor busy.

At this moment, in the corner of the banquet hall, Lan Shizi was leisurely drinking wine, as if none of this had anything to do with him.

His gaze swept over the faces of everyone in the audience one by one, and finally landed on Zhao Rang's body, and a look of appreciation flashed in his eyes.

"Brother Zhao is really a talent......

He muttered to himself.

"This Li Shenglin, this old man, is kicked to the iron plate this time."

After examining the man's wounds, the imperial physician did find that he was hiding a soft sword, and the sword was coated with poison.

This discovery undoubtedly confirmed Zhao Rang's speculation, and also put Li Shenglin in a more passive situation.

Yuan Mingkong looked at the report submitted by the imperial doctor, looked at Li Shenglin coldly and said:

"Lord Li, why did your guard enter the palace with a poisonous soft sword? What does this mean? Isn't it trying to do wrong? ”

There was a majesty and chill in his voice, which made Li Shenglin feel frightened.

"Your Highness...... This...... It's all a misunderstanding......"

Li Shenglin said.

"This person is my guard, but I don't know why he entered the palace with a soft poison sword......

"Lord Li, as an important minister of the court, you connived at your subordinates to bring weapons into the palace, what is your intention? If my father was here just now, did he fall under the sword of your guard? ”

"Although this man is my bodyguard, I really don't know that he would do such a thing...... Your Highness, please be aware of ......"

"Humph! Lord Li, as an important minister in the court, you are so negligent and indulge your subordinates to do wrong. You have to give a reasonable explanation for today's events! ”

Yuan Mingkong said sharply.

His gaze stabbed at Li Shenglin like a knife, as if he wanted to see through him.

Li Shenglin was already on pins and needles at the moment, and he knew that he would not be able to clear this charge no matter what.

Although he hated it in his heart, he was helpless.

He could only bow his head and confess his sins and ask for Yuan Mingkong's forgiveness.

"Your Highness...... The old minister is guilty...... Please punish ...... Your Highness"

Yuan Mingkong looked at him like this, and sneered in his heart.

He knew that Li Shenglin was really scared this time, and he also knew that he had already grasped the initiative.

He pondered for a moment, then said:

"Okay, since Master Li has confessed, I'll give you a chance."

As soon as Yuan Mingkong's words fell, the entire banquet hall suddenly fell into a dead silence.

Li Shenglin lowered his head, his face was pale, and his body trembled a little, I don't know if he was angry......

Seeing this, the third prince and the fifth prince also restrained their previous arrogance and became honest.

Tonight's limelight has been stolen by Yuan Mingkong and Zhao Rang, and it is in vain to try to make waves.

However, just when everyone thought that the turmoil was about to subside, the accident happened again.

"Bang!"

A loud bang suddenly came, shaking the entire banquet hall.

Everyone looked up and saw a huge black cloth bag falling from the sky and smashing heavily into the middle of the guests.

"Ahh

As the black cloth bag fell to the ground, a terrible scream also sounded.

A lot of bright red blood oozed from the cloth bag, instantly staining the ground around it red.

The entire banquet hall was suddenly filled with a strong fishy smell, which was disgusting.

Yuan Mingkong's face also instantly became ugly.

I didn't expect this kind of thing to happen at this juncture, and hurriedly waved my hand to signal the forbidden army to come forward to check the situation.

Several of the forbidden soldiers stepped forward with courage and opened the black cloth bag with their knives.

I saw a bloody corpse lying inside!

"Quick, let's see what's going on!"

Yuan Mingkong endured the discomfort in his heart and commanded loudly.

Immediately, the imperial physician stepped forward to check the wounds and poison of the corpse, and the forbidden soldiers quickly protected the guests present to prevent another accident.

"Cover your mouth and nose, be careful of poison!"

I don't know who shouted, and everyone covered their mouths and noses with their sleeves or handkerchiefs, for fear that the fishy smell would be poisonous.

Just when everyone was panicking, Tang Yun suddenly stood up and said calmly:

"Don't panic, although this poison is powerful, it will not spread like this."

His voice was not loud, but it was clear to everyone's ears.

Everyone turned their eyes to him, only to see him take out a small medicine bottle from his bosom, pour out some powder and sprinkle it on the corpse.

The powder bleed as soon as it was touched, and immediately glowed with a faint blue light.

"It's ...... The Tang family's drug test powder? ”

Someone recognized the origin of the powder and said in surprise.

Tang Yun nodded and explained:

"This poison is called 'Rotten Bone Erosion Heart Scatter', and the blood of the poisoned person will quickly coagulate and turn black, and then seep out of the body through the pores. It seems terrifying, but in fact it does not hurt the innocent. ”

As he spoke, he pointed to the corpse's mouth and nose and said:

"If you see that there is no blood in his mouth and nose, it means that he was thrown down after he died of poison. And the wounds on his body were all caused after death. ”

Tang Yun's words made everyone feel a little more at ease.

At least they knew that the poison on the corpse was not contagious to them.

But at the same time, they were even more shocked and angry.

Because it means that someone has openly committed murder in the inner courtyard of the palace!

"Tang Gongzi, are you sure this is your Tang family's poisonous sand?"

Yuan Mingkong walked up to Tang Yun and asked in a deep voice.

Tang Yun nodded and said affirmatively:

"There can be no mistake. This poison is my Tang family's unique 'rotten bones and heart dispersion'. ”

"That's weird......"

Yuan Mingkong frowned and said,

"Since this poison belongs to your Tang family, why is it here again?"

Tang Yun shook his head and said:

"Although this poison is from my Tang family, it does not mean that it was committed by our Tang family. It is also possible that someone got the poisoned sand from elsewhere and used it to commit murder. ”

However, the eight forces present all knew that the preparation method of 'Rotten Bone Erosion Heart Dispersion' was extremely complicated, and non-Tang family disciples could not master it.

Even if someone gets the poison sand, they may not be able to make the same poison. ”

Tang Yun glanced at the corpse, and then said:

"Since this matter involves the reputation and interests of my Tang family, I naturally can't sit idly by."

As he spoke, he glanced at Zhao Rang again and said:

"And I believe that Brother Zhao will not sit idly by."

When Zhao Rang heard this, he smiled slightly and said:

"What Brother Tang said is very true, since this matter has been encountered by us, we can't ignore it."