A trace of remembrance flashed in Taihao's eyes, and there was a hint of emotion in his voice: "I really didn't expect that Jing Ye was already married and had children." When I first met him, he was a teenager with dreams. ”

Ying Yu sighed lightly, as if with a hint of helplessness: "In the years that you have been away, too many things have happened. ”

Tai Hao nodded slightly, as if recalling the time spent together: "Bi Luojing's two daughters, Han Han and Wei Wei, what happened to them?" ”

There was a hint of regret in Ying Yu's tone: "The two of them left here five years ago to find their mother. As for where, I don't know. ”

That night, the moonlight was hazy, and Taihao specially instructed Jing Ye to carefully prepare a quiet room for Coriander Zhi, isolated from the hustle and bustle of the world. And he himself also lived back in his previous room, and the feeling was extremely familiar.

From his arms, Tai Hao took out two secret books, "Drunken Cat Catches Mice" and "Tanuki Worships God", and he carefully hid these two secret books in a porcelain bottle in the room, which seemed to be their safest home.

At dawn the next day, the sky was faintly white, and Taihao and Jing Ye took offerings, paper money and other sacrificial supplies and embarked on the pious road to the tomb of Mr. Yanfang outside the city.

Mr. Yankata's tomb is nestled among the green pines and cypresses, and it looks particularly quiet and solemn. Taihao and Jing Ye came to the tomb, gently put down the offerings, lit the paper money, and the wisps of light smoke rose with the wind, as if they were endless thoughts and prayers in their hearts.

Taihao stood silently in front of the tomb, his eyes revealing deep sorrow and nostalgia. Mr. Yanfang's voice, smile, words and deeds replayed in their minds like a drama. Those bits and pieces of the past have now become the most precious memories in his heart.

Tai Hao clasped his hands together and said in a low voice: "Mr. Yan Fang, junior Tai Hao, may your spirit in heaven rest in peace." ”

After the worship ceremony, Tai Hao asked Jing Ye to return to the mansion first, while he himself embarked on the road to the Yamen of Thousand Winds City.

In front of the yamen, the general of the city guard, Cang Yi and the officials of Liucao, had already been informed, and they were waiting in front of the gate to greet the newly appointed Taihao City Lord. They all had respectful and expectant smiles on their faces, as if they had foreseen that the young city lord would bring new prosperity and hope to Thousand Winds City.

Tai Hao calmly stepped forward and greeted the officials one by one. General Cangyi enthusiastically led him to visit the entire yamen and gave a detailed introduction to the work and responsibilities of various departments. With their footsteps, Taihao gradually felt the pulse of the city, and had a clearer idea of the governance of Thousand Winds City.

Sitting down in the front hall, Tai Hao said: "I have just arrived today, let me understand the situation first." Starting tomorrow, I will officially take care of my business. ”

Cang Yi nodded in agreement: "Taihao City Lord first familiarize yourself with the environment, Thousand Winds City is currently quite stable, you can rest for a few more days." For your legendary deeds, I have already heard about it, and I can see it today, and it is really extraordinary. ”

With a hint of curiosity in his eyes, Tai Hao asked Cangyi, "General Cangyi, dare to ask where you served before?" ”

Cangyi replied humbly: "Five years ago, I passed the imperial examination as the champion of martial arts, and was given the title of deputy general of Thousand Winds City by the emperor. Last year, I was fortunate enough to be promoted to the rank of Commander of the Castle. I'm from Cangyun City, and I'm related to General Canggu, and I've heard him mention the deeds of the Taihao City Lord. ”

Tai Hao's eyes showed appreciation: "It turns out that your Cang family is such a prominent family. Back then, Brother Canggu was already a martial champion, and now you are a general defending the city, which can really be described as a family of generals. ”

Cang Yi responded humbly: "The city lord of Taihao is too prestigious. ”

Tai Hao asked again: "Regarding Brother Canggu, is he still in the capital now?" ”

Cang Yi sighed: "My uncle stayed in the capital for two years after the completion of the task of suppressing bandits in the south, but then he chose to resign and return to his hometown. He doesn't seem to have much nostalgia for his career, and he just wants to spend the rest of his life in Cangyun City. ”

Tai Hao couldn't help but be curious: "Regarding Brother Canggu's private affairs, has he ever married a wife and had children?" ”

A trace of regret flashed in Cangyi's eyes: "He has never married a wife." I once heard the elders of my family mention that he once loved a woman deeply, but in the end they couldn't get together. ”

Taihao's mind came up with the shadow of Princess Diaotang, the woman who fell in love with Canggu but parted ways due to fate. Perhaps, this is also a regret in Canggu's heart.

Tai Hao frowned slightly, and continued to ask: "General Cangyi, what has happened in the palace in the past few days?" ”

Cang Yi's face was solemn: "If you want to talk about the affairs of the palace, there is indeed a big thing. The emperor has not been in the early court for a month. ”

When Tai Hao heard this, he couldn't help but be stunned: "There is such a thing? ”

Cangyi was about to elaborate, when a servant hurriedly broke into the front hall: "Two adults, the prime minister is here. ”

Cang Yi got up and said, "Taihao City Lord, it seems that Prime Minister Mao Jing is here." ”

Tai Hao showed a look of surprise: "Mao Jing is now the prime minister?" ”

Cangyi nodded: "Exactly, he was ordered to take over the post of prime minister four years ago. ”

Taihao nodded lightly: "I see, then let's go out together to greet the Prime Minister." ”

The two stepped out of the yamen, only to see Prime Minister Mao Jing slowly walking out of the official sedan chair. His eyes fell on Taihao, and the corners of his mouth hooked up a familiar smile: "Taihao City Lord, I haven't seen you for many years, don't come to harm!" ”

Tai Hao and Cang Yi bowed at the same time, and their voices were full of respect: "Meet Prime Minister Mao Jing!" ”

They then respectfully ushered the Prime Minister into the solemn antechamber. Prime Minister Mao Jing sat down on the chair, and there was a hint of emotion in his eyes: "Taihao City Lord, I recall that when you were the general of the thief in the past, the old man happened to be in Puchuan City to lead the army, and it was there that I had the honor to get to know you. Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, many years later. ”

He sighed softly, as if drowned out by the tide of memories: "On the emperor's birthday before, I wanted to catch up with you, but I had no choice but to leave in a hurry. ”

Mao Jing's personality has always been upright, although he is already in his old age, his temperament is much gentler. Tai Hao said with emotion: "I have always been concerned about Prime Minister Mao Jing, when you were seriously injured and had to go to Xingyu City to recuperate. I've always wondered, how long have you lived in Xingyu City before your body recovered? ”

Mao Jing fell into memories and said slowly: "The old man lived in Xingyu City for two years, and then he was reused by the imperial court. ”

Taihao couldn't help but sigh: "Prime Minister Mao Jing is really hard. ”

Mao Jing sighed: "Five years ago, Prime Minister Zhengqi was dismissed and investigated for being implicated, and Prime Minister Liangyu also returned to his hometown because he was unwell. The old man was also appointed by the emperor as the prime minister. Yesterday I heard that you had returned, but today when I went to your house, I learned that you had arrived at the yamen, so the old man hurried to find you. ”

Tai Hao asked curiously: "I don't know what Prime Minister Mao Jing is looking for me?" ”

Mao Jing Zhengse said: "The old man is naturally looking for you for something important. The emperor wants to see you. ”

"Your Majesty?" Tai Hao was a little surprised, "How is the emperor doing lately?" ”

Mao Jing looked at Cangyi and motioned for him to leave first. Cangyi bowed respectfully and exited the front hall, leaving only Mao Jing and Tai Hao.

Mao Jing's tone was heavy: "Taihao City Lord, the emperor is critically ill and has not been able to go to court for many days. He told the old man that he wanted to see you. ”

Taihao couldn't help but get nervous: "Why does the emperor want to see me?" ”

Mao Jing sighed: "I'm afraid there are some important things to explain." He's been waiting for you for days. ”

Mao Jing's words caused a strong sense of urgency to swell in Tai Hao's heart, and he immediately decided to go to the palace immediately. They left the yamen in a hurry, Tai Hao flew on his horse and galloped away, while Mao Jing followed in an official sedan chair.

The palace is towering and resplendent in gold, showing the supremacy of imperial power. Taihao passed through the layers of palace gates and arrived at the emperor's Zichen Palace. The hall was full of incense, and the emperor was lying on the dragon couch, his face was pale and his breath was weak. Taihao knelt in front of the couch and shouted loudly: "Weichen Taihao greets Your Majesty, long live Your Majesty, long live, long live!" ”

Xuan Cheng opened his eyes slightly and said in a weak voice: "Taihao, you are here." He stretched out his hand and motioned for Taihao to get up and approach.

Taihao did not get up, but walked to the side of the bed on his knees and held the emperor's hand tightly.

Xuan Cheng continued: "Taihao, I don't blame you. Prince Xuanbao's life has come to this, and you have done your best. ”

The emperor's voice was so faint that Taihao listened attentively. Hearing that the emperor did not blame himself for the death of the crown prince, he suddenly burst into tears and couldn't cry: "Your Majesty, it's Weichen's fault." Wechen's failure to take care of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is a dereliction of duty on Wechen's part! ”

Xuan Cheng spoke slowly, with deep emotion in his eyes: "I know that you have done your best for the imperial court and have put in countless efforts. Now that I have little time left, I just hope that you can accompany Xin'er to grow up and help him firmly establish himself on this throne. ”

Tai Hao's heart trembled, and he asked, "Your Majesty, who is Xin'er?" ”

At this time, a wet nurse walked slowly with a baby in her arms: "Your Majesty, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has brought it." ”

Xuan Cheng stretched out his finger with difficulty and pointed at the baby in swaddling clothes: "Xin'er." ”

Taihao immediately got up, and the nurse carefully handed the baby into his arms. He walked up to Xuan Cheng with the baby in his arms, and Xuan Cheng's tone was weak: "Xin'er is young, and I hope Aiqing will take care of it more." ”

Taihao solemnly kowtowed: "Your Majesty, you will definitely be able to bless the sky!" ”

The nurse quickly took the baby away from Taihao's arms, and Xuan Cheng said tiredly: "I'm exhausted and want to rest for a while." ”

Taihao had mixed feelings in his heart: "Your Majesty, Weichen retires." ”

Then, Tai Hao slowly walked out of the Zichen Palace, and at this time, Prime Minister Mao Jing was already waiting outside the hall. He asked with concern: "Taihao City Lord, have you seen the emperor?" ”

Tai Hao's face was pale, and he nodded slightly: "I've seen it." ”

Mao Jing took a deep breath: "Taihao City Lord go back to rest first, and the old man will also go to see the emperor." ”

The moment Taihao stepped out of the palace, he felt a heavy responsibility pressing on his heart. He saw many officials hurrying to the palace, and his heart couldn't help but ripple. The emperor's words of "helping Xin'er sit firmly on the throne" echoed in Taihao's heart repeatedly. He pondered, did he only say this to himself, or did he explain it to all the officials? As a city lord, how could he take on such a heavy responsibility?

Xin'er, when was His Royal Highness the Crown Prince named the Crown Prince? And where did it come from? Taihao's heart was full of confusion. At that time, Concubine Mao Ru was also pregnant with the emperor's child, and if she was born successfully, she would be a five or six-year-old child now, and it could not be Xin'er who was still in swaddling clothes.

As soon as he left the palace gate, a man's voice broke Taihao's contemplation: "Lord Taihao! ”

This call brought Taihao back to his senses from his contemplation. He looked up and saw that it was one of the palace guards. Taihao didn't recognize the other party immediately, but the guard saluted him respectfully: "Meet Lord Taihao!" ”

Taihao asked suspiciously, "Are you?" ”

The guard replied, "I'm NVC!" ”

Tai Hao's mind instantly drifted back to a few years ago. When he returned from the Tibetan kingdom, he led five fire commanders and dozens of soldiers. The five nameless fire chiefs are NVC, Wushuang, Shi Chun, Xianzhi and Xuanzhen.

Tai Hao sighed with emotion: "It turned out to be the NVC brothers, what about the other brothers?" ”

NVC replied, "We are now scattered. At that time, the emperor summoned us and asked about Prince Xuanbao, and then asked us what we wanted. We offered to stay in the palace as a bodyguard. That's how we started our careers as guards. Now, I have been promoted to Lang General, leading a group of guards to guard the area of the south gate of the palace. ”