The carriage slowly moves forward on the grassland, like a flowing picture, showing the scenery of the grassland one by one. In the distance, a flock of sheep is leisurely grazing, and herdsmen riding horses are guarding the side, and the harmonious picture seems to be an idyll, which makes people yearn for it. Nearby, wildflowers swayed in the wind, they are colorful and different, as if adding vitality and vitality to the grassland.

Tai Hao woke up quietly in the dark compartment, and the whispers of the envoys of the Eastern Empire and their cronies were heard in his ears, like thunder in the middle of the night, shaking his heartstrings. Their words, like uncovering a huge political conspiracy, made his heart tremble, and at the same time revealed a turbulent picture of the imperial court.

The voice of the cronie was filled with irrepressible excitement, and he whispered: "This time we went north, we have thoroughly figured out the layout of Jieli Khan, and mastered the major secrets of his support for our Shaoling General to usurp the throne and seize power. ”

The envoy then solemnly warned: "This time, as a general's envoy to the Turks, you and I must keep in mind that this matter must not be leaked to the imperial court. You must know that Jieli Khan has privately promised to support General Shaoling to ascend the throne as emperor, which is a major event that shakes the country's foundation, and if the imperial court learns about it, we will all suffer a catastrophe. ”

The cronies whispered, revealing a hint of worry: "My lord, my subordinates are worried, has the imperial court noticed it?" ”

The envoy smiled faintly, full of confidence: "The imperial court is currently making every effort to deal with the war between the southwest and the Tubo Kingdom, and I am afraid that the affairs in the north have not had time to take care of it." What's more, the imperial court is now in chaos, since the fiasco of the war with Tubo, Empress Changxiang is disheartened, almost does not care about the government, the imperial court has actually been manipulated by various forces. At this critical moment, we must closely follow the pace of General Shaoling and recognize the situation in front of us. ”

When the cronies heard this, greed flashed on their faces, and they asked eagerly: "If General Shaoling can really ascend to the throne, then will I also have the opportunity to rank in the court class and become a great official?" ”

The envoy smiled slightly, his eyes flashing with ambition: "If General Shaoling can successfully ascend the throne, I can at least sit on the position of prime minister, and if you can always follow loyally and become a scholar or even a higher position, it is not impossible." ”

The cronies were overjoyed and hurriedly said: "The subordinates will definitely follow in the footsteps of the adults and be unswerving." ”

Taihao's heart fluctuated, like a river churning between his chest. He instantly understood the truth, they seemed to represent the envoys of the imperial court, but in fact they were secret chess pieces under the command of General Shaoling, hiding the mystery of subverting the dynasty. His eyes were as deep as an abyss, and he calculated in his heart that he had to pry out more inside stories about the current situation of the imperial court from these two mouths.

Thinking of this, Taihao couldn't help but take a deep breath, his body did not move but his mind was racing, and his mind was quickly weaving the next plan of action. He knew that every step at this moment could affect the fate of the empire, and any rash move would lead to fire. However, he also knows that as a chivalrous man, although he is in the rivers and lakes, he cares about the temple, how can he stand idly by in the face of such a situation related to the safety of the community?

The envoy looked solemn and continued to speak: "Have you heard of it today? That Taihao is also in the Turkic Khanate at this moment. ”

The cronie frowned slightly, and said, "I have heard a little, it is said that he is under house arrest in the Great General's Mansion of the Turks. Who is this Taihao? Although I have heard about it in the court, I have never had the opportunity to see it. ”

A hint of cunning flashed in the envoy's eyes, and he said: "This Taihao, in the past, was an important minister in the court, once held a high position, and was once one of the eight regents, and his power was monstrous. However, he did not know which powerful person he offended in the court, and he was expelled from the court, and since then he has been adrift. When it comes to intelligence, he is indeed extraordinary. But unfortunately, our Shaoling General has no good impression of him, and even has murderous intent. ”

When the cronies heard this, a trace of surprise flashed in their eyes, and they said, "I see." So about Taihao's affairs in the Turks, should we report to General Shaoling that he knows? ”

The corner of the envoy's mouth hooked up a smile, and said, "Naturally, I want to inform General Shaoling." If this happens, maybe we will be able to get the general's appreciation and get a lot of rewards. ”

The cronie nodded, a hint of greed flashing in his eyes, as if he had sketched out the future reward in his mind. They looked at each other and smiled, each with a plan in his heart, but neither of them was revealed.

Tai Hao was in the dark grid, and his heart moved. When he heard it, it was clear that the messenger actually knew him, and he couldn't help but feel an inexplicable feeling in his heart. He knew that it was not appropriate to stay for a long time, so he decided to quietly appear from the shadows.

At this moment, the voice of the messenger's inquiry came from outside the carriage, and the voice was particularly clear against the vast background of the steppe. The messenger poked his head out and asked the groom where they were, and the groom's answer was like a lightning bolt that pierced the night sky, illuminating the path in Taihao's heart.

The carriage came to an abrupt halt at the shouting of the grooms, and the air around it seemed to be frozen as the twenty horsemen came to a halt in sync. The messenger and his cronies got out of the carriage one after another and walked towards the depths of the grassland, leaving Taihao with a temporary peace.

Tai Hao held his breath, his heart pounding in his chest, urging him to act like a drum. He carefully pushed open the lid of the dark compartment, his body as light as a swallow, and quietly and silently crawled out of the narrow compartment. He sat in the shadow of the carriage, his eyes like torches, vigilantly watching the direction in which the messengers and cronies had disappeared, waiting for their return.

After a while, the slight sound of boots on blades of grass was heard in the night breeze of the steppe, indicating that the messenger and his cronies were approaching the carriage. The first to step on the wheel, is the greedy cronies, he did not expect, as soon as he got into the car, a cold air suddenly hit from behind, in an instant, the whole body of qi and blood as if frozen, the acupuncture points were blocked by Taihao with exquisite acupoint techniques, the whole body instantly stiffened in place, neither moved, nor spoken, can only widen his eyes, looking at Taihao in front of him in horror.

Immediately afterwards, the messenger also stepped into the carriage, and when he saw Tai Hao sitting in the carriage, a trace of panic that could not be concealed instantly flashed in his eyes. However, before he could react, Tai Hao shot out like thunder, his fingertips touched his acupoints, and the messenger was also sealed with the meridians of his body, unable to move, unable to make a sound, and could only stare at Tai Hao with wide eyes and horror like his cronies.

There was a tense and depressed atmosphere in the carriage, and Taihao smiled slightly in the dark, and that smile was mixed with firmness and determination. He knew that at this moment, he was like a cheetah awakening from the darkness, quietly reversing the situation and turning the original prey into a pawn in his hands.

Taihao flicked his wrist, and his fingertips gently brushed the wall of the carriage, making a long, crisp sound, which was the signal he sent to the groom who was driving. The groom understood, and a loud shout rang out, and the carriage continued forward with the crunch of rolling wheels, blending into the meadow shrouded in night.

Tai Hao sat in the carriage, staring sharply at the messengers and cronies who were sealed in the acupoint, and his tone contained irresistible power: "The two of you, as well as the entourage outside the carriage, are not enough to compete with me. If you want to save your life, you have to answer my questions truthfully. ”

He raised his hand slightly, untied the dumb hole of his cronies, and his voice was cold and firm: "You introduce yourself first, what is your name?" ”

Bu Han's face was frightened, and his voice trembled and replied: "The little one's name is Bu Han, and he begs the hero to spare his life." ”

Tai Hao's sharp eyes were like a sharp sword straight into Bu Han's heart, and then asked, "Who is you assigned by this trip to the Turks?" ”

Bu Han's face turned pale when he heard this question, and he secretly glanced at the messenger who was fixed beside him, only to find that the latter was speechless at the moment, and could only convey anxiety and hints with his eyes. However, after all, Bu Han was not a good mind-read, and the messenger's eyes were just a mist in his eyes, which he could not read.

Tai Hao saw Bu Han's hesitation, his voice became colder and colder, and the threat was undisguised: "You'd better tell the truth, if there is half a falsehood, I will not be soft." ”

This sentence was like a heavy hammer smashing into Bu Han's heart, he was so frightened that he hurriedly trembled: "We did follow General Shaoling's order to go to the Turks!" As the words fell, the atmosphere in the carriage became even more depressing, as if every inch of air was condensed with an impending crisis.

A hint of sharpness flashed in Tai Hao's eyes, he stared at Bu Han, took a deep breath, and asked in a firm tone: "You just mentioned that Jieli Khan wants to support General Shaoling to usurp the throne, is it true?" ”

Bu Han's face was pale, fine beads of sweat oozed from his forehead, and he said with a smile: "These ...... I'm just a small cronie, I don't know the specific details, and I ask you to ask Lord Yu Yun. ”

Tai Hao's gaze turned to the messenger who was sealed in the acupoint, and asked suspiciously, "Lord Yu Yun?" ”

Tremblingly, Bu Han pointed to the messenger beside him and replied, "It is him, he is our principal. ”

Tai Hao unraveled Yu Hao's dumb hole without hurrying, stared at him with eyes like a torch, and asked word by word: "Your name is Yu Yun?" I've never heard your name, how did you know me? ”

Yu Yu was embarrassed, but he also knew that there was no way back at this moment, so he had to answer calmly: "Lord Taihao, I think you were famous in the court back then, and although the lower officials were from a humble background, they have admired you for a long time, so they naturally know something about you. ”

When Bu Han heard this, he blurted out in shock: "Huh? Are you the Taihao who once leaned into power? ”

Seeing this, Yu Yu hurriedly scolded Bu Han: "You shut up for me, there's no place for you to intervene here!" Then he turned to Tai Hao, his face was full of pleading, and he kowtowed again and again: "Lord Taihao, the lower official is guilty, and please be merciful and spare my life!" ”

Tai Hao's eyes were blazing, looking directly at Yu Yu's slightly trembling body, and asked in a deep voice: "Lord Yu Hao, as long as you tell the truth, I promise not to hurt your lives." Is it really true that Jieli Khan supported General Shaoling to usurp the throne? ”

Yu Yu's face was pale, his throat rolled, and he finally gritted his teeth and admitted: "That's true, Lord Taihao." The Turkic Khan and General Shaoling secretly reached an agreement to subvert our dynasty. ”

When Tai Hao heard this, his eyes flashed, and he continued to ask: "What position did you hold in the court to have access to such a secret?" ”

Yu Yu had cold sweat on his forehead, and replied with a bowed head: "Xia Guan previously served in the Ministry of Officials, and I was fortunate to pay tribute to Lord Taihao's demeanor at the court meeting many times, and I admired the chivalrous courage and wisdom and courage of my lord. ”

Tai Hao disdained to hear the praise, and said in a deep voice: "I don't need to mention my deeds, let me ask you, what position do you hold in the court now?" ”

Yu Yu didn't dare to slack off, and replied eagerly: "Xia Guan is now working in Honglu Temple, responsible for the reception of foreign countries. ”

Seeing his frankness, Tai Hao turned to a more sensitive topic: "What is the current situation of the Eastern Empire?" Can you elaborate on that? ”

Yu Yu took a deep breath, showed a sad look on her face, and said: "Since the defeat of our dynasty and the Tubo Kingdom in the decisive battle, Empress Changxiang has been deeply affected, her spirit is sluggish, and she has become increasingly neglected in the government. Now above the court, there are two major forces against each other, and in actual operation, Empress Changxiang has been hollowed out and has become a nominal symbol. There were constant disputes within the imperial court, and there were strong enemies outside, and the country's situation could be described as precarious. ”

Tai Hao's eyes narrowed slightly, and his tone revealed a bit sharpness: "Which two major forces?" ”

Yu Yun's heart trembled, and he said in a trembling voice: "Lord Taihao, this ...... These two forces, one is Princess Qingluan, and the other is the brothers Hanyue Xiao and Liu Yanji. ”

Tai Hao frowned, these two forces were like strangers to him, and they had never intersected. An inexplicable doubt surged in his heart, and he asked: "I have been away from officialdom for a long time, and I have never heard of their names. ”

Yu Yun swallowed his saliva and replied cautiously: "Princess Qingluan is the pearl of Empress Changxiang's palm. She was powerful in the court, and many times she could directly call the shots on behalf of Empress Changxiang. ”

Tai Hao sneered and said, "It seems that she wants to become the second empress of the Eastern Empire." ”

Yu Yu nodded and agreed: "What the adults said is extremely true. Moreover, Princess Qingluan's methods are even more ruthless than Empress Changxiang. I have seen her kill her cronies in order to compete for power, and she has shown no mercy to the ministers of the DPRK and China. Once, because a minister had contradicted her, she ordered her to be beheaded all over the house, even the baby in swaddling clothes. That kind of bloody scene is simply shocking. ”

When Tai Hao heard this, his brows tightened, a cold light flashed in his eyes, and he said in a deep voice: "Princess Qingluan is so ruthless, even the innocent family will not let go, her behavior is really outrageous. So, what kind of officials are these two brothers, Hanyue Xiao and Liu Yanji? ”

Yu Yu licked his chapped lips, with a little tremor in his voice, and continued: "This Hanyue Xiao and Liu Yanji brothers, originally after being high-ranking officials, came from a prominent background. They are not only handsome, but also deeply favored by the Empress Changxiang because of their outstanding talents. Han Yuexiao served as the commander of the forbidden army, commanding all the forbidden troops inside and outside the palace, and his power was monstrous; Liu Yanji is the deputy envoy of the Privy Council, responsible for military secrets and strategic planning, and his position is very important. They are like fish in water in the court, and many important government decisions, and even the formulation of holy decrees, are inseparable from their intervention. ”

When Tai Hao heard this, a trace of surprise flashed in his eyes, and he said in a deep voice: "You mean to say that this Cold Moon Xiao and Liu Yanji are actually the male favorites of Empress Changxiang?" ”

Yu Yun nodded and said cautiously: "That's right." The two brothers have a close relationship with Empress Changxiang, and no one in the court knows about it. Their power has penetrated into every corner of the imperial court, becoming one of the two major forces alongside Princess Qingluan. ”