Peach and plum spring breeze and a glass of wine

Shen Fa, who was wrapped up like a mummy, limped into the imperial study room on crutches.

The miserable appearance frightened Emperor Xiping who was behind the imperial case. He put down the memorial in his hand and waved to the eunuch standing next to him to bring a chair to Shen Fa: "What...what happened again?"

What he asked was not who Shen Fa was beaten by.

He asked why Shen Fa was beaten again.

He was thinking... They haven't offended Yang Erlang recently!

Shen Fa thanked him, and sat down tremblingly with the support of Xiao Huangmen, sighing sadly: "It's hard to explain in words!"

Emperor Xiping straightened his posture and waved his hand to Xiao Huangmen to make tea and said, "Then please take your time and don't be in a hurry."

Shen Fa said feebly: "Your Majesty, this matter is of great importance and involves many things. Why not first invite Eunuch Wei and Eunuch Liu to discuss it together."

Emperor Xiping nodded: "That's fine... pass it on to Wei Heng and Liu Xian."

Xiaohuangmen accepted the order and hurriedly conveyed the order.

Emperor Xiping picked up the tea bowl and said with difficulty concealing his curiosity: "You'd better tell me what's going on."

Shen Fa didn't dare to disobey, so he had to tell a short and long story starting from Yang Ge's feud with the Five Poison Sect...

Emperor Xiping knew all these things, but he did not interrupt Shen Fa's narration and allowed him to tell it like a story.

After a while, Wei Heng and Liu Xian, the new factory director of Dongchang, entered the imperial study room hand in hand. Emperor Xiping waved their hands and exempted them from the gift and continued to listen to Shen Fa's narration.

And Shen Fa, the two unlucky ghosts who were behind him, finally got to the point and told in detail how Yang Ge went south to beat Zhang Xuansu three times, as well as Zhang Xuansu's identity and strength...

Hearing that Yang Ge speculated that Zhang Xuansu was a top master at the fifth level of martial arts, the faces of the three people in the hall were all shocked.

Of course they know what a living land god means!

What made their hearts tremble even more was...that Yang Erlang could tie with Zhang Xuansu, doesn't it mean that he also has the strength of a land fairy?

After Shen Fa finished speaking, he picked up the tea bowl at hand and drank it all in one breath.

In the huge imperial study room, the only sound of his drinking milk echoed.

After a while, Emperor Xiping asked with difficulty: "Yang Erlang went to Longhu Mountain and suffered a loss. Why did I beat you?"

On the surface, he was asking why Yang Erlang beat Shen Fa.

In fact, the question was about Yang Erlang's attitude towards the court...

Shen Fa sighed and replied: "Your Majesty, I feel that the minister knew about Zhang Xuansu's existence in advance, but not only did he not tell him, but he also encouraged him to go south to find trouble with the Five Poison Sect."

After hearing this, Emperor Xiping actually thought it made sense: "Then did you know about this in advance?"

Shen Fa said sadly: "Your Majesty, I really didn't know about this matter beforehand. When Ma Dai was in office, the people in the Wei were too busy with things, and he was very happy with his achievements. His understanding of the world was extremely limited. For many years in office, he didn't even know where his lair in the building outside the building was. I haven’t figured it out yet…”

"Ahem."

Emperor Xiping pretended to cough, drank tea to cover up his embarrassment, and then said very considerately: "Since you really don't know, why don't you explain it to that guy? Even if he suffered a loss when he went south, he couldn't be indiscriminate. Are you looking to vent your anger?"

Shen Fa opened his mouth, then closed it again, looked at Wei Heng and Liu Xian opposite him with strange eyes, and whispered: "Your Majesty, I did not know about Zhang Xuansu's existence in advance. It is indeed my fault... …But the ancestors of the Royal Horse Prison have no reason to know the existence of the old immortal, right?"

Emperor Xiping turned his gaze to Wei Heng doubtfully.

Wei Heng's scalp suddenly went numb, but the emperor had already looked over, so he could only hold on and said: "Your Majesty, I have never heard this matter mentioned by the ancestors, but even if the ancestors knew about Zhang Xuansu, There is no reason, either emotionally or rationally, to remind him Yang Erlang, right? Why should he blame the imperial court when he suffers a loss? "

Emperor Xiping turned his attention to Shen Fa again.

Shen Fa sneered at Wei Heng: "Eunuch Wei, you don't really think that the reason for that guy's enmity with the Five Poison Sect is because of the three million taels of silver, right?"

Wei Heng asked doubtfully: "Isn't it?"

Shen Fa: "If I hadn't asked someone to bring a map of Heluo so that Eunuch Wei could see clearly, where is the road pavilion?"

Wei Heng's brain was not as easy to use as his, and he reacted after being stunned for several seconds.

Emperor Xiping put down his tea bowl, smiled and comforted him: "I've been wronged by Zhonghe... Let's talk about Zhang Xuansu. How credible do you think Yang Erlang's inference is?"

Shen Fa: "Your Majesty, I absolutely believe in Yang Erlang's judgment."

Emperor Xiping smiled and said, "Why do you see it?"

After thinking for a while, Shen Fa replied: "Your Majesty, after returning to Beijing, I have urgently checked the records about Zhang Xuansu. That guy was indeed born during the Tiande period of Zhou and Tang Dynasties. He is already 208 years old and has lived to this day. At such a young age, you can still beat Yang Erlang... I'm afraid those ancestors from the Royal Horse Supervisor can't do it, right?"

When Emperor Xiping heard this, he couldn't help but think of the vague attitude of the ancestors of the Royal Horse Supervisor when Yang Erlang came to Beijing.

He slowly frowned and asked in a deep voice: "Then what Yang Erlang said that Zhang Xuansu was the mastermind behind the overthrow of Zhou and Tang Dynasty, has it been verified?"

Shen Fa quickly clasped his hands and said, "Back to Your Majesty, I have sent a large number of people to check all the documents from the Taizu years. However, this matter is very old and it may be difficult to gain anything. However, there must be a reason for the groundless rumors. Yang Erlang reminded the court that it is just Be prepared and have no other intentions.”

Emperor Xiping's brows slowly opened, and after pondering for a long time, he said: "Use the Xiuyi Guards as the main force, with Dongchang and Xichang as supplements, to encircle and suppress the Five Poison Sect, but don't make it a public issue!"

The three of them stood up together, clasped their hands and saluted: "Wei ministers (servants) obey the order."

Emperor Xiping pondered for a moment, and then spoke again: "Order the Chief of Ceremonies to draw up an edict and confer Zhang Duanrui, the contemporary Celestial Master of the Han Celestial Master's Mansion in Longhu Mountain, as the Protector of the Country, and to be promoted to the first rank of Guanglu Doctor!"

The eunuch standing on one side was waiting to step forward to take orders. Shen Fa spoke first and said, "Your Majesty, think twice!"

Emperor Xiping: "Huh?"

Shen Fa organized his words and said cautiously: "Yang Erlang once said that Zhang Xuansu planned to cut off the national destiny of the Zhou and Tang Dynasties because Emperor Tiande of the Zhou and Tang Dynasties worshiped Buddhism and destroyed Taoism... However, Zen Buddhism is still passed down to this day and its incense is at its peak."

Emperor Xiping raised his eyebrows suddenly: "You mean..."

Shen Fa: "This is just Wei Chen's speculation. There is no evidence yet. However, in Wei Chen's humble opinion, until the situation becomes clear, it would be better for the court not to easily get involved in the dispute between Buddhism and Taoism."

Emperor Xiping suddenly understood, Longyan said happily: "Zhonghe is indeed my son, very good!"

Shen Fa bowed and saluted: "It is the duty of a minister to share your worries with you, and you should not be praised by your majesty."

Emperor Xiping thought for a moment while stroking his beard, clarifying his thoughts, and spoke again: "Draw up a decree to confer the title of the contemporary Longhu Mountain Celestial Master Zhang Duanrui as the Great Master of Hongwen Guangjiao, and to be promoted to a first-grade Guanglu doctor!"

"The imperial decree conferred the title of Luting Yang Erlang to the title of Marquis of Luting. He was hereditary and appointed as the first-grade crown prince and grand master..."

Having said this, he glanced at Shen Fa, who was wrapped like a mummy in front of him, and then said: "I have decreed that Shen Fa, the commander of the Xiu Yi Guards, should be granted the rank of Duke of Kaifeng, hereditary superintendent, and promoted to the second rank of Hussars General!"

The first two awards, His Highness and the four of them all thought it was normal. Even if Yang Erlang was suddenly awarded the title, the four of them only thought that His Majesty was wise and far-sighted.

As soon as the reward for Shen Fa came to the ground, the four people in His Highness were shocked, including Shen Fa himself, who was immediately stunned!

The Great Wei Dynasty was extremely cautious and strict in granting titles. For more than 160 years, except for the twenty-four princes of the founding of the country, only a dozen or so people were granted titles, and they were all granted titles for military merit. Even after the great defeat in the past two years, In the battles celebrated by the whole country like the Tartar Uliangha Tribe, the generals only received promotions and salaries, but no titles...

Although Shen Fa was born in the Shen family of Marquis of Jiangxia, he was only the second son of the Shen family. The title of Marquis of Jiangxia would not fall to him, so it was only a matter of time before he established another family.

Shen Fa came back to his senses, and trembling with excitement, he clenched his palms to the end: "I am a humble minister, Shen Fa, thank you, Your Majesty, long live my emperor!"

While thanking him, he was still shouting in surprise: 'I know, I know, no beating is in vain...'

What is this called?

This means that everything must be answered and everything must be taken care of. Even the beatings must leave traces!

Looking at His Highness's young playmate who was crying with gratitude, Emperor Xiping also stroked his beard and smiled happily, and drew a cake for him: "Get up, work hard, and work harder, you may not be able to light up the lintel in the future!"

Shen Fa loudly said: "Your Majesty, I have nothing to repay for your kindness. I can only do my best and die!"

Emperor Xiping picked up the memorial again, waved his hand and said: "Okay, go down and do your work. I'm waiting for your good news!"

"Slave, please leave!"

Wei Heng and Liu Xian both clasped hands and saluted, and finally turned their heads to look at Shen Fa in surprise.

Shen Fa pretended not to be able to see their eyes and waited for them to retreat.

After the two of them exited the imperial study, Emperor Xiping raised his eyes and looked at him in surprise: "What? Are you waiting for dinner?"

Shen Fadan smiled and clasped his hands: "Your Majesty, I still have something to report..."

Emperor Xiping: "Speak!"

Shen Fa hesitated and sneered, "Um... are you okay, the eldest princess?"

When Emperor Xiping heard this, he immediately became interested. He closed the memorial in his hand and asked with a smile on his face: "Is there any way?"

Shen Fa's mind was spinning rapidly, and he hesitated and whispered: "This matter may be different from the result we expected..."

The smile on Emperor Xiping's face quickly disappeared: "What's the discrepancy?"

Shen Fa: "That stubborn donkey seems to have no love between men and women towards the eldest princess..."

Emperor Xiping's expression changed, and he was about to get angry, when he heard His Highness Shen Fa say again: "However, according to Wei Chen's observation, that stubborn donkey seems to regard the eldest princess as his sister...his own sister!"

The anger on Emperor Xiping's face disappeared in an instant, as if it had never appeared before, and he smiled and said: "That's not bad. They are both still young. They are working together in the same room, and they may catch fire at any time!"

He squinted his eyes and clapped his hands happily, with that treacherous look, how could he look like an emperor?

Shen Fa wiped the sweat from his forehead and didn't have high expectations for his little plan. However, he didn't dare to disturb his "elegance" at this time, so he could only follow his words and continue: " Therefore, the eldest princess cannot make any mistakes when she returns to the palace. Your Majesty, that stubborn donkey is very protective of its calf. If the eldest princess suffers any grievances when she returns to the palace..."

He looked at Emperor Xiping and did not continue, but the implication was already clear: 'You don't want that stubborn donkey to come to Beijing again, do you? ’

"Well……"

Emperor Xiping's face froze, and when he came back to his senses, he couldn't help wiping the sweat on his forehead, which was not there: "Zhonghe, you should be more careful, I almost ignored this matter... Jixiang, send a message to Changchun Palace, I will tell you later. Let’s go to Changchun Palace for dinner.”

The eunuch standing by the side bowed and said, "Yes."

Shen Fa also clasped his hands and bowed: "Your Majesty, I will take my leave!"

Emperor Xiping waved his hand.

Shen Fa exited the imperial study and walked a short distance on crutches when he saw Wei Heng and Liu Xian waiting for him.

"Congratulations to Uncle Shen, congratulations to Uncle Shen."

When he saw Shen Fa, Wei Heng stepped forward with a smile and clasped his hands in a strange manner: "You are the first to grant a title to our inner court!"

Shen Fa responded with the same smile: "Where is it? If the father-in-law feels dissatisfied, I can go and ask for your Majesty's orders and give the father-in-law a chance to be knighted..."

As he spoke, he flashed the crutch in his hand.

Wei Heng was stunned for a moment, then put down his hands without changing his expression: "Master Shen's kindness is appreciated by the Za family. What does a slave from the Za family want to do with a title?"

Shen Fa smiled "haha" and gave it up: "Then let's find a quieter place and let's talk about business... Next, we will be busy!"

…

The imperial edict to reward Yang Ge, Shen Fa and others was quickly delivered to the chief minister of the cabinet, Wang Jiangling.

He frowned and pondered these three imperial edicts, trying to figure out what was going on in the inner court...

At this moment, Wang Dashi came in and saluted: "Sir, Commander Shen Fa of the Xiuyi Guards is outside asking for an audience."

"Um?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Jiangling looked at the three imperial edicts on the desk, then raised his eyes at Wang Dashi, stroking his beard and pondering for a moment: "Invite him in."

Wang Dashi responded, turned around and strode away without changing his expression.

Wang Jiangling pondered for a moment, then stretched out his hand to put away the three imperial edicts on the table.

Outside the door...

Shen Fa stared blankly at the man leading the way, Wang Dashi, who was as solid and dull as a stubborn stone. He was completely different from his old friend who was handsome and energetic back then. His mood was a little complicated.

One of the two silently led the way, and the other silently followed behind. They slowly walked through the long corridor until they entered the public hall, and no one said a superfluous word.

It was as if the two of them really didn't know each other.

It wasn't until Wang Dashi bowed and retreated that Shen Fa sighed softly in a voice that only he could hear... Friends who talked about everything and depended on each other for life and death would one day become passers-by.

"Master Shen, why are you free to come here today..."

In the hall, Wang Jiangling stood up with a smile and clasped his hands in the distance.

Shen Fa returned the salute with a smile: "Master Zhongtang has broken his official position!"

After the two of them were seated separately, Shen Fa got straight to the point and said, "To be honest with you, Lord Zhongtang, I am here to convey a message to you on behalf of Luting Yang Erlang!"

Wang Jiangling said "Oh" in surprise, stroked his beard and said with a smile: "Although I and Marquis Lu Ting have known each other for a long time, they have never met. What can Marquis Lu Ting teach me?"

Shen Fa raised his eyebrows and said with a smile without changing his expression: "But something happened. The lower official once told Yang Erlang about the 'one whip method' and the 'test method' that Master Zhongtang was promoting. After hearing this, Yang Erlang said, I asked my subordinate to express some suggestions to your lord, but he repeatedly stressed that this was just a suggestion from a warrior, and I asked your lord Zhongtang to decide the pros and cons in person."

Wang Jiangling stretched out his hand and said, "Master Shen, it's okay to say so."

Shen Fa thought for a while and then said: "Yang Erlang said: 'Things have to be done, but don't be too impatient. You can't eat hot tofu in a hurry. You have to take it easy and work on it slowly. Don't force them to jump over the wall with one wave.'"

Wang Jiangling's hand stroking his beard paused, and after pondering for a few breaths, he suddenly smiled and said, "Exact words?"

Shen Fa clasped his hands and saluted: "Master Zhongtang, please don't take offense. Erlang is bold, rough, free and uninhibited by nature. If there is any offense, I will apologize to Master Zhongtang on Erlang's behalf."

"Master Shen is too polite. Marquis Lu Ting hates evil and is upright. I have always yearned for him, so how can I blame him?"

Wang Jiangling shook his head and said slowly with a smile: "I am just a little surprised. This is not something that Marquis Lu Ting would say... Is the situation serious?"

Shen Fa felt relieved when he heard this, and secretly said, "It's indeed a bit serious when talking to smart people. Fortunately, we still have time."

Wang Jiangling pondered for a moment and said, "Can you please elaborate?"

Shen Fa shook his head slightly: "Please forgive me, Lord Zhongtang, as this matter is not convenient for publicity."

Wang Jiangling stopped asking questions and nodded: "I know this and will consider it carefully. In the future, if Mr. Shen and Marquis Lu Ting need my coordination and cooperation, please feel free to come and see me."

Shen Fa once again clasped his hands and saluted: "Master Zhongtang has many things to do every day, and there are some undercurrents. I don't dare to bother Master Zhongtang, so let us, vulgar warriors, deal with them!"

Wang Jiangling said happily: "If we work together as one, internally and externally, there is no need to worry about the failure of our country!"