It was unknown when it started..,
A piece of news was circulating in the capital: "The Marquis of Champion Li Lian suddenly fell ill at the frontline,
The medicine did not work,
He died of a sudden illness.
However, because he was worried about the morale of the army and the counterattack of the Xiongnu alliance army,
So he concealed the news of the Marquis of Champion's death,
He did not send a funeral.
"
After that..,
Not long after, a piece of news that was said to have come from the palace suddenly spread in the marketplace: "The Marquis of Champion Li Lian died because the Emperor was afraid that his achievements would overshadow the Emperor,
So he struck first to gain the upper hand,
He specially sent someone to poison him to death!
"
As soon as this news came out..,
The people were in an uproar,
There was a lot of discussion,
It almost caused a riot.
After the servants of the various manors heard this important "information", they hurriedly returned to their manors to report to their masters.
This news spread from one to ten, ten to a hundred, and for a moment, the entire capital was shaken.
It was hard to say how the people of the capital were discussing it endlessly, but the civil and military officials and nobles were always whispering when they went to court.
In the circle of civil officials,
"Assistant Minister Wang, have you heard?"
"
"Of course I've heard of such a big matter!"
Assistant Minister Chen,
What do you think? "
"
"It seems that a while ago (pointing up), he gave some medicinal herbs to the front, maybe …" He looked like he was saying something.
"No way!"
(pointing in the direction of Ningshou Palace, where the Retired Emperor lived) Watching, would that person dare?
"
"Why wouldn't he dare?"
This kind of thing has happened in previous dynasties.
"
"It shouldn't... shouldn't be!"
He doesn't seem like such a person.
"
"You can know a person's face but not his heart,
Who knows what kind of person he is!
"
In the circle of merit,
"Yo!
Old Qi,
Have you heard? "
"
"Now the whole capital knows,
How can I not know!? "
"
"Do you mean that (pointing carefully at the sky)... person,
Did he really kill Master Hou?
"
"Who knows!
Let me say this first!
The Marquis saved my life. If the Marquis really … I must seek justice for the Marquis!!!
"
"Bah!
What the f * ck!
Don't talk as if you're the only one who cares about the Marquis's kindness!
In our circle, who hasn't received the favor of the Marquis!
"
"All these years, if it weren't for the marquis's support, we brothers would have been cheated time and time again by those greedy officials!
"
"Alright!
There's no need to say any more nonsense!
What should we do now?
The general who spoke rubbed his fists, itching to go all out.
"First, send someone to the front line to inquire about the Marquis's situation.
It wouldn't be good if he made a fool of himself!
Someone said calmly.
"If, if … if it was really done by that person …" Someone said anxiously.
The calmest person said, "No matter what, even if the Marquis is gone, there is still the Young Marquis (Li Lian)!
Even if they couldn't avenge the Marquis, they had to work hard to raise the Marquis's child.
During the court meeting, although the officials still respectfully bowed their heads and listened to the reports of the officials, their eyes were not communicating with their colleagues beside them, but they couldn't help but look up, wanting to see the Emperor's expression.
Last night, he read the memorials until late at night and even flipped the plates? "
Some of the Emperor felt that the officials today were strange. They were either constantly winking or sneaking glances at him, as if they had seen a ghost (rolled eyes).
The Emperor couldn't help but ask An Fuhai to look at his face and body to see if there was anything wrong.
An Fuhai looked carefully and found that there was nothing wrong with him as usual, so he shook his head to show that there was nothing wrong.
The Emperor looked at the heads of the officials suspiciously and waved his hand to ask An Fuhai to investigate what had happened that made the officials act so strangely.
As the Jiedushi of the capital, Wang Ziteng was also one of the officials qualified to attend court.
He naturally knew about the rumors circulating in the streets, and he was very curious about some of them (?)
Because he and the Marquis of Champion could barely be considered relatives, the officials specially came to inquire about the news before going to court.
Although he didn't know the truth of the rumors, in Wang Ziteng's opinion, it was reasonable for the Emperor to poison Li Lian.
Li Lian was arrogant and didn't give anyone face because he had the support of the Retired Emperor.
Even when he, a relative, wanted to put in a good word for Li Lian in front of the Retired Emperor because there was a vacancy for the position of Palace Marshal in the capital, he was flatly rejected.
Even worse, when he wanted to arrange for several people to enter Tientse Province, he even brought up the Sixth Prince. Li Lian not only refused to give him face, but also mocked and ridiculed him, causing him to lose a lot of face in front of the Sixth Prince and implicating the Sixth Prince to apologize to Li Lian.
From these two trivial matters, it could be seen how arrogant and condescending Li Lian was. If it were Wang Ziteng, he would have chosen to kill Li Lian outside so that it would be easy to shift the blame and shift the blame to others.
Wang Ziteng felt very good about himself and believed that the Emperor had tolerated Li Lian for too long, and was afraid that Li Lian's achievements would overshadow the Emperor's, so he killed Li Lian at once.
At the same time, Wang Ziteng sensed a sign – the Emperor finally couldn't help but want to fight for power with the Retired Emperor.
Wang Ziteng's many years of official career wasn't in vain by luck.
In all fairness, if it wasn't for the existence of Li Lian, the Jia, Shi, Wang, and Xue Clans would have already become the Wang, Shi, Jia, and Xue Clans.
If the Emperor wanted to start a power struggle, killing Li Lian would be a signal to start a war.
Wang Ziteng pondered. No matter how powerful the Retired Emperor was, he was still nearly 70 years old and didn't have many years left to live!
Moreover, since the Retired Emperor had abdicated, it wouldn't be proper for him to take over the state affairs.
On the contrary, the current Emperor was still young and vigorous, so it was perfectly justifiable for him to take over the state affairs.
Besides, with Wang Ziteng's ability and military power, he believed that the Emperor would certainly entrust him with important tasks.
Perhaps he could even help the Sixth Prince obtain the Emperor's favor.
Since he had already cleanly chosen a side between the Emperor and the Retired Emperor, Wang Ziteng decided to present a proof of his allegiance.
After the morning court, Wang Ziteng asked for sick leave from the capital's Palace Marshal and immediately went to Count Rong 'en Mansion to look for his brother-in-law – Jia Zheng.
"Brother-in-law, this … this absolutely won't do!"
The middle-aged man refused with an embarrassed expression.
"What's wrong with this?
Cun Zhou!
You can't just watch your Jia family's title disappear like this! "
Wang Ziteng earnestly advised with a face full of consideration for his brother-in-law.
"But … this is the Third Prince's title!
I've always heard that when the father dies, the son succeeds, and when the brother dies, the brother succeeds. How could I have heard that the brother succeeds!
I'm his elder brother, how can I inherit his title?
Moreover, even if the Third Prince dies, Lian 'er, the legitimate son, should inherit the title. "
Jia Zheng shook his head.
That's right!
Wang Ziteng's proof of his allegiance was to use Li Lian's death as an excuse to let the Li Lian's elder brother and his brother-in-law, Jia Zheng, inherit the title of Marquis Champion.
Jia Zheng's words weren't wrong.
According to reason, even if the Li Lian unfortunately died, everything should be inherited by his legitimate son, Li Lian. In any case, it shouldn't be his elder brother, Jia Zheng's turn.
However, Wang Ziteng also had his own considerations.
First, the Emperor didn't have much influence in the army. A few days ago, there were a few people in the Ministry of War who happened to be mourning for their parents or retired to their hometowns, so there were a few vacant positions for the Emperor to take.
If the Emperor could get the support of the "Marquis Champion", his influence, prestige, and other aspects would be greatly increased.
However, that little brat, Li Lian, had always been favored by the Retired Emperor. If he inherited the title, he would probably take Li Lian's connections and former subordinates and pledge loyalty to the Retired Emperor as before.
On the other hand, Jia Zheng was different.
Everyone in the capital knew that the Marquis Champion and his elder brother, who was in charge of the Ministry of Works, didn't get along well. Even the Retired Emperor didn't have a good impression of Jia Zheng. Jia Zheng absolutely couldn't join the Retired Emperor's army. He could only follow the Emperor's footsteps with the Marquis Champion's banner.
Second, Wang Ziteng naturally knew what his brother-in-law was made of. Although he was born in a military family, he was truly a weak scholar. He didn't even have the strength to truss up a chicken, so there was no possibility of him joining the army.
Even if he inherited the title of Marquis Champion, he wouldn't be able to control the group of arrogant soldiers under him. When the time came, he would have to ask his brother-in-law for help.
At that time, he could take advantage of the opportunity to take in all of the Marquis Champion's former subordinates, but at least he would be able to obtain the support of some of the former subordinates.
It should be known that Li Lian's old subordinates could be said to be all over the court. His influence in the military was even greater. Even the Emperor's and the Retired Emperor's imperial edicts weren't necessarily more important than Li Lian's orders. Otherwise, the Emperor wouldn't have been so anxious to take the opportunity to poison Li Lian to death.
With the support of Li Lian's old subordinates, Wang Ziteng would definitely be able to reach a higher level.
Third, the eldest son of the Jia family's generation, Jia Xie Marquis Jia En, was a useless playboy. He relied on his younger brother, Third Li Lian, to take care of him.
Now that the only capable Li Lian was dead, even if Jia Zheng inherited the title of Marquis Champion, with his ability and temperament, he would definitely listen to his words.
The two brothers of the Shi family weren't capable people. They were just relying on their father's prestige to survive.
Xue family was just a small business family. His capable brother-in-law, Xue Peng, had already died of illness.
When the time came, his Wang family would become the de facto leader of the four great families. He, Wang Ziteng, would also be able to smoothly take over the four great families' resources to develop himself.
In his mind, Wang Ziteng had already begun to imagine how powerful he would be in the future. Seeing that Jia Zheng was still making excuses and even mentioning Li Lian, he couldn't help but snort coldly and try to maintain a kind face. "I heard that Li Lian died with Jingya a long time ago. How can a dead person inherit the title of Marquis Champion?"
In fact, he didn't know. He was just talking nonsense in a serious manner. He wanted to cut the Gordian knot and make Jia Zheng agree to inherit the title of Marquis Champion.
"What!?
Lian 'er is not even 20 years old and … and … "Jia Zheng looked shocked and mournful.
"My condolences, Cunzhou!"
Wang Ziteng skillfully said, "Think about it. Now that Jingya and his son died on the battlefield, if you don't want to inherit the title of Marquis Champion, it's the same as throwing away the Jia family's title. How can you face your ancestors in the future?"
With one sentence, he turned the title of Marquis Champion that Li Lian fought so hard for into the Jia family's title. If Jia Zheng didn't agree to inherit the title of Marquis Champion, he would be a sinner who betrayed his ancestors.
"This …" Jia Zheng hesitated when Wang Ziteng put on such a high hat.
Wang Ziteng knew that he couldn't force Jia Zheng at this time. He patiently waited for Jia Zheng to agree.
"This … I'll give Baoyu to Third Brother for adoption!
First, it's reasonable and in line with Da Zhou's laws. Second, it'll let Third Brother have a fall so that he can inherit the family name in the future. "
Jia Zheng still couldn't get over it. He felt that if he inherited the title of Marquis Champion, it would be like he was trying to steal Third Brother's title.
"Oh?"
Although Jia Zheng still didn't agree, he made a good suggestion.
Wang Ziteng thought about it carefully and realized that it was a better idea.
To ask the Emperor to approve Jia Zheng inheriting Li Lian's title of Marquis Champion, it naturally couldn't be done by Wang Ziteng and Jia Zheng themselves. Even the Minister couldn't do it.
Only the ancestors of the Jia family, that is, Li Lian's birth mother, the Shi Clan, could do it. Only then could it be considered legitimate.
Wang Ziteng also heard his wife talk about the Jia family. Ever since the death of Duke Rongguo, the Old Madam seemed to have suddenly changed her mind. She no longer favored the Second Son and became impartial. His younger sister also complained about it.
If the Shi Clan asked the Emperor to let the Second Son inherit the title of Marquis Champion, the Old Madam would definitely not agree. Wang Ziteng originally thought that he would have to waste a lot of time and effort and sacrifice a lot of short-term benefits to get this done.
However, if the heir to the title was changed to his nephew, Jia Baoyu …
Although Li Lian and Jia Xie ordered that the news of Baoyu being born while holding a piece of jade be sealed, close relatives like Wang Ziteng still heard about it.
Wang Ziteng heard that the Shi Clan doted on Baoyu very much. They cherished this grandson as if he was their "darling" and "lifeblood."
Even the Second Son, Jia Zheng, hit Baoyu once because he couldn't recite a book. The Shi Clan immediately flew into a rage and immediately wanted to go back to their hometown in Jinling. Jia Zheng had no choice but to kowtow to his mother and apologize.
Baoyu was the First Son and the Second Son.
His eldest brother, Jia Zhu, was an outstanding person who had already passed the Juren exam.
According to Da Zhou's eldest son inheritance system, the eldest son could inherit 70% of the family property, and the rest could inherit 30%.
How could that old lady of the Jia family be willing to let her "sweetheart", her "lifeblood", live in poverty and destitution?
Wang Ziteng had a plan. Baoyu was still a child, so it would be easier for him to recruit and incorporate the Marquis Champion's former subordinates.
Therefore, he nodded readily and discussed the next step with Jia Zheng.
Ningshou Palace
The Retired Emperor sat on the dragon throne. His face was a bit sallow, his body was thin, and his expression was slightly angry.
Dai Quan stood on the side and looked at the Retired Emperor with concern. He wanted to say a few words of comfort, but he couldn't find the words.
"Dai Quan, is there any news back?"
The Retired Emperor asked.
The capital was far away from the border. Even if it was 800 li away, it would still take several days to arrive. The Retired Emperor now knew that Li Lian had defeated the Xiongnu Coalition Army and captured the Xiongnu Great Chanyu Hu Hanye, who had made him gnash his teeth for many years. He was planning to lead the army to pursue the remnants of the Xiongnu Coalition Army.
"Emperor, not yet."
Dai Quan answered carefully.
He paused for a moment and comforted the Retired Emperor, "Emperor, you don't need to worry.
Jingya is strong, skilled in martial arts, and good at commanding troops. You also gave Yan Nian two Jade Dew Pills. He will be fine. "
"Emperor."
"Jingya is good at commanding troops, but the battlefield is dangerous. No one can guarantee victory. Moreover, Yan Nian can't always be by Jingya's side. How can I not worry?"
Moreover, he dared to lead the army to pursue the remnants of the Xiongnu Coalition Army before he recovered from his serious injuries. This child is getting bolder!
Yan Nian also doesn't know how to dissuade him! "
The Retired Emperor anxiously knocked on the imperial table.
Not to mention the Retired Emperor, even Dai Quan was very worried.
After a moment of silence, he suddenly said, "Did you find out where the news came from?"
"Emperor."
The current Emperor was afraid of Li Lian, the Marquis Champion, and sent someone to poison him …
The Retired Emperor's eyes were half-closed. His gaze was deep and unfathomable.
Dai Quan's heart skipped a beat. "Emperor, this news seems to have spread overnight. This old servant only found out that Prince Zhongjing and Prince Zhongshun were behind it."
"Go.
"Go and investigate whether or not the Emperor has made a move against Jing Ya."
The Retired Emperor's eyes darkened. Old Seven was stupid. If Old Eight and Old Ten did something, it was hard to guarantee that Old Seven wouldn't do something stupid.
Jingya wouldn't rebel. Old Seven actually knew in his heart that.
But his achievements overshadowed his master!
Tientse Province had many military achievements, and Jingya was loved and respected by the people. This was like a thorn that pierced deeply into Old Seven's heart.
The Retired Emperor was also an Emperor. He understood that from an Emperor's point of view, if his subordinates' achievements were higher than his, it would be difficult for him to establish his prestige. If his subordinates were arrogant, the Emperor would be worried that his subordinates would rebel and threaten his position.
But if Old Seven really did do something to Jingya, fear of Jingya's achievements overshadowing his master was only one of the reasons.
As for Old Eight and Old Ten …
They were taking revenge.
Taking revenge on Consort Gong (Empress Dowager).
Perhaps it was because he was old, but the Retired Emperor didn't have the energy to teach his disobedient sons a lesson like before.
Moreover, it was Consort Gong who made the first move, causing Old Ten … no wonder Old Eight and Old Ten wanted revenge.
Consort Gong was too much. She actually dared to make a move on a Prince.
Today she dared to make a move on a Prince in the palace. Tomorrow, if she didn't like this old man, would she also dare to make a move on him?
"Go and follow Zhen's orders: Today, the soldiers on the frontlines are fighting bravely for the country, risking their lives, and bathed in blood to protect the country. The Empress Dowager is the role model of the imperial harem. She should enter the small temple and chant sutras for the soldiers for seven days, seven days, seven days, seven days, seven days, to protect the health of my soldiers. My Da Zhou will live for thousands of years."
Without a doubt, the Retired Emperor was angry.
At the same time, it also showed that the Retired Emperor, who couldn't bear to punish his son, was willing to punish his son's mother.
"Yes, Emperor."
"Yes.
Do you think Old Seven really poisoned Jingya? "
The Retired Emperor's eyes carried a deep meaning as he stared at him indifferently.
Dai Quan once again carefully replied, "Replying to Emperor, Jingya is first class in terms of martial arts, military strategy, and loyalty to the country. Your Majesty will naturally understand Jingya's loyalty."
"Yes.
Zhen knows this son of Zhen's. He has high standards but low abilities, and has a suspicious temperament.
Zhen has suppressed him for so many years, and has tortured him for so many years, but he still doesn't understand. "
The Retired Emperor sighed slightly and stared blankly out the window.
After a while, he seemed to have thought something through and muttered to himself, "Forget it!
Zhen is old, I can't be a bad person for the rest of my life. "
"Yes.
Go and personally call Old Seven over! "
"Yes.