The Red Mansions

Chapter 1484 King Wei: If a man is alive without food, he will be cooked with five cauldrons when he

Chapter 1484 King Wei: A real man must not eat from five tripods while alive, but must be cooked in five tripods after death!

Shenjing City

In the middle of the street, there is an ordinary mansion. In the backyard room, everything is silent. Chen Yuan, wearing a Sichuan brocade robe, sits behind a lacquered wooden table, his face calm, like a mysterious water.

Chen Yuan's eyes flashed coldly under his sword-like eyebrows, and he said, "That old man in the palace abolished the legitimate heir and enthroned a concubine. This is the way to bring disaster."

Ruan Yongde's eyes were deep under his thick eyebrows, and he said in a gentle voice: "During this period of time, there must be changes in the capital."

Chen Yuan said coldly: "When the snipe and the clam quarrel, the fisherman benefits."

At this moment, a guard entered the room and said, "Sir, the Holy Mother is here."

It turned out that after the White Lotus Mother learned that Emperor Chongping had confined the Song sisters, she sent someone to inform Chen Yuan.

"I'll go and greet her." Chen Yuan paused slightly and spoke softly. Without further delay, he left the lacquered wooden desk and headed towards the courtyard.

At this moment, the White Lotus Mother, also known as Concubine Wu, was wearing a conical hat, and her fair, jade-like face behind the green veil seemed to be covered with a layer of frost.

Chen Yuan's sword-like brows showed eagerness in his eyes, and he called out, "Master, you are here."

The White Lotus Mother's voice was as clear and melodious as the sound of a mountain spring. She said, "Come here and tell you something important."

Chen Yuan's voice was somewhat respectful. He extended his hand and said, "Master, please come this way."

As he spoke, he invited the White Lotus Mother to go to the water pavilion in the courtyard.

There is an octagonal pavilion with flying eaves and hooked corners. The lake around it is calm and peaceful. Because it is winter, you can see floating snow falling on the pavilion and the rocks. When the breeze blows, you can see ripples on the lake surface.

Chen Yuan sat down in a square pavilion by the water. He gently picked up a teapot and a few blue and white porcelain teacups. Amid the sound of tea, he gently poured a cup of tea. The tea soup could be seen flowing, and ripples seemed to appear.

The White Lotus Mother picked up the teacup, took a sip of the tea, and said, "The atmosphere in the palace is very tense. The inner guards have sealed off Kunning Palace and Funing Palace. The queen in Kunning Palace is not sitting still and waiting for death. She is passing on information to the outside world. I don't know what she is plotting."

Chen Yuan nodded and said, "Yongde and I were just talking about the possibility of a conflict between the Wei and Chu clans in the near future."

The White Lotus Mother asked, "Recently, the Wei and Liang clans in the capital are fighting for the throne with the Chu clan. The signs are indeed not right. What are your plans next?"

Chen Yuan's sword-like brows were covered with coldness, and he said, "Just watch the fire from the other side of the river and wait and see what happens."

The White Lotus Mother nodded and said, "It won't be too late to make plans after Wei Liang and Chu Fan decide the winner."

Chen Yuan said in a gentle voice: "And that Jia Heng... needs some attention over there as well."

The White Lotus Mother nodded and said, "I'll ask Xiao'er to keep an eye on it."

Chen Yuan's face turned slightly cold, and he said, "Junior sister is now married to Jia Heng, and has become one with Jia Heng and his wife. She may not tell Master about Jia Heng's situation."

The White Lotus Mother said, "She will eventually get married, but she has always been able to distinguish between right and wrong."

She should go meet the Prince of Wei in the next couple of days and tell him about his life story.

Afterwards, she talked with Chen Yuan for a while, and the White Lotus Mother did not linger for long and left quietly.

……

……

Jinyi Mansion, inside the official hall——

In the study room in the backyard, Qiu Liang sat down behind a lacquered wooden desk, holding a jute-covered file in his hand, flipping through it. His thoughts were actually drifting away, and it was unclear what he was thinking about.

After interrogating the Jinyifu entourage who had accompanied Jia Heng for many years, Qiu Liang began to send people to the Da Ci'en Temple to investigate.

Of course, nothing was gained.

After all, Jia Heng always chose the Big Wild Goose Pagoda for his trysts with Queen Song, and Chen Xiao was usually with them to keep watch, so this kind of thing could never be caught.

"If there really was an affair, it should have happened in Jiangnan, when the Queen went south to visit her relatives and returned home. Otherwise, it would be impossible because there are so many people around at ordinary times." Qiu Liang hid the page of the book in his hand, his eyes flashed, and he thought to himself.

This kind of thing has never been caught in bed, and both parties have never admitted it.

And considering that the person involved was the current queen, Qiu Liang could not even reveal a word, otherwise, the emperor on his sickbed would be so furious that he would take Qiu Liang's head first to vent his anger.

At this moment, dense and chaotic footsteps were heard outside.

"command."

As he was speaking, a Jinyifu guard wearing a black and red satin robe embroidered with flying fish and gold and red silk, with an embroidered spring sword on his waist, quickly entered the study.

"What do you mean?" Qiu Liang stood up and looked at his trusted Jinyifu guard with a glimmer of hope in his eyes.

"I asked someone to investigate the craftsmen of the fleet that accompanied the Queen to the south." The Jinyifu guard looked deeply and said, "It was said that everything was normal along the way. It was when the Queen was assassinated that the Prince of Wei sent people to rescue her."

Upon hearing this, Qiu Liang frowned, his eyes became uncertain, as if he was thinking about the reason.

Could it be that at this time, the two of them decided to spend their lives together?

The hero saves the beauty and the beauty falls in love with him?

Qiu Liang's expression changed constantly, his eyes flickered, and he asked, "Have you found any other clues?"

The Jinyifu guard showed a hint of hesitation on his resolute face, and said, "Commander, this matter is too shocking. I can only hint at it indirectly, and it is difficult to ask you directly."

Qiu Liang frowned and paced back and forth, thinking about his next move in his mind.

This matter is indeed not easy to investigate in a high-profile manner.

At this moment, the confidant Jinyi showed a hint of hesitation on his face and said, "Commander, could it be that this is not true at all and is completely groundless?"

Qiu Liang turned around, and with his thick eyebrows, he looked at the Jinyi Palace Guard aggressively. Then, after thinking for a moment, he said, "It's hard to say."

Could it be that he was just imagining things? But what the young officer in brocade uniform said earlier was indeed full of doubts.

At this time, a Jinyifu guard quickly entered the hall, bowed and said, "Commander, the chief of the Wei Palace, Deng Wei, handed over a business card, saying that he wanted to visit Commander Qiu."

Qiu Liang frowned, thinking about the man's purpose, and said, "The Chief Secretary of the Prince of Wei's Palace? Have someone invite him to the flower hall. I will be there in a moment."

As he spoke, Qiu Liang stood up and walked towards the outer hall.

At this moment, in the main hall of the Jinyifu government office, Deng Wei sat on a pearwood chair with a calm face. He gently stroked his beard and kept considering his words in his mind.

Of course, it is impossible to say anything directly to Qiu Liang. The King of Wei is about to make a big move. Do you have any idea?

At this moment, heavy footsteps were heard along the vermilion-painted, green-railed corridor, and then Qiu Liang could be seen walking towards them with a solemn expression.

"Why is Chief Secretary Deng visiting our office?" Qiu Liang asked with a stern look on his face, looking Deng Wei up and down.

Deng Wei didn't say much, but stated his purpose, saying, "Commander Qiu, my prince said that the Jinyi officer of the Five City Military Department has discovered the news of Chen Yuan, the remnant of the former King of Zhao, and wants to make peace with him for a few years..."

Qiu Liang was moved when he heard this. He stared at Deng Wei with burning eyes and asked in a deep voice, "Any news about Chen Yuan? Where is he now?"

Deng Wei nodded and said in a gentle voice, "Chen Yuan is still hiding in the capital. The Five Cities Military Department has discovered his movements. Your Highness wants to invite Commander Qiu to have a private chat."

Qiu Liang felt suspicious and asked, "The prince invited me to a banquet, but where is he now?"

"The prince has set up a dinner at the palace tonight and has invited Commander Qiu to attend the banquet. I hope Commander Qiu can go to the flower hall to have a chat." Deng Wei said in a low voice.

Hearing this, Qiu Liang temporarily suppressed his suspicion and said, "Master Deng, please tell the prince that Qiu Liang will go to the banquet tonight."

Deng Wei nodded and said, "Commander Qiu, please stay. I will take my leave first."

As he spoke, he left his chair and walked quickly toward the outer room.

After Deng Wei left, Qiu Liang frowned his thick eyebrows, and with a look in his eyes, he began to figure out the purpose of King Wei's invitation.

Now the situation in the capital has gradually become clear. The emperor intends to make the King of Chu the crown prince. It is only a matter of time before the King of Wei loses the throne.

So should he still attend the King of Wei's banquet?

Could it be that there is really some news about the White Lotus rebellion from the King of Wei?

As he was thinking this, Qiu Liang looked at the Jinyifu guards standing respectfully beside him and said, "Prepare the carriages and horses, and follow my command."

The Jinyifu guard nodded, and then without saying anything more, strode out of the government hall.

Prince Wei's Mansion

In the hall, one can see bright lights, bustling figures of people, a blazing fire, and rising hot air.

King Wei Chen Ran changed into a simple robe and sat down beside a wine table. Not far away, Song Jing was sitting and accompanying him.

"Your Highness, Commander Qiu is here." At this time, a servant walked into the hall and reported.

"I'll go to meet him." The King of Wei said in a low voice with a solemn expression under his sword-like brows.

As he spoke, he arrived at the ceremonial gate and looked up at Qiu Liang who was surrounded by the Jinyi Guards.

Qiu Liang took a few quick steps, bowed respectfully to Wei Wang Chen Ran, and said in a low voice: "I greet His Highness the Wei Wang."

No matter what, the person in front of him is still a vassal king of the Han Dynasty.

The King of Wei nodded, his jade-like face beaming with smiles. He lifted Qiu Liang's arm with both hands and said in a gentle voice, "Commander Qiu, there is no need to be polite."

While the two were exchanging greetings, King Wei Chen Ran invited Qiu Liang to go to the flower hall, where the host and guest sat down and the servants served them fragrant tea.

Qiu Liang said, "Your Highness the Prince of Wei asked your chief secretary to tell you that the spies of the Five Cities Military Department had discovered the whereabouts of Chen Yuan, the remnant of the Prince of Zhao?"

King Wei Chen Ran smiled and said, "There is such a thing. It was a junior officer of the Five Cities Military Department who heard some clues in the streets. Some of them are quite secretive. Commander Qiu, can you lend me some words?"

Qiu Liang's eyes paused slightly under his sword-like brows, and his suspicion became even greater. He nodded.

Then, following King Wei and Chen Ran, they entered the study room in the inner wing.

The two of them sat down again, and for a moment, the hall was instantly plunged into an atmosphere of extreme silence.

Qiu Liang finally couldn't calm down, his eyes were bright, he broke the silence and asked: "Your Highness just mentioned that the Five City Army Officers found the traces of the remnants of King Zhao, I wonder where they are?"

The King of Wei hesitated for a moment and said, "Commander Qiu, the remnants of the King of Zhao should be active in the capital."

Qiu Liang frowned, looked deeply, and asked, "Your Highness the King of Wei, do you know where the remnants of the King of Zhao are?"

Is this a joke on him?

King Wei Chen Ran said as a matter of course: "If I knew, I would have sent the Five Cities Army to catch these scoundrels. Why would it have been delayed until today?"

Upon hearing this, Qiu Liang frowned and said, "Then His Royal Highness the King of Wei summoned me here, but I don't know why."

King Wei Chen Ran said: "There is indeed a matter that I would like to entrust Commander Qiu with."

"Please let me know if you have any instructions." Qiu Liang had some vague guesses and his heart skipped a beat.

King Wei Chen Ran nodded and asked, "Commander Qiu, what do you think of the current issue of the crown prince in the East Palace?"

When Qiu Liang heard this, he was shocked.

What does His Royal Highness the Prince of Wei mean? Is he forcing him to express his opinion?

Qiu Liang's face was solemn, and he said righteously: "Since the emperor has issued an edict to appoint a crown prince, we, the Jinyi, are the emperor's personal soldiers. We just need to obey his orders. What opinions do you have?"

King Wei Chen Ran did not get the answer he wanted, and was somewhat disappointed. He asked, "What is the relationship between Commander Qiu and the King of Chu?"

Qiu Liang was silent for a moment, then said softly, "Your Majesty, I have no connection with the King of Chu."

King Wei Chen Ran stared at Qiu Liang and said, "Commander Qiu, if the King of Chu ascends the throne in the future, do you think you can still stay in the Jinyi Commander position?"

At this moment, Qiu Liang was already feeling a little uneasy, his calm expression changing constantly, and before he knew it, he felt a little inexplicably frightened.

What exactly did the King of Wei want to do by saying this? Was he planning a rebellion?

King Wei Chen Ran looked at him with a stern gaze, and said, "Commander Qiu, you have the potential to be a military governor of the Imperial Guards, or even a duke in the future."

Appointing officials, making promises, and painting big pictures are essential skills for almost every person in a high position.

When Qiu Liang heard this, his heart was moved slightly, or rather, he began to hesitate again.

If he joined the rebellion with King Chen Ran of Wei, the promised title of duke or marquis would probably be difficult to achieve.

But another thought came to his mind: if the plan failed, his entire Qiu Liang family would be executed in an instant.

King Chen Ran of Wei observed the changes in Qiu Liang's expression, and said in a loud voice: "Commander Qiu, a real man must be cooked in five cauldrons when he is dead if he is not fed in five cauldrons when he is alive!"

When Qiu Liang heard this, he was shocked and his expression changed.

Immediately, he stood up, bowed and said, "Your Highness, I remember that I have something else to do in the government office, so I won't stay any longer."

Upon hearing this, King Wei Chen Ran was startled and whispered, "Commander Qiu..."

"Your Highness, please pretend that I didn't hear what you just said." Qiu Liang thought about it and felt that he couldn't say no, otherwise he might not be able to leave the Prince of Wei's Mansion.

Just like that, Qiu Liang bowed and clasped his fists in salute, not giving the King of Wei any time to react, and quickly walked out of the study.

After Qiu Liang left, the King of Wei's face suddenly became gloomy, and his eyes were uncertain under his dark green eyebrows.

This Qiu Liang was so ungrateful! How hateful!

Does he think that Chen Ran will never have a chance to turn things around in his life?

Not long after, he heard hurried footsteps coming from the corridor. While he was talking, Song Jing entered the study, stared at the King of Wei, and said, "Your Majesty, why did Qiu Liang leave in such a hurry?"

Why is it like this? I haven’t even eaten.

This is something that should be avoided as much as possible.

King Wei Chen Ran had a gloomy expression and a deep and mysterious gaze. He said in a cold voice, "He doesn't buy my account at all. He thinks I'm doomed to fail."

Song Jing heard this, his eyes were burning, his brows furrowed, and he whispered: "Your Majesty, will Qiu Liang report your thoughts to His Majesty?"

King Wei Chen Ran's face was filled with coldness and he said, "Have someone keep an eye on him. If he dares to enter the palace, kill him. Then, as I said to my uncle before, activate the backup plan."

The King of Wei has worked hard over the years and has cultivated many loyal followers.

When Song Jing heard this, his expression suddenly changed, and he said worriedly: "If this is the case, there is no turning back."

The so-called backup plan is to assassinate the King of Chu and force the emperor to abdicate. Since the King of Chu is dead, the emperor can only choose one of the three.

It has to be said that assassination politics, with its simplicity and efficiency, has been present throughout China's feudal dynasties. It cannot solve problems, but it can solve the people who create problems.

……

……

Godly City, Ningguo Mansion

It was the cold winter of the twelfth month of the nineteenth year of Chongping. In the courtyard of blue bricks and black tiles, gusts of biting cold wind whistled continuously, blowing through the overlapping and flickering rugged rocks, making bursts of piercing screams.

Jia Heng walked into the study room, raised his eyes to look at Chen Xiao who was sitting behind the lacquered wooden table, took a few quick steps, approached Xiao Xiao, and asked, "Xiao Xiao, what do you want to call me for?"

Chen Xiao rolled his eyes at the young man in python costume and said, "Can't I call you if nothing happens?"

He calmed himself down and said, "The King of Wei has been intensively contacting some officers and soldiers from the Beijing Camp and the Five Cities Military Command these days. It seems that he is going to take some action. You should pay attention."

Jia Heng frowned, his eyes showing a thoughtful look, and asked, "Isn't he afraid that the palace will find out?"

"He is now blind and cannot see. He obtains more intelligence from the outside world through Dai Quan, and Dai Quan... will eventually have to consider his own way out." Chen Xiao said in a cold voice with a faint flash in his eyes under his frown.

Jia Heng nodded and whispered, "That's true. If Dai Quan can help cover up a few things, the King of Wei will have a chance to succeed. The Queen has been working in the palace for many years, and these are all common things."

Chen Xiao's clear eyes flashed under his sword-like eyebrows, and he asked, "What are you going to do next?"

Jia Heng thought for a moment and whispered, "Let someone keep an eye on the King of Wei and the King of Liang first. If they make any unusual moves, I can react in time."

After thinking for a while, he asked again: "Does Ruoqing have any news about your master and Chen Yuan?"

I haven't seen Ruoqing for such a long time, and I miss her inexplicably.

Chen Xiao shook his head and said, "There is no news from the master yet."

Jia Heng said, "I have to go see Ruoqing in the next few days."

Chen Xiao lowered his voice and said, "The spies in Jinyi Mansion said that Qiu Liang has been investigating you recently and sent people to ask about the Queen's trip to the south."

As the saying goes, you are in me and I am in you. Although Qiu Liang controls the Jinyi Mansion, there are still some secret agents in the Jinyi Mansion who often deliver messages to Chen Xiao.

Jia Heng frowned and said, "Why are you asking about the Queen?"

Chen Xiao's beautiful eyes flickered with a deep gaze under her slender eyebrows. She whispered, "I'm afraid you have doubts about your relationship with that person in the palace. After all, the truth will come out sooner or later."

Jia Heng frowned, his expression paused, and he felt a bit terrified.

Under Chen Xiao's willow-shaped eyebrows, a cold light flashed in his sparkling eyes. He said, "Why don't we find someone to kill Qiu Liang so that he won't keep staring at you."

Jia Heng thought for a moment and said, "Let's find an opportunity to act. Otherwise, once this matter is exposed, the consequences will be disastrous."

There are both advantages and disadvantages to getting rid of enemies in this way.

Chen Xiao's beautiful face was filled with coldness, and he said, "I'll have someone arrange to get rid of this person. The emperor is seriously ill at this time, and the situation in the capital is turbulent. It should be done quietly."

In other words, even if Qiu Liang died suddenly, no one would suspect Jia Heng anymore.

Moreover, even if Emperor Chongping suspected that Qiu Liang’s death was related to Jia Heng, he would not hold on to it at this time of power transition.

In the final analysis, the emperor is still lingering on his bed, and his control over government affairs is weakening over time.

Of course, Jia Heng didn't know that he had unintentionally helped King Wei Chen Ran eliminate a future trouble.

Jia Heng gently held Chen Xiao's slender hands, with some inexplicable thoughts in his eyes, and whispered: "Xiaoxiao, it will be extremely dangerous in the future. Can you and I be safe?"

Chen Xiao's eyes showed a solemn look, and he said: "No matter what, I will accompany you."

Jia Heng nodded, gently put his arm around the beautiful woman's shoulders, with a distant look on his face.

(End of this chapter)