The candle flame swayed, and the Longquan Kiln celadon tea cup was gently put down.
The bottom of the lamp almost touched the sandalwood table, making a crisp sound.
Li Yan looked at the other party calmly.
This censor's name is Wang Yanling.
His skin is dark and his facial features are dignified. Together with his Scarlet Robe and Cinnabar Hat, he fits the image of an important member of the imperial court.
But if you look closely, you can find a lot more.
His eyebrows slanted into his temples, and there was a shallow scar on his eyebrow bone. Although his shoulders and back were as straight as loose, the little finger of his left hand was missing, and his right hand was thickly calloused...
In just an instant, Li Yan judged many things.
The scars on the little finger and brow bone are caused by torture. It seems that Imperial Censor Wang has suffered in prison...
The calluses on the right hand's mouth are not caused by martial arts, but are caused by holding a pen and reviewing case files all year round, indicating a deep knowledge...
If you are knowledgeable, you have experienced things.
This kind of person is generally very difficult to deal with.
To be honest, Li Yan doesn't really want to deal with this kind of person.
The officialdom is different from the world of politics. There are many people who talk the talk and use the sword but are wise and scheming. If you are not careful, you can be tricked and you will be at odds with his temperament.
But the strange thing is that this Imperial Censor Wang actually knows him and is very enthusiastic. Li Yan has no choice but to stay and explore this person's background.
On the other side, Xu Yongqing was immersed in the sorrow of annihilating his family, his eyes were blood red, and his fingers were holding the tea cup fiercely, as if he would crush it in the next moment.
However, the censor Wang Yanling was not in a hurry. He lowered his head and took a sip of tea, then comforted him softly, "I have heard about the matter. Brother Xu is confused. If you are unwilling to join in the evil, then the official seal of the censor..."
"It's like a reminder!"
Comfort is useless, and the truth is more likely to hurt people.
Wang Yanling's words made Xu Yongqing completely collapse, tears streaming down his face, and he said in a trembling voice, "Wang... that traitor was kind to me in the past, so he thought he would not be so decisive, and could at least let his family go..."
At this point, I burst into tears.
Li Yan glanced coldly and remained silent.
He showed no mercy to Xu Yongqing.
There are many things that you can think about clearly when you calm down.
How could it be a good thing to be able to serve as the chief historian of the feudal lord and have full authority to handle all the affairs of the palace? To collect evidence secretly is just for fear of something happening and to leave a way out for myself...
When I realized something was wrong, I didn't send my family away as soon as possible. Instead, I waited. I was just hoping for a better chance. I was blinded by power and had already forgotten my family.
What's the use of crying afterwards...
The censor Wang Yanling also saw what kind of person Xu Yongqing was, but he was not anxious at all. Instead, he took down a yellowed ancient book from the bookshelf next to him, with "Qingcheng Mountain Zhi" written on it.
He opened one of the pages and ran his fingertips across a passage that had been rubbed over and over. "I read this book and said that in those days Tranquil Void Celestial Master observed the stars at night, Purple Forbidden Enclosure a guest star invaded the throne of the emperor, but nothing happened afterwards."
"Although I only mentioned it once, I happened to remember that incident. Someone got the news and reported it in court, but was falsely accused and imprisoned. He was released three years later..."
"To be honest, this unfortunate guy is me."
So that's it...
Li Yan suddenly understood.
I had heard that Imperial Censor Wang had come to Shuzhong, and he had always been against King of Shu. He was like a mad dog. It turned out that he had a grudge for a long time.
In other words, it is no longer a grudge, but a position.
The imperial censor was imprisoned for suing King of Shu because the timing was wrong. After three years in prison, the high officials in the court found that King of Shu was getting more and more wrong. Knowing that the time had come, he was released again.
Therefore, this censor must bite King of Shu to death.
As long as he succeeds, this thing alone will be enough to last him a lifetime.
The censor confessed, but not to him, but to reassure Xu Yongqing that he would not be betrayed again.
After all, today's Xu Yongqing is a bereaved dog. He looks pitiful, but in fact he has been cornered and is extremely defensive.
Even if he is rescued by Li Yan, he will not tell the truth.
That's why Imperial Censor Wang released this bait.
Sure enough, as soon as these words came out, Xu Yongqing no longer hesitated, gritted his teeth, stood up and knelt down and said, "King of Shu wants to live forever, colludes with demons to harm the people, and is ambitious and has the intention of rebellion. I hope you will make the decision for me."
Wang Yanling also had a smile on his face. He took two steps forward to lift Xu Yongqing up and said righteously, "Don't worry Yongqing. With me here, I will not let his conspiracy succeed."
"If I remember correctly, Yongqing was a Jinshi in the year Jia You. If he has made great achievements, he can serve under me."
"Thank you, sir."
After the two pretended to be polite, Xu Yongqing stood up and said in a deep voice, "I have collected the evidence of King of Shu's rebellion and recorded it in the account book."
Wang Yanling's pupils shrank, "Where is the ledger?"
"Burn!"
Xu Yongqing gritted his teeth and said, "I found something wrong, so I burned this thing, but all the entries are recorded in my heart below, without missing a word."
As if he was afraid that Imperial Censor Wang wouldn't believe it, he immediately started reciting it.
"In the year Bing Chen Year, heavy rain fell in the middle of Sichuan and broke down the river embankment outside Chengdu. No one in the village survived. The Ministry of Industry reported that it was a landslide, but in fact King of Shu ordered people to blow up the Ancient Ba People altar..."
"On the sixteenth day of the first lunar month of Jia Chen Year, You Hour Three Religions, thirty fuel trucks left from Chengdu Prefecture. The fire at the Qingyang Palace that night was also done by King of Shu's orders..."
"Two years ago, the ultimatum approved by the Ministry of Rites said 'Attendant Sanqing, Ji Shidu Ren', but in fact it was King of Shu in the temple altar in the inner house, and the incense book recorded a monthly consumption of 200 kilograms of cinnabar and 80 taels of mercury. I don't know where to use it..."
"Last year, during the frost, seventy-three people died in the Zigong mine. The <Miner Injury and Death Registry> received by the Ministry of Industry only recorded the names of nine dogs and pigs. This is because a large number of Coal Essence were found in the coal mine..."
"Enough!"
Wang Yanling looked surprised and quickly stopped him.
After all, Shuzhong is Shu King Residence's territory. He has been operating it for many years. Since he came here, he has made some achievements, such as winning key Chongqing Prefecture positions and driving away King of Shu people.
But these are all in line with the trend and cannot damage its roots.
With this information, it is even more powerful.
Xu Yongqing also said in a deep voice, "I will rewrite the account book overnight. Without further ado, please sir..."
"No rush."
But Wang Yanling shook his head and said, "The key to capturing King of Shu is not here, but in the court. His Majesty still cares about friendship. If there is no certainty, King of Shu will only erase these evidences."
After saying that, he changed the topic and asked, "You said King of Shu got Demon Arts and has returned to youth. What do you mean?"
Xu Yongqing quickly described what he saw.
Wang Yanling was thoughtful, then turned to look at Li Yan and asked, "Young Hero Li, your great master has also heard of me, Ministry of Works, Department of Yuheng, the doctor Yuan Feng Lord Yuan, once asked me to take care of you."
As soon as these words came out, Li Yan understood instantly, raised his hands and asked, "We haven't contacted you for a long time, how is Lord Yuan?"
Ministry of Works, Department of Yuheng, the doctor Yuan Feng, also has another identity, that is, elder Mo Sect, and we have a pretty good relationship with him.
At least buy New-Style Gunpowder and there is no need to worry.
Unexpectedly, the other party asked someone to take care of him.
This old man is quite particular about what he does.
Hearing Li Yan's inquiry, Wang Yanling smiled and stroked his beard and said, "Lord Yuan is very good. I heard that I don't know what treasures were presented to me, which made Longyan so happy that he issued a decree and he can walk in the palace at will, day or night."
"In these years, only Lord Yuan has received this honor, and I don't know what he is doing. Even Master Grand Secretary has been ordered not to ask about this matter..."
What he said seemed to be a narrative, but in fact it was meant to be a test.
It's that Mo Sect weird Steam Engine!
Li Yan Spiritual Light flashed in his mind, and he immediately guessed the reason.
This thing was invented by the Mo Sect Grand Master at the time when the world was in chaos at the end of the Tang Dynasty. Knowing that it was not born by chance, they hid it in the tomb and found it by chance.
Ordinary people may not be able to see it.
But there are many Mo Sect people who are good at Mechanism Arts. How to generate power is the main direction of their research. Of course they can see that this thing is precious.
Moreover, he also specifically reminded me at that time.
Nowadays, Mo Sect is mysterious and mysterious. It is probably with the support of the emperor that they are researching and replicating this thing.
Once successful, the rise of the Mo Sect is not far away.
These bureaucrats in the DPRK may not understand technology, but they know where the wind is blowing, and they were so polite to him because of Elder Yuan.
Of course, Li Yan would not talk nonsense about this kind of thing. He could only pretend to be confused and said, "Lord Yuan and I hit it off immediately. If you have the chance, you will definitely come to thank me."
"Oh."
Wang Yanling also noticed Li Yan's vigilance, so he changed the subject and said, "I don't understand the matters of Xuanmen. I dare to ask Young Hero Li, King of Shu, is it true that Elixir of Immortality has achieved immortality?"
Li Yan said calmly, "It's probably some kind of evil magic. If you really achieve immortality, you will be punished by God. Then you don't need to worry about it."
Wang Yanling felt a shiver in his heart, remembering Li Yan's other identity.
Although they can't understand what happened to Living Underworld Messenger, it's better to keep a distance.
Thinking of this, Wang Yanling nodded and said, "Okay, then I have an idea. I would also like to thank Young Hero Li for tonight's righteous act."
"Lord Yuan has already said hello. If Young Hero Li needs gunpowder, he can come to the government office to get it at any time. This is my order."
"Thank you, sir."
"You're welcome. I just reported from my subordinates. Shu King Residence Those people are still hiding outside. They don't have the courage to attack the government office yet. Young Hero Li can rest in the government office first."
The words are polite, but they are trying to scare people away.
Li Yan understood it and didn't waste any time. He stood up and left directly. Under the leadership of the Bagua Gate disciple, he came to stay in a small courtyard.
As soon as he left, Xu Yongqing plopped down and knelt on the ground, no longer pretending at all, and cried bitterly, "I am now desperate, I hope you can save me."
"Brother Xu, what are you doing?"
Imperial Censor Wang was a little helpless and asked him to stand up again, shaking his head and saying, "The reason why I am not moving now is because the time has not yet arrived."
Xu Yongqing's face turned pale, "His Majesty?"
The reason why King of Shu remains standing is because the emperor is thinking about his old feelings. If he really wants to protect him, no amount of evidence will be of any use.
"No."
Wang Yanling shook his head slightly, with a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes, "His Majesty has such great ambitions, how could he continue to condone them? I didn't pay attention to him before, because he thought that King of Shu was old and seriously ill, and this brotherhood would be ruined, so that the historian would not talk nonsense."
"But King of Shu seeks immortality through evil methods, which is a taboo!"
Xu Yongqing I understood instantly and finally felt relieved.
Wang Yanling saw his appearance, although his heart was full of disdain, his expression remained unchanged and he continued, "Of course, this alone is not safe, so we have to wait for another thing."
Xu Yongqing's interest was aroused and he couldn't help but ask, "Sir, what is it?"
To be honest, he already had contempt for this censor.
When messing around in official circles, it is very important to keep your mouth shut, but this person just started to talk a lot when they first met, and said everything out loud.
It seems like it's just good luck.
As long as you avoid this disaster, rely on his strength, and be careful to flatter yourself, you might be able to make a comeback.
When the time comes, it will no longer be you who is kneeling.
"The Southwest War is over."
Wang Yanling didn't seem to hear what he said. He took a sip of tea and said calmly, "On the 20th of last month, the imperial court defeated Lou Mountain Pass. There is no danger to defend Bozhou, and the Yang family retreated to Hailongtun."
"On the eighteenth day of the twelfth lunar month, the imperial army gathered under Hailongtun. Dragon Tiger Mountain Celestial Master summoned thunder to break the formation. The Ministry of Industry envoy Lu Ban Muque guided it. The artillery fire was launched. The Yang family has been completely defeated. It is now finishing."
"That's a good thing."
Xu Yongqing said absently, and then said, "But what is the reason for this matter King of Shu?"
Wang Yanling said calmly, "The Yang family has led troops to Bozhou since the Qianfu period of the Tang Dynasty. It has gone through the Tang, Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms, Song, Daxing, and Daxuan for more than seven hundred years. It has remained standing for more than seven hundred years. How can it be a fool?"
"Why didn't you rebel before, but why are you rebelling now?"
"I have inquired about one thing. Replace Tusi with centrally appointed officials is not the main reason. The Yang family has been wreaking havoc for many years and has been impeached by countless people. However, they came to Chengdu every time to offer heavy gifts and were suppressed."
"Three years ago, the Yang family had noticed that the imperial court was dissatisfied and knew something was wrong. They wrote a letter willing to declare themselves ministers and even sent their eldest son to prepare to go to the capital from Chengdu to serve as a hostage, just to ease relations with the imperial court."
"But just after arriving in Chengdu, people were killed. Please go to Shu King Residence, King of Shu to avoid seeing..."
At this point, Xu Yongqing turned pale.
Wang Yanling's eyes became gloomy, "There was no need for so many people to die in this matter. Mr. Xu, was it you who was in charge of this matter at that time?"
Xu Yongqing was trembling all over and sweating like rain.
Wang Yanling smiled faintly, "Remember, don't mess around. No matter what the outcome is, you and King of Shu can only live together..."
What they also didn't notice was that among the roof tiles, a black paper figure quickly turned into smoke and disappeared...
In the small courtyard Wing Room on the other side.
Li Yan sat cross-legged on the bed, slowly opened his eyes, thoughtfully.
Although this Chengdu Prefecture yamen looks as calm as water, it is hidden deep inside. Apart from the few Bagua Gate disciples, there are also expert guards.
But even so, he has a way.
The black paper man in Chuling Paper Figure is the best at hiding and detecting. He can avoid the objects outside the door, but nothing can be done to him inside.
Unexpectedly, the southwest rebellion is also related to King of Shu.
The time was three years ago...
Vaguely, Li Yan clarified a line.
Ten years ago, Zhao Changsheng and Lu Sheng joined Shu King Residence. Later, Zhao Changsheng left, while Lu Sheng stayed...
Later, King of Shu began to pay attention to Xuanmen and gathered a large number of people from the world, but it was still normal...
Three years ago, King of Shu became violent...
The key to everything is probably Lu Sheng!
So many evil spirits are lurking in the dark, what are they planning...
Just when Li Yan was heading to Chengdu Prefecture's yamen, Nie Third Aunt, who had escaped, had also arrived in the northern suburbs of Chengdu.
This is Chengdu Mass Burial Grounds. Broken monuments are everywhere and graves are piled up.
Arriving at the depths of Mass Burial Grounds, after Nie Third Aunt bypassed a headless Stone Wengzhong, thick fog rose in front of our eyes.
In the blur, a house appeared, with blue bricks and black tiles, and a faded wooden plaque hanging on the lintel.
On it, there are four big characters written "House of Accumulated Virtue".