Tide beat empty city

When Zhan Zhao entered the city, he saw two street people chasing them from a distance. The half-grown child who ran ahead was weak in his feet and was about to fall into the hands of the people. He was afraid to climb to the top of the tree trunk by the side of the road, and dared not move his nest.The soldiers chased him under the tree to persuade him to surrender: Come down, let you go home, and don't beat you.The child laughed at the voice, hesitated for a while, and slid down the tree quietly.There was a stick waiting for him under the pocket, and he was beaten to the point of bleeding.

Seeing this, Zhan Zhao rushed over, the child's hands had been cut behind his back, and he was still ignorant of screaming for pain.It looked like a commoner, with a face full of horror and bewilderment.Zhan Zhao stopped the way and asked what happened. The soldiers said that a few fugitives who slipped through the net threw stones on the side of the street and attacked the horses of the army;There is a strict order that no one will be arrested or killed if they are refused arrest, and they must be prevented from slipping through the net.

Zhan Zhao Wufang, paused for a while to teach, tore off the skirt to help the child wrap up the wound, saw him go, and then turned around by himself.After walking two steps, I heard the child wake up and struggle, but the cry gradually faded away: "Let me go, I don't know anything, just for fun, to join in the fun...

Zhan Zhao paused.After standing there for a long time, I never looked back.

Walking back and forth, I felt that the four streets were silent, but the air was full of bows and strings, and there was a faint sound of clanking gold and iron.A bit of stuffiness that the rainstorm hadn't washed away, sucked in at this moment, filled the chest, more and more full.

The universe is bright and bright, and when the sigh is replaced by a faint desolation.

As he was moving forward, he saw a few carts carrying corpses passing by on the opposite side, and the old and young women followed weakly, at most wiping away their tears, not daring to let out a loud cry of grief.In a trance, there was someone performing a salute in front of him, calling him 'Master Zhan'; he nodded, but stood still silently, watching the life and death process.Suddenly I didn't have the strength and courage to ask again.

In the Kaifeng mansion, Bao Zheng leaned over the book case and moved his brush like flying. Before the case, he knelt down on the ground shortly, with Gongsun Ce as the leader.When Zhan Zhao entered the door, seeing no one came to meet him, he also lifted his robe and knelt down together.

Bao Zheng raised his head and saw, angry and funny: "Zhan Zhao, what do you know when you just came back, that you just kneel down indiscriminately?"

Zhan Zhao respectfully said: "If your subordinates don't kneel, when will your lord speak? If your lord doesn't speak, who dares to say what happened to Zhan Zhao. You can't wait, you should kneel now."

Bao Zheng sighed, and put the pen back on the inkstone.It's a good sentence to kneel down and wait.

Because there are so many people who followed what they did the day before, now punishments are spread all over the capital, and people's minds are in danger; Bao Zheng fears that the foundation of people's livelihood will be shaken, which will be detrimental to the country in the long run. Then the punishment should be relaxed appropriately, and he should be detained for a few days and still be sent home.

Gongsun Ce was the first to object.Bitter remonstrance: "Nowadays, looking at the imperial court's hand in calming the chaos, the strategy is in hand. How could it be that the courtiers can reverse the situation with a few words of obstruction."The government of a country, iron and blood harmony, all have their own way; the adults have a benevolent heart to plan for the people, but chaos is permanent, and the destiny cannot be violated.At this time, the country's strength will be greatly damaged, and the pillar of the court, if you are convicted for a while, will cause great harm to the people, how can you bear it?

Bao Zheng sighed, or as Mr. thought, submitting the memorandum would be a catastrophe for the whole world, and it would be counterproductive.But in the face of collapse, if he doesn't say a word, ignores the evil tide, and the innocent perish, then Bao Zheng is no different from a stubborn stone.I would rather report my old age and return to my hometown than be a minister of this corpse.

In short, I still have to play it, because there was a kneeling and persuading scene in the study.

After explaining the ins and outs, everyone focused their attention on Zhan Zhao, waiting for him to express his position.

Zhan Zhao bowed his head for a while, and said, "I would like to enter the palace with your lord, and I will invite you to meet the sage."

Then he turned to Gongsun Ce and the others: "Everyone, please be at ease. Since entering the palace, Zhan will change on the fly. If you don't teach the adults, it will be harmful."

Gongsun Ce understood right away: "Guard Zhan has the right consideration. A compromise is the most important thing. Your lord might as well withdraw the memorandum for now and dictate his statement instead, so as to accept the king's will face to face and act according to the situation."

Bao Zheng looked around in a blink of an eye, staring pleadingly at the ground, and was speechless for a moment.

After entering the palace gate, dismount from the horse and sedan chair, and the two walk side by side.Bao Zheng sighed suddenly after walking out, "Zhan Zhao, you have something to hide."

The exhibition is silent.His feet were like walking a night road, he was really not sure where he was going to step next moment.Whenever he encounters this situation, walking alone is the greatest protection he knows.

Bao Zheng knew it well, but he could only sigh.

No one can change the trajectory of Zhan Zhao who walks alone.

The palace wall is silent, and the wind blows the shadows of trees all over the place, making it messy and unclear.Zhan Zhao's voice pierced through the eaves and brackets, and came from nowhere in the sky: "I only have one thing to say, Mr. Gongsun, I like it, and I still want to say it. Don't be bored, my lord."

Bao Zheng patted him on the shoulder without making a sound.

Zhan Zhao said: "Your Excellency, you care about morality, and you don't care about it until you die. I'm afraid that if you take righteousness and become benevolent, someone will take advantage of it, and from then on, you will cause disaster and chaos. In Kaifeng City, it seems that the Ministry of War is large, and there is really a lot of power in it. Ten thousand wisps; it is very easy to be offended by an adult's invitation. With the reputation of an adult, it is still possible to rebel against the dragon scale, but it is difficult to prevent the people in the dark from deliberately plotting and finding gaps to frame the trap. If there is a time, the long-standing public will destroy it, and it will be the Holy One It's also difficult. For a while, I said before you, I beg you to be careful."

Looking up, the moon is hidden in the clouds, and the sound of iron horses in my ears gradually becomes lonely and difficult to continue.Zhan Zhao paused, blushing slightly: "Just pretend it's because of Zhan Zhao, I have to go out with your lord tonight."

Zhan Zhao who never speaks for himself.Bao Zheng went back with a sigh, and said for a long time, don't worry.

In Zhao Zhen's Proclamation Hall, the first and auxiliary ministers were full.The Son of Heaven took his seat, and after being kowtowed by the two, he still had an angry look on his face: "Zhan Qing left the city early in the morning, where are the rescued hostages?"

Zhan Zhao prostrated himself on the ground, and said for a long while, "I am guilty."

Bao Zheng was about to speak out, but was blocked by Zhao Zhen with a raised hand: "That's enough! I will know what you said, and I don't want to hear it. Just stand aside." Turning his head to Zhan Zhao with hatred: "You are not in the mansion Thinking about it, what are you going to do in the palace? Are you impatient to go to prison, and want to force me to issue an order face to face?"

Zhan Zhao was speechless, secretly feeling that the emperor was inexplicably angry.I had no choice but to say: "I am terrified. I have failed my holy hope, and I am willing to be punished by Your Majesty, and I dare not complain."

Zhao Zhen sneered: "Boldly Zhan Zhao dragged Bao Zheng to plead guilty, but he even prepared a lobbyist. I forbid him to speak, otherwise you will be more guilty. Bao Qing, did you hear that?"

Bao Zheng opened his mouth, bowed and said, "I... I obey the order."

Zhan Zhao suddenly understood.Misfortune comes from the mouth, isn't it good luck if you don't speak.With a sigh of relief, let's watch the monarchs and ministers coming and going, and making arrangements.After expressing their views, the emperor was also tired, so he ordered the chief eunuch to dismiss the courtiers, and he leaned on the dragon chair and closed his eyes to rest his mind.

After being silent for a long time, he suddenly opened his eyes and saw Zhan Zhao, and scolded, "What are you still doing here?"

Zhan Zhao was dizzy for a while: "The Holy Majesty has not yet been released, so I dare not go."

Zhao Zhen thought for a while, and nodded to him: "Sit down. Sit closer. Talking far away will hurt you."

The dragon chair is held alone, and there are no close seats around.Zhan Zhao said helplessly: "I don't dare to overstep. I..." He bowed his head and pondered.

Zhao Zhen leaned forward, squinted his eyes and looked at him: "Don't you have something to say? Everyone is gone, what are you waiting for?"

Zhan Zhao knelt again: "I'm guilty."

Zhao Zhen answered immediately: "Forgive me. If you have something to say, play it quickly."

Zhan Zhao lowered his head and said, "Mr. Tang Shaowen was not killed. I saw him in the suburbs of Kaifeng. But the reason for this is unknown, so I dare not report to Lord Bao rashly. I hope the emperor will order a thorough investigation to return justice."

"Fairness?" Zhao Zhen sighed deeply: "Zhan Zhao, what do you mean by fairness?"

Zhan Zhao was startled, and said in a low voice, "Your Majesty is wise. What I mean is the prosperity of the country and the safety of the people, just like Lord Bao thought when he entered the palace."

Zhao Zhen nodded: "Since Qing and others are of one mind, why didn't you tell Bao Zheng about Tang Shaowen? You should have thought of why I didn't let him speak today."

Zhan Zhao was silent for a while, then kowtowed deeply.

Zhao Zhen sighed: "The reason is to have the same thoughts as Qing. My important minister, I don't want him to make any mistakes. Especially at this time."

After finishing speaking, he stood up, lingered a few times and smiled: "Bao Zheng looks like he wants to say something but dare not say it. I'm afraid that I will keep someone tonight and won't let you go. You really protect him, and you only pushed me to the cusp of the storm. Standing. Sometimes I really wonder whose servant you are."

Zhan Zhao was secretly startled.The emperor's wings are getting richer day by day, and today is not what it used to be.He couldn't make a half-step mistake, thought for a moment and said: "The minister... is the minister of the country."

Zhao Zhen laughed: "Minister of the community, good answer. In this way, seeing the turmoil in the community and the suffering of the people, you must feel uncomfortable. The past few days have seen enough, and everything is nothing but a dog; I heard that, Qing does not like to see blood by nature, I am afraid that at this time, he does not dislike it, and wish that the instigator would be destroyed, right?"

That laughter made my heart ache.Zhan Zhao fell to the ground, he couldn't even say 'I dare not'.

For a moment Zhao Zhen stopped laughing, nodded and said, "I have my own opinion about who should be cleared and who should be kept. Tell Bao Zheng, and tell yourself, I don't need anyone to point out how to keep things in balance. , in exchange for a moment of peace, thousands of years will be the same. As long as the exchange is worth it, I will not hesitate to do it. May you understand?"

Zhan Zhao only replied, "I understand."

Zhao Zhen smiled and said, "Then tell me."

Zhan Zhao still lowered his head, and his knees were numb: "To set things right, the Holy One is determined to win. Sacrifice---is inevitable. But to preserve vitality, virtuous ministers and good officials will survive in this world---"

A point of needle prick in the numbness gradually spread, excruciating pain.Make him speechless.

Zhao Zhen praised: "Qing is really smart. The most rare, and honest. Let's go on, it's time to talk about Bai Yutang's entry to Beijing. If it wasn't him, how could Tang Shaowen get to this point?"

Zhan Zhao raised his head suddenly, his eyes were burning brightly.I don't care about the disgrace before you, and I don't remember it.

Seeing him like this, Zhao Zhen's eyes twitched, and he still smiled and said: "Why, Qing still wants me to order a thorough investigation. How can Tang Shaowen run away, be rescued, and be harbored by people in the Jianghu without reporting it?"

Zhan Zhao took a long breath, trying his best to maintain a ray of clarity --- he had already been spotted.Whoever instigated, who arranged, who bluffed, who took advantage of the affairs of the Tang residence, Zhan Zhao was so arrogant that he wanted to probe the deep water with his own body and mind.

How weak this body and mind is, how many years and years he has to spend, how many worlds he has read, and only when he looks back will he realize it.

Zhan Zhaofu bowed his head in silence again.The persistent aura gradually expanded, as if eternal life was going to continue like this.

Zhao Zhen smiled lightly.After laughing, he put on his usual indifference: "If it was normal, I would have ordered you to investigate. Now, because of the grievances between a mere father and son, causing turmoil, or even disrupting the overall situation, I will never allow it. Those who have racked their brains to use me to eradicate People who are different from you, tell me, should I use them too?"

Zhan Zhao knelt down respectfully and remained silent.

Zhao Zhen paused, then waved his hand dullly: "You go." After a while, he raised his voice to the back of the palace gate and called again: "Zhan Zhao, come back."

Zhan Zhao walked back as he said.Zhao Zhen stopped him from kneeling, and asked, "Do you think, Qing, that I sent a dead man to kill Tang Shaowen at night?"

Zhan Zhao respectfully replied: "I don't dare to speculate." After hesitating for a moment, he continued: "Please show me."

Zhao Zhen couldn't help but smile.Very smart Zhan Zhao.Then he said: "Tang Shaowen is no longer here. Whoever he is now, let him be who he will be in the future. Do you understand?"

Zhan Zhao still replied respectfully: "Yes. I understand."

Until he entered his own room in Kaifeng Mansion, Zhan Zhaofang felt up and down inside and out, his clothes were wet with sweat; he looked like someone who had been drowning for too long.

At the same time, Zhao Zhen swiped his imperial pen on the memorial to a certain courtier requesting Zhan Zhao to be punished: a fine of half a year's salary, and a confinement.If you don't order it, you are not allowed to show your face.

Early in the morning, Gongsun Ce entered the study and saw Zhan Zhaoduan sitting under the window transcribing documents. He was surprised and said, "It's so early for Zhan's guard. How do you do this?"

Zhan Zhao replied indifferently: "If you don't do this, what else can you do?"

Seeing the injustice, he felt uncomfortable.After thinking for a while, Gongsun Ce persuaded: "The current situation is not useless. The ministers who are corrupt and cheating have also been suppressed, and they have restrained a lot recently."

Zhan Zhao stopped writing for a while, and said, "Mr. Gongsun, Zhan has always believed that there is a bright and right way to lead to every ambition in the world. Why would anyone not take it? Why do you have to do tricks and play tricks and tricks?" Do you want to be the secret hand of turning clouds and rain? Zhan also knows that the world is chaotic and the country’s fortune is flat. If you look at it in the long run, the benefits and benefits are equal; but when the merits and demerits are balanced, what is lost is lost in the end. It is useless to use any other. To make up for it. Is it true that no one can see this truth?"

Gongsun Ce also sighed with emotion: "The king's way is majestic, but why are people so stupid in this world? It can only be said that those who come out with words will also come in with words; those who enter goods with words will also come out with words. People just know it."

Self-knowledge?Zhan Zhao smiled bitterly.Perhaps it is more appropriate to say that 'things must rot themselves, and then insects will live'.Long Jiu said: "Pieces fall on the chessboard, advance and retreat cannot be controlled. What is the trade-off between gains and losses?"

Gongsun Ce followed him a little bleakly, but he still wanted to mention: "Zhan Huwei, people say 'one wrong, the whole game loses'; although the Chu River and Han border cannot be crossed, but for himself and for his own side, when he walks well, until the end He also looked at the sky above his head, and the two or three sons by his side. The sword is in its sheath, and the years are wasted, and the ambition must not be wasted. Otherwise, you will really lose without fighting."

Zhan Zhao inhaled slightly, nodded his head: "Even if it's just for the sake of a ray of sky, two or three sons." After saying that, they all looked at each other and smiled.