If there is anything that spreads fastest in the capital, it is gossip. On the day of the 16th day of the first lunar month, most of the courtiers had heard some news, and they all tensed up and waited for something.

It happened, but I didn’t expect that the entire day passed without incident. No specific edict was issued, but some necessary ceremonies were held according to etiquette. Even the emperor’s face remained normal, and there was nothing unusual at all.

.

But when everyone passed day after day and thought the news was inaccurate or something changed, suddenly everything that was supposed to happen happened again.

On the twentieth day of the first lunar month, the emperor issued an edict to seal off all powers of the Xuanjing Division and suspend all officials under the division. At the same time, Zhu Yue was dismissed from his position as Minister of Dali Temple and placed under the custody of the Ministry of Punishments.

On the twenty-third of the first lunar month, the imperial edict demoted Prince Xiao Jinghuan from Qizhu Prince to Shuangzhu for his disobedience to his superiors. He retired from the palace and stayed in seclusion for three months.

Seven people were exiled.

On the twenty-seventh day of the first lunar month, Concubine Jing of Jin Dynasty was concubine Jing, and she was given a gold seal on the paper.

Although none of the edicts directly involve Prince Jing, anyone with eyes can see that Jamel Xiao is now the highest-ranking prince among all the princes.

When the rickety Emperor Liang walked past the queue of courtiers standing there, the future pattern seemed to be extremely clear.

However, many courtiers who had long been tired of party struggles were fortunate that, except for the great progress in political affairs, Prince Jing, who was close to the throne of the East Palace, had not changed much in terms of temperament. He was still as upright, tough and inflexible as before.

Regarding King Yu and his followers, who seemed to be his opponents, King Jing's attitude could almost be said to be cold and arrogant to the point of disdain. But the more he behaved like this, the more people felt relaxed, because there was no need to speculate, just look at what he was thinking about

With the respect and appreciation of Zhongshu Ling Liu Cheng, Shen Zhui, Cai Quan and others, he was able to determine what type of ministers the prince liked, and the atmosphere in the court also changed unconsciously.

"Xiao Shu, Prince Jing is talking about you in front of His Majesty today," Meng Zhi said seriously, sitting in the small study hall outside Mei Changsu's bedroom, "Although the current situation is very good, shouldn't he also avoid suspicion?

yes?"

"Did he bring it up on his own initiative?"

"That's not true. Your Majesty just read Xia Jiang's book at that time. It said that you were an old friend of King Qi, so your Majesty asked King Jing if he believed it. What do you think King Jing's answer was?"

Mei Changsu shook his head.

"He answered too boldly," Meng Zhi lamented. "He said, 'If Mr. Su is an old friend of King Qi, how could I not recognize him?' Listen, it really makes me sweat, but the result

Fortunately, even though he admitted his close relationship with King Qi so frankly, His Majesty was not annoyed. Instead, he laughed and said, "Xia Jiang must have been driven into a hurry, and his biting was getting worse and worse. Mei

How could Chang Su and King Qi be related?'"

Mei Changsu nodded slowly and said: "Actually, Prince Jing is right to answer this way. Your Majesty is very clear about the brotherly relationship between him and Prince Qi. If you don't admit it frankly, is there any point in covering it up? Jing

The situation between King Qi now and King Qi back then is completely different. Your Majesty is so sure of it that you are not afraid of anything. On the contrary, the more you hide it from him, the more you feel as if you have a ghost in your heart."

"This is indeed the truth," Meng Zhi also agreed. "Then Prince Jing followed this topic and talked about you, saying that it was only because you accepted the three children who defeated Bailiqi as personal soldiers that you gained some respect.

As a result, he was really sorry that your innocent people suffered this time. That’s why Your Majesty took this Ruyi and ordered me to send it to appease you."

Mei Changsu looked at the green jade Ruyi placed on the table, smiled lightly, and didn't care.

"Do you think it's okay?" Meng Zhi saw what he meant and moved closer, "But their conversation is not over yet."

"Oh? What else did Prince Jing say?"

"His Majesty said it first. His Majesty asked him, 'I heard that Mei Changsu is actually King Yu's counselor. Do you know?'" Meng Zhi repeated the original words sentence by sentence. "Prince Jing replied, 'What did King Yu think of me?'"

I don’t know, but I don’t think Mr. Su meant this. I once had a deep conversation with him. This person’s knowledge of the world is unfathomable and admirable. If he is only treated as an adviser, I’m afraid he will be of little use.’”

Upon hearing this, Mei Changsu's expression gradually became serious and he frowned slightly.

"His Majesty then smiled and said, 'Mei Changsu is indeed a talented person. I originally intended for you to get closer to him, but I was afraid that you would reject him because he once served King Yu. Since you also have a respectful heart towards him, I will do it again this time.

If you have this opportunity, you should go to his house and have a look. This man is very knowledgeable and has a very clear understanding of current affairs. You have been away from the court for ten years, and I also want you to make progress quickly.'

"When Meng Zhi said this, he raised his thick eyebrows, "Prince Jing originally only had to comply with His Majesty's instructions, but his next response really surprised me."

"Did he reject it?" Mei Changsu also looked surprised.

"That's not true." Meng Zhi rubbed the muscles of his cheeks with his hands and relaxed. "Besides me, there were two other people present at the time. Guess who they were?"

"who?"

"Shen Zhui, the Minister of Hubu, and Cai Quan, the Minister of Punishment, are here to report the closure of the private artillery workshop."

"Is Prince Jing's answer relevant to the two of them?"

Meng Zhi slapped his thigh, "Exactly! Prince Jing looked back at Shen Zhui and Cai Quan at that time and said, 'It will really be beneficial to talk to more learned people. Not only me, but also the courtiers should not rest on their laurels. Since we are going,

Shen Qing and Cai Qing should also go together. We are all young talents, and it will be beneficial to learn from each other more." His Majesty laughed when he heard it and said, "You silly boy, you still don't understand that I asked you to ask Mei Changsu for advice.

What, calling the two of them here, isn't it just a purely intellectual conversation? Forget it, it's up to you.'"

Mei Changsu stood up slowly and walked thoughtfully around the room for a few steps, with a changeable expression on his face. Meng Zhi felt uneasy and asked hurriedly: "Is there anything wrong with Prince Jing doing this?"

"No...it's nothing...I understand Jingyan's good intentions," Mei Changsu sighed deeply, "but in fact he doesn't have to worry so much..."

"Okay, good intentions?"

"People like Shen Zhui and Cai Quan are the pillars that King Jing will rely on. He brought these people to see me just to prepare a way for my future," Mei Changsu looked around slowly.

There were low voices all around, "Everything that happened here will have no trace in the future. Just like that secret passage, once it is no longer needed, it will definitely disappear without a trace. Even if Prince Jing succeeds in his great cause in the future, I will

There is no merit that can be cited. Jingyan is a very affectionate person. He does not want to betray me in the future, so he eagerly seizes the opportunity to let his important ministers get to know me. Probably in the future, except Shen and Cai.

, he will also think of ways to attract more people..."

"Okay, okay!" Meng Zhi slapped the table happily, "This is Prince Jing! Isn't it in vain that you spent all your efforts for him?"

Mei Changsu froze his gaze and shook his head slowly, "I have spent all my efforts not just for Prince Jing. We have a common goal, and he does not need to feel indebted to me."

"You can't say that. After all, you have done so many things for Prince Jing. He should not be indebted to you. You don't want him to be so cool that he completely ignores you, right?"

Mei Changsu couldn't help but smile, returned to sit down, and nodded: "It's true, the more expectations people have, the more contradictory they are. Jing Yan has this intention, so it's natural, but now the situation is uncertain, I still have to find a solution

This is a chance to persuade him not to be impatient, just take it easy as long as possible on a small matter like how to arrange my arrangements."

Meng Zhi took a deep look at him, and swallowed back some words as soon as they came to his lips. The so-called authority-obsessed, intelligent and discerning Mei Changsu did not realize at this time that what he just said was completely different from a

A counselor, at least, is not like a conventional counselor whose goal is to achieve success and gain fame and fortune.

However, the Commander-in-Chief of the Forbidden Army, who was aware of this, seemed not to want to remind him at all.

About two days later, King Jing indeed came to visit with Shen Zhui and Cai Quan. Mei Changsu's body had basically recovered. She was wrapped in a thick white fur and was receiving distinguished guests in the warm front hall surrounded by a fire. As a result, she did not arrive.

Within a quarter of an hour, all the guests were so hot that they took off their coats.

Before arriving, Shen Zhui and Cai Quan were a little disgusted and opposed to this Qilin talented man who was specifically chosen to recuperate in the capital. But when they actually met, they were shocked to realize that he was really sick. And waiting for Jing Jing

Wang opened the topic, and as the conversation deepened, the prejudices disappeared without a trace.

In fact, most of the talents that Prince Jing currently relies on were recommended to him by Mei Changsu. Therefore, Mei Changsu knows and appreciates Shen Zhui and Cai Quan very well. Under the premise of having the same ideas, the more they have small opinions,

The differences between the two became more speculative, especially Cai Quan. Later on, he actually talked about the specific provisions of amending the criminal law, completely unaware that the other party was just a jobless white man.

In this way, from early morning to noon, Li Gang arranged food and drinks, and the guests sat down at the table without hesitation. After dinner, they continued chatting until it was getting dark. King Jing couldn't help but remind him: "Mr. Su is not in good health."

Okay, this is too tiring. He lives here and won’t leave. Let’s come back and ask for advice another day.”

The two ministers raised their heads in confusion, and then suddenly realized that the sun was setting towards the west, and hurriedly stood up to apologize. Mei Changsu smiled and said: "You two adults are young and talented people, and it is a rare opportunity for Su to get close to you. It is really a pleasure to talk so freely today,

Why bother talking about false etiquette?"

Cai Quan's temperament was more cheerful. Since he had recognized Mei Changsu's talent and learning, some of his words were particularly direct, "Mr. Su has the talent of a national scholar, and I deeply admire him. However, talent and virtue must be matched in order to be a saint."

.In today's world, the world wants to govern. I hope you will take good care of it and not go astray."

Mei Changsu understood what he meant, glanced at Prince Jing, smiled and said nothing. When Shen Zhui saw Prince Jing standing aside and watching, he did not step forward and make a few declarations about recruiting talents. Suddenly the emperor was not in a hurry and the eunuch was.

, hurriedly interjected: "Sir, as a smart person, of course, his vision should be unique. Now, who can revive the decline of the government and who can benefit the people of the country, I must have already figured out, right?

"

"Yes," Mei Changsu couldn't help but smile, "Su has been in the Imperial Capital for more than a year. He has already seen what he needs to see clearly. Please rest assured, sir."

We are all smart people, and here we treat it as a feast for the guests and hosts. Shen Zhui and Cai Quan left with great satisfaction. As soon as they left, they grabbed Prince Jing and made a suggestion, asking him to capture Mei Changsu, a talented person. .This result was what Jamel Xiao wanted, and there was no need for him to pretend, so he readily agreed.
Chapter completed!