In front of the monarchs and ministers of the Southern Zhou Dynasty, Pei Yue copied Dongpo Layman's "Ding Feng Bo" with the original intention of trying to defeat Emperor Qingyuan's alienation strategy. This was not a true portrayal of his mood.

However, things in the world were in turmoil, and he never expected that so many changes would happen later.

Tonight, Sheng Duanming asked a question from the sentence in that poem, which obviously had a profound meaning.

Pei Yue roughly understood the contradiction in the old man's heart. On the one hand, as a traditional scholar, he had been taught since childhood that the emperor was the most important thing. Now he should stand on the side of Emperor Kaiping and eliminate all hidden dangers for the emperor.

On the other hand, he traveled from north to south this year and watched with his own eyes Pei Yue rescuing victims and taking risks. He was deeply touched by what this young powerful man did.

In fact, for Pei Yue, isn't Sheng Duanming's image constantly changing?

After negotiating with Xu Ziping, he took the initiative to salute, took care of Pei Yue in every possible way in the Sifang Pavilion, and organized civilians in Jiangling City to assist in the city defense. Every bit of the past events can prove that this old man is not a pedantic and hypocritical false Taoist, but a real person.

A great scholar of the time who has integrity.

After a long silence, Pei Yue said softly: "Why do you need to be in trouble, sir?"

Sheng Duanming looked at him quietly.

Pei Yue said sincerely: "A few years ago, I was a concubine who was in a precarious and difficult situation. Thanks to various opportunities and coincidences, I got to where I am today. In such a difficult situation before, I was able to stand safely and securely in the future.

You won’t have your back broken easily.”

Sheng Duanming suddenly smiled faintly and said calmly but firmly: "In times of crisis, I will never sit back and watch those people criticize you wantonly."

Pei Yue looked surprised. He had always thought that Sheng Duanming was here to test him tonight. After all, this is what a loyal old minister should do, so even if the other party showed too much emotion, he kept the spiritual platform clear and did not reveal any flaws.

I never thought it would be such a promise.

For people like Sheng Duanming, a promise worth a thousand pieces of gold is the rule of life, and even life is not as important as a promise.

The most important thing is that Sheng Duanming is not an ordinary official, but a representative of the Qing Dynasty in the government and the public. His attitude can affect the views of a large number of Qing nobles and civil servants. Pei Yue now has great influence among the martial arts, but in the

The civil servants seemed lackluster. Even with Luo Ting's appreciation and regard, they ultimately lacked sufficient support.

Pei Yue would not be naive enough to think that Sheng Duanming supported his rebellion, but as long as the old man offered help at the critical moment, he would be able to avoid a lot of trouble in the whirlpool of the subsequent imperial dispute.

Thinking of this, he said gratefully: "My dear sir, I really don't know how to repay you for your kindness."

Sheng Duanming shook his head and said: "Marquis Pei must not do this. I am just doing my little bit to help the people in Qinzhou and the soldiers in Jiangling City who were affected by the disaster. In addition, I have a few words to say, and I am willing to listen to them."

He raised his eyes and looked at Pei Yue's calm face in the candlelight, and said calmly: "Therefore, a gentleman is trustworthy, and he also wants others to trust him. He is loyal, and he also wants others to love him.

It is correct to correct and distinguish, but also to do good to others. It is easy to know when thinking, easy to implement, and easy to establish. If you succeed, you will get what you like, and you will not encounter what is bad."

Pei Yue was filled with emotions. The meaning of what the old man said was not difficult. He had heard Mr. Xi say it before.

Sheng Duanming did not blindly advise Pei Yue to be a loyal minister, but only told him that upholding the virtues of a gentleman will definitely receive satisfactory rewards in the future. Obviously this old man also understood the dilemma that Pei Yue would face after returning to the capital, and he did not want Pei Yue to leave.

If you go astray, you may never recover, because the country needs such talented and kind-hearted talents.

At this point, Pei Yue finally understood the purpose of his coming here tonight and the reason why he made that promise.

After pondering for a moment, Pei Yue nodded and said, "I would like to be taught."

Sheng Duanming did not ask about his inner thoughts. After drinking the last strong drink, he slowly stood up and said: "I say goodbye, I don't need to see you off, Marquis Pei."

Pei Yue sent him outside and ordered his own soldiers to protect him when he returned.

The north wind was fierce, and the old man's thin and slightly rickety body gradually disappeared into the night.

Pei Yue stood inside the door with his hands behind his hands and slowly exhaled.

Life in this world is, after all, a long journey. Even if the people and things along the way cannot stop him, they will leave a deep mark on his heart.

…

The ninth day of the twelfth lunar month.

At dusk, the south gate of Kyoto opened, and five hundred forbidden troops under the command of Commander Ning Ji established martial law outside the city.

The ceremonial guard of Princess Qinghe of the Southern Zhou Dynasty entered the city first, and was escorted by someone from the palace. They went to a mansion to the west of the imperial city to rest temporarily. At this point, Pei Yue's mission has been completed, and he only needs to enter the palace tomorrow to meet the saint.

Return to life.

After being inspected by officials from the Fifth Army Governor's Office, the Zangfeng Guards and Beiwei Camp cavalry returned to the Beiying garrison under the leadership of Tang Linfen.

Pei Yue looked at the spacious and sturdy carriage on the roadside, feeling warm in his heart.

Although he came and went in a hurry, he finally accompanied Ye Qi and Gu Zhen to see the scenery in the north and south, and barely managed to have a honeymoon in advance.

Just as he was about to walk towards the carriage, an acquaintance suddenly appeared in front of him. Pei Yue looked at the humble old face of the other person and couldn't help but frown slightly and said, "Liu Douzhi, what advice do you have?"

The person who came was none other than Liu Bao, the Imperial Chamberlain's Secretariat and a trusted eunuch around Emperor Kaiping.

Liu Bao smiled and said: "Congratulations to Marquis Pei on his triumphant return."

Pei Yue said calmly: "Thank you very much."

Liu Bao said again: "Your Majesty has issued a decree to summon the Marquis of Zhongshan to enter the palace immediately without delay."

In fact, when he appeared, Pei Yue had already guessed the result, and at the same time he became increasingly puzzled.

His return this time was no different than before. He not only escorted Princess Qinghe, but also returned to the capital as a hero of the great victory. Logically speaking, the court should send important officials out of the city to welcome him. But in addition to the 500 forbidden troops who supported the scene and some officials responsible for the handover procedures,

, there was a deserted scene outside the south gate, just like the howling wind, leaving only a sense of desolation and solemnity.

This seems to be in line with the trend in the capital recently. Emperor Kaiping has made it clear that he wants to downplay the impact of Pei Yue's great achievements this time. If he really greets Pei Yue with great fanfare, wouldn't he tell the people of Kyoto that the Marquis of Zhongshan has made outstanding contributions to Daliang through life and death?

Pei Yue remained calm on his face, and even had a relaxed smile when bidding farewell to the officials from the Ministry of Rites who had accompanied him along the way, but no one knew the disgust and anger in his heart.

He is not a saint. Even if he is a human being in two lifetimes, he will still have flesh and blood. He will be ecstatic and sad at the same time.

At least before meeting Mr. Xi, he had never thought of spying on the imperial power, otherwise he would not have led the Tibetan Front Guards to fight on the south bank of the Tiancang River.

Time passed quietly, and Liu Bao's face became more and more embarrassed. In fact, if he put himself in his shoes, he could understand Pei Yue's mood at the moment.

Beheading tens of thousands, defeating the Zhou army, and capturing the city of Hanyang, what an amazing achievement. Normally, the important ministers of the two governments would have to go out to greet the emperor on behalf of the emperor. Why is it so deserted like now?

Pei Yue was a little confused about Emperor Kaiping's thoughts. Since you chose to suppress me, why did you rush to let me enter the palace?

He glanced at the darkening sky and said slowly, "I will see you again early tomorrow morning."

Liu Bao was stunned for a moment. He had never heard such a reply from a minister. This was disobedience!

However, Pei Yue did not explain any more and walked towards the carriage.

"Hou Pei...this...this..."

Liu Bao hurriedly chased after him, with a look of panic on his face. He didn't know what would happen to Pei Yue for resisting the decree, but he was sure that he would be in big trouble. When he thought of Emperor Kaiping's majestic face, Liu Bao felt that his legs were weak.

, desperately blocking Pei Yue.

"Brother Yue."

A calm voice interrupted Liu Bao's ramblings.

Pei Yue turned around and saw the middle-aged man coming on horseback, and his eyes couldn't help but heat up.

Even though there is silence outside the city today, after all, there are people who will not cower in the city.

Gu Liang glanced at the carriage next to him and Pei Yue's soldiers, and then said with deep meaning and a mellow tone: "Enter the palace, I will take them back."

Ye Qi's soft voice also came from the carriage: "Pei Yue, go ahead, we will wait for you at the house."

Pei Yue and Gu Liang looked at each other for a moment, and finally nodded. Liu Bao, who was next to him, had a smile on his face.

About a stick of incense later, Pei Yue walked into the palace under the guidance of Liu Bao. His destination was not the Imperial Study Room where Emperor Kaiping usually summoned courtiers or the East Nuan Pavilion of Liangyi Palace, but the Xingqing Palace where the Emperor lived daily.

In the side hall, which was lit by candles and was as bright as day, a round table was filled with light fragrance.

After Pei Yue came in, his pupils shrank slightly before he could salute.

In addition to the Supreme Liang, there was also the graceful Concubine Wu at the table.

It's like a family dinner.

"What are you still doing? Sit down and eat."

Emperor Kaiping's gentle voice came over.
Chapter completed!