Chapter 151: The Sword and the Purpose

After Fan Xian finished reading the courtyard newspaper, he felt his eyes a bit astringent and couldn’t help but curse a few times in his heart. When I was a child, my name and font size were arranged by those people, surnamed Fan Idle word Anzhi, and now I think about it, this name is naturally that His Majesty the Emperor in the palace, just …… since entering Kyoto, to be precise, since last year’s spring exams, how do you taste a day of leisure time?

In fact, occasionally asked himself, with two generations of learning experience judgment, Fan Xian had to come to a let him is not very pleasant conclusion – the emperor in the palace old man, on their own is considered good. Although he knew clearly that the emperor had given himself so much power, to a large extent, the emperor needed the existence of a person like himself to balance the situation in the court, and he had indeed demonstrated his ability in this regard.

However, the emperor’s family was unfeeling, and the fact that the emperor had made it to this point today, on the one hand, could not help but say that it was the grace of his mother’s lordship, and on the other hand, it showed that the emperor did still have a slight fatherly love for himself – he at least did not act like Han Wu, who was still alive and living better and better by himself.

Of course, Fan Xian would not revel in this trace of father-son affection; he was surprisingly sober and calm.

That’s why he was ultimately a little annoyed that the emperor had thrown himself into Jiangnan and thrown so much work and trouble at him.

He himself is not a donkey …… although Haitang seems to like to use Si Zhe as a donkey.

He rubbed his eyes, took out the rectangular box beside him, and curiously tore open the fire paint seal on the outside.

This was a gift that Wang Qinian had very discreetly entrusted Xia Qufei to bring back, and the letter said that it was a filial honor to himself, but did not explicitly say what it was.

The box slowly opened, revealing the true face of the things inside.

Fan Xian narrowed his eyes. It was a sword, a sword that didn’t look surprising, but had an ancient flavor to it.

Taking out the sword, he steadily gripped the hilt with his right hand and slowly pulled it.

Silently, the sword blade came out of its sheath.

Just like the snow on the Cangshan Mountain, just like the blue in the North Lake, just like the wind in Jiangnan, the light of the sword was clear and bright, rippling in the study, incomparably gentle, but in the midst of the gentleness there was a hint of piercing coldness.

Fan Xian was slightly moved, seeing the sword’s fame and sharpness, especially what made his heart secretly move was that this kind of killing intent within the gentleness was really a bit similar to his own eccentric temperament.

He flicked his wrist, casually swung it twice, feeling that the weight was also very appropriate, the blade of the sword noiselessly broke through the wind, and whisked three times on the candle, which did not move at all.

The weapons Fan Xian used to use in the past were nothing more than a concealed crossbow and a slender, pure black dagger between his boots, and although they were fully efficient in killing people, they were ultimately not a weapon that could be utilized in the end, especially if they had to fight head-on with a true expert.

Because he was stabbed by the shadow, Fan Xian learned the sword technique of the Four Gu Swords in a very cost-effective way, and these days, he practiced it with great dedication, and it was also quite successful, and killing Yuan Jingmeng that night had already proved it. With the Four Gu Swords in his heart, Fan Xian had a growing desire to wear a good sword.

When he killed Yuan Meng, he borrowed a soft sword from Haitang.

If you can’t eat soft rice, you can’t borrow a soft sword.

Fan Xian flicked the blade of the sword, listening to the faint buzzing sound, but could not help but nod appreciatively, thinking that the old king this ass is really the right shot.

Picked up the box in the paper to see, written above Wang Qinian purely comic words, full of horse’s ass, first regretted last year should not peep adult letter, and finally to the origin of this sword.

It turns out that this sword is the last emperor of Wei dynasty’s sword!

When Wei was broken up by Qing, the war family took advantage of the situation, and the treasure in the palace but has long been those eunuchs to steal out and sell, this sword has also since strayed into the folk, no one has ever seen, just after these twenty years, finally appeared traces, Wang Qinian learned to spend a lot of money after the purchase, and carefully made some external changes, which was sent to the south of the Yangtze River.

“So it’s a sword of the Emperor ……” Fan Xian looked at the sword and smiled, but in his heart, he was a bit unimpressed, if this sword was really attached to the Emperor’s qi, that Emperor of Northern Wei would not have died back then.

But immediately his eyebrows wrinkled, Wang Qinian now of course know that he is the emperor’s illegitimate son, heavy purchase of the Wei emperor sword, thousands of miles to give himself, this is pure ass-kissing behavior, or …… in the use of this sword to imply what?

Fan Xian shook his head and sighed, thinking how could a little old man like Wang Qinian, who had a wife and a daughter, have that kind of boldness, and that he should be overthinking things.

His heart is a little uncomfortable, it seems that he is the same as His Majesty the Emperor, the bones are suspicious people ah ……

Blowing out the candles and leaving the study to sleep peacefully, Fan Xian couldn’t help but grunt, “Zorro.”

Room door closed, moonlight quiet, candle broken into four cuts, one condensed on the desktop, three cuts rolling difficult to settle.

Three days later, the angel from Kyoto finally arrived in suzhou city, the angel is not those eunuchs with wings, just the eunuchs responsible for helping the emperor’s old man to pass on the message, they can’t fly, can only ride a horse, naturally slower.

Huayuan is cleaned up, sweeping the courtyard, arranging incense, preparing related matters, with Fan Xian as the leader, the third prince as the deputy, all the people including the Inspection Yuan Qinian group, and the six guards, tiger guards, densely packed with dozens of people, are honestly standing in front of the front courtyard hall waiting for the arrival of the imperial decree.

To receive the holy decree today, Haitang, as the Holy Daughter of Northern Qi, was naturally inconvenient to be in, and had long since avoided going out.

Fan Xian and his entourage waited for a long time, but did not see anyone come, Fan Xian will be a little annoyed, shouted to move a tutor chair, he sat on the porch, let Si Si in the side of the peeling melon, but he and the three emperors have a chat with one without a chat.

Teng Zi Yue’s face appeared to be embarrassed, and he came to his ear and said, “My lord, pay attention, there is always a wait.”

His gaze glanced to the side.

Fan Xian knew what he was trying to say, it didn’t matter that a group of subordinates from the Supervisory Court, Lao San was now following him with his heart and soul, but his own demeanor did seem a bit disrespectful of the emperor’s authority, and next to him there were Tiger Guards as high as seven, as well as a few Tiger Guards responsible for the safety of the Third Prince, so who knew if there were any people sent by the emperor to spy on him in here.

Fan Xian narrowed his eyes and did not say anything – the trip to Northern Qi, including the trip to Jiangnan, were in fact followed by the seven Gouda people, and the two sides got along quite happily, or at least didn’t drag themselves down whatsoever, and didn’t do anything to make themselves uncomfortable, so Fan Xian these days, deliberately revealing his true side to them.

Anyway, it is estimated that in this life, these seven people will be their own personal bodyguards, then …… with constant small mistakes, to let them get used to their future big mistakes.

The human heart sometimes can not be bought, but can only seduce, between men and women is like this, between men and men is actually also like this.

As for those few tiger guards around the third prince ……

Fortunately did not let Fan Xian wait too long, with a salute outside the door rang, a few big inner guards lead, then arch embraced a eunuch walked into the garden.

Fan Xian has long stood up, holding the hand of the third prince to welcome up, salute, quietly listening to the decree.

The eunuch who came to announce the decree was Eunuch Yao, also an old acquaintance of Fan Xian. The two men exchanged glances, Eunuch Yao knew that this young master was waiting anxiously, his heart trembled, and hurriedly skipped some procedures that could be skipped, directly pulling open the bright yellow double-damasked cloth decree, and read it out in a shrill voice.

The content of the imperial decree did not surprise Fan Xian, and some of the sentences in it were even things that Fan Xian had already discussed in his secret correspondence with the emperor.

As the king of a country, he naturally had to express his shock and anger at the strife in Jiangnan, and the decree reprimanded Fan Xian in seemingly harsh terms.

But the decree did not mention a single word about the Ming family.

Fan Xian knelt on the ground, a smile flashing at the corner of his lips. This was the right thing to do, a mere Jiangnan family, how could it touch the heart of heaven? Although this time the matter was not small, the blood letter of ten thousand people was also sent to the capital, a few corrupt scholars even wanted to fight the imperial lawsuit in Kyoto, the emperor issued a decree to reprimand Fan Xian, even if it was to give the people of the world an explanation.

But …… in the imperial decree, the court official documents, absolutely will not mention the Ming family, criticizing Fan Xian to deal with things not rigorous can, as for what is the matter? The court simply does not put a word, this is the so-called politics.

Just a few words of reprimand, of course, and fined Fan Xian a year’s salary, no other punishment.

“Another fine?” Fan Xian couldn’t help but mumble, “Who’s going to support the family if my old father and I don’t have any income for a few years?”

He and the Third Prince walked inside first, and Eunuch Yao hunched over, showing a pleasing smile, following behind with small, broken steps.

“Old Yao …… you have to return the silver to me, otherwise I’ll only have to drink thin rice.”

Fan Xian laughed and scolded.

Yao eunuch shy face, rushed forward a few steps, said: “You just spare the lackey, who does not know you are the most capable of earning silver under the sky adult …… which came to Jiangnan less than half a year, will give the imperial court earned tens of millions of taels of silver, where do you need to use the lackey those bits and pieces of silver stranded son? ”

Yao eunuch spoke at the moment, the rest of the light silently and very quickly to the three princes glanced at, Fan Xian previously that stubborn joke that big can be big, say small can be small, in previous years the Fan family really put the palace these eunuchs to feed the full, of course he is also aware of the Fan Xian where to look down on their own harvests.

But this joke is in front of the third prince said, Yao eunuch can know this little prince although young, heart but more ruthless, can not help but be a little afraid of …… not expected to see, the third prince is calm, as if he did not hear the general, and then think of Fan Xian since he dared to say this in front of the third prince, it is natural that the heart has a sense of proportion.

Eunuch Yao’s heart trembled a bit, knowing that what the palace guessed was probably not bad, and that this Third Highness and young Lord Fan were indeed that much of a thing.

“The silver earned for the court, I don t have the guts to move, are you …… not persuading me to embezzle?”

The three had already entered the middle hall, Fan Xian and the Third Prince were sitting on either side of the main seat, Eunuch Yao stood on the side, listening to this, he laughed bitterly and said, “Little Lord Fan, don’t take the lackey as a joke.”

Fan Xian smiled and waved his hand to signal him to sit down.

Eunuch Yao hurriedly sat down, this long trip had indeed exhausted him as well.

“I thought you could come earlier, causing me to wait for a long time.” Fan Xian said intentionally while getting high on melon seeds.

The Third Prince was also getting high on melon seeds while following Fan Xian’s example.

Yao eunuch fixed his eyes, suddenly felt that he was a little blurred, on the throne of this “brother and sister” really look too much like some, just a big one, a small one.

He hurriedly smiled and explained: “indeed yesterday to the post station outside the city, just to follow the rules, today to enter the city …… this imperial decree is two, the first walk through the governor’s mansion, so late, adults must not blame the small legs and feet are not sharp.”

He little intentionally looked at Fan Xian’s complexion, found that this dynasty red to purple young power nobles did not really angry signs, this only slightly relieved.

In fact, with the identity of the eunuch of the imperial decree, as if the emperor’s megaphone, traveling in the world of the seven states are arrogant, even in Xue Qing’s mansion, Xue Qing, governor of Jiangnan for the palace of Yao Gong Gong is also full of etiquette. However, he could take the pie anywhere, but only in this garden, Eunuch Yao did not dare to take the pie.

Not to mention the fact that Fan Xian was an imperial official, just the identities of these two “princes”, as well as Fan Xian’s smoldering power, were enough to keep Eunuch Yao honest.

“Of course I know that you have to go to Governor Xue’s place first.” Fan Xian said in a bad mood, “Could it be that I don’t even understand this bit of rule?”

He shook his head and said, “What did His Majesty tell His Excellency the Governor?”

Eunuch Yao thought for a moment and said with difficulty, “…… Actually, it’s similar to what was given to His Excellency.”

“Oh? Xue Qing was also fined a year’s salary?” Fan Xian raised his head and asked with considerable interest, only the tone of the question seemed somewhat gloating.

Eunuch Yao hemmed and hawed with a wicked smile and compared three fingers.

“Fined for three years, now I can balance my heart a bit.” Fan Xian chuckled and threw away the melon shells, saying, “I told you that His Majesty is saintly and benevolent, and would never let me, the poor man, take all the blame.”

Eunuch Yao smiled bitterly, thinking, “What are you …… telling yourself to answer?

Good thing Fan Xian immediately changed the topic and asked, “How did you find such an old guy to come on this long journey? There are no young and capable eunuchs in the palace?”

“Old Dai was training a few at first, but you also know that after that mess, although he was recently transferred back from that poor place, but this matter was delayed, this time the holy decree to go down to the south of the Yangtze River is important, the slave naturally have to run a trip.” Eunuch Yao sighed.

“Old Dai is alright.” Fan Xian asked.

Eunuch Yao smiled, “Thanks to your honor’s blessing, these old brothers in the palace are doing quite well.”

Qing Guo’s palace exams were not quite the same as in history, since the founding of the country, it had been extremely wary of eunuchs, especially after the late emperor’s accession to the throne more than twenty years ago, it was even more strict to prevent eunuchs from interfering in the affairs of the state, and the palace prohibitions were very stringent. The eunuchs are difficult to manipulate power, so they are not divided into many factions, instead, these eunuchs know that they have a hard time in the world, and they are extremely united in holding together.

Fan Xian since entering the capital, will be very careful with these seemingly insignificant eunuchs to make good relations, when the purge of a nephew of the old Dai a horse, it would be like to let the old Dai a horse, and on weekdays more care, and never to these eunuchs to put forward excessive requirements.

The most crucial thing is, Fan Xian every time with these eunuchs to interact with, is really not the other side as what strange and evil people, as ordinary, not deliberately flatter, not deliberately humiliated, more not in front of the gentle, behind the back but undermined, it is this kind of style, the success of the eunuchs are extremely favorite this young Lord Titus.

“It’s fine if you’re doing well.” Fan Xian couldn’t help but shake his head, the eunuchs of the Qing Kingdom generally didn’t have any major bad deeds, and these people were indeed pitiful. He pretended to have no intention of mentioning, “Old Dai didn’t train a few little ones to …… However, during the last year, the little guy called Hong Zhu in the imperial study, seems to be quite resourceful.”

“Hong Zhu …… has now gone to the East Palace, deputy chief eunuch, His Majesty rewarded the grace.” Eunuch Yao carefully answered the words, because everyone in the palace knew that Hong Zhu was kicked out of the imperial study, and it was Fan Xian who said something in front of the emperor, and the rumor was that Hong Zhu was so enamored by money that he actually dared to reach out and ask for a bribe from young Lord Fan.

Fan Xian’s face sank slightly, after thinking for a while, he sighed: “It’s good that this is the case, this kind of character who is too smart is always unsuitable to serve his majesty …… and doesn’t know how to move forward and backward, and doesn’t know the right balance.”

Too resourceful? This is obviously derogatory …… Eunuch Yao thought to himself, the rumors are really true, that little Hongzhu usually looks not stupid, how did he dare to tease little Lord Fan? It seems like that kid can’t climb up in the palace.

After sending Eunuch Yao away, Fan Xian led the Third Prince to his study, and after a long moment of silence, he said softly, “Do you understand why?”

The Third Prince thought for half a day, but after all, he was still too young to understand the reason, and shook his head somewhat helplessly.

“It is now late spring and early summer.” Fan Xian slightly lowered his eyes and said, “We will immediately go to Hangzhou, on the way I also have to go out, the matter of Jiangnan has basically been finalized, at most …… the palace will keep you by my side for a year, that is, near the end of the year, we definitely have to return to the capital, and then come out, there will only be me, and no you. ”

“Why?” The Third Prince asked in surprise.

“There is no why.” Fan Xian smiled and said, “In the eyes of some people, I might have some weird and unkind vibes, and you are a proper prince, a bloodline of the Heavenly Family, so if you’re with me for a long time, I’m afraid that you’ll only be imbued with some bad habits.”

“But ……” the third prince said in fear: “Follow Mr. down to Jiangnan to study, this is the thing that the father emperor himself promised.”

“Father …… Emperor ……,” Fan Xian couldn’t help but shake his head and said, “If the Empress Dowager misses you, the youngest grandson, His Majesty has no choice but to take you recalled.”

The Third Prince fell silent, he knew in his heart that the Imperial Grandmother was different from normal grandmothers, and did not really like this youngest grandson of his, but instead valued the Crown Prince and Second Brother a little more.

“That is to say.” Fan Xian said, “Starting from next year, you are alone in Kyoto, and I …… can’t be by your side all the time.”

The third prince raised his head, a trace of extremely incongruous ruthlessness showing on his childish face, “Sir, don’t worry, I’ll live well and wait for you to return.”

“Speaking childish words again.” Fan Xian laughed and rebuked, “At His Majesty’s side, who would dare to do anything to you?”

He said slowly, “It’s just that, from now on, you’ll have to step up to the plate …… at least, so that the ministers in the court, and the generals in the military will know about you and get used to you.”

“Get used to what?”

“Get used to the fact that you are also a dignified prince, not a child who only has a runny nose.” Fan Xian said coldly, “Getting used to …… you is also possible.”

You, too, are a possibility.

The third prince had been living with Fan Xian for half a year, and had long admired this “elder brother” to the bone, and felt that by Fan Xian’s side, it was far more pleasurable than the cold and chilly atmosphere of the palace, and at such a young age, he could only believe, and was only willing to believe, in what Fan Xian said.

However, he was still curious and asked: ”Sir, shouldn’t it be a matter of holding back first? You once said that if the wood shows in the forest, the wind will destroy it.”

“You’re not yet a heavenly tree.” Fan Xian smiled and touched the top of the third prince’s head, although this action is really disrespectful, “Since His Majesty let you follow me down to Jiangnan, you can no longer hide, and since you can no longer hide …… then I will simply come out and stand behind you, and see which wind dares to blow you again. ”

The Third Prince scratched his face, not quite understanding.

“I want to deliver a message to Kyoto through Eunuch Yao’s mouth.” Fan Xian withdrew his hand and slowly closed his eyes, “You, are the one I choose.”

The third prince suddenly braced himself and said, “Even if the crown prince’s brother …… can ultimately be Father’s choice.”

Fan Xian did not open his eyes, just said softly, “The eldest princess chose your second brother, the empress dowager chose your crown prince brother, although his majesty has not yet chosen, but in fact, many people have long been in the process of choosing, so why should they care about more than one of me.”