Lin'an Never Night

Chapter 908 Hidden in the City
Yang Yuan never once discussed personal matters with Shangguan Luo.

This displeased Shangguan Luo, so his expression was somewhat unpleasant when the negotiations began.

Compared to the delegation from the new Jin dynasty, the Song dynasty basically adopted a negotiating lineup of equal size.

Minister of Rites Chen Weiqing, Vice Minister of Personnel Xiao Yiran, and Vice Minister of Revenue Qian Ce.

However, because Yang Yuan personally participated in the negotiations, the level of protocol was higher than that of the other party.

The two sides still get along well, after all, they have always been allies, and this relationship has not been severed.

The purpose of Xin Jin's visit was to discuss the situation of the Jin state with the Song Dynasty.

What business is it of theirs what happens to the Jin Dynasty?
Of course there are.

A colossal creature is about to fall, and anyone with the ability would want to participate in this gluttonous feast.

The meaning of "New Jin" is that they are willing to cooperate with the Song state to take military action against the Jin state.

The reason why there had been no action before was that the Song army had already entered Jin territory.

If the new Jin army rashly enters the area, and the allied forces of the two countries appear in the same region, it will lead to various problems such as the coordination, command, and division of spoils between the two armies without prior confirmation.

This led to conflict between allies.

It sounds grand and imposing, though.

Therefore, they needed to sign a series of military cooperation treaties with the Song Dynasty to jointly target the Jin Dynasty, which would facilitate the new Jin side to take subsequent actions.

The two sides quickly outlined the specific details of their cooperation in several sections.

Such as territorial commitments, military cooperation, bilateral relations, division of spoils, and subordinate relationships in joint battlefield operations.

The next step is to work out the specifics of each section.

Therefore, Yang Yuan only stayed at Ban Jing Guan for three days, finalizing the basic framework and direction of these specific treaty sections with Shangguan Luo, before returning to the State Affairs Hall to handle various official business.

The specific details were then negotiated point by point by Chen Weiqing and the new Jin delegation.

Of course, the real game takes place behind the negotiating table.

Yang Yuan has already learned about Xin Jin's bottom line regarding the current treaty and framework agreed upon by both parties through Wu Da You Zhu Zhu and Yu Ji Guang.

Therefore, he transferred the treaty framework, along with the new gold's bottom line, to his internal and external secret service offices.

Furthermore, Yang Yuan also made his own request, asking them to draft a detailed treaty based on this.

Therefore, what Chen Weiqing and others discussed with the new Jin envoys at the negotiating table every day were the carefully crafted, trap-filled, and freshly produced treaty contents from the internal and external secretaries.

"I cannot linger at Banjing Pavilion any longer; I must return to the Hall of State Affairs to attend to state affairs. From now on, Minister Chen will be in charge of all negotiations here."

Yang Yuan said with a smile, "This is a meticulous task, and it can't be rushed."

The Jin Kingdom is so large, we can't swallow it all at once. There's plenty of time; we can talk it over slowly. There's no rush.

"Therefore, let's take a break tomorrow. It's April now, and the scenery in Jiangnan is just right. I will accompany you envoys on a trip to relax."

Li Yuanzhi and Wanyan Qingfeng naturally wholeheartedly agreed with Yang Yuan's suggestion.

The two of them squeezed into the new gold negotiation delegation, not originally there for the purpose of negotiations.

As negotiators, Shangguan Luo, Li Donglou, and others could not appear eager to reach a conclusion, so they readily agreed.

Yang Yuan's travel plans prioritized comfort and relaxation, and he didn't care how many places he had to visit in a single day.

Among these, West Lake is a must-visit destination.

It happened to rain today.

The West Lake is most picturesque when drizzling and shrouded in mist, far more beautiful than under a clear, sunny sky.

Li Yuanzhi and Wanyan Qingfeng, being women from the northern country, had never seen such scenery before, and were naturally amazed.

Especially since the teacher was on the same boat as them, he could see his face, hear his voice, smell his scent, touch... and that was it.

They dared not; just thinking about it made them blush.

In short, I feel great.

The great shaman, Zhuzhu, remained as composed as ever.

Holding an oil-paper umbrella, she glanced around, her eyes sparkling with a captivating charm that blended seamlessly with the Jiangnan landscape.

Li Yuanzhi couldn't help but sigh: "The climate and environment of Jiangnan are truly nurturing."

"You've only been here a few days, Qingfeng! Look at the Great Shaman's complexion! His skin is so smooth and supple, his face radiant with vitality—he's so beautiful!"

"It really is!"

Wanyan Qingfeng exclaimed in surprise, "Look at me! How much have I changed?"

"There are changes, but not as obvious as those of the Great Shaman."

Zhu Zhu touched her face. Hmm... indeed, that person... that thing nourishes people.

……

The middle cabin of the pleasure boat has exquisite and ornate windows with balustrade hooks.

Inside the window was a small table, with two chairs on either side of it.

Yang Yuan and Shangguan Luo sat by the window, where green water flowed gently outside and the laughter of young girls could be heard from the bow of the boat, making the cabin seem even more tranquil.

Sipping his tea, Shangguan Luo asked, "Second Master, how long do you estimate it will take to destroy the Jin Kingdom?"

This way of addressing each other indicates that they are having a private chat with close friends, implying that everything they discuss at this time should not be publicized.

At the same time, they only represent themselves and cannot be discussed at the negotiating table, so they can speak freely.

Yang Yuan pondered for a moment and said, "The Jin Kingdom is destined to perish, no matter how much Wanyan Liang struggles."

If only my Song state were to send troops, I believe that, starting from now, it would take two and a half to three years to destroy the Jin state.

Shangguan Luo gave a self-deprecating laugh: "So, whether or not Xin Jin makes a move is actually irrelevant to you?"
Is this where your confidence comes from?

Yang Yuan shook his head: "With the Jin Kingdom's intervention, the Central Plains will be restored by this time next year."

Do you know how many soldiers and civilians could be saved from dying in just one and a half to two years? How much business could be saved from destruction?

What role can the tens or hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians who survived the war play afterward?

Upon hearing this, Shangguan Luo's expression immediately relaxed.

The thought that he might be dispensable to Yang Yuan now filled him with indescribable sadness.

Yang Yuan said that whether Xinjin participates in the war, although it is not the key to changing the outcome, can save countless lives and wealth by greatly shortening the process.

This made him suddenly feel that he was still very useful, and he felt happy.

"So, what happened after the Jin dynasty was destroyed?"

Shangguan Luo stared at Yang Yuan: "Will the Song Kingdom and the Xin Jin Kingdom still be allies?"

Shangguan Luo had always wanted to bring Yang Yuan back to Xinjin. In his eyes, the powerful and wealthy people in Xinjin were all uncouth, and he looked down on none of them.

Only Yang Yuan truly understood him.

If Yang Yuan were to become prime minister in Xinjin, he would be willing to serve as his assistant prime minister. Together, they could create a great undertaking that would be remembered in history.

But now he has given up on that idea.

In the Song Dynasty, Yang Yuan was already like an emperor emeritus. If he were given the position of emperor of the new Jin Dynasty, he probably wouldn't want to go.

Therefore, Shangguan Luo's mindset is also quietly changing.

However, he needed to know Yang Yuan's ambitions.

"Are you worried that once the Jin Dynasty is no longer standing between the Song Dynasty and the new Jin Dynasty, our two countries will go to war again?"

Yang Yuan smiled and turned her gaze to the window.

"The world is so big, who can possibly consume it all?"

Upon hearing this, Shangguan Luo secretly curled his lip.

You previously said, "The Jin Kingdom is so big, we can't swallow it all at once," but aren't you planning to swallow it one bite at a time?
Yang Yuan said, "As long as the Jin dynasty is not destroyed, the Song dynasty will not have peace."

Having a knife hanging over one's head would make one restless and unable to eat or sleep.

Moreover, the Central Plains are the homeland of our Great Song Dynasty. Therefore, no matter what, this war must be fought.

But was it absolutely necessary for the Song Dynasty and the newly established Jin Dynasty to go to war?

Shangguan Luo persisted, "Why does Erlang have to ask me questions? Now it's my turn to ask you."

"I do not know."

Yang Yuan said seriously, "Many things are beyond our control. You should understand that."

How many things in your life have you been forced into this position without your control?

How many of the things I've done that I originally wanted to do have led me to where I am today?

I consider you a close friend, so I don't want to rashly promise you something I can't be sure of.

"I had no choice in the matter..."

Shangguan Luo pondered the words carefully, then raised his eyebrows and said, "On my way to the Song Dynasty, I heard people praising you as the Yi Yin of the Song Dynasty and the Huo Guang of the Zhao family."

Do you... really want to be like Yi Yin or Huo Guang?

Yang Yuan frowned.

Shangguan Luo stared intently at him, waiting for his answer.

After a long silence, Yang Yuan sighed softly, "I... I still can't be sure."

A mocking smile appeared on Shangguan Luo's lips: "Because... you have no choice in the matter?"

Yang Yuan gestured towards the window and said, "Look, look at this boat."

"how?"

"Go with the flow... just drift along."

Upon hearing this, Shangguan Luo also looked out the window, a strange light gradually flickering in his eyes.

Who is the wave?
Who is Liu?
……

"Is the Marquis of Anshun up to his old tricks again?"

In Renmei Ward, the servants of several households saw Li Renxiao carrying a rolled-up mat as he walked out of the mansion gate, with two servants following behind him with disgusted expressions. They knew that this Marquis of Anshun was going to cause trouble at the Yang residence again.

Although he had been beaten by Yang Yuan more than once, this Marquis of Anshun became more courageous with each setback.

His main tactic is "If you can't kill me, I'll disgust you to death."

Every few days, he would go to the Yang family mansion and cause a ruckus.

In short, even if I'm not doing well, I'll make things difficult for you.

However, as Yang Yuan's power grew, the security of the Yang residence became increasingly tight.

The distance between this Marquis of Anshun and his flirtatious advances could only grow further and further.

At first, he could still act like a rogue under the "Triple Crown Scholar" archway, but as time went on, the distance between them grew further and further.

Now, all he can do is spread out a mat on the side of a long alley and cry to passersby about how Minister Yang is unjust and has humiliated Shunchen.

Of course, no one can make decisions for him, but it can certainly generate some buzz for the Yang family.

Every time he got tired of shouting, he would rest by the wall.

When the sun is shining directly on him with no shade, he rolls up his mat and takes a nap, then wakes up and continues to whine about being sick.

At first, some people were startled when they passed by this place.

I saw a bundle of mats stuck to the wall, with a pair of feet sticking out of the mat. I thought it was the body of a beggar that the government had collected and hadn't moved yet.

Now everyone is used to it.

Today, Marquis Anshun, who has completely abandoned his pride and acted like a scoundrel, has once again caused trouble.

As the sun rose higher and began to shine, I rolled up my straw mat and went to sleep.

The two servants were already familiar with their master's character, so they wouldn't accompany him to suffer in the sun and hardship.

Even before he started causing trouble, two servants had already moved their stools to the side and gone off to chat.

It was nearly noon when the two servants returned home, ate lunch, and then brought him a meal.

At this time, Li Renxiao was still sleeping in the straw mat.

The two servants ignored him and continued chatting in the shade of the tree.

It was past noon, more than an hour later, and Li Renxiao was still fast asleep.

One of the servants walked over impatiently and kicked the mat.

"My lord, the food has been cold for ages. Have you had enough sleep?"

Unexpectedly, when I kicked it, the straw mat felt incredibly light.

The servant's expression changed, and he bent down and pulled, causing the mat to fall apart.

He then discovered that the straw mat only contained a pair of boots at the bottom edge, and the boot shafts were empty!
The servant screamed in terror, "The Marquis has run away! The Marquis of Anshun has run away!"

……

At this time, Li Renxiao, with the help of several people who were responsible for meeting him, had already escaped to the vicinity of Dingminfang.

Further ahead lies the densely populated and bustling Xiawazi.

For the past two years, Li Renxiao has abandoned his dignity and feigned madness, all in the hopes of waiting for an opportunity.

He also knew that he couldn't escape in the conventional way.

He needs to be patient.

Lin'an alone has a population of one million. If you blend into the crowd, finding him would be like looking for a needle in a haystack.

He can patiently lie low; even if Lin'an loses the emperor, it's impossible for martial law to remain indefinitely.

He will always have a chance to escape.

He not only wanted to escape, but also wanted Yang Yuan, the culprit who had caused him such a miserable fate, to be disgraced and condemned by everyone.

A few days later, a corpse, already soaked beyond recognition, will float on the West Lake outside Qiantang Gate.

The body would bear his keepsakes, as well as a wax-sealed suicide note.

He would expose the scandal of Yang Yuan's sexual misconduct towards his mother and the Empress.

The Imperial Academy and the National University are located inside the Qiantang Gate; no one can keep this a secret any longer.

He wanted to ensure that Yang Yuan would be forever nailed to the pillar of shame.

"Your Majesty, quickly change into these clothes. Someone will impersonate you and leave the city in a small vegetable transport boat. We'll hide in Baohe Ward."

The accomplice helped Li Renxiao down from the "night fragrance carriage" and hurriedly handed him a set of clothes.

"We rented that house six months ago, so no one will suspect anything."

However, His Majesty will have to suffer the inconvenience of having to hide in the cellar for the rest of the days.

They can only come out for a short while at night.

"It's alright, this is Goujian's hometown. The humiliation I have suffered is no less than that suffered by Goujian!"

As Li Renxiao hurriedly changed his clothes at the alley corner, he gritted his teeth and said:
"One day, I will repay Yang Yuan for all the humiliation I have suffered!"

At the end of the alley, Liu Dazhuang arrived.

As soon as he arrived, a dozen or so plainclothes officials from the Imperial City Guard gathered around him, both openly and secretly.

"Attendant Liu, the person is inside."

Judging from the looks of it, there aren't many people there to meet them, and they don't seem to intend to leave Lin'an immediately; they appear to be planning to lie low in the city.

"How clever! Living a life of seclusion in the city."

Liu Dazhuang chuckled and waved his hand dismissively: "I thought I could catch a big fish, but it's no fun. Let's just take the person instead!"

(End of this chapter)