pdf-ebookys Chapter 918 Agree
Chapter 918 Agree
Zhang Ping'an put down his teacup after hearing this.
He said solemnly, “I do have a matter of great importance concerning the fate of the court that I wish to discuss with the general, but I don’t know if the general dares to listen.”
Instead of answering, Cui Ling asked, "Oh? What's the big deal? If there's anything in the world that I wouldn't dare to hear about, it's probably only matters concerning the royal family!"
"General, you are astute; this concerns the royal family!"
Upon hearing this, Cui Ling sat up straighter and looked Zhang Ping'an up and down several times before saying, "Tell me what you have to say first."
After saying that, he ordered his personal bodyguard to go outside and hold the door open.
They were all top-notch light-footed fighters, with exceptional skills. With them outside the door, there was no need to worry about other spies getting close easily.
Zhang Ping'an then recounted the story of the new emperor's imprisonment and the second prince's disguise and impersonation.
Upon hearing this, Cui Ling couldn't help but slam his hand on the armrest of his chair, a look of sudden realization on his face: "No wonder His Majesty was in such a hurry to bury the late Emperor during the morning court session this day; it turns out he had something to hide!"
"That's why I came here today to discuss with the general how to rescue His Majesty. His Majesty is currently in the hands of that old bald monk Yuantong, and his life is hanging by a thread. If something were to happen to him, I'm afraid the Zhou family's rule would ultimately fall to the Fourth Prince, who is far away in Fujian. If things really come to that, it would undoubtedly be much more troublesome, and..."
At this point, Zhang Ping'an hesitated for a moment before continuing, "Moreover, as far as I know, the Prince of Qin has long intended to harm the Fourth Prince. If His Majesty's matter is not resolved, I'm afraid the Fourth Prince will also be unable to escape his clutches."
Cui Ling wasn't stupid. Upon hearing this, he immediately connected the dots and sneered, "Hmph, could it be that this old scoundrel King Qin still wants to change the Zhou family's rule to his own Qin family's? He's got quite the appetite, but I wonder if he can even handle it!"
"There is no evidence yet, so it's too early to draw conclusions, but we certainly have to be wary of the King of Qin."
Compared to Cui Ling's anger, Zhang Ping'an was much calmer; he had already thought about the matter several times.
"The Five Cities Garrison and the Imperial Guard are still in your hands, General. As long as you are willing to cooperate, things will be much easier."
After pondering for a moment, Cui Ling said in a deep voice, "You may not know this, but recently His Majesty has been considering taking back the Five Cities Garrison and the Imperial Guards from my command and handing them over to others. He also wants to transfer me back to Juyong Pass, but the time is not right yet."
That's why you see this scene when you come to my residence today. My wife is afraid that my official position will change again and I will not be able to settle down in the capital, so she has not purchased any servants.
I hadn't thought much about it before, assuming that I wasn't valued by the new emperor and that he still needed to rely on me and wouldn't touch me. But going back to Juyong Pass wouldn't matter; life would go on as usual.
But now that you've said it, I understand. He not only wants to transfer me back to Juyong Pass, but he probably also wants to further strip me of my military power!
Zhang Ping'an was surprised: "What? Isn't he in a bit too much of a hurry?"
He had previously thought that Cui Ling and the King of Qin were living in great glory, but he never expected that they would be discarded so quickly after being used.
Cui Ling nodded. "And that's not all. I overheard His Majesty and the Prince of Qin discussing sending border generals back to the capital for the funeral. I wonder if they're also after military power."
"But since ancient times, it has been said that loyalty and filial piety are difficult to balance. Border generals hold special positions, and the laws of the court require that, in most cases, even during national mourning, border generals cannot easily return to the capital."
After saying that, Zhang Ping'an suddenly thought of Lin Junhui and his brother-in-law. If what Cui Ling said was true, wouldn't the two of them also have to come back?
This is absolutely unacceptable!
On the other side, Cui Ling had already made her decision and asked seriously, "Besides me, who else are you planning to ask? I definitely can't handle this alone, and I don't dare to take any risks if I'm alone."
His gaze then fell on the children in the distance.
The meaning is self-evident.
Zhang Ping'an followed his gaze and understood his concerns.
He frankly said, "Of course it's not just you! There are two other people. One of them is Zheng Ping, who is in charge of the Eastern and Western Depots. He has many spies and knows the palace very well. With his help, the chances of success will increase by three points. As for the last person, I can't tell you for now. You will know when the time comes."
"Zheng Ping?" Just like Xiao Yu'er's reaction, Cui Ling found the name both familiar and unfamiliar.
"Are you talking about Zheng Ping, the eunuch who led a fleet of ships to sea?"
“That’s right, it’s him!” Zhang Ping’an nodded. “Don’t underestimate him. A person who is valued by the late emperor and entrusted with important responsibilities is definitely not a simple character. Most importantly, he is also relatively low-key and loyal.”
"That's true!" Cui Ling agreed with this statement.
"But how do you convince him? People without roots are always very suspicious and may not listen to your side of the story."
“I know,” Zhang Ping’an said, “so I’ll let him go see for himself.”
“Hmm, that’s one way! But in the end, you still have to tell me who this person is. Like I said, I can’t rest easy until you explain it clearly,” Cui Ling said in a deep voice.
Zhang Ping'an smiled and said earnestly, "Please forgive me, Brother Cui, I really can't tell you right now. I will tell you everything once everything is finalized and arranged."
You are a man of military affairs, so you must know the principle that things are accomplished in secrecy and ruined by leaks. If I tell you too much too soon, this matter may not succeed!
"You don't believe me?" Cui Ling raised an eyebrow, his imposing aura instantly emanating from him.
Zhang Ping'an shook his head, not intimidated by his demeanor. "Of course not, otherwise I wouldn't have said so much to you. It's just that the time isn't right yet. If Brother Cui trusts me, please wait a little longer."
Cui Ling stared at Zhang Ping'an for a long time until Cui Rong and the others came in. Then he suddenly softened his expression, laughed, stood up, patted Zhang Ping'an on the shoulder, and said, "Alright, then I'll trust you this once."
Confused, Cui Rong tilted her head and asked, "Dad, what do you believe in?"
Cui Ling casually replied, "It's nothing. Children shouldn't ask so many questions, or your mother will punish you by making you embroider again."
"Hmph!" Cui Rong snorted unhappily and didn't ask any more questions.
Little Fish knew what it was about and breathed a sigh of relief.
They quickly helped to divert Cui Rong's attention.
A short while later, Madam Cui came over and instructed the servants to set out the meal.
Zhang Ping'an and his son were preoccupied with their own thoughts and didn't really enjoy the meal.
On the return journey in the carriage, Xiaoyuer casually mentioned something, "I heard from Cui Rong that her father intends for her to enter the palace to be selected as a concubine next year!"
"Entering the palace to be selected as a concubine?"
Xiaoyuer nodded, "Yes, that's why Madam Cui has been forcing her to learn the etiquette of a lady from a prominent family recently, in preparation for the selection of a concubine."
Zhang Ping'an smiled upon hearing this: "It seems that General Cui is not as indifferent to fame and fortune as he claims. The world is bustling with people coming and going for profit. Since he has such thoughts, I am relieved."
After saying that, he patted Xiaoyuer's hand to reassure him, "Son, we don't need to worry too much about him here!"