The less harmonious relationship between Zhang Yong and Xu Qiu was finally reached under the mediation of Shen Xi.

Qian Ning never expected that he would become a bargaining chip for Chen Xi... It was precisely because of Zhang Yong and Xu Qiu's fear of Qian Ning that he was regarded as a victim. As for whether Chen Xi was killing someone with a knife, Zhang Yong and Xu Qiu did not understand clearly afterwards.

Although Wang Zuo and Wang Zhuo both participated in the discussion, they never expressed their opinions, but they could hear the conversation clearly.

They cannot determine which one is right and who is wrong. Everything must be left to the court to determine. Only Zhu Houzhao is qualified to deal with the disputes in Jiangnan.

There is also a joint report, Wang Zuo and Wang Zhuo believed that they were not qualified to sign, Chen Xi accidentally mentioned the candidate for the Secretary of the Ministry of War in Nanjing. In order to maintain a harmonious face, Xu Qiu and Zhang Yong did not mention this matter again.

After the negotiations ended, Xu Qiu left the Nanjing Military Affairs Office, and Zhang Yong also let go of all his worries and entered the imperial city from the left gate of Chang'an, passed through Chengtian Gate, and the Meridian Gate to the garrison office to perform his duties.

Xu Qi left Qinglong Street and came to Chongli Street. He looked back at Zhang Yong who was walking against him, called Xu Cheng to his side and asked, "You heard what you said just now, do you think it's okay?"

Xu Cheng thought for a while and shook his head: "Shangshu Chen clearly wanted to cut off Qian Ning first. Standing in the position of Shangshu Shen, the person who could threaten his position is not your husband or Eunuch Zhang, but a celebrity like Qian Ning like this..."

Xu Qi glanced at Xu Cheng coldly: "What do you mean is that I am not qualified to compete with Shen Zhihou?"

Xu Cheng said: "The villain has no such intention. The villain means that you are in Nanjing, and Shangshu Chen is just using the Taoist Pacification of the enemy. There is no interference with each other. As long as the grandfather treats him with great respect, why does he have to go against you? Why do you want to use your and grandfather Zhang to get rid of the money?"

"Um."

Xu Qi nodded, agreeing with Xu Cheng's words, and then he asked with a hint of hesitation, "I don't know how Zhang Yong will respond..."

Xu Cheng said again: "Eunuch Zhang may have been instigated by that boy Qian Ning, otherwise why did he be so afraid of you? It is precisely because he is afraid of you... He is just a vassal official. Do you think he really wants to be a garrison eunuch in Nanjing? He wants to be the person in charge of the seal of the ritual supervisor. If you can make up your past grudges and maintain a good relationship with him and get on the throne in the future, how can you not think of supporting you?"

Xu Qi thought for a while and took a breath: "I heard what you said, not only should I not be against him, but I should also flatter you?"

Xu Cheng said distressedly: "Fortunately, Shangshu Chen is here, otherwise many misunderstandings will not be resolved. But now it's okay, everything is clear. Eunuch Zhang also wants to remove Qian Ning. Now it's proposed by Shangshu Shen, which is exactly what he wants to do. He himself has to consider how to be a good eunuch in Nanjing, unless he really wants to die in Nanjing and is not going to return to the capital!"

...

...

After Chen Xi sent Zhang Yong and Xu Qiu away, he stayed at the Nanjing Military Affairs Office for the time being.

The officials and officials in the yamen have basically returned to the office work office, and only Wang Zhuo, the right assistant minister of the Ministry of War, stayed. Wang Zhuo smiled and said, "Shangshu Chen is really capable. With your clever mediation, Eunuch Zhang and Duke Wei finally settled their past grudges. At least there was no trouble."

Chen Xi looked at Wang Zhuo and shook his head and said, "Mr. Wang praised it. I just said something from a fair standpoint. Regarding the memorial, I have to worry about Wang Shuo. I will not disturb me here."

Wang Zhuo was a little surprised: "Don't Secretary Chen submit the memorial in person? If this... this memorial is submitted by the Nanjing Ministry of War, it is likely to be known to Qian Ning, the commander of the Jinyiwei. If something goes wrong in the middle..."

Chen Xi asked, "What's wrong?"

He stopped Wang Zhuo with one sentence. He thought for a moment, then shook his head and smiled bitterly: "Yes, who dares to touch the official letter signed by Shangshu Chen? Well, everything is followed by Shangshu Chen's instructions... I don't know how many days I can stay in the court, let go of everything I should put down."

After saying that, Wang Zhuo's face showed a hint of regret. It was obvious that he still had ideas about the position of Minister of War in Nanjing. However, it was obvious that Chen Xi refused to help him. He was too involved with Xu Qi, Duke of Wei, and it was not convenient to whisper in a low voice to ask Chen Xi. At worst, he could not take it as nothing happened.

Chen Xi said again: "I was going to leave the city this morning, but after this, I might have to stay in the city until the afternoon or even tomorrow. If there is anything, please ask Mr. Wang to find someone to go to the inn to inform you."

After a brief greeting, Chen Xi said goodbye, left the Ministry of War, and returned to the inn.

...

...

When he returned to the inn, Yunliu had already been waiting in the lobby downstairs, and followed Chen Xi upstairs to the room. As soon as he entered the door, he reported carefully: "Eunuch Zhang Yong and Zhang have arrived at the yamen office and successfully took over the defense. It will pose a threat to us for the time being."

Chen Xi nodded slightly: "The matter has been discussed. Now Zhang Yong and Xu Qiu have to turn wars into jade. My errand in Nanjing has been completed."

Yun Liu said: "But at present, it has been found that Japanese pirates have indeed sent assassins. Now they are in the city, with a large number, and... Jiang Liwei seems to be the leader of these assassins."

"hehe."

Chen Xi smiled and said, "I haven't heard this name for a long time."

After Liu Jin fell, Jiang Liwei felt that the situation was hopeless and immediately fled back to the south. As a result, the family's eunuch party was sent by the court to investigate. He had to flee again and contact the Japanese. He lurked on the coastal islands along Jiangsu and Zhejiang for more than half a year. After finally contacting the Marquis of Jianchang, with the support of Marquis of Jianchang, the Japanese pirates grew rapidly and his status increased rapidly, but this also aroused the court's vigilance, resulting in the Zhang brothers being sentenced to convict.

Yun Liu said worriedly: "This person is resentful of the adults and is determined to assassinate them. He uses any means to achieve his goal... Because he is cautious in his work, his whereabouts have not been found yet. In addition, this time, the adults ruined the good things of Qian Ning, the commander of the Jinyiwei. If he takes the risk and chooses to collude with Jiang Liwei..."

One is the former Jinyiwei tutor, and the other is the current Jinyiwei commander. It is basically impossible for the two to join forces to complain to Emperor Zhengde, but it is still possible to secretly assassinate. After all, there are many masters under the two, and Qian Ning is currently an imperial envoy and can mobilize considerable power.

Yunliu comes from the East Factory system and is very clear about the capabilities of Jinyiwei and East Factory.

Chen Xi nodded: "It's right. As the saying goes, it's easy to avoid hidden arrows and it's hard to defend against them. Now I and they are in power, and they don't seem to have a reason to retreat... But it's a pity that they want to be unfavorable to me in the army. Their best chance to take action is in the city!"

Yunliu said: "So please leave the city as soon as possible."

Chen Xi raised his hand: "No need, since you come, you can rest assured. I want to see if they really join forces. Unless Qian Ning is crazy, cooperating with Jiang Liwei is seeking death..."

...

...

Chen Xi promoted Zhang Yong and Xu Qiu to reach a settlement in the Nanjing Military Department, and the news soon reached Qianning.

Qian Ning was not outside the city and had been hiding in the city waiting for news. What he most wanted to see was Zhang Yong and Xu Qi to fight against each other, so that he could reap the benefits of the fisherman. However, Chen Xi's existence added variables to the matter. After Shen Xi said that, Zhang Yong and Xu Qi did not fight, but unexpectedly reached a consensus.

Qian Ning originally felt regretful, but after learning that Chen Xi was relying on the attack to calm the conflict between Xu Qi and Zhang Yongjian, he could no longer sit still.

Qian Ning really dared not send someone to assassinate Chen Xi. He would not only make any help but ruin his future. Now that he is not at the risk of taking the risk, the way he thought of is to send someone to find Zhang Yong immediately, and then add more fire to Zhang Yong, and even create the illusion that someone will continue to assassinate Zhang Yong.

However, after the person sent was rejected, Qian Ning knew that he had to show up, otherwise things would be out of control.

This was an extraordinary period, and Qian Ning was very cautious. It was not until night that he entered the imperial city with the help of his subordinate Jinyiwei and came to the official residence where Zhang Yong lived...the back veranda of the garrison mansion.

After sending someone in to report, Zhang Yong asked Qian Ning to come in.

Qian Ning was a little nervous, afraid that Zhang Yong would notify Chen Xi, so he specially arranged personnel outside to prepare for support at any time.

"...Eunuch Zhang, how can you listen to Lord Shen's words? In order to monopolize the power of Jiangnan, Duke Wei decided to kill you. Didn't you see the previous assassin?"

Qian Ning changed his arrogant attitude before, and when he saw Zhang Yonghou anxious and thoughtful.

Zhang Yong did not turn against him, but said coldly: "Mr. Qian, our family doesn't understand what he said. You said that the Duke of Wei sent someone to assassinate our family, but our family just avoided the pursuit and only vaguely saw a black shadow following him, and didn't even know his specific identity. Why is it sure that he was a person sent by Duke of Wei?"

Qian Ning said: "This is the information found by the Jinyiwei. Eunuch Zhang doesn't believe it?"

Zhang Yong raised his face: "It is true that you are the commander of the Jinyiwei, but our family is the Admiral East Factory. What qualifications do you have to say that your information is more accurate than ours?"

Qian Ning was very helpless. Zhang Yong was indeed above him in terms of official positions, but in terms of the emperor's trust, he asked himself that even if he wanted to sell himself and surrender, he should be the chief of the Sili Supervisor Zhang Yuan, who had both practical power and deep trust from the emperor, had no meaning in cooperation with Zhang Yong.

However, in order to make Zhang Yong obey his instigation, he could only continue to pretend to be a grandson.

Qian Ning said: "If Eunuch Zhang doesn't believe it, the villain will find witnesses and evidence..."

“No need.”

Zhang Yong's answer was very direct, and he waved his hand, "Our family, Lord Shen and Duke of Wei have reported to Your Majesty for the assassination on the way south. Who is right and wrong will be decided by Your Majesty? If it was really done by Duke of Wei, our family will naturally not let him go. As for Lord Qian, what are you doing in Nanjing? Shouldn't your job go to the beach to investigate the traces of Japanese pirates?"

Qian Ning suddenly felt powerless, but it was a blessing that he had not turned against Zhang Yong now. After all, Nanjing is not his place, so it would be inconvenient to do things here.

Qian Ning said: "What Your Majesty asked the villain to investigate is not just the traces of Japanese activities, but more importantly, the local officials in Nanzhili and Jiangsu and Zhejiang Province were thoroughly investigated, and the generals and ministers colluded with the thieves. The villain already had a look. He wanted to tell Eunuch Zhang and hoped that Eunuch Zhang would take precautions. Unexpectedly, Eunuch Zhang would suspect... He was really kind to treat it as a donkey's liver and lungs..."

Zhang Yong smiled coldly: "Your Majesty asked you to do things, just do it well. It's not your turn to give me some advice on what we want. Come and see off guests!"

...

...

Qian Ning had met Zhang Yong, but was futile.

After Qian Ning left Zhang Yong's official residence, news of the meeting between the two spread quickly... Xu Cheng sent someone to secretly follow Zhang Yong, and even had a large number of spies in the garrison house. After confirming that Qian Ning had met Zhang Yong, Xu Cheng immediately informed Xu Qi of the news.

"Qian Ning is so thief-hearted. He clearly wants to continue to instigate Zhang Yong's relationship with me, but he doesn't know if Zhang Yong changes his mind..."

Xu Qiu had some doubts on his face.

Xu Cheng was also a little worried: "Qian Ning was able to see Zhang Yong, which was enough to show that Zhang Yong had not completely let go of his guard against us. He wanted to hear what Qian Ning said... As for Qian Ning, it was impossible for him to seek death when he learned that the three parties joined forces to deal with him. What he did before was enough to let you kill him ten thousand times... His appearance in this way was almost like seeking death!"

Xu Qi said: "Then why didn't you send someone to take him down?"

Xu Cheng lowered his head and bowed his fists: "Mr. Master, he is the commander of the Jinyiwei, and His Majesty is trusting! Even Shangshu Chen can't directly attack him. If we send someone to capture him, the news may leave faster than the joint memorial. Who will Your Majesty listen to then? Besides, Qian Ning has many masters, and if he sends people to capture him, he will only alert the snake. It is not the time to take action for the time being."

Xu Qi suddenly felt a little upset: "So should you believe Zhang Yong or not?"

Xu Cheng shook his head and said, "The key to the problem now is not the Eunuch Zhang, everything depends on the attitude of Shangshu Chen... Even if Eunuch Zhang has some doubts about you, you will not dare to make any small moves as long as Shangshu Chen stands on your side."

"oh?"

Xu Qi asked thoughtfully, "What are Shen Zhihou doing now? I heard that he has not left the city today?"

Xu Cheng said: "After lunch at Guanyi, Shangshu Chen went to Shuangjing Lane near Guozijian in the north of the city to visit the old scholar Xie who lived there. The two were old friends. In the afternoon, he stayed in Xie's mansion until sunset. He said goodbye. I think it was dinner at Xie's mansion..."

Xu Qi was immediately angry: "Shen Zhihou is relaxed and at this critical moment, he actually went to visit his old friend? Is he unwilling to deal with Qian Ning? Since Qian Ning showed up, he should take it down and send it to him to see what Shen Zhihou would do..."

Xu Cheng shook his head slightly: "Shangshu Chen is very scheming. How can he not know what we can find? He just doesn't take action against Qian Ning. He may be waiting for Qian Ning to jump over the wall. The memorial will be transmitted to the capital in two or three days. When His Majesty's instructions are approved, Qian Ning will be doomed...Shangshu Chen clearly has the intention of killing people with a knife."

Xu Qi sneered: "So what if he borrowed my husband's knife? I asked him to borrow it. Qian Ning deserves more than Zhang Yong. He is just a descendant of the eunuch party. With His Majesty's favor, he actually crawled to his position today. He actually made the rebellion and asked me to bribe him? Humph! I didn't even figure out how many pounds he had, and I deserved it if I died!"

...

...

Jiang Liwei couldn't find the opportunity to attack Chen Xi, and Qian Ning didn't plan to take this step.

Why didn't the two get together? After all, they were very careful of each other and were afraid of being plotted against each other.

On the third morning after Chen Xi entered the city, he was about to leave. Xu Qiu and Zhang Yong came to see him off. At the same time, Wang Zhuo and Wang Zuo and other officials from Nanjing were also here. The farewell scene was more lively than when welcoming him. The gentry and people spontaneously organized to see him off.

At the entrance of the inn, Xu Qi smiled and said, "Zhihou doesn't have to hurry to leave. He sharpened his knife and chopped wood. I have already greeted the local people and asked the gentry to donate money and grain so that you can have enough supplies to win this battle... Isn't it necessary to build a ship, and it needs good teak and fir, right? I will let the local people cooperate fully. In any case, you should treat this place as your territory. It's okay to live for a few more days."

Xu Qi seemed very polite, but these words could not be fully trusted by Chen Xi, because Xu Qi used all means to seek power and almost attacked him before.

Zhang Yong and Xu Qiu reached an agreement on the surface, but secretly met with the generals, nobles and officials of various garrison stations, and secretly fought for surrender. The struggle had just begun.
To be continued...