From eunuch to emperor

Several shadow guards rode horses and stopped in front of a house, with a hanging on the door: Zhuang Mansion.

This is Zhuang Ling'er's mansion.

After returning from Yuncheng, Zhuang Ling'er gained the rank of a third-rank general and was given a residence.

In Xixia and Nanliang, women could not build their own mansions independently. This was different in the Zhou Dynasty. Because the empress was in charge of the country, women had the same rights as men, so Zhuang Ling'er could naturally build her own mansion.

The shadow guard dismounted and knocked on the door, and the maid opened the door: "What do you want, gentlemen?"

The shadow guard said politely: "The Holy One has decreed that General Xuanzhuang enter the palace to discuss matters."

After hearing the imperial edict, the maid immediately opened the door to welcome him and reported it at the same time.

Zhuang Ling'er quickly packed up and entered the palace wearing a military officer's official uniform.

She is now a general in the imperial court and can no longer dress as casually as before. The official uniform has a prescribed color and style, but it is more slim-fitting and can be embroidered.

The maid brought the horse over, Zhuang Ling'er got on the horse and followed the shadow guard to attack.

When they arrived at Fengming Palace, the empress was talking to Di Waner.

"The last general, Zhuang Ling'er, pays homage to His Majesty."

"Sit down and talk."

The empress smiled and pointed to the seat next to her, and Zhuang Ling'er thanked her.

"There are too many generals and not enough mansions this time. The place you live in is a bit small. I will give you a new one when I get a bigger one."

"I don't dare. I used to wander around the country and have a home all over the world. I am very satisfied with having a mansion of my own."

Zhuang Ling'er's mansion is not big, but it is very exquisite. It is enough for her to live alone.

"I came to see you today because I want to discuss things with you."

The empress spoke slowly: "Since the death of Yingfeng, the position of commander of the shadow guards in the palace has been vacant. This position controls the palace guards and espionage. It is not a trivial matter. He is not a confidant and cannot be entrusted to him."

"At the same time, one must have strong martial arts skills, be agile in doing things, be able to convince people internally, and be able to suppress others externally."

"I have looked at the government and the public, and you are the only one who is most suitable. Therefore, I have announced your admission to the palace and want to ask you if you are willing to accept this job."

The Shadow Guards are the imperial power controlled by the Empress. They also inquire for information for the Empress and are the Empress's most trusted advisors.

Being chosen as the leader of the Shadow Guard represents the empress' absolute trust.

Zhuang Ling'er was flattered, stood up and worshiped: "The Holy One has such trust that the general will not hesitate to die!"

The empress was very happy and said: "Okay, from now on, you will live in the courtyard next to it, which was originally Yingfeng's residence."

"When Yingfeng is away, Wan'er will handle the affairs. You can just hand it over to her."

Di Waner bowed and said, "I will accept the order."

The empress said: "Okay, you all go."

The two got up and left. When they arrived at the yard where Yingfeng lived, Di Waner had already had it cleaned up.

"Commander Zhuang, the shadow guards are divided into three classes. This is the list of all the shadow guards..."

After entering the room, Di Waner explained in detail.

...

Temple of the True Buddha.

Long Chen rode up the mountain, and Zou Kai rode a horse himself, following behind him, looking a little sad.

The little Taoist priest left, and Zou Kai felt listless these days.

When they arrived at the gate of the temple, Xuan Hui happened to be there. When Zou Kai saw him, he felt better and the two went to play.

Entering the abbot's room, Mojie was reading Buddhist scriptures.

"The regent is free today, which is rare. Please write a book of scriptures for the poor monk."

Mojie unfolded a roll of rice paper, picked up a pen, and rubbed ink with his own hands.

"I came to you to hide for peace, but you asked me to write scriptures. That's too much. I won't come next time."

Long Chen sat down, poured himself a cup of tea, and leaned on the chair not wanting to move.

"As long as you work hard and grind the iron pestle into a needle, your body will not be able to withstand being hammered with nails every day."

Mojie shook his head and sighed.

Long Chen laughed and scolded: "You are such a perverted monk, what are you talking about?"

These days, people in the house are almost constantly rushing into Long Chen's room. It's really too tiring.

There were also ministers in the court, all of whom came to the house to give gifts to curry favor. Long Chen was really irritated as he welcomed them.

After being named regent and marrying four princesses, the empress announced that she would retire and Long Chen would ascend the throne sooner or later. The ministers were not fools and they all wanted to please her first so that the monarch and his ministers could get along with each other easily in the future.

"I came from Zhaoti Temple, so I'm naturally a licentious monk. Don't you know that?"

Mojie chuckled.

Long Chen was a little surprised that Mojie actually made fun of Zhaoti Temple.

Mojie left Zhaoti Temple and was regarded as a traitor by Kongji. Mojie has always had a knot in his heart. Today, he actually used Zhaoti Temple as a joke. It seems that he has figured it out.

"We'll talk about the scriptures some other time. Today I'm just here to get some peace and quiet. Don't make any noise with me."

Lying down comfortably, Long Chen closed his eyes and took a nap.

It wasn't until it got dark that Long Chen and Zou Kai slowly walked down the mountain.

When we arrived at the East City Gate, it was closed.

"Let's go and find a place to rest outside the city."

"Father, just ask the general guarding the city to open the door. Why sleep in the inn outside?"

The capital developed rapidly, the population increased a lot, and the space inside the city was limited. There were gradually many towns, inns, and markets outside the city.

But the situation outside the city is much worse than that inside the city.

"Remember, you have a high status and have many privileges, but you can't act recklessly."

"When you are in a high position, the most taboo thing is to be a dandy. The city gates are closed at night and the curfew is imposed. This is the law of the court. You must not break the rules."

In these years, Long Chen was busy fighting wars, and Zou Cailiang was making weapons in Anmu City. Both of them had no control over Zou Kai, and he gradually showed signs of being a playboy. Long Chen now took him with him to set rules for him.

"My child remembers."

Zou Kai knew what Long Chen meant and did not dare to violate it.

There are also police patrols outside the city to maintain order at night, but they are not as strict as inside the city.

After finding an inn, the waiter greeted him with a smile: "Do you want me to stay at the hotel?"

Long Chen and Zou Kai were dressed luxuriously, and the waiter knew they were distinguished guests, so he was polite.

"In the upper room, bring over two plates of mutton and two bowls of noodles."

The waiter greeted: "Okay, sir, please come and stay here first."

I followed the waiter upstairs and entered the room. There was only a bed and a table inside, which was very simple.

"Thank you."

Long Chen sat down, Zou Kai looked left and right, and said with some disgust: "Father, this place is too dirty."

Long Chen frowned and said, "The common people can live here, why can't you live there?"

Zou Kai didn't dare to speak, so he had to sit down carefully.

Not long after, meat and noodles were brought in, and Long Chen had dinner in the room.

Zou Kai felt that dinner was too simple, and kept teasing the noodles with his chopsticks. Long Chen frowned and said: "One porridge and one meal, remember that it is hard-earned. Spring plowing and summer planting require a lot of sweat in exchange for a bowl of noodles. If you don't eat it, you will be hungry. Don't do it." in this way!"

Zou Kai quickly lowered his head and ate the noodles.

There was a sound of footsteps, and a group of people walked through the corridor and entered the next room.

Long Chen finished eating, and so did Zou Kai. After rinsing his mouth, the waiter put away the bowls and chopsticks, and Long Chen blew out the lights and went to sleep.

"Sir, the noodles you want are ready..."

The waiter brought noodles to the next door and then closed the door.

After a while, he didn't hear the sound of eating noodles next door. Zou Kai slept late, his eyes rolling around in the dark night, and he thought to himself: They must be wasting food too. My adoptive father should give them a lesson and teach me how to do it. What is it for?

Thinking like this, Zou Kai felt so sleepy and fell into a drowsy sleep.

"Ok?"

"Okay, there's no movement."

"Take the thing off, it makes you sick to your stomach."

The clinking of bowls and chopsticks made a loud noise, followed by hushed conversations.

"Have you decided?"

"It's the Liuye Sect. The leader Liu Hanyan is Long Chen's mistress. Let's do something with her."

"I don't think it's appropriate. If we touch Long Chen's woman, we will be hunted down."

"Pursuing? Huh, we are people in the world, why are we afraid of being hunted by him?"

"It's better to attack the government office. It can make a big noise without completely angering Long Chen."

"If you want to do something big, what are you afraid of? If you are so timid, you might as well surrender."

"That's right, are you willing to go to Yuncheng to detoxify?"

"I spent so much effort to get ghost meat so that I can detoxify and dream!"

"Liu Hanyan is following Long Chen. Her cultivation level is not low. Is it possible?"

"Don't be afraid, this time Li Guizhao will take the lead. Her cultivation level is high and she can kill Liu Hanyan."

"When we make an appointment, we need to prepare. It's time to set off."

There was muttering next door for a long time, and at Xu o'clock, the candles were blown out, the windows were opened, and a group of people jumped out of the windows and ran towards the willow door.

Willow gate.

Liu Hanyan had already fallen asleep, with a sword hanging beside her. This sword was given to her by Long Chen and was specially made.

Glancing at the sword hanging on the wall, Liu Hanyan slowly closed her eyes.

call...

A gust of cold wind suddenly blew in. Liu Hanyan stood up suddenly and drew out the Fufeng Sword...

"Brother? Why are you here?"

I thought there was a sneak attack, but I didn't expect that Long Chen suddenly walked in.

"Why, I'm not allowed to come?"

Long Chen closed the window and said with a smile: "Lie down well, don't catch a cold, you wear so little to sleep."

Liu Hanyan had a graceful figure. She had been frightened just now, and her chest was rising and falling violently. Long Chen couldn't hold it back and took the opportunity to pinch her. Liu Hanyan held her chest to avoid it.

"Senior brother, what are you doing, in the middle of the night..."

Long Chen smiled and said: "Isn't it just right in the middle of the night?"

Liu Hanyan pushed Long Chen away, put the Fufeng Sword into its scabbard, got into the bed, wrapped herself tightly, turned her back to Long Chen and said: "Are you ashamed to come here to eat tofu in the middle of the night? You are the regent now, why not?" so."

Long Chen sat down and said, "I just heard a group of thieves talking outside the city about attacking Willow Leaf Gate at night."

Liu Hanyan turned around and asked in surprise: "Really?"

Long Chen nodded and said: "I handed down the detoxification order, but those people in the world are unwilling and want to attack you as a demonstration."

Liu Hanyan stood up quickly, picked up her clothes and put them on quickly.

"These people are too courageous to attack me?"

Liu Hanyan knew very well that she was Long Chen's woman, and to attack her was to touch Ni Lin.

"You let the disciples hide for the time being. There is no need to fight with them. This happened because of me. I will deal with them!"

Long Chen hugged her from behind, put his hand in, and squeezed hard. Liu Hanyan struggled and said, "When did you still have such thoughts?"

Long Chen smiled and said: "Why don't you show some sympathy to senior brother before the battle?"

Liu Hanyan couldn't get away, so she simply sat in Long Chen's arms and said slightly angrily: "Okay, they can come at any time to kill you. Can't you finish it in half an hour?"

Long Chen smiled and said: "I'm afraid it's not enough. Then I'll kill them and play with you for another hour."

Liu Hanyan stood up and said, "No, for an hour, you want to kill me."

Long Chen counted the time, he should be here soon, and said: "You quietly ask the disciples to hide, they will act in time."

Liu Hanyan nodded, immediately went out quietly, woke up his disciples, and quietly hid in the basement.

After making sure that all the disciples were hiding, Liu Hanyan returned to the ground. Long Chen sat at the door, quietly waiting for the thieves to come.