Four years ago, a gifted boy left the bustling capital city of Apocalypse, and now he is back in his old glory. Xiao Se, the prince who once called for wind and rain, is now facing unprecedented challenges. He set up a feast on Qianjintai to declare his sovereignty, but he was unexpectedly met with a cold reception. Just as the feast was about to become a laughing stock, an unexpected figure appeared and changed the situation in an instant. Who is this person? Why is he able to influence people's attitudes? Is Xiao Se's comeback road clear? In this struggle for power, what are the undercurrents?
1. The return of Xiao Se: the road of revenge precipitated in four years
On the streets of Apocalypse City, a young man in plain clothes walked slowly. This young man is none other than the prince Xiao Se, who has been missing for four years. His return was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, stirring up countless ripples.
The first stop is Snowfall Lodge. It used to be a place where he and his brothers gathered, but now it is shrouded in a haze of sadness. The news of Senior Brother Tang Lian's death was like a thunderbolt from the sky, shocking everyone present.
"Senior Brother......" Xiao Se stood in front of Tang Lian's spiritual seat, a trace of pain flashed in his eyes. He still remembers that when he left four years ago, Senior Brother patted him on the shoulder and said, "Little Senior Brother, you must come back alive." But now, it was he who came to see off the senior brother.
Sikong Qianluo and Lei Wuji stood behind Xiao Se, and the three of them were silent. After a long time, Xiao Se turned around, his eyes like a torch: "Senior brother's hatred, I must find out." "
Xiao Se knew that in order to find out the cause of his brother's death, he had to regain his footing. So, he decided to hold a banquet in Qianjintai to announce his return to the world.
Qianjintai, a place that has witnessed countless feasts of the powerful, is particularly deserted today. Xiao Se stood on the stage, his eyes swept over the empty seats, and the corners of his mouth rose slightly. He had expected this to be the outcome, but he didn't care.
"When I left four years ago, it was full." Xiao Se said softly, "It seems that our courtiers are very forgetful. "
At this moment, a small official hurried with a few retinues. This petty official's name is Li De, and he had received the favor of Xiao Se back then. He trembled and saluted Xiao Se: "Your Highness, Weichen is late, and I hope to forgive my sins." "
Xiao Se smiled and helped Li De up: "Lord Li can come, this king is already very grateful." Come, please take a seat. "
Li De was relieved and hurriedly took his entourage to take a seat. But even so, the huge Qianjintai still looks empty.
Xiao Se was not flustered, he knew that this banquet was just the beginning. In this way, he wants to force the enemies who lurk in the shadows to show their feet.
Just when everyone thought that the banquet would end in embarrassment, an unexpected figure appeared.
"Hahaha, Brother Xiao Se, don't come to harm!" A bold voice came from the audience. Everyone followed the prestige, only to see a richly dressed middle-aged man striding over, it was Mu Chunfeng, the richest man in the country.
The appearance of Mu Chunfeng is like a spring breeze blowing into Qianjintai. The empty seats were quickly filled by officials who rushed in. These people may not want to offend the White King and the Red King, but they are even more unwilling to offend Mu Chunfeng, who holds the wealth of the world.
Xiao Se was secretly happy in his heart, but his face was silent. He knew that the real game had just begun. Mu Chunfeng's support is important, but it takes more effort and planning to regain everything that belongs to him.
After the banquet, Xiao Se stood alone on the golden platform, overlooking the brightly lit Apocalypse City. Four years of wandering made him realize that talent alone is not enough to survive in this world of the jungle. He needs more allies, more careful planning, and more determination.
"Senior brother," Xiao Se said softly, "I will definitely find out the cause of your death and avenge you." This is my mission to come back and the motivation for me to live. "
The night breeze was blowing, and the robes of Xiao Se were hunting. He knew that this was just the beginning. The road ahead is still long, full of thorns and traps. But he is ready and ready to take on every challenge until he is back at the pinnacle of power.
2. The pattern of the court: the game between the White King and the Red King
Xiao Se's return was like a bombshell, setting off huge waves in the court of Apocalypse City. However, the two powerful princes who really dominate the court are still the two powerful princes, Xiao Chong, the White King, and Xiao Yu, the Red King.
White King Xiao Chong, as the emperor's eldest son, has always been regarded as the most promising candidate to inherit the throne. He was an old-fashioned and prudent man, and won the support of the elders of the DPRK and China. Xiao Chong wears white clothes all the year round, so he is called the "White King" by the people. Most of his supporters are highly respected ministers in the DPRK, and although these people are not as sharp as the younger generation, their deep-rooted influence in the DPRK and China should not be underestimated.
In stark contrast to the White King is the Red King Xiao Yu. As the emperor's second son, Xiao Yu was young and ambitious. He wears red all year round, so he is called the "Red King". Xiao Yu's supporters were mostly upstart and young officials in the DPRK and China, who were eager to seek greater power and interests by supporting Xiao Yu.
On the day of Xiao Se's return, Xiao Chong, the white king, was receiving several important ministers in his mansion.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Xiao Chong said slowly, "I think you have already heard that the fourth brother is back. "
Li Mingxuan, the secretary of the Ministry of Rites, who was sitting at the bottom of the ministry, stroked his beard and said, "Your Highness, this matter is indeed unexpected. However, it has been four years since His Royal Highness left the court, and I am afraid it will be difficult to regain a foothold in a short period of time. "
"Don't take it lightly," Xiao Chong said in a deep voice, "Although the fourth brother has been gone for many years, his intelligence and skill should not be underestimated. What's more, he also has the support of Sikong Changfeng. "
When the ministers heard this, they couldn't help but turn their heads and ears. As the city lord of Snow Moon City, Sikong Changfeng's strength and influence should not be underestimated. If he really fully supports Xiao Se, the situation will be even more complicated.
At this moment, a guard hurriedly came in to report: "Your Highness, I just got the news that Your Second Highness is gathering his cronies to discuss countermeasures. "
When Xiao Chong heard this, his brows furrowed slightly. He knew that the Red King Xiao Yu would definitely not sit idly by.
At the same time, the mansion of the Red King Xiao Yu was also a busy scene.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Xiao Yu looked around at the supporters around him, "Fourth Brother is back, this is both a challenge and an opportunity for us. "
Zhang Yuan, the squire of the military department, stood up and arched his hand: "Your Highness, in my opinion, we might as well observe for a while. Although His Royal Highness has returned, his foundation has been lost, and he may not be able to make much of a storm. "
"No," Xiao Yu categorically vetoed, "We all know the fourth brother's ability. If we give him time to regain our footing, it will be a huge threat to us. We must act as soon as possible and not give him a chance to breathe. "
After hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement.
At this moment, a henchman hurriedly came in and whispered a few words in Xiao Yu's ear. After hearing this, Xiao Yu's face changed slightly.
"Everyone," Xiao Yu said in a deep voice, "I just got the news that Mu Chunfeng appeared at the fourth brother's banquet. "
As soon as this remark came out, the audience was in an uproar. Everyone knows that Mu Chunfeng, as the richest man in the country, can even influence the court. If he really supports Xiao Se, the situation will become even more complicated.
Xiao Yu pondered for a moment, and then ordered: "Send someone to contact Mu Chunfeng immediately, and win him over to us no matter what." At the same time, strengthen the monitoring of the fourth brother, and his every move must be clearly grasped. "
With Xiao Se's return, the already complicated situation in the court has become even more confusing. The White King Xiao Chong, the Red King Xiao Yu and the just returned Xiao Se, the game of the three forces officially kicked off. Each side is cautiously testing the other, while also actively courting potential allies.
However, the real battle has only just begun. Who will have the last laugh in this game of thrones, time will tell. And for Xiao Se, who has just returned, how to survive and grow his power in the gap between the White King and the Red King will be a huge challenge.
3. Mu Chunfeng's abacus: the political ambition of a businessman
The appearance of Mu Chunfeng undoubtedly added a strong touch to Xiao Se's return. As the richest man in the world, Mu Chunfeng's every move affects the nerves of countless people. However, behind this seemingly simple support, what is Mu Chunfeng's calculation?
Mu Chunfeng was born in a family of merchants, and his ancestors started in the silk business for three generations. However, it was Mu Chunfeng himself who really made the Mu family the richest man in the world. He not only expanded the family business to many fields such as tea and porcelain, but also created a precedent for maritime trade, which made the wealth of the Mu family grow exponentially.
However, for Mu Chunfeng, the simple accumulation of wealth can no longer satisfy his ambitions. He knew very well that in this dynasty founded on Confucianism, the status of merchants was always inferior. Even if he is rich and rivals a country, it is difficult to get real respect in the court.
It is precisely because of this consideration that Mu Chunfeng began to set his sights on the political stage. He was well aware that in order to truly change the status of merchants, it was necessary to fundamentally change the political landscape of the entire dynasty. And Xiao Se's return just gave him this opportunity.
After the banquet in Qianjintai, Mu Chunfeng invited Xiao Se to his mansion for a while.
"Your Highness," Mu Chunfeng smiled and raised his glass, "Your experience in the past four years must have given you a new understanding of this dynasty, right?" "
Xiao Se bowed slightly: "That's true." In the past four years of wandering, I have seen a lot of things that I couldn't see in the palace before. "
Mu Chunfeng's eyes flashed with a gleam: "Then has Your Highness ever thought about how you would govern this country if you could ascend to that position?" "
Xiao Se was silent for a moment, and then slowly spoke: "If there is one day, I hope to make this country fairer and more prosperous." Not only the farmers and businessmen, but also every class should have equal opportunities. "
Mu Chunfeng listened, and a satisfied smile appeared on his face: "Your Highness is really different." It is precisely because of this heart of His Highness that I have decided to fully support you. "
However, Mu Chunfeng's support is not unconditional. He put forward a series of demands, including easing restrictions on merchants, lowering business taxes, and allowing merchants to participate in political affairs. These demands undoubtedly touch on the fundamental interests of the current dynasty.
Xiao Se did not immediately agree, but said: "Brother Chunfeng's suggestions are indeed very insightful. However, these changes are too broad and I am afraid that they need to be gradual. "
Mu Chunfeng didn't care, and said with a smile: "Your Highness is right. What we have is time, take your time and don't rush. "
At the same time that Mu Chunfeng and Xiao Se were talking secretly, the White King and the Red King were not idle. They all sent messengers to try to make contact with Mu Chunfeng.
The White King's envoy brought a generous gift, promising to give the Mu family more trade privileges if the White King ascended the throne. King Red was more direct, expressing his willingness to give Mu Chunfeng a position of real power, so that he could directly participate in court politics.
Facing the olive branches of the two princes, Mu Chunfeng seemed to lack interest. He knew very well that both the White King and the Red King represented the old political order. And what he needs is someone who can really change the rules of the game.
While maneuvering with all parties, Mu Chunfeng did not forget to consolidate his strength. He began to purchase a large amount of grain, salt and iron, both of which were important materials related to the national economy and people's livelihood. At the same time, he also secretly funded some lower-level officials to cultivate power in the DPRK and China for himself.
Mu Chunfeng's actions quickly aroused the vigilance of some ministers in the DPRK and China. Li Mingxuan, the secretary of the Ministry of Rites, directly pointed out at the court meeting: "Mu Chunfeng's recent behavior is too public, and I am afraid that he is suspected of trespassing. "
However, in the face of these accusations, Mu Chunfeng seemed confident. He knows very well that in this era of scarcity of materials, mastering grain, salt and iron is equivalent to mastering the right to speak. His ultimate goal was to revolutionize the status of merchants in the dynasty.
As the situation evolves, Mu Chunfeng's role becomes more and more important. He is like a shrewd chess player, deftly maneuvering between the White King, the Red King, and Xiao Se, trying to get the most out of himself in this power game. However, his behavior has also aroused more and more people's vigilance and dissatisfaction. Beneath this seemingly calm surface, an undercurrent is raging, and an even bigger storm is brewing.
Fourth, the choice of Sikong Changfeng: the wrestling between the rivers and lakes and the court
In the political whirlpool of Apocalypse City, there is another important figure that cannot be ignored - the city lord of Snow Moon City, Sikong Changfeng. As a hegemon in the rivers and lakes, Sikong Changfeng has always maintained a close relationship with the imperial court. However, with Xiao Se's return, he also had to reconsider his position.
Sikong Changfeng was born in a famous family, and his family has guarded Snow Moon City for generations, enjoying a high reputation in the rivers and lakes. However, unlike other martial arts sects, the Sikong family has always maintained a connection with the imperial court, which makes Snow Moon City play a delicate role between the rivers and lakes and the imperial court.
On the day of Xiao Se's return, Sikong Changfeng received invitations from all sides. Bai Wang Xiao Chong sent someone to send a handwritten letter, inviting Sikong Changfeng to enter Beijing to discuss important matters. The Red King Xiao Yu was more direct, sending his henchmen to Snow Moon City in person, expressing his willingness to give Snow Moon City greater autonomy. And Xiao Se just sent someone to send a sentence: "Brother Changfeng, can you play another game of chess?" "
In the face of the courtship of the three parties, Sikong Changfeng fell into deep thought. He summoned several elders of Snow Moon City to discuss countermeasures.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Sikong Changfeng said, "Now that the situation in the court is complicated, how should we in Snow Moon City handle ourselves?" "
Great Elder Sikong Mingyue was the first to speak: "City Lord, according to the old man's opinion, we should still remain neutral. Snow Moon City has always been transcendent, and should not be involved in court disputes. "
"No," Second Elder Sikong Yuntian shook his head, "Now is not the time for us to stay out of the matter. Whether it is the White King or the Red King ascending the throne, it will have a significant impact on our Snow Moon City. We have to be selective. "
After listening to the opinions of the two elders, Sikong Changfeng pondered for a moment and said, "What the two elders said is reasonable. However, before making a choice, I would like to go to Apocalypse City first and meet the three princes in person. "
In this way, Sikong Changfeng quietly entered Beijing with a small team of elite guards. He visited the White King and the Red King successively, and listened carefully to their propositions and promises.
White King Xiao Chong promised that if he ascended the throne, he would give Snow Moon City more preferential treatment, including exempting some taxes and allowing Snow Moon City to handle its own internal affairs. Xiao Yu, the Red King, said that he was willing to give Sikong Changfeng a position of real power, so that he could directly participate in the government politics.
However, what Sikong Changfeng cares about the most is Xiao Se's attitude. When visiting Xiao Se's mansion, the two really played another game.
"Brother Changfeng," Xiao Se said as he fell, "You and I have known each other for many years, and you must know me as a person." If I can get to that position one day, I will never be disadvantaged to Snow Moon City. "
Sikong Changfeng nodded slightly: "Your Highness's personality, I am naturally trustworthy." It's just that the current situation is so complicated, how should Snow Moon City handle itself? "
Xiao Se smiled: "Why is Brother Changfeng so restrained? Snow Moon City has always been a clear stream in the rivers and lakes, why not keep it clear and be a bystander? "
When Sikong Changfeng heard this, he was thoughtful. He knew very well that Xiao Se's words seemed to keep Snow Moon City out of the matter, but in fact, they were hinting that he should not take sides.
Just when Sikong Changfeng was in a dilemma, a shocking news suddenly came from the rivers and lakes: the Demon Sect has awakened and is secretly gathering strength, and it seems that it has the potential to make a comeback.
This news was like a thunderbolt, which not only shook the entire rivers and lakes, but also aroused a high degree of vigilance in the imperial court. After all, the tragic catastrophe 20 years ago still makes people feel palpitations.
Faced with this unexpected situation, Sikong Changfeng realized that he had to make a choice as soon as possible. He summoned all the elders of Snow Moon City and held a closed-door meeting.
The meeting lasted three days and three nights. During this period, the inside and outside of Snow Moon City were heavily guarded, and no one was allowed to enter or leave at will. When the meeting ended, Sikong Changfeng finally made a decision.
He sent three teams: one to the White King's Mansion, one to the Red King's Mansion, and one to Xiao Se's residence secretly. Each team brought a letter, but the content was different.
To the White King, Sikong Changfeng expressed his willingness to provide assistance if necessary; To the Red King, he promised to remain neutral; As for Xiao Se, he expressed his willingness to help secretly.
This seemingly contradictory move actually reflects the foresight of Sikong Changfeng. He knew very well that in the current situation, Snow Moon City could not be completely dependent on any party, but had to seek a balance between the forces of all parties.
At the same time, Sikong Changfeng also ordered the defense of Snow Moon City to be strengthened, and sent a large number of spies to investigate the movements of the Demon Sect. He understands that no matter how the court changes, protecting the peace of the rivers and lakes is always the unshirkable responsibility of Snow Moon City.
In this way, in the gap between the court and the rivers and lakes, Sikong Changfeng began his power game. Every decision he makes may affect the direction of the entire situation. And with the Demon Cult on the move, an even bigger storm is approaching.
Fifth, the undercurrent surging: the competition of various forces
With the return of Xiao Se, Mu Chunfeng's support, and Sikong Changfeng's attitude wavering, the political landscape of Apocalypse City has become more and more complicated. The forces of all sides began to compete in secret, and a war that could not be seen was quietly unfolded.
The first is the attitude of the ministers of the DPRK and China. Although on the surface they welcomed Xiao Se's return, in fact, many people were suspicious of the prince who had been living in exile for many years. Li Mingxuan, the secretary of the Ministry of Rites, publicly said at a private gathering: "Although His Royal Highness has a noble bloodline, after all, he has been away from the court for many years, and I am afraid it will be difficult to deal with the current complicated situation. "
At the same time, some young officials have expectations for Xiao Se. They believed that Xiao Se's folk experience might bring a new concept of statecraft to the imperial court. Zhao Zilong, the squire of the military department, proposed in a memoir: "Your Royal Highness has gone through hardships, and must have a deeper understanding of the people's sufferings, and if you can ascend the throne, you may be able to create a new way of governing the world." "
This disagreement soon sparked a heated debate in the court. The ministers who supported the White King emphasized the importance of stability and tradition, while those who supported the Red King advocated reform and progress. As for Xiao Se, although he has no public supporters for the time being, his unique experience and Mu Chunfeng's support have undoubtedly won him many secret sympathizers.
At the same time, Mu Chunfeng's actions have also aroused vigilance from all sides. His purchase of large quantities of grain, salt and iron was interpreted by some as an attempt to control people's livelihood and thus influence the decision-making of the imperial court. For this reason, Yang Guozhong, the head of the household department, even proposed to restrict the trading activities of merchants to prevent them from interfering in the affairs of the court.
However, Mu Chunfeng was obviously prepared. The lower-level officials he secretly financed began spreading information in various ministries that the restrictions on trade would lead to higher prices and spark public resentment. This statement quickly spread among the people, forcing the imperial court to carefully consider whether to take action.
At the same time, the situation in the rivers and lakes has become complicated. Although Sikong Changfeng remained neutral on the surface, his every move touched the nerves of all parties. Rumor has it that Snow Moon City is secretly recruiting masters, and it seems that it is preparing for some kind of big thing.
What's even more disturbing is that the movements of the Demon Cult are becoming more and more obvious. Signs of the activities of the Demon Sect disciples were spread everywhere, and some even claimed to have seen the Demon Sect Leader who had disappeared for many years. As soon as this news came out, it immediately caused an uproar.
The imperial court reacted quickly and sent a large number of spies to find out the news. The White King and the Red King also sent their own henchmen to secretly contact the various factions in the rivers and lakes, trying to win them over against the Demon Sect. However, to everyone's surprise, Xiao Se was unusually calm about this.
At a secret meeting, Xiao Se said to Mu Chunfeng: "The appearance of the Demon Sect may not be all bad. At the very least, it gives everyone a common enemy. "
Mu Chunfeng nodded thoughtfully, and then asked, "Does Your Highness have any plans?" "
Xiao Se smiled mysteriously, and didn't answer directly, just said, "Brother Chunfeng, you just need to act according to the plan we agreed on before." As for the rest, let's wait and see. "
Just when the forces of all parties were fighting openly and secretly, an unexpected incident broke the apparent calm. The emperor suddenly announced that a large hunt was to be held, and all three princes had to participate. This decision immediately sparked various speculations. Some people think that the emperor wants to test the ability of the three princes, while others suspect that there is something else hidden in this.
In any case, this hunting event will undoubtedly become an important stage for the contest of forces of all parties. The White King and the Red King immediately began to prepare for this, gathering their henchmen and formulating various plans. Xiao Se was very low-key, just silently practicing riding and archery, and seemed to really only regard this as a simple hunting activity.
However, on the eve of the start of the hunt, a shocking news came: the leader of the Demon Cult appeared, claiming to challenge the heroes of the world in the hunting grounds. This news was like a bombshell, instantly disrupting everyone's deployment.
The court was in turmoil. Ministers vied with each other, with some advocating the abolition of the hunt and others arguing that the Cult should be eradicated in one fell swoop. The emperor fell into deep thought and did not make a decision for a long time.
At this moment, Xiao Se suddenly asked to meet the emperor. After two hours of secret talks, the Emperor finally announced his decision: the hunt would continue as usual, but on a much smaller scale, with only a few elite members accompanying him. As for the challenge of the Demon Sect, it was left to the three princes to deal with on their own.
The decision caused an immediate uproar. Both the White King and the Red King thought it was a dangerous gamble, but they had to accept it. And Xiao Se once again showed an unusual calmness.
In this way, in the competition of various forces, a big drama that can change the fate of the entire dynasty is about to be staged. On the hunting ground, there are not only fierce beasts, but also countless pairs of tiger-eyed eyes, waiting for the prey to fall into the trap. And in this life-and-death game, it is still unknown who will have the last laugh.