pappabearbooks Chapter 209 Shan Xiongxin and Wei Zheng join Yang You's forces
Chapter 209 Shan Xiongxin and Wei Zheng join Yang You's forces
"Gentlemen, I've heard you're also from Wagang Village?"
Yang You's voice was neither too loud nor too soft, carrying a hint of condescension.
Shan Xiongxin and Wei Zheng exchanged a glance, then clasped their hands in a salute: "Your Highness, that's right."
Since Emperor Yang Guang did not consider social background when conducting the imperial examinations or military examinations, presumably Yang You should not be treated differently because of his social status.
"interesting."
Yang You turned around and looked at the two of them with great interest.
Although he was young, his eyes held a depth that belied his age.
Yang You knew very well that Lü Xiao also came from Wagang Village.
He knew more or less about the dirty dealings within Wagangzhai.
How was Lü Xiao ostracized and forced to leave? And how did those so-called loyal brothers kick him when he was down?
In Yang You's view, if someone is targeted by a group of people, then the people being targeted must have something wrong with them.
Otherwise, why would Wagangzhai drive away Lü Xiao instead of others?
No matter how grand and righteous Lü Xiao's words may be, it cannot change the fact that he is not well-liked by the people of Wagang.
Yang You understood this very well.
"I have already spoken to my grandfather and specifically requested that the two of you come to assist me."
Yang You walked up to the two men, his gaze sweeping back and forth across their faces.
To be honest, he harbored some prejudice against these people from humble backgrounds.
But who could blame them when there was a rift between these peasants and his uncle, Lü Xiao?
Moreover, these two are indeed quite capable.
One who distinguished himself in the martial arts examination, defeating several masters in succession.
One of them competed with Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui in the imperial examinations.
Although they didn't win the championship, they were still among the top performers.
If he could get these two to assist him, and also suppress Lü Xiao, it would be a wonderful thing.
"Hey, wait a minute."
Wei Zheng suddenly spoke, interrupting Yang You's reverie.
He straightened his back, looked directly at Yang You, and spoke neither humbly nor arrogantly.
"I am participating in the imperial examination to govern the country and assist His Majesty, not to assist you."
This was said directly, without any tact.
Yang You's expression changed slightly.
Wei Zheng, however, seemed not to notice and continued speaking.
"Although Your Highness is young, since His Majesty has appointed you as regent, you should know the difference between ruler and subject."
If I were to pledge allegiance to Your Highness, would I still be a subject of the court?
If Your Highness and His Majesty disagree, should I listen to Your Highness or His Majesty?
Yang You's expression turned even uglier.
"That's enough!"
Yang You interrupted sharply, his face ashen.
He took a few deep breaths, suppressing his anger, and stared coldly at Wei Zheng.
This person has some nerve!
Seeing this, Shan Xiongxin quickly stepped forward to smooth things over: "Your Highness, please calm down. Old Wei is just like that; he speaks his mind directly and means no harm."
As he spoke, he secretly tugged at Wei Zheng's sleeve, signaling him to shut up.
"Since Your Highness appreciates us, why can't we serve you?" Shan Xiongxin said with a beaming smile.
"Moreover, Your Highness is the regent appointed by His Majesty. Assisting Your Highness is assisting His Majesty. I understand this point."
Having roamed the outlaw world for many years, how could he not see through Yang You's intentions?
This kid clearly has a problem with Lü Xiao and wants to recruit them to deal with him.
It seems that the royal family and its people are not as harmonious as the outside world perceives.
"You know how to appreciate kindness."
Yang You glanced coldly at Wei Zheng, his eyes filled with undisguised disgust.
This outspoken madman is truly audacious; he dares to blurt out anything, not even giving face to the Prince of Dai.
"Since they both came from Wagang, why not try to persuade him?"
The threatening tone in Yang You's words was obvious to everyone.
"Yes, Your Highness is right. I will certainly persuade Old Wei to restrain himself."
Shan Xiongxin quickly bowed and tugged at Wei Zheng's sleeve, signaling him to follow suit.
Although Wei Zheng looked reluctant, he still managed to cup his hands in a gesture of respect.
After leaving the palace gates and walking quite a distance, Wei Zheng finally couldn't hold back any longer.
"Old Dan, is it really necessary for you to grovel before this brat?"
Wei Zheng's voice was full of resentment.
He just couldn't understand why Shan Xiongxin seemed like a completely different person once he arrived at the imperial court.
Look at how she acted in front of Yang You just now, her waist bent like a shrimp and her butt sticking out high.
That fawning attitude was simply unbearable to watch.
He figured that Shan Xiongxin had never shown such great respect to his own parents!
Wei Zheng grew angrier as he spoke, his face turning bright red.
"We're not in Wagang Village anymore, so you need to control your temper."
Shan Xiongxin sighed and continued walking forward while patiently trying to persuade him.
He knew Wei Zheng's temperament; he might have a sharp tongue, but he wasn't a bad person at heart.
Back when they were in Wagang, they didn't take advantage of Lü Xiao's misfortune like Wang Bodang and Xu Maogong did.
Who is Yang You?
He was the Prince of Dai, the regent, and Yang Guang's most beloved grandson.
No matter what, you can't confront him directly.
"I can't do anything servile, especially to someone like Yang You."
Wei Zheng stiffened his neck, his face stubborn.
He had seen arrogant people before, but Yang You's arrogance was different.
That wasn't the arrogance of confidence, but rather the arrogance of being superior and looking down on everyone.
When he looked at people, his eyes were full of disdain, as if people from humble backgrounds were inherently inferior to him.
Dan Xiongxin looked around and, seeing that no one was around, lowered his voice and whispered in Wei Zheng's ear:
"Old Wei, listen to me. I think Yang You and Lü Zilie don't get along. If we join his ranks, we can act according to the situation."
Wei Zheng was taken aback, then realized: "You mean... like that fellow Cheng Yaojin, jumping between rebels and the court?"
He was an extremely intelligent man, and he instantly understood what Shan Xiongxin meant.
"Yes." Shan Xiongxin nodded. "Lü Xiao has treated us well; we can't just stand by and watch Yang You have his eye on him, can we?"
He recalled his days in Wagang, when Lü Xiao was still alive and truly treated his brothers with all his heart.
However, due to Qin Qiong's influence and various other unclear reasons, he did not choose to stand on Lü Xiao's side.
Now, another opportunity to choose is before us.
This time, he won't miss it again.
"That's a good suggestion."
After pondering for a moment, Wei Zheng finally understood the matter.
"From now on, we'll be sworn enemies with Lü Xiao."
A smile appeared on Shan Xiongxin's face, and he deliberately emphasized the words "irreconcilable enemies".
"nature."
Wei Zheng smiled and nodded.
Meanwhile, deep within the palace, Yang Guang was receiving Yang You in his study.
"You want Shan Xiongxin and Wei Zheng from me?"
Yang Guang raised his head and looked at his grandson standing below, a hint of amusement in his eyes.
This grandson of a bitch acted first and reported later; he had already met the person before coming to tell him.
Although it wasn't a big deal, this approach still made Yang Guang quite dissatisfied.
It was because he doted on this grandson too much that the grandson became so arrogant and fearless.