The journey from Yingtianfu to Peiping is about 2,500 miles, and it would take nearly two months to travel by normal carriage and horse; it would take three months to make it difficult to travel in the event of rain or snow. The court's urgent documents, marked with "immediate delivery", can range from 300 miles, 400 miles, 600 miles, or even 800 miles per day, which is the so-called expedited delivery of 600 miles plus 800 miles. urgent. The method is to relay people and horses at the inns. There is one inn every thirty or forty miles, and new horses and people are constantly running. Cen Shen, a poet of the Tang Dynasty, described this kind of urgent document as "one post after another, and the post riders are like meteors. They leave Xianyang at dawn and reach the top of Longshan Mountain at dusk." He described it as fast as a meteor.
At this time, what was galloping on the official road like a shooting star was not the Yiqi, but the horse and horse Sanbao, the internal officials of the Yan Palace. Riding one person at a time, Xiao Hei rode non-stop all the way. At the inn, he only drank some water and ate some food for a while, and finally rushed back to Prince Yan's Mansion in Peking on February 20th.
More than three months have passed since November, and nothing has changed in Prince Yan's Mansion. The vermilion lacquer door is still bright in the light rain, the copper nails on the door are carrying raindrops, and the stone lion squats quietly at the door. The corner door was open. Seeing it was Ma Sanbao, the guard guarding the door hurriedly greeted him: "Master Ma is back?"
Ma Sanbao nodded, threw the reins to the guard, asked where the prince was, and hurriedly strode to Guanyuxuan.
Winter is almost over, and the snow in the house is melting under the rain, making it quite muddy. Guanyuxuan originally faced a garden, which was quiet and deserted and blocked out by the sun. On rainy days, the house became dark, but the lights were not lit.
Zhu Di held a book and leaned on the kang, but the book was obviously not in sight, and he was absentmindedly not knowing what he was thinking. Ma Sanbao looked from a distance and felt that King Yan seemed much older after not seeing him for more than three months, and his lonely look made the whole room feel gloomy.
Ma Sanbao felt sad for a while, deliberately slowed down his pace, and shouted: "Your Majesty!"
Zhu Di was startled and looked up to see it was Ma Sanbao. He couldn't help but smile: "Is your boy back?" He sat up straight and looked carefully. Seeing that his face was covered with wind and frost, and his clothes were wrinkled and covered with mud, he asked again. He said: "You came back first?"
Ma Sanbao saluted, bowed and replied: "Yes, I was afraid that the prince would miss me, so I came back first after finishing things. It was Yingtian Mansion who left on the fifth day of February. Jinghong led the team behind, and there were probably ten more people. I'll be home someday."
Zhu Di frowned when he heard him hurrying on his way: "You don't have to rush like this, everything goes well, right?"
Ma Sanbao smiled and replied: "I'm fine. There was some ice and snow on the way there, so I didn't arrive in Chuzhou until the 29th of the first lunar month. I visited all the places the prince ordered."
Zhu Di nodded and said nothing.
Ma Sanbao knew what Zhu Di wanted to know, and went on to say: "The princess went to Fengtian Temple to see the princess on the third day of February. The child was outside." He looked at Zhu Di and said: "The emperor seems to like the princess very much. He was very happy when he saw the princess. , at that time, the princess was canonized as a talented person in the East Palace."
Zhu Di breathed out: "That's good." You must know that the key to the success or failure of Lianhua's entry into the capital is to see whether he can win Zhu Yuanzhang's favor. If the emperor hates Lianhua, then everything is out of the question, and Lianhua's life will not be easy in the future. Zhu Di's heart was hanging for a long time. When Ma Sanbao said that Zhu Yuanzhang liked her, he couldn't help but let out a long sigh of relief.
Seeing that Zhu Di was relieved, Ma Sanbao couldn't help but be happy for him, and continued with a smile: "The Holy One also asked Cao Guo to recognize the princess as his sister on the spot, saying that the princess would not be lonely if she had a natal family."
Zhu Di was stunned: "Li Jinglong?"
Ma Sanbao smiled and continued: "Yes. It happened that the prince asked me to visit him, and the emperor and the prince thought of getting together."
It turned out that Zhu Di and Li Jinglong had often studied and played together in Taixue since childhood, and had always had a good relationship. Among the people Zhu Di contacted when Ma Sanbao came to the capital this time, Li Jinglong was among them. At this level, there is no need to say anything clearly when asking for something. The rule in the officialdom is "Determine the relationship before asking for it." Ma Sanbao is just consolidating these relationships this time. If anything happens, it will be done naturally. As well as the chamberlains, eunuchs and palace maids in the palace, Ma Sanbao acted with caution, only establishing relationships with those he was sure of, and did not force those with whom he was not sure. At this time, he took the opportunity to report the specific people and situations to Zhu Di one by one, and then said: "The most important thing is that Wang Zhi is by your side. He accepted the prince's gift, which is very polite."
Zhu Di nodded slightly as he listened, pondered for a while, picked up the cup on the table and took a sip of tea, then looked at Ma Sanbao, seemingly casually.
Ma Sanbao understood what King Yan wanted to ask. He took a look at Zhu Di's face and then said slowly: "The princess went to Cao Guogong's mansion that day and has been living there. The Holy Spirit has read the almanac and set the date for marrying the princess in the East Palace, which is February 20th. , said it was a good day.”
Zhu Di tightened his hands, and the cup in his hand shattered, and the tea spilled all over the floor. Zhu Di seemed to have disappeared, murmuring and repeating: "February 20, today?"
Ma Sanbao responded in a low voice: "Yes, today", while reaching out to take the broken porcelain cup in Zhu Di's hand. Seeing that Zhu Di's thumb was cut by the fragments, and a drop of blood was still seeping out, he quickly tore off another piece of clothing. , and wrapped it up for Zhu Di.
Zhu Di was completely unaware and asked after a while: "Did she say something?"
Ma Sanbao said carefully: "The princess asked me if I thought she was stupid. She said she felt sorry for the prince."
Zhu Di smiled bitterly: "Silly?"
Ma Sanbao continued: "Yes, I advise the princess, she has no choice but to do it for North Korea, and the prince understands." He glanced at Zhu Di and then said: "Your Majesty just hopes that she will be well, safe and happy. The princess was in tears at the time, so she understands the prince's painstaking efforts."
Ma Sanbao saw that Zhu Di was lost in thought, so he changed the subject and asked, "Is there any news about the original portrait of the Crown Prince of Goryeo, Wang Se, that was posted?"
Zhu Di was a little absent-minded, so Ma Sanbao asked again and then simply replied: "No. Go back and make a calculation with Hou Xian."
"yes". Ma Sanbao agreed, feeling a little strange: Where is this Wang Shi
Zhu Di frowned and sighed for a long time: "Go and rest, you have worked hard." Ma Sanbao didn't dare to say any more and retreated on his own.
Zhu Di looked out the window unconsciously. It was getting late and the room was dark. Zhu Di doesn't want to light the lamp, what's the difference? Today, just today, she got married to her nephew. From today on, she officially became her nephew-in-law and a talented person in the East Palace of the Emperor's grandson.
Zhu Di remembered her pale and weak face when they met for the first time in the desert; she remembered how she hugged him and cried in fear among the flying sand and rocks; she remembered the temple and pagoda emerging from the sky, and she looked up infatuatedly; she remembered the early morning by the lake, She handed the colored glaze tower into her palm; she thought of the colored glaze workshop in Datong, where the two of them looked curiously... She had thought about all this so many times. The time the two spend together is like a beautiful dream, always swirling in the mind; and like an inescapable net, entangled in the heart.
What else is there to look forward to and hope for in this life? But here in Beiping, as the King of Yan, I can't even see her. Until old age and death, I will only rely on these memories to support me. Zhu Di, who was deep in thought, was suddenly frightened by this thought. Is it really true that he will never see him again, never see him again
God! Then why did you let me meet her
The silent cry from the bottom of Zhu Di's heart passed through many houses and penetrated layers of clouds.
But how many lovers are there in the world who are destined to be together but not meant for each other? How many lovers never get married? How many people are in love but can't stay together? How many things are unforgettable and cannot be seen even once? Although some are separated forever by yin and yang, most of them are just helpless. Everyone who gives sincerely thinks that his love is a unique tragedy and comedy, but in fact it is just a thousand-year drama repeated over and over again.
I don't know how long it took, but a candle suddenly lit up in the darkness. Zhu Di subconsciously raised his hand to block the light, and a soft "Your Majesty!" came out. But it was Princess Xu Ying who stood in the hall, lit the candle, and said in a deliberately relaxed tone: "Your Majesty, it's getting dark, let's go have dinner."
Zhu Di was a little impatient: "I'm not hungry, you just eat."
Xu Ying stood there frozen for a long time, but still smiled and said: "Sambo is back. I asked him whether it is good for Princess Yining to come to Beijing this time. My father likes her very much."
Zhu Di said nothing and flipped through a book at his hand, expressing that he just wanted to be alone.
Xu Ying walked over slowly and sat aside, looked at Zhu Di, and called softly: "Brother!" Zhu Di was slightly shocked, put down the book in his hand, like a child who had done something wrong, lowered his head, but still did not speak. .
Xu Ying sighed: "Zhu Qin is back too."
Zhu Di was a little confused. Zhu Qin was back. Where had he gone? These past few months have been a blur, and I don’t know anything anymore.
Seeing his expression, Xu Ying, who had been married for more than 20 years, certainly understood what he was thinking, and explained: "Zhu Qin also went to the capital, and I asked him to meet Huizu." Looking at Zhu Di, he continued: "Brother, don't worry, Princess Yining will be fine, Huizu will also protect her."
Zhu Di was a little confused and looked at Xu Ying, why? What is the relationship between Princess Yining and Xu Huizu? Was it Xu Ying who asked him? So why bother
Xu Ying met Zhu Di's gaze and said softly: "Brother, I know what's on your mind. Princess Yining is kind to you, and she is kind to my whole family. I entrusted Hui Zu, no matter what happens in the capital, Hui Zu will help her."
Seeing her sincerity, Zhu Di couldn't help but sigh, and said after a while: "Thank you." His words were hard and there was no joy at all. Xu Ying's behavior is certainly touching, but firstly it is too abrupt and loses her status as Princess Yan; secondly, if something happens to Princess Yining and the emperor's grandson cannot handle it, what can Duke Wei do
Xu Ying stretched out her hand and held Zhu Di's big hand: "Yunwen and she got married today. With her appearance and character, Yunwen will definitely like her and treat her well. She will be very good in the capital. Brother, don't worry."
Zhu Di smiled bitterly and said nothing. Although he did not take out his hand, he slowly lowered his head. There was silence in the house, only the slight rustle of rain falling on the window lattice.
Xu Ying finally couldn't bear it anymore and cried out: "Brother, what do you want? How do you want me to help you? Just tell me, as long as I can do it." Xu Ying had been waiting for several years for her husband to return home after the Northern Expedition. However, in the past few months, she had watched him absent-minded. After Princess Yining left, he became even more listless. He did not eat, drink or sleep. He listened to Songjuli here every day. He only said that he was reading a book, but he never changed the book; now he was holding it upside down in his hand. . When I saw Ma Sanbao come back today, I expected that Zhu Di would be sad again, so I rushed over and tried to persuade him, but he still looked like he was neither dead nor alive.
Xu Ying couldn't help but feel sad when she thought about it. What was the purpose of being married for more than twenty years? He was in pain, but what had he done wrong
Zhu Di was stunned. He didn't expect Xu Ying to cry. In his impression, this lady was an iron lady. She had always been heroic, strong and capable. This was the first time that she shed tears in front of him. Zhu Di couldn't help but panic, and shook Xu Ying's hand. His palm was rough. Xu Ying not only practiced martial arts, but also often did housework by herself. Zhu Di couldn't help but feel guilty when he thought about Xu Ying's efforts and how dizzy he had been in the past few months. After a while, he said: "Yingmei! Don't worry. It's okay. I'll just be fine." As he spoke, he sighed in his heart, what else could he do? She got married today, got married!
When Xu Ying heard the word "young sister", she was filled with joy. She wiped away her tears and smiled: "Brother, that's good. Let's go to dinner together. Today we have your favorite kimchi and beef soup."
Zhu Di felt a pain in his heart when he heard about kimchi. He thought of those few months of sweet dreams when she always made all kinds of delicious food. The kimchi she made was fresh and bright... Will it never be available again
When the two were about to go out, Hou Xian entered the palace and reported: "Zhu Yi from Prince Ning's Mansion is here, saying that he was sent by Prince Qi to see Prince Yan." Zhu Di had stayed in Prince Ning's Mansion for several years and knew that Zhu Yi was Prince Ning's confidant. He nodded and said, "Bring him in." He turned to Xu Ying and said, "Sister Ying, you go and prepare first. I'll say a few words." Let's go have dinner." Seeing that his mood was much better, Xu Ying smiled and left first.
Hou Xian took Zhu Yi into the palace. Zhu Yi saluted and said, "My prince first wants to greet King Yan, and secondly, King Yan's three thousand guards are afraid that King Yan will use them, so I want to ask how to deal with them."
Zhu Di had been distracted and careless these past few months. After this reminder, he remembered that there was still a team in Daning. Although northern Xinjiang is temporarily at peace at this time, there is no telling if there will be any disputes one day. If North Korea has no need for it, it is better to bring it back to Peiping. Then he ordered Hou Xiandao: "Go and call Zhu Neng and Zhang Yu."
Zhu Neng was a Qianhu in Zhu Di's army. His father, Zhu Liang, had accompanied Zhu Yuanzhang in battle and was awarded the title of Guard Deputy Qianhu in Yanshan due to his meritorious service. Zhu Neng inherited his father's position and followed Zhu Di in the northern expedition. He made great contributions in the previous battle in which he surrendered Yuan Taiwei Nai'erbuhua. Zhang Yuze is the left guard in the army. He was originally the Privy Councilor of the Yuan Dynasty. He fled to Mobei with Emperor Shun of Yuan Dynasty. He surrendered to the Ming Dynasty in the 18th year of Hongwu. He was promoted to the left guard due to his military exploits in the northern expedition. Zhu Neng was only twenty-nine years old and was brave and good at fighting; Zhang Yu was fifty-six years old and very mature. The two of them were Zhu Di's right-hand men in the army.
Seeing that there was no one in the palace, Zhu Yi asked again: "My lord, do you want to ask King Yan if there is any news about Princess Yining?"
Zhu Di was startled, and said as if nothing had happened: "Go back and tell your prince that Princess Yining has been named the talented person of the East Palace, and she has recognized Duke Cao as her adopted brother. She is getting married today on February 20th."
Zhu Yi was familiar with the prince's "eldest disciple", so he was quite happy for Lianhua, so he followed his words and prepared to go back and tell the prince. The rules of the vassal kings originally prohibited communication between them, but when they were in power during the war, King Ning of Yan never paid much attention to these rules. But he didn't want to leave any clues, so he would rather send someone to deliver the message than writing a letter.
Zhu Di saw Zhu Neng and Zhang Yu entering the door and asked: "I have a Mongolian surrender army of three thousand people in the Daning Guards. Zhu Neng will go and bring it back. Zhang Yu will prepare the camp. Don't break it up and form it separately." Team".
The two of them were a little excited after hearing this and agreed: "Yes!"
Zhu Di looked at the backs of several people and listened to the patter of rain outside, feeling sad again in his heart.
Is this really what this life is all about