"My humble minister Chu Mo, see the emperor, long live my emperor!" After the audience, Gou Liang bowed again, "The humble minister was not effective on duty, and His Majesty gave the imperial doctor instead of seeing the blame. I am ashamed. I will do my duty faithfully in the future. Share your worries for His Majesty."
The emperor said first, no matter how he got this disease, he can only pretend to be deaf and dumb.
"Stay flat."
A cold voice came from above, and Gou Liang raised his head, unexpectedly bumping into the Emperor's slightly probing gaze.
After a slight pause, Gou Liang, who had already learned the whole story from the system monitoring backtracking, stood up and tried his best to maintain a boring and rigid face on the floor.
Seeing that he was trying to cover up, the emperor sneered in his heart, put down his pen and said, "I feel guilty for letting Aiqing suffer an unreasonable disaster that day. Just tell me what compensation Aiqing wants."
"My minister is terrified..."
Gou Liang looked startled and wanted to kneel again, but the emperor raised his hand to stop him, and said, "I let you speak."
Gou Liang was terrified, and was about to decline when he saw a young eunuch walking in quickly, prostrated himself and said, "Your Majesty, Eunuch Zhang, the eunuch in charge of Fengning Palace, came to ask for an audience, saying that the Empress Dowager has something important to discuss, please Your Majesty." Go there when you have time."
The rare gentleness on the emperor's face disappeared, and the brows were slightly gathered.
He naturally knew what the empress mother wanted to discuss with him, and he also knew that the other party would never give up if he didn't take this trip. Thinking of the tricks of crying, making trouble, and hunger strike in the past, the emperor pressed his brows, feeling quite tired.
Standing up, he said to Gou Liang: "When I come back, tell me what you asked for."
The emperor was a man who said what he said and was clear about rewards and punishments. Seeing this, Gou Liang didn't dare to refuse.
The Queen Mother really wanted to be an heir.
Back then, the young boy Tianzong ascended the throne, vigorously rectified the court situation, and showed no mercy to the nobles. Qiu Hou settled the accounts and counted several serious crimes, killed several mansions and punished them according to the law, which almost shook the foundation of the gentry. In order to prevent them from backlashing too much and uniting in rebellion, the Empress Dowager immediately went to the gentry to choose concubines for the emperor in the third year of Chenwu, after the emperor's filial piety.
This approach is clichéd, but it works.
The gentry took this as a signal of a truce, and afterwards the emperor accepted it as soon as he saw it, and he didn't kill them all because of his youth and vigor. They all breathed a sigh of relief and turned their attention to the emperor's heir.
In Emperor Chenwu's reign, they had little hope of making trouble again, and they had to work hard on the emperor's heirs if they wanted to restore the glory of the gentry.
But to the disappointment of the gentry, nearly ten years have passed, and seeing that the twins are about to miss the flowering period, there is still nothing under the emperor's knees.
If it weren't for the fact that the emperor's body had never had any problems in the pulse case of the Tai Hospital, they would have suspected that the emperor was dying.
In the early years, the gentry were worried that the emperor did not want the emperor's heir to have too prominent relatives, so they were worried for a long time. However, the emperor even canceled the three-year concubine selection due to the emptiness of the national treasury and floods in the south of the Yangtze River, and no one from a poor family entered the palace. From the beginning to the end, only the first batch of nobles entered the palace. Except for the queen and the fourth concubine, everyone else has been promoted through seniority, and their positions have also been raised.
However, no matter how noble the status is, it is useless to have no children.
To this day, not to mention the gentry with different minds, even the emperor's cronies repeatedly pointed out in memorials the problem of the emptiness of the emperor's heir and the instability of the state reserve, but the emperor was completely unmoved.
In fact, it is not the ministers who are most worried about this matter, but the Queen Mother.
He was the only one who knew that the emperor had never touched these twins at all—in order to cover up this matter, he had taken great pains over the years.
In the past, like the gentry, he thought that the emperor was unwilling to let the concubines of the aristocratic gentry behind them have children. Later, the emperor said that the government was busy, and later he didn't even bother to give an excuse.
The queen mother couldn't understand why the emperor was not interested in the beautiful and beautiful twins, and had no curiosity about the bed.
Back then, he had stripped a young and beautiful girl and sent her to the dragon bed. He could also throw people out of the palace without showing any mercy, regardless of the fact that the other party was his husband in name. The dragon bed was all burned, and another one was replaced.
The queen mother has persuaded and persuaded, cried and cried, and made trouble. This time the queen mother even made such a bad plan, secretly promising the queen to use the red dust to get drunk.
But not only did the queen fail, but she was also banned for half a year by a verbal order after kneeling in the imperial study for a long time, which made him happy in vain.
The queen mother thought about it, repeated the old saying, and asked the emperor to choose a new concubine.
As soon as the emperor refused, the queen mother began to cry: "What evil did Aijia do? You are trying to kill Aijia! As the Ninth Five-Year King, you have no children and no heirs. You want to let the people of the world What do you think of you? How do you want the Ai family to face the first emperor and the ancestors after his death? Or are you willing to let your own country be handed over to those wolfish ambitions?"
The emperor said with a cold face: "Mother, there is no need to mention this matter again."
The Empress Dowager asked the reason again and again, but the emperor kept silent. He was too annoyed to watch, and just said: "I still have government affairs, and I will come back another day to pay my respects to the Empress Dowager."
Seeing that he was leaving, the queen mother was in a hurry.
Grabbing his arm, the queen mother blurted out: "My lord, what is your reason why you can't tell the queen mother? If the group of wastes in the imperial hospital are incompetent, there are still talented doctors in the folk, and my son will definitely show his glory!"
"puff!!"
Seeing this, Gou Liang spit out a mouthful of tea.
... You can imagine how ugly the big blind spot's expression is.
Sure enough, he was still angry after walking all the way back from Fengning Palace, and his face was sullen. The emperor had sharp brows and star eyes, and his facial features were distinct. He had a sharp and cold appearance, but once he got angry, he became even more majestic. Just like at this time, even if he didn't say a word, the eunuchs on duty in the imperial study were all working with their tails clamped, for fear of disturbing the emperor by making noise.
"Ai Qing, have you thought about it?"
The emperor never blamed others, took a sip of cold tea to suppress his anger, and didn't make him polite when he saw Gou Liang kneeling.
"Back to the emperor, I have heard that there is a book library in the inner palace, which contains thousands of volumes of ancient books. I dare to..."
"Yes."
Before Gou Liang could finish speaking, the emperor agreed.
Zangshu Pavilion is located in the side hall of Zhengyang Palace, which belongs to the harem. There is no decree that outsiders are not allowed to come in and out. Gou Liang's request is unreasonable.
But the emperor said beforehand, and I didn't pay much attention to these vain rituals, so I stepped back and said, since Gou Liang has been poisoned, he has lost the ability to wreak havoc in the harem, so it doesn't matter if he agrees to this small request.
Gou Liang was overjoyed, his upright expression was tinged with joy for a moment, he knelt down and said: "I thank Your Majesty for your kindness!"
He raised his head, the joy on his face hadn't faded.
It was the first time the emperor saw his young and mature attendant so happy, and only then did he see that there was a deep dimple hidden on Gou Liang's left cheek, which was fully exposed with a slight smile. When he was unsmiling, he looked calm and dignified, but the dimples were exposed, which made him look a little more childish and his complexion more handsome.
It's strange that he likes to keep a straight face at a young age.
Upon discovering this, the emperor's mood inexplicably improved, and the original plan to send him out of the palace was abandoned.
The memorial was put aside, and the emperor picked up a book he hadn't finished reading yesterday, and asked him: "Ai Qing, do you know that there is a place in the south of the Yangtze River called Suyang, what's the meaning of this word?"
The emperor preferred to read military books, county annals and travel notes, and the Hanlin who could stay with him to read them all knew his preferences and worked hard in this regard. The same is true of the original owner, but sometimes the emperor's questions are very biased, such as the question at this time, even if the original owner has read a lot of books, he can't fully understand it. However, this can't trouble Gou Liang who has a system cheating device in his hand.
He knelt under the mat, sat upright, with his back straight, and a serious expression on his face.
"Your Majesty is asking about Suyang County under Caifeng County in Yangzhou Prefecture?"
The emperor used to think that he was bored by the etiquette and righteousness of poetry and books, but now he nodded with great interest, and heard him say: "Although I didn't see it with my own eyes, I saw a trace of it in the book. In the book There is a saying that in Caifeng County, the sky is covered with red clouds all the year round in the evening, and there is less rain every day. In Suyang County, there is a magnificent scene called a line of sky. When you are in it during the day, you can always see a line of sky when you look up at the sky. Sunshine, so it is called Lizhiyang. Later, someone set up a county annals for this place, and changed Shuyang to Suyang, so it got its name... "
He talked eloquently and with substance, and he always had unique insights when asked by the emperor.
The two were in high spirits for a while, from Jiangnan County Chronicles to agricultural crops, local conditions and customs, chatting about famous wars in a certain place in history, and then introducing the art of war, talking endlessly.
When it came to his career, Gou Liang forgot his superiority and inferiority for a moment, just like when he was arguing with his teachers and classmates in school, he quoted scriptures and spoke freely.
Sometimes when the emperor made a mistake, Gou Liang retorted subconsciously, and he was startled by himself as soon as the words came out, and he stopped his mouth suddenly. The emperor was very interested in talking, and bluntly forgive him for his innocence, and then Gou Liang tactfully expressed his opinion, and after so many times, he let go of his words a lot.
The tea was changed a few times, but neither of them noticed the passage of time. It was Eunuch Tong who reminded them that it was time for dinner, so they stopped with still interest.
The unhappiness at Fengning Palace earlier had dissipated, and the emperor heard Gou Liang's resignation, and rarely said with a pleasant face: "I have benefited a lot from talking with Aiqing today, so let's stay and have dinner, and express my gratitude."
[Ding, target favorability updated, current favorability: +30!]
"Your majesty, you have broken my humble minister."
The dimple on the left cheek flashed for a moment in surprise, and was stingily hidden by the host.
Gou Liang was grateful for his kindness, and sat beside him to eat the imperial meal in a reserved manner.
After three days of drinking the decoction, he lost his appetite, and the meals made by the imperial chef were too refined. Although they were delicious, they were not as good as Gou Liang's own cooking, so he didn't eat much.
The emperor only regarded him as restrained, and did not keep him after dinner. At the end of the day, he also thought of asking Tong Gensheng to give him the token to go to Zangshu Pavilion.
Gou Liang thanked the emperor again, but he hesitated when he wanted to leave.
About today's conversation made him let go of his courage, and after a few hesitation, Gou Liang still said: "Your Majesty, I see that you are a little sick, so I dare to ask if your Majesty didn't sleep well last night?"
Eunuch Tong was taken aback when he heard the words, and quickly raised his mind.
In the past two days, the emperor has been restless because of the empress dowager and the courtiers chasing his heirs, and he did sleep very lightly at night. But he didn't alarm others, not even Tong Gensheng who was accompanying him, never thought that Gou Liang would spot it.
Eyebrows moved, the emperor said: "I didn't know that Ai Qing is proficient in medicine."
His voice was moody, Gou Liang trembled, and then lowered his body even lower. Even though he tried his best to conceal it, there was still a hint of concern in his voice: "Reporting to Your Majesty, I only know superficially, and I dare not claim to be proficient in two words. It is related to the health of Your Majesty's dragon body, and I dare to speak too much, whether it is state affairs, family affairs, or affairs. There will be a conclusion at the end...His Majesty Wanwang is at ease, and the dragon body is the most important thing in everything."
"It's a national and family affair."
The emperor looked down at Gou Liang who was kneeling on his head, "What does Ai Qing think about my worries?"
"My minister is terrified..."
Gou Liang raised his head to explain, but when he met the emperor's quiet gaze, he swallowed nervously. After a little hesitation, he still said what was in his heart: "I believe that your majesty has sacrificed a lot for the sake of the country. Some things, since they have nothing to do with the foundation of the country, do it according to your majesty's wishes... nothing No."
The emperor looked at Gou Liang silently for a moment, did not express his opinion, and only let Gou Liang back down.
It wasn't until he stepped out of the hall that the emperor laughed and said, "Tong Gensheng, from what he just said, how much is sincere and how much is selfish?"
Eunuch Tong was startled, and hurriedly bowed his head and said, "Your Majesty... this slave is dull and can't see clearly."
A layer of cold sweat broke out on his back, he was not only surprised but also frightened when Gou Liang said such words. This Master Chu didn't know that His Majesty had seen through his thoughts, so he boldly said that His Majesty should not force himself and his concubine to have a good relationship with the heir, really... If this word is spread, it will not be enough for him to lose his head!
Because Gou Liang couldn't be a "man", Eunuch Tong had a heart of compassion. Although he had all kinds of thoughts in his heart, he didn't hit the rocks when he practiced Tai Chi.
The emperor glanced at him without saying a word.
Eunuch Tong said cautiously: "Your Majesty, do you want to call the imperial physician to ask for a safe pulse?"
The emperor did not refuse.
On the other hand, Gou Liang, who had earned 10 favorability points, was in a good mood, and made himself a bowl of supper when he got home.
After a good night's sleep, Gou Liang was not on duty in front of the imperial court the next day, so he ordered a job in the Hanlin Academy, sorted out the law codes that needed to be compiled, and then entered Zhengyang Palace with the token, and came to Zangshu Pavilion .
Not long after, the emperor who had taken the medicine returned to his bedroom.
He was about to take a nap, but when something blind was undressing him, his fingers brushed across his chest—it was actually an act of flattery.
The emperor was furious, and immediately ordered him to be dragged out, chopped off his hands, and thrown out of the palace, even if the pair said it was the Queen Mother's order, they would not be merciless.
The silence in Zhengyang Palace was chilling, and the emperor said coldly: "Tong Gensheng, send this filthy thing to Fengning Palace and thank your mother, Long En, before executing it!"
Eunuch Tong's scalp tightened, and he hurriedly responded.
When he came back, the emperor had already waved away the others and changed his clothes. He just sat on the dragon bed and pressed his temples without feeling sleepy.
Eunuch Tong persuaded in a low voice: "Your Majesty calm down, the Queen Mother loves her son dearly, so... please don't take it to heart."
The emperor ignored it, and after he had calmed down for a while, he said: "In a few days, it will be the royal father's birthday. I will pass on my will. I will take off the hairpins in the harem, burn incense and fast, and pray for my father."
There is still one month before the late emperor's birthday, but Eunuch Tong dared not persuade him any further. He knew that this was just an excuse for His Majesty to prevent the Empress Dowager or the concubine from reproducing right and wrong during this period of time. Although it was a solution to the symptoms rather than the root cause, it could at least make people quiet for a while.
When he came back after finishing his work, he was holding a bowl of smoothie in his hand.
The emperor looked at the iceberg covered with jam, and gave Tong Gensheng a puzzled look.
Eunuch Tong smiled and said: "Your Majesty, Master Xiao Chu was studying in the Library Pavilion today, and he talked about this summer-relief food with the servants in the palace. The slave went to the imperial dining room to ask for credit, and the servant thought it was a clever idea. Take it to ask His Majesty for a reward."
The emperor gave him a funny look, and tasted it a little. He didn't like sweets very much, but this cold mouthful also brought a trace of irritability.
After saying yes, the emperor then said: "You bring me the landscape notes I saw last night, and I have something to ask Chu Hanlin."
Seeing that he was in a better mood, Eunuch Tong quickly agreed with a smile.
Without labor, the emperor followed Eunuch Tong, who was holding a few books, all the way to the Zangshu Pavilion. Not wanting to disturb Gou Liang, he waved away the guard who wanted to report, and when he crossed several bookshelves and approached the wing room, he heard a burst of Qingyue laughter.
The emperor was stunned, and took a few steps forward, looking through the hollowed-out railing of the cave door, he saw Gou Liang leaning forward and backward with a smile while holding a scroll.
The sun is shining outside the window, the sound of cicadas chirping, the room is bright and peaceful, a pot of tea is burning and smoke rises, a few delicate snacks and an iceberg dessert he just ate are placed on the table, at this time the hill has been People dug half of it.
Gou Liang, who was dressed in a blue official uniform, was different from his usual cautiousness, and was lying on the armrest of the chair, reading a book with great joy.
I don't know what content he saw that made him so happy. The dimples that have always been tightly hidden are full of smiles, not to mention embedding eye-catchingly on the cheeks, and the eyebrows and eyes are also crooked, and the appearance of joy on the tip of the eyebrows makes people feel infected by the joy when they look at it.
Although he tried his best to keep his voice down, he was trembling all over, and the corners of his eyes were suspiciously wet.
Gou Liang wiped his tears and scolded with a smile: "Fool, he's saying he likes you..."
The emperor heard an inaudible sigh in the laughter, he was mistaken, he leaned over to dig a spoonful of ice jam and put it into his mouth, puffing his mouth happily to turn to the next page, The sadness that slid gently across the eyes was replaced by a bright smile, and the carefree appearance made the emperor quite funny.
Eunuch Tong asked in a low voice, "Your Majesty?"
The emperor shook his head, indicating that he needn't bother.
He thought, if he went in at this time, I'm afraid that Mr. Xiao Chu, who has always wished to be more "mature and prudent" than the old Hanlin, would touch the pillar and die in shame and anger.
After watching for a while, he turned and left after Gou Liang had finished eating a large bowl of smoothies.
[Ding, target favorability updated, current favorability: +41!]