This way, they have a complete feud. Xinghe hated him for being a hindrance and had been arguing all the way, "Why did you do this? You talked nonsense in front of my brother, saying that I was worried about Yueting's marriage. Whether he has someone who knows the cold and the heat has nothing to do with me, why do you want you to be the matchmaker?"
Xinghe carefully flipped through the pages one by one, and found time to hum, "When you are older, you know how to care for others. The master himself said so."
Seeing that there was no one around, the attendant shook his head and said, "Your Highness the Crown Prince is so majestic that it reminds me of my cousin. The men of the Huo family are not easy to deal with. It's better not to provoke them. Saving your life is more important."
The prince hit the nail on the head, "If it really had nothing to do with you, you wouldn't have made a fuss with me. Su Xinghe, don't pretend with me, you obviously have bad intentions, you want to marry the same woman to two men."
Xinghe carefully flipped through the pages one by one, and found time to hum, "When you are older, you know how to care for others. The master himself said so."
Seeing that there was no one around, the attendant shook his head and said, "Your Highness the Crown Prince is so majestic that it reminds me of my cousin. The men of the Huo family are not easy to deal with. It's better not to provoke them. Saving your life is more important."
Yinchen took the needle and combed the head, "Privy Councilor Huo Yan, and your brother serve in the Privy Council."
Xinghe began to tease in a sarcastic tone, "Fifteen years old is indeed a bit too much. I think seven or eight years old is just right. It's a pity that the master was still pretending last time." She glanced at him sideways, and from her eyelids to her pupils, she was full of disdain.
Xinghe said there was no way, "Who told you not to keep the master's heart?"
The prince hit the nail on the head, "If it really had nothing to do with you, you wouldn't have made a fuss with me. Su Xinghe, don't pretend with me, you obviously have bad intentions, you want to marry the same woman to two men."
She was very angry, "I have never been married, how can I marry twice!"
In the dimly lit room, the golden and silver dragons on the prince's shoulders stood out and looked ferocious. The look on his face showed the unquestionable decision of the crown prince. He said in a sonorous voice, "It has been more than half a year since the case of the prince consort was committed, and it has remained unsolved. The scandal has spread throughout the court and the public, and the ugly news has spread everywhere. If it continues, the country will be criticized. The Gao brothers killed each other, and the princess was involved. It is not appropriate to make it public, and it is better to solve everything in private. Let my son handle this case, and let your father calm down. Since it has happened, it is not possible to avoid it. Let's see if there is any roundabout way to save face as much as possible."
Walking north along the river, not far from Anli Gate, she tucked her hands together and walked. When she was about to reach the end, she saw someone standing on the other side and looking at her. Dusk was gradually closing in, and there was still a little sunset glow in the sky. The face of the person on the other side was not so clear, but she could tell from her figure and dress that it was You Zhaoyi.
Yueting was going to be granted marriage, and she felt desolate in her heart. Although some things had never belonged to her, she still felt regretful when they were gone so suddenly. She sighed deeply and looked up at the sky. The sky was a desolate blue. Unlike the clear blue of spring and summer, this blue was hollow, upside down, like frozen tofu, unable to flow down.
The prince saw her angry expression and knew that an angry woman was the most uncontrollable, so he decided not to argue with her. He sneered and said, "I just like to steal someone's love, what's wrong with that?"
How to decide, what a huge scandal. The emperor thought back to the road he had walked over the years. His ancestors had created the foundation. Although he had not made much, he had at least been self-disciplined and maintained the foundation, and had not let his ancestors down. He had lived a clean life, but now he was disgraced in this matter. How could he feel
The emperor looked regretful. The prince looked at him and said softly, "Father, calm down. The most important thing right now is to close the case. Rumors are spreading like wildfire. If we delay any further, I'm afraid it won't work."
No matter how many things he did, he could not defeat the Crown Prince's willingness, and he ended the argument with one sentence. Xinghe was so angry that his liver hurt, but what could he do? This was the most common conflict when two people of unequal status got along with each other, and it was destined that one would be arrogant and the other would be submissive.
Xinghe carefully flipped through the pages one by one, and found time to hum, "When you are older, you know how to care for others. The master himself said so."
"Have you concluded the investigation?" the emperor asked in a deep voice.
"Qinggan? This name is really suitable for the occasion." Dequan smiled and said, "Twenty-six years old, about the same age."
Dequan followed with drooping eyelids, and saw her eyes wandering around the list of a thirty-year-old palace maid, so he quickly said to stop her: "That won't do, she's too old, we're not hiring a wet nurse."
The prince saw her angry expression and knew that an angry woman was the most uncontrollable, so he decided not to argue with her. He sneered and said, "I just like to steal someone's love, what's wrong with that?"
It would be a disgrace to the man to execute such a criminal in public. The emperor was protective of his own shortcomings and only sentenced Gao Zhiya. He did not even mention Princess Xia Ling to reflect on her mistakes. Xinghe could understand that the emperor was like all fathers in the world. No matter how big the mistakes of his favorite children were, he would still forgive them. Anyway, the case was settled and her goal was achieved. As for the three slaps that Princess Xia Ling had helped to accomplish, she could leave them for later.
Yueting was going to be granted marriage, and she felt desolate in her heart. Although some things had never belonged to her, she still felt regretful when they were gone so suddenly. She sighed deeply and looked up at the sky. The sky was a desolate blue. Unlike the clear blue of spring and summer, this blue was hollow, upside down, like frozen tofu, unable to flow down.
There are many people and many gossips. There are many people who come to watch the show, especially the show in the imperial family.
She was very dissatisfied when she heard this, "Yue Ting is only 29, how come he is already a middle-aged man?"
"That rat claw?" He answered casually, "Don't you see how many years older she is than Lou Yueting? Don't let an old man ruin a good child."
Dequan turned his eyes away. Xinghe turned another page, and he stretched his neck to see that her finger was pointing at the name of a palace maid who was distributing tea.
She folded her hands and murmured, "Which girl do you plan to choose? I think the new female attendant is very good."
The prince suffered, Dequan felt distressed when he thought about it. He lost his mother at an early age and grew up in poverty. Even the servants in the room wanted to be older to express their grief. Then again, it was better to be older. Take the two female officials of the same rank, one was handling the important matters in the master's room, and the other was sitting by the window embroidering. She accidentally pricked her hand and sucked her teeth in pain.
She was so happy that even the howling north wind in December did not bother her so much. In the depths of winter, the roots of the red medicine flowers had already frozen and rotted by the Jinshui River. They had to be pulled out in the spring of the following year, and there was no chance for them to bloom again.
After all, Xinghe entered the military control department when she entered the government. She had done a lot of torture over the years and was very careful. People with unknown motives could not be sent to the palace. She leaned on the armrest and asked, "Your father's name is Xia Chengyong. He is a proofreader in the Bureau of Literature. He has been in the office for nine years and was promoted to Assistant Bureau of Literature last month..."
Xinghe said there was no way, "Who told you not to keep the master's heart?"
She raised one corner of her mouth and laughed dryly, "This time, it was thanks to Master Nan that Gao Zhiya signed the contract so quickly. That guy is a troublemaker. What method did Master use to make him confess?"
Nan Yushu suppressed his laughter, "The Jinyi Envoy asked even though he knew the answer. The Control Military Department has many ways to torture people. There is no need to show off. It will make him live a life worse than death." After saying that, he turned and walked towards the Gongli Gate, saying as he walked, "I have handed over the badge. Let's go to the palace gate together and wait for the summons."
"Isn't twenty-nine old? Shangguan Yin is only fourteen. You let them get married, and they stand together like a father with his daughter."
Nan Yushu said, "I have investigated the case. The whole case is written in detail in the confession. There are witnesses and evidence. Please make the decision, Your Majesty."
The wolf's ambition is still alive. Shangguan Yin's family assets are a lot of wealth no matter who holds them. Why would she give this wealth to the Su family? She must think he is stupid!
She smiled, but there was a dagger hidden in her smile. "I'll come and see Nian Anda."
In fact, I really don't understand why there are such people in the world, making themselves uncomfortable. Old palace maids have a lot of experience, and they can blind you with eye drops. But it is an indisputable fact that the prince likes older ones, otherwise he can't just recognize her, after all, she is already 22 years old.
The prince said, "Put away that look in your eyes. How dare you look down on me? I think she and the fourth brother are a good match. They are the same age and have similar personalities... When Qingfeng moves into the Wude Hall in a while, send Shangguan Yin to take care of her. Let them be together. If they are destined to be together, it will be a good story to ask the emperor for marriage."
He went to the jail, and the so-called "personal interrogation" was just a formality, and in the end the result was still like this. At the beginning, Gao Yangshan married a princess. Because of Princess Xialing, the status of Gao's father and son in the court rose rapidly, and there were many places where they challenged the prince openly and secretly. Three years ago, there were thieves in the capital, and they dared to set up palace soldiers to guard the prince's villa. Even the people from the left and right spring offices and the son-in-law were searched at will. The pitiful Zuo Shuzi was dragged out of the official sedan by them, with broken teeth and a mouth full of blood. The people on the horse laughed loudly, so arrogant, they didn't take the prince seriously at all. Hatred accumulates bit by bit, and when it accumulates to a certain level, it must be repaid with life. After it is repaid, there is no debt between the two.
No matter how many things he did, he could not defeat the Crown Prince's willingness, and he ended the argument with one sentence. Xinghe was so angry that his liver hurt, but what could he do? This was the most common conflict when two people of unequal status got along with each other, and it was destined that one would be arrogant and the other would be submissive.
She raised one corner of her mouth and laughed dryly, "This time, it was thanks to Master Nan that Gao Zhiya signed the contract so quickly. That guy is a troublemaker. What method did Master use to make him confess?"
She was very dissatisfied when she heard this, "Yue Ting is only 29, how come he is already a middle-aged man?"
"That rat claw?" He answered casually, "Don't you see how many years older she is than Lou Yueting? Don't let an old man ruin a good child."
The chief eunuch in front of the emperor came out to greet them, bowed and led them to the central road. The young eunuch opened the curtain, and Xinghe and Nan Yushu entered the duty room one after another. The prince and several military ministers were all inside. Knowing that they were here to settle this case, all of them had solemn expressions on their faces.
The prince hit the nail on the head, "If it really had nothing to do with you, you wouldn't have made a fuss with me. Su Xinghe, don't pretend with me, you obviously have bad intentions, you want to marry the same woman to two men."
"Isn't twenty-nine old? Shangguan Yin is only fourteen. You let them get married, and they stand together like a father with his daughter."
She was very dissatisfied when she heard this, "Yue Ting is only 29, how come he is already a middle-aged man?"
The chief eunuch in front of the emperor came out to greet them, bowed and led them to the central road. The young eunuch opened the curtain, and Xinghe and Nan Yushu entered the duty room one after another. The prince and several military ministers were all inside. Knowing that they were here to settle this case, all of them had solemn expressions on their faces.
"Qinggan? This name is really suitable for the occasion." Dequan smiled and said, "Twenty-six years old, about the same age."
The emperor was still furious, slapping his kang and saying, "Rumors are everywhere in the capital, and even if we find a scapegoat now, it won't cover up this scandal. My good daughter, as a princess, has completely disregarded her moral integrity, which is really a disgrace to our ancestors."
"Who is your cousin?"
"Isn't twenty-nine old? Shangguan Yin is only fourteen. You let them get married, and they stand together like a father with his daughter."
She smiled, but there was a dagger hidden in her smile. "I'll come and see Nian Anda."
She bowed and said, "I am loyal to Your Majesty. Even if something like that happened yesterday, I would not dare to resent Your Majesty. But Your Majesty regards me as an enemy, which gives the Crown Prince an opportunity to make a fuss. Now that it has come to this, Your Majesty still thinks that I am at fault?" As she spoke, she sighed with disappointment, "Your Majesty's actions really make the loved ones sad and the enemies happy. The last time the Emperor visited the East Palace at night, I was standing outside and heard with my own ears that the Emperor wanted to confer a title on Your Majesty. Now I only hope that after the Winter Solstice Ceremony, the edict to confer the title of Empress on Your Majesty can be issued as scheduled, so that the Su family will not have sacrificed their lives for Your Majesty and His Royal Highness the Prince over the years."
After all, Xinghe entered the military control department when she entered the government. She had done a lot of torture over the years and was very careful. People with unknown motives could not be sent to the palace. She leaned on the armrest and asked, "Your father's name is Xia Chengyong. He is a proofreader in the Bureau of Literature. He has been in the office for nine years and was promoted to Assistant Bureau of Literature last month..."
So, he still wanted to keep the power of the Shangguan family. The Shangguan Dao family might not dare to cause trouble, but Conglong was the one who took the lead.
When the eunuch Nian saw her coming, he was stunned for a long while, "Master Su...how come you have the time to visit me?"
Zuo Zhaoyi was still sitting in the palace as calm as a rock. She had just made an enemy and came to see him again. She must have no good intentions. I slapped her a few times yesterday, and she turned around and instigated the prince to file a complaint. I was so angry that I had nowhere to vent it, and she came to my door again. It was a good thing!
Dequan stood aside holding a whisk and leaned over to take a look. "Master Su, are you really planning to find someone to serve the master?"
The prince hit the nail on the head, "If it really had nothing to do with you, you wouldn't have made a fuss with me. Su Xinghe, don't pretend with me, you obviously have bad intentions, you want to marry the same woman to two men."
Xinghe began to tease in a sarcastic tone, "Fifteen years old is indeed a bit too much. I think seven or eight years old is just right. It's a pity that the master was still pretending last time." She glanced at him sideways, and from her eyelids to her pupils, she was full of disdain.
Xinghe's face was filled with sorrow, and he said in a sad voice, "The emperor was furious and ordered the prince to review the case. After the investigation, there is no need to report back and the case will be closed in prison. But you can rest assured, Your Majesty. After all, the emperor loves the princess and he has no intention of reprimanding her."
The female attendant looked innocent. "I took off all my clothes, but he asked me to put them back on, saying that I hadn't grown up yet and he looked down on me."
The prince said, "Put away that look in your eyes. How dare you look down on me? I think she and the fourth brother are a good match. They are the same age and have similar personalities... When Qingfeng moves into the Wude Hall in a while, send Shangguan Yin to take care of her. Let them be together. If they are destined to be together, it will be a good story to ask the emperor for marriage."
The emperor looked regretful. The prince looked at him and said softly, "Father, calm down. The most important thing right now is to close the case. Rumors are spreading like wildfire. If we delay any further, I'm afraid it won't work."
There were footsteps under the eaves, and Ye Jinchun's voice came from outside the Linghua Gate: "Sir, Lord Nan has entered the Chengtian Gate alley and is now in the Twelve Departments. Someone is sent to inform you that he needs to present a waist badge to the emperor. Please bring the documents with you."
She raised one corner of her mouth and laughed dryly, "This time, it was thanks to Master Nan that Gao Zhiya signed the contract so quickly. That guy is a troublemaker. What method did Master use to make him confess?"
Dequan followed with drooping eyelids, and saw her eyes wandering around the list of a thirty-year-old palace maid, so he quickly said to stop her: "That won't do, she's too old, we're not hiring a wet nurse."
Xinghe was stunned, and suddenly realized that he had indeed forgotten something. No wonder he always felt that he couldn't remember something these two days. It was also because he was too busy recently, and met Zuo Zhaoyi's provocation, and he was so anxious that he forgot about it.
The prince was lying on the throne, closing his eyes to rest. He heard the sound of fabrics rubbing against each other, and a cup of tea was placed on the table beside him. He thought it was Xinghe, and felt at ease. But her voice came from behind the curtain, saying, "My lord, you are tired. I have found a palace maid who is good at massage to serve you. You should have a good sleep tonight. There will be a lot of things to do tomorrow. You should rest up enough to serve the emperor."
In fact, throughout history, there have been many cases where princes and their female officials have succeeded in their careers, because they grew up together and have a special bond. In addition, the female officials all have good family backgrounds. Selecting female officials for young princes is actually an early selection of princesses. The prince's East Palace originally had two female officials, but unfortunately one of them died in the middle of the process, and later only Xinghe was left. It was also because the prince was unlucky that the remaining one was not obedient at all and plotted every day. In order to maintain the old rules, he was really worried.
But when she mentioned the new attendant, there seemed to be a little excitement between the lines. The prince sipped his lips and felt very happy. Fearing that she would misunderstand, he hurriedly distanced himself from her and said that he would help the fourth son and the female attendant, hoping that this would make her understand that he still needed her.
There were footsteps under the eaves, and Ye Jinchun's voice came from outside the Linghua Gate: "Sir, Lord Nan has entered the Chengtian Gate alley and is now in the Twelve Departments. Someone is sent to inform you that he needs to present a waist badge to the emperor. Please bring the documents with you."
Xinghe nodded, "Call her over for me to take a look. If she's OK, change her to tea and ask her to go to Lizheng Hall to serve tea to the master."
Dequan stood aside holding a whisk and leaned over to take a look. "Master Su, are you really planning to find someone to serve the master?"
But when she mentioned the new attendant, there seemed to be a little excitement between the lines. The prince sipped his lips and felt very happy. Fearing that she would misunderstand, he hurriedly distanced himself from her and said that he would help the fourth son and the female attendant, hoping that this would make her understand that he still needed her.
Conferring the title of Queen... Are you still counting on the title of Queen? Zuo Zhaoyi leaned on the pillow in a daze, unable to speak for a long time. Xinghe bowed and slowly left the main hall.
Zuo Zhaoyi was still sitting in the palace as calm as a rock. She had just made an enemy and came to see him again. She must have no good intentions. I slapped her a few times yesterday, and she turned around and instigated the prince to file a complaint. I was so angry that I had nowhere to vent it, and she came to my door again. It was a good thing!
Xinghe looked panicked, "Don't misunderstand, Your Majesty. I just came out of Taiji Palace. Nan Yushu prepared a memorial and a petition today and sent them to the emperor for a decision."
Zuo Zhaoyi suddenly felt that the situation was hopeless. She did not reprimand or ask for punishment. The calmer she was, the more hopeless she felt. She would rather the emperor came to ask for punishment, but unfortunately, from last night to today, she had tried every possible way and had not even seen the emperor. What could be more deplorable than being left alone in the deep palace? Who allowed Xia Ling to act recklessly? In the end, no one else was implicated except her, the mother.
Xinghe was stunned, and suddenly realized that he had indeed forgotten something. No wonder he always felt that he couldn't remember something these two days. It was also because he was too busy recently, and met Zuo Zhaoyi's provocation, and he was so anxious that he forgot about it.
Nian Shikuan's face turned pale, and he waved his hands repeatedly, "I dare not, I dare not... My Lord, you want to see the Empress Zhaoyi, right? I will pass on the message to you."
Xinghe nodded, "Call her over for me to take a look. If she's OK, change her to tea and ask her to go to Lizheng Hall to serve tea to the master."
"That rat claw?" He answered casually, "Don't you see how many years older she is than Lou Yueting? Don't let an old man ruin a good child."
She folded her hands and murmured, "Which girl do you plan to choose? I think the new female attendant is very good."
The prince was lying on the throne, closing his eyes to rest. He heard the sound of fabrics rubbing against each other, and a cup of tea was placed on the table beside him. He thought it was Xinghe, and felt at ease. But her voice came from behind the curtain, saying, "My lord, you are tired. I have found a palace maid who is good at massage to serve you. You should have a good sleep tonight. There will be a lot of things to do tomorrow. You should rest up enough to serve the emperor."
The officials present bowed their heads even more. The emperor's family affairs were not like government affairs. At most, they could listen but could not make any suggestions. Xinghe glanced at the emperor quietly. The emperor was exhausted after his rage. No matter what the truth of the case was, he no longer had the energy to pursue it. He waved his hand and said to the prince, "You try it yourself again. If there are no mistakes, I will give you a glass of wine and close the case in prison."
She no longer had time to argue with him about the marriage granted by Yueting and the marriage of Prince Xin of Yinchen. She hurried back to the side hall and found the list of names of concubines on the desk in the duty room.
In the dimly lit room, the golden and silver dragons on the prince's shoulders stood out and looked ferocious. The look on his face showed the unquestionable decision of the crown prince. He said in a sonorous voice, "It has been more than half a year since the case of the prince consort was committed, and it has remained unsolved. The scandal has spread throughout the court and the public, and the ugly news has spread everywhere. If it continues, the country will be criticized. The Gao brothers killed each other, and the princess was involved. It is not appropriate to make it public, and it is better to solve everything in private. Let my son handle this case, and let your father calm down. Since it has happened, it is not possible to avoid it. Let's see if there is any roundabout way to save face as much as possible."
But when she mentioned the new attendant, there seemed to be a little excitement between the lines. The prince sipped his lips and felt very happy. Fearing that she would misunderstand, he hurriedly distanced himself from her and said that he would help the fourth son and the female attendant, hoping that this would make her understand that he still needed her.
Nian Shikuan's face turned pale, and he waved his hands repeatedly, "I dare not, I dare not... My Lord, you want to see the Empress Zhaoyi, right? I will pass on the message to you."
Dequan stood aside holding a whisk and leaned over to take a look. "Master Su, are you really planning to find someone to serve the master?"
The female attendant looked innocent. "I took off all my clothes, but he asked me to put them back on, saying that I hadn't grown up yet and he looked down on me."
The prince was lying on the throne, closing his eyes to rest. He heard the sound of fabrics rubbing against each other, and a cup of tea was placed on the table beside him. He thought it was Xinghe, and felt at ease. But her voice came from behind the curtain, saying, "My lord, you are tired. I have found a palace maid who is good at massage to serve you. You should have a good sleep tonight. There will be a lot of things to do tomorrow. You should rest up enough to serve the emperor."
Xing He lowered his hands and said, "I can't bear it, but I can't do anything. The only thing I can do is to report this to Your Majesty, ask the princess to mourn, and notify Gao Jiahou to collect the body."
"Who is your cousin?"
Dequan agreed and led the man to the tea room. Shangguan Yin leaned over and called Sister Xinghe, "Does the prince like this style?"
After returning to the East Palace, there were still some odd jobs waiting for Xinghe to assign. After the interior and exterior were arranged, it was already dark. The prince returned to the palace earlier than she expected. This time, it didn't take long to close the case. According to what the prince reported to the emperor, "the criminal confessed to the crime." He had been tortured to the point of being unrecognizable, so naturally he just wanted to die quickly. The prince didn't stay until the end. Watching people die was not his style. After returning, he sat in the warm room for a long time, and asked Xinghe in a fake manner: "Am I too cruel to do this?"
Xinghe carefully flipped through the pages one by one, and found time to hum, "When you are older, you know how to care for others. The master himself said so."
"Qinggan? This name is really suitable for the occasion." Dequan smiled and said, "Twenty-six years old, about the same age."
Dequan followed with drooping eyelids, and saw her eyes wandering around the list of a thirty-year-old palace maid, so he quickly said to stop her: "That won't do, she's too old, we're not hiring a wet nurse."
So, he still wanted to keep the power of the Shangguan family. The Shangguan Dao family might not dare to cause trouble, but Conglong was the one who took the lead.
How to decide, what a huge scandal. The emperor thought back to the road he had walked over the years. His ancestors had created the foundation. Although he had not made much, he had at least been self-disciplined and maintained the foundation, and had not let his ancestors down. He had lived a clean life, but now he was disgraced in this matter. How could he feel
The officials present bowed their heads even more. The emperor's family affairs were not like government affairs. At most, they could listen but could not make any suggestions. Xinghe glanced at the emperor quietly. The emperor was exhausted after his rage. No matter what the truth of the case was, he no longer had the energy to pursue it. He waved his hand and said to the prince, "You try it yourself again. If there are no mistakes, I will give you a glass of wine and close the case in prison."
Dequan followed with drooping eyelids, and saw her eyes wandering around the list of a thirty-year-old palace maid, so he quickly said to stop her: "That won't do, she's too old, we're not hiring a wet nurse."
She bowed and said, "I am loyal to Your Majesty. Even if something like that happened yesterday, I would not dare to resent Your Majesty. But Your Majesty regards me as an enemy, which gives the Crown Prince an opportunity to make a fuss. Now that it has come to this, Your Majesty still thinks that I am at fault?" As she spoke, she sighed with disappointment, "Your Majesty's actions really make the loved ones sad and the enemies happy. The last time the Emperor visited the East Palace at night, I was standing outside and heard with my own ears that the Emperor wanted to confer a title on Your Majesty. Now I only hope that after the Winter Solstice Ceremony, the edict to confer the title of Empress on Your Majesty can be issued as scheduled, so that the Su family will not have sacrificed their lives for Your Majesty and His Royal Highness the Prince over the years."
Xing He lowered his hands and said, "I can't bear it, but I can't do anything. The only thing I can do is to report this to Your Majesty, ask the princess to mourn, and notify Gao Jiahou to collect the body."
How to decide, what a huge scandal. The emperor thought back to the road he had walked over the years. His ancestors had created the foundation. Although he had not made much, he had at least been self-disciplined and maintained the foundation, and had not let his ancestors down. He had lived a clean life, but now he was disgraced in this matter. How could he feel
The prince suffered, Dequan felt distressed when he thought about it. He lost his mother at an early age and grew up in poverty. Even the servants in the room wanted to be older to express their grief. Then again, it was better to be older. Take the two female officials of the same rank, one was handling the important matters in the master's room, and the other was sitting by the window embroidering. She accidentally pricked her hand and sucked her teeth in pain.
Zuo Zhaoyi was still sitting in the palace as calm as a rock. She had just made an enemy and came to see him again. She must have no good intentions. I slapped her a few times yesterday, and she turned around and instigated the prince to file a complaint. I was so angry that I had nowhere to vent it, and she came to my door again. It was a good thing!
"That rat claw?" He answered casually, "Don't you see how many years older she is than Lou Yueting? Don't let an old man ruin a good child."
Xinghe felt relieved. This timid person was the most suitable. His family held a low position but had a solid foundation, and there were many people and concerns. He would be honest and not cause trouble in the Lizheng Palace, and would be the most suitable person to serve the Crown Prince who belonged to the lotus pod family.
In fact, I really don't understand why there are such people in the world, making themselves uncomfortable. Old palace maids have a lot of experience, and they can blind you with eye drops. But it is an indisputable fact that the prince likes older ones, otherwise he can't just recognize her, after all, she is already 22 years old.
Zuo Zhaoyi slammed the table and said, "You have surrendered to a new master now. What do you mean by coming here to say all this?"
Xing He lowered his hands and said, "I can't bear it, but I can't do anything. The only thing I can do is to report this to Your Majesty, ask the princess to mourn, and notify Gao Jiahou to collect the body."
The chief eunuch in front of the emperor came out to greet them, bowed and led them to the central road. The young eunuch opened the curtain, and Xinghe and Nan Yushu entered the duty room one after another. The prince and several military ministers were all inside. Knowing that they were here to settle this case, all of them had solemn expressions on their faces.
She no longer had time to argue with him about the marriage granted by Yueting and the marriage of Prince Xin of Yinchen. She hurried back to the side hall and found the list of names of concubines on the desk in the duty room.
The duty room was very quiet, so quiet that there was not a single sound. Everyone held their breath and waited for the superior to speak. Finally, the hand that was flipping through the memorials was put down, and with a heavy fall, the teacup with the "Jiangshan Wandai" pattern on the kang table jumped, and the tea spilled on the rosewood table, like a swirling scar.
Walking north along the river, not far from Anli Gate, she tucked her hands together and walked. When she was about to reach the end, she saw someone standing on the other side and looking at her. Dusk was gradually closing in, and there was still a little sunset glow in the sky. The face of the person on the other side was not so clear, but she could tell from her figure and dress that it was You Zhaoyi.
Zuo Zhaoyi was still sitting in the palace as calm as a rock. She had just made an enemy and came to see him again. She must have no good intentions. I slapped her a few times yesterday, and she turned around and instigated the prince to file a complaint. I was so angry that I had nowhere to vent it, and she came to my door again. It was a good thing!
She no longer had time to argue with him about the marriage granted by Yueting and the marriage of Prince Xin of Yinchen. She hurried back to the side hall and found the list of names of concubines on the desk in the duty room.
The prince suffered, Dequan felt distressed when he thought about it. He lost his mother at an early age and grew up in poverty. Even the servants in the room wanted to be older to express their grief. Then again, it was better to be older. Take the two female officials of the same rank, one was handling the important matters in the master's room, and the other was sitting by the window embroidering. She accidentally pricked her hand and sucked her teeth in pain.
Will we never see each other again after being beaten? No, we will still have to interact in the future. If we are angry about this, it will really seem like we are going to be enemies with the Prince Jian's Mansion. She touched her face, turned a corner, and went into the Fengchu Palace.
After all, Xinghe entered the military control department when she entered the government. She had done a lot of torture over the years and was very careful. People with unknown motives could not be sent to the palace. She leaned on the armrest and asked, "Your father's name is Xia Chengyong. He is a proofreader in the Bureau of Literature. He has been in the office for nine years and was promoted to Assistant Bureau of Literature last month..."
Dequan turned his eyes away. Xinghe turned another page, and he stretched his neck to see that her finger was pointing at the name of a palace maid who was distributing tea.
Zuo Zhaoyi leaned back against the cushions and turned to look at her. "The Crown Prince went to the Military Affairs Department to close the case. Why didn't you go with him?"
After all, Xinghe entered the military control department when she entered the government. She had done a lot of torture over the years and was very careful. People with unknown motives could not be sent to the palace. She leaned on the armrest and asked, "Your father's name is Xia Chengyong. He is a proofreader in the Bureau of Literature. He has been in the office for nine years and was promoted to Assistant Bureau of Literature last month..."
She was very angry, "I have never been married, how can I marry twice!"
"Qinggan? This name is really suitable for the occasion." Dequan smiled and said, "Twenty-six years old, about the same age."
Walking north along the river, not far from Anli Gate, she tucked her hands together and walked. When she was about to reach the end, she saw someone standing on the other side and looking at her. Dusk was gradually closing in, and there was still a little sunset glow in the sky. The face of the person on the other side was not so clear, but she could tell from her figure and dress that it was You Zhaoyi.
This way, they have a complete feud. Xinghe hated him for being a hindrance and had been arguing all the way, "Why did you do this? You talked nonsense in front of my brother, saying that I was worried about Yueting's marriage. Whether he has someone who knows the cold and the heat has nothing to do with me, why do you want you to be the matchmaker?"
"Oh..." She nodded hesitantly. Huo Yan, the Duke of Cheng'en, was the head of the Privy Council and Xinghai's immediate superior. The capital was full of nobles, and there were too many relatives and friends. Suddenly, she thought of Lord Shenzhai, and felt that he was in a difficult situation. God knew which case was backed by a noble. The Jingzhao Prefecture was not like the Control Rongsi, which had the emperor's backing and was famous for its murderous behavior. Once there was a little disturbance, the Jingzhao Yin would be the first to suffer.
The prince was lying on the throne, closing his eyes to rest. He heard the sound of fabrics rubbing against each other, and a cup of tea was placed on the table beside him. He thought it was Xinghe, and felt at ease. But her voice came from behind the curtain, saying, "My lord, you are tired. I have found a palace maid who is good at massage to serve you. You should have a good sleep tonight. There will be a lot of things to do tomorrow. You should rest up enough to serve the emperor."
Nian Shikuan's face turned pale, and he waved his hands repeatedly, "I dare not, I dare not... My Lord, you want to see the Empress Zhaoyi, right? I will pass on the message to you."
Qinggan said yes, a little nervously.
She was so happy that even the howling north wind in December did not bother her so much. In the depths of winter, the roots of the red medicine flowers had already frozen and rotted by the Jinshui River. They had to be pulled out in the spring of the following year, and there was no chance for them to bloom again.
Xinghe nodded, "Call her over for me to take a look. If she's OK, change her to tea and ask her to go to Lizheng Hall to serve tea to the master."
In fact, I really don't understand why there are such people in the world, making themselves uncomfortable. Old palace maids have a lot of experience, and they can blind you with eye drops. But it is an indisputable fact that the prince likes older ones, otherwise he can't just recognize her, after all, she is already 22 years old.
Xinghe was stunned, and suddenly realized that he had indeed forgotten something. No wonder he always felt that he couldn't remember something these two days. It was also because he was too busy recently, and met Zuo Zhaoyi's provocation, and he was so anxious that he forgot about it.
The female attendant looked innocent. "I took off all my clothes, but he asked me to put them back on, saying that I hadn't grown up yet and he looked down on me."
Dequan went to the teahouse quickly and found the person two incense sticks later. She was a pretty girl, and although she was not young anymore, she still had a shy and fearful look on her face.
Zuo Zhaoyi had heard the news that Nan Yushu had entered the palace, but she didn't know what the emperor said. Even the informant she had set up had been sent away, so she didn't know the details. Xinghe came to report, no matter what happened before, it would be fine to listen. She straightened her body and secretly clenched her hands: "What does the emperor say?"
Zuo Zhaoyi was still sitting in the palace as calm as a rock. She had just made an enemy and came to see him again. She must have no good intentions. I slapped her a few times yesterday, and she turned around and instigated the prince to file a complaint. I was so angry that I had nowhere to vent it, and she came to my door again. It was a good thing!
Conferring the title of Queen... Are you still counting on the title of Queen? Zuo Zhaoyi leaned on the pillow in a daze, unable to speak for a long time. Xinghe bowed and slowly left the main hall.
It would be a disgrace to the man to execute such a criminal in public. The emperor was protective of his own shortcomings and only sentenced Gao Zhiya. He did not even mention Princess Xia Ling to reflect on her mistakes. Xinghe could understand that the emperor was like all fathers in the world. No matter how big the mistakes of his favorite children were, he would still forgive them. Anyway, the case was settled and her goal was achieved. As for the three slaps that Princess Xia Ling had helped to accomplish, she could leave them for later.
She said solemnly, "Master Su asked me to come here. What do you want me to do?"
"Isn't twenty-nine old? Shangguan Yin is only fourteen. You let them get married, and they stand together like a father with his daughter."
Empress Zhaoyi's face was as cold as frost. "What? You can't figure it out, so you come to ask for advice again?"
She bowed and said, "I am loyal to Your Majesty. Even if something like that happened yesterday, I would not dare to resent Your Majesty. But Your Majesty regards me as an enemy, which gives the Crown Prince an opportunity to make a fuss. Now that it has come to this, Your Majesty still thinks that I am at fault?" As she spoke, she sighed with disappointment, "Your Majesty's actions really make the loved ones sad and the enemies happy. The last time the Emperor visited the East Palace at night, I was standing outside and heard with my own ears that the Emperor wanted to confer a title on Your Majesty. Now I only hope that after the Winter Solstice Ceremony, the edict to confer the title of Empress on Your Majesty can be issued as scheduled, so that the Su family will not have sacrificed their lives for Your Majesty and His Royal Highness the Prince over the years."
No matter how many things he did, he could not defeat the Crown Prince's willingness, and he ended the argument with one sentence. Xinghe was so angry that his liver hurt, but what could he do? This was the most common conflict when two people of unequal status got along with each other, and it was destined that one would be arrogant and the other would be submissive.
The prince was lying on the throne, closing his eyes to rest. He heard the sound of fabrics rubbing against each other, and a cup of tea was placed on the table beside him. He thought it was Xinghe, and felt at ease. But her voice came from behind the curtain, saying, "My lord, you are tired. I have found a palace maid who is good at massage to serve you. You should have a good sleep tonight. There will be a lot of things to do tomorrow. You should rest up enough to serve the emperor."
Dequan followed with drooping eyelids, and saw her eyes wandering around the list of a thirty-year-old palace maid, so he quickly said to stop her: "That won't do, she's too old, we're not hiring a wet nurse."
After all, Xinghe entered the military control department when she entered the government. She had done a lot of torture over the years and was very careful. People with unknown motives could not be sent to the palace. She leaned on the armrest and asked, "Your father's name is Xia Chengyong. He is a proofreader in the Bureau of Literature. He has been in the office for nine years and was promoted to Assistant Bureau of Literature last month..."
Xinghe carefully flipped through the pages one by one, and found time to hum, "When you are older, you know how to care for others. The master himself said so."
Xinghe didn't answer him, and he didn't need her answer. Walking on this road, if you are not cruel, others will be cruel to you. It's killing or being killed, what will you choose
Xinghe felt relieved. This timid person was the most suitable. His family held a low position but had a solid foundation, and there were many people and concerns. He would be honest and not cause trouble in the Lizheng Palace, and would be the most suitable person to serve the Crown Prince who belonged to the lotus pod family.
Qinggan said yes, a little nervously.
Xinghe then remembered that the Shangguan family and the Huo family were related by marriage, but that branch of the Huo family was no longer among the main branches two generations ago.
Nan Yushu suppressed his laughter, "The Jinyi Envoy asked even though he knew the answer. The Control Military Department has many ways to torture people. There is no need to show off. It will make him live a life worse than death." After saying that, he turned and walked towards the Gongli Gate, saying as he walked, "I have handed over the badge. Let's go to the palace gate together and wait for the summons."
She bowed and said, "I am loyal to Your Majesty. Even if something like that happened yesterday, I would not dare to resent Your Majesty. But Your Majesty regards me as an enemy, which gives the Crown Prince an opportunity to make a fuss. Now that it has come to this, Your Majesty still thinks that I am at fault?" As she spoke, she sighed with disappointment, "Your Majesty's actions really make the loved ones sad and the enemies happy. The last time the Emperor visited the East Palace at night, I was standing outside and heard with my own ears that the Emperor wanted to confer a title on Your Majesty. Now I only hope that after the Winter Solstice Ceremony, the edict to confer the title of Empress on Your Majesty can be issued as scheduled, so that the Su family will not have sacrificed their lives for Your Majesty and His Royal Highness the Prince over the years."
Xinghe looked panicked, "Don't misunderstand, Your Majesty. I just came out of Taiji Palace. Nan Yushu prepared a memorial and a petition today and sent them to the emperor for a decision."
The prince saw her angry expression and knew that an angry woman was the most uncontrollable, so he decided not to argue with her. He sneered and said, "I just like to steal someone's love, what's wrong with that?"
Xinghe was stunned, and suddenly realized that he had indeed forgotten something. No wonder he always felt that he couldn't remember something these two days. It was also because he was too busy recently, and met Zuo Zhaoyi's provocation, and he was so anxious that he forgot about it.
Xinghe began to tease in a sarcastic tone, "Fifteen years old is indeed a bit too much. I think seven or eight years old is just right. It's a pity that the master was still pretending last time." She glanced at him sideways, and from her eyelids to her pupils, she was full of disdain.
Anyway, she had already arranged for the older maid the prince needed. She sat in the duty room to rest for a while. The clepsydra on the table was ticking, and the wooden arrow gradually sank. It was almost 3 p.m. She turned her head to look at the sky outside. The sun was moving away, and the temperature had already lost in the afternoon. The wind was getting stronger, and the chill was rising. Even Yinchen stamped her feet and muttered, "It's so cold."
"There are six siblings in the family. You are the third child. You have two older sisters, two younger sisters, and a youngest brother."
"Oh..." She nodded hesitantly. Huo Yan, the Duke of Cheng'en, was the head of the Privy Council and Xinghai's immediate superior. The capital was full of nobles, and there were too many relatives and friends. Suddenly, she thought of Lord Shenzhai, and felt that he was in a difficult situation. God knew which case was backed by a noble. The Jingzhao Prefecture was not like the Control Rongsi, which had the emperor's backing and was famous for its murderous behavior. Once there was a little disturbance, the Jingzhao Yin would be the first to suffer.
The prince hit the nail on the head, "If it really had nothing to do with you, you wouldn't have made a fuss with me. Su Xinghe, don't pretend with me, you obviously have bad intentions, you want to marry the same woman to two men."
Xinghe carefully flipped through the pages one by one, and found time to hum, "When you are older, you know how to care for others. The master himself said so."
Zuo Zhaoyi had heard the news that Nan Yushu had entered the palace, but she didn't know what the emperor said. Even the informant she had set up had been sent away, so she didn't know the details. Xinghe came to report, no matter what happened before, it would be fine to listen. She straightened her body and secretly clenched her hands: "What does the emperor say?"
The prince suffered, Dequan felt distressed when he thought about it. He lost his mother at an early age and grew up in poverty. Even the servants in the room wanted to be older to express their grief. Then again, it was better to be older. Take the two female officials of the same rank, one was handling the important matters in the master's room, and the other was sitting by the window embroidering. She accidentally pricked her hand and sucked her teeth in pain.
Xinghe said there was no way, "Who told you not to keep the master's heart?"
The maid, who had never seen the world, turned pale and knelt down with a plop. "I don't know where I have done something wrong. If you want to punish me, please punish me alone. Don't let my family be implicated."
Zuo Zhaoyi suddenly felt that the situation was hopeless. She did not reprimand or ask for punishment. The calmer she was, the more hopeless she felt. She would rather the emperor came to ask for punishment, but unfortunately, from last night to today, she had tried every possible way and had not even seen the emperor. What could be more deplorable than being left alone in the deep palace? Who allowed Xia Ling to act recklessly? In the end, no one else was implicated except her, the mother.
He went to the jail, and the so-called "personal interrogation" was just a formality, and in the end the result was still like this. At the beginning, Gao Yangshan married a princess. Because of Princess Xialing, the status of Gao's father and son in the court rose rapidly, and there were many places where they challenged the prince openly and secretly. Three years ago, there were thieves in the capital, and they dared to set up palace soldiers to guard the prince's villa. Even the people from the left and right spring offices and the son-in-law were searched at will. The pitiful Zuo Shuzi was dragged out of the official sedan by them, with broken teeth and a mouth full of blood. The people on the horse laughed loudly, so arrogant, they didn't take the prince seriously at all. Hatred accumulates bit by bit, and when it accumulates to a certain level, it must be repaid with life. After it is repaid, there is no debt between the two.
Zuo Zhaoyi had heard the news that Nan Yushu had entered the palace, but she didn't know what the emperor said. Even the informant she had set up had been sent away, so she didn't know the details. Xinghe came to report, no matter what happened before, it would be fine to listen. She straightened her body and secretly clenched her hands: "What does the emperor say?"
Zuo Zhaoyi had heard the news that Nan Yushu had entered the palace, but she didn't know what the emperor said. Even the informant she had set up had been sent away, so she didn't know the details. Xinghe came to report, no matter what happened before, it would be fine to listen. She straightened her body and secretly clenched her hands: "What does the emperor say?"
Xinghe felt relieved. This timid person was the most suitable. His family held a low position but had a solid foundation, and there were many people and concerns. He would be honest and not cause trouble in the Lizheng Palace, and would be the most suitable person to serve the Crown Prince who belonged to the lotus pod family.
Xinghe carefully flipped through the pages one by one, and found time to hum, "When you are older, you know how to care for others. The master himself said so."
The officials present bowed their heads even more. The emperor's family affairs were not like government affairs. At most, they could listen but could not make any suggestions. Xinghe glanced at the emperor quietly. The emperor was exhausted after his rage. No matter what the truth of the case was, he no longer had the energy to pursue it. He waved his hand and said to the prince, "You try it yourself again. If there are no mistakes, I will give you a glass of wine and close the case in prison."
"She's the one." She felt relieved and told Dequan to take her down and take good care of her. "Send her over once she's familiar with the tea-serving process. It's not a difficult task. Get it done as soon as possible so that everyone can have less worries."
Xinghe was stunned, and suddenly realized that he had indeed forgotten something. No wonder he always felt that he couldn't remember something these two days. It was also because he was too busy recently, and met Zuo Zhaoyi's provocation, and he was so anxious that he forgot about it.
Xinghe didn't answer him, and he didn't need her answer. Walking on this road, if you are not cruel, others will be cruel to you. It's killing or being killed, what will you choose
Nan Yushu had no choice but to bow to her, "Lady Su is a heroine, Nan admires you."
There are many people and many gossips. There are many people who come to watch the show, especially the show in the imperial family.
The prince knew something was wrong and opened his eyes in shock. Sure enough, there was an old palace maid standing next to him. I don't know where she got this from, but it was probably her first time in the East Palace. She stammered, "Master... Master, I... I... I will help you... loosen up your muscles..."
The female attendant looked innocent. "I took off all my clothes, but he asked me to put them back on, saying that I hadn't grown up yet and he looked down on me."
Dequan agreed and led the man to the tea room. Shangguan Yin leaned over and called Sister Xinghe, "Does the prince like this style?"
But when she mentioned the new attendant, there seemed to be a little excitement between the lines. The prince sipped his lips and felt very happy. Fearing that she would misunderstand, he hurriedly distanced himself from her and said that he would help the fourth son and the female attendant, hoping that this would make her understand that he still needed her.
Xinghe's face was filled with sorrow, and he said in a sad voice, "The emperor was furious and ordered the prince to review the case. After the investigation, there is no need to report back and the case will be closed in prison. But you can rest assured, Your Majesty. After all, the emperor loves the princess and he has no intention of reprimanding her."
Zuo Zhaoyi leaned back against the cushions and turned to look at her. "The Crown Prince went to the Military Affairs Department to close the case. Why didn't you go with him?"
Xinghe said there was no way, "Who told you not to keep the master's heart?"
"She's the one." She felt relieved and told Dequan to take her down and take good care of her. "Send her over once she's familiar with the tea-serving process. It's not a difficult task. Get it done as soon as possible so that everyone can have less worries."
Empress Zhaoyi's face was as cold as frost. "What? You can't figure it out, so you come to ask for advice again?"
The trial of the twelve departments was not complicated. As long as the criminal signed, they would not dare to ask too many questions about such cases involving royal scandals. When Xinghe saw Nan Yushu, he was just coming out of the duty room with his head down, holding the confession in his hand, and talking to Jiang Yi with his head tilted. Seeing her, he paused, "Master Su is here quickly..." His eyes moved around her face and found that she was staring at him without blinking. He felt a little embarrassed and hurriedly said, "Master Su has been wronged. This kind of thing can be forgiven if it happens to others, but it is really not right for Master Su to encounter it."
But when she mentioned the new attendant, there seemed to be a little excitement between the lines. The prince sipped his lips and felt very happy. Fearing that she would misunderstand, he hurriedly distanced himself from her and said that he would help the fourth son and the female attendant, hoping that this would make her understand that he still needed her.
The emperor was still furious, slapping his kang and saying, "Rumors are everywhere in the capital, and even if we find a scapegoat now, it won't cover up this scandal. My good daughter, as a princess, has completely disregarded her moral integrity, which is really a disgrace to our ancestors."
It would be a disgrace to the man to execute such a criminal in public. The emperor was protective of his own shortcomings and only sentenced Gao Zhiya. He did not even mention Princess Xia Ling to reflect on her mistakes. Xinghe could understand that the emperor was like all fathers in the world. No matter how big the mistakes of his favorite children were, he would still forgive them. Anyway, the case was settled and her goal was achieved. As for the three slaps that Princess Xia Ling had helped to accomplish, she could leave them for later.
Dequan followed with drooping eyelids, and saw her eyes wandering around the list of a thirty-year-old palace maid, so he quickly said to stop her: "That won't do, she's too old, we're not hiring a wet nurse."
She bowed and said, "I am loyal to Your Majesty. Even if something like that happened yesterday, I would not dare to resent Your Majesty. But Your Majesty regards me as an enemy, which gives the Crown Prince an opportunity to make a fuss. Now that it has come to this, Your Majesty still thinks that I am at fault?" As she spoke, she sighed with disappointment, "Your Majesty's actions really make the loved ones sad and the enemies happy. The last time the Emperor visited the East Palace at night, I was standing outside and heard with my own ears that the Emperor wanted to confer a title on Your Majesty. Now I only hope that after the Winter Solstice Ceremony, the edict to confer the title of Empress on Your Majesty can be issued as scheduled, so that the Su family will not have sacrificed their lives for Your Majesty and His Royal Highness the Prince over the years."
The female attendant looked innocent. "I took off all my clothes, but he asked me to put them back on, saying that I hadn't grown up yet and he looked down on me."
Xinghe didn't answer him, and he didn't need her answer. Walking on this road, if you are not cruel, others will be cruel to you. It's killing or being killed, what will you choose
Conferring the title of Queen... Are you still counting on the title of Queen? Zuo Zhaoyi leaned on the pillow in a daze, unable to speak for a long time. Xinghe bowed and slowly left the main hall.
After returning to the East Palace, there were still some odd jobs waiting for Xinghe to assign. After the interior and exterior were arranged, it was already dark. The prince returned to the palace earlier than she expected. This time, it didn't take long to close the case. According to what the prince reported to the emperor, "the criminal confessed to the crime." He had been tortured to the point of being unrecognizable, so naturally he just wanted to die quickly. The prince didn't stay until the end. Watching people die was not his style. After returning, he sat in the warm room for a long time, and asked Xinghe in a fake manner: "Am I too cruel to do this?"
After all, Xinghe entered the military control department when she entered the government. She had done a lot of torture over the years and was very careful. People with unknown motives could not be sent to the palace. She leaned on the armrest and asked, "Your father's name is Xia Chengyong. He is a proofreader in the Bureau of Literature. He has been in the office for nine years and was promoted to Assistant Bureau of Literature last month..."
The young girl really had no taboos when she said anything. Xinghe laughed when she heard it. "So what do you think of the prince? Are you willing to serve him?"
Xinghe didn't answer him, and he didn't need her answer. Walking on this road, if you are not cruel, others will be cruel to you. It's killing or being killed, what will you choose
Xinghe carefully flipped through the pages one by one, and found time to hum, "When you are older, you know how to care for others. The master himself said so."
Xinghe then remembered that the Shangguan family and the Huo family were related by marriage, but that branch of the Huo family was no longer among the main branches two generations ago.
She was very dissatisfied when she heard this, "Yue Ting is only 29, how come he is already a middle-aged man?"
Dequan stood aside holding a whisk and leaned over to take a look. "Master Su, are you really planning to find someone to serve the master?"
The emperor was still furious, slapping his kang and saying, "Rumors are everywhere in the capital, and even if we find a scapegoat now, it won't cover up this scandal. My good daughter, as a princess, has completely disregarded her moral integrity, which is really a disgrace to our ancestors."
Seeing that there was no one around, the attendant shook his head and said, "Your Highness the Crown Prince is so majestic that it reminds me of my cousin. The men of the Huo family are not easy to deal with. It's better not to provoke them. Saving your life is more important."
Xinghe's face was filled with sorrow, and he said in a sad voice, "The emperor was furious and ordered the prince to review the case. After the investigation, there is no need to report back and the case will be closed in prison. But you can rest assured, Your Majesty. After all, the emperor loves the princess and he has no intention of reprimanding her."
The young girl really had no taboos when she said anything. Xinghe laughed when she heard it. "So what do you think of the prince? Are you willing to serve him?"
She was very angry, "I have never been married, how can I marry twice!"
The chief eunuch in front of the emperor came out to greet them, bowed and led them to the central road. The young eunuch opened the curtain, and Xinghe and Nan Yushu entered the duty room one after another. The prince and several military ministers were all inside. Knowing that they were here to settle this case, all of them had solemn expressions on their faces.
Walking north along the river, not far from Anli Gate, she tucked her hands together and walked. When she was about to reach the end, she saw someone standing on the other side and looking at her. Dusk was gradually closing in, and there was still a little sunset glow in the sky. The face of the person on the other side was not so clear, but she could tell from her figure and dress that it was You Zhaoyi.
How to decide, what a huge scandal. The emperor thought back to the road he had walked over the years. His ancestors had created the foundation. Although he had not made much, he had at least been self-disciplined and maintained the foundation, and had not let his ancestors down. He had lived a clean life, but now he was disgraced in this matter. How could he feel
The emperor sighed, leaned against the cushion and pinched his brows, "In your opinion, how should this end?"
Xinghe then remembered that the Shangguan family and the Huo family were related by marriage, but that branch of the Huo family was no longer among the main branches two generations ago.
The officials present bowed their heads even more. The emperor's family affairs were not like government affairs. At most, they could listen but could not make any suggestions. Xinghe glanced at the emperor quietly. The emperor was exhausted after his rage. No matter what the truth of the case was, he no longer had the energy to pursue it. He waved his hand and said to the prince, "You try it yourself again. If there are no mistakes, I will give you a glass of wine and close the case in prison."
He didn't ask her to go, and Xinghe was happy not to be there. There was nothing to watch in the drama of fighting and killing. The prince was escorted out of the palace by the Jinwu Guards. She wanted to go back, walk south from Taiji Hall, pass through the Gate of Lower Province and return to the East Palace. The way would be closer. But she didn't. She made a big circle to the north, entered Ganlu Gate, and strolled along the Jinshui River. That place was densely packed with palaces, including the Fengchu Palace of Zuo Zhaoyi and the Greenhouse Palace of You Zhaoyi.
She said solemnly, "Master Su asked me to come here. What do you want me to do?"
He gathered his spirits, rolled up his sleeves and bowed, then respectfully presented the memorial and confession to the emperor. The emperor took them and examined them. He was calm at first, but gradually his brows furrowed into a frown of helplessness.
"Who is your cousin?"
Xinghe took the memorial and went out. After all, she was the one who was in charge of this case, and she had to be present to report to the emperor.
When the eunuch Nian saw her coming, he was stunned for a long while, "Master Su...how come you have the time to visit me?"
The emperor sighed, leaned against the cushion and pinched his brows, "In your opinion, how should this end?"
There were footsteps under the eaves, and Ye Jinchun's voice came from outside the Linghua Gate: "Sir, Lord Nan has entered the Chengtian Gate alley and is now in the Twelve Departments. Someone is sent to inform you that he needs to present a waist badge to the emperor. Please bring the documents with you."
After all, Xinghe entered the military control department when she entered the government. She had done a lot of torture over the years and was very careful. People with unknown motives could not be sent to the palace. She leaned on the armrest and asked, "Your father's name is Xia Chengyong. He is a proofreader in the Bureau of Literature. He has been in the office for nine years and was promoted to Assistant Bureau of Literature last month..."
"There are six siblings in the family. You are the third child. You have two older sisters, two younger sisters, and a youngest brother."
She was so happy that even the howling north wind in December did not bother her so much. In the depths of winter, the roots of the red medicine flowers had already frozen and rotted by the Jinshui River. They had to be pulled out in the spring of the following year, and there was no chance for them to bloom again.
Yinchen took the needle and combed the head, "Privy Councilor Huo Yan, and your brother serve in the Privy Council."
Zuo Zhaoyi was still sitting in the palace as calm as a rock. She had just made an enemy and came to see him again. She must have no good intentions. I slapped her a few times yesterday, and she turned around and instigated the prince to file a complaint. I was so angry that I had nowhere to vent it, and she came to my door again. It was a good thing!
Conferring the title of Queen... Are you still counting on the title of Queen? Zuo Zhaoyi leaned on the pillow in a daze, unable to speak for a long time. Xinghe bowed and slowly left the main hall.
The emperor was still furious, slapping his kang and saying, "Rumors are everywhere in the capital, and even if we find a scapegoat now, it won't cover up this scandal. My good daughter, as a princess, has completely disregarded her moral integrity, which is really a disgrace to our ancestors."
She bowed and said, "I am loyal to Your Majesty. Even if something like that happened yesterday, I would not dare to resent Your Majesty. But Your Majesty regards me as an enemy, which gives the Crown Prince an opportunity to make a fuss. Now that it has come to this, Your Majesty still thinks that I am at fault?" As she spoke, she sighed with disappointment, "Your Majesty's actions really make the loved ones sad and the enemies happy. The last time the Emperor visited the East Palace at night, I was standing outside and heard with my own ears that the Emperor wanted to confer a title on Your Majesty. Now I only hope that after the Winter Solstice Ceremony, the edict to confer the title of Empress on Your Majesty can be issued as scheduled, so that the Su family will not have sacrificed their lives for Your Majesty and His Royal Highness the Prince over the years."
When the eunuch Nian saw her coming, he was stunned for a long while, "Master Su...how come you have the time to visit me?"
Xinghe looked panicked, "Don't misunderstand, Your Majesty. I just came out of Taiji Palace. Nan Yushu prepared a memorial and a petition today and sent them to the emperor for a decision."
In the dimly lit room, the golden and silver dragons on the prince's shoulders stood out and looked ferocious. The look on his face showed the unquestionable decision of the crown prince. He said in a sonorous voice, "It has been more than half a year since the case of the prince consort was committed, and it has remained unsolved. The scandal has spread throughout the court and the public, and the ugly news has spread everywhere. If it continues, the country will be criticized. The Gao brothers killed each other, and the princess was involved. It is not appropriate to make it public, and it is better to solve everything in private. Let my son handle this case, and let your father calm down. Since it has happened, it is not possible to avoid it. Let's see if there is any roundabout way to save face as much as possible."
"Oh..." She nodded hesitantly. Huo Yan, the Duke of Cheng'en, was the head of the Privy Council and Xinghai's immediate superior. The capital was full of nobles, and there were too many relatives and friends. Suddenly, she thought of Lord Shenzhai, and felt that he was in a difficult situation. God knew which case was backed by a noble. The Jingzhao Prefecture was not like the Control Rongsi, which had the emperor's backing and was famous for its murderous behavior. Once there was a little disturbance, the Jingzhao Yin would be the first to suffer.
The prince knew something was wrong and opened his eyes in shock. Sure enough, there was an old palace maid standing next to him. I don't know where she got this from, but it was probably her first time in the East Palace. She stammered, "Master... Master, I... I... I will help you... loosen up your muscles..."
Zuo Zhaoyi had heard the news that Nan Yushu had entered the palace, but she didn't know what the emperor said. Even the informant she had set up had been sent away, so she didn't know the details. Xinghe came to report, no matter what happened before, it would be fine to listen. She straightened her body and secretly clenched her hands: "What does the emperor say?"
Anyway, she had already arranged for the older maid the prince needed. She sat in the duty room to rest for a while. The clepsydra on the table was ticking, and the wooden arrow gradually sank. It was almost 3 p.m. She turned her head to look at the sky outside. The sun was moving away, and the temperature had already lost in the afternoon. The wind was getting stronger, and the chill was rising. Even Yinchen stamped her feet and muttered, "It's so cold."
Xinghe knew that he was enjoying watching the joke, so he simply stroked his face and said, "That's right, I was beaten so hard that it hurt. My master was afraid that I would lose face, so he didn't ask me to go to the government office today. In fact, there are people in the officialdom who have lost their heads in their sleep. How much is face worth? As long as the real murderer can be caught, let alone hitting my face, even if they throw my face on the ground like a rag, I won't even blink an eye."
Conferring the title of Queen... Are you still counting on the title of Queen? Zuo Zhaoyi leaned on the pillow in a daze, unable to speak for a long time. Xinghe bowed and slowly left the main hall.
The prince took the order and left the warm room with everyone else. Looking at the sky, it was getting late. "Tomorrow is the winter solstice. There are a lot of things to do. Let's get them done today." He turned around and glanced at Xinghe. "Don't follow me. Killing people is not fun. Go back to the East Palace."
Zuo Zhaoyi slammed the table and said, "You have surrendered to a new master now. What do you mean by coming here to say all this?"
The prince said, "Put away that look in your eyes. How dare you look down on me? I think she and the fourth brother are a good match. They are the same age and have similar personalities... When Qingfeng moves into the Wude Hall in a while, send Shangguan Yin to take care of her. Let them be together. If they are destined to be together, it will be a good story to ask the emperor for marriage."
Nan Yushu said, "I have investigated the case. The whole case is written in detail in the confession. There are witnesses and evidence. Please make the decision, Your Majesty."
The emperor looked regretful. The prince looked at him and said softly, "Father, calm down. The most important thing right now is to close the case. Rumors are spreading like wildfire. If we delay any further, I'm afraid it won't work."
She said solemnly, "Master Su asked me to come here. What do you want me to do?"
There were footsteps under the eaves, and Ye Jinchun's voice came from outside the Linghua Gate: "Sir, Lord Nan has entered the Chengtian Gate alley and is now in the Twelve Departments. Someone is sent to inform you that he needs to present a waist badge to the emperor. Please bring the documents with you."
The prince said, "Put away that look in your eyes. How dare you look down on me? I think she and the fourth brother are a good match. They are the same age and have similar personalities... When Qingfeng moves into the Wude Hall in a while, send Shangguan Yin to take care of her. Let them be together. If they are destined to be together, it will be a good story to ask the emperor for marriage."
"Who is your cousin?"
She smiled, but there was a dagger hidden in her smile. "I'll come and see Nian Anda."
The concubine who had never been taken seriously, although she held a high position, had been suppressed too much in the past eight years and was unknown. But she never seemed to be anxious, whether she was there or not. Xinghe saluted her across the river, she nodded slightly, said nothing, and turned to her palace.
Seeing that there was no one around, the attendant shook his head and said, "Your Highness the Crown Prince is so majestic that it reminds me of my cousin. The men of the Huo family are not easy to deal with. It's better not to provoke them. Saving your life is more important."
The emperor was still furious, slapping his kang and saying, "Rumors are everywhere in the capital, and even if we find a scapegoat now, it won't cover up this scandal. My good daughter, as a princess, has completely disregarded her moral integrity, which is really a disgrace to our ancestors."
It would be a disgrace to the man to execute such a criminal in public. The emperor was protective of his own shortcomings and only sentenced Gao Zhiya. He did not even mention Princess Xia Ling to reflect on her mistakes. Xinghe could understand that the emperor was like all fathers in the world. No matter how big the mistakes of his favorite children were, he would still forgive them. Anyway, the case was settled and her goal was achieved. As for the three slaps that Princess Xia Ling had helped to accomplish, she could leave them for later.
She was very angry, "I have never been married, how can I marry twice!"
Xinghe took the memorial and went out. After all, she was the one who was in charge of this case, and she had to be present to report to the emperor.
The concubine who had never been taken seriously, although she held a high position, had been suppressed too much in the past eight years and was unknown. But she never seemed to be anxious, whether she was there or not. Xinghe saluted her across the river, she nodded slightly, said nothing, and turned to her palace.
She was very dissatisfied when she heard this, "Yue Ting is only 29, how come he is already a middle-aged man?"
The prince hit the nail on the head, "If it really had nothing to do with you, you wouldn't have made a fuss with me. Su Xinghe, don't pretend with me, you obviously have bad intentions, you want to marry the same woman to two men."
The prince took the order and left the warm room with everyone else. Looking at the sky, it was getting late. "Tomorrow is the winter solstice. There are a lot of things to do. Let's get them done today." He turned around and glanced at Xinghe. "Don't follow me. Killing people is not fun. Go back to the East Palace."
The trial of the twelve departments was not complicated. As long as the criminal signed, they would not dare to ask too many questions about such cases involving royal scandals. When Xinghe saw Nan Yushu, he was just coming out of the duty room with his head down, holding the confession in his hand, and talking to Jiang Yi with his head tilted. Seeing her, he paused, "Master Su is here quickly..." His eyes moved around her face and found that she was staring at him without blinking. He felt a little embarrassed and hurriedly said, "Master Su has been wronged. This kind of thing can be forgiven if it happens to others, but it is really not right for Master Su to encounter it."