Jin Fengju smiled and said: "You don't have to persuade me tactfully, I really want to do it. I naturally know what to do in the future. It's getting late, go to sleep." After saying that, he closed his eyes and slowly slowed down his breathing. Sure enough, After a while, I heard Fu Qiuning's breathing gradually becoming evener. Only then did he open his eyes and look at his wife's silhouette in the darkness. That face was obviously delicate and soft, but it had the power to calm people's hearts.
When I came to the court room the next day, I saw many ministers talking in low voices. Although he didn't get involved and listened attentively, he heard many people discussing the matter of establishing a heir apparent. I couldn't help being surprised, secretly thinking that when we met yesterday, we obviously didn't know anything in advance, and the emperor also asked us not to make any news before leaving. Why do all the officials seem to know it so quickly? And looking at this situation, they seemed to know who they were going to appoint as the crown prince.
Because while thinking about it, he looked around for Prince Rong, but after searching around, he did not find this brother-in-law. While he was relieved, he couldn't help but be filled with doubts. Suddenly, the Minister of War came over, with a look of pride on his face, and said with a smile: "Young Master is looking for Prince Rong? Then you have troubled yourself. We just left last night, Prince Rong and Prince Lie I entered the palace, and up to this moment I haven’t seen anyone yet.”
Jin Fengju was stunned for a moment, thinking that the emperor had revealed his trump card to the two princes? Oops, I don’t know how my brother-in-law is doing now, no... No, if this trump card is to be revealed, why does the emperor need to do it himself? Could it be that as Qiu Ning said, the emperor also wanted to see the reactions of the two princes? By the way, check on us officials? If that's the case, then it's a good thing I didn't go out last night.
While I was thinking about it, I heard the sound of whips in front of the main hall, and all the civil and military officials quickly filed into the court. Jin Fengju secretly looked at everyone's faces and realized that Prince Lie and his party were all beaming with joy, while those close to him and Prince Rong could not help but feel a little depressed, but they looked fine on the surface, and you couldn't tell without looking carefully. The second uncle's steps were also very steady. Thinking that the old man might have gotten the news last night or this morning, but he could resist not asking me about it. I really have to admire this determination.
There were also a few people, such as the gray-haired Prince of Zhenjiang, whose expressions were indifferent. Prince Hong has already gone to Shandong. Even if those who are his die-hard followers are fine now, they will all be liquidated in the future. Others can still be just a wallflower, but they have put so many obstacles in the way of Prince Rong and Lie that they cannot even be a wallflower.
After entering the Qiankun Hall and standing still, they saw Prince Lie and Prince Rong already standing at the foot of the steps with their heads bowed. Then there was a loud singing: "The Emperor has arrived." Then all the officials knelt down and worshiped under the leadership of the two princes, and the mountains shouted The voice of long live is endless.
The emperor came to the dragon seat and sat down. He glanced at his sons below and saw that their eyes were red, obviously they had not slept all night. At this time, there was a look of confusion on his face. He couldn't help but sigh. First, he asked all the officials about the memorial. Seeing that there was no memorial, he said earnestly: "I am already at the age when I know my destiny. In recent years, I feel that my physical strength and spirit are not as good as before. Besides, it is not a good strategy to hang the crown prince for a long time." Therefore, yesterday I consulted with several good ministers who govern the country, and finally decided on the candidate for the crown prince."
After he finished speaking, when he saw his two sons raising their heads in astonishment, he waved his hand to the eunuch Li Dezheng next to him and said, "You declare the decree."
Li Dezheng walked forward. Although he had followed the emperor and heard too many shocking things and had developed a good concentration, he could not help but be filled with excitement at this time. Even his hands were shaking. He finally calmed down and started The imperial edict read aloud: "By God's decree, the emperor decreed that Prince Lieutenant Zhao You has always been diligent, conscientious, benevolent, filial, and virtuous..."
Li De was reading something again behind him, but Prince Rong Zhao Lun could no longer hear it. He looked at his father in shock, and only woke up when the emperor's sharp gaze fell on his face. He lowered his head and clenched his hands into fists in his sleeves, but his mind was at a loss. He kept saying one sentence over and over again: "Is this the end? Is it the end?"
Li Dezheng finished the imperial edict and sighed in his heart. He had always been close to Prince Rong. Now the emperor has appointed Prince Lie. It seems that a hundred years from now, the emperor will either be buried or guard the mausoleum. But it doesn’t matter. After following the emperor for so many years, this life is considered wonderful. Even if he dies, this life will not be in vain. Besides, the emperor said that his health is not good, but in fact he is still healthy now. It seems that he will not be able to live for another seven or eight years. question. I still have a few good years to live, so what are I afraid of
"My son... I would like to thank my father for his kindness. I will definitely work harder and never let down my father's trust..." Compared to Prince Rong, he remained calm due to confusion. Prince Lie was a little happy. He took a few steps to the steps and knelt down, taking Li Dezheng's imperial edict with both hands. Even though he told himself to calm down and not get carried away, he still blushed with excitement and his body was shaking like a sway.
"This matter has been settled. Do you, my dear friends, have any other opinions?"
The emperor's voice brought Prince Rong back to his senses, and at the same time, it also brought back Prince Lie's. Almost subconsciously, he glanced back, the evil smile in his eyes flashed away: Hum! From today on, I am the crown prince. Who dares to oppose me? It doesn't matter if you oppose me. Nowadays, it is natural to act like a courteous and virtuous corporal. But when I ascend the throne, hum...
Although he turned around only for a moment, because he lowered his gaze, he did not see the emperor's thoughtful gaze.
"Since all the ministers have no objections and have nothing to report, let's withdraw from the court. Prince Rong will stay." After the emperor finished speaking, he stood up and walked back. Prince Lie and his ministers in the hall watched at the same time. Prince Rong, seeing him following the emperor, laughed and sighed at the same time.
"Are Fengju worried about my fourth brother?" Seeing all the ministers exiting the main hall, Jin Fengju was still standing silently, looking at the road leading to the back hall. Prince Lie Zhao Youzhi was so proud that he couldn't help but Shi Shiran walked up to him and asked with a smile on his face.
"Your Majesty, oh no... Now it's time to address your Majesty as His Royal Highness." Jin Fengju bowed slightly and said calmly: "Prince Rong was summoned by the Emperor to leave. What do you have to worry about? It's just that I haven't seen my sister for a few days. , and there is no letter, so I am hesitating, should I wait here to ask about the current situation of the prince’s sister? Or should I visit her in the future? "
Even though Prince Lie wanted to skin and dismantle Jin Fengju, he couldn't help but admire the other party's determination at this time. Thinking of the money and power of the Jin family, thinking of this young man's unfailing love in front of his father for several years, and the fact that he had just become the crown prince, his heart was filled with the excitement of the spring breeze. Zhao You, who had always been vindictive, unexpectedly fell in love. Talented heart. Staring at Jin Fengju, he smiled like a spring breeze and said in a low voice: "Fengju's talent is well known to the world, even my father relies on him. You used to be my fourth brother's favorite, but it's hard for me to say this. Now I have become Prince. From now on, I am the king and you are my minister. Feng Ju, are you willing to assist me with all your heart?"
Until now, Jin Fengju really believed what Fu Qiuning said. I feel that the emperor's intention is probably to test the character of the two remaining princes. Otherwise, with Prince Lie's ability and character, how could he win the favor of the king and become the crown prince? He hasn't left the main hall yet. Although there is no one around, it is too arrogant for him to dare to be so complacent and claim to be the king in the future.
"His Royal Highness, you are joking. But as my Lord of Daning, Feng Ju, as a minister, should naturally dedicate himself to me." He cursed in his heart, but on the surface he didn't show it at all, and even gave him a deep bow. So Prince Lie felt satisfied, reached out and patted Jin Fengju's shoulder, and left laughing. Jin Fengju thought for a while, sighed, and then walked out of the hall.
I didn't know how long I waited outside the palace gate before I saw Prince Rong Zhao Lun coming out. Jin Fengju hurriedly stepped forward and wanted to speak, but when he saw his brother-in-law's eyes becoming wet, he didn't know what to say.
"Feng Ju, it seems that this time your family is going to be implicated by this king." Zhao Lun didn't know what to say. His lips moved for a long time, but he said this sentence. Then he sighed and shook his head. Go forward.
"Your Majesty, don't say such things. What's wrong with you? It's the honor of the Jin family to have a daughter marry the prince. Even if one loses both, we will never regret it." At this time, nothing can be said. The words comforted Zhao Lun, but Fu Qiuning couldn't tell him what he had learned. Therefore, Jin Fengju just expressed his feelings firmly. Sure enough, as soon as he finished speaking, he saw that Zhao Lun's expression softened a little, but the moisture in his eyes became more intense, which made him worry that the next moment, this true-hearted brother-in-law would throw himself into his arms and cry.
"What did the emperor ask when he summoned his brother-in-law?" Returning to Prince Rong's Mansion, in Zhao Lun's study, Jin Fengju retreated and asked the question in his mind.
Zhao Lun frowned and said in annoyance: "You asked me some about the current situation in the house, and also asked me to continue to do my job well in the future, assist Lao Ba and so on." After saying that, Jin Fengju stepped up and asked: "What about brother-in-law?" How did you answer that?"
Zhao Lun smiled bitterly and said: "How else can I answer? I just said that the wives and concubines in the house are harmonious and the children are fine. The fourth son is still studying hard. The other brothers are not good at studying, but they are fine with riding horses and archery. The remaining If I do, what else can I do besides agreeing?"