Jinzouyuan is very close to the Beiyuan Palace. When passing by the palace gate, Wei Zhenfeng suddenly had an idea and asked Zhao Mian if he wanted to go to the palace to take a look.
"I left the palace and built my own residence when I was sixteen," Wei Zhenfeng said, "The palace is where I grew up."
Zhao Mian looked at the tall wall and asked, "Can I say something bad about Beiyuan Palace?"
Zhao Mian thought Wei Zhenfeng would reject him harshly, but he didn't expect Wei Zhenfeng to pamper him briefly: "Sure, just say whatever you want."
The Beiyuan Palace stands tall and majestic in the bitter winter, sacred and solemn. Whether it is the long staircase that stretches as far as the eye can see to the top, or the straight and square palace walls, everything demonstrates the absolute majesty of the imperial power.
The snow had not melted yet, and eunuchs could be seen sweeping snow everywhere, sweeping out a straight path. Zhao Mian followed behind Wei Zhenfeng, watching these eunuchs salute Wei Zhenfeng one by one, and felt that their faces were blurry and cautious, as if they were suffocated by the pressure of this palace.
Beiyuan Palace is bigger than Nanjing Palace, and has more people. As far as he knows, Wei Zhenfeng has nearly ten brothers and sisters, and many of them are children. But when he was in Beiyuan Palace, he didn't feel the liveliness it should have.
Zhao Mian couldn't help but be curious about what kind of person Wei Zhenfeng's father, the owner of these palaces, would be.
Zhao Mian had read all the records about Emperor Yuan in Qianjiyuan. When Emperor Yuan ascended the throne at the age of 20, Qianjiyuan once described him as "beautiful appearance, eyes like lacquer, a man among gods and immortals." Now 20 years have passed, and I wonder if Emperor Yuan, who is over 40 years old, still has some of his former charm.
Zhao Mian glanced at Wei Zhenfeng and wished that Emperor Yuan would be blessed without being bald.
As the two walked on the road, a light snow fell. Zhao Mian stopped and wrapped himself tightly in fox fur. He looked back at the footprints he and Wei Zhenfeng had left along the way: "It's so deserted."
"The front hall is like this." Wei Zhenfeng said, "The harem is more lively."
Zhao Mian thought Wei Zhenfeng wanted to take him to the harem and was a little surprised: "I—Ji Chong can also go to the harem?"
Wei Zhenfeng was more surprised than Zhao Mian: "Don't you know?"
Zhao Mian was stunned: "Know what?"
"Not only Ji Chong, anyone in Beiyuan can enter the harem, even the fishmongers in the market."
Zhao Mian's expression instantly disappeared, and he almost couldn't suppress the urge to slap someone: "Will you die if you don't sarcastically respond?"
Wei Zhenfeng smiled and said, "I learned this from you."
Zhao Mian felt a little regretful. It seemed that he would not be able to see Wei Zhenfeng's sisters on this trip.
At this time, an old eunuch came up from behind and said, "Your Majesty, please stay."
Before Wei Zhenfeng turned around, he introduced Zhao Mian: "This person is the eunuch Tang who serves my father personally."
Eunuch Tang trotted over to the two men and bowed respectfully, "Your Majesty, the Emperor heard that you have entered the palace and said he wants to see you. Lord Ji can also go with you."
The two looked at each other, and Zhao Mian saw that Wei Zhenfeng was asking him if he could handle it. He nodded slightly, telling Wei Zhenfeng that it was no problem.
Emperor Yuan was meeting Wei Zhenfeng at this time, most likely because of what happened in the Jinzouyuan. The Jinzouyuan had thoroughly investigated Fuxuelou and had not found anything that was unfavorable to Wei Zhenfeng. Even if Emperor Yuan was really afraid of Wei Zhenfeng, he should be relieved after this incident.
Eunuch Tang led them all the way to the harem. Wei Zhenfeng asked, "Is father with the queen?"
Eunuch Tang said, "In reply to your Highness, the Emperor is in Changxia Palace."
Wei Zhenfeng said "Oh", but no emotion could be heard in his tone.
Eunuch Tang sighed, "Your Highness has not been in Shengjing for the past two years. I'm afraid you don't know that the Emperor often sits alone in Changxia Palace in his spare time, and he would sit there for half an hour."
Wei Zhenfeng's reaction was not as cold as before: "Really?"
Changxia Palace is the closest to Emperor Yuan's bedroom, and is obviously much larger than other palaces. It is obvious that it is a place where only favored concubines can live. Entering the palace gate, a plum tree blooming in the snow comes into view, and a faint fragrance floats in the air. A tall and handsome man stands next to the tree, wearing a crown and a black dragon robe. This man is the Emperor of Beiyuan, the father of Wei Zhenfeng, Wei Zhaoxiu.
To this day, Zhao Mian can be considered as someone who has all the power in the world.
The actual rulers of the three kingdoms of Dongling, Beiyuan and Nanjing, plus Tutor Gu in the late Western Xia, were all rare handsome men in the world, and each was beautiful in his own way.
If Lu Wang has the beauty of a country-destroying enchantress, Wei Zhaoxiu is more like a man who can capture a woman's heart in the traditional sense.
The years have not left too many traces on his face. He has an upright posture. He must be busy and keep fit. Although his facial features are not as stunning as his son's, they are impressive enough. He has a pair of romantic and passionate peach blossom eyes, with fine lines at the corners of his eyes, and a teardrop mole under his left eye.
Wei Zhenfeng's first-class handsome appearance was obviously inherited and improved from Emperor Yuan, including the occasional sense of laziness and relaxation, which was somewhat similar to the man in front of him.
Zhao Mian couldn't help but think that Wei Zhenfeng's mother wouldn't also have a teardrop mole under her right eye.
He also remembered that Wei Zhenfeng's mother's surname was Mei. During her lifetime, she was Concubine Mei, the most favored concubine in the six harems by Emperor Yuan. Changxia Palace should be Concubine Mei's former residence.
It is unclear whether it is good or bad for the plum blossoms that only bloom in winter to live in the Palace of Long Summer.
Emperor Yuan exempted the two from the formalities, looked at Wei Zhenfeng's face, and asked gently, "I heard that you stayed in the Jinzouyuan for a day and a night. Why did you come to the palace instead of going back to your house to rest?"
Wei Zhenfeng was too lazy to make up an excuse and said, "Ji Chong has never been to the palace before. I want to bring him to see it."
Emperor Yuan looked Zhao Mian up and down, and smiled: "You are good to your own people."
Wei Zhenfeng did not reply.
"I already know about the incident at the Imperial Court." Emperor Yuan said slowly, "Who do you think colluded with the remnants of the Imperial City Bureau to frame you?"
Wei Zhenfeng said: "I don't know."
Emperor Yuan said in a friendly manner: "No matter who it is, I will give you an explanation."
"Thank you, Father."
"But there is one thing you have to explain to your father." Emperor Yuan laughed softly, "Tell me, how many nights did you sleep on the dragon bed in the underground palace in the desert?"
Zhao Mian's eyebrows knitted up slightly. He was almost fooled by Emperor Yuan's performance just now. He thought Emperor Yuan was a normal father. He was just overthinking it.
Wei Zhenfeng was about to answer when Emperor Yuan asked again, "Did you sleep with someone from Nanjing? Did you sleep comfortably?"
Zhao Mian could feel that Wei Zhenfeng's breath had obviously cooled down. Wei Zhenfeng seemed not to have heard Emperor Yuan's second question, and said calmly: "The dragon bed I have been sleeping on since I was injured and unconscious is quite comfortable."
Emperor Yuan smiled with relief: "Zhenfeng has really grown up."
Wei Zhenfeng also laughed: "Father is right."
Zhao Mian responded very quickly: "I am here."
"What does the lady Xiao that the prince is sleeping with look like? Is she as beautiful as a fairy?"
Zhao Mian said calmly, "Your Majesty, yes."
Wei Zhenfeng: “…”
Emperor Yuan smiled and said, "That's very good."
The father and son seemed to have nothing to say at this point.
After a moment of silence, Emperor Yuan looked at the plum blossoms beside him and asked, "Have you ever been to Changxia Palace since returning to Beijing?"
Wei Zhenfeng said: "My father, not yet."
The seemingly romantic man sighed softly, and his eyes darkened: "She... always missed you."
Wei Zhenfeng nodded: "I know."
Eunuch Tang stepped forward at the right time and asked, "Your Majesty, do you want to have a meal with the Empress? The Empress has sent people to invite you several times."
"No." Emperor Yuan responded coldly, "Go to Concubine De."
After Emperor Yuan left, Zhao Mian carefully chose his words and said, "Your father doesn't look like he is completely heartless towards your mother."
Wei Zhenfeng disagreed: "Maybe there was a little favor, but it was just a little favor."
Zhao Mian said: "He didn't pursue the matter of you sleeping on the Xixia dragon bed."
"He didn't pursue the fact that I sat on the throne of Emperor Xixia two years ago." Wei Zhenfeng sneered, "This is probably a kind of compensation for my mother. He didn't want to touch the person who harmed my mother, so he could only make himself feel better in this way."
The sudden death of Concubine Mei two years ago was indeed a man-made disaster.
Zhao Mian asked tentatively: "Did your mother die in the harem's struggle for favor?"
Wei Zhenfeng did not comment: "My mother has been favored by the emperor for many years, and nothing has happened. Why did she suddenly die of illness after I conquered Lingzhou of Western Xia and made great military achievements? The former dynasty and the harem are closely connected, and one move can affect the whole body."
Zhao Mian pondered and lowered his voice: "Are you doubting the Queen and the Crown Prince?"
"It's not doubt," Wei Zhenfeng said simply, "it's certainty."
Zhao Mian fell into deep thought.
Wei Zhenfeng looked at the plaque of Changxia Palace and suddenly smiled: "You know, sometimes I even think, it would be better if I hadn't done anything. If I hadn't accomplished anything, would my mother not have died?"
Zhao Mian asked: "Why are you sure?"
Wei Zhenfeng choked up: "No, I have said such sad and world-weary words, shouldn't you comfort me? For example, 'I don't allow you to say such things, your mother must hope that you will be a useful person to the country'..."
"People involved are often confused. I must stay calm before you drag me into my emotions." Zhao Mian waved his hand. "Let's talk about the flowery words later. Answer my question first."
"Because there are witnesses and evidence, and the Queen herself admitted it after the incident." Wei Zhenfeng said sarcastically, "It's that simple. Do you think there is something suspicious?"
Zhao Mian nodded: "It seems that the Queen and Prince Beiyuan have no need to harm your mother?"
Wei Zhenfeng raised his eyebrows: "Is it not necessary?"
Zhao Mian explained, "For the prince who has been confirmed as the heir, seeking stability is the best policy. Since ancient times, the prince was often deposed because of his own lack of virtue, not because of how outstanding other princes were. You see, even though the queen and the prince murdered the concubine, Emperor Yuan was still willing to protect them, which is enough to prove that the position of the prince should not be easily changed. I have met your elder brother, and I don't think he is a fool. He should understand this truth."
Wei Zhenfeng said: "He is not stupid, but his mother may not be."
"Since the Queen has confessed her guilt, I must have overthought." Zhao Mian placed his hand on Wei Zhenfeng's shoulder and said softly, "Don't say such things. Your mother must want you to be a useful person to the country."
Wei Zhenfeng: “…”
Zhao Mian lowered his voice even more: "The dead are gone, and the living are like this. Rebel well and avenge your mother."
Wei Zhenfeng blinked: "How do you know..."
Zhao Mian thought to himself, "How can I not see that you are too lazy to act in front of me? You will take revenge even if I ask you to kneel once, let alone the revenge for killing your mother."
"When I slept on the dragon bed with you, you talked in your sleep." Zhao Mian said casually, "You said the four words 'I want to rebel'."
Wei Zhenfeng seemed to believe it, and said thoughtfully: "Is sleeping with someone else so scary?"
When the two returned to the palace, Zhou Huairang was looking anxiously at the door. He saw Wei Zhenfeng and asked anxiously, "You are back, my lord. Where is my prince?"
Zhao Mian said coldly: "Here."
Zhou Huairang stared at Zhao Mian's face, frowning and thinking for a while before he remembered His Highness's disguise: "Your Highness, you will be gone for a day and a night. I, Old Shen, and Doctor Bai are all worried to death!"
Wei Zhenfeng was stunned and asked, "Bai Yu is here?"
"Yes, yes," Zhou Huairang said with a smile, "He just arrived this morning. We can celebrate the New Year together."
Zhao Mian was also very happy about Bai Yu's arrival. Although his fathers and younger brothers were not around during the New Year this year, at least none of the four members of the Eastern Palace were missing.
Wei Zhenfeng asked casually, "Doctor Bai is here now. Is the antidote ready?"
Zhao Mian realized something and his heart suddenly rose to his throat.
If Bai Yu had really prepared the antidote, there would be no need for him and Wei Zhenfeng to go to bed.
"Not yet." Zhou Huairang said regretfully, "Dr. Bai said it's almost done, but the last step is more troublesome. I'm afraid it won't be healed before the Lantern Festival."
Zhao Mian and Wei Zhenfeng breathed a sigh of relief at the same time.
(End of this chapter)