To this day, Concubine Guo is no longer a helpless person. Looking at Concubine Guo who remained calm despite the grief of losing her son, Hu Shanwei did not feel any comfort. On the contrary, she felt more and more sad. She pulled Concubine Guo away from the brink of death and taught her all of Empress Xiaoci's teachings, hoping that the palace would continue to be peaceful. However, reality slapped her hard in the face again.
It would be fine if the King of Lu really ate himself to death, but he was immature in his youth and was taken advantage of by bad guys. Now he is in his twenties and a mature adult, but he is still so willful. He must accept the consequences of his willfulness.
However, if Prince Lu died of poisoning... According to Hu Shanwei's principle of "I will deal with anyone who stirs up palace fighting, and no one is allowed to stir up trouble", even if Concubine Guo did not make this difficult kneeling, Hu Shanwei would still find out the truth and find out the real culprit.
Hu Shanwei helped Concubine Guo up and said, "Don't worry, Your Majesty. I—"
"Your Majesty, Instructor Shen is here and asks to see you." Nanny Guo came in and interrupted her.
In the past six years, Shen Qionglian has been promoted to the sixth-rank master of ceremonies in the Shangyi Bureau. Because her job is basically still a court poet and a teacher, she has always been called Shen Jiaoshi.
When Concubine Guo heard that Shen Qionglian was coming, her heart ached again: she had always been her son's unattainable white moonlight.
"Let her in." said Concubine Guo.
Shen Qionglian had already changed into plain clothes, and the snow on her feet was instantly melted by the heat in the room. She said, "I was shocked to hear the bad news about the Prince of Lu. He was once my student. I taught him to write poetry and the "Book of Documents - Wu Yi". From the content of the bad news, it is clear that the Prince of Lu did not listen to my teachings on the "Book of Documents - Wu Yi". But once a teacher, always a teacher. I want to go to Yanzhou with Hu Siyan to see this student off."
Shen Qionglian's words were sarcastic, as if she was saying that Prince Lu was willful and naughty, but in fact there was a hint of affection behind them. Concubine Guo was no longer the shallow person she used to be, and she understood the deep meaning of Shen Qionglian.
Concubine Guo said: "It is his honor that you can go and see him off."
Shen Qionglian joined the funeral procession of Prince Lu. When her superior Cui Shangyi learned about this, she wanted to stop it, but it was too late. She could only remind her before she left: "Prince Lu's mansion is not like the deep palace. You are unfamiliar with the place. When you go there, you must restrain your curiosity and just attend the funeral of Prince Lu. Don't interfere with other things, especially stay away from Hu Shanwei."
Shen Qionglian asked: "Why?"
Cui Shangyi said, "Since ancient times, a general's success is the result of the sacrifice of thousands of men. Those who can make it to the end must have lost many people before them. Hu Shanwei is very lucky, and all those who have confronted her have had a bad ending. You are not as lucky as Hu Shanwei, so stay away from her to avoid being implicated."
Cui Shangyi is speaking from experience, having been in the palace for many years, and has her own set of insights. Hu Shanwei has come a long way, experienced the center of various storms, and is still alive and well. After all, this kind of fortune only belongs to a very small number of people. Most people will die if they are exposed to it, and they will become cannon fodder at the brink of crisis.
Shen Qionglian is the most dazzling figure in the Shangyi Bureau. Cui Shangyi is so busy cherishing her that how could she bear to let her get hurt or even lose her life
Shen Qionglian said, "I understand, Cui Shangyi, don't worry."
How could Cui Shangyi feel at ease? Shen Qionglian was only thirteen years old when she entered the palace. She literally watched her grow up. She was both a subordinate and a daughter. She took good care of her and planned to leave the position of Fifth Rank Shangyi to her when she could no longer work and retired from the palace.
Cui Shangyi packed Shen Qionglian's luggage herself, wishing she could even bring a toilet with her. "Bring your bedding, don't sleep on the bed in the post station, be careful of getting lice; only use your own cups and chopsticks, and scald them with boiling water before eating; bring two bundles of straw paper, the softest in the palace..."
The huge harem was covered in mourning overnight. Early spring was actually colder than winter.
Cao Shang Gong also gave instructions to her subordinates. Unlike Cui Shang Yi's gentle instructions, Cao Shang Gong's words were like a dagger stabbing into someone's heart. "... I know you are a capable person, but even the most capable people can fail if they are not careful, including you. When you go there, stick to the facts and don't mix in personal emotions, which will affect your judgment. Also, once Prince Lu dies, Concubine Guo will be crowned as the queen. You should return to the palace as soon as possible after the funeral, and you must not miss the ceremony. Otherwise, you have worked hard to plant the trees, but be careful that others will pick the peaches."
Hu Shanwei asked, "What did Lady Cao say... What does the last sentence mean?"
Cao Shang Gong said: "When Concubine Guo is crowned as the Queen, all the people will benefit. You have been in Si Yan's position for ten years. I should have seen through it. It is time for you to step down and take over my position."
Hu Shanwei hurriedly said, "Mrs. Cao, you misunderstood—"
"I didn't misunderstand." Cao Shang Gong said, "I know you are not the kind of person who steps on others to get to the top. I am considering the future of the six bureaus and one department. The power of the six bureaus and one department is given by the queen, so the Shang Gong in the harem must be the queen's confidant. If Concubine Guo is crowned as the queen and I am still in this position, the six bureaus and one department will inevitably be divided and conflicted - the old forces headed by me, and the new forces headed by you."
"The Yangtze River's waves behind push the waves ahead, and the waves ahead will inevitably be beaten to death on the beach. In the end, someone will find a way to pull me down and push you to the top, so that you can take advantage of the situation and gain a chance to stand out. People in the officialdom are not in control of their own destiny, and everyone has their own job. Even if you don't want to step on me to get to the top, how many people are eyeing your position, hoping that you will make room for me after you get to the top?"
"This is the same as birth, aging, sickness and death. It is a natural law. Many people know this but still resist stubbornly, indulging their desire to be an official, thinking they can change their fate. They try all kinds of ways to stay in their positions, do things that are counterproductive, and allow the old and new forces to bite each other, killing a bunch of innocent cannon fodder. In the end, aren't they still forced to step down? It's a miserable end. If I'm leaving, I'll leave beautifully and steadily. I'll leave the task of leading the six bureaus and one department to you. Try not to have any major turmoil."
Hu Shanwei was deeply shocked by the heartfelt words of Shang Gong Cao. She suddenly understood why Shang Gong Cao was promoted by Empress Xiaoci as an exception and was given command of the female officials, becoming the first Shang Gong who was under 40 years old.
Because under the seemingly superficial appearance of Cao Shanggong, she has a similar overall view and self-sacrificing spirit as Empress Xiaoci. She sees things clearly, thinks things clearly, and acts things clearly. She lets go when she says she will.
The Shanggong Bureau is the head of the female officials. When Hu Shanwei entered the palace, she felt that this position was so far away and it was ridiculous to think about it. Now that this position is within reach, she does not feel happy.
She felt exhausted, struggling time and time again, escaping desperate situations. She had originally thought that if she assisted Concubine Guo well, the harem would return to stability and so many innocent people would no longer die. But in the end, it seemed to be of no use. Concubine Guo's almost complete transformation brought her the sad news of the tragic death of her only son.
The power struggle will never stop and there will always be people causing trouble.
So, what is the meaning of my hard work over the years
For the first time, Hu Shanwei questioned his work and frankly said to Cao Shanggong: "I have been a little confused recently. I don't want to disappoint Cao Shanggong's expectations. During the trip to Yanzhou, Cao Shanggong can consider other suitable candidates."
Cao Shang Gong didn't believe it and looked her up and down. "Have you taken the wrong medicine recently? This is the first time I see a female official who doesn't want to be a Shang Gong. Think it over carefully. With your current status and influence, if you don't become a Shang Gong, no matter who sits in the position of Shang Gong, the first person to suppress and exclude will definitely be you. No one wants to see someone who can replace them at any time. So there are only two choices in front of you, either become a Shang Gong or retire from the palace."
Concubine Cao has a vicious eye. The fickleness of human nature and the infighting in officialdom cannot escape her eyes.
Hu Shanwei set off with a heavy heart. Ji Gang still led the Jinyiwei to escort him all the way. Since the prince was in the team, Ji Gang brought a large guard team of 2,000 this time to ensure his safety.
Before getting on the carriage, Hu Shanwei whispered to Ji Gang. Ji Gang looked innocent and said, "I'm not a god. How can I know her whereabouts? Besides, I have to take her there."
Hu Shanwei said, "We have been friends for so many years, don't pretend with me. She knows so many secrets, the Jinyiwei must have spies following her."
Ji Gang seemed to be deaf, "What did you say?"
Hu Shanwei: "She is very important to me. You must help her."
Ji Gang: "Not this one, the first few words."
Hu Shanwei: "We have been friends for so many years—"
"Stop." Ji Gang was complacent, "So you think of me as a friend. Okay, I'll help you."
There was a lot of rain and snow in early spring, and the roads were slippery and muddy. Ten days later, the funeral procession arrived at the Xuzhou Prefecture Post Station and settled down. After passing Xuzhou, they arrived in Yanzhou.
The post station was specially used to receive passing officials and was a guesthouse for civil servants in the Ming Dynasty. The crown prince Zhu Biao was virtuous and kind. In order to avoid wasting money and labor, he refused to be received by officials along the way and only stayed in a simple post station. He resolutely stopped the accompanying officials from taking bribes and other bad habits. Therefore, the crown prince had a good reputation both in the officialdom and among the people.
At night, at the Xuzhou Post Station, just as the funeral procession arrived, an uninvited guest came outside the post station.
The man was of medium build, wearing a bamboo hat that covered most of his face, a bulky cotton coat, carrying a wooden box on his back, and holding a non-slip cane in his hand.
Jinyiwei had set up layers of roadblocks and sentries outside the gate. They had to clear the area wherever they went, fearing any accidents.
Jinyiwei stopped this man:
"Stop! The post station will not accept any passing officials tonight. Register your name and official position here, and you can get a travel fee and go to the city to find an inn to stay in."
This was ordered by the prince, saying it was compensation for officials so that they wouldn't have to work for the country and live in the open air.
The man took out a name card from his bosom and handed it over, "Give this to Hu Siyan from the Shanggong Bureau, and she will let me in."
From the sound of the voice it was a woman. She mentioned names and was obviously very familiar with the funeral procession. She was neither humble nor arrogant and had an extraordinary demeanor.
However, the Jinyiwei felt that she was unfamiliar and didn't know who she was. When they were hesitating, Ji Gang, who was checking the post, came over. He was very surprised. When he got off the horse, he didn't step firmly and fell down, eating a mouthful of snow. "Hey, isn't this Ru Siyao? What a coincidence, why are you here?"
Didn’t you send someone across a hundred miles to deliver an urgent message saying that Hu Shanwei had a request for me and asked me to “meet him by chance” at the Xuzhou post station
Lord Ji, your acting is too exaggerated.
"These soldiers are new here, and they don't know the real talent." Ji Gang opened the roadblock himself and let Ru Siyao in. He taught his men a lesson with a stern face: "Remember, this is Ru Siyao, who was famous in the palace before. Don't be so ignorant in the future."
It turned out that before leaving, Hu Shanwei asked Ji Gang for help and sent a message thousands of miles away to invite Ru Siyao, who was revising medical books in Zhou Wangfu.
The Zhou Palace is located in Kaifeng, Henan. King Zhou Zhu Su is obsessed with medicine and has strong financial resources. He recruits famous doctors from all over the world and treats them as guests. He also organizes them to write medical books. Over the past nine years, Tan Fu and Ru Siyao have devoted themselves to the medical career in the Zhou Palace and have a son.
After receiving Hu Shanwei's letter from thousands of miles away, Ru Siyao immediately went south from Kaifeng Prefecture, while Hu Shanwei went north, and the two met in Xuzhou.
The three women officials, Hu Shanwei, Ru Siyao and Shen Qionglian, met at the Xuzhou Post Station nine years later. As it was the mourning period for the King of Lu, it was inconvenient to drink, so they drank tea instead of wine to reminisce about the past.
Ru Siyao asked Shen Qionglian, "I came here to repay Hu Shanwei for a favor and to check if there was anything wrong with the body and pills of Prince Lu. Why did you go to Yanzhou to wade into the muddy water? Are you tired of living, or are you tired of writing palace poems?"
Shen Qionglian looked down at the tea leaves slowly unwinding under the hot water, revealing the veins of the leaves, and said, "Just like Ru Siyao, this is also to repay a favor, to repay the kindness of King Lu."
Even Hu Shanwei was surprised. "Don't you always hate Prince Lu?"
Shen Qionglian took a sip of tea. "He has a lewd look in his eyes and is annoying now. However, I still have to repay the favor I owe. I don't want to be involved with him in the next life. Besides, compared with many people in the palace, Prince Lu is a good person."
After thinking for a moment, he added, "A useless good man."
The author has something to say: King Lu: I’m already dead, and I’m still being dissed by others, wuwuwuwu.
Today we have a 100-point red envelope quick-answer question. Please tell me, in which city in Shandong is the tomb of Zhu Tan, King of Lu, located
Yanzhou
Jinan
Jining
Qingdao