The three-time palace lady Hu is about to be in trouble.
This rumor came out almost at the same time as the news that Ji Gang was killed in a bombing for treason.
As a woman, once she achieves some success, people outside will always imagine that she achieved it with the help of one or more men.
Those who know the inside story scoff at it, but how many people are actually insiders
Most people believed that once Ji Gang died, Hu Shang Gong would naturally be unable to continue her job and would most likely be exiled or beheaded.
The rumors grew bigger and bigger, but Hu Shanwei, who had experienced many storms, was not afraid. She had experienced all kinds of storms. She was just sad about Ji Gang's death.
Every time she saw the unique bright yellow glazed tiles of the palace, she seemed to imagine a figure squatting on the roof repairing the tiles, and the holes in the roof were getting bigger and bigger due to his "skillful hands".
Later, he simply fell through the hole in the roof and landed on her bed.
He said: "… I can pay anything as compensation, but I can't sell myself. I will never sell myself in this lifetime."
Everyone can scold Ji Gang except Hu Shanwei.
She even understood why Ji Gang regarded the "Zhu Ming Imperial Family" as the last enemy in order to avenge Mao Xiang, because when the body of Concubine Fan was carried out of the shipwreck, Hu Shanwei vowed to avenge her.
Even though she finally found out that it was the Ming Emperor, she was not afraid. She lurked in the palace for five years and burned the real culprit, Emperor Jianwen.
The only difference between her and Ji Gang is that she does not harm innocent people. She appointed Emperor Jianwen, but arranged for Empress Ma and her two sons to sail across the ocean and set them free.
In order to get revenge, Ji Gang launched almost indiscriminate attacks. Zhu Zhanhe, that good boy, was only fourteen years old. She had watched him grow up, and yet she just left and never came back.
If I had noticed that Ji Gang was not right earlier and dissuaded him in time, could the tragedy have been avoided
I'm afraid... I can't.
A feeling of powerlessness came over Hu Shanwei, and he became disheartened and decided to go home.
Emperor Yongle looked at the black gauze hat and token on the account book. "Gong Shang Hu originally lived in seclusion with her family in Yunnan and lived a peaceful life. It was because I did not plan to establish a successor, and Concubine Zhang was too young and impetuous at that time, and could not intimidate the harem. So I issued an imperial decree to summon Gong Shang Hu back to the palace to assist Concubine Zhang in handling the affairs of the harem. I know how much Gong Shang Hu has contributed in the past ten years. Even I did not notice Ji Gang's wolfish ambitions, let alone Gong Shang Hu? If Gong Shang Hu is guilty of negligence, then I am even more guilty. Gong Shang Hu is innocent, and there is no need to call herself a 'guilty minister'."
"so… "
Emperor Yongle stood up and put his black hat on Hu Shanwei's head. "I promised you that the day of the capital relocation would be the day when Consort Hu would leave. I am a man of my words and I will not let Consort Hu suffer injustice because of unfounded rumors. If Consort Hu leaves like this, wouldn't it confirm those unbearable rumors?"
Hu Shanwei didn't care about the rumors and said, "I am grateful for the emperor's trust, but the court is in turmoil now. If I stay in the palace, the emperor and Concubine Zhang will have to bear a lot of pressure. Besides, Concubine Zhang is now able to take charge of her own affairs, and other female officials in the palace can also support the position of Shang Gong. In addition, the capital of Beijing is about to be built and can be moved in the next few years. It's time to make room for new people and let them gain experience in advance."
Emperor Yongle disagreed. "I invited Consort Hu to come here by decree. I have always remembered Consort Hu's contributions during the Jingnan Campaign and when I ascended the throne. I also promised Empress Renxiao that I would treat Consort Hu well."
"Now that Consort Hu has been implicated by villains, how can I let Consort Hu suffer injustice? Staying in the palace means that I trust Consort Hu, and the rumors will be broken and gradually disappear. If Consort Hu retires like this, the villains outside will think that Consort Hu has lost the emperor's heart, and I'm afraid a lot of people will step on you. I came from a vassal king, and I'm used to seeing the high being praised and the low being trampled. I don't want to see Consort Hu being wronged."
Hu Shanwei thought, our whole family has returned to Kunming to live in seclusion, and no one who wants to step on me can get in. Even if someone comes to my door, it is not certain who will step on whom, so he bowed and said, "I am old, please beg for my bones and return to my hometown to retire."
Emperor Yongle thought of their past friendship. If he let Consort Hu go, wouldn't those heroes who had helped in the Jingnan Rebellion be disheartened? So he refused to agree. But Consort Hu was determined to leave, and Emperor Yongle was afraid that it would be inappropriate to keep her. After thinking about it, he found a compromise and said, "I have ordered Consort Hu to come back to the palace. Even if she has to leave, she must leave in a dignified manner. I can't let Consort Hu return home to beg for her bones because of a groundless rumor."
"The agreement we made when we moved the capital is still valid. Now that the Daming Imperial Palace in Beijing has taken shape, the relocation of the palace cannot be done overnight. The new palace urgently needs to recruit some new palace servants to serve. Please ask Concubine Hu to go to the Beijing Imperial Palace to take charge of the overall situation and train the palace servants. When Daming officially moves the capital, I will definitely reward Concubine Hu handsomely, hold a banquet for her, and send her back home to beg for her remains."
Hu Shanwei didn't care about these false reputations. She didn't want to stay here for a moment because her mind was restless. Whenever she looked up and saw the roof covered with bright yellow glazed tiles, she could vaguely see a familiar figure climbing up and removing the tiles. She could no longer concentrate on her job as before.
Going to the Beijing Imperial Palace, she could avoid the limelight and stay away from the disturbances in the capital. Concubine Hu would have a perfect turn in the future. Emperor Yongle was quite kind. He had experienced many vicissitudes of life and knew that people's memories were limited. After a few years, more things would wash away their memories. How many people would remember the current turmoil
Seeing that Emperor Yongle was determined to do so, Hu Shanwei felt that he could not refuse the emperor's favor. Now that things had come to this... Hu Shanwei bowed again and said, "I have only one condition for serving in the imperial city of Beijing."
Emperor Yongle raised his hand and said, "Please speak, Concubine Hu."
Hu Shanwei looked at the glazed tiles of the palace outside the window and said, "I heard that many court officials suggested that the guilty minister Ji Gang be crushed to dust. The evidence is irrefutable that Ji Gang was plotting a rebellion, and I have nothing to say. However, Ji Gang has saved my life several times, and I... owe him. I cannot bear to see Ji Gang's bones being crushed to dust. I beg the emperor to show some leniency. Ji Gang is dead, so let his ashes be buried."
Emperor Yongle was furious. "If Ji Gang had not rebelled, how could my grandson have died? How could you, Concubine Hu, be caught up in rumors, have your reputation damaged, and be slandered? At this time, Concubine Hu did not distance herself from him, but instead pleaded for him? Concubine Hu, please don't be obsessed and protect this traitor!"
Hu Shanwei said nothing and took off his official hat again. He had made up his mind and left no way out.
If you can’t even keep your ashes, what’s the point of being a palace lady all these years
Anyone can take advantage of Ji Gang's misfortune, except me.
Some things cannot be compromised.
For Emperor Yongle, some things require compromise.
Emperor Yongle finally agreed to Hu Shanwei.
Looking at Hu Shanwei who did what she knew was impossible, Emperor Yongle suddenly understood why the previous two generations of emperors had absolute trust in this palace lady. It was not just because of her ability to do things, as all the palace ladies were capable. It was because no matter how much darkness she experienced, how many blows she endured, or how many crises she faced, she could always maintain a character that seemed childish, impulsive, and unprepared, as well as emotional and persistent.
This kind of personality is not suitable for being an official, especially in the palace. But it is precisely because she has always maintained her humanity that people feel that she has always adhered to the bottom line and is a person who can be trusted.
At dusk, Hu Shanwei handed the matter over to Huang Weide - she had originally recommended Huang Weide and Shen Qionglian as two candidates to Emperor Yongle.
Shen Qionglian was born into a wealthy family (nouveau riche), a brilliant female champion, and had been a palace lady for several years, so she had enough experience and deterrence. The only drawback was that when Hu Shanwei returned to Yunnan to take care of the seriously injured Mu Chun, a Korean girl group made trouble and killed Concubine Quan Xian, and Emperor Yongle was poisoned by mushrooms, which seriously damaged his vitality. Shen Qionglian later showed her power and made up for the loss.
Huang Wei De was born an official slave and started out as a kitchen maid. She was a late bloomer with a calm personality. She spent almost her entire life in the palace and was in charge of the imperial seals of three generations of Ming emperors. Huang Wei De was reassuring in both character and ability. Her only shortcoming was that she was too stable and had little personality. It was unclear whether she could shoulder the heavy responsibility of commanding six bureaus and one department.
The current situation is mainly about stability. Emperor Yongle personally appointed Huang Wei De.
After Hu Shanwei explained the task, he handed the token to Huang Wei De and said, "From now on, forget the past of you and me as master and apprentice. You are now the Shang Gong Huang. You are in Nanjing and I am in Beijing. We are both Shang Gong and our official positions are equal. You are taking over at this critical juncture. There must be a lot of rumors, such as teaching the apprentice to starve the master to death. Don't pay attention to them. Just remember that you have secured the position of Shang Gong and done your job well. It will benefit me and not harm me."
I didn't expect that the lady-in-waiting who became the Shang Palace's attendant was not a good lady-in-wai
From the most humble kitchen maid to a palace lady, she fought her way up and finally reached the top.
Huang Wei De, who is already in his sixties, thought that his life was over, but he never expected that this day would come.
Huang Wei De took the token and bowed deeply, "I will definitely fulfill my mission."
Hu Shanwei bids farewell to Concubine Zhang.
Concubine Zhang comforted her, "Don't pay attention to the rumors outside. I have full faith in Concubine Hu and look forward to meeting her in the Forbidden City in Beijing in the future."
Concubine Zhang now has the body shape of a true "concubine". People tend to gain weight easily when they reach middle age. Concubine Zhang let herself go and focused on doing her job as a concubine without thinking about anything else.
To Concubine Zhang, Hu Shanwei was a useful assistant, but now that Huang Wei De had replaced him, they had to start all over again. Concubine Zhang was reluctant to let him go, but it was not her choice, she was not the queen, and she had to obey the will of Emperor Yongle in everything.
Today's Concubine Zhang is just like her body shape, with her edges and corners smoothed out, and she has completely become a vassal of Emperor Yongle.
Seeing that Concubine Zhang no longer had the same spirit as yesterday, Hu Shanwei felt relieved. In fact, it was a good thing this way. Concubine Zhang was probably the only concubine in the Ming Dynasty court who could have a good end. She should be able to escape the terrible "Concubine Curse" in the palace.
Hu Shanwei left the palace and did not allow the female officials of the six bureaus and one department to see him off. "We will meet again in the Forbidden City in Beijing someday. Don't be sad about the separation. Cooperate with Huang Shanggong and help Concubine Zhang. The farewell banquet will be held when we take over the Forbidden City in Beijing. I will drink with you until you are drunk."
Huang Wei De led the female officials to bid farewell to Hu Shanwei in front of Cang Zhen's gate of the Sixth Bureau and the First Department.
Concubine Zhang gave Hu Shanwei a carriage and sent him out of the palace to Xi'an Gate.
Muchun was waiting for her outside.
As soon as Hu Shanwei got on the carriage, he asked three questions in quick succession: "You came back so soon? How is A Lei? Did you keep this a secret?"
Regarding Arei's adventure, the Crown Prince ordered Pingjiang Earl not to tell Chunwei and his wife, and to pretend that it never happened. However, Pingjiang Earl Chen Xuan is Mu Chun's number one lackey, so how could he hide it from Mu Chun
Chen Xuan pretended to obey but secretly disobeyed. He agreed to the Crown Prince on the surface, but then sent a pigeon to send a letter to Mu Chun.
Mu Chun was extremely anxious. He didn't expect that he had packed too much luggage for his daughter and almost harmed her. Mu Chun rushed to Taicang Port in Yunjian County overnight to "spy" on his daughter's injuries. He also asked Pingjiang Bo to cooperate in keeping it a secret so that he could "coax his daughter away" as soon as possible.
Mu Chun told Chen Xuan about the predicament of Hu Shanwei in the capital being implicated by Ji Gang, "… You must not let A Lei know. We can solve our troubles by ourselves. She was supposed to follow the eunuch Zheng He to the Western Ocean this time. I have informed the eunuch Zheng He. As soon as A Lei arrives at Liujiagang, she will be sent to Quanzhou to prepare for the voyage. It is far away from the capital, with poor information, and with the cooperation of the eunuch Zheng He, she will definitely be able to hide it from her. In the autumn, when the wind turns to the ocean, she will sail to the Western Ocean with the fleet and come back in two years. Everything will be settled, and she won't care if she knows the truth."
Of course Chen Xuan would meet the old leader's request, so he pretended not to know about Are's voyage to the West and asked Are to prepare to leave for Liujiagang the next day.
Hu Shanwei was relieved after hearing this. "The emperor and I will each take a step back. The emperor promised not to destroy Ji Gang, and I promised the emperor to go to the Forbidden City in Beijing to prepare for the relocation of the capital and train new palace servants. We will still follow the previous plan, the day of the relocation of the capital, and the day of retirement. Mu Chun, you and I are moving again."
Mu Chun hugged his wife, "We are there, that is our home. It would be good to go to Beijing to work for a few years, away from the palace disputes, to have a quiet life. Even if my wife retires, she must retire beautifully. It just so happens that A Lei should be back by then, the three of us will go back to our old house in Yunnan together and never get involved in this muddy water again."
The couple discussed moving and didn't go to bed until late at night.
At dawn, a spice caravan set out from Okura Port.
Zhu Zhanji handed the household registration and household registration documents to Zhu Zhanhe, "You can go without worry and live the life you want. I am the grandson of the emperor and will inherit the throne. It would be best if the King of Han stops from now on. I will not treat the Han Palace badly. If the King of Han still insists on rebelling and seizes the throne... I swear, I will find a way to save the King of Han's family - for you. The King of Han wanted to kill me, but you saved me more than once, so I will repay you for your kindness."
Zhu Zhanhe knew that if he didn't leave, Zhu Zhanji would have a harder time in the future. He put away the household registration documents and said, "I only ask my elder brother to spare my family's lives. I don't want any title, honor or wealth. As long as they are alive, I will be satisfied as a son."
"It's a deal."
The brothers high-fived each other as an oath.
A Lei gave Zhu Zhanhe the ring-handled knife that Mu Chun gave her, "This knife brought me luck. If it weren't for it—"
I didn't even know that the person I liked actually liked me too.
Arei changed the subject, "I would not have had this most unforgettable experience in my life. From now on, you will be reborn, and I hope that luck will favor you."
When the two men watched the caravan leave, it was already dawn.
"I-"
"you-"
The two of them faced each other and spoke at the same time. Zhu Zhanji smiled and said, "You speak first."
A Lei said, "I am going to Liujiagang today. Pingjiang Bo has prepared a carriage and guards. We will set off after breakfast. You are busy with military affairs, so you don't have to see me off."
Actually, I hope you can see me off. This is the last time we will see each other.
Zhu Zhanji nodded and said, "Okay." When he nodded, his head seemed to weigh a thousand pounds. Nodding went against his heart and became the most difficult body movement.
Are...
Forget it. I knew that hug would lead to nothing. When you chose to give the chance of faking your death to Zhu Zhanhe, I understood your choice.
Arei smiled awkwardly, "You and I are really alike. We both chose to avoid emotions in the end."
After saying that, Arei rode away on his horse, saying goodbye, never to see you again.
Zhu Zhanji went to the tent without looking back. Without even having breakfast, he went to the wounded camp to inspect the treatment of the young soldiers, forcing himself to forget the reality that A Lei was about to go on a long journey.
Eunuch Wang Zhen tried to persuade him to eat twice, but to no avail, so he had to take the food box and leave.
Wang Zhen thought about it, threw away the food box, and walked towards A Lei's house.
Unlike Zhu Zhanji, A Lei ate voraciously, relying on eating to distract from his sorrow. He ate all the breakfast on the table, feeling full. She brewed a pot of Pu'er tea to help digestion, "What can I do for you, Eunuch Wang?"
Wang Zhen closed the windows and doors tightly, moved closer, and whispered, "Miss Hu may not know about the recent disturbances in the capital. Concubine Hu..."
The author has something to say: Only children make choices, adults of course choose to take them all. So congratulations to reader Yuki for receiving a 100-point bonus!
№7 Netizen: yuki Comment: "Hu Shanwei" Score: 2 Published time: 2019-08-09 22:27:34 Reviewed chapter: 281
All of this is to thank the little angels who cast their votes for me or irrigated me with nutrient solution~
Thanks to the little angel who irrigated [nutrient solution]:
30 bottles of cat's claw hair; 5 bottles of small spoon and ling3810; 1 bottle of Xixi who is chasing books and Da Shaoye;
Thank you very much for your support, I will continue to work hard!