After Xie Yu was convicted, the patrol battalion he directly managed was temporarily taken over by the battalion commander Ouyang Ji, but since Ouyang Ji was only a fourth-rank general, he was able to manage daily affairs. impossible. For this reason, the Prince Shangben proposed that the patrol battalion should be directly commanded by the Ministry of War, and suggested that this authority be taken back. Of course, King Yu strongly opposed this proposal. He believed that the Ministry of War was an official and government agency. How should he command it? Of course, specific candidates must be specified. However, the Minister of Military Affairs has a lot of affairs, and it is obviously difficult to take this position concurrently. Other officials of the Ministry of War are not qualified enough, and they are not much better than Ouyang Ji. Therefore, it is recommended to select a general of the third rank or above stationed abroad to return to Beijing to accept this post.
Of course, Emperor Liang did not pay as much attention to the patrol camp as he did to the Imperial Army, but after all, this was not a trivial matter. It was related to the safety of the central organs of the imperial city, the palaces of the princes, and the official residences of the ministers, as well as the balance between them. The Crown Prince and Prince Yu were at odds with each other, and it was difficult for him to make a decision for a while, and it was delayed until the end of July.
The weather in July is already very hot, especially in the afternoon, which is even more annoying. In order to escape the summer, Emperor Liang's daily affairs have been moved from Wuying Hall to Yixian Hall. There are green trees and flowing water on three sides. It is the coolest place in the entire palace. We are busy every day, but also sticky.
When Emperor Liang was young, he slept very well, and he could rest on his pillow, but when he entered old age, he turned it around completely. As long as there was a slight noise, he could wake up and cause a burst of rage. A few days ago, a young eunuch was pulled out on the spot and killed with a cane because he accidentally dropped a cup and disturbed Emperor Liang's nap. Therefore, as soon as lunch is over, everyone around the holy drive will immediately get nervous.
On this day, Prince Yu had another dispute with the court. Emperor Liang was unhappy when he returned to the palace, and the cicadas sounded outside while eating, and his eyebrows suddenly became angry. The little eunuchs were so frightened that they hurriedly beat cicadas around with sticky poles. After lunch, there were still occasional weak cicadas.
Gao Zhan, the director of the internal supervisor, saw Emperor Liang's face getting more and more gloomy, and his heart was panic. When he was not scratching, he suddenly remembered something and said quickly: "Your Majesty, today is the birthday of Concubine Jing, don't you want to go take a look?"
In previous years, Jing Concubine's birthday was spent quietly without life. Except for some items sent by the imperial court in the name of the emperor's reward, it was no different from ordinary days. No one ever thought of reminding the emperor. Of course, it was a reminder. The emperor will not make any statement. However, this year, she was newly promoted to a concubine, and her status has improved a bit. Although she is still unknown, her identity is different. Gao Zhan's words at this time are not abrupt.
"Concubine Jing's birthday?" Emperor Liang narrowed his eyes, "Have you sent all the rewards?"
"Go back to Your Majesty, I have sent it all over."
Emperor Liang thought for a while, then stood up, "She has been in the palace for so many years, I should also go and see. You prepare a hundred pieces of brocade, ten pearls, and ten pieces of jade, and come with me."
"Yes." Gao Zhan knew that Emperor Liang would be driving with him, and at least he wouldn't be taking a lunch break in the Yixian Hall. He breathed a sigh of relief and withdrew. , After a busy time, he re-entered the temple and served Emperor Liang to change his clothes.
After Jing Concubine Jin became concubine, she still lived in Zhiluo Courtyard, but the Courtyard was changed to a palace, and the configuration of the inner court lady and the costumes was added according to the system. She has always been an indifferent person, pure and content, her daily life is still the same as before, she has not seen any major changes, often still planting medicinal flowers and herbs, repairing gardens to pass the time, and renovating her Zhiluo Palace to be more elegant and fresh than other places. Wash vulgar.
When Emperor Liang set off, he specifically ordered not to report in advance. Arriving in front of Zhiluo Palace, I saw a long corridor of fragrant vines on the main road of the palace gate. The green leaves were red and it was really cute. His face changed a lot immediately, and he led Gao Zhan in quietly and strolled around. It was summer. remove.
"Look, Concubine Jing still cleans up the house. The atmosphere here is mild and refreshing. Although it is not as cool as the Yixian Hall, it makes people feel comfortable and relaxed..." Liang Di just boasted, but suddenly felt a little strange, "But will it be today? Is it too quiet? Isn't it Concubine Jing's birthday? Even if there is no He Keyingmen, at least there should be a bit of laughter, right?"
"Probably..." Gao Zhan tried his best to consider his words, "Concubine Jing is very quiet, and the banquet has not yet been opened. If the congratulatory guests came in the morning, by now, people are coming and going almost in the afternoon, so calm down."
"You will find the reason." Emperor Liang glanced at him, "Don't you know? Concubine Jing is not a popular person in the palace, I'm afraid there are not many who remember her birthday today. If it was Concubine Yue, Not to mention the afternoon, the night is also endless."
"Emperor Shengming." Gao Zhan squeezed out a smirk, "That's because the Yue Niangniang likes to be lively, so everyone joins in the fun."
Emperor Liang lifted his foot and kicked him, "You can't offend anyone. In this palace, it's good to like the lively, but Concubine Jing doesn't like the lively, it's fine."
"What the emperor said is." Gao Zhan's waist was bent even lower, "I've already come here. It's time for the servants to go in and notify Lady Jing to pick me up?"
"Shut up. Just walk with me." Emperor Liang stretched out his right arm, and Gao Zhan led him across the vine corridor. All the maids and eunuchs who were standing or coming and going along the way all knelt down and bowed at Gao Zhan's signal. , did not dare to make a sound.
After entering the door of the main hall, a ten-fold embroidery screen was surrounded by the face. After the beautiful embroidery of the tulle, there was a faint figure shaking, and it was obvious that Concubine Jing was behind the screen.
Emperor Liang was about to scare her out loud, but another voice suddenly came from behind the screen. When he heard it, it was Xiao Jingyan.
Emperor Liang was a little surprised at the beginning, and then he thought about it, if Jingyan didn't come today, it would be an accident. The reason why he didn't expect him to be here is because he usually took too little care of the two mothers and sons, so he couldn't help but ignore them. Guilt.
"Mother's craftsmanship is really getting better and better. This lily brew is very uncomfortable to eat in summer. When my son is leading troops abroad, if the food and grass are not good, he will naturally suffer with the soldiers. Think about the medicated meals that your mother makes to satisfy your cravings." King Jing said with a smile, "If it weren't for the fear of mother's hard work, I would really like to be able to eat it every day."
Concubine Jing's voice was gentle and loving, and it sounded like she was bringing vegetables to her son, "I'm not afraid of hard work, but you can't come in at will, because it's impossible. Eat more when you come. I made golden dumplings. And mung bean green cake, take it back to eat when you leave."
"My son, thank you."
"Come on, try this Poria Chicken..."
"Um."
Listening to the homely gossip inside, Emperor Liang suddenly felt a little uncomfortable and coughed deliberately. The mother and son in the enclosure were suddenly startled. King Jing stepped out to check. When he saw Emperor Liang, his expression changed and he immediately turned over and bowed down. Concubine Jing took a few steps forward, put on her skirt and bowed down, saying, "I don't know. Your Majesty is here, please forgive me if I miss you."
"Get up." Emperor Liang gently supported her on the arm, and then ordered King Jing: "You should also be flat."
Emperor Liang didn't send anyone to report first, and came in quietly. Originally, he wanted to see Concubine Jing's surprise, but now people are surprised, but when Gao Zhan arranged to bring the gift in, he didn't see how happy she was Serene look, soft thank you. Emperor Liang turned to look at her son again, and his performance was similar. He didn't see how overjoyed he was at his mother's favor.
Getting used to being flattered and seeing Emperor Liang who was constantly fighting over a little favor for him, the uncomfortable feeling in his heart aggravated a bit.
"When did Jingyan come here?" Leaning on the soft couch, Emperor Liang asked.
"Go back to the father, the son will arrive in the afternoon."
"Your mother's birthday, why didn't you come to greet me early in the morning?"
Concubine Jing hurriedly said: "It was the concubine who ordered him to come back in the afternoon. In the morning, I have to meet the Empress to accompany him, and I have to kneel for the Empress Dowager. I won't have time to see him when he comes."
"Hmm..." Emperor Liang nodded. Although his expression was light, his tone was still calm. Looking at King Jing's words, it was also a compliment. I said that I want to reward you, but there are too many things to delay. Now I happen to be in front of your mother-in-law, tell me what you want? "
King Jing was a little surprised, and he didn't know what to say for a while. But when asked in person, I couldn't help but answer, I thought about it quickly, and said: "Back to the father, the son and the minister are responsible for the errands, and I don't dare to reward them. My son dared to ask for a favor, asking the emperor to pardon a sinner who was serving in forced labor in Lingnan."
"Sinner?" Emperor Liang was also a little surprised. He couldn't help being suspicious, frowning and said, "What sinner? What kind of madman who is famous and respected, but prefers to talk nonsense and talk about the government? You are always loyal, how can you not? Learn this method to gain fame and attract people's hearts? Who taught you?"
He was suddenly reprimanded, but King Jing did not panic, so he knelt down and pleaded guilty, and continued: "This criminal is just a commoner, nameless and hopeless, because he forgot to avoid the taboos of the holy ancestors in the article of his son's scientific examination, and he committed great disrespect. sin, so I was implicated in exile…”
Emperor Liang's expression darkened slightly, "A nameless and hopeless commoner, how could you labor and plead for him?"
"Your Majesty, please forgive me," Concubine Jing stepped forward and said, "This person is still in the middle of the country, and my concubine studied medicine from him for many years. I heard that he was exiled to Lingnan a month ago. Old age and old age, still suffering from hard labor and miasma, but because of being disrespectful and implicated, this amnesty is not among them. Jingyan sighed with emotion, but he didn't expect him to keep it in his heart... If Your Majesty wants to take offense, it's really the sin of your concubine."
"So that's what happened," Emperor Liang smiled, "You are soft-hearted. Actually, this is nothing. Jingyan, a prince, asks the people in the mansion to come up with an idea, and there is no way to save him back, where is the use? Ask me for forgiveness? Change it to another reward."
King Jing frowned slightly, feeling a little unhappy in his heart, he endured it, and kowtowed again: "My son thinks that only the sage has the right to forgive the sin of great disrespect. Even if the son is a prince, there is no other way to think. In order to relieve my mother's worries, this is the only request, I hope Your Majesty's permission."
Emperor Liang looked at him deeply, but he could sense the unspoken meaning in his words, his heart moved slightly, and he sighed: "You are still this stubborn temper. But you can not abuse your authority and keep yourself clean, I am very relieved. You. I have done what I asked for, and I will issue a favor today."
"Thank you, son."
Emperor Liang raised his hand to wake him up and stood beside him. I usually didn't pay much attention to it, but when I looked seriously today, I suddenly found that this son was tall and handsome.
"Jingyan, you are very skilled in leading troops. I want to leave the patrol camp under your control, how about it?"
As soon as this statement came out, Xiao Jingyan was extremely surprised for the second time today, so long after Emperor Liang spoke, he did not reply.
Emperor Liang waited patiently at first. He thought that King Jing's silence was considering how to express his gratitude. After all, this child leads troops outside all year round and has little favor. Naturally, he is not as responsive as King Yu. It is a set of sweet words to open his mouth. .
But after waiting, Emperor Liang gradually felt that something was wrong.
King Jing's expression became less and less like he was thinking about how to thank him, but whether he should accept this appointment.
Emperor Liang was immediately displeased.
The crown prince and Prince Yu were fighting in the court hall with a blushing face and a thick neck. It's not that Prince Jing didn't see it. The favor that no one else won in the fight is now given to him. Not to mention the tears of gratitude, he should be excited, no matter what. It's not right to be so hesitant.
"Jingyan, are you afraid of hard work?" Emperor Liang asked coldly.
"My son doesn't dare," King Jing hurriedly fell to his knees. "My father's kindness, my son is very grateful. It's just..."
"Just what?"
King Jing hesitated for a while, then calmed down, and said solemnly, "Nothing... My son is willing to take this position, and he must perform his duties in the future, and live up to his father's entrustment."
Although he didn't say anything, just this hesitant look, Emperor Liang already understood most of it. Although King Jing's indifferent reaction to the favor of the Holy Grace slightly touched his Nilin, on the other hand, the son's apparent reluctance to be involved in the current courtroom strife still reassures him.
"You don't have to worry too much," Emperor Liang stretched out his hand and patted King Jing's shoulder. "You are a dignified son, and you have a lot of military exploits. What is it to control a small patrol battalion? With the support of your father and the emperor, who dares to have it? In other words, if you have any grievances in the future, even if you tell the royal father about it, you will naturally call the shots."
In fact, the reason why King Jing hesitated just now was not as indifferent as Emperor Liang thought. Since he has set the throne as the goal, it is good to have more real power. The reason for hesitation is because his own strength is still weak, and he does not want to appear too favored suddenly, so as not to be jealous of the crown prince Yu Wang prematurely. However, Emperor Liang was expressing grace in person at the moment, and he was not allowed time to go back and discuss with Su Zhe, so he could only grit his teeth and accept it first.
During the whole process, Concubine Jing stood by and said nothing, as if it had nothing to do with her. It wasn't until the father and son were almost done talking that she came over with a cup of snow toad soup and said softly, "Your Majesty hasn't had a nap today, right? How about just a little bit of soup and just sleep at the concubine's place for a while?"
Emperor Liang took the porcelain cup and took a sip of the fine product with a small spoon. It was less fragrant and more mellow than the usual snow clam soup, with a light sweetness and a thin layer of aroma on the tip of the tongue. I ate it without realizing it. After half a cup, he rinsed his mouth, and was helped by Concubine Jing to lie down, with a pillow on his head, and a clear fragrance surrounded his mouth and nose.
"What kind of pillow is this?"
"Go back to Your Majesty, this is a cotton pillow made by my concubine by drying honeysuckle as the core, adding plum, sweet-scented osmanthus stamens, various medicinal materials, and wrapping it with dry lotus leaves. If Your Majesty likes it, the concubine will sew a new one for Your Majesty. ."
"Okay, okay." Emperor Liang just felt relieved, closed his eyes slightly, and opened it again, "I rest here, Jingyan will have to retire, you mother and son rarely get together for a feast, don't you let me disturb you? already?"
"Serving Your Majesty is the first duty of a courtier and concubine," Concubine Jing smiled peacefully, "Your Majesty's words make Jingyan panic."
Emperor Liang laughed twice, and said to King Jing, who had retreated to the door: "Jingyan, I have disturbed you today, and of course I have to make amends. From now on, you can enter Zhiluo Palace at will to greet your concubine. No further request is required.”
His favors today were one after another, more generous than ever, but only this last one got the response he had hoped for. Concubine Jing covered her mouth and smiled, tears flickering in her eyes. Prince Jing was even more delighted. He lifted up his clothes and bowed, and kowtowed heavily: "My son... Thank you, Father Huanglong!"
The emperor's preference has always been the most sensitive weather vane in the palace. Although they were just here to take a nap and appreciate some utensils, everyone realized that the Zhiluo Palace was beginning to be favored by the sage. After Emperor Liang drove away, the late arrivals gradually filled the door, and they did not stop until the end of the night. When she went to the Central Palace to greet her in the evening, even the Queen asked about the details of her escort, and by the way stabbed Concubine Yue. However, Concubine Yuegui was well versed in the way of the palace, and she did not show any jealousy. Instead, she smiled coquettishly, praised Concubine Jing, and quietly pushed the queen back. The two long-time enemies in Chaoyang Palace had tongues like knives, sharp teeth like swords, and murderous auras in the chat and laughter. Instead, Concubine Jing, who was the origin of the matter, was calm and silent, and she was silent and willing to serve as the background, with a look of flattery and humiliation. , makes people sigh secretly.
The tide in the palace has not spread to the famous Su mansion so quickly for the time being. Therefore, when Meng Zhi came in to visit quietly, he only saw Mei Changsu leisurely reading a book under the lamp.
"You have adjusted your body and mood recently, so I can rest assured." The commander of the Imperial Guard said with a relaxed smile, "What book are you reading? Are you adding comments?"
"The Story of Xiangdi, the human geography records here are detailed and interesting, and you can't get it without a field trip," Mei Changsu replied with a smile, and put down the small pen in his hand, "I have also been to some places, an essay. Comment two sentences with emotion, but it's boring."
Meng Zhi leaned over and took a closer look. Seeing that Mei Changsu was in a good mood, he finally asked a question that he had wanted to ask for a long time. "Your handwriting is very different from before. Did you make it on purpose?"
"It's intentional, but it's helpless." Mei Changsu closed the book and put it on the desk, "I'm flimsy now, and I've already changed the style of my writing, so it will be much easier to change the font and writing. If I were to write the same two words as before, I would not be able to write."
Meng Zhi regretted asking such a sad question, and quickly changed the subject: "I heard that you won't let Mu Qing go back to Yunnan, right?"
"That's right," Mei Changsu poured a cup of tea for the guests and pushed them over, "Mu Qing stayed in Beijing because of the Empress Dowager Tai's reason, but now that her old man passed away soon, Mu Qing was in a hurry to show up and leave. On the one hand, it will appear cool and thin, on the other hand, it will make His Majesty even more suspicious. He is not in any danger now, it is better to stay at ease for a year, take a look, and experience more, there is no harm. "
"That's true," Meng Zhi nodded and said, "Although Mu Qing is not a member of the clan, but the empress dowager has always cared about the younger generation, the royal family does not need to say, even if it is a married princess and a child with a foreign surname, which one is private? Don't you call her grandma or grandma? It's right to keep a year of filial piety for her in Beijing."
Mei Changsu stared blankly at Denghua and said in a low voice, "She loves children, and they all know it in their hearts, so even Mu Qing's quick temper immediately listened to my suggestion to stop listing and agreed to stay in Beijing to keep filial piety. If Huang could come, I'm afraid he would have come already..."
Meng Zhi only felt that he was talking too much and was wrong today, as if he was specifically here to spoil Mei Changsu's idle mood, he hurriedly grabbed the teacup and drank it, and then changed the subject: "Xia Dong has been quiet recently, and it seems that there is no movement at all. But when I think of her usual temper, I feel even more heartbroken. Do you think Xia Jiang has noticed it?"
"On Xuanjing Division, I just want to wait and see how things change. As I have always said, Xia Dong is not a vegetarian. She now knows the truth. No matter how much she admired her master in the past, she has become wary now. The ability to protect is still there, so it's not my turn to worry. Whether Xia Jiang noticed it or didn't notice it, let them fight first. I want to see this process and Xia Chunqiu's attitude. " Mei Changsu's tone of voice when he said these words seemed to be a bit more ruthless than before the national mourning, and there was a biting chill in his eyes, "Brother Nie's widow, you won't disappoint me..."
"Xiaoshu," Meng Zhi stared at him, and was about to say something when Li Gang suddenly barged in from the outside and said anxiously, "Sect Master, King Yu is coming in soon, and he rushed in as soon as he got off the sedan chair. There is no way to stop…”
Mei Changsu frowned, knowing that Meng Zhi would be bumped right now if he went out, he immediately got up, opened the door of the secret passage, and shoved the "Xiang Di Ji" on the table to Meng Zhi while pushing him. Going in, he said quickly: "The grievance commander is reading a book inside, and we will talk after King Yu is gone."
Meng Zhi stepped forward according to his words, just after the secret door was closed, the footsteps of King Yu had already sounded in front of the door, Mei Changsu turned to meet him, and at the same time signaled Li Gang and Zhen Ping who was following King Yu to step down.
"Mr. Su, do you know that the return of the patrol battalion has been decided?" After King Yu came in, he had no opening remarks, and the first sentence went straight to the point, gritted his teeth and looked gloomy.
"Oh?" Mei Changsu raised his eyebrows, "Looking at His Highness, is it possible that I was wrong?"
"You're right, the royal father did not let the Ministry of War take over," Prince Yu was annoyed, "He gave the power of temperance to Prince Jing."
Mei Changsu was really surprised this time, "King Jing? When did it happen?"
"It was this afternoon. There was no warning in advance, and His Majesty didn't ask anyone what he meant, so it was decided suddenly."
"I don't know what His Highness is angry about?" Mei Changsu said lightly, "Isn't King Guijing very good at restraint? At least he is fair, His Highness doesn't have to worry that he will favor the Crown Prince."
"If King Jing is just King Jing, of course I'd be happy to see it happen, but..." King Yu has a special sensitivity towards enemies, and this feeling is especially strong at this moment, "Mr. Su doesn't think King Jing has been taking things too fast recently. Is that right? Since the land invasion case, the favor of the royal father to him has increased day by day, and even the reputation of the important officials has become better and better. They all have a very good impression of him, although there is no sign of forming a party, but the current King Jing is by no means the same King Jing when he came back last year."
Mei Changsu seemed to think about it seriously, and said, "It's a little suspicious. But if Prince Jing has ambitions, it's always difficult to have no one to support him. Your Highness, do you confirm that he has never formed a party?"
"According to Prajna's information, this is the case. But Prajna recently... Some of them are disappointing, and some things are later realized, and some of them are wrong. She suspects that there is a traitor, otherwise, so many eyeliners will not be cut off one after another. , not even a single mistake.”
Mei Changsu tapped on the table with his knuckles, and said slowly, "I have never asked much about Miss Qin. But it should be a very secret thing to come to her eyeliner list. ?"
King Yu's eyes sank and he didn't speak. He knew very well that only himself, herself, the chief teacher of the palace, Mr. Kang, and the most trusted scholar Zhu Hua knew about the list of eyeliners that Qin Banruo had placed in each government. None of these people should be suspect. Needless to say, he and Qin Banruo, Mr. Kang has been in the manor for more than 20 years, and Zhu Hua is his own right-hand helper in the court, and also the elder brother of the princess... The princess's...
Mei Changsu glanced at him with the end of his eyes, as if he didn't see his overcast expression at that time, but still said safely, "Your Highness rushed in, did you really just control a patrol camp for King Jing?"
"Of course it's more than that. The father has also given an decree that King Jing can enter the palace to save his mother at will in the future, without having to ask for another decree. This is a privilege that only princes have. I'm afraid that he, the county king, will be promoted by a large level in a few days. , side by side with me. Thinking about my father's neglect of Jing Concubine for many years, and unexpectedly thinking of concubine for no reason, these things can't be a coincidence at all, my father clearly intends to support King Jing, just like He was..." When King Yu said this, he suddenly became ecstatic and swallowed the second half of his words.
Is it the same as when he supported you back then? Mei Changsu lowered his eyes and hid the sneer in his eyes, but he acted as if he didn't hear clearly, and took the scissors to cut the wick, still calm.
"Mr. Su," King Yu was a little annoyed by his inattentive attitude, and couldn't help but intensify his tone, "I'm not joking, sir, it's as if I didn't take this king seriously. It's like taking the situation to heart!"
Mei Changsu slowly put down the silver scissors, turned to look at King Yu, his eyes were as cold as water, and it was enough to extinguish all the sparks emerging from the prince's body, and his voice was as steady as a waveless ancient well.
"His Royal Highness, since you have already seen that it was intentional by His Majesty, why are you so anxious?"