Although Xiao Jingyan had established a mansion, had his own personal soldiers, and had a high prestige in the army, but after all, he was a concubine prince who only had the title of the king of the county, and he did not enjoy many privileges like the king of honor. Special days such as solar terms, birthdays, mothers' birthdays, and sacrificial days. After Xiao Jingning begged him that day, he couldn't see the shadow of this seventh brother for several days in a row. He couldn't help but feel anxious. In spite of the palace rules and regulations, he sent the palace maid to go out of the palace with a letter written by himself to go to Jingwang's mansion to find him. Guan Zhen, but before he even walked out of Ding'anmen, he was found and stopped by the embargoed army. After Meng Zhi heard the news, he only confiscated the letters and put the palace maid back in the inner garden. After that, he strictly ordered his subordinates not to reveal the matter to the outside world, and quietly covered it up. That night, he made an unannounced visit to Prince Jing's mansion, showed Xiao Jingyan a letter, and persuaded him to let Guan Zhen leave the capital early.
King Jing knew that since the murder of the internal prisoner, Meng Zhi's control over the Imperial Army was not as monolithic as before. It would be great if this matter could be completely hidden from the past, but as long as there were any clues that were known to Emperor Liang or the Queen, Guan Zhen would do nothing. His life could not be guaranteed, so he had to be sent to the border to hide himself. Sure enough, after only two or three days, Emperor Liang heard the news that the princess had sent the palace maid to the outside world.
Meng Zhi was already prepared, and when Emperor Liang finished his anger, Fang bowed and slowly replied: "Your Majesty sees the blame, the minister should die if he is guilty. But since ancient times, the honor of the palace is the most important thing. Although the minister has been favored by Your Majesty, The commander of the Imperial Army is only a foreign minister after all. The palace maid is the princess' personal attendant, and the letters are sealed. First, the minister has no right to interrogate the people in the inner palace, and secondly, he cannot open the letters and spy on secrets. I don't know the truth, how dare I report this kind of thing to Your Majesty? Therefore, the minister can only drive back the palace maid, silence his subordinates, and burn the letters. Only in this way can this matter be turned into nothing and not hurt the princess' virtue. This minister has poor knowledge, and if there is anything wrong with this move, please punish Your Majesty."
Emperor Liang listened to his argument and thought about it, it was quite reasonable. This kind of private affairs of the palace and boudoir is naturally eliminated, and it can be avoided if it can be avoided. If it is found out, it is just a shame for oneself. Thinking of this, the anger gradually disappeared, and Mengzhi calmed down, after a few words of comfort, he recalled the inner envoy who had just been sent to the Princess Palace to interrogate Daitian, and only issued a secret order to the Queen, ordering her to be more strict. Guan Jingning hurriedly covered up the matter.
Meng Zhi and King Jing had always had a good relationship in the past. This time, he deliberately returned to protect, and did not let anyone realize that the princess's sweetheart was taken in by King Jing, and he clearly showed great goodwill. King Jing had been secretly advised by Mei Changsu to make friends with Meng Zhi, and this time he received this favor, and the number of contacts gradually increased. Although it was not frequent enough to attract people's attention, the level of trust was far deeper than before. several times.
At the same time, Meng Zhi's side also acted very actively and proactively according to Mei Changsu's arrangement. One day, taking advantage of the opportunity to participate in the horse-and-shooting competition held by Prince Jing's mansion, he started a topic on the pretext that he wanted to see the double-stringed sword he had seized from Prince Beidi. Found the hidden tunnel entrance.
In this way, Meng Zhi logically became the first courtier who knew about the relationship between Mei Changsu and King Jing's vassals, and took the opportunity to show King Jing that he would support him in taking the heir under the condition of not violating the emperor's order.
At this time, it is already April when the grass is growing and the warbler is flying and the fragrance is dying.
The embassy of the Great Chu begging for marriage has come to the outside of the capital of Jinling with considerable gifts. Since Emperor Chu has sent his nephew, Wang Yuwenxuan, to be the official envoy this time, Emperor Liang pays respects according to the corresponding royal family specifications. King Yu went to the city gate to meet them and arranged for them to live in the Baocheng Palace, the outer palace of the royal family.
Judging from the solemnity of the Chu side and the courtesy attitude of the Daliang side, it seems that this marriage has become a matter of seven or eight points, and the meeting is only about negotiating the details.
The marriage between the two countries is a big event. Although there is no clear decree to allow the marriage, the court has already been busy first. On the fifth day after Daliang was entrusting Yu Wenxuan to the palace, the inner court issued two decrees. seat. This seems to indicate that the candidates for marriage have been initially determined.
Xiao Jingning, who had cried, fought and went on a hunger strike, finally gave in. As Princess Daliang, she actually knew from the very beginning that she could not break free of the shackles and responsibilities, and her disobedience to her father was just unwilling to give up the happiness she wanted to choose, and the result was naturally the ruthless she had expected. . The queen sent the most trusted maids to watch over the princess day and night, and the concubines and concubines of the palaces also took turns to persuade her in every possible way. In this harem dominated by the will of all the superiors, Jing Ning could not get any public support. Because to most of the people who watched from the sidelines, what she experienced was nothing but the same fate as the princesses of all dynasties. Although she was not more fortunate because she was favored, she could not say that she was more unfortunate.
King Jing would visit this younger sister every time he entered the palace. Seeing her slowly accepting the reality, he felt a little relieved. Xiao Jingning begged him to help protect Guan Zhen in the future, and he agreed without thinking.
Recently, the crown prince has been accused of neglecting political affairs, and King Yu has been very active in the court. To say that all the ministers are now willing to give allegiance to him, of course it is far from it, but with his current status as red and purple, as long as it is not too outrageous, the ministers will not refute his remarks. And for some unknown reason, in the past month, even the prince's faction has been very obedient, and he is no longer keen to oppose the prince. In addition, the prince who is famous and famous is not a mediocre person, and the mansion is also full of talents. There are very few cases that are outrageously wrong, so gradually it gives people a feeling that the ministers are agreeing. No one knew what Emperor Liang was thinking. At least on the surface, he loved King Chongyu more and more. When encountering difficult matters, he would first discuss with him and listen to his opinions. Rumors spread all over for a while, and everyone rumored that His Royal Highness Yu Wang would soon become His Highness the Crown Prince.
This kind of rumor inevitably reached Emperor Liang. He asked Meng Zhi, who was accompanying him, but Meng Zhi said that he had never heard of such rumors. Although Emperor Liang admired his attitude of completely staying out of the way, Still feeling a little gloomy. When he got up to drive back to the harem, because he was bored, he abandoned the chariot and walked around with only a few personal attendants.
"Your Majesty, are you going tonight..." Gao Zhan, the head of the six palaces, asked carefully so that he could inform and prepare as soon as possible.
Emperor Liang condensed his steps. The queen has always been serious and unpleasant. Concubine Yue has often been mourning over the prince's affairs recently, and he doesn't want to see it. Young beauties are charming and charming, but tonight he doesn't seem to have this interest. So in the end, he just sank his face and ignored Gao Zhan.
Of course, Eunuch Gao, who had already become fine by observing words and expressions, did not dare to ask any more questions, and bowed to follow behind the emperor.
Eight palace lanterns are steadily leading the way. Candles have been lit in all the palaces, and it is bright and bright. But Emperor Liang wanted to walk towards the darkest place, as if he was deliberately looking for a kind of coldness and quietness.
As I was walking, a scent of medicinal herbs suddenly wafted into my nostrils. I raised my head in a daze, and saw a small palace in front of me, as if it were outside the splendid and luxurious palace. Instead of planting a splendid flower tree, it opened up a courtyard. A small medicine garden, Ning and elegant.
"This is where?"
Gao Zhan hurriedly said, "Go back to your majesty, this is the residence of the concubine Jing."
"Concubine Jing..." Emperor Liang narrowed his eyes, as if recalling. ... Yes, Jing Concubine, Jingyan's mother... It's quite common. On New Year's Day and other occasions, when the harem pays congratulations, she always stands at the back with a low eyebrow and pleasing eyes, never taking the initiative to speak, just like when she first entered the palace time general.
"Gao Zhan, it has been almost thirty years since Concubine Jing entered the palace."
There was some cold sweat on Gao Zhan's back, and he didn't dare to answer any more, he just replied "yes" in a low voice.
"After Le Yao gave birth to Jing Yu, she always fell ill. It took many years for her to get better. Lin's house was worried, so she sent a medical girl into the palace for personal conditioning... I remember that Le Yao treated her like a sister..."
Concubine Chen Lin Leyao, the eldest son of the old emperor Xiao Jingyu, these are taboo topics that cannot be recalled casually with the emperor on a whim. Gao Zhan only felt that most of his underwear was soaked, and he tried hard not to let his breathing become too fast and his waist to bend. lower.
Emperor Liang glanced at him coldly, "You don't have to be so scared... Go and pass the decree and let Concubine Jing pick you up."
"Yes."
Not long after, the Zhiluo Courtyard, where the scent of medicine lingered, added lamps and candles.
Emperor Liang didn't take a close look at her, but left the word "flat body" and strode into the room. Concubine Jing hurriedly got up and followed, came to serve him and took off his coat, looked at his face secretly, and asked softly, "Your Majesty looks tired, would you like to soak in the medicinal soup to relieve fatigue?"
Emperor Liang thought that she was born as a medical woman and was naturally good at medicine. In addition, he really felt that the headache was weak, so he nodded in approval. The concubine Jing ordered someone to bring a tub of fragrant soup, and personally prepared the medicinal materials. After a while, he was ready to stop and wait for Emperor Liang to take a bath. He also ordered medicated oil to fumigate, and massaged the acupuncture points on his head to relieve pain. Although Jing Concubine is old and her face is not stunning, but the doctor is calm and well maintained, no hair is seen on the temples, and her hands are even more smooth and firm, and the massage and pressing are very comfortable.
Emperor Liang has not been so quiet and relaxed for a long time.
"Your Majesty, taking a bath makes your mouth dry, why don't you drink medicinal tea?" Concubine Jing asked in a low voice, handing the fine porcelain bowl to his mouth. Without opening his eyes, Emperor Liang took a few sips from her hand. It was sweet and fragrant, without the smell of medicine. Suddenly, some distant and vague images were aroused.
"Concubine Jing... Over the years, I have neglected you..." Shaking her hand, Emperor Liang raised his head and sighed.
After hearing this, Concubine Jing did not take the opportunity to express her grievances, nor did she humbly say some nice words, but just smiled lightly, as if she was not bothered at all, and still carefully rubbed Emperor Liang's sore neck and shoulder blades.
"After so many years, I'm getting old too..." Emperor Liang was aware of her indifferent temperament, and didn't take it seriously. "I can't give you any compensation, but Jingyan is filial, and you will still be blessed."
"Your Majesty said that when Jingyan is here, the concubine will be satisfied. This child is filial and affectionate. As long as he is in the capital, he will always come to greet him. The concubines are always happy to see him."
Emperor Liang glanced at her, and he could see that the soft and clear eyes were full of maternal love, and he couldn't help but soften, "Jingyan is a good boy who values friendship, why don't I know? ... Some talents were restrained, and I didn't give him too many opportunities. But don't worry, I still have to take care of him, the battlefield is dangerous, and I will try not to send him out in the future... "
"If the court needs it, you should go or you have to go," Jing Concubine said indifferently, "I don't know what is going on outside the palace, but as a prince, it is also my duty to protect the country. Although this child doesn't like to be publicized, he is in his heart. Pretending to be your majesty, to be a big beam. If your majesty keeps him idle in Beijing and enjoys happiness in order to love him, he will feel even more aggrieved."
Emperor Liang couldn't help laughing, "That's true. Jingyan is sincere, and he won't fight with me no matter how wronged he is. Although the ruler and the minister are ahead of the father and son, he is a bit too raw. His temperament is somewhat like you. ."
"Nine sons born to the dragon are different from each other. Naturally, His Majesty's princes do not all have the same temperament."
Emperor Liang's brows twitched, and he thought of the battle between the prince and Prince Yu, and his heart was a little gloomy.
For the emperors of all dynasties, it would not be fun if there was a prince who was well-respected and had both political integrity and talent. Therefore, although he established the prince, he always loved the king and weakened the power of the East Palace. So that it will not hinder the stability of the emperor's throne. However, Prince Jingxuan has a long sequence teeth, and his biological mother is a favorite concubine. It was not until nearly half a year, when many scandals broke out, that Emperor Liang was really angry. With the intention of abolishing the establishment, he put the crown prince in the Guijia Palace, and he was not allowed to participate in political affairs any more. Originally, King Yu was a strong contender for the East Palace, so it would be logical for him to replace the crown prince, but...
"Concubine Jing, what do you think of King Yu?" There were already factions in the harem, and no one could negotiate. Unexpectedly, it was this low-ranking concubine who had been in the world for 30 years, so he could ask questions without any doubts.
"My concubine thinks that Prince Yu has an extraordinary appearance, a luxurious bearing, and a very imposing prince."
"I didn't ask him what he looked like..."
"I beg your Majesty's forgiveness. Apart from being polite and polite, the concubine knows very little about King Yu. I only occasionally hear the harem talking about him, saying that he is a virtuous king."
"Hmph," Emperor Liang sneered, "Women of the harem, do you know what is virtuous or not? These words have not come from outside! Now that the court is discussing matters, the ministers are looking at him as the leader, but he is really virtuous!"
"This is also because of His Majesty's love." Concubine Jing said casually, "Isn't this the case when the Crown Prince was in court?"
She seemed to say a word unintentionally, but it made Emperor Liang's heart skip a beat.
The Crown Prince is respected by the East Palace, and he is under the decree to assist the government. There is no such a smooth situation in the court. King Yu is only a prince now, and he has such a shocking force. Once he is appointed as the heir, I am afraid...
"Your Majesty, the water is already warm, please get up." As if not paying attention to Emperor Liang's contemplation, Concubine Jing helped him up and ordered the maid to bring a silk scarf to wipe off the water droplets for him, and put on a soft coat. He helped him to sleep peacefully on the bed, knelt down on one side, and pinched his feet with moderate strength.
"You're tired too," Emperor Liang sat up half-length, and tightly held Jing Concubine's busy hand, "... go to sleep."
Concubine Jing turned her face to the side serenely, the light concealed many traces of the years and dyed her complexion extra soft. After showing an unusually gentle smile, she replied softly, "Yes, Your Majesty..."