After a cool rain, the capital ushered in early autumn.
The world loves to praise the spring of the capital, because the city full of locust trees and peach blossoms are in full bloom, which complements the most prosperous city in the world, but Yan Sikong prefers autumn, because when the autumn wind blows through, everything will look decadent , so that he is always in awe of the vastness of the world and the cycle of life, and the more he can reflect on his own insignificance.
However, if he can foresee, he will know that he will not like this autumn.
On a chilly morning, a major event happened in the empire—the empress dowager passed away.
The news that the empress dowager is old and has been ill for a long time is not surprising, but it is a great blow to the officials who support the prince, because she is the only one who can prevent Emperor Zhaowu from abolishing the prince.
When Yan Sikong heard the news, he was in a calm state of mind. He had a quick glance at the Empress Dowager at the banquet on New Year's Eve, and he knew that she was running out of time, and it was beyond his expectation that she could live until now, even though he knew The death of the empress dowager meant something to Chen Kuang, but the battle for the reserve position was unavoidable.
Not only was he not surprised, he even secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Although this was very unfavorable to them, it was also good, that is, Princess Wanyang will be mourning for the Queen Mother for three years, and they will not get married for the time being.
Even though he knew that becoming a son-in-law would be more helpful to him, and even though he could not decide on the marriage, he always rejected marrying Wan Yang in his heart—because of Feng Ye.
The current situation is changing rapidly, three years later, maybe he will have his revenge, and on that day, if Feng Ye wants to go with him by himself, maybe... maybe he will agree.
In any case, at least he didn't have to worry about it for the time being.
Emperor Zhaowu was very filial and fraternal, and ordered the whole country to observe mourning. Officials of the Manchu Dynasty were forbidden to fast for one month. During the period of fast, dancing and music were not allowed in the whole city.
The atmosphere in the capital suddenly became gloomy. When walking through the streets and alleys, the usual buskers and storytellers disappeared.
Feng Ye was very happy, and said proudly: "As I expected, within three years, the royal family will not be allowed to marry, so you don't even want to be your consort."
Yan Sikong smiled lightly: "If you can avenge my father, it doesn't matter if you are a son-in-law or not."
"That dog is in his sixtieth year, maybe he won't live for three years."
"Not necessarily." Yan Sikong narrowed his eyes slightly, "I heard that his body is very strong. Besides, I will never let him die. I want him to pay for my father's life while he is alive."
Feng Ye wrapped his arms around his waist, and used his eyes to trace his clear facial lines: "If these three years can make you get what you want, are you willing to give up your fame for me?"
Yan Sikong was silent for a moment, then turned to look at Fengye: "If I give up fame and fame for you, are you willing to never marry for me?"
Feng Ye was startled, speechless for a while.
Yan Sikong touched Feng Ye's face: "I know you can't answer me now. You are the only son of King Jingyuan, and the succession of the Feng family depends on you alone. I can't answer you now, my fame and you, There may not be a conflict, if you really have to choose between the two, I will choose you."
Feng Ye looked at Yan Sikong, but still didn't speak.
Yan Sikong slowed down, and said again: "You are still too young, think about this issue later."
Just when Yan Sikong remained silent because of Feng Ye, he said, "I used to think that I wouldn't care if you marry a wife, as long as that woman isn't Xi'er, but I gradually realized that I don't want to see Until you are with anyone, man, woman, no one."
Yan Sikong looked at him quietly.
"But..." Feng Ye's eyes darkened, "You have such a background, how can I not let you stay as a descendant of the Yan family." He smiled wryly, "You are right, I don't know how to answer. I often think, you If the woman is so good, I will definitely let you marry into my Feng family, have children for me, and let me love you and spoil you forever."
Yan Sikong smiled slightly: "What's so important about marriage, I am connected with you, that is the most precious thing."
Feng Ye hugged him tightly: "That's right, we only have each other in our hearts."
"Now that the Empress Dowager is passing away, the battle for the reserve position will intensify. Maybe this is a good time to bring down the eunuchs." Yan Sikong stared into Feng Ye's eyes, "As long as I avenge my father, I will never Will marry Princess Wanyang."
Feng Ye's eyes lit up: "Really?"
"Really, I want to avenge my father's grievances. After that, I will promise to do whatever you want me to do. We will definitely come up with a better way."
Feng Ye said happily: "I will definitely do it. Whatever you want, I will make it come true for you."
Yan Sikong smiled and kissed his lips, sucking gently.
Forget it, God once took away everything from him, but gave him the wilderness again.
—
During the national funeral, Yan Sikong was very free. It should be said that he was freed from the busy official duties since the end of the Beijing inspection project. The day of the Empress Dowager's funeral was his busiest day in the past few months.
However, he was only busy walking and kneeling for a whole day, and the Ministry of Rites was busy with his head strapped to his belt. He had already spent hundreds of thousands of taels of silver in preparation for the Empress Dowager's funeral. Shangshu advised Emperor Zhaowu to save money, but he was reprimanded in court on the grounds of filial piety. After the reduction of the feudal clan, the treasury was abundant, and Emperor Zhaowu's nature was hard to change, and he began to squander again.
Many officials believed that this ominous ceremony was indeed too extravagant, but they did not remonstrate with them. The main reason is that after the Beijing inspection, both the eunuchs and the gentry were seriously injured and needed to recuperate, and it was difficult to talk about right and wrong for a long time.
However, the death of the Empress Dowager came like a gust of wind, which stirred up waves on the originally calm water. Everyone had a premonition that it would not be long before there would be storms.
On this day, Yan Sikong went to the East Palace to give lectures to Chen Kui, and Chen Kui followed the other princes to watch for the Empress Dowager for seven days. This was the first time the two met after the Empress Dowager passed away, and Chen Kui was still wearing filial piety.
"Your Highness has lost a lot of weight." Yan Sikong cupped his hands and said, "Be sure to mourn."
Chen Kui sighed: "Sir, please sit down." He waved his hand and pushed back the inner eunuch.
Yan Sikong sat down and carefully looked at Chen Kui's face. Xu Shi kept the spirit a few days ago, and he could only eat a small amount of fast food, and he was too sad, so his cheeks were slightly sunken, but he seemed to be a little more mature for some reason, which was the same as the ignorant and young boy when he first met Chen Kui. , already looked like two different people, he said: "The Empress Dowager has gone to the funeral, Your Highness needs to make up for it these days."
Chen Kui's eyes were dull, and he seemed lifeless, "My mother is gone, and now even the emperor's grandmother is gone."
"Many people are willing to go through fire and water for His Highness. Your Highness must not be discouraged and must cherish your body." Yan Sikong said seriously, "The road ahead will become more and more difficult, and there will be more and more enemies."
A trace of resentment flashed in Chen Kui's eyes, even though it was gone, Yan Sikong still caught him, he gritted his teeth and said: "After my mother died, I am not afraid of anything, no matter how many monsters and monsters there are in front of him, I will take them one by one." Beheaded, must avenge my mother."
"Your Highness is the chosen one, the Son of Heaven, and he will definitely be able to do what His Highness wants to do."
Chen Kui's eyes were firm, and he gave a heavy "hmm".
"I am here this time, in addition to giving lectures, I also want to remind Your Highness that now that the Empress Dowager has passed away, Your Highness must be more cautious in words and deeds in the palace, and..." Yan Sikong looked around, "There may be eunuchs in your East Palace." The party's eyeliner, you can't trust anyone, you have to use short knives to defend yourself, and you have to test for poison before eating and drinking. Without the Queen Mother, they will have nothing to fear."
"I know." Chen Kui narrowed his eyes, "I study and practice martial arts every day, and my kung fu has improved a lot. When I sleep at night, there are daggers under my pillow. They can bring outsiders into the harem and pretend to assassinate the second prince. Maybe they can also assassinate me. , how could I not?"
"It's good that His Highness understands. In this harem, His Highness still has two people who can rely on a little bit. One is Commander Zhu, and the other is Concubine Xian. If there is an urgent matter in the harem, you can ask these two people for help."
Chen Kui hesitated: "Due to the assassination case, Commander Zhu has already been demoted. Concubine Xian...I have very little contact with her."
"His Royal Highness, let Commander Zhu be demoted, but he is still on duty in the Imperial Guards. Taking advantage of the Queen Mother's death, Your Majesty will miss the old relationship. I will ask the teacher to ask Your Majesty to restore Commander Zhu to his post. Zhu's family is the Queen Mother's natal family. His power should not be underestimated, Commander Zhu is the best candidate for Commander Da Nei, and he will come back in a short time." Yan Sikong continued, "As for Concubine Xian, she is the younger sister of King Jingyuan. His Highness has the help of King Jingyuan, and the concubine Xian is one of his own, so don't forget to give gifts to her during the New Years and festivals on weekdays."
"I see."
"Your Highness will be an adult next year, and I will carefully select the daughter of the big family clan as the princess for His Highness with the teacher. We will take every step steadily, so we will not be afraid of his big wind and waves."
Chen Kui nodded, hesitated for a moment, and said a little coyly, "Do you know which daughter is suitable?"
Yan Sikong chuckled and joked, "It seems His Highness is in a hurry to marry the princess."
"I'm not in a hurry." Chen Yu retorted, "I just... I just don't know what it means to marry a wife. I grew up in the palace, and except for concubines and maids, I have never seen any women, even my sister-in-law Royal sister, there are very few contacts."
"Your Highness doesn't need to worry about this. No matter who is married to His Highness, it is an honor for Guangzong's family, and he will definitely do his best to help His Highness."
Chen Kui pursed his lips, glanced at Yan Sikong, and said in a low voice, "Could she be as good-looking as Mr.?"
Yan Sikong couldn't help laughing: "How can a lady with golden branches and jade leaves be compared to a sour scholar like me."
"No." Chen Wei shook his head, "I think Mr. is the most beautiful person I have ever met."
Yan Sikong blinked his eyes: "It seems that the servants of the East Palace are not doing their duty well, so they should be punished."
Chen Wei wondered, "Why did you say that?"
"Even His Highness's bronze mirror hasn't been wiped clean."
Chen Kui was taken aback for a moment, and then laughed loudly: "Talking with Mr. is the happiest thing. I look forward to Mr. coming to give me lectures every day in the palace."
"Being able to serve His Highness is also the happiest thing for me."
Chen Kui looked at Yan Sikong, his eyes sparkled slightly.