A few days later, the regent presented the book to the public. He seemed to have completely forgotten what he had said two days ago about the prince's unfilial piety to his stepmother. He praised Gong Xiangxiao's pure filial piety and courtesy, and finally said that it was a pity that such a good prince passed down the inheritance to his biological mother. He is weak and sick, and has been in bad condition for the past two days. Now he is lingering on the bed, hoping that Chunjia will give him two more powerful doctors.
Chunjia naturally agreed directly.
So the imperial doctor went to the Regent's Palace for two days in full view of the public, and Chunjia had to send a close servant to visit him. Two days later, Gong Xiangxiao's handwritten note came to the emperor, requesting that he be removed from the throne on the grounds of illness.
According to the tacit understanding, Chunjia refused, refused, and refused again. He agreed for the fourth time, and soon issued an imperial edict to change him to a marquis.
Gong Xiangxiao was still recovering from his injuries at this time, but after receiving this order, he had people pack his things and leave the palace without saying a word.
She actually would rather go to the other courtyard where Chunjia had placed the palace maid Shishang than stay in the palace for one more day.
The regent was indifferent after hearing the news. Concubine Lu Ji, who was also recovering from her injuries in the backyard, gritted her teeth with hatred and wondered if she should do something while her ignorant stepson was alone.
"Your Majesty, you must not do it." However, the maid who was accompanying the bride reminded, "Have you forgotten? This time, the prince originally planned to pass away directly... The Empress Dowager personally intervened in Shouning Hou's case, and His Majesty also favored Shouning Hou. That's why I delayed it all these days and gave him a marquis! If he has a bad relationship now, how can the two people in the palace just let it go? After all, your majesty will definitely make trouble for the palace, even the empress dowager, I'm afraid I won’t give up. After all, who told Hou Ning that he often went in and out of the palace when he was a child, and that the Empress Dowager watched him grow up?"
Concubine Lu Ji said bitterly: "That bitch is of Shenzong's flesh and blood, doesn't the Zhen'er I gave birth to?! If I had known better, I should have let Zhen'er often come to the Empress Dowager, then that bitch wouldn't be anything!"
Although she said this, Lu Jifei also knew in her heart that it was impossible for Gong Xiangzhen to replicate Gong Xiangxiao's status and affection in front of the Empress Dowager.
Xiaozong was still there when Gong Xiangxiao often went in and out of Qingci Palace. The relationship between the Empress Dowager and the Regent had Xiaozong as a buffer, so it was not too bad. Moreover, at that time, the Empress Dowager did not expect that her biological son would be extinct. Looking at Gong Xiangxiao, this cheap grandson, although she had regrets, she also had hope.
Later, when Xiaozong died, the Ji family refused to let the regent and his son take the throne. They preferred to choose an heir for Xiaozong from a distant branch. The empress dowager chose her natal family. The relationship between the two parties deteriorated. The regent had only such a son at that time, so she was afraid that he would With Dao'er... I just kept him with me so that he wouldn't see the Empress Dowager.
For the eldest son, the regent is even more cautious about the youngest son born from the stepmother. After so many years, the outside world does not know what the youngest son of the regent's house looks like.
How is it possible for Gong Xiangzhen to want to compete with the Empress Dowager for favor? Besides, the Empress Dowager may not be in the mood to let the concubine's child always hang around in front of her.
"Is this the end of the matter this time?!" Although she understood, Lu Jifei still felt aggrieved and said to herself somewhat unwillingly, "Although that bitch lost the title of heir apparent this time, he still had to be granted the title of Marquis. And now that I leave the Imperial Capital, I feel free and happy!"
The dowry advised: "Isn't it that what you are thinking about most is that our young prince can be the crown prince? Now that Shouning Hou has changed his title to marquis and given up the title of prince, isn't it good? Otherwise, Shouning Hou has always been in good health, and He is the eldest son of the first wife, whether he has a misfortune or has done something wrong, and therefore loses his position as the heir apparent, there are some speculations outside, what good will it do to our young prince?"
Is it honorable to push your brother out of the position
Even if you do this, it’s hard to admit it when you go out!
Now that Gong Xiangxiao takes the initiative to give in, isn't it better than shouldering the crime of killing him and harming him
Moreover, the dowry maid was still a little scared. Although it was no secret that Gong Xiangxiao was often held in the lap of the Empress Dowager and teased when he was a child, no one expected that when the Regent Palace revealed that he wanted to abandon his position as heir apparent, not only Chunjia pretended to come out to persuade, and the Empress Dowager would intervene forcefully.
He actually valued this cheap grandson more than his concubine.
If Gong Xiangxiao hadn't left on his own initiative this time, even if their master and servants had murdered Gong Xiangxiao, they would still have to face the wrath of the Empress Dowager!
Regardless of the seniority and identity of this master, because of the Ji family, now there is no taboo or care. What can't be done
The key point is that Lu Jifei’s master and servant, including Lu Chuncao, what can the Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager compromise on
"... That bitch is better off!" Concubine Lu Ji wanted to understand this, sighed, and said, "That's all, find some people to keep an eye on him, that bitch dared to attack me in front of the prince. Now he is on his own. Well, how could I know that I wouldn’t think of doing harm to us two? It’s better to be on guard.”
If we can find some fatal clues from this, not to mention what happened to General Xiangxiao, at least it would be good to touch his title.
Anyway, as long as this stepson is unlucky, Concubine Lu will be happy.
... This matter was causing a stir in both the government and the public, but the palace didn't have much time to take care of it. After all, Queen Mother Qu's birthday had already arrived.
When Queen Mother Qu first learned that she would be celebrated this year, she was firmly opposed to it. The reason she told Chunjia was that she was the concubine of King Duan of Fuyang, and it was a fluke to be crowned Queen Mother. The regent and others had previously opposed her and Yuan The Queen Mother was raised in the palace, and now such a violent celebration might have reminded some ministers to bring up the old talk. Wouldn't this cause trouble for Chunjia
She is a useless biological mother. She can't help Chunjia in any way. All she can do is try not to cause any trouble to her biological son.
Chunjia naturally comforted her again and again, promising that nothing would happen... But he didn't know that Queen Mother Qu turned around and burst into tears in front of Concubine Xian, who was ordered to come over to ask her for her birthday banquet requirements: "When the Ai family first entered the palace, I am one year younger than you when you entered the palace, only fourteen. From that time when I served the late king, to when I followed His Majesty and my mother-in-law to come to the imperial capital to be the Queen Mother, in the past few decades, I have never celebrated my birthday in a serious way! At most That is to say, people around me quietly eat a bowl of longevity noodles and say a few auspicious words to the Ai family, which is considered a birthday!"
Yun Fenghuang said softly: "Your Majesty has seen your grievances. Don't you see that this year, the Sixth Palace is thinking about how to congratulate you?"
"This is just what the Ai family paid for with their lives!" Queen Mother Qu was not grateful and said with a sneer, "You don't know if others don't know it? If His Majesty hadn't known what Yuan's cheap maid did and wanted to smooth things over, Can the Ai family have such an honor?"
The Queen Mother smiled sarcastically and said, "The Ai family came from a humble background, and you looked like a very wealthy young lady to the Ai family at that time... So after the Ai family was selected into the palace because of their appearance, they were extremely scared. ! I don’t dare to argue or do anything. I am just like a piece of wood. I will do whatever my masters say! I thought I could please my masters in this way, but I didn’t expect... "
She shook her head and sighed softly, "That's why Aijia felt much happier when she saw you. Aijia really wished that she could be like you, fight for and get whatever you want! Instead of making a wrong move Every step is wrong.”
Yun Fenghuang thought that there was nothing he could do about it. Queen Mother Qu was sold into the palace by her family. How could she teach her daughter from such a humble background? Of course, there are some people who can rise from the wilderness without any guidance, but it is obvious that Queen Mother Qu is not one of them.
If she were Queen Mother Qu, she would have taken advantage of the conflict between Queen Mother Yuan and Princess Fuyangzhuang to gain a foothold in the palace and seek the position of concubine.
In this way, it is a question whether the Queen Mother Yuan can raise Chunjia, let alone the Queen Mother Yuan who puts the adoptive mother above the biological mother.
... She lost consciousness and then smiled and said: "My queen, you said that you want to be like me, why don't I envy you? In any case, you are His Majesty's biological mother. Based on this, you said that in this world, throughout the ages, How many people can be as good as you? As for the Chunhui Palace, the loving mother Queen Mother has always been worried about it. Your place is pure and perfect, and it is the most suitable to take care of her. For eternity, who knows what will happen in the future? "
Of course, this is not to advise Queen Mother Qu to go to bed early and get up early, take good care of herself and survive Queen Mother Yuan, but to hint to her that Queen Mother Yuan has so many things to consider, and you only need to consider one thing: how to kill him and replace him.
That’s it.
Take your time, maybe you'll find an opportunity to send her down to see Princess Fuyangzhuang
The two exchanged tacit glances. Queen Mother Qu slowly wiped away her tears and asked with a smile: "Why didn't you bring your two nieces when I came here today? The Ai family also wanted to see the little girl named Xie Meng. , is it true that the longer I grow, the more I look like you?"
"They are so noisy. They are afraid of disturbing you." Yun Fenghuang was just talking about serious matters and asking for information. Why did he bring two children who didn't know what was going on? Her temperament is more out-of-the-box than my concubine. At first glance, she looks similar, but upon closer inspection, there is still a difference. I'll teach you how to treat my concubine tomorrow, and then I'll bring her to you for greetings."
Queen Mother Qu said: "Don't be too restrictive about your children. In fact, the Ai family still likes their children to be happy."
As if remembering something, he sighed, "Kunze was quite lively before, but he has become quiet these days."
She didn't mention Princess Kunze. Yun Fenghuang almost forgot that Chunjia had a biological sister. He was startled for a moment before smiling and said: "Maybe the princess has grown up, and girls will be quieter as they grow older." .”
After talking like this for a while, seeing that the Queen Mother had no other instructions, she left.
Returning to the Huanhua Hall, some palace affairs were handled, Xie Meng and Xie Kuo were given justice after a dispute, and Chun Jia came over.
Yun Fenghuang told him about the birthday banquet, which was originally slightly smaller than the previous Wanshou Festival. However, Queen Mother Qu insisted on not being too extravagant and only allowed a few tables to be set up in Jiashan Palace before heading to the harem. Congratulations, Jiaofangsi will just perform two dances.
As for the imperial concubine's appearance and the ministers' congratulations, they are not allowed.
She was resolute on this, and after discussing it with Yun Fenghuang, both parties agreed that being so high-profile at the moment was actually of no benefit. Instead, it made Chunjia feel that she had somewhat made up for her biological mother, so she might as well continue to feel aggrieved, which would at least make Chunjia think more about her. .
So Chunjia frowned slightly when he heard this, saying that he thought it was too simple and not lively enough. Yun Fenghuang said: "I told the Queen Mother the same thing, but the Queen Mother said that her Jiashan Palace will be safe all year round." It’s quiet, it’s so lively that I’m not used to it.”
Chunjia was silent for a while after hearing this, sighed, and then asked, "Does Empress Qu have anything else to say?"
"Nothing else, I just mentioned Princess Kunze." Yun Fenghuang thought about it after hearing this, and said, "I just said that the princess has grown up, and I don't know if the Queen Mother is thinking about the princess. marriage?"
Chunjia pondered for a moment and said, "Queen Qu's mother can make her own decision on Kunze's marriage, but she can't choose from a distinguished family."
After all, no one could say that the husband he found for his blood sister was nobler than the husband he found for his descendants.
Yun Fenghuang said: "It's better for you to tell the Queen Mother in person about this matter, so that the Queen Mother can be happier. When I went over today, I saw that she looked sleepy and not very interested."
"... I'll check it out in two days." Chunjia frowned slightly when he heard this. He didn't go to Jiashan Palace many times, and he just paid it back before. Ever since Queen Mother Qu almost died at the hands of Queen Mother Yuan, it was very embarrassing for him to go there. , after all, an adoptive mother and a biological mother, no matter how much hatred they had for each other, she did not treat him badly.
He is more partial to the Queen Mother Yuan. After all, he gets along more with the Queen Mother Yuan, but he does not have no friendship with his biological mother.
After all, he did not favor Empress Dowager Yuan to the point of letting her kill Empress Dowager Qu.
So now every time I go to see Queen Mother Qu, I feel a little embarrassed.
I subconsciously wanted to delay it.
Yun Fenghuang knew it well and said with a smile: "It's better to wait for two days, otherwise the Queen Mother will probably guess that it was me who revealed the secret to you, and you may not be so surprised. After two days, it will appear that you came up with it yourself."
Chunjia muttered, "Ah Huang is still considerate of me."
They talked and laughed for a while, and then they packed up and settled down when they heard it started to rain outside.
The next day, Queen Mother Qu's birthday arrived, and there was a rare uproar in the Jiashan Palace. A banquet was arranged early.
Originally, according to the rules, the Empress Dowager Riqu had to pay her respects to the Empress Dowager and then the Empress Dowager Yuan, but now aren't she and the Empress Dowager Yuan both too sick to get up from their beds? So I could only send the palace servants to run errands for me.
The attendants in front of her went to Qingci Palace and Chunhui Palace. The principal was not seen, but there was no shortage of congratulatory gifts.
Around noon, Gu Zhen led the concubines in costumes to greet An and congratulate him, and the whole palace became more and more lively.
This time Yun Fenghuang brought his two nieces and asked someone to hold the eldest prince and princess Zhaoqing.
Queen Mother Qu had a calm expression at first, but she didn't take it seriously when she saw the respectful flattery from Gu Zhen and others. However, she finally smiled a little when she saw these four children.
The eldest prince and Princess Zhaoqing were her biological grandchildren, and they should have been closer, but they were too young and were not as fun to tease as Xie Meng and Xie Kuo, so Queen Mother Qu hugged her two grandchildren and let them Yun Fenghuang sent people back to Huanhua Hall: "There will be a lot of trouble here in the Ai family today. The child is still young. Don't be disturbed later. It's not good."
Yun Fenghuang originally didn't want such a young heir to join in the fun, but there was no reason why his infant grandchildren would not be present at his own grandmother's birthday, so he asked his wet nurse to hold them and kowtow to the Queen Mother for her birthday, and also took the Queen Mother's reward on his behalf. Qingdu was left to watch the two children go back.
The other royal heirs also received similar treatment. In short, the banquet had not yet begun, and only the two children, Xie Meng and Xie Kuo, were in front of the Queen Mother.
After all, these imperial heirs were the biological heirs of Empress Dowager Qu, and they were sent back by her on her own initiative, so it was okay to pay them back. The point is, on such an occasion today, someone is still absent.
Well, it’s still Chunke’s wife, Yuan Kuiniang.
Not even the two concubines in her palace, Yuan Yunniang and Li Shi, showed up.
Gu Zhen struggled for a while, but finally told Queen Mother Qu that the head of Huzhu Palace had been ill recently, and the concubines who attended her every day were afraid that they would be sick, so they did not dare to come to Jiashan Palace.
Queen Mother Qu's expression did not change when she heard this and said that she knew.
This matter was already over, but after a while, the banquet was opened, and Chunjia, who hurriedly arrived, personally accompanied Queen Mother Qu to have a drink at the top. The newly arranged song and dance by the Jiaofang Division below was very beautiful, and the atmosphere was just right. , the people from Huzhu Palace are here.
They came to report that Mrs. Li had suddenly felt her fetus and seemed to be about to give birth. She wanted to invite Chunjia and the Queen to come and take charge.