Jingniang was also present at the Jinxiang Hall, where the government was being discussed. After the discussion was over, an eunuch came to see Jingniang, saying that the Queen had summoned her. Jingniang was taken to the Zide Hall, where she saw Fu Jinzhan sitting.
Fu Jinzhan sat on the upper seat, looking at Jingniang with a smile on her face. There were only a few attendants around her, and no other concubines.
Jinzhan's posture was dignified and calm, as if everything was under control. Jingniang bowed first according to the rules.
Jinzhan said: I heard that the emperor took the two princes to Jinxiang Palace today. What's the matter
Jingniang was a little confused after hearing this. The eunuch Cao Tai was also watching in the Council Hall today. Jingniang knew that Cao Tai was Jinzhan's man, so she asked him if it was convenient. Why did he insist on calling her in
Jinzhan's gaze remained on Jingniang's face, taking in every subtle expression of Jingniang.
As soon as she returned to the palace, she asked about everything that had happened since she left the palace. One of the things was the quarrel between Jingniang and Li Yueji. At that time, Fu Ermei was unable to calm down the quarrel, and it was the emperor who made the decision in the end.
Jinzhan wanted to test Jingniang's attitude in front of her.
In fact, the person who gave her the most headache in the harem was Jingniang. Judging from what happened last time, this person seemed to be a little arrogant. If Jingniang disobeyed her in public in the future, it would be her fault. Should Jinzhan punish her or not
Jinzhan knew Jingniang's background very well. Now that Jinzhan was the queen, it would be easy for her to deal with Jingniang, but with Guo Shaojie's personality, she would definitely not want to see Jingniang being plotted against.
Therefore, Fu Jinzhan paid special attention to this person. There are two better ways to deal with the situation. One is to win him over and make them live in harmony with each other, and the other is to send him to a place where it is not easy to have conflicts with Jinzhan, so that they can keep out of each other's way.
Today, she was summoned to meet, and there were no concubines around Jinzhan, so as to avoid embarrassment in public before she could figure out Jingniang.
Jinzhan's eyes swept over Jingniang's tall and full chest. Thinking of how she was always close to Guo Shao in public and private occasions and how he relied on her as his confidant, Jinzhan felt unhappy. But she was not someone who didn't know how to give in.
At this moment, Jingniang said: In reply to the Queen, the Emperor has found teachers for the two princes.
Hearing this tone, Jinzhan secretly relaxed a little, and then continued to ask slowly: Who are they
Jingniang said: The Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue Zuo You taught elementary school, and the military general Dong Zunhui taught Zhou Tong martial arts.
Jinzhan smiled and said: When the emperor was still in the Fu family, Zhou Tong also taught him, and now he teaches his prince.
She specifically mentioned the emperor's past in the Fu family to remind Jingniang to recognize the comparison of strength. Jingniang should actually understand the relationship between Jinzhan and the emperor. Jingniang was also involved in sending the secret letter.
Jingniang bowed and said: "Your Excellency's archery skills are as good as a god. He can shoot an arrow through the target from a hundred paces away. I believe Zhou Tong taught you well."
Fu Jinzhan was even more satisfied when she saw her speaking and bowing, and said in a casual tone: "There is one more thing. Madam Huarui has an old favor with you."
Jingniang said: The Queen is very observant.
Jinzhan pondered for a moment and said calmly: Duke Qin is just a captive. If Jingniang can't take care of her, Madam Huarui will not be at peace in Duke Qin's mansion. Today, Wuyue has surrendered, and Duke Qin's salary is wasted. Go out of the palace and get a cup of poisoned wine, let him die, and then say that he died of a sudden illness.
After hearing this, Jingniang immediately raised her head and looked at Jinzhan with a look of surprise on her face.
Jinzhan said: "Madam Huarui has already served in the palace. How can a woman who has been favored by the emperor go back to serve another man?"
Jingniang said in a deep voice: Duke Qin was once the ruler of Shu. We should ask the emperor about this matter.
Jinzhan shook her head and said, "Tell him after we've done it. The government didn't kill Meng Chang before, there must be a reason for not killing him, or maybe it's out of kindness. It's best if someone else does this for him, and you can just say that I made the decision."
Jingniang hesitated for a moment and said: "As you wish."
Guo Shao only heard the next day that Meng Chang had died suddenly of illness.
After he understood the situation, he felt a little relieved. Guo Shao was kind to Meng Chang for the sake of his reputation. When he conquered Shu Kingdom, he mobilized a large army and fought hard. Guo Shao felt no guilt for letting Meng Chang die.
Guo Shao suddenly felt a little grateful to Jin Zhanxin. No one could blame him for this because he was not aware of it.
He asked again what happened to Lady Huarui, and the eunuch said that she was taken into the palace by Jingniang.
Guo Shao wanted to see Lady Huarui, but he gave up the idea because he remembered the eunuch's report that Jingniang had done this with Jinzhan's imperial decree, which was a bit strange. Guo Shao wanted to see what was going on between them.
After he got off duty, he ignored Madam Huarui and went to Lu Lan first, but it was to see Xiao Chuo.
This time Wang Zhong came along, and Bai and Lu were also there. Occasionally, Guo Shao would think that the strength of the Liao Kingdom could not be reversed by one person, and he wanted to trade Xiao Chuo, especially when he wanted to deal with the Xiazhou Dangxiang.
But he couldn't let it go. He had a kind of obsession in his heart. His prediction of the future of history had a great impact on his decision-making. After all, Empress Xiao would be very powerful in the future. This obsession, and Guo Shao's belief that the Xiazhou Dangxiang would establish the Western Xia, although it seemed that this region was still submissive now.
Guo Shao glanced at Lu Lan, who had a look of joy on her face, and said calmly: Madam Lu, when you are free, you can go to the Queen's West Hall in Zide Palace more often. The Queen likes you very much.
Madam Lu responded with some doubt.
Guo Shao looked at the ten-year-old Xiao Chuo again. She was wearing a small hat and her head was probably shaved. She also looked at him curiously.
Guo Shao asked casually: Are you used to living in the palace
Xiao Chuo had no hostility and answered in Chinese with an awkward accent: It's fine, Aunt Bai treats me well, and His Majesty the Emperor doesn't bully me.
Guo Shao smiled and nodded. Seeing that she was strong, he said: When you were in Liao, did you know how to ride horses and hunt? It might be boring here.
Xiao Chuo said: Yes, but I also like to read and write like Haner.
The girl's voice was still childish, but Guo Shao thought about it and felt that she was quite extraordinary. Since he caught her, Xiao Chuo had never disobeyed him, and her words were somewhat flattering. Thinking carefully, it was indeed the only way for her to be safe.
Guo Shao said again: Xiao Siwen and I have fought a war. In my heart, what kind of person is your father
Xiao Chuo tilted her head slightly and rolled her eyes: "My father can ride a horse and shoot arrows, and can also read and write. He is very kind to Han'er and said that the Central Plains Dynasty is the most remarkable country besides the Liao Dynasty."
After hearing this, Guo Shao looked up to Xiao Chuo even more. Could it be that people of this era matured precociously and were already sensible at the age of ten? What will happen to them in the future
He smiled calmly and said: Your father knows how to respect his opponents, so he is a wise man.
Xiao Chuo added: "My father also said that the Emperor is kind and righteous and does not hate you. If His Majesty returns me to my father, he will definitely thank His Majesty and give him many cattle, sheep and treasures."
Guo Shao smiled and pointed at Xiao Chuo's head and said: Madam Bai let Madam Xiao keep her hair. I don't like the shaved hair style. Although Madam Xiao is a Khitan, she should just follow the local customs.
Bai knelt down and said: "As you wish."
Xiao Chuo said innocently: Why
Wang Zhong next to him couldn't help but say: His Majesty doesn't like shaving your hair, so he asked you to dress up beautifully so that you can sleep with him.
Ah Xiao Chuo almost cried, you won't let me go back
Wang Zhong said: "Mrs. Xiao is a noblewoman of the Khitans. We had a hard time capturing you. If the ransom is too high, the Liao Kingdom will not be willing to let you go, after all, you are just a young woman. But if it is too low, the officials are rich and will look down on you."
Guo Shao glanced at Wang Zhong and smiled at Xiao Chuo: "Put your heart at ease and stay in Tokyo. Your concubine Bai was also taken away by your father. It is not fair for us to exchange gifts."
Li Yueji has been feeling very uncomfortable recently. The eunuchs and maids in her palace are not serious about their work and just do it perfunctorily. They can't even wash her clothes cleanly.
One day, she passed by the wall and heard someone talking behind her, so she stopped her followers and stood there listening.
A voice said: We are so unlucky, how come we are in the palace of Concubine Xian
Another eunuch's voice said: I was happy at first, thinking that although Concubine Xian was a Dangxiang, she was one of the three ladies and at least had a title.
Alas, I don't know how long this position of virtuous concubine will last.
Once the war starts, she will be abolished. How can a rebel's wife be the third wife
We really have to go to war
I heard from the eunuch in the Ministry of Internal Affairs that the outer court was talking about this every day. It was said that the Dangxiang had colluded with the Liao Kingdom, the enemy of Daxu, and threatened the court.
Li Yueji was surprised after hearing this. She was skeptical at first, but then she thought about the sudden change in her treatment during this period, and immediately believed it. She turned her head and looked at the followers around her, and none of them said anything.
She was feeling very nervous and was about to leave.
Then I heard the gossiping eunuch say: The Dangxiang were unreliable. The imperial court wanted to attack Youzhou because they were afraid that the Dangxiang would collude with the Liao people, so they formed a marriage alliance to stabilize the northwest. This time the Liao was defeated, and the Dangxiang were sure to be unable to escape, and there would be another battle.
If Li Yiyin is caught, he must be killed. Have you heard about Meng Chang's sudden death
Li Yueji was very angry when she heard the two servants talking about her father, but she changed her mind and thought that scolding them would only make a fuss, so she returned to her bedroom in a depressed mood.
Li Yueji sat down on the chair in a daze and asked the palace lady who often served her closely: Are the two eunuchs who were gossiping just now true
The palace woman knelt down and said: "My Lady, how can I, a mere woman, know about state affairs?"
Li Yueji said: The eunuch also speaks very logically.
The palace woman said: Eunuchs are different, they are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The eunuchs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs often go in and out of the outer court, and hear a lot of things inside and outside the court. Women like me have not stepped out of Xuanyou Gate for almost ten years.
She hesitated for a moment, and whispered again: Your Majesty and I have a master-servant relationship. If what the eunuchs said is true, and Your Majesty is not favored, I am afraid that Your Majesty will really go to Wanfu Palace in the future.
Li Yueji said: Wanfu Palace