Pingyang Fu of the Red Chamber

Chapter 853: The Unpredictable World
The Princess's residence,

It is beautiful and large, but not crowded.
As soon as he walked out of the house, he was sobered up by the wind. The scene in the house just now lingered in his mind for a long time. Looking back, he felt something was wrong. The same drink, why did the three people react differently?
Now is a critical moment. There are too many spies. If we are not careful, we can't hide it from the palace. He also said that His Highness should have planned today's incident in advance, but looking at Wei Shuyun's appearance, it's not the case. Who drugged her? The dosage is not enough.
Tomorrow night, the Emperor and the Empress will go to watch a poetry competition, so I need to make some arrangements.
As he was thinking, he led his men to the backyard corner door. When he reached the door, he muttered to himself that he had forgotten to remind the princess about this matter. But if he went back and saw something he shouldn't have seen, it would be knowingly committing a crime. That's all. He would remind her again when the time comes.
Just opened the door,
Before I got into the car, I saw a beautiful figure walking out from the corner.

"My Lord, if you are really here, my master, please come over to the banquet."

Seeing a familiar woman approaching from afar, your master is Princess Yongcheng, isn't she? You have just escaped from the tiger's mouth, but you are about to enter the wolf's den.

"So it's Miss Zou. I wonder what banquet your Highness is inviting me to?"

There was still a faint orchid fragrance on her body. Not only was she very hungry at the banquet, but she also drank some wine that was not clear. I didn't see it clearly just now, but I could smell it through her clothes. It was really good.
The Miss Zou in front of me has a thin waist and a graceful figure. She is indeed quite good-looking. She is about the same level as the maid Liu Yue.

"You are joking, my Lord. I am here to wait for you, of course, to invite you to a banquet. As for what banquet, didn't you just have one?"

Zou Xiao was a little confused. Luo Yunhou smelled of alcohol and had a ruddy face. He was obviously drunk. He was afraid that he would not be able to get through the meal. What should he do?
So he just leaned over and whispered;

"My Lord, have you eaten the banquet hosted by the Princess and are no longer interested in the wine prepared by His Highness? By the way, the silver His Highness gave is not less than what we have here. Is that right or not?"

"Yes, that's right. Whose wine is not good? Let's go. It's not far."

Zhang Jinyu is not a petty person. Now that things have come to this, if one person can drink the wine, then two people can also drink the wine. They cannot favor one over the other. After all, everything should be kept fair.

"My Lord, let's go this way. It's not too far."

Zou Xiao's face lit up with joy and he pointed to the path by the lake. Following the path, Princess Yongcheng's residence was in front of them. It didn't seem far away. Zhang Jinyu waved his hand and led his men to look for it.

In the main house of the Princess's residence,

Zhou Xiangxue, who should have closed her eyes, suddenly opened them after Luo Yunhou left. Her face turned pale and red. She looked back and saw that Liu Yue was in a state of disgrace. Her heart softened again, but she had not achieved her goal and almost ruined her innocence.
"Liu Yue, I asked you to master the dosage of the medicine. How did you arrange it? Isn't it said that this medicine is for men and has no effect on women? It will take effect immediately when it meets alcohol. How could such a big mistake happen today?"

Seeing His Highness questioning her, Wei Shuyun's face turned pale, and she realized that everything that had just happened was done by His Highness. He gave Marquis Luo Yun an aphrodisiac, and the women who slept with him could only be her and Liu Yue. She didn't know why the master did this.

"My Lord, I asked for a secret medicine. The imperial physician said it was effective for men, but not for women. Once it came into contact with alcohol, it would take effect. I was afraid that Marquis Luo Yun was young and energetic, and that he was a martial artist, so I put a little more in. Who knew..."

As Liu Yue spoke, she pulled her clothes closer to her body, feeling extremely ashamed.

"Who knew that when Marquis Luo Yun poured the wine, he changed it to a wine pot with medicine and poured a cup of wine for each of us. I was afraid of arousing suspicion, so I drank it with His Highness. Who knew it would be like this."

In her heart, she resented the imperial physician even more for boasting about the miraculous nature of the secret medicine. Looking at the scattered robes on her master's body, she knew that if Shuyun had not intervened, a disaster would have occurred.

"A good thing went wrong,"

Zhou Xiangxue was rarely angry, and endured the discomfort under her body, but had no place to vent her anger. She wanted to leave Luo Yunhou to Liu Yue to serve her, so as to win him over first. But there was news from the palace that Luo Yunhou was temporarily in charge of the troops of the Beijing Camp, which meant that Wang Ziteng was afraid of danger.
I want to go further with Marquis Luo Yun, but I have to prevent the palace from noticing. Although I am willing, who can guarantee that the palace does not know? After all, Marquis Luo Yun is now in control of the military power. If I have any relationship with him, the consequences will be that my brother will definitely not allow me to stay in the capital. I can only retreat and let Liu Yue take my place temporarily. However, how could there be a problem with the medicine?
I almost ruined the whole thing. No, those musicians just now,
"Shuyun, where are those musicians in the outer room?"

Hearing her master's question, Wei Shuyun had recovered her strength and immediately stood up and rushed outside. She saw that there was no one around and the windows of the pavilion connected to the east window on the second floor attic were wide open. It was obvious that he had escaped from there.

Go back quickly, he said in a deep voice;

"Master, the musician outside the house has not been seen. He must have escaped from the backyard under the pavilion under the east window of the second floor."

"Go and bring some people to quickly capture these people, lock them up in the dungeon, and ask who ordered them to do so."

"Yes, Master, I will go right away."

Wei Shuyun dodged and came behind a pillar. She opened a painting behind her and found a secret box behind it. She opened the box, took out a crossbow and a long sword, hung them on her body and ran out. A gust of wind blew and she disappeared.
At this moment, the beautiful face of the eldest princess Zhou Xiangxue unexpectedly looked a little cold. She quickly recalled in her heart who had done this secretly and was able to ambush the princess's mansion. Who could it be that had been arranging for so many years?

"Liu Yue, prepare some hot water. I need to take a bath. Also, ask Madam Shi to close all the doors of the Princess's Mansion and get rid of the rats in the mansion."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Zhou Xiangxue wanted to go out and gather the guards, so she couldn't move around. She couldn't bear to see the people around her suffer, so she gave in.
Suddenly he smiled,
Luo Yunhou was really pretending to be Liu Xiahui. He didn't move at all despite the situation. The two of them hugged each other so tightly. One can only say that those who want to achieve great things must endure what ordinary people cannot endure.
Just wanted to get up,

outside the house,

Wei Shuyun ran back like a gust of wind. I thought I had caught someone, but I heard Wei Shuyun's anxious look.
"Your Highness, Marquis Luo Yun was kidnapped by Princess Yongcheng's personal historian Zou Xiao just as he was leaving through the back door. A spy reported that several guests had come to Princess Yongcheng's residence, but we don't know who they were. The guards reported that the remaining musicians had changed their clothes and left the residence."

"Haha, it's a perfect arrangement, but this method is not my sister's character."

Zhou Xiangxue sneered, but she became suspicious again. These methods were not like Yongcheng's character. However, the time was arranged so well. The person who could set up this method must have spies in Yongcheng's mansion.

"This matter should be done secretly. In addition, have Mrs. Shi personally deliver the letter I wrote to the Prime Minister's residence, to the hands of Mr. Li. I am back now. I don't know if the Prime Minister's promise is still useful."

Thinking of the poetry reading tomorrow night, he frowned.

"Master, Yanchun Tower has arranged for people to start cleaning up. Everything needed has been arranged long ago. In addition, the heads of the six major academies have all agreed to come here to take charge. I will make arrangements for the eldest son, but Princess Yongcheng's mansion said that they want to go with Your Highness to watch, and the expenses will be shared equally."

Liu Yue lowered her head and reported that the people from Princess Yongcheng's mansion insisted on coming over to discuss the matter, but Liu Yue had not agreed and had been refusing until now.

This poetry gathering was carefully prepared by His Highness to tell all the governorates in the capital that the princess has returned.
Zhou Xiangxue patted her hands and smiled.

"Since she wants to come, then let her come. I can't stop her. I'll charge her half the fee. If someone else pays, I'll reserve a seat for her under the main seat on the east side of this palace. I want to see what tricks she can come up with."

I don't know if it's because of the troubles I've been in these few times, but my heart, which should have been calm, has also been a little turbulent. Thinking of the prince consort she left in the fiefdom, she pursed her lips and smiled. Although He Yisheng is not brave, he has great literary talent. He wrote a lot of love poems in the past. Now it seems that he must put them to good use, so he continued;

"Also, I heard that the Prince Consort of Princess Yongcheng did not come with us this time."

"Yes, Your Highness, Prince Consort He did not come with us. Our spies reported that Princess Yongcheng was very tired of Prince Consort He, so she left him behind."

Liu Yue regained her strength, stood up, straightened her clothes, sat up and replied seriously, the shy and dissolute look just now disappeared.

"Well, in that case, you know that Prince Consort He left behind a lot of poems. Send someone to make arrangements so that they can be used when the time comes."

"I obey your orders!"

"Marquis Luo Yun is here!"

In front of the Princess Yongcheng's mansion,
Perhaps it was because of the master's instructions, but when Zhang Jinyu and his men woke up from their sleep and stepped into the courtyard, the guard leader Shi Tai at the door suddenly opened his mouth and saluted.
Zhang Jinyu was frightened and suddenly became alert. He had a voice so loud, but it was rare to see such a loud voice. Looking at the man in front of him, who was dressed in cloth armor, looked strong and powerful, had a decent appearance, and a resolute face, he began to admire his talent.

He asked, "Who is this warrior?"

"My Lord, I am Shi Tai, the commander of the guards of the Princess's residence. I am here to see you, Lord."

Shi Tai clasped his hands together and bowed, his words full of admiration. Throughout the entire court, only Marquis Luo Yun could beat the Jurchens outside the Great Wall and make them retreat. Today, he finally met the real person.

Mrs. Shi?

Zhang Jinyu, who had already started walking, heard that the man's surname was Shi, turned around and looked at the burly man beside him. What did he just say, the surname, Shi? In the whole capital, it seems that there is only the Baoling Marquis Mansion, and who else, the Zhongjing Marquis Mansion? Anyway, there are two marquis mansions with the surname Shi. It is said that the head of the Zhongjing Marquis Mansion also married the second daughter of the Nanwang Mansion.

"Your name is Shi Tai, but are you from the Shi family?"

"My Lord, I am a concubine of the Zhongjing Marquis. I am illiterate and only have brute strength. I work as a laborer at the docks. Fortunately, I was favored by His Highness and appointed as the commander of the guards in the Princess's mansion."

After Mrs. Shi finished her brief introduction, she stood there motionless, her words full of gratitude. Seeing this, Zhang Jinyu nodded secretly. He was indeed a loyal person. If they wanted to poach him, they might not be able to do so.
"That's fine. We should make the best use of everything. We can't let heroes do hard labor."

It was a compliment, but he also had a slight prejudice against Princess Yongcheng buried deep in his heart. Since she could fight on equal terms with the eldest princess, how could it be easy?

He patted Shi Tai's arm, thinking he was strong and muscular, a good candidate for a general. What a pity! He walked into the inner court again. At this time, Zhang Jinyu was sober, and the smell of alcohol he had just felt was gone. He didn't know what kind of wine the prince had taken, but he was so drunk. He didn't realize that there was something wrong with the wine.

When they reached the main hall, the personal soldiers following behind them also pushed the door open and entered.

Entering the main hall,

Seeing that the banquet had already started in the empty house, Princess Yongcheng was wearing formal attire, which was different from her usual self. She looked like a different person, a little dignified, with her hair piled high, and her snow-white skin was stunning.

It was as if the two princesses had turned their heads around and exchanged their clothes. The eldest princess was always serious, but today she was dressed like a top prostitute in a brothel. Princess Yongcheng was always casual, she dressed like an oiran, but she even behaved like a virtuous wife. The flowers were so beautiful that it was hard to see clearly.

"Your Highness, Zhang Jinyu greets you."

He put his hands in front of him and bowed, but out of the corner of his eye he looked at the three people around him. One was short and fat, and the other two were of normal build, but they didn't look very young. It was unclear which family they came from.
"Lord Luo Yun, please stand up and take a seat."

Princess Yongcheng smiled as she looked at Marquis Luo Yun's drunken face. This was at her sister's place. What kind of wine did he drink to make him so drunk? She called Zou Xiao and arranged a seat for him.

But Zhang Jinyu couldn't drink the wine when he saw it. Sitting in the front was just looking for trouble. He waved his hand and sat down at a table in front of him.
"Your Highness is too polite. I just drank too much and am still drunk. I am just sitting here."

After saying that, he sat down, picked up the teapot, and poured himself a bowl of water to quench his thirst.

The other three people in the room looked a little embarrassed. Marquis Luo Yun was sitting below, so how could the three of them dare to sit at the upper seat? Not only would it be said that they did not know etiquette, but Marquis Luo Yun was a man who held grudges, especially Xie Cheng, the guerrilla general of the Beijing camp. He had long experienced the power of the marquis. His own Shangguan Yang Shixiong was so arrogant, but he was beaten up. How could he dare to sit there and drink?
The wine cup in his hand, perhaps out of control, fell to the ground with a "bang", spilling the wine all over the floor. At this time, the other two were still considering how to respond, when Xie Cheng's short and fat body moved.
I don't know whether I ran or rolled over, but in an instant I was in the center of the hall, kneeling on the ground.

"I am Xie Cheng, the guerrilla general of the front troops of the Beijing camp, and I am here to see the commander-in-chief."

With this shout, it was as if all the alcohol in his body was vomited out. It was no exaggeration to say that he was terrified. Knowing that Marquis Luo Yun was extremely strict in his military discipline, he still rushed forward to block him. He really didn't check the date. He was going to a banquet at three o'clock in the afternoon, a beheading banquet.

Zhang Jinyu hadn't finished her tea yet as she stared at the man. Why was the guerrilla general of the Beijing camp here? He had such a good figure and looked festive, but he shouldn't be here.

"Are you the general of the Beijing camp?"

"Yes, my Lord, I will temporarily lead a part of the front army."

I replied tremblingly, sweat already appeared on my forehead, and I didn't dare to wipe it with my sleeves, so I could only reply carefully,

"Since you are the commander of the Beijing Camp, I remember that a few days ago, I issued a strict order that all units must be trained and on standby, and replenish military equipment and food. You actually still have the mind to come here to drink. Who is your superior?"

Zhang Jinyu opened his tiger eyes and stared at him coldly. Military affairs must not be sloppy. If there is any negligence, the whole situation will be ruined.

Xie Cheng was trembling all over when he was looked at, and he kowtowed to the ground.

"My Lord, I have requested leave today. The vanguard commander, Yang Shixiong, is my superior."

Xie Cheng couldn't bear to see him begging. General Yang and Marquis Luo Yun were not getting along, and the news spread all over the Anhu camp. He happened to be a subordinate of this person. If he had known this would happen, he would not have come here.
"It's him,"

Zhang Jinyu found it a little funny. If there is one, there will be another. It is true. When he came out, he either ran into the real person or his subordinates. They didn't know any rules. They deserved to be killed as a warning to the monkeys.
Without asking any more questions, he waved his hand.

"Come here, take him away and give him thirty lashes as a warning."

"Yes, Lord Marquis."

The personal soldiers behind him immediately stepped forward and tried to drag Xie Cheng out.

Xie Cheng's legs felt weak at this moment, and he wailed;

"My Lord, I know I was wrong. I know I was wrong. My Lord, please spare my life."

The cries were very sad.
Xie Cheng knew that others might not really beat him, but Luo Yunhou would beat him to death. He would not be able to stand after thirty lashes.
Seeing that the person was about to be dragged out, the two people who came with him turned pale, but they had to speak up. Qiu Liang stood up and clasped his fists and said;
"My Lord, I have a reason for coming here today. General Xie has not neglected the etiquette. Isn't it too harsh for Marquis Luo Yun to arrange this?"

Qiu Liang is the grandson of Jingtian Hou Qiu Zheng, and now he is the deputy general of Sizhou. He thought he had some face, but Zhang Jinyu sneered. He didn't know where this random person came from. Qiu Liang looked familiar. Thinking carefully, he realized that he was the ungrateful wolf in the Red Mansion, jumping in front of him.
"Who do you think you are? I am in charge of the army, how can you interrupt me? Do you want to take charge of the affairs of the Beijing Army?"

Qiu Liang held back his words of contempt until his face turned red, he lowered his head and said;

"The general will not dare,"

"It's good that you don't dare. Get out of the way."

How shameless, he scolded,
Qiu Liang, however, endured the shame and bowed to Princess Yongcheng who was sitting on the main seat.
"Your Highness, I am too embarrassed to stay here. Goodbye."

He walked out with his face covered.

When they got outside the hall, the marquis's personal guards had already taken out the whip, and Xie Cheng was tied to a wooden pillar, begging for mercy.

It looked like a fight was about to start. I quickened my pace unconsciously and left the place where trouble was.

"Brother Qiu, please say something nice and plead for my brother."

Unexpectedly, after this shout, Qiu Liang moved even faster!
(End of this chapter)