King Xiang of the Red Chamber

Chapter 380 Brother Six will always support you

Baochai looked through the gap in the curtain, and there was indeed a magnificent mansion here, with guards on duty.

Prince Rui's Mansion and Prince Xiang's Mansion were not far apart. They were passing by on the way out from the palace. Chen Zhi also pointed out to Baochai on a whim.

Seeing him looking at it carefully, Chen Zhi said with a smile: "When you move in here from now on, you can see whatever you want!"

"The empress is joking. The little girl is stupid and humble. How dare she have such delusions? She is lucky enough to be chosen as the concubine!"

Although Baochai really wanted to be chosen as the princess, in fact, Baochai also knew very well that it would be great to be chosen as the concubine.

"You girl, have you forgotten what I just told you?"

Putting down the curtain, Chen Zhi repeated: "I have entrusted the prince to arrange everything for you at the Ministry of Rites. You will definitely pass the primary and secondary elections. Are you afraid of the final election?"

This is really not a lie. Zhu Jingyuan actually gave instructions to the Ministry of Rites. The officials responsible for this matter will definitely treat Baochai with high regard.

Because only by ensuring that Baochai reaches the last step can Zhu Jinghong have the opportunity to choose Baochai, and then he will do something that will be frowned upon by the world.

Offend the emperor and become the laughing stock of the world...the key lies in this step!

"Thank you madam!"

The sedan continued to move forward and stopped again after about ten minutes. At this moment, they were carried into Prince Rui's palace.

After getting off the sedan, a maid came to greet him and informed Zhu Jingyuan that he had returned home.

"You mean... the thirteenth brother is here too?" Chen Zhi pretended to be surprised.

But in fact, what happened today was because she and Zhu Jingyuan deliberately matched up to give Zhu Jinghong and Baochai confidence.

Looking at Baochai aside, Chen Zhi said with a smile: "You guys haven't seen each other for a while, so just follow me to the front hall!"

Strictly speaking, women running for election should not meet Zhu Jinghong, but Baochai's experience is really special, so there is no need to abide by this rule.

Half-pushed and half-moved, Baochai was pulled to the front hall.

The so-called front hall is the Cunxin Hall of Prince Rui's Mansion, which is the most formal place to receive guests.

The regulations of the prince-level residences are basically the same, with three main halls: Chengyun, Cunxin and Yin'an. Zhu Jinghong's Prince Xiang's Palace also has the same layout.

At this moment, Zhu Jinghong was sitting in the side hall of Cunxin Hall, tasting the good tea that Zhu Jingyuan cherished.

But he is a rough man after all. He drinks it after smashing it, but he just thinks it tastes good... that's all.

"Thirteenth brother, how are you?"

"It tastes good. It's really different. I don't have this good stuff over there. They're all ordinary tribute tea!"

In fact, making tribute tea is anything but ordinary. After all, the royal family would use it as a reward, and it was too unpleasant to drink.

"If you like it, take it...but I only have two taels here, so don't be too little!" Zhu Jingyuan said with a smile.

Zhu Jinghong shook his head: "Forget it, what do you mean by that... A good man will not take away the love of others, so Sixth Brother should keep it for himself and drink it!"

When the two of them were saying this, the next moment Chen Zhi came in from outside the door and asked with a smile: "Why are you brothers so happy to talk about it?"

"I said I would give him some good tea, but this guy said he didn't want it. It's really chilling!"

"I've met Sixth Sister-in-law!" Zhu Jinghong stood up to greet her.

Entering the side hall, Chen Zhi walked up to her husband and said with a smile: "They say that when giving gifts, you have to give them what you want. It seems that you didn't give the right thing!"

"Today I have a rare treasure in the world for my thirteenth brother!"

The two of them were singing a double act at the moment, so they heard Zhu Jingyuan ask: "But I don't know what kind of treasure it is?"

I saw Chen Zhi looking out of the hall and calling: "Girl, why don't you come in quickly?"

Zhu Jinghong also glanced outside the hall, only to see Baochai appearing at the door with his head lowered, with a look of embarrassment, uneasiness and shyness on his face.

"It turns out to be Miss Xue!"

Zhu Jingyuan said nonsense, then looked at his brother, and saw that his expression changed.

In this way, Lao Shisan really loves this girl, it's so good... Zhu Jingyuan said secretly.

Chen Zhi walked up to Baochai, stretched out her hand and pulled her towards the hall. As she walked, she said, "You girl, you can't show your face when you meet the person you love!"

After all, Baochai is a woman who has not yet left the court. At this moment, she said in public that Zhu Jinghong is the one she likes. She is "calm" enough if she doesn't run away.

"Sixth sister-in-law, please stop teasing her!" Zhu Jinghong stepped forward and helped Baochai a little.

"What are you talking about? Why did I make fun of her? Don't you know about Bao Yatou's candidacy for the princess?" Chen Zhi seemed to know nothing.

Zhu Jinghong didn't answer this. The more he talked, the more embarrassed Baochai became.

He took two steps forward, forcing Chen Zhi to take two steps back, and then blocked Baochai behind him.

After hiding behind Zhu Jinghong, Baochai felt much more at ease. This change in her heart was very strange, and even she couldn't explain it clearly.

At this time, Zhu Jingyuan stepped forward and said: "The thirteenth brother is busy with the emperor's mission, so it is normal that he does not know about this matter!"

Chen Zhi also said: "Thirteenth brother, I think in a few months, Bao Yatou will be your wife!"

"It depends on the thirteenth brother's wishes. He has to hand over Ruyi to Miss Xue!"

In the last step of the prince's selection of concubines, there will be two people. The one who is bestowed with the jade will be the princess, and the other will automatically become the concubine.

The key jade Ruyi will be handed to one of them by Zhu Jinghong himself. Of course, the person who will get Ruyi must be pre-determined.

At this time, Chen Zhi helped and said: "I think Bao Yatou is good. Her character, talents and knowledge are among the best in the world. If I were the thirteenth brother, I would definitely choose her!"

"That's true. Miss Xue is very knowledgeable. I have heard my mother praise her so many times!"

After Zhu Jingyuan finished speaking, he immediately continued: "Actually, it doesn't matter if you are talented or not. Why should we Zhu family men care? It's rare to choose someone you like!"

"Just like your sixth sister-in-law, there were many women who were just as good as her in terms of appearance and appearance, but I just liked my sixth brother... In the end, I didn't follow the old man's wishes and handed Ruyi to her!"

This statement was tantamount to making it clear to Zhu Jinghong that he could safely and boldly choose his concubine according to his heart. As for whether Zhu Jingyuan really violated the emperor's wishes, it was impossible for Zhu Jinghong to find out clearly.

The combination of Zhu Jingyuan and his wife's words was telling Zhu Jinghong that he liked Baochai, so no matter what other people thought, he should choose her as the princess.

Zhu Jinghong probably understood the intentions of these two people, so he followed their intentions and said with a smile: "Bao girl, I am naturally willing to be my princess!"

Even though she understood Zhu Jinghong's intentions, Baochai was still extremely happy when she heard this. At least she could confirm that among the girls in No. [-] Middle School, she was the most important in Zhu Jinghong's heart.

"Brother Six, tell me... you obviously asked me to come over for a meal, but why are you talking about my marriage again?"

"This matter won't be decided for more than a month, but I'm hungry now. You'd better hurry up and get food served!" After saying this, Zhu Jinghong patted his stomach.

What a great deal... Zhu Jingyuan and his wife had the same idea.

"Okay... let's go now. The banquet will be held in the back garden!" Zhu Jingyuan said with a smile.

"Then let's leave now!" Zhu Jinghong said.

Baochai was about to leave, but was stopped by Chen Zhi, and said at the same time: "Girl Baochai, please come to the banquet with us. These ingredients are rare today, so you can try them out!"

Princess Rui was so kind, but Baochai couldn't refuse, so she could only go along.

………………

The banquet at Prince Rui's Mansion was truly unique, and Zhu Jinghong really ate a lot.

During the conversation at the banquet, Prince Rui and his wife also focused on Baochai, praising her to the sky.

There is only one central idea. Zhu Jinghong should grasp a rare woman like Baochai at all costs.To be honest, Prince Rui and his wife overacted, and Zhu Jinghong was not really stupid, so he noticed the purpose of these two people.

Although these two people had bad intentions, Zhu Jinghong took advantage of their plan and made an expression of deep understanding, which made Zhu Jingyuan and Zhu Jingyuan even more confident.

As a result, everyone was very happy at the banquet, which lasted for an hour and then broke up.

Zhu Jinghong originally wanted to send Baochai back home, but was eventually stopped by Zhu Jingyuan and his wife, because it was indeed inappropriate to do so.

In the end, Prince Rui's Mansion sent people to take Baochai home all the way, while Zhu Jinghong returned to the palace.

The days gradually passed, and in the blink of an eye it came to February [-]th, which was the last day for the prince to choose his concubine and surrender.

In other words, if you have not submitted your candidacy documents after this day, the government will not accept it again.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Rites, there are more than 650 ladies from Gyeonggi and nearby prefectures and counties who submitted their submissions to run for the princess.

Only 98 of them were daughters of Juren, and the rest were daughters of Shengyuan families. This data is also consistent with the normal situation.

In order to give enough ladies time to go to Beijing to participate in the election, the Ministry of Etiquette and the Shangyi Bureau will conduct a preliminary election on March 100th. Only [-] people will be selected in a total of three days, and the rest will be sent to their hometowns.

Of course, these are all things for later. There is another major event today, which is the regular court meeting once every ten days.

Generally speaking, no matter whether it is a large court meeting or a regular court meeting, no specific military and political matters will be discussed. It is just a ceremonial meeting between hundreds of officials and the emperor, which will often be dispensed with by the emperor.

But since the Chinese New Year, every major and regular meeting has been carried out strictly, and discussions on specific affairs have begun.

Of course, the content of the recent discussions is basically the same, that is, the issue of clearing the land. Zhao Yushan, the chief minister, presides over the court meeting every time.

Through these means, it is equivalent to announcing to the government and the opposition that this major event has been put on the agenda, and everyone must obey the cabinet's administrative arrangements.

Today in the Chang Dynasty, the emperor officially announced that following the example of Tianfu, he would launch a pilot project to clear the land. Jia Yucun, who had always observed and studied politics, accepted the order in court.

After leaving Jinling for nearly a month, it was time for them to go back.

The court meeting dispersed. After the emperor left, the civil and military officials dispersed, and the prince and Prince Rui also left.

"Your Highness, I think this is an opportunity, you must not hesitate any longer!"

In the large square outside Fengtian Palace, Zhu Jingyuan was walking towards the palace gate, with two officials following behind him.

As he walked away, Zhu Jingyuan said: "This matter is serious and offends too many people. If I stand up... I will only be criticized!"

The two officials beside him were urging him to stand up and support Qing Zhang in order to gain the emperor's favor.

It should be noted that most of the people who follow Zhu Jingyuan are speculators, so it is not surprising that they came up with this method.

"But if it is valued by the Holy Spirit, Your Highness can also benefit from it endlessly!"

"Once the matter of clearing the father-in-law is completed, His Highness has a unique insight. Even if it fails...it can only be blamed on Mr. Zhao Ge's poor planning and he has nothing to do with His Highness!"

At last year's sutra banquet, Zhu Jingyuan reconciled with Xini and did not make a clear stance on Qingtian's tax collection.

Of course, he can continue to remain silent now, but if he wants to quickly capture political capital, this "risk-taking" approach will be very effective, but it involves uncontrollable risks.

But to be honest, it would actually be more beneficial to the prince to just spend time with the prince.

Precisely because they saw this clearly, Zhu Jingyuan's followers persuaded him that these people wanted to have a greater chance of winning.

"Your Highness!"

"Let me think about it again, let me think about it carefully!"

Faced with such a major event, Zhu Jingyuan was extremely cautious, just because he really couldn't make mistakes.

At this moment, he envied Zhu Jinghong. At least this younger brother lived a free and happy life.

Zhu Jingyuan's idea was indeed correct, because Zhu Jinghong was in Shanglinyuan at this time, establishing friendship with the generals of the Northern Four Guards.

The friendship is also for the four generals to communicate with each other, share their daily training experiences, and then compete in the next stage of the competition.

The form of the so-called friendship itself actually consisted of preparing barbecue and fine wine, and also organized a riding and shooting competition.

Those who can participate in this friendship are at least deputy qianhu who are pro-military, and their grades are at least the sixth grade.

BBQ dinners are rare nowadays even among military generals, so everyone still feels novel.

After having wine and meat and practicing riding and shooting, the school ground was very lively all morning and everyone was having a great time.

Several commanders who participated felt that they were much younger, and they were as happy as rich men.

"Brother Thirteen, you will definitely hit this time!" Zhu Jingchun handed over an arrow.

At this moment, the target distance has been set to 120 steps. It is really outrageous to design the accuracy of this distance.

What's more, Zhu Jinghong was still drinking.

In the spotlight of everyone, Zhu Jinghong smiled heartily and said: "Wine!"

Zhu Jinghao squeezed Yu Hai aside, took the wine and handed it to Zhu Jinghong himself, saying respectfully: "Brother Thirteen, please!"

This time when he arrived at Shanglin Garden, Zhu Jinghong finally did not forget these two younger brothers and brought them out to play together.

Shanglin Garden is much more fun than the palace. These two people ride horses, shoot arrows, barbecue, and drink. They come here as they please, so much so that they don't want to go back to the palace now.

After drinking a bowl of wine, Zhu Jinghong threw the bowl on the table, and then took the arrow held by Zhu Jingchun.

He drew his bow and nocked an arrow, looking into the distance based on his own experience and prediction. Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Zhu Jinghong loosened his bowstring.

The arrows flew out with a roar, attracting everyone's attention and followed them away.

Someone ran out in pursuit of the arrow, wanting to know the result of the hit as soon as possible.

Soon someone came running back cheering and shouting "hit, hit", which made everyone at the scene gasp in amazement.

With such ability, no one among the generals present could match him, not even the more than 2 soldiers of the Northern Four Guards.

Throwing the bow to the eunuch aside, Zhu Jinghong clapped his hands and said, "Okay, that's it for today... no more fun!"

"The Thirteenth Master is a master of shooting, truly unmatched by anyone in the world..."

"Yes, I'm afraid even if Wu Quxing comes to earth, he won't have such magical skills!"

Surrounded by a group of generals and listening to their compliments as if they were free of charge, Zhu Jinghong didn't feel too restless.

After he organized the order of words, he said: "Everyone... I have this magic shot alone, but it will be of no use in attacking the army!"

"Unless I am a Ming Dynasty archer, all archers like me will be invincible!"

"You also know that practicing archery requires talent and hard work. It is extremely difficult to become a qualified archer!"

Having said this, Zhu Jinghong turned around, looked at everyone and said, "However, there is no such restriction on the fire gun. It only takes a few months for a person to learn it!"

"In the future, the world must be dominated by firecrackers and artillery. It is precisely because of this that the Holy One ordered you to retrain!"

"The reason is..."

Zhu Jinghong talked eloquently, and his personal demonstration and on-site preaching were very effective in changing the generals' concepts.

At this moment, several eunuchs came quickly to convey the emperor's will.

"Thirteenth Master, the Lord has ordered you to appear in court immediately!"

(End of this chapter)