King Xiang of the Red Chamber

Chapter 395 Homecoming
After several days of spreading and fermentation, the matter of Prince Xiang's selection of a concubine finally spread throughout the capital, making Zhu Jinghong a top figure for a while.

Zhu Jinghong's forced selection of his loved one brought him a bit of legend, and also made people at the time deeply curious about the chosen girl from the Xue family.

What kind of beautiful and graceful woman could make the powerful King Xiang admire her so much that he even ignored her for "losing her father at a young age"?

This incident was not only discussed among the people, but also spread among the military.

From the guards to the Imperial Army, to the capital camp, and to the Five Cities Military and Horse Division, everyone was talking about his deeds, and his words to the guards had also spread among the army.

Compared with the chaotic discussions among the people, the discussions among the military were obviously much more positive, simply because the men in the army knew more about Zhu Jinghong's character.

This incident further proves that Prince Xiang is a straightforward person, and men in the army generally like such people.

Of course, the outside discussion now has nothing to do with Zhu Jinghong. He has been strictly ordered by the emperor to stay behind closed doors.

Drinking and having fun every day, life is not an ordinary happy one.

But only a few days later, another major event happened in the capital.

As the emperor's favorite son, Prince Rui Zhu Jingyuan was fined half a year's salary by the emperor and was banned for a full month because his book repair progress was too slow.

What happened next was that thirteen bachelors of Jixian Hall were dismissed from office, and 11 others were demoted.

The world only thought that the emperor was in a bad mood, which was why Zhu Jingyuan, who was known as a virtuous man, suffered disaster and punishment.

But Zhu Jinghong knew that his "counterattack" worked.

Fines and bans are trivial matters, but the dismissal and relegation of more than 20 people in Jixian Temple will really hurt Zhu Jingyuan's heart.

The time came to April 25, which was the tenth day of the selection of the princess, and the Ministry of Rites' memorial to invite the princess to marry was approved.

The four words "handle according to routine" finally made the officials of the Ministry of Rites understand what to do. They had not dared to do anything before, for fear of offending the emperor.

Since it was done according to routine, everything had its own rules. On the same day, the Ministry of Rites sent an official letter to the Xue family, asking them to return to their ancestral home to prepare for the wedding.

The Xue family's ancestral home is in Jinling, so it is natural to marry from Jinling. There is no doubt about this.

Baochai had already prepared for this, so the day after receiving the official letter, the Xue family had packed up and was about to return home.

With hundreds of flag bearers accompanying them, their safety is guaranteed.

"Girl, the prince said that he couldn't deliver it in person, so he asked me to tell you that I wish you a safe journey!" Yinglian said with a smile in Baochai's boudoir in the Xue family's inner house.

Turning around, Baochai looked at Yinglian and said, "Then you can also convey this to him for me. Thank you for remembering him!"

"I'll definitely bring the word with me!"

Just after Yinglian responded, Ying'er walked in from the outside and reminded: "Girl, the time has come...it's time to set off!"

When traveling far away, you should also check the auspicious day of the zodiac, and the time will be accurate. When the time comes, it is really time to leave.

"Okay, I'll be right there!"

After saying goodbye to Yinglian, Baochai went out and got on the sedan chair, truly embarking on the journey back home.

According to the current normal traveling speed, it will take a month to get from Luoyang to Yingtian.

While Baochai and his party were still on the road, the news that she had been chosen as the princess spread back to Yingtian.

"The daughter of the Xue family...how could Master Thirteen choose the daughter of the Xue family!"

In the inner hall of Yingtian Mansion, Jia Yucun, who learned the news, was very puzzled because he knew the situation of the Xue family.

Xue Zhen died young. The daughter of the Xue family was lucky to be able to participate in the election. She was blessed by God to choose the concubine. Who would have thought that she could be chosen as the princess.

"The Holy One did not stop such a ridiculous thing. It seems that this Thirteenth Master... is more favored than I imagined!"

Now he is clearing his father-in-law in Yingtian, and his implementation has caused widespread complaints. Although the emperor has full support, Jia Yucun still feels uneasy.

Therefore, he was eager to find another backer. If there was any catastrophic disaster, he, Jiayu Village, would have a chance to take refuge.

"Master Thirteen takes good care of me... I think it won't be a mistake to follow him!"

Since you want to curry favor with Zhu Jinghong, you have to use your subjective initiative. Jia Yucun is definitely professional in this regard.

First, he sent people to protect the Xue family, secondly, he raised his hand against his family during the funeral, and thirdly...

Now that Jia Yucun has the imperial mandate and has the power to act expeditiously, he has too many ways to benefit anyone he wants to do.

Therefore, before Baochai came home, the Xue family felt all kinds of kindness, which also made the whole family overjoyed.

The elders of each house who originally wanted to "occupy" the family property would not dare to do so under the current situation. Now they only have fear in their hearts, fearing that Baochai will turn over the family's old scores.

On May [-]th, Baochai and his party arrived in Yingtian.

Since they returned home, there has been an endless stream of people visiting every day, and these people have tried their best to curry favor with the princess's natal family.

Everyone in the Xue family enjoyed this very much, but Baochai was a cautious person, and the next day he sent a message to the family to close the door and thank guests.

Although she had not yet been canonized, no one dared to disobey what she said, so Xue Pan ordered people to close the door of the house, and all the guests who came were sent away with courtesy.

"Sister, you are being too cautious. It's such a huge happy event...what's wrong with old friends and relatives coming to congratulate you!"

In the Xue family's inner house, Xue Pan had dissatisfaction on his face, obviously disapproving of Baochai's approach.

"Misfortune lies where blessings depend, and fortune lies where misfortune lies... It's better to be cautious!"

Baochai only answered this sentence because she knew very well that even if she analyzed it carefully, it would be difficult for her brother to understand it.

"Just listen to your sister!" Aunt Xue said quickly.

At this time, Baochai said again: "From today on, brother must strictly control the clan members and never make any mistakes..."

"I know!" Xue Pan replied helplessly.

Baochai then gave many instructions, but Xue Pan could only comply with them one by one.

But Baochai also knew that if he just gave orders without being implemented, it would be all in vain.

So after she finished speaking, she stood up and saluted solemnly: "Mother, brother... I can choose the princess this time. I don't know how many people are jealous, and many people are waiting to see our jokes!"

"If there is an accident in our family, as long as someone is behind the scenes and causes trouble, let alone whether I can become the princess, I am afraid that our whole family will be in disaster!"

Seeing that these two people were listening attentively, Baochai continued: "In order to make everything go smoothly, I have to arrange it this way. Please forgive me, mother and brother!"

Baochai's words were sincere and touching, and the grudge between Aunt Xue and Xue Pan disappeared, and the family united their thoughts again.

"Don't worry, sister, I will take care of this family for you!" Xue Pan promised.

"Thank you, brother!" Baochai saluted again.

At this time, Aunt Xue said: "We are all one family, there is nothing we can say thank you for!"

"Pan'er, remember, as long as your sister is well, it will be a huge benefit for you to be an older brother!"

Xue Pan nodded repeatedly. At this moment, he thought of some old things and said with a smile: "Mom... to be honest, even now I feel that my sister has been selected, just like a dream!"

"Who says it's not the case!" Aunt Xue responded.

Although Baochai never spoke, she had similar thoughts in her heart.

…………

Regarding the marriage of King Xiang, the cabinet's approval was handled according to routine, and the Ministry of Rites was responsible for these matters.

A series of procedures such as collection, issuance of certificates, and reminders do not require Zhu Jinghong's personal participation.The most important thing is that he is banned in the palace and has no chance to participate.

He was very honest this time when he was grounded. He was afraid that the old man would find a reason to cause trouble, so he really acted like a monthly otaku.

He is a restless person. He can't go anywhere in this month, but he can't hold it in anymore.

But he wasn't going to "just sit still," so he found his own way to have fun.

For example, right now, he was wrestling with a group of guards in the school grounds on the southeast side of the palace.

This is really a wrestling game. Even if the bodyguards he chooses are strong enough, they are no different from chickens under him.

The whole morning passed like this. Although Zhu Jinghong didn't feel tired or tired, he sat aside and let the guards continue to play.

Just as he was drinking tea and watching everyone throwing each other, Deng An hurried in.

"Your Majesty, the chief historian of our palace has arrived!"

"Long history?"

Logically speaking, the chief minister should have been appointed before the prince was ennobled, but the emperor delayed it because he did not find a suitable one.

The sudden arrival of Chang Shi today really surprised Zhu Jinghong.

Deng An reminded him carefully: "My lord, do you want to go see him? This person is waiting in Cunxin Palace right now!"

In the past, Zhu Jinghong would have ignored this person, but now he dared not offend the emperor, so he had no choice but to get up and go see him.

When he came to Cunxin Hall, he saw an official in blue robe inside, staring at a painting in the hall and looking at it carefully.

The prince's official title is the fifth rank, so the patch on the chest of this official is embroidered with a white pheasant with its head lowered.

And if it is the fifth grade, the white pheasant will raise its head and look at the sky.

Instructing the eunuch on duty not to speak, Zhu Jinghong stepped into the palace and snorted before asking Wang Pei'an to wake up and turn around.

"Meet Your Highness!"

When Wang Peian turned around and saluted, Zhu Jinghong looked at him carefully.

This man looks to be in his 30s, and the first impression he gives is that of integrity, giving people a sense of integrity and authority.

This made Zhu Jinghong feel bad. He was most afraid of this type of people.

"Sir, please get up!" Zhu Jinghong stepped forward to help.

He was right to call him sir, because the chief historian was not only responsible for official dealings with the palace, but also had the responsibility of correcting the king's mistakes.

"Thank you, Your Highness!"

After signaling Wang Pei'an to take a seat, Zhu Jinghong came to the throne and asked before he sat down: "Sir, where have you been employed in these years? Since you have become the chief historian of the palace, if I know nothing about you, Wouldn’t it be a joke to spread the word!”

"Reporting to Your Highness, my surname is Wang Pei'an. He was born in the 29th year of Zhangwu. He passed the provincial examination in the 17th year of Taiping, and then failed in the scientific examination. He became an official in the [-]th year of Taiping and served as the eunuch of Changning, Hunan. In the second year of Zhengtong, he was promoted to the position of Prime Minister of Anren County. In the fifth year of Zhengtong, he was appointed as the magistrate of Xiangyin County, in the seventh year of Zhengtong, he was appointed as the promotion official of Baoqing Prefecture, and in the ninth year of Zhengtong, he was appointed as the general magistrate of De'an Prefecture..."

"In the 11th year of Zhengtong's reign, he was given the title of Minister of Ceremonies and Wailang, and was appointed as the Chief of the Palace of Prince Xiang!"

Wang Pei'an said a lot, Zhu Jinghong was dumbfounded and secretly thought that this person's resume was too rich.

It was enough to promote people to official positions, but he was promoted to a higher level every two years. It was considered that he would be promoted at the right time, which was something that ordinary people would not envy.

Could it be that there is someone important behind him?But after Zhu Jinghong observed this person carefully, he felt that it didn't look like someone was helping him.

What's more, if there is really a noble person to help him, he will not be allowed to keep wandering in Hunan. If he really needs to be promoted, he will become a Beijing official long ago.

Recalling that this person was promoted to an official position, his first position was as an edict in a certain county, Zhu Jinghong remembered a person, which suddenly shocked him...

Could it be that this person is also a figure like Haigang Peak?Zhu Jinghong felt a little nervous.

The more he thought about it, the more likely it was that he felt it was possible. This person's experience of being promoted at the right time just proved this.

It was obvious that the local officials in Hunan sent him away with a promotion and let him go and harm other people.

"Hai...oh no, Wang Changshi...there's nothing going on in the palace now, so you don't need to come every day to answer questions!"

"By the way, you have arrived in Beijing from out of town, have you found a place to live? I have a vacant yard in the south of the city, which is just right for you to live in!"

These are both truth and temptation. Zhu Jinghong wants to see Wang Pei'an's reaction.

"Your Highness, since I have been entrusted by the Holy Spirit, I must be loyal to my duties and come to the house every day to handle matters that are part of my duties. How can I not come!"

"Furthermore, the Holy One has ordered me to supervise His Highness's studies, and I dare not slack off on this matter!"

Speaking of business, Wang Pei'an became more serious and said: "I have heard that His Highness has not read all the four books, so he planned a course yesterday. From tomorrow on, every morning..."

Wang Pei'an was fully prepared when he took office this time, and he was talking eloquently at this moment.

He spoke freely, but Zhu Jinghong was troubled by what he said.

Seeing that Wang Pei'an continued to speak, Zhu Jinghong couldn't help but interrupt: "Wang Changshi, I will learn the courses you mentioned seriously, so don't worry!"

"Your Highness, these courses are taught by Wei Chen. This is the order of the Holy Emperor!"

Wang Pei'an moved out of the emperor, leaving Zhu Jinghong speechless, so he could only listen patiently.

Fortunately, there were no classes today. After listening to Wang Pei'an's nonsense for half an hour, Zhu Jinghong returned to the inner chamber.

As soon as Zhu Jinghong appeared, Yinglian noticed something was wrong with him, so she asked: "Thirteenth Master, what's wrong with you?"

Taking the tea cup from Yinglian, Zhu Jinghong replied: "When I meet a difficult person, my good life will come to an end!"

At this time, a voice came from behind the screen: "Hey... who can make our prince find it difficult to deal with, that there is such a person in this world?"

The person who came was none other than Keqing. She was dressed beautifully today, which made people very thoughtful at first sight.

Putting down the tea cup, Zhu Jinghong picked up the fruit on the table and while playing with it, he replied: "He is an old-fashioned man. He insists that I listen to his lectures every day, otherwise he will have to join me in the memorial!"

"To impeach the prince?" But Qing thought he heard wrongly.

"Exactly, I have a huge headache because of him!"

At this time Yinglian interjected: "Then the prince can just listen to his lecture!"

After glaring at Yinglian, Zhu Jinghong laughed and said: "You put it lightly, wouldn't it be a waste of my time to attend the lecture!"

Unexpectedly, Yinglian replied: "Your Majesty has nothing to do anyway, so it would be good to go and listen!"

Yinglian was a studious person. When she was in Kunning Palace, she often stayed with Zhu Yunsheng and studied with several attendants.

To be honest, Yinglian can be considered a talented woman now, and is more knowledgeable than most women in the world.

At this time, Ke Qing also stepped forward and persuaded: "Your Majesty, it's better to go. I'm afraid he is just acting on orders, and we can't defeat him!"

"Yeah... I can't beat him!" Zhu Jinghong sighed.

He had warned Wang Pei'an overtly and secretly just now, but he didn't take it to heart at all, and turned a deaf ear to his threats, leaving Zhu Jinghong unable to control him at all.

So he could only choose to accept his fate and plan to deal with it for a while first, and then think of ways to defeat this person later.

However, Zhu Jinghong's calculation was wrong. This Wang Changshi was really a stubborn person. With the imperial edict and Ming law as the backing, he really restrained Zhu Jinghong.

After experiencing the discomfort of the past few days, Zhu Jinghong finally adapted to the classes every morning and listened carefully to Wang Pei'an's class.

(End of this chapter)