King Xiang of the Red Chamber

Chapter 396 The Beloved Son of Parents

To be honest, Wang Pei'an, a person who has taught before, really has a way of teaching.

Although this person was only a civil servant, Zhu Jinghong felt that his ability in class was not inferior to those of the Hanlin Academy's bachelors.

Therefore, Zhu Jinghong did not feel too bored in his class. Anyway, it was quite interesting to listen to his eloquent stories.

On May [-]th, the royal appointment letter set off, led by the Minister of Rites, to Jinling and delivered the document to the bride's home.

Of course, all this has nothing to do with Zhu Jinghong. He just received the relevant information, and he can only stay in the palace to toss.

"Your Majesty, Wang Changshi is here!"

In the Wangfu Campus, Zhu Jinghong was holding his bow and arrow. He did not stop after hearing the reminder, but continued to aim forward.

With a "whoosh" sound, the arrow left the string and landed firmly in the center of the target.

"Your Highness is a great shooter, I admire you!"

This was naturally the voice of Wang Pei'an. Although this man was very principled, he was not as pedantic as an old scholar. He could also say some respectful words at this moment.

"Why are you here, sir? Didn't you already have class this morning?"

Wang Pei'an asked in return: "Your Highness, do you know what night it is?"

"Today is June..." Zhu Jinghong actually had no idea what day today was.

"Your Highness, the wedding day set by Qin Tian Jian is July 21st, and today is already the fifth day of June..."

Zhu Jinghong wants to go to Jinling to "welcome him personally". The trip will take almost a month, and now it is time to leave.

Nearly fifty days have passed since the ban on April [-]th. Thinking back on it, Zhu Jinghong found it incredible.

"Sir, please draft a welcome memorial for me and hand it over!" Zhu Jinghong said with a smile.

"I have already drafted it. Please take a look at it, Your Highness!" After saying that, Wang Pei'an handed over a memorial.

After taking it and looking at it carefully, Zhu Jinghong nodded repeatedly and said: "Sir, the writing is excellent, please hand it over now!"

"Yes!"

"Is there anything else, sir?" Zhu Jinghong looked confused.

Wang Pei'an leaned forward and replied: "While His Highness is going to Jinling, I would like to take some time off to go to my hometown in Hunan to bring my wife back!"

Upon hearing that Wang Pei'an was asking for leave, Zhu Jinghong immediately became interested and asked immediately: "When will you leave, sir? Tomorrow? Or the day after tomorrow?"

"Sir, just leave, you don't have to worry about the palace!"

Zhu Jinghong was very happy that this person was leaving, so he happily gave him leave.

"I have made some calculations. I will definitely get a reply within three days of submitting the report. I will take leave after three days. It may take fifty days to get back and forth..."

Zhu Jinghong's enthusiasm was extinguished when he heard that Wang Pei'an would leave after three days. He knew that since this man had made up his mind, he could not persuade him.

"Since you have made arrangements, sir, let's do as you wish!"

"Yes!"

…………

It is said that Wang Pei'an submitted the memorial and it was circulated to the cabinet on the same day. After the cabinet voted to approve the memorial, the memorial was circulated to the Supervisor of Ceremonies.

Although Prince Xiang's marriage was "handled according to routine", every step had to be previewed by the emperor, and this time was no exception.

After reading the memorial in the afternoon, Zhu Xianming kept it temporarily. In the evening, he took the memorial to Kunning Palace.

"Take a look!" Zhu Xianming handed the memorial to the queen.

"The harem does not interfere with the affairs of the previous dynasty, your majesty should take this thing away!" Yang Qingyin had no intention of looking at it.

"This is not a state matter, but a family matter!" Zhu Xianming was slightly impatient.

"Oh?"

Half-believing and doubtful, Yang Qingyin picked up the memorial and took a closer look to understand the reason.

"In these dozens of days of confinement, Lao Shisan has not made any mistakes and even sat in class with peace of mind. He has never been so obedient!"

Speaking of this, Zhu Xianming sighed: "For this Xue family girl, he really changed his gender!"

He originally thought that Zhu Jinghong was instigated by Lao Liu to choose a concubine in a daze, but now it seems that this is not the case.

After putting away the memorial, Yang Qingyin said slowly: "Yes... to be able to live peacefully for so many days, it seems that he must marry this daughter of the Xue family!"

The personal welcome is a crucial step, and here the wedding enters the real stage.

The emperor felt very resentful about Zhu Jinghong marrying Xue Baochai, because of the issue of "losing his father at a young age".

The queen's mentality was very complicated. Because Baochai "lost his father at a young age" might be detrimental to her younger son, so she was somewhat opposed to the marriage.

But considering that Baochai and Yuanchun are cousins, which can connect the relationship between the prince and Lao Shisan, she feels that the combination of the two is very appropriate.

But putting these aside, Baochai's character, appearance and emotional intelligence made Yang Qingyin feel that she was very suitable as his daughter-in-law.

"What did you say?" Zhu Xianming asked in a deep voice.

Yang Qingyin said helplessly: "What else can I say... Since Old Thirteen likes it, why not fulfill his wish!"

"If you really deny it to him, who knows how crazy this kid will go!"

After a few breaths of silence, Zhu Xianming sneered: "But the door of my Zhu family is not so easy to enter!"

"What does His Majesty mean?"

Zhu Xianming did not answer, but said: "You will know when the time comes!"

"Come here, send the memorial back to the Chief of Ceremonies and ask them to approve it!"

A eunuch came forward and sent Zhang Zuo back to the Supervisor of Ceremonies.

After the approval by the Director of Ceremonies, it will be passed on to the Ministry of Rites and other yamen, and they will be responsible for the corresponding preparations.

On the third day, it was finally time for Zhu Jinghong to set off, and he was supposed to bid farewell to the emperor.

After almost two months, this was the first time Zhu Jinghong walked out of the palace.

When he appeared in the imperial city, he was like a "traffic star", attracting people from Yiwei Si and Longjing Guard to watch, and the guards who were forced close had to separate people in turn.

Obviously, even though Zhu Jinghong disappeared for two months, he still cannot change the status quo of being a top player.

"Everyone, I've been living a good life during this period. I've been eating and drinking as much as I should, and I even read a few books. Don't worry too much about me!"

"If you don't want me to be punished, just go back to your own place. It doesn't look good after all!"

After hearing what Zhu Jinghong said, the people gathered around gradually dispersed.

And the news of his appearance in the Imperial City also began to spread to the outside world.

Walking all the way to the Qianqing Gate, the scenery along the way was familiar to my heart, but seeing it again made Zhu Jinghong feel like he was in another world.

This time he did not trespass, but waited for the call outside the palace gate, which was out of tune with the other officials and envoys who were waiting for the call.

After waiting for a while, a eunuch came out and said: "Thirteenth Master, the Lord calls you into the palace!"

"it is good!"

After straightening his clothes, Zhu Jinghong stepped into the Qianqing Gate, and met officials who had finished their interviews on the way.

When he arrived outside the main hall of Qianqing Palace, a eunuch came into the palace to report him. After a few breaths, someone came out to report him again.

Entering the main hall, Zhu Jinghong was led by the eunuch to the outside of Nuan Pavilion. He did not rush in directly like before.

At this moment, Zhu Xianming was sitting behind the writing desk, able to write an edict with a pen. He knew that Zhu Jinghong was coming.

After waiting like this for a few minutes, Zhu Jinghong was bored when he heard the emperor's voice coming from inside.

"It turns out that Prince Xiang is here. Why are you standing outside? How could this happen!"

This was half sarcastic, but it made Zhu Jinghong feel at ease. He was afraid that the emperor would not say anything.

"How dare you trespass without calling your son!" Zhu Jinghong said with a smile.

"Do you understand the truth now? This is really rare!" Zhu Xianming put down his imperial pen.

After laughing twice, Zhu Jinghong tiptoed into the hall, then knelt down and paid homage.

"Old Thirteen, do you really want to marry that Xue family girl?"

"Dad, this important matter of marriage is nothing to play with!"

Without commenting on this, Zhu Xianming continued: "Did you know that she lost her father when she was young, and if you marry her, you will become the laughing stock of the world!"

At this time, Zhu Jinghong did not dare to say that the emperor had lost his dignity at a young age.

"Dad, you praise your son too much. How come I, a person with no name, have become the laughing stock of the world!"

"Food is the most important thing for the people, and the world only cares about being fed and clothed. How can I have the heart to laugh at a person like me who is well-dressed and well-fed!"

Knowing that Zhu Jinghong was talking nonsense, Zhu Xianming had no intention of arguing with him, so he continued to ask: "What kind of ecstasy soup did the Xue family woman pour into you to make you so fascinated!"

"Dad, my son just wants to marry the person he likes and live a simple life!" Of course this is a lie. How could a person who wants to be an emperor want to live a simple life?

Just listen to Zhu Xianming say: "But you are the heir of the royal family. After enjoying the honor of the royal family, you should shoulder the responsibilities of the royal family!"

After hearing such a conversation, Zhu Jinghong knew that the situation was not good, and he would have to give up his royal dignity if he continued talking.

But he's not really stupid, so how could he continue to talk.

"My son recently studied with Mr. Wang and learned a truth!"

"Oh? What's the point?"

"Parents love their sons, and their plans are far-reaching!"

"What do you mean?"

Zhu Jinghong raised his head and replied: "If you really love your son, you should fulfill your son's wishes instead of using your decency to suppress your son!"

His words are equivalent to the PUA emperor in reverse, there is no one like him who does this.

"Hahaha... Boy, how do you know that I don't have deep plans for you?"

Zhu Jinghong said solemnly: "Son... I don't think so!"

The father and son looked at each other for a few seconds, and finally Zhu Xianming said helplessly: "Since you have made up your mind, I will not advise you anymore. Go see your mother before you leave. She also misses you very much!"

At this moment he is a father, not an emperor.

"Thank you, dad!" Zhu Jinghong kowtowed solemnly.

After he turned around and left, Zhu Xianming was stunned for a while, and then nodded helplessly.

He could easily refute Zhu Jinghong's "wrong theories", but in the end he still didn't take it seriously. At this moment, Zhu Xianming couldn't help but laugh at himself. He was actually as good as the queen when it came to pampering his son.

"What a loser a loving father is!" Zhu Xianming sighed secretly.

If these words were heard by other princes, they would only sneer at the emperor. They have never experienced the so-called "kindness" of the emperor.

Let's say that Zhu Jinghong came to Kunning Palace. After entering the palace, he explained the situation clearly, but the queen did not make things difficult for him.

He just kept asking him to take good care of his body on the road and not to catch the cold again like last time and was so sick that he couldn't get out of bed.

This sentence reminded Zhu Jinghong of what happened a year ago. It was because his predecessor died of illness that he could take advantage of it.

"Bastard, do you hear me?"

"When my son hears this, he will definitely take good care of himself and never let his mother worry!"

Nodding, Yang Qingyin added: "I originally disagreed with the matter between you and Bao Yatou. If the Crown Princess hadn't been persuading her, I wouldn't have agreed to this marriage!"

In fact, Yuanchun had never asked for the queen. The reason why Yang Qingyin said this was entirely to bring Zhu Jinghong closer to the East Palace.

"Ok!"

"Huh, what? You have to accept my favor and avoid interacting with Lao Liu and the others from now on!" Yang Qingyin reminded her.

Zhu Jinghong had heard this more than once about letting the young man associate with Lao Liu. Even he felt sad for Lao Liu. After all, his own mother didn't want to see him.

"understood!"

"Don't cause trouble when you go to Jinling, especially don't interfere in local affairs, otherwise you won't get a good harvest!"

The so-called local affairs actually refer to the clearing of land in Yingtian Mansion. This matter is currently in full swing. Yang Qingyin knows that there will definitely be trouble in the local area.

In fact, there was no need for her to remind him that Zhu Jinghong would not get involved in this matter. After all, his current route was very clear and he wanted to follow the path of a military general rather than relying on civilian officials.

"Yes!"

After hearing many instructions from the queen, Zhu Jinghong was able to walk out of the main hall of Kunning Palace after he agreed to them one by one.

After he came out, Zhu Yunsheng and others were already waiting in the corridor, and they immediately greeted him when he appeared.

"Brother Thirteen, long time no see!"

"Third sister, I haven't seen you for two months, but you have grown taller!"

Looking at Daiyu and Xiangyun behind his sister, Zhu Jinghong said with a smile: "Girl Lin and Yatou Yun have grown taller too!"

Just listen to Daiyu say: "People feel good when happy events happen. The Thirteenth Master is going to Jinling to welcome his bride. I am overjoyed to come!"

"If you say one more thing to us, wouldn't we miss Sister Bao's breath? This would be a huge sin for us!"

Daiyu looks weak, but she is a bit cunning by nature. Now it is as easy as making fun of Zhu Jinghong.

"Yeah...you have committed such a big crime, how should I punish you?" Zhu Jinghong asked thoughtfully.

At this time, Xiangyun interjected: "Sister Bao once said that if we want to protect our sisters, Master Thirteen will punish us... I'm afraid I have to ask Sister Bao for instructions first!"

After saying this, Xiangyunjiao laughed a few times, and then hid behind Daiyu.

At this time, Zhu Yunsheng said dissatisfied: "Everyone of you...I haven't even said a few words yet!"

"Third sister, what do you want to say?" Zhu Jinghong smelled with a smile.

"Brother Thirteen, take me to Jinling!"

With just these words, the smile on Zhu Jinghong's face froze.

"Third sister, you think your brother's fate is too harsh, right?"

"Brother Thirteen, what a joke... Look, I scared you!" Zhu Yunsheng said nonchalantly.

But it's not a joke, only she knows it.

"Why don't you see Ting Yatou?" Zhu Jinghong looked around.

Zhu Yunsheng then replied: "Sister Ting's second uncle has passed away!"

"Oh I got it!"

Yang Jingting's second uncle is the queen's concubine, and can barely be regarded as Zhu Jinghong's uncle.

According to the current system, Yang Jingting will have to serve in mourning for one year.

There is only the royal family, so it is natural to discuss the monarch and his ministers first before discussing family ties. Zhu Jinghong naturally does not need to mourn for him.

"Girl Qin, your family lives in Jinling, have you ever thought about going back?"

Zhen Qin was surprised when she was suddenly asked by Zhu Jinghong, and she didn't know how to answer for a while.

"I...I still won't go back!"

On the one hand, as the Attendant, she cannot leave at will without the Queen's permission. On the other hand, it will be difficult for her to come back after leaving the palace. There are still many people watching the position of Attendant.

It's not that she is greedy for the status of the princess's attendant, but she simply doesn't want to leave the palace because she won't be able to see Zhu Jinghong.

"Forget it, that's all for today, I'm leaving the palace!"

Today we set off for Jinling. The wedding team is already waiting outside the palace, and Zhu Jinghong doesn't want to waste too much time.

"Have a nice trip, Brother Thirteen!"

"Master Thirteen, walk slowly and say hello to Sister Bao for me!"

After Zhu Jinghong agreed one by one, he walked out of Kunning Palace and walked all the way outside the palace.

However, as soon as he walked out of Donghua Gate, he was surrounded by a group of generals, none other than the generals of the Northern Four Guards.

Zhu Jinghong originally thought that they came to see him off, but the fact was completely different from what he thought. This group of people actually came to ask him for advice.

Regarding training, although Zhu Jinghong has given plans, due to different ways of thinking, it is still difficult for these generals to understand some details.

If in the past, Zhu Jinghong stayed in Shanglin Garden all the time, they could ask questions and solve problems at any time.

But starting from April [-]th, Zhu Jinghong was banned for two months, and the generals had no chance to ask for advice even if they wanted to.

Today, when they learned that Zhu Jinghong was coming out, they all asked the emperor for permission first, and only dared to come to Zhu Jinghong after receiving permission.

Faced with these people's questions, Zhu Jinghong answered them in detail, and even found paper and pen to draw pictures, using various methods to make everyone understand.

As for his speech, another hour passed, and he waited for officials from the Ministry of Rites to urge him to leave.

When Zhu Jinghong left, all the generals were reluctant to leave. To be more precise, they were unsure.

Just because these generals have speculated that in the upcoming Northwest War, the Northern Four Guards who have received training will most likely be transferred to the front line.

Of course they were not afraid of fighting. What they were afraid of was that they would not be able to fight well with the new tactics and lose a lot of points with the emperor.

Therefore, as the core figure of this training, the generals prefer Zhu Jinghong to stay in the capital, but it is difficult for them to say this.

He roughly guessed what these people were thinking, so before leaving, Zhu Jinghong comforted him: "I'm going to Jinling now. I'll be back in two months at most. We'll talk in detail then!"

After saying goodbye to everyone, Zhu Jinghong first went to the Ministry of Rites.

Here, the prince and Prince Rui, who had ended his ban, were both present. As elder brothers, they also came to participate in the ceremony. This shows that both of them attach great importance to Zhu Jinghong.

After a series of ceremonies, Zhu Jinghong bid farewell to his two brothers and officially embarked on the road to Jinling to welcome his bride.

(End of this chapter)