King Xiang of the Red Chamber

Chapter 401 The Belated Edict

Two more days passed in the blink of an eye, and it was August [-]th.

In the Nuan Pavilion of Qianqing Palace, Zhu Xianming was sitting behind the imperial desk, opening the memorial sent by the Supervisor of Ceremonies.

What can be placed in front of him for his personal approval is naturally the most important military and national affairs.

For example, what Zhu Xianming was holding in his hands at this time was a memorial from the chieftain of Andu in Tibet. He said that the grain harvest this year was reduced and he hoped that the court could reduce the amount of food apportioned and collected.

The imperial court established the Qinghai Xingdu Division in Tibet, and all the money and food supply matters for the guard posts were assigned to each chieftain.

For example, the Andu chieftain mentioned above had to transfer [-] shi of grain to Qinghai Xingdusi every year, plus [-] shi of horse feed.

"Chief Andu said the harvest is not good, can Fu Si of Nanzhen report?" Zhu Xianming asked in a deep voice.

As for Nanzhen Fusi's external affairs, various vassal states, various alliances and chieftains have placed secret spies and informants, and intelligence is transmitted back almost every day.

The person being questioned at this moment was Lu Tong, the eunuch in charge of the ceremony. He had already prepared for the emperor's question.

"Back to Your Majesty, in the reports from April to July, there was no mention of Andu Chieftain's poor harvest!"

After hearing this, Zhu Xianming didn't think much, and wrote: "The amount of money and food has been fixed, and Anke can change it at will. You should do your best to provide it. Please reject this!"

After the approval was completed, Zhu Xianming put the memorial aside, and then picked up the next one.

"Your Majesty, this is played by Jian'an Bo Wu Changhui. They are called the Langtai Jibu League and the Qatai Jibu League. Most of the rotating troops sent are old soldiers, which are difficult to use..."

The Jian'an Bo mentioned by Lu Tong is a third-grade general Weiyuan, the governor of the Chinese Army's governor's office, and the current commander of the Anxi trip to the capital.

During Lu Tong's introduction, Zhu Xianming was also reading the memorial carefully.

After reading it, Zhu Xianming came to the conclusion that Wu Changhui could no longer control the Northwest vassal.

In fact, last year he thought about replacing Wu Changhui, but because he was worried about war in the northwest, Zhu Xianming finally gave up the idea. After all, it was not wise to replace Wu Changhui on the spot.

But now, Wu Changhui could no longer deal with matters in the northwest, so he asked Zhu Xianming to reconsider the matter.

It was easy to replace Wu Changhui, but who to replace him became a problem. Zhu Xianming soon went through the available people, and then he identified two candidates.

But this matter cannot be rushed. He has to personally test the two candidates before finally deciding who will take office.

Therefore, Zhu Xianming approved Wu Changhui's memorial as soon as he wrote it. The content was to order Wu Changhui to strictly supervise and let the ministries and alliances re-screen qualified soldiers.

After the approval, Zhu Xianming picked up another copy, but it was written by Jia Yucun, the prefect of Yingtian.

As the companion capital, Yingtian had an important position as the prefect, so he could report directly to the emperor. What's more, Jia Yucun was now responsible for the affairs of the emperor.

"The Lord's goodness is as good as heaven, and all the people are inspired by it. Today, the matter of clearing the husband has been deeply implemented, and [-]% of the households have submitted their land. The current administration is smooth..."

In the first half of Jia Yucun's memorial, Yingtian's situation is well described, and the matter of clearing his father is also progressing smoothly.

It was only in the second half of the memorial that this fellow began to raise difficulties, mainly due to the shirk of the major families and the subordinates' deployments that were both obedient and violative...

Of course, Jia Yucun's complaint was not the purpose. Ultimately, it was to obtain advantageous rights from the emperor.

Initially, Zhu Xianming was dissatisfied with Jia Yucun's complaints, but when he saw that this guy wanted power, a smile appeared on his face.

This person can be of great use... Zhu Xianming commented.

For an official who is willing to serve the emperor without regard for his own reputation, even if he has shortcomings in personal ethics, it is not a problem at all in Zhu Xianming's eyes.

I saw him writing the word "quasi" on the memorial. Just when he was about to put the memorial aside, he picked up the pen and started writing again.

"Every title in the imperial court is determined. Although you are a loyal and diligent minister, you should not call yourself 'Lord' in vain. I hope you will warn me!"

The title "lord" can only be called the 24 yamen of the inner court and the 22 guards of the direct army. These are the emperor's absolutely trusted confidants.

Jia Yucun called him "lord" in the memorial. It is rare for civil servants to do this, which shows that this person really has no lower limit.

But the more such a person is, the more Zhu Xianming likes him.

However, he had just finished approving the memorial when a young eunuch came in from outside to report that the Queen was here.

A few breaths later, without waiting for Zhu Xianming's summons, Yang Qingyin entered the Nuan Pavilion.

"Kowtow to the Queen!" All the servants present paid their respects.

"Ok!"

In response, Yang Qingyin walked to the imperial cabinet and looked at the busy emperor.

Raising his head and looking at his married wife, Zhu Xianming smiled and said: "It's hard for the Queen to get this Qianqing Palace!"

Yang Qingyin did not answer the words, and said in a bad tone: "Your Majesty has many things to do every day, you are really working hard!"

While she was speaking, Lu Tong naturally moved a stool so that the Queen could sit down safely.

"Who says it's not the case!" Zhu Xianming responded.

"Although Your Majesty is busy, there are some things you should not forget!"

"What's the matter?"

Yang Qingyin said with an unhappy look on her face: "Today is the third day of Thirteenth's wedding. It's time for Your Majesty to issue an edict to canonize the princess!"

Although the wedding has been completed, this only means that Baochai is Zhu Jinghong's wife. Without canonization, she cannot be said to be the princess of the Ming Dynasty.

Putting down the memorial in his hand, Zhu Xianming said slowly: "This matter... I have other plans!"

"How to arrange?"

As if he knew that Yang Qingyin would come, Zhu Xianming was already prepared, so he took out an edict from the side of the desk.

After taking over the decree from Lu Tong, Yang Qingyin looked strange after reading it, and then said: "This... I'm afraid it's inappropriate!"

"What's wrong?"

Picking up another memorial, Zhu Xianming continued: "Since Old Thirteen is going to commit a crime, it is impossible for him to remain unpunished!"

"Besides, the daughter-in-law of the Zhu family is not that easy to do. Let's see how the girl behaves. If she behaves well, I will issue a decree to canonize her!"

The converse meaning of this is that if Xue Baochai does not perform well, she will be removed from her position as princess.

Seeing that Yang Qingyin was still thinking, Zhu Xianming asked with a smile: "How?"

Sighing, Yang Qingyin said: "That's it... If they can really work together, they can stop the world's mouths!"

With his wife's support, Zhu Xianming ordered: "Call Cheng Ying and ask him to deliver the order!"

"Yes!"

Soon Cheng Ying called over, received the order and left.

Standing up and walking to the side of the imperial case, Yang Qingyin asked calmly: "Your Majesty has thought so carefully about Lao Shisan, do you think you are no longer angry with him?"

"Now that this has happened and this kid is so stubborn, what can I do to him?"

Picking up the tea cup, Zhu Xianming took a sip and sighed: "Although he is a bastard, he is our son after all, so we can only choose to forgive him!"

If the prince and Prince Rui heard these words, they would definitely feel jealous. Their ministers were obviously more important than their sons.

However, as soon as Zhu Xianming finished speaking, he suddenly changed his expression and said: "You bastards, why don't you serve tea to the Queen quickly!"

This situation happened because the emperor and empress were talking and no one else dared to come up and hand them tea at will.

When all the eunuchs were frightened, they heard Yang Qingyin say: "Okay, I'm not here to drink tea with you. Since you are so busy... I can't disturb you!"

"Your Majesty, my concubine will leave!"

"Queen, walk slowly!"

After the queen left, Zhu Xianming thought for a while, finally smiled helplessly, shook his head and continued to read the memorial.

…………

Prince Xiang's Mansion, in the Cunxin Hall.

Zhu Jinghong was sitting behind the desk, leaning on the table and building blocks. These were things he found in the warehouse and were gifts from Prince Zhongshun.

Although they are called building blocks, they are actually made of finely carved jade. You can build a palace according to the diagram, but you just need to be extra patient.

Baochai has always been very patient, but today she was a little uneasy, so instead of playing with Zhu Jinghong, she sat on a chair on the side of the desk, holding an unread book.

At this time, Zhu Jinghong said: "Baochai... is yours and can't run away, so why are you anxious!"

"Having said that, I'm always a little uneasy!" "Then you have to learn from me. Don't change your mind even if the mountain collapses in front of you. This is a sign of maturity and stability!"

However, after Zhu Jinghong finished speaking, eunuchs came outside to report that the imperial envoy had arrived.

"Look...this is coming!"

I saw him standing up, picking up a crown and hat and putting it on his head, and was about to walk outside as he spoke.

"and many more……"

When Baochai stopped him, Zhu Jinghong stopped, with a slight doubt in his eyes.

Then he saw Baochai walking up to him, standing on tiptoes and reaching out to adjust his crown and hat, and then said, "Let's go!"

Zhu Jinghong smiled and then led Baochai out.

The order was received in the Chengyun Hall, where incense tables and ceremonial guards had already been set up, just waiting for the arrival of the imperial envoy delivering the order.

When Zhu Jinghong arrived, Cheng Ying and his party were already there.

What puzzled him was that although Cheng Ying came with the imperial edict, his entourage did not bring anything else.

Baochai also discovered this. The imperial envoy who passed the order did not bring the princess's treasure book, which was not a good sign.

Just when Zhu Jinghong was about to ask, he heard Cheng Ying say: "Thirteenth Master, take the order!"

"My son, I wish my father the best, long live my emperor!"

After leading Baochai to bow down, Zhu Jinghong was ready to listen to the holy teachings.

"Fengtian Chengyun Emperor, the imperial edict says..."

Imperial edicts are used to promulgate general administrative orders throughout the country, written documents are used to announce important events to civil and military officials, and imperial edicts are admonitions or instructions given to individuals.

"I have long wanted to return to farming, but I am so involved in state affairs that it is really difficult to fulfill my desires. I really regret this in my life..."

Hearing this, Zhu Jinghong raised his head. He thought Cheng Ying had pronounced it wrong.

I want to return to farming. I want to farm. Isn’t this a joke?
"The emperor's thirteenth son, Hong, is my direct heir. He should have a heart of pure filial piety and fulfill his father's ambition!"

What what?Shall I help the old man?What does this mean?The more Zhu Jinghong listened, the more outrageous he felt.

"There is a royal field in Shanglin Garden, which is where I personally farm. I hope you will live here, dedicate yourself to farming, take care of it carefully, and concentrate on it..."

After hearing what happened, Zhu Jinghong was completely stunned.

According to the old man's wishes, he will go to Shanglinyuan to work as a farmer, and he is not allowed to leave without being called.

"Kin this!"

After finishing reading, Cheng Ying said with a smile: "Thirteenth Master, please accept the order!"

"Eunuch Cheng, does my mother know about this?"

But after asking Zhu Jinghong, he knew that what he said was nonsense, and it was impossible to hide this matter from the queen.

"My Lady knows this!"

If this is the case, then there is no possibility of change. Obviously the matter of choosing a concubine has not passed yet. This is the punishment given by the old man... Zhu Jinghong thought this.

"My son leads the order!"

After he received the imperial edict, Cheng Ying immediately came forward and helped him up.

"Eunuch Cheng, does my father really want me to farm?"

"Before leaving, the Lord also said that it is almost the planting season. I hope you will not miss the planting season!"

Now is the sowing season, which means that wheat is sown. It will be planted in September this year and harvested in June next year.

In other words, even if he only worked on this one harvest, he would have to stay in Shanglin Garden for nearly half a year.

I can't be restricted by the old man, I have to find a way to escape... Zhu Jinghong thought to himself.

Training the army and manufacturing weapons are two errands that Zhu Jinghong takes on at the same time, but they are both carried out in Shanglin Garden. It is not easy for him to escape because he can't even find a decent excuse.

And he can't cheat, otherwise the old emperor will be upset, and he can still find ways to deal with him later.

As for farming, just plant flowers... Zhu Jinghong thought to himself.

He did a lot of farm work when he was in the orphanage, and he had some experience in farming. Besides, the 21st century is the information age, and all kinds of messy knowledge points can be learned.

Seeing Zhu Jinghong's expression of thoughtfulness, Cheng Ying added: "The Lord also said that we will set off immediately after receiving the order. I hope that the Thirteenth Master will not miss the time!"

At this moment, Baochai, who was following Zhu Jinghong, asked, "May I ask my father-in-law if there is anyone who can accompany you on this trip?"

Cheng Ying replied: "Since you have returned to farming, you cannot bring anyone to serve you, and Yu Tian has already settled down!"

Baochai asked again: "Can I go with the prince?"

"This...the Lord did not order it!" Cheng Ying replied.

The old eunuch knew that this was a test point set by the emperor. If Baochai didn't take the initiative to come with her, she would be directly judged as unqualified, and she could be dismissed later if she found an excuse.

"Then I will go with the prince!"

Following the emperor's instructions, Cheng Ying said: "I'm going to the fields to work hard. The princess doesn't have to suffer like this!"

In fact, when Baochai proposed to go together, Zhu Jinghong also realized that this was probably a test for the two of them.

Baochai looked solemn and said: "Excuse me, father-in-law, please tell me about my father. As the saying goes, husband and wife are of one mind and have the same virtue. Since my son and I have married the prince as his wife, how can we enjoy the honor and sit back and watch the prince's hard work!"

"Mother, why are you doing this..." Cheng Ying continued to talk, he was also completing his task.

"I have made up my mind, and I hope my father-in-law will play the role of father!"

Nodding, Cheng Ying said slowly: "Since your Majesty is on this trip, how dare I say anything? So... let's go with the Thirteenth Master!"

After saying this, Cheng Ying looked at Zhu Jinghong and asked, "What do you think, Thirteenth Master?"

Zhu Jinghong looked at Baochai with a smile on his face and said, "Baochai... you have to think about it!"

Baochai smiled and said: "The husband sings and the wife follows... Is it even necessary to think about it?"

Zhu Jinghong smiled even more, and then said: "Then let's go to Shanglin Garden to stay for a few days!"

Cheng Ying immediately said: "Thirteenth Master, in that case... let's set off now!"

"Now?"

"Exactly!"

Although he was a little surprised, Zhu Jinghong still said: "Wait for me to clean up!"

Cheng Ying smiled and replied: "Thirteenth Master, all the food and clothing are ready at Shanglin Garden. You can just go over there. The carriage is waiting outside!"

When something goes wrong, there must be a monster. The situation at the scene seemed strange, which gave Zhu Jinghong a very bad premonition.

"We have to bring some changes of clothes!"

Cheng Ying immediately replied: "We are all ready, Master Thirteenth just needs to go!"

"Okay... let's go!"

So Zhu Jinghong and Baochai went out together, got into a carriage brought by Cheng Ying, and headed towards the imperial city under the escort of a large number of soldiers.

Half an hour later, inside Kunning Palace.

The news from Prince Xiang's Mansion has been sent back. After learning the situation, Yang Qingyin nodded with satisfaction, looked at the emperor and asked: "If the Xue family girl doesn't ask to go with her, will she really be destroyed?"

Zhu Xianming said in a deep voice: "If she doesn't mention it, she will have lost her duty as a wife. Why should she be left here?"

"It's just that the daily life and diet you set are too harsh and difficult!" Yang Qingyin looked distressed. After all, he was her biological son.

"Hardship? Isn't it just a little hardship? What does it count?"

Looking at his first wife, Zhu Xianming said frankly: "When I started the rebellion and fought for the throne with my head tied, you also risked your life to follow me. Compared with this, the hardships they endured are nothing to mention!"

In front of Yang Qingyin, Zhu Xianming never hid anything about the Donghua Gate.

"Okay, okay... don't mention what happened back then, it's not a glorious thing!" Yang Qingyin looked sad, and she thought of her two sons.

(End of this chapter)