King Xiang of the Red Chamber

Chapter 452 Don't waste your time
When Zhu Jinghong entered the back garden, a group of warblers and swallows just got off the boat and were about to rest in the pavilion next to them. Snacks and tea had been set up here.

"Hey... the busy man is back!" Baochai said looking at Zhu Jinghong in the distance.

Everyone looked in the direction she was looking, and sure enough they saw Zhu Jinghong approaching.

"Third sister, you've finally arrived. How about...my palace is pretty good, isn't it?"

Looking at his approaching brother, Zhu Yunsheng looked dissatisfied: "Brother Thirteen, only one thing is bad, everything else is good!"

So Zhu Jinghong looked at Baochai and lectured: "Baochai, how did you entertain the third sister? You look like you are making me unhappy!"

Baochai smiled and asked, "Your Majesty, why don't you ask Third Sister what's wrong with her?"

"Forget it, Third Sister, let's save some face for the princess. I won't ask if there's anything wrong with her. I'll ask her to be more careful when we get down!"

Everyone present was a smart person, and they couldn't help laughing when they heard this, and they all secretly found out that Zhu Jinghong was really thick-skinned.

Zhu Yunsheng wanted to point it out, but after thinking about it, she was her brother after all, so in the end she didn't say anything more.

When he came to the crowd, Zhu Jinghong first looked at Daiyu and asked with a smile: "Girl Lin, how are you doing with your calligraphy practice?"

"Just enough to catch your eye!" Daiyu replied, pretending to be cold at this time.

"You're so humble. If you can stand a little, I can't stand you!" Zhu Jinghong looked at everyone with a smile.

To his embarrassment, everyone looked at him quietly, obviously agreeing with what he said.

But in fact, in the two years since time traveled, Zhu Jinghong's calligraphy has been perfected, and it is almost the same as the current Taige style.

"Girl Lin, how about you teach me?" Zhu Jinghong asked tentatively.

However, these words frightened Daiyu, and she immediately said: "Sister Bao is a very knowledgeable person, so why should you sacrifice the near and seek the far away!"

Baochai is also thinking about this issue at the moment!

Yes, why should we sacrifice the near for the far?
Thinking of Zhu Jinghong's frequent visits to Kunning Palace and pestering him to learn to play chess, Baochai seemed to have the answer in his mind.

He is repeating his old tricks... Baochai thought to himself.

Although she understood Zhu Jinghong's intention, Baochai had no worries in her heart because she had long understood the virtues of her man.

Compared with Zhu Jinghong looking for women outside, Daiyu knows her roots and has a close relationship with him, which undoubtedly makes Baochai easier to accept.

After secretly glancing at Baochai, Daiyu felt relieved when she saw that she really didn't notice anything strange.

As for Zhu Jinghong, there was no disturbance at all. He never hid such things.

After walking two steps in front of Daiyu, Zhu Jinghong continued: "Your sister Bao is busy and she has to look after everyone in the house. How can you have time to teach me how to write!"

Do you want to harm the people in my palace again?
Thinking of this, Zhu Yunsheng stood up and walked over, pulled Daiyu to one side and looked at his brother: "Brother Thirteen, I don't want to teach you, do you still want to intimidate me?"

After laughing twice to cover up his embarrassment, Zhu Jinghong said: "Third sister, don't say such nonsense!"

"Okay, sit down quickly, don't let Third Sister laugh at you!" Baochai finally said.

Zhu Jinghong took his seat as instructed, and then Xiangyun suddenly said: "Why didn't Sister Qin come?"

Just then Zhen Qin came and put on Baochai's new clothes.

"Why are you still wearing Baochai's clothes?" Zhu Jinghong asked again.

The word "return" was easily caught by Baochai. Although she didn't quite understand it, she didn't think much about it.

But Zhu Jinghong's question was really difficult for Zhen Qin, and she didn't know how to explain it for a while.

"The princess asked me to change it!" Zhen Qin suppressed this sentence.

At this time Baochai explained: "She just wet her clothes, so I asked her to change into my new clothes!"

"I see!"

At this time, Zhu Jinghong understood everything, so he looked at Zhen Qin and laughed.

At this time, Xiangyun stood up and took Zhen Qin to sit down, and then said: "We were talking about writing lyrics just now. I said that some of the songs you composed a few days ago were excellent, but they didn't believe it... Come and tell them!"

So what happened next basically had nothing to do with Zhu Jinghong, but he himself was not idle.

For example, his eyes were looking at Daiyu for a while, and then for Zhen Qin.

She looks at Dai Yu because of love, and looks at Zhen Qin because of her career.

Yes, Zhu Jinghong has included Zhen Qin in his plan, intending to use her to show himself after his "collapse" when the queen does not allow him to go to the northwest.

What is the self after "collapse"? It is naturally full of complaints, excessive drinking, and even drunken sex...

Thinking of this, Zhu Jinghong silently said sorry to Zhen Qin. It was indeed not good for her to do this, even though he knew that this girl liked him.

Let's talk about the scene. Although everyone was talking about poetry, most of them were paying attention to Zhu Jinghong. His actions could be said to affect the girl's mood.

Just looking at Daiyu, why is he staring at Qin Yatou? I still don’t understand him well... Baochai thought this way.

Could it be that he prefers Sister Qin?Daiyu came up with such a guess.

It seems that Thirteenth Master has already fallen in love with me, otherwise he would not be so close to me today. I am willing to do it, Thirteenth Master... Zhen Qin was shouting in her heart.

Although everyone had different thoughts, they still chatted harmoniously on the spot, and time passed slowly like this.

When it came time for dinner, although it was arranged to eat in the garden, the location was Tingyuzhai where Keqing once lived.

When everyone moved to Tingyuzhai, Baochai led Daiyu in front, followed by Yang Jingting and Keqing Xiangyun, and finally Zhu Jinghong and Zhu Yunsheng.

It's just that the brother and sister didn't have a pleasant conversation. Zhu Yunsheng wanted to stay in Prince Xiang's Mansion for a few more days, but Zhu Jinghong told her to go back tomorrow.

"Ignore you!" Zhu Yunsheng walked away angrily.

Her departure gave Zhen Qin a chance. The girl fell one step behind and came to Zhu Jinghong's side.

"Master Thirteen, why is the princess angry?"

Looking at Zhen Qin on the side, Zhu Jinghong calmly replied: "You should ask her about this!"

"You won't tell anyone what happened today, right?" Zhen Qin asked in a low voice.

She was just looking for something to say because she knew Zhu Jinghong was not so mean.

Who knows the next moment, Zhu Jinghong slapped her on the butt twice, and then said: "Don't worry... I will definitely keep it a secret for you!"

Zhu Jinghong's two pats completely made Zhen Qin's mind go blank. She even thought that she felt wrong.

"Hey...did you hear that?" As he spoke, Zhu Jinghong clapped twice more.

This time Zhen Qin was finally sure that she had been taken advantage of by Zhu Jinghong again. With her face flushed, she dared not look at Zhu Jinghong and turned around and ran away.

Zhen Qin was really worried about her own death if she didn't escape while no one was around.

But Zhu Jinghong was different. He enjoyed the sneaky feeling and felt it was a different kind of excitement.

Girl Qin, don't blame me, it's you who likes to stick to me, so I have to sacrifice myself... Zhu Jinghong said secretly in his heart.

In this era, it is indeed extremely rude and even perverted to treat a woman who has not gone out of her way, so Zhu Jinghong does feel a little guilty in his heart.

But in fact, even though Zhen Qin ran away, even though she was extremely embarrassed, her heart was sweet.

Soon it was time for the banquet, and after everyone sat down again, Zhen Qin still hadn't recovered from her excitement and shyness, which attracted the admiration of Xiang Yun on the side.

Baochai also noticed that something was wrong with her, so she couldn't help but glance at the husband next to her, but the latter's face was unwavering.

One night passed, and after Zhu Jinghong finished washing early, he left the house and went to the palace.

He planned to go to the East Palace today and re-enact what he did in Prince Rui's Mansion yesterday in front of the fourth child.

I just want to be a general, I have absolutely no other ideas. This character must be established...

Entering the gate of the East Palace, on the way to the reception room, Zhu Jinghong once again clarified the central mission of this trip.

Compared with Lao Liu, the prince was obviously easier to deceive, and it was impossible to suspect that Zhu Jinghong had "different intentions" when he went to the northwest.

What makes Zhu Jinghong uncomfortable is that the prince is on the same side as the queen, and they both oppose him going to the northwest to put himself in danger.

So he spent a lot of time explaining before convincing the prince that he was just going to the northwest to see and would never take risks on the battlefield.

On such a big matter, the prince was very straightforward and told Zhu Jinghong that it was not convenient for him to intercede with the queen for him, so Zhu Jinghong was extremely disappointed and left the East Palace.Let's say that after Zhu Jinghong left the East Palace, he went straight to the direction of Kunning Palace.

At this time, the queen was meeting her concubine, and because of his arrival, the meeting could only end early.

In the side hall of Kunning Palace, the queen was sitting on a soft couch, looking at her son kneeling in front of her with a look of dismay.

"You're done, aren't you? There's no negotiation on this matter. It's the same thing even if you come here ten times or a hundred times!"

"Mom, my son has nothing else to ask for in this life. Do you have to ruthlessly reject such a small request?"

"Everything else is up to you, but going to such dangerous places is absolutely impossible!" Yang Qingyin said firmly.

"son……"

Before Zhu Jinghong could finish his words, the queen said immediately: "If you have nothing else to do, just go back. Don't bother me about this matter again in the future!"

"mother……"

Before Zhu Jinghong could say anything, the queen had already stood up and left, so he could only exit the hall knowingly.

Although he will come again in the next few days, he already knows that the old mother will never let go without resorting to extreme measures.

With a sigh, Zhu Jinghong walked out of Kunning Palace, intending to go to the North Fourth Guard to have a look.

Because they are going to fight in the northwest, the four northern guards are now taking turns on vacation. Everyone can go home and spend half a month with their relatives, so training matters are temporarily put on hold.

But as soon as he walked out of Kunning Gate, he was stopped by the young eunuch of Qianqing Palace, but it was the emperor who sent him over to see him.

When Zhu Jinghong arrived at Qianqing Palace, Zhu Xianming was summoning Zhao Yushan, and the discussion this time was still about Jinling.

The first step in the implementation of Qingzhang is personnel adjustment. Zhao Yushan came up with the final plan today and is currently submitting it to the emperor for review.

This plan has been revised four times so far, with adjustments of one kind or another made each time.

Although the emperor trusted Zhao Yushan very much, he would still ensure his dominance in large-scale personnel appointments.

For example, Zheng Xianlin, who was the governor of Jinling, and Jia Yucun, who was promoted to deputy envoy of the Ancha Division, were arranged by the emperor himself.

In addition, among the more than [-] officials who were adjusted, the Crown Prince and King Rui also recommended six or seven people respectively.

"So be it!"

After reading it, Zhu Xianming said these four words and handed the chapter to Lu Tong, the chief official of the ceremony.

As long as the Chief of Ceremonies uses the seal, it can be issued to the staff for execution.

It's mid-March now, and it's almost May when officials can be in place. Give them two months to familiarize themselves with the situation, and the Qingzhang can be implemented just after the autumn harvest is completed.

In order to complete the entire province of Jinling without any mistakes, one year is actually very urgent, so Zhu Xianming gave a three-year time limit.

In these three years, in addition to completing the Qingzhang of Jinling, a group of talented officials will also be trained, and these people will become the backbone of the next Qingzhang.

"Most of the people appointed there are your disciples and former officials. I'm afraid someone will accuse you of nepotism!"

Although the emperor said this calmly, Zhao Yushan did not dare to take it lightly, so he immediately knelt down on the ground again.

"Your Majesty clearly knows that I have no such intention!"

Zhu Xianming smiled and said: "I know you don't have this intention, I just remind you to be alert and get up quickly!"

Zhao Yushan actually knew very well that the emperor was not only reminding himself, but also warning himself against any ulterior motives.

Although their monarchs and ministers complement each other, they are monarchs and ministers, and their suspicions are only shelved rather than eliminated. Zhu Xianming and Zhao Yushan both know this.

"It's nothing, just go back and do your work!"

"Wei Chen retire!"

Let's say that Zhao Yushan exited Nuan Pavilion and ran into Zhu Jinghong as soon as he walked out of the hall.

"I have seen Your Highness!"

"Oh... Mr. Zhao Ge!"

"I heard that His Highness wants to go northwest?"

Zhao Yushan's unprecedented question made Zhu Jinghong confused for a moment, wondering what the old man's plan was.

"I just want to go for a walk. You know I like to join in the fun and am a restless person!"

"Your Highness is obsessed with military training. If you go to the northwest to counsel military affairs, the heavenly soldiers of the imperial court will have a better chance of winning!"

Good guy, what Old Boss Zhao said was even more abnormal, which made Zhu Jinghong somewhat alert.

Is he joking or serious?
Zhu Jinghong couldn't be sure about this question, so he said with a playful smile: "Old Ge understands me. They all say that I only know how to mess around. Who knows if I am the general, it will be easy to defeat Junggar!"

"Hahaha... Your Highness can ask the Holy Lord for a battle later!" Zhao Yushan rarely smiled.

Putting away his smile, Zhao Yushan cupped his hands and said: "Your Highness... take leave!"

"Please, Mr. Ge!"

Seeing Zhao Yushan leave, Zhu Jinghong felt uneasy. Zhao Yushan's behavior today was really weird.

"Thirteenth Master, the Lord has summoned you to see you!"

"Ok!"

Turning around and entering the palace, Zhu Jinghong arrived in front of the emperor a few breaths later. At this time, the emperor was reading the military newspaper.

"Dad, why did you call your son?"

Looking up at Zhu Jinghong, Zhu Xianming asked calmly: "Your mother won't agree. I think you'd better not waste your efforts!"

"Dad...it's not even the last day, how can you be sure that mother won't change her mind!"

"You are really stubborn!" Zhu Xianming said with a smile.

Zhu Jinghong calmly replied: "My son is not stubborn, he just doesn't want to give up despite the difficulties!"

After being stunned for a moment, Zhu Xianming said: "It's really rare for you to be able to reason!"

Zhu Jinghong continued: "My son is always reasonable, but he just doesn't know the things in books!"

Originally, Zhu Xianming wanted to persuade him not to bother anymore, but seeing Zhu Jinghong's determination to not give up, he suddenly changed his mind.

"Forget it, if you're willing to do it, just do it!"

"Dad, my son has something to say... I don't know if I should say it or not!"

Picking up the memorial again, Zhu Xianming said slowly: "If you don't want to say it, then don't say it!"

"Dad, my son has made some achievements in the past two years. You have always been..."

Just listening to the opening scene, Zhu Xianming knew his plan and immediately interrupted: "You don't want me to intercede for you, do you?"

"If you come forward, mother will give you more or less..."

Before Zhu Jinghong finished speaking, the old man waved and said: "Thirteen, come here!"

"Dad, what's the matter?"

"Come here!" Zhu Xianming looked more and more cautious.

When Zhu Jinghong came to his side and stretched out his ears, he heard Zhu Xianming scolding: "Get out!"

"father……"

"Get out now!"

"Yes!"

After Zhu Jinghong disappeared, he heard Zhu Xianming muttering to himself: "If you ask me to intercede, wouldn't I be scolded if I go?"

Regarding Zhu Jinghong's trip to the northwest, Zhu Xianming was actually not opposed to it, so it was impossible for him to take the initiative to intercede.

(End of this chapter)