King Xiang of the Red Chamber

Chapter 572: Favorite scoundrel children

"Let the prince handle it?" Yang Qingyin looked confused.

Zhu Xianming replied calmly: "Just let him come up with a countermeasure. If it's appropriate... let him handle it."

Speaking of this, Zhu Xianming looked at his old wife and said, "Don't even think about helping him, let him make his own decision!"

The emperor is responsible for the inheritance of his ancestors, and Yang Qingyin is blameless for this. She only hopes that the prince will live up to his expectations this time.

"Let's go... let's free up the place and let them build the place as soon as possible!"

So the emperor and empress left. As soon as they left, a large number of eunuchs and guards came to rebuild the place with various tools and materials.

There is still half a day before dark, and they can finish it in half a day. Tomorrow the emperor can move into the "village".

On the other side of the palace, in the small courtyard of Princess Jing'an Zhu Yunsheng, there was endless laughter and laughter.

Xiangyun, Yingchun and Tanchun were playing cards with Zhu Yunsheng at this time, and the losers had their faces painted.

Then Baochai replied: "My daughter-in-law accepts the decree!"

She traveled hundreds of miles to pay her respects when she was so pregnant. This was indeed an "extreme" act of pure filial piety, and it would naturally arouse discussion among the people below.

The comments from the people below also meant that Baochai had achieved part of his purpose before he took action.

After the eunuch left, Yuanchun comforted Baochai again, and then left with a group of married women.

"Empress, things have been arranged!" Lin Hongyu reported.

In fact, because of her special situation, the emperor and empress spared her the need to pay her respects. It was Baochai who came by himself.

This was the first time she came to pay her respects after the emperor and empress left the capital.

"My father, the emperor, and my empress have taken pity on me and ordered me not to pay greetings every day, but I should always go once every ten and a half months!"

"Queen Mother Shengming!" Yuanchun was the first to speak.

"It's nearly a hundred miles from here to the palace, and the fatigue of the carriage and horses is too much for you!"

After a few people had fun, they sat down for a while to drink tea and rest, and then heard Xiangyun say: "I heard...Sister Bao is coming in two days? It will be more fun then!"

Hearing these words, Baochai felt childish just now.

What she arranged was actually to renovate the East Palace, and the method was to expose the Jia family's scandal.

The two of them speak to each other, each using their own needs to highlight their characters.

Because Baochai was pregnant, it was very inconvenient to move around now, so she didn't follow him to the palace.

Nowadays, Zhu Yunsheng's only attendant is Xiangyun. Yingchun and Tanchun were recommended by Yuanchun and were able to serve him in the palace.

Yuanchun spoke sincerely, she was really worried about Baochai, fearing that she would do something unwise.

But Yuanchun's next words made her change her mind.

"Who did you listen to?" Zhu Yunsheng asked.

The current situation is that Zhu Yunsheng is holding a pen and drawing on Yingchun's left cheek. Obviously, the latter lost the last game again.

"The eunuchs below are chatting, saying that Prince Xiang's Mansion sent someone here this morning to report this matter!"

After such a big drama today, Baochai felt a little tired, so she went back to the palace to rest, but then Lin Hongyu came over.

At this time, a eunuch entered Prince Xiang's Mansion and brought the Queen's decree.

I can play the role of "pure filial piety", can't the princess in front of me play the role of "good eldest daughter-in-law" and "good sister-in-law"?
At this level, there is still the sincerity of thinking about others... Baochai shook his head in his heart.

The purpose was to establish Zhu Jinghong's presence in front of the emperor and empress, and to demonstrate his benevolence and filial piety.

Following Yuanchun, there were several other high-ranking wives, including the wife of the Minister of Rites and the wife of the Minister of Punishment.

Playing cards with the princess is similar to studying with the prince. Winning is definitely not possible. The key lies in how to lose decently.

"What are you doing!" Yuanchun sighed.

The Crown Princess Yuan Chun in Beijing also learned that Baochai was going to pay his respects. At this time, she went to Prince Xiang's Mansion in person.

Since it is Yi's decree, it must be carried out, so Baochai does not need to go to the palace.

What the Queen means is that Zhu Yunsheng will choose a consort next year, and his attendants will be dismissed at the end of the year. There are still a few months left, so there is no need to worry.

According to Yuanchun's idea, he also wanted to give his two sisters the status of attendants to "gild" his resume, but the queen refused.

"I'm afraid my mother won't allow it!" Zhu Yunsheng sighed.

"That's true!" Xiangyun replied.

"Don't worry, if someone gossips, I won't be lenient. Don't worry about my mother. I will go there tomorrow..."

In order to handle this matter well, the three people in Xiangyun have a tacit understanding.

"Sister...my mother has already issued an edict, allowing you not to go to pay her respects, so why are you bothering?"

She may be sincerely thinking about me, but it's a pity that we are not the same person... Baochai thought this way.

However, Baochai was not convinced. She looked ashamed and replied: "The country governs the world with filial piety. Children greet their parents. This is the filial piety they should fulfill. Now that the prince is not here... I should fulfill my filial piety on his behalf." yes!"

"If you don't think about yourself, you should also think about the child in your belly!"

"The empress said that Princess Xiang's filial piety is commendable, but she is physically inconvenient, so there is no need to pay her respects!"

After more than half a month of verification, the full story of Jia Rong and Youshi's affair has been learned by Baochai.

At the same time, the whereabouts of seven of the fifteen witnesses involved have been found.

As for the remaining eight people, they have also been confirmed dead, and they died in various accidents. This is obviously Jia Rong's gradual silence.

Now that Youshi is seriously ill and unable to speak, there are only remaining witnesses to prove the evil deeds of the Jia family.

"If the news leaks..."

"This slave can only apologize with death!" Lin Hongyu said without hesitation.

"You...I can trust you, but that Ni Er..."

Hearing this, Lin Hongyu said with a serious expression: "Ni Er was greatly favored by the prince and was able to join the Imperial Guard. He is loyal to the prince... and will do his best to get the job done!"

After nodding slightly, Baochai said: "You have to tell him not to be anxious, and to make full preparations first. When the time comes, it will not be too late to act!"

The so-called "time has come" is the most critical time for the prince, and then the action will have the greatest effect.

Lin Hongyu replied: "These slaves have already spoken, and he will not convey the situation until the princess gives instructions..."

To convey... means to "inadvertently" convey it to Prince Rui's Mansion.

To expose the Jia family, Prince Rui's Palace would naturally do it. Prince Xiang's Palace would never do such a thing anyway.

Seeing Lin Hongyu's careful consideration, Baochai became more and more satisfied with her, so she asked, "Are you almost seventeen this year?"

"Your Majesty, you have a good memory. I am now seventeen!" Lin Hongyu replied.

"Have you found someone you love?"

This twist was so big that Lin Hongyu almost thought she had heard wrongly.

"If you care about your marriage, your parents will order a matchmaker, so what kind of person do you think this slave can be?"

"Lying..." Baochai smiled.

However, she said: "I heard that you are interested in Jia Yun?"

Lin Hongyu was a little shy than you, but she still nodded honestly.

"Does he like you?"

This question was even more tricky, and Lin Hongyu's face turned red when she heard it, but she still nodded.

Lin Hongyu is her confidant, and these Baochai actually know it.

"Since we are in love, why haven't you two gotten married yet?" Baochai also knew the reason.

"Just because I am from a humble background, how can I be worthy of an official family!"

Although Lin Hongyu's family has been freed from slavery, they are still slaves in the eyes of the Jia family. Although Jia Yun's mother also likes Lin Hongyu, she cannot choose her as her daughter-in-law.

In Jiabu's view, his son had already become an official, so he had to marry a well-matched girl.

Picking up the tea cup, Baochai said slowly: "You are from my Prince Xiang's Palace. I don't think you are of low origin. How can anyone else have this qualification?"

"Forget it...they are all common people and stupid people, and they can't be justified!" Baochai shook his head.

"Since they think you are of low origin, then I will help you change your destiny!"

Hearing this last sentence, Lin Hongyu's eyes shone with light. She was looking forward to the so-called "change of life".

"How about I find you a godmother?"

"I am willing to listen to your arrangements!"

Baochai smiled and said, "Mrs. Jiayunbo is coming to visit tomorrow. You have to behave well then. Maybe my godmother will recognize her!"

With her in charge, this godmother will definitely recognize him.

Jiayun Bo had a first-grade title, and his wife had a first-grade title. She was willing to be Lin Hongyu's godmother, which was a blessing that the latter could never ask for.

"Thank you for your support!" Lin Hongyu knelt on the ground.

If this family really recognized her, Lin Hongyu's status would rise, and she would no longer have to worry about being looked down upon by the Jiabu family.

In order to stay with Jia Yun forever, Lin Hongyu worked hard, and now she finally saw the hope of success.

"Okay...get up quickly!"

"Yes!"

On the other hand, Yuanchun returned to the East Palace and saw the frowning prince.

The emperor asked him to come up with a solution to the situation in North Korea. He had just discussed it with the bachelors and came to the conclusion that North Korea must be stopped.

As for how to stop it, many methods have been proposed, but unfortunately these methods are basically not feasible.

After learning the cause of the incident, Yuan Chunfang advised: "Your Highness, please don't be anxious. Calm down your mood first... and then think about it carefully!"

"Father gave you two days. If you don't think about it today, you can think about it tomorrow!"

After hearing Yuanchun's words, Zhu Jingyuan calmed down a little, and then he put down the pen in his hand.

Walking in the back garden of the East Palace, Zhu Jingyuan first sighed, and then said: "You tell me... what should the court do!"

Of course, Yuan Chun couldn't answer such a question, so she said: "This matter is of great importance. Your Highness can discuss it with the Pavilion Elder or the Six Ministries and Nine Ministers!"

Now that the prince supervises the country, it is normal to convene the six ministries and nine ministers to discuss matters.

"Yes...why didn't I think of that!" The prince suddenly realized.

As soon as he said it was done, Zhu Jingyuan left the East Palace. He wanted to find three cabinets to work on first.

So Zhu Jingyuan lived a fulfilling life in the next two days. After finally agreeing on the plan, he went to the palace in person to reply.

Because two days have passed, the courtyard where the pavilion is located has been greatly changed, and it has been turned into a village exactly as the emperor said.

Beside the newly dug stream, the emperor was wearing the simplest outer robe and a bamboo hat, sitting on a chair fishing. Beside him was the prince who was making a report.

This time, the prince finally did not disappoint the emperor, and the strategy he came up with was basically feasible.

"According to your method, first send an envoy to give orders, and then order the Liaodong capital to prepare!"

"Yes... we will make arrangements as soon as our son gets down!"

"Then you go back!"

"Yes!"

The prince left carefully, and Zhu Xianming also pulled up the fishing rod, but unfortunately he didn't catch anything.

The water of the creek is drawn from the mountain stream, so it is impossible for fish to survive, so it is normal that no fish can be caught.

"Did you pass the test?" Yang Qingyin appeared behind the emperor.

"Let's just forget it!" Zhu Xianming sighed.

These words showed that he was still dissatisfied with the prince, and he just pinched his nose and approved.

"I heard what you just said. The prince is at least much more mature than before, especially..."

In order to make the crown prince ascend to the throne, Yang Qingyin praised him several times in succession, but Zhu Xianming had no idea about it.

"Your Majesty, please tell me that there is an urgent request for eight hundred miles east of Liaodong. This is His Royal Highness King Xiang!"

"Bring it to me!" Zhu Xianming turned around, much more anxious than listening to the prince's performance.

A few breaths later, Zhu Jinghong's report was delivered to the emperor.

Zhu Xianming originally thought that Zhu Jinghong was talking about the Liaodong Navy, but he didn't know that this guy was also talking about North Korea.

The content of the report was very simple. In addition to exposing the deviant intentions of the North Koreans, Zhu Jinghong also expressed his views on the future and firmly stated that he would suppress North Korea's unhealthy tendencies.

Zhu Xianming certainly knew very well how important the situation in North Korea was.

In the report, Zhu Jinghong also listed some methods, which were more powerful than sending envoys to issue orders, which made Zhu Xianming particularly satisfied.

So he handed the memorial to Yang Qingyin and said, "Look...this is Lao Shisan's countermeasure!"

Yang Qingyin looked at it carefully, and then she had to admit that Zhu Jinghong's methods were indeed effective.

"Are you going to hand it over to Old Thirteen again?"

Zhu Xianming replied: "This guy is very capable. He has been in charge of military affairs in the northwest and has won consecutive battles. It will be easy to clean up North Korea!"

At this time, Yang Qingyin asked: "If you arrange it like this, what will happen to the fourth child?"

After all, it would be too cold for the emperor to change his mind just after the prince left.

"He does his thing, and the Thirteenth does his own, just so the Fourth can see who's method is better!"

Yang Qingyin sighed: "Why do you do this? Wouldn't it be better to tell him directly?"

Zhu Xianming's expression remained unchanged and he replied: "Then tell him... let him improve his own countermeasures to avoid being robbed by Old Thirteen!"

Yang Qingyin nodded, not knowing what to say at this time.

At this time, she also realized that although the prince was knowledgeable and talented, his ability to do things was really poor.

On the contrary, although the younger son is uneducated and has no skills, he is vigorous and reliable in his work, which makes people more confident.

Throwing another shot, the emperor was heard chanting: "The eaves are low, the grass is green on the stream, Wu's voice is charming when drunk, who's old lady has white hair..."

"The eldest son is hoeing beans to the east of the creek, and the middle son is weaving a chicken coop..."

"My favorite child is a scoundrel, lying at the head of the stream peeling off lotus pods!"

Hearing this last sentence, Yang Qingyin also smiled knowingly, feeling that the description was very appropriate.

"My favorite child is a scoundrel, lying down in the stream and peeling off lotus pods... isn't this the old Thirteen!" Yang Qingyin said with a smile.

The emperor was also laughing. He found that his youngest son was the most likable, even though this little bastard could be quite irritating at times.

It seems appropriate to let Lao Shisan inherit the throne...

This strange idea popped up in Zhu Xianming's mind again, but he dismissed it in an instant.

Are you kidding me? I'm crazy for someone like Old Thirteen to be the emperor... Zhu Xianming laughed at himself.

(End of this chapter)