King Xiang of the Red Chamber

Chapter 576 Li Xuan’s panic

Do you have too much faith in Lao Shisan?
This kind of question can be asked directly by the queen without being suspected by the emperor.

"What do you mean by that?" Zhu Xianming asked.

Yang Qingyin asked, "What do you mean by me?"

Randomly giving soldiers and horses to two provinces, even his own son, seemed to Yang Qingyin to be too hasty.

How could a major military matter be such a child's play? The person named Zhu is crazy!

Picking up the chess piece, Zhu Xianming said calmly: "Do you think... that this kid can be lawless if he is in charge of Yan Liao's army?"

To put it another way, lawlessness can actually be called "rebellion."

Controlling the troops and horses of the two provinces, the Dusi army is still of average combat strength. Even if the generals are driven crazy and are willing to follow Zhu Jinghong to cause trouble, they can be controlled by depriving them of food and pay.

Why did he, Zhu Xianming, succeed back then? That's because he has commanded all the soldiers and horses in the world, and he was in Beijing at that time and the emperor was away.

At this time, Miaoyu said: "Your Majesty, with all due respect, everyone in the government and the public supports the crown prince and Prince Rui as the crown prince, but has anyone mentioned the appointment of Prince Xiang as the crown prince?"

To use an inappropriate metaphor, Miaoyu at this time is equivalent to Yuanchun's counselor.

"Old Thirteen can make things happen!"

In Miaoyu's view, a lecherous person like Zhu Jinghong, who has no ambitions, is no threat at all.

The emperor did not punish him, but instead entrusted him with important responsibilities. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers and horses from the two provinces were given to him at his request...

"This old Thirteen... is really capable!" Yuan Chun's tone was calm, but he had lost his composure in his heart, and jealousy arose spontaneously.

Zhu Jinghong can achieve things. The subtext of this sentence is that the prince cannot achieve things if he has no ability.

"I hope so!" Yuanchun sighed.

"Don't worry, Crown Princess, the crown prince's position belongs to him alone, and no one can take it away!" Miaoyu comforted again.

"No matter what... Prince Xiang's Mansion needs to be stable!"

"That's true, but I'm just afraid of what might happen..."

Thinking of this, Yuanchun said to the outside world: "Whoever comes... be prepared. I will go to Prince Xiang's Mansion tomorrow!"

The emperor and empress were in a bad mood here, while on the other hand, Zhang Zuo was sent to the Supervisor of Ceremonies, and Lu Tong's eyes widened as he saw it.

Hearing this, Miaoyu asked: "Empress... I'd better go to the palace. There must be someone beside the Empress to talk to!"

There is a saying that people are more likely to die than others...

If it were a few days ago, Zhu Xianming would definitely refute it, but the events in recent years have made him reflect on the past and admit that he is indeed responsible.

Thinking of these, even though Yuanchun has a broad mind, his heart is very unbalanced at this time.

Of course, no one in the government or the public has ever said such a thing. Thinking of this, Yuanchun felt a lot more at ease.

At this time, she thought about Jinling again. In less than half a year after Zhu Jingyuan went there, he had already paid more than five million taels of silver to the national treasury and internal funds. This was also a very big achievement.

But after all, she felt unhappy about this, so she said: "The prince is benevolent, and you are also responsible!"

The prince finally got the opportunity to supervise the country, but now he has to be cautious in doing things, for fear that if he makes a little mistake, he still won't be recognized by the emperor.

Although Zhu Jinghong had never had any intention of competing for the throne, Yuan Chun suddenly realized that this might be the biggest threat to the prince.

After everything is done, the Chief of Ceremonies will send the memorial and Zhu Biao to the Military Department, where a formal document will be drafted and sent to the Military Department.

Yang Qingyin was choked up with just one sentence, and the prince's ability left her speechless.

The Ministry of War then issued official documents to Yanshan, Liaodong Capital Division, Liaodong Navy and Andong Xingdu Division.

There were many procedures, and during these processes, Zhu Jinghong's control of Yan and Liao's troops spread throughout the court.

At this time, Miaoyu interjected: "Your Majesty... Prince Xiang is frivolous with Meng Lang, and there is nothing to worry about!"

What is worth noting here is that Miaoyu talked about "seizing the legitimate son" in front of Yuanchun, which shows that she has gained the latter's full trust.

But Zhu Jinghong, who was usually full of complaints and often arranged things behind his back, was now driven to the land of Yanliao and caused a lot of trouble...

At this time, Lu Tong had this idea, and so did the eunuchs on duty, so everyone looked at Cheng Ying.

"You don't have to look at me, this is the Lord's decree and it cannot be changed!" Cheng Ying said calmly.

Yuanchun was talking to Miaoyu when she heard the news from the maid, and she was stunned.

Even if people like Zheng Xianlin and Gu Jin help, and even if Xu Xinan is appointed as the inspection censor, they can't stop Zhu Jingyuan, the prince who wants to do something.

The East Palace, the inner chamber, and the princess' sleeping quarters.

Yes...why is this?
Zhu Xianming was also asking himself, but he quickly found the answer.

Moreover, in the process of collecting money, this guy also took actions to eliminate dissidents and strengthen himself. As one thing grows stronger, the other loses. The threat becomes even greater.

Relying on the imperial edict and using the Ming Dynasty Law as a weapon, Zhu Jingyuan was invincible against those filthy scholar-bureaucrats.

Fortunately, it was just a threat and was not directly classified as an enemy by Yuan Chun. This was all due to Zhu Jinghong's packaging of himself.

Controlling the troops and horses of Yanliao and Andong Xingdu Division, the emperor directly approved such a big matter without court discussion?
Although the emperor can be arbitrary, is it too childish to do so?

"Old Thirteen is unlearned and incompetent, but you are so trusting, why are you so harsh on the prince?" Yang Qingyin asked calmly.

Lu Tong nodded, and then ordered someone to get the seal and prepare the corresponding documents.

"I will arrange this, but it requires mother's permission, so don't worry yet!"

"Yes!"

There was discussion in the East Palace. At this time, at the residence of Chief Assistant Zhao Yushan, his son Zhao Jingzhong was also discussing this matter.

"The importance of military equipment is related to the stability of the world, and granting it at will...is not the behavior of a wise king!"

"King Xiang is reckless and behaves erratically. I am afraid that the people of Yan and Liao will not be at peace..."

Before Zhao Jingzhong finished speaking, he heard a "pop" sound, but it was his father who put the book down on the table.

"You haven't said enough?"

"Father...I..."

"how old are you?"

"Thirty-four……"

"Thirty-four... I'm almost going to be a grandpa, and yet you're still so impulsive. All your more than ten years of service as an official have been in vain?" Zhao Yushan looked sullen.

At this moment, he suddenly realized that he should not transfer his son back to the capital. It would be better for him to be a local magistrate.

"son……"

"You, the young minister of Dali Temple, are responsible for reviewing cases. How can you say more about other matters?"

Looking at his "stupid" son, Zhao Yushan was so angry.

He also knew that the reason why Zhao Jingzhong was so immature was that his path to study and becoming an official was too smooth. Who gave him a biological father who was capable and capable of becoming an official.

"If you don't want to kill me...and don't want to kill our family, then you should be less involved in these kinds of right and wrong in the future!"

"Yes!"

"Remember, although your father is the chief minister, he is an enemy both inside and outside the capital. These people are always looking for our shortcomings, and we cannot allow others to take advantage of them!"

"It involves the Tian family. Others can discuss it, but how can we discuss it?"

Zhao Yushan is a good father. After getting angry in the early stage, he was still able to teach his son carefully so that he would not make any mistakes again.

Zhao Yushan's analysis of the situation is absolutely second to none at the moment.

It's a pity that his true knowledge and insights cannot be told to outsiders, not even his own son in front of him.

But this does not prevent him from paving the way for his son in advance.

"Boss, my father feels... you still lack training, and the capital is not suitable for you!"

Zhao Jingzhong was undoubtedly shocked when he heard his father say this.

There is no doubt that one has a future as an official in the capital, so everyone wants to go to the capital.

As the son of the chief minister, Zhao Jingzhong was not transferred to the capital until last year. Now his father said that he was not suitable for the capital. This was undoubtedly a heavy blow to Zhao Jingzhong. "Father, what do you mean..."

"I mean, you should go somewhere and practice more!"

Since the father said this, he already had a plan, so Zhao Jingzhong asked: "Where does the father want his son to go? Any job?"

"Nowadays, military affairs in the northwest are of great importance. All grain, grass and weapons are transported to Gansu. During this period, bandits attack from time to time. Go to Gansu to suppress the bandits!"

"Son, are you going to suppress bandits?" Zhao Jingzhong was even more surprised. He didn't expect his father to arrange it like this.

"There is still a vacancy for the deputy envoy of the Gansu Prosecution Department, so you might as well take over!"

The Deputy Envoy of the Gansu Procuratorate is also an official of the fourth rank, but it is far inferior to that of the Shaoqing of Dali Temple.

From the perspective of personal interests, Zhao Jingzhong certainly does not want to go.

"Dad...are you kidding?"

"No!" Zhao Yushan remained serious.

"My son is at your disposal!" Zhao Jingzhong said calmly.

Although he didn't want to go, Zhao Jingzhong also knew that his father must be doing it for his own good, so he could accept the result frankly.

"Okay... I will arrange this matter, and then you can take office!"

For Zhao Yushan, the chief minister, there is basically no difficulty in running a fourth-grade official.

"My son understands!" Although Zhao Jingzhong complained, he didn't say much.

After all, he is his biological father, and his son looked disappointed, so Zhao Yushan said: "When you go to Gansu, you must be careful..."

Zhao Yushan continued to teach earnestly, and at this time in Prince Xiang's Mansion, Baochai also learned about the major events that happened in the court.

"Brother Thirteen is really powerful, and now he has been reused by his father..."

"In this world, the one who has the most trust from my father is Brother Thirteen..."

Hearing these words, Baochai felt very complicated.

She knew it was a good thing that Zhu Jinghong was in power, but these comments made her feel panicked. She was afraid of arousing the jealousy of others.

Even though she knew it, as Prince Xiang's palace continued to grow, being hated by others was inevitable.

"These words... don't talk nonsense, you two, and don't discuss today's events when you get back!"

Looking at the two princesses in front of him, Baochai gave serious instructions.

"Yes!"

Looking at the two people in front of him, Baochai stroked his abdomen and said, "I just hope that he can come back safely, nothing else matters!"

Princess Xu of Qingyang replied: "Sister-in-law, don't worry, Brother Thirteen will definitely be able to handle the emperor's mission and come back safely!"

"I'm tired... If you have nothing to do, go back first!"

It had been more than an hour since the two people came here at noon, and Baochai was really tired after chatting for so long.

The two Xus were also very sensible. They stood up and bowed before leaving.

Sitting in the room with her forehead in hand, Baochai thought for a while and then sighed.

She knew Zhu Jinghong's plan and knew that her men would stir up trouble, but she didn't expect such a big fight.

Although it was a good thing to control the troops of Yan and Liao, Baochai also saw the risks behind it. She could guess that there would be a storm in the court next.

Last year, the courtiers struggled for so long and tried countless ways to throw dirt on Zhu Jinghong before removing him from his military post. How could they sit back and watch Zhu Jinghong regain power now?

"Call Deng An!"

"Yes!"

The reason why Baochai asked Deng An to come was because she wanted to pay attention to the direction of the court. Only when Deng An was doing things well could she rest assured.

Deng An arrived shortly after, and Baochai gave him detailed instructions, or agreed immediately because the task was not difficult.

Baochai's expectation was good. Only one day had passed, and more than 20 accusations against Zhu Jinghong appeared in the court.

From various perspectives such as Zhu Jinghong's knowledge, character, and abilities, officials fully demonstrated how absurd and unwise it was for him to control the troops of Yan and Liao.

These officials involved in the impeachment had only one appeal, and that was to implore the emperor to withdraw his orders.

Because the prince is now in charge of the country, these impeachment memorials were sent to him.

Different from the past, the prince only hoped that there would be as many memorials as possible, because he also felt the huge threat from Zhu Jinghong.

It can be said that the prince is also gradually changing, but his transformation speed is too slow, and he is still very "immature" now.

"Your Highness, these memorials are of great importance, so they should be forwarded to the imperial court!" the bachelor of the East Palace reminded.

"Alright!"

That being said, Zhu Jingyuan was also thinking about what his attitude should be towards this, and how he should answer the emperor's question.

…………

Thousands of miles away, on the border of North Korea, inside Yiju City.

After seven days of traveling, the crown prince of Joseon, Li Xuan, arrived here. Tomorrow he will set foot on the land of the Ming Dynasty.

In the evening, Li Xuan stood on the wall of Yizhou and looked at the huge empire in the north. He felt that the front was like a giant beast devouring everything.

"Your Majesty!"

"Oh... Commander Zheng, how come you are here!" Li Xuan turned around and asked.

Behind him was the security captain for his trip, Zheng Quanzhi, the commander of Shi Ziyi's Guards.

Walking to Li Xuan's side, Zheng Quanzhi said: "Your Majesty... I just got the news. Your Majesty has issued an edict, ordering King Xiang to control the troops and horses of the Yanliao and Andong capitals!"

Today is the eighth day of August. The emperor's decree was conveyed the day before yesterday, and all the capital and Xingdu divisions also received military orders from the Ministry of War.

"Is this happening?" Li Xuan was greatly surprised.

Who must this obviously unusual move of concentrating the northern forces in one man's hands be aimed at?

Is it a Jurchen? Or me, North Korea?

Thinking of this, Li Xuan was even more frightened. Things always develop in a worse direction than he expected.

Is it really because of what I did? Li Xuan asked himself.

The more I think about it, the more it makes sense. It shows how tiring it is to live with a ghost in your heart.

Originally, he wanted to catch some wind, but at this time, Li Xuan's back felt cold, so he consciously walked down the city wall.

After he returned to his residence, his wife Jin Youyan easily discovered something strange about him.

"what happened?"

In order to show his respect and respect for the Ming Dynasty, Li Shuo arranged for Li Xuan and his wife to come over, so Jin Youyan appeared here.

"Alas... the situation is critical!" Li Xuan sighed.

"Is it possible...that someone is doing something bad to you or me?" Jin Youyan thought of this immediately.

Li Xuan shook his head and said, "If we go to Jinzhou, you and I may be humiliated!"

"what?"

After being surprised, Jin Youyan asked: "The Ming Dynasty is a great country, a country of etiquette... I don't think it will be like this!"

"The Ming Dynasty is a country of etiquette, but that King Xiang..."

Thinking of all the rumors, Li Xuan was filled with uncontrollable fear towards this King Xiang whom he had never met before.

"My lord, no matter what, I will stay with you!" Jin Youyan comforted.

Looking at his wife's beautiful face, Li Xuan felt warm and his mentality finally calmed down.

(End of this chapter)