King Xiang of the Red Chamber

Chapter 589 The prince is in trouble

The older an old man is, the more he likes babies, especially the son of his favorite son.

Even though the queen was not in good health, she still held the infant child in her arms, teasing her and looking at her carefully.

"This kid... is much more peaceful than Old Thirteen!" the Queen commented.

"When he was a baby, he would cry if anything happened, which really made me anxious...for this reason back then...oh!"

It was all well said, but suddenly the queen sighed, this corner was indeed turned too fast.

Baochai would not know that because of Zhu Jinghong's crying, the queen was in an impetuous mood, which led to the execution of some people who did not need to die.

"Mother, you are wrong... This child also cries a lot at home and has the same stubborn temper as his father!"

"It's only when he is in the arms of his mother that he knows who loves him, so he behaves honestly..."

"To say that this kid is smart, he seems to know who can protect him!"

Hearing what Baochai said, Yang Qingyin knew that this girl's trip was not an easy one, so she replied: "I'm just a twilight person, who can I protect?"

"Mother, the Spring and Autumn Period is at its peak, there is no one in the world that you cannot protect!"

"Anyway, this kid doesn't need me to protect him. It's enough for you, the princess, to take care of him!"

"Mother and daughter-in-law can take care of Zhen'er, but the prince... wants you to take care of him!"

Yang Qingyin was not surprised at all when Baochai said these words. She just replied calmly: "His wings are stiff... Then I need to take care of him!"

"His Royal Highness, King Xiang, is invincible in every battle and has made great achievements in battle. Who can bully him!"

Even Yang Qingyin, her favorite son, felt very dissatisfied when she mentioned it at this moment.

"Queen Mother...he is in danger now, you have to save him!"

"A disaster is coming? Why didn't I know!" Yang Qingyin remained calm.

"Mother...my daughter-in-law got the news yesterday that North Korea rebelled due to his mishandling. I'm afraid many people will impeach him this time!"

"Queen Mother, you also know that he has always acted recklessly. He has offended many people inside and outside the court. He has been impeached constantly on weekdays... I am afraid that he will be attacked even more this time!"

"In the past, it could be said that it was just a joke. Father, I can forgive you...but this time it is a big mistake. I'm afraid that the prince will be sad about this!"

Baochai kept talking a lot, with tears streaming down her face. Finally, she knelt down in front of the queen, looking extremely aggrieved and sad.

"Sigh... after all is said and done... I still blame that kid for being so meddlesome. It would be great if he stayed in the capital honestly, so he wouldn't be as troubled as he is today!"

Hearing the Queen's words, Baochai quickly grasped the key words.

Annoyance... In other words, this matter is just an annoyance at best.

Although she had already guessed the result, the confirmation from the queen now made her feel more at ease.

"Mother... I often advise him to stay in the capital, so that he can enjoy his wealth and honor, and serve his parents. This is much safer than running outside!"

"But he never listened. He said he wanted to share the worries for his father, and said he didn't want to enjoy his honor in vain..."

Staring at her grandson in her arms, Yang Qingyin said, "Serve my parents... he can take care of his own affairs, so it's okay if he doesn't let me worry about him!"

Then she glanced at Baochai, and then said: "The only time in my life that Old Thirteen has a brain is when I choose you to be the princess!"

This was the queen's high recognition of Baochai. The latter was not at all complacent at this moment, and then continued: "Mother... my daughter-in-law failed to persuade him, so she can hardly be called a good wife!"

"Even His Majesty can't control him. This matter will be even more difficult for you. I can't blame you!" Baochai was crying, and Yang Qingyin actually laughed at this time.

"Okay... what happened this time is just for this kid to have a long memory. Don't worry too much. Raising Zhen'er is the main business!"

"Yes!"

"How is Zhen'er's daily milk supply?"

"How long do you need to sleep every day?"

"How many times do you have to get up during the night?"

Yang Qingyin asked very detailed questions about the emperor's grandson, and the topic was changed accordingly.

Although she no longer talked about Zhu Jinghong, Baochai had a worried expression from beginning to end, which made Yang Qingyin feel pity for her.

Speaking of Qianqing Palace, Zhu Xianming finally received the urgent delivery from Zhu Jinghong. He had been waiting for this for nearly three days.

Sure enough, Zhu Jinghong wanted to suppress it forcefully, and had already begun to mobilize troops and generals, and promised to penetrate Anzhou, the hinterland of North Korea, within October.

It will not be that simple to reach Anzhou in just one month, especially when North Korea has sent additional troops.

As an emperor on horseback, Zhu Xianming was well aware of the difficulty, so he was thinking about its feasibility.

In the end, he decided to give Zhu Jinghong a chance, so he approved the word "accurate" on the memorial.

Then he issued an order to have several generals from the Dudu Mansion, as well as officials from the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of War come to discuss the matter.

Just as Zhu Jinghong was not worried about being impeached, at this moment Zhu Xianming was not worried that Zhu Jinghong would not be able to conquer Anzhou.

Therefore, this discussion was only about how to support Liaodong, especially the two matters of increasing troops and adjusting food supplies.

In Zhu Jinghong's memorial, special emphasis was placed on the replenishment of grain, grass and ordnance, which were urgently needed on the front line.

The so-called capture of Anzhou within a month was not only due to the weather, but also because of food and military supplies, which could only last for one to two months.

There is a huge difference in consumption between marching combat and stationed defense.

After some discussion, a basic plan for troop and food adjustment was discussed. Next, only the Ministry of Household Affairs and the Ministry of War would complete it, and then submit the title book for preview within two days.

Once passed, it can be implemented.

As for the matters in Liaodong, Zhu Xianming had arranged them in this way.

As for the impeachment of Zhu Jinghong in the court, as the queen said, he can only rely on him to suppress it.

After shooing away everyone, Zhu Xianming suddenly had a sudden impulse and ordered: "Go and call the prince over!"

The prince was in Wenyuan Pavilion, very close to Qianqing Palace, so he entered Qianqing Palace ten minutes later and appeared in front of the emperor.

After signaling the prince to get up, Zhu Xianming gave the prince a copy of the memorial, which was Zhu Jinghong's urgent delivery.

Zhu Jingyuan started reading it carefully, and he finished it after a while.

"What do you think of Old Thirteen's plan?"

The prince had never intervened in such important military affairs. When the emperor asked about it, he didn't know how to answer.

If it were in the past, he would definitely say that it is up to his father to deal with it, but now he understands that saying so is asking for trouble.

"Father... I am not familiar with military affairs, so I dare not speak nonsense!"

"You can say whatever you think in your heart. Is anyone born to fight?"

"Yes!"

After thinking carefully, Zhu Jingyuan replied: "Father...it is already winter in the bitter cold land of Liaodong. My son thinks it is not the right time to mobilize the army to attack North Korea at this time!"

"go on!"

"As far as my son knows, Liaodong is on the border of North Korea. The mountains are high and the forests are dense, which is not conducive to marching. It is extremely difficult to win an expedition with troops!" The prince's argument is certainly reasonable, but it cannot be said to be 100% true. is correct because he does not understand the specific situation.

For example, in order to put pressure on North Korea, a large number of troops from Yanshan and Liaodong Dusi, as well as Andong Xingdusi, moved "forward", along with grain, grass and ordnance.

In other words, although the labor expedition is a fact, it is not actually too far away.

The emperor did not delve into this, and then asked: "The situation in Liaodong has changed, and Lao Shisan is suspected of mishandling it. What do you think of this matter?"

"My son thinks that the thirteenth brother did make some omissions, but it would be unfair to put all the blame on him!"

The prince's words were more clever, pointing out Zhu Jinghong's fault, and then defended the latter two sentences, but the focus was still on the first half of the sentence.

Yes, even a kind-hearted prince now feels threatened by Zhu Jinghong, so he is willing to suppress this younger brother.

Zhu Xianming nodded slightly to the prince's statement, and then asked: "What do you think of giving him a chance to make meritorious deeds?"

Although this is a question, the emperor's intention is already obvious.

"Father, I know that my thirteenth brother is like a god in military skills. It is most appropriate for him to pacify North Korea..."

"So you also think that Old Thirteen should be allowed to take the blame and make meritorious service?"

The word "ye" in the question further expressed the emperor's thoughts, so Zhu Jingyuan solemnly replied: "Yes!"

Picking up the tea cup, Zhu Xianming then asked: "But I heard... there is an undercurrent surging in the city now, and many people want to impeach Old Thirteen. How should we deal with this matter?"

Of course Zhu Jingyuan knew about this matter, after all, his people were the main force behind this matter.

how to respond? This question was so abrupt that Zhu Jingyuan didn't know how to answer it for a moment.

First, what attitude should be taken, and then how to act... these must be considered in detail.

To be honest, Zhu Xianming felt a little disappointed that the prince looked so panicked.

But thinking about how much better this kid was than before, he suppressed his dissatisfaction.

"Don't be in a hurry, think about it before we talk!" Zhu Xianming said, putting down his teacup.

Obviously, Zhu Xianming had listened to some of what the queen had said over the years, and that was why he was so tolerant to the prince.

About two minutes later, the prince replied: "Father... my son thinks that the thirteenth brother should be allowed to show his strengths and make meritorious deeds for his crimes!"

"As for the impeachment of the court officials, my son thought it was necessary to understand the reason, and advised them to take a long-term view, and wait until the thirteenth brother pacifies North Korea before discussing merits and demerits!"

Zhu Xianming was very satisfied with the attitude expressed by the prince. He was afraid that his son could not see the situation clearly.

"The courtiers are cunning and have clever words and tricks. It is difficult to persuade them to change their minds. Are you willing to share my worries... take on this important task?"

After all this talk, Zhu Xianming's purpose was to put the prince in front.

Of course he was hungry. This was not to trick his son, but to put more pressure on the prince.

A qualified emperor should wait to control his subordinates, rather than being coerced and then drowned.

Zhu Jingyuan knew very well how big the storm was. At this time, the emperor asked him to stand in front, which made him want to cry at this time.

"Father... my son has little talent and little knowledge, so I'm afraid it will be difficult for him to take up this position!" Zhu Jingyuan declined politely.

Although this would go against the emperor's wishes, Zhu Jingyuan knew his own limitations. He was more afraid of being embarrassed if he failed to get things done than being dissatisfied by the emperor.

At this time, Zhu Xianming said coldly: "The fourth son...the position of the prince cannot be occupied by someone with little talent and knowledge!"

With one sentence, Zhu Jingyuan's escape route was blocked, and he couldn't refute this at all.

A person with little talent and little knowledge is indeed not worthy of being a prince.

"Father's teachings, sons and ministers should remember them!"

"The courtiers are short-sighted, but my son is willing to share his father's worries and solve this problem for his thirteenth brother!"

"That's great!" Zhu Xianming smiled.

As a result, the prince became a shield, charging ahead for the emperor.

And his group of shrewd East Palace officials could only hold their noses to defend Zhu Jinghong.

When Zhu Jingyuan left Qianqing Palace, he hurried back to the East Palace to discuss with his men what to do.

As for the emperor, he went to Kunning Palace. He had learned that Princess Xiang had brought the emperor's grandson into the palace.

After having lunch in Kunning Palace, Baochai took her son out of the palace in the afternoon. As soon as she returned to the palace, she received a report from Deng An that the Chief of Ceremonies had received more than thirty bullets.

Deng An had extensive information connections and was politically astute, so he immediately reported the news as soon as he learned it.

The emperor came to Kunning Palace at noon. The queen asked about Zhu Jinghong's impeachment, and the emperor told him about the arrangements for the prince's disposal.

Now that the prince is standing in front of him, Baochai really doesn't panic at all.

Although she was not panicking, she was not idle either and was still thinking about how to maximize her profits.

In two days, after the crown prince and his subordinates take action, I will go to the East Palace to express my gratitude in person, showing that I, Prince Xiang’s Mansion, repay the kindness...

If you do more tricks, you can make the civil servants think that the East Palace and Prince Xiang's Palace are in cahoots with each other at the cusp of the storm... Baochai laughed at the thought at the end.

Looking at herself in the bronze mirror, a question suddenly popped up in her mind... I can't be a bad person, can I?

The self-evaluation did not last for a few seconds, and a new idea popped up in Baochai's mind... He also wanted to make the Sixth Family jealous and lead them to attack the East Palace!

Maybe I really am a bad person... Baochai had to admit this fact.

After gathering her thoughts, she looked at Deng An and ordered: "Go down and prepare more gifts. The more precious the things, the better. Don't be afraid of spending money!"

Prepare more gifts? Who is this for? Is it possible that he wants to bribe officials?

Deng An was very confused. He knew that the princess had deep thoughts and would never do anything irrational.

So now, the only thing he has to do is to do what the princess wants.

"Slave, you obey!"

Deng An turned and left, while Baochai turned to see the child.

At this time, in the study room of the East Palace, the prince looked very unhappy because the officials around him were trying to persuade him not to act like a mantis.

The bachelors analyzed the pros and cons for him and kept talking for nearly half an hour, during which the prince barely said a few words.

"That's enough..." The prince said angrily, finally making the room quiet.

He rarely gets angry, so every time he gets angry the effect is very good.

"Don't I know what you are saying? But now that the emperor's order is in front of me, what else can I do except follow the order?"

"If you really have my best interests at heart, you shouldn't say those false words... but should plan your actions for me!"

"Everyone... take a long-term view, okay?"

The prince has indeed grown a lot, at least now he can think independently and urge his subordinates to act according to his will.

However, it is still extremely difficult to get the officials of the East Palace to obey his orders and follow him to prevent the Manchu impeachment.

(End of this chapter)