King Xiang of the Red Chamber

Chapter 614 Zhang Xiaoyue talks about the flower demon
On the second day, under Baochai's arrangement, he originally planned to meet Zhu Jinghong, but unexpectedly he received an order to let Zhu Jinghong enter the palace.

It turned out that the emperor had summoned the clan to talk to the Supreme Emperor.

Zhu Xianming's disciples, as well as his own living brothers and his brothers' sons, are all on the list of people visiting the Supreme Emperor this time.

It stands to reason that such a formal visit would be notified in advance, but this time it was notified early in the morning, which was obviously another impromptu decision of the emperor.

The Emperor's health is now even worse, and he is even delirious many times. His speech is incoherent, making people doubt whether he can survive this winter.

Therefore, it makes sense for Zhu Xianming to put on a few more shows while the Emperor is still alive.

Everyone gathered in Ningshou Palace, seizing every opportunity to interrupt and cater to the emperor's idea of ​​showing filial piety. Only Zhu Jinghong huddled in the corner and rarely spoke.

This situation lasted for an hour, and the Emperor gave up due to lack of energy.

However, when the emperor ordered everyone to retreat, the Supreme Emperor Zhu Xingkan specifically asked him to stay.

Zhu Xianming was a little surprised, but he stayed, and Zhu Jinghong and others left.

"Tell them all to stand down, I have something to tell you!"

"Everyone, stand down!" Zhu Xianming ordered to the left and right.

As a result, only the father and son were left in the hall. They had not been alone for a long time.

"Fourth, I'm going to die!"

The Supreme Emperor was very enthusiastic when he opened his mouth, but Zhu Xianming was very deep in the city, so he comforted him without changing his expression: "Dad, you are in good health and will live a long life!"

Zhu Xingkan ignored this and said to himself: "A few years ago, I... cared about those... old ministers, so I hoped... to find a way for them to survive..."

"But now, I... am going to die, and I only have one thought in my mind!"

Zhu Xianming listened carefully, his thoughts racing in his mind, trying to figure out what the old man meant.

At this time, Zhu Xinkan turned his face, stared at Zhu Xianming with his old eyes, and said: "The Ming Dynasty has gone through more than three hundred years, and the inheritance is orderly so it can continue. You must be careful about the matter of the crown prince!"

"Dad...the prince is on the throne and the country has been established. Could it be that you...have other opinions?"

"Hahaha... cough cough... Fourth brother, I'm going to die, but you still don't trust me!"

Zhu Xinkan laughed and said: "You have been so scared all your life... your life is more miserable than mine!"

Zhu Xianming's face did not change, and he said slowly: "Dad... I don't worry about you, but I don't trust anyone!"

"Although you are cautious, many things...can't just rely on being cautious, nor just being wise!"

"Isn't it the old saying... cleverness can lead to mistakes, you are just too smart... cough cough cough..."

"Dad, if you have something to say, just say it..."

After being silent for a while, Zhu Xinkan continued to say after his breath had completely calmed down: "You let Xiao Si occupy the position, and then help Xiao Liu up, so that the two of them restrain each other, you can... sit back and relax..."

"Of course this is right, but now that you have dragged Lao Shisan into it again, I really...can't understand..."

"Old Thirteen..." Zhu Xianming sneered, and then said: "Father, do you think he can inherit the throne?"

Zhu Xinkan corrected: "It's not that I think it, but that you think he can!"

"When did I..."

Zhu Xianming only said three words, and suddenly he couldn't continue.

The Emperor's words were like a key, releasing the thoughts that had been blocked by him in the past two years, and now they were openly presented in his mind.

At this time, he could no longer ignore it and had to face up to the situation.

Zhu Xinkan continued: "Have you made up your mind about who will inherit the throne? Or are you in a mess?"

"I say this not because I want you to decide on someone right now, but because I want you to see the current situation clearly and have a plan in mind as soon as possible..."

"King Wuling of Zhao, the First Emperor of Qin, Emperor Wu of Han, Emperor Wen of Sui, Emperor Taizong of Tang...these emperors who made great achievements all failed due to these things!"

"So... I'm worried... The Ming Dynasty has been passed down for more than three hundred years, and it cannot be left in your hands!"

"Cough cough cough..."

Regarding this matter, Zhu Xinkan's guess was correct. Zhu Xianming really had not made up his mind.

It's easy to escape if you can't solve the problem. In the past, Zhu Xianming was evading.

But being pointed out by Zhu Xinkan at this time made Zhu Xianming unable to escape anymore, so that he became confused and confused at this moment.

Those great emperors were inevitably at a loss when advancing or retreating. Am I really better than them?

Zhu Xianming's expression became more solemn. He did not want to show weakness in front of the Supreme Emperor.

He suddenly stood up, walked forward for a few steps, then stopped, paused, turned his head, and said with a gloomy face: "I have my own plans for these things!"

After saying that, Zhu Xianming walked out directly, while the Supreme Emperor, who was sitting alone in the hall, sighed.

"I'm afraid you can't grasp it!"

After muttering this sentence in a low voice, looking at his son's retreating back, Zhu Xinkan said to himself: "Little Thirteen, grandpa can only help you so far!"

Zhu Xingkan's so-called help was to poke through the window in Zhu Xianming's heart and make him admit that Zhu Jinghong could be the candidate for the heir apparent.

Zhu Xinkan had always had a good impression of this grandson, but his help this time was not only because of this good impression.

The reason is that as a bystander, he believes that only a strong monarch like Zhu Jinghong can unite the clan internally and control his ministers externally.

…………

In the northwest corner of the palace, there is the Jade Emperor Palace.

This is a Taoist temple, filled with female monks, and the composition of the personnel is very complex.

Many of Zhu Xianming's deposed concubines and some of the emperor's concubines were placed here, even the concubines of Shizu.

By placing these people here, they can firstly pray for the royal family and accumulate merit, and secondly, they can make room for the new emperor's harem. It can be said to be the best of both worlds.

Of course, the concubine who was placed here must not be able to get along well, otherwise she would be named a concubine and go to the Fourth Palace in the West, where she could live her whole life in peace.

Among these people, the youngest female nun is Yang Jingting, the queen's niece and the concubine of Prince Xiang.

Since they are here to practice wholeheartedly, they don't need to worry about their food, clothing, housing and transportation. They have their own palace maids and eunuchs to take care of them. It's unrealistic to just say how good it is.

However, as the queen's niece, Yang Jingting's life was pretty good. Her daily errand was to copy and write, and at night she looked at the sky and counted the stars.

After finishing her morning tasks, she would return to her dormitory as usual. Generally speaking, after sitting quietly for half an hour, her meals would be delivered to her.

But today, as soon as she entered the door, she saw a woman inside, looking around at the situation.

"Who are you?" Yang Jingting asked coldly.

The woman turned around, then saluted Yang Jingting respectfully, and said, "Greetings to the empress!"

Yang Jingting had not heard the "title" Empress for a long time, but this made her immediately wary.

"Who are you?" Her tone became more severe.

The woman hooked her waist and replied with a smile: "This slave is here to visit the empress on the order of Princess Rui!"

Yang Jingting replied coldly: "Visit me? I'm fine here and there's no need for her to visit me!"

She hated Baochai, and even more so towards Princess Rui, who had led her astray. Naturally, she had a bad look on this woman at this time.

"My Majesty was born in a noble family, but she was kept in seclusion here. There are people who live in a white house and live in poverty, but they enjoy the honor and dignity. Every time we, the princess, think about this... we feel deeply unfair for your Majesty!"

This year of practice was not in vain for Yang Jingting. The most important thing was to realize the word "quiet".

Compared with before, she has become less impetuous and thinks more about things.

For example, at this time, she was not led astray by the maid in front of her, but was keenly aware that the other party wanted to take advantage of her.

This made her even more resentful towards Chen Zhi, and it wasn't enough for her to be in this state. "It may not be a bad thing to practice here and stay away from the hustle and bustle!" Yang Jingting looked calm.

"That's true, but after all, the empress is a concubine. She is the same age as Hua, so she is wasting her time here... isn't it a pity?"

Hearing this, Yang Jingting's heart moved and she had some kind of guess.

Her tone slowed down a bit, and Yang Jingting said: "The Queen ordered me to practice Qing Dynasty. This is a show of love and care for me. How can I say it is wasted!"

Seeing that her attitude became more friendly, the woman knew that she had taken the bait, so she said: "The Queen is just letting you stay here for a while, and maybe she will let you out one day..."

"For this reason, our princess has been thinking of ways, just to rescue the empress out!"

"Oh? Then I have to thank her!" Yang Jingting smiled.

Yang Jingting did not doubt that Chen Zhi wanted to rescue her, but she knew that this woman wanted to use her, so she was not very grateful.

Although she has become accustomed to living here due to her poor practice, she still wants to go out all the time.

Now that she saw a glimmer of opportunity, how could Yang Jingting just let it go?

The old woman from Prince Rui's Mansion responded quickly: "Your Majesty said thank you and left. Our princess said... In this capital, you are the one who is most attached to me, and we are closer to you than our direct sisters!"

"That's the truth. In this capital...sister-in-law Six is ​​the only one who treats me well!" Yang Jingting sighed.

"It's a pity...I couldn't help her!"

The woman quickly explained: "Your Majesty, what you said is wrong. Our princess has said... the matter has not yet been decided. I will ask for your help when you go out!"

"Oh... Anyway, thank her for me!" Yang Jingting sat back on the couch.

At this moment, there was movement outside, and it was obvious that the palace maids were already delivering food.

Realizing that it was time to leave, the woman asked, "If your Majesty has anything to say, I can convey it to you!"

"Gone!"

"That slave has resigned!"

After this person left, Yang Jingting's mentality was fluctuating. Chen Zhi did give her hope of getting out.

"Brother Thirteen...have you forgotten me?"

…………

As for Zhu Jinghong, after leaving Ningshou Palace, he originally wanted to return to the palace as soon as possible.

His two brothers had to wait for the emperor to come out at Ningshoumen, so he had no choice but to stay and wait, and everyone in the clan who was present had to stay.

While they were waiting, the women of Prince Xiang's Mansion gathered in the back garden to celebrate him.

This banquet was very grand, and all the royal musicians were present, including singers and dancers.

In other words, Zhang Xiaoyue, Park Zhenying and their gang were all brought into the back garden at this moment.

This was their first time entering such a luxurious garden. Zhang Xiaoyue and the others were stunned. They couldn't help but look around during the whole process.

They were led to a small courtyard, which was a place for them to prepare.

But not long after everyone stayed, a maid came into the courtyard and invited Zhang Xiaoyue out alone.

After she left, Li Huizhen couldn't help but ask: "Why did the princess only call her alone? Could it be that she gave money to someone?"

"Sister... His Highness is coming today, so you and I have to show our best. This is a rare opportunity for us!"

The last sentence was addressed to Park Jinying, but the girl was offline at this time and did not hear what she said at all.

"Did you hear that?" Li Huizhen pinched Park Jinying.

"I heard it!" Park Jinyoung replied.

Looking around, Li Huizhen listened and whispered: "In this palace, we have to find a backer, otherwise even if we can be favored, we may not be able to get ahead!"

"When you get ahead? How else do you want to get ahead?" Park Jin Young asked for the first time.

"At least you have to be appointed as a Chosen Attendant!" Li Huizhen said seriously.

"Oh!" Park Zhenying was indifferent to this and was still thinking about things at home.

The other North Korean women with them were also gathered together in twos and threes at this moment, whispering something.

As for Zhang Xiaoyue, she had already left the courtyard, and she was so excited that she had no intention of looking at the scenery on her left and right.

"The princess actually wants to see me? Could it be that... she wants to reward me with a position?" Zhang Xiaoyue boldly assumed.

But she quickly rejected it, thinking that it would be impossible for her to be sealed so soon.

In the tangle of jumping left and right, Zhang Xiaoyue finally came to the balcony where the banquet was held.

She had practiced the etiquette carefully, so at this moment, she followed the rules and bowed in the direction of the main seat, without even realizing that the seat was empty.

"The daughter of the people comes to see the princess!"

At this time, Baochai was sitting next to Nuo Min and asked her about some things about North Korea. She turned her head when she heard Zhang Xiaoyue's voice.

Before she could speak, Zhen Qin, who was sitting across from her, said, "Your Majesty, this is the Zhang Xiaoyue I'm talking about. Her singing ability is pretty good. Your Majesty really likes to hear her sing!"

"Zhang Xiaoyue, hurry up and sing a piece for the princess!"

Hearing Zhen Qin's whirring voice, Zhang Xiaoyue knew that she was summoned here because of the invitation to serve.

Zhang Xiaoyue thought she was here to receive a reward, but she didn't know that she was asked to be a clown, which made her feel particularly uncomfortable.

But on this occasion, she knew she had to laugh and sing happily.

"Get up!"

The sound came from the front right. Zhang Xiaoyue thought it was the waiter, so her body didn't move at all at this moment.

A few breaths later, Nuo Min's voice came from the same direction: "The princess wants you to wake up!"

princess? Was that the princess's voice just now?

I actually neglected the princess... Zhang Xiaoyue was surprised again, and then panicked in her heart.

Just when she was at a loss, the clear voice just now sounded again: "Raise your head!"

This time Zhang Xiaoyue did not dare to hesitate and immediately raised her head, her expression full of submission.

Baochai looked calm and asked: "The selection servant said... Your Majesty likes to hear you sing very much?"

"How many songs can a folk girl sing?" Zhang Xiaoyue said extremely humbly.

"Then what did he listen to?" Baochai then asked.

"Xueshi Su's Shui Tiao Song Tou, Jushi Yi An's One-cut Plum Blossoms, and..."

Zhang Xiaoyue listed many songs, some of which Baochai knew, and some of which she had never heard.

"Flower demon?"

"This name is quite novel, have you ever heard of it?" Baochai smiled, looked around and asked.

Everyone shook their heads, so Baochai asked Zhang Xiaoyue: "Who wrote this poem?"

Here's the chance to show off... Zhang Xiaoyue thought to herself.

"This...according to the prince, it was done by an old friend of his!"

While speaking, she briefly recalled the details introduced by Zhu Jinghong, and then said: "This poem talks about a scholar in Lin'an during the Song Dynasty..."

(End of this chapter)