King Xiang of the Red Chamber

Chapter 622 How Can Zhongmou Compare to My Son

The person who came was Zhu Jinghong, who was walking into the palace gate alone.

Because he was attending a banquet, he dressed very formally today, wearing a dragon robe and a winged cap.

As soon as he appeared at the scene, he immediately attracted the attention of most people. It can be said that everyone in the world knows him.

"Greetings to Your Highness!"

"Greetings to Your Highness!"

The envoys and generals met along the way all saluted Zhu Jinghong with great humility.

When the Crown Prince and Prince Rui arrived just now, although everyone behaved in the same way, there were still differences.

As for the Crown Prince and Prince Rui, these people respected their status, and as for Zhu Jinghong himself, they were in awe of him.

Similarly, compared with the Crown Prince and Prince Rui, Zhu Jinghong himself was much calmer when facing these fierce envoys, and had a demeanor that treated everyone as nothing.

Demeanor is a very abstract thing, but it really exists in Zhu Jinghong.

From the small window on the second floor of Wuying Palace, Zhu Xianming couldn't help but smile as he watched Zhu Jinghong walking among the envoys as if he was taking a leisurely stroll in the garden.

He also saw how respectful these envoys were to his son, a level that the Crown Prince and Prince Rui were far from respectful of.

Xin Qiji said that if I had a son, I hope he would be like Sun Zhongmou. But when Zhongmou was young, how could he be as good as my son... Zhu Xianming said secretly in his heart.

Feeling relieved at last, Zhu Xianming turned around and prepared to go downstairs as the banquet was about to start.

Outside the Wuying Palace, Zhu Jinghong finally walked to the Danbi Stone and greeted his two brothers.

"Thirteenth brother, why are you late?" Zhu Jingyuan asked.

"I was not feeling well, so I was late!"

"In this case, you should report the situation to your father and have a good rest at home!" Zhu Jingyuan stepped forward and said with concern.

"I said...the old man didn't believe it!" Zhu Jinghong said with his hands spread out.

At this moment, the sound of drums was heard, indicating that the emperor was about to ascend the throne. Everyone returned to their seats and the scene suddenly became dead silent.

"Your Majesty, take your seat!"

When the emperor's procession walked out of the Wuying Hall, the officials of the Honglu Temple shouted, "Kneel!"

No matter whether it was the civil and military officials of the Ming Dynasty or the envoys from various parties who came from afar, they all knelt on the ground consciously when they heard this word.

Although the sun is shining brightly today, it is still very cold as it is only the beginning of spring.

Even so, the heads of hundreds of people at the scene were still pressed to the ground.

"Your Majesty, I, as your humble servant, bow to you. Long live the Emperor!"

"Long live Long live Long live!"

Although Zhu Jinghong had little education, when he experienced this scene, the poem "Men of all nations dress in attire to pay homage to the crown" popped up in his mind.

A real man should be like this... Zhu Jinghong was extremely excited.

When everyone was paying homage, Zhu Xianming had already sat on the dragon throne, looking down calmly.

"Be flat!"

He said these two words lightly, and then an official from the Honglu Temple asked everyone to stand up and directed everyone to return to their seats.

There is a set procedure for banquets in Wuying Hall, and especially when the emperor appears in person, the related ceremonies will be more complicated and formal.

So even though this was a banquet, there was very little time for eating, but rather a lot of wine had to be consumed.

Half an hour later, the atmosphere at the banquet became much more relaxed and everyone was able to go about their business.

Zhu Jinghong wanted to keep a low profile, but his strength did not allow it. The envoys from the Jurchen tribes, the northwestern alliances, and Tibet came to him to toast continuously.

Throughout the whole process, Zhu Jinghong used the excuse of feeling unwell and drank tea instead of wine to fool people, but no one felt they were being neglected.

"Master Thirteen, I, your humble servant, would also like to offer you a toast!"

Standing in front of Zhu Jinghong was Liu Fang, the current deputy governor of the Northwest Rebellion Suppression Office.

"Commander Liu, I haven't seen you for more than a year. You look much more haggard!" Zhu Jinghong said with a smile.

"I am truly ashamed of my stupidity and foolishness, which has led to the stalemate of the war in the northwest!"

In front of Zhu Jinghong, Liu Fang did feel ashamed. Compared with Zhu Jinghong's leading troops in the northwest, he and Shi Guangzhu did fight badly at that time.

In fact, Liu Fang had also thought that if Zhu Jinghong had always led the troops in the northwest, the battle to quell the rebellion would probably have ended long ago.

But Liu Fang was just thinking about these words. He guessed that the emperor wanted to suppress Zhu Jinghong, so he would never say anything that would violate taboos.

"Are you the only one coming back?"

"Commander Shi is still at the front commanding the troops. I have returned to the capital specifically to report my duties to Your Majesty!"

"Thank you for your hard work!" Zhu Jinghong nodded, then drank tea with Liu Fang instead of wine.

Just as he was about to say something else, an eunuch came up to him, hooked his waist and said, "Thirteenth Master, the master wants you to come over!"

Zhu Jinghong turned his head and looked at the Danbi Stone, and sure enough, Zhu Jingyuan had already walked down.

In order to show the deep affection between himself and the emperor in front of the six ministries, nine officials and envoys from various countries, Zhu Jingyuan shamelessly stayed beside the throne and really controlled the emperor for more than ten minutes.

In the end, Zhu Xianming couldn't stand it anymore and directly asked Zhu Jingyuan to meet with foreign officials.

The prince saw the whole scene, so he smiled brightly and started chatting with his ministers again.

Zhu Jinghong climbed the imperial steps, walked to the imperial desk with his head lowered, and then saluted the emperor obediently.

"You were playing polo yesterday, but you got sick today... What does that mean?" Zhu Xianming asked with a cold face.

"Uh... this... there are always unexpected events..."

Before Zhu Jinghong could finish his words, he was interrupted by Zhu Xianming: "I think you are so bold that you even dare to despise me!"

At this time, Zhu Jinghong raised his head and said directly, "Dad... please don't frame your son. I am indeed unwell!"

"But even so, as soon as your order came, your son got up from the bed and would never dare to complain!"

Seeing that this guy was so confident, Zhu Xianming no longer wanted to talk nonsense with him, and immediately asked, "What about Liang Yi?"

Liang Yi was the guy that Zhu Yunsheng liked. Zhu Xianming suddenly mentioned this person at this moment, which could be said to be a big turn of events.

"This... my son doesn't quite understand either!"

"You guys played ball together yesterday, so I still have some impression of it!"

"I have only met him twice. I am not familiar with him. If you want to know more about him, why don't you send the Eastern Depot or the Imperial Guard to investigate?"

In fact, the East Factory had already investigated the whole matter thoroughly, and Zhu Xianming was very clear about the situation of the Liang family.

The problem is that what is on paper is cold and indifferent. If you want to understand a person, you have to rely on contact.

"I've met him twice. What do you think of him?" Zhu Xianming asked in a deep voice.

"I have some skills, which are better than others!" Zhu Jinghong answered conservatively.

"How is your character?"

"Dad, who can tell for sure..."

After complaining like this, Zhu Jinghong took two steps closer and then lowered his voice and said, "You're not really going to choose this guy?"

Unexpectedly, Zhu Xianming sighed, turned around and replied helplessly: "Sheng'er will not let go even if he dies!"

"Since ancient times, marriage has always been decided by parents. Sheng'er is still young and doesn't know the importance of it..."

Zhu Jinghong didn't finish his words because the emperor stared at him and he shut up.

Only then did he remember that he had no right to talk about "parents' orders". After all, he had disobeyed their orders in public two years ago.

"You can check it a little more. If it is possible... it is not impossible!" Zhu Xianming said in a deep voice. "It's just that the title is a little low. Liang Yi's father has military merits in the northwest. It is not impossible to raise his family's title by one or two levels!"

Raising one or two levels of nobility is much more difficult than raising an official rank by two levels, and it can be considered a leap for the Liang family.

"Ok!"

"Give me a reply as soon as possible!"

"Yes!"

While responding, Zhu Jinghong felt in his heart that Zhu Yunsheng was truly favored and could make this stubborn old man compromise.

After taking a sip of tea, Zhu Xianming asked again, "What are the qualities of the two polo teams that Old Fourteen and his team have set up?"

"not bad!"

"Let them play the polo match, and set a prize... whoever scores the most goals will get a big reward!"

"My son will tell them when he gets back!"

While replying, Zhu Jinghong was also thinking about the so-called prize, whether the old man wanted to see Liang Yi's ability.

If this guy is really good and can score the most goals in the polo tournament, the emperor might really look upon him with a higher regard.

Glancing at Zhu Jinghong, Zhu Xianming continued, "Don't try the same trick on me again during the spring hunt at Shanglin Garden in a few days!"

"Dad, spring hunting is really boring. No one can match my son even if he puts in a little effort!"

"Do you think I'm negotiating with you?"

"My son will obey your order!"

"get out!"

"Yes!"

But just as Zhu Jinghong was about to turn around, he heard Zhu Xianming say, "Just leaving like that? Without even a glass of wine?"

It is indeed very rude to go up the imperial steps but not offer a toast. To put it more seriously, it is a breach of etiquette in front of the emperor. To put it more seriously, it can be considered "great disrespect".

"I wish my emperor a happy mood and abundant wealth!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Xianming almost spit out his anger, and cursed the boy in his heart for being stupid. How could he say such words openly?

"roll roll roll……"

Zhu Jinghong went down the imperial steps, and then Zhu Jingyuan came over and asked what the old man said.

Zhu Jinghong made an excuse casually, and then he was pulled aside by the prince.

After the two brothers drank two cups, the prince told Zhu Jinghong some news. It turned out that someone in the court wanted to impeach him again.

Impeachment is normal, and being specifically reminded by the crown prince clearly shows that the scale of this incident is not small.

According to the prince, it was mainly the sixth brother who was causing trouble this time, but Zhu Jinghong would not believe all of these words. After all, the prince might also be secretly adding fuel to the fire.

Soon another half hour passed and the banquet came to an end. Everyone respectfully saw the emperor off.

The three princes left with the emperor, and the ministers at the scene then dispersed. Everyone gained something from this banquet.

After the banquet, the envoys would contact each other privately to discuss matters related to their own interests.

After sending the emperor back to his bedroom, the crown prince and Prince Rui each had a report, while Zhu Jinghong went to Kunning Palace and repeated the emperor's words to the empress.

The Queen did not comment on this, but asked Zhu Jinghong to pay more attention to it, and then let him know that the Queen was also convinced.

Sitting in Zhu Yunsheng's study in the East Hall of Kunning Palace, Zhu Jinghong took the teacup from Xiangyun and said slowly, "Third sister... you are really capable. You have convinced our parents!"

Zhu Yunsheng was writing. Hearing this, he said softly without even raising his eyes: "Dad and Mom are very reasonable. They are much better than my brother!"

"What's so good about that boy that you fell in love with him at first sight?"

"Because he...what does this have to do with you? Thirteenth brother, stop asking about my private affairs!"

Hearing this, Zhu Jinghong smiled and said, "The old man asked me to check for you. Since it has nothing to do with me... then I'll just ignore it!"

At this time, Zhu Yunsheng put down his pen, smiled and said, "Brother Thirteen, I didn't mean that. I just said the wrong thing. Please don't be angry!"

"There's no water in the glass!"

"I'll go get you some tea!" Zhu Yunsheng stood up immediately.

"I'd better go!"

Xiangyun walked over and took the cup from Zhu Jinghong without caring whether he was willing or not.

Turning around and adding more tea from the tea table, Xiangyun handed the teacup to Zhu Jinghong and said with a smile: "Thirteenth Master, the princess's matter... I'll leave it to you!"

"Look... Xiangyun is still sensible!"

"Master Thirteen, please stop talking about this. The important thing is the princess's business!"

Zhu Jinghong blew away the steam in the cup and stopped drinking it. He then looked at Xiangyun and asked, "Girl Yun, you are fifteen this year, right?"

"so what?"

"It's time to consider your lifelong affairs!" Zhu Jinghong said with a smile.

After taking a deep look at Zhu Jinghong, Xiangyun turned her head away and said, "I won't consider it!"

"Why?"

"I just accompany the princess!"

"But Sheng'er is getting married. Are you going to go with her as a dowry?"

As he spoke, Zhu Jinghong took a sip of tea. Unexpectedly, it was hot water that had just been boiled. It scalded Zhu Jinghong so much that he spit out the tea, and the tea spilled all over his clothes.

Xiangyun originally wanted to argue with him, but seeing this, she quickly took out her handkerchief and carefully wiped his clothes.

"Master Thirteen, are you okay?"

Xiangyun was older after all, and at this moment of close contact between the two, her face was flushed, and her hands' movements gradually slowed down.

Zhu Yunsheng, who was watching, noticed that Xiangyun was acting strangely, which made her immediately feel bad, so she hurried over and pulled Xiangyun away.

"Xiangyun, Thirteenth Brother is in good health. Look how anxious you are!"

"I'm going to talk to Brother Thirteen, you can go out and play!"

Xiangyun nodded and walked out of the room.

Her mood was very complicated at this moment. She wanted to escape from here, but at the same time she was reluctant to leave.

Zhu Jinghong's words just now touched her deepest heart, that is, how should she deal with herself after Zhu Yunsheng gets married?
Go home? This was a natural thing to do, but Xiangyun had no expectations of it.

After leaving the palace, Xiangyun sat in the corridor, looking up at the sky, lost in thought for a moment.

In a trance, she actually saw Zhu Jinghong's smiling face above the clouds in the sky.

"Master Thirteen... I'm afraid my eyes are blurry!"

Looking at the innocent girl in front of him, Zhu Jinghong reminded her: "Girl Yun, you are not dazzled!"

Hearing the voice, Xiangyun looked carefully, but didn't know when Zhu Jinghong appeared in front of her.

"Ah... Master Thirteen, why are you here!" Xiangyun stood up quickly.

Seeing her shy look, Zhu Jinghong smiled even more and said, "Silly girl, hurry up and go into the hall, Sheng'er is waiting for you!

"Oh...I'll go right away!"

Xiangyun was afraid that Zhu Jinghong would see through her thoughts, so she bowed and turned away.

Watching Xiangyun disappear in the hall, Zhu Jinghong shook his head slightly and found that this girl was still so interesting.

(End of this chapter)