King Xiang of the Red Chamber

Chapter 632: Manager Feng of Prince Xiang’s Mansion

In the Prince Xiang’s Mansion, inside the small parade ground.

Except for a few eunuchs and maids, the place was now empty, and Qiqige and Nuomin were shooting arrows.

In this regard, they are both professionals. They look particularly capable and heroic in their tight clothes.

At this moment, the two men were competing, Qi Qige had the upper hand, and Nuomin was chasing after him.

Seeing that Nuomin only shot the "Nine Rings" again, Qiqige smiled heartily, then decisively pulled the bowstring, aimed, and the arrow flew out.

Finally, the arrow hit the bull's eye.

"Sister...you lost!" Qi Qige said proudly.

Nuomin was immediately furious, and her frown made Qiqige burst into laughter. Then he said, "Sister...you still need to practice harder!"

"I am inferior to you in archery on foot, but if we compare archery on horseback... you may not be able to beat me!" Nuomin was still not convinced.

Anyway, the training ground is too small and there is no way to compete in horse riding and archery, so Nuomin can naturally be stubborn.

At this time, Zhu Jinghong, who was sitting in the back drinking tea, finally stood up and said, "Nuomin, don't be unconvinced... Compared with Qiqige, you are not using the right strength!"

Hearing Zhu Jinghong's comments, Qi Qige on the side became even more proud.

"What's wrong?" Nuomin asked directly.

After approaching Nuomin, Zhu Jinghong said, "Pull the bow for me to see!"

Taking the arrow from the maid, Nuomin drew the bow and aimed at the distance. At this time, Zhu Jinghong walked behind her, holding her waist with one hand and adjusting her hand pulling the bow with the other.

The two of them were in such contact, their bodies almost touching, which made them look particularly intimate.

When Qiqige saw this scene, her joy of victory disappeared completely. Only then did she realize that she had actually lost.

"loose……"

With a whoosh, the arrow flew off the string and hit the bull's eye ten feet away.

“I got it, I got it…”

Nuomin shouted with joy and jumped up. After dropping his bow, he threw himself on Zhu Jinghong and shouted excitedly.

Holding Nuomin in his arms, Zhu Jinghong also laughed. He was infected by Nuomin's mentality. He had not been happy about the "trivial things" in life for a long time.

"Your Majesty, I also have some shortcomings. I hope you can give me some advice!"

Zhu Jinghong turned around and found Qi Qige standing behind him, also holding a bow and arrow in his hand.

"Sister, you are an excellent archer. I need your advice... Prince, I want to try again. Please teach me!" Nuomin hugged Zhu Jinghong and learned to act like a spoiled child at this time.

"Okay... come again!"

Zhu Jinghong was living a happy life, while at this time, outside the gate of Prince Xiang's Mansion, Liu Xiang, who had settled Third Sister You, had submitted his visiting card.

His business card had Zhu Jinghong's personal seal, which was equivalent to a special pass to the Prince Xiang's Palace.

So even though the guards didn't recognize him, they still invited him into the ear room to wait instead of having him stand stupidly outside the gate.

After a while, a young eunuch came over and led Liu Xiang to the parade ground.

Just on the way, Liu Xiang met Deng An.

"I've met Eunuch Deng!"

As one of the chief stewards of the royal palace, Deng An's power and influence are extraordinary, so Liu Xiang is very respectful to him at this moment.

If it were in the past, he would certainly not do this, but now that he had encountered a disaster, he had no choice but to bow his head in order to save the poor woman.

"Hey...is this...Brother Liu?" Deng An sounded uncertain.

There was no way. Deng An came into contact with too many people every day, and Liu Xiang had only been to the palace a few times in the past two years. It was already a great achievement for Deng An not to have made a mistake.

"Eunuch, you have a good memory. I am Liu Xiang!"

"You have returned from Jinling. Are you here to pay your respects to the prince?"

"Exactly!"

"Then you better go quickly, don't delay!"

"Father-in-law, you are busy!"

"Ok!"

After responding, Deng An left with the two eunuchs behind him, explaining something to them as he walked.

Soon, Liu Xiang was brought into the small parade ground and saw Zhu Jinghong standing on the west side of the parade ground, drawing his bow and aiming at the target in front of him.

As for Nuomin and Qiqige, they had already avoided and left.

After Liu Xiang approached, he did not rush to speak, but waited quietly from two meters away.

Although he could easily enter the palace, it was still extremely rare for him to meet Zhu Jinghong. He had to be extra cautious every time, not to mention that he had a request today.

While he was repeatedly preparing himself mentally, Zhu Jinghong had already released the bowstring, and he heard the arrow whistling away from the string.

"Hit the bull's eye!" the little eunuch shouted in the distance.

Because the target is too far away, someone is really needed to report the target.

It hit the bull's eye directly at a distance of thirty feet. Although it was not the first time he had seen it, Liu Xiang was still shocked at this moment.

Taking the arrow from Yu Hai, Zhu Jinghong drew the bow again and said, "You have been working hard outside this year!"

Kneeling on the ground, Liu Xiang saluted and said, "It is my honor to serve the prince!"

"What's more, the prince has given me a new life. Even if I have to go through fire and water, I can never repay you even a fraction of your kindness!"

"Get up and talk!"

"Yes!"

With another "whoosh" sound, the arrow escaped danger again and hit the bull's eye without a doubt.

At this time, Zhu Jinghong was tired of playing, so he threw the bow to the young eunuch beside him and walked to the tea table behind him.

After they sat down, Zhu Jinghong said to Liu Xiang who followed him, "You have earned a lot of benefits for the palace in Jinling. What reward do you want?"

Throughout the 13th year of Zhengtong, Liu Xiang engaged in maritime trade in Jinling. He made money sometimes and lost money sometimes, but overall he still made a lot, a total of more than 70,000 silver coins.

This is already an exaggerated number. Of course, this is inseparable from the green light from all aspects of the government. In essence, it is still Zhu Jinghong's face.

"I only want to help the prince, I don't dare to covet rewards!"

Zhu Jinghong smiled and said, "Well said... You are very loyal, I can't treat you unfairly!
"what do you want?"

"Your Majesty, I really don't lack anything!"

Liu Xiang already has a house and money, and he doesn't have much pursuit for material things, so he really doesn't know what he wants at this moment.

After a few moments of silence, Zhu Jinghong said, "Forget it. When there is a chance in the future... I will find you an official position!"

"Your family was once a family of meritorious officials. Although it has fallen into decline now...it may be possible for you to revive the family in the future!"

This was pure empty talk, but it hit the deepest desire in Liu Xiang's heart. As a man, he did have the idea of ​​reviving his family.

But in the past, he had no power, money or influence, so his ideas were out of reach, so he could only hide them in the deepest part of his heart.

But now it’s different. He has relied on Prince Xiang’s Mansion. This master has great power and can make his family prosper with just a wave of his hand.

Liu Xiang was already very grateful to him for giving him a new life, and now he was willing to give him a strong support. He was so moved that he knelt on the ground and didn't know what to say.

"Get up, get up... This king has always been clear about rewards and punishments. You can accept your merits calmly!"

After Liu Xiang stood up for the second time, Zhu Jinghong asked, "Tell me about it... Tell me about your maritime trade and the things you did at the Maritime Customs Office!"

The so-called affairs of the Maritime Customs are actually Lao Liu's affairs in Nanjing. He has been in charge of this matter for the past year.

If nothing unexpected happens, he will set off for Jinling again in mid-to-late February. He is absolutely unwilling to give up such a good job.

On the way back from Jinling, Liu Xiang thought about and sorted out these things over and over again. He had a draft in mind and now he just needed to tell it.

Soon half an hour passed. After Liu Xiang's explanation, Zhu Jinghong learned a lot of new things and admired Lao Liu's methods even more.

"Okay... You've done a good job in Jinling. Come back and take a rest for a month. Then I'll have to trouble you to go there again!"

As a prince, Liu Xiang felt respected when Zhu Jinghong asked him to take the trouble to do so, which also made him respect Zhu Jinghong even more.

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness!" Liu Xiang would not say much to express his loyalty. Next, he would use practical actions to prove his loyalty to Zhu Jinghong.

After another round of questions and answers, a eunuch came to report that the princess wanted him to come over.

"That's all for today, nothing else...just go back!"

Liu Xiang was stunned. He actually wanted to say something, but he just hadn't figured out how to say it.

The change in his expression was keenly caught by Zhu Jinghong who stood up, and then he asked: "Anything else?"

"Villain..."

Seeing that Liu Xiang was still in a dilemma, Zhu Jinghong smiled and said, "If you have something to say, just say it. If you have any difficulties, don't hide them. It would be bad if you delay things!"

Liu Xiang was alert instantly. Thinking of the important event that might affect Zhu Jinghong, he said, "Your Majesty, Jia Yun is getting married today, and I went to his house..."

Liu Xiang recounted what happened in the afternoon, and Zhu Jinghong's expression did not change at all after listening to the whole thing.

"Let Deng An handle this matter properly!" Zhu Jinghong instructed Yu Hai.

"Yes...I will tell him!"

"Ok!"

After answering, Zhu Jinghong looked at Liu Xiang again and asked, "Is there anything else?"

"No...no more, thank you for your help, Your Highness!" Liu Xiang kowtowed again.

"Well...you wait here, Deng An will come to you in a while!"

After saying this, Zhu Jinghong left, while Liu Xiang waited obediently there.

Half an hour passed before Liu Xiang finished drinking a pot of tea, and two eunuchs finally appeared.

"Are you Brother Liu?" asked the leading eunuch.

"My name is Liu Xiang. May I ask who your father-in-law is?"

The leading eunuch did not speak, and the younger eunuch behind him stepped forward and answered, "This is our steward Feng!"

With this person's introduction, the older eunuch finally spoke: "Our Feng Yongcheng is now working under Eunuch Deng, in charge of the carriages and other things in the palace!"

The eunuch in charge of Prince Xiang's Mansion is a person who should not be underestimated. Can he possibly take control of Ningguo Mansion?
"Eunuch Deng has something to do, and he asked me to take my brother to Ningguo Mansion to clarify this misunderstanding!"

Although Liu Xiang had some doubts in his heart, he still bowed and thanked him: "Thank you, Eunuch Feng!"

"Brother Liu, if you are free now... let's go to Ningguo Mansion!"

"Go directly?" Liu Xiang couldn't help but ask.

Feng Yongcheng smiled and said, "If we delay any longer, it will be dark soon!"

"Let's go!"

"Father-in-law, please!"

Regardless of whether it succeeds or not, Liu Xiang can only try his best.

They rode on horseback and soon arrived outside Ningguo Mansion.

Feng Yongcheng got off his horse and headed straight for the gate of Ningguo Mansion with two young eunuchs under his command.

His behavior was extremely rude. After all, although Ningguo Mansion had fallen into decline, it was still the residence of the Duke.

"May I ask, sir, who is..."

Feng Yongcheng put his hands behind his back, glanced at the steward of the Jia Mansion in front of him, and said coldly: "Go in and tell your master that Feng Yongcheng, the steward of the Prince Xiang's Mansion, is here to pay a visit!"

No wonder he is so presumptuous... the steward of the Jia family thought secretly.

"Yes... Father-in-law, please come in and wait!"

Although they were complaining in their hearts, the people from the Jia family didn't dare to neglect Feng Yongcheng. They immediately led him into the mansion, and Liu Xiang naturally followed him in.

Feng Yongcheng entered the second gate and Jia Rong, who had received the news, came out to greet him.

He had prepared a smile, but when he saw Liu Xiang behind Feng Yongcheng, he couldn't smile at all.

After bowing, Jia Rong asked, "What advice do you have for me, sir?"

"Master Jia, I don't deserve your advice, but I heard that there was a misunderstanding between you and Brother Liu, so I came here to help you resolve it!"

"It is better to resolve a feud than to create one. Let's make things clear and each take a step back. It will be over if we just raise our hands!"

"Brother Liu, what do you think?"

"What the father-in-law said is absolutely right!"

"Master Jia, what do you think?"

"Father-in-law, this matter is not simple. It's not that I'm stingy..."

But before Jia Rong could finish his words, Feng Yongcheng continued, "Master Jia, it's just a fight between you two. It's not a big deal if you're not injured!"

"But he kidnapped my third aunt!" Jia Rong said in a cold tone.

"Brother, is this true?"

In fact, on the way here, Liu Xiang had already explained the situation and told Feng Yongcheng his demands.

Simply put, Liu Xiang didn't want Third Sister You to be registered as a resident again, so he would definitely not hand her over.

This is certainly not reasonable, but since he can use the matter of the palace as an excuse this time, Liu Xiang must seize the opportunity to solve the problem for Third Sister You once and for all.

"I saved that girl, but she left afterwards... I don't know where she went!"

The solution Feng Yongcheng gave to Liu Xiang was very simple. He just let him act helpless and Feng Yongcheng would handle the rest.

"Master Jia, you heard it... the person is not with Brother Liu!"

Jia Rong immediately retorted: "Eunuch, he kidnapped my third aunt, he is truly a wicked villain... How can we listen to his one-sided words!"

Feng Yongcheng's face immediately turned cold, and then he said: "Brother Liu is highly valued by the prince, is Master Jia questioning the prince?"

Questioning Zhu Jinghong... this is a serious crime, and Jia Rong dare not even touch it.

His father was a lesson for Jia Rong. He was beaten half to death and died on a trumped-up charge, which left a shadow on Jia Rong.

He was still trying to argue just now, but now he was completely deflated and didn't even know what to say.

"Can the grudge be settled? Master Jia, please give me a straight answer!"

"If I can't make the deal, I'll ask Eunuch Deng to come. If Eunuch Deng can't make the deal, then we'll have to alert the prince!"

Jia Rong stood there unwillingly, but he also knew that it was of no use.

"Ok?"

Under Feng Yongcheng's coercion, Liu Xiang could only raise his head, look at Liu Xiang and bow reluctantly, and then said: "The previous misunderstanding is written off!"

"Thank you, Mr. Jia, for your magnanimity!" Liu Xiang followed and bowed in thanks.

"Okay, okay...just take a look, just explain things clearly!" Feng Yongcheng smiled.

"A gentleman's word is as good as his bond... Now that you two have made peace, you must not create any more rifts!"

"Otherwise... God will not tolerate this!"

In the last sentence, Feng Yongcheng's tone was very stern, which was a naked threat to Jia Rong.

Although he felt aggrieved, Jia Rong knew that he was no match for his opponent and could only swallow his bitterness.

"Don't worry, sir. I will never go back on my word!" Jia Rong said slowly.

Should I say something... Liu Xiang hesitated a little.

"me too!"

At this time Feng Yongcheng smiled and said, "It's settled, let's go!"

"Farewell!"

So Liu Xiang followed Feng Yongcheng and the whole process felt like a dream.

(End of this chapter)