King Xiang of the Red Chamber

Chapter 705: Popular support, pushed again and again!
Back in Shanglin Garden, when it was afternoon, the hunting officially began.

The participants included nobles of the first rank and above, including generals from the Five Military Commanderies, which shows that the standard of this hunting event was extremely high.

The emperor will be fifty-five this year, and his mental and physical strength are relatively good, so he can still participate in activities such as horse riding and hunting.

But he was not as good as before and could only last less than half an hour before he had to stop and rest.

The prince was also unable to bear it, so he stopped to rest in the name of serving his father.

Shanglin Garden was very large. Zhu Jinghong was surrounded by a group of guards and had a great time.

Everyone had a great time, and there was plenty of flattery and small talk, and eventually they talked about things in the Northwest.

"Thirteenth Master, the imperial court has allocated a huge amount of food, fodder and military equipment in the past few months, and has also dispatched additional troops from the imperial court and the Beijing camp to the north. I'm afraid the decisive battle next year is a foregone conclusion!"

"I heard that the Rakshasa Kingdom has also mobilized a lot of elite troops in the northwest. This is bound to be a tough battle!"

"With the Thirteenth Master leading the troops this time, no matter which country he calls in elite troops, they will all end up in a panic!"

"That's right, Master Thirteen is fighting against the elite!"

Everyone used the Northwest Affairs to flatter Zhu Jinghong, but this made the latter very unhappy.

The two great empires were wrestling in the northwest, with each side involving about 150,000 soldiers. In such a large-scale battle, Zhu Jinghong was not sure of winning.

If he led his troops to defeat, it would be an absolute disaster for him. Firstly, it would cause huge losses to the court, and secondly, it would destroy the image he had previously built.

As I said, being invincible in battle and conquering every enemy has now become a burden to Zhu Jinghong.

"What do you mean I'm going to lead the troops? The emperor hasn't issued an order yet, but you guys have already decided on these matters?"

"Thirteenth Master, this is a done deal!" Zhang Lin said with a smile.

"Shut up, and never say such things again!" Zhu Jinghong said in a serious tone.

Seeing that he really showed signs of being angry, Zhang Lin quickly replied, “Yes!”

But even so, everyone believed that Zhu Jinghong would definitely lead the troops, but they would not say it out loud.

These sons of noble families were all shrewd people, so they quickly changed the topic and talked about romantic matters.

But because he was feeling uncomfortable, Zhu Jinghong lost interest and went back after strolling with everyone for a while.

The so-called "return" actually meant finding a place to rest, and the guards accompanying him in the palace brought him all the necessary tables, chairs and other items for resting.

If it were two years ago, he would go to the emperor at this time and chat with him to get closer to him, but now it is better to keep a distance.

Not only did he have to keep a distance from the emperor, he also had to keep a distance from the nobles, so on occasions like today, he only mingled with young people.

But even if he wanted to hide, the emperor would send someone to summon him.

Before he had sat down for a moment, the emperor's close eunuch arrived, and Zhu Jinghong had no choice but to go over.

After passing several woods, Zhu Jinghong saw the emperor on a high slope where tents and fences had been set up.

This place was of course heavily guarded, with five checkpoints going up the slope. Zhu Jinghong was able to pass through unhindered with his bare hands.

When he entered the enclosure, he saw the emperor sitting in a tent with a brazier on each side.

About ten feet ahead, in the center of the tent, two Dragon Guard commanders were roasting lamb.

The emperor was surrounded by the prince's personal attendants and several governors who stayed behind from the Five Military Governors' Office.

The reason why they are staying behind is that among the current ten governors, some are commanding battles on the front line, some are in charge of tense situations, and some have gone to inspect the border troops under the emperor's order.

"Dad, I am really touched that you didn't forget to ask me to come over when you had something good!" Zhu Jinghong said after saluting.

"I called you here not just to let you eat!" Zhu Xianming said with a warm smile.

At this time, Zhu Jinghong had walked to the barbecue grill. Although the two Dragon Guards commanders were only fourth rank, their positions were extremely important. The incumbents were the emperor's absolute confidants. Even the senior generals of the Five Military Governor's Office treated them with great courtesy.

But when faced with Zhu Jinghong approaching, these two people behaved like ordinary old servants in an ordinary family and consciously stepped aside.

Zhu Jinghong started to turn the barbecue grill, and the two of them, one spreading the ingredients while the other fiddling with the charcoal fire, worked in perfect harmony.

"With such delicious food in front of us, what else can we do but eat? This isn't a cooking competition, is it?"

Hearing this, Zhu Xianming laughed, and the generals present also laughed.

On the contrary, the prince, although sitting next to the emperor, seemed out of place with his surroundings.

The prince himself felt that he could not fit in, so he felt very uncomfortable, but he still had to sit here quietly.

At this time, Zhu Xianming looked at one of the generals, who understood and said, "Your Highness, I just got the news that the Luosha people in the northwest have increased their troops, and the four countries of Britain, France, Spain and Portugal have also taken action!"

Zhu Jinghong was not surprised that the Russians increased their troops. He could understand that Britain and France, which ruled India, were close to each other and made small moves. But he found it really outrageous that Spain and Portugal got involved.

"Spain, Portugal? How do they increase their troops? They can't drive the warships onto the land!" Zhu Jinghong asked in surprise.

"It is said that they were drawn from its affiliated territories!"

Zhu Jinghong nodded without saying anything more. It was obvious that the difficulty of the game had increased further and he really didn't want to get involved.

"Old Thirteen, what do you think about this?"

"Dad, this, this, this... why is there no sesame oil?"

Zhu Jinghong avoided the question and the emperor knew he was trying to avoid the question because he was afraid that his achievements would overshadow his father.

This son is too sensible, but it seems that something is not right... Zhu Xianming thought secretly.

Obviously Zhu Xianming was overthinking it. Zhu Jinghong was simply unsure and unwilling to gamble with his reputation.

"Old Thirteen, you have a really sharp tongue!"

"As the saying goes, one should never tire of fine food, eating is a top priority, so of course one should be particular about it!"

"I never thought... you were also good at cooking. I thought you only knew how to fight!"

"A gentleman stays away from the kitchen. I am a rough man, I don't have so many scruples, so I know a lot of interesting things!"

"As for my attainments, I am absolutely unworthy of them!"

"Alright... I asked you to come here not to be your cook, but to discuss matters concerning the northwest!"

Cook? Cooks don’t have a good ending… Thinking of someone’s experience, Zhu Jinghong shook his head in his heart.

The emperor had already said this, so Zhu Jinghong could no longer remain silent, so he said: "The war situation in the northwest is related to the grand cause. It is not an exaggeration to say that it involves the fate of our Ming Dynasty, so we must be extremely cautious!"

This was nonsense, and Zhu Xianming was certainly not satisfied, so he asked further: "Such a war must be led by a good general to ensure safety... In your opinion, who can take on this important task?"

"My son is stupid. How can he know such an important matter?"

Seeing that this guy was really not a good person, the emperor didn't want to force him too much, otherwise it would really show that he had no one to use.

Then the emperor looked at the generals and asked, "Everyone, do you have any good generals to recommend?"

Several generals were clear-minded. Hou Xiaokang, who had just spoken, replied: "Your Majesty, the so-called good general is right before our eyes!"

"who is it?"

"Your Highness Prince Xiang has led the troops to victory in many battles, and when he was leading troops in the northwest before, he turned the tide of the battle and inflicted heavy losses on the bandits. I think it is the most appropriate person for him to lead the battle!" Zhu Xianming smiled in his heart, as someone helped him speak it out.

Seeing that Zhu Jinghong was about to speak, Zhu Xianming spoke first: "What do you think?"

The battle in the northwest was of great importance. Victory would certainly be a great achievement and it would easily lead to promotion.

But Zhu Jinghong was not sure about this matter, and others felt even more uneasy. At this time, nominating Zhu Jinghong became the safest choice.

So after the emperor asked the question, everyone else followed Hou Xiaokang's words and argued how appropriate it was to send Zhu Jinghong.

"Prince, what do you think?"

"I think what the old generals said makes sense. Thirteenth brother has great strategies and tactics, and he is the best choice to lead the army!"

So at this time, Zhu Xianming looked at Zhu Jinghong and said with a smile: "Old Thirteen, you are the one that everyone wants. What do you have to say?"

"Dad, I am careless and thoughtless. I am really not qualified for this important task. If I cause a defeat on the front line and shake the foundation of the country due to my negligence, I will be unforgivable even if I die!" Zhu Jinghong knelt down and kowtowed, and replied very solemnly.

What he said at this moment was the truth. Even if it would damage his image, it was much better than the consequences of defeat.

But the emperor still didn't believe it and still thought that he had too many concerns, so he refused to make any new achievements.

The atmosphere was extremely solemn, and the emperor certainly could not persuade him any further. After a few breaths of silence, he heard him say, "The lamb is roasted, it's time to eat!"

What started out as a discussion turned into a banquet of roasted whole lamb, but no one enjoyed the meal.

An hour later, the hunting trip ended. Zhu Jinghong and the prince sent the emperor back to the palace, and then left the palace together and went home.

"Thirteenth brother, the emperor trusts you, you should share his worries more!"

Zhu Jingyuan said this very seriously, but only he himself knew what he was thinking.

"Fourth brother, let me tell you the truth. I am really unsure about the battle in the northwest. If I go and suffer a great defeat... my personal honor and disgrace are small matters, but if I cause the overall situation of the court to be ruined, it will be an unforgivable crime!"

Although what Zhu Jinghong said was very normal, Zhu Jingyuan did not believe him. He said he was "too modest" and changed the subject.

The two brothers chatted as they walked out of Donghua Gate and went back to their respective homes.

Half an hour later, Zhu Jinghong returned to Prince Xiang's Mansion. Baochai had not returned yet, so Yang Jingting came to greet him.

"My Lord, you are finally back. It has been several months since we last met... I have been looking forward to seeing you again, and now my wish has finally come true!"

In the past, Yang Jingting would never speak so bluntly, but apparently she has learned her lesson now.

Speaking directly from one's heart will be more contagious, while flowery words are only suitable for writing in books.

"I missed you very much, too. Last time, because of the urgent summons from His Majesty, I was unable to be with you during your birth... Now when I think about it, I feel sorry for you!"

Pulling Zhu Jinghong towards her residence, Yang Jingting said, "Your Highness, please don't say that. The court's affairs are important, and yours are also important. I am a humble concubine... Why worry about me!"

Obviously Yang Jingting knew that making Zhu Jinghong feel guilty would be extremely beneficial to her.

"Ah... you are so reasonable, it makes me feel even more ashamed!"

From Zhu Jinghong's perspective, even though he knew that he was a scumbag, he still felt ashamed of having let down so many people.

"Your Highness is my God. Although I cannot help you with your affairs, I do not want to be a burden because of my own little things. Please do not feel guilty about yourself!"

"Otherwise, I will be ashamed!"

After saying this, Yang Jingting was about to kneel down and confess his crime, but fortunately Zhu Jinghong acted quickly and held her up.

"Alright, alright, you're weak...don't kneel down all the time!"

"Let's go... go check on the second one!"

Hearing that she was going to see her son, Yang Jingting pretended to wipe away tears of emotion, and then said: "Wu'er has long wanted to be hugged by daddy!"

So the two of them walked all the way to Yiheyuan, and at this moment, in the corridor on the other side, Daiyu couldn't help but sigh.

She saw everything that happened just now!
Obviously, Yang Jingting is also a difficult person, and Zhu Jinghong may not be fascinated by her in the future. Although Baochai's position is stable, Daiyu also has some worries.

On the other side, Zhu Jinghong walked back to Yiheyuan. Zhu Muwu was awake and had just finished feeding, so he took his son in his arms.

The child recognized the sound and soon started crying loudly, and had to be taken over by the maid to be comforted.

Zhu Jinghong was not disappointed, but smiled and said: "This child is full of energy, he may become a general in the future!"

Yang Jingting disagreed with this. She smiled and asked Zhu Jinghong to take a seat.

After serving tea, Yang Jingting said, "Your Majesty, I have an unwelcome request!"

"you say!"

"Wu'er is the flesh and blood of this concubine. For him, this concubine almost died in Jinling, so this concubine wants... wants to keep Wu'er by her side and raise him!"

If this matter cannot be made clear, even if the child is with us now, he may be taken away at any time.

Yang Jingting spoke very frankly. She originally wanted to lay the groundwork by saying something like the princess was busy and couldn't take care of everything.

But in the end she gave up the idea, because she felt that a mother's true love for her son could move people more than these words.

The rules of raising children by the biological mother did not carry much weight in Zhu Jinghong's mind. Currently, Keqing and Yinglian were raising their children on their own, so he did not think Yang Jingting's request was excessive.

"Sure!" Zhu Jinghong replied.

Now that the most important thing had been decided, Yang Jingting felt much more at ease. After expressing her gratitude, she prepared to take care of the second thing.

After chatting about some things in Jinling, Yang Jingting naturally mentioned Zhang Xiaoyue and the other person.

"Your Majesty, the two of them have served you well and have taken good care of me in Jinling. For such merits...Your Majesty has said that he will reward them generously!"

"You've spoken, and you can't take it back... You can't be joking!"

Hearing this, Zhu Jinghong couldn't help laughing and said, "They both really did make contributions, and I didn't say I wouldn't reward them!"

Since I didn’t express my stance in Jinling last time, it’s time to reach a conclusion now.

Zhu Jinghong then looked at Deng An who was accompanying him and ordered, "Send someone to tell the princess to choose a new place for Zhang and Li to live!"

"Yes!" Deng An replied.

Now Zhang Xiaoyue and her husband, like everyone else, still live in the guest house. The new residence chosen will mean that they can move into the inner house.

"I, your concubine, would like to thank Your Majesty on their behalf!"

"I told you that you are weak and there is no need to show such courtesy. This is what they deserve!" Zhu Jinghong said calmly.

Yang Jingting completed both tasks today successfully, and she was very happy.

But she did not get carried away, but continued to chat with Zhu Jinghong about the unforgettable time they had in Jinling.

During the conversation about the naval battle, Yang Jingting looked at Zhu Jinghong with eyes full of respect and awe, to be frank, she was almost tearing.

This was extremely useful to Zhu Jinghong, and no normal man could resist this.

Zhu Jinghong chose Yiheyuan for dinner and overnight stay.

(End of this chapter)