King Xiang of the Red Chamber

Chapter 811 Yang Jingting: I am wronged!
Wan Zehui was furious because Li Ziheng, who was ordered to investigate the affairs of the refugees, had now found out that he was involved in military affairs.

To be precise, Li Ziheng was investigating the transportation of grain from the four countries. There were many refugees and rioters in Dacheng now, and it was obvious that the grain used for compensation had not been arranged in place.

In theory, this was indeed beyond the scope of the imperial decree, but as a censor sent by the Censorate, Li Ziheng could theoretically supervise all matters.

In addition, Li Ziheng has a strong background and a tough temper, so it is difficult for Wan Zehui to do anything to him. It is impossible for him to really arrest him.

After scolding his men, Wan Zehui still had to try to stabilize the situation. After all, this was his top priority.

Li Ziheng's investigation is bound to cause panic among the people, which will be an unstable factor for Wan Zehui, so he has to stop him.

This also indirectly exposed a fact that Wan Zehui actually knew that some of the Dusi, especially the Annanxing Dusi, had something unclean, but he still chose to help cover it up.

This era emphasizes protecting one's relatives, and people with high awareness are always a minority. If Wan Zehui selflessly pushes his subordinates out, it will be difficult to lead the team in the future.

Moreover, in Wan Zehui's opinion, it is really hard for middle and lower-level generals to lead troops on the front line, so receiving some gifts and benefits is not a big deal.

It was Li Ziheng who was holding chicken feathers as a token of authority and was chasing after everyone. How was he different from the party led by King Rui back then?

Wan Zehui turned around and went to find the Military Inspector. Since the situation in the southwest was of great importance now, a Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate was in charge.

In addition, the military supervisor is also the eunuch Sun Zhen, who has an even more powerful background. He is currently the eunuch in charge of the Imperial Household Department and was previously the eunuch in charge of the Prince Xiang's Palace.

In other words, this eunuch Sun Zhen, the military supervisor, is Zhu Jinghong's man in his secret residence. If nothing unexpected happens, he will officially take charge of the Imperial Household Department when he returns to Beijing.

So like Wan Zehui, Sun Zhen also wanted peace in the southwest, so he also noticed Li Ziheng.

When Wan Zehui went to see the military inspector, Sun Zhen was also entertaining guests.

These two people are both Jinyiwei, and their ranks are very high. One is Zheng Gang, a captain of Annan in the Northern Division, and the other is Liu Jun, a captain of the Southern Division.

This Liu Jun was the Captain Liu who had stayed at the Annan Xingdusi headquarters four months ago and fought against the rioters together with the garrison troops.

"This man was ordered to investigate refugees. He handled many major cases in Sichuan and Guizhou. He submitted a petition to the capital, and the emperor made a cross with his imperial pen... and dozens of officials were punished!"

Sun Zhen was speaking, and the two captains were listening attentively, with a look of respect on their faces.

The two divisions of the Jinyiwei in the north and south were not subordinate to each other, or to be more precise, they had grudges against each other. It was indeed not an easy task to bring these two people together for a talk.

"The Shu clan, which has been passed down for more than 300 years, has fallen into his hands this time. More than 20 members of the clan who had titles have had their titles stripped, and now even the palace has been confiscated!"

After listening to Sun Zhen's long talk, the two captains still didn't understand what was going on. However, they both knew that the matter was not simple, so they just ate their food in silence without saying anything.

As he poured the wine, Sun Zhen said, "You two also know how much the Lord cares about the stability of the southwest. If this Li Yushi comes here now, I'm afraid it will... harm this stability!"

"I don't know where to start with this."

"Please teach me, sir."

Finally, the two captains Wu, Zheng and Liu spoke, but they all said useless nonsense.

"How many of these officials can stand up to scrutiny? Let's talk about you, can you stand up to scrutiny?"

Sun Zhen's words finally made Zheng Liu and the others look at them sideways, and they had to take the matter seriously.

In fact, Sun Zhen didn't finish his words, and he himself couldn't stand the investigation.

At this time, Zheng Gang said: "Eunuch, I know this man. He has a very important background!"

"Behind him is the Chief Censor Wang Pei'an. You know who this Lord Wang is better than us, eunuch!"

Of course Sun Zhen knew this well. When he was in the palace, he was often taught a lesson by Wang Pei'an.

Zheng Gang continued, "We can't stop him from investigating the case, and we can't just hire someone to kill him. Besides, he's on guard against these things, not only is he protected by guards, but he's also operating in broad daylight!"

After Sun Zhen stood up, Fang smiled and said, "Who told you to kill him? That's a bad idea. You have to use your brain when doing things!"

"Please give me some advice, sir!" Liu Jun bowed.

Sun Zhen smiled and said, "You should each submit a report saying that Li Ziheng has exceeded his authority and caused unrest among the people at this critical time, which may affect the overall situation on the front line!"

In other words, this was to use the emperor's power to forcibly bring Li Ziheng back to Beijing.

"This..." Zheng Gang hesitated.

Doing so would be seen as an act of collusion to deceive the emperor, and if the plan failed the crime would be punishable by death and confiscation of property. They were unwilling to get into such a big trouble.

Knowing their concerns, Sun Zhen said calmly: "It is a fact that people are panicking, it is a fact that it will damage the morale of the army, and it is also a fact that it will affect the stability of the front line, so you don't have to worry!"

…………

July 25th, Jiufeng Mountain Summer Palace.

Zhu Jinghong visited the imperial palace in early July and has been there for more than half a month.

The Jiufeng Mountain Palace has been expanded successively by more than a dozen generations of emperors of the Zhu family. Now it is of an incredibly large scale, with various pavilions, terraces, and foreign buildings built along the mountainside. It can be called the garden of all gardens today.

Living in a new environment does indeed make one feel different, and the concubines in the harem also have this feeling.

However, at this moment, Yang Jingting felt a little uneasy because she heard some rumors.

"So, Yan'er in our palace is dead?"

"That's right, Madam. The Eastern Depot just found her and she's dead!"

"How did you die?"

"He fell into the ditch and drowned. The guards found him while on patrol this morning!"

Yang Jingting said angrily: "This idiot, she is not the only one who has been implicated recently. She was released after questioning and found to be innocent. But she committed suicide after being implicated. Isn't this a case of trying to cover up one's own faults?"

In fact, it was because of the previous incident of reciting poems. The East Factory interrogated the people in Zhu Muzhen’s room and found out who had been to Zhu Muzhen’s bedroom recently.

Yan'er in Yang Jingting's room was the 23rd person to be called in for questioning. Five of the first 22 people did not come out, and Yan'er died before she even got in.

"It doesn't matter if she died, but isn't this harming me?" Yang Jingting wanted to cry but had no tears.

The matter of "Seven-Step Poem" really had nothing to do with her, but she couldn't wash herself clean even if she jumped into the Yellow River.

The maid at the side reminded: "Just go and ask and you can come out. Yan'er shouldn't have committed suicide. Could she... have been murdered by someone?"

"Who harmed him?" Yang Jingting asked.

The maid replied: "Of course it's the mastermind behind this!"

The mastermind behind this definitely doesn’t want to harm a little girl, so this person is targeting me... Yang Jingting thought to herself.

Then she had another guess that this person might not want her, but wanted to push her out to take the blame and avoid being found out.

Who is this person, this poisonous snake?

Yang Jingting really wanted to clarify this issue, but at this moment, a report came from outside saying that the Queen had summoned her for questioning.

Upon hearing this, Yang Jingting's heart trembled. She felt panicked but had to go.

After simply dressing up, Yang Jingting tried her best to act calm, and then went to Baochai accompanied by the palace maids.

Baochai's residence is called Jingyuexuan, which is located on a high ground and overlooks the beautiful scenery of the mountains.

At this time, under a big tree on the south side of Jingyue Pavilion, tables and chairs were set up, and Baochai was sitting there drinking tea alone.

Being led behind Baochai, Yang Jingting bowed solemnly: "Greetings to the Queen!" "Come here and have some tea!" Baochai said calmly.

Yang Jingting was worried, but she still went forward obediently and sat aside at Baochai's signal.

It was dusk now and the sunset looked stunning.

"Such a beautiful scenery, wouldn't it make people nostalgic!"

This didn't sound right, and Yang Jingting became more and more uneasy.

Ever since she lost to this girl in the selection of concubines that year, she has been in a completely weak position psychologically, and now Baochai has brought her great oppression.

Seeing that Yang Jingting was silent, Baochai stopped talking and asked directly, "I heard that a maid in your palace died last night?"

On the way here, Yang Jingting had been thinking about countermeasures. She was not so panicked when talking about serious matters.

According to the prepared response strategy, Yang Jingting replied: "Sister Bao, that girl will go to the East Factory for questioning tomorrow. Coincidentally, she died last night. There is something fishy about this!"

Fearing that Baochai didn't understand, Yang Jingting added, "Someone is trying to harm me and alienate our sisterhood. I hope Sister Bao will understand!"

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At the end of the speech, this dignified imperial concubine actually knelt down in front of Baochai.

"Sister Bao, think about it. No matter how stupid I am, I will not send people around me to do evil, and I will not be so stupid as to kill people to silence them at this critical moment!"

No matter how resolute Yang Jingting was, or how sincere her expression was at the moment, Baochai actually ignored it.

She only saw that the person in front of her was a smart person, and such a person was a big enemy.

As for what Yang Jingting said, it seemed to make sense, but it didn't matter to Baochai.

True and false, false and true, it’s impossible to tell the difference between these two things.

"I was just asking casually. Look at you...get up quickly!"

"Concubine..."

"Get up!" Baochai's tone turned cold.

Yang Jingting didn't dare to say anything more. She could only stand up obediently and stand respectfully without saying anything more.

Baochai also stood up at this moment, and walked towards her residence while saying, "Since you said it has nothing to do with you, I will believe you this time... Take care of yourself in the future!"

This statement seemed very merciful, and the subtext put the blame on Yang Jingting, but the latter was indeed innocent.

So after Baochai left, Yang Jingting felt so aggrieved that she just wanted to cry, and she felt that her role as a royal concubine was too unfair.

Back in Jingyue Pavilion, Baochai had already taken her seat, and sitting opposite her was Daiyu.

"Sister Bao, I still feel that... it's not her!" Daiyu said with a very serious look.

She was also a noble concubine and had a son, who was born when Zhu Jinghong was conferred the title of Crown Prince.

Objectively speaking, Daiyu's identity is very sensitive, and she should keep to herself and not express too many opinions or attitudes on such matters.

Therefore, their friendship is really tested at this time, and if they are not careful, it will create a rift.

Baochai sighed, "It doesn't matter. No matter who it is, I don't want to investigate any further. This matter is almost becoming a joke!"

The two of them were chatting when Ying'er came in to report that Yang Jingting had been invited away by the eunuchs of Yongyan Palace.

Yongyan Hall was where Zhu Jinghong lived and managed government affairs. Yang Jingting came here with a worried and dazed look on her face.

The East Factory had reported Yan'er's situation to Zhu Jinghong, so he asked Yang Jingting to come for questioning.

Nearly two months had passed since the Seven-Step Poem incident, and all the people who should be punished in the court had been dealt with, so Zhu Jinghong didn't really take it too seriously.

But what happened last night was too strange, so he took it seriously again, and then called Yang Jingting over.

The harem is a place for entertainment and relaxation. Zhu Jinghong does not want anyone to plot against him. If it is really Yang Jingting who is causing trouble again, he does not mind deposing her and putting her under house arrest.

At this moment, Yang Jingting was kneeling in front of the throne, making her final statement tremblingly.

"I dare not hope that Your Majesty will believe me. I only ask Your Majesty not to blame Wu'er harshly after you deal with me..."

"If possible, please let Sister Lin raise him. Sister Lin is selfless and will definitely treat Wu'er well!"

Yang Jingting didn't make too many excuses for herself. She was only thinking about her son and looked very sad at the moment.

Having followed Zhu Jinghong for so many years, she knew that if she lost his trust, no matter how much she explained, it would be futile. It would be better to say something else useful.

When a bird is about to die, its cry is sad; when a person is about to die, his words are kind.

It has to be said that Yang Jingting's performance slightly dispelled Zhu Jinghong's suspicion.

He was not sure whether Yang Jingting reached out her hand. At this moment, combined with her performance, some of his thoughts were gradually fading away.

But Zhu Jinghong's silence still made Yang Jingting feel pressured. In the end, she was speechless and cried out of grievance.

"All right!"

Just two words, but to Yang Jingting they sounded like heavenly music.

"Thirteenth brother, oh no... Your Majesty, do you believe me? You believe not me?"

Yang Jingting was so excited that her speech was incoherent and she even called him "Brother Thirteen".

While she was speaking, she staggered to Zhu Jinghong, wiped her tears with one hand and propped herself up with the other to ask.

Do you believe it? Zhu Jinghong was not sure either, so he did not answer.

"Behave yourself in the future and teach your son well. The friendship between you and me... is not inexhaustible!"

These words were a warning and also reflected the emperor's suspicion, which pierced Yang Jingting's heart like a needle, making her feel heartbroken and unable to escape.

"Your Majesty, I don't need to be a concubine, I don't need to be a position...but I am really wronged!"

Yang Jingting went too far here. As the saying goes, a name and a position cannot be lent to others. The title of the harem will be bestowed by the emperor. How can she just refuse it if she wants to?

Zhu Jinghong was not very happy, but fortunately he was broad-minded and understood that Yang Jingting spoke out of haste.

"Get up and go back!" Zhu Jinghong said indifferently.

The emperor's indifference was like endless frost, which instantly woke Yang Jingting up and made her even feel cold in this hot summer.

"Yes...I obey your order!"

After Yang Jingting left, Zhu Jinghong sighed and felt helpless.

Originally, his suspicion was only 50%, but after seeing Yang Jingting's performance just now, his suspicion of her dropped sharply to less than 20%.

But this made him even more uncomfortable, because it proved that there was a restless person hiding very deeply in the harem, and he had no clue who it was.

As expected, when inheritance is disordered, some people will become restless. There were no such troubles in the pre-Ming Dynasty... Zhu Jinghong sighed.

Before Emperor Taizu, the throne was inherited in an orderly manner and the relationship between the harem was indeed very simple.

(End of this chapter)