cabinet first lady

Chapter 43
"Ma'am, where are you going?" Dian Cui asked when she saw Ruan Muyang coming out suddenly.

"I'll go to Second Master's study to find two books to read."

Ruan Muyang came to the door of Zhang Anyi's study, and the guard guarding the study saw that it was her and did not stop him.Because Zhang Anyi once said that his study is not allowed to enter without permission, but Ruan Muyang can enter at any time.

Entering the study room and closing the door, Ruan Muyang didn't have time to pay attention to anything, he went straight to the bookshelf, and found it by memory.

Finally, she finally found it.

The book she was holding was edited by Shen Lian.

This is a collection of poems, which collected the poems written by Zhang Anyi when he was eight years old, before and after they were presented to the emperor, making him a famous child prodigy in the capital!

It turned out that this Shen Lian was Dali Temple Minister Shen who had shown Zhang Anyi a kindness!

Ruan Muyang had an impression of Master Shen's accident, because he changed from a case judge to a prisoner, and Luo Jie, the current cabinet minister, came out of that catastrophe and became the cabinet minister.It can be said that Mr. Shen's unjust murder had something to do with Luo Jie.

This may also be the reason why Zhang Anyi is unwilling to choose the Luo rank camp.

Shen Wei is probably the daughter of this Mr. Shen.She did not have the chance to live another life like Ruan Muyang, so she could only disguise herself as a man and enter the court, trying to rehabilitate the Shen family.

In the Taishan Palace back then, Zhang Anyi once said that he would help her rehabilitate her.

But Emperor Wu had killed so many ministers unjustly in his life, how could he be willing to rehabilitate them and slap himself in the face?Moreover, the subsequent emperors would definitely not want to lose face to their ancestors and rehabilitate a minister of Dali Temple.So, how difficult is their road to redress!It is impossible for even an extremely human minister to gain the great trust of the Holy Majesty.Unless they have enough ability to control the government, the emperor is helpless.

Is this their real purpose?

In this way, Zhang Anyi's wildness is probably greater than Luo Jie, Xu Hou and others!

So now when the prince's faction is fighting with the Yong'an king's faction, he has always remained neutral and dormant.

Because his goal is even bigger, and it doesn't matter to him who wins or loses in the struggle between the two factions.

Although these were just Ruan Muyang's guesses, the more she thought about it, the more reasonable she became.

Thinking of Zhang Anyi's wildness hidden in the depths, her heart beat fast, and she seemed to be able to hear her own heartbeat in her ears.Surprise, nervousness, excitement and an indescribable surge mixed in her heart, making her feel hot even though her body was cold.

Then, Zhang Anyi and Shen Wei share a common goal and goal, but they also have conflicts. What is their relationship?

It can be seen that Zhang Anyi wants to protect Shen Wei.

I hope he can only be grateful to her.

After tidying up his mind, Ruan Muyang took two books casually and walked out of the study.

Today's sunshine is very bright, shining warmly on the person's body, Ruan Muyang felt a little dazzling from the dark place to the sunlight, and the secret she just discovered also came along with the sunlight, and she hid it in her heart.

Back in the room, Ruan Muyang looked at Yin Ji's letter to himself again, then put the letter into the incense burner, and watched it burn into ashes.

"Ma'am, the second master is back."

After the enamel's voice fell, Zhang Anyi walked in.

He came back very early today.

Ruan Muyang glanced nervously at the incense burner, then smiled and asked, "Why did you come back so early today?"

"The Holy Dragon is in poor health, and I didn't go to the morning court. After dealing with some affairs, I came back early." Zhang Anyi approached her and said, "It just so happened that I haven't been with Madam for a long time."

Ruan Muyang lowered his eyes.

Emperor Wu's body was so bad.

"Madam is sitting in front of the table, but you want to write?" Zhang Anyi looked at the ink-stained pen on the table, and then smelled a smell of burnt paper, "Why does it smell like something was burnt?" said Then, he glanced at the incense burner that was emitting green smoke.

No detail could escape his eyes.

Ruan Muyang was so nervous that he raised his heart, and said with a calm face: "I wanted to practice calligraphy, and I went to your study to get two books, but after writing a few words, I found that I was not satisfied. Put it in the incense burner and burn it, lest the second master will laugh at me when he sees it."

Zhang Anyi's attainments in calligraphy and painting are extremely high, plus he is a close minister of Emperor Wu, some calligraphy and painting lovers in the capital have become interested in his calligraphy and painting at some point, and now a piece of his calligraphy is priceless .

"I just happen to be free today, so I can give my wife some advice." Zhang Anyi said with a smile.

Ruan Muyang had something hidden in his heart, and Zhang Anyi was so profound, he felt that he was not at ease standing at the edge of the case, and he was afraid that he might be missing clues, so he said: "My legs hurt a little, I don't want to write anymore, I want to sit for a while."

Zhang Anyi also knew that because Ruan Muyang fell into the Jingxin Pool and got the root of the disease on his leg, he picked her up and walked towards the bed.

Ruan Muyang's body suddenly hung in the air, and he hugged his neck in shock.Seeing that the door of the house was still open, and the servants could see it just by looking inside, she blushed. "It's not that I can't go, let me down." She said softly.

"But I'm not willing to part with it. If I can, I really want to take care of my wife." Zhang Anyi looked at her with great pity and said.

His facial features are tall and sharp, but his eyebrows and eyes are gentle. Looking at him like this, Ruan Muyang felt pampered and pampered, as if he was the only one in his eyes.

The contrast between carrying the country and the country on her shoulders, but being so gentle in her eyes made her heart feel like being squeezed by soft cotton, and she fell into it, powerless to deal with it.

She believed that no woman could resist his gentle treatment.

As Emperor Wu's health became weaker and his energy was no longer enough, many things were handed over to the cabinet, and the two factions of the prince and King Yong'an became more and more blatant, and many things were carried out under Emperor Wu's nose.

There are currently six cabinet members.

Luo Jie and Xu Hou are both prime ministers, and Zhang Anyi is next.After entering the cabinet for a short time, he is already only below Luo Jie and Xu Hou.

And Luo Jie and Xu Hou are both sixty years old, and the people in the court can see clearly that as long as Zhang Anyi doesn't make any big mistakes and keep going, when Luo Jie and Xu Hou are too old to feel powerless, then he will be the one to say the cabinet never mind.He is still young, and he has plenty of capital to survive with the two powerful officials.

At that time, there will be no one to restrain him, he is not only the minister of the cabinet, but the chief minister of the cabinet!
In the middle of the twelfth lunar month, King Yong'an, who had not gotten married for a long time, finally made a marriage with Xu Miaolu, the granddaughter of the cabinet minister Xu Hou.The relationship between the two became stronger.

The reason why Xie Zhao dared to do this and didn't wait any longer was because Emperor Wu was already determined to be powerless to take care of these things. Perhaps the papers about the marriage that were submitted did not reach Emperor Wu at all, but were intercepted by Xu Hou.

Their marriage was set for February of the following year.

Judging from the current situation of Emperor Wu, when King Yong'an married Xu Miaolu, he might also be kept in the dark.

All the high-ranking officials and nobles in the capital are shrewd. Seeing that King Yong'an's wedding date was set so urgently, they guessed that Emperor Wu's days would be numbered. Fearing that the national funeral would delay their children, they began to look for marriages. The wedding date was originally set. The days are a little behind, and they have also brought the wedding date to the front.

This year, there are not many companies in Beijing that are interested in celebrating the New Year.

Years later, soon to February, the wedding date of Yongan Wang Xie Zhao and Xu Hou's granddaughter Xu Miaolu finally arrived.

Seeing that the relationship between King Yong'an and Xu Hou was getting stronger and stronger, Luo Jie was not stupid and revealed the matter to Emperor Wu.

There are two things that Emperor Wu is most afraid of in his life-the border will make friends with close officials and the prince will win over the powerful.

Both of these incidents revealed a message—rebellion.

Emperor Wu is the most unbearable, so the relationship between Xie Zhao and Xu Miaolu has not been brought to the table for a long time.

To the surprise of Luo Jie and the prince, Emperor Wu, who was leaning on the bed, only moved his eyelids when he heard the news, and instead of being angry as they expected, he said: "King Yong'an is not young, it's time to get married .” His voice was a little weak, and he was no longer as full of breath as usual.

This means agreeing.

The information revealed at a deeper level made Luo Jie and the prince's hearts half cold, and felt a sense of crisis.

Perhaps Emperor Wu really wanted to change the crown prince and pass the throne to Xie Zhao.

When Xie Zhao and Xu Miaolu got married, the Ruan family received invitations, and so did Zhang Anyi and Ruan Muyang from the Zhang family.

Naturally, there is no reason to refuse the prince's wedding banquet.

When meeting Mrs. Zhao and Ruan Muyun, Ruan Muyang will inevitably be nagged about his stomach still not moving.

"Mother, sister, this is not the right time to have children." Ruan Muyang said cryptically.

Zhao asked: "But Zhang Anyi said that?"

Ruan Muyang nodded.

In this way, the Zhao family can feel relieved, although Ruan Muyang married into the Zhang family at the beginning, but now Zhang Anyi is no longer what he used to be, and has become a high-ranking member of their Ruan family.Ruan Muyang got married for several years and had nothing to do. Zhao was originally worried that the elders of the Zhang family would be unhappy, and Zhang Anyi would also mind.

"Time flies so fast." Ruan Muyun looked at her eldest son and suddenly sighed.

"Yes." Ruan Muyang agreed.Xu Miaolu and Xie Zhao finally got married, and Luo Yu, Han Ruo, and Zhang Anyu were next. These children were going to get married in the blink of an eye.

Sensing that Liu Yunhuan seemed to have something on her mind, she asked, "What's wrong with sister-in-law?"

Mrs. Zhao sighed and said, "Because of your brother. Your brother seems to have made a mistake recently because of some errand, and may be dismissed. Your father is worrying about this. By the way, your father asked you to come back tomorrow. Home."

Ruan Muyang frowned.

Ruan Minghua is still working under Xie Zhao. It is very likely that Xie Zhao is putting pressure on Ruan Zhongling to stand by him if he is going to be dismissed at this time.

Ruan Zhongling probably couldn't bear the pressure from both sides, and wanted to stand in line, and it was probably Xie Zhao's side.

"Sister-in-law, don't worry, things are still uncertain, and the current situation is so turbulent, it would be a good thing if she is really dismissed." Ruan Muyang said in a low voice, "Maybe we can avoid disaster."

If a woman who didn't know anything would hear this, she might be angry, but her sister-in-law is different, she knows the seriousness.

"The fourth sister is right."

Afterwards, the banquet became lively.The bridegroom officer, Xie Zhaolai, toasted every table.

Seeing Xie Zhao wearing a wedding dress, Ruan Muyang remembered the scene of getting married in the previous life.In the previous life, he must have smiled so happily when he was married to him, but it was all for others to see.Now in Yong'an Palace, the admiration, misery, and hatred of the previous life became very clear, which made her feel emotional and sad.

Hearing the voice of "Congratulations" not far away, she just wanted Xie Zhao to die.

Soon, Xie Zhao came to their table with a wine glass.

Ruan Muyang stood up with Zhao Shi and the others, holding a wine glass.

Xie Zhao greeted Mrs. Zhao first, and then passed one by one, and finally his eyes fell on Ruan Muyang. "Fourth sister." There was a meaningful smile in his eyes.

Ruan Muyang raised his wine glass, raised his lips, and said with an equally meaningful smile: "Congratulations, my lord." She was afraid of Xie Zhao because Xie Zhao was an idle lord who led a group of children from the capital to mess around all day long. What's the matter? She can do it all, and she doesn't have a high status, but now, he can't afford to lose, and he doesn't dare to make mistakes to let the prince's faction catch him. Naturally, he doesn't dare to be as unscrupulous as before, and even made a big fuss when she got married .

After drinking it all in one gulp, what is hidden in the bottom of my heart is murderous intent.

When they returned to Zhang's mansion together in the carriage, Zhang Anyi seemed to see Ruan Muyang's depression, and asked, "Madam seems to have something on her mind?"

Raising his head and meeting his probing gaze, Ruan Muyang's heart skipped a beat.His question was very subtle, and he left Xie Zhao's wedding banquet, implying that she had something on his mind, and it was easy to think that her concern was because of Xie Zhao's marriage.What is he testing?

Ruan Muyang was not sure, and was afraid that if he asked, it would give him the feeling that "there is no silver 300 taels here".A demure smile appeared on her face and said: "Second Lord saw it. Indeed, it's because of my brother."

Zhang Anyi had also heard about Ruan Minghua.

With a clear look, he said: "This matter is aimed at Master Yue Zhang."

"Yes." Ruan Muyang nodded.For the past two years, Concubine Ruan and Xie Zhao have been trying to win over Ruan Zhongling, but Ruan Zhongling, who should be on their side, has never made a statement, and finally annoyed them.

Ruan Zhongling was Xie Zhao's uncle and Concubine Ruan's cousin, so Luo Jie was naturally worried about him and had no intention of wooing him.Now if Ruan Zhongling had a falling out with Queen Yong'an and her son, it could be said that Ruan Zhongling would not please both sides.Queen Yongan's mother and son also expected that he would not be able to enter the faction of the Luo rank, so they dared to put pressure on him like this.

"I think this matter is too dangerous, so it's better to remain neutral." Ruan Muyang wanted to hear Zhang Anyi's thoughts, and asked, "What does the second master think?"

Seeing Ruan Muyang asking for advice, Zhang Anyi thought of how he usually taught students in the Imperial Academy, raised his lips and said with a teasing smile: "Although the Holy Majesty is now biased towards King Yong'an, it won't be until the moment when the will is issued." , there are variables. This kind of thing of success and failure is dangerous, and it is the safest way to remain neutral."

Seeing that Ruan Muyang listened seriously, he said again: "However, Yuezhang is different from me. It may be difficult for him to remain neutral, but he is the Minister of the Ministry of Industry, and it is not easy for Luo Jie and Xu Hou to touch him. Some suppression, just be careful."

Ruan Muyang thought the same as him.But she was worried, fearing that Xie Zhao would become ruthless and charge the Ruan family with treason like in the previous life.

After all, if someone wants to harm you, you should take all precautions, and it is still easy to be caught.

Zhang Anyi saw her worry, put his hand on her shoulder lightly, and said softly: "Madam, don't worry, I will pay attention to Yue-zhang, and nothing will happen."

It's not just comfort, it's promise.

Ever since he was just Zhang Er, for some reason Ruan Muyang believed in his ability, believed that he could enter the Imperial Academy, believed that he could become a close minister of the emperor, now he is only second to Luo Jie and Xu Hou, and she has no reason to doubt up.She has always planned and calculated everything by herself, and she has almost forgotten that she can rely on others.Now that she suddenly heard his promise, she only felt that her tight heart was being slowly let go by one hand, and after being soft, she felt a little sore.

She leaned into his arms, listening to his steady heartbeat that never seemed to speed up at any time, she felt a sense of peace of mind.

"Thank you, Second Master."

Zhang Anyi kissed her hair, and his tone became more gentle: "Madam, why are you being so polite to me?"

Although he is very gentle at the moment, Ruan Muyang always remembers the relationship between him and Shen Wei, knowing that he has kept a lot of secrets from her, and she has also kept a lot of secrets from him, they are all covering up, how can you be rude?

"Then I will go to Ruan Mansion tomorrow and talk to my father."

Zhang Anyi nodded and said: "It's most appropriate for Madam to talk about it." The next day, Ruan Muyang told Li Shi that he would go back to Ruan's house, but she was naturally ridiculed by her, but he didn't stop him.

Back at Ruan Mansion, Ruan Muyang went straight to Ruan Zhongling's study.After questioning, she found that Ruan Zhongling really hesitated and wanted to compromise with Xie Zhao's mother and son.

"Father, no."

Ruan Zhongling didn't expect Ruan Muyang to speak so simply, he frowned slightly, not because he was angry, but because of doubt and hesitation. "Why?" he asked.

Ruan Muyang's tone became serious, and he analyzed: "Not to mention that there is a risk of half failure on either side, and now King Yong'an's attitude is already dissatisfied with his father. He is also in the position, and the father can't please him."

Ruan Zhongling showed a pensive look.

"Because my father didn't express his opinion before, he was forced to stand on his side in the end, and he has already developed a grudge against his father." Ruan Muyang said with a bit more stern voice, "At that time, he will definitely be against my father. ——Get rid of it and hurry up. If you want to stand on his side, your father should have stood there long ago, and now, there is no turning back."

The words "I can't turn back" hit Ruan Zhongling's heart with force.

He seemed to be able to see what would happen to him if Xie Zhao sat in that position.

Xie Zhao was already dissatisfied with him, even if he was neutral, it would not be easy for Xie Zhao to sit in that position.Unless he is on the occasion of employing people, and I can do many things for him.

Ruan Zhongling suddenly realized that no matter what he chose, Xie Zhao had already been offended.

And his turning point turned out to be with the prince. If the prince ascended the throne, he would at least keep him because he did not stand with King Yong'an.The prince is much more benevolent than King Yong'an, and if he survives for a few more years, he may still be reused.

Ruan Zhongling didn't know that he and even the whole Ruan family had a brush with death and were rescued by Ruan Muyang. Although the current situation is difficult, it is already good.

Seeing that Ruan Zhongling frowned, Ruan Muyang guessed that he had given up on Xie Zhao's side, so he began to comfort him: "Although my brother may be dismissed now, it's better to be dismissed at this time, it's safer. These days, father I'm afraid it will be difficult in the court, and you need to be careful everywhere, and Yuan Zai will also pay attention to and deal with your father, and he will let your father rest assured."

Speaking of Zhang Anyi, Ruan Zhongling finally felt relieved.

He knows what his son-in-law is capable of.

Now there is no other way but to be neutral to the end.

Thinking that Ruan Muyang's words today should have many ideas given by Zhang Anyi, Ruan Zhongling said: "Okay, I have listened to your words, don't worry."

In just these six months, winners and losers, everything will have results.

In the next few months, the high-ranking nobles in the capital were rushing to get married, and Ruan Muyang attended many wedding banquets.Among them, there are three games that are more important to her.

On May [-]th, Luo Yu got married.Ruan Muyang gave her a big gift.

On the eighth day of June, Zhang Anyu married the third lady of the Hu family.Since then, Lao Shangshu's four grandsons have finally married.

On June [-]th, Han Ruo got married to You Shaoqing of Honglu Temple.

In late June, Emperor Wu, who had not been in court for more than three months, announced that all government affairs would be handed over to Luo Jie and Xu Hou in the cabinet, and Zhang Anyi would pass on all matters that needed to be reported in person. , other princes and ministers, including the prince and King Yong'an, were not seen at all.

The days of a generation of emperors living in the world have finally entered the countdown.

Although Emperor Wu was already powerless, he was clear about the actions of the crown prince and King Yong'an. At this time, it was very easy for them to take advantage of the situation and even endanger himself.And because Zhang Anyi has always maintained neutrality, he is the least threatening and most trustworthy to Emperor Wu.

Therefore, Zhang Anyi is very likely to be the first to know the content of Emperor Wu's will.

Because of this incident, a steady stream of invitations were sent to the Zhang family, and there were many people who wanted to invite Ruan Muyang in the name of "appreciating flowers" and "drinking tea" to find out about her.The old Shangshu was in charge, the old lady was in charge, the Zhang family thanked guests behind closed doors, and all the posts in Ruan Muyang's hands were returned.

In the days when the outcome was about to be revealed, Ruan Muyang was restless all day long, feeling uneasy, and every night when he saw Zhang Anyi coming back, he would try it out secretly.

Only by knowing the result first, can she be prepared.

One day, Zhang Anyi came back very late, and didn't come back at midnight.Ruan Muyang knew that it was tonight.

When approaching Choushi, Zhang Anyi finally came back exhausted.

Seeing that Ruan Muyang was still awake, he asked in surprise, "Why is Madam still awake?"

Ruan Muyang took off his official uniform for him, and said: "There are too many people staring at you these days, I don't feel relieved if you don't come back so late. But what happened in the palace?" She asked lightly.

Zhang Anyi stopped what he was doing, and his eyes were rare and dignified.

Ruan Muyang's heartbeat quickened suddenly, and he couldn't help clutching his official uniform, holding his breath and waiting for him to speak.

Seeing her nervousness and small movements in his eyes, Zhang Anyi's eyes hid a bit of hidden inquiry, and he was silent for a while.The undercurrent in his eyes went from surging to calm and nothingness, as if he was making some decision.

Afterwards, only his gentle voice sounded: "Tonight, the Holy Majesty has issued a will, and the one who will inherit the throne is - King Yong'an."

(End of this chapter)