Reborn in the last years of Kangxi

Chapter 781 Enchanting

Xizhimen, the city gate tower.

Because the jade spring mountains and waters are transported to the palace every day, the gates of the city are opened in the early morning throughout the year.Although today is February [-]nd, and it is already the beginning of spring, the strong wind at night still makes people feel chilly.

When it was time to open the city gate, two small gate guards led a team of soldiers downstairs to open the city gate.

As soon as the city gate was opened, a group of people and horses were seen outside.Among the people and horses, someone raised a torch, and there were vaguely dozens of riders.

The torches on both sides of the city gate are already lit, illuminating the inside of the city gate, which can be regarded as bright.

A little schoolboy was about to step forward to ask a question, but a member of the horse team had already come out, holding a sign in his hand, and waved it in front of the schoolboy.The small school only saw "Second Class" written on it, but the rest was not real.

But looking at this person's attire, Xiaoxiao can also recognize it. This is the color of the palace guards.Naturally, he didn't dare to be troublesome, and had already bowed and stepped aside.

When a group of people rode into the city, the small school couldn't help staring at the figures of the crowd in a daze.Okay?This is not just a bodyguard, there are more than a dozen bodyguards accompanying him, and dozens of cavalry behind him, dressed in the uniforms of Eight Banners Guard Battalion soldiers.

Those who can take these people on a trip are designated as nobles.But the nobleman was also unreasonable, rushing on the road in the middle of the night, the little school couldn't help being confused.

The one who entered the city just as Chouzheng (two o'clock in the morning) was the twelfth elder brother who had returned from the Tangquan Palace.

Thinking of the emperor's eyes that wanted to tear him apart after listening to his kneeling report, he felt his hands and feet were cold.

After making him kneel for half an hour, the emperor's father finally spoke, ordering him to return to the palace immediately and bring... to face the king.Even if he heard his son say it himself, even the emperor would not be able to believe that his harem gave birth to a "monster".

That look seemed to be scolding him for "confusing people with evil words".

"Master, there are still two hours before the gate of the palace will be opened. Do you want to go back to the mansion first to rest?" Twelve Elder Brother's chief follower saw the master directly leading people to the palace, and asked, urging the horse to rein.

Brother Twelve shook his head and said, "No need, wait at the gate of the palace."

Looking at the dark road ahead, Brother Twelve felt a little scared.If Concubine De and Concubine Yi were to play tricks and replace that... with an ordinary baby, then his report to the imperial court would really become "bewitching the public", and he would still be "ignoring the monarch", unfaithful and unfilial.

Immediately he knew that he was supercilious, and if he were another prince's elder brother, perhaps the two concubines would still be calculating; his reputation was not obvious, his foundation was insufficient, and his status was the lowest among princes.How could the two concubines bother to plot against him.

There is no calculation, if you really want to bring that... to the imperial court, you will have to bear the thunderous anger of the emperor's father.Brother Twelve thinks of this, but feels infinitely hopeless...

*
Concubine De and Concubine Yi, although they went back to various sleeping palaces to settle down, they were always concerned about this matter in their hearts.They have been in the palace for more than forty years, so they are familiar with Kangxi's temper.

As the Ninth Five-Year Master, the pride in his bones is beyond the reach of ordinary people.If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he wouldn't have believed it.

Therefore, they all ordered the eunuch in charge of the inner court to notify the two palaces if the twelfth elder brother entered the palace.

For a while, Elder Brother Twelve was at the gate of Jingyang Palace. By the time Concubine Yi and Concubine De arrived, the sky was already bright.

The three of them entered the back hall of Jingyang Palace together, there were many tall and strong eunuchs standing at the door, it seemed that they had been ordered to guard.There were also guards at the entrance of the side hall, and there were wailing sounds from inside.

This is a low-level palace official who lives together in Jingyang Palace, who has been affected and is also under house arrest.

The room in the apse is full of filth.

The twenty or so servants on the ground have been tied up for a whole day and night.When they saw the royal family's intrigue and the reaction of several masters, they already knew that there was no way out.

During this day and night, twenty or so slaves would not eat or drink, but they would not starve to death; but people have three urgencies, plus fear and despair, and there are not one or two incontinent people.

In the delivery room, there was no heat at all.The little nobleman who gave birth was only sixteen or seventeen years old. He was tied to the kang and had walnuts stuffed into his mouth.The mattress under her was soaked in blood.

In the delivery room, there was a strong smell of blood.

When everyone covered their noses and went in, the little nobleman opened his eyes, looking at the crowd, and at the swaddling clothes on the kang next to him, his eyes were full of prayers.

Concubine Yi entered the room, without looking at the swaddling baby, she turned her body sideways, pointed and said, "Master Twelfth, take it."

Brother Twelve didn't make a move, and said in a low voice: "Concubine Yimu, it's not good to take it out of the palace like this under the watchful eyes of everyone."

After saying this, Concubine Yi also understood, went to the door, called a maid to come over, and gave some instructions in a low voice.

After a short while, I saw the maid brought a food box to return, and Concubine Yi went to the door to pick it up in person.

Brother Twelve didn't dare to look at the "monster" in his swaddling clothes, he rubbed his hands, and wanted to hug him and put him in the food box, but he heard Concubine De say, "Wait a minute, Brother Twelve."

Elder Brother Twelve heard this, quickly removed his hand from the swaddle, looked at Concubine De with a bit of bewilderment, and said, "Concubine Demu?"

It is said to be a baby, but because of this "monster" appearance, it is just a random wrapping to scare the palace people.

Concubine De took an unknown quilt from the side, put it in the food box, took out another blanket, and handed it to Twelve Elder Brothers.

Seeing Concubine De like this, Elder Brother Twelve felt touched when he thought of his three sons who had died in succession. Although he still didn't dare to look at the "monster" in his infancy, he also lost a little bit of fear.

If he wasn't born with such a terrifying appearance, he would also be the emperor's son, his half-brother.

Thinking of this, his movements became much more gentle, carefully swaddling the baby in the food box.He took out the dagger at his waist and opened a ventilation hole on the side of the food box.The blanket covered the food box, which could be regarded as covering the weak little life inside from the wind and cold.

The newborn baby was left unattended for a day and a night, and it seemed extremely weak.Only when it was picked up, it screamed like a kitten, and then there was no more movement.

Hearing this sound, Elder Brother Twelve hoped that the baby would die soon.As long as there is no relationship with this secular world, otherwise, even if you barely support it for a few hours, the result of waiting is probably nothing more than...

That night, Wei Zhu didn't sleep well.

Elder Brother Twelve came to see His Majesty in a hurry yesterday, and he didn't know what he had said to the Emperor, but no one was left behind, only father and son.

When the twelfth elder brother left, the emperor's expression became a little strange, and even the concubine Wang who came to serve the sick with soup and medicine was reprimanded.On Wei Zhu's side, who is used to looking at facial expressions, she became more cautious.

Even so, Wei Zhu was found wrong, and then fifty boards.

Fortunately, due to his accumulated power over the years, he has not completely lost power, and no one dares to offend him.The fifty boards have moisture, and there is no injury to the muscles and bones, but the skin trauma is indispensable.

That night, Wei Zhu was thinking about why the emperor was angry, and what kind of taboo he had committed.Working beside the emperor, if you don't know this in your heart, how can your life last long.

After filtering all the things from yesterday, it finally fell on Elder Brother Twelve.

He was still hesitating, or else he would use his confidant to inquire what could be going on with Brother Twelve, and he would hear the little eunuch report.

This little eunuch is also a servant of Qianqing Palace, he is Wei Zhu's grandson, named Chang Qing, he is fifteen or six years old, and he is the most intelligent.As for his master, Wei Zhu's apprentice, he had an "emergency" and died suddenly two years ago.

Elder Brother Twelve came to the palace, and His Majesty saw it, and then he didn't know what mistakes he made, which caused the emperor to be furious.The emperor has ordered him to be detained.It seems that the imperial doctor also said that the twelve princes had blood stains on their bodies, and some said that the emperor asked for a brazier, but he didn't know what to burn.

The more Wei Zhu listened, the more frightened she became, the curiosity in her heart had already been sealed.

Having worked in the palace for many years, he naturally knows what can be inquired about and what cannot be inquired about.

Thinking of this, Wei Zhu put on a straight face, and said, "Little Qingzi, you only brought some soup and medicine for grandpa this morning, and you spent the rest of the time waiting on grandpa in this room, remember!"

Chang Qing did go out in the morning in the name of helping Wei Zhu get medicine,

Chang Qing hesitated for a moment, then said in a low voice: "Grandpa, although my grandson is avoiding people, but just now Master Zeng came down from the imperial court, I don't know if he saw his grandson or not."

The "Uncle Zeng" he was talking about was Wei Zhu's other apprentice, Zeng Quan who was also serving as an errand in Qianqing Palace.He is not a few years older than Chang Qing, but he is not as smart and tactful as Chang Qing, so in front of Wei Zhu, he is not as respectable as Chang Qing.

Wei Zhu glanced at him, twitched the corner of her mouth, and said, "He won't talk, it's okay."

Chang Qing felt discouraged after hearing this, and wanted to say a few more words, but felt that Shizu's gaze just now was shocking, as if he had seen through his little Jiujiu.He responded awkwardly, bowed his head and said, "It's noon, grandson is going to fetch medicine for my grandfather."

Wei Zhu had already closed his eyes, and waved his hand upon hearing this.

After Chang Qing retreated, Wei Zhu opened his eyes, snorted coldly, and said in a low voice: "Monkey boy, you need eye drops before your hair grows..."

*
On Cao Yong's side, even though he was thinking about Elder Sixteen, he also knew that it would not be a trivial matter for Elder Sixteen to achieve such a level.The sixteenth elder brother didn't let him enter the palace to investigate his illness, it must be because he didn't want to go into the muddy waters of the palace, so as not to arouse the envy of others.

Cao Yong was not a meddlesome person at all, so he called Cao Song the next day and explained to him.Let him be cautious in his words and deeds in the palace, and don't make a special trip to the sixteenth elder brother.

Although Cao Song didn't understand the deep meaning, but since his brother asked him, of course he nodded in response.

The Empress Dowager's "July [-]th" has passed, but the funeral has not yet arrived, and the funeral in the palace is still going on.

There is no leader Twelve Brothers, nor Sixteen Brothers who are in charge of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. All these trivial matters fall to Dong Dianbang and Yi Duli.

The two of them were so busy that they had to inquire about the situation of the two princes.Hearing all kinds of rumors indistinctly made them feel uneasy.

Fortunately, the Ministry of Rites has long established rules for national funerals, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs is responsible for all relevant trivial matters.Therefore, the two of them did not make a big mistake.

Until the sixth day of February, the previous rumors seemed to be getting more and more influential.

Three things, there is the birth of a prince on the first day of the harem, that is, he passed away on the day, and has not been named; the sixteenth elder brother was in charge of the funeral, was overworked, and fell from weakness, but fortunately he was not seriously ill; , "Foot ban" in the palace.

This is said publicly, but in private, that the sixteenth elder brother did not know why he disobeyed the concubine Yi and the concubine De, which caused disaster; outraged.

No matter the truth or lies, the more you tell, the more people will believe you.

There is another piece of news that not many people know about, that is, on the second day of February, the palace dealt with several servants.When Cao Yong heard the news, the first thing he thought of was Wei Zhu.

Companion to the emperor is like companion to the tiger. This sentence should be remembered not only by the courtiers, but also by the servants around the emperor.Because of their close service, they saw and heard more than others.

Cao Yong was relieved when he heard that Wei Zhu had just been hit by a board and his life was fine.There are not many contacts in these years, but the two have developed a tacit understanding.In Cao Yong's heart, in addition to using him, he also has some old feelings.

Brother Sixteen also had news that Cao Yong would come to the palace after the meeting.

This day is Little Asahi, Cao Yong followed the Man and Han Jiuqing to Tangquan Palace.Among them, there is also the meaning of asking for peace.It has been less than half a month since the "invitation to establish a crown prince" last month. There has been no reply, and there has been no news of the emperor meeting the courtiers. Many people have no idea.

Kangxi didn't show up, but let Wei Zhu hold the handbook and read it out in public.

Among them, he did not hide his illness like before, and told the truth that he was "difficult to walk" due to foot pain, was slow to deal with government affairs, and accumulated more and more.It also mentioned that "one or two lawless bandits have punished those who were spared from death, found out about my illness, formed a party together, and planned to release the second elder brother", and also mentioned that "there are still many people who are chaotic officials and thieves."

Everyone can only kneel down and listen, Kangxi has already said this, if anyone dares to "discuss and establish a reserve" at this time, I am afraid that they will have to weigh their own weight, whether they can afford to wear the "rebellious officials and thieves" hat of.

In Cao Yong's heart, he looked down on those ministers who said "worry for the country" and "share worries for the king".

How many of these people clamoring for a reserve are selfless?
Perhaps only a nerd like Zhu Tianbao, who had read too many sage books, would firmly believe that there is a difference between the concubine and the concubine, and that the concubine born after the Yuan Dynasty is a worthy candidate for the throne.Others, even if you think about it, are disloyal and unfilial.Even if the second elder brother was deposed twice and imprisoned in Xianyang Palace, he was framed by villains.

In any case, Cao Yong has no interest in intervening, and with his current official experience, he is not qualified to intervene.

Back in the city, it was already afternoon.Cao Yong thought about Elder Sixteen's side, instead of going back to the Yamen, he went directly to the palace and went to Elder Brother's office.

On the sixteenth elder brother's side, there happened to be someone visiting, and it was ninth elder brother and fourteenth elder brother who came.The sixteenth elder brother had a cloth wrapped around his head, put on his clothes, leaned on the couch, and talked with him.

According to the rules in the palace, the kang started to turn off on the first day of February, even if there were a few charcoal basins in the room, it would hardly reduce the coldness.

When Cao Yong went in, he had to ask An to see him.

Although the ninth elder brother was lukewarm, he didn't mean to be tit-for-tat; the fourteenth elder brother was much warmer, and said with a smile: "My lord is still going fast, and he has not stopped all the way. He has just arrived in the palace. Cao Yong, you are a civil servant. , can come back so soon, it seems that I am anxious to see the sixteenth brother, it is hard for you."

On Cao Yong's side, it's not good to agree, and it's not good to not answer, so we can only vaguely pass.However, he felt strange in his heart. Hearing the meaning of the fourteenth elder brother, since the sixteenth elder brother was injured, it was the first time for him to visit the sick.

Fortunately, brother Jiu said that it is not good for people to enter the palace every day when they are outside the palace.After all, the Empress Dowager's "July [-]th" has passed, so there is no need for the princes to be on duty at Ningshou Palace every day.

The fourteenth elder brother is the same as the sixteenth elder brother, living in the elder brother's house, and the residence is only a few steps away from the sixteenth elder brother.In this way, it took five days to come, did I hear something wrong, or did I have other considerations?

There are less than a thousand cups of wine every confidant, but a few words are not speculative.

The ninth elder brother, the fourteenth elder brother, and the sixteenth elder brother said a few words politely, but they had nothing to say, and after a few words, they took their leave and left.

"What's the matter? Does it still hurt? What did you hit with your head?" After the two left, Cao Yong asked impatiently.

Brother Sixteen touched his forehead, and his face immediately showed pain.He waved his hand and sent Zhao Feng to guard the door, pointed to the cabinet on the ground, and said to Cao Yong: "The cabinet is a standing cabinet made of yellow pear wood. But it hurt half my life. When the master is well, I must call someone." Prepare a few cabinets and chop wood!"

Cao Yong lowered his volume and said, "If the Sixteenth Master didn't 'fall', is it the Sixteenth Master who is detained in Tangquan now?"

Elder Sixteen nodded, showing resentment, and said: "There are some secrets in the harem. If Fu knows that it is harmful and not beneficial, I will not talk about it. I only hate the two of Yonghe Palace and Yanxi Palace. They have hidden evil intentions." , deliberately harming me. These years, I have never argued for anything, just because there are more people out there these days, I got their eyes."

The one in Yonghe Palace is Concubine De, and the fourteenth elder brother stands behind him; the one in Yanxi Palace is Yifei, and the fifth and ninth elder brothers are behind.

The sixteenth elder brother has not yet divided the government, if he is really hated by the two palaces, it is also worrying.

"Can there be a solution?" Cao Yong frowned.

Brother Sixteen sneered and said: "I have to drink medicine soup for half a month, and the two of them are not much better. Huang Ama is currently in a rage, and when she thinks about it in a few days, she will naturally understand the scheme of the two of them." Now, if I am like this, they also have to bear a reputation. If I dare to do something, I have no title, no name, no wealth, no power, and I am the one who is barefoot and not afraid of wearing shoes. If I hadn’t taken care of my mother, I would have long ago been unable to bear this bird !"

I don't know when Concubine Yi died of illness, but there is the ninth elder brother who is not seen by the fourth elder brother, and her fate as an old lady is not much better; on the side of Concubine De, it seems that she has not been the queen mother for a few days.

Thinking of this, Cao Yong didn't say much, took out a palm-sized copper box from his sleeve, and sent it to Brother Sixteen.

"What is this?" Elder Sixteen asked, taking it and opening it.

Seeing the contents inside, Elder Sixteen couldn't help laughing, raised his head and said: "Peach preserved? All right, let's use this to explore the disease, as if the master is a child."

"I know that you don't eat the ones made in the palace, and you don't have to worry about buying them from outside. This is made by Zhuangzi at home, and Tianhui usually uses this to prescribe medicine." Cao Yong said.

Elder Sixteen looked down at the box of candied fruit in his hand, took a piece, put it in his mouth, but didn't look at Cao Yong, and said, "Never mind you..."

*
Inside the Anding Gate, Prince Yong's Mansion.

The fourth elder brother didn't arrive at the study, but saw Dai Jinshou waiting at the door.He entered the study, and Dai Jin followed behind.

"What's the matter?" Brother Si asked.

"If you go back to the master, there will be news from the palace that the emperor has circled the chief examiner of the examination." Dai Jin bowed.

"Well, who is it?" Brother Si continued to ask.

"The official examiners are Zhang Penghe, Minister of the Ministry of Officials, and Zhao Shenqiao, Minister of the Ministry of Household Affairs. The deputy examiners are Li Huazhi, the left servant of the Ministry of Punishment, and Wang Yi, the right servant of the Ministry of Industry, as deputy examiners." Dai Jin replied.

The fourth elder brother couldn't help frowning when he heard that.

These two Han Shangshu have been reprimanded for a few years, and they have already handed in their resignations several times. It is only because the emperor forbids that they are still on the throne, but they have been deprived of real power...

*
Ask for a monthly pass. (*^__^*)
(End of this chapter)