Reborn in the last years of Kangxi

Chapter 996 Questioning

Cao Yong was a little stunned: "Master Thirteen... Where did you start talking about this?"

Thirteenth elder brother saw that he didn't know what he looked like, snorted twice, and said: "If I didn't offend you, why did you send your tiger bone paste everywhere, so you are falling down?"

This is "the crime of wanting to add", the tiger bone paste, Cao Yonglong gave away the seventh elder brother and the sixteenth elder brother.

Seeing Brother Thirteen's bluff, Cao Yong thought it was funny at first, and then suddenly became alert.

The tiger bone ointment at the seventh elder brother was sent by the housekeeper Chuyu, it would be fine if outsiders knew about it; at the sixteenth elder brother, it was delivered by Cao Yong after a private conversation.

People in the north often suffer from rheumatism, and tiger bone paste is also common in rich and powerful families.If the thirteenth elder brother had no accurate information, he would not be sure that the tiger bone paste at the sixteenth elder brother was given by him.

Brother Sixteen is just a prince without power or power, why is he still receiving so much attention?Could it be that because of the fifteenth elder brother, he suffered suspicion?

Cao Yong turned a few turns in his heart, with a look of embarrassment on his face, he said: "These are the four boxes of good plasters I got a few days ago. I wanted to honor the thirteenth master... It's just that the thirteenth master has a different identity now..."

With the transparency of Brother Thirteen, it is not difficult to guess Cao Yong's thoughts.At this time, many excuses are not as good as telling the truth.

Sure enough, the thirteenth elder brother saw that he was sincere, his face looked better, and he said with a bit of blame: "You, you think too much, and you are not afraid of growing gray hair. Even if the master is a knight, he is not a master? Let you treat him Master stay away? If you are just a courtier, master can still be considerate and considerate of you; as He Shuo's son-in-law, master's nephew and son-in-law, can this relationship be broken?"

Although there was reproach in his tone, he was not really angry with Cao Yong in his heart, instead he felt a lot because of his "retreat".

From the [-]th day, when he was conferred the title of Prince and appointed as one of the four Prime Minister Affairs Ministers, it has only been five days since then. The Thirteenth Prince's Mansion has gone from being empty in the past to being busy with traffic today.

Because Brother Shisan is busy with errands, most of the male guests who come to the door come to give gifts, and most of them are taken care of by the housekeeper; some of the female guests are elders of the clan, and Thirteen Fujin can only accompany them to socialize. disturb.

Brother Thirteen saw this, felt sorry for his wife, and wanted to thank the guests behind closed doors.Thirteen Fujin is a woman, and she thinks more, fearing that her husband's reputation will be damaged due to her own reasons, and she will be labeled as "arrogant", dissuading her husband and trying her best to support her.

The thirteenth elder brother has been silent for many years, and has tasted the fickleness of the world and the warmth and warmth of human relationships. He mostly sneers at these "icing on the cake" people.

The more people like this are compared, the more valuable the people who "sent charcoal in the snow" back then became.

Father-in-law's family, brother-in-law's family, Cao's family...they have helped Thirteenth Prince's mansion over the years, and Thirteenth Prince will always keep it in his heart.

Although he was very cautious when he was promoted to a new position, he didn't want to cut off contact with Cao's family just because of this reason.In that case, wouldn't he be an ungrateful person?

Listening to Brother Thirteen's blame, Cao Yong could only listen with some apprehension.

He thought of the death of Elder Brother Thirteen due to illness in his prime, he could not help restraining his embarrassment, and said sternly: "Master Thirteen, there is a saying that I said, maybe it is overstepping, but I can't say it."

Brother Thirteen heard this, but was a little surprised.

He knew that Cao Yong's temperament was extremely cautious, and he followed the rules in everything, and there were few things that were not in compliance with the rules.

"Speak up if you have something to say, why are you being so polite?" Brother Thirteen said.

Cao Yong thought about it and said: "Master Thirteen, although you are in your prime now, you have been overworked in your early years, and your body has just improved in the past few years. Now it's a national funeral and a national event. You, Thirteenth Lord, should be a lot more It is important to take care of your health... If you get sick from overwork and make the emperor worry, you will fail to live up to the emperor's important intention..."

The thirteenth elder brother was quite moved when he heard the words.

Such a simple concern, except for Thirteen Fujin, only Cao Yong.

He sighed, and said: "It is said that I am a late bloomer, I will cherish myself and serve the emperor for a few more years." Having said that, he paused, looked at Cao Yong and said, "You don't have to. Because he was afraid of causing suspicion to the Lord, he avoided it. The Emperor is a person who values ​​affection, knowing the friendship between our two families over the years, there is absolutely no reason to blame you and me for this."

Cao Yong has no intention of arguing with Thirteen Brothers, so he can only be silent.

The fourth elder brother is true to love, but the emperor is the emperor, the starting point is different from ordinary people, and there are many things that are taboo.Today, when there is great kindness, everything is right; tomorrow when it comes to crimes, right also becomes wrong.

The thirteenth elder brother saw that Cao Yong didn't speak, only when he listened to his own words, he felt much more relieved.

At this moment, Chu Yu had already set up a plain table and sent it over.

Brother Thirteen had been busy all afternoon, but he was really hungry, so he ate a few dishes of roasted vegetables and two bowls of rice before putting down his chopsticks.

Looking at the clock, it was already getting late, Brother Thirteen said: "Don't hide it, hurry up and get your good medicine out. My bones are really sore these few days. Don't just take a piece of medicine." Box, you have to be more filial to the emperor."

After hearing this, Cao Yong knew the kindness of Brother Thirteen.

Since the fourth elder brother gave things to show his kindness, the Cao family should not only be obedient, but also be close to him, so as to make the new emperor feel at ease.

Cao Yong sent a message to Wutongyuan, and after a while, a woman sent two boxes of tiger bone ointment.Cao Yong took it, opened it and read it.

One of the boxes has already been used once, but it has already been flattened by Chu Yu, so nothing can be seen.

Elder Brother Thirteen accepted it with a smile, and said, "Don't be reluctant, I promise, you won't give this gift in vain. When the time comes, I will still congratulate you."

Seeing that he was sure of what he said, Cao Yong's heart moved, and he said, "Master Thirteen, is it possible that Mr. Tian wants to be promoted?"

Tian Congdian, the Minister of the Han Dynasty in the household department, is a leader among Han officials in terms of political achievements and integrity.Since the fourth elder brother hates corrupt officials, he naturally treats honest officials differently, especially since Tian Congdian has been in charge of the household department for several years, and has a very harmonious relationship with the fourth elder brother.

It is no surprise that Tian Congdian was promoted.

Although Cao Yong is in Manqi, but as a Han Chinese, it is nothing to fill the Han shortage.

What else can congratulate the thirteenth elder brother besides promotion?
Brother Thirteen nodded, and said: "But I heard from the emperor that he wants Tian Congdian to be in charge of the Ministry of Officials. Now there are six palaces in the capital, which are used a lot by old age. With your ability and the emperor's respect for you It is not uncommon to be promoted to a higher level."

Cao Yong listened, but only cold sweat on the back, not the slightest joy.

After the fourth elder brother came to the throne, he just checked the deficit. How can this household secretary be easy to do?If you are not careful, you will become the emperor's scapegoat.

With a look of surprise on his face, he bowed and said, "Also ask the Thirteenth Master to help!"

The thirteenth elder brother saw him like this, a smile condensed on his face.

He slowly frowned, stared at Cao Yong, and said in silence for a while: "How do you say that?"

Cao Yong would not be stupid to tell the truth, telling the thirteenth elder brother that the household department is a mess, and he is unwilling to pick it up even if he is killed.

He said with a bit of sincerity: "Master Thirteen, I was born in the 33rd year of Kangxi, and the next year will only be the year of his establishment. Although he has been in office for more than ten years, most of them are Enmeng, and how many are real? Among them, with the age and experience of the minister, serving as the servant is already eye-catching. Fortunately, he is the deputy hall, and there is a master Shangshu sitting on it. In the past two years, he has not made any mistakes. It is small to lose the future; it will affect the livelihood of the people, and it is great to live up to the emperor's kindness. If it really comes to that time, wouldn't the minister deserve death?"

Hearing Cao Yong's analysis clearly, Elder Thirteen hesitated a bit, and said: "You have always acted cautiously, even if you don't make any political achievements at that time, you should not make too many mistakes..."

"The Thirteen Lords, the household department is the most important weapon of the country, and it is related to the lifeline of the court. When the emperor ascended the throne, he just chose capable ministers to take charge of the household department to achieve good results." Cao Yong said earnestly: "Don't talk about others, just say Zhang Boxing Mr. Zhang, that is No second capable minister."

Elder Brother Thirteen shook his head and said: "Uncle Zhang, can you do it? According to the emperor's wishes, I intend to ask Uncle Zhang to take over the Ministry of Rites."

"Master Shi, the former Governor of Water Transport, is also known for his honesty and good governance." Cao Yong thought for a while and said.

It seems that the fourth elder brother is going to vigorously promote upright officials, so the next step is to clean up corrupt officials and rectify the administration of officials.

After Shi Shilun was assassinated and injured, he resigned from the post of governor of water transportation, and he has not recovered yet.

He listened to Cao Yong's words, he pondered for a moment, and said: "I forgot about him, he is a good candidate..."

Seeing this, Cao Yong was relieved.

Elder Brother Thirteen glanced at him and said: "Don't be surprised by honor or disgrace. I value state affairs more than fame, fortune and power. I'm not as good as you... These days, I have become a little frivolous. I will learn from you in the future and don't work hard." Do things, put the country's affairs first."

For the praise of the thirteenth elder brother, Cao Yong was a little ashamed.

Sending away the thirteen elder brothers, Cao Yong immediately went to Lan Yuan.

On a whim, the fourth elder brother gave Kangxi the old things that had been used. I am afraid that Li Shi thought about others when he saw things, and wanted to add sentimentality.

Fortunately, Chu Yu was here to talk with her, and Li's expression was as usual, not sad.

"Imperial gifts are precious. If they are left outside to kowtow or touch them, it will be our sin. Let the daughter-in-law put them away?" When mentioning the matter of the thirteenth elder brother passing the house, Li asked with some questions. On Cao Yongdao.

Cao Yong nodded and agreed to his mother's proposal.

Seeing that the atmosphere was a bit heavy, Chu Yu changed the subject and said, "Grandpa, my aunt returned home today, and even made a special trip to sit in the West Mansion for a long while, saying that she has something to ask for help."

"Oh, what's the matter?" Cao Yong was a little surprised.

Cao Ying's temperament is a little cowardly, but she also has a bit of rigidity in her bones.

She and Sun Jue live separately, but they are still Sun's wife.Although I occasionally go back to my mother's house to visit my parents, but I rarely ask for help.Not for the sake of others, but for the sake of the children, for fear of losing their tongues and making the Sun clan's anger on the children.

"It was Sun Li who got the letter from the school, saying that Enke would be added next year. Sun Li wanted to end the game, and my aunt wanted to ask the master for help and put Sun Li in prison." Chu Yu said.

Sun Li was studying at Jingshan Official School, where he enrolled students from the Three Banners of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

When Cao Yong heard this, he couldn't help frowning, and said: "Since you want to end next year, why didn't you participate in this year's boy test?"

Sun Li is four years older than Tianyou, if he really has the confidence to take the provincial examination, he shouldn't avoid the boy's examination.

This is a reference to the prison, although it is easy, but it is better for young people to be more cautious and not to be tricky.

Before Chu Yu could answer, Li Shi said, "I know that. Your second aunt talked about it a few times, and my ears felt callused. In February, your nephew was going to take the county exam. No, his brother came out Chickenpox, at the beginning, he was afraid that the flowers would come out. He was worried about his family, but he was afraid that he would go out and infect others with the flowers, so he didn't take the exam. In this way, the next two games will be delayed."

"It's better to be brought up by my aunt, she is a sensible and polite child." Chu Yu followed suit and praised.

"Who's to say it's not, such an incomprehensible old man at the stall can still grow up like this, he is indeed a good boy." Li Shi said.

After listening to the secret, Cao Yong also nodded.

"It's not a big deal, just let Cao Yuan take care of it after the new emperor's enthronement ceremony." Cao Yong said.

Next year Enke, next year's Zhengke will be moved to the next year, and the two consecutive years of rural examinations are also great opportunities for scholars.

God bless them, they are still too young and have limited knowledge, if they are a few years older, they can also end up with them...

*
The next day, it was already November nineteenth.There is only one day left before the enthronement ceremony on the [-]th.

Waking up early, the thirteenth elder brother finished worshiping in front of the Zi Palace, and followed the third elder brother to the Empress Dowager's Palace to pay his respects.

The Empress Dowager also said that she was sick as before a few days ago.

The third elder brother lost the throne, and his heart was full of indignation, even if he got the vacancy of the prime minister, what's the use?From tomorrow, or from the moment the emperor's father passed away on the thirteenth, he and the fourth elder brother will be divided into monarchs and ministers.

Seeing the empress dowager being so stubborn, the third elder brother couldn't enjoy watching the excitement, but with a bit of worry on his face, he said: "Tomorrow is the enthronement ceremony, and the emperor will bring princes and ministers to the empress dowager's palace to meet the ceremony. The empress dowager is not hesitant, How can this be good?"

The thirteenth elder brother was annoyed when he saw him taking pleasure in other's misfortune, but the two were different in age, and it was not easy to start a quarrel before the new emperor ascended the throne, so he could only endure it.

After the third elder brother left, the thirteenth elder brother sent someone to call Chen Fu, the servant who had been stationed in the Yonghe Palace for the past few days, and said: "The emperor can come here today? When did you come?"

Chen Fu leaned over and said, "Going back to Lord Shisan, the emperor has come here, at five drums (four o'clock in the morning)."

The thirteenth elder brother looked at the main hall of the Yonghe Palace, sighed secretly, did not ask any more questions, and turned back directly to the Qianqing Palace to look for the fourth elder brother.

In any case, I have to ask the Queen Mother to accept the ceremony tomorrow morning.

The fourth elder brother couldn't bear to live in the inner hall because of his deep grief, so he took the East Veranda of Qianqing Palace as a leaning hut, and lived in the East Veranda of Qianqing Palace since the national mourning day.

When the thirteenth elder brother arrived, Long Kedo and Ma Qi were leading the officials of the Ministry of Rites to ask for the details of tomorrow's enthronement ceremony.

After several days of mourning, the fourth prince's face could not hide his lack of expression.

Listening to the invitations from all the people, the fourth elder brother said a few words, but in order to respect the Emperor Daxing, he would not get on the chariot in front of the Zi Palace.For the others, let the Ministry of Rites arrange according to the Daxing Emperor's Enthronement Ceremony.

After saying this, he seemed exhausted, and waved his hand to tell everyone to retreat, leaving only the thirteenth elder brother.

"Emiang still hasn't seen you." He said in a flat tone.

The thirteenth elder brother nodded and said: "Fourth brother, please go and beg again. The queen mother is just depressed because of the death of the emperor Daxing. Perhaps seeing the sincerity of the fourth brother, I feel better..."

The fourth elder brother showed a bit of sneer, and said: "Didn't I ask? Don't say hello to me sooner or later these days, I went there five times yesterday, what's the use? She feels uncomfortable, not because of the death of Huang Ama, Instead, she thought that I had robbed her youngest son of the throne. I can't just hand over the throne just to make her happy."

Elder Brother Thirteen heard the coldness in his words, his heart trembled, and he said: "Mother and child are in harmony, the Queen Mother will always figure it out."

The fourth elder brother looked at the thirteenth elder brother, and after a while, he said: "Thirteenth brother will go to the Empress Dowager's Palace for me, and tell her that if you don't want the youngest son to be safe, you can do whatever you want tomorrow!"

The thirteenth elder brother was shocked when he heard this: "Fourth brother, you must not do this... In this way, the bond between mother and child will be hurt..."

The fourth elder brother smiled wryly: "I don't deceive myself anymore, is Thirteenth Brother still pretending to be confused? There is no love to hurt..."

*
It's the end of the month, and it's still eighth, Xiaojiu tears to ask for a monthly ticket
(End of this chapter)