Resourceful beauty

Chapter 188 Trading
"What can I gain today?"

After dinner, Chu Yuan was dealing with business, while Fang Ruxuan was bored and watched from the sidelines with a book, and they didn't talk about the day's affairs until Chu Yuan was done.

Fang Ruxuan raised her eyes and looked at Chu Yuan, "It's just a visit to the lords of the palaces, what can I gain?"

One asked casually, the other answered perfunctorily, almost at the same time, the two couldn't help laughing.

Chu Yuan stepped forward to sit on the soft couch and leaned against Fang Ruxuan, twirled a lock of her hair and rubbed it between his fingers, and asked her with a smile, "Is there anything you want to ask me?"

Fang Ruxuan pursed her lips and smiled, "My mother taught me before that if there is something I don't understand, I should think about it more and don't rush to ask questions. The more I read and listen, the more I will understand."

"Mother-in-law is wise."

Following Fang Ruxuan's wish, Chu Yuan applauded and said, "When the father was a prince, the concubine he married is now the queen. At that time, the Zhou family controlled nearly half of Yao Kingdom's military strength, so , the Zhou family contributed a lot to my father's success in winning the reserve position and ascending to the throne."

Fang Ruxuan frowned subconsciously, and asked back: "Then why is Lin'an Hou Lou the only one who has obtained the iron certificate of the alchemy book and the hereditary title?"

The eyes of joy and admiration were obvious, and Chu Yuan turned positive and said: "My father was neither a direct descendant nor an elder. Before the Zhou family became the father's helper, Lou's had always been supporting and laying the groundwork. Military power still occupies an important position in the heart of the father. What's more, isn't there a queen mother?"

If she can successfully push her son to the reserve position, the Empress Dowager Lou must not be a simple person. It is only natural for her to control the harem as the Empress Dowager. Naturally, she will not let Queen Zhou and the Zhou family behind her jump up. , before Lou's.

That being said, it makes sense.

"What about now? The Zhou family still controls nearly half of Yao country's military strength?"

Fang Ruxuan twisted a plum from the candied fruit box on the table and put it in her mouth, and slipped one into Chu Yuan's mouth.

Eloquent, the sweet and sour taste spread all the way, thinking that in this long life from now on, there will be a smart and resolute woman standing by his side to accompany him, Chu Yuan feels sweet in his heart, and naturally knows everything about Ruxuan's problems Word.

Chu Yuan shook his head, "A few years ago, when the Zhou clan was in its heyday, they probably had more than [-]% of the country's military force in their hands, but in recent years, the father and king have grown older, and they don't trust those who have too much power in their hands as much as before. Generals, so the Zhou family is not as big as before. Now, there are only about [-]% to [-]% of the troops left."

Even if it is only [-]% or less than [-]%, it is still very impressive.

It's a pity that Queen Zhou has always supported King Yong as the crown prince with a clear-cut stand. It is unlikely that she will change her mind and support Chu Yuan instead.

Thinking of this, Fang Ruxuan became more and more curious about Chu Yuan returning to Yao Kingdom for more than half a year and successfully ascending to the reserve position.

Staring at Chu Yuan with admiration, Fang Ruxuan asked softly, "Then how did you do it?"

Such an expression obviously pleased Chu Yuan, and made his heart swell greatly. Looking sideways at Fang Ruxuan, Chu Yuan pretended to say, "Guess."

Fang Ruxuan really guessed.

Judging from the abilities and means that Chu Yuan demonstrated in Dayuanjing City, he must have spent countless manpower and financial resources to win over the officials in the imperial court of Yao Kingdom for so many years. His side speaks for him.

And these are far from enough.

You know, whether a prince who has not been in the country for more than ten years will become useless in a foreign country, not to mention the high-ranking King Yao, or the courtiers, I am afraid that he has no idea, even if he is rich and handsome. Appearing in front of everyone is still not convincing.

In this case, a strong mother clan is especially important.

Chu Yuan's biological mother, Concubine Ning, left early, and as far as Fang Ruxuan knew, Concubine Ning came from a scholarly family. Thinking about it, Chu Yuan's maternal ancestral family must be noble and first-rate. Actually, it doesn't help much.

Then, Chu Yuan could only seek foreign aid.

Apart from Lu Rufei, there is another person who can help Chu Yuan in such a huge harem, but she is more suitable than her.

"Concubine Han Shu?"

Fang Ruxuan asked Chu Yuan with bright eyes.

Chu Yuan smiled brightly, nodded, and scratched Fang Ruxuan's nose, "I really can't hide it from you."

After a pause, Chu Yuan slowly said: "In Yao's country, when it comes to aristocratic families, there are both civil servants and military generals, and it must be the Han family. Concubine Han Shu's father is the general of the soldiers and horses of the Yao country. They are on par with the Zhou family. If they fight in separate courts, it is difficult to say who will win. However, among the civil servants of the fifth rank and above in the court, there are five descendants of the Han family and only two of the Zhou family's descendants. .”

"So, among the three concubines, Concubine Han Shu is the most favored by her father, and the Changle Palace where she lives is also the second most luxurious place in the palace after Fengming Palace?"

Thinking of the scene she saw in Changle Palace early in the morning, Fang Ruxuan seemed to understand a little bit at this moment.

Chu Yuan nodded.

Queen Zhou is the first wife of King Yao. After so many years, she has only given birth to a princess, and Concubine Han Shu has no son or daughter under her knees. If it is said that this is God's will, I am afraid that no one will believe it.

"Then, what did you promise Concubine Han Shu?"

Since Chu Yuan has found Concubine Han Shu to be her backup, then she must offer something equivalent in exchange, otherwise, how could Concubine Han Shu support him so easily?

Chu Yuan remained silent, and only looked at Fang Ruxuan with a slight smile, as if he thought she should know.

Obviously he could tell himself, but he insisted on making himself think hard, Fang Ruxuan gave Chu Yuan an annoyed look, and thought carefully again.

Queen Zhou is the aunt's mother. No matter which prince ascends the throne in the future, she will be a legitimate queen mother.

With the degree to which Concubine Han Shu is favored in the palace, it is no problem for her to be a concubine to enjoy her old age. However, judging from her disposition and the situation of competing secretly with Queen Zhou for so many years, she may not be willing. Be a toffee.

What's more, once Queen Yao becomes the queen mother after a hundred years, it is still unknown how she will be dealt with. Concubine Han Shu has to plan for herself.

With no son or daughter, no one to rely on, when Chu Yuan came to her door, it was like offering a pillow to Concubine Han Shu when she was dozing off, how could she not seriously consider it?

Concubine Ning passed away early. Although Chu Yuan was brought up by Concubine Lu Rufei when she was a child, she has been separated for more than ten years, and the kindness of nurturing in those few years has also faded. If Chu Yuan and Chu Yuan can get what they need, then it can be said that everyone is happy .

If Chu Yuan respects Concubine Han Shu as his mother, Concubine Han Shu will be a righteous queen mother when she ascends to the throne of God in the future. Even Queen Zhou is also a queen mother. At that time, the two will stand side by side. .

Concubine Han Shu was naturally willing to pick up a cheap son for nothing.

After weighing the pros and cons, Concubine Han Shu cried out in front of King Yao. In addition to Chu Yuan's performance of filial piety, Chu Yuan became the son of Concubine Han Shu within ten days after returning to Shangyang City from Dayuan .

What happened after that was a matter of course.

When Queen Zhou found out that something was wrong, it was too late. The Han clan unequivocally supported Chu Yuan to fight for the crown. After half a year, the reserve position was settled, and it fell into the hands of Chu Yuan. Concubine Han Shu and the Han clan became the largest. winner.

It has to be said that Chu Yuan's move was excellent.

As long as he moved a little slower and let Queen Zhou notice that she moved her fingers casually, it would be impossible for Chu Yuan to successfully form an alliance with Concubine Han Shu and reach an agreement.

Or, is this what Chu Yuan imagined long ago?

Suspicious eyes looked at Chu Yuan, but Fang Ruxuan was a little uncertain when he saw that the other party looked calm and upright.

But in her heart, another question gradually floated up.

It's just that this question involves a secret hidden in Chu Yuan's heart. For a while, Fang Ruxuan was also a little unsure whether to ask or not.

Asked, if you encounter his taboo, wouldn't the gain outweigh the loss?
But without asking, Fang Ruxuan felt like there was a lump in her heart, and she always felt a little uncomfortable.

While hesitating, Fang Ruxuan felt her body getting heavier. Fang Ruxuan fell unsteadily and fell into Chu Yuan's arms. She met her slightly sullen eyes, "I said before, I will never hide anything from you, so , you make this hidden appearance again, and see how I deal with you."

As he said that, Chu Yuan leaned over and lingered on Fang Ruxuan's lips, and when Fang Ruxuan was out of breath, he lightly bit her lips.

Covering her mouth with her cheeks flushed and glaring at Chu Yuan, Fang Ruxuan mumbled and said in a low voice, "I'm afraid I've offended you and made you unhappy."

Chu Yuan smiled, "Let's hear it."

Fang Ruxuan pushed Chu Yuan away and sat up. After hesitating for a while, she looked at him solemnly and asked, "The concubine mother's resolute death back then, how much grievance was contained in it, I think you know it in your heart. Don't say it, but I know that you must be more eager than anyone else to apologize for your mother and concubine."

Sure enough, as soon as Fang Ruxuan opened her mouth, Chu Yuan's face lost the tenderness and sweetness just now, and a hint of coldness appeared on Chu Yuan's face.

Fang Ruxuan continued: "In the harem, those who have the ability and means, and the conditions to do those things back then, who harmed the mother and concubine who couldn't argue with it, and finally had to prove their innocence by death, now it seems that they are suspects. There are only a few people. If, if that person is..."

If that person is Concubine Han Shu, wouldn't Chu Yuan's current behavior mean that he is accepting a thief as his mother?

Fang Ruxuan didn't say the second half of the sentence.

Chu Yuan didn't make a sound for a while, but the hand that was tucked into the armhole was already tightly gripped on his lap, and his robe was already a little wrinkled.

Just when Fang Ruxuan was regretting that she shouldn't have mentioned this matter, Chu Yuan let out a low breath, and looked at Fang Ruxuan with a smile, "Man, you should be able to bend and stretch. If that matter has something to do with her, I will avenge my concubine mother." , make her life worse than death. At that time, even if she is the queen mother, I will have no choice."

Taking a deep breath, Fang Ruxuan smiled and nodded, reaching out to hold Chu Yuan's still tight hand.

(End of this chapter)