A Thousand Hills

Chapter 148

Prime Minister Su and Prime Minister Li stepped down, and the two of them did not dare to take full control of the current affairs. The ministers on the side of the imperial account, who are high enough to discuss affairs together, all sit together and discuss, but the total amount is not too much. Eight or nine people.

When the two returned to the small tent next to the imperial tent, Qi Guogong and Zhao Guogong asked, "What's the matter?"

Li Xiangdao, "Eldest Princess and Concubine Xie do not agree to drive back to the capital after the rain stops, they are going to live in the palace temporarily."

Zhao Guogong said, "Didn't you say it well before." Why did this suddenly change?It's too fast for a woman to change her face!

Xie Shangshu took a sip of hot ginger tea in his arms, and said, "Is there any consideration from above?"

When Zhao Guogong saw Xie Shangshu talking, he immediately remembered that Princess Xie was Xie Shangshu's granddaughter.Zhao Guogong's mansion suffered a lot from Xie Moru's hands. Seeing Xie Shangshu speak now, Zhao Guogong said, "There is an empress dowager and eldest princess. I don't know what role Xie Wangfei is involved in the secret?"

"There are two ministers here, what capacity should we participate in the secret?" Xie Shangshu choked on Zhao Guogong, and then said, "Instead of thinking about these trivial matters, let's think more about how to rescue Your Majesty and His Highnesses."

Qi Guogong persuaded and said, "Both brothers, the empress dowager is old, the eldest princess is His Majesty's sister, and Princess Xie is also the respected prince and concubine. The life and death of the fifth prince is unknown outside. I think about it, and everyone has the same heart." It's the family of the rich and powerful, who doesn't know who.As far as Queen Mother Hu's political literacy is concerned, what ideas can she make?On the contrary, the eldest princess and Xie Moru, these two have always been well-known pungent characters in the imperial capital.It was Su Xiang, an old fox, who agreed with the matter of the female relatives returning to the imperial capital, maybe it was a temptation.No, the temptation came out, and the female family members are not stupid at all, so they definitely can't return to the imperial capital at this time.

Su Xiangdao, "If the palace is unobstructed and the palace is close to here, the Queen Mother can be passed by in half a day, and more people can be spared to search for His Majesty. Besides, we are all so worried about His Majesty's safety, let alone the superiors."

Wu Guogong said, "What Prime Minister Su said is absolutely true."

Zhao Guogong said, "If the palace can't be used, and the ladies don't return the capital, how can we arrange it?"

Su Xiang sighed, "It's also because I didn't expect it well. The Duke of the Kingdom will come with us to discuss this matter with the ladies later. The Empress Dowager's relocation is a major event."

Qi Guogong glanced at Zhao Guogong, and then glanced at his in-law Xie Shangshu without any trace. Seeing that Xie's in-laws didn't respond, Qi Guogong stopped talking.

A group of people were discussing the drafting of the decree again. The courtiers from Qingliu were all talented in writing, and they quickly drafted several decrees. Su Xiang and Li Xiang worked with Nan'an Hou and several generals to draw up rescue measures for tomorrow. Go to the Yuzhang to report again, this time with Zhao Guogong and Qi Guogong Nan'anhou.

Marquis of Nan'an told Xie Moru and Princess Changtai about the rescue by fragments. Marquis of Nan'an said, "I don't know the details of the forest farm yet? When we get to the forest farm, I'm afraid we will have to make some adjustments according to the actual situation."

Xie Moru asked, "Habayashi, Huben, and Xuanjia, the three imperial guards, do they do their own thing, or do they have a general command?"

Su Xiangdao, "Duke Zhao and Qi Gong's ancestors were all military commanders. Marquis of Nan'an was once the General of Nan'an. Now the two dukes and Marquis of Nan'an are the ones who are suitable to take charge of this matter."

Xie Moru asked, "What does Prime Minister Su and Li Xiang mean?"

Su Xiang said, "I also ask the Queen Mother to make a decision."

Xie Moru said, "The two dukes don't have any military positions now, but I heard Madam An say that there are many deep forests and dense waters in Nan'an Prefecture, and they are more experienced in finding people to rescue people in forest farms. For the three imperial guards, Huben and Xuanjia, there must always be someone in charge of searching for His Majesty, according to the Empress Dowager, the Marquis of Nan'an will be in charge of this matter. What do you think?"

The Marquis of Nan'an gave a salute and said in a deep voice, "I will definitely live up to the Queen Mother's order!"

Xie Moru continued, "Have you made arrangements for the Queen Mother to go to the palace and the safety of the palace?"

Su Xiangdao, "The palace is quite close to this place. There are a total of 500 people accompanying the tiger and the feather forest. What do you think?"

Xie Moru said, "Qi Guogong is in charge of this matter, how about it?"

Qi Guogong is naturally happy.

Zhao Guogong came here for a while, but he didn't get any errands. He had something to say, "I just heard from two old ministers that the empress wants to be moved by the empress dowager to the palace. The empress's intention is good. I don't know whether the palace is good or not. If the palace It is good that the house is safe, but what if the palace house cannot be used?"

Xie Moru looked at Su Xiang, "What did Su Xiang say?"

Su Xiang pondered for a moment, and said, "I will requisition the nearby houses for the Empress Dowager and the ladies."

Zhao Guogong said, "If you can't even protect the palace, you don't know what to do with the private houses."

Xie Moru was not in a hurry or angry, and just discussed the matter, "Zhao Guogong is right, but now his eyes are dark, and we don't know what's going on outside, so we have to prepare for the worst. If neither of the two methods can be used, look for it nearby." It is a stable place to camp. There are tents, and I entrust the Queen Mother to camp nearby!"

Zhao Guogong said, "Wouldn't it be too much to wrong the Empress Dowager?"

"The one who is most wronged now is His Majesty whose safety is still unknown."

Zhao Guogong finally had nothing to say.

Xie Moru said, "All the heavy chariots were discarded, and light carriages were used instead. I have ordered the palace servants to roughly pack up the things. If there is any news, don't worry about when it is, come and report it immediately, and you can leave at any time."

Breathing a sigh of relief, Xie Moru continued, "Everyone, don't use this place anymore, let's camp in another place." Hundreds of people died, fearing that there would be an epidemic.

From where the Empress Dowager Feng went, all the ministers knew how difficult women are to be fooled.

Zhao Guogong whispered to Li Xiangdao, "It was the same when Princess Fusheng was in power."

Li Xiang smiled and said nothing.

Seeing the two whispering and smiling, Qi Guogong thought to himself, what are they talking about.Li Xiang is the crown prince and grand tutor, so it's normal to think about the boss, Zhao Guogong, you are the grandfather of the eldest son of the emperor, what are you messing with?A stupid thing!
Qi Guogong also thought about the safety of Emperor Mu Yuan.Duke Qi's government failed to show any performance in the process of Emperor Mu Yuan's personal administration, so it has been keeping a low profile these years.Qi Guogong is a true neutral faction, and he has roughly understood the style of Emperor Mu Yuan's governance.Emperor Mu Yuan returned safely, which was not a bad thing.But if there is any eventuality, Qi Guogong's situation will not be worse if the crown prince ascends the throne.

but……

I still hope that Emperor Mu Yuan will be safe.

or……

Qi Guogong shook his head, and suddenly said, "The rain has stopped."

Li Xiangdao, "God bless me, Dongmu!"

After the rain stopped, the cabinet immediately dispatched experienced scouts, and another [-] imperial guards held torches to bury the people who unfortunately died in the earthquake.During the period, some noble people did not want to bury them on the spot. Su Xiang said, "It is better to bury them first, otherwise they will be left like this, and there is no ice to store them. Not only will they not be able to store them for a few days, but they will also be prone to disease after the earthquake. Just bury them for now and write them down." The place, after returning to the imperial capital in the future, order people to move it."

So they were all buried.

When the sun was bright on the second day, the people who went to visit the palace came back, and the house in the palace was intact.Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. At this time, the salutes of the female relatives were packed and loaded into the car.Immediately ask the Queen Mother to get in the car, and Princess Wenkang should pay special attention. After half an hour, all the female relatives got into the car, and the imperial guards were ready. , wiped two tears and said, "Nan'an! You must get the emperor back!"

Nan'an Hou said, "The Queen Mother can rest assured, Your Majesty's blessings will last forever, and he will definitely return safely!"

Empress Dowager Hu nodded with tears in her eyes, Xie Moru said to Marquis Nan'an and Prime Minister Su, "Leave it to the two of you."

The two saluted, and Xie Moru ordered the motorcade to set off.

The newly built palace, coupled with some luck, was able to survive the earthquake. At this time, Xie Moru and the third concubine were no longer living in their own courtyard. They simply moved to the palace. Princess Wenkang let Xie Moru It's not like he lives here with the Queen Mother himself.The third concubine said, "You are busy these days, Dalang and the others will bring it to me. They are all well-behaved."

Xie Moru thanked the third prince and concubine, and said, "Then there will be the third sister-in-law Lao."

"What are you talking about?"

Xie Moru told Dalang Erlang Saburo a few more words, children's sensitivity is higher than that of adults, although they don't understand what's going on, but they can feel the tense atmosphere, so they all know to be obedient, Dalang said, "Mother, can I not help?"

Xie Moru patiently said, "Of course, you can help me take care of your third aunt, okay?"

Da Lang was confused, nodded and said, "Mother and concubine, don't worry, I will take my younger brothers to take good care of the third aunt." Then he followed the third prince and concubine.

Everyone was settled, and there was good news that evening that the First Prince had returned.

When Empress Dowager Hu saw the First Prince, she cried for a while, and Concubine Zhao couldn't help crying bitterly, and everyone burst into tears. Empress Dowager Hu asked, "Boss, haven't you seen your father?"

The eldest prince's clothes have been changed, and his hair has been recombed, but his face still looks haggard. The eldest prince said, "The hunting ground of my grandson is not next to that of my father. I just arrived at the forest farm. Not long after the hunt, the ground suddenly moved. Then there was a heavy rain. During the day, I couldn't see my fingers. The grandson and the guards didn't know where to go, so they had to find a shelter from the rain. After dawn, the grandson took them Going back, I met the imperial guards who were responding. The imperial grandmother is relieved, the father is blessed with great blessings, and will be safe. When the grandson comes back, one is to greet the imperial grandmother, and the other is to reassure the imperial grandmother. Tomorrow, the grandson Let's go to the camp and look for the father together with the Marquis of Nan'an."

"Good boy, good boy." Empress Dowager Hu muttered a few words.

Princess Wenkang said, "Let Yanxi take a bath and rest first, prepare some porridge and snacks for him, and let's talk together after he has eaten."

Concubine Zhao said, "Yes." Then she arranged for the palace servants to help the eldest prince take a bath.

The eldest prince took a bath, ate something, and did not go to the eldest princess's residence until evening to talk about specific matters.Seeing that Xie Moru and Princess Changtai were also there, the eldest prince didn't care about it anymore, and sighed, "The imperial grandmother is old and timid, and I dare not tell the imperial grandmother the truth. The situation is really not good, the forest farm is originally spacious In a flat place, I passed a shallow stream when I went there, and I could cross it by stepping on a horse, but when I came back, the shallow stream turned into a big river. There are still many places that are different from when I went. There are experienced guards by my side, and we follow Going back in the direction of the sun, I was lucky enough to meet the guards who came out to search."

The eldest prince asked, "Auntie, is there any news from the imperial capital?" His wife and children are all in the imperial capital.

Princess Wenkang said, "The cabinet has ordered people to return to the imperial capital, but the palace is far away from the imperial capital. Even if it is a fast horse, it will take two days. The queen mother issued a decree, and your mother and concubine also wrote a letter to your daughter-in-law to take them back together. Don't worry. I don't think we are unlucky." Like the eldest prince, it is pure luck.

The eldest prince scolded bitterly, "This damn Qin Tianjian, even before coming here, he even made a fortune telling that the weather is fine!"

Princess Wenkang said, "What's the use of saying this, but now that you're back, we have a backbone, take care of yourself, and now we're counting on you."

The eldest prince said, "Aunt, just don't worry, with my nephew here, even if we turn this place around, my nephew will still find my father!"

Princess Wenkang said, "Go and see your concubine mother. Although she is injured, fortunately her life is safe."

The eldest prince first went to see Concubine Zhao, who held her son and cried for a long time, but it scared her to death. Fortunately, her son was blessed with great fortune, and Concubine Zhao cried for a while, "Now I'm just looking forward to Your father is safe, I am willing to eat vegetarian food and recite Buddha's name to reduce my life by 20 years."

The eldest prince comforted his mother, "Mother and concubine, don't worry, father and emperor will be fine." He also hoped that his father would be safe, otherwise, if something happened, wouldn't the prince's little face be on top?Now that the emperors have not been entrusted, and the crown prince is in power, it may not be certain that he will be enshrined in some corner!

Concubine Zhao told the First Prince about his tent again, Concubine Zhao sighed, "Your tent is gone, and no one has been found."

The eldest prince was silent, "When my son returns, make sure to make arrangements for their family."

"That's right." Concubine Zhao said, "It was the old fifth daughter-in-law who asked someone to go over to see her. Although she is a bit powerful in normal times, I see that she is a person with a heart and can make up her mind. Fortunately, she has an idea. After discussing, we didn't go back to the imperial capital. It's still safe in the palace, close to the forest farm, and we will know immediately if there is any news."

The eldest prince said, "My son will go to the camp early in the morning."

"That's right, I have to count on you right now, we women don't have an idea after all." Concubine Zhao continued, "Your grandfather also came back with him, do you want to discuss it with your grandfather?"

The mother and son were talking, and the palace servant came over and said, "Your Majesty, it's almost time to drop the palace key."

Concubine Zhao said, "You go to the outer palace to rest, come and see me before you leave tomorrow."

The eldest prince agreed, saluted and left.However, at dawn on the second day, the eldest prince rode to the camp immediately after resigning from the empress dowager, the eldest princess, Zhao Guifei, etc., and did not go to look for Zhao Guogong at all. I have reminded the First Prince, and everything will be safe if His Majesty is found.If the emperor's bow is ominous, the minister dare not say much.

Right now, the eldest prince is focused on looking for his father.

The eldest prince returned safely, the female family members are in a good mood, and Princess Wenkang's condition has also improved greatly. Xie Moru returned the empress dowager's golden seal to Princess Wenkang. For other reasons, the empress dowager is easy to be moved by others."

Princess Wenkang didn't say anything, just nodded slightly.

On the third day, the fourth prince was also found.The situation of the fourth prince is no better than that of the first prince. He was carried back by someone, and he was injured and bruised. Fortunately, there was an imperial doctor in the palace. Concubine Zhao arranged for a proper palace servant to take care of the fourth prince. it is good.

On the day the prince and concubine rushed to the palace, the third prince returned safely. Although the third prince came back a few days later than the fourth prince, the situation was slightly better than that of the fourth prince. The third prince and concubine cried bitterly.At the moment, there is no big defense between men and women. The prince and concubine are all talking here. The prince first talked about the situation in the imperial capital. There were eunuchs living in some houses that collapsed. The mothers and concubines in the harem were only slightly frightened. Unfortunately, the birth mother of the ninth younger brother, Concubine Yu, fell down. Concubine Yu was falling on the mountain stone. The day was not very good, we I have ordered people to restrain themselves. I thought about it, everything is in order in the palace, Concubine Xie, I discussed with Concubine Xie, and the ninth brother will be raised by Concubine Demu for a while, and it will depend on the emperor's wishes." Several low-ranking and barren concubines were killed, but at this time Emperor Mu Yuan had no news, so how could he care about them.

The prince said, "The post-earthquake rescue work in the imperial capital has been roughly arranged. I ordered the Minister of the Ministry of Officials, the Minister of Rites, General Huben and General Xuanjia to manage the government together. Sister-in-law, fourth younger siblings, and fifth younger brother's house, children All are fine, as well as my sister-in-law and four younger siblings. I think God is still caring for our Mu family. I think that my father will return safely." Indeed, in such a big earthquake, no one in the royal family was seriously injured, which shows that the blessing is still there. I'm here.

The crown prince asked about the third prince's forest farm, and the third prince smiled wryly, "Suddenly the earth trembled and the mountains shook. The guards and I were submerged by a torrent before we could recover. It was a big tree. Later, the tree was blocked by rocks. I gained some consciousness, so I climbed up to the shore. I walked along the direction of the original camp for two days, and met the imperial guards. How are my guards now? do not know either."

At this time, everyone was full of confidence in the safe return of the royal driving meeting. Not for anyone else, the eldest prince, the third prince and the fourth prince all came back. Each returned with their relatives, such as the father and son, Marquis of Yong'an and Li Xuan. Marquis of Yong'an hunted with Emperor Mu Yuan, and Li Xuan was in charge of the safety of the forest farm. By the tenth day, the whereabouts of Emperor Mu Yuan and the five princes had still not been found.

And from the arrival of the prince with [-] imperial guards on the fifth day, the search has made great progress.Although the queen mother felt comforted seeing her grandsons, she was still anxious when she saw her son, and even fell ill when she was anxious.

The prince discussed with Princess Wenkang whether to invite Princess Wenkang to return to the imperial capital first.Not for anyone else, although the news is fast in the palace, it is not a way for the old man to suffer like this. Besides, the palace is not as cheap as the imperial capital, and medicine is even cheaper.

Xie Moru had another opinion, she said to Empress Dowager Hu, "It's better to make a decree, who can find His Majesty and return, give the Marquis, and reward ten thousand gold."

The women were all waiting beside the Queen Mother, and everyone looked at Xie Moru.

The Crown Princess waited on the Empress Dowager's side, and the Crown Princess said, "This, this... that's a good idea, but can we make the decision?" They don't have the final say on the matter of conferring titles, right?
The third prince and concubine said, "Under heavy rewards, there must be brave men."

The Crown Princess also made up her mind, and sighed, "The imperial guards have always been loyal, and they will definitely do their best to search for His Majesty's affairs. As for the matter of bestowing a nobility, according to me, it is better to discuss it with the courtiers." She It's the Crown Princess, Xie Moru loves to make up her mind too much, the Crown Princess naturally has her own opinion.

Why discuss this kind of matter with the court!Xie Moru saw that the Crown Princess couldn't grasp the point at all, and said to Empress Dowager Hu, "Please discuss with the Empress Dowager and the Crown Prince."

Empress Dowager Hu wanted to find her son now, so she sat up around the brocade quilt and said to the concubine, "The fifth daughter-in-law is a very good idea. Call the prince and I will tell him."

Who dares to say that this idea is not good? Whoever says it is not good will inevitably bear the reputation of not wanting to rescue His Majesty.The prince even agreed, and said, "The position of marquis is not enough to pay each other. If anyone can find his father, he should give the duke a reward of ten thousand gold."

With this reward, the somewhat exhausted imperial guards were immediately full of fighting spirit.

The princess concubine said to the prince in private, "The fifth sibling has always had ideas."

The prince sighed, "There is no news about the fifth younger brother, so don't blame her for being anxious."

Xie Moru couldn't sleep at night, Ling Xiao persuaded, "The situation in the mountains is changeable, not to mention that after the earthquake, the situation in the forest farm has also changed greatly. Your empress can just be at ease, there are wild fruits, prey and mountain springs in the mountains, plus some luck, some martial arts People can support in the mountains for at least a month."

The candlelight reflected Xie Moru's stern face, Xie Moru said, "If you are stuck in a certain place, the fireworks can communicate, and you can see it from the outside when you light a pile of smoke. There has been no news from His Highness, I am really worried. "

Ling Xiao said, "Your Majesty has never been to the mountains in person. The mountains are high, the forests are dense, and the mist and clouds are floating. It is not easy to distinguish which is smoke and which is fog. If it is a plain area, it is easier to distinguish. Besides, it has been rainy these days, so I don't know what your Highness is. Do you have anything to make fire with?"

Xie Moru asked, "Do you know a lot about the mountains?"

"The servant's father is a hunter."

"I remember that the files in the palace said that your father was a scholar."

Ling Xiao pursed his lips, "The servant has a problem."

"Can I help you?" Xie Moru faintly understood Ling Xiao's meaning.

Ling Xiao did not talk about her difficulties as Xie Moru expected, she said, "Once the servant's father went hunting in the mountains, unfortunately he was injured by a wild boar, and his father lost his way when he fled. Find your father."

Xie Moru looked at Ling Xiao, "Can you find His Highness?"

"The servant wants to try."

Xie Moru thought for a while, and made a decision, and said, "You must be familiar with the forest in your hometown. The forest farm here is very different from the forest in your hometown, you must know this. If you want something, I will order people to go down Prepare."

"The slave girl wants a piece of clothing worn by His Highness, as well as dried meat, water, knives and arrows, flint, wound medicine, and hounds. I also want some helpers, but please order your mother to obey my orders."

Xie Moru looked at Ling Xiao's firm brown eyes, in addition to a kind of determination, Xie Moru also saw great ambition.Xie Moru thought for a moment, and ordered Wisteria to prepare the things Ling Xiao used, and even prepared a bodyguard uniform for Ling Xiao, and then ordered Geng Tianyi to bring ten people to accompany him.Xie Moru didn't have a map of the forest farm in his hand, because the map is classified. However, when Marquis Nan'an told the rescue plan, he used the map of the forest farm. Xie Moru has always had a good memory. She remembered everything about her background. Even if she couldn’t remember the map of the forest farm, she could still remember everything. In addition to the various rhetoric of the first prince and the others when they came back, Xie Moru roughly drew a picture, and compared Ling Xiao and Geng Tianyi. After talking about it, let them set off with hounds and guards.

Before setting off, Xie Moru handed the token of the Fifth Prince's Mansion to Geng Tianyi, "If you meet the imperial guards, use this to talk to them." The two said to this, "These days, the rain is constantly, no matter what, first make sure one's own safety."

The two went with ten guards.

Wisteria is the maid brought out by Xie Moru from the Xie Mansion. She grew up with Xie Moru since she was a child and has always been Xie Moru's confidant. Wisteria said softly, "Mother, Ling Xiao is just here after all. Mother, will it be too late?" Take a risk."

Xie Moru said, "You don't need to be suspicious, but you don't need to be suspicious of employing people." Ling Xiao knows how to act and asks for help. Naturally, Xie Moru will not fail to explain to Geng Tianyi.Now that there is still news about the fifth prince, Xie Moru would rather block it.

Xie Moru ordered someone to call Li Shan, wrote a letter to Li Shan, and ordered Li Shan to go quickly to the camp where the Prince and the Great Prince were stationed, and hand the letter to Xie Shangshu.

(End of this chapter)