A Thousand Hills

Chapter 312

The fifth prince went home and talked with his wife about his father's intention to become a queen. Even though Li Jiujiang had mentioned to the fifth prince in the south of the Yangtze River about the promotion of concubine Su, but he really said this from his father's mouth , when the fifth prince came home, his expressions were indescribably sad and joyful. After a long time, the fifth prince sighed and said, "You didn't see it. When the father said that he was going to be the successor, the whole court was silent. I was also taken aback." Although Li Jiujiang mentioned it, but when the opportunity really came, the fifth prince who had been a concubine for more than [-] years felt all kinds of feelings in his heart, which were hard to describe for a while.

With such an opportunity, moreover, he can gamble for his mother, the fifth prince is of course happy.However, in this joy, there are countless unspeakable bitterness and fatigue.

Xie Moru was as calm as ever, and she said, "There's nothing to be scared about, Your Majesty, the Lord of the country, can't always be a bachelor."

The fifth prince retorted, "Father has plenty of concubines in the palace, how can you say he is a bachelor."

Xie Moru looked straight, looked at the Fifth Prince meaningfully, and said, "This is so muddled, concubines and concubines, only the queen, that is your majesty's official wife. Without a queen, you are a bachelor."

The fifth prince is very filial to his mother and concubine, although he knows that what Xie Moru said is right, he is not very happy in his heart.Xie Moru pulled him, "Why are you so stupid, is it possible to let such a good opportunity go?"

The fifth prince regained his energy immediately, and quietly said to his wife, "Do you think the empress can be successful? If the empress is not successful, what do you think of the imperial concubine?" Any dissatisfaction with the prince.Even though his imperial father treats him well, the fifth prince always feels that he is not very sure about the stability of the East Palace and the later position.

"When you came back from Jiangnan, the Marquis of Fufeng Nan'an and the others received great rewards. Only you, the reward of ten thousand mu of fertile land and the expansion of five thousand personal guards. Such rewards are not enough to reward you for calming Jiangnan. According to me, Your Majesty I'm afraid it's already intended to promote the mother and concubine." Xie Moru knew the concerns of the fifth prince, so he explained to him in detail, "There are already two noble concubines standing side by side in the palace. , but in terms of qualifications, they are not as good as the two noble concubines Zhao Xie. This time, at least it is the imperial concubine, whether it is the queen, I am afraid that His Majesty is also hesitating."

Seeing that his wife had the same judgment as his own, the fifth prince also expressed his thoughts, saying, "After all, there is nothing wrong with the East Palace. I am afraid that the father is worried that the mother and concubine will be the queen, and the concubines will not know." He didn't want to hide these thoughts. looking at his wife.In fact, with his wife's intelligence, she can understand even if he doesn't say it.However, once these words came to the mouth, the fifth prince felt that something was different.His attitude towards Donggong is really completely different.

Xie Moru was waiting for the fifth prince's words. After hearing the words, he first handed the fifth prince a cup of tea, telling him to drink a cup of tea to calm down, and said, "My concubine is for outsiders to see. In the hearts of parents, children are themselves. His Majesty has always loved His Highness dearly. Besides, I don't want to judge the East Palace rashly, but if anyone dares to say such things, His Majesty can just spit back. In this world, there is no elder or younger except for the Concubine. Is it over? Furthermore, it is divided into concubines. Apart from the first concubine, Empress Chu, Empress Hu is the second empress. The concubine mother is good, but to put it in a word of transcendence, even if concubine Zhao is appointed as the empress, the eldest prince's background cannot surpass His Highness the crown prince's in terms of etiquette."

Hearing this, the fifth prince suddenly felt that his spiritual orifice had been opened, yes!After all, he was the younger brother, so he was promoted to be the son of the eldest son, and he was not as good as the prince when he was the eldest.The fifth prince said repeatedly, "I think the civil and military affairs of the Manchu Dynasty are not as clear as you think."

Xie Moru smiled and said meaningfully, "It's not that they don't understand, it's that they think too far and think too much."

The fifth prince said, "Don't talk about them, even I, if I hinder the prince, I have to think more."

"Your Highness is a fan of the authorities."

The fifth prince solved most of the troubles in his heart, and asked with a smile, "Aren't you in authority?"

"I've been thinking about this for many years, but I didn't ask His Highness to know, so I naturally figured it out." When Xie Mo said this, the fifth prince couldn't help being greatly moved, and a little ashamed, said, "I might as well be filial to my mother and concubine." .” It turned out that his daughter-in-law had long thought about promoting his mother.

Xie Moru said angrily, "It's really stupid, if you didn't make great achievements outside, I just think about it, this matter can't be done." Of course, this is also the relationship between Concubine Su and Xie Moru these years, Xie Morucai Willing to plan for Concubine Su.

Compared with the imperial concubine, the fifth prince would prefer his mother to be the queen, so the couple inevitably made some plans.

As soon as Emperor Mu Yuan's words came out, the imperial capital was in trouble again, and it wasn't just the fifth prince and his wife who planned it. As long as there was a concubine from her natal family, there was no one who didn't plan. Turned to who is the next master of Fengyi Palace.

Even Zhao Guogong, who was about to give up the title, stroked his gray beard and said to his grandson, "I thought, when I got old, it was time to take a break and give up the title to your uncle. So, I I will also enjoy a few years of pure happiness. I don’t want the court to have a major event, so it’s not too late to give up the title after this matter is over.”

The eldest prince discussed with his grandfather to see if it was possible to promote his mother Zhao Guifei.Grandfather and grandson discussed for half a day, and Zhao Guogong just left.After discussing with his grandfather, the Eldest Prince was still thinking about taking the route of the Yue family, so he looked for an opportunity to talk to the Eldest Prince Concubine, "Father discusses the matter of setting up an empress, and my mother has been a noble concubine for many years, so I don't know if I have this blessing. "

The eldest princess was upset about her mother-in-law Concubine Zhao betrothing her second daughter to Duke Zhao's great-grandson. Hearing her husband mention the matter of becoming a queen, the eldest princess tried her best not to disturb the interest of the eldest prince, while looking through her treasury. Manifest prepared the dowry for the eldest daughter, and said casually, "This is the business of the elders. It is reasonable for us as children to intervene, but there are no children in the world who do not look forward to the good of their parents. The mother and concubine have been in the palace all these years. Looking at His Highness's face, I will not wrong my mother and concubine. It's just that the matter of becoming a queen is not trivial, and His Highness just depends on Father's will."

The First Prince Concubine was just prevarication, but when the First Prince heard what the First Prince Concubine said, he suddenly felt a sense of familiarity, and said, "Isn't that right. You said, if the Father wants to have a queen, who else can he make besides the Mother Concubine? "I just wanted to mention it to my wife, and let her go back to her mother's house to make connections with her mother.

The eldest concubine was choked by her husband, and she had to ask, otherwise how would she know where her husband was so ambitious and confident, so she said, "I don't know where your highness comes from?"

The eldest prince took it for granted, "In the current palace, the mother and concubine are of the highest rank."

The first prince closed the treasury list and put it under his hands, he had to remind his husband, "Concubine Xie is also a noble concubine."

The eldest prince said, "Back then, the mother concubine was the first concubine, and the concubine Xie was the second concubine. Besides, I am older than the third year."

The eldest prince concubine sighed, "I didn't mean to spoil His Highness's interest, but I have to say something, if the father wanted to make his mother and concubine his queen, he would have done so long ago. Why did I not mention this matter until now? Your Highness, please forgive me." , His Highness Fifth Highness has a high merit, and when it comes to the matter of becoming a queen at this time, Concubine Su may not have no chance."

The eldest prince stared at first, then sighed suddenly, and said, "The fifth child is indeed of great skill, but I am also the son of my concubine. Now that I have this opportunity, how can I not consider it for my concubine."

Seeing that her husband was quite understanding, the eldest concubine persuaded him, "The concubine mother is already the honorable concubine, with both children and grandchildren. Even if a new queen is established, she must not be wronged. Your highness considers the concubine mother, and so does the fifth prince." As a man's son, I'm afraid he has the same heart with His Highness, if you ask me, why bother to get involved in this mess, there is no need to disturb the land."

The eldest prince said, "Even if we don't want to disturb, the mother concubine is still the honor of the noble concubine. Is it possible that no one mentions the mother concubine in the court? Just cover your head and hit your luck. If we hit it, we'll make money."

The eldest princess felt that her husband was dreaming, and thought that his matter would be impossible. Now that the Eastern Palace is fighting against the King of Fujian, no matter what, it will not be her turn, so she ignored the wishful thinking of the eldest prince, and advised, "I have never heard of it." If you get lucky, you can become a queen." Changed the subject, "Your Highness, don't think about business, Duke Ping is about to have a big funeral, let's be serious about our in-laws, let the chief historian set up a sacrificial shed on the road." It's also the rule of the times, what about mourning, as long as you are close to people, there will be road sheds on the road to offer sacrifices, but the eldest prince has a noble status and it is inconvenient for him to come forward, so it is the same for the chief historian to come forward.

The eldest prince thought that his mother and concubine might be taken over by Concubine Su, and that his in-law Liu Fufeng died just after his daughter was married. At least a year's delay is really unlucky.However, the eldest prince still complied, Liu Fufeng is his serious in-laws, he cannot be negligent in terms of etiquette.

On the second day, the First Prince handed over the matter of setting up the sacrificial shed to the chief historian, but before the sacrificial shed was set up, it was heard that Mrs. Ping Guogong and his wife followed her.The eldest prince was a little stunned when he heard about this, and finally said with emotion, "It's a good death." The in-law Liu Fufeng will keep his filial piety for three years at once, so it saves the need to finish the three years of filial piety and then die again. One, you have to keep guarding.

The eldest prince and concubine wanted to sew her husband's open mouth shut, and secretly pinched the eldest prince, which made the eldest prince tremble. The prince's nonsensical words spread, and then asked the maid to buy another copy according to the funeral ceremony that the son gave to Ping Guogong, and let him send it to his son when he came home.Seeing that his wife had finished arranging this set, the eldest prince sent someone to tell his wife, "What's wrong with the Liu family, they are dying one after another."

The eldest prince concubine glared at the eldest prince, "Your Highness, you must not speak too casually. If you spread your words, you will offend your in-laws!"

"I just said it casually." The eldest prince said, "Old Duke Ping and his wife are still in their [-]s, so how come Duke Ping and his wife are gone when they are in their [-]s?" The eldest prince whispered Said, "Liu Fufeng is the fate of overcoming his father and overcoming his mother?"

The eldest prince couldn't help but pinched the eldest prince again, and said in a low voice, "I didn't hear that when you die in your sixties, you are still forced to die. It's not the first day that Jingnan Gong was someone's son. Parents, An An Having enjoyed the blessings of his life for most of his life, who wouldn't say that this old couple is blessed? He died of illness in his sixties. If his life is hard to overcome, then what is life not hard? , I haven’t seen Mrs. Pingguo, and she said that she is not well. Now that I am old, it is inevitable that I will be sad for a while.”

"Hey, if you want to say that Duke Ping and the old lady live longer." The eldest prince couldn't help but sigh.

So, everyone changed their clothes and continued to go to Pingguo Mansion to attend the funeral.The Duke of Pingguo's mansion originally planned to dismantle everything in the funeral shed after the funeral for Duke Pingguo tomorrow. Who knew that Mrs. Pingguo's wife died suddenly, which saved a lot of trouble, but it was just according to the previous plan. The ceremony of the father's funeral will be done again.

Tang Ji brought Xiao Tang and his old wife to worship, and talked with Liu Fufeng privately about the court affairs. Tang Jidao saw that Liu Fufeng's face was a little pale, but his complexion was fine, and said in a gentle voice, "There is no war now, so you should also take care of yourself." Body."

Liu Fufeng said, "The next thing I will do is to keep my filial piety, so I am not afraid that there will be no rest.

Tang Ji was silent for a moment, then Fang said, "In your opinion, how sure is the matter of becoming a queen?"

Liu Fufeng said, "Except for Concubine Su, who else can His Majesty establish?"

Tang Ji made up his mind.Liu Fufeng added another sentence, "However, His Majesty doesn't have to stand."

Tang Ji was also an old man in the officialdom, and he said to Liu Fufeng, "To tell you the truth, this matter is quite difficult. At this time of year, no one is willing to give face to the Fifth Highness. Jiujiang reminded me, don't make out that the Manchu Dynasty recommended Concubine Su." Empress's grand occasion comes out."

Liu Fufeng was startled for a moment, then smiled, nodded, "Jiujiang's ability to understand people's hearts, I am not as good as him." And Tang Jidao, "This not only saves the Fifth Highness, but also protects you and me."

Tang Ji was also a shrewd person, and said, "It's just too difficult to grasp."

Liu Fufeng said, "If the latter position is easy to get, how can it be vacant for many years?"

The two gossiped a little more, now that Duke Pingguo is attending a funeral, Liu Fufeng cannot be away from outside, Liu Fufeng said, "I can't attend Xiao Tang's big wedding."

"What's the matter, I will live in the imperial capital for a long time, and we will still be together." Tang Ji's words were quite close, and he was already thinking about the right-age granddaughter at home. The fate is matched with the second son of Liu Fufeng.

After a few words, the Tang family resigned after worshiping.

If Emperor Mu Yuan wants to establish a queen, the Liu family will have endless funerals. Fortunately, this is nothing. The imperial capital has many dignitaries, so there are several funerals every year.Furthermore, there is a difference between superiority and inferiority. When the Liu family died, Emperor Mu Yuan simply gave some silver sacrifices to appease the useful talent Liu Fufeng.If there was no such person as Liu Fufeng in the Liu family, even if his family died, Emperor Mu Yuan probably wouldn't have paid a second glance.

As soon as Emperor Mu Yuan said that he wanted to establish a queen, not to mention the concubine and prince, Emperor Mu Yuan's own mother, Empress Dowager Hu, was also very happy. She quickly called her family to the palace to discuss, and wanted to see if there was a lady of the right age for her son to be the queen.Since the family of Cheng'en, who was born in a family, is still keeping filial piety, the Empress Dowager Hu can only discuss with the fourth concubine. The concubine did not expect the empress dowager Hu to be so unexpected. Now everyone is guessing which concubine Emperor Mu Yuan wants to put on the throne. Unexpectedly, Empress Dowager Hu directly wanted to find a newcomer from her natal family to take over Fengyi Palace.

The fourth prince and concubine did not want to wade into this muddy water, and said to Queen Mother Hu, "There are quite a few grandchildren and great-grandchildren in the family, and they are considered sensible, but their generations are wrong." One generation, even if you want to marry a lady from the uncle's family, you have to be from the generation of cousins, and you can't be from the generation of cousins ​​and grandnieces, right?
Empress Dowager Hu was speechless for a while, her old man's mind was quite active, and she asked instead, "What about collateral?" There are no direct descendants, and Empress Dowager Hu doesn't mind supporting collateral daughters.

The fourth concubine persuaded softly, "I'm afraid that the daughters of the direct line will not be able to match, let alone the collateral line, the identity is not suitable."

Empress Dowager Hu learned that her natal family did not have a suitable lady, so she turned around and found a suitable and pleasing person in the harem—Hu Zhaoyi.This Hu Zhaoyi is also a daughter of the Hu family, and she is also a sister of the Empress Hu. Unlike Empress Xianhu who gave birth to a son and a daughter for Emperor Mu Yuan, Hu Zhaoyi has been in the palace for many years, but has never had children, because she is the niece of the mother's family of the Empress Dowager Hu. , even if he has not given birth, his position is in Zhaoyi, these years, looking at the face of the Mercy Palace, the two noble concubines Zhao Xie have never wronged him.It stands to reason that since she is the niece of Empress Dowager Hu's family, she should be treated differently by Empress Dowager Hu.It's just that Hu Zhaoyi is not as smart as the two concubines Zhao Xie, so she really doesn't show it in the palace.If there is another matter, Empress Dowager Hu may not necessarily want her, but Empress Dowager Hu does not know what she thinks about the matter of becoming a queen. She feels that if she becomes a queen mother, then the queen should also belong to the Hu family.Anyway, Empress Dowager Hu's weird psychology prompted her to take out Hu Zhaoyi, who had not been favored for a long time, and ordered someone to find a box of high-quality East Pearls, two boxes of red and green gemstones, and three boxes of jadeite materials from the private house. The craftsman gave Hu Zhaoyi more than a dozen sets of high-quality jewelry, and made two boxes of new clothes, and then ordered Hu Zhaoyi to serve him every day.Every day when Emperor Mu Yuan went to the Ci'en Palace to pay his respects, he would definitely see Hu Zhaoyi.

In this way, Empress Dowager Hu's intentions, not to mention Emperor Mu Yuan, can be seen by anyone who is not blind.

Mrs. Xie entered the palace to greet her, and met Hu Zhaoyi in the Palace of Mercy. Hu Zhaoyi entered the palace longer than Concubine Xie, and was not younger than Emperor Mu Yuan. At this age, she began to wear red and green jewels. , and it was an unfamiliar concubine, Mrs. Xie didn't recognize it for a while, and she couldn't help asking when she arrived at the Linzhi Palace of her daughter Xie Guifei.

Concubine Xie was full of helplessness, and said, "It's no wonder that mother doesn't recognize her. That's Hu Zhaoyi. Recently, she has caught the attention of the empress dowager. The empress dowager only likes her to serve in front of her."

Mrs. Xie pondered for a while and knew why, but suddenly felt speechless. It is well known that Queen Mother Hu is partial to her natal family, but Hu Zhaoyi has neither imperial heir nor holy favor... Mrs. Xie shook her head, and could only say that Queen Mother Hu was born in a dream More and more boundless.Mrs. Xie had no intention of expressing her opinion on Hu Zhaoyi's matter, but persuaded Concubine Xie, "Don't worry about other people, just calm yourself down."

Concubine Xie sighed, "Mother, don't worry, I know."

The noble concubine's daughter is also at this age, Mrs. Xie has nothing to persuade her, but she said something to Concubine Xie, "Your father is old and wants to resign for retirement."

Concubine Xie quickly said, "Father has a tough body, why bother to resign in such a hurry?"

Mrs. Xie said, "People in their seventies should give up their seats to young people. It's not bad to spend time at home, entertain your grandchildren, and teach your children." In fact, Shangshu Xie had the intention of becoming an official two years ago. The fifth prince was born to fight outside, and Xie Moru was in the imperial capital, so he needed someone to support him, so he dragged the fifth prince back to the imperial capital.Now that the world is well and the fifth prince has won a great victory and returned to court, Xie Shangshu has nothing to worry about, so he is ready to submit his official papers.

Thinking about the old father's age, Concubine Xie Guifei did not stop her anymore. However, once her father retreated, she would lose a little help in the court, but it would not hinder the Fifth Prince's residence. The Xie family has little influence on the Fifth Prince.Concubine Xie Guifei sighed after a long time, "Mother, I have made one wrong step in my whole life." One wrong step can make a world of difference.

Mrs. Xie knew what the girl was referring to, and said quickly, "Your Majesty, there has always been a lot of wind and rain in the high places. Your Majesty's honor and wealth are beyond the reach of the world."

If it wasn't for the queen conferment, with Concubine Xie's pride, she might not have expressed her regrets to her mother.From this, it can also be seen that the matter of becoming a queen had a great impact on Concubine Xie Gui.In the past, Concubine Xie always believed that if Emperor Mu Yuan did not establish a queen, he would be fine. If he became a queen, only Concubine Zhao Gui could compete with her in the harem.But, now, Concubine Xie does not dare to think about it. 30 years ago, the child was more valuable than the mother. 30 years later, it is the mother who has the child.Concubine Xie Guifei never thought that her son was inferior to Concubine Su's son. Concubine Xie Guifei had grown up with the fifth prince... The fifth prince could be what he is today. What is the help of the fifth prince?It is Xie's family, although it is Xie Moru's natal family, but it is also his mother's family.The natal family is of course inclined towards the fifth prince now, but it wasn't like that at first.The fifth prince is able to have today only because the fifth prince married Xie Moru.It's ridiculous when my mother persuaded me to consider choosing Xie Moru as my daughter-in-law, but I insisted on choosing a girl from Duke Chu's mansion as my daughter-in-law for my son, and let Concubine Su take advantage of it for nothing.

Up to now, Concubine Xie Guifei couldn't even say the word "complaint", she could only say again, "Mother, don't worry, I know." Who can blame, except herself, who can blame?
Seeing her daughter so sad, Mrs. Xie tried to persuade her.Although the daughter does not have the queen's life, but if Concubine Su can succeed, Xie Moru will not treat her aunt badly in the future, it is better than falling into the hands of others.Therefore, Mrs. Xie still hopes that the family can be united.Of course, being united is not for Concubine Xie, but for Concubine Su.

After Mrs. Xie left the palace, he happened to meet the third prince who came to pay his respects to the palace. The third prince had a gentle personality and was always polite to the outside world. He greeted Mrs. Xie's body and said that he would keep Mrs. Xie for dinner , Mrs. Xie smiled, "There are many things in the palace right now, and I can't leave my mother. It's the same when I go back. It's good to go to the palace to see my mother, so I can feel relieved."

The third prince ordered his servants to send Mrs. Xie out, and Fang sat down to talk to his mother. The third prince was well informed, and said to his mother, "I heard that Duke Zhao is preparing to write a joint letter to invite Concubine Zhao to be appointed."

Concubine Xie smiled and said, "This is your father's business, you just have to do your job well, there is no need to worry about these things."

The third prince hesitated again and again, Fang asked, "Concubine Mother, don't you want to?" This matter, let alone Concubine Xie Guifei, even the third prince thought about it.Not in the name of the son-in-law, who wouldn't want his mother to ascend to the throne and become the master of the harem?However, if the third prince had confidence, he would not have asked such a question, but would have done it directly.

Concubine Xie looked at her son with extremely gentle eyes, but there was a hint of hidden deep pain. Concubine Xie smiled and said, "I am already a concubine, and if I advance to another level, it's nothing more than that. The king of Fujian has high merits, and the East Palace is honored, so why should our mother and son get involved. Now, we are rich and honored, and peace is a blessing."

The third prince understood what his mother meant when he heard what his mother said, and said, "Then, do you want to help fifth brother?"

Concubine Xie felt a pain in her heart and said, "There is no need to rush this matter. We are blood relatives. Just now your grandmother told me that your grandfather is old and wants to write a letter to become an official. You can let go of these things and prepare a gift." , go and see your grandfather. It is the Ministry of Punishment's mission, if your grandfather becomes an official, you have to count."

The third prince was quite astonished, and said, "Grandfather has always been in good health." For example, the members of the cabinet, which of them didn't retire until they couldn't do it?Although Xie Shangshu is more than 70 people, it is not impossible to support.

Concubine Xie took Mrs. Xie's words to the third prince, and the third prince said, "I don't know what cousin Xie said?"

Concubine Xie's face turned slightly pale, what she can't hear the most right now is nothing more than the word "Xie Moru".Back then, he should have listened to his mother's words, so now he will be the one who will ascend to the next position!

Concubine Xie Guifei repented at the beginning, her heart was really painful and unspeakable, she said a few words casually, and then sent her son off.

The harem is not peaceful, and the front court is not stable. It seems that the entire imperial capital is ready to move because of the establishment of the queen.

Since Emperor Mu Yuan wants to establish a queen, the courtiers can express their opinions. Although the third prince did not contact the officials to write a letter to recommend him like the eldest prince, because Concubine Xie is one of the two noble concubines with the same respect as Concubine Zhao, the court also agrees. Someone mentioned that Concubine Xie, her younger brother, family background, character, everything is no worse than Concubine Zhao, of course, not better than Concubine Zhao.Apart from the two noble concubines, Concubine Su is of course also a big hit.

At this moment, Xie Shangshu's resignation letter.

Emperor Mu Yuan repeatedly asked him to stay, and Xie Shangshu insisted on becoming an official, so Emperor Mu Yuan agreed.

Xie Shangshu suddenly handed in his resignation letter, and everyone was a little confused. What's the matter, the post-resignation pass, Xie old fox, you quit!The civil and military are all confused, old fox Xie, at least make a statement, do you support your daughter-in-law Concubine Xie or your granddaughter and her mother-in-law Concubine Su Shu?Also, what's the matter with you, fifth prince, look at what cards you are playing: Liu Fufeng and Nan'an Hou Shouxiao, Li Yu is not in the imperial capital, Earl Jiang is a woman after all, Uncle Zhongyong became a monk in a fit of anger, Governor Su I have gone to Jiangsu and Zhejiang to take office, hey, this is really... there is a cabinet prince who resigned at a critical moment, you are in disarray in a blink of an eye!Do you still want your mother to be a queen?
The fifth prince's situation is not good, so, for a hot favorite like Concubine Su, there are not many people who recommend Concubine Su in the court.

(End of this chapter)