Chapter 853: Beauty Trap, Prince Jing becomes Prince, and the Empress Dowager dies
A few days later, Juan Niang, who agreed to Qin Banruo, led Qin Banruo to the street in the backyard of Su Zhai.
Today is the day when Qin Banruo found out that Tong Lu would come to deliver food to Su Zhai.
The two of them were sitting in a tea room not far from the backyard of Su's house. Qin Banruo told Juan Niang the real purpose of his visit to her.
Juan Niang originally thought that Qin Banruo wanted her to use her beauty to defeat Mei Changsu, because her most powerful weapon was her beauty.
But Qin Banruo's words left her speechless, because the person Qin Banruo actually let him attack was actually a farmer who delivered food to Su Zhai.
"Fourth sister, don't underestimate this man who delivers food."
Juan Niang asked puzzledly: "Is there anything strange about this man? In such a big house, aren't the people who deliver vegetables, water, and fruits all the time?"
Qin Banruo said: "This person's name is Tong Lu. I have several broken informants, all of whom are more or less related to him. Fourth sister, think about it, even if he encounters a hero who saves a beauty, he
I can't just save the beauty in my hands, so, fourth sister, you must help me with this."
"What's even more strange is that he is a vegetable seller living in a dilapidated courtyard. He is obviously an insignificant person, but even Uncle Qian couldn't find out more about his origins, and he usually often
Among the several places I went to, there was actually Su Zhai. Thinking about all the things in the past, how could I not be frightened."
To be honest, her reaction was not very fast. If it were Mei Changsu or her master Princess Xuanji, she would have noticed the problem long ago.
And she didn't react until now. If Princess Xuanji hadn't left her with astonishing hidden clues and channels before she died, she wouldn't have been able to get as far as she did now.
Juan Niang asked doubtfully, "Are you sure that the failure of your Red Sleeves move is really related to Su Zhai?"
Although she has not walked in the rivers and lakes for a long time, she has heard about the power of the Jiangzuo Alliance. If it weren't for Qin Ban's weak affection and the overt and covert threats, she would not be willing to go out and wade into this muddy water.
.
"The Su Zhai is too mysterious. Uncle Qian has been investigating for so long and has gained nothing at all. Thinking about the past events, I dare to conclude that the downfall of the Red Sleeve Moves must have something to do with the Su Zhai."
"Just like what happened last year when Princess Nihuang was choosing a son-in-law, we were assassinated in Hong Xiu Zhao. The person who was assassinated was Gong Ziyu, and Gong Ziyu had frequent contacts with Mei Changsu and had a very good relationship. I suspect
That assassination incident was because they were deliberately targeting us, but there was no evidence."
"Gongziyu? That Gongziyu on the master list and the young master list?" Juan Niang looked curious.
Qin Ban weakly nodded and said: "Yes, it's him. This person is a master on the Langya master list. He has strong martial arts. He was inexplicably assassinated and injured in our red sleeve move. I didn't think much about it at the time, but it happened like this.
After so many things, when I think back now, I just feel cold all over."
"Gong Ziyu has an extraordinary relationship with Mei Changsu. Originally, I wanted to let you charm him, but after thinking about it carefully, I decided not to."
"Why?"
Juan Niang was puzzled. The fact that Gong Ziyu was on the Young Master Ranking meant that his talent and appearance were definitely not bad. In addition, with his strong martial arts skills, he was better than a rough guy like Tong Lu. If she had a choice, she certainly didn't want to choose Tong Lu.
Qin Banruo said: "Because although Gong Ziyu is romantic by nature, he already has a fiancée and she is pregnant. It is difficult to seduce him."
It is obviously easier to seduce a man without a woman than a knowledgeable young man with a woman.
In order to persuade Juan Niang, Qin Banruo told her all the things that had happened to her in the past six months. Finally, Juan Niang agreed to help her once, but she also explained that it was the last time.
On the outskirts of the capital, Zhou Chen and Mei Changsu stood in the farewell pavilion.
They have been to this place several times, and this time they came here to say goodbye.
"I don't think Jingrui would be happy to see me." Mei Changsu sighed quietly.
Zhou Chen said: "Jing Rui is a very open-minded kid, but what happened last time really made him feel cold, but he should be able to figure it out, give him some time."
Mei Changsu said: "How could I blame him? I was indeed sorry for him last time."
Xiao Jingrui left Jinling City without any fanfare this time. He just traveled with his sister Yuwen Nian.
Not long after they left the capital, they met Yan Yujin and chatted with Yan Yujin for a long time. When they were about to leave, they saw Zhou Chen and Mei Changsu standing in the pavilion.
Xiao Jingrui did not hesitate and went directly to the pavilion.
"Brother Yu, Mr. Su."
You can tell Xiao Jingrui's meaning from the title. He is still called Brother Zhou Chenyu, but Mei Changsu has changed from Brother Su to Mr. Su. The meaning of alienation is very obvious.
"Jing Rui."
Mei Changsu felt uncomfortable, but he was still polite.
Zhou Chen walked to Xiao Jingrui and said softly: "Brother Su has something to tell you. You can have a good chat with him. I'll wait for you nearby."
Xiao Jingrui nodded, and then stayed in the pavilion to talk to Mei Changsu.
After a long time, Xiao Jingrui finished talking to Mei Changsu and walked next to Zhou Chen.
"Brother Yu, this is our farewell. I don't know when we will see you again."
"I believe it won't take long. After all, Nanchu is just Nanchu, not your hometown. I believe you will definitely return to the capital."
Xiao Jingrui smiled, Zhou Chen's words touched his heart. He went to Nanchu just to see the so-called biological father, because the man was seriously ill and he still had to see him for the last time.
But he never thought about living in Nanchu. As Zhou Chen said, Daliang is his home, and he will come back when the matter in Nanchu is settled.
"Brother Yu, Qier's matter is still a threat to you, and my great-grandmother is also being rescued by you. Please do your best."
"Don't worry, Jingrui, I'm going to tell you before you leave. Don't blame Brother Su too much. He also has his difficulties."
Xiao Jingrui did not answer, but asked: "Brother Yu, have you known Brother Su for a long time? I think your relationship is not like ordinary friends."
Zhou Chen said: "You can see, my relationship with Brother Su is indeed deeper than you think. It is precisely because of this that I understand him better. He really doesn't have any malice towards you. The reason why he dealt with Xie Yu is not only
Not only to honor the king, but also to help me."
"Help you? Is it because of Miss Gong Yu?" Xiao Jingrui was extremely shocked.
"Yes, just to help me, not just because of Gong Yu."
Zhou Chen didn't say anything about Mei Changsu, but only about himself: "Gong Yu does have a grudge against Xie Yu, and I also have a deep grudge against Xie Yu. Jingrui, to tell you the truth, I was once of noble birth, so I ended up living in the world."
, was harmed by Xie Yu."
Xiao Jingrui was shocked. He never thought that there was such a secret in it.
"Brother Yu, you..."
"Jing Rui, I treat you as my best friend, that's why I'm telling you this, and I've only told you that my status is special and I can't take revenge on Xie Yu. Brother Su was helping me last time, so you can't
Don’t blame Brother Su entirely, I’m also responsible.”
"I'm sorry, I didn't know about these things, and I didn't know that Brother Yu had experienced something like that."
"It doesn't matter, I just want you to keep what I said a secret."
Xiao Jingrui said solemnly: "Brother Yu, don't worry, I will never reveal a word to anyone."
He used to find it strange that Zhou Chen was different from ordinary people in the world, with extraordinary temperament and nobility. Now he was relieved when he heard Zhou Chen say that he was once a powerful person.
Zhou Chen glanced at Jingrui and said seriously: "Maybe you will know my identity next time you return to the capital. I guarantee you will be very surprised then."
Xiao Jingrui smiled casually and said: "Then I will look forward to that day."
"Go ahead, Jingrui, everything you have encountered recently will only make your life more exciting, and will not become a stumbling block for you. You have to make your life better."
"Brother Yu, the thing I regret least in my life is making you my friend. I look forward to our next meeting."
Xiao Jingrui left, and Mei Changsu walked to Zhou Chen's side. The two of them watched Xiao Jingrui leave from a distance.
Yan Yujin also came over on horseback, and then returned to the city with Zhou Chen and the others.
…………
Zhou Chen finished treating the Queen Mother and saw the Queen Mother sleeping, so he left the palace quietly without disturbing her.
As soon as I went out, I met someone.
"I've met Concubine Jing."
A few days ago, Prince Jing Xiao Jingyan was named Prince, and Concubine Jing was promoted to Concubine Jing. For this matter, Prince Yu was very angry. Before the crown prince was resolved, another Prince Jing came, so these
He often complained to Mei Changsu, and secretly wanted Mei Changsu to help him find a way to deal with Prince Jing.
Mei Changsu was also very annoyed by Prince Yu. He could not persuade Prince Yu at all costs, so he could only delay the matter. At the same time, he asked Prince Jing not to be high-profile recently, at least not to stand out before the crown prince fell.
"Mr. Chen."
Concubine Jing looked at Zhou Chen with soft eyes and asked, "How is the Empress Dowager doing lately?"
"The Queen Mother has been very cooperative with treatment recently and her body is recovering well."
"That's good. Is Mr. Chen ready to leave the palace?"
"Yes, concubine."
Concubine Jing nodded and suddenly asked: "I heard that Mr. Chen is good friends with Mr. Su Zhesu, who became famous in the capital some time ago?"
Zhou Chen's heart skipped a beat. He knew the plot and immediately understood the reason why Concubine Jing asked.
"To report back to you, Brother Su and I are indeed good friends."
Concubine Jing smiled gently and said, "Although I have never met Mr. Su, Mr. Chen has extraordinary bearing. To be a good friend with Mr. Chen, Mr. Su must also be extraordinary."
"Your Majesty, you are so complimentary. Common people are just ordinary people, but Brother Su is indeed brilliant and heroic."
Zhou Chen and Concubine Jing didn't chat for long, and then they left with an excuse.
However, he already understood in his heart that Concubine Jing must have guessed his and Mei Changsu's identities, so she came here to test him today.
It seemed that there was something wrong with Mei Changsu, otherwise Concubine Jing would not have come to see him specially. She suspected Mei Changsu's identity, and also thought that the Empress Dowager always called her Xiaochen.
Since he is the top concubine Jing in the capital, it is not difficult to guess his identity.
"Fortunately, she just guessed."
Zhou Chen was not very nervous when Concubine Jing guessed her identity, because he knew that Concubine Jing was with Mei Changsu and would never betray them, but he still had to tell Mei Changsu about this matter.
So after he left the palace, he went straight to Su Mansion.
"What are you talking about? Aunt Jing guessed our identities?"
When Mei Changsu heard Zhou Chen's words, he stood up in shock.
Zhou Chen said: "Well, after I treated my great-grandma today, Concubine Jing came to me. She spoke probing words and mentioned you. I knew right away that she must have known your identity from somewhere, and then she associated it with you.
That’s why I came here to test me today. No, it’s a test, but in fact it’s a confirmation.”
Mei Changsu looked serious and suddenly sighed: "I think I should know the reason."
"How to say?"
"I have a book called Xiang Di Ji, which was borrowed by Jingyan. A few days ago, I asked Brother Meng to ask for it, but Brother Meng said that Prince Jing gave the book to Concubine Jing. I
There is a mark on it, and there are two words that deliberately avoid the taboo of my mother's name. Jingyan doesn't know my mother's maiden name, so he can't tell anything about it, but Aunt Jing and my mother are good friends. I think if she has read Xiang Di Ji, it will be very interesting.
Maybe you’ll get some clues.”
"She came specifically to find you today. I'm afraid she has already become suspicious. After meeting you, I think she is even more sure."
"I see."
Zhou Chen nodded, without any surprise on his face: "But you don't have to worry, Concubine Jing will never betray you, and Concubine Jing is extremely smart, and she won't reveal any flaws."
Mei Changsu sighed: "Yes, Aunt Jing is smart. I'm not worried. In fact, instead of worrying, I feel relieved. Aunt Jing is equivalent to my relative and elder. She knows that I am still alive. I actually
A little bit happy."
Zhou Chen can understand Mei Changsu's psychology. If a person hides for too long, he will long for the light. Mei Changsu tries his best to hide himself, but in fact he also wants his relatives to know about him. This feeling is very contradictory.
So he changed the subject and asked, "Does Xia Jiang have any ideas on how to deal with it?"
Mei Changsu shook his head and said in a deep voice: "Xia Jiang is much more difficult to deal with than Xie Yu. Although I have been mentally prepared, it is still difficult to find a way to get started."
Zhou Chen said: "It really doesn't work..."
"Hey, don't say it. I know what you are going to say. I mean Xiaochen, can we not be so violent now?"
"I'm violent? Have you forgotten who bullied me violently in the first place? Do you still have the nerve to call me violent?"
Mei Changsu said: "The past was before, and now is now. It may be easy to assassinate a Xia Jiang, but for us, this is not the purpose."
Zhou Chen said: "You just think too much. According to my opinion, Princess Yang already has Xie Yu's handwriting. Xia Jiang's life and death is no longer that important. As long as Xie Yu dies, we can advance the plan as soon as possible."
Once things are done, you don’t have to work so hard, and it’s better for your health.”
Mei Changsu said resolutely: "It's not possible now. The Crown Prince and Prince Yu are not dead yet, especially now that Jingyan has become the Prince of Wu Baht and has become famous in the court, attracting the attention of the Crown Prince and Prince Yu, which has led to the recent
In the court, the fights between the Crown Prince and Prince Yu decreased, and they began to target Prince Jing overtly and covertly."
Zhou Chen said calmly: "If Prince Jing can't even handle this setback, how can you expect him to do well when he becomes emperor in the future? So I think you just worry too much, and now let Prince Jing follow
No matter how the prince fights with Prince Yu, how can he grow under his wings?"
It is no exaggeration to say that if the current Prince Jing is able to stand out, all the success will be attributed to Mei Changsu. Without Mei Changsu, let alone Prince Yu, even the prince, the three Princes Jing combined cannot defeat him.
.
"It's not as exaggerated as you said. Jingyan's current status is not only due to me. He is also very capable. Don't underestimate him."
"I'm not looking down on him, I'm just worried about you. You're just like his nanny now. Believe it or not, if something happens in the future, you may not be able to do anything thankless, and you may even be targeted by him."
"Okay, I know you are doing it for my own good, but I know this in my heart. He has reservations and resistance to me, but in fact, I am happy to see it. This means that he is still the same as before, and there is no change. This is also
That’s why I chose him.”
"You always say this every time I tell you this. I won't tell you anymore. I'm leaving and going back to accompany Gong Yu."
Zhou Chen waved his hand at Mei Changsu and then left.
"Ah, ah."
Nie Feng waved his hands vigorously at Zhou Chen, and then said a few words to Mei Changsu.
Mei Changsu said: "Brother Nie, I know what you mean, and you agree with Xiao Chen's statement, but I have my own considerations, so you have to believe me."
Nie Feng showed a helpless expression. He had been in the Su Mansion for half a year, and he naturally knew how stubborn Mei Changsu was now. Even Zhou Chen couldn't persuade him, let alone him.
Time soon came to July. Although Zhou Chen tried his best to extend the life of the Empress Dowager, it was a pity that the Empress Dowager's time had finally come.
"Your Majesty, the common people are incompetent, please punish them."
Zhou Chen took the initiative to plead guilty to Emperor Liang, but how could Emperor Liang punish him at this time? He waved his hand.
"The end of the life of the Empress Dowager has come. How can I blame you? It is very rare that you can extend the life of the Empress Dowager by three months. Not only is it not guilty, but it is also meritorious."
Although he said that Zhou Chen had meritorious service, he did not mention the reward because he was completely distracted by the Empress Dowager's critical illness.
Finally, on the night of the second day, the Empress Dowager, who had lived the longest in Daliang, passed away.
The death of the Empress Dowager caused a huge shock in the capital. The whole city and the whole country mourned.
During the funeral, everyone from the emperor to the common people paid homage to the Empress Dowager, and all entertainment venues in the capital were closed.
Zhou Chen and Mei Changsu knelt down to pay homage at Su Mansion. Ten days after the death of the Empress Dowager, Mu Nihuang, who was far away in the south, also rushed back to the capital to attend the funeral.
…………
At night, Gong Yu sat on the edge of the bed with her belly bulging out. Now that she was five months pregnant, she could no longer move as freely as before, and she had to turn sideways even to rest.
Zhou Chen was about to arrange for her to rest when Gong Yu suddenly took his hand.
"What's wrong?"
Gong Yu hesitated for a moment, then said truthfully: "In order to inquire about the news about the young master's mother, Princess Pingyang, I arranged someone at the princess's mansion. Recently, she reported the news, saying that since the princess learned about the death of the Empress Dowager, she has been busy with tea and food.
I don’t think about it, my mental state is very bad, I’m a bit worried and sick.”
When Zhou Chen heard this, his expression suddenly became serious.
