While Zhang Yuer and Fang Ru were teaching Cui Qianxue how to use ginger slices to induce tears without leaving any trace, Zhao Junchen had already received the news that Emperor Deqing had gone to the Hubu Yamen.
After receiving this news, Zhao Junchen knew that it was inevitable that Emperor Deqing would come to the Zhao Mansion to investigate his situation.
Zhao Junchen was lying on the bed and deliberately applied a thin layer of powder on his face to make his face paler.
Fang Ru took the time to lecture the surrounding servants and maids, telling them how to behave and how to react after seeing Emperor Deqing;
Zhang Yu'er hid again and still couldn't show up, but she seemed to enjoy this feeling of hiding behind the scenes, but she didn't know how long she could stay novel;
Zhang Decheng also hurried outside Zhao Junchen's bedroom, and made a decoction for Zhao Junchen with a cold face. The smell of medicinal materials filled the area near Zhao Junchen's bedroom. His expression was a little angry, and he didn't know whether he was angry that Zhao Junchen made him violate the law again.
Even though I had broken my principles, I was still angry that I couldn't stand my ground again.
So, the actors, props, and set were all in place, and everything was waiting for Emperor Deqing's arrival.
While everyone was preparing in a hurry, Cui Qianxue stayed in front of Zhao Junchen's bed. She smeared her eyes with ginger slices in advance. Her big, bright eyes soon became red and swollen, and she looked like she had just cried.
If you just look at the image, there isn’t much of a flaw.
But Cui Qianxue was still a little panicked. She was a little uneasy and lacked confidence in deceiving the emperor.
After seeing Cui Qianxue's appearance, Zhao Junchen felt a little pity in his heart.
He remembered that when he first met Cui Qianxue, Cui Qianxue had a lively and active temperament, but now she has gradually become quieter and has gradually lost her sense of security. This change may not be without Zhao Junchen.
So, taking advantage of the opportunity that everyone was busy and not nearby, Zhao Junchen stood up and held Cui Qianxue's little hand, and said softly: "I heard that you have been busy all morning today and prepared a large table of delicious dishes for me?
"
Cui Qianxue was stunned for a moment, her attention diverted by Zhao Junchen's words. Seeing that Zhao Junchen finally talked about something that she could participate in the discussion, she was vaguely happy.
So, Cui Qianxue nodded and said: "While your husband is away from Beijing, Sister Fang Ru and Sister Yu'er are both doing business for you. I don't know anything, and I can't help you with everything in the house."
With Jiayi's help, it doesn't take much energy, so I went to the kitchen to learn some cooking skills, just thinking that I can let my husband have a taste when he comes back."
Zhao Junchen asked with a smile: "What kind of cooking have you learned?"
Seeing Zhao Junchen paying so much attention to her and talking about what she was good at, Cui Qianxue further shifted her attention, with a hint of excitement and boastfulness in her tone, and said quickly: "I know that my husband likes to eat fat meat, so I learned it.
Dongpo pork, Dongpi pork elbow, and braised pork with pickled vegetables; but I thought that just eating fatty meat would not be good, as it would easily make you sick of it, so I also learned how to stew lion heads, stew lotus root soup, and stir-fry kale; and I also heard what Dr. Zhang said
Eating fish is good for your health, so I learned to steam fish, make fish soup, and bake fish..."
The conversation between Zhao Junchen and Cui Qianxue was originally just to divert Cui Qianxue's attention and relieve her tension.
But listening to Cui Qianxue talking endlessly about the cooking techniques she had learned, Zhao Junchen couldn't help but feel warm in his heart, and the smile on his lips became a little more sincere.
After Cui Qianxue explained all the skills she had learned, Zhao Junchen praised: "Qianxue is so amazing, and she is so thoughtful. She has learned so many skills! After we deal with His Majesty, I will
Let’s try Qianxue’s craftsmanship immediately.”
Cui Qianxue became more and more happy, but also a little troubled. She frowned and said: "The dishes I made in the morning are already cold. If I eat them after reheating them, I'm afraid they will lose their taste... But if I make them again, it will take a long time."
Can’t catch up…”
Seeing Cui Qianxue's troubled look, Zhao Junchen smiled and patted Cui Qianxue's head, and said in a sincere tone: "It doesn't matter, as long as Qianxue cooks the food, I will definitely like to eat it."
Hearing Zhao Junchen's words, Cui Qianxue's cheeks turned red and she smiled shyly, but she finally regained some of her original carefree appearance.
But soon, Cui Qianxue thought of Emperor Deqing's incident again, and couldn't help but asked worriedly: "Ms. sir, did we really hide this from His Majesty this time? I, I'm afraid that I can't do it well."
Zhao Junchen's expression was calm and he said calmly: "Your Majesty is naturally suspicious, and since I am too young and too powerful, I will definitely be regarded as a hidden danger by him... Under such circumstances, even if it is just me eating more tonight
A bowl of rice, and he will become suspicious after receiving the news!
Therefore, it is absolutely impossible to completely eliminate his suspicions, but as long as he does not let him find any loopholes, it is not difficult. You don't have to worry about not doing well. You just need to keep your head down and pretend.
Just cry and Fang Ru will take care of the rest. Your Majesty is a noble person and has always prided himself on being very high-minded. He will never make things difficult for a woman like you."
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Cui Qianxue finally felt a little more at ease.
At this time, Fang Ru hurriedly entered the dormitory again and said: "Master, His Majesty has arrived! He also takes Zhao Ying'er with him."
Zhao Junchen nodded, lay back on the bed, and said without changing his expression: "Then I'll welcome him, but I won't show up... I'll just tell His Majesty that I'm not feeling well and I can't get up at all."
After Fang Ru nodded lightly, she took Cui Qianxue and left together.
Emperor Deqing and Concubine Hui Zhao Ying'er came to the Zhao Mansion together. As the royal wife of the Zhao Mansion, Cui Qianxue had to come forward to welcome Zhao Junchen on his behalf when Zhao Junchen could not show up in person.
*
However, it was said that after Emperor Deqing arrived at the Zhao Mansion, while waiting for everyone in the Zhao Mansion to welcome him, he discovered the imperial doctor Wen Caining wandering outside the Zhao Mansion.
Emperor Deqing immediately called Wen Caining to the imperial driver's side, and asked Wen Caining through the curtain of the sedan chair: "Doctor Wen, Zhao Junchen is still unwilling to let you diagnose your body?"
Wen Caining lowered his head and smiled bitterly: "Your Majesty, Zhao Gechen hates Wei Chen so much now. He only thinks that Wei Chen's misdiagnosis at the court meeting today almost killed him, but he doesn't want to see Wei Chen no matter what. Now even more
He kept Wei Chen out of the house... He said that now he only believes in Zhang Decheng's diagnosis."
After Emperor Deqing was silent for a moment, he asked again: "Do you think Zhao Junchen's coma is real or fake?"
Wen Caining was slightly stunned, but he never thought about the possibility that Zhao Junchen would pretend to be comatose.
Wen Caining is an honest man. After thinking carefully for a moment, he said: "Wei Chen can only say that based on Zhao Gechen's current physical condition, there is indeed a possibility of coma if he is overworked or overly excited... This morning I will go to court
"Sir, if it weren't for your Majesty's attitude, Wei Chen would never have guaranteed that Zhao Gechen's physical condition could still continue to handle official duties."
Emperor Deqing's voice was somewhat dissatisfied and asked: "Are you complaining about me?"
Wen Caining quickly lowered his head and said: "I don't dare, I have no such intention!"
Emperor Deqing snorted softly and then said: "When the people from the Zhao Mansion come out to greet him, you will follow me into the Zhao Mansion. The people from the Zhao Mansion will never dare to stop you again, and Zhao Junchen will also let you take action.
Diagnosis... When the time comes, you must diagnose carefully and not miss any signs."
"I obey the order!"
Just after Emperor Deqing talked with Wen Caining, everyone in the Zhao family hurriedly came outside to greet him.
Under the respectful greetings of Cui Qianxue, Fang Ru and others, Emperor Deqing also got off the chariot and took the lead to walk towards the Zhao Mansion.
Behind Emperor Deqing's chariot, Hui Fei Zhao Ying'er also hurriedly left the chariot and followed Emperor Deqing into the Zhao Mansion.
As he entered the Zhao Mansion, Emperor Deqing once again put on a concerned expression, turned to Cui Qianxue and asked: "I heard that after Zhao Aiqing fainted, I hurried over to visit! How is Zhao Aiqing's condition? How is her health?
Are there any better ones?"
However, when faced with Emperor Deqing's inquiry, Cui Qianxue just lowered her head and sobbed softly and did not answer.
Zhao Ying'er had lived in the Zhao Mansion for several months before entering the palace, and was relatively familiar with Cui Qianxue. Now when she saw Cui Qianxue just sobbing, she quickly walked to Cui Qianxue's side to comfort her.
After seeing this scene, Emperor Deqing was unhappy, but he could not get angry.
On the other side, Fang Ru quickly replied on behalf of Cui Qianxue: "Your Majesty, my husband is resting in bed now. He originally wanted to greet the driver in person, but he is really weak... Doctor Zhang said that my husband has been overdrawn during this time.
He lost his vitality. He originally had insufficient Qi and blood, but when he was emotional, the Qi and blood attacked the heart, which is why he became comatose. My husband has been given acupuncture to calm down the Qi and blood, and a prescription has been prescribed for him."
Emperor Deqing nodded and continued walking towards the Zhao Mansion.
Speaking of which, the last time Emperor Deqing came to the Zhao Mansion was to visit Zhao Junchen's condition, and that was already a year ago.
Zhao Junchen fell seriously ill twice within a year, which is not too strange, but the timing of these two illnesses was too coincidental.
Thinking of this, Emperor Deqing became more and more suspicious.
Emperor Deqing had a very good memory and still remembered the location of Zhao Junchen's bedroom. After entering the Zhao Mansion, he did not need anyone from the Zhao Mansion to lead the way and walked quickly towards Zhao Junchen's bedroom.
Soon, Emperor Deqing had arrived near Zhao Junchen's bedroom, and found that all the servants of the Zhao family nearby had serious expressions and were busy in a hurry.
At the same time, Emperor Deqing also smelled a strong smell of medicinal soup, and saw Zhang Decheng from a distance brewing the medicinal soup in a small stove.
Emperor Deqing turned to Wen Caining and asked: "Doctor Wen, can you tell what medicinal materials Zhang Decheng brewed?"
After Wen Caining sniffed the smell of the medicinal soup, he showed admiration and said: "Dendrobium, Panax notoginseng, mainly Astragalus... They are all medicinal materials that nourish the mind and replenish Qi, and the combination is just right. Dr. Zhang's medical skills are really extraordinary.
.”
Emperor Deqing nodded slightly, and then stepped into Zhao Junchen's bedroom.
Then, Emperor Deqing saw Zhao Junchen lying on the bed with a pale face and a weak expression. Now he was struggling to get up to greet Emperor Deqing.
Emperor Deqing walked quickly to Zhao Junchen's bed, but pushed Zhao Junchen back to the bed. His expression became more and more concerned, and said: "Since Junchen is unwell, there is no need to get up to greet him. Come on.
Just lie down and rest."
After Zhao Junchen lay down again, Emperor Deqing sighed softly: "After I received the news that you, Junchen, had passed out, I hurried to the Hubu Yamen to visit you. I didn't expect that you, Junchen, had already left the Hubu Department at that time, but you asked me to
I ran away in vain, and then rushed here again... Is Junchen's health feeling better?"
After several months, Emperor Deqing finally used the word "Junchen" to address Zhao Junchen again, and it seemed that the two men were no longer in harmony with each other.
On the side, Zhao Ying'er comforted Cui Qianxue, who was still sobbing, and interjected: "Yes, cousin, you don't know how worried your majesty was when he learned about your fainting! Alas, you have worked too hard during this time.
, you must have a good rest from now on."
Zhao Junchen's face was full of shame and he said in a trembling voice: "I am guilty! I am ashamed of your majesty's expectations! I originally wanted to help your majesty revitalize the household department, but I never thought that my body was so unsatisfactory and I had not done anything.
The results collapsed..."
When it came to the end, Zhao Junchen started crying, as if he was extremely ashamed.
Emperor Deqing secretly observed Zhao Junchen's reaction, but on the surface he remained calm and sighed: "It's my fault that I was negligent! Even though I knew you were in poor health, Junchen, I still gave you the responsibility of the household department. That's right.
I hurt you!"
Zhao Ying'er interrupted again: "Yes, Your Majesty, you must make up for your cousin..."
Emperor Deqing concentrated on talking to Zhao Junchen. Seeing Zhao Ying'er keep interrupting, he couldn't help but turned his head and warned Zhao Ying'er with his eyes. Zhao Ying'er's expression changed and she didn't dare to speak anymore.
Zhao Junchen didn't seem to notice all this at all, and just kept saying: "It's all because my body is useless, how can I blame your majesty!"
Emperor Deqing changed the topic and waved Wen Caining to Zhao Junchen's bed.
Then, Emperor Deqing said to Zhao Junchen: "Zhao Aiqing, I also know that you resent Imperial Doctor Wen for misdiagnosing your body during the court meeting today, but he is the head of the Imperial Hospital after all, so let him diagnose you again.
Come on, with his medical skills he will never misdiagnose you twice in a row! Let Dr. Wen and Dr. Zhang diagnose and treat you together, and I can feel more at ease."
Zhao Junchen glanced at Wen Caining, he seemed to still be a little resentful, but after all he did not dare to go against Emperor Deqing's attitude, and finally nodded slightly to agree.
Wen Caining was immediately overjoyed and quickly diagnosed Zhao Junchen.
After Wen Caining's diagnosis was completed, Emperor Deqing quickly asked: "Mr. Wen, how is Zhao Aiqing's condition?"
Wen Caining said with a solemn expression: "As I said at today's court meeting, Zhao Gechen's body is too weak and he must rest in time! But because Dr. Zhang gave Zhao Gechen the acupuncture in time, Zhao Gechen's Qi deficiency no longer surged.
"
Then, Wen Caining described Zhao Junchen's physical condition in detail.
And because of the matters discussed at court today, Wen Caining deliberately described Zhao Junchen's situation in a more serious way, for fear that Emperor Deqing would make him take the blame again.
Emperor Deqing did not notice any flaws, and a trace of disappointment flashed in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure and said to Zhao Junchen: "Oh, Junchen's condition is so serious, he really needs to rest for a while!
In the next month, Junchen, you can relax and recuperate. You don’t have to worry about the affairs of the Household Department anymore! I have already told the Household Department that when doing things in the future, the Department of Household Affairs will mainly serve those senior officials. Those senior household officials will be the main ones.
The officials of the Ministry have all followed Junchen for many years and have learned some of Junchen’s methods. I believe they can maintain the operation of the Ministry of Household Affairs."
These words of Emperor Deqing hinted to Zhao Junchen that he had made a preliminary compromise, saying that he had returned part of the power of the Ministry of Household Affairs to the "Zhao Party".
Zhao Junchen seemed to still not be aware of Emperor Deqing's deep intention, and just said: "That's good. Those old people in the Ministry of Revenue are indeed capable and will definitely do their best! Your Majesty, please rest assured and wait until the minister is well taken care of.
After I recover, I will go to the household department again to help the household department overcome the current difficulties."
These words were obviously Zhao Junchen's response, saying that the Household Department would keep running for some time in the future, and after he recovered his health, he would also help the Household Department solve problems.
After receiving Zhao Junchen's guarantee, Emperor Deqing nodded with a complicated expression. He was not only dissatisfied with his forced compromise, but also satisfied with Zhao Junchen's knowing how to advance and retreat.
In this way, after the emperor and his ministers made a secret deal, Emperor Deqing once again expressed his condolences to Zhao Junchen.
Then, Zhao Ying'er finally found an opportunity to express her concern. After she learned that Zhao Junchen's situation was not particularly serious, she secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Just when Emperor Deqing and Zhao Ying'er were condolences to Zhao Junchen, Fang Ru noticed Zhang Zhaodi in the corner, so she took the initiative to approach Zhang Zhaodi and chatted with Zhang Zhaodi in a low voice.
After about another time of burning incense, Emperor Deqing still found no sign to prove that Zhao Junchen's coma was just a disguise. Seeing that the fatigue on Zhao Junchen's expression became more and more obvious, he once again comforted Zhao Junchen with a few words.
, finally expressed his intention to return to the palace.
Seeing that Emperor Deqing was about to leave, everyone in the Zhao family came out to see him off.
Under the respectful greetings of everyone in the Zhao Mansion, Emperor Deqing and Zhao Ying'er left the Zhao Mansion, boarded the chariot again, and soon left far away.
After seeing Emperor Deqing leave, Fang Ru, Cui Qianxue and others finally breathed a sigh of relief, feeling that they had finally hidden the truth from Emperor Deqing.
However, Fang Ru and Cui Qianxue did not know that after Emperor Deqing left the Zhao Mansion in a chariot, he immediately ordered the eunuch Zhang De outside the chariot: "Send someone to tell Zhan Shanchang and ask him to find a way to find out about Zhao Junchen."
the real situation.”
Zhang De's eyes flashed and he quickly agreed respectfully.
*
However, in Zhao Junchen's bedroom, seeing Emperor Deqing finally leaving, and everyone in the room also leaving one after another, Zhao Junchen secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
All the events of this day have finally been dealt with.
While Zhao Junchen was secretly relaxing in his heart, a burst of exhaustion suddenly surged up in his body and mind.
This fatigue came so quickly and was so intense that Zhao Junchen couldn't hold on at all. He only felt dizzy and his eyelids couldn't help but close together.
"I can't sleep now. I just promised Qianxue that I want to try her craftsmanship today..."
"I have been away from the capital for more than three months. There are too many things here that need to be dealt with as soon as possible, and too much information that needs to be analyzed as soon as possible, but we cannot delay..."
"Also, how to completely regain the authority of the Ministry of Revenue in the next step also needs to be carefully planned..."
While Zhao Junchen was running through various thoughts in his mind, his head turned slower and slower, and he gradually closed his eyes, and his breathing soon became gentle.
Just like that, Zhao Junchen fell into a deep sleep.
Since this day, Zhao Junchen has been really tired. First he arrived in the capital in a hurry, then he had an intrigue with the seventh prince Zhu Hejian, then there were the court discussions and memorials in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, then there was the performance at the Hubu Yamen, and finally
It was to deal with Emperor Deqing's investigation.
Before he knew it, it was already evening, and Zhao Junchen had spent a whole day working hard.
Zhao Junchen's physical condition was not good during this period. After so many things, he was naturally exhausted again. Now he just felt a little more relaxed and couldn't help but fell into a deep sleep.
Zhao Junchen slept so deeply that even when Cui Qianxue and Fang Ru returned to the room with everyone in the Zhao family, they still could not wake him up.
Cui Qianxue and Fang Ru were shocked when they saw Zhao Junchen lying motionless on the bed with his eyes closed, but they soon heard the soft snoring between Zhao Junchen's mouth and nose.
Zhang Decheng walked to Zhao Junchen's bed, stretched out his hand to detect Zhao Junchen's breathing and pulse, turned to Cui Qianxue and Fang Ru, nodded and said: "Zhao Junchen is just asleep, and his health is not serious, but don't wake him up."
, he is too tired today, let him take this opportunity to have a good rest."
Seeing the tiredness on Zhao Junchen's sleeping face, Cui Qianxue felt a little regretful that Zhao Junchen could not fulfill his promise and taste his craftsmanship today, but she felt even more sorry for Zhao Junchen's hardship and overdraft during this period, nodded and sighed: "Yes
Ah, my husband is too tired, let him have a good rest."
After saying that, Cui Qianxue moved a stool and sat down in front of Zhao Junchen's bed, but she planned to stay here to take care of Zhao Junchen tonight.
Seeing Cui Qianxue's behavior, Fang Ru couldn't help but frown slightly, but after a moment of hesitation, she finally sighed as well, and then left the room with the others, taking away the gift she had just received.
Zhang Yu'er hurried here after hearing the news of Emperor Qing's departure.
After everyone left the room, Cui Qianxue tidied the bedding on Zhao Junchen's bed, then lay her upper body on Zhao Junchen's bed, and also gently closed her still red and swollen eyes.
…
I accidentally wrote 6,000 words, which could have been split into two chapters, but Chongzi thought about it and uploaded it just like that in order to keep the plot intact.
Today's status is not as good as yesterday, but I will still try my best to update.