Chapter 542 Emperor Chongping: The tree wants to be quiet but the wind doesn’t stop
Wuying Hall, Xinuang Pavilion.
Jia Heng returned to his residence and had just put the map down on the table when he saw a familiar cold voice coming from the direction of the screen not far behind him.
"Sir, are you done with your work?" Princess Xianning walked over with a look of surprise on her beautiful face.
Jia Heng looked back at Princess Xianning, smiled and said, "Your Highness, are we going to the Prince of Wei's residence now?"
Princess Xianning caught the word "we", her bright eyes flashed, and she said softly: "Sir, the carriage is ready, let's set off now."
Princess Xianning glanced at Jia Heng and asked: "I just heard from the palace that when you came back, your husband had a conflict with Duke Li and the Wang family of Xining County?"
"Your Highness just saw it?" Jia Heng looked stunned and asked in surprise.
"I saw that it was almost noon, so I went to the Hanyuan Hall to look for Mr., and saw from a distance that Mr. had an argument with a few people from the Military Aircraft Department." As Princess Xianning spoke, she stepped forward with a breath like orchid.
Like the fragrance of musk deer, the cold voice is like melting ice and snow flowing over rocks, clear and sweet: "Sir, can you talk to me?"
Jia Heng pondered for a moment and said: "It's still a deduction based on the situation in Henan."
After thinking for a while, he briefly told the story to Princess Xianning.
Princess Xianning's crystal clear face showed a look of serious thought as she said: "Sir's concerns are not unreasonable. In recent years, the military discipline of the army has been loose and their combat effectiveness is low. According to Mr.'s deduction, Henan's army will use several guards and horses to suppress it.
There is no advantage and it is easy to be defeated by thieves and bandits. If the officers and soldiers are defeated, the consequences will be really disastrous."
Jia Heng nodded and said: "Since there is no other military intelligence evidence, let's wait a few days to see the urgent military intelligence dispatch from Henan."
"But after such a delay, will it be too late for the imperial court to dispatch troops and generals again?" Princess Xianning asked worriedly.
Jia Heng said: "It's too late, but it's just that the fire is raging. If you want to put it out, the price you have to pay is even greater."
Princess Xianning's beauty changed slightly, she pursed her lips and said, "But my father has other ministers, so I don't trust your judgment now."
Jia Heng nodded and said: "It is normal for the Holy One not to believe it. After all, there is no real evidence. It is just based on my words. In addition, the cabinet and the Military Aircraft Department do not agree. I think it is just unfounded worries."
Princess Xianning looked at the young man with her eyes fixed on the moon, and said in a clear voice: "It is said in ancient books that when a leaf falls, the age is approaching. I think the situation that the gentleman inferred from these clues is very likely to happen.
It cannot be said that it has already happened, but the military situation is delayed and is still on the way."
Jia Heng said: "That's happening right now, but..."
Princess Xianning frowned and said, "What do you plan to do, sir?"
Jia Heng shook his head and said: "You can't do anything. Just treat it like nothing happened. Because without the consent of the Holy Emperor, you can't mobilize any soldiers. You can only ask the Jinyi Mansion to pay close attention to the trends in Henan.
Is there any military information coming?"
Even if the letter is sent by flying pigeons, the detectives from Henan will always go to visit, which will take three to five days. There is also a problem of time delay here.
Princess Xianning said: "But since Sir thinks that his inference is correct, how can he treat it as if nothing happened?"
The girl really couldn't understand it.
Jia Heng looked at the cold and pretty girl and said, "That's what His Highness said."
In the first stage, it is announced that nothing has happened. In the second stage, something has happened and maybe we should not take action. In the third stage, we may need to take action, but we can’t do anything. In the fourth stage, it would have been nice if we could have done something at the beginning.
Unfortunately it's too late.
Princess Xianning said: "Sir."
Jia Heng said: "Okay, let's not talk about this for now. Your Highness, let's go to the palace of Prince Wei now."
Princess Xianning nodded, agreeing, and then the two of them left the West Nuan Pavilion of Wuying Hall and headed outside the palace.
It was already noon in mid-spring, and the horse-drawn carriage with hairpins and phoenix patterns, accompanied by the guards and the eunuch's retinue, drove through the streets paved with bluestones.
On both sides of the street, vendors began to shout.
"Tanghulu, candied haws~"
"Baozi, steaming hot, freshly steamed buns~"
“Stewed wontons, stewed wontons with thin skin and lots of meat~”
Rows upon rows of restaurants with rafters and thatched beam structures have windows with red paint on them. Diners wearing long coarse cloths and square scarves clink porcelain bowls against each other and drink wine.
In the cloth and satin shop, the woman in Jingchai's sarong held the hand of a young child. The child looked at a farmer carrying candied haws on his shoulders and shouted for the candied haws, but was dragged away by the cash-strapped woman. The little boy pouted.
He opened his mouth, his chubby little face full of dismay.
A father and son drove a donkey cart through the bustling crowd towards a restaurant. Black porcelain wine jars were tied to the cart with finger-thick hemp ropes, and they carried two short bundles of dry firewood.
The shirt woodcutter also stopped in the restaurant alley, discussing the price with the silk shirt shopkeeper, weighing the small half bucket of copper coins and muttering dissatisfiedly.
Jia Heng watched with relish. The spring sunshine at the end of February was bright and not dazzling. At the entrance of the alley with high green walls, a beggar with a dark face covered by the brim of a felt hat put the stick aside and put one hand behind his back as if scratching an itch.
.
When the weather warms up, there are more lice.
Jia Heng lifted up the curtains of the car window and looked out. He was in a daze. He felt that after leaving the strict palace, the prosperity and bustle of Chongping for fifteen years suddenly came to his eyes.
The spring sunshine fell through the bamboo curtains on the clear face of the young man in python suit. His expression was quiet, and it slanted under the sword-shaped eyebrows on the temples. His eyes, which were like paint, flickered, and he didn't know what he was thinking.
Perhaps because of the sunlight, the cold demeanor in the past softened a bit. Princess Xianning's eyes were dazed for a moment, and a blush appeared on her cheeks. She asked, "What are you looking at, sir?"
She didn't know what her husband was looking at, but she was peeking at him.
Jia Heng lowered the curtains on the car window, turned his head, stared at the girl with a beautiful face, bright eyes and white teeth, and smiled and said: "Looking at the people in Chang'an City, the weather has become much warmer these days, and there are more people in the streets.
A lot of it, lively and lively.”
Princess Xianning's clear eyes reflected a boy who was one or two years younger than herself. She was also infected by the clean and clear smile and said: "It's already mid-spring. Chanyue told me the other day that the Xishan Villa
The peach blossoms are all blooming, so we made an appointment to have a look... Well, sir, he is often busy in the Yamen and the palace writing documents, why don't you go out for a walk?"
Jia Heng smiled and said, "Maybe I'll go out for a walk these days. I've been busy, so I want to go out for a walk."
Princess Xianning took the orange from the side, peeled the orange peel, and asked: "Since sir is still worried about Henan, why don't you talk to your father again?"
"It's just speculation now. There's nothing to say." Jia Heng's eyes narrowed and he said: "Your Highness, you don't have to worry about me. Even if the situation gets really bad, the soldiers from the Beijing camp will be able to enter Henan to clean up the mess."
Princess Xianning pursed her pink lips and said softly: "Then I won't cause trouble for you, sir. Please eat the orange."
Then he handed a peeled orange to Jia Heng.
She originally wanted to speak to her father, but now that she was thinking about it, it was not appropriate and had the opposite effect.
"Your Highness, maybe my speculations are all unfounded. Nothing happened in Henan." Jia Heng took the orange and touched the girl's skin with his fingertips. Without lingering, he opened the orange petals, pinched one and put it in his mouth to eat.
It tastes luscious in the mouth.
Princess Xianning's eyes fell on the face of the young man chewing an orange, and she said firmly: "I still believe your husband's inference."
"Then I would like to thank Your Highness for your trust." Jia Heng nodded, took another orange segment and put it into his mouth, then smiled to himself and said: "Your Highness, this orange is very sweet, why not try it?"
Princess Xianning smiled and said, "Really? Then I'll try it too."
Jia Heng broke open half an orange and handed it over.
Princess Xianning took it, picked up a piece and chewed it in her mouth. The juice on her pink lips was shining brightly, and her bright eyes under her willow eyebrows curved into crescents. She said happily: "Sir, it is quite sweet."
"Really?" Jia Heng said with a smile, and then the two of them ate oranges.
After being quiet for a while, Jia Heng suddenly said: "In the past few days, I have to go to the Beijing camp to train troops. I'm afraid I won't be able to accompany your highness to see the peach blossoms in the Xishan Villa."
No matter what, he would first stay in the capital camp, and when something happened, he could send troops to Henan to help. He would even have to make some appropriate arrangements in the past few days.
According to the fall of Kaifeng Mansion and the critical situation in Luoyang, he needed to mobilize his cavalry to rush to Luoyang as soon as possible. Even if he could not mobilize troops in advance, he could make some other intelligence and baggage preparations.
"Don't be in a hurry, sir, just be busy with business. When nothing happens, we can go see it together with you." Princess Xianning picked up the orange again and put it in her mouth, chewing it slowly, the juice of the orange spread in her mouth, and it was sweet to the bottom of her heart.
, she felt that she had never tasted such sweet oranges in her life.
Jia Heng nodded and said: "Let's wait for the news from Henan. If the situation is calm within half a month, then accompany the princess to have a look. By the way, the peach blossoms in Xishan Villa should not wither by then.
?”
When Princess Xianning heard this, her face was startled, and her heart skipped a beat. For some reason, she always felt that these words had an unexplainable meaning. She thought about it and chuckled: "Sir, the peach blossoms were blooming at that time.
She is in her prime and beauty."
If her husband's conclusion is wrong, she will accompany him to see the peach blossoms, which is also very good.
Jia Heng took the handkerchief, wiped his mouth and said no more.
After driving for a while, the carriage was turning in circles, and the female official Zhixia said outside: "Your Highness, we have arrived."
The residence of the King of Wei is located in Kanglefang, Shenjing. It occupies a vast area, with a majestic gate tower and a deep inner courtyard. Under the tall archway, it is already decorated with lights and colors, and guards and servants are hugging each other.
The door was crowded with guests, and the carriages and horses were flowing.
As the eldest son of the current queen, King Chen Ran of Wei could even be said to have a high probability of becoming the crown prince of the Han Dynasty in the future. Many officials in the capital who wanted to attach themselves to him sent their family members to give him gifts.
Hearing that Jia Heng and Princess Xianning had arrived, King Chen Ran of Wei and his uncle Song Jing had already welcomed them out of the gate. They looked at the two people who were coming from the carriage and said with a smile: "Zi Yu, my dear sister, why are you here now?"
After a while, Liang Wang Chen Wei and Qinghe Princess Li Chanyue also came to welcome them.
"Fifth sister." Liang Wang Chen Wei called with a smile, and looked at Jia Heng who was accompanying him carefully, "Master Jia is here too."
Li Chanyue also sweetly called "Sister Xianning", and then stepped forward to hold Princess Xianning's arm.
Jia Heng nodded towards King Liang, looked at King Wei, and said with a chuckle: "Your Highness, I came in a hurry and didn't bring any gifts. Please forgive me."
At this moment, I suddenly realized that I had left in a hurry with Princess Xianning and had not prepared any gifts for King Wei.
"As long as Mr. Ziyu can come, it doesn't matter whether you have a gift or not." Wei Wang Chen Ran had a slight smile on his fair face, and his eyes were eager.
Princess Xianning also reacted at this moment and said with a smile: "I didn't remind you just now. Brother Wei Wang, isn't it too late to prepare the gifts now?"
When Wei King Chen Ran heard this, he pretended to be angry and said: "Fifth sister, what gift do you want from my family?"
When Princess Xianning heard this, her bright eyes narrowed and her heart skipped a beat.
What does it mean to be one's own family...
At this time, Song Jing greeted him with a smile and said: "Ziyu, this is not the place to talk. Let's talk first when we enter the room."
There was nothing unusual about this Song Guojiu being sent by the Ministry of Internal Affairs before. In other words, even if he had any idea, he couldn't blame Jia Heng.
And just when Jia Heng went to the Wei Palace for a banquet——
In the palace garden and at the gate of the palace, with the last "forty" of the Jinyi Colonel, the leader of the Jinyi Trial Hundreds waved his hands to his subordinates.
The two captains in Jinyi raised their sticks and stood up with expressionless faces. The clothes on Jin Xiaoyu's legs under the sticks were soaked with blood.
But the prince of Xining County, a disciple of the general, was stunned and did not let out a groan of pain.
At this moment, in the distance, some officials from the Six Ministries and the Yamen were gathered around, passing by the palace gate and pointing.
Military aircraft driver, First Class Liu Fang, the grandson of Li Guogong Liu Biao, was sweating profusely and his face was pale. At this moment, he was suffering from pain in his buttocks and legs. There was sweat on his forehead. He raised his neck and looked coldly at the brocade clothes tester.
household.
Shi Guangzhu, the grandson of Duke Niu and a first-class general of the army, quickly stepped forward to help Liu Fang, frowning and said: "Brother Liu, let's go see the doctor now."
Liu Fang waved her hand and saw the green-robed civil servant not far away who was looking at the bustle. She said loudly: "I'm fine. Jia Heng's children are so whimsical that their suggestions were reprimanded by the Holy One, but they took it out on me! I don't accept it, I don't accept it!"
"
The jailer, Jin Yi Shi Bai Hu, looked indifferent and glanced at some green-robed officials who had gathered from the six yamen to watch the excitement, and said: "Liu Fang and Jin Xiaoyu blocked them, cursed the military minister, roared about the palace ban, Jin Yi Commander
I ordered the staff to retaliate and set a warning to others. Why don't you go back now and shut yourself up to think about your mistakes and reflect on yourself?"
Jin Xiaoyu was beaten forty times and almost fainted from the pain. Mu Sheng on the side quickly helped him and persuaded him: "Brother Jin, why do you think you are going through this?"
After all, Jin Xiaoyu was the eldest son of Dongping County Prince, and he had a second-class title. Strictly speaking, his title was even higher than that of Jia Heng.
If Captain Jinyi hadn't cared about how many people were honorable, these forty sticks would have almost beaten people to death if they were struck down hard.
But even though he was able to save some of his hand, Jin Xiaoyu's skin was torn and the pain was unbearable.
The humiliation in my heart is even more unspeakable. He is the heir apparent of Xining County and being scolded by Jia Heng, who is several years younger than him. This is simply the greatest humiliation in his life!
Suddenly at this moment, there was a sound of whips at the end of the street, and two carriages came from a distance, one after the other. It was Mrs. Sun, the mother of Liu Fang, the old lady of the Liu family, and Mrs. Cheng, the wife of Jin Xiaoyu, who had received the news.
Sun, who is over sixty years old, was originally the cousin aunt of Yan Ye, Prince of Nan'an County. Supporting Sun was a woman in her early thirties, Liu Fang's wife Tang, who was Ma Shang, the third-class Weiyuan general.
My cousin, the four princes and eight princes in this family often have marriages, and they call each other old relatives all the time, so it hurts to pull my ears and cheeks.
Seeing Liu Fang's miserable condition, Liu's mother cried: "My son, what's wrong with you?"
At this time, Jin Xiaoyu's wife, Mrs. Cheng, also got off the carriage with the support of the maid, with a look of panic on her face, and called: "Husband."
Mrs. Cheng did not come from a prince, but from a wealthy family in Xining Prefecture. When she saw her husband, she ignored her maid's support and rushed towards him, saying: "Husband, how could this be beaten so badly? Who did it?
"
It can be said that Jia Heng's move relieved his anger, but it also offended the Liu family and the Jin family, Duke Li and the king of Xining County.
Jin Xiaoyu gritted his teeth and made a weak voice, saying: "Who else could it be? Jia Heng from Ningguo!"
Liu Fang's mother slammed her cane, and the hairpin in her silver hair was shaking, and said: "I will go to the palace to see the Queen. You can't bully people like this."
Mu Sheng thought for a while and advised: "Old lady, Uncle Liu argued with Jia Ziyu in the forbidden palace and gave him a reason. At this time, the news of Uncle Liu's punishment has probably reached the imperial court. Even if the old man
Taijun asked to go to the queen..."
Some words are difficult to say, but the meaning of the admonition is self-evident. Even if you ask the Queen, it will not be of any use.
Liu Fang's mother, Sun, said forcefully: "Not only do I want to see the queen, but I also want to go to the Rongguo Mansion to argue. The Jia family has made a fortune, and now there is a great person in the Ningguo Mansion! With a little power, it will be small."
People succeed!"
Speaking angrily, he ordered his servants to help Liu Fang to treat his injuries, and at the same time, accompanied by the maid and the nanny, he walked towards the palace gate, intending to find Empress Song to report Jia Heng.
"This matter is not over yet!" Jin Xiaoyu looked ugly and shouted, then with the help of his wife Cheng, he got into a carriage.
However, Liu Fang's mother, Mrs. Sun, had just walked to the palace gate when she saw several eunuchs coming from the direction of the palace gate. The leader was wearing a red robe and a black mountain crown. He was the prime minister of the Ming Dynasty.
Dai Quan looked at the angry Liu Fang's mother, Sun, and blocked the way with a smile, saying: "Old lady, please stay."
When Liu Fang's mother, Sun, saw this, her face changed slightly and asked, "Eunuch Dai, what do you mean?"
Because during festivals and festivals, the palace rewards nobles with gifts, Dai Quan also conveys the order, and Mrs. Gaoming went to the palace to meet the two palaces, and she had seen Quan's eunuch before, so Sun knew Dai Quan.
Dai Quan said: "Your Majesty said before that Liu and Jin were rude to the Minister of Military and Aircraft. The Commander-in-Chief in Jinyi reprimanded them, but they still didn't know how to restrain themselves. The Commander-in-Chief in Jinyi then ordered the Captain in Jinyi to punish them with a stick. The old lady, your Majesty, this
I just had lunch with the Queen, and I will take a nap later. Your Majesty didn't get a lot of sleep because of the state affairs. Are you sure that the old lady really wants to disturb the Holy An at this moment?"
Emperor Chongping received the report from Jinyi and knew that there was still trouble between the two of them, so he sent Dai Quan to clean up Jia Heng's troubles.
Liu Fang's mother, Sun, felt her heart sink and asked, "I want to ask, did Jia Heng deliberately spread anger on Fang'er because of official business at the Military Aircraft Department?"
Dai Quan said: "Old lady, this is nonsense! Jin and Liu are indeed rude, as the guards in royal robes can testify. However, considering their first offense, Your Majesty has sent the imperial doctor from the imperial hospital to your residence.
Diagnose and treat the injuries of the two people."
Upon hearing this, Liu Fang's mother, Sun, saluted in the direction of Daming Palace and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your consideration."
Liu Fang's wife Tang, who was on the side, saw the situation and whispered: "Mother, go back and help our husband treat his injuries."
"You go with me to Rongguo Mansion and have a good talk with Mrs. Rongguo." After all, Liu Fang's mother, Mrs. Sun, was afraid of the palace and did not dare to be stubborn anymore. She planned to go to Rongguo Mansion to find Jia Mu for an explanation.
After Liu Fang's mother Sun left, Dai Quan secretly shook his head and returned to Kunning Palace to resume his life.
In Kunning Palace, beside the round table, Emperor Chongping put down his chopsticks, took the handkerchief handed by Empress Song, wiped his mouth, picked up the fragrant tea, and lowered his head to sip the tea.
"Your Majesty, will Jia Ziyu, the king of Xining County, and Liu Fang from Liguo's family be okay?" Empress Song's snow-white face was full of worry.
In fact, it is also a test to see if the mind of the supreme being in front of the world has weakened a little towards Jia Heng's holy family.
Emperor Chongping looked indifferent, put down his bowl, and said: "It doesn't matter if young people are competitive. The prince of Xining County may have a grudge against Zi Yu, but he will not complain to the prince of Xining County."
The emperor brought the Dongping and Xining families to Beijing with the original intention of winning over the two families' forces, and the two families wanted to be hostages because they wanted to understand what was better for them.
Empress Song's beautiful eyes were filled with autumn waves under her willow-leaf slender eyebrows, and she said softly: "Your Majesty, they didn't see eye to eye before. Now that they are working together in the same office, it is inevitable that they will bump into each other. They often argue over conflicts of temperament.
Being afraid of the country is a disaster rather than a blessing. Of course, this is the view of some women who are my concubines."
As Empress Song spoke, she suddenly realized that it was inappropriate for her to express opinions on political affairs, and quickly added a layer of BUFF to herself.
Emperor Chongping muttered: "Ziyu is upright and unyielding, so he will not suffer any loss."
He has also considered this, but he doesn't know how to deal with it yet.
Empress Song said "hmm" and said no more. She picked up the teapot and poured a cup for Emperor Chongping. The green bracelet on Rushuanghao's wrist condensed dewdrops in the moisture.
"Zitong." Emperor Chongping suddenly called out amid the sound of tea coming out of the pot.
"What's wrong, Your Majesty?" Queen Song asked, handing the filled tea cup to Emperor Chongping, her clear and crystal phoenix eyes seemed to blink, with a clear look of curiosity, which made this beautiful woman who gave birth to two sons
A little more agile and childlike.
"Actually, I still have some doubts about what Zi Yu said..." Emperor Chongping pondered for a moment, and then told the Empress of Song exactly what had just been discussed.
He was disappointed in his heart, but since Jia Heng had almost never made a miscalculation in the past, Emperor Chongping suddenly felt a little doubtful.
But even the Military Aircraft Department does not agree with it. Could it be said that the civil and military affairs of the Manchu Dynasty were not as good as Jia Ziyu?
Moreover, he himself said that everything is based on the situation.
After hearing this, Empress Song pursed her rosy lips and said, "Your Majesty, I don't know anything about military matters. But since Ziyu is just talking about deductions, I think it's a good intention to prepare for a rainy day. Your Majesty shouldn't be too harsh."
"I'm not harsh." Emperor Chongping frowned. He was silent for a moment, then waved his hand and said, "It's better to wait for the military report from Henan in a few days."
At this time, the eunuch came in and reported, "Your Majesty, Eunuch Dai is back."
Not long after, Dai Quan bowed into the palace and reported to Emperor Chongping: "Your Majesty, the old lady of the Liu family wanted to come to see the Queen, but she has been persuaded to go back by her servants. However, the old lady of the Liu family said that she would go to Rongguo Mansion to find Rongguo.
The madam asks for an explanation."
The following words are both a test and a kind of support. This is the benefit of Jia Heng's courtesy. At first, Eunuch Dai did not help much in Yuanchun's departure from the palace, so Jia Heng still sent money.
When Emperor Chongping heard this, his face was gloomy and uncertain. For some reason, he felt agitated and said, "What kind of explanation are you asking for? Liu Fang was reckless and rude. She cursed military aircraft in the palace and was fined half a year's salary."
In fact, this kind of irritability is exactly the result of a slight disappointment, which is a very subtle psychology.
Dai Quan looked startled, cupped his hands and said, "I obey the order."
Seeing Emperor Chongping's gloomy face, Empress Song took Emperor Chongping's hand with concern and said softly: "Your Majesty."
Emperor Chongping's face was gloomy, his eyes were dark and clear, and he murmured: "There are always people who think they are smart, Zitong. In the past few days, I think there have been many memorials to impeach Jia Ziyu sent to the General Affairs Department."
"Your Majesty, that's not the case, is it?" Queen Song opened her mouth slightly, a look of surprise appeared in her beautiful eyes, she pinched her handkerchief, and her heart was filled with a haze.
Emperor Chongping said calmly: "The tree wants to be quiet but the wind doesn't stop."
Jia Heng is his pawn to check and balance Xungui, and cannot be shaken.
And he suddenly remembered that someone might not only want to impeach Jia Heng, but might also make a big fuss about the conflict between Jia Heng and Jin Liu to shake the status of the Military Aircraft Department.
In fact, this is also an emperor's intuition about the direction of the court situation, which is very similar to Jia Heng's intuition about the war situation.
