Zhu Yunwen met Queen Ma in the palace, and as expected, there was not much of an atmosphere of reunion after a long absence. Queen Ma sued Zhou Mengxiong when they met, saying that his daughter Zhou Mengxiong said everything to Yao Ji. Zhu Yunwen obviously didn't care much about this.
, but the fat eunuch Cao Shen on the side seemed to be a little concerned, and his drooped head lifted up for a moment.
Jianwen is still concerned about the incident of Prince Wenkui. Two days ago, Minister Guo Jie secretly reported that there were rumors that the Prince had been secretly murdered by King Xiang (Zhang Ning).
Such rumors are unfounded and far from credible, but Zhu Wenkui has been missing for several months, and there is no news at all. Even Song He and others around him have not returned with a single word. The reality is in front of us, and we have to let people know.
There are many suspicions; at this time, there are rumors about Guo Jie's secret performance, which is more likely to attract attention than usual.
Zhang Ning's suspicion stems from the same reasoning: if the prince was captured by the government, he could do it openly and there would be no need to cover up anyone's eyes. News should have come out long ago; but if it was Zhang Ning who did it, he would keep it a secret and would never
Dare to make it public to the world. People don’t say it, but all the monarchs and ministers who are used to political affairs all think in their hearts that it would be good for Zhang Ning if the prince dies. He can legitimately have the title of inheriting the throne, not to mention the two
The brothers have not seen each other since they were young and have a weak emotional foundation. This is the motive. Secondly, Zhang Ning also has the conditions and opportunities. He supported Wen Kui by sending a batch of arms and craftsmen when he started the army. He had enough opportunities to plant his confidants to control the prince's movements... so I believe
In comparison, it would be much easier for Zhang Ning to attack Wen Kui than the imperial officials.
Zhu Yunzhen clearly stated that he could not enter and leave the Chu Palace at will, but he still knew a lot of things. Because the people in the Xiangwang Group were unwilling to make the reality of house arrest too obvious, a group of ministers could easily enter and exit the palace, including Zheng Qia, Guo Jie, and
The missing Song and these people were often out and about.
...Zhu Yunwen talked absentmindedly to Queen Ma for a while. After a while, a eunuch entered the Nuan Pavilion, bent forward and whispered a few words in his ear. Zhu Yunwen immediately asked: "Where is he?"
Queen Ma was a little unhappy: "Is there something that you have to hide even from me?"
The eunuch did not dare to speak, so he had to bury his head. Zhu Yunwen said: "Xueshi Zheng is back. I have something important to do. I will go see him first. Madam lives in this palace. If you need anything, just give instructions to the servants. Cao Shen and others are here
He's an old person, you recognize him."
He turned to the eunuch who had just come in and said, "Go and send a message. Take Academician Zheng to the side hall of Huang'en Palace to wait. I will be there shortly."
Zhu Yunwen looked down and saw that he was wearing a linen monk's robe. Although it was not formal, he was still visible to others. There was no preparation on either side, so he immediately got up and went over to meet Zheng Qia.
He went to a side hall on the west side of the Huang'en Palace to see Zheng Qia. He saw Zheng Qia with a sallow face and a thin and worn appearance. He seemed to be in a hurry just after arriving in Wuchang. The emperor and his ministers met with Li first, but Zheng Qia did not speak. Zhu Yunwen understood and hurriedly walked around him.
The two eunuchs also sent away.
Zheng Qia then handed a letter to Zhu Yunwen and said: "The news came from Wang Gou'er, the chief seal of the Supervisor of Ceremonies, personally. The prince was among the captured soldiers in Jiangxi. After the captain of the Jinyi Guards found out his identity, he kept it secret.
Soon after, Wang Gouer was ordered to send Dongchang's secret envoy to Jiangxi to take away the prince and escort him to the imperial prison in the capital via Sichuan. Then he sent the Jinyi Guards to spread rumors in various ways. All this was planned by Yang Rong, the Minister of War, mainly.
Participating members include Yang Rong, Hu Ying, Yang Lin (Sihai)..."
"Guo Jie did report two days ago, and I heard rumors everywhere." Zhu Yunwen said with a solemn expression, "What do Yang Rong and others want?"
This news immediately made Zhu Yunwen believe it at least seven points, firstly because it was Wang Gouer's secret news, and secondly because the names of the people involved in the plan were mentioned in very detailed terms, and it was no different from the real thing.
Zheng Qia continued: "To put it simply, it is a divorce plan. Yang Rong and others simply saw an opportunity in the prince's revolt, intending to use this to create a gap between the emperor, his ministers and his son, so that Huguang would fall into civil strife, and then take advantage of the opportunity to attack.
"
Zhu Yunwen's sadness and pain were temporarily relieved. As a father, he really didn't want to see and believe his sons killing each other; especially when Wen Kui was killed, it would be easier if Zhang Ning was killed.
Zhu Yunwen's palm slapped his thigh three or four times in succession, his actions revealing his turbulent heart, "Like father, like son. Zhu Zhanji is as kind-hearted as his grandfather."
Zheng Qiadao: "Not only that, Yang Rong and others should also have a plan, but Wang Gouer doesn't know it yet without being the Supervisor of Ceremonies. We just need to be careful and take precautions."
Zhu Yunwen fell into deep thought, as if he was pondering the ins and outs of this matter.
At this time, Zheng Qia clasped his fists again and said, "I dare to say that for the sake of the prince's safety, the emperor should personally authorize Wang Gou'er to use the convenience of the ceremonial supervisor to try to rescue the prince."
Zhu Yunwen said: "No matter how powerful the Chief of Ceremonies holds the seal, how can he secretly take away important people from the imperial prison in such a secret way?"
"As long as Wang Gou'er arranges it properly and takes the prince away immediately after taking away the person, there is still a good chance." Zheng Qia paused for a long time, and then said softly, "Wang Gou'er has been in the court for more than 20 years.
He has done a lot for us over the years, maybe it’s time to recruit him back?”
Zheng Qia's words were gentle and pleasant, but they also contained another meaning: Wang Gou'er has been away from Emperor Jianwen for more than 20 years, is he completely trustworthy? Let Wang Gou'er do the last thing, and then...
Come back; as long as he is willing to give up the glory and wealth in front of him, his loyalty will still be reliable. In such a major matter, Zheng Qia felt that it was necessary to test it.
But I wonder if Jianwen understands what Zheng Qia means, and Zheng Qia is not a person who is willing to speak too harshly. He has always adhered to the style of a gentleman, and he is very concerned about rumors of slander behind his back... so he is unwilling to speak directly.
Said: Wang Gouer is not reliable, we cannot trust him completely!
Therefore, Zheng Qia planned to give a hint first to see the effect. If the emperor understood it, there would be no need to be verbose; if it didn't work, he would find another opportunity to speak tactfully.
Zhu Yunwen raised his hand, clapped it heavily on his leg, and muttered: "Isn't it a bit risky to suddenly recruit Wang Gou'er back... How to deal with it if he disobeys orders? Besides, it's really a bit difficult to do so..."
"You can only see what he will do after issuing the decree." Zheng Qia sighed slightly.
Zhu Yunwen shook his head and said: "This matter cannot be acted upon rashly. It requires long-term consideration from multiple parties and will be discussed later."
Zheng Qia had no choice but to bow: "Your Majesty's concern is very true. However, the traitorous officials in the puppet government may indeed be plotting at the moment. How should we deal with it?"