Chapter 11: Diverting the trouble to others, fighting for the scapegoat who can bear this disaster...

So, this is the result of an argument that was not finished in the previous dynasty, and they are continuing it now.

Hu Gou'er was quite confident. "When Empress Dowager Ci'an passed away, even the Emperor mourned. The Jurchens and Joseon were so angry, but my Dayong is still doing well. The Emperor is a true filial son."

Empress Dowager Ci'an was the biological mother of the old emperor.

His eyes were filled with disdain, and he sneered, "I wonder where Lord Ming got the nerve to be so arrogant, even more precious than the Emperor? My Lords, officials concealing the death of their deceased father is despised by the people. If this gets out of hand, I wonder how much criticism will come out of it? By then, not to mention the southeast, even Dayong will be in chaos. How can you all be safe?"

"You..." Sun Zhidao was the first to stand up and pointed at Hu Gou'er, his hands shaking with anger. "You're talking nonsense, making up stories, how can this be justified..."

Zhou Min grabbed Sun Zhidao and said in a deep voice, "Why is Eunuch Hu so sure that Mingxuan is hiding his death? Local eunuchs are always overbearing in their work. Who knows if this is just your one-sided story?"

Qi Yuwei also stood up. "It's no secret that Mingxuan isn't the Ming family mistress's son, but his biological mother left the house and remarried before he could even remember. They haven't had any contact for decades. How did Eunuch Hu know this when even he, the son, doesn't know it? Could it be that he was planning to reveal it right now to cover up the fact that you sent eunuchs to Zhejiang?"

Zhao Changning was also somewhat curious. How did Hu Gou'er know this? And what did the eunuchs he sent do?

She understood in her heart that how could a group of scholars who had studied hard and climbed up the ladder be willing to be suppressed by a group of eunuchs?

"Your Majesty, I'm so sure because I have witness testimony." Hu Gou'er was quite well-mannered, not impatient or impatient. "Lord Ming was afraid that the incident in Zhejiang would become a big deal, so he dragged his feet and refused to observe the mourning period. He hoped to deceive your Majesty with his hard work, hoping for a lucky break, but the law is far-reaching..."

Sun Zhidao was so angry that he fell backwards. "Then Eunuch Hu should also explain why he concealed the memorial from the Zhejiang Provincial Governor. In Suichang, you..."

Gao Yun suddenly coughed.

The emperor suddenly spoke up at this moment, "The truth behind the Mingxuan incident is still unclear. We've argued in court for so long, but nothing has been clarified. Since you all insist on your own opinions, why not recommend someone to investigate this matter?"

However, everyone was arguing over the candidate.

The cabinet and several ministers recommended several people in succession, but they were all rejected one by one by Hu Gou'er. The candidates recommended by Hu Gou'er were also closely related to him, so they were naturally rejected by those adults.

After all, serving beside the emperor, Zhao Changning's perspective has long been different. Looking at the verbal sparring between the two sides, he gradually understood something.

What both sides are fighting for is not to find out the truth of the matter, but to find a scapegoat who can take the blame for this disaster.

And Mingxuan happens to be the outlet for the two sides to fight for power and profit.

It was just bad luck that he was caught by the braid.

Even if everyone says that Zhejiang should be stabilized first, the people are the most important, and other things can be discussed later, but after this incident, there will always be a day when the reckoning will come. Who can bear such a heavy responsibility?

Zhao Changning looked down as the other gentlemen kept on talking about the people, but never mentioned the disaster they had suffered, let alone how to stabilize the people of Zhejiang. Instead, they only accused the Imperial Household Department of bullying and flattering the superiors, and acting tyrannically.

When she figured this out, her gaze towards Hu Gouer changed.

To have gained the emperor's favor over the years, become an extremely powerful official, and have exchanges with people in the cabinet is no small feat.

She was also frightened and broke out in a cold sweat. If she and Hu Gou'er had not supported each other in the past few years and if she had not been coveted by him, she would probably have died without a burial place just because of the old emperor's favor that was like a attic in the sky.

Zhao Changning's heart was pounding, and he cursed himself for being stupid and confused all these years, completely unaware that the danger had already arrived.

When everyone was tired of arguing, someone would emerge from the side hall.

Zhao Changning glanced at the emperor and seeing that he had no objection, he stood up with a smile.

"My Lords, please take a break first, eat something and then discuss this matter."

She clapped her hands, and the palace maids came in one after another, each holding a lacquer tray with some fried cakes and rice cakes on it. In the other two large food boxes were bowls of tender egg custard and noodles, steaming hot, suitable for the old guys to eat.

Perhaps they were really hungry, so after thanking the emperor, everyone sat down and started eating obediently.

Zhao Changning also fed the emperor a bowl of egg custard.

Time unknowingly came to the hour of Si. The sixteen windows of the Qinzheng Hall were all filled with sunlight, and the only sound in the hall was the faint sound of spoons hitting bowls.

The emperor was also extremely tired, his cloudy eyes almost unable to open. He sighed and said in a hoarse voice, "Let Song Zongheng investigate. We are all officials in the same court, so don't argue and damage the harmony."

Gao Yun and others looked at each other and chose to agree.

Hu Gouer could only grit his teeth and agree.

Zhao Changning knew Song Zongheng. Everyone called him Song Zongxian. He served as the Left Censor-in-Chief, a doctor of the Imperial College, and a teacher in the Inner Academy. He was well-versed in ancient and modern knowledge, and was always fair and strict.

Since the emperor said so, the matter was settled. As for whether both parties were convinced or not, the emperor would just watch from the sidelines and see who would win the fight.

Although Zhao Changning didn't know much about political affairs in recent years, this was not the first time the emperor had done this.

The dark clouds in her heart gradually dissipated. It turned out that the emperor really liked to watch people fight. No wonder he was annoyed by her hopeless look. If she hadn't served him well, she would have turned into a handful of yellow earth long ago.

After listening to the quarrel for a whole morning, the emperor was indeed tired. After returning to his bedroom, he leaned weakly in Zhao Changning's arms, enjoying the delicate hands gently kneading his forehead.

"After listening for so long, have you figured out anything?" asked the old emperor.

Zhao Changning pursed his lips and said, "Your Majesty, I'm stupid and said something wrong. Please don't laugh at me."

Seeing the emperor's eyes closed, his expression calm, she boldly spoke, "The two sides are arguing endlessly, each wanting to kill the other. I've been wondering what kind of person Lord Ming is at the center of this vortex? If he truly concealed his death and is incompetent, causing unrest in Zhejiang, how will you deal with him, Your Majesty?"

The emperor said calmly, "Dayong's laws cannot be changed. We cannot avoid them rationally. We must deal with the matter on its own merits."

Zhao Changning nodded, not surprised.

"Your Majesty, I have another question. They have been fighting all this time, but no one has spoken up for the people. Dayong belongs to the emperor as well as the people. The people are all his subjects. Isn't this the most important thing? Even if someone wins today, it doesn't matter whether Lord Ming is doing his job sincerely. What about the people? Why doesn't anyone care?"

Upon hearing this, the emperor suddenly opened his eyes and murmured, "Who taught you that?"

Zhao Changning shook his head slightly, his clear eyes full of doubt, "Your Majesty, this is my own idea."

The emperor's expression began to soften, and his eyes showed some appreciation, but he soon closed his eyes again, and after a few breaths, he began to snore softly.

Zhao Changning carefully put the emperor down, covered him with a quilt, changed the basin of apples, and carefully left the bedroom.

Hu Gou'er must be very busy these days and has no time to argue with her in front of the emperor. She has to find a way to control him as soon as possible.

At this moment, she could no longer feel the hand behind her, and her whole heart was focused on completing the path set for her by the emperor as quickly as possible, even though she was still confused and didn't understand why.

She never thought that one day she would desire power.

When returning to his residence, he happened to meet the Fourteenth Prince who came to pay his respects.

The robust and handsome young man stood coldly under the locust tree with his hands behind his back. As usual, his whole body was decorated with extraordinary nobility and elegance. If it were not for the dragon-patterned pendant around his waist, one would really think he was a young man from a noble family.

"Fourteenth Prince? When did you return?" Zhao Changning stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "I've come at an inopportune time. The Emperor is tired and has gone to bed."

She was quite familiar with the Fourteenth Prince, so her words were a little more intimate.

"Changning, long time no see." The Fourteenth Prince asked, "Is Father in good health?"

Zhao Changning nodded gently, "The emperor is still the same, don't worry."

The Fourteenth Prince received the reply and turned to leave.

Zhao Changning suddenly called out to him, "Fourteenth Prince, I would like to ask you a question."

"You say." The Fourteenth Prince stopped.

Zhao Changning hesitated and asked, "Master Mingxuanming, is he a good person?"

The Fourteenth Prince was stunned for a moment, then thought for a moment and said, "A good man? Well, he built water conservancy projects in Zhejiang, punished bullies, and promoted talented people. He is very popular among the people."

Zhao Changning smiled and knelt, "Thank you, Fourteenth Master, for clearing up my doubts."

The Fourteenth Prince waved his hand and walked away.

After Zhao Changning returned to his residence, he saw Yun Sheng again and frowned, "Why do you always come here?"

Yunsheng rubbed his hands carefully. "Aunt, I ran errands for the Imperial Household Department several times this morning and also cleaned the front and back yards of the Qinzheng Palace. It took me four full hours. I only came here after my shift changed."

Zhao Changning looked at his sweaty forehead and suddenly thought of Yunhe, who was huddled in the cold. Her heart moved and she waved her hand, "Help me do something."

Without waiting for Yunsheng to speak, she shouted inside, "Xiaoshun, bring over the winter coat that Xiaozhi hasn't worn yet."

Xiao Shun came out nagging, "Auntie, this coat is so thick, he doesn't even want to wear it, what are you going to do with it?"

Zhao Changning threw the winter coat into Yunsheng's arms and said, "Give it to Yunhe and tell her it's from me."

Xiao Shun opened his mouth wide.

"Yes, aunt, I will definitely send it there." Yunsheng was happy, but then he looked hesitant and shy.

Zhao Changning is such a smart person, he definitely knows what he wants to do.

"Xiao Bian has already gone to deliver the medicine. Don't worry, I'll ask someone to look after Yun Pei."

Yunsheng said "Hey" happily, then walked away with a smile, holding the coat.

Seeing that he had no idea of ​​sorrow and didn't even know how to write about death, Zhao Changning gradually calmed down and his goal became clearer.

Although she still hadn't figured out why the emperor, who was above all others, wanted to borrow her hand, she didn't want to get involved in things that she shouldn't be involved in for no reason.

She was just a palace maid serving in front of the emperor. When fighting with Hu Gou'er, it would be best to divert the trouble to someone else and kill someone with a borrowed knife.

Now, there are a few suitable knives.

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