Chapter 35: Rain. Since we have different positions and parties, then no one will...

Plop——

He Zhile sat firmly opposite Pei Ji, with his hands placed on his lower abdomen, and his body turned sideways so that he was not facing him. There was a small table between them, and it seemed as if there was a Milky Way between them.

Even the sulking was particularly clear.

"What's wrong? I've already driven her away, but you're still not happy?" Pei Ji poked his slightly bulging cheek. The soft touch made him reluctant to let go.

He Zhiliao changed his posture again and turned his back to him. It was obvious who he was angry with.

Pei Ji smiled helplessly, it turned out to be his fault again.

"It's not my fault that someone else is interested in me, is it?" He carefully leaned over and poked the angry little mute, "Tell me, is it right?"

He Zhiliao was depressed and said nothing.

If I really want to blame someone...it’s not Xu Xinran’s fault, nor is it Pei Ji’s fault. He doesn’t know what to think, but he just feels uncomfortable.

but--

【ah? ? ? 】

You actually know that she likes you?

Pei Ji tilted his head slightly, "I can definitely feel it, but she's different from you. You always look at me with such eagerness and sincerity that I always feel a tingling sensation all over my body."

He Zhiliao's face turned red again instantly.

"Don't be angry with me. What do others have to do with us? Just remember that we are husband and wife. You and I are the closest people in the world. There is no one else except you." Pei Ji said to him softly.

Although it is not a vow, it is more firm than a vow.

He Zhiliao certainly believed him. Even if Pei Ji really did not keep his promise in the future, he would not bear any resentment.

It is rare in this world to have such a thoughtful attitude at this moment.

With the guidance and example of his parents-in-law, he believed in Pei Ji.

However, Xu Xinran's true feelings were completely invisible when she was out in public. She always appeared gentle and kind, and there had never been any rumors about her. She was not as well-known as the Seventh Prince.

Therefore, he did not realize the other party's intention at the beginning, but he almost let the wolf into the house. Fortunately, Pei Ji was particularly perceptive.

Thinking about it this way, it's no wonder that my mother looked a little strange yesterday. I think she understood the whole story just from his few words, but seeing that he was still confused, she wanted him to understand it carefully.

Every failure is a learning experience.

He really has to be more careful.

Pei Ji held his face in his hands, his tone filled with dissatisfaction, "Your husband is saying sweet words to you, and you don't take them to heart? Don't you think you should teach him a lesson?"

【Listen! 】

He Zhiliao quickly blinked her innocent eyes and looked at him, remembering every word clearly.

"You're not a good boy." Pei Ji lowered his head and bit his lips lightly as a punishment. Then he licked and sucked as if he was afraid that it would hurt him.

【ah. 】

It's itchy.

He Zhiliao was uncomfortable with his torture and turned her head slightly to avoid his torture. She bit her lower lip with her upper teeth neither lightly nor hard, making her already red lips become even more red, swollen, hot and painful.

"Don't bite it, it's swollen." Pei Ji blew on him and picked up the ice bowl next to him, "Take a sip to cool it down."

He Zhiliao took small sips, and the depression in his heart gradually dissipated and could not be gathered again.

During this period of time, the Pei family has been living an exceptionally comfortable life. Naturally, other veteran ministers are in charge of state affairs. They just need to live their lives behind closed doors, keep a low profile, and no one will find fault with them.

However, the Third Prince's trip to the East was not smooth. After Yan Qi escorted the disaster relief silver back to the capital, Emperor An learned that the Third Prince had sent back a letter saying that the disaster was serious, the refugees were starving, and the money that was flowing in was not enough.

The subtext is that they want money.

The important officials in the council hall looked at each other in bewilderment, not knowing how the silver was used and why it was so insufficient. They couldn't help but doubt whether the Third Prince had done a good job in disaster relief.

This was the first time Yan Qi was summoned to the conference hall, where Emperor An asked him about the details.

"This time when I went there, the situation in the East was indeed as bad as the Third Prince said. The silver and food we sent seemed far from enough." Yan Qi said after hesitating for a moment.

After saying this, he did not forget to exchange glances with Pei Ji. When he saw the other party frowning, he truly realized that something seemed wrong.

Emperor An knew that when the water was too clear, there would be no fish, so he did not want to investigate many things too clearly and in detail. Sometimes he would just turn a blind eye, but if the person with ulterior motives was his own son, that was another matter.

"Deputy Envoy Pei, what do you think?" Emperor An looked at Pei Ji.

Pei Ji understood the meaning of His Majesty's words and immediately stepped forward and said, "I think we can send a governor to investigate the situation. If His Majesty is alone, he will have someone to help him."

These words naturally touched Emperor An's heart. He pondered for a moment and asked, "In your opinion, which governor should be sent?"

"I dare not speak rashly on this matter," said Pei Ji.

"It's okay, I forgive you." Emperor An was extremely kind.

It would be fine if there was no rain for one day, but if the one who was corrupt and committed law-breaking was his own son, it would be really shameful.

Furthermore, although the emperor is guilty of the same crime as common people and must be dealt with properly, he is still his son, a prince.

It is said that family disgrace should not be made public.

Pei Ji immediately said, "I think it would be most appropriate to send Lord Zhao Chenghui."

Zhao Chenghui is a relative of the seventh prince's mother. Although he is not a member of the royal family, since he has a relationship with the royal family, he naturally will not disregard the royal family's reputation.

Normally, the Seventh Prince and the Fifth Prince were closest to each other, and the Fifth Prince loved to hang out with the Third Prince. With this relationship, even if it was really the Third Prince who was secretly doing something, it could still be covered up a little through this relationship.

Emperor An was completely satisfied. He nodded slightly and said, "Although Zhao Tong is not very capable, Zhao Chenghui seems more loyal and reliable. I'll leave this matter to you!"

"I obey your order." Pei Ji bowed his head and saluted.

Emperor An then dismissed the court officials and focused on reviewing memorials.

Yan Qi looked around and hurriedly caught up with Pei Ji. He wanted to ask the other party what kind of medicine was in the gourd, but before he could ask, he was stopped by the other party with a look.

When talking in this palace, you have to be careful of ears.

"Then I'll leave the palace and wait for you at Songhexuan."

"good."

Pei Ji went to Zhao's house to convey the imperial edict.

Normally, the imperial eunuch Peng Tongmin who was beside Emperor An read out the imperial eunuchs, but today it was Pei Ji who went. The job of reading the imperial edicts was not something that everyone could do, and Pei Ji's visit seemed to be telling everyone that he was the favorite of His Majesty.

The Zhao family suddenly got this job, and they didn't know whether to be happy or sad.

The drought in the east is now His Majesty's biggest concern, but it has been handed over to Zhao Chenghui. Judging from this situation, it seems that he is particularly satisfied with the Zhao family. If he is satisfied with the Zhao family, then he must be satisfied with the fifth prince.

Your Majesty's actions have made it difficult for others to see through you.

This was exactly what Pei Ji wanted. He didn't do this to take sides. He just wanted the situation to become more and more chaotic. It would be best if it was so chaotic that all parties would get angry and the people hiding would be exposed.

At first, his original intention was to find the mastermind behind the frame-up of the Pei family in his previous life, but after living a new life, he became more open-minded.

If you find the mastermind behind the scenes, there may be another one. The best way is to "eradicate it at its roots."

Since we have different positions and parties, we will not let anyone off.

Doing it this way will actually be much more enjoyable and smoother.

The disaster is serious now. If you do a good job, you will definitely be rewarded. But if you do not do a good job, not everyone can bear the emperor's wrath.

The Third Prince is clearly suspected of corruption. Even if Zhao Chenghui can understand His Majesty's intentions, he will certainly leave evidence, and then it will just be a matter of them fighting each other.

What's more, God blesses and enlightens us, and there are many people who are brave and loyal.

I won't let the third prince off easily.

"What good will it do you to stir up trouble in the court?" Yan Qi didn't understand these twists and turns.

"Now our three families are regarded as one faction. If a prince with estrangement ascends the throne in the future, it will be bad for both you and me. Is this clear?" Song Yu tried to make his words as simple as possible.

These aristocratic families have already taken sides since birth, the only difference is the open and hidden aspects.

Although the three families are in the dark, they can move the whole body by a single move. What the Pei family does is equivalent to their position, and there is no harm in working together.

Yan Qi understood this explanation. They were all royalists on the surface, and they did not take sides. They were only loyal to His Majesty Tianqi.

This is also one of the reasons why His Majesty has been particularly accommodating to these three families over the years.

"The Third Prince's corruption is a foregone conclusion. His lack of opportunity makes it seem like others have," Pei Ji said. "Now it all depends on who will step forward."

"That's right. Now the affairs of the former dynasty are depending on you. If there are other matters, we can discuss them later." Song Yu said.

Pei Ji nodded, "Of course."

Yan Qi felt a headache. "Don't mention these things anymore. It's not raining today, and it's so hot that it almost kills people. No wonder the disaster in the East has not been resolved yet."

If it doesn't rain for a day, it will be a bad day.

The drought is naturally not limited to the East, but it is extremely serious there, which makes it seem that other regions are not in serious trouble.

Emperor An has been praying for rain for some time but to no avail, so he must have been furious.

As the beginning of autumn approached, there was still no rain. Victims from many places began to flee to the capital. There were always some refugees lying weakly at the city gates, and some even died of sunburn or thirst.

For several days, a foul smell lingered at the city gate. The rotting corpses, exposed to the sun, gave birth to dense maggots, which wanted to rush into the city like refugees.

At this point, it is no longer a problem that can be solved by disaster relief alone.

Since we are supported by the people, we should naturally work for them.

Qin Yurong took the lead in gathering the servants and maids in the mansion and began to distribute alms at the city gate. Even a bowl of coarse tea could save several lives.

Naturally, He Zhi was indispensable in such matters. He followed Qin Yurong and did his work quietly without any impatience or resistance.

A bowl of porridge and coarse tea can keep people alive. Such a simple thing is even more touching when done.

The refugees were so hungry that they didn't even have the strength to say thank you. They held the broken bowls in their thin, black arms and wanted to say thank you, but they knocked their heads to the ground instead.

"Hurry up and get up." Qin Yurong looked particularly unhappy, but she still said soothing words, "Your Majesty is wise and will not abandon you."

"Your Majesty is wise..."

The crowd sparsely raised words of thanksgiving for the Holy Grace.

He Zhiliao didn't understand. This was clearly a good thing done by their Pei family. It was his mother's idea. Why should all the benefits be given to His Majesty?

"The whole world belongs to your Majesty, so why bother about who gets this little benefit?" Qin Yurong smiled. She just hoped to do her best to make your Majesty's attitude towards the Pei family more moderate.

She doesn't want to see such a thing as someone becoming too successful and endangering his master.

After all, whether the Pei family can achieve success depends on your majesty's wishes.

He Zhiliao nodded. If it was said that way, he would naturally understand. Instead of letting His Majesty suspect that they had ulterior motives, it would be better to give all the good reputation to His Majesty, and then His Majesty would naturally give them benefits.

As long as the result is the same, it doesn’t matter what the twists and turns are in the middle.

The Pei family took the lead in making donations. In recent days, everyone in the capital has been praising His Majesty's good name. Anyone who does such a thing in the future will be considered an imitator.

The emperor is very pleased, and the Pei family will naturally benefit exclusively.

Peng Tongmin went to the Pei family every three days, and every day he either delivered rare items or old ginseng.

The Pei family was not very popular at the time, so they closed their doors and stopped seeing guests to prevent gossip from reaching His Majesty's ears.

The family sat in the hall happily eating ice drinks and occasionally chatting about court affairs.

The Pei family was also puzzled as to why he asked the Zhao family to go, but they all had different ideas in their minds. As long as it did not interfere with each other, these little things could be ignored.

As I was sitting there, the light in the room suddenly dimmed for no apparent reason. It was clearly noon, but in the blink of an eye, it was covered with a layer of darkness.

The servants outside the house looked at the approaching dark clouds and couldn't help but cheer.

The sun was blocked, and even the heat seemed to be blocked in an instant. The sticky heat gradually dissipated, and what followed was relaxation and comfort.

Pei Ji looked at the weather outside through the window and said with emotion: "It has been hot for these days, and it is time for a heavy rain, otherwise the people will really have no way to survive."

There is no unrest in the world, and there shouldn't be so many disasters that harm the people.

First, the sky was covered with dark clouds, and then raindrops as big as copper coins hit the ground, making people's hearts beat fast and their faces filled with unconcealable joy.

“It’s raining!”

Someone outside the yard cheered, and then many servants followed suit. They didn't dare to feel the rain easily, but they could stand under the eaves and enjoy the long-lost coolness.

Autumn seems to have really arrived.

The people walked out of their houses and stood in the open space to feel the rain. The heavy raindrops hit their faces, but it made their wrinkled faces burst with vitality again. Tears mixed with rainwater all fell into the ground.

Those hidden seeds will also grow.

"Your Majesty, God bless our dynasty! The heavy rain is pouring down, and the disaster can be alleviated!" Peng Tongmin said anxiously with a look of joy on his face.

Emperor An, who had already felt the chill, breathed a sigh of relief. He had been unable to sleep at night these days and had devoted all his energy to the disaster and refugees. Now he could finally breathe a sigh of relief!

Then, he suddenly thought of something, "Issue an order to recall the Third Prince and Zhao Chenghui, and order them to return to the capital immediately!"

"yes!"

"Summon Pei Ji, I have something important to tell you—"

Before Peng Tongmin could respond, he saw Emperor An unsteadily sitting down on the dragon throne, which frightened him so much that he immediately shouted.

"Someone! Call the imperial physician!"

Suddenly, a curtain of rain fell. Emperor An, who had been praying for rain for many days, suddenly fainted. At this time, the intentions of the princes and concubines were revealed.

"I heard that His Majesty wanted to summon you to the palace before he fainted. Did you guess the general idea?" Pei Xiao asked him.

"I don't know. I think it's either a reward or an accountability. His Majesty summoned him for nothing more than these." Pei Ji said nonchalantly. He thought he had never done anything to upset Emperor An. He guessed that he wanted him to investigate the matter of the third prince.

Pei Xiao tutted his words lightly, "Are you becoming arrogant now because of your favor?"

"Of course I have such ability." Pei Ji chuckled, "Otherwise, would His Majesty have summoned me to the palace to tend to his illness? You think too highly of me."

【ah. 】

He Zhiliao nodded in agreement with his words, looking up to him!

Pei Ji pinched his chubby cheeks, and his mind instantly flew away.

It’s finally autumn.

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The author has something to say: Pei Gouzi: "Since we have different opinions, I will kill everyone." [Sunglasses]

Little Cicada: Kill, kill, kill! [Laughs]