59 Entrusting an Orphan
◎I deserve to be controlled by you◎
The next morning, Rong Qianyu woke up in Xue Ji's arms. "Good morning." She was still a little uncomfortable looking at his gentle face, and she almost jumped out of bed before she could react. "It's time to go back to the palace today."
"I don't want to go back..."
Xue Ji: "Then elope."
"Don't joke with me at this time, or the whole city will hear the news." As she said this, Rong Qianyu turned around and wanted to put on her clothes, but then she remembered that she had climbed into bed last night and left her outer clothes and jewelry next door.
Xue Ji leaned on his head to watch her panicked appearance, and said, "Your Majesty's clothes are still next door. Do you remember how you got here last night?"
She had actually remembered that she was really bold last night, so she wore a thin piece of clothing and ran over to share a pillow with her classmate, and naturally lay on the bed with him all night.
"My clothes are next door...I'll go get them."
Xue Ji pulled her to sit on the bed, "You came here barefoot."
She looked down at her bare feet and suddenly felt embarrassed. She ran back to the bed and wrapped them up. "I don't remember..."
Xue Ji put the cloak on her and said softly, "Wait for me to get it."
The two were so infatuated that they couldn't help but cling to each other. Rong Qianyu held his hand and didn't want him to leave. At this moment, the waiter suddenly knocked on the door and came in. He was stunned by the spring scene in front of him.
The woman was wearing a thin, see-through inner garment and was barefoot. The man's clothes were draped over her. As the sun reached its zenith, the two men were still holding hands, a passionate scene.
"Sir, we have prepared breakfast. Would you like to have it downstairs or have it delivered to your room?"
Xue Ji stepped forward, blocking her view. "Let's go downstairs and eat later. Thank you."
The waiter closed the door with a flattering smile and rolled his eyes. The world has really gone downhill nowadays. Even if you book two rooms, you still have to sleep together.
Rong Qianyu felt a little embarrassed. She lifted the quilt, gathered her thoughts, and put on her clothes. "I'll put them on myself."
Xue Ji saw this and quickly stepped forward to take the clothes from her hand. He squatted beside the bed and looked up at her. "Sit down and I'll put them on for you. You don't have to move today or in the future. I'll do it."
He picked up her feet and put socks and shoes on her. Rong Qianyu sat on the edge of the bed and quietly enjoyed the exclusive service of the Master of the Palm Seal.
I've seen him kill people with a knife during a mutiny, I've seen him making plans with his ministers, I've seen him being gentle and affectionate with me in bed, but I've never seen such a virtuous side of him.
She really enjoyed this daily life, watching the snow, brewing tea, appreciating flowers, and drinking tea, sitting together in the shade of trees on leisurely afternoons. This was the life she looked forward to and envied. Just like what she saw now, just taking care of each other, acting coquettishly, it was plain and simple, but she loved it.
After putting on shoes and socks, Rong Qianyu stood up and let him put on his clothes. "I want to ask you something," she suddenly asked.
"What?" Xue Ji was still concentrating on tying the bow on her underwear.
"Last year, when I went to wait for Wen Xiaqing, did you deliberately block me?"
Xue Ji didn't look up, still helping her to tidy up her clothes seriously, "Old Master Wen's legs and feet are not good in winter, I asked him to go back and serve his father."
As soon as Rong Qianyu heard these words, she knew that he had done it on purpose. She threw him off in a tantrum, "Okay, I knew it was all premeditated, just waiting for me to jump in!"
Xue Ji, who was half a head taller than her and usually calm, didn't get angry. Suddenly, he felt aggrieved. "If you didn't use some tricks, would you still be alive? How can you be so heartless?"
Rong Qianyu turned her head away and refused to look at him. She crossed her arms and pretended to be very angry. "If I find you doing this in private again, I won't forgive you."
Xue Ji took her hand, as if to please her, and pulled her into his arms, "No, no, definitely not."
"That's more like it."
Seeing that the other person had been coaxed, Xue Ji was trying to be clever again. He wanted to make Rong Qianyu angry, so he yelled at him again, "I won't use tricks now. I'm going to rob directly. You and I are grasshoppers on the same rope anyway. I'm not afraid."
"Okay, we have to go back."
Rong Qianyu patted him and tried to pull away.
"Wait!"
"do what?"
He hugged her from behind and cuddled with her for a long time, unwilling to separate.
Rong Qianyu roughly understood what he meant. She turned around and kissed him on the lips, then looked at him with a smile, "Are you done? Can we go now?"
He smiled foolishly as if it was a gift, "I deserve to be controlled by you."
After they finished their meal, they returned to the palace in the morning.
When Qingyun saw that he didn't come back that day, he knew it was probably done. This was good, as he, the middleman, finally didn't have to worry anymore. Seeing him look like a peacock spreading its tail, he didn't know what was going on. "My lord is back. You look so energetic today."
Xue Ji saw that he was still a little shy, "Don't interrupt me, little brat! I'm just very worried about something."
Qingyun stood aside, watching him lament the past alone, feeling a little strange. Was this still the same palm seal that had always been so decisive? "Fenghuaxueyue, my lord, what else do you have to worry about?"
"Although we were entangled in the past and have finally talked it out, we still haven't broken the ice. I'm worried..."
Qingyun was shocked. "My Lord, you've been playing hard to get for so long, but you still haven't broken the ice?"
He had hooked up with her long ago and thought he had already taken her in, but he didn't expect it to work out. Even after not coming back for two days, it still didn't work out. He had thought his master would be a rough man who would force his way into her, but he didn't expect him to be a talented man who could talk about love and keep it steady. He really didn't expect it.
"What's wrong? Is it not possible?!"
Qingyun tried not to laugh. The more he saw him anxious, the more he laughed. He quickly covered his mouth and waved his hands, saying, "It's nothing, it's nothing. It's only right for you, sir, to keep yourself clean."
After returning to the palace, Rong Qianyu rushed to Fu Kang's bedroom. Fu Kang's health had been failing for only two days, and it suddenly took a turn for the worse this morning.
"But everything was fine before Mid-Autumn Festival," she asked.
Bai Yi had no choice. Fu Kang hadn't been in good condition in the past two days, and she didn't have the time to ask about Rong Qianyu's departure from the palace. "Your Majesty is tired now, let him rest."
"Where is His Royal Highness the Crown Prince?"
"The Crown Prince and Prince Jin are together, along with the ministers, discussing matters." Bai Yi said.
All the ministers gathered together to discuss Fu Kang's matter. Given the current situation, they had no time to make preparations early.
There were two factions. One was led by Crown Prince Fu Hua, who advocated postponing the action; the other was led by Prince of Jin Fu Zhang, who advocated handling the aftermath.
Fu Zhang had been brooding over the emperor's attempt to arrange a marriage for Fu Nian the previous time, and this time he was the one who most actively advocated for handling the funeral affairs as soon as possible. "The emperor's illness is severe and urgent, so we must make preparations early. I think we should prepare for the funeral as soon as possible."
Fu Hua's mind finally clicked for once. "My father isn't dead yet. What does Prince Jin mean by this?"
The ministers who supported Fu Zhang all echoed, "Prince Jin is indeed filial. If things were really bad, would he have rushed to prepare?"
Seeing this, Fu Hua scolded: "What are you doing? Rebellion? Big brother, I have always respected you. At this time, I dare not say that my father's health will be as good as before, but at least there is no need to be so anxious."
"Your Highness, please be careful with your words!" Fu Zhang's uncle, Lord Liu, stepped forward, approached him, saluted, and then spoke provocatively, "Your Highness, you have grown up. You are no longer that philandering brat. But you are still young after all. No one wants to do anything to His Majesty. We, the old ministers, are also loyal and will not tolerate such speculation!"
He held a high position and his words carried weight, and everyone was wary of the words of a veteran minister who had served for three dynasties. His words shook the ministers present. Fu Hua was young and lacked deep roots, so being coerced by these veteran ministers was a piece of cake. Even if he wanted to argue, he had no energy.
After saying this, he hugged Fu Zhang and left. He was loyal to Prince Jin Fu Zhang, not Tai Fu Hua.
The farce ended in a bad mood. Rong Qianyu had told him before to be careful of Concubine Liu Xian and her gang, but he didn't pay much attention to it at that time. Now it seems that he was indeed too careless.
Everyone dispersed, and the once bustling palace became deserted.
"Your Majesty, please take the medicine." Bai Yi fed him the medicine mouthful by mouthful, hoping that he would feel better. The separation came in an instant. She wished so much that he could hold on until the end of the year and wait for the soldiers who defeated Qian Bei to return to the court, but she was afraid that she would not be able to wait until that time.
He sat up and said to Bai Yi in a hoarse voice, "You can leave now. Call Hua'er over here. I have something to tell you."
"Yes." Bai Yi knew that he probably couldn't hold on for much longer, and tears dripped uncontrollably from his eyes onto his arms.
Fu Kang felt distressed when he saw this. He knew that she was reluctant to let go, but the current situation was full of dangers and she could not wait for her to calm down. "Don't cry, I'm fine. We have been married for many years. Don't cry."
Fu Hua was called to the bedside. He had indeed grown up in the past month or two. He knew how to take the overall situation into consideration and finally looked a bit like an emperor. It was a pity that time was not enough. If he was given another year or two, Fu Kang would feel more at ease.
Seeing him get married and have a family, and now have his first son, I am sincerely happy, and the warm times of the early years flash back one by one.
"You are talking nonsense, kid. You were my little cub back then, and now you are a parent. I don't have time to teach you anything anymore. You have to grow up quickly, otherwise I will be worried."
This was the first time Fu Hua had heard his father say these words. He had never felt like they had been separated so soon. He was frightened by his words for the first time, and tears welled up in his eyes. "What are you talking about, Father? No, Father is in great shape today. He will definitely get better!"
"I know my body well. It's time, so I have to give some orders." He called a few trusted ministers, including a group of civil officials headed by He Qiong and Huang Yun.
He took Huang Yun's hand and handed it to Fu Hua with a heavy heart, "Huang Qing, I'm leaving this unfilial son of mine in your care from now on. You must protect him well."
Huang Yun, as the Minister of Chancellery, had always been diligent and conscientious. He bowed his head and said with tears in his eyes, "Yes."
"And Xingjian, we grew up together, and I know your temper best, but for my sake, please take good care of him and assist him!"
He Qiong grew up with Fu Kang and knew him well. He was also a high-ranking official, so he was sure to be devoted to Fu Hua. "Your Majesty, rest assured. This is as it should be."
He was relieved about the two ministers, the only thing that worried him was his troublesome son.
"From now on, you must listen to the two adults and discuss everything. You should also consult with your mother more often. Don't act rashly and do anything treasonous that would let down the country and the people. As for your inner chamber affairs, you must treat Qianyu well. Diplomatic relations between the two countries are more important than anything else. You will be an adult from now on. Think twice before doing anything and consider the consequences. Don't always act like a spoiled child, okay?! Your brothers and sisters, and your stepmother, must be treated well. Whether it's checks and balances or imprisonment, you must know the limits and use them for my benefit. Fratricide is a taboo."
He had so much to say. He was less than twenty-two, still too young, and everything had been going smoothly for him. He was afraid that he could not handle the heavy responsibility, but now he could only go with the flow.
"Yes." He nodded in agreement.
In the past few years, we had very low expectations of him. We just hoped that he would become more sensible and grow up quickly, so that he could take on the responsibilities of a country.
After explaining some important matters, Fu Kang was also worried about Fu Hua's affairs in the inner house.
"Although Qianyu is a girl, she is smart and capable of planning. As husband and wife are one, you can ask her more about her ideas. Tan is smart but prefers stability. Liu is stable but too gentle and indecisive. Cui is decisive but too willful. Only Qianyu has character and is not weak. She is smart and capable. She did a good job during the last epidemic and would be a qualified choice for the Empress."
"General An is about to return to the capital, and I'm afraid something might happen. First, demote him to train the troops. When you ascend the throne, find a reason to recall him and give him a promotion. He will definitely be grateful to you and will help you regardless of past grudges. As for Xue Ji, who your mother is worried about, if you want to establish your authority, kill him. If you use him, don't give him any real power. Eunuch dictatorship is the most terrifying thing."
Parents who love their children plan for them. Fu Kang rarely spoke so much to Fu Hua, and every word came from the heart, requiring him to carefully ponder. This was all he could think of. He didn't know what the future held, and he couldn't intervene.
"I understand."
"To be a good emperor, you must first be able to listen to the advice of others. No matter how harsh it is, you must think about whether you have done something wrong. If there is nothing else, step aside and think about it. Call Concubine Xian over."
"Father, won't you come to see Mother?" Fu Hua asked.
Fu Kang closed his eyes and raised his head to rest for a moment before speaking, "I've been watching her for over thirty years. I'm tired of it. I have something to say to her."
"yes."
Liu Tongwu walked into the room and looked at Fu Kang who was leaning on the bed, "Your Majesty..."
"Tell me, what are you doing? As a father, I would weigh the pros and cons of Nian'er's marriage. Why are you making it sound so impulsive? Nian'er is impatient. What should I do if I try to get her to marry me? Wouldn't that make her suffer?"
This marriage was indeed a bit hasty. Fu Kang had always doted on Liu's children, but his health suddenly deteriorated and he no longer had time to protect Fu Nian. The only way to preserve her freedom in the future was to marry her off.
But Liu Tongwu couldn't see that it was customary for concubines' daughters to marry each other. It was better for them to get married early to avoid unnecessary trouble. If they married into a scholarly family, the scholarly family would be grateful and respectful to Fu Nian. If they married a member of the royal family, there was no guarantee that Fu Nian would not be bullied.
She has a willful personality and it would be best if someone pampers and pampers her. If not, she would be isolated and helpless after her father's death.
Liu Tongwu believed that his daughter was worthy of a high-ranking official and son, and he obviously would not agree to such an arrangement. "You are biased. Nian'er is already young, and she will naturally not like it if you treat her like this. Let's not talk about Nian'er for now. What about Zhang'er? Is he just waiting to live a stable life as a prince?"
"In this peaceful and prosperous age, what are you dissatisfied with as a prince? What do you want to do? Are you planning to usurp the throne and become emperor?"
"Why can't Zhang'er be the emperor?! Zhang'er is the oldest, and Xiao'er is sensible. He has the ability. But just because he came from my belly, he doesn't have the qualifications. Why?!"
She was too obsessed with it, and because of Fu Kang's favor for many years, she gradually became spoiled. If Fu Kang was still in good health, he would have dragged her out and beheaded her for her words, but now he was willing but unable to do so.
"There is a hierarchy, and your ancestors have the blood of the previous dynasty. Do you think the ministers will agree? Even though I'm doting on you, you should know your limits, right?!"
"Forget it, there's nothing more to say." She was still reluctant and left without saying a few words. "If nothing else, I'll take my leave."
Liu Tongwu took a few steps and Fu Kang suddenly spoke, "I have already told Hua'er that you should be buried in the concubine's mausoleum after a hundred years. I really don't want to see you like this before I die."
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