59 sharing the same bed
"Mr. Gu, could you please vacate the main house for one night?"
"Your Highness."
Sun Jing was originally guarding outside the study in the palace. When he heard the call from inside, he hurried inside to await instructions.
"Go prepare the carriage. I need to go to the palace later."
"Ah, I'll save that."
Sun Jing was delighted and immediately set to work. "Your Majesty and Your Highness are father and son, no matter what. It's not appropriate to be so lukewarm after the New Year." It took Lord Gu's persuasion for His Highness to listen.
Lu Jing placed the two newly added wood carvings in another corner of the desk, leaving a suitable space.
I entered the palace today just to pay my respects.
…
The military situation at the front is urgent, and the vanguard of 20,000 troops will set out on the third day.
The night before leaving, a small banquet was held in Prince Zhao's mansion, and Zhen Yuan and Qin Yu accompanied His Royal Highness Prince Zhao to purify Xie Qian.
The army was to set out early the next morning, and they only had one drink at the banquet.
His Royal Highness Prince Zhao raised his wine cup, followed by Zhen Yuan and Qin Yu.
"Thank you!"
Xie Qianman drank the wine in the glass. Compared with the court, the battlefield was more suitable for him.
The wine goes down my throat, taking away all the complicated emotions.
In the past, on the battlefield, they always fought together and supported each other, but this time he was left alone.
"Take care of yourself." Zhen Yuan said.
Qin Yu is most familiar with the military affairs in Hebei Province, and has been discussing them with His Highness many times since returning to Beijing.
He handed all the available maps to Xie Qian: "Fortunately, you are leading the troops outside, so you have more freedom."
A new sentence was added at the end of the decree, clearly ordering Marquis Wu'an to act accordingly.
"Thank goodness His Highness intervened on my behalf. Otherwise, I really don't know how I would have fought this battle."
During the past two days, matters were discussed in the Huaiwang Palace. The court had assigned many useful generals and lieutenants to the Huaiwang, and they were quite powerful.
Xie Qian was excluded, and he was prepared for this. He only had to defend his own Xiangzhou line.
He was deeply dissatisfied with the so-called commander.
Lu Jing knocked lightly on the table. Sun Jing, following the order of His Royal Highness King Zhao, brought the sword case and handed it to Marquis Wu'an.
"Your Highness, this is—"
Xie Qian was surprised to see that the box contained the sword of His Royal Highness Prince Zhao.
Lu Jing said: "Keep it, just in case."
Zhen Yuan and Qin Yu were stunned at first, then they understood.
Huaicheng led his troops out of Beijing and had to obey the orders of the commander-in-chief on the surface.
If there is really an extremely difficult situation that cannot be avoided, in the army, His Royal Highness Prince Zhao's sword will be more important than military orders.
Even if they are not here, with His Highness's sword, Huaicheng will have more protection.
"Protect yourself and don't take any risks. I will take care of everything for you."
They had clearly agreed to drink less tonight, but in this situation, Xie Qian forgot what he said.
"I will return victoriously, Your Highness, rest assured."
The words were so powerful that Zhen Yuan and Qin Yu were also moved.
Xie Qian drank the wine in the cup in one gulp. From the day he first decided to join His Majesty Prince Zhao, he knew that His Majesty Prince Zhao would be a lord worthy of his lifelong following.
The empty wine cup was thrown on the table, and the bright light of the full moon outside the window fell all over the ground.
…
The weather was getting warmer, and around noon, Li Ji returned to the imperial study to report.
"Your Majesty, His Royal Highness Prince Zhao is not in the palace today."
Li Ji was originally ordered by the emperor to go to the palace to deliver some items and invite His Royal Highness Prince Zhao to the palace for lunch.
"Where did he go?" Emperor Mingde asked.
Li Ji replied truthfully, "People in the palace said that His Highness rode out of the city gate early in the morning, accompanied only by three or five personal guards."
Sun Jing of Prince Zhao's Mansion was not sure where His Highness was going. He thought that His Highness might have to stay outside for a day or two, so he packed some simple luggage for His Highness.
The emperor lightly touched the teacup. Qi'an had no errands to do these days, so he probably went out of the city to relax.
He also knew that the child had been wronged and was bored in Beijing.
The war situation in Hebei was improving. Marquis Wu'an had recently conquered Xiangzhou and was gradually clearing the surrounding lost territory. His main force had already arrived in Weizhou to deter Xu Lang's rebels.
In any case, he could not send Qi'an again in this battle, and the military achievement could not be attributed to King Zhao alone.
Emperor Mingde sometimes thought that this child had been leading troops for so long, he had become accustomed to being arbitrary and independent, and was no longer the son he used to be. But a few days ago, when Qi'an accompanied him for dinner, he looked at the child and his heart softened again.
He is a king and a father. Qi'an is the child he raised with his own hands, and he knows the child's filial piety.
Even if the throne cannot be handed over to Qi'an, I will leave him a way out.
Since there is nothing to do in the court before the spring hunting, let Qi'an do as he pleases and have a few days of leisure.
…
The sun shines brightly and the sound of horse hooves can be heard on the official road.
The personal guards could not keep up with the speed of His Royal Highness Prince Zhao and fell behind. They could only follow His Royal Highness's back from a distance, smiling bitterly and hurrying on their way.
The journey was supposed to take more than a day, but just after noon, Renzhi Palace was already in sight.
Lu Jing jumped off his horse. Although the craftsmen busy in Renzhi Palace did not know His Royal Highness Prince Zhao, they knew that the visitor was of noble status.
Soon, the leading official received the news and came out to greet him. After seeing the jade token on the distinguished guest's waist, his suspicion was confirmed: "I pay my respects to His Royal Highness Prince Zhao. May His Royal Highness live long and well."
Several craftsmen hurriedly followed suit and saluted. Lu Jing didn't want to disturb too many people, so he simply asked, "Where are the officials from the Ministry of Works?"
"Your Highness, the Minister is in the main hall. Doctor Gu just finished his shift and went back to rest."
"good."
The attendant led the horse, Lu Jing asked for the direction, and went to Yuan Le's residence.
He was not in the courtyard. With the guidance of a servant, Lu Jing walked around for a while and finally saw Yuan Le on the river bank outside Renzhi Palace.
He was wearing a crimson official uniform, which made him stand out among the green grass and trees.
However, after taking a few steps closer, Lu Jing discovered that there was someone sitting next to Yuan Le.
They were talking about something that seemed very familiar.
"Your Highness."
Meng Tingxian heard the footsteps and reminded Gu Ningxi. Gu Ningxi raised her eyes and hurriedly stood up to greet them.
She was glad that her brother had put the chart away and had not let His Royal Highness Prince Zhao see it.
Meng Ting also bowed. Lu Jing fixed his gaze on him for a moment: "Get up."
"Thank you, Your Highness."
The atmosphere in the field was a little stagnant for a moment. Gu Ningxi was caught in the middle of it. Thinking that this was the first time that His Royal Highness Prince Zhao and his cousin had met properly, it was inevitable that he felt awkward.
"Your Highness, this is my cousin."
Gu Ningxi introduced a few to Meng Ting, and Lu Jingwei nodded.
Meng Ting paid his respects to His Royal Highness Prince Zhao, and guessed that His Royal Highness might have something important to do with Yuan Le, so he took his leave first.
Gu Ningxi sent his cousin away, and the two of them had almost finished discussing the matter.
Meng Ting had to rush back to the Xishan military camp to change guard. Although he noticed the coldness of His Royal Highness Zhao Wang, he did not think much of it. After all, His Royal Highness Zhao Wang was a member of the royal family and was not an ordinary person who could associate with him.
…
The surface of the river is shimmering, with bits of light flashing.
Gu Ningxi smiled and said, "Your Highness, are you here to see me?"
She had heard her cousin discuss court affairs, how Prince Zhao was being snubbed at court. He'd probably gone out of town to relax today, under the guise of inspecting Renzhi Palace. Gu Ningxi knew all about this, and she was deliberately avoiding mentioning these unpleasant matters, hence the question.
"Well, is it an unfortunate occasion for me, Your Majesty?"
"No, my cousin was about to go back anyway." Gu Ningxi asked, "Has Your Highness had lunch yet?"
It just so happened that her mother asked her cousin to bring her a lot of food. Gu Ningxi had not yet eaten, so she invited Prince Zhao to sit in her small courtyard.
"OK."
Gu Ningxi led the way: "I will take Your Highness to the palace this afternoon."
Lu Jing agreed to everything.
There are two peach trees planted outside Gu Ningxi's courtyard. In spring, the peach blossoms are bright and the scenery is beautiful.
The courtyard was decorated very elegantly. Since he was going to stay here for several months, Gu Ningxi took the trouble to tidy it up.
The lunch menu was simple, and while eating, Gu Ningxi suddenly remembered something important: "Where will Your Highness stay tonight?"
Lu Jing originally wanted to rush back to the city tonight, but he heard Yuan Le seemed to want to keep him.
Not long after, Minister Li also hurried over. "Your Highness, Prince Zhao, I pay my respects to you. I was unaware of your presence and apologized for not welcoming you. I hope your Highness will forgive me."
Lu Jing smiled and said, "I am just going out of town for a casual walk. Minister Li, please don't mind."
Prince Zhao's visit was undoubtedly to inspect Renzhi Palace, and Minister Li had already instructed his men to make arrangements on the way here. He had considered matters far more thoroughly than Gu Ningxi, having already anticipated the arduous journey back to the capital tonight, with nowhere to go but to the village and inn, so he had to prepare accommodations for Prince Zhao.
Although there are renovated palaces in Renzhi Palace, they have never been decorated and the smell of paint has not dissipated, making it unsuitable for living.
While he and Gu Ningxi were showing Prince Zhao around Renzhi Palace, he found an opportunity and asked Gu Ningxi privately, "Master Gu, could you please vacate the main room for a night?"
In an emergency, Gu Ningxi nodded: "Okay, then I'll go back and clean up first."
Her courtyard was the best here, and Minister Li should have been given the first choice. However, Minister Li said that he had other duties at the Ministry of Works and did not live here often, so he decided to give this spacious courtyard to her.
The small courtyard has a single door and a single house, and all the necessary houses are available.
This was the most appropriate arrangement at the moment. Minister Li said respectfully, "What do you think, Your Highness?"
…
The bedding on the bed was replaced with new ones, and Gu Ningxi's bedding was temporarily moved to another room.
She also left a wardrobe empty and hid all the things that shouldn't be there in the west wing.
After confirming that nothing was left out, Gu Ningxi tidied up the desk without asking anyone else to do it for him.
After a busy day, the windows and tables were clean and tidy, and at least His Royal Highness Prince Zhao was not wronged too much.
Lu Jing sat down naturally in front of Gu Ningxi's desk: "Where do you live?"
Gu Ningxi pointed to the side room and said, "Your Highness, please call me if you need anything."
"Yeah, okay."
Lu Jing surveyed the room's furnishings, while Minister Li worried about neglecting His Highness. Fortunately, His Highness Prince Zhao was tolerant and didn't say much.
Dinner was already prepared in the front courtyard. Minister Li smiled and said, "Your Highness, please."
Although the palace was frugal, at least six dishes and one soup were prepared.
His Royal Highness Prince Zhao is the Minister of the Chancellery, and Minister Li can report many government affairs during the meal.
There were many construction projects in various places. During the period when His Royal Highness Prince Zhao was in charge of the Secretariat, the corruption in the six ministries seemed to be curbed.
Minister Li saw this and although he did not get involved in the party dispute, he did not hide his approval of His Royal Highness Prince Zhao's policies.
The atmosphere at the banquet was good, and Minister Li prepared some wine.
The moon was bright and the wind was gentle. After the banquet, Gu Ningxi sent His Royal Highness Prince Zhao back to his residence.
Lock the courtyard door and the inner room becomes an independent world.
It was already getting late. Gu Ningxi pointed out the location of the purification room and other rooms to His Royal Highness Prince Zhao and said, "Then Your Highness should go to bed early."
After drinking a few glasses of wine at the banquet, Gu Ningxi was already sleepy.
After taking a shower in the toilet, she returned to her new residence, still a little uncomfortable with the journey.
She felt as if His Royal Highness Prince Zhao's visit was a dream.
The stars are twinkling in the night sky, and the night sky in the suburbs of Beijing seems to be more vast than that in the city.
Lu Jing looked out of the window of the main house and saw that the candle in the west wing had gone out.
He sat in front of the couch and saw that many of the arrangements in the room were Yuan Le's habits.
There are two rows of books on the north bookshelf, several of which were borrowed by Yuan Le from Prince Zhao's palace.
Lu Jing smiled. Yuan Le should have read all these books. The latest one even had a bookmark in the middle.
It is quiet all around, away from the hustle and bustle of Kyoto, and there is a sense of comfort here.
Lu Jing originally didn't want to stay overnight in the suburbs of Beijing. Perhaps because of the change of place, he couldn't fall asleep for a long time while lying on Yuan Le's couch.
He thought of another person he had seen during the day, Yuan Le's maternal cousin. Because of Madam Meng's relationship, Yuan Le was inevitably closer to him.
He is just a cousin, not a cousin, so he should be more closely related to Yuan Le.
Nothing to be afraid of.
But - His Royal Highness Prince Zhao, who was feeling a little sleepy, was thinking, if he were to make things clear with Yuan Le in the future, how would Yuan Le accept him?
Yuan Le has never been married. Could it be that he is actually...unaware of it?
He couldn't possibly lie to the Qin girl for no reason. There must have been some signs, right?
Also, he told the girl from the Luo family that it was his own fault that he had never gotten married.
The marriage of the previous life, the marriage of the previous life...
Half asleep and half awake, Lu Jing suddenly heard footsteps outside the house.
The secret guards did not stop him, it was obvious that he was someone he knew.
The footsteps came from near and far, then from far to near.
After a moment's silence, the door was pushed open. Without turning on the light, the visitor walked around the table and chairs with familiarity and groped his way to the bed.
He jumped onto the bed in one go, and without even his head touching the pillow, he soon fell into a deep sleep.
The moonlight leaked in through the window, dim and hazy.
In the darkness, His Royal Highness Prince Zhao, who had already regained consciousness, stared with his eyes wide open at the person who suddenly appeared beside him.
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