71 Golden House
◎Lu Jing only grabbed Gu Ningxi's wrist◎
The room was spacious, and there was only room left next to His Royal Highness Prince Zhao.
Gu Ningxi, seated, didn't catch the deeper meaning behind the words spoken by her companions. She rubbed her hands, only to find that the room wasn't much warmer than outside.
Lu Jing had a cold face and asked someone to bring in a hand warmer.
Comfortably tucking the small hand warmer into her sleeve, Gu Ningxi's lips curled up unconsciously. Wangyun Tower was the domain of His Royal Highness Prince Zhao, so there was no need to worry about gossip during today's gathering.
There were five or six fruits and snacks on the table. It was still early for lunch, so the group chatted.
Xie Qian is usually the most talkative among the three members of the Xuanjia Army. Although he is not from the capital, he is very well-informed.
Speaking of the hot topics in the capital these days, the most discussed topic is of course the secret of the Crown Prince having an affair with a concubine.
It’s strange to say, this was clearly an internal court matter, but somehow it was leaked out and many officials in the court gradually learned about it.
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was punished, the ostensible reason being that he had privately kept soldiers.
Although the matter involved the Eastern Palace, His Majesty was also implicated. With His Royal Highness Prince Zhao present, the few present carefully avoided this palace secret.
Gu Ningxi warmed her hands, put the gilded hand warmer aside, and took a sip of freshly brewed tea.
Everyone present knew each other, and the conversation flowed freely and easily. However, sometimes, when you try to avoid something, you're more likely to let it slip.
Speaking of Jiangnan's abundance of resources, its people, and its talented people, Xie Qian suddenly remembered that the rumored disgraced Concubine Su seemed to be from Jiangnan.
The words got stuck in his throat and he smiled awkwardly.
Gu Ningxi helped him change the subject: "My cousin has been to Jiangnan. He said that there is a great respect for learning and the importance of imperial examinations and education."
This sentence corresponds to the saying "outstanding people and beautiful scenery". Xie Qian wanted to continue with this line of thought, but His Royal Highness Prince Zhao said, "Last year, officials from Jiangnan came to the capital. Wasn't that the Eastern Palace taking over?"
Although she rarely worked in the harem, Lu Jing had met the newly arrived Concubine Su at a family dinner in the palace last year.
At that time, Concubine Su was in the emperor's favor and ranked very high.
While drinking and chatting, Lu Jing inadvertently saw the eye contact between his brother the emperor and Concubine Su.
Perhaps because he had a few drinks, his emotions were inevitably revealed a little.
Lu Jing is very familiar with the experience of wanting but not getting.
Concubine Su and the emperor's brother had known each other before and were of similar age. It was not surprising that they had developed some feelings for each other after spending some time together at the post station.
Hearing the hint in His Royal Highness Prince Zhao's words, Gu Ningxi, Xie Qian and the others couldn't help but open their mouths wide.
It turns out that the rumors of extramarital affairs in the palace are not groundless.
It has to be that His Royal Highness Prince Zhao has a good position.
Lu Jing didn't think of making a fuss about this matter, but in his opinion, if his brother was interested in Concubine Su, he could have asked for grace from his father earlier, instead of watching her enter the palace.
"There's still a chance to salvage the situation. There's no need to suppress some things in your heart. Truth will come to light sooner or later." As he said this, Lu Jing looked at Gu Ningxi.
Besides, it’s not a secret that cannot be told. After all, I can tell it to my cousin who I have only known for three years.
Gu Ningxi's mind was still lingering on the affair between His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Concubine Su. Among them, besides His Royal Highness Prince Zhao, she was probably the one who knew the Eastern Palace best.
I never thought that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, who has always been dignified, self-disciplined and polite, would actually have a crush on His Majesty's favorite concubine.
I really didn't expect that.
…
This winter seemed especially cold. While staying at Fengyi Palace that night, Emperor Mingde told the Empress his plans: "Renzhi Palace has been renovated. How about we stay there for half a month? We'll take Qi'an, Chengyu, and the other children with us, and return before the Lunar New Year."
Renzhi Palace has the largest hot spring in the suburbs of Beijing, and soaking in it is good for your health.
As a couple married for thirty years, Empress Yao was very familiar with the intentions of those around her to avoid disputes, gloss over the situation, and continue to enjoy family happiness.
But the children have grown up and the situation has reached its current point. How long can such a precarious peace last?
They are all His Majesty's children, and he is still as indecisive as ever.
Emperor Mingde saw the worry between Empress Yao's brows and gently shook her hand: "Shuhua, don't worry, I will handle it properly and will definitely not let you down again."
He was still angry with the Crown Prince, but he had never considered changing the Crown Prince. This time, he left the Crown Prince alone, hoping to teach him a lesson.
Queen Yao sighed lightly, but ultimately didn't say anything more tonight.
"I will not disappoint Your Majesty. It is getting late, Your Majesty, please go to bed early."
The maid brought the freshly brewed tranquilizing medicine, and Queen Yao withdrew her hand without a trace.
The brown medicine was bitter and unappetizing, and Emperor Mingde was concerned for his wife. He knew that since Chen'er was poisoned, the empress had been sleeping more and more restlessly and having frequent dreams.
After taking one prescription after another without any improvement, Emperor Mingde said, "The imperial physicians in the palace are useless. Tomorrow I will have an imperial edict posted to seek some capable doctors from the people."
Empress Yao drank the medicine and said gently, "It is only because of my own overthinking. Your Majesty, please do not blame others."
The Empress had been gentle and considerate for decades. While Emperor Mingde decided to find a famous doctor, he also wanted to take the Empress to Renzhi Palace to relax, which might help her condition.
It was late at night, and Queen Yao ordered the maids in the outer hall to extinguish the candles.
The couple slept on the same bed, and the palace was filled with peace.
The wind and snow stopped temporarily, and taking advantage of the rare good weather, the emperor's carriage was ready to leave the capital on the third day.
There were not many court officials accompanying him this time. The Crown Prince and his younger brothers stayed in Kyoto to manage the government.
Unlike his usual devolution of power, Emperor Mingde retained his trusted confidant, the Minister of the Central Secretariat, Pei Jing, and ordered him to assist the Crown Prince in handling all matters of state. Emperor Mingde also issued a handwritten order requiring that confidential court matters be delivered to the Renzhi Palace every two days without fail.
On the city wall, Lu Heng watched the majestic imperial carriage go away, and his hands on the battlements couldn't help but clench.
In the case of his brother Chen's poisoning, the emperor clearly suspected him. Unfortunately, the emperor did not ask him directly, so he could not actively refute it, and he was caught in a dilemma.
After years of stable rule as crown prince, Lu Heng has recently been repeatedly reprimanded. His younger brothers, now grown up, are a constant threat to his position.
Especially now that he has lost the favor of his father, he has to prepare for the worst.
He followed his father to the court at the age of fourteen and participated in politics, and he was not completely without the efforts to win over the local powerful factions.
It happened that his father had left the capital, which gave him some free time and freedom from too many restrictions.
…
After several snowfalls, Yuning Lake outside Renzhi Palace was covered with a thick layer of ice. Around the twelfth lunar month, it was the perfect time for ice skating.
Moonlight streamed into the palace as Lu Jing wrote the invitation. He invited Yuan Le to join him, but since he was in Renzhi Palace, he couldn't invite Yuan Le alone. After much deliberation, Lu Jing put down his pen and instructed Sun Jing, "Go and tell the Crown Prince a message."
"I understand."
Sun Jing happily retreated. His Highness and Prince Zhen were cousins and were usually very close to each other.
The next day was a beautiful, sunny day, and Zhen Yuan arrived at Yuning Lake as scheduled. Lu Jing and Gu Ningxi arrived a moment earlier. Aside from Zhen Yuan, Xie Qian and Qin Yu remained in Kyoto. Most of those accompanying the emperor were members of the Jin royal family. Emperor Mingde had even specifically sent for Zhen Yuan and several younger members of the Yao family.
Although Empress Yiwen had passed away many years earlier, Emperor Mingde had always treated Zhen Yuan as his own nephew, treating him even more tenderly than the Yao clan's nephews. Over the years, Emperor Mingde had also sought to promote Empress Yao's maternal family, but the Yao clan lacked a successor and lacked any outstanding nephews or nieces. At the founding of the empire, Emperor Mingde grudgingly granted the Yao clan the title of Marquis when rewarding meritorious officials. He would only elevate his maternal family to the rank of Duke after the crown prince inherited the throne. This was already respectable enough and would not resent the other meritorious officials.
As for Gu Ningxi, it was Minister Li and she who oversaw the construction of Renzhi Palace. Therefore, Gu Ningxi was listed among the few accompanying officials.
The ice was thick and smooth, like a mirror, reflecting three figures, creating an unexpectedly crowded scene. Gu Ningxi loved ice skating, but she had no place to practice it in Kyoto. So, when His Royal Highness Prince Zhao sent her an invitation, she gladly accepted. They had just changed into skates in a pavilion by the lake when a palace attendant hurried in to announce, "Prince."
Zhen Yuan also held an important position in the imperial court and served as an assistant to the Ministry of War. He was always steady and diligent in his work, so when he heard that there was government to be done, he temporarily put aside his playful thoughts.
He said, "Your Highness, I will be back soon."
Lu Jing's tone was not without regret: "Business is more important, no need to rush."
Zhen Yuan bowed and left, and smiled apologetically at Gu Ningxi for disturbing everyone's interest.
After he left, Lu Jing ordered his attendants to move away. Only he and Gu Ningxi were left on the ice.
He smiled at Gu Ningxi and said, "Let's go play first."
Gu Ningxi nodded. After all, she didn't know when Prince Zhen would be back.
The wind is not strong today, and a few wisps of plum fragrance are wafted by the wind.
Gu Ningxi's ice skating skills were excellent. After two warm-up laps around the lake, she began to sweat slightly. She untied her cloak and handed it to the attendant, revealing a green brocade robe embroidered with auspicious bamboo patterns, which perfectly matched the snowy scenery.
Her figure was as light as a swallow, dancing freely across the ice. She spun with ease, her steps nimble and smooth, her movements flowing in one continuous motion. The tiny icy sparks her skates kicked up scattered everywhere, leaving sparkling streaks across the ice.
On the vast lake, Lu Jing's gaze followed her wantonly.
The world was so vast, but it seemed as if they were the only ones on the ice.
Gu Ningxi glided freely and unrestrainedly, with a bright smile on her beautiful face, making it even more difficult to look away.
Patterns are traced on the ice, and it is even more spectacular if you look down from a height.
As her feet spun, Gu Ningxi's ice skates accidentally got stuck in an inconspicuous ice hole. She lost her balance and fell to the ice.
Gu Ningxi didn't take it seriously. Falling on ice was common. She was wearing thick clothes, so it didn't hurt. Lu Jing slid forward to help her, and Gu Ningxi confidently gave him her hand.
Lu Jing only grabbed Gu Ningxi's wrist, lifted him up, and then let go of his hand once Gu Ningxi stood firmly.
Ice skating is very physically demanding, and beads of sweat appeared on Gu Ningxi's forehead.
Lu Jing wasn't tired, so the two of them went to the side to rest for a while. Taking the fruit drink handed to him by His Royal Highness Prince Zhao, Gu Ningxi said in surprise, "Prince Zhen hasn't come back yet."
Lu Jing remained calm and said cheerfully, "Maybe the government affairs are really difficult."
Gu Ningxi smiled, fortunately she had nothing to do today.
The warm sun in the sky reflects a world of ice and snow, which is beautiful beyond words.
…
In Jinping Pavilion, Empress Yao and the Emperor brewed tea around the stove while enjoying the scenery after the snow.
She smiled and said, "Renzhi Palace is very different from when I first saw it. The Ministry of Works has put a lot of thought into it."
Especially this flower garden, the scenery has its own unique features in spring, summer, autumn and winter as the seasons change.
Emperor Mingde was very satisfied with the work done by the Ministry of Works and had already rewarded the officials in charge.
He recalled the list of rewards: "Speaking of which, the child in charge of the flower garden has some connection with you."
"Oh, who is it?"
Emperor Mingde didn't keep anyone in suspense: "It's the Second Young Master of the Gu family."
Empress Yao smiled, of course remembering Madam Meng and Gu Ningxi: "This child is young and promising, he is a talent that can be cultivated."
After hearing what His Majesty and the Empress said, Li Ji said, "I heard that Lord Gu is among the imperial entourage this time."
He had always been a man of many good connections, and was happy to give the young man from the Marquis of Xuanping an opportunity to see the emperor. As expected, upon hearing this, Emperor Mingde said, "Perfect! Let's summon him to see the emperor."
"yes."
This move was exactly what Queen Yao wanted. Since her purpose of meeting him had been achieved, she said no more.
But when the emperor delivered his oral order, two people came.
"Father, Emperor, Mother."
"I greet your Majesty and the Queen."
While waiting outside Jinping Pavilion for his summons, Gu Ningxi whispered to His Royal Highness Prince Zhao, "It really is true that one shouldn't dwell on things."
She just said she had some free time today, and the next moment things came knocking on her door.
Lu Jing laughed. Anyway, he was with Yuan Le, so it didn't matter what they did.
After signaling them to excuse themselves from formalities, Emperor Mingde looked at Lu Jing and asked with a smile, "Why are you here too?"
"Your son was just frolicking with Yuan Le, and happened to come with her to pay his respects."
Emperor Mingde was naturally willing to see Lu Jing, and smiled and offered him a seat.
While the father and son were talking, Queen Yao was looking at the girl beside Prince Zhao.
She was dressed in green clothes and bowed her head slightly according to the etiquette of an audience.
Her fair, delicate cheeks, like jade, were flushed with pink, making her look indescribably bright and charming.
This appearance gradually became 80% similar to the imperial concubine sitting beside Qi'an in her dream, but her demeanor and temperament were very different.
Empress Yao ordered some refreshments to be served in the palace, and sipped her tea with her eyes lowered. Emperor Mingde had summoned her for no important matter, but he had spoken to the Empress about the young master of the Gu family, and had sent someone to see him specifically, as part of his desire to cultivate Gu Ningxi.
While taking a break, Emperor Mingde saw Qi'an talking to the young master of the Gu family with his head tilted. Suddenly, he remembered that when Qi'an was a child, he seemed to like playing with the young master of the Gu family.
Emperor Mingde also whispered to Empress Yao, "You see, Qi'an has a good relationship with him. Qi'an was reluctant to marry before, and always made excuses to me, saying that he was with the young master of the Gu family. I don't know if he can come up with someone else as an excuse."
Queen Yao glanced at the confident emperor and said nothing.
She looked at the intimate pair of children. The girl from the Gu family was still dressed as a boy and was not far away from Qi'an.
The Queen couldn't help but wonder whether Qi'an knew her identity at the moment.
Thinking of the scene in her dream, Queen Yao looked at the carefully painted scenery outside the window and couldn't help but sigh softly.
Even when the Crown Prince spoke of the young master of the Gu family, he praised his talent and character.
The top scholar is dazzling and glorious, but the imperial concubine in the dream is gentle and quiet.
The girl who was once so talented and beautiful ended up in a trance. Empress Yao could understand her feelings to some extent.
After thinking for a long time, many things could not be confirmed, so she decided not to get involved in this cause and effect for the time being.
The sky is as clear as blue. I wonder how long this mild and sunny day will last.
【Author’s words】
Why does the Queen know the identity of the goose?
Her dreams also developed gradually. She first dreamed that the imperial concubine was the legitimate daughter of the Gu family, so she asked her elder sister to take a look. She found that there was no magnetic connection between her and Xiao Lu, so she ruled it out.
Then she discovered that the girl and Xiao Lu had a strong relationship, and the girl was also a legitimate child;
Later, the ladies of honor came to the harem to pay their respects. Empress Yao specially chatted with Madam Meng and then verified her guess.
Finally, in her dream, she saw the appearance of the imperial concubine, which was 80% similar to her imagination.
The dream of the goose girl will be described in detail, while the dream of the queen is more of a side description, but the foreshadowing is buried.
If you have any doubts, you can flip forward again.
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