Chapter 145 Chapter 145 "I know what's going on. For now..."
Chapter 145
Five days later, everyone set off back to Beijing.
This time, Zhou Bokai led the soldiers of the South Camp to clear the way, Jing Zhuoran led less than half of the original Lin family army soldiers to cover the rear, Lin Shuo and Zhou Heng protected the emperor, and the journey was very peaceful, nothing happened, and even a few birds were seen.
Even if some of the Lin family army were sent out one after another.
——But at the gate of the capital, this part of the Lin family army, led by Lin Zhiqi, joined the main force.
Emperor Longshun was not able to enjoy his spring hunting this time and was even assassinated. Although he escaped danger, he was very angry that the Crown Prince and the Queen had caused such a big mess in the capital.
After returning to the palace, he released all the family members of the empress and the prince who were under house arrest in the palace. Then the imperial edict came down soon - the prince was not worthy of the position and needed to gain another year of experience before he could inherit the throne again.
This imperial edict looks very gentle.
But the meaning is very clear, which is to depose the prince.
As for whether the crown prince would still be the eldest prince Jing Zhuowen one year later...
That remains to be seen.
Anyone is possible.
Who wouldn’t be tempted by the current situation?
Prince Rui returned to his palace and first hugged Shi Yun'er and breathed a sigh of relief.
They successfully survived this disaster.
"Where's Hong'er?"
"She's sleeping soundly at the wet nurse's place." Shi Yun'er managed the house well, keeping it in perfect order without any mess.
Jing Zhuowu was still frightened: "You have suffered a lot these days."
If Shi Yun'er hadn't claimed to be ill to avoid those undercurrents, their Rui Wang Mansion would probably have been the first to bear the brunt.
"I'll go see him." He held Shi Yun'er in his arms and walked quickly towards the backyard.
Hong'er was sleeping in his cradle, his face rosy, not affected by the outside world at all.
Jing Zhuowu hugged Shi Yuner's waist tightly and kissed her hard.
…
The Prince of Chu and his wife went straight to Concubine Rou's Yanxi Palace.
The passing of my fifth brother’s mother is truly heartbreaking.
Meng Weixin was dressed simply, as Empress Xian had just left, so she was showing some sisterly love to her.
No matter how little they interacted on a daily basis, they had lived together in this deep palace for twenty years after all.
"Mother, are you doing well these days?" Jing Zhuorui asked worriedly.
Meng Weixin knew what he was worried about and said calmly, "It's okay, don't worry." She turned around and asked him, "How are you and Wushuang? Are you okay? I heard that the northern barbarians attacked several times outside. Mother is very worried about you."
"We are fine too, mother." Ji Wushuang replied softly.
"That's good, that's good." She sighed, "The Dragon Boat Festival is coming soon. If you leave the capital and go to Qingzhou to take up your posts as soon as possible, then mother will be completely relieved."
Although Qingzhou experienced a snowstorm last winter, Gu Heming there is very capable, experienced, and loyal. Rui'er is actually very safe there.
Everything is a new beginning. As long as Ruier manages it well, that place will become his foundation, and those powerful officials can also become his confidants.
However, she was reluctant to say more and only instructed, "Ask your uncle to accompany you. He's been free for so many years, it's time for him to settle down."
"Mother, do you want to find a companion for your uncle?" Jing Zhuorui asked with a smile.
"That's what I mean. You should also pay attention. When you get to Qingzhou, if you find a suitable girl, try to match them up. With a family, he can put down roots and protect you two steadily."
"I'm grown up now. Mother and uncle don't have to worry too much about me. I will be the one protecting you from now on." Jing Zhuorui spoke nicely, which made Concubine Rou happy.
…
Concubine Zhao also summoned her son Jing Zhuoyue into the palace for a conversation.
"It would be great if your father would let you attack the Northern Barbarians." She sighed, "The Western Regions are too far away. It will be very difficult for you and me to see each other in the future."
"Father won't leave the northern barbarians for me to fight. Mother, please give up on this thought." Jing Zhuoyue said calmly.
"Who would that leave it to? Old Five? He's still in mourning... he shouldn't be asked to go, right?"
"Of course it's Young Master Lin and his wife." Jing Zhuoyue poured a cup of tea for Concubine Zhao and took a sip himself. He added, "And his second sister. Captain Lin made the greatest contribution this time and should be promoted again."
Concubine Zhao muttered, "Isn't it possible? She's just a woman...does she really dream of being the same as General Gu? General Gu is just a special case. Back then, the Gu family was completely wiped out, with only Gu Tingxuan left. Although the Lin family has many daughters now, they still have the young master. At worst, they still have four sons-in-law to help them. Take the Lin family's eldest son-in-law, for example, he's the eldest son of the Zhou family! Yes, Zhou Bokai's contribution this time was not small."
Jing Zhuoyue's tone remained calm. "Zhou Bokai only made achievements in the capital, and he still answers to the Crown Prince. Oh, the former Crown Prince. Lin Zhiqi answers to the Emperor. Who do you think the Emperor will choose? So what if it's a woman? Whoever is qualified will be chosen. It's fair."
"Then didn't you also make a contribution?" Concubine Zhao was unwilling to accept it.
The Western Regions are still too far away.
It is not good for him to fight for the position of crown prince.
Jing Zhuoyue gave Concubine Zhao a deep look. "You've bitten off more than you can chew. Mother, I'm already the Prince of Jing. The nations of the Western Regions respect me as their most respected, and I have General Gu, the General of the Western Regions, by my side. My third brother, even as the King of Chu, doesn't have this honor. We should be content with what we have."
Concubine Zhao: "..."
Okay, after listening to my son's analysis, his title and fiefdom are indeed not bad.
"Then come to the palace more often these days. After the Dragon Boat Festival, it's very likely that your mother won't be able to see you for two or three years."
"Um."
…
The Sixth Prince Jing Zhuoan and his mother Concubine Chun cried bitterly as if they had survived a disaster.
Concubine Chun was worried that something unexpected would happen to her in the harem.
I am also worried that Jing Zhuoan will encounter danger in the hunting ground.
Jing Zhuoan personally experienced the grand scene of the northern barbarians' attack, and saw blood and flesh flying everywhere and swords and knives being merciless. Compared with his life in the palace for the past ten years, it was simply too cruel.
He seemed to come to his senses only after returning to the palace and had a fever for several days.
He held Concubine Chun in his arms like a child and sobbed, "Mother, I will never leave you again."
Concubine Chun also hugged him and cried, "Well, mother will not let An'er take risks again."
They had figured it out—living in peace in a corner, quietly being idle princes, was fine. They didn't have the skills, nor the ambition, to fight for the throne. The glint of swords and sabers in the dark was truly terrifying.
…
Jing Zhuoran knelt in front of his mother's spirit tablet, crying silently.
Ding Fuquan was also there, crying sincerely.
"Your Highness, please eat something. If the Empress knew that you have been awake all night like this, she would be heartbroken."
Jing Zhuoran said hoarsely: "I can't eat it...put it here first."
It wasn't because he was too sad that he became depressed and gave up on himself, but he really couldn't eat.
Moreover, there is a fire burning in his heart, just waiting for the right opportunity to set the whole place on fire.
"Your Highness, Princess Liyang is here." The messenger outside said.
Jing Zhuoran supported himself on the ground and stood up. His legs and knees were numb. Ding Fuquan hurried forward to help him.
Jing Yue was pushed in by Su Lian in a wheelchair.
He first called out "Fifth Brother," then lit a stick of incense for Concubine Xian. Glancing at the cold meal, he sighed and ordered, "Prepare a hot meal for His Highness the Fifth Prince. Su Lian, keep an eye on it."
"yes."
Jing Zhuoran opened his mouth and wanted to say no, but his voice was too hoarse and he had just resumed speaking, so no sound came out for a while.
Jing Yue glanced at Ding Fuquan, who tactfully led the other palace servants out.
"Fifth brother, please accept my condolences." Jing Yue advised softly.
Although "I accept my condolences" is a high-sounding nonsense, sometimes such nonsense is needed to give sad people a reason to breathe.
Jing Zhuoran paused for a moment before saying in a hoarse voice, "Thank you for your concern, my dear sister. I'm fine."
Jing Yue took out a letter and handed it to Jing Zhuoran: "It's a letter from my third sister."
Jing Zhuoran's expression softened. He carefully took the letter and held it against his chest. He didn't rush to open it, but smiled at Jing Yue first: "Thank you."
"Fifth brother, don't be so polite all the time." Jing Yue said, "Only by taking good care of yourself can you reassure Empress Xian."
"...I know." Jing Zhuoran took a deep breath and smiled with a hint of relief.
The dead cannot be resurrected.
He had already been caught in a whirlpool of sadness in the hunting grounds, and now only the dull ache was tormenting him.
He believed that he would cheer up soon.
…
Jingyue returned to Chengqian Palace, and Lin Zhiyi was playing chess with Concubine Lan.
Su Lian didn't come back until quarter of an hour later.
Jing Yue asked him, "Fifth brother, have you eaten yet?"
Su Lian replied, "I ate it."
"That's good. Thank you for your hard work, Steward Su."
"Princess, you are embarrassing me."
"Keep an eye on that area for a while," Jing Yue ordered.
After all, Jing Zhuoran was a prince who had never been favored. Concubine Xian was always ill and had never made any plans for him. The servants around him were all useless.
Of course, this situation shouldn't last long.
My father had just deposed the crown prince, and his mind was not on the harem at all. He wanted to reorganize the court officials.
For example, the princelings and...other parties.
Once Ye Changning submits the evidence he has found during this period and convicts Cheng Lunian, they can proceed to the next step.
Concubine Xian did have a backup plan - a blood letter and witnesses accusing the Queen of murdering the royal heir.
One last fight for her son's future.
Lin Zhiyi was the first to see Jingyue return. She paused her game with Concubine Lan and said with a smile, "Mother, I'll go get Ayue first."
Concubine Lan's slender fingers shuffled the chess pieces on the board, and she tilted her head gracefully: "Go ahead. I won't play anymore. Mother admits defeat."
Lin Zhiyi took the wheelchair from Tang Cong, pushed Jingyue into the hall, and then leaned over to hug Jingyue. Tang Cong cooperated tacitly and carried the wheelchair over the threshold of the inner hall.
Jing Yue hooked her arm around Lin Zhiyi's neck. After he was placed back in the wheelchair, he whispered, "Be careful with your waist..."
"I know what I'm doing. I can still hold you for now." Lin Zhiyi whispered softly in Jingyue's ear, "You're still in great shape, you haven't gained weight."
Last night, the two of them had a long-awaited loving activity in the princess's mansion.
So she was well aware of his weight.
Their eyes met, passionate and affectionate.
Concubine Lan cleared her throat and said, "You don't have to come to the palace to accompany me all the time. Yue'er is having trouble walking now, so it's better for her to stay in the Princess's Mansion and take good care of herself."
So as to avoid accidentally revealing any flaws to others.
"Aren't you worried that Mother will be bored?"
In fact, he was worried that something unexpected would happen in the palace.
Empress Xian had just left, and the atmosphere in the palace was indeed a bit depressing.
"That's all right. Mother is the safest person in the entire palace right now," Lan Fei said. "Xiuyuan should spend more time with the Duke's wife. She and your elder sister have suffered a lot in the palace."
"My mother has my father to accompany her. My elder sister has her brother-in-law to accompany her. I'm not needed." Lin Zhiyi said with a smile, "Since Ayue wants to spend more time with mother, mother, just enjoy it."
Lan Fei shook her head helplessly, but she couldn't suppress the smile on her lips.
They stayed with Concubine Lan until the afternoon, and only left after Jing Zhuoran sent someone to deliver a reply letter to Lin Zhishu.
Jing Yue: "Are mother and elder sister really okay?"
"Yes. They've seen all sorts of ups and downs, and they're no longer easily shaken by either praise or criticism. Just look at how Mother, after leaving the palace, even went to the martial arts gym to chat with her master and go shopping. Eldest Sister quickly resumed her shop and is actively promoting summer clothing. Many young ladies from aristocratic families are placing orders for new clothes from her shop."
"What about the blocked trade routes on my grandfather's side?"
"Everything has recovered," Lin Zhiyi said, "but my uncle said that a few trade routes will be reduced this year. We should keep a low profile and strive for stability and peace."
"That's fine."
"Um."
The series of changes brought about by this spring hunt have just begun.
Before the Dragon Boat Festival, Emperor Longshun did not punish anyone else.
However, after the Dragon Boat Festival, he began to interrogate Cheng Lunian and Cheng Miao based on the evidence provided by Ye Changning.
Jing Zhuoban didn't want to have anything to do with the Cheng family anymore, but Cheng Manyu kept crying in his ear and begged him with Lang'er in her arms. He really couldn't bear to do it, so he quietly ordered people to take good care of Cheng Miao and his mother-in-law.
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The author has something to say: I looked through the previous article and found that I had remembered it wrong. The King of Chu went to Qingzhou to be enfeoffed, not Yuzhou. So I changed it again, jiu mi~
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