Mountain and River Festival 275. Concubine Liu's plan, Feng San returns
Although Concubine Liu did not go to listen to the will, the news reached her very quickly. When she heard the eunuch's report, Concubine Liu was sitting in the small garden in her palace, looking at the gorgeous pear blossoms in the yard. A slightly cold breeze came out, and the ground was covered with snow. Although she was wrapped in a white fox cloak, Concubine Liu could not help but shiver.
"Get out!" Concubine Liu said coldly.
The eunuch naturally did not dare to say anything more, and ran out in a hurry, fearing that he would be beheaded before the imperial concubine was buried alive.
After dismissing the people around her, Concubine Liu looked up at the snow-white tree in front of her. Pear blossoms were her favorite flowers. In her opinion, the snow-white pear blossoms were much more beautiful and noble than any peony, peach, orchid, or plum blossoms. Originally, there were no pear trees in the palace. The word "li" means "leave". The palace always thought this was untrue. But after she entered the palace, Mo Jingqi planted several pear trees in the small garden of the palace where she lived in order to please her, just to make her smile. And now... buried alive with her...
She knew that Mo Jingqi was always cruel and ruthless, but she never thought that this cruelty would be used on her one day. Sure enough, she had to be buried with him after his death?
"Your Majesty...His Royal Highness the Prince of Qin and the Prime Minister request to see you." The palace maid outside the door reported tremblingly.
Concubine Liu Gui stood up, held up her white fox cloak and said, "Let them in."
Soon, Crown Prince Mo Xiaoyun, who had been demoted to the King of Qin, and Prime Minister Liu appeared and walked into the main hall. Following them were the Fifth Prince, who was two years younger than the Crown Prince, and Princess Zhenning, who was already fourteen years old. The Fifth Prince and Princess Zhenning burst into tears as soon as they saw Concubine Liu Gui, "Mother... Wuwu... Mother..." Concubine Liu Gui was a person who had no patience with children. At this time, she was very upset. When she heard the crying, her anger surged up and she shouted, "Why are you crying?! This concubine is not dead!"
The Fifth Prince and Princess Zhenning were originally worried about their mother. They followed the King of Qin and Prime Minister Liu eagerly after hearing the edict from their father that their mother must be buried alive with him. Although Concubine Liu was always cold to them, she was their biological mother after all, and they always had some admiration for their extremely beautiful mother. But they didn't expect to be scolded as soon as they met. The Fifth Prince's cry was immediately suppressed in his chest, and his face turned red for a while because of the difficulty in breathing. Princess Zhenning also bit her lip corners, stubbornly not making a sound.
Mo Xiaoyun was only twelve years old, but because he was the eldest son of Concubine Liu, he was cultivated by Prime Minister Liu. Naturally, he was much more stable than his sister and brother. As a prince, he was originally the legitimate heir to the throne, but because of an imperial decree issued by his father before his death, he became inferior to others. At this time, he was still able to speak calmly, which showed that the Liu family had put a lot of effort in cultivating him. Mo Xiaoyun frowned and said, "Mother, my second sister and fifth brother are also worried about you."
Concubine Liu snorted coldly and said calmly: "What's the use of worrying? What problem can crying solve?"
Mo Xiaoyun was silent. In fact, he didn't have deep feelings for his mother. He was not the second sister or the fifth brother, who only admired and longed for his mother. He knew clearly that in his mother's eyes, they should not exist, and he was just a tool that already existed.
"Your Majesty!" Prime Minister Liu frowned and said in a deep voice. Speaking of this daughter, Prime Minister Liu only felt an incomparable headache. Ever since she saw Mo Xiuyao for the first time when she was a child, her heart seemed to be hanging on Mo Xiuyao. For many years, she has never given up. Not only is she cold and indifferent to the emperor, but she is even indifferent to her own children. If it weren't for Mo Xiuyao, I'm afraid she would not even consider competing for the position of crown prince for the King of Qin, let alone consider her family. It's really a debt from the previous life. Prime Minister Liu thinks that he is a cruel and cold-blooded person. There must be many people who died unjustly in his hands during his life as an official. But even when he is cold-blooded, he still cares about his family and children, and for his daughter, except Mo Xiuyao, all family children, husbands and parents can be ignored.
Concubine Liu still had some respect for her father, Prime Minister Liu. Hearing her father's disapproving tone, Concubine Liu frowned and said calmly, "Why is father here?"
Prime Minister Liu asked anxiously, "Why am I here? How could I not come? You have heard the late emperor's will, but you still don't want to think of a solution. Do you really want to be buried with the late emperor?"
Speaking of Mo Jingqi, Concubine Liu raised her lips in disgust. Originally, she had more or less believed that Mo Jingqi cared about her, but now she didn't believe it at all. That man, he wanted to drag her to death with him even if he died! Even if she really wanted to die, she would never be buried in the same mausoleum with him. "Don't worry, father. I know what I am doing."
Prime Minister Liu was stunned. "Do you have a solution? The emperor has ordered the queen mother to be buried alive with the late emperor, and Prince Li has not raised any objections. Prince Li will probably keep a close eye on you, and you may not be able to escape safely." Hearing Mo Jingli's name, Concubine Liu's face darkened and she gritted her teeth and said, "Mo Jingli! He ruined my good fortune again!" Prime Minister Liu sighed helplessly and said, "It has come to this point, there is nothing we can do. The tenth prince will ascend the throne in a few days."
"No!" Concubine Liu said coldly.
"Things have come to this? What else can we do?" Prime Minister Liu frowned.
Concubine Liu raised her chin and said coldly, "Since the Sixth Prince can be deposed, the Tenth Prince can be deposed as well. The one who ascends the throne must be the Crown Prince. As long as the Crown Prince ascends the throne... the will can be abolished and I won't be buried with him." Prime Minister Liu was shocked and angry. He stared at Concubine Liu and said, "You are crazy! At this time, not only Prince Li, the Grand Princess, the Queen, Duke Hua and even Prince Ding are eyeing the Tenth Prince. It is extremely difficult to take action. Once discovered... do you think Prince Qin still has a chance to ascend the throne? By then, the Liu family will only be buried with him and make wedding clothes for others!"
Concubine Liu smiled and said, "Father, do you think we are the only ones who want the Tenth Prince to die? Prince Li is no less thoughtful than us. I heard some interesting news. I heard that Prince Li asked where his son was before the Emperor died."
Prime Minister Liu was stunned. Of course, he had heard what Prince Li said at that time, but at that time he was more concerned about the edict in the hands of the empress. After the edict was issued, they were shocked by the news of the edict and naturally had no time to think about this problem. Concubine Liu smiled and said, "Father, do you still remember that two months ago, Mo Jingli... kicked his son to death?"
Of course Prime Minister Liu remembered. Although Prince Li’s Mansion covered up this matter strictly, the Liu family and Prince Li’s Mansion are political enemies. How could they not know about such a big thing? Stroking his beard, Prime Minister Liu narrowed his eyes and said, "You mean..." Concubine Liu smiled and said, "Ye Ying was imprisoned by the emperor when she was pregnant. We all know that she gave birth to a son, but no one has ever seen that son. Naturally, the emperor can say yes or no. I'm afraid... the child in Prince Li's Mansion is not Prince Li's son at all. The emperor has always been suspicious, and Prince Li is a cavalry rebel. How could the emperor not be on guard against him?
"Your Majesty, do you know where the child is?" Prime Minister Liu was overjoyed. Now, except for the son born by Ye Ying, Prince Li has no other children. There has not even been any news of a concubine being pregnant, but there have been some rumors in the capital. If this is true, then the value of this child is indeed beyond the expectations of all of them."
Concubine Liu shook her head and said, "I don't know. The emperor has not told anyone the whereabouts of the child."
Prime Minister Liu was a little disappointed, but then he heard Concubine Liu laugh and say, "Do you know what the relationship is? We have never seen the child, and Prince Li has never seen the child either. As long as father arranges it properly..."
"Your Majesty is right. I understand." Prime Minister Liu's mind suddenly changed. He immediately understood what Concubine Liu meant and responded with a smile.
No matter how turbulent things were going on inside and outside the palace, Prince Ding's mansion was still peaceful and tranquil. Until that evening, a handsome man in red knocked on the tightly closed door of Prince Ding's mansion.
"I don't remember inviting you to the capital, Feng Zhiyao?" In the study, Mo Xiuyao looked at Feng Zhiyao lazily and said lightly. Feng Zhiyao stood against the wall by the door and gave him a tired smile. After he turned thirty, Feng Zhiyao's handsome face, which was originally considered frivolous, became more stable and slightly desolate. Such a feeling should not exist in the third son of Feng, who is the right-hand man of King Ding and a person who dares not be ignored in the northwest even if he does not have the final say. At this time, his sword-like brows were slightly frowned because of fatigue and worry, which made people reluctant to blame him. Ye Li quietly pulled Mo Xiuyao's clothes, signaling him not to blame Feng Zhiyao too much.
Mo Xiuyao snorted in dissatisfaction, looked at Feng Zhiyao and said, "Tell me, what's the matter? If you want to say that there is nothing wrong and you just ran all the way from the northwest to Chujing because you are worried, I will immediately have someone pack you up and throw you back."
Feng Zhiyao grew up with him, so he could tell when someone was really angry and when someone was just trying to scare someone. Gratefully smiling at Ye Li, Feng Zhiyao walked to a chair and sat down, saying, "Master Qingchen asked me to bring a message to the prince. The estimate was wrong, Xiling and Nanzhao haven't fought yet." In fact, this was a favor Xu Qingchen did for Feng Zhiyao. Originally, such news didn't require Feng Zhiyao to come all the way to deliver the message, and Xu Qingchen wasn't incapable of handling such a matter. It's just that Feng Zhiyao's condition had seriously affected his work efficiency. Master Qingchen was extremely intelligent, so he naturally understood that there must be something about the people in the capital that made him worried. Then I casually assigned him some tasks so that he could return to Beijing.
Hearing this, Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows in surprise. Xu Qingchen's plans rarely go wrong, but he figured it out soon. Although Mo Jingqi's death was not unexpected, the chaos after Mo Jingqi's death was definitely unexpected. Especially the confession of guilt issued by Mo Jingqi before his death and the arrangement of Dingwang Mansion were unexpected. After receiving this news, the King of Zhennan might indeed give up the plan to attack Nanzhao. After all, Nanzhao is a small country in a corner. Whether it can be taken down is insignificant compared to the rich Chu in the Central Plains.
"What changes have taken place in Xiling recently?" Mo Xiuyao asked.
Feng Zhiyao said: "The King of Zhennan has secretly mobilized troops to approach the border of Da Chu. Master Qingchen speculated that as soon as the news of Mo Jingqi's death spreads, the Xiling army will attack Da Chu again. In addition, the Beirong side seems to have this plan as well."
"What does Master Qingchen say?"
"Master Qingchen said that if you have finished dealing with the affairs in the capital, please return as soon as possible."
"If... it's done..." Mo Xiuyao tilted his head and looked at Ye Li and smiled, "It seems that Big Brother is not in a hurry for us to go back. Then stay for a while." If it's done, go back as soon as possible. If it's not done, of course there's no need to go back. Xu Qingchen dared to say this, which showed that he didn't pay attention to Lei Zhenting's actions. In this case, with Master Qingchen guarding the northwest, why don't they see what benefits they can get in Da Chu?
Feng Zhiyao raised his eyebrows, not caring about Mo Xiuyao's misinterpretation of Xu Qingchen's words. Anyway, he had conveyed the original words word for word, and as for how the prince wanted to understand it, it was none of his business.
Ye Li smiled at Feng Zhiyao and said, "In that case, Feng San will stay in the palace first." Although Feng Zhiyao had a family, he had moved out of his home a few years ago. When the Mohist Army and the Great Chu broke up, the Feng family even publicly issued a statement to expel Feng Zhiyao from the family and cut off all ties. Feng Zhiyao's residence in the capital has not been occupied for many years. Who doesn't know that the third son of Feng is the confidant of Prince Ding?
Feng Zhiyao nodded and said, "Thank you, Princess."
"Prince...Princess..." Feng Zhiyao looked at Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao, and finally couldn't bear it anymore. He hurried back to the capital just for this matter, and he couldn't wait even a moment longer. Seeing the rare shyness and blushing face of the third son of Feng, who was always so suave in front of others, Ye Li couldn't help but smile. Looking at Feng Zhiyao, he said seriously: "Don't worry. After all, she is the queen of a country, and she has the Hua family as her backing. No matter who ascends the throne, they will only respect her."
Feng Zhiyao's expression froze, and he hesitated for a moment before saying, "I want to see her. I beg the princess to grant my wish."
Ye Li turned her head to look at Mo Xiuyao, who raised his eyebrows and said, "It's just a small matter for Ah Li to decide."
Ye Li thought for a moment and said to Feng Zhiyao, "The palace is under strict security now, so please be patient. I will ask someone to arrange it, but... I need to get her consent first." Ye Li knew what Feng Zhiyao wanted to do, but if the queen didn't agree, Feng Zhiyao would just add to the troubles of both parties. Ye Li was not sure whether the queen had any feelings for Feng Zhiyao, or whether this feeling was enough to make her give up her responsibilities and status. Feng Zhiyao hesitated for a moment and wanted to refute, but seeing Ye Li's serious expression, she could only nod, "Thank you, princess."
As if she could see Feng Zhiyao's reluctance, Ye Li sighed softly, "It's hard to say who is right or wrong in matters of the heart. We all know that you care about her, but... if she doesn't need your care, then your thoughts now are not about helping her but about causing trouble for her, do you understand?"
Feng Zhiyao remained silent. Perhaps in his heart, he didn't believe from the bottom of his heart that the queen might not need his help at all. But... she was the queen who ruled the country. Even if she had no feelings for Mo Jingqi, it couldn't change the fact that she was the future empress dowager of the Great Chu. Even if Mo Jingli ascended the throne, he could only respect this sister-in-law. And now, the tenth prince who was about to ascend the throne was only seven years old. At a time when he needed assistance, would she go with him? For a moment, Feng Zhiyao suddenly became a little panic-stricken.
Seeing his rare expression, Ye Li sighed slightly in her heart. Love is the most tormenting thing. Feng Zhiyao is a carefree person with extraordinary achievements. He should have lived a carefree life, but unfortunately he was obsessed with love. He has been obsessed for many years. If Han Mingyue's obsession with Su Zuidie makes people hate him, Feng Zhiyao's deep love for the queen can only make people feel regretful and helpless.
"Don't think too much." Ye Li smiled softly.
Feng Zhiyao forced a smile and said, "Thank you for your advice, Princess."
"Your Highness, Princess, the Second Young Master Leng and Madam Leng are here." Zhuo Jing reported from outside the door.
Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows and asked, "What are they doing here at this time?"
Leng Haoyu's laughter was heard from outside the door. "The emperor passed away, and many businesses were forced to close. Aren't I free?" Leng Haoyu had many businesses under his name, including brothels, wine shops, casinos, etc. The emperor passed away and the whole world mourned, so these businesses naturally could not be run anymore. So Leng Haoyu, who had nothing to do, brought his son and wife to visit Ding Wangfu.
Pulling Murong Ting into the study room, Leng Haoyu saw Feng Zhiyao sitting on the side. He smiled and said, "Hey? Isn't this the Third Young Master Feng? I haven't seen him in such good shape for a long time... He's not that great."
Isn't it? Feng Zhiyao rushed all the way here in a hurry, and went straight into the study to discuss matters without taking a rest. He looked fine when he was in good spirits, but now that he was relaxed, even his red dress looked a little dull. Although Leng Haoyu always liked to compete with Feng Zhiyao, he was very sensible and didn't poke his sore spot. He sat down and looked at Feng Zhiyao and said in a deep voice: "Don't worry, she is fine. At this time, no one dares to neglect her." The new emperor has not been established yet, and the previous emperor has passed away. The queen mother Liu Guifei was ordered to be buried alive with the emperor. The queen has the final say in the palace, and no one with eyes would make the queen uncomfortable at this time.
Feng Zhiyao nodded and smiled faintly, "Thank you."
Leng Haoyu curled his lips and said nothing. He had no opinion on the queen, but seeing Feng Zhiyuan's unrequited love for more than ten years, sometimes he couldn't help but want to stand up for his friend. But thinking about how he had spent countless time and effort chasing his wife, he could only sigh that Feng Zhiyuan was more unlucky than himself.