146 Chapter 146
◎Cheating.◎
In the Xuanshi Hall, the Emperor spoke with an innocent look, "I never claimed to be the Grand General. Who knows who started the rumor that the Grand General was protecting the son of the Grand Justice? Zhongqing, don't worry. I will investigate the truth and clear your name."
Wei Qing smiled and said helplessly, "Since it is the will of His Majesty and His Highness, there is no need to bother to investigate. Let them say whatever they want."
It was not unusual that Zhang He and Zhang Anshi, sons of Court Justice Zhang Tang, were summoned by His Majesty into the Crown Prince's Palace. After all, the descendants of the nobles and dignitaries in the court had all benefited from the favor of their families.
But then someone started to bring up that just two days ago, Zhang He was bullied outside, and it was Yichun Marquis Wei Kang who stopped those people, including Gongsun Jingsheng, the son of Grand Coachman Gongsun He. After that, there was no news of Gongsun Jingsheng. Although Wei Kang was a marquis, he did not have such great ability. The only person who could make Grand Coachman dare not say a word could be a general. Some people also said that they did see two people who looked like father and son leaving the store that day.
Therefore, the reason why Zhang Tang's son was summoned to the Crown Prince's Palace was the result of the general's good words in front of the Emperor.
The rumor spread like wildfire, and the logic behind it was surprisingly sound, except for one problem.
Why did the general protect Zhang Tang instead of his own nephew?
When the prince came to Xuanshi Hall, he happened to hear the emperor and the general discussing the rumor, so he raised his own questions.
Liu Che clapped his hands and laughed, "Good question! Has no one completed this point?"
Wei Qing coughed lightly and said, "Your Majesty, let's just let this matter go. After a while, no one will mention it anymore."
Exposing his desire to watch the fun, the Emperor stroked his beard to cover it up: "Yes, yes, I'll do as the General says. Er'er, don't mention it anymore."
"Okay." Liu Ju smiled, "But I still have to mention Zhang Anshi."
Liu Ju then told his father about Zhang Anshi's outstanding performance and said with a smile, "Aunt, you will regret this now. You have missed out on such a talented young man."
"Well... do you regret it?" Liu Che asked with a smile.
Liu Ju was puzzled: "What do I regret?"
Liu Che laughed and said, "I regret keeping Zhang He. It's better for me to only have Zhang Anshi."
Liu Ju said, "If it weren't for Zhang He, Zhang Anshi wouldn't have had this opportunity. Father, of course I have to keep Zhang He. Perhaps... he will bring me other talents."
"Hmm... When you mention that, I remember something unpleasant." Liu Che stroked his chin thoughtfully.
Liu Ju thought about it and realized that he didn't mean that, but his father obviously thought of the past when he was frequently deceived by alchemists. The concept of good luck was indeed a bit superstitious.
Liu Ju blinked and smiled, "Aunt, we are going to Shanglin Garden. The shadow play there must be quite unique."
Wei Qing turned his head away so that the Emperor wouldn't see him laughing.
Liu Che: “…”
Liu Che said expressionlessly, "I prefer to listen to music on the water. Zhongqing, you should go too. I haven't heard you compose poetry for a long time."
Wei Qing: “…”
Wei Qing said, "Your Majesty, how about calling the sick one up as well?"
As uncle and nephew, they should share happiness.
His Majesty the Emperor nodded.
Liu Ju: “…”
Uncle, does my cousin know that you love him so much?
…
Wei Qing had no chance to study when he was young, and it was even more impossible for him to study when he was a riding slave in Princess Pingyang's mansion. It was not until Wei Zifu was favored by the emperor and Wei Qing entered Jianzhang that he had the opportunity to learn to read and write.
Later, because of the kidnapping of Empress Dou, Wei Qing came into the emperor's sight and was personally taught military strategy and literature by the emperor.
As for the art of war, it wasn't long before Wei Qing no longer needed the emperor's instruction.
Literature, not long after, His Majesty the Emperor no longer wanted to teach Wei Qing.
The former was because Wei Qing's application of military tactics had surpassed that of His Majesty the Emperor, and the latter was because His Majesty the Emperor thought Wei Qing was a piece of rotten wood and poetry and prose could not enter his mind.
Wei Qing himself was very self-aware. He thought it was enough for him to write good documents and memorials, and he would not get involved in literary matters.
Liu Che knew this very well. Now, His Majesty the Emperor wanted to hear the general write poetry, which was obviously a "revenge" on him.
Wei Qing sighed. If he had known earlier, he would not have secretly laughed at him in front of the Emperor.
After arriving at Shanglin Garden, Liu Ju secretly suggested to his uncle: "How about, uncle, you ask someone to write two poems for you in advance as backup. When the old man asks you to write, you can recite the one you think is suitable."
The honest man Wei Qing shook his head and said, "How can I deceive the emperor?"
"How can this be called deceiving the emperor? This is called cheating." Liu Ju said righteously.
Wei Qing: “…”
"I think it's good." Guanjun Hou suddenly jumped out from behind the flowers.
Wei Qing remained indifferent, but Liu Ju was startled. He patted his chest and said, "Cousin, when did you hide here and eavesdrop?"
"You chose the place where I was to talk, not me eavesdropping," Huo Qubing corrected.
Wei Qing smiled and said, "Indeed, Qubing was already there when we arrived."
Liu Ju stood up and took a look. There was a stone table and stone bench on the other side of the flowers. A book was spread out on the table. He must be reading it.
"Why didn't my uncle tell me?" Liu Ju complained, "I thought we were the only two here. Of course, the fewer people who know about cheating, the better."
Huo Qubing was surprised and said, "I won't complain to His Majesty. I approve of your cheating strategy."
"Really?" Liu Ju said in surprise. He hadn't listened to Huo Qubing's words at all. "Cousin, my father-in-law also wants you to write a poem. Isn't my idea very good?"
Before Huo Qubing nodded, Wei Qing said, "Qubing."
Huo Qubing paused and looked at Wei Qing: "Uncle, I don't want to write poetry."
The Marquis of Guanjun still had an expressionless face, but Liu Ju swore that he saw a hint of coquettishness in Huo Qubing's eyes.
In terms of literary accomplishment, Huo Qubing, who grew up in wealth and luxury, was certainly not weak. There was only one reason why he did not want to write poetry.
That is, he didn't want to face the sentimental and melancholy Emperor.
——If His Majesty the Emperor wants to express his lofty ambitions, Huo Qubing will be happy to accompany him.
Wei Qing shook his head and said, "No."
Huo Qubing had no choice but to say, "Okay."
This means that he will listen to his uncle instead of going against him.
Liu Ju exclaimed: "Wow, uncle is so amazing."
Huo Qubing tilted his head to glance at him and said, "Your Highness, won't you accompany His Majesty in writing poetry?"
"I was going to go, but when Grandpa heard that I wanted to watch shadow play, he wouldn't let me go. What a pity." Liu said these words with regret, but his face was full of smiles, without any regret on his face.
Huo Qubing crossed his arms and smiled faintly: "It's okay, Your Highness. I will plead for you in front of His Majesty."
Liu Ju: “…”
Liu Ju hurriedly reached out to pull him back: "That's not necessary, cousin. I appreciate your kindness, but..."
"It's necessary." Wei Qing smiled and shook Liu Ju's hand. "Ju'er, the three of us, uncle and nephew, must not cheat."
Liu Ju thought that it was Wei Qing who had suggested that Huo Qubing board this "pirate ship", and this time he was dragged on by Huo Qubing again...
Liu Ju said sincerely: "Uncle, you are so scary."
Wei Qing smiled, and the general looked as harmless as possible.
…
After the torturous poetry competition, an activity that everyone finally enjoyed, hunting, arrived.
Liu Che reminded the prince: "You still owe me a deer, don't forget it."
"Don't worry, old man," Liu Ju said with a smile, "If I really can't hunt a deer, I'll secretly take my cousin's deer as mine."
Liu Che nodded at him and said, "You little rascal, you dare to cheat. I will punish you by not allowing you to ride in a carriage or on a horse, and you must run back to the palace."
Naturally, His Majesty the Emperor could not hide the fact that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince proposed cheating.
Liu Ju made a frightened expression: "Ah, if I had known earlier, I wouldn't have told Grandpa in advance."
"It's too late. I'll let your cousin follow you." His Majesty the Emperor smiled. "Qubing, look at the Crown Prince. If he dares to cheat, I will hold you accountable."
Huo Qubing bowed and said, "I obey your command."
After the Emperor and his men had left, Liu Ju said, "Hey, my grandfather is really unreasonable, cousin, don't you think so?"
Huo Qubing said sternly, "I cannot answer such a question."
Liu Ju turned and asked another person, "Huo Guang, what do you think?"
Huo Guang, like his brother, said with a stern face, "Your Highness, I cannot do that either."
Zhang He pulled at the reins. He tried to dodge, but the Crown Prince still asked, "Zhang He?"
Zhang He followed suit and said, "Your Highness, I cannot do that either."
Liu Ju sighed, "Then I'll have to walk back to Weiyang Palace on my own."
Huo Qubing and Huo Guang both knew he was pretending, but Zhang He took it seriously. He said quickly, "No, Your Highness. This hunt will take five days. His Majesty doesn't expect you to kill the deer in one day. Don't be discouraged."
Liu Ju accepted his kindness and said with a smile: "You have a point. Let's start from now!"
Zhang He nodded heavily and immediately caught up with the prince's horse.
Huo Qubing glanced at Zhang He and raised his eyebrows, saying, "Your Highness looks at him differently."
Huo Guang nodded: "Perhaps he has caught your attention."
Huo Qubing urged his horse to catch up with the crown prince and warned Huo Guang, "Go slowly."
Huo Guang blushed a little: "Thank you, brother."
Although Liu was said to be in a pitiful state, his deer hunting operation was actually very successful. On the first day of hunting, he presented a large deer to His Majesty the Emperor.
In front of the ministers and dignitaries, His Majesty the Emperor naturally praised the Crown Prince highly, and everyone followed suit. For a moment, all the praises flooded into the Crown Prince's ears.
At the subsequent banquet, venison was also given to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince to enjoy.
Privately, Liu Ju asked his father, "Aunt, I encountered a lot of deer today. Did you ask them to let them go?"
Liu Che chuckled quietly and said, "Hush."
When it comes to cheating, of course the fewer people who know about it the better.
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