Chapter 40: Calculation. You should call our Zhengjun aunt. ...
Seeing such a strange eye contact, Pei Ji couldn't help but burst into laughter, but because his eyelids were being pulled, his smiling eyes couldn't close at all, and it looked a bit funny.
He Zhiliao saw him trying to hold back his laughter in such a shy and annoyed manner, with the dimples on his lips faintly visible.
"Let me go quickly. What's so good about looking so ugly?" Pei Ji patted his hand gently. He felt a little uncomfortable with his eyelids being pulled, and his eyes felt a little sore.
He Zhiliao quickly let go, blew gently on his eyes, and gently rubbed his eyelids to make him feel more comfortable.
Pei Ji calmed down a little and opened his eyes to listen to him speak.
The little mute's soft pink lips opened and closed, and because she was lying in front of him, he could see her little tongue inside.
Although he was a little vague, he still took his words seriously. He didn't expect that He Liushi would leave so many shops for him.
Pei Ji thought, maybe he should do more, at least leave some good things for the children.
I've already told the kitchen staff that we won't be eating in the front yard today. We'll go to bed early after dinner.
He Zhiliao knew that he was exhausted both physically and mentally today. Not only was he busy with state affairs, but he also had to take care of him every day. In the end, he was much more tired than others.
"Okay." Pei Ji stopped chatting with him, which showed that he was really tired.
He Zhiliao rang the bell on the table. Chun Jian came in immediately after hearing the noise. After learning the instructions, he went to the small kitchen to urge them.
The weather is getting cooler now, and night is coming faster than before.
In order to help digest the food after the meal, He Zhiliao even put on an extra coat. The autumn night was cold and one could get sick if the wind blew.
In the past, he had always been reluctant to let He Zhiliao get involved in the dirty affairs of the imperial court. However, after seeing He Zhiliao clarify everything in just a few words, he knew that He Zhiliao didn't mind him mentioning these things at home, so he often talked to him about them.
Of course, there are many things in state affairs that cannot be discussed casually.
"The He family won't bother you for a moment, but you must remember that if you go out again, you must bring them both with you. Don't let them come in vain."
"I'm afraid the government will be even busier in the near future. Originally, the imperial examinations were supposed to take place this year, but the severe drought this summer has affected students from all over the country. Your Majesty has decided to hold a special examination."
In this year's autumn examination, almost all those who came to take the exam were from the capital. Those who were capable would naturally be retained, but there were also candidates stuffed in by aristocratic families. Each of them looked like a straw bag and made people angry just by looking at them. Emperor An naturally would not allow such people to stay in his previous dynasty.
In addition, there are few people this autumn, so holding a special examination is inevitable. If there are real talents and knowledge in the examination outside the rules, they will not be hidden.
He Zhiliao looked up at him. Pei Ji would not tell him these things for no reason. He must want to work hard on this matter.
Don’t be tempted to abuse your power and bend the law!
He quickly grabbed his sleeve and shook his head, saying, "You can't do anything wrong!"
"What's the matter?" Pei Ji teased him deliberately, "Don't want to walk around in the yard anymore? Then let's go inside. You look so unhappy."
He Zhiliao frowned slightly and gently hit his chest. Why do you always misinterpret his meaning like this?
Seeing that he was angry, Pei Ji quickly admitted his mistake and explained, "It's not what you think. I just think that I should train my own people and have my own confidants in the court."
I see.
He Zhiliao nodded quickly, this was a good idea.
"I'll take care of it. Don't worry about it. Are you feeling better?" Pei Ji asked and yawned. Fatigue instantly crept onto his face, as if struggling to push him onto the bed.
He Zhiliao nodded quickly, held Pei Ji in his arms and took him to the bedroom. Chun Jian quickly brought the foot washing water. After washing, Pei Ji lay drowsily on the bed.
He Zhiliao quickly wiped his feet and fell into his arms. Pei Ji felt relieved and tucked him in before falling asleep.
Pei Ji was still very busy. The bribery case he was investigating made all the officials in the court feel insecure.
Those who did something were afraid of being discovered, so they always tried to please Pei Ji. Every day they would either give him gold and silver, or house deeds, or they would take him out to live a life of luxury.
Pei Ji rejected all of them with a smile and wrote them down on the roster.
Among these people, there was naturally Zhao Chenghui, but he was much smarter than ordinary people. He knew that ordinary interests could not impress Pei Ji, so he could only think of some roundabout strategies and focus his attention on He Zhile.
[A note from the Seventh Prince?]
He Zhiliao was originally reading at home and was a little surprised to see the invitation that Yanhua brought back. He and the Seventh Prince had always been at odds with each other and were not the type of people who could have tea and listen to music together. Instead, such an invitation made him a little confused.
But since the other party was a prince, he had no choice but to refuse. Furthermore, since the Seventh Prince was hosting a banquet at his residence, He Zhilai wouldn't be the only one invited. He would likely have other guests. If he knew that and didn't go, it would only lead to gossip.
Naturally, the young ladies from the aristocratic families often invited him to play together, so he couldn't be too unsociable.
"I heard that the Seventh Prince often invites young gentlemen like this. I think he wants to repair his relationship with the young master." Chun Jian said softly. After all, he pointed at their Zhengjun's nose and scolded him last time, so he should apologize.
He Zhiliao glanced at the post in his hand and finally decided to go. Apart from anything else, the other party was a prince, so who would dare not go?
In the afternoon, he changed his clothes and went to the Seventh Prince's residence with three personal servants.
The princesses and princes of the royal family would be granted a mansion at the age of fourteen and move to live outside the palace. They could also pay their respects to the palace from time to time on weekdays, but they could not live in the palace.
Naturally, special cases will be treated specially.
The mansions of the princes and princesses are much more magnificent. After all, they are the royal family, so naturally they are different from those of ordinary people. Even the stone statues at the door are particularly imposing.
Seeing someone coming, the guards in front of the Seventh Prince's Mansion immediately stepped forward to block the way. After seeing the invitation handed over by Chunjian, they respectfully invited them in.
The Seventh Prince had already arrived in the front hall waiting for him.
However, the entire Seventh Prince's Mansion seemed a little too quiet, at least not as lively as He Zhiliao had imagined.
"Please come in." The Seventh Prince invited him to sit down inexplicably and awkwardly. "Please sit down. Tea is served."
He Zhiliao sat quietly. Fortunately, he couldn't speak, so he could only wait for the other party to speak first, otherwise he would be nervous.
Even though he was already very nervous.
The Seventh Prince had already prepared an excuse. He said a little embarrassedly, "I spoke harshly to you that day, and I didn't expect my mother to find out. She has explicitly ordered me to apologize to you. Logically, I should come in person, but I don't want to do that because of my dignity."
These words were spoken with such sincerity that He Zhiliao immediately believed what he said.
After all, if his mother asked him to apologize to someone, he would do it even if he was unwilling, and the Seventh Prince's words and actions were particularly sincere.
"I know I have a bad temper. Will you accept my apology?" the Seventh Prince asked. "I was only angry with Xu Xinran that day. I didn't expect that I would be angry with you too."
He Zhiliao nodded slightly. He was not a fool who could be fooled by a few words, but the prince was apologizing to him, so how could he not forgive him?
The Seventh Prince laughed upon hearing this. "That's great! To make amends to you today, I've specially invited a troupe to come. You can have some tea and some music here, and then leave after you're done. Okay?"
【ah. 】
He Zhiliao nodded as he responded. Naturally, he didn't dare to refuse such a kind invitation easily.
There was a spacious stage in his mansion. The two moved to the front of the stage. The snacks were exquisite, the tea was fragrant, and even the opera was particularly interesting.
He Zhiliao didn't believe that the Seventh Prince would do this just because of Concubine Zhao's reprimand. After all, temper is cultivated over a long period of time, how could it be changed in just three or five days.
He also wanted to know what the other party was going to say.
He watched one lively play after another, most of which were about being open-minded, tolerant, and repaying evil with kindness. He Zhiliao was full of questions after listening to them, but he didn't dare to ask directly, let alone leave.
An hour passed in the blink of an eye. Seeing that the time was almost up, the Seventh Prince asked everyone to leave. There was confusion and seriousness on his handsome face, as if he knew how outrageous his next words would be.
His mouth trembled slightly, and the words circled in his mouth before he finally brought up something else, "My mother specially sent some things as an apology to you."
As soon as he finished speaking, the servants of the Seventh Prince brought many gifts to him and showed them to him.
There are silks and brocades worth thousands of gold, sparkling jeweled gold hairpins, purple pearls emitting a faint purple light, and so on.
If He Zhiliao had seen these in the past, he would have been surprised, but he had already seen Pei Ji's "Golden House" and thought these were nothing special.
But if it is just for apology, these gifts would be particularly heavy.
Chun Jian glanced at He Zhiliao's expression and immediately said in surprise, "Seventh Prince, this is too valuable. Our young master cannot accept it!"
"Why not? These are just my mother's wishes. I have also prepared some other items. Just take them back and we can get along well in the future." The seventh prince was a little anxious. His mother had specifically instructed him to accept these things.
He Zhiliao shook his head slightly, but he couldn't express his meaning too much, and a look of hurt suddenly appeared on his face.
Chun Jian understood him best and immediately explained, "Seventh Prince, our Lord Zhengjun meant that although he cannot accept these things, he sincerely wants to be friends with you. He shouldn't let these items affect the pure friendship you have had so far."
The explanation was very good, and He Zhiliao nodded repeatedly.
The Seventh Prince was somewhat tempted. Naturally, he did not want to make friends only for those who benefited from him. He did not expect He Zhiliao to be so sincere. That would be a good opportunity for him to take advantage of the situation.
He was deeply moved and shook his hand, smiling, "Your words put my mind at ease. Since you've said so, would you be willing to do me a favor? It's just a small thing."
He Zhiliao immediately put on a bewildered look and listened carefully to what he asked for. The more he listened, the colder his heart became.
"Can you help me plead with Pei Ji to let my grandfather go? He is currently investigating a case of corruption, and my grandfather is deeply involved. If he is willing to rescue him, our Zhao family will definitely support the Ninth Prince!"
"Aren't you willing to forgive me and not argue about these things? How about you just do me a favor?"
"Your Highness the Seventh Prince, be careful with your words. There are eavesdroppers on the other side of the wall." Xixin reminded him in a low voice, not daring to say such words casually.
The Seventh Prince didn't care that a maid dared to teach him a lesson. He just looked at He Zhiliao eagerly, wanting to get an accurate answer from him.
He Zhiliao felt a chill in his heart rising to his eyes. He had known it was a Hongmen Banquet, but he never thought that it was an attempt to make the Pei family suffer the consequences.
Pei Ji often told him about the court's layout and trickery. Although he didn't know the inside story, he could tell from his words that those people were staring at him, eager to find his mistakes immediately and report them directly to the emperor, so as to strip him of his official position.
He went out early and came back late every day, fighting wits and courage with these corrupt officials to find them, but the Seventh Prince actually wanted to use these things to send him to beg for mercy...
Is this obviously treating him like a fool?
"Although I cannot inherit the throne, I am still a prince. I don't want to use my status to suppress you. Are you unwilling to do your best even for such a small matter?" The seventh prince frowned slightly, and his temper seemed to be about to be out of control.
Small matter?
Corruption is a serious crime in itself, and if Pei Ji really helps, it is an even more serious crime of breaking the law knowingly. If Your Majesty really wants to punish him, it would be a blessing to the Pei family to execute him immediately!
You actually call such a life-risking thing a trivial matter!
Are the lives of ordinary people really not worth as much as those of the royal family?
Xixin was bold but careful. Hearing him say this, she couldn't help but remind him, "If Your Highness insists on using status as an excuse, then you need to explain your identities in detail. It's true that Your Highness is a prince, but to be honest, you should call our Lord aunt."
In this case, even if you want to take advantage of Qiao, you have to be cautious.
The Seventh Prince was choked by her and didn't know what to say for a moment.
Of course he could lose his temper like he did before, but now he was the one who needed help. If he completely offended He Zhiliao, there would be no one left who could speak for the Zhao family.
But how could he swallow this anger?
He has been pampered since childhood, and everyone around him has always flattered and indulged him. Why does he keep running into obstacles with Pei Ji and He Zhiliao?
"I just need you to say a few words. What's so difficult about that?" The Seventh Prince cried out in frustration. "Just now, weren't you so sincere and sincere to me, wanting to be friends with me? You're not willing to help with even this little favor. Is this how you want to be friends with me?"
He Zhiliao frowned. Although the friendship between the daughters of wealthy families and the princes was often based on vested interests, he did not dare to make such a request lightly. Moreover, could a genuine friendship lead to something that violated the law?
This is really contrary to common sense.
He Zhiliao looked at him seriously and shook his head. He would not help with this matter, even if he had to use his status as a prince to suppress him, he would not do it.
He bowed to the Seventh Prince and left with his servants.
Seeing this, the guards in the dark immediately appeared and surrounded them, as if they were determined to achieve their goal.
He Zhiliao was nervous for a moment, but he quickly realized that the Seventh Prince was just trying to scare him.
He accepted the invitation from the Seventh Prince and came to the Seventh Prince's residence today. If anything happened to him here, the Seventh Prince would be to blame.
However, Yanhua and Xixin perked up. It had been a while since they had used their fists and feet in the Pei family. If a fight really broke out, these guards would not be enough for them to defeat. It would be better if they could avoid fighting, otherwise they were afraid of accidentally hurting the emperor.
Chun Jian was unaware of this. He only knew that the atmosphere was tense. He quickly glanced at the young master's expression and said to the Seventh Prince, "Your Highness, please think twice. If our Lord gets into trouble here, you can't stay out of it."
The Seventh Prince certainly knew that he should not act impulsively. He had already messed up what his mother had asked him to do today. If he made another mistake, it would probably lead to disaster.
He really didn't dare.
The Seventh Prince looked at them with a gloomy expression, but finally raised his hand and let them go.
Yanhua and Xixin protected him at the beginning and end, while Chunjian supported He Zhiliao, and the three of them hurriedly left the Seventh Prince's Mansion.
He didn't expect the way of tearing the relationship apart would be so brutal. He Zhiliao was still a little scared when he returned to the carriage. He patted his chest lightly. The palace of the previous dynasty only looked peaceful.
"Young master, you're so frightened. You must have a bowl of hot soup when you get home. These princes are so bold that they dare to use knives in the imperial city!" Chun Jian said with some fear. He thought the seventh prince was sincerely asking for peace.
[It doesn't matter, at least it was rejected.]
Now everyone is staring at Pei Ji. Even if he is really injured in the Seventh Prince's Mansion, he will not agree to this.
And those gifts.
Although he was accustomed to the gifts sent by Concubine Zhao, they were truly valuable. If he accepted them today, even if he did not agree to the Seventh Prince's request, in the eyes of outsiders, he would have been abusing his power for personal gain.
Most of the women in the harem were deep-minded people, and she almost got into trouble, but fortunately.
After walking out of the vicinity of the Seventh Prince's residence, He Zhiliao deliberately got off the carriage. Perhaps the more he thought about it, the angrier and more aggrieved he felt. The expression on his face became a little difficult to control, and his anger and grievance were clearly visible on his face.
I bought some things along the street, and when I passed by his shop, I naturally went in to say hello. After I had some more things in my hands, I went home.
Pei Jiazhengjun looked indignant today, which naturally became a topic of gossip among the people. Some curious people would even take the time to find out where he had been.
You won’t know unless you ask, and you’ll be shocked when you do.
He actually came from the Seventh Prince's Mansion.
Look at his expression, it is obvious that he had an argument with the Seventh Prince. This is serious!
Gossip is always like the wind, blowing everywhere. Rumors naturally contain everything, and with the instigation of those in the dark, gossip becomes suspicion.
I wonder what the Seventh Prince said or did that made Pei Jiazhengjun leave with such a cold face.
Pei Ji's expression remained unchanged after hearing the whole story. Instead, he smiled and praised him, "Very clever! This trick of removing the firewood from under the cauldron will probably keep him frightened for a while."
He really didn't expect that He Zhile would use this kind of "conspiracy" to grasp the Seventh Prince's mind and use this method to trick him. He was really smart and insightful.
If a male monarch could also be an official, he would definitely have a place in the previous dynasty.
He Zhiliao pursed his lips and smiled, he was praised again!
"You still remembered to bring Daphne and Asarum. It shows that you took my words to heart and are becoming more and more well-behaved." Pei Ji saw that he was happy to hear that, so he suppressed his anger and praised him with a smile, "Our Zhizhi is really amazing. You must be more vigilant in the future. People outside are cannibals."
【ah! 】
I know! I'm awesome!
Pei Ji pinched the flesh on his cheek. His son Zhengjun was so well behaved that everyone wanted to plot against him.
This is a bit too hateful, and Zhao Chenghui cannot be let off easily.
The second day.
Pei Ji handed over the evidence he had found to Emperor An. These letters recorded in detail the officials who had embezzled money, when and where they had done so, and the amount of money they had embezzled.
Emperor An always hated corrupt people the most. After getting the evidence from Pei Ji, he immediately arranged for people to search.
Many officials were brought down overnight, but they were all insignificant people holding empty positions.
But the corrupt people knew that just because it wasn't their turn yet didn't mean it wouldn't be their turn later. There was only one way to solve this problem, and that was to ask Pei Ji to let them go.
But they tried many things, both openly and secretly, but still couldn't find the right method.
After learning that the Seventh Prince had found He Zhiliao, they all understood what it meant. They had thought that if they could succeed, they would do the same, but they didn't expect that the Zhao family would actually shoot themselves in the foot.
No one dared to provoke Pei Ji's lord again.
Pei Ji had just walked out of the Shangshufang when he saw Zhao Chenghui standing not far away. He thought that he had come to block him on purpose because the list he submitted included subordinates planted by Zhao Chenghui.
When you pull out a radish, you bring out the mud.
If he really continues to report, the next one might be Zhao Chenghui.
Zhao Chenghui knew this very well, so he came to wait for him.
"Lord Zhao, how come you have the leisure to come here? Do you have something important to report to His Majesty?" Pei Ji looked at him pretending to be ignorant, but with a half-smile on his face.
"Master Pei, let's be frank. I wonder if we can get together after we get off duty? I have something to say to you, Master Pei." Zhao Chenghui naturally couldn't sit still. If he kept calm, he would be the next one to be dismissed.
Pei Ji looked up at him. Over the years, he had relied on his status as Princess Zhao's mother's family to embezzle money and recommend officials countless times.
If Emperor Bian knew about this, he might have some reservations and would not let the Zhao family fall directly. However, the collapse of the empire is not something that happens overnight, and there is no telling when the retribution will come.
Zhao Chenghui didn't dare to gamble on the Zhao family's incapable prince succeeding to the throne.
Pei Ji did not refuse him again. He smiled and made an appointment with him to meet at Songhexuan. This was the day he had been waiting for.
When He Zhiliao learned that Pei Ji was going to meet Zhao Chenghui at Songhexuan, he didn't say anything. He also guessed what Pei Ji meant. If he really wanted to win over the Zhao family, he would have done so long ago. Why drag it on like this?
He even wanted to use him to provoke the Seventh Prince and Concubine Zhao.
If he hadn't thought of it in advance, he would have been misunderstood.
"Mr. Zheng, do you have anything else to say?" Yuan Rong scratched his head awkwardly. His grandfather was just like that, and there was nothing he could do about it!
He Zhiliao pursed his lips and smiled.
Tell him not to drink and go home at 10:00.
Yuan Rong subconsciously glanced at the sky outside the house. It seemed that the time was a little late, but he had no intention of talking to Zhao Chenghui for long.
After receiving the reply, he immediately went to Songhexuan to guard it.
Since Pei Ji was not around, he would go to the front yard to have dinner, tidy up a bit, and then go to talk to Qin Yurong.
When it was almost the hour of Xu, He Zhiliao put down the book and asked the kitchen to pour the boiled water into the bathroom. He personally mixed the water and waited for Pei Ji to come back.
Pei Ji returned before the hour of Xu as agreed. The autumn night was chilly, and he stopped at the inner gate for a moment before walking inside.
Seeing him come back, He Zhiliao immediately went to greet him.
[The hot water is ready, let's take a shower to cool down.]
Pei Ji shook his hand, but the fingers of the person who had been in the room felt a little cold, "Come and take a shower with me."
He Zhiliao's cheeks turned slightly red, and she let him lead her into the bathroom without any resistance.
Pei Ji would naturally not treat him as an outsider.
The young general is tall and strong, with broad shoulders, a tall stature, and strong muscles. His bulging veins and strong waist and abdomen can be seen when he moves. Every bulge shows his training and passion.
When he took off his underwear, Pei Ji's eyes fell on him.
Immediately, he spoke without hesitation—
"Come and help your husband undress."
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The author has something to say: Little Zhiliao: Oh my! So embarrassing! [Pants]
A very fat chapter! [Sunglasses]
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