Chapter 52: Promotion. You are very mean, I don’t want to say nice things to coax you. …
As time went on, the weather became colder.
A night of rain in the capital city caused the yellow leaves to fall, revealing bare branches, which looked particularly bleak and cold.
He Zhiliao loved to stay by the charcoal basin and the stove. In the cold winter before this, he had long forgotten these temperatures.
Fortunately, the Pei family always accommodated him and had lit the fire long before, so his frostbite attack was not serious, just a little swelling and itching. After applying the ointment prescribed by the Imperial Hospital, he no longer felt unbearable.
"The weather is so gloomy, it feels like it's going to snow." Chun Jian came in with a small basin and happily walked to the charcoal brazier and squatted down. "I got some sweet potatoes from the kitchen and roasted them in the charcoal brazier. They're delicious. We used to eat this way back in the Marquis' Mansion."
He Zhiliao suddenly became interested and put down the thick book he was almost finished reading, fearing that it would be licked by the flames.
He lowered his eyes and stared at Chunjian's movements. These sweet potatoes were picked very well, not too big or too small, and not too round, otherwise they would be difficult to roast.
"It'll be a long time. Let me help you to the couch to rest." Harumi helped him up and covered his waist and legs with a thick quilt. "The weather is getting colder. In another month, it will be the New Year."
He Zhiliao nodded, he was also thinking about these things.
This was the first time he was celebrating the New Year in a place other than the Marquis' Mansion. He always felt it was a little strange and novel. He didn't even understand the rules of the New Year, so he had to go back and ask his mother for advice.
Chun Jian talked incessantly, just like when they were in the Marquis' Mansion before, as if there were only the two of them in the world, lonely but quiet.
Squeak——
Before He Zhiliao could get angry, Yanhua and Xixin pushed the door open and came in. Despite the cold wind from outside, they were able to walk steadily to the charcoal brazier.
"Zhengjun, I've found out everything."
"That person is the legitimate son of Duke Zhou's Mansion. Duke Zhou's Mansion has long been defeated, but a lean camel is bigger than a horse. He is more than qualified to marry the children of Marquis Jing'an's Mansion."
"But I also found out that although the legitimate son has never married, he is a playboy and has countless men and women in his backyard. Whether he has a wife or not, that's the case."
"I've heard he has some unique hobbies. The servants say that every night in the courtyard where he lives, the screams and wails of men and women can be heard..."
Yanhua and Xixin told him all the dirty details in a conversation.
After listening to it, it seems nothing more than that the eldest son is extremely bad and not someone to be trusted with one's life.
Such matters in the inner palace cannot be easily found out by others, so it is normal that the Jing'an Marquis' Mansion does not know about it. If they knew, they would probably not allow He Ruman to contact the legitimate son.
"I even went to the Marquis of Jing'an's mansion to inquire, and they seemed to be asking about the one in Duke Zhou's mansion as well." After saying this, Yanhua looked at him impatiently, waiting for his next instructions.
If they find out everything, He Ruman won't be able to get married, right?
He Zhiliao said this with an extremely shy and embarrassed smile, but Yanhua and Xixin sensed a hint of madness in that shy smile, but it was fleeting and they had no way of noticing it.
Yanhua smiled particularly brightly, "We understand, and we will definitely see to it. If the Marquis of Jing'an's Mansion can form a marriage with the Duke of Zhou's Mansion, they will surely be overjoyed."
He Zhiliao nodded and said yes.
After secretly inquiring, the He family finally became convinced that the legitimate son of Duke Zhou was a marriageable man. In addition, the Duke's Mansion was much more noble than the Marquis' Mansion. Although it was defeated, it still had its own glory.
In addition, the legitimate son fell in love with He Ruman at first sight and was deeply in love with her. If she married him, she would become his principal wife. There is no better place to go now.
Soon, the news that the two families were going to get married spread.
"I remember that the eldest son of Duke Zhou often went to brothels to hire prostitutes. He would always bring them back to the backyard and had countless concubines." Song Yu said softly.
When he said this, his eyes fell on Pei Ji, obviously knowing that he was behind this matter.
Of course, he said this not for any justice, but just to answer his own questions.
Pei Ji took a sip of tea, propped up his forehead with one hand, and chuckled, "I've found a good in-law for Marquis Jing'an. He must be so happy that he's about to jump for joy."
Song Yuqingjun smiled. "Even if Zhuang Hongxiu doesn't know, He Hongan has been immersed in the court for many years. He must know. Things are not set in stone yet. Everything can turn around. How can you be sure that he will marry He Ruman to him?"
"He will." Pei Ji raised his lips and chuckled.
Because He Ruman is a fool, he has already had physical contact with the people from Duke Zhou's mansion.
He knew better than anyone that the Duke of Zhou's Mansion was the best husband's family he could marry, and there was no way a young master from an aristocratic family or a noble from the royal family would marry him.
He wanted to get married, but was afraid that his family would object, so he promised to marry Duke Zhou early on. Although it was not complete, it would be difficult for him to marry again.
"Hearing you say that, I'm relieved." Song Yu smiled and exchanged a glance with Yan Qi who was sitting next to him. Then he remembered something else, "The Fourth Prince seems to have noticed it."
Pei Ji raised his eyebrows, "Noticed what? Is there anything about us that he should notice?"
"Bastard." Yan Qi sneered and cursed.
The Fourth Prince simply realized that his families were gradually no longer helping him. However, they were just close to him in the past, and now they didn't want to be close to him anymore. What else could he do?
The Pei family has never taken sides, and has never been too far or too close to any prince. As for the third prince's faction, that is naturally the retribution he deserves.
Pei Ji was indifferent to his laughter and scolding. How could a noble family act on impulse?
"He plans to meet you during his next holiday. Are you ready?" Song Yu asked.
Naturally, they didn't believe it would be a simple reunion.
The fourth prince seemed to be living a carefree life, but in fact he was moody and secretly watching the situation in the court, eyeing the throne covetously, and even feeling confident of winning.
He could be more casual before, but now the noble families no longer support him, and Emperor An is unwilling to continue to train him secretly. He is afraid that he will no longer be as calm as before, and no one knows what he will do.
Pei Ji nodded. "No matter how out of control or crazy he is, he won't take our lives to vent his anger. What do you think?"
Song Yu chuckled, "But you will, I understand."
Yan Qi stared at the two of them speechlessly. No matter who he looked at, he felt that the person sitting in front of him was not a young master from a noble family, but rather an evil ghost from somewhere, who was ready to beat or kill him at any time.
Those insidious tricks are not only used on others, but they are also used against their own people without any courtesy.
After a brief chat, Pei Ji and Song Yu stood up at the same time, looking at the sky outside. Yan Qi looked at them in surprise, "Are you leaving now? Yun Zhou is in a hurry, but why are you in such a hurry to go back?"
Song Yu turned his head to look at him, "Why is Yun Zhou so anxious, but I am not?"
Yan Qi chuckled and raised his chin towards Pei Ji, "He's already married, and has a husband waiting for him at home. If he can't see him for a while, he'll be nagging to go home. What about you?"
"I'm the same as him." Song Yu said with a smile, "There's someone waiting for me at home too. I miss him so much when I don't see him for a moment."
"You? When? There's no one in your house!" Yan Qi widened his eyes. They were together all day long, so why didn't he know anything?
Looking at Pei Ji's half-smile, it was clear that he had known about it for a long time. So he was the only one who didn't know?!
Pei Ji saw him looking at him, and immediately smiled and shrugged, denying it. "I don't know who it is, you can ask him yourself, or chase him to his house tomorrow to take a look. Now I'm leaving!"
It was already dark outside.
Pei Ji hurried home. He had met with them in a hurry today, so although he would be home late, he didn't expect to be so late.
When he returned home, He Zhiliao had just asked the kitchen to reheat the food.
"Sorry, I chatted with Yan Guan and the others for a while, so I hope you didn't wait for me?" Pei Ji touched his hand, which was exceptionally warm, like the temperature of hot soup.
He Zhiliao smiled with his eyes curved. It was already past meal time, so he naturally didn't wait for any longer.
Pei Ji chuckled, "That's good, sit down and have dinner with me."
He Zhiliao sat down and watched him eat, not forgetting to serve him some soup to moisten his throat.
After dinner, the two of them finally had some free time and enjoyed the tranquility of the night.
He Zhiliao told him the news he had heard during the day, and Pei Ji said calmly, "He Hongan knows about the Duke Zhou's mansion."
He knows?
He Zhiliao was a little nervous. If He Hongan knew about this, would it affect He Ruman's marriage?
Just talking about getting married but not actually getting married, everything will change.
Pei Ji was so smart and had been paying attention to He Zhiliao's expression. As soon as he was distracted, he could guess what the other person was thinking.
I'm afraid he also contributed to the He family's affairs.
They clearly had never discussed it with each other, yet they were able to face the same thing with such tacit understanding.
This also made him realize that He Zhiliao seemed to have completely lost the last bit of friendship he had for the He family.
"Now the rumor has spread. If it fails, He Ruman won't even be able to marry someone else. If it succeeds, it won't affect He Ruxi." Pei Ji said.
He Zhiliao understood what he meant instantly.
The Marquis of Jing'an's Mansion can be inherited, and in the future it will definitely be inherited by He Yao, the legitimate son. Although He Ruman is also favored, there are constant rumors in the He family at this time, so someone needs to make sacrifices.
As long as he sacrificed himself, no one would interfere in Jing'an Marquis Mansion for the time being. Also, because he would be the legitimate ruler of Zhouguogong Mansion, his status would be much higher, and he could find a good marriage for He Ruxi.
This is the He family’s real purpose.
If He Ruxi could marry into a wealthy family, it would be beneficial to the entire Jing'an Marquis Mansion.
[I didn’t even notice…]
He Zhiliao was really surprised. To be honest, the three of them were all legitimate children, but He Yao, as the legitimate son, was now working in the court. Although his official position was low, he was still capable.
In comparison, He Ruxi rarely appeared in public, and even the rumors never involved her. Even when she went out with He Ruman, everyone noticed He Ruman, which made her look particularly clean.
It seems that the He family has been intending to train her since before, but He Ruman is probably still kept in the dark.
Pei Ji said, "Aristocratic families have always been like this. The Jing'an Marquis's Mansion is just like this in name only, and the Zhouguogong Mansion is even more like a cannibalistic prison."
【It's not your home.】
He Zhiliao watched his lips move lightly.
Pei Ji, however, cupped his cheeks and squeezed them hard, causing his lips to pout. He sucked hard and said with a smile, "What do you mean by my family? You should say our family. You just love to say things that my husband doesn't like to hear."
[You are very mean. I don't want to say nice things to comfort you.]
"Really not going to tell?" Pei Ji frowned slightly.
The little cicada shook his head and refused to say anything.
What about once, twice, but not three times... These nonsense could not be realized by Pei Ji at all. He asked He Zhi several times in a row, but he lost his patience every time until the other party got tired of him and said that he would say nice words to coax him, and then he gave up.
Since that night, Pei Ji refused to take the bell off his bedside table whenever he heard it ringing, and the bell continued to ring for a long time.
Looking at the drowsy man, Pei Ji couldn't bear to wake him up, but he still kept whispering something in his ear in an annoying way. He only stopped after being slapped repeatedly by He Zhiliao.
Pei Ji soon became busy again.
Because the fifth prince returned to the capital with the so-called leader of the stronghold. Since he brought him back alive, he naturally persuaded these people to surrender.
How to arrange them is another matter.
"Although they are just a bunch of miscellaneous soldiers from the stronghold, since they were able to capture the stronghold, they must be quite capable. Your Majesty, why not recruit them and strengthen your army?"
"Your Majesty, please forgive me for speaking frankly. They refused to obey the imperial court's discipline, which is why they seized the stronghold and did whatever they wanted. I believe such a miscellaneous army should be severely punished!"
"We are in need of manpower to go to Tianqi right now. If we punish them severely, will anyone surrender in the future? What do you mean by severe punishment? Do you mean to kill all those people?"
“…”
The court officials were arguing fiercely.
Pei Ji took a quick look and found that those who wanted to incorporate the stronghold seemed to be from the Fifth Prince's faction. He naturally didn't believe that the Fifth Prince had not interfered.
Maybe, they have reached a consensus with the soldiers in the mountain stronghold.
But these things had nothing to do with him after all. The court officials all had their own opinions, and they all made sense. Even if he were asked to answer, he would choose to keep those people, incorporate them into the military camp, and train them well.
However, those soldiers were trained by the Third Prince, not Emperor An, so there were naturally many concerns when using them.
"Yunzhou, what do you think?" Emperor An said and looked at Pei Ji.
It came as expected.
It's really creepy to hear him call her so affectionately.
Pei Ji sighed inwardly, but replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, in my humble opinion, both sides have their reasons. However, these people are so special. It would be better to train them independently and make them a unique army."
"Hey! That's good!"
"Master Pei, what you said is quite good, but how do we train them individually? Do we need to select another general for them?"
After hearing what he said, the court officials felt that it was acceptable. After all, those were human lives and should not be strangled easily. Besides, they all had some abilities, and treating them casually would be a waste of resources.
These hundred people are not many, but they are not few either.
We can't set up a separate camp for them, or train the young players separately, which would be a waste.
Ultimately, it's just that people want to see results but are unwilling to spend money.
Emperor An pondered for a moment and said, "We'll discuss this matter later. Do you have anything else to say?"
The court officials immediately fell silent.
Following Peng Tongmin's words of dismissal, Emperor An strode away, and Pei Ji followed him with great courtesy.
And with him was the fifth prince.
The Fifth Prince thought he was thinking about himself and said with a smile: "Master Pei, if you can really save those people, this prince will definitely speak well of you. Your blessing is in the future."
Pei Ji smiled: "Your Majesty is kind and will not kill them. Just give them a suitable excuse. But from what the Fifth Prince said, do you want to discipline them personally?"
"Of course. This person was brought back by this prince. What's wrong with training him personally?" The fifth prince snorted arrogantly.
Pei Ji tilted his head to look at him. He was indeed still young and a little too naive.
If he were Emperor An, he would probably want to live a long life. After all, if he handed Tianqi over to these foolish sons, there was no guarantee that it would be conquered by others one day.
Inside the meeting hall.
Emperor An looked at the fifth prince who followed him in, and understood what was going on. Then he looked at Pei Ji, who was unmoved by fame or disgrace, and felt somewhat helpless.
"Old Five, what are you doing here?"
The Fifth Prince quickly bowed and said in a deep voice, "Father, since I brought those people back, I want to give them an explanation. Sir Pei, why don't you let me do what you mentioned?"
Emperor An raised his eyes and looked at him quietly, a hint of impatience already emerging in his eyes. He said softly: "You just came back, you should go and rest. There is no need for you to worry about this matter."
"Your Majesty! I promised them when I was trying to persuade them to surrender that I would lead them personally. If this matter is not left to me, they will probably think that my words are not trustworthy and become dissatisfied!" The fifth prince said anxiously.
Why should the people he brought back be given a discount to others?
Pei Ji glanced at Emperor An secretly and said immediately, "Fifth Prince is right. In this case, I will come up with appropriate rules and regulations. Then, Fifth Prince can act according to them. How about that?"
Having been given so much face, even if the Fifth Prince was stupid, he knew when to quit. He looked at Emperor An eagerly, almost patting his chest and saying that he could do it.
Emperor An was silent for a moment, then said calmly, "Then I'll do as you say. I'll leave this matter to you. Old Fifth, you must do a good job on this matter and don't let me down."
When the Fifth Prince heard the earnest words, he instantly became excited, "Don't worry, Your Majesty. I will definitely do a good job and relieve your worries!"
"Go!"
"I'll take my leave."
After he left, Pei Ji still stood silently in the hall, and Emperor An was also silent. The atmosphere became a little tense and unbearable.
"Do you admit your guilt?" Emperor An said in a deep voice.
"Your Majesty, please forgive me. I don't know what crime I have committed. Please tell me clearly." Pei Ji immediately knelt down, his back straight, with a look of unyielding pride.
Emperor An's voice was filled with anger, "How dare you try to guess my thoughts!"
Pei Ji quickly kowtowed and admitted his fault, "Your Majesty, please forgive me. I really don't know what you mean. If it's about the Fifth Prince, then I have a clear conscience!"
"You have a clear conscience?"
"Yes, if what the Fifth Prince said is true, Your Majesty will naturally reward the meritorious official and agree to his request. If it is false, Your Majesty cannot blame him harshly. It is better to follow his wishes." Pei Ji said, "Besides, since I am speaking from this humble servant, it will not embarrass Your Majesty."
"You still say you have never suspected me?" Although there was still anger in Emperor An's words, he did not mean to pursue blame. Instead, he was more emotional.
This is how it is to have a child!
"I dare not. Everything I do is to relieve your majesty's worries." Pei Ji opened his mouth and threw out these high-sounding compliments as if they were worthless.
These words naturally pleased Emperor An, and he stopped pursuing the matter.
Emperor An said, "Please take the regulations for this matter. The Fifth Prince must act according to them. If he disobeys, please inform me."
"I understand," Pei Ji said.
Seeing how smart and tactful he was, Emperor An liked him more and more. He thought for a moment and said, "You are currently only a deputy envoy in the Censorate. I see that you are doing a good job, so I will appoint you as the Left Censor-in-Chief. How do you think?"
Pei Ji immediately knelt down and kowtowed: "Your Majesty, I thank you for your grace. I will do my utmost for you!"
"It's best if you have this intention." Emperor An smiled and said, "Retreat."
"Yes, I will take my leave."
Pei Ji walked out of the conference hall with a smile on his face. He was only a fourth-rank official now, and he had to climb up step by step in the future.
He restrained his expression and waited for Peng Tongmin to convey his order, and then everyone would know.
However, when Peng Tongmin conveyed the imperial edict, he also conveyed the commendation for the fifth prince. After all, he had returned with great merit this time, so it was natural that he should receive the praise and rewards he deserved.
Not only that, he also had a real job in the Ministry of War.
All those commendations and rewards are nothing compared to this matter. Nothing is more important than real power!
The Fifth Prince suddenly became prominent in the previous dynasty, which inevitably made the court officials wonder whether the candidate for the position of Crown Prince would be decided soon.
These unfounded speculations made many people feel uneasy, because they knew very well that the Fifth Prince's achievements were inseparable from Pei Ji's help.
Didn’t the Fifth Prince go to the council hall with him so that he could personally lead the soldiers who surrendered?
For a while, Pei Ji was no longer in the spotlight.
The Fourth Prince, who was already unable to sit still, finally sent someone to invite Pei Ji on his day off.
Will he give you a hard time?
He Zhiliao was a little worried. The other party was a prince, and if he wanted to make things difficult for them, it seemed they would have no choice but to accept it.
Pei Ji held his face and kissed him gently, "It's okay, at most he just said a few words of criticism, it's not a big deal, and he won't really break up with us. If you have anything you want, I'll buy it for you when you come back."
He Zhiliao thought about it carefully and found that the thing he wanted was indeed not there, but the snacks he wanted to eat were there.
[The dim sum next to Songhexuan, I want to try the sour jujube cake.]
"Oh, that cake that looks like a lump of sour earth, only you would like it." Pei Ji said with a smile, "Think about the others? Have you finished reading the storybook you bought before? Or the paper you wanted?"
After he said that, He Zhiliao actually remembered some things.
[Storybook, it's time to read the sequel, buy it! ]
[It's the "Rabbit Husband" book, don't buy the wrong one.]
Pei Ji chuckled, "I know, I remember it all."
He Zhiliao helped him tie his cloak. The white feathers matched the purple clothes inside, making him look particularly noble.
【Be careful and come back early. 】
"I know. Just go back to the house and wait for me." Pei Ji touched his cold hand and watched him go back to the house before turning around and leaving.
After getting on the carriage, Pei Ji lifted the curtain and took a look.
The weather is a bit gloomy, and it looks like the first snow is about to fall. I have to go home quickly. If it snows, I can accompany Xiao Zhiliao to enjoy the snow scenery.
It was the agreed time. When Pei Ji arrived at the restaurant, Song Yu and Yan Qi also came from different directions.
He looked at the two of them, with large clouds of white mist coming out of his mouth and nose. His face was slightly red from the cold, but he still had the mind to laugh at the other person's miserable appearance.
"It looks like it's going to snow. It's late in the winter, so it's about time for a snowfall." As Song Yu spoke, mist floated out in an instant. The guard standing behind him frowned slightly.
Pei Ji chuckled, "My hands are almost frozen, and I still have the time to chat here. Come in quickly--"
"careful!!!"
-----------------------
The author has something to say: Little Zhiliao: You are very bad, I don’t want to coax you. [Poor]
Pei Gou: "Am I bad? Am I bad? Am I really bad?" [Glasses]
Pei Gou OS: Yes, I am really bad. [Glasses]
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com