"Your Majesty, I think that the Assistant Minister of War Qu Changqing is a talent that can be used! During this military examination, Qu Changqing carefully selected talents and was objective and fair in his conduct. I think he is qualified for the position of Minister of Justice!" At this time, Prince Chen, who had been silent for a long time, slowly spoke under Su Yuan's pleading gaze!
As soon as these words came out, Su Yuan's whole body trembled violently, staring at Jiang Muchen with disbelief in his eyes. If Emperor Yugan agreed with King Chen's opinion, he was afraid that this day next year would be his memorial day. As Yun Qianmeng's cousin, Qu Changqing would definitely not let him go!
The paleness on Su Yuan's face gradually faded away, replaced by a dark and dead silence. The remaining hope in his eyes also disappeared as King Chen spoke, leaving only an empty look!
Prince Chen's recommendation also caused surprise among the ministers in the hall. Everyone knew that Prince Chen had always been at odds with the Prince of the State's Mansion. Why would he suddenly recommend his political enemy to such an important position?
What's more, Su Yuan was originally King Chen's man. Not only did he not rescue Su Yuan this time, he also gave up the position of Shangshu to his enemy. What his intentions were is really hard to figure out!
Not to mention others, even Yun Xuanzhi's eyes flashed with surprise when he faced King Chen's decision. He didn't understand whether King Chen was mad today or made the decision after careful consideration!
After all, if someone else were to take over the Ministry of Justice, Prince Chen would have the means and ability to take it back into his hands. But if it were Qu Changqing, I'm afraid he wouldn't surrender even if a knife was put to his neck!
After such analysis, Yun Xuanzhi's gaze turned to Chu Feiyang, but he found that the other party only raised the corners of his mouth, and his eyes were still calm as usual. He was not as shocked as others. Such composure is really rare in the world!
"Qu Changqing?" Upon hearing Prince Chen's recommendation, Emperor Yugan tapped the table with his beautifully maintained fingers, as if he was considering the feasibility of this matter!
When everyone saw that Emperor Yugan did not immediately reject Prince Chen's proposal, they knew that this matter was only half feasible. However, it was still a bit puzzling. They wondered when Prince Chen's relationship with the Prince of Fuguo's Mansion became so close?
"Your Majesty, I'm afraid I'm unable to take on this important task! I'm still young, and I've been serving in various positions in the Ministry of War since I entered the court. I've never been involved in the Ministry of Justice. If I rashly take over the Ministry of Justice, I'm afraid..." At this time, Qu Changqing, who heard Prince Chen nominating him, stood up and politely declined the matter with a bow!
"Lord Qu, are you doubting your own abilities or my judgment of people?" But before he could finish his words, he heard the extremely cold voice of King Chen ringing out in the hall!
As soon as these words came out, Qu Changqing frowned slightly, and quickly raised his eyes to look at King Chen. However, he saw that although King Chen was talking to him, his eyes were directly at Emperor Yugan. It was obvious that his opinion had no reference value at all to King Chen, and the only thing he was waiting for was Emperor Yugan's golden mouth!
"Your Highness, why should you be so anxious to decide on the candidate for the Minister of Justice! The Ministry of Justice is one of the six ministries. The person who can hold the position of Minister must be a person with both moral integrity and ability. You should be more cautious and collect everyone's opinions for reference. Perhaps there will be a more suitable candidate than Qu Changqing!" At this time, Chu Feiyang spoke slowly, and his lukewarm rebuttal eased the slightly tense atmosphere in the hall and gave others time to think!
"Does Prime Minister Chu have a suitable candidate?" Emperor Yu Gan asked as he watched the two parties arguing. However, his sharp eyes flashed across Qu Changqing, as if he was thinking about the feasibility of this matter!
"Your Majesty, the six ministries have always performed their respective duties. If officials from the other five ministries are transferred to take up the position of Minister of Justice, it will probably cause a shortage of staff in the other five ministries! It would be a good idea to transfer an official with outstanding political achievements from outside to take up the position and have him resign!" Chu Feiyang spoke slowly, but his opinion made King Chen snort on the spot!
"I don't understand what Prime Minister Chu said! Prime Minister Chu is worried about the lack of staff in the other five departments, but isn't he afraid that other government offices will also be short of staff due to the transfer of officials? This contradictory opinion is really funny!" Seeing Chu Feiyang going to court on the first day after his marriage with a refreshed look, Jiang Muchen felt very uncomfortable, especially after Chu Feiyang rejected his proposal, which aroused Jiang Muchen's hatred!
Facing Prince Chen's accusations, Chu Feiyang calmly explained, "Your Majesty, the imperial examinations are now over. There are many ambitious students among the candidates selected this year! However, they are still inexperienced and lack the ability to become officials in the capital. It would be really controversial to send them out. Firstly, they can get training, and secondly, we can replenish the number of people who have been withdrawn. Wouldn't it be a perfect way to kill two birds with one stone?"
After listening to Chu Feiyang's explanation, everyone nodded and immediately discussed in a low voice the feasibility of this matter. Compared with the proposals of Yun Xuanzhi and King Chen, this is a way to have the best of both worlds!
However, everyone also had their own plans in mind. They wanted to take advantage of Su Yuan's downfall to nominate someone from their own family to take on the important position of Minister of Justice. But if a monk from another place suddenly showed up, some things would be difficult to handle in the future!
Therefore, although everyone agreed with Chu Feiyang's proposal, not many people actually seconded it!
"Your Majesty, I believe that what Prince Chen is doing is feasible! Although Prime Minister Chu's opinion takes both sides into consideration, since ancient times, the emperor's disciples have all held important positions in the capital, and they are not yet familiar with the laws and various affairs of the court. The most important thing is to let them learn all this in the Hanlin Academy as soon as possible. If these students who know nothing are sent to other places to hold important positions, I am afraid it will be a laughing stock. Not only will it make the emperor lose face, but it will also make people think that there is no one in our Western Chu court, and we actually sent some ignorant children to serve as local officials!" Everyone was arguing for a while, and Qu Yan suddenly stood up and seconded Prince Chen's proposal!
After he said this, he quickly looked up at King Chen, then lowered his eyes, wondering what King Chen's intentions were today!
As for Qu Yan himself, he naturally does not want to see Qu Changqing on an equal footing with himself. Moreover, if Qu Lingao is gone in the future, Qu Changqing will inherit the title and become a marquis!
This already annoyed Qu Yan greatly, so how could he have watched Qu Changqing effortlessly promoted from the third-rank Assistant Minister of War to the second-rank Minister of Justice?
But Qu Yan also knew that the court was not the place for emotionality. Prince Chen must have his considerations for making such a proposal. Instead of waiting for others to speak first, it would be better for him to speak himself. This would also increase his status and weight in Prince Chen's heart. Maybe Qu Jingqing would have a better chance of marrying into Prince Chen's mansion!
Compared to Su Yuan who always wanted to suppress his opponents, Qu Yan knew how to be more roundabout. Moreover, pushing Qu Changqing to the position of Minister of Justice amidst the controversy among the people was probably not a good thing for Qu Changqing!
Everyone will also stare at Qu Changqing closely, waiting to find fault with him and see him make a fool of himself. This will effortlessly push Qu Changqing to the forefront, and Qu Yan is very happy about it!
Qu Changqing looked at Qu Yan, who suddenly stood up and seconded the proposal to appoint Prince Chen. A flash of surprise flashed through his heart, and a hint of displeasure also appeared. He looked at the talkative Qu Yan with some frustration. Qu Changqing immediately retorted, "Even if Lord Qu wants to recommend a candidate, he must know how to avoid suspicion! You and I are both descendants of the Qu family. How can we recommend each other?"
This sentence made Qu Yan's heart suddenly surge with anger, but he couldn't help but blame himself for being so focused on pleasing King Chen that he forgot that Qu Changqing was his nephew. He was afraid that Emperor Yu Gan would suspect his feelings for him by appointing people based on personal ties!
For a moment, countless thoughts flashed through Qu Yan's mind, and there was a hint of hatred in his eyes when he looked at Qu Changqing!
"Why must Minister Qu be like this! The Emperor has always appointed people based on their merits. As long as they are talented, it doesn't matter if they are recommended by relatives. Are you going to let Xi Chu lose useful talents just because of the saying 'appoint people based on their relatives'? If so, it will be a loss for the court and the Emperor!" Seeing that Qu Yan was at a loss for words, Jiang Muchen spoke coldly. Although his expression was cold at this time, there was a hint of warning and coldness in his eyes as he shot towards Qu Changqing!
However, Qu Changqing was not afraid of King Chen's attitude towards him at this time. Instead, he straightened his back and accepted King Chen's gaze, facing the whispers of the officials with a frank expression!
However, Prince Chen's words triggered another round of heated discussion. Everyone was wondering whether to employ people based on merit or based on personal connections!
However, when people thought of the relationship between the Qu family and Emperor Yugan, the discussions that had just arisen immediately died down!
"Prince Chen is right. Qu Changqing has always been cautious and careful in his work, and he is also fair and strict. He is most suitable for the position of Minister of Justice! Lord Shen!" After taking in everyone's expressions and reactions, Emperor Yugan spoke slowly!
"Your humble servant is here!" The Minister of Rites who was named immediately stood up and waited for Emperor Yugan's instructions!
"You can draft an edict immediately to promote the Minister of War Qu Changqing to the Minister of Justice, and he will take up his post in the Ministry of Justice from today!" Looking at Qu Changqing's calm but slightly gloomy face, Emperor Yugan issued an edict!
"As you wish!" The Minister of Rites replied immediately after noting what Emperor Yugan had just said!
Seeing Emperor Yugan speak, even if the officials still had any opinions, they swallowed them. However, they were slightly puzzled. Usually, Emperor Yugan trusted Prime Minister Chu the most. Why did he listen to Prince Chen's opinion today and ignore Prime Minister Chu's proposal? However, they had not heard of any unpleasant incidents between Prime Minister Chu and Emperor Yugan!
For a moment, countless thoughts flashed through everyone's mind, but they still couldn't clearly see the intricate relationship between these important officials in the court and Emperor Yugan!
But now that the matters of Su Yuan and Qu Changqing were dealt with, the atmosphere in the court gradually relaxed and was no longer as solemn and rigorous as before!
"As the year draws to a close, all government offices must do their own work well and avoid things like Su Yuan happening again!" Looking at the expressions of his ministers, Emperor Yu Gan warned them again!
"Your humble servant will remember this!" All the officials responded in unison after being reprimanded!
"Your Majesty, I have a memorial to make!" At this time, Lord Wu, who was originally patrolling in the palace, walked quickly into the hall, knelt on both knees and spoke loudly to Emperor Yugan!
"What's the matter?" Seeing that Lord Wu, who was always cautious, had a rare look of joy on his face, Emperor Yugan asked!
"Your Majesty! I have just received an urgent message from eight hundred miles away. The plague in Luocheng has been completely under control, and most of the infected people have gradually recovered. At this time, many doctors from neighboring cities have gone to Luocheng to learn how to treat diseases. I just wonder if the emperor will recall the imperial physicians who have gone there?" Lord Wu said the content of the urgent message from eight hundred miles away, and at the same time handed Wenhan to Eunuch Yu!
Upon hearing this, there was another round of discussion in the court. Everyone looked at Chu Feiyang who was standing at the front, with incredible expressions in their eyes!
Emperor Yugan quickly read through the letter and was overjoyed. He immediately said, "Call them all back! We'll reward them at the palace banquet on New Year's Eve this year!"
"Long live our emperor!" All officials congratulated in unison!
"Prime Minister Chu is really good at this. He can even cure the plague. This really opens my eyes! If you don't know, you would think that Prime Minister Chu is a medical officer!" After leaving the court, King Chen approached Chu Feiyang with a sneer on his face!
It was originally thought that Chu Feiyang would die in Luocheng, but unexpectedly, he not only came back alive and snatched away Yun Qianmeng, but also found a cure for the plague that had plagued Xichu for many years. This made King Chen secretly resentful!
Chu Feiyang calmly looked at Jiang Muchen as he approached him. He could read hatred and murderous intent in his icy eyes, but he kept a faint smile and spoke slowly, "Your Highness, you are too kind! It was the imperial physician who found the cure. I was just maintaining order in Luo City! When it comes to good tactics, I am no match for Your Highness. You actually exchanged someone like Su Yuan for Qu Changqing. Your Highness truly has a brilliant plan. I admire you deeply!"
After Chu Feiyang finished speaking, he saw the murderous intent that was originally hidden in Jiang Muchen's eyes suddenly surfaced in his eyes, and the smile in his eyes also froze in an instant, emitting a trace of coldness like a thousand-year-old ice, making people dare not look directly at him!
This was the first face-to-face conversation between the two since Chu Feiyang's wedding, but the tense feeling did not diminish at all!
Jiang Muchen secretly hated Chu Feiyang for taking away everything that originally belonged to him, and Chu Feiyang also hated him for daring to attack his people!
The two men had the same cold expressions and dangerous eyes. Although they were just looking at each other, one could feel the powerful airflow swirling between them!
"She will become mine sooner or later!" After a while, Jiang Muchen squeezed out these words from between his teeth!
"Instead of staring at other people's wives, Your Highness should bring your concubine back to the palace as soon as possible!" However, Chu Feiyang reminded Prince Chen of the humiliation he had suffered!
When Jiang Muchen thought of Yun Ruoxue's shameless expression, he felt sick in his heart and immediately left in anger!
Chu Feiyang smiled as he watched his back as he left angrily. The smile in his eyes turned into pieces of ice that instantly shattered and disappeared from his sight!
After watching Prince Chen leave, Qu Changqing finally walked over to Chu Feiyang. He and Chu Feiyang shared the same gaze as Jiang Muchen as he left. After a moment, he spoke in a very low voice, "Prime Minister, could this incident be about Prince Chen and..."
After all, he was in the palace, and even if he wanted to discuss something, it was impossible for him to say everything. Moreover, with Chu Feiyang's intelligence, how could he not know the other person that Qu Changqing was referring to?
"Nothing is impossible! There can't be eternal enemies in this world, not to mention that we are just using each other!" The coldness in Chu Feiyang's eyes became even colder, but at this time a faint smile appeared in his eyes again, covering up the bone-chilling coldness, making people feel that he was gentle and elegant!
Seeing this, Qu Changqing nodded slightly. Just as he was about to speak again, he saw Eunuch Qu beside the Queen Mother walk over with a happy face. Seeing Chu Feiyang here, he immediately saluted and said, "Your servant greets Prime Minister Chu and Lord Qu!"
"Eunuch, you are in such a good mood that you got the news so quickly and come to report the good news?" Looking at the joyful Eunuch Qu, Chu Feiyang smiled faintly, but there was a hint of sarcasm in his words!
"Prime Minister Chu, you are joking. I am just doing things for my master!" Eunuch Qu has long been a shrewd man in the palace. How could he not hear the sarcasm in this simple conversation!
However, facing the powerful Chu Feiyang, he was smart enough to know that he could not fight against the powerful with his own strength, so he could only smile and make jokes to resolve the embarrassment in front of him!
"Since you are working for the master, as an elder in the palace, you should also know that the harem is not allowed to interfere in politics! Why don't you remember to dissuade the empress dowager, but instead run to the front court so diligently, isn't it intentionally letting others misunderstand the empress dowager's intentions?" But Chu Feiyang's top scholar is not a decoration either. The sensitivity of his reaction ability is astonishing and even overwhelming!
The smile on Eunuch Qu's face paused slightly, and then he said with a smile, "Prime Minister Chu, please don't make fun of me! I am just a servant after all. The Queen Mother misses her family, so how can I stop her? Although I am greedy for money, I also know what human relations are!"
After saying that, Eunuch Qu turned his gaze away from Chu Feiyang, looked at the dull-faced Qu Changqing, and said gently, "Sir Qu, the Queen Mother invites you to Fengxiang Palace!"
Upon hearing this, a hint of impatience flashed across Qu Changqing's eyes, but he did not refuse. He nodded to Chu Feiyang and followed Eunuch Qu into the harem!
After Yun Qianmeng had breakfast, she saw Butler Hong and Nanny Shangguan leading all the stewards from the Prime Minister's Mansion to Mengxin Cottage!
Unlike the servants in Yun Xiangfu who bully the weak and fear the strong, Chu Xiangfu has Butler Hong and Nanny Shangguan, and the mansion is managed in an orderly manner. Even Yun Qianmeng, a newbie, quickly sorted out various affairs in the mansion!
After spending almost a whole morning meeting with all the managers and asking about some situations, Yun Qianmeng asked everyone to go back to work, and she stood up to stretch her body after sitting for half a day!
"Madam, look at the sky outside, I'm afraid it's going to snow!" Yingqiu walked in from outside and saw Yun Qianmeng stretching her arms and kicking her legs, so she spoke with a smile!
"It didn't snow yesterday, so it must be today! Get the hat ready later, so you won't be in a hurry to find it!" Following Yingqiu's words, I looked out the window. It was not yet noon, but it was pitch black outside. It must be snowing soon!
"Yes, I'll prepare it!" Mu Chun had served Yun Qianmeng for the longest time, so she was most familiar with Yun Qianmeng's daily life. She knew exactly where all the items were placed. She smiled and spoke, then ran into the inner room to take out a hat and a rose-red cloak to prepare!
"Are you feeling better today, Aunt Xia? Does your leg still hurt?" After being busy for the entire morning, Yun Qianmeng naturally had no time to visit Aunt Xia, so she could only ask Yingqiu to take Aunt Xia's pulse every day and then come back to report to her!
"The weather has been bad these days, and Madam's legs have been a little sore and painful. I have already given her acupuncture. Compared with the previous few days, Madam is in much better spirits today!" Yingqiu looked at Yun Qianmeng dancing her limbs non-stop, and confusion appeared in her eyes. She didn't understand what the use of these postures was!
"Oh, miss, look, it's snowing outside! The snowflakes are so big!" At this time, Mu Chun, who had walked out of the inner room, suddenly leaned on the window, pointing at the snowflakes slowly falling outside and said excitedly!
Upon hearing this, the maids in the room ran to Mu Chun and looked happily at the world outside which was gradually turning snow-white!
Yun Qianmeng looked at the falling snowflakes and the cedar tree in Mengxin Cottage. Suddenly, an idea struck her mind, and she ordered, "Remember, we have more than a dozen exquisite glass lamps stored in our warehouse. Take them all out!"
Yingxia looked at Yun Qianmeng in confusion. "Madam, what are you going to do with them? Are you going to put them in the courtyard?"
But Yun Qianmeng smiled mysteriously and urged Cui, "Stop talking nonsense and go!"
Several maids dispersed, and within half a cup of tea, four people came out of the storeroom behind the side room with several glass lamps in their hands!
"Madam, everything is here! But, what do you want this lamp for?" Yesterday, Prince Chu had ordered people to add a few more lamps in the courtyard, so the few people were not quite clear about Yun Qianmeng's intentions!
"Follow me!" But Yun Qianmeng continued to keep the secret, took the bamboo hat beside her and put it on, then walked out of the house first. The four maids were so scared that they followed with glass lanterns in their hands, fearing that Yun Qianmeng would have an accident!
"Give it to me!" Yun Qianmeng walked to the cedar, took a glass lamp from Mu Chun's hand and held it high, then tied the rope of the glass lamp firmly to the branch of the cedar, and then took out a fire starter from her sleeve and lit the red candle in the glass lamp. Suddenly, a red light flickered on the lush cedar, which was very beautiful!
"Follow my method and wrap the lantern in your hand around the tree branches!" After demonstrating once, Yun Qianmeng stepped back slightly and let the four girls behind her take the stage!
Mu Chun and the others had the mentality of little girls. Although they were usually steady in their daily lives, they were also at the age of playing around. Seeing that the cedar was dressed up so beautifully by their young lady, they were eager to try. The four of them rushed forward and quickly wrapped the glass lamps in their hands around the branches, and then lit up the dozen or so lamps. For a moment, the originally dim courtyard was shining like stars, which was beautiful beyond words!
Even the maids and servants who were passing by Mengxin Cottage stopped to watch, full of curiosity about the new mistress who had married into the prime minister's mansion!
"What is this?" Chu Feiyang stepped into his courtyard and saw four busy girls surrounding a cedar tree, and next to it was a person wearing a bamboo hat, standing motionless in the snow. Without thinking too much, he knew it must be Yun Qianmeng!
Chu Feiyang frowned slightly as he watched the snowflakes falling ever heavier. He quickly walked behind Yun Qianmeng and grabbed her small hand hidden under her bamboo hat. He said with a look of reproach, "It's freezing outside, and you're standing in the snow without even a cloak. Are you trying to get sick?"
Unexpectedly seeing Chu Feiyang appear in Mengxin Cottage, Yun Qianmeng smiled and pointed at the cedar tree in front of her and said happily, "Feiyang, look, this is the Christmas tree I prepared!"
If I say I don't miss modern life, I'd be lying! After living here for over twenty years, it's impossible to completely forget it overnight!
But since he had come here, and knew that the possibility of going back was very slim, Yun Qianmeng had been trying hard to adapt to the ancient life in the past year. The occasional longing was weighed down in his heart. When he saw the snow and cedar today, he remembered that it was almost Christmas, so he thought of this way to amuse himself!
It was rare to see Yun Qianmeng beaming with joy. Chu Feiyang looked in the direction of her hand and saw that the cedar in his yard had been decorated beautifully by several maids. Although it did not suit his style, it was worth it to see Yun Qianmeng smiling happily!
Moreover, this cedar tree, decorated with more than a dozen glass lanterns, does indeed add a touch of humanity, making the originally sparsely populated Chu Xiangfu more popular!
However, Chu Feiyang frowned and took Yun Qianmeng's hands, gently reproaching her, "Your hands are already freezing cold, and you still don't know how to go back! If you like, I'll have Butler Hong send someone to transform you. Why do you have to stand here in the snow and suffer alone?"
Seeing Chu Feiyang start nagging again, Yun Qianmeng coquettishly hugged his arm and pouted, "Proper exercise is good for the body! Sitting in that room all day, not even being able to feel the changing seasons, wouldn't such a life be boring?"
Seeing Yun Qianmeng actively hugging his arms, although separated by a bamboo hat, Chu Feiyang could still feel her soft and boneless body with a sweet fragrance. The reproach in his eyes instantly disappeared, and was stained with a smile. He knew that this girl had a sharp tongue, but he also had his own principles and positions. Seeing that her nose was also red from the cold, he hugged her and walked into the house without saying anything!
After entering the house, Yun Qianmeng took off her bamboo hat and looked at Chu Feiyang who appeared in the Prime Minister's Residence at this time. She asked, "The New Year is approaching, isn't the court busy?"
"No matter how busy you are, your wife is more important!" Chu Feiyang quickly responded and put the heater into Yun Qianmeng's red hands!
"Sweet talk and flattery!" Seeing the maids in the room covering their mouths and laughing, Yun Qianmeng secretly glared at Chu Feiyang and muttered in a low voice, but her eyes were looking at the Christmas tree in the yard through the window!
Seeing her showing such a rare expression of longing, Chu Feiyang's eyes flashed with doubt. He waved his hand to let the maids leave the inner room, and then he walked behind Yun Qianmeng, gently hugged her, and whispered, "Do you like it?"
Although it was only two words, Yun Qianmeng understood everything. She nodded with a hint of nostalgia, but when she felt the strong chest behind her, she smiled in relief. "I was just having fun for a moment! Did something happen in the court? How could our Prime Minister, who is so busy with affairs of state, return to the Prime Minister's residence so early?"
It was really an unintentional question, but Yun Qianmeng hit the nail on the head!
Chu Feiyang knew that even if he didn't tell Yun Qianmeng, she would still get the news in a few days, so he hugged her and looked at the glittering Christmas tree outside, whispering, "Qu Changqing is now the Minister of Justice!"
Hearing this, Yun Qianmeng's smile froze for a moment. She then turned around and looked at Chu Feiyang, full of doubt, "Is this an order from the Emperor?"
Seeing Yun Qianmeng understood, Chu Feiyang nodded with a smile, but added, "It's just Prince Chen's suggestion!"
"Him? Since it was his proposal, why would the emperor agree? Does that mean the emperor is beginning to be wary of you?" But as long as Prince Chen is in the court, Emperor Yu Gan cannot touch Chu Feiyang, no matter whether he is using or trusting Chu Feiyang. At this time, transferring Qu Changqing from the Ministry of War is a promotion on the surface, but all the military power in Qu Changqing's hands will be handed over to Emperor Yu Gan. Does that mean that Emperor Yu Gan intends to slowly take back the military power and fight against Prince Chen himself?
A series of speculations continuously flooded into Yun Qianmeng's mind, causing her to frown slightly!
A pair of warm fingertips gently smoothed the wrinkles between her brows. Chu Feiyang took her to the table and poured her a cup of hot tea to warm her up. His eyes were smiling but serious. After Yun Qianmeng had drunk half a bowl of hot tea, he slowly spoke, "Meng'er, my father is a high-ranking official on the frontier! However, the people of Western Chu only know my grandfather and my name, but know very little about my father, Chu Pei! He has been sent to serve as a high-ranking official on the frontier for twenty-three years, and this year is his first time back in Beijing to report on his work!"
Listening to Chu Feiyang's explanation, Yun Qianmeng intuitively felt that this change of officials was related to her father-in-law, whom she had yet to meet!
This frontier official may seem to be a post sent out from the capital, but he is appointed by the emperor himself, in charge of the military and political power of one or several provinces, and is an important figure in pacifying one side. He is not much different from the princes who are granted fiefdoms!
Who would have thought that Chu Feiyang's father was such a high-ranking official in the court? No wonder it aroused Emperor Yu Gan's vigilance. Especially in this troubled year, Chu Pei chose this time to go to the capital to report on his work. His intention is really puzzling!
"I think this frontier official should not be appointed by the current emperor!" If he was appointed by Emperor Yugan, why would he agree to King Chen's proposal at this time!
"It was appointed by the ancestor emperor!" Seeing that Yun Qianmeng guessed the key point in an instant, Chu Feiyang raised the corners of his mouth slightly, and seemed to be in a good mood, as if he was not affected at all by what happened in the court today!
After listening to his explanation, Yun Qianmeng nodded without hesitation!
It's no wonder. The King of Chu and the Ancestor Emperor were brothers in conquering the Western Chu kingdom, but in the end, the King supported the Ancestor Emperor to sit on the throne. The Ancestor Emperor naturally felt guilty towards his brother, so it was not impossible for his brother's children to become high-ranking officials!
But he didn't expect that there would be a drama of fighting for the throne among his grandchildren, and the lineage of King Chu held military power and was feared by people, so the Chu family became the second biggest worry for Emperor Yu Gan besides King Chen!
However, Yun Qianmeng always felt that there was something wrong. Yes, there was something that made her feel uncomfortable!
Her delicate fingertips slid slowly along the rim of the cup, while Yun Qianmeng's mind was filtering every word Chu Feiyang had just said. Her heart suddenly trembled, and she looked up at Chu Feiyang, who was sitting beside her with a faint smile and no words. She asked tentatively, "You haven't been back to Beijing for twenty-three years? Doesn't that mean you have never seen your father?"
Chu Feiyang was a little puzzled as to why Yun Qianmeng suddenly fell silent, but he didn't expect that this girl was actually thinking about this matter. He had originally intended to tell her everything, so he didn't hide anything and said, "Yes, my father left Kyoto the year I was born! Since I was a child, I grew up under the care of my grandfather and Nanny Shangguan! After that, my grandfather was ordered to go to war, and I followed him to learn military tactics and fight!"
Seeing that Chu Feiyang, who had never mentioned his own life experience, had such a miserable childhood, Yun Qianmeng's eyes showed a little distress. This situation was really similar to Yun Qianmeng's before!
Although Yun Qianmeng has a father, he is useless; Chu Feiyang also has a father, but the father and son probably don't recognize each other when they meet. It's really sad!
No wonder Prince Chu said such words at the old lady’s birthday banquet last time!
"Sir, are you coming to Beijing just to report on your work or to stay as a Beijing official?" It seems that it is very glorious to be under the emperor's feet, but it is not as comfortable as being a high-ranking official!
"I don't know what he's planning!" Seeing that Yun Qianmeng was thinking more and more in her little head, Chu Feiyang couldn't help but reach out and rub her temples to prevent her from damaging her smart brain!
Yun Qianmeng then sat on Chu Feiyang's lap, nestled in his arms, and wrapped her arms around the back of his hands, patting them gently as if coaxing a child. "Feiyang, your mother?"
"Died in childbirth!" But this is the answer I got!
But Yun Qianmeng frowned tightly, and a pain spread in her heart. Seeing that the usually free and easy Chu Feiyang had such a life experience, Yun Qianmeng felt even more heartache!
"Meng'er, I'm fine! In my life, you and Grandpa are the most important people! To me, all other people are just strangers. Why should I be sad for people who have nothing to do with me?" Chu Feiyang raised his hand and patted Yun Qianmeng's back. His tone was relaxed, which made Yun Qianmeng smile. Then he sat up straight and asked with shining eyes, "Do we need to prepare a guest room?"
Seeing the cunning flash in Yun Qianmeng's eyes, Chu Feiyang's eyes were filled with doting, but he said his thoughts, "They should go to pay their respects to Grandpa first!"
"They?" Yun Qianmeng immediately realized what was going on. What high-ranking official didn't have a mistress? Perhaps Chu Pei was returning to the capital with his entire family this time!
Seeing that Chu Feiyang didn't say anything else, Yun Qianmeng knew that in Chu Feiyang's heart, he probably still didn't want his father to live in the Prime Minister's Mansion! After all, the father and son hadn't seen each other since Chu Feiyang was born. Now, it was really awkward to let two blood-related strangers live together!
"Prime Minister, Madam, the prince is here!" At this time, Mu Chun, who was originally guarding outside, hurried in to report!
Upon hearing this, Yun Qianmeng immediately stood up, her face flushed slightly as she lowered her head to smooth the wrinkles on her skirt. Seeing the King of Chu striding in, she immediately bowed and said, "Greetings, Grandpa!"
"Hey, get up quickly, don't hurt your knees by kneeling!" Yun Qianmeng smiled faintly as he was casual as always. He was just bowing, how could he hurt his knees by kneeling!
But ever since she learned about Chu Feiyang's family affairs, Yun Qianmeng has paid even more careful attention to King Chu and Chu Feiyang. She felt that the two of them got along easily and happily. Only with such personalities could this pair of grandparents and grandchildren live so happily despite the lack of a son and a father!
"Grandpa, are you here to say goodbye and return to the palace?" Looking at the flushed face of King Chu, Chu Feiyang picked up the teacup in front of him and took a sip carefully!
Hearing his grandson drive him away, the King of Chu's face suddenly darkened, and he angrily said, "Who said I was going back to the palace? I just came to discuss with you. Your father is about to return to the capital. What are your plans?"
"Plans? No! My father went to Beijing to report on his work, not to return for sentimental festivities! Besides, he is surrounded by his lovely wife and children, what does it have to do with me?" Chu Feiyang answered calmly, but there was a strong sense of alienation in his words!
"You..." Chu Nanshan was naturally aware of the father-son relationship between his grandson and his son, so he shamelessly came here to try to strengthen the relationship between this thin father and son, but was pushed back by Chu Feiyang neither softly nor hard!
"Grandpa, if father-in-law comes back, we will definitely come to visit him! Besides, we need to make sure that he is satisfied with where we stay. It is useless for us to make a decision in a hurry!" The grandfather and grandson were about to become enemies, and Yun Qianmeng spoke quickly!
After listening to Yun Qianmeng's advice, Chu Nanshan nodded slowly. He also knew that forcing his grandson at this time might only backfire, so he decided to take it one step at a time!
On the 29th day of the twelfth lunar month, Chu Pei and his family entered Kyoto!
Early in the morning, Yun Qianmeng took Mu Chun and others to the Prince of Chu's Mansion. After waiting with the Prince of Chu in the side hall for most of the morning, Jiao Da walked in quickly!
"Your Highness, the master went to the palace to pay his respects to the Emperor as soon as he arrived in Kyoto! At this moment, the Second Madam is leading the young master and young lady to the side hall!" Listening to Jiao Da's report, Yun Qianmeng felt a little uncomfortable in his heart for some reason, but he smiled calmly as he sipped his tea!
When the door curtain of the side hall was lifted up again by the maids, Yun Qianmeng stood up politely and saw a beautiful woman in her forties who looked extremely young, leading a man and three women in one after another!
"The daughter-in-law pays homage to the prince!" Chu Pei's concubine Xie Shuyi knelt down and kowtowed to Chu Nanshan who was sitting in the seat of honor with proper manners!
"Grandson Qingyang and my sister Jie'er, cousin Wanwan and Yuanyuan are here to see Grandpa!" As Mrs. Xie knelt down, the four children behind her immediately walked towards
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