"What does Master mean..." Qingxue asked, puzzled.
Qian Shengyan didn't explain too clearly, only instructing her to let the Third Prince's men know the patrol guards' shift change times, and then to report back to her the next time the Emperor kept Nian Gengyao there.
Although Qingxue didn't quite understand, she did as she was told. She had spent half her life in the harem, and now that she had returned to serve a noble concubine, old acquaintances naturally came looking for her. She only needed to give a few instructions, and they would cleverly help her get things done.
In everyone's eyes, Consort Xi probably just wanted the Third Prince to break palace rules again, further damaging his image in the Emperor's eyes. Besides, they only revealed the guards' shift change time; they didn't encourage the Third Prince to climb over the wall. Ultimately, it was the Third Prince's own decision, so how could he blame others?
Coincidentally, the Third Prince's side also seemed to be inquiring about this matter. The two sides hit it off immediately and quickly completed their respective tasks in a few words of conversation.
When Qingxue returned to report to Qian Shengyan, Qian Shengyan showed no surprise whatsoever.
Given Hongshi's current temperament, being locked up for ten days or half a month is already the limit. In addition, Yinzhen has been busy with the affairs of the court recently, and his supervision of him has been somewhat relaxed. Wouldn't Hongshi take advantage of this time to do something?
While Qian Shengyan was still figuring out how to get Hongshi to meet Nian Gengyao, she was unaware that Hongshi was also considering the same thing.
"They can't even find out when the Grand General left the palace! What a bunch of useless fools!" Hongshi, his hair still unkempt, stood on the bed shouting angrily, "Go ask again! Get this for me!"
“Brother, the General’s departure time from the palace is not fixed every day. How could we servants know in advance?” Jinzhong said with a bitter face.
Hongshi understood this principle, but said, "I don't care about other things, but you must find out the truth today!"
He finally found out the guards' shift change time. He figured he could use that free time to climb over the wall and get out. He could always come back later.
But we still need to know when she went out!
Hongshi was pacing anxiously, he could no longer contain himself. For several days in a row, Consort Hua had not left Chengqian Palace. If the General stayed today, she would see him off, and on her way back from Donghua Gate, she would pass by the Prince's Residence...
He absolutely must see her today!!!
"Brother, the General has entered the Hall of Mental Cultivation!" A young eunuch ran in to report.
Hongshi was overjoyed: "Good, good, good!"
Consort Hua walked through the Imperial Garden from Chengqian Palace to Yangxin Hall, so he wouldn't see her there, but he just needed to wait, he just needed to wait...
"Brother, it's time for the guards to change shifts!" Jinbao reported. Hongshi gritted his teeth and said, "Let's go, let's get out of here first!"
He changed into a eunuch's clothes and, supported by Jinzhong Jinbao, hurriedly climbed over the wall of the prince's quarters.
Meanwhile, in Yongshou Palace.
"Master, it's time for the guards to change shifts," Qingxue said hurriedly as she came over.
Qian Shengyan nodded, put down the book in her hand, stood up and said, "Let's go to the Hall of Mental Cultivation."
If she goes there, Yinzhen will likely meet with her, which would make it inconvenient to keep Nian Gengyao there.
If they were lucky, Nian Gengyao might run into Hongshi, who had run away. Something would probably happen if two people with similar personalities clashed. Even if Yinzhen didn't reprimand him afterward, he would still be happy to make Nian Gengyao a little unhappy.
If she's unlucky... she can always come up with another idea; it's just a matter of a few words anyway.
Upon arriving at the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Yinzhen had just seen off Nian Gengyao. Upon seeing her, he first inquired about Hongshan's condition.
Qian Shengyan smiled and said, "It is precisely because of this matter... Yesterday, His Majesty summoned me to accompany him, but I was unable to serve him properly. Today, Hongshan's illness has improved considerably, and I was afraid that His Majesty would worry, so I thought I would come and tell His Majesty to make up for it."
"That's good. It's better for the child to be a little chubby." Yinzhen's pen didn't stop, but he still managed to respond to her words, "Has Physician Li gone to see him?"
"Yes, this is the second acupuncture treatment, and the symptoms are basically cured." Qian Shengyan said, walking over to grind ink for him. Yinzhen looked up and smiled at her, then said after a moment, "Nian Gengyao... Humph!"
Qian Shengyan lowered her eyes and pretended not to hear, but then she heard Yinzhen say, "This Li Weijun is also useless. He promoted a concubine to the position of official wife, and she is actually the goddaughter of the steward of Nian Gengyao's mansion... He is willing to hitch a ride on Nian Gengyao's ship even like this, humph."
This is implying that the person lacks backbone. Qian Shengyan found it amusing: "Regardless of background, a good official is one who can achieve political success."
"That's true, but this person... humph." Yinzhen dipped his brush in ink and continued his reply, "I must remind him of a few things."
Qian Shengyan: ...
Well, the emperor, who treats official replies like letters, is at it again.
Before he could finish reviewing just one memorial, a commotion suddenly erupted outside. A moment later, Su Peisheng rushed in, looking troubled: "Your Majesty, the Third Prince and General Nian are fighting?!"
Yinzhen: ? ? ?
Qian Shengyan: ? ? ?
Wait, is it really that explosive?
Why is Hongshi giving her so much face? She was just hoping for a conflict between the two of them, but they ended up fighting instead.
Seeing that Yinzhen's expression changed drastically and he threw down his pen and left, Qian Shengyan hurriedly pulled Qingxue to follow him—it's better to get the first juicy gossip than not.
Hongshi had probably run out not long ago, and somehow ended up at Jingyun Gate. Nian Gengyao, being arrogant and domineering, became impatient when he saw a little eunuch running around recklessly without any order.
He disliked these eunuchs the most, and immediately kicked one of them, saying, "You dog, whose eyes are you blocking by standing here?!"
"Ouch!" Hongshi was caught off guard and fell backward from the kick. He had never suffered such humiliation since childhood. Even when Yinzhen whipped him last time, it was only on his back, waist and hips. Although it hurt, it was not too bad. This time, when Nian Gengyao kicked him in the stomach, he felt as if his internal organs had shifted. It was an unbearable pain that went deep into his bones.
He was instantly enraged. Despite the pain, he jumped up to kick back. After all, Nian Gengyao had been fighting for years and was in excellent physical condition. How could he be beaten by a mere kid?
When Yinzhen arrived, the two had already finished their exchange. Hongshi was pinned to the ground by Nian Gengyao, with a faint shoe print on his face.
Qian Shengyan, upon seeing the shoe print: ...
Oh wow, Nian Gengyao, you truly live up to your reputation!
"How dare you! How dare you! Do you know who I am? Let go of my hand right now, or I'll have Father Emperor exterminate your entire family!" Hongshi was furious and cursed without restraint.
Dan Xiu, standing nearby, was also anxious and pleading with Nian Gengyao, "Brother, this is the Third Prince! Let go of him! Brother!"
"Hongshi!" Yinzhen roared, "What are you doing here?"
The moment Yinzhen's voice rang out, Hongshi immediately wilted. He, who had just been acting like a fighting cock, dared not utter a word and wished he could hide his face even further at Nian Gengyao's feet.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
