Chapter 130: The Imperial Decree! Zhao Duan's first visit to the Prince Consort's residence, Princess Yunyang has the skills to tame her husband
riverside.
Seeing Zhao Duan agreed readily, Xu Zhenguan's fair face and bright eyes also showed expectations.
"Your Majesty, since this is the case, I will take my leave now."
Zhao Duan was eager to fight and was willing to go through fire and water for the empress.
But his feet didn't move.
Xu Zhenguan glanced at him and said jokingly:
"You're willing to leave without hearing about the treatment of my aunt?"
Zhao Duan smiled innocently:
"I simply do not want your Majesty and the Grand Princess to hurt their relationship."
It's ridiculous that Marquis Xiajiang has been thrown into prison and has one foot on the execution ground, but Princess Yunyang has not been involved in the quagmire at all.
Xu Zhenguan was silent for a moment and said:
"Ma Yan has interrogated Marquis Xia Jiang. The scheme he set against you was his alone, not the work of my aunt. However, tracing back to the source, it was indeed she who instigated Marquis Xia Jiang to become your enemy."
Once a woman learns to use her advantages properly, she often doesn't need to draw the knife herself to kill someone.
Zhao Duan thought of the indifferent eyes that briefly looked at him in the sedan, and thought that this woman was not simple.
Xu Zhenguan suddenly sighed:
"Actually, the eldest princess... wasn't like this at first... Let's not talk about it."
It sounds like there is a story... Then tell me what you mean, it's the most abominable thing to break the chapter... Zhao Duan was extremely curious.
But if the emperor didn't say anything, it would be ignorant for the ministers to ask further.
After silently considering it in his mind and checking Yunyang's background, Zhao Duan said seriously:
"Your Majesty, please don't be embarrassed. I believe that after this incident, the Princess will understand your Majesty's intentions and will not..."
The so-called leniency when taking advantage of others.
The empress had just bestowed upon Princess Yunyang a valuable treasure, but she failed to gain anything in return. Zhao Duan magnanimously stated that he would not pursue the matter any further.
Xu Zhenguan shook his head and interrupted him:
"I have made my decision. After this incident, it would be good for her to reflect on herself. Princess Yunyang will be sent to Jizhao Temple to cultivate her character and sever her ties with those questionable people.
Then she won't be able to bother you anymore."
"Jizhao Temple? The one next to Shenlong Temple?" Zhao Duan was stunned.
He knows this place.
It is a small nunnery built near the main Buddhist temple, Shenlong Temple.
The nunnery is full of nuns who are meditating in seclusion.
According to convention, if the emperor passed away, the concubines who could no longer stay in the palace would be sent to Jizhao Temple.
There were also some royal women who, if they did something wrong, would be ordered to live in a nunnery for a while.
It may be as short as a few months, as long as several years, or even a lifetime, and one is not allowed to go out, and must be accompanied by the green lamp and the ancient Buddha.
The Empress actually wanted to confine her aunt to a nunnery...
Hiss, does this count as “reform education”?
Well, the key is to cut off his ties with his many mistresses.
Well, “forced detoxification center”?
Zhao Duan's mind was full of chaotic thoughts.
I think this punishment is reasonable. After all, she is my aunt, so I should show her some mercy.
Xu Zhenguan grabbed the air and a scroll of imperial edict appeared out of thin air in his palm.
He casually threw it to Zhao Duan and said:
"The imperial edict has been drafted. You will take the people to the Prince Consort's residence to convey it."
Ah, this... Zhao Duan glanced at the empress and vaguely understood something.
Without refusing, he answered with the imperial edict in his hand and turned to leave.
There is a very strict process for conveying imperial edicts. The recipient must bathe and burn incense at home in advance...
However, after the empress ascended the throne, the process was simplified.
Zhao Duan held the imperial edict with twenty-four large red seals on it.
As long as you bring a team of eunuchs, you can come to their door.
The foreign minister was originally unable to undertake this task, but he was a "royal attendant" and a "White Horse Supervisor".
According to the ritual system, it is possible to read the imperial edict.
Zhao Duan walked towards the Meridian Gate with a hint of anticipation.
"Come to think of it, I haven't seen the eldest princess's true face yet. I wonder what her expression would be if she saw me riding on her face?"
This farce has finally come to an end.
"Little bitch, I'm here!"
He hurriedly led his men out of the Meridian Gate and did not notice that another group of people had passed him in the distance.
…
The other side.
Xu Zhenguan waited for his loyal dog to leave, then stood alone by the river, enjoying the breeze.
After calming down, he returned to the imperial study to handle government affairs.
Not long after I sat down, I heard a female official report:
"Your Majesty, Grand Tutor Dong's eldest grandson has requested an audience. He said he is here to present a list of names under Grand Tutor's orders."
Xu Zhenguan's beautiful eyes lit up: "Call him in."
"yes."
After a while, outside the imperial study, a young man dressed in luxurious robes, about twenty-five or twenty-six years old, with ordinary appearance, mediocre temperament, and a slightly reserved demeanor, saluted:
"Student Dong Da, I pay my respects to Your Majesty!"
Xu Zhenguan sat at the table, with the dignity of an emperor. He said with a smile, "Yes,"
"No need to be so polite. Did the Grand Master send you a message?"
Dong Shusheng, the grandson of the current Grand Tutor, had once met Zhao Duan at the "Qinglian Cottage" opened by "Miss Xiaoya". Dong Shusheng, who had ordinary looks and mediocre talents, looked up a little nervously.
Obviously not suitable for this occasion.
He responded first, then took out a piece of paper from his sleeve and said in a serious tone:
"Your Majesty, my grandfather ordered me to send you the list of bachelors for your review."
The female official serving nearby stepped forward and presented the memorial to the empress.
Xu Zhenguan opened the fold and read, and saw a lot of names on it.
It was also the Empress's intention to form a list of "new cabinet" that was loyal only to her.
However, compared with the "cabinet" that was powerful during the old emperor's period, this new "cabinet" is extremely immature.
Most of the names on the list are talented young scholars, and only a few of them hold great power.
However, everyone knows that once the new cabinet is established, the empress can secure the throne.
In a dozen years or so, the people on the list will surely replace the current ministers and become the new elites.
"Very good, what else does the Grand Tutor say?" the empress asked after closing the list.
Dong Da said nervously:
"Grandpa only said to leave it to His Majesty for instructions. Oh, by the way, I also want to convey a message to His Majesty."
"What?"
Dong Da said hesitantly:
"Your Majesty, please be close to virtuous ministers and stay away from villains.
My grandfather heard that Zhao Duan has been quite favored by the emperor recently, so he dared to advise Your Majesty that Zhao Duan has a very bad reputation. Although he has some abilities, he is just a cruel official.
Your Majesty may appoint them to work, but you must not overuse them, much less rely on them. Otherwise, if such cruel officials form a clique, it will be a huge hidden danger to Your Majesty."
Xu Zhenguan was stunned for a moment, and said with some surprise:
"The Grand Master also knows him?"
Dong Da said honestly:
"Although Grandpa has long since stopped interfering in the government, he still has quite a few disciples. The Hanlin Academy and the Imperial College have been denouncing Zhao Duan recently, so Grandpa has heard about it, and then..."
Xu Zhenguan smiled helplessly, not surprised.
Grand Tutor Dong is highly respected and has read the books of sages all his life. He has never liked people with poor moral character.
Although Zhao Duan's abilities are gradually becoming known to the public, except for a very small number of close people, outsiders still have a very bad impression of him.
The main black spots are limited to his bad character.
The name of a "cruel official" gradually spread.
Grand Tutor Dong did not understand the truth and was misled by the rumors. He was worried that the empress would rely on cruel officials, so he made this advice.
It is also a loyalty.
Xu Zhenguan smiled and wanted to explain a few words for Zhao Duan, but he also understood that it was impossible to explain it in just a few words.
Holding the list, he thought of the conflict between the Dali Temple Minister and the new cabinet, as well as the task Zhao Duan had just taken on, and his heart moved:
Well...if he can really bring down Zhou Cheng, it can be an opportunity to introduce him to the Grand Tutor and resolve the misunderstanding.
He simply said, "I understand. I will weigh the pros and cons myself. Please rest assured, Grand Master."
Dong Da breathed a sigh of relief and said goodbye.
When he walked out of the imperial study and even out of the Yangxin Palace, he let out a long sigh, but he was troubled.
He could somewhat hear the perfunctory tone in the empress's words.
"Ah, should I tell Grandpa the truth? Your Majesty, why would you favor such a cruel official? Is that person really that good-looking?"
Dong Shusheng looked worried.
Little did he know that he had already met Zhao Duan and had great respect for him.
…
…
Prince Consort's Mansion.
Princess Yunyang woke up very early today, but stayed in bed until the sun rose, and then she dressed and washed with the help of her maid.
When they arrived at the dining room, the prince consort Li Shuping was already waiting.
It is worth mentioning that she and her husband had been separated for many years.
The princess occupied the main room alone, and Li Shuping, as the princess's husband, could only live in the side room.
"Yunyang, the cook just made the eight-treasure porridge. I've served it to you."
Li Shuping, with his hair combed meticulously and dark circles on his temples, forced a smile and spoke proactively.
Princess Yunyang, wearing a bright red gauze skirt and embroidered shoes, moved lightly with lotus steps. Although she had already given birth to a child, her skin was still as smooth as milk.
With the help of her maid, she sat lazily in the main seat.
Beneath her dark hair, her foxy face was devoid of smile. She glanced at the eight-treasure porridge in front of her and spoke coldly:
"I have no appetite, throw it away."
Li Shuping's attentive smile froze, and he slowly sat down, cautiously testing the waters:
"Why don't you have an appetite today?"
After ordering the maid to throw away the porridge bowl, Princess Yunyang never looked at her nominal "husband" from beginning to end.
At this moment, he seemed not to have heard it, holding the white porcelain spoon and eating the egg custard in small bites.
The servants outside the hall were watching closely and were not surprised by this scene at all.
Although this place is called "The Prince Consort's Mansion", in reality, the prince consort is only slightly higher in status than a servant.
Li Shuping's expression changed, he gritted his teeth and asked:
"I heard that Zhao Duan broke into the Dali Temple yesterday and arrested Marquis Xia Jiang... Could it be that you are working for Marquis Xia Jiang..."
Princess Yunyang paused and finally looked at him, a hint of mockery appearing on her charming face:
"Are you jealous? Do you think I'm worried about Marquis Xia Jiang?"
When his thoughts were exposed in front of him, Li Shuping was speechless for a moment.
Princess Yunyang held the spoon, stirred it, and said softly:
"That's right, I was the one who asked Xia Jianghou to deal with Zhao Duan. I slept with him, and he was willing to stand up for me.
You don't want to? If you have the guts, go find that Zhao guy and get your lost face back. Do you have that guts? If you can, I'll sleep with you once.
Are you...okay?"
“Bang!”
Li Shuping's face flushed red, veins bulged on his forehead, and the chopsticks in his hand were broken by him.
The servants were startled, but Princess Yunyang sneered:
"What? Have you become more capable?"
Li Shuping may have been stimulated by the recent days, and he rarely felt brave. He took a deep breath and said:
"Yunyang, I am your husband after all..."
"Husband?" Princess Yunyang suddenly laughed, a self-deprecating laugh. Her eyes were complicated as she said:
"Don't forget who you are. If not...why would I marry a loser like you?!"
The servants outside the hall walked away silently, pretending not to hear.
It is no secret that Yunyang was forced to marry Li Shuping.
According to the rules, when a princess gets married, she must at least marry the son of a local wealthy family.
Perhaps he is a new noble who has made great achievements.
In most cases, they marry into wealthy families.
However, Li Shuping is an exception.
When he became a prince consort, his family had already fallen into poverty and he was just the heir of an inconspicuous small family in the capital.
He did not achieve any honors in the examination.
It is said that during the reign of the previous emperor, Princess Yunyang offended her brother for some unknown reason.
As a result, the angry old emperor ordered her to be married off from the palace and betrothed to Li Shuping.
At that time, Li Shuping was overjoyed and felt that he had received great luck from heaven.
But Yunyang didn't have any good face towards him.
Later, perhaps because she gradually gave up on herself and accepted her fate, this eldest princess, who was once of extremely noble status, gradually gained the reputation of being "dissolute" and available to anyone.
"I... said the wrong thing."
Li Shuping lowered his head and slowly exhaled. He had long been accustomed to playing the cowardly role.
He didn't even have the courage to confront the princess.
After all, everything he has now was brought by his wife.
Li Shuping adjusted his mood, trying to break the oppressive atmosphere, and said with a smile:
"I heard that at the morning court this morning, the Dali Temple Minister Zhou Cheng led a group of officials to the court in anger. Zhao Duan and those lackeys in the imperial court are going to have a hard time.
Humph, last time he arrested 58 officials on a large scale, he barely suppressed it, but now he actually dares to beat and kill people and break into the Three Judicial Departments.
The entire court, both civil and military, will certainly not tolerate this. I think this is truly lawless, and it’s time for this police chief to reach the end of his days.”
Princess Yunyang drank a mouthful of egg custard, but her face did not look relaxed.
She knew her niece too well.
He knew that his niece, who looked like a fairy and presented herself as a benevolent monarch, actually had a cold and ruthless side that could kill people without blinking an eye.
"I hope it goes well."
She wondered in her heart whether the angry Prime Minister Zhou could issue an edict to seize the entire city.
As for Marquis Xia Jiang... she didn't care at all.
In fact, Xia Jianghou, who was being tortured in prison at the moment, had no idea.
Princess Yunyang had never counted on him from the very beginning.
From the very beginning, she wanted to divert the blame and let Zhou Cheng, who already had a conflict with the imperial court, get into trouble.
so.
He Zhengcai, the Dali Temple Secretary, had a conflict with Chen Wan early in the morning over someone.
so.
When Marquis Xia Jiang learned in the restaurant that Zhao Duan was coming to arrest him, Princess Yunyang poured a basin of cold water on him in time.
She knew that Marquis Xia Jiang had few people he could rely on, and Zhou Cheng was almost the only one.
But what surprised her was that Zhao Duan was so bold that he actually dared to break into the Sanfashi Court.
And Ma Yan even took steps to protect him...
In less than a day, the two yamen stood on opposite sides.
It quickly made her feel uneasy, thinking that she might have gone too far...
At this moment, a servant came running in from outside and reported:
"Princess, something bad has happened."
Princess Yunyang narrowed her eyes and put down the spoon:
"Has the court been dismissed? Could it be that Zhou Cheng failed?"
The servant who was sent out to find out the results of the morning court nodded and repeated the information he had obtained.
When they learned that the imperial court was intact, everyone in the Dali Temple left the court in disgrace. Marquis Xiajiang was stripped of his title and executed in the autumn.
The princess in the bright red gauze dress had a blank expression on her face.
The hands on the long legs like white pythons clenched subconsciously.
Marquis Xia Jiang is going to die... Prince Consort Li Shuping couldn't help but smile.
I can't suppress the corners of my mouth at all!
At this moment, a second servant came running in, panting, his face expression was as if:
"Princess, something terrible is happening."
Yunyang was stunned. She didn't remember sending a second person.
I only heard the servant say:
"I followed the carriage to the East Market to buy ice, but on the way I saw Zhao Duan, riding a horse with a group of eunuchs from the palace, coming towards our house!"
(End of this chapter)
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