Chapter 87 Your Majesty, Do Not Be Willful
"After the eunuch finished his explanation, I sent people to investigate the underground casino, but..." Si Xi glanced at Rong Yin before continuing, "Except for a few minions who knew nothing, the people who were responsible for threatening the young eunuch have all died."
Rong Yin frowned: "They silenced us so quickly."
Si Xi said, "I have already sent people to investigate the interpersonal relationships of those who died, but since the person behind them has been silenced, the remaining traces may have been dealt with as well."
Rong Yin sighed: "Just do your best."
Si Xi replied, "Yes," and then asked Rong Yin, "Master, have you decided what to do with that little eunuch?"
Turning his head to look in the direction of the bedroom, Rong Yin said, "Lock him up first, and let His Majesty make the decision after he wakes up."
After Si Xi left, Lu'e came to invite Rong Yin to have lunch. Rong Yin was about to refuse, but suddenly remembered Zong Zheng Xiao who was still asleep. She was afraid that she would be too hungry to take care of him, so even though she had no appetite, she still forced herself to eat half full.
Zong Zhengxiao had frostbite all over his body. The imperial physician prescribed ointment, and Rong Yin personally applied a little bit of ointment to Zong Zhengxiao. Looking at the red and swollen areas, he couldn't help but shed tears.
Blame him, it's all his fault.
Tired of crying, Rong Yin leaned against the head of the bed and quietly accompanied Zong Zhengxiao.
After an unknown amount of time, the hand that Rong Yin was holding with Zong Zheng Xiao suddenly moved. Rong Yin raised his head abruptly and looked over, only to see that Zong Zheng Xiao's eyes were slightly open and he was looking at him intently.
"Your Majesty..." Rong Yin spoke with a trembling voice.
Zong Zhengxiao raised his hand, stroked Rong Yin's still wet cheek, and said in a hoarse voice: "I'm sorry, I made you cry again."
As soon as he finished speaking, Zong Zheng Xiao started coughing uncontrollably. Rong Yin quickly poured him a glass of warm water, helped Zong Zheng Xiao up and fed him.
After drinking the water, Zong Zhengxiao's coughing gradually stopped.
Rong Yin patted his chest to calm him down, and asked worriedly, "Are you feeling better?"
Zong Zhengxiao nodded, and Rong Yin felt relieved.
"How long have I slept?" Zong Zhengxiao leaned on Rong Yin's shoulder and naturally moved closer to him.
"Not long, from yesterday morning to this afternoon."
After saying that, Rong Yin was silent for a moment before saying, "Actually, you don't need to punish yourself. I am also to blame for what happened yesterday. It was me who was unwilling to communicate with you. You lost your sense of security and therefore... lost your mind."
Zong Zhengxiao reached out and hugged Rong Yin, buried his face in his shoulder, and said in a muffled voice: "Ayin, you still like to take the blame on yourself. This matter is obviously my fault."
He took a deep breath, and the fragrance from Rong Yin's neck made him clear his mind. He sat up straight, stared into Rong Yin's eyes, and said, "I forced myself on you impulsively. This was absolutely wrong and there is no excuse. I realized that I was wrong, so I punished myself. All you need to do is choose whether to forgive me, instead of making excuses for the asshole things I did, or looking for them in yourself."
Rong Yin's eyes turned red again: "I forgive you, Zong Zheng Xiao, please don't torture yourself like this anymore."
Zong Zhengxiao held Rong Yin in his arms and gently rubbed his chin against his head. "Okay, I promise, I won't do such stupid things again in the future."
His Ayin is so good, how could he continue to hurt him.
"But you have to promise me." Zong Zhengxiao stressed, "Don't be depressed because of some messy rumors in the future. You know that I only love you, and you know that we made a promise that we can only love each other in this life. Why do you still care about those rumors? I don't want to marry a wife because of my own will. You don't force me to do it. You don't have to feel guilty."
Rong Yin thought of what Lu'e had told him, that Zong Zheng Xiao already knew that he had heard the rumors, and it seemed that he had seen through his thoughts.
Rong Yin leaned against Zong Zhengxiao's chest, speaking in a low voice: "I didn't break my oath, and I don't want you to marry, but the rumors are not wrong. If you don't marry, you won't be able to have children, and the country will have no heir. When you get older, you will definitely face a crisis. Maybe the noble families will use this as an excuse to attack you. I know you love Dasheng, which you built with your own hands, and I don't want you to lose it."
Zong Zhengxiao's ideal is to become a wise ruler whose reputation will last forever. He has spared no effort to make Dasheng prosperous and to gain the recognition of the people, and now he has achieved initial results.
But if it was because of him, Zong Zheng Xiao would be criticized by the world, and the country might not be stable, Rong Yin would really not be able to feel at ease.
He loved Zong Zhengxiao, so naturally he hoped that Zong Zhengxiao could be safe and sound.
"Who said that there is no one to carry on the throne?" Zong Zhengxiao suddenly said this when Rong Yin was feeling depressed.
Rong Yin was stunned at first, then looked at Zong Zhengxiao's belly in disbelief: "When did you hide from me that you had a child?"
Zong Zheng Xiao laughed: "Giving birth to a child? I don't have the ability of a woman."
"What do you mean?" Rong Yin was a little anxious, "I can tell you, I can't have a baby either."
Zong Zhengxiao raised his hand and tapped Rong Yin's forehead gently, "Rong Xiaoyin, is your husband so stupid in your eyes? I have done everything with you, don't I know whether you can have a child or not?"
Rong Yin covered his forehead with his hands, his eyes rolling around, as if he was thinking, "If he's not your biological child, then it can only be..."
An idea suddenly flashed through his mind, and he looked at Zong Zheng Xiao in surprise: "Do you want to choose your eldest brother's child to inherit the throne like in the original story?"
"You guessed it right." Zong Zheng Xiao smiled and said, "Didn't you say before that in the original story, Zong Zheng Lian Jun succeeded Zong Zheng Lian Qi and became a diligent and good emperor, so after I knew the plot of the original story, I had this idea."
Rong Yin counted carefully, and realized that it was a few years ago. He was a little annoyed: "Well, you actually kept such an important matter a secret from me. I felt sorry for you because of the rumors and was sad for a long time."
Zong Zheng Xiao touched his face and coaxed him with a smile: "Now that the noble families think that there is a barrier between us and the Ning Palace, I naturally cannot be close to the Ning Palace openly. The fewer people who know about this, the better. In addition, Zong Zheng Lianjun is still in the probation period. I haven't decided whether to make him the crown prince in the future. I don't want to tell you about uncertain things, so as not to worry you."
Rong Yin said, "If it weren't for this incident, would you have waited until Zong Zheng Lianjun was promoted to the position of Crown Prince before telling me the truth?"
Zong Zhengxiao stroked his chin and said, "It won't be that late. At least I will tell you all the truth on the day I decide to make him the crown prince."
Rong Yin glared at him: "Is there any difference between the two?"
Zong Zhengxiao raised his eyebrows, "How many days earlier was the latter than the former?"
Rong Yin was annoyed and hit him lightly, "Just keep your mouth shut!"
"Okay, I won't tease you anymore." Zong Zhengxiao hugged him and said coquettishly, "I'm still a little tired. Ayin, can you accompany me to rest for a while?"
"Yes, I will obey your majesty."
Rong Yin lay down with her clothes on, moved closer to Zong Zheng Xiao, and let him hold her in his arms.
At this moment, the feeling of security returned to him again, and he no longer had to endure the desolate loneliness of yesterday.
Just like two trees growing intertwined, inseparable, if one leaves the other, both will die.
This is the relationship that should have existed between the two of them.
Zong Zheng Xiao, who once again held his lover in his arms, let out a long sigh. Smelling the fragrance of Rong Yin, his restless heart gradually calmed down.
Rong Yin hadn't slept the whole night, but now that she felt at ease and with Zong Zheng Xiao by her side, she could no longer control her sleepiness and soon fell into a deep sleep.
Zong Zhengxiao was also tortured by the high fever last night. He kissed the sleeping Rong Yin on the top of his head, whispered "I love you", and went with him to meet Zhou Gong.
The palace maid wanted to come in and add some hot water, but when she saw the two people hugging each other tightly on the bed, a knowing smile suddenly appeared on her face. She retreated in a good mood and closed the door.
She was not happy without reason. The two masters were having a quarrel, and although they would not take their anger out on the servants, the atmosphere was too depressing and they would also feel uncomfortable.
Ginshasa Garden should always be filled with laughter and joy.
It was not until the evening that Rong Yin slowly woke up. As soon as she opened her eyes, she found that Zong Zheng Xiao was staring at her intently.
Rong Yin came over and nuzzled him. Because she was not fully awake yet, her voice was nasal: "Are you awake?"
Zong Zhengxiao said: "No, I just woke up not long ago."
Rong Yin woke up, then turned over, sat up and stretched his waist.
"Are you hungry?" Rong Yin looked down at Zong Zheng Xiao.
Zong Zheng Xiao propped his chin with his hand, still staring at Rong Yin: "Not bad, not too hungry."
Rong Yin felt a little embarrassed by his stare, and stretched out her hand to block his sight, "Why are you looking at me like that?"
Zong Zhengxiao held Rong Yin's hand, pulled her over and kissed her, saying, "Look at you."
"You're so sweet." Rong Yin took the opportunity to stroke the "dragon head", then quickly jumped off the bed and called Zong Zhengxiao: "Hurry up and get up, even if you're not hungry, I am hungry, I want to eat!"
Zong Zhengxiao smiled and reached out to Rong Yin, "I'm sick and feeling uncomfortable. I need Ah Yin to hold me so I can get up."
Rong Yin put her hands on her hips and said in a serious tone, "Don't be willful. Get up quickly."
Zong Zhengxiao turned his face away: "I don't want to listen, the mermaid is chanting sutras."
Rong Yin: “…”
He used all my tricks!
"I'm scared of you." Rong Yin went to bed again, half dragged and half hugged the "giant baby" Zong Zhengxiao off the bed, dressed him personally, took him to wash, and wiped his face.
Taking Zong Zhengxiao's status as a patient into consideration, the food prepared by the kitchen was relatively light. Rong Yin took care of everything and fed Zong Zhengxiao mouthful by mouthful of rice.
"Ayin, you're so nice." Zong Zhengxiao had a smile on his face the whole time, and his eyes seemed to be fixed on Rong Yin's face, not moving away from her at all.
"You have good taste." Rong Yin joked with him deliberately.
Seeing the sticky atmosphere between the two, the palace servants' expressions also relaxed a lot.
After the meal, the imperial physician came to examine Zong Zhengxiao and confirmed that he had no serious injuries and would be fine after just taking medicine and resting for a few days.
Although he didn't know what happened yesterday, before leaving, the imperial physician couldn't help but advise: "Your Majesty, with you here, Dasheng can be stable. Don't take advantage of your youth and do anything reckless. If you ruin the foundation, you will suffer in your later years."
When Rong Yin heard the imperial physician's words and thought of the reason why Zong Zheng Xiao was caught in the snow, his eyes couldn't help but dim.
At this time, Zong Zhengxiao silently held his hand. Rong Yin looked over and Zong Zhengxiao said to the imperial physician, "I have remembered the imperial physician's advice. I will take better care of my body in the future."
The imperial physician had not expected that Zong Zheng Xiao would respond to him so politely. He was excited but also very relieved that their Majesty was indeed not the kind of incompetent ruler who would not listen to advice.
The doctor was sent away from the Silver Shark Garden with a smile on his face. Zong Zhengxiao then turned around and looked at Rong Yin, "Have you forgotten what I told you this afternoon? Don't take all the responsibility on yourself out of habit."
Rong Yin pouted: "This is not something that can be changed in a short time."
Zong Zhengxiao patted his head and said, "Then I will help you to correct it slowly."
Rong Yin then smiled, "Okay."
Before going to bed, a bowl of bitter medicine was brought to Zong Zhengxiao.
Although knowing that Zong Zheng Xiao was not afraid of hardship, Rong Yin still prepared the preserved fruit in advance and would stuff it into Zong Zheng Xiao's mouth as soon as he finished drinking it.
Just as he expected, Zong Zheng Xiao drank the whole bowl of soup in one gulp. Zong Zheng Xiao ate the candied fruit he stuffed in his mouth, but continued to approach him with dissatisfaction.
"I want something else to relieve my pain." His eyes fell on Rong Yin's lips, the meaning was self-evident.
"Hmph, you rascal." Rong Yin said displeased, but there was no hesitation in her actions. She took the initiative to hold the back of Zong Zhengxiao's head and kissed his lips.
During the entanglement, Rong Yin tasted the bitterness of the medicine and the sweetness of the honey. Through this kiss, he also bore some of the consequences of Zong Zhengxiao's self-punishment.
At night, the two of them sat on the head of the bed, Rong Yin nestled in Zong Zheng's arms, listening to him talk about his views on Zong Zheng Lian Jun.
"The plan to save Su Wan'er and Zong Zheng Lianqi was his idea. He also has his own views on national affairs. He usually gives me his own policy papers for review. His views on events are insightful and his proposed strategies are also remarkable. In the past few years, he has also taken good care of his family. Whether in terms of ability or character, he is excellent."
Rong Yin also said: "In the original novel, he took over the mess left by the male and female protagonists, not only stabilizing the country, but also promoting the development of agriculture and the economy. It's a pity that he was too diligent in his work, and in the end he didn't live long."
"It seems that you, Ayin, are also optimistic about him."
"At least in the original novel, he is a good emperor." Rong Yin looked up at Zong Zhengxiao, "Your Majesty, do you plan to wait until the aristocratic family is completely overthrown before making him the crown prince?"
"Yes." Zong Zhengxiao said, "It is not appropriate for him to expose his talent to others in advance. If the noble families find out that Prince Ning's Mansion is not actually against me, he will definitely be targeted by them, and some of the chess pieces I have laid out before will become useless."
When Rong Yin heard this, the doubt in his eyes gradually disappeared.
That night, Zong Zhengxiao and Rong Yin were not the only ones who hadn't fallen asleep.
Patriarch Cui looked at the servants and said, "Is everything done?"
The servant said, "My Lord, the maid committed suicide by taking poison and didn't tell anyone. The Emperor's men are investigating the person behind her, but with our deliberate guidance, they are almost on the way to the Li family. As for our spies, they have all been silenced, and the evidence of their dealings with us has been disposed of. Even if the Emperor's men catch the eunuch, they won't be able to find anything."
Patriarch Cui said, "Go down, and report to me immediately if anything happens."
"Yes." The servant quickly retreated.
Obviously the plan had been successful, but there was not much joy on the face of Master Cui.
This morning, when he received the news that His Majesty was ill and would not attend the morning court, Patriarch Cui knew that his move was successful. Although he lost a few spies, it would be worth it if it really alienated the relationship between Zong Zhengxiao and Rong Yin.
But without the young eunuch's help, they were once again blind to the situation in Yinjiao Garden. He didn't know whether Zong Zhengxiao's absence from the morning court was due to illness or because he was dealing with the emotional crisis between him and Rong Yin.
Patriarch Cui was feeling a little anxious, as he always felt that the outcome of the plan was not as perfect as he had imagined.
However, even if things didn't go as he wished in the end and the plan failed, Zong Zheng Xiao couldn't hold him responsible.
It's just that the Li family will have to take the blame for him.
Patriarch Cui looked out the window at the night scene with gloomy eyes.
Li family, Li Chu sneezed for no reason.
Who is talking about him again?
The next day, Zong Zhengxiao went to the morning court on time. Although his complexion looked a little pale, there was no sadness between his brows. Instead, there was a faint smile at the corners of his lips.
When Patriarch Cui saw his expression, he knew that he had lost this time.
Victory and defeat are common in the military. Patriarch Cui was lost for a moment but quickly regained his composure.
But the matter is not over yet, and his scapegoat has not been found yet.
After the court session, the head of the Cui family looked at Li Chu who was walking in front of him and revealed a meaningful smile.
Li Chu felt a chill on his back and thought to himself, this is really strange. Last night my ears were burning, but today my back is cold. Could it be that I am going to be unlucky?
It has to be said that Li Chu predicted the truth.
When Zong Zheng Xiaoxuan was summoned into the palace and a memorial was hit hard on the head, Li Chu was stunned for a moment.
How did I offend this god?
"Take a good look at yourself, this is your loyalty!" Zong Zheng Xiao shouted fiercely, his eyes frighteningly cold.
Li Chu opened the memorial and saw the results of an investigation into a certain palace maid's network of relationships. A drop of cold sweat silently slid down his forehead.
"You are such a good man, Li Chu. On the one hand, you pretend to surrender to me, but on the other hand, you planted spies around me and ordered her to pretend to seduce me and sow discord between me and Rong Yin. The rumors in the capital about my selection of beauties were also spread by your Li family. Lord Li, your ability to play two sides is something that ordinary people cannot learn."
Facing Zong Zhengxiao's accusation, Li Chu's first reaction was to kowtow, kowtow loudly.
Then, he loudly protested: "Your Majesty, this maid was indeed a spy that the master had arranged for you in the past, but the master and I have never used her. After I switched sides with you, I pretended not to know her existence. So I did not order her to instigate you and Boss Rong, and the rumors about the beauty pageant outside. I hope Your Majesty will understand!"
After saying that, he kowtowed again, his forehead was broken and there were some bloodstains on the floor.
Li Chu is as cruel to others as he is to himself!
Zong Zhengxiao seemed not to believe him: "Now that she has committed suicide by taking poison, she is dead, so naturally what you say is true. After all, there is no evidence."
Li Chu knelt and took a few steps forward, and said loudly again: "Your Majesty, my loyalty to you is evident to all, and if I really was pretending to surrender and really wanted to sow discord between you and Boss Rong, why would I use my own people? If you investigate, wouldn't I be exposed?"
Zong Zheng Xiao looked at him coldly: "What if you are taking advantage of this mentality, deliberately using your own people, and then saying these words to excuse yourself?"
Li Chu was silent for a moment, then looked at Zong Zhengxiao with a sad look in his eyes: "Your Majesty has already determined that I am the culprit, right?"
Zong Zhengxiao said, "If you want to prove your innocence, then bring out the evidence and tell me that you are not the culprit, instead of forcing me to believe that you were framed. And do you think you are completely innocent? I have your spies hiding around me. If one day you have evil intentions and order her to poison my tea, then I will be wronged and unable to redress my grievances."
Li Chu said quickly, "The spy incident was my fault. I am willing to accept the punishment. Later, I will tell Your Majesty all the spies that the Li family has planted in the palace. This is my last resort. Your Majesty, please rest assured that I have no way out and will only be loyal to Your Majesty. As for the palace maid's instigation and rumors, please give me some time. I will definitely give you an explanation!"
Perhaps it was his sincere attitude that touched Zong Zhengxiao, or perhaps Zong Zhengxiao had other ideas. In any case, Zong Zhengxiao finally gave Li Chu half a month.
Half a month later, he must present the evidence in front of him, otherwise he will bear all the blame.
The news that Li Chu came out of the palace with a bloody head and was demoted by Zong Zhengxiao on the pretext of something soon reached the ears of the head of the Cui family.
Knowing that his scapegoating was successful, Patriarch Cui, who had been somewhat depressed because his plan had failed, felt unexpectedly much better.
Later, the Cui family's spies in the palace brought news that all the Li family's undercover agents had been eradicated by Zong Zhengxiao, and not a single one was left.
Before the head of the Cui family had time to gloat over the misfortune, a rumor quickly spread throughout the capital.
It is said that Cui Jia Erlang was accidentally injured while riding a horse in his early years. His thing was broken and he couldn't get it up. His virility was weak, so he developed a vicious habit in sex.
He specifically targeted young women and men, using particularly cruel tools on them to vent his unexpressed desires. It is said that he killed many people, but the Cui family kept it a secret.
Tu'erye, a prostitute in Qinlou and Chuguan, also revealed that Cui Erye did have that kind of hobby and had crippled people in their building.
There were more and more rumors, and ignorant children were spreading songs. For a time, everyone in the capital focused their attention on the Cui family.
Even the rumor that His Majesty was selecting beauties, which had been circulating for a while, was replaced by this shocking gossip.
Seeing that the Cui family had become a topic of conversation after dinner, the head of the Cui family was furious, and the second young master Cui was completely devastated.
It was true that he was injured and incapable of movement, and it was also true that he liked to torture young boys and girls. However, he thought that he and the Cui family had kept these secrets very well and that no outsider would know about them. Now that they were suddenly exposed, and with so much detail and credibility, they were completely caught off guard.
If the government finds out what he has done, will he be doomed like Li Ao?
"Dad, who spread this story? I'm going to kill him. I must kill him!"
Having not had a good rest for several days, the second young master Cui looked haggard, his eyes were red, and he walked back and forth in front of the head of the Li family with his head in his hands, like a madman.
Ever since the accident that year, his mental state has actually not been quite normal, but he has suppressed it because he has not been stimulated.
How could he remain calm when his biggest secret was exposed?
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