Shao Qing's impression of the Dongping Marquis Mansion was actually not very good.
The original body’s death was inevitably caused by the heavy blow dealt by this mansion.
A little girl who just turned sixteen encountered a sudden change. She fell from the top of the splendor into the abyss, and her life was completely turned upside down. When she was most panicked and helpless, she received a letter of severance from her parents' home.
Written in her father's handwriting.
Without hesitation, cut off all ties with her as quickly as possible.
This letter of severance became the last straw that broke the camel's back.
No, that's not quite right. This is not straw. A light piece of paper is as heavy as a thousand pounds.
The original body was completely hopeless and had no desire to live. After suffering from repeated high fever for a long time, he passed away quietly.
Then, Shao Qing came.
When she opened her eyes, she was still holding the letter of severance tightly in her hand.
Recalling the piece of letter paper that was repeatedly soaked with sweat, causing the handwriting to become blurred, Shao Qing curled his lips.
"Whatever is to be done, that is what shall be done."
For the original body, she was born and raised by the Dongping Marquisate, but she also tried her best to give back to the family within her ability. If she is chosen as the Princess of Qi and the former Crown Prince successfully ascends the throne, the Dongping Marquisate will be guaranteed to prosper for decades.
However, the world changes so fast. Once she encountered trouble, she was abandoned by her father and family without hesitation. Perhaps from the perspective of the Marquis' Mansion, there was nothing wrong with this, as the letter of severance did exist.
Since all relations have been severed, how can we talk about kinship?
In Shao Qing's view, the moment her original body passed away, both parties were even, and she owed nothing to the Dongping Marquisate.
"You don't have to worry about me in your future actions."
This is what she said to Wei Jing.
Wei Jing had heard about the severance letter, so he stroked her hair and whispered, "I'm sorry for wronging you."
It was all his fault that she got implicated.
"What nonsense are you talking about?"
The two of them had been through thick and thin together, supported each other, and by chance, they became husband and wife. In Shao Qing's heart, Wei Jing was much more important than the strange and heartless Dongping Marquis Mansion.
There is simply no comparison between the two.
Shao Qing gave him a sidelong glance.
Wei Jing was not unhappy at all for being scolded. Instead, he felt very happy. He held her hand and asked, "What about your brother from your mother?" He remembered that she had a biological brother from her mother.
Mother's brother?
In Shao Qing's memory, the person who had the closest relationship with the original body was indeed his mother's younger brother. But how to say it, both children are a little stubborn, and it is inevitable that they will make noise when playing together, and the mother is a little partial to the younger brother, which makes the sensitive little girl often cry secretly.
As I grew older, I became more sensible and knew how to help protect my younger brother, but I would still be upset and cry by my stubborn younger brother sometimes.
Admiration, love, and feelings are deep, but they are also mixed with a bit of grievance, sadness, and resentment, and are really complicated inside.
well.
Shao Qing tilted his head and thought for a while: "Let's wait until we get some information from Kong Tantan. It won't take too long."
She continued what she was doing, quickly spread out her coat and put it on him, then asked, "If you leave, will this clue be lost?"
Because of the matter about Chu Zhu, I gave up the best opportunity to track him, and the wax ball will never be found again.
“It can’t be broken.”
The wax ball might not be on the brown-robed man, so there was only a one in three chance of success if we continued to track him. Now that we know this line, we can't break it. Wei Jing will ask someone else to keep an eye on it, and Chu Zhu can't stop sending messages. He will definitely be able to find out who is behind the scenes.
Shao Qing thought so too. They were in no rush as they wanted to find out the identity of the person behind the scenes rather than deal with him.
While they were talking in low voices, Wei Jing had quickly changed back into the uniform of the Anyang guards. He took Shao Qing with him and sneaked to Han Xi's room in front under the cover of night.
"My two gentlemen."
Han Xi was already waiting, and as soon as he saw the two of them slip in, he immediately bowed to greet them.
Without further ado, the sound of servants moving around outside could be heard, and lights were lit in some rooms. Chao He had to wait outside the palace gate in the middle of the night, and he would need to set off even earlier from the post station, so it was almost time to start packing.
Han Xi removed his old makeup first. Shao Qing calmed herself down, dipped some makeup powder on his forehead, cheeks, nose bridge, and chin, and evenly spread it with her hands.
She had superb skills and good psychological qualities. Even when someone called Han Xi from outside, her hands were steady and did not shake at all.
The governor of the neighboring county sent his servant over to borrow bath beans. With so many people staying in this inn, it was inevitable that there would be some mistakes occasionally. Han Xi responded calmly from the inner room and asked Qing Zhaiwei, who was acting as a temporary servant, to take out the bath beans.
After about half an hour, the makeup was completed. Shao Qing looked at it carefully for a moment and found no mistakes.
"alright."
She quickly put away the bottles and jars on the table. The most critical step was right in front of her. Even if her makeup was seamless and everything went smoothly, Shao Qing couldn't help but feel a little nervous.
The two men remained calm. Wei Jing nodded: "Be cautious and safety comes first."
Han Xi clasped his fists solemnly and said, "I will definitely fulfill your mission!"
…
At the end of the night and the beginning of the evening, when it was darkest, the gate of the Yizhou Posthouse opened and carriages and horses filed out.
The wind lantern in front of the carriage swayed, and the horse raised its neck and exhaled a breath of white hot air. The night was as cold as water, and the sound of horse hooves echoed in the bluestone streets. At the intersection, the horses merged with the flow of many other carriages and horses.
As soon as the New Year arrived, Luojing became lively.
Internal and external officials, royal family members and princes all gathered in front of the main gate of the imperial palace in the center of Luojing.
At 3:00 pm, the palace gates were opened, and all the ministers, from the largest to the smallest and from the highest to the lowest, lined up quietly and entered.
During important events such as imperial celebrations, inspections in important areas of the imperial palace were extremely strict.
After the person in front passed, Han Xi walked forward slowly. A eunuch came up with a wet handkerchief, looked at him carefully, and then wiped the wet handkerchief on his face.
Han Xi lowered his eyes, feeling a chill on his face that he rubbed for a few times. The eunuch took the wet handkerchief back and looked at it, finding it clean without any trace. He stepped back, and then two eunuchs came up, motioned for Han Xi to raise his hands, and quickly checked him from top to bottom.
"Next."
Han Xi raised his eyes, his expression did not change at all, and he walked slowly to the front to line up again.
…
On the high white marble platform, the majestic Golden Palace sits facing north, overlooking the south with its overwhelming dominance. Those who look up at it feel awe-inspiring and at the same time feel doubly insignificant.
It was still dark, and a large red lantern half a person's height was hanging under the eaves. Under the light, in the darkness, rows of armored soldiers holding spears stood silently, their snow-white blades glowing coldly.
Han Xi followed He Yun and quietly arrived at the Yizhou station under the guidance of the eunuch. Although Yizhou is vast, it is remote. Standing slightly behind, he lowered his eyelids and his figure was submerged in the darkness.
Until the sky turned pale, a ray of golden light pierced through the darkness and cast onto the glazed gargoyles at the top of the Jinque Palace, reflecting a dazzling light.
With a loud "bang", the vermilion palace gate opened, and the civil and military officials, royal family members and princes who were qualified to enter the palace filed out and lined up again.
"Your Majesty is here! Kneel!"
The silent whip sounded, and Han Xi glanced at the gilded dragon-carved throne on the jade steps. He bent down and bowed in unison with the people around him.
The court congratulations were lengthy. First, everyone knelt down as a group, and then members of the royal family, various departments, and various states took turns to come out and bow again. If someone was favored by the emperor, the emperor would ask them questions to show his favor.
Han Xi was desperate to avoid such favor, but fortunately he was just a small governor of a frontier county and the possibility of gaining the emperor's favor was very slim.
Halfway through the court celebration, it was finally Yizhou's turn to step forward.
He Yun straightened his official robe and stepped out first, followed closely by Han Xi and the other twelve county governors.
This was the closest contact he had ever had with the new emperor. Han Xi lowered his eyes slightly, hiding all thoughts from his eyes, and walked step by step until he stopped three feet in front of the jade steps.
"Your Majesty, we are here to pay our respects. Since Your Majesty ascended the throne, the country has been peaceful and the people have been safe, and the weather has been good,..."
Lengthy words of praise rang in his ears, and Wei Xian's eyes passed through the twelve colorful tassels hanging from the crown, the vermilion palace gate, the gray-white marble square, and the crowds of people inside and outside the palace, all of them standing respectfully and solemnly.
These are all the ministers and nobles inside and outside the Chu State.
And he, standing high above, overlooking the world.
Although there are still some unsatisfactory issues, these problems will be properly handled.
Wei Xian nodded: "My dear ministers, please stand up."
The individual congratulations could have ended here, but Wei Xian's first focus was on He Yun, the most obedient and submissive governor, so he asked a few more questions to show his favor.
"Yizhou is at peace, and He Qing has made great contributions."
"I dare not take credit for it. I am old and weak, and I owe it all to the county governors for their dedicated assistance."
This was a very conventional form of humility. The topic turned to the twelve county governors. According to normal procedure, the emperor should call out two or three of them and ask them a few questions.
Wei Xian glanced back.
People who practice martial arts have keen perception, and Han Xi felt a gaze passing over his head.
"Mr. Yang of Anyang, Mr. Cai of Yongchang, how are the situations under your jurisdiction?"
Unfortunately, the first person the emperor called was Han Xi. He held his breath, stepped out without hesitation, and said, "Your Majesty, Anyang County has Sishui and Heishui running through it, with many rivers, and the terrain is flat, with a lot of arable land. Last year, Anyang County encouraged farming and obtained a lot of grain..."
Although Yang Ze was young, he was quite calm and his speech was very logical. Wei Xian was very pleased and nodded: "Very good, reward!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
After Han Xi bowed and thanked him, he respectfully returned to his seat amid Cai Yu's reply.
Cai Yu was also rewarded. After the Yizhou celebration ended, he returned to his original position.
Passed a level.
Han Xi closed his eyes.
The court celebration did not end until the afternoon, followed by a banquet given by the emperor.
There were delicious food and beautiful girls, but Han Xi's seat was not near the front, so he had no chance to see the emperor's face.
At night, the state banquet finally ended.
The emperor returned to the palace and his ministers filed out. Han Xi followed the crowd out of the hall and saw an empty square in front of him.
It's finally over.
However, before he could breathe a sigh of relief, a sharp call suddenly came from behind: "Yang County Magistrate!"
"Anyang County Magistrate! Stop for a moment!"
Han Xi's body immediately tensed up.
The night wind rushed into the corridor, the hanging palace lanterns swayed, and the cold light reflected from the armor of the row of sword-bearing guards was as cold as the wind.
He stopped suddenly, paused, and slowly turned his head.
A eunuch quickly caught up with him and asked, "Yang, why is Lord Yang walking so fast?"
He panted, "Your reward has not yet been received?"
It was the emperor’s reward during the court ceremony this morning.
Han Xi felt relieved and smiled: "Thank you, little brother."
Han Xi took a nanmu brocade box as a reward, but he did not open it to see what was inside. He held the box and walked out of the palace. When the night wind blew, he was surprised to find that his back was cold and soaked with cold sweat.
Fortunately, it finally passed.
…
Han Xi successfully got through and got on the car back to Yizhou Posthouse.
But the palace he left behind was still brightly lit.
Imperial study.
Wei Xian took the hot towel and wiped his hands, then dismissed all the palace servants and waited until the palace door was closed. He turned around and asked, "Is there any news about him?"
There were two other people in the imperial study, Prince An and Ding Hua.
Prince An shook his head and said, "There is no news. I have searched from the lower reaches of the Qian River to the upper reaches, and have not missed any remote villages. I have even searched Jiaozhou, but there is no news at all."
It turns out that the "he" referred to was actually Wei Jing.
On the surface, the lower reaches of Qianshui River had been calm for a long time, but in fact the search had been going on secretly, not only on both sides of Qianshui River, but even in Jiaozhou, which was close to the downstream.
However, no one expected that Wei Jing would leave Qianshui and go directly to Yizhou to take up his post. Not only would he become a county magistrate, but he was also staying under their noses.
"No news at all. Could it be that he really died in the Qian River?"
Wei Xian paced a few steps and frowned: "I always feel that he will not die so easily."
Even if you fall into the river seriously injured and poisoned, the chance of survival is one in a thousand, which is extremely slim.
Prince An also frowned, he felt the same way.
Ding Hua said hurriedly: "The Qian River is turbulent. Even if the rebel king has three heads and six arms, he is just a mortal body. It is common for him to be buried in it. Moreover, even if he is lucky enough to survive, the overall situation has been decided now. What can he do?"
Although the King of Qi is an excellent fighter, the imperial palace is the gathering place of the whole country's strength, so there are also those who are as skilled as him, and there are more than one of them, who are closely guarding the emperor.
What can I do when I'm alone? If I go out to seek revenge, I'll only end up dead.
"Don't worry, Your Majesty."
Wei Xian sighed: "That's what you said."
Ding Hua hurriedly smiled and said, "Although the celebrations are over, your Majesty's birthday is just around the corner, so we should prepare well."
He cupped his hands and said cheerfully, "I look forward to seeing your Majesty's heroic figure in Shanglin Garden."
Wanshou is Wei Xian’s birthday, which is on the 17th day of the first lunar month. Wei Jing was right in his guess, the foreign officials did participate in the Wanshou Festival before leaving.
It had been almost a year since the late emperor passed away, and although Wei Xian had expressed his filial piety, he did not plan a grand banquet to celebrate the emperor's first birthday in order to show his filial piety and frugality.
But we can’t not congratulate the emperor on his birthday, right?
So he compromised and decided to celebrate his birthday in Shanglin Garden, a royal garden on the outskirts of Beijing. Visiting the garden, hunting, and having a brief banquet are all that can be done to strengthen the relationship between the ruler and his subjects.
Therefore, Ding Hua said this.
Wei Xian shook his head and said with a smile: "My riding and archery skills are only average, only slightly better than Prince An."
"Brother Emperor, why are you making fun of me?"
"Ha ha ha ha……"
…
The atmosphere became lively again. Wei Xian drank a lot of wine and his face was flushed and he was slightly tipsy. He didn't wait long before leaving.
After Prince An and Ding Hua respectfully saw him off, they left the imperial study.
These two most valued younger brothers and important ministers walked side by side in the vermilion corridor which was wide enough to accommodate two seats. After walking a distance, Ding Hua's cheerful smile faded slightly, and a hint of anxiety flashed in his eyes.
"Your Highness, I..."
"Silence."
Prince An still smiled, and uttered two words with a slight movement of his lips. He turned his head to glance at the other party, and a warning look flashed in his eyes.
This is not the place to talk.
Ding Hua paused, then he looked around cautiously again and whispered, "Then..." Go out and meet again?
Prince An retracted his gaze, his eyelids drooped slightly, hiding all thoughts in his eyes: "Let's talk about it another day. I have to go pay my respects to the Queen Mother first."
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