Chapter 102
Fei An was personally sent to the Fei Mansion by General Jin and his men. The three of them sat with Fei An in the study for a long time. When they left, they all looked unhappy. The three of them went directly to General Lin's mansion to drink. The youngest of them was nearly forty years old and was very careful on weekdays. According to General Lin, he was unwilling to swallow his anger until he saw his great revenge. Therefore, he was very restrained whether drinking or doing other things. Not only him, but also General Jin and his men were the same.
But today, they directly asked someone to bring a whole jar of wine and drank it from the bowl. After finishing the jar of wine, several people looked at each other and had already made a decision in their hearts. After General Lin nodded slightly, General Jin sighed and drank a bowl of wine. General Wu finally spoke, "This is really..." He couldn't say any more, and wiped his face with his hand, "I'll take care of this matter."
"Okay." General Lin didn't say anything else. He just raised his wine bowl and clinked glasses with the two men. "That's it."
In the general's mansion, Shen Jin was smiling as he watched Chu Xiuming bending over and helping Dongdong learn to walk. Dongdong was the type of person who wanted to learn to run before he even learned to walk. He screamed and kicked his fat little legs hard as he ran towards Shen Jin, but as soon as Chu Xiuming let go, Dongdong fell to the ground with a thud.
Because the floor was covered with a thick mattress, Dongdong didn't get hurt when he fell, but he was still scared. After getting up, he looked at Shen Jin in confusion, and then started to complain, but found that Shen Jin didn't help him up as before. After he finally got up by grabbing something, Chu Xiuming would help him move forward again. Dongdong found that as long as he walked forward honestly, his father would always hold him steadily, and he couldn't fall even if he wanted to. But if he wanted to move faster, his father would let go.
After a few times, Dongdong became obedient. Shen Jin knelt in front of him and waited for Dongdong to rush over. Then he hugged him, kissed his little face and said, "Dongdong is awesome!"
Dongdong also hugged Shen Jin and kissed her hard, then sat in front of Shen Jin, touched her calf, looked at Chu Xiuming, and said, "It hurts."
Shen Jin then carefully checked Dongdong, and found that his face was not even red. Chu Xiuming casually sat next to Shen Jin and said gently, "I kicked him before he fell." This was an explanation to Shen Jin. Although it seemed that he didn't care about Dongdong and let him fall, he was his own son after all. Even if he knew that the mattress was thick enough, Chu Xiuming was not so cruel. Therefore, before Dongdong fell, Chu Xiuming usually blocked him with his foot. It didn't hurt him at all, it was just to teach him a lesson.
After hearing what Chu Xiuming said, Shen Jin also understood, but still lowered his head and kissed his leg and said, "Dongdong is so good."
Dongdong was satisfied, and Shen Jin fixed his pants. Dongdong looked at Chu Xiuming with some pride, then stretched out his plump little paws to complain to his mother, saying, "It hurts."
Shen Jin pinched the little paw and looked at it. Dong Dong looked at Shen Jin expectantly. Shen Jin kissed the little fat hand helplessly and said, "It doesn't hurt, dear."
Dong Dong groaned and moved his little face closer, "It hurts."
Shen Jin poked him with his hand and said, "You're just pretending."
"It hurts!" Dongdong emphasized his tone and widened his eyes.
Dongdong was well-bred. I don't know who he got his facial features from. To be honest, he is not as outstanding as Chu Xiuming, nor as pleasing as Shen Jin, but he is very unique, a kind of just right beauty. Shen Jin held Dongdong in his arms, took a closer look and said, "Husband, does Dongdong look like my father-in-law or mother-in-law?"
Chu Xiuming put his arm around Shen Jin, and before Dongdong grabbed Shen Jin's hair, he stretched out his fingers for him to grab. In fact, Chu Xiuming discovered it earlier than Shen Jin, but no matter who he looks like, he is his son. "No." After thinking for a while, he said, "Xiuyuan looks more like his grandfather."
"What about my husband?" Shen Jin asked curiously.
Chu Xiuming lowered his eyes slightly and looked into Dongdong's eyes, then said, "I follow my mother."
Shen Jin leaned on Chu Xiuming, and did not restrain Dongdong, letting Dongdong crawl around them, and then slowly stood up by holding them. Chu Xiuming put his arm around Shen Jin, and protected Dongdong with his other hand. Shen Jin wondered, "Dongdong is not like you or me, nor like my father, nor like my mother, nor like..." Shen Jin muttered, "I have watched him for so long, and I think Dongdong is just like me when he smiles, but his nose is like my husband."
Chu Xiuming thought of what Nanny Zhao said at that time, and whispered to Shen Jin while hugging her, "Dongdong might look like the prince."
Shen Jin's eyes widened when he heard this. He looked at Dong Dong in disbelief, then at Chu Xiuming. He shuddered and said weakly, "Don't scare me."
Chu Xiuming didn't expect Shen Jin to be in such a state. He helped Dong Dong, who was almost on the ground, and asked, "How did I scare you?"
"Isn't the prince gone?" Shen Jin looked at Dong Dong, "No way..." Could it be that he was reincarnated into her belly?
Shen Jin didn't say the rest of the words, but the frightened look in his eyes made Chu Xiuming laugh and cry, and he said, "What are you thinking about?"
Shen Jin put his arm around Chu Xiuming's neck, turned his head to look at Dongdong who was trying to move his calves, and said with a smile, "Forget it, it doesn't matter who he looks like, but it's better not to let Dongdong be seen by others for the time being." Since Chu Xiuming and others can find that Dongdong looks like the prince, then the Prince of King Ying, Emperor Cheng and even the old ministers at the time will naturally be able to find it as well.
Chu Xiuming nodded and said, "Well, actually the Crown Prince and Prince Rui are five points similar."
The Crown Prince and Prince Rui are brothers, and Shen Jin is Prince Rui's daughter, which means that the Crown Prince is Shen Jin's uncle. Things like blood relationship are very strange, and no one can be sure.
Shen Jin suddenly thought, "Xiu Yuan doesn't know this too, does he?"
"Yes." Chu Xiuming said, "Manager Zhao and the others are all the people left behind by Chu Xiuyuan's grandmother."
Shen Jin didn't care about the latter part. After all, she had known this for a long time. She suddenly laughed and fell into Chu Xiuming's arms, saying, "I don't know what Xiuyuan is thinking."
Chu Xiuming said, "I don't know." In fact, Chu Xiuyuan liked Dongdong even more after he knew about it. After all, Chu Xiuyuan also admired his grandfather, the prince.
I don't know what kind of mentality he had. Shen Jin poked Dongdong's soft belly a few times, and then watched Dongdong sit on the ground. Shen Jin laughed. Chu Xiuming looked at his wife helplessly. Dongdong was not angry. "Mother Qi?"
"Haha, every time Dongdong calls me mother, I think he's talking about a hen." Shen Jin didn't care who her son looked more like. She held him in her arms, kissed him, and said, "Mom's good son."
Chu Xiuming looked helplessly at his wife and son hugging each other and being intimate. He didn't know what to say. In the end, he was forced to lie down by Shen Jin. Shen Jin supported Dong Dong and stepped on Chu Xiuming's back. "Are you comfortable?"
"Yeah." In fact, Dongdong was so light that Chu Xiuming didn't feel anything at all. After stepping on it for a while, Dongdong just lay on Chu Xiuming's back and rolled around.
Princess Ruyang had packed her things, and Nanny Zhao had also prepared a lot of things to send to Emperor Cheng and the others. On the day Princess Ruyang left, Marquis Zhongyi personally sent her off with the children. Chu Xiuming and Shen Jin did not show up, but Yue Wen and the soldiers were guarding. Marquis Zhongyi personally helped Princess Ruyang get on the carriage, then helped her adjust the peony hairpin in her hair, and said in a low voice, "Princess, let's be husband and wife in the next life."
"My husband." Princess Ruyang's eyes were red. She looked at the children who were pretending to be strong and her husband who was only thinking about her and said, "Don't worry, I will never let anything happen to you."
Marquis Zhongyi shook his head and glanced at Yue Wen who was standing beside him. He seemed to be hesitant about something and just shook Princess Ruyang's hand tightly. Princess Ruyang wanted to say a few more words, but Yue Wen said, "Princess, it's getting late. Please get on your way."
Princess Ruyang's little daughter could no longer hold back her tears and started crying, "Mother, mother..." and was about to rush over to find Princess Ruyang.
Because this daughter looks like Princess Ruyang, she has been favored since she was young. Princess Ruyang also loves her very much, so she is much more spoiled. "Mother, don't you want me anymore?"
Princess Ruyang's eldest son held his sister and refused to let her go. He just looked at Princess Ruyang and said, "Don't worry, mother. I will take good care of my younger brothers and sisters. You..." Then he knelt down and kowtowed respectfully, "My son only wishes you good health."
Marquis Zhongyi turned his head slightly, wiped away his tears and said, "Princess, please go away and don't worry about us anymore." After that, he turned around cruelly, walked towards the children, and then reached out to hug his little daughter.
Princess Ruyang gritted her teeth and said, "Don't worry, Prince Consort." Then she looked at Yue Wen, "I just hope that Marquis Yongning will remember what he promised me and treat Prince Consort and my child well."
Yue Wen said respectfully, "Princess, don't worry. Besides, my wife will also go to the capital in a while. I hope that Princess will take good care of my wife."
Princess Ruyang took a deep breath, nodded, looked at her husband and child, then turned and got into the carriage.
When the carriage was no longer visible, Yue Wencai said, "Please wait for Zhongyi to return home."
Marquis Zhongyi nodded and walked into the city with his little daughter in his arms. Yue Wen said, "Tomorrow the general will invite Marquis Zhongyi to come to his house for a chat."
"Okay." Zhongyi Hou said with his eyes narrowed.
Yue Wen sent Marquis Zhongyi and others back to the mansion where they lived. After saying a few words to the guards in the mansion, he turned and left.
After returning, Marquis Zhongyi had his youngest daughter and the others taken away, leaving only his eldest son Chang Hao. Chang Hao did not seem sad at all, he just frowned and sat in the room and said, "Father, do you think mother will..."
"No." Zhongyi Hou said confidently, "Although your mother is a domineering person, she is the softest to the ears."
Chang Hao heard this and said, "Father, I actually think that since my mother is gone, I might as well join the Marquis of Yongning."
In fact, Lord Zhongyi also had such a plan. He narrowed his eyes and said, "I'm afraid it's inappropriate."
Chang Hao sneered, "Hasn't father had enough?"
Marquis Zhongyi pursed his lips and said nothing. He just looked at his eldest son for a long time before saying, "You will go to the general's mansion with me tomorrow."
Chang Hao said, "Yes."
Marquis Zhongyi narrowed his eyes. Although he was confident that he could keep Princess Ruyang stable, it was hard to say if things would go on for too long, and...
Chang Hao said, "Father, the soldiers and people in the border town are united, and the prince of Ying is aggressive. Emperor Cheng...what was the reason for letting father marry mother?"
Marquis Zhongyi's ancestors also rose to prominence through military merit, but later on when Emperor Cheng ascended the throne he valued civil officials over military ones and suppressed military generals, making it difficult for Marquis Zhongyi's mansion to survive. Unexpectedly, Princess Ruyang took a liking to Marquis Zhongyi, and Emperor Cheng planned to win over these nobles. In order to preserve the family's prosperity, Marquis Zhongyi's father gritted his teeth and allowed his son to marry a princess. After Marquis Zhongyi married Princess Ruyang, he passed the title to Marquis Zhongyi and moved out of the main courtyard with his wife. Marquis Zhongyi was the most filial son, but Princess Ruyang's status changed suddenly. Although she treated Marquis Zhongyi well, she was often negligent towards his parents.
Although Chang Hao was the son of Princess Ruyang, he was sent to be raised by his parents by Marquis Zhongyi. In fact, Marquis Zhongyi had such a plan a long time ago, so since Princess Ruyang became pregnant, he had been considerate to her in every way, and finally coaxed Princess Ruyang to agree.
Although Marquis Zhongyi was the wife of a princess, Emperor Cheng was still wary of Marquis Zhongyi's mansion and did not allow him to get involved in any power. It was not until the incident at the border town that Emperor Cheng remembered Marquis Zhongyi and his family. He summoned Marquis Zhongyi and Princess Ruyang to Beijing and then sent them to the border town.
However, Emperor Cheng wanted to use Marquis Zhongyi, but he did not trust him. Instead, he gave all the power to Princess Ruyang and even secretly gave Princess Ruyang an order that if Marquis Zhongyi did anything wrong, he would be arrested directly. Princess Ruyang thought she had kept it secret, but Marquis Zhongyi knew about it long ago.
Marquis Zhongyi was completely disheartened, otherwise with Marquis Zhongyi around, even if Chu Xiuyuan had made preparations in advance, it would not have been possible for him to capture Princess Ruyang and her gang so easily.
Chang Hao looked at Zhongyi Hou and continued, "Father, don't forget what grandfather said."
Compared to his biological mother, Princess Ruyang, Chang Hao was obviously closer to his grandfather and grandmother. Marquis Zhongyi nodded and said, "We'll make a decision tomorrow."
Chang Hao stopped trying to persuade him. He was young and full of ambition. Moreover, Chang Hao knew that even if Emperor Cheng was his grandfather, he would not use him. Although his mother had said countless times that he should inherit the title of Marquis Zhongyi, Chang Hao did not want a Marquis Zhongyi without real power.
Lord Zhongyi looked at Chang Hao and said, "Remember to ask your brothers and sisters to write more letters to the princess."
"My son knows." Chang Hao said with narrowed eyes.
Marquis Zhongyi nodded. This was his eldest son, the one who would inherit the Marquis Zhongyi Mansion. Even if it was for him, he had to fight hard. He patted Chang Hao on the shoulder and said, "Practice martial arts diligently, understand?"
"Yes." Chang Hao said respectfully.
Early the next morning, Yue Wen came to invite Marquis Zhongyi to the general's mansion. He did not object to Marquis Zhongyi's request to bring his eldest son with him. As soon as they arrived at the mansion, they were invited in. Marquis Zhongyi thought that Marquis Yongning would at least give them a warning, but he didn't expect that there would be no such thing. Although the people in the mansion were not very enthusiastic, they were not at all neglectful. Seeing this, Marquis Zhongyi narrowed his eyes, thinking of how Emperor Cheng wanted to use him at that time, but after calling him to Beijing, he never met him. Marquis Zhongyi was not stupid, and of course he knew why.
Chu Xiuming brought Chu Xiuyuan to meet the father and son of the Marquis of Loyalty and Respect. After the two sat down, Chu Xiuming did not beat around the bush and simply said, "My father once mentioned the demeanor of the old Marquis of Loyalty and Respect on the battlefield. Unfortunately, my generation has never had the chance to see it."
Marquis Zhongyi smiled. Over the years, he had long lost his initial impulse, otherwise he would not have been so calm after being imprisoned for so long.
Chu Xiuming said, "I wonder what Lord Zhongyi's plan is?"
"We father and son are both prisoners. It depends on what Marquis Yongning plans to do." Marquis Zhongyi said.
Chang Hao sat aside and didn't say anything. Chu Xiuyuan smiled at him and Chang Hao nodded.
Chu Xiuming did not feel the slightest bit guilty about what Marquis Zhongyi said, and said, "Father-in-law and mother-in-law will be here in the next few days."
Marquis Zhongyi narrowed his eyes and said nothing.
Chu Xiuming said, "I dare to swear here that I have no intention of getting involved in the throne."
Chang Hao was young after all, and he said, "Does the Marquis of Yongning really mean what he said?"
"Really." Chu Xiuming said, "If you two don't believe me, I am willing to swear in front of you that I have no intention of rebelling. The one sitting on the throne is definitely from the Shen family. My Chu family has been guarding the border since the founding of Tianqi. If it weren't for being unavoidable, it wouldn't be like this. A bystander can see clearly. Over the years, has Lord Zhongyi seen any unusual movements in my Chu family? Why did my father and brother die? I think old Lord Zhongyi knows it in his heart."
Chang Hao thought of his grandfather's expression when he learned of General Chu's death, and he moved his lips, feeling touched.
Chu Xiuming said, "Moreover, I have an irreconcilable feud with the Prince of England. At that time, the King of England stole the border defense map and let the barbarians into Tianqi..." Chu Xiuming said this just to express his attitude, but it was a little vague. He only mentioned that Prince Rui and Princess Rui would come to the border town, and that the one sitting on the throne was from the Shen family, but he did not mention that he would send Prince Rui to the throne.
What's more, compared with Chu Xiuyuan, the legitimate grandson of the crown prince, Prince Rui is not so legitimate.
Marquis Zhongyi thought for a moment and said, "My son Chang Hao has always been by my father's side and is willing to serve Marquis Yongning."
Chu Xiuming smiled when he heard this, "Great, but in the current situation, if we rashly let Chang Hao lead the troops, it would not be appropriate. Why not go to the military camp with Xiuyuan for training for a while, and then make arrangements after Shen Xi receives King Rui?"
Lord Zhongyi nodded and said, "Okay."
Chang Hao also smiled. Chu Xiuyuan laughed and took the initiative to walk to Chang Hao and said, "You have been here for so long, and you haven't had a good time in Border Town. Why don't I take you out for a walk?"
It would be a lie to say that he wasn't curious about it. Moreover, seeing Chu Xiuyuan's calm attitude, Chang Hao glanced at Zhongyi Hou, who said, "You will follow Yongning Hou from now on. Don't act like a young master, okay?"
"Son knows." Chang Hao said respectfully, and then followed Chu Xiuyuan away.
Chu Xiuming said, "Why don't you go with me, Lord Zhongyi, to meet Mr. Zhao's second son, Zhao Duan."
"Mr. Zhao?" Zhongyi Hou was stunned for a moment and asked, "But is it the Chuyuan Zhao family?"
"That's right." Chu Xiuming said.
Marquis Zhongyi said, "Okay." Then he walked out with Chu Xiuming.
Chu Xiuming said, "It's not appropriate to let Marquis Zhongyi live in that place now. The house next to the Zhao Mansion has been empty. I'll take Marquis Zhongyi to take a look. If it's still acceptable, why not let him live next door to Zhao Duan?"
Marquis Zhongyi thought for a moment and said, "No need. Except for Chang Hao who was raised by my father since childhood, the rest of the children were raised by the princess." He also wanted to give them a good lesson while Princess Ruyang was away.
Chu Xiuming advised, "Could it be that the Marquis of Zhongyi is willing to do this? How many people still remember why the Marquis of Zhongyi was conferred the title?"
The face of Lord Zhongyi changed. When they mentioned Lord Zhongyi, they did not think of his military achievements, but the word "son-in-law". Chu Xiuming's words hit the sore spot of Lord Zhongyi. Chu Xiuming said, "Why don't you consider it again, Lord Zhongyi?"
"Okay." Marquis Zhongyi did not answer Chu Xiuming immediately.
When the two men arrived at the Zhao Mansion, Zhao Duan, Zhao Jun and Zhao Che were all in the mansion, waiting for Chu Xiuming to bring Marquis Zhongyi. Because they were close, the two men came on foot. Marquis Zhongyi also watched the situation in the border town along the way, and his heart became more and more shaken.
Zhao Duan led two juniors to greet them at the door. After they entered, he asked Zhao Jun and Zhao Che to pay their respects to Lord Zhongyi. Lord Zhongyi took out his jade pendant and ring and gave them to them as a greeting gift. Zhao Duan sent them away and said with a smile, "I asked them to take leave today."
Zhongyi Hou asked, "Ask for leave?"
Zhao Duan nodded and said, "After the Zhao family members arrive, they must first go to the military camp and train with the new recruits for a period of time, and then we will make arrangements."
Upon hearing this, Lord Zhongyi said, "As expected of the Chuyuan Zhao family."
Zhao Duan shook his head and said, "Don't look at how energetic they are now. When they first came..." He shook his head and said, "Even Shen Xi was thrown in after arriving at the border town. They are brothers in distress. If Shen Xi hadn't been out on a mission, he would have let Zhongyi Hou take a look at him today."
Marquis Zhongyi nodded, with a thoughtful look on his face. Chu Xiuming said, "Princess Ruyang has already arrived in Beijing. I wanted to let Marquis Zhongyi and his family move next door to my uncle, but Marquis Zhongyi has many concerns. It's better for my uncle to persuade them."
Zhao Duan looked at Lord Zhongyi and asked, "Does Lord Zhongyi think there is something wrong?"
Marquis Zhongyi said, "Except for the eldest son Chang Hao, the rest of the children grew up with the princess, and their personalities..." After saying this, he sighed. After looking at Zhao Jun and Zhao Che and others, and thinking of his other children, Marquis Zhongyi couldn't help feeling a little lost. Fortunately, there was Chang Hao. Apart from Chang Hao's matters, Marquis Zhongyi had never argued with Princess Ruyang about other matters.
Zhao Duan heard this and said, "It's hard for Zhongyi Hou."
Marquis Zhongyi said, "While the princess is away, I will see if I can get the children over."
Zhao Duan responded and talked to Lord Zhongyi for a while. Lord Zhongyi also left first. He also needed to think about it carefully. Chu Xiuming and Zhao Duan personally saw Lord Zhongyi off. After Lord Zhongyi left, Zhao Duan said, "This person cannot be used."
Chu Xiuming nodded, "As for Chang Hao... we still need to observe him for a while."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Duan said, "General, it would be more appropriate for you to send someone to secretly monitor Marquis Zhongyi." Zhao Duan did not believe the excuse that Marquis Zhongyi was unwilling to make. In fact, he was just trying to please both sides. The eldest son followed Chu Xiuming, while he and the remaining children were on Emperor Cheng's side. No matter who won or lost, it would not harm his own interests. He might even be able to use this opportunity to move up to a higher level. What's more, he was so sensible now and just wanted to save his life.
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