Chapter 72
Emperor Cheng seemed to have a natural conflict with Chu Xiuming. He never had a happy day when Chu Xiuming was in the capital. Before the New Year was over, he heard the news that there were rebels in Shu. When he heard the news, Emperor Cheng wanted to go to a favored noble, but now he lost his mood and almost fainted. "What did you say? How many rebels are there?"
The young eunuch who came to deliver the news lay prone on the ground, not daring to raise his head. Eunuch Li Fu behind Emperor Cheng even breathed softly. He looked at the young eunuch with some sympathy and said in a trembling voice, "To reply to your majesty, there are several thousand people."
Emperor Cheng kicked the young eunuch to the ground, and kicked him several more times. The young eunuch didn't even dare to wail. When Emperor Cheng had vented his anger, the young eunuch's head was already bleeding. He curled up on the ground, breathing more than breathing in. Emperor Cheng looked at him and became even more annoyed, "Drag him away."
Li Fu quickly asked two other young eunuchs to carry the man down and sent him to the palace gate. He took out some change from his pocket and said, "It's New Year's Day, do your best to save him." This was really an unprovoked disaster, but it was better for Emperor Cheng to take his anger out on others than on himself.
The two young eunuchs also felt sympathetic and nodded vigorously but did not dare to take the silver from Li Fu. After Li Fu stuffed it into their hands, he went in. The silver was to be given to other eunuchs, not for these two young eunuchs. Li Fu sighed in his heart that the older he got, the softer his heart became, and he just thought of it as accumulating good deeds.
After Li Fu entered, he saw Emperor Cheng sitting on a chair. The bloodstains on the ground had been cleaned up, as if nothing had happened. Li Fu poured a glass of water for Emperor Cheng. It was not tea, but rather some cold plain water. Normally, even if Li Fu had more courage, he would not dare to give Emperor Cheng such water. However, when Emperor Cheng was furious, he liked to drink this kind of water.
As expected, Emperor Cheng drank two cups in a row before he asked, "Is that little eunuch okay?"
"To reply to Your Majesty, there is nothing wrong. He was able to walk on his own after being carried out just now." Li Fu lowered his eyes slightly and spoke.
Emperor Cheng then responded, "Ask someone to take better care of him."
"Yes." Li Fu knew Emperor Cheng best. He was cruel and suspicious, but he also cared most about his reputation. "It's also the blessing of that little eunuch."
Emperor Cheng actually didn't take those few thousand rebels seriously. He had a million-strong army... but more than half of these million-strong army were not under his command. Thinking of this, Emperor Cheng's face became even gloomier. What on earth were those bastards doing? They brought so much food and grass to provide disaster relief. The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. "Chu Xiuming must not be allowed to know about this."
Li Fu didn't say anything, as if he didn't hear what Emperor Cheng said. Emperor Cheng didn't expect a eunuch to know anything. The incident in Minzhong had just ended not long ago, Chu Xiuming was not obedient enough, and then there was the incident in Shuzhong... and the people in these two places were all sent by him. Wouldn't it seem that he was too incompetent and couldn't judge people well?
"Send someone to bring in Lord Cheng'en." Emperor Cheng said in a cold voice.
Li Fu responded respectfully. Emperor Cheng suddenly said, "Wait a minute, and announce it tomorrow." Otherwise, it would be too conspicuous to suddenly call Cheng Engong into the palace in the middle of the night. "Tomorrow, tell him that the queen misses her family."
"Yes." Li Fu felt that this matter could not be concealed. This was no small matter. Emperor Cheng was too wary of Earl Yongning, or Emperor Cheng was too afraid of Chu Xiuming.
In the Yongning Marquis's mansion, Chu Xiuming nodded and said, "I understand."
Manager Zhao looked at Chu Xiuming and said, "There is still no news in the palace. I guess Emperor Cheng doesn't want people to know. But can such a thing be kept secret?"
Chu Xiuming frowned slightly. He still miscalculated Emperor Cheng’s thoughts. It should be said that no normal person could understand Emperor Cheng’s thoughts.
"What are your plans, General?" said Manager Zhao.
Chu Xiuming said, "I'm afraid that Emperor Cheng will send me away from the capital before the Lantern Festival."
Manager Zhao's eyes lit up and he thought about his wife's belly. He understood why Chu Xiuming looked so unhappy. "Could it be that Emperor Cheng thought that since the general was not in the capital, he would not know the news? Or would he let the general go to Shuzhong to quell the rebellion?"
Chu Xiuming shook his head. Emperor Cheng was not that naive. Moreover, after what happened in Minzhong, Emperor Cheng would probably not hand over the affairs of Shuzhong to Chu Xiuming. Minzhong was considered a loss for Emperor Cheng. Even if Emperor Cheng sent more officials there, the officials of Emperor Cheng would no longer have the final say in Minzhong. Emperor Cheng would not allow Shuzhong to fall into Chu Xiuming's hands.
Manager Zhao thought for a moment and said, "Why don't you talk to the general and his wife?"
Chu Xiuming nodded and said nothing more. As long as Emperor Cheng was the king and he was the subject, there were some things he could not control.
When Shen Jin returned to her room, she was still awake and talking to Aunt Zhao. When she saw Chu Xiuming, Aunt Zhao smiled and left. Shen Jin sat on the bed, hugging her big belly and asked, "What's wrong?"
Chu Xiuming took off his clothes and boots and got on the bed. He reached out and touched Shen Jin's belly and asked, "Is the baby making trouble?"
"No." Shen Jin felt a little itchy when being touched, so he dodged and smiled, "The child is very well behaved."
Chu Xiuming thought for a moment and told Shen Jin what happened in Shu. Shen Jin's eyes widened, "This..." How many evil things did those people do to force the people to that extent, "I'm afraid there is no way to survive." If there was a glimmer of hope, they would not do such a thing.
"Yes." Chu Xiuming said, "The palace got the news today."
"I'll have someone change your clothes." Shen Jin thought Chu Xiuming was about to enter the palace, so he said, "It's cold outside, drink some hot soup..."
"No need to rush." Chu Xiuming said, "Emperor Cheng has no intention of summoning anyone to the palace."
"Ah?" Shen Jin was really confused this time, "But didn't something happen in Shuzhong?"
In front of Shen Jin, Chu Xiuming did not hide his emotions. Although his face did not show much expression, his eyes were full of sarcasm. Shen Jin touched his belly and asked hesitantly, "Why? Don't you want to disturb everyone's New Year celebrations?" After saying this, Shen Jin himself felt that it was impossible, "Is he afraid of losing face?"
Chu Xiuming grabbed Shen Jin's hand, put them on her belly and said, "I'm afraid you will leave Beijing in a few days?"
Shen Jin stopped thinking about why Emperor Cheng didn't send anyone to the palace immediately after receiving the news. Instead, she turned her head and looked at Chu Xiuming expectantly. Chu Xiuming kissed the corner of her eyes and said, "I will find a way to stay." Shen Jin is now almost seven months pregnant. Chu Xiuming didn't dare to let her go with him. Whether it was going back to the border town or to central Fujian, the carriage would take almost two months. At the Yongning Marquis' Mansion, the delivery room and other arrangements had been made, but on the road... This was Shen Jin's first child, and Chu Xiuming didn't dare to be careless at all.
So all we can do is find a way to stay in the capital until Shen Jin finishes her confinement.
Shen Jin didn't react for a moment, and after a pause he said, "Aren't you going to leave Beijing in a few days? Why are you trying to find a way to stay?"
Chu Xiuming gently patted Shen Jin's belly. Shen Jin looked down and reacted. He was touched but felt that this was not a good idea. "It will delay things."
"There's nothing to delay." Chu Xiuming said, "I'm not planning to leave Beijing either."
Shen Jin felt that what Chu Xiuming said was a bit complicated. After thinking for a while, she grasped the key point. Chu Xiuming was not planning to leave Beijing, but he might leave Beijing. However, he would definitely not leave and would not delay things, which meant that he would accompany her. Shen Jin was completely relieved now. She yawned and said, "Then let's go to bed."
"Okay." Chu Xiuming hugged Shen Jin and said, "Let's sleep."
Knowing that Chu Xiuming would not leave and would not delay things because of her, Shen Jin was satisfied. After lying down, he fell asleep before Chu Xiuming could say a few words to him.
When she woke up the next day, Chu Xiuming was gone. After she drank some goat's milk in a daze, Nanny Zhao helped Shen Jin to wash and dress. Since she didn't have to meet guests at home, Shen Jin dressed very simply and didn't put on any powder on her face. A layer of ointment was enough. After breakfast, Shen Jin felt that there was nothing to do.
An Ping saw this and said, "Madam, why don't you ask the little one to come and play with you for a while?"
Because Shen Jin was afraid of cold, Zhao Ma and the others were also afraid that Shen Jin would get cold, so there was enough charcoal in the house every day. When she was indoors, she only needed to wear a thin cotton coat. But the little one changed into a thick and dense fur coat in winter, so she didn't like to go into the house. Even if she went into the house, she would lie on the ground with her tongue hanging out and panting non-stop. Shen Jin looked at her pitifully and said, "Forget it, don't get too hot."
Madam Zhao smiled and said, "Why don't you think of a name for the child?"
"Yes!" Shen Jin smiled after being reminded by Nanny Zhao, "My husband asked me to give the child a nickname."
During the New Year, needlework was not allowed, so several people were making lace. Last time, Shen Jin said that she liked the one made by Shuang Qiao. Since that box was delivered, An Ping and An Ning have learned it carefully. They also went to ask Zhao Ma Ma. Who knew that Zhao Ma Ma actually knew a lot of new tricks, so she taught the two of them. The two are now practicing slowly, and according to Zhao Ma Ma, they have already reached some level of proficiency.
Shen Jin thought it was good. She always thought she was quite clever, but she was really bad at embroidery. She made a mess after trying so hard. "Actually, I'm pretty good at embroidery." Shen Jin leaned comfortably on the cushion and then sighed, "Before I got married, I was the only one among my sisters who embroidered well and beautifully."
After saying this, she was still a little proud. Madam Zhao smiled and said, "I think so too. I heard from Manager Zhao that the earmuffs made by Madam for the young general were brought up by the young general and he treasured them."
Shen Jin said, "You kept it as a treasure? Next time your husband writes to your brother, remember to remind me and tell your husband that the thing was made for your brother, and if it breaks, you can just make another one." Although she said that, Shen Jin still felt happy to hear it.
Nanny Zhao agreed with a smile. The young general liked it, but was really embarrassed to bring it to the military camp. Shen Jin chose the best fur, which was soft and beautiful. It was warm and comfortable to wear, but the appearance... When he brought it to the military camp for the first time, he was laughed at by a group of people along the way. Chu Xiuyuan was young and had a weak reputation, so he was naturally unwilling. In the end, he put it away himself and would wear it when he could no longer go to the military camp. However, he usually spent most of his time in the military camp and the mansion, so he really had no chance to use it. But Nanny Zhao would not tell Shen Jin these.
Even with the cushions, Shen Jin felt tired after sitting for a while, so she asked An Ping and An Ning to support her and walked slowly in the room. Aunt Zhao was talking about the arrangements in the delivery room, "The midwives and doctors were specially sent from the border town by the general, so we can rest assured if our own people use them."
"What about the wet nurse?" Shen Jin wanted to feed the baby herself, but what if the baby was hungry because of insufficient milk? So she still had to prepare a wet nurse.
"The princess helped find him. He is now living in the Rui Palace." Nanny Zhao said, "When the madam's child is born, he will be brought to the palace."
Shen Jin nodded, and Madam Zhao said, "Madam, I have something to ask you."
"Oh!" Shen Jin's eyes lit up when she heard that. She had always thought that Aunt Zhao knew everything, but now she had questions for her! It turned out that she was smarter. It was her mother who always said that giving birth would make people stupid for three years. Now Shen Jin had regained her confidence.
Zhao Mama looked at the maids around her. Shen Jin was still expecting Zhao Mama to ask her questions. Zhao Mama winked again. Shen Jin blinked, looked around for a moment, and suddenly said, "Oh, I see. You all go down. An Ning and An Ping stay on guard."
"Yes." Everyone went downstairs after hearing that. Anping and Anning, one guarded the door and the other guarded the window.
This was the first time Shen Jin knew that Madam Zhao still valued face so much, so he consoled her, "Okay, Madam, there's no one around now. It's not shameful to ask questions if you have any!"
Aunt Zhao didn't know whether to laugh or cry, but she had achieved her goal, so she didn't care about it and said, "Yes."
Shen Jin nodded and urged, "Madam, please ask." She had been in the house all day and was a little bored.
Nanny Zhao poured Shen Jin a glass of water before saying, "Early this morning, Emperor Cheng summoned the former Prime Minister to the palace, saying that the Queen missed her family."
Shen Jin nodded. This excuse is not bad, but it was too impatient so early in the morning. But it was not easy to endure until this morning. What will she say? She must be trying to bully her husband with bad ideas, but her husband already knew it... When her husband comes back, why not have that sweet and sour fish for lunch? Yesterday, Aunt Zhao seemed to say that the mansion specially raised a few fish...
Nanny Zhao looked at Shen Jin's empty eyes, obviously in a daze, feeling helpless but not wanting to disturb him. After Shen Jin thought for a while, she suddenly said, "Madam, why don't we have sweet and sour fish for lunch?"
"Okay." Nanny Zhao knew that this was a reversal, so she agreed immediately and asked, "I will go to the kitchen to give instructions in a moment."
Shen Jin held his stomach contentedly, nodded and said, "Make another small vegetarian pot, but the tofu must be fried."
"Okay." Nanny Zhao agreed to everything.
Shen Jin nodded, thought for a while and said, "Oh, by the way, Nanny just said that the Queen missed her family and asked her parents to come to the palace. Then what?"
This time, Nanny Zhao continued, "Madam, how do you think they will deal with the general?"
Shen Jin thought for a moment, took a sip of the tea, and suddenly thought of what Chu Xiuming said yesterday, "No wonder my husband said something about whether to leave or not yesterday."
Madam Zhao nodded, "Yes, the general is afraid that Emperor Cheng wants him to leave the capital."
"Yeah." Shen Jin nodded.
Madam Zhao asked, "Why do you think that is?"
Shen Jin said as a matter of course, "Because he wants my husband to leave."
When Madam Zhao heard this, she didn't know how to refute it. But when she saw Shen Jin's eyes, she felt like a little fox who had just stolen grapes, with a smug look in her eyes, "Then Madam, please talk to this old servant."
Shen Jin then moved his feet and said, "I won't tell you."
Aunt Zhao laughed and said, "I will make Madam's favorite cakes this afternoon."
Shen Jin actually didn't quite understand. If this matter happened to Concubine Xu, Shen Jin stroked her belly gently and began to think. Nanny Zhao didn't interrupt her. After thinking about it, Shen Jin still felt that Emperor Cheng might be afraid of embarrassment, and wanted to send Chu Xiuming out of the capital. He also felt that without Chu Xiuming, no one in the court would say anything.
Shen Jin couldn't think of any more reasons, so he told Zhao Mama what he had just thought of. Although Zhao Mama thought this reason was ridiculous, but... for some reason, Zhao Mama actually found it very believable. It was not known whether it was because Shen Jin's expression was too sincere, or because the things that Emperor Cheng had done in the past few times were too...
After listening to it, Nanny Zhao asked someone to come back to serve her, and she went to the kitchen to make Shen Jin what he wanted to eat. However, Shen Jin leaned back on the cushion, holding his stomach, and continued to think.
Since Chu Xiuming had promised the young lady to stay in the capital and wait, he had to make more arrangements to give Emperor Cheng a reason to stay in the capital before he spoke.
Manager Zhao said, "Has the general decided?"
Chu Xiuming said, "Well, besides, the thing hasn't been found yet."
When it comes to things, Manager Zhao's face also became serious. The most important purpose of their coming to Beijing this time is to find things. Chu Xiuming didn't say anything, so Manager Zhao said, "I'm afraid it's really in the palace."
Chu Xiuming nodded. There were only a few places where things could be hidden. The most likely place was in the former crown prince's palace. But after Emperor Cheng ascended the throne, whether out of guilt or looking for those things, he actually ordered people to raze it to the ground and rebuild it. In the end, he even locked the yard. Except for arranging a few trusted men to guard it, he did not allow anyone to live in it. The former crown prince's palace was the largest and best one except for the emperor, empress and queen mother's palaces. Now, after Emperor Cheng did this, it was no different from the cold palace.
"I'm afraid it's not in the Prince's Palace." Chu Xiuming said. If it was in the Prince's Palace, Emperor Cheng would have found it long ago. After all, Emperor Cheng dug the Prince's Palace up deep, and even destroyed some of the Prince's calligraphy. Chu Xiuming was still able to remain calm when thinking of these things, but Manager Zhao's expression was ferocious, and his eyes were red. Thinking of the talented, gentle and humble Prince, Manager Zhao gritted his teeth. Chu Xiuming held down Manager Zhao, who clenched his fists.
Manager Zhao took a few deep breaths before calming down, "I lost my composure."
Chu Xiuming then let go of his hand, but did not speak immediately. Manager Zhao did not use the teacup and drank half of the teapot directly before he calmed down and said, "Then according to what the general said, should we inform the lady first about this matter?"
"Yes." Chu Xiuming lowered his eyes slightly and said, "I need it."
The two men perfected the plan again, and Chu Xiuming returned. He saw the young lady who was in a daze, walked over, touched her face and said, "What's wrong?"
Shen Jin blinked and looked at Chu Xiuming for a while before she responded and smiled, "Husband."
Chu Xiuming responded and sat next to Shen Jin and asked, "What are you thinking about?"
After Chu Xiuming came in, Anping and Anning retreated to the outer room. Shen Jin leaned in Chu Xiuming's arms and said, "My legs are not feeling well."
Chu Xiuming reached out to help Shen Jin massage her legs. Recently, especially at night when she was sleeping, Shen Jin's legs would suddenly cramp and ache. Even so, Shen Jin would not wake up, but would only hum softly. Chu Xiuming didn't know what was going on at first, so he called Nanny Zhao over. Later, she found out that when Shen Jin was feeling uncomfortable, she would help massage her legs.
If Nanny Zhao hadn't told her secretly, Shen Jin would not have known, "Nanny Zhao told me something..." Shen Jin then expressed her guesses and some of her thoughts.
Chu Xiuming suddenly felt that he had discussed so much with Manager Zhao, and maybe the truth was really the same as Shen Jin thought, "I have something to tell you too."
To prevent Shen Jin from thinking too much, Chu Xiuming explained in detail, "I can't leave Beijing for the time being because I have something."
Who knew that after he finished speaking, Shen Jin's expression was not one of worry or guilt, but rather one that looked like she was looking at an idiot. Sure enough, when Chu Xiuming finished speaking, Shen Jin held her stomach and laughed non-stop, "Husband, you are so stupid."
Chu Xiuming protected Shen Jin, lest she accidentally bump into him when she laughed. Shen Jin paused for a moment, then continued laughing. When she finished laughing, she said, "My husband, have you ever thought that if you really pretend to be assassinated and injured like this, will it make Emperor Cheng suddenly realize the truth?"
They had thought of this, so they were naturally prepared. Shen Jin pretended to be serious and said, "Actually, there is a very simple way."
Shen Jin felt particularly satisfied today. Not only did Nanny Zhao come to ask her for advice, but even Chu Xiuming wanted to ask her for advice. She moved her feet happily and looked at Chu Xiuming expectantly, like a little animal begging for food.
Chu Xiuming placed one hand on the couch, went over and kissed the corner of Shen Jin's lips and said, "My dear wife, can you tell me?"
Shen Jin said, "You guys are thinking too much."
Chu Xiuming had a handsome face, and when the corners of his mouth slightly raised, he looked even more charming, and his eyes were very intoxicating. Shen Jin couldn't help but hook the back of his hand with her fingers and said, "In fact, when Emperor Cheng said so, why didn't you just refuse directly? Could he still tie you up and take you out?"
"..." Chu Xiuming was speechless. Looking at the complacent Shen Jin, he suddenly smiled and said, "I think too much. Madam is right."
Shen Jin narrowed his eyes in satisfaction and said, "Yes." In fact, the best way to deal with someone like Emperor Cheng who likes to play tricks is to be straightforward, which will make him helpless. "When the time comes, just say you want to accompany me."
Chu Xiuming nodded, "Yes, I want to accompany my Jiaojiao." Seeing Shen Jin's proud look, Chu Xiuming's hand couldn't help but slowly touch her neck, and the other hand reached into her skirt, "My Jiaojiao..."
Shen Jin felt her body go limp, and she fell limp on the couch. Not only her face but her entire body turned red. She moved her legs, "Well... don't... don't..." Her voice, like that of a kitten begging for mercy, made Chu Xiuming move closer to her, being careful not to press down on Shen Jin's belly.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
