Chapter 4 Folk News
Zhu Yuhuan had just finished her morning class when she saw an unfamiliar eunuch at the door. It seemed to be from Zhu Zhanji's side. She was slightly startled and asked Huai En to help her put away her writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone before stepping forward and asking, "Who are you...?"
The eunuch glanced at the ministers inside, and no one dared to speak.
Zhu Yuhuan pretended not to see his gaze and asked curiously, "I remember you seemed to be a servant beside Daddy, how come you came to my side?"
Seeing her expression of "I won't go unless you tell me," the eunuch had no choice but to answer truthfully: "Your Majesty invites the princess to the Qianqing Palace to have lunch together."
Zhu Yuhuan raised her eyebrows slightly and said, "This is against etiquette. If the censors knew about this, they would probably submit a memorial to persuade us to do so." After saying this, she looked at the lecturer and attendant lecturer behind her and smiled.
Meeting her gaze, the lecturer gave an embarrassed smile and said, "Your Majesty must have important matters to summon the princess, so we will not casually reveal them."
Zhu Zhanji summoning Zhu Yuhuan was a public announcement of the emperor's whereabouts, something outsiders like them shouldn't have known about. They wished they could have blocked their ears, so how could they possibly spread the news? The last person who submitted a memorial to spread the news was still in prison, having had three of his ribs broken by the previous emperor, and nearly died.
Now Zhu Zhanji's attitude towards Hu Shanxiang and her mother and daughter is subtle, and everyone is feeling uneasy.
If the empress could give birth to a legitimate son, everyone would be happy with Zhu Yuhuan as a role model. However, Zhu Zhanji did not even try to stop the rumors that Hu Shanxiang might be deposed, which shows that the emperor and empress were alienated, and the ministers were also a little unsure of Zhu Zhanji's intentions.
Especially when Zhu Yuhuan was suddenly summoned to the Palace of Heavenly Purity, what was the matter that required Zhu Zhanji to specially summon Zhu Yuhuan to the bedroom? If there was anything to say, he could just go directly to the Queen's Kunning Palace and talk.
What's more, since the rumor that Hu Shanxiang was going to be deposed was spread, the rumor that Concubine Sun would be made the new queen followed, not to mention that this rumor came from Concubine Sun's younger brother, Sun Xianzong.
If this statement came from anyone else, it would not be credible. But when it came from Sun Xianzong's mouth, the people immediately believed it and sighed. Even the royal family was ruthless to the innocent wife. Isn't this the royal version of "Zhao Zhennu"?
Zhu Yuhuan seemed to know nothing. Instead, he comforted the gentlemen, "It shouldn't be a big deal that Daddy is looking for me. Don't worry, gentlemen."
Seeing that everyone was trembling with fear, the eunuch said, "Princess, His Majesty has good news to tell you."
Zhu Yuhuan smiled and said, "I knew Daddy would have something good to tell me." She then looked at the other gentlemen and said, "Daddy has always treated us daughters equally and doted on us. When the time comes, I will have to ask for a reward for both of my sisters."
After hearing what Zhu Yuhuan said, several people smiled awkwardly. They didn't know whether the princess in front of them had heard the rumors outside, but now she looked so happy.
Zeng Heling was especially aware of what was happening outside, and had mentioned it to Zhu Yuhuan a few times. He clearly realized that Zhu Yuhuan said this on purpose, and he couldn't help but worry for her. He also secretly felt that she could sit still at such a time. After all, nearly half a year had passed, and Zhu Zhanji still had no intention of conferring the title. Instead, he allowed the rumors to run rampant, which showed that he really wanted to depose the queen.
Zhu Yuhuan was not an ordinary girl. She had been educated seriously, studying classics, history, and literature, and her study rules were almost the same as those of the crown prince. It was impossible for her to know nothing about this. Yet she was so indifferent now, which made Zeng Heling think more.
Could it be that the princess already knew the rumors outside?
But after thinking about it, he felt that it was impossible. After all, no matter how favored Zhu Yuhuan was, he was kept in the deep palace and did not come into contact with many people on a daily basis. What's more, those who taught Zhu Yuhuan to read and study did not dare to talk to Zhu Yuhuan about things outside the palace.
As for the Jinyiwei, they were troops directly under the emperor. Saihazhi was the successor to Ji Gang who was executed by Emperor Taizong, so he was extremely cautious in his words and deeds. Who among the Jinyiwei would dare to communicate with Zhu Yuhuan, a princess?
As if to verify his idea, Zhu Yuhuan then asked: "What kind of happy event is it that requires going to the Palace of Heavenly Purity?"
It seems like she really doesn't know...
Seeing that everyone around him was so nervous, the eunuch replied, "Your Majesty only said it was a happy event, and didn't say anything else."
The others breathed a sigh of relief.
Although they were curious, they did not want to be forced to learn this news at this time and get into trouble.
Zhu Yuhuan just looked thoughtful and said, "So that's how it is."
Zhu Yuhuan followed the eunuch out of Wenhua Hall, tightened his cloak, and then got into the sedan chair.
Zhu Zhanji specially gave Sun Mengqiu gold and treasure, not only for the sake of his relationship with Sun Mengqiu, but also to create momentum for dethroning Hu Shanxiang as the queen. After all, Hu Shanxiang had been childless since giving birth to her second daughter Zhu Youtong.
As empress, not having an heir to the throne was a grave taboo. This was not the emperor's fault, but rather the empress's dereliction of duty. If someone insisted on accusing her of something, that was not wrong. There were three folk customs for not removing a empress, one of which was the three-year mourning period. The longer Hu Shanxiang stayed in the empress's position, the less likely she would be deposed.
There has never been a situation in this dynasty where there are two empress dowagers coexisting. When the time comes, Zhu Zhanji can take the opportunity to abolish Hu Shanxiang's position as empress as long as other concubines give birth to their eldest son.
As for the two daughters, as they are of royal blood, no matter whether their mother is the queen or not, they will always be princesses. What is there to worry about?
Zhu Yuhuan knew Zhu Zhanji's opinion on this matter very clearly, so he chose to "retaliate in kind".
If Zhu Zhanji ignored the rumors, he would be aiding and abetting the evil. Since that was the case, she would add fuel to the fire and drag him and Empress Sun into the water.
Zhu Yuhuan didn't know much else, but he knew Zhu Zhanji's "ideal of a wise ruler" very clearly. He brought out the reasons why Hu Shanxiang might be deposed and exposed Zhu Zhanji's little thoughts, making everyone feel embarrassed.
That's why Zhu Zhanji called Sun Mengqiu over early in the morning. He must have heard the rumors from Sun Xianzong.
Zhu Yuhuan chose Sun Xianzong on the one hand to increase the authenticity of the rumors, and on the other hand to protect himself and Saihazhi.
After all, Sun Xianzong was like Zhu Zhanji's brother-in-law. He received rewards one after another and his favor far exceeded that of Hu Shanxiang's brothers. Zhu Zhanji would at most scold his brother-in-law and let this matter go lightly. He would let Saihazhi send someone to investigate it carefully. In the end, it was Zhu Zhanji himself who lost face.
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