The Red Mansions

Shenjing City

Not to mention that Jia Heng returned to the capital with Emperor Chongping, Xie Zaiyi and others.

However, it was said that King Chu and King Wei escorted the coffin to the capital. After watching the young man leave, they breathed a sigh of relief and then began to think about the future of the court.

Without him, once King Chen Cheng of Qi was deposed, there seemed to be no suspense about the candidates for the East Palace, and only two rivals, Wei and Chu, were left.

King Chu Chen Qin turned his eyes and glanced at King Wei, with a chill in his eyes and some inexplicable regrets in his heart.

If King Qi had been more ruthless just now, it would have been better to get rid of King Wei first. It would be better to wipe out the Song family as well.

King Wei frowned, a look of thought on his young, fair face.

After this incident, the King of Qi was completely eliminated, so only the King of Chu was left as a competitor.

Regardless of the power inside and outside the palace, King Chu was far behind him.

It's just that my father seems to have a special regard for the King of Chu, but the previous army reorganization in Jining, Shandong Province just caused the King of Chu to cause trouble.

After this period of time, you can let the Censor of Kedao impeach you.

On another carriage with white flags hanging on it, Empress Song and Concubine Duanrong were also discussing in low voices, with a look of sigh and emotion on their beautiful faces.

Under the willow-leaf-like black eyebrows of the noble concubine Duanrong, a look of regret appeared on her face, and she said: "I don't want to cause such a trouble. King Qi is so good, why is he doing this?"

Empress Song said warmly: "He has had an extreme temperament since he was a child. He had done some errands regarding the Sanhe Gang before. His Majesty also wanted to punish him with a small amount of punishment, so he went to Your Majesty with a grudge."

Concubine Duanrong suddenly remembered something and whispered: "Sister, Your Majesty seems to have been on guard for a long time and did not tell us."

Judging from the previous performance of Emperor Chongping and the speed at which the Beijing camp mobilized soldiers, it was indeed prepared.

Queen Song's red lips were slightly parted, and her round and round voice became clearer and more transparent, and she said softly: "Don't worry about the news leaking out. Fortunately, it was all a false alarm."

I feel a little unnatural in my heart. Your Majesty, aren't you worried that these female relatives will be charged and killed by the rebel soldiers of King Qi?

Then she thought of the little fox running thousands of miles to help, and for some reason, a thought suddenly came to the beauty's heart.

Did he come here day and night, under starry nights, to save her?

After returning to Beijing, I still don’t know how to tell the little fox.

In this way, the funeral procession headed towards Gongling Mausoleum, which is located twenty miles southeast of Shenjing City.

……

……

Emperor Chongping, escorted by a group of Jinyi cavalry and Beijing camp soldiers, followed the convoy back to the palace. Along the way, the people had been expelled by Jinyi Tiqi and Beijing camp cavalry and hid in their homes. There were discussions about the killing cry in the capital and various speculations, but they couldn't agree on one.

Daming Palace, Hanyuan Hall, Inner Study Room

Jia Heng followed Xie Zaiyi to escort Emperor Chongping into the palace and stood on the jade steps in the palace.

Emperor Chongping sat down in the inner study, stared at the young man, and asked: "Ziyu has worked hard for coming back this time. How is the situation in Shandong?"

Jia Heng cupped his hands and said: "Back to the Holy Lord, after Yanzhou was pacified, all the prefectures and counties returned to the hands of the imperial court, and Hauge was captured alive for a minor official, Li Yanqing was beheaded, the White Lotus cult bandits were wiped out, and the remaining White Lotus gangsters in Shandong were wiped out. The arrest cannot be made within a short period of time.”

Emperor Chongping's eyes flashed coldly under his thin, pine eyebrows, and he whispered: "It seems now that Chen Cheng, Chen Rong and his son are really deliberately planning to collude with the White Lotus Sect and others to take advantage of the civil strife in Shandong to assassinate the emperor. And then force me to abdicate."

At that time, Chen Cheng should have sent another imperial edict to seize Jia Ziyu's military power in order to avenge the past.

Jia Heng said: "The Holy One is filled with great blessings and is blessed by the gods of Haotian. It is not something that these treacherous villains can murder."

Emperor Chongping's eyes fell on the face of the young man in the python suit and said: "This time Chen Cheng and Chen Rong and his son conspired to rebel and secretly murdered the emperor. How do you think Zi Yu should deal with it?"

Jia Heng pondered for a moment and said: "I think that the Holy One is both the lord of all directions and the head of the clan. This is a family matter of the Holy One and cannot be discussed by the ministers."

There was no need for him to say anything about such matters. The emperor had already made up his mind. He was simply worried about the bad reputation of killing his brother and his own son, or he wanted to find someone to help him make up his mind.

However, if Prince Zhongshun and his son plot to murder the emperor, they will definitely be sentenced to death, and even Prince Zhongshun's lineage will not be left. This kind of evil and treason is shocking.

Emperor Chongping was silent for a long time and said nothing else.

Naturally, both Chen Rong and his son were sentenced to death. After they were deposed as commoners, even if they were sent to Gongling Mausoleum, there would be another turmoil. It can be seen that the violent nature of the father and son is hard to change, and only death can eliminate the disaster.

As for Chen Cheng...

Emperor Chongping frowned, his eyes flickered, and for a while, he felt tired in his heart.

After all, King Chen Cheng of Qi was the first son of Emperor Chongping, and he had very deep feelings. However, if he was not dealt with, he would inevitably cause trouble due to his surly temperament.

Otherwise, after the new king takes the throne, it will be difficult to deal with these people.

Emperor Chongping turned around and asked: "Zi Yu, earlier in the northern Xinjiang, the Jurchens sent troops and horses to knock on the border. How do you think Zi Yu should respond?"

Jia Heng said: "The Jurchens were defeated last year. Now they are fighting again, but they are just to support the rebellion in Shandong. Now that the rebellion in Shandong has been suppressed, the court does not need to send troops and horses to help. The troops from nine sides, the fortified city and the deep trenches are enough to repel them." The invading enemy is now at the critical moment when the New Deal is being promoted across the country. It is not appropriate for me, a big man, to go into full-scale war with the Jurchens and affect the promotion of the New Deal."

Emperor Chongping nodded and said warmly: "Then we won't send troops to Northern Xinjiang for the time being."

Jia Heng said: "In a while, I will go to Ji Town to check the border. At the same time, I will organize naval forces in Tianjin and other places to take the initiative to attack the Jurchens across the sea to prevent the Jurchens from continuing to harass me."

Emperor Chongping's eyes were somewhat gentle under his thin, loose brows, and he said in a warm voice: "Ziyu came from afar to attack. It's been a hard journey. Let's go back to the mansion to rest for a few days."

Jia Heng made a face and calmed down his expression, raised his hands and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness. I will take my leave."

On the other side, Xie Zaiyi also said goodbye.

Emperor Chongping's eyes were dazed for a moment, and he sighed deeply, only to feel an unprecedented fatigue hit his heart.

It can be said that although this coup was unscathed, it did make Emperor Chongping mentally and physically exhausted, and he began to think about the matter of the East Palace heir.

Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall

In the hall, Jia Mu, Mrs. Wang, Mrs. Xing, Feng Wan, Chai Dai, Yun Qin and Wen Qi were all there, but their faces mostly looked gloomy and gloomy.

Just when a riot broke out in the city, the Jia family also learned the news, because Jia Chang and Jia Yun each sent a troop of soldiers to protect the Jia family firmly and prevent the Jia family from being attacked by the rebels.

When there was a rebellion in the Beijing camp, Prince Zhongshun actually sent a troop of troops to attack and kill the Jia family. There were about four to five hundred people, and they headed to Ningrong Street and attacked the Ningrong and Ningrong mansions.

At this moment, there was a fight going on outside, and the sound of fighting could be heard faintly through the high wall into the courtyards of Ning and Rong's houses, making everyone in the Jia family on tenterhooks.

In Rongqing Hall, at this moment, a nanny in splendid clothes entered the hall with a flustered expression.

Mother Jia couldn't hide the worry on her old face and asked, "How is it?"

At this time, the nun said anxiously: "Old lady, the city is now in chaos. Those rebels are shouting to Qing Junzi and Zhu Jia's party. Just now, the rebels came over to fight. Let Er Ye, who is in the corridor, fight back." ”

Mother Jia's face suddenly changed and she asked: "You are so good, which Jia party did the rebels kill? And the Qingjun side?"

This slogan seems somewhat familiar to the incident many years ago.

Mrs. Wang was frightened and blurted out: "Old lady, Brother Heng must have offended someone outside, which made people hate him. Now he comes directly to the house and wants to kill the female family members to vent his anger?"

That uncle Heng was an official outside and only cared about his own reputation. He offended many people and didn't want to cause such a big trouble now.

Aunt Xue's fair face was a bit unnatural, and she said softly: "Brother Heng can't be blamed entirely. He is working for the palace outside. If someone conspires to cause rebellion, he will definitely have to deal with Brother Heng."

Madam Wang: "..."

Isn’t it certain that she can become the mother-in-law of the Duke?

Mother Jia frowned, glanced at Mrs. Wang, and said, "Send someone to find out what's going on outside?"

The grandma said "Hey", then left the hall and went to inquire about the news again.

Sister Feng raised her eyebrows, and Danfeng couldn't hide the worry in her eyes as she said, "What are you doing following the rebellion of the loyal and obedient Wang family in front of such a good prince?"

Jia Mu sighed and said: "This man's heart is high and he still wants to be high. How can I be as comfortable as a prince than as an emperor, so I made such a fuss."

More than ten years ago, when the young Duke was here, the person in the palace seemed to be shouting the same slogan as Qing Junzi?

Sister Feng said softly: "Old lady, you have been through a lot, nothing will happen to you, right?"

Jia Mu said: "The people who are left to protect us are all arranged by Brother Heng. There should be no big deal."

Tan Chun twisted his heroic eyebrows, turned to look at Zhen Lan, who was wearing a green skirt, and said softly: "Sister Lan, what do you think?" Although sometimes I don't like this scheming and scheming person very much, Sister-in-law, but among the entire Jia family sisters, Zhen Lan is the only one who can chat with her about the current situation outside.

Facing the curious gaze of her sister Zhen Xi, Zhen Lan's beautiful face also showed a look of thought, and said: "I read in the newspaper earlier that King Wei and King Chu both entered the military aircraft office, but King Qi has nothing. If you fall behind, I'm afraid you will feel resentful about it."

Tan Chun said softly: "At the beginning, King Qi had his title reduced because of the Sanhe Gang incident, so he resented brother Shangheng."

Zhen Lan said: "It's also because Brother Heng controls the capital camp and leads troops in Shandong. He is worried about King Qin returning to Beijing and wants to use his family members to blackmail Brother Heng."

He is now in charge of the capital camp. If there is chaos in Shenjing and he leads his troops back to Beijing, King Qin can probably participate in the national affairs.

Tan Chunying frowned and said worriedly: "Then there should be nothing wrong this time."

Zhen Lan's face was full of determination, and she said softly: "Brother Heng has been in Beijing camp for several years. This time, many generals have been retained. Even if there is a rebellion in Beijing camp, it will not be easy. Besides, Brother Heng may not have any backup plans."

Baochai and Daiyu, Baoqin and Xiangyun were waiting for the two to talk.

"Sister Bao." Daiyu took Baochai's soft, chubby hand and said softly, with a look of worry on her bright jade face.

Under Baochai's Cuiyu beautiful eyebrows, her moist apricot eyes were as full as water, and she said softly: "Sister Lin, didn't Sister Lan say that, it's nothing."

Li Wan's curved eyebrows were slightly frowned, and his quiet, graceful face was also filled with worry.

It would be better if nothing happens.

At this moment, the old nun came back again, with a look of surprise on her face, and said softly: "Old lady, Mr. Yun said that the soldiers and horses outside have retreated, and the chaos outside has disappeared. "

When Jia Mu heard this, she was stunned at first, and then she was overjoyed. She chanted Buddha's name repeatedly, and the smile returned to her kind-hearted face, and she said, "That's good."

Sister Feng smiled and said, "Old lady, let me tell you, before Brother Heng left, he must have made proper arrangements for people to protect the house."

Aunt Xue smiled and said: "The clouds in the sky have dispersed."

Just when the faces of everyone in Rongqing Hall showed lightness, a nanny entered the hall and said: "Old lady, there is news from Dongfu that the uncle has returned and has arrived at Dongfu."

As soon as these words came out, everyone in Rongqing Hall was surprised and happy.

Ningguo Mansion, separated by a wall——

Jia Heng had already hurried back home, passed through the green-painted railings and strode into the backyard.

At this moment, Qin Keqing was wearing an elegant plain white pink double-breasted jacket and a pleated horse-faced skirt. She was sitting quietly in the hall, talking with Second Sister You, Third Sister You, and Mrs. You.

Qin Keqing and Youshi, the girls are all beautiful and charming. At this moment, they are dressed in colorful clothes, green and red, and the fragrance of the powder is overflowing, which is refreshing.

Sanjie You's beautiful face was filled with worry, and she said softly: "There is chaos outside, so nothing will happen."

Qin Keqing's beautiful skin like snow paused for a moment, and under her curved eyebrows, her charming and flowing eyes showed a thoughtful look, and said: "Probably not. Before I left, wasn't it? Have you left someone to guard you?"

On the side, Second Sister You, who was dressed in a red dress, was quietly listening to the conversation between the two of them, with a look of longing on her gentle and beautiful face.

Since that lingering night, this girl with a silly and sweet personality has never spent time with Jia Heng in private. It is impossible not to miss her.

It's not that he's thinking about love, but he wants Jia Heng to pay more attention to himself.

At this moment, a nanny entered the side room with a happy face and said warmly: "Grandma, the uncle is back."

When the three people who were talking heard this, their faces showed a look of joy.

Qin Keqing said briskly: "Let me go and have a look."

Second Sister You, Third Sister You, and Youshi also got up and walked outside the house.

At this moment, it was almost noon, and at the moon door at the end of the corridor, the boy in python suit was seen walking quickly. Although his face looked tired, his eyes were as sharp and clear as before.

"Husband." Qin Keqing called out, feeling a sore nose and mixed feelings in her heart.

Jia Heng raised his eyes to look at Qin Keqing and the three You sisters. He walked closer, smiled, his eyes were warm, and he said softly: "Keqing."

As he spoke, he held Qin Keqing's slender arms and held the beauty in his arms.

Qin Keqing also hugged Jia Heng's body and closed her eyes slightly, her heart filled with longing.

"Keqing, are you okay at home? How is Fu'er?" Jia Heng's face was a little complicated, and he gently hugged Qin Keqing's delicate body and said softly.

This trip out didn't look good. It was more than a month later, and it was already June of the seventeenth year of Chongping. Half a year had passed since the seventeenth year of Chongping.

Qin Keqing said: "Husband, everything at home is fine, and Fu'er is fine too."

Jia Heng said: "Okay, let's go to the house and talk."

But Qing was much plumper than when she first married him. Her hug felt soft, creamy, and had an intoxicating fragrance.

As they said this, they entered the hall and sat down.

Qin Keqing asked with concern: "Husband, what's going on outside?"

"The father and son of King Qi and Prince Zhongshun rebelled. Taking advantage of the emperor's funeral, they planned to coerce the emperor outside Shenjing City and seize the throne." Jia Heng said in an understatement.

Several people in the hall looked at each other.

Qin Keqing said softly: "The husband didn't quell the rebellion in Shandong, so why did he return to the capital?"

Jia Heng put down the tea cup in his hand and said: "After I heard the news in Shandong, I traveled day and night all the way back to the Shenjing City. I was worried about the situation in the capital and your safety."

Under Qin Keqing's curved eyebrows, her beautiful eyes were as full as water, and she said in a trembling voice: "Husband."

Jia Heng gently stroked Qin Keqing's face, which had become smoother and more delicate after giving birth to the child. He smiled and said, "When I come back from this trip, I will stay in Beijing for a while to judge the rebellion of King Qi and Prince Zhongshun." case."

The chaos in Shandong has been settled, but there may not be peace next. One is the remnants of Chen Cheng and Chen Rong's father and son, and the other is some arrangements made by the emperor.

Qi King Chen Cheng's rebellion may make the emperor carefully consider the issue of establishing a direct heir.

Qin Keqing asked again: "Husband, where is the emperor?"

Jia Heng said: "We have gone to the funeral as usual, we can't waste the auspicious time."

After saying that, he turned to look at the unreasonably beautiful Third Sister You, smiled and joked: "Third Sister is getting more and more beautiful."

Third Sister You was filled with joy, her cheeks were rosy and bright, and she said with a sweet smile: "Uncle, you are talking nonsense again, I am just the green leaves lining the red flowers."

Jia Heng smiled and said softly: "Okay, I'm hungry now, so I'll ask my servants to prepare some food. Where's Fu'er?"

Not long after, a nanny came over with an infant in her arms. It was Jia Heng's daughter Jia Fu. The baby was not yet one year old. Her face had tender and white skin, and her two black gem eyes were as clear as a puddle of water. The spring water reflected the human figure at this moment, and the little eyebrows and eyes smiled like crescent moons as they looked at Jia Heng.

Jia Heng took the swaddled baby and said softly: "Fu'er, do you miss daddy? Well, Fu'er has grown up a bit, and daddy can't hold it anymore."

As he said that, he kissed his daughter's pink little face.

Youshi looked at the young man quietly, with a hint of trance in his gentle and graceful face.

Qin Keqing, Second Sister You, and Third Sister You also looked at the young man.

While Jia Heng was teasing her daughter, the grandmother from outside came into the house and said, "Grandma Heng, the old lady sent a mandarin duck to invite you to come over."

Hearing this, Jia Heng turned to look at Qin Keqing, handed the baby to the nanny beside him, and said softly: "Keqing, I'll go to the West Mansion to have a look."

Qin Keqing said softly: "Husband, please come over."

Jia Heng said, then walked out of the hall, looked at the girl with a duck-egg face and a slim figure, and said, "Yuanyang, are you here?"

Yuanyang also had joy on his face and said, "The uncle is back. The old lady is waiting for him in Xikuoyuan."

"Let's go over here." Jia Heng said softly, holding Yuanyang's slender catkin, and asked: "Yuanyang, how are you doing at home recently?"

Yuanyang said softly: "Everything is fine at home. Is the war in Shandong finished?"

Jia Heng nodded and said, "After the fight, I can rest in Beijing for a few more days."

The two of them said that and walked towards Rongqing Hall together.