The Red Mansions

Palace Garden, Kunning Palace

The night is dark, and the lanterns are starting to light up. The lanterns are swaying in the wind, creating circles of swaying light and shadow.

In the dormitory, Empress Song was still dressed in white mourning clothes. She sat on an Arhat bed covered with soft mattresses and asked, "How will your Majesty deal with my son Jia Ziyu after he returns to the palace?"

Xia Shouzhong said softly: "Madam, Prince Zhongshun and his son have been taken to prison, and I didn't say anything else."

Empress Song thought for a moment, her beautiful eyes were as full as water under Liu Ye's slender eyebrows, and she said softly: "You didn't say anything about the trial of Prince Qi's case?"

Xia Shouzhong said: "My dear, it should be Duke Wei who handles this case. This kind of case is always interrogated by the Jinyi Mansion."

Queen Song said softly: "If Ziyu interrogates like this, it should not lead to an unjust, false or wrongful verdict."

Xia Shouzhong said: "In the Gongling case, Duke Wei was not significantly implicated. Now that this case has been handed over to Duke Wei, it is indeed very unparalleled."

Queen Song nodded and said softly: "Zi Yu is a good one."

That little fox is usually quite decent, except for being a bit crooked in that kind of thing.

After a while, while the beauty was talking, she ordered the palace maid to prepare hot water.

After a while, the beauty stepped into the bathtub. Under the light of the lamp, her snow-white skin was flawless, like mutton-fat white jade.

Empress Song stared at the flickering candlelight, her beautiful eyes showing a daze under the willow leaves' slender eyebrows.

You have to find time to summon the little fox in the next two days, at least let him know something, otherwise he doesn't seem to care about Ran'er at all.

Prince Wei's Mansion, Hall of the Rear Residence

The hall was brightly lit, and King Wei Chen Ran sat silently, whispering: "Sir, what do you think is going on today?"

Deng Wei, the chief secretary of the palace below, said softly with a thoughtful expression on his face: "Your Highness, after the case of King Qi, Your Majesty should be willing to establish a legitimate heir."

"What do you mean?" Wei Wang Chen Ran couldn't help but sit upright for a moment and asked.

Deng Wei said: "After the rebellion in Henan and the northwest, the dragon body has become uneasy, so the prince and the King of Chu were selected to enter the Military Aircraft Department to consider their talents and conduct. As long as His Highness and the King of Chu serve in the Military Aircraft Department with integrity, they will be able to do so." Gain His Majesty’s favor.”

King Wei nodded and said warmly: "I know this matter."

Deng Wei said: "Now that the King of Qi is plotting rebellion because he has no chance to become a powerful person, the Holy Emperor will most likely be thinking about the future. If the East Palace is not established yet and the people's hearts are unsettled, it is easy for ambitious people to take advantage of it. What if today? The King of Qi is going on a killing spree, what will happen if the Duke of Wei comes with his troops?"

King Wei frowned and said, "Didn't Duke Wei come here to help my father?"

Deng Weidao said: "But if King Qi and others act rebelliously and murder the Holy Emperor and other vassals, what will your Highness do next to Duke Wei?"

Punish the rebellious, support the young master, or become self-reliant?

When the King of Wei heard this, his expression changed slightly, almost horrified, and said: "Duke Wei only led a small group of cavalry and did not lead an army. Could it be that he had different intentions?"

Deng Wei's eyes were fierce and he whispered: "Perhaps there was no dissent in the beginning, but when the time comes, we will just go with the flow."

The King of Wei was silent for a moment and said: "Mr. Deng's words are too heart-breaking. This time, my father had obviously been prepared, and the loyal and Qinhou Xie Zaiyi and the Jinyi Mansion followed the whole process. After Jia Ziyu learned of the danger in the capital, he abandoned The army was in Shandong, leading the Qingqi Xingye Beidao, and he had no other intentions."

Deng Wei pondered for a moment and said: "Even if you don't have this intention today, you may not have it in the future. Now that Duke Wei has obtained sixty-seven out of ten soldiers in the capital camp, and his followers and disciples are all over the army, the Holy Emperor has to worry about whether the new king can suppress him in the future. Only if these powerful ministers can decide on the crown prince of the East Palace as soon as possible can they help him cultivate his wings and achieve military success."

It can be said that this indeed grasped the subtle changes in Emperor Chongping's mind.

The son-in-law is too capable and has gradually become a towering tree. No matter what, he needs to take precautions in advance. He cannot wait until Liaodong is really destroyed before going to Lidong Palace. The candidate for the prince should be allowed to fully participate in the political affairs of the Han Dynasty.

King Wei said: "In this case, my father really wants to establish the East Palace."

Deng Wei cupped his hands and said, "His Royal Highness is the eldest son of the Queen, and can be said to be the legitimate son. As long as he remains loyal and filial, there should be no serious problems. As for Duke Wei, we can just be on good terms with him as usual."

King Wei nodded, with a look of understanding on his face, and said warmly: "What Mr. Deng said is true."

While the two were discussing, a nun entered the hall from outside and said, "Your Majesty, the princess has invited your highness to come over for dinner."

The princess is naturally not Yan Yiliu, but Wei Xian, the concubine of King Wei.

As Deng Wei spoke, he stood up and said goodbye.

King Wei left the study and went all the way to the backyard, where he saw Wei Xian sitting on a chair.

Wei Xian said softly: "Your Majesty, please use some food. They are all light meals."

Because it was a national mourning, the concubine of the Wei Palace did not apply makeup, and her pretty face showed a trace of hibiscus, a natural and fresh beauty without any carvings. Just the sound of a baby when she spoke made the bones of the King of Wei soften a little. .

King Wei slowly sat down, held the beauty's slender hair in his hands, looked at the beauty's beautiful face, and said, "Xian'er, I have really become less clean during this time."

A touch of blush appeared on both sides of Wei Xian's beautiful face. Under the willow leaves' slender eyebrows, her beautiful eyes were focused and affectionate, and she said softly: "Your Highness, we are in national mourning right now."

King Wei smiled, with a hint of joking in his eyes, and said, "I have no other intentions."

It's like beauty is a disaster, a beauty in the world that makes people want to stop.

Wei Xian's gentle voice contained a softness and sweetness, and said: "I'm scared to death of this concubine."

As he spoke, his voice was soft and waxy, and he patted his slightly raised chest. It was summer, and the clothes were already thin, and a large mass of pale skin could be seen, and an amber crystal necklace on her beautiful neck made Suo Guo's delicate appearance even more perfect. Jade, skin is greasy.

King Wei nodded and said softly: "Fortunately, the dark clouds in the sky have dispersed. Let's eat."

Wei Xian responded softly, then sat down and waited on King Wei to eat.

It has to be said that compared to Yan Yiliu's "honesty", this beauty is usually quite agreeable, especially her obedience in bed, which made King Wei quite happy.

On the other side, Prince Chu’s Mansion, the study room in the backyard——

The King of Chu was also talking to the chief historian and chief secretary. They all sat down together and said softly: "Today is really thrilling."

There was a trace of worry on the face of Chief Shi Liao Xian, and he whispered: "Your Majesty, the Holy One seems to have made arrangements to arrest all the relevant criminals."

In fact, Emperor Chongping led the attack without attacking and caught them all in one fell swoop, which to some extent was a powerful move to deter ambitious people.

King Chu said: "Father, I have indeed been prepared for this. But if Chen Cheng and Chen Hong take the risk, the consequences will be disastrous. I am really worried."

The chief clerk, Feng Ci, paused slightly and said, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty still has some preference for Your Majesty."

King Chu nodded slightly, nodded, and said, "I know, but it's just that my father's thoughts are really hard to guess."

Feng Ci said: "Your Majesty is neither arrogant nor impetuous. As the eldest son of the Queen, King Wei behaves arrogantly and wantonly. Once he recruits a large number of party members, it will inevitably arouse the suspicion of the Holy Emperor. Your Majesty can wait patiently."

King Chu agreed: "I think my father seems to be quite wary of the relatives of the Song family, and he is usually very defensive."

Feng Ci comforted him: "Your Majesty, there is no need to worry too much."

The King of Chu said with emotion: "Today, the situation in the imperial court is like a fog, making it difficult to see clearly. However, today Duke Wei rushed thousands of miles to help Shenjing. He is really loyal to his father."

His father was indeed treating Jia Ziyu favorably by marrying his daughter and niece to him. No wonder Jia Ziyu was loyal.

Feng Ci nodded and said: "Although Duke Wei is a man of civil and military authority, he only has one bad thing, that is, he is as lustful as life. I heard that even monks are..."

When this matter was mentioned, Feng Ci had a slightly strange look on his face.

King Chu's eyes were a little strange and he said: "Yes, he is as lustful as his life. Now a princess and three princesses are promised to him. This even includes monks. But because of this, the father will believe it." Without any doubt.”

In fact, the vassal king naturally didn't know that even Zhen Qing was among them.

Feng Ci's eyes moved slightly and reminded: "Your Majesty, Duke Wei may be Xiao He's way of degrading himself."

"Whether it is Xiao He who committed suicide or not, but now the reputation of debauchery has spread all over the world, it can be regarded as a stigma spread all over the world. There are many scholars in the world who are disdainful. It is unlikely that they will worry about it in the future." King Chu's eyes were burning and he said in a low voice. .

Even though it was self-destruction, it was still a safety statement, which made the emperor in the palace feel more at ease.

……

……

Godly City, Ningguo Mansion

In the backyard room, a lamp is like a bean, and the orange light disperses like water, reflecting two figures on the bed in the inner room that is surrounded by curtains.

Jia Heng and Qin Keqing talked for a while. The two sat on the bed, washing their feet and talking.

Qin Keqing nestled her head of hair like clouds in Jia Heng's arms and said softly: "Husband, everything is completely fine in Beijing."

Jia Heng said: "The chaos is gone. There may be more affairs these days."

Qin Keqing raised her slender eyebrows, her beautiful eyes filled with water, and said softly: "My husband has made a great contribution this time. Did the palace tell me which one to marry?"

Jia Heng: "..."

I couldn't help but squeeze the heavy granary, feeling soft and indescribably comfortable. Keqing has become more and more self-respecting since she had Fu'er.

Qin Keqing glanced at Jia Heng angrily, her voice was delicate and sweet, she gently played with Jia Heng's hand, and said angrily: "Husband, please stop making trouble."

Every time I put it on my clothes, it feels sticky and makes me feel a little uncomfortable.

Jia Heng said: "Now is the time of national mourning, what kind of marriage is granted in the palace? Many officials in the capital were impeaching Yaruo and Xiaoxiao's previous marriage. There should be no more marriages this time."

Qin Keqing chuckled and said warmly: "Yes, these are the real wives, and the eight rooms of Jia's family in Shenjing are almost not enough."

Jia Heng: "..."

I don’t know if it’s because I walk a lot at night, so I’m prone to encountering ghosts, but now Keqing always cares about him vaguely.

Jia Heng pulled the beauty's slender crotch and said softly: "I'll tell you later."

Qin Keqing's graceful and plump face was already as gorgeous as the clouds, and her crystal clear heart trembled slightly.

After the couple finished washing their feet, they opened up the brocade quilt embroidered with lotus flowers and got on the bed with two curtains tied with gold hooks.

Under Qin Keqing's beautiful eyebrows, her beautiful eyes looked at the young man, and she said in a trembling voice: "Husband, it's time for Fu'er to become confused."

Jia Heng buried his head in the snowdrift and said vaguely: "Isn't it true that you can't speak yet, so you are enlightened so early?"

Qin Keqing's voice trembled a little, and he whispered: "Qin, chess, calligraphy and painting... we have to do it as early as possible."

Jia Heng's eyebrows were raised, his voice was soft and close to the beauty's cheek, and he said, "It's still early."

But since Qing gave birth to a child, she has become more plump and lovely, and she seems to be more coquettish.

After a while, Jia Heng raised his eyes to look at Qin Keqing, whose jade cheeks were as red as drunkenness and her eyebrows were delicate and picturesque. He said warmly: "Keqing, I'm a little tired. You can do it yourself."

He was indeed a little tired from riding his horse and whipping his whip while sleeping in the wind and the open.

It was June, the midsummer season, and the weather was a bit hot and unbearable. The summer night wind kept blowing through the sycamore trees outside the window, and the leaves couldn't help but make a little rustling sound.

I don't know how long it took, but Qin Keqing nestled her little head in Jia Heng's arms, looked at her in a dazed way, and said softly: "Husband."

Jia Heng said: "But Qing, I have been neglecting you during this time."

Qin Keqing's plump and graceful face was as red as drunkenness. A strand of hair on the temples hung down, sticking to her cheeks with sweat. Her earlobes were moist. There was an unspeakable charm in her voice, and she said: "My husband is busy with other things outside, I know that."

Jia Heng sighed and said: "Since we got married, we often get together less and stay apart more often. When everything in the world is completely clear, let's go for a walk in this great river and mountains."

Qin Keqing's beautiful face and skin were as good as snow. She bit her pink lips with her white teeth and said in a trembling voice: "Husband, I want another boy."

Jia Heng let out a "hmm".

No more words for one night.

……

……

The next day, the sky was bright and the golden and red sunset glow in the eastern sky was like a beautiful cloud satin.

It’s another sunny day, and it’s early in the summer. Birds are singing and the fragrance of flowers can be heard from time to time in the courtyard. The air is fresh after the summer rain.

Jia Heng turned his eyes to look at the beauty with fair and rosy cheeks. He couldn't help but gently pinched the beauty's delicate and straight nose and said, "Get up."

Qin Keqing stood up with a cry, looked at the young man with an angry look, and asked, "Husband, when is it?"

Just like that, Jia Heng got up and finished breakfast with Qin Keqing, Second Sister You, and Third Sister You. A nanny came in from outside and announced, "Sir, the angel in the palace is here."

Facing the eyes of Qin Keqing and Second Sister You, Jia Heng said softly: "I'll go take a look."

At this moment, in the hall, Xiang Daiquan of the Daming Palace, wearing plain mourning clothes, was sitting on a pearwood chair in the flower hall. He looked at the young man, stood up, and said loudly: "Duke Wei, His Majesty’s decree.”

Jia Heng bowed and said, "I respectfully listen to the holy edict."

Dai Quan said loudly: "The case of Chen Rong, Chen Hong and their sons conspiring against Chen Cheng will be handed over to Wei Guo Gong Jia Heng for interrogation and investigation of traitors."

Jia Heng said: "I would like to listen to the holy edict. Long live, long live, long live."

Dai Quan said with a smile: "Gong Wei, your Majesty's intention is to capture all the remaining members of the criminal group so that the remaining criminals will not cause trouble again."

Jia Heng pondered for a moment and said: "Please also ask Eunuch Dai to convey this to His Majesty. I will do my best in this humble position."

After sending Dai Quan away, Jia Heng didn't waste any time and turned back to the hall of the back house.

Qin Keqing turned to look at Jia Heng. Under her eyebrows, her beautiful eyes were as full as water, and she said softly: "Husband, what did the palace say?"

Jia Heng said warmly: "There was an oral message from the palace, instructing me to interrogate the rebellion case of King Qi and King Zhongshun and his son."

Qin Keqing said softly: "My husband is going to the Jinyi Mansion office later?"

Jia Heng nodded and said, "I want to sit in a court in Beijing to try the case."

Qin Keqing said with concern again: "Would you like to have dinner when your husband comes back at noon?"

Jia Heng smiled and said: "It depends on the situation. You can eat at home and don't have to wait for me."

It was like a spring breeze, all the resentment was gone, and I felt that Keqing's tone was as gentle as water.

……

……

Jinyi Mansion, inside the official hall——

Under the eaves of the corridor, groups of palace guards wearing flying fish suits and embroidered spring knives stood tall and solemn, with cold expressions on their faces.

Jia Heng was sitting behind a lacquered wooden desk. He picked up a stack of books from the table, glanced at the officers and generals present, and asked, "Have you ever interrogated Prince Zhongshun, his son and Chen Cheng?"

At this time, Qu Lang cupped his hands and replied: "Captain, we have not yet received the palace's order, so we have not dared to come to the court for questioning."

After all, he is a descendant of the clan. He will not be interrogated at will or tortured without obtaining the imperial decree.

Jia Heng said: "The palace has entrusted me with the task of investigating the case. Qu Tongzhi went to pick up the criminal."

Since King Zhongshun was deposed as a commoner and sent to Gongling, he has never been seen again.

After a while, King Zhongshun Chen Rong was escorted by several powerful men from the Jinyi Mansion and pushed and shoved into the government hall.

At this moment, King Zhongshun Chen Rong, who was dressed in prison uniform, had gray hair and frosty temples. Between his gray-white eyebrows, there was a glimmer of light in his old and turbid eyes.

"Kneel down." The captain in Jinyi shouted coldly.

Chen Rong sneered, looked at Jia Heng with disdain, and said, "I only kneel to the Emperor Daxing. What on earth is Jia Heng's child above? Is it worthy of me to kneel down?"

Jia Heng waved his hand, stopped the Jinyi captain who was about to get angry, and said warmly: "Let Chen Rong, a common man, take a seat."

Although he is an anti-king, he is still a member of the Chen family, and considering his position, there is no need to vent his anger on a dying person.

Chen Rong raised his eyes, his face was cold, and he shouted, "Jia Heng, don't be hypocritical!"

Jia Heng's eyes were indifferent and he said in a deep voice: "Old King Zhongshun, you and I can be considered old friends, why should we say evil words?"

Chen Rong said in a cold voice: "Jia Heng, my son, you are so ambitious. The fourth child is blind and trusts you. Sooner or later, my country, the Han Dynasty, will be ruined in your hands!"

Jia Heng frowned, snorted coldly, and said in a deep voice: "Slander the Holy Lord, slap your mouth!"

King Zhongshun: "..."

At this moment, a strong man rounded his arms and slapped King Zhongshun hard on the cheek. With a crackling sound, his cheeks became swollen.

Not far away, Qi Wang Chen Cheng and Chen Hong, who had been brought to the Yamen Hall, saw this scene, and Chen Hong's face was filled with anger.

"Jia Heng." Chen Hong stared angrily, his eyes full of evil, and he gritted his teeth and said, "How dare you? We are a clan!"

They are descendants of the clan, and they carry the blood of the ancestors of Chen and Han. Even if they commit a capital crime, they are not easily humiliated!

Jia Heng's face was as cold as frost, and he said in a cold voice: "The three of you secretly assassinated the emperor, and now you are so crazy that you want to harm the emperor. It is already a heinous crime. Now that things have happened, you are still so stubborn. I am the emperor's grandson-in-law and the emperor's son-in-law. How about it?" Can’t you wait?”

This is why he came to interrogate the case, because he is the prince-in-law of Xianning. If he were an ordinary person, these three idiots would really not be able to be beaten or scolded.