Funing Hall

On the third day after Jinyuan was sealed off, the sky was bright, and the pier in Luoyang city was full of boats.

One carriage after another, one horse after another, brought the nobles from Tokyo to Jinyuan.At ten miles away, they were naturally stopped.Zhao Kelu and Qian Shang personally talked to the guards, and the guards only said to follow orders, and no one could enter without the princess's order.

Empress Dowager Sun seemed calm, but she was actually a little anxious.

She was afraid of Zhao Cong, but she was even more unwilling to let go of this opportunity.She also got off the carriage, walked up to the guards, and said arrogantly: "If I want you to step aside, will you let me go?"

The guard stared straight ahead, and said in a cold voice, "No."

Empress Dowager Sun was flustered, and was stimulated by this panic to become more irritable. She couldn't help but said loudly: "Your Majesty has not returned from Luoyang for many days. We came this time, but we didn't let you see. Who knows that you are hurting?" What attention?!"

The guard was calm and silent.

"What is your princess' idea?!"

Zhao Kelu frowned: "Empress Dowager, please be careful."

Empress Dowager Sun turned back and sneered: "Aren't I right? Otherwise, why is the princess acting like this and not letting us in?"

Zhao Kelu also sneered: "This is my Zhao family's business."

"Princess Zhao's family won't let you in right now." Empress Dowager Sun squinted at Zhao Kelu, but happened to see King Wei and Zhao Congde behind him.Zhao Congde even grinned triumphantly at her, she was even more flustered, but she settled down again after panicking, this time Zhao Congde's wish was really fulfilled!As Zhao Congde wished, she was afraid that there would be chaos in the future, so she had to seize the opportunity and talk about it after turning around.

Zhao Kelu said majestically: "Since the princess ordered me, I won't rush in. You go and inform the princess, isn't that okay?" At the end, he was also full of anger.

Only then did the guard bow his hands: "Your Majesty, wait a moment, and I will report to the princess." He turned around and rode his horse to Jinyuan.

Empress Dowager Sun's complexion became more and more ugly, her words were useless, Zhao Kelu just frowned, and the guards left!

In the brocade garden, in the wing room where Zhao Shiqi was lying, beside the bed, Zhao Cong sat leaning on the bed post.

Rantao walked in softly and persuaded in a low voice, "Your Majesty, would you like some jujube tea?"

Zhao Cong closed his eyes, his brows were furrowed, his complexion was no better than that of Zhao Shiqi, who was seriously injured and comatose, and even worse.It's just that he has been holding on, and he wants to hold on until Zhao Shiqi wakes up.

He remained silent, Ran Tao said again: "Your Majesty, if you don't drink, Xiao Lang will wake up later and see you like this, so he will be worried."

Only then did Zhao Cong slowly open his eyes, Rantao stepped forward, reached out and poured water into his mouth with a spoon.

Zhao Cong ate a few mouthfuls, then asked hoarsely, "What day is today?"

"Your Majesty, the third day." Rantao said bitterly.

Zhao Cong was even more bitter, this is the third day?Why haven't people woken up yet?

Rantao persuaded in vain: "The imperial doctor said, Mr. Xiao Lang's blood has already stopped, he can wake up..."

What Rantao said did not have enough confidence, Zhao Cong smiled, those who can wake up, those who can wake up, they all say they can wake up, but why don't they wake up?

"Your Majesty, drink up this bowl." Rantao gave him water again.

Zhao Cong lowered his eyes, but asked again: "Is there any news from Tokyo?"

Rantao was taken aback for a moment, she obviously didn't expect him to be thinking about this at this time, she shook her head: "The servant girl has been in this yard for the past three days, I don't know yet."

"Go and tell the princess, send someone to take a look outside." Zhao Cong grabbed Zhao Shiqi's hand again, squeezed it lightly, and said like a dream, "It's time for them to come, ask the princess to send Jiang family to see."

"Yes." Rantao didn't dare to delay, and went out to find Zhao Zongning.

After a while, Zhao Zongning strode in.

"Brother." she called out.

"Sit." Zhao Cong only made a sound, but did not move.

"Brother wants me to send Jiang's family to look?" Zhao Zongning has searched all the people these days and found a lot of things, but Zhao Cong has never asked, and she didn't bother. Seeing that he finally started to ask, she directly He said, "Brother, that assassin entered the county school two years ago, and he was also the guarantor of the Sun family. Sun Boxun said he has talent—"

"It's not the Sun family." Zhao Cong interrupted him.

"elder brother?"

"Sun Boxun is not that stupid, it's not the Sun family."

"I also thought that if the Sun family really did this, it would be too stupid. How will brother deal with the Sun family?"

"The Sun family must die."

"Huh?" Zhao Zongning rarely saw him so indifferent, Zhao Cong was always kind.

Zhao Cong still bowed his head, lowered his eyes, and said in a cold voice, "The Sun family is going to die." He was extremely tolerant towards these people, and always wanted to save their lives. Now it seems that he spared their lives, but they want his.He first attacked the Sun family, and let those behind the scenes know that he, Zhao Cong, was really not someone to mess with.

"...Brother..." Zhao Zongning wanted to speak again, but Che Xia said outside, "Princess, Jiang Langjun sent someone to answer."

"Come in."

Che Xia came in, lowered her head and said, "Your Majesty, Princess. The Empress Dowager, Prince Hui, Prince Wei, Xianggong Qian, and others are all here! When Mr. Jiang Lang left, there happened to be guards coming back to report! Mr. Jiang Lang sent someone Come and ask if you want to let them in."

Zhao Zongning snorted, and Zhao Cong said first, "Bring them in."

"Yes."

"Has Zhao Congde come yet?"

Che Xia was taken aback for a moment: "The servant girl didn't ask."

"Go ahead and bring them here immediately."

When Che Xia retreated, Zhao Zongning was puzzled: "Brother, why did you specifically ask about fourth brother?"

Zhao Cong stayed by the bed for the past three days, and when Zhao Shiqi woke up, he kept thinking about who wanted him to die so much.He thought of many people, he doubted many people, but the first one to be clearly ruled out was Queen Mother Sun.Over the years, Empress Dowager Sun has fought wits and courage with him and understood each other. Empress Dowager Sun has neither the guts nor the heart.

But who else besides Queen Mother Sun?

Zhao Congde didn't really make him suspicious, Zhao Congde's stupidity was not just pretending, he was really stupid.It's just that this kind of thing was planned by a very smart person. After all, under such circumstances, as long as Zhao Shiqi came a few minutes later, he would definitely die. It really is a race against time.Or it was the plot of a very stupid person, so stupid that he was going to kill him as soon as he left Tokyo.Moreover, his recent behavior in the court may make more people panic.

The relationship between Zhao Congde and Empress Dowager Sun is very close. He actually didn't want to think about Zhao Congde, but he flashed this person in his mind many times.

He is a person who can travel through time, and sometimes, he trusts his intuition.

He said softly, "Just ask."

Zhao Zongning didn't take it seriously, and sat with him. After sitting for a long time, no one answered. She was afraid that Jiang Qian would not be able to subdue those people, so she said, "Brother, I'll go and have a look too."

"Go."

Zhao Zongning turned around and went out.

Zhao Cong still bowed his head, he waited and watched the group of people who finally couldn't wait, those who thought he was seriously ill or dead, and what they wanted to take away from him this time.

He raised the corner of his mouth, obviously smiling, but his eyes were full of coldness.

He cares about the people of the world, the Zhao family, and tries to balance everything as much as possible.But they forced him repeatedly, and he had to follow his will.

He will never care about the thoughts of the person who assassinated and the person who came here today.

From now on, he can do whatever he wants.

What is the use of blindly so-called kindness?

Before Zhao Zongning walked out of the courtyard, Empress Dowager Sun and others all came in!

Although Jiang Qian is a child of a family, no one in the family has been an official in the court for a long time, so naturally he can't control these people, but Zhao Zongning did not expect that the Empress Dowager Sun and others are so anxious.She raised the corners of her mouth to smile, but stopped in her tracks, watching them approach.

Behind Mrs. Sun, there was impatience, panic, and a hint of excitement.From this point of view, she had no idea that their Sun family had been dragged into the water long ago!Zhao Zongning also saw Sun Xiaoyu behind her. Zhao Zongning then looked at Zhao Kelu, Wei Junwang, money merchants, and more officials. These were people his brother trusted.

When she saw that there was a bit of worry on their faces because of her brother, she felt better.Brother's kindness was not spoiled by all these people!

The elder brother cared so much about Xiao Shiyi, he wanted to wait for Xiao Shiyi to wake up, and didn't want to see them.

She naturally stood where she was, and refused to let them in when they approached.

Before the Zhao family said anything, the Empress Dowager Sun became anxious and talked to her, but she still refused to let her in. The Empress Dowager Sun said angrily, "Princess, why is she trying to prevaricate like this?!"

Zhao Zongning asked back: "What's your mother's intention?"

"Your Majesty was going back to Kaifeng two days ago! Why the sudden delay? And why is it forbidden to enter and leave the garden ten miles away? If the people nearby didn't find out, how long would we be kept secret? Intentions? I just want to ask the princess what her intentions are!"

Zhao Zongning calmly said, "Then Madam, guess what my intentions are."

"You!" Empress Dowager Sun took a step forward, "We are here today, and we must see His Majesty. Whether it is life or death, good or bad, we will be at ease after seeing His Majesty!"

When Zhao Zongning heard what she said, he was very angry. Brother is still doing well, but she said he was alive and dead!My brother didn't believe that the Sun family did this, but she still felt that the Sun family had something to do with it!But she still had a smile on her face: "Your Majesty seems to know everything? Didn't Your Majesty hear what someone said beforehand?"

"What can I know in advance? I am like everyone else, I only found out last night! Princess, get out of the way!"

"What if I don't let it?"

Empress Dowager Sun was already panicked, afraid, and even more anxious, so excited by Zhao Zongning, she said directly: "Could it be possible that the princess will take this opportunity to become the emperor?!"

Zhao Zongning narrowed his eyes and said softly, "What opportunity?"

"Your Majesty hasn't returned for a long time, it must be because you are not well. I don't know what the opportunity is for the princess?"

Zhao Zongning laughed "haha" twice, and pulled out his whip from his sleeve angrily. The Empress Dowager Sun wanted to be an emperor herself, she was crazy, and everyone thought the same as her?She raised her hand and pointed the whip at Empress Dowager Sun, and was about to throw it on the ground when Fu Lu quietly walked up to her and said softly, "Princess, Your Majesty called them in."

Zhao Zongning was taken aback, Xiao Shiyi was unconscious inside, what should he do if he went in and disturbed others?

But she didn't go against her brother's idea, since she said so, he had his own plan.

She sneered and moved away: "In that case, the empress dowager can go in and have a look by herself."

Empress Dowager Sun didn't hear Fu Lu's words, although she felt that it was strange that Zhao Zongning let her in suddenly, she just didn't care.Without further delay, she hurried in, and the rest of the people naturally followed.

Only Zhao Kelu stopped and said to her, "Baoning, this?"

Zhao Zongning's heart warmed up, and he looked at Duke Wei and Qian Shang who were also staying behind, and said, "Uncle Wang, Second Brother and Qian Xianggong go in, and you will know when you go in."

Empress Dowager Sun was the first to enter the wing room, she walked around the window, looked up and saw Zhao Cong sitting beside the bed, facing outwards.

She was startled.

She thought about all kinds of situations, but she never thought about this kind of situation. She never thought that Zhao Cong was intact!Not only is it intact, but he also sits so calmly!

While she was shocked, she was very puzzled, since Zhao Cong was fine, why did he stay in Luoyang for many days without notifying anyone, not caring about political affairs, and allowing others to misunderstand.And why should Jiangjiayuan be sealed off, and no one will be kept within ten miles? !

She looked behind Zhao Cong again, and there was indeed someone lying on the bed behind Zhao Cong.

She wanted to think again, but it was too late, she saw Zhao Cong smiling at her.

Zhao Cong slowly smiled at her.

That smile was obviously very gentle, even very ordinary, but Empress Dowager Sun couldn't help shaking.

Zhao Cong said warmly: "Your Majesty is here?"

Empress Dowager Sun regained her composure and reluctantly said, "Let me take a look."

"What are you looking at?" Zhao Cong's voice remained calm.

As soon as he finished speaking, more people came in from the outside. As soon as they came in, they saw that Zhao Cong was in good shape except for his ugly face. And kneel down.

Zhao Cong stretched out his index finger and placed it vertically between his lips: "Shhh—"

People in the Song Dynasty were not fond of this gesture, but everyone immediately fell silent and knelt down on the ground silently.

Zhao Cong glanced at everyone with a smile, he also saw Sun Xiaoyu, and said softly with a smile: "Cousin is here too."

Sun Xiaoyu couldn't help shivering, and said like a mosquito, "I've seen Your Majesty."

Zhao Cong looked at Empress Dowager Sun again: "Your Majesty, sit down."

Fu Lu immediately brought her a high chair, and Empress Dowager Sun sat down in a daze, her hands and feet trembling inexplicably.Others are still kneeling!

Zhao Cong didn't let her go, and continued to ask: "Your Majesty is in such a hurry, what's the matter?"

"It's nothing important." The Empress Dowager Sun lowered her voice unknowingly.

"Actually, I have heard what you said outside just now. Your voice is too loud. I really didn't intend to see you at first, but the empress cursed me to die early. Can I still see you?"

Empress Dowager Sun raised her head immediately: "Your Majesty! I have absolutely no such thoughts! It's just that you didn't return to Kaifeng on time and there is no news. We are all in a hurry!"

"That's it." Zhao Cong nodded, then laughed again, "Your Majesty is in a hurry, it's okay to come here, but why did you bring Mrs. Sun?"

"..."

Zhao Cong laughed again: "Miss, do I remember if she is three or four years older than Bao Ning? In Songzhou, the marriage has been delayed, so how about I guide her about the marriage today?"

"His Majesty!"

"Don't worry, Queen Mother, it must be a good marriage." After Zhao Cong said, he smiled and looked at Zhao Congde, "The fourth brother's family has a son, I remember, he is also in Songzhou. What a coincidence, he is well-known And that's right, a couple of children should get married in Songzhou, I personally put makeup on my cousin."

Zhao Congde bowed his head, not daring to speak, and he didn't expect that Zhao Cong was fine! !He couldn't help thinking what was wrong, Zhao Cong was fine? !He was so angry that he thought he had lost another good opportunity. Although it was a pity, there would always be another opportunity.It's not easy to show up at this time, he is very honest.Even if it was about his son, he didn't say a word, anyway, he was already an abandoned son.

"Your Majesty!?" Empress Dowager Sun raised her head in panic, how could Sun Xiaoyu marry that person!Where is the right family? !She said anxiously, "Your Majesty, Zhao Ting has long been expelled from the family tree, how can he be worthy of Yu Niang?"

Zhao Cong smiled calmly, and discussed: "Then how does the empress think that she is worthy of a cousin? I am afraid that only being a queen can be worthy of a cousin?"

"Your Majesty!" The Empress Dowager Sun almost collapsed on the high chair in panic.This is the purpose of her bringing Sun Xiaoyu here. If Zhao Cong is seriously ill, she will make Sun Xiaoyu her queen, so they can make arrangements once Zhao Cong dies!Unexpectedly, Zhao Cong said it so bluntly, how did Zhao Cong know everything? !

"Young lady, don't be afraid." Zhao Cong looked at the crowd again, "It's not easy for everyone to take a boat for half a day. Are you all curious? Curious about why I haven't returned for a long time?" Zhao Cong laughed again, "It's really nothing, It's just that someone assassinated me."

For such a big matter, it would be the matter of Zhu Jiu Clan in the previous court, but Zhao Cong said it calmly.

Zhao Kelu and Prince Wei immediately shouted in panic, "Your Majesty—"

Zhao Cong still smiled, calmly, and showed them his left hand: "I'm fine, it's just that I hurt my hand, it's just that something happened to Shi Qi."

Wei Junwang's heart trembled, why is it Xiao Shiyi again!

Zhao Cong didn't continue to talk about this matter, hanging on to them, but talked about another matter: "For many years, my health has not been very good, I know, you are anxious, especially the empress, the most urgent-"

"Your Majesty..." Empress Dowager Sun's voice was pleading, she was in extreme pain and unbearable.

Zhao Cong smiled calmly: "Actually, I am also anxious. With this body, everyone present is my relatives and confidants, and I will not hide it from you. With this body, I cannot give birth to a prince. Everyone should Can you guess it? Especially the empress, who raised me since she was a child, and knows how weak my body is.” He grinned at the queen mother again, “otherwise why is the empress so impatient? After passing away, so that I can plan more for myself? At this time, I am still thinking about sending the queen to me."

Empress Dowager Sun never expected that Zhao Cong would slap her in the face like this!

She never expected that Zhao Cong would speak so bluntly!

What happened in Luoyang these three days that Zhao Cong became like this?

It's a pity that Zhao Cong has withdrawn his gaze and didn't care about her. He just lowered his eyes and said softly: "Actually, I have been thinking about this issue. The first emperor also had no children, so he took me into the palace. Now I am twenty-one. With such a body, even if no one is assassinated, I don't know how long I can live. It is reasonable for everyone to worry, after all, it is related to Guozuo."

"..." Everyone bowed their heads, not daring to make a sound.

"Thinking about it today, I do have an idea. I really want to establish an heir first."

"Your Majesty..." Zhao Kelu said.

"Second brother, don't worry, I've thought it through." Zhao Cong smiled kindly on his face, but sneered in his heart, "Everyone who should be here today is here, so I'll make it. I'll make Zhao——"

"Your Majesty!" King Wei suddenly said, he felt that what Zhao Cong was going to say next was terrible, and he didn't want to hear it at all.He wanted to get involved in the throne, and he really hoped that Xiao Shiyi would pick up this trick, but the premise was that Zhao Cong was indeed dead.Under such a strange situation, if Zhao Cong wanted to make Zhao Shiyi his successor, how would they deal with the Prince Wei Palace? !

How can there be any reason why the emperor is alive and healthier than his heir who is only five years younger? !

Is this roasting Zhao Shishi skewers on the torch for everyone to see?Is His Majesty dissatisfied with Zhao Shiyi?Are you dissatisfied with their Wei County Palace?Do you want to use this as a warning to Weijun Wangfu?King Wei Jun was terrified, he thought more, could it be that the assassination this time had something to do with Zhao Shiyi?Zhao Shishi's brain is very clever!

All kinds of random thoughts arose in Wei Junwang's mind.

Zhao Cong laughed lightly again.

The voice was obviously gentler than the spring breeze, and everyone's skin could not help but feel a chill.

Zhao Cong laughed, and before everyone could react, he said calmly, "I have appointed Zhao Shiqi, the eleventh man of Wei County Prince's Mansion, as the heir to the throne. If I die early in the future, he will succeed immediately." The tone was calm, as if he Just deciding what to have for dinner.

Qian Shang said sternly: "Your Majesty, this matter is of great importance, and it can only be decided after consultation with the three provinces!"

In the past, Zhao Cong would have cared a lot, cared about rules, cared about his own image, and cared about everyone's emotions.After this incident, all he wanted to say was to go to hell!

He is the emperor, what he says is what he says!

Those people wanted him to die, those people caused Zhao Shiyi to suffer like this, the more those people didn't want to see anything, the more he wanted to show them to him!Furthermore, Zhao Shishiben is the most suitable successor in the Zhao family. He has this talent and ability.

Zhao Cong didn't pay attention to Qian Shang, only said: "It happens that Qian Xianggong is here, Fu Lu writes the pen and ink, and Qian Shang writes the edict directly."

Qian Shang bowed his head, but he was also stubborn: "Your Majesty, this matter is not in compliance with the rules, and I will not write it!"

Zhao Cong smiled, and looked at the other deputy prime ministers, they were as determined as Qian Shang.

No one wants to bear this crime that may be scolded by future generations.

That's why I said, what's the point of him being the emperor?He has no intention of being dictatorial, but the situation that no one is available at this critical moment makes him extremely disappointed.

He smiled, and the smile on his face turned into a sneer again.

Until suddenly someone said: "Your Majesty, the student is willing to write."

Zhao Cong looked towards the source of the sound, Jiang Qian looked up at him, with a resolute face, and said again: "Your Majesty, the student once passed the scientific examination and passed the Jinshi examination. He was originally going to be released, because his mother passed away and Ding You was at home, and he will never be an official again. , but he has a reputation, No.10 in the second class."

He didn't expect that this romantic gentleman could have such an expression on his face, and he didn't expect that the Jiang family who had been hiding all this time would be willing to stand up. .”

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Write the imperial edict."

"Yes!" Jiang Qian silently recited "seek advantages and avoid disadvantages" three times in his heart, which is the ancestral motto of their Jiang family.At this time, he stood up and did such a thing, which was the best way to avoid disadvantages.Otherwise, the assassination of the Jiang family, even though they were innocent, would always be stained and ruin the name of their ancestors.Only now that the Jiang family has to use it again, can the stain be washed away.He has been an official for a few years, so he just stayed at home again with an excuse.

He dared to write the edict they dared not write!

With confidence in his mind, he got up and followed Fu Lu to the table to write the imperial edict for His Majesty.

Qian Shang and others have to try again.

Zhao Cong said displeased: "Shut up."

"..." Everyone really didn't dare to speak anymore.

The atmosphere in the inner room is extremely weird and tense.

The establishment of an heir was so sudden that Zhao Zongning didn't react for a while.But she always listened to Zhao Cong the most, and she was also the fastest to react. She looked at Zhao Cong, Zhao Cong gave her a comforting smile, and she gradually felt relieved.

Jiang Qian quickly wrote the imperial edict and read it through for Zhao Cong. When everyone heard the last sentence "knowledge to make Jiang Qian's book", they were still a little dazed.

Usually, although His Majesty is tough, his face is still soft.

This time, he didn't even show affection.

This ridiculous imperial edict was actually written!

They still can't stop it!

The civil servants of the Great Song Dynasty have a high status, and all those present are high-ranking officials. His Majesty has always had discussions with them.They have never tasted this kind of taste before, and their hearts turn back and forth for a while.

Zhao Cong read the edict, nodded, and then glanced at Fulu again.

Fu Lu directly fetched the imperial treasure he carried with him, and printed his Zhao Cong's seal on the imperial edict.

Now, it's really a foregone conclusion.

The room was really silent.

Zhao Cong took the imperial edict and put it beside the bed for the time being, breaking the silence first: "I only hurt my hand, and Shi Que saved me for me. If I don't wake up today, I will die."

"..." The people present didn't know what to do. They thought that something happened to His Majesty, and came here in a hurry. His Majesty is very good!But suddenly he wants to establish an heir, and that's all he needs to do, but this person's life is in jeopardy!What the hell is this? !No one knows what His Majesty is thinking!

Zhao Cong finally put away his smile: "Let's all kneel down until he wakes up."

They also had nothing to say, this Eleventh Lord was originally unusual, but now that the imperial edict has been issued, when His Majesty passes away, he will be the emperor, and his name is right and proper.

They all knelt down obediently.

The fire that had been burning in Zhao Cong's heart was finally extinguished a little.

This was Zhao Shiqi who blocked the knife for him, otherwise he was really lying here, how would these people behave?He sneered in his heart, from now on he still only believed in his sister and Xiao Shiyi.He will never show even a single ounce of mercy to these outsiders.

After a long silence, Zhao Kelu said softly: "Your Majesty, Shiqi—" He choked up halfway through speaking, apparently still not knowing how to address Zhao Shiqi.

Zhao Cong didn't care about the address.

The imperial doctor said that Xiao Shiyi would die if he didn't wake up today.

He was actually very scared and panicked, but these people would not let him have a good time, especially the Empress Dowager Sun, otherwise he would not be like this today.Even if he really wanted to choose Zhao Shiqi as his successor, he would not choose this time and this situation.

They wanted to force him.

Zhao Kelu asked this question at this time, and he also knew that they were always curious about the assassination, so he didn't bother others to talk about it, and said in a cold voice: "On the day when the students competed, there were assassins who sneaked into the students and wanted to assassinate me. I blocked a knife."

"Oh." Zhao Kelu nodded and sighed. He actually understood why His Majesty did this.Can you not be angry that such a beloved nephew blocked a knife for him?And looking at it this way, the chance of survival is not high, and the imperial edict is considered an honor?

Just as he was thinking, Zhao Cong said again: "Before the assassin bit his tongue, he shouted that he was entrusted by Sun Boxun and his son to assassinate and kill me."

"...!!!" Empress Dowager Sun looked up at him in panic.

Zhao Cong showed her a cruel yet very beautiful smile. Seeing the queen mother like this, he finally felt happier, and he was about to stab a few more words.He was startled when he heard a slight sound behind him.

Zhao Zongning said first: "Brother! Little Eleven is awake!"