Bastard's Counterattack [Rebirth]

A group of people stopped and talked outside the imperial study:

"How dare you say it's hard work? It's what you should do to serve the country and share the worries of your father!"

The First Prince said impassionedly.He was wearing a grand dress, neat and luxurious, with a gold inlaid jade crown shining brightly, majestic yet kindly said: "Since Mr. Rong has participated in the investigation, can you help arrange the funeral? Help King Qing, alas, he is too busy Like what, you must be willing, right?"

The tone seemed to be negotiating, but it was just an appearance, and there was no room for comment.

Rong Youtang was cautious in his words and deeds, bowed his head and replied: "Your Majesty is willing to do the work of dogs and horses for your Highnesses."

"very good!"

The eldest son of the emperor couldn't help himself, a smile appeared on his brows and eyes, and a few wrinkles at the end of his eyes appeared from the smile, he was carefree and relaxed. In order to show the demeanor of a virtuous corporal, he raised his hand, intending to pat Rong Youtang's shoulder, but after a second thought, he put it down. There was a vague smile on the corner of his mouth, and he said with emotion: "The third brother has always valued you, Mr. Rong has a limitless future."

"Thanks to your Highness for your appreciation and support, I am very grateful." Rong Youtang responded in a well-mannered manner.

People are in good spirits on happy occasions.The eldest prince was in a great mood, no matter what he heard or saw, he always wanted to laugh. Unfortunately, the eldest princess passed away and the emperor and King Rui fell ill. He was sad and worried on the surface, but he was really struggling.

His Highness has been waiting for this day for many years!

The eldest prince, who was just a few years old, sighed with joy and sighed frequently. He imitated his father's posture unconsciously - with his head held high, his hands folded, his chin raised, and he ordered without haste: "In that case, you should immediately go to find King Qing to ask for help. Errands, don't delay the funeral matters of the Eldest Princess."

"Yes." Rong Youtang accepted the order.

The eldest prince is currently in charge of acting as an agent of the government. He has just come to the court, and he is full of joy and has nowhere to vent. When he walks, his feet seem to be stepping on auspicious clouds, light and light. When he meets Rong Youtang by chance, he condescends to have a chat.There were also a few imperial servants waiting by the side, holding a large stack of unapproved memorials, waiting for the order of the eldest prince.

At this moment, a slightly loud discussion suddenly came from the imperial study room:

"My lords are all born in the Imperial Academy. They are highly talented and knowledgeable. I am ashamed of myself. However, if the posthumous title of the eldest princess is 'Kang Min', is it inappropriate?" King Qing raised disapprovingly. .

"Your Highness, be at peace." Lu Zixing, the minister headed by the imperial study, was very helpless, and carefully explained: "'Simin' was drafted by the officials and others, but after it was submitted to His Majesty for review, His Majesty decided to change it to 'Simin' For 'Kang Min'."

"The posthumous title is based on the life story and character of the deceased, and the evaluation made by future generations. The posthumous title of the eldest princess will be announced to the world and passed down for generations." King Qing reminded him sternly, and said with a strict word: "The word 'Min' is appropriate. , this king has no objection, but 'Kang' is a beautiful posthumous posthumous title to appease and comfort the people, and it doesn't suit him."

Well, 'Kang' is really inappropriate.

It's just that the eldest princess is your sister, and King Qing really dared to speak out as rumored.The ministers of the imperial study whispered quietly.

"This..." All the ministers looked embarrassed, playing it safe, and didn't say a word after they mentioned the emperor's will.

Rong Youtang was attracted to listen carefully.

The eldest prince's spirit was shaken instantly, and he strode into the imperial study room with his head held high, as if he was going to fight against the enemy, showing off his majesty and majesty to his heart's content.

"Third brother's words are wrong!" The eldest prince refuted loudly.

Rong Youtang took advantage of the situation and entered the imperial study together. He had originally returned, and came to seek King Qing's return.

"Brother, please sit down, what's your opinion?" King Qing asked politely.

"Oh, the eldest sister was unfortunately killed, and the father was lying on the bed in grief, worrying about his brother, and having trouble sleeping and eating. Since the father has a decree, why not have the posthumous title 'Kang Min'?" The eldest prince is handsome, but his attitude is tough.

King Qing's face remained unchanged, and he solemnly reminded: "I am also very saddened by the death of my relatives. But the emperor gave me the heavy responsibility of supervising the funeral ceremony, and clearly ordered that everything should not be overstepped. The Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of Rites, the Imperial Study Room and many other parties will be questioned and discussed, and the world will inevitably mistakenly think that we are so ignorant that we don't even know how to draft a posthumous title."

Due to his young age and low qualifications, Rong Youtang consciously accompanied the end of the station, and quietly looked at the person he cared about: King Qing had both his palms bandaged and rested on his lap; The prince wears black and blue regular clothes, no extra accessories, decent and dignified; part of the hair on the right ear and forehead is burnt, uneven, green and black thick stubble appears on the chin, bloodshot eyes, very haggard—compared with the spring breeze The eldest prince with a red face, Rong Youtang was particularly unpleasant.

"Oh." The eldest prince patted his thigh tolerantly and kindly, and persuaded him in a good voice: "Third brother, what do you think? The father is recuperating, and 'Kang Min' is his official appointment. Although it is slightly inappropriate, it is not considered a It is always right to go too far, be a courtier, and act in accordance with the holy will."

"Brother, the father is indeed sad at this time, and brothers should do their best to share their worries while serving filially. For example, since you think the posthumous name of the eldest sister is inappropriate, why don't you remind me? Father is a generation of Mingjun, magnanimous You are kind and generous, and you are always willing to listen to advice." King Qing's eyes were firm, he did not back down, and insisted on his own opinion.

Tsk, a stubborn thing that doesn't eat oil and salt...

The First Prince felt a little uneasy on his face, he barely suppressed his displeasure, and asked resentfully, "If you intend to use 'Simin' according to the wishes of the adults in the Imperial Study, what word should be used in your opinion?"

"Big brother is serious. My little brother is just a warrior, good at wielding knives and guns, but not very good at writing." King Qing said modestly with a straight face, which attracted strong objection from Rong Youtang, "Your Highness is too modest, you are a well-deserved all-rounder in civil and military affairs !"

King Qing was rigid and rigorous by nature, lacking in enthusiasm. He carefully suggested: "Everyone, according to my humble opinion, the word 'Si' is still inappropriate. Why not use 'Huaimin'? The eldest princess is young and short, and the word 'Huai' is more suitable. .”

it is good!

The ministers of the imperial study room cheered in unison.In fact, the commonly used posthumous titles are established and limited. They originally proposed "Huaimin", but because they were afraid of irritating the emperor, they changed it to "Simin".

"Princess Huaimin?" The eldest prince raised his eyebrows.

King Qing nodded solemnly.

The white-bearded and haired Lu Zixing gritted his teeth, came out and cupped his hands and said, "His Royal Highness Prince Qing is right, I am ashamed of myself, and almost led the crowd to draw up an inappropriate posthumous title."

"Your Majesty Lu, you don't need to be like this. Xiao Wang understands your considerations." It was nothing more than fear of offending the emperor.King Qing knew it well.

"Thank you, Your Highness, for your understanding." Lu Zixing bowed gratefully, admiringly.

The eldest prince was rather annoyed, thought for a while, looked sideways at Rong Youtang, and asked coldly, "Master Rong, what do you think?"

Ok?

King Qing had no expression on his face, and immediately cast a glance at his elder brother, feeling disgusted for a moment, and thought to himself: You guys have opinions on me, just mention it, why do you like to go to him?Bullying the weak and fearing the hard, what kind of hero is he?

Rong Youtang was on guard all the way, prepared long ago, came out neither humble nor overbearing, bowed slightly, and clasped his hands upright, generously agreeing: "'Huaimin' is pertinent and appropriate, I think His Royal Highness King Qing's words are very reasonable."

Hmph, what a loyal puppy!

The eldest prince cursed secretly, he squinted his eyes, held the high shelf of the temporary head of the imperial study, and said slowly: "Everyone thinks 'Huai Min' is appropriate, and my Highness also agrees. However, this matter requires the consent of the emperor. Count. Third brother, you...?"

King Qing straightened his back and calmly said, "Don't worry, big brother, I'll go and invite Father."

"That's very good. You have to hurry up. The eldest princess is still parked in the Mitai Hall. It's too unseemly. Hurry up and organize the funeral so that she can be buried in peace." The eldest prince instructed earnestly.

"The Ministry of Rites is urgently drawing up the specific regulations. At that time, the Department of Internal Affairs will assist us. After the imperial father issues the imperial edict, we can start to make arrangements." King Qing explained in an orderly manner.

The eldest prince Shi Shiran got up, walked towards the Dragon Diaoshu table, and said slowly: "The posthumous title has been drawn up, it's time to deal with today's memorial, my father has entrusted me with a heavy responsibility, and I hope all the elders will give you some pointers."

The ministers of the imperial study headed by Lu Zixing said politely:

"Your Highness, please be polite. This is the job of an official."

"Don't dare."

"Your Majesty has a purpose, and I am willing to serve you."

There is a school of its own, false and true, true and false, you ask me to answer.

King Qing was invisibly left aside.

Is this a eviction?

Rong Youtang felt very sorry for Prince Qing, but then he thought: Your Majesty just let His Royal Highness handle government affairs temporarily, and did not appoint a crown prince...

The eldest prince sat upright, feeling comfortable all over, and gave a series of instructions to the imperial servants:

"You divide the memorial immediately, and take out the urgent ones first."

"Yes."

"Where are the Grand Tutor, Lord Yang, and Lord Guo? My father ordered him to assist His Highness as a council member. Go and invite them." The eldest prince commanded majesticly, enjoying the feeling of supremacy.

"As ordered."

……

"Brother is busy, I'm going to Qianming Palace." King Qing said calmly, calmly.

"Well, let's go."

King Qing was straightforward, then turned around and left the imperial study room, taking Rong Youtang away from the corner of his eye.

after a while

They followed a few eunuchs and hurried to Qianming Palace.

"Your Highness, how is your hand hurt?" Rong Youtang asked with concern.He had wanted to speak for a long time, but hadn't had the chance until now.

King Qing raised his hands, shook his head indifferently, and said, "It's just a flesh injury, it's nothing. Is King Rui all right? What did the imperial doctor say?"

"I just came back from the prince's office. The imperial doctor said that His Royal Highness King Rui was sad and tired, and he was also anxious and angry, which led to the outbreak of old illnesses. Don't worry, he has stabilized now, and he is resting." Rong Youtang told the truth.

"Ugh."

King Qing sighed, his heart was sour and astringent, with mixed flavors, showing a rare look of frustration and powerlessness.

Rong Youtang quietly looked around, and asked in a whisper: "Why don't you see His Highness the Eighth Prince?"

"He went where he should be." King Qing replied vaguely.

Dark prison?Leng Gong?

Rong Youtang understood, and said solemnly, "Please forgive me, Your Highness, I believe you have tried your best!"

King Qing's heart warmed, he turned his head to look at Rong Youtang, and said in a low voice:

"I really tried my best."

"How can it be completely satisfactory? But please be ashamed of your heart."

Rong Youtang's tone was sonorous and forceful, wishing to slap his chest loudly, and explained: "How to declare the case to the outside world is beyond the control of others. Who can refute the imperial decree? Your Highness forgets to eat and sleep. He is busy solving the case and supervising the funeral. Is it not enough to do your best? I think His Royal Highness King Rui was just short of breath in the morning, and he will understand when he calms down."

"I hope so." King Qing's eyes were firm and clear, and he said slowly: "This king is not afraid of being hated by others, it's just that my fourth brother is in poor health, and he is most afraid of getting angry, and the father is old, and the royal family can't bear one blow after another. .”

Rong Youtang was extremely admiring, and sighed from the bottom of his heart: "Loyalty, filial piety and generosity, that's all right! If you were replaced by other highnesses, you can only reach your level at most."

"You boy, you have always been eloquent, so you should be rewarded." King Qing's mood improved a bit. He was caught between his father and brother these two days, but he couldn't think of a way to get the best of both worlds, and suffered a lot.

"What reward?" Rong Youtang asked deliberately, trying to make the other party happy.Up to now, he has never seen the other party so frustrated and embarrassed, and he can't help feeling extremely worried and sympathetic—the royal family really used His Highness as an iron man!Alas, didn't you consider that he is also a body of flesh and blood, with seven emotions and six desires?

"You can take everything in the palace if you like." King Qing replied without thinking.

"Your Highness is really generous!" Rong Youtang praised solemnly.

"It's only for you, not for others." King Qing added seriously.

Rong Youtang almost showed a smile, but he always kept in mind that the funeral was going on in the palace, so he quickly tensed his face, turned to the serious business, and bluntly reminded: "Your Highness, regarding the posthumous title of the eldest princess, 'Huaimin' is of course It is more appropriate than 'Kang Min', but at the moment when His Majesty is sad, even the important ministers in the Imperial Study have drafted 'Simmin', I think you may be scolded."

"You can be scolded if you get scolded. I got used to it early in the morning." King Qing was not afraid, and he analyzed with reason: "If posthumous titles are only used for steles in imperial mausoleums, they can praise them as much as they want. But posthumous titles have been given since ancient times. There are very few princesses in the world, and they will definitely be recorded in this book, and will be passed on to all generations. If you fabricate a good reputation out of nothing, it will only be seen through and discussed by the world, and the dead will not be able to rest in peace.

"The reasoning is correct, but His Highness must be gentle when meeting the saint, so as not to misunderstand His Majesty." Rong Youtang persuaded tactfully.

"En." King Qing took a deep breath and nodded.

After walking for a while, there was suddenly the sound of swift footsteps behind him. A young eunuch stopped behind him, lowered his eyebrows and said respectfully, "His Royal Highness King Qing: His Highness King Rui invites you to discuss important matters."

"He's awake?"

The eunuch replied, "I woke up about a quarter of an hour ago."

what?

Rong Youtang immediately turned to look at King Qing: King Rui invites you!But when we meet, will he be so excited that his condition will get worse?

King Qing thought for a moment, nodded and said, "Got it." Then he turned his head and said, "Let's go, visit King Rui first."

"Yes." Rong Youtang was very worried about the thankless King Qing.

However, when they met again, King Rui had already regained his composure.

The fragrance of bitter medicine permeated the bedroom, which shocked people's spirits.

"Fourth brother—" King Qing said guiltily, five feet away from the bed.

"Come here, let's take a seat and serve tea." King Rui lay on his back without a pillow, his hands resting on the back of the green silk, his exposed skin was pale and bloodless, and said softly: "Third brother, sit down, Lord Rong sits too."

King Qing sat down as he said.

"Thank you Your Highness for giving me a seat, but please forgive me for not daring to overstep the rules." Rong Youtang apologized and thanked, and chose to stand, unwilling to accept the facts.

King Qing glanced at Rong Youtang, he couldn't say anything, he waved his hand towards the eunuch holding tea, indicating that his palm could not hold the tea, then turned his head and asked his younger brother concerned: "Do you feel better?"

"It's always the same. If it takes days to count, maybe one time you get sick and you will suddenly fall into a long sleep and never wake up again." King Rui replied calmly.

"You are young, don't be so depressed! Father spends a lot of time recruiting the world's miracle doctors and medicines. With the power of the whole country, you will surely live a long life." Qing Wanghu comforted his face.

King Rui sighed, and said calmly: "I never expected to live a long life, I only hope that I will try my best not to leave regrets when I live."

coming!

Rong Youtang hung his heart and held his breath to listen carefully:

"Third brother, I was too excited in the morning and had a bad attitude. I took my temper out on you. In hindsight, I really shouldn't have done it. I'm sorry. I hope you will forgive me." King Rui apologized softly, his lips were gray, but After a good night's sleep, the bloodshot eyes faded a lot.

King Qing became more and more apologetic immediately, and said in a low voice: "What do you think of the fourth brother? Now I can only ask you to forgive me."

"Actually, it's useless for you and me to argue and distinguish." King Rui tried his best to restrain his emotions, and said sadly: "You are not the murderer, and I am not the victim. What is the truth between us brothers?"

King Qing felt even more uncomfortable when he heard it. After thinking about it, he said solemnly: "Father has given me the task of supervising the funeral, and I will do my best to be thorough!"

"Other than that, there's nothing else to do." King Rui sighed tremblingly, helplessly, closed his eyes, and said, "Third Brother, you don't need to hide any more, I understand. I tested Mr. Rong several times last night, but he didn't leak anything." , be careful and cautious, and must be aware of it, so please come and chat with me."

Rong Youtang was immediately embarrassed, very embarrassed, and said vaguely: "The official is stupid and can't take care of him well. Please punish him, Your Highness."

"It doesn't need to be like this, I know your difficulties." King Rui sighed.He opened his eyes, dazed and staring at the light blue tent.

"Thank you for your forgiveness, Your Highness." Rong Youtang bowed his hands respectfully.

King Qing was not surprised, and said in a shy voice, "I hope fourth brother will forgive me, I didn't hide it on purpose."

"It must be what the father meant." King Rui said firmly.He stared intently, as if he wanted to burn two holes in the roof of the tent with his eyes.

King Qing nodded frankly.

There was a moment of silence in the bedroom, and the three of them faced each other in silence.

after a while

King Qing took the initiative to mention: "Fourth brother, my father ordered Yilin to be buried with the highest standard of a princess. The posthumous title proposed by the Imperial Study Room is 'Simin', and my father changed it to 'Kang Min'. I think it is inappropriate for my brother. , I am going to ask my father to change it again."

"Princess Kang Min?"

King Rui immediately cheered up and pondered carefully. After a long while, he shook his head: "'Kang Min' is indeed inappropriate, and 'Simin' also needs to be considered. The posthumous title is a final conclusion, and a person should be what he is. Take it, so as not to incur criticism from future generations."

"Fortunately, the fourth brother understands the truth! Then what do you think should be changed?" King Qing leaned forward and asked with emotion from the bottom of his heart.

King Rui concentrated his attention, carefully considered for a while, and said, "The word 'Min' can be used, let's use a Chinese posthumous word, such as 'Huai', 'Jing', etc. 'Huaimin', what do you think?"

"The two Highnesses have a tacit understanding. They are truly brothers! His Highness Prince Qing just proposed to use 'Huaimin' in the Imperial Study Room." Rong Youtang was half exaggerating and half persuading in surprise.He knew that King Qing felt very sorry and uncomfortable, so he hoped that King Rui would figure it out as soon as possible and not blame innocent people.

King Rui was startled, and turned to stare at his brother in surprise:

King Qing sat upright, with his hands on his knees, his face was tired, but his eyes were patient and gentle.

After the "truth" of the whitewashed Taiping case was revealed, the brothers looked at each other for the first time after the dispute.

"Third brother, you...your hand, are you okay?" King Rui asked guiltily.

King Qing wrote lightly: "It's okay. It's all because of the carefulness of the imperial physician that he made it look like this. In fact, it's not a serious problem."

"Your injury should have been in my hands. It's a pity that I'm a half-cripple, and I can't even help my sister in an accident. Even Lord Rong is more able to help than I am." Suffering from a serious illness, King Rui was inevitably sad.

Rong Youtang quickly comforted him and said: "You are absurd, I am just doing my best to run errands for Your Highness."

"Both are father's sons and daughters, and that's my younger sister too. Fourth brother, don't talk about being born with someone else in the future." King Qing warned solemnly.Because of the injury to his two palms, he was inconvenient to move, he was too busy to drink water for a long time, and his lips were dry, making him even more embarrassed.

Rong Youtang saw everything in his eyes, but unfortunately he couldn't do anything in public.

Fortunately, King Rui also found out, and he immediately reminded:

"Third brother, it's time for you to drink some water, look at how dry your lips are. If you don't mind, Mr. Rong, can you go and pour a cup of tea?"

Exactly what I want!

"Okay." Rong Youtang nodded immediately, turned around and went out to find warm water, he guessed that King Rui would definitely ask his brother some secrets.

Human nature, who can bear it?

Watching the outsiders leave, King Rui calmed down and asked sadly, "Third brother, is he the eighth brother, right? Wang Zhaoyi fell ill in the middle of the night last night, and made trouble until dawn. Fifth brother kept silent and vague when he came back. You tried to persuade me over and over again—you actually had suspicions a long time ago, but you didn’t tell me because you were afraid of provoking me, right?”

King Qing hesitated to speak, pondered for a while, and told helplessly: "Father has made a definite order, and the only way to declare it to the outside world."

Finally confirmed the truth.

King Rui seemed to have fallen into an ice cave, his eyes were closed tightly, and his slender and thick eyelashes kept trembling. He asked, "Is it really the eighth brother? Why? Why on earth is he?"

"Don't ask, fourth brother." King Qing earnestly stopped him, persuading him at a loss: "Take care of your health first, Empress Hui needs the company of her children."

King Rui couldn't accept it at all, his thoughts were confused, and he wondered: "Third brother, I think there must be a misunderstanding. Did the murderer use a trick? He planted a frame to frame Aning? He deliberately instigated our brothers to discord?"

King Qing shook his head, and was about to deny it, but Rong Youtang returned with warm water, and the two brothers shut up at the same time.

"Your Highness, this is lukewarm water." Rong Youtang was holding the cup, King Qing instinctively wanted to reach out to take it, but when he raised his hand, he realized that he couldn't do it, and the stronger person immediately frowned.

next moment

Rong Youtang directly sent warm water to the other party's lips, and said softly: "It's an extraordinary time, Your Highness, please be patient for a while."

King Qing frowned, didn't say anything, just took Rong Youtang's hand and drank a cup in one go.

talked for a while

King Rui took the initiative to urge him: "Third brother has an important job, hurry up and help me when I recover. In addition, you don't look like a face-to-face saint, lest father look worried, at least change into clean clothes."

King Qing stared at his younger brother in surprise, and asked silently: Don't you blame the emperor?

King Rui shook his head exhaustedly, too uncomfortable to speak, his eyes clearly read: Father has his own concerns, why am I to blame?

"Okay. Then I'll come see you when I'm free." King Qing got up, and Rong Youtang saluted and left.

soon

They stepped into King Qing's bedroom when he was still a prince, and there were still people cleaning the place every day, in case King Qing had an occasional rest.

With a "creak", the door opened.

"Your Highness's hair needs to be tied again, it's messy, don't worry, it will be fine in a while." Rong Youtang strode ahead, looking for the wardrobe.

"Ah."

King Qing walked very slowly, exhausted from exhaustion, and was suddenly very discouraged. He leaned his back against the wall, bowed his head silently, and did not move.

"Your Highness?" Rong Youtang turned around and hurried back.