The Royal Merchant of the Red Chamber

Tu Zhen cleared his throat, and didn't talk directly about Gu, but asked Xue Pan with a smile: "Since father came to the throne, do you know the most proud achievements?"

Xue Pan sneered and said with a smile: "How come you don't know, isn't this just a flattery? Get rid of powerful ministers, eliminate rebellious kings, expand territory, and retreat from foreign humiliation. It is estimated that even the old eunuch who sweeps the floor at the gate of the palace is familiar with it. gone."

Tu Zhen smiled lightly and said, "The background of the daughter-in-law of the Ningguo Mansion should be on top of that."

Xue Pan's heart moved, and he asked with great interest: "Then is this Grandma Xiaorong the empress of the courtier or the empress of the anti-king?"

The smile on Tu Zhen's lips deepened, and he teased, "Why don't you guess it's after the general's meritorious service?"

Xue Pan curled his lips and smiled disapprovingly: "If this is the case, how could you be so secretive?"

Tu Zhen sighed, and said, "It's still a little clever. Let you talk, the daughter-in-law of Ningguo Mansion is the posthumous daughter of Prince Xiping's son."

Xue Pan suddenly realized: "No wonder you are so secretive - no, if you are a descendant of the Xiping Palace, how could you marry into the Ningguo Palace?"

With ten guts, he wouldn't dare to collude with the rebellious queen!

Tu Zhen said slowly: "This starts with the son of King Xiping. Back then, when the father and the emperor vindicated the king's rebellion, it was not as destructive as the court said to the outside world. Jiangshan. The success of suppressing the rebellion in the end is due to the son of Prince Xiping."

Xue Pan was stunned, and interjected, "Isn't he killing his relatives out of righteousness?"

Tu Zhen nodded silently.

Xue Pan gasped, unable to tell what it was like.

Hearing a sigh from Tu Zhen, he continued: "Since the founding of the dynasty, the attitude of the Dayong royal family towards the vassals from all over the world has been to woo the vassals more than to trust them. Many emperors are eager to weaken the power of the vassals, so there are seven sons of the vassals. After the age of seven, he had to receive the law of Shenjing as an attendant. The son of Prince Xiping was no exception. After the age of seven, he was sent to Shenjing from the fief by the imperial envoy of the imperial court, and became the accompanist of the father."

And then fell in love with each other for a long time, and killed the father for the sake of his lover?

Although Xue Pan didn't ask, Tu Zhen, who was familiar with his every move, still deduced the three-point meaning from his expression. After giving him a vicious look, he continued: "Unexpectedly, it didn't take long for Grandpa Huang to fall ill due to illness. After passing away, the father became the new emperor under the emperor's grandfather's photo, and the eldest son also took advantage of the opportunity to become the first-class guard with a knife next to the new emperor."

Xue Pan pointed to himself curiously and said, "It's the same position as mine."

Tu Zhen nodded slightly, and continued: "The new emperor ascended the throne, and the emperor was young, so the vassal kings who had already harbored ulterior motives were naturally ready to move. So the first 15 years of the father's ascension to the throne were almost dominated by powerful officials and vassal kings. Gritting his teeth under the oppression of the vassal, he gritted his teeth and survived. Needless to say, he endured humiliation and endured humiliation. After overthrowing the powerful officials, the father learned his lesson and began to win over the vassal king Huairou, deliberately flattering and killing him, but secretly planning how to destroy it Banner matter."

When Xue Pan heard this, he interjected with some sighs. "If you say that, it was not easy for the emperor at the beginning."

Tu Zhen also said in agreement: "That's right. The vassal king's wings have grown early, and how difficult it must be to do things that many emperors in the previous dynasty failed to do. What's more, the danger of the father is not limited to this. In his business Under the plan, King Dongguang and King Xiping, who were the most arrogant at that time, finally joined forces and started a war against the court. Originally, the father wanted to recruit troops aggressively in order to occupy the name of righteousness, and while enriching the strength of the army, he faced the two vassal kings. Unexpectedly, due to a miscalculation, Wang Wenguang, the most trusted General of Zhenxi, my father, turned his back on the battlefield, and finally put my father into a dilemma."

Xue Pan asked with relish: "Then the emperor will personally conscript?"

Tu Zhen nodded and said with a smile: "Since ancient times, the son of a daughter does not sit in the court. The imperial conquest is nothing but forced. After arriving on the battlefield, due to the lack of experience of the emperor, the army was in danger several times, and finally had to retreat to the border town Unable to defend themselves, they could only wait for the rescue of the imperial army. The [-] troops, including the father, were directly surrounded by the rebels of King Dongguang and King Xiping. When the soldiers approached the city, the two anti-kings clamored for the father to hand over The son of Prince Xiping, and bowed his head to surrender—"

"Then that prince stepped forward?" Xue Pan said with a smile.Until now, he still listened to it as a story.

A trace of sadness suddenly appeared on Tu Zhen's face, and he nodded and said: "At that time, the army's morale was fluctuating, and the prince of Xiping asked to open the city gate and return to the army of the king of Xiping. Father never thought that the prince of Xiping would betray him, and he was very excited in an instant. But because of the love he grew up, he couldn't bear to kill the prince of Xiping, and finally cut off his robes. Let the prince of Xiping return to the rebel army."

Speaking of this, his tone lowered, and he sighed slightly: "Unexpectedly, that night, Prince Xiping's son seemed to go crazy and killed King Xiping who was resting in the same tent, and even seriously injured King Dongguang who was living in another tent. The enemy has no leader. , suddenly fell into panic. Father took this opportunity to entangle his troops and horses out of the city, and took down the rebels in one fell swoop."

"Then the son of Prince Xiping must have been given a big reward." Thinking of this, Xue Pan suddenly felt something was wrong. "I remember my father told me that after the emperor killed the anti-king, he directly ransacked the relatives of the two princes or exiled them to the frontier. I haven't heard of any princes who have been rewarded. Does he also feel that it is not good to betray his father? Simply hide his name and change his face—could it be Qin Ye?"

Tu Zhen shook his head and sighed, "Prince Xiping is dead."

Xue Pan couldn't help being taken aback when he heard this.

"Since ancient times, loyalty and filial piety have been a dilemma. The kings of Dongguang and Xiping were violent, extravagant and lustful. The talents of the fiefdom are almost gathered together. It makes the people miserable. If one of them is allowed to ascend the throne, I am afraid that the world will suffer more disasters. Considering this, the prince of Xiping will help his father kill the two It's just that King Xiping is the biological father of the son after all. The son said that he killed his father and had no intention of having anything to do with animals, and he has no face to live in the world. When the army invaded the enemy camp, the son set a fire in the commander's tent and committed suicide And died... The father only found the suicide note of King Xiping's son on the corpse of King Xiping. The son hoped that the father would treat King Xiping's body well and let him be buried in its entirety. But the father did not even see the last side of the son. .” When Tu Zhen said this, he sighed.

Xue Pan also blinked, not knowing what to say.After seeing Tu Zhen calmed down a little, he quietly asked, "Is this Qin Keqing the daughter of Prince Xiping's son?"

Tu Zhen was silent for a moment, and then said: "After the army returned to the imperial court, my father was in a state of despair all day long. He completely lost his previous vigor and determination to forge ahead. He lingered all day long at the place where the prince of Xiping used to go. Later, he heard that the prince had passed away. Later, the confidante who was close to him, Xingyan, redeemed herself and left the world because she was pregnant. Then she realized something, and asked someone to find the whereabouts of Xingyan. Sure enough, she was found on the day when she was about to give birth. Knowing that the child It is the posthumous daughter of the son, and the emperor was very excited. The best midwife in the palace delivered the baby to Miss Xunyan. Unexpectedly, the world is unpredictable, and Miss Xunyan died of dystocia during childbirth, leaving only one daughter."

Xue Pan realized something, and said, "It's Qin Keqing."

Tu Zhen nodded in acknowledgment.

Xue Pan thought for a while, then asked again: "If that's the case, why do people rumor that Qin Keqing belongs to Prince Zhongyi—"

Tu Zhen glared at Xue Pan, and reprimanded: "It's just a nonsense rumor, only those people who have no brains will believe it - when Qin Keqing was born, my elder brother was only seven or eight years old, even if he was gifted, he couldn't give birth to such a rumor. The eldest daughter comes."

It was only then that Xue Pan remembered that Qin Keqing was only 21 or [-] years old this year, but he heard that the imprisoned Prince Loyalty was only a few years old—as expected, he was a little bit wrong.

Tu Zhen continued: "This posthumous woman is the only descendant of Prince Xiping's son, so she is naturally of high status. But the Xiping Palace has long been a thing of the past because of the rebellion, and the identity of this posthumous woman cannot be revealed. However The Holy Majesty thought of the meritorious service of Prince Xiping's son in suppressing the rebellion, so he asked someone to take good care of this orphan girl. First, she was handed over to Ling Yun, the chief steward of the prince's mansion. This steward is the prince's baby brother, loyal and courageous, and Prince Xiping's son also has old friends. Moreover, it was the father's request, so he naturally agreed. Later, the prince was bewitched by an adulterer, arrogant and extravagant, and violated the rules. Deeper. Thinking about the stability of the previous dynasty, he randomly selected a scapegoat to take the crown prince's crime. The Lingyun family has a special status, so it was natural that the posthumous woman was convicted because of this, and she was named Qin Keqing under the name of Qin Ye, the minister of the Ministry of Industry. This Qin Ye had some friendship with Ningguo Mansion, and later sent Qin Keqing to Ningguo Mansion to be his daughter-in-law, who is the grandma Xiaorong you know now."

When Xue Pan heard this, he finally understood the ins and outs of Qin Keqing's life experience.Immediately said: "The status of the son of Prince Xiping is embarrassing. Although many ministers in the court knew of his meritorious service in suppressing the rebellion, his way of suppressing the rebellion naturally gave the world mixed reviews. Therefore, everyone kept secret about him. But The emperor is fond of family and misses the past. Although his son has passed away, the love of incense has never been broken. Naturally, the important officials in the court also pay a lot of attention to Qin Keqing... It is not so much for the love of Prince Xiping's son, as it is to curry favor with the emperor. Prince Lian and Prince Zhongrui are paying attention to Qin Keqing's condition, is it also to attract the attention of the emperor?"

Tu Zhen shook his head and said with a smile: "Not necessarily. The latecomers used this matter to attract the attention of the emperor. But for the old man before, I am afraid that it is really because of the love of the prince of Xiping."

Xue Pan raised his eyebrows and asked, "How?"

Tu Zhen glanced at Xue Pan, and suddenly showed a meaningful smile.He whispered: "I was born late, and I have never met the prince of Xiping. However, I heard some old people in the court say that although the daughter-in-law of Ningguo Mansion is beautiful in appearance and gentle in personality, she is not as good as her father in terms of peerless grace and talent. One. Even after more than [-] years, every time I mention it, I still feel embarrassed. From this, it can be seen that the grandson of Prince Xiping has a flourishing demeanor, which has attracted people to this day!"

Xue Pan raised his head, saw Tu Zhen talking about such a private matter with a majestic face, and heard the gossip and excited tone in his ears, and couldn't help feeling a little bit of discord in his heart.Secretly sighed: Whoever said that men don't have Fuxi, it's just that there was no opportunity for Fuxi before.If it is really discussed, with such breadth and depth, three aunts and six wives will also shy away!

Tu Zhen didn't notice Xue Pan's imagination and wandering in the sky at all because of the upsurge of chatting in this room.He continued to point out in a high-sounding manner: "Brother Prince said that he started to study when he was five or six years old, and the first enlightenment teacher was this prince of Xiping. Although the time of meeting was only a year, every time he recalled it, he shook his head and sighed. He also said Shangguan Rongzhi, the poet who is most favored by his father, is rumored in the court, but he only has two or three points of His Royal Highness's bearing. Even so, he is admired by thousands of people for his amazing talent. What kind of situation is peerless!"

Xue Pan never knew that Tu Zhen could use arias when speaking.After listening to it for a while, my heart suddenly became tired and distorted, and I felt meaningless.So he interrupted and asked, "Didn't the sage say that this matter has something to do with our Xue family? What's the relationship?"

Tu Zhen closed his mouth, looked at Xue Pan with a sudden smile, and said pointedly: "Pan'er doesn't like to listen to me, so naturally I won't talk about it. As for the relationship between Zhongxin Hou and Prince Xiping's son - these two people are naturally very different. He is the attendant of the emperor's father, and he has a good relationship. I heard that the bones of the last son were collected by the loyal marquis. There are also rumors in the court that after the rebellion, most of the family members of King Dongguang were beheaded and King Xiping In addition to the credit of the prince of Xiping himself, there is also the reason why Zhongxin Hou resolutely mortgaged his credit to save the lives of most of the female family members of the palace of Xiping."

Xue Pan stared, and subconsciously blurted out: "A love triangle?"

Tu Zhen glared at him, and Shi Shiran said: "The matter about Zhongxinhou has always been kept secret in the court. I am afraid that no one knows the truth except Zhongxinhou himself."

When Xue Pan heard this, he suddenly asked: "Since it's all the emperor's secrets, how did the emperor know?"

Tu Zhen smiled proudly, and said, "What do you think the blood drops and sticky sticks around me are for?"

Xue Pan's face darkened, and he almost couldn't help complaining: "Fuck, the paparazzi of the Yong Dynasty!"

While the two were talking, they suddenly heard a report from outside wearing Quan Chuan: "Your Majesty Qi Zuo, Minister of the Ministry of War Zhao Mingyi is asking to see—"

Before he could finish a sentence, Xue Pan was horrified to see the sudden change of Tu Zhen's gossip and rippling temperament, and he suddenly became majestic.Resisting the urge to vomit blood, Xue Pan knelt on the ground and said: "I will take my leave."

Tu Zhen waved his hand solemnly, and walked slowly to sit behind the dragon case.Xue Pan got up to leave, and subconsciously turned his head when he passed by the Minister of the Ministry of War. Looking at the imposing Tu Zhen, he sighed for a while and shook his head in silence.

It wasn't until after he left the palace gate that Xue Pan suddenly remembered that he entered the palace today to ask Qin Keqing for an imperial doctor's pulse, and he also had to mention the matter of Jia's Yuanchun to the queen.After such a gossip, he actually forgot two important things.

Xue Pan's face darkened, and he sighed bitterly: "It's strange that people in the world say that talking about it harms the country, and the ancients are honest and can't deceive me."

Within two days, it was the birthday of Jia Jing, the great master of the Ningguo Mansion.Feeling that the relationship between Xue and Jia is irreversible, the Ningguo Mansion naturally posted the greeting card several days in advance.So early in the morning, Xue's family packed up their makeup and drove there.

When they arrived at Ningguo Mansion, they found that there were many guests, and the crowd was crowded.Almost all the four kings and eight princes and officials close to the court were present.Jia Rong, who was in charge of the reception, came forward to exchange warm greetings, and after a few gossips, she sent Xue Zhizhang to the front hall, while Mrs. Xue and Xue Pan let them into the garden.

When I arrived at the garden, I found that Mrs. Xing, Mrs. Wang, Sister Feng and Baoyu had also arrived.Seeing Xue's mother and son, they immediately greeted each other with a smile.

Everyone gave up their seats to each other, and Youshi laughed and said: "The old lady is an ancestor, and my father is a nephew. I shouldn't have invited her over on such a day. It's just that the weather is cool and the garden is full. The chrysanthemums are in full bloom again, and I just want to invite my ancestors to come over to have fun. Who knows that my ancestors are not willing to show respect."

Sister Feng laughed quickly when she heard the words: "Didn't the old ancestor say that he would come yesterday. Unexpectedly, when he saw brother Bao eating peaches at night, he was also greedy, so he ate two secretly. At five o'clock, he made a night out. After tossing until this morning, I feel better. But after all, I am old and get tired easily. I can’t get over it. But I said that if there are delicious ones, I have to pick a few, and I want to stew them rottenly.”

Jia Zhen immediately interjected: "I said that my ancestors love the most excitement, and there must be a reason for not coming today. If you say so, then that's it."

Mrs. Wang casually smiled and said: "The old lady has always been lively. There is a reason why she doesn't come. There is a reason why Bao girl is waiting to be married. She doesn't come. But why doesn't Miss Lin come? If you say that this old man is her serious elder!"

As soon as this remark came out, Jia Zhen's face suddenly became a little embarrassed.Today's Jia Jingzhang banquet, not only Lin Daiyu, the younger generation, Lin Ruhai and Lin Mozhi did not come.

The atmosphere was stagnant for a while, and it was Xue Pan who explained: "Uncle Lin was sent to the south of the Yangtze River by the Holy Lord a few days ago, but he failed to come back. As for Mo Zhi'er, he went to Tianjin Wei and Nan'an County King soon after the year. It is not good to leave without the Holy Majesty's order to manage the affairs of the navy. It is not a new thing. It's just that our family never likes to ask about the affairs of the previous court, so forget it. But Sister Lin is a girl, and there is no man in the family. Ding Xiangdai, how can he leave the mansion by himself and visit relatives and guests."

Mrs. Xue also quickly said: "It's all my negligence, just send someone to pick her up when I leave the mansion."

You Shi quickly laughed and said, "How can this involve my aunt. It's our fault, Li Li should have picked her up a long time ago."

So everyone made another intimate joke.Turn this matter over without mentioning it.

It's just that they all know it in private.So far, the relationship between the Lin family and the Jia family is probably really alienated.If not, how come the salute was sent by the usual businessman.The gift money is such a standard again, it is not as close as before.It looks faint, not to be disappointed.

After chatting for a while, Youshi inevitably mentioned Qin Keqing's illness again.Worryingly said the words of concern and regret for the two cars, the eyes of those who said it were red.

Sister Feng had the best relationship with Qin Keqing.At this time, I couldn't help but feel a little bit sad, sighed softly, and said with a lonely expression: "It's true that people have misfortunes and fortunes every day, and there are unpredictable things. She is only so old, what if she is just because of this, what will happen to her?" What's the fun in life?"

Mrs. Xue also sighed: "That's not the case. She is young and doesn't even have an heir under her knees. The worry is that she is too thoughtful. If you want her to relax, don't think too much. Raise her well." Only when you are healthy is proper."

After a pause, he said to Sister Feng again: "This is not just about her, you have to think carefully about it. A woman is like a family, so what to do so strong. A serious husband and godson figured it out, it is better than anything else. .”

What she said made Sister Feng feel more and more depressed.She is suffering from her own and she knows that Jia Lian has a habit of being promiscuous and messy.If she is not more powerful, I am afraid that she will not even have a place to stand at this moment, so what kind of heirs are she talking about?

Thinking of this, Sister Feng couldn't help feeling envious when she looked at Mrs. Xue who had both children under her knees and lived a happy life.The daughters of the Wang family are all powerful, but Madam Wang and Sister Feng's power and shrewdness are superficial. In real terms, Madam Xue, who is able to tie the master in her house quietly but is the most powerful.

Maybe she's not smart, maybe she doesn't have a city.But for a woman, Aunt Xue's ability is something that many people can't learn.

Thinking of this, Sister Feng's heart skipped a beat.Consciously or unintentionally lagging behind the crowd, he took Mrs. Xue's arm and asked affectionately, "My aunt also knows my suffering. Our second master has such a temper. If I'm not a little bit better, how can I do it?"

Mrs. Xue almost watched Sister Feng grow up since childhood.Naturally, she knew Sister Feng's temperament well, so she tapped her forehead, lowered her voice and said: "You are aggressive and aggressive, and I don't know if you are stronger than anyone else. From the boudoir, you compare yourself to a man, and the children of the clan often do things. Son, you are so eager to try, you are full of slander. You don’t know how many people you have offended at once. Now that you are a daughter-in-law in Rongguo Mansion, this is even stronger. It’s just that you are shrewd, don’t be smart. It’s a mistake to be smart. You must know that what is yours is yours after all, don’t be greedy for small profits in front of you, and ruin your great future.”

When Sister Feng heard the words, she hesitated for a while, and asked, "Why can't I understand what my aunt said?"

Aunt Xue smiled and said: "It's not that you don't understand, you just can't let it go. A woman's bounden duty is to be a husband and a child, and she is a needlework female celebrity. You have been easy to attract affairs since you were a child, and you love to show off your talents. Now someone gives you a stick and you treat it as a Acupuncture. You need to know your identity. You are the righteous son-in-law and wife of the Rongguo Mansion. It’s nothing to make yourself look like a lady in charge. If outsiders see it, they will think you are petty and not the slightest grandma air."

When Sister Feng heard it, she pursed her lips a little unconvinced, and thought for a while, but she didn't say anything.

Seeing this, Mrs. Xue nodded with a smile, and continued: "You see, my aunt has been housekeeper for many years, has she ever taken care of the trivial things? The most important thing is that the key to Curry is in her hand. Those who pay monthly money to search for things All you have to do is give me an order, there are a lot of ladies in charge in the mansion, you can do it with your cash. But you are busy all day, taking care of the petty things that the subordinates should do."

After hearing this, Sister Feng became more and more embarrassed.

Mrs. Xue said again: "Let's not talk about me, even Bao girl has been with the housekeeper two years ago. You have seen how she handles things, she doesn't even hold the key, just tell Ying'er all the time. Just sit in the back of the town , This is the bearing that a serious butler grandma should have. Butlers, butlers, are in charge of people, not things. If you really want to manage things, then you will be in charge."

Sister Feng's face flushed with embarrassment.Quickly opened his mouth to retort: ​​"But my housekeeper's affairs are ordered by the second wife. She is also my aunt, could it be that she will harm me?"

Mrs. Xue curled her lips slightly, and said casually: "In my whole life, what I value most is the sons and daughters of the master, Baochai, and Pan'er. It doesn't matter how we get along in the past. If anyone dares to play against them, I can risk my life. Let yourself push others. There are a few mothers in this world who don’t plan for their children. It’s a big thing, but it’s nothing when it’s in front of your children. For the same reason, it’s a big deal Qing'er, when it comes to the future of your children, what is it?"

Sister Feng likes to show off, and everyone in the world recognizes her as a boudoir hero who is decisive when talking and laughing since childhood.With such a mix, he is naturally not a dull person.Hearing Mrs. Xue's words, after thinking about it carefully, his expression was immediately moved, and he looked thoughtfully at Mrs. Wang, who was admiring the flowers, before bowing his head in silence.

Mrs. Xue saw it in her eyes and knew that she had listened to her words.Can't help but nodded with a smile.Looking up at the graceful and benevolent Mrs. Wang, a sneer flashed in her eyes.

Since she was a child, she hated the schemes of this elder sister, but she was blunt by nature, and she couldn't calculate him everywhere, so she naturally avoided his edge.Later, the two got married, and they had no contact with each other.It's just that she didn't expect that this elder sister would not even let her niece and daughter be spared for her own self-interest.In Jinling, when she learned that Mrs. Wang had pushed Wang Xifeng to lend money, she couldn't be more angry.It's just that I didn't have a chance to talk to Sister Feng before.Now let's talk about a few words, it would be best for Feng girl to wake up on her own in her heart.If not, it's not easy for her aunt who is out of the house to intervene.