[Red Mansions] Lord Hou's daily routine

After Shui Rong said these words, Emperor Chengsheng gave him an indifferent look, only said that he understood, and let Shui Rong go back.

After Shui Rong left, Emperor Chengsheng continued to review the official documents. After another two or three quarters of an hour, Emperor Chengsheng turned his attention away from the official documents and reached for the teacup at hand, only to uncover the lid Only to find that the tea was completely cold.

Emperor Chengsheng raised his eyes and called Deping over: "Go get some hot tea."

If it is normal, Emperor Chengsheng will drink this cold tea, but in recent days/his old illness has relapsed, and his body is really uncomfortable. General Yang, Emperor Chengsheng did not continue to spoil his body.

Deping brought hot tea for Emperor Chengsheng. He looked at the time, thinking that Emperor Chengsheng didn't have much for dinner, so he also brought some snacks to cushion Emperor Chengsheng's stomach.

Emperor Chengsheng devoted himself to government affairs, and didn't care what Deping brought. He was just a little hungry, so he took some snacks after drinking hot tea.

As a result, the snacks were only in the mouth, and Emperor Chengsheng immediately turned his eyes to look at Deping: "This is the small peach cake made in the small kitchen in the imperial concubine's palace. Was it sent by the imperial concubine?"

De Ping said: "It was sent by the empress herself. The empress saw that the emperor was busy with government affairs, so she didn't dare to disturb her, so she put down the little peach cake and went back. The empress said that the winter night is cold, so please take care of your body and rest early."

Emperor Chengsheng nodded, and used up all the crispy/soft and crunchy peach cakes in one go, before saying, "The dim sum made in the small kitchen in the imperial concubine's palace tastes better."

Emperor Chengsheng read all the remaining memorials in hand, picked out a few for approval, and then pointed out one of them to Deping, "Tomorrow morning, someone will send these to the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China and hand them over to the prime minister. The prime minister will handle it together with the six ministries. I still need to consider the rest, so I won’t reply for now.”

Deping agreed one by one, and when he saw Emperor Chengsheng got up, he hurriedly ordered people to come in to wait for Emperor Chengsheng to wash and go to bed.

Emperor Chengsheng stretched his body and stretched his arms to ask the palace attendant to undress him. After the regular clothes on his body were taken off, Emperor Chengsheng spoke again. He asked Deping: "I heard about the noble concubine the day before yesterday, saying that the virtuous concubine I feel a little uncomfortable, I have had a headache for two days in a row, the imperial concubine said to let the imperial doctor go to see her, I am busy these two days, I have not seen the imperial concubine, and I have not asked, what happened to the concubine Xian? What is wrong with her?"

De Ping said: "The concubine Xian was frightened on New Year's Eve, and then she was a little stimulated by the things in her natal family's house. The imperial doctor went to see her and said that the concubine Xian was pregnant because of unstable fetal gas. It's a headache. Concubine Xian has always been in poor health, this time she conceived/conceived for just over a month, and the imperial doctor said that Concubine Xian should have a good life and rest."

Emperor Chengsheng was not surprised when he heard the words, but said indifferently: "Oh, so she is pregnant."

Emperor Chengsheng loved Concubine Yu Guifei, among the many beauties in the harem, Concubine Yu Guifei was the most favored.But even so, Emperor Chengsheng did not exclusively favor Concubine Yu, and occasionally there were a few concubines who could see the rain and dew in the harem.

Concubine Xian is among the fourth concubines, and Emperor Chengsheng didn't pay much attention to her, and he rarely went to her palace in these years, let alone talking about her bedtime favors, so Concubine Xian has only one princess under her knees, and she has been unfavored for many years It's not uncommon to not be pregnant.

That is, one month ago, when Emperor Chengsheng came to him because of Lin Jian and talked about Jia Zheng, he suddenly thought of Concubine Xian.He hadn't seen Concubine Xian for a month or two, but he had seen the fifteenth princess born to Concubine Xian a few days ago. When the little princess mentioned Concubine Xian, she showed that she wanted Emperor Chengsheng to visit her mother. The concubine's heart, but Emperor Chengsheng was too busy, so he didn't take it to heart.

Thinking that New Year's Eve was approaching, and throughout the year, he couldn't justify not seeing Concubine Xian for a long time, and felt a little pity for Princess Fifteen, so he went to see Concubine Xian.

Seeing Concubine Xian felt pitiful for Concubine Xian, and it was just that one time. Unexpectedly, after more than a month, Concubine Xian came back and found out that she was just one month pregnant.

Emperor Chengsheng reacted indifferently, Deping stared at Emperor Chengsheng for a moment, then said: "Your Majesty, seeing that the Holy Majesty has been busy for the past two days, she just told this matter to the old slave, and waited for the Majesty to be free before reporting to the Majesty. The concubine is now being raised in the palace, and the situation is better than before."

Emperor Chengsheng nodded lightly: "Understood. Let the imperial doctor take good care of Concubine Xian. She is weak, and the princess was damaged in her early years, and she has been infertile for many years. This child is hard-won. Let her cherish it. Her natal family Don't think too much about things."

Deping agreed one by one, Emperor Chengsheng didn't say any more, after washing and changing clothes, he sent Deping out of the inner room. Let go and go to rest.

Shui Rong went back to the Prince's Mansion, and as soon as he stepped into the gate, he saw the housekeeper waiting for him, so Shui Rong asked.

The housekeeper said: "The concubine of the county ordered the younger guard to wait here for the prince of the county to come back. He said that the prince of the county is back, so he invited the prince of the county to come over. The concubine of the county has something to say to the prince of the county."

Shui Rong nodded, and asked the housekeeper, "Is the princess still not resting at this late hour?"

Shui Rong is filial and will go to pay his mother's greetings every day.Today, after waking up in the morning, I went to invite An before going out, but I came back too late. Shui Rong originally didn't plan to go to greet An, but I didn't expect his mother to send someone to guard him all the time when he came back, and invited him over say.

The butler replied: "The princess has been to Jia's mansion today, and she felt a little uncomfortable when she came back. After dinner with the princess, she was sent to rest by the princess. The princess was crooked on the couch. Waiting for the county prince."

Shui Rong raised his eyebrows and remained silent for a moment, then said softly: "I'm going to change my clothes first, and I'll go there when I pack up. You can go back to the princess."

As soon as Shui Rong returned to the mansion, the rain stopped.

Shui Rong changed out of his official uniform, found a set of moon-white uniforms to put on, and specially tied on a cloak, and healed a little flesh wound on his body on New Year's Eve. He made little movement, and did not disturb the princess who had already rested. , so he carried the lantern by himself and quietly went to the county concubine Zheng's side.

The Zheng family comes from the Zheng family of the king of Nan'an County.She is the direct younger sister of the previous Nan'an County King, and the direct aunt of the current Nan'an County King.Zheng's seniority is high, but he is not very old. He is only over forty now, less than 50 years old.

When Shui Rong came, Mrs. Zheng was dozing off on the couch. She had been ill for a long time, she was not in good health, and she was not very old, but because of her poor health, this person looked old, and she looked like a He looks like someone in his late [-]s, but fortunately he is still willing to take care of himself on weekdays, and his spirit is still good.

Zheng Shi rested lightly and did not fall into a deep sleep. Hearing the sound of little maids pulling the curtain for Shui Rong, and hearing Shui Rong's footsteps walking in, Zheng Shi opened his eyes.

Seeing Shui Rong approaching, Mrs. Zheng showed a smiling face and waved at Shui Rong again: "Just leave a lamp in this room, let's talk together, don't make it so bright. What are you doing with the lantern, give it to me quickly." Come and sit with them."

Zheng Shi closed her eyes and dozed off, and when she opened her eyes again, she felt a little unaccustomed to the bright light. After the little maid took the lantern from Shui Rong's hand, Zheng Shi felt more comfortable.

Shui Rong came over to Zheng Shi, first saluted Zheng Shi politely, and then sat down to talk to Zheng Shi.

After all, it was already late at night, and Zheng Shi was afraid that he would not be in the mood to talk to Shui Rong, so he specially asked someone to light the incense burner. After the fresh fragrance filled the room, Zheng Shi took a deep breath, then looked at Shui Rong, and asked him : "You are going to send the eldest prince off today. How is the situation? Is it going well?"

Shui Rong said: "The Eldest Prince is not in good spirits, there was a little accident on the way, but afterward, my son still sent the Eldest Prince safely."

Mrs. Zheng heard Shui Rong talk about the accidents on the way, after pondering for a moment, she asked Shui Rong again: "Then, have you mentioned these things to the Holy Majesty?"

Shui Rong replied: "My son was ordered to escort the eldest prince out of the city. Those who followed all these things have seen it. It means returning to his life. Of course, my son must tell the truth."

Mrs. Zheng asked again, "Then what is your Majesty's reaction?"

Shui Rong said: "The Holy Majesty's reaction is still cold. He is not in a hurry. Hearing that the eldest prince is fine, he just sent the imperial physician to accompany him for consultation."

Mrs. Zheng sighed: "It's not surprising. The eldest prince's rebellion must have broken the heart of the Holy Majesty. The Holy Majesty did not act cruelly, and he did not hate and dislike it. It is already humane and righteous. This cold reaction is also reasonable. Willing to send the imperial physician The accompanying medical treatment shows that His Majesty still misses the Eldest Prince a little in his heart, so he won't be totally careless."

"However, in your opinion, is the eldest prince really so stimulated that he went crazy?"

Shui Rong thought for a while, and said: "My son thinks that the First Prince is really crazy. If the First Prince plunges into such biting cold water, if he is not crazy, how could he be so?"

Mrs. Zheng was silent for a while, then sighed: "It would be a pity if it is really crazy. Crazy people are out of control, and we have lost a good move."

Shui Rong said in a soft voice: "Prince Zong is not for our use, but his rebellion this time can be regarded as an opportunity for his son. If he uses it properly, he can slowly destroy the Lin family."

Shui Rong lowered his voice again, and told Zheng what he said today in front of Emperor Chengsheng.

After hearing this, Mrs. Zheng frowned and said, "You said this to the Holy Majesty, and the Holy Majesty is not angry?"

Shui Rong curled his lips slightly, and said: "Son, I remember my mother said that my father never kept secrets and outspoken words in front of the Holy One. The Holy One is wise and decisive, and he likes people who are outspoken and upright. See how Lin Jian is so popular with the Holy One." He valued him because of his background, but among them, it might not be because he loves his true temperament. If not, Lin Hong has three sons, why doesn't the Holy One love Lin Yuan and Lin Liang?"

"Since Lin Jian returned to the capital, all his actions have been aimed at the forces of the four kings and eight princes. If it weren't for the acquiescence and support of the Holy Majesty, how could he be favored so smoothly that he was able to sit still in his official position even though he was unscrupulous? The Tai/Zu emperor conferred the four kings and eight princes, and our family was the first one to confer the title. Beijing County's palace is also the most important mansion among the four kings and eight princes. My father was sick and weak, and he couldn't be the leader of the four kings and eight princes at that time, but now the four Wang Bagong is weak, and my son can still win over these people. Since Lin Jian is targeting the four kings and Bagongs, does my son still have to whitewash the peace to save him face everywhere?"

"Even though it seems to be passable on the surface, but with the Holy Majesty, the son feels that there is no need to cover up."

"The Holy Majesty is not a mediocre person. He has a clear eye and a clear heart. We are united together, and the son has selfish desires to protect his own people. This is a reasonable thing. Going out, the Holy Majesty can see through his son playing tricks at a glance. The son simply shows his thoughts clearly, so what if he is selfish and defending? The son has a clear conscience, but the Holy Majesty will feel that the son is not hiding his selfishness in front of him, so he will not treat him The son is angry."

Mrs. Zheng nodded lightly: "That's very true."

"I think you were on business before the Holy Majesty, it was your father's open mind that won the favor of the Holy Majesty. The Holy Majesty wanted to eliminate the power of the four kings and eight princes, so he was on guard in his heart, but he had to use us. Tai/Zu During the time of the emperor and the first emperor, our life was easier. Now we have to learn to protect ourselves when we are here. The emperor's heart is unpredictable, but just because he values ​​Lin Hong, we know what he likes to use kind of guy. It shouldn't be that hard to emulate, and you've been doing pretty well."

"Furthermore, what you said is not completely unreasonable. The Holy Majesty should listen to different opinions. The Lin family is too popular. If there is no us, how can the Holy Majesty restrain the Lin family? Your words, It can also remind the sage, and plant a seed in the heart of the sage, and if he settles accounts with the Lin family in the future, it will all come from here."

Shui Rong smiled and said, "That's what my son thinks."

"The son's words won't actually have much effect, but they can leave a mark on the Holy Majesty's heart. Even if the Holy Majesty doesn't like to listen to it, even if he still defends the Lin family, the Holy Majesty will still complain in his heart. This time, others will be fine. , the First Prince really got involved. The Holy Majesty has never made public what happened in the past few months. Only a few people know the inside story of the First Prince's incident. All the ministers only know the general idea. In such a Under such circumstances, rumors abound outside, and it is only normal to say what his son said. When the Holy Majesty hears those rumors, and when the Holy Majesty remembers how the eldest prince is doing well in the past, the Holy Majesty will naturally have an idea. There is a rift between Lin Jian."

Mrs. Zheng lowered her eyes, fiddled with the hand stove in her hand and said with a slight smile: "Even if there were no such rumors, it would not be difficult for us to secretly contribute to the flames."

"There is no way to investigate the rumors, but this is what Lin Jian himself did. In order to eliminate the adverse effects, the Holy One naturally has to alienate the people of the Lin family. It will be much more convenient for us to plan for the future."

"It's just that you need to put more thought into King Zhao's side. King Zhao is different from the sage. You have to do what you like, but not too much. After all, he has a relationship with Lin Jian since childhood. In front of you, don't say that Lin Jian is not good, and don't make friends deliberately, just get closer slowly."

Shui Rong pursed his lips and said slowly: "Mother, it's too early to make friends with King Zhao now. Since you have to be open-minded in front of the Holy One, then this loyalty cannot be given to anyone other than the Holy One. lest the Holy One think that we are half-hearted."

"Besides," Shui Rong stretched out his finger and pointed to the west, and said softly, "That one hasn't returned to the palace yet. Even if King Zhao really became the crown prince, can he hold the crown prince for a long time? The unknown."

Hearing the words, Mrs. Zheng subconsciously looked to the west, and sighed softly: "If that one is in the palace, how can there be so many things? But that one is the one who fulfilled his vows, and he will not return to the palace for many years. If not, if that one is in the palace, I really don't know which Highness is the crown prince."

"Forget it, I'm afraid the battle for the prince is still to come. You don't have to listen to me, you can just make up your own mind about these things. The forces secretly managed in our mansion are now in your hands and can be used by you. You It works well, and I'm very relieved."

Shui Rong had a conversation with Zheng Shi, fearing that it would be too late to delay Zheng Shi's rest, after talking about this with Zheng Shi, he wanted Zheng Shi to rest first.

Unexpectedly, Mrs. Zheng didn't let him go. Instead, she talked to him about going to Jia's house today.

Shui Rong remembered what the butler said when he returned to the mansion, so he asked Zheng Shi, "Is mother unhappy about the old lady of Jia's mansion?"

Mrs. Zheng sighed deeply when she heard the words, nodded and said: "Yes. Originally, the old lady had such a good life, but so many things happened after she was born. If it wasn't for Lin Jian's troubles, how could this be the case? Now Ningguo Mansion and Rongguo Mansion are all gone. Well, she also lost her eldest son. Now that the other side of the big house has completely surrendered to Lin Jian, the grandson of this big house must not be counted on. So she can only rely on the youngest son. It’s not good to give birth to Baoyu, Jia Zheng Although the errand was not lost, but because of his elder brother's burden, it will be like this after a few years. Now I can't live in the mansion, but the hope in my heart is gone. Although she is sick, but I see She still hasn't calmed down."

Shui Rong frowned: "Baoyu is not good again? Why is he not good? Didn't he find that piece of jade?"

Mrs. Zheng sighed, and said: "The piece of jade has been found. But according to what the monk said, the piece of jade broke by itself within a few days of hanging, and after another day, the precious jade woke up. People are I am not crazy anymore. But I am not as spiritual as before. The old lady is quite relieved to see Baoyu awake, and it can be seen that Baoyu is in such a state that she feels more and more uncomfortable in her heart."

"There is only one thing. When Baoyu woke up this time, he was willing to study, and he didn't like to entangle with his sisters. He said that he wanted to study, and he was willing to listen to Jia Zheng and his wife when it came to starting a family. Their family In the face of great changes, Baoyu's transformation is a bit of comfort in the turmoil."

After listening to Shui Rong, he pondered for a moment and said, "When I'm free, I'll go to that mansion to see Baoyu."

Mrs. Zheng said: "If you are friendly, you should go and see him. He wants to study and take an exam, and you can support him in the future. I heard that the Jia family has already engaged him. It is the treasure girl from the Xue family. I am I have seen her before, she is a nice girl. Baoyu, when I heard that this marriage was settled, I secretly hid myself and cried for a while, and then I accepted it.”

"Well, it's a pity to say that. I used to think that Baoyu could be with Miss Lin. Now she is actually engaged to Miss Bao. Miss Lin is getting closer to the Lin family. If it weren't for this, I would have thought That said, she is outstanding in talent and appearance, and it would be great if she were assigned to you. It's a pity that you want to take care of Baoyu, and Baoyu has no fate to be with her."

Shui Rong heard that Jia Baoyu's marriage was settled, so it wasn't too surprising, he said: "The Jia family has no world titles now, it is worse than ordinary officials' families, and their reputation is not good. Baoyu wants to be married, the family Girls are also difficult to marry. The Xue family is an imperial merchant with the name of the household department, and they have an old relationship with their family. It is not bad for his girl to marry the Jia family. Even if the Xue family is a merchant family, the family is well-off, and Baoyu will not have to worry about it in the future. It's gone."

"If he is willing to study hard, he will get a good reputation in the future. I can still help him. Mother can rest assured about this. Our family is a family friend with theirs. Naturally, I will not let it go."

"It's just," Shui Rong pondered for a moment, before slowly saying, "It's just that there is something wrong with the political elder. The political elder has some problems in private as an official, but it is always better than pardoning the old. Lin Jian didn't bring the elder Zheng with him this time when he made a fuss, and the Holy Majesty let it go lightly, and didn't reward or punish the elder Zheng. But the Metropolitan Procuratorate has already investigated everything clearly. With Lin Jian's temperament, he can't Just leave it alone. Therefore, the future of the political elder has not yet been determined, and the political elder needs to be careful not to let the handle fall into the hands of others. Otherwise, even if I want to defend it, I am afraid it will be impossible."

Mrs. Zheng was a little anxious when she heard this: "If something happens to Jia Zheng again, the old lady in the mansion may not survive. You should think of a way, at least divert Lin Jian's attention, before our plan is successful. , don’t let him keep staring at Jia’s house.”

Shui Rong nodded, and persuaded Zheng to be relieved: "Mother, don't think so much, I know how to do it. There are ready-made solutions. It's just a matter of a few words. Someone will come out, and the old man will not be involved. Mother is at ease. yes."

Shui Rong had a secret discussion with Zheng Shi, Zheng Shi felt relieved and felt sleepy, so he let Shui Rong go back to rest.

The next day, the weather was fine.It was a sunny day without wind or rain.

Emperor Chengsheng issued a decree directly without passing the Zhongshu Province, and canonized Zhao Wang Xiao Yu as the crown prince.

Prince Suirong of Beijing County was promoted to the commander of the Gyeonggi Garrison Battalion.The imperial censor of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, Wannan Hou Linjian, was promoted to the deputy capital censor, and concurrently served as the crown prince Shaofu.

Emperor Chengsheng also decreed that Zhao Wang Xiao Yu did not need to move to the East Palace. The East Palace was small and dilapidated, and the palace was not repaired, so Xiao Yu was ordered to still live in the palace outside the palace and just change the palace to the Prince's Palace.His concubine Min also became the crown princess.

In addition, there are some decrees, all of which are to reward the ministers who have contributed to the chaos on New Year's Eve.

When Shui Rong received the news, he was just finishing his meeting with Jia Baoyu, Xue Pan and others. When he learned that Emperor Chengsheng had canonized King Zhao as the crown prince so soon, Shui Rong's complexion gradually darkened. But he thought that Emperor Chengsheng really valued King Zhao and Lin Jian more than he imagined.

However, the more this is the case, the more interesting it will be next.

According to the imperial decree, Prime Minister Yu concurrently held the title of Prince and Taifu. Shui Rong thought that Yu Tingjun had been Prime Minister for several years, and this position of Prime Minister, if you think about it, you can actually replace it with another person.