The little fox does not want to hide the cub

In the dead of night, Prince Su's mansion was silent, a little tit squatted on a branch, looking in through the window in front of the bedroom.

The gentle and steady man in the past was lying on the bed, his face was pale, his brows were furrowed, and he did not sleep peacefully.

——His situation has lasted for almost seven days.

The little tit sighed on the branch.

A sick child who can't even get out of bed doesn't know what to look at.

In order to stare at Jiang Chengzhou for the past few days, it only dared to leave in the middle of the night after the man fell asleep completely, and came back to stare at it before dawn. It continued like this for several days, and the hard-boiled bird couldn't stand it.

If I had known earlier, I would not have agreed to Li Ruan's request.

The little tit moved its numb paws, lowered its head and rummaged for a while in the small cloth bag hidden under the thick feathers, and dug out the last two grains of rice from the bottom.After eating the two grains of rice, it patted its hungry stomach lightly with the tip of its wings.

Still very hungry.

It's getting late now, so leaving a little earlier to eat, shouldn't be... no problem, right?

The little tit raised its head to estimate the time, then looked down at the man lying motionless on the bed, and the doorman, Mr. Shen, who was sitting by his chair and reading a book, who was by his side day and night.

Mung Bean's big eyes blinked, thinking for a moment.

These people will not know that it has been watching in the dark. If he left an hour or two earlier, nothing will happen.

Thinking so, the little tit happily flapped its wings and flew away.

Inside the room, Shen Wuwei put down his book and raised his head as if feeling something in his heart.

He got up and walked to the bed, and heard the person on the bed say: "Going?"

"Let's go." Shen Wuwei bent down to help the person on the bed up, and asked, "Why doesn't your lord let me get rid of the little bird directly, and work hard to cooperate with the acting. It's just a bird with enlightened consciousness Son, can you really miss our business?"

"Who knows if there will be any delays." Jiang Chengzhou sat up, his expression regained his clarity.

He tilted his head to look out the window, under the moonlight, his face was pale.

"Even if it's not a mistake, that bird is probably his acquaintance." Jiang Chengzhou said with a smile in his eyes, "He hates me for killing innocent people indiscriminately. If I really get rid of that bird, he will make trouble with me again. Temper."

"What's more, you've been looking forward to such a good show for so long, but you can't be forced to advance it because of a bird, it's not necessary."

Shen Wuwei laughed: "My lord is right."

He paused, and then said: "But your princess is too angry, you have not done anything, and you were almost forced to fall ill by him. If I hadn't arrived in time, our plan would have been destroyed. It's all ruined."

"...Are you really unwilling to let me lock him up for you?"

Jiang Chengzhou's eyes darkened.

Shen Wuwei didn't care.

He raised his hand and swiped in the void, a very thin and long golden chain appeared in the air.A little dark color can still be seen vaguely on the chain, as if it is blood that has dried up after many years.

"Forged by an eminent monk who has practiced for hundreds of years, the only demon-locking chain in the world is so useless. It's a pity." Shen Wuwei held the chain in his hand and touched it inch by inch, with a regretful tone. .

"Shen Wuwei." Jiang Chengzhou closed his eyes, and said in a deep voice, "I told you, I won't treat him like that again."

The smile in Shen Wuwei's eyes faded slightly.

He looked at the person sitting on the bed, his voice was very soft, but there was a cold contempt: "But if the prince really doesn't want to use this thing, why do you have to go to the tomb of the former royal family? Steal it for you?"

Jiang Chengzhou's hands hanging on the quilt tightened, and his expression showed a little chaotic madness: "I'm just... I'm just..."

"My lord has helped me a lot, and I will abide by your cooperation to the end." Shen Wuwei bent down and gently placed the chain in front of him, "Just think clearly, what exactly do you want? "

"Just to see him once, or...let him stay by your side from now on."

"Mortal, if you want to catch the demon forever, how can you not pay a price?"

The door opened and closed again, and soon Jiang Chengzhou was the only one left in the room.

He hadn't calmed down yet, panting rapidly, his eyes were extremely bright in the darkness.He stared at the golden chain in front of him, grabbed it suddenly, and threw it out with all his strength.

I don't know what hit it, there was a splintering sound in the darkness, and then it returned to calm.

Jiang Chengzhou fell back on the bed, and after a long time, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.

For the next half month, there was no change in Prince Su's Mansion.

It is heard that Prince Su's consciousness gradually recovered, but he still did not take half a step out of the palace because of physical discomfort.Those who stared at him openly and secretly, naturally got nothing.

Prince Su is silent, but Emperor Chongxuan's birthday is approaching.

This year is Emperor Chongxuan's 43rd birthday.This is not a birthday, but more than a month earlier, the Holy Majesty ordered the Ministry of Rites to prepare the Longevity Banquet.

Longevity feasts usually lasted more than one day. Seven days before the official birthday, Emperor Chongxuan gave the civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty a holiday, held a grand banquet in the palace, invited all officials to the banquet, and enjoyed singing and dancing.

The scale is grand and grand, not even inferior to the first emperor's birthday.

Emperor Chongxuan was not a person of extravagance, and his birthday in previous years was simply a banquet for all the officials, just a day of celebration.This year, however, the birthday banquet was held on such a scale, which made everyone feel that Emperor Chongxuan was really going to abdicate and was planning to pass the throne to the crown prince after the longevity banquet.

But this was just a private guess by everyone. For several days, Emperor Chongxuan didn't even show up.

Li Ruan followed Jiang Shen to the banquet for a few days, and felt a little tired after a few days, and gradually became less willing to go.

It was all about eating and drinking, he would rather be alone with Jiang Shen than go to a place with so many people and socialize with those people.

"But today is the time to go." Jiang Shen pulled the drowsy man out of the quilt, rubbed the back of his neck, "Today is the birthday, according to the usual practice, we have to go to the Qianqing Palace to salute the Holy One first."

Li Ruan was so sleepy that he couldn't open his eyes, and muttered: "...he can't get up so early."

Jiang Shen laughed.

I have to blame him for this, I forgot that today is my birthday and I have to get up early, I tossed people for too long last night, and I just fell asleep almost at dawn.

Jiang Shen turned his head to look at the sky outside.

It was actually late at this moment, and the sun had risen.But the little fox has been lethargic lately, and was tired after going to bed late last night, so of course he couldn't get up.

Jiang Shen thought for a while, then said: "Then you sleep for a while, I'll have someone come back to call you later, and take you there."

Li Ruan closed his eyes and nodded straight: "Mmmm..."

Jiang Shen smiled and kissed him, and got up to change his clothes.

Although their children and grandchildren had to go to pay respects to Emperor Chongxuan on the day of their birthday, Li Ruan had no status after all, so if he really wanted to go, the Ministry of Rites didn't know how to treat each other, and it was embarrassing.

Just don't go.

Jiang Shen changed into dark purple court clothes, and went to Qianqing Palace in the imperial chariot.

It's not time to salute, and it is true that Emperor Chongxuan has not gotten up yet, but there are already many people waiting outside the Qianqing Palace, all of whom are chatting.Jiang Shen got off the imperial chariot, and everyone saluted him one after another.

Today, there are five sons and three daughters in total, the fourth and fifth princes have already arrived, the eldest princess and the second princess have already left the palace to get married, and the third youngest princess is still living in the palace of her own mother and concubine. Qing palace.

Besides, there is one more person.

Jiang Shen walked over and stood still in front of a young man who was also wearing a court uniform: "The third child."

The third prince Jiang Yan has been under house arrest for more than half a year, and he has not seen him for half a year. He looks much thinner than before, with a trace of haggardness between his brows, but he is still very handsome.

He lowered his head and called softly: "Brother Huang."

According to the rules, Jiang Yan, who was confined at home, was not eligible to enter the palace.A few days before the Longevity Banquet, it was Jiang Shen who begged Emperor Chongxuan, hoping that the Holy Majesty would temporarily spare Jiang Yan from punishment and allow him to enter the palace to celebrate the Holy Majesty's birthday.

Everyone at the scene knew about the grievances between the third prince and the crown prince, and now seeing this scene, they retreated to both sides, not daring to approach.

Now they are standing under the palace wall outside Qianqing Palace, there is no one in front of them, Jiang Shen looked away, and made a gesture of chatting: "I haven't seen you for half a year, so you have nothing to say to me?"

Among the sons of Emperor Chongxuan, only Jiang Shen resembled him most in appearance.And Jiang Yan was born more like his mother and concubine.He had handsome features, and he was born with a somewhat gloomy temperament, which became more obvious because of his recent weight loss.

Jiang Yan still didn't meet Jiang Shen's eyes, and said in a low voice: "I heard that the emperor's brother has embraced a beautiful woman recently, congratulations to the emperor's married couple, and grow old together."

"Jiang Yan." Jiang Shen said coldly, "You know that's not what I want to hear."

Jiang Yan lowered his head and stroked his wide sleeves, his voice was very slow, and he said softly: "The emperor's edict has not yet been obtained, so I shouldn't let my father relieve my confinement at this time. After so long, the emperor is still so soft-hearted."

Jiang Shen sneered: "Why, what do you mean, you also have plans today?"

"That's not true." Jiang Yan said in a low voice, "I have already lost to the emperor last time, and if I continue to fight, it will be treason. I don't have the guts or the strength. I am not the only one who is different."

He glanced around and sighed: "Those who were present and those who were not, how many people are sincere and sincere, and really hope that Brother Huang will get that edict?"

Mostly very few.

Perhaps only the fourth prince, Jiang Heng, was sincere. After all, he had long since wanted to get involved in these troublesome matters in the capital. A few months ago, he had proposed to Emperor Chongxuan that he wanted to go to the fiefdom.But Emperor Chongxuan ignored him all the time.

If Jiang Shen won the throne, it would be a relief for him.

As for the others, are there still few people who want to do something these days?

But Jiang Shen just smiled, and asked again: "What do you want to remind me?"

Jiang Yan was slightly taken aback.

"Jiang Yan, I know you too well." The smile in Jiang Shen's eyes faded, and he looked at him coldly, "You have been by my side since birth, what are you thinking, do you think you can hide it from me?"

"The only thing I can't understand is why you did it to me. Of course, it doesn't matter now."

"Since I asked my father to release you today, I am prepared. If you really want to do something, you can give it a try."

"As for others..." Jiang Shen paused, then smiled again, "I don't need your reminder, I just want to see how they will do it."

Jiang Yan's eyes moved slightly, but he didn't answer.

"However, if you really know something..." Jiang Shen lowered his voice and said softly, "Say it now, I can plead with Emperor Father, return the deprived throne to you, and set you free."

At the beginning, Jiang Shen found the forged secret seal from the third prince's mansion, and the evidence was conclusive.

But the thing is actually still odd.

Jiang Shen was tricked back to the capital by a fake confidential letter, which clearly happened in October last year.Why after several months, instead of destroying the secret seal, Jiang Yan placed it in the study openly, as if waiting for Jiang Shen to search it.

Jiang Yan has always acted rigorously, and Jiang Shen did not believe that he would make such a mistake.

There was no aggressive investigation before, it was just because Jiang Shen wanted to wait and see what the other party had to do, and he didn't want to startle the enemy.Unexpectedly, Jiang Yan really stayed in the mansion in a regular manner, staying for more than half a year.

Since he was under house arrest, the power of the third prince's lineage has quickly collapsed. Is he really letting it go?

Jiang Shendao: "Back then, were you covering up for someone, or were you being tricked by someone. Behind you...is there really no one else conspiring?"

Jiang Yan kept his head down, so that Jiang Shen couldn't see his expression clearly.But he was silent for a long time, and after a long time, he said softly: "Brother Huang needs evidence. However, if Brother Huang just wants to use me to eradicate dissidents, I am in the current situation... I can't say anything."

The tone was a bit aggrieved.

Jiang Shen laughed lightly in his heart.

Whether there are other people behind Jiang Yan, he really can't confirm for the time being.But recently, especially after confirming that Prince Su had stirred up the situation behind the scenes, he had a faint premonition in his heart.

These things may not be as simple as they appear on the surface.

Prince Su... so weird.

Since returning to Beijing, he has done almost nothing, not even attending the longevity banquet a few days ago.As if it was true as he said, he came back only to celebrate the birthday of the Holy Spirit, but unfortunately, his old illness relapsed and he was unable to attend the banquet.

But even if he had no intention of fighting for the throne, wouldn't he still be looking for Lin Jianxue?Why didn't you see him go looking for someone?

What is he waiting for?

Moreover, it is also very strange just to find someone back.

Jiang Chengzhou now has the memory of his previous life, he should know that Lin Jianxue has been hiding in Changming Mountain.But he didn't return sooner or later, so he chose to return to Beijing at this time, risking being suspected by Emperor Chongxuan.

Even if he did find someone, it's still up to him whether he can leave the capital smoothly.

Today is Emperor Chongxuan's birthday, and it is also the last day of the Longevity Banquet. If Jiang Shen's guess is correct, Emperor Chongxuan should choose to give the imperial edict to him at the banquet tonight.

With less than half a day left, is Prince Su still doing nothing?

Jiang Shen didn't believe it.

But he didn't press on any further.Jiang Shen had guesses in his mind, but as he said just now, it doesn't matter why Jiang Yan did something to him today.

As for the others, after today is over, there is still a chance to check slowly.

Not long after, the gate of Qianqing Palace opened slowly.

Emperor Chongxuan got up.

Today's most important thing is to congratulate Emperor Chongxuan on his birthday. The princes and princesses entered the Palace of Qianqing according to the etiquette, and greeted Emperor Chongxuan one by one.

Emperor Chongxuan got up early today and seemed to be in a good mood.Especially those who have married and had children, and brought their young grandson and grandson with them.A few little dolls carved in powder and jade, surrounded Emperor Chongxuan with a mouthful of the emperor's grandfather, coaxing Emperor Chongxuan to smile and reward him with countless good things.

It's fun here, Jiang Shen is waiting quietly, Emperor Chongxuan glanced at him: "Where is my daughter-in-law and the emperor's grandson?"

Jiang Shen: "..."

Of course he didn't dare to say that his little fox didn't wake up in the morning and was still asleep right now.

Jiang Shendao: "Father has not yet allowed his son and minister to establish a concubine, so rashly bringing him here is not in line with etiquette."

It turned out that the pot was thrown back to Emperor Chongxuan.

Emperor Chongxuan sighed: "Who made him wait so long to give birth, I am also waiting to hold my grandson."

Emperor Chongxuan enjoyed a lot of family happiness in Qianqing Palace, and then took everyone to the banquet scene.

Jiang Shen's timing was extremely accurate, on the side of the East Palace, Li Ruan was awakened by the palace staff not long ago, dressed and left the East Palace.

When he arrived at the banquet scene, he was even a little earlier than Jiang Shen.

The Longevity Banquet was held in the Tai Chi Hall, Li Ruan had just been led in, but his footsteps stopped suddenly.

"My lord, what's wrong?" Yu Xiu asked.

These days, Jiang Shen almost protects Li Ruan as if he is weak. As long as the two of them are not together, he will definitely keep Yu Xiu by Li Ruan's side, as if he is afraid that he will encounter sudden danger.

As a result, Yu Xiu, the commander of the bodyguards, almost became Li Ruan's personal bodyguard now.

"It's okay..." Li Ruan shook his head, but unconsciously glanced around.

In this Taiji Hall...how could there be traces of casting spells?

Before Li Ruan could investigate clearly, the eunuch's announcement suddenly sounded outside the hall, saying that Emperor Chongxuan and the princes and princesses had arrived.

Taiji Hall has always been the place where the imperial court held large banquets.This longevity banquet lasted for seven days. During the seven days, singing and dancing continued day and night.

Today is Emperor Chongxuan's birthday, civil and military officials and envoys from various countries have all arrived, and upon hearing the announcement, they all stood up and saluted.

Li Ruan also wanted to kneel down.

The curvature of his abdomen is already obvious, but it is still a little smaller than that of a woman who is more than six months pregnant.Covered by the generous dress specially prepared for the banquet, it is almost impossible to see that she is pregnant.

But these days, the little cub in his womb has become extremely lively, the frequency of fetal movement is much higher than before, and sometimes it even makes Li Ruan feel a little uncomfortable.

Just as he was about to kneel down, there was another unexpected tremor in his stomach, Li Ruan frowned uncomfortably, and his body shook unconsciously.

Then he was supported by someone.

Jiang Shen didn't know when he walked up to him quickly, and asked worriedly, "You don't feel well?"

"It's okay." Li Ruan became happy when he saw him, and whispered, "Your little bastard is messing with me."

When entering the hall, Emperor Chongxuan was at the forefront, followed by Jiang Shen.In order to help Li Ruan, Jiang Shen took two quick steps and got in front of Emperor Chongxuan.

This was actually a bit impolite, Emperor Chongxuan walked over slowly with the support of Eunuch Chang, he didn't look annoyed that Jiang Shen had lost his manners.

Li Ruan wanted to salute him again, Emperor Chongxuan said: "Let's all get down, today is a family feast, everyone should be at ease."

After finishing speaking, he glanced at the two people standing aside with a smile, and let Eunuch Chang help him to the main seat in front.

Li Ruan: "..."

I don't know if it's an illusion, but he always feels that Emperor Chongxuan's attitude towards him has changed a lot recently.

The seats in the Tai Chi Hall are ranked by rank, with members of the royal family and envoys from various countries in the middle, and then the civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty.

Among them, the prince's seat is the closest to the Holy Majesty.

Jiang Shen led Li Ruan to his seat, and immediately some palace servants came up to fill the wine glasses in front of them. Jiang Shen stood up and toasted: "I wish my father happiness and health, and a long life!"

Everyone also toasted: "May Your Majesty live forever!"

Emperor Chongxuan drank the wine in his glass, smiled and let them sit down.

Jiang Shen put down his wine glass, and asked the people around him in a low voice: "What were you in a daze just now?"

He hadn't stepped into the Taiji Hall just now, and saw this person staying at the entrance of the main hall from a distance, not knowing what he was thinking.

Only then did Li Ruan recall the strangeness he had just sensed.He released a little spiritual power to investigate again, and he really noticed the same magic trace.And it's not like in the Chunjiang Tower before, where there were only a few traces left in a flash, here it should be...someone cast some kind of spell.

Li Ruan wanted to investigate carefully, but suddenly there was another restless kick in his stomach.

He let out a "huh" uncomfortably, and subconsciously supported his stomach.

Jiang Shen quickly hugged him, raised his hand to cover him: "The child moved again? Why is he moving so frequently these days, and he won't listen to him."

"Is the fetus moving?" A woman sitting next to Jiang Shen heard this and said with a smile, "Brother Huang didn't even know this, the fetus is moving frequently, it means giving birth."

This is the eldest princess of Emperor Chongxuan.

Before the eldest princess married into the palace, she liked Jiang Shen the most, and went to play in his east palace in different ways all day long.But now it's a bit more prudent to be married as a woman.

It is not a secret among most royal family members that Li Ruan is pregnant, and the same is true of Princess Yu.But she did not show curiosity towards Li Ruan like the others, but comforted her in a low voice: "Don't be afraid, when my Xuan'er was about to be born, she was still moving in her belly, it was so uncomfortable, that is a child I'm in a hurry to figure it out."

She was holding a three or four-year-old boy in her arms, her hair was combed in a bun, and her voice was soft but not weak.

Li Ruan could see that she was genuinely concerned, and nodded to her: "Thank you."

He can actually feel some of what the eldest princess said.

Probably due to the frequent double cultivation with Jiang Shen recently, the little cub in his belly absorbed the spiritual power, and Li Ruan obviously felt that it was almost formed, as if it was about to be born.

However, although Li Ruan wanted this little boy to come out earlier, in the eyes of others, he was just six months pregnant.If it was born now, I really don't know how to explain it.

So in the past few days, he has been deliberately controlling it, so as not to let this little boy absorb too much spiritual power.

It's just that in order to detect the strangeness of this hall just now, he had to release some spiritual power to attract the little fox cub to eat desperately in his stomach.

Very gluttonous.

Li Ruan turned his head and looked at Jiang Shen, both of them had the same helplessness in their eyes.

"Don't hurt your father any more." Jiang Shen scolded in a low voice fiercely.

But with such an interruption, Li Ruan didn't want to continue to investigate the spells in the hall.No matter what the spell was, he could feel that the spell had no malice towards them, and...it was clearly A Xue's breath.

Ashue would never do anything to hurt them.

Li Ruan felt relieved and didn't think about it any more.

The Longevity Banquet lasted for several days, and today should be the busiest day.It was rare for Emperor Chongxuan to be present, all the officials took turns to report on their duties, envoys from all over the world presented songs and dances, and even several foreign countries that had previously had conflicts with this dynasty on the border offered big gifts one after another, taking this opportunity to restore diplomatic relations.

The scene was very lively for a while, but Li Ruan lost interest in hearing it.

He doesn't care much about these major national affairs, and he can't understand them very well. He just hugs his belly and plays with the little boy in his belly.

This little brat has been so greedy by him recently, he just scratches it in his stomach if he gives him some spiritual power, not to mention how interesting it is to tease him.After being trained by Jiang Shen just now, it didn't dare to scratch it too hard, it was as strong as a kitten.

Li Ruan used his spiritual power to catch the little boy, and when he had fun, he lowered his head and secretly laughed, making Jiang Shen almost unable to hold back his serious expression.

Even fathers are so naughty, no wonder that little boy looks like he's about to turn upside down before he's even born.

Then I was very worried about my future.

When the little one is born, he will have two children.

Ugh.