allendalepharm Chapter 1661 Queen Song: This is really the best situation!
Chapter 1661 Queen Song: This is really the best situation!
Chapter 1661 Queen Song: This is really the best situation!
Shenjing, Song Residence
After the Song brothers saw off the eunuch who had delivered the imperial edict to the palace, Song Jing and Song Xuan sat down again and talked about the situation in the court.
Song Xuan said: "Brother, Ziyu is indeed as you and I thought before."
Anyone with a discerning eye can see that the current cabinet is just Jia Heng’s mouthpiece, and the so-called decree is just Jia Heng’s will.
This undoubtedly shows Jia Heng's attitude.
Song Jing twisted his beard with his hand and said, "Now that Luo'er has taken the throne, the government and the people are in a state of uncertainty. As foreign relatives, we should unite and overcome the difficulties together."
Song Xuan nodded and said, "After all, you, me and Zi Yu are a family."
Song Jing shook his head, looking thoughtful, and said, "It's not that simple. Ziyu's move is also to calm the suspicion of the civil officials. Although Ziyu has taken control of the government, civil officials like Li Xu may not be convinced."
Song Xuan frowned, then relaxed his brows and suddenly asked, "Yan'er has been married for a few years, why is there no movement in her belly?"
Song Jing shook his head and said, "I don't know the reason either. Ziyu originally had difficulty in having children. Maybe it would be possible if we wait a little longer. Wasn't that the case when Xianning got married?"
After Princess Xianning married Jia Heng, she also had no children for several years.
Song Xuan's face became stern and he said, "Let's not talk about this for now."
It is indeed inappropriate for two grown men to discuss the sex life of their nephew's husband.
Song Jing picked up the teacup, took a sip, and asked, "Fourth brother is now the prefect of Jingzhao. How do you plan to govern Jingzhao?"
Song Xuan looked thoughtful and said, "I will start with the security of the capital. Since the 20th year of Chongping, the villains in the capital have repeatedly committed evil and disturbed the country. After I succeeded Jingzhao Prefecture, I will severely punish the treacherous villains."
Song Jing said: "The capital has indeed been in chaos in the past two years, and public security needs to be regulated."
Song Xuan whispered, "Brother went to the Ministry of Internal Affairs to serve as a doctor in the Kuaiji Division. Now he has been entrusted with an important position."
Song Jing's face was not very cheerful, and he said: "The Ministry of Internal Affairs is Jia Ziyu's private land. In fact, I think it would be better to send him to a local official to benefit the people and show his talents."
Upon hearing this, Song Xuan said with emotion: "As a people-friendly official in the local area, I know the sufferings of the people and can do some practical things for them."
Song Jing nodded and said, "That's exactly what I meant."
As the two Song brothers chatted, the depression in their hearts caused by the dethronement of the kings of Wei and Liang and the marginalization of the Song family's in-laws was almost swept away.
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Time flies like an arrow, and in the blink of an eye, it is already the middle of winter in the first year of the Jianxing period of the Han Dynasty.
As time went by, the case of Xu and Li's rebellion gradually came to an end. This rebellion involved many officials in the capital, and many officials from the six ministries and various departments were imprisoned.
The sky was gloomy and heavy snow was falling over Guanzhong. The sky and earth were covered in silver and everything was white.
Shenjing City, Fu's House
The mansions with carved beams and painted rafters stood quietly, and on the spacious street, a horse-drawn carriage with a high shaft could be seen passing by quietly, leaving a deep rut on the snow.
A servant approached the carriage, lifted the hanging curtain, and then helped Fu Shi down. After that, it was Fu Shi’s wife.
"Master." At this moment, a servant walked quickly to the front and said in a low voice.
"Is the young lady back?" Fu Shi asked.
"I heard that the master is returning to Beijing today, so the young lady came here early in the morning." The servant said with a smile.
Fu Pi nodded, with a solemn and dignified look on his face, and said, "Go into the mansion first."
At this moment, in the flower hall of Fu's house, Fu Qiufang was warming herself by the fire, with the blue and white porcelain teacup next to her bubbling with steam.
Fu Qiufang heard footsteps outside, stood up, looked outside, and said, "Brother, you are back?"
Fu Shi smiled and said, "Qiufang, long time no see."
At this moment, looking at his sister, Fu Shi's heart was filled with all kinds of emotions.
It’s been several years and you’re still not married?
Fu Qiufang also showed a look of emotion on his face, and said, "Brother, we haven't seen each other for three or four years."
As Fu Shi spoke, he looked relaxed. He came to sit on a pearwood chair and asked, "Qiufang, you have been in the Princess's residence for several years. I wonder if you are doing well?"
Fu Qiufang said: "The princess takes good care of me, there is nothing else."
Fu Pi nodded and asked, "That's good. Then you and the prince..."
Fu Qiufang was filled with shame and anger at this moment, and she quickly interrupted Fu Shi and said, "What are you talking about, brother?"
Fu Shizhi's wife smiled brightly, nodded, and said, "Qiufang, I'm not saying anything bad about you, but you're not a child anymore, and it's time for you to get married. You're in the Princess's mansion, so doesn't the Prince of Wei have any interest in you?"
Fu Qiufang's fair face was flushed with red, bright and beautiful, and she said, "Brother, has the King of Wei ever been interested in me?"
Given the reputation of Prince Wei for being a lecher and amorous, she had never seen him come to see her at the Princess's residence.
Upon hearing this, Fu Shi asked anxiously, "What should we do?"
Fu Qiufang quickly changed the subject and asked, "Why are you coming back to Beijing this time, brother?"
Fu Shi said, "This time it's a letter from the Ministry of Personnel, intending to transfer me to serve as the governor of Henan."
Meng Jinwen, the former prefect of Henan Province and deputy governor of Henan Province, has been promoted to governor of Henan Province, and the position of prefect of Henan Province has naturally become vacant.
Fu Shizhi's wife smiled and said, "The master is the Prince of Wei's man. Now the Prince of Wei is in charge of government affairs. There is no mention of the master seeking an official position in the capital."
Fu Shi's expression suddenly changed, and he interrupted him with a stern voice, "Don't talk nonsense! The prince asked me to stay in the local area, and I will definitely appoint someone else in the future."
Upon hearing this, Fu Shi’s wife shut her mouth in anger.
As Fu Shiguaner became more powerful, his wife became more and more in awe of him.
Fu Pi nodded, looked at Fu Qiufang, and asked, "Qiufang, is the prince doing well recently?"
Fu Qiufang said: "Brother, the prince is doing well."
Fu Shi showed a thoughtful look on his face and said, "I will also go to visit him later to listen to the prince's instructions on Henan affairs."
Fu Qiufang said, "Brother, since you have been pacifying the people in Xinyang Prefecture, Henan, your performance evaluations cannot be said to be top-notch, but it is also among the best. Now that you have been transferred to Henan Prefecture as the prefect, it should be a natural progression."
Fu Shi said: "In the past two years, I have just followed the rules of Xiao and Cao. I was also fortunate enough to listen to the teachings of King Wei."
Fu Qiufang frowned and said, "Brother, the King of Wei is not here. It won't be too late for you to say these words of loyalty when the King of Wei is here."
When Fu Shi heard this, an unnatural look appeared on his face.
Fu Shizhi's wife forced a fake smile on her fair face and said, "Qiufang, how can you say that? The King of Wei is our Fu family's great benefactor."
Fu Qiufang said in a clear voice, "Prince Wei has always been dignified and upright, and he wants to see my brother serve as an official and benefit the people."
Fu Pi nodded and said, "Qiu Fang is right. What the King of Wei needs are capable officials."
Fu Qiufang asked casually, "Brother, how is Henan's governance in recent years?"
Fu Shi put down the teacup in his hand and said, "Since the reign of Zhongjing Hou Shi Ding, Henan has strictly implemented the new policies of the imperial court to protect the territory and the people. Now, Henan is prosperous day by day."
Fu Qiufang asked, "What is the current Henan Governor Peng Ye like?"
Fu Shi was silent for a while, then said, "Although this person is from the Qi Party, he has been working diligently and conscientiously since he took over the seal of the Henan Frontier Minister."
Although Peng Ye had repeatedly opposed Jia Heng in the past, after he was promoted to the Governor of Henan, he knew that Prince Wei was powerful and did not dare to let him get hold of him.
Fu Qiufang nodded and said, "Now that Prince Wei is in full control of the government, Peng Ye's official hat can be taken away at any time."
Fu Shi said, "I was just about to ask you this. I am in the local area and don't know much about the central government's affairs. The new emperor was deposed and enthroned twice, and many court officials were imprisoned. What exactly is going on?"
Fu Qiufang shook his head and said, "I am also confused, but no matter how many times the king is deposed and enthroned, the prince of Wei is undoubtedly the beneficiary."
How could he not be a beneficiary? From then on, he monopolized power and became an unrestrained hidden emperor.
He supported Guangzong's son for the first time and perfectly played the role of Chen Han's loyal minister.
The second time, he supported the young ruler and became the regent king.
Fu Shi couldn't hide his joy and said, "Yes, never mind that. Now that the King of Wei is in power, it's time for us to work hard and make achievements. Perhaps we can become a high-ranking official or even a minister in this lifetime."
Fu Qiufang glanced at Fu Shi and thought to himself, it's hard to say about the Nine Ministers, but it might be possible to be the Vice Minister of the Six Ministries.
On the other side, Fu Shi’s wife couldn’t close her smile when she heard what Fu Shi said.
Then, the Fu brothers and sisters began to eat.
In other words, since Jia Heng took over as regent, his success has brought prosperity to the whole family.
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……
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Daming Palace, Hanyuan Hall
Today is the New Year's Day after the new emperor ascended the throne, the day when he summoned all the ministers to discuss state affairs in a grand court meeting.
Sitting on the golden throne glittering with carvings of dragons and paintings of phoenixes, Chen Luo was wearing a light yellow woven dragon robe, his fair face full of curiosity.
Beside the west screen, behind the hanging pearl curtain, Queen Song wore a golden crown with phoenix wings on her head. Her exquisitely embroidered palace dress looked gorgeous and bright in the sunlight, and her fragrant and fair face was reflected by the glittering golden hairpins.
At this moment, Jia Heng changed into a black and red satin dragon robe, holding a flawless ivory jade scepter, and stood in the first row of court officials with a resolute face.
Queen Song's gentle and pleasant voice sounded: "Gentlemen, please stand up."
"Your Highness, thank you."
All the ministers in the hall responded in unison, but they couldn't help feeling a little strange.
Within just one year, there were two empress dowagers who ruled the country from behind the scenes.
Queen Song's clear voice sounded again, saying: "The new monarch has just ascended the throne, the ruler is young and the country is in doubt, and there are many things to be done. I still need the advice of the ministers and the King of Wei to assist us and create a peaceful and prosperous era together."
As she spoke, the beauty cast her gaze across the descending pearl curtain towards the young man in the python robe standing in the front row. An irrepressible joy welled up in her beautiful eyes.
This is really the best situation!
Her son succeeded to the throne, and she was the queen mother who ruled the country from behind the scenes, while the little fox was the regent.
Queen Song couldn't contain her joy after all, and called out, "Prince Wei."
Jia Heng's face was solemn, and he clasped his fists and said, "I am your humble servant."
Queen Song said, "Your Majesty is already close to adulthood, and still needs a master who understands the art of war and civil strategy to teach you. Since Prince Wei is the Grand Master, he should teach your Majesty more often."
Jia Heng cupped his hands and said, "Literature is not my forte. I recommend the cabinet minister Lin Ruhai, who is well versed in the Five Classics and can be your majesty's teacher."
Lin Ruhai was in the cabinet ministers' group. Upon hearing this, he looked at Jia Heng in the distance. He was confused for a moment, but then he regained his composure.
Queen Song's narrow, clear eyes looked at Lin Ruhai like dew under her brows and said, "Then let Grand Secretary Lin take on the title of Grand Tutor and teach your majesty the knowledge of classics."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Lin Ruhai put on a straight face, held an ivory jade scepter in his hand, walked out of the court quickly, bowed to Queen Song and said.
Afterwards, matters concerning autumn grain were discussed in the palace. It was not until almost noon that Queen Song announced the dismissal of the court.
While Jia Heng was speaking, he left Hanyuan Hall and headed towards the back hall.
Palace Garden, Kunning Palace
Queen Song, surrounded by female officials and maids, supported Chen Luo and sat him down on a bed near the carved window.
Queen Song's beautiful eyes were as bright as water under her emerald eyebrows. She whispered, "Luo'er, you should study hard recently."
"Yes, mother." Chen Luo said crisply.
At this moment, the female official hurried into the palace and said, "Your Majesty, the Prince of Wei is outside the palace asking to see you."
When Queen Song heard this, her snow-white face flushed and she said, "Announce."
After a while, Jia Heng was seen wearing a black and red satin dragon robe. He had a heroic and upright figure. Under the sunlight of early winter, his resolute and calm face seemed to be covered with a thin layer of sunlight.
Jia Heng said: "Your Majesty, may you live a thousand years and a thousand thousand years."
Queen Song asked, "Come here?"
Jia Heng nodded and said, "Come and see you and Luo'er."
"Brother-in-law." Chen Luo put down the brush in his hand. His eyes and brows, which resembled Jia Heng, were full of heroic spirit, and his voice was clear and loud.
Under Queen Song's long, narrow, clear and beautiful eyes, her eyebrows were as dark as spring mountains, and she said, "In the court today, this palace and Luo'er behaved quite decently, right?"
She didn't know yet how many years this bastard would let Luo'er be emperor in the future.
Jia Heng raised his sword-like eyebrows, looked at Queen Song with a twinkling gaze, and whispered, "It's quite decent today."
Queen Song's eyebrows were curved like crescent moons. She looked at the young man in the python robe and asked, "After the new era next year, will the court still run like this?"
Jia Heng said: "Next spring, when the new dynasty comes and the new atmosphere comes, I will introduce new policies to make the Chongping New Policy a continuation of the past."
Queen Song frowned her beautiful eyebrows and said worriedly, "People say that one cannot change his father's ways in three years. I think it is better to stay still."
The court had been politically unstable before, but now that it had finally stabilized, she felt that it was really not appropriate to start a war.
Jia Heng said: "It's not a big move, but it's just that we should implement new policies as usual."
Queen Song nodded and said, "Just be sensible."
As he spoke, he looked at the female official standing beside him and said, "Come here, serve lunch."
The female official responded and turned to leave.
Jia Heng said: "Song Jing and Song Xuan have now entered the court as officials."
Queen Song's eyebrows were as black as ink, and her beautiful eyes were filled with joy. She said, "Today I saw my fourth brother."
Jia Heng nodded and said, "If he gains more experience in a place as complicated as the capital for a few years, he won't be so flustered when he is sent to a frontier official in the future."
Because Chen Luo was right there, he, as the "brother-in-law", couldn't hug his mother-in-law and get intimate with her.
Empress Song showed a thoughtful look on her face and said, "Fourth brother has a good character. If he can be honed more, he can become a famous minister in the future and his name will go down in history."
Jia Heng nodded and said, "In a few days, prepare a family banquet in the palace and call Xianning, Yan'er and Chanyue over. We will gather in the palace."
Under Queen Song's emerald eyebrows, her narrow, charming eyes were filled with a charming expression. She whispered, "That's good too."
Then, a tall female official walked into the hall gracefully and said, "Madam, the food is ready."
Queen Song responded, looked at Jia Heng beside her, and said, "Let's eat."
While Jia Heng was speaking, he sat down with Queen Song, picked up a pair of chopsticks, and began to eat.
By the afternoon, Jia Heng left the palace and walked quickly towards Princess Jinyang's mansion.
……
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Jinyang Princess Palace
Princess Jinyang was playing chess with Yuanchun at the moment, and not far away, Lianxue was serving tea.
Princess Jinyang put down a chess piece and asked, "What did your family say when you returned home the day before yesterday?"
Yuanchun pursed her pink lips and said, "No one at home said anything."
Princess Jinyang's gentle and graceful eyes seemed to be filled with smiles, and she asked with interest, "Did your mother say anything?"
Yuanchun shook her head and said, "Nothing much happened. Brother Heng talked to mother for a while, and nothing happened afterwards."
Princess Jinyang smiled and said, "So that's how it is."
I'm afraid he has promised something again.
At this moment, a female official quickly entered the hall and reported: "Your Highness, Prince Wei is here."
Princess Jinyang was shocked when she heard this and said, "He is coming."
After a while, the young man in the python robe was seen walking from the outer room, around a screen embroidered with beautiful mountains and rivers, and entered the hall.
Princess Jinyang looked at Jia Heng and said, "He's back from court."
Jia Heng nodded and said, "I'm back."
Then, looking at Yuanchun and Lianxue beside him, he asked with a smile, "Why haven't you seen Jie'er?"
Princess Jinyang glared at Jia Heng with her beautiful eyes under her slender eyebrows and said, "It's no wonder that I said you don't pay attention to Jie'er. Jie'er went to school to study and practice calligraphy not long ago."
Jia Heng nodded, sat down, picked up the teacup, and took a sip.
Princess Jinyang looked at the young man in the python robe with warm eyes and said, "Qiufang's brother has returned to the capital, and she went to look for her brother."
"Fu Shi?" Jia Heng's eyes flickered, and he said, "Fu Shi has served in Xinyang Prefecture for two terms. It's time for him to be transferred."
Princess Jinyang's beautiful eyes, beneath her slender and curved eyebrows, were as bright as water. She said, "Qiufang has been in the mansion for several years. If you are interested, you shouldn't keep her here any longer."
Yuanchun responded softly and listened to the couple's conversation from the side, thinking to herself that Brother Heng must be taking in another girl in the back house.
After hearing this, Jia Heng said, "I didn't drag her down. After all, it depends on her thoughts."
Princess Jinyang whispered, "She is a woman after all."
Jia Heng put down the blue and white porcelain teacup and remained silent for a while.
I remember that when he was in Chongping for fourteen years, Fu Qiufang was almost twenty years old. Seven or eight years have passed, and Fu Qiufang is almost thirty years old. She is truly an old leftover woman.
Princess Jinyang looked at Jia Heng with her beautiful eyes and said, "Okay, let's not talk about this for now. What did the court discuss today?"
Jia Heng shook his head and said, "I didn't discuss anything. I just found a teacher for Luo'er. There's nothing else to discuss."
Princess Jinyang's fair and beautiful face seemed to be thinking about something. She said, "Finding a teacher for the emperor is a big deal. We need to choose carefully."
Jia Heng said, "I have asked Uncle Lin to teach Luo'er."
Princess Jinyang said: "Lin Ruhai is a man of high moral character and knowledge. It is appropriate for him to teach Luo'er."
Jia Heng nodded, picked up the teacup, and took a sip, but in his heart he was thinking about the court situation and the Qiande New Deal after the beginning of next spring.