The Red Mansions

Chapter 1587: Prince Wei, I really misjudged him at the beginning!

Chapter 1587: Prince Wei, I really misjudged him at the beginning!

Lee's House, Residence

Li Zan finished his court session and returned to his mansion in a carriage. He walked into the study with a dejected look on his face, as if all his energy had been drained out. He slumped in a pearwood chair, his old face filled with a look of dejection.

How could King Wei do such a shocking thing?

To execute a cabinet minister without any discussion in the court was unprecedented since the founding of the country!

In fact, this breaks the rules.

At this moment, Li Zan's heart was also rapidly wavering, because Jia Heng's behavior, no matter how you looked at it, revealed the flavor of a traitor!

This undoubtedly rubbed the face of the Han Dynasty court hard on the ground. It can be said that at that moment, something sacred was shattered in the hearts of Li Zan and other Han officials.

In other words, since the assassination of Emperor Chongping, the central court of the Han Dynasty has entered a chaotic and dark mode, with one storm after another.

The prestige of the Chen Han royal family continued to decline.

Emperor Guangzong was assassinated not long after he ascended the throne. Then, Lu Jiang, one of the cabinet ministers, led the Imperial College to force Prince Wei to resign and retire, causing a political turmoil.

The two were exiled to Yunnan one after another, and some students of the Imperial College were still in the imperial prison.

After that, Wei Wang Chen Ran and Liang Wang Chen Wei, who were demoted to commoners and placed under house arrest in Beijing, were abducted to Bashu. Gao Zhongping conspired to start a rebellion but was beheaded on the way to escape.

All these things, one after another, are like a revolving lantern, dazzling the eyes.

"Prince Wei, what exactly are you going to do?" Li Zan sighed in his heart, a dazed look appeared on his face, and he vaguely grasped some clues.

Eliminate dissidents, intimidate ministers, and hold all the power!

He was entrusted by Emperor Xianzong to support the country, but unfortunately Emperor Guangzong died early and a young ruler ascended the throne.

Could it be that the Han dynasty, which has lasted for a hundred years, will now be usurped by a different clan?

Then Li Zan would also become a sinner of the Han Dynasty. How could he go to the underworld to meet Emperor Xianzong?

Li Zan sat silently on a lacquered wooden chair, his thin, old face full of dazed and absent-minded expression.

At this moment, the Prime Minister felt a chill that went straight to his bones.

In other words, Jia Heng's previous "decisive and ruthless" behavior made the cabinet chief feel uneasy and sense that something was wrong.

If Prince Wei dares to go one step further, all the civil officials in the world will surely rise up to attack him. He...even if he has to die, he must stop Prince Wei's evil ambition!

Li Zan thought so in his heart, and a look of determination appeared in his eyes under his stern eyebrows.

Prince Wei must not steal the prosperous era established by Emperor Xianzong!

In fact, the Chen Han Dynasty had been established for a hundred years, and Emperor Chongping pacified the Eastern Tartars and implemented new policies, which pushed the Han court into a prosperous era. It was the heyday of the Han Dynasty.

In such a unified dynasty, it is not easy to usurp the throne.

At this moment, an old servant in brown clothes entered the hall and said loudly, "Master, Mr. Xu from the Censorate has handed in his business card and wants to visit you."

When Li Zan heard this, he was slightly surprised and thought to himself, Xu Lu and Xu Deqing, what is he doing here?

At today's court meeting, Xu Deqing was not in Wenhua Hall. Could it be that he heard the news?

Yes, today’s incident caused such a big disturbance.

Xu Lu had indeed heard the rumor that Gao Zhongping's sons Gao Bo and Gao Yong colluded with Chen Yuan, the remnant of King Zhao, and helped the two rebel vassals Chen Ran and Chen Wei to escape from Shenjing and go to Shu to cause chaos. Gao Zhongping wanted to escape from Shenjing, but was hunted down and killed by the Ti cavalry led by King Wei.

Such a big thing is fermenting rapidly inside and outside the capital as time goes by.

In the flower hall——

Xu Lu was dressed in his official robes and casual clothes, sitting on a pearwood chair, his face was as gloomy as iron, and there was a hint of coldness in his eyes.

King Wei, I really misjudged him at the beginning!

Even if Gao Zhongping really did something wrong, he should be handed over to the three judicial officials for judgment. How could they kill him without authorization?

How could the Second Prime Minister of the Han Cabinet be like this?

At this moment, a servant entered the room and said, "Mr. Xu, my master is here."

A hint of surprise appeared on Li Zan's calm face, and he whispered, "Deqing."

Xu Lu looked at Li Zan intently, with an inexplicable feeling in his eyes, and said in a gentle voice: "Lord Li."

For some reason, at this moment, both of them felt a sense of mutual respect for the country's loyal ministers.

Li Zan sat down on a pearwood chair, his calm and resolute face showing an inexplicable meaning, and said: "Master Xu, I came to visit you in a hurry this time."

Xu Lu said in a deep voice: "I heard about what happened in Wenhua Palace today. Prince Wei returned with the head of Gao Gelao."

Li Zan said: "The cabinet has already followed the Queen Mother's order and removed Gao Zhongping from his position and title."

Xu Lu frowned, looked at him fiercely, and asked, "What crime has Lord Gao committed?"

Li Zan was silent for a moment, then said, "Gao Zhongping must have colluded with Chen Yuan, the remnant of the King of Zhao. Gao Bo and Gao Yong were also released by him. The Jinyi Mansion's words are true."

This gives people a handle on him, which provides him with a pretext for colluding with a notorious person like Chen Yuan.

Xu Lu said: "Gao Gelao is an important minister entrusted by Emperor Xianzong to take care of his son. He has been the guardian of the emperor's will for two generations. If you say that he is rebelling, I don't believe it at all."

Li Zan said, "Yes, there must be something hidden."

Xu Lu was silent for a moment, then whispered, "What do you think is the hidden story, Lord?"

Li Zan said softly: "Chen Yuan, the remnant of the Zhao King, persuaded Gao Gelao, or Gao Gelao discovered something."

It's just those palace secrets.

Xu Lu nodded and said, "It is rumored that the current young master is not the son of Emperor Guangzong, but the Prince of Wei..."

When Li Zan heard this, his calm and resolute face suddenly changed a little, and he whispered: "Deqing, be careful with your words, the walls have ears."

As he spoke, his eyes sparkled and he whispered, "Let's go to the study and talk."

Xu Lu nodded, without saying anything else, and followed Li Zan to the study.

In the study, the two of them sat down as host and guest again.

Xu Lu looked solemn, staring at Li Zan behind the lacquered wooden table, and whispered, "Lord, the situation is extremely critical now, and the King of Wei has already developed a rebellious heart."

Li Zan sighed and said, "How could I not know? But the Prince of Wei has already won the throne, and he has the trust of the Queen Mother in the palace. Even if we have the heart to support the country, it is difficult to have the righteousness and reputation in our hands, and few people will respond."

In this situation, unless Jia Heng commits suicide by going against the major policies, resulting in refugees everywhere and the people being displaced.

Or maybe Jia Heng himself brazenly usurped the throne, causing people all over the world to unite and hate him.

Otherwise, they could only resort to a palace coup, using the names of the Queen Mother and the young lord.

This is the real reason why Jia Heng keeps using the salami-slicing tactics.

Xu Lu frowned, his eyes flashed, and he asked in a low voice: "Mr. Gao went to Sichuan earlier."

Li Zan said: "If we use the troops from the southwest to suppress the rebellion and defend the king, and you and I can respond in the capital, we may be able to break the power of the King of Wei. But now that Gao Ge Lao has died, it is difficult for the troops from Shu to make a big move."

Previously, if Gao Zhongping had escaped from the capital with the King of Wei and the King of Liang, perhaps there might have been some chance of success.

However, at that time, the two kings of Wei and Liang and Chen Yuan were already under the heavy surveillance of the Jinyi Palace, and Gao Zhongping was the second assistant of the cabinet. How could he make up his mind to resign and leave?

It is worth mentioning that it is impossible for the Jinyi Mansion to send spies and traitors to sneak into Gao’s house.

Because, firstly, famous officials like Gao Zhongping all employed experienced servants at home.

Secondly, once this kind of surveillance of cabinet ministers is discovered, it will inevitably cause an uproar in the court and the country.

Therefore, the Jinyi Mansion could only monitor from the outside before.

Xu Lu was silent for a moment, then said, "Lord, will we allow Prince Wei to continue to seize power and intimidate the ministers in the future?"

"Lie dormant and wait for the right time. In a few days, the troops from the Beijing camp will set out to Sichuan to quell the rebellion. Military forces will also be needed in the northwest and Tibet. By then, Prince Wei will be busy with military affairs. You and I will go to the palace to explain this matter to the Queen Mother." Li Zan said in a deep voice.

At this time, they really couldn't confront each other head-on, because Jia Heng had just established himself as a righteous man, and except for the two cabinet ministers, he was at the peak of his power and no one could rival him. If he continued to fight in the court in Beijing, he would be asking for his death.

When Xu Lu heard this, a thoughtful look appeared on his face. Then, he nodded, indicating that he would temporarily follow Li Zan's words.

At the same time, Cabinet Minister Qi Kun also returned home in a restless state, sat down and remained silent for a long time.

The Prince of Wei's vicious behavior today shows that he is a powerful tyrant.

Where should he go?

As a scholar-official, Qi Kun was appreciated and selected by Emperor Xianzong. Naturally, he wanted to promote Yulong and repay the emperor's kindness.

But what can a mere scholar, who is powerless and cannot even tie a chicken, do?

As time passed, the news that Gao Zhongping, the second assistant of the cabinet, defected and was then beheaded by Jia Heng spread throughout the capital.

Just as Jia Heng thought, people were in panic, and a turbulent undercurrent began to surge. Or it could be said that it was the loyal ministers and righteous men of Chen Han who, seeing that Prince Wei was disrupting the government, wanted to save the country.

There were also some civil officials who were smart and wanted to advance their careers, and they began to want to serve Jia Heng.

After all, when Gao Zhongping died, the position of the second assistant to the cabinet became vacant. After the cabinet ministers were replaced, according to common practice, there should be a vacancy for one cabinet member.

Didn’t you see that the Minister of Works Zhao Yi got into the cabinet again by clinging to the family of Prince Wei’s father-in-law?

Jia Zheng, who was still in the capital, had his former colleagues from the Ministry of Public Security come to visit him. The Rongguo Mansion was suddenly crowded with people.

As for Jia Heng's father-in-law, Qin Ye, the Minister of Works, there were gradually more officials from the six ministries around him who showed goodwill.

Not everyone regarded Jia Heng as a traitor. Some civil officials felt that although Jia Heng's methods were a bit radical, they were also doing it for the sake of the Han Dynasty.

……

……

The Jade Rabbit sets in the west and the Golden Crow rises in the east. Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, two days have passed unknowingly.

Shenjing City, Jingying——

"Dong dong..."

The cowhide drums set up in the military tents sounded as dense as raindrops and were deafening. In the barracks, there were constant sounds of horse hooves, the collision of weapons and armor, and the sound of chaotic footsteps.

Inside the Central Army Barracks——

Jia Heng was wearing a black and red satin robe, with a resolute face as calm as water. He sat behind a lacquered wooden desk, and a group of officers were sitting on pear wood chairs below him.

There was order in the barracks.

The familiar faces were all Jia Heng's trusted officers.

Jia Heng said: "This battle in Bashu has a total of 100,000 soldiers and horses. Once a rebellion is launched, the momentum will be considerable. Our Beijing camp army will go on this expedition with the best soldiers and generals."

At this point, Jia Heng turned his head to look at Xie Zaiyi who was not far away, and said: "This battle should be led by Xie Zaiyi, commanding 50,000 infantry and 10,000 cavalry, to Hanzhong, and then to Shu to help suppress the White Lotus monster. There must be no mistakes!"

Xie Zaiyi, who was sitting on a red lacquered pearwood chair below, looked extremely solemn. He stood up, bowed and said, "I will obey your orders."

Jia Heng immediately turned his majestic gaze to Cai Quan standing beside him and said, "The daily training affairs of the Beijing Camp are all led by Cai Quan, and all other officers and soldiers are to obey."

Cai Quan bowed and clasped his hands in response.

Jia Heng immediately gave instructions to the officers of the Beijing camp regarding the deployment of troops from the 12th regiment.

After everything was settled, Jia Heng returned to Ningguo Mansion.

At this moment, Chen Xiao walked forward quickly, his cold and frosty face covered with a layer of solemnity, and said: "Take a look at the military report sent by Hami Guards."

Jia Heng's face was solemn. He took the military report from Chen Xiao's hand, lowered his eyes, read it, and said in a cold voice: "The Junggar side has already mobilized troops."

Chen Xiao raised her eyebrows, her eyes were as cold as ice, and she said in a gentle voice: "The red cannon was transported the day before yesterday and is on the way now."

Jia Heng said: "In the next few days, let the Jinyifu re-establish control over Shenjing City. No more trouble will occur."

Chen Xiao's eyes were cold and clear, and he responded softly.

Jia Heng nodded and said, "Wait a minute, I'll go to the palace."

In addition to visiting Mopan and her son, I also want to see Tianniuer.

Chen Yuan was not wrong in saying that he was defiling the palace. Now he could indeed enter and leave the palace freely, except for living there.

Kunning Palace, in the palace

Zhen Qing was wearing a plain dress and was playing with a pair of twins, a boy and a girl. After Gao Zhongping's death, this beautiful woman could rest easy again.

"Empress Dowager, Prince Wei is here." Just then, a tall and bright female official hurried into the hall, bowed to Zhen Qingying, and spoke softly.

Zhen Qing was gently shaking a rattle, her fair and delicate face was filled with a cheerful and bright expression, her bright and translucent eyes were translucent under her beautiful emerald eyebrows.

Jia Heng quickly entered the warm room, bowed to Zhen Qing, and said, "Your humble servant greets the Queen Mother. May your Majesty live a thousand years and a thousand thousand years."

Zhen Qing looked at the young man in the python costume and said, "Stand up."

As he spoke, he ordered the female officials standing around him to leave.

"Come and see your son and daughter." Zhen Qing said softly.

This bastard really doesn't care about his own child at all.

Jia Heng showed an unnatural look on his face and said, "It will have a bad influence if the two children hear it."

Zhen Qing's eyes showed some shame and annoyance. She said, "They are still young. What do they remember now?"

While Jia Heng was talking, he walked quickly to the front and took the cute baby's soft hand. He felt inexplicably happy and said with a smile: "It looks like he has grown up a little bit."

Seeing this, Zhen Qing's beautiful eyes were as bright as water under her curved eyebrows. She whispered, "He changes every day. When you are not taking care of the child, he has grown up a little bit."

Jia Heng looked a little strange, and he didn't say much else. He just held his daughter Yin Yin's slender little hand and said, "Come here, let Daddy see you."

The cute little baby raised his delicate face, his bright eyes like black grapes, rolling around.

As Jia Heng spoke, he picked up his cute little baby and gave him a kiss. The cute and soft milk scent filled his nostrils.

Yin Yin giggled non-stop, and her face became more and more cute and lovely.

At this moment, the young child Chen Jie, who was not far away, stretched out his chubby little hands, with a faint blush on both sides of his plump and lovely face, and his eyes were sparkling.

Zhen Qing's beautiful eyes were crystal clear under her willow-shaped eyebrows. She stared at the young man in the python costume and whispered, "Okay, stop bothering them."

Jia Heng was speechless for a moment.

He loves his child too much, and even the mother is jealous.

Jia Heng placed his daughter in the cradle, turned around, looked at Zhen Qing warmly, and whispered, "How have you been these days? Well, you look much better."

"Thanks to you, I can finally get a good night's sleep these days." Zhen Qing's beautiful face flushed, a hint of shyness appeared in her cold eyes, and she said in a low voice.

As Jia Heng spoke, he reached out and gently hugged Zhen Qing's shoulders, and whispered, "You should stay in Beijing for the time being, so stay with the child well."

As he spoke, he placed one hand into the plump and soft flesh of the beautiful woman.

Well, since I gave birth to two children, my breasts have become fuller and more elastic.

Zhen Qing couldn't help but let out a soft moan, and her graceful and beautiful face was covered with beautiful blushes on both sides. She reached out to open Jia Heng's arm.

"The child is still here." Zhen Qing's cheeks turned red with shame as she spoke angrily.

Jia Heng turned around and faced two pairs of eyes that were rolling like black grapes. For a moment, he found it a little funny.

"Okay, let's go to the warm room inside and talk."

Zhen Qing said softly, "I'll ask Mammy to look after them both."

Wait for the nanny to take the two little ones away.

Zhen Qing rushed over like a ball of blazing flame, and then moved her two lips that looked like rose petals closer and covered it.

Immediately, Jia Heng put his arms around Zhen Qing's slender neck like a swan. After a short while, he leaned in front of Zhen Qing, lay down on her, and began to feast on her.

Zhen Qing's beautiful eyes were full of tenderness under her emerald eyebrows, and then her delicate body trembled continuously.

After her lover had been making a fuss for a while, Zhen Qing's plump and lovely face blushed like a rosy cloud. She stood up, squatted down, and served the young man in the python robe.

It was unknown how long it had been, when Jia Heng suddenly put his arm around Zhen Qing's slender shoulders and looked at her delicate body that was as soft as a silkworm. He felt a little moved, but did not say anything else.

Under Zhen Qing's beautiful emerald eyebrows, her narrow, clear eyes seemed to show a hint of surprise, and she said happily: "Look how much Jie'er looks like you, he will definitely become a wise ruler in the future."

The strange feeling in Jia Heng's heart became more and more obvious.

I always feel that Mopan is worried that he will suddenly depose his own son from the throne, so he keeps saying these things to him on purpose.

Zhen Qingli's eyebrows were as dark as black, and her eyes were full of tenderness, as if there were waves on the water. She said, "Speak, what are you thinking about?"

Jia Heng said repeatedly: "Yes, he looks very much like her. He will definitely be able to be a good emperor in the future."

Zhen Qing's heart was filled with joy, and she said softly, "When the time comes, you can teach him too. When he grows up, I will let him worship you as his father."

Jia Heng felt a strange feeling in his heart, and he grabbed the plump and soft body in front of Zhen Qing, and whispered: "Uncle, you are not a father after all?"

Zhen Qing scolded, "Don't even think about it. It's impossible in this lifetime."

Even in the future, when the child is older, she would not tell the child who her biological father is, otherwise how would the child look at her?

At this point, Jia Heng's heart suddenly moved slightly, and he said: "Then when the time is right, you can issue an imperial decree to confer him the title of regent."

Zhen Qing heard this, and her blushing face turned red as fire. She said softly, "Regent? I'm afraid the civil officials in the court will regard you as a traitor."

Just now, this man even displayed the head of the second-in-command of the cabinet in the hall in public for everyone to see. Now all the civil and military officials in the court have long been resentful of him.

Jia Heng didn't say anything else. He immediately took the beauty's slender hand, and then reached out to gently embrace the beauty's plump body, saying, "Qing'er, I've missed you these days."

As he spoke, Jia Heng suddenly took Zhen Qing's slender hand and walked towards the inner room.

Zhen Qing was looking down at the young man in the python robe and whispered, "This battle cannot be delayed for too long. We should fight and end it quickly."

Jia Heng said, "Don't worry, don't be too eager to win, or else you'll make another mistake."

Zhen Qing's beautiful face was as bright as clouds, her eyes were as clear as water, and the pearl flowers on her beautiful bun were swaying gently.

The two of them already knew each other well.

At this moment, Jia Heng gently held Zhen Qing's plump waist, like an old horse who knows the way and is revisiting the old place.

After a while, the clouds cleared and the rain stopped. Zhen Qing snuggled in Jia Heng's arms, listening to the pounding heartbeat in his chest, and a sweet feeling welled up in her heart.

In this life, I will be with him forever.