After discussing Qin's business, King Zhongshun discussed other things with Pan Shilang, mainly the next phase of the construction of the imperial mausoleum. As Emperor Longzhi got older, it was obvious that the imperial mausoleum could not be delayed any longer.
In case of a banquet one day, it is impossible for the coffin to stay there for more than half a year. There is only the tomb waiting for people, and there is no reason for anyone to wait for the tomb.
After the discussion was over, King Zhongshun sent Pan Shilang away.
For a time, only Luo Chengwang, a doctor in the Construction Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and Zhou Shun, the chief historian of the palace, were left.
"Your Majesty." Luo Chengwang quickly stood up and called forward.
King Zhongshun asked: "How is the Xiaoluyuan at the southern foot of the Qinling Mountains being built? I will have to go to escape the summer heat in June."
Luo Chengwang smiled and said: "Don't worry, Your Majesty, the construction will be completed in another two months. We have hired the best craftsmen in Shenjing to get the best wood. Those timbers were all shipped from Yunnan and Guizhou to build the remaining beams of the palace. Your Majesty, When can we go and see it?”
"It's not necessary. I am taking action now... busy with official duties." King Zhongshun nodded, with a look of satisfaction on his face.
Zhou Changshi whispered: "Your Majesty, I heard that the Jia family is also building a garden."
"Oh, what should I say?" King Zhongshun suddenly became interested and asked curiously.
During this period of time, King Zhongshun did almost nothing due to pain in his buttocks. Except for Jia She, he still asked Zhou Changshi to keep a close eye on the actions of the Jia family and Ning Rong's second house.
The Jia family was repairing the garden, including taking out the servants' houses, transporting stones, and workers coming in and out. Such big movements could not be hidden from Zhou Changshi.
Zhou Changshi said coldly: "After Jia Heng's son took over the Jia family, he robbed and looted property from the Lai family, Shan family and other elderly servants. For a time, the treasury was full of money. Now I heard that a large garden will be built on the wasteland in the east and west mansions for your enjoyment."
When King Zhongshun heard this, his eyes darkened and he subconsciously asked: "How big is the garden?"
"Back to your lord, I specifically asked the craftsman that it is about three and a half miles away." Zhou Changshi said in a low voice.
King Zhongshun sneered and said solemnly: "At such a young age, he has done nothing for the country and has no virtue. If he pays attention to luxury and ostentation like this, I'm afraid it will not lead to long-term wealth!"
When the son was defeated and the family property was confiscated, not much of the Jia family who had built the garden would be left, which was really hateful.
Immediately, he asked Luo Chengwang, "How big is Xiaoluyuan?"
Luo Chengwang patted his chest and said with a smile: "Don't worry, Your Majesty, Xiaoluyuan is about seven and a half miles, which is enough for the prince to count. It has hot springs, rocks, and pavilions. It is no less than the five and a half miles in the Princess Jinyang's mansion." Tangyuan."
The eldest princess of Jinyang also has a garden outside the city to escape the summer heat.
King Zhongshun nodded with satisfaction and asked Zhou Changshi: "Have all the people who went to Jiangnan to buy girls gone?"
Zhou Changshi said: "Don't worry, Your Majesty, we have already set off. This time we are going to Gusu and Huaiyang. Wu's baby is getting more and more beautiful, and Yangzhou's thin horse is more beautiful. I guarantee that your purchase will be satisfactory for Your Majesty."
King Zhongshun twirled his beard with his hand, and there was a bit of pride on his face. He turned to ask: "Are there any gambling houses in the east city that are sold at the eldest princess's house?"
When the Sanhe Gang was wiped out by Jia Heng, a large number of industries were left in Dongcheng. Some of them were eccentric businesses, such as gambling houses and brothels. The brothels were rectified and a group of old bustards who forced good girls into prostitution were sent to the Wucheng Military and Horse Division. It can still be opened, but the gambling house has been temporarily closed by Jia Heng for rectification.
King Zhongshun was naturally interested in these casino properties, and then asked Luo Chengwang to ask Princess Jinyang about the purchase, but he did not get her permission.
Luo Chengwang said: "Your Majesty, the eldest princess's house in Jinyang does not sell those gambling houses. We have opened several casinos nearby, which have not yet opened. There is one named Xia Houying in the eldest princess's house, and there are also those from the Wucheng Army and Horses Division. People come and send people to cause trouble.”
King Zhongshun looked gloomy and said: "It's really hateful, Zhou Changshi. In the past two days, you can go to the eldest princess's house on my behalf in the past two days."
His sister, since she gained the support of the Jia family's son, now looks down on him more and more, and seems to want to recruit Jia Heng as her son-in-law.
When Jia Heng was recommended by the eldest princess of Jinyang, these details gradually became known to King Zhongshun, but he did not suspect Jia Heng or the eldest princess of Jinyang.
In fact, the affairs between men and women are the most secretive. Unless two people are intimate in public, otherwise, who would think that people who are different from each other have an affair?
Even if the exchanges were more intensive, she at most thought that the eldest princess of Jinyang wanted to recruit Jia Heng as her son-in-law. Didn't she think of using it for herself and inspecting the goods for her daughter?
King Zhongshun thought for a while and then added: "Are there any of our people in the house?"
Zhou Changshi hesitated and said: "Xia Houying is an old Jinyi. The family has already conducted several rounds of investigations. Now there is no one of us in the family."
King Zhongshun said: "You go and post the post first. After a few days, I will feel better and come to visit you personally."
Zhou Changshi quickly handed over his hand.
"The day after tomorrow, when Jia She was exiled, it was not easy for me to support myself, so I still have to send him off." King Zhongshun smiled, then looked at Luo Zhou and said, "Okay, it's getting late, go down and rest." stop."
Luo Chengwang resigned, and Zhou Changshi also left the study.
As soon as the people left, King Zhongshun picked up the papers and went to the inner compartment. He came to a sandalwood bookshelf against the wall and moved one of the enamel-colored porcelain. There was only a "click" sound, and the bookshelf and the wall were moved. The body dispersed to both sides, and a secret room suddenly appeared. King Zhongshun entered the room with a candlestick, which contained various calligraphy and paintings of famous people and gold and silver jewelry.
What King Zhongshun didn't know was that there was a sneaky figure outside the study, looking inside through the light of the window.
After all, he is an opera singer and is light and healthy. He is hiding in the shadows and can clearly hear the conversation in the study.
"That Zhazi is probably part of the evidence of the crime, but the account books and rosters may have another secret room. I can only look for another opportunity to find out." Qiguan thought about it, walked lightly, his figure was hidden in the shadows, and he stayed where he was. Bamboo leaves swayed lightly.
The next day, early in the morning, Jia Heng stood up in the west pavilion of Wuying Palace, put on his clothes and got off the bed.
"Master Jia." Two young eunuchs opened the door and came in. They prepared hot water, towels, green salt, cups and other things. With a flattering smile on their faces, they said: "I will serve Master Jia to wash up." .”
Jia Heng said "hmm" and came to wash up in front of the wooden shelf with a basin and a bronze mirror.
"Master Jia, breakfast will be delivered from the imperial dining room later, please be patient." An eunuch said with a smile.
Jia Heng responded softly, washed up, took the towel, and wiped his face.
It was early spring morning, and the cool breeze blew through the windows supported by wooden roots, which refreshed people's spirits.
Another eunuch handed over a cup of steaming cheese tea and said, "Sir, drink some hot tea to warm yourself up."
At this moment, the palace maid's voice came from outside, "Master Jia, are you up?"
As the eunuch in the room answered, Princess Xianning, accompanied by several palace maids, walked into the palace like a star over the moon, holding a food box in her hand.
Princess Xianning changed into a pink coat and a light white pleated plum embroidered skirt today. Compared with yesterday's simple and beautiful dress, she was a bit more gorgeous.
"Sir, haven't you had breakfast yet?" Princess Xianning looked at the young man and asked softly.
Under the look of the female officer, the two young eunuchs left the wing.
Jia Heng nodded and said, "We are waiting for breakfast to be delivered from the imperial kitchen. What is this, Your Highness?"
As she spoke, her eyes fell on the brown wooden food box in Princess Xianning's hand.
Princess Xianning put the food box on the small table and said with a smile: "The imperial dining room prepares more meals. I thought that my husband had not had breakfast yet, so I brought it to him."
Jia Heng frowned and said, "Your Highness, you're welcome."
He felt that if things continued like this, there might be unforeseen disasters. In the eyes of Emperor Chongping, Empress Song and others, how should they view him?
A married man flirting with a princess?
But she couldn't refuse Princess Xianning's kindness. Could it be that she said, "Don't look for me anymore?"
After thinking for a while, he said: "If Your Highness has some experience in the Beijing camp, since I have promised Your Highness, I will work hard for it."
Positioning the two of them as having something to do with each other gave him some room.
Princess Xianning's face was stunned for a moment, her phoenix eyes moved slightly, she smiled softly and said: "I'm afraid that your husband will forget, so I can only remind you. I didn't expect that my husband would notice it."
Jia Heng: "..."
Although she knew it was nonsense, the girl just went with the flow and said it, feeling a little guilty.
"Sir, sit down, let's eat first." Princess Xianning put the dishes away one by one, lowered her eyes, and said softly.
Secretly, she seemed to have caused him some trouble.
Xu Shiyin was a little anxious when she saw her mother-in-law and her mother-in-law talking about the marriage yesterday, and she didn't sleep well all night last night.
Jia Heng nodded. Seeing Princess Xianning who was suddenly full of thoughts and looking gloomy, he turned to look at the various snacks and porridge and said, "Has your highness had breakfast?"
If the guess was correct, this might be Princess Xianning's breakfast, which she brought to herself.
Princess Xianning's beautiful face showed sadness, and she said: "I don't have much appetite."
"How about... using some together?" Jia Heng hesitated and said in a low voice that was almost audible.
Princess Xianning was stunned on the spot, staring at the young man, her eyebrows curved, and she chuckled: "Okay, then I'll have a bowl of porridge."
At that time, the female officials and palace maids were already standing at the door to prevent anyone from peeking in.
Jia Heng picked up the chopsticks and asked, "Your Highness frowns, does he seem to have something on his mind?"
Princess Xianning picked up the spoon, gently scooped the porridge in the porridge bowl, and said softly: "Maybe I have more worries as I get older. Where is sir?"
Jia Heng smiled and said: "In the past, when I was a child, I was more carefree. As I grow up, I have more things to consider, and I can't just follow my temper."
From what we saw yesterday, Princess Xianning has an "unrealistic" dream of wanting to be a female general, which shows that she is a very thoughtful person, and perhaps she may not be content with the established destiny of getting married, raising a husband and raising children.
Otherwise, what else could be the reason? It can't be a relative coming.
Princess Xianning said, "You can't just follow your temper." She frowned, suddenly looked at Jia Heng, and said with a chuckle: "Sir, you don't seem to be older than me. Do you have more emotions than me?"
It's strange to say why she always subconsciously forgets the age of this young man, and why he and his aunt...
And that thing on the carpet that day...
Jia Heng didn't know Princess Xianning's random thoughts and asked, "Don't you know how old your highness is this year?"
"After February this baby is already eighteen, and my husband seems to have just turned sixteen." Princess Xianning said with a smile.
Considering her age, the young man in front of Xu still calls her sister.
Jia Heng took his chopsticks, picked up a crab roe bun, and said, "I am older than you are, and your highness is one year old."
Princess Xianning: "..."
However, he also noticed that the person in front of him didn't want to discuss the issue of age. He picked up the spoon and took a sip of the gruel without saying anything more.
In other words, even if I have something on my mind, I don’t know where to mention it.
The two of them finished their breakfast in silence.
Seeing Jia Heng put down her chopsticks, Princess Xianning handed over the handkerchief in her hand and said with a smile: "Sir, please wipe it."
"Yes." Jia Heng did not answer, but picked up a handkerchief and said: "Your Highness, I will go to the military aircraft to check in. Thank you for your hospitality."
"Sir, go ahead." Princess Xianning quickly put down the spoon, picked up the handkerchief in her hand and wiped her mouth, saying softly.
Watching Jia Heng leave, Princess Xianning looked at the dishes, cups and chopsticks, remained silent for a moment, and sighed softly.
Jia Heng stayed at the military aircraft for a long time, then left the palace and returned to Ningguo Mansion.
At around noon, Jia Heng had just sat down in the hall. Qingwen entered the hall and said, "Master, Second Mistress Lian is here."
"Let's go." Jia Heng nodded and headed towards the backyard.
At this moment, in the backyard, Sister Feng was talking to Qin Keqing. When she saw Jia Heng, she asked, "Brother Heng, why didn't you come back last night? My brothers and sisters were worried at night."
Jia Heng looked at Qin Keqing, met a pair of eyes full of water, and said: "I stayed on a military plane last night and didn't come back."
He had told Qin Keqing before.
Qin Keqing nodded, without saying anything else, and asked: "Husband, have you got any clues about the matter that Sister-in-law Feng asked about?"
When Sister Feng heard this, she couldn't help but look at Jia Heng.
Jia Heng nodded and said: "Sister-in-law Feng has tidied up and come with me to the inner police factory to meet Brother Lian."
Sister Feng responded, then called Ping'er and got into the carriage that had been prepared. The carriage contained some wine, food, clothing, etc.
The government office of the Internal Police Department is located in an inconspicuous alley at the base of the imperial city wall. There are servants and guards guarding the entrance of the government office. Perhaps influenced by the government office behind them, they have sinister expressions and fierce eyes.
The carriage turned and suddenly stopped at the door. Jia Heng got off the horse at the foot of the servants of Jinyi Mansion. A fat eunuch in his thirties who was guarding the main entrance saw the young man in python suit sitting upright on the horse and came close. , with a sharp voice, greeted: "Is this Sir Jia?"
Jia Heng nodded and said, "I will go in and meet Jia She and his son."
"Sure enough, it's Mr. Jia. My father-in-law has explained it before, so please come inside." The eunuch's cheeks were slightly dark, his face was full of flesh, he had a pair of triangular eyes, and he was a little fierce. But at this moment, he had a smile on his face and stretched out his hand. Invite.
Jia Heng nodded, turned to look at the carriage behind him, took two steps forward, and said, "Sister-in-law Feng, come down."
Not long after, the curtain moved, and Sister Feng, who was wearing a blue-bottomed white-flowered jacket and no makeup, was helped out of the carriage by Ping'er. She stood on the ground and looked up at the plaque on the Yamen, as well as the groups of wolves and tigers. The fanzi and the factory guard met the fat eunuch who was the leader, and his heart suddenly went crazy.
In this land of tigers and wolves, she had vaguely heard Wang'er say these days that there were innocent souls wailing in the government offices.
In fact, since Emperor Taizu of the Han Dynasty imitated the Ming Dynasty, he set up the Jinyi Mansion, and Emperor Taizong set up the inner factory. Every time a large prison was built during the reign of Emperor Taizong, the inner factory was mostly the main force, while the Jinyi Mansion assisted in handling the case.
In the Ming Dynasty, Xiang Dai Quan, in addition to being a chamberlain and a chamberlain, also had the title of "Eunuch Supervisor of the Imperial Envoy's Investigation Factory".
As if feeling some of Sister Feng's fear, Ping'er comforted him and said, "Grandma, Uncle Heng is waiting for us."
After hearing Jia Heng's order, Sister Feng couldn't help but turn her eyes to look at Jia Heng. Strangely enough, she unconsciously felt a little more confident.
"Master Jia, please." The eunuch invited again.
Jia Heng, Sister Feng and Ping'er, together with several nuns, entered the yamen of the inner police factory and entered the west side hall.
"Master Jia, the prisoner has been brought to the west cell and is waiting to leave tomorrow." The inner warden smiled, then quickly lowered his face and ordered someone: "Go and bring the prisoner."
Jia Heng sat down and asked, "Are you being escorted by internal guards this time?"
"The imperial prisoners are all escorted by the inner guards. Since they are members of the adult clan, you can tell the factory boss that it is not a bad idea to hand them over to the guards of the Jinyi Mansion to go south." The inner guard said with a smile.
"As a clan member, you should avoid suspicion." Jia Heng said lightly.
The fat eunuch cupped his hands and said with a smile: "My lord is aboveboard, I admire you."
While the two were talking, they saw a young man wearing a white prison uniform with shackles on his hands and feet, coming to the side hall under the guard of four policemen.
It had only been two days, but Jia Lian's appearance was completely gone and his cheeks were sunken. When he raised his head and saw Sister Feng, he seemed a little afraid to recognize her. He was stunned for a long time and called out: "Feng'er?"
Sister Feng looked at Jia Lian as if struck by thunder. This time tears did not come out of her eyes, but her face turned pale.
Jia Heng saw the couple holding hands and looking at each other with tears in their eyes, speechless and choked. He secretly shook his head and said, "Sister-in-law Feng, you guys are talking here."
With that said, he called Ping'er and Mammy.
The fat eunuch also winked at the internal guards and then exited the side hall, leaving space for the couple.
However, at this time, Jia Lian took a few steps quickly and rushed towards Sister Feng with a clatter of shackles. Then he missed Sister Feng who was about to speak and threw himself in front of Jia Heng, crying: "Brother Heng, save me. Please help me, everything has nothing to do with me, I am just following my father’s orders..."
While speaking, he had already hugged Jia Heng's leg and refused to let go.
Exiled to Guizhou, he will not be pardoned, no, he must do everything possible to save himself!
Sister Feng froze on the spot, and Danfeng blinked. For a moment, he didn't even react, so he had to put down his slightly stretched hand... secretly.
(End of chapter)
