After a brief surprise, Shi Shangshu smiled.
He waved his hand casually, "Go down."
Chief Zeng, who was originally prepared to face Shangshu Shi's wrath, quickly retreated as if he was amnesty.
Shi Zijun looked at his father. He wanted to say something but didn't dare. He lowered his head while hesitating to speak.
"A casual plan would make being a father a little more fun."
Shi Shangshu smiled and said, "Tell me, is this the work of that Xia Jingyun?"
Shi Zijun thought for a while, "Normally, that prince is not capable of this. I wonder if Concubine De helped."
Shi Shangshu shook his head, "We will find out soon."
As soon as he finished speaking, another steward in the mansion who was responsible for "instigating rebellion" against Zhou Xiaogui hurried in and told him about the feedback from Zhou Xiaogui and the information he took the initiative to inquire about after learning the news.
"According to Wang Ruoshui's itinerary, it must have been the help from Jiang'anhou's Mansion. According to the latest news, Wang Ruoshui went to Mingyu Tower after leaving Jiang'anhou's Mansion. It should be that he wanted to serve wine at Mingyu Tower to express his thanks."
Shi Shangshu looked at the caring subordinate he had brought out with satisfaction, and analyzed: "Gongsun Jing is more than mature, but not enterprising enough. He has been helping Concubine De to take care of everything for so many years, but he has not achieved much. He definitely can't think of anything like this." He found another way. It seems that this is probably done by Xia Jingyun."
Shi Zijun felt even more unhappy when he learned that Xia Jingyun had foiled their plan again.
But he knew that when his father encountered a setback in his attack, he would definitely have to regain his position, and there was no need for him to take the blame again.
Sure enough, Shangshu Shi pondered for a moment, "Did you have a dispute with the British Duke's third son at Liuyun Tianxiang Pavilion before?"
Shi Zijun's expression froze. Liuyun Tianxiang Pavilion was the most famous brothel in Beijing. At this moment, being mentioned by his father made him feel awkward as if he was caught by his parents in slow motion with his left and right hands. He didn't know what to say for a moment.
Shi Shangshu glanced at his son and frowned slightly, "We are talking about business!"
Shi Zijun said quickly: "There is such a thing."
"You can go to the British government's residence later and treat him to a drink tonight."
Shi Zijun looked hesitant, not mentioning the young man's anger. From the actual situation, his status was not as good as others. He had taken advantage of it at the beginning. If he came to ask for help like this, he would be considered to be showing off!
Shi Shangshu picked up the tea and took a sip, "Don't worry, give the post to the British Master, he will agree on behalf of Young Master Lu San. As for the location, let's go to Mingyu Tower!"
A bright light suddenly flashed in Shi Zijun's heart, and he asked, "Father, do you want the help of the Lu family, who have a blood feud with Xia Jingyun, to deal with Xia Jingyun?"
Shangshu Shi did not speak, which was regarded as acquiescence.
"But father, won't they be angry if they find out about the situation afterwards?"
Shi Shangshu shook his head, "Go ahead. Nothing will happen."
After saying this, Shangshu Shi stood up, got on the sedan, and headed towards the Yamen of the Ministry of Rites, surrounded by his followers.
——
After the original turmoil, the British government took Concubine Shu's lifting of the ban as a symbol and once again became prosperous.
But no matter what, the young master of a minister can still jump in the queue and occupy a priority position among these visiting guests.
After handing over the post, he was directly invited into the mansion instead of having tea in the foyer like a normal guest.
While he was sitting in the mansion drinking tea with some trepidation, British Duke Lu Rusong also got his invitation and looked at the concierge, "What did Mr. Shi say?"
"Young Master Shi said that he wanted to entertain the Third Young Master at Mingyu Tower in the evening." The concierge frowned, "For this kind of matter, he could just go to the Third Young Master directly. I don't know why he handed the post to you."
He smiled and said: "It seems that the affairs of the Minister of Rites, the most disciplined person in the world, are nothing more than this!"
The British Duke raised his head and his calm eyes fell on him, as if there was a huge force that instantly suppressed all his expressions.
"Don't say these ridiculous words until you are in that position. Go and call the third child."
Soon, the third son of the British prince came and saluted respectfully, "Father."
"The young master of the Master Shi of the Ministry of Rites invites you to a banquet at Mingyu Tower tonight."
The Third Young Master was startled, and then sneered, "Why is this bitch so crazy? What is he dreaming about? I definitely won't go!"
The British Duke said calmly: "You have to go."
The third young master's expression froze, "Huh?"
"They probably have a plan tonight. They want to use you as a spearman, or use our name as the British Crown Prince to gain some benefits. As long as it doesn't go too far, you can let them get their wish."
"ah?"
"This year, our Lu family has four children who are taking the Chunwei exam."
The third young master suddenly understood and said respectfully: "My son, please obey!"
——
Imperial City, Changle Palace.
Concubine De was walking slowly in the garden outside the palace. She had a picturesque appearance and a fairy-like temperament. The well-made brocade dress used its amazing falling power to outline her perfect figure in an extremely moving way. Her skin was hidden in the dress, but no one could At a glance, you can imagine the snow-whiteness and softness in it. The waist and hips are slightly wider than the shoulders, and the full moon arcs in front and back fully reveal the charm of a mature and beautiful woman.
And the elegant makeup, noble bun, and dignified demeanor all reflect the grace and nobility of the imperial concubine of the Great Xia Dynasty.
If the only regret was that she was frowning slightly at this moment.
But to another extent, it can arouse men's protective desire.
It's a pity that there are no men here.
When she was tired from walking, Concubine De sat down in the pavilion in the courtyard. A confidant of the palace maid stretched out her hand to rub her shoulders, "Your Majesty, Concubine Shu has been imprisoned for a long time. It's natural for her to feel a little unhappy when she was released. These days, it won’t be as annoying as these days.”
"Yes, after all, the empress holds the Phoenix Seal and is the head of the Sixth Palace. No matter how much Concubine Shu jumps around, she can't lose the dignity of her elders and younger ones!"
Another palace maid smiled and set up a plate of snacks and fruit, and spoke in agreement.
Concubine De remained silent, reaching out and picking up a book, using reading to cover up the worries in her heart.
In the past, Concubine Shu didn't look at her seriously, or the fight between the two sides was limited to fighting for favor in the harem, so she was naturally not afraid.
But when Sishui Prefecture and his party revealed that idea intentionally or unintentionally, she immediately realized the huge gap in strength between herself and Shu Fei's faction, and the pressure instantly increased countless times.
What's more, her enemy is not just a concubine. If she ever gets to that point, the prince, the prime minister, and even the unfavored eldest prince will also be threats.
Over the years, the greatest progress she has made in the court was actually brought about by her trip to Sishui Prefecture.
She turned to look out the window, and an inexplicable thought came to her mind: Adi is going to Beijing soon, right?
"Empress!"
A somewhat cold voice interrupted her thoughts. She came back to her senses, looked at Feng Xiuyun, who was dressed in palace clothes and looked cold and charming, and said with a smile: "Here you come?"
Feng Xiuyun came forward and saluted respectfully. Concubine De smiled and said, "I told you, there is no need to be so polite between you and me."
A blush appeared on Feng Xiuyun's face, and she lowered her eyebrows shyly.
Concubine De was slightly startled, then she guessed a possibility, and her eyes suddenly showed surprise, "Brother is here?"
Feng Xiuyun was greatly impressed, "Your Majesty's intelligence really impresses me. I just received news from the Hou Mansion that Gao Yang arrived at Chunfengyi the day before yesterday and arrived at the Hou Mansion yesterday."
"Okay!" Concubine De smiled happily, "After waiting for so long, he is finally here."
After laughing twice, her smile gradually faded and her brows began to wrinkle slightly again.
"Your Majesty, I think so."
"Your Majesty is here!"
Just when Feng Xiuyun was about to ask, a shrill shout from the Dahuang Gate sounded in the distance outside the palace gate.
Feng Xiuyun hurriedly hid in the side hall with ease, and Concubine De also quickly led a group of palace maids to get up to greet the holy driver.
Emperor Chongning walked in with a smile, took Concubine De's hand, walked to the palace and leaned on the couch, drank some tea, closed his eyes and enjoyed the massage from his concubine, chatting incessantly.
After chatting for a while, Emperor Chongning smiled and said: "Your sworn brother is quite capable! Before he entered the capital, he had a quarrel with the son of Shi Dingzhong, the Minister of Rites, in the inn."
Concubine De stood up quickly, "Your Majesty, Gao Yang is new here and doesn't understand the rules of the capital. His nature is definitely not like this. Please forgive me."
"Hey! What are you doing!"
Emperor Chongning smiled and pulled her up, caressed her hand, and said softly: "If I cared about it, I wouldn't mention it in front of you."
He smiled and said, "I already know the whole story. His fault is not his, and I don't think there is anything wrong with it."
"This kid really doesn't make people worry. His Majesty has so many things to do every day, and yet he still brings trouble to His Majesty. I will give him a scolding when I turn around!"
"No need, this capital is like a pool of stagnant water. It has been silent for too long, and it's time for some living water to come. I really hope he can bring a different atmosphere."
Emperor Chongning said with a smile: "Since you want to see him, then announce him to the palace tonight. I will also take a look at him and see if I can write "worry before the world is worried, and be happy after the world is happy" What kind of person is this person?"
He patted Concubine De's hand and asked, "What do you think?"
Concubine De smiled lightly, "I am a concubine at your Majesty's command."
Emperor Chongning stayed for a while and then left to go about his business.
Watching the emperor go away, Concubine De's expression immediately turned ugly. It was not because of the deep meaning in Emperor Chongning's words, but because she had just received the news of Xia Jingyun's arrival in Beijing, but His Majesty already knew about it. , and he knew it in much more detail than she did.
What does Gongsun Jing do for food?
She was already worried about the influence outside the palace, and her worries became more and more serious.
——
At the beginning of the Youshi period, Xia Jingyun, accompanied by Su Yuanshang and Bai Yunbian, followed Gongsun Jing and walked out of Jiang'an Hou Mansion.
(End of chapter)
