Since the imperial court officially announced that it would send officials to Zhejiang to investigate Ma Ningyuan's case, public opinion in the capital has calmed down.
Forbidden City, Qianqing Palace.
At this moment, Jiajing was sitting cross-legged on the futon, his eyes seemed to be closed, and his breathing was exceptionally smooth.
As Jiajing spoke and took in, the essence between heaven and earth seemed to resonate with him, and Jiajing's complexion became more and more rosy in the process.
Immediately, the Spirit Gathering Formation that enveloped the entire Qianqing Palace automatically operated, gathering all the spiritual energy within hundreds of miles into the Qianqing Palace for Jiajing's cultivation.
Although Jiajing is now only one step away from the foundation building stage, since entering the later stage of Qi training, Jiajing's cultivation speed has slowed down visibly.
Even though Jiajing practiced hard every day, his cultivation speed did not speed up at all.
However, since Jiajing learned how to fly with a sword and improved greatly in thunder skills, the speed of his training has gradually increased.
As the spiritual energy in Qianqing Palace became more and more abundant, the Yi Qi Jue practiced by Jiajing started to operate automatically. In an instant, the surrounding spiritual energy was absorbed into Jiajing's body at an extremely fast speed.
This part of the spiritual energy absorbed into Jiajing's body circulates through the meridians in the body through the circulation route of the exercise for a week, and then hits the cyclone in Jiajing's Dantian.
The cyclone in Jiajing Dantian is like a black hole, frantically absorbing the spiritual energy escaping from the Qianqing Palace, as if it can never be filled.
Soon, all the spiritual energy that had escaped in the Qianqing Palace was absorbed by Jiajing. Then, Jiajing exited the cultivation state and slowly stood up from the futon.
After roughly sensing the condition of his body, Jiajing's face was filled with joy and he said silently to himself: "Well, the magic power in the body is much better than before!"
After that, Jiajing sat back on the dragon chair, picked up a memorandum sent by the Supervisor of Ceremonies, and read it casually.
…
Not long after, Lu Fang's voice came from outside Qianqing Palace: "Your Majesty!"
When Jiajing heard this, he put aside the memorial in his hand that he had already read, and said: "Come in!"
After getting Jiajing's permission, Lu Fang walked in quietly.
As soon as Lu Fang entered the Qianqing Palace, she felt an unprecedented sense of lightness, and all the fatigue in her body dissipated the moment she entered the Qianqing Palace.
After Lu Fang greedily took a few breaths of the air of Qianqing Palace, she immediately came to Jiajing, lowered her head, and reported respectfully.
"Your Majesty, Yan Maoqing and Wang Ting, who were selected by you to investigate the case in Zhejiang not long ago, have officially set off!"
"Well, I know!"
When Jiajing heard this, he glanced at Lu Fang quite indifferently and said in response.
After that, Jiajing turned around to look at Lu Fang, and then asked: "Lv Fang, I want to ask you, what is the current situation with the imperial concubine? Do you need anything else?"
"Your Majesty really cares about the imperial concubine!"
Lu Fang sighed with emotion, then came back to her senses, leaned down, and responded respectfully.
"Your Majesty, before I came here, I made a special trip to the Manna Palace. I learned from Dr. Li that the imperial concubine is currently in very good health, and there is no shortage of anything in the Manna Palace for the time being."
"Yes, Not Bad!"
After Jiajing heard the news from Lu Fang, he couldn't help but breathed a sigh of relief. He changed the topic and followed up with instructions.
"Lu Fang, when you come down later, go to Honglu Temple and the Ministry of Rites in person and tell them that they can start preparations!"
Although Lu Fang had been mentally prepared before this, when the day actually arrived, he was still a little unbelievable.
Then, he mustered up the courage and carefully confirmed to Jiajing: "Your Majesty... Your Majesty, you... you mean, you want to formally canonize..."
Hearing this, Jiajing glanced at Lu Fang and said calmly: "Well, that's right, Lu Fang, it's exactly what you thought. After the child in the belly of Imperial Concubine Shen is born, I should also fulfill my obligations." Promise, officially canonize her as queen!"
Because the news was so shocking, Lu Fang's brain shut down for a moment. Then, he came back to his senses, knelt down on the ground in excitement, and said in a deep voice: "As you command, Your Majesty!"
For Lu Fang, who has been with Jiajing for many years, there is nothing more gratifying than seeing the queen's vacancy filled again!
Lu Fang thought so and couldn't help but fall into memories. He still remembered the scene when Jiajing first came to the throne.
Jiajing was the son of a vassal prince and a branch of the royal family. Logically speaking, he could not take the throne. However, the sudden death of Emperor Wuzong Zhu Houzhao broke all this.
Zhu Houzhao did not leave any heirs. Therefore, the emperor could only be selected from Zhu Houzhao's brothers. On the day of Zhu Houzhao's death, Jiajing was established as the emperor by Yang Tinghe, the then chief minister of the cabinet, and the Queen Mother Zhang.
The reason why Yang Tinghe and other ministers established Jiajing as emperor was very simple. Jiajing was only fifteen years old at the time, and he had little power behind him, making it easier to control.
But then, Jiajing's series of actions made Yang Tinghe and other ministers deeply regretful.
They found that they had elected an emperor who was smart, resourceful, and uncontrollable. In the process, Jiajing continued to strengthen his authority, and finally, through the Great Ceremony, established his position as the supreme emperor!
Just when Lu Fang was immersed in memories and couldn't extricate herself, she saw the eunuch leading the eunuch hurriedly into the Qianqing Palace and respectfully reported to Jiajing.
"Your Majesty, the British Duke is outside seeking an audience!"
After hearing the news, Lu Fang suddenly came back to his senses, with a look of confusion on his face that could not be concealed.
"What is the British father doing here at this time? Just let him in!"
When Jiajing heard this, he waved his hand quite casually and gave the order.
"As you command, Your Majesty!"
After the guiding eunuch responded, he immediately left without any hesitation.
…
Outside the Qianqing Palace, the British Duke Zhang Rong looked at the Qianqing Palace so close in front of him, his face full of anxiety.
The reason why Zhang Rong came to meet Jiajing today is very simple. Not long ago, Jiajing handed over the final list of clan members and distinguished disciples who were selected to serve in the southwest to the British Duke Zhang Rong and asked him to announce it on his behalf. A period of time has passed. time.
During this period of time, British Duke Zhang Rong never received any news about this!
As time passed day by day, the clan members and nobles gradually became worried, fearing that something unexpected would happen.
Therefore, the British Duke Zhang Rong came here today to find out Jiajing's tone!
"I hope nothing happens!"
While Zhang Rong was praying like this in his heart, he saw the guiding eunuch quietly walking in front of him, leaning down and saying respectfully.
"Mr. British, you can go in, His Majesty is waiting for you inside!"
"Well, I'm sorry to bother you, father-in-law!"
After Zhang Rong heard the voice of the guiding eunuch, he suddenly came back to his senses. Then, Zhang Rong bowed his hand to the guiding eunuch to express his gratitude.
Seeing this situation, the guiding eunuch quickly returned the gift to Zhang Rong and said in fear: "Where, where, the British official is serious!"
After that, Zhang Rong nodded slightly and stepped onto the stairs of Qianqing Palace.
After entering the Qianqing Palace, Zhang Rong looked at Jiajing who was sitting on the dragon chair, immediately knelt down on the ground and said in a deep voice.
"I bow to your majesty, long live my emperor!"
"Well, get up!"
When Jiajing heard this, he glanced at Zhang Rong, waved his hand, and gave the order.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
After receiving Jiajing's permission, Zhang Rong slowly stood up from the ground.
After Zhang Rong got up from the ground, Jiajing waved his hand and said: "Come here and give the British Duke a seat!"
As soon as Jiajing finished speaking, a eunuch came forward and prepared a seat for Zhang Rong.
"sit down!"
"Thank you for your grace!"
Seeing this, Zhang Rong immediately bowed his hand to Jiajing to express his gratitude.
Afterwards, Zhang Rong was seen sitting straight on the seat, sitting upright and not daring to make the slightest move.
Seeing this, Jiajing's face was filled with a warm smile, he looked in the direction of Zhang Rong, and then spoke.
"Young Master, there is no need to be so restrained. Tell me, why did you come to me this time?"
Zhang Rong heard this and after hesitating for a long time, he hesitated and said: "Your Majesty... Your Majesty, the thing is like this. Not long ago, didn't you ask the minister to announce the list of clan members and noble disciples who were selected to serve in the southwest? ?”
When Jiajing heard this, he raised his eyebrows and asked, "Oh, is there something wrong with that list?"
Seeing that Jiajing had misinterpreted his meaning, Zhang Rong hurriedly waved his hands and explained: "Your Majesty, that's not the case. Since the last list was announced, there has been no news for a long time about the clans and nobles who were included in the list. I am quite worried about this, so..."
When it came to this, Jiajing finally understood Zhang Rong's purpose, and then he chuckled lightly, taking in the expression on Zhang Rong's face, and spoke comforting words.
"The British public need not worry, since the list has been announced, there is no possibility of changing it!"
After Zhang Rong learned the news from Jiajing, his heart that had been hanging around finally settled down.
At the same time, he also regretted that he came to Jiajing to verify the matter so recklessly.
"Does Your Majesty think that our clan and nobles are too enthusiastic about this matter? What if the time comes..."
Thinking of this, Zhang Rong couldn't help but have a look of worry on his face.
Jiajing seemed to see the worry in Zhang Rong's heart, and saw him raise his eyebrows, and then said: "Mr. British, you came just in time, when do you think it is better to set off?"
When Zhang Rong heard what Jiajing said, he couldn't help but breathed a sigh of relief and said silently to himself: "Huh, it seems that your Majesty doesn't take this matter to heart!"
Then, after Zhang Rong thought about it for a long time, an idea suddenly flashed in his mind and he put forward his own suggestion: "Your Majesty, in a short time, it will be the day when the imperial concubine will give birth. Let them officially set off after that." How about taking a job somewhere in the southwest?"
When Jiajing heard this, he responded without hesitation: "Well, if that's the case, then it's settled!"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Rong immediately stood up from his seat, bowed his hands to Jiajing, and responded in a deep voice: "As you command, Your Majesty!"
Seeing that the purpose of his trip had been successfully achieved, Zhang Rong suddenly felt relieved.
Later, after Zhang Rong carefully considered his words, he faced Jiajing and asked.
"May I ask Your Majesty, how is the current situation of the Imperial Concubine? Do you need us..."
"Thanks to the concern of the British public, the imperial concubine is currently in very good health!"
When Jiajing said this, it seemed as if he suddenly remembered something, and then added: "By the way, she mentioned it to me before, saying that she really liked the gift you sent, so you took the trouble to Got it!"
"Yes, yes, as long as the imperial concubine likes it."
When Zhang Rong heard this, an unnatural look flashed across his face, he laughed twice and responded like this.
Jiajing took in the expression on Zhang Rong's face, waved his hand, and then said: "Mr. British, I still have things to deal with, so let's do this first!"
"Yes, Your Majesty, I will resign now!"
When Zhang Rong heard Jiajing's words, he immediately knelt on the ground with a plop and said respectfully.
After that, Zhang Rong didn't stop at all, turned around and left Qianqing Palace. After walking out of Qianqing Palace, Zhang Rong had a look of regret on his face. He looked at the scenery in the distance and sighed.
"Alas, it seems that I shouldn't have listened to Duke Cheng and others' advice and sent gifts to the imperial concubine!"
…
On the other side, the Ministry of Rites.
In the room, Li Chunfang, the Minister of Rites, was processing the official documents sent by his subordinates in an orderly manner.
Although many officials in the DPRK complained about the fact that Li Chunfang set the test questions for the examination held in Gongyuan not long ago, specifically for the clan and nobles.
However, due to his position as Minister of Rites, those officials only dared to discuss things behind his back and did not dare to reveal anything in front of Li Chunfang.
After all, no matter what, the Ministry of Rites is the second largest department after the Ministry of Personnel!
Li Chunfang was naturally aware of these criticisms, but he chose to let it go.
In Li Chunfang's view, being able to draw closer to His Majesty through such a trivial matter is a great deal!
Those who talk about themselves behind their backs have stayed put for many years precisely because they cannot understand this point. I would like to ask, in the Ming Dynasty, was there anyone with thicker thighs than the emperor?
Instead of sticking to the illusory literary character mentioned by those officials, it is better to concentrate on doing things for His Majesty and hug your thighs tightly.
After all, Li Chunfang was the number one scholar in the 26th year of Jiajing reign, and was born in a common family. He is currently the Minister of Rites, and is only one step away from joining the cabinet!
While Li Chunfang was still dealing with the official documents piled up on the desk, she heard a knock on the door.
Seeing this, Li Chunfang put the brush aside and said: "Come in!"
As soon as he finished speaking, there was a "squeak" sound, the door of the room was pushed open, and a subordinate staff member hurried in and reported respectfully.
"Master Shangshu, Eunuch Lu, the Superintendent of Ceremonies, is outside asking for an audience!"
"What, Eunuch Lu is here, invite him in quickly!"
After Li Chunfang learned that the visitor was Lu Fang, her face was full of surprise and she kept giving orders.
"I obey, Lord Shangshu!"
Seeing that Li Chunfang was so eager, the subordinate official did not dare to show any signs of neglect. After responding, he quickly left.
After the subordinate official left, Li Chunfang supported her chin with one hand and began to think about Lu Fang's purpose.
"Well, it looks like it's time for the next shift. Eunuch Lu is coming here at this time. There should be something important!"
At this moment, under the guidance of the former subordinate, Lu Fang stepped forward and entered the room where Li Chunfang was.
After the subordinate led Lu Fang to the room, he left with great insight.
When Li Chunfang saw Lu Fang arriving, she suddenly came to her senses, a look of panic flashed across her face. Immediately, she stood up from her seat and saluted Lu Fang respectfully.
"Meet...meet Eunuch Lu!"
Lu Fang was still the same as before, with a warm smile on his face. After waving his hands, he spoke slowly.
"Master Li, there is no need to be so polite. We are coming here this time to bring you a message according to His Majesty's order!"
"Please speak out, Eunuch Lu!"
When Li Chunfang heard this, she couldn't help but feel a thump in her heart. She lowered her head and responded respectfully.
Seeing this, Lu Fang nodded slightly, turned her eyes away from Li Chunfang, and said slowly: "His Majesty said, your Ministry of Rites and Honglu Temple can start preparing the etiquette for canonizing the queen!"
"What, canonize the queen!"
When Li Chunfang heard this, her pupils suddenly shrank, her face was full of disbelief, and she immediately exclaimed.
Then, Li Chunfang reacted suddenly and closed her mouth tightly. After making sure that no one was around, Li Chunfang felt relieved.
After that, a slight apology appeared on Li Chunfang's face. She raised her head, looked at Lu Fang, and said cautiously: "Eunuch Lu, I am really too shocked, so..."
Lu Fang saw the expression on Li Chunfang's face and waved her hand casually to stop him from continuing.
"It's okay, it's just human nature. In short, your Ministry of Rites and Honglu Temple can start making preparations!"
"Yes, Eunuch Lu, I will do my best and make no mistakes!"
When Li Chunfang heard what Lu Fang said, a look of gratitude appeared on her face. She lowered her head and responded respectfully.
After receiving Li Chunfang's assurance, Lu Fang nodded slightly and then spoke.
"Well, since the words have been brought here, it's not convenient for our family to stay here any longer, so we'll leave first!"
After Lu Fang dropped these words, she turned and left the room without waiting for Li Chunfang to respond.
"Eunuch Lu, walk slowly!"
When Li Chunfang heard this, she immediately bowed and saluted Lu Fang's leaving figure.
After Lu Fang's back could no longer be seen clearly, Li Chunfang slowly stood up from the ground. At this moment, he still had not reacted to the shocking news.
Afterwards, Li Chunfang was seen sitting back on the chair like a zombie, muttering to herself: "Canonize the queen, canonize the queen..."
…
Capital City, Yan Mansion.
After they were off duty, Yan Song and his son took sedan chairs one after another and returned to Yan's mansion.
At the entrance of Yan's Mansion, as usual, there were a lot of guests, including not only officials who came to visit specially, but also those frustrated scholars who had failed repeatedly.
Of course, the most numerous people are those who have received the benefits of toast and come to act as lobbyists.
Seeing this, Yan Shifan lowered the sedan curtain and said in a deep voice: "Go back through the side door!"
When the bearer outside heard Yan Shifan's words, he immediately responded respectfully: "Yes, Mr. Xiao Ge!"
As soon as the words fell, the sedan chair of Yan Song and his son turned into a secluded alley a few blocks away from the door of their home. After twisting and turning, it entered Yan's mansion through the side door.
After the sedan stopped, Yan Shifan was the first to get out of the sedan and carefully supported Yan Song.
Later, Yan Shifan called the housekeeper and said in a deep voice: "Send someone immediately to drive away all the lobbyists gathered at the door!"
After hearing this, the housekeeper was about to leave, but Yan Song stopped him: "There's no need to go to such trouble, just let them stay there!"
When the housekeeper heard this, he suddenly stopped, lowered his head, and said respectfully: "Yes, Mr. Yan Ge!"
When Yan Shifan saw this situation, a look of hesitation suddenly appeared on his face. He looked at Yan Song and said cautiously: "But father, your Majesty's side was..."
When Yan Song heard this, he glanced at Yan Shifan calmly and explained: "When people receive money, they naturally have to do things. If you send people to drive them away now, aren't you ruining their jobs?"
"If you do this, not only will you not get any benefits, but you will also provoke enemies for no reason!"
When Yan Song said this, he paused, looked away from Yan Shifan, and then spoke again.
"You have to be merciful and merciful. For such insignificant things, it's better to turn a blind eye. We just don't see them!"
"Thank you father for your guidance, my child understands!"
When Yan Shifan heard Yan Song's words, his face was filled with an expression of sudden realization, and he responded respectfully.
"Um."
When Yan Song heard the words, he just responded in a subtle way, and then, with Yan Shifan's support, he walked slowly towards the Yan Mansion's study.
On the way to Yan Mansion's study, Yan Shifan carefully considered his words before saying carefully: "Father, Yan Maoqing and Wang Ting have officially set off to Zhejiang to investigate the case. Do you think that by then..."
Before Yan Shifan finished speaking, Yan Song stopped and looked Yan Shifan up and down with his cloudy eyes before he spoke.
"Don't worry, I have already made arrangements. Even if Yan Maoqing is lucky enough to return to the capital, the only thing waiting for him is death!"
When Yan Song said this, he changed the subject and asked again: "By the way, how did you go about the things I assigned you earlier?"
When Yan Shifan heard this, he did not dare to hide anything, and immediately informed him of the current progress: "As far as my father is concerned, everything is ready for the child and can start at any time!" (End of Chapter)
