When facing Jiajing, Zhu Zaizhen was actually very scared.
Because he felt that no matter what he did, he could not hide it from Jiajing's discernment, and he had no secrets in front of Jiajing.
What's more, not long ago, Jiajing personally sent people from Dongchang to his fiefdom of De'an to kill all the monks in Xuanguang Temple and those who were related to the whole matter.
Therefore, even though Zhu Zaizhen forced himself to calm down, his slightly trembling body still betrayed him.
Jiajing didn't seem to notice this, he just stretched out his hand and gently stroked Zhu Zaizhen's head.
Just when Zhu Zaizhen felt at a loss and didn't know how to react, he heard Jiajing's unusually plain voice ringing in his ears: "I ask you, how does it feel to go to a fiefdom and become a vassal?"
Zhu Zaizhen obviously did not expect that Jiajing would ask this question to him unabashedly. After hesitating for a long time, Zhu Zaizhen came back to his senses, lowered his head and said cautiously.
"Back to my father, to be honest, I felt very uncomfortable when I first left the capital!"
"Oh, not used to it?"
When Jiajing heard Zhu Zaizhen's words, his face was full of curiosity. He raised his eyebrows and motioned for Zhu Zaizhen to continue.
Seeing this situation, Zhu Zaizhen knew that the strategy he had set before had worked.
Next, you just need to follow this direction, continue talking, show weakness to your father, and show that you have no ambition in that regard.
Thinking of this, Zhu Zaizhen suppressed the excitement in his heart, organized the words in his mind, and then continued.
"Yes, Father, ever since my son left the capital and went to a fiefdom to become a vassal, those officials who used to try every means to please him have suddenly disappeared!"
"Er Chen has truly experienced what it means to be warm and gentle in human relationships. At the beginning, Er Chen felt quite indignant about this matter, and even made up his mind that if he had the opportunity to return to the capital in the future, he would deal with them severely!"
When Zhu Zaizhen said this, he paused for a moment, changed the topic, and continued to add.
"But as time went by, I also understood. Anyway, I am already a vassal. What does the right and wrong in the capital have to do with me?"
"Since then, I have often wandered among the mountains and rivers, and my life has been leisurely. Father, do you know that there is a river in my fiefdom. The fish in the river are plump and very easy to fish. , I only need to..."
Zhu Zaizhen seemed to have a lot of experience in this and began to talk endlessly about the techniques in this area to Jiajing.
When Zhu Zaizhen reacted, he suddenly realized that he had been talking for a long time without realizing it, and Jiajing had been listening from the beginning to the end. A scene like this had never happened before.
After that, Zhu Zaizhen's face showed panic, and he hurriedly explained: "Please forgive me, Father. When it comes to this aspect, I am a little forgetful. If Father feels..."
Before Zhu Zaizhen finished speaking, Jiajing saw a look of relief on his face and waved his hand, indicating that Zhu Zaizhen did not need to continue.
"It doesn't matter. What you said is very interesting. I'll give it a try someday!"
When Zhu Zaizhen heard this, his expression did not change, but a trace of guilt flashed through his heart. He lowered his head and said silently to himself: "Father, I didn't mean to deceive you. I just wanted to be with you." Father, you will inherit the throne in a hundred years!"
"Don't worry, I will definitely be a good emperor!"
Just when Zhu Zaizhen was secretly making up his mind, Jiajing's voice sounded in his ears: "Well, I still have things to deal with next, you can leave!"
When Zhu Zaizhen heard this, his expression immediately became stern, he knelt down on the ground with a plop, and said in a deep voice: "Yes, father, I will retire now!"
In Zhu Zaizhen's view, his strategy was implemented quite successfully, and Jiajing must have believed his words.
Just as Zhu Zaizhen was about to say goodbye and leave, he was stopped by Jiajing.
Just when Zhu Zaizhen was confused about this, he heard Jiajing's unusually calm voice ringing in his ears.
"In the near future, you can live in Prince Jing's Mansion!"
"Thank you very much, Father. I will retire now!"
When Zhu Zaizhen heard what Jiajing said, his face was filled with excitement that could not be concealed. He quickly leaned down and bowed to Jiajing.
Before leaving, Zhu Zaizhen suddenly stopped as if he suddenly remembered something, turned around, and said respectfully: "By the way, father, I have specially prepared some gifts for you. I will wait for you." I'll send someone over soon!"
When Jiajing heard this, he nodded slightly and said in response: "Well, I understand!"
…
After Zhu Zaizhen left the Qianqing Palace, the expression on Jiajing's face suddenly turned cold. Then, he turned around, looked at Lu Fang beside him, and asked: "Lu Fang, what do you think of what King Jing said?" , how credible is it?”
When Lu Fang saw this situation, her face suddenly turned pale, with a look of fear and uneasiness appearing on her face.
Immediately, I saw him kneeling on the ground with a thump, and hesitantly said: "Your Majesty... Your Majesty, slave... I think that His Highness Prince Jing..."
Seeing that Lu Fang was still unable to respond, Jiajing had to look away from Lu Fang and ordered: "Okay, get up!"
When Lu Fang heard this, she felt relieved. She slowly stood up from the ground, lowered her head, and respectfully said, "Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Not long after Lu Fang got up from the ground, he heard Jiajing's voice ringing in his ears: "Humph, can this evil obstacle, with all his little tricks, be able to hide it from me?"
"When I played this trick, he wasn't even born yet!"
When Lu Fang heard this, she immediately lowered her head and carefully comforted her words: "Your Majesty..."
"Hmph, my son, I know it all too well. This son is narrow-minded and will retaliate for his anger. How can he let go just because he just wants to?"
"What he did was just to show weakness to me and make me relax my vigilance!"
Jiajing became more and more enthusiastic as he spoke, and he was seen stroking the carved dragon head on the dragon chair with his hand, paused, and continued: "But at least, he still understands which side he is from and where his butt should sit. !”
Lu Fang, who was on the side, heard Jiajing's words and immediately responded: "Yes, yes, Your Majesty, you are right. At least His Highness Prince Jing knows which side he should be on!"
Jiajing heard this, glanced at Lu Fang, and immediately said: "Let's go, Lu Fang, accompany me to the Manna Palace!"
When Jiajing finished speaking, a hint of imperceptible joy flashed across Lu Fang's face, and she respectfully responded: "As you command, Your Majesty!"
After that, Lu Fang followed Jiajing step by step and headed in the direction of Ganlu Palace.
…
After leaving the Qianqing Palace, Zhu Zaizhen walked non-stop towards the place where the sedan chair was parked.
At this moment, Zhu Zaizhen's face was full of joy. For him, not only had he successfully completed the set goal, but he was also able to return to live in Prince Jing's Mansion.
You must know that since Zhu Di, the founder of the Ming Dynasty, "Fengtian Jingnan", the court has treated the vassal kings who have already joined the vassal as a guard against wolves and tigers. They are not allowed to leave the fiefdom privately on weekdays. Even if they go out of the city to visit the tombs of their ancestors, they need to ask the court for instructions in advance.
Those vassal kings who have already become vassal, if there is no edict, will not be able to return to the capital for life, and can only stay in the fiefdom for the rest of their lives!
When Zhu Zaizhen arrived at the place where the sedan chair was parked, the servants who had been waiting here immediately came up to him, lowered their heads, and said respectfully: "His Royal Highness King Jing!"
Hearing this, Zhu Zaizhen nodded, responded casually, and then ordered: "Go back to Prince Jing's Mansion!"
The servant thought he had heard wrongly at first. He quickly lowered his head and carefully confirmed to Zhu Zaizhen: "Your Majesty... Your Highness, you... you just said..."
When Zhu Zaizhen saw this situation, a hint of impatience suddenly appeared on his face. He immediately looked at the servant and asked, "Why, didn't you hear what I said?"
After the servant noticed Zhu Zaizhen's gaze on him, he felt as if he had fallen into an ice cellar. He quickly leaned down and responded in a deep voice.
"Yes, His Highness Prince Jing!"
After that, Zhu Zaizhen took a sedan chair without any cover-up. Head straight towards the direction of Prince Jing's Mansion.
He wanted to take this opportunity to tell everyone that I, Zhu Zaizhen, am back!
Originally, Zhu Zaizhen's return to the capital from his fiefdom caused quite a stir in the capital. In addition, when Zhu Zaizhen returned to Prince Jing's Mansion, he did not make any cover-up.
Therefore, soon, the civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty learned that Zhu Zaizhen not only returned to the capital from the fiefdom, but also moved back to Prince Jing's Mansion.
Gradually, rumors spread in the capital. Some rumors said that Zhu Zaizhen was only temporarily living in Prince Jing's Mansion, and when the time came, he would have to return to the fiefdom in despair. There were also rumors that Zhu Zaizhen was favored by His Majesty, and he was allowed to return to the palace. Return to live in Prince Jing's Mansion.
In short, there are different opinions on various news, and no one can provide accurate news, but one thing can be confirmed, that is, King Jing not only returned to the capital, but also moved back to live in Prince Jing's Mansion.
On the other side, Prince Yu’s Mansion.
After Zhu Zaijing learned the news from the housekeeper of Prince Yu's Mansion, he became worried.
At this moment, in the room, Zhu Zaijing was pacing back and forth in the room with his hands behind his back, his face full of anxiety.
Zhu Zaijing originally thought that his fourth brother Zhu Zaizhen would never have the chance to return to the capital after being sent to a fiefdom by Jiajing to become a vassal.
Who knows, now, Zhu Zaizhen not only returned to the capital, but was also summoned by Jiajing, and even moved back to live in Prince Jing's Mansion!
All of this made Zhu Zaizhen feel an endless sense of crisis. He knew very well that his fourth brother Zhu Zaizhen had always been ambitious and wanted to inherit the throne all the time!
In his early years, he had the support of Yan Song, the chief minister of the cabinet. He had many party members and acted extremely erratically. He seemed to have the attitude of those who obey me will prosper and those who go against me will perish!
However, since Zhu Zaizhen was sent to the fiefdom by Jiajing to become a vassal, the power of his men was greatly reduced, and Zhu Zaijing took advantage of this opportunity and began to annex the remaining power in an orderly manner.
But at this critical moment, Zhu Zaizhen came back from the fiefdom!
In this way, not only is Zhu Zaizhen's forces likely to revive, but he is also likely to face an unexpected enemy.
It is precisely because of this that Zhu Zaijing was in chaos and kept pacing in the room.
Just when Zhu Zaijing was still racking his brains to think about the next response, he heard a "squeak" and the door of the room was pushed open. Just when Zhu Zaijing was about to reprimand him, he saw that the person who came was Concubine Li. After that, he abruptly stopped talking.
"Why are you here? Jun'er's side..."
"Don't worry, Jun'er will be taken care of by someone special!"
After saying this, Concubine Li came to Zhu Zaijing's side, with a worried look on her face, and then asked, "Are you worried about Prince Jing?"
Zhu Zaijing saw that Concubine Li's face was full of worry. After a long silence, he nodded and responded: "Yes, I didn't expect that the fourth brother could be summoned by his father and move back to his hometown again." In Prince Jing’s Mansion, logically speaking, the vassal prince who has already established a vassal status cannot..."
Before Zhu Zaijing finished speaking, Concubine Li chuckled and said slowly: "Husband, don't worry too much. You might as well think about it carefully, why did your Majesty summon His Highness King Jing back to the capital?"
After Zhu Zaijing heard what Concubine Li said, he immediately fell into deep thought. Then he saw her react and said excitedly: "I understand, what Concubine Ai means is that now, the Imperial Concubine is about to give birth, and my father It is out of this consideration that the emperor sent people to the fiefdom to recall his fourth brother to the capital!"
After thinking about this, Zhu Zaijing suddenly felt relieved physically and mentally. Immediately, he hugged Concubine Li into his arms and said softly: "My dear concubine, thanks to you, otherwise, I'm afraid I would have to..."
Before Zhu Zaijing finished speaking, Concubine Li blocked her words with her hands: "Husband, please stop talking. These are what I should do!"
When Zhu Zaijing heard this, a hint of gratitude flashed in his eyes. He subconsciously hugged Concubine Li in his arms and said to himself: "Despite this, I still can't let down my guard. You know, the fourth brother But he is a narrow-minded person who is determined to retaliate against others!"
…
Time flies by very quickly, and in the blink of an eye, it’s time to go on duty.
After being released from duty, Yan Song, Yan Shifan and his son did not stop at all, and immediately returned to Yan's Mansion in a sedan chair to discuss the next response.
The atmosphere in the room was quite dull. At this moment, Yan Shifan looked at the silent Yan Song with a look of worry on his face.
Immediately, Yan Shifan plucked up the courage and suggested to Yan Song: "Father, why don't we call Hu Zongxian too? He is now the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, and he will definitely be able to..."
Before Yan Shifan finished speaking, Yan Song came to his senses and reprimanded: "Yan Shifan, you idiot, you must not involve Hu Zongxian in this matter. This is the grudge between us and King Jing. He, Hu Zongxian, and This matter has nothing to do with it!”
"If the news gets out, will I, Yan Song, still have this old face?"
After being scolded by Yan Song, a look of shame appeared on Yan Shifan's face. He lowered his head and said timidly: "What father said is that the child lacked consideration!"
Then, Yan Shifan turned his attention to Yan Song and continued to ask: "Father, we can't just watch, King Jing take action against us, right?"
When Yan Song heard this, his face was full of helplessness. Immediately, he sighed and said to himself: "Well, logically speaking, the vassal king who has already resigned from the vassal should not return to the capital. That’s it!”
"And now, not only is Prince Jing back, but he has also been summoned by His Majesty. Not only that, he was actually able to get His Majesty's permission to move back to Prince Jing's Mansion!"
When Yan Song said this, his face was filled with a dark and incomprehensible look.
At this moment, Yan Shifan on the side seemed to have suddenly thought of something. He mustered up the courage to look in the direction of Yan Song and said cautiously: "Father, do you think this is because His Majesty wants to borrow money?" This is an opportunity to give Prince Yu and Prince Jing a beating, after all, the imperial concubine is about to give birth..."
Hearing this, Yan Song pondered for a moment, nodded, and said in response: "Well, we can't rule out this possibility for the time being, but right now, we have to pay more attention to the revenge from King Jing!"
After that, Yan Song turned his attention to Yan Shifan who was aside, and then ordered: "Tell Luo Longwen and Zhang Runde to be more careful. If there is any news, report it immediately!"
When Yan Song said this, he paused, a hint of gloom flashed in his eyes, and added: "In addition, send someone to watch at the gate of Prince Jing's Mansion to see who is in the court. They are unkind. Then don’t blame me for being unjust!”
When Yan Song finished speaking, Yan Shifan looked stern, bowed his hand to Yan Song, and said in a deep voice: "Yes, father, let's do it now!"
"Well, you must be more careful and don't show your flaws!"
Just as Yan Shifan was about to leave, Yan Song followed up with another warning.
"Yes, father, the child understands!"
…
In Prince Jing's Mansion, Zhu Zaizhen was seen sitting in the main seat, scanning the officials who came to visit one by one. At this moment, the faces of those officials were full of flattery and flattery.
After the officials learned that King Jing Zhu Zaizhen had moved back to Prince Jing's Mansion, they rushed around like vultures seeing carrion, for fear of being half a step behind others.
Then, Zhu Zaizhen looked away and couldn't help but sigh to himself: "Huh, when Gu went to the fiefdom to become a vassal, you all were like avoiding the god of plague, trying every possible means to avoid Gu. Now that Gu is back, You shamelessly come here to please me again!"
"When these damn insects take over the throne, the first thing they will do is to execute all of you bastards on both sides of the pack!"
Although Zhu Zaizhen hated these officials at both ends of the spectrum, he had to bite the bullet and get closer to them. The reason was simple: Zhu Zaizhen now needed their help.
Afterwards, Zhu Zaizhen suppressed all the chaotic thoughts in his heart, picked up the wine glass on the table, faced everyone, and said in a deep voice.
"I'm very happy that you all can come today. Come on, cheers!"
"cheers!"
After Zhu Zaizhen finished speaking, the officials who came to visit also raised their glasses one after another.
After a few glasses of wine, Zhu Zaizhen's complexion gradually turned rosy. Then, he picked up the jug on the side, filled himself another glass of wine, and said loudly: "Here, let's cheers!"
The atmosphere at the scene gradually became harmonious during this process. Until the end of the banquet, Zhu Zaizhen did not make any demands on the visiting officials, as if this was just an ordinary banquet. generally.
However, when the banquet was over and everyone was about to leave, the steward of Prince Jing's Mansion came forward and gave everyone who came to the banquet valuable gifts.
At this point, the entire banquet is considered to have come to a successful end, and you feel right at home!
After the visiting officials left one after another, the steward of Prince Jing's Mansion came to Zhu Zaizhen's side, with a worried look on his face: "Your Highness, are we doing this a little too ostentatiously? What if? Your Majesty’s side…”
Zhu Zaizhen saw the worried look on the butler's face, waved his hand, and then said: "In extraordinary times, extraordinary things should be done. Now that things have happened, there is no other way!"
When the butler heard Zhu Zaizhen's words, he immediately lowered his head and said respectfully: "Yes, Your Highness, I understand!"
After that, Zhu Zaizhen raised his head and looked at the bright moon hanging in the night sky, wondering what he was thinking.
After a long time, Zhu Zaizhen looked away, clenched his fists subconsciously, and said silently to himself: "Yan Song, just wait for me!"
On the other side, Yan's study room.
After Yan Shifan left, Yan Song returned to the study. After trying many times to calm down to no avail, he simply gave up the idea and began to analyze the situation in front of him.
At the moment, what worries Yan Song the most is not the revenge from King Jing, but the fear that Xu Jie may take advantage of this opportunity to join forces with King Jing to deal with him.
"Hmph, things have been really troubled recently. What a coincidence, there is another King King!"
After Yan Song finished speaking, he picked up the teacup on the side and took a sip.
At this moment, a rush of footsteps was heard outside the door. Not long after, the door to the study room was pushed open, and Yan Shifan walked in eagerly.
After Yan Shifan entered the study, he came to Yan Song and saluted him respectfully: "Father!"
When Yan Song heard the words, he responded in a subtle way, glanced at Yan Shifan, and then asked: "How did you do the things I asked you to do before?"
When Yan Song finished speaking, Yan Shifan took out a piece of paper with his name from his sleeve and handed it respectfully to Yan Song's hand: "Father, here are the officials who visited Prince Jing's Mansion tonight. List!”
Hearing this, Yan Song stretched out his skinny hand and took the list from Yan Shifan's hand. After he browsed through the names on it, he nodded and ordered: "Tell them to do it according to the people on the list." !”
"Yes, father, the child understands!" (End of this chapter)
