For Zhu Zaizhen, the most painful thing in the world is to watch helplessly as the throne that originally belonged to him slips further and further away.
What's even more cruel is that even though he knows what will happen next, he is powerless and cannot take any action.
In Zhu Zaizhen's view, if the child in the belly of the imperial concubine Shen grows up successfully, there is a great possibility that he will become the new crown prince of the Ming Dynasty!
At that time, the ministers in the court will all move closer to this child in a tacit understanding, and he and King Yu will become complete losers on the road to seizing the rightful son, and will never be able to stand up.
At that time, all we can do is beg for mercy from the victor and save a life.
After all, since ancient times, the road to seizing the right to inherit the throne has been extremely dangerous, and if you fail even one step, you will be destined for eternal disaster.
And throughout the ages, for the sake of the throne, how many fathers, sons, and brothers have fought against each other, killing each other, and resorting to all possible means!
At that moment, Zhu Zaizhen's mind even flashed the figure of Zhu Di, the emperor of the Ming Dynasty. This emperor took the throne from his nephew through Fengtian Jingnan.
But soon, Zhu Zaizhen shook his head and expelled all these unrealistic delusions from his mind.
He, Zhu Zaizhen, is not Zhu Di. He neither has the strategizing skills of Zhu Di, nor does he have subordinates who are willing to swear loyalty to him. After becoming a vassal, the vassal king is not allowed to leave the fiefdom at will, even to visit the tombs of his ancestors. You need to ask the court for instructions in advance.
"Oh, can it be that I can only watch helplessly?"
When Zhu Zaizhen said this, his face was full of sadness, and then he raised his head and looked out the window at the night.
At this moment, the cold moonlight occasionally peeks out of the clouds and falls on the ground, making people feel even more lonely.
At this moment, there was a slight knock on the door. Upon seeing this, Zhu Zaizhen took a deep breath and calmed down before saying: "Come in!"
After the words fell, there was only a "squeak" sound, the door of the room was pushed open, and the person who came was the housekeeper who had left earlier.
When Zhu Zaizhen saw the housekeeper leaving and returning, he couldn't help but raise his eyebrows, and then asked: "What's the matter?"
When the housekeeper heard Zhu Zaizhen's words, he did not dare to hide anything. He immediately took out a letter from his sleeve, lowered his head, and reported the report respectfully.
"Your Highness, a servant just came to report that he accidentally found this letter. To be on the safe side..."
Before the butler finished speaking, Zhu Zaizhen waved his hand and said: "Okay, bring the letter!"
When the housekeeper heard this, he did not dare to be negligent at all. He immediately stepped forward and handed the letter in his hand to Zhu Zaizhen's hand.
After Zhu Zaizhen took the envelope from the butler's hand, he opened it and read the contents word for word.
After a long time, I saw Zhu Zaizhen put the letter in his hand aside, with an inexplicable look on his face, and said with emotion: "Oh, Xu Jie, I really didn't expect that we would have such a day!"
Zhu Zaizhen did not forget that when he and King Yu fought fiercely for the position of crown prince, it was Xu Jie who was behind the scenes to advise King Yu.
Now, the two sides have come together because of a common enemy, which makes Zhu Zaizhen lament the impermanence of things in the world.
Then, Zhu Zaizhen raised his head and looked at the housekeeper, and then ordered: "Okay, it's none of your business, you go down first!"
When the butler heard this, he immediately leaned down and respectfully responded: "Yes, Your Highness!"
After the housekeeper left, Zhu Zaizhen was the only one left in the room. He clenched his fists and said silently to himself: "Humph, Yan Song, no matter what, you must pay the price for your previous betrayal!"
…
In the next few days, the government and the public were quiet, without even the slightest disturbance. Everyone was holding their breath and waiting for news.
Although it was already September, the weather did not cool down much. As the evening approached, the setting sun began to disappear into the horizon and the sky gradually darkened.
Forbidden City, Cabinet.
At this moment, even though it was time to go off duty, everyone in the cabinet had no intention of leaving and was still reviewing the memorials in their hands.
But it was obvious that their thoughts were not on the memorial in front of them.
They focused most of their attention on the door of the cabinet.
Not long ago, rumors spread from the palace that His Majesty had already chosen a name for the child in the belly of Imperial Concubine Shen.
Not long after this, news soon spread that the imperial concubine was going to give birth in these few days.
As soon as this news came out, all the civil and military officials in the DPRK were looking forward to it, even the cabinet was no exception.
At this moment, there was a rush of footsteps from outside the cabinet, and not long after, a subordinate was seen running into the cabinet in a hurry.
Seeing this situation, Xu Jie ignored the unfinished memorial in his hand, stood up from his seat suddenly, and asked: "How is the situation? Is it the imperial concubine's side..."
After Xu Jie, Hu Zongxian on the side also looked at the subordinate official and asked: "Is there any news from the imperial concubine?"
After the subordinate official noticed everyone's eyes on him, he couldn't help but panic. He immediately bowed to the ground and reported the report carefully.
"Report... Mr. Ge, according to... it is said that not long ago, His Majesty personally sent people to Prince Yu's Mansion and Prince Jing's Mansion!"
After everyone learned the news from the subordinates, their faces were full of excitement. After all, this matter was a great good thing for everyone.
Then, Gao Gong suppressed all the chaotic thoughts in his heart, stood up, faced everyone, and said in a deep voice: "Judging from the current situation, it is probably the imperial concubine who is about to give birth!"
When Gao Gong said this, he paused for a moment and continued: "Otherwise, Your Majesty would not have sent someone to invite His Highness Prince Yu and His Highness Prince Jing at this time!"
Gao Gong's statement was quickly recognized by everyone present. After all, judging from the current situation, this news is extremely credible.
Although Zhang Juzheng's face looked normal, judging from the slightly trembling hands hidden in his sleeves, he was not at peace in his heart.
At this moment, Zhang Juzheng raised his head and looked at the scenery in the distance, praying secretly in his heart: "The child in the belly of Imperial Concubine Shen must be a boy!"
Thinking of this, Zhang Juzheng couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope in his heart.
Gradually, it gets later and later, and orange candles light up in the cabinet. In addition, the six ministries of the Ming Dynasty are also brightly lit.
On the other side, at the British Government Palace, the scene was the same.
At this moment, in the hall used by the British government to entertain guests.
British Duke Zhang Rong, Chengguo Duke Zhu Xizhong, Dingguo Duke Xu Yande, as well as all the clans and nobles, all looked at the door eagerly, waiting for the latest news.
Even Zhang Rong, the usually mature and prudent British public servant, looked excited at the moment and kept pacing back and forth in the room.
Zhu Xizhong, the Duke of Chengguo on the side, saw this situation, picked up the teacup on the table, took a sip, then looked in the direction of Zhang Rong, and comforted him: "Young Lord, you'd better sit down first, my head is shaking. fainted!"
When Chengguo Duke Zhu Xizhong finished speaking, Dingguo Duke Xu Yande also stood up and added: "Yes, British Duke, you'd better sit down and rest for a while!"
Hearing this, Zhang Rong couldn't help but have a look of embarrassment on his face. After laughing twice, he sat back down in his seat.
After Zhang Rong sat back in his seat, he sighed helplessly and said slowly: "Well, a few days ago, there was news in the palace that the imperial concubine Shen was about to give birth. Watching..."
When Xu Yande, Duke of Dingguo, heard this, he couldn't help stroking his beard and said comfortingly: "Mr. British, you don't have to worry, haven't we already sent people to find out the news? Just wait a little longer, there should be news soon. It’s the result!”
At this moment, Zhu Xizhong, the Duke of Chengguo on the side, seemed to have suddenly thought of something. He faced the crowd and lowered his voice.
"By the way, I heard that recently, the Honglu Temple and the Ministry of Rites are preparing for the canonization of the queen. It is said that the Fengtian Temple has already placed the festival album and treasure case!"
After Zhu Xizhong finished speaking, the faces of everyone present were filled with expressions of surprise that could not be concealed.
After all, Jiajing has not appointed a queen since Queen Fang died, and the position of queen has been vacant for many years.
"It's true that mother is worth more than son!"
At this moment, such an idea appeared in the minds of many clans and nobles present.
But soon, everyone realized that if the Imperial Concubine Shen was canonized as Queen by His Majesty, then the child in her belly would become a true legitimate son!
At present, Jiajing's body is still strong and can definitely support the child until he grows up smoothly. In other words, if the child in the belly of the imperial concubine is a boy, then he will have a great possibility of becoming the emperor of the Ming Dynasty. Crown Prince!
Just as everyone's thoughts were racing, they heard a rush of footsteps outside the door. Not long after, the steward of the British government ran in panting and reported breathlessly.
"Old... Master, no... Not long ago, His Majesty sent people to Prince Yu's Mansion and Prince Jing's Mansion respectively. After receiving the news, Prince Yu and Prince Jing also hurried to the palace in a sedan chair!"
When the butler finished speaking, Zhang Rong suddenly stood up from his seat. The news was so shocking that Zhang Rong's brain shut down for a moment.
Later, Zhang Rong came to his senses, faced everyone, and said in a deep voice: "It seems that the imperial concubine is about to give birth. Otherwise, His Majesty would not have sent someone to invite Prince Yu and Prince Jing!"
After that, Zhang Rong changed the topic and continued: "Let's prepare immediately. After the child in the belly of Imperial Concubine Shen is successfully born, we will go to the palace to congratulate His Majesty in person!"
…
Ganlu Palace, outside the bedroom of the imperial concubine Shen.
At this time, Jiajing was pacing back and forth outside with his hands behind his back, his face full of anxiety.
Ever since Jiajing learned that the imperial concubine Shen was about to give birth a few days ago, she simply stayed in Ganlu Palace to accompany Shen.
Later today, the imperial concubine Shen suddenly felt unwell. Seeing this, Jiajing quickly called the imperial physician. According to the imperial physician's diagnosis, this was a sign of imminent labor.
After that, the imperial concubine Shen was sent into the room by the midwife, maids, etc. who came after hearing the news.
At this moment, Lu Fang quickly came to Jiajing's side, lowered his head, and reported respectfully: "Qi... Your Majesty, I have sent someone to deliver the news to His Royal Highness Prince Yu and His Highness Prince Jing. It’s on the way already, I’ll be there soon!”
After Jiajing heard this, he came back to his senses and glanced at Lu Fang. At this time, Lu Fang looked slightly embarrassed, and a layer of fine beads of sweat had already appeared on his forehead.
"Well, Lu Fang, thank you for your hard work. Please wait here with me!"
"As you command, Your Majesty!"
When Lu Fang heard this, she immediately looked stern and responded in a deep voice.
Although Lu Fang has been with Jiajing for many years, he has rarely seen Jiajing at such a loss.
On weekdays, no matter what Jiajing does, he always gives people the feeling that he has wisdom and everything is under control.
But after thinking about it, Lu Fang soon felt relieved. After all, Jiajing was now in his fifties, so he had a son with old age.
When his two sons, King Yu and King Jing, both failed to live up to expectations, they naturally had high hopes for this child.
Then everything makes sense.
At this moment, Imperial Concubine Shen's bedroom was pushed open, and a maid came out carrying a golden basin. The hot water in the golden basin had already been dyed red with blood.
Seeing this situation, Lu Fang quickly stopped the maid without waiting for Jiajing's instructions and asked: "How is the condition of the imperial concubine?"
When the maid heard this, she suppressed the panic in her heart. After putting the golden basin aside, she came to Jiajing and saluted respectfully: "Your Majesty, everything goes well!"
When Lu Fang heard this, her face was full of excitement. She leaned down and reported respectfully to Jiajing: "Your Majesty, did you hear that? Everything went well!"
When Jiajing heard what Lu Fang said, he waved his hand and joked with a smile: "Okay, I heard it, I'm not deaf yet!"
After that, Jiajing turned around, looked at the maid, and ordered as usual: "Okay, it's none of your business. You can continue your work!"
"As you command, Your Majesty!"
Upon hearing this, the maid bowed to Jiajing, then picked up the gold basin and left.
Seeing the joy on Jiajing's face, Lu Fang couldn't help but lower her head and prayed secretly: "My dear concubine, you must strive for success!"
At this moment, a baby's cry came from the room of Imperial Concubine Shen.
After Jiajing and Lu Fang heard this cry, they couldn't help but cheer up. After looking at each other, Jiajing looked away and laughed loudly.
"Haha, it's happening, it's happening!"
Seeing this situation, Lu Fang immediately knelt down on the ground with a thump and said excitedly: "My slave is here, congratulations to Your Majesty!"
Hearing this, Jiajing nodded, then personally helped Lu Fang up from the ground and said: "Okay, get up and come with me to have a look!"
After that, Lu Fang followed Jiajing step by step and entered the bedroom of the imperial concubine Shen.
Shortly after entering the room, Jiajing finally saw his child.
The midwife came forward with a smile on her face, handed the child in her arms to Jiajing's hand, and said: "Congratulations to your majesty, mother and child are safe, this is a big fat boy!"
Jiajing clumsily took the child from the midwife's hands. At this time, the newborn child was wrinkled and not good-looking at all.
But Jiajing could clearly feel a sense of blood connection from this child.
Lu Fang, who was behind Jiajing, learned from the midwife that the child in the belly of Imperial Concubine Shen was a big fat boy. The heart that had been hanging on her heart finally fell.
After that, Jiajing was seen holding the baby and came to the bed of the Imperial Concubine Shen. He placed the child next to the Imperial Concubine Shen and said slowly: "My dear concubine, we have a child. We have always been Thanks a lot!"
At this time, Ms. Shen was still in a state of exhaustion because she had just given birth to a child. She looked pale at this moment and responded with a smile: "Your Majesty, this concubine's hard work is not one ten thousandth of yours, Your Majesty."
Then, Mrs. Shen was seen looking at the sleeping child beside her, with a loving smile on her face.
At this moment, Jiajing's voice was heard: "My dear concubine, do you still remember the name I gave this child before?"
When Mrs. Shen heard Jiajing's words, she immediately responded without thinking: "Of course I remember, my name is Zhu Zaiyuan!"
Hearing this, Jiajing looked away from Shen, nodded, and said slowly: "Well, that's right, my name is Zhu Zaiyuan!"
After that, Jiajing leaned down, lightly tapped the imperial concubine Shen's forehead, and then said: "Right now, my beloved concubine has just given birth to a child. She is now weak and should rest well." , if you have any requests, just ask me!"
Hearing Jiajing's words, Mrs. Shen couldn't help but have a look of reluctance on her face, but then, she only nodded and said timidly: "I understand, I will take good care of myself as soon as possible!"
Hearing this, Jiajing gently stroked Shen's hair and said comforting words: "Don't worry, I will come to see you from time to time. When you recover, I will officially canonize you as the queen!"
"Your Majesty... Your Majesty, I... I am my concubine..."
Jiajing seemed to have guessed what Shen was thinking, and waved his hand to stop Shen from continuing: "Okay, I understand that your most important task now is to take good care of your body, do you understand? "
After hearing Jiajing's concerned words, Mrs. Shen couldn't help but feel a warm current flowing through her heart.
Afterwards, Mrs. Shen nodded firmly and assured Jiajing: "Your Majesty, don't worry, I will take good care of myself as soon as possible!"
"Well, have a good rest and I won't disturb you anymore!"
After Jiajing finished instructing Mrs. Shen, he turned around, looked at the maids and midwives in the room, and the imperial doctor waiting nearby, and said.
"I will reward you heavily. When we come down later, someone will take you to receive the reward!"
When everyone heard that there was a huge reward, their faces were filled with tears of gratitude. They quickly knelt on the ground and said respectfully: "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!"
When Jiajing heard this, he nodded slightly, and then added: "You must take good care of the imperial concubine for me. If she loses a hair, I will ask you, do you understand? "
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
After that, Jiajing did not stay in the room for too long, but took Lu Fang and left the bedroom of the imperial concubine Shen.
After walking out of the room, Lu Fang couldn't help but feel like he was in another world. After all, everything he saw now made him feel unreal.
"I never thought that I, Lu Fang, would really be able to see this day. I am truly lucky!"
"The Imperial Concubine... No, the Empress is so ambitious that she actually gave birth to a son for Your Majesty. If nothing goes wrong, this child will become the crown prince of my Ming Dynasty in the future!"
Just when Lu Fang was feeling so emotional, he heard Jiajing's voice ringing in his ears: "Lü Fang, without further ado, send someone to announce this news immediately!"
"In addition, if you continue, all the eunuchs and maids in the Moon Palace will receive an extra amount of money!"
When Lu Fang heard what Jiajing said, she suddenly came back to her senses, leaned down, and responded in a deep voice: "As you command, Your Majesty!"
After responding, Lu Fang waved casually, summoned the waiting eunuch of Ganlu Palace, and gave instructions.
"Immediately report the news and say that the imperial concubine has given birth successfully. Your Majesty has also chosen a name for her, Zhu Zaiyuan!"
After giving the instructions, Lu Fang turned around, looked at Jiajing, and said cautiously: "Your Majesty, what do you think?"
When Jiajing heard the words, he responded in a subtle way, nodded, and said: "Well, that's it!"
When the eunuch in charge of the Manna Palace saw this, his face was full of joy. He leaned down and respectfully responded: "As you command, Your Majesty!"
When Jiajing was giving instructions to Lu Fang just now, the eunuch in charge of the Manna Palace was waiting not far away. Therefore, the conversation between Jiajing and Lu Fang fell into the ears of the eunuch in charge. middle.
As for Lu Fang being able to entrust him with such an important task, the eunuch in charge of the Manna Palace was filled with gratitude.
After that, the chief eunuch summoned several younger eunuchs, whispered a few words into their ears, and then left quickly.
Seeing this situation, Jiajing withdrew his gaze, turned to look at Lu Fang, and then said: "Let's go, Lu Fang, and go meet my two unworthy sons!"
When Lu Fang heard this, she immediately lowered her head and responded in a deep voice: "Yes, Your Majesty!"
After that, Lu Fang was seen following Jiajing step by step, heading towards the palace where King Yu and King Jing were waiting.
"It's given birth, it's given birth, the imperial concubine has given birth, it's a boy!"
"Good news, the imperial concubine has given birth to a boy for Your Majesty, and his name is Zhu Zaiyuan!"
"The royal concubine..."
After Lu Fang sent people to spread the news that the imperial concubine Shen had successfully given birth.
Soon, the news spread throughout the palace at a viral speed. (End of chapter)
