The crescent moon has quietly climbed up the branches without knowing when.
At this time, most people in the capital who were reluctant to light oil lamps had already gone to bed early to rest.
But for the dignitaries, the night had just begun.
In a pavilion in the back house of Duke Chengguo.
The snowfall in early winter decorated this exquisite garden with a snow-white sky.
The weather has gradually cleared up in the past few days, and the snow has gradually begun to melt. A breeze blew by, and the calm water rippled slightly.
Surrounded by various Shoushan stones, they look particularly beautiful when decorated with white snow.
There is a large round table in the middle of the pavilion. In the four small corners, there are exquisite heaters. With thick fur robes, you will not feel the slightest cold even on such a winter night.
Next to the exquisite and various dishes, Li Xian and Zhu Yi were surrounded by an old man, smiling broadly.
Zhu Yi's wife, Mrs. Hu, is Hu Hui's youngest and only daughter.
Hu Hui got this daughter when he was nearly fifty years old, so he naturally doted on her very much, so he lived not far from the Duke Chengguo's mansion.
The two families were well connected and there was no need for so many etiquettes, so they invited him directly to the house.
The three of them sat around the pavilion and sent away all the people who were serving. Li Xian roughly explained the matter, and Zhu Yi stood up, bowed her head and said.
"That's what happened. It's an honor to become a member of the Duke's family. Please ask your father-in-law for help."
Hu Hui was wearing a green-brown woven gold cloak, without any airs of Qiqing boss, sitting there like an ordinary rich man.
Seeing Zhu Yi bowing down so solemnly, he raised his empty hand, helped the person up and said.
"Yue Niang is your wife. With the fall of Chengguo Palace, Yuen Niang will also suffer. If I can help with this matter, why not?"
Pressing Zhu Yi on the chair again, Hu Yan frowned slightly, twirled his beard, and seemed to be a little hesitant, and said.
"Feng Guogong, you just said that this matter was ordered by the emperor, but is it true?"
Li Xian smiled bitterly and said.
"How dare I deceive the great uncle in front of me? What's more, even if Duke Chengguo is depressed for a while, it is still one of the public houses. If there is no reason, why would I bother to make this trip?"
Hu Xi didn't speak, but his brows furrowed deeper.
At this moment, Zhu Yi also realized something was wrong.
When the civil and military news first reached the capital, Zhu Yi actually went to see Hu Hui.
At that time, the advice given to him by his father-in-law was that it is better to be still than to move.
At that time, Xunqi was on the cusp of the storm, and if he made any slight changes, he could easily be regarded as the one who stood out.
Later, the situation gradually calmed down, and Zhu Yi tentatively submitted a letter to the emperor, requesting for burial.
After Hu Xi found out, he scolded him severely.
He said that he couldn't bear his temper. Even if he wanted to bring this matter up, he would have to wait for a year or two. By then, the contacts left by Zhu Yong would be much more useful than now.
But no matter which time it was, Hu Hui never acted as hesitant as now.
Is it possible that there are some joints in this that he doesn't know about?
Bravely, Zhu Yi asked.
"My father-in-law and my son-in-law also know that this matter is not easy. It's just that since the emperor was interested, he ordered Li Shibo to make this trip. That's why my son-in-law asked you to come over and discuss it and come up with an idea. If my father-in-law thinks it's inappropriate, my son-in-law will Just listen to your father-in-law and wait patiently for two more years until the storm has completely subsided."
Hearing this, Hu Hui glanced at him, sighed and said.
"The matter has come to this, there is no point in waiting."
As he said that, Hu Hui's eyes flashed, he looked at Li Xian coldly and said.
"Duke Feng just said that it was the Duke who took the initiative to intercede for Duke Cheng in front of His Majesty?"
Li Xian intuitively felt that Hu Xi's words sounded bad.
Although he is now the Duke of Feng, Hu Hui is one of the five great ministers of the late emperor. At his peak, he could compete with Sanyang.
Facing Hu Hui's implicit questioning tone, Li Xian thought for a moment and said tactfully.
"Don't be anxious, uncle. Today I came to the palace to express my gratitude. Your Majesty asked about the relationship between the honorary relatives. I gave a general explanation. I also asked about the current situation of the Chengguo Duke's mansion. I said a few words in passing. A kind word..."
Zhu Yi glanced at Li Xian and saw that what she said to him was very different.
But at this time, Zhu Yi didn't care about it, because he was a little confused as to what his father-in-law was angry about.
However, after asking clearly, Hu Xi put down the tea cup in his hand and said.
"It's getting late. I have to go to court tomorrow. This matter will be discussed in a few days. Is it okay for the Duke to see it?"
This is about seeing off guests.
Although he still didn't understand where he offended Hu Hui, Li Xian was still a prince after all, and it was so obvious to others that he couldn't just stay away.
Anyway, the words got through to him.
He still doesn't believe it. Cheng Guo Gongfu still dares to confront the emperor?
But at the end of the day, Li Xian was still a little worried, fearing that things would go wrong, so he added.
"In that case, I will come to visit you again in a few days."
Zhu Yi felt very embarrassed about Li Xian's words and sent him outside the door. After expressing her apology, she turned back.
After all, in his opinion, his father-in-law's attitude just now was indeed a bit excessive. Duke Feng Guo did not get angry on the spot, and he kindly made an appointment for the next visit, which was considered to be a very good manner.
After seeing off Li Xian, Zhu Yi returned to the back hall, only to see Hu Hui looking at the calm water in a trance.
So Zhu Yi stepped forward carefully and asked.
"Father-in-law, what is wrong with what Duke Feng just said?"
Hu Xi snorted coldly, turned around and glanced at Zhu Yi. After a moment, he sighed heavily and said.
"It's more than inappropriate...sigh..."
Seeing that Zhu Yi was still confused, Hu Hui took a long breath, then slowly calmed down and spoke.
"Do you know why I haven't taken any action to help you fight for the title of Duke Cheng from the emperor?"
Zhu Yi frowned. He originally thought that his father-in-law was in the civil service camp, so it was inconvenient for him to work for him. Now it sounds like there is some secret behind this?
"Please give me some advice from my father-in-law!"
Hu Hui seemed to not know where to start, and after pondering for a moment, he said.
"You and I are the father-in-law, and I won't hide it from you. I have served five emperors in my life. The reason I can survive this treacherous court situation until now is because I am not greedy. "
"You can know that there is no free benefit in this world, which is good!"
"But you only guarded against Marquis Fengcheng, but you never considered why the emperor gave you such a great benefit?"
"this……"
Zhu Yi was stunned and couldn't answer for a while.
No matter how young and mature he is, he has just lost his virginity. In addition, these days, the burden of the family has suddenly fallen on his shoulders, so it is inevitable that he will not think carefully.
In his opinion, the emperor is the emperor, and he can ask for anything from his ministers.
Thunder, rain and dew are all your kindness, so accept it. Anyway, even if he doesn't accept it, he can't refuse it.
After thinking carefully, Zhu Yi asked tentatively.
"Perhaps His Majesty wants to win over and support the Xunqi. After all, the Xunqi is now weak and the civil servants are powerful. There is an imbalance between civil and military affairs. This is not the solution in the long run."
"And when His Majesty was in hiding, he had little contact with his relatives, so he wanted to use this method to show favor to Duke Chengguo and make the relatives of Duke Chengguo's family truly loyal to His Majesty?"