After Lu Zhaoxiu finished his bath and returned to court on the first day, Lu Wuji stayed to talk.
He was asked emphatically about the hanging of the third prince. Of course, Lu Zhao would not admit it and only asked Lu Wuji to ask Lu Qingming.
This is a tacit understanding between their brothers. No matter how ugly the quarrel between them is, Lu Wuji will not be allowed to interfere.
In fact, it was not like this before. When they were young, they had a violent quarrel, and someone secretly complained to Lu Wuji in private. After that, all the brothers were in bad luck. Lu Wuji tortured people, but his relatives refused to recognize them.
From then on, they no longer complained. Any private grievances they had were settled separately, and they would not let Lu Wuji interfere.
Therefore, Lu Zhao was not afraid of revealing his secrets. Even if he hung Lu Qingming at the entrance of the palace, Lu Wuji would not have any definite evidence, and even if he had some guesses, it would be useless.
Sure enough, even after he pressed him several times, Lu Zhao still refused to let go, and Lu Wuji had no choice but to give up.
"What happened to the Kongming Lantern last night?" Lu Wuji started a new round of questioning.
"The Crown Princess was tired a few days ago, so I wanted to make her happy, so I made some Kongming lanterns and put them together. She felt very good after seeing them." Lu Zhao explained.
"In ancient times, King You of Zhou played with the princes with beacon fire, but now you, Lu Zhao, light a hundred Kongming lanterns, and Princess Bo smiles?" Lu Wuji's tone was gentle, and it sounded like he was joking, but these words were heart-breaking.
King You of Zhou was an emperor of all ages, and comparing the two of them together was clearly trying to knock him down.
Lu Zhao immediately bowed and saluted: "I don't dare. Last night it was just Erchen and the Crown Princess. Originally I wanted to set off fireworks, but I was afraid of disturbing my father, so I changed them to Kongming lanterns."
Lu Wuji was silent for a while, then slowly said: "Can setting off fireworks also make women happy?"
But at first glance, this sentence sounds completely irrelevant and confusing.
"If the fireworks were set off specifically for that person, he must be happy." Lu Zhao thought for a while and gave his answer.
"Okay, you go ahead." Lu Wuji waved his hand and let him go.
Lu Zhao was a little confused about Lu Wuji's sudden question. He didn't understand it until he returned to the palace at night, so he simply mentioned a few words to Chen Xueying.
Chen Xueying blinked and seemed a little dazed, then suddenly laughed out loud, as if she had figured out something.
"What are you laughing at? Did I tell a joke?" He was puzzled.
After Chen Xueying had laughed enough, she slowly stopped and poured a cup of tea to moisten her throat.
"Does this old pervert really want the iron tree to bloom? Is he burying one foot in the coffin board and starting to think about falling in love with a woman?" She opened her mouth with all kinds of sharp words, most of which were curses. .
If these words reached Lu Wuji's ears, they would probably piss him off.
Lu Zhao was shocked and nervous at the beginning, but now he has become accustomed to it.
"You mean, he wants to set off fireworks to coax women?" He is not a fool, he is clear about it.
"Of course, otherwise why would he ask you? I have to say that this Jia Zhaoyi is really capable of making the old pervert have such charming thoughts." Chen Xueying said thoughtfully.
"If she comes to me for an alliance next time, maybe there is no need to reject her coldly. A concubine who is likely to fall out of favor at any time is completely different from a woman who can be treated with care by an old pervert."
After her brain started working rapidly, she suddenly had something on her mind.
"Don't take risks. You can realize this, and Jia Zhaoyi can realize it even more. Maybe she didn't ask for much at the beginning, just to live a stable life in the harem, but as she gets more and more favors, she Her thoughts will also become bigger, and now that she is pregnant, no one can tell what she will think about it in the future."
Lu Zhao immediately stopped her, then thought about it carefully and felt that there were indeed many benefits to forming an alliance with Jia Zhaoyi.
"If we really want to form an alliance, just let me negotiate with her."
Chen Xueying couldn't help but let out a sigh when she saw that he was so serious but didn't invite anyone else.
"What's the difference between you going and me going? If the matter is revealed and the old pervert pursues it, and you are beheaded, will I still be able to benefit?" She obviously disagreed.
This is why she really wants to go back to modern times, even sitting down will kill her.
The fact was just as she had guessed. A few days later, one night, fireworks were suddenly set off in the palace.
Colorful fireworks exploded in the air, brilliant and beautiful, and instantly attracted everyone's attention.
The masters of each palace are asking who is setting off the fireworks. After all, fireworks are only set off during festivals, and even the people in the city can see it and enjoy it with the people.
But this time, the fireworks were set off out of season and without even a notice from the palace. How could it suddenly create such a big scene?
It happened that several concubines lived in the same palace, which was divided into the main hall and the secondary hall. Now they gathered together to enjoy the fireworks and discuss it.
"Who started the trouble this time?"
"Is it the prince again, trying to make the prince happy?"
"It's very possible that young people are still motivated. Even His Highness the Crown Prince who refuses people thousands of miles away will find ways to make people happy now that he has someone he cares about."
"A few days ago, I lit up hundreds of Kongming lanterns to make wishes, and today I started setting off fireworks again. Look at the unstoppable display. Isn't it going to be a hundred more?"
"Hey, it's an advantage for us. Let's watch the fireworks together."
The few of them were chatting happily, and they even began to tease the prince and the princess in their conversation. They were watching the show with the mentality of elders.
Soon someone from the palace came back to report: "Empress Qi, these fireworks were not set off by the prince."
"Oh, who put it there?" Several concubines couldn't help but be curious.
Besides the prince, who else could be so thoughtful and bold? After all, most people would not dare to do such a high-profile act as setting off fireworks.
The eunuch hesitated for a moment, then whispered: "The emperor let him go."
"The emperor released it? Why, pray for a good harvest, do you want a good harvest this year?"
Several people looked at each other and couldn't help being shocked.
What kind of fireworks did the emperor set off? They couldn't think of any other answer besides praying for the people.
The reason why he didn't think about coaxing women was that the emperor never had such overt emotions when he was young. No matter how much he favored anyone, it was just for a temporary novelty, and few favors lasted forever.
The second reason is that he is not only a man, but also the most powerful person in charge of the world. How can he make such a big show of his love? He must care about the people of Li.
It's a pity that this eunuch once again shattered their understanding. He hesitated and said: "No, no, it's because-"
"Oh, if you want to say it, say it quickly. When did it turn into stammering? If you don't know clearly, I'll slap you." Someone couldn't hold it anymore and threatened in a loud voice.
In an instant, the little eunuch straightened his tongue, knelt down on the ground, and said urgently: "The emperor set off the fireworks for Jia Zhaoyi. He said that the heat was unbearable. Jia Zhaoyi was pregnant with the dragon heir and took good care of the emperor. He was exhausted. I lost a lot of weight, and General Zhong was away fighting hard and couldn't come to escape the heat. He had won a battle before, so he set off fireworks to pray for General Zhong and the fetus in Jia Zhaoyi's belly."
Being so frightened, he spoke a long series of words extremely smoothly, without even stumbling.
The concubines, who were originally full of curiosity, instantly felt cold after hearing this reason.
Some people even couldn't sit still at all. If it weren't for the support of the back of the chair behind them, they would be so shocked that they would fall down on the spot.
"Did the Emperor really say that? Did he say it to you personally?"
The little eunuch shook his head quickly, "I didn't see the emperor. Many palace servants were sent to inquire. It was General Manager Qin who found the slaves and said it himself. These are the original words of General Manager Qin. I have a good memory, so I guarantee that they will be accurate word for word." ."
The little eunuch was obviously frightened by the words he just opened his mouth, and now he promised again and again that he hoped his master would spare him.
Unfortunately, several of the concubines were furious at the moment. Seeing his sworn look, they were even more furious. His master jumped up and punched him with his fists.
"You have a good memory, what a piece of shit, you are showing off in front of me."
"Master, have mercy on me, Master, have mercy on me."
This situation was happening in various palaces. The emperor obviously had no intention of concealing it, and even wanted to show off, so he asked Qin Youan to publicize it everywhere and say such straightforward words.
At first glance, it sounds like he was going to reward General Zhong, but these words put Jia Zhaoyi first, which shows the emperor's true intention. In fact, General Zhong came incidentally, mainly to reward Jia Zhaoyi.
Concubine Yu naturally also received the news. Even though she was as calm as she was, she couldn't hold it in anymore. She threw a tea set angrily to calm down the anger in her heart.
She sneered: "Don't you think it's a bit unfair that the emperor is so old that he only wants to engage in true love? The previous Concubine Li was also a member of the Zhong family and a legitimate daughter. The emperor did not set off fireworks for General Zhong, and even scolded Zhong several times. General, now you are pulling him out as a shield, just because you are afraid that the courtiers will interfere with his work and indulge in women."
Among the entire palace, the one who feels the saddest at the moment must be the concubine.
She stood guard in front of the hospital bed, while the third prince was lying on the bed, still looking sick.
He was rescued from the palace gate. Although his life was safe, his hands were useless. The imperial doctor came to diagnose his pulse and said that he could be cured and could continue to practice martial arts, but he could not do delicate work.
Lu Qingming was a man, and he didn't need to learn such delicate work as embroidery. It didn't have much impact originally.
However, the third prince already had a leg disease and was particularly sensitive to physical disabilities. When the imperial doctor said that his fingers could not do fine work, the suffering he suffered when he had a leg disease in the past flooded into his mind, and he instantly felt depressed.
He was already weak and injured, and coupled with his depressed mood, his whole body seemed to be seriously injured and would not heal. He lay directly on the bed, feeling groggy all day long, and he looked like he was suffering from premature aging.
The concubine Xiang Cun was in great confusion and went to the emperor several times to beg her.
Lu Wuji was also furious at first. After all, his son was beaten like this and hung on the palace gate, which made several important ministers laugh. The pride of the Nine-Fifth Emperor would not allow such a thing to happen.
But the murderer was never found, and even as she cried and begged several times in succession, the emperor's annoyance gradually subsided.
It has only been a few days now, and Lu Wuji has not mentioned this matter. Tonight, he is setting off fireworks just to make Beau Beauty smile, and even informs the whole palace, making everyone hate and jealous of Jia Zhaoyi.
When the third prince woke up in a daze, he heard someone crying in his ears.
"Who's crying?" he asked in a hoarse voice.
"Qingming, are you awake?" Xiangbi immediately wiped it with a brocade handkerchief twice and asked urgently.
"Mom, were you crying just now?"
"No, you heard wrong. Are you thirsty?"
Xiangbi quickly denied it, poured a cup of tea over and fed him to drink it gently.
Lu Qingming drank the tea and looked at Xiang Bi carefully, her eyes evasive.
"Mom, what happened? Your eyes are red. You have obviously cried. Don't lie to me."
Seeing that she couldn't hide it, Xiang Concubine couldn't help but let out a long sigh and said in a low voice: "I saw that you were still awake, and I felt worried and couldn't help but feel sad. But you are awake now. Let the imperial doctor take a look at it later. . Son, you must cheer up, otherwise who will I rely on in the future!"
The mother and son were talking when there was another "pop" outside.
Lu Qingming raised his head and looked out the window. The gorgeous fireworks lit up the night sky.
"Who is setting off the fireworks? Is it Lu Zhao?" His tone was low and his face became gloomy.
Seeing how angry he was, Concubine Xiang quickly denied: "It's not the prince. How dare he be so presumptuous in the presence of the emperor. This is what the emperor ordered him to let go."
"My father ordered them to be set off. When they came out to escape the summer heat, it would be easy for the courtiers to participate in the extravagant music. Why are they setting off fireworks now? Why?"
"I didn't find out clearly. I'll ask you after you're well. It's not our turn to deal with this matter." Xiangbi avoided answering and just lowered her head to tuck the corner of the quilt into place.
"Is it for Jia Zhaoyi?" Lu Qingming asked tentatively.
Xiangbi's movements stopped and then returned to normal.
"The inquirer hasn't come back yet, so I don't know."
"Mom, there is no need to hide it from me. I need someone to stimulate me at this time so that I can have the desire to live. If my father really sets off fireworks here for Zhaoyi and makes it look like the whole world is celebrating, without caring about my life or death, then it will be even worse. It can inspire my fighting spirit." He smiled bitterly.
I don't know if it's expectation or panic.
Xiangbi looked at him blankly, as if thinking about the truth or falsehood of his words, and finally nodded.
"It is indeed for Jia Zhaoyi, and the emperor did not hide it. He directly asked Qin Youan to tell all the palace officials who went to inquire that he wanted to show his favor to Jia Zhaoyi to the world."
Lu Qingming's face darkened, he gritted his teeth, with hatred in his eyes.
"Son, don't take it too seriously. It has nothing to do with us whether Jia Zhaoyi is favored or not. Anyway, even if she is not favored, she will not be as favored as her mother. I have long since faded, and I don't expect your father's favor at all. I hope you can be safe and don’t suffer from these sufferings again.”
"This time you were plotted against, and you were lying on the same bed with the Crown Princess alone, and for the Crown Prince to deal such a heavy blow to you, it must have been the Second Prince. They are the two of you who should deal with it. It's a shame that the emperor wants to use the three of you to keep each other in check. It's all thanks to them that you are suffering so badly. It's not easy to join forces with one of them to deal with the remaining one. I don't know when I can get my revenge."
Lu Qingming's eyes flashed. It was obvious that he did not agree with what Xiangbi said, but he couldn't say many things clearly.
"Don't worry, mother, I have my own plan." He comforted softly.
Chen Xueying and Lu Zhao were standing hand in hand in the courtyard, looking up at the sky.
She couldn't help but clicked her tongue and sighed: "Tsk, tsk, a hundred rings have passed, and I'm still playing. Your Majesty has spent a lot of money, and he plays more than others during their birthdays."
Lu Zhao didn't say anything, just looked at it seriously.
Chen Xueying couldn't bear the loneliness. After all, the fireworks were set off by an old pervert for Jia Zhaoyi, and they were full of gossip.
"Don't tell me that this old pervert is very good at twisting things. I think he is competing with you. If you set off a hundred sky lanterns, he will have more fireworks than you. Just watch, I estimate it will be two hundred. "
Lu Zhao pursed his lips and said nonchalantly: "Let it go, it's best to ring three hundred or four hundred times. Tomorrow, the official will catch him alone."
Chen Xueying sneered softly: "Don't put gold on the faces of your Northern Qi officials, they don't have the guts."
If it were Dayan's position as Yanguan, she would still have some faith in it, but Northern Qi seriously emphasized martial arts over literature, and Lu Wuji was famous for his strong desire for control. Even military generals with great military exploits would not dare to disobey him. , not to mention the civil servants who are not taken seriously.
"What are you looking at so seriously? Are the fireworks more beautiful than me?" Chen Xueying saw him talking to her without looking at her, so she couldn't help but bumped him with her shoulder and said in a dissatisfied tone. :,,
