female concubine

[The setting sun shines through the windows, making the scene in the hall look warm and pleasant.

The calming green smoke slowly rises from the three-legged copper furnace and surrounds it.

"Shen Yi'an's former troops intercepted the military newspaper in the Yongxing Army? Xia Guo is preparing to attack the Song Dynasty? Where did you hear this news?" The emperor frowned anxiously.

Zipao, who was standing quietly in front of the table, said, "Could it be that His Royal Highness is only allowed to place eyeliners in various places, and the minister is not allowed to have anyone at the border?"

The emperor kneaded his right hand, "What do you want to do?"

King Chu looked at the emperor with a cold face, "I want to make a bet with Your Majesty."

"Gambling?" The emperor stared at King Chu with great distrust.

"Gambling." Compared with the warm sun in early spring, King Chu's eyes looked a bit darker, "Whether His Majesty's Saburo is qualified for the position as the crown prince?"

The emperor immediately sneered and reached out to touch the jade seal on the table, "Sure enough, you are planning every step of the way for it, but how can I trust you?"

"Your Majesty doesn't need to believe what I say, and you can let him join the army when the war starts. At that time, I will use this head to prove it to His Majesty."

The emperor raised his head in shock at King Chu's words, and looked at her hesitantly, "For what?"

The King of Chu put his sleeves on his chest and said without hesitation: "Her."

Immediately afterwards, he continued: "Your Majesty knows that Your Majesty does not trust you, and you also know that Your Majesty does not like you, so in any case, no matter how mediocre the crown prince is, His Majesty will not appoint me."

"Since you know, you dare to come here and ask me?"

The king of Chu narrowed his eyes, and immediately stepped forward, walked around the table and walked to the side of the emperor, leaned over and said in a low voice, "Because Zong Ren is the son of the elder brother."

The emperor raised his head sideways, staring into his bloodshot old eyes.

The King of Chu calmly walked back to the table, stretched his sleeves, and said calmly, "Your Majesty has seen him, after what I have said, does your Majesty look very similar in retrospect?" The King of Chu looked at the emperor and began to move "His Royal Highness Empress gave birth to the eldest son for His Majesty. How can I forget the joy of being a father for the first time? The appearance of the firstborn son should be the one that father remembers most firmly."

The emperor, the son of King Chu, had only met once, and his face was dignified. The emperor frowned in disgust, "You..."

"Sun Hongda belongs to my minister. Your majesty can also kill him like Yang Shu. I will not complain. It's just that this matter has nothing to do with Princess Chu. It's her who was persecuted by me. This crime of deceiving the emperor is a crime of deception. bear."

The emperor narrowed his eyes, "You can bear it alone, can you afford it?"

"I know the death penalty, but if I don't do this, with the method of today's prince, Your Majesty knows better than me."

"The deposed prince treats you...you should have no reason?"

"In my heart, what I save is not the blood of the abandoned prince, but the blood of the former princess."

"Crown Princess Li?"

The King of Chu raised his eyes that were gradually turning red, "Daddy has never been looked down upon by others, and he doesn't know what my son wants, let alone what my son desires."

The emperor also heard about the past affairs between the Li family and the King of Yan and the King of Chu, so he slowly lowered his head, looked at the jade seal on the table and remained silent.

"Also," the King of Chu stepped forward with a deep breath, and took out a golden talisman from his hand, "This is a token that Wei Guogong handed over to the minister before his arrival, and all the old troops of the Western Army knew it." The King of Chu handed the golden talisman to the on the table.

"But now that the Duke of Wei has gone, how many hearts can be recalled with just a piece of gold talisman? I know that your majesty can decide your life and death now. As long as your majesty thinks about it, you will not be able to survive tonight or even leave this palace gate." .”

With a gloomy face, the emperor picked up the golden talisman on the table, which was less than half the size of a palm, on which was engraved a simple Chinese character Xiao.

"I know that after the death of the second elder brother, the person His Majesty most wants to pass on to the throne is actually the abolished Crown Prince. Although he is a mediocre man, he is the most filial one among His Majesty's sons." The King of Chu immediately raised his hem and knelt down, walking Ji Shouli begged in a deep voice: "If Er'er dies in battle, please let Daddy let her go because she is the daughter of the lady of the county."

The emperor raised his head and stared at the bowed king of Chu. After staring at him for a long time, he was silent for a long time. Then he exhaled softly and said, "Get up, today, I will pretend that you have never been here before." Pushing forward, "Take your stuff back."

King Chu took back the golden talisman, "Daddy..."

"I will not sympathize with anyone, including you, but I will not tolerate rape, including the prince, you go."

King Chu took a few steps back, then knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, Wanan."

The emperor put his hand on his forehead, and said in a dull voice, "Take this step, life or death, I will not interfere."]

"Swords and swords have no eyes on the battlefield, and the six kings are a little worried about going out with the army this time." Lu Wei asked, seeing that the king of Chu was engrossed, "What are the six kings looking at?"

Lu Wei's words brought King Chu back to his senses, shook his head lightly and said, "It's nothing, master, don't worry, my king." Then he looked at the chair on the bright platform in the north of the Chui Gong Hall, and said, "It won't be so easy. Died on the battlefield."

----------

The king of Chu hadn't returned home to prepare for the expedition, but Ouchi's edict arrived at the palace of the king of Chu sooner than he did.

"Under the sect, the king of Chu went deep into the people to govern the prefectures and counties. He has made outstanding achievements. Now he is going to fight for me. His filial piety is commendable. His eldest son Wei Zongren was one year old when he was one year old. raised by his mother."

The person kneeling to receive the edict shook his hands tremblingly, "Let's march?"

"Yes, when the Northwest War started, His Majesty ordered the Marshal of the Palace to be the Marshal of the West to lead the army to attack, and ordered the six kings to accompany the army." The official who was summoned smiled and looked at the little county king next to Princess Chu's leg, "Your Majesty values ​​the county king very much. These two conferments in a row are all exceptions, and there is no special case in our dynasty where a prince's heir was conferred the title of county king."

Xiao Youqing, who the official said was happy, didn't feel anything, she just felt that the imperial edict in her hand was extremely hot like a reminder.

Not long after the Xuanzhao officials left, the sound of horseshoes sounded again in front of Chu Wang's mansion. As soon as Chu Wang entered the mansion, he noticed that the atmosphere was not right, so he quickened his pace.

On the table in the middle hall are several wooden trays, but inside are armors, a set of red lacquered mountain armor.

Little Six came out from the side, lowering his head, "Your Majesty just sent someone to send this armor. It was said that the royal craftsman made it for His Majesty's personal conquest. Now that the six kings are going out on behalf of His Majesty, they will also give this armor to you." You, there were people from the Ministry of Officials who came to pass the decree, and His Majesty named Xiao Langjun as the King of Shouchun County."

The King of Chu sighed in surprise, "Princess Wang must also know?"

Little Six nodded, "This order is received by the princess."

"I see, you go down first, and send the armor to the east courtyard later."

"Is Ah Lang going to pack up now?"

"Gyeongju has fallen, and the three armies cannot be without a commander, so the camp will be pulled out tonight."

The little six lowered their heads, "Then let the six go with you, you won't be able to go to the battlefield... It's okay to let the six take care of you as a logistics."

The King of Chu shook his head, "Stay in the mansion and take good care of the princess and Dalang. In case something happens to me, you are the person who is most familiar with the affairs of the capital. Remember to listen..."

"Alang will come back safely."

King Chu paused, then nodded, "Of course."

Returning from the central hall to the main room in the courtyard in the northeast corner, King Chu hesitated at the door for a long time.

Before she could push the door, the door opened by itself, Xiao Youqing raised his head, "Since the prince is back, what are you doing at the door?"

"You know it all?"

Xiao Youqing nodded, then turned around and entered, and the King of Chu followed her. Wherever she went, the King of Chu followed. Then he saw the neatly packed clothes in the suitcase, which were worn for all seasons.

Xiao Youqing grabbed a piece of clothing, "Does he not want you to live in peace?"

"My sister knows that according to the rules set by Emperor Tai. Zugao, the prince will be in command of all expeditions."

"But His Majesty asked you to join the army and... Shen Yi'an to be in command. Not only that, I heard people say that His Majesty shifted the responsibility for the fall of Gyeongju to Dad and dismissed Uncle. When Dad took over the army in Weng Weng's hands, His Majesty Thinking of a way to decentralize power, he is an act of a foolish king to avenge his personal revenge." Xiao Youqing folded his clothes and put them down, "Daddy spent half his life on the battlefield, so I am not worried, but you," Xiao Youqing turned around and stared at the King of Chu, Anxiety was engraved on his brows, "You don't know how to fight, let alone go into battle and kill the enemy."

The King of Chu held her hand, "Although I am not good at martial arts, I don't need to be in the army to kill the enemy. Even if I want to, I have a way to protect myself. Of course, those things can't be taken out now. Although I can't shoot with bows and arrows Okay, but the Divine Arm Bow will still work, don’t worry, sister.”

"How can you not worry, you are not a martial artist like brother." Xiao Youqing complained.

She hugged her and said, "Liu Lang promised that my sister will return safely." King Chu lowered his head and leaned into her ear and said, "No matter what news comes back, you must protect yourself and wait for me, trust me Will definitely be back, okay?"

Xiao Youqing raised her head, blinked Fan Run's eyes, then turned her head and said with tears in her eyes: "If you dare to lie to me, I will never end with you in this life."

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The prince in the side hall was dismissed by the emperor after serving the decoction, and the servants and palace servants also retreated together. The emperor called Han Bang to stop him.

Han Si turned his head and cupped his hands, "Your Majesty."

"Han Qing, what do you think of my decision?"

"Son of Heaven, Shengming."

"I don't want flattery, I want the truth."

Han Bang bowed slightly, "The Marshal of the West is just a temporary position, he will withdraw immediately after the war, and because of this, he resigned from his post as the front officer of the palace and let His Majesty take over the Imperial Army. Although Xiao Xianfu grew up with His Majesty since childhood, But his surname is Xiao, and Xin's surname is also Xiao."

"One of my heart problems for many years is because of the turmoil." The emperor sneered, and then said: "Shen Yi'an was ordered to go out, and there is no commander in front of the palace. I can't think of a suitable candidate. I heard that Han Qing is also an all-rounder with both civil and military skills. ?”

"Your Majesty, I am a scholar. Archery is only practiced after studying, and leading soldiers in battle is even more amateurish. If Your Majesty really has no one to choose, I will have someone to recommend."

"There are many people who recommend you to me, but I haven't heard of you recommending others." The emperor looked at Han Si, "Who?"

"Li Xiaoyi, Marquis of Yu, the infantry capital."

The emperor immediately turned cold, "Do you know who he is?"

"I know that he is Taishan of His Royal Highness, the uncle of the King of Chu, but he is the most suitable candidate because of the relationship between these two layers, blood is thicker than water, and his character, Your Majesty should be more aware of him than I am." , to satisfy his greed, to reward him generously, and to make him serve his life."

The emperor turned his head, looked at the curtain and thought for a long time, but Han Bang didn't dare to continue talking until the emperor replied.

After a long time, the emperor said: "Qing has been in the Privy Council for a long time, I see that you are usually free, I will send you another errand."

"Yes."

"The post of Imperial City Secretary that Xiao Xianfu has withdrawn, you will be in charge of opening and closing the palace gate."

Han Bang wanted to answer, but the emperor said again: "Don't think it's an easy job, if there are assassins in the palace in the future, you will be the only one to ask."

"How dare the minister who protects the holy driver think that it is an easy task. Thanks to His Majesty's love and trust, I will definitely do my duty and obey the order of the emperor."

"In addition, after the king of Chu went out with the army, he sent troops to secretly protect the mother and son of the princess of Chu. If something goes wrong, I'm the only one to ask you."

"Yes."

"Back off and call Li Xiaoyi over."

"Yes."

After Han Si left, the emperor summoned Li Xiaoyi, Marquis of Yu, the infantry capital.

Li Xiaoyi slowly walked into the side hall, and immediately knelt down in front of the couch to judge, "My minister Li Xiaoyi, I wish your Majesty all blessings."

The emperor was lying on the couch and wanted to get up, but Li Xiaoyi looked up and quickly got up, stepped forward to help the emperor to sit up and leaned against the head of the bed, then stepped back a few steps away from the emperor and obeyed, "May your majesty stay healthy."

The emperor took a deep breath, "Did you blame me all these years?"

Li Xiaoyi raised his head lightly, then immediately bowed down, "I dare not."

The emperor looked down at Li Xiaoyi sideways, "You have general talent, both civil and military. You were born as a Jinshi or a martial arts champion handpicked by Emperor Taizong, but because you didn't even sit, but also because of my momentary anger..."

"Father offending His Majesty is an unforgivable crime. I dare not excuse my father because of my son. If I am guilty, I will be punished. Your Majesty benevolently sent down Fuze to pardon my family, and now I have to use it again. The grace of heaven is so great that I can't repay it." , I only wish to follow and serve His Majesty in the future, and be loyal to the King."

The emperor looked at the light coming in from the window, "Shen Yi'an led the army to go out, and there are still half of the imperial guards in the capital. There is no commander in front of the palace. Are you willing to take on this important task?"

Li Xiaoyi suddenly raised his head, "Since it is the king's order, I dare not disobey."

"Okay, from now on you will be the commander of the front of the palace and the commander of the front of the palace. Wang Qing will do his best and don't take my orders."

"Long live the Son of Heaven, I am loyal to the death, and I dare not disobey the emperor's orders."