Prince Consort

Winter came very early this year.

As soon as winter came, Zhao Ying's health improved a lot.He decided to preside over the winter festival in person, praying for good weather in the coming year.

The common people went inside without knowing it, and waited happily for Zhao Ying to appear. They were happy and peaceful.

Zhao Ying walked straight along Yujie in a car. Although she was a little tired, she looked at it very seriously.When they got to the altar, Zhao Ying said, "Are there any horses here?"

The servant hurriedly said, "Yes."

Zhao Ying said: "Bring three horses here. The auspicious time for the winter festival has not yet arrived. Sixth brother, ninth brother, please accompany me to ride horses in the back."

Zhao Chongzhao wanted to persuade, but finally held back, and watched Zhao Ying, King Gong, and King Duan get on their horses and leave.

He told the commander of the imperial army: "Follow closely, and there must be no problems."

Zhao Ying and her two younger brothers galloped on horseback, most of the depression in their chests dissipated.He had never touched a horse since his illness, but this day he had a faint premonition in his heart, so he lost his scruples.

Zhao Yingcai slowed down a little when the guards around him were far away, and said to King Gong, "Sixth brother, I thought I would die on the horse..."

Prince Gong said: "Brother Huang will never go to the battlefield again, this wish can only be fulfilled by me."

Zhao Ying said: "You don't want to be in danger. If something happens to you, the northern border will be in danger."

Prince Gong said: "If something happens to me, there will be...Mr. Tan, and countless talented people on the border. The solidity of the northern border is by no means the work of me alone. I return to Beijing for several months a year, and I am safe and sound?"

Zhao Ying said: "You have also learned to be humble."

Prince Gong said, "It's just the truth."

Duan Wang remained silent as before, riding behind them on horseback.

Zhao Ying said: "Ninth brother, if you are not used to living in the west, you can come back to Beijing. What I said last time still counts. You can sit in the Zongzheng position at any time."

Duan Wang smiled bitterly and said: "Brother Huang, don't bury me anymore. I'm used to idleness. If you let me manage so many clansmen, how can I manage it?"

The three brothers chatted with each other sentence by sentence, and returned to the altar before the auspicious time came.

When Zhao Ying presided over the Winter Sacrifice, King Gong's eyes turned to King Duan, and he didn't turn his eyes away leisurely until King Duan noticed his gaze.

King Duan's heart skipped a beat, and he focused on the altar.

Although there were many other brothers, they were all old and disabled. Only he and Prince Gong were in their prime of life and enjoyed a high reputation. Prince Gong's incomprehensible gaze gave him a sudden shock.This is also the reason why he has always acted cautiously. Prince Gong, a fierce tiger, was difficult enough in the past, and most of the things that made Zhao Ying the throne were based on the face of that "Linjun".As soon as Zhao Ying left, Prince Gong might turn against him, after all, their nephew's performance was far inferior to Zhao Ying's!

Prince Duan would not be so stupid as to be the first bird, and Prince Gong might be worried that his teacher would be unknown. Wouldn't he act rashly to give Prince Gong an excellent excuse to "send troops to serve the king"?

It's better to wait until Prince Gong can't hold back his hands, and then he will stir up the muddy water, so that a snipe and a clam will compete for the fisherman's benefit.

Duan Wang had some calculations in his mind, and behaved more calmly, and even invited Prince Gong to visit the mansion on the way home.

Prince Gong was very close to his subordinates, but very indifferent to his brothers.He glanced at King Duan and said, "No."

A group of people entered the city together and returned home.

When Xie Jiyu returned to Xie's mansion, younger brother Xie and younger sister Xie ran up quickly. Brother Xie was young and not afraid of anything, so he reached out to hug Xie Jiyu.Xie Jiyu stretched out his hand and hugged Xie Xiaomei. Seeing Xie Xiaomei looking at him with a smile on the side, he took Xie Xiaomei's hand and said, "Where's your brother?"

Xie Xiaomei said: "Talk to sister-in-law at the main house."

Xie Jiyu, holding one and leading the other, went straight to the main house.When he arrived outside Xie Zean's gate, Xie Jiyu found that the atmosphere was a bit stagnant. He sighed, walked in and asked, "Are you all there?"

Xie Ze'an was comforting Princess Yan Ning, and when he saw Xie Jiyu coming, he felt relieved: "Father, you came just in time, didn't you just see His Majesty, tell Yan Ning if his complexion is much better."

Xie Jiyu said: "Your Majesty, he is in good spirits, and even went to ride a horse—"

Xie Jiyu hadn't finished speaking when suddenly a servant stumbled in and ran in: "Your Highness, son-in-law, thank you sir! The palace is urgently summoned! Come with me!"

Xie Zean's heart skipped a beat.

Princess Yan Ning stood up suddenly, but her feet couldn't help but feel a little weak, and her whole body was on the verge of falling.

Xie Zean was afraid that something might happen to Princess Yanning, so he reached out to support her, asked someone to bring a cloak and a veil, and hugged her: "Don't worry, I'll take you into the palace right away."

Xie Ze'an carried Princess Yan Ning on his horse and hurried to the imperial city.The horseshoe stepped through one gate after another, and stopped suddenly before reaching the last stone steps.

Xie Ze'an took Princess Yan Ning off the horse, and carefully looked at Princess Yan Ning's complexion.Princess Yan Ning struggled to shake Xie Ze'an's hand back: "I'm fine, let's go in..."

Xie Ze'an looked up and looked not far away.

Another group of people also arrived, led by Zhao Chongzhao who was going to deal with the chores of the Winter Festival.They were neither far nor close, but there seemed to be an infinite gap in front of them, and no one could take half a step forward.

Zhao Chongzhao had seen Xie Zean and Princess Yanning a long time ago, and not many people dared to ride horses in the palace, so he could guess who they were when he saw the two horses from a distance.When he saw Xie Zean get off the horse with someone in his arms, and Xie Zean and his sister clasped their hands tightly, Zhao Chongzhao had a sore nose and almost shed tears.

Thinking of Zhao Ying's critical condition, Zhao Chongzhao's sourness eased a bit.

They are as close as a brother and sister, and it is a great thing for the younger sister to have a consummation.

Zhao Chongzhao forced himself to take lead-filled legs, and walked into Xie Zean step by step.Controlling his voice that was about to choke, he nodded and said, "You guys are here too, let's go in together." This sentence was spoken naturally and calmly, in fact, every word he said was like a sharp knife piercing his chest.

Xie Ze'an and Zhao Chongzhao had known each other for many years, and he could immediately hear the suppressed feelings in Zhao Chongzhao's tone.His eyelashes drooped slightly, and he walked into Zhao Ying's bedroom together with Princess Yan Ning one step behind Zhao Chongzhao.

The imperial physicians who consulted looked ashen and ashamed.

Zhao Chongzhao did not get angry, took Princess Yan Ning's hand and walked quickly to the bed.

From autumn to winter, Zhao Ying has arranged everything.Seeing a pair of children Qi Qi coming to the bed, Zhao Ying first raised her hand to smooth Princess Yan Ning's bangs, and then looked at Zhao Chongzhao: "Ning'er will rely on you to protect her from now on."

Zhao Chongzhao nodded seriously, the tears could no longer be held back, and burst out of his eyes.He was full of pain, but in the end he could only say: "I will, I will always love Ning'er."

Zhao Ying said: "You will get married as soon as possible in the future. The days of being lonely and widowed are not so beautiful. You must always have someone by your side..."

Zhao Chongzhao didn't want to lie, so he grabbed Zhao Ying's hand and cried.

Zhao Ying only thought that he couldn't help himself, and didn't say anything more.He slowed down his breathing, and turned his gaze to Xie Ze'an who was standing quietly by the side.

Xie Ze'an hurried forward: "Father!"

Zhao Ying said: "Sanlang, treat Ning'er well." He looked at Zhao Chongzhao who was crying like a child, "Treat Chongzhao well too."

Xie Ze'an was stunned for a moment, and said, "...I will."

Zhao Ying said: "Sometimes I feel a lot of regrets, and I always want to live longer, even for a few days. But seeing that the three of you are as good as before, I don't feel any regrets..."

Zhao Chongzhao firmly grasped Zhao Ying's hand: "Father!"

Zhao Ying said, "Have you read Mr. Yao's Ten Thousand Words Book?"

Zhao Ying changed the subject suddenly, Zhao Chongzhao was taken aback for a moment before answering: "I've seen it!"

Zhao Ying said: "There are many good ideas in it, but you must remember four words and proceed step by step."

Zhao Chongzhao firmly imprinted these four words in his heart.

He assured Zhao Ying: "I will never forget what you said, Father!"

Zhao Ying said: "If you are greedy for merit and rush forward, the consequences will be disastrous..."

Zhao Ying's voice became softer and softer, her eyes slowly closed, and her expression was as peaceful as if she had fallen asleep.

The three of Xie Zean burst into tears like rain.

The death knell rang throughout the capital.

Ming Jun passed away, and the whole country mourned.

Zhao Ying left several wills during his lifetime: Meng Yuanshao and Xu Yannian were appointed to attend the political affairs; The crown prince set up a mansion on the outskirts of the imperial city, living next to each other, and is often close to the new emperor; the new emperor should consult the three Gu Ming ministers and the two uncles, Prince Gong and Prince Duan, for advice...

Zhao Chongzhao listened one after another, knowing that Zhao Yinglin was still worrying about him before he left, he couldn't help being even more sad, and stayed in front of the spirit for three full days.

After Zhao Ying's funeral was dealt with, Zhao Chongzhao's enthronement ceremony was put on the agenda.

Meng Yuanshao, the prime minister, is in the same line as Zhang Xiang, who just took office not long ago. They are both tactful and sophisticated people.Fang Baocheng presided over the Ministry of Ceremony and came up with several proposals. Meng Yuanshao said every time he looked at one of them: "Not bad, not bad, very good."

Zhao Chongzhao was gloomy in his heart, and he was in no mood to make a fuss, so he gave a clear instruction: "Keep everything simple."

The enthronement ceremony is still a sacrificial ceremony first, and thinking that Zhao Yinglin was presiding over the winter sacrifice on the altar before leaving, Zhao Chongzhao couldn't help crying like rain.

Seeing Zhao Chongzhao's true feelings revealed, many veteran ministers also felt Zhao Ying's kindness in their hearts, and they recognized Zhao Chongzhao, the new emperor, a little bit more.Regardless of what happened in the past, at least for now it seems that Zhao Chongzhao is a pure and filial person.

After the sacrifice ceremony, Meng Yuanshao played to Zhao Chongzhao: "The ceremony is complete, please be the emperor!"

The ministers supported Zhao Chongzhao to the golden chair, and Meng Yuanshao took the crown and put it on Zhao Chongzhao's place. The ministers lined up according to the order of the early dynasty, and saluted Zhao Chongzhao.After a long series of complicated etiquette, Zhao Chongzhao was able to enter the Taimiao Temple, and Zhao Ying was honored as Emperor Shengwu and the first queen as Empress Shengde.

All the officials congratulated.

Looking at familiar or unfamiliar faces, Zhao Chongzhao experienced for the first time the feeling of looking down on all living beings.

He wasn't all complacent.

Many complex flavors are really hard to describe.

The next year's Spring Festival was held as scheduled.

Xie Ze'an retreated again to prepare for the exam before Chunwei.

Chunwei was held in the capital, and gathered scholars from various states. They all passed the provincial examination, and many of them were among the best. Roughly speaking, there were about forty "Jie Yuan", and Xie Ze'an was just one of them.

Xie Ze'an interacted with many candidates of the same year, and every time he communicated, he felt that he had made a step forward, and he had become calm and unhurried when he really started the exam.

As soon as the day of Zhang Bang arrived, Xie Ze'an once again topped the list.

People who called him "Jieyuan" changed their names to "Huiyuan" one after another. There are all Xieyuan in every state, but there is only one "Huiyuan" in three years!

Someone in the capital secretly started a bet, betting whether Zhao Chongzhao would give Xie Zean a "three yuan award".There were not a few people who doubted Xie Zean, but Xie Zean's articles were first-rate, and everyone stopped talking.

It is indeed taught by Yao Dingyan and Xu Juncheng!

Looking at the poems and prose again, although it is not the kind of stunning talent, the point of entry is always ingenious, which is refreshing to read, but it has to be admitted that he is very relevant.

No matter how you look at it, the previous "dual" is well deserved.

If the palace examination essay is done better, he won't be the champion and others will complain for him.

Meng Yuanshao was in a complicated mood, because he still had Zhao Ying's will in his hand, and when Xie Zean returned from his post, he would hand over the persuasion ruler to him.Zhao Ying has so much confidence in Xie Zean, how can he stop Xie Zean's great momentum?

But Xie Ze'an is Yao Dingyan's student again.

Mentioning Yao Dingyan, who wouldn't be shocked?

Even though he was going to keep his filial piety, he was able to be reinstated by Zhao Ying, and in the blink of an eye, he was also admitted to the Political Affairs Hall and became a political advisor!Meng Yuanshao had a hunch that he might not be able to sit for long in this aspect.

Although Xie's father and son didn't seem to be completely on Yao Dingyan's side, what if Yao Dingyan opened his mouth?

Meng Yuanshao could only come up with the usual push-word tactics, leaving all important decisions to Zhao Chongzhao.

Zhao Chongzhao dealt with Meng Yuanshao for a period of time, and quickly understood Meng Yuanshao's abacus.He was a little displeased with Meng Yuanshao, but thinking that Meng Yuanshao was Zhao Ying's prime minister, he could only endure it.Forbearance, he seldom discusses with Meng Yuanshao when things happen, and more often looks for Xu Juncheng, who was once his tutor, and Yao Dingyan, whom he admires.

Xu Juncheng and Yao Dingyan, the two "newcomers" who have just joined the Zhengshitang, actually hold more weight in Zhao Chongzhao's heart than other veteran officials.

On this day, Xu Juncheng and Yao Dingyan came out of the Political Affairs Hall and walked along Qingshi Road to the outside of the imperial city.

After a long silence, Yao Dingyan opened his mouth first: "Brother Juncheng, how is your teacher recently?"

Hearing Yao Dingyan mention Mr. Qin, Xu Juncheng's heart beat violently.Yao Dingyan had secretly started to suppress the disciples of Mr. Qin, and he saw it, but he couldn't speak freely in front of Zhao Chongzhao like Yao Dingyan.

Grand Master Qin was very dissatisfied with this, Xu Juncheng could only smile wryly.Zhao Chongzhao valued him because of the friendship between teachers and students over the years, while Zhao Chongzhao valued Yao Dingyan because he agreed with many of Yao Dingyan's ideas from the bottom of his heart. Over time, it is inevitable that one will ebb and flow.How long can the past teacher-student relationship last in the emperor's heart?Zhao Chongzhao will eventually let go and do what he wants to do.

And if he used the same method as Yao Dingyan, how would it be different from the methods he was not used to?

Xu Juncheng said: "Teacher, he is in good spirits."

Yao Dingyan was disappointed when he heard Xu Juncheng still sincerely called "Teacher".None of the veterans in the political affairs hall had any intention of fighting, and they obviously had the same temper as Meng Yuanshao. In the entire political affairs hall, only Xu Juncheng could compete with him, but Xu Juncheng, who was clearly in his prime, had no determination, which really disappointed him.

Yao Dingyan said: "I don't know if Sanlang will win the first prize this time. If he really wins the third prize, are you going to give him something?"

Xu Juncheng said: "Brother Dingyan, what are you going to give?"

Yao Dingyan said: "I will give him all the manuscripts I have written in the past few years."

Xu Juncheng was shocked.

Yao Dingyan said: "I think Sanlang has abilities beyond you and me. If I can't do some things, I will hope that Sanlang can do it for me."

Xu Juncheng was silent.

Yao Dingyan said: "Brother Juncheng has been an official for many years, what have you done?"

Yao Dingyan's words had the intention of punishing others, but after Xu Juncheng heard it, his cloud was calm, and he replied flatly: "I only did my duty, and I didn't do anything special."

Yao Dingyan said: "Based on my humble opinion, brother Juncheng was probably bitten by a snake once and afraid of well ropes for ten years."

Xu Juncheng looked up at Yao Dingyan.

Yao Dingyan said: "Brother Juncheng was determined to change the law when he was in the local area. Unfortunately, the people below were obedient and disobeyed, and almost made a big mistake. If it weren't for the help of Wen Gong at that time, Brother Juncheng might not have ended up."

Xu Juncheng said: "Since brother Dingyan knows about this, you should be more cautious when implementing your new law."

Seeing that Xu Juncheng's face remained unchanged, Yao Dingyan could only reply: "That's natural."

There were too many words without speculation, and this short conversation broke up unhappy.

Xu Juncheng watched Yao Dingyan leave with a flick of his sleeves, his brows frowned, and finally he sighed lightly after all his thoughts.He has been reluctant to act according to the teacher's words for a long time, perhaps because he wants to see how far Yao Dingyan can do it. If Yao Dingyan can really do it, it will be a good thing for the country and the people.If Yao Dingyan can't do it, he still has the teacher-student relationship with Zhao Chongzhao, maybe he can make up for it.

Xu Juncheng leaned over and sat in the soft sedan, lost in the slight shaking.

Three days later, the palace test began.

Zhao Chongzhao finally met Xie Zean.

Before they knew it, they hadn't seen each other for a month or two. Xie Ze'an looked a little thinner, but he was still very handsome.Among all the scholars, Xie Zean was the closest to him, only a few steps away from the imperial steps, less than ten meters away from him. He looked down from the imperial steps, and could clearly see every trace of Xie Zean's expression.

Zhao Chongzhao glanced greedily at Xie Ze'an for a round before someone announced the start of the imperial examination.

Zhao Chongzhao personally wrote the question for the palace examination, and he wrote a question related to farming and mulberry.The west side has suffered from wars for a long time, and there is a need for talents who are good at people's livelihood. If Xie Ze'an writes well, he will naturally be assigned there.

As soon as Xie Ze'an got the topic, he recalled it instantly.

He didn't raise his eyes to look at Zhao Chongzhao, but scribbled a book.

He was the first to write.

Hearing Xie Zean tap the porcelain bell on the table, Zhao Chongzhao was refreshed and looked straight at Xie Zean.

Xie Ze'an raised his head and looked at Zhao Chongzhao quietly.

Zhao Chongzhao felt as if he was going to send Xie Zean away personally.But after thinking about it, their life is still so long, there is no need to rush for a while, and they will gradually feel at ease.

After all the scholars who were qualified to participate in the palace examination rang the bell and handed in the papers, Zhao Chongzhao signaled that they could go to the imperial garden to enjoy the flowers first, and then began to review the "answer papers" by himself.