With a "pop" sound, the blue and white doucai chicken cup fired at the Jingdezhen Imperial Ware Factory was smashed into pieces, and the Liu'an melon slices that Concubine Zheng liked to drink on weekdays were also scattered on the floor. [com]
"You cheap maid, do you want to burn me to death?" Don't skip the word. After knocking over the tea cup, Concubine Zheng immediately cursed at the little palace maid who was kneeling on the ground and trembling with fear. She looked nothing like her usual graceful and luxurious appearance.
"Damn slave, please forgive me, please forgive me" The little palace maid was so frightened that she kept begging for mercy. She hit her forehead on the ground and made a "bang, bang" sound. She just hoped to escape with her life. She didn't care whether her forehead was red or swollen. Bleeding.
Even so, Concubine Zheng¡¯s anger did not diminish at all. She took a few breaths and said coldly, drag her out with a fifty stick and serve as an official slave.
"yes"
Amidst the cry of mercy from the little palace maid, she was dragged out by several little eunuchs. The other maids and eunuchs in the palace were all so frightened that they all knelt on the ground and did not dare to raise their heads. They all knew very well that a delicate little palace maid would lose at least half of her life after being punished with a cane for fifty years. What¡¯s more, after the stick is finished, he will be used as an official slave. Will the official slave be treated carefully? Of course not that pretty little palace maid, whether she can save her life depends on God.
This is the eighth one. Specifically speaking, since the news of the eldest prince Zhu Changluo's victory in Korea came, his prestige has increased greatly. Amidst the praises from both the government and the public, Concubine Zheng's temper has become more and more irritable, and she will get angry at every turn because of something. Small things make the maids and eunuchs around him angry.
This kind of thing has never happened before. Almost everyone in the palace is a eunuch. The best job is to be an errand in Qixiang Palace of Concubine Zheng. Not only is the reward generous, Concubine Zheng treats the maids and eunuchs very well. She almost never gets beaten or scolded, which is a good thing that can't be found even with a lantern. The worst job is not the Jingyang Palace of the neglected Concubine Wang Gong. Although there are almost no rewards there, at least her life is guaranteed. The worst job I had before was being assigned as an errand in the Queen's Kunning Palace, because when the Queen was in a bad mood, the palace maids and eunuchs around her were unlucky, and they were still unlucky - the Queen's favorite , that is, letting people kill the palace maids and eunuchs with sticks.
However, it is obvious that working as an errand in Concubine Zheng's Qixiang Palace is not so good these days. The concubine who assists in managing the harem seems to have learned how to use the staff to discipline her subordinates from the Queen Concubine of Kunning Palace, at least These days, she has dealt with the six maids and eunuchs around her.
"Your Majesty, please calm down. You have to take care of your body. It's really not worthwhile to be upset by such a clumsy servant." At this time, only Su He, the dowry maid brought by Concubine Zheng from her parents' home, dared to A few words of advice, others don't have the courage and are afraid of being offended.
Concubine Zheng was still angry, but she did not scold Su Ho. Instead, she took a few deep breaths and slowly closed her eyes. While Su Ho gently rubbed Concubine Zheng's shoulders, he secretly glanced at Concubine Zheng's face, and then waved to the palace maids and eunuchs who were still kneeling on the ground. Each of these palace maids and eunuchs bowed and bowed lightly as if they had been granted amnesty. They quietly exited the hall, and only when they got outside did they dare to wipe the cold sweat on their faces.
About a quarter of an hour later, Concubine Zheng opened her eyes and said coldly, Su Ho, "pass on, in order to save money and deal with natural disasters, starting from today, the supply of each palace in the harem will be reduced by one-third." Other supplies in Yang Palace have been reduced by two-thirds, and the supply of summer ice in Jingyang Palace has been stopped, the supply of cold water bathing has been stopped, and the soups that relieve fire and heat have been stopped"
"Yes, your Majesty, this slave knows how to do it." Su Ho nodded lightly and said in a low voice.
"My servant comes to see you." At this time, Concubine Zheng's confidant eunuch Gao Huai hurried away from outside, knelt down on the ground with a happy face, and said respectfully.
Concubine Zheng frowned slightly and stopped her words of reprimand. She was very discerning about this confidant eunuch, and it was impossible for her to have such an expression when she was angry. The only possibility was that he had Announcement of happy events.
After calming down for a while, Concubine Zheng slowly said to Gao Huai, is there something wrong? "
"Your Majesty, I just heard about a happy event in the Wenhua Palace, a big happy event," Gao Huai grinned and said somewhat mysteriously.
Concubine Zheng¡¯s eyes lit up, happy event? What a long-lost word. Ever since the palace servant's son went to North Korea, she hadn't heard anything happy for a long time in the past six months.
She couldn't wait to "say".
"Your Majesty, today I sent an urgent report from North Korea. Japan has amassed 200,000 troops in North Korea. They are divided into two groups and are going from Jeolla Province and Gyeongsang Province in North Korea to the capital of North Korea. The Battle of Korea, It's started again," Gao Huai said softly.
Zheng Guifei opened her mouth, and almost said the word "good", but luckily she stopped it in time, and the anger in her heart suddenly disappeared. Has Japan's invasion of Korea begun? How many troops does the Ming Dynasty currently have in North Korea? "
¡°Your Majesty, according to what I know, the army that has gone to North Korea since the Ming Dynasty, including the eldest prince¡¯s bodyguards, is only about 40,000.¡±
"About 40,000?" Concubine Zheng's eyes shone a little, and she made a choice in her mouth, whispering to herself: "Forty thousand versus two hundred thousand?" Forty thousand versus two hundred thousand.¡±
Gao Huai obviously heard Concubine Zheng's muttering to herself, and then said softly, "Mother, Japan's combat power is still very high. At least the Korean soldiers and horses are not worth mentioning in front of them, otherwise the last time would not have been just a few months." Almost subjugated by Japan. To be disrespectful, from my perspective, although the Ming Dynasty's 40,000-strong army is not weak in combat power, it may be difficult to fight against Japan's nearly 200,000-strong army. "
Concubine Zheng nodded slightly, thought about it and suddenly asked, didn¡¯t she say that Xing Jie was recruiting troops and horses as the governor of Liaodong? How many soldiers and horses have not entered North Korea? How long is it expected to take? "
"Your Majesty, according to what the slaves heard, since our country in the Ming Dynasty is not at peace, and there are constant natural disasters, the Ming Dynasty can only recruit eight to one hundred thousand soldiers and horses into the court. In other words, Xing Jie in Liaodong , they can still gather another 40,000 to 60,000 troops, and they will probably be able to do so next month. From Liaodong to Gyeongsang Province and Jeolla Province in North Korea, it will take almost a month for the army to arrive no matter how fast it is. Calculated this way , North Korea's 40,000 Ming Dynasty troops will have to fight against Japan's 200,000 troops for at least fifty days." Gao Huai was obviously well prepared and explained to Concubine Zheng in detail.
Half of the anger in Concubine Zheng's heart also disappeared. She knew very well that during these fifty days, if the 40,000 troops who entered the court early were defeated by Japan's 200,000 troops, although this responsibility would not Zhu Changluo needs to carry it, but it is also a big blow to Zhu Changluo's reputation and prestige. What's more, if Zhu Changluo had an accident during this chaotic time, that would be normal, right? Well, that's normal.
"Your Majesty, that's not all. The Emperor has decreed that since there are not many anti-Japanese troops in North Korea, all the 5,000 Liaodong cavalry responsible for protecting the eldest prince will be transferred to the front in order to delay the Japanese attack and gather for Liaodong. The army is fighting for it." At this time, Gao Huai released another piece of news that was extremely happy and important to Concubine Zheng. He was very smart. If he had said these two pieces of news at once, the effect would definitely not be as good as this. Didn't you see that Concubine Zheng stood up excitedly?
Concubine Zheng walked and thought for a while, then waved to Gao Huai and whispered to Gao Huai, I have given you two things to do, and you should do it immediately. Remember, you have to personally supervise this matter, and you will not tolerate anything. Be careless, otherwise the consequences will not be as simple as losing your head. "
¡¡¡¡¡¡
In North Korea¡¯s Deoksugung Palace, Zhu Changluo gently closed the frontline battle report sent by Leng Mo, thinking that Yang Hao came to solicit opinions every time he mobilized troops, and that he was respected everywhere, and he felt a little excited. It seems that using Gu Yuncheng, the attendant, to contact Yang Hao last year was really the right move. North Korea now has the final say. Before the governor Xing Jie comes to North Korea, it has to speed up the arrangement, at least the main generals who will aid North Korea this time. , have all arrived in North Korea. As long as these people are controlled, even if Xing Jie comes, they can only send troops.
"Your Highness, Shi Xing sent the latest news from the capital eight hundred miles away, exchanging horses without changing people. The secret guards who came have not had time to take a rest, and are now waiting outside." Zou Yi hurriedly arrived. Behind Zhu Changluo, he waved to the waiting maid to go down, and then said softly.
Zhu Changluo frowned slightly, obviously he did not expect that Shi Xing, who was far away in the capital, would travel 800 miles to send the news urgently. Could it be that something happened in the capital? Otherwise, the 800-mile express will be used to let him in. "
"Wang Tiexin, the young secret guard from Zuoying School, comes to see His Highness."
"Get up and say something." Zhu Changluo looked at the tired-looking secret guard and said to Zou Yi casually. Zou Yi made a cup of the best ginseng tea given to me by the King of Korea and gave it to the secret guard warrior. "
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Thank you, Your Highness, for your kindness. I am so ashamed of myself." Wang Tiexin quickly knelt down on the ground again, his face full of excitement. Then he took out a personal oil paper bag from his arms, raised his hands above his head, and said respectfully, Your Highness, this is It was Shi Ge Lao Rang Xiao who brought it to His Highness. "
Zou Yi put the brewed tea on the table next to Wang Tiexin and said, "Thank you for your hard work, Lieutenant Wang. Please use the tea." "Then he picked up the oil paper package that Wang Tiexin held above his head and presented it to Zhu Changluo.
"Thank you, father-in-law." He nodded to Zou Yi.
Zhu Changluo took the oil paper bag and did not open it in a hurry. Instead, he put it on the table and smiled at Wang Tiexin and said, "Thank you for your hard work, Colonel Wang. Hurry up."Come on, this ginseng tea is delicious while it's hot, give it a try. "
Wang Tiexin stood up, picked up the cup of ginseng tea, drank it all in one breath, then smashed it into his mouth, as if he still had something to say, and then knelt down and thanked His Highness for the tea. This ginseng tea was the one he drank all his life. The most delicious yet. "
Zhu Changluo laughed, and then told Zou Yi to get half a catty of ginseng tea and give it to Captain Wang. "
Wang Tiexin was stunned for a moment, and then with a grateful expression, he knelt on the ground and kowtowed several times, saying thank you to His Highness for your kindness and the reward. "
"Haha, you have worked hard all the way, go down and rest." Zhu Changluo waved his hand and said with a smile to Wang Tiexin.
Seeing Wang Tiexin's excited look when he left, Zhu Changluo smiled and shook his head. The secret guard can be said to be the most important force in his hands at the moment. He has never stopped trying to win over the secret guard. This is the foundation of his life. He can Don't want to make mistakes.
Picking up the oil paper package on the desk, he opened it and took out a letter inside. After looking at the intact paint on the seal, Zhu Changluo tore open the envelope, took out the letter inside and read it.
"The master has given an order to take back the five thousand acres of fertile land from the young master for farming. He also said that the young master can study at home on weekdays and restricts the young master from going out" Zhu Changluo frowned as he read this letter, which was not many words in length. The deeper he looked, the more obvious he had figured out the meaning of Shi Xing's letter.
Putting down the letter in his hand, Zhu Changluo took a few steps irritably. He knew clearly that the limelight before had been too great, which worried Zhu Yijun, who was far away in the capital. Too passive, in order to avoid being in the limelight again, he issued an order to remove the escorting 5,000 Liaodong cavalry so that Seoul in North Korea could stay at ease.
Regarding the current situation, Zhu Changluo certainly does not want to give up so easily. It is not that he is reluctant to part with the 5,000 Liaodong cavalry, but with these 5,000 Liaodong cavalry in his hands, he can do many things, and he will be more proactive in doing things, and he will be more capable. Have a plan that can be implemented smoothly. Although if nothing unexpected happens, maybe he can become the crown prince of the Ming Dynasty, but he doesn't want to be a powerless prince for decades, and then finally survive the longest-reigning emperor in the Ming Dynasty. In the absence of the power of the palace, he was killed after being emperor for only twenty-nine days - at least Zhu Changluo was not very historical. He died of illness after being emperor for twenty-nine days.
After thinking about it for a while, Zhu Changluo came up with a modest solution. Although this solution was a bit risky, it might be worth a try. After weighing the pros and cons, he finally made a decision. He sat down and took a sip of the tea that Zou Yi had brewed. He smiled at Zou Yi who was standing behind him and asked Zou Yi, how is your arrow wound healed? "
"Your Highness, this little injury on this slave has long been healed." Zou Yi patted his chest and replied.
"Okay" Zhu Changluo patted the table. Zou Yi, haven't you always regretted that you didn't follow this prince to the south last time and didn't see with your own eyes that this prince showed his power and captured 20,000 Japanese alive? This time, I will give you a chance. "
"Thank you, Your Highness." Zou Yi bowed happily, then was stunned for a moment, then stared at Zhu Changluo in stunned silence, swallowed, and stuttered, "Your Highness, youyou don't want to go south at this time, do you?" "
"Haha" Zhu Changluo stood up and patted Zou Yi on the shoulder, joking that he deserves to have followed this prince for so many years. This prince has this idea even more, and you guessed it. "
"Ouch!" Zou Yi yelled, and then he ran up to Zhu Changluo, hugged Zhu Changluo's thigh, and said urgently, "My young master, please don't scare me, my slave!" You are very timid, and you will never be able to withstand such a fright. Master, where is the south? The cunning and ferocious Japanese have an army of 200,000, and the Ming Dynasty's troops are only a pitiful 30,000. With your body of gold and honor, how can you go to that kind of place and risk your life? If you have something to do, leave it to Leng Mo and the others. Even if you don't trust them, even if this slave is not very courageous, for the sake of Your Highness, I can go to the south. You go to that dangerous place in person, young master, you have to think twice. Okay, but you can¡¯t be impulsive"
"Go away!" Zhu Changluo lightly kicked Zou Yi, and said with a smile, "You are a castrate, you are so timid and afraid of death, just say it directly, I just want you to stay in Seoul. As for me, I really want to know how to do this this time." It¡¯ll be like Japan for a while¡±
"Your Highness"
"Okay, Zou Yi, look at this." After saying that, Zhu Changluo handed Zou Yi the secret letter sent by Shi Xing. He didn't want to hide it from Zou Yi. If he still couldn't trust Zou Yi, then the world , he really can't find anyone he can trust.
After reading this confidential letter, Zou Yi opened his mouth, Your Highness, this"
Zhu Changluo nodded, helpless and bitterDon¡¯t you know, my father wants to take back my guards and put me under house arrest in Seoul for a while. Maybe he will find some excuse to find some faults, scold me, and then recall me to the Ming Dynasty to continue living in the world. It's under his control, right? Zou Yi, what else can I do? I didn't know that my father would have such a big prejudice against me. I asked myself that I have been unable to do anything. I tried my best to please him and perform my best, but it was all in vain, all in vain"
Sighing, Zhu Changluo poured out all the grievances he had suffered over the years. Zou Yi, you have watched me grow up, and you know the humiliation I have suffered over the years. You know even better the humiliation my mother and concubine have suffered over the years. , you have followed me all these years, and you have really suffered a lot. When I am not like this, it is always the same Now, I don¡¯t want to be like this anymore. There is a golden opportunity in front of me. You said I can watch this opportunity be used. Destruction? I can¡¯t be unwilling to accept that even if my choice is dangerous, I will try my best.¡±
After saying this, Zhu Changluo sat down tiredly and waved his hand to inform Leng Mo, General Liao, Dong Yiyuan and Li Sunchen to come. Also, inform Yang Hao and Ma Gui to come together. . "