Chapter 105: Pickled vegetables and tofu; three grievances form a mansion

The five-cloud palace towers reach the sky, and the golden light shines brightly.

The jade ditch and golden water murmur, looking down, hurrying to see.

The solemnity of the palace is a hundred and a thousand kinds, and the awe makes people's hearts cold.

Music plays during the meal in the hall, a song of "Joy Before the Hall," the singing girl's voice is gentle, and the dancer's posture is graceful.

Drums, bells, chimes, zithers, flutes, and various musical sounds are intertwined, and the atmosphere of the banquet gradually becomes lively.

A round of asking about warmth and cold, and pushing cups and changing lamps.

Dowager Consort Wu and Consort Wang, on the grounds of being unable to drink, left the banquet.

Wu Jinghe watches the Dowager Consort leave, understanding in his heart that this is finally the time to start talking about serious matters.

Prince of Min, Zhu Dingyao, takes the lead: "Since His Majesty ascended the throne, heaven has blessed us, and the world is peaceful; we should congratulate His Majesty!"

Saying this, he stands up, raises his wine glass high, remotely facing the north, waiting for everyone in the hall to join.

Everyone looks at each other and stands up one after another.

Wu Jinghe raises his eyebrows and looks at Zhu Dingyao.

Min mansion...

The eighteenth son of the Founding Emperor was enfeoffed, and it has been passed down to the seventh generation, of the same generation as Emperor Shizong.

The Prince of Min's mansion has never been honest; during the Zhengde period, Zhu Yanmo, the Prince of Lishan of the Min fief, "harbored treacherous followers and followed them to do evil."

By the Jiajing period, he "recruited desperate people and robbed as bandits."

The most recent was the first year of Longqing, "forming parties and running rampant, day and night as if crazy, gathering crowds to beat the Censor Gu Wen almost to death."

In short, they are professional households that raise bandits, with countless previous records.

This is also the object that needs to be taken care of on this trip.

At this time, everyone stands up to remotely respect the Emperor, but Wu Jinghe remains sitting still.

The Prince of Dong'an gives a look, and Zhu Yingkuang, the Lieutenant of the State of the Prince of Yong'an's mansion, immediately understands.

He pretends to be displeased, frowns, and says: "We stand up to remotely respect His Majesty, why does the Red-Helmet General remain sitting still?"

It is like a look of the monarch being insulted.

As soon as the voice falls, people in the hall look at Wu Jinghe one after another.

Wu Jinghe sits cross-legged behind the table, surrounded by gazes, eating and chewing slowly by himself.

It is not that he is unwilling to maintain basic etiquette.

It is just that the Prince of Min, Zhu Dingyao, has words in his words, and he is unwilling to take them.

The words "heaven has blessed us, and the world is peaceful" are not said casually.

This was the original words of the Founding Emperor when he enfeoffed the various fiefs back then.

Immediately following that was saying, "However, the world is vast, and fiefs must be built to guard the country above and settle the people below."

If he really respected these words, I am afraid it would have to be on the path of you being good and me being good.

Wu Jinghe doesn't look at any Lieutenant of the State, only meeting the gaze of the Prince of Min, Zhu Dingyao, on the other side of the hall.

He slowly stands up and walks over: "His Majesty bestowed upon me the yellow axe and the golden seal."

"What the monarch's heart entrusts, what the holy will bears, what the imperial power manifests, and what the imperial majesty reaches."

"This official is naturally an Imperial Envoy, representing the Son of Heaven; why does Your Highness need to remotely respect?"

In the stunned expressions of the crowd, he gently takes the wine glass from Zhu Dingyao's hand.

Drains it in one gulp.

Then he walks back to his original seat and smiles: "Everyone can respect me."

Everyone looks at each other.

Zhu Changwen opens his mouth wide, not expecting this Great-Uncle to have such an arrogant and overbearing side.

But I have to say, it's a bit enviable how carefree it is.

The people from the Xiang and Jing principalities looked at each other, not expecting that even after bringing up the name of the Revered Emperor, such a good step, Wu Jinghe still didn't take it.

He even said such arrogant words.

Min Prince Zhu Dingyao finally reacted, his face turning iron-blue.

This is an intentional insult to him!

Zhu Dingyao looked like he was about to explode.

Just at this moment, the Prince of Dong'an, who was sitting in the main seat, finally spoke.

Zhu Xianhuang gave a bitter smile: "My mansion has a heart, to welcome the General and wash away the dust of travel, just as we are clinking glasses and enjoying ourselves..."

"Why must the General always claim to be the incarnation of the Lord and Father, making us feel uncomfortable even while drinking?"

The Emperor is so far away, why not give a little face, who are you doing this for?

Besides, it's not like we aren't letting you finish your mission, why make things difficult for everyone?

Wouldn't a win-win be better?

Wu Jinghe shook his head: "The Lord and Father has entrusted me with a mission, I dare not easily cast it to the back of my mind."

Prince of Dong'an Zhu Xianhuang touched his stomach, only feeling it was a bit tricky.

This Prince Consort is really impervious to oil and salt.

He paused, finally gave up probing, waved away the singing girls and dancers in the hall, and the mansion officials also silently retreated.

After the hall became quiet, Zhu Xianhuang looked at Wu Jinghe seriously and said: "Uncle-in-law, let's not talk about two families as one."

"Since Uncle-in-law says that His Majesty is worried about the Huguang matter, laboring his heart and spirit."

"We hold the Lord and Father in our hearts, so naturally we cannot sit idly by."

"I wonder, is there any place where we can share the worries for His Majesty?"

Seeing this uncle-in-law come forward to take on the heavy responsibility, Min Prince Zhu Dingyao couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

Although he is a Prince, this uncle-in-law is only a Commandery Prince, but the Chu principality is just harder-talking than the Min principality.

At this time, to draw a line with Wu Jinghe, who represents the Emperor, it is naturally more appropriate for this uncle-in-law to come forward.

Wu Jinghe played with the wine cup in his hand with three fingers and pondered for a moment.

He praised: "The Prince of Dong'an has the Lord and Father in his heart; his loyalty and filial piety are worthy of praise."

Then he changed the subject and asked curiously: "However, the Chu mansion currently has no Prince to manage the principality; I fear you have the heart but not the strength, right?"

Zhu Xianhuang's face turned black.

This is clearly asking if he can make the decisions.

But these words are too blunt, not giving him any face at all.

Yong'an Prince's mansion's Auxiliary State Lieutenant Zhu Yingkuang was displeased: "Currently, our Chu mansion has six people including Commandery Princes, 198 Generals of Town, Auxiliary, and Offering State, totaling more than 1,260 clan members."

"With one heart and one mind, we have plenty of strength!"

Wu Jinghe looked at the Prince of Dong'an, Zhu Xianhuang, who was enjoying the praise, but felt quite surprised in his heart.

The imperial court clearly ordered the Prince of Wugang to manage the Chu principality; why is the Prince of Dong'an so popular now?

Wu Jinghe thought to himself, without changing his expression, but shook his head on the surface: "Since that's the case, at the beginning of the year, the Chu mansion fought for land at Lingquan Mountain, drove away the residents of Jiashan, forcibly seized it, and killed several people..."

He looked at Zhu Xianhuang and questioned: "It's one thing to have poor management beforehand, but why did you say you were powerless to investigate and didn't know who the culprit was afterward?"

Before Wu Jinghe came, he naturally did his homework.

From the old accounts of the Chu mansion during the Jiajing period—digging up the coffin of the late minister Zhang Pu, opening the coffin to mutilate the corpse, and beating and extorting imperial officials.

To the Longqing period's forcible occupation of civilian land in De'an Prefecture, Huguang, and harboring murderers.

Even the most recent ones, such as gathering people to kill with the Prince of Yueyang's mansion, were all dug up.

Now it can be said he has them at his fingertips.

Zhu Xianhuang's expression was harmonious, but the corners of his mouth were already a bit stiff.

He had shown goodwill several times, but Wu Jinghe was still dragging things out here, picking on small matters.

It was really too disrespectful!

He tried his best to make a final attempt and gave Zhu Yingkuang a wink.

The latter nodded imperceptibly and explained blandly: "Our mansion has tried its best to cooperate with the Surveillance Commission to investigate the cause of the land dispute at Lingquan Mountain."

Zhu Xianhuang tried to pull the topic back to the right track and said to Wu Jinghe: "It is precisely because of the Chu mansion's affairs that His Majesty is laboring his heart and spirit that we must share the worries for His Majesty where we can."

"I heard that after the fire at the Ciqing Palace last year, it was only simply repaired."

"As the residence of His Majesty's rise, it is so sloppy that we relatives cannot help but feel sad."

He leaned forward, his big belly divided into two by the table, and said seriously: "If the harvest is good this year, we relatives can offer assistance silver to His Majesty to rebuild the palace!"

Compared to Shizong, the current Emperor lacks the affection of relatives, and compared to Muzong, he lacks benevolence and gentleness.

He can be called cold and ruthless.

No one knows what he wants by making such a big splash this time.

But at least there is the precedent of Nanzhili last year.

No one wants Huguang to be turned upside down if they can spend money to eliminate the disaster.

Just treat it as spending money to send away poor relatives.

As soon as the words fell, Min Prince Zhu Dingyao immediately stated his position: "If there are no changes in Huguang this year, the Min mansion can offer 100,000 taels of silver to His Majesty!"

Besides himself, a mansion has seven or eight Commandery Princes; if everyone gathers a little, 100,000 taels won't hurt their bones.

The Auxiliary State General of the Xiang mansion, who hadn't spoken the whole time, said unhurriedly: "The Xiang mansion also has 100,000 taels to offer to the Holy One."

Zhu Changwen's face changed.

This matter hadn't been discussed with him in advance!

No wonder he was invited! It turns out it was to force them to pay!

Seeing everyone looking at him, Zhu Changwen's expression was ugly.

But the situation was stronger than the people; seeing this, he had to swallow his teeth into his stomach, and with a hint of gnashing his teeth, said: "The Ji mansion's heart is exactly the same!"

The Chief Clerk of the Jing mansion, the Town State General of the Rong mansion, and others all stated their positions.

Wu Jinghe's face finally showed surprise.

So generous!?

In the blink of an eye, it's hundreds of thousands of taels!

It seems these Princes and Commandery Princes are not all fools.

Unfortunately...

This time it's different from Nanzhili again.

No changes in Huguang? Then there is silver to offer?

Before he came, the Emperor had already given him strict instructions—"Do not be indulgent, leading to heavenly punishment."

It's no longer a matter that can be solved with silver!

After the various principalities stated their positions, they saw Wu Jinghe still silent.

Everyone couldn't help but frown and look at each other.

This is still not enough!?

The slightly plump Prince of Dong'an, Zhu Xianhuang, couldn't help but urge: "When Huguang is ripe, the world is full."

"As long as Uncle-in-law can stabilize the situation in Huguang and govern the flood this time, there will be a harvest year, and we can share the worries for His Majesty."

Wu Jinghe turned his head and looked at Zhu Xianhuang.

He also looked around at the various principalities present.

He slowly stood up, pondered for a moment, and said: "Your Highnesses, I already know your heart of loyalty and patriotism, and His Majesty knows it too."

"I should have toasted you all, but before this cup of wine is drunk, I still have some words to ask."

"Whether to drink or not depends on what Your Highnesses say."

He raised his cup to signal, but his tone was very serious.

Zhu Xianhuang already had a bad premonition, turned his face away and said in a deep voice: "Imperial Envoy, please speak."

Wu Jinghe nodded and asked word by word: "Privately opening mines in Huguang, Zhu Yingyan was just the one who came forward; are there any of you standing behind him?"

"Where did the weapons and armor go? How many copper coins were cast?"

"How did Investigating Censor Zhang Chucheng and Provincial Administration Commissioner Tang Bin die?"

"And what do you think, is Zhu Yingyan of the Prince of Yueyang's mansion really a suicide?"

As soon as the words fell, the Min Prince fiercely threw his wine cup on the table, snorted coldly, and turned to leave.

The Chief Clerk of the Jing mansion and the Town State General of the Rong mansion also silently put down the wine cups in their hands, apologized, and left immediately.

Prince of Dong'an Zhu Xianhuang sighed and shook his head: "The Imperial Envoy has too many questions; this old man is getting on in years and is already a bit dizzy; let's meet another day."

The eunuch of the Prince's mansion stepped forward with some difficulty, showed a flattering smile to Wu Jinghe, and bowed to signal that he was seeing the guests off.

Wu Jinghe nodded.

He pinched the wine cup with three fingers, put it down gently, and turned to leave.

Only one wine cup remained, with three finger marks, slightly deformed.

It lay lonely on the table.

Announcing that this banquet ended unhappily.

……

Dinner has to be eaten, regardless of whether it's good or bad.

Just as the banquet ended unhappily and everyone dispersed, not far from the Zhonghe Hall of the Chu mansion, there was also someone eating leisurely.

"Ate salted vegetables with tofu~"

The somewhat thin and tall old man shook his head and sang the lyrics.

A copper pot was set up in front of him, boiling hot.

He was cutting tofu, throwing white and tender squares directly into the pot.

He took a deep breath of the fragrance with satisfaction and was about to sing the next line.

Suddenly he heard a sound from outside the courtyard and swallowed the lyrics alive.

After thinking about it, he changed his words and sang: "With the world in my heart, I think of the Holy Lord~"

After singing the sentence, the person from outside just arrived in front of him, panting and saying: "Dad! The brothers broke up with Wu Jinghe; when I saw them come out, their faces were iron-blue, and the Min Prince was even more furious."

The Prince of Wugang threw a pair of salted vegetables into the pot with his chopsticks and nodded casually.

The person caught his breath and continued: "Dad, in my opinion, Wu Jinghe really doesn't intend to show any mercy; the matter of the uncle and the Min Prince raising mine bandits and water bandits won't be hidden for long."

He lowered his voice and made a gesture: "Why don't we sell Wu Jinghe a favor?"

The Prince of Wugang waved his hand indifferently: "You've grown up and can make your own decisions; if you want to go, go."

After speaking, he picked up a piece of tofu and said while blowing on it: "Anyway, it has nothing to do with me; I don't intend to get involved."

The person felt a bit of hatred for his father's lack of ambition.

He said urgently: "Dad! The Prince of Ji was originally just a Commandery Prince; after managing the Ji principality, he logically became a Prince."

"Our Chu principality counts back two generations, and it was also the younger brother succeeding the elder brother."

"You are currently managing the Chu principality, at least work hard!"

The Prince of Wugang turned a deaf ear, focused on picking a hole in the tofu, stuffed some salted vegetables into it, and ate it in one big bite.

He swallowed it quickly as if he had been scalded.

Only then did he drive the person away: "Alright, if you want to go, go, don't come to bother me."

The father and son had another tug-of-war; the son was afraid Wu Jinghe would go far, and in a fit of anger, slammed the door heavily.

The Prince of Wugang slanted his eyes, took back his gaze, shook his head, and continued to enjoy the salted vegetables and tofu.

Work hard?

These people have never seriously studied what kind of character the one in the Forbidden City has.

Anyone who sticks their head out now, let alone retreating unscathed, I fear that removing the principality and moving the principality is not far off~

The Prince of Wugang shook his head and hummed a little tune again.

"Ate~ salted vegetables~ rolling tofu~"

"The Emperor~ is not as good as me"

……

When will the bright moon appear, eating together for a thousand miles.

Zhu Yijun was also eating dinner absent-mindedly.

It wasn't that he was thinking about anything, but that he was trying hard to lower his presence.

"If the Emperor was born in the eighth month, doesn't that mean there are still two months until the Longevity Festival?"

A somewhat young and crisp voice sounded, reaching Zhu Yijun's ears; he just pretended not to hear it.

But he didn't hear it, but someone else took the bait.

Empress Dowager Li opened her mouth with a smile: "Exactly, there are two months left until he is twelve; he will soon grow into an adult."

Empress Dowager Chen was rarely at the same table, seemingly smiling, and said to the Emperor: "Yes, you can consider marriage."

Zhu Yijun was helpless.

He quietly raised his eyes to look at the two Empress Dowagers, as well as Li Chunfang's granddaughter—Li Baiyang, who had just entered the palace.

The two palaces didn't know what their state of mind was; they were even more active than the outer court.

Every day they dragged this woman to eat with him, which really made him a bit unaccustomed.

Just at this moment, Zhang Hong walked in from outside.

Zhu Yijun felt as if he had been granted amnesty, hurriedly finished eating, put down his bowl and chopsticks: "Mother, there seems to be an important matter in the outer court, I'll go first!"

After speaking, he ran out in a flash.

(End of chapter)