Setting a Trap

"My Lady, please come inside. The autumn wind is strong, and you should soak up the cold air carefully." Fuying interrupted Yan Qing's contemplation and put the fox fur in his hand on her shoulders.

"Maybe it's because I'm old," Yan Qing smiled, but his face was a little pale, "So I always like to think of the past..."

"My dear, you are in your prime, how can you say you are old. Fuying said with a smile.

Because the wind and cold were recurring and never getting better, Yan Qingqing took a walk in Yichun Garden and spent most of his time in Renshou Palace, let alone court affairs.

After winter, the weather would become colder and drier. Fuying was worried and suggested that she go to Tangquan Palace in Xiuling to recuperate.

Xiuling is located on the outskirts of Beijing, about thirty miles away from the Imperial Capital. The geothermal heat has been constant since ancient times, and the hot springs in the Tangquan Palace are constantly hot all year round. Even in winter, the vegetation in Xiuling does not wither. The green color of the mountain gave rise to the name "Xiuling".

"That's fine," Yan Qing replied calmly, "There is a cabinet presiding over the court, and there is Empress Dowager Ciyi by your side, so I am just an idler."

Although Zhao Yuan was reluctant to leave after hearing the news, he thought about the warmth and warmth in Tangquan Palace. In spring, Yan Qing will naturally recover faster after getting rid of his illness.

"Your Majesty, rest in peace. I will study hard with Mr. Jiang so that I won't worry you."

Suddenly hearing the mention of Jiang Weiren in his mouth, Yan Qing frowned slightly, but returned to his normal expression in the next moment, leaving no one to see through it.

When Yan Qing went to Tangquan Palace this time, he brought a few personal maids with him. Anyway, there was no shortage of palace attendants at the palace.

However, Zhao Yuan was worried and specifically asked Ye Shaonan, the Zhonglang General of the Shenwei Battalion of the Beiya Forbidden Army, to lead the imperial army to personally escort him and stay at Tangquan Palace to guard the palace before Yan Qing returned to Beijing to ensure the safety of Queen Mother Shengyi.

After going to Tangquan Palace, Yan Qing's illness gradually improved. Thanks to the geothermal heat in Xiuling, Tangquan Palace not only had a beautiful courtyard and lush trees, but also built a palace.

There are various bonsai flowers in the palace, and there is heavy snow everywhere else in the severe winter. But in the flower room of the Tangquan Palace, surrounded by flowers and trees carefully cultivated by the gardeners, it is like being in spring, and it seems that even time has stopped.

Now that I'm here, I don't want to leave.

When spring started, news came from Beijing that Princess Chongning had returned to Beijing.

Princess Chongning is the legitimate daughter of Emperor Shizong and the sister of the late emperor. The current emperor Zhao Yuan also calls her aunt in a serious manner.

There were two princesses in Shizong. They signed a contract when Beiqi invaded and sent the concubine Princess Shouan to the north to get married. Princess Chongning married Mu Xiulin, the second son of the Mu family, Duke of Qi. Later, Mu Xiu Lin guarded Zidong, and the eldest princess followed him to Zidong.

No, I have only returned to Beijing once in nearly ten years.

When Yan Qing married into the Prince of England's palace, Chongning had not yet left Beijing with her husband, and the two of them were still close. Although Chongning's temperament was a bit arrogant and willful, he was still respectful to Yan Qing's sister-in-law.

Princess Chongning went into the palace to pay a visit to the two Queen Mothers and Your Majesty. She found out that Queen Mother Shengyi had already gone to Tangquan Palace to recuperate. Fortunately, Tangquan Palace was not far from Beijing. When Yan Qing left, his return date had not yet been determined, and it looked like he was not going back. With such a look on her face, Princess Chongning simply rushed to Tangquan Palace.

The eldest princess of Chongning has been married for several years. Now she wears a high bun and dresses mainly in dark colors. Her dignity and luxury complement her respected status as the eldest princess. She is no longer the smart and lively little girl she used to be. .

We haven't seen each other for many years, so naturally we have endless things to talk about. Yan Qing seldom drinks alcohol on weekdays, but this time he still had a few drinks with the eldest princess during dinner.

Good wine comes out of Zidong. The wine was brought back to Beijing from Chongning thousands of miles away. The wine is not strong, but it has some staying power. Although it is indeed a good wine, Yan Qing does not dare to drink too much.

"I still remember that it was the 24th year of Chenghua. I left Beijing to say goodbye to my sister-in-law and my third brother." When old friends met, they talked most about old things. Princess Chongning's tone was stagnant and she choked, "I never thought , this is actually the last time..."

Yan Qing's expression darkened, she could not pretend to be calm whenever the late Emperor Zhao Chun was mentioned in front of her.

Seeing that Yan Qing was upset, Chongning hurriedly said: "Look at me, what are you talking about?"

After looking at Yan Qing's face, Chongning hurriedly changed the subject, "I went to the palace to see His Majesty the day before yesterday, and I almost wanted to kill him . I don't recognize him. His Majesty was only three years old when I left Beijing, and now he has grown into a young man."

Yan Qing slowly laughed and sighed: "Yes, he is growing up quickly, and he is still in his nineties. Your Majesty, your mind has matured earlier than ordinary children, and your temperament has become more and more stable. In the future, you will not disappoint the late emperor's expectations."

"This is all because of the good teachings of the two queen mothers," Chongning thought for a while. He added, "There is also Mr. Yuan Fu Jiang. Mr. Jiang is worthy of being a minister who plans the country. In the first year of Jiayou, Beiqi arrived in the imperial capital. At such a critical moment, it was Mr. Jiang who was not afraid of danger and turned the tide. With a capable minister like Mr. Jiang to assist Bi, Your Majesty From now on, he will be a wise king who will last forever."

Yan Qing didn't answer, just lowered his head and took a sip of wine. After being married for so many years, Chongning's temperament has changed a lot. In the past, she was straightforward, so how could she say so many compliments.

After all, people cannot withstand time, and everyone will change.

"Speaking of Mr. Yuan Fu Jiang," Chongning said slowly, "It has been four or five years since his wife passed away. Not only did Mr. Jiang not marry a step-brother, he did not even have a concubine in his house. , He worked hard for the country, but at such an age he has no children left behind..."

Yan Qing was stunned when he heard this, Jiang Weiren is indeed alone until now. He is the only son in the family, but there is nothing at his knees. He is now thirty-two years old.

There are many rumors in Beijing, all of which say that Mr. Jiang loved his first wife too deeply, so he did not want to marry anyone else after his beloved wife passed away.

"Your Majesty," Chongning looked at her expression, "Mr. Jiang is involved in state affairs and may not have time to take care of private affairs, but he has made great contributions to the country. Should you and Empress Dowager Ciyi be more considerate?"

"What do you mean?" Yan Qing asked with a frown.

"Third sister-in-law, now that we have reached this point, I won't talk in circles with you."

Chongning smiled, "As you know, I also have a sister-in-law, the Duke's youngest daughter. She is also here now. At the age when she was about to get married, the elders in the family were worried about her marriage. No, after I returned to Beijing, my parents-in-law mentioned this matter and asked me to go to the palace to ask the Queen Mother Shengyi to make the decision for the Duke's Palace..."

At this point, No matter how confused Yan Qing was, she understood. She gently put down her wine cup and asked: "Your government actually wants to marry that young lady to Lord Yuan Fujiang?"

Chongning nodded and said, "If you talk about the family family, Secondly, her status as the legitimate daughter of the Duke’s family is not an insult to Mr. Jiang. In terms of talent, my sister-in-law is also famous in Beijing for her talent and beauty. Even if Mr. Jiang misses his wife again, he will never really miss her forever. " Why don't you marry him?"

"If I remember correctly, the young lady from your Duke's residence is now twenty-eight years old, which is more than ten years older than Mr. Yuanfu..."

Based on the family background of the Duke's residence, and She is a legitimate young lady, so it is not difficult to find a husband of similar family background and age.

Jiang Weiren is not only more than ten years older than Miss Na Mu, but he also had a deceased first wife. Although Yuan Fu is a high-ranking official, the Duke's Palace is a hereditary title and has been honored for generations. The Mu family needs to curry favor with Jiang Weiren. Is it to this point?

"The age difference is not a big deal, I think. Mr. Yuanfu is not only the leader of hundreds of officials, but also has the ability to manage the world. As for Mr. Jiang's appearance and demeanor, among the children of the aristocratic families in Beijing, there are several who are better than him. If you can, let the young ladies who are about to get married choose by themselves, I'm afraid they won't get it."

After hearing this, Yan Qing smiled coldly, Chongning said it was true, although Jiang Weiren's family background was not good, he was born well. There is also a lack of peach blossoms, and girls are always attracted to them.

The courtesan Gu Yuqing fell in love with him after reading one of his poems in Qingbo Tower in Qujiang. Later, she became the prince's favorite, but she secretly conveyed news to Jiang Weiren. This shows that Yuan Fu has many people. Can confuse people's hearts.

With his current powerful position, if he wants to renew his relationship, there are many young women who want to marry him.

"I can't do this," she shook her head and said to Chongning, "Master Jiang is the chief minister of the cabinet, in charge of national affairs, and is revered as Yuan Fu, with the title of Taifu given by the late emperor. If he really wants to marry him, No one in the world can stop him, but if he doesn't have this intention, how can I, the Queen Mother, force the marriage?"

Chongning originally wanted to ask Yan Qing for a marriage proposal, but was blocked by these words and had to change the topic. .

Yan Qing chatted with her for a while, but felt a little dizzy. She still wanted to hold on, but Chongning had already noticed, "Sister-in-law, are you drunk?"

"Huh?" She frowned and raised her eyebrows. He touched his head with his hand and murmured, "But I don't drink much..."

"This wine has a strong stamina!" Chongning said worriedly, "Why don't you ask your servants to take you back to your dormitory first?"

" Fuying," Yan Qing looked around and called, "Fuying..."

"To the Queen Mother," Xiao Huangmen stepped forward and said, "The palace has sent something over, and I asked Aunt Fuying to check it in person. "

Yan Qing only felt that his head was getting heavier at this moment. The Tianxin Tower where they were having the banquet had the best view in the palace, but it was a little far away from her bedroom. Yan Qing wanted to let the palace people spread the word. , I saw a female official standing next to me came forward and said, "My dear, I will help you to take a rest in the warm pavilion at the back. When the smell of alcohol has dissipated, Aunt Fuying will come back."

"Yes, I feel heavy after drinking. Just rest for a while." Chongning also advised, "It is better to have Fuying at your side to serve you more attentively."

Yan Qing could only nod his head and ordered the palace attendant beside him, "Wait for the eldest princess to arrange..."

Tianse. It was too late, and of course Chongning could not return to Beijing, so she stayed in the palace, so she bowed to Yan Qing and left.

Tianxin Pavilion not only has a wonderful view, but also has more than a hundred night phoenix trees. In the past, the masters of the palace came to stay temporarily in the palace, and when they came to Tianxin Pavilion to hold candles at night, they often rested in the warm pavilion at the back.

Yan Qing was helped in. Incense was burning in the Boshan stove on the table, and wisps of white smoke were coming out.

This is not her dormitory, and the incense burned is not the Lingling incense she is used to. I don’t know what kind of incense is burned in this palace. The smell is sweet and long, and it must have a soothing effect.

The palace man helped her to the couch, took off her shoes and socks, and Yan Qing lay down. Her head was still groggy, and she ordered: "When Fuying comes, come in and wake up Aijia."

The palace man responded. Go, because he was drunk, he was already sleepy, and the incense burning in the palace was lulling him to sleep. At this moment, Yan Qing fell asleep as soon as his head touched the porcelain pillow. How could he hear the palace man's voice after closing the palace door? The sound of the lock being locked was deliberately suppressed.

She didn't know how long she slept, but she felt a tightness in her chest, her heart was on fire, her mouth was dry, and she finally woke up feeling uncomfortable.

Yan Qing thought it was because the earth dragon in the Nuan Pavilion was burning too much. Although she woke up, her mind was still muddy. She opened her mouth and called in a low voice: "Come here, come here..."

Her voice was unclear for some reason. She was also slightly hoarse, and her whole figure seemed to have been drained of energy. She couldn't even lift her arms. She called a few more times, but there was no response.

Of course she didn't know that there was not even a single maid on duty outside the palace gate, they had all withdrawn, so how could anyone hear her voice.

Ye Shaonan is the major general of the Beiya Imperial Guards. Shenwei Battalion is one of the six guards of Beiya and is famous in Beijing. This time he was able to escort the Queen Mother Sheng Yi to the Xiuling Palace. Ultimately, it was because of the trust of the Holy Emperor. Naturally, he did not dare to neglect it at all.

Today, the eldest princess Chongning arrived at the palace and had a banquet with Queen Mother Shengyi in Tianxin Tower. He personally stood guard near the Tianxin Tower. Later, he saw the eldest princess Chongning leaving surrounded by the palace people.

After a while, a female officer came and said: "Major General Ye, the Queen Mother has called you to go.

Since it was the Queen Mother Shengyi who called you, Ye Shaonan did not dare to neglect. He followed the female officer into Tianxin Tower, bypassed the front hall, and went directly to Nuange walked behind.

What was even more strange was that he didn't even see any palace people along the way.

There must be quite a few palace eunuchs on duty every day around Queen Mother Shengyi, but not a single person was seen. "

Excuse me, aunt, what is the reason for the imperial concubine's summons? "

The female officer seemed to have expected that he would ask this question, and replied without thinking: "The empress said that there is an important matter to be handed over to General Zhonglang. It is very confidential and must not be leaked, so I will wait for a while. I'll let you go in directly to reply. "

Ye Shaonan followed the female officer to the Nuan Pavilion. The female officer gently opened the door of the palace and said to him: "General Zhonglang please come in. Your Majesty has given instructions, only one person, General Zhonglang, is allowed to go in, and no one else is allowed to disturb him. "

After hearing this, Ye Shaonan could only step in and saw wisps of cigarettes on the table beside him. The whole room was filled with the rich smell of incense, and in front of him was a hanging bead curtain. At this moment It was already dark, and there were only a few dim lamps lit inside, so he couldn't see clearly what was happening behind the bead curtain.

Just as he slowly walked forward, he heard a creak from the palace door behind him . Closed from the outside.