Daming Yuanfu

Chapter 2409: Drastic Change (X) Farewell

Concubine Zheng was in tears, but Zhu Yijun did not delay and turned around and walked quickly towards Xuanwu Gate under the escort of the guards. Fortunately, although the palace was in chaos, the emperor's guards were still there as usual, so there was no need to let the emperor, whose health was in danger, walk there.

Zheng Guotai and Li Wenjin watched the emperor's chariot go away, and they became more and more uneasy, but they dared not disobey the emperor's order and could only wait anxiously. The two wanted to complain that Concubine Zheng dragged the emperor out like this, causing them to be timid and hesitant, but they felt that Concubine Zheng was their last hope now. If they angered her, the situation would only get worse, so they had to hold back the complaints that were already on their lips.

Soon, the guards outside Xuanwu Gate heard the sound of a winch being pulled from the gate tower. It was the sound of the gate opening. As expected, the two gates creaked open slowly, and the emperor, dressed in bright yellow clothes, walked out of the palace slowly, surrounded by the crowd.

Outside the palace gate, Gao Youshi led Ma Gui, Li Rumei, Zhang Wanbang and a large number of imperial guards in a neat line. When they saw the emperor appear, the soldiers of the three armies knelt on one knee and shouted in unison: "Long live the emperor, long live the emperor, long live the emperor!" The sound was earth-shaking and resounding through the sky, as if to dispel the gloom in the capital city in the past few days.

Zhu Yijun glanced at the army in front of him, his eyes full of satisfaction and emotion. When Gao Youshi reformed the Beijing Camp, he said that it would not only build a central imperial army that was good at fighting for the court, but also ensure the loyalty of this imperial army. In any case, at least from the performance in this incident, Gao Youshi did not exaggerate.

The emperor stepped forward slowly, raised his voice, and said loudly: "My fellow soldiers! This sudden change in the capital is all thanks to your loyalty to the master and your bravery. The Imperial Guards and Jizhen Army are both loyal and brave troops of our Ming Dynasty. I am very pleased!"

Although the emperor's voice seemed a little weak, he shouted as loud as he could, and it was still clearly heard by every soldier in the cold wind. After hearing this, the soldiers were filled with pride and their chests straightened even more.

"Duke Jingguo!" The emperor looked at Gao Youshi with some approval in his eyes, but he didn't say anything immediately. Obviously, he wanted to wait for Gao Youshi's reaction.

"I am here." Gao Youshi stepped forward, bowed slightly, and said, "Forgive me for not being able to perform the formalities while wearing armor. I will die."

Zhu Yijun was startled for a moment, then he looked him over, then nodded and said with emotion: "Rixin, you led the army to conquer the rebellious, and helped me to pacify the south and the north, pacify the west and conquer the east, but I have never seen you in full armor. I didn't expect that the first time I saw you was outside the Xuanwu Gate..."

Gao Youshi sighed and replied, "The world is unpredictable and beyond the control of ordinary people. Fortunately, the ancestors have blessed the emperor and he is safe and sound... Actually, this armor is very heavy, and I have just recovered from my illness, so now is the perfect time to take it off."

The emperor smiled and shook his head, saying, "You can go. But I want to say something else first."

"Please give your orders, Your Majesty."

"I order you to give an extra year's salary to all the troops participating in the King's patriotic campaign, to reward their hard work and loyalty. I intend for the reward to come from the Imperial Treasury half and Taicang half... You are the Land Official, do you have any objections?"

"I have no objection." This is what the question implies. After all, there is such a large and powerful army standing before us. If you do not reward them for their meritorious service, are you planning to turn the Imperial Guards into the Wei Palace Army? Not only should you reward them, but you should also make a statement immediately.

"Well, the cabinet should also formulate the promotion and reward for meritorious generals as soon as possible, and should not slack off."

Gao Youshi bowed and accepted the order: "I obey your order. Your Majesty is wise and wise. The soldiers will be grateful and more loyal to your Majesty."

Two mature politicians did what they had to do.

Then, the emperor frowned slightly, looked around, and said softly to Gao Youshi: "Youshi, I have something important to discuss with you in secret."

Calling someone by his name would be considered an insult to an unfamiliar person, but given the relationship between the emperor and his subjects, it only meant one thing: what the emperor wanted to say was quite personal, and calling him by his name was a deliberate display of intimacy.

Gao Youshi understood and walked into the side hall with the emperor, and signaled Ma Gui and others to calm the troops. Ma Gui and others were all veteran military leaders from military families, and they bowed to show that they accepted the order.

In the side hall, incense was wafting and the stove was warm. After the emperor sat down, he took a long breath and said slowly: "Pragmatically, many accidents happened inside and outside this incident, but no matter what, I hope to avoid implicating the imperial concubine and her son.

Zheng Guotai and Li Wenjin took advantage of my coma and forced the Imperial Concubine to participate in this matter, hoping to control both the inner and outer courts. The Imperial Concubine and Chang Xun are just their puppets and tools. I hope you can do this for my sake... and only punish the main culprit, and leave the rest alone."

Gao Youshi frowned slightly, and after thinking for a moment, he said: "Your Majesty, Zheng Guotai and Li Wenjin intended to rebel, which is a heinous crime. As the main culprits, they should be punished, and I have no objection.

However, Concubine Zheng was involved in almost everything, and although Prince Fu did not take any direct action, he was also caught in the vortex. If we do nothing about them, I am afraid that the court will not be able to explain to the officials and the people of the world. "

The emperor's eyes flashed with helplessness and reluctance. He fell silent for a long time before he slowly said, "Be pragmatic. Is there no other way? The imperial concubine...she had no intention of harming me. She was just deceived for a moment. I was able to rush to Xuanwu Gate in time to avoid a very harmful military riot. It was only because the imperial concubine disobeyed the will of the two thieves that I was able to make it happen.

As for Chang Xun, he is still young and has not been involved in this matter, not to mention that he has been personally serving me medicine for the past six months. I really can't bear to see him being implicated."

Gao Youshi clasped his fists and bowed, saying sincerely: "Your Majesty, I understand your feelings at the moment. But the country has its own laws. If such a crime cannot be punished, it will not only be difficult to convince the public at this moment, but also leave a hidden danger for future generations.

In my opinion, it would be better to imprison the imperial concubine first, let her reflect on her mistakes, and then find a way to forgive her after the court debate has calmed down. Prince Fu did not commit any obvious faults, but who doesn't know that this incident originated from him?

"I dare to risk my life to tell you this: As long as Prince Fu is in Beijing, there will be people who have different ideas. Only by ordering him to return home as soon as possible and reducing some of his fiefdoms can we give an explanation to the people of the world and leave him a way out."

The emperor was silent for a long time, his heart full of entanglement. He knew that Gao Youshi's words were reasonable, and he had even made a major compromise with him. But when he thought of Concubine Zheng and Zhu Changxun, he was reluctant to let go. But at this moment, he also knew that he had no choice.

"Forget it," the emperor sighed, "I'll just do as you say. I just hope that you can think of my feelings and not let the outer court be too harsh on the imperial concubine after imprisonment, and still talk about her every day, so that she can live the rest of her life in peace.

As for Chang Xun, since you want to reduce his fiefdom, I am too lazy to ask how to reduce it, but Henan is your native province, I hope you can take care of him... Alas, if he was not born in a royal family, you deserve to be called "uncle" by him. "

Since reasoning doesn't work, the only option is to appeal to his emotions. No one knows whether Gao Youshi is moved or not, but it seems that he is very moved.

Zhu Changxun's "uncle" generously promised: "Your Majesty, just relax. As long as I am here, Prince Fu will be happy in Luoyang."

The phrase "enjoy happiness" reminded Zhu Yijun of the overly happy Prince of Ying Zhu Changluo a few days ago. He opened his mouth to speak, but when the words came to his lips, he hesitated for a long time and swallowed them back, turning into a sigh. The next day after the matter was settled, the sun shone through the mottled window lattices and sprinkled on the ground of Yikun Palace, but it could not dispel the sadness and despair that permeated here. Concubine Zheng sat alone in front of the bronze mirror, looking at herself in the mirror with empty eyes. She looked haggard, and her eyes were full of regret and self-blame.

Thinking back to how she had poisoned the emperor who loved her so much, and how she had triggered a coup that almost overthrew the imperial court, in order for her son to become the crown prince and for herself to enjoy the honor of being the queen, she felt as if her heart was being stabbed by thousands of needles. Now, the emperor was still trying to protect her in such a difficult situation, but she had no way to repay him, and she felt that she was unforgivable.

After the emperor calmed down the situation yesterday, he did not come to the Yikun Palace again. It was reported that he returned to the Qianqing Palace to be alone. There were also rumors that the emperor vomited blood again after sending away the army led by Gao Youshi and Ma Gui... She had no way of knowing whether it was true or not now.

As for Zheng Guotai and Li Wenjin, they had completely lost their backers and no one could protect them this time. I heard that they were beheaded yesterday and their heads were hung outside the Xuanwu Gate as a warning to others.

There will definitely be major changes in the outer court. Although Shen Yikuan is not deeply involved and has been waiting for the Tengxiang Four Guards to capture Gao Youshi before taking action, but since Zhang Wanbang has led his troops into the capital, it means that something must have happened to Qian Menggao. Shen Yikuan will definitely be in trouble.

What about Li Chengliang? I don't know. Concubine Zheng thought he was the most ridiculous. His eldest and youngest sons were both in charge of the army, but in the end, neither of them obeyed his orders... Haha, it's true that every generation has talented people, and the new generation is better than the old.

Concubine Zheng sighed and moved her thoughts away from these irrelevant people. She thought of the emperor again, and her ruthlessness turned into tenderness.

"Your Majesty, I was wrong. I harmed you..." Concubine Zheng murmured to herself, tears falling uncontrollably. She slowly stood up, walked to the table, and picked up the poison that had been prepared long ago. Her hands couldn't stop shaking.

"Chang Xun, I'm sorry for you. I want to see if Gao Youshi will really let you go, but I have no face to live anymore..." Concubine Zheng muttered, suddenly closed her eyes, and drank the poison in one gulp.

Soon, the news that Concubine Zheng committed suicide by taking poison reached the emperor's bedroom. The emperor was half leaning on the bed, his face as pale as paper. When he heard the news, the medicine bowl in his hand fell to the ground with a "snap" sound, and shattered. The splashed medicine soup fell on the hem of the bright yellow dress, blooming like a rose crying blood.

"My beloved concubine..." The emperor cried out in grief, blood spurting out of his mouth, staining his clothes red. He struggled to get up despite his illness, wanting to go to the Yikun Palace to see Concubine Zheng for the last time, but was stopped by the eunuchs beside him.

The emperor's eyes were filled with tears, and the world in front of him suddenly became blurry and unfamiliar. He called out the imperial concubine's name feebly, but he knew that no one would respond to him with a smile as before.

The pretty face turns into wind and fades away, the sorrow breaks one's heart.

After a long while, Chen Ju presented the suicide note left by Concubine Zheng to the emperor. The emperor took it with trembling hands and unfolded the suicide note. The handwriting on it was still stained with tears:

Your Majesty,

I, your humble servant Zheng, bow my head in fear and trepidation. Now that I have committed a great mistake, I have lost all hope and can only atone for my heinous crime by dying.

Since I was favored by Your Majesty, I have been honored to be in the harem, and I have been favored by the imperial concubines, enjoying all the glory. This is all Your Majesty's grace, and I should have served you respectfully to repay you. Unexpectedly, I was blinded by greed and selfish desires. I wanted to be the crown prince and the queen, and I did something rebellious. I poisoned Your Majesty and had an affair with foreign officials, which caused the emperor to lose face and the court to be in chaos. I have committed many sins, and I cannot count them. I cannot absolve myself of my guilt even if I die a thousand times.

My initial intention was just to help Chang Xun, hoping that he would ascend to the throne, and I could also obtain a high position and protect the family. However, I did not expect that the confusion would deepen, and I would eventually fall into the abyss and could not extricate myself. Whenever I think of this, I feel heartbroken and filled with endless regret.

Although Your Majesty is in a difficult situation, you still remember our old friendship and want to save me and Chang Xun. Your Majesty's kindness is so great that I cannot repay you even if I die. However, since my crime is unforgivable, how dare I live? If Chang Xun is implicated because of me, I will not be at peace even if I die. I hope Your Majesty will have pity on the relationship between father and son, care for the orphan, and do not punish him for his mother's crime.

When a man is about to die, his words are good. I have no other wishes, but I hope that your majesty will be healthy, the Ming Dynasty will be forever stable, and the country will last forever. I will leave first. If there is an afterlife, I hope that your majesty and I will leave the imperial family and marry an ordinary couple, accompany each other, and make up for the regrets of this life.

This is the last writing of your concubine Zheng. "

Zhu Yijun burst into tears after reading the suicide note. He felt like his whole world had collapsed. The long-term pain in his body, the torture of the unhealed poison wound, and the departure of his beloved, made him lose all hope in an instant and completely lost the desire to live. He leaned weakly on the bed, his eyes dull, and kept repeating Concubine Zheng's name...

The emperor was so sad that he fainted, then woke up again, fainted again, and this happened three times. He was pale and barely alive.

Queen Wang, who had just returned to Kunning Palace yesterday to settle down, was shocked when she heard the news and hurried to Qianqing Palace. Seeing the emperor in this state, she was filled with grief and anger, but she didn't know what to do. Finally, it was only when Chen Ju wiped his tears and reminded her that she remembered to send someone to notify Gao Youshi and asked him to lead the cabinet ministers to rush to Qianqing Palace.

Today was also Gao Youshi's first day back at the cabinet after his illness, and there were a lot of things waiting to be dealt with. For example, Shen Yikuan had submitted a petition to resign, accusing himself of failing to discipline his students, and said that he had now shut himself in and was "waiting for investigation".

Gao Youshi sneered for a while, but refused to make a decision on his own. He sent people to call all the nine ministers to the cabinet to discuss the matter.

Another major commander of the Five Military Commandery submitted a memorial to denounce Zheng Guotai and Li Wenjin, who were already dead, and mentioned at the end that "it is rumored that some people with bad intentions have slandered the Earl of Ningyuan..." It was obvious that they had accepted Li Chengliang's favor to test his opinion. Gao Youshi directly wrote three words: Got it.

There was also a bold official who impeached Li Ruzhang for privately mobilizing troops. But it was unknown who had instructed him to come here to test Gao Yuanfu's attitude towards the Li family, or if he had other intentions.

Not to mention that the Four Tengxiang Guards were in a panic because of this incident, and the vacancy of the eunuch in the Imperial Stables caused many people in the inner court to be restless... In short, the eyes of all parties inside and outside the court were focused on Gao Youshi, and they were paying close attention to his every word and action, hoping to find a way to please him and seek benefits from even the slightest clues.

When the eunuch from the Imperial Household Department came running breathlessly to tell Gao Yuanfu to immediately take the cabinet ministers to the Qianqing Palace, Gao Youshi thought that the emperor had changed his mind again and wanted to protect Concubine Zheng and her son. He sighed subconsciously, thinking about how to appease and persuade the emperor.

When Gao Youshi learned that the situation was not as he thought, and that he might be entrusted with an orphan, he was horrified. He stood up suddenly, stepped forward and grabbed the collar of the eunuch's chest: "Say it again..."

Before he could finish his words, his hands loosened and dropped dejectedly.

Why say it again? Who dares to make such a joke?

Gao Youshi looked up with disappointment, and saw that the sky and earth were bleak, the cold wind was blowing snow, and there was not a single leaf on the tree in the corner of Wenyuan Pavilion.
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