The Virtuous Prince's residence was neither large nor small, but it was not newly built. It must have been left vacant after a wealthy family moved out of the capital, so it was a little old.
Fortunately, the Ministry of Rites had arranged it well.
This would be his home from now on.
Shen Zhangqin brought him in and led the housekeeper to him. There were many maids and manservants in the residence. He showed him around and gave him some instructions before leaving.
On the first day that Jing Xian moved in, many officials in the court sent congratulatory gifts.
But —
The rules for officials to send gifts were related to their authority. Jing Xian had just entered the court and did not have many connections, so the gifts sent by the officials were small and big.
Just for show.
Moreover, the gifts were all very ordinary.
Although Jing Xian understood this, he did not say it out loud. After receiving the gifts, he sent people to go from house to house to express his gratitude.
Very polite!
That night, he stood alone in the courtyard, looking up at the hairy moon hanging in the dark night.
He did not know what he was thinking.
The housekeeper brought him a thick cloak and said with concern, "Your Highness, it's windy outside. You should go in and rest."
"Don't worry about me. Go rest."
"But …" The housekeeper did not say anything else and prepared to leave.
Jing Xian suddenly asked, "Oh right, where are the pigeons I brought?"
"In the room."
"Bring them to me and prepare a set of paper, ink, and brush."
"Yes."
The housekeeper prepared them one by one and left.
The three pigeons in the cage were very obedient and did not move.
He tapped the head of one of the pigeons with his finger and smiled, "From now on, this will be your home."
"Coo, coo, coo …"
As if they could understand human speech.
He smiled and wrote some words on the paper. He tore off a piece of paper, rolled it into a scroll, and stuffed it into a small bamboo tube. He released a pigeon and tied the small bamboo tube to the pigeon's leg.
Released!
"Go."
The pigeon flapped its wings a few times in the air and landed on the roof. It hovered for a while before flying away.
Gradually, it disappeared into the night …
Jing Xian's eyes deepened as he watched.
The next day, he changed into his court attire and stepped into the throne room for the first time.
She stood where Jing Yi once stood!
However, the two of them were completely different.
One was a combination of ambition and ruthlessness.
One was as gentle as a scholar.
Jing Xian did not understand the matters of the court. Throughout the entire process, he only stood silently at the side with his eyes lowered. He did not say anything, did not ask anything, and only listened quietly with a proper learning attitude.
During this time, Qi Zhen Emperor also asked him a few questions, but when he opened his mouth, he couldn't answer a single word.
It made people anxious.
After the court session, he called out to Jing Rong and expressed his deep gratitude. "Jing Rong, many thanks."
Very sincere!
Jing Rong patted his shoulder. "You and I are brothers. There's no need to thank me. Besides, Mo Ruo is my best friend. He knows your wish and can't bear to see you stay in the palace forever. It's only right for me to help you. "
"In any case, thank you very much. It's just that I really don't know anything about the imperial court."
"There are many rules in the imperial court. You don't have to be impatient. Take your time and you will understand them."
Jing Xian nodded heavily.
Such a refined man looked harmless to humans and animals.
Jing Rong really hoped that he was thinking too much.
At this time …
A young eunuch hurried over. "Greetings to the two princes."
"What's the matter?"
"His Majesty summons Prince Xian to enter the hall."
Jing Xian was startled and a little nervous.
His eyes narrowed.
Jing Rong comforted, "Don't worry."
He forced a smile and followed the young eunuch.
Behind him, Jing Rong looked at his figure and sighed.
… …
At Fuyang Hall.
After entering, Jing Xian stood in the middle of the hall. After a long time.
Qi Zhen Emperor was busy reading the memorials and did not lift his head.
It was as if Jing Xian was invisible!
One joss stick, two joss sticks, three joss sticks …
Just like that, half an hour passed.
Although Jing Xian had just recovered from a serious illness, standing for a long time inevitably made his legs tremble. However, he forced himself to stand and gritted his teeth.
Finally, Qi Zhen Emperor closed the last memorial and put it aside.
Zhang Quan brought a cup of hot tea.
"Your Majesty, have some tea to warm yourself up."
He picked up the teacup and took a sip. Then, he looked at Jing Xian who was standing obediently in the hall.
He frowned.
He put down the teacup.
"Today is your first time entering the court. How do you feel?" Qi Zhen Emperor's voice was low, as if he was asking someone who had nothing to do with him.
Old man, he is your son. Can't you use a better tone?
Jing Xian replied respectfully, "This son is clumsy and does not understand many things. I know that I am not as good as Jing Rong and the other ministers, but I will work hard to learn."
"Mm, it's good that you have this intention. We did not agree to let Jing Rong enter the court in vain."
"Thank you, Imperial Father."
"But your body has just recovered. There is no need to tire yourself too much. Although we allowed you to enter the court, you do not need to worry too much about court matters. Just take care of your health. There are still Jing Rong and the other ministers." The meaning behind his words was clear.
To put it bluntly, he did not want his son to get involved in the court.
On the surface, he allowed him to enter the court.
But in reality, he did not allow him to interfere with court matters.
Jing Xian understood this, but on the surface, he obediently obeyed. He cupped his hands and said, "Yes, this son understands." Qi Zhen Emperor added, "Also, you have just left the palace, so you will be very busy with the affairs of the Virtuous Prince's residence. Although We have ordered the Ministry of Rites to help you with the arrangements, the Ministry of Rites is not only busy with your residence. Therefore, We have also ordered Minister Liang to help you with the arrangements. If there is anything you need, feel free to let him know.
The Virtuous Prince's residence cannot be too simple, or it will be beneath your status. "
"Many thanks for Imperial Father's concern. In fact, the residence is already very good."
"We are not in Tongren Hall with you now. What should be done, should be done."
"Yes."
His tone was neither cold nor indifferent.
Qi Zhen Emperor's hands tightened on the table. He opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something, but swallowed it in the end. He waved his hand. "Forget it. You may leave."
Jing Xian raised his head and glanced at him. He quickly lowered his gaze and cupped his hands. "This son will take his leave."
He lowered his head and left in silence.
After Jing Xian left, Qi Zhen Emperor was deeply worried.
Zhang Quan saw this and stepped forward. He bowed and asked, "Your Majesty, are you worried about the matter from that year?"
He sighed. "Although it has been fifteen years, every time we think about it, how can we not feel pain? In front of his own son, I gave his Imperial Mother a bowl of poison to kill her. How can he not hate me? We ordered him not to leave the palace to build a residence because we were worried that he would hate me. "
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