The inside of the royal study was much warmer than the outside. Silver bamboo charcoal from Langyaozhou burned in three fire basins. The intricately designed fire basins did not overflow with ash, only overflowing warmth. It enveloped the entire room in an atmosphere of spring that did not match the season.
There was only a faint burning smell. The smell was not unpleasant, but Fan Xian's sensitive nose was not used to it. He couldn't help but miss the warm smell of a white room in a distant world. He thought of two witty sayings he had once read in his previous life — the Emperor has never used a cellphone, and the Emperor has never had air conditioning.
The Emperor minded his own business and sat down on the couch. From his expression, it could be seen that he was very satisfied with the warmth of the royal study. The silver hair at his temples and the slight wrinkles at the corners of his eyes had all smoothed out. On the couch, he took off the dragon robe he was wearing. A young eunuch had long since brought him cotton clothes and brought over a bowl of warm bird's nest.
Fan Xian stood quietly to the side, but his gaze couldn't resist sneaking a curious glance. There was indeed nothing strange about the daily life of a supreme being.
The Emperor was drinking when he saw Fan Xian's sneaky appearance out of the corner of his eye. He couldn't resist laughing and scolded, "Is there nothing good to eat in Jiangnan? You're so greedy. "
Fan Xian chuckled and said, "The main thing is that I had to enter the Palace early today, so I just randomly grabbed a few bites for breakfast."
The Emperor waved his hand and indicated for him to sit down. Eunuch Yao had been waiting for this edict at the side. He quickly went behind the curtain to bring out a round embroidered stool. Fan Xian sat down and couldn't help but think of a year and a half ago when he first entered the royal study to discuss matters. He was also curious as to why the Emperor had not continued the meeting in the royal study after the court conference had ended. Instead, he had summoned him alone.
Having not seen the Emperor for over a year and thinking about such things as acting, Fan Xian didn't know what to say for a moment. Fortunately, when monarchs and officials met, it was the Emperor who should speak first. The royal study immediately sank into silence again.
The Emperor placed the half-drunk bird's nest on the table and raised his head to look at Fan Xian's face. Looking at that delicate and warm face, for some reason, his heart, which had been cold for 20 years, moved. He couldn't resist slowly shaking his head, wanting to remove that glimmer of emotion from the Emperor's head.
"How are your injuries?" the Emperor asked as indifferently as possible.
Fan Xian bowed slightly and replied respectfully, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am fine." He knew that the Emperor already knew of the news of Yan Xiaoyi's son's unnatural death, but since the Emperor did not mention it and did not connect this matter to him, he was happy to pretend to be mute and was too lazy to make any more excuses.
"Your Majesty …?" The Emperor repeated this in his heart, sighed, and smiled. "There is no need to be so reserved. If there is anything you want to say, say it. Before the New Year, I banished you to Jiangnan because … Zhen wanted to sharpen you and promote you, but it was too hard on you. "
It was not easy for the Emperor to say such gentle words. Fan Xian's heart moved slightly, but he did not soften. Evenly, he said, "To be honest, Your Majesty, this trip to Jiangnan … I am very willing."
He continued with a smile, "The scenery in Jiangnan is beautiful. I've always wanted to go there."
Hmm, he didn't refer to himself as his subject, but as' I '. Every time the conversation between the two of them developed in such a way. First, it went from' ruler and subject ', then to' old and young ', and finally to' father and son '. They never said it out loud, but both of them were well aware of it. It was warm, sour, and shameless.
The Emperor smiled. A moment later, he quietly said, "You have done very well in Jiangnan … I am very gratified."
Naturally, he was talking about the matter of the palace treasury, the Jiaozhou matter, and the Jiangnan Road matter. Fan Xian had demonstrated the demeanor and boldness that a young official should have in all of these matters. For this court, for this Emperor, he had reaped many benefits from the people and the military.
Presently, Fan Xian was a knife in the Emperor's hand. He had basically offended all of the powerful classes in court. The Emperor also understood this. Thinking of the attack in the valley, he couldn't help but feel a faint sense of pity for Fan Xian, only … not much.
After talking briefly about the matters in Jiangnan, the report on political affairs came to an end. After all, the main purpose of returning to court to report on his work was still in court. In a few days, Fan Xian would wear official robes and go to court with a special edict to receive the praise or criticism of all the civil and military officials in the court. Today, in the royal study, it was nothing more than a heart-to-heart talk between an Emperor and a close official. Particularly regarding the Jiangnan and Jiaozhou matters, they had long been passed on to the Emperor through endless secret memorials. The discussion today was elsewhere.
The other place was Danzhou. The Emperor seemed to be particularly interested in Fan Xian's trip to Danzhou to visit his relatives and asked in detail. Although Fan Xian felt it was strange, he patiently explained everything. He didn't even leave out the matter of Dong'er. Who knew how many spies the Emperor had by his side?
The Emperor also asked about how the wet nurse in Danzhou was doing. Fan Xian answered each of them and described the present scene of Danzhou, the white seagulls, and the precipitous cliff beside the city.
Then, Fan Xian fell silent because he discovered with some surprise that the Emperor seemed to be lost in thought.
The Emperor's eyelids were slightly lowered. The wrinkles at the corners of his eyes showed the unique charm of a middle-aged man. He didn't look at Fan Xian and didn't speak. He only calmly followed Fan Xian's narration as he recalled everything in Danzhou.
Suddenly, he realized that the storytelling voice had stopped. The Emperor raised his head in a daze and found Fan Xian was looking at him with concern. He couldn't help but smile and say, "It's nothing. I was just thinking that after returning from the last Western expedition, I haven't left Jingdou again. I can't help but miss the scenery of Danzhou."
During the last Western expedition, there had been changes in Jingdou. Taiping Courtyard had been massacred. Fan Xian was carried by Wu Zhu and sat in the carriage with the black cloth to Danzhou. Fan Xian's expression did not change. He only hesitantly asked, "Your Majesty, have you also been to Danzhou?"
"Of course I have." The corners of the Emperor's lips twitched slightly and he smiled slightly. "When I went to Danzhou, you hadn't been born yet. It was there that I met your mother."
Ruler and official were both silent at the same time. They both felt that these words were a bit idiotic. The father had just met the mother. Of course, the son hadn't been born yet.
A moment later, Fan Xian said with a glimmer of confusion, "So, it was in Danzhou."
"Didn't Director Chen and … Minister Fan tell you?" The Emperor said with a not-quite-there smile. "I thought you would know something about what happened back then."
Fan Xian knew that if he opened his mouth and asked, the Emperor in front of him, who was already immersed in beautiful memories, would certainly satisfy his curiosity. For some reason, Fan Xian didn't want to ask. It was like what kind of beautiful scenery was hidden behind that layer of gauze, and in the mountains … there were monsters, big monsters.
He only smiled calmly and said, "The elders didn't have the time to talk to me about these things. However, when I was young, I knew that the court had a special edict for Danzhou. In the beginning, it was to exempt taxes for three years. This time, when I returned, I found that it has always been exempt. The people of Danzhou live well and are endlessly grateful to Your Majesty."
"I am the ruler of the world. It is right for me to love my people. What need is there for gratitude?" The Emperor smiled and looked at Fan Xian. He sighed and said, "Exempting Danzhou from taxes for 20 years is, first, because of my mother. Second, it is to thank the harbor back then."
Fan Xian found it difficult to respond to these words. Did he have to accompany the Emperor in talking about his first love? Furthermore, that first love was his own mother. Coincidentally, his stomach growled. His eyes turned and he said, "Your Majesty … I am truly hungry. Grant me a bowl of bird's nest."
The Emperor immediately laughed loudly. Pointing at Fan Xian's nose, he couldn't say anything for a moment. Ever since the Qing Emperor had ascended to the throne, he had established himself in a region. His eyes looked down on the world. There was no one in the court who did not feel fear and respect for life. For over a dozen years, no official had dared to complain about being hungry and begging for food when the ruler and official were talking. Even when the Crown Prince and Great Prince were young and carried by the ladies in the Palace, they did not dare to speak so rudely.
After a long time, the Emperor finally stopped laughing. His eyes were full of tender love. He scolded, "This shamelessness is nothing like your mother … ahem."
The Emperor forcefully swallowed his words. Out of the corner of his eyes, he glanced at the half bowl of bird's nest on the table. Casually pointing, he said, "It's still warm. Eat it quickly."
Fan Xian was startled. He eagerly stepped forward to receive the sparkling white porcelain bowl. Without any reservations, he finished eating in a few mouthfuls. His face did not purposely reveal tears of gratitude or an expression of His Majesty's boundless grace, but he still ate very smoothly.
This scene fell into the Emperor's eyes. The Emperor was very satisfied. He thought to himself that An Zhi was indeed not a fake person. However, the Emperor did not know that Fan Xian was cursing in his heart. He was not cursing the Emperor for being petty. Rather, he hated that the bird's nest porridge had been eaten by An Zhi.
Eunuch Yao, who was standing quietly to the side, was shocked when he saw this scene. He had been in the Palace for many years, but he had not seen such a harmonious situation between ruler and official many times. The last time seemed to have been when Shu the Scholar had returned from Northern Qi. In order to show his favor and not take it to heart, the Emperor had granted him half a piece of dried meat.
Last time, Shu the Scholar had been moved beyond words because of that piece of dried meat. He had knelt in front of the Emperor in tears and repeatedly praised the Emperor. He had not been as free and natural as Sir Fan junior was now.
The Emperor seemed to like Sir Fan junior's way of doing things more.
Eunuch Yao lowered his head, but he was sighing in admiration in his heart. This kind of ruler and official, this kind of father and son, was rarely seen in the Palace. Just as he was thinking this, he was roused by the Emperor's words. He quickly took the bowl of porridge and retreated. He walked along the eaves of the Palace, but he still thought of the scene earlier with deep fear and admiration.
…
…
There was only the Emperor and Fan Xian left in the royal study. A moment later, the Emperor suddenly opened his mouth and said, "You are now a person of status. You can't mess around like you did in the Imperial College … Danzhou, hmm, to kick the son of an official's family until he can't get out of bed for half a year for the sake of a family servant girl is a loss of face."
Hearing these words, Fan Xian straightened his neck. In a calm but stubborn tone, he said, "The Emperor is right. However, if there is a next time, I will still kick him."
"Fine, fine." The Emperor smiled. "If you want to kick him, kick him. However, there has to be a limit to messing around. Don't go too far."
Fan Xian sensed that there was another meaning in the Emperor's words, so he didn't reply. He only nodded his head. The Emperor looked at this young man's brows and furrowed his brows. He thought that this kid had made such a ruckus for the sake of a servant girl who had been chased out of the family. A dozen of his subordinates had been killed by crossbow bolts in the valley. Given this kid's vengeful nature, it would probably be difficult for him to forcefully swallow this anger.
Of course, the Emperor could directly ask Fan Xian to calm down, but the Emperor did not want to do so.
"I hear you're treating tonight?"
Fan Xian started slightly and then respectfully said, "Yes, I've been away from the capital for over a year. There are a number of people I haven't seen. Let's use this opportunity to get together."
The Emperor's expression calmed. "It's still the same as before. Messing around can be done, but there is a limit."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"The court will investigate the matter in the valley and give you an explanation."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Young man, you have to look at things further. Don't just limit yourself to what is in front of you."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Find some time in the next year. I want to go to Jiangnan and see how you and Xue Qing have taken care of my granaries and palace treasury."
"Yes … hmm?"
Fan Xian abruptly raised his head and looked at the Emperor with a glimmer of surprise. The Emperor was going on an inspection tour? This was something that had never happened in a dozen years, particularly with the various powers in Jingdou stirring. Although the Emperor was in the Palace and no one dared to be too arrogant, the matter in the valley and Jiaozhou all showed that the volcano under the dragon chair had become active. At this time, the Emperor dared to go on an inspection tour?
Fan Xian didn't understand what the Emperor was thinking. After a moment of silence, he said, "I think …"
Changing his title to an official meant that he wanted to formally admonish and dissuade the Emperor. However, the Emperor did not give him the opportunity. Waving his hand, he said, "I have already made up my mind. The world is in my hands. There is no need to care about a few bugs jumping around … I am going to Danzhou to take a look. After the new year, you can return to Jiangnan. Remember to prepare well. However, the matter needs to be done secretly."
Fan Xian had nothing to say and could only nod his head in agreement.
The Emperor looked at him and furrowed his brows. "You remember everything I said earlier?"
Fan Xian guessed with a bit of a headache, "Are you referring to … the messing around?"
The Emperor nodded his head with relief. "I … only have these few sons. If you want to mess around, do as you please. Just don't make it beyond control. I also understand a bit about your thoughts. Very good, continue doing this."
Fan Xian's heart jumped. Son, you, this could already be considered a clear indication … but he felt that the Emperor's gaze seemed to have penetrated his body and seen through his thoughts. The Emperor knew what he was thinking? He immediately thought of the conflict he had with the Second Prince in front of Baoyue Brothel the year before last and the conversation he had with the Second Prince in the tea shop.
If the Emperor was relying on that conversation to guess Fan Xian's thoughts, it had to be said that his guess was basically correct.
"That Haitang lady has returned to Northern Qi, right?" the Emperor suddenly said.
Fan Xian's heart jumped again, but a glimmer of helplessness appeared on his face. Nodding his head, he said, "Lang Tiao brought people to bring her back."
The Emperor closed his eyes slightly and said, "At first, I didn't like it. After all, it hasn't even been two days since Chen promised herself to you. However, later on, I felt that this matter was not necessarily without any benefits. Tianyi Dao has deep connections with the various worship temples. If you have the ability to control Tianyi Dao in your hands, for the court, it is a great service comparable to military merit."
Without waiting for Fan Xian to speak, the Emperor continued lightly, "After Ku He's death, it should be Haitang who succeeds. You have to think clearly about the connection."
Fan Xian lowered his head and was silent.
The Emperor said, "There is no harm in being closer to the women of Northern Qi, but it is best to maintain some distance from Northern Qi. I don't doubt you. However, the Qing court's ambitions are for the world. Your various actions this year will always make some people in the military suspicious. They are all straightforward men on horseback. What they want is to open up new territory. When you returned to the capital this time, presumably, you also felt that the attitude of the Bureau of Military Affairs toward you was not very good. This is one of the reasons. "
Fan Xian remained silent. He knew that this was the so-called conflict between the dove faction and the hawk faction. However, the Emperor was certainly a carnivore in his bones. Although he didn't doubt him, these words were actually a serious reminder to him.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Fan Xian replied warmly. "I know what I'm doing."
Looking at his careful appearance, the Emperor smiled comfortingly and waved his hand. "It's rare that you're back in the capital. Take a walk around the Palace …" He was silent for a moment and then said, "Make the empress dowager happy."
Fan Xian accepted the edict and left the royal study.
…
…
Eunuch Yao was waiting outside the door. Seeing him come out, he led him around the Palace. Although Fan Xian had entered the Palace many times and was familiar with the paths inside, he knew that it was against the rules for a foreign official like him to enter the Palace to see the Emperor and greet the ladies of each Palace. He had to be particularly careful, so he needed a eunuch to lead the way.
When all was said and done, it was his status as a non-official member of the royal family and the princess' son-in-law that gave him the opportunity to walk freely in the Royal Palace's gardens.
The first place he went was Hanguang Palace, the empress dowager's ancestor's palace. The empress dowager had just woken up from her afternoon nap. Her body was a little tired, so she didn't say much to Fan Xian. However, Fan Xian sensitively sensed that although the empress dowager's attitude toward him was still cold, it was much better than when they were eating mutton giblets soup.
After chatting for a bit, Fan Xian saw that the old woman's expression was a little uncomfortable, so he tactfully took his leave. Before he left, he said that he would wait for Wan'er to return before going into the Palace to greet her. As expected, the old woman was happy.
Before leaving the Palace, Fan Xian said a few words to the female official in a quiet voice and wrote out a prescription for the old woman's body. Although the female official in Hanguang Palace didn't dare give the empress dowager medicine indiscriminately, she knew of the medical reputation of this popular figure in court. She happily accepted the prescription and waited for the Imperial Academy of Medicine to examine it before using it. She couldn't resist praising the prince consort for his filial piety.
Fan Xian smiled and didn't say anything. He left Hanguang Palace and followed the wide Royal Palace paths west. When he passed Guangxin Palace, he couldn't resist taking a few more glances.
To the side, Eunuch Yao carefully asked, "Sir Fan … it's Guangxin Palace."
Fan Xian was startled and jokingly scolded, "Of course I know. What are you thinking, you old man?"
Eunuch Yao chuckled. "No matter what, she is your mother-in-law. If we don't go see her and it gets to the empress dowager's ears, I'm afraid she won't be happy."
Fan Xian was startled. He stopped not far from Guangxin Palace. (To be continued, if you want to know what happens next, please log on to WWW. QIDIAN. com. More chapters. Support the author. Support original reading!)
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