Yang Ling recognized that the young girl was Princess Yongfu. Hearing that the Crown Prince was chasing after the Imperial Uncle, he didn't pay his respects to the Princess and quickly asked: "Where is the Crown Prince? Your Highness, please take me there. "
Princess Yongfu quickly led Yang Ling around the vines and ran out. The eunuch in charge of delivering the edict saw Yang Ling run and couldn't help being dumbfounded: Why does this daren have the hobby of resisting edicts? But when the Princess took him away, he didn't know what to do and could only follow.
Yang Ling passed through a long corridor and saw more than ten eunuchs and palace maids standing there with faces full of panic. Zhu Houzhao's handsome face was red and he was holding a sharp sword in his hand as he stood in front of a fake mountain. On the opposite side of the fake mountain was a man around thirty years old who was looking at Zhu Houzhao's movements through a crack in the mountain. Zhu Houzhao chasing him around the 'mountain' was extremely ridiculous.
Princess Yongfu anxiously said: "General Yang, quickly stop Imperial Brother. When the Marquis Of Shouning came out from Father Emperor's palace, Imperial Brother took the imperial guard's sword and chased him all the way here."
Yang Ling heard this and quickly went forward to call out: "Your Highness the Crown Prince, don't be rash."
Zhu Houzhao suddenly turned around and shouted: "Whoever dares to talk, I will kill them all … …" He saw Yang Ling and couldn't help being startled. His expression immediately softened and he happily said: "Yang, you came at the right time. Quickly help me capture this traitor!"
The Marquis Of Shouning was standing on the opposite side. Hearing that it was Yang, he couldn't help but be overjoyed. This was someone that the Empress had saved, so it was time to return the favor. He hastily shouted: "This official is innocent, Yang saved me. I am the Marquis Of Shouning Zhang Heling."
Zhu Houzhao spat and scolded: "You traitor, no one can save you. Obediently let me cut you down with my sword, otherwise this Crown Prince will wipe out your entire family!"
Yang Ling pulled Zhu Houzhao and asked suspiciously: "Crown Prince, a grand Marquis was chased around by you with a sword. If this news were to spread, the court officials would not be willing. What did the Marquis Of Shouning do?"
Zhu Houzhao hatefully said: "Yang, just now I was worried about Father Emperor's safety so I ran back to see him. This heartless animal, a bold traitor! My Imperial Father was sleeping on the bed, but he and Zhang Yanling were standing in the corner of the hall, laughing and talking in low voices. Not only that, but while they were talking and laughing, he actually picked up the imperial crown and put it on his head. Such a disgraceful act, tell me, should he be killed? "
If you kill a Marquis Of Shouning in the palace, people who don't know the truth will spread rumors. Moreover, His Majesty has always been kind to Marquis Of Shouning. If it affects His Majesty's illness, what will Your Majesty do? Right now, His Majesty's illness is more important. "
Yang Ling looked at the Marquis Of Shouning and saw that his face was pale and his hands were trembling. He said to the Crown Prince: "Your Highness, in terms of crime, he deserves to be killed. However, the punishment should be carried out by the Imperial Court. If you kill a Marquis Of Shouning in the palace, people who don't know will spread rumors. Moreover, His Majesty has always been kind to Marquis Of Shouning. If this affects His Majesty's illness, what will Your Highness do? Right now, His Majesty's illness is more important."
Hearing him mention the Emperor, Zhu Houzhao suddenly realized: "That's right, when he saw me, he immediately escaped. When I chased after him, I woke Father Emperor. Quick, go back and see Father Emperor so that Father Emperor won't be worried! "
Zhu Houzhao said whatever he wanted. Leaving the frightened Marquis Of Shouning behind, he held his sword in one hand and pulled Yang Ling with the other, hurriedly rushing to the Palace of Heavenly Purity.
Marquis Of Shouning did not know what the Crown Prince and Yang Ling were talking about. Seeing that Yang Ling persuaded the Crown Prince to leave with just a few words, he, as an uncle, was not as powerful as an outsider in front of the Crown Prince. After thinking for a while, he flicked his sleeves and went straight to Kunning Palace.
* * *
Now that the Crown Prince was in charge of the country, he could see the Emperor without notifying him. He pulled Yang Ling and hurriedly rushed into the Eastern Warm Pavilion. Hongzhi Emperor was leaning on a pillow and looking at the door. Yang Ling did not dare to look too long and hurriedly knelt on the ground and loudly said: "Subject Yang Ling kowtows in salute to Your Majesty."
Hongzhi Emperor had just woken up and happened to see Marquis Of Shouning and the Crown Prince leaving in a hurry. Seeing that Yang Ling had come to see him, he was not in a hurry to speak to the Crown Prince. He looked at Yang Ling a few times and said with a smile: "You may rise. Subject Yang has only been in the army for a short time, but you already have a heroic spirit. I am very pleased."
Yang Ling bowed and said: "Thank you for Your Majesty's praise. Subject has been training the troops by imperial edict and did not dare to slack off. It's just that up until now, there has not been any success and I have failed Your Majesty's expectations. Subject is really ashamed."
Hongzhi chuckled and said: "Subject Yang need not be so modest. Your method of training the troops is quite effective. In such a short time, to have such results, I am already very satisfied. It's good that you're here. Miao Kui, go with Subject Yang to hand over the Palace Guards."
Yang Ling was a little surprised. He initially thought that Hongzhi would definitely test him, so he made some preparations on the way. He did not expect that Hongzhi Emperor did not even ask and just asked him to change the guard. Yang Ling saw that Miao Kui acknowledged at the door and bowed and left to hand over the Palace Guards with Miao Kui.
Zhu Houzhao, who was standing next to Hongzhi's bed, asked curiously: "Father, you said to treat your subjects generously and also said that Yang can be my right-hand man. Why did you send him away with just a few words?"
Hongzhi patted the bed and asked his son to sit down. He said to him: "Imperial Son, rewards and punishments must be measured. If you've done wrong, you'll be rewarded but you won't know kindness and punished without fear. Yang Ling's rapid promotion has already attracted the attention of hundreds of officials. If you favor him too much, it won't be a good thing."
He held his son's hand and chuckled: "He's an old subject of the Eastern Palace and is now the Imperial Bodyguard. After Imperial Son ascended to the throne, he has made great contributions. Do you want me to give him another subject to entrust his orphan to? Hehe, as your subject, you shall be the one to repay this kindness. "
Zhu Houzhao heard his Imperial Father's words and could not help but be frightened. He said: "Imperial Father, why do you say this? Your body …"
Hongzhi saw that he was sad and hurriedly interrupted: "Imperial Son, just now when I woke up, I saw you hurriedly chasing after Imperial Uncle. What's the matter?"
When Zhu Houzhao heard this, his face turned red with anger. He angrily recounted what had happened. Hongzhi couldn't help but laugh. He gently shook his head and said: "Such a small matter, why should Imperial Son care about it? Marquis Of Shouning is so frivolous. How can he be someone who can achieve great things? My big trouble, alas … is not in the court! "
* * *
Empress Zhang heard that Zhang Yanling had run over to report the news. She was leading the palace maids to rush out to save him in a panic when she saw Zhang Heling rushing into the palace in a daze. Only then did she feel relieved. She sat back on the brocade stool with a straight face and said to the palace maids: "All of you leave!"
Empress Zhang was over thirty years old, but she was already a beautiful woman. In addition, she took good care of herself. Although she was a woman who had given birth to several children, she still looked like a person in her twenties. She was dignified and charming. When she stood together with Princess Yongfu, they looked like a pair of sisters.
The Empress and Hongzhi had been husband and wife for more than ten years. They had a deep love for each other. Seeing that the Emperor's days were numbered, she had been very sad these days. Now that her two insensible brothers had come to cause trouble, she was really a little annoyed.
In fact, if this matter had happened to an ordinary family, it would not be a big deal. Wasn't it just brother-in-law wearing the hat of brother-in-law? But the other party was the Emperor. This matter depended on what you said.
The two of them had originally been instructed by their younger sister to visit the Hongzhi Emperor's illness and show their loyalty as officials. The Hongzhi Emperor's spirit was not good. After chatting with them, he dozed off. The two of them did not dare to wake the Emperor, but it was not good to leave without saying a word. They could only chat and wait in the corner of the palace.
Zhang Yanling came and saw that the Hongzhi Emperor's illness was serious. He was worried that after his death, the Zhang family's power would be affected. Zhang Heling did not care at all. In his mind, even if the Emperor died, the new Emperor would still be his nephew. His nephew was the Emperor, and his younger sister was the Empress Dowager. What else was there to worry about?
He smiled at Zhang Yanling and said, "Er Di, you don't have to worry. If His Majesty really succeeds, I'm afraid my brother's authority will be even greater. A new emperor will have a new court of ministers. When the new emperor ascends the throne, he will bestow great titles to his ministers. When that time comes, let Meimei, with her status as the Empress Dowager, ask for a job for us. The Shenji Battalion still doesn't have an official Battalion Commander, so we'll be in charge of the Shenji Battalion. I'll be the Battalion Commander, and you'll be the Deputy General. That means we'll have tens of thousands of brave soldiers in our hands. Moreover, the Shenji Battalion has always been under the control of a duke. I was promoted from the Earl of Shouning to the Marquis Of Shouning several years ago.
This time, won't I become the Duke of Shouning? "Zhang Heling was lost in his own thoughts. Looking at the stack of Hongzhi's robes on the table, he casually took the Emperor's crown and put it on his head. He giggled and said," At that time, in the world today, other than the Emperor, it will be you and me. What difference is there between us brothers talking and the Emperor talking? "
Coincidentally, the Crown Prince Zhu Houzhao had just arrived at the Eastern Warm Room at this time. As soon as he saw the two Imperial Uncles standing in the corner of the hall chatting and laughing, he was already unhappy. Seeing him unexpectedly wearing the Emperor's crown on his head, he was immediately shocked and angry. Seeing him slipping out of the Main Hall, he immediately drew his imperial guard's sword and chased after him.
Empress Zhang saw that her brother was unharmed and could not help hatefully saying, "My two brothers are too disappointing. You two are frivolous and immoral, how dare you wear the Emperor's crown? If His Majesty is angry, even I won't be able to absolve you! "
With a long face, Marquis Of Shouning said, "It was my brother who caused trouble, but the Crown Prince is your own son, yet he dared to lay his hands on me, his own uncle. If we wait until he inherits the throne, will us brothers still have a way to live?"
Empress Zhang humphed and said, "The Royal Family has no familial love. From ancient times until now, there have not been many Sons of Heaven who are as kind as the Emperor. You guys … Ay, now that His Majesty is going to die, you guys should be more cautious in the future. If those Grand Scholars have something on you, who will support you?" As she said this, she thought of the Emperor's illness and could not help but be sorrowful and wanted to cry.
Marquis Of Shouning anxiously said, "Empress, this is not a matter of us being careless. Which Marquis does not flaunt their strength? My brothers tuck their tails between their legs and behave, do you, as the Empress, have any glory? Sister, you don't know how ruthless the Crown Prince was at that time. He didn't have any familial love for me. If it wasn't for Yang saving me, my brother's head would have been separated from his body. "
As he said this, he could not help but cry and complain, "Empress, now that the Emperor is critically ill, our Zhang family's backer is about to fall. The Crown Prince has been estranged from us since we were young. Even to you, he is not like a son. When the Crown Prince becomes the Emperor, our Zhang family will have a knife hanging over our head. We don't know when it will fall."
Empress Zhang was confused by what he said. Thinking that this son of hers was indeed not close to her since he was young, especially after he heard the rumor that she was not his mother, their relationship became even more estranged. Her heart was filled with sorrow and she could not help but cry. She said sadly, "Is the fortune of our Zhang family over? I only have this one son, but he has no filial love for me. If he really wants to punish the Zhang family, what can I do? "
Zhang Yanling's eyes turned and he slapped his forehead and said, "Sister, how can our Zhang family prosper? It's about marriage. You married the Emperor, so our Zhang family has this glory and wealth. If we want to be close to the next Emperor, we still have to marry. "
The Empress was startled and said doubtfully, "Marry the Crown Prince? The Empress Dowager is still here. I can't choose the Empress. "
Zhang Yanling said, "Sister misunderstood. The marriage that brother is talking about is not with the Crown Prince, but with the Crown Prince's most favored minister."
The Empress said in a daze, "With who? Liu Jian? Li Dongyang? Or … which Grand Secretary's grandson is of the right age? "
Zhang Yanling curled his lips and said disdainfully, "The Crown Prince doesn't like me and is annoyed with them. What's the use of marrying them? Just now when the Crown Prince chased after brother, I wanted to stop him, but the Crown Prince turned around and stabbed me with his sword. Listening to brother's words, that Yang Ling can persuade the Crown Prince with a few words. Isn't he the Crown Prince's favorite minister? Sister, you saved his life, so it's easier to win him over. "
Hearing this, Empress Zhang's face turned cold. She flicked her sleeves and said, "Ridiculous. Yang Ling already has a wife. How can a princess be a concubine? Even if she is a second wife, a princess has no reason to share her husband. Isn't this a joke of the royal family? "
Zhang Yanling quickly pointed to his nose and said, "It's me, it's me. Who said I want to marry a princess? We are a family. Let's not talk about being an outsider. Being the Emperor's son-in-law of Ming Destiny is really embarrassing. Who would want to be a promising man? He is now in power. Sister is willing to marry the princess to him, but he may not be willing. I'm talking about my daughter. "
Empress Zhang said curiously, "What? Your daughter? Then just marry him. Why do you have to ask me? But … your daughter is the daughter of the Marquis's Mansion. Won't it be a joke to marry him? "
Zhang Yanling said with a smile, "My daughter is born of a concubine. It's not a big deal. But I still have to save face as the Marquis. Otherwise, it won't sound good. If it is said that the Empress bestowed the marriage, then it will be a good story. Under the Empress's decree, no one can say anything. He will also be treated as a second wife. It will show the Empress' trust in Yang Ling and preserve our family's dignity. Isn't this the best of both worlds? "
Zhang Heling looked suspiciously at his brother, who had always been stupid. He always felt that this method was a bit funny. Of course, winning over the new Emperor's favorite officials was a good way to protect himself. And just now he whispered a few words, and the Crown Prince answered and left. Except for the Hongzhi Emperor, there really didn't seem to be many who could manipulate the Crown Prince like this. But … giving him a daughter would make him work for the Zhang family? This game of marriage had been played for thousands of years. How many people still believed in it?
Empress Zhang said unhappily, "Forget it. My son wants to be the Emperor, but I have to frighten my two elder brothers into marrying off their daughters to win the favor of his favorite officials. Ben gong is really disheartened. If you want to make trouble, I can't be bothered to care about you. However, I can't help you with such a shameful matter. If you want to talk about it, go ahead. If he agrees, I will personally bestow the marriage. It's just that … Yang Ling loves his wife so much that he even rejected the imperial edict for her. Your daughter isn't an outstanding beauty, this matter … "
Zhang Yanling said with a smile, "Don't worry, Empress meimei. Although Yang Ling is affectionate to his wife, he is also young and lustful. I heard that he has already taken a few beautiful concubines. Although my daughter isn't a national beauty, she is still very pretty. Since you agree, then it will be easy. I will find a chance to talk to him and it will definitely succeed."
Zhang Heling secretly shook his head and thought sadly, "Look at this, the original wishful thinking is all going to be in vain. Even the Empress has no confidence in the Crown Prince. Who else can make him fear? To keep the foundation of the Zhang family, I can't rely on this brainless younger brother. Which big tree can I rely on? Maybe … "
※ ※ ※
The Jing Battalion was a very strange team. It had always been said that a strong army must have strict military discipline, but the Jing Army was a freak. They had better equipment than the border army, but their combat power was weaker than the border army. But their military discipline was stricter than the border army.
Yang Ling arranged the Shenji Battalion's three departments to guard the various passes in the palace. Every day, they patrolled the palace's forbidden city gates. He didn't dare to slack off in the slightest. He was afraid that these soldiers would suddenly enter the Forbidden City and do things like steal chickens and dogs or seduce palace maids.
Fortunately, these were all unnecessary worries. Lian Delu and Peng Jizu were now obedient to him. The third department head was a deputy department head that Yang Ling had promoted from the third department. Although this person didn't have great talent, he was steady and dependable. He followed military orders without any hesitation. As a result, under Yang Ling's orders, he was very strict with his subordinates. In addition, the lower-ranking officers in the army were very supportive of Yang Ling. So when Yang Ling led the troops into the palace and gave the order to the three armies, it was carried out by the three armies. No one dared to disobey it.
After patrolling for two days, the soldiers, under the restrictions of the generals, were all conscientious and followed the rules. Yang Ling's worried heart relaxed.
Other than military discipline, he had nothing to worry about. The Emperor of Hongzhi only had one son. The princes and grandsons of the Zhu family had long been sent out of the capital to harm the people. There was no suspense in the Crown Prince's ascension. There was no possibility of the princes fighting for the throne. Hongzhi's changing of troops was just a normal precaution when a new emperor replaced the old.
If there was no problem with military discipline, the task of guarding the palace was more than half completed. It was just that as long as Hongzhi's illness did not recover, or as long as the Crown Prince did not ascend the throne, the responsibility of guarding the palace could not be relieved. All the gates of the palace were closed. The ministers who entered the palace to deliver memorials had to go in and out through a specially set up corner gate. As the commander-in-chief of the three armies, he could not leave at this time.
Yang Ling strolled to the Meridian Gate. Seeing that the general had arrived, the soldiers stationed there all saluted him. Yang Ling nodded to them in acknowledgment. As he neared the palace gate, he could faintly hear voices talking outside. Yang Ling sighed with emotion: the Emperor of Hongzhi was really loved by his officials. Ever since he became seriously ill and the palace gates were closed, every day a large number of officials gathered outside the Meridian Gate, waiting for news of the Emperor. Every time an official took a memorial and went out, a large group of officials would swarm up and ask questions. They would not be able to leave without at least an hour.
He shook his head and turned back to stroll to the Golden River Bridge. Just as he walked out of the shadow of the palace, the Marquis of Jianchang, Zhang Yanling, was led by a young eunuch to welcome him. With a smile, he said, "Mr Yang? I am the Marquis of Jianchang, Zhang Yanling. I have been looking for you for some time. "
Yang Ling saw that this Marquis looked very similar to the Marquis Of Shouning. He hurriedly cupped his hands in greeting and asked in surprise, "What business does the Marquis have with me?"
The Marquis of Jianchang laughed and said, "It is a joyous occasion! Come, Mr Yang, can I have a word with you? " The Marquis of Jianchang, Yang Ling, took a few steps away and said with a smile, "Your Excellency is young and promising. Your reputation has shaken the capital. My daughter admires Your Excellency's character and knowledge. Therefore, this Marquis would like to recommend myself to facilitate this marriage. Our families will be united as Qin and Jin. Isn't this a joyous occasion?"
Yang Ling laughed in surprise when he heard this. He chuckled and said, "Marquis is so impetuous. I, Yang Ling, am already married. How would I have the fortune to marry the daughter of the Marquis?"
The Marquis of Jianchang laughed and said, "Of course I know this. The matter of Mr Yang bringing his wife to the nine cities to seek medical treatment is well-known. But it is precisely because of this that my daughter admires you. It is normal for a man to have three wives and four concubines. What harm is there in having a wife of equal rank?"
Yang Ling smiled and shook his head. He said, "Thank you for your kindness. Yang Ling will only have one wife in this life. Yang Ling can only appreciate the Marquis's kindness."
The Marquis of Jianchang said unhappily, "Mr Yang, Her Majesty the Empress has also agreed to this matter. She admires you very much. If our families are to be married, you will have Her Majesty the Empress looking after you in the future. Your future is self-evident. If she does not allow it, I am fine. I am afraid that even Her Majesty the Empress will be displeased."
Yang Ling raised his eyebrows. He said, "Oh? This … is considered Her Majesty the Empress's decree? "
Zhang Yanling heard his tone and couldn't help but feel angry. This brat doesn't know how to appreciate favors. Are you showing off that you dare to defy an imperial decree? Do you not care about Her Majesty's decree?
Zhang Yanling's face turned purple. Just as he was about to pout again, he suddenly heard the sound of bells and drums. The sound waves spread throughout the Imperial City. He didn't think much of it at the first sound, but then he realized something was wrong. It wasn't court time, so how could there be the sound of bells and drums? Also, the bells and drums didn't sound one after another, but at the same time.
An ominous feeling rose in his heart. He couldn't help but raise his head to look towards the Palace of Heavenly Purity. He heard the continuous sound of bells and drums. After nine sounds, the sound clearly spread inside and outside the Forbidden Palace.
All the walking and standing soldiers, palace maids, and eunuchs turned around to look at the back palace. After a moment, the Inner Palace was silent. Even the voices of the court officials at the palace gate disappeared in an instant. The bells and drums stopped. After a moment, they sounded again. First one person, then several people. Finally, everyone knelt in the direction of the Palace of Heavenly Purity and kowtowed.
The Marquis of Jianchang opened his mouth but couldn't say anything. Finally, his knees softened and he knelt down in panic. Yang Ling was at a loss and didn't know what was going on. Suddenly, he heard the sound of heavy rain coming from the thick palace gates behind him. Countless people were madly pounding on the thick palace gates. The sound of crying passed through the Meridian Gate and came in from outside.
Yang Ling was startled awake and hurriedly knelt on the ground. He finally understood what had happened. "The Emperor … has died!"
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
