The night passed, but nothing was accomplished. She had thought that with Xiao Shao's temperament, he would not do anything out of line, but at least their relationship had taken a step closer. Who knew that when they opened the door the next morning, both of them had cold expressions, without the slightest shyness and other emotions that everyone had expected.
Everyone knew that they had made a mistake and obediently went to receive their punishment.
After Xiao Shao left, Jiang Ruan dismissed everyone and sat at the desk. She pulled out a rough map of the Southern Frontier to Tian Jin. The Southern Frontier was south of the Great Jin Dynasty, and across the river was Tian Jin. Xiao Shao had returned injured outside the capital the night before. Although he had not said anything, Jiang Ruan felt that the Southern Frontier of Tian Jin had something to do with it. Thinking deeper, something must have gone wrong on the battlefield.
However, she had no way of going to the battlefield. Ever since the news of Tian Jin's successful counterattack spread in the capital, Jiang Xin Zhi had stopped sending letters home. Most likely, the war situation was tense. But with Jiang Xin Zhi's temperament, as long as he was not worried about her, he would pretend that nothing was wrong. Now that he had not even sent a letter home, the war situation must have been very intense.
Jiang Ruan frowned. Tian Jin was ready to move. If the court could send reinforcements, it should be able to solve the urgent situation.
But now, the Zhao family only had 200,000 soldiers, and they still had to keep some people in the capital. The remaining generals had either been privately won over by the Eighth Prince or had become part of Xuan Hua's faction. How could Xuan Li obediently send reinforcements? Even if the Emperor issued an imperial edict, it was hard to avoid Xuan Li playing tricks. Jiang Xin Zhi was now in high demand. With Xuan Li's temperament, if he could not be used, he would certainly abandon and kill him.
Now that Jiang Xin Zhi was really in prison, Xuan Li would probably hit him when he was down.
Jiang Ruan stood up and muttered, "I want to go to the palace."
…
In the imperial study, the Emperor put down the letter in his hand and knocked on the table in front of him. After a while, he raised his head and looked at the youth in front of him, "Ah Shao, you want to send troops?"
Xiao Shao was silent.
"Imperial Mother will not agree." The Emperor said, "That year …"
"I have already forgotten." Xiao Shao interrupted him, "Your Majesty need not mention it."
"That's good." The Emperor said, "Let's not talk about this matter for now. I heard that you and Hong 'an Junzhu are very close. The night before you were injured, you rested in Hong' an Junzhu's courtyard?"
"Your Majesty knows everything, there's no need to ask this official anymore."
The Emperor's tone suddenly became stern. "She is a member of the Jiang family!"
"So what?"
"Could it be that you really like her?" The Emperor was a little agitated. Eunuch Li, who was beside him, saw this and quickly came over to pat his back to calm him down. The Emperor waved Eunuch Li's hand away, "We know that you have your own ideas, but Jiang Ruan cannot."
"Why?" Xiao Shao asked.
"Why?" The Emperor repeated. "You know better than I what kind of person Jiang Quan is."
"She is also Zhao Guang's granddaughter," Xiao Shao reminded.
"So what?" The Emperor angrily said, "Ah Shao, you cannot tolerate a single stain in your life, Hong 'an Junzhu is not worthy of you. It's not like I don't know anything. That woman has a deep mind, how could she be on the same level as you? Moreover, although Zhao Guang held military power, his temperament was too upright, and Jiang Quan was even more poisonous. If you were to be together with her, not only would you not receive the slightest bit of help, you would also be dragged into the muddy waters. We have already taken a liking to her. Binhai Governor-General Yao's daughter is of a similar age to you, and moreover, she is extremely proficient in both civil and military affairs. The power behind Miss Yao can also lend you a helping hand, and is the best match for you. "
"Your Majesty worries too much." Xiao Shao's tone was indifferent, "I have my own ideas regarding this official's marriage, there is no need for Your Majesty to worry."
"You-" The Emperor seemed to be very insistent on this matter, and coldly said, "If We insist that you marry Miss Yao, we will bestow the marriage tomorrow, what will you do?"
Xiao Shao raised his eyebrows, "Then I can only defy the decree and refuse the marriage, and my head will roll."
The Emperor violently coughed again, and without waiting for him to speak, Xiao Shao had already opened his mouth, "The matter of the southern frontier is urgent, there is no need for Your Majesty to put your mind on this official's trifling matters. As for Miss Yao …" His long, pitch-black eyes were deep and cold, and his tone was flat, "If Your Majesty were to bestow the marriage, wouldn't you be wasting a life for nothing?"
After saying that, he left without looking back.
Eunuch Li held the Emperor, who was on the verge of collapse, and busily took out a small porcelain bottle from his sleeve. He poured out two pills and fed them to the Emperor. After that, the Emperor's face became better. But, his face was a bit bleak, and he let out a long sigh: He disobeyed me because of that little girl.
"Your Majesty." Eunuch Li gently said: "You have seen Xiao Wangye's temper since he was a child. Once he decided on something, even nine bulls cannot pull him back. Your Majesty said those words, so Xiao Wangye must be unhappy inside his heart. His tone was a bit harsh, but his mind is clear. "
"Of course, I know that he has no disloyalty." The Emperor tiredly pressed his forehead: "Zhen is always thinking about him. Miss Yao is a well-educated and reasonable person. I have also seen her with my own eyes. She is a wonderful person. If Governor Yao becomes Ah Shao's help, it will be much easier in the future. I paved the way for him, but he didnt walk my path. "
"Xiao Wangye is still a young man." Eunuch Li advised: "Perhaps Junzhu really has a different friendship with him. Xiao Wangye is a person who values friendship and righteousness, and is not someone who will cling to others."
"There is a shortcut, but he refuses to take it, and insists on taking the most difficult one." The Emperor coldly snorted: "If Jiang Ruan is a gentle woman, then forget it. I can see clearly that she is scheming deeply, but her temper is very cold. Ah Shao's temper is cold, so how can such a woman live? Jiang Xin Zhi and his sister have their own ideas, so they are not easy to control. Especially Jiang Xin Zhi, if he has disloyalty, then the world will be in chaos. "
Eunuch Li did not know how to comfort him, but he knew that Xiao Shao was a calamity in the Emperor's heart. This Emperor was wise and decisive in other matters, but when it came to Xiao Shao, he was somewhat unable to see the situation clearly. With Xiao Shao's temper, how could he be manipulated by others? Since he had made such a speech today, if the Emperor really did not care about the marriage, then the Yao family's daughter would disappear from this world the next day. Eunuch Li had seen what Xiao Shao had done. At that time, the Yao family and the imperial family would become enemies, and that would be a great disaster.
The Emperor sighed: "Forget it, we will discuss this matter later." From the beginning, he had instinctively disliked Jiang Ruan. This was very strange, but people in high positions were especially sensitive in certain aspects. For example, every time Jiang Ruan spoke to him, although it seemed like nothing, he could always feel a faint trace of resentment and hatred. That feeling was very faint, and the Emperor was aware that he also did not like Jiang Ruan. In his opinion, Princess Yuan Rong was gentle and dignified, considerate, and took the overall situation into consideration. She was the noblest princess in the world. However, at that time, Empress Dowager Yi De insisted that Jiang Ruan and Princess Yuan Rong were somewhat similar. But in reality, from the matter with Imperial Consort Chen, it could be seen that Jiang Ruan was not gentle and magnanimous on the surface. On the contrary, her temperament was haggling over every little thing, it was just that she hid it more deeply. Ever since he knew that Xiao Shao had an unusual relationship with her, the Emperor had also sent people to investigate Jiang Ruan's past. The more he investigated, the more he felt that Jiang Ruan was extremely shrewd.
The Emperor would not allow such a dangerous person to be by Xiao Shao's side. He also did not know why he always had a faint dislike for Jiang Ruan. Perhaps it was because of the hatred from his previous life. In this world, there were always many things that could not be explained clearly.
…
The conversation between the Emperor and Xiao Shao was like the incense burning in the Imperial Study, vanishing in the blink of an eye.
At this time, Jiang Ruan had met Empress Dowager Yi De and chatted with her for a while before returning to the Princess Palace with the Tian Zhu people.
When she reached the door, she met an acquaintance, the Fourth Prince, Xuan Lang.
As the Fourth Prince, Xuan Lang was wearing a dark brown brocade robe that was neither old nor new. He only had a jade pendant on his waist as a decoration, appearing extremely simple. However, in the eyes of those who were observant, they would only think that this was a prince who was not favoured and was down and out. Seeing Jiang Ruan, the Fourth Prince came forward and bowed, "Junzhu."
Xuan Lang seemed to be used to fawning on others, so his tone carried a trace of imperceptible humility. When these words fell into Jiang Ruan's ears, she felt that they were one hundred percent similar to Jiang Dan. However, on the surface, she smiled and replied to Xuan Lang, "Your Highness."
This indifferent attitude caused a trace of hurt to flash in Xuan Lang's eyes, but it disappeared in a flash. He smiled and said, "Previously, when I heard that the war in Tian Jin was very tense, I thought that Junzhu must be very worried. Now that I see that Junzhu is in a good mood, I can rest assured. "
Jiang Ruan raised her eyebrows. She was not afraid of him asking, but rather afraid that he would not ask. Indeed, the situation in Tian Jin was related to Xuan Li. Wasn't Xuan Lang deliberately "coincidentally" coming across her to test her attitude? It just so happened that she also wanted to see what these people were planning, and what were they trying to test?
"How could I be fine?" She sighed softly, her eyes instantly turning gloomy, and her tone involuntarily carried a trace of melancholy, "Eldest Brother is killing enemies at the border, but I am enjoying a peaceful life with a clear conscience. Currently, the war is very tense, and Eldest Brother has not sent a letter home for a long time. Every time I think of this, I feel very uneasy. "
Xuan Lang's eyes flashed, and he carefully observed Jiang Ruan's expression. Seeing that her expression did not seem to be fake, he comforted her, "Deputy General Jiang is a virtuous person, and the heavens help him. Tian Jin is just a small place, how can he win? Junzhu, don't worry, your brother will definitely return victorious. "
Jiang Ruan smiled, "Thank you, Your Highness, for your consolation." However, her smile was somewhat forced.
Xuan Lang shook his head and said, "Speaking of which, I have also heard Imperial Father mention that the war is somewhat tense now. Although Tian Jin is a small place, their smelting technology is superb, and their swords and shields are of excellent quality. Coupled with their cunning tactics, ai … "
Upon hearing Xuan Lang's words, Jiang Ruan's expression changed again, and she reluctantly said, "Your Highness is right."
Her restlessness fell into Xuan Lang's eyes, and Xuan Lang became even more confident. He pretended to say casually, "If only General Wu could send troops."
"General Wu?" Jiang Ruan was puzzled.
"Junzhu probably does not understand the affairs of the imperial court." Xuan Lang explained in an understanding manner, "General Wu is also a military general, and has a group of good soldiers under him. The Wu family army is also full of good men. They used to guard Xi Rong, but as early as a few years ago, Xi Rong surrendered, and the Wu family army retreated from Xi Rong. In recent years, General Wu has not led troops, and he is still worried that there is no place for him to use his skills. If the Wu family army helps, General Wu will come out of seclusion again, and it will be just a matter of time before he breaks through Tian Jin. "
Jiang Ruan looked down. General Wu, she naturally knew of this General Wu. In her previous life, when Xuan Li ascended to the throne, he gradually nibbled away at those who were not on his side. While suppressing the Zhao family, he also promoted the Wu family. The Wu family and the Zhao family were both old meritorious officials who had accompanied the previous emperor in conquering the country. However, after the death of Old General Wu, the current General Wu was obstinate and self-opinionated. He was even more ambitious, and delusively wanted to sit in the position of 'number one' in the Great Jin dynasty. When he was suppressing the Zhao family, he spared no effort.
In her previous life, when she had been imprisoned, she had vaguely heard that it was this General Wu who had personally led people to arrest the entire Zhao family.
Jiang Ruan lowered her head, not knowing what she was thinking. Xuan Lang stared at her. Jiang Ruan raised her head and said, "Your Highness is right, but why don't you let my maternal grandfather and several maternal uncles send reinforcements? Wouldn't it be more convenient? "
"Old General Zhao's troops are guarding the capital's vital points, how can they be separated?" Xuan Lang shook his head, "Moreover, Deputy General Jiang and General Zhao's relationship …. Imperial Father will not allow the Zhao family to send troops. "
This was sowing dissension? Did he want the two brothers to be bitterly disappointed in the Emperor? The smile on Jiang Ruan's lips disappeared in a flash, but after a moment, it was replaced by a somewhat dazed expression, "Then …. What should we do? "
"Don't worry," Xuan Lang seemed to think for a moment, and hesitantly said, "Eighth Brother's relationship with that General Wu is extremely good, if Eighth Brother can put in a good word …."
"Eighth Prince?" Jiang Ruan was stunned, and anxiously said, "Can I ask Eighth Prince to help persuade General Wu?"
"In the end, this matter still depends on Imperial Father's thoughts." Xuan Lang seemed to be somewhat helpless, and shook his head, "Moreover, what Imperial Father hates the most is when officials try to cling onto each other. If Eighth Brother speaks so rashly, I'm afraid that it will arouse Imperial Father's suspicions. "
"Then what should we do?" Jiang Ruan's voice was somewhat disappointed.
Xuan Lang glanced at her, and suddenly leaned closer, "Junzhu, there is something that I don't know if I should tell you."
"Speak." Jiang Ruan looked at him.
"Actually, it's not that there is no way," Xuan Lang said.
"What way?" Jiang Ruan's eyes lit up, and she asked impatiently.
"Now, Eighth Brother has also reached the time to choose a concubine. Because of the matter with the Imperial Concubine, Imperial Father has always been somewhat prejudiced against Eighth Brother. Fortunately, a few days ago, Imperial Father took the initiative to ask about Eighth Brother's marriage, and Eighth Brother told me that he already has someone in his heart. " He looked at Jiang Ruan, and when he saw that Jiang Ruan did not reveal a sullen expression, he continued, "If Eighth Brother marries Junzhu, it's not like there has never been such a precedent in the Great Jin dynasty. At that time, Junzhu can take advantage of the situation to raise the matter of reinforcements. As her husband, it is only right and proper for Eighth Brother to help Junzhu. Even recommending General Wu to Imperial Father is a very natural thing to do. "
"Me … and Eighth Highness?" Jiang Ruan asked.
Xuan Lang nodded, and seemed to be somewhat embarrassed, "This is actually not a good idea, but at present, there is no other way. If Junzhu wants to save Deputy General Jiang, this is the fastest way. Eighth Brother is infatuated with Junzhu, and Junzhu should also be able to get along well with Eighth Brother. "
"This is the order of parents, and the words of the matchmaker, how can I make the decision?" Jiang Ruan asked.
"This is simple." Xuan Lang said, "Eighth Brother only needs to request Imperial Father to bestow a marriage."
Jiang Ruan sneered in her heart. Easy to say, but requesting a marriage by imperial decree would ultimately depend on Empress Dowager Yi De. If she was really unwilling, Empress Dowager Yi De would not force her. It was precisely because of this reason that Xuan Li had allowed Xuan Lang to lobby and ensure that she would not refuse.
She was still thinking about what Xuan Lang was planning by going around in circles, but she did not expect that it was actually her. It was really a good plan.
Marrying her, and then taking the Zhao family as his own. The Jiang family was originally his people, so wouldn't Jiang Xin Zhi be at his mercy? Even the matter of General Wu dispatching troops in the end was because he had borrowed her situation. In the end, if they really won, wouldn't all the credit fall on Xuan Li's head? It was really a business deal that would not result in a loss!
It was just that … if Xuan Li really wanted General Wu to dispatch troops to help Jiang Xin Zhi, she would not be able to trust him. She was afraid that if Jiang Xin Zhi revealed even the slightest bit of intention to not submit to Xuan Li, that General Wu would not hesitate to stab him in the back. Even if Jiang Xin Zhi did not reveal such intentions, with General Wu's narrow-minded and naturally jealous temperament, upon seeing Jiang Xin Zhi, who had outstanding military achievements at such a young age, it was hard to guarantee that he would not have other thoughts.
Xuan Lang thought that his words were flawless. It must be known that Jiang Xin Zhi was Jiang Ruan's weak spot. The two siblings had a very good relationship, and Jiang Ruan was a woman, easily swayed by her emotions. As soon as she heard that it was related to Jiang Xin Zhi, she immediately became anxious without distinguishing between right and wrong. However, after waiting for a long time and not receiving an answer from Jiang Ruan, he could not help but feel a little anxious. Jiang Ruan raised her head, but it was not the helpless and flustered expression that Xuan Lang had expected. Her expression was cold and calm, and her slightly raised charming eyes revealed some clear ridicule. Under that kind of gaze, it was almost as if the person who saw it would cut a sorry figure and flee.
"Junzhu …" He was about to speak.
"So Your Highness is so proficient in current affairs." Jiang Ruan smiled slightly, and with one sentence, she succeeded in causing Xuan Lang's expression to change greatly. She looked at Xuan Lang with a smile that was not a smile. "With Your Highness's eloquence and your knowledge of the court, His Majesty should really see it clearly."
Her tone seemed to contain a smile, but it also seemed to contain a sigh, causing Xuan Lang to immediately break out in a cold sweat.
Who was he? He was the most incompetent and mediocre prince of the Great Jin dynasty. Anyone could belittle him. He was the most incompetent, but also the safest. At that time, several princes had more or less died suddenly. Why did he survive? It was not because he was lucky, but because he was stupid!
Even if that stupidity was faked!
In reality, although he was mediocre and did not have any great talent or bold vision, he was not as stupid as everyone thought, as cowardly and lowly. The previous few brothers who were more intelligent and quick-witted than him did not have a good ending, and they all ended up as a pile of yellow mud.
The Emperor knew that he could not bear great responsibilities, and the court officials also knew that he did not have the ability. In the whirlpool of the struggle for the throne, he had always been dug out and abandoned. He was humble and small, and among all his brothers, he only took a fancy to Xuan Li.
On the surface, he was close to the Crown Prince, but in reality, he was Xuan Li's man. No matter how incompetent a person was, even if he had pretended to be an idiot for more than ten years, in the royal family, he still longed for power. Although he knew that he did not have the qualifications to fight for the highest position, a little bit higher than his current status was also good.
Xuan Li had the mask of a gentle gentleman, but how could he not? It was just that this mask was not as good-looking as Xuan Li's. He was lowly, weak, and as timid as a mouse. However, he was like a venomous snake or insect hiding in the dark. He looked inconspicuous, but could deliver a fatal blow at a critical moment.
He was like a transparent sword used by Xuan Li in the palace.
But what did Jiang Ruan's words mean? If he let the Emperor know that he was so concerned about politics, even a fool would know that his usual foolishness was all an act. Wouldn't that be a bad thing? Once it was a bad thing, even Xuan Li would not let him off easily.
Xuan Lang forced a smile, "Junzhu, I am untalented and shallow …"
"Not at all, not at all," Jiang Ruan's tone was relaxed, "His Highness clearly has sharp ears and eyes, and is able to respond appropriately. If His Highness the Crown Prince knew that he had such an intelligent person by his side, wouldn't the position of Grand Tutor be superfluous? " She smiled as she looked at Xuan Lang's panicked expression, "Perhaps His Highness would also be very happy to know that his brother is so talented."
Listening to the tone of the person opposite her, there was a relaxed smile, and there was no trace of panic from before. If at this time, Xuan Lang still did not understand, he would be a fool. He knew that Jiang Ruan had just lied to him, she was not worried about Jiang Xin Zhi at all. This woman!
Jiang Ruan looked at him with a smile, the hem of her skirt slightly fluttering in the breeze. Her pair of eyes, however, were as lustrous as a clear spring, containing something else. One only felt that it was cool and refreshing, like the winter wind, rustling past one's heart, leaving behind a block of ice there, covering one's entire body with not a trace of warmth.
Xuan Lang opened his mouth with difficulty, "Junzhu …. Is it because you have someone else in your heart that you are unwilling to marry Eighth Brother? "
Jiang Ruan smiled faintly, "What are you talking about? What is that thing?"
Xuan Lang was dumbfounded.
Tianzhu remained motionless, Lu Zhu's expression was solemn, and Jiang Ruan looked at him indifferently. She knew that every word she said today would eventually reach that person's ears. He had personally directed such a good show for her to watch, so she might as well make it difficult for him to get off stage.
Who didn't know how to scheme?
"My eldest brother is fighting bravely at the frontlines, how can I be willing to get married in the capital? Even if I get married, I will definitely be an upright and upright man. This Great Jin dynasty does not need a woman to protect it. Even I know this path, how can your Eighth Brother not know? Then, if he is not even willing to easily ask His Majesty to send troops to assist and protect the people of the Great Jin dynasty, how can I guarantee that I will entrust my life to him? A person who does not even have the guts to protect the country, will there be a day when he will not even be able to protect me? "
"The person I want to marry is a man, not a weakling." Jiang Ruan smiled.
These words rendered Xuan Lang speechless, but the cold sweat on his forehead increased. How could Xuan Li not be angry when today's words reached his ears? In the end, if she vented her anger on him, wouldn't that be taking it out on him?
"Junzhu's words are indeed too serious." Xuan Lang said, "Eighth Brother is also helpless."
"The relationship between His Fourth Highness and His Eighth Highness has indeed improved." She said indifferently, "Go back and tell your master that wishful thinking is called daydreaming!"
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