After leaving Nangong and sitting on the carriage, Zhu Yi touched the brocade box with the inscription of the Supreme Emperor in front of her, and thought for a while.
He didn't know much about Song Wenyi.
This is actually normal. After all, the Chengguo Palace is the home of a lord. Although it does not avoid eunuchs like the civil servants in the court, unless there are big officials like Wang Zhen and Jin Ying, they will not rush to the eunuchs.
To make friends.
The guarding eunuch said that whether he was big or small, there were dozens of people in various places. When Song Wenyi left the capital, Zhu Yi had not been involved in the court affairs. Naturally, he had not interacted with him, and he did not know who this person was.
Origin, character and temperament.
However, looking at the reaction of the Supreme Emperor today, he is obviously happy to see Song Wenyi return to Beijing, especially the look on his face when he first heard about this person. Although it was unexpected, it was more of a surprise.
There must be some origin in this!
But what exactly it was, Zhu Yi explored it when he was in the palace, but Zhu Qizhen didn't say much, he just mentioned it in an understatement.
So, does the emperor know this? Did he know the origin and deliberately transferred Song Wenyi back, or did he, as the Supreme Emperor guessed, not know his position and let him return to the capital in order to show favor to Wang Ao?
Zhu Yi's brows were tightly knitted, and her thoughts were not smooth for a while.
After a moment, he shook his head gently. The key to this matter lies in Song Wenyi's position and what relationship he had with the Supreme Emperor.
Without this crucial information, the puzzle cannot be completed.
This was not something that could be figured out simply by thinking about it, so he simply put the matter behind his mind for the time being and focused his attention on the brocade box in front of him again.
The Supreme Emperor asked him to hand over this inscription to Song Wenyi. There was no doubt that he wanted to test him. However, how to hand it over was a problem.
It’s definitely not possible to give it directly!
Zhu Yi is now considered the number one figure in the capital. Especially after interceding for the Ren family last time, many eyes from the government and the public have noticed him.
It would not be difficult for him to give this inscription to Song Wenyi.
However, since he can be valued by both the Supreme Emperor and the Emperor, this Song Wenyi is not a simple person at all.
The emperor is now on the throne, and it was the emperor who transferred him back to Beijing this time.
Therefore, as long as Song Wenyi has a little bit of political sensitivity, he will draw a clear line between himself and the Supreme Emperor... at least on the surface.
If you want to test his true attitude, you can't hand it over directly like this, you need a suitable opportunity.
As for where this opportunity lies...
Zhu Yi thought for a moment, with a smile on her face, gently opened the curtain, and gave a few instructions to the breeze beside her.
then……
"What?"
In the Wenhua Hall, Zhu Qiyu felt slightly surprised when he heard Shu Liang's report. Then, he felt a little bit dumbfounded and put aside the memorial he was reviewing in his hand.
Seeing this situation, Shu Liang stood aside and smiled bitterly and said.
"Your Majesty, you heard me right. The Duke of Guo plans to let Xu Youzhen invite Song Wenyi to the mansion for a banquet in the name of giving gifts, and take the opportunity to send out the inscription. This is really..."
Shu Liang also smiled bitterly when he thought of their identities.
God knows how wonderful the expression of the eunuch of the East Factory was when he received a message from Zhu Yi and Xu Youzhen today, saying that this was a 'god-sent opportunity'.
Looking again at the secret notes handed over by Shu Liang, Zhu Qiyu couldn't help but laugh and said.
"What a great choice!"
Shu Liang was helpless and did not speak.
However, Zhu Qiyu restrained his smile and said.
"I'm not joking. It is indeed much more appropriate for Xu Youzhen to handle this matter."
"He is different from Zhu Yi. Zhu Yi has already made it clear that he is the Emperor's man. However, Xu Youzhen, at least on the surface, took advantage of Chen Xun's east wind to enter Zhan Shi's Mansion. Above the court, he
It has nothing to do with Nangong."
"Besides, this Xu Youzhen is a well-known official fanatic who likes to work in secret camps. People who are familiar with him also know this. Therefore, if he goes to make friends with Song Wenyi, he will not arouse suspicion."
The emperor's tone was relaxed, and Shu Liang also echoed, saying.
"Your Majesty is wise, that's true. The noble minister went to make friends with Song Wenyi, but there was too much noise. Only Bachelor Xu can relax his figure without attracting too much attention."
"However, Song Wenyi has just returned to Beijing, so I'm afraid it won't be easy to see him..."
The tone of these words was quite cautious. Zhu Qiyu glanced at him and said.
"It depends on Xu Youzhen's ability. This person is not a simple person. Just wait and see."
So, Shu Liang nodded. For some reason, he was a little hesitant.
However, after a moment, he still said cautiously.
"Your Majesty, I am not here to stir up trouble, but this Song Wenyi..."
Shu Liang did not continue speaking.
However, Zhu Qiyu naturally understood it and spoke directly.
"Are you trying to say that this Song Wenyi cannot be trusted?"
Shu Liang thought for a while, lifted up his robe and knelt on the ground, saying.
"Your Majesty, I don't dare to speculate on your Majesty's holy heart. However, there are rumors circulating outside that Song Wenyi has returned to Beijing to succeed Eunuch Cheng as the Supervisor of Ceremonies."
"This Song Wenyi is obviously involved in something with the Supreme Emperor. I am worried that he will not serve the Emperor as wholeheartedly as Eunuch Cheng."
"Your Majesty, there are many loyal and reliable eunuchs in the palace. In addition to the slaves and Eunuch Huai, Xu Yuan, the young eunuch of the ceremonial department, Liao Guanbao, the eunuch of the department, and Hao Yi, the young eunuch of the royal horse eunuch, can temporarily act for the Secretary.
I will be the ceremonial supervisor for a period of time, and I will hand it back after Eunuch Cheng has finished his work and returns to the palace."
"After all, the Supervisor of Ceremonies has a lot of weight. The Emperor still has to consider this Song Wenyi again..."
Zhu Qiyu looked at Shu Liang who was kneeling on the ground. After a moment, he shook his head and said.
"Get up!"
"yes……"
Shu Liang stood up carefully and took two steps forward, looking a little worried.
Seeing this situation, Zhu Qiyu said.
"You are right. Song Wenyi and the Supreme Emperor do have a close relationship."
Zhu Qiyu's first words surprised Shu Liang.
Seeing Shu Liang's surprised expression, Zhu Qiyu smiled and said.
"Not many people know about this matter. I only found out about it from Jin Ying's letter to me."
"Song Wenyi was originally a scholar, but after he failed in many trials, he relied on connections and entered the palace. When he first entered the palace, the late emperor was still on the throne. At that time, Wang Zhen was sent to serve the Supreme Emperor, and he was there
Wang Zhen’s men are doing the work.”
"However, because this person has some knowledge, he often secretly competes with Wang Zhen. However, he does not have the skills to flatter Wang Zhen, so he is often compared to Wang Zhen."
"Later, after the Supreme Emperor succeeded to the throne, he favored Wang Zhen even more. As a result, he was faced with difficulties everywhere and his temper gradually became weaker. Knowing that he had offended Wang Zhen, if he continued to stay in the palace, he was afraid that his situation would become worse.
The worse it got, so I asked Jin Yingna."
"Jin Ying admired Buddhism, so Song Wenyi followed his favour, spending all his family wealth to rebuild Chongfu Temple and provide Jin Ying with an immortal tablet."
"Later, with the help of Jin Ying and a little bit of his own skills, he followed the Supreme Emperor to the hunting ground and showed his face several times. So, on Jin Ying's suggestion, he was released by the Supreme Emperor.
Liaodong, be the guarding eunuch."
"In Jin Ying's letter to me, he said that this person has a kind face and a deceitful heart, and is good at exploiting business. Although he has some ability, he is easily deceived by wealth and fame, and is not a true believer in Buddhism..."
I see.
Shu Liang blinked, not expecting there to be such an inside story.
However, this is normal. Compared with Wang Zhen and Jin Ying's generation, Shu Liang has been in the palace for a much shorter time, so he does not know many secrets in the palace.
If you were to ask him about the details of the eunuchs in the palace now, he would be able to tell you almost everything, but he was not very clear about things like the guarding eunuchs.
But……
"Your Majesty, in this case, do you still want to use Song Wenyi?"
Bravely, Shu Liang asked again.
But this time, Zhu Qiyu didn't say much, he just said:
"I have my own sense of discretion, you don't have to worry!"
After stopping for a moment, seeing that Shu Liang still looked worried, Zhu Qiyu shook his head and said.
"Shu Liang, you, Cheng Jing, Hua En, Xing'an, you guys, I have always been very strict with you, but this is because I regard you as one of my own."
"As a eunuch, it's not a good thing to be too pushy. You have done your duty faithfully for me, and I have to think about your future."
"A few days ago, I had someone issue an edict to Jin Ying, asking him to purchase more properties, villages, and houses in Nanjing, collect the old eunuchs who were released from the palace, and give him a place to live."
"After all, the court situation is dangerous. You are in charge of the East Factory, you are well-informed, and you have met many people of all kinds. You should know that there are many ministers outside who talk sweetly but are secretive."
"So, I am restraining you and not letting you do certain things to prevent future troubles. I want you to be able to be peacefully and peacefully raised in the future, so that you will not end up in a miserable life or be used as a scapegoat."
"But sometimes, some things have to be done by someone."
"Loyal people have the usage of loyalty, and people like Song Wenyi also have the usage of Song Wenyi..."
Ah this...
Shu Liang never thought that the emperor would use Song Wenyi for such a reason.
For a moment, he couldn't help but froze on the spot, with mixed feelings in his heart.
After a while, Shu Liang knelt down and said with tears streaming down his face.
"I thank you for your kindness. Your kindness to me and others is unforgettable. My servant... your servant..."
Shu Liang has always been sharp-tongued, but for some reason, at this time when he should be most loyal, he couldn't say anything fancy. He just felt a tightness in his chest, and he couldn't tell what the emotion was.
In the past, he was naturally extremely loyal to Zhu Qiyu, and even respected him. However, it was not until that moment that he felt that there was such a master to be loyal to. Even if he was asked to die in the next moment, he would not do it.
willing.
The more excited I became, the less concise my words became. This was the first and only time that this powerful eunuch of Dongchang had lost his composure in front of the emperor.
Years later, whenever Shu Liang thinks of today's scene, he can still feel his current mood...
Zhu Qiyu was also a little melancholy.
After resurrecting his life, he had indeed changed a lot.
When dealing with Shu Liang and others, rather than being concerned about their situation, it is better to say that he feels guilty for the cowardly self in his previous life.
In his previous life, he would never have thought about the future of Shu Liang and others.
They are just slaves, and it is their blessing to be able to use them.
However, after experiencing a death disaster, he understood a lot and became sober.
As the courtiers praise every day, Zhu Qiyu in this life is more like a saint, perfect...but rarely has the emotions of ordinary people.
Zhu Qiyu didn't know whether this was a good thing or a bad thing.
However, he knew this was the right path.
However, on this road, he also has his remaining selfishness.
Empress Dowager Wu, Wang family, Hang family, Ji Geer, Hui Jieer... these relatives made him feel that he was a living person, no longer the lonely soul wandering in the Forbidden City.
Wang Wen, Yu Qian, Shu Liang, Cheng Jing... these people who had been loyal and died for him could always remind him that he was not a truly emotionless and aloof emperor.
This was not only out of guilt from his previous life, but also so that he could feel that he was still alive.
To put it bluntly, Zhu Qiyu was not the kind of emperor who was compassionate and caring for his ministers and slaves, as the people in the government and the public thought, and he was not even what Shu Liang thought at the moment.
He just has special love for these limited people...
After a long while, Shu Liang stopped his excitement, kowtowed on the ground and said.
"This slave has lost his temper. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."
"Get up."
Zhu Qiyu didn't pay attention. Seeing Shu Liang regaining his composure, he continued to speak.
"If Zhu Yi and Xu Youzhen want to test the matter of Song Wenyi, let them test it. When the time comes, they will respond truthfully."
"Still the same thing, Zhu Yi, let him make his own decisions when the situation arises. As for Xu Youzhen, let him regard himself as the Supreme Emperor's man, and do whatever he wants to do, wholeheartedly, just work for the Supreme Emperor. Now, that's not the time.
It’s time to use him.”
"My slave obeys the order."
Shu Liang accepted the order, feeling completely relieved.
What he was originally worried about was actually that the emperor didn't know Song Wenyi's true identity and had mistrusted him.
But now, since the emperor already knows what kind of person Song Wenyi is, Shu Liang naturally understands that the emperor has his own considerations.
Again, Eunuch Shu always abides by his duties. If the Supervisor of Ceremonies hadn't been too important, he wouldn't have spoken rashly today.
After a while, a figure appeared at the door of the palace, it was Huaien who was guarding outside the palace.
Seeing this situation, Shu Liang knew that Huaien must have something urgent to report.
So, he immediately stepped aside.
Then, Wynn walked in and cupped his hands.
"Your Majesty, Lord Yi Ming has arrived in the capital. He just handed over a sign asking to see the Emperor!"
"Yi Ming?"
Zhu Qiyu frowned and said.
"So anxious? Did you tell me what happened?"
Counting the days, it was indeed time for Yi Ming to arrive in the capital. However, he has always been a steady character. As soon as he arrived in the capital, he handed over a sign to see him. Is there something urgent?
this……
Wynn hesitated for a moment, then said.
"Back to your Majesty, my servant just asked me what the Bachelor of Ceremonies meant. It seems to be related to Song Wenyi, the eunuch guarding Liaodong..."