"Yes." Hong Zhou responded, and then said: "Hong Sheng claimed to be ill and refused to be summoned to the capital. In addition..." He hesitated and wondered whether he should tell Concubine Yu about the matter in front of Ling Ruo, just in case. Speaking out rashly made Ling Ruo feel unhappy, and she was afraid she would be in trouble in the future.
Ling Ruo was such a person. When he saw Hong Zhou's hesitation, he saw through his mind and immediately said: "Just keep talking."
Seeing that Ling Ruo agreed, Hong Zhou no longer hesitated and said truthfully: "When I was in the Yangxin Hall just now, an urgent report from Shengjing was sent from Shengjing. Hong Zhou... is afraid that he is going to commit treason!"
Ling Ruo paused and said in a cold voice: "It seems that the emperor should not have been kind to these people back then. Hong Xi was like this, and so was Hong Sheng. They didn't care about the king's kindness and only focused on the throne. They are exactly the same as their Amma."
Concubine Yu shook her head and sighed: "What kind of Ama there is, there will be what kind of son. It's a pity that the emperor is so benevolent."
After a moment of silence, Ling Ruo said: "The emperor plans to send troops to surround Hongsheng?"
"The emperor does have this intention, but I think that firstly, if the war breaks out, the people will suffer; secondly, Jiangning has just suffered a flood, and the treasury has to allocate money to provide disaster relief while supporting the war, which is really difficult; in addition, this flood, The destruction of countless fertile fields in Jiangning will definitely affect this year's taxes, so I think it is not appropriate to start a war at this time."
Ling Ruo nodded and said: "You are very careful, but Hongzheng's intention to rebel has already appeared. If we don't send troops, are we going to let him go to the capital to show off his power to the emperor?"
Hong Zhou cupped his hands and said, "When I return to the Queen Mother, I have asked the Emperor for an order and will go to Shengjing in two days to persuade Hong Zhou to stop and not make the same mistake again and again."
Ling Ruo frowned slightly, stared at Hong Zhou and said, "Hong Cheng has been planning for many years and wants to ascend the throne of the emperor. How can he give up because of a few words from you?"
Hong Zhou said cryptically: "Whether he agrees or not, I will never give him a chance to send troops."
Both Ling Ruo and Concubine Yu had experienced ups and downs. They quickly understood the meaning behind Hong Zhou's words. Concubine Yu suddenly looked nervous and blurted out: "This must not be done! Sheng Jingnai This is the place where Hongsheng is entrenched, and he is not a good man. Once you set foot in Shengjing, he will never let you go."
After she finished speaking, she remembered that Ling Ruoshang was beside her, and quickly lowered her head and said: "Empress Dowager, it's not that I don't want Hong Zhou to share the emperor's worries, it's just... I only have one child, Hong Zhou. If something happens to him, I will …I really don’t know what to do.”
Ling Ruowen said: "The Ai family is also a mother-in-law, and the Ai family understands." After saying that, she turned around and said: "Hongzhou, you are not an impulsive and reckless person. You should be aware of the dangers involved. From the Ai family's point of view, this It is almost a fatal situation; although starting a war at this time will cause civilian casualties and put a lot of pressure on the national treasury, it is not impossible to do. Your method is really inappropriate, so it is better not to go."
"I don't think this is a fatal situation. Hong Chang thinks that he has the troops and the land of Shengjing is impregnable. He never thought that someone would dare to go against him. As long as he has this idea, I will There is a chance of success.”
Concubine Yu said anxiously: "Even if it is as you said, this trip is a narrow escape, it is better not to go."
"Don't worry, E Niang. My son already has a perfect way in his mind. Everything will be fine." Before Hong Zhou finished speaking, Concubine Yu said: "Don't try to deceive E Niang. There is no perfect way for this kind of thing. You'd better listen to my mother and don't go."
After Concubine Yu finished her words, Ling Ruo said slowly: "Although the Ai family also wants to end this war, they don't want to see you put yourself in danger. Let's let this matter go. The emperor will see the Ai family.
Go talk to him personally."
"Queen Mother!" Hong Zhou said hurriedly: "I am not only the emperor's minister, but also the emperor's brother. No matter in public or private affairs, I should share the emperor's worries. I can see that the emperor actually does not want to waste people and money to fight.
This battle.”
"The Ai family knows that you are loyal to the emperor, but you should also take care of yourself and your mother. In fact, you have done a lot for the emperor over the years. This time, the emperor will not blame you."
"Compared to how well the Emperor and the Queen Mother treat me, what I have done is nothing." After a moment of pause, he added: "Please rest assured, Queen Mother, I will definitely return safely."
Seeing his resolute attitude, Ling Ruo didn't know what to say, so she sighed and said: "It seems that you are not willing to listen to anything the Ai family says, that's all, let you go on your own."
Hearing this, Concubine Yu looked anxious. She had no choice but to hinder Ling Ruo. She had many things to say that she couldn't say. She finally waited until Hong Zhou left. She quickly stood up and said, "Queen Mother, Hong Zhou is going to leave the day after tomorrow."
Now that they are in the capital, I have something to tell him, so I will go back first and come back another day to accompany the Queen Mother to worship Buddha."
After Ling Ruo agreed, she and Hong Zhou left Cining Palace together. When they reached a secluded place, Concubine Yu stopped and said with a serious look: "Hong Zhou, did the emperor force you to go to Shengjing?
"
Hong Zhou was startled, then smiled and said: "Where did E Niang think of it? How could the emperor force his son? On the contrary, he, like the Queen Mother, did not allow his son to go. After that, he was helpless by his son's begging, so he reluctantly agreed."
Princess Yu stared at him suspiciously and said, "Is this true?"
"How could my son lie to you? The emperor has always treated his son very well, and he has given him rewards every now and then. It's not like you don't know this, so how could you have such an idea?"
Concubine Yu's expression softened slightly and she said, "Even so, he is still the emperor, and the emperor's heart is unpredictable." After that, she held Hong Zhou's hand tightly and said, "Listen to E Niang and don't go.
Shengjing, it’s too dangerous there. What if...you have a long and two shortcomings? How do you want my mother to live the rest of her life?"
Hong Zhou comforted him: "My son knows that E Niang is worried about her son, but this trip is really not as dangerous as E Niang thought." After saying that, he ordered the palace attendants who were accompanying him to step back a few steps and whispered: "The emperor has already left.
According to the decree, all one hundred and seventy-nine spies were ordered to accompany his son to Shengjing to protect him secretly. In addition, the emperor also granted his son the right to command the spies. These spies are all proficient in concealment, spying, and assassination skills. One person is enough to be worth ten. With them
Here, my son will be fine."
Concubine Yu was surprised when she heard this. She had also heard about these elusive spies. No one except the emperor knew their identities. She didn't expect that Hongli would let the spies secretly protect Hong Zhou and listen to Hong
It seems that he really has no intention of harming Hong Zhou.
Thinking of this, she calmed down a little, stared at Hong Zhou for a long time, and said: "Are you really unwilling to listen to E Niang?"