There are people in this world who are smart and peaceful, and of course there are also people who are smart but restless.
The Zhao family made frequent moves in private. After Chen Shangshu's speech, another imperial official wrote a memorial, asking the emperor to allow the prince of Lu to enter the court to listen to the government.
There were quite a few officials who spoke in support of the proposal.
Among these officials, there were not only remnants of the King of Lu at that time, but also old in-laws of the Zhao family. There were also some officials who had been worried about the lack of heirs for the emperor and the lack of successors in the Qi Dynasty.
The emperor has no children and insists on not accepting a concubine, so the only option is adoption.
Prince Lu is the eldest son, with outstanding talents and learning, and a calm temperament. He is much stronger than Prince Lu who had a mouth disease back then.
However, Prince Lu is still young and has been in the government for a few years, so he can see clearly whether Caigan is really outstanding and can take on the heavy responsibility of the crown prince.
The ministers asked themselves to be open-minded and supported the proposal with confidence.
Faced with the ministers' suggestions, Sheng Hong was not angry or unhappy, but he did not respond outright. His response to the ministers was still a matter of careful consideration.
…
In the harem, Princess Lu Zhao Changqing went to the Jiaofang Palace in person and explained to Xie Mingxi with an apologetic look on her face: "...I honestly don't know anything about the memorials submitted by the ministers in the court. My brothers and sisters must not have any misunderstandings."
Xie Mingxi remained calm and smiled slightly: "Second sister-in-law said something serious. When the emperor and several vassal princes were young, after graduating from the academy, they all entered the court to listen to politics and study. There are old rules to follow, so it is not out of line, so there is no misunderstanding."
Zhao Changqing's heart skipped a beat when he heard this light sentence about old practices.
How can it be the same now as then?
At that time, King Lu and others were all princes, so they were certainly qualified to join the court and listen to politics.
But now, Brother Ji is just the crown prince of King Lu, the nephew of the current emperor. Moreover, King Lu committed a serious crime of treason back then, and Brother Ji is the son of the guilty minister...
An old rule can be favored, but it is so heart-breaking.
Zhao Changqing couldn't sit still anymore, stood up and saluted and apologized: "Brother Ji is young and illiterate. He should study for a few more years. He must not be allowed to join the court to serve in politics. I beg the Queen to explain to the Emperor for me.
sentence."
This move is about retreating into advancement, which is considered a clever move at this time.
Xie Mingxi saw through Zhao Changqing's intention at a glance, and was surprised in her heart. A friendly and gentle smile appeared on her face: "There is no one else here. It's just me and my second sister-in-law talking. Even if I make a mistake or two occasionally, I won't go there."
Keep it in mind. Second sister-in-law, there is no need to panic. Sit down and talk quickly."
Zhao Changqing came well-prepared, thinking about lightning in his mind, responded with a smile, and took his seat again. He stopped talking about political matters and turned to talking about his children and marriage.
"Brother Ji is seventeen years old this year, and it's time to open a house and get married." Zhao Changqing said softly: "To tell you the truth, I have fallen in love with my niece."
It is quite common nowadays for an uncle to get married. For example, Prince An married his uncle's cousin.
It is not unusual for Zhao Changqing to fall in love with his niece.
Nowadays, Zhao Changqing's biggest reliance is his natal family. After marrying the Zhao family's daughter, Brother Ji's relationship with his maternal family becomes even closer.
As for the Zhao family, they have worked secretly for Brother Ji, so they naturally want to repay it. At least they will give birth to a princess of Prince Lu first. If Brother Ji takes a step further in the future, the Zhao family will be able to produce a middle palace queen like the Xie family...
How could the Zhao family not be tempted by such an attractive reward?
"My niece, whose only name is Ying. She graduated from Lianchi Academy last year and is sixteen years old this year. She is about the same age as Brother Ji. The two have known each other since childhood and get along well with each other. They will become husband and wife in the future.
Love and harmony.”
Zhao Changqing looked sincere and kept his attitude very low: "Brother Ji, the Queen has watched him grow up. The Emperor and the Queen have treated him extremely generously. Today I have the audacity to come here to ask for mercy. I beg the Queen to issue a decree to grant him a favor."
Marriage can also be regarded as giving dignity to the Zhao family."
Zhao Changqing made a wishful thinking.
Brother Ji grew up in the palace, and now he wants to open a palace and get married. The Queen Feng decrees that the marriage is both beautiful and decent. It can also give the ministers a vague hint that the emperor and the empress are very fond of Brother Ji...
Xie Mingxi smiled, with a hint of imperceptible sarcasm in her eyes: "If the emperor's sister-in-law comes to ask for her a month ago, I will definitely agree and let brother Ji get married in a glorious way."
"It's just that people in the court have repeatedly said that Brother Ji is at the forefront of the storm, so it's better to keep a low profile in everything. This will prevent anyone from misunderstanding and inferring the holy will."
"Second sister-in-law, do you think so or not?"
Zhao Changqing: "..."
His hidden thoughts were revealed, and even though Zhao Changqing had plans and plans, he felt his face was burning.
Before Zhao Changqing could force a smile to smooth things over, Xie Mingxi continued calmly: "Brother Ji's marriage will be handled by the second sister-in-law herself. It will be handled according to the regulations of the prince, and all expenses will be paid by the Ministry of Internal Affairs."
No matter how thick-skinned Zhao Changqing was, he couldn't sit down anymore, so he stood up and thanked her. After sitting there for a while, he said goodbye and left.
Xie Mingxi did not see him off in person, but ordered Xianghui to see Zhao Changqing out of Jiaofang Hall.
Looking at Zhao Changqing's back, a sneer flashed in Xie Mingxi's eyes.
It's really heartbreaking.
Perhaps it was because the attraction of the position of crown prince was so great that Zhao Changqing, who had always been smooth and considerate, could no longer hold his breath.
…
After Zhao Changqing returned to the palace, he was surprised to find that he was breaking out in a cold sweat.
She sat alone for a long time, wondering what she was planning, her expression changing.
After a long time, Zhao Changqing took a deep breath, his expression returned to normal, and he got up and went to the study.
Brother Ji is reading in the study.
Living in the palace, with the protection of the emperor and empress, life is naturally comfortable. But this also means that every move is under the eyes of the emperor and empress, and one cannot act rashly.
Just like Brother Ji, after graduating from the academy, he had nowhere to go. He had no choice but to study in the study.
As the prince of a feudal lord, he was born rich and noble, so he did not need to take the scientific examination.
How could Zhao Changqing be willing to let Brother Ji, who is so smart and calm, just waste his time in the study?
When Brother Ji heard the familiar footsteps, he immediately put down his book, stood up and came over to greet you. He took a look and frowned: "Mom, your face doesn't look very good. Could it be that the marriage has been granted?"
Zhao Changqing sighed: "Yes. Your seventh aunt is unwilling to grant the marriage, saying she is afraid that the ministers will misunderstand me."
Brother Ji quickly figured out the connection, his expression changed slightly, and he whispered: "So, I'm afraid it won't be possible to join the court to listen to politics."
Human ambition and greed grow little by little.
Brother Ji didn't dare to think too much at first. As he grew older and the emperor continued to have no children, his heart inevitably began to move... The position of crown prince was so tempting! Who could really be calm and not calm at all?
shake?
Zhao Changqing looked at his son and said softly: "Brother Ji, you are still young, so don't worry. Wait slowly, the opportunity will come."
