"My son, I don't know about these things, and I don't dare to think too much about them." Guo Xu said softly.
Mei Fei was silent for a moment and said in a deep voice: "Xu'er, please do something for me."
"Mother, please give me your instructions." Guo Xu said.
"You go check a person's details for me. You have to check thoroughly." Mei Fei said.
"Check who?"
"Do you know that Lin Jue has a concubine named Lu Wu next to him?" Mei Fei said.
"Lv Wu? Oh, I have met him once. By the way, this time Concubine Rong left the palace to meet the princess, it was Lu Wu who went to pick her up. Someone from the Imperial City Department told me," Guo Xu said.
"Yes, that's her. You will find out her details, and our ancestors will find out for eighteen generations." Mei Fei said.
"Why do you want to check her? What is the purpose of the mother-in-law?" Guo Xu asked in confusion.
"Xu'er, haven't you noticed that the relationship between Lu Wu and Concubine Rong is too close? She is often called into the palace by Concubine Rong to talk, and Concubine Rong rewards her with many things. She is just a lowly woman, that's all.
Lin Jue is only a sixth-grade official, and Lu Wu is just his concubine. Why is he so favored by Concubine Rong?" Concubine Mei said solemnly.
"This... what does the mother-in-law mean? I don't quite understand." Guo Xu said.
"Of course you don't understand, but I have doubts. Because I have seen Concubine Rong when she was young, and the green dancer looks so much like Concubine Rong when she was young, with every frown and smile. I have been a little confused for a long time.
. Even now, there are three or four similarities with Concubine Rong. You won't notice these, but I have." Concubine Mei said slowly.
"What? What does the mother-in-law mean...could it be...how is this possible? This is too strange. Mother-in-law, don't think about it. What if they look similar? There are too many people with similar looks in the world. Mother-in-law, you are
But don't think too much, this is no joke." Guo Xu exclaimed in surprise.
"Mother, I didn't think too much about it. You don't know a lot of things that happened back then, and I can't tell you. You just follow my instructions to find out the life experience of Lu Wu. Dig deep. Maybe you will find something.
A great secret. Remember, this matter must not be made public, I don't want to cause a storm in the city. Concubine Rong is protected by the Queen Mother, and I don't want to offend the Queen Mother unless I have the evidence." Concubine Mei said slowly.
Guo Xu was shocked and speechless. He opened his mouth to speak when suddenly he saw a figure with an angry face walking out from behind the screen. He was so frightened that he was speechless and at a loss. Mei Fei also saw the person coming and hurriedly rolled down from her seat.
, knelt down and shouted: "I have seen the emperor."
Guo Xu reacted and knelt down and shouted: "My son, I have seen my father."
Guo Chong's face was full of anger. He strode to the back of the case and sat down. He stared hard at the mother and son kneeling in front of him without saying a word. He was originally smiling and listening to the mother and son talking and joking outside, but suddenly the topic changed.
When it came to the case, that was all. They actually talked about a secret that shocked Guo Chong. In the end, the topic became unbearable for Guo Chong, because Guo Chong heard the hidden meaning of Mei Fei's words. Mei Fei was suspicious.
The woman named Lu Wu had an ulterior secret connection with Concubine Rong. Guo Chong couldn't stand hearing it anymore, so he rushed in.
"You are so brave. It turns out that you are just talking nonsense and saying these things in private. Guo Xu, you let me down very much. I have high hopes for you, but you are messing with these things behind your back all day long. You are simply a bastard.
." Guo Chong shouted sharply.
"My concubine is aware of her crime. Your Majesty calms down. This matter has nothing to do with Xu'er. It is my concubine's inappropriate words and deeds. Xu'er did not say anything inappropriate." Concubine Mei said in shock.
"Shut up! You are still protecting him. Do you think I am deaf? I have been listening outside for a long time, and I have heard all your words. I didn't intend to disturb your mother and son's conversation, but while talking, I said some things
Things that shouldn't come out of your mouth. What do you want to do? Are you not living a stable life? Are you going to stir up some trouble?" Guo Chong reprimanded angrily.
"Your Majesty, please calm down. I, my concubine, deserve to die. Your Majesty, please don't get angry. It's a hot day. You must take care of your dragon body." Mei Fei kowtowed and shouted.
Guo Chong said coldly: "If you want me to take care of myself, you shouldn't make trouble in private and talk about gossip. Do you think I live too long and you want to piss me off to death?"
Concubine Mei was so frightened that she kowtowed repeatedly and shouted: "Your Majesty, please calm down. Your Majesty, please calm down. I cannot bear this crime."
However, Guo Xu frowned and did not kowtow to apologize, but just knelt there blankly. Concubine Mei stretched out her hand to pull him to kowtow, but Guo Xu did not move at all.
Guo Chong looked at Guo Xu coldly and said, "It seems that you are not convinced. Have I wronged you?"
Guo Xu said in a deep voice: "Father, I did not make any inappropriate remarks. I just told the truth. I am not the person behind the rumors."
"How presumptuous! Why don't you make excuses?" Guo Chong cursed angrily.
"Father, every word I say can withstand verification. Father can send people to investigate. If there is even a half-slanderous sentence that is untrue, I am willing to accept the punishment." Guo Xu said solemnly.
Concubine Mei hurriedly begged Ken in a low voice: "Xu'er, don't make your father angry. Stop talking."
Guo Chong said coldly: "You mean, what you just said about Concubine Rong and the Princess meeting out of the palace and interceding with the Queen Mother is the truth?"
"I guarantee it with my life, and everything is true." Guo Xu nodded.
"How did you learn about these things?" Guo Chong asked coldly. "Could it be that you sent someone to monitor their every move?"
Guo Xu hurriedly said: "How dare I do this? All this was told to me by people from the Imperial City Division. After verification, I found it to be true. As for the matter between Concubine Rong and the emperor's grandma, I didn't
It is a fabrication. I have checked the harem history booklet of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. It is indeed true. Perhaps I should not determine the whole story. After all, I do not know the contents of the conversations between Concubine Rong and the Imperial Grandma, as well as Concubine Rong and the Princess. Maybe.
You shouldn’t make any assumptions. But people are not fools, and the direction of things proves this. This is a reasonable speculation.”
Guo Chong said angrily: "Why didn't the Imperial City Secretary report it to me? But he reported it to you? What right do you have to check the behavior book of the Ministry of Internal Affairs?"
Guo Xu hurriedly said: "The reason why the Imperial City Division did not report to the emperor is because it is not their duty. Concubine Rong went out of the palace incognito, and the Imperial City Division had no jurisdiction. It was just that Concubine Rong got off the car halfway and stopped at
They only caught their attention when they appeared in the market. They also sent extra personnel to secretly protect the empress. If they told the emperor, they would be suspected of overstepping their authority. They told me because of the identity of the son. Father, don’t forget, the son.
However, he has the fictitious duty of inspecting the palace. Although it is not a real duty, he still has the responsibility to protect the safety of the father and the palace. When the concubine is allowed to leave the palace, they will naturally report it to me and ask me to make a decision. I checked the records of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and it is
Afterwards, I wanted to find out who dared to let Concubine Rong leave the palace incognito, and to hold the violators accountable, and accidentally discovered that Concubine Rong went to see Grandma Huang that night."
Guo Chong frowned and stared at Guo Xu: "Then why didn't you come to report to me?"
Guo Xu said in a deep voice: "It's about Concubine Rong, how dare you talk nonsense? Concubine Rong goes out to play in the palace, but it's not a big deal. I can't make a fuss about it. As long as everyone is safe, I can do it."
Big things were reduced to trivial matters. If all these things bothered my father, wouldn't they make him even more upset? It was only afterward that the emperor's grandma came forward to speak, and Er Chen connected the two things. It was also about the emperor's grandma, and Er Chen was even more worried.
You can't talk nonsense. I just said it today while chatting with my mother, but I didn't expect that my father heard it. My fault is that I shouldn't have said too much, and I should have kept silent to my mother and concubine."
Guo Chong frowned and remained silent. What Guo Xu said was in order, and nothing he did was beyond his authority. Guo Chong actually realized that his anger was not about Guo Xu's mother and son talking about the matter, but that he was angry about the matter.
The conclusion they deduced was obvious. Even a brainless person, after comprehensive judgment, knew that Concubine Rong was the lobbyist. And Guo Chong, who had experienced this matter, could feel this deeply.
Guo Chong suddenly remembered the blood letter that the Queen Mother took out that night. He did not ask where the blood letter came from that day, but now all the doubts were solved. The blood letter was a joint indictment of the people of Hangzhou. The blood letter came from Hangzhou, so naturally it was
Guo Bing handled it all by himself. When the blood book fell into the hands of the Queen Mother, it was naturally the Princess who handed it over to Concubine Rong, who handed it over to the Queen Mother. The Queen Mother was indeed a saint, but the blood book made the Queen Mother think that Kang Zizhen deserved to be killed, so she finally came forward.
Of course, there is also an element of family affection. All these mysteries can now be strung together into a complete clue, and the truth is revealed at this moment.
"In any case, it is inappropriate for you to discuss this matter in private. The truth of the matter is still unclear. How can you draw a conclusion? This alone means that you are acting recklessly." Guo Chong shouted in a deep voice. But
In fact, these words were forced to make amends, and the tone was much softer.
"My father taught me that it was my fault. I should report it to my father instead of talking about it behind my back." Guo Xu knew when to give in, and now was the time to give in. He wanted to give his father a lesson.
Down the steps.
"What about you? What are you talking about? What do you mean by those words you just said? How can you talk nonsense like this? Arrange Concubine Rong like this? You two usually have no conflicts, but how can you fabricate such things?
What about words? If you don’t tell the truth today, I will never spare you." Guo Chong turned to Concubine Mei and shouted.
Concubine Mei hurriedly kowtowed and said: "Your Majesty, please forgive me. I know that I was wrong. I don't dare to do it anymore. Please ask Your Majesty to spare me."
"I want you to speak the truth, but I don't want you to beg for mercy." Guo Chong shouted.
Guo Xu watched coldly, and he suddenly realized that his father actually wanted to hear the truth of the matter, rather than stop his mother from talking. What the mother and concubine said was actually related to his father's reputation, and his father must have wanted to hear it in his heart.
The whole story comes to light, but he just said it so clearly.
"Mother, if my father asks, please tell me clearly. Otherwise, you will be fabricating lies to criticize Concubine Rong. You might as well tell your father what you think, and maybe he will be lenient and understanding." Guo Xu
Said in a low voice.
Concubine Mei was stunned for a moment, thinking: My son, aren't you adding fuel to the fire? The emperor is angry because of this matter, and you still let me say it.
Mei Fei took a peek at Guo Chong and saw that Guo Chong was frowning but didn't speak, as if he was waiting for her to speak. So she gritted her teeth and thought: That's it anyway, so just say it all.
"Your Majesty, please calm down. This is what I said. The matter starts from last year's New Year's banquet. Does Your Majesty still remember? You hosted a banquet in the palace to entertain the Emperor's relatives and others. Lin Jue, the son-in-law of Prince Liang's Mansion, also came.
Because Princess Caiwei went to Hangzhou, the family he brought with him was one of his concubines named Luwu."
Guo Chong frowned and thought for a while, then nodded and said: "It is true that this is the case, and I have allowed it. Guo Bing is in Hangzhou, and Princess Caiwei is also in Hangzhou. I thought it would be a show of grace to let Lin Jue come into the palace to take his place. Speaking of him,
She is not considered an outsider. After all, she is the son-in-law of Prince Liang and can be considered a relative of the state. But I have never seen the concubine you mentioned."
"Her name is Lu Wu. Lin Jue also took her as his concubine on the day he and the princess got married. It caused a stir in the capital and the emperor must have been impressed." Concubine Mei said hurriedly.
"I can't remember." Guo Chong frowned.
"The emperor is busy with many things, so he cannot remember such small things. But it doesn't matter, the emperor knows that this Lu Wu is Lin Jue's concubine. That day at the banquet, she behaved inappropriately, and she looked like a wild girl from the countryside. That day she
She also soiled sister Concubine Rong’s fine clothes. I thought sister Concubine Rong was going to reprimand her personally, but sister Concubine Rong not only did not punish her, she was also very kind to her and even rewarded her with many things." Concubine Mei.
Her thin lips moved and she spoke quickly and eloquently.
"Yourong is tolerant and doesn't have the same experience as women outside. This is not a bad thing. You also know that she is a country girl, so it is understandable that she does not know the etiquette in the palace." Guo Chong frowned.
"Oh, that's not what I meant. I didn't mean to punish Lu Wu. I just felt that sister Rong Fei was too kind to her. Since then, sister Rong Fei has often summoned Lu Wu.
She came to the palace to speak. I heard that she also asked the Ministry of Internal Affairs to issue a special access badge. Whenever Lu Wu comes to the palace to find her, she can be let in. Your Majesty, tell us, our great Zhou Dynasty
Who has such treatment? Xu'er has to get permission to come to the harem, so it would be better for her to let a country girl come in and out of the palace anytime and anywhere. But it's very strange." Concubine Mei said softly.
"This... is indeed a bit outrageous. However, it is nothing." Guo Chong said in a deep voice.
"It's nothing. I just found this matter curious and didn't think much about it. Until that day more than two months ago, I went to talk to Concubine Rong's sister and saw the man named Concubine Rong in the outer hall of Rongxiu Palace.
After meeting her face-to-face, I discovered that Lu Wu was very similar to my sister Rong Fei when she was young. Even the way she walked was very similar," Mei Fei said.
Guo Chong frowned and said, "Didn't you say that you have met her before? Why didn't you notice that she looked like a child?"
Concubine Mei hurriedly explained: "Your Majesty, it was at the banquet that time. I took a quick glance, where did I take a closer look? When I was in Rongxiu Palace that day, Lu Wu happened to be wearing the same clothes that Concubine Rong's sister had worn before.
It's the emerald green piping brocade jacket with a red velvet flower embroidered on the chest. You should remember that it was often worn in the Prince's Mansion. At first glance, I thought it was Concubine Rong's sister, but later I realized it was the green one.
Wu's appearance and body shape were 90% similar. I also knew that I shouldn't think too much about this matter, but I couldn't hide my curiosity, so I made some inquiries. Only then did I know that sister Rong Fei was interested in this green girl.
She is an excellent dancer. She has been summoned to the palace many times and given many gifts. She is also very tolerant and kind to her. Your Majesty, I am not a meddlesome person, but I feel that something is a little fishy. If the Emperor does not trust me,
You can find a chance to see the green dance, and then you will know that what I said is true."
Guo Chong's face was extremely gloomy. He didn't really believe what Concubine Mei said, but as a man, he couldn't ignore it all. Concubine Mei's implication was that Lu Wu might be Concubine Rong's daughter, then
That is to say, Concubine Rong may have been unfaithful to him. If Concubine Rong had not had a love affair with Lu Feiming before marrying him, Guo Chong would feel better. However, Guo Chong knew that she had been married to Lu Feiming before.
This matter has always been a stalker in his mind. If Concubine Rong and himself were not in perfect condition when they got married, Guo Chong would definitely punish her severely. Concubine Rong and himself were indeed in perfect condition on the night of their wedding, so Guo Chong slowly took his time
After so many years, Guo Chong no longer felt any discomfort in his heart. But this incident suddenly appeared at this moment, but it reminded Guo Chong again.
Hit the block in the heart.
Concubine Mei and Guo Xu anxiously lowered their heads and knelt on the ground, peeking at Guo Chong from time to time. Seeing the gloomy and uncertain look on Guo Chong's face, mother and son were also in a state of anxiety. Concubine Rong was not an ordinary person, and she kept secrets behind her back.
It is extremely inappropriate to talk about Concubine Rong here, not to mention that this matter involves Guo Chong. If Guo Chong is blamed, the crime will be serious. Concubine Mei has made up her mind. If Guo Chong is blamed, she will take all the blame.
If the emperor takes over, it must not affect Guo Xu. If the emperor has a bad opinion of Guo Xu because of this, it is absolutely unacceptable.
"You..." Guo Chong spoke slowly: "You... didn't report this matter to me, but you talked about it behind your back and secretly tried to investigate this matter? What's your intention?"
"Your Majesty... I don't have any ulterior motive. I'm really just curious. If I have to have any ulterior motives, I'm thinking about the Emperor and my sister Rong Fei. Except for me and Xu, this matter
Apart from my son, I didn’t tell anyone. But if Lu Wu went in and out of the Rongxiu Palace, there was no guarantee that someone would notice something strange in the future. If rumors spread, wouldn’t it be detrimental to the reputation of the royal family. So I want to know the truth about this matter.
, one is for the sake of the emperor’s reputation, and the other is to clear my sister’s innocence and clear her name. Other than that, I don’t have any other intentions, please understand clearly.”
Concubine Mei's words were flawless. She obviously wanted to find out something detrimental to Concubine Rong. After she said this, she was full of protective intentions.
Guo Chong breathed a sigh of relief and pondered for a long time: "This matter... Although I don't believe what you said, but as you said, in order to avoid rumors, maybe we should investigate it."
Concubine Mei was overjoyed and said repeatedly: "Yes, my concubine said she wanted to check it out."
Guo Chong shouted coldly: "The investigation is necessary, but you are discussing this matter behind my back. This kind of behavior is absolutely unacceptable. And hiding it from me and not reporting it to me is even more intolerable. Concubine Mei, you followed me
In all these years, I have never seen you talking about people behind their backs, do you want to be that talkative woman and do secretive things behind your back?"
Concubine Mei hurriedly kowtowed and shouted: "Your Majesty, please calm down. This matter is my fault and I deserve to die."
Guo Xu also kowtowed and said: "Father, please calm down. This matter is my fault. When my mother mentioned this, I should have reported it to my father. But I felt that it was related to the harem, so I backed down."
. It was caused by my son's lack of decisiveness. I shouldn't have discussed this matter with my mother today. My father heard it today. If someone else heard it and spread it, without finding out, wouldn't it be possible?
My son and my mother are spreading rumors. My son is very ashamed."
Guo Chong waved his hand and said: "This matter has nothing to do with you, and you don't have to force it on me. I understand your intention to protect your mother. Concubine Mei, look, Xu'er understands it better than you. It's unwarranted.
Suspicion is the worst thing. Don't you think I'm not upset enough? It's rare to have a few quiet days, and then I hear you guys talking nonsense here."
"Your Majesty, please calm down. I have truly realized my mistake. From now on, I will keep silent about this matter and will not say another word." Concubine Mei kowtowed.
"If you don't say it, it doesn't mean that you have given up. I don't believe the nonsense you are saying. I still trust Concubine Rong. But... in order to get rid of these thoughts in your heart, so that you will not get along with Concubine Rong in the future.
It's not harmonious. We also want to avoid the birth of other rumors. I decided that this matter... I'd better investigate it thoroughly, clear my name, and shut your mouth." Guo Chong shouted in a deep voice.
Concubine Mei opened her eyes wide in surprise. It was really hard to guess the emperor's thoughts, and it was also hard to figure out the emperor's mood and anger. His way of speaking was all about kicking here and there, and he didn't know his purpose.
But Guo Xu was already in a state of admiration. His father was his father. He really had a profound city without revealing anything. He obviously wanted to know the result, but he came up with such a crowning reason. This may be the way of an emperor.
Well, what you say is different from what you think in your heart, but you will achieve what you want. You have a lot to learn.
"Xu'er, there is no need to rely on others to do this. If one more person knows about this, there will be more trouble. I leave this matter to you," Guo Chong said in a deep voice.
Guo Xu was so surprised that he hurriedly raised his hands and said: "Father, don't worry, I will definitely find out the truth about my child."
Guo Chong frowned and said: "I believe you can find out the truth, but you need to pay attention. Firstly, you must not go to war to cause trouble in the city, otherwise I will not agree. If Concubine Rong finds out, you will not be able to escape the blame. Secondly, regardless of the investigation
Whatever you learn, you must keep it a secret. You are not allowed to tell anyone except me, including your mother, and...your grandfather. Do you understand?"
"Father, don't worry, I understand." Guo Xu said in a deep voice.
"Besides, I want to meet that Lu Wu and see what she looks like. You can arrange it. Don't arouse any suspicion." Guo Chong said calmly.
"I will obey my orders, and I will make arrangements." Guo Xu promised.
Guo Chong nodded, stood up and walked out. Concubine Mei called out: "Your Majesty, won't you sit down for a while? I, my concubine, will talk to your Majesty."
Guo Chong sneered and said: "You'd better reflect on it carefully. I'll go shopping elsewhere so as not to disturb you behind closed doors and think about your mistakes."
Concubine Mei looked sad and kowtowed: "I know, I will send you to the Emperor respectfully."
Guo Chong's words actually issued a punishment order, which was to make Concubine Mei shut up and reflect on her past mistakes. How could Concubine Mei not understand?
Guo Xu knelt down and kowtowed to see his father off, comforted Concubine Mei, and then left. Standing in the corridor, looking at the lush flowers and trees in the courtyard, Guo Xu had a smile on his face.
