In the Princess's Mansion, behind the central hall, there is a luxurious bath, which was built for the princess by Prince Yitada.

After Princess Zhaoyang got this palace, she saw its exquisite structure, so she redecorated it for her own use.

It is late autumn and the weather is cold, so it is rare for Princess Zhaoyang to bathe here. On the floor beside her, two maids with excellent temperament burned tea in the stove for her to taste. In the open space in front of the pool, there were three more beautiful, tall and graceful beauties, wearing light silk gauze, dancing gracefully. .

A wonderful picture that is both elegant and romantic.

Suddenly a maid pushed the curtain in, knelt on the other side of Princess Zhaoyang, leaned forward and whispered.

Princess Zhaoyang, who was gently squeezing the teacup and enjoying the dance leisurely, did not change her expression after hearing this. She even turned around and put down the teacup unhurriedly, and then asked: "Are you sure among those people?" , is there anyone loyal to the palace?"

"Back to the princess, I have confirmed that it is the second young master Wei Wei."

"Well, I know, please step down. Let's go."

After dismissing her confidant maid, Princess Zhaoyang picked up the hot tea poured by the maid and began to sip it slowly, but her eyes were no longer focused on the dancing maid in front of her. So, after the three maids finished dancing, they did not receive any instructions and could only stand quietly in line.

Suddenly, Princess Zhaoyang stood up from the water and walked ashore along the stone steps in the pool.

“Change your clothes.”

Following Princess Zhaoyang’s order, the maids who had been prepared lined up and took care of Princess Zhaoyang’s hair, which had been soaked in warm water. Her flawless skin was covered by a gorgeous dress.

　…

On the long street, facing the fourth prince’s abuse, the Zuo clan of the clan’s mansion did not dare to reply even though his face was dark.

He was really afraid that Jia Lian would use this as an excuse to arrest him too.

Not daring to do anything to the fourth prince, he had no choice but to point his gun at Jia Lian.

"Commander Jia, do you understand that you are openly confronting our clan? If I remember correctly, the title of your Jia Jia Ning Mansion is still undecided. Aren't you afraid that when the time comes? The clan’s mansion will not give you the nobility application documents. You should know that according to the scandals of your Ningguo mansion back then, it would not be an exaggeration to deprive you of your Ningguo mansion’s title..."

Sure enough, As expected of being in charge of the clan's affairs, he seems to have a clear grasp of the Jia family's affairs.

You's son Jia Wu is too young. According to the usual practice, it is not too late to wait until he is a little older, at least able to walk and run, before going to the clan mansion to receive a knighthood. The Jia Mansion was also prepared in this way.

I didn’t expect that this could also be doneBeing threatened.

Especially, the fourth prince, who was naturally curious about the attributes of babies, turned to him and asked: "Scandal? What scandal is going on in your family?"

Jia Lian's face turned dark. It was also difficult to treat the fourth prince. He just looked at Zuo Zongren and sneered: "My ancestors fought hard with their blood and lives to come here. Even if they have to be deprived, it will be His Majesty's decision. How has it ever been the turn of the Zongren Mansion to have the final say?" ? Not to mention, when can you, a subordinate official, represent the clan and your majesty?"

Jia Lian will naturally not be afraid of such threats. Although the Zongren Mansion is in charge of the inheritance of all titles in the world, it has never been the Zongren Mansion that can really decide who can inherit the title and what title it can inherit. It can never be the Zongren Mansion.

The title is a great weapon of the country. If the emperor cannot be in his own hands, then it can be said that the emperor cannot be regarded as a true emperor.

In other words, as long as Emperor Ning Kang felt that the title of Ningguo Mansion could continue to be passed on, then even if all the officials of the Zongren Mansion objected, it would be of no avail.

While having a boring chat, they suddenly saw a group of cavalry coming from the east. From their special, glittering costumes, it is easy to tell that they are the imperial guards in the imperial city.

After the Imperial Guards, there was a Baogai carriage, which did not stop until it reached Jia Lian and others.

"Hey, Eunuch Zhou, why are you here?"

Mr. Zuo Zongren, who was still very tough before, saw the eunuch emerging from the carriage. , immediately stepped forward to say hello with a smile.

This time, Eunuch Zhou walked down from the carriage without a smile. He didn't feel cold at all when facing his hot face. He flicked his fly whisk and passed him. He walked to Jia Lian and the fourth prince and shouted loudly. He announced: "Your Majesty has a decree. The fourth son of Emperor Xuan, Wei Ling, and the Marquis of Zhenyuan, Jia Lian, have come to the palace to see you!"

Jia Lian immediately knelt down on one knee and said, "I accept the decree."

/>The fourth prince also bent down and said: "My son, I accept the decree."

Of course, Zhou's father-in-law Jia Lian also recognized him, but he was not as familiar with Dai Quan and Xia Shouzhong. He only knew that he was also a close confidant of Emperor Ning Kang. .

After announcing the oral instructions, Eunuch Zhou showed a warm smile and said to the fourth prince and Jia Lian: "Your Majesty, the fourth prince and the Marquis of Zhenyuan, please enter the palace as soon as possible. Your Majesty is waiting for you."

"Then these people..."

The fourth prince was impatient and immediately pointed at Wei Xian and others. He felt that they had spent so much energy on these people today, and it would be a big loss if they let them go without any reason.

Eunuch Zhou explained in advance: "Your Majesty, Fourth Highness, don't be anxious. Your Majesty already knows what will happen today and has made arrangements."

saidThen, Eunuch Zhou looked around, waved his hand and said: "Your Majesty's decree is that the people involved in today's case will be temporarily handed over to the custody of the imperial guards. After the truth is found out, a decision will be made."

This result is in Jia Lian expected it, so he immediately responded and waved to hand the person over to the imperial guards.

Although the Zuo clan was anxious, they did not dare to disobey Emperor Ning Kang’s order. They could only reluctantly clasp their fists and salute, and then watched helplessly as the imperial guards general Wei Xian, Wei Wei and other clan members Take away the children.

In the south study room of the Daming Palace, when Jia Lian and the fourth prince arrived, in addition to seeing Emperor Ning Kang who was reading memorials in front of his desk, they also saw a middle-aged man in a black python robe with a big belly. Kneeling in the middle with an aggrieved look.

Seeing them coming in, the middle-aged man gave them a forced smile.

Jia Lian felt a chill in his heart. Of course he recognized this person, but he just didn’t know how he could be kneeling here, and it looked like he had been kneeling for a long time, knocking his knees and legs.

Jia Lian was about to step forward to salute Emperor Ningkang, but the fourth prince stepped forward and said loudly: "Father, since you know what happened today, you must not let it go easily. They. You don’t know how abominable they were at that time, and what they said...how, well, they were not a son of a man! Yes, they were not a son of a man!!"

The fourth prince’s curse words There are quite a few, but there are very few polite curse words. I racked my brains to think of a strong word.

Emperor Ning Kang ignored him and ignored him. He flipped through the memorials by himself. After he finished reviewing the pile in hand, he picked up the gap in the other pile and said without raising his head: " Where have you been today?"

"Uh, this, this..."

The fourth prince felt guilty and subconsciously wanted to deceive him, but he thought that he still wanted to To testify for Jia Lian, if you lie now, you won't be able to stand up later.

When he was in a dilemma, he saw Jia Lian step forward and kneel down and said: "Your Majesty, please forgive me. It was a humble minister who made the right decision today and took the Fourth Prince to the Jinpin Pavilion. If Your Majesty wants to punish him, you can also Please punish the humble minister."

It would have been better if Jia Lian didn't say so. As soon as Jia Lian said that the fourth prince was willing to do anything, he immediately knelt down and said: "Father, don't listen to his nonsense, I am going to do it myself. Yes, they are all very timid. How dare they take me to that kind of place.

Father, you don’t have to be angry. According to the ancestral system, I, the Prince of Wei, will be crowned an adult at the age of sixteen. Now I I'm almost eighteen years old, I'm no longer a child, I have the right to go to that kind of place!

Besides, we originally only planned to go to have a meal, and we didn't plan to do anything else... …”

Although the fourth prince looked confident, he saidHe still blushed as he said this. When he realized this, he immediately changed his tone and said: "Also, if I don't go there today, how can I know how those people in the clan view my father! You don't even know, father?" Even I can't stand listening to how they arranged for you while hiding in the box on the third floor. I'm here to stand up for you, so don't be ungrateful..."

When Jia Lian heard this, he secretly wiped his hands in cold sweat.

Even King Zhongshun, who was kneeling in front, couldn't help but look back a few times, with a thoughtful look in his eyes.

He has been confused since he was punished by Emperor Ningkang to kneel here, and Emperor Ningkang did not explain to him. It was originally thought that he did not accept the task of persuading the clan to respond to the new tax law, but now it seems that the problem lies elsewhere.

The fourth prince was used to being talkative, but he finally realized something was wrong and shut up. Unexpectedly, Emperor Ning Kang didn't look angry at all. Instead, he looked up at him and asked curiously: "Oh, I really want to know how they arranged for me behind the scenes."

"They...! Oh, my father, you'd better not know. Anyway, these are unkind words. My father will be angry for no reason if he hears what he does."

It's rare that the fourth prince actually Also considerate.

Emperor Ning Kang looked at Jia Lian.

Jia Lian understood and bowed: "Your Majesty, today the minister, the Fourth Highness, and the brothers Zhang Su, who are the companions of the Fourth Highness, are indeed in the box on the third floor of the Jinpin Pavilion, listening. There are many criticisms of the government and words that undermine His Majesty's power. The severity is far beyond the ignorant words of ordinary dandies, and it is indeed unforgivable.

Your Majesty, the Fourth Highness, loves and protects His Majesty. I was so eager that I couldn't bear the fact that they were confusing right and wrong and slandering the Holy Gong, so I ordered Wei Chen to arrest all the people who had secret meetings and prepare to hand them over to His Majesty for disposal.

Wei Chen knew that arresting the clan members without permission would be dangerous. If you violate the laws of the country and the dynasty, I am willing to accept the blame."

Emperor Ning Kang was a very opinionated person. There was no need to explain too much in front of him, let alone say good things for himself.

Sure enough, after listening to Jia Lian's words, Emperor Ning Kang snorted seemingly indifferently, but in fact, a cold light flashed in his eyes.

He finally lowered his head and looked at King Zhongshun in front of the case, "You heard what they said, what do you think?"

King Zhongshun was also familiar with Emperor Ningkang. From the tone of his voice, he knew that Emperor Ning Kang must be angry.

He also became nervous. After all, as the talker of the clan's mansion, he was, to put it bluntly, helping Emperor Ning Kang look after the clan and his relatives.

The current situation seems to be that ZongSome of the disciples in the room said some disrespectful words behind their backs, but Jia Lian and the Fourth Prince caught them on the spot.

If Jia Lian just gives up, no matter how important he is, he will be nothing more than a minister, and it will be easy for him to change his tune. But there is also the fourth prince here, and the fourth prince is a very naughty child, which is difficult to handle...

He quickly calculated in his mind, and finally King Zhongshun decisively chose to protect himself: "If What the emperor's nephew and Marquis Zhenyuan said is true, then these clan members are really bold and do not know whether to live or die. In my opinion, all unfilial children who make irresponsible remarks about government affairs and show disrespect to the emperor should be severely punished to serve as a warning to others."

King Zhongshun has an attitude of hating iron but not steel, and destroying relatives for justice.

Jia Lian also understood that King Zhongshun probably didn’t know that his son was also involved in the incident. But if so, what happened to Qiu Liang blocking the way? He clearly said that he was instructed by Prince Zhongshun's Mansion...

Emperor Ning Kang looked at Prince Zhongshun with a faint smile. , "Oh, really? Jia Lian, please tell me who the clan members you captured are."

Jia Lian frowned, but still obeyed the order: "Report to your Majesty, Chief The person in question is Wei Xian, the crown prince of Prince Duan, and the other ten or so people are from the Yongning Fuguo Palace..."

Jia Lian briefly reported the identities of the clan disciples, but they were not very clear. He replaced it with "wait", and finally said: "There is also... Prince Zhongshun's Mansion, Mr. Wei Yu..."

King Zhongshun was stunned on the spot, and in an instant he understood why Emperor Ningkang just wanted to Let him continue to kneel.

His expression suddenly changed, and he kowtowed immediately and said: "Brother Huang Mingjian, there must be a misunderstanding here. You also know, Kuan'er. He has been a well-behaved and sensible person since he was a child. How could he do such a rebellious thing?" Things... By the way, recently, I heard from his mother and concubine that the clan members often wanted him to go out. It must be those people who coerced him. He was young and accidentally got together with those unscrupulous people. "

King Zhongshun said with runny nose and tears, and turned back to look at Jia Lian eagerly: "Master Zhenyuan, you just said that you heard what those people said with your own ears. "Have you heard anything disrespectful to His Majesty that my son said?"

Prince Zhongshun is a prince, while Jia Lian is just a second-class prince. The status gap is huge. At this time, King Zhongshun addressed him as "Master Hou", which shows that it is not without merit that this person can gain the trust of Emperor Ningkang.

Speaking of which, Jia Lian always thought that Prince Zhongshun was the potential biggest enemy of the Jia Mansion. After all, the decline of the Jia Mansion in the original work was obviously inseparable from Prince Zhongshun’s Mansion.

But after much calculation, Jia Lian discovered that he seemed to have done something wrong.

The enemy of Jia Mansion may not be King Zhongshun. Because King Zhongshun was a member of Emperor Ningkang. If Emperor Ningkang was dissatisfied with the Jia family in the original work, then it would be perfectly reasonable for King Zhongshun to come forward to suppress the Jia family.

But in this life, because of his existence, Emperor Ningkang did not show any obvious dissatisfaction with the Jia family. Therefore, King Zhongshun may not be the enemy of the Jia family.

Therefore, Jia Lian never thought of deliberately going against King Zhongshun. After hearing this, he nodded frankly and said: "Replying to the prince, I have indeed never heard Mr. Kuan say anything disrespectful to your majesty. The words he said are indeed what the prince said. Mr. Yu was taken away by Wei Xian and others."

Jia Lian's words made King Zhongshun overjoyed. He nodded quickly and turned to talk to Emperor Ningkang. say.

The fourth prince quit immediately, "Although he did not personally say anything disrespectful to my father, when those people slandered my father, he did not stop or scold him. Moreover, after listening to Wei Xian According to their words, they made a special trip to invite Wei Wei today. The purpose is for Wei Wei to persuade you, the Fourteenth Uncle, to suggest to my father on behalf of the clan that the tax law should be abolished!"

King Zhongshun knew he was going to suffer as soon as he heard this. In my heart, I scolded my own unlucky son to death.

He just refused to become Ning Kangdi’s lobbyist, but that little brat almost became the clan’s lobbyist? Do you want him to ask Emperor Ning Kang to cancel the new tax law? If he had that ability, why would he use those brats to talk about it?

He raised his head and glanced, just in time to catch the chill in Emperor Ning Kang's eyes. King Zhongshun shrank his neck, not daring to hesitate at all, and was about to explain.

Then he saw Dai Quan step forward to report: "Your Majesty, the eldest princess is asking for an audience outside the palace."

Emperor Ning Kang frowned, but still nodded and said: "Let her Come in."

"Princess Xuan Chang has an audience."

　…