Women Wearing Men: The Growth Path of the Bastards of the Aristocratic Family

The sudden slip of his foot shocked Li Jinche. After he stood firm, he looked back and realized that the person holding him up was Cheng Yan.

Cheng Yan is now a popular figure in the court. Although his official position is not high, he is deeply trusted by Emperor Jingfeng. He holds an important position in the civil service and controls the promotion of many people under his command. Every time before and after the performance appraisal, he rushes to give Cheng Yan can block the streets to everyone he gives gifts to.

Although Li Jinze has not officially participated in political affairs yet, he is no stranger to Cheng Yan himself. When he saw this, he quickly said politely: "It turns out to be Mr. Cheng. I just thanked Mr. Cheng for helping me."

Cheng Yanwen smiled softly: "It's just a small matter. Your Highness, don't take it to heart. The roads are slippery on rainy days. Your Highness should still pay more attention when walking and pay attention to your steps."

Li Jinze simply hummed twice, a little absent-mindedly.

Seeing Li Jinze's lonely expression, and thinking of Emperor Jingfeng and Li Jinche in the imperial study, Cheng Yan could probably guess the reason, so he kindly gave a few more instructions:
"I see... His Highness doesn't look good. Just before Your Highness came to the imperial study, I heard His Majesty say that although spring has begun, the late spring cold is still very freezing. I also said that Your Highness, you always like to wear thin clothes. , to temper your will. Although your character is good, you still have to put your body first."

Emperor Jingfeng was partial to home, so how could he still care about whether his clothes were thin or not? Li Jinze knew after thinking about it that Cheng Yan had made it up to comfort him.

Although it was a lie, it was still well-intentioned after all. Li Jinze couldn't help but feel a little more favorable to Cheng Yan and sincerely thanked him.

At this time, a young eunuch from the East Palace hurriedly ran over, his eyes were red, and he said with a cry: "Your Highness, it's not good! Taifu Zhou's illness suddenly became serious, and the imperial doctor was unable to save him. He said... it will probably happen tonight." , you should go and see Tai Tu for the last time..."

"What?! Teacher, he..."

Like a bolt from the blue, Li Jinze froze on the spot, tears falling unconsciously from his cheeks.

After coming back to his senses, Li Jinze wiped away his tears randomly and ran out of the palace without even bothering to say goodbye to Cheng Yan.

Outside the palace, Zhou Mansion.

In the bedroom, the eldest son of Zhou was serving soup and medicine in front of Zhou Minqing's bed. The younger generation gathered here and looked at the dying Zhou Minqing. Everyone's expressions could not hide their grief, and low sobs could be heard from time to time.

"teacher--"

The prince, who was usually the most dignified and dignified man, didn't care about his own image at this time. He stumbled over and threw himself in front of Zhou Minqing's bed, holding his hand tightly: "Teacher, I'm here, I'm here." teacher……"

Everyone in the Zhou family knew that the prince had a deep friendship with Zhou Minqing, so when they saw this, they all stepped aside, leaving space for Li Jinze.

After seeing Zhou Minqing's energetic appearance so many times, many people have forgotten that he is already in his 70s and is already an old man in his twilight years.

He was lying on the bed with a gray complexion. He was as thin as a handful of firewood. Even breathing became difficult. Every breath was accompanied by a sound of phlegm in his throat, which sounded intermittent, just like the oil lamp by the window. The flames in the fire are getting weaker and weaker, and I don’t know when they will be completely extinguished.

Hearing Li Jinze's voice, Zhou Minqing opened his eyes and managed to cheer up: "Your Highness is here..."

Li Jinze couldn't help crying: "Teacher, why is this happening... When I came to see you yesterday, you said that your illness was getting better and you ate an extra half a bowl of porridge at noon. How come in just one day, you..." "... Is it because the doctor's medical skills are not good? I will go back to the palace to find the imperial doctor at the imperial hospital. The imperial doctor will definitely cure you."

Zhou Minqing shook his head and said in a hoarse voice: "Your Highness, don't waste your efforts. The imperial doctor has already come to see my illness and it cannot be cured. I am over 70 years old, so I am not young. Sooner or later, this will happen to me, Your Highness." Learn to accept it.”

Li Jinze cried and shook his head, refusing to listen no matter what: "I can't learn it, and I can't accept it... When I was a down-and-out prince who was no one cared about, it was you who led the ministers to write letters to my father in turn, trying to ensure that I became the prince. . Later, it was you who personally enlightened me and taught me how to read, and I am where I am today..."

"You also said that you want to see me grow up and become a king who can truly take charge of the country. It's still early before that day. You haven't seen anything. How could you just leave me like this..."

"Hey..." Zhou Minqing sighed with regret, "Your Highness, life is unpredictable, how can you expect everything to go as you wish? I have more than enough ambition but not enough energy. Even if I want to see it, I can't see it. What's next? The road still has to be walked by Your Highness yourself."

In the past few years, Li Jinze's every step has been taken under the protection of Zhou Minqing. He can hardly imagine how he would have won the dangerous battle for the right to inherit the throne without Zhou Minqing.

Thinking of all the dangers that may arise in the future, Li Jinze panicked, and his eyes were full of fear for the future: "If you are not here, what will I do in the future? Who can help me? Who can I rely on? Teacher, I can't Without you..."

"Your Highness, don't belittle yourself. Even if you don't have an old minister, you can still do it."

Zhou Minqing didn't know where the strength came from, but he actually supported half of his body and sat up. He said seriously: "Your Highness is the crown prince, your Majesty's eldest son, and the legitimate heir of the clan. In the future, a hundred years from now, your Majesty, you should inherit the throne." , this is a fact that no one can deny.”

"As long as Your Highness keeps your mind steady and does what you should do, what can those scoundrels do to you?"

At this point, Zhou Minqing became so excited that Li Jinze's hand felt a little painful when he held it. His originally gloomy face suddenly turned rosy and his eyes were bright and clear, which was an obvious sign of returning to life.

When everyone saw this, they couldn't help but feel sad, and low cries came and went.

Zhou Minqing waved his hand: "Okay, you go out first, I have something else to say to His Royal Highness alone."

After retreating from everyone, Zhou Minqing held Li Jinze's hand tightly and looked directly into his eyes: "Your Highness, I don't have much time. You must listen carefully to what I am going to say next."

Li Jinze's expression also became solemn: "Teacher, just tell me, I will definitely keep it in mind."

The time has come, and there is no need to beat around the bush anymore. Zhou Minqing got straight to the point: "Nowadays, the situation in the DPRK is changing rapidly, and the struggle is becoming increasingly apparent. I know that what your Highness is most worried about is the instability of his reserve position."

"Now His Majesty is strategic and skillful, and can be regarded as a wise king. However, in recent years, he has become increasingly suspicious and willful, and he is particularly fond of the second prince. If this continues, there is no guarantee that he will not become confused. If Your Highness makes any plans by then, it will be too late. ”

"The second prince is very ambitious, and his biological mother is quite favored. He is not a peaceful person, and the battle for the right to inherit the throne is inevitable. Your Highness should immediately give up the illusion of brotherly love. Sooner or later, you and the second prince will become enemies of each other. If you want status To be stable, the only way is to fight him to the death."