I, Jiajing, successfully cultivated immortality

Time flies so fast, and it’s the twenty-fifth day of the twelfth lunar month in the blink of an eye.

Red lanterns have also been hung up at various shops in the capital, and the streets are bustling with people buying New Year goods. From time to time, the cries of vendors can be heard.

Capital, Prince Yu's Mansion.

At this time, Prince Yu's Mansion had hung up red lanterns early, the door had been swept clean, and couplets had been pasted up, looking beaming, and all the servants had also put on new clothes.

In the room, Zhu Zaijing was listening to the report from the housekeeper: "His Royal Highness King Yu, according to your instructions, I have paid all the slaves this month's monthly salary. In addition, I have also paid an extra two months." !”

After listening to the butler's report, Zhu Zaijing waved his hand and said: "Well, I know, you can go down first!"

"Yes, His Royal Highness Prince Yu!"

The butler bowed to Zhu Zaijing and left immediately.

After the housekeeper left, Zhu Zaijing stood up from his seat with a slightly worried look on his face.

There is no other reason. Tonight, Jiajing will have a banquet for all the ministers in the Huangji Hall.

By then, Shen, who was canonized as queen more than a month ago, will also attend the banquet.

What worries Zhu Zaiyuan the most is that many ministers in the DPRK may take this matter as a signal, and then involuntarily turn to Zhu Zaiyuan's side.

After all, Zhu Zaiyuan was the child of Jiajing and the Queen.

You must know that Zhu Zaijing's current title is the eldest son of the concubine, while Zhu Zaiyuan, who is still in his infancy, is actually the legitimate son.

Since ancient times, in terms of priority in inheriting the throne, legitimate sons have been far stronger than concubines!

"My father gave birth to a total of eight sons, six of whom died young. Only my fourth brother and I have grown up successfully. Whether this child will grow up successfully in the future is still unknown!"

"I'll just try not to make any mistakes at tonight's banquet!"

After consoling himself in this way, the worried look on Zhu Zaijing's face also subsided a lot.

While Zhu Zaijing was still racking his brains to think about how he should deal with tonight's banquet, Concubine Li came to Zhu Zaijing with silent steps.

Concubine Li saw Zhu Zaijing looking thoughtful, so she didn't bother him and just waited quietly.

Time passed by slowly. When Zhu Zaijing came back to his senses, he found that Concubine Li had been standing beside him for a long time.

Just when Zhu Zaijing was about to say something, he heard Concubine Li's pleasant voice: "Husband, what are you thinking about? You haven't moved since just now?"

When Zhu Zaijing heard this, he had no intention of hiding it. He looked at Concubine Li who was very close and said slowly: "I'm thinking about what to do with the banquet tonight. My father is hosting a banquet for civil servants and officials at the Huangji Palace. When the time comes, I’m afraid I’m drinking with those ministers again!”

When Zhu Zaijing said this, his face was full of helplessness and he shook his head.

Although he complained like this, Zhu Zaijing could actually understand. After all, if the emperor was present, the ministers present would not be able to let go.

"Maybe my father has only shown his true emotions in front of Eunuch Lu!"

Zhu Zaijing thought so, and couldn't help but feel a sense of sympathy in his heart.

When Concubine Li heard what Zhu Zaijing said, she couldn't help but have a look of worry on her face.

Later, he was seen snuggling into Zhu Zaijing's arms and softly comforting him: "Drinking is harmful to your health. Husband, drink less tonight. I heard that your fourth brother has given up drinking!"

Concubine Li's words of concern made Zhu Zaijing feel warm in his heart. Then, he looked away from Concubine Li and said in agreement: "Well, I will pay attention!"

……

On the other side, in the capital, Yan's study room.

"Father, I have sharpened the ink for you!"

After Yan Shifan finished speaking, he stepped aside and unconsciously slowed down his breathing, not even daring to take a breath for fear of disturbing Yan Song.

Yan Song writes the couplets in the Yan Mansion every year himself, and this year is no exception.

At this moment, on the desk, papers for writing couplets were neatly placed. Yan Song took a deep breath, and with a brush dipped in ink, he neatly wrote on the paper the words "National benevolence, family celebration, life is prosperous". A big character.

After finishing writing, Yan Song put the brush aside and breathed a long sigh of relief.

Seeing this, Yan Shifan on the side quickly stepped forward and praised: "Father's calligraphy is unparalleled in the entire Ming Dynasty. No wonder so many people are willing to spend a lot of money to get your calligraphy!"

When Yan Song heard this, he just glanced at Yan Shifan quite indifferently, raised his eyebrows, and asked: "Oh, is it possible that someone is rushing to ask for calligraphy treasures again this year?"

As soon as Yan Song finished speaking, Yan Shifan responded without thinking: "Father, you are right. Not long ago, several wealthy businessmen in the capital found the child and said they were willing to pay 400,000 taels of silver. I’m asking for a copy of your calligraphy treasure, please see..."

Yan Song took in the expression on Yan Shifan's face, shook his head, and said, "Okay, no need to say any more, reject those people for me!"

Seeing Yan Song's resolute attitude, Yan Shifan couldn't continue to persuade him, so he could only nod his head and said, "Yes, father, the child understands!"

Then, as if Yan Song suddenly remembered something, he looked in the direction of Yan Shifan and continued to add: "You are not allowed to write inscriptions on those merchants, no matter how high the price they offer!"

"Lest those businessmen use the name of my Yan family to cause trouble everywhere. Do you understand?"

After listening to Yan Song's warning, Yan Shifan lowered his head and responded respectfully: "Yes, father, the child understands!"

Seeing that Yan Shifan listened to his words, a trace of relief flashed across Yan Song's face.

Immediately, he stretched out his skinny hand, pointed at the written couplet on the desk, and then ordered: "Have someone put this couplet on the door!"

After Yan Shifan heard Yan Song's words, he immediately stepped forward and took over the couplet.

Then, a look of confusion appeared on his face, he looked in the direction of Yan Song and asked: "But father, Hengpi is missing. What should I write in Hengpi?"

After Yan Song heard this, he pondered for a moment and then said slowly: "Just write it down and everything will go well!"

When the words fell, Yan Song used a brush dipped in ink to write the four characters "Everything goes well".

After the ink on the paper was dry, Yan Shifan called the housekeeper and gave instructions: "Come with me and post this couplet on the door!"

The housekeeper did not dare to show any indifference to this. He took the couplet from Yan Shifan's hand solemnly and said in a deep voice: "Yes, Mr. Xiaoge!"

Just as Yan Shifan was about to leave, he saw Yan Song lifting his brush, looking thoughtful.

Seeing this situation, Yan Shifan stopped, looked in the direction of Yan Song with a puzzled expression, and asked: "Father, what are you..."

Facing Yan Shifan's doubtful gaze, Yan Song shook his head and explained: "I plan to write a few couplets and send them to Hu Ruzhen. The Chinese New Year is coming soon. As a teacher, I have to express myself a little, right? "

When Yan Shifan heard this, his face was full of helplessness.

Sometimes Yan Shifan would even have the illusion that compared to himself, Hu Zongxian was his father's son.

……

On the other side, the Forbidden City and the Manna Palace.

Shen couldn't help but feel nervous at the thought of attending the banquet held in Huangji Hall with Jiajing tonight.

You know, this is the first time she has attended such an important occasion since she was canonized as queen, so there is no room for any mistakes.

Since this was a private banquet, Mrs. Shen only had to wear casual clothes to attend.

"Oh, I hope everything goes well by then!"

After that, Mr. Shen summoned his personal maid and began to dress herself up.

After finishing dressing up, Mrs. Shen looked at herself in the bronze mirror, wearing a phoenix crown on her head, a yellow shirt, and dark blue harem, and a trace of satisfaction flashed across her face.

At this moment, there was a "squeak" sound, and the door to the room was pushed open. Shen looked around and saw Jiajing walking in.

Seeing Jiajing's arrival, Mrs. Shen hurriedly stood up from her seat, saluted respectfully and said, "I have met your Majesty!"

"Okay, I've told you so many times, you don't need to be so polite to me!"

After Jiajing finished speaking, he immediately came to Mrs. Shen with a warm smile on his face.

Seeing this, the maid on the side left the room with great discernment and closed the door of the room with her.

Then, Mrs. Shen showed a shy look on her face, stretched out her slender hand, and led Jiajing to sit on a seat aside.

Taking advantage of the break in pouring tea, Shen raised his head, looked in the direction of Jiajing, and asked: "Your Majesty, isn't the banquet in the evening? Why are you here at this time?"

Hearing this, Jiajing propped up his chin with one hand, and after looking at Mr. Shen up and down, he responded with interest: "It's the end of the year, and everything that should be busy is almost done, so I came here to see you! "

After Jiajing finished speaking, he held Shen's hand with a smile.

After sensing the constant warmth coming from her hands and the half-smiling look on Jiajing's face, Shen's face became even more shy, and she shouted: "Your Majesty... Your Majesty, it's still daytime! "

"Oh, what do you mean, my concubine, is it okay at night?"

When Jiajing finished speaking, Shen was seen lowering his head, his whole face turned red, he bit his lips, and his eyes wandered. At this time, Shen couldn't help but recall the previous scene in her mind. After a long time, she heard a voice as thin as a mosquito's fly: "If... if, your Majesty..."

Seeing this, Jiajing took Shen into his arms, tapped her forehead lightly, whispered in her ear: "In that case, I can look forward to it with peace of mind!"

The warm wind blowing by her ears made Shen feel soft, and then she collapsed weakly into Jiajing's arms.

"Your Majesty... Your Majesty, I haven't said anything yet, so... let's drink tea first!"

After Shen finished speaking, she tried to support her body from Jiajing's arms, but she tried several times and failed.

When Jiajing saw this, the smile on his face became even bigger, but he had no intention of teasing Shen any more, and instead changed the topic.

"The temperature has dropped sharply recently. Concubine, please take good care of yourself and keep warm. Don't catch a cold. If you feel uncomfortable, don't hold on alone. Do you understand?"

"I understand!"

Hearing Jiajing's words, Mrs. Shen couldn't help but feel a warmth in her heart. Then she saw him nestling in Jiajing's arms and responded softly.

Not long after that, Shen's slightly distressed voice was heard: "Your Majesty, not long ago, my concubine's family sent a letter, saying that they hope that I will come forward and help someone find a job!"

When Jiajing heard this, a look of surprise flashed across his face, and he immediately said, "Oh, is there anything else?"

When Jiajing's words fell, Mrs. Shen nodded and continued: "After receiving this letter, I immediately wrote a reply and sternly rejected it. But later, I felt very uncomfortable. .

"I have been in the palace for so many years, but my family has never..."

When Shen said this, he had a sad look on his face.

After listening to Shen's narration, Jiajing patted her back gently with his hand and comforted her: "Don't blame yourself too much. You did nothing wrong in this matter. After all, your current identity is the Ming Dynasty Mother Yitianxia." Queen, you shouldn’t have to worry about such trivial matters!”

"If something like this happens again next time, tell me directly and I will handle it personally!"

"Ah."

……

Soon, night fell, the entire Forbidden City was brightly lit, and the Huangji Hall was even more lively.

There were many officials invited to the banquet. In addition to the officials of Liubu Hall, there were also many officials from Honglu Temple, Inspectorate, Dali Temple, etc. In addition, many clans and nobles were also invited to the banquet.

Since there is still some time before the banquet officially starts.

Taking advantage of this gap, many officials gathered together in groups, chatting with each other, and the feelings between each other continued to heat up in the process.

The seats for the banquet have been arranged in advance. The cabinet closest to the emperor and queen is followed by the six ministries and nine ministers of the Ming Dynasty.

The seats of the civil servants and generals are on one side, while the clan and nobles are on the other side. They are clearly separated from each other, and the water in the well does not interfere with the water in the river.

As for Zhu Zaijing, as the eldest son of Jiajing, he naturally sat on the side of the clan and nobles, and was closest to the emperor and empress.

Next to him, the British Duke Zhang Rong and the Dingguo Duke Xu Yande sat respectively, but the seat of the Dingguo Duke Zhu Xizhong was empty.

At this time, everyone was chatting happily.

I saw Yu Dayou retracting his gaze from a distance, turning around and looking at Qi Jiguang on the side, with an excited look on his face, and said: "Hey, I didn't expect that even though we are new here, we can be invited to this banquet!"

When Qi Jiguang heard what Yu Dayou said, he nodded with emotion on his face: "Yes, I didn't expect that we could also be invited!"

Ever since Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou visited the Ordnance Department, they have been intensively engaged in military training.

You must know that more than 25,000 soldiers are not a small number. You can imagine the difficulty of taking command.

And these soldiers are all brave and good warriors selected from the guards all over the country. It is not easy to get their recognition.

Fortunately, Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou brought over many capable subordinates from their respective armies before coming, which saved a lot of trouble.

At present, under the training of Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou, the combat effectiveness of this army has gradually taken shape.

In Qi Jiguang's view, this army only needs to be tempered by war, and it will soon transform into an elite division, with its combat effectiveness no less than that of the Ming Dynasty's Nine-Border Frontier Army.

"The newly developed flintlock gun by the Ordnance Department is not only extremely powerful, but also has a range that is several times that of a matchlock gun. The paper shell bullets have greatly increased the reloading speed of the flintlock gun. If we combine it with the car camp Combined!"

"In the next war with the Tatars, I, the Ming Dynasty, will be invincible and will definitely be able to annihilate Anta Khan in one fell swoop and completely eradicate this serious problem!"

When Qi Jiguang said this, he couldn't help but clenched his fists, his face full of anticipation.

Just as Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou were chatting happily, they did not notice a figure not far away at all and had stopped to watch for a long time.

And this figure is Zhu Xizhong, Duke of Cheng, who temporarily left the banquet due to internal worries not long ago.

……

Most of the officials at the scene were taking this opportunity to make connections, compliment each other, and get closer to each other.

However, Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou were talking about national affairs, which seemed very out of place.

This also attracted the attention of Cheng Guogong Zhu Xizhong. Without disturbing Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou, Zhu Xizhong began to listen to their conversation.

In the process, Zhu Xizhong became more frightened the more he listened, because both of them showed extremely high military qualities and a view of the overall situation.

In Zhu Xizhong's opinion, one of them is a rare handsome man, and the other one is also an experienced, brave and good warrior!

Just when Zhu Xizhong wanted to continue listening, Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou, who were chatting happily on the side, seemed to notice something, stopped talking, and all looked in his direction.

Then, Qi Jiguang looked at Zhu Xizhong with a suspicious look on his face and asked, "My lord, are you..."

When Zhu Xizhong heard this, he couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed on his face.

After all, it is not a glorious thing to eavesdrop on other people's conversations and have the person involved catch you.

Zhu Xizhong thought of this and decided not to tell the two of his true identity for the time being.

In order to prevent Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou from noticing the clues, he decided to use his son's name.

Then, I saw Zhu Xizhong bowing his hands to the two of them, smiling and saying: "I, Wang Shitai, is an official of the Rear Army Governor's Mansion. I was passing by just now and accidentally overheard the conversation between the two generals. I suddenly felt that it was of great benefit. , I dare to ask the two generals..."

Hearing this, Qi Jiguang did not doubt him, and introduced each other to Zhu Xizhong: "I am Qi Jiguang, currently General Zhaoyi, and this is General Huaiyuan Yu Dayou!"

Seeing this, Yu Dayou stood up from his seat and bowed his hand to Zhu Xizhong.

After listening to Qi Jiguang's introduction, Zhu Xizhong couldn't help but have a look of surprise on his face, and he couldn't help but said: "Are you two Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou who were recommended by Mr. Hu Ge and transferred to the capital by His Majesty to be responsible for military training?"

Seeing that the other party knew him so well, Qi Jiguang's face became even more surprised. He nodded and said in agreement: "Well, yes!"

After this, Zhu Xizhong also reacted belatedly and explained: "When I was serving in the Houjun Governor's Mansion, I heard about the names of the two generals. You followed Mr. Hu Ge and annihilated them in one fell swoop. The Japanese pirates entrenched on the southeastern coast of the Ming Dynasty!"

"Not only that, he has also led the army to suppress rebellions many times. I have been friends with these two generals for a long time!"

Seeing Zhu Xizhong's sincere expression, Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou did not doubt his presence, and soon took him to chat with him.

The three of them had a great conversation and had many opinions with each other, all of which were close to the same point.

Time passed by slowly. I don’t know how long it had passed. Zhu Xizhong seemed to have noticed something. He withdrew his eyes from Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou, and then said: "The banquet is about to start. Let's get here first." Bar!"

After Zhu Xizhong finished speaking, he bowed his hands to Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou, and then walked straight to the side of the clan and nobles.

Seeing this situation, Yu Dayou was about to give a warning, but was stopped by Qi Jiguang.

Facing Yu Dayou's puzzled gaze, Qi Jiguang explained: "It can be seen from the conversation and actions of the man just now that his identity is not simple. Anyway, he is definitely not an official of the Rear Army Governor's Mansion!"

"Now it seems that the person just now should be my Ming Dynasty clan and noble!"

After listening to Qi Jiguang's explanation, Yu Dayou also had a look of surprise on his face.

Then, Yu Dayou shook his head in an incomprehensible manner, and then said: "But why he wants to hide his true identity is really confusing!"

After that, Yu Dayou saw the look of shock on Qi Jiguang's face that could not be concealed.

Yu Dayou followed Qi Jiguang's line of sight and saw that the man they had been chatting with before went straight to the seat at the front.

And not far from him, sat King Yu Zhu Zaicheng!

"Hiss, could it be possible that this person just now is the top clan member and noble of the Ming Dynasty? Otherwise, how could he be sitting with His Highness Prince Yu?"

At this time, this was the common thought of Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou.

Then, the two of them looked at each other, and they both saw the look of shock that could not be concealed in each other's eyes.

It wasn't until this moment that they understood why the man wanted to hide his identity.

And just when Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou felt at a loss what to do because the facts were too shocking.

Hu Zongxian, who was far away, looked back, picked up the teacup on the table, took a sip, and said with emotion: "Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou, these two guys are so lucky!"

"I don't know what they were talking about. They looked like they were having a great time talking. Anyway, being able to connect with Duke Cheng is a great thing for them!" (End of Chapter)