first minister

Chapter 146 Before the Banquet, Working in Collusion
After a brief surprise, Shi Shangshu smiled.

He waved his hand casually, "Go down."

Master Zeng, who was about to face Shi Shangshu's anger, stepped down as if he had received an amnesty.

Shi Zijun looked at his father, wanted to say something but dared not, and lowered his head hesitantly.

"It's a bit of fun to give birth to my father."

Shi Shangshu smiled, "Tell me, is this the work of that Xia Jingyun?"

Shi Zijun thought for a while, "Accordingly, that Mr. Wang is not capable of such a thing. I wonder if it was the concubine De who helped me."

Shi Shangshu shook his head, "We will find out soon."

As soon as the words fell, another steward in the mansion who was in charge of "instigating rebellion" against Zhou Xiaogui hurried in, and told about the feedback from Zhou Xiaogui and the information he took the initiative to inquire after learning the news.

"According to Wang Ruoshui's itinerary, it must be the Jiang'anhou's mansion that helped. According to the latest news, after Wang Ruoshui left Jiang'anhou's mansion, he went to Mingyulou. It should be to put a drink in Mingyulou to express his gratitude."

Shi Shangshu looked at this caring subordinate he brought out with satisfaction, and analyzed: "Gongsun Jing is more than successful, but not aggressive enough. He has helped Concubine De to take care of everything for so many years, but he has not achieved much. He definitely can't think of such other methods. From this point of view, this is probably done by that Xia Jingyun."

Knowing that it was Xia Jingyun who foiled their plan again, Shi Zijun was even more upset.

But he knew that when his father suffered setbacks, he would definitely find his way back, and there was no need for him to fight again.

Sure enough, Shi Shangshu pondered for a while, "Did you have a dispute with the third son of the British Duke in Liuyun Tianxiang Pavilion before?"

Shi Zijun's face froze. Liuyun Tianxiang Pavilion is the most famous brothel in Beijing. At this moment, his father mentioned it, which made him feel embarrassed to be caught by his parents in slow motion with his left hand and right hand. He didn't know what to say for a while.

Shi Shangshu glanced at his son, frowned slightly, "I'm talking about business!"

Shi Zijun quickly said: "There is such a thing."

"You go to the British government later and treat him to a drink tonight."

Shi Zijun showed hesitation, he didn't mention the spirit of a young man, just from the actual situation, his status is not as good as others, and he still took advantage of it at the beginning, so if he came to ask for it, he might be considered as showing off!

Shi Shangshu picked up the tea and took a sip, "Don't worry, pass the post to Duke Ying, he will agree for Young Master Lu San. As for the location, it's Mingyu Tower!"

A light flashed in Shi Zijun's heart, and he felt blessed, "Father wants the Lu family, who has a blood feud with Xia Jingyun, to help him deal with Xia Jingyun?"

Shi Shangshu didn't say anything, it was a tacit agreement.

"But father, won't they be angry when they find out about the situation afterwards?"

Shi Shangshu shook his head, "Go. It will be fine."

After finishing speaking, Shi Shangshu got up, surrounded by his entourage, got into the sedan chair, and walked towards the yamen of the Ministry of Rites.
-
After the initial turmoil, the British government, marked by Concubine Shu's lifting of the embargo, became crowded again.

But no matter what, the son of a Shangshu can still jump in line to occupy a priority position among these visiting guests.

After handing over the post, he didn't drink tea in the foyer like ordinary guests, but was directly invited into the mansion.

While he was sitting in the mansion drinking tea with a bit of anxiety, British Duke Lu Rusong also got his greeting card, looked at the concierge, "What did Mr. Shi say?"

"Mr. Shi said that he wants to entertain the Third Young Master at Mingyulou tonight." The concierge frowned. "For such a matter, he can just go to the Third Young Master. I don't know why he sent the post to you."

He smiled and said: "It seems that the most respectful official in the world is the Minister of Rites who works at home, and that's all he does!"

The British Duke raised his head, and his eyes fell on him calmly, as if with a mighty force, all his expressions were instantly suppressed.

"If you don't get to that position, don't say these ridiculous words. Go and call the third child."

Soon, the third son of the British Crown Prince came and saluted respectfully, "Father."

"Master Shi Shangshu of the Ministry of Rites invites you to have a banquet at Mingyu Tower tonight."

The third young master was startled, and then sneered, "Why is this dog so crazy, what a dream of spring and autumn! I definitely won't go!"

The British Duke said indifferently: "You have to go."

The third son's expression froze, "Huh?"

"Tonight, they probably have some calculations. They want to use you as a gunman, or use the name of our British government to gain some benefits. As long as it is not too much, you will let them do what they want."

"what?"

"This year, our Lu family has four children who are going to take the Chunwei exam."

The third young master realized in an instant, and respectfully said: "My child obeys orders!"
-
Imperial City, Changle Palace.

Concubine De walked slowly in the garden outside the palace, her appearance was picturesque, and her temperament was like a fairy. The well-made brocade clothes used its amazing falling force to outline her perfect figure very movingly. Her skin was hidden in the dress, but anyone could imagine its whiteness and smoothness at a glance. Her waist and hips were slightly wider than her shoulders.

And that elegant makeup, noble hair bun, and dignified demeanor gave off the grace and aristocratic air of a great imperial concubine of Great Xia.

If the only regret is that she is frowning slightly at this moment.

But on another level, it is more able to arouse men's desire for protection.

It's a pity that there is no man here.

Tired from walking, Concubine De sat down in the gazebo in the courtyard, and a confidant maid stretched out her hand to help her rub her shoulders, "Madam, Concubine Shu has been imprisoned for a long time, and it's only natural that she feels a little bit upset when she is released. In a few days, she won't be as annoying as these days."

"That's right, after all, your empress is in charge of the Phoenix seal and is the head of the six palaces. Concubine Shu can't lose her seniority and inferiority no matter how much she dances around!"

Another court lady smiled and set up some snacks and fruit plates, and agreed.

Concubine De didn't say a word, she reached out to pick up a book, and used reading to cover up her worries.

In the past, Concubine Shu didn't pay attention to her, or the struggle between the two sides was limited to the harem competition, so she was naturally not afraid.

But when the group from Sishui Prefecture revealed that idea intentionally or unintentionally, she immediately realized the huge gap in strength between herself and Concubine Shu's faction, and the pressure instantly increased countless times.

What's more, Concubine Shu is not the only enemy of hers. If she gets to that point, the crown prince, the prime minister, and even the unfavored eldest prince will all be threats.

Over the years, the greatest progress she has made in the court was actually brought about by that trip to Sishui Prefecture.

She turned her head to look out of the window, and an inexplicable thought came to her mind: brother is going to Beijing soon, right?

"Miss!"

A somewhat cold voice interrupted her thoughts, she came back to her senses, looked at Feng Xiuyun, who was dressed in palace attire, and said with a smile, "You're coming?"

Feng Xiuyun came to the front and saluted respectfully, Concubine De smiled, "I told you, there is no need to be so polite between you and me."

A blush appeared on Feng Xiuyun's face, and she lowered her eyebrows shyly.

Concubine De was slightly taken aback, and immediately guessed a possibility, her eyes revealed surprise, "Are you here?"

Feng Xiuyun was greatly impressed, "Your Majesty's intelligence really amazes the servants. I just received the news from the Hou's residence that Gao Yang arrived at the Spring Breeze Station the day before yesterday, and arrived at the Hou's residence yesterday."

"Okay!" Concubine De smiled happily, "After waiting for so long, he is finally here."

After laughing twice, her smile gradually disappeared, and her brows began to wrinkle slightly again.

"Your Majesty thinks so."

"His Majesty is here!"

Just when Feng Xiuyun was about to ask, a shrill shout from the Big Yellow Gate sounded from a distance outside the palace gate.

Feng Xiuyun hurriedly hid in the side hall with ease, and Concubine De also led a group of maids to stand up to welcome Shengjia.

Emperor Chongning walked in with a smile, took Concubine De's hand, went to the hall and leaned on the rug, drank some tea, closed his eyes and enjoyed the concubine's massage, chatting with each other.

After chatting for a while, Emperor Chongning smiled and said, "Your brother-in-law has some skills! Before entering Beijing, he had a fight with the son of Minister of Rites, Shi Dingzhong, at the inn."

Concubine De quickly stood up, "Your Majesty, Gao Yang has just arrived and doesn't understand the rules of the capital. His nature is definitely not like this. Please forgive me."

"Hey! What are you doing!"

Emperor Chongning pulled her up with a smile, stroked her hand, and said softly: "If I cared, I wouldn't mention it in front of you."

He smiled, "I already know what happened, it's not his fault, and I don't think there's anything wrong with it,"

"This child is really worrying. His Majesty is taking care of everything every day, and even causing trouble to His Majesty. It's good for my concubines to scold him when I turn around!"

"No need, this capital is like a pool of stagnant water. It has been silent for too long, and there should be some fresh water coming. I really hope that he can bring a different atmosphere."

Emperor Chongning smiled and said: "Since you want to see him, then announce him to the palace tonight, and I will also take a look at him, to see what kind of demeanor is the person who can write [worry about the world's worries first, and enjoy the world's joys later]."

He patted Concubine De's hand, "What do you think?"

Concubine De smiled lightly, "The concubines are all according to His Majesty's orders."

Emperor Chongning stayed for a while, then left to get busy.

Watching the emperor go away to concubine De's expression immediately became ugly, not because of the deep meaning contained in Emperor Chongning's words, but because she had just received the news of Xia Jingyun's entry into Beijing, but His Majesty already knew about it, and he knew it in more detail than she did.

Gongsun Jing what to eat!
She was already worried about her power outside the palace, but her worry became more and more serious.
-
At the beginning of Youshi, Xia Jingyun, accompanied by Su Yuanshang and Bai Yunbian, followed Gongsun Jing, and walked out of the Jiang'anhou Mansion.

(End of this chapter)