emperor cold concubine

Chapter 8 Commander of the Forbidden Palace
The Murong family is the most prominent first family under the Cang Yue royal family. After hundreds of years of inheritance, dynasties have changed, generations of families have prospered and risen, and generations of families have been lightly destroyed. Only the Murong family has always stood firm, and it has become The head of the clan.There have been seven empresses and thirteen imperial concubines among women, while men have been generals for generations. Almost all of Cang Yue's most outstanding first-rank generals came from the Murong family.

Hundreds of years of accumulation of inheritance, the Murong clan's influence in the Cang Yue Dynasty has almost reached its peak, and its roots are deep and leafy. It can be said that a slight stomp of the foot can shake the imperial capital.

However, only few people know that more than ten years ago, the Murong family was once faced with a catastrophe that almost wiped out the whole family, but for some reason, as the eldest daughter suddenly entered the palace as a concubine, the disaster disappeared silently, and then accompanied her daughter in the palace. Gradually gaining favor, the momentum of the Murong family increased instead of diminishing, becoming more and more prosperous to the point of frightening, and now it has power in the court, and the limelight even overwhelms the ninety-five supreme beings on the dragon chair.

The thousand-fold palace gate is as deep as the sea.

When the lights come on and night falls, more than a hundred glazed palace lanterns illuminate the deep palace hall. Behind the heavy bead curtains, the woman is dressed in a luxurious phoenix robe, with an elegant and dignified posture, standing upright and sitting alone on the phoenix chair, which symbolizes the dream of women all over the world. , over half a hundred years old, but still unparalleled in beauty, her charming face is full of icy color, and her eyes are covered with frost.

In the center of the extremely luxurious hall, two men, one long and one young, stood respectfully and silently.

The atmosphere was extremely oppressive, and the maids in the hall bowed their heads to the ground, their faces turned pale with horror, and they dared not breathe.

He raised his hand coldly, and the nurse who was serving her personally understood, and respectfully led all the maids to retreat quietly without making a sound.

The young man looked up: "Auntie."

"Trash!" With a cold scold, the teacup in hand smashed to the ground angrily, making a piercing sound, and at the same time blocked the young man's future words.

"If you can't handle such a small matter, how will you support the entire Murong family in the future?!"

The young man fell silent.

The older man frowned, and said lightly: "Sister, why should you be angry, but what a boy with stinky milk can become, it's worth my sister's anger."

"What do you know?!" The woman's voice was as cold as ice, and her words were like polar ice and snow passing through, "Do you think that the emperor's sudden impulse to recall the third son who has been missing for 11 years is really just because of excessive worry?! I wouldn't be stupid to think so!"

"Sister means..."

"In recent years, the emperor's dragon body has been deteriorating. It is obvious that he has no energy, but he has not established a crown prince. Haven't you thought about the real reason? It doesn't matter if Si is true or not, that position can only belong to Feng'er, and I will not allow anything beyond the plan to happen!"

The middle-aged man obviously didn't take it seriously: "My sister should be worrying too much. The emperor is not in good health now, and there is not much time left, and the power is almost taken away... My Murong family is not only calling the wind and rain in the court, but also in the army. Bainuo, my younger sister is the head of the harem, and that seat can only belong to His Majesty, anyone who dares to have other fantasies will be suicidal." Seeing the woman on the phoenix seat slightly pale, as if she was in deep thought, the man He continued: "If my younger sister is really worried and only waits for His Royal Highness to return to the court in half a year, how difficult is it to embrace him as the throne? Or tomorrow morning, I will directly ask the emperor to make His Royal Highness the crown prince, and I will be stationed in the imperial city for 15 people. With soldiers and horses, and His Royal Highness with 20 military power in hand, who would dare to disobey it? Besides, His Royal Highness is justifiable, even if it is the emperor, there should be no reason to shirk."

Empress Murong Qing, her tone was still majestic and indifferent: "Feng'er is not in the imperial capital at this time, so what's the use of talking so much? If you really set up a crown prince, you will make Han Han and the second child anxious, and I'm afraid you will do something that is not good for Feng'er." After half a year, Feng'er will return to court, and the time and place are favorable for people, so it's time for the emperor to take care of his life." Speaking of this, the tone of sarcasm and disdain have faintly revealed, "However, the second child's hand has been stretched out recently. It seems a bit long, and I have to ask my brother to help me keep an eye on him, I don't want anyone to think about things that belong to Feng Er."

Among the more than a dozen sons of the emperor, the only one who dared to blatantly show interest in that position was Concubine Han's son Cang Huaiyuan.

Murong Ting nodded: "I know."

To be able to survive in the harem where conspiracies and tricks are eaten as food, and live a prosperous life, sitting on the most noble phoenix chair that women in the world dream of for nearly 20 years, Murong Qing is definitely not a stupid person, so she will always You can clearly distinguish between the powerful enemy standing in front of you and the unpredictable hidden dangers that may appear in the future, which is more important.

The imperial palace is a place where people eat people, every step is a trap, every step is in danger, if one step is wrong, there will be no bones left.She would rather be the cannibal than be eaten.It's like, those concubines who entered the palace in such a beautiful way but disappeared silently in the harem over the years, they dreamed of being favored and ascended to heaven in one step, but they were ambitious but they didn't have enough brains, so there was only one end.

Killing people sometimes only needs a small reason, and when you have enough power in your hands, even this small reason is no longer needed.

Do whatever you want, no worries.

Pulling back her wandering thoughts, the queen seemed a little tired, she leaned back gently on the back of the chair, and said in a slightly warm tone, "Chen'er, tell me, what exactly have you found?"

The young man is Murong Patriarch Murong Hai's eldest grandson, Murong Chen, the eldest son of the empress's only direct brother, and the leader of the younger generation of the Murong family. , Yue Wang's attitude was lukewarm, and he didn't seem to be keen on returning to the palace. The father-in-law didn't even see Yue Wang's face, but stood outside the courtyard and heard that Yue Wang replied faintly, "I know the king". He was sent back. It wasn't until later that my nephew sent a group of dead men to be killed by mistake, so I realized that King Moon seemed to be protected by experts."

The queen raised her eyebrows: "These are just the news you got from the eunuch who delivered the decree. What I want to know is what he has done during the 11 years since he left the palace."

Murong Chen looked down at the palace bricks under his feet, with a wry smile on his lips: "I found some things, but it doesn't seem to work."

The queen frowned: "Oh?"

"My nephew spent a lot of money to invite Xueyue Pavilion, the most mysterious place on the rivers and lakes, to investigate the news of the Moon King, and the result he got was only four words, traveling around the world."

"Yuewang seems to be very fond of mountains, rivers and lakes. He has traveled almost all over the world in 11 years. Everywhere he goes, he will pay special attention to the local famous mountains. Sometimes they will rise up and even stay on a certain mountain for two to three months. Leave, with only two guards by your side."

The queen said: "Do you think it's strange?"

"Nephew doesn't know." Murong Chen bowed, always maintaining a respectful and polite posture, "The result of the investigation is roughly the same as the information that nephew got earlier, but there is something wrong with it."

The queen's expression changed several times, and finally she laughed at herself: "11 years ago, when the third prince left the palace, he was only a fourteen-year-old child. The emperor's attitude towards him was also lukewarm. The palace didn't let him go at all. In his heart, he didn't even think that a pampered and pampered prince could survive in the outside world.

"Even a year ago, the emperor issued an edict to the world to confer the title of the third prince as the Moon King, but this palace didn't care too much. I always thought that the prince who was not favored all these years was long gone, and the emperor just wanted to leave a thought. After all, the day when she was crowned king years ago was the tenth anniversary of the death of Concubine Yue.

"It wasn't until a few days ago that the emperor came down with an imperial decree to call King Yue back to the palace. This palace didn't know that this prince who has been out of favor since the death of the noble concubine Yue, no, it should be said that this prince has always been worthy in the palace. The third prince of Wu is still alive in this world. After all, people are not as good as heaven."

At the end, his tone already showed a hint of resentment.

"Auntie, you really don't have to worry." Murong Chen thought for a while, and said, "If Yue Wang really only cares about mountains and rivers, even if he returns to the palace, it won't have much impact on the situation. Maybe the emperor is just old and sentimental, and suddenly Thinking of ignoring this Highness all these years, I feel a little guilty, and I just want to make up for it.

"Taking a step back, even if the emperor really intends to let Moon King succeed him, so what? First, he has no mother clan power to back him up. Second, he doesn't have a soldier in his hands to use. Some courtiers are smart people, and they know who to be the leader can bring them greater benefits and more benefits. But a prince who is completely unfamiliar will definitely not be their wise choice. If the Moon King is not stupid, then He also absolutely dare not casually take over the honorable position which is like a hot potato to him.

"The current position of the Murong family in power, the prestige and majesty of His Royal Highness who has led troops for many years, and the supreme honor and favor of his aunt and aunt, it is destined that the supreme seat can only be owned by His Royal Highness Feng Wang, and it is absolutely impossible for others. .”

After a systematic analysis, the queen's expression finally eased down. Thinking about the situation where the chances of victory are now at hand, I feel that I really have some unfounded worries.

"Having said that, Chen'er, I still need to send someone to keep an eye on it. I must know every move of the Moon King."

Murong Chen respectfully replied: "Nephew obeys."

Murong Ting said: "Sister, since the Moon King is nothing to fear, the most urgent thing is to think about how to weaken the power of Concubine Han Gui and King Huai."

"It's easy for you to say." Referring to those two people, the empress's cold tone implied that she was unwilling to grit her teeth, "You think that this palace doesn't want to get rid of her. All these years, only bitch Han has always been the root of this palace's heart. However, although none of Jiangdong Han's family is an official in the court, they are wealthy and powerful. Half of the treasury's annual income comes from Jiangdong. The Han family is responsible for the supply. If they offend the Han family rashly, they will withdraw, and it will be Feng'er who will suffer in the end. Therefore, over the years, the Han bitch has dared to be confident, completely disregarding this palace, and even wishful thinking that their seat..."

Murong Ting thought for a moment, and said: "If we can make other merchants work for us, the Han family will have nothing to fear."

The queen said coldly: "It's not easy to say. Those families with a little bit of family background all pretend to be high-minded and ask them to pay taxes. Apart from anything else, a large amount of gold and silver are generously handed over to the treasury. If you want to get involved with them, you should avoid them for fear." It’s not as good as it is called obeying the law and obeying the law. It’s not willing to cooperate with the government and businessmen. The pressure is tight. When several companies join forces, they don’t have to pay taxes. If they don’t manage well, the business loses money, and it’s down for several reasons. In the end, the loss is still It's not the national treasury... I really don't understand, it's just a group of lowly businessmen, how can there be such a big stinking air."

Murong father and son couldn't help but fell silent when they heard the words, although they have power in the government and are good at leading troops to fight, but they don't know anything about business.

Although the status of a businessman is not high, the economy is the foundation of a country. A businessman has nothing but money. With money, he has noble capital.As long as they did not violate the laws of the country, even the imperial court would have no choice but to kill them all. No one dared to estimate the possible consequences.

After all, what they want is a rich treasury, where they can enjoy the honor of the throne, instead of worrying about the empty treasury every day, worrying about the food and grass for dozens of soldiers and horses, and staying up at night.

"Auntie." Murong Chen raised his head slightly, "My nephew thinks of someone, maybe I can give it a try."

The queen's eyes lit up: "Oh?"

Murong Chen bowed and said, "Auntie, please forgive me. After nephew settles the matter, I will report to Auntie, okay?"

The queen thought for a while, then nodded: "Chen'er, it's hard for you to work so hard for Feng'er, I really saw you right."

Murong Chen lowered his head solemnly: "Auntie is serious, this is a nephew's job."

After leaving Qifeng Palace, it was already the end of the day, Murong and his son walked side by side all the way towards the palace gate, their pace was leisurely, not anxious or impatient, a bit like a walk, and they didn't worry at all about being questioned by the guards patrolling in the middle of the night.

"Chen'er, are you sure about what you just said?"

Murong Chen raised his head and looked up at the sky, only to see stars twinkling in the darkness, the light was so dazzling that one couldn't help but take off one to find out, "Dad, I know that besides the imperial capital Fengcheng, the most prosperous place in Cang Yue is the so-called where?"

"Could it be..."

"That's right, it's Yuecheng, which is thousands of miles away. The city lord of Yuecheng is a bold person who likes to make friends from all walks of life. My child met him once many years ago. If I can get his help, then This action will definitely get twice the result with half the effort. As for confidence, I have no confidence, so I can only give it a try."

Murong Ting was silent for a moment, and said, "Is there any danger in Chen'er's trip?"

Murong Chen smiled indifferently: "There is no danger, the worst is to return empty-handed. Besides, it's not that Daddy doesn't know about the child's martial arts. There are not many people who can easily hurt the child."

"When we go this time, we can also take a look at the whereabouts of the Moon King. My child learned that the last time he showed up was in the Moon City."

Murong Ting paused, looking at his proud son: "Chen'er, you seem to have doubts about the news you got about Moon King?"

"My boy just feels that something is wrong. If he really only has two personal guards by his side, no matter how strong his martial arts are, he won't be able to annihilate the dozens of masters sent by Haier. It is still unknown. If he is really just an idle prince who loves mountains and rivers, even if he has expert guards, he is nothing to be afraid of. I am afraid that things are beyond our expectations. So when the child goes, it is necessary to find out a definite result."

Murong Ting nodded, looking at the palace gate that was very close in front of him: "Everything is better to be careful, if there is something really wrong with the Moon King, you must get rid of it at all costs... Going out is no better than being at home, people in the martial arts are overbearing." I'm used to it, but it doesn't matter what your status is. Take Ding Zhong and the others with you, so you can rest assured as a father."

"Well, my son knows. The trip is far away, and it is estimated that it will take a month to go back and forth. My son will leave early tomorrow morning, so please worry about everything at home."

Speaking of this, the two of them stopped at the same time, looked at the closed palace gate in front of them, and walked to the front with a steady and powerful step with the young man in the uniform of the commander of the black imperial guards.

The 28-year-old man is not very handsome, but he is absolutely resolute and stylish. He is tall and thin, with wide shoulders and narrow hips. His skin has a healthy bronze color due to long-term exposure to the sun. He does not have any strong family background. Relying on his extraordinary martial arts and courage, and his impeccable loyalty to the royal family, he has gradually reached the high position of the commander of the Imperial Army step by step.

"I've met General Murong." Back straightened without bending, he just cupped his fists in salute.

"Sub-commander, you're being polite." Murong Ting nodded lightly, "Tonight the commander is on duty?"

"Yes." After a brief answer, he asked immediately, "It's so late, I don't know if the general and the young master are staying in the palace, what's the matter?"

Murong Ting said: "His Royal Highness is away with his troops and hasn't returned for a long time. The empress misses her son very much. I brought my dog ​​here to comfort me. I have to come here at night because I have official duties during the day. The commander must be able to forgive me. ?”

"I've offended you." She clasped her fists again, and then waved her hand to signal the imperial guards to open the palace gate, "The harem is a forbidden place, the general should know, although the empress and the general are brothers and sisters, it's better for the general to avoid suspicion in the future, otherwise the emperor will hold Come down, the general and the subordinates cannot escape their responsibility."

Murong Ting nodded and said: "This old man was negligent, thank you Commander for reminding me."

He raised his hand to signal: "General, please."

Murong Ting said: "Thank you."

Murong Chen also nodded in salute, then followed his father's footsteps and walked outside the palace gate.

Not far from the palace gate, an inconspicuous carriage parked quietly in the dark night, and when the two got into the carriage, Murong Cai solemnly asked: "This man is a rare talent, and he will be your cousin's greatest help in the future." , when you see him in the future, try to be polite and don't conflict with him."

Murong Chen was puzzled: "How does Daddy know that he will be loyal to his cousin in the future?"

"This man was born in a poor family in Cangzhou, but he is skilled in martial arts. Cangzhou is close to the country of Lan. A few years ago, because of a trivial matter, he offended several wealthy sons of the country of Lan who sneaked into Cangzhou for fun in micro-services. They were hunted down by dozens of masters and were seriously injured. His Highness Just now I was training with my father in the army, and I met him in Cangzhou by chance, so I rescued him." Murong Ting said lightly, and narrated the cause and effect, "Later, your cousin saw that he was very skilled in martial arts, so he appointed him as the general of the Yulin Army. , In just a few years, he relied on his own ability to step by step become the supreme commander of the Habayashi, Tiger and Ben armies, and won the trust of the emperor. Perhaps this is why your cousin arranged him in the Imperial Guard."

No wonder he just asked a few simple questions before letting him go. He thought that the Murong family was so powerful that even the commander of the imperial guards who was directly under the emperor's jurisdiction did not dare to take advantage of it easily.

Murong Chen's expression moved slightly, as if he wanted to say something, but in the end he just nodded lightly, "My child understands."

The carriage gradually drifted away until it completely disappeared into the night. Then the mighty young man in black ordered the palace gate to be closed, and turned around. His figure flickered. Under the cover of the night, the black figure shot toward the emperor's bedroom like a shooting star. go.

(End of this chapter)