The Red Mansions

Chapter 1684 Qi Kun: Otherwise, why would King Wei be so calm?

Chapter 1684 Qi Kun: Otherwise, why would King Wei be so calm?

In the study room of Ningguo Mansion in Shenjing City——

Looking up at the young man in python robe walking into the room from outside, Chen Xiao walked around from behind a lacquered wooden desk and handed him the paper in his hand.

The beauty's eyes were as clear as water under her curved eyebrows. She said softly, "The Jinyi Mansion in Jinling has just sent a message that Yan Mao, the Minister of Works in Nanjing, Kuang Chun, the Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, Dong Chongxue, the Minister of Personnel, and others are attached to Hao Jiru and the King of Wu."

Jia Heng was silent for a moment, then said, "The King of Wu is a descendant of Emperor Taizong. Although he has been a distant relative of the imperial family for several generations, he still has delusions and covets the throne."

Chen Xiao reminded them and said, "In addition to the King of Wu, the Princes of Ning, Lu and other vassal kings, as well as the relatives of the emperors of Taizong and Longzhi, have also begun to stir recently, integrating their personal guards and servants to respond to the rebellion of the King of Wu and the Hao family. As for the gentry in the south of the Yangtze River, they are secretly transporting silk and silk, which seems to be forming a situation of confrontation between the north and the south."

Jia Heng's face was as cold as ice, and he said in a cold voice: "It's a good opportunity to gather together and annihilate them."

Chen Xiao responded softly, saying, "Recently, there have also been rumors in the capital that a small court will be established in the south, and in the future it will be the southern and northern courts, facing each other across the river."

Jia Heng looked indifferent and said in a cold voice: "Northern and Southern Dynasties? It's really wishful thinking!"

Chen Xiao said in a clear voice: "Some people in the capital say that the North has strong troops and horses, while the South has abundant money and grain. Without the money and grain from the South, the North will not be able to hold out for half a year and will fall into chaos."

Jia Heng was silent for a moment, then said, "Then it is impossible to use the troops from the north to go south and rob the money and food from the south?"

Chen Xiao nodded and said, "That's true, but if the North and South Dynasties confront each other, war will inevitably break out again, and people will suffer. As a result, the war will continue, and there will be no peace in the world forever."

Jia Heng's clear eyes flickered under his sword-like brows, and he whispered, "Then wait a little longer and go fishing."

Chen Xiao reminded: "You can't keep fishing, otherwise, more people will be against you."

Jia Heng nodded, his cold and bright eyes flickered, and he said softly: "I understand, otherwise the officials who were just sitting on the fence would also throw themselves into the arms of the Southern Dynasty."

If we continue to tolerate "rebellion", it may cause soldiers and generals who originally had no intention of rebelling to do so.

Jia Heng was silent for a moment, his bright eyes flickered, and he said in a cold voice: "When we are almost done, we can close the net."

The conservative forces in Jiangnan cannot be eliminated in one go.

Chen Xiao gently stroked her flat belly and said softly, "Ye Nuan came to the mansion today to see Gu Ruoqing. You go and see what's going on."

Ye Nuan had actually been in Shenjing for quite some time, but Jia Heng did not go to meet this mature woman.

Jia Heng picked up the teacup, took a sip, and said, "The Marquis of Annan is here to offer his daughter for marriage, but it's a pity that I'm not King Zhou."

Chen Xiao asked, "Why don't you go over and take a look? She asked about the Ye family several times before."

Jia Heng whispered, "I'll go over and take a look."

As he spoke, he stood up, stretched out his hands and gently embraced Chen Xiao's delicate body, and gently stroked Chen Xiao's lower abdomen with both hands. Although he did not feel much fetal movement, he had a faint feeling of blood connection.

It is so mysterious and bizarre that it makes people's heart tremble.

Chen Xiao leaned her plump and graceful body against the arms of the young man in the python costume and said, "Stop messing around, let's go over and take a look."

Jia Heng gently put his arm around Chen Xiao's waist, and the two of them snuggled up to each other for a while without saying anything else.

Chen Xiao's snow-white face flushed red, and her delicate, straight nose snorted as she watched Jia Heng leave.

At this moment, it was midsummer in the house where Gu Ruoqing lived. The summer was scorching, and the scorching heat was rising. Cicadas were chirping non-stop on the paulownia trees, making people feel upset.

Ice cubes were placed in the four corners of the room. As the ice cubes melted into water, they took away a lot of heat, making the room cool and refreshing.

Ye Nuan was wearing a scarlet dress with hibiscus petals embroidered on the collar and cuffs. Her hair was tied in a beautiful bun and her figure was plump and beautiful, just like a gorgeous peony.

Gu Ruoqing raised her emerald eyebrows, her eyes flickered, and she stared at Ye Nuan opposite her, saying, "Sister, I see that you have been in the capital for many days, but you haven't seen the prince yet?"

Ye Nuan chuckled, her snow-white face bright and charming, and said enviously: "Your prince is a very busy man. Now all the affairs of the world are on his shoulders."

Under Gu Ruoqing's emerald eyebrows, her beautiful eyes were charming and flowing. She said, "The prince has been busy with military affairs and government affairs in recent years, and he didn't have much time to spend with his family."

Ye Nuan raised her eyebrows, her eyes were full of smiles, and she said, "You will have a lot of free time in the future. I can take you to Jiangnan at that time."

Gu Ruoqing's beautiful eyes were in a trance under her emerald eyebrows, and she seemed to have a bit of yearning in her eyes. She said in a gentle voice, "Come to think of it, I haven't been back to Jiangnan for a few years."

Ye Nuan said with concern: "But it's not possible now. Jiangnan has been in chaos recently. It's not easy to go there."

Gu Ruoqing nodded and said, "Wait until the birth is over before going there. The chaos in Jiangnan should have been resolved long ago."

At this moment, a tall and beautiful maid quickly entered the room and said, "Madam, the prince is here."

Among Jia Heng's many wives, except for a few concubines who were still called princesses, the servants called all other women "madam".

When Ye Nuan heard this, a smile spread across her plump and lovely face, and she said, "Ruoqing, your master is here."

While he was speaking, he saw the young man in the python robe walking towards him from outside, with a heroic look between his brows and clear eyes as clear as a god.

Jia Heng smiled widely and said, "Ruoqing, she is taking care of her baby now."

Gu Ruoqing's snow-white face showed an endless smile, and she said, "My Lord, you are here."

Jia Heng nodded, walked closer, turned to look at Ye Nuan beside him, and asked, "Mrs. Ye is here to see Ruoqing, too?"

Ye Nuan quickly stood up, her plump and lovely face flushed, she chuckled and said, "Prince Wei, it's been a long time since we last met, you are still as charming as ever."

Jia Heng smiled and said, "Madam Ye, you are too kind. I haven't seen Madam Ye for a while, and she is still as beautiful as ever."

Ye Nuan said softly, "Prince Wei, my father asked me to say hello to Prince Wei."

Jia Heng nodded, his eyes flickered, and said, "I know that Lord Ye was very brave in the Southern Province and was dealing with treacherous villains."

After this incident, Ye Zhen, Marquis of Annan, could be granted the title of Duke.

Ye Nuan said, "Prince Wei, my father has now become the leader of the rebels in Jiangnan. After the rebellion in Jiangnan is quelled, how will Prince Wei present my father to others?"

Jia Heng thought for a moment and whispered, "Marquis Ye can use the excuse that he was deceived and finally surrender to the court. The court will fine him three years' salary and not pursue his crime. After a few years, he will definitely be punished."

Ye Nuan nodded, her eyes lowered, and she felt relieved in her heart.

Jia Heng was silent for a moment, his clear eyes flickered, he looked at Ye Nuan intently, and whispered: "If Madam Ye has any shortage or lack in the capital, don't be polite, just let someone inform the Jinyifu guards guarding the door."

Ye Nuan glanced at Gu Ruoqing who was not far away, and she was quite tactful and said with a smile: "You talk to Ruoqing first, I'll take my leave now."

Gu Ruoqing's eyes were as bright as water under her emerald eyebrows. She whispered, "Then Sister Ye, take care."

After Ye Nuan left, Jia Heng walked a few steps quickly, came to Gu Ruoqing and sat down, took Gu Ruoqing's delicate hand, and said, "Ruoqing, let me see how the fetus is doing."

As he spoke, Jia Heng put his ear close to Gu Ruoqing's bulging belly, listening to the movements of the bulging belly.

Several months have passed since Gu Ruoqing became pregnant. Her body is getting heavier and the fetus in her belly is gradually taking shape.

Jia Heng's expression paused slightly, and he looked at Gu Ruoqing intently. He felt an inexplicable feeling in his heart and asked, "Ruoqing, have you been suffering from morning sickness recently?"

Gu Ruoqing said: "Your Highness, I don't have any morning sickness here."

Jia Heng smiled and said, "That's good."

Gu Ruoqing looked at Jia Heng intently and asked, "Isn't Junior Sister Xiaoxiao pregnant too?"

Jia Heng said, "She hasn't shown much signs of being pregnant yet. I didn't let her take care of things outside before, but she really can't let go of what's going on outside. She just helped me collect intelligence on the chaos in Jiangnan. It's really worrying."

Gu Ruoqing's beautiful face showed worry, and she asked, "Is there chaos in Jiangnan?"

Jia Heng smiled and said indifferently: "You should have seen what Ye Nuan and I said just now. I just lured the snake out of its hole."

Gu Ruoqing said worriedly, "The chaos in Jiangnan won't be too serious, right?"

Jia Heng said: "It will be over soon, it's not a big deal."

As he spoke, he gently stretched out a hand, gently embraced Gu Ruoqing's slender shoulders, kissed her soft and slightly moist lips, and captured the sweet and fragrant breath.

Gu Ruoqing let out a soft moan from her beautiful, straight nose, and two bright, charming red clouds suddenly appeared on both sides of her snow-white face.

Jia Heng said in a gentle voice: "Ruoqing, you should take care of your body during this period and make sure nothing goes wrong."

Gu Ruoqing hummed softly and pressed her snow-white face against the chest of the young man in the python costume. Listening to the strong thumping heartbeat of the young man in the python costume, an indescribable peace surged in her heart.

……

……

Palace Garden, Wuying Palace——

The chief minister of the cabinet Qi Kun, the second chief minister Lin Ruhai, as well as the grand councilor and minister of war Shi Jie, Prince of Beijing Shui Rong and others sat on armchairs and were discussing the military situation in the south.

Qi Kun's eyes were gleaming under his thick eyebrows as he said, "Everyone, I think you have all seen the express message from the Ministry of War. The King of Wu and the Jiangnan Camp are rebelling in Jinling and want to invade the capital. You are all important officials of the court. Do you have any good ideas?"

He did not expect that the Jiangnan Camp and the King of Wu would actually send troops south, and actually let the two of them succeed, actually captured Nanjing and established the overall situation.

As he spoke, Qi Kun looked at Shui Rong who was sitting beside him and said, "Prince Shui is the chief military official, so you will explain the situation in Jiangnan."

Shui Rong was silent for a moment, then said, "Yuan Fu, in Jiangnan, in addition to the soldiers in the Jiangnan Camp, the court has also stockpiled a lot of elite soldiers in the Jiangbei Camp in Yangzhou, led by Fourth Uncle Shui. If there is any trouble in Jinling, the Jiangbei Camp can rush to help at any time. In addition, the naval vessels of the Jiangnan Navy are still cruising in the coastal waters, ready to respond to border affairs at any time."

As he spoke, he looked at the Minister of War Shi Jie and asked, "What do you think, Minister Shi?"

Under Shi Jie's thick eyebrows, his calm and resolute eyes flickered, and he said, "In Jiangnan, many of the soldiers and generals in the Jiangnan camp were selected by the imperial court through the Ministry of Personnel, and some of them have served under the King of Wei and made military achievements. In theory, they should not be implicated in treason."

Qi Kun said: "It's hard to say. After all, they are all native to Jiangnan. It's possible that they are dissatisfied with the court."

Lin Ruhai frowned, his eyes were deep, and he asked, "There is a rebellion in Nanjing. How will the court suppress it next?"

Shui Rong took over the conversation and said, "Send someone to invite King Wei to come and make a decision."

Qi Kun was silent for a moment, and then said, "Military affairs are dangerous and have a bearing on the country, so only the King of Wei can make the decision."

He wanted to see how Prince Wei would make up his mind. Now the whole of Jiangnan was opposing the imperial court. Although southerners were weak in culture, they were also stubborn. Since they had a great dispute with Prince Wei, they would naturally fight to the death.

As he spoke, he ordered the cabinet clerk standing beside him, saying in a loud voice: "Go and invite King Wei over."

However, just as the cabinet clerk responded and turned to leave, he heard another cabinet clerk hurriedly enter the wing room and said, "Sir, the King of Wei is here."

Qi Kun looked at Prince Beijing Shui Rong and Lin Ruhai standing beside him, then stood up and went out to greet them.

At this moment, the young man in the python robe had a tall and straight figure, handsome eyebrows, and when he walked, he was tall and majestic, with a dignified demeanor.

Jia Heng's cold, sharp eyes scanned the people present under his thick eyebrows and asked, "Are you discussing military affairs in Jiangnan?"

Qi Kun said, "Prince Wei, the King of Wu and Hao Jiru of Jiangnan have rebelled in Jiangnan. Many civil officials in Jiangnan have joined the rebellion. Moreover, the autumn grain is no longer delivered to the capital. What do you think should be done about this?"

Jia Heng's sword-like eyebrows slanted into his temples, his clear eyes were full of light, and he whispered, "The situation will change recently."

Cai Quan is in the Jiangbei camp at the moment. If he wants to suppress the rebellion in the Jinling city, it is actually quite easy. He doesn't even need the troops from the Jiangbei camp. He only needs to pretend to send an imperial edict to Annan Hou Ye Zhen, and ask him to surrender and he will forgive his past mistakes!

Then, Ye Zhen, Marquis of Annan, could take advantage of the situation and lead the soldiers of the Jiangnan camp to rebel in time and capture King Wu, Hao Jiru and others again.

Qi Kun asked with a questioning look in his eyes, "What does the King of Wei mean?"

Jia Heng said: "The Jiangbei camp and the Jiangnan navy have already prepared their troops, and the army is approaching Nanjing City in a mighty manner. I think it won't take long before the Nanjing Rebellion is quelled."

When Qi Kun heard this, his heart suddenly moved. Could it be... there is another conspiracy behind this?

Otherwise, why was King Wei so calm?

Considering that Li Zan and Xu Lu had previously colluded with the Beijing camp troops and were eventually suspected of being tricked by Shanhai Hou Cao Bianjiao, Qi Kun also had all kinds of speculations in his mind at this moment.

Is this a repeat of the old trick, taking the opportunity to wipe out all the opposition forces in Jiangnan?

When Qi Kun thought of this, he was shocked, and waves suddenly surged in his calm heart.

He said, "Prince Wei has always been a shrewd and resourceful man, how could he be completely unaware of the rebellion in the south of the Yangtze River?"

I'm afraid that King Wei still has some plans involved.

Under Lin Ruhai's brows, his wise and bright eyes looked at Jia Heng's wise expression with a twinkling look, and his heart was somewhat confident.

With Zi Yu's ability to control the world, he would never allow Jiangnan to become in such a chaos.

But, what was it that he couldn't see clearly?

Because Jia Heng had not yet told Lin Ruhai the hidden story behind the Jiangnan turmoil, so Lin Ruhai was not fully aware of Jia Heng's plan.

Shui Rong and Shi Jie also looked at the young man in the python robe with puzzled eyes, and a thoughtful look appeared on their faces.