The Red Mansions

Chapter 1642 Jia Heng: Your Highness is not the Emperor yet!

Chapter 1642 Jia Heng: ...Your Highness is not the Emperor yet!

Palace Garden, Wuying Hall, Hall Center

Chen Ze was wearing a python robe, and while he was speaking, he walked quickly towards the hall, and a look of surprise appeared on his jade-white face.

Soon, a young man in a python robe with a tall figure and a heroic face walked up quickly and asked, "Brother-in-law, why are you here?"

Jia Heng said in a clear voice: "Your Highness, the Eighth Prince, I want to have a few words with Lord Li."

Chen Ze raised his eyes to look at the young man in python robes, his gaze deep, and called out: "Brother-in-law, Empress Dowager Zeng wants to see you."

Obviously, this "new king" is also a smart person and wants to suppress Jia Heng in the name of Empress Dowager Feng.

"Your Highness, the Eighth Prince, I will go see the Empress Dowager Zeng later." Jia Heng remained unmoved and said, "Your Highness, the Eighth Prince, Li Zan and Xu Lu have committed treason, deposed the young emperor, and disrupted the order of the Han Dynasty. They need to be handed over to the authorities immediately for trial."

When these words were spoken, Chen Ze felt inexplicably frightened.

Jia Heng said this without paying attention to the reactions of the people around him. He turned his head to look at the Jinyifu guards beside him and shouted in a deep voice: "Come here, quickly arrest Li Xu and the other two!"

"Ping ping pong pong..."

But then a burst of hurried and chaotic footsteps were heard, and then a large number of Jinyifu guards holding embroidered spring swords could be seen quickly entering the hall.

Then, the Jinyifu guards suddenly held down the arms of Li Zan and Xu Lu, looking ferocious and murderous.

Li Zan's expression suddenly changed, but he quickly calmed down and said in a deep voice, "Prince Wei, you are recklessly using force against the ministers in the Wuying Palace. I wonder where the court's laws are?"

A feeling of urgency welled up in my heart.

Where are Cao Bianjiao and Yan Ye now?

Jia Heng said coldly: "A few days ago, you forced the new emperor to abdicate in Wuying Palace. Do you take the court's laws to heart?"

Chen Ze was very anxious and asked, "Brother-in-law, what crime did Lord Li commit?"

Jia Heng said in a deep voice: "Deposing and enthroning a young emperor is a crime that disrupts the government. Such a heinous act is punishable by the death of all nine generations of the family. I am a veteran minister of three dynasties and a minister appointed by the late emperor. How can I sit back and watch without helping the country?"

As he spoke, he looked at the Jinyifu guards standing beside him and shouted, "Take Li Zan and Xu Lu away! Put them in the imperial prison!"

"Yes." Upon hearing this, the Jinyi Guards responded in unison.

Xu Lu shouted: "Prince Wei, the Empress Dowager Zeng has already issued an imperial decree to establish the new emperor. Now that the imperial decree has been issued throughout China and abroad, and there is another reversal, how do the scholars of the world view the court?"

Jia Heng's cold eyes fell on Xu Lu's face under his sword-like eyebrows, and he sneered, "The Empress Dowager Zeng was deceived by you, and the imperial edict she issued was a forged edict. How can she win the trust of the scholars of the world?"

With a wave of his hand, several Jinyifu guards were seen holding down the arms of Li Zan and others, and then, regardless of Li Zan's struggle, they pushed them out of the Wuying Palace.

Seeing this, Chen Ze became anxious and shouted, "Stop it!"

Then, when the Jinyifu guards saw this, they paused and looked intently at the young man in the python robe.

It’s not that they are afraid of Chen Ze’s title of “new emperor”, but everyone knows that Chen Ze is Jia Heng’s brother-in-law.

Jia Heng did not back down and said in a deep voice, "Take him away!"

Upon seeing this, the Jinyifu guards responded in unison and immediately escorted Li Zan and Xu Lu out of the hall.

At this moment, the entire palace was silent, with only the atmosphere of war silently filling the air.

At this point, everyone present knew who the real owner of this palace was.

Chen Ze's fair and handsome face had turned as black as the bottom of a pot. His hands hidden in his sleeves were clenched so tightly that the knuckles turned white, and it was obvious that he was suppressing his anger.

He is the emperor, and his brother-in-law didn't give him any face at all.

No wonder Lord Li often said that the Prince of Wei’s rebellious intentions were obvious!

Traitors are nothing more than this!

It can be said that Chen Ze has grown into a handsome young man. The blood of the Chen Han royal family flowing in his body determines that he will inevitably regard the relatives who interfere with the imperial power as a serious threat.

Chen Ze almost gritted his teeth and said word by word: "Prince Wei, I am the emperor."

Jia Heng met those calm eyes and said with a sneer, "Your Highness, before the coronation ceremony, Your Highness is not the emperor yet!"

At this moment, it is not only a fight for succession, but also a fight for life and death. He must not be allowed to ascend the throne as his brother-in-law.

Even if they were to support a puppet, they could not find such an old prince to be the king. It would be even more difficult to depose him after only one or two years.

He needs time to build up his faction and wings.

At this moment, looking into Jia Heng's eyes, Chen Ze felt the icy murderous aura, and his heart was shaken, and he didn't dare to look into his eyes for a moment.

After Jia Heng had ordered his men to take Li Zan and Xu Lu out of the palace, he looked at the eunuch beside him and said, "Come here, send His Royal Highness the Eighth Prince back to Funing Palace."

The Jinyifu guards responded with a promise, then came up to Chen Ze, grabbed Chen Ze's arm, and said, "Eighth Prince, let's go."

Seeing this, Chen Ze asked in surprise: "What are you going to do?"

How dare these Jinyifu guards be so rude? He is the new emperor!

Jia Heng was silent for a moment, then said, "The Eighth Prince can go to Funing Palace to rest first."

At this point, the relationship has completely fallen out, so there is no need to be too concerned about feelings.

Immediately, Chen Ze's face turned pale as paper and his hands and feet were cold.

Are they going to put him under house arrest?

As the Jinyi Guards stepped forward and surrounded Chen Ze, the situation was settled.

Jia Heng asked loudly, "Where is Jia Fang?"

At this moment, a military commander came out from under the eaves. He had a heroic face and clasped his fists and said, "Here I am."

Jia Heng said: "Send the soldiers from the training camp to take over the palace again, seal off the palace roads, and strictly prevent scoundrels and criminals."

He never went to a meeting alone. The entire Shenjing City, from the Beijing Camp to the Palace Guards, from the Five Cities Army to the Jinyifu Guards, there were his people everywhere.

If Li and Xu had not been forced to rebel before, they would not have been given any chance at all.

On the other side, Chen Ze, accompanied by the Jinyi Palace guards, left the Wuying Palace in a moment.

Jia Heng took a deep breath and looked into the frightened eyes of the cabinet clerks in the hall.

Jia Heng immediately looked at Qi Kun, whose face was as pale as paper, and said in a deep voice, "Lord Qi, from now on, you, Lord Liu, and Lord Zhao will jointly preside over the daily affairs of the cabinet."

Although the imperial edict to depose the young emperor was drafted by Qi Kun, he was more influenced by Li Zan. Now he should purge the stubborn elements such as Li Zan and Xu Lu first.

At this moment, Qi Kun looked at the young man in the python robe who was looking around with disdainful eyes, and his heart was also immersed in a huge shock.

Prince Wei risked the world's condemnation by arresting cabinet ministers in front of the "new emperor". Wasn't he afraid of being condemned by people all over the world?

However, considering the changes in the situation over the past six months, the changes in the situation in Shenjing City are almost like a revolving lantern, which is really dazzling.

In other words, the cabinet officials took the lead in deposing the young emperor, risking the public's disapproval, and thus officially marked the beginning of the political turmoil in the Chen and Han dynasties.

People in the world will firstly get used to it, and secondly they will also think that it was Li and Xu who broke the rules first.

Jia Heng took a deep look at Qi Kun and said in a deep voice, "Lord Qi, please wait here. I will go see the Empress Dowager Zeng."

If one wants to reinstate the son of Queen Song, one still needs the decree of Empress Dowager Feng, which would provide legal endorsement.

But before that, I have to go and see Tianniuer.

Palace Garden, Palace——

Queen Song sat down in the side room. Her fair and delicate face seemed to be covered with a layer of rouge, and she looked as bright and beautiful as a peach blossom.

Queen Song stared at Chen Luo who was not far away, her eyes full of charm, and her snow-white face was full of joy and doting.

"Luo'er, you will be the emperor soon." Queen Song trimmed her eyebrows, unable to hide the joy in her eyes, and gave instructions to her son.

Chen Luo, who inherited the handsome face of Queen Song and Jia Heng, showed a puzzled look and asked, "Mother, isn't the new emperor a mynah bird?"

The news that Chen Ze was made the new emperor by Empress Dowager Feng had spread throughout the entire palace in the past few days, intentionally or unintentionally by Concubine Duanrong.

Queen Song said, "Luo'er, that doesn't count. This is because your father...your brother-in-law made you the emperor. When you become the emperor, you must work hard and love the people."

Whether she can sit on the throne longer in the future, she still needs to seek the opinion of King Wei.

At this moment, a young eunuch with a white face and no beard entered the palace and said, "My queen, it seems that the King of Wei has arrived."

As he was speaking, a tall young man in a python robe came out from outside, walked around a wooden embroidered screen, and quickly entered the square warm room in the hall.

The man, Xiao Xuanshuo, had an upright figure and came close in a flash.

"Zi Yu, you're here." Queen Song raised her beautiful head with long black hair like a waterfall. From under her two slender eyebrows, her beautiful eyes looked at the young man in the python robe with affection.

Jia Heng nodded and said, "I came here this time to tell you something."

Queen Song's beautiful face was filled with joy, and she asked, "Earlier, Sister Rong Fei told me that you were planning to make Luo Er the emperor?"

Jia Heng was silent for a moment, then said, "What I mean is that Luo'er is indeed the king."

When Queen Song heard this, her cold and sparkling eyes flickered under her slender eyebrows, and she asked, "What about Ze'er?"

Jia Heng said: "Ze'er's enthronement was entirely due to the cabinet's random orders, which are not credible. Now is the time to put things right."

When Queen Song heard this, her charming eyes flickered and she said, "Will Concubine Rong and Xianning be sad?"

After all, Concubine Duanrong is Jia Heng's mother-in-law.

Jia Heng said: "Everything is for the sake of the Han Dynasty. I can't care about so many personal feelings."

Some of Xianning’s ideas of “having the best of both worlds” are normal.

In fact, when he usurped the throne of Chen Han, apart from Xiaoxiao's strong support, except for Queen Song who hated Emperor Chongping, Xianning was able to remain neutral, which showed her deep affection for him.

The kind of love-minded person who is willing to give up his kingdom for love is one in a million.

Queen Song said softly, "That's fine. I will try to persuade Concubine Rong in the next two days."

Jia Heng said, "Wait a minute, take Luo'er with me to Changle Palace to meet Empress Dowager Zeng."

Queen Song nodded and asked, "What about Zhen?"

Jia Heng was silent for a moment, then said, "I'll talk to her later."

In fact, enthroning Chen Luo was a buffer zone in his game with the civil officials, or it could be said to be a correction to the chaos in Bashu over the past six months.

If we look back at the past six months, we can see that Jia Heng used the dethronement of Chen Jie to wipe out the opposition forces in the court, such as Gao Zhongping and Li Zan, and then eliminated Zhen Qing's ambition.

And Chen Luo is the real "child emperor".

Sweet girls are naturally soft-hearted, um, they are simple-minded and easy to control.

It can be imagined that after this incident, his control over the Han Dynasty court will be further strengthened.

This was the reason why he allowed Li Zan and Xu Lu to depose Chen Jie. Through repeated political turmoil, he cleansed out the opposition forces in the court and gradually established his prestige as King Wei.

At this moment, Queen Song stared at Chen Luo beside her, her eyes flickered, and she whispered, "Luo'er, go to the side hall to study first. I want to talk to your brother-in-law for a few more words."

Chen Luo hummed softly, and then returned to the side hall accompanied by a eunuch.

Queen Song's tone was not without worry, and she whispered, "Will the cabinet agree to make Luo'er the emperor?"

Jia Heng's eyes sparkled as he said in a deep voice, "Li Zan has been imprisoned, and all the ministers in the cabinet agree that Luo'er can ascend the throne as emperor."

Those who opposed it have been sent to jail, and the rest are the ones who agree.

Upon hearing this, Queen Song felt a little relieved and said, "If that's the case, then it's all right."

At this moment, the beauty gently pursed her pink lips, clearly wanting to say something but stopping herself.

He wanted to put aside the question of whether Jia Heng would eventually usurp the throne, but he suppressed it in his heart again.

Before he knew it, he asked about something else, "After Luo'er ascends the throne, he is still young. How can he take care of state affairs?"

Jia Heng raised his sword-like eyebrows, staring at Empress Song with a burning gaze, and asked thoughtfully, "Do you also want to rule the country from behind the curtain?"

Queen Song's eyes flickered, and she whispered, "I was thinking that Luo'er is still young, so I'll help look after him from behind."

Jia Heng said: "That's not necessary. After all, your reputation is a little bad, which may affect Luo'er's orthodoxy."

Queen Song: “…”

This little fox, what nonsense is he talking about.

"What about state affairs?" asked Queen Song.

Jia Heng's eyes flickered, and he said, "I have another way."

At that time, let Chen Luojia appoint him as the regent king, and then take back the power of government affairs from the civil officials.

At this point, he could gain control of all civil and military power, start the imperial examinations, gradually win over the hearts of scholars throughout the world, and prepare for a change of dynasty.

This is the process of cutting sausages.

Well, it’s not that we don’t need a regent, but the smell of a regent is too strong, as it implies usurping the throne.

Jia Heng gently stroked Queen Song's shoulder, looked at her with twinkling eyes, and said in a deep voice: "Pack up and let's go to the Queen Mother."

Queen Song hummed softly, then stood up and followed Jia Heng to the outer room.

……

……

Palace Garden, Changle Palace

Empress Dowager Feng was wearing a dress with the word "Shou" on it and was kneeling on an apricot-yellow cushion. In front of her was a black lacquered wooden desk, and on the wall hung a central hall painting.

At this moment, Empress Dowager Feng was holding a wooden drum in her hand and beating the wooden fish non-stop, and the sound of the wooden fish echoed throughout the entire hall.

At this moment, the sound of wooden fish rang out in the hall, making the hall seem spacious and quiet.

In the hall, from the three-legged, six-eared animal head incense burner, you can see the aroma rising, and a refreshing sandalwood scent spreads in the hall.

The maid entered the palace and said, "Empress Dowager, Prince Wei wants to see you."

Empress Dowager Feng turned around and looked in the direction of the voice.

As they were talking, Jia Heng entered the hall first, bowed to Empress Dowager Feng, and said, "Your humble servant greets you, Your Majesty."

Queen Mother Feng looked at the visitor and said in a neutral tone, "Prince Wei, please stand up."

At this moment, looking at the young man who bowed to salute, Empress Dowager Feng's eyes were unconsciously a little dazed.

Strictly speaking, Prince Wei is still her son-in-law.

It’s just that this son-in-law is really... hard to describe.

Queen Mother Feng suppressed her thoughts and asked, "What is Prince Wei doing here?"

Jia Heng raised his eyebrows, his eyes deep, and said, "Reporting to the Empress Dowager, Li Zan and others have deceived the people with lies, committed treason, and tried to depose and enthrone. I have come to report this to the Empress Dowager."

Empress Dowager Feng said, "Zi Yu, Li Zan also told me before that Chen Jie's bloodline is still questionable. I also agree to depose Chen Jie and establish Chen Ze as the new heir."

Jia Heng said, "This is just hearsay, how can your Majesty believe it?"

Empress Dowager Feng said, "According to what Li Zan said, there are many suspicious points, but it doesn't seem to be groundless. Moreover, Gao Zhongping rebelled in Bashu because of the bloodline issue. Otherwise, given Gao Zhongping's loyalty to Emperor Shizong, he would not have rebelled. And the recent earthquake in Taiyuan is not a warning from Heaven."

Empress Dowager Feng said solemnly, "The matter of the royal bloodline is of great importance. Prince Wei, even if you come from Jinyang, I will still say the same thing."

Jia Heng said loudly: "Li Zan and others are planning to depose the emperor based on their own speculation. This is really treasonous!"

Empress Dowager Feng said, "I have also confirmed this."

Jia Heng said: "Your Majesty, such arbitrary actions of deposing and enthroning the emperor are truly a disaster for the country and the people. It is a disaster, not a blessing, for the country and society."

Empress Dowager Feng said: "Zi Yu, a country without a long-term ruler is in doubt. Ze'er is the blood of Emperor Shizong Xian, so it is in accordance with the will of heaven and people for him to inherit the throne."

Jia Heng was silent for a moment, his eyes burning under his sword-like brows, and said, "Madam, Ze'er is not suitable to sit in that position."

In fact, Chen Ze is more suitable for that position.

Precisely because he is suitable, he cannot be allowed to ascend the throne. From his previous performance in the Wuying Palace, it can be almost predicted that in another three to five years, this brother-in-law will definitely have a fight with me.

Jia Heng raised his sword-like eyebrows, his clear eyes flickered, and he said, "Madam, Li Zan and Xu Lu have been imprisoned."

When Empress Dowager Feng heard this, she was shocked and asked in a surprised voice: "Zi Yu, why did you put Li Zan and Xu Lu in prison? They are both loyal and upright ministers."

Jia Heng said, "Since the founding of the Han Dynasty, it has never happened to depose the emperor for the sake of a minister. How can Li and Xu be considered loyal and upright ministers?"

No matter how it is whitewashed, Li Zan was deposing the emperor as a subject, violating the Three Bonds and Five Constant Virtues.

The most noble way for the two to die was to sacrifice their lives.

Jia Heng said in a deep voice: "The ninth prince, Chen Luo, was born to the Song family. If we talk about bloodline respect, it should be the ninth prince who ascends the throne, which is more legitimate."

Queen Mother Feng: "..."

Chen Luo? The son of Song? If it weren't for the King of Wei, Song wouldn't have been deposed yet.

Empress Dowager Feng stared at the young man in the python robe and said, "Zi Yu, Chen Ze is Xian Ning's brother. Even if he becomes the emperor, he will be close to you."

"It is precisely because the Eighth Prince is Xianning's younger brother that I cannot let the world think that I deposed Emperor Guangzong's son and supported someone close to my family to ascend the throne." Jia Heng said in a deep voice: "How can I be worthy of Emperor Shizong in his grave?"

When Empress Dowager Feng heard this, she was inexplicably shocked.

Jia Heng bowed and said, "Please ask the Empress Dowager Zeng to draft a new decree and make Chen Luo the emperor instead."

Empress Dowager Feng said, "Impossible."

Jia Heng was silent for a moment, then said, "Then I will allow Chen Jie, the son of Zhen, to be restored to the throne."

In fact, he can still restore Zhen's son to the throne by announcing that Li and Xu had forced Empress Dowager Zeng to forge an imperial edict.

Empress Dowager Feng's wrinkled old face showed an awkward expression. She shook her head gently and said, "No."

Jia Heng said: "Then make Song's son the emperor. Song was the first wife of Emperor Shizong Xian."

Empress Dowager Feng's eyes flickered when she heard this, and she said in a deep voice: "The two vassal states of Wei and Liang forced Emperor Shizong Xian to abdicate, violating filial piety and human ethics. As the mother of the two traitors, Song is also responsible for not teaching them well. How could she let her young son rule the country?"

At this moment, Queen Song outside the palace was furious as she heard her mother-in-law criticizing her.

……

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