The Red Mansions

Chapter 1579 King Wei: My eighth brother is still young and cannot rule the world

Chapter 1579 King Wei: My eighth brother is still young and cannot rule the world...

Shenjing, Gaozhai

A two-wheeled carriage stopped in front of the mansion with a rumbling sound. Gao Zhongping immediately got off the carriage and walked up the stairs.

Gao Zhongping entered the mansion and sat down in the flower hall. He was silent for a long while, still thinking about the complicated political situation in recent days.

The situation in the capital has become increasingly critical recently. Prince Wei is ambitious and has been cultivating his cronies and followers. He lets Lin Ruhai take over as the chief examiner in preparation for recruiting scholars to work for him.

At this moment, a maid quickly entered the hall and said, "Master, the young master's letter has arrived."

Gao Zhongping nodded and ordered, "Send it over."

After a while, a nanny brought a letter.

Gao Zhongping opened the book and read it carefully under the light of the lamp. His brows furrowed more and more, and a gleam of light could be seen flashing in his eyes.

After a while, he stopped reading, his eyes were fixed on the page, and he remained silent for a while.

The Gao brothers were worried that the letter would be intercepted by the spies from the Jinyi Palace, so they did not directly mention the uprising in the letter. Instead, the second and third brothers of the Gao family said that they had arrived safely in Shuzhong.

But it means we have entered a stage.

Gao Zhongping took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "Please ask Mr. Kuang and Mr. Wu to come over."

Kuang Shouzheng and Wu Xiancheng are both Gao Zhongping's think tanks. During this period, they helped Gao Zhongping to come up with ideas and plan major events.

After a while, Kuang Shouzheng and Wu Xiancheng came in from outside, one in his thirties and the other in his early forties. They came up to him and said, "My disciples greet you, Lord."

Gao Zhongping nodded, extended his hand to support them, and said, "Gentlemen, please stand up."

As he spoke, he led Kuang Shouzheng and Wu Xiancheng towards the study.

They arrived at the study and sat down as host and guest.

Gao Zhongping pondered for a moment, then said in a clear voice: "You two have witnessed the political situation in the capital. Now the imperial relatives are monopolizing power and disrupting the government. The survival of our Han Dynasty is at stake."

Kuang Shouzheng nodded and said in a deep voice: "Lord Gao, the Prince of Wei is good at using troops. Now he has the Jinyifu to investigate as his eyes and ears. It is not easy for him to support the country and correct the mistakes."

Gao Zhongping said: "I am also worried about this."

Wu Xiancheng looked extremely solemn, and said, "Dong Weng, if the King of Wei learns that there is a change in Bashu, he will never tolerate Dong Weng continuing to be in charge of confidential affairs in the court. If Dong Weng wants to do something big, it is better to withdraw from the capital."

Kuang Shouzheng's face became serious, and he said loudly: "Yes, Dong Weng, a gentleman should not stand under a dangerous wall. This place has become a den of dragons and tigers, and it is not advisable to linger here for too long."

Gao Zhongping shook his head, his eyes flashing fiercely, and said loudly: "I am also waiting for the right time. When the Sichuan military incident begins, I can escort a batch of military equipment to Sichuan to help the government troops suppress the rebellion."

Wu Xiancheng looked solemn and said, "Dongweng, you must always be on guard against the King Wei. Once you arouse his vigilance, Dongweng's life will be in danger."

The so-called political struggle often involves confiscating property and exterminating clans, and it is a fight to the death.

Gao Zhongping nodded, his eyes flickered, and he said in a deep voice: "I know my limits. Prince Wei has just taken the initiative in the cabinet and the imperial examinations, so I won't act recklessly."

If Sichuan really becomes chaotic, he will definitely withdraw and return to Bashu to command the troops and support the country.

Gao Zhongping and his staff were discussing the matter as time passed silently.

……

……

Grand View Garden, Nuanxiangwu

In a square room, one could smell the aroma floating in the air, mixed with a faint scent of decadence.

Jia Heng, on his side, gently embraced Xichun's petite and delicate body, stared at her face with charming eyebrows and eyes, leaned forward and kissed the girl's rosy and chubby face, with some love in his heart.

The little girl is at the age of youth and beauty, and her skin is so tender that you can pinch water out of it.

The bitter look that lingered between Xichun's beautiful eyebrows and eyes had disappeared, and her pink lips were slightly moist and she uttered some orchid words.

Xichun felt Jia Heng's doting and joy, and a hint of sweetness surged in her heart.

She must be Brother Heng’s wife now.

Jia Heng reached out and gently stroked Xichun's smooth and round shoulders, and said softly, "Fourth sister, take a good rest. I'll get up first."

Xichun's palm-sized face showed reluctance to leave, and her voice was soft and charming as she trembled, "Brother Heng, can't you stay with me for a while?"

She had just become Brother Heng's wife, was he going to abandon her?

Jia Heng smiled, gently pinched Xichun's shoulder, and said softly: "Then spend more time with Fourth Sister."

As he spoke, Jia Heng reached out and gently pinched Xichun's full, soft breasts, and said in a trembling voice, "Fourth sister, stay at home for the next two years, and wait until you have a child in the future."

When Xichun heard this, her delicate nose twitched and she let out an "ah". Her white and tender face turned rosy and her bright eyes, which were as bright as rainbows, were almost filled with shame.

When is she going to have a baby?

Brother Heng just...

The girl recalled the burning sensation that had made her feel confused and upset, and she felt a palpitation.

It was indeed an unprecedented experience for the young girl.

Jia Heng reached out his hand and gently grasped the girl's delicate hands. He said in a low and magnetic voice with joy, "Fourth sister, we will be husband and wife from now on."

Xichun's eyebrows were curved, her face was white and smooth, her eyes were bright and clear, and she said in a trembling voice, "Brother Heng."

She belongs to Brother Heng, but she can't marry Brother Heng in this life.

At this moment, Jia Heng quickly came closer and kissed half of Xichun's face, feeling the softness of the beautiful woman's fragrant skin. His expression paused slightly, and he said in a gentle voice: "Fourth sister, what are you thinking about?"

Xichun's eyes were as bright as water, and she said in a trembling voice, "I'm not thinking about anything."

Jia Heng's fingers were full of fluid, and he whispered, "You've really grown up."

Xichun bit her cherry lips with her pearly teeth, which were as white as pearls. For some reason, she felt her heart still throbbing when she recalled the hot breath that had hit her face before.

Brother Heng has also... grown up.

Just like that, after spending some time with Xichun, Jia Heng got up from the bed, put on a black and red satin python robe, and walked quickly outward.

While Xichun was speaking, she gently stood up, propped up with one of her soft, white arms. Her pretty, petite face was as rosy as a rosy cloud, and beneath her thin eyebrows, her eyes were charming and full of love for the mountains and rivers.

At this moment, Ruhua came forward with a red face and said shyly, "Miss, let me serve you."

Xichun's temples were wet with sweat, her hair was plastered to her face, her eyebrows and eyes were full of charm, her pearly teeth gently bit her pink lips, her voice was somewhat tender and charming, she said: "I feel a little weak right now, come and support me."

Ruhua heard this and responded timidly, with a hint of shame in her eyes, and said in a trembling voice, "Girl."

As he spoke, he gently supported Xichun's arm and came closer. His eyes were attracted by an extremely gorgeous red plum blossom blooming on the bed sheet, and his heart couldn't help but tremble.

"Girl." Ruhua came closer and spoke softly.

This time the fight between the prince and the girl seems to be different. Are they actually husband and wife?

The girl was originally an unmarried woman, and she didn't expect it to be like this. But it's good this way, as she will have someone to rely on in the future.

Seeing Ruhua staring at the bed sheet in a daze, Xichun's heart moved slightly. When she turned her eyes to look at the bed sheet, her face, which was already full of rosy charm, became even hotter.

Xichun's eyebrows were curved, her eyes were charming and flowing, and she said with a trembling voice: "Go and cut the sheets."

This was a token of her love for Brother Heng, so she would treasure it for many years.

Ruhua nodded her beautiful head, her cold and sparkling eyes flickered, and said, "Wait a moment, young lady. I'll go get the scissors."

As he spoke, he took a pair of scissors, found the bed sheet, and started cutting it with a crunching sound.

After a short while, you can see a red plum blossom blooming brilliantly on the bed sheet, its bright red color dazzling the eyes.

Xichun's eyebrows were curved like willow leaves, and her clear eyes were as bright as water. Her heart couldn't help but tremble. She waved her hand and said softly, "Why are you still giving it to me? Put it away quickly."

Ruhua responded softly, then took the pink handkerchief and quickly left the room.

Xichun's face, as white as snow, turned red with shame. From beneath her delicate, straight nose, she seemed to snort softly, thinking to herself that it was so embarrassing just now.

Brother Heng was so mean before.

How can I let her call me daddy?

Thinking of this, Xichun's delicate face flushed red, and her clear eyes were full of light under her two emerald green eyebrows.

At this moment, Ruhua brought a cup of steaming hot fragrant tea and said softly, "Fourth Miss, have some tea first."

Xichun uttered a soft "hmm" and supported her delicate body, which had collapsed into a pile of mud, to sit up. However, her injuries were agitated and she let out a "hiss", groaned, and leaned back on the pillow.

Her small face, which was only the size of a palm, was flushed on both sides, and she hugged her knees with her hands, her mind was full of trance.

From now on, she will belong to Brother Heng.

……

……

At this moment, Jia Heng felt refreshed. He took a few quick steps and walked out of Nuanxiangwu along a winding corridor.

At this moment, it is the hot summer of June, and the cicadas are chirping, making the courtyard even more quiet and peaceful.

In the middle of the waterside pavilion with blue bricks, black tiles, carved beams and painted rafters, you can see a pond of red and white lotus flowers in full bloom. The pink and white lotus flowers are beautiful, swaying in the wind, and the fragrance of the lotus is silently dissipating.

Jia Heng walked towards the wing of the outer house and entered the study.

Chen Xiao raised his head from the book, and asked with a hint of sarcasm in his tone, "Where did this come from?"

He was just chatting when this person left the study. It was obvious that he was addicted.

Jia Heng looked strange, then he sat down gently and said, "I just went to see my fourth sister."

Chen Xiao glanced at the young man in the python robe, snorted, and said, "The Jinyi Mansion just sent someone to deliver news about Bashu."

While Jia Heng was talking, he came forward and sat down, and asked, "By the way, where is the paper that recorded the information?"

Chen Xiao handed over a piece of paper in his hand.

Jia Heng took the piece of paper covered with black handwriting, lowered his eyes and read it for a while, then said in a low voice: "The two clans of Wei and Liang, as well as Chen Yuan and others, went to the Governor's Mansion. It was quite blatant."

"There was a secret spy from my Jinyi Palace in the Governor's Mansion, hiding deeper." Chen Xiao said.

Jia Heng said in a deep voice: "We have to wait a little longer. Once the evidence is more solid, we can arrest Gao Zhongping."

Chen Xiao asked: "Didn't you say before that we would have to wait for a while?"

Jia Heng was silent for a moment, and said, "Waiting for the right time is not the same as letting the tiger run wild. Gao Zhongping is a man of both civil and military talents, and is good at military strategy. We cannot let him return to Bashu and connect the troops of various divisions. Otherwise, he may revive the dead chess piece."

Once a political strongman like Gao Zhongping returns to Sichuan, the rebellion in Shu will be difficult to quell.

Chen Xiao thought for a moment and said, "Then I'll have the people from Jinyi Mansion keep a close eye on him."

Jia Heng said, "Go ahead."

Chen Xiao said: "The cabinet has appointed Lin Ruhai as the chief examiner for this year's special examination. The imperial edict will be issued in the next few days."

Jia Heng asked in surprise: "There was no dispute?"

Chen Xiao's face showed an intriguing expression, and he said: "There is no dispute in the cabinet, it is unexpectedly calm."

Jia Heng remained silent, with a thoughtful look on his face.

This does not mean that several cabinet ministers have just laid down and allowed themselves to be beaten. On the contrary, several cabinet ministers have already seen that he was behind this.

At this moment, Gu Ruoqing looked at the young man in the python robe who had a thoughtful look on his face, and then came behind Jia Heng and helped massage Jia Heng's shoulders.

Jia Heng showed a satisfied look on his face. He picked up the teacup and took a sip.

Chen Xiao said: "The cabinet has already guessed most of your intentions."

Jia Heng snorted coldly and said, "Even if I guessed it, what can I do? When Wang Mang was humble and had not yet usurped the throne, who knew whether I was public-spirited or full of selfish motives?"

This is human psychology, to hope for the best for things that haven't happened yet.

……

……

Chengdu Prefecture, Sichuan

The Gao Cheng brothers arranged for the King of Wei and the King of Liang to live in a house not far from the governor's office. At this moment, there were no outsiders in the hall.

The brothers King Wei and King Liang sat down on a high lacquered wooden table between them.

King Liang said, "Brother, you and I have no foundation here. We can only watch the Gao brothers dispatch troops and generals. When we discuss merits in the future, we will not have much say."

The King of Wei had a mature look that did not match his age. He said in a deep voice, "The Gao family is our foundation. Once the great event is accomplished, how could the Gao family allow the remnants of the King of Zhao to inherit the throne? At that time, in terms of kinship, it will be you and me, brothers, while the other members of the royal family will still be young."

When King Liang heard this, his eyes lit up and he said in a deep voice, "Brother is right, but since you and I forced our father to do this, we have become famous. Will it be my eighth brother who ascends the throne in the future?"

King Wei said: "We will talk about it when the time comes. My eighth brother is still young and cannot rule the world."

Prince Liang said angrily, "Father, did you ever think that Jia Heng was such an ambitious man who had been planning for a long time to steal the throne of my Chen family?"

The King of Wei was furious, his eyes flashing with anger, and he said, "He is doing what Lü Buwei did to keep a rare treasure. If my father were here, he would make sure this traitor dies a horrible death!"

Prince Liang said coldly, "I wonder if Fifth Sister knows about the evil deeds of that little Jia Heng. He wants to steal the Han Empire. How can Fifth Sister tolerate him?"

Why did the fifth sister marry such a thing? An ungrateful wolf!

King Wei said in a deep voice: "Jia Ziyu is a playboy and a womanizer. Xianning has suffered a lot of grievances over the years."

When this matter was mentioned, King Wei felt a surge of resentment in his heart. He had tried his best to bring Xianning and Jia Ziyu together, but who could have expected this to be the outcome.

How could Jia Ziyu ever think of him as a good person? Not to mention that he actually had an affair with the queen mother... and gave birth to an illegitimate son.

It's simply a crime worthy of death!

Thinking of this, the King of Wei became filled with anger and his eyes were filled with coldness. He hated Jia Heng to the core.

The King of Wei said, "When we get to Bashu, we must win over heroes and righteous men and use them for our own purposes. Otherwise, everyone here will be someone else's people, and we will have no say in life and death, honor and disgrace."

King Liang responded softly and was speechless for a moment.

Just as the two brothers were discussing, a burly guard outside rang the copper ring on the door, and then reported: "Your Highness, Master Gao invites you to come over."

The King of Wei and the King of Liang looked at each other, stood up and went to the outer room.

The mansion where Chen Yuan lived——

Chen Yuan sat down beside a small lacquered wooden table, holding a blue and white porcelain teacup in his hand, and took a sip of the fragrant tea. His majestic and resolute face showed a changeable expression, and no one knew what he was thinking about.

Ruan Yongde said happily: "Sir, the big thing is done."

Chen Yuan waved his hand and said, "It's too early to say that anything big has been accomplished now."

Ruan Yongde asked: "Sir, if the great event is accomplished, what will be the position in the court?"

Chen Yuan's face was as solemn as iron, and he said worriedly: "The Gao family will probably not support me to ascend the throne because of old grudges."

Ruan Yongde said: "Sir, those things need to be prepared early."

Chen Yuan nodded and said, "The big thing has not been accomplished yet, so we should not start any more internal strife. Let's wait until the situation becomes clear."

Ruan Yongde nodded in agreement.

Just as the two were talking, a guard came in and reported, "Sir, the young master of the Gao family wants you to come over."

Then, the two of them stood up and went outside.

……

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