frightfiction Chapter 273 Concubine Cheng is about to die
Chapter 273 Concubine Cheng is about to die
Chapter 273 Concubine Cheng is about to die
It was already midday on the third day when Prince Chun returned to Shoukang Garden. The sun shone through the clouds, casting a hint of warmth, but the wind was still biting. It happened to be lunchtime, and Buerhe, observing this, hurriedly ordered the carefully prepared meal to be delivered to the front hall. He specifically instructed that the two brothers enjoy it alone, giving them an opportunity to reminisce and chat.
It was understandable, as Prince Chun was in charge of the military training at Weihaiwei this year. Furthermore, the recent weather conditions had been poor, with frequent snow and rain, making the roads muddy and difficult to navigate. Returning to the capital the next day was considered quite rapid. When Yinreng saw Yinyou's shabby appearance after braving the wind and snow, his heart tightened, and he quickly ordered He Zhu to take him to a side hall to wash up.
After everything was tidied up, the imperial physician arrived to take his pulse. After a careful examination, he prescribed a large bowl of ginger soup and a bowl of herbal medicine. Though Yinyou looked bitter, he obediently drank all the medicine.
After finally finishing the last sip, Yinyou touched his bloated belly and struggled to sit down across from Yinreng, complaining, "Your Majesty, this is exaggerating! I've only caught a cold. With my strong physique, I won't be seriously injured. There's really no need for me to drink such a large bowl of ginger soup and a whole bowl of medicine!"
Hearing his brother's complaints, Yinreng initially felt that he had indeed been making a big deal out of nothing. However, when he heard Yinyou's next words, he instantly straightened his back and refuted righteously, "What do you know? The imperial physician has a reason for prescribing the medicine. Good medicine tastes bitter but is good for the disease. I am just being too concerned!"
After saying this, Yinreng suddenly thought of something and continued, "Besides, don't you also want to make a name for yourself and go to Goryeo as soon as possible? If you ruin your health because of this, will you still have a chance to go?"
Hearing this, Yinyou was speechless. Although he was still somewhat reluctant, he also understood that what Yinreng said was reasonable.
Finally, he sighed helplessly and compromised, "Okay, okay, I'll follow the emperor's arrangements. It just so happens that I'm back this time, so I can report to the emperor in detail."
"The sailors at Weihaiwei have undergone rigorous training and are now practically combat-ready. We've not only reorganized the fleet but also added a large number of new warships. As you requested, the Nanyang Fleet can now be assembled and operational all at once!"
As soon as the topic got serious, Yinreng immediately put away his gloating expression and turned serious. He listened attentively to Yinyou's description of the marines, while thinking rapidly in his mind: In this case, who should be the most suitable person to lead the newly established Nanyang Fleet?
The two men continued their conversation for a long time about the navy and the fleet. After a while, He Zhu, who had been waiting nearby, noticed that the Emperor and Prince Chun had gradually stopped discussing political affairs and instead began discussing the education of the princes. He then bravely stepped forward and cautiously asked, "Your Majesty, would you like to have dinner?"
It's not that he dared to interrupt casually, but the Queen Mother had specifically reminded him before leaving that he must not let his master do whatever he wants with his diet, and he must remind her on time.
When Yinreng heard He Zhu's reminder, he turned his head to look at the floor clock opposite, and realized that it was already late. He nodded and agreed to the suggestion of having dinner.
Yinyou deeply admired his second brother, the emperor. Putting aside other aspects, the second brother had always protected his wife over the years, truly fulfilling his oath of "a lifetime together".
Moreover, sometimes the words of the Empress's sister-in-law were even more effective with the Emperor than the imperial edict. In comparison, Yinyou felt inferior. Although he could be considered respectful to his wife, following his mother's instructions and treating her well, it was difficult for him to spend the rest of his life with only one woman.
Today's lunch was quite enjoyable. Bullard has a unique way of preparing meals, she likes to keep things simple.
For example, the dish of boiled cabbage, typically prepared at the imperial court, involves meticulously simmering numerous ingredients into a rich, flavorful broth, which is then poured directly into the heart of the cabbage. However, Burhe disagrees, believing that this method loses the cabbage's inherent sweetness.
After all, back then, we didn't have the numerous high-tech methods of later generations. The vegetables we consumed were all natural, unsprayed with pesticides. Only by preserving their original flavors during cooking could we truly showcase the food's authentic flavor. As the saying goes, "high-end ingredients often utilize the most unpretentious cooking techniques," this statement truly holds profound wisdom.
After dinner, the sun was shining brightly, and the two brothers sat leisurely in the courtyard, savoring their fragrant tea. A gentle breeze brought wisps of warmth and tranquility. It was then that Yinreng finally spoke, explaining the reason for urgently summoning Yinyou back to the capital.
Yinreng said solemnly, "Some people in the palace have begun to notice that Concubine Cheng has left the palace. Although I have tried my best to suppress this matter, Concubine Cheng has not appeared in public for a long time. When the weather warms up, I am afraid it will be difficult to conceal it. After all, even I cannot prevent the concubines from walking around freely in their respective palaces!"
Upon hearing this, Yinyou was shocked; he had never expected it to be about this matter. Thinking of his mother, who was being cared for and enjoying a happy family life at home, he couldn't help but feel anxious. For all these years, his mother had been alone in the inner court of the palace. Although her daily life had not been deprived, the pain of being unable to see her family for so many years was truly unbearable.
Yinyou asked anxiously, "Then, according to the emperor's wishes, what should be done? I really don't want to send my mother back to the palace. She is all alone and lonely there. Now she is at home enjoying the company of her grandchildren and living a very happy life."
Yinreng nodded slightly, expressing his understanding of Yinyou's feelings, and then said slowly, "I feel the same way. However, what I want is to find a permanent solution that can allow Concubine Cheng to remain safely outside the palace while ensuring that this matter will not cause any more trouble.
But there are too many links in this matter, and Cheng Taipin has to be wronged. I thought of just reporting that Cheng Taipin died suddenly. Anyway, even if you go to Goryeo in the future, you can't restore Cheng Taipin's status. It is better to find an identity for her now.
Concubine Cheng rarely left the house, so few people noticed. Even if someone did, Concubine Cheng in the palace would have died. This was a decision made by the royal family, so who could say anything? What do you think?
This idea was absolutely brilliant! Even the most discerning person would find it difficult to find any flaws in it, let alone Yinyou. And according to E'niang, when she passed away, she really didn't want to be crowded with the Emperor.
In this way, whether it is to build a separate mausoleum or to follow him, it is always more appropriate than being placed in the concubine's mausoleum. Thinking of this, Yinyou nodded in agreement without hesitation.
"However, I'm afraid that during this period, I will inevitably have to trouble my royal brother for help. After all, with my current status, it is not convenient for me to personally participate in Concubine Cheng's funeral."
Yinreng nodded slightly, expressing his understanding, and continued, "Of course, I have already considered this. By that time, you should be serving in Weihaiwei. You must not return to the capital without my permission."
Furthermore, from the perspective of etiquette, you and Concubine Cheng are no longer related. If you were in the capital at that time, it would be very inconvenient. So it would be better to stay away from her to avoid unnecessary complications.
Of course, the real Concubine Cheng is safely staying in your residence, so you can rest assured. As for how to handle this matter later, I will handle it. However, regarding the identity that Concubine Cheng should hold when she travels to Goryeo, you will have to think carefully about it yourself.
Upon hearing this, Yinyou hurriedly stood up and bowed deeply to Yinreng respectfully, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your great grace!"