[R18] Will drink wine – “About Wine” Chapter 14 [English]

Chapter 14 Mantis

Shen Zechuan followed the others inside and knelt outside the curtain.

Emperor Xiande was half leaning on the head of the bed, and the Queen Mother was sitting on the edge of the bed.Pan Rugui held the decoction and stepped back slightly, revealing Shen Zechuan’s figure.

Emperor Xiande cheered up and said: “The inspector from the Eighth Battalion said he saw your handyman appearing by the pond. I ask you, what is he doing there?”

Shen Zechuan said: “Reporting to the emperor, Uncle Ge is waiting for Eunuch Fu in the palace.”

“Whose order did he get?”

Shen Zechuan paused, knocked down, and said, “This is the order of the guilty minister.”

Emperor Xiande coughed a few times and said: “You are under house arrest in Zhaosu Temple, and you are given food and clothing by yourself every month. How come you are related to Xiao Fuzi?”

“Your Majesty shows your love to me, and I am thinking about my faults while facing the wall in Zhaosu Temple. Your Majesty not only bestowed His grace on me, but also gave me food. But in recent days, I have been suffering from the cold, and combined with the old illnesses from my early years, it has become more and more difficult for me to get up every day.” Shen Zechuan said this with a hint of sadness, “Although Ouchi had provided food, there was no medicine.Uncle Ge had been on duty at Zhaosu Temple for a long time. Seeing that the guilty minister was pitiful, he asked Uncle Fu to buy some medicine for the guilty minister.With this, the guilty minister asked Uncle Fu to buy some blessing oil lamps for the guilty minister.”

“There is no one at home.” The Queen Mother asked, “What do you want with the oil lamp used for blessing?”

“The guilty minister knew that he was guilty of a heinous crime, so he prayed day and night in the temple for the Emperor and the Queen Mother, and he also chanted sutras day and night for the loyal martyrs in the Battle of Zhongbo Tea Stone.” Shen Zechuan said piously, and added, “The guilty minister planted some vegetables in the temple, and asked Uncle Ge to go to the morning market, and got a few coins. The guilty minister is already so ill, so instead of using money to buy medicine, it is better to make a blessing oil lamp.”

The Queen Mother sighed: “Although you are guilty, you are not unforgivable.”

Emperor Xiande narrowed his eyes tiredly and said, “Xiao Fuzi is dead now. Do you know who he always had problems with?”

Shen Zechuan shook his head and whispered: “Although I boldly asked Eunuch Fu to buy a lamp, I have never met or sent a letter to Eunuch Fu.”

“What about you?” Emperor Xiande gestured to Ji Gang, “Tell me, has he mentioned anything in your daily life?”

Ji Gang did not dare to face the emperor directly, and answered with surprise and fear like an ordinary servant: “When I return to the emperor, Mr. Fu and his wife are all engaged in shopping at Sunrise Palace. They have a busy schedule and mostly send the people around to see the villain.”

Emperor Xiande seemed to be laughing at himself when he heard this, and glanced at Pan Rugui who looked like a clay or wood sculpture.

Ji Gang continued: “Only one time, when I was greeting Eunuch Fu in front of the sedan chair, I heard Eunuch Fu and his surroundings saying that His Highness was angry and wanted to cause trouble for him. At that time, I was anxious to give the money to buy Fu’s oil lamp to Eunuch Fu, so I got closer. But Eunuch Fu was also busy that day, so he asked me to come to Xiyuan today to wait for him. That’s why the military gentlemen saw me wandering by the pond.”

Pan Rugui said: “Did you hear clearly, it’s ‘Your Highness’, not someone else?”

Ji Gang kowtowed repeatedly and said, “I dare not lie to the emperor. There were many people who saw the villain in the market that day. If you ask, you will know that the villain did not tell lies.”

Emperor Xiande was silent for a long time, and the smell of medicine was very strong in the room.The Queen Mother covered her mouth and nose with a handkerchief, leaned over and said to Emperor Xiande: “Your Majesty, whether Xiao Fuzi’s death was premeditated or not, we cannot just listen to Xiao Chiye’s words. This case happened just a few steps away from the Holy Master. If it is true that the King of Chu wants Xiao Fuzi’s life as he said, then why should Xiao Chiye use all kinds of prevarications?”

“Your Majesty.” Pan Rugui also said softly, “Little Fuzi’s life is not worth cherishing. If the King of Chu kills him because of a personal grudge, that’s fine. I’m afraid things are not that simple. The Emperor has few days to leave the palace, but there are many days for Xiaofuzi to leave the palace. Why didn’t King Chu choose another day and have to do it today?”

Emperor Xiande suddenly coughed violently again, he pushed Pan Rugui’s hand away, wiped the blood with a handkerchief, and said without looking at anyone, “Jianheng is my biological brother, heI know best what kind of temper this is.Now that this case has been resolved, I will let Ji Lei settle it because he violated the etiquette and caused jealousy.I will fine Aye in the house for half a month, and punish Ji Lei and Xi Gu’an with three months’ salary.Pan Rugui, go and send the message, and let them go.”

“This…” Pan Rugui looked at the Queen Mother.

The Queen Mother did not speak.

Emperor Xiande then looked at the Queen Mother and spoke sincerely: “Mother, today is a troubled time. Autumn is approaching, the borders are unstable, and mutual trade frictions are becoming more and more frequent. Libei, Qidong, and border counties all need to stabilize their military morale.If there are too many people involved in the investigation at this time and the border area is accidentally injured, the people of Liming will suffer.Although the pain of Zhongbo has passed, the shame of Zhongbo has not been washed away.Mother, this case should not be delayed for a long time, for fear of hurting people’s hearts.”

The Queen Mother showed concern, tucked Emperor Xiande’s quilt, and said, “The emperor is still worried about state affairs despite his illness. This is the blessing of the country. Pan Rugui, go ahead.”

Pan Rugui responded and slowly exited the door.

The Queen Mother added: “According to the Ai family, the eighth son of the Shen family is determined to repent. He is completely different from Shen Wei. He is a useful child.”

Emperor Xiande said: “He is not in good health. I’m afraid he won’t be able to take on any errands. It’s better to stay in the temple and rest.”

However, the Queen Mother slowly put down her hand and said: “The Emperor is right. But the person has already come out. If he is sent back for no reason, it will inevitably arouse suspicion about the case. Wouldn’t that be contrary to the Emperor’s wishes?”

Emperor Xiande smiled and turned to Shen Zechuan and said: “The Queen Mother loves you so much. You must keep it in mind in the future and don’t go to the old world of your unfaithful and unfilial father. Just go to Jinyiwei. The twelve schools have different priorities, so there is naturally something you can do.”

Shen Zechuan kowtowed and thanked Long En.

After everyone left, Emperor Xiande leaned on the edge of the bed and vomited out all the medicine he had just drank. The quilt covering his hands had been twisted into wrinkles.The lights in the room were dim, and Emperor Xiande’s face turned blue, indicating that he was seriously ill.

The Queen Mother was supported by Pan Rugui and walked on the water corridor.Hua Xiangyi held the newly picked hibiscus and followed closely behind with the serving maids.

“The Emperor has become more arbitrary and domineering since his last illness.” The Queen Mother walked slowly and said, “How can a person who is seriously ill still take care of state affairs?”

“It is said that illness comes like a mountain.” Pan Rugui said, “The emperor is also worried.”

“The Ai family chose Jianyun back then because they valued his gentleness and submissiveness. In these years, although he has been sick, he has been doing his best.” The Queen Mother looked at Pan Rugui and said, “But who would have thought that he would be so afraid of the Xiao family. Whenever I make a decision, I always think that no one will be offended, but there is nothing like that in the world.”

“Every matter in this palace must be obeyed by your orders.” Pan Rugui said, “After a few days, Wei Concubine will have a son, and the Queen Mother will no longer have to worry.”

The Queen Mother turned over her hand, patted Pan Rugui’s arm, and said meaningfully: “Before Wei Concubine has a son, the Emperor’s body still needs your constant care.”

“I have the Queen Mother’s order.” Pan Rugui said, “I am paying close attention.”

When Shen Zechuan came out, the people outside had almost dispersed.He and Ji Gang went down the stairs one after another and saw Xiao Chiye riding away.

“Isn’t the Forbidden Army abolished?” Shen Zechuan looked at Xiao Chiye’s waist and legs and said, “But looking at him, it’s clear that he didn’t put in any effort.”

“He is good at riding and shooting.” Ji Gang squinted his eyes and looked at him for a while, “I have never fought before, so I don’t know how strong this kid is. If he could draw the big bow of the sky five years ago, I’m afraid he is even stronger now. Chuan’er, don’t fight with him unless you have to.”

Shen Zechuan didn’t answer, but it didn’t matter that the man who was about to turn around suddenly reined in his horse and turned around, riding straight towards he.

Shen Zechuan only looked at Xiao Chiye, neither hiding nor letting go.Xiao Chi wildly came to the front and suddenly passed by he.Shen Zechuan’s sleeves were fluttered by the wind, and then fell down again after a moment.

“What does this case have to do with you?” Xiao Chiye’s horse circled around Shen Zechuan.

“It has nothing to do with me.” Shen Zechuan smiled at he again, “But it has a lot to do with the second young master.”

“Pan Rugui lost his dog, and I suffered a loss. Today, no one got the benefit, but you picked it up.” Xiao Chiye leaned over from the horse to look at him, “How can a person with such a hard life have such good luck?”

“This is because of the nobility of the second young master.” Shen Zechuan also looked at he and said humbly, “If the second young master hadn’t taken action, how could I have come out?”

There was a coolness in Xiao Chiye’s eyes, and he said, “You are well-informed.”

“A little trick.” Shen Zechuan said.

Xiao Chiye looked at the sky. Hai Dongqing had caught a bird and was holding it in the sky for reward.

“It doesn’t matter if you come out.” Xiao Chiye whistled, and Hai Dongqing immediately fell on the tile, kicked the bird, and tore it to pieces.he looked at Shen Zechuan again, “Qian is so big, he always has to have fun.”

“A noble person is a noble person.” Shen Zechuan said, “The kind of fun that others find is different from others. Eating, drinking, prostitution, gambling, etc. are not considered in the eyes. You have to play with others. However, having fun alone is not as good as having fun with everyone. It’s boring if I am the only one accompanying the second young master.”

“I’m looking at you.” Xiao Chiye pinched the riding crop and twitched the corner of his mouth, “I just think it’s fun, why do you need others to participate?”

Shen Zechuan said: “How can I bear this? I have found many friends for the second young master.”

“Worrying about me is worse than worrying about yourself.” Xiao Chiye withdrew his gaze, “Jin Yiwei is a good prospect. Ji Lei loves you so much, and I will definitely be waiting for your arrival.”

Shen Zechuan chuckled softly, and looked at Xiao Chiye, with laughter in his eyes, and said warmly: “You and I are both birds in a cage. I have a good future, but aren’t you also in the land of peace? I have no worries and am alone. Second Young Master, can you do the same?”

Lanterns hang high on both sides, making Shen Zechuan even more beautiful.After Hai Dongqing finished eating his flesh and blood, he fell back on Xiao Chiye’s shoulder.

“Since he is a fish cage bird.” Xiao Chiye dusted off the gray feathers between Haidong Qing and said, “Why are you pretending to be comfortable?”

In the evening, Shen Zechuan returned to the temple. After taking the medicine, he and Taifu Qi sat in the courtyard separated by a few couples.

Ji Gang built a small courtyard in Zhaosu Temple, planted some bamboos and created a vegetable garden according to Taifu Qi’s request.Sitting outside on a summer night, it was very comfortable.

“Your Majesty does not want to go into details.” Shen Zechuan said, “In order to protect the King of Chu, he allowed me to go out. Sir, he knows things like a god.”

“Whether God is God or not, we can’t make a conclusion yet.” Taifu Qi knocked the chess piece, smacked his lips, and said, “Last time, it was said that the emperor had been ill since the beginning of the year. He is now in the prime of life, and under the care of the Tai Hospital, he is even weaker than when he was in the dormitory. Pan Rugui can be said to be indispensable.”

Ji Gang squatted at the door, grinding a stone, and said, “A lot of my anger is directed at them. Even Ji Lei was punished. It’s obvious that he has been hating us for a long time.”

“If a person feels that his time is short, he will be more courageous.” Taifu Qi said, “As an emperor, he has to make compromises all his life.”

“The Queen Mother doesn’t like the King of Chu, but now only the King of Chu can ascend the throne. Ji Lei bit the King of Chu a few times today, if he gets Pan Rugui’s favor.” Shen Zechuan said with bitter taste of Chinese medicine, he frowned and said, “I believe it. Since Pan Rugui wants to kill the King of Chu, he must have no worries. There are other heirs in the palace who are far easier to control than the King of Chu.”

“The late emperor has self-discipline.” Ji Gang blew the dust and said, “No way. Besides, if there really is an heir, how could he hide it all these years?”

“As long as the blood of the Li family flows, he is the emperor’s heir.” Taifu Qi knocked on the chess piece and said, “The previous emperor did not have one, but the current one, can’t there be another one? Once the emperor’s heir is born in the harem, and this one dies, the queen mother can bring a swaddling baby to the court, and there is no need to hang the bead curtain. When Hua Siqian is appointed as Minister Tuogu, then the great Zhou Dynasty will really have the surname Hua.”

“But Xiao Chiye has a close relationship with the King of Chu. The King of Chu’s accession to the Xiao family will be of great benefit and no harm.” Shen Zechuan stroked the chess piece, “Libei will not sit idly by. As long as the King of Chu is still alive, Xiao Jiming and the border commander Lu Guangbai will be able to force the capital. How can the Eighth Battalion be able to fight this battle?”

Taifu Qi pressed the small table with his elbow, picked his messy head, and said: “Lan Zhou, you are confused! Didn’t the Queen Mother think that?What did we want Xiao Chiye to do five years ago?With Xiao Chiye in hand, how could Xiao Jiming dare to act rashly.If the Eighth Battalion of Qudu could not win against the Libei Cavalry, what about the Qidong garrison?

Ji Gang saw Shen Zechuan deep in thought and said nothing, so he said: “The Holy Emperor is not dead today, why worry about it! What matters is tomorrow. Tomorrow Chuan’er will go to Jin Yiwei, and he is under Ji Lei’s hand. I’m worried.”

“That’s why I said it wasn’t me who knew what was going on!” Taifu Qi said impatiently, “The emperor put Lan Zhou in the Jinyi Guards. He achieved his own goal and followed the Queen Mother’s wishes. But he really doesn’t remember who interrogated Lan Zhou when he was in the prison? We met on a narrow road, what do you think he planned? I also want to ask you, Ji Gang! When you found Xiao Fuzi today, was he really still alive?”

Ji Gang wiped the dust off the stone on his fingertips, stayed quiet for a while, and said, “It’s hard to say. Time is too tight and I don’t have time to check.”

“Yes.” Master Qi looked at Shen Zechuan, “Think about it carefully, if Xiao Fuzi died before we took action – then who did it?”