Chapter 31 first quarter

Up and down in the palace, it was extremely busy, people came and went, boxes and cages piled up, everyone was filled with unconcealable excitement that they were finally going back to the city!After all, the palace is not a place to live for a long time, and most of the relatives and friends are in the capital. Just thinking of reuniting after a long absence, talking about the chaos of this year, I feel like an arrow, and my soul flies away. Only the empress dowagers of the two palaces and the little emperor are at ease, and they don't need to do anything, but the empress dowagers of the two palaces are at ease, but they are nervous. What to say, what to do.

Especially the Empress Dowager Ci'an, she asked Shuangxi to make a very deep pocket for her inside the black cloth jacket she was wearing next to her body, in which to hide the edict drawn up by Cao Yuying. Why does she feel uneasy, she has to touch it with her hands from time to time. The Empress Dowager Cixi saw it, until she got up on September 23rd, and at the moment of washing, she quietly warned her: "Sister, once we leave the palace, we have many eyes and ears, and our every move is in the eyes of others. Don't touch 'that thing' all the time, it will make people look suspicious!"

"Well, I know." After saying this, she stretched out her hands to her chest unconsciously, and only realized it when she touched the clothes, and she felt it was funny. After washing up and having breakfast, the eunuch, the head of the respect room, came to invite you, and went to the Danbo Jingcheng Hall to perform the spiritual ceremony.The little emperor gave a drink and mourned, and withdrew several banquets. Under the command of Sushun himself, he invited Zigong to the "big pole" carried by 128 servants, and then the imperial ministers, Prince Chun and Jingshou, led the little emperor. Wait in front of the Lizheng Gate, the main gate of the palace, and wait for the Zi Palace to pass by, leading all the civil and military officials to kneel and send them on the road.At this time, the black cloth sedan chairs of the two palaces were already waiting at the side entrance of the palace. The little emperor still followed the Empress Dowager Ci'an, and hurried along the intercourse. Go to the "Lu Dian" - a simple and simple palace with mat sheds built for the purpose of enshrining Zigong. After drinking milk tea, I still return to the Kara Hetun Xinggong.

Except for Sushun, Prince Chun, and a few other high-ranking officials, such as Sushun's confidants, official minister Chen Fuen, etc., who followed Zigong, the rest followed the emperor's actions.As early as the Kangxi period, a perfect patrol system had been established. Although they were traveling, they still handled government affairs as usual, so when the Empress Dowager Ci'an and Concubine Li were going around the Kala Hetun Palace, they were pointing and recalling last year's mid-autumn rush. At this moment, the Empress Dowager Cixi was reviewing chapters on the throne used by Emperor Daxing at that time.Because of the situation, she looked forward and backward, as if she had transformed into a man and became an emperor.This feeling is not only wonderful, but also novel. Sitting on the throne, leaning on the armrest, looking proud, he is reluctant to leave.

At this time, the eunuch, the head of the imperial dining room, came to ask for the dinner menu, she suddenly had a strange idea, and ordered: "According to the order that Emperor Daxing had dinner here last year." The head of the imperial dining room had a big accident, and said in a murmur, "I can't remember that." Empress Dowager Cixi answered two words coldly: "Check the file!" The menu of the imperial dining room is recorded day by day, but on the road, no one will keep the old file at hand. Seeing that her color is not good, the leader of the imperial dining room did not dare to say more, so he bit the bullet and agreed. to try.

In a hurry, there is no way to check the meal stall anyway, so good that the old man is still there, everyone thinks hard, fortunately it was the Mid-Autumn Festival that day, the place was in the palace, the impression was deep, and the remaining memories were pieced together , It’s completely made up, except that the big funeral does not use yellow, red and other colors, only blue and white porcelain is used, the dinner table used by the Empress Dowager Cixi is almost exactly the same as the one passed down by Emperor Daxing that day, but the emotion is deep, and it’s just a taste. The situation is the same, especially the Empress Dowager Ci'an, who is so emotional that she can't eat anymore.

In addition to emotion, there are also doubts. Most of the imperial troops who followed along the way are still in the hands of Sushun, Zaiyuan and Duanhua. The empress dowagers of the two palaces met and never talked about everything after Beijing.The Empress Dowager Cixi was even more worried about King Chun, who was named Gong Huzi Palace, but actually had the task of monitoring Sushun. She knew that her brother-in-law was mediocre and young, and she got along with Sushun day and night. Seriously, the consequences are unimaginable.He went all the way into Juyongguan with such fear and fear, and he was only half relieved when he heard that Shengbao's newly trained Beijing soldiers came to meet him.

After passing Miyun, the capital was in sight, and at the untimely hour of September 28, I arrived at the Nanshicao Palace in the northwest of Shunyi County, which was only one day away from the capital.Officials of the third grade or above are required to pick up their cars here.Waiting for the big sedan chair of the Empress Dowagers of the two palaces, along the sidewalk of Huangsha, they quietly approached the entrance of the street, only to hear someone say loudly: "Chen Yixin kneels and begs the emperor to bow to Wanan." Upon hearing this voice, the Empress Dowager Cixi couldn't help being excited. She felt mixed feelings, and couldn't tell whether it was sadness or joy?Can't help but lift the black cloth car curtain, looked out from the blurred eyes of tears, and saw Prince Gong's slender body bent down and kowtowed without hat.

"Okay!" The Empress Dowager Cixi wiped her tears, breathed a sigh of relief, and said to herself silently: "This is not scary anymore!" The long line of pick-ups, one by one signed up and kowtowed, and when the sound stopped, the big sedan chair also entered the palace, until it stopped in the front yard of the bedroom, the eunuchs and maids who arrived first rushed forward, saluted and followed each other's masters , into the hall to rest. The Empress Dowager Cixi still lived in the Westinghouse, and was about to enter when someone shouted loudly from the side: "Slave, please greet the master!"

It's An Dehai!The Empress Dowager Cixi was quite surprised, and she was naturally very happy, but at this time, it was inconvenient to use words, and only said two words: "Get up!" "Cha!" An Dehai replied loudly, stood up, hurried forward, raised his face triumphantly, and lifted the green cloth curtain. Except for the empress dowagers of the two palaces and Shuangxi, everyone inside and outside the hall was very confused, but only the little emperor said, "Emperor mother," he asked, pulling the clothes of the empress dowager Ci'an, "Is Xiao Anzi a criminal?" I made a mistake, did I get kicked out? Why are you here again?"

"Don't ask too many questions!" The Empress Dowager Ci'an said this sentence, as if she felt that it was inappropriate, she added, "I made a mistake, as long as I correct it, I can naturally return to work." The little emperor didn't quite understand what she said, but he didn't ask any further, and just rolled his eyes and cursed: "I hate it!" "Don't swear!" Empress Dowager Ci'an took his hand and said, "Come on, you're covered in dirt, let Shuangxi change your clothes, wash your face so you can eat." The empress dowagers of the two palaces changed their clothes, freshened and washed, and passed the meals.Chen Shengwen, the leader of the respect room, used a silver plate to hand over the "meal card", the title of the book coated with powder on thin bamboo slices, and presented it when passing the meal for introduction or summoning. Empress Dowager Cixi flipped through the pages, saw Prince Gong's name, and asked Empress Dowager Ci'an for advice: "Let's meet Liu Ye and ask about the situation in Beijing?" Her voice was very loud, as if she was deliberately speaking to someone, Empress Dowager Ci'an understood what she meant, and she became more careful when it came to a critical moment, so as not to be caught by Su Shun's eyes and ears, she also raised her voice and replied: "Yeah! I'm just thinking about the palace, and I don't know how it's settled down?" This meant that the summoning of Prince Gong was just to ask about court affairs, and it was irrelevant to treat him as a minister of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.And Prince Gong was naturally vigilant, handing over the card to see him was simply because of his status, he had to do this, and in fact he didn't expect to see the Queen Mother of the Two Palaces.So when I heard the summons, I felt rather apprehensive, fearing that the Empress Dowager Cixi would not know the importance, and say something passionate and indignant, which might lead to unexpected obstacles and changes. Therefore, when he saw the empress dowagers of the two palaces, he put on a relaxed and relaxed look, kowtowed his head and stood up, and greeted the little emperor again, then held his hands and said happily: "The emperor's complexion is very good Are you not tired all the way?" "Hey! The trip went smoothly. The emperor is very obedient and obedient. When he went to the Reed Palace to salute, he went there alone in a sedan chair." The Empress Dowager Ci'an then ordered the little emperor, "Call him Uncle Six!" After being praised, the little emperor became more obedient, and called out: "Uncle Six!" Then he leaned on the Empress Dowager Ci'an's lap and looked at Prince Gong quietly. Prince Gong turned to look at Empress Dowager Cixi, he didn't dare to wink, but she could see what he meant from his eyes, so she asked casually, "Is it quiet in Beijing?" "Quiet." Prince Gong replied calmly, "I heard that the empress dowagers of the two palaces have returned to Luan in Beijing, and the hearts of the people are very excited." "Oh!" Empress Dowager Cixi beamed from behind, "It's really hard for them. It's cold, and poor families have to take care of them. Have you agreed on any regulations?" "Please rest assured, the two queen mothers. The porridge factory has been scheduled to open on the first day of October." "That's good." The Empress Dowager Cixi pondered for a while, and asked cautiously: "Dong Yuanchun's statement has been refuted, is there anything to say outside?" This question is difficult to answer, the truth cannot be presented here and now, but he had to make some hints, Prince Gong thought for a while and replied: "Everyone said that Dong Yuanchun's book was not well written." Poor writing means that the words are not good, not that the meaning is not good. The empress dowagers of the two palaces will understand. Seeing this situation, King Gong didn't wait for them to ask any more questions, and simply said in front of him: "For Zigong's return to Beijing, the minister will work with Zhou Zupei, Gui Liang, Jia Zhen, Shen Zhaolin, Wen Xiang, Bao Jun, and the retiring veterans to pray. Junzao, Xu Naipu, Weng Xincun and the others have all discussed it, and when the emperor arrives in Beijing, they will proceed step by step, and nothing will go wrong." This statement made people feel more at ease, and the Empress Dowager Cixi asked, "When will you arrive in Beijing tomorrow?" "Probably always in the future." "It's been a lot of hard work for everyone to maintain the situation for more than a year. The emperor hasn't met the ministers in Beijing yet, so let's meet up as soon as we arrive in Beijing!" As she spoke, Cixi glanced at Ci'an, and the other empress nodded slightly.Prince Gong observed her words, and knew that Empress Dowager Cixi wanted to act as soon as she arrived in Beijing, and the timing seemed too tight. He was still thinking about it, but she was urging: "Master Liu, do you think it's okay?" Prince Gong thought to himself, it would be better if it came quickly, so he replied calmly: "Yes!" At this time, the Empress Dowager Ci'an had also seen Cixi's eagerness to make a move, she couldn't help but feel a little nervous, and asked hesitantly: "Is there time tomorrow?" King Gong was about to say this, and immediately replied: "If the emperor summons you the day after tomorrow, then everything will be settled." Having said this, he lowered his voice, and added with a solemn expression: "Everything must be done properly. Rong Chen has time to plan." The four words "everything must be perfect" are quite valued by the Empress Dowager Cixi. After thinking about it for a while, she nodded and said, "Okay! When we return to the palace tomorrow, the sixth master will 'hand over the sign'!" This means that he will summon Prince Gong again tomorrow.He also felt it was necessary, and replied: "Yes!" Then he knelt down and exited. Departing from Nanshicao early the next morning, with two large sedan chairs, Ci'an led the little emperor in front, Cixi behind, set off at Chenshi, and traveled southward.Before the moment was upright, when they arrived outside Desheng Gate, officials below the third rank would pick up the driver here, sign up and kowtow, and the sedan chair would move slowly.After entering Deshengmen, pass the Drum Tower, pass Di'anmen, go east to south, enter the palace from Tiananmen, change to soft sedan chairs, and arrive at the Cining Palace where the empress dowagers of the past dynasties lived, it was already dusk. When it was dark, the foreign ministers could not be summoned. The Empress Dowager Cixi was very anxious, so she called An Dehai before she entered the palace and asked in a low voice: "Go and see, is the sixth master here? Just 'wake up' and let him wait in the Hall of Mental Cultivation." "Cha!" An Dehai agreed and rushed out. Seeing this scene, Empress Dowager Ci'an stopped changing clothes to rest, and sat with Cixi, drinking tea and having some snacks, while waiting for An Dehai to reply. In less than a quarter of an hour, An Dehai came back to report, saying that Prince Gong had already entered the palace, and now Zunyi was waiting in the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Then go. Since Yongzheng and Qianlong, the Hall of Mental Cultivation has been the same as the Qianqing Palace. It is the emperor's bedroom, and it is also the place where the emperor summons military planes and handles government affairs. However, when the Emperor Daxing lives in Japan, he spends more time in Yuanmingyuan and less in the palace. , so to the empress dowagers of the two palaces, the Hall of Mental Cultivation is a very strange place, once entering the gate of the hall, they don't know where to go? An Dehai was extremely clever, took two steps forward, and asked with a bow: "Please, Yizhi, are you summoning me at Dongnuange?" This reminded the empress dowagers of the two palaces, they walked side by side, entered the East Nuan Pavilion, and summoned Prince Gong under the bright candlelight. "Who is the chief eunuch here?" Cixi asked first. This question stopped Prince Gong, he was taken aback and replied: "Rong Chen has found out the answer." "It doesn't matter. I just want to ask, are the people here reliable?" It turns out that they are afraid of leaking secrets. Don't worry, Queen Mother!" "That's good!" Empress Dowager Cixi's voice was also loud, "Sixth Master, do you think you should summon those people tomorrow?" "There should not be too many people, as long as it works. I have drawn up a list here, and I invite the two empress dowagers to review it." As he spoke, he took out the list written on white paper and handed it over. Empress Dowager Ci'an took it and handed it over to her Empress Dowager Cixi. There was a simple resume on this list, and Prince Gong handed it to the Empress Dowager Ci'an. She took a look at it, fearing that there might be some words in it that she might not understand, so she handed it to the left: "Sister, read it!" So Empress Dowager Cixi followed the list and read: "Prince Gong Yixin. Guiliang, a scholar of the Wenhuadian University, is named Yanshan, Guerjia, and Zhenghongqi in Manchuria. Jia Zhen, a scholar of the Wuyingdian University, styled Yuntang, was born in Huangxian County, Shandong Province. Zhou Zupei, a scholar of Tiren Pavilion University, styled Zhitai, was born in Shangcheng, Henan. Wenxiang, the left servant of the household department of the Minister of Military Aircraft, is named Bochuan, Guerjia, and Manchuria Zhenghongqi. " After reading, the Empress Dowager Cixi then asked: "I remember that there are four bachelors in total?" "Yes!" Prince Gong replied: "There is another one who is a non-commissioned officer of Wenyuan Pavilion University, and he is ordered to stay in Huguang Governor, so he can't drive in." The list was decided after discussions with Prince Gong's confidants. The University Scholars were appointed as Zaifu, and Wen Xiang was the only Minister of Military Aircraft staying in Beijing. Prince Gong himself and all his relatives and important ministers were included, so there were not many people. The weight is enough, enough to rival the eight ministers of Gu Ming.Empress Dowager Cixi was very satisfied, folded the list, wrapped it in a white gauze handkerchief, nodded and said: "Very good. Tomorrow will be the sixth master to 'lead' them. Look, when is the right time to summon them? " "Good night." "En!" Cixi understood, the best time would be in the afternoon, after Zaiyuan and Duanhua retired from the palace. "Sixth Master!" Empress Dowager Ci'an suddenly asked: "I see you tomorrow, what should I say? It's very important at that moment, and I can't miss a word." "Yes!" King Gong solemnly agreed, and after thinking about it, he answered: "I know what the two empress dowagers mean, so tomorrow, the two empress dowagers don't need to tell you too much, just tell them about their crime of deception. If you talk about it carefully, it will arouse the loyalty and anger of your subordinates, and the matter will be easier to handle." "Hmm, um!" The Empress Dowager Cixi had a deep understanding, and she winked at Ci'an, saying that there is no need to ask at this moment, and she will explain later. "However, I still have something to say, and I have to explain the two empress dowagers first." Prince Gong said sadly, "The late emperor did not forgive me, and my misunderstanding was deep. I am in a very difficult situation. Regardless of Gu Ming Minister, how domineering and domineering, there is such a thing as personal inheritance. In order to respect the late emperor, I will summon you tomorrow, so I really shouldn't say anything. As for the future, I have to wait for the two empress dowagers and the emperor to reward me with grace Come, I will do my duty." "We know. From now on, of course, we will entrust the outside world to the sixth master." Cixi made this wish first, and then said: "But, tomorrow, there must be someone to talk to!" "Of course." Prince Gong said with great confidence, "Two empress dowagers, please rest assured that someone will definitely speak." So, that night, King Gong sent Zhu Xueqin to invite Gui Liang, Jia Zhen, Zhou Zupei, and Wen Xiang to his villa on the south bank of Houhu Lake, between the big and small Xiangfeng Hutongs.Except that Guiliang is the father-in-law and Wenxiang is the confidant, to Jia and Zhou, King Gong treats Jia and Zhou with the respect of the emperor's uncle, but holds the ceremony of the younger generation. Ju Zun, even more because King Gong knew in his heart that the Manchus themselves had troubles with housework, and they could not be resolved without relying on the ministers of the Han Dynasty. Treating the dispute between Gu Ming and the curtain as a domestic dispute within the Eight Banners, with this insightful and in-depth view, it is higher than Sushun. This is where Wen Xiang has extraordinary insight, but it is also the tradition of their Zhenghongqi.Among the five banners, Zhenghong Banner is the first. When Taizu founded the Eight Banners, Zhenghong Banner belonged to his second son Daishan.Taizu died, and Daishan supported the most capable old eight emperor Taiji among their brothers, who was Taizong.For this reason, Daishan made great contributions and was awarded by En Dulong. In addition to his own title of "Prince of Heshuo Lili", his other two sons were named county kings with military merits. They are both hereditary "iron hat kings" . For this reason, after the founding of the People's Republic of China, Zhenghongqi avoided being involved in the maelstrom, such as the liquidation of Prince Rui Dorgon during the Shunzhi period, the battle for the throne in the last years of Kangxi, and the disaster of flesh and blood after Sejong ascended the throne. The attitude is neutral and peaceful, but it does not fail to be loyal to the emperor. Therefore, Wenxiang and Guiliang, who are upholding the red flag, think that if King Gong wants to defeat Sushun, he must win the support of the Han ministers and the Mongolian princes and ministers. When it comes to housework, there is no right and wrong for one’s own people, and it is the same reason that relatives and friends must be asked to mediate.If relatives and friends stand idly by and this housework gets confused, both parties will suffer in the end. The Eight Banners may split, at least the Xianglan Banner will be separated, because Prince Zheng is the banner owner of the Xianglan Banner, and he still has the large flag of the Xianglan Banner in his mansion. . If such a situation occurs, the war in the south of the Yangtze River will be reversed, and the peace and stability achieved through grievances will also be paid for.The resurgence of internal worries and the continuation of external troubles are not the blessings of the society and the people.For this relationship, Prince Gong had great expectations for Jia Zhen and Zhou Zupei, and he had been working on lobbying for more than a day. At this moment, it was the last moment when he had to rely on them. He first announced the will of the Empress Dowagers of the two palaces to be summoned tomorrow, and then said with a worried expression: "Emperor Daxing's bones are not cold yet, and the deep palace is already so uneasy. The pillars of the two dukes' countries, I don't know why I feel the spirit of heaven?" Jia Zhen and Zhou Zupei only frowned and said "um, um" to express their understanding, but they didn't speak. So King Gong had no choice but to consult by name.Jia Zhen was enlightened by King Gong, and he was the chief master of the study, so King Gong respected him very much. He leaned over and called out affectionately: "Master, the performance is right tomorrow, how do you always plan to offer?" Jia Zhen looked up at Zhou Zupei and replied, "I need to ask Senior Zhi Weng what he meant first." Zhou Zupei's academic name was a few years earlier than Jia Zhen's, but he joined the cabinet a few years later, so he clasped his hands and said humbly: "Don't dare, dare not! Naturally, we are the only ones who follow the lead." "If you want to talk about the head of the horse," Jia Zhen pointed at Gui Liang with a piece of coal, "here. Duke Yan is the chief assistant. Please make your claim first so that we can follow." Gui Liang was the first to enter the cabinet. Jia Zhen used the allusions of the Ming Dynasty to respectfully call him the chief assistant. If there is only the second lord, one word can determine the overall situation. What policy should be adopted, please advise quickly!" "Yes!" Zhou Zupei was more forthright, but it was inconvenient to say something first, so he urged Jia Zhen to speak: "Damn old man, do your part! We discussed to set a policy first, and then we could find a way to go further. " Jia Zhen "pululu, pululu" smoked two bags of hookah before saying slowly: "Naturally, quiet is the main thing. I don't know if the Queen Mother has any explanations?" The secret edict hidden by the Empress Dowager Ci'an had already been recorded by Cao Yuying and sent to Prince Gong. Therefore, he knew exactly what he would say when the Empress Dowagers of the two palaces summoned him tomorrow, but it was inconvenient to say it at this time. It was too clear, and only vaguely revealed: "It's always nothing more than some advances and retreats on the military plane." "Of course that's what the question means." Jia Zhen asked again, "Is there any other meaning?" "There is still a discussion about hanging the curtain, whether it can be decided by a referendum." "It's not impossible." Jia Zhen's words were a great encouragement to Zhou Zupei, he was in favor of the proposal, and one of his purposes was to take revenge on Sushun.Sushun's arrogance and rudeness offended many people, especially what Zhou Zupei suffered was the most embarrassing.Before Emperor Daxing took refuge in Rehe, he and Sushun were co-organizers of the University's Department of Scholars. Sometimes the secretary carried the slips to the hall, and Zhou Zupei had already drawn the draft of the line. Sushun pretended not to know, and asked who drew the line?The clerk naturally answered truthfully that he would erase Zhou Zupei's signature and redo the original manuscript.So many times, and in front of my face.This leaves no room for others, so Zhou Zupei hated him to the bone, and he unconditionally agreed to any measures that could hit Sushun. At this time, he was already carrying a draft in his arms to invite the empress dowagers of the two palaces to attend the court, and then he took it out, handed it to Jia Zhen, and said, "Please Yun Weng Zhuo!" Jia Zhen received it in his hand, and with candlelight, he read the signatures at the end of the manuscript first. Zhou Zupei, Shen Zhaolin, Minister of the Ministry of Households, and Zhao Guang, Minister of the Ministry of Punishment, were already there.Looking at the text again, I said at the beginning: "I am a pilgrimage to the sage, and there is no code for the queen mother to listen to the government behind the curtain," but then said: "However, the power cannot be transferred downward. Then, the meaning of "Zanxiang" is used to assist rather than preside over, suggesting that the empress dowager should "improve the virtues in the palace, exercise the authority of governance, so that the ministers and workers have something to inherit, and they don't live in the false name of hanging curtains. And listen to the actual effects of politics." This memorial deliberately avoided the title of "draping curtains", but in fact it still suggested hanging curtains, which became a trick of deceiving oneself and others.But he is also getting older, and he is too lazy to think, let alone write, so he said repeatedly: "Very good! Very good" "But how about asking Yun Weng to take the lead?" Seeing the situation, Jia Zhen felt that it was imperative to do so. If this booklet was published, he would be honored with the holy family, rich and honorable, and he could pick up a ready-made cheap one. So he happily replied: "It should be attached to the tail of the horse." He took the pen and wrote it in regular script. Put your name on it. This is really a happy moment.Prince Gong felt relieved, he summoned him tomorrow, even if Huang and Zhou Zhou didn't express it verbally, with this memorial, they could still make a big fuss about the decree.Sing the play very lively. For fear that Zaiyuan and Duanhua would find out about the gathering that night, they took precautions, since the big event had been decided, Prince Gong didn't need to stay in Jia and talk too much on Tuesday, and quietly sent them back.But in his villa "Jianyuan", there are heavy curtains and bright lights all night long. Four people, Wen Xiang, Bao Yun, Cao Yuying, and Zhu Xueqin, surrounded him, discussed all night, and carefully took all the steps. arranged.