Gu Huaijin brought Aunt Cui's mother and daughter back to the North Palace, and the palace lights in the main hall were lit until late at night.

After a short greeting, Gu Huaijin sat at the top position, he looked at Aunt Cui across the table, and the warmth in his eyes looked a little cold under the glow of the palace lamp.

"Auntie, you are the old man next to the queen mother, and you are also the person she trusts the most. You should know why she died? He paused, "Does her death have anything to do with the one in the 'Changqiu Palace'?" ”

Aunt Cui knelt down with trembling legs, "The maid swears to the sky that the mother really died in childbirth when she gave birth to the second prince." ”

Gu Huaijin looked solemn, "What happened on the day the queen mother gave birth?" ”

"Before Niangniang gave birth, His Majesty came to visit the 'Jiaofang Palace', and then it seemed that he had a dispute with Niangniang, His Majesty just left, Niangniang's amniotic water broke, and the maid hurriedly went to ask for a doctor, but ......it was still too late," Aunt Cui said as tears burst down the embankment.

"The father and the queen mother had a dispute?" Gu Huaijin frowned, and the hand on the table clenched tightly.

Aunt Cui wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes with her sleeves, and her gaze inadvertently shook over Gu Huaijin's clenched fists.

Yes, but the servant was sent out of the house, and did not know what the cause of the dispute was. I knew that the maid shouldn't have left at that time, so that I could protect my mother a little. ”

"Aunt Cui, it's not your fault." Gu Huaijin couldn't bear it, so he walked up to her and helped her up.

When Aunt Cui heard this, her shoulders trembled even more from crying.

"After the mother's death, all the slaves and maids of the 'Jiaofang Palace' were punished, and the maidservants were also sent to Yongxiang to do hard labor. Later, the fire in Yongxiang caused the maid's leg to be burned, and he could no longer work, so he was dismissed from the palace by the adult in charge. ”

Aunt Cui held the handkerchief handed over by Gu Huaijin tightly in the palm of her hand, and her red, swollen and loose eyes were full of guilt.

"Your Royal Highness, the most reassuring thing for Niangniang before her death is you, and the maid should stay by your side every step of the way."

"Auntie doesn't have to blame herself, you can guard me in the future." Gu Huaijin patted the back of her hand comfortingly, "Are you okay after you leave the palace?" But gave birth to a daughter? ”

Aunt Cui was stunned, and when she lowered her eyes, she covered the flashing light that flew under her eyes, "Your Highness, you are laughing, the maids are so old when they leave the palace, where can they still give birth to daughters, Jin Kite is just a righteous daughter adopted by me." ”

Aunt Cui looked at the figure waiting outside the door, and said with a pleased smile: "It is thanks to her that the maid has been free from a lot of loneliness over the years." ”

Gu Huaijin followed her gaze, "Jin Kite, it's a good name." In the future, my aunt and she will live in Beigong with peace of mind. You've suffered so much before, and now it's time to be blessed. ”

Aunt Cui took a step back in fear, "The maid doesn't dare, I just want to stay and serve His Highness." ”

"With that said, I'll order someone to clean up the side hall."

Gu Huaijin smiled soothingly, and then called Gonggong Xu in to explain a few words.

Cui Jinyuan also came in with Gonggong Xu to thank him. She secretly raised her eyes and glanced at Gu Huaijin, who was looking at the other party, and shrank in fright, and Hongxia flew on her face.

Gu Huaijin smiled warmly, "Miss Cui is really beautiful, no wonder she charmed so many sons of the family when she was in 'Qin Yarn Fang'. ”

Although Cui Jinyuan is often praised, it is the first time that he has been praised by such a high-ranking and powerful person, and his heart is suddenly beating like a drum.

After Aunt Cui's mother and daughter left, Gu Huaijin sat alone in the inner hall for a long time. The depth of his eyes was like the pouring of the sea, and it was difficult to see through it. It wasn't until Gonggong Xu walked in and reminded him that there was an early dynasty today, that he bowed his head slightly and walked out.

The wind swept through the sky, outlining his thin figure. Gonggong Xu looked at him from a distance, a little distressed, how could His Royal Highness the noble and elegant Crown Prince ever be so lonely.

The next day, Gu Huaijin entered the palace early, which was the first time he went to court after being deposed. In this house, even grief has a time limit.

Gu Chengye sat on the dragon chair in the middle of the "Jianzhang Palace", overlooking the ministers in the hall. This feeling of superiority always makes him extremely satisfied and complacent.

As soon as the court meeting was halfway through, Xie Chi stood up, "Your Majesty, the minister has something important to report." ”

Gu Chengye adjusted his sitting posture and bowed his head slightly.

"As a servant, the minister was in charge of the local horse administration for several years, and he secretly visited and found that several princes were suspected of embezzling the tribute of the Tibetan state."

"For example?"

Xie Chi took out a book from his sleeve, and his head hung lower, "For example, the horse that paid tribute to the imperial court." ”

In all dynasties, soldiers and horses were important items for the military.

Gu Chengye's complexion changed greatly, and he started shooting.

"Presumptuous!"

The country of Fan is close to the fiefs of the princes, so the tribute of the vassal kings will be reviewed by the princes and then handed over to the imperial court, but they did not expect it to be convenient for their greed.

The ministers were all frightened and knelt down in fear.

Xie Chi stiffened his head and said: "Your Majesty is merciful and has reduced the taxes of the princes, but they are so unconscious. When the first emperor was there, he intended to abolish the feudal system and implement the county system. The minister thinks that now is also the time. ”

However, this move was opposed by Lu Zhengze.

"Your Majesty, if you rashly abolish the feudal counties at this time, I am afraid that it will cause dissatisfaction among the princes, and then the princes will jointly resist, and the world will inevitably be in chaos."

Xie Chi looked at him dissatisfied, "Lu Xiang, do you mean to continue to let the princes ride on His Majesty's neck?" ”

"Servant Xie, please pay attention to the wording." Lu Zhengze looked at him coldly, Xie Chise shrunk his neck, and looked at Gu Chengye timidly.

This deepened Gu Chengye's jealousy of Lu Zhengze, and he narrowed his eyes slightly, "What does Aiqing have a high opinion?" ”

Gu Huaijin looked at Gu Chengye's depressed face, worried in his heart, he shook his head slightly at Lu Zhengze, but the latter turned a blind eye.

"The minister thought that he should think about it in the long run. According to the ministers, it is better to change the division to the parallel system of the county and the state first, so as to make the transition and test the reaction of the princes. ”

Xie Chi sneered, "So what does Lu Xiang think, which princely fiefs should be changed to counties first?" ”

"Salute first, then soldier. The minister thought that His Majesty should first send someone to negotiate with the princes in the fiefdom before making a decision. ”

Xie Chi was about to say something, but Xiao Lingheng stood up, "Your Majesty, the minister thinks what Prime Minister Lu said is extremely true. It's just that if His Majesty sends ordinary courtiers to go, the princes are afraid that they will be contemptuous. The ministers thought that the people sent must be equal to the princes, so that they could be suppressed. ”

Gu Huaijin's eyelids jumped slightly.

Immediately afterwards, I heard Gu Chengye ask: "Does Xiao Yushi have a proposed candidate?" ”

Sure enough, Xiao Lingheng said without hesitation: "Your Majesty is the only one whose status far exceeds that of the princes, although the status of several princes is equivalent to that of the princes, after all, their status is noble, and they are not suitable for hard work." In this way, among the courtiers, the only one who can convince the princes is Lu Xiang. ”

Lu Zhengze looked at Xiao Lingheng, his eyes were full of frost.

is a good divisive plan, and at the same time, he does not forget to deepen His Majesty's suspicion of him.

"Your Majesty, there has been no reason for the prime minister to not be in the court in all dynasties." He Jiming walked to Lu Zhengze's side with a courtboard, "The minister thinks this move is really inappropriate. ”

"There is a precedent for everything, is it possible that He Neishi wants His Majesty and the prince to go to the fiefdom in person?" Lu Younian snorted coldly.

Gu Huaijin understood that they were determined to support Lu Zhengrule.

He took a few steps forward, lowered his eyebrows and arched his hand: "Father, the son is willing to go to the fiefdom." ”

Gu Chengye suddenly turned cold, "What are you messing around again?" ”

"Stand down!" Seeing Gu Huaijin's insistence on not moving, Gu Chengye was furious, "Isn't the board enough?" How many princes do you still have to abolish the throne? ”

Gu Huaijin trembled, and wanted to say something, but Lu Zhengze glanced at him, "Your Highness, be obedient and retreat." ”

Gu Huaijin hesitated for a moment, and finally retreated.

Lu Zhengze then said: "Your Majesty, the minister is willing to go." ”

He knew that there was bound to be one between him and Gu Huaijin this time, otherwise those people would not be reconciled.

The interaction between Lu Zhengze and Gu Huaijin was seen by Gu Chengye. His own son is closer to him than to his father, and this thorn really can't be pulled out.

His eyes sank, and his heart was already extremely unhappy.

"That's right."

After saying that, he waved his sleeves and left the court.

It was night, the Prime Minister's Mansion was brightly lit, and it was Lu Zhengze who invited He Jiming to the banquet. After three rounds of drinking, the two played chess.

"I'm going to leave for the fiefdom tomorrow, and I ask Gong He to help me keep an eye on the movements in Beijing these days."

He Jiming rubbed his chin, "Xiao Lingheng and Lu Younian, the two old foxes, tried their best to separate you, but I'm afraid that they are going to take action." ”

Lu Zhengze ate He Jiming's son, "That's what I'm worried about." His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has just been deposed, and he can't stand any toss anymore. He Gong must watch His Highness and don't let him act impulsively again. ”

He Jiming couldn't bear to sigh: "Our Highness is really pitiful." Mother went early, and His Majesty was so suspicious of him. ”

Lu Zhengze didn't answer, and pushed the sunspot to the front, opposite He Jiming's white.

"Now the situation between the DPRK and China is like this game of chess, with the two powers contending. Behind Gu Huaiyu stood the Xiao family, Lu Younian, and Zhang Zhenli, but behind His Highness, there were only you and me. ”

He Jiming was quite upset, "That's it, Your Majesty's mind still doesn't know where it falls." ”

"Your Majesty naturally wants the two to be checked and balanced, and only when the situation is stable can his regime last for a long time." Lu Zhengze smiled, suddenly thought of something, and straightened his expression, "A few days ago, there were rumors in the palace about me and the former queen, and it was said that Kong Qingyun investigated this matter. ”

He Jiming pinched the hand of the chess piece before he could put it down, "Is Duke Lu worried that Kong Qingyun has returned to the Xiao family?" ”

"Yes, the rumors must have been spread by Xiao Shuli. I heard that she has always summoned Kong Qingyun's daughter-in-law into the palace recently. ”

"Could it be that she wants to marry Kong Qingyun's daughter?" He Jiming's eyes widened in surprise, "Wait, didn't Xiao Shuli plan to marry your niece to the third prince as a concubine?" ”

"What is it for her to sacrifice a niece for power?" Lu Zhengze sneered, "Wangshu's child has a pure heart, Gu Huaiyu is not worthy of her." ”

He Jiming ate a few sunspots from Lu Zhengze, and the chess game turned over in an instant, and he was in a good mood.

"Lu Gong, look, how is your niece worthy of our Highness?"

"I lost." Lu Zhengze cleaned up the mess with a smile, "Both of them are very stubborn, and they are tense when they meet." He Gong, don't mess with the mandarin duck spectrum. ”

He Jiming disagreed.

He picked up the wine on the table and took a sip, squinted and smiled: "In my opinion, this is interesting, who can say for sure about fate." ”