"Why did the emperor say this?" Jian Huaizhen was faintly startled in his heart and asked.

Zhu Qizhen's two lines of tears flowed down the corners of his eyes, he glanced at the eunuchs and palace maids around him, and said slowly: "You guys retreat first." The eunuchs and palace maids retreated.

Only then did Zhu Qizhen raise his eyes and say to Jian Huaizhen: "Aunt Taihuang, in the change of seizing the door, I was angry with Jingtai. Later, he listened to the slanderous rumors of Xu Youzhen, Shi Heng and Cao Jixiang and killed Yu Qian. The so-called loyal ministers and good generals, the pillars of the country. Everyone in the world knows that Yu Qian is a loyal minister, but I don't know. Now Shen'er is missing, which is said to be related to Yu Qian's son Yu Mian. I've been wondering, is this retribution? ”

Only then did Jian Huaizhen understand that it turned out that Zhu Qizhen thought that everything was done by Yu Mian. She thought for a moment, and then said to Zhu Qizhen: "Emperor, you think too much. You are the emperor, and there should be no mistake. It's just Yu Qian's business, it's true that you did it wrong. But no matter what, this matter has been in the dust for a long time, why did it suddenly mention it again? As for Yu Mian and Shen'er's disappearance, it is even more imaginary. After Yu Mian learned about Shen'er's accident, he went to Nanjing to inform me of the incident. Along the way, he was pursued by Assassins and nearly lost his life. This son has a pure character, and there will never be anything to do with it. ”

When Zhu Qizhen heard this, he said "oh", but he was still skeptical: "But I don't know if Yu Mian deliberately made it to show people." ”

Jian Huaizhen shook his head and said: "Emperor, I haven't experienced any ups and downs in this palace in the past few decades, what cows, ghosts, snakes, gods have never seen. Who is a human and who is a ghost, I can't tell at a glance. However, it is not to look at the wrong person. You believe me again this time. ”

Zhu Jianshen's disappearance was a profound blow to Zhu Qizhen. He only has one son, Zhu Jianshen, if Zhu Jianshen has three longs and two shorts, there will be no successor, and the power will fall to the side branches, so it is not urgent in his heart. Hearing Jian Huaizhen say this, he felt a little comforted in his heart, and then said: "Even if this matter has nothing to do with Yu Mian, who is so bold?" Did Jingtai's henchmen do it? ”

Jian Huaizhen also shook his head, disappreciating: "Your Majesty, after you seized the door and restored, Qi Yu's power declined. After his death, Xu Youzhen, Shi Heng and others attacked and divided his deployment, and to this day, where is there any force on his side? Hongu believes that this matter has nothing to do with Jingtai either. ”

"Who's that? You tell me who is going to harm my emperor? After listening to Jian Huaizhen's analysis, Zhu Qizhen was sincerely frightened. If the person who captured the crown prince was neither Yu Mian's person nor Zhu Qiyu's person, wouldn't it be difficult to track it down? The world is so big, it's so easy to hide someone.

"No, it won't." Jian Huaizhen comforted him, "I already have some clues. If you see something deep, let me do it. As long as he is alive, I will definitely save him. The country cannot be without a prince for a day, and the foundation of the Ming Dynasty must not be lost in the hands of children and grandchildren! In the name of Emperor Chengzu, the palace swore that he would definitely bring Jianshen back. Emperor, you should be good at giving birth and recuperating from your illness. ”

How did Zhu Qizhen not know that Jian Huaizhen was a person who turned her hands into clouds and turned her hands into rain, and knew that she had her own solid power whether she was in the rivers and lakes or in the court. Now, listening to her swear in the name of the former emperor Zhu Di, that is, her biological father, my heart is suddenly relieved. He nodded and said, "Aunt Taihuang, Shen'er's life, I will be in your hands." This Ming dynasty is also in your hands. ”

Jian Huaizhen's heart suddenly felt inexplicably heavy. But it was just a momentary feeling, she tucked the back corner for the emperor and said, "Emperor, don't worry." ”

Out of the palace, Jian Huaizhen walked heavily. Just now in the palace, she saw that Zhu Qizhen was worried and anxious about the crown prince Zhu Jianshen, and she was almost exhausted, and she was very worried. In order to appease the emperor and let him live well and recuperate, he promised him that as long as Zhu Jianshen was still in the world, he would definitely bring him back.

It's just that the world is vast, and I don't know who took Zhu Jianshen away, how to start investigating?

Back at Shangshufu, it was already late. The sky was drowning in darkness like blackened ink. The seven-colored glass lantern was held in the Shangshu Mansion. Jian Huaizhen stepped on the halo of the lantern and walked into the room. Ji Qihan and Jiang Shaoheng have not left yet, waiting for her to come back. Jian Polang is not here, presumably still resting and not waking up.

"Princess, what news did you get when you entered the palace?" Ji Qihan greeted him and asked.

Jian Huaizhen was full of loneliness, shook his head with a wry smile and said, "The emperor's body is much worse than before. People in their thirties look older than me in my fifties. I saw that his Yin Tang was dark and his face was pale and gray, which seemed to be a symptom of wind and cold. If you put too much effort into it, I'm afraid you won't be able to live too long. ”

"The disappearance of his son and the worry of being a father are also human nature. The top priority is to rescue the crown prince first. Jiang Shaoheng shook the folding fan in his hand and pondered.

"Yes. I promised the emperor that I would definitely bring Shen'er back. To live is to see people, and to die is to see corpses. Therefore, I deliberately returned to the mansion to discuss with you how to save people. Thanks to Brother Ji's arrival now, we are like a tiger with wings, and it is easier to find someone to come. ”

Ji Kaihan smiled slightly: "Sister Huaizhen, you rarely praise me." After speaking, Zhengse said: "I think this matter I think it is better to investigate it from Jian Polang, or I can find out any clues." What does Brother Shaoheng think? ”

Jiang Shaoheng also nodded: "Perception tells me that the two cases are related. Well, there's one more thing I think we've overlooked. That's Senkoin Temple. Why did the crown prince disappear in the Thousand Red Courtyard? Is there someone in Qianhong Courtyard who responds? I think I can look it up here. ”

Ji Kaihan slapped his palms and laughed: "Brother Shaoheng is really thoughtful, he can think what others can't think and what others can't do." The line of Qianhongyuan, I have forgotten. Jian Huaizhen never thought of the line of Qianhong Courtyard, but now when he heard Jiang Shaoheng mention it, he said: "In that case, Brother Jiang, the line of Qianhong Courtyard is still troublesome for you to follow." ”

Jiang Shaoheng has never set foot in the land of fireworks in his life, but now when he heard Jian Huaizhen say this, he had to agree to it.

"What are you going to do about breaking the waves?" Jiang Shaoheng saw Ji Qihan sneering on the side, so he had to ask her about a specific topic.

Ji Kaihan said first: "For the matter of breaking the waves, I will go to Wuyi Mountain with the princess and sister-in-law." Check whether this matter has anything to do with the case of the crown prince's disappearance. ”

Jian Huaizhen was noncommittal, pondered for a moment, and then said slowly: "The matter of breaking the waves, I will bother Brother Ji to take a trip." Right now, I can't leave the capital. Now, the emperor is weak and frail, and there are warats on the outside, and traitors and traitors inside. I have to sit in the capital. If anything happens, it is good to protect the emperor and keep the Ming Dynasty. ”

Jiang Shaoheng and Ji Kaihan immediately understood her concerns. Now the imperial court can be described as internal and external troubles, coupled with the disappearance of the crown prince. If Zhu Qizhen really has three longs and two shorts, and the ministers who hold great power or have a rebellious heart, I am afraid that the change of dynasty will not be impossible. In the court, Jian Huaizhen is in charge, Jian Huaizhen can mobilize 300,000 soldiers and horses under Sanyang, and second, he can mobilize Candle Shadow to shake the red and confess the door, and there are other Jianghu sects such as Lingxiao Pavilion who are grateful for her life-saving grace last time, and they are also willing to run for it. In this way, as long as she is in the capital, there are people who are anti-minded and do not dare to act rashly.

After the discussion, Jian Huaizhen returned to the palace to sit down, Jiang Shaoheng returned to Huaiming Garden, and Ji Kaihan stayed in Shangshu Mansion, preparing to go to Wuyi Mountain with Jian Polang tomorrow.

On the second day, Ji Qihan took Jian Polang back to Wuyi Mountain, and Jiang Shaoheng followed Jian Huaizhen's instructions and went to Qianhong Courtyard to find out the news.

Qianhongyuan is the first brothel in the capital, and there are countless dignitaries and nobles who come and go on weekdays, and Jiang Shaoheng has to dress up as an ordinary rich businessman in order to avoid suspicion. Gu Fenghuang saw that he was dressed up and was of the highest quality, so he immediately treated him as a guest of honor.

Jiang Shaoheng heard Yu Mian mention that in Qianhong Courtyard, there was a woman named Wan Zhenniang, or she could be trusted, so she was known to be looking for Zhenniang.

Gu Fenghuang was a little embarrassed, and said with a sneer: "This uncle, it's not that I refuse to let that virgin lady come to see you. It's just that last time I was a master, I made a bold move, and I wrapped my virgin mother for a month. Within this month, whether he comes or not, Zhenniang will not be allowed to see others. You see I'm really embarrassed......"

Before she finished her words, Jiang Shaoheng had already taken out a certain amount of gold from his sleeve, put it on the desk, and said, "I want to find Wan Zhenniang." ”

When Gu Fenghuang saw Huang Cancan's gold, his eyes immediately lit up. At that time, silver could be seen commonly, but gold was not common, and the price of gold was far above silver, so it was no wonder that Gu Fenghuang was excited when he saw gold. She glanced at Jiang Shaoheng tentatively, quietly picked up the gold, put it to her mouth and took a bite, her heart was ecstatic, and she immediately smiled: "This uncle, it stands to reason that Zhenniang should not have received guests." It's just that this uncle is so magnificent, extraordinary, and arrogant, Zhenniang can see you, it's her blessing, isn't it? I'll invite the lady out for the uncle. After saying that, he walked in with his waist swinged.

After a short time, a woman was brought out. Jiang Shaoheng saw that the woman's eyebrows and eyes were thin and her demeanor was supple, and she didn't look like a person in the dust. Gu Fenghuang had already boasted: "This uncle, let me tell you, it's not that I want to praise our virgin girl. Zhen Niang is a good girl in a million, and she is the Oiran of our Thousand Red Courtyards, and you really have a vision. I'll have you brought into your room. After speaking, he pushed Zhen Niang in front of Jiang Shaoheng, and ordered someone to take Jiang Shaoheng and Zhen Niang into the private room on the third floor.

Jiang Shaoheng ordered no one to disturb, closed the door, and asked, "You are Wan Zhenniang?" Do you know Yu Mian? During the questioning, he told Yu Mian what he had told him.

After hearing this, Wan Zhenniang said in a loud voice: "Yu Gongzi is a good person, if it weren't for him, I'm afraid the concubine would have become a broken flower and a willow to be sent to." ”

Jiang Shaoheng lowered his head and was silent, seeing that her mood calmed down a little, he continued: "I am a friend of Yu Gongzi, and I came here to ask you about some things. Can you tell me everything you know? ”

Zhen Niang immediately nodded and said, "Please speak." As long as my virgin mother knows, she must know everything and say everything. ”

"Okay, then let me ask you, before Yu Gongzi came, he came to find a Zhu Gongzi. That Zhu Gongzi, when did you start coming to Qianhong Courtyard? How long has it been? ”

Zhen Niang thought sideways for a while, and said, "That son is not a regular customer. It's only half a month. ”

"Every time he comes, which girl is he looking for?" Jiang Shaoheng asked.

Zhen Niang saw Jiang Shaoheng's solemnity, and replied with a straight face: "Not necessarily." He came every once in a while, and every time he looked for a different person. ”

Jiang Shaoheng nodded and continued to ask: "On the day of Zhu Gongzi's accident, what did the few swordsmen who came in look like?" ”

Zhen Niang thought about it, and then described the appearance of the swordsmen she saw. And said, "These people have not been here before. ”

Jiang Shaoheng inquired about some things again, and Zhenniang answered truthfully. Jiang Shaoheng didn't look like she was lying, so he asked her everything he wanted to know. Zhenniang also has questions to answer. Despite this, Jiang Shaoheng didn't get any clues. When he had almost finished asking, he stood up and said, "Thank you, Miss Zhenniang." It's time to go back next. ”

Wan Zhenniang looked at him, her eyebrows were bright, her eyes were watery, she hesitated for a long time, and finally asked: "Yu Mian Yu Gongzi, is he okay?" ”

Jiang Shaoheng is also from the past, and he can see at a glance that Zhen Niang must have some affection for the crown in her heart. He didn't want her to worry about Yu Mian, so he replied: "Yu Gongzi is all right, and now he is dealing with some things in Nanjing." When I'm done, I'll naturally come back to the girl. In the next farewell. With that, he turned and left.

Pushing open the door, Jiang Shaoheng seemed to see a figure flickering and disappearing. I wanted to look closely, but I couldn't find anyone. I was quite skeptical. If someone really eavesdropped on his conversation with Wan Zhenniang outside, that person's light skills must have been extremely high, otherwise he would definitely not have heard it.

However, in the Qianhong Courtyard, people come and go, why did that person notice that he was in Zhenniang's room? Don't------

Jiang Shaoheng pondered, lowered his head, and suddenly saw a bead on the ground. The bead was pale yellow in color, the size of a fingernail, and seemed to have fallen from some ornament. Jiang Shaoheng turned his head and asked, "Zhenniang, this bead, but did you lose it?" ”

Zhen Niang got up and walked forward, glanced at the beads, and said, "This is not my thing, I have rarely worn jewelry hairpin rings. It's just this bead...... It seems familiar. She looked at it carefully for a while, and suddenly realized: "I remembered, isn't this the bead on Sister Phoenix's earrings?" This kind of beads is produced in Uszang. Sister Phoenix likes it very much, and she always takes it with her on weekdays, but now she doesn't want to lose it. ”

Jiang Shaoheng lowered his eyebrows, pondered for a moment, and already had an idea in his heart. He looked around and saw that there was no one left, so he asked, "May I ask Miss Zhenniang, where is the Phoenix girl in the Thousand Red Courtyard?" How long have you been the boss of Qianhongin? ”

Wan Zhenniang thought for a while and said, "Sister Phoenix heard that she was born in a small town in the south of the Yangtze River, married and had children, everything was originally satisfactory. Later, his son died of illness and her husband contracted the plague. In order to save her husband's illness, she was sold to Cailuan Tower in the capital. Sister Phoenix only worked in Cailuan Building for more than a year, and then earned the capital and came to Jinding Street to open this Qianhong Courtyard. After careful calculation, it has only been more than a year since the opening of Qianhong Courtyard, and it has become the most famous green building in the capital. ”

Jiang Shaoheng suddenly felt incredible, so he asked, "How many silver taels does it take to open such a grand Qianhong Courtyard?" ”

Wan Zhenniang looked around, and replied, "I think it may cost tens of thousands of taels of silver or more." ”

"The most popular girl in Qianhong Mansion, how many silver taels can she earn in a year?"

Wan Zhenniang replied: "I don't know very well. The most popular girl in Qianhong Courtyard is Mo Yuqiao, I heard that she can earn five or six thousand taels of silver a year. ”

Jiang Shaoheng's doubts in his heart have not dissipated for a long time, and when he heard Wan Zhenniang say this, he was even more suspicious: "In this case, why can Phoenix save tens of thousands of taels of silver in a year to open such a pompous Thousand Red Mansion?" ”

Wan Zhenniang raised her eyebrows and smiled, and the corners of her mouth opened like a faint crescent moon: "I don't know either." I guess I met some noble person. In the courtyard, some people often say that above Sister Phoenix, there is still a boss in Qianhong Courtyard. It's just that whether it's real or not, none of us have ever seen it.

Jiang Shaoheng's expression was unpredictable. After thanking Wan Zhenniang, he wanted to leave.

Wan Zhenniang's eyes showed a faint look of loss, and she asked helplessly: "You came to Qianhong Courtyard just to investigate these things." I think you're from the government. ”

Jiang Shaoheng didn't know how to explain it to her, so he had to nod and admit it. Wan Zhenniang's beautiful eyes suddenly fell with a hint of loss, and said: "I see that you have an extraordinary bearing, and you must not be an ordinary person." I didn't look away. It's just that Yu Gongzi...... Is he also a member of the public family? ”

Jiang Shaoheng knew that Wan Zhenniang had many inquirings, but he just wanted to ask the last sentence. Therefore, he said: "He is also a member of the public family." As long as the two are of the same heart, what kind of identity is it, and what is important? Jiang Shaoheng remembered the relationship between him and Jian Huaizhen and Fang Xiao, and felt emotional: "As long as the two of them are sincere, anything can be done." is a feud, they can all be turned into friends, not to mention different identities. ”

Jiang Shaoheng's words made the knot in Wan Zhenniang's heart suddenly untie. She said from the bottom of her heart: "Thank you for saying this to me, I will always remember it." ”

After saying goodbye to Wan Zhenniang, Jiang Shaoheng entered the palace to see Jian Huaizhen as soon as possible. Jian Huaizhen was indeed already waiting in Wan'an Palace early in the morning, waiting for his news.

Jiang Shaoheng sat down and told Jian Huaizhen the news he heard in Qianhong Courtyard one by one. After hearing this, Jian Huaizhen was silent and thought for a while before asking Jiang Shaoheng, "Brother Jiang, what do you think about this matter?" ”

Jiang Shaoheng pondered: "I always feel that Gu Fenghuang and Qianhong Courtyard are a little weird. Gu Fenghuang was in the Qinglou, and it was only more than a year before he opened Qianhongyuan, the largest brothel in the capital, with silver and two. This green building is a little suspicious after all. Wan Zhenniang once said that she had heard that there was a behind-the-scenes boss behind the phoenix. I believe that the case of the prince's abduction may have something to do with Gu Fenghuang. ”