Ming: I am fake, walking on thin ice

Chapter 151: The Queen, the Seductive Bitch, Abuses Herself

On the 25th day of the twelfth lunar month, the weather was freezing cold, but the Fahai Temple was bustling with people and filled with incense. On this day, the emperor personally visited the temple and held a grand sacrifice to commemorate the soldiers who died fighting for the Ming Dynasty.

Inside the temple, the sound of bells and the chanting of Buddhist scriptures added a certain solemnity to the ceremony. The monks were dressed in robes, holding instruments and solemn faces, as they knew the importance of today's ceremony.

On the altar, incense and candles were burning high, and smoke was everywhere. After a series of ceremonies, the emperor personally read the sacrificial text:
On the twenty-fifth day of the twelfth lunar month, I personally visited the Fahai Temple to pay tribute to the spirits of the fallen soldiers of the Ming Dynasty. Alas, how sad it is!

In the past, our generals and soldiers bravely took the lead, wearing armor and holding sharp weapons to defend the country. They fought on the battlefield, fearless of their own lives, beheaded generals and captured flags, and made great achievements. However, God did not give them a long life, and they died in the flames of war, their ambitions were not fulfilled, and they died before they could achieve them. When I heard about it, I was deeply saddened and my clothes were wet with tears.

Today, I personally come here to offer sacrifices to comfort the spirits of the heroes. Their achievements are clear in the sky and cannot be erased. I will remember them in my heart and never forget them. May their souls rest in peace forever.

Alas! The fallen soldiers, your loyalty and bravery are the glory of our Great Ming. I shall carry forward your legacy, carry forward the past and forge ahead, to bring peace to the world. May your spirits bless our Great Ming, and make it everlasting.

"It is said that people die at the border every year, but everyone in the capital enjoys peace." An old soldier's eyes filled with tears. "Your Majesty has not forgotten the soldiers who died for the Ming Dynasty. Finally, at the end of the year in the capital, these people who enjoy peace know that someone died for this peace."

Yu Qian, who was standing beside him, patted the old soldier on the shoulder and said, "Captain Qin, come again next year and you may burn a stick of incense for me."

The old soldier named Qin Baotou was shocked: "What? Yu Shaobao, you are going to the border too?"

Yu Qian sighed softly, "I received a letter from Shi Heng a few days ago. Mobei suffered a great disaster this winter. Yesen and his men must have moved south after the spring, otherwise they would not survive."

"Take me with you!" Qin Baotou blurted out.

"Okay, you are already this old, you want to go to the battlefield to give military merit to the Oirat people?" Yu Qian glared at him, "You are at least one of the people who followed Emperor Taizong to the Onon River, don't embarrass yourself when you are old."

Qin Baotou was not convinced: "Don't underestimate me. When I get to the battlefield, I will definitely be no less capable than the young men you trained."

Yu Qian patted Qin Baotou's shoulder again and said seriously, "Stay alive. Someone has to take care of those dead comrades and look at the future Ming Dynasty. Didn't His Majesty say that he wanted to create a prosperous era?"

"I believe in your Majesty!" Qin Baotou snorted, "Your Majesty is the great-grandson of Emperor Taizong and the son of the previous emperor. He has the blood of the Zhu family. The next time someone says your Majesty is fake, I, Qin Baotou, will tear his mouth apart."

Yu Qian just laughed it off.

……

At dusk, the temperature dropped even lower.

Zhu Qizhen trotted into the Kunning Palace and instantly felt much warmer. The underground heating here was obviously more powerful than that in the Qianqing Palace, and the temperature was higher, probably because the empress dowager was afraid of the cold.

Due to the high temperature in the room, the empress dowager did not wear fox fur, but wore a plain long skirt that reached the ground. She looked elegant and graceful. Her long hair was tied low with a hairpin, which made her look casual, elegant and noble.

She leaned on the cushion, her long legs crossed, holding a book in her hands, looking cold and gentle. She raised her eyes and said, "Close the door. It's hard to warm up."

Zhu Qizhen ran to her, stretched out his red hands, and held her beautiful face. The Queen Mother shivered instantly and said with a grin, "You want to die."

She stretched out her hands to pry open Zhu Qizhen's hands, and found that his hands were frozen purple, but she did not push them away, but held them with both hands, as if to give him some warmth. However, she looked angry and asked: "Where have you been fooling around? Aren't you afraid of catching a cold? If you catch a cold in this weather, you will be in trouble."

"Let's go to Fahai Temple to pay our respects." Zhu Qizhen let her hold his hands without pulling them back, and he felt much warmer.

The Queen Mother seemed to have just remembered that the Emperor had gone to offer sacrifices today to commemorate the soldiers who died for the Ming Dynasty. Her eyes were cold: "Another good way to win people's hearts. I guess those soldiers will be moved."

"If you think so, I won't refute it." Zhu Qizhen sat down. "Three years ago, when I came back from outside the Great Wall, I told the soldiers that those comrades who died in the battle should be treated with respect by their own flesh and blood, and be worshipped by their families. Each family should benefit from the grace, and be given food and clothing every year, and monthly stipends. I said it, of course I must do it."

The Queen Mother's eyes dropped slightly and she let go of his hand. Zhu Qizhen grabbed it with his backhand and raised his eyebrows: "Warm it up again."

"I heard that Yesen will go south in the spring?" The Queen Mother did not struggle, but pinched him slightly, "Are you ready? Yesen has unified Mobei now, and his strength is stronger than three years ago."

Zhu Qizhen lay down directly, resting his head on her crossed legs, and sighed: "At worst, I can lead the army myself, and I, the fake emperor, will die on the battlefield, which will also fulfill your wish."

The Queen Mother reached out her hand and patted his forehead, snorting, "You can only use words to stab me. If you have the guts, go and kill Nayexian."

"I'm sleepy, I'll take a nap. I got up before dawn today." Zhu Qizhen yawned. "The sacrificial ceremony is really exhausting."

As he said this, he hugged her arms and fell asleep in the blink of an eye.

The Queen Mother blinked, and her long, curled eyelashes seemed to reveal a hint of heartache, and her expression was complicated.

……

At the end of the year, the emperor had to perform various sacrifices, but after the 25th day of the twelfth lunar month, there were fewer sacrifices. Zhu Qizhen could finally relax for a few days, and there were no memorials during these days.

So, he left the palace incognito. The first thing he did was to look for Chao Xiaotian, who had recently developed his Yulong Gang quite well, because they were willing to deal with the garbage, and the merchants were also willing to give them money.

When I got to that street, I saw Chao Xiaotian arrogantly stopping someone and yelling, "Are you blind? The street is so clean, why are you littering? Don't you see there is a trash can here?"

The man turned out to be the Prime Minister of the Cabinet, Shang Lu. It was the end of the year, and he was out for a stroll. He saw that these two streets were much cleaner and tidier than other streets, so he came over to take a look out of curiosity.

"Young man, who are you?" Shang Lu asked.

"I'm Chao Xiaotian, the leader of the Yulong Gang. This is my territory." Chao Xiaotian spread his hands. "You littered, so I'll fine you two copper coins."

Shang Lu continued to ask with a half-smile: "You are responsible for picking up and disposing of the garbage, right? You also put up these trash cans?"

"What do you mean responsible? We are gangsters, and we collect protection money." Chao Xiaotian said.

"Protection money? What if I don't give it?" Shang Lu raised his eyebrows.

He shook his legs while facing Xiaotian: "You are so arrogant. If you don't give it to me, you will be beaten. I don't think you are short of money, so why bother?"

Shang Lu glared: "Not only will I not give it to you, I will also report it to the authorities."

"Hey, then don't blame me. Just beat him up!" He waved towards Xiaotian.

A few hooligans rushed out from the alley next to them and surrounded Shang Lu. Zhu Qizhen was furious and rushed over and shouted, "Stop!"

When Chao Xiaotian saw that it was him, he immediately stepped forward and said, "Greetings, Master."

Shang Lu was dumbfounded.

Your Majesty, are you the master of these rascals? You really know how to have fun.

……

"You old man, littering is wrong." Zhu Qizhen winked at Shang Lu, "Then you have to follow their rules."

Shang Lu asked helplessly: "It's just two copper coins, right? I'll give it to you."

He waved his hand towards Xiaotian and said, "It's not just two copper coins. You have to catch someone littering here before we can let you go."

Shang Lu gritted his teeth and accepted it.

So the emperor squatted on the street and watched the prime minister catch people littering on the street. After half an hour, Shang Lu finally caught a litterer.

Zhu Qizhen stepped forward cheerfully and said, "Let's go to Taibai Tower to have a drink. Old Shang, you treat me."

Shang Lu sighed again. There was nothing he could do. He had not checked the almanac before going out. Today, he was blackmailed by the emperor. They came to Taibai Restaurant, and Zhu Qizhen skillfully ordered a table of dishes.

"Your Majesty, you come here often." Shang Lu was speechless.

"After eating too much food from the imperial kitchen, we need to change our taste occasionally." Zhu Qizhen said with a smile.

After a while, the wine and food came and the two began to eat. Shang Lu asked curiously, "Is that scoundrel really your apprentice?"

Zhu Qizhen nodded: "Yes, what's the matter? The scoundrels can manage the two streets tightly and cleanly. But Shuntian Prefecture took the money from the court and made the capital dirty and messy."

Shang Lu nodded thoughtfully: "Yes, Shuntian Prefecture must reflect on this. But, Your Majesty, you can't use the gang to do this kind of thing."

"Don't worry, I'm just trying it out." Zhu Qizhen spread his hands, "What kind of gang are they? I think they can become an association, and help the court solve garbage and logistics problems in the future, and operate legally."

Shang Lu's eyes lit up instantly: "Your Majesty, I think this is feasible! The court and the government have too many things to do, how can they do everything well? It would be a good thing if the people are able to participate."

Zhu Qizhen nodded with a smile. Talking to smart people is effective. He told Shang Lu some modern urban management concepts and asked them to discuss it carefully and submit a memorial after the new year.

"Your Majesty, these are all trivial matters." Shang Lu sighed, "I am still worried about Mobei. If Yesen goes south, can we stop him?"

Zhu Qizhen drank a glass of wine and said: "Can't stop it? I will lead the army myself!"

Shang Lu was so frightened that he shook his head quickly: "No, no, no, Your Majesty, you should not lead the army in person."

At this moment, they all remembered the Tumu Fort three years ago. Zhu Qizhen was very upset: "Old Shang, you still don't believe me. I am no longer Wuxia Amon."

"I know that Your Majesty has the demeanor of a sage monarch now." Shang Lu said anxiously, "That is why you cannot lead the army in person easily. You are the key to the safety of the world. As long as you are here, the Ming Dynasty will be here."

Zhu Qizhen took a sip of the wine.

He also knew that the emperor led the army in person only when he had no choice or when he was sure to win. Otherwise, there was really no need. When the emperor went to the front, the soldiers were restricted everywhere.

……

The twenty-eighth day of the twelfth lunar month.

Outside the city, the Shenjiying had a New Year's Eve dinner in advance, and Zhu Qizhen was there in person. Although it was in the Shenjiying, almost all the new recruits trained by Yu Qian had arrived. After the New Year, they would head to the northern border.

This was a large army that Yu Qian had personally trained, including cavalry, infantry and the Shenji Battalion. Yu Qian put all his efforts into it, and Zhu Qizhen was looking forward to it.

He stood on the high platform, looking at the army below, with a burning passion rising in his heart.

Under the high platform, tens of thousands of soldiers stood in formation, like a sea of ​​blood and iron. The bright red battle flags fluttered in the wind, burning like flames, reflecting the resolute faces of the soldiers. The cavalry rode on their horses, arranged in neat square formations, and the sound of horse hooves rose and fell, as deafening as thunder. They were dressed in iron armor, holding spears, and their eyes were shining with bravery.

The infantry phalanx, holding long swords in their hands, stood tall, like unshakable mountains. Their eyes were burning with passion.

The soldiers of the Shenji Camp stood on one side of the square formation, holding muskets in their hands. Their muskets flashed coldly in the sun, revealing a frightening murderous aura.

"The Ming army is mighty!" Zhu Qizhen placed his right hand across his chest and his voice sounded like thunder.

"Your Majesty is mighty!"

"The Ming army is mighty!" "Long live His Majesty!"

"Long live your majesty!"

"Long live your majesty!"

The voices of the soldiers soared into the sky, and Zhu Qizhen was overwhelmed. Yu Qian bowed to the side and said, "Your Majesty, the commander of the military exercise asks for your instructions."

Zhu Qizhen picked up a flag and ordered in a deep voice: "Begin!"

The cavalry square launched a charge instantly, the horses galloping forward like a surging tide. They held spears in their hands, shouted loudly, and were full of vigor, as if they were going to pierce all the enemies that stood in their way.

The infantry phalanx quickly changed its formation to form an indestructible defense line. They held their long swords and were as steady as a rock. No matter how fierce the cavalry's charge was, they held their ground and refused to give in.

The soldiers of the Shenji Camp found the right moment and quickly broke through the formation. They held muskets and fired bullets like raindrops.

The whole scene of the military exercise was magnificent and shocking. The cavalry's charge, the infantry's defense, and the Shenji Battalion's breaking of the formation, the three coordinated with each other, showing the powerful combat effectiveness of this army.

"Old Yu, your hard work over the past two years has not been in vain." Zhu Qizhen was filled with pride, "I am waiting for the day when you will be crowned the Wolf's Lair!"

……

Dark as ink.

Bonfires were lit in the camp, stretching out like a sea of ​​stars. Zhu Qizhen did not go back, but enjoyed himself with the soldiers. Tonight they slaughtered pigs and sheep and had a New Year's Eve dinner together.

Zhu Qizhen drank a few cups with Yu Qian, and some brave generals came to toast him, but he never refused. After drinking a cup, he turned to Yu Qian and asked, "By the way, I want to meet the commander of your new army."

Yu Qian signaled to the guards behind him, and they went to invite the three commanders over. Zhu Qizhen looked up and saw that they were all young men, all eager to try.

"I, General Wang Yue, commander of the Three Thousand Battalions, pay my respects to Your Majesty."

"I, General Zhu Yong, commander of the Fifth Army, pay my respects to Your Majesty."

"I, General Bai Gui, the commander of the Shenji Camp, pay my respects to Your Majesty."

Zhu Qizhen, who had read "History of Ming Dynasty", was impressed by the name Wang Yue. He was the first governor of the three borders of the Ming Dynasty and was also granted a title. He was considered a famous general in the Chenghua and Hongzhi dynasties.

"Stand up." Zhu Qizhen waved his hand, "Give me some wine."

The three of them were served wine on the steps, and Zhu Qizhen also raised his glass and said, "Three of you, I look forward to drinking a celebratory wine with you next year."

As he spoke, he raised his cup and drank it all. The three of them followed suit, their eyes full of passion. Zhu Qizhen glanced over and said loudly: "You and I are of the same age. I hope I have my own Wei Qing and Li Jing. I am not inferior to Li Shimin in temperament. Whether you are conferred the title of Duke or Marquis, it is up to you."

Wang Yue's eyes were burning with anger: "Your Majesty, you can now think about what title to give to me, and think big."

Yu Qian immediately gave him a sidelong glance: "How dare you! You've had too much to drink, haven't you?"

"Old Yu, who are you scolding?" Zhu Qizhen said angrily, "After all, they can accompany me to the end. You are old now, and you may retire and return home one day."

Yu Qian spread his hands and said, "Your Majesty, are you destroying the bridge after crossing it?"

Zhu Qizhen shook his head and laughed: "It's not time yet. I still have to rely on you to fight."

After hearing this, everyone started laughing too, and the scene was filled with great joy.

……

At this time, Kunning Palace.

After bathing, the Queen Mother was ready to go to bed. Her long black hair, still wet, reached her waist. She was slender, wearing a white dress that fell to the ground. She stood in front of the window. Her eyebrows were slightly furrowed, and there was a hint of sadness on her fair face.

She has a beautiful figure with curves and graceful curves. She is a mature woman. None of the concubines in the harem has such a mature and moving temperament.

Shuangxi ran in and reported, "Empress Dowager, I went to the Qianqing Palace to confirm. Your Majesty took Eunuch Cao and his party to the camp outside the city. They said they were having a New Year's Eve dinner there today. Your Majesty will be having fun with the soldiers and will not be returning to the palace."

"Hmph, you left the palace without even telling me." The Queen Mother gritted her teeth in annoyance.

"Don't worry, Queen Mother. Your Majesty will be fine in Yu Qian's army." Shuangxi consoled.

"I am not worried about his safety. With his temper, he will definitely drink heavily with the soldiers, and then he will suffer." The Queen Mother frowned, "Tomorrow morning, you cook a hangover soup and send it to him."

Shuangxi nodded and said, "Yes, Queen Mother, it's late, you should rest."

She helped the Queen Mother into the bedroom at the back, and when they reached the phoenix bed, the Queen Mother gently pulled her belt, and her long skirt slipped off, revealing a close-fitting nightgown underneath, revealing her beautiful figure, her long black hair, and her charming jade back. Shuangxi was amazed at how fair and firm the Queen Mother's skin was than that of a young girl.

"Shuangxi, don't close the window." The Queen Mother lay down in the quilt.

"Yes, Queen Mother, please sleep peacefully." Shuangxi said softly, "Call me if you need anything. I will be outside."

The Queen Mother looked at the pretty maid in front of her and asked with a smile: "Shuangxi, you are over 18, right? Do you want to get married?"

Shuangxi quickly shook her head: "I only want to serve the Queen Mother and I don't want to marry."

"Silly girl!" The Queen Mother sighed, "Women will eventually get married, and it's time for me to find a good family for you."

Suddenly, she felt a pain in her heart. If Shuangxi left, she would be really lonely. She muttered to herself: "Two lonely souls, can they warm each other?"

……

It is New Year's Eve again, and the palace is decorated with great joy.

Red lanterns were hung in front of the doors of various palaces. On both sides of the palace roads, pots of blooming flowers were placed, exuding fragrance. The ornaments on the palace walls were also replaced with new ones, and the red silk with gold edges danced in the wind. The palaces were decorated with festive atmosphere. There were window grilles on the windows and the word "Fu" hung on the doors. Everything seemed so festive and peaceful.

This time, Zhu Qizhen held a banquet in the Qianqing Palace. Sitting on the high platform were naturally him and the empress dowager, surrounded by concubines, and below were the royal family members in Beijing.

The atmosphere was very lively, everyone congratulated the Queen Mother and the Emperor, and the Emperor gave out many gifts. The Queen Mother was very happy today and drank a lot of wine.

Zhu Qizhen was a little worried. He leaned over, looked at her red and beautiful face, and said in a low voice, "Drink less and don't get drunk here. Have you forgotten what you looked like last time you got drunk?"

"What is it to you?" The Queen Mother glanced at him and continued drinking.

In fact, she was depressed. In previous years, the princes of the Zhu family would send gifts to Beijing in advance to congratulate her as the queen mother on the New Year, which was also a recognition of her as the queen mother. During the years when the queen mother was regent, the princes of the Zhu family had no objections because she did a perfect job. This year, no prince of the Zhu family sent gifts. She thought of the letter from Prince Xiang again, and the more she thought about it, the more aggrieved she felt.

Zhu Qizhen couldn't persuade her, so he just ignored it. He turned around and went to drink and play games with Concubine Xian and Concubine De. They were all games from KTV in his previous life. The more he played, the bolder he became. He hugged Concubine Xian and kissed her, shocking the people around him. Concubine Xian was also frightened and her face turned red. Zhu Qizhen held his forehead. In this era, such things are still difficult for people to understand.

When the Queen Mother saw this, her eyes turned cold. She stood up and said, "I feel a little unwell, so I will return to the palace."

After saying that, she strode away.

Zhu Qizhen smiled and waved his hand: "Continue playing the music, continue dancing."

……

An hour later, the dinner ended and everyone went home.

Zhu Qizhen came to Kunning Palace and found that the empress dowager had not gone to bed yet. However, she had changed into a bright red dress, looking bright and charming.

"Where are Shuangxi and the others?" Zhu Qizhen asked as he approached.

"I want to be alone for some time. Let them go down and rest, and don't disturb me." The Queen Mother said coldly.

Zhu Qizhen walked to the opposite side of her, stared straight into her beautiful eyes, and said, "Ruo Wei, there are only two of us here. Do you like me? That's why you were jealous just now, and you felt confused and anxious."

The Queen Mother also looked at him without showing any weakness, her eyes still cold: "You think too much, I don't! We will only be enemies."

Her beautiful eyes were calm and her expression was serious, but her small hands, which were placed on her lower abdomen with slight force, had turned white with her thumbs slightly squeezed.

"Okay, I was overthinking it." Zhu Qizhen took the initiative to look away.

The Empress Dowager looked at Zhu Qizhen who looked away, and her heart suddenly tightened. This feeling made her instinctively use more force with her palms, and the strange feeling in her heart became even stronger.

"You're fine, I'm leaving." Zhu Qizhen turned around.

"Wait, can you stay with me for one night?" asked the Queen Mother.

"Ah?" Zhu Qizhen was shocked.

"It's not what you think." The Queen Mother said quickly, "There is no one on duty in the palace tonight. I'm afraid."

Zhu Qizhen smiled and spread his hands: "Okay."

The two of them sat on the cushions that covered the entire floor, listening to the cold wind whistling outside the window. Zhu Qizhen was really a little sleepy, so he lay down first, resting his head on his hands.

The Queen Mother actually lay down beside him and whispered, "Would you like to tell me about your past?"

"It's not convenient!" Zhu Qizhen refused decisively.

The Queen Mother's eyes moved slightly and she curled her lips.

Zhu Qizhen turned around and embraced her mature and attractive body openly, just like hugging a pillow, and said: "Don't panic, I won't do anything bad. Go to sleep, you have to get up early tomorrow to offer sacrifices."

The Queen Mother's heart was pounding. After a while, she realized that he was just holding her very gently. For a moment, she felt an inexplicable sense of security in her heart.

She began to have wild thoughts. King Xiang called her a slutty bitch in his letter. She thought she might as well ignore it and charm this fake emperor?

No, I won't humiliate myself.

……

Ps: It’s the beginning of the month, and I’m kindly asking for your monthly vote.

(End of this chapter)