Ming: I am fake, walking on thin ice

Chapter 187 The Legitimate Emperor: The Queen Mother Chose a Path of Death
Northwest, Dunhuang City.

The Zhengtong Emperor held a wrinkled letter in his hand. It was brought by Wu Xingdao. He took it out and read it from time to time, so that the paper was wrinkled.

"Mother..." His eyes were spitting fire.

The letter was from the Queen Mother, and it said a lot, and the general idea was that he should continue to be patient and wait for the right time. Junshan in the capital would fully cooperate with him and would take him back to the capital one day.

The most perfect plan of the Queen Mother was to quietly replace the fake emperor, so that she could replace everything the fake emperor had done. Because the fake emperor had been governing the Ming Dynasty well in the past few years.

In the letter, the Empress Dowager recognized the Pseudo-Emperor's ability. Although her words were restrained, the Zhengtong Emperor could see that the Empress Dowager had a kind of admiration for the Pseudo-Emperor.

The Zhengtong Emperor recalled the letter that the King of Xiang wrote to him before his death, saying that the Queen Mother would even sacrifice herself to stabilize the fake emperor. The King of Xiang was very angry and refused to admit that the Ming Dynasty had such a Queen Mother. The King of Xiang had a strong temper. He burned himself to death because he wanted to tell the world that the emperor was a fake, and he also wanted to see the Ming Dynasty Zhu family suffer disgrace, so he would rather die.

"Mother~" The orthodox emperor clenched his fists tightly, his face grim, "Are you determined to die with the false emperor?"

In his opinion, the Queen Mother was on her way to a dead end. In the future, if he successfully returned to the capital and ruled the country again, how would he deal with the Queen Mother with all the rumors about her and the false emperor? The ancestors and the people of the world could not tolerate this Queen Mother, and she had no choice but to die.

If she failed, even if the false emperor didn't kill her, she would definitely not live in this world. The Queen Mother had already chosen the path of death for herself.

"Your Majesty." Xu Bin walked in. "Mr. Wu is really amazing. He convinced the leaders of the other five guards. Those young men were very excited after hearing what Mr. Wu said."

The Zhengtong Emperor collected his thoughts and regained his composure: "My mother said in the letter that the late emperor never dared to use Wu Xingdao because he was like a black-robed prime minister, only suitable for troubled times."

"Now it is our helper." Xu Bin said excitedly.

The Zhengtong Emperor nodded and said, "Next, we must quell the internal turmoil in Guanxi. Although the Jinyiwei have been causing trouble, as long as the imperial army does not enter Guanxi, Guanxi will eventually be ours."

"When Mr. Wu comes back later, we will discuss this in detail," said Xu Bin.

At this time, Bulma came in with a cup of tea, and the orthodox emperor hurriedly greeted her, his eyes full of tenderness: "My beloved, it's so cold, you don't have to come and bring me tea in person."

Xu Bin bowed to Bulma and said, "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you."

Then, he withdrew. Bulma smiled gently, picked up a cup of tea and handed it to the orthodox emperor: "Your Majesty, it's cold, drink a cup of our milk tea to warm yourself up."

……

In Xi'an, the cold wind is howling.

The sky was a pale gray-blue. Frost silently covered the earth, killing all the grass. With an almost cruel beauty, the ancient city was covered with a layer of bleak silver gauze.

The dead branches swayed, making a whimpering sound in the cold wind. On both sides of the street, where there should have been vibrant greenery, there were now only bare branches, lonely and reaching towards the gray sky.

Ding Xiu rode his horse slowly into the city, the sound of horse hooves was particularly clear in the quiet and empty streets. He was wearing a heavy cloak, his face was slightly stern due to the cold wind, and he raised his eyes and slowly scanned the ancient city sleeping in the winter.

The Jinyiwei behind him were all dressed in brocade clothes and had long swords on their waists. Although their faces were weathered, their eyes still revealed a sharp edge.

"Drive~"

Ding Xiu rode faster and soon arrived at the governor's office. The guards in the office knew him, so he told them to settle the Jinyiwei brothers while he went to see the governor Liu Dingzhi.

Liu Dingzhi was processing official documents in the government office. When he saw Ding Xiu coming in, he immediately greeted him warmly: "Old Ding, you are finally back. His Majesty asked me about your situation several times, but you didn't give me any news. I was so worried."

Ding Xiu looked at Liu Dingzhi, who had a rough face, and was stunned for a moment: "Old Liu, you are much younger than me, right? How come you are getting old so fast? If you ask me, you should not be too tired. If your body collapses, how can you serve His Majesty in the future?"

"Don't you look weather-beaten as well?" Liu Dingzhi glared.

They all understood that Shaanxi and Gansu were in a time of trouble, so weren't they busy? Liu Dingzhi pulled Ding Xiu to the side room and said, "You, Old Ding, are back. You have to have a drink today no matter what. Even if His Majesty's imperial edict comes, it doesn't matter."

"Okay!" Ding Xiu laughed.

The side room had already prepared wine and food, and there was a stove burning next to it. After the two sat down, they drank three cups and warmed up completely. Liu Dingzhi put down his wine glass and asked, "What's the situation in Guanxi now?"

"Not good." Ding Xiu frowned. "The seven guards from before have gathered together. That fake emperor is quite capable and has actually controlled them. Next, they will definitely completely control Guanxi."

Liu Dingzhi exhaled a breath of foul air and said, "How about asking for permission to lead the troops into Guanxi? Without troops, it will be difficult for you to accomplish your task."

Ding Xiu sighed softly, "Your Majesty has his own difficulties. According to the alliance, Guanxi is autonomous, and we cannot send troops casually. Besides, the tribes in U-Tsang are also watching the show. If we send troops, it will affect the whole body."

"The job is becoming more and more difficult." Liu Dingzhi sighed.

"No matter how difficult it is for us, it's not as difficult as your majesty." Ding Xiumeng took a sip of wine and said, "We just need to hold on. Once your majesty has dealt with Mobei, he will be able to deal with Guanxi. There will be no need for us to endure it anymore."

As they spoke, they raised their glasses and drank them all.

Liu Dingzhi pondered for a moment and said, "I have already found out that there are some problems with the Chamber of Commerce and Weiyuan Escort Agency. I submitted a report to His Majesty, and His Majesty ordered me to seize their goods but not arrest anyone. Does His Majesty have other plans?"

"The Chamber of Commerce and Weiyuan Escort Agency have their roots in the capital, so just listen to His Majesty," Ding Xiu said.

Liu Dingzhi laughed loudly, "Great! It's finally the end of the year. It won't be long before the mountains are blocked by heavy snow, and we can take a break. Old Ding, are you going to spend the New Year in Xi'an this time?"

"Of course, the commander has sent all the New Year's goods in advance." Ding Xiu's eyes flashed coldly, "He also sent a lot of people. Next year will be a difficult year."

The two smiled at each other and raised their glasses again.

……

Capital city, guild hall.

In the private room on the second floor, Zhu Qizhen was drinking tea leisurely. Ning Rongrong was sitting opposite him making tea, wearing a simple long dress, gentle and dignified, with picturesque features.

"We have almost discussed the arrangements for you after you leave Beijing in the past few days." Zhu Qizhen asked with a smile, "After you leave, who will replace you, the head of the Ning family?"

Ning Rongrong raised her beautiful eyes and asked, "Does His Majesty have any arrangements?"

Zhu Qizhen shook his head: "You make your own arrangements. I won't interfere. After all, it's your own business. As the president, you have to coordinate the major chambers of commerce, and you also have your own business, right? The porcelain kilns, yarn mills and cloth mills in Jiangnan must have a lot of income, right?"

Ning Rongrong nodded slightly and frowned: "I will also need the financial support when I go to the sea. If His Majesty doesn't arrange it, I will arrange someone to take care of it myself."

"That's good as long as there is an arrangement." Zhu Qizhen spread his hands, "I will also support the person you arrange. Let me meet him first later."

Ning Rongrong pondered for a moment and said, "If Your Majesty is willing, my industry can cooperate with the Weaving Bureau to provide silk for the inner court."

So proactive? You are smart, are you trying to reassure me?
Zhu Qizhen murmured in his heart with a slight smile on his lips: "That's fine! I won't take advantage of you, and I will give you all the profits you deserve. With your industry and the weaving bureau, the court can control the entire silk industry." "Thank you, Your Majesty." Ning Rongrong bowed.

Zhu Qizhen waved his hand and said, "We are already husband and wife, so don't be so polite. You know, I may need to rely on you someday, so it's not bad to go overseas."

"Your Majesty is in the prime of his life, that day will never come." Ning Rongrong said firmly, "I still have to rely on Your Majesty to avenge me, and I also have to rely on Your Majesty to pardon my people and let them return to their roots."

Zhu Qizhen raised his teacup and said, "May all our wishes come true."

……

dong dong~
There was a knock on the door. Ning Rongrong thought it was a maid and said, "Come in."

The door was pushed open, and a cold wind blew in. A maid stood at the door, and there were three people standing behind her. The maid looked a little flustered, and said, "Miss, this distinguished guest wants to see you and Mr. Zhu."

"Master?" Chao Xiaotian came in and winked at Zhu Qizhen. "I just ran into Master's wife on the street. She was anxious to find you, so I brought her here."

The Demon Queen and Shuangxi stood at the door, their eyes fixed on Ning Rongrong.

Zhu Qizhen was stunned. Was he here to... catch someone committing adultery?
"Is that Miss Ning? My husband often mentions you." The Queen of Demons walked in.

She folded her hands on her belly, looking graceful and noble, like a queen. Her eyes were cold and charming, but she had an unattainable temperament.

Ning Rongrong stood up, not flustered, and bowed slightly: "Greetings, Madam."

Zhu Qizhen was a little confused. Why did the witch queen come? What was she going to do? To bully Ning Rongrong? Not really. She was not that type of person.

"My husband, Mrs. Ning and I want to talk about some girls' matters. Can you find a place to have a drink?" The witch queen smiled.

Zhu Qizhen stood up decisively: "Okay."

It's a troubled place now, so I'd better leave, otherwise you guys will start fighting and I'll be caught in a dilemma.

"Xiaotian, go drink with the master." Zhu Qizhen glared at Xiaotian, "The master will let you know the fate of traitors."

He turned to Xiao Tianma and looked at the Demon Queen pitifully.

The Demon Queen glared at Zhu Qizhen and said, "Don't scare the child. How can Xiaotian be a traitor? Did you come to see the Ning family and do something wrong?"

Ning Rongrong bowed again and said, "Madam, you misunderstood. It's not true."

She knew that Zhu Qizhen was a fake emperor, but she was still unsure of the identity of the lady in front of her. Which lady in the palace was she? The virtuous concubine? The virtuous concubine?
……

Zhu Qizhen took Chao Xiaotian downstairs, found a seat by the window, and glared, "Why did you bring...your master's wife?"

Chao Xiaotian spread his hands aggrievedly: "It was just a coincidence that she wanted to find you. What can I do as your disciple? I counted with my fingers and you must be at the Ning family's place."

"Haha, you are so filial. You make me die of filial piety." Zhu Qizhen was speechless.

"Master!" Chao Xiaotian said seriously, "The Ning family is not a good person. How good is Master's wife to you? You can't let Master's wife down."

Zhu Qizhen glared: "You know nothing!"

He looked at the second floor and was not worried, because the Demon Queen and Ning Rongrong were both calm women and would not fight. However, he was curious about why the Demon Queen came to Ning Rongrong?
To claim her position as the mistress of the house? Pah, she herself is not in a position of authority. I wonder how Ning Rongrong will react? She probably thought it was some concubine, right?
"Master, the New Year is coming. Can you and your wife come to my house to celebrate the New Year?" Chao Xiaotian asked.

"Get out!" Zhu Qizhen glared.

Chao Xiaotian closed his mouth and looked up at the second floor. After a while, he asked, "Master, they are not going to fight, are they? Do you want me to go and take a look?"

Zhu Qizhen was very upset and changed the subject: "Tell me about your Yulong Gang, how are you doing recently?"

Chao Xiaotian became interested and started to brag: "Who in the capital doesn't know me, Chao Xiaotian of the Yulong Gang? We look after the Ministry of Revenue and recruit people for the Ministry of Works. The Jinyiwei also needs our intelligence..."

"Junshan Society, how is the investigation going?" Zhu Qizhen interrupted him.

Chao Xiaotian's face fell and he sighed, "There has been no news since then. Did those people leave the capital?"

Zhu Qizhen held his forehead with his hand and said, "Get lost! They must be more secretive. You have to send people to those mansions and courtyards."

He nodded thoughtfully at Xiaotian.

……

Half an hour later, the Demon Queen came out and brought Shuangxi downstairs. Her eyes fell on Zhu Qizhen and she snorted, "Why are you standing there? Why don't you come back with me?"

Zhu Qizhen turned his head and looked at the second floor. Ning Rongrong was standing in the corridor, smiling and bowing slightly. He waved his hand, followed the Demon Queen out of the guild hall, and got on the carriage.

"Why are you here? Are you here to show off your power?" Zhu Qizhen asked.

"Does it really matter to me?" The Demon Queen smiled. "I just came to meet this girl from the Ning family. She's quite a nice girl. She reminded me of my youth."

That's right, both of you are femme fatales, and when you are ruthless, you are even more cruel than men.

Zhu Qizhen complained in his heart, but continued to ask: "She doesn't know who you are, right?"

"Haha, she's already a lady, how could she know my true identity?" The Demon Queen glanced at him, "You've been going to the guild hall a lot recently, are you here to discuss what's going on after she goes out to sea?"

Zhu Qizhen nodded: "Yes, we need to make some arrangements. By the way, she said she would cooperate with the Weaving Bureau to provide silk to the inner court."

The Queen Mother's eyes gleamed, and she chuckled, "What a smart woman you are. This is to reassure you. The inner court? I don't want to get involved in too many things, so I'll let Concubine Xian take care of the matters related to the Weaving Bureau."

"Are you doing this to reassure me?" Zhu Qizhen raised his eyebrows.

"Yes." The Demon Queen sighed, "In case one day you, the fake emperor, forget our friendship, you won't kill me right away."

Zhu Qizhen reached out and pulled her into his arms. He held her delicate chin with one hand, lifted her beautiful face, and said with a smile, "It's not that easy to die. I haven't played enough of the game between us."

The Demon Queen wrapped her arms around his neck, her eyes blurred: "I am becoming more and more addicted to this kind of excitement."

After saying that, she leaned forward with her red lips.

(End of this chapter)