Ming: I am fake, walking on thin ice

Chapter 244: The Demon Queen's Fight for Favor: I Can Still Have Children

Inside the Yonghe Palace, night fell and candlelight flickered.

In front of Concubine De's bedroom, a group of palace maids walked hurriedly, some holding hot water, some carrying clean cloth, shuttling between the corridors, and everyone's face was filled with anxiety and concentration.

Because Concubine De is about to give birth.

Inside the palace, the air was filled with a faint herbal scent and the occasional smell of blood. Concubine De was lying on a specially made delivery bed, with beads of sweat on her forehead, her hands tightly grasping the edge of the bed, and every breath was accompanied by a low and powerful cry.

The midwife operated with her hands skillfully, encouraging Concubine De with gentle but firm words while carefully checking the progress of the labor. Under her command, several assistants nervously and orderly delivered the necessary items, including hot water, cotton cloth, and herbs. Each one was indispensable.

Outside the window, the moonlight shines through the clouds, casting mottled shadows, as if silently witnessing this important moment. Deep in the palace, although it is already dark, the entire Yonghe Palace and even the adjacent palaces are brightly lit because of the birth of Concubine De, and no one dares to slack off. Although the emperor did not come in person, he had already sent the eunuch chief Cao Jixiang to inquire about the situation, and ordered the best imperial physician in the palace to be on standby in case of emergency.

The cries of Concubine De became more and more urgent, and the midwife's eyes became more and more solemn, and she seemed to hold her breath. Finally, with a loud cry, the new life announced his arrival, and in an instant, the tense atmosphere was replaced by joy.

The midwife wrapped the baby carefully and handed it to Concubine De. A mother's smile bloomed on Concubine De's tired face. It was the most gentle and powerful force in the world.

The eunuch chief, Cao Jixiang, hurried to Changchun Palace to report the good news to the emperor.

Zhu Qizhen was in Changchun Palace, walking around, waiting for news. Concubine Xian asked in confusion, "Your Majesty, why don't you go and see for yourself?"

"I... want to show that I treat you differently." Zhu Qizhen smiled bitterly, "I value you so much that I can tell everyone in the harem that you are the future queen."

Xian Fei pursed her lips and said, "Your Majesty, Sister De Fei... must want to see you right now."

"I can only apologize to her." Zhu Qizhen said.

At this time, Cao Jixiang rushed in and reported: "Your Majesty, the baby is born. Congratulations, Your Majesty, it's a prince."

Zhu Qizhen breathed a sigh of relief, finally mother and child were safe.

He had already decided to name his second son Zhu Jianchao.

"The spring river tide reaches the sea level, and the bright moon rises with the tide."

……

The next day.

Xianfei came to Yonghe Palace to visit Defei and brought many supplements. Defei was lying on the couch and was about to get up to greet her, but Xianfei stopped her.

"You can't catch a cold, otherwise the child will suffer as well." Concubine Xian said with an experienced look on her face, "I caught a cold before, and I didn't dare to breastfeed because I was afraid of infecting the prince."

De Fei smiled and said, "Thank you, sister, for remembering to come and see me."

The virtuous concubine smiled gently and sighed softly, "Isn't your majesty forbidden to come in? You specially sent me to see you. By the way, your majesty named the child Zhu Jianchao."

De Fei was slightly stunned, and then recited: "The spring river tide reaches the sea level, and the bright moon on the sea rises with the tide."

This was a line from her favorite poem, "Spring River Moonlight Night". She didn't expect the emperor to use the word "chao". She looked at the sleeping baby beside her and said gently, "Zhu Jianchao, this is the name your father gave you."

"See the ocean, see the tide." Concubine Xian said, "From now on, the two brothers can grow up together."

"Yes, that's great." Concubine De nodded.

In fact, they all knew in their hearts that it was not easy for the princes to grow up together. Since ancient times, hadn't the princes fought for that chair and even lost their lives?

"Has the Queen Mother not returned yet?" Defei asked, changing the subject.

"No." Concubine Xian's eyes dropped, her face full of sorrow. "His Majesty said that he mentioned the issue of appointing a crown prince last time, and the Queen Mother meant to appoint the eldest son of the legitimate wife. According to the rules, the eldest son should be appointed. His Majesty said there was no rush for the time being, as the children were still young. The Queen Mother got angry and went to the temporary palace in Jingyi Garden."

Concubine De frowned slightly, looked at her child, and said, "I just hope that Jian Chao can grow up safely and become an ordinary prince."

"We have no say in the affairs of the royal family." Concubine Xian smiled, "His Majesty said that he would train his son well and send him overseas to be king in the future."

Concubine De was slightly surprised: "Overseas? Isn't it too far? Wouldn't that mean we would be separated from each other?"

"Sister, even if we don't go overseas, the adult princes will be separated from their mothers when they go to their fiefdoms." Concubine Xian sighed, "When they grow up, how can they care about us? The women in the deep palace are the most pitiful."

The two chatted and became sad.

……

Opposite the Hongwu Military Academy, a new university was built, called Shuntian University.

Although the university has not yet started recruiting students, it is particularly lively today because the emperor is here to inspect. Many teachers and students of the Hongwu Military Academy are standing at the gate, and many young students have never seen the emperor and are very curious.

Zhang Fu was also in the crowd, watching the dragon chariot stop at the gate of Shuntian University. He hadn't seen the emperor for a long time. Perhaps, from now on, the emperor would never summon him again.

Zhu Qizhen got off the dragon chariot, followed by an old man. When Zhang Fu saw the old man, his face changed drastically. He didn't expect that the old man was still in the capital.

"Mr. Hu, this is my Shuntian University." Zhu Qizhen said to the old man.

This old man was the former Minister of Rites Hu Yi. When Zhu Qizhen was racking his brains over who would be the first president of Shuntian University, he suddenly remembered that this old man was still in the capital.

"Your Majesty, do you really want me to be the...president of Shuntian University?" Hu Yi asked.

"Of course!" Zhu Qizhen said, "Even if I ask you to take charge, I don't need you to teach specifically."

Hu Yi frowned and said, "I don't know what a principal is."

Zhu Qizhen held his forehead with his hand and said, "Just think of yourself as the chief priest of the Imperial College and manage this university. I have selected some young people to assist you, so you don't have to worry, and I won't tire you out."

"Your Majesty, what are you talking about? I am not afraid of being tired, I am just afraid of messing things up." Hu Yi said.

"I feel at ease with you here." Zhu Qizhen said as he walked in.

Many people were already waiting in the square of the campus. When they saw them coming, they all bowed and said, "Your Majesty."

Zhu Qizhen raised his hand and introduced them: "This is the principal Hu Yi. You should assist him in the future and run the first university of the Ming Dynasty well."

Hu Yi glanced over and was surprised. Why are there foreigners here?

Zhu Qizhen told him that these were all professors from the university, including foreign professors.

Shuntian University is a university that focuses on arts and sciences, including astronomy, physics, chemistry, medicine, etc. Zhu Qizhen carefully selected teachers and vowed to surpass those European universities.

This period belongs to the late Middle Ages in Europe, and the curriculum and educational content of medieval European universities were deeply influenced by religious theology.

From the perspective of medieval university curriculum, theology is one of the core subjects. The main majors of universities include literature, law, medicine and theology, which form the foundation of medieval university education. Among these subjects, theology often occupies an important position. It is not only related to personal spiritual life, but also closely linked to social structure and political power.

Therefore, it is not that difficult to establish a university that surpasses Europe.

……

To the north of Mobei, under the vast sky, an isolated camp seemed to be swallowed up by endless desolation.

All around, the cold wind whistled like a sharp blade, rolling up waves of flying sand and rocks. There was only a vast expanse between heaven and earth, and it was hard to tell whether it was cloud or fog. The canvas of the tent rustled in the wind, the only sound of resistance in this lonely place.

In front of the camp, several soldiers wearing heavy armor were patrolling with difficulty, their steps were heavy. The cold wind penetrated through the layers of clothing and penetrated into the bone marrow, making them shiver involuntarily, their cheeks and noses were already red from the cold. In their eyes, there was no more sharpness and determination, but instead, fatigue and helplessness that could not be concealed.

Yesen fled here, and it was even colder here than in the northern desert. Not only was the temperature plummeting, but the people's hearts were also cold. The morale of the soldiers was as low as the frozen earth in the severe winter. There might still be a desire for victory in their hearts, but in this endless cold and despair, that fire seemed to have been extinguished.

A few people sat around the campfire, trying to use the weak flames to dispel the coldness around them, but the coldness that welled up from the bottom of their hearts could not be warmed by any flames. In silence, everyone was silently enduring this unspeakable hardship and difficulty.

In this camp shrouded in cold and despair, time was infinitely stretched, and every moment was filled with torment. The soldiers were looking forward to the arrival of dawn, but also afraid that the new day would bring more challenges and misfortunes.

In the Chinese army's tent.

Yesen, Bayan, Wuluhei and the great Khan of the Shibir tribe, Ibak, sat around the fire, all with gloomy faces. Ibak spoke first, and he glanced at them and said, "Go to our Shibir tribe. We have vast lands and tall war horses. As long as we recover for two years, we can conquer the world again."

"Ibak, you want to use us to resist the Golden Horde, right?" Ulukhe asked coldly.

"No, no!" Ibak waved his hand. "My opponent is the Principality of Moscow. I support the Khan of the Golden Horde, Kuchuk."

Yesen looked at the two of them with an expressionless face.

He now understood that the Golden Horde also had its own big troubles. There was fierce power struggle among the nobles within the Khanate, and it had to face attacks from the Principality of Moscow and the Timurid Empire from outside.

This Ibak wanted independence and to establish his own Khanate.

"I support you," Yesen said to Ibak.

"Hahaha, Yesen Khan, you are indeed a hero of Mobei." Ibak laughed.

The two men raised their glasses and were about to drink a bowl of wine. Suddenly, the ground shook and the sound of horse hooves could be heard. Then, someone shouted, "Enemy attack! Enemy attack!"

"The Ming army actually chased us here." Yesen gritted his teeth in hatred.

They did not resist, but chose to continue fleeing north.

After daybreak, Yang Guifang looked at the messy camp and spread her hands, "Damn it, we didn't catch Yesen again."

"General, do you want to continue the pursuit?" The guard asked, "Winter is coming soon. By then, the mountains will be covered with snow and we may not be able to return."

Yang Guifang looked into the distance and said decisively: "Keep chasing, chase to the vast sea!"

……

Northwest, Dunhuang City.

The Zhengtong Emperor was discussing matters with Wu Xingdao. This year was about to pass, and next year would be a year of survival. All preparations had to be made in advance to avoid any trouble. "Your Majesty." Xu Bin came in and reported, "The Golden Horde has sent an envoy."

The Zhengtong Emperor and Wu Xingdao were both shocked. Wu Xingdao pondered for a while, looking puzzled: "Why did the Golden Horde come to us? Didn't they form an alliance with Yesen?"

"Yesen's life or death is unpredictable at this moment." Xu Bin said.

The Zhengtong Emperor spread his hands and smiled: "Then go meet them. If you ask them, you will know their purpose."

Wu Xingdao seemed to be thinking about something, and said, "It is probably related to the Timurid Empire. Obviously, after the Timurid Empire defeated Chagatai, it confronted the Golden Horde head-on. The Golden Horde is now also facing internal and external troubles, and it does not want to face the powerful enemy of the Timurid Empire."

"What role can we play?" Emperor Zhengtong wondered.

"It could play a role." Wu Xingdao grinned, "Persuade the Timurid Empire not to attack the Golden Horde. This may be possible, because the Timurid Empire's target is the Ottoman Empire in the west. As long as the Golden Horde is honest, they don't want to be its enemy. Your Majesty, this is our chance. If we can mediate an alliance between the two kingdoms, it will highlight our status."

The Zhengtong Emperor was full of confidence: "Okay, let's do as the military advisor says."

After some discussion, the three men summoned the envoy of the Golden Horde.

……

The capital city, the imperial harem.

Alena was treating Zhu Qizhen. They were both lying on the couch. Alena was pressed tightly against Zhu Qizhen, chanting spells like she was performing hypnosis.

Half an hour later.

After panting for a long while, Alena finally regained a little strength. She glanced at him with charming eyes and casually picked up a loose robe to cover her spring scenery. Her long hair draped behind her like a waterfall, and her figure was enchanting and her curves were graceful.

"Your Majesty, you are so strong." She looked seductively.

Of course, he is definitely better than Yesen.

He slapped her buttocks and said domineeringly, "Better than your Khan, right?"

"Why mention him? He and I..." Alena suddenly wanted to explain with grievance.

Snapped!
Zhu Qizhen slapped her in the face and stopped her from speaking, saying, "I don't want to hear your story."

He hugged her tightly, feeling the beauty of the beauty in his arms. She was really good at it. Just as she said, she had many wonderful qualities.

"From now on, I will only belong to Your Majesty." Alena said emotionally.

Snapped!
Zhu Qizhen slapped Alena again, this slap was so hard that she cried out in pain and tears suddenly appeared in the corners of her eyes.

"Your Majesty has no sympathy for women." Her eyebrows drooped.

Zhu Qizhen laughed: "You grassland women, don't you just like vulgar men? Don't worry, you treat me well, and I will treat you well."

"Your Majesty, I have many other wonderful qualities, and you will slowly get to know them." Alena raised her eyebrows.

……

Night falls.

Although there were gusts of cold wind in the palace on the mountain, it was warm as spring inside. The demon queen was wearing a thin white long dress, lying on her side on the soft mat, lazy and charming, with a charming curve. She supported her head with one hand, and her long sleeves slipped down, revealing her white wrists.

Swish!
Zhu Qizhen jumped in from the window. The demon queen raised her beautiful eyes and looked at him, saying unhappily: "Why are you jumping out of the window? You act like a thief."

"He's a thief, a heart-stealing thief." Zhu Qizhen said shamelessly.

He walked in front of the demon queen, who took the initiative to move inward, meaning that you can come up. Zhu Qizhen took off his coat, lay down beside her, and gently hugged her waist.

"Did Concubine De give birth?" asked the Queen.

Her beautiful eyes were gentle, and her cold and beautiful face was filled with a touch of tenderness. They moved closer, foreheads touching, and they seemed to be able to feel each other's breath.

"Yes, he is also a prince." Zhu Qizhen tapped her red lips.

He also felt emotional. He had been in this world for six years and had been walking on thin ice all the way. Now he finally had his own child and sat firmly on the throne of the Ming Dynasty.

The Demon Queen said nothing, her eyes drooped slightly, she reached out and held his hand, her beautiful eyes becoming more tender: "You have done a lot for the Ming Dynasty, and you have also gained a lot, are you still not satisfied?"

satisfy?

How can a man be satisfied so easily? I want to create an empire on which the sun never sets.

I haven't even got you yet, how can I be satisfied?

He smiled and thought for a moment, then said, "I am satisfied, but the civil and military officials in the court are not satisfied, and the people of the world are not satisfied yet. I want to have many more children, more than Emperor Taizu, and when the princes come of age, they will be enfeoffed overseas."

"What a big ambition." The Demon Queen glared.

"You can still give birth, right? We can have a child of our own." Zhu Qizhen spread his hands, "I will make him the King of Nanyang."

The demon queen's beautiful eyes suddenly flashed with a strange color, and her mature and charming face also blushed. She gritted her teeth and whispered: "Of course I can still give birth. I practice Taoist health preservation techniques, and my body is still young."

"Why don't we hurry up?" Zhu Qizhen hugged her tighter.

“No, our identities are too... ridiculous.” The Demon Queen’s expression became a little more serious, and she held his hand tightly, like a queen educating her little brother.

Zhu Qizhen sighed softly: "You still want me to give up my throne? If so, do you think I still have a chance to survive?"

"I don't have that delusion." The Queen frowned slightly, her beautiful willow-shaped eyebrows. She suddenly changed her mind and said, "You want to give birth to more princes. Does that mean you want to marry another concubine?"

Zhu Qizhen pointed to his strong body and said, "Is it not possible? I am still so young. Besides, you won't let me touch you."

"Bah, don't look for my reasons." The Queen of Demons glared at him in reproach, her thin lips parted slightly, her voice a little cold: "It's you who want more beauties, don't you think I don't know?"

Zhu Qizhen said immediately: "I only love you. If you give birth to a child for me, I will marry fewer women."

The demon queen blushed slightly, glared at him in shame and anger, and said softly, "You're talking nonsense again."

She took the initiative to lean into Zhu Qizhen's arms, staring at him with passionate eyes, and opened her seductive lips: "It's not impossible to have a child, just wait."

Zhu Qizhen smiled playfully: "Wait a few more years, can you still do that? By then, you won't even be able to keep your belly full."

The Demon Queen bit her lips lightly, and the tenderness in her beautiful eyes instantly disappeared. She stared at him fiercely and said angrily, "Do you believe that I will bite you to death? The scar on your neck has healed, right?"

Zhu Qizhen hugged her tenderly and asked softly, "When are you going back to the palace? It's too much trouble for me to come and see you."

The Queen rolled her eyes and said in a soft, charming and jealous voice: "Why go back? To watch you fight with the fairies in the harem? Are you going to piss me off to death?"

"Okay, it's up to you." Zhu Qizhen yawned, "I'm tired, I'll hold you and sleep for a while, when it's almost dawn, you call me."

After saying that, he buried his head in front of the Demon Queen. The Demon Queen's eyes were full of pampering, and she gently pulled the quilt to cover the two of them. After a while, Zhu Qizhen fell asleep.

……

The next day, Qianqing Palace.

After the small court meeting, Zhu Qizhen began to review the memorials very quickly, because he had to finish reviewing them during the day so that he could spend the evening with Consort Xian and Consort De, and of course see his son.

Qi Qi Ge was wearing a palace maid's dress. She stood aside after serving tea and refused to go out, because there was a floor heating in the warm room and it was very warm. It was already freezing cold outside.

Although she was dressed simply, she stood out among the palace maids with her tall figure and proud curves, especially her face full of wild beauty and a sharp temperament.

Snapped!
Zhu Qizhen finished reading a memorial and threw it at her feet. She picked it up, opened it, and her face changed drastically. Because the memorial came from Mobei, indicating that the army had defeated Yesen again and chased to the vast sea.

"I estimate that the end of your father Khan is approaching." Zhu Qizhen smiled.

Qi Qi Ge pursed her red lips, walked up to him and said, "Please don't kill my father Khan. You can bring him to the capital, but don't kill him."

"Why?" Zhu Qizhen raised his eyebrows.

Qi Qi Ge stared into his eyes and said, "I can give birth to a child for you."

As she said that, she took a long step, sat on Zhu Qizhen's body, and bit his lips. Zhu Qizhen was stunned for a while, and was moved for a long time. He pushed her away and said, "I have a lot of memorials today. Let's do it another day, okay? Another day."

Qi Qi Ge's beautiful eyes were filled with wild arrogance: "You don't have to worry about me."

Zhu Qizhen: “!!!”

Do you people from Mobei have fun like this?

"Looking at your face will distract me." Zhu Qizhen said speechlessly, "Go, get another pot of milk tea."

Qi Qi Ge then stood up and went out with the teapot.

Zhu Qizhen held his forehead, feeling that Qiqige was a little abnormal. Why was she so eager all of a sudden? For her father, the Khan?

"Your Majesty." Cao Jixiang came to pay his respects, "This is a memorial sent by the princes of various places."

Zhu Qizhen knew that these were just greetings and had no substantive content. According to the rules, the court should summon the princes from various places to report to the capital in batches. Should he meet these princes?
Taizu, Taizong, none of your descendants are useful. If I keep them, it will be a waste of food.

Zhu Qizhen complained in his heart, and when he opened one of the memorials, he was shocked.

The King of Qin actually took the initiative to request to go to the capital.

(End of this chapter)