Ming: I am fake, walking on thin ice

Chapter 268

The night is deep in Changchun Palace.

After a lot of trouble, Zhu Qizhen and Concubine Xian fell asleep in each other's arms.

The virtuous concubine leaned on Zhu Qizhen's chest, raised her beautiful face with a blush, her eyes were like autumn water, and she gazed at him tenderly. A strand of black hair slipped down her shoulder inadvertently, highlighting her delicate and slender neck like white jade, crystal clear as jade. Her fingers gently drew circles on his chest, and every touch seemed to be playing a silent love song.

"Your Majesty, I have a great news to tell you." She blinked her beautiful eyes.

"Are you pregnant?" Zhu Qizhen lowered his head.

Upon hearing this, Concubine Xian raised a charming smile and snuggled into his arms more lovingly. She took a deep breath and her voice became sweeter and more alluring: "Your Majesty, don't let me get pregnant so soon. I do want to. It's not me who is pregnant, it's Youlan."

Zhu Qizhen was slightly surprised, and gently patted Concubine Xian, saying, "I'm busy recently, you go see her for me."

"I have already been there and presented the reward to Your Majesty," said the virtuous concubine.

Zhu Qizhen nodded with satisfaction.

It was good to have a good wife, so he didn't have to worry about the affairs of the harem. In his previous life, he watched a TV series and remembered a scene very clearly.

In his later years, Emperor Wu of Han saw a child and asked in confusion: "Are you my son or my grandson?"

The emperor couldn't figure out how many sons and grandsons he had, and there were too many concubines in the harem to take care of them all. When Zhu Qizhen had his first child, he was very excited.

Now, he is not so excited. In the future, more concubines will become pregnant, and he will also have dozens of sons like Emperor Taizu.

Damn, there must be one who will succeed, right?
"Well, with more sons, the probability of having a rebellious son is also higher." Zhu Qizhen thought to himself with his hand on his forehead.

Xian Fei leaned close to him and asked softly, "The Queen hinted to me that Concubine Zhou had gone to see her about appointing a crown prince. Your Majesty, as the number of princes increases, you must be prepared for this."

"Yes, you are right." Zhu Qizhen nodded, "When the time comes, there will definitely be ministers who will come forward to propose the appointment of a crown prince. I have to find a way to make you the queen first."

There was a flash of joy in Concubine Xian's eyes, and she pressed even closer.

……

The sun was high in the sky, steaming the earth.

The patrolling city guards could no longer bear the scorching heat and sought shelter under the sparse shade of the trees along the street, sitting or leaning against the trees in order to get a rare bit of coolness.

The vendors' stalls were already empty, and they were either carrying their belongings on their shoulders or pushing carts loaded with goods, hurriedly looking for a cool place to escape the unbearable midday sun. The originally lively hawking and bargaining in the streets and alleys had now become silent as the scorching sun scorched, leaving only the occasional cicada chirping, which seemed particularly loud.

Teahouses and restaurants are particularly lively.

Chao Xiaotian came to Taibai Restaurant, went to the private room on the second floor, pushed the door and walked in. He greeted the two people inside warmly: "Brother Shi, hey, Brother Ding, you are back."

Already in the room were Shi Biao and Ding Xiu, the top and second in command of the Jinyiwei. Ding Xiu looked Xiaotian up and down and said with a smile, "I haven't seen you for a few years. You have become a local hero in the capital."

"What a bully! He is still taken care of by you two big brothers." Chao Xiaotian said proudly, "I will treat you to a good meal today. Let's drink to our heart's content."

Shi Biao laughed: "Then I won't be polite. Just consider it as you welcoming Ding Xiu."

He called the waiter, ordered a table of food and wine, then patted the waiter on the shoulder and said, "We brothers are drinking, don't disturb us if we don't invite you."

"Yes." The waiter went out sensibly.

The three of them started drinking, and after three glasses of wine, they began to talk about the recent situation. Shi Biao asked directly: "Last time I mentioned to you, you should pay attention to the people who have recently returned from the West and Southeast Asia. If there are any new faces, report to us."

"Understood." He nodded to Xiaotian, "I have already given the order."

Ding Xiu nodded in satisfaction and changed the subject, "I heard you got married? Whose daughter is she?"

"You know, the Qi family." Chao Xiaotian said.

Ding Xiu was slightly surprised and asked, "Qi Feng's daughter?"

"Yes." Chao Xiaotian looked proud, "Brother Ding, I'm married now, and it's time for you to find a wife. I tell you, it's good to have a wife. When you go home at night, you can have a hot meal."

Ding Xiu glanced at him and said, "Look how proud you are."

"Come on, let's drink." Chao Xiaotian raised his glass heroically, showing quite a bit of heroic spirit.

……

In a house in the west of the city.

Wolf Mask entered the secret room, already sweating profusely, and complained: "You have to choose the hottest time, right?"

"Brother Wolf, you're back." Rabbit Mask came forward, sweating profusely, "I don't want to go out at this time, but Brother Deer ordered me to come, so how can I not come?"

He looked around and saw that the Deer Mask, Ox Mask and Tiger Mask had all arrived. The Deer Mask waved his hand and said, "Everyone is here. Let's hurry up. The Jinyiwei and the Patrol City Guards will be patrolling the streets again soon."

"What's the matter?" Rabbit Mask spread his hands, "Brother, hurry up, I still have to go back to deal with King Ning."

Deer Mask pointed at him and said, "Then let's start with your mission. Prince Ning and the Duke of Qian, how are they doing? Will they support us?"

"The Duke of Qian will definitely support it, and he's damn radical, eager to join, saying he wants to start a mutiny." Rabbit Mask spread his hands, "Prince Ning is much more cunning, he's vague and will neither refuse nor agree..."

They discussed the matter and dispersed in less than half an hour, being extremely cautious.

The wolf mask fell last, walking side by side with the deer mask, and whispered, "Has he come back?"

"Who? Who's back?" asked Deer Mask.

"Hmph, old deer, you're pretending to be nice to me, right?" Wolf Mask chuckled, "I'm not in a hurry. You'll need to see me sooner or later anyway."

Deer Mask snorted coldly: "Then you want to test me? Follow the plan first, be nice to everyone, and don't ask around."

After saying that, he strode to leave. However, Deer Mask stopped him and asked, "If you really succeed, what are you going to do with... the current false emperor?"

"You shouldn't ask this question." Deer Mask said, "Is there anyone left alive in this situation?"

Wolf Mask exhaled: "Without him, there would be no Ming Dynasty today."

Deer Mask waved his hand impatiently: "What's the point of telling me? Don't be childish. This kind of thing is a life-and-death struggle. It doesn't matter who you are."

Wolf Mask sighed helplessly and turned away.

……

The harem, an elegant courtyard.

Bulma stood in front of the window.
She was wearing a gorgeous palace dress that showed off her graceful figure. Every curve was just right, showing her endless charm. Her long black hair cascaded down, setting off her snow-white skin. In the sun, it was even more crystal clear, and there seemed to be light smoke curling around her.

Zhu Qizhen came in, walked straight behind her and put his arms around her waist. She trembled slightly but did not dodge.

"Sister-in-law, I haven't come to see you for a few days. You have lost weight." Zhu Qizhen said gently, "I heard from the palace maid that you eat very little. This is not good."

His tone was full of concern.

Bulma definitely didn't believe a word of it, especially when she heard him call her sister-in-law, she felt even more uncomfortable.

But what can be done?
How can a weak woman who was captured from Guanxi resist?
"Sister-in-law, I know you're worried." Zhu Qizhen hugged her tighter and put his mouth close to her ear, breathing hot air.

As the words fell softly, Zhu Qizhen clearly felt Bulma's body in his arms gradually soften, like a pool of warm cotton, nestling in his arms, soft and fluffy, making him truly realize that at this moment, she no longer had the slightest power to resist.

"Let...let me go." Bulma bit her moist lower lip and resisted in a low voice.

But the resistance was very slight, almost non-existent.

Zhu Qizhen not only did not let go, but instead exerted more force, then lowered his head and bit it. Soon, Bulma took the initiative to respond.

Half an hour later.

Zhu Qizhen and Bulma were lying in bed hugging each other. He held Bulma's face and said tenderly, "Sister-in-law, I will be with you from now on. Don't worry."

Bulma was even more beautiful than before, her skin seemed to be rosy, adding a bit of tenderness and charm to her. Her coldness in the past was now mixed with a touch of tenderness, and her stubborn temperament, under this gentle background, not only did not weaken, but also stimulated an indescribable charm, making her look even more fascinating.

"Sister-in-law, I am definitely better than the fake emperor." Zhu Qizhen said, putting his arms around her waist.

Bulma pursed her lips, her eyes revealing a bit of weakness and resignation. She snuggled quietly in Zhu Qizhen's arms, like a docile kitten, without saying a word.

"Don't call me sister-in-law, please, you have nothing to do with him." Bulma's eyes were filled with tears, "He's already dead, why don't you let him go?"

The orthodox emperor may not be dead.

He will even sneak into the capital to rescue you.

Zhu Qizhen complained in his heart, pinched his palm slightly, and said: "I'm sorry, sister-in-law, you are too beautiful."

In the bed, the two of them huddled together tightly.

Bulma's pretty face turned slightly red. She reached out and tightly grasped Zhu Qizhen's mischievous hand, biting her lips lightly: "You... stop moving... um..."

……

Zhu Qizhen came out of the courtyard contentedly and returned to the Qianqing Palace. He was determined to be a wise ruler, so how could he be tripped by a woman? When he entered the door, he was almost tripped by Xiyao.

"Your Majesty, Mr. Shang is here." Xiyao reported, "Butler Cao is not here either. I will take Mr. Shang to the side hall to rest first. After all, he is old."

Zhu Qizhen smiled and said, "You did the right thing. You are quite smart."

He came to the side hall and saw Shang Lu who was taking a nap. He walked up to him and shouted, "Old Shang!"

Shang Lu was so frightened that he collapsed. Seeing that it was the emperor, he bowed helplessly and said, "Your Majesty, why are you still scaring me? If people scare others, they will die. If I was scared to death, it would be a rare story. In the future, history books will record that Emperor Zhengtong frightened Shang Lu to death. Your Majesty, this will damage your holy name."

Zhu Qizhen: “!!!”

I know you are very strong. As the president of Shuntian University, you get up earlier than the students and practice boxing in the square every day.

"It's so hot in the middle of the day. Why do you come to see me?" Zhu Qizhen asked.

Shang Lu rubbed his eyes, looked at him, and rubbed his eyes again: "Nothing, I just came to the palace for a stroll. I missed your Majesty, so I came to see you." Zhu Qizhen was very upset: "Why are you thinking about me, you old man? If you have nothing to do, go to Feiyan Tower, drink and sing with young girls, I guarantee that you will be young in mind."

Shang Lu shook his head repeatedly: "It is insulting to the civilized world, it is insulting to the civilized world. I will not go to such a place."

"I don't believe you!" Zhu Qizhen was speechless. "Wang Zhike told me that you often went there when you were young, and you had a love affair with an oiran."

"That was when I was young." Shang Lu spread his hands, "What can I do now? Wait for it to get hard?"

Zhu Qizhen: “!!!”

Old man, don't drive recklessly. There are palace maids next to you.

"Tell me, what do you want from me? Is the university short of money?" Zhu Qizhen asked.

"No need." Shang Lu looked at him and said, "This old minister does not need to attend the morning court, and has few opportunities to see Your Majesty. I just came to see Your Majesty. Okay, this old minister is leaving."

Zhu Qizhen looked at his receding figure and frowned, "There's something wrong with the old man."

Xiyao, who was standing behind him, said, "Well, there must be something wrong."

Zhu Qizhen held his forehead with his hand: "When did you learn to be a supporting actor?"

"Your Majesty, most of the time I simply cannot understand what you say." Xiyao blinked her big eyes.

Zhu Qizhen didn't care whether she understood or not. He yawned, stretched, and said, "No memorials today, Xiyao. I'll take you out of the palace for a stroll."

"Really?" Xiyao asked excitedly.

Since she entered the palace and became a maid, she has never been out. Before, when the maid selection was in progress, she didn't have time to go out for a walk in the capital, and she had always wanted to go out for a walk.

……

A few clouds floated over, blocking the sun, and the wind started to blow, finally making it a lot cooler. Zhu Qizhen walked on the street and told Xiyao beside him: "When you're outside, call me Master, do you hear me?"

"Yes, sir." Xiyao looked around curiously.

It was her first time to visit the capital, and she was curious about everything and wanted to buy everything. Zhu Qizhen only bought a few things for her and taught her: "You should spend money sparingly, because what you buy will be useless in the palace."

"Haha." Xiyao curled her lips, "Your Majesty is rich, yet he is still so stingy."

After following Zhu Qizhen for a long time, she became much bolder. When she saw acrobats on the street, she wanted to squeeze in, but Zhu Qizhen grabbed her ponytail and pulled her out.

"There is a tavern in front. Let's go and have something to eat." Zhu Qizhen reached out and grabbed her hand to prevent her from running around.

Xiyao was helpless as she was led into the tavern. Zhu Qizhen then let her go, ordered a table of snacks, and ordered a pot of wine for himself, drinking it in small sips.

"Can I have something to drink?" Xiyao blinked.

"No." Zhu Qizhen waved his hand, "Eat your snack."

He came out today just to drink alone, and now he regretted bringing Xiyao with him. This girl is curious about everything. Xiyao ate in small bites, and was happy again. She raised her beautiful eyes and said, "Sir, this cake is better than the one in the palace. Can I buy some more and bring them back for my sisters?"

"Sisters? Who?" Zhu Qizhen asked.

"Sisters from the Qianqing Palace, serving tea with me." Xiyao counted on her fingers, "And Empress Jingwen."

Zhu Qizhen nodded: "You are kind-hearted. I tell you, you have to be careful. In the palace, it is not easy to have sisterhood."

"Not everyone is as cold-blooded and ruthless as your Majesty... Young Master." Xiyao said.

Zhu Qizhen's throat was full of blood, and he almost choked on the wine. Xiyao continued to eat with big mouthfuls. At this time, an old man with white hair and beard walked up to her and exclaimed: "Xiyao? Is it really you?"

Xiyao looked up at the old man, quickly swallowed the cake in her mouth, and was shocked: "Master, is it really you? Master, I haven't heard from you for so many years, I thought you were dead."

Old man: "!!!"

Zhu Qizhen couldn't help but spit out a mouthful of wine. Xiyao looked at him, asking if the old man could sit down and eat together.

"Oh, this is the master you often mention." Zhu Qizhen smiled.

Xiyao continued to introduce: "Master, this is... Mr. Zhu, he is mine... mine..."

"My future husband." Zhu Qizhen continued.

The old man was obviously stunned, and then his eyes fell on Zhu Qizhen. Surprise flashed in his eyes, and then he clasped his fists and smiled: "Mr. Zhu? Why is Xiyao with you in the capital?"

Xiyao rolled her eyes and said, "Master, my parents sent me here to see the world. Master Zhu is... an old friend of my family."

"Excuse me, Master, what is your name?" Zhu Qizhen asked.

"Yao Sanxiao." said the old man, who was pulled to sit down by Xiyao.

The three of them ate and talked, and Zhu Qizhen always felt that Yao Sanxiao was looking at him from time to time. After eating, Zhu Qizhen took Xiyao and said goodbye to him. Yao Sanxiao said that he lived in Fahai Zen Temple and would stay in the capital for a while.

……

At dusk, the setting sun falls on the palace on the top of the mountain, and the breeze is blowing gently, bringing a bit of coolness.

The Queen of Demons sat dignifiedly on a stone bench under a tree, with a beautiful smile on her lips and her hair fluttering in the wind. Not far away, Shuangxi was painting her. Today, the Queen of Demons suddenly became interested and said she wanted to leave a painting of her own.

Shuangxi was good at painting, and she painted very seriously. She didn't even notice Zhu Qizhen appeared behind her.

"It's tangible, but it doesn't capture her spirit." Zhu Qizhen said.

Shuangxi was startled. Zhu Qizhen took the pen from her and raised his eyebrows towards the demon queen under the tree: "I will draw for you."

The lightly raised eyebrows are like the traces of distant mountains, the phoenix eyes are affectionate, the eyes are bright and charming, the figure is graceful, and the curves are full of charm, especially the graceful and luxurious aura she exudes, which is breathtaking.

In his previous life, Zhu Qizhen had learned painting and wanted to take painting as a specialty to enter university. Later, he gave up, but the basic skills were still there. He quickly finished the painting and beckoned the Demon Queen to come over.

When the Demon Queen saw her own portrait, her beautiful eyes blinked slightly, and she was obviously surprised: "I didn't expect you to know the art of painting."

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty paints better than I do. He has captured your spirit." Shuangxi on the side also praised.

Zhu Qizhen was very proud: "Of course, who knows her better than me?"

The Demon Queen looked at herself in the painting, slightly dazed, covering her body with her hands, her beautiful eyes tender: "Am I this beautiful in your heart as well?"

"No, no, no. Although this painting is beautiful, it is still not as beautiful as you. Your beauty cannot be painted by anyone. In my heart, you are a fairy." Zhu Qizhen said as he pulled her into his arms and spoke sweet words to her.

The demon queen's cheeks instantly turned pink, her beautiful eyes were misty, and she said shyly: "I don't know how many people I have told you, you only know how to coax me."

"When will you return to the palace?" Zhu Qizhen changed the subject.

"I'm getting used to it here." The Demon Queen blinked her beautiful eyes slightly. "After autumn, let's go to the small courtyard by the Gaoliang River and live there for a while, okay?"

Zhu Qizhen shook his head: "No, you won't be my bride."

The Demon Queen glared at him and lowered her head shyly: "This time when I go back, I will be your bride. You are Zhu Wusi and I am Sun Ruowei."

Zhu Qizhen looked at me with a look of disbelief.

The witch queen was so angry that she pushed him away, called Shuangxi, and went back to her room angrily.

At this time, it was already nightfall, Zhu Qizhen did not chase her, but sat in the yard to admire the moon. He was thinking about the Zhengtong Emperor in his mind. He wanted to judge from the reaction of the witch queen whether the Zhengtong Emperor had already hidden in the capital.
If so, the Demon Queen would know and should react.

He thought for a long time until the demon queen's voice came from the room: "Do you want me to ask you to go back to your room?"

"Here I come." Zhu Qizhen stood up.

He walked into the room with ease and saw a person lying on the phoenix couch behind the curtains, with exquisite curves. He quickly stripped himself and got in.

It was indeed Shuangxi, he guessed it.

Half an hour later.

Zhu Qizhen embraced Shuangxi and breathed a sigh of relief.

"Shuangxi, you are getting more and more beautiful." He said, looking at Shuangxi's beautiful and delicate face.

Shuangxi's beautiful eyes were a little blurry, and her pretty face was flushed with a blush that had not yet faded away. She was still powerless and just wanted to lean lazily in his arms.

"Your Majesty, the Queen actually misses you very much." Shuangxi said in a soft voice.

……

After Shuangxi fell asleep, Zhu Qizhen got up and went back to the palace.

When I arrived at the yard, I saw the Queen Demon standing under the tree. She was wearing a light and thin long dress, and her graceful figure was looming under the gauze, like a fairy in a dream. Her delicate and small feet gently touched the ground, and her toes were as crystal as jade, emitting a warm luster.

A translucent jade hairpin was cleverly inserted in her hair, which made her skin look even whiter than snow. Her eyes, which looked like newly blossomed apricot flowers, were full of tenderness and gazed at him, as if they contained endless emotions and delicate thoughts. Then, she gently opened her lips and uttered a lingering sigh:

"It's getting faster and faster."

Zhu Qizhen was very upset: "You are a demon. You always use Shuangxi as a shield."

"I told you, it's getting chilly in autumn, let's go to the courtyard." The Demon Queen raised her beautiful eyes.

Zhu Qizhen walked over, took her into his arms, and nodded: "Okay, although I don't have much hope."

The Queen raised her beautiful face, which was covered with blush, and looked at him affectionately with tears in her beautiful eyes. Zhu Qizhen was stunned: "Why are you crying again?"

"It's great to have you." said the Demon Queen.

"Don't come at me like that." Zhu Qizhen hugged her gently, "You don't know my best yet. When you become my wife, you will know."

Instantly, her pretty face was stained with red, and she looked so beautiful. Her eyes became watery, flickering with shyness, as if they could drip water. She lowered her head, and her long eyelashes cast a faint shadow under her eyelids. Her voice was as thin as a mosquito, so soft that it was almost impossible to catch.

"Really? I'll be waiting."

(End of this chapter)