Ming: I am fake, walking on thin ice

Chapter 270 The Demon Queen's sudden initiative, the false emperor: most afraid of sudden concern
The sunlight shines through the sparse clouds and falls on the ancient and solemn glazed tiles of Shuntian University.

Zhu Qizhen and Yao Sanxiao walked on the bluestone road, passing through the well-arranged buildings. On both sides were tall locust trees, lush and green, adding a bit of tranquility and elegance to the university. Occasionally, a breeze blew by, bringing the rustling sound of leaves, intertwined with the sound of reading aloud in the distance.

"Sanxiao, this is a university." Zhu Qizhen looked pleased, and said with some emotion, "The future of the Ming Dynasty needs more talents. Whether it is governing the country or saving lives, professional knowledge is needed. I hope that by establishing such a university, young people with aspirations can study here and be used by the Ming Dynasty in the future."

Upon hearing this, Yao Sanxiao nodded in praise, his eyes full of admiration for the emperor: "Your Majesty has a far-sighted vision, which is a blessing for the Ming Dynasty. Look at this campus, students are either thinking alone, or discussing in groups of two or three. The division of academics has become a trend!"

They continued walking and passed an arch bridge. Under the bridge, the water was gurgling and clear, and a few fish were swimming leisurely, as if they were also enjoying this rare tranquility and harmony. On the shore, several students in blue shirts were sitting in a circle, some writing or reciting poems, with the demeanor of literati and scholars, which made people stop and take a look.

"That's the medical school." Zhu Qizhen pointed to an independent building not far away and said, "There are not only medical books from all over the country, but also experienced doctors teaching in person. It combines theory with practice and strives to cultivate good doctors who can not only save the world, but also study medical principles and innovate new prescriptions."

Yao Sanxiao looked around and saw several students carefully tending to the herbs in front of the medical school. Their concentration and meticulousness made people feel their love and pursuit of medical skills. He couldn't help but sigh: "Your Majesty, this move will surely open a new chapter in Ming Dynasty medicine, and the people will be blessed!"

"You stay and be a teacher." Zhu Qizhen said.

"This is what I've been dreaming of." Yao Sanxiao was excited.

Zhu Qizhen led him to the office of the principal Shang Lu, who was discussing something with a young man. When he saw the emperor coming in, he hurried forward to pay his respects: "Your Majesty, why are you here?"

"Didn't you say last time that you were in need of a medical teacher? I'll bring one for you." Zhu Qizhen pointed at Yao Sanxiao and said, "This is Yao Sanxiao, the apprentice of the former imperial teacher Yao Guangxiao."

Shang Lu was not surprised, but the young man behind him exclaimed: "Is it Mr. Yao?"

"Do you know me?" Yao Sanxiao looked at the young man, a little confused.

"No, I heard about you from my father." The young man introduced, "My father is Li Xiaoshan."

Yao Sanxiao reacted instantly: "You are Doctor Li's son, you are already this big."

The young man bowed quickly: "Junior Li Yanwen greets Mr. Yao."

Li Yanwen?
Zhu Qizhen rubbed his eyebrows. He had read the biography of Li Shizhen in his previous life, so of course he knew this name. Isn’t this Li Shizhen’s father?

"What's your son's name?" he asked anxiously.

Li Yanwen was obviously confused and bowed respectfully: "Your Majesty, I...I am not married yet."

Zhu Qizhen held his forehead and said, "That's right. Li Shizhen was not born yet at that time, there were still several decades to go."

"If you have a son in the future, name him Li Shizhen." Zhu Qizhen waved his hand.

"Ah?" Li Yanwen was confused.

Zhu Qizhen smiled and said he would not disturb them. He said a few words and left. Shang Lu followed him to see him off. The two walked on the campus, facing the sunshine. Shang Lu sighed: "This university is great. It will continuously provide talents for the Ming Dynasty."

"This is far from enough." Zhu Qizhen smiled, "As the president, you should think about how to improve local education and allow the local areas to continue to provide talents for the university."

Shang Lu nodded repeatedly: "I have been thinking about this problem recently."

Zhu Qizhen certainly knew what the local government should do, but it would not work to use the same method as in his previous life. You can't become fat in one go, there are too many things missing.

"Then you have to figure it out quickly. Education is not something that can be done overnight." Zhu Qizhen spread his hands. "While I am still in power, I can still make the decision and support you. After I am gone, I can't guarantee what the situation will be like in the future. It is said that each generation has its own things to do. We should do as much as we can in this generation. Who knows what the moral character of the future generations will be?"

Shang Lu suddenly stopped, as if struck by lightning, and stood still.

Zhu Qizhen was confused by his surprise and said with a smile: "You don't have to worry so much. I am still young and can still work for decades."

Shang Lu's face turned pale and he nodded repeatedly: "Yes, yes, yes!"

When they arrived at the school gate, Zhu Qizhen got on the carriage and left. Shang Lu stood at the gate for a long time, muttering to himself: "Yes, if Your Majesty is not here, will everything still be there? The Ming Dynasty has finally come to this point, and it is not something that can be replaced and continued by someone else."

……

In the city, street stalls.

Ding Xiu was eating noodles with a few Jinyiwei brothers. He always liked street stalls and rarely went to restaurants. While eating, he looked at the bustling mansion opposite.

"Boss, what's going on over there? Are they moving?" Ding Xiu asked.

"A new family has moved in." The shopkeeper lowered his voice, "Do you know who it is? It's Prince Ning! Prince Ning is really rich. He bought such a big house not long after arriving in the capital."

It turned out to be Prince Ning!
Ding Xiu looked up, he knew that the emperor deliberately kept the eight princes in the capital to prevent them from causing trouble like the six princes. But now the whole world knows that the fake emperor was burned to death, His Majesty still wants to keep these princes in the capital?

Fuck, Prince Ning has bought a house. This Prince Ning is interesting. Is he going to live in the capital for a long time? But he has no say on this.

"Boss, Prince Ning has frequent contacts with Marquis Huichang." A subordinate nearby reported.

Ding Xiu frowned: "What did they do together?"

The subordinate's face was full of envy: "Eating, drinking and having fun, a frequent visitor to Feiyan Tower and Taibai Tower. Several brothers are following, and they haven't found anything unusual for the time being."

Ding Xiu nodded: "If they are just for fun, then don't disturb them. Our current target is the Qi family. I always feel that something is wrong."

"Boss, the son-in-law of the Qi family is Chao Xiaotian." said the subordinate.

"This is even more abnormal." Ding Xiu frowned, "I suspect that the Qi family planned to marry their daughter to Chao Xiaotian. They want to use Chao Xiaotian's Daming Trading Company. Are they just using him to gain wealth, or do they have other purposes?"

He also knew in his heart that Chao Xiaotian was the emperor's apprentice, so the matter could only be investigated secretly. Once there was evidence, he would report to the emperor.

"The Qi family's business has grown bigger and bigger thanks to Chao Xiaotian, and they even have their own fleet." The subordinates said jealously, "They are rich, and we can never earn that much in our lifetime."

Snapped!
Ding Xiu slapped him on the back of the head and said, "If you want to get rich, leave Jinyiwei. I will introduce you to Daming Trading Company."

"No, no, no, I still want to follow you, boss. Life there is exciting." The subordinate smiled, "The days we spent in Shaanxi and Gansu were hard, but great."

Ding Xiu finished eating with big mouthfuls and stood up: "Let's go and get to work."

Before he left, he took another deep look at Prince Ning's Mansion.

……

At this moment, in Prince Ning’s Mansion.

Prince Ning was in a huge square underground. He spread his hands to Mu Bin beside him and said, "Duke Qian, this reminds me of Emperor Taizong. It is said that he forged weapons underground in the palace. Is it also this big?"

"It's probably bigger than this." Mu Bin smiled.

Prince Ning stood with his hands behind his back, looked around and said, "This Prince Ning Mansion that I bought is too close to the Imperial Palace. Is it unsafe? Your Majesty is hiding here. What if he is discovered?"

It turned out that he bought this mansion to bring the Zhengtong Emperor here. Junshan would feel unsafe in the mansion in the north of the city, so he wanted to move the Zhengtong Emperor.

"With you, Prince Ning, here will be safe." Mu Bin said, "At least, those Jinyiwei will not dare to come to Prince Ning's mansion casually, right? Besides, this underground secret room was built by an expert, so even if the Jinyiwei came in, they would not be able to find it."

Prince Ning sighed, "The Junshan Society is still strong. They planned this several years ago. They built a house like this, waiting for me to buy it."

"Only a Junshan Society like this can take down the fake emperor." Mu Bin clenched his fists.

Prince Ning chuckled, "Then I will continue to play the role of a supporter of the fake emperor, pay my respects to him from time to time, and act like a playboy in the capital, eating, drinking and having fun. Hahahaha, this is what I am best at."

"Your Highness, please be careful." Mu Bin said.

Prince Ning smiled and waved his hand: "Let's go, I'm going to Feiyan Tower. There's a new courtesan here, how can I miss it?"

……

In front of the Qianqing Palace.

Zhu Qizhen came back from outside and saw Cao Jixiang talking to a guard. When they saw him coming, they hurried forward to pay their respects. Zhu Qizhen looked at the guard and frowned: "Who are you?"

"Your Majesty, I am Zheng Ying, the newly appointed commander of the Imperial Guards." The man bowed.

Zhu Qizhen smiled and raised his hand: "You are the son of Marquis Wu'an, right? Very good, a good father will have a good son. Do your job well, and I will let you go to the frontier to make meritorious deeds in the future."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Zheng Ying was overjoyed.

Zhu Qizhen waved his hand and strode into the Qianqing Palace. Cao Jixiang followed behind him and whispered, "Your Majesty, the Marquis of Wu'an has replaced a group of people in the Imperial Guards, and I don't recognize many of them."

"Then go and get to know him." Zhu Qizhen smiled.

He understood what Cao Jixiang meant. There were many new people coming, so he should be careful. He thought for a while and said, "Go call Shi Biao."

Cao Jixiang retreated, and soon after, Jinyiwei Shi Biao came in and bowed: "Your Majesty."

"Shi Biao, my personal guards are all under the charge of you, the Jinyiwei, right?" Zhu Qizhen asked.

"Of course!" Shi Biao nodded, "The Imperial Guards can only stay on the periphery."

Zhu Qizhen nodded with satisfaction: "My safety is now in your hands."

"Your Majesty, with your skills, you can take the enemy general's head in the midst of thousands of troops." Shi Biao admired, "Who can hurt you? But, Your Majesty, don't worry, I will not take it lightly. Your guards are all the most loyal Jinyiwei."

Zhu Qizhen sat down, drank a sip of tea and asked, "Still no news about the fake emperor?"

"No!" Shi Biao said, "He came back from the West, thousands of miles away. If he didn't follow the Ming fleet, he would have been in trouble. Maybe he is still floating somewhere, maybe fed to the fish."

Zhu Qizhen smiled and said: "We still have to continue investigating and not let our guard down."

"Yes, Ding Xiu is watching over there." Shi Biao replied. ...

Harem, imperial garden.

In early autumn, the sun shines through the sparse clouds, casting patches of light on the carefully trimmed flowers.

Although the flowers in the garden are not as colorful as those in spring, they also have their own unique flavor. The chrysanthemums are just beginning to bloom, announcing the arrival of autumn with their attitude of not fearing the cold and frost; a few late-blooming peonies are still elegant and seem to be trying their best to retain the afterglow of summer; and those unknown small flowers are also dotted among the green grass, blooming silently, adding a bit of delicacy and elegance to the imperial garden.

The ladies were dressed in gorgeous palace costumes, some walking slowly, some stopping to admire. Some held round fans, waving them gently to dispel the remaining heat and add a bit of tranquility; others held flowers in their hands, smiling gently, as if whispering to the flowers.

The lake in the Imperial Garden is as calm as a mirror, with a few fallen leaves occasionally floating down, stirring up circles of delicate ripples. The pavilions and towers in the distance look even more quaint and solemn against the backdrop of the autumn sun.

Xianfei and Defei were enjoying the flowers and drinking tea in the pavilion. Not far away, several newly appointed concubines were playing among the flowers. Both the people and the flowers were beautiful.

"It's good to be young." Concubine Xian exclaimed.

"Sister, you are still young." Defei smiled.

The virtuous concubine touched her face and said, "It's full of wrinkles. In a few years, I'll be a yellow-faced woman."

Concubine De pursed her red lips and said, "I really envy the Queen Mother. I don't know how she maintains herself to be so young and beautiful. I guess we are old, but she is not."

"Isn't it?" Concubine Xian glared at him, "Why don't you ask the Queen Mother for her beauty secrets?"

Concubine De glared with resentment: "If the Queen Mother doesn't tell me, what can I do?"

As the two were chatting, Youlan, who was pregnant, came over and bowed to them. Concubine Xian quickly ordered the maid to support her and said, "If it's not convenient for you, don't bow."

After Youlan sat down, Concubine De asked with concern: "How do you feel? If you feel uncomfortable, you can ask us."

A breeze blew by as the three of them chatted and laughter could be heard from time to time.

Youlan sat for a while, then stood up to leave, frowning slightly: "Sister Zhou Fei has been coming to my place quite often recently, and I can hardly handle it."

Concubine Xian and Concubine De looked at each other and understood why Concubine Zhou was moving around.

……

Qianqing Palace.

Zhu Qizhen's speed of reviewing the memorials was getting faster and faster, for no other reason than his practice. He could even do two things at once, reviewing the memorials while reaching out to touch Xiyao, no, to pick up the teacup that Xiyao handed over and drink a sip of tea.

"Oh!" Xiyao rolled her eyes speechlessly, "Your Majesty, you pinched my nose."

Zhu Qizhen turned around and smiled: "Ah, your nose is about the same size as a teacup, and quite smooth."

Xiyao gritted her teeth and placed the teacup in front of him. Her beautiful eyes were startled. "Your Majesty, what happened to your arm? How did you get hurt? Is there an assassin? I've been in the palace for so long, and finally there's an assassin? Hehehe, this is exciting..."

Snapped!
Zhu Qizhen slapped her on the back of the head and stared at her speechlessly: "I was accidentally injured by a sword when I was competing with someone in the military academy yesterday. Why are you so excited? Are you still looking forward to the assassin?"

"It's not an assassin?" Xiyao blinked her eyes, looking disappointed. "There is an assassin. This female hero stepped forward to protect your majesty."

"Just you, lady?" Zhu Qizhen held his forehead with his hand.

He put away the memorial, drank a cup of tea, stood up and walked out. Xiyao followed behind him and asked flatteringly: "Your Majesty, are you leaving the palace? Take me with you."

"Let's go see the Queen Mother." Zhu Qizhen waved his hand, "Together?"

Xiyao panicked and bowed quickly: "Farewell, Your Majesty."

Mountain top palace.

Zhu Qizhen jumped down from the wall, clapped his hands, and said to himself proudly: "My skills have improved again. The imperial guards along the way can't find me at all. My speed is 70 miles per hour, and I feel free~"

The witch queen was standing by the window, facing the breeze in a daze, her beautiful face was less dazzling than before, and more haggard. She watched Zhu Qizhen climb down the wall, talking to himself there, and finally singing.

A smile appeared on her lips, and she rolled her eyes speechlessly. She didn't know why that guy was so happy alone. She shouted angrily: "If you sing again, the imperial guards will be attracted."

Zhu Qizhen came to her, reached out and held her hand, feeling her slightly cold palm, his face fell: "Why is it so cold? Your face is a little pale, are you sick?"

The Demon Queen shook her head and reached out to pull up his sleeves, her face full of worry: "I heard that you were stabbed with a sword in the military academy yesterday? How is the injury? I told you before that you don't have to go to the competition in person. Are you injured again? You didn't come, and I was worried all night."

worry about me?
You're acting like that now? You're acting really real. Are you worried that I didn't sleep well the previous night, so I'm not in a good mood?
Why do I not believe it so much?
"It's okay, just a minor injury. It just hurts a little." His heart was beating fast, but he grabbed the Queen Demon's hand and placed it on his chest.

She was slightly startled, her beautiful eyes full of worry and concern: "It still hurts? Didn't you ask the doctor to treat it?"

"It's just a minor injury. What do you need a doctor for?"

Zhu Qizhen looked at her tenderly, his eyes full of affection: "Seeing you worry about me, I don't feel any pain at all. In fact, I want to get hurt again to make you worry about me."

His eyes were gentle, and his hand gently stroked the delicate face of the Demon Queen, and he sighed softly: "But I don't want you to become haggard because of me. What if such a beautiful face becomes ugly?"

Snapped!
The demon queen didn't know whether to laugh or cry, so she hit him and glared at him: "Don't be so frivolous, did you hear what I said?"

Her tone was gentle, and her beautiful eyes looked at him tenderly. She no longer had the stubbornness she had before, and she took the initiative to express her emotions.

Zhu Qizhen was slightly surprised. What's wrong with this woman? Are you trying to compete with me in acting? He looked at her affectionately and spoke sweetly, "I heard you. I'll listen to you from now on, okay? Listen to your wife and you'll get rich."

"What nonsense are you talking about?" The Demon Queen's beautiful eyes became more gentle as she looked at him affectionately.

Zhu Qizhen gently stroked her soft and cool hair and sniffed her elegant fragrance: "It hurts to see you look so haggard. I won't let you worry anymore in the future."

The demon queen stood on tiptoe and offered a sweet kiss.

After a long time, the Queen opened her lips and leaned in his arms, her face flushed, and she whispered softly: "After this busy period, let's go to the small courtyard by the Gaoliang River and live for a while, okay?"

"Yeah." Zhu Qizhen nodded, thinking that it was rare for you to be so proactive.

……

Prince Ning’s Mansion, underground secret room.

Deer Mask brought the Orthodox Emperor, Xu Bin, Yuan Bin and Wu Xingdao in. Prince Ning and Mu Bin, who were already waiting there, immediately stepped forward and knelt down to the Orthodox Emperor: "Welcome, Your Majesty."

"Stand up." The Zhengtong Emperor raised his hand and said to Prince Ning warmly, "Prince Ning, thanks to you, my place is finally much more spacious."

With tears in his eyes, Prince Ning said, "Your Majesty, I was unable to go to Dunhuang and fight alongside you. Please forgive me."

The Zhengtong Emperor patted his shoulder and shook his head: "Prince Ning, I am very grateful that you can support me in the capital. Because of you, I still have hope."

"Your Majesty, the Zhu family's kingdom will definitely be taken back." Prince Ning said firmly.

"Okay, I'll leave it to you all." The orthodox emperor looked around.

Prince Ning held out his hand and said, "Your Majesty, this is the basement of the palace. It is very safe. It is divided into many areas. Your Majesty cannot go out. It is more spacious here."

"Yes, Your Majesty, it is much safer in Prince Ning's Mansion." Mu Bin said, "The Jinyi Guards and the Patrol Guards don't dare to come in."

The Zhengtong Emperor nodded with satisfaction: "I will stay here and wait for your next move."

Everyone chatted for a while and then dispersed. The Zhengtong Emperor kept Prince Ning and asked, "Prince Ning, have you ever seen my...my concubine and children in Dunhuang?"

Prince Ning had a strange look on his face. He thought for a while and said, "The child is in the harem, and there are special nannies and palace maids taking care of him. As for your majesty's concubine, she...she is also in the harem."

"With the child?" the Zhengtong Emperor asked.

“No.” Prince Ning shook his head, as if he was about to say something, and finally spread his hands, “In the harem courtyard, it is said that the fake emperor… visits her from time to time.”

The orthodox emperor was struck by lightning when he heard this. He staggered back a step and gnashed his teeth: "False emperor, I will tear you into pieces!"

"Your Majesty, calm down." Prince Ning said, "She is just a woman."

The orthodox emperor clenched his fists and took a deep breath: "I'm fine!"

Prince Ning continued to comfort him: "Your Majesty, the concubines in the harem must have been abused by the false emperor. When the time comes, you can just banish them all to the cold palace."

The orthodox emperor: “!!!”

Could you please stop talking? I know it and I don't need you to emphasize it.

"Your Majesty, you take a rest then." Prince Ning bowed, "I'm here, whatever you want to eat, I'll get it for you."

"Thank you, King Ning." The Zhengtong Emperor waved his hand.

Prince Ning came out of the basement and returned to the palace hall. He took a sip from the teacup with a cold smile on his face. "If I help him regain the throne, I won't have to go to the vassal state, right? I..."

Thinking of this, his face darkened again, and a sinister look flashed in his eyes: "If Junshan will have no hope of success, then I will just hand him over to the fake emperor. Haha, Your Majesty, don't blame me for being too cruel."

He was just mumbling to himself when he heard footsteps. It turned out to be Mu Bin who came and said to him, "Your Highness Prince Ning, I think I should stay in your house and protect His Majesty."

"That's definitely not possible." Prince Ning was annoyed. "If you do that, you'll be targeted by the Imperial Guards, and then everything will be over."

(End of this chapter)