Ming: I am fake, walking on thin ice

Chapter 292 The Demon Queen Meets the True Emperor: Mother is Sorry to the Late Emperor

The harem courtyard.

In the warm jade-like quilt, Zhu Qizhen gently put down the gentle, delicate, and silky body and slowly sat up.

However, as soon as he sat down, he felt a touch of warmth on his back. Alena's heart-stirring figure leaned up to him quietly, her arms gently wrapped around him, hugging him tightly, and her charming and slightly lazy voice was full of deep loneliness and reluctance: "Can't you stay?"

"No!" Zhu Qizhen turned his head to look at the charming face resting on his shoulder and answered very straightforwardly.

He came here mainly to cure his illness and repair his spirit, or in the words of doctors, his essence, energy and spirit.

Although Alena was not the best choice, it was better to have him than not. Alena naturally understood his purpose, but after so many times, she became attached to him.

"If you can come occasionally, I will be satisfied." She stared at Zhu Qizhen with her narrow and charming eyes. Her tone softened unconsciously, and her arms were tightly wrapped around him, as if to engrave this attachment forever.

Zhu Qizhen squeezed her delicate hand and chuckled, "Don't be like that. I thought you were in love. We just got what we wanted."

"How heartless."

Alena was dazed for a moment, and then suddenly bit him on the shoulder. Zhu Qizhen clearly felt the skin on his shoulder being pierced, and warm blood gushing out, but he gritted his teeth and endured the pain.

This woman is just like the Demon Queen, very crazy and likes to bite people.

"This won't happen again!" Zhu Qizhen's voice was a little colder. He gently stroked her cheek and pinched her jaw fiercely. "You are not my concubine. Do you understand?"

Alena was pinched and it hurt a lot, but she had a strange smile on her lips. She gently licked the blood that was spilling out, her eyes became more and more fiery, and her lingering emotions slowly flowed in the air. The scarlet on her lips added a bit of charm to her alluring and enchanting appearance.

"I understand my own identity." She exuded the scent of a sickly girl. She licked the blood and laughed softly, "Your Majesty, you are showing your tenderness to the wrong person. The Queen doesn't care about you."

Zhu Qizhen snorted coldly: "It's none of your business."

Alena looked at him infatuatedly and giggled, "Your Majesty, you are a man of great talent and vision, so don't let yourself be bound by a woman."

A pair of beautiful eyes filled with love, leaning close to him.

……

Hongwu Military Academy.

As the night fell, a bonfire was burning in the small courtyard of the school building area. Three people were grilling meat around the fire, and the aroma filled the air, mixed with the scent of wine.

"Come on, old Duke, Old Yu, have a drink." Shi Heng raised his glass.

Zhang Fu and Yu Qian rolled their eyes in silence, and raised their glasses. The three of them drank a glass. Zhang Fu put down his glass and said, "Don't call me Duke. I'm just an instructor now."

"Everyone knows that your Zhang family is the most favored by the emperor." Shi Heng spread his hands, "The emperor has granted your grandson a marriage, and the wedding will be soon. The daughter of the Guo family is a royal relative."

Zhang Fu said calmly: "Being a royal relative is not a good thing."

"Tsk tsk, Duke, please stop being so outspoken, okay?" Yu Qian said angrily, "Others can't even ask for it, and you are just being ungrateful after getting the advantage."

Zhang Fu glared at him angrily: "Yu Qian, you still don't understand me? And you, are you willing to be a relative of the emperor?"

"Well, I, Yu Qian, don't even want to wear a red robe." Yu Qian waved his hand, "I am just a miserable person, don't compare yourself with me."

Shi Heng glanced at the two of them and burped: "You two are both dukes, and yet your lives are so miserable?"

The three of them laughed, and Yu Qian took over the conversation: "Well, to be honest, we were all used by the late emperor. This glass of wine is for the late emperor."

"A toast to the late emperor." Zhang Fu raised his glass heavily.

"Let me correct you. I was not appointed by the late emperor." Shi Heng said, "But I still respect the late emperor."

After drinking another cup, Yu Qian smiled and said, "Shi Heng, do you want to go to the front line?"

"Of course!" Shi Heng spread his hands, "Which general doesn't want to expand the territory? Alas, now His Majesty only trusts those young people. I am still in my prime, so I don't have a chance."

Yu Qian smiled slightly and said, "You are already a duke. If you make more military achievements, how will His Majesty confer you a title? Will he grant you a kingdom?"

"To divide the land and be crowned king is indeed something one desires." Shi Heng's eyes flashed with excitement.

Zhang Fu glanced at him and said, "What are you thinking? In the Ming Dynasty, there can't be a king with a different surname."

The three of them drank until late at night before they dispersed. Yu Qian and Shi Heng supported each other and left the courtyard. Zhang Fu watched them leave, then returned to his room and fell asleep.

The night was dark.

Hongwu Military Academy and Shuntian University are opposite each other. At this moment, they are all submerged in the night. Suddenly, a spark flashed on the street, and then two fire points flickered.

It turned out that two people were smoking on the street.

"Want to win over Shi Heng? It's too dangerous. After the Battle of Tumu Fortress, he defected to the Pseudo-Emperor. Also, his nephew Shi Biao is the most trusted confidant of the Pseudo-Emperor."

"They are not loyal people. They betrayed me before and they can betray me now."

"That's right, both uncle and nephew have ambitions. But I don't agree to try to win them over. Once we are exposed, it will all be over."

"But if we can win them over, we will definitely win against the false emperor. Whether they will betray us or remain loyal depends on how high our price is. We should give them a price they cannot refuse."

"You underestimated the false emperor. He has already subdued the uncle and nephew."

"Give feedback to Boss Rat."

……

Jinyiwei, imperial prison.

Under the cover of midnight, the Imperial Prison seemed like a cold and deep ancient castle, surrounded by endless darkness.

The figures of the Embroidered Uniform Guards wandered between the cells like ghosts. Every step they took on the thick stone slabs made a hollow echo, and intermittent groans of pain could be heard in the distance.

Inside the prison, the candlelight was dim, and the flickering flames stretched the shadows on the wall into long, twisted shapes, and swayed gently in the breeze, like a group of demons dancing wildly. The air was filled with an indescribable smell, damp and moldy, mixed with a faint smell of blood, which made people shudder.

In every cell, behind the iron bars are haggard and desperate faces; their wails and groans echo in this deep space.

The Jinyiwei patrolled this hell on earth with expressionless faces. Their eyes were as cold as ice, and they were used to all this. The weapons in their hands shone coldly under the dim light, adding a bit of murderous atmosphere.

Shi Biao came to a cell and raised a torch. Sun Lian, the Marquis of Huichang, was startled awake by the sudden light and sat up.

"Shi...Lord Shi?" Marquis Huichang exclaimed.

"Is it cold?" Shi Biao waved his hand, "Go, bring the Marquis out to my room to warm him up."

The two Jinyiwei behind him opened the door of the cell and brought Huichang Hou out. They took him to a room not far away where there was a charcoal fire, and Huichang Hou was warmed up instantly.

"Yuan Bin has been executed." Shi Biao said lightly.

Huichang Hou trembled slightly and nodded: "I know."

Shi Biao handed him a pot of wine, motioned him to sit down, and then smiled and said, "Do you want to die or get out? You should decide for yourself. With your small physique, you probably won't survive the winter if you continue to stay in the cell."

Huichang Hou took a few gulps of wine, and his pale face became much rosier. He nodded slowly: "I understand, but that's all I know."

"Haha, think carefully about who the members of Junshan Society are." Shi Biao said.

Marquis Huichang took another sip, and his body finally began to heat up. He thought for a while and said:
"Lao Lu, he should be an older man, his voice is a little old, and so is his walk. However, we all deliberately changed our voices during the meeting, so I can't be sure. He is not tall and speaks in a very gentle manner, so he should not be a rough person."

"Old Wolf, should be younger than Old Deer. Although he is wearing a mask, he also has a murderous aura. He is probably a member of the army. He has a high status, and his murderous aura is not something that ordinary soldiers can have."

"Tiger, almost the same, also murderous. But Tiger is obviously more impatient, cursing a lot. He doesn't seem to care much about the Junshan Society's affairs."

"As for Lao Niu, he speaks the least and you can't tell what he means. However, he doesn't quite agree with what the Junshan Society is doing. In fact, everyone in the Junshan Society seems a little reluctant." Shi Biao listened carefully and asked questions from time to time.

……

The next day, Qianqing Palace.

Today Zhu Qizhen summoned some young ministers, including Li Dongyang, Wang Hao, the son of Governor-General of the River Wang Lai, and Xu Shiliang, the son of Chief Minister Xu Youzhen.

"Everyone is free to speak today." Zhu Qizhen smiled, "I want to hear what you young people think."

Li Dongyang bowed and said, "Your Majesty, you are also young. We are the same age as Your Majesty."

Everyone laughed along, and the atmosphere was very harmonious. Zhu Qizhen summoned the young people to listen to their thoughts on the current Ming Dynasty, including government affairs, trade, and foreign conquests.

"Your Majesty, I want to go to the Chagatai Province and learn from Lord Liu Dingzhi." Wang Hao said, "After I learn the skills well, if the Ming Dynasty has a new province in the future, Your Majesty can let me take charge of it."

Li Dongyang quickly agreed: "I also want to send Chagatai out."

Zhu Qizhen smiled, he was quite satisfied with their idea. Young people, don't just think about being a Beijing official, you should go out to train, only then you will have a bright future.

"Your Majesty, please give us young civil servants a chance." Li Dongyang said, "At most, Yang Guifang and Zhang Lun, who are only a few years older than us, have already made great contributions to the country."

Zhu Qizhen smiled and nodded: "Okay, I'll give you a chance. Li Dongyang, Wang Hao, you want to go to Chagatai Province. I'll approve it. Once there, assist Liu Dingzhi."

Li Dongyang and Wang Hao were overjoyed.

Zhu Qilong's eyes fell on Xu Shiliang, who had been silent, and asked, "Xu Shiliang, why don't you speak?"

"Your Majesty, I do not want to be an official." Xu Shiliang bowed, "I just want to stay in the Hanlin Academy, copy and write, and then go to the university to study with teachers. I want to write books."

"Very good, this is also a good ambition." Zhu Qizhen praised, "The Ming Dynasty needs our own philosophers and thinkers."

Xu Shiliang was very surprised. He didn't expect the emperor to encourage him because most people would think he had no ambition.

……

On this day, Shuntian University is very lively because today is the third anniversary celebration of Shuntian University.

The campus was decorated with lights and colorful flags. The red carpet stretched from the school gate to the main venue. Students in gorgeous costumes stood on both sides. They held flowers and smiled, warmly welcoming every guest who stepped into this palace of knowledge. The breeze blew by, bringing with it the faint fragrance of flowers and ink.

The Minister of Rites Yang Shanda came in person, followed by a group of court officials, and their arrival added a bit of solemnity and honor to the celebration. The principal Shang Lu, dressed in a refined long gown and with a proud look on his face, walked side by side with Yang Shanda, and the two of them talked in low voices from time to time. They stood together at the school gate to personally welcome scholars and celebrities from all over the world.

In the main venue, various exquisite exhibition stands were placed under temporary tents, displaying the academic achievements, student works and precious books of Shuntian University in the past three years. Scholars sat together, discussing enthusiastically or watching carefully, expressing sincere admiration from time to time. On the other side, wonderful art performances were staged one after another, including traditional music, chess, calligraphy and painting, as well as musicals that integrated Western elements.

"The Empress Dowager has arrived~" a voice was announced.

The Empress Dowager of the Ming Dynasty arrived, and everyone turned to look. They saw a group of palace maids and eunuchs approaching, with a gorgeous sedan in the middle.

Yang Shan and Shang Lu looked at each other and hurried forward to greet the Queen Mother. The maid lifted the curtain of the sedan chair and the Queen Mother came out, wearing a radiant purple dress. The exquisite tailoring perfectly outlined her graceful figure. Every step she took showed her endless grace and charm. As she walked, she was dignified and exuded an indescribable nobility.

Her long, inky black hair fell like a waterfall, setting off her fairer skin. Her skin was slightly pink and smooth, like the finest white jade. In the sun, it shone softly, as if there was a fairy aura lingering around her. At this moment, she looked like a goddess descending from the sky, emitting a dazzling light that eclipsed everything around her.

"Greetings to Her Majesty the Queen Mother." Everyone bowed together.

Many students saw the Queen Mother for the first time. They were secretly shocked. They did not expect that the Queen Mother was so beautiful. The Queen Mother's majestic voice fell: "Everyone, get up. I am just here to join in the fun. You don't have to worry about me. Just do what you need to do."

Everyone stood up and the celebration continued.

The Queen Mother chatted with the principal Shang Lu for a while, and the celebration on campus became more lively. The Queen Mother smiled and said, "Mr. Shang, I am a little tired. I will find a quiet place to rest for a while, and then come to have fun with everyone."

"I will take Your Majesty to the school area." Shang Lu stood up.

……

The campus is very lively, but the dry well in the back mountain is very quiet.

The Zhengtong Emperor was waiting anxiously, walking back and forth in front of his little thatched cottage. Not long after, he heard footsteps, and when he looked up, he saw the Queen Mother approaching.

He rushed forward and knelt down suddenly: "Mother~"

After shouting these two words, the rest of the words were stuck in his throat, tears fell from his eyes, and he just looked at his mother. The Queen Mother looked down at her son, tears welling up.

After so many years, she herself has not aged, but her son's face is already full of vicissitudes, and the beard on his face makes him look even older. The queen mother reached out and gently stroked his face, crying, "Son, we are finally reunited."

"Mother~" The orthodox emperor burst into tears, "I am sorry that my son is unfilial and has caused you to suffer."

The Queen Mother pulled him up and looked him up and down: "Hey, son, you have been wandering outside for these years and have suffered a lot."

"Mother, my son is back. The past is all in the past." The Zhengtong Emperor wiped away his tears.

"Okay, okay." The Queen Mother nodded repeatedly, "You have matured after these years of training. If we can be together as mother and son, there is still a chance."

Not far away, Wu Xingdao and Deer Mask stood together, watching from afar.

The Queen Mother and the Zhengtong Emperor didn't talk for long. Before long, she finally said, "Son, you must remember everything I said. You must lie low and wait for your chance. I can't stay here for too long. If I'm discovered, it will be the end of me."

"Yes, mother." The Zhengtong Emperor nodded, "I will obey you."

The Queen Mother looked at him and sighed softly, "I feel so sorry for the late Emperor. I didn't help him take care of this country."

The orthodox emperor shook his head: "Mom, you have done well enough."

"Mother is gone." The Queen Mother glanced at him and hurried away.

The Zhengtong Emperor looked at her retreating figure, wiped away the tears from his eyes, and said to himself: "Mother, if you cannot take back the Ming Dynasty, you will be the sinner of the Zhu family."

……

Qianqing Palace.

Zhu Qizhen did not go to Shuntian University to attend the school anniversary because he often went to the campus in disguise. If he went this time, he would definitely be recognized by many teachers and students, which would be inconvenient in the future.

He was seriously reviewing the memorials, thinking about finishing them as soon as possible so that he could find a concubine to massage his shoulders. At this time, footsteps were heard, accompanied by Cao Jixiang's hurried voice: "The Queen Mother has arrived~"

"Why is she here?" Zhu Qizhen was stunned.

"Everyone, stand outside."

The cold voice of the Demon Queen sounded leisurely, and then she walked into the room gracefully, gently lifted the hem of her elaborate and gorgeous skirt with both hands, walked in front of him with an angry look, slightly raised her bright and beautiful face, stared at him with her peach-like eyes, and snorted, "Why don't you go to the school celebration?"

Zhu Qizhen was stunned for a moment, then said, "I need to review memorials, and I am busy with government affairs. Are you angry about this?"

"I'm going there, and I was thinking you'd go too, so we could go shopping together." The witch queen's spring-like eyes were full of affection.

So proactive? There must be something wrong.

Zhu Qizhen complained in his heart, but a smile appeared on his lips. He stretched out his hand to pinch her beautiful and charming cheek and said, "Winter is coming soon. I will have plenty of time to spare when the time comes."

The demon queen's pretty face flushed, her sizeable chest heaving slightly, and she stared, "Really?"

Zhu Qizhen pulled her into his arms, not giving her a chance to react, and bit her red lips. After a long time, the witch queen finally pushed him away, stood up in panic, and glared: "I'm going to die. This is the Qianqing Palace. If a minister comes in and sees us, what should I do?"

So you are afraid too.

Zhu Qizhen smiled and spread his hands: "Who made you so beautiful?"

"Hateful." There was a trace of tears in the demon queen's pair of bright peach blossom eyes.

(End of this chapter)