Ming: I am fake, walking on thin ice

Chapter 316: A demon appeared in the harem, and the demon queen was defeated

Chagatai Province.

Governor Liu Dingzhi was standing in front of a map, running his finger across it, as if thinking about something. Cao Qin walked in and bowed: "Lord Liu, the new troops and the supplies delivered by the court have arrived."

"Just put the materials into storage." Liu Dingzhi turned around and said with a smile, "Cao Qin, now you and I are on the same level, so there is no need to bow."

Cao Qin shook his head: "No, sir, you are my mentor. Without you, how could I have become the commander-in-chief of Chagatai Province so quickly?"

Liu Dingzhi smiled and pointed at the map, saying, "It is said that my Chagatai Province is the largest province in the Ming Dynasty. It is indeed true, but it gives me a headache. It is difficult to manage such a large area."

"Hahaha, those officials in the capital all say that you, sir, have been crowned a king." Cao Qin laughed, "A province is a kingdom."

Liu Dingzhi snorted coldly: "Those officials in the capital have nothing better to do than to spread rumors and divide the land and make me a king. Aren't they trying to kill me?"

"Your Majesty is very wise and must believe in you, otherwise he would not have transferred you to be the governor of Chagatai." Cao Qin sighed, "However, our Chagatai Province is indeed big. It used to be the Chagatai Khanate, so how could it not be big?"

Liu Dingzhi rubbed his brows and pointed to a place on the map. He said, "This is the Pamir Mountains, the border between the Chagatai Empire and the Timurid Empire. Marshal Yang's army has arrived here. There will be several major battles next, and we have to hold on in the rear."

Cao Qin nodded slowly: "The main force of the Timurid Empire is here, trying to resist us."

"I have a bold idea." Liu Dingzhi sneered, "The main force of the Timurid Empire is gathered here in the Pamir Mountains, and there are not many troops in Fergana. Can we go straight to Samarkand from here?"

Cao Qin's eyes gleamed, "But, General Yang doesn't have any extra troops?"

"Marshal Yang doesn't have it, but we do." Liu Dingzhi raised his eyebrows, "Didn't the 50,000 new troops arrive?"

Cao Qin instantly became excited and said, "Lord Liu, you are bolder than me. Are you going to lead these 50,000 new troops through Fergana and attack Samarkand?"

"That's right, do you dare?" Liu Dingzhi asked.

"Why not?" Cao Qin was eager to try.

……

Pamirs, the Ming army camp.

In the central army tent, Yang Guifang was reading intelligence reports. Wang Yue and Zhu Yong came in and bowed together, "Greetings, General Yang."

"Have the Hongwu muskets and Hongwu cannons arrived?" Yang Guifang asked, looking up.

Wang Yue replied excitedly: "They are all here. Duke Zhongguo also sent us a group of lancers. They can shoot with muskets at long distances and use bayonets at the end of their muskets to fight at close range."

Zhu Yong said excitedly: "I really want to fight Timur's cavalry as soon as possible. They are still using the same fighting style as in the pre-Yuan Dynasty."

"We are not in a hurry." Yang Guifang waved the spy report in her hand, "If we can avoid a head-on fight, then we should do it. It will save lives. The Persian caravan is stealing the defense map of the Timurid Empire. With the map, it will be easier for us."

Wang Yue held his forehead with his hand: "You are really sinister, Marshal."

"The kingdoms throughout the Western Regions are saying that Marshal Yang of the Ming Dynasty is more cunning than a fox." Zhu Yong laughed, "They all call you the Fox of the Empire."

Yang Guifang smiled and said, "Your Majesty is right. War is the last resort. Fighting is too costly. It would be best to use other means."

"Marshal Yang, I heard that His Majesty is vigorously developing the Ming Navy." Wang Yue said, "People in the Hongwu Military Academy said that the future will definitely be the era of the navy. The students of the Hongwu Military Academy are all vying to join the navy. We are the second choice."

Zhu Yong smiled and said, "Marshal Yang, you have made greater contributions now than General Zhang Lun, the Tiger of the Empire. But in the future, it's hard to say."

"He is advancing westward by sea, and I am advancing westward by land." Yang Guifang's eyes sparkled. "I hope our two armies can meet in the West. By then, we will be the Empire on which the Sun Never Sets."

Wang Yue and Zhu Yong were very excited after hearing this.

……

In the capital city, the harem villa has an intoxicating night scene.

Zhu Qizhen walked into the room with ease. It was still the familiar fragrance, pleasant and intoxicating.

However, the room has changed its owner. It was Alena before and Aisha now. Zhu Qizhen couldn't understand why Aisha chose to live here. Didn't the Ottomans care about whether it was unlucky or not?
In the room, the candlelight flickered.

Aisha came over, wearing a black gauze undergarment, the style they had there, with some lace on it. Her straight and slender white legs were dazzling, and the undergarment was very short, only falling on the thighs, looming, as if it only needed a slight pull to completely untie it, revealing the infinite charm inside.

The proud figure was outlined by the gauze undergarment with amazing curves, which was so thin that it could hardly conceal the infinite scenery within. That kind of haziness was what an old driver like Zhu Qizhen liked the most.

Her long black hair fell leisurely behind her like a waterfall, and was lightly tied up with an exquisite pearl hairpin. The hairpin trembled slightly with her steps, showing her delicate and extraordinary beauty.

Charm and longing flashed in her slender eyes. She slowly raised her ivory-white wrist and inadvertently hooked up a strand of falling hair with her slender and plump jade fingers. With this action, her impeccable and stunning facial features became more and more revealed. Her mature royal sister style and the various styles of charm revealed in her every move were absolutely beyond the reach of a young girl.

Zhu Qizhen's breathing was slightly choked. This stepmother of the Ottoman emperor was truly a witch. No wonder the young emperor of the Ottoman Empire sent her to the Ming Dynasty. It was estimated that if she stayed in the Ottoman Palace, the young emperor would not be able to bear it.

The charm revealed in her every smile and gesture is enough to satisfy any man's desire.

"Your Majesty~" Aisha walked slowly and gracefully in front of him with her long legs.

Moving room.

Her slender fingers gently untied the belt, and the gauze undergarment automatically slid off.

She placed her arms gently on Zhu Qizhen's neck. Her tall figure was enough to look him in the eye. Her enchanting eyes became more and more blurred and intoxicating. As she hugged him tightly, she took the initiative to offer him a kiss.

Zhu Qizhen did not hesitate, picked her up and walked towards the couch.

An hour later.

Aisha curled up in Zhu Qizhen's arms, raised her blushing face, and said, "Your Majesty, Ahmed came to see me again today and brought me news about my family."

Zhu Qizhen was stunned, stroked her back and asked, "What can I help you with?"

"Your Majesty probably can't help us now. Our family is willing to cooperate with Your Majesty and establish a good relationship with him first." Aisha sighed softly, "Although our Majesty is wise, he is too cruel. Our family is worried that he will be in trouble one day."

Zhu Qizhen raised his lips slightly: "I understand. Then I will let the Ming Trading Company cooperate with your family in Istanbul. With such huge wealth, your emperor will not dare to touch you easily."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Aisha was overjoyed.

"Is that how you thank me?" Zhu Qizhen raised his eyebrows.

Aisha snorted lightly, rolled her eyes, and said weakly, "Let me rest for a while."

Zhu Qizhen looked very proud.

Haven't the women of the Ottoman Empire been conquered by me?
In his opinion, it would be a great thing to be able to confront Aisha's family and penetrate into the Ottoman Empire first.

……

The next day.

After the small court meeting, Zhu Qizhen did not review the memorials, but went to a side hall. At this moment, a man was kneeling in the side hall, with white hair and a slightly haggard look.

"Someone, give Mr. Shang a seat." Zhu Qizhen shouted.

It turned out that the one kneeling there was Shang Lu. When he saw the emperor coming in, he bowed and said, "I, the guilty minister Shang Lu, pay my respects to Your Majesty."

"Stand up and talk." Zhu Qizhen sat down on the chair.

Cao Jixiang brought a stool and placed it behind Shang Lu. Shang Lu stood up and sat down without hesitation. Zhu Qizhen looked at him and sighed softly: "Mr. Shang, after thinking about it, I decided to see you again."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Shang Lu smiled, "I am grateful to see Your Majesty again."

Zhu Qizhen smiled faintly: "Your Majesty? In your heart, am I the emperor of the Ming Dynasty?"

"Of course he is, and he is also a wise and capable ruler." Shang Lu said affirmatively, and then his face darkened, "It's just that I cannot serve two masters at the same time, and I am sorry to disappoint Your Majesty."

Zhu Qizhen laughed angrily: "It's still the same old thing! Don't you Confucians have anything new?"

Shang Lu smiled bitterly and shook his head without answering. He looked relieved, as if he was at ease, and was calm about everything that was about to happen, as if he had made up his mind to die.

"Don't you have anything else to say to me?" Zhu Qizhen asked.

"No more." Shang Lu spread his hands. "I have asked for mercy and have nothing else to ask for. Your Majesty, I suggest that you kill me and deter those who have improper thoughts from now on."

Zhu Qizhen said coldly: "Now you are thinking about me."

"Whether Your Majesty believes it or not, I support Your Majesty in my heart." Shang Lu smiled, "I am a stinking Confucian scholar. Some things cannot be changed. Your Majesty should just treat me as a sinner."

Zhu Qizhen sighed softly: "You have made a name for yourself through the ages, and I have to bear the infamy, right?"

"If your Majesty wants to think so, that's fine." Shang Lu nodded.

Zhu Qizhen felt a little disappointed. Shang Lu had nothing to say to him. He once thought that Shang Lu and other old ministers had completely supported and recognized him. …

The triennial imperial examination began. Zhu Qizhen wanted to change it to once a year, but the Minister of Rites Li Bing opposed it, saying that the time was not right yet.

Now it is only once a year, which is a waste. Zhu Qizhen accepted his suggestion. At present, the basic education of Ming Dynasty has not been established, and the growth rate of talents is not that fast. The time is indeed not right.

This time, more than 20,000 students took the exam. The Ministry of Rites' Imperial Academy had been expanded last year. Zhu Qizhen stood on the upper floor, watching the students line up to enter the Imperial Academy, and suddenly felt proud: "All the heroes in the world are within my reach."

"Your Majesty, the number of candidates taking the art exam this time is equal to that of the Confucian exam," Li Bing reported. "In a few years, the art exam will probably surpass the Confucian exam."

"Very good." Zhu Qizhen smiled, "Learn something useful. The Ming Dynasty lacks science."

Li Bing nodded in agreement: "Your Majesty, the last delegation that went to the West to investigate brought back many Western teachers and Western technical books."

Zhu Qizhen nodded slowly.

The atmosphere of pursuing innovation and science in the Ming Dynasty was far from enough, and more universities were needed. However, it was a start.

"Your Majesty, something happened to Mr. Shang." Li Bing frowned, "Shuntian University still needs a president."

Zhu Qizhen frowned and said, "It's not easy to choose this person. Do you have any recommendations?"

Li Bing thought for a while and shook his head: "I can't think of anyone who would be suitable."

"Then you can take on the position of Minister of Rites first. I will slowly look for someone else." Zhu Qizhen said.

"I obey your order." Li Bing nodded.

Zhu Qizhen patted the railing and said, "The imperial examination must be fair. Keep a close eye on it and don't let anything go wrong. I'm going back to the palace now."

This was the first time Li Bing took over, and Zhu Qizhen came to support him.

……

Harem, small courtyard.

Spring has arrived, and the flowers are in full bloom. Bulma is picking flowers. The emperor has not come since the New Year. She misses him, but she is not the type to take the initiative. She prefers to be quiet. It is also very pleasant to be alone with flowers and plants, or cook for herself.

She ran around the yard, her white forehead slightly sweating. At this time, a voice came: "You are so comfortable."

"You...you're here?"

Bulma was slightly startled, pursed her red lips, a strand of hair fell at the corner of her mouth, her fair and tight face was red, and her expression was a little surprised. Obviously, she didn't expect Zhu Qizhen to appear suddenly.

Zhu Qizhen walked up to her, stretched out his hand to pull her into his arms, and said softly: "So many things have happened in the harem recently, and I have been busy, so I haven't come to see you."

"No...you don't have to come see me." Bulma lowered her head.

She looked more gentle and beautiful, and her undecorated face was still delicate and beautiful even without makeup. Especially the occasional flash of tenderness and complexity in her eyes, which added a unique style and charm to her.

As women of the grassland, compared to Alena, who is so enchanting and charming, almost evil and beautiful, which makes people's hearts surge; Bulma is like a mountain spring, clear and gentle, giving people a sense of comfort and thirst quenching.

"It seems that my sister-in-law doesn't want to see me at all." Zhu Qizhen sighed, looking very disappointed.

"You...I didn't say that." Bulma's heart was beating fast.

After entering Beijing, as a captive, she had to bow her head because she had to live under the roof and had a child. At first, she hated Zhu Qizhen, but later she learned the cause of her father's death and her emotions towards Zhu Qizhen became complicated.

"So you miss me?" Zhu Qizhen reached out and grabbed her delicate hands.

Bulma's body tensed up slightly in an instant, and Zhu Qizhen used his arms to hold her waist with a little force.

She fell limply in his arms, her pretty face flushed. Zhu Qizhen picked her up and strode into the house.

After a storm.

Zhu Qizhen fell asleep, and when he woke up, it was already dark.

Bulma had already stood up, wearing a simple long dress, light and elegant. Her long hair was cleverly tied up with a thin string, like a smart ponytail, and fell gracefully along her left shoulder to her chest, highlighting her graceful figure. Her gentle face still had a shy blush.

"You...can't afford it?" she asked softly.

Zhu Qizhen admired her beauty and said with a smile: "I'm hungry, can you make me something to eat?"

"I...there's only noodles here." Bulma said.

"Then let me eat your lower body." Zhu Qizhen blinked.

For some reason, even though there were many concubines in the harem, he felt calmer when he came here.

……

On this day, the results of the imperial examination were announced.

Because there were so many students, the Ministry of Rites posted the list in more than a dozen places in the capital. Otherwise, the gates of the Imperial Examination Hall would have been broken down by the crowd. Despite this, the whole city was still in an uproar.

Qianqing Palace.

Zhu Qizhen also received the list of candidates for the imperial examination. The chief minister of the cabinet, Xu Youzhen, and the minister of rites, Li Bing, brought the list to report to the emperor. This year's imperial examination was finally successfully completed.

Next, there is the palace examination, after which Emperor Zhu Qizhen will personally select the top scholar.

"Your Majesty, the level of students this year is obviously higher than that of three years ago." Li Bing bowed, "This is a blessing for the Ming Dynasty. Talents are flocking to the court. I am now looking forward to the imperial examination in three years."

Xu Youzhen agreed with a smile: "The Ming Dynasty is full of talented people."

Zhu Qizhen was also happy to hear this and waved his hand: "Xiyao, serve tea to the two adults."

He wanted to discuss the palace examination with the two of them. Xiyao served tea and stood aside obediently. Zhu Qizhen looked at the list in his hand and asked, "Where is the champion of this year's examination from?"

When Li Bing heard this, his face was strange: "Your Majesty, Huiyuan is a woman, from the capital, and I have never heard of her before."

"Oh?" Zhu Qizhen turned directly to the end, "Zhu Xiyao? Eh... Xiyao? Xiyao, it's the same name as yours."

Xiyao jumped up with a smile and said happily, "Hahaha, I won the first place, hahaha, your majesty, Zhu Xiyao is your servant."

The three of them were all shocked.

Li Bing was stunned for a moment and asked, "Miss Xiyao, this champion Zhu Xiyao, is that you?"

"Of course. If you don't believe me, I can recite the article I wrote." Xiyao began to recite.

Li Bing was stunned and nodded repeatedly: "It's really Miss Xiyao, you...you...are the champion of this imperial examination."

"Your Majesty, I hope I didn't embarrass you." Xiyao jumped to Zhu Qizhen's side.

Zhu Qizhen came back to his senses and laughed: "You have made me proud. Hey, you really have some skills."

Xiyao waved her little fist and said confidently: "Your Majesty, wait for the palace examination, and I will bring you a champion."

Zhu Qizhen was amused. Xu Youzhen bowed to him and said, "Your Majesty, Miss Xiyao has already won the first prize in the imperial examination. It would be a waste of her talent to be a palace maid serving tea..."

"You, I am still a maid beside His Majesty." Xiyao said immediately.

Zhu Qizhen smiled slightly and said, "How about this. After the palace examination, if you perform well, I will allow you to enter the Hanlin Academy. Then, I will appoint you as a female official in the palace."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Xiyao was overjoyed.

……

Kunning Palace, night falls.

The queen in a purple dress stood beside the flower bed, fiddling with the flower pots with her hands. Her fair skin, hidden by her jet-black hair, looked even more proud. She had a graceful and noble temperament and cold and charming eyes, giving people a feeling that she was unattainable.

"Your Majesty, I just got the news." Shuangxi came forward to report, "The champion of this year's imperial examination is... Xiyao."

The Demon Queen was stunned, with a cold light flashing in her eyes: "She actually participated in the imperial examination and won the first place? How is this possible!"

"It's absolutely true." Shuangxi said.

"Haha." A sneer appeared on the corner of the Demon Queen's mouth. "It's quite interesting. They all say that I am the Demon Queen. This time, a demon girl appeared in the harem."

She patted the dirt in her hands and her eyes dropped.

(End of this chapter)