Ming: I am fake, walking on thin ice

Chapter 318 The Demon Queen's True Identity, the Fake Emperor
Hanlin Academy.

Many new Hanlins have been admitted, and today is very lively. Because the old Hanlins all know that there will be two female Hanlins, these men are excited.

However, someone had come to greet her early in the morning. The third place winner Zhu Xiyao had a special status. She was the palace maid who served tea to the emperor, and now she was also the palace lady. Everyone had to be respectful to her.

Another female Hanlin, Liu Wanqing, was not only a talented woman, but also a great beauty. The old Hanlins all secretly tried their best to show off in front of this female Hanlin.

Hanlin Academy scholars are in charge of imperial edicts, historical records, and literary works. They examine and discuss systems, review documents, and serve as advisors to the emperor. Their positions are quite important. To put it bluntly, the Hanlin Academy is not a high-ranking position, and it is also a government office with little benefits, but it is close to the emperor.

Therefore, many students desperately want to enter the Hanlin Academy, which is an honor. But once you enter the Hanlin Academy, you have to endure. Some people endure their whole lives and still become a Hanlin.

When Xiyao and Liu Wanqing appeared in the Imperial Academy, they caused a sensation. After an introduction, they were surrounded by people for a long time before they dispersed.

It was also the first time that Xiyao and Liu Wanqing met. The moment they looked at each other, they both had the same thought: this woman was not simple. Xiyao, who had always been conceited, also began to feel a desire to compare with others.

"Sister Wanqing, you are such a beauty." Xiyao bowed slightly.

"Sister Xiyao, please give me more support in the future." Liu Wanqing also bowed slightly.

The two men walked slowly in the corridor in front of the Hanlin Academy. After a conversation, they found that each other was knowledgeable. They secretly wanted to compete with each other even more, and both wanted to surpass the other.

"I still have to go to the harem, so I can't accompany my sister. If you encounter any trouble, just tell me." Xiyao smiled.

Liu Wanqing smiled and nodded: "I'm bound to bother my sister."

She watched Xiyao go away, a sneer appeared on the corner of her mouth: "This Xiyao is quite interesting, from a palace maid to a Taihua, why do I feel like she is the same kind of person?"

……

Qianqing Palace.

Zhu Qizhen summoned Yu Qian, Shi Heng and other generals of the Five Military Commandery and ordered Cao Jixiang to circulate a memorial to them. It was a memorial from Liu Dingzhi, the governor of Chagatai Province.

In the memorial, Liu Dingzhi said that Cao Qin had led an army of 50,000 from the city of Alimali, and would head west across the Fergana Plain and reach Samarkand.

"This civil official is more daring than our military commanders in fighting." Shi Heng laughed, "Isn't it a waste of talent for Liu Dingzhi to be a governor? He should be allowed to fight in the war."

Yu Qian pondered for a moment and said, "I have looked at the map and this plan is feasible! Today, the main forces of the Timurid Empire are in the Pamir Mountains, and our main forces are also in the Pamir Mountains. They will not think that we still have a large army passing through Fergana. Your Majesty, as long as Samarkand is captured, the Timurid Empire will collapse internally."

Zhu Qizhen also agreed with Liu Dingzhi, spreading his hands and smiling: "Cao Qin led the troops to the battle. Fortunately, we sent the old general Guo Deng to Chagatai to take charge of military affairs. Otherwise, I would be a little worried."

Liu Dingzhi's efforts over a year have made Chagatai Province generally stable, but the remaining forces of Chagatai would certainly not accept this and would want to drive the Ming Dynasty out.

Liu Dingzhi alone is too busy to handle everything. Guo Deng went there to take charge of military affairs, which would reduce the pressure on Liu Dingzhi. With his ability in government affairs, he would gradually stabilize Chagatai. Now, the Ming Dynasty is not the Ming Dynasty of the past. It has strong financial resources. The local people know how to choose and can live a good life.

"If you want to conquer Eurasia, you need many Liu Dingzhis." Zhu Qizhen sighed in his heart.

After discussing military affairs with everyone, he began to review memorials. A wise ruler's day was busy, and before he had reviewed them for long, Ding Xiu, the Jinyiwei pacification envoy, asked to see him.

"Your Majesty, through investigation, the merchants who contacted Roujia were generally business dealings. Although there were some conflicts, they should not lead to murder." Ding Xiu frowned and said, "I still suspect that it is related to the Jianwen family. I heard that Roujia and the Ning family often communicated, but I did not find those letters. Your Majesty, have you read those letters?"

Zhu Qizhen nodded, his face gloomy: "I have read those letters, but I didn't bring them back. How come they disappeared?"

"It should have been taken away by the murderer." Ding Xiu said.

Zhu Qizhen glared: "You can find out that I read the letter, but you can't find the murderer?"

Ding Xiu looked embarrassed: "Your Majesty, you went there openly. The subordinates in the guild hall have seen you. We, the Jinyiwei secret guards, have seen you many times."

Zhu Qizhen: “!!!”

"Do I need to tell you the contents of the letter? Those contents should have nothing to do with the case. They are all about Japan." Zhu Qizhen said.

Ding Xiu boldly asked: "Did you mention anyone?"

Zhu Qizhen recalled and shook his head: "No!"

Ding Xiu stopped asking questions and continued to report before leaving. When he reached the door, he turned back and said, "Your Majesty, I found out that Miss Xiyao, Li Ling, and Isabella also often go to the guild hall. The information of Li Ling and Isabella is in the university, and Xiyao's information is in the harem, right? Can you give it to me?"

"You suspect them?" Zhu Qizhen was surprised.

"We have to investigate all of them. The Royal Guards won't let go of any suspicious individuals." Ding Xiu said.

Zhu Qizhen smiled and nodded: "Okay, come tomorrow and ask Cao Jixiang for it."

……

In the evening, a gentle sunset hangs on the horizon. The afterglow shines through the well-arranged glazed tiles, reflecting thousands of golden rays, making the already majestic palace even more dreamy and glorious.

Zhu Qizhen walked slowly out of the Qianqing Palace. Under his feet was a bluestone road as smooth as a mirror. The air was filled with the faint fragrance of flowers mixed with the fragrance of soil, which made people feel relaxed and happy.

Looking up, I saw the outline of the Forbidden City become soft and magnificent under the setting sun, with the eaves and corners seeming to pierce the sky, and seeming to caress the evening breeze. Inside and outside the palace walls, willow trees are swaying, and the breeze blows, the willow branches dance lightly, bringing bursts of fine and pleasant sounds.

Palace servants shuttled among the crowds, some hurriedly passing by, some stopping to admire this rare beauty. Their sleeves swayed gently in the breeze, adding a bit of liveliness and vitality to the picture.

"Spring is so beautiful." Zhu Qizhen was in a good mood.

He was not hungry at the moment, so he walked out of the palace, went to the six ministries, and chatted with the officials on duty. This was his habit since he became emperor.

When he arrived at the Hanlin Academy, the candles were already lit. Most people had gone off work, but a few were still writing furiously. Zhu Qizhen thought of Liu Dingzhi, who in the past helped the Ministry of Justice copy case files at night in order to earn more money in the Hanlin Academy.

He walked in and looked up to see a woman, who was concentrating on writing something. The woman was elegant and beautiful, sitting upright, and although she was writing, she was also graceful.

"Liu Wanqing, nice to meet you again." Zhu Qizhen smiled.

"Your Majesty?" Liu Wanqing was slightly startled and quickly stood up and bowed, "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you."

During the palace examination, she met the emperor in Toyota Hall. At that moment, she was shocked because the emperor was the one who took her to Shuntian University.

At this moment, she calmed down a lot and continued, "I didn't recognize your face at the beginning, please forgive me, Your Majesty."

"Ignorance is not a crime." Zhu Qizhen smiled and walked closer to ask, "What else are you writing?"

Liu Wanqing introduced: "It is the history of the pre-Yuan Dynasty. Many of the things I have never read before. I am very interested and fascinated. I didn't know that Your Majesty was here."

"Very good." Zhu Qizhen asked with a smile, "Why don't you go back? It's late. Aren't you afraid of a girl walking on the street at night?"

Liu Wanqing clenched her fists and said confidently: "I learned martial arts when I was young, so I am not afraid."

Zhu Qizhen was amused by her, and after giving her a few instructions, he was about to leave. Liu Wanqing seemed to hesitate, and then she caught up with him a few steps and said, "Your Majesty, I have something to report."

"Oh?" Zhu Qizhen looked at the setting sun, "Okay, follow me and we'll talk as we walk."

He came out of the hall, walked in the corridor, and admired the sunset.

……

After walking for a while, Liu Wanqing still didn't speak, as if she was struggling. Zhu Qizhen smiled unhappily: "If you have something to say, just say it. Otherwise, I have to go to dinner. You don't want to eat for free, do you? That's not possible. You just entered the Hanlin Academy, and it's not a good thing for you to eat with me."

Liu Wanqing shook her head repeatedly: "No, no, no, I don't mean that. Your Majesty, do you know Tang Sai'er?"

Zhu Qizhen was slightly stunned, then nodded: "Of course I know. Emperor Taizong killed many people because of her."

Liu Wanqing walked up to him and knelt down directly: "Your Majesty, I am Tang Sai'er's disciple."

Zhu Qizhen: “!!!”

Damn it, you are a disciple of a traitor, and you blow yourself up in front of me, what do you want to do?
"Your Majesty, I have also heard the legends about the real and fake emperors," said Liu Wanqing.

Zhu Qizhen's face suddenly turned cold.

You are a little girl, so young, and you just passed the imperial examination. Why do you come to me and say these things? Do you think I won't kill you?

"So, what do you want to say?" he asked coldly.

"Of course I'm here to help Your Majesty." Liu Wanqing bowed again, "I want to tell Your Majesty a secret, about the Empress Dowager." Zhu Qizhen approached and put his hand on her shoulder. An invisible pressure instantly enveloped her. Liu Wanqing bent her waist, and her back went numb. It was the first time she faced the power of an emperor.

"Empress Dowager? What secret?" he asked in a deep voice.

Liu Wanqing raised her head with great effort, looked at the emperor and said, "The Queen Mother and I are both Tang Sai'er's disciples. I am the disciple accepted by the master in his later years. The Queen Mother and I are both saints of the White Lotus Sect."

"What?" Zhu Qizhen was shocked: "You are telling me martial arts novels here."

Liu Wanqing didn't understand martial arts novels, so she continued, "Back then, the Queen Mother came to Beijing to assassinate Emperor Taizong together with the White Lotus Sect. In the end, I don't know what happened, but she became the Crown Prince's concubine."

"Impossible!" Zhu Qizhen said, "Emperor Taizong would never allow his grandson to marry a woman of unknown origin."

Liu Wanqing shook her head and said, "Emperor Taizong was a great ruler. He thought that since he had secured his throne, it didn't matter who the Zhu family married. Besides, the crown prince back then was no ordinary person."

"That's right, the late emperor was also a rebel." Zhu Qizhen lowered his head and looked down at Liu Wanqing, "Is everything you said true?"

Liu Wanqing nodded heavily: "It is absolutely true. So, Your Majesty, you are helping us to get revenge. I am here to help Your Majesty."

The underlying meaning of her words is, we know you are fake, so we should help you even more because we have a common enemy.

Zhu Qizhen naturally didn't believe it all, and asked coldly: "Do you think the Queen Mother betrayed the White Lotus Sect, so you want to seek revenge on her?"

"Yes and no!" Liu Wanqing said, "We want to know what happened back then? Why did she betray the White Lotus? As for killing her, hey, Master said before he died that he would not seek revenge on her."

After hearing this, Zhu Qizhen was also curious about what happened that year.

Why would the late emperor, who was so smart, marry a woman of unknown origin? Did the late emperor keep it in the dark? This is impossible.

"Haha, Liu Wanqing, you are really bold." Zhu Qizhen patted her shoulder and said, "Get up. I cannot promote you just based on this secret."

Liu Wanqing was very confident: "Your Majesty, I will use my talents to get promoted. The reason why I boldly told Your Majesty today is to remind Your Majesty."

Zhu Qizhen frowned.

Remind me to be careful of the Queen Mother? The matter between me and the Queen Mother is complicated. However, Queen Mother, there are still many things about you that you have not told me.

"Very good, I am looking forward to seeing you." Zhu Qizhen smiled.

He strode away. Liu Wanqing looked at his back with a slight smile on her lips.

……

At dusk, Zhu Qizhen came to Kunning Palace. When he entered, he saw a man in white standing by the window, holding Shuangxi's shoulders. He immediately went berserk. There was another man in the harem. He yelled, "Who are you?"

The young man in white turned around and raised his eyebrows: "Are you asking me?"

It turned out to be the witch queen dressed as a man, but it couldn't hide her stunning beauty. Zhu Qizhen walked closer speechlessly: "Why are you pretending to be a young master for no reason?"

The Queen waved her folding fan in her hand, her posture was free and unrestrained, and her eyes were full of charm. Her skin was as white as snow, smooth and flawless; and her red lips were like red plum blossoms blooming proudly in the snow, both aloof and enchanting, beautiful to the point of intoxication. The bulge in her chest could not be covered by men's clothes at all.

"When I was young, I dressed up as a handsome young man." She smiled slightly.

Zhu Qizhen stretched out his hand and pulled her into his arms, feeling a little strange, and said, "She is more handsome than me. If she goes out, she will definitely attract many girls."

"Is it?"

The Queen nestled in his arms, and with her slender jade-like fingers, she slowly moved across his solid chest, her movements gentle and seductive. She raised her graceful white chin, her collarbone looming, outlining endless temptation. Her eyes were like deep pools of water, shimmering with invitation and tenderness, and her red lips parted slightly, whispering an irresistible whisper, "Do you like it?"

Zhu Qizhen kissed her directly, expressing his attitude with actions.

After a long time, the lips opened.

"You promoted a palace maid to a high-ranking official in the harem, without even asking for my opinion?" The evil queen asked, hooking her hands around his neck.

"I'm helping you." Zhu Qizhen said, "I understand that you're working hard."

The Demon Queen smiled slightly: "Xiyao, she is quite talented. How do you think she compares to the Virtuous Consort?"

"Each has its own characteristics." Zhu Qizhen blinked, "but none of them can compare to you."

The witch queen smiled and said, "How about you make her your concubine as well?"

Zhu Qizhen shook his head: "I still want to use her as a role model for women in the Ming Dynasty."

"Does this have any impact on her becoming a concubine?" The Demon Queen raised her eyebrows.

"No?" Zhu Qizhen also raised his eyebrows.

"I feel... um... uh..." Her mouth was blocked.

When Zhu Qizhen's hands started to get naughty, the demon queen grabbed them and glared at him, "It's time to eat!"

Zhu Qizhen smiled playfully.

Evil Queen, you were born a saint of the White Lotus Sect and became the Empress of the Ming Dynasty. What did you and the late emperor go through in the past?

……

The next day.

After the morning court session, Zhu Qizhen summoned the Minister of Works Gao Gu, the Vice Minister of Works Wang Hao, the Minister of Revenue Chen Xun, and of course several ministers of the cabinet, to discuss the construction of the highway with them.

Now that the river control project is almost complete, we can start to build roads. Zhu Qizhen originally wanted to build the road from the capital to the northern border first. But now, he has changed his mind and wants to build the north-south trunk line first.

Previously, the road was built because of concerns about the threat from Mobei, making it convenient to quickly dispatch troops and transport food to the border. But now that Mobei is stable and the Ming Dynasty's economy is developing rapidly, foreign merchant caravans that arrive at the Maritime Customs need to be transported to the Ming capital, so this north-south trunk line urgently needs to be unblocked.

"Your Majesty is wise. I think so too," said Gao Gu.

"You just know how to agree." Chen Xun glared.

Gao Gu glared back and spread his hands: "What? Old Chen, you still want to save money? My Ministry of Industry has not spent much in recent years. Don't hold my Ministry of Industry's money back, otherwise, I will be angry with you."

"Haha, your Ministry of Works' expenditure is second only to the Ministry of War. While others are fighting the war, what are you doing?" Chen Xun had a speechless expression.

Gao Gu was angry: "We are managing the river. How important is it to the Ming Dynasty to keep the Yellow River stable? Otherwise, who would go to the war?"

The two started to argue again, and Zhu Qizhen was helpless. Chen Xun, the Minister of Revenue, was stingy the richer he was. However, Zhu Qizhen still let him manage the money, which was better than wasting it.

"You two stop arguing. We have a big family and a great business now, can't you all have some ambition?" Xu Youzhen interrupted them.

Now, the two pointed their fingers at Xu Youzhen, saying that he, the cabinet chief minister, did nothing but try to smooth things over. In the end, it was Zhu Qizhen who stopped their quarrel and discussed the specific implementation of the road construction.

It was almost noon when they finished their discussion. Gao Gu walked out of the palace and challenged Chen Xun: "Old minister, next time you bring back gold and silver from America, don't use our Ministry of Industry's ships. Otherwise, I will directly take it back to the Ministry of Industry's warehouse."

"That's the ship of the Ministry of War." Chen Xun rolled up his sleeves, "Old Gao, how about we have a fight outside the Qianqing Palace?"

After hearing this, several cabinet ministers immediately added fuel to the fire, saying they wanted to watch and even place bets.

……

Zhu Qizhen shook his head speechlessly and began to review the memorials.

In his hand was a secret letter from Japan, from Bai Wuqi, he immediately opened it and read it. Bai Wuqi was beside Ning Rongrong, and now he was a general there, actually controlling the military power of Kyushu in Japan.

Bai Wuqi introduced the current situation in Japan, which was roughly the same as what Ning Rongrong said. In Japan, due to the issue of the future successor to the shogun, two groups of people were fighting fiercely, and civil unrest was imminent.

At the end of the memorial, Bai Wuqi provided a piece of information that he had recently learned from the old man in Nanyang: it turned out that Prince Run had a younger sister. However, this younger sister had never appeared.

Zhu Qizhen frowned, "That's strange. Didn't this sister follow Prince Run back to Ming? Ning Rongrong and Prince Run never mentioned this person."

Prince Run’s sister is also a descendant of the Zhu family. If she comes back, she can at least become a princess.

(End of this chapter)