Red Mansion and Crimson Pearl

Chapter 400: Seeking a Job

Side hall.

Because Tao Xingjian and Chu Kui were out on business, they notified Feng Ziying to come back to protect the emperor.

It happened that Cao Yu was planning to set off for Nanjing in two days, on the twelfth day of the first lunar month, and came in to say goodbye to the Emperor and the Empress Dowager. Who knew that he would encounter such a big thing.

Emperor Zhaoming simply kept the two of them and discussed quietly the guards for the Taiji and Daming Palaces.

Cao Yu fully agreed with Emperor Zhaoming's plan to employ the two idle princes, Kejin and Duncheng, and enumerated the children of the two families:

“The two princes are still young, only in their early forties.

"Prince Kejin has a simple family, with only one son, Duke Zhongqin. The title will be his in the future. I heard that Princess Hongchang and her brother have a very good relationship.

"Prince Duncheng's backyard is much more lively now.

"Now, besides the eldest son, Lord Lecheng, I also have three younger sons who were born out of wedlock.

“We have seen each other when we were playing together. In my opinion, these three young masters are all ordinary students.

"I heard that a few years ago there was a concubine's daughter who was almost given the title of Princess, but she died young.

"So, comparatively speaking, Prince Duncheng should be in greater need of favor."

Emperor Zhaoming nodded: "You have a good memory."

"In this case, Prince Duncheng must be very eager to make achievements. Your Majesty might as well fulfill his wish." Cao Yu suggested softly.

Emperor Zhaoming said nothing and moved nothing, but his eyes were slightly narrowed as he looked out the window.

Feng Ziying stood beside him without saying a word.

He now realized that he was just a weakling who was only good at exerting strength. He was born without the ability to do these twists and turns!

At this moment, someone outside reported: "The two princes have arrived."

Emperor Zhaoming: "Announce."

When the two came in, they saw Emperor Zhaoming with a stern face, ordering Cao and Feng to "get out!"

Cao and Feng looked terrified, bowed their heads and quickly retreated.

Duncheng and Kejin had heard about what happened last night on their way here. They were so anxious that sweat broke out on their foreheads. After they entered the door and bowed, they hurriedly asked, "How are the two saints?"

Emperor Zhaoming sighed, "The Supreme Emperor refuses to accept his old age and insisted on staying up all night. He got up again at the end of the morning to question the officials of the Taiji Palace.

"Fortunately, I persuaded him to stop. Now the Imperial Guards and the Ministers are staying in the Palace. His Majesty felt dizzy and went back to Ganlu Palace to sleep.

"Although the Queen Mother is sad about Aunt Cheng's death, she is fortunate that Zhaoqing, Hongchang, and Yimin are by her side to comfort her. She has taken medicine and is now resting."

Duncheng wiped his sweat and then said "Amitabha".

Emperor Zhaoming glared at him and said, "This is a man-made disaster. What's the point of you chanting Buddha's name?"

The two people's expressions suddenly changed.

Emperor Zhaoming then quietly told the whole story without hiding anything, rubbing his forehead with a look of anxiety on his face:

"I would like to investigate this case myself. But after all, it is complicated and cannot be completed in one day.

"Kuang Ru and Zi Ying are both young and outsiders, so it's not a good idea to let them interfere in the affairs of the inner palace..."

Duncheng and Kejin looked at each other.

If he didn't respond to the question, it would be a deliberate evasion of responsibility. With Emperor Zhaoming's personality, he might not say anything on the surface, but he would definitely keep a record of it in secret.

"Your Majesty, what do you think of me?" Dun Cheng smiled and took a half step forward. "I grew up beside the Lord since I was young, and I am filial, but I have become lazy because of the peace and prosperity in recent years.

"Now that there is trouble in Taiji Palace, it means that there is trouble in our Situ family. I cannot take the salary of a prince for nothing.

"Will you let me check?

"I cannot guarantee how well I will do, but I will definitely sacrifice my life to protect the safety of the Supreme Lord!"

Emperor Zhaoming was filled with joy and surprise: "Brother Wang is willing to share my worries, that's great!"

Upon seeing this, Ke Jin smiled and bowed to congratulate Emperor Zhaoming: "Your Majesty has gained a great help!

"Brother Prince Cheng has many people and properties in his house. Over the years, I have never heard of any gossip about servants betraying their masters or wives and concubines fighting for favor, which shows how capable he is in managing the household.

"Confucius said, 'cultivate yourself and manage your family, govern the country. Brother Cheng has perfected both self-cultivation and family management, and can assist Your Majesty!"

Emperor Zhaoming smiled with satisfaction: "Brother Kejin is absolutely right."

After thinking for a while, he looked at Prince Duncheng and said, "The position of Minister of the Imperial Guard is currently short of one, so why not let my brother take over?

"I'll leave all matters of Taiji Palace to my brother!"

Prince Duncheng was overjoyed and knelt solemnly and respectfully to receive the order.

Emperor Zhaoming called out, and then looked at Prince Kejin with a smile: "Brother Kejin, don't be lazy, come and help me too."

Ke Jin waved his hands quickly: "To be honest with you, Your Majesty, I was diagnosed with diabetes years ago. This disease means that I can't eat a lot of things, and I can't get tired.

"If it were two years ago, I would have rushed with my brother Prince Duncheng to ask Your Majesty for a job. Now I really don't dare.

"It's fine if I lose my life, but if I cause trouble for your majesty, wouldn't that be a sin?"

Thirst?!

Emperor Zhaoming was shocked: "How could this be? Can the imperial physician take a look?"

"I have read it. Mr. He, the Minister, personally diagnosed me and also reminded me of various dietary taboos. There is even a book about it." Prince Kejin sighed, full of complaints.

Emperor Zhaoming had no choice but to give up.

Prince Kejin saw that he was unhappy, so he took the opportunity to flatter him with a smile, leaned forward, and said with a smile: "Your Majesty, I heard that my son served the emperor dinner on New Year's Eve?"

Emperor Zhaoming understood what was going on when he saw his sparkling eyes, and nodded with a smile: "The Emperor was impatient because of the commotion in Linde Palace, so he brought the Empress Dowager to Yanjia Palace to calm down.

"Your Ah Sheng came here later with his sister. He is quite popular with the Grand Master.

"Why? Want to find him a job?"

Prince Kejin nodded repeatedly, "That's right! He's the only one in my family. If I don't beat him up, how can he inherit the title and be loyal to his parents, and how can he take care of his sister in the future?

"He is lazy and timid, and hides away when things happen. I have beaten him with a stick, but it has not helped him to be more careful and thick-skinned.

"Please help me. Find a way for me to let this child experience the ups and downs of life and grow up soon!"

Emperor Zhaoming recalled that Tu Sheng of Zhongqin Company refused to listen to the follow-up of Linde Hall on New Year's Eve. He knew that this child was extremely restrained and knew what was going on, so he smiled and nodded:

"In that case, let him help his cousin.

"The leader of the guard camp beside the Supreme is useless, let him go!"

Prince Kejin was overjoyed and thanked Emperor Zhaoming repeatedly.

Prince Duncheng regretted that he should have recommended his son as well. Maybe he could have gotten a good job for his son.

Emperor Zhaoming clearly saw it, but he refused to say it.

As it was during the New Year holidays, they were ordered to go and do the work first, and the appointment procedures could be completed later.

After finishing the business, Emperor Zhaoming asked Prince Kejin to go see his daughter: "Hongchang is very sensible, and the Queen Mother likes her very much. I'm afraid she won't let her go back for a while."

Prince Kejin didn't care: "She is in the palace, and every meal is full. Why should I watch her? Humph!"