MTL - After Being Forced to Marry the Evil Star General-Chapter 13
Before dawn, Zhao Yelan woke up when he heard footsteps outside the door. He hadn't slept soundly, and a single sound could easily wake him up. The first thing he did after getting up was to step on Yan Mingting's body Go: "Get out."
Yan Mingting stood up two or three times, walked to the door with a vigorous figure, and asked, "Who?"
"It's me, Xiao Gao." Gao Tan knocked on the door, "My lord, are you going to court today?"
"Go." Zhao Yelan replied.
He hadn't gone to the morning court for many days in a row, if he didn't go again, those people might think he was dead.
Gao Tan opened the door and came in to put on court clothes for him. The purple official clothes fit well on his upper body, especially after being smothered with incense, there was a faint fragrance left behind. The robe was embroidered with cranes about to fly, and the gold and jade belt outlined the waistline. Then hang the goldfish bag.
Yan Mingting also went to the court several times after returning to Beijing, but looking around, no one in the civil and military courts could wear court clothes with such an awe-inspiring aura.
He couldn't help but look at it a few more times before going to change his clothes.
The official uniforms of Yan Mingting and Zhao Yelan are very similar, they are also purple that symbolizes nobility and glory, but the military commander's robe is embroidered with tigers, and he can bring a sword to court. Ordinary military generals can only wear one, but the great general You can wear two.
He randomly chose two swords to wear, and when he went out, he said to Zhao Yelan with emotion: "It's a pity that my good sword was lost by you in the gambling house."
Zhao Yelan twitched the corners of his mouth and sat in the sedan chair, but Yan Mingting stood outside and persuaded him: "It's such a short distance, let's walk over, it's just a good time to exercise your body."
"Get up the sedan chair." Zhao Yelan ruthlessly lowered the curtain, letting himself walk outside with the cold wind blowing.
When I arrived outside the palace gate, I ran into many colleagues, and greeted enthusiastically, "I haven't seen you for a few days, the general has become more energetic."
Yan Mingting smiled with him.
The sedan chair at the side stopped, and Zhao Yelan walked out expressionlessly, without even looking at them, and walked straight into the palace gate.
The colleague was embarrassed for a moment, and immediately found an excuse to leave, and walked in from the other side in despair.
"Who was that person just now?" Yan Mingting quickly caught up with Zhao Yelan and asked in a low voice.
"Uncle Neisi, only seventh grade." Zhao Yelan said flatly, "If you are good at sneaking, you must flatter your horse."
Yan Mingting smiled softly: "What about you, Mr. Zhao, what are you good at?"
Zhao Yelan looked at him from the side, and said coldly: "If you want to know, you can try it."
"Then I'd rather be obedient than respectful." Yan Mingting raised his hand suddenly.
Zhao Yelan subconsciously wanted to block, but the other party's hand was on his shoulder, and he pulled himself to the seat inside, almost leaning against him.
"What are you doing!" Zhao Yelan gritted his teeth.
"Someone is watching us." Yan Mingting said, looking forward, he had not returned to court for a long time, and many people hadn't fully recognized it yet, but he could still detect the sights from all directions.
Zhao Yelan looked around and saw that his colleagues were secretly looking at the two of them, and the Yushi who was not far away was staring at them blatantly. He patted Yan Mingting's hand away and said in a low voice: "If you don't want to get angry, just leave me alone."
Soon, Yan Mingting understood the deep meaning of his words.
Civil and military officials stood in the main hall in an orderly manner, with the left and right phases separated on both sides, and behind them were officials in various court uniforms. Yan Mingting also had a high position and authority, so he didn't have a fixed position, so he stood beside Zhao Yelan.
Not long after, the emperor came to preside over the court meeting.
The main content was to inquire about the shaking of Mount Tai. After the local officials reported the situation, the emperor was a little relieved and arranged for people to take charge of the aftermath.
The second is the death of Yu Junliang, Minister of the Ministry of Officials, and the position is vacant. Who should be selected to take up the post?
Chen Haoyi was like an ant on a hot pot. Seeing that several opponents had been recommended, he hurriedly looked at Zhao Yelan, hoping that he would do what he promised.
Zhao Yelan gave him a comforting look, then cupped his hands and said: "I think the left servant of the Ministry of Officials is worthy of a heavy responsibility. He has been in office for many years, and he is very familiar with the government affairs of the Ministry of Officials."
Chen Haoyi heaved a sigh of relief.
But someone immediately objected: "The right servant Kan Chuan is also familiar with government affairs, and he is young and strong, and has more energy to do things for the emperor. Chen Haoyi has been in power for many years, has he made any political achievements? It's just relying on his age to sell the old. Forget it, in my opinion, Mr. Zhao, you are clearly in collusion with Mr. Chen, right?"
Zhao Yelan didn't answer, but Chen Haoyi became impatient: "Who do you think is in collusion! Mr. Zhao is upright, you are clearly jealous!"
Zhao Yelan shook his head inwardly. He thought this person had a bit of savvy, but he didn't expect that he was really mud that couldn't support the wall.
His rebuttal just confirmed the fact of collusion. Zhao Xuan was originally trying to prevent Zhao Yelan from forming a clique for personal gain. Now it is almost impossible to give Chen Haoyi any chance. However, Chen Haoyi was still complacent, thinking that Zhao Yelan would be able to secure victory if he helped him speak out.
There are many and complicated matters discussed at the court meeting, ranging from major national affairs to small officials taking concubines, and officials have to argue with each other from time to time.
Yan Mingting felt bored and fell asleep for a few times. He subconsciously glanced at Zhao Yelan, but the other party was happily listening to Yu Shi's impeachment of a certain official for taking a brothel woman as his concubine.
After arguing endlessly, the emperor listened for a long time, looked down at the few people standing in the first row, and asked, "Your Majesty, what do you think of this matter?"
The right minister is over fifty years old, and his biggest hobby is reciting poems and composing Fu, so because of his qualifications as a minister for three generations, he sat on the position of the right minister in a daze. But when it comes to politics, he hides whenever he can.
"Returning to Your Majesty, I believe that this matter should... be left to Mr. Zhao Yelan to judge."
Civil and military officials: "..."
Because of Zhao Yelan's overwhelming power, and this part of the reason, the position of right minister is useless.
Zhao Yelan cupped his hands in a calm manner, glanced at the impeached official, and said, "Mr. Fang, I have heard a little bit about this matter. That woman was originally a woman from a good family. She was accidentally abducted and coaxed to go to the brothel." Mr. Fang's move is to save people from the fire and water, and it is not a bad style."
Lord Fang nodded again and again: "That's exactly the case, Your Majesty has learned from you!"
It was impossible to investigate whether the woman was really abducted for a while, and she didn't bother to care about the officials' housework. Zhao Xuan waved her hand: "Forget it, let's leave it at that."
The censor saw that the paper was rejected, turned his head in frustration, and saw that Mr. Fang was winking at Zhao Yelan, making it clear that he was colluding, so he immediately knelt down on his knees: "Your Majesty, I have something to say!"
"Say."
"Since Prime Minister Zuo is married to General Yan, according to the rules, people in the back house are not allowed to participate in court affairs."
Hundreds of officials whispered to each other, and Zhao Yelan's accomplices stood up to speak for him, but he usually made many enemies in the court, and now even more people expressed opposition.
Yan Mingting didn't make a statement, but just turned his head to look at Zhao Yelan, and saw that he was listening to the crowd's quarrel calmly, but when the emperor looked over, his face moved slightly, as if he was loyal and wished to die to show his ambition, respectfully Salute: "Your Majesty has no second thoughts, let alone conspire with the general. This heart can be learned from heaven and earth."
At this time, Kan Chuan, the right servant of the Ministry of Officials, stood up and spoke. He knelt down with a plop, and made a big salute: "Your Majesty, I beseech you to abolish Zhao Yelan's position as the left minister. Zhao Yelan behaved dissolutely and behaved intimately with the general in the palace." ; Deceive the superiors and conceal the truth, execute Yu Shangshu privately; form a party for personal gain, collude with officials for personal gain. Your Majesty, please think twice!"
For a moment, everyone was stunned.
Kan Chuan was not very old, but he often argued with Zhao Yelan in the court hall. This time, he made a bold proposal, which was astonishing. Soon, some people followed suit, knelt down and asked for the abolition of Zhao Yelan's position.
"Okay." Zhao Xuan finally said, "Since Zhao Xiang has married General Yan, it is really difficult to measure the affairs of the court and the mansion, so I will take care of the rear house affairs for General Yan in peace of mind, so that he can take care of the family with peace of mind. Soldiers, to protect the safety of the common people, this can be regarded as doing their duty for the country and society. Don’t you think so?”
"Yes." Zhao Yelan bowed his head.
Seeing that he was so obedient and never disobeyed any of his orders, Zhao Xuan felt compassion again, and said: "But you married General Yan for the sake of Jiangshan Sheji. I think you have meritorious service, and you have read a lot of poetry and books. How about approving you to be admitted to the Imperial Academy as editor of the Imperial Academy?"
As soon as these words came out, needles could be heard in the hall, and everyone looked at each other with their own thoughts.
The officials who opposed the Zhao Party impeached Zhao Yelan many times, but failed. This time, they wanted to use the opportunity of marriage to pull him down in one fell swoop and completely crush him. Unexpectedly, the emperor still couldn't bear it and demoted him to the Imperial Academy . However, they were already satisfied with the result of directly dropping from the first rank to the seventh rank, and not being able to seduce the master and the crowd in the court.
Those who supported the Zhao Party were greatly disappointed. Originally, they relied on Zhao Yelan's shadow to gain a firm foothold. Now that the tree fell, everyone's faces became more and more gray. But after thinking about it, the emperor didn't kill them all and uprooted them, it was already lucky.
As a result, this court meeting ended with the results of both gains and losses.
Zhao Yelan walked out of the hall, looked up at the sky, the sun had not risen yet, there were dark clouds piled up in the sky, it might rain.
There were whispers behind him, and the officials were talking about today's events in low voices, which undoubtedly caused a sensation in the entire court.
"Go back." Yan Mingting walked to his side, glanced at him sideways, saw that he was indifferent, seemed not affected at all, and became more and more unpredictable to understand his thoughts.
When the emperor was demoted just now, his expression was fragile and fearful, as if the sky was falling. Unlike now, she still has the intention to give him a blank look.
"Stay away from me." If it wasn't for the moment Yan Mingting hooked his shoulders to him, the rumors of being intimate with Yan Mingting wouldn't have spread.
Zhao Yelan snorted coldly, and glanced back at those colleagues who were muttering gossip, and soon the discussions stopped.
Some people, even if the tiger is in peace, are still disturbing.
At this time, Kan Chuan, the servant on the right, came out of the trembling crowd, looked straight at Zhao Yelan, and said, "Master Zhao, I look forward to seeing you again in the court hall."
The others heard the sarcasm in the words, and secretly thought that a newborn calf is not afraid of a tiger, and a person who has been immersed in officialdom for many years still knows how to be a man, but this kind of high-spirited young man dares to challenge him directly.
A sneer appeared on Zhao Yelan's mouth: "When I come back, you'd better be alive."
People around were startled, he dared to openly threaten the lives of his colleagues in the palace, it is really shameful!
"I will definitely." Kan Chuan said.
Someone grabbed Kan Chuan and separated them like mud.
Zhao Yelan watched the group of them leave, while Chen Haoyi and his like were still staying near him, so he stepped forward to express his concern, and while hugging him and walking outside, he asked what to do next.
"I've finished what I can do for you, and you can take care of the court affairs from now on." Zhao Yelan said flatly.
"Master Zhao, please stop!"
Everyone paused, turned to look at the person who came, and Eunuch Gao trotted over, waving his whisk, and said in a low voice: "My lord, the emperor is pleased."
Zhao Yelan nodded, bid farewell to the others, followed Eunuch Gao to see the emperor, and arrived at the sleeping hall not long after.
"I saw your favorite exquisite emerald dumplings for breakfast today in the imperial dining room, so I called you here." Zhao Xuan said.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
The two sat down at the table, Zhao Xuan watched him pick up a dumpling, blew on the hot air before carefully putting it into his mouth, and couldn't help laughing: "It was the first time you ate this dumpling before, and it burned your mouth. Lesson learned after that.”
Zhao Yelan smiled: "One cannot be fooled twice in the same place."
Zhao Xuan paused, sighed, and said slowly: "Recently, I often miss the old days. You grind ink and pen for me, and contribute good ideas. There are not so many red tapes. You are the best partner. , instead of mutual suspicion like now."
Zhao Yelan nodded: "What Your Majesty said is that from now on, I will be in the Imperial Academy as before, and I will only work for Your Majesty."
Zhao Xuan was silent for a moment, seeing his expression moved, as if he was reminiscing about the past, then smiled lightly: "Yes, after all these years, only you have won my heart the most."
"Your Majesty, don't worry that I will feel resentful. Your life is yours. How can you care about mere official positions? As long as I can do things for you, that is my greatest wish." Zhao Yelan naturally knew that he was worried. What, to be honest, picked up a piece of horseshoe cake and put it on his plate.
"It's better to eat horseshoe cake." Zhao Xuan laughed, reminiscing about the past with him, and casually mentioned another matter, "Today Yu Shi said that you and General Yan are very affectionate? It seems that my marriage Is it really right?"
"Nothing." Zhao Yelan denied it flatly, "It is not a matter of a day or two for Mr. Yushi to impeach me, and he will publicize it if he catches a little trivial matter."
"But aren't you in the same room? I heard from the people in the General's Mansion that you have been very affectionate these two days."
Zhao Yelan's movements froze, and the jade dumplings he had just picked up fell back into the bowl, and he almost lost control of his expression: "It's just a rumor, I don't know him well."
Zhao Xuan smiled: "Forget it, let's not mention this matter, eat vegetables quickly, there are so many more."
The two finished their meal in harmony, and Zhao Xuan was going to review the memorial, so Zhao Yelan had time to leave.
As soon as he stepped out of the door of the dormitory, the corners of his mouth straightened quickly, his eyes showed no emotion, and the spring-like smile just now disappeared completely.
There was a distance from here to the gate of the palace. He straightened his back and stepped on every brick slowly.
The guard guarding the gate saw him and didn't know what was going on at the meeting, so he saluted respectfully: "Mr. Zhao."
Zhao Yelan walked out of the gate without looking sideways. Suddenly, from the corner of his eye, he noticed Yan Mingting leaning against the city wall, and asked in a daze, "Why are you here?"
Hearing the sound, Yan Mingting came over, the swords at his waist clashed, and he was heroic, just like the expression on his face: "Since we came together, of course we have to go back together."
After getting on the sedan chair, the other party followed suit.
Zhao Yelan asked suspiciously, "Waiting for me here, and then riding in the sedan chair with me, what is your purpose?"
"You thought you would come out soon, but you didn't expect to wait until now. The sedan chair is because you are a little tired from waiting, so it's useless if you don't sit." Yan Mingting was surprised, "Why are you so ignorant? Good people."
Zhao Yelan still looked at him with scrutiny.
"Hmph." Yan Mingting strongly expressed that he was angry.
Zhao Yelan looked away.
Suddenly, Yan Mingting's nostrils fluttered, and he moved closer to him and smelled it: "It smells like rice, have you already eaten it?"
"how?"
"I've been waiting for you for so long, but you've already eaten!" Yan Mingting sat back, folded his arms around his chest, and said nothing.
Zhao Yelan glanced at him: "I'm not full, do you want to eat together?"
"Aren't you still full from the imperial dining room?" Yan Mingting asked.
Zhao Yelan lowered his eyes and said nonchalantly, "I don't like to eat."
"Then what do you want to eat?"
Zhao Yelan thought for a while and said, "Baozi."
"Then go straight back to the mansion, the buns made by the cook in the mansion are delicious." Yan Mingting said.
Zhao Yelan just nodded, but immediately denied: "No, I want to eat Mingji's buns."
"Is it more delicious than other places?"
Zhao Yelan shook his head: "Expensive."
"..." Seeing that the sedan chair was almost at the General's Mansion, Yan Mingting was too lazy to go to the east of the city to buy buns, so he dragged Zhao Yelan off the sedan chair.
Zhao Yelan held on tightly to the sedan chair and refused to get off.
The bearers were all dumbfounded.
"You bastard, let go! If you don't go, I'll go by myself!" Zhao Yelan cursed.
"Go back to the mansion, you can have as much as you want, why waste that money, do you know if you are saving money now?"
"All I have is silver!"
"Then do you have this?" Yan Mingting pointed to his sword, and Zhao Yelan became much quieter.
He smiled triumphantly, grabbed Zhao Yelan's arm, brought him back to the mansion, and imitated his official authority, threatening: "Don't mess with me, I'm a first-rank general, you'd better be Be obedient and obedient, you are mere seventh grade."
Zhao Yelan: "..."
"Good at showing off." Yan Mingting added.
Zhao Yelan: "..."