Chapter 72

Yan Mingting has never fought such a failed battle!

It was already late at night, and the surroundings were completely silent, but Yan Mingting did not feel sleepy. He sat and pondered for a long time, but did not get an answer.

The people around him were already fast asleep, and it was hard work to drive for the past few days. Yan Mingting listened to his even breathing and stroked the other person’s cheek in the dark. The place is scorching hot again, obviously there is still energy that can’t be used up, so what’s going on?

The general was so worried, he couldn’t fall asleep all night, he was so worried that the rooster crowed, and then he got up lightly and went to court, so worried that he frowned in the court hall.

Seeing him like this, the civil and military officials and the emperor took turns to praise him for his performance in Jiangnan, but the results still did not improve. Everyone took it for granted that he was worried about the country and the people. Even after the disaster passed, the general was still so worried about the country and the people. Woolen cloth!

After the dynasty was over, Yan Mingting was surrounded by officials, scrambling to ask about Jiangnan’s affairs. He dealt with them one by one, and finally only Kan Chuan was left standing by.

“Is the general in danger during this trip?” Kan Chuan asked meaningfully.

Yan Mingting knew that he was inquiring about Zhao Yelan, and said: “The sun is so hot, I got a heatstroke, and after it rained, I got a cold again. It’s all right now, thank you Lord Kan for your concern.”

Kan Chuan nodded, but noticed that Yan Mingting was sizing him up intentionally or unintentionally, so he asked, “What do you want to ask, General?”

Yan Mingting looked away abruptly, coughed in embarrassment, and after organizing his words for a long time, he finally choked out a sentence: “Dare to ask you and your wife… Forget it, it’s okay, I heard that you have a daughter, congratulations. I can’t keep up with the child It’s a pity that this is the little golden lock brought back from the south of the Yangtze River, and it happens to be for Xiaowa.”

Yan Mingting took out a small golden lock from his bosom, shaped like a little tiger, and this year is the Year of the Tiger.

“Thank you, General.” Kan Chuan took it with a smile. He had no friendship with Yan Mingting, so he naturally knew that it was a gift from Zhao Yelan. He solemnly put it in his arms and cupped his hands. Your Excellency, after you have rested, I will definitely visit with my wife and daughter.”

“Okay.” Yan Mingting walked to the gate of the palace, parted ways with him, and couldn’t help but look back at his frail back.

Tsk, Kan Chuan, who is so gentle, has children, and what’s the use of his muscles? ah? !

Thinking of this, Yan Mingting once again fell into deep melancholy. He returned to the General’s Mansion in a daze, and learned that Zhao Yelan had already gone to the Imperial Academy.

When the people in the Imperial Academy saw Zhao Yelan, they had different expressions. Although they maintained their original sense of distance, they glanced at him from time to time and hesitated to speak, but no one dared to speak to him.

Until Ruan Xian came in and broke the deadlock, he quickly walked up to Zhao Yelan, overjoyed and said, “You’ve come back, how is it? Did nothing happen during this trip to the south of the Yangtze River?”

“It’s okay.” Zhao Yelan said.

“You worry us to death! You don’t know. We heard that there was a drought, and we were all in a hurry. We are trying to alleviate the disaster every day. But luckily, you came back safe and sound, and saved so many people. People.” Ruan Xian said happily.

“You?” Zhao Yelan was at a loss.

“Yes.” Ruan Xian pointed to the others, “They are all worried about you.”

Zhao Yelan looked around suspiciously, the other people’s faces tightened, as if they were embarrassed, they looked away in embarrassment.

It has been less than half a year since he entered the Hanlin Academy. At first, these old men didn’t like him, and he didn’t intend to please him. Everyone lived in peace for a while. Didn’t expect these people’s attitude towards him to change so quickly after only two or three months away?

“You don’t know, the Jiangnan official case first, several colleagues in our courtyard were sent to fill the vacancies, and others were promoted one after another. Even now, I’m taking Wang Guisheng’s seat and becoming a sixth rank.” Ruan Xian Pulling him to the side, he whispered, “So, public and private, everyone agrees with you. Not to mention the actions you took during the drought later, everyone changed their opinion of you.”

Zhao Yelan understood.

This group of people spend their days with pens, inks, papers and inkstones, and their thoughts are pure and stubborn. When they think that his character is low, they naturally don’t want to be with him. But correspondingly, if you find that he also does things for the common people, you will naturally want to get close.

It’s just that I can’t save my face for a while.

Zhao Yelan walked outside the courtyard gate, found Xiao Gao, and asked him to bring some Jiangnan special snacks back home, and then put them on the table: “Everyone, come and taste.”

Ruan Xian was the first to join in, picked up the cloud crisps and ate them, praising them for being delicious.

The others were moved, but they were embarrassed to go forward, so Zhao Yelan called out one by one, and then everyone went down the steps and surrounded them with smiles. While eating, they asked him for details. When they heard him talk about the drought The scene, I feel horrified when I think about it.

Not long after, Zhao Yelan was announced to the palace to report on his duties.

Zhao Yelan had already prepared to carry a burden and came to the Xuanzheng Hall, and was about to salute when Zhao Xuan stopped him.

“There is no need to be too polite, come and give me a seat.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Zhao Xuan looked him over carefully and said, “I’m thinner.”

Zhao Yelan smiled wryly: “It’s a blessing to be able to come back alive.”

“Yes.” Zhao Xuan said apologetically, “If I had known that there would be a drought in the future, I would definitely not have sent you to Jiangnan.”

“It doesn’t matter.” Zhao Yelan habitually pretended to cough twice, and was suddenly taken aback, thinking of Yan Mingting. He is not a helpless person now, maybe he can give up the way of flattering the master and seeking glory, humbleness and pity.

So in a blink of an eye, he straightened his back again, and looked at Zhao Xuan nonchalantly: “Others may not be able to handle this matter well.”

Zhao Xuan laughed, although the words were arrogant, it was an indisputable fact. He would rather other courtiers be so arrogant and hand in a satisfactory answer, but the others are not Zhao Yelan after all.

Zhao Yelan reported the details of the drought in detail, and it took an hour to talk, his mouth was so dry that he refilled the tea several times.

Speaking of merchants raising 80,000 taels for disaster relief, and therefore wanting to open up the market in the capital for them, Zhao Xuan agreed without saying a word.

Zhao Xuan himself hated the late emperor’s way of managing the harem, and when he heard that he wanted to distribute silk to the common people, he readily agreed.

Zhao Yelan also had a good idea of ​​what he was thinking, so he dared to speak to the merchants in Huaizhou. He knew that Zhao Xuan’s original idea of ​​fighting for power and profit was nothing more than trying to win for his mother and concubine.

Zhao Xuan’s mother and concubine were just a maidservant. The first emperor had **** with her when he was drunk, but he didn’t seem to remember it at all afterwards. He didn’t give her a promised position until he got pregnant, and she was never favored.

And the rewards in the harem never belonged to their mother and son. The other favorite concubines had a few sets of good clothes from the south of the Yangtze River every day, but his mother and concubine were still wearing old clothes that had been washed white, and even the court ladies and eunuchs didn’t give them good looks.

Zhao Yelan also mentioned Li Yucheng, who helped out this time, and asked him to manage the shipment from Jiangnan.

Li Yucheng has a special status. His father is the right minister, but he has no official position. It is better to let him manage the business as a child of a family. With such a special status, those merchants dare not get in the way and make other crooked ideas , On the contrary, it is conducive to business exchanges.

After hearing this, Zhao Xuan had no objection.

Zhao Yelan also mentioned the performance of Prefect Sun, and commented pertinently: “Prefect Sun is a true parental official, and he has persisted until the end.”

Speaking of this, Eunuch Gao circulated outside: “Your Majesty, Concubine Xian is asking to see you.”

“Xuan.”

Sun Muyun hurried in, and was told by Zhao Xuan, “Walk slowly if you are pregnant”, so she slowed down and went straight to Zhao Yelan’s seat, and said with a sad face, “Master Zhao, may I ask you if you are pregnant?” Do you know about Daddy?”

Zhao Yelan glanced at her belly, knowing that she had a dragon vein, and her status had risen again.

“Your Majesty, don’t worry, the prefect is fine. When I was in Wancheng, I got the news that he fainted in the government office and was rescued by the doctor. He should have almost recovered now.” Zhao Yelan said.

“That’s good, that’s good…” Sun Muyun said, tears still falling on her face, the heartless person seems to have become more stable in a short period of time, and her eyes are no longer just eating, drinking and watching beauty man.

“Your Majesty, please take care of your health.” Zhao Yelan handed her the burden that was left aside, “These are some snacks from your hometown prepared by the magistrate for you. There were still a few jars of lotus stuffing, but we used them to quench our thirst and finished them.”

“Thank you for saving my life, my lord.” Sun Muyun gave him a grateful look, and didn’t bother them any more, and quickly left the palace with a bundle in her arms like a baby.

Zhao Xuan looked at her worriedly, sent Eunuch Gao to follow, then looked at Zhao Yelan, and smiled suddenly: “You really deserved this time, tell me, what reward do you want?”

“It was actually Yan Mingting’s subordinates who contributed the most this time. They insisted on carrying out every order despite being exposed to the sun every day. Without them, I would be helpless, and it would be impossible for me to evacuate the people so easily. So I beg your Majesty to reward them again.” Zhao Yelan said sincerely.

“Yan Mingting has already mentioned this matter in the early court, and I have already rewarded them generously.” After Zhao Xuan finished speaking, she paused, and looked at him curiously, “You are a bit different.”

“where?”

“At a time like this, the first thing you think of is those subordinates.”

Zhao Yelan smiled helplessly: “Maybe it’s because I saw it with my own eyes.”

In the past, he always thought that Yan Mingting’s heart for the world was innate, because he was born in the general’s mansion, so he should take on this important task as a matter of course.

But during this period of time, when every moment was so difficult, he was treated the best. The journey was hard, but the only carriage sat next to him.

When he was sitting in the carriage, looking at the long queue behind, everyone was sweating profusely, their bodies were tanned, and their lips were chapped, but no one complained of suffering. protect the people.

He suddenly understood why Yan Mingting’s heart came here, facing so many soldiers who sacrificed their lives for righteousness and worked hard every day, who could not be moved?

Even if he is powerless, he still wants to do something for this group of people, let alone Yan Mingting.

“Is there any other reward you want?” Zhao Xuan asked again, “Do you want to go back to the court?”

“No.”

Zhao Xuan was stunned for a moment, as if he didn’t expect him to refuse so quickly: “Are you angry with me?”

“No, I just think the Imperial Academy is pretty good.”

Of course, there is also an element of anger. He doesn’t want to be used to Zhao Xuan’s mood now. When he is in a good mood, he will be given an official position, and he will be grateful to Dade, which is a good idea.

What’s more, now is the time when he has the best reputation, he doesn’t want to go back to the court immediately, this will make people think that his previous behavior was just to return to the court, and he will soon become the target of public criticism and forget his credit .

He knows how to do things for the common people, but he is not a selfless benevolent person. If he does good deeds, he must leave his name. He wants the common people to remember him. Not to mention that he will be as famous as Yan Mingting in the future, at least he cannot implicate Yan Ming. Infamy on the back of the court.

In the past, he did things on his own accord and didn’t care about the opinions of the outside world, but now that he has considered it, he will definitely be with Yan Mingting forever in the future, and he will not allow Yan Mingting to have anyone else. So I don’t know how future generations will comment on this relationship, but he doesn’t want the history books to reduce the relationship between the two of them into unofficial gossip, thus obliterating Yan Mingting’s hard work in life and death for so many years.

His people will definitely be remembered by future generations.

So he will try his best to create a good image and not let himself become his stain.

“Now I just want to study in the Imperial Academy, so that I can live a more relaxed life.” Zhao Yelan said.

Zhao Xuan stared at him for a while, but couldn’t find any trace of camouflage, and said, “Really?”

“Seriously.” Zhao Yelan took a sip of tea, “After this experience, I also see it, what kind of rights and interests are better than being alive.”

No wonder.

Zhao Xuan smiled: “Do you still remember what you told me when you were young? You said you want to be a master.”

“It’s different today.” Zhao Yelan looked down at the tea leaves and twitched his mouth, “I was a master, but I’m not happy.”

Zhao Xuan was stunned, so why didn’t these words refer to him.

Now you are the king of a country, but he is busy and exhausted, and he is overwhelmed by the courage on his shoulders. After thinking about it, he feels that the happiest time is the Lantern Festival many years ago. With the help of Zhao Yelan, he secretly Slip out of the palace, enjoy the lanterns, guess lantern riddles and play in the world together.

“Then when do you feel the happiest?” Zhao Xuan asked.

Zhao Yelan meditated for a while, but couldn’t say it out, because the daily life of the general’s mansion made him feel happy.

He shook his head and didn’t answer, so Zhao Xuan didn’t ask any more questions, and said with a smile: “Since you want to stay in the Imperial Academy, then you can do what you want, as long as you should be rewarded, otherwise people will say that I am unfair. Just serve After studying for a bachelor’s degree, I went to the south of the Yangtze River to serve as the governor, so you can fill this vacancy.”

“The minister obeys the order.”

Zhao Xuan quietly observed his demeanor, feeling that it was different from before, but she couldn’t tell exactly where the change had occurred. It was only when she looked into the other’s eyes that she suddenly realized that the eyes had changed.

He was brought with him when he was young, his eyes were gloomy and dim, and even his speech was icy.

Later, both of them became rich and prosperous, and their eyes were less dim, but they were still as deep as an ancient well without waves. Even when they laughed, there were no waves in their eyes, and it was obvious that they were perfunctory fake smiles.

But now, he obviously didn’t do anything else, let alone smile, but his eyes became more vivid, and when he looked at people, he was a little brighter. Maybe the scorching sun in the south of the Yangtze River fell into his eyes, staining his eyes with light. .

Zhao Xuan was slightly moved, and even felt happy for him, and said in a good mood, “Are you satisfied with a fourth grade? Don’t you want gold and silver jewellery, silk and satin, spices from the Western Regions?”

Zhao Yelan began to think seriously.

Seeing this, Zhao Xuan said even more grandly: “Tell me, as long as it is in my treasury, I can reward you, you can choose whatever you want.”

“Your Majesty won’t lie to me?” Zhao Yelan asked.

“Well, keep your promise.” Zhao Xuan made a final decision.

“I want the Chisha Sword.” Zhao Yelan said in shock.

The Chisha Sword was the weapon used by the founding emperor of the Xuan Dynasty when he fought against the country. Later, it was given to the General Protecting the Country in the name of Shangfang Sword. The General Protecting the Country was returned to the Zhao family before his death, and has been placed in the treasury ever since. , not available anymore.

Zhao Xuan’s face changed a few times: “This is the most important weapon of the country, what are you going to do?”

“If the country’s important weapon has been kept out of sight, it is nothing more than broken copper and iron. It is better to hand it over to the right person, which will not only highlight His Majesty’s benevolence and righteousness, but also inspire the hearts of the courtiers to serve the country.” Zhao Yelan said.

“The right person…” Zhao Xuan thought about his words, and realized that this was a reward for Yan Mingting. He couldn’t tell what it was like, and the smile drooped at the corner of his mouth, “You two have such a good relationship?”

In the past, Zhao Yelan would definitely avoid suspicion, but today, he blurted out: “Yes.”

Zhao Xuan frowned slightly.

“Your Majesty, you don’t have to worry about his high position and power. He doesn’t want any war to happen more than anyone else. He has contributed no less than me this time, but he has no official position to be promoted, so I want to ask for it for him. A sword, when the soldiers see it, they will firmly believe that His Majesty is a benevolent monarch.” Zhao Yelan lifted him to a high place so that it would be difficult for him to step down.

Zhao Xuan was silent for a long time, but agreed.

This sword is really useless to him, but the two generations of generals of the Yan family are indeed worthy of this sword, and he has already shamed the Yan family for bestowing the marriage, so he simply sent this sword .

“Since you want to reward, I won’t let you take it back casually at this time. I will personally reward him in front of all civil and military officials in the court tomorrow.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Zhao Yelan said solemnly.

Zhao Yelan left the palace and went to work in the Hanlin Academy. It was not until dusk that he returned to the General’s Mansion in a sedan chair.

As soon as he entered the gate, he saw Butler Tan circling anxiously in the front hall and asked, “What happened?”

“My lord, something is wrong, the general is sick!” Butler Tan hurried forward and said.

“What disease?”

“It’s just troublesome because we don’t know what the cause is.” Butler Tan led him to the bedroom, “He practiced sword in the mansion all day today, and just now he called Dr. Yao again, saying that he was sick. But when Dr. Yao asked him what his symptoms were, he didn’t speak. The two of them stared at each other for almost half an hour.”

Zhao Yelan paused, thought of something, raised his eyebrows, his shoulders trembled slightly, and walked into the bedroom with a suppressed smile, just in time to bump into Yao Muze who was about to faint.

He sent Yao Muze away in a few words, and Yao Muze left immediately as if he had been pardoned.

Zhao Yelan asked Steward Tan to go about his own business again, then closed the door, walked up to Yan Mingting, tilted his head, looked at Yan Mingting’s dull expression, and knew that he hadn’t come out of the shadows yet.

Zhao Yelan smiled softly and scratched his chin.

Only then did Yan Mingting slowly raise his head, deeply wronged, and looked at him helplessly: “What should I do… tell me, do I have some unspeakable illness?”

“It doesn’t matter.” Zhao Yelan sat on his lap, put his arms around his neck, lowered his head and kissed his lips, “It’s just as long as we share our hearts, we don’t have to do that kind of thing.”

Anyway, haven’t they been alone in the past twenty years or so? It’s not necessarily that I can’t live anymore, as long as my soul has sustenance.

Moreover, he was really afraid of the pain, the blow he stretched out yesterday almost killed him, and I don’t know why so many people are obsessed with it.

“Thank you for your comfort, but it didn’t work.” Yan Mingting felt that his dignity was about to be shattered, and he couldn’t hold his head up in the future.

Zhao Yelan saw that he was like Shuang beating an eggplant, pondered for a moment, touched his strong arms and chest, and sighed in embarrassment: “If you insist on experiencing it, then I will try it hard? I will try it tomorrow. Just get up early? Do you want to lose weight?”

“…” Yan Mingting heard the sound of his dignity being completely shattered.