Tranquility

Although it is only March, many flowers have not yet reached their blooming season, but the imperial garden is full of flowers just blooming, very lively.

Tangning carefully adjusted the paints. Although he didn't plan to paint seriously when he came here, he didn't want to lose his reputation. Besides, he thought this aunt was very good, so he naturally wanted to paint well.

Concubine De Gui changed into a purple formal attire this time, and she looked a bit old-fashioned amidst the colorful flowers. Tangning planned to tone down the color a bit, and the light should be bright and soft, so as to make her appear younger.

However, he didn't know that the place with a particularly beautiful view chosen by Concubine Degui was a place that the emperor must pass by at this time of day every day.

Emperor Jingle built a Qingxiantai in the southeast corner of the palace. He would walk from the palace to invite Xiantai every day. When he saw the auspicious time, he would burn the clear poems written by the ministers there, and sometimes let the Taoist priests calculate it.

This kind of calculation is actually similar to the pen fairy played by many people in modern times, that is, a few Taoist priests are blindfolded, pushing each other to scribble on the paper, and a Taoist priest next to him explains what it means.

In fact, everyone knows that the so-called explanation by the Taoist priest was his own nonsense, but the emperor believed that it was an instruction from heaven.

It can be said that this is a great weakness of the emperor. If someone controls the Taoist priest, then he will control the emperor.It is also because everyone knows this, so everyone did not touch him, and everyone pointed at the most critical moment, let it go, and it is not yet time.

When it comes to the lustful middle-aged emperor, everyone thinks the emperor is a wretched uncle with a big belly and cloudy eyes.

In fact, Emperor Jing Le was just the opposite. He was considered a handsome young man when he was young, but now that he is old, his cheeks are slightly sunken and his skin is loose.But his eyes are clear, with a beautiful beard on his chin, thin body, wearing a special Taoist robe, looking like a fairy.

Emperor Jing Le was obsessed with Taoism, but indulging did not mean that he was insane. His mind was clear and even sharp.It's just that his keenness is all consumed in cultivating the Tao. Although he goes to court every day and reviews memorials, he only writes the word "accurate" after the cabinet decision. As for the brain-intensive decisions, he throws them all at the The cabinet's disposal also led to the growing power of the cabinet. Fortunately, there is Yu Yan, the eunuch with palm seal, to check and balance.

The power of the monarch, the power of the prime minister, and the power of eunuchs have reached a delicate balance.

To say that he is lustful is actually quite wronged, he just likes masculinity, not obsessed with masculinity.If the masculinity is changed to female, it would be quite normal, and I am afraid that there will be good things for the censor to invite him to visit the harem more often.

After all, Emperor Jing Le's harem was much smaller than his father's. Apart from the empress, Concubine De Gui and the birth mother of the third prince, Yang Zhaoyi, there were only two or three kittens who had accidentally been favored several times.There are a little more male favorites, but there are very few high-ranking ones. Now there is only one Gao Run, who is equivalent to a noble concubine.

Perhaps it was the childhood experience that left a psychological shadow on Emperor Jing Le. He is not a domineering emperor, nor is he an emperor with ambition and desire to control. He is even a little cowardly. Soften down.

Except for the queen mother who has been dead for many years, no one showed his face at all, so most people seldom noticed this, and only a few people close to him would see the clue.

There is no impenetrable wall in the world, Gao Run's matter has already had some rumors in the court, but at this time Gao Pu has grasped the overall situation, and no one dares to speak out.Besides, Gao Pu gave away his grandson, and others have no position to care about it. At most, they despise him secretly. Of course, while despising Gao Pu, he will also despise Gao Run by the way. Whether it is voluntary or not, as long as he becomes a male favorite , will eventually be looked down upon.

Although the southern wind is prevalent in Dazhao, there will be some private hook-ups between the children of the family, these are nothing, no one has a time when they are young and romantic, when the time comes, the one who should get married, the one who should have a baby, the most important thing is the status of the two quite.

But it's different when the emperor is involved in such a romantic affair. No one in the world can sit on an equal footing with the emperor, so Gao Run has naturally become a sycophant in the eyes of everyone.

However, everything has two sides. Emperor Jing Le is not a fool. Of course he knows Gao Run's embarrassing situation. In addition, he is the one who took a fancy to Gao Run and called him into the palace. Gao Run was left in the palace.

Therefore, Emperor Jing Le felt guilty towards Gao Run. He was supposed to be a talented and promising son of heaven, but he became a pamper that everyone despised, and Emperor Jing Le felt uncomfortable.It's just that from the first time he saw Gao Run, he fell into it. He couldn't bear to let go, so he was doubly good to Gao Run. Let go of your heart.

Others thought that among the emperor's male favorites, it was the male favorites who shamelessly flattered and flattered the emperor.But in fact, Emperor Jing Le and Gao Run are the complete opposite. Gao Run never gives the emperor a good face, but the emperor licks his face and sticks to his cold ass.

No way, who told him that he really wanted to spend a lifetime with Gao Run.

There is a saying that is true, in the face of love, everyone is equal, whether you are the emperor or not, as long as you fall in love first, you will lose.

Therefore, when Gao Run arrogantly stopped the emperor and demanded the emperor to marry the eldest prince to Gao Jie, under the horrified eyes of the court ladies and eunuchs, the emperor not only didn't get annoyed at Gao Run for delaying the auspicious time, but agreed in a good-tempered manner.

Everyone was dumbfounded. This is not a trivial matter like an antique calligraphy and painting. This is the marriage between the prince and the chief assistant. It involves the succession of the throne and the relatives in the court. up.

Ordinarily, such a level was enough, but Gao Run refused to comply, and insisted on the emperor's decree to refer to the marriage immediately.The emperor hesitated for a while, Yu Yan took the opportunity to ask for an order to take a leave of absence on his behalf, the emperor thought about it, anyway, he would ask Yu Yan to take a leave of absence when he was sick, and the gods didn't see much blame, so he readily agreed, and he took it with him. People go back to the South Study to draw up a decree.

At this moment, no matter how everyone had different thoughts, Gao Run's position in the emperor's heart was undisputed.

Seeing Gao Jie gaping and tongue-tied, not as clever as usual, Gao Run's eyes were full of pleasure, but there was a trace of sadness in his heart for no reason. He put away the state of insanity just now, restored his usual elegance, glanced contemptuously at Gao Jie, followed The emperor goes back.

With someone like Gao Jie who is obsessed with profit, there is no need to argue about priceless family affection, who owes whom, and who is noble, as long as he uses power and reality to give her a good drink, as long as he holds power, he can stand on the supreme Dot looked down on her.

In fact, this younger sister who was lost in money and power, didn't she envy him deep down in her heart?

At this moment, Gao Run had a kind of realization, he saw a bright light in his dark life, that is power.

Everyone cast aside, "Fame goes down in history" is a foregone conclusion; the title of the gold list, the entry into the cabinet has become a vain, rather than self-pity, depressed for life, it is better to hold power, so that those who look down on him have to kowtow and kneel to him. With this troublesome reputation, he simply lived this life to his heart's content.

After experiencing the temper of betrayal and the baptism of pain and despair, Gao Run, who has nothing, has a tenacious heart.

Concubine Degui has never been favored, but the emperor entered the Zhongcui Palace a few times because of his heirs more than ten years ago, and has never stepped into the Zhongcui Palace since then, so Concubine Degui has no idea that the emperor is actually a single-minded person in his heart. Innocent man, she was sitting in the rosewood chair, chatting with Tangning in a good mood, waiting for the emperor to pass by, and she took a look at Tangning's beauty.

However, just as Tangning was finishing up, the slender-browed nun hurriedly whispered a few words into her ear.Concubine Degui's complexion changed a few times, she didn't even have the energy to look at her very good portrait, she barely praised Tangning a few words, and when the time came, she asked the palace staff to send Tangning out of the palace.

Tang Ning had no idea that he was almost unable to leave the palace, and he was also in a bad mood. Along the way, he kept blaming himself for being too perfunctory. As a principled painter, he should be responsible for his own paintings whether he likes it or not. Well, if he brought his usual painting utensils into the palace, even if it was more troublesome to search him, it would be better than regretting after painting now.

Since then, Tang Zian's paintings are all high-quality goods, which has become an important guarantee for his paintings.

Of course, these are things to follow.

However, Tang Ning had just stepped out of the palace gate when he saw a carriage parked in a remote corner. He was about to pass by when the curtain of the carriage was lifted. Xie Baiyun was wearing a sky blue straight-fronted gown and was holding the carriage with a folding fan in his hand. Curtain, he showed half of his haggard face, looking at him with a smile.

The corners of Tangning's mouth curled up unconsciously, and she walked forward quickly.

In the carriage, the two faced each other with smiles. Tangning's keen nose smelled the fragrance of saponins that had not yet dissipated from Xie Baiyun's body. It seemed that the other party came to wait for him just after he arrived in the capital to tidy up. Tangning looked at Xie Baiyun's eyes And a lot more kind.

"I came here as soon as I received the news, but I was still too late. Fortunately, you met Mr. Lin. It can be said that you will be blessed if you survive a catastrophe. It's just that although you came out, the case has not yet been closed. How is the situation in the capital now, and how does it affect you?"

At the end of Xie Baiyun's speech, there was a little worry in his eyes. He had just arrived in the capital and only had time to hear some news about Mingli from his subordinates. He was also at a loss as to what the truth was.

"It's okay. Since I was released from prison, this case has nothing to do with me. It must be inseparable from the main exam and the assistant exam. The lightest thing is to confiscate the home and exile. It's just that some of the candidates who got the questions haven't explained the source of the exam questions. No matter how interrogated Ren Dali Temple was, they didn't let go. They were all inextricably linked with Gao Pu, but Dali Temple couldn't find any evidence. Hey, it was impossible for them to identify Gao Pu. So the case was deadlocked Here, the case cannot be finalized.”

Lin Qingyu told Tangning these words. Originally, he shouldn't have told others, but Xie Baiyun was not an outsider, and Tangning would not distrust all her friends because of Jin Yongfu's betrayal.

"Based on this case alone, it is impossible to pull Gao Pu out. I guess Mr. Lin's delay is not for the purpose of convicting Gao Pu. I am afraid that he has other purposes. He can beat Gao Pu by the way. After all, he can't." Let him have a good time, otherwise he will be even more rampant next time. It is also good to let those candidates suffer a little in prison, and it can also deter future generations, at least let them think about whether it is worth it before they climb Gaopu next time. "Xie Baiyun hit the core of the problem after a little thought.

After hearing this, Tangning smiled wryly, "Your guesses are all right. In fact, Master Lin's delay is partly because of me."

Speaking of which, Tangning explained about Jin Yongfu.

"It's better to have a marriage certificate. The evidence is as solid as a mountain. Without a marriage certificate, only Jinsuo can sue, but the chances of winning are not great, and Master Lin needs to help secretly. However, it is good to have witnesses and material evidence for this matter. After all, Zhang Dehuai is Liupinjing. official.

Besides, whenever a complaint is made, there must be a sufferer, right?If you report directly to the yamen like this, firstly you will be exposed to others, secondly, you are not related to that original spouse, and you have a grudge against Zhang Dehuai, isn't this clearly seeking revenge?It's just that the original partner is an orphan, Xu Yuan will definitely not come out, it's difficult. "

Speaking of this, Xie Baiyun frowned in thought, and after a while he suddenly tapped his palm with a folding fan, showing a narrow smile,

"There is no suffering master, so let's find one ourselves. I have someone to choose, and it would be great to be the suffering master."

Tangning looked at Xie Baiyun talking to himself, trying so hard to plan for him, and was even more moved, "Thank you brother, these little brothers haven't thought of it yet. I'm really ashamed that brother has to worry about me like this when he just returned to Beijing. It's getting late , why don’t you go to Lin’s mansion to have a meal, and then act as a younger brother to clean up the dust for the older brother, and the younger brother hasn’t introduced Master Lin to the elder brother yet.”

Speaking of this, Tangning paused, and said a little embarrassedly, "I was thinking wrong, you and Mr. Lin are both in the capital, maybe you have known each other for a long time."

"Hehe, Mr. Lin is a low-key person. Don't say he is a civil servant, I am a dude. The two people's social circles are not in the same circle. Even many people who are officials in the same dynasty don't know Mr. Lin. If I can know Mr. Lin, I will ask you It's the blessing of Zi'an.

It's just that my current status is inconvenient to make friends with foreign ministers, and I don't dress too formally today. Besides, I just returned to the capital and haven't visited my elders yet. Why don't I go quietly later tomorrow, and you can just leave me a side door.Although it was a helpless move for me to do this, I have lost some respect for Master Lin. If Master Lin annoys me, Zi'an will have to intercede for me. "

"Hehe, Mr. Lin is a very good person, brother, don't worry." Tangning said this so that she felt a little guilty.

During the speech, he had reached the corner gate of the Lin Mansion.After Tangning got out of the car and watched the carriage go away, she suddenly realized that something was wrong. Why didn't Xie Baiyun ask him about his relationship with Master Lin.Then he shook his head again, thinking nonchalantly, Big Brother Xie is always well informed, he knew about the cheating in the imperial examination when he first arrived in the capital, he must also know that he looks similar to Master Lin, probably because he was afraid of embarrassing him, so he didn't ask.

On the second day of application, Xie Baiyun really quietly entered the Lin residence. He was wearing a gray dress, very inconspicuous, only the dark pattern on the cuffs and neckline showed the low-key magnificence of this dress.

Coincidentally, they met Tang Ning who had returned from Xu's residence at the door. Without notifying him, Tang Ning directly led him into Lin Qingyu's study. Lin Qingyu was still waiting for news.

When Lin Qingyu saw Tangning leading the people in, he didn't say anything at all, just a pair of eyes like a cold pool, who swished cold arrows, poking Xie Baiyun like a needle felt.

Xie Baiyun smiled wryly, this Lord Lin really lived up to his reputation, he was really a beauty made of ice, thinking that he was still trying to use Tangning to win him over, he couldn't help but rejoice that he stopped early, his family Ning'er was better.

Tang Ning didn't care about the backstabbing of the other two people in the room. He focused all his attention on the marriage certificate he got. This was what he had been waiting for for a long time. Success or failure depended on it.

He carefully took out the marriage certificate. Although the paper had turned yellow, the contents clearly stated the names and family backgrounds of both the man and woman, the matchmaker witnessed the marriage, the date signature, and the official seal were all included.

Tang Ning let out a sigh. This should be correct. The woman's surname alone does not belong to Zhang Dehuai's current wife. With this, Tang Ning finally has a bottom line.

"Fake." Lin Qingyu took the marriage letter, read it intently for a while, twisted it lightly, and finally spit out these two words coldly.

Tang Ning was in an ice cellar, how could it be fake? He had seen the marriage certificate himself, and he had learned how to identify fakes from Mr. Cheng, and he had done fake ones too.He didn't see any flaws in this marriage letter at all.

"How could it be fake? Where is it fake?" Tangning quickly replied, and began to think about why Xu Yuan gave him a fake marriage certificate. Could it be that he misunderstood him?

Lin Qingyu pondered for a long time with the marriage letter, and said: "As expected of the Xu family, although they are descendants of the offspring, they have learned ten percent of this craft. I didn't see any flaws, but according to my experience, it is undoubtedly fake. .”

"Then, what exactly does this Xu Yuan mean? Could it be that he intends to frame me? If I take this marriage certificate to sue, and someone exposes me in the end, wouldn't I be accused of framing the imperial court?" Tang Ning did not doubt Lin Qingyu's vision. A family member who had been immersed in ancient books and paintings since childhood would not have such vision.

"No!" Lin Qingyu and Xie Baiyun replied at the same time.