Jiang Moxi raised her eyes and with an annoyed but also somewhat stubborn expression said, “Eat.” King Rong replied grumpily, “Eat what?”
“The solid paste.” King Rong widened slightly, then, with a jolt, he came up to Jiang Moxi and asked, “What Brother Moxi means is, let Grandpa Murong’s son eat the Solid paste?” Jiang Moxi nodded, saying, “Uncle Yunan.”
It’s a testament to King Rong’s ability to keep up with Jiang Moxi’s thoughts that he immediately asked, “Is that paste made by your Uncle Yunan?” Jiang Moxi nodded again, saying, “More. Tea.” King Rong firmly gripped Jiang Moxi’s shoulder and asked again, “More paste made by your Uncle Yunan and more tea?”
“Uncle Yunan.” Jiang Moxi affirmed. Wang Qing, realizing what his older brother was getting at, quickly pulled Jiang Moxi aside and said in a hushed tone, “Big Brother, we promised Dad and Father to keep this secret!”
Jiang Moxi remained calm and replied, “He, the Great God.”
Wang Qing, “…”
“Strong legs.”
Wang Qing, “…”
“A reliable support.”
Wang Qing said, “…”
“Uncle Yunan, explain.” Wang Qing rubbed his temple and asked, “What if Uncle Yunan can’t explain it?” Jiang Moxi gave Wang Qing a sidelong glance and said, “Uncle Yunan is not foolish.”
Wang Qing said, “…” Suddenly, he felt like if he didn’t step up his game, he’d soon be unable to keep up with his big brother’s thoughts!
Shao Yunan and Wang Shijing were busy in the tea-making room. Little and Big Gold went down the mountain and successfully avoided the guards in the house as they made their way to the tea-making room, sending signals by scratching the door. Of course, Brother Tiger always came prepared and he and Little and Big Gold each held a prey.
It’s unclear whether they understood Shao Yunan’s compliment about meat or if they simply developed a liking for it after tasting the meat cooked by Shao Yunan. Regardless, the prey they caught this time were all plump and large.
Since the children weren’t present, Shao Yunan didn’t send the three big tigers into the storage space because he was still worried about them (and the spiritual spring). Wang Shijing found some free time and called Ding Yilin and Ding Yisen to help bring the three animals to the kitchen. One prey was to be sent to Jiang Kangning, one to stay in the house, and one for Brother Tiger, and Big and Little Gold to eat.
As soon as Brother Tiger, and Big and Little Gold were brought into the tea-making room, Shao Yunan told them to behave and not move around recklessly. He didn’t feel comfortable with the three big tigers around. After all, they were unpredictable creatures.
Just as they settled Brother Tiger, and Big and Little Gold in the room, someone knocked at the door. Shao Yunan was busy baking, so he left it to Wang Shijing to answer. To his surprise, Wang Shijing opened the door and found none other than King Rong standing outside. Wang Shijing was taken aback. “Lord Wang?”
“Where is your wife?”
“He’s busy inside. Lord Wang, do you have something to discuss with him? He can’t leave right now. We’ll come to see you once he’s done.” King Rong was very anxious. He thought for a moment and then lowered his voice, saying, “Shijing, my son has a heart condition. Qing said your wife mentioned this as heart disease. Moxi told me that eating paste and tea made by your wife can cure it. We should give it a try. If it doesn’t work, I might move in with my son to your place!”
After saying this, king Rong didn’t give Wang Shijing any chance to respond. He turned and left, almost running. Wang Shijing stood there, unsure of how to react. Should he bring Wang Qing and Jiang Moxi and give them a spanking or should he rub his eyes to make sure it was King Rong who had just spoken? After all, how could a prince speak so brazenly?
In the capital city, Emperor Yongming was delighted to receive King Rong’s urgent report. He was also quite intrigued. King Rong’s report had been delivered directly to him in the form of a secret letter, without going through the Imperial Cabinet. As a result, only Emperor Yongming knew what was written in this report.
In his report, King Rong informed Emperor Yongming that while there had been recent earthquakes and flooding in the village, there were no casualties or injuries. The unusual animal behavior was confirmed, but the reason behind it was truly extraordinary, and as such, Jiang Kangning did not reveal it. He stated that when the new tea was ready, he would report it in person to the Emperor during his duty report.
In other words, King Rong himself didn’t know the exact reason behind these events. However, he also mentioned that Shao Yunan and Wang Shijing were keeping three large creatures. These creatures were extremely formidable and the villagers in Xiushui Village had never seen them before. It was only when these creatures came looking for Shao Yunan and Wang Shijing one night that the villagers learned that they had been keeping these animals.
Additionally, Shao Yunan and Wang Shijing had discovered a highly valuable tea in the deep mountains of Xiushui Village. It was said to be a black tea and it had the name ‘Keemun Red Tea.’ It was rumored to be worth more than a thousand gold coins per two ounces. Therefore, King Rong decided to stay in Xiushui Village to ‘observe’ and ‘protect’ this extremely valuable Keemun Red Tea. He would accompany Jiang Kangning back to the capital during his duty report.
Emperor Yongming put down the report and chuckled. “Uncle, you’ve found a good excuse to stay in Xiushui Village and enjoy yourself.” Guo Xun, who was present, commented. “His Majesty has been cut off from tea and wine for a while. I think you can’t wait to taste the new tea in the capital.”
Emperor Yongming asked Guo Xun to burn the report and said with some dissatisfaction, “What’s this secrecy? Why did Jiang Kangning insist on revealing the reasons during his duty report? If his reasons are indeed sensational, those people will not miss the opportunity to bring him down.”
This matter was not suitable for Guo Xun to comment on, so he stood quietly. Emperor Yongming thought for a moment and said, “I’m going to the Grand General’s Mansion. I’ll bring these reports with me.”
“Understood.”
Emperor Yongming went to the Grand General’s Mansion with no regard for the gravity of the situation. He hadn’t appeared at the mansion since the Empress’ death. The situation of the Empress was now completely unknown to outsiders. Only he knew how things were for the Empress. He had completely sealed off any news of his recovery. Consort Jing and Consort Xian were still under house arrest. The palaces of the two consorts had been searched and various banned items had been found, especially in Consort Jing’s palace.
Emperor Yongming issued an order to demote Consort Jing to a noble lady and transfer her to the Changxi Palace. However, in practice, the Changxi Palace was also known as former Empress Duan’s Cold Palace. It was evident that the Emperor had plans for Consort Jing.
Consort Xian was ordered to reflect in the palace for three months and would be fined for a half a year. The 15-year-old princess was to be granted the title of Ningyin County Princess and she was to marry Zheng Yu, the eldest son of Zheng Zhi, Marquis Zhaoyang’s eldest son, three months later. This marriage was quite hasty for a princess. Even in commoner families, from the engagement to the wedding, it would take at least half a year.
Emperor Yongming also issued a decree for the 12-year-old prince. He was granted the title of Sui’an County Prince, required to show filial piety at the imperial tomb for three years, and could establish his own residence after three years. If Emperor Yongming was said to lack a father-daughter relationship with his only daughter, his relationship with his only son, Murong Xian, was one of deep loathing. The prince was a constant reminder of his personal resentment.
Sui’an County Prince was a hint for the prince to live in peace and not stir up trouble. It was clear that Emperor Yongming had no intention of passing the throne to his only son. “Sui’an” meant “to live in peace.” Sui’an County Prince was a warning for the prince to live quietly, as he was the only one who could be heir to the throne.
The Empress had recovered his health and with the paste, tea, and the health-preserving items made by Shao Yunan, it was only a matter of time before he became pregnant. Emperor Yongming wanted to eliminate any potential dangers within the palace before th
e Empress became pregnant, including his only daughter and his only imperial son.
Jiang Moxi raised her eyes and with an annoyed but also somewhat stubborn expression said, “Eat.” King Rong replied grumpily, “Eat what?”
“The solid paste.” King Rong widened slightly, then, with a jolt, he came up to Jiang Moxi and asked, “What Brother Moxi means is, let Grandpa Murong’s son eat the Solid paste?” Jiang Moxi nodded, saying, “Uncle Yunan.”
It’s a testament to King Rong’s ability to keep up with Jiang Moxi’s thoughts that he immediately asked, “Is that paste made by your Uncle Yunan?” Jiang Moxi nodded again, saying, “More. Tea.” King Rong firmly gripped Jiang Moxi’s shoulder and asked again, “More paste made by your Uncle Yunan and more tea?”
“Uncle Yunan.” Jiang Moxi affirmed. Wang Qing, realizing what his older brother was getting at, quickly pulled Jiang Moxi aside and said in a hushed tone, “Big Brother, we promised Dad and Father to keep this secret!”
Jiang Moxi remained calm and replied, “He, the Great God.”
Wang Qing, “…”
“Strong legs.”
Wang Qing, “…”
“A reliable support.”
Wang Qing said, “…”
“Uncle Yunan, explain.” Wang Qing rubbed his temple and asked, “What if Uncle Yunan can’t explain it?” Jiang Moxi gave Wang Qing a sidelong glance and said, “Uncle Yunan is not foolish.”
Wang Qing said, “…” Suddenly, he felt like if he didn’t step up his game, he’d soon be unable to keep up with his big brother’s thoughts!
Shao Yunan and Wang Shijing were busy in the tea-making room. Little and Big Gold went down the mountain and successfully avoided the guards in the house as they made their way to the tea-making room, sending signals by scratching the door. Of course, Brother Tiger always came prepared and he and Little and Big Gold each held a prey.
It’s unclear whether they understood Shao Yunan’s compliment about meat or if they simply developed a liking for it after tasting the meat cooked by Shao Yunan. Regardless, the prey they caught this time were all plump and large.
Since the children weren’t present, Shao Yunan didn’t send the three big tigers into the storage space because he was still worried about them (and the spiritual spring). Wang Shijing found some free time and called Ding Yilin and Ding Yisen to help bring the three animals to the kitchen. One prey was to be sent to Jiang Kangning, one to stay in the house, and one for Brother Tiger, and Big and Little Gold to eat.
As soon as Brother Tiger, and Big and Little Gold were brought into the tea-making room, Shao Yunan told them to behave and not move around recklessly. He didn’t feel comfortable with the three big tigers around. After all, they were unpredictable creatures.
Just as they settled Brother Tiger, and Big and Little Gold in the room, someone knocked at the door. Shao Yunan was busy baking, so he left it to Wang Shijing to answer. To his surprise, Wang Shijing opened the door and found none other than King Rong standing outside. Wang Shijing was taken aback. “Lord Wang?”
“Where is your wife?”
“He’s busy inside. Lord Wang, do you have something to discuss with him? He can’t leave right now. We’ll come to see you once he’s done.” King Rong was very anxious. He thought for a moment and then lowered his voice, saying, “Shijing, my son has a heart condition. Qing said your wife mentioned this as heart disease. Moxi told me that eating paste and tea made by your wife can cure it. We should give it a try. If it doesn’t work, I might move in with my son to your place!”
After saying this, king Rong didn’t give Wang Shijing any chance to respond. He turned and left, almost running. Wang Shijing stood there, unsure of how to react. Should he bring Wang Qing and Jiang Moxi and give them a spanking or should he rub his eyes to make sure it was King Rong who had just spoken? After all, how could a prince speak so brazenly?
In the capital city, Emperor Yongming was delighted to receive King Rong’s urgent report. He was also quite intrigued. King Rong’s report had been delivered directly to him in the form of a secret letter, without going through the Imperial Cabinet. As a result, only Emperor Yongming knew what was written in this report.
In his report, King Rong informed Emperor Yongming that while there had been recent earthquakes and flooding in the village, there were no casualties or injuries. The unusual animal behavior was confirmed, but the reason behind it was truly extraordinary, and as such, Jiang Kangning did not reveal it. He stated that when the new tea was ready, he would report it in person to the Emperor during his duty report.
In other words, King Rong himself didn’t know the exact reason behind these events. However, he also mentioned that Shao Yunan and Wang Shijing were keeping three large creatures. These creatures were extremely formidable and the villagers in Xiushui Village had never seen them before. It was only when these creatures came looking for Shao Yunan and Wang Shijing one night that the villagers learned that they had been keeping these animals.
Additionally, Shao Yunan and Wang Shijing had discovered a highly valuable tea in the deep mountains of Xiushui Village. It was said to be a black tea and it had the name ‘Keemun Red Tea.’ It was rumored to be worth more than a thousand gold coins per two ounces. Therefore, King Rong decided to stay in Xiushui Village to ‘observe’ and ‘protect’ this extremely valuable Keemun Red Tea. He would accompany Jiang Kangning back to the capital during his duty report.
Emperor Yongming put down the report and chuckled. “Uncle, you’ve found a good excuse to stay in Xiushui Village and enjoy yourself.” Guo Xun, who was present, commented. “His Majesty has been cut off from tea and wine for a while. I think you can’t wait to taste the new tea in the capital.”
Emperor Yongming asked Guo Xun to burn the report and said with some dissatisfaction, “What’s this secrecy? Why did Jiang Kangning insist on revealing the reasons during his duty report? If his reasons are indeed sensational, those people will not miss the opportunity to bring him down.”
This matter was not suitable for Guo Xun to comment on, so he stood quietly. Emperor Yongming thought for a moment and said, “I’m going to the Grand General’s Mansion. I’ll bring these reports with me.”
“Understood.”
Emperor Yongming went to the Grand General’s Mansion with no regard for the gravity of the situation. He hadn’t appeared at the mansion since the Empress’ death. The situation of the Empress was now completely unknown to outsiders. Only he knew how things were for the Empress. He had completely sealed off any news of his recovery. Consort Jing and Consort Xian were still under house arrest. The palaces of the two consorts had been searched and various banned items had been found, especially in Consort Jing’s palace.
Emperor Yongming issued an order to demote Consort Jing to a noble lady and transfer her to the Changxi Palace. However, in practice, the Changxi Palace was also known as former Empress Duan’s Cold Palace. It was evident that the Emperor had plans for Consort Jing.
Consort Xian was ordered to reflect in the palace for three months and would be fined for a half a year. The 15-year-old princess was to be granted the title of Ningyin County Princess and she was to marry Zheng Yu, the eldest son of Zheng Zhi, Marquis Zhaoyang’s eldest son, three months later. This marriage was quite hasty for a princess. Even in commoner families, from the engagement to the wedding, it would take at least half a year.
Emperor Yongming also issued a decree for the 12-year-old prince. He was granted the title of Sui’an County Prince, required to show filial piety at the imperial tomb for three years, and could establish his own residence after three years. If Emperor Yongming was said to lack a father-daughter relationship with his only daughter, his relationship with his only son, Murong Xian, was one of deep loathing. The prince was a constant reminder of his personal resentment.
Sui’an County Prince was a hint for the prince to live in peace and not stir up trouble. It was clear that Emperor Yongming had no intention of passing the throne to his only son. “Sui’an” meant “to live in peace.” Sui’an County Prince was a warning for the prince to live quietly, as he was the only one who could be heir to the throne.
The Empress had recovered his health and with the paste, tea, and the health-preserving items made by Shao Yunan, it was only a matter of time before he became pregnant. Emperor Yongming wanted to eliminate any potential dangers within the palace before th
e Empress became pregnant, including his only daughter and his only imperial son.
