12dz Chapter 168 On the Road
Chapter 168 On the Road
On May 28th, Yongzheng led the concubines in the harem and set off for the Old Summer Palace.
An Lingrong sat quietly in a gorgeously decorated carriage, looking through the window at Shen Meizhuang not far away.
"Chief Steward Jiang, have all the concubines' belongings been loaded into the car?"
"Your Majesty, everything is ready!"
"Well, have you checked the headcount?"
"It's been double-checked."
After the Xia Dongchun incident, many eunuchs and palace maids in the palace were dismissed. Under the leadership of Shen Meizhuang, many new faces were added to each palace.
"Send someone to report to the Emperor, we can set off now!"
"Yes!"
When she returned to the carriage, Shen Meizhuang was already sweating profusely. She took the tea handed to her by An Lingrong, took a sip, and then said, "Are you waiting impatiently? We can set off soon!"
An Lingrong asked in a low voice, "Sister, have you arranged everything?"
"do not worry!"
"Ok!"
The imperial carriage moved slowly, starting from Xihuamen and heading west out of Xizhimen. After thirty miles, it arrived at the Old Summer Palace.
After driving for an hour, the carriage stopped by the roadside. Shen Meizhuang lifted the curtain, and Xiao Shi stepped forward to report: "Your Majesty, Concubine Wan is not feeling well. The Emperor has ordered us to rest for a while before leaving!"
"understood!"
Shen Meizhuang said, "Rong'er, I'm going to go down and see Huan'er. You're in the carriage, don't get off!"
"Sister, I'm with you!"
"You're in the car, be obedient!" Shen Meizhuang held An Lingrong's hand and looked at her with burning eyes.
An Lingrong looked at her, deeply moved, "Sister, this was my idea, so I should be the one..."
Shen Meizhuang patted her hand gently and showed a gentle smile: "You have done enough for me. This time, I will do it!"
After saying that, he grabbed An Lingrong's hand and forcibly pulled the thing out of her hand.
After getting off the car, Shen Meizhuang looked around and asked Xiang Xiaoshi, "Where is this?"
Xiao Shi stepped forward and replied, "My Lady, this is Baishi Bridge."
Baishiqiao, where the tomb of Prince Zheng Jirgalang is located.
Jirgalang was a founding hero of this dynasty. He was the sixth son of Prince Heshuozhuang Shurhaci and the nephew of Emperor Taizu. He was raised by Emperor Taizu since childhood. Although he and Emperor Taizong were not brothers, they had a special relationship. He was one of the eight Heshuo Beile who shared the power of state affairs during the reign of Emperor Taizu, and one of the four princes during the reign of Emperor Taizong. After Emperor Shizu ascended the throne, he assisted in the administration of state affairs together with Dorgon. He was also the only person besides Dorgon to be granted the title of "Uncle King" and was entitled to be enshrined in the Taimiao after his death.
Shen Meizhuang followed the direction of the main force and came to a pavilion where Yongzheng was. She bowed and said, "Greetings to the Emperor!"
"No need to be polite!"
She came to Zhen Huan again and asked with concern, "Huan'er, how are you?"
Zhen Huan said weakly, "Maybe it was because it was stuffy in the car. I felt a little nauseous and dizzy. I came out and sat for a while. Now I feel much better."
"Then let's rest for a while!" Yongzheng said when he saw her face had regained its rosy complexion, "Su Peisheng, pass on the order to set off in half an hour."
"Yes!"
Not long after the decree was passed down, the concubines came out of the carriages one after another. Immediately, a young eunuch pulled the carriages aside and handed them over to the accompanying soldiers for guarding.
The concubines gathered in groups of three or five, curiously observing the scenery before them. Not far away was a white jade bridge, beneath which a small river meandered, its banks lined with lush trees. From this spot, one could admire the beauty of the Western Hills in the distance and the Jade River up close.
Zhen Huan and Shen Meizhuang exchanged a glance and deliberately asked, "Where's Rong'er?"
Shen Meizhuang replied, "She got up early today and is sleeping in the carriage now. Don't worry about her!"
"She sleeps well!" Yongzheng said with a smile, "I remember she really liked the Old Summer Palace!"
"Your Majesty is right. She was so excited last night that she went to bed very late, so she is a little sleepy today!"
As the three were talking, a general in armor came from a distance. He walked with the gait of a dragon and a tiger, like a tall pine tree, with an imposing aura that was terrifying.
The general was tall, with a full chest. Beneath thick brows, his eyes shone brightly, a piercing light. His face was defined by strong lines, revealing a resolute and courageous spirit. He wore yellow armor with a red edging. The bright red tassel on his helmet swayed gently with his steps. At his waist hung a sword, its hilt inlaid with gems and its scabbard intricately carved. He exuded a powerful aura.
He walked up to them, shook his sleeves, half-knelt on the ground, clasped his hands together and saluted, saying: "Your humble servant greets the Emperor, greets Concubine Hui, and greets Concubine Wan!"
Hearing this familiar voice, Shen Meizhuang subconsciously stood up, her eyes fixed on the person in front of her, and murmured, "Father!"
Yongzheng also smiled and said, "My dear minister, please stand up."
Shen Meizhuang stepped forward and helped her father up. When she spoke again, her voice was choked with sobs: "Your daughter greets you, father. How is your father? How is your mother?"
Shen Zishan bowed slightly and replied, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. Both I and your wife are fine!"
Hearing her father's unfamiliar words, Shen Meizhuang felt a lump in her nose and was about to cry.
Seeing this, Zhen Huan quickly said, "Master Shen, you've worked hard on your journey! Your Majesty, Master Shen hasn't met the Sixth Prince yet. Why don't you let me take him there?"
"Okay! Mei'er, talk to your father too!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Seeing the father and daughter walking away, Zhen Huan smiled slightly and asked, "Your Majesty, did you make special arrangements for today?"
Yongzheng nodded and smiled, "Mei'er is so hard-working handling harem affairs, and she also has to take care of the Sixth Prince. I really can't bear it. This time, she's being escorted by her father to the Old Summer Palace, so I'm just doing her a favor."
"Your Majesty is wise. Sister Mei and Lord Shen will surely be grateful for your kindness." Zhen Huan replied with a sweet smile.
The two of them looked in the direction where Shen Meizhuang and Shen Zishan left. Soon, two young eunuchs led the wet nurse to them.
Zhen Huan's eyes were as bright as stars, and her tone was cheerful and happy: "Your Majesty, although I couldn't hear what they said, I know that Sister Mei must be extremely happy at this moment!"
"When the time is right, I will also let your father come to meet you." Yongzheng was infected by her emotions, and held Zhen Huan's hand tightly, saying affectionately.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
After a while, Shen Meizhuang came over with a smile on her face, bowed again and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty!"
"Why don't you spend some more time talking to your father?"
"Father said he had to go on patrol and didn't want to waste time."
"Well, I'm relieved that you, Mr. Shen, will escort me along the way."
After a while, everyone got back on the carriage and headed towards the Old Summer Palace.