Chapter 48: Wagtail Incense Rosary

Chapter 48 Wagtail Incense Rosary

The Royal Garden is full of exotic flowers and plants, pavilions and rugged rocks.

The tall trees are full of chirping birds, and the stream is flowing between the rocks. There are cranes standing under the pine trees, raising their chests and heads high, and singing loudly. The whole scene is dreamlike, like a fairyland. Shui Rong and Emperor Yongkang walked on the path painted on stones, admiring the beauty of the imperial garden.

After a moment, Emperor Yongkang said with a smile: "Speaking of which, you haven't been to the Imperial Garden for a few years, but you feel there is any difference."

Shui Rong grew up in the imperial palace, so he had seen the royal garden, but he had never been to the palace since his adoption.

At this time, after hearing Emperor Yongkang's inquiry, Shui Rong looked around and replied: "To be different, the Imperial Garden has added a lot of vitality. Even the crane is also very energetic. It seems that the Ministry of Internal Affairs is taking care of it. good."

The Imperial Garden is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and is managed by its affiliated Fenchenyuan.

After hearing this, Emperor Yongkang looked at the crane that was picking its feathers. He seemed to have remembered something and said with a smile: "I remember that you were very naughty when you were a child. You wanted to ride the crane and you were so reckless that you almost killed the crane. If it weren't for two My brother is protecting me, I won’t be scolded by my father at all.”

"Second brother." After hearing this, Shui Rong raised his brows and became nervous. He needed to know that their "second brother" was Prince Yi Zhong.

Speaking of Prince Yi Zhong, Shui Rong felt that it was quite a pity. Prince Yi Zhong was originally his legitimate son. He was smart and studious since he was a child. He was not only proficient in the classics of various schools of thought and poetry of the past dynasties, but was also proficient in bow and horse, and could be said to be both civil and military.

The ownership of the throne is nothing more than the establishment of elders and virtuous people, and Prince Yohitada occupies both. He is the first choice for the throne, but in the end something went wrong and he was rejected by the Supreme Emperor. In the end, he died in depression and rode a crane to the west.

Although Shuirong was young at the time and didn't know much about the inside story, he was not completely ignorant. The reason why Prince Yohitada's bad things were so taboo was because the things he committed were rebellions.

When a son rebels against me, no one with a broken head would take the initiative to mention such things. This is not a bad thing for the Supreme Emperor.

However, as Prince Yohitada was the first choice for the throne, as long as nothing unexpected happened, he was almost certain to ascend to the throne, so why would he choose to rebel?

Based on the analysis of the situation at that time, Shui Rong felt that there was something very fishy about it, and he estimated that there was still a fight for the right to inherit the throne. Even if Prince Yi Zhong was at the height of his power, but he had not ascended to the Dabao, everything was possible. As long as Prince Yi Zhong was pulled down, then everyone would It's all the same starting line again.

But having said that, even Shui Rong, who didn't know the details, guessed that there was something fishy in it. How could the Supreme Emperor not be suspicious?Guessing that Prince Yi Zhong's voice was too loud, the Emperor was afraid of him, so the Emperor took advantage of the situation to deal with Prince Yi Zhong.

If not, how could everything happen so suddenly? The popular Prince Yi Zhong was instantly labeled as a rebel, confusing everyone.

This is the royal family. Under the temptation of the supreme throne, the so-called family affection becomes ridiculous.

Of course, this is just Shui Rong's speculation. There is another possibility, that is, the Supreme Emperor has been in power for too long. Prince Yi Zhong, who was the first choice for the throne, could not stand it any longer and made dangerous moves under the temptation of power.

It's a done deal, there's no point in thinking about it anymore, who cares about the truth.

At this time, Shui Rong was cautious. Even though Emperor Yongkang seemed to be reminiscing about the past, who knew what he meant by mentioning Prince Yi Zhong.

Thinking of this, Shui Rong also talked about family matters and said, "Brother, this is a young matter, and I will forget about it."

That was the age for wearing crotchless pants, but that didn't mean I was young.

Emperor Yongkang smiled and shook his head, then sighed softly: "Hey, speaking of it, we brothers were also very happy at the beginning, but now, the third brother has been deprived of his title, and the fifth and ninth brothers have been imprisoned in the clan mansion."

Shui Rong's heart became heavier as he listened to Emperor Yongkang recounting the fate of his brothers one by one.

Some of them were dealt with during the reign of the Supreme Emperor, but some of them were dissatisfied and complained in private after Emperor Yongkang ascended the throne, and were demoted and imprisoned.

Mentioning these things at this time, is it to remember the past, or is it a subtle knock?I'm afraid it's just a lot of beating! However, Shui Rong was already very responsible. Not only did he ignore the affairs of the court, but he also engaged in dirty business. What else could he do?Judging from Emperor Yongkang's past attitude, he was quite satisfied with his duties, so why did he suddenly hit him today? After thinking about it, the only variable seemed to be today's dramatic meeting with Jia Yuanchun. After all, Jia Yuanchun was born in the Rongguo Duke's palace and had something to do with the capital.

It should be noted that although the Peking Palace has considerable influence in the military, the Beijing Camp is related to the security of the capital, so the Peking Palace has no contact with the Beijing Camp. At this time, the sudden contact with the daughter of the Duke of Rongguo will inevitably cause confusion. People are prone to imagination, especially the emperor who is a loner and has a suspicious nature.

The higher the position one holds, the more one's words and deeds will be questioned. This is also the reason why Shui Rong is unwilling to choose to marry a distinguished person. The so-called walking on thin ice is not as good as that.

Shui Rong, who wanted to understand, immediately said nothing. He had never thought about having any contact with the Jia family, so there was nothing to worry about. So he followed Emperor Yongkang's words about family life and sighed: "Since ancient times, power has fascinated people. Third brother They are confused!”

Upon hearing this, Emperor Yongkang turned around and looked at Shui Rong, his eyes looking scrutinizing, as if going straight into people's hearts, making people shudder.

After a while, Emperor Yongkang said melancholy: "You are right, power fascinates people's hearts and makes brothers hate each other. Now I only have the eighth brother and the little sixteen couple around me. I hope that our brothers will be considerate and help me manage the country well." country."

When Shui Rong heard this, he was heartbroken, and he started beating and gathering. Isn't this just hitting a stick and giving a sweet date!

Tsk tsk tsk. This Yongkang Emperor is really unpredictable. Fortunately, Shui Rong has adopted him at this time. Otherwise, based on the suspicion shown by Yongkang Emperor, I am afraid that his life will be difficult, and he may not follow the example of his cheap brothers. Followed in the footsteps.

It has to be said that knowing a son is better than a father. The Emperor's adoption of Shui Rong seemed to lower Shui Rong's status, but in fact it greatly reduced the suspicion of Emperor Yongkang. It was really clever to evolve from fear to wooing.

After thinking for a moment, Shui Rong said respectfully: "Bago is very capable and can help the emperor. I have little knowledge and talent, so I won't cause trouble to the emperor. However, if there is a need for me, the emperor will say anything and I will do my best." .”

Shui Rong understood what it meant to beat him, but let it go if he wanted to win over him. He didn't want to be with the tiger, so he should just be his own idle prince. However, Shui Rong didn't say anything to death, and still left some room. This would be good for everyone.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Yongkang looked at Shuirong. After a moment, he smiled and shook his head. He had hit him successfully, but failed to win over him, but Emperor Yongkang did not intend to go into details.

After all, there are not many brothers left, and there have been rumors in the early years that he is ungrateful and mean. If he does not let go of the adopted Xiaoliu, it will make people's hearts cold, and the scholars will not sacrifice their lives.

Therefore, Emperor Yongkang really didn't want Shui Rong to be obsessed with power and commit an unforgivable crime. Emperor Yongkang wanted to beat Shui Rong in advance, that's all.

At present, it seems that Shui Rong is very law-abiding, but he is overthinking it.

Seeing the small pavilion in front of him, Emperor Yongkang smiled and invited: "Let's not talk about this anymore. There is a pavilion in front of us. Go there and have a rest."

Upon hearing this, Shui Rong nodded slightly and followed Emperor Yongkang towards the pavilion.

Entering the pavilion, the two of them sat separately, and the maids served tea and fruit on the stone bench, Emperor Yongkang took a sip of tea and moistened his throat. He immediately looked at Shuirong and praised: "I heard from my eighth brother that you took the initiative to pay the money owed to the Ministry of Revenue. You are sensible. I am very relieved."

Shui Rong's hand holding the fragrant tea paused, and he was not in a hurry to moisten his throat. He said in a slightly aggrieved tone: "Brother Emperor, when I talk about this matter, I feel uncomfortable. Originally, I wanted to write off the account and settle the matter." , who knew that my cousin would still torment others."

Don't think that Emperor Yongkang just praised him. Every word and deed he said had profound meaning. Judging from Shui Rong, he probably wanted to give Shui Rong some help, so Shui Rong blocked his words first.

I feel aggrieved and have reached an agreement with King Zhongshun. You can't ask for anything more! Emperor Yongkang understood the meaning of Shui Rong, chuckled lightly, and cursed: "My eighth brother is devoted to state affairs, so I asked you to help me, but you still resist me. You are so lazy."

Xiao Liu is really slippery, and he is undoubtedly a profiteer.

When Shui Rong heard this, he sneered in his heart and took money from other people's pockets. Is this a simple favor?That is because it is due to silver, otherwise Shui Xiong would not bother to pay attention.

However, now that he said this, Shui Rong had some thoughts in his mind. After thinking for a moment, he cupped his hands and said, "Brother Emperor, it stands to reason that repaying debts is a matter of course. Ministers who borrowed money from the treasury should return it in full. I'm just afraid that even if they have the intention to pay, they should pay it back." , which cannot be repaid.”

Emperor Yongkang frowned when he heard this, "What does Xiaoliu mean?"Advise him not to call the treasury? However, Emperor Yongkang was not angry. He knew that Shui Rong had never cared about these matters in the court, and the mention at this time should be something other than a pretext. If not, Shui Rong would not have to take the initiative to pay the money owed to the Ministry of Revenue.

After pondering for a moment, Emperor Yongkang asked: "In your opinion, what should we do?"

Seeing that Emperor Yongkang was not angry, Shui Rong no longer hesitated and said bluntly: "Brother, as far as I know, those who owe money to the treasury are mostly the princes and nobles in Beijing. They are all accustomed to living extravagantly." In life, the mansion has long been empty. Otherwise, it would not be necessary to borrow money from the treasury. If nothing else, let’s just say that my brother’s palace is now unable to make ends meet. If my brother’s business hadn’t been good, I’m afraid this would be the case. I can’t even pay the debt.”

The wealthy families such as Beijing Prince's Mansion are unable to make ends meet, and other princes and nobles are afraid that it will be even more difficult to sustain, and they seem to be going downhill. At this time, they are urged to pay the outstanding silver, and their inner resistance is even worse, prompting them to huddle together for warmth.

Emperor Yongkang raised his eyebrows slightly when he heard this. This business is just opening a brothel.

But that's not the point at this time. Listening to Shui Rong's words of crying for poverty, Emperor Yongkang looked ugly and said: "The imperial court did not treat them badly. Why is this? I think they are overindulging in lust and have no idea of ​​frugality. They deserve this."

For the princes and nobles in the capital, in addition to their salaries, they would receive silver rewards every year, which was extremely generous. However, even so, the various mansions still could not make ends meet. It was obvious that the expenses were too high, and no one else could blame them.

Shui Rong was silent when he heard the words. After all, what Emperor Yongkang said was true. If he didn't know how to be frugal, how could he not make ends meet. But by the way, Shui Rong's words also scolded Shui Rong's Beijing Palace. He felt incomprehensible! After pondering for a moment, Shui Rong said leisurely: "It is easy to go from frugality to luxury, but it is difficult to go from luxury to frugality. Whoever is used to living a good life is willing to be frugal. If he fails to do something good, others will say that the mansion is lonely, and he will be gossiped about. He can only stand firm. It’s burning.”

Shui Rong is right. It is indeed difficult to be frugal when you are used to a good life. What's more, once you are frugal, others are not allowed to gossip. Then your life is gone and your reputation is gone. So even if you can't make ends meet, you will still make ends meet, even if you borrow money. Money must also be maintained.

The ancients valued dignity, and there was nothing they could do about it.

Emperor Yongkang obviously understood this truth, but did not agree with it. This was not the reason why they owed money to the treasury.

Thinking of this, Emperor Yongkang was slightly dissatisfied and said: "Xiao Liu, that's all money from the treasury, you can't let me write it off in one stroke."

The money in the national treasury is used to maintain the livelihood of the people and the country. If the national treasury has no surplus, it will be difficult to face natural and man-made disasters and may damage the foundation of the imperial court. Therefore, even the most powerful people cannot withdraw money from the national treasury at will.

Emperor Yongkang was willing to listen to Shui Rong because he valued him more, but if he disagreed with his ears, he would lose his temper.

Seeing this, Shui Rong understood clearly and continued: "Of course I don't mean this. It's just that I think it's a bit difficult to ask them to pay the silver arrears all at once. Therefore, I think they should pay part of it first and wait for the rest in the coming year." Qi, in this way, it will not only give them time to turn around, but also show the kindness of the emperor brother."

When Emperor Yongkang heard this, he immediately understood that Gan Qing Shui Rong meant paying the arrears in installments. Emperor Yongkang had this intention earlier, but everyone started crying when they heard the reminder, which caused a headache.

Without thinking too much, Emperor Yongkang agreed: "Yes, let them pay [-]% first, and the rest will be paid in the next year."

Since Shuirong had made the suggestion, Emperor Yongkang got off the donkey along the slope and agreed to the matter.

What’s just puzzling is that Shui Rong never cared about these matters in the court, so why did he suddenly start to remonstrate?Although he was confused about Shui Rong's abnormality, he didn't think much about it. After all, he was also running an errand for him.

When Shui Rong heard this, he couldn't help but feel relieved. It would be feasible to pay half of it first, so Shui Rong raised his hand and said, "Thank you for your understanding, brother Huang. However, I am not sure in my heart. If I can't meet the requirements of brother Huang, I hope you won't do it." Blame.”

This time he took the initiative to call for the payment of the owed money because he had his own ideas. After all, Emperor Yongkang was really lenient and kind to him, so he should also show appropriate kindness. This is called reciprocity.

It's just that water dissolution does not involve too much to ensure the success of the errand, so it is necessary to take a preventive shot first to prevent Emperor Yongkang from being too disappointed, which would be counterproductive.

When Emperor Yongkang heard this, he suddenly realized that Shui Rong was still Shui Rong and was not interested in the affairs of the court. He was able to express his stance this time and guessed that his win over had some effect, but he didn't want to pay too much attention to it.

Thinking of this, Emperor Yongkang said calmly: "It's okay, I won't blame you."

It's good to have a change in attitude, and Emperor Yongkang didn't want to force it, as long as he had this attitude.

After pondering for a moment, Emperor Yongkang took off a string of rosary beads from his hand and handed them to the water. The blood vessels have also become smoother, I like it very much, so I will give it to you this time, please accept it."

Shui Rong was stunned when he heard the words, "Wagtail fragrant rosary", is this the rosary that appears in the original work? I remember that in the original work, Shui Rong gave this rosary to Jia Baoyu, but according to the timeline, it was obviously much earlier. Why was the rosary given to him at this time? Could it be to commend him? And he couldn't help but think too much. Faced with the emperor's reward, Shui Xiang couldn't refuse it, so he thanked him and said, "My brother thanks the emperor for the reward."

Taking the rosary, it was slightly cool to the touch. There were twelve beads with delicate texture and round round shape. The rosary was engraved with a bird-shaped pattern, which should be a "wagtail".

The so-called "wagtail" is a kind of small bird. Usually when one bird is lost, a group of birds will sing. "The Book of Songs·Chang Di" says: "The order of the spine is still there, and the brothers are in distress." Ancient poems use "wagtail" as a metaphor to sing about brothers. The relationship between each other shows that only brothers are the most trustworthy in times of crisis.

This time Emperor Yongkang rewarded him with "wagtail incense rosary" to show his brotherhood.

Shui Rong took it and sniffed it, and said in surprise: "It's really refreshing after smelling it. This is a good thing. Brother Huang is really grand."

When Emperor Yongkang saw Shui Rong playing with the rosary beads he had been given, he did not feel that there was anything rude about it, but seemed to be close to him, so he laughed and scolded: "I can't be stingy after saying this, but it's fine if you like it, I'm still afraid I can’t take it!”

Shui Rong didn't say anything when he heard the words. He put it on his right wrist. The size was just right. For a while, the brothers chatted and seemed harmonious.

(End of this chapter)