I have a role in the heavens

Jia She curled his lips. He was not interested in the changes in the court situation, and had a bit of impatience on his face. Although he held the position of first-class general, he had no actual duties and did not need to go to court. He only just He drank, had fun and played with women, and didn't care who became the prince.

"You guys chat, I have something else to do and I'm going out first!"

Jia She said, stood up and left, leaving only Jia Zheng and Zhen Yingjia looking at each other in silence.

"Brother, he is not interested in these government affairs, let's talk!"

Jia Zheng laughed, which relieved the awkward atmosphere, and smiled sheepishly at Zhen Yingjia.

Zhen Yingjia had also heard about Jia She's bastard a long time ago, so she didn't care and continued.

"Nowadays, there are fierce fights among the princes. People like us always have to consider future generations. There is no way to avoid it. We must make a choice!"

Zhen Yingjia came to Rongguo Mansion to be a lobbyist and wanted to win over Rongguo Mansion. Of course, the drunkard's intention was not to drink. What he wanted to win over was Wu Guogong Jia Chang. As long as the Rongguo Mansion declares its surrender, Jia Chang will not be able to stay out of the matter and will be dragged into the quagmire sooner or later.

Jia Zheng did not express his position when he heard this, but he knew the danger of seizing the heir. If he was not careful, the whole family would be involved. Now the Jia family has reached its peak. A family of Three Kingdoms, even if it supports the new emperor's ascension to the throne, it will not Not much benefit.

"Having said that, our mansion is already extremely wealthy, so it's better to be cautious. Why bother to wade into this muddy water again."

Jia Zheng lowered his head and took a sip of tea, guessing the purpose of Zhen Yingjia's visit. The daughter of the Zhen family became a concubine in the palace and gave birth to the third prince. Now she is participating in politics in the Ministry of Household Affairs and covets the position of the prince. Privately, she has no idea. They rarely win over courtiers and are very active. The Zhen family naturally supports the third prince. If they want to win over the Jia family, they mainly want to win over Jia Chang, who is the Duke of Wu Kingdom.

Zhen Yingjia's eyes moved slightly, her face changed slightly, she frowned and thought for a moment, then spoke.

"Brother, what you said is ridiculous. Now that Duke Wu is so powerful, it is not so easy to stay out of it. If he is not a friend, he is an enemy. Is it possible that he dares to be enemies with all the princes?!"

When Zhen Yingjia said this, her eyes were fixed on Jia Zheng's reaction. Seeing his expression change slightly, she felt a little more confident and continued.

"The third prince is born to Concubine Zhen, and our two families have been friends for many years. Naturally, we are different from other princes, and our relationship is naturally close. If the third prince becomes a great treasure in the future, he will naturally ensure the wealth and prosperity of our family. Then That’s the real peace of mind!”

Jia Zhen's expression changed. He was an upright person who was not good at worldly affairs. He was deceived by Zhen Yingjia after a few words. He thought for a moment and sighed.

"I can't decide on this matter. I'll ask someone to invite Chang'er. You can tell him in person!"

Jia Zheng was self-aware and sent people directly to Duke Wu's Mansion to invite Jia Chang over so that Zhen Yingjia and Jia Chang could talk face to face.

Zhen Yingjia was overjoyed. Naturally, he wanted to talk to Jia Chang directly. However, he and Jia Chang had never had any friendship before, so he needed Jia Zheng to be an introducer before they could meet.

Jia Zheng threw the pot away and felt relaxed physically and mentally. Then he started chatting with Zhen Yingjia and said with a smile.

"I heard that Brother Shixiong's beloved son is also named Baoyu, which is the same name as my ineffective villain, which is quite rare!"

"What Brother Shi said is true. When I heard about this, I felt strange and wanted to see your precious jade!"

With a slight smile on her face, Zhen Yingjia put down the teacup in her hand and said with a look of surprise.

When Jia Zheng heard this, he quickly asked his servant to call Jia Baoyu over and ask him to pay his respects to Uncle Shi.

Jia Baoyu suffered several severe beatings from Jia Zheng and was in awe of him. He walked in timidly and carefully looked at Jia Zheng. Seeing that his face was kind and not angry, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Then he bowed and said respectfully.

"My son has met the master!"

Jia Zheng looked at Jia Baoyu's wretched and cramped look, and was filled with anger in his heart. Why did he have such a thing? Both Jia Chang and Jia Huan are now very successful. Only such a thing, they hang out together every day. In the inner house, he eats the rouge on the maid's mouth, complains about the dirty men, and his daughter is pure and pure. She doesn't seek advancement, which makes her angry and wants to reshape him. It's really a vision of being blind and born with a jade in her mouth.

"I haven't met your uncle of the Zhen family yet. He has a son with the same name as you, and he's a little older than you!"

When Jia Baoyu heard this, he was curious. He raised his head and glanced at Zhen Yingjia. He quickly bowed his hands and called someone.

"Baoyu has met Uncle Shi!"

Zhen Yingjia looked at Jia Baoyu and was slightly startled. He originally thought that Jia Baoyu and Zhen Baoyu had the same name, but he didn't take it too seriously. Little did he know that when they met today, not only did they look the same, but they also behaved the same way. Surprised, he quickly stood up and walked to Jia Baoyu's side, stretched out his hand to help him up, and said with a loving look on his face.

"It's really rare. He looks exactly like my dog. If he hadn't been in Jinling, I would have thought he had come to Rongguo Mansion and was joking with me!"

When Jia Zheng heard this, he felt strange in his heart. He looked at Jia Baoyu strangely and saw him looking at Zhen Yingjia blankly, saying with hatred that iron cannot become steel.

"Even though this scoundrel looks similar to my nephew, his personality is completely different. He is very incompetent. He doesn't like saints' articles, hates economic and official careers, hangs around in the back house all day long, and is a libertine!"

Jia Zheng's face was filled with anger, and he glared at Jia Baoyu fiercely, making him tremble with fear. Seeing this, Jia Zheng became even more angry, he was a coward without courage.

When Zhen Yingjia heard this, her expression became even weirder. His Zhen Baoyu was also such a thing, as if he was carved from the same mold. He coughed twice in embarrassment and began to change the subject and asked about Baoyu's knowledge.

After some exchanges, Zhen Yingjia was even more surprised. Jia Baoyu was so similar to her own son. He liked poetry and songs, was very spiritual, but also crazy, disdainful of worldly things, and romantic.

At this moment, Jia Chang came to Rongxi Hall. Jia Zheng knew that he wanted to talk about business, so he quickly asked Jia Baoyu to step aside. Only then did Zhen Yingjia turn her attention to the world-famous Jia Chang and look at him carefully.

"Sword eyebrows and starry eyes, resolute and elegant, handsome and refined, with a faint aura of majesty and majesty. He is worthy of being the Duke of Wu who canonized by His Majesty. He has good appearance, good style and good bearing!"

Although Jia Baoyu is naughty and ignorant of worldly affairs, he is handsome in appearance. Zhen Yingjia praised him repeatedly when he saw it. However, compared with Jia Chang, he was far inferior. The difference was not in appearance, but more in temperament and charm. , Jia Chang is like the white clouds in the sky, white and flawless, Jia Baoyu is like the mud on the ground, dark and dirty, they cannot be compared.

Jia Zheng opened his mouth to introduce Zhen Yingjia, and then elaborated on Zhen Yingjia's purpose and said to Jia Chang.

"How to do this is naturally up to you!"

Jia Chang looked calm, facing Zhen Yingjia's hot gaze, he slowly picked up the teacup beside him, skimmed off the foam with the lid of the cup, and took a sip, elegantly and elegantly, without a trace of anxiety.

When Zhen Yingjia saw that Jia Chang didn't speak, she couldn't help herself. She leaned forward slightly and spoke quickly with a bit of anxiety.

"The third prince is smart, brave, capable and courageous. He has won the support of many ministers in the court. Even His Majesty often praises him. He is the best candidate for the prince. As long as Wu Guogong joins, he will definitely become a general or a prime minister in the future. Under one person, everything will be done. Above people!"

Hearing this, Jia Chang raised his eyes slightly, glanced at Zhen Yingjia, slowly put down the teacup in his hand, shook his head slightly, and retorted.

"Uncle Shi, I am not boasting. Now I am extremely prosperous, inferior to one person and superior to ten thousand people! Even if I support the third prince to ascend to the great treasure, it is impossible to go further!"

Unlike at the beginning of the founding of the Great Qian Dynasty, Taizu ennobled heroes, four kings, eight princes, and twelve marquises. Now it is a peaceful and prosperous era. No matter who is honored with the great treasure, he will no longer canonize kings with different surnames. The Duke of the country is already Jia Chang. The highest title you can obtain. Emperor Taizhen, Emperor Yuankang, Jia Chang, and the ministers in the court all knew this, and Zhen Yingjia naturally knew it too. He also said this, obviously because he wanted to deceive Jia Chang.

"Moreover, no matter which prince becomes the prince or becomes a great treasure in the future, he will try to win over me. Why should I get involved in this muddy water?"

"No fool will do anything that only has risks and no benefits!"

"So Uncle Shi, you should save your energy. I will not agree to support the third prince! Besides, your majesty will not agree to my supporting any prince. If I make any move, your majesty will definitely be jealous!"

As soon as Jia Chang said these words, Jia Zheng's expression changed slightly. Although he was pedantic, he also knew what would happen if emperors were afraid of Wu since ancient times. He turned to look at Zhen Yingjia and said in a deep voice.

"Brother, the Jia family does not dare to get involved in this matter, so you should please come back!"

Zhen Yingjia frowned and felt unhappy. Jia Chang's refusal made it difficult for him to go back to work. After all, before he came, he boasted about Haikou and could win Jia Chang over. Now that he has returned without success, what should he do?

Zhen Yingjia's thoughts turned, and she suddenly thought of Jia She who had just left. Her eyes moved slightly, and she had an idea. A smile appeared on her face again, and she cupped her hands.

"Since Brother Shi has made his decision, I don't want to force anyone to make things difficult for me. I'll take my leave today and come back to visit you later!"

After saying that, Zhen Yingjia stood up and stepped forward. Just as she reached the threshold of Rongxi Hall, Jia Chang's cold and majestic voice suddenly came from behind.

"Uncle Zhen Shi, let me remind you that my uncle is incompetent. If he is tempted by others and expresses his support for the third prince, don't blame me for not being respectful to the two families!"

"Although I cannot decide who becomes the prince, I can object to who becomes the prince. If anything unpleasant happens, I will make it clear to your majesty that the third prince cannot be a king. I am sure your majesty will consider my opinion carefully!"

Jia Chang was extremely intelligent, and he had a clear view of Zhen Yingjia's reaction just now. He instantly noticed Zhen Yingjia's thoughts, so he warned him.

When Zhen Yingjia heard this, she paused in her steps, her face turned extremely ugly, she put on a false smile, and turned to Jia Chang and said.

"Mr. Wu Guo, don't worry! The third prince will never do such a despicable thing!"

Jia Chang nodded noncommittally, with a calm expression, and stared at Zhen Yingjia with majestic eyes, which made him feel a heavy pressure, and beads of sweat oozed from his forehead, which was a bit unbearable.

"This is the best. Let me tell you that Uncle Shi is definitely not that shameless villain and would never do such a thing!"

No matter what he was thinking in his heart, Zhen Yingjia smiled brightly on the surface and nodded in agreement.

Daming Palace, Qianqing Palace, Emperor Yuan Kang's face was a little pale, tired and weak, but he still sat at his desk, correcting the high pile of memorials, and asked Dai Quan, who was looking worried.

"I heard that Zhen Yingjia visited Rongguo Mansion today, and Duke Wu also went there!"

Dai Quan looked stern when he heard this, bowed quickly, lowered his head, and replied carefully.

"It's true!"

The ink pen in Emperor Yuan Kang's hand paused slightly, and he asked calmly, pretending not to care.

"The Zhen family and the Jia family are family friends. Zhen Yingjia has been in Jiangnan for a long time. He rarely returns to Shenjing City and visits Rongguo Mansion. He must reminisce about the past. What did they say?"

As the imperial steward, Dai Quan served Emperor Yuan Kang when he was in the residence, and he knew the temperament of this supreme emperor very well. The more careless Emperor Yuan Kang showed, the more he paid attention to this matter, and he became more energetic, Not daring to be careless, he quickly replied.

"Zhen Yingjia went to Rongguo Mansion this time as a lobbyist, hoping to win over Duke Wu Guo for the third prince!"

"Um!"

Emperor Yuankang responded lightly, kept the ink pen in his hand, and put the memorial he was correcting on his left side. He picked up a memorial from his right hand again and continued to review it without saying a word.

Dai Quan felt that the entire palace was filled with heavy pressure, and he felt worried. He slightly raised his head and glanced at the expressionless Emperor Yuan Kang, pursed his dry lips, and continued to whisper.

"Wu Guogong rejected Zhen Yingjia's solicitation and expressed his neutral attitude. He also said that if he moved, His Majesty would be wary. He even warned Zhen Yingjia not to try to win over other members of the Jia family."

"Wu Guogong also said"

Dai Quan paused with some hesitation and looked at Emperor Yuan Kang, wondering whether he should continue speaking.

Emperor Yuan Kang stopped what he was doing, glanced sideways at the hesitant Dai Quan, his face darkened, and he said majestically.

"Keep talking!"

Dai Quan was so frightened that he quickly knelt on the ground, kowtowed, and said with a trembling voice.

"Wu Guogong said that although he cannot decide who can become the prince, he can prevent who cannot become the prince. If he makes suggestions to His Majesty, Your Majesty will also consider his opinions!"

Dai Quan's head was stuck to the ground, and his forehead was bruised. Jia Chang's words were indeed bold and taboo. He was worried that His Majesty would be angry after hearing this.

Emperor Yuan Kang's reaction was beyond Dai Quan's expectation. He didn't show any anger or anger. Instead, a faint smile appeared on his majestic and cold face. He lowered his head and looked down at Dai Quan, who was trembling with fear, and said in a soft voice. .

"Get up, you are the chief steward, and you are also very majestic in front of others. Why are you so timid today? It's really a joke!"

Dai Quan was shocked when he heard this, and he quickly got up from the ground, with cold sweat on his forehead, and he hunched over and said.

"A slave will always be your Majesty's slave. Who dares to make fun of you if you fear your Majesty!"

Emperor Yuan Kang nodded slightly when he heard this. He was very impressed by the personal eunuch's words and said with a smile.

"You didn't say this, why are you so scared?!"

"Although these words were not spoken by the slave, the slave is still afraid. Duke Wu's words are too presumptuous, a little overstepping, and offending the power of Heaven!"

Dai Quan's body bent even more, he lowered his head, wishing he could kneel down again, and whispered.

Emperor Yuankang turned his head and reviewed the memorial again. He kept sketching with the ink pen in his hand and spoke after a long time.

"If anyone else said this, it would be an overstep!"

"But if it's what Duke Wu said, it's not considered arrogance. I'm even very relieved that he can stay out of the fight between the princes, which makes me feel at ease!"

"Preaching the decree, Lord Wu is loyal, brave and patriotic, and is a role model for all ministers. I will reward you with a thousand taels of gold, a pair of Ruyi jade, and a hundred pieces of silk and satin!"

"Here!"

Dai Quan quickly bowed and saluted, a trace of surprise flashed in his eyes. Unexpectedly, Emperor Yuan Kang not only did not blame Jia Chang, but instead commended him. It was truly a blessing from the Holy Spirit.

Time is ruthless, and the year has come to an end. The cold winter is coming, and Emperor Yuankang's health is getting worse and worse. Now all the ministers have noticed that His Majesty is ill, and they have begun to place their bets and seek refuge with the prince. The whole court They were all caught up in the fight. Only Jia Chang stayed out of the matter and watched with cold eyes. He did not get involved. The other princes and forces did not dare to provoke him and allowed him to sit on the sidelines.

On this day, Emperor Kangdi of the Japanese Yuan Dynasty summoned his close ministers in turn and gave each of them a secret decree, instructing them to wait until the right time, summon the ministers, open it in front of everyone, and announce the candidate for the new emperor.

Several of Emperor Yuankang's closest ministers took the order and took the secret edict back to the palace, keeping it close to them and not daring to open it.

On the day of the winter solstice, Emperor Yuankang fainted and was dying. After hearing the news, all the princes moved quickly, summoned their confidants to discuss important matters, and finally rushed to the Daming Palace. Only the seventh prince was weak and did not dare to go to the palace to join in the fun. Close the door and see no outsiders.

In the main hall of Qianqing Palace, all the important ministers gathered here. Li Guangzheng, the chief minister of the cabinet, looked at everyone with a solemn expression, and said in a deep voice with great majesty.

"Now that His Majesty is dying and unconscious, and he has not appointed the Crown Prince of the East Palace, what should we do?"

The Prime Minister and the six ministers looked at each other, their expressions changing, and each had their own thoughts. Only Lin Ruhai was calm and composed. Unlike others, everyone knew that he would not get involved in the struggle between the DPRK and China and stay out of it.

Seeing that all the ministers were silent, Li Guangzheng continued to speak with solemn expressions and piercing eyes.

"Your Majesty left a secret decree before. I have one here. Your Majesty once said that there is a candidate for the new emperor in this secret decree. I have brought it here today!"

After saying that, Li Guangzheng took out a bright yellow imperial edict from his sleeve, held it in both hands, looked respectful, and said again.

"Your Majesty once said that there are five copies of this secret edict, which were given to other ministers. We need five of us to open the secret edict together. Only the contents will be the same for it to take effect! Please also invite several other ministers to come out together and take out your secret edicts. Let's work together Announce the candidate for the new emperor!”

After hearing the words, all the ministers looked at each other. They didn't expect that His Majesty would actually leave such a back-up man. They looked inexplicably nervous, clenched their hands, and their backs were soaked with sweat, just in case the new emperor chosen by the secret decree was not the prince they had chosen. , I am afraid that my future will be ruined.

Four ministers stepped out at the same time, including Lin Ruhai, the Minister of Rites who had always stayed out of the matter. He had never been involved in the dispute between the princes. Only he would be impartial, fair and convincing. This was why Emperor Yuan Kang was worried about the others. The close ministers opened the secret edict without authorization and tampered with the edict.