Transmigrating into a book to save her best friend, her sickly husband vies for her affections every

Winter hunting season arrived in the blink of an eye.

This winter in the capital is unusually cold, with heavy snow falling outside the hunting grounds.

Tingyao and Meng** were walking hand in hand.

Meng** was in a great mood. She took a few steps forward, looking at the layers of mountains and the falling snow. "Look at this snow, how beautiful it is! We can't afford to go to Harbin, but we can see just as much here."

Tingyao was amused by her, and Meng** turned around and threw a snowball at her, "Don't look so gloomy, let's cheer up."

Both of them knew that this winter hunt was the beginning of a bad situation.

Not to mention, Tingyao also saved the lives of the two key figures who caused Zhang Zhan's irreversible descent into darkness, making this winter hunt even more interesting.

"What's the rush? We're just small fry. Let's just watch the show." Meng** said, seeing that Tingyao wasn't interested in playing along. "There's always a way out, and things will work themselves out!"

Tingyao hummed in agreement, walked towards her, and then threw the snowball she had hidden in her hand at the back of her neck, saying, "Serves you right for throwing that at me!"

Meng Bing's grin.

When they returned from their playful fight, they heard people talking about how Zhang Zhan and Zhao Fusi had both come back.

Meng** joined in, saying to Tingyao, "Do you think *** and Zhang Zhan have formed a secret alliance? Or is it something else?"

The plot is now unknown, and Tingyao cannot make a judgment.

However, Tingyao saw someone.

Prince Fan.

What will be the future path of this person?

A banquet was held in the evening. Tingyao and Meng** sat together, seemingly anticipating what was about to happen.

Tingyao felt that there was a possibility of it happening, but Zhao Siwei would not let Zhao Fucang get hurt.

Zhao Fucang now has many more guards around him.

Zhang Zhan, still in mourning, sat quietly beside Zhao Siwei in plain clothes, looking quite haggard. Zhao Siwei's heart was entirely with Zhao Fucang.

After a few rounds of drinks, Zhao Fucang suddenly brought up Zhang Zhan's disaster relief efforts.

It was a perfect outcome.

“There is currently a vacancy for the position of Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Revenue. I think you should fill the vacancy, Zhang Zhan.”

The Ministry of Revenue manages the money, and the physician is a fourth-rank official, appointed by the emperor himself, so he would never be neglected.

Zhang Zhan was about to express his gratitude when Prince Fan suddenly said something inappropriate, "Isn't Your Majesty making things difficult for him? This child's grandparents have just passed away, and he is still grieving. To give him something to do at this time is not considerate."

Zhang Zhan already loathed the vassal kings, and thinking back to that dream he wished he could chop them into human flesh and fry them. "We eat the king's food and serve the king. The Marquis's mansion is what it is today because of His Majesty's compassion. When my grandfather was alive, he told me many times to do more for the country and the people."

Zhao Fu'er raised his hand and fanned himself. "Uncle, have you drunk too much? Why are you suddenly talking about the Ministry of Revenue? I don't remember you having any dealings with the Ministry of Revenue."

Prince Fan: "I just think your father is inconsiderate. Otherwise, I would have given Zhang Zhan a less important job."

Zhao Fucang felt that Fan Wang's words made some sense, and seeing that Zhang Zhan had indeed become much thinner, he felt even more sorry for him.

When the report on the snow disaster arrived, none of the officials dared to step forward to carry out the task, except for Zhang Zhan, who even presented the disaster relief terms and the requirements for demotion in front of him.

He passed away before even the seven-day mourning period for his grandparents was over.

“Father,” Zhao Siwei also spoke, his gaze sharp as a knife as he looked at Prince Fan, warning him to shut up.

Zhao Fucang remembered that he had promised his son to give Zhang Zhan a good official position. Otherwise, he would have had a hard time in the Pingyang Marquis's mansion. If his son did not agree, he would immediately pack his bags and take the cat with him and leave the palace to seek refuge.

Zhang Zhan is indeed a rare talent, and he was someone Zhang Zhan had watched grow up. Everyone was responsible for what happened last time, but fortunately no one was killed, so it was resolved quickly.

Zhao Fucang said, "Then let's make him the Vice Minister of Revenue." He looked at Prince Fan and couldn't help but ask, "What, do you have a better position?"

Prince Fan pondered for a moment, "Isn't the Ministry of War short of a vice minister? Talent should be used in the field of weaponry. The fighting is still ongoing, and although it's nearing its end, it's precisely when the fighting is over that we need help."

The position of Vice Minister is a third-rank official, one rank higher than that of a Gentleman of the Palace.

Many people in the Ministry of War were former subordinates of Prince Fan. Although Prince Fan is currently not concerned with state affairs, if he wanted to know something, countless people would immediately come forward to tell him.

Zhao Fucang looked at King Fan.

This wasn't a discussion about Zhang Zhan's official position; it was a blatant statement that Zhang Zhan was to be handed over to him for disposal.

Zhao Fucang was as clear-headed as a hawk, but after all, he was an emperor. He would never offend anyone, especially the person who had helped him ascend the throne.

and so.

"Zhang Zhan, what do you think?"

Zhang Zhan was given the choice.

Zhang Zhan had only one answer: "The Ministry of Revenue."

The prince put down his teacup and snorted.

Zhao Sifu gestured for Zhang Zhan to stand up and sit down.

Tingyao withdrew her gaze and heard Meng** ask, "Zhang Zhan is still the heir of the Marquis's mansion, so he has to observe three years of mourning."

The Pingyang Marquis's residence couldn't offer Zhang Zhan much support, after all, he still had children from his second wife.

Therefore, the only thing we can rely on is—

Someone walked in; it was Empress Yan.

The singing and dancing stopped.

Everyone bowed.

Empress Yan bowed to Zhao Fucang, "Your Majesty, I just discovered a villain. I was going to deal with him, but the man said he knew Nian'er, who was by my side. Nian'er went to check and told me that the man was a former maid of Consort Xian. This person died back then, but suddenly came back to life..."

Once the free royal gossip started, everyone fell silent.

Zhao Fucang: "Why are you bringing up Consort Xian again? Wasn't the Empress feeling unwell and not coming today? Why is she spouting nonsense now that she's here?"

"Please, Your Majesty, take a step closer."

Zhao Fucang's cold gaze lingered, but out of respect for the Empress Yan's utmost seriousness, he gave the mother of the nation this face.

After Zhao Fucang and Empress Yan left, Crown Prince Zhao Sicong, who was in charge of making the arrangements, took the initiative to assume the role of the host and told everyone to eat and drink well.

He didn't forget to toast Zhang Zhan, saying, "Congratulations, Young Master Zhang."

Zhang Zhan returned the toast, saying, "Thank you for your guidance, Your Highness."

Zhao Sicong: "Let bygones be bygones, and we'll still be good brothers from now on."

Tingyao and Meng** noticed someone coming in and invited Zhao Siwei and Zhang Zhan out.

Then, half an hour later, another person was invited to the side.

Inside the tent next to it.

The people who were summoned listened to Empress Yan's words and looked at Zhang Zhan's face, and they all shook their heads in unison.

"That palace maid is skilled at massage. She massaged Chenfu a few times, and the pain that had bothered him for many years was gone. Since it was such a close matter, I didn't think that Prince Zhang and that palace maid looked alike."

Zhang Zhan knelt in the very center, looking up at Zhao Fucang.

Zhao Siwei also knelt down, "This is too unbelievable, please, Father..."

Zhao Sifu dismissed all officials and their families, saying, "I do not wish for any part of today's events to be heard anywhere in the capital."

As soon as the person left, Empress Yan was already impatient. "Your Majesty, this kind of thing must not be tolerated. Consort Xian is vicious. If Zhang Zhan is really of royal blood, then the original bloodline of the Marquis's mansion was also killed by Consort Xian!"

Zhao Siwei never expected that Zhang Zhan's true identity would be exposed by Empress Yan.

Moreover, it happened in a way that benefited no one.

It is said that the palace maid Luozhu was specially brought into the palace by Consort Xian to help her gain favor. After Consort Xian became pregnant, she often had Luozhu serve her in bed. Later, fearing that her own child was not a prince, she planned to have Luozhu pregnant as well, so that since they were both of royal blood, one of them would be carrying a son.

Unexpectedly, after Consort Xian confirmed that she was carrying a son, she wanted to kill Luozhu. Luozhu was saved by the Emperor, but he made her drink an abortion potion, and that was the end of it.

As a result, Luo Zhu hated Consort Xian and attacked her. Consort Xian was pregnant and could not kill anyone; she had to do good deeds for the sake of her unborn child. So she sent Luo Zhu to work at the royal villa.

Luo Zhu met Zhang Ruizhe's first wife, Jiang Wan. Luo Zhu told her the truth, which made Jiang Wan feel sorry for her. She wanted to help keep the baby, so she arranged for Luo Zhu to fake her death. However, soon after, Zhang Ruizhe's pregnant mistress appeared and gave birth at the manor with Jiang Wan.

Zhao Siwei initially questioned whether Empress Yan was exaggerating, but seeing Zhao Sifu's increasingly strange expression, he vaguely felt that it was probably true.

If that's the case, Zhang Zhan was not allowed to give birth to a prince, and Consort Xian was an even more wicked woman. The death of the Empress, a palace maid of such status, was not properly investigated and no one was held accountable. And he, he was a great victim of injustice.

Zhao Fucang stared at Zhang Zhan's face for a long time, then shook his head, "You can't tell anything just by looking at his face."

This statement acknowledges that he and Luozhu did indeed have a child.

"What about a blood test?" Empress Yan asked.

Zhao Fucang flicked his sleeve, "Empress, I think you've gone mad. Bringing up these old matters from so many years ago, all I did today was give Zhang Zhan a doctor's position, and you're already jumping to conclusions. If I were to appoint him to the cabinet in the future, wouldn't you be capable of anything?"

After saying this, Zhao Fucang walked out, saying, "Don't mention this matter again!"

Empress Yan was furious, staring at the two kneeling men. "I know you are the one, you bastard not recognized by the royal family." She then glared at Zhao Siwei, "Your mother is no better. She sent her friend to be a palace maid, keeping her trapped in the capital, and even offered her up to His Majesty!"

"I don't understand what Your Majesty is saying." Zhao Siwei stood up and reached out to pull Zhang Zhan, who was still kneeling, to his feet. "If Your Majesty isn't leaving, then we will."

As Zhao Siwei spoke, he pulled the person away.

Zhang Zhan's thoughts were still on the look Zhao Fusi had given him just now.

A complex scrutiny, a hesitant gaze, a skeptical inquiry.

They didn't want to mention the existence of the "Tenth Prince" or the "Tenth Princess" at all.

What a useless emperor he is! If he truly cared for his mother, why didn't he keep them instead of sending them away?

Zhao Siwei found it strange.

The only difference is that in the previous life, it was Zhao Fu'er who exposed it in the Golden Palace. At that time, Zhao Fucang was only stunned for a moment, stared at Zhang Zhan for a while, and then tolerated him.

Now they've shut themselves in, clearly indicating they don't want to talk about this at all.

Zhang Zhan's voice was cold and gloomy, "Your father probably won't be sleeping tonight. He'll probably be thinking all night about whether to acknowledge me or not."

Zhao Siwei: "Are you still going back to the banquet?"

Zhang Zhan pointed to a spot and said, "Do you really think I'm easily frightened? Ji Fuguang, the jewels on your crown are brighter than the stars in the sky!"

The three people who had been listening to the gossip from a distance all exclaimed "Eh!" and had no choice but to come out.

Ji Fuguang was the most cowardly. "I... I just remembered my mother needs to see me. I'll go now, I'll go now!"

Meng** was familiar with Zhao Siwei anyway. Although the older sister's surname was Ji, she was Meng**'s good friend. Besides, why should two grown men argue with a woman? So, he ran away without any sense of loyalty.

"What did you hear?" Zhao Siwei asked.

Meng**: "I just came out for a stroll. It's so stuffy inside, you can hear whatever you want here."

“Keep an eye on something, and try to piece it together by asking around,” Zhang Zhan said bluntly.

Meng** still remembered Zhang Zhan winning money last time and wanted to say something, but then he remembered that Zhang Zhan no longer had "grandfather and grandmother". If he talked back or offended him today, it might cause trouble for the Meng family.

Furthermore, she was well aware of Zhang Zhan's status and position.

"Let me escort you two back," Zhao Siwei offered. "Please, Miss Ji."

"Then thank you, Ninth Prince." Tingyao stepped forward.

Four people walked, two in front and two behind, keeping a short distance between them, each talking to themselves.

Zhao Siwei told Tingyao, "The assassination attempt failed."

Tingyao: "It's not the last day yet, don't let your guard down. Why didn't your mother come this year?"

Zhao Siwei said, "I'm so angry my head hurts! Can you two please stop arguing?!" He turned to look at you and said, "Weren't you two usually quite polite to each other?"

Zhang Zhan: "She called me a hypocrite first."

Zhao Siwei: "How old are you? Why are you arguing with Meng**?"

"She said Tingyao and I have bad sportsmanship when playing cards." Meng**'s opinion of Zhang Zhan has been declining lately. "You're clearly cheating!"

Tingyao pulled Meng** aside, saying, "This is what they call 'luck is worthless in the face of absolute strength.' Okay, we lost. We won't play cards anymore."

Meng** snorted at Zhang Zhan, then grabbed Tingyao and muttered, "The way he looked at you just now was like he wanted to tear you apart, it was terrifying. I asked him what he was looking at, and he glanced at me and told me to watch where I was going."

Tingyao glanced at Zhang Zhan.

This kid always makes a lot of sense, so why did he suddenly start arguing with Meng**?

Zhang Zhan, thinking about Zhao Siwei's approach to winning over the Meng family, said that they couldn't go to extremes anymore, so he would have to distance himself from the Meng family.

He also put in the effort, having someone investigate Meng** before leaving Beijing.

Once you know what she likes, it's easy to figure out how to annoy her.

Just say that Ji Tingyao is bad.

"Stay away from Fan Wang," Zhao Siwei said.

Zhang Zhan didn't speak, but stared at Ji Tingyao, and asked again, "Do you really want him to be my sister-in-law?"

"Is it not good?"

"Where is it good?"

Zhao Siwei: ...

Zhang Zhan: "But she must have some cunning to come up to you. Are you really not sure what she wants from you? Otherwise, why would she help you get close to you again and again?"

Zhao Siwei had never thought about this question.

Seeing him stunned, Zhang Zhan snapped his fingers and blew on them, saying, "Don't let the people and things disappear from the map, and you'll still be clueless about what happened."

Seeing that Zhao Siwei didn't speak, Zhang Zhan turned around and saw Zhao Siwei staring at Tingyao with a strange look in his eyes.