Chapter 105 The Grand Wedding Curtain Opens Text: Ji Jin

  The twilight gathered into a black cloth at the horizon.

  The streets of Beijing are quiet and still.

  The wooden clapper was struck three times.

  The palace lanterns leading the way flickered, and Emperor Hongtai's imperial carriage emerged from Fengtian Gate, heading towards the Jinwang Mansion in the southern part of the capital city. The streets were pitch black, with all lights extinguished, as it was already past curfew time. There were no pedestrians on the road, only squad after squad of patrolling guards wearing armor and carrying swords.

  Very quiet, very quiet.

  In the stillness, I felt that those footsteps were exceptionally clear.

  The royal carriage moved slowly, but with each turn of the wheel, it seemed to emit a tense atmosphere like an impending storm.

  The Prince of Jin's Mansion.

  Zheng Er Bao fiddled with the lamp wick, glanced at the motionless figure with a discerning eye, sighed inwardly, and carefully walked over, speaking in a soft, high-pitched voice.

  "Your Highness, it's late at night, you should rest."

  Zhao Zun seemed to be immersed in his own chess game, his eyebrows furrowed tightly.

  "Wait again."

  What's holding you back?

  Zheng Er Bao sighed inwardly, feeling a bit heartbroken for his master. But having served him all these years, how could he not know his temper? He said wait, who else could drag him to bed anyway?

  After some thought, he could only tactfully remind him.

  "It's already the third watch, Your Highness, what are you still waiting for?"

  Zhao Zhuo's gloomy and depressed face was lit up by the lamp light, which flickered on and off.

  His expression was calm and he didn't look up, simply saying "Wait for the person who's supposed to come."

  Who was the person who came? Zheng Er Bao was just a eunuch, and naturally wouldn't know, nor did he dare to ask carefully. He simply respectfully poured another cup of water for his master, then stood quietly to one side, watching those black and white pieces move back and forth on the chessboard, really unable to understand what this thing meant, how it could be so captivating that his master would come to ponder over it when he had nothing better to do.

  The wick suddenly went "pop".

  Zheng Er Bao's eyelid twitched and he was just about to go and fiddle with it again when a series of footsteps came from outside.

  The person who came in was Chen Jing, he glanced at Zhao Zhuo sitting on the couch and raised his voice slightly.

  "Your Highness, Old Master Wan has arrived at the residence! Do you want to go lie down on the bed first?"

  Has the Emperor arrived? Zhao Zhen showed no expression, but it was enough to scare Zheng Erbao. He had always known that his master was a man of great strategy, but thinking back to what he said earlier about "waiting for someone", Zheng Erbao was already shocked beyond words. Could it be that his master had long expected the Emperor's arrival in the middle of the night?

  As expected, Zhao Zun was not surprised in the slightest.

  He slowly got up, his sleeve brushed against the ground, and a strip of shadow was swept out.

  "Never mind! Let's go and greet them."

  At this point, the Jin Wangfu was very quiet. Hong Tai Emperor walked in big strides and didn't wear a dragon robe, just a simple outfit, looking like an ordinary old man with a spirited appearance. Walking towards the Chengde Institute, he hadn't entered the institute yet when he saw Zhao Zun leading several people waiting at the gate of the institute.

  "Your son has arrived to pay his respects to Your Majesty!"

  Between smart people, there is no need to say too much.

  Emperor Hongtai raised his hand and shouted "Rise", looking at Zhao Zun with a face full of loving smiles, "Even if your body is not convenient, how can you come out? You just lie down, I'll walk a few more steps, what's the hurry?"

  Zhao Zun only said "I don't dare", and then led Hong Tai Emperor into the main hall of Chengde Temple. Before he could even greet him, Zheng Er Bao had already poured a cup of fine tea and performed the ritual of bowing, leading the eunuchs to retreat. The spacious main hall, which seemed a bit empty, was left with only the two father and son.

  They exchanged a few words of no great importance, and the atmosphere between father and son was warm and harmonious, as if the "coup" in the suburbs of Beijing had never happened, until Hong Tai brought up today's main topic.

  "Lao Shijiu, you should know why I have come tonight?"

  Zhao's eyes were calm and unruffled, "I understand, Your Majesty."

  He stroked his beard, and Emperor Hongtai's old eyes sank slightly as he let out a long sigh. "I've heard that your headache has relapsed, I'm worried too. But the sudden mutiny in the capital's garrison came too suddenly, I'm so busy that I couldn't spare any time to visit you for the time being. Now that I'm here, it's not only to visit you while you're ill but also to discuss something with you."

  Zhao Zun fell silent for a moment before responding lightly.

  "Father Emperor has something on his mind, just speak clearly."

  "Old Nineteen, I knew earlier that you were not in good health, yet I still ordered you to go to the suburbs of the capital to mediate, which was indeed a hardship for you. However...” The Emperor Hongtai's old face showed complex emotions, as if he had some feelings, and the wrinkles on his weathered face deepened. "I am getting older, and many things are becoming difficult to handle. But there are too few people in the court who can share my worries! Old Nineteen, this great Jiangshan still needs your diligent assistance in the future."

  Her eyes sank deep, and Zhao Zun's voice became low and husky.

  "Your Majesty is worrying too much, there are many capable people in the court, it's a blessing for our great dynasty!"

  Emperor Hongtai looked at him, his eyes filled with emotions, "Old Nineteen, now it's just you and me, father and son, no need for courtesy or concealment. I'll speak the truth, on the court, the struggle for the throne is getting more intense, everyone forming cliques and eliminating dissidents, these are not good things for the country. Looking at history, none of them were able to stabilize the foundation of the state. This time, the rebellion in the capital's outskirts was clearly instigated by someone who wanted to drive a wedge between you and me, father and son. I'm very clear in my heart, you fought on the battlefield for the sake of the country, and achieved great merits."

  He paused, took a sip of tea, and looked at Zhao Zhen's expressionless face. He sighed again, "I withdrew your military power, you also have a number in your heart, not that I don't trust you, but to protect you. One person's power is too strong, the court will inevitably lose balance, and it's not good for you either. As the emperor, it sounds good to be rich with four seas, everything under control, but the undercurrents of the imperial court have never stopped, many things are not within my power to balance and control. Old 29, can you understand my kindness?"

  Zhao's black eyes sparkled, flashing with a coolness like ice and snow.

  "I understand."

  Hong Tai Di nodded, but his eyes had no hint of comfort, only heartache.

  "What's your condition for mediating?"

  The sentence changed too quickly and suddenly, ordinary people would definitely not understand his meaning. But between the father and son, who didn't understand each other's intentions? Zhao Zun glanced at him with a cold face, his emotions flickering in the dim light, making it impossible to discern his true feelings.

  He remained silent for a while before speaking in a faint tone.

  "The son wishes to request that Your Majesty retract the imperial decree!"

  Hong Tai Emperor looked at him and sighed, "The matter of taking Dongfang as a concubine?"

  Zhao's eyebrows slightly furrowed, his eyes dimmed, "Yes."

  Emperor Hong Tai looked at him, "The Emperor knows that the East family has promised to marry Eldest Brother, which is a humiliation for you. However, our dynasty follows the rule of monogamy, and even if she were to be made a side consort, it would only be to give face to the East family, and in reality, she would just be a concubine. Once she enters your Jin Wang Fu, if she can gain your favor, you can visit her several times, but if she cannot gain your favor, leaving her aside is also acceptable, why must you insist so strongly?"

  Zhao Zun slightly narrowed his eyes, staring directly at Emperor Hong Tai, with a pair of dark pupils that seemed bottomless.

  "When I was young, I saw the six palaces' consorts competing for the king's favor, and even with a wise and just ruler like you, Father Emperor, it is still impossible to stop them from fighting and scheming. Therefore, I think that having a virtuous wife is enough for this life!"

  Hong Taiji's gaze grew deeper as he looked at him.

  "At the age of nineteen, a great man should not only achieve unparalleled accomplishments with his three-foot sword, but also have numerous beautiful concubines like flowers. Only then can he be considered truly happy. General Wang, you are a majestic and powerful general, yet you only have one wife, which is bound to invite criticism from the world and bring ridicule for eternity."

  With a flick of his sleeve and a gentle lift of the teacup, Zhao Zun smiled wryly.

  "I have no great ambitions in life, I just want to muddle through this life."

  As if he had been scrutinizing him, Emperor Hong Tai seemed to have let out a sigh of relief, gazing at his calm and handsome figure illuminated by the lamp light, and couldn't help but feel a little melancholy, narrowing his eyes and letting out a helpless sigh.

  "Alright, alright. I originally opposed Hu Feng, especially the evil habit of remarriage after inheritance. As for sister marrying a younger uncle, it is indeed chaotic and I strongly disapprove. However, that day your mother's request, you also saw it. In these years, she has been resentful about separating you and Dongfang Shi, with a knot in her heart, fearing that if she knew this matter, she would be disappointed."

  "I will explain it myself when I see Her Majesty."

  Staring at his calm face, Hong Tai Emperor sighed heavily after a while.

  "I shall take charge and grant your request."

  As expected, Zhao Zun raised his eyes and bowed his hands in courtesy.

  "Thank you, Father Emperor."

  A few sentences of profound conversation ended, and an absurd arranged marriage was also over. After exchanging a glance, the father and son chatted for a few more sentences, and Emperor Hongtai told Zhao Zun about the current situation in the Beijing suburbs before furrowing his brow to ask questions.

  "Does Old Nineteen have a good plan for this?"

  Zhao Zhen's eyes narrowed for a moment, "This matter still needs to be resolved by the Emperor himself." After speaking, seeing Hong Tai Emperor's face darken, he calmly said, "Father Emperor, it's not that I, your son, am unwilling to mediate. The reason I previously disobeyed orders three times and claimed illness was precisely for Your Majesty's consideration. Think about it, if a military uprising occurs and I, as the Crown Prince, were to come out and quell it, wouldn't that damage Your Majesty's dignity? Wouldn't that make people laugh?"

  Admiringly looking at him, Hong Tai Emperor nodded, "Then what's your opinion?"

  Zhao Zun pursed his lips and analyzed briefly, "To untie the bell, one must be the person who tied it. Your Majesty is a wise ruler, and you naturally understand the use of both benevolence and authority better than I do. You only need to personally go to the outskirts of the capital and punish Wei Guogong in front of all the generals, and the military's morale will stabilize. After all, the soldiers are just trying to vent their anger, not truly intending to rebel against the court. As the ruler, your consolation is most effective."

  After listening to him finish speaking, Hong Tai's expression completely relaxed and he let out a loud laugh.

  "Old nineteen, I have never misjudged you. Well, since that's the case, I will follow your words."

  After finishing speaking, he drank a mouthful of tea with satisfaction and said that the time was not early, wanting to get up and leave. Zhao Zun also did not detain him, and from the Chengde Temple, he sent him all the way to the door. However, before leaving, Emperor Hongtai dismissed everyone and suddenly lowered his voice again.

  "Where is your Chu Qi now?"

  Zhao Zun's face turned slightly dark, "Didn't he die in the great fire of Tianlao?"

  Hong Tai Emperor snorted, "Still showing off your fancy moves in front of me?"

  Zhao Zun slightly furrowed his brow, "Didn't you, Father Emperor, have her killed? Killed by the historian's pen."

  Facing his calm and peaceful questioning, Emperor Hong Tai gazed at him intently, "Old Nineteen, I asked you this today not to pursue her responsibility. But to understand that Chu Qi has some insight in medical skills. You know, these two days, your mother's body has been getting worse and worse, and your sister Ziyue has not woken up yet. The imperial physician said that if it weren't for the prescription left by Chu Qi, I'm afraid... her life would have been lost long ago."

  "What does Father Emperor mean?"

  "Bring her into the palace for your mother and sister to examine."

  The corners of his mouth slightly raised, Zhao Zun scrutinized him for a moment, and furrowed his brow.

  "Your Majesty, a doctor can only treat people, not fate. Last time Chu Qi treated the Crown Prince, he almost lost his life. I dare not let her enter the palace again unless you agree with me first that if anything happens to Her Majesty, you will not..."

  "Shut up!" Emperor Hong Tai glared at him angrily, "What's with this 'three long and two short' nonsense? Are you cursing your own mother?"

  Zhao You only said he didn't dare, lazily curled up his lips and said, "Being a doctor is a good thing, but if one accidentally ends up in a place where there's no burial ground, that would be a loss. Does the Emperor think that I, your son, am right or wrong?"

  The question was somewhat sharp, but Hong Taiji did not erupt.

  "Implied meaning! Alright, I'll follow your words."

  He snorted, Emperor Hong Tai swept his sleeve and stepped on the back of a small eunuch, then got onto the dragon sedan chair. However, just as the dragon sedan chair had moved a few steps forward, he suddenly lifted the curtain again and looked at Zhao Zhu who was standing below him, with a hint of worry in his eyebrows.

  "Having obtained leave, go and pay your respects to your mother."

  The night wind was cool and refreshing, but Zhao Zhen did not respond for a long time.

  After a busy night, Emperor Hongtai was already somewhat tired. On the dragon bed with a sandalwood scent, he half-closed his eyes and lost himself in thought. The old eunuch Cui Yingda squatted at his feet, massaging his legs one by one. After a long while, he finally heard him say in a low voice...

  "Your Majesty, I have something to say, but I don't know if it's suitable to speak."

  Hong Taiji's mood wasn't very good, "Speak!"

  Chui Yingda looked at the emperor's face, and before he could speak, he knelt down with a "thud" sound. "Your humble servant has served Your Majesty for decades, and the princes and grandsons have all grown up under my care. Your Majesty has always been lenient towards me, and I am deeply grateful in my heart. But these days, I see that Your Majesty is worried every night, and your hair has turned white... I really can't bear to see Your Majesty like this..."

  "Get to the point." Hong Taiyi said with half-closed eyes.

  Chui Yingda wanted to speak but hesitated, as if considering it for a moment, before plucking up the courage to say, "In my humble opinion, Your Highness King Jin is indeed a man capable of great responsibility. The foundation you have worked hard to establish will surely be passed down through generations and create another prosperous era..."

  "Choi Young-dal!"

  Hong Taiyi took a deep breath and opened his eyes sharply.

  "How dare you interfere with My imperial governance?"

  "The old slave dares not——" Cui Ying's heart was racing, "thud thud" and he knocked his head on the ground a few more times. "Every word the old slave says is for Your Majesty's consideration. These days, because of the matter of establishing the crown prince, Your Majesty has been unable to sleep at night, and food has no taste. The old slave serves Your Majesty's daily life, how could he not know about Your Majesty's hard work and mental fatigue? It is precisely so that the old slave is even more worried about Your Majesty's body."

  With a slight "hmm", Emperor Hong Tai closed his eyes again, seemingly without any intention of blaming him.

  "Chui Yingda, you have followed me for many years now, you should understand what's on my mind."

  "Yes, it's precisely because I understand that I dare to advise Your Majesty..." Cui Yingda's body remained bowed, not daring to lift his head. "I know the knot in Your Majesty's heart, but as for what happened back then, Gongfei Niangniang... although..."

  Dragging on without finishing, Cui Ying stuttered for half a day. Although he didn't see Emperor Hong Tai get angry, he still didn't dare to say more, only mentioning the key points: "This old slave understands Your Majesty's concerns, but this old slave thinks that among Your Majesty's many princes, Jin Wang is the most like you..."

  "Shut up!"

  Emperor Hongtai seemed unwilling to bring up the matter, casting a sideways glance at him and coldly snorting, "Cui Yingda, this time I'll spare your dog life. If you dare to speak nonsense again, I'll send you to sweep the floor in the Zhengdian Temple."

  "Yes, this old slave knows his fault——"

  Choi Yeong-da finished speaking and looked up to see a hint of sadness in Hong Tae's eyes.

  The old slave knelt down again and started massaging his legs with just the right amount of force.

  The emperor is also human, and he's also a man...

  ……

  ……

  The next morning.

  The Hong Tai Emperor, who had long since put aside his armor, wore a battle robe, rode a tall horse, and carried a long sword at his waist. With an air of vigor, he led a dozen or so guards to the outskirts of the capital alone. When he saw Xia Tingde bound on the woodpile, he immediately flew into a rage, severely scolding Xia Tingde, then had the palace attendant announce his punishment - due to Wei Guogong's improper words and deeds, his right to lead troops was revoked, he was given 30 military lashes, and his salary was deducted for one year.

  Thirty military rods were executed on the spot.

  Those thirty military rods were extremely severe, especially for Xia Tingde, who had already been starved to the point of dehydration. It is said that when Xia Tingde was carried out of the Beijing Garrison, his entire body was covered in blood and flesh, and he no longer looked human.

  But at least the emperor came in person and fulfilled his promise, which comforted the restless military.

  The noisy "military coup" has ended.

  But things were far from over.

  How can the emperor's dignity be touched? After granting food, goods and salary, Emperor Hongtai immediately removed Chen Daniu, the left general of the Golden Guard, from his post on the grounds of "disloyalty to duty, playing and neglecting" and threw him into prison for trial.

  In addition, although the law does not hold everyone responsible, on that day, the people who led the chaos were still arrested, more than 300 people, and will be dealt with according to their guilt after identification.

  The incident seems to have subsided...

  It's unclear who benefited and who won in the end.

  At the beginning of summer, on the seventh day, when Xia heard this news, she was in Yuanyu's house. In these two days, Yuanyu's body had improved a lot and he could already get out of bed and move around, but when it came to these things, he still looked cold with a handsome face, looking like he was gritting his teeth.

  "Is that it?"

  Xia Qi's eyes narrowed as she thought for a moment before looking up at him directly.

  "Otherwise, what do you think should be done?"

  He rubbed his temples and lay down again, "Well! I just don't know if that stupid Big Cow in prison will be taken advantage of. Alas! These people are obviously going to break Tianlu's arm..."

  After hearing this analysis, Xia Qi also nodded in agreement.

  "It makes sense, you said General Zuo was imprisoned and General You's leg was broken again..."

  "Stop, stop, stop!" Yuan You glared at her irritably, "Did I break my leg?"

  The corners of her mouth twitched slightly, and Xia Chuqi gave him a smile that was enough to kill someone.

  "Just to give you an idea! Don't mind me saying this... I think that General Jin's left and right generals are all useless. What's scary is that there will be a large-scale personnel reshuffle coming up, and the storm is approaching. How many people will be involved in the military coup? In my opinion, by the time your leg recovers and you go back, the leaders of the camp will have changed so much that even your own mother won't recognize them."

  She let out a weak sigh, but Yuan You looked over at her, saying nothing.

  He stared at Xia on the seventh day of summer, making her feel a bit hairy.

  "Look what I'm doing? How scary!"

  Yuanyou was silent for a moment, then slowly raised his thumb at him, "Little sister-in-law, you're really not simple. You said you're just a housewife, how can you analyze these court intrigues so clearly?"

  "Want to know?" Xia muttered softly, her eyes narrowing slightly.

  He lightly said "uh-huh" and nodded his head repeatedly, like a chicken pecking at grain.

  "But I just won't tell you."

  "Hmph!" Yu Xiao Gongzi made a move to stand up, "Are you looking for a fight? Who am I? Now, I'm your elder brother. Do you have the nerve to talk to me like that? All these days, Mother taught you etiquette and manners, but it seems they've all gone down the drain!"

  It was just the seventh day of summer when hee-hee suddenly had a clever idea. Just as I was about to refute him, someone came from outside to report something.

  "General, something has gone terribly wrong..."

  As soon as he heard something was wrong, Xia Chuyi felt a lump in her throat.

  These days will definitely not be calm and peaceful.

  The man who came was wearing light armor and was a lieutenant in the Golden Guard.

  As soon as he entered the house, before he even reached Yuan Yu's bedside, he "thudded" to his knees with a solid thud, his face pale and his voice choked with sobs.

  "General, your subordinate's mission has been unsuccessful..."

  Yuan You leaned against the bed, his face sinking, "What's going on?"

  The camp lieutenant's eyes turned red, "Yesterday, I and the left general went to welcome the general's family together, but... but we didn't wait for them all day. Later, the army rebelled, the left general left first, and I brought a few people to guard until dusk before meeting the brother who went to Qingzhou Prefecture to pick up the left general's family... They said that on their way to Beijing, they were robbed by a group of bandits, and the brothers fought hard, but... but the left general's new daughter-in-law who had not yet crossed the threshold was killed by the bandits with one knife..."

  "Ah!" Yu Xiao Gongzi suddenly sat up with a start, his back drenched in cold sweat.

  "Does General Zuo know about this matter?"

  The school lieutenant swallowed his saliva, shook his head, "The left general is in the big prison, and has not come out until now. The subordinate cannot inform him, and it is also anxious like a fire, so he had to come to report to the right general. Now, the family members of the left general have all been settled in the Ding'an Hou Mansion by the humble official. But this happy event turned into a funeral... The humble official really doesn't know how to explain to the left general..."

  He let out a long sigh and tightly closed his eyes, Yuan Xiao Gongzi.

  "Damn it!"

  Chen Daniu's affairs, Yuan You knew best. To be honest, if we talk about Chen Daniu and that village woman having any feelings for each other, it wasn't quite like that. He had joined the army at a young age and never returned home. The woman was from his hometown's neighboring village, they were betrothed since childhood, but the two people hadn't even seen each other's face before. However, Chen Daniu was a man with feelings and righteousness, after being enfeoffed as a marquis, he didn't abandon that poor woman, and even refused the old emperor's arranged marriage for him in court.

  But now, I've encountered such a thing...

  Yuanshu thought for a moment, then arranged for the school lieutenant to hurry back and take care of Chen Daniu's family, before getting up himself. He hastily changed his clothes and had someone replace him, wanting to go to the great prison to see Chen Daniu.

  The two of them were talking, while Xia Chuyi remained silent.

  The more I listen, the more uncomfortable I feel, how can it be so coincidental?

  Why did you kill Chen Daniu's bride who hadn't even crossed the threshold yet?

  What kind of bandit dares to rob the family of Ding Anhou?

  ……

  ……

  No matter whether it was the aftermath of the military coup or Chen Daniu's personal affairs, for Xia Chuyi, a "lady in confinement", it was all beyond her reach. Although she felt some sympathy for Chen Daniu, her hands were not that long, and now what she had to do was just prepare herself to be a future Princess of Jin.

  According to the rules of this dynasty, when a prince gets married, it is not necessary for the bride's family to prepare anything. All the etiquette will naturally be taken care of by the Imperial Clan Office, the Ministry of Rites, and the Temple of the Imperial Messenger.

  However, Cheng Guo Gong had no children in his life, and the mansion had never held a wedding. Although Xia Qi was not their biological daughter, the Cheng Guo Gong Mansion still gave her a grand sendoff, sparing no expense in preparing everything she needed for marriage. Gold, silver, jewels, clothes, accessories, bedding, and pillows were all carefully selected to be auspicious and beautiful. Everyone in the mansion was overjoyed, especially Madame Cheng Guo Gong, who was busy with every detail as if she were marrying off her own daughter.

  Three days later.

  It was February 28th of Hong Tai's twenty-fifth year.

  This day is the auspicious day for engagement calculated by the Imperial Observatory.

  Nacai asks for the name, which is the prelude to the "six rites" of marriage in ancient times...

  Even if it were ordinary people, they would attach great importance to it, let alone the six rites of a prince's wedding, which is extremely grand. On this day, even the heavens gave face to the King of Jin, and before noon, the entire capital city was bathed in brilliant sunlight, and even the gloom caused by the "military change" seemed to have been blown away by this unprecedentedly grand ceremony of receiving the bride.

  Emperor Hongtai had already issued an edict, because the nineteenth son of the emperor, Jin Wang Zhao Zun, had made great achievements in his expedition to high mountains and scenic places. He was specially granted a grand wedding ceremony, which was arranged according to the rituals for the crown prince.

  Since yesterday, the Taichang Temple has been informed and the congratulatory texts have been prepared. The officials of the Honglu Temple are also setting up the imperial throne in the Fengtian Hall. The Neiguan Supervisor and the officials of the Ministry of Rites will place the ceremony of presenting betrothal gifts and asking for the bride's name under the Weng Lou, which has already been properly arranged.

  Early this morning, the handsome and majestic school officers who were dressed in brocade uniforms set up a grand ceremony at Danbai Dancheng. The Ministry of Rites arranged for the imperial carriage to be drawn, the Music Bureau played grand music, and all the officials gathered outside the Fengtian Gate, with an extremely grand momentum. To show dignity, Emperor Hongtai personally wore the most solemn crown to attend the ceremony at the Fengtian Gate, while civil and military officials simultaneously wore their court attire and kowtowed...

  A grand and solemn occasion.

  The ceremony is over...

  The official proclamation was loudly announced at the Fengtian Gate.

  The contents of the edict are roughly the same: "By the command of Heaven and in accordance with the will of the Emperor, we have chosen the daughter of Duke Zhongyuan, Guo, as the official wife of our nineteenth son. We have already informed the ancestral temple and our ancestors about this decision. Now, we order you to take the imperial seal and perform the ritual of asking for her name..."

  In terms of etiquette, there are special envoys. The two envoys performed the grand ceremony, and the Honglu Temple re-presented the ceremony. After the ceremony was completed, the group of people finally came out from the left gate of the Fengtian Gate with a flourish, led by the executive officer, carrying the dowry in a fish-shaped procession. The envoys placed the letter of congratulations in the ceremonial carriage, and the embroidered uniform guard team played grand music to lead the way. All the officials wore auspicious clothes, rode horses, and followed along the way. The guide officer of the Honglu Temple loudly announced to the people that they were going to the house of Cheng Guo Gong to perform the ceremony of receiving the dowry.

  The whole scene was extremely elaborate and attracted the attention of the entire city, with everyone gathering to watch.

  A scene like this was only seen by ordinary people in the year of the crown prince's grand wedding.

  On the other hand, Chengguo Gongfu was also bustling with excitement.

  Early in the morning, the mansion had already been decorated with a bright red satin cloth tied above the gate.

  The main hall of the mansion, a large incense table was set up. When the chief and deputy envoys of the wedding ceremony arrived at the gate of the mansion, another round of etiquette unfolded. The embroidered uniform guards stood on both sides, playing grand music, with the "carriage" placed in the center, leading the chief and deputy envoys into the inner hall. An official first entered the main hall, standing in a position that was also very particular, standing on the east side of the main hall. And today's master of ceremonies, Duke Xu Wenyi of Liang, wearing court attire, stood on the west side of the main hall.

  When everything was ready, the ceremonial officials began to perform the rites ——

  "Two bolts of dark blue silk, one bolt of black silk, and one bolt of light brown silk..."

  "Sixty taels of gold, ten taels of pearls..."

  "Six hundred taels of silver, forty pieces of colored silk, forty pieces of lining fabric..."

  "Four big red ropes, four skeins of raw silk, one hundred threads of crimson..."

  "Two liang of Jin Hua Yan Zhi, twenty packets of lead powder..."

  "Six northern sheep, four pigs, twenty-eight geese..."

  "One hundred and twenty bottles of wine, one hundred and twenty round cakes, twelve bags of loose tea..."

  "Two jujubes, two chestnuts, two walnuts, two wooden pellets..."

  "Four shi of white rice, sixty bags of flour..."

  It was merely the grand wedding procession of a noble family, and the elaborate rituals were dazzling. Inside, there was a cacophony of sounds, while outside the gate of the Chengguo Duke's mansion, three layers deep in every direction, common people gathered to watch the commotion.

  Can't help but say, the old emperor also gave enough face to Zhao Zun, gave enough face to Chengguo Gongfu. This day, to be honest, is a good day belonging to Xia Chu Qi. But in fact, she really couldn't get involved at all. The officials who came to pay their respects in front, naturally had Chengguo Gong and Yuan You to entertain them, while the backyard... nothing was happening.

  She was actually very curious, but she wasn't allowed to go and watch.

  The dinner party for the officials was very lively, but she sneaked away to take a look at those gifts.

  Alas...

  She sighed.

  The ground was filled with gift boxes tied with red ribbons, which made her dizzy and a little depressed. If she could bring all these things back to the modern era, wouldn't she be a small rich woman?

  "Oh no, my young lady, why have you unpacked all the gift boxes?"

  Qing Lan stepped into the door and saw that the things in the house had been messed up by her, and she felt a headache.

  "Huh, you're asking a strange question." Xia Chuqi was busy and excited, touching the silk and satin fabrics, smiling happily on her face. Seeing Qing Lian enter, she put her hands on her hips and glared at her, "Aren't these things for my wedding? If I don't open them first to take a look, what if someone switches them with me? Wouldn't I be at a great disadvantage?"

  Plum followed closely behind Qing Lian, slightly opening her mouth, staring with wide eyes, "heh heh" laughing, but saying nothing. There was no way around it, she had long understood Xia Chuqi's greedy nature, and Qing Lian was new here, being scared stiff, as for the several maidservants behind them, their expressions were even more exaggerated.

  However, in their view, they all thought that this Princess Jingyi had been drifting outside for many years, eating a lot of bitterness, and hadn't seen any good things, so she would be infatuated with whatever she saw.

  The gift inventory is tiring, but Xia Chuiqi is very comfortable.

  She lay on the soft couch, gnawing at a big apple, with her legs crossed, and began to calculate with relish how much she could put into her account this time, or else exchange those useless things for silver.

  Just as she was thinking so hard that her eyes were shining, a black pigeon suddenly flew in through the window. The ink on its body seemed to have been freshly applied, and it looked like a small piece of charcoal sitting at the window.

  She paused in her action of biting an apple.

  "Huh, little horse..."

  She hesitated for a moment, then exclaimed with delight and stretched out her arm. The little horse had been raised by her for some time, so it naturally recognized her, flew over and landed on her arm, made two "clucking" sounds in its mouth, and pecked at her hand.

  At the beginning of summer, Xia Qi was about to abandon it because of the ink on its body, but then she saw a message tube tied to its left foot.

  "Wow, carrier pigeon?"

  She read it in a low voice, her eyes shining brightly, thinking it was incredibly novel.

  Biting an apple, she quickly took down the message tube from under Little Horse's hoof and unfolded the paper inside, on which there was only one line of strong and powerful small characters.

  "The items for dowry are essential for a grand wedding and must not be secretly taken."

  With a snort, she sniffled and smiled wryly as she spat out the apple. She thought to herself that Zhao Jin was really perceptive - how did he know she was thinking about those dowries? After some thought, her cunning eyes flashed slightly, and she poked the tip of Little Horse's nose with her finger, asking him.

  "Hey, little horse, if I also give you a letter, can you fly and deliver it to Zhao Nineteen?"

  "Cuckoo..."

  The little horse naturally wouldn't answer her.

  She thought for a moment, her eyes shining brightly, and then she asked Mei to grind some ink for her. She lay down on the table, using her unique "modern ancient script" style, and wrote down a line.

  "I miss your smile, I miss your coat, I miss your white socks and the scent on you... Cough, all of the above is a joke. I only miss your money. Can you bring someone and some cash to meet at Jingyi Garden tonight?"

  After finishing writing and putting it into the envelope, she burst out laughing without any image, smoothed the pony's feathers, and squeezed its eyes hard.

  "Go ahead, you try sailing first, remember to come back and accompany me."

  He held Little Horse by the window and waved his hand. The pigeon flew away with a "whoosh".

  As she watched it fly elegantly over the vermilion pillars and painted buildings of the Chengguo Gongfu, heading in the direction of the Jinwang Fu, she couldn't help but cross her arms and laugh. If the Eastern Grand Commander knew that his Brocade Guard's pigeon had defected and become a "love messenger" between her and Zhao Shijiu, who knows if he would be so angry that he'd cry at home?

  Less than half an hour later, Little Horse returned.

  The letter tube on her foot was gone, but neither did she bring back any words for her.

  Ancestor's board is hard, Zhao nineteen you are ruthless.

  She has already expressed her "deepest longing", how can he remain unmoved?

  She ate dinner gloomily and then took Qinglan and Meizi for a walk in the garden to digest, wandering aimlessly back and forth. Suddenly, an idea flashed through her mind. What if Zhao really did come? She should prepare something for him.

  She suddenly stopped, almost knocking Meizi's nose crooked as she followed behind her.

  "County lord, my nose..." Mei Zi rubbed her nose grievously and resentfully.

  "Come on, follow me to the kitchen."

  "What's going on?"

  Xia Chuqi made a "shh" sound and gave her a "keep it a secret" gesture.

  "Rose cake!"

  There was a small kitchen in Jingyiyuan, mainly for the maids to cook for the young lady. When Sanpao and the others slipped in, there was only one maid guarding inside.

  On the seventh day of summer, I feel happy in my heart, roll up my sleeves and get started.

  She had made rose cake once before, and with that foundation, this time was even more effortless, especially under the guidance of Liu Pozi in the kitchen. The result was even more exquisite, and when the cake came out of the oven, she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as she looked at the seven small cakes lying there.

  Zhao nineteen ah Zhao nineteen!

  A woman like my sister who can enter the hall, go down to the kitchen, fight with a mistress, turn over the wall and even beat up a hooligan, where can you find such a woman?

  If you had come today, sister would have given you a rose cake.

  If you don't come tonight, sister will give you a slap next time.

  Humming a little tune, she carried the rose cake back into the house and waited by the window.

  Unfortunately, the left one waited, the right one waited, and it was late at night. Not to mention Zhao Nineteen, there wasn't even a ghostly shadow... She was furious in her heart. That guy said he would sneak back to see her in two days, what happened? He vanished into thin air!

  She irritably pushed away the rose cake and lay on the bed with a huff.

  I don't know how long it's been...

  The door without a latch creaked open with a "creak".

  Her heart kept pounding, but in just a few short days of not seeing him, she felt that her thoughts had taken root. Her face was red, her heart racing, her mouth dry and tongue parched, and her body was hot all over, as if she had never seen a man before. She stared foolishly at the door, unable to look away.

  "You're willing to come?"

  She asked, but the person didn't respond. The footsteps didn't stop, one step at a time, slowly and steadily approaching the bedside, so light that they were almost inaudible. Xia Chuyi shouted again, but there was no response from the person, her heart tightened, and her hand reached for the dagger under the pillow...

  "Who's there? If you don't make a sound, I'll call for someone."

  The man still didn't make a sound, and just as he was about to reach the bedside, he suddenly pounced over, as if he could see in the dark. He quickly grasped her wrist, and the dagger was snatched away from her. With a "clang", it fell to the ground. Before she could struggle, he tightly hugged her into his arms. A face with night dew, icy cool, pressed down against hers. In a thick, heavy breath, there was his low, magnetic laughter.

  "Little slave, missing your grandfather?"

  On the seventh day of summer, I suddenly felt a severe chest tightness.

  "Zhao Shi Jiu, I've offended your ancestors, you scared me to death..."

  Digression

  Please excuse any mistakes, I'll make corrections later!

  I know that girls are all readers who have read many romantic novels, cough! So, in the online literature circle, everyone sees a lot of awesome and domineering male and female protagonists, and they must think that building a dynasty is as easy as playing. But... I don't want to write something so unrealistic. In combination with the historical background and values of the characters at that time, it was an era where benevolence, righteousness, morality, and filial piety were more important than life itself...

  Alas, I don't know what to say either. You guys have read too many novels with strong female leads... In comparison, these two bumpkins from my family are just not presentable.

  Thank you

  Dear [Xinghua Junzhu], [15353602611] has been upgraded to Yuanjie.

  Everyone, thank you for your trouble... I'm really sorry...