Chapter 36 Blessing
Guan Suyi slowly regained her calm, and ordered the shop assistant to send two extremely flat and thin bamboo strips and a brocade box, and put them aside for later use. After the heat dissipated, she said, "Take the stones out."
Just as a guard was about to stretch out his hand, he saw that His Majesty had already stood up and politely said, "I'm here, Madam, please stand farther away, in case the ashes reignite and hurt you." The stone slab was still scalding hot, but he easily took it out as if he didn't feel anything. After it was done, he spread out his palm to take a look, and his skin was not red even a little bit, showing that his internal strength was deep and his martial arts were strong.
Guan Suyi thanked him softly, and then used two bamboo strips to clip out the burnt and incomplete pieces of paper, and put them into the brocade box carefully. Although Li shi had a bold temperament, her handwork was very meticulous, so she also helped pick up pieces of paper.
Qin Lingyun knew that Marquis Zhenbei madam had followed her maternal grandmother to study history since she was a child, and that historians were very good at repairing books. If people who don't know how to do it intervene at will, they might not even be able to save these scraps of paper, so they could only wait and see. But in the end he couldn't bear the anger, and said solemnly, "Confucianism advocates benevolence and virtue, but Xu Guangzhi burns books and abolishes the Legalism, the means were too cruel. After ten days of battle of words, he become famous in the Central Plains, and then want to take the Emperor Teacher's position, is he worthy?"
Legalists were good at taking advantage of the situation and used every method to gain power, so at a glance Qin Lingyun could see through Xu Guangzhi's ambitions concealed by his profound knowledge. Old master Guan advocated uprightness and peace, and he preferred to advance on both ways; His Majesty advocated the promotion of the Confucian family and the suppression of the Hundred Schools of Thought. But he insisted on abolishing Hundred Schools of Thought and respect only Confucianism, since the beginning all kind of words and deeds had already revealed his intention to become official and climb higher.
How could Guan Suyi no know what kind person Xu Guangzhi was? If she hadn't disrupted the situation herself, he would have become an extremely high-ranking official by now, and her father's current official position should have been taken by him, and then he also put forward the idea of 'abolishing the Hundred Schools of Thought and respect only Confucianism', and established the indestructible status of Confucianism in the Wei Kingdom at the fastest speed.
On the other hand, grandfather and father, their means of promoting Confucianism were indeed too gentle compared to him. If they fail to meet His Majesty's expectations, it's possible that Xu Guangzhi could still ascend to high ranking position, then how many books would suffer this fire and turn to ashes? How many humanistic ideas would have been completely destroyed and wiped out? The sins in Xu Guangzhi's hands were comparable to the previous emperor who burned Confucian books and buried Confucian scholars alive.
The more she thought about it, the more disturbed she became, she said coldly, "Since His Majesty has made a clear decree, and wants to support Confucianism as a national study, he must be in great need of such talents. Although Xu Guangzhi is ruthless and narrow-minded, he has already made a name for himself, I'm afraid soon he will soar to the sky. With him taking the lead, and to have highly ignited Confucian scholars echoing each other, Confucianism will surely rise rapidly. The chaos in the literary world started from him, and the abolition of a hundred schools of thought started from him, but compared with the stability of the society and the domestication of the people, that is not worth mentioning. After all, I am a boudoir woman, what lowly people think counts for little. What is the use of worrying about this, it's better to preserve a few more books." Her frowning brows were stained with a hint of sadness.
Emperor Sheng Yuan fixed a glance at her, his tone was extraordinarily gentle, "Madam is worrying too much. His Majesty has already been assisted by the Emperor Teacher and Minister of Ceremonies. In three year, the imperial examination will be set up with Confucianism as the main subject. Then without the need of external force it will quickly become a national study, what's the use of another promoter? And Xu Guangzhi is very hostile, radical, and ambitious. He can be used for a while, but not for a lifetime. His Majesty is wise, and his ears and eyes are well-informed, certainly will not be deceived."
Hearing this, Guan Suyi really felt a lot more relaxed, smiled and sighed, "Hunnar looks rough on the outside, but he has a clever mouth, can easily said a few soft words to comfort people. Never mind, what His Majesty thinking is not something small people like us can speculate. There is wine today and drunk today, tomorrow's worry will worry tomorrow."
The tip of the Jiuli man's ears turned red and he said, "Madam has a first-rank title conferred by His Majesty himself, your status is noble. How can you compare yourself to a small people? Rest assured, Madam, your blessing are deep, lucky star high and shining. You will have this wine everyday, there's no need to be harmed by tomorrow's worry. You'll be worry-free and peaceful all of your life."
Guan Suyi smiled even more cheerfully, and her pink fingertips pointed at the Jiuli big man, and sighed, "This impertinent man's clever mouth is really cute. Well, then I will accept Hunnar's lucky words."
The Jiuli man who was praised as "cute" had red ears, and he didn't know how to react except scratching his head and laughed foolishly. Guan Suyi quickly calmed down and went to pick up the scraps, so she didn't notice his overwhelm feeling. But Qin Lingyun and Li shi were rather horrified.
Perhaps in Guan Suyi's hearing, those words were just a blessing from this man's good heart, but when it passed through the two people's ears, this golden mouth jade words were extremely heavy. He was the supreme ruler of Wei Kingdom, the peerless hero who dominated the Central Plains, and if he wanted someone to live worry-free and peacefully, he only need to open his mouth. The so-called blessing and lucky star are probably alluding to himself, right?
Thinking of this, Qin Lingyun couldn't help but smile happily. Others didn't know the inside story, but he was the dignified and respectful Marquis Zhenxi and His Majesty's close friend, how could he not hear a little bit of wind? The Ye Jieyu named Ye Zhen in the palace was actually Zhao Luli's "deceased wife" Ye Zhen, who was sent to His Majesty due to various misunderstandings. Since then, Zhao Luli hated His Majesty and stayed far away from the court, but he did not expect that the second wife he married after many years would be favored by His Majesty again. This time it wasn't a fake, rather a serious interest, but His Majesty had never been very concerned about feeling and love, afraid he was still in ignorance.
Thinking back at that time when Ye Zhen left, Zhao Luli was so devastated that he had a hangover overnight, causing him to delayed military situation and two cities were lost, which not only killed many of his comrades, but also killed countless civilians. His Majesty was completely disappointed in him because of this, and Qin Lingyun's two sworn brothers were also died in that fierce battle. How could he not hate Zhao Luli? If it was a different person, he would still dissuade His Majesty, but it was Zhao Luli and Ye Zhen who were unlucky, it was already considered benevolent and righteous if he did not add fuel to the fire.
Hook up, just hook up, and let Zhao Luli wear another green hat! He was extremely happy in his heart, and the anger from the burning book were washed away.
Emperor Sheng Yuan couldn't take care of his weird-looking subordinate, his slightly pale blue eyes stared at Marquis Zhenbei madam's every move, looking extremely focused. Her method of repairing books was really superb. She peeled off the charred black paper that had been glued together while handling it gently, and then sandwiched them one by one in a heavy book so that it could be brought back to put together. Tirelessly clipped for half an hour, only after all the fragments were neatly placed then it was put into the brocade box.
Her serious attitude, serious expression, and even her eyes with hints of anger made her more attractive. Emperor Sheng Yuan looked at her again and again, and somehow remembered a certain passage in the "Book of Songs", and his heart that was still swaying with sweetness suddenly became sour and bitter. When he tried his best to suppress his agitate feeling, Guan Suyi had already cleaned up and bid farewell.
"Madam is leaving now?" He wanted to say something to keep her, but there was no justification, so the Jiuli big man could only ask dryly in the end.
"It's not early, we'll meet again another day." Guan Suyi left the table holding the brocade box, as if thinking of something, she whispered in Marquis Zhenxi's ear, and finally smiled at Li shi and walked away gracefully.
Emperor Sheng Yuan, who did not get her private words, was even more disturbed. When she walked out of sight, his simple and honest attitude was replaced by a domineering one. He ordered in a deep voice, "What did she just say, report it and let Zhen know."
Li shi also stared at her brother-in-law with suspicious eyes.
There was a drop of cold sweat on Qin Lingyun's forehead, and after thinking for a moment, he said, "Madam said: everything that was said in Wencui Building should not be heard by outsiders, otherwise I won't get what I wish, forever fail in love." This threat was too poisonous, he definitely dared not violate it.
Li shi's cheeks flushed red and then laughed dryly. Emperor Sheng Yuan nodded in agreement, "She is Guan Qiguang's granddaughter after all, how can she criticize Confucianism? You'd better forget all those words." As for the guards and the dead soldiers hiding in the dark, he didn't need to give too many orders.
Qin Lingyun and Li shi nodded their promises, and finally watched the emperor's carriage return to the palace, and only then did they have the heart to play in the street, but Guan Suyi, who was supposed to return to the Zhao family, knocked on the door of the Emperor Teacher's mansion.
"I knew you were coming. You must have received the news that Ye Jieyu made a face for Ye Fan, right? Merely a concubine, they actually added such luxurious dowries. The eight-foot-tall red coral alone is worthy of a princess' dowry. The Ye family is indeed a merchant family, they act wildly and have no rules." Zhong shi led her daughter inside, spitting words as she walked, very angry.
Guan Suyi's face was like submerged in water, but she was not thinking about this. Seeing her grandfather and father hurriedly approaching, she immediately asked, "Did Xu Guangzhi come to the door today?"
"Why do you ask this?" Guan father was stunned for a moment, and then comforted, "I already know about Ye Jieyu's interference in Marquis Mansion's back house, in a few days I will let the Ye family fall into trouble. You don't have to worry about it, and feel at ease to go back and act your first-rank title. Xu Guangzhi did come, his front foot just left, your back foot arrived."
"Father and grandfather decide the affairs of the Ye family. I won't worry about it. Let me just ask, does Xu Guangzhi want you to help write a few letters of recommendation?"
"That's right." Old master Guan nodded and said, "He is very knowledgeable, has a golden mouth and wooden tongue, and a rare talent. Your father and I have already agreed to recommend him for an official position."
"No." Guan Suyi took out the brocade box and said slowly, "I heard that Ye Jieyu made a face for Ye Fan, so I went out to look for grandfather and father to discuss it, but didn't expect to run into him in Wencui Building. After the great victory, he actually burned the Legalist's books, trying to drive all the scholars and hundreds of schools to a desperate situation. Confucianism was known for its benevolence. Confucius and Mencius those two Sages cultivated morality all of their life, Zengzi was trembling in fear in order to maintain benevolence, as if facing an abyss, like walking on thin ice, and only rest went he died. And Xu Guangzhi burnt books and wasted articles, his methods are biased, narrow-minded, and has long violated the fundamentals of Confucianism, how can he serve as an official? I ask grandfather and father to refuse."
Having already agreed to this matter, it would definitely offend Xu Guangzhi if they were to refused. If what his daughter said was true, Xu Guangzhi was not a gentleman, but a villain. As the saying goes, it's better to offend a gentleman than a villain. The recommendation must not be done, but some roundabout way was also needed. Guan Father thought about it for a while, but he heard his father's angrily scold, "Burning books and abolishing Legalism, creating chaos in my literary world, and doing things backwards, Xu Guangzhi that incompetent, we must not associate with him! The matter of recommendation is dropped."
Guan Father and Guan Suyi looked at each other and smiled bitterly: When will the old problem of my father (grandfather) who can't tolerate sand in his eyes be changed? If one day he offend His Majesty, they will be in a big trouble.
There is wine today and drunk today, tomorrow's worry will worry tomorrow: it means to live in the moment.
golden mouth and wooden tongue: it means preaching the words taught by Confucius.
Chapter 37 Slap In The Face
Guan Suyi, together with Guan's father, with great difficulty calmed down Old Master Guan, who wanted to directly rebuke Xu Guangzhi for his perverse behavior, and then went out to bid farewell.
"Xu Guangzhi is a traitorous villain, but he likes to pretend to be a gentleman. Father, you must take more precautions against him in the future. If this recommendation is not successful, he may use some dirty means." Before getting into the carriage, Guan Suyi reminded him repeatedly. In her previous life, her grandfather's literary name was destroyed, and her father had no hope of becoming an official, among those, there was no lack of Xu Guangzhi's means. After all, the two were giants of Confucianism, and both their talents and abilities overwhelmed him. He was extremely jealous and wished that the Guan family could be put to death. If it weren't at the critical moment, she married into the marquis mansion and won the protection, the Guan's family would have been destroyed by destitute and homeless people he brought under control.
Therefore, she was grateful to the Marquis Mansion and tried her best, but in the end it ended badly. The past was over, and when she came back in this life, she must eliminate all hidden dangers one by one. Like Xu Guangzhi, a person who had talent but no virtue, it was better not to go in and out of the court and harm the people.
Guan Father nodded and said yes, and gently advised, "I already have some reservation about Xu Guangzhi in my mind, and I will never be used by him, let alone be framed. You just live your life in peace, and don't need to worry about irrelevant people. His Majesty is wise and insightful, serve the public interest wholeheartedly. Although Ye Jieyu is his favorite concubine, he has absolutely no reason to slap the face of an important official to favor a concubine. When the time comes, I will let the Ye family understand the consequences of provoking our Guan family. "
"Always bothering father with my trouble, daughter is not filial." Guan Suyi's eyes were full of tears, and she forced a smile, "Grandfather is an upright person, doesn't know common affair, and doesn't understand worldly wisdom, so he will inevitably offend his colleagues in the court, I hope father will be more thoughtful for him."
Seeing that his daughter treated the old man like a child, Guan Father couldn't help but smile, "Alright, I'll remember. Our little Yiyi has also grown up and knows how to take care of her grandfather and father, and will be a rare good wife and mother in the future." Recalling Zhao Luli's indifference, he suddenly turned cold and sighed, "If there is no marriage decree, I will never let you marry into the Zhao mansion. Never mind, as long as there are me and your grandfather, the Zhao family can't bully you half a point. Just laugh when you're happy, scold when you're angry, and act spontaneously. How you lived in the past is how you will live in the future, you don't need to be timid and look forward to the future."
"Well, I will remember too." Guan Suyi then showed a sincere smile. The people who knew her best and protected her the most were her family.
—–
On the other side, the father and daughter bid farewell reluctantly. On this side, Emperor Sheng Yuan had returned to Weiyang Palace and was rummaging through the huge library.
"What kind of book Your Majesty wants to read, just tell the name, this servant has remember it in his mind, and will find it soon." Baifu circled around the emperor, and was quite uneasy because he couldn't intervene.
Although Emperor Sheng Yuan loved to read, he did not develop good habits due to his background in the army. Ordinarily after reading a book, he then threw it away, and within a few days he tossed all the books in the box. Just after he ascended the throne he lifted Baifu as the general supervisor in charge of palace affair, the imperial library was built in a similar way, and the cultural relics were not wasted.
"I want to find a few Legalism classics. If there are single issue, extinct copy, or masters' manuscript, just pick them out."
"Yes, this servant will look for it." Baifu searched through the piles of book boxes, and in a short time he picked out a dozen books, wrapped them in silk and placed them on the imperial table. Don't look at these books were old and yellow, and some of them were still rattan bamboo slips. They were extremely ancient. If talking about value, they were more precious than the pearls of the East China Sea and the rare horses of the Western Regions.
Emperor Sheng Yuan checked it carefully to make sure that there were not too many flaws and damages. Then he nodded with satisfaction, "Go get a better red sandalwood box, pack it up and send it to Marquis Zhenbei Mansion…"
Send it to Marquis Zhenbei Mansion? Could it be that the emperor and lord Zhao have reconciled? Baifu speculated secretly, and then heard the emperor changed his mind, "Wait, send it to Marquis Zhenxi Mansion."
How could a little guard have such precious books, sending it directly to Madam would inevitably arouse her doubts. In the end, he had to borrow Qin Lingyun's name. Thinking of this, Emperor Sheng Yuan wrote a letter, explaining that Marquis Zhenxi have to hand over the books and not to reveal his identity, then he put it in an envelope and dripped it with sealing wax. At this moment, there were words from outside the palace hall that Ye Jieyu asked to meet. His happy face instantly turned cold, and he waved his hand, "Announce her to come in."
With a food box in her hand, Ye Zhen walked in gracefully and said with her knees bent, "A few days ago, this concubine went to the bamboo garden in Nanyuan to dig up a lot of spring shoots. It then mixed it with young hens and seasoned with shiitake mushrooms that had been dried for a season, and simmered it in a clay pot. It took a long time to get a cup of thick soup, and then delivered it to Your Majesty to taste." As she spoke, she walked over to the imperial desk, unloaded the food box, opened the lid, and took out the hot soup bowl.
The rich aroma instantly filled the hall, causing Baifu and the others to salivate. Ye Zhen was proud and continued, "I remember back then when Your Majesty was recovering from his wounds in Jiangzhou, he had no appetite because of the residual poison and bone pain, your favorite is this bowl of spring shoots chicken soup. You did not get bored even after drinking it for half a month. The little hens in the house are all ruined."
She seemed to find the past interesting, covered her mouth and chuckled, looked forward with glowing spirits, her brilliance compelled people.
Baifu and the others sighed that Ye Jieyu was the only one in the palace who had an extraordinary appearance and shared hardships with His Majesty, no wonder she was the most favored. However when looking up to take a peek, His Majesty looked indifference and distant. Instead of indulgence, he revealed a bit of dangerous scrutiny. Could it be that the sin of spying at the Emperor's tracks a few days ago has not been forgotten?
Ye Jieyu didn't know that her behavior of bribing the imperial servants had been exposed, but she still saw that the emperor was in a bad mood, so she put down the soup bowl and asked softly, "Your Majesty, what's wrong? Are you tired from government affairs? Hurry up and drink the soup to restore your energy, and then rest early. As the saying goes, keep the green hills and not be afraid of running out of firewood. If you exhausted your body, what about the country, what about the civil and military affairs in the court, and what about the people of the world? What about, what about this concubine, without your protection, this concubine would have died a long time ago." Tears filled her eyes, she looked weak and pitiful.
Ordinarily, Emperor Sheng Yuan would have long comforted in a good voice, but now he was a little disgusted for no reason. He already knew that Ye Zhen, who seemed weak, was actually extremely tough in her bones. She had some means and scheming, even the Empress Dowager and the other imperial concubines were not her opponents, how could it still be the gentle and pure humble family's daughter from back then.
Without his protection, she would have died long ago? What a joke. Thinking of this, Emperor Sheng Yuan really laughed and said slowly, "Zhen heard that the Ye family wants to send your cousin to Marquis Zhenbei Mansion as a concubine. Today, you add makeup for her with great fanfare and sent a lot of valuable things?"
Ye Zhen's tears froze, she hesitantly said, "Yes, Ye Fan likes the two children the most, it can be said that she watched them grow up since childhood. In the future, after she enter the marquis mansion she can do her best on behalf of this concubine. This concubine is grateful for her kindness, this then gave a lot of reward. Your Majesty specifically mentioned this matter, is there anything wrong with it?"
"The marriage of Marquis Zhenbei was given by Zhen, and the commandment of Marquis Zhenbei madam was personally conferred by Zhen." Emperor Sheng Yuan slowly stirred the spoon and said, "One moment Zhen facilitated the marriage, and the next moment the Ye family forced Marquis Zhenbei to take a concubine, and you made a face for the concubine with a great fanfare, slapped Marquis Zhenbei madam's face, slapped the Emperor Teacher Mansion's face, and also slapped Zhen's face. Do you have any dissatisfaction with Zhen?"
His tone was not harsh, even a little careless, but Ye Zhen sensed the sharpness of the sword. Looking in the whole Great Wei, who dared to be dissatisfied with the holy will, wasn't that like God of Longevity hanged himself – too tired of living? However, after thinking about it carefully, what she did before was obviously to make a face for Ye Fan, and secretly wasn't she meant to humiliate the Guan family?
However, she forgot the most important point. The Guan family was held up by His Majesty, and their faces were the faces of Confucianism, the faces of national learning, and even more the faces of His Majesty. They and His Majesty were people on the same boat, while the Ye Family was just a little bit of foreign relatives.
While she was thinking this, Ye Zhen heard the emperor say again, "In the previous dynasty, there were inner palace turmoils and disasters cause by foreign relatives, and the damage was even like a military disaster. Zhen will return your kindness by letting you live without worry, but you should also abide by your duties, to be safe then to obey. See what you have done now? Used official authority for private interests, bully virtuous subject, humiliated titled woman, and meddling in court affairs, no matter how many kindness, eventually you will wear it down. Zhen originally didn't want to say too much to you, but since you mentioned old feelings, Zhen also have to point out one or two, but only this time and there will be no next time, or you'll be on your own. "
Hearing this, Ye Zhen was already sweating like puddles, her clothes were soaking wet, she knelt down with a thud, and pleaded, "This concubine was confused for a while, I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness! This concubine cannot forget the two children, cannot forget the Marquis, and more cannot forget the joy of the family in the past. When I saw him marrying another woman, I was blinded by jealousy and did such abhorrent things. This concubine never dared to have any dissatisfaction with Your Majesty, let alone indulge the families to cause disaster in the court. This concubine knows I'm wrong, beg your majesty to forgive for the sake of this concubine who is also a pitiful person, woo woo…" After the words finished she just wept bitterly.
Ye Zhen really couldn't forget Zhao Luli, couldn't forget the two children? Was it really because of jealousy that she made a big face for Ye Fan? Emperor Sheng Yuan's heart said not necessarily, but he was too lazy to delve too deep into it, because these things have nothing to do with him. However if Ye Zhen harmed the woman he greatly admired, even took as a confidant, and damaged his friendship with the Emperor Teacher and Minister of Ceremonies, he would never forgive her. Ye Zhen was nominally his woman, and what Ye Zhen did would naturally be counted on his head.
"Endlessly crying in front of imperial palace, what a joke. Go down, stay in Ganquan Palace and reflect on it for a few days. This cannot be repeated." His patience with Ye Zhen seemed to be running out.
Ye Zhen didn't dare to stay any longer, she quickly got up to take her leave, and returned to Ganquan Palace before she collapsed on the bed, she was completely terrified. In recent years, she had been living smoothly, even became a little complacent, and really regarded herself as favored as the outside world rumored to be. However, only she knew the truth. How could those glory and favors, that were supported by repaying kindness and easily shattered, compete with the real rights of the Guan family? Forcing the Marquis Mansion to take a concubine and making face for Ye Fan, these two moves were big mistakes!
"Niangniang, should we take back what we gave to the Ye family?" Yong He asked in a low voice. She was in the main hall just now, and she was also scared to death. Only then did she know that her niangniang didn't seem to have so much face in front of the emperor, at least it was inferior compared to the Guan family.
"Want to take back? Then This Palace will become a real joke. Pass the order, Ganquan Palace will close its palace's gate from now on, and refuse any visitors. His Majesty will handle the aftermath, no need for others to intervene. This Palace is tired and wants to be alone for a while, you all go down."
Everyone filed out, Ye Zhen numbly sat for a long time before closing her eyes, revealing the fear and embarrassment in her heart. No matter how the emperor took care of the aftermath, it's inevitable to step on the Ye family to support the Guan family. This time she failed to make face, but also beaten in the face, it was really a tragic lost. The next action couldn't be so hasty. However, her minions had been cut off by the empress dowager, and even if she wanted to send a message to the Ye family at this moment, letting them to know their place and not be ostentatious, but she was powerless, only hope that everyone would realize by themselves.
foreign relatives: it is all relatives outside the father family, it includes mother's family and wife's family.
to be safe then to obey: if you are content with fate, and you are not rigid and persistent, your life will always be peaceful and worry-free.
Chapter 38 Tall Trees
After ordering Ye Zhen to go back, Emperor Sheng Yuan put down the spoon and said solemnly, "This bowl of soup is given to you, drink it while it's hot."
Who dared to refuse what the emperor gave, Baifu was flattered and took the soup bowl, took it in small sips and drank it all, he intended to praise Ye Jieyu's cooking skills, but afraid of angering the emperor by saying the wrong thing, so he had to shut up. He really couldn't guess the emperor's mind now, saying that he didn't love Ye Jieyu, but of all the concubines in the palace, only Ye Jieyu could talk to him; saying that he loved Ye Jieyu, but he never never stayed in Ganquan Palace for more than an hour, let alone stay overnight.
No wonder after so many years, not only Ye Jieyu had never given birth, but the rest of the imperial concubines did not move at all. And the empress dowager, who was not his biological mother, did not urge at all, and only concentrated on raising the little grandsons left by several princes. His Majesty was already twenty-seven this year, if there was no good news, afraid that in a few years, it would provoke criticism from the courtiers. Baifu finally realized the taste of "The emperor is not in a hurry, but the eunuchs are". But he did not dare to advise bluntly, only pick a few more beauties to serve in the palace, preferably someone as talented as Ye Jieyu.
While thinking about it, Emperor Sheng Yuan had already leaned on the dragon chair and closed his eyes. The sky outside the window was getting dark. A layer of shadow covered his handsome and cold face, his thin lips pursed very tight and slightly pulled down, showing a bit of depression.
Baifu didn't know what happened to the emperor when he went outside in plain clothes, but very sure that he was not in a good mood right now, if he make a slight mistake, he might throw himself onto the muzzle of a gun. The servants who could serve in Weiyang Palace were all experienced, and there was no need for the chief supervisor to remind them to lowered their eyes and ears, kept their voices quiet, and dared not make trouble.
In this dead silence atmosphere, time passed quietly, as if a long time had passed, but it was only a moment, Baifu suddenly heard His Majesty's low voice, "Bring the Book of Songs here, I want to see it."
"It's here." Baifu hurriedly found the book and placed it on a tray covered with silk.
Emperor Sheng Yuan flipped through the pages at will, his cryptic eyes suddenly fixed, and after a while, he slowly read word by word, "There are tall trees in the south, and it is not to be contemplated; Han has a wandering girl, and it is impossible to think; The vastness of Han is incomprehensible. The eternal nature of the river is incomprehensible. Baifu, can you sing this poem? Sing and let me listen."
"Your Majesty, due to the turmoil of war, the rise and fall of the feudal states, and the displacement of the people, many of the tunes in the Book of Songs have been lost. This servant have shallow knowledge and dare not show their ugliness. If Your Majesty really likes it, it is better to ask the Emperor Teacher tomorrow. The old master may know a thing or two."
"Ask Guan Qiguang to sing a love poem? Forget it." Emperor Sheng Yuan shook his head and laughed, as if thinking of something, he murmured, "Someone can certainly sing it, but if she sings it to Zhen, Zhen will be even more pathetic. But it's better this was, what remain unseen is deemed clean, what remain unheard is deemed quite."
Which woman won't even give you face? And who can make you pitiful? Baifu felt incredulous. Seeing that His Majesty's expression changed from longing to loss, and then to gloomy and depressed, in the end he did not dare to ask.
—–
Marquis Zhenbei Mansion, Main House.
Zhao Chunxi had been waiting in the side hall for more than an hour. Seeing that Guan Suyi had not returned to the house, she couldn't help but feel a little anxious. Her two maids, Hexiang and Xueliu, repeatedly ran outside the second gate to take a look, their faces full of impatience. After another quarter of an hour, Hexiang ran back and said indignantly, "Miss, don't wait, let's go back. Madam knew that you're going to apologize today, but without informing anything she went out privately and let you wait in vain. She is hanging you on purpose!"
"My aunt is about to pass the door. Wangshu and I have been close to my aunt since we were young. She is worried that we will be wooed, which will shake her status. It is not surprising that she gives us some power play." Zhao Chunxi squeezed the veil tightly and endured secretly.
"But you are the serious eldest miss of Marquis Mansion, then just let her grind you? If she treats you so coldly, you should let lord marquis know, otherwise if you suffer in silence for a long time, she will treat you as a soft persimmon, and will squeezed more and more easily."
"There's no need to tell daddy, so what if I tell him? He always asks me to please Guan shi more, and do not be disobedient, after all, my dowry and future depend on her planning. She also insulted me for being raised by a little woman, and daddy didn't listen to me and ignored it. They said that if you have a stepmother, you will have a stepfather, which is really true."
"Miss, this servant will say something over the line. Aunt Ye is your own aunt after all. Behind her are Master Ye, Madam Ye, Jieyu niangniang, and even the emperor's support. Her identity is not comparable to that ordinary concubine, and when she gives birth to a son in the future, as long as Jieyu niangniang issues a decree, it will be enough to raise her as an equal wife. Then she will be in equal footing with Guan shi, so why should you alienate Concubine Ye according to the Lord marquis's orders, but instead force yourself to get close to Guan shi?" After saying this, Hexiang looked around, feeling rather guilty.
Zhao Chunxi's eyes lit up slightly, and then dimmed again, "Lifted her up to be an equal wife? Wouldn't you lead the wolf into the room?"
"What kind of person is Concubine Ye, you still don't know? She has watched you and the eldest young master grow up since you were young, she will treat you as if you are her own, she's extremely sincere. Compare to that Guan shi, she will be so much better. If you are worried after she has a son, her heart is easily change, then simply give her medicine for a few years, and when you get married, the eldest young master will be conferred as Shizi and inherit the title, and then give her a child to support her."
If you can give medicine to Ye Fan, you can also give medicine to Guan shi. Zhao Chunxi's heart trembled slightly, she was obviously persuaded. After thinking for a moment, she waved her hand and said, "My aunt came from a humble background. If I want to raise her to be an equal wife, it is not easy, I still need to take care of slowly. However, my time is limited, and I'm going to get married in two or three years. I'm afraid I won't be able to wait for her."
"Miss, you are doing it the wrong way. The length of time is not only decided by Heaven, but also by us. Jieyu niangniang's holy favor will never fade, and a few pillow talk can make the Ye family become a top-level powerful family. When that time comes Concubine Ye's family background will also risen with the tide. And in the mansion, you and she can join hands to deal with Guan shi and suppress her. If Guan shi's personal morality is detrimental, how can she manage central feed and still have the title. No matter what Guan family said, it won't justified. Combining attacks from three sides, and in one year she will become a phoenix that falls on the shelf."
"Great idea!" Zhao Chunxi clasped her palm, and then worriedly said, "But after all, she is a first-rank titled madam appointed by the emperor. If she is suppressed too hard, will it offend the emperor?"
"Are you still afraid that the emperor will protect her, but not protect Jieyu niangniang? The only woman who followed the emperor in and out of the battlefield was Jieyu Niangniang, the only woman who lived and died with him was Jieyu Niangniang, the only woman who sacrificed her life to save him was also the Jieyu Niangniang. Now that His Majesty has ascended to the throne and proclaimed the emperor, only Jieyu Niangniang has the highest position of all the imperial concubines in the whole palace. Holding the Phoenix Seal, commanding the Six Palaces and the Jiaofang alone, such a great honor, not to mention protecting you, it will be easy to create a giant noble family. Just wait, when Jieyu Niangniang gives birth to a dragon heir, and go further, Ye family will soar to the sky and be full of glory, and you and the eldest young master are the juniors who are most valued by her, the future will certainly not bad. You don't have to cling to the present, just take a long-term view."
"My mom…" Zhao Chunxi changed her words in time, "If my eldest aunt can really go further, my grandfather will become a true imperial father-in-law. According to the rules, he can be canonized as a Duke. When that time comes, a mere Guan family is really nothing to be afraid of."
"Yes, so why do you have to humble yourself in front of Guan shi as Lord Marquis instructed? You just need to befriend your maternal family and approach Jieyu niangniang, and there will be countless glory and wealth in the future." The more Hexiang spoke the more she felt she was clever, she couldn't help but felt pleased with herself.
Zhao Chunxi was still hesitating when she suddenly saw Xueliu rushing over and said excitedly, "Miss, just now the gatekeeper sent a message to this servant, saying that Jieyu Niangniang has rewarded many things to the Ye Mansion, one of them is an eight-foot-tall red coral specially given for Concubine Ye to add makeup. Its whole body is crystal clear, the color is gorgeous, the price is invaluable, and all the passerby were staring. The gatekeeper also said that the red coral alone is enough to defeat a princess' dowry! Good God, Ye Mansion is now famous, everyone is talking about it!"
Hexiang hurriedly beat the drum, "Jieyu niangniang care about Ye family the most, unable to tolerate them being bullied by others. When the time comes, Concubine Ye will no longer have to worry about being crushed by that cheap servant."
"More than that, Concubine Ye can turn her back on Madam, and see if they dare to neglect eldest miss in the main house!" Xueliu raised her chin, her expression extremely arrogant.
With such a powerful maternal family and such a favored mother, what else would Zhao Chunxi worried about? She felt a pang of relief in her heart, and immediately called out the steward and left with arrogance. As for her dowry and marriage, mom could help to plan. She was the noble Jieyu, with just one sentence, not to mention letting her daughter marry into an aristocratic family, even pointed out to to imperial family would not be difficult.
One moment that group left, the next moment Guan Suyi returned, caught a glimpse of the still warm tea cup on the table, she asked, "Has Zhao Chunxi come?"
"Reporting to madam, Eldest Miss has been waiting for you all afternoon, and she has only been gone for less than a quarter of an hour." The steward cleaned up the table while she spoke.
"Leave without waiting for the people, perhaps she received the news that Ye Jieyu made a face to Ye Fan, and changed her tune then withdraw. In the future, if our courtyard want to welcome the eldest miss, it will be very difficult." She smiled disapprovingly.
"It's better if she don't come, our courtyard is finally clean." Minglan put the brocade box on the desk and went to prepare tools for repairing the shredded paper.
The two master and servant worked on the book until the middle of the night, and finally kept the fragments properly and pressed them into a special splint. Minglan took advantage when the miss took a bath to asked her to improvise a poem, so as to teach her a few more words. The Guan family was a literary noble family, talking and laughing with great scholars, no contacts with white people. Even the uncle who guarded the gate was also articulate, not to mention the servants who served the master. If they didn't have a little bit of learning spirit, they would be rejected by the master.
Guan Suyi rested her head on the edge of the tub, closed her eyes and hummed slowly, "There are tall trees in the south, and it is not to be contemplated; Han has a wandering girl, and it is impossible to think; The vastness of Han is incomprehensible. The eternal nature of the river is incomprehensible." The lingering voice was melodious and gentle, but it also carried an inexhaustible sadness.
Minglan was stunned, clutching her chest and said, "Miss, what does this poem mean? I feel a little sad in my heart."
Guan Suyi opened her eyes, looked at the void, and explained word by word, "There are trees in the south of the Han River, but I don't want to explore the secluded forest. The beauty across the water is wandering leisurely, and my heart longs for it but it's difficult to seek. The Han River is deep and wide, the water is broad and I cannot swim. The boiling Han River is long and long, even if there are wooden rafts, it cannot be crossed. This poem tells the love of the heart, but it is also full of the pain of not being able to ask for it."
"No wonder my heart is so sad in." Minglan suddenly shed two lines of tears, in exchange Guan Suyi was laughing. Infatuated people are pathetic, infatuated people are pitiful, infatuated people are even more ridiculous. In this life, she will never be infected with even half a point of love.
There are tall trees in the south, and it is not to be contemplated; Han has a wandering girl, and it is impossible to think; The vastness of Han is incomprehensible. The eternal nature of the river is incomprehensible: it is a love song about a man who cannot get the woman he love. Of course it is a rough translation.
what remain unseen is deemed clean, what remain unheard is deemed quite: out of sight out of mind.
phoenix that falls on the shelf: upper-class people who have lost their superior status.
talking and laughing with great scholars, no contacts with white people: chatting and laughing with people who are knowledgeable, not with illiterate who have no knowledge.
Chapter 39 Virtuous Minister
The next day, in Chengde Hall, the civil and military officials divided to the left and right to present court memorials together.
Because of Xu Guangzhi's request, several great scholars already prepared letters of recommendation to report to the emperor. When County Prince Jing stepped forward and urged Xu Guangzhi to enter the office, they also followed and spoke together. Guan Father took a step forward and was about to second a motion, but he heard his old man refute with anger, "Report to the emperor, Xu Guangzhi is lacking personal virtue, have become depraved, and could not become an official…" Finally, he unfolded the long memorial in his hand, recited word by word.
Father, didn't we agree before that we won't slap County Prince Jing's face in the court? Your words cannot be trusted, ah! Guan Father sighed in his heart, but his face didn't show anything. And at his instigation, several Legalism scholars who were preparing to impeach Xu Guangzhi for burning books and discarding articles were also caught off guard at this time. They never expected that Old Master Guan would be so upright, and even teared up the younger generation of his own school. However, listening to it, they were touched by his 'looking up not ashamed of the sky, looking down not ashamed of people' magnificent aura and candidness, one by one were moved to tears.
Not long before, the Confucius's policy was promulgated, and the court ministers had their own schools of thought, naturally they were worried about the damage to their interests. And Xu Guangzhi's remarks of "Abolishing a hundred schools of thought" made their already precarious situation even more difficult. If they didn't change the lane and withdraw, those Legalism classics couldn't be said what's their fate tomorrow. However, asking scholars to give up what they have learned all their lives and reluctantly accept ideas they do not agree with was more cruel than directly beheading them.
Therefore, they want to fight against Xu Guangzhi to the end, but they also knew that the emperor would not open his eyes for other schools, and they could only fight to the end and sacrifice their lives for righteousness. However, they did not expect that as the Confucian master and Emperor Teacher, Old Master Guan, would stand up one step ahead of them and thoroughly criticized. If all Confucian scholars were as virtuous as Old Master Guan, the literary world would definitely flourish, the court would be stable, and the society would have a long history.
When Old Master Guan finished reading the memorials in an eloquent manner, there was a roar of applause from the court, and even the generals who had always been at odds with the civil servants also clasped their hands, and the second motion continued.
Xu Guangzhi's actions were very high-profile. No, it should be said that in these two lifetimes, he had been a small utensil that easy to fill, without regard for others. The difference was that in the previous life, he was supported by Emperor Sheng Yuan, but in this life, he could only cling to the powerful and planned every step. One point of fate differ made everything also very different. In the previous life, he had brutalized the scholars of other schools like that, not necessarily didn't make enemies, but because of his strong backing and deep background, he always stood firm. But in this life, he had shown himself without the strength to protect himself, and the fate after antagonizing countless enemies could be imagined.
He thought that the ministers of the Confucian school would all backing him up, but he forgot whether those who was in charge, that was, Old Master Guan, would appreciate his style of bullying others, burning books and abolishing Legalism. The answer was he didn't appreciate it and even hated it!
For the first time, Emperor Sheng Yuan listened carefully to the words of his teacher. Because of his selfish advocacy of Legalism and rejection of Confucianism, his impression of Old Master Guan had always remained at the level of conformity and ignorance. After he had a secret affection for Guan Suyi, he began to re-examine the old man, and finally found the other person's loyalty, honesty, uprightness and righteousness hidden under the pedantic and stubbornness.
But Guan Father was even more interesting. He was a giant of Confucianism on the surface, but privately he was very close to scholars of various schools, and he was also extremely proficient in various schools of thought. It was not exaggeration to say "omniscient and omnipotent, experienced in the ways of the world". When he stepped into the court, he was like a dragon facing the abyss, and the wind and clouds would rise.
It's no wonder that Guan Suyi had a pure heart and elegant character, endowed with fine spirits of the universe, her family learning was actually the source, influenced by seeing and hearing. At this time, Emperor Sheng Yuan didn't know that there was a saying in Central Plains 'Love the house and its crow'. Because he liked someone, he naturally liked all the people close to her. Therefore, the Guan family's father and son, who he felt sour before, also now greatly admired.
At this time he was still tormenting, resisting, and suppressing his feelings, but it didn't prevent him from further lifting the Guan family. When the applause and the voice of support gradually faded away, he said, "What the Emperor Teacher said is very true, Xu Guangzhi is eager for quick success and lack personal virtue, and he is not worthy of being an official."
Seeing that County Prince Jing seemed to be about to argue, he continued, "Zhen's holy idea is 'to promote the Confucian family, suppress the hundred schools', but he misinterpreted it as 'abolishing the hundred schools, and only respect Confucianism'. If an official can't even understand the Holy Will, what is the use? Legalism's clear punishment, Confucianism's benevolence, Mohism's universal love, School of Military's defend one's country… Each Hundred Schools of Thought has their own strength and strive for the best result. Each school's scholars are vigorous and active, have high fighting spirit. So when in my Great Wei, hundred of flowers bloom and hundred schools of thought contend, civil and military officials emulates the virtuous and unite their will, why worry the society is unstable, and the country is not strong? Zhen respect Confucianism because of the single character 'benevolence', benevolent to your subjects and benevolent to the people, so how could imitate the tyrannical Qin that practice 'burning books and bury alive Confucian scholars? You can have your own thoughts, and Zhen also have a policy for governing the country, do you think so?"
After a few words, County Prince Jing was unable to refute and was too ashamed to speak, while hundreds of civil and military officials knelt down on the ground to shout Long Live, and Old Master Guan was moved to tears by the emperor's deep benevolence and kindness, he submitted happily.
Xu Guangzhi's entry into officialdom was dismissed just like that. Emperor Sheng Yuan continued to carried out several other government affairs, and then he proposed to improve the legal code and restore order. Because there was act of benevolence towards scholars of various schools at the beginning, the civil and military officials were very cooperative, except for praising the emperor as enlightened monarch, there was no objection.
After the court finished, Emperor Sheng Yuan made his imperial teacher, Chief of Ceremonies and several Legalists to stay behind and discuss the specific details of perfecting the law. Guan Father followed behind Old Master Guan, while walking slowly towards Weiyang Palace, he whispered, "Father, you promised to be good yesterday, why you put your son in a tight spot during the court."
County Prince Jing was small-minded and ambitious. In the past, he wanted to win over the Guan family, but when he failed, he supported his minions and brought his confidants together. Now, his plan was once again disturbed by the Guan family. Although he pretended to be benevolent and righteous, he must have hated the Guan family. No matter what, he was also a member of the Jiuli tribe, even more, he was a relative of the imperial family. If he wanted to embarrass the Guan family, it's still unknown who the emperor would protect.
Old Master Guan's lips didn't move, but a voice reached Guan Father's ear, "Life is what I want, righteousness is also what I want. If I can't have both, then I will let life go for righteousness. I always use these words to encourage you and encourage myself. Others become officials because of power, or because of wealth, but my Guan family enter the officialdom because of what, have you forgotten?"
Guan Father replied in a low voice, "Son has never forgotten for a day, so that people of the world can be enlighten, so that people of the world can make a living, so that people of the world can be prosperous, so that the Yellow River is clear and the sea has no waves." After a pause, he reflected deeply, "Father, son is wrong!"
Old Master Guan snorted coldly, and then eased his expression, "It's good if you don't forget your original intention. You use your tactful way, I follow my loyalty and integrity way. In the future it may have nothing to do with each other, or maybe cooperate with each other, or maybe compete against each other, and it's up to your and my political opinions."
Guan Father could only promised and obeyed. Who said that the old man had no scheming and didn't know how to be flexible. To let the father and son went their own way was the biggest scheming, the best flexibility, when advancing could attack, when retreating could defend, and when one break, the other could be saved.
The two of them tacitly understood, remained silent all the way. They waited outside the hall for a while before being led into the imperial study.
"Please sit down, dear gentlemen." Emperor Sheng Yuan had no arrogance at all. He had already taken off his dragon robe and changed into casual clothes, and stretched out his hand to invite several ministers to sit down. Marquis Zhenxi, who had taken three-month vacation, was waiting by the side, holding a thick memorial in his hand, showing that he was well prepared.
"A country can't be without a ruler, more so can't have a chaotic law. When the law is chaotic then the world is in chaos, when the world is in chaos then the people are dead. Therefore, Zhen have long wanted to revise the law, and I hereby invite dear ministers to help review the details, recast the code of law, and restore the world's clarity."
All the ministers were touched by the emperor's benevolence, and they all said, "Willing to die for Your Majesty, willing to die for Great Wei, willing to die for the people."
"Great kindness!" Emperor Sheng Yuan's dragon heart was delighted, and he said concisely, "Zhen have just come into contact with the culture of Central Plains, the knowledge is limited, so it is inconvenient to say more. There is only one principle that dear ministers need to bear in mind: the revision of the law should be based on the principle that 'the ruler is light, the people are noble'. It's important to be beneficent for the common people, the national law placed above the patriarchal clan system, the public opinion placed above the official voice, and if the prince and the common people break the laws the crime is the same. Abolish the old rules and bad habits of 'punishment is not for the senior official, and the etiquette is not for the common people', concealment of relatives, and concealment of officials, truly put people first, use benevolence at its root."
There was a few breaths of silence in the hall. The Legalism scholars were ecstatic and convinced, but they were worried that the Emperor Teacher and Chief of Ceremonies would speak out against it. When they were about to look, they saw the two of them knelt down and called Holy Monarch. They were even more excited than they were. "The emperor's heart is for the people, benevolent and righteous, and will create a great cause for eternity and leave a name for eternity! Your Majesty long live, long live, long live!"
Emperor Sheng Yuan quickly pulled up the two people, with a thousand thoughts and great ambitions surging in his chest. He pondered for a moment, and then said, "In addition to revising the law, Zhen want to set up another official office, called the Inspectorate Department, which is composed of the Inspector Censor and Jishizong. Practice rules and remonstrate the emperor, speak left and right, impeach hundreds of officials, and investigate the real powers of regions and ranks, ranging from the central government to the small towns and counties, from the emperor to the officials, and from the country's major affairs to the people's livelihood, are all within the scope of the censor's supervision and speech. Zhen will assign them absolute freedom, impeach hundreds of officials, not convicted by words, and not put to death in prison, so as to avoid the calamity of incapable ruler, corrupt politics, and traitorous people that bring disaster to the country…"
This was the idea that came from listening to Guan Suyi's blunt accounting on the shortcomings of the legalist monarchy's dictatorship.
Before the emperor's words were finished, Old Master Guan had already knelt down again, his voice when calling 'long live the emperor' was trembling, he even offered to resign from the position of the super-grade Emperor Teacher and become the little seventh-grade censor to plead in the name of the people, to ensure that the facts were correctly understood. The rest of the people also knelt down willingly, without any reluctance.
"Good! If there are virtuous ministers like this, why worry that my Great Wei will not be prosperous, and the society will not be strong!" Emperor Sheng Yuan laughed loudly, very happy. From this moment on, his impression of Guan's father and son had completely changed, from being dispensable advertisement of Confucianism to the reliable right-hand man.
Qin Lingyun was also infected by the great righteousness of the two of people, felt great respect towards them. No wonder Guan Suyi was so excellent and also unconventional, it was because of the upright family style. The dragon gives birth to the dragon and the phoenix gives birth to the phoenix, this was indeed true.
The discussion continued from morning to evening, everyone used the imperial meal in the Weiyang Palace before returning home. On the moving carriage, Guan Father said slowly, "Revising the law, setting up an Inspectorate, the emperor is worried about the country and the people, self-restraint and devoted to the public, but I want to use both of them to do a personal matter."
"Yiyi's matter?" Old Master Guan understood.
"Father, you really know everything." Guan Father smiled and flattered.
"Alright, I'll take care of this matter." Old Master Guan took complete charge, even though he knew that he had fallen into his son's trap of eliminating dissidents, he happily endured hardship for the safety of his granddaughter's life.
'looking up not ashamed of the sky, looking down not ashamed of people': it is a metaphor for people who do things upright, open-minded and without guilt.
a small utensil that easy to fill: small-minded and easy to be complancent.
endowed with fine spirits of the universe: describe an environment that nurtures outstanding talent.
"Life is what I want, righteousness is also what I want. If I can't have both, then I will let life go for righteousness. : justices is more important than life and advocates sacrificing one's life for righteousness.
Jishizong: it is an old official name.
Chapter 40 Shattered
When Old Master Guan and Father Guan went to court, Guan Suyi also woke up early. After washing, she went to the study, and while practicing calligraphy, she waited for Zhao Wangshu to come and greet her. She had a loop of gauze wrapped around her wrist, with lead blocks on the inside. If she took it off and weighed it, it would have weighed four to five pounds. However, she had become accustomed to this kind of hardship cultivation when she was eleven or twelve years old, so her hand that practiced calligraphy was so powerful that she could penetrate the back of the paper. At first glance, it seemed to be written by the general who went through many battlefields, never thought it came from a boudoir woman.
Minglan was amazed when she saw it, and wished she could put her miss's hand on her wrist, and also write a few back and forth freely and unrestrainedly.
After practicing for about a quarter of an hour, Zhao Wangshu, who should have arrived at maoshi (5-7am), finally arrived late, followed by Zhao Chunxi, who was blowing in the spring breeze. The old women who was guarding the gate of the courtyard hurriedly stepped forward to greet her, they were all very obedient. It seemed that they had already received the news that Ye Jieyu had given face to Ye Fan. Worried that madam would not only fall out of favor but also be stripped off her power, they wanted to make some good ties and went to higher place in the future.
Yesterday, she was left to dry for more than half an hour, but today even the floor tiles that have been stepped on have been wiped clean. Power and Holy's favor were really good things. Thinking like this, Zhao Chunxi became more and more determined to curry favor with her biological mother, join force with her aunt, win over her maternal family, and suppress Guan shi.
The two siblings crossed the threshold and saluted in unison, although their faces were respectful, there was a bit of contempt in their eyes. Zhao Wangshu didn't have any shrewdness, so he couldn't hold back what's in his heart. Before his sister could speak, he said triumphantly, "Mother, today we won't go to the main courtyard to pay respect with you, and the homework at noon and evening will also be waived. This is what Dad said." He blinked his eyes and had an expression of "Come and ask me why".
How could Guan Suyi didn't know about his little thought, but she still played along, "Oh, why is that?"
"My eldest aunt is adding makeup for the third aunt. One of them is an eight-foot-tall red corals which is a treasure of Wei Kingdom, and it's invaluable. My sister and I were invited to see it. I heard that the third aunt also invited many people to appreciate it together. Even the eldest princess will also attend. She herself said that such a treasure is not even in her princess's house. In the national treasury only have this one and it actually given to the third aunt. The third aunt is very blessed." Zhao Wangshu stretched out his arms and pulled the air, looking very proud.
Zhao Chunxi corrected with a chuckle, "Silly brother, where is it the blessing of third aunt, it's obvious grandfather's family has dipped in the light of eldest aunt to have today's glory. The one we should be most thankful for is eldest aunt, after all, she is the daughter of our Ye family, as it should be bless the family. Oh, by the way, the third aunt also sent a post to mother, blame me for being so happy that I almost forgot, will mother go with us?" She took out a greeting post from her sleeve pocket.
Hearing this, Guan Suyi almost laughed out loud. Unexpectedly, Zhao Chunxi, who was so scheming and had deep thought in the previous life would have such a naive moment, misunderstood other people's ironic remark as a compliment, and was proud and boasted everywhere just to see other's jealous and envious expression. But this also couldn't be blamed on her. She was not like in the previous life, given advice, urged, guided, and constantly taught by words and example. It was reasonable she became mediocre, silly, and narrow-minded, because her Ye family's education was like this. Just like her mom who thought she had outstanding means, but in fact neglected the root and pursued the tip.
"The Ye family is really the most respectable family in the honorable circle, even the eldest princess is slightly inferior. Well, since your father agreed, then just go. I don't like to join in the fun. Have you prepared the carriage?" Guan Suyi wrote slowly, her expression flat.
Zhao Chunxi and Zhao Wangshu couldn't find humiliation and panicked expression on her face, so they were a little bit disappointed. She answered while adjusting her mind, "The carriage and horses are ready, and Daddy will personally sent us over. So, we will take our leave."
Zhao Luli went to sent over in person, but unwilling to follow the children to the main house to take a look and say a few words to herself, probably afraid because Ye Zhen's provocation she would be fly into rage and embarrassed him, right? This living turtle, he only knew how to shrink into his shell when he encounter a problem, but there was no responsibility at all. No wonder Ye Zhen wanted the red apricot tree to lean over the garden wall, and remarry other.
At this moment, Guan Suyi finally understood Ye Zhen's difficulties, waved her sleeves lightly, and said in a loose tone, "Go, go early and come back early."
The siblings did not answer to agreed, turned around and ran out, and after a while disappeared from the gate of the courtyard. Several maids and old women hurriedly chased after them, and very attentively instructed, "Eldest miss, eldest young master, run slowly, be careful of falling! Now it's still early. Even if a bit late, that's also your grandfather's house, they definitely will not to blame."
Minglan slammed the door and spat, "These darn opportunist, they will go to whoever has the upper hand, what a traitorous face, it's extremely despicable! This servant guess that these two brother and sister will never come again once they went out today. Their Ye family has such a good face, and concubine Ye has Ye Jieyu as her backing. How can she put miss in her eyes again? This Ye Jieyu is also a confused person. Having so much power even take care her brother-in-law's room, not afraid of being laughed at."
"Ye's family originally was just a merchant. Before the founding of the country, they were selling horses in the border. It was not easy to put their daughter in the harem. They couldn't be expected to know how to write the words 'shame' and 'etiquette'. Those two brother and sister will always come again, because once my Guan family take action, the Ye family will be unlucky, and those two will come to me with their tails between their legs to make amends, will respectfully call me mother again, and pay respect in the morning and evening." While talking Guan Suyi wrote the words "Propriety, Righteousness, Honesty and Shame" on the paper, and finally held it high to appreciate it carefully.
Minglan wailed, "Are they going to come back? That's so annoying! The eldest young master is still tolerable, just a little bit stubborn, a little stupid, can barely bear him; however the eldest miss's is not what it seems on the surface, honeyed words with a sword in the belly. I feels terrified when I sees her, always worried about being stabbed in the back. She smiled at you for a while and said that you are good and good, but when she went back, she pulled lord marquis to cry and complain, saying that you are bad and bad. Insidious little girl, don't know where she learned this trick."
"Probably come from the family education." Guan Suyi shook her head and sighed.
Just at this moment, the housekeeper brought a brocade box, saying that it was sent by the madam from the main house of Marquis Zhenxi Mansion, and she had to open it in person.
"Bring it over." Guan Suyi sent the rest of the people away, opened the box cover to check inside, and saw that there were more than a dozen Legalism classics in it, all of which were single issue, absolutely rare, and famous masters' manuscript. "Marquis Zhenxi is so generous, this is the real treasure of Wei Kingdom, and it is invaluable!" She also understood that these books could not have been given by Li shi, who was illiterate.
Minglan was also a savvy person, and said in surprise, "Miss, this gift is too expensive, isn't it too hot? Your friendship with Marquis Zhenxi has not reached this level!"
"Even if I burnt a layer of skin off my hand, I will still take this gift! He really doesn't have much friendship with me, but it doesn't mean that there is no need for friendship with Guan family in the future. A potential ally means an extra path, and even an extra life. Although there is no intention of forming a party, he has to plan ahead. Moreover, he is only sending a few books, and not doing other actions. Just accept it, no need to think too much about it."
Minglan was completely relieved, so she arranged the brush and paper for her miss to write a thank you post, and prepared a valuable return gift to send to the Marquis Zhenxi Mansion.
—-
When Zhao Chunxi and her younger brother arrived, the Ye Mansion was full of distinguished guests, it was very lively. Occasionally, there were elegantly dressed nobles entering and leaving the room, at first glance, it seemed to be family of great official. Master Ye didn't personally greet Zhao Luli, probably because he looked down on his status as an idle lord. Liu shi was also neither cold nor warm, but she still cared a little about the two juniors, called out the cousins of the same age to lead them to the backyard to play.
Zhao Luli stood for a while in embarrassment. Seeing that his father-in-law never came out, he went to the front yard by himself.
After waiting for about three quarters of an hour, the eldest princess arrived late. She waved back Liu shi and Ye Fan, who greeted with a flattering smile, and said straight to the point, "This Palace will enter the palace later to see the Empress Dowager, cannot be delay. What about that red coral? Bring it out for This Palace to see."
The guests also urged again and again, their eyes shining.
Everyone saw that the eldest princess didn't have a good attitude, and Liu shi and Ye Fan gritted their teeth in anger but could not do anything, only slander her in their hearts: "You just wait, after niangniang gives birth to the dragon heir, our Ye family will become the number one family in Yanjing. You and the emperor are neither born from the same mother nor close friend. How can you compare with the Ye family? Now let you be crazy, there will be times when you cry in the future!
While thinking wildly, she led people to the front of the water pavilion, where a huge gold-painted mahogany box stood, which was very bright against the sun. Before everyone could see the treasure, they began to murmur and praise its brilliant, and Liu shi who had slightly extinguished her arrogance became condescending again after hearing the adulation. She was going to open the box and presented the treasure when Master Ye arrived with the male guest, let this group of people gained some knowledge and understood the way of the world.
Zhao Chunxi was frightened by the stern and contemptuous expression of the eldest princess, and faintly felt that she did not intend to befriend the Ye family as rumored, on the contrary, she seemed to be looking for trouble. But so what? She was already married and counted as an outsider, how could she be compared with her mom? Her mom was the emperor's wife. They accompanied each other day and night, slept on the same pillow, and would die together in the future. There was no more intimate relationship than this. Otherwise, how could the red coral, which only had this one tree in the whole country, got into her mom's hand, not the eldest princess, or even the Empress Dowager?
Thinking like this, Zhao Chunxi lowered her eyelids and smiled triumphantly. She raised her head when she heard the sound of her grandmother opening the lid of the box with the key, and then she was shocked. She saw the whole body of crystal clear, brightly colored red coral somehow shattered into pieces, and when the wind blew, it raised a lot of white dust, making the person standing in front of it coughed incessantly.
Liu shi and Ye Fan screamed in surprise, Master Ye also trembled and almost fainted. The rest were either in a mess, or enjoying other's misfortune, or leaned over to look closely, and some people took the opportunity to leave to avoid trouble.
"Don't go, no one is allowed to go! Hurry up, hurry up and report to the authorities!" After all, Master Ye was a shrewd and capable businessman, so he quickly recovered and asked the servants to seal the gates of the courtyards to prevent the culprit from escaping. If no one deliberately made trouble, the extremely hard coral would not be shattered like this! Who dared to destroy even the things bestowed by the emperor, who was so audacious?
neglected the root and pursued the tip: neglect the fundamentals and concentrate on details.
the red apricot tree to lean over the garden wall: idiom for a wife who has an illicit lover.
