You are the only important thing today. "
Mu Mingtang didn't expect him to be so blunt. Her cheeks heated up and she felt embarrassed. She pretended to glare angrily at Hsieh Hyun-chen, but when she turned her head, her eyes were full of smiles.
Although Dongjing was lively every night, the Lantern Festival was second to none. It was only the twelfth lunar month, but there was already a lantern market outside Donghua Gate. With Mu Mingtang's current status, she naturally wouldn't squeeze with the crowd outside. Her carriage stopped in front of the largest store. As soon as the carriage came to a stop, the shopkeeper and waiters rushed to the front of the carriage.
Hsieh Hyun-chen got out first, and then Mu Mingtang got out of the carriage. When the shopkeeper saw the surrounding imperial bodyguards, he knew that today's customer had a big background. He was mentally prepared, but when he saw the two immortals get out of the carriage, he was still stunned.
He specialized in the lantern business and had seen many rich and noble people come and go. How come he didn't know there were such people in Dongjing?
Hsieh Hyun-chen and Mu Mingtang didn't want to make a big deal out of it, so the maid only called them "Langjun" and "Wifey," not revealing their true identities. The shopkeeper politely led Mu Mingtang and Hsieh Hyun-chen into the store. Mu Mingtang looked at the dazzling array of lanterns and waved her hand at the shopkeeper and the others: "You go do your own thing. Langjun and I will look around."
The shopkeeper nodded, but he didn't dare to really leave Mu Mingtang and Hsieh Hyun-chen out. He could only follow them at a distance, ensuring that he didn't disturb the noble people's mood and that he could call out if there was anything.
Mu Mingtang also didn't know what lanterns to buy. The last time she went to buy lanterns with her family was before she was twelve years old. At that time, she was only a child. What right did she have to say? Mu Mingtang looked around for a while and didn't have any ideas. She asked Hsieh Hyun-chen in a low voice: "How did the Prince's Mansion celebrate the Lantern Festival in the past?"
Hsieh Hyun-chen thought about it seriously and said, "I don't know. I've never paid attention."
Mu Mingtang could only ask again, "Then do you still remember how your family used to buy lamps? How big and how much do you want? "
Hsieh Hyun-chen thought for a while and shook his head. Mu Mingtang was in despair. She should not have counted on Hsieh Hyun-chen.
Perhaps seeing Mu Mingtang's distress, Hsieh Hyun-chen said, "You don't have to worry. Anyway, there are only the two of us at home. No one will dare to say anything about you buying more or less. Just buy whatever you like. You don't have to think about anything else. "
Mu Mingtang thought about it and found it to be true. She didn't have parents-in-law or sisters-in-law, so she didn't have to worry about being mistaken by her sisters-in-law and aunts. The only thing she had to pay attention to was to not overstep her boundaries and overstep the boundaries of the palace.
Mu Mingtang relaxed and looked at the lamps more calmly. There were many different types of lamps in the shop. There were light balls, silk lanterns, sun and moon lanterns, and horse riding lanterns. There were even some exquisite lanterns that were made of colored glass, feathers, and colored silk to match the lanterns to make various exquisite shapes. Mu Mingtang took note of a few of them. Finally, she pointed at a colored glass lantern and a double-layered palace lantern. She asked Hsieh Hyun-chen, "The palace lantern is elegant and the colored glass lantern is exquisite. Which one do you think should be hung in Jade Qilin Hall?"
Hsieh Hyun-chen was stumped by the question. He also walked over to study the two lanterns. As the two of them were talking, a deep male voice came from behind them, "Your humble servant has disturbed you. Greetings to His Highness, Prince An."
Mu Mingtang's voice paused. She glanced at Hsieh Hyun-chen from the corner of her eyes before slowly turning around. Hsieh Hyun-chen's expression was still indifferent as he said, "I'm accompanying the Princess to look at the lanterns today. I don't want to make a fuss about it. General Zhu, please rise."
Zhu Yanghong acknowledged. Although he shouldn't have, Zhu Yanghong still had a thought in his mind. With Hsieh Hyun-chen's actions just now, how could it be considered as not making a fuss about it?
When Zhu Yanghong saw an old friend jump down from the carriage on the street, he was very shocked. He originally thought that Hsieh Hyun-chen was already dead.
Zhu Yanghong was once a military general by Guo Rong's side. He had also worked with Xie Yi and Hsieh Hyun-chen, father and son. Later, Zhu Yanghong was transferred by Guo Rong to guard the southwest border. He hadn't returned to the Capital for many years. Naturally, he missed the series of power changes in the Capital. The last time he met Hsieh Hyun-chen was in the third year of Hongjia. It was when Hsieh Hyun-chen went on an expedition to Later Shu.
The two of them set out together. Hsieh Hyun-chen was the general, and he led the Left Corps to protect them. In reality, Zhu Yanghong didn't do much. By the time he arrived with his troops, Hsieh Hyun-chen had already flattened Later Shu's Imperial Palace.
Although they hadn't seen each other for many years, Zhu Yanghong had never forgotten Hsieh Hyun-chen. It was easy to obtain an army of a thousand, but difficult to find a general. Especially someone like Hsieh Hyun-chen, who had both divine strength and excellent combat instincts. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that the heavens were biased. Zhu Yanghong had personally seen Hsieh Hyun-chen lead an army. How could he forget such a person who was favored by the heavens?
However, after that, there was little news about Hsieh Hyun-chen. Zhu Yanghong was guarding the border and couldn't leave without permission. He could only hear bits and pieces from people around him. For example, Hsieh Hyun-chen seemed to have gone crazy and had been imprisoned by Xie Yi. Later, there were rumors that Hsieh Hyun-chen's power was gone and that he wouldn't live long.
In the beginning, Zhu Yanghong still paid attention to news about Hsieh Hyun-chen. Later, he heard less and less about Hsieh Hyun-chen's name. This year, there was no mention of him at all. Zhu Yanghong originally thought that Hsieh Hyun-chen was dead.
He didn't expect to see him in such a situation today. Zhu Yanghong asked his family to make way for Hsieh Hyun-chen. After that, he couldn't calm down for a long time. He couldn't help but follow him in the name of buying lanterns.
In fact, when Zhu Yanghong entered the store, he didn't dare to recognize him. If it weren't for the fact that this face was so recognizable, Zhu Yanghong wouldn't have believed that this was Hsieh Hyun-chen.
The second son of the Xie family, Hsieh Hyun-chen, who was famous for being arrogant, irritable, and impatient with worldly affairs.
Although three or four years had passed and the teenager had grown up, a person's personality shouldn't be too far off. However, Hsieh Hyun-chen's change … was too big, wasn't it? Zhu Yanghong had never seen Hsieh Hyun-chen speak so gently and slowly to others. No, he couldn't imagine that Hsieh Hyun-chen would accompany people to look at lanterns and choose decorations to decorate a residence.
Zhu Yanghong went forward to greet him with mixed feelings. Sure enough, this was Hsieh Hyun-chen. Although his eyes had grown up, he could still see the shadow of the past. After Zhu Yanghong greeted him, his eyes couldn't help but fall on Mu Mingtang.
Hsieh Hyun-chen saw him and said, "This is my Princess, surnamed Mu."
Zhu Yanghong had already guessed it. He was just surprised that there was someone in the world who could order Hsieh Hyun-chen around. Zhu Yanghong then bowed to Mu Mingtang, "This humble servant, Zhu Yanghong, pays his respects to Princess An."
It was unknown when Prince Qiyang's title was changed to Prince An, but it was obvious that this wasn't important. After Zhu Yanghong finished speaking, he winked at the people behind him, "Why aren't you coming over to greet Prince An and Princess An?"
Zhu Yanghong's sons went forward to greet Hsieh Hyun-chen. Then, Mrs. Zhu led Zhu Yuqing forward and bowed to Mu Mingtang, "I pay my respects to Princess An."
A series of people bowed to Mu Mingtang, including Zhu Yanghong, a powerful and dignified general. Mu Mingtang couldn't help but be surprised. Hsieh Hyun-chen explained to her, "He is Zhu Yanghong. He was once the general of Kuizhou and is now stationed in the southwest Ya Prefecture. After I withdrew from Xiangyang, I sent an urgent military report to him to help Xiangyang. "
With this explanation, Mu Mingtang understood. He was the general who was stationed in Ya Prefecture. Ya Prefecture was at the southwest border, bordering Tubo and Dali. Its geographical location was very important. Not to mention the relationship with Xiangyang in the past.
Mu Mingtang returned Zhu Yanghong's half-bow, "On behalf of the people of Xiangyang, I thank General Zhu for your help."
Zhu Yanghong didn't dare to accept Mu Mingtang's bow. He hurriedly avoided it and said, "Princess An, this humble servant is afraid of you."
Hsieh Hyun-chen saw the panic on the faces of the Zhu family, so he said to Zhu Yanghong, "Princess An is from Xiangyang. That year, when I discovered that there was a change in Xiangyang, I hurriedly marched into the city and killed a group of people. I sent an urgent military report to you. After that, she left Xiangyang with others and didn't see you enter the city. "
Zhu Yanghong understood. So Mu Mingtang was here because of what happened that year. Zhu Yuqing had been warned by her parents not to speak carelessly. However, when she saw Mu Mingtang and Hsieh Hyun-chen standing side by side, she couldn't help but whisper to her servant, "Princess An is from Xiangyang. Prince An brought people to save Xiangyang. Later, Princess An married Prince An. Isn't this like a hero saving a damsel in distress? "
Zhu Yuqing was whispering to her servant, but she couldn't control her voice. Many people present heard it. Madam Zhu's expression was very awkward. She glared at Zhu Yuqing and hurriedly apologized, "Your Highness, Princess An, please forgive me. My daughter grew up at the border and is stubborn and ignorant. She doesn't know etiquette. Please don't mind the words of a child."
Mu Mingtang heard it and smiled, "It's okay. Your Highness is my savior. Miss Zhu is straightforward, innocent and lively. I like her very much. Madam Zhu doesn't need to be harsh on your daughter. "
After Mu Mingtang finished speaking, Zhu Yanghong sneaked a look at Hsieh Hyun-chen. When he found that Hsieh Hyun-chen didn't seem angry, he sighed in relief. Zhu Yanghong's mind was tense and relaxed. When he saw that Hsieh Hyun-chen really didn't mind, he felt a sense of disbelief.
After not seeing him for two to three years, Hsieh Hyun-chen didn't just become the hero who saved the damsel in distress. His temper was too good, right? Zhu Yanghong immediately thought of how Hsieh Hyun-chen had almost cut off the head of the Prime Minister's son on the street. He felt that it wasn't that Hsieh Hyun-chen's temper had changed. It was that he was only good in front of Princess An.
There was no reason in this world. After living for a long time, one could see everything.
Madam Zhu and the young masters and misses of the Zhu Family, including Zhu Yanghong, were a bit restrained in front of Hsieh Hyun-chen. Hsieh Hyun-chen didn't care at all. He continued to discuss with Mu Mingtang which lanterns to hang in Jade Qilin Hall, "I think both of these are fine. Since you like them, we'll buy both."
Mu Mingtang glanced at him and said, "The lanterns are only hung once a year. Next year, we'll have to buy new ones. How many lanterns can be hung in Jade Qilin Hall? If we buy two different styles, wouldn't it be a waste? "
"That's simple. Hang the palace lanterns on a single day, and hang the colored glass lanterns on two days. That'll solve the problem."
Xie Xuanchen spoke in all seriousness and matter-of-factly. When Mu Mingtang heard this, she was both angry and amused. She could not help but glare at him with a smile. "Stop spouting nonsense. How can you torture someone like that?"
When Mu Mingtang said this to Hsieh Hyun-chen, it was natural, as if it was a normal thing. Madam Zhu had a suspicious expression. Which normal wife would dare to talk about her husband like this in front of outsiders? As a wang fei, Mu Mingtang dared to speak without restraint? Especially since Hsieh Hyun-chen was used to it and didn't feel that it was disrespectful. Madam Zhu thought that Jing was like this and quickly suppressed her surprise. She sighed in her heart that she was outdated.
Madam Zhu didn't notice that Zhu Yanghong's eyebrows were so thick they could kill a fly. Zhu Yanghong looked at the young and beautiful wang fei that he had never met before. He then looked at Hsieh Hyun-chen who had a calm expression as if saying there was nothing to be surprised about. He felt that there was something wrong with his memory.
In the past, Hsieh Hyun-chen was like this?
But this wasn't the end. Hsieh Hyun-chen patiently accompanied Mu Mingtang the entire time. They compared the two palace lanterns that looked exactly the same to Zhu Yanghong. Just by looking at Hsieh Hyun-chen's appearance, who would think that this was the Second Master of the Xie Family who even dared to talk back to the Emperor a few years ago?
Because An Wang Fei was interested, Madam Zhu also bought two sets of lanterns. Zhu Yuqing followed behind her mother and couldn't help but sneak glances at Mu Mingtang and Hsieh Hyun-chen.
It wasn't just Zhu Yuqing. Everyone else in the store was also sneaking glances at the two. The two looked wealthy and extraordinary. What was even rarer was that the man and woman were both young and beautiful. They were a perfect match when they stood side by side. The two were also very approachable. They would occasionally talk in low voices as if they were discussing how to hang the lanterns.
The immortal-like people could actually talk about such everyday things. It gave people a mysterious feeling. Zhu Yuqing's heart was filled with envy. So they were the Wangye and Wangfei. She originally thought that they were characters that only appeared in books and dramas. She didn't expect that the real Wangye and Wangfei were much prettier than in dramas.
They were even more real and amiable than in dramas.
Especially Hsieh Hyun-chen. He was so fierce just now. He casually flicked the wings of the bamboo dragonfly into the doorpost. She didn't expect him to be so gentle when talking to his wife. He was much better than the men she knew who put on airs in front of their wives and daughters.
Mu Mingtang noticed that Zhu Yuqing was looking at her. She wasn't much older than Zhu Yuqing. At this moment, she didn't put on the airs of a Wangfei. She asked, "What is Miss Zhu's zodiac sign?"
Zhu Yuqing didn't expect Mu Mingtang to talk to her. Madam Zhu secretly pinched her. She was flattered and said, "My zodiac sign is Chicken."
Mu Mingtang nodded and said, "She's only one year younger than me. I just saw a set of zodiac lanterns over there. It's very coincidental. Xiang Nanchun, bring one of the lanterns over and give it to Miss Zhu. Consider it my greeting gift to Miss Zhu. "
Xiang Nanchun made a sound of acknowledgment. She hadn't taken two steps when the diligent waiter brought the lantern over. Xiang Nanchun handed it over to Zhu Yuqing. Zhu Yuqing was flattered. Even Madam Zhu and Zhu Yanghong were shocked, "How can this be? My daughter is naughty and mischievous. How can she be worthy of Wangfei's favor? "
"General Zhu and Madam Zhu are too polite. I'm not much older than Miss Zhu. It's fine to say that we are of the same age. I don't have many people of the same age in the capital. When I saw Miss Zhu today, I felt that we hit it off. It's hard not to feel close to her. I was in a hurry today and didn't prepare a generous gift. I only have one lantern to show my sincerity. General Madam, please don't decline. "
Since Mu Mingtang said this, Madam Zhu could only agree. She glanced at her daughter and signaled with her eyes, "Why aren't you thanking the Wangfei?"
Zhu Yuqing quickly came forward and crisply said, "Many thanks to Wangfei. Wangfei, you are much more beautiful than the Wangfei in the opera. You are also so kind and amiable. In the future, if someone asks me who is the most beautiful person I've ever seen, I'll say you. "
Madam Zhu was embarrassed and scolded, "Impudent. How can you compare an opera singer to Wangfei?"
Mu Mingtang was praised as beautiful in front of her and couldn't help laughing. She waved her hand and said, "It's fine. Miss Zhu is pure and didn't mean it that way. I'm always alone in the wangfu and am often bored. If Madam Zhu has time, why don't you bring Miss Zhu to the wangfu? "
Madam Zhu was overjoyed. She never thought that Mu Mingtang would favor Zhu Yuqing so much. She quickly agreed. The Zhu Family's servants also revealed happy expressions.
The Zhu Family was filled with joy. Only Hsieh Hyun-chen glanced at Mu Mingtang with a dissatisfied expression. Mu Mingtang was afraid that he would make things difficult in front of the Zhu Family and quickly pulled his sleeve from behind.
Hsieh Hyun-chen unwillingly endured it. The lights were almost finished. Zhu Yanghong still had to report back to the Ministry of War. The two families parted at the entrance and boarded their respective carriages.
After boarding the carriage, Hsieh Hyun-chen tapped Mu Mingtang's nose and asked, "Are you always alone in the wangfu? Are you often bored? Do you rarely see people your age in the capital? "
The more Hsieh Hyun-chen spoke, the angrier he became. He raised his eyebrows and said, "Don't you usually stay with me? You actually find it boring? Also, am I not your age? "
He was deliberately trying to stir up trouble. Mu Mingtang sighed and said, "Isn't it because I want to get closer to the Zhu Family? The Miss of the Zhu Family clearly wants to discuss marriage. For the sake of her daughter, Madam Zhu is also willing to frequently visit me. In this way, you and Zhu Yanghong will have a chance to interact. "
How could there be so many people who hit it off? Wasn't it because they had other motives? Mu Mingtang knew that Zhu Yanghong was an old acquaintance of Hsieh Hyun-chen. Moreover, he was the great general who guarded the southwest. It was rare to see someone who wandered outside of the Emperor's influence. Of course, he couldn't let go of such a person.
Hsieh Hyun-chen understood, but when he heard Mu Mingtang say that it was boring in the wangfu, he still felt uncomfortable. Hsieh Hyun-chen was feeling awkward when he suddenly heard Mu Mingtang ask in a strange tone, "However, you actually think that you and I are the same age?"
Hsieh Hyun-chen: What a pain.
— —
Zhu Yuqing was only a passerby. She wasn't even as famous as her father. She wouldn't be able to develop a side mission.
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