After meeting Zhu Yanghong on the street, Mu Mingtang purposely left an excuse for Mistress Zhu to bring Zhu Yuqing to her house. However, the end of the year was approaching, and the things to buy in the twelfth lunar month were trivial. The Zhu family had just moved to the capital, so Mistress Zhu didn't have the time and didn't visit this month.
Mu Mingtang also knew that this kind of thing couldn't be rushed. Besides, she also had endless things to do. Although all the people in the Imperial Residence were sent by the palace, Mu Mingtang was still the Imperial Consort. As long as she, the official Imperial Consort, was here, the servants had to keep up appearances.
The maids drafted the rules for purchasing, decorating, and other things. They had to let Mu Mingtang look through them before they could be implemented. Although Mu Mingtang didn't have to worry about it personally, just listening to the maids' reports every day was enough to give her a headache.
Only now did Mu Mingtang realize how difficult it was to be the Mistress of the household. She lived alone and didn't need to look at her parents-in-law's face, nor did she need to worry about the sisters-in-law in the other houses. However, just like this, there were countless things to worry about. If she had to manage relationships while doing things, or if the servants secretly made things difficult for her, then it would be even more exhausting.
Mu Mingtang thought of Jiang Mingwei next door and felt a sense of relief. Fortunately, she didn't marry into Prince An's Residence. Otherwise, she would have to act for the rest of her life.
Although Jiang Mingwei strictly forbade the servants from spreading what happened in the Residence, the two of them lived next door. Mu Mingtang could more or less hear some gossip. For example, Xie Xuanji seemed to favor a few maids. Although they didn't have a status, one of them was quite favored. She even dared to fight with Jiang Mingwei for days on the fifteenth.
Wives and concubines were different. In order to show the dignity of the First Wife, the first and fifteenth of the lunar month were always spent in the First Wife's room. Even the Emperor didn't easily make an exception. As long as the noble men didn't hate the First Wife to the extreme, they wouldn't slap the First Wife's face in this kind of place.
However, it was said that the favored concubine of Prince An's Imperial Residence suddenly fell ill on the fifteenth. She called Xie Xuanji to see her in the middle of the night and forcefully called Xie Xuanji away from Jiang Mingwei's room. Although Xie Xuanji came back in the end, Jiang Mingwei was so angry that even Mu Mingtang heard about it. Later on, the two of them each displayed their supernatural power, fighting each other like immortals, and did not stop for half a month. During this half a month, Mu Mingtang relied entirely on the gossip of the neighboring residence to adjust his mood.
At the beginning and middle of the month, he was busy. At the end of the month, he suddenly had some free time. Mu Mingtang had already received news that the Emperor would be hosting a banquet in the palace on New Year's Eve this year. She and Hsieh Hyun-chen would be going to the palace, so they hadn't prepared a New Year's Eve dinner.
The Emperor loved to show off, especially on this New Year's Eve, he wanted to show off his benevolence, so the occasion was extremely grand. Officials of the fourth rank and above, as well as the Emperor's son-in-law, ministers, and nobles, all had to attend the New Year's Eve banquet. A portion of the Emperor's close courtiers were also specially invited. As for the princes, princesses, and other close relatives of the imperial family, it was needless to say.
It was said that for this banquet, the palace was splendidly decorated, and the venue was extremely luxurious. Hsieh Hyun-chen and Mu Mingtang were the most important exhibits of this banquet.
The Emperor invited so many people and made such a big show, wasn't it to tell the old courtiers of the Jianshi era that Hsieh Hyun-chen was still alive and well? At the same time, he wanted to tell the whole world that the Emperor was open and aboveboard, and that there was nothing sneaky about him. Even his sick and weak nephew's condition improved under his care. It was obvious that the rumors about Xie Yi passing on the throne were all rumors and slander.
Mu Mingtang knew that tonight would be very boring, but she still had to go out and be the mascot. Especially on New Year's Eve, Mu Mingtang didn't want them to look down on King An's Imperial Residence, so she dressed up very grandly.
After lunch, Mu Mingtang was served by a group of people to dress up and dress up. She picked out her clothes, and when she was combing her hair, Mu Mingtang suddenly thought of something, and specifically asked the maid to change her head ornaments.
It was the set of white jade head ornaments that Jiang Mingwei had given her as compensation. It was said that Jiang Mingwei had asked a skilled craftsman to custom-make it for the New Year's Eve banquet.
It was such a meaningful piece of jewelry, so of course Mu Mingtang would take it out to show it off. If she could anger Jiang Mingwei, then she would have profited.
Hsieh Hyun-chen was much faster than Mu Mingtang. After he changed his clothes, he basically had nothing else to do, so he sat on the arhat bed outside and flipped through a book. People came and went at the door, and the sound of footsteps never stopped. However, Hsieh Hyun-chen could immediately recognize Mu Mingtang's footsteps. As soon as she walked out, Hsieh Hyun-chen looked up.
Hsieh Hyun-chen glanced at her, and her gaze swept over Mu Mingtang's head ornaments, and she recognized them immediately. Hsieh Hyun-chen looked at her and smiled. Mu Mingtang tried to maintain her composure, and said, "What are you smiling about?"
"I'm laughing at your childishness."
Mu Mingtang touched the hairpin in her hair, and slightly raised her neck, "I just think it's suitable. This is called making the best use of everything, I don't have any other intentions. "
Mu Mingtang's dress up today was extremely grand. Not only were her clothes grand, but even her hair was tied up in a tall and gorgeous bun, with the tinkling of pearls and jade. Jiang Mingwei's set of white jade jewelry was indeed specially made for large occasions. At this moment, it was scattered in Mu Mingtang's hair, and it was very appropriate. The gemstones inlaid on the jade were dazzling, and they were also covered by the warm jade light. It did not fade into the crowd, but it did not lose its steadiness.
At this moment, Mu Mingtang's hair was like the clouds, but her neck was slender. When she raised her neck, it was like a swan, and there was a sense of luxury that could not be bent. Hsieh Hyun-chen did not argue with her, and said, "Alright, if you say there isn't, then there isn't. Let's go, we should enter the palace. "
According to the unwritten rules, the higher the status of the person, the later they would arrive. When Hsieh Hyun-chen and Mu Mingtang both entered, there were already many people in the palace.
Fu Ning Palace Hall was filled with lingerie and fragrance, and there were sounds of laughter and cheers. Suddenly, they heard the eunuch's voice, and everyone fell silent.
"King An has arrived, Princess An has arrived."
Everyone fell silent, and they all raised their heads to look at the entrance. Hsieh Hyun-chen and Mu Mingtang were entering together. Hsieh Hyun-chen wore a dark purple robe today, with a jade belt around his waist and a jade crown on his head. Mu Mingtang walked beside him, and she also wore a purple long skirt, with a large sleeve shirt of the same color. Hsieh Hyun-chen's clothes were dark purple, and although Mu Mingtang's clothes were also purple, it was obviously much more full and bright than Hsieh Hyun-chen's. Her large sleeve shirt was embroidered with silver precious flowers, and under the light, it shone brightly, giving off a heavy and exquisite feeling.
Both of their clothes were dark, and it looked a little dark in the night. However, Mu Mingtang and Hsieh Hyun-chen were both tall and fair, and under the light, they were so white that they almost glowed. Such a heavy color did not seem heavy on their bodies, but instead gave off an incomparable feeling of nobility.
Especially Hsieh Hyun-chen, who was full of heroic spirit and thin and slender, and after the belt was tied, the lines were extremely neat, and he looked exactly like a noble young master.
The two of them walked side by side, and the lights were dazzling, reflecting each other's brilliance. The people talking in the palace all fell silent. After a few breaths, the chatter and laughter started again.
Everyone in the palace hall came to greet Hsieh Hyun-chen and Mu Mingtang. Because there were too many people, those who walked slowly had to wait at the back, and the scene was momentarily grand.
Jiang Mingwei and Madame Jiang stood together, and were talking to old acquaintances. Suddenly, a voice came from behind them, and the other party turned around to take a look, and actually left Jiang Mingwei and Madame Jiang behind.
Now that Jiang Mingwei had become the Princess of Jin, and Jiang Honghao had also been promoted to Prime Minister, many old acquaintances came to pay New Year's greetings to the Jiang family, and Jiang Mingwei and Madame Jiang both needed the support of the outside world, so they also deliberately made friends. Jiang Mingwei was in the middle of a good conversation when she was suddenly left hanging. She was displeased, and when she looked up, she saw that it was Mu Mingtang and Hsieh Hyun-chen who had arrived.
Jiang Mingwei's mood became more and more displeased. She looked at the magnificent scene at the door and couldn't help but grumble in her heart.
Didn't they say that Hsieh Hyun-chen only had one breath left, and that he wouldn't be able to live past this winter? It was already New Year's Eve, and Hsieh Hyun-chen was even able to attend the New Year's Eve banquet. Looking at him, it didn't look like he was about to die of illness.
Jiang Mingwei looked at the two people's appearance, and she felt extremely vexed. However, even though she was unhappy, she still had to be respectful on the surface. Madame Jiang quietly pulled Jiang Mingwei, and kept giving Jiang Mingwei meaningful glances. Jiang Mingwei could only endure the frustration in her heart, and reluctantly went to greet Hsieh Hyun-chen and Mu Mingtang.
Her brother and sister-in-law were here, and as the sister-in-law, she had to take the initiative to greet them.
When the crowd saw Jiang Mingwei coming over, they all made way for her. Jiang Mingwei forced a smile, and lowered her head to greet Mu Mingtang and Madame Jiang, "This concubine greets Second Brother and Second Sister-in-law. Second Brother and Sister-in-law, I hope that the New Year will be prosperous."
Madame Jiang also went forward to greet them, "This concubine greets Prince An and Princess An."
"So it's Sister-in-law and Madame Jiang." Mu Mingtang immediately laughed, and warmly called Jiang Mingwei up, "We're family, there's no need to be so formal. Sister-in-law, please get up. Sister-in-law, you've dressed up today, you really make people's eyes light up. "
"Thank you, Sister-in-law." Jiang Mingwei responded, and slowly stood up. When she heard Mu Mingtang's words, although she was curious why Mu Mingtang suddenly praised her, she still instinctively said modestly, "Sister-in-law is too kind. This concubine is just the light of a firefly, how can I compare to Sister-in-law's beauty as bright as the moon. I dare not compare myself to Sister-in-law."
When Jiang Mingwei finished speaking, her eyes suddenly focused, as if she saw something familiar. When Mu Mingtang saw that Jiang Mingwei saw it, she pursed her lips and smiled, saying, "Sister-in-law's words are too kind. But I don't dare take the credit, it's Sister-in-law's eyes that are good. I also have to thank Sister-in-law for parting with your treasures and giving them to me. "
Jiang Mingwei realized that the set of jewelry on Mu Mingtang's head was hers! Previously, when Mu Mingtang gave her four bolts of lush green Song Brocade in front of everyone, Jiang Mingwei vomited. However, she had to maintain her face in front of the guests, so she generously gave the white jade jewelry that she had just gotten her hands on, which she hadn't touched many times, to Mu Mingtang.
After the matter, Jiang Mingwei was angry for a long time. That was the jewelry that she had spent a lot of money to custom-make. She was waiting for New Year's Eve to amaze everyone, but in the end, it was stolen by Mu Mingtang. Jiang Mingwei thought that this was disgusting enough, but she didn't expect that this matter wasn't over yet?
Mu Mingtang actually had the nerve to wear it in front of her on New Year's Eve?
Jiang Mingwei was so angry that she couldn't keep her expression straight. Seeing this, Jiang furen quickly said, "An Wang Fei and Jin Wang Fei are both modest to each other, the older the friend the younger is respectful, it's really a good story. A treasured sword matches a hero, beautiful jade also matches a beauty. This set of jewelry suits An Wang Fei very well, it's better than Mingwei using it. Mingwei, don't you think so? "
As Jiang furen spoke, she secretly pinched Jiang Mingwei. Jiang Mingwei could only stiffen her face and slightly nod her head, the movement so small that it was almost indiscernible, "Mother's words are very true, sister-in-law uses it better than me. Giving it to sister-in-law can also be considered its good fortune."
Mu Mingtang smiled until her eyes were curved. Her eyes were bright and moist, sparkling under the light. She was so spirited that one couldn't look at her directly, "Does younger sister-in-law really think so? I was originally worried that younger sister-in-law would feel uncomfortable if I used younger sister-in-law's beloved item. "
"What are you saying, sister-in-law." Jiang Mingwei put on a fake smile and said, "Second sister-in-law is a respected elder, how would I dare to think like that."
"That's good." Mu Mingtang beamed, saying, "Younger sister-in-law is truly filial. This junior has filial piety, I can't possibly refuse younger sister-in-law's good intentions. However, we are a family, younger sister-in-law doesn't have to be so polite in the future. "
When Jiang Mingwei saw that Mu Mingtang actually agreed with a straight face, he was furious. Jiang furen was just being polite, that's why she said that Mu Mingtang looked better than Jiang Mingwei wearing it. In the end, Mu Mingtang actually admitted it? She even said that she didn't have to be so polite in the future. Bah, who wants to be polite with her?
They had only spoken for a short while, but the people behind them were already waiting. At this time, a palace maid parted the crowd and hurried over. She bowed to Hsieh Hyun-chen and said, "Greetings to Your Highness, Prince An. The Empress knew that Your Highness and Princess An were here and was very happy. Prince An and Princess An, please take a seat. "
"The Empress is here to invite you." The crowd was speechless. They didn't dare to delay and quickly made way. Jiang Mingwei could only stop and bow, saying, "It's my fault for delaying Brother and Sister-in-law's time. Second Brother and Second Sister-in-law, please take a seat. "
"Then we'll take our leave first." Mu Mingtang smiled at Jiang Mingwei and followed Hsieh Hyun-chen to the main seat. The Emperor and Empress sat on the highest platform in the palace. The first seat on the right had the highest status and the best view. It was undoubtedly the seat of honor. If it wasn't for Hsieh Hyun-chen, this table would be occupied by Xie Xuanji and Jiang Mingwei.
However, with Hsieh Hyun-chen present, Xie Xuanji and the others naturally had to retreat.
Mu Mingtang and Hsieh Hyun-chen slowly walked away. Hsieh Hyun-chen seemed to say something to Mu Mingtang. Mu Mingtang looked up and glared at him. Mu Mingtang's hairpin loosened. When she moved, the hairpin slipped and almost fell. Hsieh Hyun-chen held the hairpin and slowly put it back in place. Mu Mingtang wanted to reach out to touch it, but Hsieh Hyun-chen pressed her hand down and whispered something.
Looking at the shape of his mouth, it should be, "Don't move."
Jiang Mingwei was already unhappy. Seeing the two chatting and laughing not far away, and even using her jewelry to show off their affection, he became even angrier. Madame Jiang sighed. When there was no one around, she quietly said to Jiang Mingwei, "This is the palace. There are so many pairs of eyes watching. You should bear with her for the time being. "
Bear with her, again, bear with her for the time being. Earlier, Hsieh Hyun-chen said that she wouldn't live past this winter and asked her to bear with Mu Mingtang for the time being. Jiang Mingwei endured. But now, it was already New Year's Eve, and Hsieh Hyun-chen was still fine. Mu Mingtang was showing off in front of her, and Madame Jiang was still telling Jiang Mingwei to bear with it.
Bear with it, bear with it, until when?! Jiang Mingwei was so angry that he gritted his teeth and complained in a low voice, "Mother, didn't the palace say that he wouldn't live past this winter? Why is he …"
Madame Jiang quickly glared at Jiang Mingwei, and Jiang Mingwei could only shut up. Madame Jiang hurriedly looked around again. When she saw that no one was paying attention, she quickly pulled Jiang Mingwei to a corner and scolded, "Are you crazy? What kind of situation is this? How can you say such things? "
"I know the severity of the situation. If it were an outsider, I wouldn't say such things. Isn't this directed at you? "Jiang Mingwei's tone was indignant." I'm just angry. I've been tolerating her all this time, but she's going overboard. How much longer do I have to endure? "
"You have to endure even if you can't." Madame Jiang said in a low voice, "Today is New Year's Eve. Many officials are returning to the capital to report on their work. I don't know how many people will be coming tonight. Even your parents-in-law have to flatter him. But you, on the other hand, can't endure it? "
"I'm not."
Jiang Mingwei's voice was muffled. She also understood this principle, but the word 'endure' was like a knife above a knife. Enduring was easy to say, but whoever endured knew the cowardice behind it. Madame Jiang saw that Jiang Mingwei's complexion wasn't good, and she felt a bit distressed. Jiang Mingwei had been married for half a year. Not only did she not gain any flesh on her face, but the bones on her cheeks were even more pronounced than when she was in her maiden home. It was clear that life wasn't easy for her.
Madame Jiang knew that Jiang Mingwei's inner courtyard wasn't peaceful right now. There was a favored concubine who jumped very high and was very flamboyant. Jiang Mingwei spent a lot of effort at home, and outside, she had to compromise and tolerate Mu Mingtang. She really didn't feel good.
Madame Jiang sighed. She couldn't care less about overstepping her boundaries. She advised in a low voice, "Mingwei, people have to look at the long-term. You're walking on a glorious path that no one can reach, so it's more difficult than others. But as long as you endure it, the clouds will disperse and the moon will shine brightly. You'll be noble beyond words. "
After saying this, Madame Jiang pointed out, "Besides, what's the difference between one more month and one less month for someone who's about to die?"
Yes, the Emperor needed to use Hsieh Hyun-chen as a signboard, so he let him live past New Year's Eve. However, even if he lived past New Year's Eve this year, he might not be able to last until next year.
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