The Emperor liked to show off, especially since he had another purpose today. The New Year's Eve banquet was indeed very grand.
Hsieh Hyun-chen and Mu Mingtang sat at the head of the table. The lights were bright and they were already very eye-catching. The Emperor and Empress also repeatedly asked about their well-being in front of everyone, offering tea and food. They were very considerate. As a result, there were even more gazes looking at Hsieh Hyun-chen and Mu Mingtang.
There was no lack of old officials like Zhu Yanghong among them. Zhu Yanghong's family also entered the palace, but their position was much behind Hsieh Hyun-chen's. It was narrow and congested, so they couldn't be found in the crowd. When they looked up, they could see the head of the table, Hsieh Hyun-chen and Mu Mingtang sitting at the head of the table. The lights were gorgeous and sparkling, and there was an endless stream of people toasting them. From time to time, they would talk to the Emperor and Empress.
The Hall of Secretaries, the Bureau of Military Affairs, the Three Divisions, and the Six Ministries all toasted Hsieh Hyun-chen. The princes and princesses of the harem also came to celebrate the New Year with their cousins under the instructions of their birth mothers. Among them, Prime Minister Song specially poured an extra cup and apologized to Hsieh Hyun-chen and Mu Mingtang in front of all the officials, the Emperor, and the Empress for his unfilial son's collision with An Wang Fei's carriage a few days ago.
Prime Minister Song said, "My son is stupid and went crazy after drinking wine that day. He accidentally offended An Wang and Wang Fei. When I returned home and learned of this matter, I gave him a good beating. He is still locked in the ancestral hall to reflect on his mistakes. An Wang is recuperating in his residence. I don't dare to disturb him, but I also don't dare to be vague. Today, in front of all the officials and officials, I apologize to His Highness and Wang Fei. I ask An Wang to forgive my son's disrespect. "
In fact, Prime Minister Song was also very vexed. All scholars wanted face, not to mention that he was an official and a Prime Minister. He was a role model for all scholars. Now, in front of all his colleagues and subordinates, he had to apologize to a young man who wasn't even twenty years old. How could he bear it?
But no matter how awkward it was, he still had to finish his words. If it had been someone else, Prime Minister Song would have sent someone to apologize and scold his son, and that would have been it. Unfortunately, this person was Hsieh Hyun-chen.
Prime Minister Song did not dare to ignore it, but he also did not dare to personally apologize. He even sent a generous gift to the Imperial Residence of Prince An. He was also afraid that it would fall into the eyes of the Emperor and cause the Emperor to overthink. Prime Minister Song thought it over and over again. Only on New Year's Eve, this kind of not serious but sufficiently grand occasion, would it be most appropriate to say it in public.
The only problem was that it was embarrassing.
Prime Minister Song knew that he would be laughed at by his political opponents, but in the end, his life was more important. Prime Minister Song had put aside his old face and finished speaking. When the Emperor heard this, he couldn't help but ask what happened. Prime Minister Song didn't dare to let Hsieh Hyun-chen describe the scene of that day. He could only make himself lose face again and repeat the scene of that day.
After the Emperor finished listening, he touched his knees and said, "Prime Minister Song is an important official of the country, and Prince An has also contributed to the country. In my heart, they are far more important than my own son. If there is a rift between the two of you, it will be my Daye's loss. Pour this cup of wine for me, the three of us will drink together. After the wine, the matter will be settled, and the past grievances will not be mentioned again. "
Prime Minister Song hurriedly expressed his thanks. Hsieh Hyun-chen also gave him face. He picked up the wine bottle, gestured to the Emperor and Prime Minister Song from a distance, and drank it all in one gulp. After Hsieh Hyun-chen put down the cup, the Empress judged the situation and also picked up the wine cup, saying, "Prince An and the Prime Minister are both pillars of the country. The Emperor and Prince An toast, this Empress will also toast An Princess Consort."
Mu Mingtang sighed faintly in his heart. He could only pick up the wine cup and respond to the Empress' words. However, once the toast began, it was endless. Xie Xuanji saw this and also raised his cup to toast Hsieh Hyun-chen. The Emperor sat at the head of the table and saw a young married couple on his left and right. They were all in their prime and beautiful. He was happy and said, "Your second brother is still recuperating. If you each toast, I'm afraid your second brother's body won't be able to take it. This toast can be considered as a toast from you husband and wife. It just so happens that Xuan Ji and Xuan Chen are both getting married this year. You two newlyweds should drink together. "
When Jiang Mingwei heard this, he also quickly picked up the wine cup and said, "The Emperor is right. I toast my second brother and second sister-in-law."
Mu Mingtang let the servant girl fill the wine cup. She was about to pick up the wine cup when her hand was suddenly pressed down by Hsieh Hyun-chen. Hsieh Hyun-chen said, "She can't drink. I'll drink this cup for her."
As he said this, he drank all the wine in his cup and took Mu Mingtang's wine cup. He raised his head and emptied it all. Hsieh Hyun-chen's movements were too fast. Mu Mingtang didn't have time to remind him. When he finished drinking, the words that Mu Mingtang wanted to say slowly crawled to her mouth.
That was … her cup.
The Emperor laughed loudly. Even the Empress laughed and said, "Prince An used to be someone who didn't care about anyone. Now, he actually cares about his wife."
The Emperor and the Empress smiled, and the other palace servants and ministers all agreed. Their witty words were endless. Jiang Mingwei quickly glanced at Xie Xuanji. When he saw that Xie Xuanji had already put down the cup and didn't seem to have any other intentions, he quickly finished the wine in his cup.
Everyone laughed and joked. After a while, the topic turned to other people. Hsieh Hyun-chen saw that no one was looking at them. He then asked Mu Mingtang in a low voice, "What's wrong with you? What did you want to say just now?"
Mu Mingtang glanced at Hsieh Hyun-chen. He wanted to say something but stopped. In the end, he shook his head. Hsieh Hyun-chen saw Mu Mingtang like this and wanted to ask even more, "What's wrong?"
Mu Mingtang could only use his arm to gently nudge Hsieh Hyun-chen, indicating the wine cup in his hand, "That's mine."
"I know it's yours." Hsieh Hyun-chen thought that Mu Mingtang was actually arguing with him about whose item it was. He immediately put the wine cup back in Mu Mingtang's hand and said, "Alright, I'll return it to you now."
Mu Mingtang stared at his actions. His eyes were wide open. He just put it back like that? She was actually planning to ask for a new one …
If someone came to toast her later, how was she going to drink?
Fu Ning Palace Hall was filled with music and dancing. It was full of a prosperous atmosphere. However, Mu Mingtang looked at the colorful dances on the stage and couldn't focus for a long time.
The Emperor sat for a while and went to the back to change his clothes. After the Emperor left, everyone relaxed. The sound of toasting and chatting suddenly became louder. Hsieh Hyun-chen sat on the Emperor's right. Originally, the people behind him didn't dare to toast him. It was always the important people in the circle who exchanged pleasantries with each other. Now that the Emperor had left, the others finally dared to approach and talk to Hsieh Hyun-chen.
Mu Mingtang was already a little dizzy. Seeing that the situation wasn't right, she quickly used the excuse of changing her clothes and quickly left the scene. She walked out of the palace hall and stood in front of the railing for a while. Only then did she feel that her drunken brain was a little clearer. She didn't dare to go back now. Hsieh Hyun-chen was obviously a good drinker, but she couldn't. She simply stood outside for a while and waited for the people to disperse before returning to the banquet.
Mu Mingtang was unfamiliar with the palace. Of course, she wouldn't go far. She slowly walked around the railing of Fu Ning Palace. Coincidentally, at the corner of the back hall, Mu Mingtang bumped into Jiang Mingwei, who was coming from the other direction.
Jiang Mingwei also came out to sober up. He didn't expect to meet Mu Mingtang here. When enemies meet, their eyes turn red. Moreover, both of them were a little tipsy. The smell of gunpowder in their words was even stronger.
Jiang Mingwei sneered and said meaningfully, "Some people come from the countryside and can't be seen in public. Whenever they see something good, they hurriedly pile it on themselves. They're not afraid of embarrassing themselves. Sister-in-law, don't you think this kind of person is laughable? "
After saying that, Jiang Mingwei said, "Oh, that's true. Maybe it's because they haven't seen anything good and are jealous."
Mu Mingtang looked at her steadily and smiled. She didn't say anything. Jiang Mingwei was angered by her dismissive attitude. He raised his eyebrows and said, "I'm talking to you. What are you smiling for?"
"Sister-in-law is talking to me? Aiyo, I thought it was some dog that ran out and barked. I didn't notice that Sister-in-law was also talking. " Mu Mingtang smiled and said, "After all, if a dog barks at a person, the person can't possibly call it back. That would be giving the dog face."
Jiang Mingwei's face immediately darkened. "Who are you calling a dog?"
"I'm calling the person who answered me." Mu Mingtang couldn't help but laugh. She was dressed up today and her hair was tall. At this moment, she was slightly drunk. Her eyes were bright and moist, as if there was wine in them. Mu Mingtang deliberately pretended to be looking for the dog and looked around. "I just heard a dog barking, but I didn't recognize where it was. Many thanks to Sister-in-law for helping me find it."
After Mu Mingtang finished speaking, she ignored Jiang Mingwei and immediately turned to leave. After Mu Mingtang left, the maidservants serving on both sides didn't dare to speak. They bowed to Jiang Mingwei and quickly chased after Mu Mingtang.
Jiang Mingwei gritted her teeth and angrily flung her sleeves. She staggered and almost fell. The maidservants quickly supported her and said, "Princess Consort, please calm down."
After Mu Mingtang walked down the corridor of the back hall, she planned to return to the banquet. She didn't expect to meet Xie Xuanji halfway. Xie Xuanji was standing on the side of the road, obviously waiting for her. Mu Mingtang pretended not to see him and turned her head to walk another way.
Xie Xuanji's voice sounded from behind her, "Second Sister-in-law, please wait."
Mu Mingtang's figure paused. He also turned to Mu Mingtang's direction and said straightforwardly, "I have something to say to Second Sister-in-law."
After saying this much, she would appear weak if she walked away. Mu Mingtang turned around, raised her eyebrows and asked, "Okay, what does Prince Jin want to say?"
When Xie Xuanji walked over, the maidservants tactfully retreated and guarded each intersection. Xie Xuanji looked at Mu Mingtang at this moment. She was dressed in purple today, which made her neck even more slender and her skin even more delicate. Not to mention anything else, Mu Mingtang's appearance was really pleasing to the eye.
Xie Xuanji sighed silently and said, "I know you have resentment in your heart, but Mingwei is innocent. Why do you always target her?"
She was targeting Jiang Mingwei? Mu Mingtang looked at Xie Xuanji in surprise and suddenly realized, "You heard everything just now?"
Xie Xuanji didn't say anything. It was obvious that he tacitly agreed. Just now, Xie Xuanji was also drinking at the back, but he was sitting on a chair behind the vines. Mu Mingtang and Jiang Mingwei didn't notice him, but Xie Xuanji heard the entire conversation.
Mu Mingtang immediately laughed and said, "You heard everything, and you still have the face to question me? Your Highness Prince Jin, wake up. She provoked me first. You still say that she's innocent? "
This question left Xie Xuanji speechless. Jiang Mingwei's harshness … was indeed beyond his expectations.
In his mind, Jiang Mingwei was round on the outside but square on the inside. She was light and strong, and was a good candidate to be the first wife and mother of the nation. Moreover, he and Jiang Mingwei were childhood sweethearts. They grew up together. If such a person became the Crown Princess or even the Empress, she would be supported by the people.
At this stage, what Xie Xuanji needed the most was the people's hearts.
In his memory, Jiang Mingwei had always been like this. Because of this impression, he concealed Jiang Mingwei's disappearance. He replaced Mu Mingtang and let Jiang Mingwei be the first wife. Obviously, Jiang Mingwei's calm and square face was more suitable than Mu Mingtang to be the first wife.
However, in the past six months, Xie Xuanji's impression of Jiang Mingwei had been shattered over and over again. He first discovered that Jiang Mingwei would play petty tricks. She would appear magnanimous on the surface, but in reality, she would harm the women around him. However, these were the natural thoughts of a woman. If Jiang Mingwei liked him, she would inevitably be jealous.
However, tonight, Xie Xuanji's understanding of Jiang Mingwei was fiercely attacked. Not only was she an ordinary woman, she was also a woman who would stir up trouble and fan the flames. She was no different from the vulgar women in his memory. In front of others, Jiang Mingwei had always appeared to be well-educated, reasonable, generous, and sensible. However, such a "virtuous wife", when no one was around, would sarcastically mock Mu Mingtang for coming from the countryside.
As for Mu Mingtang calling Jiang Mingwei a mad dog, Xie Xuanji wasn't surprised when he heard it. Perhaps he already knew what kind of personality Mu Mingtang had. It was normal for her to mock others, but he was pleasantly surprised when she was slightly polite.
Xie Xuanji felt that it was too painful. He didn't want to listen to it anymore, so he silently walked away just like when he came. After he came out, he didn't know why, but he felt depressed. He stopped on the road and waited for Mu Mingtang.
However, Jiang Mingwei was his wife. Although Xie Xuanji was also very disappointed with Jiang Mingwei, Mu Mingtang retorted. Xie Xuanji had to defend Jiang Mingwei. Xie Xuanji avoided the main point and said, "If you still hold a grudge over what happened before, you can come at me. Don't make things difficult for Mingwei."
Mu Mingtang revealed a strange expression as she listened. She glanced at Xie Xuanji and asked, "Didn't I tell you the answer to this question before?"
"I also thought that you and I had already talked things out." Xie Xuanji said, "But you've targeted Mingwei time and time again. If you say that you don't have a grudge in your heart and are jealous of Mingwei and me, who would believe you? Mingwei is my wife. No matter what, I will ensure her dignity. If you're deliberately doing this to attract my attention, you don't have to. "
Mu Mingtang clicked her tongue and said with disdain, "Some people really don't understand human language. No wonder the two of you are husband and wife. You really are a good match. "
Xie Xuanji frowned. He felt that Mu Mingtang's words seemed to be referring to something. Mu Mingtang had just called Jiang Mingwei a dog. Now she said that he didn't understand human language and was a good match for Jiang Mingwei …
He always felt that she was up to no good.
Xie Xuanji didn't want to bicker with Mu Mingtang. He said, "You still say that you're not jealous …"
"Your Highness Prince Jin, be careful with your words." Mu Mingtang didn't wait for Xie Xuanji to finish speaking and forcefully interrupted him. Mu Mingtang swept her eyes around and saw that there was no one else. Even the maidservants were standing far away and couldn't hear what they were saying.
Although Xie Xuanji should be more afraid of being discovered than she was, Mu Mingtang still couldn't bear it when she heard that this person was so narcissistic. She didn't want to be bumped into by others and cause herself some unnecessary trouble.
Mu Mingtang said, "Xie Xuanji, I'll be frank with you. I really don't like you. When I was in the Jiang Family, I only acted with you to gain the trust of Jiang Honghao's wife. It seems that I can only blame myself for acting so well that even you believed me. But I really don't like you, from the beginning. "
Mu Mingtang's expression was sincere and her tone was straightforward. All of a sudden, Xie Xuanji was so shocked that he was speechless. Xie Xuanji had had many women before. Of course, he could recognize whether this woman was deliberately saying the opposite or if she really didn't like him.
However, this wasn't the end. Mu Mingtang seemed to be afraid that Xie Xuanji still didn't believe her, so she sincerely said, "Since there's an opportunity today, I'll take this opportunity to say it all at once, so that you won't continue to misunderstand. I don't like you now. To be precise, I never liked you. Although I really hated you when you gave me to another man, but now, even my hatred is gone. "
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