Mu Mingtang blushed. Hsieh Hyun-chen's last sentence didn't sound like much. She also felt that she was reasonable and pitiful. But combined with Hsieh Hyun-chen's previous sentence, it was a bit unclear.
Mu Mingtang didn't know if Hsieh Hyun-chen was just saying it casually or if he really meant it. She was afraid that she was thinking too much and didn't dare to say anything. She hurriedly said, "Okay, I'm sleepy. Let's go to sleep."
Hsieh Hyun-chen wasn't surprised by this result. He nodded, stood up, and touched Mu Mingtang's hair. "It's not dry yet. Wait a little longer."
Hsieh Hyun-chen's movements were natural. Mu Mingtang was getting more and more used to the physical contact between the two of them. She didn't find it strange. She touched the ends of her hair and said, "I think it's about time."
"Wait a little longer." Hsieh Hyun-chen said, "The roots of your hair aren't dry yet. You'll get a headache if you sleep like this."
Mu Mingtang could only nod. After she finished speaking, she thought of something and laughed. "I can't imagine that these words came out of your mouth. You don't worry about anything and live such a rough life. How can you notice these things? "
Hsieh Hyun-chen couldn't refute this, because it was his mother who said it.
"When I was young, my mother always talked to me. At that time, it went in one ear and out the other. I thought I'd forgotten long ago. I didn't expect that after so long, it's still vivid in my ears. "
So it was Mrs. Yin who said it. Mu Mingtang was silent. Speaking of which, she and Hsieh Hyun-chen were married, but neither of them had met each other's parents.
In this chaotic world, no matter whether one was rich or poor, they were all drifting. Their families were broken up. Now, only the two of them were left. They depended on each other for survival.
Mu Mingtang sighed silently. She held Hsieh Hyun-chen's hand and said, "It's okay. Our parents all want us to live well. We can only live well. That's the greatest filial piety to them. Back then, Mother was talking about you, and now you're telling me. Isn't this an inheritance? "
After Mu Mingtang finished speaking, he saw Hsieh Hyun-chen's eyes move, as if he wanted to say something. Mu Mingtang immediately stopped him with a stern face. "I know you used the wrong word, but that's what I meant. You're not allowed to compare yourself to my father!"
Hsieh Hyun-chen looked at her helplessly. "I didn't. You're the one who's always making blind comparisons. "
What touched Hsieh Hyun-chen was that Mu Mingtang naturally addressed Mrs. Yin as' mother '.
That's right. Now that the two of them were married, both of their parents would be his parents. If Mu Mingtang's parents were still around, he would have to address the Mu couple as father and mother.
Hsieh Hyun-chen suddenly felt regretful. If only Mrs. Yin could meet Mu Mingtang. She would definitely like Mu Mingtang very much. Mrs. Yin gave birth to two sons in a row. Her eldest son died at a young age, and he was the only child left. However, he was still jumping up and down, causing trouble everywhere. From time to time, he would climb over the wall to play outside, never letting Mrs. Yin stop worrying.
Mrs. Yin had said more than once that she really wanted a daughter, but unfortunately, she never had the luck to have one. If Mrs. Yin could see today, she would definitely like Mu Mingtang very, very much.
Unfortunately, the stingiest thing in the world was' if '.
Seeing that Hsieh Hyun-chen didn't speak for a long time, Mu Mingtang asked in a low voice, "What's wrong? What are you thinking about? "
"I'm thinking that the old saying always makes sense. They all say that one should first get married before starting a family. It's true that one should get married earlier. " Hsieh Hyun-chen sighed softly. "It's a pity that I didn't understand when I was young. I only wanted to go out and make a living. By the time I realized it later, it was already too late. It only added to my regrets."
Mu Mingtang guessed that he was thinking about the death of his parents. Mu Mingtang listened for a while and whispered, "Actually, I did listen to the elders and got married early."
Hsieh Hyun-chen's expression froze. Then, he heard Mu Mingtang say, "I'm only 16 years old in the New Year, but I've already been married for more than half a year. Even in the eyes of the elders, I'm considered to have gotten married very early. "
Hsieh Hyun-chen understood. He was the only one present who had gotten married late. Hsieh Hyun-chen immediately overturned his previous conclusion. "Then it's better to follow my original idea. When you're young, you should go out and make a living. It's not too late to get married after you've seen the world. Otherwise, you'll be short-sighted and can't handle family relationships well."
"But that's not what you said just now."
"Then what else?" Hsieh Hyun-chen glanced at Mu Mingtang. "I also want to get married early, but when I'm 15, you'll only be 11. How can you get married?"
Mu Mingtang really wanted to give Hsieh Hyun-chen face, but he restrained himself and couldn't hold back his laughter.
Hsieh Hyun-chen didn't think much of it before, but now that he thought about how Mu Mingtang was only 11 years old when he was 15, he suddenly felt uncomfortable. Mu Mingtang managed to hold back his laughter and gently patted Hsieh Hyun-chen. "Alright, the arrangement now is the best. In any case, I don't mind that you're old. "
"You still dare to mind?" Hsieh Hyun-chen snorted unwillingly and walked to the bed with Mu Mingtang. After the two closed the bed curtains, Hsieh Hyun-chen asked casually, "What kind of person do your parents like?"
"Someone like me."
Hsieh Hyun-chen clicked his tongue in disdain and had to be more specific. "I'm asking about the son-in-law."
"Oh, you're asking about that? My mother doesn't care, but my father has a lot of rules and regulations. He said that in the future, I can't find someone with a glib tongue, a bad family style, and especially a good-looking one. "
Hsieh Hyun-chen was very calm when he heard the first two rules, but when he heard the last one, he couldn't sit still. "Why?"
"He said that good-looking people are like gigolos and can't be relied on in the future."
In fact, Hsieh Hyun-chen didn't say why when he asked, but Mu Mingtang directly answered the last one. Unfortunately, neither of them noticed. Hsieh Hyun-chen was very engrossed in thinking for a while and refuted sincerely, "That's judging people by their appearance. What does a person's appearance have to do with whether or not they can be relied on? There are also many ugly people who can't be relied on. It's just that no one pays attention to them, so good-looking men are especially unreliable. "
After Hsieh Hyun-chen finished speaking, he felt that something was wrong. Why did he follow the logic of a gigolo?
"That's not right, when did I look like a gigolo?"
Mu Mingtang stifled a laugh and said, "I didn't say anything, you said it yourself. I already said that you brought it up yourself, why are you making trouble for me … "
A burst of laughter came from behind the curtain. After a while, Mu Mingtang's voice came from inside, "I won't mess with you anymore, I want to sleep. Let go of me! "
·
The second day of the new year.
Today, the servants of the Jiang fu were very cautious on duty, especially the maidservants and senior servants who served in the main room. Each and every one of them was on guard.
Inside the room, Jiang Mingwei was complaining to Jiang Furen. The more she talked about these things, the more aggrieved she felt. In front of Jiang Furen, she cried, "That slut has a demonic aura, her heart is not right, but he pretended to be a good person and let her trample on me. Yesterday was the first day of the new year, but he listened to that slut's words and actually said that he wanted to take away my authority as the head of the household! "
This … Jiang Furen was speechless when she heard this. Most of the young couples had never met before marriage. When two complete strangers were together, it was inevitable that they would bump into each other as they passed their days. Sometimes, if they did too much, the feelings between husband and wife would be torn apart. By the time they understood in the future, it was already too late to recover. Jiang Furen couldn't bear for her daughter to fall into this kind of situation, so she married her to Xie Xuanji, who she knew very well.
Jiang Mingwei and Xie Xuanji had grown up together. In terms of feelings, they were much stronger than other married couples. Not to mention, Xie Xuanji had feelings for Jiang Mingwei. He really had a good hand from the start, so no matter how he played, it wouldn't be bad. Jiang Furen also didn't understand why things had developed to this point.
In just half a year, Xie Xuanji had taken concubines one after another. It was normal for a man to have three wives and four concubines. Xie Xuanji was a prince, so it was very normal for him to have women by his side. However, having concubines was one thing, but being bullied by a very favored concubine was another.
Jiang Furen asked, "Why did Prince Jin talk about being in charge of the family? He doesn't have the temperament to run amok. He shouldn't commit such a big crime like favoring his concubine and neglecting his wife. "
Jiang Mingwei was at a loss for words. In fact, she probably knew why. It was because on the New Year's Eve Palace Banquet, she looked around for a long time and was suspected by Xie Xuanji. This kind of matter was a dead end. Jiang Mingwei didn't dare to casually touch it, but she was caught red-handed by Xie Xuanji. It was really troublesome.
However, how could Jiang Mingwei tell Jiang Furen these words? She still had tears in her eyes as she said, "I don't know why. Men are so fresh. He has known me for so many years. How can he be compared to the other young concubines? I understand that a wife should be virtuous, and that a wife shouldn't compete with a concubine for favor. However, he allowed a concubine to climb on top of my head and take away my authority. Isn't this deliberately making me lose face? "
Hearing these words, Jiang Furen's heart clenched. It was true that one could know a person for a long time without understanding his heart. Previously, when they saw Xie Xuanji, they only felt that this child was polite and sensible and was very reliable. Who would have known that he was actually such a person?
Jiang Furen believed it and really thought of a way for Jiang Mingwei, "If he insists on favoring his concubine and neglecting his wife, then our family is not a soft persimmon that he can pinch. Your father is the Third Minister and is in charge of the entire imperial court's finances. He actually treats you like this, he's simply going too far. It just so happens that he's also here today. In a while, I'll have your father talk to him. He must not dare to do this again. "
Make a fuss in front of Jiang Honghao? Jiang Mingwei suddenly panicked. It was fine for her to deceive Jiang Furen with these words, but if it was in front of Jiang Honghao, she would immediately be exposed. If the real reason for the cold war between her and Xie Xuanji was known by Jiang Honghao … Jiang Mingwei didn't dare to think about it.
Jiang Mingwei hurriedly dissuaded her, "Mother, father is busy with the imperial court every day. Don't bother him with this kind of small matter. Although Wangye said at the beginning that he would let that slut, Lian Han, be in charge of the kitchen and purchasing, in the end, she can't be helped up. Lian Han actually casually went to Mu Mingtang and was humiliated on the spot by Mu Mingtang. Last night, Lian Han was already grounded. Her hair was disheveled and she cried for a long time, but Wangye ignored her. With Lian Han as an example, now, no one dares to have any ideas about the authority of the household. "
It turned out that this matter had already been resolved. Madame Jiang secretly frowned. When she heard Jiang Mingwei's words just now, she thought that the favored concubine was still jumping around. She didn't expect that she had already been dealt with by Prince Jin.
Jiang Mingwei's words were really incoherent and unclear. Madame Jiang didn't show it, but asked, "How is it related to Mu Mingtang? What's going on here? "
"Yesterday afternoon, she and Hsieh Hyun-chen, I don't know what happened, but they suddenly came to our house as guests. I sat with them for a while, and it just so happened that Wangye also came over with Lian Han. Lian Han, that muddle-headed person, really thinks that she's someone important. She actually spoke to Mu Mingtang in a harmonious manner, and was immediately humiliated by Mu Mingtang. After that, when they went out, Hsieh Hyun-chen was also very unhappy, and clearly reminded Wangye to take care of the women in the backyard. " At this point, Jiang Mingwei pursed her lips and said sourly, "I've talked to him for so long, but he was indifferent. He's a man of steel, but when Mu Mingtang's expression changed, he scolded Lianhan. Even when he finally took back the authority of the household, it was because of the two people next door, and not because he cared about me. "
So it was like this, Madame Jiang understood. Madame Jiang couldn't help but remember that before Jiang Mingwei returned, the Jiang family tentatively proposed to let their adopted daughter replace Jiang Mingwei. Xie Xuanji had been noncommittal until he saw Mu Mingtang curtsy through the screen. Only then did Xie Xuanji finally let go.
The combination of the present and the past always gave Madame Jiang a bad premonition. Madame Jiang hurriedly stopped, not daring to think about it anymore. She still had to properly comfort Jiang Mingwei, "An Wang and An Wang Fei are guests, but you are a family member of Prince Jin. How can it be the same? In front of guests, Wangye naturally has to set the rules, but in terms of closeness, how can a guest compare to you? "
These words sounded very reasonable, and Jiang Mingwei was quickly convinced. He even ignored the inexplicable obstruction in his heart. However, speaking of Mu Mingtang, it reminded Madame Jiang of something, "Yesterday, your father specially sent a servant back to invite Mu Mingtang back, but the other side refused. I heard that An Wang was not feeling well. Is An Wang sick again? "
"No." Jiang Mingwei heard this and snorted. He didn't think much and directly said, "He just went to our residence yesterday. His complexion is very good, how could he be unwell."
This … Madame Jiang's expression was awkward. Hsieh Hyun-chen wasn't feeling unwell, but Mu Mingtang refused to come. Did that mean that she didn't want to come back? The second day of the new year was an important day for returning home. Mu Mingtang didn't give face at all, slapping her face unscrupulously. Madame Jiang's face was stiff for a moment.
Jiang Mingwei felt that it was natural. This was her home, why should Mu Mingtang come back? Madame Jiang was embarrassed for a while. Seeing that Jiang Mingwei still acted as if it was natural, she didn't know why she sighed in her heart.
If it was Mu Mingtang, how could he say such insensible words when he knew that Madame Jiang was unhappy? However, Jiang Mingwei was her daughter in the end. Madame Jiang couldn't bear to be harsh and still tried her best to persuade her, "Mother knows that you have high aspirations and want to win in all aspects. But between husband and wife, you can't compete. Prince Jin is also a prince, he won't let you. If you deliberately argue with Prince Jin, you will only push him further and further away. On the contrary, the one next door seems to get along well with the An Wang. Mother isn't criticizing you, but you should learn from Mu Mingtang in terms of conduct. "
Jiang Mingwei was not convinced by these words and immediately retorted, "She's just a merchant girl. What's her status? How can her conduct compare to mine?"
"Look, you're doing it again." Madame Jiang sighed. Sometimes, she really worried about Jiang Mingwei's temper. No matter what the situation was, as long as she was unhappy, she would immediately refute without any scruples. Madame Jiang was her mother, but Jiang Mingwei dared to be like this. Wouldn't it be even more so for her sisters, whose status was inferior to hers?
Madame Jiang advised earnestly, "You can't just look at one's background. No one is perfect. Similarly, no matter how low one's status is, they will still have their own unique shining points. If you only want to be an idle princess, relying on your maternal family to run amok in the Inner Residence for the rest of your life, then it's fine to look down on others. But if you want to take another step forward, you must rein in your arrogance and narrow-mindedness. Properly explore the good in others and build good karma. "
Madame Jiang's words were already a bit harsh. Jiang Mingwei's mind slowly calmed down and she realized that she was too extreme. In fact, she could have said anything about anyone, but she was not as good as Mu Mingtang. Jiang Mingwei could not tolerate it at all.
This New Year was a series of critical hits for Jiang Mingwei. Things that did not go her way came one after another. She really did not have any joy. Jiang Mingwei learned from this painful experience and decided that she could not be like this anymore.
When she was reborn, she was determined to return to be the Empress, the Empress Dowager, and the motherly model of the world. She could not lose her cool when she was still a princess and ruin her own future. Jiang Mingwei carefully went through the timeline of her previous life and the plot of the book. She held Madame Jiang's hand and said, "Mother, your daughter is unfilial and has made you worry. Mother, don't worry, this will not happen again. "
Madame Jiang was puzzled and asked, "What's wrong? Did you remember something? "
Jiang Mingwei shook her head and did not say anything more. Of course, she would not tell Madame Jiang about her previous life.
Jiang Mingwei carefully recalled the events of her previous life. Although she was in the Northern Tribes and did not hear any news about the Ye Dynasty, she knew that during the 4th year of Suihe, the Northern Tribes frequently sent people to the Ye Dynasty to scout for information. They even signed a contract in the middle of the year. However, the astronomical amount of tribute did not satisfy the Yelu family's appetite. Less than a year after the peace talks, the Northern Tribes went south and attacked the Ye Dynasty.
Jiang Mingwei had personally experienced this and she remembered it very clearly. This year was the 4th year of Suihe. This meant that the Northern Tribes and the Ye Dynasty would sign a peace treaty in the middle of the year. Next year, the Ye Dynasty would go to war.
In her previous life, Jiang Mingwei was in the Northern Tribes and did not know what happened to the Ye Dynasty during the war. However, before she died, Jiang Mingwei read a book and found out that the 4th year of Suihe was the male lead, Xie Xuanji, who officially became the new Emperor.
In this year, during the Lantern Festival, a fire broke out in Tokyo for three days and three nights. The fire spread from the Donghua Gate to the Imperial Palace. With the help of the wind, one palace after another caught fire. Countless people were trampled to death and the losses were incalculable. Even the Qing Ning Palace where the Empress Dowager lived was turned into ruins.
When the fire started, the Emperor led the concubines and princes to look at the lanterns on the city gate tower. In addition, there were lanterns everywhere in the city. The red light filled the sky and there was a lot of noise. After a long time, the masters on the city gate tower learned that the palace was on fire.
When the news reached the city gate tower, there was an uproar. When the Empress Dowager learned that her palace was on fire, she panicked. The other concubines and princesses were also in a mess. They pushed each other and the people on the city gate tower watched the commotion.
After finally escorting the masters to the ground, the matter was still not over. It had been a long time since the fire started. The eunuchs were busy sending the Emperor and the concubines away. No one cared about the fire. Because there was no one in charge in the palace, they missed the best time to put out the fire. When everyone was free, the fire was already out of control.
The imperial family could only watch helplessly as the fire engulfed one magnificent palace after another. They were helpless and could only passively wait for the fire to extinguish itself. The Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager were covered in soot. It was very embarrassing. After a long time, they were the laughing stock of outsiders. Even Jiang Mingwei, who was far away in the Northern Tribes and had a sensitive identity, heard the songs made by the Northern Tribes to laugh at the royal family of the Ye Dynasty.
At that time, when there was chaos on the city gate tower, it was Xie Xuanji who did not leave the Emperor's side to protect him. Later on, when the Hall of Hanging Arches was saved, it was also because Xie Xuanji made a prompt decision to have the attic next to the Hall of Hanging Arches demolished. Heroes were born in chaos. Xie Xuanji made a great contribution to the Emperor. After that, the rebuilding of Tokyo was handed over to Xie Xuanji.
Jiang Mingwei had read the book, so she knew more about it. She knew that the fire was not accidental. On the day of the Shangyuan Festival, there were outsiders who came in and deliberately set the fire. They originally planned to assassinate the Emperor during the chaos, but there were three layers of imperial guards inside and outside. They did not find a chance and could only give up.
So this fire was deliberately set by spies. It was already a competition between countries. Jiang Mingwei could not interfere with these national affairs. She also did not know how many outsiders there were in Tokyo. She only knew that the Shangyuan Festival in the fourth year of Suihe was the starting point for Xie Xuanji to become famous.
It was also from this time that he gradually broke away from the role of a son and was slowly seen as a leader by the people in the palace. Even the Emperor relied on him day by day. From then on, the matter of him being the next Emperor was officially recognized by everyone.
This was a heaven-sent opportunity. Xie Xuanji already had a grudge against her. If she showed extraordinary adaptability in this incident, wouldn't Xie Xuanji and the Empress change their view of her? The Shangyuan Festival was the time for Xie Xuanji to show his talent. As the Princess Consort of Jin, she also had to show the ability to match it.
If possible, she had to be more outstanding than Xie Xuanji.
Jiang Mingwei pondered about the Shangyuan Festival all the way back to the Wang Fu. Not long after Jiang Mingwei returned, Mu Mingtang sat in the fu and received a message from the eunuch at the Yellow Door.
"The Emperor is going to Xuande Gate to view the lanterns during the Shangyuan Festival?"
"Yes." The eunuch hung his hands and said, "The Emperor cares about the people and wants to celebrate with the people on the Shangyuan Festival. The Empress, the Empress Dowager, the concubines in the harem, and important officials and noble relatives will all go to the pavilion to view the lanterns. "
Mu Mingtang nodded and did not say anything. Instead, he turned his head to look at Hsieh Hyun-chen questioningly. Hsieh Hyun-chen did not find this strange and said, "It's rare for the Emperor to have this kind of interest. I understand. You can leave."
The eunuch made a sound of acknowledgment and was about to leave. Mu Mingtang gestured to the maidservant behind him, "I'll have to trouble Gonggong to make this trip. Give Gonggong some tea money to moisten his throat."
The eunuch originally wanted to refuse, but when he felt the pouch, he reluctantly accepted it. He then said a few good words to Mu Mingtang and Hsieh Hyun-chen before bowing and leaving.
After the eunuch left, Mu Mingtang asked Hsieh Hyun-chen, "There are many people at Xuande Gate. Will your body be able to handle it?"
There were still maidservants present, so it was not convenient for Mu Mingtang to ask too directly. However, Hsieh Hyun-chen still understood. Mu Mingtang was worried that the Emperor would take this opportunity to make a move. Hsieh Hyun-chen did not care too much about this. The more people there were, the more variables there would be. He was not afraid that the Emperor would make a move. Even if the Emperor wanted to make a move, he would not choose a day with so many people.
After all, wouldn't it be better for him to die silently than to die in public? Moreover, he now had a rough idea of why he lost his mind. He was not afraid that the Emperor would use force. If the Emperor really did use force, it was hard to say who would be in trouble.
The Emperor must understand this and definitely did not want to have a direct confrontation with him. This time, the Emperor probably just wanted to see the lanterns. He was embarrassed to not call him, so he could only send someone to pass on the message.
Hsieh Hyun-chen said, "It is common to see lanterns during the Lantern Festival. It is rare to see such a lively scene. There is no harm in us going." After Hsieh Hyun-chen finished speaking, he thought of something and asked, "Have you visited the Lantern Festival in Tokyo?"
When Hsieh Hyun-chen said that they could go, Mu Mingtang immediately felt relieved. When she heard Hsieh Hyun-chen's question, she looked forward to it but also shyly shook her head.
Hsieh Hyun-chen understood and smiled, "Then we can take this opportunity to take a good look. The Emperor and his concubines have personally come to Xuande Gate. This year's Lantern Festival will definitely be more lively than previous years. You can see everything in one go. "
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