Mu Mingtang glared at Hsieh Hyun-chen. Naturally, she couldn't allow Hsieh Hyun-chen to cause trouble.
Xie Xuanji, Jiang Mingwei, and Wanyan Duo were welcomed to the main hall. They sat down one by one and drank a cup of tea. Only then did they see the two main characters arrive.
Jiang Mingwei immediately noticed that Mu Mingtang's hairpin was loose.
It was early in the morning and she had just combed her hair. A maidservant wouldn't make such a mistake. Most likely, it was put on at the last minute. This made people wonder what they had done that they needed to fix the hairpin.
If Jiang Mingwei could see it, Wanyan Duo could also see it. The guests and the host greeted each other again and sat down. Mu Mingtang asked, "Prince Jin and Princess Jin are rare guests. What wind blew the three of you here today?"
Xie Xuanji sat upright and slightly lowered his eyes. He said in a cultured and elegant manner, "Sister-in-law's words, chendi doesn't dare to accept. Chendi hasn't seen elder brother and sister-in-law leave the fu for a long time. I was worried that elder brother and sister-in-law lacked something, so chendi specially came to ask. "
After Xie Xuanji finished speaking, he saw Hsieh Hyun-chen's face reveal a meaningful smile. When Hsieh Hyun-chen appeared, he didn't want to say anything. Now that he suddenly smiled, Xie Xuanji was surprised and couldn't guess the reason.
Mu Mingtang was embarrassed. She didn't have time to go out during this time. She didn't even have enough time to sleep, so how could she go out? Mu Mingtang was afraid of showing embarrassment on her face, so she quickly lowered her head and took a sip of tea.
Mu Mingtang thought that she hid it well, but someone was watching her. Jiang Mingwei carefully observed Mu Mingtang's expression out of curiosity. She found that after Xie Xuanji finished asking, Hsieh Hyun-chen smiled strangely, and Mu Mingtang showed some tension. Mu Mingtang lowered her head and drank tea. When she raised her wrist, the bracelet slipped off, revealing an inconspicuous purple bruise.
The bruise was on the side of her wrist, as if she had accidentally bumped into something. Jiang Mingwei and Wanyan Duo both saw it. They either pursed their lips or raised their eyebrows, guessing why.
As the Princess Consort, Mu Mingtang did not do any heavy work, so how could she have fallen on anything? Only under certain uncontrollable circumstances, such as accidentally bumping into the edge of the bed, would there be a bruise.
Jiang Mingwei and Wanyan Duo were speechless. Jiang Mingwei suddenly felt that it was ironic. She remembered that when she had just gotten married, she had specially come to Mu Mingtang to show off. At that time, she felt that she had married the right person and that the rest of her life would be filled with riches and honor. On the other hand, Mu Mingtang would have to live as a widow for the rest of her life. How pitiful.
Who would have thought that in just one year, the situation would be reversed? Mu Mingtang had inadvertently exposed the marks on his body, but it was Jiang Mingwei who was hurt. Just like how no one had expected that Hsieh Hyun-chen would not die and even resist the poison to return to the political stage.
Hsieh Hyun-chen was known for his talent and martial prowess. He would not be gentle in bed.
The main hall fell into a strange silence. At this time, the maid stopped at the door, wanting to say something. Seeing that all the masters were looking at her, the maid could only brace herself and ask in a low voice, "Princess Consort, the kitchen asked if breakfast should be served."
Xie Xuanji was surprised when he heard this, "Second Brother and Second Sister-in-law have not eaten breakfast?"
Naturally, they would not visit early in the morning. They would definitely choose a time that was suitable for both parties. It was already nine in the morning, half of the morning. Hsieh Hyun-chen and Mu Mingtang had not eaten breakfast?
Mu Mingtang blinked and was embarrassed, not knowing what to say. They had already woken up late today. Just now, she had accidentally fallen asleep and played with Hsieh Hyun-chen for a while …
She did not expect it to be so late.
Hsieh Hyun-chen was very calm in public. Seeing this, he said indifferently, "Isn't it normal to wake up late in the winter?"
It was indeed easier to sleep in when the sun rose late in the winter and the weather was cold. However, Hsieh Hyun-chen and Mu Mingtang waking up at this time was not just a case of sleeping in.
After Hsieh Hyun-chen finished speaking, everyone was embarrassed. He did not say much, but it seemed like he had said a lot.
Mu Mingtang was afraid that Hsieh Hyun-chen would say something shocking again, so she quickly stopped him, "We are late to serve breakfast today. We have made a fool of ourselves in front of Prince Jin and Princess Jin. Have the three of you eaten? Why don't you come in and eat together? "
Mu Mingtang's words were purely polite. She did not plan to invite the three people in front of her to eat. She thought that Xie Xuanji would not be at ease to touch the food in Prince An's Imperial Residence. She thought that Xie Xuanji would ask to leave after she finished speaking. She did not expect that Xie Xuanji would really cup his hands and thank her, "Thank you for your trouble, Second Sister-in-law."
Mu Mingtang was speechless for a moment. She could only lead them to their seats.
Xie Xuanji had not said the purpose of his visit today. He was not willing to go back empty-handed. He also could not delay his brother and sister-in-law's meal time. He could only bite the bullet and accompany Mu Mingtang and Hsieh Hyun-chen to eat. Although there were chopsticks in front of them, none of the three from Prince Jin's Imperial Residence moved. The table was full of breakfast. Only Hsieh Hyun-chen and Mu Mingtang moved their chopsticks.
Hsieh Hyun-chen scooped porridge for Mu Mingtang and picked up a prawn for her, "You didn't eat much last night. The prawns today are light. Eat more."
Mu Mingtang was not picky about food. Hsieh Hyun-chen understood her taste. She ate whatever was picked for her. Xie Xuanji looked at the scene at the dining table. He vaguely felt that he had seen it before. However, there was Wanyan Duo at the table today.
He remembered that when he first married Jiang Mingwei, he came to Prince An's Imperial Residence to pay his respects. He also coincidentally had a meal with this couple. At that time, it was Mu Mingtang who took care of Hsieh Hyun-chen. Mu Mingtang also disliked Hsieh Hyun-chen for not eating enough. He did not expect that it would be a similar scene today. The situation was completely reversed.
For a moment, Xie Xuanji couldn't tell if this was real or if the couple was doing it on purpose.
The three from Prince Jin's Imperial Residence each had their own thoughts. However, no matter what they thought, after looking at it carefully, they silently dispelled the idea that it was a show. Words could be faked, but actions could not be deceived. Hsieh Hyun-chen and Mu Mingtang were calm. Their small actions could not be more natural. It did not seem like they were deliberately putting on a show.
Then, was this their real way of interacting? Xie Xuanji and the other two felt that they had been put on a show.
After waiting for the two to finish eating, Xie Xuanji saw the situation and said, "Second brother, there have been many natural disasters this year. Imperial Father wants to take advantage of the New Year to get rid of the bad luck. He invited people to the palace to remove the filth and pray for good weather in the New Year and for peace and prosperity. Because there are many sacrificial occasions, it would be best if second brother could attend. "
Mu Mingtang understood. The Emperor had asked Xie Xuanji to come and persuade Hsieh Hyun-chen to be the mascot. Ever since Hsieh Hyun-chen publicly chased people out, many people were privately inquiring about what happened on the Mid-Autumn Festival. What exactly was the matter with Hsieh Hyun-chen's illness. Not only were the people in the capital inquiring about it, even many generals from outside the capital began to move.
This year was also a coincidence. During the Spring Festival, the palace almost caught fire. The sacrificial lanterns were offered to Hsieh Hyun-chen. In addition, there was such a big cold disaster in the winter. It was inevitable that rumors would arise among the people that the Emperor did not take the throne properly and that the Heavens were punishing him. The Emperor was afraid that the rumors would ferment and was even more afraid that the Heavens were punishing him. Therefore, he wanted to regroup during the New Year and raise the morale of the people.
At this time, the Emperor had asked Hsieh Hyun-chen to come out and cooperate with Hsieh Hyun-chen. Without a doubt, he wanted to give the outside world the false impression that Hsieh Hyun-chen and the Emperor were still on good terms. This would calm the restless generals from outside the capital. The Emperor could not say it himself, so he asked Xie Xuanji to come over. Firstly, he wanted to find out what Hsieh Hyun-chen was doing in the palace. Secondly, he wanted to beat around the bush and persuade Hsieh Hyun-chen to come out.
Mu Mingtang did not speak. He quietly looked at Hsieh Hyun-chen. After Hsieh Hyun-chen washed his hands, he used a dry handkerchief to wipe the water stains on his fingers. His fingers were slender and well-proportioned. His bones and flesh were well-proportioned. They looked like jade carvings. And this pair of hands, which were cleaner and more delicate than a scholar's, actually had fine calluses on the sides of the fingers. He was proficient in everything from bowing and shooting arrows to wielding swords and spears.
Hsieh Hyun-chen slowly wiped his fingers. The other people at the table did not dare to urge him. They all watched quietly. Jiang Mingwei had not noticed it before. Now he realized that Hsieh Hyun-chen really did not look like a person who had fought in the army. He was excessively beautiful. Even his hands were so beautiful.
It was no wonder that the Northern Tribes people were so shocked when they saw him. To be honest, when Hsieh Hyun-chen was still, he really looked like a pretty boy.
This pair of hands seemed to have been wiped for a long time. Everyone at the table looked at his hands. They were forced to admire Hsieh Hyun-chen's beautiful hands. Finally, Hsieh Hyun-chen threw the handkerchief on the plate. Unexpectedly, he agreed. "Okay."
His answer was so smooth that even Xie Xuanji hesitated. "Second brother, you …"
"There will be three days of palace banquets and sacrifices on New Year's Eve. Other than that, is there anything else?"
Xie Xuanji timely swallowed the words he had not said. "No."
"Mm." Hsieh Hyun-chen responded casually. After he finished speaking, he saw that the others did not move. He slowly raised his eyebrows. "Why? Do you want to stay for lunch?"
Xie Xuanji seemed to wake up from a dream. He quickly stood up and said goodbye. Regardless of the reason Hsieh Hyun-chen agreed, it was good that he was willing to cooperate.
Xie Xuanji led his two wives away. After they left, Mu Mingtang asked, "Why did you agree? I thought you wouldn't care about them. "
Hsieh Hyun-chen sighed silently. "I really don't want to care about them. But there are foreign enemies in front of us. We don't have time for internal strife. This year, the Northern Tribes suffered a great disaster. When spring comes, the Northern Tribes will most likely harass the border. Right now, there are no soldiers in Zhuozhou. There are only the most basic city defense forces. If anything happens, there won't be enough time to send reinforcements. "
The Emperor wanted to use Hsieh Hyun-chen to whitewash the peace. Hsieh Hyun-chen also wanted to use the Lantern Festival as an opportunity to remind the stationed troops. Both sides had their own goals. No wonder Hsieh Hyun-chen agreed as soon as Xie Xuanji spoke.
Mu Mingtang also felt worried when she thought about the situation outside. She silently held Hsieh Hyun-chen's hand and looked at him worriedly. Hsieh Hyun-chen immediately put away his expression and walked inside with Mu Mingtang. "No matter how big the matter is, we have to take it one step at a time. Let's go back and sleep first. "
Mu Mingtang was still feeling sorry for him. Now that he revealed his true nature, Mu Mingtang immediately stopped feeling sorry for him. She couldn't bear it anymore and patted Hsieh Hyun-chen's hand. "Let go. Go do what you need to do. Don't come in! "
The Emperor wanted to use the New Year to wash away his depression. The New Year's Eve banquet was extremely grand. When it was time to bid farewell to the old and welcome the new, deafening firecrackers were set off in the palace. If there really was a nian beast, it would have been scared away.
Mu Mingtang was so shocked that her entire body smelled like gunpowder. As soon as she got home, she wanted to immediately take a bath.
However, she was wearing heavy makeup today, so she had to remove her makeup first. Mu Mingtang took off her hair and placed the jewelry on the dressing table. Hsieh Hyun-chen looked at her for a while and suddenly became interested. He sent the servant girls away and came to help Mu Mingtang.
Mu Mingtang took off the hairpin that held her hair in place and said to Hsieh Hyun-chen, "Comb the hair at the back. Yes, that silver hairpin with a row of green beads."
Hsieh Hyun-chen carefully pulled it out, afraid that it would hook onto Mu Mingtang's hair. The jewelry in her hair became less and less. Finally, Mu Mingtang took out the jade hairpin and her long hair fell down like a waterfall. Hsieh Hyun-chen watched as Mu Mingtang combed her hair with the hairpin. His hands itched to hook a lock of hair and played with it between his fingers.
Mu Mingtang tried to take it back several times but to no avail. She could only let him do as he pleased. She combed her hair and looked at the mirror and sighed.
"I'm finally back. Wearing such heavy jewelry all day, I'm so tired."
Hsieh Hyun-chen pressed the back of Mu Mingtang's head and slowly massaged her acupuncture points. "It's been hard on you. After a few days, you'll be fine."
Mu Mingtang's hair was now loose. Hsieh Hyun-chen's fingers moved through it like flowing water. It was soft and smooth, making one's heart itch. Mu Mingtang didn't notice this. She took a handkerchief and looked at Hsieh Hyun-chen in the mirror. "I'm tired, but it's not because of the banquet."
Hsieh Hyun-chen didn't respond. He smiled but didn't say anything. When he saw Mu Mingtang wet the handkerchief, he asked curiously, "What are you doing?"
"Removing the lipstick from my mouth." Mu Mingtang didn't care. She casually replied, "I'm going to take a shower later. I have to wipe off the makeup on my face first."
Hsieh Hyun-chen said, "Oh." Suddenly, he said to Mu Mingtang, "Turn around. There's something on your face that you didn't wipe off."
Mu Mingtang didn't think much of it and turned her face subconsciously. She didn't expect Hsieh Hyun-chen to lean over and kiss her lips.
Mu Mingtang was caught off guard. She really thought that Hsieh Hyun-chen was going to help her wipe off the traces on her face. She didn't expect him to suddenly do this. Mu Mingtang was pressed backward. Her elbows were on the mirror. She accidentally swept her sleeves and a large number of jade hairpins fell to the ground.
The sound of the jade hairpins hitting against each other was endless. Hsieh Hyun-chen turned a deaf ear to it. He bit Mu Mingtang's lower lip and carefully cleaned off the lipstick on it. Gradually, he wanted to explore the inside of her mouth. Hsieh Hyun-chen finally let go. Mu Mingtang was pressed down on the dressing table. She gasped for breath and glared at Hsieh Hyun-chen shyly and angrily. "What are you doing?"
"Helping you remove your makeup." Hsieh Hyun-chen didn't have any self-awareness. He rubbed Mu Mingtang's red lips with his fingers and seemed to linger. "There's no need to remove the lipstick. I'll do it."
Mu Mingtang angrily slapped Hsieh Hyun-chen. Unfortunately, she was now half-lying on the dressing table. She swept away many bottles and boxes with her sleeves. Mu Mingtang didn't dare to move. She could only threaten Hsieh Hyun-chen in a tone that wasn't persuasive. "Stop fooling around. We still have important matters to attend to tomorrow."
"That's right. We can't delay the morning ceremony." Hsieh Hyun-chen said and directly carried Mu Mingtang in this position. "That's why we have to hurry. We can't waste any time."
Mu Mingtang suddenly flew up and subconsciously hugged Hsieh Hyun-chen's shoulders. The weightlessness on her back made her panic. She could only complain while hugging Hsieh Hyun-chen's shoulders. "Let go of me. I still want to take a shower."
"Why can't you take a shower?" Hsieh Hyun-chen muttered to himself. "It should be better if there's water."
Mu Mingtang suddenly realized that Hsieh Hyun-chen was carrying her to the bathroom. She immediately felt a sense of crisis. "What are you doing?"
"Don't be afraid. It's just what you think." Hsieh Hyun-chen had already entered the bathroom. When he first built the estate, he was extremely extravagant. He even built a luxurious bath in the bathroom with a special water pipe. At this moment, the bath had already been filled with hot water. The temperature was just right. Hsieh Hyun-chen placed Mu Mingtang on a high stool and muttered to himself, "I don't believe that I can leave any marks on your body today."
Hsieh Hyun-chen was a person who didn't admit defeat and was very efficient. If something didn't meet his expectations, he would practice over and over again. There would always be a day when he would reach perfection.
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