Yang Ling followed behind Princess Yongchun all the way to the Tenth Wangfu. The Inner Palace was even stricter than the Outer Court. Even though there was Princess Yongchun leading the way, the palace guards still went forward to stop them. Only when they saw the Emperor's dragon pendant did they hurriedly bow and retreat.
Yang Ling was frowning as he followed behind the Little Princess when he suddenly saw a pale yellow figure flash in front of a fake mountain pond in the distance. Yang Ling saw that it was Princess Yongfu leading two palace maids who were throwing food into the water through the railing. He couldn't help but be overjoyed. As if he had seen his savior, he rushed forward a few steps and shouted from a distance, "Subject Yang Ling greets Your Royal Highness the Eldest Princess."
Princess Yongfu turned around in surprise and saw Yang Ling. Her brows were first filled with joy, then she asked in confusion, "General Yang, you... why are you in the Inner Palace?"
She glanced at the Imperial Sister and said in surprise, "It was you who brought General Yang in? Quickly... quickly send the General back. Is this forbidden area of the Inner Palace a place that can be casually entered? "
Yongchun said proudly, "Jiejie, I went to Imperial Brother to complain to the Emperor on behalf of Aunt Ningqing. It was Imperial Brother who sent Yang Ling to help Aunt vent her anger. Isn't that right, Mr Yang?"
Princess Yongfu looked at her sister and then looked at Yang Ling who was repeatedly laughing dryly. She couldn't help feeling angry and amused at the same time. This Imperial Brother of hers had always done things recklessly. Now that the Imperial Family's own matters were not handed over to the Imperial Clan Court to handle, he actually sent a General to inquire about the case. Was this a war?
Princess Yongfu also thought of the Imperial Princesses' experiences after marriage. She couldn't help but faintly sigh and say, "Ai, even an upright official cannot resolve family matters. Who can change the rules passed down from the ancestors? Why do you have to make things difficult for General Yang? "
Princess Yongchun asked curiously, "Why do you say so? Didn't you tell me that today's Imperial Aunt will be you and me in the future? At that time, living alone in the depths of the palace, like a bird in a cage, thinking about how high the sky is and how wide the sea is, even at night it will be hard to sleep alone, not even having someone to talk to next to your pillow? Now I'm looking for Imperial Brother to help Gu Gu vent her anger and suppress their arrogance, so that we won't have to suffer their anger one day. What's wrong with that? "
Princess Yongfu was both angry and embarrassed. She angrily stomped her feet and pointed at her sister, "You … You …"
When Yang Ling saw the two sisters bickering, he quickly suppressed his laughter and coughed twice, saying, "Your Highness the Princess, His Majesty has ordered this subject to go to Princess Ningqing's place to inquire about this matter, but … this is, after all, a matter of the Imperial Family. This subject really can't butt in. If it is convenient for the Princess, this subject would like to ask the Princess to go as a witness. This way, it will be convenient for this subject to reply to His Majesty."
Princess Yongfu glanced at Yang Ling and saw that his eyes were hurriedly looking at Yongchun and anxiously giving her a look. She instantly understood. She bit her lip and thought for a bit before revealing a smile, saying, "Alright, this Princess also wants to go see Gu Gu. Let's go together."
As she spoke, she walked over and pulled Yongchun's hand. She turned her head to smile at Yang Ling and walked away first. With Princess Yongfu accompanying him, Yang Ling couldn't help letting out a long sigh of relief. That unruly little princess's temperament was very similar to her older brother's, impulsive and reckless. If he angered her, he might really be framed by her. With Princess Yongfu accompanying him, it would be much safer.
Princess Yongchun pulled her older sister's hand and proudly walked into the Tenth Wangfu's Princess Ningqing Palace. Once she entered the main hall, she coldly scolded the maid who came to greet her, "Call the chief steward out to see me!"
Princess Yongchun and Princess Ningqing had a very good relationship and often came to the Princess's Mansion. Everyone in the Princess's Mansion recognized her. When they saw that the little princess had arrived, they all bowed in fear. After a while, the female official of the Princess Ningqing Mansion who received the news came out to greet them. When she saw the two princesses from afar, she hurriedly took two steps forward and gracefully bowed, saying, "This servant greets Great Elder Princess and Your Royal Highness Eldest Princess. Do the two Royal Highnesses want to see Princess Ningqing?"
This female official's movements were as smooth as moving clouds and flowing water. Her posture was clean and neat, revealing a kind of elegant elegance. It was very pleasing to look at.
Yongchun snorted through her nose and raised her chin, saying, "There is no hurry to call Gu Gu out. This Princess is here to see you today."
The female official had just stood up and couldn't help but be surprised when she heard that, "Your Royal Highness wants to see this servant? What did you say? If Your Royal Highness has something, you only need to call and this servant will rush over. How would I dare to trouble Your Royal Highness? This is killing this servant. "
Yongchun sat on the brocade stool and sneered, "What do you not dare to do? You dared to chase the son-in-law out of the mansion and dared to run to the Empress Dowager to complain about the Princess, causing the Imperial Aunt to have no choice but to cry. With such great ability, how would I dare to greet you? "
Yang Ling originally thought that this female official of the Princess's Mansion would be a crafty woman like Rong Bi. But looking at this female official of the Princess's Mansion, she was only around forty years old. She was well maintained, had fair skin and tender flesh. She had a good charm and looked very dignified and beautiful. When she smiled, she actually didn't have the slightest trace of stubbornness or hostility.
When the female official heard Yongchun's words, she couldn't help pursing her lips into a smile and said sweetly, "This servant was just wondering why Your Royal Highness seemed to be venting with someone. So it turns out that you think that this servant is bullying the master."
As the female official spoke, her smile disappeared and she knelt down. With a face full of grievance, she said, "This servant entered the palace at the age of five and learned the etiquette and dance of the palace. I served the Empress Dowager. Princess Ningqing was betrothed to the son-in-law and it was the Former Emperor Hongzhi who ordered this servant to be the female official of the Princess's Mansion. This servant took care of the Princess's daily life and managed the affairs of the Princess's Mansion. This servant took care of the Princess in every possible way.
Speaking of the son-in-law, the matters of the Son of Heaven's Mansion aren't something this servant should talk about. But the rules of the Son of Heaven's Mansion can't be compared to those of the commoners. His Majesty still has the Greeting Office to take care of everything. How could the Princess's Mansion be careless?
The son-in-law often entered the palace without permission and often came back drunk. With such ostentatious behavior, wouldn't it be a loss of the Imperial Family's dignity if the officials saw him? Although this servant is a woman, this servant is also following the Imperial edict. The Former Emperor trusted this servant and gave this servant this task. This servant also knows that this is a task that offends people everywhere and isn't very popular. But even if I am beaten to death, I don't dare to pretend to be deaf, dumb, or turn a blind eye.
This servant served the Empress Dowager and then served Her Highness Ningqing. I have always been cautious and didn't dare to be careless. If Your Royal Highness thinks that this servant did something wrong, then you can kill this servant. "
This female official shed tears as she spoke. She turned her head to the palace maids and eunuchs in the hall and said: "Go, take a note. This servant has offended Her Royal Highness Princess Yongchun. Today, I will let Her Royal Highness beat me to death. The dignity of the Imperial Family is important. You are not allowed to go out and speak nonsense."
When the palace maids and eunuchs heard this, they immediately knelt on the ground and begged one after another: "Your Royal Highness, please spare our lives. Master Lu is a loyal servant. This servant has seen it with our own eyes. Your Royal Highness, please have mercy!"
When Princess Yongchun heard this, she was so angry that she couldn't speak. This female official Lu kept talking about the Empress Dowager and the late Emperor. Her attitude was similar to Yang Ling's during the Confucian Banquet. Princess Yongchun actually couldn't do anything to this servant.
Yang Ling looked at her face and tone of speech. He originally thought that she was loyal to protect the Imperial Family's etiquette. Maybe the Emperor's son-in-law really went too far. Unfortunately, although this female official saw him, she thought that Yongchun had sent an Imperial Bodyguard to deal with her at the last minute. She didn't know the real identity of Yang Ling, so this act was a bit too much.
Yang Ling looked at the side coldly. He saw that when the palace maids and eunuchs looked at this woman who kept calling herself a servant, their eyes were actually more respectful than when they looked at Yongfu and Yongchun. In his heart, he already understood a bit.
He smiled and slowly walked in front of the female official Lu. He bent down and said: "Master Lu, please rise. Her Royal Highness saw that Princess Ningqing was sad and was anxious.
You carried out the Imperial Edict of the Former Emperor and protected the dignity of the Imperial Family. Not only are you not at fault, but you have also performed meritorious deeds. It's just that … you are wholeheartedly loyal to the Emperor, so this method is a bit too harsh. Won't it make Princess Ningqing uncomfortable? Later on, you should apologize to Her Royal Highness. "
Master Lu originally wanted to put on an act and put on the image of a loyal servant to reprimand this Imperial Army officer for being disrespectful and rushing to speak before the Princess. As soon as he heard this tone of voice that seemed to be biased towards her, he couldn't help bursting with joy. He quickly said: "Is Daren a general of the Imperial Bodyguards in the Palace? What you said is correct. Nubi was afraid that Prince Consort Xue would break the rules of the Palace, so in a moment of anxiety, I forcefully drove him out of the Palace. It really hurt Her Royal Highness the Princess' face. Nubi will go and apologize to Her Royal Highness the Princess. "Saying this, she didn't wait for Princess Yongchun's permission and took the opportunity to stand up.
As she stood up, Yang Ling could smell the faint scent of alcohol on her. Yang Ling didn't expose her. He straightened his waist and put one hand behind his back to wave at the two Princesses, Yongfu and Yongchun, indicating for them not to make a sound. At the same time, he said: "This official is the Shenji Battalion's Left Sentry Army Staff General Yang Ling, not the commander of the Imperial Bodyguards. His Majesty heard of this matter and sent this official here to clarify things."
Hearing that it was Yang Ling, Master Lu couldn't help being surprised and happy. As expected, he was one of them. He heard that Head Steward Ma, Head Steward Gu, and the other eunuchs had a very good relationship with him. For the Emperor to send him, a foreign official, to investigate this matter, it must have been Head Steward Ma who reported to the Emperor. Ha, ha, with him speaking up for him in front of the Emperor, and the Empress Dowager's side listening to and believing him, so what if there were another ten or eight princesses?
Master Lu couldn't conceal the pride in his heart and glanced provocatively at the two little princesses. Seeing this, Princess Yongchun's anger surged and she almost flew into a rage again. Princess Yongfu, who was at the side, reached out a hand to pinch her waist lightly. Only then did Yongchun come to her senses. She calmed down and gave a cold snort.
Just now, Princess Yongfu saw Yang Ling's hand gesture and knew that he must have a purpose after hearing his words. She had already secretly told her meimei not to act rashly. It was obvious that everyone in the Princess fu was bought over and controlled by Master Lu. Even if the Emperor came personally, it was likely that no one would speak up for Princess Ningqing. This muddled lawsuit couldn't be won at all. Maybe this Head Steward really did have a way.
Yang Ling's smile became even more amiable. He cupped his hands towards Master Lu and said, "The Emperor has sent this official to ask questions. I hope that Chief Steward can tell this official the whole story so that this official can reply to the Emperor."
Master Lu was originally not a person who was so gullible, but the relationship between Yang Ling and Ma Yongcheng was very good. This was something that everyone inside and outside the Palace knew. For the Emperor to send a foreign official to handle this kind of family matter was something that had never happened before. Other than saying that it was because the two princesses had complained to the Emperor and Ma Yongcheng had spoken in front of the Emperor, this kind of strange thing couldn't be explained at all. In addition, Yang Ling's tone and manner of speaking were openly on her side, so Master Lu's suspicions had long been gone. Thus, he added fuel to the fire and said that the Prince Consort did not abide by the rules of the Palace and often entered and left the Palace without her permission. He even dared to say in front of the two princesses that the Prince Consort entered the Palace and pretended to be drunk to flirt with the palace maids.
Yang Ling secretly sneered when he heard this. Unless this Prince Consort was tired of living, were there no beautiful women outside the Palace? It wasn't easy for him to come see his wife, but he actually flirted with a few mediocre looking palace maids by his wife's side?
Yang Ling held his breath and listened to her finish. He immediately smiled and said, "So it's like this. This official will go and report to His Majesty right now. However, Master Lu is loyal to his duty, but you must also pay attention to the method. His Majesty has a myriad of affairs to attend to every day and is very busy. He can't even deal with the important matters of the court. In the future, don't provoke the Princess's anger and let His Majesty worry about this. "
Master Lu smiled knowingly and quickly said, "Yes, yes, yes. Daren, please rest assured."
Yang Ling slowly turned around and quickly gave Princess Yongfu a look. He then bowed and said, "Your Highnesses, this subject has already asked clearly what happened and will go and report to His Majesty right now."
Although Princess Yongchun was full of doubts, she still flew into a rage when she heard this. She blushed and said, "You asked clearly … clearly … you only listened to her side of the story and then went to report to Imperial Brother?"
Yang Ling glared at her and then hurriedly winked at Princess Yongfu. He crooked his mouth and then said with conviction, "His Majesty wanted this subject to investigate this matter. This investigation, questioning, is naturally to ask the people in the Princess' fu. Does this subject still dare to ask Princess Ningqing to come out and confront her? Right now, the palace maids and eunuchs serving Her Highness the Princess are all witnesses. How can it be said that Master Lu only has one side of the story? Your Highness, His Majesty is still waiting for this subject. This subject will take his leave. "
As Yang Ling said this, he walked out of the hall. Master Lu saw that Yang Ling did not pay attention to the two princesses and felt even more proud in his heart. As soon as Yang Ling left the hall, her beautiful and dignified face revealed a trace of a mocking smile. She said in a seemingly respectful manner, "Does Your Highness the Princess want to go see Princess Ningqing? Aiyo, as soon as the two princesses entered the door, you immediately questioned me. This servant was so flustered that I forgot to serve tea to the two princes. Quick, quick, quick, you ignorant thing, quickly serve tea to the two princes. "
This time, even the good-tempered Princess Yongfu was angry. She flicked her sleeves and coldly snorted. She grabbed her younger sister's wrist and said, "Let's go!" The two turned to leave the hall. Master Lu smoothly chased after them to the entrance of the hall and knelt down, saying, "This servant respectfully sends off Your Highness the Princesses. Your Highness the Princess, please take care."
Princess Yongchun was so angry that her lungs were about to explode. As soon as they left the Tenth Wangfu, she immediately looked around and said, "Where is that bastard Yang Ling? Where is that bastard Yang Ling? "
Yang Ling suddenly popped his head out from behind a moon-shaped door and said with a smile, "Yang Ling is here!"
Princess Yongchun broke free from her elder sister's hand and ran over, saying, "You were winking at elder sister just now. What are you up to? Quickly say it. If you really dare to help that Master Lu to cheat my aunt, this princess will definitely not forgive you. "
Yang Ling stuck his head out to look behind them. There was more than one princess living in the Tenth Wangfu. It was impossible for Master Lu to send someone to spy on them. However, Yang Ling was still alert and said, "Let's go. Let's talk as we walk."
Yang Ling followed beside the two princesses and said as they walked, "Steward Lu is in charge of the Princess Residence's monthly expenses, right? En, no wonder she can control the entire residence in her hands. Now in this lawsuit, Steward Lu wants witnesses and everyone in the Princess Residence is her witness. However, the Princess and the Prince's son-in-law do not even have a single person who is willing to speak up for them.
Steward Lu also keeps bringing up the ancestor and the late Emperor. What should we do with her? Even if you plead for leniency and let the Emperor change the Princess Residence's steward, do you think it will be better than her? Their interests are built on making things difficult for the Princess. On this point, they will definitely be united against a common enemy. "
Princess Yongfu thought of Master Lu's respectful but arrogant attitude just now. She couldn't help but feel a chill in her heart and sadly said, "Then … why did General Yang wave his hand to signal us not to speak?" She stopped walking and looked expectantly at Yang Ling and said, "General must have a good idea, right?"
Yang Ling smiled and said, "Your Highness is really intelligent. He he, this official does have an idea. It's just that I haven't thought of a way to let the Emperor know. This official still has a way to deal with this kind of greedy person, right?" He saw that Yongchun was about to get anxious again and quickly said, "This official has already thought of what to do. This official just hasn't thought of how to let the Emperor know. This official still has a way to deal with this kind of greedy person …"
Yang Ling lowered his voice and explained in detail. Then he said with a smile, "The two Princesses have always been in and out of Princess Ningqing Mansion. This matter is the most suitable. Moreover, it's just a servant. Even if it's exposed, the Emperor will not be angry."
Princess Yongfu's eyes were like water. She looked at him for a long time without blinking. Suddenly she burst into laughter and said sweetly, "General Yang's idea is really … really … uh … it will definitely be effective."
The anger on Princess Yongchun's face had long disappeared. She nodded with a smile and said, "Not bad, not bad. An evil person needs to be dealt with by an evil person. This Princess is starting to believe what Uncle Zhang said to Empress Mother. You really are a big evil person!"
※ ※ ※
The big evil person Yang Ling helped the Eldest and Young Princesses come up with a bad idea. He returned to the Palace of Heavenly Purity. Unexpectedly, Emperor Zhengde had long forgotten about sending him to mediate the Princesses' family affairs. As soon as he saw him excitedly talking about his plan, Yang Ling was stunned.
He was stunned for a long time. He looked at Liu Jin and the others, whose eyes were red like envious rabbits. He then looked at the Emperor of Zhengde with his nose in the air. He couldn't help but be surprised and said, "Your Majesty wants this official to set up an Inner Editing factory? Isn't the Editing factory always managed by an internal official? "
Zhengde smiled and said, "That's right. But that was when Emperor Yongle was in danger. The internal official contributed greatly, so Dongchang was controlled by the internal official. Later on, when the West Factory was established, the internal official naturally became the Factory Supervisor. But I want to do something new and unexpected. Only then can I reach the acme of perfection and win by surprise."
He smiled proudly and said, "If my Inner Factory were to be Factory Supervisor again, wouldn't it still be under Wang Yue's jurisdiction? Now the Imperial Bodyguard is a foreign official. They are supervised by the Ministry of Rites in Dongchang. And the West Factory, which is also under the Ministry of Rites, supervises Dongchang.
Now I will transfer foreign officials to build the Inner Factory and supervise the Ministry of Rites. This will be flawless. So I must use foreign officials. I trust you the most. Of course, you will do it. If you don't want to be the Minister of Ministry of Punishments, I will approve. You can't refuse this matter anymore. "
Yang Ling said with a bitter face, "But I … really don't have much experience."
He thought to himself, "Although there aren't many heads of the Two Factories and One Guard who didn't meet a good end, the reputation of the Factory Guards isn't very good. Besides, the Imperial Bodyguard and Dongchang are so supportive of me because they are afraid of losing the Emperor's favor. Now that I have left them and set up my own, will Zhang Xiu and Fan Ting be willing to swallow this loss in silence?"
Zhengde said disapprovingly, "I don't have any experience as the Emperor. Don't you see that I am doing a good job? With me supporting you, what are you afraid of? "
Yang Ling took a deep breath and said embarrassedly, "Then … I wonder where Your Majesty wants me to establish the Inner Factory? Where will the manpower come from? To open a government office, buy houses and buy land, there must be money, right? Will the Ministry of Revenue be willing to pay? What are the main responsibilities of the Inner Editing factory? "
Hearing this, Zhengde was dumbfounded. After a while, he said, "This … do you have to ask me this? You can choose the place, you can choose the manpower, as for the money … "Emperor Zhengde stammered, as if having a toothache," Think about where you can deduct the money from and tell me again. I will approve your proposal. As for the responsibilities, the main one is to help me look after the Two Factories and One Guard. As for the rest … That's right, the money, the authority of the Bureau of Rites to supervise taxes must be taken back. "
"En …" Emperor Zhengde thought seriously for a while, then spread out his hands and said, "For now, I can only think of this much. If you think of anything else, then tell me."
Yang Ling stared blankly at Zhengde for a while before saying, "Then … isn't this subject going to participate in presiding over Your Majesty's wedding? Can this subject wait until after Your Majesty's wedding to make preparations? Otherwise, this subject is afraid that I will not be able to split myself."
Zhengde smiled and said, "This is something that can be done. Then announce the establishment of the Inner Factory after our wedding. Go back to the Ministry of Rites first. I heard that they have a lot of rules. You are the envoy personally chosen by us, so don't make us lose face."
Yang Ling helplessly said, "Yes, this subject obeys the decree."
Yang Ling left the Palace of Heavenly Purity. He had only taken a few steps when Liu Jin caught up with him from behind. As soon as he caught up to Yang Ling, he anxiously said, "Sir Yang, the establishment of the Inner Factory is a major event. Why aren't you anxious? If the Two Factories and One Guard were to find out, they might fan the wind, light the fire, and make things difficult for you. You should hurry up on this matter."
As soon as Zhengde made it clear that the establishment of the Inner Factory was to supervise the internal officials of the East and West Factories, he was determined not to use an internal official. Thus, Liu Jin also gave up. Fortunately, this newly appointed supervisor of the Inner Factory was his good brother. Even if there were no fish or shrimp, it was still better than having an outsider. Thus, seeing his careless appearance, he couldn't help but feel very anxious.
Yang Ling saw that this Emperor Zhengde was impetuous in his handling of matters. He was like a gust of wind and a gust of rain. In his heart, he still held on to the illusion that after his wedding, he would build the Inner Factory, so he delayed as long as he could. As for guarding against the Two Factories and One Guard, that was purely a joke. This could not compare to Hongzhi's secret establishment of the West Factory. That was done with the cooperation of the Department of Rites. The Imperial Horse Supervisor was the foundation of the establishment, and the establishment of the Inner Factory was formed with elites drawn from them.
If he wanted the people, he wanted the money, he wanted the money, he wanted the money, he wanted the place, he wanted the place, he didn't have the slightest foundation. As soon as he started on this side, the news would certainly reach the ears of the Two Factories and One Guard. Rather than hiding it and arousing their suspicion, it was better to openly let them know when it was time to open.
As Yang Ling thought of this, he suddenly had a thought: The Imperial Bodyguard's foundation was the Brocade Guards of the past. Dongchang had a long history, and most of the foreign agents were recruited from the common people. The West Factory, however, was based on the Imperial Horse Supervisor. If I really wanted to establish the Inner Factory, then I would personally bring out the five hundred soldiers of the Shenji Battalion, and even the entire Left Sentinel Army …
As Yang Ling thought of this, he felt a burst of excitement in his heart. Originally, he was at a loss and did not know what to do. At this moment, he calmed down. If he used his own personal army as the foundation, then he would have the manpower and the territory. Establishing the Inner Factory was just a matter of flipping the current signboard.
Didn't the Emperor say that he wanted people? Jiming County Magistrate Huang Qiyin, the Imperial Bodyguard's dissatisfied Qian Hu Wu Jie, these people were all experienced officials, but they had never been very successful in the officialdom. If they were brought in, with their advice and suggestions, wouldn't he be able to continue mingling?
As Yang Ling thought of this, he beamed and patted Liu Jin's shoulder. This was the first time he was so affectionate, and Liu Jin was stunned. He heard Yang Ling say with a smile, "Eunuch Liu's concern for me, Yang is well aware of Yang, but this matter can't be hidden. Let them know openly. With His Majesty's decree, who would dare to cause trouble? Hahaha … "
At this moment, Yang Ling's heart suddenly brightened. He thought that if the Emperor insisted on establishing the Inner Factory, it would be better to release the news in advance and wait for the reaction of the Two Factories and One Guard. And if he did not make a move, they would inevitably think that his ability was limited and that it was difficult to organize. Even if there were people who were afraid, they would definitely look down on him. At that time, the Inner Factory would be established at lightning speed, and the resistance would definitely be reduced to the minimum.
Yang Ling put his mind at ease and happily ran to the Ministry of Rites to be the master of ceremonies for the wedding. However, Liu Jin was stunned there for a long time.
※ ※ ※
Yang Ling still did not know what he had to do as the master of ceremonies for the Emperor's wedding. Anyway, with the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Internal Affairs around, his main task was to take care of the lighting and setting of the fire on the wedding night. He did not expect the Emperor's wedding to be so complicated and over-the-top. Although his role was limited, there were still many things that he needed to participate in.
The current Minister of the Ministry of Rites was Wang Hua. Wang Hua did not have any opinions about him. In particular, Wang Hua believed that Yang Ling risked his life not to report the Emperor's mausoleum case for the sake of the common people. He was a hot-blooded and loyal official and was extremely polite to him. The Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Rites, Li Duo, was also in the same boat with him. Therefore, none of the civil officials in the Ministry of Rites dared to make things difficult for him.
The Honglu Official patiently explained to Yang Ling for a long time the detailed steps of selecting, asking for names, accepting gifts, accepting gifts, announcing the date, personally welcoming the bride, the etiquette of conferring the title of empress and concubine, and the three ways of examining the new palace maids at the same time. One set of things after another, making Yang Ling dizzy listening to it.
In the end, Yang Ling only remembered that these empresses and concubines were educated and courteous. They were the daughters of officials with clean backgrounds. Just the selection process alone was even more intense and strict than a scholar going to the capital to take the imperial examinations.
The eunuchs not only had to observe the appearance and voice of the selected ladies, they also had to send palace maids to examine their hair, facial features, and body. If there was one part that was not pleasing to the eye, they would be disqualified. During the second examination, they even had to use a ruler to measure their arms, waist, legs, and figure. Those that were not well-proportioned were also rejected.
During the third examination, the palace maids would strip and examine them. Smells, skin, and even scars would be rejected. On this basis, they would be examined for their demeanor and bearing. They would also have to learn the etiquette and rules of the palace. In the process, a large number of those who slept inelegantly were sent away. Finally, the remaining elites would be chosen by the Empress Dowager, the Empress, and the Palace Guest Residence.
Yang Ling listened and was secretly speechless. This was much stricter than choosing a Hong Kong sister. How beautiful would the selected women be? He couldn't help but blurt out: "Has the empress been chosen?"
The Honglu Official smiled and said: "Yes. Currently, the Empress Dowager and Empress Dowager have chosen the Governor of the Middle Military Manor, Xia Ru, Lord Xia's eldest daughter as the empress. At the same time, they have also chosen the daughters of two officials from the capital to be their concubines. They will enter the palace at the same time during the wedding. That's right, the day after tomorrow, Daren will be going with this lowly official to ask for names. I believe that Daren is not familiar with these etiquettes. Take this booklet back and take a look. "
Yang Ling received the two thick stacks of documents and couldn't help but stare blankly as he said: "This... Are these the contents of the wedding ceremony recorded?"
The Honglu Official said: "Yes. These are the contents that Daren is responsible for. Daren must be careful. As the envoy of the Emperor, you must not forget your etiquette."
Yang Ling was a yes-man as he carried the two stacks of documents and sat on the sedan chair to rush back home. He casually flipped open the sedan chair to take a look. The densely packed small words were all written vertically and there weren't even any punctuation marks. Normally, it was fine to read official documents, but looking at these things made his eyes dizzy. With the sedan chair trembling, Yang Ling took a few looks and felt a headache coming on. He really couldn't continue looking.
By the time Yang Ling returned to the residence with the documents, it was already past noon. He sent the booklet to the inner study and saw that Young-niang and the others were not in the room. After asking the servant girls, he found out that they had gone to the back garden. He changed into a casual robe and strolled to the back garden.
This courtyard was not small and had a circumference of three mu. Originally, it had not been used much. Other than a few fruit trees, the entire ground was covered in weeds. Now, after Yang Ling's instructions, the moment he entered the back garden, a piece of land had been leveled to be used as a training ground. There were still piles of yellow soil on the ground where the weeds had been shoveled. It seemed that the work was not done yet.
Further in to the right was the vegetable garden that Young-niang was tending to. First, there were rows of bean racks, which were as tall as a person. Further in, there were cucumber racks, and finally, there were all sorts of onions, garlic, and vegetables.
Yang Ling walked past the bean field and had just walked past two rows of cucumber racks when he saw a figure half-bent over tending to the melon seedlings in the field. When Yang Ling saw that it was Young-niang, he hurriedly went in. This melon field was very well tended to. There were many fresh and juicy cucumbers and the yellow flowers on top of them were still blooming brightly.
Young-niang heard the movement of leaves and turned her head to see that her husband had returned. She hurriedly raised her head with a smile and said, "Husband, what are you doing in the field? Don't dirty your clothes. "
Yang Ling saw that Young-niang had changed into coarse clothing and was holding a pair of scissors in her hand. Presumably, she was pruning the melon seedlings. He couldn't help but laugh and say, "You ah, it's such a hot day and you're hiding in the melon field. Look at how hot you are. Right now, hubby is a marquis, yet you don't enjoy such good fortune."
Han Youniang lifted her sleeve to wipe the sweat off her face and said with a smile, "It's quite uncomfortable to be idle. Hubby is now a duke, not a marquis. It's fine for us to talk here, but don't say the same thing when we go out. Otherwise, those vile people will find fault with you."
Yang Ling rolled his eyes at her and said in annoyance, "That's what I meant. If I don't say marquis, then should I say duke, marquis, or marquis?" As he said this, he couldn't help but laugh and said, "If I really become a duke or marquis, then wouldn't you be a female monkey?"
Han Youniang shyly said, "Hubby is talking nonsense again. You always like to make fun of me."
When she stepped forward, Yang Ling was afraid that she would knock over the seedlings. The ground under his feet was soft and he couldn't stand steadily. He grabbed her body and let out a yelp. He fell on his butt on the soil and broke a seedling.
Han Youniang couldn't help but say in annoyance, "Hubby, look at you. You're not born to be a farmer."
Yang Ling was already sitting on the ground and wasn't in a hurry to get up. He pulled Young-niang's hand and had her sit on his lap. He sighed and said, "Ai, hubby also knows that you don't have much to do in the fu. But with hubby's current status, it's not easy for you to go out and find work. It's really hard to be cooped up in the fu all day. Luckily, there's Yu'er and the others. Otherwise, you'd be even more bored."
As he said this, he remembered that he hadn't seen Yu'er, Cher, and Gao Wenxin. He couldn't help but be curious and asked, "Where are they?"
Han Youniang said, "They don't know how to prune, so they went to the front to pick vegetables."
Yang Ling made a sound of agreement and gently kissed Young-niang's ear. He said, "If we had a child earlier, it would be good. Children don't let people rest all day. Then my wife wouldn't be bored."
Han Youniang's face immediately turned red. She felt a little uneasy. She looked at Yang Ling and timidly said, "Hubby likes children, but Young-niang doesn't even have …"
Yang Ling saw that he was provoking her thoughts and quickly comforted her, "Don't worry, don't worry. You're still young. Besides …" He moved closer to Young-niang's ear and said, "We've only been together for four months. Whose wife is so powerful? Who can be shot with one arrow? Haha. "
Han Youniang twisted her shoulders uncomfortably and felt a little embarrassed. Seeing her shy expression, Yang Ling couldn't help but be moved. He looked around to make sure there was no one around, and suddenly whispered in her ear, "Wife, I love you, Amitabha Buddha bless you, I hope you have a good body, healthy and beautiful. Wife, I love you, Amitabha Buddha bless you, I hope everything goes well for you, we won't be separated, my love is you, you know I love you …"
Such a song could only be regarded as a folk song in that era, but the lyrics were full of warmth and sweetness. Han Youniang's eyes lit up as she listened to it. She held Yang Ling's hand with joy and said, "It's beautiful, this song is so beautiful. Where did you hear such a beautiful song, hubby?"
Yang Ling smiled and said, "Good, right? Although wife is a vulgar title, I think it shows hubby's love for you more than genteel wife. You just need to change the words to old … old … "
Yang Ling suddenly realized that husband seemed to be a form of address for eunuchs. He quickly changed his words and said, "You just need to change the words to hubby. It means that you sing it to hubby. Hubby teaches you, so you sing it to hubby, okay?"
Han Youniang said shyly, "Hubby, I … I've never sung before. I'm afraid I can't sing well."
It was rare for Yang Ling to sit so intimately with Young-niang and chat. He didn't care about the stuffy melon field. He held her hand and said, "It's very easy. Come on, I'll sing it a few times first. You'll be familiar with it after listening to it a few times!"
… …
After dinner, Yang Ling went into the study and read carefully for a long time. The two large piles of books were about the details of the selection, the enlistment of names, and the announcement of the date. When each event would be held, how many eunuchs and palace maids would be needed, who would be the chief envoy and deputy envoy, who would be the envoy, who would be the envoy, who would be the envoy, and who would be the envoy.
Yang Ling looked at the two thick books. There weren't many things that he needed to pay attention to. If he extracted them and memorized them, it would be much easier. He wanted to go out and find Yu'er, Cher, and the others for help.
Yang Ling knew that these people usually liked to cool off on the garden porch at night. He walked a few steps along the grapevine and suddenly heard a low humming voice from the corner of the porch, "Master ~ Master, I ~ ~ love you. Amitabha bless you. May you have a good body, healthy and beautiful …"
Yang Ling almost fainted when he heard it. No matter how he teased her in the field in the afternoon, Young-niang refused to open her mouth to sing. He didn't expect that she would come here to learn to sing. Not only did she change the title of wife to master, she was also … healthy and beautiful …
Yang Ling didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He quickly turned around and saw a beautiful figure sitting by the railing. She took a small stone and threw it into the pond out of boredom. She was still humming. He quickly stepped forward to stop her, "Young-niang …"
The figure heard the sound and was like a rabbit that was shot by an arrow. She suddenly jumped up and screamed. She then calmed herself down and said with a trembling voice, "Master … Master?"
Yang Ling heard the voice and took a closer look. This young lady who wished him health and beauty was actually Sheridan. He couldn't help but be stunned.
Sheridan was thirsty from being busy in the field in the afternoon. She ran to the melon field to pick a cucumber to eat. Coincidentally, she heard the master teaching his wife to sing a few rows away. He sang so loudly that she remembered it after hearing it twice. At this time, she had nothing to do and was actually caught red-handed by the master. She couldn't help but blush. She wished she could just turn around and jump into the pond and drown herself.
In the distant pavilion, Han Youniang, Yutang Chun and Gao Wenxin heard the scream and hurriedly ran over. They saw Yang Ling and Sheridan standing there. Sheridan was still cowering. They couldn't help but look around suspiciously.
Yang Ling saw that this was bad. He was afraid that these women would misunderstand. He quickly coughed and said, "I have something that I need your help with. I left in a hurry. I didn't expect Miss Cher to be standing here. She was startled."
Han Youniang was relieved after hearing this. Yutang Chun was not willing to believe it. She looked at Sheridan's skin that seemed to be spitting fire in the night. She did not believe that she was frightened. The little girl couldn't help but have a sour taste in her heart, "Does Master like Cher more than me? Could it be that … I'm not beautiful enough?"
Gao Wenxin quickly swept her eyes over these people who had different thoughts. She curtsied and quietly said, "What does Master want this servant to do?"
Yang Ling let out a sigh of relief and quickly said, "It's like this. His Majesty has ordered me to be the wedding angel and hold the imperial edict to go to the residence of the Empress to ask about her name. But that book of etiquette is really too messy. I want to sort out what the Son of Heaven's Deputy Envoy needs to do and pay attention to. I want to memorize it tomorrow so that I don't make any mistakes."
When the women heard that there was something to do, they immediately put aside their previous matter and followed Yang Ling to the study. That thread-bound book was easy to disassemble. Yang Ling broke it into four parts and gave them to sort it out. He himself brewed a pot of tea and leisurely sipped it as he waited.
After a while, Sheridan let out another cry of surprise. Several people's gazes couldn't help but focus on her. Yang Ling, who was originally a little unnatural, couldn't help but be overjoyed. He he, she had this bad habit. This time, Yutang Chun wouldn't look at me as if she was looking at a spy while copying the book, right?
Han Youniang couldn't help but laugh and said, "Cher, why are you so startled today? Are you startled while copying the book?"
Sheridan blushed and said embarrassedly, "Jiejie, I … I just didn't expect that the Son of Heaven's Deputy Envoy would … would be in charge of these things, so I was momentarily surprised …"
Han Youniang, Yutang Chun and Gao Wenxin listened and curiously moved over. Unexpectedly, after a few glances, Gao Wenxin smiled and returned to the table to continue copying her things. Han Youniang and Yutang Chun blinked their eyes and looked for a while before running away with flushed faces.
Yang Ling's curiosity was aroused. He hurriedly stood up and excitedly moved over to ask, "What do you want me to do? Let me take a look. "
Yang Ling snatched the book and took a look. On it was written, "Human Relations: Serve the ancestral temple, and continue the future generations." Then there were a few erotic pictures.
Yang Ling had even seen real AV films, so he naturally did not care about this kind of thing. He looked down disdainfully. The content of the next event was to say that there was a Joyous Buddha that was operated by a mechanism in the palace. On a certain day in a certain month, the Deputy Envoy would accompany the Crown Prince to the main hall where the Joyous Buddha was worshiped. The Joyous Buddha would demonstrate and the Deputy Envoy would explain the knowledge of copulation.
Yang Ling couldn't help but laugh and said, "So it's this kind of thing. Hey! I was wondering what it was. What's there to teach? Who doesn't know this? I remember when I was thirteen years old … uh … "
"Hmm?" Four pairs of eyes, each with a different kind of beauty, focused on Yang Ling. Four pairs of beautiful eyes were full of curiosity and desire for knowledge. Yang Ling's face heated up. He straightened his face and took out the dignity of a master. He coughed twice and said dryly, "It's getting late. Let's not talk about other things. I think everyone should hurry up and copy the book."
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