While Meton and his disciple were studying the method of making mirrors, a beautiful fairy tale quickly spread throughout Chang 'an City.
"Snow White!"
Once Snow White appeared, she immediately captured the hearts of the children in Chang 'an City.
The beautiful princess, the magical magic mirror! The kind hunter, the seven dwarfs …
Each and every one of the interesting characters made countless children relish in their stories. They patiently listened to the stories over and over again. There were even many little girls who secretly held the adults' bronze mirrors and asked loudly in front of them who was the most beautiful woman in the world!
At the same time, the source of the fairy tale was dug out. The news that Meton would use the magic mirror as a betrothal gift also spread.
Children were only interested in fairy tales. Adults, on the other hand, were more interested in the marriage between Modun and Princess Changle. Once Modun and Princess Changle were married, it would be a major event that would shake the entire city of Chang 'an.
One was the most famous talent in Chang 'an City, Mo Jiazi, who was in charge of the Mo family. The other was the eldest princess of the Tang dynasty, the first daughter of Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun. Their marriage would definitely cause a sensation in Chang' an City.
However, the key to Meton's marriage was the magic mirror in the fairy tale. Mo Jiazi promised that he would bring the magic mirror to the palace to propose marriage in five days. Today was the fifth day.
"Mother, I want to listen to the story of Snow White again!" In the Administrative Hall, Princess Jinyang held a bronze mirror in her hands and said coquettishly.
Empress Zhangsun had no choice but to carry Princess Jinyang and tell her again. He had told the story more than a hundred times in five days, but Princess Jinyang never got tired of it.
"Mother, who do you think is the most beautiful woman in the world?" Princess Jinyang asked innocently.
"Of course it's our lovely aunt!" Empress Zhangsun gently hugged Princess Jinyang and said.
Princess Jinyang looked at her reflection in the bronze mirror and said shyly, "Aunt is very ugly. Sister is beautiful."
Empress Zhangsun gently smiled and said, "That's because Changle is still young. When she grows up, she will be as beautiful as you."
Princess Jinyang nodded hard. Empress Zhangsun handed Princess Jinyang to a palace maid and turned to ask, "Where is Meton?"
"Your Majesty, someone from the Mo family has sent a message. I believe he will be here soon." A palace maid bowed and said.
"Someone has sent a message. Could it be that Meton has made the magic mirror?" A group of concubines beside Empress Zhangsun burst into an uproar.
Changle was the Princess Royal of the Tang dynasty. When Meton came to propose marriage, a group of concubines naturally came. Everyone naturally knew that Meton's betrothal gift was the magic mirror that was said to be able to find out who was the most beautiful woman in the world. How could they sit still? Most of them came to the Government Hall one after another.
"How can there be a magic mirror in this world? It's just a fairy tale for children! "Imperial Concubine Wei curled her lips. As Zheng Chonghua said, Meton did not use gold or silver, but used rare things as the betrothal gift. Coupled with the fairy tale of Snow White, this betrothal gift added a bit of legend, which made Imperial Concubine Wei even more unhappy.
Zheng Chonghua covered her mouth and said with a smile, "Since Mo Jiazi appeared, he has added a lot of rare things to the Tang dynasty. It's not much to have a magic mirror!"
She directly guessed Meton's next move, which made her face in the harem greatly increased. She could not help but say proudly.
The concubines were immediately divided into two factions. Some did not believe that there was a magic mirror, and many people thought that since Meton dared to come, he must have some confidence. In addition, Meton had created many miracles before, which made the concubines more expectant.
The concubines were talking about it. Not long after, a palace maid hurried into the Government Hall and came to report, "Your Majesty, Madam Qin and Merton ask for an audience."
"Here they are!"
The concubines were stunned and immediately stopped talking. They looked at the door of the Government Hall with expectation. Whether the magic mirror was real or fake, they would soon know.
"Greetings to Your Majesty, Imperial Concubines!"
Soon, Madam Qin appeared in everyone's sight. When she saw Empress Zhangsun, Madam Qin's face was filled with joy and respect.
She was the matchmaker hired by Meton, so she naturally had to be present today. After all, matchmakers were indispensable in this era. Changle was the eldest princess, so she naturally paid more attention to etiquette.
When she paid her New Year's greetings on the first day of the New Year, she only purposely reminded Meton. She did not expect Meton to be so fast. In less than half a month, the good thing was already done.
"Madam Qin, please don't be so polite." Empress Zhangsun went up and said.
Madam Qin was not only the wife of Duke Yi, but also Changle's matchmaker. No matter what kind of relationship Empress Zhangsun had, how could she neglect it?
"Today, I came for the good news of Meton and Changle's two children. Who would have thought that the children would be so big in the blink of an eye?" Madam Qin sighed.
"That's right!" Empress Zhangsun said emotionally.
Any mother would be extremely reluctant to see their daughter get married. However, men and women should get married when they are of age. Princess Changle was already sixteen years old. If it was before, she would have already been married for two or three years.
"Although His Majesty has already agreed to the marriage, marriage is not something to be trifled with. I believe that we should still follow the six etiquettes and not be negligent in the slightest," Madam Qin said seriously.
Empress Zhangsun nodded seriously and said, "Of course."
Changle was the eldest princess, after all, so she had to follow the etiquettes. Madam Qin being so serious was in line with Empress Zhangsun's intentions.
Thus, in front of everyone, Madam Qin and Empress Zhangsun completed the three tasks of accepting, asking, and naming as quickly as possible.
"Congratulations, Your Highness. The two of them are a match made in heaven!" Madam Qin congratulated.
"Congratulations, Your Highness!" All the concubines congratulated in unison.
Everyone knew that this was just a formality. Meton and Princess Changle's situation was a little special. They were probably the first pair of free lovers in the Tang dynasty. Even if the two of them were not compatible, this marriage could not be stopped.
However, the concubines did not care about this. They all knew that the real highlight was about to come. The marriage ceremony.
After all, Meton had promised a betrothal gift of a thousand jewels and ten thousand gold. They wanted to see what kind of mirror could be worth so much money.
"Let's welcome Merton!"
Following the announcement, Meton, who was dressed in brocade, took the lead and entered the Legislative Hall. He immediately attracted everyone's attention. The concubines could not help but praise Meton for being a rare good man in Chang 'an. Although Princess Changle was of noble status, Meton was definitely one of the few young talents who could match her.
"Minister Meton greets Your Highness, Your Highness!" Meton bowed and saluted.
"Rise!" Empress Zhangsun waved her hand and said.
"Thank you, Your Highness. I am indebted to Your Highness for betrothing Changle to the Minister. Today, the Minister specially prepared betrothal gifts. I hope Your Highness will allow it." As Meton spoke, he waved his hand. Immediately, a few guards carefully lifted several objects covered in red silk, which immediately attracted everyone's attention.
"Is this the magic mirror?" The women's hearts paused, and they could not help but guess.
Women all loved beauty, especially in the harem. Beauty was the best weapon to compete for favor. Which woman did not want to know who the most beautiful woman in the world was?
Imperial Concubine Wei could not help but snort in her heart. She did not believe that there was a magic mirror in the world that could not lie and could speak. She wanted to see how Mo Jiazi would smooth things over. Mrs. Qin on the side could not help showing an expectant look. Meton asked her to be the matchmaker, so naturally, he wanted her to see the betrothal gifts first. She knew how magical these mirrors were.
Meton looked around and suddenly saw Zheng Chonghua among the concubines. He could not help but be stunned, but then he covered it up and said, "The Minister's betrothal gifts today include a total of three mirrors. Your Highness, please. The first is a makeup mirror, which can be stored in a box and is convenient to carry around to check one's appearance."
"Makeup mirror!" The concubines were moved. Among the concubines in the harem, who didn't wear makeup? Dressing up was a necessary skill for every woman. First, it was not a loss of etiquette, and second, it was to compete for favor. Their usual makeup was naturally cautious. The concubines usually carried a small bronze mirror with them to tidy up their appearance.
As Meton spoke, he lifted the first red silk, revealing a palm-sized round object. He bowed and handed it to Empress Zhangsun.
Empress Zhangsun couldn't help but be stunned. She found that the object in her hand was folded. She couldn't help but reach out and open it. Suddenly, a bright light flashed. Empress Zhangsun saw her appearance in the palm-sized round mirror in her hand, and couldn't help but show a trace of surprise on her face.
"This is the magic mirror you said?"
Empress Zhangsun said with a look of amazement. She couldn't help but flip the thin lens back and forth, and then look at herself in the mirror.
When the other concubines saw Empress Zhangsun's gaffe, they couldn't help but be curious. However, the makeup mirror was only the size of a palm, and the area that could be seen was very small. They could only see some light, and couldn't see anything else. They couldn't help but be itchy.
After a long time, Empress Zhangsun closed the makeup mirror in her hand and couldn't help but exclaim: "The Mo family's unique skill is really amazing."
When Imperial Concubine Wei heard Empress Zhangsun say so, she couldn't help but be shocked. Empress Zhangsun said so, obviously she was impressed by the makeup mirror in her hand. The concubines couldn't help but look at each other. They couldn't help but be puzzled. Was there really a magic mirror in this world?
"Thank you for the Empress's praise!"
At this time, Meton naturally wouldn't be modest. He directly came to the second red silk.
"This mirror is the makeup mirror that the Minister prepared for Changle!"
After Meton finished speaking, the red silk fell down, revealing a two-chi square makeup mirror. This mirror was much larger than the makeup mirror. As far as the eye could see, many concubines couldn't help but be stunned when they saw the scene in the mirror.
"The person in the mirror …!" Yang Fei, who was the closest, looked at herself in the mirror in disbelief. She reached out and touched her face, but found that the person in the mirror had the same action as her. Only then did she believe that the person in the mirror was herself.
In her entire life, this was the first time she had seen her own appearance so clearly. In this era, there were no such things as photos. People could see the appearance of others, but their own appearance was extremely vague. Even if Yang Fei had the favor of two dynasties, perhaps this was also the first time she had seen her own appearance.
The other concubines also found themselves in the mirror. One by one, they couldn't help but gather in front of the makeup mirror and look at their own appearance. Even Imperial Concubine Wei, who was extremely biased against Meton, was no exception. One by one, they stared at the makeup mirror in front of them.
Imperial Concubine Wei was aware of her gaffe. She couldn't help but sit upright. Her eyes turned and said: "Merton, you promised a magic mirror that can't lie and talk. Although this thing is wonderful, it's just a cold mirror."
Zheng Chonghua, who was at the side, chuckled and seized the opportunity: "Sister Wei, this is just the appearance. Snow White is just a fairy tale told to children. Sister really believed it. Besides, the makeup mirror in front of us won't lie. You can see whether you are beautiful or ugly when you look at yourself. How can it lie? Isn't this the same as the magic mirror in the fairy tale? Moreover, any woman who looks at herself in the mirror will know whether she is the most beautiful woman in the world or not. In any case, this little sister can't compare with you sisters. "
Zheng Chonghua's means were very good. She quietly praised the concubines.
"We are all old. Sister is in her prime." Imperial Concubine Yang sighed. She just saw her own crow's feet in the mirror.
"Sister hasn't lost her youth. How can you be old!" Zheng Chonghua praised.
The concubines used rare things to maintain their appearance. Coupled with their natural beauty, they didn't lose much to the young Zheng Chonghua.
"Flatterer!" Imperial Concubine Wei looked at Zheng Chonghua who was like a fish in water and couldn't help but coldly snort in her heart. However, today was Changle's good day. It was inconvenient for her to fall out with Zheng Chonghua. Instead, she focused her attention on the last tall object.
"The last one is the dressing mirror." Meton didn't keep them in suspense. He directly pulled down the red silk, revealing a dressing mirror that was taller than a person. It was enough to reflect a person's whole body.
"Dressing is very important. With the dressing mirror, you can see your dressing and choose the clothes that are most suitable for you."
There was no need for Meton to explain. The eyes of the concubines lit up. They naturally knew the importance of the dressing mirror.
Makeup mirror, dressing mirror, dressing mirror. It could be said that each of the three mirrors firmly reflected a woman's thoughts. Perhaps no woman in the world could resist such temptation.
To the side, Zheng Chonghua's heart could not help but darken. She could not help but feel jealous of Princess Changle. She was married to the most powerful person in the world. Despite possessing immense power, she still needed to contend with numerous concubines. However, Princess Changle was the sole recipient of Modun's heart, enjoying a rare treasure that was unique in the world. How could she be willing to accept this?
Zheng Chonghua rolled his eyes and said, "Back then, Marquis Mo promised a thousand mounts as a betrothal gift and ten thousand gold as a gift. These are merely three mirrors. Although they have some miraculous uses, I'm afraid they aren't worth so much!"
Many of the concubines nodded thoughtfully. This betrothal gift was wonderful. In terms of value, it probably wasn't great. Meton's actions were suspicious of cheating. On the side, Madame Qin couldn't help but show an anxious expression as she looked nervously at Meton.
Meton showed a sliver of confidence. He took out a secret letter from his bosom and bowed. "These three mirrors naturally aren't this one's betrothal gift. This one's true betrothal gift is the secret formula for the magic mirrors!"
"Secret formula!"
Everyone could not help but stare blankly. Everyone understood that once these three sets of mirrors appeared on the market, it would cause countless women to frantically fight over them. This would be an enormous fortune. Even though the harem and concubines had lived in the depths of the palace for a long time, they could not help but be shocked. However, for the sake of marrying Princess Changle, Modun had offered them up without the slightest hesitation.
Even Empress Zhangsun couldn't help but sigh. Meton's betrothal gift was more than ten times the betrothal gift promised before. If anyone had this formula, they would probably become rich overnight.
"This betrothal gift is enough!" Empress Zhangsun was extremely satisfied with this betrothal gift. On one hand, it prevented excessive betrothal gifts from ruining Princess Changle's reputation. On the other hand, although the value of this ink painting was astonishing, it was within Meton's ability. It could be said that it was the most appropriate gift.
"Many thanks, Your Majesty." Meton immediately showed a sliver of joy. Empress Zhangsun accepting the betrothal gift meant that she agreed to this marriage.
"Silly boy, why aren't you changing your words!" Madame Qin reminded from the side.
Only then did Modun come to a realization. "Many thanks to Imperial Mother for granting my wish."
"Congratulations, Your Majesty, for obtaining a good son-in-law!" The concubines all congratulated.
Empress Zhangsun's face lit up with joy. The more a mother-in-law looked at her son-in-law, the more she liked Meton. Her attitude couldn't help but become more amiable.
"Since the marriage is already set, why don't we use this opportunity to set the wedding date today?" Madame Qin struck while the iron was hot.
Empress Zhangsun nodded. "Then let's set it as one month."
Madame Qin was already prepared. She took out a calendar and flipped to the second month. After carefully reading it, she said, "The sixteenth of the second month is an auspicious day. It's suitable for marriage. Why don't we set it today?"
"Sure!" Empress Zhangsun said with satisfaction.
At this point, Meton and Princess Changle's wedding date was set.
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