"Giddy up! Giddy up! "
The horse galloped on the main street, and the pedestrians on the side of the road gave way to it. They wondered which noble was in a bad mood and came out to gallop on a horse. This article was written by … First Seller
However, these people were rich. Even if they were fined a hundred taels, they would still be willing to pay. The world of the rich was not something ordinary people like them could understand.
Shi Jin rode out of the city and looked around, but he couldn't find his sister. He turned around and found the guard at the city gate. "Did the female prisoners sent to the West Province leave the city today?"
The guard who was asked was a new guard. Seeing that the person who asked him was dressed in brocade and had an imposing aura, he didn't dare to hide anything. He hurriedly said, "They left the city four hours ago."
"Four hours ago?" Shi Jin grabbed the guard's collar. "Didn't you say that the prisoners would be sent out of the city at noon?"
"Young … Young Master, I didn't hear about this." The guard didn't dare to make Shi Jin angrier when he saw how crazy Shi Jin was. He said carefully, "I received a document from my superiors. It was written that a group of female prisoners were sent to the West Province at seven in the morning."
"Seven in the morning …" Shi Jin let go of the guard in a daze. For a moment, he felt as if the world was spinning.
"Young Master!" The guard of the Shi Family chased after him. "The Prime Minister said to ask you to go back immediately."
"Get out of my way!" Shi Jin kicked away the guard closest to him. He stared at these guards coldly for a long time. After a long time, he seemed to have lost his soul. "You go back by yourselves. I'll walk around."
"Young Master …" The guard who was kicked got up from the ground and said anxiously, "The Prime Minister said that you can't be impulsive. Your words and actions affect the entire family."
In the Shi Family, other than Shi Chonghai's branch, there were many branches that relied on the Shi Family to survive. If Shi Chonghai fell from power, everyone under the Shi Family's wing would suffer.
Shi Jin's body trembled. He laughed bitterly and led his horse into the city, not even sparing the guards a glance.
Ever since he was born, he had been constantly reminded by his parents to prioritize his family. His eldest sister had married the Crown Prince, and his second sister had been spoiled by their parents. Even he had to strictly follow his father's wishes. Otherwise, he would be considered unfilial and take the entire Shi Family's wealth as a joke.
It was too tiring to carry such a family on his back.
He walked into the bustling crowd and looked at the passersby coming and going. He actually felt a little breathless.
On the side of the road, there was a little girl holding her father's hand. Then, she shamelessly asked her father to hug her. Her father lowered his head and said something. Then, he hugged the little girl in his arms. The little girl happily hugged her father's neck. The dimples on her cheeks were extremely cute.
Only like this … could they be considered family.
Shi Jin stood where he was until the father and daughter were far away. Only then did he withdraw his gaze. He turned around and saw an old lady selling silk flowers. He suddenly felt pity for her and took out a handful of money to buy her entire basket of flowers.
"Young Master, why are you alone today?" The old lady handed the basket and flowers to him with a gentle smile. "Isn't your fiancée with you?"
Shi Jin was stunned. Did the old lady mistake him for someone else?
He saw that the old lady's hair was white and her skin was like old tree bark. He didn't want to explain to her, so he smiled and took the basket.
"I've been selling flowers here for a long time, but I haven't seen anyone more handsome than you." The old lady carefully put the money into her purse. "The next time you come to buy flowers, I'll give them to you for free. These flowers aren't worth so much money. You gave me too much money last time, so I went back and bought a small piece of land. Now, there's hope for our family's diary. "
"Old Lady, you're mistaken …"
"Just as we were talking, she came." The old lady's smile became even gentler. "Your fiancée is a good girl. She looks like a noble lady. You two will definitely have good fortune together."
Shi Jin followed the old lady's gaze and looked over.
Ban Han was riding on a horse. She was wearing a plain dress embroidered with white cloud patterns. Her hair was tied up in a lily bun. She looked beautiful and innocent.
Shi Jin stared at Ban Han in a daze. His heart was filled with bitterness.
When Ban Han looked over, he awkwardly looked away. The guards of the Shi Family had just caught up with them. He handed the flower basket to one of the guards, turned around, and climbed onto the horse. There were some people that you wanted to see but were also afraid of seeing. It was better not to see them.
However, things didn't go as he wished. Just as he was about to leave, Ban Han came in front of him.
"Hello, Miss." The old lady fished out a red string from her pocket. "I asked for this from the Moon Elder Temple. If you don't mind, please accept it."
The old lady's hands were very rough. Her palms were covered with a thick layer of old skin, but the red string was very bright. Ban Han didn't know how long the old lady had kept the red string. She jumped off the horse, accepted the red string, and thanked the old lady solemnly.
"You're too polite. I wish you and this kind-hearted young master a happy marriage and a long life together." Seeing that this beautiful little girl didn't dislike her gift, the old woman revealed a bright smile and left with satisfaction.
The moment Shi Jin saw Ban Han, he knew that the old lady had mistaken him for Rong Junpo. Although she had mistaken him for Ban Han, she hadn't mistaken him for Ban Han. It could be seen that in her heart, the girl who had put a worthless, coarse red string into her pocket left the deepest impression.
"Just now … she mistook me for someone else." Shi Jin bowed to Ban Han. "I'm sorry."
"It's none of your business." Ban Han climbed onto the horse. Her tone was a bit indifferent. "Why did the Lord Shi bring so many guards out?"
Shi Jin's lips moved. He thought of his sister, who had gone to Xi Zhou alone. He looked back at the bundle on the horse's back. The bitterness in his heart grew heavier.
Ban Han also saw the bundle. She raised her eyebrows slightly. "She left the city at seven in the morning. What can you find if you rush there now?"
"Princess Fule, please don't misunderstand. Our young master didn't go to look for the second miss." The guard behind Shi Jin saw that Shi Jin didn't speak. He was afraid that this matter would cause trouble, so he hurriedly explained.
"Who are you? Who are you to interrupt when the master is talking?" Ban Han glanced at the guard with her beautiful eyes. She immediately stared at the guard so hard that he didn't dare to speak. "So what if he went to deliver something? Even a condemned prisoner can eat a few mouthfuls of food before being beheaded. The dignified Prime Minister's Estate is actually so cautious. It's ridiculous. "
Shi Jin saw the mockery in Ban Han's eyes. He couldn't help but say, "I thought it was noon …"
Even the guard he had sent yesterday to gather information said that the female prisoner would be sent out of the city at noon. The moment he couldn't find his second sister, he knew that his father had lied to him. The person who was killed was a former subordinate of Prince Hui. His father was afraid. He didn't dare to gamble with the entire family, so he didn't even send his little sister off.
However, his little sister had never suffered so much in her life. She didn't bring anything with her. How was she going to survive in the future?
"As a son, only when you have enough power to make a decision will people care about what you say." Ban Han smiled faintly. "Young master Shi is really a good son."
The Shi Family's guards didn't dare to speak after hearing these words. They turned around and saw that their young master didn't say anything, so they could only obediently shut their mouths.
Suddenly, Shi Jin bowed to Ban Han. "Princess Fule's words are reasonable. This one understands."
Ban Han's eyebrows twitched. What did she just say? She was just casually mocking Shi Jin. Was he provoked?
She stole a glance at Shi Jin. He didn't seem to be joking. Facing such a serious person, Ban Han felt a little uncomfortable. She found an excuse and left. After walking for a while, Ban Han turned around and saw that Shi Jin was still staring at her.
She pulled her sleeves. She couldn't help but think that this Shi Jin … didn't hate her, right?
"Princess," one of Ban Han's guards whispered. "You should go back and eat."
Ban Han sighed and glanced at the city gate. "Yes."
Without Shi Feixian, the most beautiful woman in the capital, the capital didn't change much. The Second Prince didn't change. The Xie Family didn't change. Even the Prince of Aipo, who once said that he wanted to marry the most beautiful woman in Daye, Miss Shi, seemed to have forgotten about this matter. He continued to stay in the capital with the excuse of admiring Daye's culture.
To the world, she was just a woman. No matter how beautiful she was, she was just a woman with a criminal record. They were ashamed to talk about her. How could they admit that they had admired such a "Buddha's mouth but a snake's heart" woman?
One day later, it was the birthday of the Emperor's father-in-law and the Empress's father, Duke Cheng. Although the Ban Family was still in mourning, Duke Cheng's Mansion repeatedly expressed that they didn't care about these customs. They sent out several invitations, asking the Ban Family to come and visit.
Since the other party was so enthusiastic, the Ban Family couldn't refuse. Ban Han changed into a plain-colored gingko embroidered dress. Gingko symbolized auspiciousness, so it was just right for her to attend the birthday. The color was also not eye-catching, so it was suitable for her, who was still in mourning.
They arrived at Duke Cheng's Mansion in a carriage. As soon as they got off the carriage, the people of Duke Cheng's Mansion welcomed them. Then, they welcomed the Yin Clan and Ban Han to the backyard.
As soon as they arrived at the entrance of Chuihua, they heard laughter coming from inside. It was very lively. When the people inside saw the Yin Clan, Ban Han, and her daughter, they all stood up and greeted them.
"You're finally here. I was just talking about you."
"How is the Duke Of Jingting?"
"There's a prescription at home that can help you concentrate. Why don't you follow the prescription and make some medicine and drink it?"
The Yin Clan and these women greeted each other and answered their questions. The atmosphere was harmonious and lively, but it could be faintly seen that many women were intentionally or unintentionally trying to curry favor with the Yin Clan.
Ban Han sat with the younger generation. She was a famous hedonistic woman in the capital. Most of the women who were close to her were more outgoing, so they sat together and chatted. Just as they were chatting happily, a sweet-faced young girl walked over. Her cheeks were slightly red as she asked, "Can I sit down?"
Miss Zhou was Zhou Changxiao's twin sister. She raised her head and looked at the newcomer. She gently clapped her hands and said, "Aren't you Miss Yao? No need to be so polite. Come and sit."
Yao Ling smiled gratefully at Miss Zhou. She carefully moved to Ban Han's side and sat down next to her.
When Miss Zhou saw this, she immediately smiled and said, "Look, look, your face is really popular with young girls. Even Sister Yao, who just returned to the capital, likes to stare at you and blush."
Ban Han saw that this Miss Yao looked unfamiliar and had a childish look on her face. She took a fruit from the table and put it in her palm. "Don't mind Sister Zhou. She loves to tease cute little girls like you."
Seeing this, the few people laughed even more. Miss Zhao's temperament was more gentle and quiet. At this time, she also had to chime in, "Sister Zhou is not lying. As long as you go out, aren't you always attracting cats and dogs, provoking a group of young ladies and elder sisters to circle around you?"
Ban Han touched her face and raised her eyebrows. "It's hard to give up on one's natural beauty. This is fate."
"Let me see how thick your skin is." Miss Zhou gently pinched Ban Han's cheeks. She felt that her skin was soft and smooth. Even if she was a woman, she couldn't help but want to pinch it a few more times. "Your skin is not thick. It seems that you don't want it anymore."
Everyone laughed. Yao Ling secretly looked at Ban Han. She only felt that this princess in front of her was very beautiful. All the scenery in the world could not compare to her smiling face.
If she was a man, she would definitely marry her. She would give her the most comfortable life every day. Although she was free, she would always be happy. Even when she was old, she would become the most beautiful old woman.
Ban Han noticed that the Miss Yao was secretly looking at her. She couldn't help but smile. "Miss Yao, what are you looking at?"
"I … …" Yao Ling twisted the handkerchief in her hand. "I think you look good."
Ban Han heard this and laughed. "That's really nice to hear."
"Ah?" Yao Ling opened her mouth in confusion. Shouldn't she be modest or shy at this time?
"I already told you, this person is extremely shameless. You just have to praise her." Miss Zhou waved her hand at Yao Ling. "Come, you should stay away from her to avoid being led astray."
"Princess is very good." Yao Ling thought for a moment and added, "She won't be a bad influence."
Ban Han saw that her companions were about to laugh again and said, "Alright, don't make fun of this little girl. I'm thick-skinned. You should laugh at me."
Yao Ling, who was originally a little embarrassed, heard this and her heart moved. She couldn't help but look at Ban Han a few more times. She only felt that Princess Fule was very gentle. Then she found that after Princess Fule said this, these young misses really didn't make fun of her anymore. They only brought her in from time to time when they were chatting. Sitting with these people, it didn't take long for the uncomfortable feeling to disappear.
So there were so many fun places to go in Jing City. So that seemingly elegant young master was so bad in private. The more she heard, the more interesting it was. Yao Ling suddenly felt that the days after returning to Jing City had been too boring. It wasn't as colorful as these noble ladies.
"You used to live in Xue Zhou?" Ban Han suddenly remembered that she and Rong Xia had gone to a noodle restaurant to eat. The owner seemed to be from Xue Zhou. "How was it?"
"In the past, I heard people say some bad things. But since the change of provincial governor a few years ago, the lives of the people in Xue Zhou have been much better." Yao Ling said, "I once went with people to visit the wife of the provincial governor. She was a very gentle woman."
"Xue Zhou provincial governor?" Miss Zhou turned to look at Miss Zhao. "Isn't the provincial governor of Xue Zhou your elder brother?"
The smile on Miss Zhao's face became brighter. "Miss Yao, I don't know if my elder brother and sister-in-law are used to Xue Zhou. Are they fat or thin? Is my nephew well? "
Yao Ling hadn't figured out the relationships between people in Jing City, so she didn't know that the provincial governor of Xue Zhou was the elder brother of this Miss Zhao. She stilled and then said, "I haven't gone to the provincial governor's residence many times, but I've never heard of provincial governor Zhao's health being poor. Although the little langjun of the provincial governor's family is only two or three years old, he is very clever and cute. Before I returned to Jing City, the little gongzi already knew how to speak very well."
"That's good, that's good." The smile on Miss Zhao's face became wider. She pulled Yao Ling and asked about the local customs and customs of Xue Zhou.
With this episode, Yao Ling was truly integrated into this small group. The birthday banquet hadn't started yet, but there were already many people calling her Little Sister Yao and not the unfamiliar Miss Yao or Miss Yao.
"Huahua," Miss Zhou brought Ban Han to a corner and whispered to her. "Be careful with the Shi Family."
Ban Han nodded.
The Zhou Family had a good relationship with the Ban Family, but although the Shi Family's relationship wasn't very good, it wasn't too bad either. The Shi Family had suffered such a big loss this time and lost face in front of so many people. She was worried that the Shi Family would seek revenge in the future.
"Everything about you is good, it's just that your personality is a bit too straightforward," Zhou Family's Young Miss looked around, "Although Yao Ling looks pretty good, but after she returned to the capital, she has always been playing with Shi Feixian and the others. Now that something has happened to the Shi Feixian, the Seven Fairies of the Bamboo Forest, the Seven Talented Women, and so on have all scattered. One must always be on guard against others, you … "
"Older Sister Zhou, I know you're doing this for my own good." Ban Han squeezed Miss Zhou's hand. "I won't think too much."
"Who cares if you think too much or not?" Zhou Wenbi snorted and reached out to touch Ban Han's silver hair ornament. "I'll be satisfied as long as you don't worry about me."
Ban Han smiled fawningly at Zhou Wenbi. When he turned his head, he heard a commotion outside. It seemed that someone important had arrived. The two of them walked over to take a look. It turned out to be the Second Prince and his wife. The two of them walked in hand in hand and didn't seem to have a bad relationship like the rumors said.
After the Second Prince entered the door, he bowed deeply to his grandfather and grandmother to show his filial piety.
If it weren't for the fact that there were so many rumors about him, no one would believe that this person was a bastard. No matter what his character was like, his appearance was still good. If he wasn't a prince, he could just barely be a gigolo for a noble lady with this face.
After bowing, Jiang Luo was about to go outside and sit with the male guests. Unexpectedly, when he turned around, he saw Ban Han standing in the crowd.
He took a few steps forward and stopped in front of Ban Han. His tone was somewhat mocking. "Aren't you supposed to be observing mourning at home? What are you doing here?"
Ban Han couldn't help but roll his eyes in his mind. "It's my honor to come and celebrate Duke Cheng's birthday."
"Tsk, pretentious." The Second Prince laughed ambiguously. He turned around and strode out.
Zhou Wenbi whispered to Ban Han, "Does the Second Prince have a bad opinion of you?"
Ban Han raised his eyebrows. "He has a brain disease. I forgive him."
Not long after the Second Prince left, the Crown Prince arrived. But unlike the Second Prince, he came alone. He didn't bring any women with him.
Compared to the Second Prince, who was a bit jumpy, the Crown Prince was more refined and calm. From Ban Han's point of view, Duke Cheng's family seemed to like the Crown Prince more. In other words, they liked this kind of grandson more.
After the greetings, Duke Cheng's wife casually asked, "Where is the Crown Princess?"
The Crown Prince said, "The Crown Princess isn't feeling well, so I let her rest in the palace. But she also prepared a gift for the two elders. When grandfather and grandmother see it, please don't dislike it."
"The Crown Princess is of noble status. How can you let her personally make a gift?" Duke Cheng's wife smiled and glared at the Crown Prince. "You are too inconsiderate."
"It's not that I'm inconsiderate. It's that the Crown Princess misses the two elders. I couldn't stop her." The Crown Prince spoke very slowly and very gently. A man like this would easily be liked by the elders.
Ban Han looked at the scene in front of her and thought that if she were an elder, she would probably like a grandson like the Crown Prince more.
Unfortunately, she couldn't raise such a big grandson. And she didn't know if she was thinking too much. There might have been a problem between the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess. Otherwise, the Crown Prince wouldn't have not brought the Crown Princess to such an occasion.
As for whether the Crown Princess was sick or not, only the Crown Prince knew.
"Duke, madam, Cheng Anbo has arrived."
"Quickly invite him in!" Everyone knew that Duke Cheng was very fond of Cheng Anbo. He treated Cheng Anbo as if he was his own grandson. Now that he heard that Cheng Anbo had arrived, a bright smile instantly appeared on his face.
Old people were still young, old people were still young. It was inevitable that old people would start to act willfully.
Rong Xia was still wearing the official robes that he hadn't had time to change out of. He seemed to have rushed over. After he entered, he bowed deeply to Duke Cheng. "Junior has arrived late. Please forgive me, Duke Cheng."
"Quickly rise, quickly rise." Duke Cheng laughed and let him rise. "You are now the minister of the Ministry of Personnel. It's normal that you are busy. If you weren't busy, I would be unhappy."
After saying this, he looked at Rong Xia and said, "You've lost weight, lost weight. No matter how busy you are, you have to eat well. When you get married in the future, you can't be like this. "
Rong Xia tilted his head and looked at Ban Han in the crowd. He replied with a smile, "Yes, junior will remember."
Duke Cheng was very satisfied with Rong Xia's obedience. He turned his head and said, "That's right, I remember that you were engaged a few days ago. Which family's daughter is it?"
"Duke Cheng, it's the Duke Of Jingting's daughter, Princess Fule." When Rong Xia mentioned Ban Han's name, the smile on his face couldn't help but widen.
"Princess Fule?" Although Duke Cheng was old and muddle-headed, he still had some impression of Ban Han. He thought for a long time and nodded. "This is good, this is good. Her grandmother is the number one beauty in Daye. This child is also full of spirit. You are lucky to be able to marry her."
Yes, in the hearts of Duke Cheng's generation, the number one beauty in Daye was still the former De Ning Princess Royal. These juniors were all little bean sprouts that hadn't grown up yet.
He would never admit that he was the "number one beauty" of the younger generation.
"Yes, it is junior's good fortune to be able to be engaged to Princess Fule." Rong Xia responded with a smile. He turned his head to look at Ban Han. Ban Han made a face at him.
"Then when are you getting married?" Marquess Cheng said, "A few days ago, I told Great Elder Princess that I would take my wife to attend her grandson and granddaughter's wedding banquet. Hurry up. Don't let me wait too long."
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