When they arrived at the Chuihua Gate, Rong Xia saw a servant of the Ban Family leading two women out. These two women did not look like servants of the Ban Family, but they did not look like nobles either.
"Greetings, Duke." The two female storytellers bowed. When they saw that there was another person behind Ban Huai, they bowed again and then left with their heads bowed.
"These are the storytellers raised by the family," Ban Huai said with a smile, "Usually, we keep them for fun."
Remembering that Ban Han liked to listen to stories and liked to nitpick about the plot, Rong Xia smiled, "Very good."
She had long known that the Ban Family raised storytellers, but only after meeting them did she know that the Ban Family lived a carefree and fastidious life. It was enough to make many people envious.
"Father, Duke Rong," Ban Heng came out to greet them. Seeing that Ban Huai was fine, he breathed a sigh of relief. Early in the morning, his father was called away by someone in the palace, and there was no news from him. He did not even listen to what the storytellers said.
Outside the courtyard, there were tables and chairs with tea and snacks on them. The Yin Clan and Ban Han sat at the table. Rong Xia came forward to greet the Yin Clan and presented a gift she bought on the way.
"Our family doesn't care about these things," the Yin Clan smiled and asked Rong Xia to sit down, "Next time, don't bring anything."
"It's not something valuable," Rong Xia glanced at Ban Han from time to time from the corner of her eyes, "It's just that it looks interesting. This junior thought that everyone could try it."
Ban Heng sniffled. This "everyone" only included his sister? These little things were obviously used to coax a little girl like his sister. He was a man, how could he be interested in these things?
The Yin Clan also guessed Rong Xia's thoughts. She smiled and asked Rong Xia to sit down, "Thank you for your reminder today."
Rong Xia shook her head. "Auntie, you're treating me as an outsider."
Ban Heng lowered his head and played with the teacup in his hand. He spoke as if he was a member of the Ban Family.
"Madam, isn't it time for lunch?" Ban Huai rubbed his stomach. "I woke up early in the morning, so I didn't even have a chance to have some snacks."
"It's already been prepared." The Yin Clan was curious and amused that he kept undermining her. She asked the maids to help her wash her hands and face.
"Duke Rong, the weather is good today. Why don't we have lunch in the garden? What do you think?" The Yin Clan member wiped himself clean and then turned to ask Rong Xia.
Rong Xia hurriedly nodded and said, "Your residence's garden is very beautiful. Eating here can make one feel relaxed and happy. Auntie will be in charge of everything."
"Okay." The Yin Clan member nodded.
The dishes were quickly served. There were light and spicy dishes, sweet and salty dishes. There were all kinds of flavors, and they all looked, smelled, and tasted good. Rong Xia discovered that although the Ban Family didn't eat much, their tastes were all different. In the past, the Ban Family didn't eat so casually. Now, it seemed that the Ban Family really didn't let themselves down in the slightest when it came to eating.
In addition, the Ban Family didn't need servants to serve them. They also didn't pay much attention to the rule of not talking while eating. When they had nothing to do, they even gossiped about their neighbors.
It seemed that the last time he came to the inner courtyard to eat, the Ban Family was more reserved. Now, they revealed their true colors.
Listening to their conversation, he found out which family's mother-in-law liked to torment their daughter-in-law, and which family's son was unfilial. The topics they talked about were even more shocking than the last time he came. It could be seen that the Ban Family usually listened to these things when they were bored.
"Nephew." After eating and drinking to their heart's content, Ban Huai gave Rong Xia a cup of digestive tea. He narrowed his eyes and said, "Our family members have this kind of lazy temperament. We've made a fool of ourselves in front of you."
Rong Xia's eyebrows relaxed, and the corners of his mouth curved into a smile. "No, it's very good."
The Ban Family no longer hid their true colors when they received him. This meant that the Ban Family had begun to value him.
Ban Huai drank his tea, and looked at Rong Xia with a smile, but didn't say anything.
"This junior has no elders in the family, and no children or nephews. To be able to eat at the same table as uncle's family is a kind of pleasure for this junior." Rong Xia turned to look at Ban Han. "In the future, when we get married, if uncle doesn't mind, I will often bring Junzhu back to eat."
The two words "come back" were incomparably pleasant to Ban Huai's ears. Thus, he didn't seem to reject Rong Xia's mention of marriage. "After you get married, you two young people will stay in the empty mansion. It will also be cold and cheerless. The courtyard at home will always be reserved for you. You can come back whenever you want. "
"Master." The Yin Clan didn't think that Ban Huai would push his daughter away with just a few words. She scratched the lid of the teacup in her hand. "Huahua and Duke Rong's marriage hasn't been set yet. It's too early to talk about this."
"Yes, yes, yes." Ban Huai nodded repeatedly. In front of the Yin Clan, he didn't have any position.
Rong Xia stood and bowed to the two: "This junior knows that it is somewhat rude to say this today, but this junior has to say it. His Majesty's health is deteriorating day by day. The Crown Prince's personality is weak, and the Second Prince is ambitious. This junior is worried that there will be chaos in the capital. "
Ban Family: Yes, not only will there be chaos, but there will also be a change of dynasty.
Rong Xia thought that the Ban Family would be curious and alarmed. However, when faced with their "so what?" expression, Rong Xia felt as if she had just said, "Good luck and good fortune."
"Uncle's status is high. This junior is worried that someone will make a fuss about your family." Rong Xia frowned. "In the future, please be careful."
Ban Huai nodded. "Many thanks for the reminder."
"Also, this junior feels that there will be an auspicious day after the beginning of spring next year." Rong Xia raised her head to look at the Yin Clan and Ban Han. "This junior sincerely wishes to marry the Princess. I hope that we can set a date as soon as possible. If His Majesty … this junior is worried that there will be more trouble in the future. "
Ban Huai rested his chin on one hand and tilted his head to look at Rong Xia. The real point was finally here.
When Ban Huai and the Yin Clan heard this, they didn't immediately refute. Especially the Yin Clan. She had a thoughtful expression on her face. After a while, she looked at Ban Han and suddenly smiled. "Duke Rong, there is something you don't know. Our Ban Family has never paid attention to etiquette. When you and my family's daughter will be married is indeed a big matter. However, this matter isn't decided by us alone. "
In her opinion, there were many benefits to Huahua marrying Rong Xia. First, it was simple. After marrying into the family, she wouldn't have to worry about trivial matters between sisters-in-law. She didn't have any elders, so she didn't pay much attention to the rules. Therefore, she didn't have to get up early to greet her mother-in-law. With Momo's lazy personality, Madam Yin, as her mother, couldn't bear to let her greet her mother-in-law and serve her food at dawn every day. The daughter she had raised in the palm of her hand had never suffered much since she was a child. If she married into another family, she would suffer. How could she be at ease?
Furthermore, she had observed Rong Xia just now. This person had a good temperament and was broad-minded. Her family's Huahua's temperament wasn't very good. If she married a man with a good temperament, her life would be more comfortable and enjoyable. After marriage, if the husband and wife were to get along with each other but were to be angry every day, then what joy would there be in their life after marriage?
Most importantly, Rong Xia clearly understood Huahua's temperament and her little hobbies. Sometimes, he even looked at Huahua with a gentle gaze.
As a mother, the Yin Clan wanted many things. However, the only thing they wanted was for their children to have a good life.
"This junior understands." Rong Xia smiled and looked at Ban Han.
Ban Han raised her head and met Rong Xia's eyes. She didn't shy away or avoid his gaze. She just blinked her beautiful eyes and asked, "What date do you think is good?"
"After the beginning of spring next year." Rong Xia smiled, "At that time, all the flowers will be in full bloom. The princess will be dressed in red and will definitely be the most beautiful bride in the world."
Ban Han's eyes curved into crescents as she smiled.
Just when Rong Xia thought that she would agree, Ban Yu tilted her head and said innocently, "Let me think about it again. At least … we have to match our eight characters and calculate the dates before we talk about these things."
Rong Xia said calmly, "I've already asked the Imperial Astronomer to calculate the date of birth. There's no bad luck. The 26th of February next year will be a good date."
"Oh …" Ban Han didn't expect Rong Xia to be so fast. She actually calculated the date. She turned her head and said unreasonably, "Then, then you …"
"Then you should invite the matchmakers and tell them all the rules." Ban Han turned her face and whispered, "We can't just set the date like this."
Rong Xia laughed. Her voice was as gentle as the spring breeze. It tickled Ban Han's ears and made the tips of her ears turn red.
"Princess, please don't worry. I won't let you be wronged by the rules." Rong Xia didn't get angry. Instead, she acted like a spoiled child, "I'm not an impatient person. It's just that the princess is too important to me. I can't bear to neglect you."
Ban Huai rubbed his chin. Although Rong Xia was only his future son-in-law, his style of doing things was quite similar to his own when he was young.
Ban Han took a sip of tea and didn't interrupt their conversation. She stood up and said, "I'm going to rest in the inner room."
Her attitude was almost as if she didn't object to the wedding date in February next year.
"Madam, I'll go with you." Ban Huai held Ban Huai's hand and asked Ban Heng to stay.
"Uncle, Auntie, take care." Rong Xia bowed.
Ban Heng looked at his parents who were leaving, and then looked at his sister and future brother-in-law. He twisted his body uncomfortably and held the teacup with his head lowered to drink tea. He was determined not to leave. He was a person with principles. For example, he wouldn't let anyone get close to his sister.
Fortunately, Rong Xia knew that this was the Ban Family, so she didn't do anything out of line. Facing Ban Heng's covetous eyes, she smiled helplessly at Ban Han, "I'll be on leave in a few days. Does Huahua have time to go to the western suburbs with me to fly kites?"
"Kites?" Ban Han heard and immediately became spirited, "Okay, I like to go!"
Ban Heng coughed dryly, "I'll go too." Just now, when his parents were here, he still politely called his sister Princess. Now, he became Huahua. This wasn't a face-changing trick in Shuzhou.
Rong Xia smiled and looked at Ban Heng. Ban Heng straightened his back.
"It's more lively with more people." Rong Xia said.
Heh.
Ban Heng smiled at Ban Han.
Rong Xia stayed at the Ban Family for nearly three hours before leaving. After he walked out of the Ban Family's gate, a guard who was waiting outside greeted him, "Uncle, the Imperial Astronomer wants to see you."
The Imperial Astronomer's main job was to observe astronomy and geography. They could infer the changes of the climate from the changes of the stars and clouds. If there was a major natural disaster, they could also pray to the heavens. No one knew if it was useful, but in the past, there had been Imperial Astronomer who was beheaded during a major disaster.
Usually, those who were beheaded were not very lucky, because they met people who believed in ghosts and gods. They believed that the Imperial Astronomer should pray for rain.
There were all kinds of Imperial Astronomer. Some liked to observe the stars, some liked to study seismometers. The Imperial Astronomer's reputation was not high, and their status in the imperial court was very ordinary. Only when the nobles gave them all kinds of birth dates and horoscopes for them to infer the numerology would they have a sense of existence.
The Imperial Astronomer also felt wronged. They knew astronomy and meteorology, but it didn't mean that they were good at fortune-telling.
However, as an official in the imperial court, one could not survive without a few specialties. Therefore, the Imperial Astronomer gradually learned a new skill, and that was to infer the birth dates and horoscopes. It was not important whether they were accurate or not. What was important was that they could fool the nobles.
The supervisor of the Imperial Astronomer, Lord Hu, was only an insignificant ninth-rank academic back in the day. However, because he had followed an expert with an iron mouth and divine judgment when he was young, he was trusted by the nobles. In a short ten years, he had become the most senior person in the Imperial Astronomer. Many people had to call him Mr. Hu when they saw him.
In the beginning, when Cheng Anbo asked him to infer the birth dates and horoscopes, he was very willing. However, when he tried to infer the birth dates and horoscopes, he almost thought that there was something wrong with his eyes, or that there was something wrong with the birth dates.
However, no matter how he tried to infer it, it was clearly an extremely precious fate that led to an early death.
The birth dates were extremely precious and had the signs of a flying phoenix, but there were also signs of a short life. The signs of a short life were especially obvious, but the signs of a flying phoenix were illusory.
If one's life was gone, how could one fly?
The Crown Prince already had a Crown Princess. If the Crown Prince ascended the throne, the Empress would be the Crown Princess. What did that have to do with Princess Fule? Even if the Second Prince ascended the throne, with the Second Prince's hatred for Princess Fule, he would not let her become the Empress.
This meant that this princess might have the latter fate.
She had the signs of a short life.
There was another possibility, but he did not dare to admit it, or did not want to admit it.
He secretly sighed. After thinking about it, he decided to meet Duke Rong. No matter what, he could be considered one of Duke Rong's subordinates, so these things couldn't be hidden from him no matter what.
Rong Xia met Lord Hu in his home. He walked to the head of the table and sat down. "Mr. Hu, have you finished calculating the birth dates?"
"Duke Rong, my ability is not good enough. I'm afraid …"
"I have never doubted Mr. Hu's ability. If you have something to say, just say it." Rong Xia said, "Is there a problem with the date I asked you to set?"
"That day is indeed a good day for marriage, but …" Lord Hu looked at Rong Xia with difficulty. "The problem is Princess Fule's birth dates."
Rong Xia frowned when he heard this. "What's wrong with her birth dates?"
"Princess Fule's birth dates seem to be prominent, but they show signs of death." Lord Hu was worried that Rong Xia did not understand, so he added, "She will … die under a sharp blade."
Rong Xia raised his eyebrows, and his eyes suddenly became sharp. "Mr. Hu, I don't believe in fate. You should understand."
Lord Hu met Rong Xia's eyes, and his heart trembled. He hurriedly stood up and said, "In fact, Princess Fule's birth dates can still be changed. I know that you don't believe in these things, but …"
"Tell me, what other opportunities are there to change fate?" Rong Xia interrupted Lord Hu.
"The birth of the phoenix is auspicious. As long as the princess has the birth of the phoenix, she will naturally be reborn. She will not be afraid of any sharp blade." Lord Hu bowed to Rong Xia. "But I don't think this path is feasible. Duke, please reconsider. "
"Are you talking about Princess Fule or me?" The smile on Rong Xia's face gradually disappeared. His white fingers touched the table. The table was cold to the touch. He lowered his eyelids slightly. "Fate is up to you. It doesn't matter if Princess Fule has the birth of the phoenix or not. In this life, with me, no one will betray her."
"Duke!" Lord Hu finally couldn't help but say, "I don't understand. Since you want to achieve great things, why do you want to marry such a woman?"
"Mr. Hu." Rong Xia tilted his head to look at Lord Hu. His eyes were full of coldness. "Are you trying to interfere in my private affairs?"
"I don't mean that." Lord Hu's face turned pale. "Now that the Second Prince and the Crown Prince's faction have been secretly making frequent moves, and there's also the Changqing Of Gojoseon, whose movements are unclear. I'm worried that you …"
"The Changqing Of Gojoseon is a fence-sitter." Rong Xia sneered. "He has ambition but no courage. He thinks that he hid it very well, but his thoughts are as clear as day."
People who lived well in this capital were not fools.
"For such a big event, if you succeed, you will be famous for eternity. If you fail, you will be infamous for ten thousand years. Duke, please reconsider. "In the end, Lord Hu didn't want Rong Xia to go down that path.
"Mr. Hu." Rong Xia looked at Lord Hu. "Not long ago, the abbot said the same thing as you."
Lord Hu immediately fell silent. He knew who the Abbot that the Count was talking about was.
"I am very grateful that you are willing to follow me, but there is one thing that I hope Lord Hu can understand." Rong Xia took a sip of tea. His tone was very cold. "What I hate the most is others telling me what to do."
Lord Hu's palms were slightly sweaty. "I have overstepped."
Rong Xia nodded. "If the Ban Family asks, you only need to say that the 26th of February next year is a good day. As for the rest … don't say a word. "
"Yes." Lord Hu saw that Duke's expression was slightly better. Only then did he muster up the courage to say, "Perhaps the person destined by Princess Fule is you, Duke."
Rong Xia's expression was slightly better. His fingers gently rubbed the teacup. "It's not 'perhaps'. It's only me."
"Yes." Lord Hu realized that his legs were actually trembling. It was just that he was too nervous just now and didn't notice at all.
After Lord Hu left, Rong Xia picked up the eight characters on the red paper and looked at them for a long time. Finally, he held the red paper tightly. Since he was young, he didn't believe in ghosts or gods, nor did he believe in destiny. He could only believe in himself.
"Come!"
Du Jiu walked in. "Duke."
"You can go and help the Second Prince." The red paint on the red paper stained Rong Xia's entire hand. He opened his palm and looked at the bright red in his palm. He said slowly, "I think the Second Prince will like this gift of mine."
"Yes."
The Second Prince lived in the west side of the palace. Compared to the palace, this place was small and narrow. Every word and action was watched by countless pairs of eyes. His two concubine-born younger brothers also lived here. However, these two younger brothers had never caught his eye. Whether they were here or not, it made no difference to Jiang Luo.
Ever since the west side of the palace was heavily guarded, he had been throwing tantrums in his room for a long time. He only realized the seriousness of the situation when he heard that his father was seriously ill and the Crown Prince was in charge of the country.
If something happened to his father and the Crown Prince ascended to the throne, then his future days would be difficult. People outside said that the Crown Prince was kind and kind. He didn't like women and was humble and polite. However, in his opinion, the Crown Prince was not a kind person.
He said that the Crown Prince didn't like women. He probably just didn't like them on the surface, but inside, he had lusted after countless women. Only a brainless woman like Ban Han would think that the Crown Prince only treated her as a good sister. She even played with the Crown Prince since they were young and thought of him as a good person.
"Your Highness," a chamberlain hurriedly walked in and said to the Second Prince, "the Yan Family sent in a message."
"Give it to me," the Second Prince hurriedly took the slip of paper from the chamberlain's hand. The slip of paper was very small and there were only a dozen or so words written on it. However, to the Second Prince who had been guarded in the courtyard this entire time, this bit of information was already very precious.
The Crown Prince was in charge of the country. The court was unstable and the Crown Prince had no power to control it.
After reading the slip of paper, the Second Prince tore it up and soaked it in tea. Then he poured the tea into a flower pot. "Interesting."
The chamberlain saw that the Second Prince had been locked up for so long and still laughed. He was so scared that he didn't dare to raise his head. He thought that the Second Prince had gone crazy from anger.
"Your, Your Highness?"
The Second Prince raised his head and looked at the chamberlain: "What's wrong?"
The chamberlain shook his head: "I was just thinking that you could actually rope in those four officials."
"You mean Rong Xia and the others?" the Second Prince sneered mockingly, "Don't even think about it. They are Father Emperor's loyal dogs." Otherwise, after he became seriously ill, only the four of them were sent to meet the Emperor.
"They are only loyal to His Majesty. It doesn't mean that they are loyal to the Crown Prince," the chamberlain said in a small voice, "If the Crown Prince does something that disappoints them, based on the way these four officials conduct themselves, I don't think they would be able to tolerate such a person as the future Emperor."
"Disappoints …"
The Second Prince frowned. The Crown Prince was used to putting on an act. Other than the Crown Princess, he only had one concubine. Although he only had one daughter, his temperament was calm, as if he wasn't worried at all. However, the scholars seemed to like his temperament and kept praising the Crown Prince.
How good the Crown Prince was …
Yes, since these people liked to praise the Crown Prince, then let them praise him. Praise him as much as they could, slowly praising him until everyone in the world said that he was good. Even Father Emperor couldn't compare to him.
He wanted to see whether or not Father Emperor could tolerate a Crown Prince who was even "better" than him.
"Your Highness, although I'm not a real man, when I see beautiful palace maids, I can't help but take a few more glances," the chamberlain said in a small voice, "Your Highness the Crown Prince is a real man. How can you be indifferent to beauty?"
"You're right," the Second Prince suddenly became happy, "A man who is indifferent to beauty is not pretending. He is Liu Xia Hui."
The chamberlain bowed and said politely, "To be able to share Your Highness's worries is my duty."
People often used their own standards to judge others and used this as a standard. The Second Prince was like this.
The undercurrents in the palace surged. Only the Ban Family seemed to be the only greenhouse in the undercurrents that didn't react. Other than the fact that the four members of the Ban Family didn't go out much, their days continued as usual. Summer was coming. The Ban Family was already busy making clothes and preparing to wear plain clothes to create a hundred and eight different kinds of beauty.
It was easy to sweat in the summer. Metal type silver jewelry wasn't suitable for them. The colors of the jewelry in the past were too bright and not suitable for them. What should they do?
Buy, buy everything again.
Glass type, mutton-fat white jade, and plain colored crystals could all be used.
Money was a worldly possession. You couldn't bring it with you when you were born, and you couldn't take it with you when you died. If you could spend it early, then spend it early. When the family was raided, it wouldn't be worth it if it all went to someone else.
The Ban Family always felt that things weren't wasted when they were spent. It wasn't their style to leave things in the house to collect dust. The curtains, window screens, and sunscreen were all changed to the best plain gauze. It was airy and comfortable to look at.
When they took out the books from the family's library to dry, Ban Han lay in the pavilion and looked at the books drying in the courtyard. He couldn't help but feel drowsy.
Ban Heng wasn't much better than her. He lay on the fence, yawned, and said, "Sister, it's really troublesome to keep these books. They can't be eaten or used. In a few years, we don't know who will benefit from them. Why don't we wait until Rong Junpo has a break and let him come over to pick them himself. If he likes them, then I'll give them to you as your dowry. "
"Who wants these as my dowry?" Ban Han was quite disdainful, "You might as well give me a few more villages and shops."
"That's fine," Ban Heng nodded generously, "There will definitely be a lot of villages and shops. But books are also necessary. If my future nephew likes to read, then wouldn't our family have one more talented person? "
"What nephew, it's not a matter of time. You might as well think that your future child will be a talented person," Ban Han squinted, "It's getting hotter and hotter every day, and I feel sleepy every day."
"Isn't that so? When the weather gets hotter, I don't want to go anywhere," Ban Heng said, "When I look at the white sun, I feel dizzy."
"Shizi, Junzhu," a manservant hurriedly ran over. Because he ran too fast, he stepped on the books that were drying in the sun, "Something bad has happened."
"What happened?" Ban Han and Ban Heng sat up straight. Seeing the manservant so flustered, their expressions also became serious.
"Just now, news came from outside. Cheng Anbo and Yao Shangshu somehow angered His Majesty. His Majesty actually ordered the Imperial Bodyguards to flog them."
"What?" Ban Han frowned, "What's the situation now?"
"Cheng Anbo has already been sent back to the fu. It's said that his situation isn't very good. Cheng Anbo's servants have already gone everywhere to find a doctor."
A dignified Duke actually had to send servants out to find a doctor. Could it be that the Duke's doctors were useless, or that the Imperial Hospital didn't dare to go to the Duke's fu to treat him?
How serious was the situation to cause such a big commotion?
"Arrange for the few doctors that we have in our fu to go over first," Ban Heng immediately said without hesitation, "Quickly."
"Yes, this little one will go right now." The manservant immediately responded, turned around, and ran.
Ban Heng turned his head to look at Ban Han, "Sister …"
"Go to Cheng Anbo's fu."
Ban Han's expression became serious. She turned around and walked into the sunlight.
Ban Heng didn't hesitate to follow.
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