On this day, the entrance of the Jiang fu was really bustling with noise and excitement. The crowd of onlookers formed three circles inside and three circles outside, practically blocking the main road in front of the Minister's fu. This was because the Imperial Edict had arrived to bestow marriage to Hong 'an Junzhu.
Hong 'an Junzhu's reputation in the capital could be said to be known by everyone. She was born beautiful and had won the favor of the Empress Dowager. Perhaps the heavens were jealous of her beauty, but she had been repeatedly framed and thrown into prison. There were those who had tender feelings for the fairer sex, and there were also those who secretly hit her when she was down. For a moment, she was in the limelight.
At this moment, in the main hall of the Jiang fu, people were kneeling on the ground, with Jiang Quan and Jiang Ruan kneeling at the front. The palace eunuch dragged out his voice and said in a shrill voice, "In accordance with the will of the Emperor, today the Empress Dowager has decreed that Prince Jin Ying will be chosen, bestowed with a palanquin and bestowed with a pair of flower plume eyes. The daughter of the Minister of War, Jiang shi, is dignified and virtuous, filial and benevolent. She will be appointed as Princess Jin Ying, a match made in gold and jade, by the Emperor — "
After he finished speaking, the eunuch glanced at the person kneeling on the ground and said, "Hong 'an Junzhu, receive the edict."
Jiang Ruan paused slightly, then smiled and stepped forward to receive the imperial edict. Bai Zhi hurriedly stepped forward and handed over a heavy brocade pouch. She smiled and said, "Eunuch has worked hard."
"Junzhu is too polite." The eunuch weighed the brocade pouch in his hand and smiled in satisfaction. His tone was also very cordial. "This is a match made in gold and jade, we will also share in Junzhu's happiness." He looked at Jiang Quan, whose face was somewhat stiff, and raised his eyebrows. It had long been rumored that Minister Jiang was very harsh towards this di daughter of his, and now it seemed that it was true. Empress Dowager Yi De had the heart to protect Jiang Ruan, and Jiang Ruan would be the female mistress of Jinying Wang fu in the future. In the Great Jin dynasty, she could be said to be a person who could summon the wind and summon the rain. The eunuch wanted to curry favor, so he took the opportunity to knock Jiang Quan down a peg. He said in a shrill voice, "What, this is a good thing, why does Jiang daren not seem very happy?"
Jiang Quan was startled and forced a smile. "I am so happy that I don't know what to say. My daughter's aptitude is mediocre, and she really has a high social status in Jinying Wangfu. Receiving the Empress Dowager's protection is her good fortune. "
The eunuch put on a fake smile and said, "Jiang Daren is right. Aren't we under the protection of the Empress Dowager? The Empress Dowager said that in the future, as long as Xiao Wangye doesnt treat the princess well, the Empress Dowager will stand up for her. The Empress Dowager dotes on Junzhu like her own granddaughter. If anyone dares to bully Junzhu, she will definitely teach them a lesson. "
These words once again caused Jiang Quan's face to turn green and purple. It was clear that these words were meant for him to hear, but the threat in these words really made one's heart feel stifled. However, although the eunuchs in the palace looked inconspicuous, they were the Emperor and Empress Dowager's people. They couldn't be offended easily and had to give them face. Thus, he could only swallow the anger in his heart and smile for a while. With great difficulty, he sent the eunuch away. Only then did Jiang Quan look towards Jiang Ruan and sneered, "You are truly capable!"
"Father overpraises me, this is all the Empress Dowager's blessing." Jiang Ruan lowered her head and smiled. Seeing that expression, Jiang Quan felt a burst of gloominess in his heart. He could not wait to kick Jiang Ruan out the door. At once, he snorted again, turned around and left with a flick of his sleeves.
After Jiang Quan left, Lian Qiao frowned and said, "Miss, this Empress's edict …" This Imperial edict came without any preparation, but at the moment, she could not disobey it. Lian Qiao sighed in her heart. As a member of an official's household, one's marriage was not something one could control. Even if Jinying Wang's character was not bad, and her own Miss did not seem to reject him, such a direct marriage bestowal somewhat disregarded Jiang Ruan's intentions. For example, at this moment, there was not a trace of joy on Jiang Ruan's face.
Bai Zhi also felt a little sad and looked at Jiang Ruan with some worry. Jiang Ruan shook her head, "Tidy up a bit, we will make a trip to Jinying Wang's fu later."
Xiao Shao's actions were so fast that she had not expected it. But even so, there were still some matters that needed to be clarified.
…
In the Eighth Prince's fu, Xuan Li fiercely swept all the things on the table onto the floor. With a 'pitter patter' sound, the exquisite porcelain was smashed to pieces on the floor. White sharp fragments splashed everywhere, and the people standing at the side all had small cuts on their palms.
Xuan Li suddenly sat down on a chair. He seemed to be somewhat powerless and took a deep breath before he slowly said, "So that's how it is. So it turns out that he has designs on the Empress Dowager."
Previously, there were rumors in the palace that Xiao Shao had bestowed a marriage upon the Emperor. Presumably, it was Xiao Shao's decree. From the various events that followed, it could be seen that the Emperor did not approve of Jiang Ruan becoming Jinying Wang Fei. Now that the Empress Dowager had suddenly sent a decree, Xuan Li suddenly understood. Xiao Shao had never thought of using the Emperor to bestow a marriage. The person he had been looking for had always been Empress Dowager Yi De. The rumors that had been spread before were merely to confuse the public's vision. It had also caused Xuan Li to panic and even agree to Xuan Lang's clumsy plan to force a marriage. In the end, Xuan Lang had died. He had lost a useful chess piece in the palace, and he had almost been implicated.
"Xiao Shao, this prince has really underestimated him." Xuan Li narrowed his eyes. Although there was still the usual gentle smile hanging on his lips, his eyes revealed a sinister look. He gnashed his teeth in anger, as if he wanted to kill Xiao Shao. For someone as proud and arrogant as him, what he hated the most was to be toyed with by others. But now, he had been led by the nose by Xiao Shao. How could he be reconciled?
The young man sitting below him also had an ugly expression on his face. One of the fingers on his left hand was abruptly missing. It was none other than the Second Young Master of the Jiang family, Jiang Chao. Xuan Li was furious, but in his heart, he did not feel any better. The Jiang siblings were both thorns in his eyes. Now that the Empress Dowager had issued a decree, Jiang Ruan would be able to rely on the big tree of Jinying Wang fu. In the future, it would be even more difficult to deal with her.
"Have you cleaned up the things that I had you do last time?" Xuan Li changed the topic and asked Jiang Chao.
"Replying to Your Highness," Jiang Chao hurriedly replied, "everything has been arranged. Now that the matters in the palace have been put down, there will not be any more hiccups."
"Xuan Lang has no brains. Even if he dies, he only has himself to blame." Xuan Li indifferently looked at the broken pieces of porcelain in front of him, "We have to change people in the palace." Although Xuan Lang seemed incompetent in the palace, he was a good way to pass on information. Now that Xuan Lang was dead, it would not be good to place more people in the palace, so they could only act from the people currently in the palace.
"Does Your Highness want to act from among the princes? Now that I look at it, this subordinate feels that the Thirteenth Prince looks smart, perhaps we can use him, "Jiang Chao said. Everyone had seen Xuan Pei's actions that day. They all said that although the Thirteenth Prince did not reveal his mountain and did not reveal his water, he was actually an intelligent person. The crafty servants who had originally served the Thirteenth Prince were now very respectful to him. The Emperor also began to value him and would occasionally send people to deliver some things to him.
However, no matter how smart the Thirteenth Prince was, the lowly status of his birth mother doomed him to never have the qualifications to compete with Xuan Li for that position. This kind of person was not a threat and was smart. He was the most suitable to be used as a chess piece.
"Smart? Being too smart is not a good thing. "Xuan Li slowly shook his head," I am just afraid that he is Xiao Shao's man. "
"You mean..." Jiang Chao stared blankly.
"How could a brat who is still wet behind the ears have the ability to turn the tables? I am afraid that it was Xiao Shao who taught him the methods. The Crown Prince is probably the same. I still do not understand why Xiao Shao did not personally take action. However, I do not want to use Xuan Pei, "Xuan Li said. There was another reason that he did not mention. For some reason, seeing Xuan Pei always made him feel uncomfortable. It was as if some strange emotion had arisen in his heart and he was extremely unwilling to see Xuan Pei.
"If we cannot find the Thirteenth Prince, according to Your Highness's opinion, who should we find?" Jiang Chao asked tentatively.
"Didn't the new batch of beauties enter the palace?" Xuan Li looked at his fingertips, "There will always be people who want to climb up. You should find an opportunity and choose well."
Jiang Chao was shocked and immediately lowered his head, respectfully replying, "Yes."
...
After hearing the news of Jiang Ruan's marriage, it was obvious that there was more than one person in a bad mood. At this moment, in the Eastern Palace, Liu Min, who was standing in the garden pavilion, looked gloomily at the koi fish swimming in the pond. His thoughts had already flown to the highest heavens.
The Empress Dowager's decree and the Emperor's vast grace had doomed him to no longer have any possibility. Thinking that Jiang Ruan would henceforth be crowned as part of the Xiao family, Liu Min's heart welled up with a sour feeling. He was a complete bookworm, self-righteous and virtuous. For the first twenty years, he had never known the taste of love. By the time he understood his own feelings, it was already too late. However, Jiang Ruan's relationship with Xiao Shao was not shallow. The two of them were so close. Receiving the Empress Dowager's decree, she... must also be happy.
As he was lost in thought, his shoulder was suddenly patted. Liu Min turned around and saw the Crown Prince's mischievous smiling face, "Grand Tutor Liu, what are you thinking about?"
Liu Min shook his head, "Your Highness the Crown Prince."
The Crown Prince indifferently sat down at the side and glanced at him, "You are grieving for Hong 'an Junzhu."
Liu Min was startled. A woman's reputation should not be casually violated. Just as he was about to deny it, he heard the Crown Prince say, "You don't need to deny it, Grand Tutor Liu. In terms of history, I am inferior to you, but in matters of love, you are inferior to me." He rested his chin on one hand and looked at Liu Min curiously, "In fact, I feel that it is very strange. This Hong 'an Junzhu, to put it bluntly, is only slightly better looking. Why do you all seem to be bewitched? Forget about Xiao Shao, that cold man, but Grand Tutor, who does not understand romance, is also grieving for him. This is truly an eye-opener. "
Liu Min moved his lips, but did not know how to refute the Crown Prince's words. The Crown Prince's words were not wrong. Now that he was depressed, he was even less in the mood to argue with the Crown Prince. He wanted to say something, but in the end, he restrained himself and only said to the Crown Prince, "No matter what, a few days ago, Your Highness the Crown Prince stood up for Hong 'an Junzhu. This official thanks Your Highness the Crown Prince for lending a helping hand."
"Forget it, I did not do it just for you." The Crown Prince waved his hand. Although Liu Min had previously begged him to think of a way to help Jiang Ruan, the Crown Prince had never been one to meddle in other people's business. He was even happy to watch the excitement. If it were not for Xuan Pei's appearance, he would not have gotten involved in this mess.
Xuan Pei had asked him that day if he wanted to take revenge on the Fourth Prince, Xuan Lang, who had betrayed him. The Crown Prince was already very angry at Xuan Lang's overt obedience but covert opposition. He had been worried that he would not be able to find an excellent opportunity to teach him a lesson. Once he heard Xuan Lang's words, he was somewhat tempted. Xuan Lang then used a roundabout way to talk about the benefits that the Crown Prince could obtain. This successfully aroused the Crown Prince's playful heart. Immediately, he and Xuan Pei hit it off and put on such a good show.
Until now, the Crown Prince still found it strange that Xuan Pei, a prince who did not make any noise in the palace, could come up with so many ideas. That nuisance of Jin Ling's Divine Physician, Xia Qing, was not someone that just anyone could invite. However, Xuan Pei had said that as long as there was any medical expertise in the palace, Xia Qing would agree to enter the palace. As expected, back then, the Crown Prince could not understand how Xuan Pei could predict things so accurately. Now that he thought about it, it was probably all thanks to Xiao Shao. In the end, Xuan Pei was only a child. At this age, it was still too early for him to be scheming and shrewd. For him to be so thorough, it must have been Xiao Shao's orders.
Although Liu Min was grateful to him, in reality, the Crown Prince did not help because of Liu Min. Now, seeing Liu Min's restless appearance, the Crown Prince felt some sympathy. Although Liu Min was usually very harsh and annoying, he was still a straightforward Grand Tutor. Seeing him so depressed because of a woman, the Crown Prince, in any case, had a teacher-student relationship. Seeing him so depressed because of a woman, the Crown Prince patted Liu Min's shoulder. "Grand Tutor, there is no need to be too sad. There are millions of women in the world. Why should you take one? Before long, she will be someone else's wife. Grand Tutor is familiar with etiquette. Why don't we find a few lovely women for you? Although they will not be as beautiful as Hong 'an Junzhu, they will not disappoint. "
Liu Min's body stiffened. He hurriedly stood and said, "This subject appreciates Your Highness's good intentions, but this subject does not have such intentions. This subject still has some matters to attend to. This subject will take his leave. "Finished speaking, he saluted and left as if fleeing.
The Crown Prince spat out the tea residue in his mouth and said, "Boring."
…
As for Jinying Wang Fu, it was different from the gloomy atmosphere in other places. It was almost as if they were happily preparing for the New Year. Ever since the old Jinying Wang and his wife passed away, Jinying Wang Fu had been cold and cheerless all year round. It was rare for the entire fu to be filled with joy. Today, when Empress Dowager Yi De's imperial edict came down, everyone in the fu rushed to spread the news. Even the Brocade Guards scattered throughout the Great Jin dynasty received the messenger pigeons and began to gather money to buy wedding gifts for their masters and Young Madam.
Steward Lin happily wiped his western glasses with a cloth and put them on his face. He pulled Jin Si aside and said, "Do you think this time's wedding invitation should be gilded or embroidered with natural silk?" After thinking for a while, he shook his head. "Why don't we make it into sandalwood skewers? We can stick beads on them. Last time, we brought back a batch of colored glass beads from Persia. If we stick them on, they will shine brightly and appear especially rich and festive. This is better."
Jin Si rolled his eyes. "Old Lin, do you need to make a wedding invitation so exquisite? If Old Madam is still here and sees you squandering like this, she will definitely regret letting you become a steward. "
"What do you know, little girl?" Steward Lin hated it when people questioned his ability. He immediately puffed out his chest and said proudly, "This wedding invitation, if it's not done well, it will be a disgrace to the fu. What is our master doing? He is marrying a wife, marrying a wife. In the beginning, many people said that our master would never be able to marry a wife in this lifetime. We are going to slap those people's faces. We want to make this marriage grand and dignified. Besides, do you think that this bit of money for the wedding invitation is squandering? Xiao Si, Old Lin, let me tell you, the betrothal gift that Young Master has decided to give is squandering! "
Jin Si's eyes brightened when he heard that. Before she could speak, a series of whooshing noises could be heard from the top of the tree. Jin San flew down with a leap. He looked at Caretaker Lin and inquired excitedly, "How much is the betrothal gift?"
"Take a guess?" Steward Lin did not say for a long time, leaving the two in suspense.
"Forty-nine by seven?" Jin Si guessed. Jin Si's temperament was similar to that of a man. He was not very clear about these dowries and betrothal gifts, so he casually gave a number.
"Pah, forty-nine to dismiss a beggar?" Jin San shook his head and said, "For women, the more betrothal gifts, the more impressive it is. I guess it's nine by nine eighty-one." Although Jin San was more like a woman than Jin Si, he was still a Jinyi Guard. These matters that normal women would know and care about were still lacking.
Steward Lin looked at the two resentfully, "I didn't think that in your eyes, my Jinying Wang fu is so shabby. What nine by nine eighty-one? It's a total of one hundred and sixty-eight! "
"One hundred and sixty-eight?" Jin San and Jin Si exclaimed in unison. Jin San frowned, "How much is that?"
"I'll tell you frankly. One hundred and sixty-eight betrothal gifts are enough to buy the entire property of three Shangshu's manors and still have more than enough." Steward Lin said, "But it's only betrothal gifts. According to Young Master's temperament, in the future when Young Madam marries, the entire Jinying Wang fu will belong to her. Sigh, Master has grown up and can't be kept at home. He only cares about his wife and doesn't care about us servants. "Towards the end, Steward Lin's tone became sad.
The betrothal gifts of the three Shangshu's manors could not be said to be not rich. Jin San and Jin Si looked at each other and saw the surprise in each other's eyes. Jin San swallowed his saliva and said, "So many betrothal gifts, Master didn't think of giving them all to the Shangshu's manors?"
Steward Lin shook his head, "Stupid. How can so many betrothal gifts be sent to the Shangshu's manors? Of course, they will all be handed to Young Madam for safekeeping. Don't worry about this, Young Master has already made preparations. "
"Young Master is too manly." Jin San blinked, "If I were a woman, I would also be willing to marry him."
"Aren't you a woman?" Steward Lin said disdainfully, "But Young Master doesn't like you. You're not as pretty as Young Madam."
"…"
…
At this time, Steward Lin was still wrangling with Jin San and Jin Si, but he did not know that Jiang Ruan had already openly stepped into Jinying Wang fu from the main entrance. The servants of Jinying Wang fu did not even inform Steward Lin. Each and every one of them welcomed their future Young Master with extraordinary enthusiasm, leading the way and introducing her to others. Along the way, all the servants they met treated her with respect. Each and every one of them saluted and called her "Young Madam" louder than anything else, causing Lu Zhu to cover her mouth and snicker.
After the messenger brought Jiang Ruan to Xiao Shao's study, the servants consciously retreated. Lu Zhu and Tian Zhu also considerately closed the door, leaving some alone time for the two people who had received the Empress's decree to bestow marriage.
"Xiao Shao, what do you want to do?" Jiang Ruan asked. Xiao Shao's actions were so fast that it caught people unprepared. Now, she had been caught off guard and had been tied onto the boat that was Jinying Wang fu.
Xiao Shao turned around. Today, he was not wearing the black clothes that he usually wore. Instead, he was wearing a dark red robe with a white python embroidered on the collar. He appeared to be a bit gentler than he had been in the past. He was even more elegant and peerless. His pair of starry eyes shone brightly, as if one would drown in them if they looked at them a few more times. He looked deeply at Jiang Ruan and said, "You're not happy?"
"Now, the entire capital is saying that this good cabbage has been taken by me. Do you think that I can be happy?" This was the first time that Jiang Ruan had such obvious emotions towards him.
Xiao Shao's eyes flashed with a trace of a smile, "En, I'll let you take me."
Such a gentle attitude made one simply not know what to say. Jiang Ruan glared at him for a while, "Are you very proud of yourself now?"
"I'm very happy." Xiao Shao approached her and whispered. He was born tall, so when he came so close, Jiang Ruan could only reach his chest. From a distance, it looked as if he was going to embrace her in his arms. His tone carried a pampering and gentleness that even he himself had not noticed. His voice had an indescribable magnetism, "Wangfei."
Jiang Ruan took a step back and kept a distance from him. What exactly was this person trying to do by using the seduction tactic of a handsome man, regardless of the time and place? It had to be said that this tactic was indeed very effective. Xiao Shao smiled faintly, and his tone carried an inexplicable bewitchment. Immediately, he became as romantic as jade, different from his previous cold and elegant demeanor.
"Why are you in such a hurry to bestow the marriage?" Jiang Ruan frowned, "You're leaving?"
Xiao Shao lowered his eyes and looked at her, "Yes, I will leave in ten days. Before that, I must settle down with you to avoid unnecessary complications."
What did he mean by settle down? These words were somewhat inexplicable, but at the moment, Jiang Ruan could not care about this, so she said, "In ten days?"
"Time is pressing, and there are many people in the court who are eyeing you covetously. The Empress Dowager has ordered that after I leave, you will move into the Jinying Wangfu. After returning to the court, you will get married. "Xiao Shao said in a low voice," The Jinying Wangfu can guarantee your safety. Getting married is just an expedient measure. Don't worry, I will help you. After getting married, I will not force you. " At this point, Xiao Shao's handsome face was slightly red, but his expression was as calm as ever.
Jiang Ruan was already much calmer than him. She looked at him and said, "Okay." With Xiao Shao's arrogant temperament, she was not some outstanding beauty, so Xiao Shao would not go so far as to use force. On this point, Jiang Ruan was completely at ease. After thinking this through, she felt that her relationship with Xiao Shao was not as awkward as before. If she could treat him as a friend or superior who could help her, that would not be too bad.
She hung her head in contemplation and did not speak. Xiao Shao looked at her thoughtfully, pursed his lips, and suddenly said, "But once you enter the Jinying Wangfu, you are my, Xiao Shao's woman. If there are any troublemakers, you do not need to pay attention to them, just beat them out." After a pause, he said, "Liu Min, Xuan Pei, and Gu Yi, you also do not need to pay attention to them."
Jiang Ruan stared blankly and was momentarily speechless. She seemed to feel that her face was slightly hot. In her heart, she thought that although Xiao Shao seemed cold and detached, he always had a way to make their relationship incomparably awkward.
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