Chapter 38 Siblings Recognize Each Other

Tang Xinuan suddenly became busy.

Zhou Chuanxing is very busy every day, so she can't just sit around doing nothing and has to help him as much as possible.

She didn't understand the affairs of the court, but she could recommend talented people.

Let capable people help him share the burden.

He didn't have time to manage the household accounts, which was her area of ​​expertise.

Although she didn't know where to start at first, she studied diligently and was sure she could manage the Prince's mansion's accounts perfectly.

Moreover, both Eunuch Wei and Peony believe in her.

She had never felt so confident, so capable of being a useful person.

"You two have excellent taste, I'm very happy."

"Let's get right to it. When I see the prince, I'll tell him, 'Starting today—no, starting tomorrow—I'll take over the management of the prince's accounts.'"

Tang Xinuan was happy, and Eunuch Wei and Peony were happy too.

On the second day after Tang Xinuan entered the manor, the prince gave an order that whoever could make Miss Tang happy would be rewarded.

When the prince has some free time, they will report to him and are sure to receive a reward.

Zhang, who had always been at odds with Wei, was filled with disdain as he watched Wei coax Tang Xinuan into a state of blissful joy.

The Prince's household accounts were always managed by the secretary, an old scholar whom the Prince had invited back.

Everyone knows that only the matriarch can manage the household finances.

Although Miss Tang is favored by the prince, she has no official title, so how could the prince possibly entrust the management of the household affairs to her?

Eunuch Wei and Peony were only concerned with making Miss Tang happy, but they failed to recognize their own status and were just waiting to be punished by the prince.

Everyone knows that the Regent is heartless. Offending him can result in anything from being flogged to being kicked out of the palace.

Now, Tang Xinuan has actually taken the initiative to ask the prince for control of the household affairs, which means she wants the power to manage the palace.

This is the treatment a princess receives.

Is it really not a forced marriage with the prince?

Tang Xinu's heart doesn't hold so many complexities.

She thought that managing accounts was just managing accounts.

At the end of the afternoon, Peony helped her change her clothes.

Then, together with Xiaoqian, they followed Eunuch Wei to the Xiaoqinzheng Hall.

Since Zhou Chuanxing did not go to the palace to perform official duties, but needed to receive princes and ministers and handle government affairs, he set up a small Qinzheng Hall in his mansion.

Tang Xinuan was always accompanied by two bodyguards whenever she left the mansion.

This was done openly; Zhou Chuanxing even sent her secret guards.

They were all top-notch experts, and no one knew how many secret guards they had.

Yesterday, Tang Xinuan went out with Zisu and Lianqiao.

Zhou Chuanxing initially assigned Tang Xinuan four female bodyguards, two pairs of twins.

The other pair is astragalus and lily.

While Zisu and Lianqiao openly followed her, Huangqi and Baihe secretly followed.

Astragalus has a similar nature to perilla.

She is steady, meticulous, responsible, and quick-witted in critical moments; she is a very reliable girl.

Lily's personality is similar to that of Forsythia.

Lively, impulsive, and with a touch of chivalry.

These past two days, astragalus and lily have been acting as bodyguards.

It's easier to hide at night, but in broad daylight, where can you find a place to hide?

The prince also instructed them that if Miss Tang was in danger, they must reach her side within ten counts.

The Caiyuelou competition has been packed with people these past two days, so much so that even those who just want to watch the spectacle have nowhere to stand.

Let alone them.

Hide on the rooftop, or the officials will easily spot you and think you're up to no good.

Let's hide in a tree; a tree only has a few branches.

If you go too early, you won't be able to stay long; if you go too late, you won't be able to get a

The key issue is that there are too many important figures watching the game these past two days.

Every important figure has to bring a few bodyguards.

When these bodyguards bump into each other, they inevitably have to fight for the best spot.

Yesterday, two of Prince Duan's bodyguards and two of Prince Rui's bodyguards got into a fight over a tree branch.

The sisters watched the spectacle for quite a while.

Lily's legs went numb from squatting.

I don't want to be a bodyguard anymore today.

As soon as he saw Tang Xinuan leave, he rushed over to her to make his presence known.

“Miss Tang, Huang Qi and I would also like to serve you. Please take us out today.”

Lianqiao didn't give her a friendly look.

“Miss Tang, we’ve been accompanying you these past two days. We know the way well, so please use us.”

Tang Xinuan was unaware of the trickery involved.

"You all want to come out with me?"

"yes."

"yes."

Forsythia and lily spoke in unison.

Tang Xinuan was in a dilemma.

She brought Xiaoqian and four guards with her; her presence was a bit too much.

"How about you four play rock-paper-scissors, and whoever wins goes?"

The four girls looked at each other, hesitant to make a move.

Astragalus and lily bulbs won.

Lily said proudly, "I went out with the girl today."

She was so angry that even her upturned nose was crooked. "Sis, go change into your night clothes."

...

Today, Zhou Chuanxing went out with Tang Xinuan and did not plan to have Tang Xinuan bring any guards.

Upon seeing Huangqi and Baihe, he instructed, "You two just follow them secretly."

lily:"……"

I'm starting to lose my composure.

Following them secretly is still the job of a bodyguard.

She has to go grab a branch from the tree again.

"Yes, Your Highness."

She reluctantly agreed, then grabbed Huang Qi and jumped off the roof.

Tang Xinuan has three very important things to do right now.

Before Zhou Chuanxing could speak, she interrupted, "Don't speak, let me speak first."

Of course, one should indulge a girl one likes to the end. Zhou Chuanxing said softly, "Okay, you go first."

Tang Xinuan handed him the small package, "This is the reward I received yesterday, it's all yours."

The young girl actually gave him all one hundred taels of silver.

Zhou Chuanxing was deeply moved.

"Thank you, my daughter, I'll accept it."

Thinking that he had been busy all day and hadn't had time to spend with her, he felt apologetic: "I was too busy yesterday to pay attention, but my daughter won first place and is the smartest person in the Great Zhou Dynasty. I have a reward for her too."

Tang Xinuan was overjoyed, "What kind of reward is it?"

Zhou Chuanxing asked, "What do you want?"

Tang Xinuan didn't think for a moment: "Then can I save this opportunity and ask you for it when I remember?"

Zhou Chuanxing nodded without hesitation, "Okay, I'll save it for you."

Tang Xinuan climbed onto the carriage and began to talk about the second thing.

"I heard that the imperial court is short of talent, which is why you're working so hard. How about I recommend someone to you?"

Zhou Chuanxing knew who she was going to recommend, so he didn't say anything.

Tang Xinuan analyzed, "Look, you left yesterday and were busy until I fell asleep without coming back. I didn't see you this morning either. We didn't eat breakfast or lunch together."

If many, many people helped you, you wouldn't be so busy, right?

These words touched Zhou Chuanxing.

He really doesn't like people who are too cunning.

Therefore, he did not consider Sun Qingzhao.

However, the young girl's recommendation of him was reasonable and well-founded, and Sun Qingzhao was indeed talented.

It wouldn't be unreasonable for him to make an exception.

"Okay, Nuannuan, who should I recommend?"

“Sun Qingzhao,” Tang Xinuan said without hesitation.

Zhou Chuanxing turned around and instructed the pottery jar outside the carriage: "Bring Sun Qingzhao to the Prince's Mansion tomorrow."

Tang Xinuan was unaware of what her recommendation meant for Sun Qingzhao, for the imperial court, and for those who were desperately trying to climb the ranks.

It's even more unclear what this means for Zhou Chuanxing.

Of course, none of them could have imagined that years later, Sun Qingzhao would become a minister and then the Grand Secretary, and that her recommendation would change so many people's lives.

Tang Xinuan didn't take it seriously at all; Zhou Chuanxing agreed to her so easily.

She had a third thing she needed Zhou Chuanxing's approval for.

"Second Brother, may I take charge of the Prince's Palace's accounts?"

Zhou Chuanxing was somewhat surprised: "You want to manage the accounts?"

Tang Xinuan nodded: "I want to know my abilities and I also want to help you share the burden, but I don't know what I can do. What do you think?"

Tang Xinuan is beautiful, especially her eyes.

When she stared at me quietly, her clear eyes held a hint of cunning that inexplicably captivated me.

Zhou Chuanxing's heart was pounding like a drum.

He nodded as if under a spell: "Do it if you want to."

Tang Xinuan was delighted, "Erlang, you're so kind."

Zhou Chuanxing couldn't help but laugh, "Isn't it tiring?"

Tang Xinuan wasn't sure either. "Let's try it first. If it's too hard, I'll quit. Will you blame me?"

How could Zhou Chuanxing blame her? "No, I support you whether you do it or not."

Tang Xinuan had achieved all three of her goals and finally paid attention to the purpose of Zhou Chuanxing's trip.

"By the way, where are you taking me?"

Zhou Chuanxing tapped her little nose, "Let me introduce you to a friend."

"Friends?" Tang Xinuan suddenly remembered something. "Sun Qingzhao is my second best friend. I was thinking of arranging for you two to meet yesterday. What a pity."

Zhou Chuanxing didn't want her to have any regrets, "We'll see each other tomorrow."

Tang Xinuan was happy, "That's good."

Zhou Chuanxing and Tang Xinuan soon arrived at the private room of Babaozhai.

This was Tang Xinuan's first time eating at a fancy restaurant, and everything was new and exciting.

"Erlang, shall we have dinner here?"

Zhou Chuanxing nodded: "What would you like to eat?"

Tang Xinuan didn't know what kind of food was available at the restaurant. "Can I eat anything?"

Zhou Chuanxing: "This restaurant is pretty good. As long as you order it, they should be able to make it."

Tang Xinuan came up with a few dishes, and Zhou Chuanxing had Tao Guan write them down and then instructed the chef to prepare them.

After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Prince Duan arrived with Zheng Jian'an.

At this moment, only Zhou Chuanxing, Tang Xinuan, Duan Wang, and Zheng Jian'an were in the private room.

Tang Xinuan noticed the stranger in the room and asked Zhou Chuanxing, "Erlang, is the friend you introduced me to him?"

Zhou Chuanxing didn't speak, but his eyes held a complex expression as he nodded.

Tang Xinuan carefully observed the unfamiliar man.

Coincidentally, the other person was also observing her.

When they were very young, their family lived a very happy life.

As the youngest daughter in the Tang family, she was treated very well by her grandparents.

She was happy every day because her parents were loving and her siblings were harmonious.

When she was five years old, her father was convicted of a crime, and her entire family was executed, leaving only her as the mentally challenged youngest daughter...

“Nuan Nuan…” Zheng Jian’an recognized Tang Xinuan first.

Tang Xinuan was stunned for a moment. She didn't know why, but her eyes suddenly felt sore and tears streamed down her face.

"Brother, brother, you're my brother," Tang Xinu cried, unable to wipe away her tears, as she hugged Zheng Jian'an. "Brother, you're my brother, brother..."

Zheng Jian'an's eyes were filled with tears. He never expected that his younger sister would still recognize him after more than ten years apart.

When we separated, my younger sister was only five years old.

They didn't understand the meaning of separation, let alone what it meant for their whole family to be convicted.

Her father sent her to the Marquis's mansion, seeking the protection of the Marquis's family.

Fourteen years have passed in the blink of an eye.

"Nuan Nuan," Zheng Jian'an released her, checked her over from head to toe, and looked her up and down. "Are your aunt's family good to you? Does that bastard Chu Yannuo look down on you? Has he bullied you?"

When the Tang family sent their youngest daughter to the Marquis's mansion, although they didn't say it explicitly, the meaning was clear: they intended for her to marry Chu Yannuo.

But Chu Yannuo actually married the daughter of the Duke of Wei.

When Zheng Jian'an found out about this, how could he not be angry?

He wanted to beat people to death.

Tang Xinuan didn't want to mention the Marquis's mansion.

"Brother, I'm leaving the Marquis's residence."

Zheng Jian'an only found out last night.

He had just heard that Chu Yannuo was engaged to the Wei family, so he impeached Chu Yannuo in court and cursed the Regent. He was imprisoned by the Regent and was only released yesterday.

Naturally, they had no idea what had happened outside these past few days.

"Where are you staying now? Is it safe? Your brother will take you back to the Duke's mansion, and you can stay with your brother from now on..."

Zhou Chuanxing, who had been sitting by the window drinking tea, frowned upon hearing this.

Prince Duan was his mouth double.

“Young Master Zheng, Miss Tang cannot go back with you.”

Zheng Jian'an's face turned cold, and he subconsciously shielded his younger sister behind him. "It was wrong of me to curse the Regent, but I have been imprisoned for more than a month. My sister is innocent. She doesn't understand anything. Please don't make things difficult for her."

Prince Duan explained, "Young Master Zheng, you have misunderstood. Miss Tang is staying in the Prince's residence and is very safe. Taking her away would only bring her danger."

Zheng Jian'an frowned.

Tang Xinuan had finally seen her brother and naturally wanted to go with him. "I'm not afraid of danger, I want to go with my brother."

Zhou Chuanxing gripped the water glass tightly, his knuckles turning white.

The little girl is heartless; she tries to leave as soon as she sees her relatives.

Prince Duan continued to explain, "Miss Tang, it's not just you who are in danger; your brother will be in danger too."

Tang Xinuan didn't understand, "What danger could my brother possibly be in?"

Prince Duan hesitated and glanced at his second brother. His second brother didn't say anything, seemingly wanting to discourage the girl.

"Your second brother should be dead, someone who was executed fourteen years ago, but he's alive and well now. How do you explain that?"

Tang Xinuan's expression changed drastically.

Prince Duan added, "This will not only implicate him, but also the entire family of Duke Yu, as well as everyone who saved him in the first place."

Tang Xi's warm heart gradually cooled down.

She wiped away her tears and forced a smile.

“Brother, I’m doing well at the Prince’s Palace. Erlang treats me very well, so you don’t need to worry about me.”

Erlang?

Zheng Jian'an couldn't help but look at the Regent.

He is the second oldest among them.

Compared to the Crown Prince of Chu, this Regent is a beast that devours people without spitting out the bones.

He pulled his younger sister aside and whispered, "Did he bully you?"

Tang Xinuan shook her head: "He treats me very well."

Zheng Jian'an hesitated to speak, worried that his younger sister wouldn't understand, so he simply asked, "Did he sleep with you?"

Tang Xinuan still shook her head: "I sleep by myself. Erlang said that if I can't give him a title, he won't touch me."

Zheng Jian'an breathed a sigh of relief.

Unexpectedly, the Regent was actually capable of doing some decent work.

"That's good. Nuannuan, remember, you can't get close to men before you get married."

Tang Xinuan remembered it: "If anyone bullies me, I'll poke them with my hairpin."

Zheng Jian'an's current status indeed prevents him from taking his younger sister with him.

The Tang family was framed and the case has not been overturned yet. Because the younger sister is young and mentally challenged, her enemies let her go.

But that doesn't mean that his enemies would let him go if he, a man who had been dead for more than ten years, suddenly reappeared.

After a moment of contemplation, he took his younger sister's hand and led her to the Regent.

The brother and sister knelt down together.

"The descendants of the Tang family request the Regent to exonerate our Tang family and give justice to the thirteen members of our Tang family who died unjustly."

Tang Xinuan mimicked her brother's tone and said, "The descendants of the Tang family request the Regent to exonerate our family and give justice to my grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts, cousins, housekeeper, and thirteen other family members."

Zhou Chuanxing bent down and helped Tang Xinuan up. "Get up and talk."

Tang Xinuan turned around and helped Zheng Jianan up.

"Erlang, can you help my family clear their name? My grandparents, parents and children are not bad people."

Zhou Chuanxing brought Tang Xinuan to see Zheng Jian'an today, naturally with the intention of helping his family achieve their goals.

However, it's an old case from over a decade ago, committed during the reign of the late emperor.

It also involves the Emperor's father-in-law and the Empress Dowager; it's not that easy.

"Nuan Nuan, do you believe me?"

Tang Xinuan nodded without hesitation, "I believe you."

Her eyes were clear and bright, without a trace of impurity.

Zhou Chuanxing pulled her to sit down. "I need time."

Tang Xinuan wasn't in a hurry. "How long?"

Zhou Chuanxing: "Three years, I guess."

More than a decade has passed, and Tang Xinuan is only three years away. "Okay, I'll wait for you."

Zhou Chuanxing was afraid that the little girl would start crying and demand an explanation from him right now.

At this moment, I finally breathed a sigh of relief.

“Zheng Jian’an, go to the Northern Region tomorrow. Come back when your term is over. At that time, I hope that Nuannuan’s bridal sedan chair will be carried out of your Tang family openly and legitimately.”

He was going to marry a girl from the Tang family, so naturally he wouldn't let her identity be tarnished.

This was a promise he made to the little girl, and also a promise he made to himself.

If I can't do it in a day, I won't get married in a day.

Zheng Jian'an didn't expect to immediately make the Tang family ordinary.

The one who framed the Tang family was the current emperor's father-in-law.

The Empress gave birth to the Emperor's only daughter.

The position is secure.

Even if the throne changes hands, the empress's status remains noble.

Although Zhou Chuanxing was the regent, his position was not very secure.

He was good at commanding troops and fighting battles in the field, but when he returned to the capital, he faced a cunning and treacherous official who had been infiltrating the court for decades.

There was also Prince Rui, who coveted the throne.

It's hard to say whether he can hold on.

Moreover, it would exonerate the Tang family.

"Your Highness is deeply grateful for your great kindness. I will set off tomorrow and will definitely defend the fertile land in the northernmost part of the Great Zhou Dynasty."

Zhou Chuanxing instructed, "Not a single commoner is allowed to die. Within three years, you must teach them farming and trade so they can support themselves. You are not allowed to die either. Return to me safely."

Zheng Jian'an, bearing a heavy responsibility, said, "Your humble servant will certainly fulfill it."

He was reluctant to part with his younger sister, having just met her. "Please, Your Highness, take good care of my younger sister. She is innocent and kind. I beg you to protect her and love her. I will repay this kindness."

Even their parents in heaven will remember the prince's great kindness.

As he spoke, he knelt down again.

This time, Zhou Chuanxing personally helped him up, saying, "As long as I'm here, I will never let her suffer in the slightest."

"Get out of the way—"

Suddenly, the sound of Chu Yannuo arguing came from outside the door.

Tao Guan personally guarded the door, refusing to let anyone in, saying, "The prince is eating inside, Prince Chu, please mind your manners."

Chu Yannuo witnessed Zheng Jian'an enter Babaozhai. He had just been beaten by Zheng Jian'an, so how could he possibly swallow this insult?

"I want to demand an explanation from the prince."

The earthenware pot stopped the man, saying, "Then I'll go and report first."

Tao Guan opened the door, and Chu Yannuo peeked through the crack, only to be glared at by Tao Guan with a cold, sharp look.

Whether Zhou Chuanxing sees Chu Yannuo or not is irrelevant; what matters is Tang Xinuan's attitude.

Do you want to see him?

Tang Xinuan didn't want to see him, "I'll go inside and play."

Zhou Chuanxing gestured for the pottery jar to be placed inside Chu Yannuo.

Zheng Jian'an saw the fire in Chu Yannuo's eyes and clenched his fists, ready to rush up and hit him again.

However, Chu Yannuo was highly skilled in martial arts and straightforward, so Zheng Jian'an couldn't gain the upper hand.

The two were at loggerheads, neither of them liking the other.

Chu Yannuo pointed to his bruised eyes, "Your Highness, it's all this bastard's fault. He ambushed me last night and beat me up like this. I beg Your Highness to do justice and give me a fair chance."

Prince Duan couldn't help but chuckle, "If you didn't know better, you'd think that Prince Chu got beaten up last night for cheating on his wife."

Zheng Jian'an couldn't help but laugh.

Only Zhou Chuanxing remained serious, clearing his throat, "What exactly happened to Zheng Jian'an?"

Zheng Jian'an said irritably, "I just can't stand him, he's a scumbag!"

Chu Yannuo couldn't understand it. "How am I a scumbag? Besides, what does it have to do with you whether I'm a scumbag or not? Our Marquis's Mansion and the Duke of Yu's Mansion have always kept to themselves. You impeached me first, and then beat me up yesterday. How did I steal your wife?!"

Zheng Jian'an used to like this cousin quite a bit.

Now all I want to do is tear people to pieces.

"The Prince summoned me here today because he wants me to go to the Northern Region. This mission originally belonged to Prince Chu, but since Prince Chu has already completed his wedding, let him go himself."

How could Chu Yannuo be willing to go to the Northern Region?

He originally planned to bring his cousin along.

But his cousin is gone, and he will never leave the capital until he finds her.

"Your Highness, I have been unwell recently and am unable to travel far. I beg Your Highness's understanding."