Chapter 472 What is this?

During the seasons between Cold Dew and Frost Descent, Fengjing City is shrouded in a clear and refreshing atmosphere.

Since Your Majesty has recovered from illness and returned to the throne, government affairs have been governed smoothly and the world is at peace.

The reform of the imperial examination system has been finalized. All the major academies in Fengjing have opened girls' schools. Even the Imperial College has passed a resolution to increase the number of girls' students, which has brought a new atmosphere to the literary style of the world.

The autumn harvest went generally smoothly. Although there was a reduction in production in some flood-stricken areas, the court promptly issued an edict to reduce or exempt taxes, and the people felt at ease.

The war in the north has ceased, and the Dagan army has indeed made a name for itself with the battle of Zhenbei Pass.

They firmly grasped the initiative and completed the reconstruction and reinforcement of the city wall before the arrival of winter.

The Shufeng army suffered a great loss, and the first snow had already fallen on the border. The weather was unfavorable, and the possibility of another large-scale siege was very slim.

The southern border is even more prosperous and peaceful. The southern border troops have been reorganized and the court has appointed a new general to take charge.

Several villages and towns adjacent to southern Xinjiang were designated as places for trade, attracting merchants from the north and south.

Grain, oil, rice and flour were exchanged for wild delicacies and furs, and large-scale transactions began to take shape.

Commercial taxes alone have become a very considerable source of income for the national treasury.

As for the four great families that were once prominent, their names have been completely erased from the genealogy of the powerful in Dagan.

The new land policy triggered by this has become the most hotly debated and core issue in the court right now.

Of course there is resistance, after all, this law touches upon the fundamental interests of many old-established dignitaries and local tyrants.

However, even the largest family has been overthrown, and the implementation of the new policy is ultimately moving forward steadily amidst the waves.

The third princess, the fourth princess and the fifth prince have all received their actual assignments.

The third princess entered Fenggetai to study government affairs, the fourth princess entered Tianguansi for training, and the fifth prince went to Yizhisi to serve.

Only the Sixth Princess, who led the Xuanji Guard Commander, still stayed in the mansion every day, or disguised herself and sneaked out to drink, go shopping, and have fun.

He did not attend court and did not care about the affairs of Xuanji Guard. He became a hands-off boss and lived a free and easy life.

On this day, Qin Zhaoyue got up a little earlier than usual.

It was just because the court was on holiday today, and the third and fourth princesses had sent invitations early, inviting her to a flower viewing party in Liuyuan Garden.

Qin Zhaoyue is not very interested in appreciating flowers itself.

But my third sister specifically said that she had invited several top chefs and prepared many novel dishes, so it was definitely worth a visit.

Sitting in front of the dressing table, she was still a little sleepy and yawning, letting Aunt Liu comb her long hair.

That’s right, Sui Mo went to the house personally and invited the old lady back to his mansion.

Previously, Matron Liu was implicated by her superiors in the Shangyi Bureau. Although she was not held accountable, she lost the dignity of a palace lady and was forced to leave the palace in disgrace.

For an old man who has lived in the palace all his life, the gap can be imagined.

Sui Mo was very sincere, and since they had a previous friendship of "using medicine", Nanny Liu finally accepted the invitation.

Liu Suxin herself had never expected that after so many twists and turns, at her lowest point in life, she would return to the mansion she had abandoned.

She was a little nervous at first, but after about ten days, she was completely at ease.

The monthly salary was generous and the work was easy. The most common task on weekdays was to teach the maids in the mansion etiquette and various skills.

The maids were all very respectful to her, and it was rare for her to serve them personally.

The old man, who has been teaching rules all his life and has a rigid and strict temperament, has now gradually learned to relax a little.

She knew very well that she must not lose her manners when dealing with outsiders and must not bring shame to the family, but such opportunities were rare.

Internally... what are the rules? His Highness's happiness is the most important thing.

Today was a flower viewing party, and Sui Mo had heard that the two princesses were organizing it in a grand manner, so she specially invited her to come and help His Highness dress up, just to be the center of attention.

Nanny Liu had very skillful hands. With just a flick of her ten fingers, she tied Qin Zhaoyue's thick black hair into a flying bun.

A red gold and kingfisher-emerald butterfly-chasing-flower hairpin is inserted diagonally in the center of the bun, the butterfly's wings tremble and the tassels swing.

A pair of small and exquisite pearl bats are pinned on each side to cover the temples, symbolizing long-lasting blessings.

A few strands of fine bangs hanging down in front of her forehead add a touch of girlish cuteness.

The overall style is solemn and elegant, yet lively and agile, which is just right for the late autumn season. It is neither too dull nor too royal.

After combing her hair, Qin Zhaoyue looked at herself in the mirror and marveled:

"After all, it still has to be your craftsmanship. Sui Mo Tao Yao and the others have to learn from you."

When Aunt Liu heard this, a gentle smile appeared on her face.

"This is all I have left of my humble craftsmanship. It is my great honor to satisfy Your Highness. I do not deserve such praise from Your Highness."

Knowing that there were delicious dishes in the garden, Qin Zhaoyue just had some snacks to fill his stomach in the mansion and then went out in high spirits.

Liuyuan is the elegant garden that was originally used to persuade talented women in Beijing to take part in the provincial examinations.

At this moment, there were a lot of traffic outside the garden, but for Qin Zhaoyue, it was naturally not a problem.

Who dares to stop the carriage of the commander of Xuanji Guard?

Although he has not appeared in any formal occasions since the day when His Majesty returned to the Phoenix Palace, his invisible deterrent power is enough to make everyone feel fearful.

The carriage drove smoothly to the gate of the garden, and Qin Zhaoyue got out of the car with the help of the maid.

Several stewards from the palace were waiting at the door. When the old steward from the Third Princess's Palace saw her, his cheeks twitched unconsciously.

The scene of the warehouse being "looted" that day is still his nightmare. He feels heartbroken every time he thinks about it.

He quickly collected his thoughts, stepped forward quickly, and bowed: "This old servant pays homage to His Royal Highness Prince Jing."

Qin Zhaoyue paused before realizing that he was being addressed.

It's a bit strange to be called out by this title all of a sudden.

"Greetings to His Royal Highness Prince Jing!" The people standing at the door saluted in unison.

Qin Zhaoyue waved his hand casually: "No need to be polite."

The old butler stood up and immediately led the way.

"Your Highness, please follow me. My master has specifically instructed me to wait here for your arrival."

"Tsk, we are all sisters, why are you being so polite? Just lead the way."

The scenery of Liuyuan Garden varies greatly depending on the season.

Since the garden is named after flower viewing, a lot of effort has naturally been put into it.

Although it is almost late autumn and everything is beginning to wither, the gardener's skillful arrangement has a unique charm.

Autumn chrysanthemums of all colors are in full bloom, some clustered like hydrangeas, some with silky petals drooping like waterfalls.

Golden, pure white, light purple, and dark red compete with each other in beauty, showing their tenacious vitality in the chilly autumn wind.

Several tall maple trees have leaves dyed with frost, red like fire and yellow like gold, which contrast beautifully with the lush green pines and cypresses.

There is also the hibiscus that blooms at night, changing its color three times a day, white in the morning, pink in the afternoon, deep red in the evening, dotted between pavilions and towers, adding a bit of charm.

This garden is indeed great. It covers a vast area, has an exquisite layout, and has distinct landscapes. It is much better than the gardens in the mansions of the other royal heirs.

In name, it is the third sister's property, but in reality, everyone knows that it is the private property of the queen mother.

The Queen Mother is diligent and frugal, not fond of luxury, and she doesn't have any decent palaces or villas, so it's rare for her to come to this garden to relax.

Although Qin Zhaoyue was envious, he was too embarrassed to ask for it.

As she walked along, the garden was crowded with tourists. Noble ladies and gentlemen, both known and unknown, all stopped to greet her when they saw her.

Qin Zhaoyue usually just nodded slightly as a return gesture, and followed the old butler straight into the depths without stopping.

The old housekeeper did not lead her to the main hall where the banquet was held, but instead led her through several moon-shaped doors and into an open courtyard with an exquisite three-story flower pavilion in the center.

"Your Highness, please. Several princes are waiting for you upstairs."

The old butler stopped at the stairs and bowed to invite him in.

Qin Zhaoyue climbed the stairs to the third floor and saw that everyone was there.

Xiaojiu was sharp-eyed and was the first to see her. He flew over like a cheerful little bird, grabbed her sleeve, and scolded her:

"Sixth sister! Why are you taking so long to come?"

This girl has been running to her house whenever she has nothing to do recently, and sometimes she brings Xiaoqi and Xiaoba with her. Qin Zhaoyue finds her a little noisy.

"Go, go, go and have some fun. I'm lucky I can come."

Xiaojiu muttered softly, "He has nothing to do all day long, just lying around..."

"Eh? What did you say?" Qin Zhaoyue raised his eyebrows.

The three older royal sisters and brothers haven't seen her for a while, mainly because... they feel sorry for her.

Xiaoliu didn't take any gold or silver, but she picked up the most beloved things in their warehouse.

Qin Zhaowan glared at her unhappily and waved, "Come here and stand here and take a look."

Qin Zhaoyue walked to the window, muttering:

"Winter is almost here, why are you still climbing up high and drinking this cold wind..."

Between the lines, he almost said the word "pretentious".

However, when she looked out the window casually, she was stunned.

The spacious courtyard downstairs was not the chrysanthemum garden and maple forest she had imagined.

Qin Zhaoyue turned to look at her third sister with some doubt and blinked:

"Third sister, what are you doing?"