"As far as I know, after the Marquis of Zhongyong's mansion was abandoned, General Huo's descendants abandoned military affairs for civil service. Although members of the Huo family also took up positions, those were positions that other noble families would not consider."
As Jiang Shuyue recounted her story, Xiao Jingzhao's expression grew solemn.
As dynasties changed, the once-powerful nobles were overshadowed by the new elites, and the younger generation abandoned military affairs for civil service. It sounds easy, but it was actually very difficult.
The principle is to offer you good advice, whether you take it or not.
Jiang Shuyue continued, "The court began to decline from the time of Song Rui's father. The reason was not that Emperor Renzong was so good that his successors could not surpass him, but that there were too many sycophants praising him. Hearing too much of them inevitably made people feel smug."
The clever Xiao Jingzhao could easily understand the hidden meaning in Jiang Shuyue's words.
He picked up his teacup, took a sip, put it down, and said calmly, "The imperial court is like a battlefield, full of deception and treachery. Only hard work can bring prosperity to the nation."
"His Majesty is a wise man, which is a blessing for all the people. Most of the sycophants in the court are smooth talkers who do nothing, unlike soldiers on the battlefield who must fight and win to escape unscathed."
Jiang Shuyue started by showering him with compliments.
"I will do my best to lay a good foundation for Sui Sui. I left the palace today to see Sui Sui. It's getting late, so I'll take my leave!" Xiao Jingzhao said, giving Jiang Shuyue a deep look.
Xiao Jingzhao and Jiang Shuyue started talking as before, and soon they were chatting intimately, without any airs of a monarch.
Upon hearing the words "farewell," Nangong Zeyue felt the air in the room become fresher.
"Respectfully seeing off His Majesty!"
"Respectfully seeing off His Majesty."
Neither of them tried to stop them; they both stood up and bowed.
"Sui Sui is probably going to sleep soon. Tell him that Dad will play with him properly another day." Xiao Jingzhao walked to the door, turned around, and looked at Nangong Zeyue.
Nangong Zeyue: "..."
Jiang Shuyue saw Gao Mu and Cang Yun under the big tree outside the flower hall and called out, "Gao Mu, see the guests out."
"Don't be so polite, young lady. We climbed over the wall to get in," Xiangyang said with a grin.
Jiang Shuyue stood quietly outside the flower hall, watching the departing figures of the group, pondering Xiao Jingzhao's words from earlier.
He laid the foundation for each year; what did that mean?
His coronation ceremony hasn't even been held yet, does that mean he's already decided to pass the throne to Sui Sui?
"If you really don't go to the palace, he promised you the Jiaofang Palace."
A voice as warm as a spring breeze sounded from behind.
Jiang Shuyue snapped out of her thoughts, turned around, and glared at Nangong Zeyue. "So what if it's the Jiaofang Palace? Doesn't it still mean sharing a husband with a bunch of women?"
Nangong Zeyue smiled slyly with her fox-like eyes, "That's right, the Emperor only has one heart. Even if he manages to treat all women equally, it's impossible for him to give his heart to every woman. Favoritism is inevitable."
Jiang Shuyue understood, of course, that Nangong Zeyue was telling the truth.
She pursed her lips and said, "Whoever wants to live in the Jiaofang Palace can go ahead and live there, and have endless fun vying for favor with his three palaces and six courtyards. I'm not going to do such a boring thing."
Seeing Jiang Shuyue's decisive refusal, Nangong Zeyue was overjoyed.
Changing the subject, she said, "Shuyue, you are beautiful and talented, kind-hearted, just like Aunt Qiuju said. In the future, you should find a good husband to marry into your family and live a life of monogamy. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"
"That's right, I wouldn't do something so stupid as to fight a bunch of women for one man."
Flattery works everywhere.
Seeing Jiang Shuyue's resolute attitude, Nangong Zeyue smiled with sparkling eyes.
Jiang Shuyue gave Nangong Zeyue a thumbs up in her heart.
As the saying goes, gold is easy to come by, but a true friend is hard to find.
In this era, it was common for men to have multiple wives and concubines.
Her own thoughts were considered unorthodox here, yet Nangong Zeyue shared the same understanding, which was truly remarkable.
Jiang Shuyue sat back down on the futon.
At this moment, Qiuju returned and replaced the cold tea.
She poured two cups of hot tea and placed them in front of the two women. "Miss, the Emperor did indeed climb over the wall to get in. I saw Gao Mu see them out of the courtyard, and the three of them walked towards the wall. In the blink of an eye, they disappeared from sight."
"Has Sui Sui returned to Shaohua Courtyard?" Jiang Shuyue asked, seeing that Qiu Ju had returned so quickly.
"Yes, Young Master Sui Sui won't let me watch him bathe, so I called a servant to help him bathe."
Jiang Shuyue knew the little guy was stubborn; now he wouldn't let her watch him pee.
"Tomorrow, instruct people to prepare Shumoxuan, and to prepare all the daily necessities and bedding."
"I want brand new ones."
Qiu Ju was genuinely happy to learn that Su Jin and Su Nan would be arriving in the capital soon.
Qiuju also misses the days in Yunling Village. Su Nan was lively and sweet-talking, and there was always laughter wherever he was.
Nangong Zeyue was worried about having someone else bathe Sui Sui, so she put down her teacup and said to Jiang Shuyue, "You should rest early. We can talk about it tomorrow."
"Wait, the shopkeeper is in charge of things at the shop. Go to Huanhua Street tomorrow and see if there are any letters from Shuisheng."
Nangong Zeyue calculated the days and nodded, saying, "It should be almost time."
He has a photographic memory, and although his handwriting isn't beautiful now, it's still neat.
Having heard Nangong Zeyue mention that the temperature at Black Dragon Pool was even colder than in the capital, Jiang Shuyue bought soft, thick cotton clothes and shoes to send to Shuisheng. She also included a handwritten letter with Suisui, and now the little one is eagerly awaiting Shuisheng's reply every day.
Outside the Jiang residence.
The three of them leaped onto the wall, and a soft breathing sound reached Xiao Jingzhao's ears.
Xiangyang and Xiangsong jumped down from the wall and saw their master lingering for a moment.
Years of tacit understanding made the two wary.
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