Lin Xiangzhi shrugged. "In all honesty, I truly hope that Your Majesty and Miss Jiang can be together."
He paused for a moment and then said, "I'm telling the truth."
"However, I have read many travelogues. After I have eaten my fill, I will discuss with Your Majesty how to win the heart of a young lady."
...
Within an hour of the notice being posted, the news spread like wildfire throughout the capital.
"People born in the Jiazi year, and whose destiny includes water, oh my! Not to mention the yin month, yin day, and yin hour, it's hard to find people who meet the first two conditions."
“The Wanling Almanac shows a Jiazi year every four years. I think even fewer people will meet the requirements after that. Isn’t Master Huiyuan making things difficult for people? My daughter will be of marriageable age next year and could have participated in the talent show. But with these restrictions, there’s no hope for her.”
A woman said with a face full of regret.
"Master Huiyuan is a spiritual being; do you dare question his words?"
The woman's words drew a barrage of criticism from the crowd.
Master Huiyuan was like a god in everyone's hearts. When she saw everyone looking at her with hostility, the woman realized that she had made a slip of the tongue.
He hurriedly apologized: "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to criticize Master Huiyuan, I spoke without thinking."
Preparations began from the moment the new emperor ascended the throne. Anyone would feel disappointed if their well-trained daughter couldn't enter the palace.
"Hmph! What nonsense about speaking recklessly! It's nothing but being blinded by wealth and power, and indulging in wishful thinking."
"Your Majesty possesses the bearing of a dragon and the grace of a phoenix; those of mere willow physique should refrain from joining the fray."
"In this world, even toads want to eat swan meat; they're overestimating themselves."
Amidst the jeers of the crowd, the woman blushed and turned to disappear into the throng.
Looking around the streets, groups of people gathered together, discussing the matter, all saying that the Empress was hard to find this time.
...
As Jiang Zhengming stepped out of the courtyard, he heard several women gathered at the alley entrance, discussing something.
The Year of Jiazi...
He stopped and listened to the women's chatter, his heels feeling like lead, so stiff he couldn't move.
Heavens, isn't that birth chart exactly that of that wretched girl?
The midwife said that the woman's birth chart was too yin, and she should not walk at night because she was prone to getting involved with unclean things. She also said that she would be difficult to raise.
Unexpectedly, her birth chart was the most compatible with the Emperor's.
No, he had to go see her; it would be a way to revive his career.
Seeing Jiang Zhengming turn to walk back, the coachman quickly reminded him, "Sir, we'll be late if we don't hurry."
"It's alright, wait here, I'll change my clothes and then come out."
What does it matter if he's a day late? He's going to find this incredible wealth.
"Sir, this is great news! Excellent news!"
Jiang Zhengming had just entered the house when Yang followed him in.
"Didn't you send Zhao Wu to the Su family? What good is it for a prestigious family like yours to sell barbecue?" Jiang Zhengming said angrily.
The son-in-law wanted to be a small merchant and even instigated his daughter to go home and ask for servants. Among his colleagues, no other son-in-law was so disgraceful.
"My lord, I know you are not feeling well. My daughter and her husband are loving and their lives will get better and better. Today, a notice was posted in the palace, and I suddenly remembered that there is a person whose birth chart matches that."
"I know you're talking about that wretched girl. I was just thinking of changing into some casual clothes to go to the Jiang residence. Don't just stand there, come and help me."
Jiang Zhengming untied his waistband, and Yang reached out to help him undress.
"Your Majesty is wise indeed. After all, we are blood relatives. So much time has passed, Yue'er's anger should have subsided by now. Congratulations, Your Majesty, you will be the Emperor's father-in-law from now on."
Yang was overjoyed, her face beaming with a fawning smile, completely forgetting the unpleasantness of the previous night.
Yesterday, Madam Zheng had her maid Chunxiang's face surgically altered and sent her to the master's room.
Last night, Madam Yang was so angry that she tossed and turned and couldn't sleep. While everyone was asleep, she got up countless times throughout the night and saw that the light in the master's room was on until dawn.
Chunxiang is beautiful and pretty, only seventeen years old, the age of a flower. She should have found a servant to marry, but unfortunately there is no suitable servant in the mansion.
Zheng noticed that Jiang Zhengming stayed at Yang's courtyard every few days.
The old woman living next door to Yang said that Yang was too flirtatious and seriously affected their sleep.
Zheng decisively sent Chunxiang to Jiang Zhengming's bed.
As expected, Jiang Zhengming was overjoyed after accepting the gift and praised Zheng for being virtuous and understanding. He said she looked radiant today, as if she had become several years younger, and the gloom after her demotion had been swept away.
Through the thin nightgown, several finger marks could be seen on Jiang Zhengming's back, and Yang was so angry that she gritted her teeth.
She couldn't help but say aggrievedly, "Master, Chunxiang is young and doesn't know any better. It's better to be more restrained in her sexual activities."
Jiang Zhengming snatched the robe from Yang's hand and said unhappily, "Xiang'er only served me for one night, and you're already jealous. Where did your former virtuousness and generosity go?"
"No, sir, I'm just worried about your health." Madam Yang's eyes reddened, and she looked extremely aggrieved.
Jiang Zhengming looked up and saw that Yang's eyes were brimming with tears, on the verge of falling.
His heart softened. "Don't you know whether I'm healthy or not? Xiang'er is well-behaved and sensible. She hasn't matured yet and isn't a lustful person. You're overthinking it."
How could Yang dare to say that the incense in her room had an aphrodisiac effect? She could only nod, and a line of tears rolled down her cheeks.
Chunxiang is oblivious now, but what about in a month or two? Sooner or later she'll get a taste for it, and what will she have to compete with a young girl in the prime of her life for his affections?
"My lord, would you like me to accompany you to Yue'er's residence?"
An unprecedented sense of crisis welled up in Yang's heart.
Jiang Zhengming looked up and glanced at the person in front of him. She was middle-aged, but still had a charming appearance. Her delicate expression was quite different from her age.
The crow's feet at the corners of her eyes were very noticeable, and her face was covered with thick makeup, making her look like a world apart from Chun'er's delicate and flawless skin.
Jiang Zhengming frowned slightly and quickly looked away. "You've done many things wrong in the past. Yue'er doesn't want to see you, so I can go by myself."
He couldn't bear the embarrassment of taking his concubine out, but he might consider it if he took Chun'er with him.
Jiang Mansion.
Qiuju arrived at Xingyue Courtyard early to help her with her washing and grooming.
Jiang Shuyue planned to go to the Su residence after breakfast.
Jiang Shuyue looked at Qiu Ju's rosy face and said, "You have a husband now, so don't come so early in the morning anymore. Lan'er will bring you breakfast, and you can wash up by yourself."
Qiuju blushed even more; she understood the meaning behind her young lady's words.
The young lady was concerned for her, as they were newlyweds, deeply in love, and she had worked hard at night; she wanted her to get some more sleep and recharge.
“Gao Mu got up early to practice his skills. I’m used to getting up early.” Qiu Ju picked up a comb and styled Jiang Shuyue’s hair.
Jiang Shuyue looked at Qiuju behind her in the mirror and felt shy. She changed the subject and said, "We'll go to the Su residence in a little while. Ajin can go to the yamen to submit the complaint tomorrow."
"Miss, if Lord Su is exonerated, will the Emperor summon him back to the capital?"
"As long as Ajin and Anan are not criticized in the future, it doesn't matter whether they come back or not. Yannan has a mild climate and is a good place to retire."
As the mistress and servant were talking, Mei came running in, panting.
"Miss, something terrible has happened!"
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