Extra 2 CP Stew
The most lively event in Bianjing City recently is the young cadres and fellow villagers' meeting.
Three years after the founding of the Hua Empire, the Empress's reluctance to marry had spread to younger officials, leading to young cadres, all over 20, not considering marriage. This trend of late marriage and late childbearing even spread to the general public.
For this reason, the reception desk at the entrance of the administrative building received the most letters urging the empress to set an example and put an end to this unhealthy trend as soon as possible.
At this time, Xu Zhenying was already twenty-two or twenty-three years old, but she had been urged to get married for five years. She was a modern person at heart, and naturally she had decided not to have children in this era, but she could not delay others. At least she had to build a good platform, and as for the rest, she could only take it as it came.
So she asked Empress Yuan Chun to help organize an exchange meeting for young cadres.
All unmarried cadres over the age of 18 in the city of Bianjing must participate.
Empress Yuan Chun was naturally excited to organize herself after receiving the order.
She went from being timid at the beginning to attending literacy classes, completing advanced courses, and even opening a technical school for girls.
Empress Yuan Chun has finally established herself in the city of Bianjing with her own name. Nowadays, when people mention this former empress, few people remember that she was once Zhou Zhong's wife. Instead, most people call her Principal Yuan.
Empress Yuan Chun was an enthusiastic person and naturally enjoyed organizing these activities.
Look, she actually pulled the older ladies in Bianjing City together and organized this grand blind date event. Oh, no, His Majesty said it should be called an exchange meeting.
Arranged marriages are no longer popular nowadays.
Talking about blind dates always seems old-fashioned.
Empress Yuan Chun had already decided on a lake somewhere in the city of Bianjing. The trail along the lake was several miles long, with rockery and covered bridges built in the middle. It was the warm spring time, and the flowers on both sides of the trail were in full bloom, and it was the time when grass was growing and birds were singing.
China has always advocated frugality, so Empress Yuan Chun did not dare to spend too much. She only made simple decorations, making some red silk, wooden signs, ceiling fans, etc. to show the liveliness of the decoration.
On this day, the place was crowded with people early in the morning.
Many ladies in Bianjing City knew about this event in advance and were eager to join in. They drove their carriages here early with the intention of watching the fun, and the place was quite crowded for a while.
However, the real owners have not shown up yet due to government affairs.
Those who arrived early naturally had to help Empress Yuan Chun receive them.
What's more, you can directly occupy the second floor of the Trail Tavern. From such a high vantage point, you can take in the entire lake view.
"There are so many people here today, all of them are well-known figures in Bianjing City. I just saw Director Song from the Human Resources Department!"
"Oh, you guys don't know yet, but Secretary Xu is coming today!"
"Your Majesty's cousin?" someone immediately interjected, then smiled. "Come to think of it, Secretary Xu is probably a few years older than Your Majesty. She must be around twenty-five or twenty-six this year, right? Well, it's only because the world is good now. In the past, a girl of twenty-five or twenty-six would have been kept at home for her entire life!"
"That's right. Your Majesty is already twenty-three this year, and there's still no choice for an Empress. I heard from my daughter that Elder Lin and Madam Xu have been putting pressure on the Empress for the past two years, and it's giving the Empress a headache."
The man asked curiously: "Your daughter is..."
A woman in a cyan dress nearby smiled and explained, "Her daughter is currently training in the logistics department. Perhaps you don't know this, but three years ago, in the Bianjing City Clerk Examination, her daughter was the top scorer!"
The woman looked modest, but the smile she couldn't suppress at the corners of her lips seemed a bit proud. "Hey, my wife won't let me say this outside!"
"Oh, my dear sister, your daughter is so capable. You said we've known each other for a year or two, but why didn't you tell me? What? Are you afraid that I'll ask your daughter to do something for you? Don't worry, I'm not that kind of person!"
The woman blushed with embarrassment and quickly explained, "No, no, what are you talking about? It's just that your son is very capable and he doesn't dare to show off in front of his sisters."
"My son is a director in the Ministry of Supervision, and I haven't mentioned him in years. He's nothing compared to your daughter becoming the top scholar!"
"All right, all right, ladies! We're here to see these young people go on a blind date!"
"Oh, come on, I'm still very interested in what Madam Gangshi said."
"Which one?"
"That is, your Majesty's marriage..."
These ladies were either wives of new noble families, or old noble families who had survived the city because of their good reputation when it was broken three years ago. These people had no connection with each other before, but they became close in recent years because of various reasons.
Furthermore, the empress disliked the notion of hierarchy and advocated for the integration of all classes, identities, and nationalities. Otherwise, in the past, these upstarts wouldn't even have had the chance to share the stage with these aristocratic families. Especially since, like now, everyone was happily sitting together, eating melon seeds and watching the show.
They even talked about the empress's gossip and secrets.
The Empress's marriage is a top priority!
And choose the emperor——
The woman whose daughter had won the imperial examination had a reserved expression. After everyone had gathered their heads, she lowered her voice and said, "I overheard that there was quite a commotion last year. Elder Lin, along with some of the elder officials, would often kneel outside the Baohua Palace, pressuring His Majesty to agree to the open selection of the Emperor's husband. They also said that if His Majesty didn't agree, they wouldn't get up."
Someone gasped, "This Old Lin... Well, it's not his fault. After all, the issue of the royal succession is of great importance. Throughout history, countless dynasties have been destabilized by disputes over the royal succession. Old Lin is also doing this for His Majesty..."
Some people clearly disagreed. "Our Majesty... his temperament, mind, and methods are all extraordinary. He's not someone who can be manipulated by anyone... I think the forced marriage is a mystery. Didn't you see that Madam Xu hasn't said anything in all these years?"
Although these ladies had never left their homes due to their age, the Chinese society was more open than ever before. Therefore, even though they were not familiar with government affairs, they could still gain a keener understanding of court affairs through reading newspapers, gossip, and visiting households.
"Isn't that exactly the case? Old Lin's tactics might have worked against the previous emperor, but against our empress... they're far from enough. As my daughter would say... Old Lin is using moral blackmail!"
"Then how will Your Majesty respond?"
The woman smiled inscrutablely. Seeing everyone's gaze on her, she felt proud and ashamed. "Your Majesty actually said that Old Lin was lazy and dull!"
The people around were shocked.
Even the wife of Duke Pei, who was usually not close to them and was high and mighty, frowned nervously.
"How is Mr. Lin so stupid?"
"Why is Mr. Lin so lazy?"
People kept speaking up for Mr. Lin.
"Your Majesty said that Elder Lin, unable to think of any other solution, resorted to threatening others with his own body and hair, but was unwilling to put in the effort to resolve the matter. This is laziness. As for stupidity, it probably means that Elder Lin has run out of ideas. He always resorts to these same tactics, only knowing how to pressure his superiors without being able to help them solve their problems. This is stupidity. Elder Lin was so angry that he was bedridden for a month..."
"No wonder I heard that Elder Lin was ill some time ago. It turned out to be because of this!"
The women chattered and expressed their opinions.
Anyway, China has an open-minded culture and allows the people to discuss matters. Even women from the countryside dare to go to the administrative hall and express their opinions in front of the Queen.
These people didn't say anything excessive in private, so what crime have they committed?
"Well, Madam Xu hasn't even spoken yet. Although Mr. Lin is loyal, it wouldn't be worth it to annoy His Majesty!"
"If you ask me, our Majesty is not an ordinary person. Her mind is more comprehensive than ours. Perhaps she has already decided who will inherit the throne! Or perhaps... Her Majesty wants to follow the example of Yao and Shun and abdicate the throne?"
These words immediately opened everyone's minds.
Learn from Yao and Shun to abdicate?
That shouldn't be possible, right?
Throughout history, people have fought tooth and nail for the throne, but no one has ever given up this vast territory.
Especially a rare and romantic figure like Her Majesty the Queen, who only appears once in a thousand years.
To be honest, although these old ministers did not like the constraints Xu Zhenying had imposed on them since she came to power, and even the slave tax, the tycoon tax, and the official assessment forced them to sacrifice their own cars to save their own cars, and they had finally managed to retain these wealth and status, they naturally complained about the empress's iron-blooded tactics in private.
However, in recent years, the city of Bianjing has undergone tremendous changes, with new and smooth cement roads, gradually prosperous business, the rise of women's colleges and technical schools, and even slaves who were released from their homes and passed the civil service exams to return to their families. These subtle changes have also made them aware of this new, free and fair atmosphere.
Although they had complaints about the empress, they also had to admire her.
Therefore, when it comes to the empress's abdication, many people even become nervous.
The city of Bianjing had finally enjoyed peace and stability for a few years, and they were still hoping that the empress would remain in power for a long time so that she could push the country into a true era of prosperity.
Who doesn’t want their descendants to live in a peaceful era?
A highly respected old lady warned, "Don't talk nonsense. It's fine to talk about news and family matters, but even if the atmosphere is open, this involves matters concerning the throne. You and I should still be cautious."
The other women also realized that this topic was a bit sensitive, so they just kept silent.
"Is that Director Xu?" A woman pointed in the distance, and a man about twenty-five or twenty-six appeared at the entrance of the trail. He was wearing a white robe, but his hair was not tied up. He had the short hair style of Jinzhou Prefecture. At first, people in Bianjing City couldn't stand such a short hair style, but after seeing it for a long time, they felt that this short hair style made both men and women look refreshing.
"It's him, it's him, he's here too?" a woman asked in surprise.
As your majesty's brother, although Xu Huiming did not hold a high official position, he became the most popular figure in Bianjing City as soon as he arrived in Beijing because he was young and self-disciplined, and he was a student of the Zhou Dynasty.
Especially the old families who hope to marry into the upstarts.
These old ministers who came to convey the intention of marriage could be said to have broken down the door of the Xu family.
Some old ministers even wrote directly to Xu Zhenying, hoping that Xu Zhenying would grant them the marriage, but Xu Zhenying ignored them.
Unfortunately, whether it was the Empress's intention or Xu Huiming's personal intention, after these years, Xu Huiming's marriage still has not been settled.
However, after seeing Her Majesty's actions, everyone gradually came to their senses. Apart from occasionally accepting invitations from ministers to officiate at weddings, Her Majesty never arranged marriages for anyone, nor did she participate in the marriages of her ministers' children.
In other words, Your Majesty never plays matchmaker.
In this case, Xu Huiming is now so old, but still refuses to get married. It is probably his own personal choice.
"Alas, what a pity! Such a promising and handsome young man has yet to get married. If I were Madam Xu, I'd probably be worried until my hair turns gray."
A woman laughed and jokingly said, "Isn't that right? Your Majesty has only one brother and one sister. The youngest sister is already sixteen and is studying abroad, traveling all over the country. I'm afraid she won't get married for at least five years. This eldest son Xu is also twenty-five or twenty-six, and he's also lonely. The last time Madam Xu attended our Women's Promotion Association, she was still complaining, saying that among the four branches of the Xu family, Your Majesty's family has no grandchildren, let alone marriages for their children. She is also very anxious-"
The person who said this was General Bai's wife, so she was naturally well-informed.
"Hey, I heard that Director Xu seems to have someone in his heart, but the girl refuses to agree, so he's been delaying the marriage."
"Someone in your heart? Who?"
"That's not clear. How can we talk about this kind of thing?"
The woman's information was half hidden and half revealed, which made people feel itchy, but some sharp-eyed women guessed it quickly.
Speaking of which, who is Young Master Xu closest to?
In terms of government affairs, it is naturally Minister Feng'er.
However, it can be guessed that they were all family members of very high-level officials, so they were naturally very reserved and just smiled without saying anything.
Xu Huiming was waiting for Minister Feng'er, and the old members of the Xu family's government team could see it.
Some people even tried to persuade Feng'er indirectly in private.
However, Feng'er's words, "As long as Your Majesty doesn't get married, I won't get married either," left everyone speechless.
"Minister Feng'er is here too!" a woman shouted.
Sure enough, a thin woman walked in from the archway entrance. She was wearing a dark long dress and trousers, and her hair was tied up in a bun at the back of her head. This hairstyle was popularized by Her Majesty the Queen. It is called "Bun", which is quite appropriate. Recently, many women have this hairstyle, which is clean, refreshing and easy to manage.
"Today's exchange meeting is interesting. Everyone is wearing masks. They can't recognize faces, so are they just relying on voices? This blind date... a blind date, you have to see each other in person."
A woman laughed and said, "Sister Liao, your idea is outdated. Judging by their appearance, they are all acquaintances and have had contact in government affairs, so it would be difficult to take action. But with masks, no one will know each other, and we can just treat it as a new acquaintance, which will avoid the awkwardness of familiarity. I heard that this was His Majesty's idea."
When they heard that it was Xu Zhenying's idea, the women naturally didn't dare to say anything and started praising him.
"That's right. I just took a walk around the trail. Principal Yuan arranged a lot of games today, both literary and martial arts, and even some level-breaking games. After going around in circles, I can get a good idea of the other person's personality."
"After all, do you want to guess whether His Majesty will come today?"
"I don't know if His Majesty will come, but seeing that all these powerful people from the Xu family have appeared, I'm afraid the Xu family's wives... and the Grand Empress Dowager... will show up."
Someone immediately corrected her, "Madam Ru, we don't have any Grand Empress Dowager in China! Since His Majesty ascended the throne, he has never bestowed titles upon any royal relatives. We can only call that person Old Madam Xu!"
"Yes, yes, it was my slip of the tongue. Please forgive me, sister." The woman also knew how serious it was, so she just laughed it off and got away with it.
Of course, the people present would not hold on to the other person's faults.
Even though Xu Zhenying never conferred titles on his family members, it did not prevent them from privately calling Xu Degui "the Supreme Emperor", Miao "the Empress Dowager", and Huang "the Grand Empress Dowager".
The women also didn't understand why Xu Zhenying insisted on his own way and refused to confer titles on anyone in the Xu family. This had been the case throughout the dynasties, so why did Her Majesty have to be different?
Aren’t you afraid that the Xu family will turn against you?
Not to mention the turmoil that occurred between Her Majesty the Queen and her ministers over the issue of "additional titles" when she ascended the throne.
Fortunately, the Xu family members were sensible and wrote letters to express that they did not want the titles. They also formed a united front and stood on the side of Her Majesty the Queen. Only then was the uproar over the coronation and enthronement ceremony barely settled.
However, this also shows Xu Zhenying's iron-blooded tactics.
Despite the wealth and glory that was right before their eyes, no one in the Xu family dared to ask for it. This showed that Xu Zhenying usually had strict control over his family members, and also showed that the other members of the Xu family were afraid of Xu Zhenying.
The women were watching the show on the second floor not far away, while the parties involved had already entered the hanging flower archway one after another.
As soon as Feng'er entered the door, a staff member gave her a bracelet with a number and a mask.
"Miss, today is the youth cadre exchange meeting. Principal Yuan specially asked us to prepare masks and number plates."
Feng'er still found it a little strange, and for a moment, the resentment in her heart about Xu Zhenying rushing to come for a blind date dissipated a lot.
Okay, okay, His Majesty is no exception anyway. He was forced by Madam Xu to attend the exchange meeting. So, as a subordinate, it seems that there is nothing unacceptable for her to accompany her superiors in suffering.
But no one knows each other when wearing masks, so how can they communicate during blind dates?
I don’t know what arrangements Principal Yuan made.
After putting on the mask, Feng'er slowly walked into the entrance of the trail to Neihu. Soon, dozens of young cadres came one after another.
Even though they were wearing masks, Feng'er still recognized some of the people she had known for almost ten years, such as Xu Yinxi, Qian Zhenniang, and Fang Ningmo.
Feng'er could recognize these people just by looking at their backs.
Perhaps he was dragged here by His Majesty to suffer together?
But it was still fun to see her friends being urged to get married. Fortunately, Feng'er had no parents, so she didn't have the "fun" of being urged to get married.
Soon, several familiar girls met each other.
Feng'er looked at Xu Yinxi with a smile and said, "Why is Madam Lian so anxious? I remember Xu Lezhi gave birth to a son some time ago, and she was so proud of it. It's as if giving birth to a son makes her superior. Madam Lian is already enjoying her grandchildren, why is she rushing you?"
Xu Yinxi smiled bitterly. "It's because Xu Lezhi became so arrogant after giving birth to a son that even my mother couldn't stand it, and the two of us became estranged. Now my mother is concentrating on her government affairs. If I send money to her on time every month, maybe she will get a good result. She is now very successful and has a smooth career. Her only regret is that I didn't get married."
Qian Zhenniang spread her hands and said, "I was simply dragged here by force by His Majesty. His Majesty said that we should share happiness and hardships together—"
Xu Yinxi tilted her head and smiled, "Zhen Niang was an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire. Grandmother had driven her here! Grandmother said that we old heroes are all in our twenties and should have gotten married long ago! She had several sons by her age, so she was the most enthusiastic about this exchange meeting and wanted to tie us all up."
Fang Ningmo said, "My elder sister got married a while ago, and now my mother is only focused on me. She even said that her mission will be completed after I get married. I don't know who gave her this mission."
Feng Er laughed out loud: "Sure enough, urging marriage is only fun when you watch others do it."
"Oh, really?" Xu Yinxi raised an eyebrow. "I've heard rumors that my cousin is deeply in love with you and has been delaying the marriage just to wait for you. Even Third Aunt asked me to inquire about it, both openly and secretly. Why don't you agree? If you agree, she will definitely make everything perfect and let you marry into the Xu family easily."
Fang Ningmo also laughed: "Speaking of which, Young Master Xu is truly a talented young man, with a great temper and good looks, and he's also completely devoted to you. Why, Feng'er, do you still look down on him?"
Feng Er said seriously, "How could it be my turn to look down on others?"
"Then why are you still..."
Feng Er waved her hand, seemingly unwilling to say more. "Mr. Xu is a young and talented man, but that doesn't mean I have to agree just because he's well-off. Marriage is a matter of mutual consent."
Several girls seemed to be lost in thought.
It sounds like Feng'er has no interest in Xu Huiming.
Xu Yinxi pondered whether to reply to Miao in this way, so that both Miao and her cousin would give up.
Xu Yinxi couldn't persuade him any further, so she smiled and said, "It's rare to have such a gathering today, so you should enjoy it. Who knows, maybe you'll find something you like here."
But Xu Yinxi couldn't help sighing in her heart.
It was obvious that Third Uncle and Third Aunt were all looking forward to Feng'er marrying into the Xu family, but unfortunately, the flower was willing but the water was not ruthless. Feng'er and Xu Huiming were really not destined to be together.
Soon, the sound of drumming came from the side, and the exchange activity officially began.
Feng'er looked around but didn't see Xu Zhenying.
She was thinking in her heart: Could it be that His Majesty tricked these resentful people into coming to accompany him while he himself went into hiding?
This seems like something Your Majesty would do.
After all, since the founding of China, the world has been peaceful and prosperous, and development has been booming. It is inevitable that Your Majesty has developed the idea of slacking off and often behaves childishly.
Meanwhile, Principal Yuan was already organizing the meeting in an orderly manner: "All the ladies, please take seats according to the numbers on the garlands on your wrists. The gentlemen, please take seats one by one. You will sit face to face for about five minutes, and then you can move on to the next seat. We will also have games like boat trips and pitching pots. If you see someone you like, please give the flowers to the ladies, and the ladies can give the garlands to the gentlemen."
A grand blind date event began like this.
Feng'er was not interested in these activities, so as soon as she sat down, she looked around for Xu Zhenying. However, she didn't find Xu Zhenying, but the voice of the man opposite her startled her.
The person opposite said with a smile: "Since you have no intention of going on a blind date, why bother coming out?"
It was Xu Huiming!
What you fear will come true.
And Empress Yuan Chun, who was not far away, actually gave Feng'er a wink.
Feng'er was speechless and choked with emotion.
God knows that she has been trying her best to avoid Xu Huiming in the past few years. I don’t know what’s wrong with Dean Pian Yuan, but he actually wants to help her to get married?
Why are there so many people in this world who match people up randomly?
No wonder His Majesty never grants marriages to others. If he chooses the wrong match, it will really destroy two families.
But since we're here, we might as well make the best of it. When they met, Feng'er could only greet him openly: "Master Xu."
Xu Huiming stared at her and smiled, as if teasing her, "I remember you used to call me by my first name."
"That was a necessary measure I took to protect my identity when I was working for His Majesty. I hope Master Xu will forgive me."
Two people wearing masks sat facing each other.
The same goes for everyone else. Everyone's five minutes have not yet arrived, so Feng'er cannot change seats on her own.
She felt a little uneasy and pulled out her pocket watch to check the time.
After saying so much, only a minute or so passed?
Seeing this, Xu Huiming asked, "You really don't want to be alone with me?"
Feng Er smiled, "That's not the case. It's just that the eldest master is overthinking it."
Xu Huiming seemed a little aggressive, "Then why do you keep avoiding me?"
"That's not the case either."
Faced with Feng'er's perfunctory response, Xu Huiming seemed a little angry, "Feng'er!"
Feng'er was still nonchalant, and subconsciously took out her pocket watch to check the time, obviously wanting time to slip away quickly.
Unfortunately, the pocket watch was grabbed by a big hand.
Looking up, meeting Xu Huiming's eyes, Feng'er's casual smile gradually faded. Then, somewhat helplessly, she said, "Master Xu, what exactly are you going to do? I've said everything I need to say between you and me. What do you want?"
Xu Huiming also sighed, "As smart as you are, how could you not know that I have been waiting for you. Feng'er, don't pretend to be ignorant when you know the truth."
Feng'er moved her hand away again, glanced at the time, and then closed the pocket watch.
The woman's eyebrows and eyes were calm, no longer timid as when they first met, and there was a sense of vigor and vitality between her eyebrows.
She had already soared to the top and was no longer the slave who had to follow the exile team cautiously and try to please others.
"Master Xu, I've never feigned ignorance. I made my feelings clear long ago. I won't be with you. It's you who's been deceiving yourself and refusing to give up, even using the Xu family to pressure me. With no other choice, I can only choose to avoid you."
Xu Huiming grabbed Feng'er's hand and said, "I don't believe it."
"Don't believe what?"
"I don't believe you have no feelings for me at all. Feng'er, your eyes can't deceive anyone. You say I'm deceiving myself, but who is deceiving myself between you and me?"
Feng'er sighed, a hint of sadness in her eyes. She pursed her lips slightly, then slowly said, "Okay, I admit, I like you a little. Mr. Xu is a clean and honest man, a young man of talent, and we have been together for many years. It is natural for us to have feelings for each other."
Xu Huiming's eyes suddenly lit up.
"But... love is so illusory. To me, love is just the icing on the cake. In this life... I won't be bound by the word love. I have a wider world and unfinished business, and these are a thousand times more important than being with you."
"I don't understand!" Xu Huiming was a little excited. In the spring season, willow catkins floated and landed on his head, which seemed like a dream.
The young boy of the past has become a mature and stern man.
"Why... being with me will hinder your career! I said, I won't restrict you in any way! Do whatever you want. After we get married, I will never hold you to worldly standards, nor will I put any pressure on you to have children—"
Feng'er smiled gracefully. She pulled away Xu Huiming's hand, her expression calm, even a little cold. "No. I like Master Xu, but I like my free and easy life even more. It's good now, and I don't want to change it. Master Xu's affection, I will eventually let him down. Don't wait for me. In this life... I won't look back. Master Xu, if you truly like me, then you will be happy with my decision."
Xu Huiming's heart seemed to be hit hard in an instant.
He looked at the indifferent eyes of the man in front of him and felt that the past ten years had been like a dream.
Maybe... he will never be able to understand Feng'er's decision in his life.
But he knew that the person in front of him was the free wind, the birds in the forest, and the stream in the mountains, not something he could hold in his hands.
After all, I can't keep her.
As expected of someone brought up by Xu Zhenying himself, he is warm and cold, calm and cruel, has love for the world but is ruthless to individuals.
"Master Xu, you still have a long life ahead of you. There are many outstanding girls here, and you don't have to be with me. You can still live your life with someone else. That's all I have to say. Please don't bother me anymore, and don't wait for me."
Feng'er said these words with a sense of relief, then suppressed the pain in her heart and turned her eyes away.
Forget it, forget it. Love is like a fleeting cloud, the most unreliable thing in the world. Especially for a girl, everything may seem perfect now, you and I are in love today, but what about tomorrow? Who can guarantee that they will remain faithful to each other for a lifetime? Even Feng'er can't do it, let alone others?
No matter how you look at it, there's a high probability that marriage will be a loss for her.
Now is the best time. Instead of worrying about getting married, it would be more enjoyable to follow His Majesty and have a good time, and make a name for yourself in history!
Her goal is the sea of stars, not love between men and women.
Time's up.
Feng'er stood up without hesitation.
A light breeze blew.
Xu Huiming's face was obviously pale, as if he had just woken up from a dream, leaving only a desolate scene.
Soon, everyone moved in an orderly manner to the next person to communicate.
The activity is still going on.
Qian Zhenniang had official business to attend to, so she left hastily after only the first half of the game. However, before leaving, she made an appointment with another man.
Unexpectedly, when he reached the archway with hanging flowers, he was blocked by someone.
Although this man was wearing a mask, it was not difficult to tell from his figure that he was a military general. He stood at the door with his hands behind his back, his eyes firm, as if waiting for her.
Qian Zhenniang looked at the familiar figure and asked tentatively, "General Xu?"
The man took off the mask, and underneath the mask was Xu Huijia's appearance.
He looks much more stable than before. The experience on the battlefield has made him grow rapidly, and now he looks like a hero on the battlefield.
Qian Zhenniang laughed: "Why didn't you attend the event?"
"It doesn't mean anything." Xu Huijia's eyes darkened when she saw that the bracelet on her hand had been taken off, because this meant that Qian Zhenniang had found someone she liked at least in the first round.
Xu Huijia's tone was unclear, whether it was disappointment or mockery. "Aren't you going to do the same as Feng'er? Wait until His Majesty is married before getting married?"
Qian Zhenniang shook her head. "Feng'er and His Majesty both have unconventional ideas, but I'm a very worldly person. I want both a career and marriage. Besides, His Majesty once said that women's rights don't require sacrificing anyone. Women's rights are... accepting the differences of every woman and allowing each woman to make different choices. That's why Feng'er chose to remain single, but I want to choose someone to spend my life with."
Xu Huijia was somewhat moved. After a moment's pause, she said sarcastically, "Do you think the No. 26 you chose will be able to spend the rest of your life with you? You don't even know what he looks like..."
Qian Zhenniang was stunned for a moment before she realized that the pair of eyes that had been staring at her from behind during the conversation were actually Xu Huijia!
She suppressed her displeasure, but maintained a smile on her face. "It's precisely because we can't see each other's appearance that we can more clearly discern each other's temperament. Appearance is merely a superficial thing; what's more important is that two people have similar personalities."
Xu Huijia stared at her.
He remained silent for a long while.
Qian Zhenniang felt something was strange and naturally didn't want to stay with Xu Huijia for another second. She bowed and was about to leave, but was grabbed by the man.
"Qian Zhenniang, will you never forgive me for the idiotic things I did back then?"
Qian Zhenniang was slightly stunned, then smiled: "General Xu, I have long forgotten those things in the past."
So, she just didn't like him.
If he missed it, he missed it.
No regrets in making a move.
From now on, I have no heart to enjoy the beautiful night, and let the bright moon go down to the west building.
After all these years, it’s time to let go.
Xu Huijia slowly let go of her hand and said in a deep voice, "That man is Lu Shiwen, currently serving as a director. His parents died young, and he has only one younger brother, who has passed the civil service exam. Although his family is poor, he has no burdens, and he has good character and is expected to be promoted. He is suitable for you... barely..."
Qian Zhenniang didn't ask Xu Huijia why she was so familiar with this person. Her mind was a little confused, but she stopped herself from thinking too much and just said lightly, "Thank you."
Xu Huijia also smiled calmly, "Take good care of yourself."
"I will."
The two passed each other and went their separate ways.
The willow catkins are flying, but the figure is no longer visible.
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