Chapter 54 Exclusive 35 We are all your slaves...
Chen Jinshi was also invited to the Yang family's birthday banquet.
He and Shen Ying went together as a family.
Ranked seventh in the second class, it is not surprising that Chen Jinshi appears here, whether he is being recruited as a future pillar of the court or they really want to take him as a son-in-law.
On the other hand, Zhou Lin, who had not received the invitation, was ranked third. His eyes turned red when he saw it. He secretly stamped his feet and sighed that Chen Er was so lucky that he could get to know Xie Qingyue through the relationship of General Chen and then get close to the Yang family.
The Chen family may seem ordinary, but in fact, all the achievements and connections left by their father have disappeared.
After entering the Yang Mansion, Chen Ying parted ways with Chen Jinshi. She was led to the inner courtyard. Madam Yang met her and led her to a strange lady.
It was Xie Qingyue’s mother, Mrs. Xie.
The Xie family has an extraordinary upbringing and was able to raise a younger generation like Xie Qingyue. Madam Xie looks dignified and noble, but she doesn't have any airs at all.
When his eyes fell on Shen Ying, he looked at her with gentle scrutiny.
Chen Ying knew that the other party was examining her, but she did not feel uncomfortable.
"Greetings, Madam." She bowed and thought to herself that she had not had the chance to meet Xie Qingyue these days to clarify some things with him. Now that Madam Xie was here, it was not easy for her to tell her directly, so she had to respond politely.
Madam Xie extended her hand to support her, and said in a gentle tone, "Miss Shen, there's no need to be so polite."
She stood in the hall. The two ladies were sitting there, looking at her with gentle smiles on their faces, which did not make her feel awkward.
But when she thought about why she was being looked at like this, she felt even more uneasy.
As they were talking, several young ladies from the Yang family came in, bowed and greeted each of them, and stood aside with Shen Ying.
Chen Ying unconsciously looked at the lady in the lead, named Yang Zhiwei.
Madam Xie changed the subject and took off the jade bracelet on her hand: "I think Miss Shen is very attractive. It's no wonder that Madam Yang likes you. I also like you very much when I see you. Come here, I will give you a gift."
Chen Ying quickly took a half step back, knelt and bowed, her tone respectful but firm: "Madam, I appreciate your kindness. This jade bracelet is too valuable, I dare not accept it."
Her intention to refuse was too obvious. Madam Xie paused while holding the jade bracelet, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes, and then she smiled again: "Accept it. This is the relationship between us, and it has nothing to do with others."
Chen Ying was startled. Since Madam Xie had given her a way out, she should also give her some. She stepped forward and said, "Thank you very much, Madam."
Madam Yang winked at Yang Zhiwei, who understood. She took two steps forward and gave Chen Ying a faint smile, "Doctor Chen, I heard about you from my sixth sister earlier. I heard that you were from Loufan. I'd like to talk to you more."
The other person's tone was cordial, and her eyes had a hint of arrogance of a noble lady, but it was not offensive. It was just that she was naturally distant from others.
Most of the noble ladies from aristocratic families are like this. They don’t try to get close to others deliberately, but they don’t act rudely easily either.
In Chen Ying's opinion, treating people in this way inevitably lacks sincerity.
"If you're curious, I'll tell you more." Chen Ying said naturally, "My brother sent me some sea buckthorn berries a few days ago. I'll give some to you, you can try them."
As the two were talking, there was a sudden sound outside the door, and the maid came in to report: "Madam, Master Xie is here."
As soon as he finished speaking, Xie Qingyue walked in, wearing a jade belt around his waist and looking handsome. When his eyes swept across the hall, they first fell on his mother. He bowed, then turned to Chen Ying, nodded slightly at her, and smiled brightly and frankly.
Chen Ying breathed a sigh of relief and prepared to explain some things to Xie Qingyue. It didn't make her feel awkward, as he was a very comfortable person.
She breathed a sigh of relief almost the moment she saw him.
Yang Zhiwei gave Shen Ying a soft "hmm" as a response to what she had just said.
As he was speaking, the maid's voice came from outside the door again: "The old man invites all the ladies and young ladies to the front hall to watch the play. The birthday banquet will soon begin."
Madam Yang stood up first: "Let's go, don't keep the old man waiting anxiously."
Then he turned to Shen Ying and Yang Zhiwei and said, "The front hall is lively, but the rules of my family do not apply to such places. Doctor Shen, please do not be restrained."
Chen Ying nodded in agreement and glanced secretly at Xie Qingyue. Seeing that he was looking at her, she gave him a look that said "talk about it later".
Xie Qingyue understood, nodded slightly, and followed the crowd half a step behind.
The group walked towards the front hall. Red lanterns hung on the corridor, reflecting the colorful flowers. Yang Zhiwei walked beside Shen Ying and suddenly said softly, "Doctor Shen, I heard that Mr. Chen Er has received a lot of care from you."
Chen Ying paused, then said frankly, "Yes, he has been weak since childhood. I was entrusted by his father to take care of him. I am half his elder."
Yang Zhiwei nodded, and the group passed through the moon-shaped door, where they saw several young men in brocade robes gathered together and talking.
Chen Ying looked at Yang Zhiwei quietly. It seemed that this young lady had some feelings for Chen Erzhen.
But she had too many choices, and Chen Ying was even a little flattered for Chen Jinshi.
Yang Zhiwei walked forward to greet him with a generous attitude. Chen Ying lagged behind by a few steps and happened to be walking side by side with Xie Qingyue who was behind her.
There is no one here, so it's a good time to talk.
"Thank you, Master. Long time no see."
Xie Qingyue apologized to her first: "I said I would come to visit your house, but I never found the opportunity. I thought... let you meet my mother first, but don't worry, I never said anything affirmative to her."
Chen Ying nodded gently: "Yes, I know, Madam has never treated me well. But what you asked me before you left last year..."
"Don't say anything yet, Dulan, let me speak first."
Chen Ying opened her mouth and paused, but didn't say anything else.
"I have already requested permission from His Majesty to return to the northern border after spring, and will likely remain there for the rest of my life. If you...still wish, we can move beyond living in the capital. You may wish to reconsider this."
Chen Ying was really surprised.
"But you, aren't you already a Jinshi?"
Xie Qingyue gave a bitter smile: "My family forced me to do this, Dulan, do you understand?"
He looked at Chen Ying with a frank look in his eyes: "I am telling you my plan now, just to say that you can reconsider it, not only about people, but also where you want to live in the future."
Chen Ying tightened her grip on the handkerchief, feeling mixed emotions.
Of course, she might go back home in the future. In that case, she would not be able to say the words she had prepared in advance to completely reject Xie Qingyue.
Dulan admitted that she was bad and free, and was not so loyal in love. It was common for women on the grassland to remarry, and it was also common for them to be married many times and be pursued by several men at the same time.
Originally, she and Chen Jinshi could not be together for the rest of their lives. After their extravagant past, they should break up. Why should she deceive herself?
Besides, in her eyes, it is even more impossible for a man to be loyal to her. In fact, she has been waiting for the day when Chen Jinshi lets go of her and looks at someone else.
She raised her eyes to look at Xie Qingyue and asked seriously, "There is something, Master Xie, you must tell me the truth."
"You ask."
"Is your decision to stay in the North entirely your own ambition? And it's definitely not because of me?"
Xie Qingyue was silent for a moment, then slowly spoke: "Yes, whether you are here or not, I will ask for permission to stay there. So you don't have to give me an answer now. I'll go over first, and we can talk about other things when you get home."
Chen Ying opened her mouth, looked at his frank eyes, and suddenly couldn't open her mouth to refuse directly, unable to say: "No, it's impossible for us in this life, you'd better give up this idea."
So the punishment Chen Jinshi gave her last night was really deserved.
Chen Ying felt a little guilty towards Xie Qingyue: "Master Xie, I hope you can understand that this is unfair to you."
"I did this voluntarily, Dulan. Thank you for giving me this opportunity. It is very precious to me."
Although she didn't care about this, she said, "Thank you, Master, but I still want you to know that there is nothing reserved between me and Chen Jinshi."
Xie Qingyue curled his fingertips, feeling a little frustrated: "I know, he showed off before."
Chen Ying was obviously a little surprised, and even the tips of her ears turned red.
"ah?"
"Although I don't know how to make my skin whiter, I will find a way, Dulan. I hope you can see it one day. If you don't like it, it's okay for me to put the clothes on again." Xie Qingyue said in a low voice.
Chen Ying later found it difficult to describe the feeling. A young man from a noble family who had always been upright and polite whispered such words to her.
He is straightforward and unrestrained, much like a man on the grassland. To pursue love, he would probably take off his shirt and stand in a line for her to choose.
In just a moment, Xie Qingyue returned to normal, and his mother came.
"Xie San, what are you talking about with Miss Shen? The banquet is already in the front hall, please go over there first."
Xie Qingyue turned around and went to meet her, holding his mother's arm, and said naturally: "Nothing, just some interesting things about the Northern Territory."
Chen Ying heard Madam Xie's whispered advice to Xie Qingyue, "Your father has discussed this with your grandfather, and they still hope you can stay. The Admiral of the Nine Gates Infantry Patrol is short of a commander for the Fifth Battalion, a position of the Second Rank. Why not?"
"Mother, in the capital, I'm always doing favors. My son is skilled in martial arts and just wants to do something practical. No need to say more."
As soon as he entered the open hall, Chen Jinshi stood in the crowd. Among a group of young men in brocade robes, he was particularly tall and majestic, and his aura far overshadowed everyone else.
Yang Zhiwei was also among them. Whenever she said something, the young men around her would respond.
Chen Jinshi looked up and saw Chen Ying and Xie Qingyue coming almost side by side, his eyes darkened slightly.
Chen Ying avoided his staring gaze regardless of the occasion. Yang Zhiwei was discussing poetry with several young men. When she saw them coming, she smiled and nodded. Her eyes swept between Shen Ying and Chen Jinshi, but she didn't notice anything unusual.
Chen Ying actually understood why Yang Zhiwei favored Chen Jinshi more.
He really has a superior appearance, especially when standing among a group of young men.
Now that I think about it, his temperament seems to have become even more gloomy.
As she wished, as she wished...
Suddenly, the sound of a play started on the stage, and the sharp humming and loud gongs and drums quickly drowned out everything else.
Chen Ying looked over and saw Madam Xie standing next to her, inviting her to sit down with her.
The opera was just reaching its climax of "Picking the Pulley". The sound of gongs and drums was deafening, and the guests in the audience were all attracted by the difficult movements of the martial artists on the stage.
Chen Ying knew that someone was looking at her from behind, staring at her directly and without any concealment.
She also wanted to question him, what did he show off to Xie Qingyue?
Just as the curtain fell on a play on the stage, a burst of orderly footsteps suddenly sounded outside the open hall, accompanied by the eunuchs singing: "The Crown Prince has arrived—"
Chen Ying was shocked. With her limited knowledge, she had never expected to encounter such a scene today.
But the people around seemed to be prepared. They stood up instantly and straightened their robes. Only the old man of the Yang family did not stand up.
At some point, Chen Jinshi took advantage of the chaos when everyone was standing up and stood behind her, calling softly, "Amu."
She knew he was behind her, and then everyone knelt and stood up again.
The prince, dressed in bright yellow formal attire and a jade belt around his waist, bowed to the old man and said, "Greetings, teacher. I have come to wish you a happy birthday."
Everyone surrounded the prince and took his seat. Xie Qingyue stood at the front, apparently having some friendship with the prince.
In addition to him, the prince is surrounded by several young men from aristocratic families.
The prince looked around and suddenly asked, "A few days ago I read an article titled 'On Military Settlements'. I heard that among this year's Jinshi candidates, there is a man who has quite insightful opinions on this topic. Is he here today?"
Several young gentlemen turned their eyes to Chen Jinshi.
He was still lingering behind Shen Ying, trying to question her in a low voice: "Mom, who were you talking to just now? Was it Xie Qingyue? What did he say to you? Don't listen to him."
Yang Zhiwei stepped forward and asked him to leave: "Second Master Chen, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince wants to see you."
Chen Jinshi shut up and Chen Ying ignored him.
He straightened his robe helplessly, lowered his head and walked slowly forward, bowing before the Crown Prince and saying, "Your Highness, I am Chen Jinshi, honored to meet you."
As soon as he stood out, not only the Crown Prince's eyes fell on him, but also the Grand Secretary Yang Chang who was serving as the Chief Minister of the Cabinet was looking at him, and the retired former Crown Prince's Grand Tutor Yang Laoshang was also looking at him, and several old ministers who came specially to pay their respects to the old Grand Tutor also looked at him.
Chen Ying felt uneasy. It was just that person who had just been asking her annoying questions. Of course, the words of Xie Qingyue, the noble and upright man standing beside the Crown Prince, echoed in her ears. However, he seemed much more reliable than Chen Jinshi.
"Military settlements aren't just for food; they're the foundation of our border defenses," the prince asked inquiringly. "Did you write this?"
Chen Jinshi nodded: "Yes."
Yang Zhiwei frowned slightly. This was the time for him to speak freely and show off his talents in front of the Crown Prince and so many important officials, but why was he so dull?
I have never heard that the second son of the Chen family is a fool before.
The prince asked, "I see you have great talent, and it's not just in your writing. Your father was a renowned military commander, and you're no less capable. But in your article, you mentioned 'military settlements need to unite with herders.' I'd like to know how this union can be achieved, given the long-standing friction between herders and the garrisons."
Chen Jinshi looked at Chen Ying unconsciously. She had told him many things about the herdsmen.
But she shook her head slightly at him, and he knew that she didn't want him to lead her out in such a situation.
Just like he had done at the second house's banquet before, loudly declaring who she was and who she was to him.
Chen Ying breathed a sigh of relief when she saw him look away from her dejectedly. He was indeed much more obedient than before.
Just be good, just be good.
"Your Highness, the rift between the herders and the garrison is largely due to their presence between the two armies. I've heard from my father that the herders move from place to place each season, with no clear nationality. There have been herders in enemy territory who have rescued our wounded soldiers, and there have been our soldiers who have protected the cattle and sheep of herders who have fled from the enemy and driven away bandits for them. In truth, there are no barriers between people, as long as our army treats them with sincerity."
After Chen Jinshi finished speaking, he glanced at her again. Chen Ying still shook her head slightly at him.
Yang Zhiwei noticed the exchange of glances and asked softly, "Doctor Shen, Second Master Chen knows so much about the border, but did you tell him that?"
Chen Ying shook her head slightly: "His father was stationed in the northern border, there is no need for me to talk to him."
Yang Zhiwei tilted her head and smiled, "You must be being modest. You're from Loufan, and your ancestors were all herders. Who else would teach him these things besides you? Why don't you admit it?"
Chen Ying was startled, feeling something was wrong.
"I mentioned 'shared grain storage' in my article. The military settlements and herders agreed that in good years each would store an additional 30% of grain..."
The Crown Prince's smile deepened as he listened. Yang Zhiwei stepped forward, her tone calm and natural, "Your Highness, I have benefited greatly from what Second Young Master Chen said. I'm reminded that Dr. Shen, one of the Chen family doctors, is from Loufan and is very familiar with the habits of the nomadic people. If Your Highness wishes to learn more, you can ask Dr. Shen."
Chen Ying's heart tightened, and she didn't want to go in front of people.
Unexpectedly, Xie Qingyue also recommended her to the prince: "Your Highness, Miss Shen is proficient in medicine and is well-informed about the northern border. You can meet her."
Chen Jinshi looked at her silently, feeling very sorry that his Am was not brought out by him.
Although he knew that introducing her in such an occasion would make it almost impossible for him to marry her legally.
But it doesn't matter, he never thought about this.
He smiled bitterly. At least one of the two must be true. Come out, my Am, at least let them know that you are the most important woman to me.
The prince was indeed interested in her and turned his gaze to the crowd: "Oh? There is such a person here? Which one is Miss Shen? You may come forward and talk to her."
The prince was nearly thirty years old, with a handsome and gentle face. His eyes and brows showed the calm demeanor of a superior, but without any arrogance. When he spoke, there was often a faint smile on the corners of his lips, and his eyes were bright and deep. He could see through people's hearts and had a bit of warmth, which made people respect and fear him at the same time.
Chen Ying had no choice but to step forward calmly.
She was tall and strong, with calm and gentle eyes, and her amber pupils seemed to have some kind of divinity.
She bowed with a steady posture and said, "I am Chen Ying, your humble servant, and I am honored to meet His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."
The Crown Prince's gaze fell on her unusually calm pupils. He paused, sizing her up for a moment, and then asked, "I heard you're from Loufan and understand the customs of the northern nomads. Just now, Lord Chen mentioned 'treating the nomads with sincerity.' Do you have any additional comments?"
Chen Ying raised her eyes and spoke sincerely, "Your Highness, that's exactly what you said. However, herders live by following the water and grass, and they hate breaking their promises. In the past, an official once agreed with a herder to exchange salt for cattle and sheep, but later replaced it with inferior salt. For several years after that, the herders refused to trade with the government anymore."
She paused, thinking that since she was already here, why not actually do something? She continued, "I think that if we want to connect with the herders, we need to establish trust first. For example, we can set up a trade office and assign impartial officials to supervise it. Salt, tea, and cloth must all be sufficient and of high quality. Then, we can sign a document with the tribal leaders, stating the agreement, in duplicate, and keep it between both parties. When the herders see that the government keeps its promises, they will naturally be willing to get close to them."
These are long-standing issues on the border. If the monarch of one side is willing to treat them with sincerity, then the herdsmen will naturally be willing to surrender. They will no longer be displaced like before and find it difficult to protect themselves when war breaks out.
Chen Ying spoke sincerely, but as for whether the prince was willing to do so and give up his own interests in exchange for the trust of the herdsmen, she didn't know.
If possible, life would be better for my father and brothers at home.
After these words were spoken, several old ministers did not say anything. After all, Chen Ying did not represent their own interests.
On the other hand, the retired old man Yang stroked his beard and nodded: "Miss Shen is very insightful, the Crown Prince can consider it."
The prince respectfully replied to his teacher: "Thank you for your guidance, teacher."
The prince pondered for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Miss Shen is proficient in medicine, but what is her relationship with the Shen family in the capital?"
Chen Ying was stunned and didn't know how to answer.
Her grandfather had reminded her not to talk about her relationship with the Shen family to others, but the person in front of her was the prince, how could she lie?
Just as she was hesitating, a man came out during the banquet. It was her uncle Shen Zhongli.
"Your Highness, this girl is my niece."
As soon as these words were spoken, the whole audience was in an uproar. No one knew that Chen Ying had such a relationship with the Shen family.
In addition, now Shen Ying is really inseparable from the Shen family. Everyone will know that she and the Shen family in the capital are a family.
She sighed softly, not knowing whether this was a blessing or a curse.
But she probably didn't care. She could just turn around and go back to Loufan at any time, letting these people in the capital do whatever they wanted.
Chen Ying nodded slightly. The prince asked a few more questions casually, rewarded her with some things, and then said nothing more and went to question other people.
Chen Ying quietly retreated until she was in front of Chen Jinshi, and he held her back.
"Amu, what did Xie Qingyue say to you?"
Chen Ying's thoughts were suddenly pulled back. Chen Jinshi was still the same Chen Jinshi, the Chen Jinshi who only had that thing in his mind.
She clenched her fists and said, "Chen Jinshi, do you even know what kind of situation this is? You should be walking up to the people instead of standing behind me and secretly pressing that thing against me."
Chen Jinshi was silent for a moment, then apologized: "I'm sorry, Am, you know, as soon as I saw you, smelled your scent, and touched you, I couldn't help it. It's okay, Am, just ignore it. I'll step back. Now, can you tell me what Xie Qingyue said to you?"
Chen Ying's eyebrows were cold, and she whispered, "He said, what did you show off to him?"
"What?"
"I don't know either, but I roughly guess that you are pressing against my thing. Chen Jinshi, you are going a little too far."
Chen Jinshi pressed against her more and more, and he continued to apologize: "I'm sorry."
He should have stepped back, but out of questioning, he had to move forward: "He actually told you that! He is so shameless! He is not a gentleman either. Am, believe me, you will never like him." He pushed her so hard that it hurt.
He took her hand and said in a bewitching voice, "Chen Jinshi is so beautiful. Touch her. She is your slave. We are all your slaves. We are your humble and beautiful slaves."
Chen Ying pulled her hand away and turned to face him, her brows still cold. She pulled him back behind a rockery, then lowered her neck to him, pressed her forehead against his, and coaxed him, "Calm down now, okay?"
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The author has something to say: This broken child is really hard to raise
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