Chapter 120 If Line: If Yuanyuan Becomes a Concubine (11)
Yang Manyan even said enthusiastically: "First, take a look at these articles to see if they can be used. If not, I will help you look for them again."
She is still not used to calling herself "this palace", but once she is no longer so reserved, she starts talking about you and me again.
"Yes." Xiao Yan then slowly flipped through the copy in his hand.
These articles indeed copied the historical materials about river dredging during the reign of Taizu. The handwriting is fresh and beautiful, between regular script and running script, and is written freely.
One can tell at first glance that this is a skill that comes from years of practicing calligraphy, and he has even created a unique style.
"These are exactly the historical materials that I wanted to use for reference. If it weren't for these copies from Mother Yuan, I would have to spend a lot of time looking through them. Thank you, Mother Yuan." Xiao Yan said softly.
Seeing a thick pile of copied manuscripts on the desk, he felt a little puzzled.
"Forgive me for saying so much, but why did Concubine Yuan herself copy these historical records? She could have ordered the Imperial Household Department to send some literate palace maids and eunuchs to copy them."
His voice was clear and mellow. Yang Manyan didn't dare to look up at him, and his expression was a little awkward.
"Don't laugh at me, Prince. I have been fond of studying history books since I was young, and I have dreamed of participating in the compilation of history like Mr. Ban, so I am excerpting it here."
She did not like "Nujie" written by Ban Zhao, but Ban Zhao was indeed the first woman in history to compile official history, and she was awarded a gold seal and purple ribbon, with the same position as the prime minister.
Xiao Yan pursed his lips and hid the slightly surprised emotion in his eyes, "So that's how it is."
It was late autumn, and the windows of Wenyuan Pavilion were wide open, with a cool breeze blowing gently, but sweat was oozing from his forehead.
Perhaps because his stepmother came from a poor family and was extremely beautiful, he initially misunderstood her as a simple and uneducated girl.
Unexpectedly, this Yang Yuanfei was not only an excellent chess player, but also a talented woman with a wealth of knowledge.
Now he can understand more and more why his father, who has restrained himself for many years, treats her differently.
Thinking back to the time when she almost became his Crown Princess, Xiao Yan felt a subtle sense of embarrassment rising in her heart.
Reason told him that he should leave immediately to avoid suspicion, but he still couldn't help asking: "I wonder what kind of history book Concubine Yuan's mother plans to compile?"
Yang Manyan blushed and said, "To be honest, I didn't have any clues at first. Recently, I came to Wenyuan Pavilion and read many historical books that I had never read before. I found out that there were countless concubines and princesses who participated in politics directly or indirectly."
"I copied these manuscripts about dredging the river because it was Empress Gao who proposed the water conservancy projects during Emperor Taizu's reign."
The more she spoke, the more excited she became. Her eyes seemed to sparkle. "I want to write biographies of all the women who have participated in politics, so that their deeds will be remembered forever."
She would never dare to say such words in front of the emperor. After all, it took her a lot of effort just to get to Wenyuan Pavilion.
But at this moment, she felt a little regretful as soon as she finished speaking.
If the prince relayed her words to His Majesty, the consequences would be disastrous...
But to her surprise, the prince did not show any disgust, but was more surprised.
After a long while, Xiao Yan said slowly, "Although Wenyuan Pavilion has a large collection of books, the Hanlin Academy outside the palace also has a large number of daily records that have not been recorded in the history books. If mother needs anything, I can serve you."
Hearing this, Yang Manyan's eyebrows brightened with joy, "Really? That's great!"
After a brief pause, she quickly said seriously, "By the way, Your Highness, please keep this a secret for me. Don't let His Majesty know about it, otherwise..."
At this moment, a cold and majestic voice suddenly sounded outside the door, "Otherwise what?"
Yang Manyan's breathing suddenly stopped and his heart suddenly rose to his throat.
Then, a tall and mighty man strode over. He was wearing a bright yellow gauze robe embroidered with eight dragon patterns, and he exuded a sharp aura.
Xiao Yan immediately bowed and saluted, his expression unchanged, "Greetings, Father."
Yang Manyan also hurriedly bowed and saluted, nodding her head and lowering her eyebrows, "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you."
The emperor glanced at her coldly, his eyes full of gloomy oppression, "No need to be polite."
The court meeting had just ended. He heard that the prince had gone to Wenyuan Pavilion early in the morning to borrow books, so he came in person without hesitation and happened to see this scene.
"Why, my beloved concubine, is there something that you need the Crown Prince to keep secret? You must not let me know about it?" He asked with a sneer.
The favorite concubine and the crown prince had a secret connection, especially since they almost became husband and wife, it was hard for the emperor not to think too much.
Even though he knew his son's character very well, there had never been a father-son relationship in the royal family since ancient times, and his favorite concubine was still ambitious...
Yang Manyan's face flushed red, he felt like a thorn in his back and could hardly breathe.
She and the prince were clearly innocent, but why was she acting like she was caught cheating...
Just as she was about to kneel down and apologize, the man's big calloused hands suddenly grabbed her arms tightly and stopped her from kneeling.
Xiao Qi frowned slightly, "Please forgive me, Father. It's my fault for coming here even though I knew that Concubine Yuan was here."
As he spoke, he presented several manuscripts in his hand, "Because Mother Yuan happened to copy a few documents that I urgently need, so she lent them to me first. Mother may be worried that Father will misunderstand, so she asked me to keep this a secret."
Seeing him cleverly resolve the situation, Yang Manyan secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
"Oh? My beloved, is that so?" The emperor raised his eyes calmly, with a kind of pressure that made no one able to escape.
Yang Manyan felt a little timid, but he still nodded vigorously, "Your Majesty, that's it..."
"Okay, I believe you." The emperor turned his eyes to his son, his eyes scrutinizing him, "But you should keep these manuscripts written by Concubine Yuan and have them re-copied."
"Yes, your son will obey your command." Xiao Yan responded calmly, but the fingers that were holding the rice paper tightened slightly.
Then, the emperor and his empress set off back to the Qianqing Palace.
Seeing the man's face as gloomy as if a storm was about to come, Yang Manyan was so frightened that he dared not breathe.
Suddenly, the world spun around, and the man fiercely and forcefully dragged her onto the couch...
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