Chapter 37
As the Qixi Festival is approaching, Qinghui Palace is decorated with lights and colorful lanterns everywhere.
There are three layers of palace lanterns dotted on the beams, a total of eighteen, gorgeous and magnificent.
There were three incense burners and vases in the north, and in the middle was an ancient tripod with a Kui pattern, burning ambergris granted by the emperor. On the left and right were couplets written by the emperor himself praising the merits of Wang's ancestors. Under the tripod was a wide rosewood couch with fine ivory pads, and in front of the couch was a long rosewood high table with gold painting and red lacquer, on which were placed the eating utensils used by the eldest princess and the duke.
The laughter in the palace had not yet stopped. The eldest princess and the Duke came over together. From afar, they heard that Master Wang Shuzhao's laughter was the most hearty. The eldest princess was in a good mood and asked,
"What are you laughing at?"
Wang Shuzhao is the eldest grandson of the eldest princess. He was very much loved by the eldest princess when he was young. He is the most courageous among the younger generations.
"To answer grandma's question, Shu Huai and my second brother and his wife are late. I guess they are talking about their private matters."
Everyone stood up and saluted. The princess raised her hand to signal everyone to sit down. Her eyes naturally fell on Wang Shuhuai. Her phoenix eyes narrowed with a smile, "Really? I don't believe that Shuhuai told Chu Yatou private words, but I do believe that Chu Yatou misses her husband."
The eldest princess personally joined in the joke, and everyone became more excited. They talked about a few things about how Xie Yunchu had been sticking to Wang Shuhuai, and the Duke also smiled.
As for the two main characters, one was unmoved and the other turned a deaf ear.
The Duke saw that Wang Shuhuai didn't even smile, and felt a little disgusted with his grandson for not understanding romance. "Alright, stop teasing. Chu girl is shy, don't scare her so much that she doesn't dare to speak."
The princess glanced at Xie Yunchu and saw that she looked shy with her eyebrows downcast. She then said to Wang Shuhuai, "Don't worry. You should find a way to gain a foothold in Jiangnan as soon as possible, and then take Chu girl back." She suspected that Jiang was setting rules for Xie Yunchu, so she deliberately raised her voice.
"We in the Wang family don't have all those complicated rules. There are many daughters-in-law in the family, so there is no need for each of them to serve the mother-in-law. If the husband and wife are harmonious and the family is loving, then everyone will be happy naturally."
Everyone quickly stood up and said yes.
Jiang knew that her mother-in-law was teaching her a lesson in various ways, so she nodded reluctantly.
Wang Shuhuai looked at his wife who was calm and composed and couldn't help but smile bitterly. He was petty-minded. His wife didn't even take it seriously, so why was he making a fuss about it?
Wang Shuhuai was a man of extremely strong character. Thinking of today's plan, he quickly put these trivial matters behind him.
Soon the banquet started, and the palace maids served the dishes one after another. The eldest princess returned to the mansion, and the imperial chef who served her in the palace also came to the mansion to cook. The eldest princess had a light taste and liked Huaiyang cuisine. After the banquet, while drinking tea, the eldest princess said to Wang Shuhuai,
"Today's salted duck is one of Jinling's specialties. When you go there, go to the restaurant with a golden plaque on the street outside Confucius Temple and eat it. It's very authentic."
The Sixth Young Master Wang Shuye really likes this dish and was surprised, "Grandma, what you said is so sincere. Have you been there in person?"
The eldest princess looked at her young grandson with a warm gaze, "Do you think your grandmother has been staying in the palace forever?"
The eldest uncle Wang Shuzhao was older and grew up listening to interesting stories about his grandmother. He introduced enthusiastically, "Ye'er, you don't know that my grandmother traveled around Jiangnan when she was young. There was no delicious food in the streets and alleys of Jiangnan that my grandmother didn't know about. My grandmother also had many farms in Jiangnan..." Before he finished speaking, he realized that he had said something wrong and quickly stopped talking.
The eldest princess glanced at him and said nothing.
On the other hand, the Sixth Young Master Wang Shuye was the most innocent. He was unaware of the tense atmosphere and shouted, "Really? Grandma, Grandpa, can your grandson go to Jiangnan with my second brother?"
The fourth master, Wang Dian, turned around and knocked his son, scolding him, "Aren't you going to take part in the Autumn Examination? Do you still have the mind to travel around?"
The Sixth Young Master replied seriously, "Father, reading thousands of books is as important as traveling thousands of miles. My son is young and may not be able to pass the imperial examination this time. It is a good opportunity for me to follow my brother to the south to see the world. Maybe I can gain something."
The fourth master was disheartened when he heard his son say this. "You haven't taken the exam yet, why are you saying you didn't pass?"
"Besides, your second brother is doing serious work, so how can he take you to play? You'd better not cause trouble for your second brother."
The Sixth Young Master was a little disappointed.
"Then I can go to Nanjing Imperial College to study, and I can also take references there."
The Duke suddenly remembered something and asked, "Do you really want to go?"
"Yes, yes." The Sixth Young Master stood up naively, bowed to Wang Shuhuai, and grinned, "I can also help the Second Sister-in-law to look after the Second Brother, so that the Second Brother won't go out and have affairs with other women."
Upon hearing this, the fourth wife turned around and glared at her son. "Silly boy, why do you say anything out loud? Do you think your second brother is like the other brothers? He is the most stable and reserved. How could he do something that would tarnish his reputation?"
The fourth wife loves to speak in sarcastic terms, and this sentence is a hint that the other young masters are not self-disciplined.
The Duke never took a concubine. He was devoted to his first wife. One year after his late wife passed away, he married the eldest princess without hesitation. It goes without saying that he did not like having three or four wives, and the eldest princess liked it even less.
The eldest, third and fourth young masters quickly retracted their necks.
The fifth young master has never married, and the third wife does not allow him to take a concubine. The sixth young master is even more ignorant and has no idea about love affairs, and the fourth wife has never mentioned it.
The Duke glanced among his sons and grandsons and asked, "Who has taken a concubine recently?"
Now, even the first master, the third master, and the fourth master bowed their heads.
The fourth wife's words killed everyone, and she sipped her tea while humming.
The eldest princess's eyes were already suppressed.
The Duke spoke before she got angry. He told the Third Wife,
"From now on, whoever takes a concubine will have the concubine's monthly allowance deducted from these gentlemen's own monthly allowance, depending on how much they have to deduct."
After hearing this, several ladies and young wives were inspired.
The third wife suppressed her laughter, stood up and said, "My daughter-in-law obeys your command."
The fourth wife said, "But father, the monthly allowances of these men are also managed by us women. Aren't you doing ourselves a disservice by doing this?"
The Duke laughed, "He has to spend money every month. You can deduct the amount he withdraws from his account on a daily basis."
Several masters suddenly felt toothache.
Grandma Miao looked at Xie Yunchu on the side and sighed, "In this case, our master's monthly allowance will not be enough to cover the cost. Your Shuhuai is still the best."
Dou Keling had sharp ears, and after hearing this, she interrupted, "Second sister-in-law, Second brother is going to Jiangnan alone, should you arrange for a maid to go with him and serve him?"
This voice is neither loud nor soft.
Many eyes turned to look at Xie Yunchu and Wang Shuhuai.
Xie Yunchu glanced at her stern husband beside her and said, "Just follow Second Master's instructions."
Wang Shuhuai glanced at his wife. Xie Yunchu smiled at him, as if she would arrange it as long as he nodded. Wang Shuhuai felt uncomfortable and glanced sharply at Dou Keling.
"I appreciate your kindness. If you think the house is not lively enough, you can find a few more for me."
Dou Keling suddenly shut up.
The Duke couldn't bear to see Dou Keling bullying Xie Yunchu, and his face turned serious, "You are also a woman, why are you looking forward to causing trouble for your sister-in-law? Is taking a concubine a good thing?"
Dou Keling felt aggrieved, "My granddaughter-in-law was just talking casually." Her eyes were red after she finished speaking.
The Duke couldn't say anything more about her, but the Princess didn't like her behavior.
"If you can't speak, don't come here again."
Dou Keling's face turned pale, and she quickly knelt down to admit her mistake, "Grandmother, I know I was wrong, and I beg you to forgive me."
The eldest princess always kept her word. She winked at the female official, who quietly nodded at Dou Keling, indicating that she should leave first. Dou Keling left the table dejectedly with tears in her eyes. The third master Wang Shukuang also felt ashamed and lowered his head.
As a result of this incident, the atmosphere at the banquet became less pleasant, and the eldest princess ordered the banquet to be adjourned, leaving only Wang Shuhuai behind.
Wang Shuhuai followed his grandmother and grandfather into the study. The Duke was sitting under the window playing with birds, giving the two room to talk. The eldest princess sat down at the table and handed a list to Wang Shuhuai.
"Here is a list of Jiangnan noble families. The origins and family histories of each family are intricate and detailed. You must keep them in mind."
Wang Shuhuai took it respectfully and took a quick glance at it, then he found some information in it that he had not collected before. After all, the eldest princess lived in the palace, so if she wanted to get secret information from the East Factory or the Embroidered Uniform Guard, it would only be a piece of cake. It seemed that the blow was not in vain.
"Grandson thanks grandma for the guidance."
The princess motioned him to sit down, and then said, "If you want to successfully implement the national policy when you go to Jiangnan, there is one person you must win over."
Wang Shuhuai put his hands on his knees and sat upright, "Grandma, are you talking about Jiang Cheng, the governor of Jiangnan?"
"That's right." The princess nodded. "This man holds the military and political power of the two provinces of Jiangnan. He is a tyrant. Although he has a reputation for being a wise man, he is also an old fox. It is difficult to implement national policies. I am worried that he is unwilling to wade into this muddy water. But if you gain his trust and have him help you, you will definitely get twice the result with half the effort."
Wang Shuhuai pondered and said, "My grandson has also heard that this man is very famous in Jiangnan. When the Japanese pirates invaded, he led 3,000 sailors to fight bloody battles and saved Jiangnan. The nobles in Jiangnan all believed in him very much."
"However," Wang Shuhuai smiled leisurely, "if this policy benefits the country and the people, he can't stay out of it."
The princess felt that Wang Shuhuai seemed to have some hidden agenda in his words, "Does Shuhuai seem to have a good plan?"
Wang Shuhuai took out a memorial from his sleeve and handed it to the princess. "It's not a good plan, but I have been thinking about it day and night these days and have come up with a tax policy that is in line with the land measurement. The details are recorded in the memorial. Please take a look, grandmother."
As the princess watched, Wang Shuhuai explained,
"What is the purpose of re-measuring the land? It is to let the court control the population and land, so as to collect taxes accordingly. But now the people's land is occupied by the powerful. Even if the land is re-measured this time, the people may not be willing to report their household registration and join the court. Why? Because the taxes imposed by the powerful may be lighter on the people. As long as they hide under the wings of the powerful, they can be exempted from the corvée of the court. Why not?"
The princess agreed with this. She had many farms in Jiangnan and was also a vested interest in the annexation of land. She was well aware of this. "This move is really disadvantageous to the court. Over time, the treasury will be empty and the country will no longer exist."
Wang Shuhuai said, "Why did the Great Jin lack confidence in the face of the Mongols and remain silent in the face of the provocations of the Western Chu? In the final analysis, isn't it because the treasury is empty? Grandmother, those Jiangnan nobles only look at the immediate interests and ignore the country. You are in a high position in the government, with a far-sighted vision, and you can better understand the far-reaching meaning of this move."
The princess's eyebrows relaxed, and she sighed sincerely, "You are right. When a nest is overturned, no egg can be left unbroken. The country is the most important thing. What do you think?"
Wang Shuhuai's handsome face was dignified. He pointed at the memorial, and his eyes rarely lit up with a glimmer. "The first step is to measure the land and check the population. The second step is to return the tax to the land and collect it by the acre. Forced labor will be changed to hired labor, and the officials will hire people to do the labor. As for the common people, they can bear the labor themselves, or they can use silver to replace the labor."
The princess frowned, "Silver in lieu of service?"
"That's right." Wang Shuhuai said, "In the past, there were many types of corvée labor, and the people could not bear the heavy burden. Now we only divide corvée labor and grain tax, simplify the tax law, and those who are willing to serve can do so, and those who are unwilling can pay money instead of serving. The court will hire people to do corvée labor, and both sides can save a lot of trouble."
"In addition, in the past, when collecting grain and assigning corvée labor, there were frequent accidents when transporting ships. The people had to transport the grain to the designated granaries, and there was also an additional layer of travel tax. The people complained bitterly. Now we can simply adapt to local conditions. For example, we can collect grain from some places with abundant crops to ensure the needs of the court officials and the military, and collect silver from other places. This way, both the court and the people benefit."
The princess was surprised when she heard this, "Shu Huai, is this your suggestion?"
Wang Shuhuai bowed and smiled, "These are some of my humble opinions, grandma, please give me some advice."
The princess stared at him deeply. The young man in front of her was handsome and scheming. The princess couldn't help but marvel at his extraordinary wisdom. She suddenly understood why Wang Shuhuai gave her such a memorial.
This is a token of his allegiance.
Once this memorial is handed over to the cabinet and then presented to the emperor, her name will go down in history.
"Shu Huai, do you know what this memorial means?"
The princess dragged this thin booklet as if she was dragging a heavy ideal and responsibility. This was an unprecedented tax reform, and the entire Jin Dynasty would undergo profound changes as a result. If this could be accomplished, her achievements would be unparalleled and her political achievements would not be inferior to those of her mother.
Even someone as calm as her couldn't help but feel a palpitation in her heart.
Wang Shuhuai's expression was calm.
"I present this to you because only you can accomplish this great undertaking. As long as the new tax law is implemented, the national treasury will be quickly filled, which will benefit the people and the country."
The eldest princess has worked in the court for many years. The current emperor was helped to the throne by the eldest princess. Her influence in the court is no less than that of the emperor. As long as the eldest princess supports him, half of the matter is done. Wang Shuhuai knows very well that once he goes to Jiangnan, he will be constrained without the support of the court. Only by winning over the eldest princess can he have no worries.
If you want to be famous, accomplish something first.
The princess looked at the handsome young man and smiled faintly, "Shu Huai, tell me straight, what do you need me to do?"
She wanted to control Wang Shuhuai, and Wang Shuhuai must get some benefits from her.
Wang Shuhuai was not ambiguous either. He raised his eyes and slowly met hers.
"First, please support me, Grandma. I don't want any constraints in the court."
"Secondly, I am going to Jiangnan. As a new official, I must first take down a few troublemakers to set things right. I'll ask my grandmother to help me with this."
What is helping him? It is nothing more than giving up a few pawns to pave the way for Wang Shuhuai.
The princess pressed her eyebrows and said, "I know what's going on. On the day I leave Beijing, I will give you a list. You can take action against those people. I will make an example of them."
After Wang Shuhuai left, the princess sat behind the desk holding the memorial and did not say anything for a long time.
The Duke walked over with the bird cage in his hand, calmly saying, "It's getting late, Your Highness, take a rest. You've been up late, and you'll have a headache again during the day."
The eldest princess gently threw the memorial onto the desk and looked at him with a smile, "Are you very proud?" She saw the smile that her husband couldn't suppress at the corner of his lips.
The Duke simply laughed, "Hahahaha... Even though he is not your biological grandson, you can treat him like your own grandson, what's wrong with that?"
The eldest princess's lips curled slightly, "I would like to treat him as my own grandson, but I'm afraid he doesn't think so in his heart. Look, this series of schemes has trapped me."
The Duke grinned even more happily, "He is trying to save your reputation. You are in charge of the government, and he is invincible at the front. Why should we worry about not achieving great things?"
The princess stood up leisurely and glanced at her husband. "So in the end, you are the only one sitting on the Diaoyutai."
"Hahaha…"
The Duke handed the birdcage to the eunuch and walked forward happily. While helping his wife onto the couch, he waved to the palace maid waiting outside the door curtain to come in and help the eldest princess wash her face. After a while, the eldest princess finished washing and lay on the couch. The Duke also changed his clothes and entered the tent.
The palace lanterns are dim outside the curtain, and the sandalwood scent is faint inside the curtain.
The princess glanced at the Duke's legs and asked, "Is it done?"
The Duke stretched out his long arms, gently held his wife in his arms, and massaged her solar plexus again, "It's already healed..."
The princess snorted and tightened her breathing as he moved... Their faces were so close that the princess couldn't help but hold his hands.
"You are still strong and healthy."
The Duke was dissatisfied and asked, "Have I ever been old?"
The princess smiled, "The Duke has always been young..."
They didn't speak to each other, letting themselves immerse in the tranquility of the moment. Their movements were subtle and restrained, and only they themselves knew the undercurrents.
I don't know how long it took, but that hint of confusion broke through the defenses, temptations and disguises, revealing its true face bit by bit.
She couldn't help but speak while taking a deep breath.
"Are you feeling wronged?"
"Um?"
"Do you feel wronged for accompanying me for so many years?"
The former pillar of the dynasty has now lost all his edge and lives in the deep palace with his wife, willing to be a foil. Is this a grievance?
The Duke's face was like a knife, and he stared deeply at his wife in his arms, "I have never been wronged, but Your Highness, are you wronged to marry me?"
The disaster that affected the entire court stood between the two of them. They were forced to become pawns of fate and a bond that bound each other. Perhaps they could never overcome that hurdle, but after the test of time, after decades of supporting each other and sleeping in the same bed, who would not have a trace of warmth in their hearts?
It's just that they are all restrained and proud people.
No one bowed their heads.
The eldest princess did not answer him, but slowly pulled him closer to her.
On June 30th, the early morning rain fell and the flowers and trees were in full bloom.
The continuous drizzle of sunshine spread all over the yard, adding a bit of coolness to the air.
The princess summoned Xie Yunchu to Qinghui Palace. When Xie Yunchu arrived, she was greeted by Chaoyun, the female official who usually served the princess.
Chaoyun was originally a noble lady from an aristocratic family. Her father was defeated in battle and forced to surrender. Chaoyun was a brave woman. Upon hearing the news, she stood in front of Zhengyang Gate with a knife in her hand and wanted to commit suicide in order to clear the name of her family. She was saved by the eldest princess. Later, Chaoyun's mother's family was to be executed according to the law, but Chaoyun was treated well. For seven or eight years, she has served the eldest princess with writing and occasionally helped in discussing state affairs. She has long been an indispensable right-hand man of the eldest princess.
The last time in the palace, she was the one who stood in front of the eldest princess and wanted to take her place.
Wang Shuhuai saved the eldest princess, and also saved her. She felt particularly friendly towards Xie Yunchu.
Everyone in the government and the country knew about Chao Yun's deeds. Xie Yunchu admired her very much and knelt down to pay his respects, "Greetings to my aunt."
Chao Yun refused her greeting and gently pulled her into the side hall. "His Highness is discussing matters with several court officials and is not available to see you. His Highness is not looking for you for any other reason, but because someone wants to see you."
Xie Yunchu was a little stunned. "Someone wants to see me? Who?"
Chao Yun's temperament was more lively than expected, and she was still playing a riddle with Xie Yunchu, "You wait here."
Xie Yunchu was always steady and didn't ask too many questions. Chaoyun personally served her tea. Xie Yunchu stood up to take the teacup, and the two of them sat down together and waited.
When Chao Yun mentioned Wang Shuhuai's trip south, Xie Yunchu realized that the eldest princess and Wang Shuhuai had joined forces. He recalled that in the previous life, the two of them had been fighting for a long time, and the Duke's Mansion was in chaos and everyone suffered. In this life, they are a perfect match, and things in Jiangnan will only go more smoothly.
After waiting for half a minute, a palace maid led a woman in her forties into the hall. Xie Yunchu was stunned when he saw the visitor. The visitor was extremely bright and fair-skinned. The gorgeous red gorilla carpet could not diminish the softness between her brows. At first glance, she looked like a woman seen in the misty rain of Jiangnan. She was so beautiful that it was very desirable.
But Xie Yunchu didn’t know her.
When the woman saw Xie Yunchu, she couldn't help but tighten her handkerchief. She looked a little excited and looked her up and down. Xie Yunchu spoke first and said,
"I thought there were such beautiful gods in this world."
"The Wang family is indeed blessed with beautiful scenery and good environment."
Chao Yun smiled brightly, holding one with her left hand and hugging the other with her right hand, and said with a smile, "I knew that you two would hit it off right away. Chu'er, she is not someone else, but Madam Ming. The Queen Mother decided to match your father with her, but she was not very reassured in her heart, saying that she should meet you and get your permission before agreeing to this marriage. So, Her Royal Highness the Princess took on this job and let you two meet."
To be honest, before Xie Yunchu met this Madam Ming, she did have some concerns in her heart. But after seeing this person, she found that her features were exceptionally gentle, and her whole temperament was as gentle as water, and she couldn't help but have a good impression of her. However, compared to Madam Ming's excitement, she was just a good impression.
With the previous experience of Aunt Lu, she will not be easily shaken again.
Mrs. Ming was embarrassed when she heard Chaoyun's words, "Forget it, go and do your work, and leave me to talk to Chu'er."
Chaoyun left tactfully, and finally raised his eyebrows at Xie Yunchu and gave her a few funny looks.
Xie Yunchu smiled and pulled Madam Ming to sit down. "So it's you. I should be the one to pay you a visit. Why would you condescend to see me?"
Madam Ming heard the politeness in Xie Yunchu's tone and shook her head, "I have heard that you are a steady and reserved child. Today I see that you are indeed the case. But you don't have to be so cautious in front of me. Child, I have no sons or daughters. I only have a concubine's daughter, who also married to Jiangnan. Even if I live with your father, I can't have children. I just want to meet you once. If I get along with you, I will accept this marriage. If you are not happy, I will..."
"How can I not be happy? You are so kind and open-hearted," Xie Yunchu pulled her and laughed, "Besides, what is grandma's vision? Since she accepted this, she must value your character."
This is the reason why Xie Yunchu truly accepted Mrs. Ming.
If it hadn't been for the eldest princess's approval, she wouldn't have done this.
To put it another way, the eldest princess has smoothed things over today, so even if something happens in the future, the eldest princess will speak up for her.
Mrs. Ming was embarrassed, but she smiled happily, "I am satisfied with your words."
"I've also heard about your family's affairs. Thank you for driving that Aunt Lu away for me. I have a calm personality and I really can't deal with people like that."
Xie Yunchu was a little amused and helpless when she heard this. She originally wanted to find a powerful stepmother to suppress Aunt Lu, but unexpectedly she got a real Bodhisattva instead.
Madam Ming added, "Don't worry, I will treat you and You'er as my own children."
It can be seen that Mrs. Ming is a simple person with a pure heart. Even though she is old, she still has the innocence of a little girl. She even asked where the silk flower on Xie Yunchu's head came from and said that she wanted to make one for Xie Yunchu herself. Xie Yunchu really couldn't resist Mrs. Ming's enthusiasm.
"Don't worry, you can buy this stuff in the store. I have a lot of boxes."
Mrs. Ming said confidently, "I can do better." She had been alone in her empty room for years, and she was busy with embroidery and other tasks in her boudoir.
Xie Yunchu: “…”
The next morning, Mrs. Ming really sent her three silk flowers.
They are all made of soft velvet with bright colors, but the styles are not as tacky as those on the market. Instead, they are very graceful and elegant.
When Xie Yunchu saw the silk flower, he suddenly got an inspiration.
"I remember now. We named our shop 'Linglong Pavilion'. We asked Madam Ming to make some unique silk flowers to be pinned on each new dress... It will be the unique symbol of our shop."
Xie Yunchu seemed to be possessed by Xiao Youran. She hurried to the shop with her maids. The four sets of clothes had just been made. She tried them on herself, which amazed the maids and old women. She ordered people to work quickly to make twenty sets of the most exquisite clothes. At the same time, she was inspired and drew some silk flower patterns and asked Madam Ming to help her make them.
I was so busy and excited this day that I even forgot it was the first day of the new year.
It was still evening, when the sun was setting, and Nanny Lin couldn't see her mistress, so she sent Chunqi to the shop to look for her.
Chunqi was very surprised to see that the shop was brightly lit and everyone was busy in an orderly manner. As for Xie Yunchu, who was still bending over the table designing patterns, she was dumbfounded and hurried over, "My master, why are you still busy? It's the first day of the new year today."
"Ah..." Xie Yunchu looked up blankly. From today to the seventh day of the lunar month, it would be her busiest time. Success or failure depended on this one move. Xie Yunchu had no time to care about anything else and completely forgot about the first and fifteenth day of the lunar month. She was slow to react for a moment and asked, "Is the Second Master back?"
"Although the Second Master hasn't come back yet, he will definitely come back."
"That's not necessarily true. He's about to leave, and he's even busier than me." Xie Yunchu glared.
Wang Shuhuai had broken his promises many times in his previous life, and she was always ranked last in his eyes. "I'm just getting inspired, don't rush me."
Chunqi could only wait for her.
By the time Xie Yunchu finished drawing the blueprint and gave instructions to the tailor, half an hour had passed. His mind was filled with fantastic ideas and he was tense all day. He felt tired when he got home, so he took a shower, changed his clothes, and fell straight onto the bed in exhaustion.
The nanny wanted to urge her to wake up and be prepared for Wang Shuhuai's arrival, but seeing her pretty face buried in the quilt and quickly falling asleep, she didn't say anything.
Late at night, white dewdrops clung motionlessly to the branches and leaves. From afar, one could not tell whether they were summer dew or autumn frost. Wang Shuhuai's tall and slender figure stood alone in the waterside pavilion. The lights were dim, unable to illuminate his cold expression. As the lake breeze blew, he tightened his collar, relaxing the fatigue that had just accumulated from Qinghui Palace.
The princess gave him a list, which recorded in detail the assets of the five powerful families. These people were the abandoned children given to Wang Shuhuai by the princess. Wang Shuhuai was still thinking about how to proceed. His eyes fell on the sparkling water for a moment, and his feet stood still.
He will be traveling tomorrow, and with this list, many arrangements need to be adjusted. There are too many things waiting for him to decide tonight.
Minggui was waiting behind a bunch of peonies. He glanced at the brightly lit Chunjing Hall not far away, then looked at his master's lonely back, feeling a little worried.
Tonight is the first day of the new year.
Shouldn't the master go to Chunjingtang?
He was a little unsure whether to urge her.
Ming Gui would not have been so hesitant on any other day, but his master has been too busy these past two days. He is about to go on a trip, has social engagements with officials from all walks of life, some officials from Jiangnan come to test him, the Emperor and the Princess summon him from time to time, and the Ministry of Revenue has daily official business to run.
Fortunately, Wang Shuhuai was quick-witted and capable, and he handled everything with ease.
Wang Shuhuai had instructed that he should be reminded on the first and fifteenth day of the lunar month.
So Minggui said, "Master, it's getting late. Tonight is the first day of the lunar year. Should we go to the young mistress's place to rest?"
Wang Shuhuai turned around slowly. The light of Chunjing Hall spread through the treetops. He stared at the light for a while.
There was hesitation in his eyes.
They are a couple who respect each other.
She was calm and composed, so he should not hesitate either.
But he was unhappy.
No matter how unhappy I am, I understand that this is my husband's responsibility.
She can do things according to the routine, so why should he be so pretentious?
She wanted children, and he gave them to her.
Wang Shuhuai was a rational man and knew what to do, so he went to Chunjingtang.
When Nanny Lin saw him, she was secretly delighted. Fortunately, she had left some water and prepared clothes for him. Wang Shuhuai went to the bathroom alone to take a bath and then returned to the inner room.
The glass lamp in the corner was flickering faintly, and a dark figure was visible on the bed.
Wang Shuhuai went to bed without saying a word.
Smelling a familiar scent, each of them retained the memory of each other.
Cooperate tacitly, extend, and build momentum to move forward.
Compared to their physical appearance but spiritual discord under the bed, the two of them on the bed are obviously more compatible.
Xie Yunchu arched her slender back, and his sweat dripped from his tense jaw onto her vest, blending together bit by bit. As she took a breath, her snow-white neck drew a graceful arc in the night.
It seems to be very enjoyable, and it seems to be very casual.
She lay on the bed, breathing unevenly, without even looking at him. He also got away in time and returned to the study to continue his official business in the second half of the night.
The next day, Xie Yunchu rushed to the store as usual, and Wang Shuhuai returned to the Ministry of Revenue to hand over the final procedures.
When everyone has finished their work, it is time to light the lamps.
Xie Yunchu hurriedly got into the car and reached the door. She gathered her veil and walked briskly towards Chunjingtang. Her mind was full of passion for the opening of the business and her spirits were extremely high. A woman obsessed with her career exuded a unique charm and walked with the wind.
Wang Shuhuai stood in a corner under the eaves of the study in a white shirt, his tall figure hidden by the lush green. He watched the graceful figure slowly passing by the moon-shaped door in front of him.
She was wearing a slanting-collared gown of fragrant cloud gauze, with intricate patterns like colorful flowers. It was gorgeous yet not vulgar, and it was a perfect combination of gorgeousness and elegance. Coupled with her beautiful eyes and eyebrows, she could simply be described as enchanting.
It was like a painting soaked in time, with the sedimentation of years, a fleeting glimpse passed through his eyes.
I wanted to take a closer look, but there was no trace of him. Only a few words and laughter came from afar through the woods and across the water.
The autumn rain came unexpectedly again.
Xie Yunchu lifted her skirt and trotted up the corridor, when suddenly a hoarse voice came from behind her.
"lady…"
It has been a long time since I last thought of Wang Shuhuai, and it has been a long time since I last heard his voice. Suddenly, the word "Madam" seemed to come from the depths of my memory, making Xie Yunchu a little dazed. Even though the two of them were still cuddling in bed last night, no one spoke a word from beginning to end.
Xie Yunchu turned around.
The man was dressed in a white shirt, standing at the door with a handsome figure.
That face always has a kind of clarity that brushes away the glory of the world.
In her previous life, she must have been obsessed with this face. Xie Yunchu smiled, leaned against the pillar, and hunched her waist slightly to prevent the rain from drifting in.
"Second Master..." She had a smile on her face as always, and her expression was relaxed and lazy.
It seems that no matter how windy or rainy it is, it cannot shake that soft and peaceful appearance.
Wang Shuhuai's eyebrows were covered by wind and rain, and seemed to be slightly frosted.
"I will leave Beijing tonight," he said.
Xie Yunchu was slightly surprised, a little caught off guard, "Aren't we supposed to wait until Lord Liu's mother's birthday party before leaving?"
Mr. Liu’s mother’s birthday banquet will be on the sixth day of July.
Wang Shuhuai stared at her face with clear eyes, his expression as calm as always, "The Lianghuai Transport Envoy was assassinated, I need to leave early."
Xie Yunchu was not surprised. No matter in the past or present life, Wang Shuhuai was like a spinning top that never stopped. He would go wherever the hardest task was.
In her previous life, she couldn't understand and always complained that her husband couldn't be with her. But now she is relieved. Isn't it better for them to live happily? He has his grand world and she has her bright future.
Xie Yunchu didn't have a trace of reluctance or worry on his face, instead he gave a frank instruction,
"Then you must take good care of yourself, sail at night, and take advantage of the opportunity to get some sleep."
It was as if he was not on a long journey, as if he would be able to return home in a few days.
Commonplace.
Wang Shuhuai's heart was filled with indescribable emotions, entangled and twisted. He didn't even have time to distinguish what they were. His reason told him that this was his wife, Wang Shuhuai, who would never drag her feet and would always guard the rear for him, allowing him to rush to her without hesitation.
"You too," Qinglie's eyes inadvertently fell on the east wing, and he said hoarsely, "Take good care of Ke'er too."
Xie Yunchu changed her posture and leaned against the pillar. Her black hair was brushed, revealing her face as delicate as the bright moon. She smiled crisply, "When the Second Master comes back, Ke'er will definitely be able to run and talk. She will be even more adorable then."
Wang Shuhuai lowered his eyebrows, and thinking back to his daughter's silly appearance, he also curled his lips.
This farewell was very warm and ordinary.
The storm is about to get worse, and it seems there is nothing else to say.
Wang Shuhuai took a step back.
Xie Yunchu knew he was leaving.
The two were separated by a moon-shaped door and by rain and fog. No one crossed the threshold, as if they were standing in two different worlds. One was like a painting of a beauty embedded in the colorful embroidery of a court, while the other was covered in wind and rain, carrying the lights and moon in the courtyard behind him, and traveling alone.
Xie Yunchu watched the elegant figure disappear little by little in the wind and rain, his expression gradually becoming dazed.
There had been so many such scenes in her previous life that she had become numb and calm.
She no longer remembered whether she met him more or said goodbye to him more in that life.
Those cold, long and difficult nights are the only background color in the lonely life.
What is valuable is that she has now freed herself from the shackles and no longer pins her hopes on others.
Rain was pouring down from the sky. Xie Yunchu looked up to meet the rain. The raindrops turned into fragments of light and fell on her. She seemed to be turning into a butterfly.
The only thing in this world that can make people obsessed and not regret is to love themselves well.
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