thorn in the eye
Chapter 21: A Thorn in the Eye
Peng Zuogong wanted to get engaged, but there were no female elders in his family. Peng Xun didn't care about anything else and was still looking for suitable daughters from the families of nobles in Beijing.
Since they planned to make Yi Huan their concubine, Peng Zuoyang discussed it with the old man.
"You must marry a wife first before you can raise her."
"I know, I'm not going to get married soon."
Peng Xun leaned back in the armchair, frowning as he asked, "Did you marry her just for her?"
Peng Zuoyan smiled contemptuously, "If I pity her, why not just marry her?"
Hearing his sarcasm, Peng Xun remained silent. Perhaps Peng Zuoyuan was too confused by the situation. Although Yi Huan was not important, he was reluctant to give her up.
"She is both virtuous and beautiful. If it weren't for her family background being a few levels lower than others and her having saved me in Panshi, I would have given her the status of a lower wife."
"No matter how good she is, you don't have to rush into it. What will others think if you take her as a concubine in less than a year?"
"I have made plans."
Peng Xun thought it was inappropriate and advised earnestly: "No family would be willing to marry their daughter to a family like this."
"There are always nobles who are happy to accept the obvious benefits. Besides, I am not favoring a concubine over my wife. I married my wife, the head mistress of the Peng family."
But Peng Zuoyang wanted to find a wife with a gentle temper and kind attitude, who could help him, tolerate Yi Huan, and if his mother was pregnant, could also tolerate his illegitimate son.
Yi Huan was kind to him and had stayed with him many times. With such a deep friendship, Peng Zuoyan had to find a safe and secure way out for such a woman.
"Are you serious? I can see that girl is not happy with you."
"Ha, there is no one in the world who is indestructible. Look behind you, Dad."
Yi Huan's attitude towards him remains the same as before, too stubborn to change. Perhaps she would be happier if her position was raised.
In the future, he will be the head of the Peng family, and there will definitely be a mistress in the family, but it is only a matter of time.
If the mistress has a bad temper, exploitation and oppression are common. Given Yi Huan's cold attitude of not being interested in competing for favor, she will not be able to stand firm in the future when there are more people around.
Peng Zuoyan was very sure that this was not love, he just wanted to be considerate of her. She did not fight or compete. If he did not speak for her, no one in such a big family would stand on her side.
"Since you've made up your mind, I won't say much. I only have one thing to say. Xishan, if I carry more people, I must not cross over my wife. No matter how many people you carry, nothing can happen to the house."
Meeting his solemn gaze, Peng Zuoyang sneered in his heart. At his age, he was an old man with two sons, and most of the conflicts between his wives and concubines were caused by his favoritism. Now that he was old, he was teaching his son to value his family and respect his wife.
"I know my limits."
There were no major incidents when the new official took office. Peng Zuogong was led by the chief secretary to meet the two generals, and he stayed on duty until it was time to end his shift before leaving the camp.
There were four or five people gathered on one side of the city gate. Peng Zuoyuan saw Rong Lu, who was wearing armor and talking with his waist bent. The latter had his eyes on him and ordered his men to invite him over.
"Chief Rong, what's the matter?"
Peng Zuoyang casually glanced at the young man sitting in the front room of the carriage, guessing his identity in his heart. The ones who could be followed by the Qianniu Guards of the Royal Guards and flattered by them so skillfully and arrogantly must be those people.
Rong Lu took a step back and said to him respectfully but not politely, "Captain Peng, this is His Royal Highness Prince Zhen."
"I, Peng Zuodang, greet Your Highness."
"Peng Zuoyuan."
Jiang Tongzhou rested his arm on his knee, twisting a string of candied octagonal sticks in one hand, and recounted the past: "This is General Peng, who gathered all the troops to besiege the Jiedu Mansion. His reputation is well-deserved."
"Ha, you're joking..." Peng Zuoyuan bent his shoulders and tried to stand up, but Jiang Tongzhou stopped him by holding his forearm.
Prince Zhen was not as strong and powerful as him, so what prevented Peng Zuoyang from getting up was Jiang Tongzhou's rank as a first-rank prince.
"You don't want tens of thousands of soldiers, but you're so eager to come with a mere fourth-rank officer. Should I say you have a narrow vision or a dull mind?"
Peng Zuoyuan was silent, his drooping eyelids trembling slightly. He leaned lower and said, "Your Highness, I am a minister of the Sage. I will go wherever the Sage commands me. There is a misunderstanding regarding the Rongzhou incident. Since the Sage has appointed me, it must be because he is suspicious of the person he is appointing."
"Ha ha."
Jiang Tongzhou let go of his hand and stood casually: "The imperial city is not like the frontier. There are sixteen guards in the Southern Court, three armies in the Northern Court, and ten generals in the Eastern Palace. It's not easy to work under the royal family."
"I thank Your Highness for this reminder. Being a minister means sharing the Lord's burdens, and working for the Lord is a blessing."
"Yeah." Jiang turned back and sat down. Jiang Tongzhou asked casually, "How do you feel about your first day on the job, Captain Peng?"
"Your Highness, I appreciate your concern. I have just arrived in Kyoto and am still unsure about everything. I am still adjusting to everything."
The young man who grew up in the upper echelons of the royal family was reserved but also had a bit of mischief. He said with a half-smile, "Captain, you'll get used to it."
Peng Zuoyang bowed in response, his lowered eyes not as respectful as he appeared.
King Zhen's words reminded Peng Zuoyang that Gao Fu could not protect Geshuer forever. They had a feud in Rongzhou, and now Geshuer was close to him, so he had to think about what to do.
Geshuer was of Hu descent. In addition to the serious matters he had filed a complaint a few months ago, after Peng Zuoyang was transferred to the capital by imperial decree, he often frequented brothels and spent money every night.
After following him for two streets, he never became suspicious of the bearded man in a dark green round-necked robe who was walking in twists and turns in front of him. When he saw him walk into the alley, Peng Zuoyuan stopped, followed by Chang Er with a sword on his waist. The master and servant, hidden in the dark night, had the same expressionless expression.
The leader of the observation circle leaned over the edge of the house and gestured in this direction.
Peng Zuoyan stood with his hands behind his back, not moving. "Chang Er, follow him."
Chang Er knew what to say and what not to say. He fixed his eyes on the big and strong drunk Geshuer and followed him silently.
There was still a leader who delivered the result. Peng Zuoyan nodded and turned to leave.
“Yeah.”
It was a crisp yet unconcealed female voice.
He was the only one on the street, so Peng Zuoyan pretended not to hear and kept walking.
"Hey! You're not deaf, are you?"
The iron beads the size of a fingernail came closer and closer. Peng Zuoyang could hear that the footsteps did not stop. The hand behind him moved sideways to the front of his body and made a downward pressing motion.
Jiang Kaiyuan came over with his hands behind his back, forcing her to stop.
"If you take another step, this princess's bow will be blind."
After seeing his face, Jiang Kaiyuan exclaimed, her eyes fixed on him as she said, "How come this princess has never seen you before?"
I thought that the tall figure and narrow waist meant that the kung fu of both man and woman must be amazing, but I didn't expect the face to be quite good looking too, with black eyes and thin face, coupled with the indifferent expression, the fun in the room must be wonderful.
Looking down at her repeatedly scrutinizing eyes, Peng Zuoyan didn't believe those three words and threatened, "If you pretend to be a princess, your entire clan will be executed."
"Heh." Jiang Kaiyuan stood still, tugging at his collar with her right hand and pulling him forward, her arrogance evident. "Open your dog eyes wide for this princess to see. In the entire Yu Dynasty, no one dares to call another Jiang Kaiyuan."
The girl with the gold-inlaid jade pendant wears wealth on her body. The symbol of the round green jade indeed confirms her previous firm words.
Peng Zuodang pretended to be frightened and stepped back, bowing and saluting, saying, "Commander Peng Zuodang greets His Highness Shouzhen."
"Zhechoufu? Isn't the commander Xu Sanlang?"
"Commander Xu Ping was transferred to the Imperial Household General. I entered the capital a month ago. Before that, I was stationed at Gongzhou, Jiannan Road."
"Oh, he looks much stronger than the young master of Chang'an."
Peng Zuoyan lowered his head appropriately and remained reserved as she looked at him. Jiang Kaiyuan was amused by this and said with a curled lip, "I'm just not very courageous."
Peng Zuoyang has always had a way of dealing with people, but Shou Zhen's attitude was a little too familiar, and his eyes were too naked and bold.
Colleagues from the outer government offices of Zhechou made an appointment to visit prostitutes. A plaque with the words "Yishao Fengyue" was hung with two bright yellow bamboo lanterns. There was no strong smell of cosmetics in the pavilion. Windows were open on all sides. There were four or six dancers sitting on the stage in the hall, playing the pipa or the bamboo flute. The spring breeze was gentle, and they were holding the soft and delicate flowers of the world. It was a great pleasure.
Peng Zuoyuan walked in the second row, following the others up the stairs. Passing by the private room where the names were taken, the mingled moans of a man and a woman could be heard. General Cen Qiuxi, with a knowing smile, quipped, "Your Highness the Princess is in high spirits today."
"Ha ha."
After being immersed in it for a long time, you will know some private things. Princess Shouzhen is nineteen years old this year. She has no prince consort and no official rank. There are many romantic affairs inside and outside the palace.
"Both Concubine Gao and Prince Zhen are protecting the princess. Xu San, why don't you recommend yourself?"
Cen Qiuxi spoke without restraint when talking about romantic matters. Xu Zi bowed and laughed. How could he dare to agree with her when she was his direct superior and a noble lady from the royal family?
"I am a humble official and dare not show off my skills in front of you, my lord."
Peng Zuoyan listened carefully, glanced at the white jade body that was being entangled in the crack of the door, and his eyes flashed with disgust. It would be useless to just get entangled with a powerless princess who was obsessed with eroticism.
When the banquet was halfway through, Peng Zuoyuan left the banquet, intending to avoid that private room, but unexpectedly he met the girl who was blocking the stairs.
Jiang Kaiyuan walked down the stairs one sentence at a time, speaking drunkenly, "This princess said that she was not mistaken in choosing the right person. You also saw that I was here, so why didn't you come to see me?"
"Princess Shouzhen, we only met once."
"Or you don't want to." Jiang Kaiyuan looked him in the eye, put his right hand on his shoulder, and raised his eyes with a hint of temptation, "Would you consider following this princess?"
"Princess, are you talking about a concubine or a consort?"
His men pressed him hard against the wooden wall. Although Jiang Kaiyuan looked up at him, his tone did not show any weakness. "What do you want to be?"
There were still beads of sweat on the grooves of her neck, and Peng Zuoyan used his arms to prevent her from touching him further.
"I am a fourth-rank captain of the imperial court and the eldest and only son of the Peng family. I know I cannot be your consort, and I dare not cross the line to make friends with you."
"What about you?"
Peng Zuoyan's lowered eyes flashed with contempt, and he asked disrespectfully, "If I agree, will I treat you as a prostitute?"
"How dare you!"
"So you think of me as a prostitute?"
Jiang Kaiyuan smiled and reached down with one hand, saying, "If you're willing, I don't mind."
"Princess Shouzhen, was I not clear enough? I will not marry you, nor will I make peace with you." Grasping her thrashing wrist with his left hand, Peng Zuoyuan refused again: "I am not having an affair. I am not a concubine or a consort. Your Highness has chosen the wrong person."
Peng Zuoyuan doesn't want a dirty mistress, and even if Jiang Kaiyuan's private life is impeccable, he will not marry a princess.
"I have something else to do, so I'll take my leave."
Jiang Kaiyuan swung the wrist he had grabbed, and followed him up the stairs with a playful look as he lifted it left and right.
She is not timid, but she has a temper. However, she still wants to sleep with him. This is the reward from the master to the minister. Peng Zuoyang cannot refuse and can only accept it.
At Prince Zhen's residence, Jiang Kaiyuan sat waiting for Jiang Tongzhou to return home.
Following the look of surprise on his face, Jiang Kaiyuan casually asked, "What's wrong with you? Is there anyone who dares to offend you?"
"Why are you interested in Peng Zuoyuan?"
"You're nosy. Who I choose is my business." Jiang Kaiyuan reacted and said, "Why do you care how I met him in the Imperial City?"
Of course, Peng Zuoyan is not as cowardly and servile as he appears. He is tactful but not blindly submissive. He will give you a sharp nail from time to time, which is annoying but there is no need to get rid of it.
"Yu Niang, he is not suitable for you."
"There are so many things that don't suit me. You're so free. You always have to interfere when I see you and you don't agree."
Seeing her being suppressed, Jiang Tongzhou could only complain. His originally gloomy expression brightened up. "I am your brother, so it is only natural for me to take care of you."
A green cup was filled with small, purple-red cherries. Jiang Tongzhou plucked two clusters of bright green stalks and pushed them over, saying, "These are fresh peaches from Dongwu."
"I've eaten. Why are you targeting him?"
"Peng Zuo-yang is a prominent figure in Rongzhou. If he can't be used by me in the future, what's the point of keeping him around?"
Jiang Kaiyuan sneered, "If you've taken a fancy to her, don't try to get her with good intentions or you'll be snatched away by the prince."
"Do you think Jiang Qingci would be interested in a fourth-rank captain who came from a reckless background and has led a military campaign?" Jiang Tongzhou flashed a hint of hostility and sneered, "This Eastern Palace His Highness values pedigree above all else. He brought up Peng Zuo's past actions, and instead of saying he dislikes him, he's recruiting him? Hmph."
"What do you want to do?"
"I still remember that you were always thinking about my Qionglai?"
Thinking back to that handsome and elegant young man, Jiang Kaiyuan couldn't quite remember his specific features. She had fallen in love with him at that time and had made a move on him, but failed as she was stopped by Jiang Tongzhou.
"Qionglai? Oh, that happened last year. So, do you think Peng Zuoyuan likes this?"
Jiang Tongzhou glanced at her with disdain, "What are you thinking about every day? Doesn't he have a concubine? The drama of catching an adulterer in the backyard must be exciting."
There is a green light on my head, this grudge is not small.
"Tsk tsk tsk, tempting someone to cheat on their husband, what a shady trick!"
"Don't just stand there and watch the fun. You'll benefit too."
Jiang Kaiyuan smiled flatteringly, poured a cup of tea and handed it to him with both hands, "Your Highness is very resourceful, then I will follow Your Highness and enjoy the fruits of your labor."
"I can give you Qionglai by then."
The woman in the wide-sleeved dress with a golden-red background and jade embellishments raised an eyebrow. "Why, you're not going to stop me?"
"If the goal is achieved, people are useless."
What Jiang Tongzhou wanted was to humiliate Peng Zuo-dong. He wanted to make Peng Zuo-dong, a man who had made great contributions to the construction of the country, frustrated and self-doubting. Then he would take action to capture him and use him for his own purposes.
"Jiang Jinlang, you should know that this princess will never go back to someone she once rejected."
"Tsk." Thinking of how she used to chase after Qionglai's face, Jiang Tongzhou nodded in the air, "Remember your words. If you ask for it again, I won't give it to you."
"It's better not to give it."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
