Chapter 36. King Yu's gaze lingered on the receding figure...
The door was closed.
The eldest granddaughter tried to break free from her grandmother's grasp, but the old woman was too strong. "Grandma, you're hurting me!"
Grandma Xu blocked the doorway, then let go of his hand. "Don't think I don't know what you're thinking. That's not something people like us should be thinking about. Keep your little schemes to yourself."
The eldest granddaughter rubbed her arm, looked to the side, and pouted, "Grandma, I don't know what you're talking about."
"You don't know? Don't tell me you didn't take a liking to that young master?"
"He, he's handsome." He was the most handsome man she had ever seen in her fifteen years of life, even more handsome than the young male opera singer in town.
"Handsome men are the most dangerous. You're too young to know the ins and outs. Besides, that young master is clearly no ordinary person; he would never marry you."
The eldest granddaughter looked resentful.
Old Mrs. Xu could easily see through her thoughts: "If you dare to have an affair with him, don't blame me for breaking your legs."
"Grandma." The eldest granddaughter was shocked. Looking at Grandma Xu's serious expression, she knew she wasn't joking.
On the back side of Xing'an Village, standing on the hillside, you can see the rushing and muddy water in the river below.
In the open areas by the water, some villagers were using poles to scoop up things floating in the river.
"That's where I and Tiger Cub's father found the young master."
“In previous years, the river was the shallowest. This year, the higher authorities caused a major flood, and the river rose as well. In the first few days, there was all sorts of things in the river: cabinets, books, clothes, corpses, and so on. It was just that the young master was lucky enough to be swept to the bank and grab onto a tree branch.”
“Young master, look over there. There used to be a bridge over there. We could cross that bridge to go to the market in the town on the other side. Now we can’t see any trace of the bridge. We don’t know if it has been washed away.”
Even though Jiang Liangxu, who had changed into linen clothes, was dressed the same as Old Man Xu, his face, exposed hands, and upright posture gave him an unusual air about him, making it clear that he was not someone who worked in the fields.
He leaned on his wooden cane, his gaze fixed on the rushing river, and pointed, asking, "Uncle Xu, what's up this river?"
"It's Lufeng Town. We usually go there when we go to the market. Young Master was most likely washed ashore from Lufeng Town."
"It's a pity the bridge is broken now, and the river is too fast to cross."
Jiang Liangxu frowned slightly, his face turning pale.
Old Xu turned his head and noticed that something was wrong with him. "Young master, you have a headache again. Let's go back quickly and find a way to cross the river when the water recedes."
"Second brother, carry the young master on your back, we're going back."
They encountered Tiger Cub on the road, who came to call them.
Tiger Cub boasted to his grandfather, "My sister wanted to come, but Grandma pulled her into the house and locked her up."
The children told the story as a funny anecdote, while the adults reached out and patted Tiger Cub's head without saying anything.
Coming down from the mountain, we found the village safe because the flooded river was located on the back side of the mountain where Xing'an Village is situated. The mountain is not high and there were no signs of collapse.
Jiang Liangxu was carried on the back of Old Xu's second son. Despite his injured leg, he did not push himself. Looking at the crops in the field, he asked, "Uncle Xu, are all the crops here planted on the hillside like this?"
"Yes, apart from the river on the other side, it's all mountains over here, not much flat land. We've planted drought-resistant crops, and this year the rains have been good, so they look to be growing quite well."
"After the harvest, how much tax did you pay? Do you have enough grain left over at home?"
Old Xu answered them all.
As he asked more questions, Old Xu felt that he looked like someone who worked in the government office, but when he went to the government office with the village head, he had never seen such a handsome young man.
"Old Man Xu and Young Master have gone back."
"Old Xu, take some vegetables back to eat. The bridge is broken and we can't go to town to sell them, so the vegetables are all old."
Old Man Xu said, "Hurry up and dry the vegetables."
"Don't say that. The yard is full of dried vegetables now, but only we eat them. The rich families in town don't eat them either."
Old Xu said, "Let's just get through this first. The river is flooded this year, and it might be even worse in other places. We're short of food and clothing, so maybe we can sell some dried vegetables."
"Then I'll get some more sun."
Along the way, villagers greeted Old Man Xu, because they had already seen the handsome young man who had been taken in by his family.
I've gotten used to seeing him over the past few days, but I can't help but take another look whenever I see him. After all, where in this remote mountain village can you find such a handsome young man with such delicate skin?
Back at the Xu family home, after having a meal, Jiang Liangxu sat in the courtyard in a daze, watching Huwa scribbling and drawing on the ground.
"Tiger Cub, what does this say?"
"My name was taught to me by my older brother from the village head's family."
Jiang Liangxu stared at it for a long time but still couldn't make out that it was a character; it was crooked and twisted.
He took the stick from Huwa's hand and wrote two characters: 'Xu Hu'.
"How come you wrote my name, young master?"
Seeing the child's delighted expression, Jiang Liangxu patted his head and said, "Go and call your grandpa."
"Master, Master, the young master is calling you."
When Old Man Xu came over from the backyard, Jiang Liangxu spoke first: "Uncle Xu, let me teach the children to write."
Old Xu was still holding a carpenter's plane in his hand. He had been asked by his neighbor to make a set of cabinets. Hearing this, he was stunned for a moment. "Sir, are you serious? No, are you serious?"
There are no school teachers in their village, so the children have to go to Lufeng Town or other villages to study, where tuition is expensive and the journey is long.
Jiang Liangxu smiled and said, "I'm just idling around anyway."
His leg was injured, and he couldn't walk around. He had to trouble the Xu family to go out.
In addition, the river showed no signs of receding, so we needed to find something to do.
Hearing this, Old Mrs. Xu, who was mending clothes inside, came out. "But we don't have that many paper and pens at home."
“The charcoal left over from the fire in the house is fine. I can write on a wooden board, and the children can use sand as paper on the ground. There’s no need to insist on paper and pen. They can use sand and twigs to practice repeatedly.”
Upon hearing this, Old Xu immediately clapped his hands and exclaimed, "This is good, this is good!"
He learned carpentry when he was young and still occasionally makes furniture for others. He has the most wood at home, so he just makes more planks.
When Old Lady Xu heard that charcoal had been brought, and glanced at Jiang Liangxu's slender and clean hands, she said, "I'll wrap these dirty hands for you, young master."
"No need, I'll just wash it after I'm done writing."
Jiang Liangxu picked out a suitable-sized wooden board and tried writing on it. He was a little uncomfortable at first, but after writing a few words, he mastered the technique.
Seeing his handwriting, Old Man Xu knew that he was a scholar.
Rubbing his hands, "Young master, this gift..."
“Fortunately, Uncle Xu and my brothers came to my rescue. I know I’m not cut out for manual labor and can’t help you much. All I can do is write a few words to teach the children. I’m not a teacher, so I don’t need any tuition fees.”
Upon hearing this, the other members of the Xu family exchanged glances, and someone had already pushed a child over.
The eldest granddaughter listened through the door for a long time, then mustered up her courage and said, "Grandpa, Grandma, I also want to learn to read."
Grandma Xu frowned.
But then they heard the young master they had picked up say, "Let them all learn, whether they are boys or girls. Uncle Xu, go to the village and ask if anyone is willing to let their child learn."
He has difficulty walking now and can't walk for long, so he's just idling around anyway.
He couldn't remember who he was or what his identity was. His priority was to heal his leg and wait for the river to recede before leaving Xing'an Village to find the answers.
--
Within Changzhou.
Since Jiang Liangxu disappeared, both the government and the people have been searching for him, but the floodwaters are too swift and the currents are too numerous to count, so they have no idea where he has been swept away.
Jiang Heng led his men to search along the river, but to no avail.
Jiang Wei was ordered to come, but he had his own business to attend to and could not leave his post to find someone without permission, so he could only send all the guards away.
-Jin'an-
Reports of the mountain floods in Changzhou have been sent back urgently.
However, after Jiang Wei went to Changzhou, no one in the court could tell Zhao Xian about the affairs of the court.
Unable to obtain firsthand information.
She would visit the Lu family every day or two, or Madam Lu would come to the Jiang family.
Through Lord Lu's words, we inquired about news concerning Changzhou.
Seven or eight days after returning to the Jiang family from Huguo Temple, news suddenly came from the palace that the Empress Dowager's birthday celebration had been postponed, and that the Empress Dowager would be taking all the concubines to Huguo Temple to pray for the people, with the female relatives of ministers of the third rank and above accompanying her.
As soon as the news reached everyone, Madam Lu arrived with her daughter, Lu Zhaoying.
“Aunt, this is a Buddhist scripture that Third Sister copied for Henglang at home. I hope you can take it to Huguo Temple to make offerings on her behalf.”
Zhao Xian reached out and took it, saying, "Third Sister, you're so kind."
Madam Lu wanted to persuade Zhao Xian, but all the news coming from Changzhou was bad. She was afraid that if she spoke up, it would only upset Zhao Xian and cause her unnecessary distress, so she simply kept quiet.
After seeing off the Lu family mother and daughter, the servants began packing their luggage.
The Empress Dowager is leading the prayers, and it's unlikely to be a simple matter of just one or two days, so all the necessary items must be brought along.
Zhao Xian began to arrange the people she was taking with her: "Granny is not fully recovered yet, so she will not be coming with me to Huguo Temple this time."
Granny He hurriedly said, "Madam, this old servant is fine. Please don't dislike me. I'm all better now."
Zhao Xian comforted her, "It's not that I dislike you. When I'm not home, Lian Niang manages the household alone. Please keep an eye on things. If you receive any news from Changzhou, please send someone to deliver it to me immediately."
As she spoke, Zhao Xian looked at Li Lianniang and Cui Tingyue, "You two will not be coming with me this time; the household will be in your care."
Thinking back to when she saw Prince Yu at Huguo Temple last time, Zhao Xian was a little uneasy and thought it best not to bring them along to avoid any trouble.
Last time I went to Huguo Temple, I traveled light, but this time I brought two cartloads of luggage and my servants rode in one cart.
Upon arriving at Huguo Temple, the servants carried the belongings to the meditation room, while Zhao Xian, accompanied by two maids, went to pay her respects to the Empress Dowager.
Along the way, one could see other ladies or young women of the third rank and above. Those who were acquainted nodded and greeted each other, while those who were not acquainted exchanged glances.
Upon arriving at the Zen temple where the Empress Dowager resided, after the eunuch announced her arrival and left a maidservant to wait at the entrance, Zhao Xian went in alone.
"Your humble servant Zhao pays her respects to the Empress Dowager and wishes her good health."
"Rise."
As soon as the Empress Dowager finished speaking, Zhao Xian slowly stood up, emphasizing her gentle and weak demeanor.
Even with her eyes downcast, her face showed signs of exhaustion, and her clothes were simple and plain.
She then bowed again and said, "Your subject, Zhao, greets the Princess and Princess Rongyang."
After performing the ceremony, Zhao Xian slightly raised her head, but her eyelids remained obediently downward.
But their faces were completely exposed, revealing their carefully applied dark circles and haggard appearance.
The Empress Dowager was startled by her appearance. Thinking of the missing Jiang Liangxu, she comforted her, "You've worked hard, Zhao Shi."
Zhao Xian said weakly, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am not tired and am fine."
The Empress Dowager sighed. This was nothing? Looking at her haggard appearance, she probably hadn't slept well for several nights. The Empress Dowager was worried that she might collapse at any moment. "Give Lady Jiang a seat."
Zhao Xian sat down listlessly. Princess Rongyang had previously gone to the Jiang family and pointed her finger at her, scolding her for not taking things seriously. Now that everyone was here, she had to "take things seriously" more seriously.
With her makeup and acting skills, who dares to question her about her husband's disappearance and her lack of concern?
The Empress Dowager asked some questions, and Zhao Xian answered them all, offering nothing more than some perfunctory words of comfort.
"Go back. Praying for blessings starting tomorrow is a tough job. You... should get some rest."
Zhao Xian rose, knelt, and bowed, saying, "Your subject obeys."
After getting up, it floated away like a ghost.
The Empress Dowager sighed and said to the maid beside her, "Go and fetch a box of calming incense for Lady Jiang."
Princess Rongyang frowned repeatedly. The last time she went to the Jiang family, Zhao Shi looked full of energy. How could she suddenly be like this?
The eldest princess glanced in the direction of the door, a hint of envy in her eyes: "Madam Jiang and Lord Jiang are truly a loving couple."
Princess Rongyang pursed her lips. "She must be acting."
She had seen Zhao's tricks before; they only fooled others.
The Empress Dowager glanced at Princess Rongyang and said, "This prayer represents the attitude of the royal family, and there must be no mistakes."
Princess Rongyang knew that her grandmother was referring to her, so she lowered her eyes and dared not speak again.
"I am tired, all of you may leave."
--
The blessing ceremony officially began early the next morning.
The time was fixed each day. After getting up early and having breakfast, we would come to the hall and follow the monks to chant sutras and pray for blessings.
The Empress Dowager led the concubines at the front, followed by the families of second-rank officials, and then the families of third-rank officials.
Zhao Xian wasn't in the last row or on the side; she was in the middle, right in the center, as if it had been deliberately reserved for her.
After chanting scriptures all morning, we rested for an hour for lunch at noon. In the afternoon, we stayed in the hall, first copying Buddhist scriptures and then meditating.
Every day is the same, so boring and tedious.
For the first two days, everyone behaved themselves. But on the third day, the Empress Dowager didn't come; it was the Eldest Princess who led the way.
Zhao Xian discovered that some officials' wives had been replaced.
Some people change in the morning and are there in the afternoon, while others change in the afternoon and are there in the morning.
Peony went to inquire and returned, saying, "Madam, those ladies brought their daughters-in-law and daughters-in-law. If they feel unwell, they should ask the female officials around the Empress Dowager for leave and let their daughters-in-law or daughters take their place."
Zhao Xian blinked. No wonder she saw so many women when she arrived, but there weren't many people in the hall during the prayer ceremony. So that's why.
That's clever.
Peony felt a little regretful that her wife hadn't brought anyone with her.
Zhao Xian was unaware that she was looking haggard every day, praying for blessings and copying Buddhist scriptures as needed.
As time goes by, they will inevitably relax, and the younger ones will get together to chat and relieve boredom.
"I used to be resentful. We're all women, so why is it that Lord Jiang hasn't taken a concubine or had a mistress all these years, and has only stayed with Lady Zhao? Lady Zhao is certainly beautiful, but Jin'an is never short of beauties." Several ladies were chatting together when one of them spoke up: "Now I understand. I couldn't do that."
For eight whole days of prayers, she didn't ask for a single day off. She became more and more haggard each day, but she stubbornly persevered.
One of the ladies chimed in, "This persistence is truly touching."
"No wonder Lord Jiang refused... The bond between husband and wife is stronger than gold, something that not everyone can match." Someone said sarcastically.
Everyone was a sensible person; they understood with just a glance.
They also knew that they were referring to Princess Rongyang.
On the first day of the prayer ceremony, Princess Rongyang was seen, but she seemed to have disappeared the next day.
One of the young ladies looked rather grim. “Their unwavering love is their business, why should we be dragged into it? What does Lord Jiang’s disappearance have to do with us? Why should we all pray for him?”
As soon as the words were spoken, everyone's expression changed slightly. Whose daughter is this, so brainless?
"Little sister, you mustn't say that."
The young lady next to the young woman turned pale and quickly reached out to pull the speaker's hand.
People have already started to distance themselves from her. They think she speaks without thinking and don't want to associate with her, lest they get implicated by her without even realizing it.
One of the ladies sitting further out asked the person next to her in a low voice, "Whose young lady is this?"
Their eyes seemed to say, "Wow, that's fierce."
The person next to him answered in a low voice, "It belongs to the family of the Vice Minister of Works. I heard that they were kept outside before and were only recently brought back."
"They've only been brought home a short time ago, how dare the wife of the Vice Minister of Works be brought out like this?"
Spending all day chanting sutras and praying for blessings or copying Buddhist scriptures can be tiring.
Although the vegetarian food at Huguosi Temple is delicious, it's still vegetarian.
As time went on, the women of each family would take advantage of their free time to go around Huguo Temple to get some fresh air and chat.
Zhao Xian always had severe dark circles under her eyes and wore heavy makeup, so the ladies would at most offer a few words of comfort but wouldn't gossip about her.
After all, she was the most miserable among these people. Talking about happy things would only rub salt into her wounds, and talking about sad things would only make her more miserable. So, those ladies found it difficult to approach her.
This left Zhao Xian to take walks alone.
While the others chatted, Zhao Xian listened but couldn't refute them, since that was precisely her purpose in putting on an act.
Unexpectedly, she heard a different voice, so she had no choice but to show herself: "Miss, who said that this prayer was only for my husband?"
If this gets out, Jiang Liangxu will be condemned by the public.
Everyone: "..."
They were talking behind the scenes, but then the real person showed up.
The ladies who hadn't spoken remained calm, while those who had started to speak began to reflect on whether they had spoken ill of others.
In the end, it turned out that only that lady had said something wrong.
Suddenly questioned, the young woman blushed and said, "I... I only heard it from someone else."
"Oh, who said that?"
The young woman opened her mouth but didn't know how to answer; she hadn't seen the face.
"May I ask which family you belong to, young lady?"
The young woman looked embarrassed but dared not answer.
Zhao Xian didn't necessarily wait for her answer, and continued, "Before coming to Huguo Temple, didn't your elders receive an imperial edict? This prayer is for all the people who died, suffered, and were in distress in the floods in Changzhou, Fuyang City, Chuhuai City, and other places."
The little girl was wringing her handkerchief between her hands; she was about to cry.
"I'm sorry, Madam Jiang, please don't be angry. My sister-in-law has just returned to Jin'an and doesn't know the rules. Please don't be angry and don't hold it against her."
Zhao Xian looked at the young lady who came out to smooth things over. She recognized her as the daughter-in-law of the Vice Minister of Works. "This lady is wrong. I am not angry. It is you who did not explain the importance of this prayer to the young lady."
"The Empress Dowager brought so many of us here to pray for blessings. She represents the Emperor and the royal family, as well as you, me, and everyone else here who are participating in the prayer. We represent our grandfathers, fathers, brothers, husbands, and other family members who are officials in the court. They are busy serving the court and the people and cannot come to pray for blessings, so they need us."
"Praying for blessings is not a child's play, nor is it just for personal gain, but for the benefit of millions of people."
The young lady smiled ingratiatingly and said, "Madam Jiang is right."
"Don't dismiss this matter with just the excuse that she doesn't know the rules. She's young and has only just returned to Jin'an. Even if she doesn't know the rules, it's her parents' fault for not teaching her properly, and it's the fault of the elders in the family."
The young lady looked rather unpleasant, because she couldn't refute Zhao Xian's words.
--
Zhao Xian's words reached the Empress Dowager's ears that very evening.
The next day, after the prayers were completed, the Empress Dowager summoned Zhao Xian.
Previously, the Empress Dowager disliked Zhao Xian, largely due to Princess Rongyang.
However, Zhao was also someone who could not be found guilty of anything, and she acted with integrity and generosity.
This prayer meeting brought Zhao Xian to the Empress Dowager's attention. She realized that it was no wonder Jiang Liangxu had refused to give her up and marry someone else.
Rongyang is indeed lacking in some aspects.
"I heard about what happened yesterday. You did very well. Lord Jiang is fortunate to have such a virtuous wife as you."
"Your Majesty, I thank you for your praise." Zhao Xian appeared calm, but was puzzled. She hadn't done anything wrong; she was just asking a normal question to avoid damaging Jiang Liangxu's reputation.
After all, with so many women coming to pray for blessings, what merit does Jiang Liangxu have to monopolize the attention?
How did she become a virtuous wife?
When the Empress Dowager said this, Zhao Xian thanked her normally, resolutely refusing to be modest or question her.
After chatting for a while, they noticed that the Empress Dowager was feeling tired.
Zhao Xian got up to take her leave.
Just as she stepped out, a palace maid entered the room and announced, "Your Majesty, King Yu requests an audience."
"Summon him in."
As Zhao Xian went out, she bumped into Yu Wang at the door. Unlike Yu Wang's son, who had a mischievous look in his eyes, Zhao Xian was different.
King Yu was born very robust and tall, standing like a mountain blocking the entrance.
Zhao Xian greeted him, saying, "Your subject, Zhao, greets Your Highness, King Yu."
He reached out a large hand and gently touched her wrist: "Madam, there's no need for such formalities."
Zhao Xian took two steps back, her brow trembling.
Don't blame her for being surprised; this was her first time meeting the prince.
When she greets someone, is the other person obligated to help her up?
"I have some matters to attend to, Your Highness, and will not disturb you any longer." With that, she left without looking at him.
King Yu's gaze lingered on the receding figure, "Whose wife is that?"
The eunuch respectfully replied, "Your Highness, that is the wife of Minister Jiang, the Commissioner of the Court of Judicial Review."
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