107 Chapter 107
◎Wild vines grow wildly◎
The last ray of sunset glow faded away, and the dark blue night sky was dotted with stars.
The princess's mansion had been quiet for a year, but suddenly it became lively again, and the servants who had been idle for a long time began to perk up.
After Xu Qinglang followed the princess to the capital, he lived in the princess's mansion and spent all day studying the new type of drug found in the post station.
The Sun and Moon Cult harmed the Lang family so badly, and also used poisons like opium to harm the people. Now they have come up with this kind of drug that is hard to guard against. She must find out.
Hard work pays off, and we finally figured out the ingredients of this medicine.
She was just about to deliver the good news to the palace when she heard some noise outside the courtyard. She went out to ask and found out that the princess would be staying in the princess's mansion tonight!
That’s good, I don’t have to ask someone to run errands.
Xu Qinglang went all the way to the main courtyard and was stopped by Jiang Qing at the door.
"Sister Jiang, the drug has been developed. I want to see the princess."
Jiang Qing refused to budge, lowering her voice and saying, "Go back first, and we'll talk tomorrow."
"Okay." Xu Qinglang didn't understand why, but he still turned around obediently.
The main courtyard was brightly lit.
Xie Mingzhuo changed into a loose robe and sat at the dining table. In front of him was a bowl of longevity noodles. The noodles were smooth and fine, and the soup base had been simmered for a day and was golden in color. White stems and green leaves floated in it, like gold supporting white jade.
There were other delicacies on the table, all of which she loved.
It is said that someone was busy in the kitchen for half a day and had no time to eat during the day. She was late for court, and it took her a lot of time to leave the palace and enter the princess's mansion. By now, she must be hungry.
"Sit closer and eat together." Xie Mingzhuo waved to Lin Fan who was sitting opposite him.
Lin Fan stood up obediently, a little clumsily, and the hem of his clothes accidentally pulled the stool off the ground, causing the stool legs to scrape against the floor, making a slightly harsh sound.
His clothes today are very different from those in the past.
He was wearing a moon-white cross-collared gown with bamboo leaves growing on the lapels, spreading continuously to the shoulders, sleeves, and waist. The bamboo branches were slender and freehand, and the leaves were dark green, as if painted with ink.
With broad shoulders and a strong waist, long arms stretched out, his face becomes more fresh and handsome after being washed away by the dust of the world, and he is elegant and profound.
The house is lit with bright candles, and there are delicious food and wine. The invisible smoke of war in the court is gradually fading away. Although fighting with others is endless fun, occasionally stopping and appreciating the scenery close at hand can also bring joy to the body and mind.
"I heard from people in the mansion that you haven't eaten much all day?" Xie Mingzhuo personally scooped a bowl of hot soup and handed it over.
Lin Fan sat kneeling beside her, not knowing what to do with his hands and feet. Upon hearing this, he said in a daze, "I forgot."
"Forgot?" Xie Mingzhuo picked up the longevity noodles with the tip of his chopsticks. "What have you been thinking about all day?"
Lin Fan said nothing, but his starry eyes were fixed on her profile. She had just left court, and the majesty she had shown in front of the court officials had not yet completely dissipated. The candlelight cast a soft light on her eyebrows, a mixture of power and tenderness, a contradiction that was heartbreaking.
The longevity noodles are one continuous strand, wishing her to live a long and happy life.
Xie Mingzhuo ate very carefully, without breaking a single bite. After finishing it all, his hunger was temporarily relieved.
Seeing that Lin Fan hadn't spoken, he couldn't help but turn his head and suddenly crashed into a deep pool. The starlight was shattered and reflected in it, gentle and quiet.
Xie Mingzhuo's gaze paused for a moment, then he looked away, his expression unchanged as he said, "Eat first."
"Oh." Lin Fan obediently lowered his head and scooped the soup.
After eating a few bites, he stood up again and said, "I prepared a birthday present for you. I almost forgot."
"First--" Before Xie Mingzhuo could finish his words, he had disappeared at the door, his steps hurried and hurried.
She lowered her head and pondered for a moment, then couldn't help but chuckle.
Eat a full meal while no one is around.
Lin Fan was invited to the princess's mansion today and could only be considered a guest. The servants in the mansion prepared a guest house for him, which was right next to the main courtyard.
He hurried to the room to get the gift box, but when he stepped out of the door, his steps paused. He returned to the living room, sat in front of the mirror, reached out to comb the loose hair on his forehead, looked at himself, but was not satisfied, so he let it down again.
Being too rigid will be boring, so it’s better to be casual.
When they returned to the main courtyard, Xie Mingzhuo had already finished a bowl of rice and had taken a few bites of the dishes on the table.
"What is this?" She put down her chopsticks.
Lin Fan held the box in both hands and said sincerely, "This is a collection of notes I compiled from my father's past records. They contain his insights from his time in Guizhou. I hope they can be of some help to the court."
The Princess Regent deserves the most luxurious gifts in the world, whether it is gold, silver, jewelry or gorgeous clothes, she is worthy of them.
Even if Lin Fan spent all his wealth, it would not be worth a single pearl on the princess's shoes.
The princess already rules the world, and the only thing that can move her is a policy that benefits the country and the people.
This gift was given with great care.
Xie Mingzhuo took the gift box with both hands and opened it carefully. Inside was a book with a very familiar handwriting, which was handsome yet concealed a hint of arrogance.
"My elder brother loved studying medicine and had no intention of entering the government. My father hoped that I would inherit his spirit. He often called me by his side when he was recording his thoughts and taught me how to govern a region and protect the people."
"You were still young at that time, how could you remember so much?" Xie Mingzhuo flipped through the book, feeling moved by a good official like Lin Yingjie and shocked by Lin Fan's memory.
Lin Fan: "I used to have a poor memory, but then my family suffered a tragedy and I missed my family, and my memories of that time became even clearer."
It’s hard to forget after recalling it over the years.
"Mr. Lin, your opinion is profound." The more Xie Mingzhuo read, the deeper her admiration for Lin Yingjie grew. She raised her head and asked seriously, "Do you still wish to carry on your father's legacy?"
If the Lin family had not suffered a disaster, with Lin Fan's intelligence, he would have long since joined the aristocratic family instead of being trapped in Anlu for ten years.
But it’s not too late now. As long as Lin Fan is willing, she is willing to help him.
Lin Fan's heart skipped a beat. He quickly bent his knees and half-knelt, resting his hands on his knees. He looked up and said, "I've never thought about becoming an official. Being a yamen runner is great."
His eyes were sincere and clear, without any hesitation or unwillingness.
After being stared at by her for a while, a little affection arose in his heart, which was intertwined and twinkled with tiny starlight.
Xie Mingzhuo didn't move.
The candle wick crackled.
Lin Fan stood up, pressed his palms against the armrests of the wide chair, gripping them so tightly that his knuckles turned white and veins bulged on the backs of his hands, and lowered his waist.
The tips of their noses touched slightly, and their breaths intertwined.
Xie Mingzhuo raised his head slightly.
It was like a message of approval, instantly igniting the wildly growing vines deep in Lin Fan's heart, and every stem and every leaf were dancing wildly.
He lowered his head and kissed her fiercely and urgently, like the messy stems and leaves, without any order. I don't know what kind of incense was used on her clothes, but they were stained with the fragrance of plants and trees, gentle yet unbridled and vigorous.
The dishes on the table were pushed aside, and Xie Mingzhuo suddenly felt suspended in mid-air. He was picked up and sat on the edge of the table. He lowered his eyes to look, and saw the young man's eyes full of love, no longer concealed.
She placed one hand on his neck, feeling the violent roar of his pulse beneath her palm, and lowered her head in response to his pleading gaze.
The gift box lay alone on the chair, half open and half closed.
After a long time, Xie Mingzhuo called the servants to clean up the leftovers.
"Come with me to the palace tomorrow. Father, mother, and two brothers want to see you."
Lin Fan, still feeling agitated, spoke in a low voice, "Brother...was that reporter Meng from before His Royal Highness the Prince of Jin?"
"You guessed it right." Xie Mingzhuo squeezed his hand and jokingly said, "It's a pity there's no reward."
Lin Fan couldn't hide his smile: "Bringing me into the palace will be the greatest reward."
That night, Xie Mingzhuo stayed in the main courtyard and Lin Fan stayed in the guest courtyard.
The former fell asleep immediately, while the latter tossed and turned until the second half of the night when he finally fell into a drowsy sleep.
At noon, the princess drove into the palace.
At the same time, the decree regarding the survey of land in palaces and temples in Sichuan was urgently sent from the capital to Shu.
Many officials in Shu and Guizhou were dismissed from their posts, and the Ministry of Personnel was busy early in the morning, reviewing the evaluations of officials from various places and looking for suitable candidates to take over.
Xie Mingzhuo was also very busy. There were still a lot of memorials waiting for her to review in Wenhua Hall, but the meeting with the parents had to be carried out.
Palace of Heavenly Purity.
Meng Qi grabbed Xie Changfeng's arm, and was a little nervous for the first time. She also reminded him: "You three, don't be sour on me later. Just treat it as a guest at home and be more welcoming."
Given their status, there is no need for them to show off their power. Besides, Shao Shao is already strong. If they become even more powerful, the couple will become enemies.
Shaoshao has been busy enough and doesn't have any extra energy to deal with emotional matters. It would be great if they could always be harmonious and happy.
Xie Changfeng felt wronged: "Just say it, don't pinch me."
"you--"
Wu Shanqing trotted in, his eyes full of joy: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, Your Highnesses, the princess and Master Lin are here, they are already at the door."
The four of them immediately sat up straight.
Xie Mingshuo had met Lin Fan last year and was much less curious than them, mainly wanting to have fun.
After a while, two figures came together.
One of them wore a golden and red dress, the other wore a blue robe with a charming look in her eyes. They walked through the golden sunlight under the eaves and entered the hall together.
A perfect match, complementing each other.
Xie Mingshuo thought to himself: "The red and blue combination is indeed a classic!"
"Your servant, Lin Fan, wishes to see the Emperor live long, the Empress live a thousand years, and the King of Qi and the King of Jin live in peace."
"Hurry up and get up," Meng Qi said without any airs. She stood up and helped him up herself. After seeing his appearance, she became more and more satisfied. "Good boy, you have suffered."
Lin Fan had been sweating profusely on his palms as he made his way here, and even now his heart was still in his throat.
When he met the queen's gentle and loving gaze, a warm current suddenly surged in his heart and spread to every part of his body.
My heart slowly dropped.
"Ahem." Xie Changfeng also said with a gentle expression, "Lin family boy, stop standing. Come and sit down."
Lin Fan looked at Xie Mingzhuo.
"We're a family, so there aren't so many rules." Xie Mingzhuo took him to a seat and formally introduced him, "Second brother, you've met me before. This is the eldest brother."
Xie Mingxuan nodded slightly: "Don't be so reserved."
"Don't worry about him, he's just like that, a quiet person," Xie Mingshuo greeted him warmly, "Come to Prince Jin's Mansion to play with me often in the future."
Lin Fan: “…”
"Stay in the palace for lunch. What do you like to eat?" Meng Qi changed the subject. "Are there any dietary restrictions?"
Lin Fan answered obediently: "Your Majesty...I can do anything."
He grabbed the hand that was secretly pinching him, and all his previous anxiety disappeared. The emperor, the queen and the two princes were much more approachable than he had imagined.
He is clearly the most noble person in the world, but when he talks to him, he is just like an ordinary citizen.
Xie Changfeng finally found the opportunity to speak: "Lin family boy, do you know how to play chess?"
"I haven't mastered the art in depth, I only have a superficial understanding."
"Come, play a game of chess with me." Xie Changfeng himself is a bad chess player, so naturally he would not despise other people's chess skills.
It’s a pity that other people’s “slight understanding” is usually just a humble expression.
Fortunately, Lin Fan was a man of quick wits and was able to make a subtle concession, which greatly pleased the Emperor and made him even more satisfied with him.
The father-in-law and son-in-law were interacting with each other, so naturally the others would not just sit there and watch.
Xie Mingzhuo said hello and went to Wenhua Palace to handle her government affairs. Meng Qi and Xie Mingxuan went to Tiangongyuan together. As for Xie Mingshuo, he had already disappeared in a flash.
Around noon, the four returned to the Qianqing Palace.
The chess game was no longer in progress. Xie Changfeng was pulling Lin Fan to paint, and the two of them were chatting so quietly that no one else could get a word in.
"I've appointed you as a detective in the Ministry of Justice because I value your ability to handle cases, and I also want to promote the art of painting," Xie Changfeng said. "Before, I asked people in the Ministry of Justice to find someone to learn painting, but there wasn't anyone with talent, which was a pity. Now, with you inheriting my legacy, there's no need to worry about catching criminals."
The runners in the Ministry of Justice mostly rely on their physical strength, and very few of them are literate. Even if they can recognize words, they only know some common ones.
Even fewer people can learn the art of painting.
Clerks have a higher level of education, but not everyone of them has a talent for painting.
The court painters were all skilled in painting, but unfortunately they only focused on art and had nothing to do with practical work, let alone catching criminals and thieves.
It's so rare to meet a suitable and good seedling. How could Xie Changfeng not be excited?
Lin Fan was equally amazed. "If every magistrate in the country could draw the criminal's features based on eyewitness descriptions, there would be no need to worry about solving any case. Your Majesty, your painting skills are truly extraordinary."
The two of them started a long discussion on issues such as vigorously training painters and improving the quality of grassroots yamen runners. The more they talked, the more interested they became and the more they forgot themselves.
Xie Mingzhuo and the other three entered the hall, but they didn't hear any movement.
"Although Xiaolin is a little love-sick, he is also quite ambitious." Xie Mingshuo whispered in his sister's ear.
Xie Mingzhuo: “…”
After meeting their parents, their relationship was officially confirmed.
The dynasty stipulated that the prince consort was not allowed to be involved in politics or serve as an official in the court. Xie Mingzhuo had no plans to get married, so this way he had the best of both worlds.
She told Lin Fan her idea. Although Lin Fan was disappointed because he had no status, he was satisfied as long as the princess would not abandon him.
He joined the Ministry of Justice and gradually got to know the cases. He became busier and busier. For some major cases, he needed to leave Beijing in person to investigate and collect evidence.
The two of them are together less and less, but their love remains unchanged.
A few days later, Jiangxi urgently reported that Governor Shi Zan, who was supposed to return to Beijing for investigation, refused to obey the imperial edict and took his entire family to join the Sun and Moon Sect.
It caused a huge uproar in the government and the country.
Returning to the capital is a capital crime, but joining the Sun and Moon Sect at least gives him a chance to survive. Everyone understands his choice, but if he does this, his nine clans will be in danger.
Xie Mingzhuo immediately ordered the Jiangxi Provincial Governor and the Provincial Military Governor to make every effort to arrest Shi Zan and his relatives.
At the same time, the "Beijing Weekly" published an article.
The statement came from an alchemist from a temple in Shu. This alchemist complained to the court: Why should we only give up the fields of the Taoist temples, but ignore the fields of the Buddhist temples?
When Xie Mingzhuo heard about this, she ordered the new governor Gao Quan to treat the land of Taoist temples and Buddhist temples equally.
As soon as the order came out, monks in temples across the country were furious. You caused this trouble yourself, why do you want to drag us into it?
He immediately wrote an article denouncing the bad behavior of Taoist temples in Shu.
When the other Taoist priests in the Taoist temple heard this, they could not stand being wronged and cursed back.
Newspapers never tire of publishing these wars of words, and readers enjoy reading them with great interest.
When the time was ripe, the "Beijing Weekly" was changed to the "Beijing Daily". Its sales increased instead of decreasing and became popular throughout the country.
As the two sides continued to curse and expose each other's shortcomings, many dirty deeds of Taoist temples and Buddhist temples were exposed.
The news "reached" Xie Mingzhuo's ears again.
She summoned cabinet ministers to discuss the matter and ultimately decided to implement the new land tax system in Taoist temples and Buddhist temples across the country to rectify the situation and prevent similar evils from happening again.
Those who don't know the inside story just feel very happy.
Those who knew the inside story could only mourn in their hearts for the Taoists and Buddhists who were kept in the dark.
The princess is plotting something again.
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