Chapter 2 Chapter 2 The person she looked at was not her future husband...
"Princess Changyi? Her father is Prince Rong, the only brother of the current emperor. It would be great if you could make friends with his daughter." Princess Changyi has a wide circle of friends, and the people she interacts with are all noble ladies. Who knows, she might be able to choose a good one from among them to be the wife of her brother Cong.
The more Madam Tong thought about it, the more she felt that her decision to ask Wu Jingxun to take the soup to Wu Peifeng to show her filial piety was the right one. She looked at Wu Jingxun standing beside her with some pride and asked, "Have you set a date?"
Mrs. Tong leisurely picked up the teacup and took a sip of tea. Wu Jingxun stood there, her voice soft and calm: "Yes, the date is set, the third day of next month."
The third day of next month?
Madam Tong calculated the days and said, "I'll ask the embroiderer to come over in a couple of days and make you some clothes. You should be attending a banquet for the royal nobles. You should take it seriously." After saying this, she looked at Wu Jingxun again, her tone tinged with dissatisfaction. "I know you're not as smart as your brother, but you should at least know how to adapt. It's just a matter of talking and sweet-talking with the nobles. Is it that difficult? You have to know that the prince of Pingning's mansion is of noble birth and is used to dealing with princes and nobles. How can you bear the responsibility of being his wife in the future if you are so clumsy and tongue-tied?"
After hearing such words so many times, Wu Jingxun no longer felt secretly sad like before. She just lowered her eyes and didn't let her mother see her eyes.
"Yes, I know."
"I know, I know, that's all you can say 'I know'." Madam Tong looked at her with dismay. This daughter was indeed beautiful, with a rare good complexion. Her morals and behavior were in line with her expectations, chaste and decent. But her temperament was too dull. Even her own mother couldn't say a few words to her. "You read a lot every day. At least go to your father-in-law and learn your second sister's coaxing skills. Don't let all the good things fall on them. Do you understand?"
It's really strange. Her mother wants her to be a person who observes etiquette and manners in everything, but she can talk about those private and dirty things in front of her without restraint.
After finally seeing Madam Tong off, Wu Jingxun sat wearily on the Arhat bed, a hint of loneliness on her pale face. Seeing this, Zi Ping said softly, "Let me rub your shoulders. You got up early this morning to copy books and burn incense, so you must be tired."
According to Madam Tong's rules, when she sat down, the ladies had to stand and listen to her lecture. Ziping felt sorry for the ladies when she saw this.
Wu Jingxun did not try to be stubborn and nodded gently. Zi Ping felt even more distressed when she saw her like this.
Although the lady has a gentle and quiet temperament, only those who serve her closely know that she is also a bit stubborn. If she is not really tired, she will not nod to ask her to massage her shoulders and legs.
Wu Jingxun didn't sit there in a daze for long.
From the corridor came the voices of maids announcing greetings.
Wuxu Cong is here.
"Brother."
Wuxucong nodded casually: "What are you busy with?"
Cuiping poured him a cup of Xianju Bilu, and Wu Jingxun slowly sat down: "It's just studying, copying books, embroidering and practicing the piano."
The words were spoken briefly, and Wuxucong paused with his hand holding the teacup, knowing that his sister was not in the mood to talk at the moment.
"Okay, it's boring to stay in your room all day. Clean up and I'll take you out to see what's going on."
After saying this, knowing that Wu Jingxun would refuse, Wu Xucong waved his hand and said, "I've talked to my mother about this, and she agreed. The last time you went out was to celebrate Shunhua's maternal grandfather's birthday. It's been a while. Look at Shunhua, she's going out to play in two or three days. You shouldn't keep yourself so bored."
After Wu Xucong said this, Wu Jingxun had no choice but to nod.
Wuxu Cong was finally satisfied: "Today is the day when the Prince of Pingning returns to the capital. I have reserved a good seat in Huanxiang Tower so that I can see the heroic figure of my future brother-in-law."
It might be a bit presumptuous to bring this up to my unmarried sister.
Wu Jingxun frowned: "Brother..."
This means that I disagree.
Wu Xucong knew his sister's old-fashioned nature and didn't take it seriously. He just smiled and said, "You are only allowed to mention in front of Mother that I caught a cold and that I had to drink bitter medicine for several days. You are not allowed to tease me about your heaven-sent marriage with my future brother-in-law."
Speaking of this, Wu Jingxun felt a little embarrassed. Seeing her originally jade-like face immediately covered with a light blush, he knew that this sister was a real old-fashioned person. If he continued to tease her, she might faint from embarrassment.
"You, as your brother, I shouldn't say such things. But you and I both know my mother's temper. Don't listen to her too much. Look at her. She's so beautiful, yet she's dressed like a nun in a temple." Wuxucong looked her over. "Look at Shunhua. She's not much younger than you, but she's always lively and energetic. This is the kind of energy a young lady should have."
Cuiping was standing behind Wu Jingxun. Upon hearing what she had said, her heart, which had just been filled with joy because the eldest master was taking his wife out for a trip, suddenly sank again.
I muttered to myself, this eldest young master is indeed Madam Tong's son. Both mother and daughter have the same habit of preaching, and it is their poor wives who are tortured!
A'niang likes to compare her with Shunhua, and so does Aye.
Lian Axiong sometimes reveals his love for Shunhua and his disappointment in her.
Wu Jingxun didn't care and just said, "I don't like going out, so this simple thing is good."
But is there any woman in the world who doesn’t like to be coquettish?
Wu Xucong was about to speak, but she remembered something that happened in her childhood and could not help but shut up.
After a long pause, he added, "Never mind, never mind. I wouldn't care about you at other times, but today you're going out with me, dressed so plainly. Someone who doesn't know would think I've robbed you of your monthly allowance. Cuiping, Ziping, hurry up and pack your wife. Let's go to Xiangluo Tower."
Xiangluolou? That's the most reputable clothing store in Jinling City!
Cuiping and Ziping had long been dissatisfied with the jackets, dresses and gowns sent by Madam Tong, but the lady was as gentle as water and devoted to being filial to her mother. As servants, they could not say anything without the master's permission.
This time the eldest master spoke up, and the lady was finally able to change into brighter clothes.
Wu Jingxun hesitated: "If my mother knew about this, it might even get you into trouble..."
"It's such a small matter, how can it be considered as a burden or not?" Madam Tong had never lost her temper with her eldest son. Wu Xucong waved his hand nonchalantly, "Alright, alright, it's getting late. You should pack up quickly. I'll wait for you at the gate."
After saying that, he stood up and walked out of the house.
Cuiping and Ziping each helped Wu Jingxun inside, fearing she would say something unwilling again. "Madam, it's rare that the eldest master is in such a good mood to take you out for a walk. I can hardly remember the last time you went out. Today, I would like to ask your kindness to take us out for a walk and browse the cosmetics shops."
Wu Jingxun was a little amused by their chattering.
"The last time I went out was last year when I went with Aye and the others to celebrate Shunhua's grandfather's birthday."
Those charming fox eyes rarely raised their heads and looked out the window.
The lady looked and sounded calm, but Cuiping and the others remembered that after they came back from celebrating the second lady's grandfather's birthday last year, Mrs. Tong had severely punished her.
After that, my wife was naturally not allowed to go out.
Cuiping and Ziping didn't say anything else, but just quickened their pace and made up Wu Jingxun a little.
She was born beautiful and usually dressed simply. Today, she just pinned a magnolia silk flower on the side of her bun, which made her look elegant and ethereal.
Wu Xucong smiled when he saw her gracefully approaching. "Yes, yes, you'll look very nice with a little dressing up. What about wearing brighter clothes? Come on, come on, Panpan, this time I'll drive you myself!"
The brother called her by her nickname, and from his tone one could tell that he was in a good mood.
A faint smile appeared on Wu Jingxun's flawless white face.
Such a good color, Wuxucong couldn't help but swayed when he saw it: "Okay, okay, get in the car quickly, I asked Suyi to prepare your favorite snacks, see if the new cook makes it to your taste."
Wu Jingxun nodded: "Thank you, brother."
Cuiping and Ziping hurriedly helped Wu Jingxun into the carriage.
The city of Jinling seemed to have gathered all the bustling atmosphere in the world. A green-covered horse-drawn carriage rumbled onto West Market Street. The cries of vendors on both sides of the road, the aroma from steamers and ovens, and the laughter and chatter of passers-by all came in through the gaps in the carriage curtains.
This is a novel feeling that boring books and cold incense tables cannot bring her.
Seeing Wu Jingxun's shimmering fox eyes quietly raised, obviously very curious about the scene outside, Cuiping took the initiative to sit by the window, blocking most of Wu Jingxun's body. Then she used her hand to quietly lift the bamboo curtain wrapped in bamboo-colored cotton cloth and said, "Madam, look, which is sweeter, the candied haws sold by the old man, or the honey-fried fried dough twist sold by the old woman?"
Wu Jingxun looked carefully, and after the carriage had gone some distance, he replied, "I don't know."
I don’t know, why does it take so long to think about it?
Cuiping wanted to make fun of her lady, but Ziping quietly pulled her sleeve.
Mrs. Tong never lets her husband touch the things sold outside, saying that she is afraid that the food will be dirty and will harm her health and appearance.
Their little movements were obvious, but Wu Jingxun ignored them. She just took the opportunity to absorb the fresh air from the outside world.
Which one tastes better, candied haws or honey-covered mahua?
This conjecture troubled her until Wuxucong asked the embroiderer from Xiangluo Tower to accompany her to choose a set of ready-made clothes. When she came out wearing the new clothes, she was still thinking about this problem.
Wu Xucong was sitting aside sipping tea when he saw a beautiful girl in lilac clothes walking straight towards him with a calm expression, as if she didn't know how captivating she looked in this outfit.
"Brother, I... want to ask you for something."
Wuxu Cong was startled for a moment, then smiled and said, "Oh? Do you want to buy a few more dresses, or do you want me to say good things about you in front of my mother?"
Neither.
Wu Jingxun shook his head: "I want to try what candied haws and honey-coated mahua taste like." Then he would tell Cuiping which one tasted better.
Wu Xucong was startled for a moment, then smiled. "That's not difficult. I brought you out today to make you happy. But I didn't know that my well-educated, polite and sensible sister actually likes street snacks like candied haws and honey-coated fried dough twists."
His voice was clear, as if he was only surprised by Wu Jingxun's desire to eat candied haws and honey-covered mahua, rather than amused.
Wu Jingxun also laughed.
“Things you haven’t tried always feel fresh.”
His sister was brought up by her mother to be conservative and conservative, and rarely takes the initiative to try new things.
Wuxucong felt both pity and wonder, and quickly took them back to the carriage, and the group went back to Xianglou.
The city of Jinling was full of vigor and vitality in the spring. The locust, poplar and cypress trees on both sides of the street brought a lush green, which brushed against the green-covered carriage. Wu Jingxun leaned against the wall of the carriage, and a little sunlight leaked through the gap in the curtains sprinkled on her flawless face. The light and darkness intertwined, and the whole place was filled with light.
Cuiping smiled and drew the curtains closer: "My lady, please come in closer. Be careful that the sun is shining on you."
Wu Jingxun tilted his head slightly, glanced at the place where the sunlight had just come in, and then responded softly.
Huanxiang Tower is located in Anyifang. Logically, the army returning to the city would pass by the street in front of the Huanxiang Tower. Therefore, today not only the lobby on the first floor, but also the private rooms in the Huanxiang Tower were fully booked early. I wonder how many people are waiting to see the triumphant return of the army.
Wu Xucong was able to book a top-tier private room on the fourth floor, and he couldn't help but proudly brag about it to Wu Jingxun.
Wu Jingxun seldom went out, and she had no special reaction when she heard the words. Wu Xucong felt a little embarrassed when he saw her calm and beautiful face.
At this moment, a burst of enthusiastic cheers and shouts suddenly rang out from downstairs on the street, which just happened to distract Wu Xucong from his embarrassment. He first leaned out to take a look, then waved to Wu Jingxun, who was still concentrating on the hawthorn candied haws and honey-coated twisted dough sticks that the waiter had just brought over. "What are you still standing there for? Come over and take a look at my future brother-in-law."
Cuiping and Ziping both glared at Wuxucong secretly. The eldest master knew clearly that their wife was well-mannered and chaste, yet he still said such words to tease her!
But... they are also very curious about what their future son-in-law looks like.
This engagement was made when they were young, but the betrothed couple had never met each other. When they did not have to go out to fight, the Prince of Pingning would come to give gifts during the New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival, but no one knew what Mrs. Tong was thinking, she just refused to allow her to meet him.
Cuiping quickly supported Wu Jingxun's hand and walked towards the window sill: "My dear, now that we are here, we can't miss this biggest event. Come on, come on."
Wuxucong continued to tease her, "Look, so many young ladies and sisters-in-law are waiting by the roadside with sachets of fragrant flowers and fruits. I'm afraid they're all waiting for my future brother-in-law to perform a 'fruit-filling car show', right?"
When Cuiping heard this, she began to search the house.
This requires their wives to find some bigger fruits to give to their future son-in-law!
Wu Jingxun turned his eyes away from the snacks on the table and looked at the crowded street outside the window somewhat nonchalantly.
At this time, the sunlight was just right, falling on the young general's silver-white armor, making people unconsciously focus their attention on the heroic and handsome face under the phoenix-wing helmet.
The cheers of the people on both sides of the road were deafening, and many fruit and sachets were thrown to the generals and soldiers riding on their tall horses.
Wu Jingxun moved a little slowly, and the young general in the lead rode his horse, leaving her only a glimpse of his back.
So Wu Jingxun's gaze naturally fell on the person following behind the heroic young general - her fiancé.
Now that Jinling was warm with spring, he was wearing a wolf-skin sable coat and a gray fluffy felt hat on his head. His hair and scarf were all piled up in a mess, making it difficult to see his true face.
It looks a bit strange.
Cuiping asked curiously, "Is this a prisoner?"
Then she shook her head again: "No, how can a prisoner ride on a big horse? Or follow behind Prince Pei."
Who is this person?
Just as Wu Jingxun was about to look away, he met the pair of eyes hidden under the messy hair.
Unlike his rough and unruly attire, his eyes were deep and bright, flashing a frosty light under the scorching skylight.
It looks very much like a pair of amber beads that Wu Jingxun used to love.
The author has something to say:
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Thirty red envelopes are dropped in this chapter. The third chapter will be updated at 12 o'clock tonight, and there will still be red envelopes~
I'll post it together with the update of Chapter 4 at 9 o'clock tomorrow night (づ￣ 3￣)づ
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Thanks to the little angel of the passenger ship for throwing the grenade o3o
Thanks to the diodes and my dear wives (urging for more updates) for the nutrient solution, Xiaowan will continue to work hard (fist
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