Huang Mansion, the courtyard of Huang Zicheng's family.

When you are an official in the capital of the Ming Dynasty, you don’t have to worry about housing issues. Ordinary officials can live in official residences, and important officials also have houses granted by the emperor.

Huang Zicheng previously lived in a house allocated by the Hanlin Academy, but after becoming a companion to the Eastern Palace, he was allocated a three-story house on the edge of the inner city.

Then Huang Zicheng brought his wife and four sons from his hometown to live in the capital.

"Master, why do you look so uneasy? Is there something wrong?"

Huang Zicheng's wife, Xu, made a cup of tea and brought it to Huang Zicheng. Seeing his frowning face, she couldn't help but ask worriedly.

A woman's status depends on her husband. Xu was most worried about her husband, who was able to live in a three-story house in the capital. The only thing to be thankful for was that her husband was studying in the Eastern Palace, so it was relatively safer.

Especially in recent days, when I heard that the emperor's grandson Zhu Yunwen was designated as the crown prince, my husband's face was full of joy every day.

I suddenly looked sad today.

"Go away, what do you know as a woman? Help me get dressed. I need to go to the palace."

Huang Zicheng took the teacup, took a sip, and then urged his wife Xu.

Upon hearing this, Xu hurried to help prepare her husband's official uniform.

Huang Zicheng sat in the main room, looking at the sunset in the distance, and suddenly felt that the sun was setting.

"Now only His Royal Highness the Crown Prince can save my life."

Looking at the servants and his son coming and going in the yard, Huang Zicheng said to himself.

He didn't expect that he had just asked someone to inquire, and the person was taken to the Jinyiwei prison in the blink of an eye.

Although they were hoping for a lucky break, the two servants from the same hometown might not necessarily betray them.

But he also had to find a way out first.

He knew that the Royal Guards were strong and secretive, but he didn't expect them to move so quickly.

I feel so regretful.

In fact, Huang Zicheng initially sent people out just to show his respect, and then told His Royal Highness the Crown Prince that he couldn't find it.

I think even if His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is a little unhappy, it can only be regarded as a failure in doing his job, which is not a serious crime.

But I didn't expect that this intention would cause such a big problem.

…

"I'm sorry, Master Zhu. This is the first time I've eaten such delicious pastries. I'm a little rude."

Xu Miaojin said with a slightly red face.

Not long after the previous discussion, Zhu Ying invited everyone to eat cakes.

Mung bean cakes and red bean cakes were not considered specialties in the Ming Dynasty, especially in noble families like the Xu family. They were very common.

Xu Miaojin didn't think much about it, just picked up a piece and started eating.

Then, with just one bite, the delicate, melt-in-the-mouth feeling completely conquered her.

This was a taste she had never felt before.

No matter what one's status is, one is still a human being, and no one can resist the temptation brought by delicious food.

In just a few bites, Xu Miaojin finished the mung bean cake in her hand.

Subconsciously, she was about to reach out and take another piece of mung bean cake.

At this moment, Xu Miaojin suddenly discovered that Zhu Ying and Zhu Gaochi were not eating, but were staring at her at the same time.

"Haha, Ying'er, I told you, your aunt will definitely be fascinated by the taste of your pastries." Zhu Gaochi said with a big laugh.

Just when the pastries were delivered, Zhu Gaochi and Zhu Ying had already completely communicated with each other through eye contact.

Xu Miaojin, who was a little shy in front of Zhu Ying, said those words at this moment.

"Why do you act like a grown-up girl? You're just a child. Eat whatever you want. There are no outsiders here, so you don't have to worry too much." Zhu Ying said to Xu Miaojin with a smile.

At the same time, I feel a little sad about the women of the Ming Dynasty.

A child who is only in his teens has the demeanor of a noble person in his every move. What kind of environment does he live in to be like this?

Zhu Gaochi's mouth curled up slightly when he heard this.

He looked at Zhu Ying's eyes which were full of pity and felt embarrassed.

His aunt Xu Miaojin is not like this usually. She hasn't let go of her yet. If she really lets go, I'm afraid Ying Ge'er won't be able to bear it.

Zhu Gaochi couldn't help but look at his aunt.

Xu Miaojin felt the gaze and secretly glared at Zhu Gaochi with a warning look. She no longer looked shy.

But when she turned to Zhu Ying, her cheeks turned red again.

Then she said in a clear voice, "Mr. Zhu, please don't say that. I will be able to get married in two years."

Zhu Ying paused for a moment, then he remembered that women in the Ming Dynasty, at this age, were generally ready to get engaged.

Many wait to get married as soon as they reach a certain age.

Zhu Ying couldn't respond to this, but fortunately, the food was delivered not long after.

The dishes Xu Miaojin prepared to entertain Zhu Gaochi were obviously quite rich.

Xu Miaojin, who had been mentally prepared, was not that surprised when she ate it again.

But as her beautiful eyes moved, they seemed to fall on Zhu Ying inadvertently.

Zhu Yingze and Zhu Gaochi were discussing Ming Dynasty firearms.

As they chatted, they became more and more excited.

Zhu Ying lacked a lot of basic knowledge about firearms. After all, he had little exposure to them in his previous life and would not have any exposure to them in this life.

Zhu Gaochi was impressed by Zhu Ying's wild ideas, especially the novel combat methods and combinations, which he had never thought of before.

Xu Miaojin found it interesting at first, but became a little bored later on.

She never left the house and knew nothing about firearms, which made her feel bored.

“Ahem…”

It was getting dark and the meal was finished, but the two were still chatting excitedly. Xu Miaojin couldn't help but cough twice to remind Zhu Gaochi.

Zhu Gaochi, who was chatting animatedly, of course ignored it.

Xu Miaojin had no choice but to cough twice more.

"Miss Xu, what's wrong? Is your throat a little uncomfortable? Uncle Zhang, go get some mung bean juice and pour a glass of it for Miss Xu in a crystal glass."

Zhu Ying instructed.

At this moment, Xu Miaojin suddenly felt very warm in her heart.

He seems to care about me very much.

With her head lowered, Xu Miaojin didn't dare to look at Zhu Ying. The idea of ​​going out to play that she had just thought of disappeared completely.

Only Zhu Gaochi woke up suddenly.

After understanding what my aunt meant, and listening to Zhu Ying's instructions and my aunt's expression, I couldn't help but cough and said:

"Brother Ying, I think it's getting late. Why don't we go to Qinhuai early? I'm afraid it's too late and there won't be any seats on the Qinhuai flower boats."

Zhu Ying smiled and said, "Don't worry, I've asked Uncle Zhang to charter a boat, so we can go there anytime."

Long before Zhu Gaochi proposed a night tour of Qinhuai, Zhu Ying winked at Zhang Bo and arranged everything.

Hearing Zhu Ying's voice, Xu Miaojin looked up, her eyes full of anticipation.

…

The ten-mile Qinhuai River is the most prosperous area in the Ming Dynasty because it is the capital.

This place is crowded with merchants and geishas, ​​and is also a famous place for fireworks and romance.

Before getting on the boat, you can hear bursts of singing. It's like the geishas from all sides are competing with each other in secret, trying to show their skills.

If you are the loser, you should escape to a remote place.

After twenty-five years of recuperation, the number of wealthy families in the capital increased, and there were countless large and small painted boats on the Qinhuai River.

Zhang Bo led everyone to an extremely luxurious ship.

As night fell, lights were lit on boats of all sizes. Lanterns were hung on the ceiling in front of the cabins. The deck was very spacious and was furnished with tables and chairs carved from mahogany.

There is also tea brewed on it.

"Brother Ying, you are really spending too much money." Zhu Gaochi couldn't help but sigh when he saw this.

Qinhuai is so famous that Zhu Gaochi, who grew up in the capital, is certainly not the first time to come here. Naturally, he understands the value of chartering such a large painting boat.

In a den of licentiousness like Qinhuai, there are many wealthy businessmen who spend dozens of taels of silver in one night.

"It's a rare opportunity for me to treat you, and I can also make the eldest prince and Miss Xu lose face. It's okay, just have fun."

Zhu Ying said with a smile, and then arranged for everyone to board the ship.

Just when Zhu Gaochi was about to go up, Xu Miaojin quietly pulled Zhu Gaochi's sleeve.

Zhu Gaochi looked back and saw Xu Miaojin signaling to the guards from Prince Yan's Mansion who were following behind him.

Zhu Gaochi understood immediately and ordered the guards: "You just wait here on the shore. His ferocious appearance might scare other girls."

After saying that, Zhu Gaochi took out a bag of silver from his sleeve and threw it over, saying, "Find a place to have fun, don't run too far."

After receiving the purse, the guards looked at each other, clasped their fists and bowed, saying, "Thank you, Prince."

The building ship floated slowly along with the current. In addition to the boat servants, there were also several maids serving on the painting boat.

It was the first time that Xu Miaojin saw such a night view.

The sky is full of stars, the water is brightly lit, there are melodious songs in my ears, and in front of me is my ideal husband.

Even before drinking, Xu Miaojin, who was sitting in the rattan chair on the deck, was already a little tipsy and his eyes were a little blurry.

"On such a beautiful day, why don't you write a poem, Ying'er?" Zhu Gaochi said jokingly after a while.

"Forget it, I can't write poetry." Zhu Ying refused with a smile.

In fact, he could really remember two poems related to Qinhuai, but for him, there was no need to rely on poetry to gain fame.

When Xu Miaojin heard this, she moved slightly and also thought about writing a poem.

However, for some reason, my mind was filled with the image of Zhu Ying, and it seemed as if I had forgotten all the poems and lyrics that I could recite at will in my daily life.

In desperation, I could only walk out from behind the window to hide my embarrassment and watch the night view of Qinhuai from the edge of the deck.

Zhu Ying's ship is extremely eye-catching in the entire Qinhuai River.

After all, the contract price for the painting boat on the second floor is extremely high.

It's not unique. Most of the geishas are on shipbuilding boats, surrounded by small boats of scholars and literati following and cheering.

However, on Zhu Ying's ship, the lights were bright, but the painting boat, which could carry dozens of people, had less than ten people. It seemed a bit deserted and luxurious, and attracted the attention of a large number of literati and wealthy guests.

"Whose ship is that? It's even more arrogant than this young master."

On a painting boat, a young man from a wealthy family was hugging a geisha on both sides and speaking to his good friend next to him.

The three friends were drinking and having fun. When they heard this, they laughed and said, "Who knows, which rich businessman doesn't know the rules and comes to Qinhuai to show off again."

After that, he continued, "Mr. Zhou, why bother with him? A night of spring is worth a thousand gold coins. Don't neglect the beauty beside you."

"Come on, Master Zhou, have a drink with me."

"Mr. Zhou, I want to drink too."

The geishas on both sides of Mr. Zhou leaned against him tightly and acted coquettishly.

Feeling the heat on both sides, Master Zhou's heart moved slightly, and he wanted to withdraw his gaze and enjoy himself to the fullest.

Just at this moment, a woman walked out from behind the window screen in the middle of the deck on the ship.

The absolutely beautiful face immediately stunned Master Zhou.

"Mr. Zhou, what's wrong with you?"

The geisha on the right saw that Master Zhou suddenly froze and asked with some confusion.

The young master Zhou in front of them was a wealthy aristocrat. For geishas like them, even if they could become concubines, they would be considered to have climbed up the ladder and become a phoenix.

The rule of selling art but not selling body is no longer useful, she can't wait to enter the bridal chamber.

It would be best if she could have a child, which would at least mean she could escape from the sea of ​​suffering and marry into a wealthy family.

There are not too many such examples on the Qinhuai River, and Mr. Zhou is quite handsome.

"Get out of my sight, you mediocre bunch of women. Don't try to dirty my eyes."

Master Zhou, who was disturbed, suddenly became furious. He pushed the two women on his left and right away and scolded them.

All of a sudden, everyone present stopped, and one person on the opposite side said, "Zhou Ji, what are you doing? Why are you suddenly angry? You ruined our fun for nothing."

Zhou Ji glanced at his friend opposite him, ignored him, and gave instructions to the boat servant.

"Speed ​​up for me, catch up with the flower boat in front, quickly. If you are late, watch your head."

Hearing this, several young masters couldn't help but look towards the flower boat.

I saw a woman on the deck, her clothes fluttering in the wind, her beautiful face blending into the starlight in the sky.

Everyone immediately understood why Zhou Ji suddenly lost his temper.

With such a stunning woman in front of him, the mediocre women around him naturally pale in comparison.

"Zhou Ji, don't be impulsive. This is the capital, not Jiangxia. Be careful not to offend the wrong people." The young man before reminded.

Zhou Ji heard this and sneered, "Master Changsen, I am not like you. With my father's reputation, even though the capital is big, there is no one I cannot afford to offend."

After saying that, he looked at the building ship and said with a hint of greed: "Today, that young lady should be obtained by this young master."