Chapter 269 Before the New Year
After the snowfall, the New Year in Nanding is just around the corner.
This year's New Year was more lively than in previous years.
Since entering the palace, Chu Lianzhou has begun to show her talent. In just one week, she has sorted out the affairs of the Inner Palace Bureau and managed them quite well.
Meanwhile, with Xiao Qing's permission, Princess Xiao Fu would occasionally visit the palace to keep Chu Lianzhou company. Ostensibly, she said it was because she was afraid Chu Lianzhou would feel bored in the palace alone, but in reality, it was somewhat of a way to support Chu Lianzhou in the name of the imperial clan.
This naturally also reflects the intentions of the Duke of Anguo.
It was well-known that the Duke of Anguo doted on his granddaughter. Now that she had gained the favor of the young emperor, she had become even more ambitious, constantly thinking about being sent on a mission outside the capital. Recently, she had been pestering him to teach her martial arts and military strategy.
On the one hand, Duke Anguo felt that girls shouldn't do these things, but on the other hand, he couldn't resist his granddaughter's power, and finally passed the buck to the young emperor.
Faced with the Duke of Anguo's distress and complaints, Xiao Qing just laughed and said, "What's so difficult about that? If the princess wants to learn, just find someone to teach her. She's just idling around anyway."
Then she thought about it and actually asked Zhao Ziyuan to find someone to teach the princess martial arts and military strategy.
As a result, Princess Xiao Fu preferred to go to the palace even more.
The reason was simple: Zhao Ziyuan searched high and low, but none of his close and reliable military generals were willing to teach a young girl, even though she was a princess of the imperial family.
He had no choice; after thinking it over, if his brother wouldn't go, he would have to be loyal to him.
So he told the young emperor that he could teach him, but the Imperial Guards were too important for defense, and if the princess could receive instruction in the palace, he would teach her.
He pondered that either the delicate princess wouldn't agree, or even if she were willing, His Majesty wouldn't allow it.
But what could Xiao Fu possibly refuse? So she came.
If Xiao Qing disagreed, he agreed.
Zhao Ziyuan...
That's outrageous.
There's no other way but to go for it.
Teaching a little girl these kinds of things men do is a first for him, and it's giving him a headache.
However, he soon discovered that although Princess Xiao Fu's prospects in martial arts were not very promising, given her advanced age, she was unlikely to make significant breakthroughs. But the princess had a great talent for archery, and with diligent practice, she could very well achieve considerable success.
In addition, the princess's understanding of military strategy was surprisingly good.
Zhao Ziyuan was a person who appreciated talent. He originally intended to just give it a perfunctory lesson, but since his student was talented and willing to put in the effort, he unconsciously became more attentive in his teaching.
If this were a boy, he would have to discipline him properly.
So during the time Xiao Fu was in the palace, she either learned various military strategies and archery from Zhao Ziyuan, or accompanied Chu Lianzhou, watching her handle various palace affairs in an orderly manner, keeping her extremely busy every day.
Even Duke Anguo was a little jealous.
After having dinner, Xiao Qing went to his study alone to review the memorials.
Now she handles these matters very consciously; having seen more, she's become quite adept at it. She's become much more composed than before.
I had just finished looking at a small pile when the light next to me dimmed, and a small bowl appeared beside me.
Xiao Qing blinked, put down the memorial, and said habitually, "It's late, you can go and rest. There's no need to come all this way."
Chu Lianzhou smiled, stepped aside, and said nothing.
Xiao Qing had no choice but to pick up the bowl, say nothing, and drink it.
Because Mingxiu wasn't around, and Xiao Qing wouldn't let Ma Hong get close, she overlooked many things.
However, after Chu Lianzhou entered the palace, she quickly made up for the things she had overlooked and learned almost everything that Mingxiu had done before.
This is a smart person.
And she's willing to think about it.
As Xiao Qing drank the soup, she thought to herself, "This soup tastes familiar."
Seeing that she had finished drinking, Chu Lianzhou came forward to collect the bowl and said softly, "Your Majesty, please don't stay up too late. Please rest early. I will take my leave now."
Then he left decisively, without the slightest hesitation.
Xiao Qing...
It feels like I'm about to form a new habit.
Okay, let's keep looking. The more we look now, the more relaxed we'll be during the New Year.
Moreover, it's time to bring out Prince Yan and let him be influenced by what he sees and hears!
Let's start after the New Year!
Ma Hong glanced at the young emperor outside the door, who seemed to have regained some energy after drinking the soup brought by the Chu official. He smiled and sighed, seemingly lost in thought.
His Majesty is still growing at such a young age; he's really working incredibly hard.
Let's watch a little longer; if it gets too late, we'll have to tell His Majesty to rest.
His Majesty really needs someone to serve him closely.
Unfortunately, His Majesty doesn't allow him to get close; originally, only Mingxiu had this honor.
Now... let's see if Lady Chu is up to the task.
The Grand Tutor has been very busy lately.
As the number of officials in Yuzhou increased, so did the number of people coming to visit. He wouldn't meet with everyone, but there were some he absolutely had to see.
In addition, he also had to keep a close eye on the situation at Tianyin Temple and Feiyan Residence.
With the New Year approaching, it's precisely at this time that we cannot relax. If we let the mice slip through, it could ruin a wonderful year.
However, after the upheaval in Mengshan, both places seemed to fall silent without prior agreement.
News came from Langzhou that the Prince of Lang had entered Nanding.
Fu Mingyi thought for a moment, tidied himself up, and then went to the palace.
However, it was clear that his movements were not very fast.
When he entered the palace, he was told that the young emperor was at the training ground, where Duke Anguo and Princess Xiao Fu were also.
He knew that Xiao Fu had been frequently visiting the palace recently and had even gained Zhao Ziyuan as her teacher.
But surely the Duke of Anguo isn't here just to check on his granddaughter's studies?
When Fu Mingyi arrived at the training ground, Xiao Fu was practicing archery, and she looked quite skilled.
Meanwhile, Anguo Gongzheng and the young emperor watched and talked.
He walked over and greeted him. Xiao Qing then stood up and said with a smile, "I heard that the Grand Tutor has been so busy lately that he has neglected to eat and sleep. He must have something important to attend to before he came to the palace?"
Fu Mingyi smiled and said, "It's nothing serious. I just heard that His Highness Prince Lang has entered Nanding and was thinking of asking His Majesty for advice on how to entertain him."
Xiao Qing glanced at the Duke of Anguo, then at him, and smiled, "What a coincidence, the Duke of Anguo was just talking about this."
She paused, "However, Prince Lang seems to be unwell. He fell ill as soon as he arrived and is currently staying at the post station. Just now, Duke Anguo also asked about how to arrange his accommodations."
Duke Anguo hurriedly said, "I just heard the news. Prince Lang is a legitimate member of the imperial family, but His Highness has been staying in his fiefdom for a long time and has no place to stay in Nanding. Now His Highness is unwell. It is said that he fell ill on the way and collapsed as soon as he arrived at the post station. The people at the post station came to report and inquired about the arrangements."
Xiao Qing nodded, "The Duke of Anguo has taken great care in matters concerning the imperial clan. Fortunately, the imperial physician has already gone and should report back soon. However, I have no experience in settling them down. What do the Duke and the Grand Tutor think?"
Fu Mingyi thought for a moment, "Back in Beiping City, the late Emperor said that the Prince of Lang was not allowed to enter Ping'an City without an imperial edict. Although he is now in Nanding, it is the same as Ping'an City. However, since His Majesty has agreed, we can put those old matters aside."
Fu Mingyi was thinking about the troops in Langzhou.
After injuring his leg, the Prince of Lang fled to his fiefdom and hid from public view, yet Langzhou thrived under his rule.
This person, whatever their reason for coming, is worth meeting.
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