Chapter 1266 Test

This year's New Year is of extraordinary significance. The smooth succession of imperial power, good weather, and national prosperity are all reasons to celebrate.

Zhulan asked Zhou Shuren for confirmation, "Fireworks show?"

Zhou Shuren, "Well, this money came from the emperor's private treasury. On New Year's Eve this year, fireworks will be set off in front of the palace. Oh, and there will be fireworks on the Lantern Festival as well."

Zhulan blinked her eyes. "Rumor has it that it's quite large."

Zhou Shuren said with a wooden face, "Well, if the effect is good, the emperor wants to keep it going."

Zhulan looked at her husband's face and said, "If you keep this up, the Emperor won't have to pay for it himself next year."

Zhou Shuren felt distressed, but he also supported it. Fireworks displays are not only beautiful, but also a good thing to promote the country's strength and prosperity and increase the cohesion of the people. "Well, if the response this year is good, it will go to the national treasury next year. And next year, not only the capital, but also all states will have fireworks displays."

Zhulan thought, "Fireworks are also dangerous. Even though they have been passed down for a long time, we still have to be careful."

Zhou Shuren, "The Emperor will make the arrangements."

Zhulan got the accurate information and turned to go out. Zhou Shuren hurriedly stopped her, "What are you going to do so late at night?"

Zhu Lan smiled and said, "Ah, I can't wait to give the order. Set up a table tomorrow so we can enjoy the fireworks show."

Thanks to the fact that there were no high-rise buildings in ancient times, and their home is in a good location, they can see the fireworks show from their home.

Zhou Shuren took his wife's hand and saw how happy she was. He understood that after so many years in ancient times, the fireworks show had a very modern feel. "Just tell me tomorrow and go to sleep."

Zhulan was no longer sleepy. "We also bought some fireworks, but not many. I'm thinking of buying more tomorrow."

Zhou Shuren, "I can't buy them anymore. You came to me to confirm the news. Do you think I can still buy fireworks tomorrow?"

Zhulan thought about it and realized that’s right. As a result of the emperor’s leading role, all the fireworks had been reserved long ago.

The next day, Zhulan took her son to the street again. The capital was bustling with people, and some foreigners had also integrated into the New Year festival. Many foreigners could be seen shopping with their servants.

Zhulan came to the lantern shop today. Since the price of glass has been getting lower and lower, the lantern shops have been using glass to make lanterns in various styles. She came here today for a set of zodiac lanterns.

The lantern shop was very popular. The horse-drawn carriages were parked at the street corner. People were coming and going here and it was impossible to get in. In fact, the capital now has more rules for horse-drawn carriage driving. When the road was being repaired, special places were built at the street corners for horse-drawn carriages to park, so as to avoid a large number of carriages.

Of course it’s not free. Although some dignitaries are unwilling, there is nothing they can do as the emperor has a firm attitude.

In this way, there were fewer disputes among the rich and powerful due to the congestion of carriages, and it also became more convenient for ordinary people.

Some of the new emperor's small policies were implemented smoothly because they brought convenience to the people, boosted the new emperor's reputation among the people, and soothed the people's anxiety caused by the change of imperial power, and conveyed that he was a good emperor who cared about the people.

Zhulan entered the lantern shop and immediately saw the twelve zodiac animals on prominent display. Because of the high price, they had not been bought yet.

Zhulan now has money, not just the extra 300,000 taels, but also because her family is wealthy and has a good income every year. She is not the kind of person who would put herself in a difficult position and is willing to spend money.

Zhulan said to the shopkeeper, "Take down the whole set of lanterns, I..."

Before Zhulan could finish her words, someone behind her interrupted her and said, "I want the lantern of the twelve zodiac animals."

Zhulan turned around unhappily. This was a blatant robbery. She turned around and saw a woman. Well, a woman covered in jewels. Her outfit was a little inconspicuous. Zhulan lowered her voice a little, "First come, first served. Don't you understand this principle?"

After saying this, Zhulan was a little dazed. This was the toughness that came with confidence. Why did Zhou Shuren take the imperial examination? In this era with clear class distinctions, only by climbing up could one live more freely.

Their family follows the principle of "I will not offend others unless they offend me". In the past few years since coming to the capital, very few people have used their power to snatch things that the Zhou family has set their eyes on. This is the result of hard work.

The woman was obviously used to it. She didn't know Zhulan. "The Empress is my cousin. I want this thing."

Zhulan raised her eyebrows. How could someone say this so openly? She must be the Empress's cousin from her uncle or aunt's family.

At least she wouldn't do something stupid like stealing things under the banner of the Empress.

Zhulan turned around calmly and said to the shopkeeper, "Wrap it up."

Zhu Lan glanced at the shopkeeper who was jealous of her. "It's just that my cousin, you don't know whether you have seen the Empress for such a long time. I guess you haven't seen her. If you have really seen her, I should know this person."

Zhu Lan paused and continued, "And I think if the Empress knew about her cousin's behavior, she would give her a lesson. The Empress is a virtuous person, and I will personally write a letter to the Duke Cheng'en's mansion to explain the situation to this cousin who slandered the Empress."

The shopkeeper went to wrap the lanterns promptly and called herself "Madam". She must be either a powerful noble or have an imperial decree. And judging by what she said, it was obvious that she was familiar with the Empress's family!

Zheng Yuan was no longer angry. She realized that she had offended someone she shouldn't have offended today. How could she have thought that usually only the housekeepers or the wives of minor officials would come back to visit such places, but today she happened to meet Zhulan, who was not following the norm.

Zhulan left with the lamp in her hand, without even looking at the woman.

Not long after returning home, before Zhulan was ready to write the invitation, the Empress's eldest sister-in-law came. Qi said that the Wen family is the Wen family and the Zheng family is the Zheng family. She said a few more words, left a gift and left.

Su Xuan and the others left. "I don't believe that the Wen family doesn't know, mother. Ever since the emperor expressed who he would appoint as the crown prince, the Wen family has become more and more flamboyant."

Zhu Lan frowned, "In front of us is the Ning family, and behind us is the Wen family. The contrast is a bit too obvious."

Su Xuan, "Mom, they are not afraid of causing displeasure from the higher-ups."

As she spoke, Su Xuan pointed to the sky, and her meaning was clear.

Zhulan felt that the emperor would not change his mind about appointing a crown prince. The eldest son had both the title of legitimate and the eldest, and the emperor was also the eldest. If there were several princes to appoint a crown prince, it could only be the eldest son.

The Emperor will not change his mind, but he will only become more dissatisfied with the Wen family. Moreover, Zhang Yang, the Crown Prince's maternal family, can only do harm to the Crown Prince. In the current situation, we can only rely on the Empress.

Zhou Shuren came back and learned about this, stroking his beard, "The Queen's decision is crucial to the Crown Prince."

Zhulan, "This is also the Emperor's test of the Empress."

Zhou Shuren was in a good mood. He would be able to rest in two days. "The Chinese New Year is coming soon. During the Chinese New Year, the Emperor gives time to the Empress."

Zhu Lan hummed and said, "It should be before the crown prince is appointed."

Zhou Shuren smiled and said, "My wife is right."