After the new emperor ascended the throne, he changed the country's name to Jianzhang, and was known in history as the Jianzhang Emperor. The new emperor had always been under the tyranny of Concubine Liao, and had always been weak, but it happened that the ministers liked this kind of emperor, and only weak emperors were willing to rule with the ministers.
Even so, Emperor Jianzhang insisted on some things, such as not recognizing Lin as the empress.
For thousands of years, people have believed in the system of primogeniture, including the eldest prince himself, who ascended the throne because of his status as the eldest son. Therefore, he did not want Lin to become the empress, and wanted his beloved Concubine Hong to be the empress.
The ministers had already discussed this matter. As the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel and the most trusted disciple of the Prime Minister, Luo Zhizheng's attitude on this matter was particularly crucial.
Because in addition to this identity, he actually had another identity. He was once demoted for supporting the eldest prince. After the eldest prince succeeded to the throne, he summoned him.
Today, Yu and Luo Zhizheng came to the Li residence for a banquet. After getting on the carriage, Yu asked, "Why do you want me to go this time? Didn't it always work if you went there, old man?"
"Our two families are close friends. Besides, maybe my mentor wants to marry into our family," Luo Zhizheng said.
Get married?
Yu thought: "Could it be that we want our mentor's granddaughter to marry our Jingyuan?"
The only one who was of the right age now was Jingyuan. Moreover, Jingyuan was very knowledgeable and had passed the examination for students of higher learning at the age of twelve. Although he failed in the examination for the academy and had to take the examination again two years later, his essay was very good.
Luo Zhizheng also visited many famous teachers for him and gained quite a reputation.
Luo Zhizheng shook his head: "It seems that he has taken a fancy to our Yao Niang."
"Yao Niang?" Yu became interested when she heard that it was her daughter.
"Maybe, but that's just what I said. You know, older women always like to be matched up. But no matter who it is, you shouldn't agree first." Luo Zhizheng said, stroking his beard.
Mrs. Yu was a little uneasy: "I always feel that my daughter is still young."
Luo Zhizheng raised her chin frivolously: "Don't worry, I won't let her be promised to anyone easily."
"That's natural, but you have to find someone who can protect her. Yao Niang's appearance is rare in the world. The older she gets, the more amazing I am. Look at her eyes, they are big and round, a pair of peach blossom eyes. She is naturally easy to be liked, and she has dimples on her cheeks. I am really afraid. Since ancient times, it is not a good thing for a woman to be overly beautiful." Yu herself was born very beautiful. When she was in the countryside, she was often coveted by others. At that time, she was just a little girl.
Later, her father was given an official position, which allowed her to be protected. As she grew up, she became more beautiful, and she could not sleep well all day.
Seeing that Yu was really worried, Luo Zhizheng fell into deep thought.
The couple arrived at the Li family. Mrs. Li was over 50 years old. She was a wife who had lived through thick and thin together. Although her husband was successful, he did not take a concubine after becoming successful. Of course, the Li family still lived a very luxurious life.
It was not the first time that Yu met Madam Li, but this time she noticed that she was even more enthusiastic. Yu thought to herself, could it be that she really wants to become relatives with our family?
Madam Li was quite fond of Yu. She had heard from outside that Yu treated all the children in her family equally, whether they were born to the original wife or illegitimate children, and did not care about the difference between legitimate and illegitimate children. The girls in the Luo family were all good. Although Luo Zhizheng's eldest son had never achieved any fame and was said to be quite a playboy, his second son and youngest son were both well-educated and well-mannered.
"Among his many disciples, our master values your master the most. By the way, I remember that your eldest daughter is engaged to a man from the Bohai King's family?" Mrs. Li asked.
Yu smiled and said, "Yes, I just received the hometown letter this year, and the wedding will be scheduled for next month."
Wang Zongmu had achieved erection at a young age, even before he reached adulthood, and Luo Jingrou had also reached marriage age, so the marriage was a natural progression.
Madam Li nodded and said, "Zhizheng brought him here a few days ago. He is truly a talented young man, very extraordinary. Your family has found a good son-in-law."
"You are overjoyed. I think your son-in-law, Mr. Jiang, is truly extraordinary." Yu complimented with a smile.
Madam Li said, "It was our master who saw in his talent. My granddaughter is in the same palace as your daughter, and in the same study. My granddaughter also said that she has a good relationship with your daughter."
In fact, Yao Niang and Yu Shi had said that the ones she had a good relationship with were Cheng Shaozhen and Wei Feng, and her relationships with the rest were just so-so. Although they played together, their relationships were very ordinary.
But Yu still nodded: "I have heard that Miss Tianjiao is smart and talented, and she is deeply trusted by Princess Zhaoping in the palace."
"You are too flattering. To be honest, I always felt that the name Tianjiao was too grand. As expected, now I am worried about her marriage. I would feel at ease if she could settle down sooner." Mrs. Li said.
Yu thought, this is talking about Li Tianjiao, does he want to marry into my family?
She added: "Please don't say that. As the saying goes, good food is never too late. Besides, there are few people who can match the granddaughter of a prime minister. But once you choose one, it will definitely be extraordinary."
"Well, I won't mention her affairs. I mainly want to ask whether your daughter has promised to marry someone?" Mrs. Li put down the teacup and looked at Yu.
When Madam Li asked about her own daughter, Yu quickly replied, "She is only ten years old and has not yet been betrothed."
Madam Li smiled and said, "Then I won't be polite. My eldest grandson Yue Han is fifteen this year. He has passed the imperial examination and is a scholar. You have seen that he is smart and studious. I am planning to marry him to my son. What do you think?"
Yu was flattered and said, "It is a blessing for my family that Madam values my family. If so, I will go back and discuss this with my master and the elders."
Mrs. Li nodded.
In fact, Madam Li had met Yao Niang this year. The girl had a gentle temperament, just like her mother, Yu. If she had such a temperament, it would be a blessing for the family to marry her into the family.
Moreover, the Luo family of Gaoping was also a large family. His father and uncle both held high positions in government, and the family was extremely wealthy.
Of course, the Li family does not solely focus on family background. For example, when looking for a son-in-law for their daughter, as long as he is talented and has good character, then he will be fine.
Yao Niang in the palace was still unaware of this matter. Ever since Tang Huijun left the palace, she had completely put her aside and concentrated on her studies. At the same time, she was secretly observing Hong Shuyi.
It's really strange that Hong Shuyi used to call Tang Huijun a sister, but now she never mentions her at all, as if this person never existed.
Xiulin smiled and handed over the ginseng soup: "Miss, this is what Princess Zhenyang asked me to bring to you."
"Okay, put it here." Yao Niang said with a smile.
After being nearly boiled last time, she only eats rice from a big pot. She won't eat soup or even snacks sent from other places, but she can't refuse it obviously.
After Xiulin left, she poured the ginseng soup into the flowerpot.
Studying is like sailing against the current, if you don't advance, you will retreat. Although Hong Shuyi is more knowledgeable than her now, it is because she is older and has learned more than her. However, as long as she works harder and is more diligent, she will definitely defeat others.
Most of the teachers in the palace were well-known scholars. Yao Niang had a good relationship with the strict Mr. Wang in private. Mr. Wang even gave Yao Niang a book as a gift.
It’s just that life in the palace was too boring. Outside the palace, one could often go out to listen to operas and visit friends and relatives, but here, most of the time, one stays alone in a small house from dawn to dusk.
Judging from the date, Luo Jingrou will probably be getting married soon.
These are all small things, but——
"Girl, Princess Zhaoping is here." Xiulin shouted outside.
Yao Niang stood up to greet her. She didn't know why she came. You know, although the relationship between Princess Zhaoping and her was good, it was not to the point where they visited each other.
The palace is different from the outside world. No matter where you go, you have to apply in advance before you can go in or out.
Just when they were confused, Princess Zhaoping and Li Tianjiao Wang Yuanshuang came in together. They laughed and said, "We knew you must be studying, little nerd."
"Xiujuan, bring the tea. Come, Princess, please take a seat." Yao Niang lived in Princess Zhenyang's side hall, which was much bigger and more spacious than the small house she lived in before.
The tea was served, and Yao Niang sipped it while asking them, "Princess, why did you come to see me?"
Princess Zhaoping tilted her head and said, "Why, can't I come to you if I have nothing to do?"
"No, if I wasn't so busy lately, I would have come to greet you every day."
Princess Zhaoping continued, "Okay, I really have something to ask you. I have a few pots of white magnolias in my palace, and I want you to draw a picture of them. I'm afraid they will wither and we won't be able to see them anymore."
Yao Niang immediately agreed to this: "Don't worry, I will definitely draw it well for you. If it's not good, you can find another painter to draw it."
Then, Princess Zhaoping went to find Princess Zhenyang again. Yao Niang looked at their backs and suddenly felt that life was really wonderful. Princess Zhaoping used to be a darling of heaven, but now the situation is reversed.
But, did she really just ask herself to paint?
After they left, Yao Niang went to find Princess Zhenyang. Princess Zhenyang and she had a very good relationship now. Even though Hong Shuyi was serving Concubine Hong, they still spent the most time together.
"Princess, just now Princess Zhaoping asked me to help her paint orchids. You said she could just send someone to find me directly. I feel uneasy about such a fuss. I'm afraid that the painting won't be good." Yao Niang sighed suddenly.
Princess Zhenyang covered her mouth and laughed: "Mother Yao, don't you know? In three more years of mourning, the Seventh Princess will be thirteen years old, and girls should get married at the age of fifteen. The Royal Grandfather passed away, and Concubine Jing and others have been living in the deep palace for a long time. She is worried about her lifelong affairs."
Yao Niang's eyes widened. She couldn't help but ask, "How can the emperor's daughter worry about getting married?"
Princess Zhenyang poked her forehead and said, "How come you are so smart on weekdays, but you are so stupid about this matter? Although the emperor's daughter has no trouble finding a husband, it is not easy to find one."
Yes, the position of a royal consort has no real job, and ambitious people don’t want to be one.
But her second elder brother Luo Jingyuan is still unengaged, but Yao Niang remembers that Luo Jingyuan married the daughter of Yu Shi Zhongcheng in his previous life!
再說，羅敬淵走的是科舉之道，就不可能會尚公主啊。
其實宮裏在平靜的波紋下，總有一些漣漪，就比如李天驕和王元霜這兩位，本來是她們這一屆伴讀裏的佼佼者，也是在先帝最寵愛的公主那裏，但随着先帝去世，反而是瑤娘後來者居上了。
她還是頭一次到昭平長公主宮中，宮宇華麗不說，尤其是精巧的器物擺在外面，真是件件都是精品。
內裏擺着的寶瓶裏放着的時興的鮮花，看着春意盎然，渾不似深秋。
“臣女給公主請安，公主萬福金安。”
昭平長公主讓女官過來扶起瑤娘，不免笑道：“你既來了，我帶你看看白玉蘭，長的特別好。”
瑤娘看着窗臺上擺着幾盆白玉蘭，真如瑤臺仙子一般，她不由得道：“我聽說月色下的白玉蘭更好看聖潔高雅、風韻獨特，若是公主允許，請讓我搬幾盆回去，放在我的窗臺上，就着月色肯定會更好看。”
有的人就是很有靈性，昭平長公主認為瑤娘就很有靈性，但凡她的畫和詩總是與衆不同，聽聞她曾經為了畫雨打芭蕉，就真的在雨中觀察，以至于感染了風寒。
難怪別人說人不瘋魔不成活。
但是效果非常明顯，無論是詩詞歌賦還是琴棋書畫，甚至是騎射，瑤娘都是佼佼者。
“好，你搬回去吧。”昭平長公主笑。
瑤娘抱着一盆白玉蘭，從公主宮裏出門去，卻見一白衫少年正好進來，此人文質彬彬，大冷的深秋，他居然手中持着一把折扇。
還是身邊的人提醒說這位是九王爺，瑤娘才趕緊放下白玉蘭，跪下請安。
九王爺因其年幼，還并未有封號，宮中原本稱九皇子，但是現在皇長子繼位，他的兒子們才是皇子，故而，別人稱九王子為九王爺。
九王爺本來是受昭平長公主過來的，沒想到一下和瑤娘碰到了，他好奇道：“你們搬花做什麽？”
“回九王爺的話，臣女受公主所托替她畫白玉蘭，因想着月色下的白玉蘭更美，故而才搬回去。”
本來瑤娘進宮就是為了順理成章謀一樁好親事，将來做母親弟弟的靠山。
現下弟弟也不過才七八歲，而大哥兒子都有了，二哥也即将成婚，固然父親現下還仕途走的很順，可再過些年，皓哥兒大了，爹的仕途走的好還好，若是走的不行，母親還要看父親臉色，甚至父親比母親大了十好幾歲，甚至母親還得看大哥的眼色。
可人的感覺就是很奇怪，想是一回事，可真正看到九王爺，她又覺得自己好像真不行。
好像不是這個人身份高貴，地位崇高，她就一定可行。
九王爺看了瑤娘一眼，見她還是個小姑娘，固然驚豔，但是又挪開眼睛，輕搖折扇徑直走了進去。
這個姑娘年紀太小，若是定下也不失為一件好事，畢竟可以延遲就藩的時日。
他母妃地位低微，即便生了皇子，反而還不如生了公主的靜妃在先皇面上得臉，因此他和昭平長公主關系很不錯。
可無論如何，他的婚事還是皇上作主。
瑤娘可沒現在想過婚事，她總覺得這應該是再過兩三年考慮的，就像她家中姐妹一樣，無不是十二三歲才考慮定親的事情，之後再及笄後辦婚事。
她回到真陽公主的宮殿時，恰好看到了洪淑怡，洪淑怡也笑着走過來：“湯妹妹怎麽搬這麽多花？”
“哦，是從昭平長公主那裏搬過來的，她讓我給她畫玉蘭花。”瑤娘笑着。
洪淑怡沒想到瑤娘這麽快和昭平長公主也牽上線了，她依舊波瀾不驚道：“這倒是好了，這玉蘭花生的真俊。”
“是啊。”瑤娘歪頭一笑。
再說洪淑怡，以前只是皇子側妃的親戚，但随着洪側妃成為後宮妃嫔，洪家俨然就是國戚自居，洪側妃只有一個侄女，在去歲早已定親，如今洪家沒有成親的女孩子裏，只有她一個了。
如果洪家真的封了公爵，她就是公爵家的姑娘，一瞬間，身份就不同。
之前，她還忌憚瑤娘，現在洪家再也不同了。
“妹妹，那這盆玉蘭花得畫的好些啊，掏心窩子的話我和妹妹說一句。我們這些做女官的，平日都被公主郡主們厚待，但她們一時翻臉也是有好受的了，到底身份不同。妹妹若是覺得我這話說的不對，我日後不說便是。”洪淑怡一幅推心置腹的樣子。
可惜瑤娘根本不吃她這一套，她本人心智已經經過千錘百煉，這話雖然有道理，可她的居心，瑤娘本能覺得不良，因此只是敷衍：“洪姐姐放心，我肯定會好好的畫的。”
洪淑怡對瑤娘示好無效，因為瑤娘對她似乎始終有些疏遠。
她是用金色底紙畫的，再調成牛乳一樣的白色，這樣下筆之後，白玉蘭仿佛更有佛性，雖然比不得那些有名的畫師，但難得沒有匠氣。
這張畫先是被真陽公主看到，她是個藏不住的性子，立即先拿去給自己母妃獻寶。
“母妃，您看，這是瑤……時微畫的白玉蘭，您看是不是很好看？”真陽公主很有分寸，有外人或者她哥哥們這些外男在的時候，她都是說的學名。
洪側妃身畔坐着的就是兩個兒子，如今已經二皇子的高玄穆和皇三子高玄策。
“不錯，我看你那些什麽畫師畫的好，主要是這種畫法沒見過。羅姑娘不僅畫兒畫的好，我看她繡功也好，那次給我繡的佛經，人人誇贊呢。”洪側妃早已抛卻瑤娘心狠手辣的成見了，反而因為近來，她常常過來陪她說話，她生了許多好感。
高玄策看了妹妹一眼，素來知曉她是個急公好義的熱心腸，只要和別人好，就會一直誇別人，擡舉別人，一點都不在意得失。
果然，真陽公主道：“是啊，時微她為了觀察這月色下的白玉蘭，晚上都沒歇息好，她就是這樣一個癡人，心腸又軟，人又好，又負責任。我都不知道她将來出宮了，沒我的照拂可如何是好啊？豈不是被人欺負。”
洪側妃大笑：“你這孩子，她爹可是吏部右侍郎，好歹是官宦千金。哪裏要你照拂許多，況且她讀書明理，也非泛泛之輩啊。”
“話不是如此說的，我曾經聽說她生母處境不太好如何的——”真陽公主也是嘆氣。
高玄策聽到這話卻想拿羅瑤娘之母是羅至正的正頭夫人，那麽這位羅時微應該就是庶出了，也難怪這般争氣的。
但他今日在此，是為了其他事情，洪側妃當然知曉。
高玄穆一心靠近正統，是不可能支持洪側妃的，真陽公主年紀小，又是個藏不住話的，這些事情還是不宜讓她們知道。
最後果然洪側妃又只留下了高玄策，高玄穆冷着臉走了，真陽公主也覺得母妃偏心，回來又跟瑤娘一陣抱怨。
瑤娘則笑道：“其實這也不算太偏心，真的偏心是他有你沒有，可三皇子有的，您這裏也沒少。況且，我看娘娘也對您挺好的。”
“這倒也是。其實我三哥對我也不錯，就是小時候我和他一起讀書，他總笑我笨，現在口蜜腹劍了，當着我的面不敢說話，但是那眼神也是瞧不起我的。”真陽公主不忿。
這種感覺怎麽這麽熟悉？這讓她想起了他爹，就是那種目無餘子的人，但他爹是完全直言不諱之人。
這位三皇子作為皇子比較懂人情世故罷了，當面不斥責任何人。
又說九王爺找高玄策看藏本，他二人都很喜歡《火器譜》，就在高玄策踏進門時，卻見九王爺書房放了一幅白玉蘭圖，和那幾日他看到的是一樣的。
九王爺見高玄策看向這幅圖，立馬笑道：“這是昭平長公主送給我的，如何，好看吧？聽聞這是才女羅時微所畫。”
高玄策不動聲色，心道，原來是昭平長公主是在為九皇叔牽線，這位皇叔素喜美豔婦人，卻主動提起羅家小。
這讓高玄策似笑非笑道：“皇叔，你該不會是……”
“诶，此婚姻大事，還得皇兄作主。老三，你一向和我關系不錯，記得要替我在洪妃面前替我美言幾句啊。”九皇子笑道。
“好說好說。”高玄策知曉，他平日雖然和九皇叔關系不錯，可他暗中早已投靠林正妃，畢竟嫡長子繼承制，這也是為何林家搞那一出，也是為了搶占正妃的位置，就是為了名正言順。
而九皇叔這般，是不是在為林家拉羅至正下場。
畢竟說起來，忠靖侯府娶的是魏家，這一世不知道為何沒有娶到羅家女？
這輩子，他是不會讓林家和羅至正沆瀣一氣的，高玄策想到這裏，對九皇叔道：“突然記起，我還有些事，就先走了。”
九王爺愕然。
Yao Niang and Princess Zhen Yang were just coming back from picking flowers. She looked at Princess Zhen Yang happily and said, "I will bring the vase made of grass and wood later and put these words in it. Wouldn't it be fun?"
Princess Zhenyang liked these the most. She said, "We'll do it when we get back. You have to stay with me all day. Okay, Yao Niang..."
Gao Xuance, who was standing outside the Zhenyang Princess' palace, was originally waiting for his sister to come back to see if the Luo family girl knew about this matter. How could he have known that his sister was calling that woman "Yao Niang"...
He didn't know why he was sweating profusely.