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 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 wife 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!
Besides, Luo Jingyuan took the imperial examination, so it was impossible for him to marry a princess.
In fact, there were always some ripples beneath the calm palace. For example, Li Tianjiao and Wang Yuanshuang were the best among their classmates and the most beloved princesses of the late emperor. But with the death of the late emperor, it was Yao Niang who came later and took the position.
It was her first time to visit Princess Zhaoping's palace. Not only was the palace magnificent, but the exquisite utensils displayed outside were all top-notch.
The vase inside contains fashionable flowers, which makes it look like spring, not late autumn at all.
"Your humble servant pays respects to the princess. May the princess be blessed with good health and good health."
Princess Zhaoping asked the court lady to come over and help Yao Niang up. She couldn't help but smile and said, "Since you are here, I will take you to see the white magnolia. It is very beautiful."
Yao Niang looked at the pots of white magnolias on the windowsill, which looked just like fairies from the Yaotai Garden. She couldn't help but say, "I heard that white magnolias look even more beautiful under the moonlight, holy and elegant, with a unique charm. If the princess allows, please let me move a few pots back and put them on my windowsill. They will definitely look even better under the moonlight."
Some people are very spiritual. Princess Zhaoping believed that Yao Niang was very spiritual. Her paintings and poems were always different from others. It was said that she once watched the rain hitting banana leaves and caught a cold.
No wonder people say that one has to be crazy to survive.
But the effect was very obvious. Whether it was poetry, singing, calligraphy, painting, or even riding and archery, Yao Niang was an outstanding one.
"Okay, you can move back." Princess Zhaoping smiled.
Yao Niang was holding a pot of white magnolia and walking out of the princess' palace, but she saw a young man in white shirt coming in. This man was well-mannered, and even in the cold late autumn, he was holding a folding fan in his hand.
It was only when someone around her reminded her that this person was the Ninth Prince that Yao Niang quickly put down the white magnolia and knelt down to pay her respects.
Because the Ninth Prince is still young, he has not yet had a title. He was originally called the Ninth Prince in the palace, but now that the eldest prince has succeeded to the throne, his sons are the princes. Therefore, others call the Ninth Prince the Ninth Prince.
The Ninth Prince had come here to ask Princess Zhaoping to come. He did not expect to bump into Yao Niang. He asked curiously, "Why are you moving the flowers?"
"In reply to Lord Ninth Prince, the princess asked me to paint the magnolia for her. I moved back because I thought the magnolia would be more beautiful under the moonlight."
Originally, Yao Niang entered the palace in order to arrange a good marriage in a logical way and become a support for her mother and younger brother in the future.
Now my younger brother is only seven or eight years old, while my eldest brother already has a son and my second brother is about to get married. Although my father's career is going smoothly now, in a few years, Brother Hao will grow up. It's ok if my father's career goes well, but if it doesn't, my mother will have to look at my father's face. My father is more than ten years older than my mother, and my mother still has to look at my eldest brother's face.
Keren had a very strange feeling. Thinking about it was one thing, but when she actually saw the Ninth Prince, she felt that she was really not good enough.
It doesn't seem like just because this person is of noble status and high position, it means she can do it.
The Ninth Prince took a look at Yao Niang and was surprised to see that she was still a little girl, but he looked away, gently waving his folding fan and walked straight in.
This girl is too young, so it would be a good thing if she were married off, as it would delay her enfeoffment.
His mother was of low status, and even though she gave birth to a prince, she would not be as respected by the late emperor as Concubine Jing who gave birth to a princess. Therefore, he had a very good relationship with Princess Zhaoping.
But no matter what, his marriage is still decided by the emperor.
Yao Niang has not thought about marriage now. She always feels that this should be considered in two or three years, just like her sisters at home, who all considered engagement when they were twelve or thirteen years old, and then got married after they reached the age of 15.
When she returned to Princess Zhenyang's palace, she happened to see Hong Shuyi, who also walked over with a smile: "Sister Tang, why are you moving so many flowers?"
"Oh, it was moved from Princess Zhaoping. She asked me to paint magnolia flowers for her." Yao Niang smiled.
Hong Shuyi didn't expect that Yao Niang would be so close to Princess Zhaoping so soon. She remained calm and said, "That's good. This Magnolia Peanut is so handsome."
"Yes." Yao Niang tilted her head and smiled.
As for Hong Shuyi, she was only a relative of the prince's concubine before, but as Concubine Hong became a concubine in the harem, the Hong family regarded themselves as relatives of the royal family. Concubine Hong only had a niece, who had been engaged last year. Now she is the only unmarried girl in the Hong family.
If the Hong family was really conferred the title of Duke, she would be the daughter of the Duke's family, and her identity would be different in an instant.
Before, she was wary of Yao Niang, but now the Hong family is no longer the same.
"Sister, then this pot of magnolia flowers needs to be painted better. Let me tell you something from the bottom of my heart. We female officials are usually treated well by the princesses and princesses, but it's not easy for them to turn against us, after all, our statuses are different. If you think what I said is wrong, I won't say it again in the future." Hong Shuyi looked like she was speaking from the bottom of her heart.
Unfortunately, Yao Niang didn't buy her trick at all. Her mind had been tempered by thousands of trials. Although her words made sense, Yao Niang instinctively felt that her intentions were not good, so she just perfunctorily said, "Don't worry, Sister Hong, I will definitely paint well."
Hong Shuyi's attempts to please Yao Niang were ineffective because Yao Niang always seemed a little distant towards her.
She used a gold base paper to paint it, and then mixed it into a milky white. After doing this, the white magnolia seemed to have more Buddha nature. Although it is not as good as those famous painters, it is rare that there is no artificiality.
This painting was first seen by Princess Zhenyang. She was a person who could not hide her temper, so she immediately took it to present the treasure to her mother.
"Mother, look, this is the white magnolia painted by Yao... Shi Wei. Don't you think it's beautiful?" Princess Zhenyang was very sensible. When there were outsiders or men like her brothers around, she would always say the scientific name.
Sitting next to Concubine Hong were her two sons, Gao Xuanmu, now the second prince, and Gao Xuance, now the third prince.
"Yes, I think those painters of yours are good at painting, mainly because I have never seen this kind of painting style before. Miss Luo is not only good at painting, I think she is also good at embroidery. The Buddhist scriptures she embroidered for me that time were praised by everyone." Concubine Hong had long thrown away her prejudice that Yao Niang was cruel and ruthless. On the contrary, because she often came to talk to her recently, she had developed a lot of good feelings towards her.
Gao Xuance glanced at his sister. He always knew that she was a kind-hearted person who was eager to help others. As long as she was nice to others, she would praise them and lift them up, not caring about gains and losses at all.
As expected, Princess Zhenyang said, "Yes, Shi Wei didn't get enough rest at night because she was observing the white magnolia under the moonlight. She is such a fool, kind-hearted, kind, and responsible. I don't know what she will do when she leaves the palace in the future without my care. Won't she be bullied?"
Concubine Hong laughed: "Your child, her father is the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, after all, she is the daughter of an official. Why would she need you to take care of her so much? Besides, she is well-educated and sensible, and she is not an ordinary person."
"That's not the case. I once heard that her biological mother was in a bad situation..." Princess Zhenyang also sighed.
When Gao Xuance heard this, he thought that Luo Yaoniang's mother was Luo Zhizheng's legal wife, so this Luo Shiwei must be a concubine's son, no wonder he was so competitive.
But he was here today for other things, and Concubine Hong certainly knew that.
Gao Xuanmu is devoted to the orthodoxy, so it is impossible for him to support Concubine Hong. Princess Zhenyang is young and can't keep secrets, so it is better not to let them know these things.
As expected, in the end, Concubine Hong only left Gao Xuance, and Gao Xuanmu left with a cold face. Princess Zhenyang also felt that her mother was partial to her, so she came back and complained to Yao Niang again.
Yao Niang smiled and said, "Actually, this is not too biased. If it is really biased, it means that he has you instead of you. But you have everything that the Third Prince has. Besides, I think the Queen treats you very well."
"That's true. Actually, my third brother is pretty good to me. It's just that when we were kids studying together, he always laughed at me for being stupid. Now he's sweet-mouthed but has a vicious heart. He doesn't dare to say anything in front of me, but the look in his eyes shows that he looks down on me." Princess Zhenyang was indignant.
Why does this feeling sound so familiar? It reminds her of her father, the kind of person who doesn't care about others, but he is a completely outspoken person.
As a prince, the third prince understands the ways of the world better and never scolds anyone to their face.
It is also said that the Ninth Prince asked Gao Xuance to look at the Tibetan version, and they both liked the "Book of Firearms" very much. Just as Gao Xuance stepped into the room, he saw a painting of white magnolia in the Ninth Prince's study, which was the same one he saw in the past few days.
When the Ninth Prince saw Gao Xuance looking at the painting, he immediately smiled and said, "This was given to me by Princess Zhaoping. How about it? Doesn't it look good? I heard that this was painted by the talented woman Luo Shiwei."
Gao Xuance remained calm, thinking that it was Princess Zhaoping who was trying to make things easier for the Ninth Uncle. This uncle always liked beautiful women, but he took the initiative to mention the little girl from the Luo family.
This made Gao Xuance smile and say: "Uncle, you are not..."
"Well, this important marriage matter has to be decided by my brother. Third brother, you and I have always had a good relationship, remember to say a few good words for me in front of Concubine Hong." The ninth prince said with a smile.
"Okay, okay." Gao Xuance knew that although he had a good relationship with the Ninth Uncle, he had secretly defected to Consort Lin. After all, the eldest son inherited the throne, which was why the Lin family did that. It was also to seize the position of Consort Lin, just to make it legitimate.
By doing this, is the Ninth Prince trying to bring disaster to the Lin family?
After all, the Marquis Zhongjing married a girl from the Wei family. I don't know why he didn't marry a girl from the Luo family in this life?
In this life, he will never let the Lin family and Luo Zhizheng collude with each other. Gao Xuance thought of this and said to the Ninth Uncle: "I suddenly remembered that I have something else to do, so I'll leave first."
The Ninth Prince was stunned.
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.
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