Chapter 45 Spring Returns
In April, spring returns, the flowers have all faded, and only a few withered stamens remain on the bustling branches. However, the enthusiasm of the people of Shendu to appreciate the flowers has not diminished at all, because the peony blooming season has arrived.
In spring, hundreds of flowers gather to vie for splendor, except for the peony. It is not until the end of spring that the peony opens its buds, as if it were a belated arrival. Once it shows up, all the flowers that have bloomed in the previous three months have bloomed in vain.
Only the peony is the true beauty of the country; the capital city is moved when the flowers bloom.
The capital was bustling with people, and at this moment, both the nobles and the common people were equal, and they all crowded into the Luoyang Flower Garden to admire the beauty of the king of flowers. There were endless flower-viewing banquets, peony banquets, and flowing water banquets of various names. In the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, Madam Ming was also talking about flower-viewing.
The peonies in Luoyang bloom every year, but this year is different. This year, a crown prince was appointed, and news came from the palace that the empress intended to move the capital. This was a boost to the old ministers of Yonghui. Madam Ming was in a good mood for several days, and even the rheumatism that had plagued her for many years was no longer painful.
At noon, all the members of the Ming family gathered together to greet the old lady as usual. The old lady slowly scanned the hall, and the more she looked, the more satisfied she felt.
That's great. Fortunately, she had kept her composure in the past few years and firmly believed that the Li family would turn things around one day, so she kept suppressing the matter and didn't arrange marriages for her grandchildren. Now it seems that she was really foresighted.
In the past few years, the Ming family lost power. Even if they gave up their daughter to marry into a good family, what good family could they marry into? But today is different. The next emperor's surname is Li. As old ministers of the previous dynasty, they have been abiding by the loyalty of the monarch and his subjects for many years. When the new emperor comes to power, are they afraid that he will not remember their kindness?
But Emperor Gaozong and Crown Prince Zhang Huai have been dead for many years, so it is inevitable that they have lost touch with the past. The Ming family does not have much friendship with the current crown prince, and when the crown prince ascends the throne, there may not be a place for the Ming family around him. Therefore, the marriage of children is still needed to pave the way.
There are three girls and three men alive in the third branch of the Ming family. The oldest, Ming Yu, is seventeen years old, and the youngest, Ming Shuo, is thirteen years old. They are all of marriageable age, with a wide age range and plenty of room for adjustment.
The more Madam Ming looked at her, the more pleased she felt. Her eyes fell on Ming Huashang. The girl was extremely pretty. Today she was wearing a scarlet top, a goose-yellow long skirt, and a blue shawl tied around her shoulders. Sitting in the sun, she looked like a fresh and tender crabapple.
It's a pity that he is incompetent. Old Madam Ming felt regretful again. She had said long ago that she would let the Duke of Zhenguo remarry, but the Duke of Zhenguo always refused. If the first wife had another legitimate daughter, why would Old Madam Ming support this Adou?
Madam Ming thought for a moment and then slowly said, "You have all heard about the relocation of the capital, right?"
Everyone stopped talking and looked at Old Madam Ming. Madam Ming II responded carefully, "My daughter-in-law heard about it."
Madam Ming nodded calmly and said, "Our Ming family's roots are in Chang'an, so it's a good thing to return to the old capital. Moving the capital to Zi is a big deal, and it won't be arranged in a short time. However, we can prepare some things in advance. Duke Zhenguo, you have been taking care of the house in Chang'an. How has the Duke's Mansion been doing in recent years?"
The Duke of Zhenguo said, "Don't worry, mother. I have an old servant guarding the house, and I also send someone to take care of it every year. The house and the walls of the Duke's Mansion are in good condition and not abandoned. But after all, no one has lived here for fifteen years, and some places may have mold. We have to repair it thoroughly before we can move in."
Madam Ming looked disappointed: "It's been fifteen years. When I first came to Luoyang, I wasn't used to anything. Now I haven't been back for fifteen years."
The second and third wives sighed, but the younger generations did not make any movement. For the third generation of the Ming family, they had been in Luoyang since they could remember, and they really did not understand the feelings of the elders towards Chang'an.
Madam Ming looked at the bewildered looks in her granddaughters' eyes and sighed even more: "I remember when we moved to Luoyang with Emperor Gaozong, Erlang and Erniang were just born. It was hard for you little ones, who had just lost your mother, to follow the court to move the capital to Luoyang. Your siblings have been worry-free since you were little. The two of you were wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying side by side, and you didn't cry or make a fuss all day long. But as soon as one of you was taken away, the other would cry loudly. The maid had no choice but to let the two of you squeeze on a small couch, and even the wet nurse had to feed one and hold the other."
Recalling his children's childhood, Duke Zhenguo also showed a look of emotion: "Yes. When Er Niang was young, she was very protective of food and drank milk fiercely, as if someone was trying to snatch it from her. Even if she hiccuped, she would hold Er Lang tightly with her fingers. Er Lang was very polite. He didn't cry when his food was snatched away, and he didn't cry even when his face was red from being scratched by Er Niang. He would quietly look at the top of the tent every day after waking up. He had the demeanor of a gentleman at a young age."
At that time, the Third Lady had not yet married into the family. She smiled and said, "It turns out that Erlang and Erniang have been close since childhood. They are truly a match made in heaven."
Ming Huachang had no recollection of it at all, but it was not a decent thing for her elders to recall how she was breastfed when she was a child in front of everyone.
Moreover, Ming Huachang couldn't help but complain in her heart that her father treated them too differently. She was holding onto Ming Huazhang to protect her food, and Ming Huazhang was a gentleman because he didn't fight or compete? It was obvious that he couldn't compete with her.
Ming Huashang kept smiling awkwardly, and Ming Huazhang was also a little embarrassed. He coughed lightly, diverting the attention of Duke Zhenguo and Madam Ming, and interrupted them from reminiscing about the past.
He is not curious about breastfeeding, so there is no need to bring it up.
Ming Huazhang said, "Father, grandmother, I want to take part in the imperial examination. The Duke's old residence also needs to be repaired. Why don't I go to Chang'an to take care of the Duke's residence and find a quiet place to prepare for the exam."
After Ming Huazhang said this, everyone inside and outside fell silent. Everyone was shocked. Even the little maid outside the floor-length cover couldn't help but stick her head out and quietly look at the situation inside.
Madam Ming asked hurriedly, "Why do you want to take the imperial examination? Our family has enough money to support you in your career, so why do you have to squeeze in with those poor boys?"
The official system of the Tang Dynasty was inherited from the previous dynasty. The children of high-ranking officials and dukes and marquises all had quotas. The children of these families could directly enter the court as officials without taking any examinations, and they were the mainstream of court officials. However, in recent years, the number of civilian officials selected by imperial examinations has also gradually increased.
The previous dynasty had established the imperial examination system, but it was useless. Instead, the emperors of the Li family picked up the system. The Taizong Dynasty established the imperial examination system, but it was mostly used to help the children of aristocratic families to improve themselves.
Many of the notorious cruel officials were selected from the imperial examinations. However, old-school heroes like Mrs. Ming still looked down on the imperial examination candidates, thinking that they were just a bunch of peasants and mud-legged people.
It was really unmannerly for a group of people to fight for a few official positions like hungry wolves. Their family had the protection passed down from their ancestors, so why should they lower their status to participate in the imperial examination?
Ming Huazhang did not argue with Madam Ming about the merits of the imperial examinations. He said, "If I have real talent and knowledge, why should I be afraid of competing with others? If I can't even compare with common people who have no family education and no elders to guide me, then I don't want to be an official. Besides, there are only two vacancies in the Duke's Mansion, so I'd better leave them to my third and fourth brothers. I want to enter the officialdom with my own ability."
The second wife perked up when she mentioned this. Their family was a concubine's family, and any good things would be theirs after the first and third wives had chosen. There were three men in the mansion, but only two vacancies. Whenever there was a need to make a choice, her son would definitely be squeezed out.
If Ming Huazhang had taken the imperial examination, it would have been different. Ming Huazhang's words sounded nice, but there were thousands of students coming to the capital every year to take the imperial examination, and the number of students admitted ranged from 20 to 10. This was truly a situation where thousands of troops were trying to cross a single-plank bridge. Ming Huazhang had to compete with so many people, so he would have to take the exam for three to five years.
These years are the opportunities for their second house. Her third son is fifteen years old this year and will be able to enter the officialdom soon. Without Ming Huazhang blocking the way, the resources of the Zhenguo Mansion in the officialdom will definitely be fed to her son.
The Second Lady's eyes turned around, and her attitude towards Ming Huazhang immediately became enthusiastic: "Erlang is really a young talent with great ambitions! Our Zhenguo Mansion rose to prominence through military merit, and some women, whose families have fallen into such a state, still laugh at our Ming family for having no foundation. If Erlang passes the imperial examination and rides a horse in a parade in the streets, or has his name inscribed on the Wild Goose Pagoda in the future, I wonder what those people will have to say!"
Ming Huaiyuan frowned and said, "Isn't it too hard to take the imperial examination when you have nothing to do?"
The second wife secretly pinched her husband, glared at him, and said with a gritted teeth, "Do you think Erlang is your useless son? Erlang is both civil and military, so he will definitely pass the imperial examination. Moreover, Erlang is still young, so it doesn't hurt to give it a try. Once he passes, he will be the winner of the imperial examination, and his name will be on the list of successful candidates, which will be of great benefit to Erlang's marriage proposal."
Mingyu also understood the benefits of supporting the second wife. Ming Huazhang was her cousin. If he passed the imperial examination, she would gain honor, and if he failed, her younger brother would benefit. She immediately agreed with the second wife and strongly supported Ming Huazhang to take part in the imperial examination to prove himself.
This matter had nothing to do with the interests of the Third House. The Third Lady calmly waved her fan and watched the performance of the Second House with a smile.
When Ming Huashang came to Yanshou Hall to pay her respects, she usually just listened, but today she couldn't help but say, "Grandma, Father, since my second brother wants to do it, let him try."
The Duke of Zhenguo was tolerant of Ming Huazhang and always let him do whatever he wanted. But this matter concerned Ming Huazhang's future. Taking such a big risk, even the Duke of Zhenguo was a little hesitant: "Is this too risky?"
Ming Huashang disagreed and said, "I believe in my second brother. As long as he wants to, he can do it."
Many people looked over, even Ming Huazhang had a look of surprise in his eyes. The Duke of Zhenguo laughed and said, "You don't read books, how do you know?"
Ming Huashang was annoyed and said angrily: "I am unlearned and incompetent, but I know my second brother. I just know he can do it!"
The Duke of Zhenguo laughed loudly, obviously not taking Ming Huashang's words seriously. Only the old lady Ming was concerned - not about Ming Huashang, but about the second lady.
Yes, Erlang is still young, there is no harm in giving it a try. On the one hand, the aristocratic families look down on the officials from poor families who entered the government through the imperial examination, but on the other hand, they are very fond of talented scholars. With Ming Huazhang's appearance and virtue, many noble ladies want to be engaged to him now. If he is also a Jinshi, his choice of marriage partner can be improved, and it is not difficult for him to marry a princess.
Madam Ming was very satisfied and said, "It's a good thing for young people to have ambitions. As elders, we must support them. But repairing the house will inevitably cause people to come in and out, and I'm afraid it will interfere with your preparation for the exam. It's better to find a quiet place at home so that you can study in peace."
"No need." Ming Huazhang said, "I have grown up thanks to my father's careful teachings over the years. It is time for me to do something for the mansion. Since the empress wants to move the capital, the first imperial examination will definitely be held in Chang'an. I will have to leave sooner or later anyway, so I might as well set off early while there are fewer people."
Duke Zhen was surprised: "How do you know? The Spring Examination is at least next year, why are you in such a hurry?"
Ming Huazhang paused. He had met the empress and knew that she intended to hold an additional examination in September. But the news had not been released yet, so he could not tell the Duke of Zhenguo the truth. He said, "I just want to be prepared. It's always a good idea to prepare in advance."
"Erlang is thoughtful, let him go." Old Madam Ming made the final decision on this matter. "Originally, I thought that the girls would get married soon, so I wanted to let you brothers and sisters spend more time together this year. But your son's future is the most important. You are the eldest brother in the family. If you succeed, the other sisters can live well in their husband's family. For the second and third brothers, there will be many banquets in the capital these days, so you should take your wives to go out more. There is no rush for the third mother. The marriages of the first and second mothers should be decided this year."
Madam Ming's words were like a thunderclap. Ming Yu lowered her head shyly, while Ming Shuo looked indifferent, but her expression also showed agreement.
Now that my wife is grown up, it’s time for her to get married.
Ming Huachang's expression was not very good. Before she could think of how to decline, Ming Huazhang said, "Grandma, this is the second thing I want to tell you."
"There's no rush to discuss Second Mother's marriage."
The room was completely silent, even Ming Huashang's eyes widened in surprise. The Second Lady smiled and said, "Erlang, I know you love your sister, but a girl should get married when she grows up. Erniang is already sixteen years old. If you don't arrange a marriage now, you won't be able to get married in the future."
"If she can't get married, I'll support her." Ming Huazhang said calmly, but inexplicably with a sense of determination, "This time, I actually want her to go to Chang'an with me."
Madam Ming said with a straight face, "Erlang, what are you talking about? You are a husband and you are not in a hurry to get married, but Erniang is a wife. If she is still unmarried at the age of seventeen, then it will be her turn for the official matchmaker to come to her house. Then she will have no choice as to who she will be married to."
Duke Zhenguo always doted on his children, but he did not speak for Ming Huazhang at this moment. He also said, "Yes, Erlang, it is not appropriate for Erniang to go to Chang'an."
Ming Huashang tightened her sleeves and looked at Ming Huazhang nervously. Ming Huazhang sat upright, calm and composed: "The requirement for women to marry when they reach the age of seventeen was just a temporary measure made in the early years of Wude for the purpose of recuperation. How can you hastily decide your daughter's life for a rigid rule? I heard that the Taoist Master Qingmiao of Deye Temple in Zhongnan Mountain wants to find a female nun to serve the Tao, and I think Erniang is just right. There is no need to cut off worldly ties when practicing in Deye Temple. After Erniang finds someone she likes, it's okay to return to secular life and get married."
At first, Old Madam Ming totally ignored Ming Huazhang's words. In her opinion, women are born to get married and have children. Marrying a good man is a woman's lifetime achievement. The so-called unwillingness to get married is just an excuse for not being able to get married.
But after Ming Huazhang talked about the concept of virtue and deeds, Old Lady Ming hesitated.
A young woman like the Third Madam may not be clear about the concept of virtue and career, but Old Madam Ming has experienced the ups and downs of the Yonghui Dynasty, and she understands the weight of the three words "virtue and career".
The Empress doted on Princess Taiping very much. In fact, she had a daughter in her early years, but unfortunately she died soon after she was born. The Empress was very sad and posthumously named her daughter Princess Anding and gave her the posthumous title of Si.
For the princesses of the Li family, becoming a nun was not uncommon, as being a female Taoist priest did not hinder their enjoyment. The empress also built a Taoist temple for her eldest daughter, Princess Andingsi, which was a Taoist temple dedicated to virtue and good deeds.
Because the person they serve is a princess who has not yet left the palace, there are no male Taoist priests in Deye Temple, only female priests. The temple master, Qingmiao Zhenren, is from an aristocratic family and has profound knowledge, but unfortunately her marriage is unfortunate. She married three times and her husbands all died.
As her husband's family gradually spread the word that she was a bad luck to her husband, she simply tied her hair and became a Taoist monk, becoming the Immortal Master Qingmiao. The empress was very fond of Immortal Master Qingmiao's talent, so she transferred her to the Deye Temple and asked her to read and discuss philosophy with her eldest daughter every day to comfort the princess' spirit in heaven.
Deye Temple is not open to the public. Although there are no incense sticks, no one dares to despise this Taoist temple. Old Madam Ming's mind was active. Everyone knows how protective the empress is. If she can enter Deye Temple to practice, it means that she has served Princess Andingsi.
Madam Ming couldn't help but look at Ming Huashang. Ming Huashang had no talent or virtue, and apart from a pretty face and the auspicious name of a dragon and phoenix twin, there was really nothing to show for it.
However, Deye Temple was filled with women, so there was no need to worry about reputation issues; Qingmiao Zhenren was a recognized talented hermit, and after leaving Deye Temple, Ming Huashang became famous for her talent; serving the princess could also help her gain a reputation for virtue and borrow the glory of the royal family.
From all aspects, it is indeed a place that can gild Ming Huashang.
At this stage, getting too close to the Li and Wu families could lead to being dragged into trouble. Starting with Princess Andingsi, they can attack or defend. After Ming Huashang comes out of the Temple of Virtue, they can use the name of auspiciousness for Ming Huashang, and then there is no need to worry about not being famous in the capital.
Maybe, you can even use this opportunity to get close to the royal family and enter the social circle of princesses and queens.
Madam Ming could smell the benefits, and so could others. Ming Yu was not interested in being a Taoist priest, but Ming Shuo could not sit still.
She quietly pulled the sleeve of the Third Lady, who smiled and said, "Erlang is really very powerful. He even knows the way to the Deye Temple. Erniang is sixteen years old this year. My wife's youth is short. It would be a pity to let her waste her youth in the mountains. It's better to let Sanniang go. She is thirteen this year. She can serve the princess for a few years first. When she comes out in the future, it won't delay the marriage."
The second wife showed a mocking expression and said, "Third sister-in-law, the Taoist temple is different from home. The food is poor, you are not free, and you can't even see your parents. How can you bear to let your daughter suffer like this?"
The Third Lady certainly couldn't bear it, but thinking that her daughter would be able to marry into a wealthy family after enduring two years of hardship, the Third Lady still said cruelly, "It is her blessing to serve the princess."
"My sister-in-law is really very understanding," the second lady said sarcastically, "unlike me, a layman, who would never want to see my daughter suffer in the mountains."
The Third Lady was about to scold the Second Lady for being sour grapes, but the Duke of Zhenguo said coldly, "That's enough."
Duke Zhenguo looked at Ming Huazhang, hesitated for a moment, and said, "Erlang, I understand your kindness to Shangshang, but it is too hard for her to practice Taoism in Zhongnan Mountain. She has always been coquettish and lazy. I don't expect her to be rich. It's enough for her to find an honest man and live a stable life. As for the matter of virtue and career..."
"Father." Ming Huashang interrupted Duke Zhen, looked at him firmly, and said, "I think what my second brother said makes sense. I will listen to my brother."
Of course, it was hard to practice in an ordinary Taoist temple, but it was not necessarily the same in the princess's Taoist temple. Moreover, Ming Huashang did not believe that Ming Huazhang could really throw her into the deep mountains and old forests. This must be an excuse he made up to prevent her from getting married.
Ming Huashang could decide how long and how to practice Taoism to serve a dead princess, without being controlled by her family. When the real daughter returned in a year, she could leave the Ming family in a logical way.
How could Ming Huashang let go of such a good opportunity?
Duke Zhenguo really didn't expect Ming Huashang to be willing. He looked at his daughter in astonishment and said, "Shangshang, think about it again. This is not a joke."
"I've thought it through." Ming Huashang sighed secretly. She wanted to tell the truth, but they didn't believe her. In this case, she could only start moral kidnapping.
Ming Huashang said solemnly, "Father, my daughter is naughty and incompetent. My family provides me with food, clothing, shelter and transportation, but I cannot repay them. I always make you and my brother angry. I also want to contribute to the mansion. Father, please let me go."
Ming Huazhang watched Ming Huachang speak with cold eyes, she talked about dedication when he talked about reason, and she talked about feelings when he talked about dedication. Finally, she simply brought out the two big hats of loyalty and filial piety, and finally silenced everyone.
Ming Huazhang almost believed it.
Ming Huashang said tearfully that she wanted to be filial to her mother Wang Yulan. What else could the Duke of Zhenguo say? He could only sigh and say, "Since you insist, go and wander around. If you can't stand the days in the mountains, write a letter home. Even if it offends His Majesty, I will take you out."
Ming Huashang was hesitant for a moment. Duke Zhenguo spoke so helplessly, and his deep love for his daughter was evident in his words. Is he really not her father?
She couldn't imagine that this middle-aged man would coldly push her away and have someone send her back to the Su family a year later.
Ming Huazhang had had enough of the pretense and said, "Don't worry, father. I guarantee it with my reputation. If Er Niang wants to leave, I will definitely send her home safely."
"Then it's settled." Madam Ming made the final decision. "Erlang will go and select a few capable stewards to follow you back to Chang'an. Leave all the trivial matters to them, and you just need to focus on preparing for the exam. Erniang should also pack up and go with your brother, so that at least someone can take care of you on the way."
Ming Huachang was so happy that she pretended to be reluctant and said, "Thank you, grandma."
This time, the greeting ended with the eldest wife frowning, the second wife secretly happy, and the third wife looking long-faced. The three of them walked out together, and when they were alone, the Duke of Zhenguo frowned and asked, "Erlang, Erniang, what on earth are you two doing?"
Ming Huachang felt guilty, thinking that the Duke of Zhenguo had seen through her secret joining of Xuanxiaowei. Fortunately, Ming Huazhang was very calm and said calmly, "If Second Mother doesn't want to discuss marriage, why not postpone it for two years in the name of practicing Taoism, and wait until she finds someone she likes, and then return to secular life."
Ming Huashang looked embarrassed. How could he tell such a confidential girl's secret to outsiders? Duke Zhenguo looked at Ming Huashang in surprise: "Shangshang, is this true?"
Ming Huashang gave up and nodded, "It's true. Even if I can convince my grandmother, the official matchmaker will come to my house to propose marriage to me next year. No matter how many times I say it, there will always be people who say that everything will be fine after I get married. I might as well just be a nun. I don't want to listen to those people's nonsense."
Duke Zhenguo frowned deeply, "Nonsense, how can you just become a nun just because you don't want to get married? There are so many couples in the world, who are together just because they like each other naturally?"
"I am!" Ming Huashang said angrily, "Anyway, I don't want to marry someone I don't like. Either I run away from the marriage, or let me go to Deye Temple, it's up to you."
Duke Zhenguo was very angry, but he couldn't bear to scold his little daughter, whom he had spoiled since childhood. Ming Huazhang said, "Father, don't worry. I have already taken care of Deye Temple and will not let her suffer any injustice. When she changes her mind, she can come back immediately."
What else could the Duke of Zhenguo do? He looked at his daughter who was making trouble and said with great sorrow: "Look at your brother, look at yourself! If you can be half as sensible as Erlang, I will be willing to die immediately."
"Then you can wait." Ming Huashang said quietly, "How can I be an unfilial daughter? I will definitely let you live a long time."
The Duke of Zhenguo was driven away by Ming Huashang. After the Duke of Zhenguo had gone far away, Ming Huashang approached Ming Huazhang and asked, "Second brother, why did you tell them to let me go to Deye Temple? You are not really going to send me to Zhongnan Mountain, are you?"
Ming Huazhang glanced at her calmly and said, "Yes."
Ming Huachang's breathing stagnated, and Ming Huazhang continued, "Your physical fitness is too poor, and your reaction is slow. If you go on a mission in this state, you will only hinder. So I specially applied to send you to the secret base of Xuanxiaowei in Zhongnan Mountain to train you well."
Ming Huachang's face was completely dull. Ming Huazhang's clear eyes swept across her and he said leisurely, "I thought you would be reluctant, but I didn't expect you to be so determined and not leave yourself any way out."
Ming Huashang's emotions were very complicated. Why did she feel that Ming Huazhang did it on purpose?
He deliberately took revenge on her.
Ming Huashang didn't want to think of her brother, who was the most upright gentleman in her mind, in this way. She took a deep breath and comforted herself, thinking on the bright side, at least it meant that she had been promoted to the prefecture level.
I wonder how Jiang Ling and Ren Yao are doing? Will Ming Huazhang really only give one pass?
Ming Huashang tried to ask, "Am I the only one going?"
"Yes." Ming Huazhang ruthlessly crushed her fantasy. "Since you are my sister, I will train you personally. If you leak the news and tell others about this, I will have to avoid suspicion and let someone else take over you."
Ming Huashang had a tearful face and said weakly, "I understand."
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