Chapter 84 Wangshu
Dark clouds were as black as ink, moving rapidly across the sky, with the moonlight appearing and disappearing behind them.
The same sky enveloped the entire Chang'an. When the King of Wei was angry in the Prince of Wei's Palace, Ren Yao also knelt in the ancestral hall of the Pingnan Marquis's Palace, facing the gloomy and neatly arranged tablets above, and said stubbornly: "I am right."
"How dare you speak so arrogantly!" Behind her, the old lady of Pingnan Marquis leaned on her cane and knocked heavily on the tile three times. "Ren Yao, let me ask you, today you confronted your uncle and aunt, disobeyed your elders, and even had the audacity to play polo with a man. Do you know you are wrong?"
Ren Yao couldn't understand. She had won the victory in broad daylight and even met the empress. The empress personally promised to arrange an official position for her. It was such a good thing, why did her grandmother punish her?
She stiffened her neck, stared at her father's spirit tablet in front of her, and gritted her teeth and said, "I'm right! I did a good job. Prince Linzi and Prince Shao both said that I fought well. The empress even met me in person and said that I was a role model for women. I will soon have an official position. Once I have a position, I will be able to go in and out of officialdom frequently. Maybe one day I will make meritorious contributions and ask the emperor to grant me grace and let me inherit the Pingnan Marquisate! Grandmother, we don't have to pass on the throne anymore. I can take care of my father's clothes and the Ren family's door. Aren't you happy?"
Old Madam Ren leaned on her crutches and silently gazed at her young and energetic granddaughter. A myriad of emotions surged into her heart, and in the end, only deep sorrow remained.
Madam Ren said sadly, "You lost your mother when you were born. Your father was busy on the battlefield and had no time to take care of you, so he could only leave you to an old woman like me. If a son is not well-educated, it is the father's fault. If you don't teach, it is my fault! What have I told you all these years? Don't fight for strength, don't be brave, just stay in the Marquis' Mansion and prepare for marriage, and I will take care of the rest. But how did you listen? You ran to Chang'an without saying a word, and you haven't been seen for three or four months. Today you are even bold enough to play polo with the Prince of the County! Who are you to dare to challenge the Prince of Wei and the Prince of Shao? If you get involved in the dispute between the princes, I'm afraid you won't even know how you died!"
"Then what should I do? Should I watch the hard work of several generations of the Ren family fall into the hands of a villain who only knows how to gamble and visit prostitutes, and let those people ruin the military achievements that my father fought for with his life?"
Ren Yao also exploded, and screamed, "Do you think I don't want to hide behind others peacefully? Do you think I am willing to be stared at by those men, and endure the discomfort and humble myself again and again? Of course I know that getting involved in the succession is choice dispute dangerous, but I have no no. I don't want to pretend to be deaf and dumb, marry a man I don't like at all, and spend my whole life with him, and then lie to myself that I am happy with my husband and children. I would rather open my eyes and fight for it. Even if there is only a slight possibility, I want to try."
"You still have something to say!" Old Madam Ren was furious and raised her walking stick to hit Ren Yao on the back.
The cane was made of solid wood, which had become smooth and round after years of use, and it hurt when it hit people. Ren Yao endured the pain and refused to dodge, saying, "Even if you kill me today, I will say that I will not let my father's name fall into the hands of that family of rats. Even if the Ren family is to be defeated, it should be at my hands!"
Ren Yao was raised by Old Madam Ren, who watched her grow from a weak kitten to a grown-up girl. How could Old Madam Ren not feel pain when Ren Yao was hit by the stick?
Madam Ren couldn't bring herself to kill him anymore. She hobbled and put down her cane, shedding tears: "Yao'er, I have lived to this day and have experienced everything I should and shouldn't have experienced. It is enough for the Ren family to have your father and brother as loyal martyrs. I just hope that you can live a peaceful life like an ordinary girl."
"Your Majesty can do it, Shangguan Wan'er can do it, why should I live the life of an ordinary girl?"
Ren Yao felt a burning sensation on his back. Madam Ren had hit him hard, and even Ren Yao couldn't bear it. But she didn't think she was wrong and still refused to bow her head: "Grandma, you would rather pass on your family business to those men who can only fight for money than to me. Why? I am your only granddaughter, why don't you even support me?"
Qingshuang was the maidservant who served Old Madam Ren and had been guarding outside the ancestral hall. She heard something strange going on inside and rushed in to see what was going on. She just happened to hear what Ren Yao said.
Qingshuang sighed and said, "My lady, the old lady hasn't slept well for several days because of you. Everything she thinks about is for your good. You should be soft with the old lady and stop making her angry."
Ren Yao was also afraid of making his grandmother angry. His father died on the battlefield, and Ren Yao didn't even see his father for the last time. Now the Ren family was left with only the grandmother and grandson to depend on each other. Ren Yao's eyes were sour, and he straightened his back and said, "Grandma, I am an unfilial granddaughter, you can beat and scold me. But please don't hurt your own body for me. Qingshuang, send grandma back to rest."
Seeing that the young lady still refused to give in, Qingshuang sighed deeply and helped Old Madam Ren back to her room. The footsteps gradually faded away, and Ren Yao relaxed his body slightly at this time, and immediately felt a tearing pain in his back.
Ren Yao looked up at the dark sky outside the window. The clouds in the night sky were like rolling ink, and the moon was passing through the clouds, appearing and disappearing from time to time, changing unpredictably, just like her fate.
At this moment, Jiang Ling was walking towards the main courtyard in the dim moonlight. The servant followed closely behind him: "Sir, it's so late. What do you want to say to the Marquis? Why do you have to go now? Go slowly, be careful not to fall."
Jiang Ling didn't care. He didn't even mention the lights. He said with big strides, "I won the polo match today. Why should I wait for such a happy thing? I will forget the details by tomorrow."
Jiang Anhou had always scolded him for not doing his job properly, and over time, Jiang Ling felt that he had no future. But today, he did something that made him proud. He couldn't wait to share with his father the details of the game, how they arranged their tactics, how thrilling several attempts to steal the ball were, and even how they had a conflict with the King of Wei in the end...
Jiang Ling had a lot to say to his father, but Marquis Jiang An had gone to the palace for a social event and had not returned until now. Jiang Ling had endured it for the entire afternoon, and when he heard that Marquis Jiang An was back, he could not even wait until dawn and ran over excitedly.
Jiang Ling did not bring a lantern, and only brought one servant with him, so he walked into the main courtyard in the dark without anyone noticing him. Jiang Ling did not care about being neglected by the servants, and he walked quickly to the main room without asking anyone to report.
The door to the main hall was open, and inside there were beaded curtains, screens, and treasure pavilions scattered all over the place, with no end in sight. Jiang Ling was about to enter when he heard voices passing through the swaying beaded glass curtains and reaching his ears.
"My Lord, the prince played ball today and he played well. I didn't know when the prince became so skilled in riding. I am really remiss in my duty."
A man sneered and said, "It doesn't matter if he's good at riding a horse, he still didn't score a single goal. I guess he saw the excitement and clamored to join, and the King of Shao allowed him to join the team because of the Jiang family's face. It's really nonsense. He's so old but he still has no self-awareness. What a polo player he is. If he causes the King of Shao to lose to the King of Wei in front of the Queen, can he bear the blame? Fortunately, Erlang from the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion was here and took away most of the points. The young lady from the Marquis of Pingnan's Mansion was also brave enough to compete with the King of Wei's men for the ball. Your Highness's victory today is all thanks to these two people. Jiang Ling mixed in with them, which is really embarrassing for me."
The attendant was stunned for a moment, and hurriedly looked up at Jiang Ling. Jiang Ling's expression was extremely calm. He stood outside the door, listening to his stepmother and father talking in the warm room: "My Lord, the prince is still young, you are too harsh on him."
"Am I harsh? Ming Jilang is one year younger than him. Look at him, then look at him! Over the years, I have given him the best of everything, hired the best master for him, arranged the smoothest future for him, and helped him to smooth out any trouble he got into. And what's the result? He's still a useless piece of crap!"
"My Lord." Zhou's voice was gentle and soft, "The prince is only seventeen years old, still a child. He will be sensible after he gets married."
Jiang Anhou sneered, "I don't have any hope for him anymore. Just be a rich and idle person and don't cause any trouble for me! But you are right, it is time to consider getting married. He has nothing to do, so it is better for him to give birth to a grandson for the Jiang family as soon as possible, which can be regarded as his contribution to the family. Zhijun, you can choose the Crown Prince's consort. You must choose someone who is well-educated, virtuous and sensible. Don't get used to him. As for family background and appearance, they are secondary."
Zhou smiled as she said, "Don't worry, Lord. I will do my best to find a good for the prince. I'm not bragging, but I think my eldest brother's niece is a good match for the prince. Lan Zhen has been familiar with the Four Books and Five Classics since she was a child. She is gentle and filial, and everyone in the family wife praises her. I really love the prince as my own son, but I'm a stepmother, not much older than the prince. If I say something, I'm afraid people will criticize me, but if I don't say it, people will think I'm mean. I really don't know what to do. It would be great if Lan Zhen could marry in. With her as the mediator, the prince and I can get along well."
Marquis Jiang An slammed the table and said in a cold voice: "I don't know who dares to say anything to you! Just let go and beat him if necessary and scold him if necessary. If anyone dares to say no, sell them all. You are his mother, and the matter of the Crown Prince's Consort is entirely up to you. If you think your niece is suitable, call her to the mansion another day to take a look, and if she is suitable, then decide on it."
"Thank you, Lord. Erlang, have you finished writing the essay? Come and show your father how it goes."
"Father." A child's voice sounded. Although he tried to behave like an adult, his voice was still childish. Jiang Anhou laughed and picked up his son, asking, "What books did Erlang read today and what did he do?"
The boy told his father in a serious tone that he had played a game with his friends today and he won. Jiang Anhou laughed loudly, and Zhou also smiled softly, adding a few words from time to time. The orange light in the room was pulsating, warm and bright. The servant looked at Jiang Ling cautiously, wanting to say something but stopping himself.
Jiang Ling was like a traveler who came here with high spirits, but encountered a heavy rain before his destination, and his interest was instantly gone. He turned around calmly and said softly, "Let's go."
Jiang Ling walked out of the main courtyard quickly, his pace was faster than when he came in, and the servant had to jog to catch up with him. The servant followed Jiang Ling and asked carefully: "Sir, now that you are here, why don't you go in and greet the Marquis and leave now?"
"I thought about it and there's actually nothing to say." Jiang Ling said calmly, "Father, stepmother, and second brother are chatting happily. If I go in, I'll disturb them. It's not a big deal, let's go."
Jiang Ling walked quickly along the corridor. The moon passed through the clouds, casting a bright light on the treetops, and was quickly covered by the thick clouds. The sound of night watchmen came from the street. The crisp sound of the bells passed through thousands of households, and when it entered the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, it had become a faint muffled sound.
The lights were bright in Yanshou Hall, and the Duke of Zhenguo and his family were sitting in front of Old Madam Ming. Duke Zhenguo asked, "Mother, did you keep your son here for any instructions?"
Madam Ming put down her teacup and said solemnly, "Since Erlang is about to be appointed as an official, I want to ask you and your son, do you have any rules regarding official positions?"
After dinner today, Madam Ming, contrary to her usual practice, asked Duke Zhenguo to stay, and Ming Huashang and Ming Huazhang also followed. Ming Huashang put down the tea lightly, and quickly glanced at Ming Huazhang beside her, and probably guessed what Madam Ming was going to say.
Duke Zhenguo was very open-minded about this and said, "Let Erlang decide. He has grown up and knows what he wants to do and what he should do."
Madam Ming and everyone else looked at Ming Huazhang. Ming Huazhang paused and said truthfully, "Grandmother and father, I heard that Jingzhao Yin was transferred to another place. I want to go to Jingzhao Prefecture."
Everyone was shocked. Madam Ming's face changed and she frowned, "Jingzhao Prefecture? Erlang, do you know why Jingzhao Yin gave up his job as a Beijing official and was transferred to another state? It's because he offended someone. Jingzhao Yin is nominally the chief of Chang'an, in charge of the political affairs of the capital, but it is a thankless position. Any trivial matter in Chang'an can be pushed to Jingzhao Prefecture. However, the capital is complicated and there are so many powerful people. What can Jingzhao Yin do? Jingzhao Prefecture has many things to do and great responsibilities. If you are not careful, you will offend people. There have been fifteen Jingzhao Yins in ten years. It is really not a good place to be."
Ming Huazhang certainly knew that being the chief executive of the capital city was not a good position in Chang'an, where a dropped plaque could hit three powerful people. However, it was precisely because of the frequent personnel changes that no one dared to take action after taking over Jingzhao Prefecture, preferring to do less, make fewer mistakes, or do nothing, just waiting for everything to be fine after being transferred away, that Jingzhao Prefecture's case handling ability was so poor.
When Ming Huazhang was in Tianxianglou, he personally experienced how sloppy the Jingzhao Prefecture was in handling cases. The unprofessionalism and carelessness of the officials were understandable, but the improper attitude, the indifference to human life and the perfunctory attitude towards the job from top to bottom were the biggest problems of the Jingzhao Prefecture.
Chang'an is the former capital of the Li Tang Dynasty. If even the unjust cases of the people of Chang'an cannot be redressed, how can the Li Tang Dynasty have the face to rule the country and enjoy the respect of the people?
Ming Huazhang said: "I know what grandma said, but it is precisely because of this that I should stand up and be the first."
Ming Huachang's eyes moved quietly as she looked at Ming Huazhang. He sat upright, his nose as high and delicate as a mountain, his eyelashes long and thick, his eyes clear and dark, and his jawline drew up this beautiful profile, just like the most famous painter finishing his painting, freezing the shape and spirit there.
If someone else said this, it might sound like they were just trying to gain fame, but when it came from him, Ming Huashang believed that he really meant it.
Madam Ming was very dissatisfied with this answer and said with a sullen face, "Erlang, the officialdom is not a school. No matter how lofty your ideals are, it is useless if you cannot get promoted. You have good intentions, but there are so many Jinshi in this batch, and there are many children from poor families. Those people will offend people if they go to Jingzhao Prefecture. You should go to a noble place and develop your official career well."
Ming Huashang seemed to have some feelings. Sure enough, Madam Ming immediately said, "I met the wife of the Minister of Personnel today. She admires you very much. It just so happens that the Minister also has a daughter who is the same age as you. She is smart and clever, well-read in poetry and books, and very likable. I will invite Madam Wu to visit the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion some other day. You can get to know the Minister's daughter and talk about poetry..."
Ming Huazhang understood what Old Lady Ming was up to, and immediately interrupted her, saying coldly and bluntly, "Thank you for your kindness, Grandmother, but I have never considered getting married. I am not worthy of the kindness of the Shangshu's wife."
Madam Ming was so bluntly confronted that she looked unhappy. "It's just a flower viewing banquet, so you and Miss Wu can get to know each other. We don't have to settle anything. Miss Wu has been studying with her father since she was young, and she has good literary talent. You have also studied literature and history since you were young. You two might get along well."
Ming Huazhang said coldly: "Sun'er studied literature and history, not to show off with ladies in the upper class."
Madam Ming was scolded and became even more angry: "Ms. Wu has a distinguished family background and is quite talented. There are so many people out there who want to marry the daughter of the Minister of Personnel. You are not willing to introduce such a good lady to you. Could it be that you like that kind of ignorant and uneducated fool?"
Everyone could tell that Madam Ming was speaking in anger, but Ming Huazhang paused suspiciously and said, "If I really want to marry in the future, it will only be because I like her. The one I love is her, and as for whether she likes to study or what she wants to do, it is her freedom."
Madam Ming was furious when she heard what Ming Huazhang said. She frowned quickly and her eyes became sharp: "What do you mean by that? Could it be that you already have someone you like?"
This was more serious than Ming Huazhang's reluctance to see the Shangshu's daughter. Old Madam Ming's face suddenly changed and she pressed on, "Who is she? Where is she from? Who are her family members? What do her father and brother do?"
Madam Ming's words were very aggressive, but Ming Huazhang quietly lowered his eyes, and it seemed that he had no intention of cooperating. Everyone inside and outside Yanshou Hall was sweating, and in the midst of tension, it was actually the Duke of Zhenguo who spoke first.
"Mother!" Duke Zhenguo interrupted Madam Ming and said with a serious face, "Erlang has his own ideas. Just listen to him in this matter. You don't have to worry about it."
Madam Ming became even angrier after hearing this: "Listen to him? Parents' orders and matchmaker's words, when it comes to marriage, which family can let the young man decide for himself?"
"Erlang is different from ordinary men." Duke Zhenguo has always been filial to his mother, but today he was unusually tough and insisted, "Let Erlang decide on marriage. He can marry whoever he wants. If he doesn't want to get married for the time being, it won't be a big deal in a few years. You should live peacefully in the mansion and enjoy your life. Don't interfere in these matters."
The Duke of Zhenguo actually said that she was "meddling" in arranging her grandson's marriage. Old Madam Ming was furious. The Duke of Zhenguo saw the opportunity and winked at Ming Huazhang and Ming Huashang: "I have something to say to my mother. You all should leave."
Ming Huashang stood up quickly. Ming Huazhang sat there motionless, as if he wanted to say something, but was forcibly pulled away by Ming Huashang: "Then we won't disturb father and grandmother from discussing matters. Second brother, let's go."
Ming Huazhang had no choice but to be pulled out by her. After leaving Yanshou Hall, Ming Huashang took the palace lantern from Zhaocai and sent the maids away. She held the lantern to light the way and said to Ming Huazhang, "Second brother, grandma has been powerful all her life, and she is just doing what she thinks is good. This is her character, don't take it to heart, she scolds me every day for not making progress."
"I know." Ming Huazhang knew the style of Madam Ming. Even though she was forced to marry not long ago, she showed no resentment. He and Ming Huachang walked side by side in the chilly autumn wind. The stars in the sky were dim. Only the little light in her hand illuminated the road for the two of them.
Ming Huazhang was silent for a while, then asked, "Did she say that about you again today?"
"It's okay. I'm used to hearing it. It's not worth mentioning." Ming Huashang said, and then she said inexplicably, "Besides, she is busy choosing a good wife for you today. How can she have the mood to miss me?"
Ming Huazhang raised his eyebrows and looked at her sideways: "You know that too?"
"I also saw the Shangshu's wife today. Madam Wu is indeed a rare and virtuous wife. Are you really not tempted, second brother?"
"Why, you want me to agree?"
"This is your business, how should I know." Ming Huashang looked ahead and said, "Anyway, I am not the one who will be evaluated by the Ministry of Personnel. If you refuse the daughter of the Minister of Personnel, it will delay your career. Why are you asking me? If I don't want you to agree, will you not agree?"
"Why not?"
Ming Huachang's hand holding the lamp trembled, and the shadow of the lamp swayed in the wind. Ming Huazhang reached out and held the back of her hand to steady the lamp pole: "Be careful."
Ming Huashang's heart was in turmoil, and even the pungent fragrance on his body became particularly impetuous. Ming Huashang snorted lightly, shook off his hand, and threw the lantern into his arms: "If you want to take it, go get it yourself. I'm too lazy to bother."
Ming Huazhang took the lamp with a good temper and worked tirelessly to light the way for her. Neither of them said a word, only the autumn wind blew through their sleeves, making a hunting sound in the silence.
For the first time, Ming Huashang felt that the way back to the temple was long. She was still a monastic in name only, and lived in a very remote place. Ming Huazhang moved next door to her, and in the long night, the two of them had to walk a long way together. Ming Huashang felt awkward to stay still, so she bit the bullet and asked, "Are you really going to Jingzhao Prefecture?"
"Yeah." Ming Huazhang lowered his eyes and fell on her profile, "Do you think it's bad?"
"No, it suits you very well." Ming Huashang paused after speaking, pretending to be relaxed, "Her Majesty has just returned to Chang'an, and she must want Jingzhao Prefecture to be in her own hands. She will definitely agree to your request. Congratulations in advance, second brother, for getting what you wished for."
Madam Ming was worried about the selection of the Ministry of Personnel and wanted to please the Minister of Personnel by marrying her relatives. This is indeed a shortcut, but it is only limited to ordinary people.
For a secret guard with a dual identity like Ming Huazhang, his whereabouts were arranged by the empress, and the Minister of Personnel had no say in it. It was a waste of time to curry favor with the Minister of Personnel.
Ming Huazhang chuckled and said, "Your congratulations are always just words. It was like that last time the results were announced, and I guess it will be the same when you are appointed. I'm afraid I won't be able to accept your gift."
Ming Huashang thought this was slander. How could a verbal blessing not be considered a gift? Ming Huashang said, "Didn't I give you a purse last time?"
Was it a gift? Ming Huazhang had snatched it himself. Ming Huazhang immediately asked, "What about today's polo match? You clearly said that if I won, you would prepare gifts for me, but in the end you gave them to everyone and I didn't even hear a word of congratulations."
Ming Huachang's memory was a little confused. Didn't she say that? Ming Huachang hesitated for a moment and said hesitantly, "Congratulations, second brother?"
Ming Huazhang snorted, looking extremely aloof and cold. Ming Huachang thought to herself, "Why are you snorting?" She said angrily, "Who told you to leave without even saying hello? You don't take me seriously, and you still blame me?"
It was the first time that Ming Huazhang saw someone who could put the blame on someone else and act so righteously. She was busy talking to Su Xingzhi, and he looked at her for a long time. She didn't even notice that he had left, so she still dared to bring it up?
Ming Huazhang said quietly, "I don't know who it is. He only has new brothers and sisters in his eyes, but treats his real brother coldly."
Ming Huashang was choked, and the first thing that came out of her mouth was: "Don't you have other sisters too?"
Ming Huashang regretted it as soon as she said it, but Ming Huazhang raised his eyebrows and leaned over to ask, "Who?"
Ming Huachang hated herself for not being able to control her mouth. She looked around and hesitated for a while before saying, "How should I know? As long as you are willing, there are many Sister Wu, Sister Zhou, and Sister Li."
Ming Huazhang thought she was still worried about the marriage arranged by Madam Ming. He held a solitary lamp in his hand, looked up at the night sky, and said, "What's the point of getting married if you haven't accomplished your great cause? Don't you want to get married? I'll accompany you."
Ming Huachang's heart skipped a beat, but then she thought that her brother was just joking to comfort his sister, saying that neither of them would get married and would just stay together in the future would not prove anything.
Ming Huashang lowered her head and stared at the shadow of the tree. Seeing that she didn't say anything, Ming Huazhang looked at her silently and said, "I remember you said that you wanted to marry someone who looks like me or like your father. How come you found one now?"
Ming Huashang pursed her lips in silence for a while, then said in a low voice, "No."
"That's good." Ming Huazhang switched the lamp to his other hand and gently ruffled her hair, as if sighing, "As long as you don't find that person, I can stay with you for a long time."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
