Chapter 72
On the second day of the Lunar New Year, her aunts would be welcomed back by her parents' family. Then she could ask her brother, since he had been the son-in-law of the Guan family for several years.
Now that she had put this matter aside, Yao Niang practiced calligraphy at home, waiting for Commander Liu to call her.
Originally, she thought she had been a little lax in her fight for the imperial edict for her mother, but now she felt more and more that she could not really relax. Although this Miss Lu had nothing to do with her, Yao Niang always felt that with her father, Ding You, the helmsman, her brother being too aggressive, and her grandfather being away on an official mission, she had to stand on her own.
Thanks to those anti-lichen medicines, she had some sense of presence in this house.
But foreign aid is indispensable.
Commander Liu was indeed a popular figure in the past. He arranged for Yao Niang to enter the palace to meet the emperor in just one day, and even let Shen Linfeng accompany her to the palace. At this time, Yao Niang was still serving Madam Shen. When she heard the news, she quickly explained the reason to her parents-in-law.
Mrs. Shen almost asked you, a woman, why are you getting involved in these things, so she said, "This matter has many implications, why are you, a child, getting involved?"
"It's okay. A newborn ox is not afraid of a tiger. Commander Liu has come to call for help. How can we openly disobey his order? Brother Feng, daughter-in-law, you go." Mr. Shen seemed easy to talk to.
Yao Niang left in a hurry.
But Mrs. Shen said unhappily: "Master, what are you doing? I have never heard of the Jinyiwei and the palace looking for someone to use a girl in her teens as a spy. Since ancient times, serving the emperor is like serving a tiger. She is a little girl and doesn't know the depths of the situation..."
"Since the palace coup, His Majesty has rarely seen court officials, and has always issued decrees in secret with the beginning and the end of the document. We are well-mannered and have outstanding literary talent. If we can meet the emperor and get a good reputation in front of him, then we have nothing to worry about." Shen Zongxian thought further.
If the emperor ignores state affairs for a long time, the people he uses will naturally be those he is familiar with, otherwise Wen Shoufu will not be reappointed.
Mrs. Shen hadn't thought of this yet: "Yes, Master is very thoughtful."
Shen Linfeng is now an editor, his official position is not high, and he has not asked for an imperial decree. Yao Niang tried not to wear those clothes with complicated branches, and changed into a slanting collar and narrow sleeves. She was not a person who mixed in the officialdom, so she did not have much respect for the emperor. But she found that Shen Linfeng was very nervous, and his lips were a little pale.
As the two of them rode in the carriage, Yao Niang noticed that he was sweating, so she immediately took out a handkerchief to wipe it off for him: "Silly husband, I am going to the palace to see the emperor, and the emperor will not do anything to you, why are you so nervous?"
"Because I'm only nineteen years old." Shen Linfeng immediately looked at Yao Niang with a pair of innocent wet eyes.
Yao Niang felt that her husband was really becoming more and more fond of acting like a spoiled child. She was somewhat helpless and laughed, "If I can really help Commander Liu accomplish this, then in the future we can be considered a well-known couple. Although there are difficulties and obstacles, the benefits are not small."
Shen Linfeng nodded heavily: "Yes, I am the first person to pass the engineering exam at the age of 19."
"Calm down, calm down." The two encouraged each other.
Their carriage stopped at the palace gate. Although Liu Ji often went to the palace, he was still very cautious. He said to Yao Niang, "Miss Yan, after entering the palace, we will go to see the emperor first, and then we will listen to the arrangements."
"Yes, I will do everything according to my command." Yao Niang was also very surprised that Commander Liu kept calling her Miss Yan, although she also liked others to call her that, rather than someone who got married and lost her own surname. She really deserved to be such a young and high-ranking official, and she was really good at understanding people's minds.
She turned back and pulled Shen Linfeng's hand. Liu Ji saw this and coughed softly: "Miss Yan, let's go our separate ways in the Forbidden Palace."
Being too affectionate among young people is also a sweet problem!
Little did she know that Yao Niang saw that Shen Linfeng was too nervous and wanted to comfort him. But after hearing what Liu Ji said, she looked at Shen Linfeng worriedly, then smiled and said, "Yes, I know."
Shen Linfeng followed Yao Niang closely and only then did he feel a sense of security.
When the two entered the palace, Liu Ji found that the couple seemed a little different from what he had imagined. Shen Linfeng was not as calm as his wife. Thinking about Yan Yingqi and Yan Jingzhao, he was almost deceived by this girl's appearance.
When they arrived at the Yiyuan Hall, Liu Ji nodded to the two of them. Yao Niang had never been to the palace before. She originally thought that the palace would be very large and the emperor would be sitting on countless steps, overlooking the people.
But she didn't expect the emperor's voice to be so clear. Liu Ji even said at this time: "Your Majesty looks very good. It just so happens that I have brought Shen Yanshi here."
Yao Niang and Shen Linfeng knelt down to pay their respects. Her father had been a minister of the Ministry of Rites and was very strict in teaching the girls in his family etiquette, so she paid her respects in a very proper manner: "I, Yan, pay my respects to His Majesty. May His Majesty be blessed with good health."
Although she was very nervous and her back was sweating, she was the type of person who could hold her own in big occasions.
Shen Linfeng said: "Your Majesty, I, the Lord Yan, Shen Linfeng, greet the Emperor. May our Emperor live forever."
Liu Ji, who was standing by, almost laughed out loud. You were so arrogant when you took the exam for the imperial examination, but now you almost said your name as Yan Shenshi? Are you thinking about getting into a rich family?
Yao Niang knew even more that her silly husband must have gotten used to talking about his sister the Goddess every day, and his mouth was so limp that he was almost tongue-tied.
Emperor Qianyuan glanced at the people below and did not find it strange. Many people were so nervous when they met the emperor.
But he said to Yao Niang: "I heard that your painting skills are very outstanding. For example, you can accurately draw the appearance of a person just by listening to his description?"
Yao Niang said quickly: "I dare not say that my painting skills are outstanding, I just know the basics."
"Then why did Liu Ji ask you to come?" Emperor Qianyuan asked.
If a man is gentle and considerate to you, it means he just treats you as a vase. If he makes things difficult for you, it means he really thinks you are at least a capable person.
Yao Niang said, "In reply to your Majesty, I think that although I am not a famous artist, I may have some talent in capturing the characteristics of people. And because the commander knew that I had painted the portrait of a prisoner in Kaifeng Prefecture, he found me here."
Be neither humble nor arrogant, and speak freely.
Emperor Qianyuan looked at him with some respect, and said, "As expected of you, you are the descendant of Mr. Zhushan and Mr. Yan. You are indeed from a famous family."
Mr. Zhushan was referring to Yao Niang's grandfather, and Yan Qing was of course referring to Yan Yingqi. Yan Yingqi was a close minister and was highly valued by Emperor Qianyuan.
"Your Majesty, I am ashamed to accept your praise." Yao Niang was not happy.
She often realized a truth in the back house: whenever you are about to win, if you can't control yourself, something bad will happen. It is easy to be happy, but it is not easy to suppress your happiness.
Emperor Qianyuan waved his hand, and Liu Ji took Yao Niang to a side hall and asked the eunuchs to bring the drawing board and brushes. While the three of them were waiting here, Yao Niang quietly took out a handkerchief to wipe her sweat, and thankfully said to Shen Linfeng: "I was so scared just now that my forehead was sweating."
"I'm even worse. I almost said my name is Concubine Yan." Shen Linfeng thought about it and felt a little embarrassed.
"Haha." Yao Niang used her handkerchief to wipe the sweat off his face.
After a while, Liu Ji came over with his people. Shen Linfeng wanted to exchange a few words of greeting, but Yao Niang said to him, "Don't say anything. I want to start asking questions."
Shen Linfeng immediately stood up to grind and adjust the color for her, and Yao Niang nodded. Liu Ji thought to himself that Shen Linfeng, you kid really have a good eye, and it's different.
"First, tell me when and where you saw this man, and describe his appearance and physical characteristics." Yao Niang looked at the young eunuch opposite her.
She would not ask who was arrested, nor why. Anyway, she believed in Mrs. Liu, and naturally believed in Liu's command.
The rest of the Shen family looked at each other in bewilderment. First, the Second Madam of Shen came over and said, "I heard that Lin Feng and his wife went to the palace to see the emperor. Could it be something?"
"It's a good thing. Brother Feng's daughter-in-law is good at painting. It just so happens that the palace needs to paint something, so she was specially invited to the palace. You know, she is a little girl, and she has to accompany Lin Feng." Mrs. Shen explained hurriedly.
Madam Shen covered her mouth in surprise and said, "I didn't expect that Feng's daughter-in-law would have this trick."
Although Mrs. Shen may not be really fond of Yao Niang, she has been an official's wife for many years and has no flaws, so she said, "If you ask me, Lin Feng has been blessed since he got engaged to Yan. First, he passed the imperial examination, then he was selected as an official, and now he has the opportunity to meet the emperor."
Madam Shen Er smiled and said, "Sister-in-law is right. My brother Yan has only just started school, so he needs Brother Feng to give him some advice."
"Second aunt, I would say that Yan'er is already very well educated. You just wait to enjoy a peaceful life." Second Aunt Jiang said with a smile.
Her complexion has improved now, and she is willing to go out more often. Although she knows that her father-in-law will remarry a girl who is 20 years younger than her, she naturally thinks that her father-in-law is old and undisciplined, marrying a girl younger than them and dominating them. But she changes her mind and thinks that when the time comes, she can serve her father-in-law through marriage and funerals, and they, as daughters-in-law, don't have to worry about their younger brothers. Moreover, even if the girl gets married and has children, she is still 20 years younger than her husband, so there is no competition at all, so she feels more at ease.
Now, in Beijing, she naturally had to build good relations with the eldest house. In the future, no matter what happened in their house, the eldest house would have the final say.
Madam Shen pointed at Madam Jiang and said, "You are the one who is most eloquent. No wonder Brother Jiang loves you so much."
"Second aunt..." Second Aunt Jiang blushed. In fact, she and Shen Linjiang had an average relationship. Shen Linjin didn't care about her future or fame the most. He was nice to her because her brother-in-law was one of the Nine Ministers.
Grandma Qing was used to being the grandma in this family. Last time, she almost got involved with Yao Niang, but Yao Niang found out. When Marquis Xinning sent her dowry that day, she acted like the lady of the house. As expected, everyone asked Yao Niang about it, which made her embarrassed for a long time.
But since she learned that her father-in-law was going to get married, Grandma Qing had already put all these disputes behind her. Although her husband was the eldest son of a patrol officer and the son of an official, after passing the examination for a tongsheng, he also took the provincial examination as a Confucian scholar, but naturally failed.
Now he is studying in the Imperial College, but he doesn't know when he will be able to make a name for himself. Originally, Qingda's grandmother was fine and felt that her husband had many brothers, and his four younger brothers were all unmarried. Although she was the eldest son, she got very little. Now her father-in-law is planning to remarry. She really doesn't know what to say.
It seems that the eldest branch of the family has no one to rely on now. The eldest aunt originally seemed to be cold and indifferent to Yan, but Yan was actually quite capable and she actually managed to sneak into the palace.
Compared to the fact that Grandma Qingda and Grandma Jianger were both from the third wife, Wang felt that the contrast was even stronger.
Mrs. Shen had lunch today with Second Mrs. Shen. Her three nephews' wives helped to serve the dishes, but Mrs. Shen was a little uncomfortable because these three people were not attentive. They just scooped some soup and put it aside. Some even put down their chopsticks and waited for the elders to tell them to rest. They were not attentive at all.
Unlike Yan, although she is young, she is smart and good at picking out bones. She knows what she wants with just one glance and even talks to her for a long time after dinner.
I have been married for just over a month, and I have already sewed two pairs of socks for myself here. They are breathable and warm.
You don't know until you compare. You'll be shocked.
"I don't know when Linfeng and his wife will come back?" Mrs. Shen muttered.
Shen Mo smiled and said, "Mom, it's still early. How can you paint so quickly?"
"That's right." Mrs. Shen said.
But Yao Niang had already drawn different looks based on what the three people saw, and the most important thing was that the emperor saw the man's appearance. She had already guessed that the emperor had encountered an assassin, which was why Liu Ji was unwilling to make it public. It was said that Emperor Qianyuan was almost assassinated by a palace maid before, and now there was an assassin in the palace, which was really hard to guard against.
Shen Linfeng brought a glass of water: "Drink some water first."
"Now it's just a profile and a silhouette, it doesn't feel like anything." Yao Niang supported her chin and looked at Shen Linfeng.
Shen Linfeng said: "It's okay, take your time."
"I want to finish painting quickly so that we can go back earlier." Yao Niang acted coquettishly.
Shen Linfeng had never seen Yao Niang draw people based on information provided by others. He could see that this was actually Yao Niang's talent. She was not a master of painting, but she just drew based on her feelings. Seeing that there was no one here, he stepped forward to help her fix her hair: "You didn't even notice that this strand of hair fell off."
"Thank you, my husband." Yao Niang actually doesn't like to act coquettishly, but Shen Linfeng is too coquettish to her. When she is painting, he is the one who helps her grind and mix colors, and serving tea and water is even more of a piece of cake. If she were a man, Shen Linfeng would be a really good wife, with a lively look in his eyes.
In the past, she always heard her mother say that her father was not so considerate, let alone her brother. The reason her mother agreed to marry Li was because Li was good at taking care of people.
"Ahem." Liu Ji came in.
Of course the Emperor couldn't have told Yao Niang directly, otherwise he would have revealed the assassin, so Liu Ji came over to relay the story, and he felt a little embarrassed himself. It was obvious that the young couple were truly newlyweds, and they couldn't wait to stick together all the time, and it would be bad if he saw them.
Unexpectedly, after entering the room, I saw Shen Linfeng just sitting next to Yao Niang, and the two were discussing painting techniques.
Liu Ji said, "Miss Yan, let me describe this person's appearance. Although his face is covered, he has narrow eyes, dark skin, and a medium build."
"Narrow eyes, dark skin? What about her accent? I wonder where it's from. Are there any marks on her clothes?" Yao Niang asked.
Liu Ji had never thought that a figure had to be drawn so carefully. Naturally, he was also a meticulous person. He said, "I'll go ask again."
As soon as he left, Shen Linfeng asked, "Does a person's appearance have anything to do with where they live?"
"That's natural. I've looked through the county annals and often met people from different places. I can't say that they are all the same, but generally speaking, the physical features of people from the same place are similar. The land and water shape the people." Yao Niang said.
After a while, Liu Ji came over and said, "That person didn't say anything. Oh, by the way, this person has a very high cheekbone."
Yao Niang shook her head: "With only half of the face, it may be difficult to recognize him. If the other party is in disguise, it will be even easier to recognize. Commander Liu, this may be difficult..."
If the work is only 50% hard, she will definitely say it is 100% hard.
Liu Ji said: "Yes, I know it's difficult. If it were simple, I wouldn't bother you."
Shen Linfeng, who was standing aside, thought that Liu Ji was now in a very high position, but he was still very humble when speaking and doing things. He should learn more from him.
But he was still afraid that Liu Ji would push Yao Niang too hard, so he stood up and said, "Commander Liu, my wife has done her best. Why don't you let her try to paint first? If you have more witnesses in the future, you can invite her to the palace. How about that?"
Liu Ji nodded happily: "Then Miss Yan, you draw first."
Based on the relevant fragments they provided, Yao Niang first summarized in her mind that he was dark-skinned with high cheekbones, most likely a long face, medium stature, and broad shoulders. No, that means he had a short face.
She thought about it and started to draw. She made a model first, then thought it was a little wrong, so she drew it again. Liu Ji arranged for someone to send food over, and Shen Linfeng fed her a few mouthfuls when she was free.
You must pay attention to the eyes, nose bridge and cheekbones, which are the most effective facial features. People in their thirties are in the prime of life, so they don't have many wrinkles on their faces. But people over thirty, especially those who practice martial arts, either look stout or have heavy nasolabial folds.
She still chose one with deep nasolabial folds, because even if fat people have cheekbones, they will definitely be covered by fat.
Yeah, that's it.
After the analysis, she slowly figured out how to draw, and soon a lifelike strong man practicing martial arts appeared in front of Shen Linfeng. Most of the things Shen Linfeng had seen were not so real, it was exactly like a real person standing in front of you, even this real person could be fake.
But when Liu Ji saw the painting, he smiled and said, "It really was easy to get. I think I have seen this person before."
Yao Niang was also afraid of misunderstanding, so she quickly said, "Commander Liu, this is just a drawing based on my imagination, and it may not be true. You must not arrest the wrong person because of my fault."
"No, Miss Yan, thank you so much for today." Liu Ji really thought it would be great if Yao Niang was a man so that she could work in the Jinyi Guard with good reason.
Yao Niang said: "It would be great if I could help you."
It was obvious that Commander Liu was totally focused on his mission, and after receiving the painting, he had no time to care about anything else. Fortunately, he took some time out of his busy schedule to have someone escort the couple out.
It was already dawn. When the carriage passed through the market, Yao Niang smelled the aroma of food. "It smells so good. I can't walk anymore."
She leaned on the car window, staring outside.
Shen Linfeng said: "Why don't we go downstairs and eat."
Yao Niang said sensibly, "My parents are probably waiting for us."
The more he saw Yao Niang like this, the more distressed Shen Linfeng felt: "Stop the car, let's eat here, just send someone back to tell them."
"Since you care so much about me, I would be a terrible person if I refused." Yao Niang would not be so hypocritical. If her husband was lectured every time he did something for her, she would definitely not be so passionate in the future.
Shen Linfeng helped Yao Niang get off the carriage. Both of them were young people. Seeing the bright lights here, the small stalls and vendors closely interspersed, the smell of fireworks blowing in their faces, and the aroma of various foods made them unable to move.
"What do you want to eat?" Shen Linfeng asked.
Yao Niang sniffed and continued, "I want to eat roasted pork skin and roast duck. If I also have a bowl of sour rice, it would be perfect."
"Hey, I also like to eat grilled food." Shen Linfeng was delighted.
Yao Niang rolled her eyes at him and said, "Silly boy, of course I know what you like to eat, that's why I ordered it."
Shen Linfeng was suddenly delighted. He liked that Yao Niang favored him and had always favored him like this.
The two sat down at the stall. Yao Niang remembered that Shen Linfeng had taken care of her for so long today, and she wanted to take care of him now, so she wiped the chopsticks with a towel and handed them to her, and took out money from her purse to pay the shopkeeper in advance.
The shopkeeper saw that Shen Linfeng looked handsome and well-dressed, but he didn't expect that he was a gigolo. Seeing that his wife was so beautiful and he paid for her out of his own pocket, he couldn't help but tease her, "Master, you are lucky to marry such a wife."
Shen Linfeng didn't understand, but Yao Niang looked at the shopkeeper and said, "No, my husband treats me very well."
The shopkeeper hesitated and didn't dare to say anything.
The couple refused to look up while eating here. The food in the palace was not enough to fill people up. They ate so much that they almost walked out holding on to the wall.
It is also said that a few days after this incident, no news came from the palace. Yao Niang thought that the Jinyi Guard was said to have all kinds of talents, and she didn't know if she could help, so she let the matter go.
Instead, Yan Jingzhao heard about this and came to visit Yao Niang. He half-jokingly said to her, "If you get married in a few years, it will be your brother who will accompany you to see the emperor."
"Brother..." Yao Niang smiled and told Yan Jingzhao about Lu Shan'er's affairs. She then asked him, "How does Guan Xueshi treat you?"
Seeing that no one was around, Yan Jingzhao held out his hand and said, "Sister, there is no need to mention the Guan family's affairs. I am not afraid even if they try to take advantage of my misfortune. My father-in-law is now the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue. As for you, I have something else to tell you."
Seeing how serious he was, Yao Niang couldn't help but ask, "What's the matter? You're so nervous, really."
Yan Jingzhao said, "Last time I mentioned Zhou Lingguang, I saw my brother-in-law's face was strange, and I thought it was strange. Recently, I accidentally learned that it was Shen Zongxian who had the Zhou Jijiu family exiled. Zhou Lingguang lay in wait for a long time and studied hard. I think it was for revenge."
Yao Niang was stunned.
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