It was the first time that Ning Nuan spent the New Year outside the Ning family, and as the mistress of Prince An's mansion, she had many important things to manage, and even had a lot of personal exchanges.
Most importantly, as a relative of the royal family, she had to go to the palace with Chu Fei to attend the family banquet.
On New Year's Eve, Xiangtao brought a fancy dress that several embroiderers spent several days hurriedly making before the New Year's banquet. Every detail was exquisite, which was much different from Ning Nuan's usual style. But it is Chu Fei's favorite type of gorgeous and publicity.
This is also what Chu Fei requested. He specially ordered that people must see at a glance that he and Ning Nuan are a pair. Therefore, the details of the two sets of clothes are also similar in style. It can be seen at a glance that the relationship between the two is different. generally. Ning Nuan had no choice but to agree to his request.
She never liked heavy colors on weekdays, but after wearing it, she was dazzling. Chu Fei was accustomed to her plain appearance, and suddenly put on a fancy dress, and she felt astonishing as the wedding day.
After he calmed down, he said happily: "A Nuan is so beautiful, no one can compare to you in the palace."
"It's too early."
"Isn't this a good thing? Don't you have to let everyone know that you are my wife, let those people be jealous." Chu Fei said: "Besides, those people are not as good as you, so they should reflect on their own. , is it possible that I have to blame you?"
Before going out, An Wang, who had no brains to protect his wife, had already thought of an excuse.
Ning Nuan smiled and said nothing.
The two took the carriage to the palace. The palace had been preparing for a day, and many people had already come. It was very lively. Even so, when Chu Fei and Ning Nuan appeared together, they still attracted the attention of many people.
The two took their seats and sat down, and soon someone came to talk to Chu Fei with a wine glass. Regarding the matter of the two academies, there is no result yet. As soon as they found an opportunity, several princes immediately started to move, and hurriedly seized the opportunity to come and set up a relationship with him.
After Chu Fei left, Ning Nuan sat alone in the seat, and felt that countless eyes fell on her from all directions, either exploring or suspicious. She didn't raise her head, there was no expression on her face, she just waited silently for Chu Fei to come back.
"Aunt Wangfei!" Princess Jinghe saw her from a distance, and immediately broke away the hand of the palace maid next to her, and ran towards her happily.
Ning Nuan also remembered her, and she couldn't help but smile when she saw the princess dressed in pink and jade today.
Jinghe Princess rubbed against her, "Aunt Wangfei, I haven't seen you for a long time! Last time I heard from my mother that you and Uncle An Wang entered the palace together, but it was a pity that I was still in class at that time. When I saw you, it turned out that I wanted to find you, but my mother didn't want me to leave the palace, and Uncle An Wang didn't enter the palace, so I've only seen you now!"
Ning Nuan touched the heads of Jing and the princess, and said softly, "If your highness the princess doesn't mind, you can come to Prince An's mansion to find me next time."
Jinghe Princess's eyes lit up, and just as she was about to nod her head in response, she quickly pouted. "But my mother won't let me out of the palace."
Princess Jinghe is young and the youngest child of the queen. She is the most favored on weekdays, and the queen is also very nervous about her safety. If it wasn't for Chu Fei sometimes taking her out of the palace, she would never have a chance to leave the palace, let alone take the palace maid and eunuch out of the palace to find someone in the Prince An's mansion.
Ning Nuan smiled softly: "Then I will tell the lord after I go back."
Only then did Jinghe Princess become happy.
She held Ning Nuan's arm again, and said a lot of words affectionately, and her gestures were intimate, even more enthusiastic than the princess. Several princes' concubines naturally came, and their eyes fell on this side.
After Chu Fei finally got rid of the annoying people, when he came back, he saw Jing and the princess took their place. He raised his eyebrows, reached out and hugged Jinghe Princess.
Princess Jinghe kicked her legs subconsciously. When she came back to her senses, she was already standing on the ground. She turned her head and saw that King An suddenly appeared and sat in the position she had just sat.
"Uncle An Wang, you are here too!" Princess Jinghe happily squeezed into the middle of the two of them: "I haven't seen you for a long time! The aunt and aunt Wang Cai promised me, saying that next time I will ask you to come out of the palace with me. ."
Chu Fei looked at Ning Nuan, who blinked innocently. She only said that she would mention it to the prince when she went back, but she hadn't agreed yet.
It was just that when the words reached Princess Jinghe's mouth, she was the first to help Chu Fei to agree.
Chu Fei was helpless: "You think about leaving the palace all day, and the Queen doesn't say anything?"
"It's just that the queen mother doesn't agree, so I have to come to Uncle An Wang. As long as Uncle An Wang speaks, the queen mother will not object." Princess Jinghe said.
Coincidentally, the disappearance of Princess Jinghe was also discovered there, and someone was quickly sent to look for it. Princess Jinghe had to get up and go back. She told Chu Fei that he must remember this matter, and then she reluctantly took the palace maid's hand and went back.
When she returned to the queen, Ning Nuan said, "The princess is innocent and doesn't know much."
"Of course, I know that in this harem, I like her the most." Chu Fei said, "She is the only one who is closer to me."
Ning Nuan lowered her eyes.
Chu Fei added: "Although she is my niece, she is not my child. I really want to say, where can I have my own child, cute, A Nuan, don't you think?"
"..." Ning Nuan raised her eyes, glared at him quietly, and then lowered her eyes silently, pretending that she didn't hear anything.
With the appearance of the Queen Mother, the annual banquet finally began.
Knowing that the empress dowager didn't like him, Chu Fei also did not approach the empress dowager and the emperor like others. He sat down with Ning Nuan, and in front of him was the dancer in the palace. Those dancers were all young and beautiful, with soft bodies. Many people stared straight at them, but Chu Fei was the only one who was seriously bowing his head to pick the fishbone.
The first time he served someone, he managed to pick off the thorns of a piece of fish and put it in Ning Nuan's bowl, but he was obviously relieved.
Ning Nuan couldn't help laughing and said, "With Xiang Tao there, the lord doesn't have to do it himself. Besides, I won't be caught by the fishbone."
"How can this be the same." Chu Fei couldn't help sitting up straight, and said solemnly: "There is no absolute, what if there is an accident, what can I do? If this king does not do it himself, how can I trust a maid? A Nuan ,dont you agree?"
Ning Nuan chuckled and said softly, "Your Highness should be more careful, everyone else is looking at Your Highness."
Chu Fei looked around. As Ning Nuan said, there were many people around him secretly looking at him, and naturally he also took the action of picking the fishbone into their eyes. Many people were shocked.
Chu Fei said unconcernedly, "Then let them see it." It was just a few more glances. How could it be important that A Nuan eats happily
As he spoke, he picked up another piece of fish meat, and dealt with it again as if facing a great enemy.
Ning Nuan had no choice but to say nothing.
The dancers changed several times, and each prince also went to the queen mother and the emperor to please and betray them. After everyone filled their stomachs, everyone got up one after another. The Empress Dowager was old and felt tired early, so she quickly got up and took the palace maid back to the bedroom. While the rest of the people moved to the garden, Ning Nuan and Chu Fei stayed for a long time before they were finally separated.
She stood with the female relatives, and Chu Fei was also pulled away by the other princes. The queen's attitude towards her is not enthusiastic, it can even be said to be cold, and the same is true for the crown princess. The other princes and princesses looked at each other, but they couldn't make up their minds. Ning Nuan's hand.
She waited all night, but finally found an opportunity, and she didn't care about the sight that the queen secretly handed over, wishing her whole body was stuck on Ning Nuan's body.
The Crown Princess took the lead and said with a smile: "This is the first time Her Royal Highness has liked someone like this."
The eldest prince and concubine also responded: "I heard that Princess An was praised by Master Huizhen earlier, and that is a blessed person whom Master Huizhen himself praised. I just saw King An at the banquet. There is only Princess An alone, and no one else can get into the eyes of Prince An, and now even Master Huizhen likes Princess An so much, as Master Huizhen said, Princess An is really a blessed person."
The queen's face paled.
Princess Jinghe raised her chin and said, "Who made the princess and aunt look the best?"
Everyone choked, looked at Ning Nuan, and was speechless for a while.
Even if they don't want to, they have to admit that Princess An's appearance is indeed outstanding. Prince An has chosen the advantages of the previous emperor and Taifei Shu. In the royal family, no prince can compare to him. And Princess An stood with him, like a pair of beautiful people made in heaven, the brilliance overwhelmed everyone.
All women can't help but care about their appearance, and everyone present is no exception. Everyone's eyes swept across Ning Nuan's face sourly, and they were a little envious.
If Ning Nuanzhuang didn't see other people's gazes, she said softly, "I heard from the lord, the Empress was the crowning capital in those days. In the eyes of the princess, no one is as good as the Empress."
Princess Jinghe immediately said, "The queen mother is naturally the most beautiful!"
The corners of the queen's lips pursed, but they were still raised.
Everyone quickly followed the words of Jinghe and the princess and mentioned the queen's demeanor, and the topic quickly shifted to another place.
On the contrary, several imperial concubines remembered things about the academy and wanted to talk to Ning Nuan, trying to use King An's doting on her so that she could persuade King An. It's just that Ning Nuan didn't answer anyone's words, and concentrated on accompanying Princess Jinghe. Several imperial concubines wanted to mention it several times, but she was distracted, so she didn't find a chance all night.
On the other side, the princes were sitting together, Chu Fei and the emperor were sitting together, holding the jade cup in his hand, being blown by the warm wind, he was still a little drowsy.
He only listened to these people, but did not insert a word.
I don't know who was talking about next year's Spring Festival again, and it was not until he heard Zhu Hanshan's name that Chu Fei finally brought up a little bit of energy.
"This autumn, a student named Zhu Hanshan has to understand Yuan. I heard that in the spring of next year, people in the capital are also saying that Zhu Jieyuan will be the first. Zhu Jieyuan has already made a marriage with the Xue family. quick."
"If you say it's fast, it's still not as fast as Uncle Huang."
Chu Fei narrowed his eyes and looked at the person who was speaking, it was the First Prince.
The eldest prince said: "Uncle Huang made a subsidy silver earlier, and there was Zhu Jieyuan's name in it. If you want to come, Zhu Jieyuan will definitely remember Uncle Huang's help. In the capital, there are many students who are talking about Uncle Huang. good."
Everyone turned to look at Chu Fei.
Chu Fei said lazily: "As soon as he got married with the Xue family, he returned the subsidy money to this king early on, but now he has nothing to do with this king."
"Uncle Huang is a help in the snow, and the friendship is naturally different."
"This king is just a cherished talent. That's why Zhu Hanshan's broken clothes are even patched. I really can't stand it. It's not good. He is admitted to the understanding yuan. No matter what the future will be, he will serve the emperor in the future. "Chu Fei said to the emperor, "I gave the emperor such a great talent, and the emperor didn't thank me?"
The emperor was helpless: "What did you like?"
"Look at this, my brother, the casket of precious stones that Fanbang paid tribute to this year is very rare. I want to ask for it to make jewelry for my brother's princess." Chu Fei said with a smile: "The emperor won't even agree to this, right? ?"
The emperor would never treat him so harshly again, naturally he responded immediately.
The eunuch chief beside him immediately took the things, Chu Fei took them and told Wang Quan to put them away, his eyes swept around the people present, and suddenly sighed: "To be honest, the matter of the academy is also serious. It's very sad."
Everyone's eyes lit up, and they immediately cheered up, sitting upright and looking at him.
Chu Fei said with a distressed expression: "There are a lot of students in the academies now. The two academies have developed for a long time, so I shouldn't have to worry about it, but recently, I found out..."
Several princes said eagerly: "What did you find?"
Chu Fei glanced at everyone, and his face was embarrassed before he said: "The students who can enter the academy have actually passed the exam, and it may not be easy to pass the exam. There are more People, because of their poor family background, can't even afford to go to school, like Zhu Hanshan, there are even many who are not as good as him."
Everyone glanced at each other, and the third prince tentatively said: "What Uncle Huang said was not Qingshan Academy, nor Bailu Academy?"
"Of course not." Chu Fei said, "I have a plan in my heart, I want to hold an enlightenment class."
"Enlightenment class?"
"Many farmers in the suburbs of Beijing, because of their poor family background, can't even enlighten their children. Even if they grit their teeth, they can only provide one, but there is only one." Chu Fei sighed: "There are many people in the world, even I don't even know the words, so I see it, it's really distressing."
Everyone looked at each other again.
"According to what Uncle Huang said, what should we do with this enlightenment class?" The fourth prince said, "Those farmers can't even afford to go to an academy. Naturally, the cost of this enlightenment class can't be afforded either."
"Exactly." Chu Fei nodded: "That's why I was thinking that if they were exempted from their shackles, they would definitely be able to read."
"Then what is the uncle's plan?" The eldest prince took the initiative: "If the uncle is short of money, don't be polite to your nephew."
The other princes responded in the same way.
Chu Fei said with a smile: "Then I'll be shameless."
The emperor gave him a deep look and said, "It's better to leave this matter to the prince."
The prince was happy, but the expressions of the other princes changed slightly.
Chu Fei retorted without thinking: "This is not good, if I hand it over to the prince, then I have nothing to do again?"
"Are you still willing to take the initiative?"
"Now I'm not the same as before." Chu Fei said, "I already have a princess. My princess likes me to take care of these scholars. I'm still waiting for the Enlightenment School to open, so that the princess can praise me. If I let the prince do it, and my princess goes to praise the prince, what should I do?"
The emperor was momentarily dumbfounded.
He felt that something was wrong in his heart, but Chu Fei had such a righteous appearance on his face. Besides, on weekdays, King An showed the appearance of doting on his wife excessively. He did things for the sake of compliments. things he did.
Chu Fei also said: "The kindness of the nephews will definitely be remembered by the uncle. When my enlightenment school opens, I will definitely praise you in front of the people, and I think the people will appreciate your kindness... Why not, I'll put up a monument at the door?"
Everyone: "… "
…
After staying in the palace for a while, the bells and drums rang in unison, and everyone who was chatting got up one after another. When Ning Nuan met Chu Fei again, he saw a smile on his face, obviously in a good mood.
After praying for the New Year and saying auspicious words, everyone left the palace one after another.
The road was full of firecrackers scattered by the wind. On the way back to the house, in the carriage, Ning Nuancai finally asked out of curiosity: "What good thing happened to your lord?"
"Of course something good happened." Chu Fei said: "In a few days, someone will send us money. Didn't you say that the money was not enough? It just so happens that some people will send us money in the future."
"What did the lord do again?"
"Ah Nuan, you have wronged me." Chu Fei said with a smile: "I didn't do anything, they insisted on giving it to me, and the money came to me on their own initiative, there is no reason why I should not accept it, you Say yes?"
"… "
Chu Fei took out a box of gems from his arms: "I also asked for these, and I'll ask someone to make you some jewelry. I see that there are very few things on your dresser. Others don't know it, and they think I I've treated you badly."
"..." Ning Nuan was helpless.
The jewelry on her dresser is not too small, not to mention that their prince often gives her new ones. It's just that Chu Fei is used to it. Those who have worn them, those that are darker in color, and those that are not luxurious enough, will be regarded as none. If they are carefully selected through his eyes, isn't it equivalent to being pitiful
Ning Nuan took the gem, thought about it, and then said, "This year my brother is in the capital, and I have to go home. When he leaves, I don't know when I will be able to see him."
"Naturally, I will accompany you back. You can stay in Ning Mansion as long as you want, so why don't you just live in that house. After Ning Lang returns to Qingzhou, he doesn't know when he will be able to come back. Even if you are lucky, you It will take several months." Chu Fei said: "I think there will be many people visiting tomorrow, and there are still many things to be busy with, and you will have to work hard."
Ning Nuan smiled: "What kind of hard work is this."
When I returned to the palace, it was already late, but the capital was still very lively. Every household was lit with lights, and everyone stayed up all night with their eyes open, waiting for the dawn. Ning Nuan took off her fancy clothes and changed into light clothes before going to Chu Fei.
Today was a special day, and the two of them didn't want to think about official business, so they leaned together and took a book to read. It was very simple. People from the palace came to say auspicious words one after another, Chu Fei and Ning Nuan were not stingy, they prepared gold and silver coins as a reward early, and all the servants smiled.
Xiang Tao and Wang Quan got the answer and ran out, the servants in the palace burst into laughter, and they could hear laughter from outside through the door.
Today is a special day, so the two of them don't feel disturbed, and they feel very lively when they hear it.
When it was dawn, Chu Fei hurriedly went out to the court meeting. He could be lazy on weekdays, but today he absolutely couldn't. Xiang Tao brought new clothes, which were also newly made according to Chu Fei's instructions, and they were as gorgeous as his aesthetic.
Ning Nuan didn't mind, but after the replacement, she heard the sound of crackling firecrackers coming from outside. She hurried out the door, and as soon as she opened the door, she was startled by Xiang Tao who was guarding outside.
Ning Nuan suddenly looked at her helplessly and opened her mouth, but her voice was completely covered by the sound of firecrackers, and Xiang Tao couldn't hear what she said.
After finally waiting for the crackling sound to stop, Xiang Tao smiled and said: "Miss, what did you just say?"
"You come to trouble me on purpose, and you are not afraid that I will punish you." Ning Nuan was helpless.
Xiang Tao laughed, knowing that she was not angry, and dragged her out again. At the gate of the palace, the steward of the palace brought the servants to change the peach talisman and paste the Spring Festival couplets. This Spring Festival couplet was also written by Chu Fei himself, and discussed the meaning of good luck and good luck.
After finishing everything, Ning Nuan sat in the room, waiting for Chu Fei to return from the palace. Fortunately, he is of great seniority. Today, he only needs to wait for other people to come to pay New Year's greetings. Now all the civil and military officials are in the court meeting, so Ning Nuan is also free.
The palace was also very busy, the kitchen was in full swing, the chef was busy, and several kinds of food were brought out. The little maids also changed into new clothes, laughing and making noises, Xiang Tao frequently looked out, Ning Nuan had no choice but to let her run out, leaving only a few quiet maids by her side.
When Chu Fei came back, some of the little maids in the family gathered in a pile to play cards, Ning Nuan sat and watched, and Xiang Tao had won many years from the hands of the little maids.
Wang Quan's hands were itchy, he took out his wallet and was about to rush over, but was pulled back by Chu Fei.
"You haven't seen it yet?" Chu Fei pointed at Ning Nuan: "This king won't help you. If I don't pull you, it will save you from losing all your money this year."
Wang Quan's eyes suddenly widened, and all the little girls also reacted, and immediately looked at Ning Nuan in disbelief. Ning Nuan hurriedly turned her head away, pretending she had done nothing, and soon, Xiang Tao was surrounded by the little maids in anger.
Finally, some people came to pay their respects to the New Year one after another, and scattered a lot of gold and silver coins. When the day was over, they were exhausted.