Due to some reasons, a large number of users are suddenly unable to open the webpage to access this site today. Please remember the domain name of this site (first letter + org.dot.co) to find your way home!
The whole room was surprised. Yuan Yu was straightforward, but no one expected that the princess would happily take up the conversation.
This is probably what people often say, birds of a feather flock together. When fairy flowers meet, they burst into sparks with a swish.
But the princess didn’t think about it carefully. If the secret ointment of the Yuan family was really effective, how could Yuan Yu become so dark
Yuan Yu was also choked. In fact, he just couldn't make it up. He thought about the fact that whiteness was considered beautiful in the Great Zhou Dynasty. He had been troubled for many years because of his skin color and couldn't be selected as one of the two beauties in Chang'an. Seeing that Princess Jiahu seemed to have similar troubles, he brought it up.
Meeting her sincere gaze at this moment, he felt a little guilty, and hesitantly said, "Yuan was in a hurry this morning and left the ointment behind. Princess, wait a moment, someone will bring it to you in a while."
When Jia Hu heard the word "Yuan Mou", he seemed to understand: "The general is Madam Lu's brother?"
The queen saw that things were not going well, so without waiting for Yuan Yu to speak, she took over the conversation and told Jia Hu that there was actually such an ointment ready in the uterus, thus diverting her attention elsewhere.
She smiled and started talking about other things, but she also glanced at Yuan Yu. Seeing that he seemed to be avoiding her intentionally, she started to think about it curiously.
*
In March, the Taiye Lake was full of youth. The gentle breeze made the lake surface wrinkled and rippled. Everyone was chatting and laughing, except for the Thirteenth Prince who was eating fruit. Everyone had their own thoughts in their hearts.
The ninth brother Zheng Pei's concern was the most obvious. He had no interest in Jia Hu at all. Instead, he glanced at Yuan Cixian from time to time, as if he was full of regret that such a beautiful girl was already married. It was not until Lu Shiqing stared at him seriously that he had to calm down.
When the tea party was about to end, the Queen asked whether the boy at Lu Shiqing's family was well.
The kidnapping of Yuan Cixian and her son caused a huge commotion, and almost everyone knew about it. Emperor Huining ordered a thorough investigation, but of course he could not find out the truth about Prince Heping. In the end, he simply put the blame on Lu Shiqing, a political enemy, and acted on behalf of the Yuan and Lu families.
Lu Shiqing didn't care about the saint at all. He wanted to get rid of Prince Heping, and he wanted to kill everyone. But he couldn't rely on the foolish old emperor. It was expected that this matter would be handled in this way, so he thanked the emperor calmly. Now that the queen cared about him, he was in a good mood and answered a few words in an official tone.
Then the Queen said, "That's good. Bring her to the palace tomorrow to show me. She'll be a good companion for Ye'er."
The "Ye'er" she mentioned is the current eldest son of the Nanzhao Emperor, the "son" of Xiju and Shaohe. The Nanzhao royal family used the "top needle method" to name their children, where the first character of the child's name follows the last character of the father's name. For example, Xiju's father was named Zixi, and Xiju's son was named Juye.
Yuan Cixian heard that Juye arrived in Chang'an one day after Yuan Zhen was exchanged back. Xiju was not so hasty as to use the child sent back by Lu Shiqing as a fake, but used the child born by a Han woman and a Nanzhao man who had been arranged earlier to make up the number.
After all, you have to make some money.
Lu Shiqing smiled faintly when he heard this. There was no reason to refuse at this time. He just said that he would come when he was free. After the banquet was over and the nobles left, he took Yuan Cixian to the sedan chair parked outside.
At this time, most people had left, but a voice suddenly came from the empty palace entrance: "Cousin Cixian!"
Lu Shiqing stopped and turned around with Yuan Cihan, and saw Zheng Pei catching up with them. His face turned pale and he was holding a pair of wooden dolls in his hands. He said they were for his nephew and niece to play with.
Although Yuan Cixian felt that Zheng Pei was indeed a bit frivolous at the beginning, she could not say that she hated him. After all, in this deep palace, a prince like him who did not kill or set fire to people and did not rob people was already considered pure. He was weak, but he was favored by the saint and was not used as a pawn. It was partly a blessing in disguise and partly due to his clean foundation.
She thought that since Zheng Pei ran away with a pale face just to give her a pair of dolls, it would be fine to accept it. But after all, Lu Shiqing was standing here, so of course he had to make the decision, otherwise his nose would be broken by the sourness.
She didn't say anything or move, but Lu Shiqing was satisfied. He said to her calmly, "It's a kind gesture from His Highness the Ninth Prince. Please accept it." He then said to Zheng Pei, "Thank you for your concern. I will take Yaoyao back first and come to pay my respects to Your Highness another day."
Hearing the sound of "Yaoyao", Yuan Cixian said "Oh my" in her heart, took the toy with a smile, and said, "Thank you, Your Highness. Yuan Shu and Yuan Zhen will definitely like it."
Zheng Pei seemed to force a smile, then turned and left.
The spring scenery is so bright, but his back looks so desolate.
Lu Shiqing stood there in silence and watched them leave according to etiquette. After Zheng Pei had left his sight, he continued to lead Yuan Cixian out. When he saw her tilt her head, he asked him, "Why did you let others know my nickname?"
Because Zheng Pei called her Cixian, of course he had to put him down. But it sounded a bit childish, so he said perfunctorily, "I just called her that casually." Then he said, "It doesn't matter if he knows. I don't have the courage to call you that."
Yuan Cixian sneered at him and said nothing. After he got on the carriage and left the palace, and there were no idle people on both sides, he asked him what the saint's plan was in dealing with the Uighurs.
Anyone with eyes could see that the Queen clearly wanted to bring Zheng Zhuo and Jia Hu together.
Lu Shiqing said: "The saint means that, except for the young Thirteenth Prince who was just there to accompany the princes, it would be a good thing for any of them to marry the Uighur princess. But the best one is Ah Zhuo."
It is true. Yuan Cixian couldn't help but frowned when he heard this.
Emperor Huining used Zheng Zhuo as a chess piece again.
The Great Zhou was so weak that it was not enough to be threatened once or twice by the tiny Nanzhao. Now it had to swallow its pride and establish marriage with the Uighurs. However, the old emperor was still intoxicated with the dream of a prosperous and powerful country. He only wanted to make use of the Uighurs for the time being and was unwilling to let the future princes and grandchildren of the Great Zhou have foreign blood.
It was impossible for Jiahu to be a concubine when she married in. Since she was a wife, the child she gave birth to would be the eldest son. So in fact, no matter which prince married her, it would be equivalent to severing his fate with the throne in the old emperor's mind.
And the sage chose Zheng Zhuo to be this person.
Today, there is nothing to be confused about. No matter how Zheng Zhuo has retreated and advanced over the years, the old emperor has never intended to appoint this son as the crown prince. He may have had moments of hesitation, but in the end he still chose the thirteenth prince who was least likely to threaten him.
For the emperor, the throne would have to be handed over sooner or later, but his son wanted to do it one day or one minute earlier? That was not possible. Therefore, the young and ignorant Zheng Hong naturally became the person he trusted the most, and he happened to be raised by the queen, so he would have fewer complaints.
As for Zheng Zhuo, Emperor Huining also saw that this son was very loyal and righteous, even to the point that he felt a little dull and a little "trapped by loyalty and righteousness". Such a person is just right to be a good brother who assists his younger brother, isn't he
So the old emperor now thinks of his sons: Erlang colluded with foreign tribes and did such a treasonous thing, which brought shame to the Great Zhou Dynasty. It is not his father's fault that he died without a complete corpse. Sanlang Ping Wang is ambitious and also involved with foreign tribes. Erlang's behavior this time may be related to his instigation. Therefore, this disaster cannot be left any longer and must be removed as soon as possible. Liulang can be used to build relations with the Uighurs. Shisanlang can be considered to inherit the throne.
As for himself, may he continue to live a long and healthy life.
But Yuan Cixian knew that if Emperor Huining lived another hundred years, the Great Zhou would be finished. She frowned and asked, "How are you going to deal with it?"
If Jiahu had married Zheng Zhuo, not to mention Emperor Huining, I'm afraid the court officials would have objections to this.
Lu Shiqing said calmly, "According to the current situation, diplomatic relations maintained by marriage are too fragile. I was ordered to negotiate marriage earlier, but in fact, I have reached a consensus with the Uighur Khan in the Han court and do not intend to ask Princess Jiahu to really marry any prince in the court. The Khan sent his daughter to Chang'an this time just for show. After all, the army of the Great Zhou is still fighting with them, right?"
Since the Uighurs had no such plans, Yuan Cixian was relieved. He then heard him say, "The Khan had already hinted to the Saint before sending his daughter here. The general meaning was that he did not have many children, and this was the only one of marriageable age who was loved and pampered. It was an honor for the Uighurs to marry into the Great Zhou, but after all, it was a marriage far away. He hoped that his daughter could find a husband of her dreams. Only when his daughter was satisfied would he feel at ease."
In other words, if Jiahu does not like it, Emperor Huining cannot force the emperor to grant the decree. Otherwise, the marriage may be successful, but the original intention of seeking friendship will be ruined.
"So, Princess Jiahu received instructions from the Khan in advance?"
Lu Shiqing nodded: "Yes. The Khan told her to come to Chang'an to have a look at the sights and things in Zhoujing, and then take her back."
"This Uighur Khan is not a black-hearted person. He specially sent his daughter on this trip to complete the mission of you, the envoy, and to save both sides' face." Yuan Cixian thought about it and remembered something else. "But do you think Princess Jiahu seems to be interested in my brother?"
Lu Shiqing looked confused: "It's quite similar to the way you looked at me before."
"..." Yuan Cixian gently twisted his arm, "Be serious."
Oh, she was always the one who liked to joke around before, but now it's him who's being frivolous. He thought for a moment and said, "If that's the case, she's probably not attracted to your brother, but to the lives of the entire Yuan family."
Yuan Cixian sighed. That's right. The Yuan family is already deeply involved with Nanzhao, so how can they have any connection with the Uighurs
My brother's marriage is indeed a troublesome matter. It's not that the Yuan family was not anxious to arrange it before, but that they had not been able to do so. After all, the marriage between the Jiang and Yuan families was approved by the saint, and it was probably meant to let the Jiang family keep an eye on the Yuan family. If someone who doesn't agree with the saint comes, Emperor Huining will not agree. If someone who agrees with the saint comes, wouldn't that give the Yuan family a second pair of eyes and ears, a second Jiang Birou
She said, "The little girl is quite cute, but her identity is a bit sensitive. It's a pity that she can't succeed."
It would be fine if it didn't work out, but what I'm afraid of is that what happened at the banquet has reached the ears of the Saint, and will add fuel to the Yuan family's precarious situation.
Lu Shiqing saw through her thoughts, but he seemed to be not worried about this matter from beginning to end, and said nonchalantly: "Don't worry, the most important thing now is Prince Ping. Before dealing with him, the Saint has no time to take care of the Yuan family for the time being."
This is true. King Ping is a skilled and daring man, and he has shown his extraordinary strength in dealing with the Turkic issue this time. The old emperor really can't tolerate him being presumptuous, but he can't bring himself to do it because of the difficult forces in Huainan.
She nodded: "What happens after we deal with King Ping?"
He smiled and said, "There will be no future."
*
Yuan Cixian heard a hint of impending storm in Lu Shiqing's words, but when she looked at Chang'an City, it seemed that it was still shrouded in peace and tranquility.
A few days later, she received a message from Yuan Yu asking for help.
This is what happened. After using the ointment from the Yuan family, Jia Hu said that it didn't work at all. She repeatedly asked people to ask if he was bluffing or if she was using the wrong method. If it was the latter, she hoped Yuan Yu could show her how to do it.
The servant who brought the message imitated Yuan Yu's headache and said vividly, "Isn't this stupid? The tofu seller in the market also said that eating her tofu will make your skin whiter. I ate tofu for a whole month and almost vomited, but it didn't help at all. I paid for it and didn't ask them to settle the bill! Besides, they said it would make your skin whiter, but it didn't turn white, but at least it was moist, right?"
Putting aside her worries, Yuan Cixian really thought this was quite funny. But she didn't have a good idea at the moment, and she was in a hurry to go to the palace, so she sent the servant back first, saying that she would talk about it later.
After giving the order, she and Lu Shiqing took Yuan Zhen and Yuan Shu to the Hanliang Hall in the Daming Palace.
The Queen had mentioned it before, and the couple wanted to just brush it off, but now the noble lady had sent another message, so they didn't refuse anymore. After all, they were just taking the child to the palace, and the appointment was with the Thirteenth Prince, so nothing would go wrong.
Shi Cui and Jian Zhi were holding one child each, while Lu Shi Qing and Yuan Ci Xian were walking in front. When they arrived at Hanliang Palace, they saw the Thirteenth Prince and the Queen lying together. There was also a rocking chair beside them, and the person lying inside was probably Ju Ye.
Since Shaohe got married, the Queen has taken more care of Zheng Hong, and often asked him about his studies when he went to her Penglai Palace to pay his respects. But this time, it was not appropriate for her to meet the Lu couple, so she moved here.
The two of them bowed to the Queen and Zheng Hong.
The Queen warmly invited them to sit down. Zheng Hong seemed extremely excited. His eyes kept rolling around, staring at the children in Shicui and Jianzhi's arms. He listened to the adults talking politely for a long time, and when no one else spoke, he interrupted and asked, "Minister Lu, can I hold them?"
Zheng Hong is six years old and has grown taller, but he is still a child after all, and his arm strength is not enough.
Lu Shiqing smiled at him warmly: "Your Highness may not be able to hold her, please don't hurt you."
Zheng Hong patted his chest and said, "I can do it! I practice with Sixth Brother every day, and I have carried Ye'er before."
The queen agreed, but still told him to stop making a fuss, as it would be bad if the child was dropped.
He refused and looked at everyone eagerly.
Zheng Hong is the youngest in the palace, and he doesn't have many playmates, so he must be very bored. So he becomes interested when he sees children younger than him. Yuan Cixian softened her heart and said, "It's okay, just let Shicui and Jianzhi help out."
Zheng Hong winked at him and mouthed: Master's wife is the most beautiful woman in the world.
She laughed, not expecting that he still remembered this, so she asked Shi Cui to hold Yuan Zhen up to him to "have a taste of the new things". Unexpectedly, Zheng Hong shook his head and said no, then pointed at Yuan Shu in Jian Zhi's arms and said, "I want to hold that one!"
Lu Shiqing raised his eyebrows: Hmm
Yuan Cixian also became alert all of a sudden: What's going on with this differential treatment
If you like "Holding on to My Dear Lover", please collect it: () "Holding on to My Dear Lover" has the fastest update speed.