Wu Run is an old man who has served Huayang for more than ten years. Under his supervision, the entire Qifeng Palace is designed according to Huayang's preferences and habits. He even gave the maids a size for how thick Huayang's mattress should be.
So, although Ningyuan was a new house, Huayang felt like he was back home. He slept soundly that night until dawn.
Huayang turned over and scanned the bed inch by inch.
The step-out bed in Siyi Hall was chosen by Qi. Although Qi had a lot of money, she was not very knowledgeable and did not dare to fool Huayang. The materials of the bed she chose were indeed good, but the details such as the carvings were not elegant enough. The bed in Qifeng Hall was probably a new bed selected by Wu Run after he came. Both the wood and the phoenixes carved on it were of high quality. If it was placed in the capital, it would be a treasure that noble families would compete to buy.
In her previous life, she actually made big promises too early in order to get angry with Chen Jingzong. She never came to Ning Garden once and left the place abandoned.
After sighing, Huayang stretched his muscles, sat up, and rang the bell.
The ones who came in were Chao Yun and Chao Yue.
Thinking of Chen Jingzong who slept in the second room last night, Huayang asked curiously, "Where is the prince consort?"
Chao Yun: "The Prince Consort woke up two quarters of an hour earlier than you did. He went out in his training clothes and said he wanted to run in the garden."
Huayang admired his good spirit.
After washing her hands and face, Chao Yue stood in front of the eight-door rosewood wardrobe and asked excitedly, "What will the princess wear today?"
In the past year, the princess wore mostly white, which was dull and plain. From today on, the princess can finally dress as she pleases.
Huayang looked around and picked out a skirt that faded from apricot yellow to red, and paired it with a jacket that was a lighter yellow.
Of course, she loved peonies, and all her clothes were embroidered with peony patterns that matched the background color.
"The princess has skin as white as cream. She looks good in any color. This outfit makes her look even more noble."
Two maids helped her change clothes, one in front and one behind, and complimented her sweetly.
Ever since she married Chen Jingzong, Huayang couldn't stand others praising her fair skin. This word was obviously very pure and elegant, but when Chen Jingzong used it too much, it became tainted with the scent of desire.
The top was yellow, so Chaoyun inserted a red gold hairpin into it for her master. She said that there was nothing more elegant and luxurious than gold jewelry, but some people could not bear the weight of gold and looked vulgar when wearing it. The princess did not have such concerns, and it would only complement her innate elegance.
In the outer house of Ningyuan, Chen Jingzong ran a long circle, completely stretching his muscles. Seeing the guard leader Zhou Ji coming in from outside, Chen Jingzong smiled and asked when Zhou Ji stepped forward to salute: "How old are you?"
Zhou Ji said respectfully, "Twenty-four."
Chen Jingzong: "You are so young and you have become the leader of the guards beside the princess. I guess you are quite skilled in martial arts?"
Zhou Ji lowered his eyes and said, "Your Excellency, I am too kind. I used to work in front of the emperor. I am grateful to the emperor for his appreciation and for entrusting me with the important task of protecting the princess."
All the imperial guards in the palace were carefully selected. Although Zhou Ji's words seemed humble, they actually contained some arrogance.
He is the princess's guard. Even though the princess and her husband are husband and wife and have a closer physical relationship, it is possible that the princess will be wronged by the husband. As guards, they will always be loyal to the princess. Therefore, everyone around the princess should be neither humble nor arrogant to the husband. If they all become spineless, it will only increase the husband's power and make him treat the princess as an ordinary wife.
Chen Jingzong looked at his resolute face and smiled: "I haven't had anyone good at kung fu around me for a year, and I've been itching to try it out. Why don't we have a fight?"
Zhou Ji took two steps back and said respectfully, "Your Ma-consort is of noble status, and I dare not offend you."
Chen Jingzong said impatiently: "You are also a martial artist, why are you as long-winded as a scholar? If you dare, then let's compete. If you don't dare, forget it."
At this time, Wu Run came over and said to Zhou Ji with a smile: "Since the prince consort is interested, you can practice with him."
Zhou Ji originally wanted to accept the challenge, but after hearing Wu Run's words, he no longer had any worries. He took off his sword and placed it solemnly on the ground, then took off the guard's crown on his head and turned to look at the prince consort.
Chen Jingzong rolled up his sleeves: "Come on!"
One was a 22-year-old heroic prince consort, and the other was a 24-year-old commander of the imperial guards. They were of similar age and height, and when they started fighting, it was like two tigers meeting in the mountains, neither of them could tolerate the other.
"Eunuch, should we report this to the princess?" a young eunuch asked Wu Run worriedly. "If the prince consort is injured, let the princess know that it was the prince consort who proposed the competition. This will also save the prince consort from reporting Commander Zhou to the princess."
Wu Run smiled and said, "Mr. Chen's beloved son wouldn't be like this."
The Chen family has four sons. The second son had died of illness long ago. The eldest son Chen Bochong and the third son Chen Xiaozong were both gentlemen with outstanding talents. They were well-known even in the palace. Only the fourth son Chen Jingzong had no reputation. However, because the Empress appreciated Chen Ge Lao, he was chosen as a son-in-law.
Wu Run wanted to know what kind of person this prince consort with vulgar manners was.
He had watched the princess grow up. If the prince consort had no redeeming qualities and if the princess didn't like him, even if the marriage could not be cancelled, Wu Run would have a way to make it difficult for the prince consort to stay with the princess.
While the two were talking in low voices, Chen Jingzong and Zhou Ji had already exchanged more than a dozen rounds.
As time went on, in addition to Wu Run and the little eunuch, some patrolling guards and other attendants were also attracted by the commotion here, and gathered around, watching with great interest.
When the first ray of sunlight shone over the wall, Chen Jingzong suddenly seized Zhou Ji's mistake, grabbed Zhou Ji's left arm with his backhand, and with a pull, he forced Zhou Ji to kneel on one knee on the ground.
Zhou Ji struggled for a while, and feeling the Prince Consort's unshakable iron arm, he was convinced and said happily: "Prince Consort has great skills, I am ashamed of myself."
After hearing this, Chen Jingzong released his strength, smiled and pulled him up.
Zhou Ji bowed and took his leave, then continued to arrange for the guards to patrol.
Chen Jingzong twisted his shoulders, turned around, and met Wu Run's eyes.
Wu Run admired and said, "The prince consort is heroic."
Anyone who has reached the pinnacle of excellence in one aspect, whether in terms of knowledge or skills, is worthy of admiration and can be ignored.
After seeing Chen Jingzong's skills with his own eyes, Wu Run has begun to accept this son-in-law. Of course, if his etiquette is more considerate and perfect in every aspect, he will be more in line with his status as the son-in-law.
"The weather is still cold, and you have just broken into a sweat. Go back and take a shower and change clothes to avoid catching a cold."
The princess is a precious girl. If the prince consort is sick, he should not get close to the princess until he recovers.
Chen Jingzong actually didn't like him very much, but since he could spar with Zhou Ji, there was no reason for him to force a eunuch to practice martial arts with him.
Moreover, the femininity that Wu Run exuded because of being a eunuch was somewhat similar to that of his frail second brother who died early. He spoke softly, and even if his nagging was annoying, it would be difficult for him to respond coldly when he saw that the other person was easily defeated.
Leaving Wu Run behind, Chen Jingzong strode towards the Qifeng Palace.
As soon as he stepped into the main room, he saw Huayang coming out from the side room. She was wearing a golden hairpin, a yellow dress, and a red skirt. With her snow-white face slightly raised, she looked even more like a proud little phoenix.
He stared straight at Huayang's exposed white neck.
Huayang glared at him and asked knowingly, "Where have you been so early in the morning?"
Chen Jingzong: "Go and fight with your guard commander."
Hua Yang was not expecting this answer and asked curiously, "Who won?"
Chen Jingzong raised his eyebrows: "Who do you want to win?"
Huayang: "You can talk if you want. Go take a shower. Food will be served soon."
Chen Jingzong really didn't say anything. He didn't have the patience to take a bath either, so he ordered a young eunuch standing at the door: "Bring a bucket of warm water to the bathroom."
The young eunuch then ordered a younger eunuch than him to go to the water room and pass on the message.
With these little eunuchs, Chaoyun, Chaoyue, Zhen'er and Zhu'er finally don't have to do so much hard work anymore.
After Chen Jingzong went to the bathroom, Huayang whispered, "Did he lose?"
Chaoyun walked to the door and sent a young eunuch to inquire in the front. It was the first time for the young eunuch to serve the princess after coming to Ningyuan, so he worked very hard. He ran around breathlessly, and when he came back he found that the prince consort and the princess were already sitting together for dinner.
Seeing that the princess had noticed him, the little eunuch pointed at the prince consort who was concentrating on eating, and then clapped his hands happily.
Huayang understood, but she was puzzled as to why Chen Jingzong didn't take the opportunity to show off to her since he had clearly won.
After dinner, Huayang finally went to visit the new house.
Chen Jingzong naturally accompanied them, but he had already familiarized himself with the route in the morning and had no interest in enjoying the scenery, so he walked and stopped along the way, his eyes almost always glued to Huayang's face.
As the saying goes, if you want to look pretty in mourning clothes, Huayang has been wearing white clothes for the past year. She is beautiful, but the white clothes make her look more delicate. But she was not born to be a gentle person. Now that she has changed into a yellow dress, her unique brightness is like the scorching sun in midsummer, dazzling people so much that they can't open their eyes.
Huayang Huayang, the name really lives up to its name.
There is a lake in Ningyuan that was dug to draw fresh water. It covers a very large area and reflects the blue sky in its clear water.
This lake alone is much larger than the Chen family's ancestral home.
Huayang stood on the shore and took a deep breath towards the lake. The morning breeze blew along the waves, ruffling her red skirt embroidered with peony flowers.
Suddenly, Chen Jingzong stood in front of her, frowned, pinched her shoulder, and said, "It's windy here, go back, don't just be so conceited."
Huayang: …
However, the wind came in waves and it was indeed a bit cold after blowing for a long time.
When they returned to Qifeng Palace, Wu Run was already waiting there with several visiting cards in his hand.
He first handed Huayang three invitations to see the princess and explained, "Princess, these three are from the Princess of Xiang, the Lady of Lingyuan County, and the old lady Ji, the mistress of the Bai family, a prominent family in Lingzhou."
Huayang put it aside for the moment and looked at the remaining portion in Wu Run's hand.
Wu Run handed it to Chen Jingzong and said, "This is an invitation from Xiang Baoshan, the commander of Lingzhou Guard. He said that the prince consort has just arrived, and he and several colleagues from the guard station have booked a banquet at Zuixianju in the city. Please come and have a look."
Chen Jingzong took the invitation, opened it, and glanced through it. What was written on it was similar to what Wu Run said, except that there were a few more names of colleagues.
After closing the post, he asked Huayang, "Do you mind if I eat out at noon?"
Hua Yang: "This is your official social event. It's up to you whether you go or not. I won't interfere."
Chen Jingzong laughed, "What if they order a singing girl to flatter me, and sing and dance during the banquet? Should I just go along with it or leave in anger? I have not been an official for long, and I have no experience in this area. I don't even know if there is anything I should be cautious about as a consort."
Hua Yang smiled calmly, "This is easy. If the singer suits your taste, just concentrate on appreciating her. If she is just average, just keep a straight face, and they will naturally pick the prettiest ones for you next time. Okay, go to Liuyun Hall and prepare for the noon social event. I have something else to do here."
Chen Jingzong looked at the posts on her side, then got up and left.
Wu Run watched him leave, and then turned around to see the princess glaring at the prince consort's back. He thought for a moment and whispered, "Princess, why don't you set a few rules for the prince consort? I'll write them down in black and white and give them to the prince consort, so that he won't be ignorant of his behavior."
Hua Yang retracted his gaze and snorted, "He won't read it even if I write it. He is just such an immoral person. Even Elder Chen can't correct him. Why should you and I waste our energy?"
Wu Run looked at her and said, "If the princess wants to change her husband, don't worry about it. I will find a way."
Over the past decade, he has trained countless eunuchs and palace maids for the princess. He doesn't believe that he can't train a good prince consort who perfectly meets the princess's requirements.
Huayang believed in his ability, but Chen Jingzong was definitely not an ordinary person.
Then he smiled and said, "Forget it, let him be."
(End of this chapter)