This year's New Year is of extraordinary significance. The smooth inheritance of imperial power, good weather and good harvests, and the prosperity of the country are all reasons to celebrate.
Zhulan asked Zhou Shuren to confirm, "Fireworks show?"
Zhou Shuren, "Well, this money went into the emperor's private treasury. On New Year's Eve this year, fireworks will be set off in front of the palace. Oh, and there will be fireworks on the Lantern Festival as well."
Zhulan blinked her eyes. "Rumor has it that it's quite large."
Zhou Shuren said with a wooden face, "Well, if the effect is good, the emperor wants to keep it going."
Zhulan looked at her husband's face and said, "If this continues, the emperor won't have to pay for it himself next year."
Zhou Shuren felt distressed, but he also supported it. Fireworks shows are not only beautiful, but also a good thing to promote the country's strength and prosperity and increase the cohesion of the people. "Well, if the response this year is good, it will go to the national treasury next year. And next year, there will be fireworks shows not only in the capital, but also in various states."
Zhu Lan thought, "Fireworks are also dangerous. Even though they have been passed down for a long time, we still have to be careful."
Zhou Shuren, "The Emperor will make the arrangements."
Zhulan got the accurate information and turned to go out, but Zhou Shuren hurriedly stopped her, "What are you going to do so late at night?"
Zhu Lan smiled and said, "Ah, I can't wait to tell them to build a stage tomorrow so that we can enjoy the fireworks show."
Thanks to the fact that there were no tall buildings in ancient times and their home’s good location, they could see the fireworks show from their home.
Zhou Shuren pulled his wife to see how happy she was. He understood very well. After so many years in ancient times, the fireworks show had a very modern feel. "Just tell her tomorrow, go to sleep."
Zhulan was no longer sleepy. "We also bought fireworks at home, but not many. I'm thinking of buying more tomorrow."
Zhou Shuren, "I can't buy them anymore. You came to me to confirm the news. Do you think I can still buy fireworks tomorrow?"
Zhulan thought about it and realized that’s right. Thanks to the emperor’s leading role, all the fireworks had been booked long ago.
The next day, Zhulan took her son to the street again. The capital was bustling with people, and some foreigners also integrated into the New Year festival. Many foreigners could be seen shopping with their servants.
Zhulan came to the lantern shop today. Since the price of glass has been getting lower and lower, the lanterns made by the lantern shop using glass have become more and more diverse. She came here today to buy a set of zodiac lanterns.
The lantern shop was very popular. The horse-drawn carriages were parked at the street corner. People were coming and going here and it was impossible to get in. Now the capital city has added rules for the operation of horse-drawn carriages. When the roads were being repaired, special places were built at the street corners for carriages to park, to avoid crowding.
Of course it’s not free. Although some dignitaries are unwilling, there is nothing they can do because the emperor has a tough attitude.
In this way, there were fewer disputes among the powerful and wealthy due to crowded carriages, and it also became more convenient for ordinary people.
After the new emperor came to the throne, some of his small policies were implemented smoothly, because they brought convenience to the people, boosted the new emperor's reputation among the people, and soothed the people's anxiety caused by the change of imperial power, conveying that he was a good emperor who cared about the people.
Zhulan entered the lantern shop and immediately saw the twelve zodiac animals displayed prominently. However, due to their high prices, they had not been sold yet.
Zhulan has money now, not just because of the extra 300,000 taels, but also because her family is wealthy and has a good income every year. She is not someone who would put herself at a disadvantage and is willing to spend money.
Zhulan said to the shopkeeper: "Take down the whole set of lanterns, I."
Before Zhulan could finish her words, someone behind her interrupted her and said, "I want the lanterns of the twelve zodiac animals."
Zhulan turned back in displeasure. This was a blatant robbery. She turned around and saw a woman. Well, a woman with jewels and precious stones. This outfit was a bit dazzling. Zhulan lowered her voice a little, "First come, first served, don't you understand this principle?"
After saying this, Zhulan was a little dazed. This was the toughness that came from having confidence. Why did Zhou Shuren take the imperial examination? In this era of clear class divisions, only by climbing up could one live more freely.
Their family follows the principle of "I won't offend others unless they offend me". In the past few years since coming to Beijing, very few people have used their power to snatch things that the Zhou family has set their eyes on. This is the result of their hard work.
The woman was obviously used to being arrogant. She didn't know Zhulan. "The Queen is my cousin. I want this thing."
Zhulan raised her eyebrows. To be able to say this so generously, the Queen must be her cousin from her uncle or aunt's family.
At least they wouldn't do something stupid like stealing things under the guise of the Queen.
Zhulan turned around calmly and said to the shopkeeper, "Wrap it up."
Zhu Lan glanced at the shopkeeper's scruples, "It's just that my cousin, I don't know whether she has seen the Queen for so long. I think she hasn't seen her. If she has, this lady should know this person."
Zhu Lan paused and continued, "And this lady thinks that if the Queen knew about her cousin's behavior, she would teach her a lesson. The Queen is a virtuous person, and this cousin who defamed the Queen, this lady will personally write a letter to the Cheng En Mansion to explain the situation."
The shopkeeper went to wrap the lanterns promptly and called herself Madam. She must be a noble or someone with an imperial decree. And judging by what she said, it was obvious that she was familiar with the Empress's family!
Zheng Yuan was no longer angry. She realized that she had offended someone she shouldn't have offended today. How could she have thought that usually only the wives of housekeepers or minor officials would come back to this kind of shop? But today she happened to meet Zhulan, who was not following the norm.
Zhulan left with the lamp in her hand, without even looking at the woman she had just seen.
Not long after returning home, before Zhulan was ready to write the invitation, the Queen's eldest sister-in-law came. Qi said that the Wen family is the Wen family and the Zheng family is the Zheng family. She said a few more words, left a gift and left.
Su Xuan and the others left. "I don't believe that the Wen family doesn't know, mother. Ever since the emperor expressed who he would appoint as the crown prince, the Wen family has become more and more flamboyant."
Zhu Lan frowned, "There is the Ning family in front and the Wen family behind. The contrast is too obvious."
Su Xuan, "Mom, they are not afraid of causing displeasure from the higher-ups."
As she spoke, Su Xuan pointed to the sky, and her meaning was clear.
Zhulan felt that the emperor would not change his mind about appointing a crown prince. The eldest son had both the title of legitimate and the oldest. The emperor was also the eldest son. If several princes were to appoint a crown prince, it could only be the eldest son.
The Emperor will not change his mind, but he will only become more dissatisfied with the Wen family. Moreover, the Crown Prince's family is ostentatious, which can only do harm to the Crown Prince. In the current situation, we can only rely on the Queen.
Zhou Shuren came back and learned about this, stroking his beard, "The Queen's decision is crucial to the Crown Prince."
Zhulan: "This is also a test from the Emperor to the Empress."
Zhou Shuren was in a good mood. He would be able to rest in two days. "The New Year is coming soon. During the New Year, the emperor will give the queen some time."
Zhu Lan hummed, "It should be before the crown prince is appointed."
Zhou Shuren smiled and said, "My wife is right."