Ningguo Mansion
In the Tianxiang Tower, as Jia Mu and Qin Keqing refuted Princess Nan'an one after another, the hall fell into a brief silence.
Princess Nan'an was stunned for a moment, then an uncomfortable smile appeared on her fair face, and she said: "Old sister, this is the truth, but people don't think so. Besides, as the saying goes, you should keep a thin line in life so that we can meet each other easily in the future. .”
Under Qin Keqing's curved eyebrows, her beautiful crystal eyes were cold, and she said in a cold voice: "Everyone in the capital knows the reason why the Niu family's barbarians have turned traitor and surrendered to the enemy. The national law cannot tolerate it! If Princess Nan'an complains about the Niu family, she will do it now. But when you plead for mercy from the palace, there is no need to make a case against my husband. My husband is in the Central Plains just to clean up the mess they left."
After going away and not coming back for so long, if it weren't for the Central Plains bandit rebellion, my husband would not have gone to put down the rebellion, let alone go to the Central Plains with the Xianning princess.
When Princess Nan'an heard this, she couldn't help but said angrily, "No one said it was wrong. Brother Heng, everyone in Beijing knows about the victory he fought in Henan these days... That's all, that's what the outside world says. , that’s what I said.”
Everyone in Tianxiang Tower listened to the "verbal exchange" between Princess Nan'an and Qin Keqing, watching with cold eyes and saying nothing, but with varying degrees of disgust in their hearts.
In fact, among the people present, Qin Keqing was the only one who was qualified to say this because she was the wife of Yipin Gaoming and the wife of Jia Heng, and no one else was qualified.
Because Princess Nan'an has a high status and is an elder, Feng Wan and You's twins are not suitable in terms of status or status.
As for young girls such as Chai Dai, Sichun, and Yun Xiu, when adults are talking, children should not interrupt randomly, otherwise they will also be gossiped by outsiders.
Jia's mother was old and it was difficult for her to quarrel with others, so Qin Keqing finally refuted her with words, which was appropriate.
Next to Princess Nan'an, Princess Luo of Nan'an's expression changed, and she opened her mouth, wanting to help.
But at this moment, Princess Chu Zhen Qing's beautiful eyes flashed under her beautiful eyebrows, and she suddenly said: "What Mrs. Jia said is that the Niu family betrayed and surrendered to the enemy, making their father so angry. Speaking of which, that day the Niu family The petition for meritorious service also disrupted the concubine ceremony of Prince Wei. On such a happy day, how much embarrassment was caused. If the concubine complained about the Niu family, Prince Wei was probably the first to refuse, right? A wedding for a person to get married, for a lifetime. Just like that, if the old concubine wanted to help speak, she should have gone to the palace to plead for mercy."
As soon as these words were spoken, it was like a loud slap on Princess Nan'an's face, causing burning pain.
Qin Keqing said: "Something happened to the Niu family not long ago. I heard that the Niu family went to the old concubine's house to plead for mercy. The old concubine acted like it had nothing to do with her, and now she just came to say these things?"
Zhen Xue was sitting upright, her bright eyes raised, and she glanced at her sister in surprise.
He thought to himself that this was because of the Qin family, but when he saw his sister and the Qin family joining forces to talk about Princess Luo Nan'an, it seemed a little strange.
Zhen Qing's jade face paused slightly, her phoenix eyes were gleaming, and she said softly: "For example, Liu Tongzhi, who governs the country, was the most active in fabricating military reports and deceiving civil and military officials. Now his father has sent him to escort military supplies in northern Xinjiang. There is also a sense of admonishment. If the old concubine feels that the punishment is too severe, she can let the younger brother of the King of Wei enter the palace to plead for mercy."
Concubine Nan'an's eyes narrowed and she felt unhappy.
Let the King of Wei go to plead for mercy. What do the emperors in the palace think? This member of the King of Chu's family is just trying to make a stumbling block, clearly trying to win over the Jia family who holds military power.
Listening to what Zhen Qing said, Mrs. Gan frowned, and her thoughts were a bit strange. Her eldest daughter, speaking for the Jia family, well, although the two families are old relatives, is she working too hard? Already?
After thinking about it for a while, it became clear to me.
Still because of Jia Heng, she is now very powerful. This is because her son-in-law of the King of Chu is exerting his strength.
Princess Luo of Nan'an smiled and said, "Princess, mother-in-law, she is just a middle-aged person. She is thinking of all the old relatives who have been friends for decades. It is not good for outsiders to gossip."
Concubine Nan'an also took advantage of the situation and said: "That's what I mean. This is not a random talk outside. In that case, old sister, I will just go back and talk to the Liu family. It's not a big deal. Old sister, don't you think so?"
"
Seeing that the atmosphere was a bit strange, Jia Mu also changed the subject, softened her tone, and said, "The ministers in the court have to worry about external matters, so we can't say anything. Besides, Brother Heng is in Henan now. If you are busy with the errands assigned by the palace, you should not be distracted by such trivial matters."
Everyone spoke in agreement, and this episode was over.
Jia Mu immediately talked to Mr. Gan again, mostly asking about some anecdotes about Nan Province. Mr. Gan also smiled and talked, and the atmosphere became harmonious and harmonious again.
Concubine Nan'an sat there, holding a handkerchief in her hand, feeling somewhat embarrassed, neither leaving nor staying, looking at each other with her daughter-in-law.
At this moment, I heard a nun outside stepping on the wooden ladder to the attic. Her wrinkled face was like an orange peel, and she was smiling happily: "Old lady, grandma, the angels in the palace say... The decree has come, saying that the imperial court has granted the title of earl to Uncle Heng, and asked the old lady and Grandma Heng to go and listen to the decree."
As soon as these words came out, it was like a joyous spring breeze blowing into the entire second floor of Tianxiang Building. Wherever it passed, red peaches and green willows, colorful purples and reds, were all swaying in the wind, which surprised and delighted them.
Is this... making him an earl?
Even though they had been speculating for the past few days and were somewhat mentally prepared, the sudden "last boot fell on the ground" surprised everyone.
Sitting on the side of Tanchun, wearing a pink coat and skirt, and a beaded hairpin on her head, her plump, white face is filled with joy, and under her curved eyebrows, she has a pair of moist and shiny apricot eyes. It was bright and shining, and the moving brilliance overflowed from it, and because the girl's heart was a little anxious, a strange blush appeared on Ruxue's face.
Earl...this is a superb Duke.
Brother Heng is less than 20 years old now, and he has already been awarded the title of superior uncle. In the future, he will be like the young nobles at the founding of the country, and he will be a duke, or even a county king, just around the corner.
Yuanchun's jade face, as plump and gentle as her cousin Baochai's, also showed a look of joy. Her face was dizzy and bright, and the amorous look on her brows and corners of her eyes made people's hearts skip a beat.
Hengdi...he finally relied on his own ability to get to this point. The Jia family is no better than the founder of the country, Rong Ning.
Aunt Xue was originally watching the conversation between Concubine Nan'an and Mother Jia, and it was not easy to interrupt. Now when she heard the words, her eyes were full of complexity, and her heart was full of joy, envy and other thoughts.
What is gratifying is that Jia Shi Wang Xue, the Jia family is gaining momentum, and the Xue family can also get some glory.
Brother Heng’s daughter-in-law is such a blessing. What kind of good husband is she marrying?
Thinking of this, I couldn't help but cast my eyes on the beautiful lady with beautiful face and rosy clouds on her temples.
At this moment, Aunt Xue was not only having complicated thoughts, she also peeked at Qin Keqing's expression from time to time.
Sister Feng glanced at Qin Keqing. The beautiful young woman's face was extremely complicated. She smiled and said, "Old ancestor, this is truly a great favor from the emperor."
Jia Mu was already smiling from ear to ear and said, "Yes, the emperor's kindness is so great."
Even before the titles were removed, the two houses of Rongning and Ning only had one third-class general and one first-class general. Not to mention the super-grade title of Duke Gonghou, there was not even a fifth-class title like Zi Nan.
Now he is granted the title of earl, and it was because of brother Heng's sword and gun attack. This is almost... comparable to the Duke of Xiaoguo.
Li Wan, who was sitting next to Sister Feng, was holding a handkerchief in his hand. He already felt a deep sense of powerlessness in his heart. He was in a daze and had complicated thoughts.
She taught her son to study, study, and become an official. In this life... maybe in the next life, he will never reach this point, Earl.
When a person's achievements exceed everyone's recognition, jealousy no longer has any meaning. There are only emotions such as envy, helplessness, etc., and even...the Taoist heart is shaken.
Mrs. Wang's face was pale, the corners of her mouth twitched, and the string of Buddhist beads she held in her hand was trembling slightly from the exertion.
That uncle Heng was granted the title of earl, which was a superior title. The ancestors of their Wang family were only earl talents.
But this was done with a knife and a gun.
In fact, if Jia Heng had not resigned from the title of Ningguo and used it as a promotion rank, then it would probably have caused some murmurings in the palace. For example, Mrs. Wang couldn't explain it. If you hadn't inherited the title of Ningguo, you would be where you are today. ?
Because Jia Heng was knighted for his meritorious service because he was born in vain, there is absolutely no room for this idea and argument.
Mrs. He looked happy and his heart moved slightly.
On the other side, Qin Keqing's hibiscus-jade face, under her curved eyebrows, her longing beautiful eyes were also filled with joy.
In this era where a wife is valued based on her husband, a countess is more important than a first-class imperial concubine.
At this time, Second Sister You and Third Sister You next to them also looked at each other, and they could see the excitement on each other's faces.
The two sisters lived in Ningguo Mansion, not only as maids below, but also as Second Sister You, who implicitly regarded herself as Jia Heng's concubine in her heart.
As for Third Sister You, on her pretty and charming jade face, her white and rosy cheeks have become as red as blood due to her emotional excitement, as if they were red peach pistils, and her beautiful eyes are even more watery and covered with a layer of mist. Under the pink horse-faced skirt, the heels of a pair of embroidered shoes were gently brought together, as if they were lightly rubbed. The same feeling made her heart shake and her heart sway.
The bright eyes under Daiyu Chunshan's dark eyebrows were shining like stars, and her gaze was a little dazed, especially the sheep-patterned jade charm in her arms, which seemed to have an unending heat that made her heart feel slightly warm.
Witnessing Jia Heng, step by step from the young boy who faced Jia Zhen's persecution in Liutiao Hutong and had to fight with his sword in Rongqing Hall to the present, no one understands better than this delicate-minded girl that there is no one better than her. How many hardships has this young boy who was barely a few years older gone through?
Not to mention anything else, the smell of blood on that rainy night...
Daiyu held the slender jade hand of someone's left handkerchief, gently caressed her heart, and held the sheep charm. Her clear eyes were like the water of Xiaoxiang under her eyebrows, as if covered with a layer of hazy mist, and she sighed quietly in her heart. Take a breath.
At the moment, he probably spent time with the Princess of Xianning, talking happily.
Even though I know that I don't have the attitude to think about some things that are and are not, I still feel unreasonable irritation in my heart.
Concubine Nan'an's face was white and red, her eyes were gloomy and uncertain, and she caught the joy on the faces of everyone on the second floor of Tianxiang Tower.
He sneered coldly in his heart, he was just an earl, and his family was still a hereditary and irreplaceable county king. Jia Heng would never be able to compare with him in his whole life. He might lose his life every time his horse kicked too high.
At this moment, everyone was immersed in a joyful mood, and no one paid attention to the changes in the demeanor of the "evil guests", Princess Nan'an and Princess Nan'an.
Zhen Qing's beautiful eyes flashed, and she felt a little emotional.
Being ennobled as an uncle, even among the top martial arts in the Han Dynasty, can be regarded as a place. This is the foundation of martial arts. The previous first-class male, after all, the title is still a bit low.
However, she doesn't attach much importance to the title. The main reason is that Jia Heng controls the most important troops - Jingying. This is what can turn the tide at critical moments.
Thinking of this, I couldn't help but glance at my sister, catching the look of joy on her fair-skinned face, and my heart moved slightly.
My sister...there's something wrong with her.
No one else, because Zhen Xue's eyes were as gentle as water, and her face was as bright as snow, and her face was filled with joy.
Not long ago, Zhen Qing mentioned Jia Heng's deeds every day, just like female college students in later generations chasing TV series. Zhen Xue seemed to have become the protagonist to a certain extent.
Just when everyone was overjoyed and imagining, Mrs. Gan smiled broadly and kindly reminded her: "Madam, don't let the angels wait in a hurry. You have to set up the incense table and receive the imperial edict."
When Jia Mu heard Yan, she also reacted. She stood up with a cane and said with a smile: "Yes, I am going to receive the imperial edict. But sir, it is more important that we go to receive the imperial edict."
Not everyone went to receive the order. Only Mrs. Jia's mother, Mrs. Wang, Qin Keqing and other ladies of the Jia family went to receive the order, and they were surrounded by several maids and nuns.
Mrs. Xing, Sister Feng, Li Wan, several daughters-in-law, and Yuan Chun and other adult girls accompanied the guests of the Zhen family to talk.
For a time, the Tianxiang Building became lively and lively again. The second floor was spacious, and various screens separated relatively independent spaces. Many orioles gathered together, laughing and chatting like orioles. It's pleasant to the ear.
However, Princess Nan'an and Luo Shi were sitting aside, feeling somewhat embarrassed. Princess Nan'an could only look at Mrs. It's time."
Mrs. Xing said a few words.
Sister Feng took over the conversation with a smile and said, "What the old concubine said is that there will be a banquet later, and the concubine and princess will be invited to stay for the meal."
He secretly thought that he was obviously a night owl, a chirping black bustard, but he wanted to hint that he was a magpie announcing good news.
However, no matter what, the etiquette that should be observed in the old friendship between four princes and eight princes should be thorough, so as to avoid gossiping outside.
Mr. Gan smiled and said: "Being awarded a title for meritorious service, this title can pass on the family business to the heirs. This is really a happy event. It is a pity that Brother Heng is not here, otherwise we would have to open an ancestral hall to worship our ancestors."
The girl who was talking in a low voice looked at Mr. Gan again, probably having similar thoughts.
Unfortunately, he is not at home.
Sister Feng smiled and said, "Brother Heng is in Henan. Do you think the court will inform him when he comes? It would be great if we could come here."
Tan Chun smiled happily and said, "Brother Heng is the governor of the local military affairs. If there is no order, it is not good for him to leave the territory alone."
Sister Feng smiled and said, "Look, the third sister knows all about the matters in the court."
Everyone chuckled.
Mr. Gan chuckled and then asked, "I don't know what the title is. There are titles for all these titles. I don't know what titles are in the palace?"
There is some envy in my heart. It is true that the two daughters are princesses, but the Zhen family themselves do not have any titles to pass down.
Sister Feng smiled and said, "We don't understand this. Third sister, do you know?"
After hearing this, everyone looked at Tan Chun, a girl with beautiful features and eager eyes. Her face was happy now, but her eyes were absent-minded, hiding a lingering longing for her.
Facing everyone's gazes, Tanchun chuckled and said: "Sister-in-law, the title of a knight is generally a good title, but how to choose it depends on the meaning of the palace, and those cabinet bachelors, they are all academics We can’t even guess what heavenly people are like here. We’ll know when our ancestors and sister-in-law come over.”
Yuanchun looked at his sister, nodded, and said with a chuckle: "The third sister is right."
Princess Chu Zhen Qing and Zhen Xue looked at each other, and speculations surged in their hearts.
I don’t know what title it holds, Marquis?
At this time, Xiang Yun was pulling Shui Xin and flipping the flower rope. The aunt and nephew were completely unaffected by the quarrel just now. However, the title of knighthood at this moment also attracted Xiang Yun's attention, and he listened to several people talking.
"Aunt Yun, it's your turn?" Shui Xin stretched out her two white hands that looked like lotus roots and said in a waxy voice.
Xiangyun smiled and rubbed Shui Xin's bangs, and said softly: "Okay Xinxin, let's play again later. I'll listen to what's going on first."
Shui Xin pouted her pink lips, feeling a little unhappy.
A little further away, Xichun beside Xing Xiuyan had a look of joy on her pretty little face. She turned to look at the beautiful Xing Xiuyan between her brows and eyes, and whispered: "Sister Xiuyan, tell Miao later. Sister Yu is the one."
When Xing Xiuyan heard the words, she didn't know what she thought of. She picked up a blue handkerchief, covered her mouth and smiled softly. The smile was shallow, like catkins and green smoke, but her beautiful and graceful jade face seemed to be dispersed like mist. With a pretty pink face, she went over and said: "The house has been singing and singing for several days. She was talking about making noise yesterday. She didn't know that when she heard the news now, the house was celebrating again and talking about making noise. It’s not noisy.”
"I'm afraid it's not the flags that move, but the heartbeat." Xichun smiled softly, her eyebrows and eyes were as curved as crescent moons, and her pretty and frosty face lost a bit of coldness.
He made him an earl, and she will probably be the earl's...sister in the future.
Mrs. Xing, who was sitting with Sister Feng and talking with her, glanced at Xiuyan who was talking to Xichun in the distance, and her eyes flashed.
That uncle Heng was made an earl and became more and more powerful. When he comes back, there can be no further delay.
But at this moment, as the voices of chatter and laughter came, it was clearly Jia Mu, Qin Keqing, and Mrs. Wang, leading a group of maids and maids from outside.
Everyone stood up, with curiosity on their faces.
"Ancestor." Sister Feng greeted him with a smile and asked, "Have you finished receiving the imperial edict?"
As he said that, he looked at the hands of several people, but did not see the bright yellow silk.
"The imperial edict has been placed in the ancestral hall for worship. " Before Sister Feng and everyone else could inquire, Mother Jia said with a smile on her face: "The palace has named Brother Heng the third-class Yong Ningbo, a serious and super-grade earl."
"Uncle Yong Ning?" As soon as these words came out, everyone's eyes lit up, thinking about the meaning of the three words "Uncle Yong Ning".
Yuan Chun smiled sweetly and said: "Old ancestor, this title is appropriate. Brother Heng is from the Ningguo branch. He carries the word "Ning", and the word "Yong" is also auspicious. Yong means eternity, which means long-lasting."
When everyone heard this, they nodded frequently.
At this time, no one thought of "Xianning", but because of the Ningguo lineage, he had the word "Ning" in his name, so he naturally thought about it in this aspect.
"Sister, the word Yongning, I'm afraid the palace also hopes that the Han Dynasty will be Yongning for generations." Tan Chunyingli's eyebrows were filled with joy, and she said with a chuckle.
Daiyu's starry eyes were lost for a moment, and she murmured in her heart, Yongning, Yongning.
Sister Feng smiled and said: "There are so many skills in this title, it's like picking a name to get good luck."
Everyone chuckled. For a moment, the flower hall on the second floor of Tianxiang Building was filled with cheerful air. The gentle breeze blew the fragrant fragrance of flowers from the garden into the second floor, making people feel better.
Mr. Gan smiled and said: "This is the expectation of the palace. I hope that Brother Heng can make new achievements in the future and make contributions to the court."
Zhen Qing and Zhen Xue listened and nodded.
Concubine Nan'an listened on the side, her expression became more and more unnatural, and she suppressed the urge to make sarcastic remarks. She wish she had just left if she had known.
Jia Mu sighed and said softly: "Not only that, the palace also granted a posthumous imperial edict to Brother Heng's mother. Alas, his mother's life is miserable. She is still in the world and sees that Brother Heng is so promising. , how happy I should be.”
As soon as these words came out, the smiles on the faces of everyone present also faded away.
Until now, someone suddenly discovered that Jia Heng lost his father when he was young, and his mother is no longer alive. However, he is such a bastard, step by step, he has reached the position of Yongning Bo, and has become an important minister in the court.
How not to make people feel emotional.
Daiyu's mind was delicate, and when she thought about this, her eyes were in a daze.
He has never shown it in front of others. Compared with him, she has the love of her grandmother and her father who is thinking about her in Yangzhou...
There was an indescribable feeling deep in the girl's heart.
That kind of feeling is actually called... motherhood, um, Daiyu's mother.
But Yuan Chun's jade face was absent-minded, her eye circles were slightly red, and the maternal nature in her heart had already surged like a tide.
No wonder Hengdi always lies on her jade tiger like a child...
Thinking of this, her heart skipped a beat. What was she thinking about at this moment?
This has nothing to do with those...
Princess Nan'an listened to everyone's discussion and sneered in her heart. She has no father and no mother. No wonder she grew up to be so lonely and ignorant.
Seeing that the atmosphere was a little gloomy, Sister Feng comforted her and said, "Brother Heng is now able to give my aunt some credit. Even though my aunt is in trouble, she can still smile."
Qin Keqing pursed her pink lips, sighed softly, and said, "It was Qingming Festival some time ago, and my husband was still fighting chaos in Henan at that time. He couldn't come back even if he wanted to."
"Loyalty and filial piety come with a dilemma. I want to come to Brother Heng.
His mother's spirit in heaven can also understand. " Jia Mu said with emotion: "Now, it is the greatest filial piety to give his mother a super-grade imperial edict."
After hearing this, everyone nodded and sighed with emotion.
Li Wan's face paused, and he clearly understood more. She raised a son, not just hoping that one day he would be rewarded with the title of Lady Gaoming.
