It was already March, and there was no good time for another round of planting in May or June. Xiao Luolan sighed softly in her heart. She calmed down her emotions and said, "I know," she said : "Qingxue will return to Guangling in a few days. Lord Lian will ask your brother not to make too much of a fuss then, and just treat each other as normal."
Lian Shiqing smiled and said: "The princess is considerate of the people of the fiefdom and does not want to work for them. This is Guangling's blessing."
After not seeing each other for such a long time, Master Lian was still so eloquent. Xiao Luolan laughed. She was worried that the imperial censor would criticize her daughter. However, as soon as the matter came to Master Lian's mouth, the matter immediately changed. It became another thing.
"I heard that the Ministry of Civil Affairs is planning to recalibrate and formulate the official inspection system left over from the previous dynasty." Xiao Luolan said slowly.
"Yes, it will take a lot of time, but for those Beijing officials with clean family backgrounds and hard work, the restructuring is actually a good thing for them." Lian Shiqing smiled. For example, the Qi family who has been living in Chang'an, Although Qi Nanhua died, it now seems that the Qi family's career is far from over, it can even be said to have just begun. And he has also carefully tested it. The Qi family is not usually a family of evildoers. On the contrary, there are many By accumulating good deeds, the children in the family will make progress. As long as they don't make mistakes in the future, they can become a capital official in Chang'an and they will be rich and stable throughout their lives.
Of course, the most important thing is that the Queen misses the Qi family, although it is not obvious.
Xiao Luolan took a sip of tea and looked outside at the lake. She always felt that the topic she just raised was more obvious, but she didn't have the eloquence to make it more tactful. She also let Dongxue read it in advance. , There is no big evil person in the Qi family, so it is really difficult to feel at ease and always wants to do something.
Seeing that there was nothing else to do, Lian Shiqing stood up and said goodbye.
Under the sun, the way out is bright and clear.
It was tens of thousands of times better than the ending he had envisioned a long, long time ago: death, annihilation, and infamy for eternity.
Chapter 348
Prince's East Palace.
Zhou Shenzhi looked at the dormitory. He was already awake. He would dress up and go to greet his father and mother later. It was no different from when he was in Langge, except that the distance was farther than before and there were more rules. After all, it was The palace and etiquette system must be standardized. It has been more than half a month since the day when he was officially canonized. After moving into the East Palace, he has gradually become accustomed to the palace people and guards everywhere.
He didn't have the habit of staying in bed. When the time came, he got up automatically without the shouts of the eunuchs and maids waiting around him. After dressing up, he took a breath of the cool air outside. Zhou Shenzhi's hair became clearer and clearer, and he went to the middle palace with Wu Changfeng. .
Fifth Changfeng is now a subordinate of the East Palace, and his official position is Prince Zuo Shuzi. The famous general in this position is the former Song Dynasty General. Fifth Changfeng once had time to look up the life story of General Song, and finally sighed to himself A sound.
In today's court and public life, there are many generals under the Holy Emperor who have been granted marquisships. However, the Song general was once a lord with the Holy Emperor, but ended up with such a tragic end. He was loyal to the former dynasty to the point of martyrdom. It is sad and deplorable, I guess. The Holy One also had hidden feelings. Not long after he ascended the throne, he made General Song a loyal marquis and settled his family in a good place. At this point, there were still some stubborn remnants of the previous dynasty in the country. They felt the kindness of the Holy One and were sincerely convinced. .
And now, as the Crown Prince Zuo Shuzi, he is always with the Crown Prince. He is responsible for handling the attendants, approving the Prime Minister, refuting the memorials, and reporting to the Holy Emperor. He is young and has an unstable foundation, but he can sit in this position. Firstly, because The prince's emphasis on promoting himself was a bit ridiculous to say the least.
"Amei is lively and kind. Changfeng doesn't need to be too nervous when I explain history books to her later." Zhou Shenzhi said: "She likes novel stories. It would be great if we could add one or two folk anecdotes. .”
"Yes, I know." Wu Changfeng responded.
Last time, the princess came to visit His Highness the Crown Prince and happened to see him reading history books, so she asked him about some old things recorded in the history books of previous dynasties. She was especially interested in the Great Chu Renzong, and Fifth Changfeng himself was interested in He was well-researched in classics and history, and his words were humorous, which greatly pleased the princess. Princess Wuyou was so happy that she actually asked him to explain it to her frequently. The official position recommended to him by the Crown Prince the next day was approved not long after. , it’s hard to say whether it has the role of Princess Wuyou.
Suddenly an honor came to him, and under the instructions of His Highness the Crown Prince, Wu Changfeng accepted it with great fear.
He knew that His Highness the Prince, this princess sister, could be said to be the sweetheart of the current Holy Emperor and the Queen. It was not an exaggeration to say that he was very eye-catching. No, His Highness the Prince even took her with him when he paid his respects. There are many rules in the palace. The prince and princess also have to pay respects to the saint. They must set an example for the people in the world and must not slack off.
After entering the middle palace, Zhou Shenzhi paid his respects to his father and mother. Xiao Qingxue also came after a while. She covered her mouth and nose and yawned slightly. She was so sleepy that the emperor really got up earlier than the chickens. , sleep later than the dog.
The family has breakfast.
Zhou Xu looked at his daughter's sleepy appearance and said with a smile: "You don't have to come every day to say hello, just come every three or five days."
Xiao Qingxue opened her eyes: "No, no, the whole family has to eat breakfast together. It will be nice if we can change it when we go to court in the future. It's already early in the morning, everyone has slept full of energy, and they can all come over after breakfast at home. , after taking a break at noon, I will go to court again at You hour in the afternoon. I think this arrangement is in line with working hours."
Zhou Shenzhi couldn't help but said: "Isn't this just slacking off in politics? It's inappropriate."
"Officials who are further away from the palace have to get up at five o'clock in the morning. Their bodies will not be able to bear it for a long time. It is not good to get up too early." Xiao Qingxue yawned again.
"They eat the emperor's salary, and they should share the emperor's worries." Zhou Shen said.
Xiao Qingxue looked at the serious-faced brother and thought that if he were to live in modern times, he would probably be surrounded by the resentment of beating workers.
Xiao Luolan said warmly: "Government affairs are busy now, and we can't delay going to court."
Zhou Xu also smiled and said: "If Zhou Fuqiang becomes great in the future, maybe he can really change it."
"My father is wise." Xiao Qingxue immediately praised.
Zhou Shenzhi also felt a strong sense of hope in his heart.
After eating, Zhou Shenzhi and his father were preparing to go to court. Zhou Xu pondered for a moment and asked, "You are not young anymore, do you have any thoughts on starting a family?"
Zhou Shenzhi cupped his hands and said, "It all depends on my father."
Doesn't it seem like you're resisting? Zhou Xu glanced at his son. He had no intention of going back on his marriage to the Xie family. His son's in-laws were also a first-class family, and the girls from the Xie family were talented, good-looking and of acceptable family background.
"Do you like the Xie family girl?" Zhou Xu asked one more question.
Zhou Shenzhi thought of the girl with beautiful appearance and refined temperament he met while riding a horse, and recalled that he had not had much contact with her, so he replied honestly: "I don't hate it."
Zhou Xu patted Shen Zhi on the shoulder: "That's good."
"After you get married, I will go to conquer Taiyuan."
"I heard that Amei is also going." Zhou Shenzhi said worriedly: "Swords on the battlefield have no eyes. Is it too dangerous for her to go?"
"Don't worry, I will only place her far away from the battlefield." Zhou Xu smiled and said: "Your mother-in-law was also worried and didn't sleep well. How can I really let her go to the battlefield? Then let her and Amu Just look at it from a distance.”
Only then did Zhou Shenzhi feel completely relieved.
"Maybe we won't have swords in future wars." Zhou Xu sighed, his mood was actually very complicated. He was an emperor on horseback, but he had a hunch that maybe many, many years later, swords and horses would really be of little use. Yes, what his daughter did was naturally good, and he fully supported it like his wife, but he could not help but feel melancholy.
Zhou Shenzhi didn't know it. After his father left, he caught up with him and went to the court together. After the court, Wu Changfeng followed him and congratulated the prince when he learned that good things were coming for the prince.
Zhou Shenzhi didn't notice it at first, but later when he was congratulated with smiles by the people around him, he blushed. Fortunately, his face was so dark that others couldn't see anything.
When it was time to rest at night, Zhou Shenzhi was a little unable to sleep. What would it be like in the future? Can he be a good prince? If the time for going to court could really be as A-Mei said, what would the prosperity of the Great Zhou be like? Officials would walk slowly to the palace after dinner at home to attend the morning court. In the afternoon, the sky would be full of sunset and they would retreat together, instead of the three or five watchers and the rooster crow. He went on the road in the dark without calling.
To achieve this, the country must be clear and the people can live and work in peace and contentment. Having just emerged from a troubled time, Zhou Shenzhi felt that his goal was too big. He was quite stressed and a little excited. When he thought about what his father said, he felt relieved. Can't sleep anymore.
"What's a war without swords?" Zhou Shenzhi murmured.
Of course he knows what his father gave to his sister, Jinling, Guangling, Qinghe, thousands of miles of fertile fields, extremely rich and powerful, especially his father gave her the right to make weapons, and even more so for the Lian family's eldest son. The salt and iron transporter has all the conditions for becoming a king.
Amei is actually the King of Guangling.
Zhou Shenzhi touched his heart, and his strong heartbeat flowed through his whole body through gurgling hot blood. He was young and strong, and was still growing. Compared with Amei, he was also older.
Zhou Shenzhi slowly closed his eyes.
If he said he was not envious, it would be false. He would sometimes feel sour about his father's preference for his sister, but Zhou Shenzhi soon felt relieved.
He is just such a sister, if he doesn't tolerate her, who will he tolerate? Besides, A-mei never had bad intentions, A-niang treated him more like a parent and child, and he had already regarded them as relatives.
If he has a daughter in the future, she will be extremely doted on. Of course, a son is even better. He can teach her how to read and practice martial arts step by step, and make up for the regret that he was unable to complete with his father when he was a child. He believes that he will Be a good father.
Zhou Shenzhi firmly believed that since he was no longer sleepy, he simply called Wu Changfeng over for a heart-to-heart talk.
Fifth Changfeng came quickly. He was neatly dressed, his eyes were clear, and he saluted respectfully.
Zhou Shenzhi smiled: "You didn't sleep either?"
Fifth Changfeng said: "I am sorting out various historical anecdotes about the benevolent emperors of the previous dynasties."
"There's no need for me, my lord. In private, we just treat each other as you and me." Zhou Shenzhi stood up and sat at the table, pouring himself a glass of water to moisten his throat.
"Etiquette cannot be abolished. Your Highness is the prince now, and I should act with caution." Wu Changfeng insisted.
"Forget it, it's up to you." Zhou Shenzhi didn't force it anymore: "Changfeng, I plan to keep the wedding simple. When you have time, ask the Xie family what they think."
"Your Highness' kindness is a blessing to the world." Wu Changfeng said, now that the empire has just been established, there are many big things going on, which is very stressful for the finances.
The second day.
Xie Deyong hurriedly entered the palace. Zhou Shenzhi was handling political affairs in the East Palace. His father had great trust in him and had already started asking him to handle some minor matters. Zhou Shenzhi did not deal with them rashly just because they were minor matters.
"You're here." Zhou Shenzhi heard Xie Deyong's footsteps without raising his head.
"Ahem..." Xie Deyong came in with a playful smile: "Your Highness, should I call you by another name?"
Zhou Shenzhi lowered his head and went about his business: "As you wish."
After saying this, Xie Deyong didn't dare to be careless. He always felt that Shen Zhi was so majestic after becoming the prince. He said aggrievedly: "Then you should still call him brother-in-law." He originally wanted to call him brother-in-law.
Zhou Shenzhi put down his pen and glanced at Xie Deyong, who was still inexplicably reserved: "What do you want from me?"
Xie Deyong looked at the room and found that no one was there, then said: "My family already knows what you mean. Dad and the others think you are right, so they will do as you say."
Zhou Shenzhi said in a gentle tone: "Don't worry, there will be no shortage of etiquette procedures."
Seeing his friend smile, Xie Deyong got carried away for a moment and boldly said: "Brother-in-law, I'm leaving."
After saying that, he ran away.
Zhou Shenzhi was left in a daze. At the end, Zhou Shenzhi drank tea to cover up his blushing face. Among the family members, he was already late to get married. There are many young men in Youzhou who got married at the age of eighteen or nineteen. And he is now twenty-two, and the Xie family's young lady has already grown hair, and they have been waiting for each other for many years.
Zhou Shenzhi felt a little hot, and unexpectedly thought of the shy face of the Xie family's young lady on the day they met on horseback.
On the eighth day of May, the prince got married.
Chapter 349
Xiao Luolan looked out the window at the courtyard, which was a riot of color and beauty. The view of the palace was naturally a rare beauty in the world, but no matter how beautiful the scenery was, two or three months would be enough.
The summer of the first year of Qianwu came very quickly. Qiuyue and Dongxue were fanning their wives to cool off the heat. The emperor led a large number of troops to Taiyuan. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was supervising the country. The princes of the Zhou family were assisting. The emperor personally conquered the emperor. Some people objected to this matter, and some agreed with it, but in the end it was the Holy One who had the final say, and the Holy One suppressed the fact that the princess also traveled in military uniform. In order to be justified, the Holy One also gave the princess the title of general.
The Censor of the Imperial Court had gone to court several times over this matter, and found that His Highness the Prince's attitude was exactly the same as that of His Majesty, both of whom were trying to make peace with each other, so they gradually stopped.
Everyone has left, and the general's number has been sealed. No matter how much trouble they make, they can't change the fact that several absurd things happened in the founding of the country were royal affairs, which made the censor in the court feel extremely aggrieved. Princess Wuyou has made an unprecedented move. It's the first of its kind.
The size of the fiefdom and food estate exceeds that of all the princesses in the past dynasties. She has the profit of Guangling salt and sugar, and also has the power to make iron. She also has a private army. This kind of treatment for princesses has been going on for thousands of years. Most of the princes' treatment is far less than her. As the Holy One moved away, the eyes of the people in the court naturally focused on the prince.
After several days of observation, His Highness the Crown Prince has a mature and sophisticated style of dealing with things, and he likes to make decisions before taking action. Xie Dang in the court fully supports any decision of the Crown Prince, and the emperor's move to entrust the prince with the important task of supervising the country directly affects the people in the court. My heart calmed down.
Most of the families who contributed to the founding of the country were military generals who followed the Holy Emperor through life and death. There were also many literati, such as Wenshan Marquis Zhao Qingshan and Rong Guogong Cui Shizi. The old county magistrate Wu who gave up his official seal was also made a marquis. This man was very lucky and had never done anything, but he was very popular with the dragon. Even the Queen often summoned this Wulianghou.
Royal Garden.
"Old minister, I would like to thank the Empress for your concern. My health is much better now." The old county magistrate Wu, who is now Wulianghou, bowed to the Empress and thanked the Empress. He was getting older and had been criticized by some rumors before, and his mood was not as good as before. He actually caught wind and cold in the hot summer, and his health was getting worse. He never thought that this little thing would alarm the Queen. After hearing about it, the Queen specially sent an imperial doctor to treat him late at night, which made Magistrate Wu burst into tears. , when he felt better, he quickly went to the palace to express his gratitude.
Xiao Luolan looked at Mr. Wu and encouraged him: "The weather is like a child's face now. It's cloudy and sunny. Mr. Wu, please pay attention to your health. I have already given instructions. Next time Mr. Wu feels unwell, his family can ask him to come at any time." Imperial physician."
The old county magistrate Wu felt warm in his heart and said with tears of gratitude: "Old minister, thank you very much, Queen Mother."
Seeing that the old magistrate Wu was in low spirits, Xiao Luolan did not keep him longer and had him sent back. As soon as the sun rose, Xiao Luolan returned to his palace. His daughter wanted to go to Taiyuan with Zhou Lang. How can one not be worried? Now I hope it will end as soon as possible. I don't know if the cannon made by my daughter can be used. Not long after arriving in the palace, the Crown Princess came.
"My son, please give my regards to the Queen." Xie Qingwu came to the Queen every day and ate with her, fulfilling the filial piety of a son.
"No need to be polite, get up quickly." Xiao Luolan said. She now has a new identity, and the feeling is quite novel. The young lady from the Xie family has a better personality. The two of them get along harmoniously and happily. In the morning She would get up with Shen Zhi to say hello and stay up all day long. She would even have dinner with her at noon. In the evening, when Shen Zhi came back from the morning, the three of them would have a small gathering.
Xie Qingwu smiled, her movements were modest, and her every move was elegant. The food here was very delicious, stir-fried vegetables, sweet and sour fresh fruits were all her favorites, and she often overate them accidentally.
