"I don't dare to hide my clumsiness in front of the Queen Mother. I have nothing else. I am summoned by the Queen Mother, and I only dare to express my gratitude to the Queen Mother with my heart."
In the past, Xie Lan'an's words were said to be worth a thousand gold in Jinling. It may be an exaggeration, but a hundred gold can definitely be worth it. And it's not a set of words, just one word. She has regained her status as a woman, and it's hard to say how much she will be worth in the future. Just looking at her willingness to offer her today is enough to show her good intentions.
Those who enter any temple and buy incense are smart people. The Queen Mother was satisfied and her life was safe.
I saw that this girl was dressed in green undergarments, with a single hairpin and heavy hair on her temples, and her unconventional heroic demeanor was indeed different from ordinary boudoir girls. She deserved the title of powerful, pure and talented, and an immortal.
The Queen Mother nodded without any trace and asked casually: "The Ri'ai family has heard a lot about the turmoil about you these days. There are always few sweet things in the world, but there are many bitter people. Don't take many words seriously. What are your plans for the future?"
Xie Lanan sighed, "Although I am a woman, I dare not accept my fate because I have the Queen Mother as my example. Everyone in the court attacked me, but the Queen Mother did not abandon my daughter and spoke for her. A fair word."
The corners of her eyes and brows were full of sincerity: "If the empress gives me a place to stay, Lan'an will repay her with dogs and horses."
The Queen Mother was noncommittal, "According to the Ai family, Madam Xie is of outstanding character, and she doesn't seem to be willing to be a dog or a horse."
The graceful old woman casually pinched off a winter jasmine flower in a tribute vase leaning on the desk, and said in a sweet voice: "Does your second uncle know about your plan? Does your Qingliu leader's teacher agree? The Ai family seems to remember that Mr. Xie has According to the ancestral teachings, otherwise Madam Xie would not have rejected the Ai family’s kindness several times before.”
This is testing and settling old scores.
Xie Lan'an's expression did not change, and his clear voice circulated in the palace room, like ice jade striking each other: "I have asked questions, but I dare not lie to you. When the Queen Mother asked this question, I could have answered, 'I am called upon now. Entering the palace is exactly what my uncle wanted. My uncle is loyal to the royal family and has been stationed at the northwest gate of Daxuan for many years. How could he not know the Queen Mother's great concern for the country, and how could he stop his daughter?'
"I can also answer: 'As for the teacher's order, I feel ashamed, and I dare not expect to be a student of Master Xun again in this life. However, the king of heaven and earth is his teacher, and the king is before the teacher, and the servants are ashamed, and they must always make plans for themselves. A way out.'
"I can tell the truth to the Queen Mother: The reason why I didn't dare to agree to the Queen Mother's proposed marriage to my sister-in-law before was all because of Lan'an's selfishness. He knew that my sister-in-law was young, weak and had a soft temperament, so she was afraid that she would not be good enough for Yu. A majestic figure like a general.
"To be honest with the Queen Mother, before I went out this morning, Wu Niang was still holding my sleeves. She really wanted to accompany her into the palace to thank the Queen Mother for her favor and kindness. But she thought that the Queen Mother had no "Zhao, I don't agree with the control, so I tried hard to persuade this honest boy."
Xie Lan'an paused briefly to allow the listener time to digest, then continued unhurriedly: "——But although these words come from the heart, they are not enough to move the Queen Mother's face and relieve the Queen Mother's worries."
The words she said were not worth mentioning, but she revealed her second uncle's attitude, her attitude towards the master, and her own sincerity one by one. By the way, she also helped her fifth mother to be sold back to her good wife.
If such eloquence was not enough, the Queen Mother couldn't help but be curious, "Then what does Madam Xie want to say?"
Xie Lanan raised his eyes and said, "Northern Expedition."
The two words were loud and clear, and Queen Mother Yu's expression changed instantly.
The Northern Expedition was indeed a top priority that she advocated, and it was also a policy that the peace-promoting old men in the DPRK strongly opposed. It was no secret.
What the Queen Mother didn't expect was that this girl was still at the forefront of the news, and she dared to discuss state affairs when she came to see her for the first time. "What can you do for the Aijia?"
"Since ancient times, there are three wonderful ways of teaching, the sharp edge of a warrior, the sharp edge of a scribe's pen, and the sharp edge of a debater's tongue.*" Xie Lan'an answered steadily, "The former has the invincible strength of the elite soldiers and cavalry of the Grand Sima, and is driven by the Queen Mother. The ministers are not talented, but I am willing to serve The latter two do their best.”
"So, you also support the Northern Expedition?"
"Yes." Xie Lan'an not only felt that this battle must be fought, but also that it was inevitable. "In the lost land north of the Huai River, our government can only fight for every inch of land and cannot indulge in a truce. As we all know, Beihu started as a nomad. The tribe is good at riding and shooting. Now Zhongzhou has become a racecourse for foreign races, while our country is more peaceful in the south. It seems that both sides are recuperating, but in fact, to the enemy, they are building up their horses and troops day by day, but to our country, they are not training their troops. Things only focus on glitz. One goes down and the other goes up. If things go on like this, the sky in the south will be China's first lunar month, and there will probably be no place to stand."
Empress Dowager Yu's eyes shone brightly, she touched her hands and praised, "Come here, show me your seat to Madam Xie."
Xie Lan'an's face was like snow, without any flattery, and he sat down peacefully on the table.
The Queen Mother looked at her with shining eyes, "As expected of the son of Xie Shizhong, you have such insight. In the past, you only talked about romance and not about the affairs of the world and the country. This is not a sign of dereliction of talent."
The supreme old lady of the country changed her majesty and sighed softly, "Why don't the Ai family think so! The master, the young ministers, and the many clans are talking about our Daxuan. Ever since the late Emperor Long Yu's guest, he opposed Ai's family. There are so many people behind the curtains at home, but if I weren’t in charge, wouldn’t all of these wealthy families be trying to get on my mother-in-law?”
Speaking of this, the Queen Mother glanced down.
"Mrs. Xie also comes from a first-class family. Do you think the Southern Dynasties family should be rectified?"
"Yes." Xie Lan'an took a seat, and his demeanor became calmer. His hands were not sloppy, but his demeanor was the same as that of Xie Yaguan, who was unrivaled in conversation.
When the late emperor was in power, the powerful families regarded the imperial power as nothing. They sealed off mountains and occupied swamps, competed with the country for profit, and raised private soldiers. The number of diners in each family was more than three thousand in Mengchang.
After the young emperor succeeded to the throne, the Empress Dowager Yu took drastic measures and re-employed the Yu family and his in-laws, the He family, to suppress the power of other aristocratic families. She also revised the registration laws several times, ordering the aristocratic families not to close the mountains and swallow up the fields, and the households in the shadows not to exceed the quota. Do not build private gardens arbitrarily, etc.
These rules cannot be said to be useless. After more than ten years, the family has indeed restrained itself.
But the clan system is deeply ingrained after all. Looking at the actions of her fifth uncle, one can see that the family is convinced on the surface but dissatisfied on the inside. They cover up their affairs on the surface, but they still work secretly behind the scenes.
As time goes by, the hidden dangers of having relatives grow up gradually emerge.
The Queen Mother tried her best to suppress the family members, but the two surnames Yu and He were also members of the family. The Queen Mother could be ruthless to Wang Xie Xiwei, but she could not restrain her own people.
She herself showed herself to be frugal all year round, eating less than five plates and always wearing ruffled clothes. However, she could not stand up to the children of her mother's family who used their status as royal relatives to run rampant in Jinling and indulge in extravagance.
Not to mention the distance, let’s just say that the gorgeous chariot that Yu Luo Shen rode in was far beyond the concubine’s etiquette.
Of course, having said that, the young emperor is now sixteen years old, but there are only a few beauties in the harem, so there are no concubines.
The Queen Mother was not in a hurry to choose a daughter from a well-established family for her son to occupy the middle palace. Instead, she was eager to find a wife with a strong family background for her nephew.
Xie Lanan put the plain porcelain cup to his lips and took a leisurely sip of imperial tea. Since ancient times, examples of concubines regenting the country have been rare and difficult. Empress Dowager Yu’s ambitions are not small, and her skills are not ruthless. However, if she cannot reveal her selfishness and allows her relatives to form cliques, she will not only be unpopular in her previous life, but also be criticized. The oppressive family held a grudge, so Chu Qingyuan, a humble warrior, found an opening and defeated him with one blow.
"The Queen Mother," she put down the tea cup, and the waves in her eyes disappeared, "I'm sorry to say it bluntly, but only by leading by example can the master bring peace to the family and bring peace to the world. It is also the right thing to restrain the family."
Qin Wei heard her sarcastic remonstrance, was stunned for a moment, and scolded: "Presumptuous!"
Queen Mother Yu narrowed her eyes, but what shocked her was the word "Ming Zhu" in Xie Lanan's mouth.
Xie Lan'an stood up slowly, but did not bow. His posture was like a pine tree and a bamboo, "When a holy king governs the world, he must put the public first, and the public will bring peace to the world. * This is what I thought in my heart, so I said this, and the world can learn from it."
The Queen Mother waved her hand towards Qin Wei, looking at Xie Lanan's young Yanye face, there was even a smile on her lips, "Well, if not, she would not be Xie Lanan."
In fact, their predicaments are quite similar. The Queen Mother thought in her heart: This woman is talented and talented, but she is still trapped by her family and secular etiquette. The Ai family seems to have the highest status, so why not be restricted by the family and national laws?
It's easy to say that it's easy to control the tribe. She herself is willing to save some daily expenses for the treasury, but if she wants to employ people, how can she chill the hearts of her confidants?
"Are you sure you can convince the courtiers to agree to the Northern Expedition?"
The Queen Mother changed the topic and gently touched on Xie Lanan's advice just now, pretending that she had never heard it.
Xie Lan'an also laughed it off, and the aura of indifference between his brows inadvertently escaped, "I am willing to share my worries for my queen."
"Very good, the Ai family has not misjudged the person." Empress Dowager Yu dropped the winter jasmine flower that had been separated from its roots and had curled petals, wrapped the silk around it, and said with emotion: "It has been a long time since anyone has talked so freely with the Ai family. Your words are not restrained, but your intentions are sincere, and the Ai family understands. Well, when I hear that your birthday is coming, the Ai family will throw a lively long-night banquet for you, which can make up for the regret of the spring banquet."
Xie Lanan glanced at the beaded curtain that separated the inner hall from the corner of his eye, tapped the jade belt under his sleeve with his fingers, and smiled obediently: "This is a gift from you, I dare not say goodbye. Thank you, the Queen Mother, for your love."
Her birthday was in early April, and the Queen Mother even found out about it.
The banquet held in the name of the Queen Mother, not to mention the honor and favor, seemed to be a favor, but it was also used to tell Jinling that she, Xie Lanan, would be the Queen Mother's from now on.
Give her a way out, but also cut off her retreat.
The Queen Mother was satisfied that she knew what she was interested in and didn't refuse. Then she remembered something: "You are a girl and it is impossible to go out without a capable person by your side. The Ai family will send you the generals from the Xiaoqi Camp to protect your safety."
Xie Lanan's smile became more and more appropriate, "Thank you, Queen Mother, for your love."
After talking, Xie Lan'an resigned and was about to leave the palace. Queen Mother Yu, who had been watching her back, suddenly said: "Hanling, do you know where the Ai family's lifelong aspirations are?"
Xie Lanan stopped, the high sun outside the threshold filled her clothes, and the golden light pecked at the head of the jade hairpin, as if the hairpin in her hair was a light hairpin infused with golden crow essence, shining brightly, and could not be looked at for a long time.
She turned around, her sleeves fluttered up, she clasped her hands and replied with a few words.
Until she left Changxin Palace, Queen Mother Yu's eyes were as bright as a girl's.
"aunt!"
The beaded water curtain next to the screen squeaked, and Yu Luo Shen, who had a snake bun on his head, stepped out.
She asked incomprehensively: "Why give her such special favor? She is just a desperate lost dog. Who dares to support her except my aunt? Her tone is not small. She is going to the Northern Expedition and insinuating that her aunt should be cured. She is guilty of disrespect!"
The Queen Mother smiled and said, as she said before, Xie Lan'an is the one who loves and dislikes.
If she followed the example of those outside who were so charming, the Queen Mother would doubt Xie Lanan's surrender.
Turning her eyes to Yu Luo Shen, the Queen Mother looked kindly, patted her niece's back gently and asked her to sit next to her, and ordered the palace servants to bring freshly made fruit cakes.
"I heard that when you entered the palace, you blocked someone's car and they let you go?"
Yu Luoshen raised his slender chin proudly, "How dare she not let me!"
Aunt Qinwei understood the Queen Mother's thoughts and said, "Knowing what is hidden and what is revealed, she is a smart person after all."
Empress Dowager Yu nodded, but Yu Luo Shen frowned. He was just a common man who acted according to the wind. Why didn't she see that this Xibei guy still had some integrity now? Who dared to be so arrogant? How could he be worthy of praise?
Danfeng, a young widow who took pleasure in extravagance and licentiousness, rolled her eyes, suddenly took the Queen Mother's arm, and said affectionately: "Aunt, why don't you leave this birthday party to your niece? My niece will definitely organize it in a glorious manner and will not be embarrassed. Aunt’s face.”
The Queen Mother reluctantly nodded at Yu Luo Shen's eyebrows and let her go with such innocuous things.
It's just that she suddenly felt a little pity. Luoshen had been growing up by her side since she was a child. She was spoiled by her. She was very playful and had nothing to do with her in political affairs.
I had never thought about it before. It was probably because of the comparison that I suddenly envied Zhilan Yushu for being born in a different family.
The Queen Mother looked at the light and dark palace door, still recalling the two words left by Xie Lanan.
Since there are heroes in every era, why can't it be me?
Since both the left and the right are me, why can't it be a woman?
·
After leaving Changxin Palace, Xie Lanan politely thanked Eunuch Chonghai for seeing him off, and walked down the white marble steps alone.
After stepping out of the palace gate, she fluttered her sleeves and put away her full set of singing, chanting, and fighting skills.
As soon as the elegant and graceful body was loosened, it revealed a hint of contempt for the world.
If you want to clean up the old mountains and rivers, you must repair your military equipment; if you want the national strength to support the needs of the war, you must not stabilize the internal affairs; if you want stability, you must bring order to the chaos and restore the Qing Dynasty; if you want to reform and establish new laws, today's ninth-rank official law Official appointments are only based on family background, which has blocked talents for a long time. The establishment of Qiaojun to issue preferential treatment to aristocratic families has become outdated even earlier; there are also selfish desires within the clan, and struggles between factions...
Where can a few words be enough to convince a superior to make a painful decision?
Xie Lan'an already knew this result before she spoke, but she did not delay what she said in front of the Queen Mother. Every word she said was true.
The advantage of only telling the truth is that she herself feels that her sincerity in speaking out is really resounding.
Walking to the Yonglu outside Zhongshu Province, Xie Lanan unexpectedly saw Xi Fu again.
To be honest, with a face that can hurt people from frostbite, he is very unqualified to be a doctor in the Secret Palace. He should be a Lingren who can hold ice.
Xie Lan'an spoke before Xi Fu: "I know you are not waiting for me specially. I thought you were passing by here after meeting your brother on official business."
Xi Fu was robbed, and his forehead tendons were faintly blue.
You're right, he was worried that Xie Lan'an would be made things difficult for County Lord Yu and manipulated by the Queen Mother, so he was waiting for the only way for her to leave the palace - people only recognized Wen Liangyu as their lifelong best friend, and they played the piano and the flute. So unhappy, it’s none of his business!
Xi Fu tossed his sleeves and left.
In the direction opposite to him, there were several little eunuchs who looked like they were walking in front of the imperial court. They were holding brooms and raking the imperial path with no fallen flowers at all.
Xie Lanan saw it in his eyes and raised the corners of his lips slightly.
