The Qinhuai River is like a long silk, flowing quietly from Changle Bridge in the east of Jinling City to Zhenhuai Bridge in the south of the city. It nourishes the luxuriant grass and stimulates the vitality of the capital all year round. If Jinling is compared to a young girl, the Qinhuai River is the ribbon floating around the girl's waist; if Jinling is compared to a stalwart man, then the Qinhuai River is the strongest blood vessel in the man's body. This quiet and meandering river has long become the veins in the hearts of Jinling people.
There are many charming wine shops and teahouses along the Qinhuai River, which are very close to government offices such as the Si Yamen and the Imperial College. Therefore, many people who eat royal food often hang out here. Whether they are wearing official uniforms or armor, it has long been commonplace for the people around them. . The waiters here even feel superior to others because they often see many high-ranking officials. If there are any anecdotes in the city, they almost always come from their mouths.
In the east of the city, where you can enjoy the beauty of the Qinhuai River, one of the largest residences here is the residence of Zhou Zong, the founding minister of the country.
A month ago, Zhou Zong had reported his family affairs to the emperor and requested to return to the capital. Today he just returned from the Eastern Capital. After stepping into the mansion, he saw the evasive and fearful looks of the maids and servants. Zhou Zong did not take it seriously, and then he heard from a distance that someone was furious in the inner hall, which seemed to be the voice of his step-brother Xu.
In his early years, Zhou Zong had another wife, Mrs. Zhu, who shared the joys and sorrows and supported each other. Sixteen years ago, the founding monarch of the Southern Tang Dynasty, Li Min, who was still called Xu Zhigao at the time, finally took full control of the military and political power of Yang Wu and became the king of Qi. Zhou Zong, who was loyal to his master, naturally became more prosperous and began to be entrusted with important positions. Unexpectedly, three months later, his first wife Zhu passed away suddenly.
After learning that Zhou Zong had lost his beloved wife, Xu Zhigao (Li Min) took the initiative and married a virtuous woman from the Xu family to Zhou Zong as his stepmother. As a result, Zhou Zong also became closer to the later Emperor Liezu, until he entered the court to worship the prime minister and took control of the power of salt and iron in the Southern Tang Dynasty, which was unparalleled for a while. After ten years of operation, Zhou Zong's family has become one of the richest families in Huainan.
The only shortcoming of this enviable family is that its population is declining. Zhou Zong is now over sixty years old, but he only has two daughters. The eldest daughter Zhou Xian, nicknamed Ehuang, will be seventeen after the Chinese New Year, while the younger daughter is less than two years old and has not yet been named, and is still crying for food.
So now, in addition to the head of the family, Zhou Zong, the eldest daughter Zhou Ehuang and Xu Xian are the directors of this family.
Although Mrs. Xu comes from a wealthy family, she is not an arrogant and mean person. She is knowledgeable and courteous, and has always been kind to others. She just manages the family affairs diligently and does not have many independent opinions.
But today, she was uncharacteristically sitting in the inner hall with a sullen face.
"I never thought that our grand Zhou family would be so famous in Jinling today!" Mrs. Xu seemed to be very angry. She pressed her chest tightly while taking the tea soup sent by the maid and sipping it from time to time.
At this time, Emperor Zhou E also stood timidly by the side, not sitting down, and not daring to look into his mother's eyes. He just bit his red lips and let tears linger in his eyes.
Zhou Zong staggered in. Seeing this, the wrinkles on his face seemed to be a little deeper. Just as he was about to go over and say some words of comfort, he saw Mrs. Xu shouting at him again: "Oh my God! He's back! Ehuang's Is this the idea of the marriage? Although Li Lang was born in the mountains, he has received your majesty's favor and your appreciation. I thought he was worthy of our Zhou family.
But I never thought he was a lecherous maniac! I have never married a wife, but I openly ask you to take a concubine? Nowadays, everyone in the entire Jinling City is talking about this matter. What's more, they even fabricated the fault of the eldest sister, saying that the eldest sister... That's all. I really can't say it. In short, from now on, I will be around... Where can I put my family’s face? "
"Mom, this is my daughter's wish. No matter what Li Lang plans, my daughter firmly believes that he has his own reasons! Don't be angry again..." Zhou Ehuang's eyes were full of tears, and the makeup on his hazy little face was already stained. The chaos caused Qiu'er to bite her lips tightly, distressed and at the same time she seemed to feel unfair for her own young lady.
Looking up, he saw a dozen boxes of various sizes placed in the hall, some of which were still open. The gold, jade and jewelry contained in them were so dazzling that people couldn't open their eyes. Zhou Zong immediately deduced that the mother-in-law was preparing her dowry. , and listened to some criticisms from the market, which led to today's situation.
Zhou Zong's face was gloomy, and he slowly came forward and took a seat. In his heart, although Li Yuan gave him an explanation for concubinage that day, and the wording was very sincere, he softened for a moment inexplicably and did not care too much, but in the final analysis, Emperor Zhou E was his biological daughter, and Li Yuan Her actions that day had already had an impact on her, on herself, and even on the reputation of the entire Zhou family.
After Li Yuan and his party left the Eastern Capital, he hesitated and even felt a little regretful that he had betrothed Emperor Zhou E to Li Yuan too early. But he had already seen some signs from the letters and the mouths of the servants in the mansion. His love for this inconspicuous daughter began to grow after she accidentally bought her own house from Li Yuan. In fact, since Li Yuan proposed to take a concubine, Zhou Zong ordered people to quickly send a letter back to Beijing to inform Emperor Zhou E, but Emperor Zhou E did not show any intention of regretting the marriage, and the wording of the reply was still firm as before.
Zhou Zong had always doted on his daughter, and he could only hope in his heart that Li Yuan would not let down his daughter's affection in the future. In any case, Li Yuan's ambition and talent should not be underestimated. He has been writing frequently recently and even has a bold plan to form a private army.
Zhou Zong was concerned about his family and the country, so he decided to help Li Yuan. In addition to expressing his kindness to Li Yuan to consolidate his daughter's future status, he also wanted to do it for the Tang Dynasty. After all, the King of Yan behind him Your Highness, you agree very much with Li Yuan's speculation about the Northern Kingdom going south. Recently, you have even expressed your great appreciation for Li Yuan.
Thinking of this, Zhou Zong let out a long sigh and persuaded Mrs. Xu: "Li Yuan has promised me that he will never take concubines before marrying a wife. After that, even if he takes concubines, it will be based on the wishes of Emperor E. Madam. , don’t be angry again! After all, you understand what Emperor E is thinking!"
After not seeing each other for many days, Mrs. Xu saw that Zhou Zong's face seemed to be a little older. She stared at it for a moment, relaxed a little and said: "I am not an unreasonable barbarian woman, but what Li Lang did is really irritating. Regardless of him, I am not an unreasonable woman." There are many reasons that have damaged our family’s reputation, right?”
Then he lowered his voice and frowned: "Sister, since you and your father both like this Li Lang, and the marriage has been decided, it's hard to say anything back, so mother won't say much! But, after you enter the Li family , you need to work hard to give birth, so that everyone in Jinling can see, sister, you are not what they say you are!"
Not only Zhou Zong was confused by these words, but Zhou Ehuang was also confused. He wiped the corners of his eyes and asked: "Mother, how can my daughter work hard? What does this mean?"
Mrs. Xu rolled her eyes at the confused father and daughter in annoyance, and said in a low voice: "Alas! The matter of Li Lang taking a concubine has caused an uproar in the city of Jinling. The world will think that it is you, the eldest sister, who is so unsatisfied! Do you understand? Sister, you are my eldest daughter. Jinling City is famous for its lovely people. How could you lose to those vulgar fans? You are still young and don’t understand the secrets. Mother will not talk to you again until you get married. To elaborate..."
Qiu'er couldn't help laughing as Qiu'er made a "puff" sound. Then Zhou Ehuang was confused for a moment, and then he understood and immediately blushed with embarrassment. He turned around and kept squeezing his palms.
Zhou Zong was not yet old and confused. He immediately laughed a few times and thought inexplicably that his wife might really understand these mysteries. Otherwise, at his age, how could a little girl be born a year or two ago? ?
The atmosphere in the inner hall finally eased a lot as Emperor Zhou E burst into tears and laughed, and Zhou Zong and his wife felt relieved.
Seeing Zhou Zong and the Xu family begin to seriously discuss their dowry, how to match it, and how to make it rich, Emperor Zhou E seemed to be in a much better mood. She is not a person who is sad about spring and autumn. She has been accompanied by poems and books on the piano since she was a child. She is good at singing and dancing, and has longing and fantasy for her future. She couldn't tell the reason for her love for Li Yuan. Was it because he was attracted by his appearance, his talent, or because of his hot and promising future?
Zhou Ehuang was born to be strong, but she also knew how to behave. In fact, she was really depressed about Li Yuan's concubine for a few days, so she stopped thinking about it. The love poems written by Li Yuan in recent days had already been deeply imprinted in her mind. , which made her originally confident even more determined. No other woman could take away her position.
But since she is sure that Li Yuan is her man, in addition to being single-minded from now on, she should also understand some principles of women obeying their husbands. The advice given by her mother Xu just now may be reliable...
She also understood that since her father, who was once a powerful figure in the political arena of the Southern Tang Dynasty, agreed with Li Yuan so much, it further proved that her vision was extremely correct.
"After all, I am your real wife." With his long eyelashes blinking, Zhou Ehuang whispered softly, and his slightly hot cheeks revealed a shallow pear dimple.
