Page 42
If it was the Beijing Prince's Mansion in the past, Emperor Yongkang would indeed have been concerned about it, but the Beijing Prince's Mansion today has been stripped of its branches and its power is not as great as before. Although the Xue family, the Jia family, and the Wang family are related, they are outsiders after all. There is nothing wrong with the Xue family itself, and it does not have much to do with it.
After thinking about it carefully, Shui Rong is indeed a wise man. Maybe the matter of the arranged marriage
While Emperor Yongkang was pondering over this, a eunuch came in and reported, "Your Majesty, Ms. Jia from Shou'an Palace is outside the palace asking to see you."
Emperor Yongkang couldn't help but raise his eyebrows when he heard this. It was really a coincidence that someone came just when he had shown some signs of success.
After thinking for a moment, Emperor Yongkang did not rush to respond to Shui Rong, but waved his hand and said, "Announce."
Soon, Yuanchun, wearing a palace skirt, came in and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you. May your Majesty be blessed with good health."
Shui Rong glanced at Jia Yuanchun and could describe her in four words: graceful and charming. He had only been to the palace a few times, but almost every time he was in the palace, he was involved with Ms. Jia. It seemed like they had a connection.
Bah, why think too much? It's just a coincidence.
Emperor Yongkang naturally noticed Shui Rong's gaze. He still remembered the last time he saw the two of them walking on the corridor. He wanted to test Shui Rong's response, so he said with a smile: "Little Sixteen, although I allow you to choose a princess, I think there is a woman who is suitable for you. I wonder if you are willing."
Shui Rong was startled when he heard this. Did Emperor Yongkang intend to grant him a marriage? What a joke. Who knows what is involved? He didn't want to be tainted by the filth. Besides, it's better for him to choose his own wife. This was something that Emperor Yongkang had already agreed to.
Thinking of this, Shui Rong bowed and said, "I appreciate your kindness, brother, but I just want to find someone to live with for the rest of my life."
Spend the rest of your life together, this means you want to live the second half of your life in peace!
Emperor Yongkang raised his lips slightly, and said with a hint of meaning: "Little Sixteen, if you are in a hurry to refuse, who knows if the person I choose for you will suit your heart."
Shui Rong frowned when he heard this. Seeing Emperor Yongkang's attitude, it seemed that he had some intentions. After thinking for a moment, Shui Rong thought that he should first listen to the candidate that Emperor Yongkang picked before making any plans. At least he could show that he had no disrespectful attitude before finding faults and politely refusing. So he asked, "Which girl did my brother choose?"
Emperor Yongkang looked at Yuanchun who was standing by and said in a deep voice, "How about this Miss Jia?"
Shui Rong's pupils shrank when he heard this. Asking him to marry Jia Yuanchun, what a joke! He still remembered that he was beaten up for just speaking a few words to Jia Yuanchun in the corridor last time. How could he take the initiative to grant the marriage now?
Could it be that he aroused Emperor Yongkang's suspicion because he wanted to marry the daughter of the Xue family?
After pondering for a while, Shui Rong guessed that this was probably the case, otherwise Emperor Yongkang would not have been so abnormal. However, the Xue family is only an imperial merchant now, so why would they be like this? They were really too suspicious.
At this time, not only Shui Rong was shocked, but Jia Yuanchun was also stunned. She just came here to tell the story of the imperial concubine, so why did she suddenly propose marriage to her?
Jia Yuanchun couldn't help but glance at Shui Rong, who was tall, elegant, and had a handsome face. For a moment, Yuanchun couldn't help but think of that time when the unruly autumn wind blew. She clenched the pomegranate flower embroidered handkerchief in her hand, lowered her eyes and said nothing.
Emperor Yongkang saw Shui Rong's expression, and the corners of his mouth curled up. He knew that Shui Rong understood the deep meaning, and he was very satisfied with this reaction, so his eyes gradually became playful, and he asked again: "Little Sixteen, is there anything wrong with Ms. Jia?"
Shui Rong came to his senses and realized that this was a test from Emperor Yongkang. The origin of the Jia family must not be mentioned, so Shui Rong avoided the main point and said, "My royal brother, please don't joke. This Miss Jia is much older than me, so she is suitable."
Emperor Yongkang didn't take it seriously and said calmly, "You are sixteen this year, right? Ms. Jia seems to be only four years older than you. It doesn't matter. Besides, it's better if she is older, so it will be more convenient for her to take care of you."
It was common to have an "old wife and young husband" in the Daqian Dynasty. Just as Emperor Yongkang said, older men could take better care of the girls, and this trend was quite popular at that time. However, in recent years, most people prefer young and energetic girls, so the number of "old wives and young husbands" has decreased a lot, but it still exists.
Shui Rong frowned upon hearing this, and continued to evade the main point, saying: "Ms. Jia is too plump, and I really don't like her."
The Daqian Dynasty regarded "slenderness" as beauty, and emphasized the swaying of willows in the wind. Yuanchun's figure was indeed a bit plump, which did not conform to the aesthetic standards of contemporary people.
However, Shui Rong felt that Yuanchun was the type with a plump figure and voluptuous appearance, which was just right for the role, but he was just nitpicking and naturally would not say it directly.
Emperor Yongkang naturally knew that this was Shui Rong's excuse. How could he miss someone who could enter the palace as a female historian and even be intended to accompany the king? So Emperor Yongkang said in a clear voice: "Not bad, I think she is quite as beautiful as Concubine Yang."
Shui Rong couldn't help but raise his eyebrows when he heard this. Repeated probing was a bit too much, but the other party was the emperor, so Shui Rong had to find another excuse: "I'm afraid my mother is unhappy."
Emperor Yongkang couldn't help laughing when he heard this. First it was his age, then his body shape, and now it was his parents' order. It seemed that Shui Rong really didn't want to have anything to do with the Rongguo Mansion. His attitude satisfied him very much, so he waved his hand and said, "It doesn't matter. I will grant the marriage, and Concubine Beijing will not say much."
No matter how important the orders of parents are, they are not greater than those of the king and father.
Shui Rong was completely speechless at this moment. Was Emperor Yongkang addicted to testing him? Thinking of this, Shui Rong simply ignored it and said against his will: "In my opinion, Ms. Jia is ugly and not charming. I am very disgusted with her. I hope my brother will understand."
Emperor Yongkang was stunned when he heard this, but he couldn't help laughing when he looked at Yuanchun's elegant face. Shui Rong was really bold to say that. He wouldn't have said such a thing even with his eyes closed.
Yuanchun, who was standing by, felt sad when she heard what Prince Beijing said. Being old means being old and ugly, being too plump means being fat, and being "ugly and not charming" means being ugly. In short, she is old, fat and ugly.
Thinking of this, Jia Yuanchun's eyes sparkled and she felt aggrieved. Even if he didn't like her, why should she be humiliated like this?
Shui Rong looked calm upon seeing this, but he felt embarrassed in his heart. It was indeed too much to humiliate a girl in front of the emperor. If one was of a fragile mind, he would probably feel ashamed to face others and would want to commit suicide.
But there's nothing you can do about it. If you want to blame someone, blame your future husband for going crazy today.
"My husband has passed away and I have returned." After thinking about it carefully, Shui Rong felt relieved.
Emperor Yongkang looked at Shui Rong and was more and more satisfied with his stern rejection. After thinking for a moment, he made the decision, "Little Sixteen, I have made the decision on this matter. I will issue an edict to grant you a marriage with Ms. Jia."
Shui Rong was shocked when he heard this. Wasn't it a test from the emperor to issue an imperial decree to grant the marriage? He thought that everything would be fine if he rejected it sternly, so why did he grant the marriage?
Chapter 70 Yuanchun: The prince must be making excuses
Shouan Palace, Chunxi Palace.
The old concubine looked at Jia Yuanchun, who was standing respectfully in the hall, with complicated eyes. She had heard that Emperor Yongkang was going to issue an edict to grant a marriage between Shui Rong and Jia Yuanchun. She had never expected that Yuanchun would have such good fortune.
After a moment's silence, the old concubine said, "Yuanchun, since the emperor has granted you grace, you should pack up and prepare to leave the palace!!!"
Generally speaking, when the emperor grants a marriage, all that is required is to plan the wedding. However, since Jia Yuanchun was born in the Jia family, Emperor Yongkang still had to treat her specially. This was also a way to control his ministers.
"Yes."
Yuanchun Fuli responded with inexplicably complicated feelings in her heart. She was naturally happy to be able to leave this cannibalistic palace. She originally thought that she would have to waste her whole life in the palace, but she never expected that she would be out of this cage in the blink of an eye. How could she not be happy.
After being happy, Yuanchun thought of the situation in the Qianqing Palace and felt melancholy again. The Prince of Beijing despised Yu very much. If it weren't for the emperor's decree, how could the Prince of Beijing agree to marry him in the future?
However, Yuanchun was not a stupid person, and he figured it out afterward. He was afraid that it was the excuse of the Prince of Beijing at that time. It was just that he was not "ugly", but his plumpness and age were indisputable facts, which would inevitably make him feel sad. Some concerns.
The old concubine looked at Yuanchun, thinking that Yuanchun was happy and melancholy about returning home. She also understood in her heart. She had lived in the palace for a long time and naturally knew what the palace was. The backyard of the palace was full of intrigue and deception. If you were not careful, you might lose everything. Even if you were granted a gift, it still depended on the emperor's favor. Otherwise, you would just waste your time and die in the palace.
Precisely because she knew this, the old concubine did not arrange for a woman from the Zhen family to serve in the palace. She also knew what Yuanchun was thinking. However, even though she knew it, being a woman could not have her wishes. Since the Jia family was willing to send Yuanchun to the palace, the old concubine would not say much.
After a moment's silence, the old concubine said with some reluctance: "You have been serving in the palace for quite a few years. Now that you are gone, I feel a little disappointed."
Yuanchun was also touched when she heard this. Her bright almond eyes were filled with mist. She knelt on the ground and said in a clear voice: "Since entering the palace, Yuanchun has been blessed by the Royal Concubine. I will keep it in mind in the future."
Being in the harem, Yuanchun had to be careful at every step, as any carelessness would lead to disaster. Fortunately, she had the protection of the old concubine dowager, so Yuanchun was able to live in peace. It is not wrong to say that the old concubine dowager was indebted to Yuanchun.
The old concubine dowager couldn't help but feel relieved when she saw this, and her eyes towards Yuanchun gradually softened. Yuanchun was from the Rongguo Mansion, and now she was about to become the princess of the Beijing Palace. Her popularity was no longer the same. Although the old concubine did not need her, it was a good thing for the Zhen family.
Speaking of the Zhen family, the old empress dowager thought of Zhen Hua. Originally, the old empress dowager wanted Zhen Hua to become the Princess of Beijing, but Shui Rong insisted not to do so.
Zhen Hua was sent back to Jiangnan not long after she was brought into the palace. Now her marriage has not been decided yet, so the old concubine still has to consider some things.
"Yuanchun, the eldest son of the Ningguo Mansion has reached the age for marriage, right?"
Yuanchun was stunned when she heard this. She didn't expect the old concubine to suddenly bring up this matter. She had been away from home for several years and didn't know much about the Jia family's affairs. But according to her calculations, Jia Rong from the Ningguo Mansion was indeed of marriageable age. Thinking of this, Yuanchun replied honestly: "My dear Empress Bing, I don't know the specific situation, but it should be close."
The old concubine thought about it and said kindly, "You have seen Hua'er. She is pretty and has reached the age of looking for a wife. After looking at the children of the noble families in the capital, I am very satisfied with your Jia family. If you think they are suitable, I will let them come to the capital to visit the Jia Mansion and see if I like them."
Yuanchun understood what the old concubine wanted to arrange a matchmaking.
The Zhen family originally planned to let Zhen Hua marry into the Beijing Prince's Mansion, but things did not go as planned. Zhen Hua was not liked by Beijing Prince. Now it seems that not only does he dislike Zhen Hua, she is also despised. If it were not for His Majesty's arrangement of the marriage, this would not have been the case.
"The Imperial Concubine has spoken. This is an honor for the Jia family. Yuanchun will inform her grandmother and cousin when she returns home."
Yuanchun didn't care about the old empress dowager's behavior, because this was the fate of women from large families. They all contributed to the family. As long as the benefits were appropriate, other things would not be a problem.
However, although the imperial concubine was the matchmaker, the marriage was not decided by Yuanchun, and the person in charge of the Jia family had to be informed.
The old concubine naturally knew about it, but according to her guess, it should be not bad. It is also a good thing to marry the eldest son of the Ningguo Mansion. Thinking of this, the old concubine waved her hand and said, "Okay, you haven't seen your family for a few years. I'm sure you are also very anxious. Pack up and leave the palace!"
Upon hearing this, Yuanchun bowed and immediately left. After leaving the palace, Yuanchun put aside the things that had made her feel despised, and a cheerful smile spread across her pretty face. Just as the old concubine said, she was already extremely worried. Her grandmother, father, mother, and her younger brother, Yuanchun wished she could grow a pair of wings and fly over...
Yuanchun took off her palace skirt and changed into a simple white long brocade dress. Although she was not wearing any makeup, she had an extraordinary temperament. After bidding farewell to the old empress dowager, she got on a carriage and drove out of the palace.
In the carriage, Yuanchun lifted the curtain and looked at the red wall that was gradually moving away, feeling lost. Opposite her sat Yuanchun's maid Baoqin, who was holding a seven-stringed harp made of old fir wood. She had her hair tied in a double bun, and under her small and delicate nose were cherry lips. Her round face with delicate features made her look very cute.
"Girl, isn't it a good thing to be able to leave the palace? What happened?"
Baoqin was originally a maid in the Jia family. She had been serving Yuanchun since she was a child. When Yuanchun entered the palace, she followed her. Baoqin obviously understood Yuanchun. In private, Yuanchun had also complained to her about the hardships of the palace. Now that she has left the palace, Yuanchun should be happy. Why is she so melancholy for no reason?
Yuanchun retracted her absent-minded gaze, stared at Baoqin, sighed, and said softly: "It's nothing, I just felt a little sentimental for a moment..."
Although Yuanchun didn't want to stay in the palace for long, she had been there for several years after all. Once she left, she couldn't help feeling a little empty.
Baoqin understood what was said. Yuanchun had accepted her fate since entering the palace and thought she would stay there for the rest of her life. She never expected this to happen. It was because her mentality had not changed and she was not reluctant to leave the palace.
She smiled and said, "Miss, you are overthinking. Instead of thinking about these things, you might as well think about the prince. I have heard that the prince is not only a rare talent, but also very handsome. I think this is your blessing."
Yuanchun was not happy to hear this, as it was still uncertain whether it was a blessing or not.
Baoqin saw her daughter's worried look and couldn't help wondering, "Girl, isn't this a good thing? Could it be that what the prince said about his appearance was wrong?"
Yuanchun shook her head. The prince's words of disgust lingered in her ears and could not be shaken off. However, when she thought about it carefully, she realized that they were probably just excuses.
She thought of Shui Rong's appearance in her mind, with a face as handsome as a jade and long eyebrows like willows. He looked like an immortal banished from the world. This must be her future husband, and she couldn't help but fantasize about him.
Baoqin couldn't help laughing when she saw Yuanchun's beautiful eyes and smiling cheeks.
After hearing this, Yuanchun's pretty face burned hot. She glared at Baoqin with her sparkling almond eyes and cursed, "Damn you little girl, how dare you laugh at me? I must teach you a lesson."
As she spoke, Yuanchun reached out her hand to Baoqin's soft flesh. Baoqin did not sit still and wait for death. She put down her lyre and fought back. The two of them played and joked, feeling very relaxed and at ease. The cheerful voices faded away with the carriage away from this luxurious palace.
Chapter 71 The Miss Returns Home
In the Rongguo Mansion, Rongxi Hall.
When Yuanchun returned home, Mrs. Wang was talking to her. At that moment, Grandmother Jia came over supported by her maid. For a moment, the hall was filled with tears.
After a while, Jia's mother, who had recovered from her shock, asked, "Big girl, why did you come back from the palace?"
According to the rules, palace maids are not allowed to leave the palace. Yuanchun suddenly left the palace without any prior notice, which made Grandmother Jia think too much.
Mrs. Wang smiled and explained, "Old lady, this is great news. The emperor has issued an order to marry the eldest girl to the Prince of Beijing in the Prince of Beijing's Mansion!"
When Grandmother Jia heard this, she was stunned. The emperor had granted her a marriage, and the person to marry was the prince of Prince Beijing's Mansion. This was beyond her expectations.
"Girl, is this true?" Grandmother Jia asked Yuanchun for confirmation.
Yuanchun nodded and said in a clear voice, "Grandmother, it is true. His Majesty has been so kind that he has allowed his granddaughter to return home first and wait for the imperial decree granting her marriage."
Hearing this, Jia's mother didn't know what to say for a moment. Yuanchun entered the palace because the Jia family was declining, so they thought of letting Yuanchun enter the palace as the hope for the family's revival. Yuanchun had no news for several years after entering the palace, which made Jia's mother and others give up the idea. Who would have thought that Yuanchun did not serve the king, but instead asked the emperor to grant her a marriage.
As Yuanchun's second wife, it is a great thing to be able to marry into the Beijing Prince's Mansion. You should know that the Beijing Prince's Mansion itself has a transcendent status, and the Jia family can also play a supporting role by marrying into the Beijing Prince's Mansion. Thinking of this, Jia's mother said with satisfaction: "Great, this is a great grace from the palace."
Yuanchun wiped the tears from her eyes with a handkerchief, then bowed respectfully and said, "Granddaughter greets the old ancestor."
Grandmother Jia looked at the graceful Yuanchun in front of her with great satisfaction. Her old eyes could not help but become cloudy. All of a sudden, the hall was filled with tears again.
"Ouch, what happened?"
At this moment, a delicate voice came from outside the hall, and a group of wives and maids surrounded a person who came in from the back door. The person was wearing an autumn-style sable and Zhaojun suit, a pearl belt, a peach-pink flowered jacket, a dark blue silk grey mouse cloak, and a bright red crepe and silver mouse skin skirt, and was very bright and gorgeous.
When Grandmother Jia saw the person coming, she wiped her tears and smiled as she explained to Yuanchun, who looked suspicious, "Girl, not long after you entered the palace, Lian'er got married. This is your sister-in-law Lian, a well-known ruffian in our family. In the southern provinces, she is called 'Lazi'. You can just call her 'Feng Lazi'."