A Thousand Hills

Chapter 369

The marriage between Princess Duanning and Uncle Zhongyong was announced by Emperor Zhaoming after Qiushou returned to the imperial capital.

This gift of marriage shocked the entire imperial capital.

Everyone thought that Uncle Zhongyong wanted to imitate his teacher Li Jiujiang and Li Shangshu, and he would be a bachelor all his life, but in the end, he was so secretive. It turned out that he was single for the sake of Shangzhu.

Saying this is pure jealousy.

In fact, even Uncle Zhongyong didn't know that Emperor Zhaoming had the intention of asking him to honor the Lord until Emperor Zhaoming mentioned the matter of honoring the Lord.Even Uncle Zhongyong, who had been the riding and archery master for Princess Duanning for more than a month, didn't know about it, let alone the others.

The main reason is that although Uncle Zhongyong is a high-ranking nobleman, he is indeed a top-notch weirdo in the imperial capital.

Yes, it's weird.

Uncle Zhongyong has such a high status, and he was knighted for his military exploits. Although he is young, he really has no other hobbies other than working as an errand.There are also some contacts between him and his colleagues, but that's all.

In the eyes of the nobles in the imperial capital, Uncle Zhongyong is a somewhat withdrawn person.

However, it is undeniable that Uncle Zhongyong holds great power.

It is such a person who should be a popular candidate in the marriage market.His senior brother Xiao Tang also ranked him on the list of the top ten golden bachelors in the imperial capital, especially Gao Juexian, the loyal and brave official, who looks pretty good himself.

However, Uncle Zhongyong is still a bachelor until now.

It's not that the matchmakers in the imperial capital can't see Uncle Zhongyong, it's true that Uncle Zhongyong is involved in this marriage, um, there are some misunderstandings.First of all, Uncle Zhongyong had a reputation for massacring cities when he fought, and it is said that he killed people like hemp.Of course, there are no immortals in war.In war, either you die or I die.The massacre of the city is easy to explain, and many powerful families also expressed their understanding.However, after Uncle Zhongyong was granted the title of Uncle Zhongyong, another incident happened in the imperial capital. Although this incident was proved to be a false accusation, it caused a great hindrance to Uncle Zhongyong's lifelong affairs.

This matter has to be talked about from the time of the first emperor. When the first emperor was in power, he once rewarded Jingjiang's daughter as Uncle Zhongyong's concubine. Later, this woman died not long after, and a descendant of Jingjiang told Uncle Zhongyong to kill him.Of course, the Ministry of Punishment has already checked and said that the death was entirely due to illness, not by Uncle Zhongyong.But Uncle Zhongyong had the reputation of massacring the city before, even though the Ministry of Criminal Justice closed the case and said that he died of illness, not many people would believe it.

Therefore, those who cherish their daughters, even if you are an earl, you can't ask your daughters to come to die.

But for those who value Uncle Zhongyong's official position, Uncle Zhongyong often looks down on him, just like this, Uncle Zhongyong is delayed.

Of course, in addition to the above reasons, there is another rumor that Uncle Zhongyong has a crush on Earl Jiang...

Anyway, there is everything to say.

Fortunately, Uncle Zhongyong still has a forty-five but unmarried master, Li Jiujiang, Li Zijue, and Li Shangshu on his head. Therefore, Uncle Zhongyong, who is just 25 years old, did not feel anything.

Today, it was a happy meeting at the door, Princess Shang Duanning, a loyal and brave Bode.

My God, what an honor this is!
All kinds of suspicions about Uncle Zhongyong in the past have completely disappeared. Whether it is about Uncle Zhongyong's character or about Uncle Zhongyong's private life, everyone agrees that His Majesty the Emperor is willing to marry his only daughter, Princess Duanning, to Uncle Zhongyong. Uncle Zhongyong must be fine.

After all, His Majesty the Emperor's love for Princess Duanning is well known throughout the world.

Uncle Zhongyong was naturally overjoyed here. Xiao Tang yelled three times in shock when he heard about the marriage offer, and said to his father, "Why didn't I think of it. Why didn't I think of it. Why didn't I think of it?" .”

His father, Tang Xiang, said with a smile, "Your Majesty has not given the marriage, even if you guessed it, it's hard to say, otherwise, all the emperors who have yelled about you will know about it."

Xiao Tang said dissatisfiedly, "Who said that? I couldn't be more tight-lipped!" He was very happy for him, Junior Brother Peng, and immediately changed his clothes to congratulate Junior Brother Peng. He is a careful one, go over and look around to see what Junior Brother Peng is lacking, if there is anyone who needs help, make a note of it in your heart, and let me know when the time comes." Xiao Tang himself does not have this vision, and he also wants to support this nephew, he feels This grandnephew is too serious to be lively at all.

Tang Xi responded positively, and followed his little uncle Xiao Tang to Uncle Zhongyong's mansion.

Everyone in Uncle Zhongyong's mansion was very happy, the adults in the family got such a great marriage, the whole family is decent, and when the adults are well, they will have face when they go out.

Uncle Zhongyong himself was also happy, but he was happy again. Uncle Zhongyong still lived his days as an errand-going home-errand, except for being refreshed, there was nothing different.Xiao Tang asked him about his plans to get married, Uncle Zhongyong said honestly, "I don't quite understand." Then he asked Brother Xiao Tang, "Brother, do you understand?"

"Of course I understand!" Xiao Tang said that back then, he had also made a marriage agreement early, but in the end, when the war broke out and his parents were not in the imperial capital, he couldn't get married. He dragged his fiancée into an old girl after several years of delay.In the meantime, how to develop feelings?Xiao Tang had a lot of experience and taught Uncle Zhongyong a set.

Uncle Zhongyong listened carefully, and asked Xiao Tang about how to get married, Xiao Tang was dumbfounded.It was still Tang Xi who said, "My great-uncle and great-grandmother must know about this."

"It's still Ah Xi who has a good brain." Xiao Tang smiled and praised his nephew and grandson, and also thought that women are good at this matter, so he smiled and said to Uncle Zhongyong, "Well, you don't have to worry about this. I will ask your sister-in-law to come and help You prepare."

Uncle Zhongyong thought about it, and things like appointments cannot be done well by just being in charge, so he thanked Senior Brother Xiao Tang sternly.Brother Xiao Tang grinned and said very pleased, "Brother, you can get married, don't talk about such a great marriage, I would be willing to ask me to pay some money. Otherwise, when our master goes out, we always need someone, except for me, there is no normal person." , you and the master, two big bachelors, I don’t know, I thought our master had been cursed by the bachelor.”

Uncle Zhongyong & Tang Xi: What is the Single Curse?

When Xiao Tang went back, he handed over his junior brother Zhongyongbo's marriage to his wife for help. Tie Shi immediately agreed and said with a smile, "Zhongyongbo doesn't have any close people. Master Li is alone there, so let's help."

Xiao Tang said, "You must not wrong the princess."

"I know. Even if there is a deficiency in Uncle Zhongyong's residence, it's okay for us to make up for it." Tie Shi was happy to take care of this matter for Uncle Zhongyong.

Hearing this, Xiao Tang said, "Junior brother Peng is a rich man, and he has a lot of good things in his hands." Alas, thinking about his junior brother's good fortune, this is also the benefit of late marriage.It's just that I don't know where the good fortune of his old bachelor master is.

The couple spoke a few words, and a maid came over and asked Xiao Tang to go to the study, saying that the grandfather was looking for him.Xiao Tang went to his father's place, and Tang Xiang asked him if the Empress Empress Qianqiu's birthday gift was ready.

Now the queen's thousand years are approaching, last year because of the country's filial piety, the emperor's birthday was not held, this year must be held.The Tang family kept making friends with the queen again, so it was natural that they should pay attention to the birthday ceremony.

The father and son looked at the birthday gift once, and then discussed about adding and subtracting, that's all.

The marriage of Princess Duanning directly promoted Uncle Zhongyong to be a popular figure in the circle of power and wealth. At first, Princess Changtai wanted to impress her second son, Princess Shang Duanning, but unfortunately her parents-in-law seemed to have other plans. I have to give up.Today Zhongyongbo Shangzhu, Changtai Changprincess is also very fortunate that she did not speak at first, it is obvious that the emperor and empress did not consider her family.However, Princess Changtai is also a first-class figure in the imperial capital, and in a blink of an eye she appointed Xie's daughter, Xie Si'an, for her second son.

Empress Xie was also very happy to hear about this marriage, and said with a smile, "I watched Si'an grow up, if she married into someone else's family, I would have people ask a lot. It couldn't be better."

Princess Changtai smiled, "I fell in love with Si'an a long time ago, but she was young at first, so it's definitely not easy to mention it. Now that she is a filial piety, if I mention it earlier, I'm afraid of being snatched away. If I don't have a girl, the empress can just rest assured, and I will only treat her as a girl."

Both are happy with the marriage.

The three brothers of Empress Xie, Xie Zhi, Xie Lan, and Xie Yu, also had a smooth recovery. This time, Xie Zhi was directly transferred to the Ministry of Industry as the master, while Xie Lan and Xie Yu planned to be released.In addition, Xie Bo's third son is also out of filial piety, and Xie Chi's three brothers are still young, and what is urgent right now is not an errand, but a marriage.

Princess Yi'an appointed a daughter of the Tang family for the eldest son Xie Chi. This daughter of the Tang family is not the daughter of the fourth concubine Tang who has never been married, but the family of the third princess Shouyang and the eldest princess. girl.This matter is Xie Moru's matchmaker, and the two families are very willing.

Basically, if the queen is a matchmaker, as long as the family is right, she must give the queen this face.

Since the queen was the matchmaker, and both of them were willing, in the end Emperor Zhaoming simply granted the marriage, which seemed decent.

Another reason why Empress Xie introduced this marriage is that General Tang is about to retire.General Tang was a confidant of the first emperor, otherwise he would not be able to serve as a general in the imperial guards.

Now, General Tang is in his seventies, and he has indeed reached the age of becoming an official.

The relationship between this general and Emperor Zhaoming was mediocre. In fact, the general of Tang was not close to the late emperor's sons. Thinking about it, this also belonged to the professional ethics of the general of the imperial guards.When General Tang became official, Xie Moru saw that the girls in his family were also very good, so he introduced them to Princess Yi'an.

After the general of the Tang Dynasty became an official, Li Xuan, the son-in-law of Princess Changtai and Marquis of Yong'an, was promoted to the post of General of the Imperial Guard.

The husband's promotion also alarmed Princess Changtai. Uncle Zhongyong also served in the Imperial Guard. His original job was similar to that of his husband. Now Zhongyong Bo Deshang Princess lost his position as General of the Imperial Guard.The family has not yet been crowned, and her husband was promoted to a general.So much so that Princess Changtai had to sigh with emotion: The emperor and empress are really unpredictable.

Princess Duanning is indeed deeply loved, and she is the only daughter of His Majesty, but it is also true that Princess Duanning and the second prince are siblings.

It can also be seen from the matter of the Great General of the Imperial Guard that His Majesty does not appoint anyone who is related to the prince as a General.

However, the east corner is lost, and the mulberry elm is harvested.

Zhongyong Bode Princess Shang Duanning, Li Xuan was promoted to the General of the Imperial Guard, both of them have their own gains and losses.After all, if Li Xuan wants to serve as the General of the Imperial Guard for a long time, then his political stance must be clear and keep a certain distance from the princes.

The Great General of the Imperial Guard is loyal to His Majesty only.

After Li Xuan was promoted to the rank of General of the Imperial Guard, Empress Xie arrived soon after Qianqiu.

Emperor Zhaoming made a grand plan for the empress, and the palace banquet will last for three days.Empress Xie even got hand cramps when she received the gift, and I don't know if there is something wrong with Empress Xie's birthday or something. Just after Empress Xie's birthday, the Nan'an battle report came.

Emperor Zhaoming immediately summoned the cabinet to discuss, and even the old Marquis of Nan'an, who had served his father as a filial piety, was recalled from the imperial mausoleum to the imperial capital.The old Marquis of Nan'an is really not old, his organization is still clear, he said, "Wait and see, after Mrs. An Guo passed away, I already expected that there would be such a mess, and Marquis of Pingyuan has also prepared for it."

Emperor Zhaoming was very emotional, and said to Empress Xie, "It's weird to say that the country depends on the old minister." The old Marquis of Nan'an is a very reliable person.

"What's even more rare is that the Marquis of Nan'an is stable, and won't force the court to send troops to fight in Nan'an Prefecture if there is a slight movement." Empress Xie said, "Pingyuanhou is not an incompetent person, and he has only been in Nan'an Prefecture for a short time. , if this war can be quelled, Marquis Ping Yuan will be able to establish his prestige in Nan'an Prefecture."

Emperor Zhaoming was also a person who had fought in battles, so he thought it was true, and said, "I wonder if there will be such a leader of the Tu nationality after Mrs. An Guo."

Empress Xie said, "There is no rush for this matter, so we have to be educated from generation to generation."

Emperor Zhaoming nodded and asked the old Marquis of Nan'an to live in the Marquis's Mansion in the city for the time being, instead of going to the imperial mausoleum. Emperor Zhaoming felt that there were many places to consult the Marquis of Nan'an in the war in Nan'an.The old Marquis of Nan'an also agreed.

Emperor Zhaoming was depressed again, and the one who shouldn't have retired early.

In the blink of an eye, it was the Double Ninth Festival, even though there was such a small battle in Nan'an, it didn't affect Empress Xie's mood in any way. Empress Xie preferred to eat crabs. This year, the Chongyang Palace held a feast of appreciating chrysanthemums and eating crabs.

All the princesses, princesses, and princesses attended. Everyone looked at the chrysanthemums, ate crabs, and had a happy day.

As for the war in Nan'an, there is nothing to worry about. If it is so important, can Empress Xie still have the heart to appreciate chrysanthemums and eat crabs?

The dignitaries have always been good at guessing the mood of the superiors from the behavior of the superiors.

Empress Xie also advised Emperor Zhaoming not to be too nervous. Emperor Zhaoming said, "It's better to go to the battlefield in person in the past. I'm not worried. I'm so far away, but I am worried."

Empress Xie smiled and said, "It's all like this, it will be fine slowly."

"I don't think you're worried."

"I was pretending. Everyone knows that I love crabs. In other years, as long as there is nothing to do, there will be a crab banquet. This year is the first year after the filial piety. If I don't hold this banquet, there will be many people." Suspicion." Xie Moru said, "Now that the matter of Nan'an has been announced, His Majesty also knows that the transfer of power has always been like this. If Marquis Pingyuan wants to subdue the Tu people in Nan'an and the Nanyue Kingdom, there must be a battle. What I'm worried about is that Beiliang, Your Majesty, don't forget, the crown prince is still living in our imperial capital. When that Prince Yingwu frees up his hand, he might try to negotiate with me."

Emperor Zhaoming nodded. He had also considered these situations.

Since he dared to take in the crown prince, he was naturally not afraid of Beiliang's attack.

The husband and wife talked about the border war, Xie Moru said, "Princess He Shunchang has been married for a year. I don't know how she is doing in Ximan. Your Majesty would like to order the envoys to go and see the princess. I also have something to bring here. Princess."

In the past two years, Ximan has been quite peaceful, Emperor Zhaoming said, "In the past few years, Ximan has not been like before."

"The king of Ximan is not young anymore." Xie Moru said, "Although Xining Pass has been peaceful these past few years, think about Princess Heshun, who was married back then, and I hope she can stand firm. The customs of Ximan, once the old king After passing away, the new king will inherit all the wives and concubines of the old king."

Emperor Zhaoming also knew about the customs of the Western Man, but he still couldn't help but said, "The strange people say they are barbarians, and they have no moral understanding at all."

"These are still small things. Now that she is married to Princess Heshun, she can gain a foothold in Ximan, and at least there will be no more Princess Heqin in the future. Send envoys there, and we know what Ximan is like now. Ximan I quite know that I value the princess, so naturally I should treat the princess with some courtesy."

Emperor Zhaoming thought for a while, then smiled, "Do you have an excellent envoy candidate?"

"Who? It can't be the second uncle, he still has his filial piety."

"No, Concubine Xie is also in his fifties. Ximan is far away, and I don't trust him to go." Emperor Zhaoming smiled, "Zhao Shiyu. First, the elder brother told me about it, Shiyu, Shiyu. That Yu, it made me feel so numb. Let’s send Zhao Shiyu to Ximan this time, and when he comes back, it’s okay to send him to Big Brother’s side to be a consolation envoy.”

Xie Moru smiled, "Master Zhao has experience in going to Beijing Pass, so he is indeed an excellent candidate."

"During the autumn hunting, he was also good at riding and shooting, and he was considerate and considerate. I can rest assured that I entrust this job to him. It's just that it's cold now, and it's sure to snow in Ximan. It won't be too late to go again in the spring of next year."

The couple discussed and decided on Zhao Shiyu's envoy to Ximan. Emperor Zhaoming also informed Zhao Shiyu to make some preparations in advance.Zhao Shiyu accepted the job very happily. He was a close minister of the late emperor. Now that he ascended the throne, his position in the court will be a bit awkward.Now that there is such a shortage, Zhao Shiyu is happy to make this trip.Anyway, he doesn't have any important missions right now, so he just took advantage of the time before his mission to do his homework, and often went to Princess Yi'an's mansion to ask Mrs. Xie about Ximan affairs.

Zhao Shiyu was able to be by the late emperor's side for many years, and the late emperor used him with ease, which shows that this person is definitely not someone who is easy to take care of.Xie Bo had a good opinion of him after coming and going. Xie Bo gave a lot of advice on Zhao Shiyu's mission to the Western Man, especially the relationship between the various tribes of the Western Man. He also taught Zhao Shiyu to learn some Western Man language.

When Zhao Shiyu took over the mission, it was Emperor Zhaoming's birthday. Empress Xie was born in August, and Emperor Zhaoming's birthday was in October. It was also a grand celebration. At the same time, good news came from Nan'an Prefecture.Marquis Pingyuan quelled the war, but out of the ten tribes of the Tu tribe who were subdued by Mrs. An, only six were left in the war.And these six chieftains of the Tu nationality all presented their sons, saying that they came to the imperial capital to learn the etiquette of the Han family.

Emperor Zhaoming welcomed this very much and arranged for him to enroll in Guozijian.

Emperor Zhaoming breathed a sigh of relief, and specially praised Marquis Pingyuan in front of Princess Wenkang.The son is promising, and Princess Wenkang also has a bright face, and said with a smile, "At least that kid has lived up to His Majesty's trust."

Emperor Zhaoming laughed, "I am well aware of Marquis Pingyuan's abilities."

Son Dasheng, Princess Wenkang put her heart in her stomach, and at the same time asked her husband to go to Nan'anhou's mansion to thank the not-so-old old Nan'anhou.The old Marquis of Nan'an heard that Nan'an Prefecture was safe, so he went to live in the imperial mausoleum again.

Emperor Zhaoming was quite helpless when he heard about this, and if it was cold today, Emperor Zhaoming rewarded him with food and clothing to show his concern for the old Marquis of Nan'an.

With the first heavy snow falling, winter in the imperial capital has arrived.

This is actually a very ordinary winter day, but for Queen Xie, it is quite unusual.

Empress Xie has always been a person who is very particular about life. When winter comes, Emperor Zhaoming takes the empress, princesses and princes to the Wentang Palace to serve as the Empress Dowager. Emperor Zhaoming plans to spend winter in Wentang Palace.

Ah, of course, except for Sanlang, the third concubine Chu's stomach will be full for a month, and after giving birth, she will be confinement, which cannot be passed through the wind, so Chu did not follow Tangquan Palace.Since this was their first child, San Lang was quite cautious, so he stayed in the palace with his wife.

After the first snow fell, the plum blossoms in Wanmei Palace also bloomed.

Emperor Zhaoming said, "It's better to go to admire the plum blossoms."

Queen Xie also praised her.

The two didn't ask everyone to accompany them, so they went to Wanmei Palace with the guard Qingche Jian who was close to them.

When Empress Xie arrived, there was already a person in the plum grove. That person was wearing a black crane cloak and had not opened an umbrella. There were traces of snowflakes staining his silver-gray hair, but he did not leave any marks on the crane cloak. It can be seen that the crane The cloak is extraordinary.When the man heard the movement and turned his head, Xie Moru couldn't help being a little dazed. At that moment, she seemed to see the late emperor resurrected standing in front of her.

Xie Moru stopped, and when he took a closer look, he realized that this person was younger than the late emperor, about fifty or so.Different from the deep eyes of the first emperor, this man's eyes are light and calm.

Xie Moru guessed something and looked at her husband.Emperor Zhaoming said, "It's cold outside, why not go in and talk."

Emperor Zhaoming was a very considerate emperor and husband. A group of people entered the Wanmei Palace. Emperor Zhaoming asked his uncle and nephew to talk, and went out to enjoy the plum blossoms by himself.

Many people in later generations have interpreted how empress Xie and Fang Zhaoyun met for the first time, how deep and magnificent the uncle and nephew were.But in fact, the first meeting between uncle and nephew was a long silence.Xie Moru didn't know what to say, and Fang Zhaoyun didn't seem to want to speak.

It's ridiculous and sad that the only surviving relatives of Empress Xie's mother's family met each other for the first time after 40 years.

The fragrance of cold plums in the jade incense burner is faintly wafting, the hot tea in the teacup begins to cool down, there is a rustling sound outside the window, it is the sound of the winter wind blowing snowflakes, and the carmine red of an old plum blossom is reflected on the window, Like a picture of an old plum in the snow.

After a long time, it was Fang Zhaoyun who spoke first, "Your Majesty must have had a hard time these years."

Xie Moru said, "It's all over, when did uncle come to the imperial capital?" What's strange is that after Xie Moru became the queen, he didn't mention Fang Zhaoyun again, nor did he intend to let Fang Zhaoyun come to the imperial capital.Fang Zhaoyun also had no intention of coming to the imperial capital at all, and Fang Zhaoyun only came to the imperial capital after being persuaded by the people sent by Emperor Zhaoming.

"It arrived a few days ago."

"Has uncle visited Princess Fusheng and my mother?"

Fang Zhaoyun and Xie Moru are not people who show their emotions, but when they asked this question, Fang Zhaoyun couldn't help but his eyes turned red, and he said softly, "I've been there."

Xie Moru said, "I have something that I don't quite understand."

"Mother, please speak."

"Uncle's female disciple, in my opinion, doesn't look like my mother, why did the late emperor..."

Fang Zhaoyun said for a long time, "It's not about appearance, it's about character. Your mother's temperament when she was young is exactly the same as Zijin's."

Heartache.

Xie Moru's face turned pale, and he vomited a mouthful of blood from the side of his head.

"Your Majesty! Mo Ru!" Fang Zhaoyun quickly stood up and held Xie Mo Ru's arm.

"It's okay." Xie Moru just looked a little unhappy, she wiped a trace of blood from the corner of her lips, and said, "It's okay."

After that, Xie Moru had nothing to talk about.

Fang Zhaoyun understood her, and said softly, "So, you don't have to feel that your mother committed suicide because of you. In fact, she was enduring great pain, and she lived these extra years because of you. Without you, She may have chosen to die earlier."

Xie Moru nodded.

Yes, if it was her, if she had lived that kind of carefree life when she was young, if she had had such innocent years, faced with great changes in the family, the departure of relatives, and ten years of silence.Such pain cannot be tolerated by everyone.

Her mother, on that day, must have finally been liberated.

Leave this dirty, putrid world.

But, she, she is not her mother.

In her life, no matter how difficult it is, she will eventually go on, so she can see the most miserable end of her opponent.

Xie Moru said, "If it were me, I wouldn't." He wouldn't commit suicide.

Fang Zhaoyun said, "So, you are Mo Ru."

Xie Moru looked at Fang Zhaoyun, and Fang Zhaoyun's eyes reflected the red plums outside the window. He said softly, "When my sister was pregnant, my mother knew that she was a girl, so she gave you this name. Mo Ru Mo Ru, there is nothing like it in the world."

(End of this chapter)