The Red Mansion Big Liar

Chapter 345 Forced to take over?

With subjective initiative, Zhang Yun逸 did not delay and entered the palace the next day.

"Although the capital is important, it is still a long way away. If we can expand the bird droppings business in Jiangnan, we can save time and speed up the expansion of grain production. I have come to ask the emperor to make a decision and choose an honest and upright person to entrust him with the important task..."

It was not difficult to guide the emperor to choose Mei Lian. It was nothing more than starting from the fact that he could submit secret memorials to the emperor and that he was upright and honest.

Zhang Yun逸 was able to set an example in Rongguo Mansion, and Emperor Zhengqing might have had such an idea in mind when he dismissed Mei Lian.

It can be said that when Mei Lian was sent out, he was handling official business for the court. When he was in the inner court, he was handling the emperor's own private affairs, which was another matter.

However, Zhang Yun逸 has always acted cautiously. Although he used some rhetoric this time, Mei Lian was ultimately disliked by the emperor.

After finalizing the matter, he continued, "I came to the palace today mainly to congratulate your majesty on his birthday."

"Oh?" Emperor Zhengqing suddenly became interested and urged, "Are you ready so soon? Tell me now!"

"I am already preparing for this, Your Majesty, please allow me to keep it a secret for now."

"You! You're actually keeping me in suspense! Are you coming to the palace today just to arouse my curiosity?"

Zhang Yunyi scratched his head and said, "In addition to preparing auspicious signs to present to His Majesty, I have also prepared a play to make His Majesty smile!"

Emperor Zhengqing was ambitious and cared a lot about the Wanshou Festival, so he just catered to his wishes.

Hearing that he was so attentive, Emperor Zhengqing couldn't help but praise him: "It's amazing that you are so attentive!"

Seeing that the emperor was in a good mood, Zhang Yunyi struck while the iron was hot and said, "I have been an official for a short time and have not seen any famous actors. This play is a bit tricky and the actors used are still young. It is just for the purpose of celebrating. However, we can no longer be careless about the musicians. Last time, Eunuch Zhou reminded me, and I would like to ask the emperor for permission to select two musicians from the palace to bring back."

Although the acting skills of these young actors can beat 90% of the actors in their previous lives, they are still not good enough in front of their peers.

If the lines and acting skills are not good enough, he can make up for it with other things. In the promotions in his previous life, costumes, props and music were often used as gimmicks, and Zhang Yunyi also put them to good use.

"Okay! Okay! Let Zhou Xiangui take you to choose!"

At this point, he suddenly narrowed his eyes and said thoughtfully, "I remember that the imperial concubine transferred Jia Zheng's daughter from Rongfu to the Shangyi Bureau a while ago. Since you are going to choose a musician, why not let her take a look? I will give you face and show you special favor. You don't have to wait until after the New Year to leave the palace. You can take her back now."

"This... this is probably against etiquette!"

Although Zhang Yunyi asked Jia Yuanchun for help in front of Lady Jia, it was only to reassure Lady Jia.

Just as Tanchun said, it was his idea to move the girl to another courtyard while waiting for marriage, and he did not want to arouse the emperor's suspicion.

However, Emperor Zhengqing seemed to have made up his mind. He waved his hand and said, "I have already granted her father's request and released her from the palace to get married in advance. You are neighbors and relatives. It's just sending her out of the palace to go home. What's wrong with etiquette?"

"Your Majesty, you may not know that I have been focusing on studying Taoism lately. Because it is inconvenient to enter and exit the city gate, I have moved out of the city for nearly two months."

Seeing Zhang Yunyi's concerns, Emperor Zhengqing waved his hand and sent all the palace servants out. He then said thoughtfully, "You also know about this matter. I wanted to show some extra grace to the Jia family because of their contributions to the country. However, Jia Zheng was stubborn and unyielding, causing rumors to spread all over the capital. Are you willing to share my worries?"

"This……"

After hearing these words, Zhang Yunyi understood clearly that he was expected to take over.

He was guilty and worried about arousing the emperor's suspicion, but the emperor felt guilty for going back on his word.

If Jia Yuanchun's marriage had remained unresolved, she would inevitably be criticized.

Although this was not his original intention, the emperor had already spoken, so he had no reason to refuse. He could only bite the bullet and say, "It is my duty to share the emperor's worries!"

"You are young and have a bright future ahead of you. You should marry a wife of similar age and social status. I know I have wronged you!"

In the eyes of Emperor Zhengqing, a fallen nobleman was indeed no match for him, a rising upstart who was enjoying great popularity.

In addition, Yuanchun was old enough to be considered an older leftover woman, and there were also gossips about her, so she was indeed not worthy of being Zhang Yun逸's wife.

It's no surprise that he said this.

But what else can Zhang Yunyi say?

I can only express my loyalty and say: "I will not be wronged!"

Originally, he planned to wait for the King of Qin to ascend the throne and then take Yuanchun as a concubine, so as to please the King of Ning and show his loyalty to the King of Qin.

His relationship with Jia Zheng's family was already a mess, and he was still thinking of letting him emulate Jia Lian.

Concubines use their beauty to serve men, so there is nothing wrong with Yuanchun being a concubine.

But marrying her would be inappropriate.

Putting Jia Zheng aside, there are also Jinchuan and Yuchuan who know the inside story.

Besides, there is no wall that is impenetrable in the world. How could Yuanchun have the face to restrain the concubines, maids and servants in her house?

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but look sad.

Zhang Yunyi's expression caught the eyes of Emperor Zhengqing. He hesitated for a moment and said, "You are my most trusted minister, so I will not let you suffer such an injustice. If you can persuade the Rongguo Mansion to agree to give her to you as a concubine, that would be the best!"

At this point, he cleared his throat and said, "However, you have to figure this out on your own. I can't help you."

"Uh..." Zhang Yunyi was stunned. He didn't expect that after all the trouble, the emperor had the same idea as him.

However, serving the emperor is like serving a tiger, so he did not dare to show his joy. Instead, he said cautiously: "If so, wouldn't it damage the reputation of the royal family and Prince Ning?"

"You don't have to worry about that!" Emperor Zhengqing stroked his long beard and explained, "The best way to quell the rumors is to create another rumor. The Bride Courtyard was your idea in the first place, and I remember that the Bride Courtyard also occupied the land of your mansion, so there is no need to worry that they will not believe it!"

Although Emperor Zhengqing did not finish his words, Zhang Yunyi understood what he meant.

Although this statement cannot be concealed from those in the know, the common people will most likely believe it if they are guided.

It is an indisputable fact that Ningguo Mansion is his residence now. Who among the ordinary people would pay attention to the time difference between the villa for waiting to be married and the time when he was conferred the title of Ningguo Mansion?

Even the villa built by the Rong Mansion can be used as a dowry.

As for why she became a concubine from a wife, it would at most affect Zhang Yun逸's reputation, but it was not something the emperor cared about.

Even an emperor like Emperor Zhengqing, who was obsessed with Taoism and didn't care much about his reputation, had to at least maintain his decency and didn't want the people to think that he was an emperor who went back on his word.

I'm afraid he had already thought of this idea when he agreed to Jia Zheng's request.

Otherwise, there would be no need to force Yuanchun to leave the palace after the New Year.

Even Zhou Xiangui's hint to himself that he should find a theatre troupe in the palace might not be a hint from the emperor.

Although he was being used as a pawn, it seemed like a good idea to take a concubine according to the emperor's order, even if it couldn't be made public.

After all, there is less trouble of being suspected.

Since he couldn't resist, he could only make the best of it. Zhang Yunyi was a little impatient and wanted to take a look at Yuanchun, his new prey.

……

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 346 Jia Yuanchun

After leaving the imperial study, Zhang Yun逸 followed Zhou Xiangui to the Shangyi Bureau.

In the early days of the Great Xia Dynasty, female officials were responsible for almost all affairs in the harem, including guiding the queen, receiving and issuing documents, managing the keys to the palace, rituals and music, daily life, audiences and banquets, clothing and jewelry, feather guards, serving meals, prescribing medicines, sweeping curtains, planting gardens, lighting and candles, needlework courses, food, firewood and charcoal, and so on.

However, because women were not like eunuchs, except for a very small number who stayed in the palace for a long time, most of them had to leave the palace and get married when they reached a certain age, so the rights of female officials were gradually replaced by eunuchs.

During the Zhengqing period, as the emperor became obsessed with monasticism, female officials lost hope of promotion. Few aristocratic families were willing to send their daughters into the palace, and gradually they became mere figures, controlled by eunuchs.

However, the system of female officials in the six bureaus and one department was still retained.

Arriving at the Shangyi Bureau in a corner of the palace, Zhou Xiangui immediately shouted at the top of his voice: "Jia Sile!"

Jia Yuanchun was good at music and worked as a musician in the Shangyi Bureau.

A woman in palace dress in the hall immediately stood up and saluted, saying, "Eunuch Zhou! Why are you here?"

As the emperor's personal eunuch and in charge of the Jingshifang, Zhou Xiangui obviously had considerable prestige in the palace.

Zhou Xiangui did not answer, but instead said arrogantly: "Why don't you go and meet the Lord!"

A phoenix without its feathers plucked is no better than a chicken. Originally, Dai Quan had not gotten into trouble, and because of Jia Jing's face, she had not been wronged in the palace. But as her marriage was delayed, Concubine Zhen sent her to the Shangyi Bureau on the pretext of something, and her situation was worrying.

Jia Yuanchun was not aware of the need to be cautious. She bowed deeply to Zhang Yunyi and said in a neither humble nor arrogant manner, "Si Le Jia Yuanchun, I greet you, my Lord!"

She had never met Zhang Yunyi and did not know his identity, so she had to follow Zhou Xiangui's instructions and address him as Sir.

Knowing the emperor's intention, Zhang Yun逸 looked at Jia Yuanchun with the air of examining his prey.

As a legitimate daughter, she was raised by Grandmother Jia since childhood and was trained for entering the palace.

Even though her current situation is worrying, she is not as timid as Yingchun, nor as smart as Tanchun, nor as cold and aloof as Xichun.

She was quiet, dignified, graceful and elegant, which was quite consistent with Zhang Yunyi's impression of a lady from a noble family.

As for her figure, it perfectly combines the thinness of the Jia family and the plumpness of Mrs. Wang.

The thin branches bear large fruits, which are delicious and can reduce internal heat.

As Zhang Yunyi thought so, a smile appeared on the corner of his mouth.

"We are all family, Si Le, no need to be so polite!"

Jia Yuanchun seemed to have thought of something when she heard this, but she was still puzzled and asked, "Who is the Lord?"

Even though she was in the deep palace, the windows in the palace were now replaced with glass windows. How could she not have heard of Zhang Yunyi's name?

Hearing her question, before Zhang Yunyi opened his mouth, Zhou Xiangui said dissatisfiedly: "The Lord is also your cousin, how come you can't even recognize the Lord? The Lord is preparing a gift for the Longevity Festival, so you should stand guard for the last shift and help the Lord select two musicians!"

At this point, he looked around and said in a deep voice: "The emperor has just granted permission for you to take me home early!"

He deliberately emphasized the importance of taking you home and made it ambiguous.

Zhang Yunyi knew this very well, but Jia Yuanchun blushed, and then a hint of excitement appeared on her face. She murmured, "Go home... Could it be that my grandmother and the others are already outside the palace..."

Zhang Yunyi touched his nose and said, "The old ladies don't know yet. I just mentioned it to the emperor. I didn't expect the emperor to show such mercy!"

Knowing the emperor's intention, he had no choice but to cooperate.

"Sir!" Zhou Xiangui bowed and said, "It's better to reminisce about the past later. I will prepare a spacious carriage for you later so that you can reminisce on the road. How about choosing the musicians first?"

Zhang Yunyi nodded, then turned to Jia Yuanchun and said, "Thank you, Sister Yuanchun!"

Although he knew that Yuanchun was two years older than him, the age of women in ancient times was a secret, so there was nothing wrong with him calling her sister.

When Jia Yuanchun heard Zhou Xiangui arrange for her to ride in the same car with Zhang Yunyi, she was stunned. Then when she heard him address her as his sister, her face immediately turned red and she said in a trembling voice, "Sir, you are too polite!"

"Sister Yuanchun, there's no need to be so formal. Just call me Brother Yi!"

"I wonder, Yi... Brother Yi, what kind of musician do you want to choose?"

"I'm not very good at music, why don't you explain it to me, Sister Yuanchun?"

Zhang Yunyi already had plans for the music. His play was mainly about the story, and he did not intend to imitate the clanging sounds on the stage.

The scene where Tang Bohu and Qiuxiang have feelings for each other can be lyrical, with music such as flutes, pipes and zithers.

As for the part where Tang Bohu makes his confession, I plan to use the percussion music in the movie.

As for the fighting scenes, we plan to use suona.

He just happened to have several familiar suona BGMs from his previous life in his mind, especially the cupping song called Mahakala, which he just happened to reproduce.

However, although he had a plan in mind, he didn't mind talking more with Yuanchun in the palace.

First of all, the emperor must know that he is trying his best to cooperate.

Secondly, once she returns to Rong Mansion, she will be under the watchful eyes of the public, with Tanchun and Yingchun watching her covetously, so it may not be as easy as in the palace.

When talking about her expertise in music, Jia Yuanchun became less restrained and began to talk freely.

Zhang Yun逸 also took the opportunity to tell Yuanchun the general outline of the story and the general idea of ​​the music arrangement.

"I didn't expect Brother Yi to be so creative and unconventional!"

"It's just a way to please others! I'll have to trouble my sister to select some skilled musicians."

Zhang Yun逸 simply omitted his name.

Yuanchun blushed involuntarily and with lowered brows she selected a few musicians.

Zhang Yunyi waved his hand and said with a smile: "Let's go! I'll take my sister home!"

……

at the same time.

In the imperial study, Emperor Zhengqing was also busy. He instructed Lu Bing who had been summoned: "Remember to follow the arrangements I told you before. Make sure to make as much noise as possible."

"Don't worry, Your Majesty! I have already arranged for the personnel to go down when I came. I will ensure that there will be Jinyiwei to explain to the people along the way."

"Okay! Go quickly! Keep an eye on the road, and remember to come back and report when you're done!"