The Red Mansion Big Liar

"Be flat!"

Zhang Yunyi thanked him, and Emperor Zhengqing raised his hand and said with a smile: "I have been feeling refreshed recently. It seems that this good deed has had some effect. My dear minister, you must keep up the good work!"

Zhang Yunyi was startled for a moment, then realized that this was a psychological effect, and quickly replied: "I will definitely not disappoint Your Majesty!"

Emperor Zhengqing said in a deep voice: "Well! I have been thinking recently, since the law of the immortals is to benefit the people, then reducing taxes and levies, rectifying the administration of officials, eradicating corruption, and putting an end to annexation and exploitation, is it also feasible?"

"Your Majesty is wise. As long as the result is good, it will definitely be effective."

He was being a little clever here, as his past life experience told him that no matter how good an idea was, it might not necessarily produce good results when it was actually implemented.

This was especially evident in ancient times.

Due to the limitations of information transmission, it is impossible to communicate from top to bottom.

Even the seemingly simple reduction of taxes and levies is the same.

How much of the annual tax money is pocketed by officials along the way? Once the tax money is reduced, the fire consumption will inevitably be reduced accordingly. How many officials along the way who are used to eating meat can bear to drink soup?

I'm afraid I'll have to find another way to make up for it by then.

Land annexation has been a chronic disease throughout the dynasties. Unless there is the courage of teachers, there is no way to eradicate it completely.

It might even cause trouble.

So, he only talks about the results.

Emperor Zhengqing did not understand his hidden meaning and thought that he meant that there were more than just the few items mentioned just now.

Considering that he had no experience in governing a country, he did not ask any further questions and only asked about Tiangongyuan's future plans.

“Although glass has been produced, its uses are far more than this. As the saying goes, fire prevention is better than theft prevention. I am currently urging craftsmen to make glass lampshades, which are not only fireproof, but also can make the candlelight brighter.

I plan to build another large factory to expand production... to make smoother glass, and replace the windows in the palace with those used by the immortals..."

In ancient times, most houses were made of wood and had many gauze curtains. If the candlelight at night was blown by the wind, it would easily cause a fire.

Even if ordinary covers are windproof and fireproof, they do not allow for enough light to pass through. Glass covers perfectly solve this problem.

This was also inspired by the kerosene lamps in the previous life. Although the glass cover is expensive at this time, it is worth it compared to the damage caused by the fire.

He spoke a lot in an eloquent manner, and Emperor Zhengqing was listening attentively.

Until Dai Quan whispered behind the emperor: "Your Majesty! Prince Ning is coming!"

"Call him in!" Emperor Zhengqing looked at Zhang Yunyi who was about to leave and said, "Your mother is from Ningguo Mansion, so there is some connection. There is no need to be shy. You can tell me the rest later!"

While he was wondering, Prince Ning, wearing a khaki robe with a five-clawed dragon pattern, stepped in.

Zhang Yunyi quickly stepped aside and waited for him to salute the emperor before saying, "Your Highness Prince Ning, I, Zhang Yunyi, greet you!"

Emperor Zhengqing has two princes. The eldest prince, Prince Qin, is the son of the deceased queen, and the Prince Ning is the son of Concubine Zhen.

In ancient times, the system of monogamy was practiced with multiple concubines, and even the emperor was no exception. Only the empress was the emperor's legal wife, and the other concubines were equivalent to concubines.

The imperial concubine, on the other hand, is somewhere in between the two and is more like a co-wife.

In order to show respect to the empress, most emperors would leave the title of Noble Concubine vacant, unless they encountered a particularly favored concubine or a meritorious relative, then they would make this exception.

The reason why Concubine Zhen was given the title of Concubine was not because she was favored or her family had great achievements, but because her mother was the emperor's wet nurse.

Because the Queen died young, people have often petitioned over the years that the position of Queen should not be left vacant, but Emperor Zhengqing has never agreed.

He has been thinking about how to get on the good side of the new emperor. Although the royal family pays the most attention to seniority and the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children, given the status of the Zhen family in Emperor Zhengqing's heart, he may not choose Prince Ning.

Moreover, he remembered that the book once mentioned that an old empress dowager died in the palace, and Jia Mu and others still observed the mourning period according to their titles.

This is also the reason why he considered the possibility of Prince Ning succeeding to the throne.

He was daydreaming, thinking about this and that, but the words of Emperor Zhengqing brought him back to his senses.

"Your mother mentioned to me the other day that she wanted to give you Jia Yuanchun, a female official in her palace, as a concubine. What do you think?"

"I will obey the decision of my father and mother!"

"Yes!" Emperor Zhengqing nodded and said, "Your mother has already chosen a date, which is the 26th of next month. I will issue an order to Rongguo Mansion later. You should go back and prepare well!"

After hearing this, Zhang Yun逸 felt a little confused.

He had indeed guessed that Emperor Zhengqing was the emperor emeritus in the original book, but Jia Yuanchun was not named a concubine until the new emperor ascended the throne.

Although her identity would not change if Prince Ning succeeded to the throne, it would be different from the original book.

He was not afraid that the emperor would give up the idea of ​​abdication because of the claim that he had done great deeds.

The key point is that without the Grand View Garden, wouldn’t the Dream of the Red Chamber be less interesting?

Thinking of this, he bowed and said, "I have something to ask you, Your Majesty!"

……

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 85: Wonderful Medicine Fairy House

"I and the immortals who served the late emperor have a soul-to-soul connection and a mutual understanding. I just heard about this and thought of how the late emperor often lamented about the difference between immortals and mortals. It was a pity that he was unable to see the two princes grow up."

Zhang Yunyi paused, and said sincerely: "I dare to suggest that this wedding be held in a lively manner. Even if the late emperor is not convenient to come in person, you can tell the immortals whose souls have merged with mine to comfort the late emperor's admiration for me!"

Everything was regulated in ancient times. A villa like the Grand View Garden, where one could stay and guard, could not be built just by having money.

Many people have a misunderstanding and think that the Grand View Garden refers to courtyards such as Xiaoxiang Pavilion, Hengwu Garden, and Daoxiang Village.

In fact, these were just places for guarding, reception and resting.

The main hall in the center, where Yuanchun met with Jia Mu and others when she came home to visit her parents, and the surrounding ancillary buildings such as Hanfang Pavilion and Zhuijin Pavilion, are considered the real villas for the visit.

When Yuanchun first came to visit her parents, the jade plaque in front of the Grand View Tower was originally inscribed with "Treasure Land of the Fairies". Later, it was changed by Yuanchun to "Separate Courtyard for Visiting the Parents". However, the plaque for the main hall was not yet decided, and the eunuchs also explained that outsiders did not dare to design one on their own.

Although, the villa for visiting relatives is dispensable to him, he can even build a garden in his own home in the future that does not include the Grand View Garden.

But if you miss this carefree age, even if you can still gather a group of golden hairpins, times have changed, and your mentality and other aspects will be very different.

Hearing this, Prince Ning's eyes lit up and he immediately gave him a friendly look.

Considering the feelings that Emperor Zhengqing has for his biological father, being able to take this opportunity to dress up and entertain his parents would obviously be a plus.

However, what he didn't expect was that Emperor Zhengqing, who was sitting on the dragon throne, did not make a decision immediately, but fell into deep thought.

After a long pause, Fang hesitated and said, "Will such a grand ceremony be too time-consuming and costly?"

Zhang Yun逸 was also stunned. As for wasting money and manpower, this emperor made many southern tours and was obsessed with Taoism, renovating Taoist temples on a large scale. It was obvious that he was not a frugal person.

However, he soon realized that he was probably not worried about the waste of money and manpower, but was worried about affecting his own merits.

"How can it be a waste of money and effort? All the regulations should be followed according to those for concubines. We only need to let Rongguo Mansion build a separate courtyard for the bride, and then we can make the wedding more lively."

Zhang Yunyi paused and continued, "Even an ordinary wedding would have to pay for something. Rongguo Mansion has this special honor, and can share the worries of the emperor and the late emperor. I believe they are happy about it!"

Hearing what he said, Emperor Zhengqing was delighted and immediately said with a smile: "Okay!"

Zhang Yunyi immediately said, "I remember that the late emperor had a villa in the fairyland, which was magnificent and elegant. If we copy it here, it will definitely make the late emperor feel more intimate!"

From visiting relatives to waiting for marriage, he was worried that even the villa would be changed.

"Okay! Draw the blueprints when you get back. I won't keep you here today."

Zheng Qing immediately stood up, looked at King Ning and said, "Since things have changed, you should go with me to your mother and see if there is anything else that needs to be added."

……

Ningguo Mansion, backyard.

A group of female relatives surrounded Lady Jia and entered the main hall.

The East Courtyard was adjacent to the Ning Mansion. When Dai Quan came to convey the imperial edict earlier, he had already alarmed Jia She and Madam Xing in the courtyard.

Therefore, this time the two of them followed Lady Jia and came to Ning Mansion together.

Yu arranged for everyone to sit down, and then called her mother and sister to come and meet her.

After the greetings, she spoke eloquently and exaggeratedly as she recounted the emperor's reward.

She talked about Brother Yi all the time, and showed off her closeness with Zhang Yunyi in her words and deeds.

The Xue family was able to remain as imperial merchants thanks to helping her sell sugar, so Aunt Xue and Xue Baochai couldn't help but flatter her.

This is human nature, and others didn't think much of it, except Wang Xifeng, who felt quite indignant.

She had always been the leading actress in such occasions, but today she was overshadowed by Youshi.

I couldn't help but sneer, "Oh! Sister-in-law Zhen calls you Brother Yi all the time, but that's only at home. If you were outside, people who don't know would think he's your brother from your mother's side!"

Although these words were sarcastic, Jia Mu and others agreed with them deeply.

Firstly, Youshi came from a humble family and had never been valued by Lady Jia and others; secondly, if she had not married into the Ning Mansion, Youshi and Zhang Yunyi would have no relationship, and hearing her show off in front of everyone, they would have some complaints.

Guessing that there was some connection between the two, Wang Xifeng used the word "brothers" in a pretentious manner.

No one else understood the meaning, but when Youshi heard the words, her face turned slightly red.

If it were in the past, she would have found it difficult to compete with Wang Xifeng, but now she is full of confidence.

"It's not bad to say that they are my mother's family."

She pulled You Erjie over and said with a smile, "Thanks to Brother Yi for liking me and agreeing to take my sister as his concubine. However, he is still in mourning, so I will welcome her as soon as the mourning period is over."

"Oh?" Grandmother Jia looked at You Erjie and said, "Pull the child closer so I can take a look at the skin."

If she were an ordinary concubine, she would naturally not be worthy of her attention, but Zhang Yunyi was favored by the emperor, had a third-rank title at a young age, and the Tiangong Academy had endless ways to make money, so she should not be underestimated.

Youshi hurriedly pushed the humble and submissive You Erjie forward.

Grandmother Jia looked at You Erjie, who looked like a peach, and praised her with a smile, "She is a perfect child."

She touched her wrist, hesitated for a moment, and ultimately did not take off the bracelet.

Before coming here, I didn't know about this, so I didn't prepare anything. Giving the bracelet on my hand to a concubine was indeed a bit excessive and inappropriate.

Since Lady Jia had set an example, others were not stingy with their praise. However, except for Aunt Xue who took out a bracelet, everyone else just paid lip service but did not deliver.

Not to mention peers and juniors, it is not their turn to receive rewards.

Like Lady Jia, Mrs. Wang is proud of her status, while Mrs. Xing is reluctant to give up.

However, even so, Old Lady You was flattered.

"Thank you for your praise, old lady and all the ladies! My daughter is only good-looking and gentle, and it is her blessing to be favored by Master Yi."

Seeing that instead of embarrassing Youshi, it only encouraged her arrogance, Wang Xifeng became even more furious.

He said sarcastically, "No wonder Sister Zhen looks so different from before. Not only is her complexion much more moist, but she also speaks in a coherent way. Could it be that Brother Yi not only knows the immortal method, but also knows how to brew elixirs?"

Wang Xifeng kept hinting at something, and even though Youshi was a fool, she gradually figured it out.

Thinking of how Jia Rong was used to flattering her, she was afraid that he must have gossiped about her, and she felt ashamed and angry.

Even a clay figure has some earthy qualities, not to mention that Youshi is now confident. It is not the Rongfu's turn to intervene in such matters. Not to mention that Wang Xifeng has no real evidence, even if she did, she would not dare to talk about it in front of Jia Mu and others.

She immediately retorted, "Oh! What's the matter? Could it be that Second Madam is also greedy? Want to ask Brother Yi for some elixir?"

Wang Xifeng did not expect that Youshi would respond so bluntly, and she was speechless for a moment.

Everyone thought they were just trying to entertain their mother with colorful clothes and trying to please Lady Jia in various ways, so they joined in the fun.

Tanchun smiled and said, "When Brother Yi comes, you can ask her. Who knows, there might be one!"

Aunt Xue also smiled and said, "Brother Yi is the easiest to talk to. If Miss Feng asks for it, he will certainly agree!"

Grandmother Jia smiled and waved her hands, saying, "If there really is such a magic medicine, let Feng take it, and no one else will have a say!"

Listening to everyone laughing, Wang Xifeng felt her cheeks getting hot.

And Youshi, who was standing by, saw that she was holding back, her eyes were full of pride, and she felt very satisfied.

……

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 86: Clever Words and Intimidation

"Master Yi is here!"

Everyone was talking and laughing in the hall, but they heard a report from a maid outside, and everyone stopped talking.