Chapter 103：

After the Queen's birthday, the people of the capital watched three lively events, ranked in no particular order, in chronological order as follows:

First, the youngest daughter of the Empress.

At first, the girls who were surrounded by her, their fathers, brothers and ancestors were all reprimanded, without exception. Then, after being detained in the palace for two days, she was finally able to leave. However, as soon as the fifth princess returned to the palace, she was immediately frightened by the sight of the sight—fifteen or sixteen corpses with familiar faces, or hanging on high beams, Or neatly code them in the hall. No matter how arrogant and extravagant the fifth princess was, she had never seen the wind and waves before.

& nbsp; It is a group of unfamiliar and serious guards like wood carvings.

Imprisoned in the palace of the princess.

Then the five princesses became frightened, and begged the guards to bring words to the queen, begging her that she was guilty. But the queen is just like what she said to Shao Shang, once she is really disappointed with someone, she doesn't want to see that person again.

The emperor asked Cen Anzhi to bring two words over. First, all the food towns that were originally given to the princess were taken back. Anyway, the princess would not be able to use the money and silk. Second, want to go out? It's very simple, just get married.

But because the fifth princess was dissatisfied with her marriage, she cried, made trouble, and hanged herself, forcing the queen to delay her marriage until she was twenty years old, so wouldn't she have to be imprisoned for several years? Unless Xiaoyuehou and his wife personally brought forward the wedding date, she had not often offended the future uncle Jungu and asked them to help the rising sun.

Young Shang can imagine that in the days to come, the five princesses will be devoured by the regrets and pains, and she can't help but be in awe of the emperor's methods - the self-made founding emperor, not only Rich in the wisdom and courage of pioneering new territories, there is also no lack of scheming plans. The emperor has never used mental tricks on his family. It's not that he can't, but that he doesn't want to.

The fifth princess in this room hates to be married to death, and in the other room, the Changshui Colonel Luo Family has brought forward the wedding date by half a month. , the big swinging dragon. Walking to the outskirts, Luo Jitong got out of the car in person wearing a scarlet dress, holding the hand of the young merchant who came to see him off, and said guiltily: "...Chunyao's body was found in a remote garden in the palace."

Shao Shang was already mentally prepared for this, so he bowed his head and said nothing.

Ling Budo, who was sitting in the carriage at the back, looked over through the window lattice, his eyes wandering back and forth between the two girls.

Luo Jitong wept and said: "My companion is really useless. I used to think that I could worry about the queen. Now it seems that the queen has always been good to me. Shaoshang, in the future, you have to worry about the queen. Everyone says that the empress is very quiet, but I know that she is very afraid of loneliness... You should spend more time with her."

Ling Budo stretched out his hand and shook it out of the window, realizing that it was windy outside again, he dragged his fiancee who wanted to say a few more words to the carriage, but it turned out that Luo Jitong watched them first. Walk.

Finally, there is the ceremony of the little businessman.

In the second half of October, the queen set up a winter plum banquet more than her birthday, and then personally arranged the hairpin for Shao Shang in front of the lady of the city. On one side of the crowd, stood Mrs. Xiao with a complicated expression. Only Cheng Shi knew what was on his wife's mind. In fact, from the first half of the year, Mrs. Xiao began to secretly prepare her daughter's wedding ceremony, but who knew it was useless.

For the first time in her life, it was difficult for Mrs. Xiao to look at the problem from the perspective of practical interests - it is certainly a great honor for her daughter to receive the concubinage from the Queen, but seeing her daughter and the Queen behave intimately, Mrs. Xiao It felt as if something had been stolen.

"This time, it's different from the past." Mrs. Xiao and her husband discussed privately, "Before when she came back from the palace, it was like an official sent a Sanya disciple. She is very relaxed and comfortable. But this time, she doesn't seem to care whether she can go home every day. She seems to be generally at ease while staying in the palace."

Cheng Shi thought about it, only to realize that it was the case, and smiled: "This is also excusable, after all, I lived in the palace for half a month. The niangniang liked her, she helped Zhang Luo A birthday banquet is the proper etiquette."

He saw that his wife had made a mistake, so he comforted him: "In the past, curling in and out of the palace by the time, and coping with errands, could it be that your majesty can't see it. But this time, the queen doesn't have to say it, I It seems that even His Majesty is more satisfied with the curls than before, otherwise, how could the rewards be handed down from the palace every three days. You and I are blessed with daughters, you can see which little girl in the entire city has us, who are strong and sensible, not only Marriage doesn't have to worry about parents at all, and it always adds luster to the family. From the former Lou family to today's emperor's adopted son, we have enjoyed the benefits of the curl. Otherwise, like the mindless little girls around the fifth princess, in the Empress's birthday banquet was in trouble, and as a result, both father and brother were implicated." As he spoke, he tsk tsk shook his head.

Mrs. Xiao seemed to have listened in and sighed: "You said it too."

…

Cheng and Xiao guessed right, Shaoshang was indeed becoming more and more comfortable in the palace, and the emperor also found her gradually pleasing to the eye. Not only is there no reprimand every three to five, but occasionally there is a compliment among the three reprimands.

The emperor is cheerful and bold, and likes to be lively. On this day, the emperor held a banquet again, and summoned the empress to the same banquet, accompanied by Shao Shang.

The time is early and the guests have not arrived yet. The queen is advising the emperor to pay attention to his health and drink less alcohol. But the emperor sighed: "Oh, there are two more military affairs to use, how risky is this group of old brothers, let's get together more often."

Ling Budo was sitting next to him, and since just now he has been showing Shaoshang to sit beside him with a wink. Who knows that the girl naughty pretended not to see it, and smiled and knelt beside the queen—Ling Turn around without a doubt.

The queen frowned and said, "Two military affairs? Isn't it just waiting for the recovery of Shu, why is there another one."

The emperor snorted and said, "Shouchun is rich in the people. Peng Zhen has been operating in the local area for several years. They secretly recruited troops and bought horses, and plotted against the law. Hmph, mere thieves, nothing to talk about."

Peng Zhen, I am really fascinated. I wish Your Majesty the victory and smooth sailing."

The emperor smiled and said: "I plan to send troops to Shouchun at the end of the month, and it can be considered as a practice before the battle to attack Shu." "Say something."

Shao Shang hurriedly said: "Your Majesty is about to use his army for Shouchun, is my father going too?"

"Yes. It seems that many people have guessed this." The emperor smiled.

Shao Shang sighed: "I said, my father has been training for a summer of soldiers, and when he came back, only his teeth and half of his eyes were white. Well, training soldiers in summer, autumn Day preparation, early winter attack... Your Majesty, please don't stare at me, it's not that I don't care about Master Ling and didn't ask, it's just that His Majesty said 'practice your hands' - for veterans on the battlefield, going to the battlefield is probably better than going home. Familiar, what a good practice. Alas, it seems that Your Majesty wants to ask Lord Ling to go to Shouchun too."

The emperor smiled and glared at the girl: "You're still smart, but Zisheng is used to the battlefield... What are you sighing!"

Shao Shang sighed: "Your Majesty, can you please stop calling Mr. Ling to go, he has just recovered from the wound on his arm last time. Besides, swords and guns have no eyes, what if they are injured? manage."

The emperor glared and said: "The hot-blooded man in the battlefield is a good time to make achievements, what do you know! Hmph, forget it, if you can feel sorry for Zisheng, it can be regarded as a progress..."

Shao Shang was scolded in the stomach, caring about Ling Budo, even if she has made progress, one day she will serve Ling Budo comfortably, why won't she enter the hero's pavilion.

"...But don't worry, this time I sent Cui You along, and Zisheng might not even need to ride. The important thing is that he has gone with me, and I also have a name and a lot to give. Give him some food." When he said the second half of the sentence, the emperor lowered his voice.

The queen knew what her husband was thinking, and smiled lightly.

Shao Shang kowtowed and thanked him, and said to Ai regularly: "Your Majesty has taken so much trouble for Lord Ling, and the concubine is very grateful. However, the concubine will not be extravagant, and the concubine will live within her means." She felt that no longer A lot of money is not as important as people. If you want to make money, there are ways to make money. Why do you have to fight for your life?

The emperor scolded: "Is this a matter of money? You are ignorant..." He was about to scold the girl for not understanding the importance of it, but suddenly his thoughts changed, and he wanted to play tricks. "Young businessman, I'm here to ask you, your father and Zisheng choose one to go to Shouchun, who do you choose?"

Short businessmen. It was rare for her to show her love for Ling Budo, but as a result, she brought up such a bizarre question as to who do you save first when your mother and daughter-in-law fall into the water. Uncle Emperor, your belly is as black as cuttlefish juice!

She thought for a while, so she thought: "Your Majesty, let my father and Lord Ling stay in the capital, or let the concubine go to Shouchun."

When the emperor heard this, he burst into laughter, and the queen and Ling Budo looked at each other and smiled.

In the hearty laughter of the emperor, the ministers who were invited to the banquet today, the prince and his wife, the second prince and his wife, and the other three or four princes arrived one after another. In this situation, Concubine Yue was often accompanied by the emperor, but since the empress was present today, and this feast was not a 'necessary occasion', of course she refused to come.

When the ministers and princes saluted the empress, Shao Shang obediently slipped over to Ling Budo and sat down, looked at the ministers in the arena, and asked for Ling Budo's introduction . Unexpectedly, Ling Budo was very dragged and refused.

"I was scolded by Your Majesty for you just now, and you turned your face and didn't recognize anyone, do you have a conscience!" Shao Shang was heartbroken.

Ling Budo answered simply: "No."

Young businessmen beat him in anger.

Ling Budoubt said: "You have begged me to be so fierce, is this the way of worship?"

"You talk about it again, believe it or not, I'll stand next to Cen Anzhi. He must answer any questions!" Shaoshang is also not a vegetarian.

Ling Budo squeezed her little hand and threatened: "If you dare to stand over, I will stand over too."

I can stand beside Cen Anzhi and make a gesture of service, but if Ling Budo also stands over, won't she be in trouble again? Shao Shang stared wide-eyed and said in a low voice aggrieved: "You always say you want to treat me well, but it's always you who bully me. I have no relatives in this palace, and only you are the one I can rely on. The two days Niangniang is not in good health, I don't care about you, in fact, I miss you very much, you can't be angry with me..."

No relatives, the queen treats her very well, okay? Everyone in Changqiu Palace treats her as a spiritual pillar. So...Look, it's actually not difficult to be a Xiaofu low, gentle and pleasant is even more easy to grasp. The so-called capable person can do everything, and Shaoshang is now full of confidence in his learning ability.

Ling Budo was really soft-hearted, and said softly: "You are not a palace maid and a doctor, you should be enough to serve your mother's illness, what should you do if you are tired day and night."

Shao Shang said: "If you are sick, I will take care of you day and night, and I will not be afraid if you are tired."

The donkey is smooth, the world is in harmony, Ling Budo is no longer awkward. He held Shao Shang's hand under the food table and pointed to the more than 20 ministers present one by one.

Except Yuhou Cuihou and General Wu who had known before, Shao Shang finally met the three brothers of Yue Fei Niangniang, Dayue Hou, Zhongyue Hou, Xiaoyue Hou. The first two looked very similar to Concubine Yue, both had long eyebrows and phoenix eyes, but only Xiao Yuehou, the future uncle of the Fifth Princess, had slightly sharp and feminine features.

Originally, Marquis Cui wanted to come to Ling Budo and Shaoshang's side, but he was dragged by General Wu to the emperor and didn't know what to report. The three Yue brothers had no accident and their two nephews The prince speaks.

What's more surprising is that Lou Tai servant is there today. When he saw Shaoshang, he smiled at her from afar, and then walked towards the prince's seat. On the way, he seemed to want to greet Yu Hou, but he was politely rejected by the latter. Instead, he replaced Dayue Hou from the third and fourth princes. There he pulled to his seat and whispered.

"...The servant of Lou used to open a door for His Royal Highness." Ling Budo looked at the servant of Lou who was chatting and laughing with the prince, then looked to the other side and said, "The Yu and Yue families have been married for many generations. Marquis Yu and Marquis Dayue have been schoolmates since childhood."

Shao Shang felt a little sad.

He grew up in Jingfen County in Sizhou. Therefore, the ministers in the court today can be roughly divided into two categories: those who were originally from Jingfen County and those who were not originally from Jingfen County.

Because the emperor was originally from Feng County in Jingfang County, and Concubine Yue was originally from Rao County next door, when the army first raised the army, these two counties contributed the most people and followed the longest, and they came from these two counties. Also known as 'rich hero'.

Shao Shang stroked in his heart—

Such as Yuyue Wu Cui, who belong to the 'rich hero'; such as Yin Jia'e's father Yin Zhi, who belong to the 'non-rich hero' 'Jingfang Zhuchen'; such as Yuan Lou Wancheng Although these families have defected sooner or later, their contributions vary, and their influence varies, none of them belong to the above two groups.

For example, Yuan Shen's father, who once helped the emperor at a time of crisis, was considered to have made outstanding achievements and won the emperor's heart. The hometown is closer.

"...Isn't it up to them to decide?" Shaoshang said in shock.

Ling Budo smiled and said: "That's not necessarily true. Your Majesty intends to balance the forces of all parties, and it does not necessarily have to be people of origin to be in high positions."

Shao Shang understands that the courtiers are willing to hold a group, but the emperor may not be happy to see it.

Of course, if you want to make a fine distinction, even if you are from the two Fengrao counties, there are people from a wealthy family like Yu Hou and the Yue brothers, some people like General Wu from a poor family, and some people like Cui Hou. Small traders.

It's like they also defected later, there are giant families like Yuan Lou, who were originally independent, there are local people like Wanjia, and there are also people who came from muddy legs like the father of a young businessman.

Shao Shang looked sideways at Ling Budo.

His mother family, the Huo clan, was the core of the core of the hero group, but it was a pity that they were all destroyed. Although his father's family was a foreigner who moved to Fengxian County, he was originally from Long, and he was half his own. Unfortunately, he was not welcomed by the emperor, and he was not allowed to attend today's banquet.

No wonder Marquis Yu wanted to recruit Ling as his son-in-law - Shao Shang murmured to himself.

Among the twenty or so courtiers with different behaviors, there is an old man in a Confucian robe with white temples that stands out. Although he is not young, his body is tall and straight, and his facial features are clear. Especially when you are young, you can see that he is handsome and extraordinary, and there is a natural nobility in his behavior. In terms of grace and dignity alone, no one in the hall can match it.

"This old man must have a good background, look at his style..." Shao Shang said softly.

The emperor's spirit can be compared with that of the emperor's uncle. However, the spirit of the emperor's uncle was raised by the golden horse and iron horse, and this old man's bearing seems to be is born.

Ling Budoubt said: "Have vision. This is Liang Wuji, the head of the Liang family in Hedong. Now he is the shepherd of a state.

Shao Shang thought about it for a while, and asked in doubt: "Hedong? Isn't the Lou family also a Hedong family? I heard the third aunt say that the Lou family is rich in Hedong."

Ling Budo sneered: "The Lou family is the largest family in Pengcheng, Hedong, but the Liang family is the first family in the whole Hedong. If they were in the previous dynasty, their Liang family was among the world's aristocratic families. It can be said to be in the top five."

He didn't go on, but Shaoshang knew exactly what he meant. With the change of dynasties, the aristocratic family began to rearrange and combine. If the Liang family is to continue to stand, it will take a lot of thought.

While the two were whispering, the old man Liang seemed to be looking at him intentionally or not. Shao Shang was still hesitating, but Ling Budo said loudly and generously: "Dare to ask Liang Zhoumu, is there anything wrong with Zisheng?"

Liang Wuji shook his head and smiled and said, "The old man has a photo, Shiro, don't be surprised. The old man is just thinking, if the children in the family can have half of Zisheng's talents, the old man is willing to give twenty years of his life."

An adult next to him heard this and said with a smile: "Old Liang, Lao Liang, you are almost half a hundred years old, and after another twenty years of birthday, your family should prepare a coffin!"

Liang Wuji shook his head and said, "I'm old, as long as the children in the clan are talented, it doesn't matter if I die."

Ling Budo smiled slightly and persuaded: "Liangzhou Mu Miao praises. You are in your prime now, why do you say this."

Liang Wuji waved his hand and shook his head again.

At this time, the emperor saw that everyone had arrived, and ordered a banquet. After three rounds of wine, the emperor officially announced to everyone that the marriage date of his adopted son Ling Budo and Shaoshang was scheduled for March next year, so all the ministers handed over to Ling Budo to congratulate him.

General Wu said carelessly, "Why in March next year? Zisheng is not too young, he will get married within the year, and he will soon have a baby when he gets married."

Minor quotient: MMP.

Cui Youle said: "This is good, this is good..."

"...you guys." The emperor pointed to Yuhou's side and laughed loudly, "When preparing for the wedding ceremony, think about Brother Huo Chong, and measure for yourself how much you should prepare!"

The Hou Zhongyue coaxed again: "Your Majesty, you are blatantly asking for bribes!"

"I will ask for it, how are you doing?" The emperor pretended to be a rogue, and all the ministers laughed.

Cui You continued happily: "This should, this should..."

"You should be tall!" General Wu patted Cui You's shoulder like a bear's paw, "If I can't afford the gift money, you have to lend me!"

As soon as these words came out, someone next to him laughed and said: "Old Wu, you are not kind, you borrowed Cui Ayuan's money, when did you repay it? You used to love credit, but now it is expensive. For the general, he has actually gotten worse."

Zhongyue Hou Minxing said: "I said Wu Jiangzi, by the way, did you repay all the money you credited back then?"

"Go and go! What's the matter with you!" General Wu shook his arms like a fly, "A Yuan and I will be in-laws in the future, and the two families will not be separated from each other!"

"Your daughter is taller than A Yuan's two sons combined, so you should spare Cui A Yuan!"

Everyone burst into laughter, and some even spit out wine.

"Okay, Cui Fanlang, how long have you been thinking about hitting my sword? Waiting here!" .

General Wu glanced at the emperor, pretending to be heartbroken: "Alas, for the sake of Your Majesty, the servant will reluctantly part with his love!"

Disrespectful, who disapproves!"

The emperor was very happy and laughed.

Everyone in the hall laughed and watched the good show inside the Fengrao Group, but Shaoshang noticed that the prince and the second prince were silent, and the second prince and the prince were unhappy. She was overjoyed and thought to herself why the four of you didn't change. It's a clever wife and husband, and flowers are inserted into cow dung.

"Prince Concubine, the second wife." The emperor said again, "The queen is not in good health, if there are any deficiencies in Zisheng's marriage, you must do your best!"

Prince Concubine and Concubine Second Prince bowed down and said hello.

At this time, a person sitting beside Xiaoyuehou smiled and said, "Your Majesty, do you really agree to this marriage? I think you want to see more."

The emperor said: "Hey, as long as the bride's character is not disturbed, the rest can be taught. Besides, Zisheng's own liking is the most important thing."

What's the point of getting back the mother-in-law who doesn't like it' Yunyun.

The emperor was already a little drunk, hehe smiled, and didn't notice anything, but the queen's face was very white.

The Empress whispered: "Your Majesty, I am not good at drinking. Now that I have said everything today, I should go back to Changqiu Palace, otherwise, Your Majesty and all the adults will not be able to enjoy themselves."

The emperor agreed.

The queen is about to leave, so the crown princess and the second prince also retire. The second prince and concubine were fine, and there was no abnormality, but the crown prince was reluctant to part with it. Just now, she pushed the prince to talk to several important officials, but she had to leave at this time.

Shao Shang originally wanted to keep up, but the emperor said: "Shao Shang, you stay here for a while, and give a bottle of wine to a few uncles. They used to be commensurate with Zi Sheng's uncles and brothers."

Before the Crown Princess left, she glanced at Shaoshang jealously and resentfully.

Ling Budo got up and walked over with Shaoshang, holding a jug of wine in one arm and a wine ladle in the other, constantly adding wine to the gilded copper bottle in Shaoshang's hand. Shao Shang didn't know how old you were, so he took the lead and rushed to the familiar Cui You without thinking. The crowd laughed a few times.

The emperor sighed: "This little girl is sometimes clever and sometimes stupid. I don't know if Cheng Xiaowei and his wife were mad at her. I can't do anything about her."

The courtiers in the hall were wise, and when they heard the emperor's reproach, which seemed to be really kind, they all went to see the petite and slender girl beside Ling Budo, each with their own plans.

In order of age, Shaoshang first gave General Wu a toast to the younger generation, and when it was Marquis Dayue, Marquis Dayue passed her, looked at Ling Budo for a while, and then After drinking the wine in one gulp, he sighed, "Miss Cheng, do you know what kind of person Zi Sheng's uncle is?"

Shao Shang thought for a while, then whispered, "I once heard from Empress Yue that Your Majesty was called the most beautiful in Feng County, and General Huo Chong was the second most beautiful." She glanced sideways at Ling Undoubtedly tall and handsome, I secretly feel that this ranking has moisture.

Dayue Hou was choked for a while, smiled and coughed: "She...cough, okay. Mrs. Cheng, you have seen Zisheng's mother, in fact, they were brothers and sisters. Very similar. Brother Huo Chong's demeanor back then was truly unparalleled."

Shao Shang nodded again and again, and then hesitantly said: "So, Your Majesty is not the most beautiful in Feng County?"

Marquis Dayue was choked again, Marquis Yu stepped forward and said with a stern face: "You, you... I saw you at His Majesty's place, and four of the five times His Majesty was training You. I just found out today, which pot are you not opening and which pot are you holding up. Why don't you give me a toast?"

The young merchant hurriedly complied.

When the group finished toasting, the young merchant had to retire. Before leaving the table, she suddenly asked in a low voice: "Why didn't your majesty send you to Yue Niang to raise you? Yi Huo The more the friendship between the two families, the more reasonable it is."

Ling Buxuan's eyes sank like the sea, and the corner of his mouth smiled: "You forgot. My mother and Yue Niang have always had a grudge."

"Just because of this?" Shao Shang was very suspicious, "Yue Niangniang is not the one who takes anger, not to mention that she regards your uncles and aunts as brothers and sisters, and admires them 120,000."

"Otherwise, what else could be the reason." Ling Budo lowered his long eyelashes, "It's His Majesty's wish."