Chang'an is good

After the banquet, Emperor Shengji summoned more than ten officials to discuss matters, most of whom were officials from the Ministry of Rites.

After the arrangements for the flower banquet were made, the Emperor Shengji left a few confidant ministers alone to speak.

Wei Shuyi is one of them.

There is a folded list at the Emperor's hand, on which are candidates for the crown princess who have been secretly weighed and screened for the past few months, and there are more than ten candidates in total.

These so-called crown princess candidates are naturally available candidates in the eyes of Emperor Shengji.

It's just that even after repeated screening, it's not so easy to decide who to choose in the end, because in the eyes of Emperor Shengji, there is no choice among these candidates that is absolutely satisfactory to her——

If there was really a candidate who met all her requirements, or without the proposal of those gentry officials, she would have already decided on the prince's marriage.

Regarding the selection of the crown princess, she needs to consider far more than those noble officials.

First of all, the family background and appearance must not be bad. If this candidate is promoted, he must first have the power to convince the public.

Secondly, the need is something she can trust, or something that is easy to control...

These are the most basic conditions.

After Wei Shuyi and the others resigned, Emperor Shengji's eyes fell back to the list again.

She whispered to herself: "Maybe we need to observe the attitudes and movements of all parties at tomorrow's flower feast before making a decision..."

After Wei Shuyi separated from his colleagues, a trace of worry appeared in his eyes.

Miao Qing is also on that list.

The position of the crown princess sounds glamorous, but the danger involved is beyond anyone's imagination.

He didn't want his innocent sister to be involved in this whirlpool.

During the conversation with the saint, he tried to decline the matter several times, no matter what the reason is, as long as the saint knows that their Wei family has no intention of this matter...

But at the same time, he was very clear that the sage needed someone she could trust to stand with her and fight the enemy together.

No emperor would need a courtier who retreats because of selfishness at a critical moment.

There is no absolute trust between the monarch and his ministers. Isn't this a test for him and the Wei family?

Wei Shuyi thought over and over again, went to see his mother and sister, and explained the matter.

Wei Miaoqing was very surprised: "...my name is also on the book of life and death?!"

"What nonsense, it's the list of candidates for the crown princess." Although Duan could correct her words, her eyes were also worried: "How can Qing'er's temperament be suitable..."

Wei Shuyi glanced at his sister: "This is the only thing to be thankful for now."

Wei Miaoqing: "?"

"There is still no conclusion on this matter, and the sage is still considering the balance." Wei Shuyi confessed to his sister: "Tomorrow at the flower banquet, there will be noble girls performing arts, remember not to compare and show off, and don't show your skills in front of others—"

Wei Miaoqing showed embarrassment: "Of course I don't want to be in the limelight, I'm afraid that if I stand next to those people, I will be too conspicuous, but what should I do?"

Some coincidences don't lie in whether she shows it or not, but in that she can't hide it at all.

"It's not difficult." Wei Shuyi smiled and gave a practical solution: "Then tomorrow you will stand beside Mrs. Chang, so there is no possibility of being conspicuous."

Wei Miaoqing was so angry that her almond eyes widened, she wanted to refute but couldn't.

I can only complain to Duan: "Aniang, look at brother!"

But Duan laughed: "I think it's very good."

Open your mouth and shut your mouth is Chang Niangzi, isn't it great?
Faced with his mother's teasing and teasing, Wei Shuyi stood up pretending not to notice, and poked his sister's forehead with his hand: "Remember, don't be tricky. As for the rest...you can ask for blessings."

Wei Miaoqing rubbed her forehead and looked at him angrily, and said back: "Brother can't even marry a sister-in-law, so he should ask for blessings!"

Wei Shuyi didn't bother to talk to her, and walked away with his own hands.

……

The next day, for the hibiscus flower banquet, girls from all the prefectures came early. These young girls who were pampered and well-dressed since childhood, dressed in impeccable manners, gathered together, and it was more pleasing to the eye than a garden full of hibiscus.

On such an occasion, even the Holy Book Emperor, who sat at the head, rarely let go of his majesty, with a slight smile on his face.

Soon it was time for performances.

This time the hibiscus flower banquet was very grand, and there were also children of clan officials who came with them. Under the instigation of their companions, there were also some young men who came forward to perform.

The Holy Book Emperor smiled and kissed the name of Prince Rong's son.

Rong Wangshizi played a Jiangnan song with a flute in his hand. The gurgling sound of the flute made people feel like they were in the beautiful scenery of the south of the Yangtze River in the morning mist.

Among the noble ladies, a young girl with a quiet demeanor in a Ying-colored skirt looked at the slightly frail young man, listening to the sound of the flute, with a dazed expression on her face.

She watched the young man put away his flute, saluted and stepped back, and couldn't help asking the maid beside him in a low voice: "Is that... the son of Prince Rong?"

"Back to the girl, that's right."

The girl whispered to herself: "So it was him..."

It turned out that the gentleman holding the flute she had met twice in the music hall was Li Lu, the son of Prince Rong... No wonder he was so well-mannered.

"My nephew is also here to help this flower banquet!" Ming Jin stepped forward, holding a sword in his hand.

The skill he presented was sword dancing.

The long sword in his hand was shining with a cold light, and as he jumped up, the tip of the sword pointed at a group of noble girls not far away. Several timid girls turned pale with fright, and took a few steps back.

Ming Jin curled his lips into a smile, and for a moment his gaze was fixed on Chang Suining's face behind the group of noble girls, his eyes seemed to be chilling.

Chang Suining blinked expressionlessly.

So scary.

This must at least be the work of a two-legged cat.

Could it be that during the days when he was grounded, he devoted himself to practicing martial arts and swords in order to avenge her?
That's kind of inspiring.

When Ming Jin put away his sword, the pilgrimage emperor smiled and saluted, and did not forget to say some auspicious words such as "... I hope the mountains and rivers are prosperous, and my aunt and dragon are healthy."

He was punished for his mistakes before, so he still felt a little guilty in his heart, and now he wanted to please and make up for it.

The Holy Book Emperor nodded with a smile: "That's right, I've improved a bit."

Ming Jin was very happy to hear the words, and retreated after saluting.

"Mr. Lang just now, that swordsman is really majestic..." The servant greeted him with a low voice of praise.

Ming Jin raised his eyebrows slightly, and swept around with a half-smile.

Once the restraint is lifted, he is still the most beautiful son of Ying Guogong in Beijing, and his aunt is a saint today-this point cannot be changed by that little slut's opportunism and some limelight!
His gaze was fixed somewhere, and he gritted his back teeth slightly.

The performances of the sons and daughters are just a foil, and everyone present knows that the most worthy of attention today are the ladies.

And the eldest grandson seventh lady is particularly eye-catching—whether it is the fascinating piano sound, or the graceful manner, the delicate and dignified face, or the grand grandson standing behind her.

Such an eldest grandson, Seventh Lady, is extremely eye-catching, and deservedly received a lot of praise.

His father, Sun Yuan, listened to the praise in his ears, and sat in his place, his expression unmoved: "...It's just a show of shame."

Yao Xia and others also stepped forward to perform.

"Madam Wei isn't going?" Chang Suining turned to look at Wei Miaoqing who had been standing by his side.

Why do you feel that the young lady of the Wei family is especially dependent on her today?
Wherever she goes, the other party follows.

"I won't go, I'm a little nervous..." Wei Miaoqing asked Chang Suining in a low voice, "Is Mrs. Chang not going either?"

It's best for Mrs. Chang not to go, otherwise, once Mrs. Chang leaves, who else will be able to suppress her beauty and limelight!
Qiao Yumian, who was on the side, heard the words and uncontrollably flashed through Ning Ning's chest broken boulder, Ning Ning's upside down weeping willow... and other scenes that shocked the audience.

Chang Suining: "I'm also nervous."

Qiao Yumian was inexplicably relieved, it's good for Ningning to be nervous, so she doesn't have to be nervous.

At this moment, a young girl's melodious chanting came to her ears.

"Ningning... Which girl is this?" Qiao Yumian asked curiously in a low voice.

Seeing that Chang Sui Ning didn't seem to recognize her, Wei Miaoqing said, "It's Ma Xiang's granddaughter, Ma Wan... She doesn't go out very often."

Chang Sui Ning understood.

It turned out to be the granddaughter of Zhongshu Lingma Xingzhou.

Sun Yuan, the head of the Menxia Province, and Ma Xingzhou, the head of the Zhongshu Province, are called the two ministers on the left and right.

Unlike Changsun Yuan, who was born in a noble family, Ma Xingzhou was a prime minister from a poor family who came all the way. He was talented, but he came from a poor family not only because of his talent, but also because of the promotion of the Emperor of the Holy Book. .

Ma Xingzhou was in the former dynasty, and he was a mutual restraint existence with Changsun Yuan.

Therefore, in the eyes of many people, Ma Wan, the granddaughter of the Ma family, is also one of the most popular candidates for the crown princess this time.

The Holy Book Emperor is also thinking about it.

The girl was wearing a ying-colored skirt, she was quiet and gentle, but she was not as dignified and generous as the eldest grandson Seventh Lady, and she lacked the air that only a famous family can raise.

Of course, these external appearances are not the most important.

In terms of status, this lady of the Ma family is naturally the one who can compete with the eldest grandson Seventh lady——

The emperor's eyes seemed to fall on the gray-haired right-hand man Ma Xingzhou.

The disputes in the court were complicated, and it was far from just the distinction between the gentry and the poor. Although Ma Xingzhou was born in a poor family, as his position in the court became more and more stable, he also gave the emperor the feeling that he was not easy to control.

The holy will is unpredictable, and the intentions of the courtiers are not completely concealed, and they cannot be seen through at a glance.

Although she was sure that Ma Xingzhou would not be with the nobles, but between her and the prince, there were many variables about how the other party would choose.

Emperor Shengji hesitated and judged in his heart, not daring to be careless in the slightest.

When the flower feast was halfway through, the servant sang loudly and spread in the garden——

"Tianjing Guoshi has arrived—"

There were sounds of surprise all around.

"Is Tianjing Guoshi here?"

"The national teacher has left the customs?"

Everyone looked at the people coming and going.

Walking was a Taoist, his face was already aged, his beard and hair were all white, he was about 70 years old, but his steps were as light as the wind, not like an old man.

Chang Suining reacted for a moment, and asked Xi'er in a low voice: "Master Tianjing...is he a fortune teller?"

Xi'er nodded, and whispered: "That's right, Tianjing Guoshi is good at physiognomy, and all the predictions made by him are very accurate... But for some reason, Tianjing Guoshi suddenly retreated three years ago. , has never appeared in front of people again..."

Chang Sui Ning understood.

That's it.

In the past, she had heard that there was a strange fortune teller in Langzhong who studied the metaphysics of easy calculations and was very good at meeting people. It was quite aggrieved, and after drinking, she hugged Lao Chang and cried for a while, saying that she was eating from the bowl and looking at the pot.

Unexpectedly, after more than ten years, the other party has become Dasheng's national teacher.

According to rumors, he is not only proficient in physiognomy, but also seems to like the art of longevity...

While thinking about it, Chang Suining saw that Tianjing Guoshi had walked over.

She stood in front of a clump of flowers and trees with Wei Miaoqing and the others, but the Tianjing Guoshi who was walking before suddenly stopped in front of them.

The Taoist turned his head, his eyes were clear and quiet, as if he could see through everything.

Caught off guard, Chang Suining met those eyes.

And the reason why they will look at each other is because the other party is also looking at her.

Looking at each other, the autumn wind blows the fallen leaves all around, the cloak between the girl's arms is flying with the wind, and the pearl hairpin in her hair makes a soft sound.

At this moment, Chang Suining somehow felt a sense of nothing to hide from.

It was a feeling and uneasiness that originated from the bottom of her heart, but what she was best at was concealing her emotions, no matter who she was facing or what the situation was——

The wind stops, the silk falls, and the pearls and hairpins are quiet.

The girl raised her hand, lowered her eyes and saluted silently.

National Master Tianjing slightly nodded his head imperceptibly, then Fucai withdrew his gaze and continued walking forward.

This scene was seen by the Holy Book Emperor.

Seeing Tianjing Guoshi approaching, Emperor Shengji said with a smile: "The Guoshi finally left the customs, I have been waiting for a long time."

All of a sudden, congratulations to Tianjing Guoshi's departure from all around came one after another, and the prince even stood up to congratulate him.

Changsun Yuan didn't say a word, just looked at the white-haired and childlike Taoist silently—is it a coincidence that the other party came out of the customs at this time?

……

Returning from the garden to the study room where government affairs are temporarily handled, Emperor Shengchi and Imperial Master Tianjing had a long discussion on the Dharma alone.

At the end, Emperor Shengji asked: "I saw the national teacher today... I seem to pay special attention to a girl at the flower festival?"

"Yes." Tianjing Guoshi said: "This woman's face is very strange."

The Holy Book Emperor's eyes moved slightly: "What is the meaning of the odd word...?"

Tianjing Guoshi didn't answer for a while, but said: "The poor Taoist would like to use this girl's birth date to take a look, I wonder if it is possible?"

He knew that this flower banquet was for the selection of the crown princess, and all those who attended the banquet must have their birthdays recorded in the book.

The Holy Book Emperor nodded, signaling Ming Luo to fetch it.

However, when he turned to Chang Suining's page, Ming Luo said, "To the sage, the date of birth of Chang's wife is unknown."

The Emperor Shengji looked at Tianjing Guoshi: "That's right, the Guoshi didn't know something. This girl was originally an orphan. The family members died early, and by chance, she was adopted by the Changda General's Mansion...so her birth date is horoscope. Can't find it anymore."

"It's so..." Tianjing Guoshi's eyes moved slightly, he seemed to understand, but he seemed to be more and more puzzled: "It's no wonder that the poor Taoist feels unfathomable when he sees his face."

Unable to spy?

Emperor Shengji asked: "The national teacher just said that his face is very strange, what does he mean by this unfathomable strangeness?"

Master Tianjing shook his head slightly: "More than that..."

After half a stick of incense, Tianjing Guoshi just left.

The Holy Book Emperor thoughtfully, his eyes fell on the roster.

On the previous page - Chang Sui Ning, Hushi General's Mansion in Xingningfang, was sixteen years old, and his birthday is unknown.

Ming Luo's gaze also slowly fell.

After a while, she deliberated and said, "Your Majesty, I have a proposal, I don't know if it is feasible."

"Let's talk."

Ming Luo: "Right now, the wife of the Chang family may be the best candidate for the crown princess."

Good night (づ￣3￣)づ╭